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The Truth in My Lies
It’s been months since Seth Byrne’s boyfriend ghosted him. Seth is still angry, but he’s worried too, because when Andrew Keller disappeared, he completely disappeared. Disconnected phone. Empty apartment. Abrupt departure from his job. Gone.
Until tonight.
Just as Seth is beginning to move on, Andrew shows up at his door with a story so wild it has to be fake… except he’s armed with a stack of evidence proving he’s telling the truth. And the truth is that everything Seth knew about Andrew is a lie.
Detective Brandon Gaines was supposed to be Andrew Keller for the rest of his life. After being marked for death by the white supremacist cops he tried to bring down, he was put into witness protection. When a chain of events returns him to his old identity, Brandon doesn’t know who he is anymore. Now he’s caught between two identities that don’t fit, and nothing in his world makes sense… except the way he feels about the man he left behind.
Is it even possible to rekindle their relationship when Seth knows nothing about Brandon? He understands why Brandon had to lie, but that doesn’t change the fact that the man in front of him is a stranger. Where do they even start?
But as they struggle to bridge the gap between them, they may have much bigger problems.
Because there are people who do know who Brandon is.
And they haven’t forgotten why they drove him into witness protection in the first place.
The Truth in My Lies is a standalone gay romantic suspense novel.
Until tonight.
Just as Seth is beginning to move on, Andrew shows up at his door with a story so wild it has to be fake… except he’s armed with a stack of evidence proving he’s telling the truth. And the truth is that everything Seth knew about Andrew is a lie.
Detective Brandon Gaines was supposed to be Andrew Keller for the rest of his life. After being marked for death by the white supremacist cops he tried to bring down, he was put into witness protection. When a chain of events returns him to his old identity, Brandon doesn’t know who he is anymore. Now he’s caught between two identities that don’t fit, and nothing in his world makes sense… except the way he feels about the man he left behind.
Is it even possible to rekindle their relationship when Seth knows nothing about Brandon? He understands why Brandon had to lie, but that doesn’t change the fact that the man in front of him is a stranger. Where do they even start?
But as they struggle to bridge the gap between them, they may have much bigger problems.
Because there are people who do know who Brandon is.
And they haven’t forgotten why they drove him into witness protection in the first place.
The Truth in My Lies is a standalone gay romantic suspense novel.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2024
59 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
219 books2,724 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 10, 2025
I’m not sure how I feel about this book, like I enjoyed the story I think the thriller aspect is very well done albeit a bit exaggerated but enjoyable nonetheless.
I really don’t like second chance romance, I get that if it were for Brandon they would have had never been separated and that it was dificult and confusing for Seth, but the dude spent the majority of the book angry and it made it hard for me to properly shipped them.
I really don’t like second chance romance, I get that if it were for Brandon they would have had never been separated and that it was dificult and confusing for Seth, but the dude spent the majority of the book angry and it made it hard for me to properly shipped them.
July 17, 2024
I’m not a fan of second chance romances, I try to avoid them, mainly because you usually don’t know why they left in the first place, and sometimes you don't find out until much later in the story and other times, not at all. Usually, it's for some hurt feelings that could have been resolved if they had just talked to one another, or one is cheating and got caught and then forgiven...way too much, so I just generally avoid them. This one...well it was written by one of my favorite authors, L.A. Witt...the description sounded like there was hope for a happy ending...so I made an exception...and I am glad that I did.
We have two Idaho police detectives, Brendon, who we first meet as Andrew...and his fellow cop and boyfriend, Seth. Brendon just suddenly disappeared from Seth's life 5-months ago...5 lonely, confusing months...no text, no phone call...he was just...GONE. Seth goes on with life not understanding what went wrong.... what did he do...or what didn't he do? Then one night a knock comes on his door and when his roommate answers it...you guessed it...Andrew is back and wants to explain to Seth. Seth listens...understands...but doesn't immediately pick up where they left off...he's not sure that he even wants to pick up anything else with Andrew...who he finds out is really Brendan.
It wasn't a case of "I don't love you anymore" on Brendon's part...he had been whisked away by Witness Protection and every means of communication had been removed to save his life from some very rich, resourceful people that he had testified against. He thinks all the people that were hunting him are now in prison, allowing him to go back for the man he loves and try to explain.
So much happens after they first meet and reunite.... some good and some bad and some REALLY bad. The story will keep you reading and rooting for Seth and Brendon long into the night. Actually, it is one of the best stories that I have ever read by L.A. Witt, and I have read some really great ones. You can easily skip the sex parts if you want...the fight they put up for their very lives is worth the time to read. This is absolutely one of this author's best books.
We have two Idaho police detectives, Brendon, who we first meet as Andrew...and his fellow cop and boyfriend, Seth. Brendon just suddenly disappeared from Seth's life 5-months ago...5 lonely, confusing months...no text, no phone call...he was just...GONE. Seth goes on with life not understanding what went wrong.... what did he do...or what didn't he do? Then one night a knock comes on his door and when his roommate answers it...you guessed it...Andrew is back and wants to explain to Seth. Seth listens...understands...but doesn't immediately pick up where they left off...he's not sure that he even wants to pick up anything else with Andrew...who he finds out is really Brendan.
It wasn't a case of "I don't love you anymore" on Brendon's part...he had been whisked away by Witness Protection and every means of communication had been removed to save his life from some very rich, resourceful people that he had testified against. He thinks all the people that were hunting him are now in prison, allowing him to go back for the man he loves and try to explain.
So much happens after they first meet and reunite.... some good and some bad and some REALLY bad. The story will keep you reading and rooting for Seth and Brendon long into the night. Actually, it is one of the best stories that I have ever read by L.A. Witt, and I have read some really great ones. You can easily skip the sex parts if you want...the fight they put up for their very lives is worth the time to read. This is absolutely one of this author's best books.
May 4, 2025
This ended up being a lot more action packed than I expected going in(a good thing, because HAD I known, I wouldn't have gone anywhere near it).
Went in expecting an angst filled book which has the unusual combo of having an unforgivable crime-with unimpeachable justification.
Starts out with Seth, 5 months post-ghosting from his boyfriend of THREE YEARS, Andrew, whom he'd been planning a future with (moving in, marriage, kids) and he'd clearly made zero progress on the moving on front. Wanted to, but couldn't get past the fact that he'd not just been ghosted, Andrew had vanished entirely off the face of the earth like he'd never existed.
Enter Brandon (formerly known as Andrew), showing up just as suddenly as he'd left but with explanations—he'd been in witness protection for 5 years, including the 3 he'd been with Seth, and he'd been compromised and had to return to his former state and participate in a trial during which he'd been the star witness against a white supremacist militia group.
Enter all the nice angsty feelings I wanted going into this one.
Brandon, back because he couldn't stay away anymore and loved Seth enough to try asking for another shot at starting afresh-with the truth this time, even though he knew it was a big ask.
Seth, still in love with the man, obviously, but unable to get past the fact that EVERYTHING he knew about this man is untrue, and even worse, as a cop who's been trained to pick up on the subtle cues of liars, he'd never once picked up any from Andrew/Brandon.
Two men. One promising heaven and earth that he'll never lie again if they'd just give him one more chance, and the other unsure if he should, because not only does the Never Lie Again™ MC have three years of specific relevant experience in lying to him, he couldn't even trust himself to pick up on any lies if they WERE told.
Loved the little moments of them trying to talk and rebuild trust. Brandon claiming 'I'm still me', Seth almost buying it, Brandon inevitably having to confess that oh, btw? That small inconsequential detail I told you about my childhood was also a lie💀💀💀💀
I mean, his reasoning behind lying about things that occurred even before the case that derailed his life made sense. But it really felt like Seth kept getting his fingers burned on the stove that was Brandon.
Basically pretty much what I signed up for.
60% in shit hit the fan and I was thrust very suddenly and NON-CONSENSUALLY into a thriller. Is romantic thriller even a thing? Is romance itself NOT the thrill? I don't know but our MCs were in love and trying to figure out their already weighty problems and then there were lots of men with guns and drones and flashbang thingies chasing them off roads and through mountain terrain, as well as the US Marshalls and the National Guard having to step in to curtail this fuckery.
Unfortunately, by this point I was too invested in the romance to pull out.
On the bright side, this tomfoolery did serve the purpose of reminding Seth that even though he (legitimately) knows fuck-all about Brandon in theory, he knew enough about him to literally trust him with his life.
Also, I think watching someone you love narrowly survive death multiple times over the course of several days is probably good for helping put things into perspective.
Like does it REAAAAAAALLY matter that he's a cop and not the manager of a credit union, or that he has parents and a sister and isn't an orphan with no siblings?
The answer here was no.
What mattered instead was that he came back 5 months later, as soon as the trial ended, even though it triggered a chain of events that almost resulted into both your deaths.
Love wins🥰
Still feel raped, though.
Went in expecting an angst filled book which has the unusual combo of having an unforgivable crime-with unimpeachable justification.
Starts out with Seth, 5 months post-ghosting from his boyfriend of THREE YEARS, Andrew, whom he'd been planning a future with (moving in, marriage, kids) and he'd clearly made zero progress on the moving on front. Wanted to, but couldn't get past the fact that he'd not just been ghosted, Andrew had vanished entirely off the face of the earth like he'd never existed.
Enter Brandon (formerly known as Andrew), showing up just as suddenly as he'd left but with explanations—he'd been in witness protection for 5 years, including the 3 he'd been with Seth, and he'd been compromised and had to return to his former state and participate in a trial during which he'd been the star witness against a white supremacist militia group.
Enter all the nice angsty feelings I wanted going into this one.
Brandon, back because he couldn't stay away anymore and loved Seth enough to try asking for another shot at starting afresh-with the truth this time, even though he knew it was a big ask.
Seth, still in love with the man, obviously, but unable to get past the fact that EVERYTHING he knew about this man is untrue, and even worse, as a cop who's been trained to pick up on the subtle cues of liars, he'd never once picked up any from Andrew/Brandon.
Two men. One promising heaven and earth that he'll never lie again if they'd just give him one more chance, and the other unsure if he should, because not only does the Never Lie Again™ MC have three years of specific relevant experience in lying to him, he couldn't even trust himself to pick up on any lies if they WERE told.
Loved the little moments of them trying to talk and rebuild trust. Brandon claiming 'I'm still me', Seth almost buying it, Brandon inevitably having to confess that oh, btw? That small inconsequential detail I told you about my childhood was also a lie💀💀💀💀
I mean, his reasoning behind lying about things that occurred even before the case that derailed his life made sense. But it really felt like Seth kept getting his fingers burned on the stove that was Brandon.
Basically pretty much what I signed up for.
60% in shit hit the fan and I was thrust very suddenly and NON-CONSENSUALLY into a thriller. Is romantic thriller even a thing? Is romance itself NOT the thrill? I don't know but our MCs were in love and trying to figure out their already weighty problems and then there were lots of men with guns and drones and flashbang thingies chasing them off roads and through mountain terrain, as well as the US Marshalls and the National Guard having to step in to curtail this fuckery.
Unfortunately, by this point I was too invested in the romance to pull out.
On the bright side, this tomfoolery did serve the purpose of reminding Seth that even though he (legitimately) knows fuck-all about Brandon in theory, he knew enough about him to literally trust him with his life.
Also, I think watching someone you love narrowly survive death multiple times over the course of several days is probably good for helping put things into perspective.
Like does it REAAAAAAALLY matter that he's a cop and not the manager of a credit union, or that he has parents and a sister and isn't an orphan with no siblings?
The answer here was no.
What mattered instead was that he came back 5 months later, as soon as the trial ended, even though it triggered a chain of events that almost resulted into both your deaths.
Love wins🥰
Still feel raped, though.
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January 17, 2024Available February 21, 2024.
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May 31, 2025This begin a a second chance romance but around the middle it goes full "action movie". That made the romance take the back seat. 2.5 ⭐⭐
February 26, 2024
You know ... I kind of liking these last two books I read from L.A. Witt that offer second-chance romance with a wist. The first one was Forget & Forgive (involved cheating and amnesia) and this one (it had a man coming back after going missing for months - apparently being part of witsec program!).
I liked the emotions being explored ... Seth had to deal that he was dating someone who had to lie about himself. Brandon had to deal with not being able to get help from his PTSD, being paranoid, and trying to come back to someone he truly loved but knew him as his other identity. It was complicated and it was delicious for me!
The timeline was quick but it had TONS of actions in about second half so it was gripping as hell. PLUS the author did write epilogue in which I know that .
I liked the emotions being explored ... Seth had to deal that he was dating someone who had to lie about himself. Brandon had to deal with not being able to get help from his PTSD, being paranoid, and trying to come back to someone he truly loved but knew him as his other identity. It was complicated and it was delicious for me!
The timeline was quick but it had TONS of actions in about second half so it was gripping as hell. PLUS the author did write epilogue in which I know that .
March 4, 2024
Interesting second chances story: what happens if everything you thought you knew about your lover was a lie? Are you still in love? Is he still the same person?
I'm not sure this is the book to answer those questions, though. Seth & Andrew's back story is glided over (how could Seth accept a relationship that hadn't progressed in three years?) and crucially the wound of being ghosted is mentioned only briefly. Ultimately, the book answers its own question by resorting to shoot-outs in the woods, and that old stand-by—a nearly fatal wound.
It's not a bad book, if you don't mind expectations being raised that aren't really answered.
I'm not sure this is the book to answer those questions, though. Seth & Andrew's back story is glided over (how could Seth accept a relationship that hadn't progressed in three years?) and crucially the wound of being ghosted is mentioned only briefly. Ultimately, the book answers its own question by resorting to shoot-outs in the woods, and that old stand-by—a nearly fatal wound.
It's not a bad book, if you don't mind expectations being raised that aren't really answered.
May 19, 2025
5 stars for the narration, 3.5 for the story
Enjoyable mash-up of second-chance romance and romantic suspense when Seth finds out Andrew, the ex he thought had ghosted him for the past five months, has been in witness protection for the past few years, and had to be moved at short notice because the bad guys had found out where he was.
There's a bit too much wishy-washy back-and-forth from Seth about whether he can trust Brandon (Andrew), even though he admits fairly early on that Brandon is essentially the same man he fell in love with and, being a cop understands exactly how WITSEC works and why Brandon had to do what he did. The second half takes a turn into romantic suspense territory (not complaining!) after Seth and Brandon decide to take a short vacation in order to talk without real life intruding - but of course, real life isn't like that and DOES intrude in a pretty perilous way!
I enjoyed the story overall, and the narration is, of course, excellent with NJR narrating the chapters from Seth's PoV and MF the chapters from Brandon's.
Enjoyable mash-up of second-chance romance and romantic suspense when Seth finds out Andrew, the ex he thought had ghosted him for the past five months, has been in witness protection for the past few years, and had to be moved at short notice because the bad guys had found out where he was.
There's a bit too much wishy-washy back-and-forth from Seth about whether he can trust Brandon (Andrew), even though he admits fairly early on that Brandon is essentially the same man he fell in love with and, being a cop understands exactly how WITSEC works and why Brandon had to do what he did. The second half takes a turn into romantic suspense territory (not complaining!) after Seth and Brandon decide to take a short vacation in order to talk without real life intruding - but of course, real life isn't like that and DOES intrude in a pretty perilous way!
I enjoyed the story overall, and the narration is, of course, excellent with NJR narrating the chapters from Seth's PoV and MF the chapters from Brandon's.
August 18, 2024
Opening chapters packed full to bursting with a lot of Feelings Seth has that are stupid and which don't improve much as he learns more, because Plot, I guess. Nothing else makes sense. So I started skimming early on.
This novel could have been a lot shorter, and thereby better. So much repetition. So many unnecessary details. Because I've read good stories by this author, I had hopes, but this one did not get editorial love. As a result, much of the emotional potential is drowned in excess verbiage, even the supposed-to-be-fraught parts.
It was on sale for a dollar, but it was not a good bargain.
This novel could have been a lot shorter, and thereby better. So much repetition. So many unnecessary details. Because I've read good stories by this author, I had hopes, but this one did not get editorial love. As a result, much of the emotional potential is drowned in excess verbiage, even the supposed-to-be-fraught parts.
It was on sale for a dollar, but it was not a good bargain.
April 28, 2024
2.5 stars
Usually I like L.A. Witt'S stories very much, she's amazing with the characters' feelings and emotions. For exemple, I consider Is It Over Yet an outstanding book: the conflicted feelings, the hurt, the betrayal are handled beautifully.
So when I started this book, I had high hopes and I was really enjoying it.
The plot is very very interesting: Andrew and Seth have been dating for three years and making plans about their future when, suddenly, Andrew disappears leaving his job, his apartment and Seth overnight without any explanations.
Seth, who's a cop, tries to find him, but after 5 months he has no clues about what happened to Andrew. Marcus, his best friend and housemate, tries to push him to move on, but Seth is not ready.
Then Andrew reappears at his doorstep.
I was loving Seth's internal turmoil: he believed Brandon's story about being in WITSEC, but how could he trust him again? How could he get over the fact that he never suspected Andrew was lying?
And Brandon's pov is painful as well: he doesn't know who he is, he disrupted his parents and his sister's lives, he lied to the man he loved and he filled him with doubts.
When they finally have a honest conversation (at 45% of the book), all the emotions come out, they talk and cry and everything it's just difficult, but I loved it.
They also have sex that night and sadly their physical reconnection is not enough to make Seth let go of his insecurities and Brandon has almost lost every hope to get his man back.
It was a little repetitive, Seth with his doubts and the constant saying "I don't know you anymore" and Brandon's endless "I'm sorry".
But I genuinely wanted to know how they could go past that (in Is It Over Yet, the MCs' journey to get back to each other is painful and emotional but it's so very good, I was hoping for something like that).
The problem, for me, starts at 60%: the story switches his attention form Seth and Brandon's relationship and focuses on the suspense part. Everything becomes dramatic and dangerous, there are chasings and shootings, they're on the run and honestly I lost interest.
This is obviously my problem, but I felt their problems were just glossed over to make space for all the militia drama.
I'm going to be honest, I skipped a lot of pages because they didn't interest me and because some parts were quite unbelievable and over the top (like Charlie's daughter's involvement).
Beside, at 90% Seth still doesn't know why he's holding back. It was frustrating and unsatisfying since the author lets them resolve their trust issues in the epilogue, without any real in-depth analysis.
I think readers who enjoy actions and suspance will love this story. I'll wait for the next book, hoping it will be more focused on the romance part.
Usually I like L.A. Witt'S stories very much, she's amazing with the characters' feelings and emotions. For exemple, I consider Is It Over Yet an outstanding book: the conflicted feelings, the hurt, the betrayal are handled beautifully.
So when I started this book, I had high hopes and I was really enjoying it.
The plot is very very interesting: Andrew and Seth have been dating for three years and making plans about their future when, suddenly, Andrew disappears leaving his job, his apartment and Seth overnight without any explanations.
Seth, who's a cop, tries to find him, but after 5 months he has no clues about what happened to Andrew. Marcus, his best friend and housemate, tries to push him to move on, but Seth is not ready.
Then Andrew reappears at his doorstep.
I was loving Seth's internal turmoil: he believed Brandon's story about being in WITSEC, but how could he trust him again? How could he get over the fact that he never suspected Andrew was lying?
And Brandon's pov is painful as well: he doesn't know who he is, he disrupted his parents and his sister's lives, he lied to the man he loved and he filled him with doubts.
When they finally have a honest conversation (at 45% of the book), all the emotions come out, they talk and cry and everything it's just difficult, but I loved it.
They also have sex that night and sadly their physical reconnection is not enough to make Seth let go of his insecurities and Brandon has almost lost every hope to get his man back.
It was a little repetitive, Seth with his doubts and the constant saying "I don't know you anymore" and Brandon's endless "I'm sorry".
But I genuinely wanted to know how they could go past that (in Is It Over Yet, the MCs' journey to get back to each other is painful and emotional but it's so very good, I was hoping for something like that).
The problem, for me, starts at 60%: the story switches his attention form Seth and Brandon's relationship and focuses on the suspense part. Everything becomes dramatic and dangerous, there are chasings and shootings, they're on the run and honestly I lost interest.
This is obviously my problem, but I felt their problems were just glossed over to make space for all the militia drama.
I'm going to be honest, I skipped a lot of pages because they didn't interest me and because some parts were quite unbelievable and over the top (like Charlie's daughter's involvement).
Beside, at 90% Seth still doesn't know why he's holding back. It was frustrating and unsatisfying since the author lets them resolve their trust issues in the epilogue, without any real in-depth analysis.
I think readers who enjoy actions and suspance will love this story. I'll wait for the next book, hoping it will be more focused on the romance part.
March 5, 2024
A local cop. A vanished boyfriend returns with an incredible story. There is danger in his return. An escape to a cabin in the woods to explore if the past can be recaptured. White supremacists with revenge on the agenda. It all weaves together into a tale worth reading. She knows how to write and keep things interesting. Both MC's annoyed me at times and Seth needed to do some growing up, but all in all a decent read.
February 26, 2024
Overall I liked the story, it was interesting, painful and a bit tragic for all the angst that both protagonists have lived also if for different reasons. What I didn't like much was a lot of actions, not my cup of tea, I would have preferred more attention on Brandan and Seth and their relationship.
March 5, 2024
I liked this story, but I missed the part of Seth and Brandon (as Andrew) together in the beginning.
I loved the action!
Spice 🌶️🌶️
I loved the action!
Spice 🌶️🌶️
February 14, 2025
3.92 stars??
August 22, 2024
A 3.25 book for me. While I enjoyed the storyline quite well and the story for the most part, there were a few issues I had. First off, editing errors. Misspelled words, missing words, double words. Secondly and for the most part which really decreased my enjoyment of the story…I felt she overdid the villainizing of police officers. I get the story is about white supremacy cops in a militia that are corrupt and kill…I get that. Sadly that happens in today’s world where all professions have those that belong to hate groups. However I think the author went too far in making it seem like a majority of cops are that way. Which I frankly don’t think is true. I also don’t think it helps villainizing cops as a whole. Rather just the bad cops in the story. I do know this is fiction which gives the author some leeway…but in my opinion, I think she went to far and it affected my ability to enjoy the book. Also there was a political slant in some places in the book which didn’t directly relate to the story and could’ve been left out. As a former nurse, I would treat ALL people with respect regardless of their religion or political views and didn’t express my views or beliefs in the work place. I get there are bad cops. I get that some cops have hateful views and use their powers over others. I have experienced some of that. Though a majority of my experiences around and with police have shown me that most officers are good and respectful. And yes, I’ve lived in big cities and also small town. Funny thing, I’ve had more problems with small town cops abusing their power and none in the cities. So yes, I had a problem in which the story presented most cops being racists. I have read other stories by LA Witt, and have enjoyed the others. I really enjoyed the story and the storyline for the most part…except the above issues which kind of ruined the book for me and made me wonder if I want to continue to buy her books. I hope I can continue to enjoy her writing and this was a one time thing for me. But who knows. I will be wary. I like the type of books she writes and would hate to have to ditch her over these types of issues.
November 11, 2024
💖💖💖💖💖 für die Romance
🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪 für die Spannung
Darum geht’s:
Seth war sich sicher, dass sein Freund Andrew “der Eine” für ihn ist. Er kann es nicht fassen, als Andrew von einer Sekunde auf die andere verschwindet. Seine Wohnung ist leergeräumt, der Job gekündigt, Andrew hat sich ohne Nachricht oder vorherige Anzeichen einfach aufgelöst.
Nun steht er Monate später wieder von Seths Tür und erzählt eine haarsträubende Geschichte, die kaum zu glauben ist.
So fand ich’s:
Seth ist hin und her gerissen zwischen Wut auf Andrew, der ihn auf die schlimmst mögliche Art abserviert hat und Sorge, dass ihm etwas zugestoßen sein könnte. Auch nach Monaten ist er nicht über ihn hinweg, als Andrew plötzlich wieder auftaucht und behauptet, sein eigentlicher Name ist Brandon und er war als Andrew im Zeugenschutzprogramm.
Seth ist selbst Polizist und lässt sich schließlich überzeugen, dass Andrew alias Brandon die Wahrheit sagt. Sein Verstand weiß, dass Brandon keine andere Wahl hatte. Doch in Seth schmerzt gewaltig, dass Brandon ihn über so vieles angelogen hat und er das trotz seines wachsamen Polizisteninstinkt nicht gemerkt hat. Dass ihre Beziehung auf Lügen aufgebaut wurde. Brandon ist zurückgekommen und bittet um eine zweite Chance, doch Seth ist sich nicht sicher, ob er das kann und will.
Anfangs dachte ich, Seth wäre derjenige, der am meisten an dieser Entwicklung zu knabbern hätte. Doch auch Brandon ist kein oberflächlicher Egoist, sondern er ist sich sehr wohl darüber klar, wie vielen Menschen er Schmerz zugefügt hat. Und er selbst hat auch ein Trauma davongetragen, als er sich mit kriminellen Cops und einer schwerbewaffneten Miliz angelegt hat. Beide Männer sind empathisch und bereit, ihre Seele zu offenbaren, auch wenn es für beide Seiten schmerzhaft wird. Es gibt wohl keine wirklich gute Art, mit so einer Situation umzugehen, doch ich fand, die beiden machen es sehr gut.
Als sie sich in die Waldhütte von Seths Familie zurückziehen, um in Ruhe ihre Beziehung zu klären, müssen sie entdecken, dass Brandon sich in einem Punkt geirrt hat. Obwohl alle Leute, gegen die er ausgesagt hat, im Gefängnis sitzen, ist die Gefahr für Brandon und damit auch für Seth noch nicht vorbei. Und ab diesem Punkt wird es enorm spannend!
Mir hat schon die erste Hälfte des Buches sehr gut gefallen, als Seth und Brandon sich plötzlich unter ganz anderen Bedingungen wieder gegenüberstehen, denn die Situation ist so verfahren, dass man sie nicht einfach mit “seid erwachsen und redet miteinander” lösen kann. Und als dann in der zweiten Hälfte jede Menge spannende Action hinzu kam, in der sich Seth und Brandon aufeinander verlassen müssen, um zu überleben, war ich vollends hin und weg. Meine beiden Lieblingsgenres Gay Romance und Thriller aufs Schönste vereint in einem Buch.
Ich bin hingerissen und kann allen, die diese Kombination gerne lesen, “Die Wahrheit in meinen Lügen” absolut ans Herz legen!
🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪 für die Spannung
Darum geht’s:
Seth war sich sicher, dass sein Freund Andrew “der Eine” für ihn ist. Er kann es nicht fassen, als Andrew von einer Sekunde auf die andere verschwindet. Seine Wohnung ist leergeräumt, der Job gekündigt, Andrew hat sich ohne Nachricht oder vorherige Anzeichen einfach aufgelöst.
Nun steht er Monate später wieder von Seths Tür und erzählt eine haarsträubende Geschichte, die kaum zu glauben ist.
So fand ich’s:
Seth ist hin und her gerissen zwischen Wut auf Andrew, der ihn auf die schlimmst mögliche Art abserviert hat und Sorge, dass ihm etwas zugestoßen sein könnte. Auch nach Monaten ist er nicht über ihn hinweg, als Andrew plötzlich wieder auftaucht und behauptet, sein eigentlicher Name ist Brandon und er war als Andrew im Zeugenschutzprogramm.
Seth ist selbst Polizist und lässt sich schließlich überzeugen, dass Andrew alias Brandon die Wahrheit sagt. Sein Verstand weiß, dass Brandon keine andere Wahl hatte. Doch in Seth schmerzt gewaltig, dass Brandon ihn über so vieles angelogen hat und er das trotz seines wachsamen Polizisteninstinkt nicht gemerkt hat. Dass ihre Beziehung auf Lügen aufgebaut wurde. Brandon ist zurückgekommen und bittet um eine zweite Chance, doch Seth ist sich nicht sicher, ob er das kann und will.
Anfangs dachte ich, Seth wäre derjenige, der am meisten an dieser Entwicklung zu knabbern hätte. Doch auch Brandon ist kein oberflächlicher Egoist, sondern er ist sich sehr wohl darüber klar, wie vielen Menschen er Schmerz zugefügt hat. Und er selbst hat auch ein Trauma davongetragen, als er sich mit kriminellen Cops und einer schwerbewaffneten Miliz angelegt hat. Beide Männer sind empathisch und bereit, ihre Seele zu offenbaren, auch wenn es für beide Seiten schmerzhaft wird. Es gibt wohl keine wirklich gute Art, mit so einer Situation umzugehen, doch ich fand, die beiden machen es sehr gut.
Als sie sich in die Waldhütte von Seths Familie zurückziehen, um in Ruhe ihre Beziehung zu klären, müssen sie entdecken, dass Brandon sich in einem Punkt geirrt hat. Obwohl alle Leute, gegen die er ausgesagt hat, im Gefängnis sitzen, ist die Gefahr für Brandon und damit auch für Seth noch nicht vorbei. Und ab diesem Punkt wird es enorm spannend!
Mir hat schon die erste Hälfte des Buches sehr gut gefallen, als Seth und Brandon sich plötzlich unter ganz anderen Bedingungen wieder gegenüberstehen, denn die Situation ist so verfahren, dass man sie nicht einfach mit “seid erwachsen und redet miteinander” lösen kann. Und als dann in der zweiten Hälfte jede Menge spannende Action hinzu kam, in der sich Seth und Brandon aufeinander verlassen müssen, um zu überleben, war ich vollends hin und weg. Meine beiden Lieblingsgenres Gay Romance und Thriller aufs Schönste vereint in einem Buch.
Ich bin hingerissen und kann allen, die diese Kombination gerne lesen, “Die Wahrheit in meinen Lügen” absolut ans Herz legen!
June 30, 2024
While this story had a twist to it that I kinda saw coming, but was hoping for something like amnesia... the plot ended up working well for me. The history of both MCs was enough to break anyone and to see them not only survive, but thrive should give hope to all!
Yeah, I admit, the grammatical errors were horrible, but the story touched my heart, so all is forgiven! (For gosh sake, find a good proofreader... just sayin'!)
My thoughts on a serious subject:
After reading a few reviews, I feel like some readers may have missed the point that the author was making about corruption in law enforcement. Let's be realistic, there are far too many officers who use their badges to the point of being evil, but the truth of the matter is that law enforcement officers who know about it and do nothing to stop the harm and hate are standing back and allowing crimes to happen because of the fear of retaliation since they are being done by someone they work with. It is easier to just turn your head away from injustice, and I get that, but it is wrong. Our society has made it even harder to step up and do the right thing because of the hate that spews out of so many of the politicians' mouths across the country giving the evil permission to spread.
Doing the right thing in a bad situation is rarely easy, but one bad apple will rot the whole basket from the inside out... and that, I feel, is the point this author was trying to make.
Yeah, I admit, the grammatical errors were horrible, but the story touched my heart, so all is forgiven! (For gosh sake, find a good proofreader... just sayin'!)
My thoughts on a serious subject:
After reading a few reviews, I feel like some readers may have missed the point that the author was making about corruption in law enforcement. Let's be realistic, there are far too many officers who use their badges to the point of being evil, but the truth of the matter is that law enforcement officers who know about it and do nothing to stop the harm and hate are standing back and allowing crimes to happen because of the fear of retaliation since they are being done by someone they work with. It is easier to just turn your head away from injustice, and I get that, but it is wrong. Our society has made it even harder to step up and do the right thing because of the hate that spews out of so many of the politicians' mouths across the country giving the evil permission to spread.
Doing the right thing in a bad situation is rarely easy, but one bad apple will rot the whole basket from the inside out... and that, I feel, is the point this author was trying to make.
September 30, 2024
Seth ist sauer, weil sein Freund Andrew von heute auf morgen verschwunden ist und ihn geghostet hat. Dann taucht er plötzlich vor Seths Tür auf, um sein Verschwinden zu erklären. Andrews Erklärung ist plausibel, nur dass er nicht Andrew sondern Brandon ist. Ein Mann, den Seth nicht kennt.
Mir hat der Schreibstil der Autorin gut gefallen, er ist locker und flüssig und ich war schnell in der Story. Diese wird abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Seth und Brandon erzählt.
Das Thema Zeugenschutzprogramm fand ich interessant, auch wenn in der ersten Hälfte nicht viel Action passiert. Vielmehr lernt man die beiden Protagonisten kennen und insbesondere Brandons emotionalen Zwiespalt, welchen die Autorin gut dargestellt hat.
Ich mochte Brandon und Seth von Beginn an und fand sie sehr sympathisch. Die beiden haben das Herz auf dem rechten Fleck.
Seth will mehr über Brandon erfahren. Aber als Brandons Vergangenheit droht, ihn einzuholen, überschlagen sich die Ereignisse. Ab diesem Zeitpunkt ist alles dabei: Spannung, Action, Intrigen, Gefahren, Emotionen und die Möglichkeit auf eine zweite Chance. Doch dazu müssten beide überleben.
Ich fand die Story spannend und unterhaltsam und ich war schnell gefesselt. Von mir gibt’s 4,5 Sterne und eine absolute Leseempfehlung!
Mir hat der Schreibstil der Autorin gut gefallen, er ist locker und flüssig und ich war schnell in der Story. Diese wird abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Seth und Brandon erzählt.
Das Thema Zeugenschutzprogramm fand ich interessant, auch wenn in der ersten Hälfte nicht viel Action passiert. Vielmehr lernt man die beiden Protagonisten kennen und insbesondere Brandons emotionalen Zwiespalt, welchen die Autorin gut dargestellt hat.
Ich mochte Brandon und Seth von Beginn an und fand sie sehr sympathisch. Die beiden haben das Herz auf dem rechten Fleck.
Seth will mehr über Brandon erfahren. Aber als Brandons Vergangenheit droht, ihn einzuholen, überschlagen sich die Ereignisse. Ab diesem Zeitpunkt ist alles dabei: Spannung, Action, Intrigen, Gefahren, Emotionen und die Möglichkeit auf eine zweite Chance. Doch dazu müssten beide überleben.
Ich fand die Story spannend und unterhaltsam und ich war schnell gefesselt. Von mir gibt’s 4,5 Sterne und eine absolute Leseempfehlung!
October 18, 2024
Ein sehr interessantes Thema, dass ich so noch nie gelesen habe. Die Gedankengänge, die Ängste und Sorgen der beiden sympathischen Protagonisten waren für mich zu jeder Zeit nachvollziehbar. In Seths und Brandons Köpfen ist die Hölle los. Ich mag ihre Ehrlichkeit und dass sie miteinander reden, anstatt wegzulaufen.
Und gerade, als ich angefangen habe zu überlegen, ob wir uns jetzt möglicherweise bis zum Ende des Buches in gedanklichen Endlosschleifen mit ein bisschen Handlung bewegen (was nicht unrealistisch gewesen wäre, schließlich haben die beiden einen riesigen Berg von Problemen am Hacken, die man nicht so einfach verdrängen kann, um irgendwie einem Happy End im Sonnenuntergang entgegen zu reiten) versinkt auch das „Außen“ im Chaos.
Es war sehr spannend Seth und Brandon auf diesem Weg zu begleiten, während ich mitgefiebert, mitgelitten und mit ihnen gehofft habe.
Ich habe „Die Wahrheit in meinen Lügen” mit Vergnügen gelesen, mich sehr gut unterhalten gefühlt und ich empfehle das Buch gerne weiter.
Und gerade, als ich angefangen habe zu überlegen, ob wir uns jetzt möglicherweise bis zum Ende des Buches in gedanklichen Endlosschleifen mit ein bisschen Handlung bewegen (was nicht unrealistisch gewesen wäre, schließlich haben die beiden einen riesigen Berg von Problemen am Hacken, die man nicht so einfach verdrängen kann, um irgendwie einem Happy End im Sonnenuntergang entgegen zu reiten) versinkt auch das „Außen“ im Chaos.
Es war sehr spannend Seth und Brandon auf diesem Weg zu begleiten, während ich mitgefiebert, mitgelitten und mit ihnen gehofft habe.
Ich habe „Die Wahrheit in meinen Lügen” mit Vergnügen gelesen, mich sehr gut unterhalten gefühlt und ich empfehle das Buch gerne weiter.
March 3, 2024
This book started out a little slow to me, but then it really picked up and concluded with some thrilling action and excitement. Seth is a police officer whose boyfriend disappeared without word five months before. He really loved the man and thought they had a future together. Now, the boyfriend has returned and he tells Seth that his real name is Brandon and when he knew him before Brandon was in witness protection with a false identity.
Seth doesn't know what to make of it. He believes Brandon's story, but he realized he never really knew Brandon's truth before. Can a future relationship be possible? Is the danger to Brandon really eliminated? This book has intrigue, emotions, danger, passion, and a true love.
Seth doesn't know what to make of it. He believes Brandon's story, but he realized he never really knew Brandon's truth before. Can a future relationship be possible? Is the danger to Brandon really eliminated? This book has intrigue, emotions, danger, passion, and a true love.
April 23, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this non-stop, intense thriller. I loved the two main characters. The premise for the story was unique, and the tension was topnotch, first in wondering what had happened and then in watching them try to survive what was happening. While we didn't get to see how they were as a normal couple, before everything went sideways, we heard about it, and it sounded as close to ideal as one could get. Then things got complicated, before turning deadly, and all we could do was strap in, hold on for the ride, and watch how they were together now. I couldn't stop reading and didn't want this page-turner to end.
August 2, 2024
Seth & Andrew were together, then Seth was ghosted by Andrew without a word…. Until the day he returns with a lot of new information… & how Andrew had to go into witness protection, who is now Brandon… It all seems like quite a story, but there’s a lot of real danger underfoot. Brandon doesn’t know who he is anymore, so how could Seth know who he really is?
They might not know who he is, but some dangerous people know, though…
A lot of action in this one… a second chance at love… with lots of suspense…
They might not know who he is, but some dangerous people know, though…
A lot of action in this one… a second chance at love… with lots of suspense…
April 12, 2024
There was an awkward and raw quality to this, it was as much a second-chance romance as it was an extended epilogue that really dealt with the difficulty of going back when the fight is over - well when it’s supposed to be over. This was a a second chance but also an attempt to pick up the pieces that had nothing to do with the romance and I liked that it was set to a backdrop of danger because that gave it a little something extra. Hit exactly the right spot for me on a dreary Friday night.
September 15, 2024
As incredible as this story is, and believe me, it's intense, it also was a touch frustrating in the first few chapters with long thought processes and stuff repeated, it got me a little frustrated, but it quickly exploded into a high action 'run for your life' situation. Great story.
September 16, 2024
Wow, amazing thriller
The story started off a little slow but when it got going…. An absolute roller coaster ride to the very end. Well done L A Witt. You are an excellent storyteller. Absolutely recommended.
The story started off a little slow but when it got going…. An absolute roller coaster ride to the very end. Well done L A Witt. You are an excellent storyteller. Absolutely recommended.
October 25, 2024
I liked how they talk about second chances when the break up happened because of no-one’s fault. They have to rediscover who they are and where to go from that. I liked how the author emphasized that “love does not fix everything” and lots of therapy, communication and talk helps.
February 22, 2024
Brilliant Read
A thoroughly entertaining read. An intriguing and different storyline with a perfect ending. L.A. Witt does her research and it shows. One of her best books
A thoroughly entertaining read. An intriguing and different storyline with a perfect ending. L.A. Witt does her research and it shows. One of her best books
March 19, 2024
A good enjoyable read, interesting premise and good character development
May 27, 2024
Review: The premise of the story is very unique and intriguing. I enjoyed the first half of the story, but the last half was little over-the-top for my taste.
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