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Dirty Secrets #1

Twisted Lies

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From USA Today bestselling author Sedona Venez comes an emotional, raw and captivating, romantic suspense.

Love her? Ruin her? How about both?

Sinthia Michaels is a rising fashion star.

Core McKay is rich, sexy, and a former kingpin in NYC’s organized crime underbelly.
Together, they spark a romance that could ignite a corporate empire—or bring everything crashing down.

Spinning a web of twisted lies and dirty secrets, Core traps Sin in an enchanting realm of drama and danger. The fashion world is cutthroat, the political arena vicious, and the criminal underworld he’s involved in doesn’t play games. Core wants to use Sin to get revenge on a corrupt politician who took everything—but he doesn’t expect to start an erotic affair with the very girl he plans to use as a weapon.

Sin didn’t become famous without knowing how to fight back…even against the man she loves.

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First published September 29, 2014

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About the author

Sedona Venez

66 books562 followers
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Sedona Venez lives in New York City with her hot ex-military hubby--hooah--and their fur babies. She loves writing sizzling, sexy intricate stories about strong but broken characters who push limits, overcome their fears and risk it all for love.

Want a text alert when Sedona has a new release? Text "SedonaVenez" to 33222
Or if you prefer by email, Sign up for her Naughty Romance List to get all the newest hot releases, sales, great giveaways and a FREE Wolf Shifter Romance-->
CLICK THE LINK TO JOIN THE SV TRIBE!

Thanks for reading!

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5 stars
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177 (23%)
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73 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
Profile Image for Leo.
4,999 reviews630 followers
March 15, 2022
I was going to give this audiobook a try but didn't have any high hopes for it. Actually didn't think I would like it but I was surprised in how much I was invested in the story and I'm in this very moment listening to the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,731 reviews1,043 followers
August 20, 2022
I have to admit, when I picked up this book, I did not have much expectation. After listening to the audiobook, now I am very very interested what will happen next.

I think this is 4 part of the series. Who is Jaxon? What is his part in the story. I do hope to get more of him. I still do not know if he is a villain or the hero.

Core is only introduced at the end of this book. What an entry!

I want more...

4 stars
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
July 22, 2018
💝FREE on iBooks today (7/22/2018)!💝
Profile Image for Mihaela.
292 reviews63 followers
September 24, 2014
First of all, I hate it when authors divide one book into 4 or more novellas. I really hate it.

The fact that the book sucks doesn’t help either.
Piece of advice for all the authors doing this – you won’t make more money this way.

If the first part is crap, the only thing you earn is a bad review and one returned book with no intention of buying the others.
I usually don’t return a book once I’ve read it but in cases like this I’ll make an exception.

And for fuck’s sake, could you find another storyline?
The thug turns billionaire, meets stupid, brainless, hormone ridden woman and uses and humiliates her to reach his own goal the miraculously falls in love thing is getting really old really fast. And really annoying.
Just sayin’.

So, yeah, you can probably understand what a huge disappointment this book was.

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Nanci **Warning**IWasASailor⚓️MyMouthisDirty.
521 reviews163 followers
August 18, 2015
This book was a bit different than other short series I have read. It starts off crazy hot! The first lines in the book had Sin and Core getting down and dirty...

“How the hell did this shit happen? I fucking hate him, but I want him. It was sick and sordid, and I couldn’t tell what this really was. I only knew when I was around him, he suffocated me with his twisted lies and dirty secrets, only to cruelly resuscitate me—and shamefully, I loved it.Core stepped forward, caging me alongside his desk, making sure my body was flush against his. “Ready to fuck, Sin?” he whispered in my ear.”
My panties were wet and I was like BABE!


So now I'm hooked, ready to find out what's going on with these two?
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However with any story we need the background. I can't go into detail because I'm sure over the course of books everything will come together but we get a cocksucker of a Mother. I'm was this lady a freaken evil bitch.




A stalker psycho determined to possess Sin



A bitch Mentor who cares only of herself and her success and screws her.


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A harden Sin wanting nothing to do with men or love
“She sharpened her his-dick-ain’t-worth-the-trouble detector. With this guy, my detector is ringing like a motherfucker.” I winked at her. “Beep, beep, beep.”

And a "this can't be it, I need more!" Ending.

“Just when I’d thought that I made peace with the universe and success was within my reach, fate had thrown me the ultimate middle finger. Tears rolled down my cheeks as regret and dread washed over me. I just made a deal with the fucking devil.”-Sin>

Until this whole series is complete, I'm going to be sitting here stalking Sedona Venez like this




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Profile Image for Olga therebelreader.
894 reviews768 followers
September 3, 2015
This is the first book I have read by Sedona Venez, and I loved it and Ms. Venez's writing style.
This story was just enough to whet my appetite. I really need more of Sin (-thia) and Core. Sin is a spit fire and Core is all alpha, tough and sexy. There is an instant attraction between them that neither plans on acting on. My only complaint is the all stalking idea but I'm not done with these two characters, I need to see what unfolds between them! I want more.
It's an easy, fast, sexy as hell afternoon read. The author has done an awesome job, very well written.

Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Expresso.
877 reviews139 followers
August 29, 2015

I originally received a free copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. I have since purchased a copy as well.

Twisted Lies is a good quick read. It has a wonderful story line, great characters, and several juicy angles to maintain the reader's interest. Core and Sinthia are working hard to avoid the inevitable. Both are alpha characters and it will be really interesting to see which character will end up on top. The prologue led us to believe there is some sort of relationship between the two. However only a hint of something is revealed in this installment.

Twisted Lies is a good intro to the series. We discover both Sin and Core's reasons for their alpha personalities, the events and actions that shaped their lives, and the depths of desperation which led to their unconventional business relationship. Twisted Lies seem to be foreplay for this series. Let the games begin!
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,589 reviews37 followers
May 8, 2016
• I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! •

Twisted Lies is the first book in the Dirty Secrets book series.

I really liked this book and I'm soo glad I got an arc for it. It's an easy and quick read and I wish the book was longer because I want more!

I can't wait to read the other books in this series!

Thanks again for the arc! :)
Profile Image for Nate.
24.2k reviews19 followers
August 3, 2018
Got this from the author for an honest review. Wow...what a cliffhanger if an ending. Love some Sin...because she doesn't take any crap from anyone...tho she may have met her match. Can't wait to read the next two parts of this series. It's hooked me...
Profile Image for Ria.
468 reviews
February 4, 2022
2.75 stars

TW: Description of a drug OD

Nando's Spice Rating: Plain-ish

Just not enough happened in this book or series and I wasn't that invested. Didn't like it, didn't hate it. Still finished the series just because. That's all
Profile Image for Lustful Literature.
1,822 reviews336 followers
October 1, 2014
** Josie's 4 Star Review

Twisted Lies by Sedona Venez, is the first book in a series of short novellas. Now do not let the word SERIES and short fool you. This author put a lot into this short read. The author gives us angst, drama, the thrill of danger, betrayal and two hot as sins characters. I normally do not like to read short series books because it is just that a bunch of short stories that happen over time, however, I will TELL YOU NOW – THIS WAS NOT THE CASE IN THE STORY. I loved it, right from the beginning of the prologue I was completely invested from the first page right up to the last.





The author starts the story off with a bang! It starts off in the present day and goes back to tell the story of how Sin and Core began. The prologue was just A-MAZE-BALLS. I love a man with a dirty mouth so I just know I’m going to get one hell of story. I mean I was like well – S***, I have got to read what the heck is going on. The author peeked my interest, she started this out strong and went on from there.



“Perfection is complete fantasyland bullsh*t. That’s out reality. Its raw, wicked, and wild – a connection on a level that very few will ever have or could even dream of. Show me how much you want this, how much you want me. Lick it like you want it, darling.”



Sinthia (Sin) Michaels has finally made it big in the fashion industry after years of struggling, and is finally standing up to her mother. Sin has it all she is young, beautiful, driven and lives in the life of the famous in NYC. She is about to launch her very couture fashion line and with her mentor’s suggestions seeks out investors, MK Partners. When Sin has to meet with them out in their NYC posh club “The McKay Club”, she sees this gorgeous man. Her body immediately reacts to this He’s hot, scary and well-built man.



“Calm yourself honey. Don’t run from what your mind and body know you need. I’ll see you again, darling.”

“”Don’t count on it.”




Core McKay is this mysterious, good looking, ruthless man. He is a former kingpin of New York City’s organized crime but has become a wealthy business man by becoming legitimate in the business world. Core seeks revenge for a past that has left him bitter, traumatized and with the need for vengeance. His fight to seek revenge, leads him to Sin Michaels and her fashion company and it just the leverage he needs to start the ball rolling.



Core and Sin have an innocent connection. Even though Sin did not know who he was there is no denying that this man can bring her to her knees. Core’s words that he spoke to her several nights before ring in her ears when she meets the owner of MK Partners. Core is just sex on a stick yummy. He is arrogant, cold and hold no punches. Even though Sin brings something primitive out of him, she will not stand in his way of his ultimate goal. Without Sin knowing she becomes part of Core’s twisted lies and dirty secrets. She has no way out and will have to fight to keep her business and her soul from the devil.



“What else do you want, McKay?”

“Oh darling, I can’t begin to tell you all the things I want from you. They would send your gorgeous ass running from this room.”

“F*** you! You don’t own me.”

“I might not own you now, but I will.”




My favorite part of the story is that the author gives readers the story in dual POV’s. I love being in both of their heads and being able to see their reactions to the circumstances that led up to why they are the way they are today. As I mentioned the author throws everything in the short story. This story is more than just about love and sex, we get a story about betrayal, lies and danger from an unknown. There is so much about this story, but I do not want to ruin it by saying more. My only issue (and it is minor) is that I have to wait for the next book in the series and believe me when I say this I will read it as soon as it comes out. I know some readers do not like short series but I have no doubt that you will love this one and will want to read more about Sin and Core.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
Author 5 books111 followers
September 30, 2014
Review coming soon...

**FULL REVIEW**

“You’ll never make it,” she screeched. “You’ll be back, begging for forgiveness.” My face tightened. “I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you.” I turned on my heels and walked out of the office and through the teahouse. I was never planning on looking back. Stepping onto the sidewalk, I ripped the pearls off my neck, staring as they bounced and rolled across the pavement and into the gutter, exactly where they belonged. I glanced up at the beautiful clouds as I exhaled. This was my new start, and I wasn’t going to waste another damn second thinking about my dark past again.”

Sinthia Michaels has finally made a name for herself. Successful in the fashion industry, life can only go up…right? With a huge order going out to a major retail chain, and having an investor in her corner to supply the funds to make her dream come true…Sin has it made.

Or not…

“This is bulls**t, Core. You invested in a business you don’t give a s**t about. Why?” My temper flared. “You’re pushing the boundaries of our friendship, Ram.” Ram leaned forward. “Like I give a s**t. We’re family, and family asks questions.” I closed my eyes in irritation. “I finally found him –Bigsby Calhoune, the man we’ve been searching years for. He’s been right under our noses.” “Bigsby Calhoune? The man running for mayor? How did you come to that damn conclusion?” I gave him a tight stare. “Remember the charity event you couldn’t attend?”

Core McKay has gone on the up-and-up with business ventures…but never completely out of the loop and always on the lookout to take down his rivals.

In any fashion possible.

“I needed Sinthia Michaels as bait, and if that meant she might become a casualty in my war against Bigsby, then so be it.”

Core is ruthless. He takes what he wants, no questions asked. Sin seems to think she can take on a man whose sole purpose in life is to always be on top…

This is one of those books that completely leaves you hanging! Being the first book in a serial series…I am already jonesing for the second installment! I am completely intrigued by Core and Sin as well as their bizarre relationship/business agreement! I cannot wait to see what happens next!

**4 Deal with the Devil, Stars**
Profile Image for Rachel Beamin'.
366 reviews45 followers
June 5, 2017
Well, it appears, I am the only one that didn’t like this book.
Hmm…
There was so much shit going on, I seriously couldn’t process it.

Book ends.
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,531 reviews323 followers
November 29, 2018
This was a short quick read that was good. Sinthia "Sin" Michaels is a rising fashion star. While putting out her first line she takes on a investor. Core McKay is a rich, sexy, and a former mob boss who is out for revenge and he is willing to use Sin to get it. This was a fast pace quick moving read. This book was hot these two have a lot of chemistry. This was the first book in a new series and a new author to me. I am looking forward to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Mandy.
117 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2014
I read this in beta form earlier in the year, and at the very least can remember wailing at the screen when it came to the end. So much more to come! I really enjoyed this and have wondered on and off since then, when I'd get to see the next part.
I was royally pissed off at our male lead, with his intentions and dragging Sin down.
Cannot wait til the next one is in progress!
Profile Image for Lesley.
76 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2022
I was not expecting it to be SO GOOD

Im not gonna lie I wasn’t a fan of the prologue… It made me believe the rest of the book wouldn’t be good but I’m so glad to be wrong!! The book has a great plot and while I’m sure there will be much more romance there is also lots of plot which I loveee!! The main character is also a very strong female lead which I love. I never felt bored reading the book!! I cant wait to see how the story continues!!
Profile Image for Nelly.
333 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2024
I just couldn't finish this book. It was filled with uninteresting and confusing plotlines that made no sense to me.

I found myself losing interest and struggling to connect with the characters and their motivations.

Ultimately, I was unable to complete the book and was disappointed by the experience.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
39 reviews
July 22, 2022
Also read this on the plane. Has potential, probably will read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Leonie.
55 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2024
Wasn’t for me, was a bit jumpy and confusing. Not really sure what was happening at one point.
Profile Image for Monica.
2,079 reviews
August 20, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mixed feelings. Ok...I was hooked when I started reading it. Its a fast short read. I read it pretty fast. I wanted to hate it because I knew it was part of a continuing series and I really hate those. The story is good but everything happened fast. I didnt like the timeline through it though. What I mean is there is a prologue about Sin and Core hot and heavy. Then chapter 1 is before she met him which is understandable. Then there are various chapters that are like 2 years later and 4 years later. Didnt like how it was put together like that. I think it could have been done differently. I wanted to know Sin's past and how she got into everything. I just kinda thought it should have been done differently. Be more interwoven into the story like other authors do. Having a chapter by chapter timeline isn't the way to go but that is my opinion.

Question is do I recommend this? Yes and no and here is why. If you dont care about stories ending on cliffhangers or a continuing series then this is for you and don't mind waiting until the next comes out. If not then you probably should pass on it. Not trying to get people to stop reading the book...not at all but I am being honest as a reader. This series could have just been done into 1 novel. I am not sure why it was broken up into 4 short books. Its a good story though. If I am given an opportunity to read the other stories in the series I will do so since I sorta already read this one. I kinda wanna know what happens but if not thats ok too. I honestly think thats the purpose of writing these types of stories and series to get people hooked into reading the first and paying for more after realizing it IS a series lol.

I'll keep an eye on this author though cause she does write good stories. Hopefully my review doesnt confuse people or seem too harsh to the author.
Profile Image for Cyndi Garcia.
195 reviews31 followers
August 30, 2015
I received this book and was asked to write a honest review. This book is a quick read and well written.
The book is about Sinthia Micheals making it as a designer and doing it all by herself. The author gives us a brief view of Sin's (Sinthia) world before she goes off to fashion school. the story briefly talks about the passing of her dad and the strain relationship with her so called mother aka Grace. Making it on her own is what Sin is having to do and she is determined to do that. She has big dreams and no one is going to get in her way. In the book there is a brief stalking issue that in my opinion... I would have liked to know more about that guy. I was reeled into Jaxon and kind of had a soft spot for him. For me Jaxon was everything that I was like how cute then the author threw a curve ball (dont want to give to much).
As the story continues we are introduced to a mobster gone GOOD. Core (mobster trying to be good) is trying to find the man that killed his mother and run a empire. This guy is ruthless and in my opinion makes no friends and commitments to women. He has come up with a great vengance plan to get back at the man that turned his life upside down when he was a kid. Unfortuatnely that plan includes Sin. Regradless if she is willing to particpate, as per this mobster Core McKay...Sin will follow his oders. This book is left with a cliff hanger.

The sex in this book was pretty amazing ***** 5 stars. I took off 1 star.....due to charachter development. I was left wanting more of Jxon and other charcters. 4 stars love love....
Profile Image for Rosemary.
449 reviews46 followers
August 31, 2015
I've read a lot of serial stories this year, but this had several elements that were unique and quickly grabbed my attention. First, boy does this open with a bang! The first page had me wanting to see just how hot and wrong it could get. Second I appreciated out heroine is so strong willed and take no prisoners. I look forward to seeing how that plays out with the alpha male lead.

There is a lot going on in a short amount of pages. Sin, the main character has to deal with a lot, from an evil incarnated mother to a crazed obsessed stalker. Even as she seemingly seems to be dragging herself away from everything trying to pull her down, we see everything she is working for begin to crack. We're left wondering how far the damage will spread and who exactly we can trust.

Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,229 reviews34 followers
April 7, 2023
Sinthia Michaels has had to fight and scrap her way up the ladder of success and life since she was a teen. Her abusive alcholic mother maligned her all her life . She was the apple of her father's eye but lost him too soon. Her saving grace? Her best friend Jade Belisario. They attacked life together. Now on the cusp of real success, Sin has unknowingly made a deal with the devil in the form of Core McKay. The man is domineering, exasperating and delishly hot. He has an agenda and Sin is caught up in it with no escape route in sight.
Profile Image for Kathyjacks.
Author 0 books146 followers
December 4, 2018
Twisted story

So I don’t usually give bad reviews but I really didn’t like this one and idk if it was me or the book but I could hardly keep up with who was who and what their purpose was . I’m still unsure how Jaxson and Core are related to one another in the story . I didn’t like Sin at all. She’s arrogant and cold like an ice queen. Definitely not a heroine in a romance novel even if it is dark. I really had a hard time with this one so I won’t be moving on in this series . Just not my style .
Profile Image for Clare.
1,310 reviews42 followers
September 9, 2015
I was given this copy from the author

I loved the blurb to this so when i was asked by to the author if i wanted a copy the answer was a YES!!!!

The story was really good, I found this easy to get into and loved it, For me the characters were well written, I'm really looking forward to the next part, There was a cliffhanger but I'm ok with that as i know part's 2 and 3 are ready to read. Thank you Sedona for letting me read this great story.
Profile Image for Yoneidis.
2,149 reviews12 followers
May 24, 2021
Synthia abandons her abusive mother to study design, the career of her dreams, but just a few months later she sees that she cannot pay and abandons, but luckily, the one who will be her mentor, Tabitha, hires her.
Her best friend Jade convinces her to go out and have fun and ends up sleeping with Jaxon, and although the sex is great, when he declares eternal love for her, she leaves without looking back, not knowing that Jaxon has developed an insane obsession with her. That will last quite a long time.
Now 7 years later she is a famous designer who with the help of Tabitha and a mysterious investor plans to expand her business.
Until the mysterious investor is discovered and is none other than Core McKay, a former criminal, now a very wealthy man, who puts her between a rock and a hard place, since her name has comes to light in a investigation that Core has done on his mother’s murderer.
I ❤️it, I have devoured it.

“And how long is this business arrangement going to last?” “Until I determine the debt has been paid in full,” he bit out letting his words sink in for a few seconds. My blood froze in my veins. “Fuck you! You might own the company, but you don’t own me.”“I might not own you now, but I will.”
Profile Image for Diana.
99 reviews
August 26, 2022
Sin Michaels a fashion designer and Core McKay a ex bad boy gone legit.. thats the jiz of the books.

This is my second series for Sedona that I have read, and in Sedona Venez style she wrote 4 parts to the story, which I love.
But I wish that part 1-3 were longer (just a little longer than they were).

I really love this story and the plot to it. In general it was a nice light read with good heroine and sexy as fuck hero.
Sin is a strong woman and she has been through alot of tragedy and same with Core. Core meets Sin and wants to use her for his own gain, but the he starts to fall for her. Core starts his plot to uncover things and as he does he starts find out that there is tragedy that waits Sin. This is the story of how their worlds collide and how she handles it all including their love.

I will give it a 4.5 star for the first 3 books and I also did the Audiobook which was just pure perfection, Ava Lucas and Teddy Hamilton did a stellar job on the audio. (Love Ava and Teddy’s voice, sexy sexy sexy).

Anyhooo… the Smut was nicker melting for sure, so I’d say “ladies extras nickers out yeah”
I totally recommend this read for those who are into light plots and short but sweet story romance’s .

Get’em out ladies, get’em out..
1,576 reviews10 followers
September 1, 2018
This is the first part of a series so beware if you don't like stories to end on a cliffhanger! Sin has had a difficult childhood but sher has worked hard and is finally doing well in the world of fashion. That is until she encounters Core. He is a successful businessman but he used to be a part of the Mob but he lost everything due to one person and , now that he is legitimate, he feels he still must pursue this person and he gets his chance through Sinthia. When a supposed friend misguides her, she could lose her business that she has worked so hard for. Who can she trust?I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Well written storyline and believable characters with a suspenseful undercurrent throughout the book. Recommended [not definitely as I hate cliffhangers -sorry]
Profile Image for Dainy.
68 reviews
August 3, 2018
Sin, has always dreamed of designing clothes and is very excited when she gets accepted to fashion school. Due to financial reasons she has to drop out of school but with the help of other people she ends up designing her own fashion line. But in order to keep up with her line she needs money and gets an investor. As she's about to release her line, she finds out that her investor Core, isn't who she thought he was. Core is out for some revenge and doesn't care if she ends up getting hurt, all he cares about is getting the revenge that he has sought for so long.
This books is filled with angst, suspense, some sexual tension, and many SECRETS. I cannot wait to read more about their story.

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