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He wants her…and he’s past caring she’s the enemy.b>

Former military operative Chase “Zyron” Garrett’s new employer forbids romance in the office. No problem—until the private security company assigns him to protect their sweet secretary from her vicious ex. Every night beside single mom Tessa Lawrence, unable to touch her, makes Zy burn until he stops caring that their love is wrong.

Tessa and her newborn girl are alone in the world. That changes when Zy walks through her door. Fierce yet tender, he’s everything she needs in a man, lover, and father for her daughter. But he’s off-limits. If she gives in to temptation, she’ll lose her job. So she resigns herself to being his friend—and loving him in secret.

Then their team is compromised and it’s clear they have a mole. Zy is ordered to discover their traitor…and all clues point to Tessa. With his heart tangled between unquenched need and searing betrayal, he searches for the truth. But will their love be the greatest casualty of all?

Unknown Binding

First published February 9, 2021

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727 people want to read

About the author

Shayla Black

150 books9,997 followers
Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.

As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Follow me on Facebook: http://shayla.link/FBPage

Join me in my Book Beauties group for weekly LIVE chats: http://shayla.link/FBChat

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
Profile Image for Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️.
2,947 reviews2,676 followers
February 11, 2023
Action, Suspense and Romance!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙🤎🖤❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 😠😘🤓😉
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Solo Narration

The Hero: Chase “Zyron” Garrett - he was a demolitions expert in the military and he just returned from the middle east and is going into private security. He got his nickname Zyron because some of his buddies in the military thought he looked like Zac Efron. He got the job because of his buddy Trees, who was already working there.

The heroine: Tessa Lawrence - she returns to work after returning from maternity leave a few weeks after Zy started at the firm. Tessa is a single mother of a baby girl named Hallie, and has been hurt before by her ex who left her alone and pregnant. She is determined to be independent and take care of things on his own.

The Story: There is a prologue that takes place a year before chapter one begins, in the prologue the two main characters are talking about the fact that they just signed new contracts at the firm which no longer have the no fraternization rule that has been keeping them apart. Though it also lets us know that Zy was tasked with seducing Tessa in order to find out if she is selling company secrets.

Before Tessa is due to return to work, her ex boyfriend Cash shows up at her house, he is drunk and wanting to see his baby, despite the fact that he wasn’t around for Tessa during her pregnancy or the birth. She calls the police but due to the fact that Cash is related to a councilman, the police said they wouldn’t be able to hold him. Since Cash is living in a hotel and was injured during his first mission, their Boss (The Colonel), says they can help each other out if Zy stays with Tessa.

The book is told in dual points of view via solo narration. It was narrated by Troy Duran, my all time favorite narrator and he does a great job. His voice is deep, sexy and expressive and I could listen to him all the time. The story was interesting, there was action, mystery, suspense, romance and more.

The storyline about the security company was really good. The company changed hands from the Colonel to his three sons who all had extensive experience in the military and one in the NSA. There were problems at the company and a suspicion of a mole who had been informing their enemies of their actions. This was part one of two and I plan to start on the next book right away.

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Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,728 reviews528 followers
February 12, 2021
Have you ever wanted to be with someone so much it hurts? What if there are things standing in your way, would you risk everything or play by the rules? That’s the dilemma Zyron and Tessa are facing in this first part of their story. Their want and hunger is so strong you can feel the sexual chemistry radiate through the pages.

Zy is a field operative and Tessa works in the office keeping things organized and running smoothly but when the new owners think there is a mole in their midst they give Zy the task of proving his friend's, Trees, innocence as well as the woman he loves, Tessa. There are so many other things causing havoc in this story, I cannot wait to get my hands on the second part, WICKED AND TRUE.

Chase “Zyron” Garrett and Tessa Lawrence's story is one filled with suspense, passion, and love. I will admit that I was totally blown away that the queen of BDSM Romance didn't have one erotic scene in this entire book yet it was steamy and utterly amazing.

If you have read One-Mile and Brea's story in WICKED AS SIN and WICKED EVER AFTER, events in this story run parallel with that one so you will encounter some familiar scenes but from a different point of view.

If you enjoy Romantic Suspense this story is one I would highly recommend.

Read an Excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewWaL

wicked as lies shayla black

Nadine's Obsessed with Books **I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Profile Image for Shayla Black.
Author 150 books9,997 followers
Read
February 10, 2021
He wants her…and he doesn’t care if she’s the enemy.

What do you get?
☑️ Sexy demolitions expert
☑️ Emotional slow burn
☑️ Sassy single mom
☑️ Romance AND suspense!
☑️ Twists and turns
☑️ Sexy, Sexy, Sexy!

Wicked as Lies is now available!

Get your copy today! http://shayla.link/WAL

Profile Image for Karen's Utterly Unashamed .
495 reviews39 followers
January 31, 2021
Zyron, a badass Zac Efron. What could be wrong with that?!?!? His actual name is Chase Garrett but goes by Zyron...Zac Efron-Zyron. He has his own celebrity mash up name, just for him. So clever, so fitting. I can just picture him. Can’t you!

“‘Some of the assholes I served with in Afghanistan decided I looked like Zac Efron. I’m not sure it was a compliment.’ ‘Since they basically called you pretty, I’m not sure it was, either. You poor bastard.’”

“I’ll answer to almost anything, but most people call me Zyron. Mr. Garrett is my dad, and Chase is a stupid-ass name. Not sure what my mother was thinking with that.”




Tessa, a single mom with a newborn, whose baby daddy is the worst type of loser. She needs someone to protect her and Zyron may just be the worst best choice.

“I saw the way she looked at you, like a savior who made her breathless.”


The problem is they work for the Edgington’s, a group of serious badass men made up of Navy Seals, military men, snipers, and the type of alpha men you just don’t cross. (Where do I apply for this receptionist job? I could/do/will love all these men.) Their contract states they can’t date within the office, no sex, no romance, no touching, no nothing. They both need their job for different reasons but their connection is undeniable. Everyone can see it and some want to use it.

Their missions in Mexico have been compromised. People are getting hurt. The office has a mole. Zyron is tasked with finding out who is leaking information. The two top suspects are his best friend and the woman he wants...badly.

“Because they want me to get close to you, to fuck you, and find out if you’ve been selling us out. Right now, I hate my goddamn job...but I want you more.”


Wicked as LIes tells the beginning of the story of Tessa and Zyron. All the Wicked characters make an appearance. It takes you back through some story we learned with those characters so if you have read the other books there is some overlap.

There is insta lust with these two. Once they meet they are magnetically drawn together but the story won’t be complete until the next book. I mean...there was no sex...none...in a Shayla Black book....in a series full of BDSM and steamy sex.




I will say I was shocked and a little miffed that this book ended before I felt the real story had begun. That said, I still loved this book and finished it in one day. Couldn’t put it down. There was chemistry, alpha protectiveness, and the development of a great love story.

Now, I just need the next book. LIke yesterday. Please.


An ARC was provided for an honest review.



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Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,564 followers
February 15, 2021
Good googly moogly! I’ve been dying for Zyron and Tessa’s story since the hint dropping in Wicked as Sin and Wicked Ever After and gosh darn was Wicked as Lies worth the wait!

I loved getting Zy and Tessa’s side of the interconnected story of this fantastic Wicked and Devoted series. Loved learning Zy’s background and just how much he held himself back from interfering with Tessa and her job—and his own—until he was finally let off the leash.

Wicked as Lies ends just when Zy and Tessa’s story was about to take a turn—and hopefully they’ll come out the end whole and figuring out who’s the company mole and also figuring out a way to have their happily ever after too!

I am dying to get my hands on Wicked and True when it releases in March. I cannot wait to see what happens! ~ Missy, 5 stars
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,762 reviews63 followers
February 4, 2021
Shayla Black has always been good at building the world her characters are in and again, this book proves it. It's book one of a duet and is the start of Zy and Tessa's story. They're attracted to each other but with that pesky no fraternizing clause in their work contracts, she refuses to step over that line as she needs her job. She is a single mother after all. When her ex starts causing problems at her job where she is the receptionist for a security firm, Zy becomes her bodyguard. When an event happens, the bosses realize that they have someone who is working against them and Zy is charged with finding out who it is. The drama that follows kept me turning the pages as he is put in a very uncomfortable spot that could cost him Tessa, in one form or another. We get to see One Mile and Bre and other characters from the two series that entertwine with this series. I honestly don't know how Ms. Black keeps everyone straight! LOL Like I mentioned above, this is the first book in a duet so yes, this one will end with a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next one. Poor Zy!!!!
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,204 reviews221 followers
February 9, 2021
5 Star review of Wicked As Lies (Wicked & Devoted #3) by Shayla Black

Book three is the Wicked & Devoted series and I could not wait to dive in and read.
This book has a lot going on and although not a particularly long book, Ms.Black certainly packed a lot in to it. Please be aware that this book is the first book about Chase “Zyron” Garrett and Tessa Lawrence so you have been warned and I for one cannot wait to see what is in store for them.

Thanks to an ex boyfriend who is harassing her, Zy is tasked with protecting the office secretary and that is when the complications start. Not only that, but there appears to be a “mole” in their organization and the clues point to Tessa who Zy is beginning to have feelings for. The attraction and chemistry sizzles between them and I hope that they can get the happily ever after they both deserve.

There were times that I was on the edge of my seat as the action heated up. All in all this was a captivating read with strong writing and characters who story you cannot help but become invested in.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
February 13, 2021
This one was interesting because a great portion of it ran in the same timeline as the previous books. I'm glad that things were the same scenes, more just mentions of events versus what was happening now.

I really liked Zy and Tessa and hate how they are being kept apart. It really annoys me because I think everyone can tell that things wouldn't be a one night thing between Zy and Tessa or that things would be sticky at the office. I feel like what the bosses have asked of Zy is out of line, he's in a no win situation. I have a feeling I know who is the mole and if so, the bosses will be burning a lot of bridges if they have Zy continue on the path they set him. My big worry is that Zy is going to get burned too.
Profile Image for TheSassyNerdBlog.
1,100 reviews434 followers
February 9, 2021
I NEED BOOK TWO!!!

As always, Shayla delivers a hot, intense, suspenseful read that had me hooked from page one.

I have wanted this book so bad and the moment I got it in my hands, I devoured every delicious word!

Zy and Tessa are as hot as hell! As much as they fight it, these two are meant to be...Will they be able to fight their desire for each other or will they give in to it?

This book was not only full of suspense and mystery, it held so much emotion, passion and heat... It completely consumed me and before I knew it I had read the entire book which has left me hanging! I neeeeeeed the next book!... Like NOW!!

5 Stars!
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
865 reviews7 followers
February 9, 2021
Work place romance

Zy comes to work for EM SECURITY as recommended by a friend Trees a former military and best friend, after being injured in a op gone bad he's doing bodyguard work for the company's secretary after a run in with her ex, Caleb Edgeington tasked Zy figure out who's selling them out to the cartel, revisiting old players in the wicked series, Hunter, Logan and Joaquin remind Zy and Tessa of the no fraternization clause they both signed, HOT and steamy, lust filled, secrets needing to be uncovered, who's selling them out, anticipation of the conclusion, I have voluntarily read and review this ARC, thank you for the privilege, thank you Dana Zamora
Profile Image for Angel Payne.
Author 90 books3,319 followers
February 3, 2021
Since I sensed something was totally up with Zy and Tessa in book 2 of this PHENOMENAL series, I was sincerely hoping that Ms. Black had some future plans for this beyond-interesting couple. Well, the love story she has given us with these two is beyond what I ever hoped and dreamed for them. "Wow" barely describes it. I'm so serious, y'all.
Zy and Tessa's romance starts as a sweet but magnetic attraction--but soon builds into so much more. Without spilling the tea, let me just say that Ms. Black doesn't miss a beat of their gorgeously emotional build-up, even after the major zinger of a spy time/suspense element is introduced. As a matter of fact, that mid-book development had me turning pages even faster--and, at the end, already screaming for the conclusion of this couple's roller coaster love affair, right the hell now!
Wow. Wow. Wow. I literally cannot say it enough when it comes to this beautifully-written treasure from the inimitable Ms. Black.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews91 followers
February 11, 2021
Tessa is a single mother who has recently returned to her job at EM Security however the transition is not going as smoothly as she would have liked when the ex that ended their relationship wants her back. Her employers are concerned about the threat so she now finds herself being protected by Zy, the co-worker that she must deny her attraction to or it could end the job she desperately needs.

After serving his country Zy is now working for EM Security. When he finds himself temporarily unable to go on assignments he is tasked with protecting Tessa however the biggest challenge may be not acting on the chemistry between them. Their situation takes a turn when they have an enemy within their midst and his responsibilities when it comes to Tessa evolved from protector to investigator.

Zy, Tessa and their situation draw you in as they leads us on a journey filled with intrigue and surprises. Their good intentions to deny their feelings for each other becomes more difficult with every passing day and leaves us wondering what the second part of their story holds.
Profile Image for Erica.
1,311 reviews33 followers
January 31, 2021
Holy cow, I was addicted by the end of the first chapter.
I inhaled this book last night, literally could not be bothered with real life enough to stop!
Zy and Tessa's story is amazing, I loved all of the characters and their personalities.
Tessa is hard working, making a life for herself and her daughter while fighting her attraction to Zy she's striving to become a good mother for her daughter.
Zy is the perfect hero. He's strong, loyal and head over heels in love with the one woman he can't touch.
The added suspense makes this a must read and I am beyond excited for March when the next book comes out, I can hardly wait I really wanted to step right into the next book and keep going.
Loved Wicked as Lies, my top read of the year so far!
Profile Image for Kathy Hackett.
102 reviews6 followers
February 3, 2021
OMG! .. This book has it all! Suspense, Bad Boy Security Operatives (my favorite) 2 people who are in love but couldn’t be together, off the charts chemistry.
I could not put this book down. The things Zyron had to go through at the job with his best friend Trees will make you dispise his bosses the Edgington’s so much! The love story between Zy and Tessa is so emotional and well written you feel like you are watching it play out in front of you and you are routing for them all the way. Shayla leaves you wanting more because this book ends with a cliffhanger. I was so glad to see some familiar people from past books throughout this book. I can’t wait for book 2 !!
Profile Image for Fallen Star Book Reviews.
589 reviews39 followers
February 22, 2021
This is the first part of Zy and Tessa’s story. Tessa is a new mom doing her best to get ready to return to work in a few weeks when an issue arises that she can’t quiet control. Zy has came to work for the company because Trees asked him too and they’ve known each other for a good long while and are friends. However being around Tessa is one thing that Zy hadn’t planned on and the no fraternization policy at work is not working in his favor. Overall I enjoyed every bit of it you get to see how this big tough guy can melt in front of Tessa’s daughter Hallie. I’m looking forward to the next piece of the story.
Profile Image for Lynn Thinking out loud .
1,482 reviews64 followers
February 8, 2021
Normally this would get a much lower rating because there is absolutely no steam in it. But I've read Shayla's books before so I know it will be coming in the next book since this one ended in a cliffhanger. Uggg is it March yet? That's when part 2 will be coming out.
Ok that being said. This book was wonderfully written. Loved the storyline and where it's going. Loved the danger and the sexual tension between Zyron and Tessa.
Logan,Hunter and Joaquin make an appearance in this book. Although I loved them in their own books, not so much in Wicked As Lies.
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews76 followers
February 23, 2021
Holy Crap. Wicked as Lies took my breath away. Although this is the third book in the Wicked & Devoted series (I did not know that at the time) I jumped right in and didn't miss a beat. Zyron & Tessa's story I couldn't put down and made me read until early in the morning. From the very first page and word to the very last page and word, I was enthralled with this story.

Zy is such an alpha man that you just want to hug and then take him to bed. He wants to protect Tessa with everything he has but has to walk a very fine line to keep his job. Nothing comes easy to him and his love life.

Tessa on the other hand has had a bad hand dealt to her when it comes to men. Zy is the first man that comes with an understanding that he wants to seriously take care of her, but she can't trust him enough to give up her job for that. Will it be too late to confess her love to Zy before it is too late?

I will be purchasing the other books to catch up and waiting for the others! Very enjoyable series.

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Profile Image for Christine Jalili.
2,189 reviews44 followers
February 6, 2021
Such a fantastic book. I was hooked from page one until the end and can’t wait for the conclusion. Loved feeling connected and even cried. Loved staying on edge, is there a mole among their team? Loved getting characters from prior books too. Really loved the chemistry between Zy and Tessa too. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Deborah.
971 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2024
I dnf’d this book. The narration was good and I love Shayla Black, but this book got boring pretty quick. No steamy scenes and dull storyline made me hang it up. Then we find out the story is even continued in another book. My time is more valuable than that.
Profile Image for Ria Alexander.
2,657 reviews51 followers
February 7, 2021
Breathtaking story of friendship and love

If there's one thing I've learnt when reading a Shayla Black novel ... keep an eye on the secondary characters. Chase "Zyron" Garrett and Tessa Lawrence are two such characters, now headlining Shayla's latest instalment in the WICKED & DEVOTED SERIES. WICKED AS LIES is part one in Zyron and Tessa duet, and it is an absolutely breathtaking story of friendship and love. It's sexy, romantic, sensual and frustrating. Why frustrating? Have you ever read a Shayla Black novel where there is NOT ONE SEX SCENE ... well neither have I. You know what, it wasn't missed or needed in this one, the heat between this couple came in so many other ways.

"I've run out of strength. It's taking all my will to leave you now. If you give me another chance, I'll strip you down, touch every sweet curve you have, and take you in every possible way."

Recently employed by a private security firm, Zy is given the task of being bodyguard to the firm's secretary, Tessa. Zy is a total badass alpha, protective, loyal and very headstrong. Tessa is a single mum, she's sweet, resilient, independent and very hardworking. It is quite literally lust at first sight when they meet - however their work contracts have a non-fraternization clause, which leads to some very frustrating moments. To make matters worse, Zy has been given the task of finding out who at the firm has been leaking vital information about their missions. Will this investigation affect his relationships with the people involved? Will he betray those he is loyal to or those who have tasked him with this duty?

"As hard as it is to be near you when I can't be with you ... it's harder being without you at all."

Watching the relationship between Zy and Tessa evolve was pure joy. Here was a single mum, who had no one to rely on, suddenly living with an over-protective, gorgeous, alpha male who certainly knew how to look after a woman. He was tender, caring, and helpful in every way possible. She had finally found someone she could trust and depend on, but was it more - had she finally found someone she could love? Could Zy be that man? Unable to declare their emotions, Zy and Tessa struggle with the limitations their employers had placed upon them. Is there any hope for their love or will circumstances tear them apart?

"The only woman I want is you."

This story has mystery and intrigue. Loyalties will be tested. Friendships put on the line. All typical from a Shayla Black novel. Once again old favorites are caught up with, which always makes my day. Bear in mind this story does run along the same timeline as previous books, so it makes it interesting seeing things from another view. Ending in a smallish cliffhanger, the final chapter left me wanting more. I NEED the second half of this amazing story. Luckily, WICKED AND TRUE, part 2 of Zyron and Tessa's story releases in March 2021, so not long to wait.

Another Shayla Black touch of brilliance.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE WICKED STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
Profile Image for Cami.
1,663 reviews76 followers
June 6, 2023
I will start out by saying I haven’t read any other books in the WICKED LOVERS series, so I feel like maybe I was a bit lost at times but still I liked it. This story about Zy and Tessa is a 2 book storyline so this one ends on a cliffhanger.

Chase Garrett aka Zyron, has been told he favors Zac Efron in looks, hence the nickname of Zyron. He is ex-military and now works for a private security firm. He is known to be a bit difficult and doesn’t always follow orders. After being injured on assignment he is healing form injuries but has been assigned to protect the security firm's secretary/assistant from an ex with a drinking problem that makes the Ex violent.

Tessa Lawrence is a single mom to a newborn baby girl. When her ex-boyfriend/baby daddy bailed on her, she ended up giving birth and caring for her baby with all the newborn challenges all alone. Now her ex has returned drunk & threatened her. When she contacts the police, her boss finds out and calls Zy to come & stay with her in case he tries to come back.

I liked that Zyron was attracted to Tessa before he even met her, after seeing her in a photograph at the office. She was on maternity leave when he first started with the company. After he is assigned to protect her the attraction grows, but unfortunately because they work together there is a non-fraternization clause in their contracts, and they are unable to act upon their attraction to one another. Zy is willing to risk it but Tessa needs the job too badly to take a chance and so being friends is how it has to stay.

Things begin to get problematic when Tessa decides to give her ex a second chance at being a dad. Then because several missions in Mexico have been compromised and people are getting captured & hurt the company is certain there is a mole amongst them. The bosses have narrowed down the possible suspects to be either Zy’s best friend Tree or Tessa and they want Zyron to figure out which one it is. I think I already know where the problem is & who is responsible, but I can’t wait to continue their story in the next book.
Profile Image for Mary Mooney.
2,539 reviews59 followers
January 30, 2021
I like stories with a suspenseful aspect and throw in a group of bad boy security operatives then all the better. I think I loved this one better than the others, bring on more Zy and Tessa.
We met Chase"Zy" Garrett at the beginning of this series but this one is about him coming to the security team and is more focused on him and his jobs. What he has to do and endure is not what you would think of as being part of this security team, but this team does what the government doesn't want to do. They rescue those that seem impossible to rescue, take out those wanting to harm others. When Zy gets injured, he is out of work for a little while but when the office secretary needs protection from her ex-boyfriend, the boss sends Zy to keep her safe.
Tessa Lawrence is alone in the world except for her baby girl. After her ex-boyfriend left her before the baby was born. Her job is all she has besides her baby until the night her ex shows up. Then she meets Zy, one of the guys from work who is there to protect her.
As Zy and Tessa spend time together they grow closer together but they know that nothing can happen between them, one or both of them can lose their jobs. Bust when an operation goes wrong and a team member gets captured because it seems the enemy knows their every move. The new bosses want Zy to find out who the mole is, first they want him to check his friend, then they want him to check out the woman he loves.
Will he be able to lie to those that trust him to find out who is the mole? Can he search for the truth without letting her know what he is doing? Will his actions ruin any chance of a future with the woman he loves?
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review and this is my honest opinion**
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
February 14, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

4.5*s of steamy chaste seduction!

This is the third book in the series, and you know going in that it is only the first part of Zy and Tessa's story, which is both good news (more to come) and bad news (no clear ending) ! I would definitely say that you need to have read the previous books in the series, as everything is interlinked. In fact this story runs parallel to them, and so we get a condensed version from a different viewpoint. I really enjoyed it, as it is inevitable that different couples meet concurrently, but we can only concentrate on one at a time. It is also good when it's been a while since I read the previous books, so this served as a reminder, but in real time, so felt absolutely seamless.

There is something incredibly sweet about this story, even though one could never really envisage that in the same sentence as the name Zyron. It is, as ever, fun and moving to watch a man come to terms with a significant change in his thinking. To finally feel that he may be able to feel things that he felt were beyond his grasp. But we are then also left on a bit of a clffhanger - although there is some clear hinting at what is really amiss ... now to be patient and find out if my suspicions are correct!

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Linda Dunn.
1,284 reviews29 followers
January 31, 2021
Waiting is a sign of true love and patience...

Another amazing story in the Wicked and Devoted series. I especially loved the interaction and chemistry between Zyron and Tessa. Chase Garrett nicknamed "Zyron" started working for a security company after being stationed in the Middle East. His boss tasks him to look after a single mother who is being tormented by her ex-boyfriend. He wasn't thrilled about the job at first but then he saw the woman he was to protect, Tessa. She was gorgeous and she stirred feelings in him he had never felt before.

Tessa is a single mother who loves her daughter above everything else, her ex, not so much. He had zero interest in her after she got pregnant with his child. He had even less for their daughter when she was born. When he gets drunk and comes over to see her, he scares her and Zyron is hired to guard her. Tessa is blown away by this giant of a man that possesses a kind side especially to her daughter. But the two of them could never be more than friends as they both work for the same company and policy would not allow it.

The atmosphere gets tense at work when it is discovered there is a mole amongst them. The race is on to find out who it is. This puts added stress to the now building relationship between Zyron and Tessa. There is angst and stifled emotions between them. This is the first book in the duet and I wait with bated breath for the conclusion of this story.
Profile Image for Kerry.
821 reviews
February 10, 2021
So, I am in two minds with this one and I have to say, I'm erring on the side of I didn't enjoy it as much as previous Shayla Black books I've read. There is suspense, drama, intrigue and romance but I found a lot of the book was repetitive of some of the first two in this series, just from differing POV and it was very 'beat around the bush'and that just simply made Zyron and Tessa's tale long winded and drawn out. I will admit, I am not a fan of books in parts and this one highlights for me why.....you can either completely smash this with enough content to make a book of many parts or you fail and it just becomes hard to read and enjoy, sadly, for me personally this one failed and I hope I am proven wrong in part two but I'm no where near as excited to see what happens next as I was in the first two in the series!
That aside, Zyron and Tessa have a nice relationship and one I'd like to see succeed as they both work really well together. I simply don't feel we get enough of them to see how they are and what they both want and need. I'm frustrated by the new 'owners' and am intrigued to see where this story line takes us (though I'm confused how they can be so different to the Colonel's aims of the team!) I also LOVE Trees and can't wait to see his story!
Overall not my favourite but we can't love them all! Lets hope part 2 gets me back on side!
2,539 reviews21 followers
February 11, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "WICKED AS LIES". WOW!!!!! What an amazing start Shayla Black really knows how to pull you right into the story full of mystery, suspense, intrigue, passion, angst, action, danger, wusts that make for a very addicting read.
Chase Garrett aka Zy works for a security firm in the Middle East they do jobs the gov't won't such rescuing those impossible to rescue taking out people wanting to harm others he gets injured on the job so he's out of work for the time being.
Tessa is a single mom who ex-boyfriend bailed before the baby came now he's back harassing her that's when Zys boss send him to protect her the attraction is immediate for them both on the first meet but there's a clause no hookups with co-workers she can't afford to lose her job.
Zy has been tasked to find the traitor in their midst security information about missions is getting out so that means the mole is at the security firm he's got to check out his friend & the woman he loves will this ruin his relationship with Tessa & his friend.
I definitely recommend to get this excellently written story with awesome characters that make for a very addicting read I loved the chemistry between Zy & Tessa will they get a HEA you have to get this book to see how it all turns out I so can't for the next book absolutely love this series.
Profile Image for Kristie.
313 reviews7 followers
February 11, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by Kristie K

Wicked as Lies
By: Shayla Black

Shayla Black is right on target…every time…

Wicked as Lies is the third installment of the vastly popular Wicked & Devoted series by Shayla Black. While you get to see some favorite characters, this one focuses on Zyron (aka Chase Garrett). The Zac Efron look-a-like has been assigned to protect a fellow co-worker, a woman that just so happens to push every one of his happy buttons. When the assignment takes on a whole new angle, Zyron finds himself breaking rules as the plot twists and turns. The woman stuck in the middle is Tessa Lawrence, office secretary and brand-new mom to an amazing newborn. Strong and independent, Tessa is determined to make it on her own. When things get dicey, Zyron enters the picture, and the tension only grows from there. The question is, will they be left standing when the tension finally breaks?
Shayla Black has expertly woven yet another tale of danger, intrigue, love, lust, and deception with twists and turns no one will see coming. A definite go-to author for me, Shayla successfully creates characters that jump off the page and into your heart, your very soul! Believable and infinitely REAL, these characters will speak to you. Each word is a balm to my soul, even as they take me on a roller coaster ride of emotions and excitement.

Kristie K
Profile Image for Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms.
2,516 reviews
February 9, 2021

Wicked as Lies is the 3rd book in the Wicked & Devoted series. This is Chase “Zyron” “Zy” Garrett and Tessa Lawrence’s story and it will be told in 2 parts.

It was great to catch up with the characters that have been introduced in Books 1 & 2 Wicked as Sin and Wicked Ever After. Trees has brought his friend Zy into the security agency where he has been working. Tessa has been out on maternity leave and will be coming back to work. Zy sees Tessa’s picture and is immediately drawn to her without having met her yet. Only problem is there is a clause in each of their contracts that doesn’t allow any romantic relationships as long as they work for the security agency. Well I hope you can imagine the sexual tension between these two.

There seemed to be some dissatisfaction on the work front with the change of hands. I wonder how Shayla Black is going to work that into the story!

Another very enjoyable story to add to the collection! I had a hard time putting this book down and even had to keep picking it up and reading it at work on my breaks.

Well damn! I can’t wait for March to get here. When Wicked and True, part two will be released! So you can probably tell there is a cliffhanger after part one.
169 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2021
Wicked as Lies is the next book in the Wicked & Devoted series. This is book one of Zy & Tessa’s story. Tessa is a single mom and the receptionist at the private security firm that Zy goes to work for. Zy becomes Tessa’s bodyguard when she is threatened by her ex-boyfriend who is also the father of her baby daughter. The attraction is instant between the two of them but due to a clause in their employment contracts they cannot act on it. They grow to rely on each other and get very close while fighting the urge to give in to their attraction. Once the Colonel retires and his sons and step son take over they enlist Zy to try and find the mole in the company after quite a few missions are compromised and people are hurt. They have narrowed it down to the two people closest to Zy and he has to decide if he can prove that they are not behind the leaks or walk away from the company and let the two people he cares most about be ruined. I also like the little bits of the previous stories we get glimpses of from other perspectives and I cannot wait till the second book in this duet comes out. I am excited to get the answers on the mole and see how Zy & Tessa’s relationship progresses.
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