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Lily's House #2
Tell Me No Lies
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
When Romance Takes A Deadly Turn With her trust fund in jeopardy, Tessa Crawford enters into a relationship with a mysterious neighbor that soon turns into something more passionate-and dangerous-than either of them could have imagined.
Gage Braxton, the guy from next door, is willing to help her out, but rumors hint that he's an ex-con. Tessa soon finds herself attracted to a man who has no intention of ever falling in love or of passing on his terrible legacy.
When Tessa stumbles across evidence that may be proof of Gage's innocence, suspects begin to line up. Someone is willing to kill again to see that the truth remains buried, and if Tessa doesn't hurry and solve the old murder, she will lose not only her chance at love but may become the murderer's next victim.
Rachel Branton has created an exciting, romantic story with a new take on a theme that never gets old.(less)
When Romance Takes A Deadly Turn With her trust fund in jeopardy, Tessa Crawford enters into a relationship with a mysterious neighbor that soon turns into something more passionate-and dangerous-than either of them could have imagined.
Gage Braxton, the guy from next door, is willing to help her out, but rumors hint that he's an ex-con. Tessa soon finds herself attracted to a man who has no intention of ever falling in love or of passing on his terrible legacy.
When Tessa stumbles across evidence that may be proof of Gage's innocence, suspects begin to line up. Someone is willing to kill again to see that the truth remains buried, and if Tessa doesn't hurry and solve the old murder, she will lose not only her chance at love but may become the murderer's next victim.
Rachel Branton has created an exciting, romantic story with a new take on a theme that never gets old.(less)
286 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2011
857 people are currently reading
1348 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Branton
32 books72 followersTeyla Rachel Branton grew up avidly reading science fiction and fantasy and watching Star Trek reruns with her large family. They lived on a little farm where she loved to visit the solitary cow and collect (and juggle) the eggs, usually making it back to the house with most of them intact. On that same farm she once owned thirty-three gerbils and eighteen cats, not a good mix, as it turns out. Teyla always had her nose in a book and daydreamed about someday creating her own worlds. She is now married, mostly grown up, and has seven kids, so life at her house can be very interesting (and loud), but writing keeps her sane. She thrives on the energy and daily amusement offered by her children, the semi-ordered chaos giving her a constant source of writing material. Grabbing any snatch of free time from her hectic life, Teyla writes novels full of mystery, romance, and imagination. She warns her children that if they don’t behave, they just might find themselves in her next book! She’s been known to wear pajamas all day when working on a deadline, and is often distracted enough to burn dinner. (Okay, pretty much 90% of the time.) A sign on her office door reads: DANGER. WRITER AT WORK. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK. She loves writing fiction and traveling, and she hopes to write and travel a lot more. She also loves shooting guns, martial arts, and belly dancing. She has worked in the publishing business for over twenty years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
January 26, 2016
It's Kindle freebie romance time of the week again, and this week's offering (sorry, no longer a freebie) is Tell Me No Lies. Tessa is engaged to Julian; both come from wealthy families in Flagstaff, Arizona, and their marriage is important to both families since it's oiling a business contract between their companies. Still, Tessa loves (or thinks she loves) Julian ... so it stings her bitterly when a friend tells her that Julian's been cheating on her, a couple of days before the wedding.
Tessa needs to get married to get hold of the money from her family trust--for reasons--so she decides to take off to Las Vegas and find some poor, unsuspecting dude to marry her for long enough to get the dough. Scruffy ex-con Gage, a local acquaintance, volunteers to help her out instead. So off they head to Vegas to do the deed! Kind of. They're keeping it platonic, with a few kisses here and there. (Seriously, I generally expect a little more heat with my marriage-of-convenience tales! But this one couldn't be cleaner if you scrubbed it with Ivory soap.)
And then suddenly the mystery of Gage's incarceration takes center stage. It takes the LONGEST time for Tessa to even find out why he was even in jail; Gage is extremely close-mouthed about it, but his deaf sister, who Tessa and Gage are visiting after their "marriage," insists that he was not really guilty. Surely Tessa can figure out what went wrong, who's really guilty and Fix. Everything!
This is a light, quick read, and I was mildly interested in finding out what happened. The characters and the story overall are pretty superficial, and the plot rather contrived. But for a book that's more or less self-published, this isn't too bad, just forgettable. And the grammar and punctuation didn't make me mad, so cheers for that. By virtue of having a mystery with a little bit of meat to it, even though the resolution was pretty far-fetched, it escapes a place on my dreaded "marshmallows are less fluffy" shelf.
It might be as fluffy as a stuffed unicorn, though.
Tessa needs to get married to get hold of the money from her family trust--for reasons--so she decides to take off to Las Vegas and find some poor, unsuspecting dude to marry her for long enough to get the dough. Scruffy ex-con Gage, a local acquaintance, volunteers to help her out instead. So off they head to Vegas to do the deed! Kind of. They're keeping it platonic, with a few kisses here and there. (Seriously, I generally expect a little more heat with my marriage-of-convenience tales! But this one couldn't be cleaner if you scrubbed it with Ivory soap.)
And then suddenly the mystery of Gage's incarceration takes center stage. It takes the LONGEST time for Tessa to even find out why he was even in jail; Gage is extremely close-mouthed about it, but his deaf sister, who Tessa and Gage are visiting after their "marriage," insists that he was not really guilty. Surely Tessa can figure out what went wrong, who's really guilty and Fix. Everything!
This is a light, quick read, and I was mildly interested in finding out what happened. The characters and the story overall are pretty superficial, and the plot rather contrived. But for a book that's more or less self-published, this isn't too bad, just forgettable. And the grammar and punctuation didn't make me mad, so cheers for that. By virtue of having a mystery with a little bit of meat to it, even though the resolution was pretty far-fetched, it escapes a place on my dreaded "marshmallows are less fluffy" shelf.
It might be as fluffy as a stuffed unicorn, though.
July 7, 2017
What a great read - I really enjoyed this one!!
Gage is something else - such a dangerous, strong willed bad boy yet so sweet and loving, gentle and protective.
The characters in this story are beautiful and come to life easily before your eyes. They have qualities that make you love them and connect with them all.
When Tessa finds out the truth about her fiancee all hell breaks lose and she risks losing everything for herself and her sister. She can not let her sister down!
Her snooty rich family and arrogant ex fiancee prove to be relentless as Tessa makes changes in her life to get waht she wants and needs.
She learns truths she never knew and things about herself she never thought she would.
The story line is fantastic and the way it plays out is entertaining. I really enjoyed the drama and excitement and it was so nice to read something different for a change. I'm so tired of all the same stories revamped over and over.
Gage is something else - such a dangerous, strong willed bad boy yet so sweet and loving, gentle and protective.
The characters in this story are beautiful and come to life easily before your eyes. They have qualities that make you love them and connect with them all.
When Tessa finds out the truth about her fiancee all hell breaks lose and she risks losing everything for herself and her sister. She can not let her sister down!
Her snooty rich family and arrogant ex fiancee prove to be relentless as Tessa makes changes in her life to get waht she wants and needs.
She learns truths she never knew and things about herself she never thought she would.
The story line is fantastic and the way it plays out is entertaining. I really enjoyed the drama and excitement and it was so nice to read something different for a change. I'm so tired of all the same stories revamped over and over.
April 14, 2013
Gotta thank my buds over at Fiction Vixon Reviews for mentioning this book on a Friday Freebies post. Thank you girls! This books was a surprise for me; I liked it much more than I expected to, as I had never heard of this author before.
Ms. Branton wrote a well-crafted story of love lost, love found and love that was always there. Her pacing was excellent and her plot a bit surprising. But as with all good romances, our heroine got the "good" guy in the end. I make note of "good", because for most of this little book, Tessa thinks she's married the BAD guy!
Tess finds out 2 days before her wedding that Justin, her well-to-do fiance, is really cheating pond scum. Her parents did not marry for love so really don't get why she's angry and hurt and most of all, cancelling her wedding! To further muck it up, she NEEDS to get married at age 25 so that she'll get her trust fund that her grandfather left for her - not for herself but for her younger sister, Lily. You see, Lily ran away and married her love at 18 but times are so very tough and they have several young abused girls living with them while they try to teach them about how love and life should be (yay Lily & Mario!). She doesn't think she can hang on to their house until she turns 25 and gets her portion of the inheritance, so Tessa needs the money for Lily. She decides to thumb it to Las Vegas and marry the first man who'll agree, even going so far as to offer a $50,000 fee for a quickie marraige!
While comiserating with her beautiful horse, Serenity, she runs into a bearded man who lives behind their ranch. She's seen him many times while in the pasture, they've talked but she doesn't really know him. Not even his name. When he hears Tessa's plan, he offers to marry her but tries to decline the money (Tess thinks he just wants more). Away they head to Vegas on his bike...and Tessa's doubts start. Who exactly is this man? He could be an axe-murderer for all she knows about Gage! But he is SO nice, so sweet to her and she buries her doubts and gets ready for a Chapel of Love ceremony. She has a beautiful dress and hair and make-up, and thinks Gage is a pretty fantastic looking man after he shaves and puts on a suit! Of course, this is when she encounters two old biddies from Gage's hometown and they tell her that Gage really IS a murderer!
The rest of the book is wonderful and bittersweet and then terrifying. Read it. Pay for it if you have to!
Ms. Branton wrote a well-crafted story of love lost, love found and love that was always there. Her pacing was excellent and her plot a bit surprising. But as with all good romances, our heroine got the "good" guy in the end. I make note of "good", because for most of this little book, Tessa thinks she's married the BAD guy!
Tess finds out 2 days before her wedding that Justin, her well-to-do fiance, is really cheating pond scum. Her parents did not marry for love so really don't get why she's angry and hurt and most of all, cancelling her wedding! To further muck it up, she NEEDS to get married at age 25 so that she'll get her trust fund that her grandfather left for her - not for herself but for her younger sister, Lily. You see, Lily ran away and married her love at 18 but times are so very tough and they have several young abused girls living with them while they try to teach them about how love and life should be (yay Lily & Mario!). She doesn't think she can hang on to their house until she turns 25 and gets her portion of the inheritance, so Tessa needs the money for Lily. She decides to thumb it to Las Vegas and marry the first man who'll agree, even going so far as to offer a $50,000 fee for a quickie marraige!
While comiserating with her beautiful horse, Serenity, she runs into a bearded man who lives behind their ranch. She's seen him many times while in the pasture, they've talked but she doesn't really know him. Not even his name. When he hears Tessa's plan, he offers to marry her but tries to decline the money (Tess thinks he just wants more). Away they head to Vegas on his bike...and Tessa's doubts start. Who exactly is this man? He could be an axe-murderer for all she knows about Gage! But he is SO nice, so sweet to her and she buries her doubts and gets ready for a Chapel of Love ceremony. She has a beautiful dress and hair and make-up, and thinks Gage is a pretty fantastic looking man after he shaves and puts on a suit! Of course, this is when she encounters two old biddies from Gage's hometown and they tell her that Gage really IS a murderer!
The rest of the book is wonderful and bittersweet and then terrifying. Read it. Pay for it if you have to!
April 10, 2014
3.5
I liked this one. I thought the story was fun and it fit my mood. Tessa was a likable character. The book starts with her finding out some secrets about her fiancé and she decides to run away. In order to get her trust fund she has to marry and ends up having her ex-con sexy neighbor volunteer for the role. I liked Gage, he had the whole motorcycle bad-boy thing going for him. I liked that he was kinda broody, but also a sweetheart. I like how he treats Tessa, they had good chemistry. I thought the mystery was pretty good, even though Tessa was kind of an idiot (I mean, if you suspect someone of murder you don't go confront them by yourself! You're just asking for trouble!) I wasn't sure why she didn't confide in Gage all the things she was learning about his case, but I guess that's just the way it goes. Overall, it was a fun read.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: Mild
I liked this one. I thought the story was fun and it fit my mood. Tessa was a likable character. The book starts with her finding out some secrets about her fiancé and she decides to run away. In order to get her trust fund she has to marry and ends up having her ex-con sexy neighbor volunteer for the role. I liked Gage, he had the whole motorcycle bad-boy thing going for him. I liked that he was kinda broody, but also a sweetheart. I like how he treats Tessa, they had good chemistry. I thought the mystery was pretty good, even though Tessa was kind of an idiot (I mean, if you suspect someone of murder you don't go confront them by yourself! You're just asking for trouble!) I wasn't sure why she didn't confide in Gage all the things she was learning about his case, but I guess that's just the way it goes. Overall, it was a fun read.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: Mild
November 7, 2013
Really, really good. I was sucked in from page one. Fast paced, action, romance, mystery. Just great!
Moral Note: No language, clean romance, mild violence.
Moral Note: No language, clean romance, mild violence.
April 2, 2014
Tell me No Lies is a very short book by Rachel Branton and is an easy read.
Tessa finds out that her fiancée has cheated on her and she cannot take this. She runs away with Gage, a stranger in town. Gage has met and talked to Tessa before about her horse Serenity. Serenity likes him so he must be OK. Tessa must marry to get her trust from her grandfather. She needs the money to help her sister Lily. She pays Gage to marry her to get the money. Gage sets up a wedding in Las Vegas; but it isn't real. On the way home from Vegas, they stop in Kingman to see his sister. Here Tessa finds out that Gage was in prison for 6 years for murder. However, Mia says he didn't commit the murder. He was just protecting her from her rapist. When Mia left to get help, Gage was unconscious as was Skeet. When she got back with help, Skeet had been murdered and Gage was the only one around. Gage take the blame as he doesn't want Mia to have to go through the mess of a trial and have her rape become general knowledge. Tessa falls for Gage and with Mia tried to prove his innocence while trying to figure out how to get her inheritance.
Tessa finds out that her fiancée has cheated on her and she cannot take this. She runs away with Gage, a stranger in town. Gage has met and talked to Tessa before about her horse Serenity. Serenity likes him so he must be OK. Tessa must marry to get her trust from her grandfather. She needs the money to help her sister Lily. She pays Gage to marry her to get the money. Gage sets up a wedding in Las Vegas; but it isn't real. On the way home from Vegas, they stop in Kingman to see his sister. Here Tessa finds out that Gage was in prison for 6 years for murder. However, Mia says he didn't commit the murder. He was just protecting her from her rapist. When Mia left to get help, Gage was unconscious as was Skeet. When she got back with help, Skeet had been murdered and Gage was the only one around. Gage take the blame as he doesn't want Mia to have to go through the mess of a trial and have her rape become general knowledge. Tessa falls for Gage and with Mia tried to prove his innocence while trying to figure out how to get her inheritance.
March 28, 2013
A really good read for a relaxing afternoon. The story was fairly obvious and I found no real surprises but it was well written...it was not, however, well edited. Lots of typos and grammatical errors. I don't know why this is happening more and more. Do writers need proof-readers? Sign me up!
Anyway....it was a good story. The characters were really likable and the book reads pretty fast. I read the whole thing in a day. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good love story/whodunit.
Anyway....it was a good story. The characters were really likable and the book reads pretty fast. I read the whole thing in a day. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good love story/whodunit.
April 6, 2013
enjoyable, quick read. romance, suspense, mystery. i'd be willing to read more from this author.
June 13, 2013
I so enjoyed this spirited book. I love the girl power taking control of your own life. Finding LOVE, so sweet! I love it! Real life situations in a fictional book. I love this author!
July 7, 2017
This was an alright read. It got a little confusing here and there. But eh!
I'm not sure how I felt about Tessa. I get that she was young but still. The relationship between her and her parents, especially her mother...why bother trying to make things better between the two of you, if you know your mother isn't going to care? Even at the end, she invites her mother to her wedding. The fact that she was baby talking to the baby, stupid. It just didn't make any sense to me. Tessa's sister was in danger of losing the baby, yet, she could have cared less. IDK.
Questions/Comments:
At one point, Tessa was thinking about the fact that she would have to think of some excuses as to why her parents couldn't meet Gage. Why? Considering her parents didn't care about her, they just wanted what was good for them/company. Why bother? Not to include the fact she was an adult.
Tessa basically runs away with just her backpack. Inside are some clothes and her laptop. So Gage has his motorcycle. He had a compartment where she could put said backpack. Now...inside said compartment is a duffle bag. How big is this compartment?
Did Tessa really need a nickname? Strange that it was brought up like only once.
I never really understood the thing with Skeeter being killed, while Mia was out of the room and Gage was unconscious. It just made no sense to me. They're in a small town right? IDK. Did the cops already have something against Gage? They'd just rather have him go to prison then look for the actual killer? Oh wait...didn't he say he was guilty??
What type of convenience store sells fire place pokers? Seriously? There were just way too many questions with Skeeter's murder.
How exactly would it be considered fraud if Tessa and Gage had really gotten married? Wouldn't this be considered a private matter?
Tessa was trying to get the one cop to come with her but he had an appointment. Yet, when Bailey shows up, he leaves with her...
How long had Tessa and Julian been dating?
How did Charlie and Bailey know how much money Tessa would be getting? Obviously it was Bailey that called Tessa's lawyer guy, but how did she even know about the money to begin with? That was never explained.
What ever happened to Mia's husband. He was all talked about but Tessa never met him.
I'm not sure how I felt about Tessa. I get that she was young but still. The relationship between her and her parents, especially her mother...why bother trying to make things better between the two of you, if you know your mother isn't going to care? Even at the end, she invites her mother to her wedding. The fact that she was baby talking to the baby, stupid. It just didn't make any sense to me. Tessa's sister was in danger of losing the baby, yet, she could have cared less. IDK.
Questions/Comments:
At one point, Tessa was thinking about the fact that she would have to think of some excuses as to why her parents couldn't meet Gage. Why? Considering her parents didn't care about her, they just wanted what was good for them/company. Why bother? Not to include the fact she was an adult.
Tessa basically runs away with just her backpack. Inside are some clothes and her laptop. So Gage has his motorcycle. He had a compartment where she could put said backpack. Now...inside said compartment is a duffle bag. How big is this compartment?
Did Tessa really need a nickname? Strange that it was brought up like only once.
I never really understood the thing with Skeeter being killed, while Mia was out of the room and Gage was unconscious. It just made no sense to me. They're in a small town right? IDK. Did the cops already have something against Gage? They'd just rather have him go to prison then look for the actual killer? Oh wait...didn't he say he was guilty??
What type of convenience store sells fire place pokers? Seriously? There were just way too many questions with Skeeter's murder.
How exactly would it be considered fraud if Tessa and Gage had really gotten married? Wouldn't this be considered a private matter?
Tessa was trying to get the one cop to come with her but he had an appointment. Yet, when Bailey shows up, he leaves with her...
How long had Tessa and Julian been dating?
How did Charlie and Bailey know how much money Tessa would be getting? Obviously it was Bailey that called Tessa's lawyer guy, but how did she even know about the money to begin with? That was never explained.
What ever happened to Mia's husband. He was all talked about but Tessa never met him.
March 22, 2016
I picked up Tell Me No Lies as a kindle freebie and I was drawn to it because I love the anti-hero theme and the hero Gage was an ex. con. Unfortunately (for me) TMNL is what I call a "bait & switch" story...I think I'm getting an anti-hero, but what I end up with is a pure as the driven snow, innocent wrongfully accused hero who could be canonized for sainthood.
Aside from that disappointment, the story was short and sweet, rated G, appropriate for middle schoolers, no cussing, no sex. The main characters exchange 2 or 3 kisses. The gist of the story centered around the mystery of proving Gage's innocence, and the romance centered around Gage and Tessa being thrown together in a quickie fake marriage to save Tessa from her cheating fiance and allow her to gain access to her trust fund.
I did notice that certain plot points were very far fetched and contrived which was a minor annoyance since I wasn't really invested in the story/characters to begin with. I felt Gage could have been a bit more developed as I really didn't understand why he was so concerned about his reputation.
I also don't understand the sentiment that if someone committed a murder in a very specific situation, that people would then assume the person is some sort of Jack the Ripper, mindless serial killer who isn't safe to be around. I'm not advocating murder, but there is a difference between a "crime of passion" and an indiscriminate mindless killer (just a pet peeve).
So overall, not a bad story, a very quick read; especially recommended for younger readers and people who like squeaky clean romance. I didn't really notice any typos.
Aside from that disappointment, the story was short and sweet, rated G, appropriate for middle schoolers, no cussing, no sex. The main characters exchange 2 or 3 kisses. The gist of the story centered around the mystery of proving Gage's innocence, and the romance centered around Gage and Tessa being thrown together in a quickie fake marriage to save Tessa from her cheating fiance and allow her to gain access to her trust fund.
I did notice that certain plot points were very far fetched and contrived which was a minor annoyance since I wasn't really invested in the story/characters to begin with. I felt Gage could have been a bit more developed as I really didn't understand why he was so concerned about his reputation.
I also don't understand the sentiment that if someone committed a murder in a very specific situation, that people would then assume the person is some sort of Jack the Ripper, mindless serial killer who isn't safe to be around. I'm not advocating murder, but there is a difference between a "crime of passion" and an indiscriminate mindless killer (just a pet peeve).
So overall, not a bad story, a very quick read; especially recommended for younger readers and people who like squeaky clean romance. I didn't really notice any typos.
May 18, 2016
What a good, fast-paced read. This one grabs you from the first page and continues to hold your attention throughout the story. The storyline isn't especially new, but Rachel Ann Nunes keeps it fresh through a few twists and turns.
Tessa is about to be married when she finds out that her fiance is cheating. It's her BFF that brings the news just days before the wedding, but does she have an ulterior motive? Maybe. Maybe not. Depends on who you believe and how suspicious you are. One thing leads to another and Tessa decides she has to completely remove herself from the situation before her overbearing mother guilts her into doing something she knows she shouldn't. It all happens quickly and purely on impulse. Gage happens to be the knight in shining armor. Or maybe not. Does he have an ulterior motive? Maybe. Maybe not.
I've had this in my Nook library for a long time, I'm glad I finally decided to open it up!
Tessa is about to be married when she finds out that her fiance is cheating. It's her BFF that brings the news just days before the wedding, but does she have an ulterior motive? Maybe. Maybe not. Depends on who you believe and how suspicious you are. One thing leads to another and Tessa decides she has to completely remove herself from the situation before her overbearing mother guilts her into doing something she knows she shouldn't. It all happens quickly and purely on impulse. Gage happens to be the knight in shining armor. Or maybe not. Does he have an ulterior motive? Maybe. Maybe not.
I've had this in my Nook library for a long time, I'm glad I finally decided to open it up!
November 21, 2014
Tessa is days away from her wedding when she finds out her fiancé is not who she thinks he is. She decides to elope with a neighbor to help her get her trust fund money to help her sister. She soon realized he's more than she thought he was and they work together to help each other!
I got sucked into this book right from the start and spent most of my afternoon reading it. And I was shocked to find Rachel Ann Nunes photo at the end of this Rachel Branton book. I loved Nunes in high school but felt like her books were getting too predictable, this book has convince me to give her another chance!
I got sucked into this book right from the start and spent most of my afternoon reading it. And I was shocked to find Rachel Ann Nunes photo at the end of this Rachel Branton book. I loved Nunes in high school but felt like her books were getting too predictable, this book has convince me to give her another chance!
March 30, 2017
Captivating!
This book was even better than the 1st. A clean romance with humor and mystery. The characters were well rounded and likable. A great story that drew me in from the beginning and kept me reading until the very last. I highly recommend to those who enjoy a sweet romance with a bit of mystery.
This book was even better than the 1st. A clean romance with humor and mystery. The characters were well rounded and likable. A great story that drew me in from the beginning and kept me reading until the very last. I highly recommend to those who enjoy a sweet romance with a bit of mystery.
March 25, 2013
Not too shabby... I'm not usualy crazy about "who-done-its" and really Tessa seemed a lil hen witted to me at times but over all a good read.
*Also very PG rated for those who like to know... hard to tell now days.
*Also very PG rated for those who like to know... hard to tell now days.
May 27, 2017
Wasn't ready for it to end
These characters were intoxicating. So much so that I wasn't ready for it to end.
Great job on another clean yet intriguing book.
These characters were intoxicating. So much so that I wasn't ready for it to end.
Great job on another clean yet intriguing book.
February 24, 2021
3.5 **
The first half was a little slow but the book picked up in the second half. A good read.
The first half was a little slow but the book picked up in the second half. A good read.
August 21, 2021
Good suspenseful story. Risk and danger, and some love.
June 19, 2021
Loved it
Absolutely loved this book and the characters. There is so much going on in this book that you find yourself in the edge of your seat wondering who really was the murderer. Also loving the romance and getting together for Tessa and Gage.
Absolutely loved this book and the characters. There is so much going on in this book that you find yourself in the edge of your seat wondering who really was the murderer. Also loving the romance and getting together for Tessa and Gage.
October 17, 2017
Tesla and Gage
Overall, I really liked this read. Tessa started off like a debutante, but thank goodness she found her spine. Between her and Gage they had enough drama to last a lifetime. So glad they got their hea.
Overall, I really liked this read. Tessa started off like a debutante, but thank goodness she found her spine. Between her and Gage they had enough drama to last a lifetime. So glad they got their hea.
November 24, 2013
Also posted to Jen in Bookland
Tell Me No Lies really surprised me. It wasn't as intense as I thought it would be, but it was good. The writing, especially when talking about how different people spoke, was beautiful. For example when speaking of Gage's sister Mia, who is deaf, it was really nice and a different way of saying things. There was a part where Tessa walked in on Dylan, Mia's son, and Mia signing and she thought how silent it was, wondering if when Mia's husband Aiden was home if he turned on music or something. Then she realized wait, just because she can't understand the language they are speaking doesn't mean it is silent. It is just different, and she needs to look at things differently. They are obviously having a conversation and it is just not the same level of noise as it would be if they were speaking aloud. It was just really nicely written and I loved the way the author spoke about these things.
The story starts off with Tessa learning her fiance has been cheating on her days before the wedding. She is obviously upset, like most people would be as it hurts some when you find out something like this. Though she has that hurt because it happened, she doesn't actually seem to be that upset about Julian, more upset that she cannot help her sister now. She needs to be married to get her trust fund so her sister can stay in her house. Enter Gage who stumbles across her upset and does what he can to help out. It was obvious from the start that Gage liked her, and so it wasn't really surprising when he offered to marry her to help her out.
Gage seemed like a good guy. Yes he is an ex-con, but he is so caring towards those in his life. He obviously did not do what he was accused of, what he served time for, but he also didn't want anyone to do anything else about it. He wanted to try and move on, even though he couldn't in his own life. He cares so much for everyone else you just want to find a way to help him.
Tessa and Mia try and solve the mystery of who did kill the guy Gage was found guilty of killing, and things start to get a little intense. It is not really bad until the end. The ending was great, and not super quick like with most books. You get there and I was pleasantly surprised how long it took to resolve everything. It was great trying to figure out who really did it, and how crazy some of the people really are. It took a while, but everything works out in the end.
Overall I was pleasantly surprised by this book. There were many parts that I found so beautifully written, and the story was fun to read. Sure they fall in love quickly, but I didn't care. It wasn't insta love, but it was sweet.
Tell Me No Lies really surprised me. It wasn't as intense as I thought it would be, but it was good. The writing, especially when talking about how different people spoke, was beautiful. For example when speaking of Gage's sister Mia, who is deaf, it was really nice and a different way of saying things. There was a part where Tessa walked in on Dylan, Mia's son, and Mia signing and she thought how silent it was, wondering if when Mia's husband Aiden was home if he turned on music or something. Then she realized wait, just because she can't understand the language they are speaking doesn't mean it is silent. It is just different, and she needs to look at things differently. They are obviously having a conversation and it is just not the same level of noise as it would be if they were speaking aloud. It was just really nicely written and I loved the way the author spoke about these things.
The story starts off with Tessa learning her fiance has been cheating on her days before the wedding. She is obviously upset, like most people would be as it hurts some when you find out something like this. Though she has that hurt because it happened, she doesn't actually seem to be that upset about Julian, more upset that she cannot help her sister now. She needs to be married to get her trust fund so her sister can stay in her house. Enter Gage who stumbles across her upset and does what he can to help out. It was obvious from the start that Gage liked her, and so it wasn't really surprising when he offered to marry her to help her out.
Gage seemed like a good guy. Yes he is an ex-con, but he is so caring towards those in his life. He obviously did not do what he was accused of, what he served time for, but he also didn't want anyone to do anything else about it. He wanted to try and move on, even though he couldn't in his own life. He cares so much for everyone else you just want to find a way to help him.
Tessa and Mia try and solve the mystery of who did kill the guy Gage was found guilty of killing, and things start to get a little intense. It is not really bad until the end. The ending was great, and not super quick like with most books. You get there and I was pleasantly surprised how long it took to resolve everything. It was great trying to figure out who really did it, and how crazy some of the people really are. It took a while, but everything works out in the end.
Overall I was pleasantly surprised by this book. There were many parts that I found so beautifully written, and the story was fun to read. Sure they fall in love quickly, but I didn't care. It wasn't insta love, but it was sweet.
September 12, 2013
So, I downloaded this book expecting it to be "meh," but I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting, well written, well plotted, and the characters were believable and quite complete.
The heroine was well written and had good characterization. I liked that she made mistakes and wasn't 100% certain about all of her decisions. I was able to relate to her and her decisions, despite the fact that we have very little in common. The hero was also well written, maybe not quite as good as the heroine, but still relatable and interesting. The plot was interesting and had some action and intrigue woven into it. The action sequences in this book were well done, I felt they were real and engaging without being long winded or graphic. The mystery was a nice addition, but didn't take center stage. The plot was solid, if a little wandering. It was a good read, a book that I enjoyed reading and would read again.
There were some little flaws, but nothing that really detracted from the book. I really enjoyed this book and I was so happy to see it was a clean read. I will definitely watch for more books by this author.
The heroine was well written and had good characterization. I liked that she made mistakes and wasn't 100% certain about all of her decisions. I was able to relate to her and her decisions, despite the fact that we have very little in common. The hero was also well written, maybe not quite as good as the heroine, but still relatable and interesting. The plot was interesting and had some action and intrigue woven into it. The action sequences in this book were well done, I felt they were real and engaging without being long winded or graphic. The mystery was a nice addition, but didn't take center stage. The plot was solid, if a little wandering. It was a good read, a book that I enjoyed reading and would read again.
There were some little flaws, but nothing that really detracted from the book. I really enjoyed this book and I was so happy to see it was a clean read. I will definitely watch for more books by this author.
April 20, 2013
With her trust fund in jeopardy, Tessa Crawford enters into a relationship with a mysterious neighbor that soon turns into something more passionate—and dangerous—than either of them could have imagined.
Two days before her wedding, Tessa Crawford’s world crumbles, leaving her hurt and betrayed. Worse, if Tessa doesn’t marry and receive her trust fund, her younger sister will lose her house and the homeless girls she helps will have nowhere to go.
But Tessa can't marry just anyone, can she?
Gage Braxton, the guy from next door, is willing to help her out, but rumors hint that he's an ex-con. Tessa soon finds herself attracted to a man who has no intention of ever falling in love or of passing on his terrible legacy.
When Tessa stumbles across evidence that may be proof of Gage's innocence, suspects begin to line up. Someone is willing to kill again to see that the truth remains buried, and if Tessa doesn't hurry and solve the old murder, she will lose not only her chance at love but may become the murderer's next victim.
Two days before her wedding, Tessa Crawford’s world crumbles, leaving her hurt and betrayed. Worse, if Tessa doesn’t marry and receive her trust fund, her younger sister will lose her house and the homeless girls she helps will have nowhere to go.
But Tessa can't marry just anyone, can she?
Gage Braxton, the guy from next door, is willing to help her out, but rumors hint that he's an ex-con. Tessa soon finds herself attracted to a man who has no intention of ever falling in love or of passing on his terrible legacy.
When Tessa stumbles across evidence that may be proof of Gage's innocence, suspects begin to line up. Someone is willing to kill again to see that the truth remains buried, and if Tessa doesn't hurry and solve the old murder, she will lose not only her chance at love but may become the murderer's next victim.
May 27, 2014
Minor spoilers in this review
It was a good plot that kept me wanting to find out what happened next, however the heroin's attitude toward the hero got on my nerves the first half of the book. She likes the hero, but tells herself he's only helping her for the money; she is attracted to him, but she reminds herself he's a convict; she was stingy with the money she insisted he take after her inheritance goes through though it was clear to me he couldn't care less for it but was helping out because he cared for her. There were a few more instances where her attitude flipped / flopped with our hero and was rather annoying. I am glad I kept reading because it picks up and our heroin's attitude gets a lot better making her more like able, plus I liked how the mystery of who the real murderer was came together at the end and kept me guessing. Overall I'd give the first half 3 stars and the second half 4 stars.
It was a good plot that kept me wanting to find out what happened next, however the heroin's attitude toward the hero got on my nerves the first half of the book. She likes the hero, but tells herself he's only helping her for the money; she is attracted to him, but she reminds herself he's a convict; she was stingy with the money she insisted he take after her inheritance goes through though it was clear to me he couldn't care less for it but was helping out because he cared for her. There were a few more instances where her attitude flipped / flopped with our hero and was rather annoying. I am glad I kept reading because it picks up and our heroin's attitude gets a lot better making her more like able, plus I liked how the mystery of who the real murderer was came together at the end and kept me guessing. Overall I'd give the first half 3 stars and the second half 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2013
I picked up this book as a freebie on Bookbub. I was immediately drawn into the story ... well multiple stories. I love a book with layers and this was absolutely that. Tessa is a woman at a crossroads. She is told my her best friend that her fiance, whom she is marrying in 2 days, has been cheating. For any woman this would be a turning point but for Tessa it is not just should she marry this man but why am I marrying this man? Oh yeah, an inheritance. Don't worry, Tessa isn't money hungry, she's a do-gooder.
As the story unfolds we find that she is finding herself, the man of her dreams and to stand up for herself and take control ... literally.
There are bursts of humor throughout what becomes a "who dun it" all teh while you see two individuals fall in love.
A great simple fun weekend read.
As the story unfolds we find that she is finding herself, the man of her dreams and to stand up for herself and take control ... literally.
There are bursts of humor throughout what becomes a "who dun it" all teh while you see two individuals fall in love.
A great simple fun weekend read.
December 23, 2016
An unexpected adventure...
is just what the doctor ordered for a broken heart and exactly what ensues when Tessa stomps away from the wrong guy with nothing more than a backpack.. Running right into the guy who was there all along. Will their ruse work? Could they if he's freed from his own demons.
Tell Me No Lies is as engaging as it is mysterious from the start, proving Branton's cross genre success is no mistake. Flowing seamlessly into the themes of Lily's House, the characters don't shy away from fighting for those they love and reaching out to those in need, even when what's right is as amorphous as the twisted lies that surround them.
Get caught up in the mystery, and it may even heal something inside that you've long pushed away: freeing you to tell no more lies and help others living through the experiences of your past!
is just what the doctor ordered for a broken heart and exactly what ensues when Tessa stomps away from the wrong guy with nothing more than a backpack.. Running right into the guy who was there all along. Will their ruse work? Could they if he's freed from his own demons.
Tell Me No Lies is as engaging as it is mysterious from the start, proving Branton's cross genre success is no mistake. Flowing seamlessly into the themes of Lily's House, the characters don't shy away from fighting for those they love and reaching out to those in need, even when what's right is as amorphous as the twisted lies that surround them.
Get caught up in the mystery, and it may even heal something inside that you've long pushed away: freeing you to tell no more lies and help others living through the experiences of your past!
August 23, 2017
Could not put it down
Preparing for the wedding of her dreams, Tess finds out from her best friend that her, husband to be, cheated on her. Devastated, she calls off the wedding, but her mother pressuring her to married him anyway.
Meanwhile Tess sister having financial problems and Tess promise to help her as soon as she is able to get her trust fund that she will get, as soon as she gets married.
Now that she is not getting married, Tess will not be able to get her trust funds, so her sister will lose everything. Out of desperation, Tess decided to go to Vegas, and married who ever accepts her proposal.
Tess tell Gage, her neighbors, what her plans are, he tell her that he volunteers to be her husband, but she not sure she should, since he is an ex- con.
From the very beginning it to the very end was great!
Preparing for the wedding of her dreams, Tess finds out from her best friend that her, husband to be, cheated on her. Devastated, she calls off the wedding, but her mother pressuring her to married him anyway.
Meanwhile Tess sister having financial problems and Tess promise to help her as soon as she is able to get her trust fund that she will get, as soon as she gets married.
Now that she is not getting married, Tess will not be able to get her trust funds, so her sister will lose everything. Out of desperation, Tess decided to go to Vegas, and married who ever accepts her proposal.
Tess tell Gage, her neighbors, what her plans are, he tell her that he volunteers to be her husband, but she not sure she should, since he is an ex- con.
From the very beginning it to the very end was great!
December 11, 2013
Tessa Crawford has always met the expectations of her parents. She is now engaged to a rich handsome man, Julian, and few days before her wedding she finds out that he has been cheating on her. her grandfather left an inheritance to her and her sister, Lily, who is having trouble to make ends meet and is about to lose her house. The only condition for them to receive the money is that Tessa is married. Shattered, she runs away, with a person she had sometimes seen close to her house. To her horror, she discovers that he was in prison for murder, but has decided to marry him to save her sister. She decides to find out what really happened in his past.
An entertaining love story, but a thriller wanna-be.
An entertaining love story, but a thriller wanna-be.
December 23, 2017
This was a rather confusing story. Within ONE day Tessa abandons her soon to be husband and decides to marry anyone else for her trust fund AND falls in love with the mysterious neighbour who she sees only when she visits her horse and who is also a murder convict.
It’s puzzling.
It also lacks was some sort of contextualizing how the characters got to know one another. I mean, most of the time Tessa claims not to remember having conversations with Gage, but not only does he remember everything she has ever hared with him but he also feels compelled to step in and help her out, because deep down he loves her?
Anyway, can’t believe I finished it
It’s puzzling.
It also lacks was some sort of contextualizing how the characters got to know one another. I mean, most of the time Tessa claims not to remember having conversations with Gage, but not only does he remember everything she has ever hared with him but he also feels compelled to step in and help her out, because deep down he loves her?
Anyway, can’t believe I finished it
May 21, 2013
I really liked this story. It is a cross between a romance and a mystery, I love both genres. We've seen the basis of the storyline before, woman needs to marry to get her trust fund, only has 2 days to do it. She was supposed to marry one man, but finds out some things about it him and decides she can't do it, so she runs off to Vegas to marry someone else... a man she knows nothing about. Funny thing is, he tells her things like he's an ex-con and some strangers tell her he's a murderer, but she thinks they are all joking. Lots of things come to light and before you know it people's lives are in danger. The story kept me intrigued and I really enjoyed this book.
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