Gorgeous Lies

The Harding Brothers #1

by Brittany Taylor

Dear J,
They were the shade of midnight blue.

The last place I expected to see my old college love, Jude Harding, was in the local laundromat four years after I fled the city to escape him.

Heir to Boston Royalty.
Rich beyond comprehension.
And a mouth I couldn’t help but fall for.

Jude was everything I’d always wanted and more… until life viciously and unexpectedly tore us apart.
So, when he catches me arguing with a washing machine for mercilessly eating my quarters, I can’t escape quickly enough.
Unfortunately for me, Jude isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and before I realize what’s happening, he’s the man hired to renovate my new business.

The same man I’ve been desperate to get over for years, yet can’t, despite my efforts.

But business is business, after all, and we have to work together and not allow our troubled past get in the way. All I have to do is remember the pain I felt when he chose pleasing his father over a forever with me all those years ago, because if I don’t, everything I’ve risked to rebuild my life will come undone.

I don’t trust myself around Jude. I never will.

Because the truth is, I’ve always loved him, and I always will…despite every gorgeous lie he ever told.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Second Chance Romance, Billionaire Romance

332 pages, Hardcover

Published August 14, 2023

About the author

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Brittany is a bestselling author known for writing angst filled romance that will have your heart both melting and racing. She currently resides in Maine with the love of her life (her husband), and her two wonderful sons.

Find out more about Brittany at www.brittanytaylorbooks.com

Join my reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/98354...

Feel free to email with any questions/comments: authorbrittanytaylor@gmail.com

Professional Inquiries:

I am represented by SBR Media. For inquiries regarding foreign rights, audio, and other media outlets, please contact Nikki Groom.

nikki@sbrmedia.com

Reviews

[ri ⊹.˚ · Rating 2 out of 5]

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ gorgeous lies
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎⌗ nov. 12
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎⤿ 2 stars

‎ ‎ ‎ super quick read, nothing to rave about honestly. it was cute and the plot was interesting but every time that they finally communicated they would end up having sex…. like omg just have a conversation !!!

‎ ‎ ༉‧₊˚. pre - read

just want a fast read before reading a pending arc, saw a tiktok about this book so now i’m reading it. probably won’t write and in depth review of this

[Southern Lady Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNFed because it felt too allegorical

There’s a certain quality a rich boy romance that has to have a specific quality lol - and this guy just doesn’t have it.

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐'s

I gotta quit letting these covers suck me in!

[Lammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous Lies is a beautiful and emotional second chance love story. This is my first book by Brittany Taylor and I can’t recommend it enough.

[Kathy Seabrease · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this book! So raw, such feelings! Sometimes I was afraid to read on, but I kept going back. So worried that Jude and Victoria wouldn't find their ways back to each other. Loved the writing style of entering the diary excerpts throughout the book and having it all come together in the end. I hated James and everything about him. Never felt a lick of compassion for him.
Victoria went through so much pain and suffering, never realizing Jude was going through the same pains, maybe not as physically, but deep emotional scars and cuts. After all she went through, and fleeing to Texas, only to have more heartbreak and betrayal at the hands of Amy and Greg. It took a lot to go back to Boston and start over yet again.
Riley was such a great support system for her. I want her to have an HEA as well. She is more than deserving. Everyone needs a Riley in their lives.

[Kiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous Lies, Book 1 of the Harding Brothers series, was about 23-year-old Victoria Monroe, and 23-year-old Jude Harding (later in the book, in one of Jude's inner monologues, he said he was 24. Perhaps by the time the book reached that point, chapter 18, he'd had a birthday? Who knows?).

The book started at the courthouse with Victoria about to marry another man, but she received a text message from him that had been meant for her stepsister just as they were arriving. Although her fiance, Greg, seemed to be willing to go ahead with the nuptials, Victoria called them both out on their duplicity and walked away without marrying him. While she realized she didn't love him the way she should have, it didn't stop the hurt she felt from the betrayal of her fiance and her stepsister. But still, she felt no regret in walking away from the two of them. At that moment, she knew that her heart still beat for the one man she had left behind in Boston four years earlier.

It wasn't long after she returned to Boston that she and Jude met up again, but it was only a quick meeting in a laundromat with very few words exchanged. Only a short time passed before they saw each other again, this time in the building gifted to her by her aunt. She was going to live in the second-floor apartment and turn the rest into a bookstore. Jude's BFF had been hired to do the renovations, and Jude was going to be the supervisor for the job.

Jude and Victoria had a lot of things they needed to work through before they could begin again. Too much pain, lies, heartache, betrayals, and distrust had built between them and after four years apart, it was going to be difficult to find their way through to each other.

This book was full of angst, drama, heartache, and so much more. The emotional rollercoaster's twists and turns were nauseating because they felt as if they were neverending. The pain these two characters endured, first during their fledgling relationship, then throughout the four years apart, and flowing into the new steps they were forging was overwhelming. The push/pull between the MMC and the FMC, along with the conflict with secondary characters, wasn't easy to read about. It caused so much heartache for both of them.

Both main characters had a lot of maturing to do, and it didn't show up for a very long time. The MMC, who had been a full-blown alcoholic (although he didn't acknowledge it at the time), was also addicted to weed gummies, so he was always numbing his feelings and pain when they became too much of a burden. Although he hadn't had a drink in the four years they were apart, when life became overwhelming, he fell off the wagon and imbibed too much once more.

The book was a good one to read, and I would have given it a higher rating except for the fact that it had so many unresolved issues. There was also the fact that those who hurt the two main characters the most didn't have a lot of comeuppance, so that was disappointing. So, I only gave the book a three-star rating. I am looking forward to reading the stories about Jude's two brothers. Hopefully, during one of those, some of the people will get their comeuppance.

[VicReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Gorgeous Lies ARC Review ✨

Tropes / What to Expect
✨ Second Chance
✨ Billionaire
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Possessive MMC
✨ Workplace

Victoria and Jude met in college and fell in love, hard and fast, they were each others first loves. They had a tragedy happen that made Victoria flee Boston and everything she knew.

She finds herself back in Boston years later and back in close proximity to Jude. They both realize quick that their past still haunted them but they couldn’t deny their love for each other. Love outweighed the hate.

Victoria and Jude’s story was beautiful but heartbreaking. The pain and suffering that they went through, they truly deserved their HEA.


Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice- 🌶️
Laughs- chuckle from time to time
Tears- 😭

#comingsoon #bookswithspice #bookshelf #instaread #booksbooksbooks #booklife #bookgram #bookstagram #booklover #book #bookworm #reading #bookish #bookaddict #booknerd #bibliophile #instabook #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookaholic #bookreview #bookcommunity #instabooks #booklovers

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. We are introduced to Victoria and Jude. These two have a history that is both beautiful and tragic. Victoria has been through some difficult things and knew that Jude would pick the path he has always picked. The thing is he has always put on a mask unless he was with Victoria. As these two find each other after a few years, you can feel their souls reconnecting and not wanting to let go. The problem is there is still a valley between them that they need to overcome.

I really liked Victoria. You feel the pain that she went through and losing Jude had really made things that much more difficult. But she persevered and worked hard to get where she was. Jude had been going through life and what seemed like all was okay but he harbored the pain beneath the surface. He worked hard to get Victoria to trust him again and when the facts come to light you see how far he is willing to go for her.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous Lies by Brittany Taylor is The Harding Brothers Series. This is the story of Victoria and Jude. Jude and Victoria had been together earlier in their life but of course something tore them apart. Victoria had left her town but now she is back. Jude and Victoria are getting a second chance in this book. Enjoyed this book and I hope to read more from this author.

[Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time with this author.
Not very romantic, it’s sad and depressing and a lot of cliches about second chances where heroine is lonely, been cheated on, poor, not going to college and Hero is the rich and successful part… not my cup
The sex scenes didn’t hold my attention but maybe I try another book if his brothers have a book,
It’s quite safe
Both of them with others
They were very young when they separate

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and I fell in love with her words and characters. Jude and Victoria were so amazing you can’t help but love them and their story! This is a must read second chance romance

[Madison_renee2415 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, so good!

This is my 2nd Brittany Taylor book and she delivers!!!!

Victoria left her old life to start fresh, only for that to smack her in the face. So she heads back home and her Aunt helps her get back on her feet and tries to figure out her next steps, while she avoids her ex.

Jude comes from wealth but because of his past with Victoria, he has been figuring out his life and trying to stay away from the family business.

Of course fate has other plans for the both of them and they are forced to work together on a project.

Loved their story!!

Can’t wait to read Jude’s brothers stories💙

[Nelitmillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voy a ser sincera este libro me rompió el corazón me lo dejó en mil pedazos pero al final me lo reconstruyó o sea la historia de jude's y Victoria es hermosa pero a la vez es desgarradora tenemos estos dos personajes que se conocieron en la universidad empezaron una relación ella la bailarina y y él era estudiante de negocio qué quería que seguir como el camino de su papá para que sintiera orgulloso estar en la fraternidad y esas cosas pero también tenía un problema con la bebida que se fue empeorando cuando su mamá murió.
Ellos empezaron esta relación se empezaron a enamorar pero las adicciones que tenía él tubo en parte que ver en que los sueños de ella se rompieran o eso lo vemos al principio porque luego de 4 años se reencuentra y él es el encargado de la construcción de la librería de Victoria y pues vamos viendo el pasado de ello a través de unas cartas y el presente narrado por ellos dos.
Es sencillamente bello el amor que se tiene en estas dos personas la autora supo cómo desarrollar estos personajes pero también cómo darle una humanidad o sea Tú lees este libro Y a lo mejor te vas a sentir identificada con algunos de estos personajes por favor también vean los tw porque hay mucho alcoholismo también drogas y pues no queremos que nadie salga traumado pero es un libro que recomiendo 100%

[Rina's Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Missing something?

Ugh, this is painful to write.

First, I want to say that there were some very sensitive issues discussed in this book, so make sure you're good with those before you read.
I appreciated the raw emotions that were displayed on the page, they were emotionally impactful and will probably have some people needing tissues.

Secondly, I liked the way we got to see what happened in the past and how it was weaved into Jude and Victoria's present. Though I figured out early on in the story what the big emotional pain was about, it was beautifully told.

Finally, I already had my suspicions about what caused the incident that ultimately separated our main characters—and I was correct. That being said—it was, again—written well.

However, I felt like I didn't connect with this book—or the characters?—for some reason.
Maybe it was missing something?
Perhaps I was having an off day.

Whatever the reason, I know there will be plenty of people who will enjoy this book but it just missed the mark for me.

[Selena Quattromani · Rating 1 out of 5]

No one and I mean no one can convince me that these two train wrecks are “meant to be”. Every issue they ever had would’ve been resolved in one conversation.

[Chronicles_of_a_book_princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This most certainly had all the feels of a fantastic book. I was intrigued by the storyline and the way it started left me shocked, wanting to learn more. It’s definitely something new in terms of storyline for me and I absolutely loved it. Victoria was so well described and I really enjoyed her character in the book. Jude’s character was so angsty and I liked how his character was portrayed. I liked the way the author did the whole back and forth between chapters as it was so easy to follow through and it was to the point and relevant.

I enjoyed Jude’s character development a lot as there was so much happening with him that he really worked hard to make a change in his life. I liked the way their characters scenes together was written, as you have a bit of everything like their angsty moments, their happy moments and then you also get their sad moments and all these parts allowed them to grow more as individuals to make better decisions about their futures.

The book kept me on the edge of my seat as there were moments that broke my heart but there was also so many moments that healed. The main characters have really great chemistry. The story has a very good build up and definitely leaves you satisfied and that ending/ epilogue is phenomenal, it made my heart so happy as that’s what I was hoping for. I had the wonderful opportunity of beta reading, so thank you so much to the author.. You are amazing, love your books!!!

[Nalía Premeru · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5⭐️
“ARC Review”

I don’t know if I should cry or scream because of happiness. Does are the feelings I had during this book and I was more than surprised by that. Violet’s and Jude’s story is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. They meet when they were in College and very soon knew that they were meant for each other. Or so it seemed. They come from different backgrounds and when Jude introduced her to his father, Violet soon realized that she might not fit into the whole Billionaire family legacy thing. But Jude was so sure about her that he was ready to stick up to his Dad for her. But with the challenge of his family also came his alcohol problem and the lies that started happening. One accident change everything about her dreaming to be a dancer and their relationship in general. She needed a change of scenery. Well and as it seems that change of scenery brings her right back to Boston and fighting her deamons.
This is a very heavy book and it does not just in tell spicy scenes it come with a message and a bigger meaning and that is why I feel in love with the storyline and the characters. The one quote that will stick with me is definitely the following: “Physical scars eventually disappear. Emotional scars can last a lifetime.” This is an amazing book and you all get the pleasure of reading it TOMORROW. Yes, you heard me right, it is coming out TOMORROW! THURSDAY August 17th!

[ablondieslibrary (Keirstyn’s Version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

To those who have ever questioned their worth. You have a seat at the table. You are enough. You are more than enough. You. Are. Worthy.

This was such a hauntingly beautiful book, about growth, redemption, acceptance, and second chances.

Being born into a well known billionaire Boston family, Jude had heavy expectations placed on him by his father. Victoria, daughter of a regular middle class family, had one focus in life; dance.

After a devastating accident which alters the course of both of their lives, Victoria fled Boston for a fresh start, while Jude traded one vice for another in order to numb the pain. After another great betrayal, Victoria finds herself back in Boston and unknowingly right back into the arms of her first love.

The anguish and heartbreak that the two MC’s experienced, in addition to the family trauma at the hands of Jude’s family that played a huge role in what tore them apart, is ultimately what brings these two back together and I never thought I could feel such satisfaction over two fictional characters getting a much deserved HEA!

I loved this story, I loved Victorias diary excerpts scattered throughout, and I especially loved the added bonus of Jude’s love letter to V after finishing!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart 🥹🥰 This book was so heartbreakingly beautiful and I could not put it down.

Jude and Victoria’s story is raw, beautiful and emotional. Brittany has written it so beautifully, she drags you right in with her words so you feel every emotion, and there is a lot of emotion! I have not cried that much while reading in a long time, and I’m not talking about a few tears, I’m talking sobbing! Their story broke my heart, then put it back together.

The character development in this was done so so well. Both Jude and Victoria had been through so much together, and then individually. They lost so much and their journey to healing, finding themselves and then working their way back to each other again was full of angst, chemistry and every emotion possible! I was so invested in them and their story, and their HEA may be one of my favourites I’ve read this year 👌

[Thuy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

First love, second chances, somewhat enemies to lovers, wealthy family money on the hero’s side. Jude and Victoria loved each other deeply but tragically their relationship ended ok pretty and terms. Years later, they are in the same city, and things are just not the same.

These two have a lot of chemistry but have so much hurt to undo and forgive. Their chemistry and love for each other never stopped even when they didn’t see each other for years. Family drama will make your head steam at full speed. Lol. I hope their is a book on Jude’s brother!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous Lies is the first book in The Harding Brother series. A second chance with a billionaire and forced proximity are the tropes. This book is a complete stand alone but IMO, after reading this series out of order, I think they're best read in order. The book will hit you in the feels hard and most of the time I was rooting for the FMC to stay far away but when the secrets and lies come out then I'm left rooting for them. I felt like the ending was rushed and I wanted a bonus epilogue so, my rating is 3.5 stars.
TW: alcohol addiction, drug addiction, pregnancy loss and scenes of drug use.

[Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude and Victoria's story consumed me from start to finish. I loved the little teasers throughout that give you an inkling about what happened between them, before Victoria moved to Texas and all the little handwritten journal entries that V wrote to Jude. It's a beautiful emotional, second-chance love that will definitely tug on the heart strings. Can't wait for the next Harding Brother 😍

[J’aime.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Lies are easy. Truths are lethal.”

Victoria & Jude are from two completely different worlds. Victoria, a student working hard to dance her way to a degree at Boston College. Jude, an heir to the billionaire dollar Harding dynasty.

4 years ago Victoria left, and now she’s back never believing she would see Jude again. Her first week back she runs into him into him in the most unlikely place, a laundromat. Lies tore them apart. The truth will put them back together.

Angsty. Second chance. Troubled families. All the emotions. Arc reader

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, nothing particularly surprising. Easy to identify who was behind the events that broke them from the get go and how this would progress.Sweet and mildly enjoyable, but did not draw me in to invest emotionally.Perhaps my moody reader syndrome at play!😂

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

An angsty, second chance romance after Victoria and Jude met in college. With the world at their feet they fell in love only for tragedy to drive them apart. Five years later Victoria is back in Boston ready to pick up the pieces of her life when pretty much the first people she runs into is Jude but he’s not the Jude she was expecting. His new job as a contractor forces them into close proximity as he’s working on refitting her new book store and they gradually get to know one another again but while at college Jude had issues with alcohol mainly due to pressures from his father which had played a part in their split but even now years later, though he’d parted company with the family business he still allowed his father who had never approved of Victoria to drag him back in creating a schism between them.

Victoria was such a strong character. Her life had been destroyed and her dreams crushed but she never seemed to blame Jude. Extracts from her diary interspersed between the chapters gave insights into their college relationship and made what was already an emotional read more heartbreaking and the only thing preventing me from giving this book five stars is I would’ve loved to hear more about Jude’s perspective from that time

[Taylor St Onge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt as if I could feel these characters emotions. Could not put it down.

[Heather Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!! It's such a beautiful story. It definitely pulled on my heartstrings!

This book was so good. It brought out all the emotions that I definitely needed tissues. Victoria and Jude had something tragic that happened to them and they went their own ways for awhile. Until Victoria came back to Boston and they ran into each other.

You get to see how they reconnect and it's truly beautiful. I felt for both of them especially Victoria.
After the pain Victoria went through she carried on and was able to work hard to get where she was. Jude worked on getting Victoria's trust back and you truly see how far he will go for her.

I'm so happy they got their HEA. I definitely recommend this book if you love:
Second Chance, Billionaire, Forced Proximity, Possessive MMC, and Workplace!

[Bookworm Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a pretty good premise and it was very well-written, but something just didn’t connect for me. I thought it was a bit disjointed and certain parts weren’t necessary for the story and I found myself wondering how certain aspects of it connected with the bigger picture. Victoria was a likable FMC, but I didn’t really feel the connection between her and Jude. We had no real history or flashbacks of their relationship besides a few letters that were in between chapters occasionally so it was hard to root for them to be together. Well-written story though as I said.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an angsty romance with some underlying trauma, family manipulation, & a lot of heartbreak.
It’s a strong reminder of how important open & honest communication is in any relationship.

I love that Victoria chose a bookstore for her passion project but I wish there were more nods to her lifelong dream.
So many people can relate to Jude & should be proud of their progress, as well.

[Belinda · Rating 1 out of 5]

How did this get a 4…