Nick Santoro lives his life on the edge. Two steps ahead of the mob boss who makes his luxury life possible. Needing no one and wanting no one Except Killer, his rescue cat who had a worse start in life than him. Cheryl Benson lives for the next scam. Always on the run. No past, no future. Until the night she witnesses a mob hit and runs to Nick for safety. Perfect plan except Nick’s boss is the murderer and he won’t stop until she’s silenced—permanently. Is Nick willing to give up money and power for a love that’s not guaranteed? Or is Cheryl hiding secrets that could blow both their lives to hell? Wicked Lies is Nick’s Story in the Club Wicked series. Wicked Lies does not have a HEA, and is a cliffhanger. There are also triggers of violence and murder so be warned. Nick and Cheryl’s story concludes in Wicked Truths.
Barbara is an Amazon Bestselling Author, and a native of New Jersey. She loves her emotional, passionate alpha males and the women who tame them. Her writing is sexy, steamy and seductive, and her goal is to have fun while taking the reader away from their world and into hers. She is proud of this second act in her life and loves meeting and getting to know her readers, fans, and all the wonderful people in the writing community. Her passion for reading and words make this a journey of love. She considers reading a luxury and writing a necessity.
Although Wicked Lies is the third book in the Club Wicked series, it's the first of a duet and the book I started with. Having not read the first duet, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I shouldn't have worried, as the author creates a gritty and dramatic story from the very beginning. With amazing world-building and character development, it was easy to imagine the story playing out. Wicked Lies is the story of two people, Cheryl and Nick, drawn together by their circumstances, both desperate to escape the lower-level criminal world they are caught up in but being trapped by one person with a desire to keep them apart.
I loved the pairing of Cheryl and Nick in this book; they both had similar traumatic pasts that just drew them together, and I think like recognised like. Cheryl wasn't like any woman Nick had met before; he couldn't help but fall for her even in such a short space of time, and Cheryl was equally enamoured with him. Despite the fact he was ultimately a stranger, she felt safe with him and trusted him, and safety and love aren't feelings either of them are very familiar with. They had their moments of clashing, but someone on the outside mainly orchestrated them. They took 'kiss and makeup' to a whole new level, with plenty of spice and passion between the two of them.
The twists and turns surrounding the crime aspect of this story were brilliantly written and kept me guessing throughout as we are led on a journey along with the two main characters, wondering what will happen next and who can be trusted. It was exciting to read and ended on a cliffhanger, which both shocked me and hurt my heart a little bit, so I can't wait to read the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "WICKED LIES" I was completely hooked on thus story from the start it pulls you right into all the intense drama full of suspense, intrigue, secrets, angst, fear, steam, deceit, murder, emotional turmoil, danger, violence, twists that has you turning the pages. Nick Santoro & Samson own the Oasis Strip Club there boss Frank Barnett is trying to keep them under his thumb but they want start a new Club of their own & get their freedom from him. Cheryl Benson & Jimmy Falcone run high end cons but things have changed drastically he owes money to everyone she had it, that when she meets Nick Santoro who comes to collect a debt owed to Frank Barrett his boss, he tells her if she ever need a thing come to the Oasis Strip Club not 2hrs later she arrives to see him. Nick was occupied when Cheryl barges into his office with a redhead Jax takes her downstairs & he talks to Cheryl they definitely have chemistry he knows she's hiding something & she doesn't know who his boss is. I definitely recommend to get this riviting on the edge of your seat story "Nick & Cheryl" take you on quite the journey you get to see into background both have crappy pasts, what will happen when she finds out Frank Barnett a murderer is Nick's boss, thus is absolutely a must read. I'm so looking forward to "WICKED TRUTHS" after that shocking cliffhanger need the next book ASAP to see what happens next it can't come soon enough. PHENOMINAL TWISTED ROMANCE 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤
Well! THAT ending took me by surprise . . . absolutely did NOT see it coming, and while a cliff hanger can be frustrating for some, I personally can not wait to see how this twist blows things up.
I absolutely LOVE Nick and Cheryl's story, and while they didn’t get their HEA yet, I just know Barbara is going to make the wait so very worth it as there is so much to unpack from their pasts and those characters who are affecting and influencing what's happening. Their story is definitely one that can't be rushed.
Wicked Lies is filled with characters who have really intriguing back stories, plenty of twists and turns, and tons of emotion and sizzle!! All things that drew me in from the very first chapter and had me engrossed until . . . well, you’ll find out.
I loved Samson and Lisbeth's story in Wicked Addition and Wicked Temptation, but I have say, I think Nick and Cheryl are going to take us on an even wilder ride. Buckle up readers!!!
Thank you, Barbara, for another fabulous story from the Club Wicked series. Can NOT wait for more!!!
MUST READ novel from Barbara Nolan's Club Wicked series!!!
Did not see this twisted ending coming While I knew Wicked Lies (Club Wicked Book 3, Duet Book 1) would end in a cliff hanger, I did not expect what an awful ordeal and decision Nick and Cheryl would be faced with. This book is fraught with tension from the first. Both of these characters are mired in tenuous and volatile situations. Because of threats and dangers that constantly surround them, as a reader it's palpable and I was thrust right into the pulse pounding, make your heart race moments. Nick and Cheryl each have their own hard knocks life story and I think that is partly what brings them together and makes them perfect for each other. Hang ups, wariness, paranoia and trust issues create emotional and mental land mines. Overall, Wicked Lies is a true page turner. Plenty of action and suspense along with steam keeps the story fully engaging, the characters interesting and intriguing, keeping the reader wondering and guessing at every turn. And the ending! I am a HEA fanatic and even though Book 1 ends with a cliff hanger, this author nailed it and left me craving for Book 2. I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
So much action and twists right from the very start of the book. Cheryl had a hard life and ended up running cons and scams across the East Coast to survive. Her boyfriend Jimmy became addicted to drugs and alcohol and started being abusive. A chance encounter with Nick in a run down bar changed her whole life. But the secrets held between them could either bring them together or pull them farther apart? Especially when they both have different motives for surviving.
Barbara’s way of story telling was extremely captivating. The storyline flowed well and didn’t feel rushed at all. I loved that she shared their stories in a raw sense, not sugar coating the things they had to do to survive. Both Nick and Cheryl had a hard life and had to make hard decisions. It did get a bit spicy at times which was nice, but I loved all of the twists and actions. I could not put my Kindle down to save my life, it kept me captivated the entire time. THAT CLIFFHANGER WAS INSANE. I did not see it coming AT ALL and still here in shock. Will definitely be reading Wicked Truths now to see what happens! This was an insanely good read! Can’t wait to read more!
I did not see that ending coming at all! It was interesting to see Nick and Samson’s beginning through his eyes. I’m not a big fan of third person POV, but this story still held my attention and kept me on the edge of my seat waiting for things to go down. There are trigger warnings to look out for.
I’m glad that we got to see Nick and Cheryl’s history before their HEA. Both came from crappy backgrounds yet together, their chemistry and their inner hearts that they didn’t want shown proves their upbringing didn’t turn them to monsters. Neither could trust each other and both hid secrets, but when the truth is revealed, bitterness couldn’t keep them apart. The only thing that could is life or death and saving each other to live a life apart.
I’m excited for the next one to see how they beat the odds and get the second chance that they both deserve after everything they’ve been through together and apart.
These thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily after reading for my own personal enjoyment.
Wicked Lies is the third book in the Club Wicked series and the Book 1 of the Duet about Cheryl and Nick. This book does end with a cliffhanger that may just wrench your soul from your body, and I can't wait for the release of Wicked Truths to see what happens to them next. Also, be warned of the triggers as they may not be for you, since things are at times pretty intense. This story has a lot of twists, unexpected turns, betrayals, violence, steamy smexy hotness, sad back stories, and a lot of emotion. You also get some new views on the story of Lisbeth and Samson.
Wicked Lies is book one in this duet and is a fantastic, intense, gripping story told in a way that only this author can do. Nick and Cheryl's story is completely consuming and very emotional and creates feelings that it's readers feel down to our very soul. It ends in a cliffhanger that will leave you utterly breathless. I can't wait to move on to book 2. This author has yet again taken us on an unforgettable journey that won't be soon forgotten.
Holy Smokes! What a fantastic story! And the ending – yeah, I did not see that coming. You have got to read this story about Nick and Cheryl it takes you on a wild and crazy ride. There are lots of twists and turns, emotions and of course hot and heavy scenes. I can’t wait to read Wicked Truths to find out more about Nick and Cheryl. I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Oh Barbara you got me good.... I needed the next book asap!!! I can't wait for the day Frank gets what's coming to him. After everything they have been through Samson, Nick and Cheryl deserve to have a happily ever after. Between the way this book ended and preview for the next book my head is all over the place. Nick and Cheryl's chemistry is sizzling.
Wow, I so did not see that cliffhanger ending coming. I totally fell in love with Nick and Cheryl in this story as it was riveting to say the least. There were many twists and turns and full of angst. I'm certainly interested in reading the ending of this duet! I received an ARC copy.
Loved this book, I couldn't put it down and spent my Saturday just reading.... now I have to get the next installment because what a cliffhanger this book leaves you on. It's got spice, plot twists, drama, and everything else that leaves you wanting more....
This was an action packed story. I found myself really rooting for the Cheryl and Nick. I did not see the twist at the end coming! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The 3rd book in the Club Wicked series, Wicked Lies, is awesome! This one is Nick’s and Cheryl’s steamy love story. It’s an addictive page turner. It’s emotional with lots of suspense, intrigue, tension, angst, drama, deceit, secrets, action, lies, violence, murder, twists and turns and plenty of sizzle. It ends in a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read Wicked Truths. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*
Cheryl and Nick are absolutely hot together and this storyline is to die for. The story is fantastic, held my attention at every page. We definitely read this book again.
Wicked lies was Nick and Cheryl’s story. It was full of unexpected twists and turns. What an intense and intriguing read. And voluntarily leaving this review.
Barbara Nolan is an amazing author! I loved the plot and finally getting to read Nick’s story. I’m loving this series!! It has it all, steamy love scenes, twist/turns, drama, angst and tension! I can’t wait to see if they get their HEA in the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
💀 Mafia 💀 Dark romance 💀 Strangers to lovers 💀 Bad boy x bad girl 💀 Suspense 💀 Insta love
I usually don’t gravitate to books written in the third person and would choose to skip them as a general rule of thumb. However, this one really surprised me, I liked the writing style and the character building/story telling was well written
This is the first book I’ve read by Barbara Nolan and will definitely be going back to read the other books in this series and the next one in this duet, I need to know what happens to Nick and Cheryl……..talk about cliff hanger!!