Sweet Little Liar

by Gia Stone

Nine Massey wears a mask of a tough exterior. Underneath the layers of drugstore makeup lies a fragile woman serving up fake smiles as a waitress. She scrapes by in life in pursuit of something more than the information listed on her latest job application. After responding to a Missed Connection ad on Craigslist she begins a friendship with a wealthy old woman. The relationship triggers alarm bells for the woman's family, especially after a valuable painting is stolen from her home.

Owen Hayes is a private investigator and takes on the case as a favor to an old family friend. The case appears cut and dry. Yet, as Nine’s lies are exposed, Owen discovers the painful truths they hide. Owen isn’t the only person tracking Nine. A man from Nine's past returns, bringing painful secrets along with him.

Can Owen unravel the lies, or will he succumb to the desire he feels for Nine? Lies and deceit give way to a passion which threatens to ruin them both. Neither can deny their attraction, but all of their exchanges have been built on lies. Just as Nine is opening her heart to Owen and the idea of experiencing love, her world comes crashing down. Can Owen save them both?

This adult romance contains elements of danger, suspense, mystery, adult themes, sensual scenes and a happily ever after.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2023

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book from this author, and it was definitely a different type of read for me.

It gives mystery, romance, suspense, and touches on trauma.

Personally I had a hard time connecting with the Nine and Owen I didn't pick up anything that really drew me into them or had me rooting for the end goal.

The book definitely has potential the plot is understandable and interesting I feel it could have been stretched with more romantic development it came on pretty fast I just didn't fancy the 2 peeps connection it was too quick for me without really knowing where the attraction was coming from but the overall plot was nice

Thank you for the ARC this is my honest review

[DEIDA BETANCOURT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine, a girl with a troubled past thinks she only deserves the worst. She never had any luck with anything and finds herself running from her past.

Owen, a PI with a strong personality, gets hired to do a job and without expecting it he meets Nine.

This book is a page turner that WILL keep you engaged from page one! It has passion, romance, suspense, and all of the elements that will make you want more!

The book does have triggers, but the author did an EXCELLENT job at displaying them with professionalism. I will consider reading more books from Gia Stone!

[Michelle Frater · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many things I loved about this book. It was so emotional, I felt like I’d been through the wringer by the end. I guess you could call Nine a pathological liar, but the reasons why she lies were beyond devastating. She hides behind a face of heavy make-up, wearing a fake smile, trying to be invisible and get through every day. Paradoxically, her obsession with Missed Connections revealed a deep desire to belong, which was how she met Mavis. I loved Nine’s friendship with Mavis and their weekly rendezvous, as well as the way Mavis drew Nine out with her series of tasks. When a valuable painting is stolen, Mavis’s daughter Georgia points the finger at Nine and calls in her former lover Owen, to track the painting down. In a way, I felt sorry for Owen, who was so jaded and cynical that all he saw was the worst in people, even those he’d never met. His immediate conclusions about Nine were a typical example, though none of the facts ultimately seemed to fit. There was certainly an element of irony in Owen inserting himself into Nine’s life by lying about his true identity. But, despite his best intentions, Owen finds himself attracted to Nine, and discovers a naively innocent girl he simply wants to protect. The appearance of a ghost from Nine’s past makes Owen realize what Nine truly means to him and the lengths he’ll go to, to shield her from further harm.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tishana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gia Stone is the type of author I love that can portray emotions, give character growth and have me in my feels the whole story. This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster.

Nine had a rough childhood, being a literal survivor abuse, not having a mother figure who protected her and being on the run in order to feel safe. She was addicted to responding to “missed connections” ads in order to feel connected to people and that’s how she meets an elderly woman named Mavis. Mavis’ daughter hired a P.I named Owen to look into Nine for a stolen painting from Mavis’ home. But little did they know that while a lot of lies were told at the surface, there was a lot of secrets and things hiding in the dark.

This was a great romantic suspense novel, with plot twists and great main characters as well as side characters. I loved Mavis so much. She got Nine to be more comfortable and actually “live” life, making memories in the moments and find love. I loved how Owen was really protective of Nine, especially with Bill. Even though he was hired to investigate her for a case, he was able to break down her false facades she uses to hide her true self and show her that she is deserving of love and happiness. Nine was an amazing FMC. So strong, resilient and easy to love. This was a great read for me. I can’t wait to read more!

[Melissa Houpt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet little liar was the first book I’ve read by Gia Stone and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I will be reading more!! Nine has a troubled past that she is trying to run from and she is always inventing new lies about her life. She constantly trying to find companionship through a lost connections form on the internet. Owen was hired to investigate Nine, because the daughter of a woman she has a deep connection with believes she stole from her mother. Even though Owen believes the worst of Nine he can’t deny his chemistry and extremely attraction to her. When her past comes back, it threatens the life she is trying to build for herself. While Owen inserts himself into her life he goes from being pessimistic to protective.
I loved the connection Mavis and Nine shared, it was so innocent and enduring. She was always having Nine step out of her comfort zone and try new things. She truly became the mother finger she needed when she was younger.

The suspense, passion and romance kept my attention from beginning to end. Please be aware Nine went through a lot of tragic and horrific things in her life, so check the trigger warnings.
The writing, character development, plot and the emotions this brought out of me was just incredible.

[Jasmine Agron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first type of book in this genre. This adult romance mystery with darker themes related to SA, abuse, and past traumas was very intriguing from the beginning. I absolutely was hooked with the prologue and needed to find out more.

We follow the main characters Owen who is a private investigator, and a woman named Nine who is a new girl in town that has befriended an older woman named Mavis through a “Missing Connections” ad on craigslist. When Mavis has a valuable painting go missing, her family reaches out to Owen to take on the case. As they are family friends, he accepts and begins investigating Nine, who the family believes to have stolen this painting.

As Owen begins investigating Nine, he starts to find himself needing to protect her from this mysterious man from her past… and he’s falling for her. He soon discovers that Nine is a bit of a liar and throughout the story, her lies are revealed to hide behind painful truths.

I received an ARC audio copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Katelan Kendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I picked up and didn't want to set down until it was done. I was so invested i finished the book in three days. The story of Nine and Owen is thrilling and had me mentally begging for the next bit of drama.
There is lovely character development for both of the main characters and a well deserved wholesome end. I love how realistic this book is aswell, there is a wonderful mixture of horror and healing from trauma.
The pace is also wonderful, at no point did I feel like things were too slow or too fast. It kept me on the edge of my seat and at no point did I want to glaze over any of it. This also left me guessing what was going to happen next, I was definitely pleasantly surprised at the twists and turns.

[Between The Covers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Little Liar is such a riveting book to say the least. It had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning waiting to see what happened next.

Nine has a troubled past she's desperately trying to run from until she meets amazing people along the way who try to show her love and protection. Sweet little old Mavis, who becomes a mother to her and Owen, who was tasked with investigating Nine for a theft. There are many lies, hurdles, and tears along her journey. Does she make it out in the end? Why not find out and see for yourself? You won't be sorry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vanessa Villagomez-Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Little Liar has so many ups and downs.
I found myself flipping through the pages and ignoring everything else in my life. I had to see where the next twist of the story was going to take me.

Owen is a PI that was hired to investigate a woman that has been accused of stealing and taking advantage of an elderly lady.

Owen has personal ties to the family and is going to take down anyone that would try to cause them harm.

Nine is a liar and a waitress, but is she a thief? I was captivated with the emotional turmoil between Nine and Owen.

This book was gut wrenching. I can’t wait to read Ms. Stone’s next book!

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Very well written, full of love, drama, romance, dark abuse, emotions, action, suspense with lots of twists. Does have some old and new triggers, may not be for everyone. Owen is hired to investigate Nine for stealing. As he gets close to her, he finds he is falling in love but also realizes there is something wrong with her and her emotions. Has lots of action and keeps you moving right along with the story. Owen and Nine have a long way to go to get their happily ever after. Very emotional story. Would recommend .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen Hayes is asked to investigate Nine Massey after she befriends an elderly wealthy woman, and an expensive painting goes missing. He finds Nine waitressing and sees her saying different things to the different customers. He can see that she lies without even thinking about it, but why is she scared? Is she ripping off a partner?

Owen doesn't expect to be attracted to Nine. Will he be able to find out the truth about what is happening?

I really liked Nine. She had a tough life and is doing her best to make a life for herself.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen is a P.I. hired by a family his mom worked for when he was little. Totally estranged with them awakens many memories when the daughter walks in to hire him. There have been thefts at her mothers house. That is where things start everything. The memory of him being poor, now very successful and wealthy. The job turns into a multifaceted complicated investigation and the struggles are deep seeded. Ms. Stone has given us a soul gripping emotional yet exciting page turner of a book. Wow, very powerful.

[Chelle D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nine Massey is a tired and scared young woman hiding while she works as a waitress. When she becomes friends with a wealthy, older woman via Craigslist, the friendship causes alarm bells and tension within the family.
Owen is hired to investigate Nine, which seems cut and dry. Little does he know Nine is the one in danger, as her lies are exposed, he learns the painful truth Nine tries to hide from.
Can Owen uncover the truth before it's too late? Will he and Nine admit their true feelings, or will it be too late?

[Jonnica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing. This book had so many ups and downs but I loved every minute of it. You had Owen who was a PI and was giving a case to investigate Nine who was a girl that has gone through so many tragic events in her life she was running from. She was the sweetest person who was keeping a low profile but ended up meeting Mavis who was the kindest older lady and treated Nine better than anyone has before. Owen ends up helping and protecting Nine which in turns he falls in love with her. Such an amazing love story that will live rent free in my head. I can't wait for more!!!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters and an emotional storyline. The author pulled me in with the gripping story as she deals with some dark issues and handles them perfectly. I was glued to the pages with her descriptive scenes. She brings suspense and romance and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Geraldine Streit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a bit torn because Nine part of the story is interesting. My problem is with Owen who is really too judgmental from the start and just ignored what is in from of him. The story could have been better if he was more open.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine is an amazing main character. She is complex and her character arch is amazing. It took me a bit longer with Owen, but he is equally well developed and man... if I can say one thing about this book, it would be... depth. Gut-wrenching depth. I love that the author manages to intertwine the plot development with the internal arcs of the characters so flawlessly. Highly recommend!

[Vievie2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine Massey is a survivor and meeting Owen opens up her heart and trust but will she feel the same when she knows the truth about Owen. This book was so emotional - moments when I had tears in my eyes as I was reading. Really good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lvsmyfmly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. Where Nine lies to protect herself from the world. She meets her protector and changes.
Between a bitter ex girlfriend/daughter Georgia trys everything to stop Nine from seeing her mother and framing Nine for a painting their. While also trying to prevent Owen from loving Nine.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Nine and Owen’s story.
This is a well written story which has family, friendships, lies, secrets, chemistry, action, romance, revelations, and love, which leads to a captivating page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really thought this book was very well presented. Things happened that made you wonder why or how or what. Then as the story evolved, questions were answered about each character which humanized them and made them relatable. But even more important, with one notable exception, they became people we cared about and rooted for.

[Louise Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely phenomenal book. It's so much more than a love story with angst. It's more gritty than a romantic suspense, and more erotic than a crime novel. It's a hot psychological thriller and I loved every single page, which I couldn't read fast enough.

It has everything: a great plot, realistic characters, red herrings, clever twists, and concludes with a HEA.

This book covers some dark themes (domestic @b¥$€ CSA, r@p£, etc.) but it's told emphatically, sensitively, and authentically. The writer clearly knows her subject in a professional capacity.

I have never read this author's work before but I cannot wait for her next book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very emotional read with ups, downs, twists and turns. The story is about Nine and Owen. It is intriguing, interesting and captivating with suspense, mystery, lies, deceit, mystery, danger and so much more. I loved every bit of this one.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read written by Gia stone; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Houston Nights Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Nine Massey & Owen Hayes.

[Crystal Lobetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine becomes friends with a wealthy old women and her family is not happy.Can Owen protect/forgive Nine from all the lies she told and from the person trying to hurt her?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Cymbaluk · Rating 4 out of 5]

FMC Nine has a troubled past. She is a survivor. She meets Owen and learns to live and trust. Will she feel the same when she learns the truth about him.
Lies, suspense, romance, intrigue and action kept me turning pages until the end.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Owen and Nine’s story. It was an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Krystal MacLennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance that you will not be able to put down. This has a little spice to go with the whodunit storyline. You connect with the characters in a light read that takes you through twists and turns. Some trigger topics in this story: sexual trauma and past abortion. Even though these triggers are there it was tastefully written to not be too descriptive of those

[Kristian Verser · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to feel about this book. I loved this book even though it didn’t have major spice but the slow burn love was amazing and all the suspense from the FMC being stalked and investigated. I just really liked how it all played out. This is a must read. Especially if you like suspense with a hint of love.