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Vendetta Kings #2
Man of Lies
I live my life in perfect control. I have to. My family depends on me to protect them, and my work keeps me buried in deadlines. The only time I let myself breathe is on my bike, tearing through the night at speeds that could easily kill me.
Then Silas came crashing into my world. He’s chaos wrapped in leather, all wild grins and eyes that see straight through me. He feeds my adrenalin fix in other ways. When he touches me, he tears through every wall I've built, leaving me shaking, exhausted, and craving more.
But the closer I let him get, the more I see the shadows he tries to hide. I don’t know what he’s keeping from me, but I know it’s dangerous.
And I’m afraid it’s the kind of danger that could tear my family apart.
I should stay away from Mason. He’s too sharp, too determined, and too dangerous for someone like me. The more he fights our connection, the more I want him. Watching him unravel is addictive—the way his control cracks when he’s on his bike or in my arms.
But Mason’s not just a man; he’s a wildfire. If I’m not careful, he’ll burn through the carefully crafted lies that keep my life together.
Because the truth is, I’m living a double life. One wrong move, and everything I’ve worked for—everything I care about—could go up in smoke.
Mason’s the kind of man who’ll throw himself into the flames to save someone he loves.
I just don’t know if I’m worth saving.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2025
90 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Parker St. John
19 books511 followersGay romance author living in the rainy Pacific Northwest who adores strong alpha men, rugged cowboys, blue collar smokeshows, mortal enemies and childhood friends who will make you SWOON when they fall in love!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 4, 2025
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
There was nothing really wrong with this read, I just wasn’t invested. Just like in Man of Honor, I didn’t find the plot all that intriguing. I can’t seem to connect to these Devil’s Garden brothers.
The romance was fun, lots of push and pull, tension and passion, but it didn’t exactly feel like they were in love. Given that most of the interactions we see between them is of them having sex, it seemed to me more of a case of Lust = Love.
I’m still curious about Ben’s story, so hopefully the next installment works out better for me.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Violence/death
- Mentions of human trafficking (not MCs)
- Top/bottom
- Semi-public sex
- Hand necklaces
"You've got a hell of a mouth, counselor," I growled. "Let's see what else it can do."
There was nothing really wrong with this read, I just wasn’t invested. Just like in Man of Honor, I didn’t find the plot all that intriguing. I can’t seem to connect to these Devil’s Garden brothers.
“That’s it, baby,” I purred, reveling in my power over him. “Ride me like you own me.”
The romance was fun, lots of push and pull, tension and passion, but it didn’t exactly feel like they were in love. Given that most of the interactions we see between them is of them having sex, it seemed to me more of a case of Lust = Love.
Silas McKenna was a problem I didn't need—and one I couldn't shake.
I’m still curious about Ben’s story, so hopefully the next installment works out better for me.
And for the first time in years, or maybe a lifetime, I dared to wonder what it would be like to have someone to share the weight.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Violence/death
- Mentions of human trafficking (not MCs)
- Top/bottom
- Semi-public sex
- Hand necklaces
May 29, 2025
****Warning: there are some minor spoilers but nothing that gives much away.
2.5 stars
I was so excited for this book. After the first book in the series and knowing this was about a somewhat “strait laced” lawyer and “bad boy” biker I was expecting some grit and angst. Unfortunately this fell short for me and most of it was due to the overall story itself.
I adored this authors cowboy books but I think I have a hard time connecting with her mystery or cop related stories. The first book set up a world and was done well but there was an actual issue that affected one MC personally (Gage). I didn’t feel that in this book. Mason is trying to protect his brothers but there was nothing really there in the story that felt as personal for him and I didn’t feel satisfied that there was even a resolution.
Silas was a promising character but I guessed what his deal was early on. He isn’t really involved in the conflict as much as Dominic is. Frankly, Silas wasn’t very good at his job. There just didn’t seem to ever be a true story that belonged solely to Mason and Silas. I also thought he was much older in the first book but it turns out he’s only in his late 30’s.
I also found an error in the story that connected with book one. I remembered a scene in the first book when Mason and Silas drive up separately and Mason leaves the car with Gage and then climbs onto the back of Silas’s bike to leave. In this book when Mason gets on the bike as a passenger he claims to never have ridden backpack before. That is obviously not the case and I went to the first book to double check. I messaged the author and she responded so I hope this is changed but so far it hasn’t been. This is the second book I’ve read of hers that had a major continuity error in it. Many may not catch this but I just had the scene from the first book stuck in my head for sone reason.
The reason I mention this is also because I thought Mason and Silas had more of an established relationship since they seemed to already be connected in the first book. I didn’t get that feeling in this book. It seemed like this book hinted at them finding each other attractive but there wasn’t any real beginning for them. Something was missing for me.
I had a huge issue with Silas saving Mason from a potentially life ending motorcycle accident. I don’t understand how that happened and is it possible in real life? Silas says his bike was not as fast as Mason’s Ducati but twice he catches up to him when it seemed like there wasn’t enough time for that then he even overtakes him and somehow saves him? I didn’t buy it. Silas has injuries, a broken clavicle and broken ribs and road rash on his back. After this happens they separate and I thought they were separated for months the way Mason describes it. Then he gets a call from Silas and we learn it’s only been 3 weeks! And Silas seems to be fully recovered from his injuries. This was so far fetched. It’s written as though so much time has passed. Maybe not mentioning the time frame would’ve worked better.
***I feel I have to mention I lost my sister in a motorcycle accident. I am extremely sensitive and judgmental when it comes to these types of incidents.
Overall this just didn’t live up to my expectations. I think the next book will be much better because Ben has an actual story. I do hope Dominic and Gideon are going to have a book together. They’re brothers but not by blood. I wonder what the author has in store for them but there is some major tension between them.
I received an ARC from the author for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
parker st. john can write a fucking book y’all
May 28, 2025
4.5⭐️
Intense, slow-burn romance full of sexual tension and energy. Their story starts in the first book, and we pick up where that one left off. These two, Mason and Silas, dance around each other. They want and use each other, but both deny that they both want more than that.
The plot arc that is linking all of the books becomes more interesting. Developing nicely, with more details about what’s going on in this town. I am not going to say anything, but I had a feeling about Silas, and it was so good having that confirmed. 😁
Really good once again. Not as full-on or as detailed as book 1. Leading up to the second half of the book was a little slow with lots of reminders of what’s been happening so far, but Mason is in need of someone to take care of him for a change and take the reins for a while. The author does a good job of writing Silas so that he’s what Mason needs whilst maintaining his own reputation. The way that these two get to know each other and the emotions that Silas can help Mason feel, a vulnerability that he rarely gets to share. They took a while to get there, but once they did, it was fire just like Wyatt and Gage. Ah and I love the cover too, small details and that 😉
I’m really looking forward to Ben’s story. I want to know what’s going on in his head. I also want to know what’s happening between Gideon and Dom. Is it just disapproval or is it something more? Waiting won’t be grand like 🤪
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
Intense, slow-burn romance full of sexual tension and energy. Their story starts in the first book, and we pick up where that one left off. These two, Mason and Silas, dance around each other. They want and use each other, but both deny that they both want more than that.
The plot arc that is linking all of the books becomes more interesting. Developing nicely, with more details about what’s going on in this town. I am not going to say anything, but I had a feeling about Silas, and it was so good having that confirmed. 😁
Really good once again. Not as full-on or as detailed as book 1. Leading up to the second half of the book was a little slow with lots of reminders of what’s been happening so far, but Mason is in need of someone to take care of him for a change and take the reins for a while. The author does a good job of writing Silas so that he’s what Mason needs whilst maintaining his own reputation. The way that these two get to know each other and the emotions that Silas can help Mason feel, a vulnerability that he rarely gets to share. They took a while to get there, but once they did, it was fire just like Wyatt and Gage. Ah and I love the cover too, small details and that 😉
I’m really looking forward to Ben’s story. I want to know what’s going on in his head. I also want to know what’s happening between Gideon and Dom. Is it just disapproval or is it something more? Waiting won’t be grand like 🤪
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
December 27, 2025
In my opinion, Man of Lies is Parker St John's best book yet. I have been a fan since her very first book, and as much as I love Cabrini Law, as good as the Down Home series is, she is shining in the swamps of Louisiana.
The tension in this book is palpable and omnipresent, from the sizzling push and pull between the MCs, the relationshps between the Beaufort brothers, to the overall plot and action, it's like a rubber band stretched to the breaking point and I'm so here for it.
You're going to want to read the first book of the series before you start this one, but it's excellent, too. There's no cliffhanger, though the overarching storyline isn't finished by the end of the book.
I can't wait for the next one!
The tension in this book is palpable and omnipresent, from the sizzling push and pull between the MCs, the relationshps between the Beaufort brothers, to the overall plot and action, it's like a rubber band stretched to the breaking point and I'm so here for it.
You're going to want to read the first book of the series before you start this one, but it's excellent, too. There's no cliffhanger, though the overarching storyline isn't finished by the end of the book.
I can't wait for the next one!
July 21, 2025
3.5
I melted everytime their hands went to the belt to unfasten the buckle.
p.s. still manifesting Dominic/Gideon combo...
I melted everytime their hands went to the belt to unfasten the buckle.
p.s. still manifesting Dominic/Gideon combo...
June 2, 2025
Overall, very enjoyable and I very much loved Silas and Mason together.
It's just that it was a bit slow going for me at first. Not exactly sure why, it just was. Once I started to get into it around a third of a the way in, though, this really picked up for me and I was pretty much invested in this from that point on until the end of this.
The chemistry was great, and while with their chemistry I might have preferred a few more sex scenes, what we did get was very hot and I was happy with it, so I didn't ding this for that.
But - with it being slow, which is probably worth half a star off, I dinged it also for the ending a bit. While exciting and climatic, once all that went down, I felt that instead of slow, it was a bit too rushed.
And yay they got together at the end and it was wonderful, but they JUST get back together at the end for good. An epilogue to see them settled into it - like with the first book - would have been nice and we didn't get that, so it felt a bit too abrupt for my liking.
Also after it all went down - if you read my first review, you knew what I suspected with Silas and I was right! I was like woo hoo! My instincts weren't off 😎 - at the end there, after Silas seemed so sure he'd fight for Mason and never let go, he changed his tune real fast and there was no real explanation for it, really.
It just was, and we didn't get Silas' POV for why he pulled back all the sudden, and then in the period when he did, we didn't get to see any of it, and then he was all the sudden back and then he was ready and everything was right as rain and voila, there's their happy ending!
Which is sweet and awesome and all - it just was rushed to get it there, imo. We could have spent a bit more time in the aftermath of everything, in Silas' emotions and why he was feeling that way and Mason too and how he was handling it.
Or just not include that last bit of drama in the first place in the last like 5% for no real reason, since it comes up and then resolves so fast. Like instead the last bit of drama could have just stayed focused on
So just, overall, a better flowing ending would have worked better, in my opinion.
But still, this was still very good and I enjoyed it so much.
I loved these two and their connection. Seeing Mason able to let go a little bit with Silas and start to live when all he's been doing is surviving while he does all he can to help his brother and accept no help in return. Silas gave him that, and the sense of living and freedom he'd been missing.
As for Silas, he'd never really put down routes - he does have 7 siblings but is apparently not very close with them, but we never get to understand exactly why that is - and was fine going from place to place and not making any real connections.
But with Mason he did, and for the first time in his life he also wanted to really live, not just do his job and then leave - and if . So Mason became his home, his permanence int his world. And a purpose beyond just doing a job.
I was, ultimately, happy with their ending and the HEA they get to have together. Again, would have preferred an nice epilogue to see them really settled into it, but all the same I'm excited for Ben and Colton's book next, and I'll be happy if we get any moments with these two in their book. (Although we didn't even see Wyatt in this, so we didn't get any Gage and Wyatt scenes and I was a bit bummed about that :( Like lemme see them being happy and together in this! Although Gage trying to beat up Dominic again was quite satisfying, I will say.)
So yeah, definitely looking forward to the next book (and I do have so many questions about the plot that didn't finish in this one and is stretching into future books. I'm definitely intrigued about several unanswered questions brought forth in this, so can't wait for the next book!)
Until then! 😘
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
My Ratings for the Vendetta Kings Series:
✨ Man of Honor: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Man of Lies: 4 stars
It's just that it was a bit slow going for me at first. Not exactly sure why, it just was. Once I started to get into it around a third of a the way in, though, this really picked up for me and I was pretty much invested in this from that point on until the end of this.
The chemistry was great, and while with their chemistry I might have preferred a few more sex scenes, what we did get was very hot and I was happy with it, so I didn't ding this for that.
But - with it being slow, which is probably worth half a star off, I dinged it also for the ending a bit. While exciting and climatic, once all that went down, I felt that instead of slow, it was a bit too rushed.
And yay they got together at the end and it was wonderful, but they JUST get back together at the end for good. An epilogue to see them settled into it - like with the first book - would have been nice and we didn't get that, so it felt a bit too abrupt for my liking.
Also after it all went down - if you read my first review, you knew what I suspected with Silas and I was right! I was like woo hoo! My instincts weren't off 😎 - at the end there, after Silas seemed so sure he'd fight for Mason and never let go, he changed his tune real fast and there was no real explanation for it, really.
It just was, and we didn't get Silas' POV for why he pulled back all the sudden, and then in the period when he did, we didn't get to see any of it, and then he was all the sudden back and then he was ready and everything was right as rain and voila, there's their happy ending!
Which is sweet and awesome and all - it just was rushed to get it there, imo. We could have spent a bit more time in the aftermath of everything, in Silas' emotions and why he was feeling that way and Mason too and how he was handling it.
Or just not include that last bit of drama in the first place in the last like 5% for no real reason, since it comes up and then resolves so fast. Like instead the last bit of drama could have just stayed focused on
So just, overall, a better flowing ending would have worked better, in my opinion.
But still, this was still very good and I enjoyed it so much.
I loved these two and their connection. Seeing Mason able to let go a little bit with Silas and start to live when all he's been doing is surviving while he does all he can to help his brother and accept no help in return. Silas gave him that, and the sense of living and freedom he'd been missing.
As for Silas, he'd never really put down routes - he does have 7 siblings but is apparently not very close with them, but we never get to understand exactly why that is - and was fine going from place to place and not making any real connections.
But with Mason he did, and for the first time in his life he also wanted to really live, not just do his job and then leave - and if . So Mason became his home, his permanence int his world. And a purpose beyond just doing a job.
I was, ultimately, happy with their ending and the HEA they get to have together. Again, would have preferred an nice epilogue to see them really settled into it, but all the same I'm excited for Ben and Colton's book next, and I'll be happy if we get any moments with these two in their book. (Although we didn't even see Wyatt in this, so we didn't get any Gage and Wyatt scenes and I was a bit bummed about that :( Like lemme see them being happy and together in this! Although Gage trying to beat up Dominic again was quite satisfying, I will say.)
So yeah, definitely looking forward to the next book (and I do have so many questions about the plot that didn't finish in this one and is stretching into future books. I'm definitely intrigued about several unanswered questions brought forth in this, so can't wait for the next book!)
Until then! 😘
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
My Ratings for the Vendetta Kings Series:
✨ Man of Honor: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Man of Lies: 4 stars
June 4, 2025
2.5-3 stars because WTF was this crap?
Disappointment doesn’t even begin to cover the feelings I have over this book but it’s definitely the front runner.
I loved the first book, absolutely loved it! And I was so excited to read about Mason and Silas because they seemed like they were going to be so good together. Boy was I wrong!
But first let’s start with the writing! I feel like I was reading a different author. This book was so damn wordy!! Omg. So many descriptions of things I didn’t give a crap about. I don’t need a whole paragraph describing one little thing!!! Also it was very repetitive. The same things were said over and over and over again. Felt like I was rereading pages. Also even though I read the first book I was so damn confused for a lot of this! Everything was in riddles and it was such a headache to try and decipher wtf the author was talking about.
Ugh and then Silas and Mason. Such a lackluster relationship!!! I didn’t feel the connection at all. The first chapter I was like yes this is going to be good because I felt the flicker of chemistry but then it just went downhill from there. We didn’t even see them meet. That connection they both claim to have had when they first met? We don’t even get to witness it. We meet them when they’ve already known each other for months. Them falling for each other didn’t make sense to me at all. There was nothing in either of their personalities where I was like oh I love this character. They both were very meh to me!
For the thing that completely ruined this whole book for me…the OW drama. Something I was not expecting at all!!! So there’s this chick name Sylvia. Silas uses her for info and takes her on dates and admits to often thinking about her fondly, there’s even a moment where he’s watching her and he’s like I can’t look away because it’s hard to. Anyway she’s the gf of the villain in this book but the guy passes her around to everyone. Silas is trying to find out info from the bf, Gator, and so he has to “act a certain way” he lets Sylvia come and sit on his lap. And then Sylvia proceeds to start kissing his neck and touching him all over and to save face, Silas decides he’s gonna appreciatively touch all over Sylvia. And then the chick kisses him and what does Silas do? Kisses her back!! And not just kiss but MAKE OUT WITH HER!! This is at like 62% in the book!!! All of this happening while Mason, the guy who he has feelings for, is in the back room WAITING FOR HIM!!!! I’m sorry but to ME this was cheating. They weren’t boyfriends but they had an agreement to hook up and they very much had feelings for one another and Silas was told earlier that day by Masons brother that Mason was in love with him!! And yet he goes and makes out and touches all over this chick while Mason is waiting for him. And then…and THEN when they get alone Masons all like why did you kiss her when I was there waiting for you? And Silas is all well we made no promises and then OF COURSE Mason is the first to kiss Silas, he has sex with Silas and then is the first one to say I love you to Silas in the next chapter!!! And Silas gets shot so he completely absolved of this!! It wasn’t even brought up again!! Silas would have went feral if Mason were the one kissing someone else!!!
Even the ending was terrible. They get back together with 7 minutes left in the book. It was so anticlimactic!!
Ugh soo mad this was such a fail. I’m not even gonna get my hopes up for Ben and Colton because Colton gives me fuckboy vibes and this was such a let down I won’t even get excited.
CHEATING (this is MY opinion on what happened, don’t come for me because they weren’t in a relationship!!)
OW DRAMA (see above)
THIRD ACT BREAK UP (of course Mason forgives him with no question)
NO VIRGINS
HFN (ending sucked and was super up in the air)
SEX TRAFFICKING
MURDER
Disappointment doesn’t even begin to cover the feelings I have over this book but it’s definitely the front runner.
I loved the first book, absolutely loved it! And I was so excited to read about Mason and Silas because they seemed like they were going to be so good together. Boy was I wrong!
But first let’s start with the writing! I feel like I was reading a different author. This book was so damn wordy!! Omg. So many descriptions of things I didn’t give a crap about. I don’t need a whole paragraph describing one little thing!!! Also it was very repetitive. The same things were said over and over and over again. Felt like I was rereading pages. Also even though I read the first book I was so damn confused for a lot of this! Everything was in riddles and it was such a headache to try and decipher wtf the author was talking about.
Ugh and then Silas and Mason. Such a lackluster relationship!!! I didn’t feel the connection at all. The first chapter I was like yes this is going to be good because I felt the flicker of chemistry but then it just went downhill from there. We didn’t even see them meet. That connection they both claim to have had when they first met? We don’t even get to witness it. We meet them when they’ve already known each other for months. Them falling for each other didn’t make sense to me at all. There was nothing in either of their personalities where I was like oh I love this character. They both were very meh to me!
For the thing that completely ruined this whole book for me…the OW drama. Something I was not expecting at all!!! So there’s this chick name Sylvia. Silas uses her for info and takes her on dates and admits to often thinking about her fondly, there’s even a moment where he’s watching her and he’s like I can’t look away because it’s hard to. Anyway she’s the gf of the villain in this book but the guy passes her around to everyone. Silas is trying to find out info from the bf, Gator, and so he has to “act a certain way” he lets Sylvia come and sit on his lap. And then Sylvia proceeds to start kissing his neck and touching him all over and to save face, Silas decides he’s gonna appreciatively touch all over Sylvia. And then the chick kisses him and what does Silas do? Kisses her back!! And not just kiss but MAKE OUT WITH HER!! This is at like 62% in the book!!! All of this happening while Mason, the guy who he has feelings for, is in the back room WAITING FOR HIM!!!! I’m sorry but to ME this was cheating. They weren’t boyfriends but they had an agreement to hook up and they very much had feelings for one another and Silas was told earlier that day by Masons brother that Mason was in love with him!! And yet he goes and makes out and touches all over this chick while Mason is waiting for him. And then…and THEN when they get alone Masons all like why did you kiss her when I was there waiting for you? And Silas is all well we made no promises and then OF COURSE Mason is the first to kiss Silas, he has sex with Silas and then is the first one to say I love you to Silas in the next chapter!!! And Silas gets shot so he completely absolved of this!! It wasn’t even brought up again!! Silas would have went feral if Mason were the one kissing someone else!!!
Even the ending was terrible. They get back together with 7 minutes left in the book. It was so anticlimactic!!
Ugh soo mad this was such a fail. I’m not even gonna get my hopes up for Ben and Colton because Colton gives me fuckboy vibes and this was such a let down I won’t even get excited.
CHEATING (this is MY opinion on what happened, don’t come for me because they weren’t in a relationship!!)
OW DRAMA (see above)
THIRD ACT BREAK UP (of course Mason forgives him with no question)
NO VIRGINS
HFN (ending sucked and was super up in the air)
SEX TRAFFICKING
MURDER
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
4.5 stars
The Vendetta Kings series continues with another Beaufort brother's story.
Mason Beaufort is a lawyer: for years he took care of all the legal stuff regarding his brothers, especially Ben. Mason and Ben are the only biological siblings adopted by Boone, they always had a tight relationship, where Ben has often been the carer. After saving Gage's life and killing his abusive father, Ben was wrongfully imprisoned and Mason spent years trying to get him out. That and all the work he did with Langford's task force took a toll to him and he was about to burn out.
The only solace in his life, for the past few moths, has been Silas, the owner of The Dead End. Silas has offered a place on the back of his bar for Mason to shut the world outside and rest. In that cramped little backroom, Mason was able to breathe. Silas was the only man in his life who didn't need for Mason to fix things, in his arms, Mason found comfort, safety, care, support and freedom to be vulnerable. Silas, though, is a man of lies and he's been hiding some quite heavy stuff.
They agreed on having just a casual relationship solely based on sex, but they were both lying to themselves, thinking they could leave their feelings out of it.
I loved how that casual agreement turned into more and I was so rooting for them to live their love openly and freely.
Of course, Devil's Garden is not an easy place for romance and the two of them faced a lot of obstacles until they were both tired of pretending.
I literally melted at their love declaration!
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars:
Their HEA came too close to the end: Silas can be a very romantic man and I definitely needed more of that romance.
In the meantime, Gideon and Dominic still have a tense relationship, Gage hasn't forgiven Dom for what he did to Wyatt and Ben's freedom is not granted yet.
Next book will explore Ben Beaufort and his keeper's, Colton Langford, dynamic.
Can't wait for these two to fall in love.
Very recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
The Vendetta Kings series continues with another Beaufort brother's story.
Mason Beaufort is a lawyer: for years he took care of all the legal stuff regarding his brothers, especially Ben. Mason and Ben are the only biological siblings adopted by Boone, they always had a tight relationship, where Ben has often been the carer. After saving Gage's life and killing his abusive father, Ben was wrongfully imprisoned and Mason spent years trying to get him out. That and all the work he did with Langford's task force took a toll to him and he was about to burn out.
The only solace in his life, for the past few moths, has been Silas, the owner of The Dead End. Silas has offered a place on the back of his bar for Mason to shut the world outside and rest. In that cramped little backroom, Mason was able to breathe. Silas was the only man in his life who didn't need for Mason to fix things, in his arms, Mason found comfort, safety, care, support and freedom to be vulnerable. Silas, though, is a man of lies and he's been hiding some quite heavy stuff.
They agreed on having just a casual relationship solely based on sex, but they were both lying to themselves, thinking they could leave their feelings out of it.
I loved how that casual agreement turned into more and I was so rooting for them to live their love openly and freely.
Of course, Devil's Garden is not an easy place for romance and the two of them faced a lot of obstacles until they were both tired of pretending.
I literally melted at their love declaration!
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars:
Their HEA came too close to the end: Silas can be a very romantic man and I definitely needed more of that romance.
In the meantime, Gideon and Dominic still have a tense relationship, Gage hasn't forgiven Dom for what he did to Wyatt and Ben's freedom is not granted yet.
Next book will explore Ben Beaufort and his keeper's, Colton Langford, dynamic.
Can't wait for these two to fall in love.
Very recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
June 7, 2025
Another hit for Parker St. John!
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!
There’s a reason Parker St. John is one of my all time favorite authors. Her writing is always next level. I really prefer well-written books. (Fuck all that “I only read for the vibes” noise.) St. John is a PHENOMENAL writer. The sophistication, the emotional depth, the INTELLIGENCE. It’s all wrapped up into a gorgeous novel that will sink its claws into you and never let go.
THE ROMANCE OF IT ALL. Paired with a darker subject matter, the romance just hits so much harder when it’s so completely earned. Silas and Mason had to go through hell and back to get their happy ending and I feel so lucky to have experienced their journey. God, the tension between them. The chemistry. The love. All of it tangible and just so incredible.
Along with a well-written book, I also enjoy a little bit of plot with my romance. And the way that St. John is unraveling this story is wonderful. A master storyteller and I’m so so so grateful for Marley Valentine for introducing me to Parker St. John.
I cannot freakin’ wait for book 3!!!!!!
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!
There’s a reason Parker St. John is one of my all time favorite authors. Her writing is always next level. I really prefer well-written books. (Fuck all that “I only read for the vibes” noise.) St. John is a PHENOMENAL writer. The sophistication, the emotional depth, the INTELLIGENCE. It’s all wrapped up into a gorgeous novel that will sink its claws into you and never let go.
THE ROMANCE OF IT ALL. Paired with a darker subject matter, the romance just hits so much harder when it’s so completely earned. Silas and Mason had to go through hell and back to get their happy ending and I feel so lucky to have experienced their journey. God, the tension between them. The chemistry. The love. All of it tangible and just so incredible.
Along with a well-written book, I also enjoy a little bit of plot with my romance. And the way that St. John is unraveling this story is wonderful. A master storyteller and I’m so so so grateful for Marley Valentine for introducing me to Parker St. John.
I cannot freakin’ wait for book 3!!!!!!
August 11, 2025
Not my favorite. Still like the story and will continue.
May 30, 2025
Things I love about Parker St. John:
1. The way she creates MC's who are flawed, are aware of their flaws, and work to change these flaws into something positive;
2. The way she build these MC's love for one another, and how this love lifts the MCs to be better men;
3. The way she weaves mystery with romance, and keeps you, the reader, on your toes; and,
4. The way the environment and atmosphere in which the characters live is practically a character if its own.
This is true of all of her books and is again very evident in Man of Lies, the second book in the Vendetta Kings series. Mason and Silas are both secretive characters by nature, and are involved in something inherently dangerous, inherently evil, and shady AF. Mason and Silas take the reader on quite the journey, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next book.
I do note that there were a couple of scenes/scenarios that didn't quite read right to me, primarily an accident and the character's apparent rapid recovery from this accident which would be months and months of healing, probable multiple surgeries and physiotherapy if this happened in real life. I was, however, willing to suspend my disbelief at this for the sake of moving the story forward.
4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌙
1. The way she creates MC's who are flawed, are aware of their flaws, and work to change these flaws into something positive;
2. The way she build these MC's love for one another, and how this love lifts the MCs to be better men;
3. The way she weaves mystery with romance, and keeps you, the reader, on your toes; and,
4. The way the environment and atmosphere in which the characters live is practically a character if its own.
This is true of all of her books and is again very evident in Man of Lies, the second book in the Vendetta Kings series. Mason and Silas are both secretive characters by nature, and are involved in something inherently dangerous, inherently evil, and shady AF. Mason and Silas take the reader on quite the journey, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next book.
I do note that there were a couple of scenes/scenarios that didn't quite read right to me, primarily an accident and the character's apparent rapid recovery from this accident which would be months and months of healing, probable multiple surgeries and physiotherapy if this happened in real life. I was, however, willing to suspend my disbelief at this for the sake of moving the story forward.
4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌙
June 4, 2025
Not super spoilery but just in case.
The elements of Parker St. John’s writing that work for me REALLLLY work for me. The aching angst, the character portrayals perfectly communicating their desperation and exhaustion, every kiss and encounter feeling sacred/hot/so well-earned.
One star off because of the other stuff that took plot time away from our MCs and all the things listed above. I’m not picky about POVs generally, but one exception is 1st POV with one character having a (rather obvious) Big Secret. The first half of the book was Silas’ POV remaining mysterious to the reader so that another character could do the big reveal instead of Silas just… thinking about it like he eventually does in the second half. That mystery took away from what could’ve been some even more excellent angst.
Still, really enjoyed this and oooo Ben & Colt next!
The elements of Parker St. John’s writing that work for me REALLLLY work for me. The aching angst, the character portrayals perfectly communicating their desperation and exhaustion, every kiss and encounter feeling sacred/hot/so well-earned.
One star off because of the other stuff that took plot time away from our MCs and all the things listed above. I’m not picky about POVs generally, but one exception is 1st POV with one character having a (rather obvious) Big Secret. The first half of the book was Silas’ POV remaining mysterious to the reader so that another character could do the big reveal instead of Silas just… thinking about it like he eventually does in the second half. That mystery took away from what could’ve been some even more excellent angst.
Still, really enjoyed this and oooo Ben & Colt next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2025
“He taught me how to live in the moment. How good it feels to let go and live and not worry about what comes next. Without him… I’d never have realized how many years I wasted just surviving instead of living.”
Mason, my beloved <3
I really liked the dynamic between Mason and Silas. I thought they matched each other well, though I do wish they had more moments of just them being together and talking. I felt like it made the love confession at the end seem kind of out of nowhere? Like, I didn't think they spent *that* much time together to be having those big feelings?
I was shocked at the twist - totally wasn't expecting that. I feel like both Silas and Mason were living these half lives and being together made them feel whole. I believed in their chemistry, but I wanted just a little bit more?
I feel like this book has set up a lot of questions I am hoping will be answered in the next books!
My prediction is still Dom/Gideon...I mean....right????
Mason, my beloved <3
I really liked the dynamic between Mason and Silas. I thought they matched each other well, though I do wish they had more moments of just them being together and talking. I felt like it made the love confession at the end seem kind of out of nowhere? Like, I didn't think they spent *that* much time together to be having those big feelings?
I was shocked at the twist - totally wasn't expecting that. I feel like both Silas and Mason were living these half lives and being together made them feel whole. I believed in their chemistry, but I wanted just a little bit more?
I feel like this book has set up a lot of questions I am hoping will be answered in the next books!
My prediction is still Dom/Gideon...I mean....right????
May 31, 2025
Mason and Silas ❤️
4.5 Stars ⭐️
I am such a fan of this author and after reading the first 2 books in this series, bump me up to super fan!!! First and foremost this whole universe will suck you right in, it's got danger, intrigue, and some seriously sexy foster brothers with a host of baggage that I'm starving to have unpacked. Now let's talk about our buttoned up, tightly wound lawyer and rule follower, Mason. I absolutely adored him, I loved that he was so damn strong yet weak for Silas ❤️. I thought Silas was the perfect chaos to mess his facade. Silas was tough read at first but I figured out his secret pretty early on and I was so giddy!! He ended up being the strength, protector and sense of calm that Mason needed and deserved, in turn Mason gave Silas a place to call home and place to settle down. Sexy scenes were fire and plot was on point, there were sweet moments as well. I will absolute recommend. Bring on the rest of the Beaufort boys!!!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4.5 Stars ⭐️
I am such a fan of this author and after reading the first 2 books in this series, bump me up to super fan!!! First and foremost this whole universe will suck you right in, it's got danger, intrigue, and some seriously sexy foster brothers with a host of baggage that I'm starving to have unpacked. Now let's talk about our buttoned up, tightly wound lawyer and rule follower, Mason. I absolutely adored him, I loved that he was so damn strong yet weak for Silas ❤️. I thought Silas was the perfect chaos to mess his facade. Silas was tough read at first but I figured out his secret pretty early on and I was so giddy!! He ended up being the strength, protector and sense of calm that Mason needed and deserved, in turn Mason gave Silas a place to call home and place to settle down. Sexy scenes were fire and plot was on point, there were sweet moments as well. I will absolute recommend. Bring on the rest of the Beaufort boys!!!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
June 8, 2025
It's Parker St. John, it is almost always going to get either four or five stars from me! This is a solid 4.5 but I wouldn't be shocked if I upgrade it to 5 after a reread. I love this new series, and I liked that this was a little different from the normal dynamics that she writes. I'm not normally a big fan of instalove or instalust, but something about the way Parker writes just does it for me. It takes a little while for the story itself to get started (and I guessed the twist!) but once things get rolling it takes off. I am so excited for the next book in this series and really loving it. I miss the cowboys (always!) but I'm excited for more of these.
May 29, 2025
Literally finished this book it about one day!! I couldn’t put it down!!! The mystery and story line was so freaking good I was book hung over for sure!!
I love when a character can just let all his troubles fade when with the other! And that’s exactly what this book had, Mason has the world on his shoulders it feels like always working always trying to solve the issues in his family. He is the glue that holds his family together but he can only burn the wick for so long.
Silas is a man full of lies and Mason isn’t sure he can trust him but all he knows is that when he is with him all his troubles fade away.
I’ve said it a thousand times I love when I book has it all including a good plot with some great spice! I was always waiting for something to happen which kept me on my toes! I love how with each book we keep getting glimpse of each brother.
I cannot wait for the next book!!!!
I love when a character can just let all his troubles fade when with the other! And that’s exactly what this book had, Mason has the world on his shoulders it feels like always working always trying to solve the issues in his family. He is the glue that holds his family together but he can only burn the wick for so long.
Silas is a man full of lies and Mason isn’t sure he can trust him but all he knows is that when he is with him all his troubles fade away.
I’ve said it a thousand times I love when I book has it all including a good plot with some great spice! I was always waiting for something to happen which kept me on my toes! I love how with each book we keep getting glimpse of each brother.
I cannot wait for the next book!!!!
August 18, 2025
°˖✧✿✧˖°man of lies by parker st. john°˖✧✿✧˖°
rating: ★★★.75
“you've got a hell of a mouth, counselor, let's see what else it can do.”
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
﹒⟢﹒tropes﹒⟢﹒
⟢ lawyer x bar owner
⟢ bikers mmc
⟢ small-town crime drama
⟢ tortured hero
⟢ opposites attract
⟢ secret relationship
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
mason beaufort is the lawyer brother, the one who’s always cleaning up messes and holding his family together. he’s exhausted, burnt out, and has never once let himself lean on anyone. that is, until silas. with him, mason finally gets to stop fixing everything and just breathe.
silas mckenna owns the dead end bar, plays the part of smooth operator, and hides more secrets than anyone realizes. he’s dangerous, magnetic, and absolutely the worst person mason should be falling for. but silas is also the only one who makes mason feel safe enough to let go.
together, they are volatile and tender all at once, lust turning into something that looks suspiciously like love, no matter how hard they both try to deny it.
∘₊✧the plot✧₊∘
this book starts a little slow, with plenty of reminders about past events, but once it hits its stride, it’s completely absorbing. mason and silas begin with a casual, sex-only arrangement, but both are lying to themselves. there’s push and pull, longing disguised as denial, and the kind of tension that makes every scene charged.
the reveal about silas’s true identity is a payoff that feels earned, even if it complicates everything. their chemistry is hot, the sex scenes are intense, and the emotional beats especially mason finally being allowed to rest in someone else’s arms were some of my favorites.
where it falters is the ending. after all the buildup, their reconciliation feels a little rushed, and i was really wishing for an epilogue to see them settled. i still, the ride to get there was worth it.
∘₊✧final thoughts✧₊∘
this one gave me everything i wanted in their dynamic: angst, vulnerability, filthy tension, and two men slowly realizing they can’t keep lying about what they mean to each other. mason finally gets to be cared for instead of doing all the caring, and silas—always rootless, always hiding—finds someone who feels like home.
it’s not perfect: a slow start and a too-quick resolution kept it from five stars. did take me a while to get into the book. but overall, it’s a messy, steamy, heartfelt installment in devil’s garden that left me invested in these two and excited for what’s coming next with ben and colton. and i did wish we had more angst, less rush-y ending and a bit more exploration of silas and mason's relationship.
tldr : if you love: caretaker heroes finally being taken care of, mmc with too many secrets, and relationships that start in lust but burn into love, man of lies will hit the spot. and to add, both mmc are bikers. need i say more?
rating: ★★★.75
“you've got a hell of a mouth, counselor, let's see what else it can do.”
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
﹒⟢﹒tropes﹒⟢﹒
⟢ lawyer x bar owner
⟢ bikers mmc
⟢ small-town crime drama
⟢ tortured hero
⟢ opposites attract
⟢ secret relationship
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
mason beaufort is the lawyer brother, the one who’s always cleaning up messes and holding his family together. he’s exhausted, burnt out, and has never once let himself lean on anyone. that is, until silas. with him, mason finally gets to stop fixing everything and just breathe.
silas mckenna owns the dead end bar, plays the part of smooth operator, and hides more secrets than anyone realizes. he’s dangerous, magnetic, and absolutely the worst person mason should be falling for. but silas is also the only one who makes mason feel safe enough to let go.
together, they are volatile and tender all at once, lust turning into something that looks suspiciously like love, no matter how hard they both try to deny it.
∘₊✧the plot✧₊∘
this book starts a little slow, with plenty of reminders about past events, but once it hits its stride, it’s completely absorbing. mason and silas begin with a casual, sex-only arrangement, but both are lying to themselves. there’s push and pull, longing disguised as denial, and the kind of tension that makes every scene charged.
the reveal about silas’s true identity is a payoff that feels earned, even if it complicates everything. their chemistry is hot, the sex scenes are intense, and the emotional beats especially mason finally being allowed to rest in someone else’s arms were some of my favorites.
where it falters is the ending. after all the buildup, their reconciliation feels a little rushed, and i was really wishing for an epilogue to see them settled. i still, the ride to get there was worth it.
∘₊✧final thoughts✧₊∘
this one gave me everything i wanted in their dynamic: angst, vulnerability, filthy tension, and two men slowly realizing they can’t keep lying about what they mean to each other. mason finally gets to be cared for instead of doing all the caring, and silas—always rootless, always hiding—finds someone who feels like home.
it’s not perfect: a slow start and a too-quick resolution kept it from five stars. did take me a while to get into the book. but overall, it’s a messy, steamy, heartfelt installment in devil’s garden that left me invested in these two and excited for what’s coming next with ben and colton. and i did wish we had more angst, less rush-y ending and a bit more exploration of silas and mason's relationship.
tldr : if you love: caretaker heroes finally being taken care of, mmc with too many secrets, and relationships that start in lust but burn into love, man of lies will hit the spot. and to add, both mmc are bikers. need i say more?
June 10, 2025
I loved going back to Devil's Garden, this gritty world filled with secrets and cover-ups. The Beaufort brothers slowly find their people while we unravel the crime and corruption in the parrish.
MAN OF LIES is Mason Beaufort, the lawyer brother, getting his man. Silas, the broody bartender with all kinds of secrets hiding in his long hair.
OK, I'm going to go a bit "Charlie Kelly, conspiracy board" here. Bear with me.
The Beaufort brothers:
● Gage (youngest) book one linked with Wyatt, the Parrish deputy
● Mason, the lawyer & Ben's twin. Linked with Silas, the bartender & ______ book 2
● Ben, in jail due to corruption. Was in the army, now out on release. Will be book 3 with Colton, ADA guy, and Mason's friend.
● Gideon, the oldest. The good one. He's a priest? Preacher? Runs the home where they foster kids. Has a weird vibe going with Dominic. OMG, IS IT BECAUSE THEY'RE GONNA KISS AND THEIR BOOK WILL BE MAJOR?!
● Dominic, the bad boy. The crime. The... bad but for the greater good. He has a huge heart but gets in his own way.
Who is the bad guy? I think it's more than the sheriff. Something is AFOOT, and I wanna know!
We get more than romance in this series. There's a LOT going on, and none of these guys are sunshiney happy. Life has been hard, and their world is as bleak as it is beautiful.
The writing, as always, is fantastic. There's a sadness in these books. I love the characters finding their forever people, but damn. It's a journey.
Mason is hyper-focused on taking care of and managing his family. He works himself to the bone and past exhaustion and has for years. His only solace comes from crashing in the back room of the Dead End, and that rest doesn't come from the bar. It comes from the bartender, Silas.
As hard as Mason tries to manage everything, the only place he can let it go is with Silas. But Silas has secrets, and too many things are happening, and then BOOM, the plot goes into hyperspeed.
I think this series would be best enjoyed in order. You need all the interlinking parts to get it.
MAN OF LIES is out now, and so is book one, Man of Honor. Read them, and we can go conspiracy board together!
MAN OF LIES is Mason Beaufort, the lawyer brother, getting his man. Silas, the broody bartender with all kinds of secrets hiding in his long hair.
OK, I'm going to go a bit "Charlie Kelly, conspiracy board" here. Bear with me.
The Beaufort brothers:
● Gage (youngest) book one linked with Wyatt, the Parrish deputy
● Mason, the lawyer & Ben's twin. Linked with Silas, the bartender & ______ book 2
● Ben, in jail due to corruption. Was in the army, now out on release. Will be book 3 with Colton, ADA guy, and Mason's friend.
● Gideon, the oldest. The good one. He's a priest? Preacher? Runs the home where they foster kids. Has a weird vibe going with Dominic. OMG, IS IT BECAUSE THEY'RE GONNA KISS AND THEIR BOOK WILL BE MAJOR?!
● Dominic, the bad boy. The crime. The... bad but for the greater good. He has a huge heart but gets in his own way.
Who is the bad guy? I think it's more than the sheriff. Something is AFOOT, and I wanna know!
We get more than romance in this series. There's a LOT going on, and none of these guys are sunshiney happy. Life has been hard, and their world is as bleak as it is beautiful.
The writing, as always, is fantastic. There's a sadness in these books. I love the characters finding their forever people, but damn. It's a journey.
Mason is hyper-focused on taking care of and managing his family. He works himself to the bone and past exhaustion and has for years. His only solace comes from crashing in the back room of the Dead End, and that rest doesn't come from the bar. It comes from the bartender, Silas.
As hard as Mason tries to manage everything, the only place he can let it go is with Silas. But Silas has secrets, and too many things are happening, and then BOOM, the plot goes into hyperspeed.
I think this series would be best enjoyed in order. You need all the interlinking parts to get it.
MAN OF LIES is out now, and so is book one, Man of Honor. Read them, and we can go conspiracy board together!
June 26, 2025
FR- Alors alors.... alors comme pour le premier tome j'ai énormément aimé ce roman.
J'ai adoré retrouver les personnages et la petite ville de Devil's Garden. L'ambiance est délicieusement glauque et les héros jamais tout blanc ou tout noir. J'aime cette atmosphère ambivalente; où tout n'est jamais ce qu'il semble être. C'était déjà le cas dans le premier tome mais ici l'accent est encore plus mis sur cette mince frontière entre le bien et le mal.
Attention, ce n'est pas non plus une dark romance.
Dans Man of Lies, Parker St John nous propose une romance lumineuse. Les personnages oscillent entre le bien et le mal mais trouvent leur rédemption l'un dans l'autre. Ce deuxième tome est légèrement plus sombre que le premier et j'ai dois avouer que j'ai eu un peu peur que ça vire soit vers le BDSM, le Daddy Kink ou la Dark Romance. J'ai d'ailleurs espéré fortement une chose pour le personnage de Silas qui s'est révélée être vraie. Et ça ne m'a pas du tout gênée d'avoir deviné.
La ville de Devil's Garden est un personnage à part entière.
On ne peut pas lire un roman de cette série sans s'attarder sur Devil's Garden . Une ville qui porte si bien son nom. J'ai vraiment hâte de savoir si cette ville aura droit à sa rédemption mais je dois avouer que même sans ça, j'en apprécie l'ambiance, l'atmosphère. Les petits points lumineux, les moments plus sombres. Parker St John a réussi à faire de cette ville un élément central de ses romans.
La romance entre Silas et Mason est vraiment magnifique.
Man of Lies est une histoire de redemption, de lâcher prise, de seconde chance. Et Parker St John maitrise parfaitement ces thèmes et ses personnages. J'ai aimé la façon dont la relation entre les deux hommes va leur permettre de s'élever et de sortir de leur marasme personnel.
En résumé, un très bon deuxième tome et une série que je vais suivre avec attention.
ENG-So well well well...well as with the first volume, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
I loved rediscovering the characters and the small town of Devil's Garden. The atmosphere is deliciously gloomy, and the heroes are never all black or white. I love this ambivalent atmosphere; where everything is never what it seems. This was already the case in the first volume, but here the emphasis is even more on this thin line between good and evil.
Be warned, this is not a dark romance either.
In Man of Lies, Parker St. John offers us a luminous romance. The characters oscillate between good and evil but find their redemption in each other. This second volume is slightly darker than the first, and I must admit I was a little afraid it would veer towards BDSM, Daddy Kink, or Dark Romance. I actually had high hopes for something for Silas, which turned out to be true. And I didn't mind guessing at all.
Devil's Garden is a character in its own right.
You can't read a novel in this series without focusing on Devil's Garden. A town that so aptly bears its name. I'm really eager to find out if this town will be redeemed, but I must admit that even without that, I appreciate its atmosphere, its ambiance. The little bright spots, the darker moments. Parker St. John has managed to make this town a central element of his novels.
The romance between Silas and Mason is truly magnificent.
Man of Lies is a story of redemption, letting go, and second chances. And Parker St. John perfectly masters these themes and his characters. I liked how the relationship between the two men allows them to rise above their personal slumps.
In summary, a very good second book and a series that I will be following closely.
J'ai adoré retrouver les personnages et la petite ville de Devil's Garden. L'ambiance est délicieusement glauque et les héros jamais tout blanc ou tout noir. J'aime cette atmosphère ambivalente; où tout n'est jamais ce qu'il semble être. C'était déjà le cas dans le premier tome mais ici l'accent est encore plus mis sur cette mince frontière entre le bien et le mal.
Attention, ce n'est pas non plus une dark romance.
Dans Man of Lies, Parker St John nous propose une romance lumineuse. Les personnages oscillent entre le bien et le mal mais trouvent leur rédemption l'un dans l'autre. Ce deuxième tome est légèrement plus sombre que le premier et j'ai dois avouer que j'ai eu un peu peur que ça vire soit vers le BDSM, le Daddy Kink ou la Dark Romance. J'ai d'ailleurs espéré fortement une chose pour le personnage de Silas qui s'est révélée être vraie. Et ça ne m'a pas du tout gênée d'avoir deviné.
La ville de Devil's Garden est un personnage à part entière.
On ne peut pas lire un roman de cette série sans s'attarder sur Devil's Garden . Une ville qui porte si bien son nom. J'ai vraiment hâte de savoir si cette ville aura droit à sa rédemption mais je dois avouer que même sans ça, j'en apprécie l'ambiance, l'atmosphère. Les petits points lumineux, les moments plus sombres. Parker St John a réussi à faire de cette ville un élément central de ses romans.
La romance entre Silas et Mason est vraiment magnifique.
Man of Lies est une histoire de redemption, de lâcher prise, de seconde chance. Et Parker St John maitrise parfaitement ces thèmes et ses personnages. J'ai aimé la façon dont la relation entre les deux hommes va leur permettre de s'élever et de sortir de leur marasme personnel.
En résumé, un très bon deuxième tome et une série que je vais suivre avec attention.
ENG-So well well well...well as with the first volume, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
I loved rediscovering the characters and the small town of Devil's Garden. The atmosphere is deliciously gloomy, and the heroes are never all black or white. I love this ambivalent atmosphere; where everything is never what it seems. This was already the case in the first volume, but here the emphasis is even more on this thin line between good and evil.
Be warned, this is not a dark romance either.
In Man of Lies, Parker St. John offers us a luminous romance. The characters oscillate between good and evil but find their redemption in each other. This second volume is slightly darker than the first, and I must admit I was a little afraid it would veer towards BDSM, Daddy Kink, or Dark Romance. I actually had high hopes for something for Silas, which turned out to be true. And I didn't mind guessing at all.
Devil's Garden is a character in its own right.
You can't read a novel in this series without focusing on Devil's Garden. A town that so aptly bears its name. I'm really eager to find out if this town will be redeemed, but I must admit that even without that, I appreciate its atmosphere, its ambiance. The little bright spots, the darker moments. Parker St. John has managed to make this town a central element of his novels.
The romance between Silas and Mason is truly magnificent.
Man of Lies is a story of redemption, letting go, and second chances. And Parker St. John perfectly masters these themes and his characters. I liked how the relationship between the two men allows them to rise above their personal slumps.
In summary, a very good second book and a series that I will be following closely.
June 9, 2025
4.25 Stars - Back to the bayou we go in the continuation of this story about a bunch of adopted brothers in a town of curruption where the dirty powers are out to get them.
This installment is about Mason, the attorney brother who has been working OT for years to find a way to help his brother, Ben, who was wrongfully incarcerated. Ben was released at the end of the previous book, but things are, by no means, fixed. Suffice to say that Mason has been running himself ragged putting his family before himself for so long. He finds solace in the back room of a bar that bar owner Silas keeps for those who need it.
Silas can tell Mason needs something, and despite knowing he shouldn’t get involved for various reasons, he knows he is exactly what Mason needs, and he can’t seem to resist being the one to give it to him.
However, there is more to Silas than he is letting on. He has been seemingly turning a blind eye to the drug deals and other nefarious activities his bar is being used for, but there is a human trafficking element that he is determined to get to the bottom of.
There are a number of twists in this one as the story unfolds. Lines are drawn and lines are crossed by various people, and even though some of the interests intersect, the roads there cause quite a few problems.
That aside, these two find a way to make things work in the end, although there are still a lot of unanswered questions to the overall storyline. Ben appears to be next in line, so hopefully we will see him finally find some peace in the near future.
I’m really enjoying this series so far and am definitely looking forward to the next book.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
June 10, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
You know a book is fire when you've got 2354761582 highlights and every single note is: aiiieeeee I love this so much!!!
Man of Lies was so cinematic, immersive, powerful and gritty and I never wanted this book to end! No other author writes the kind of quality narrative that leaves me crying for more than Parker St. John.
Everything about this story was gripping, from the love story to the plotty bad boy action, where all roads lead to the ferocious Beaufort brothers who love as hard as they fight/find trouble!
The characterizations were as juicy as they come! Intriguing, broody bad boys who ride their motorcycles and their lovers to the breaking point, full of secrets and saviour-complexes and doing their best to right the wrongs in the sticky sweltering city of Devil's Garden.
The complicated dance gets tiring though. Mason was worn out by the weight of keeping it all together, and Silas was slowly losing himself to all the things he had to be but wasn't.
I loved that the true heart of Man of Lies was Mason and Silas being each other's answer to their bone deep desire to just breathe.
And finally, OMG THE DIALOGUE!!!!! I cry!! Some exchanges made my brain implode, but in the best way possible.
I love a line that has so much dimension that you can legit sit with it for a few minutes and it just keeps growing and revealing more and more from whichever way you come at it!
So YES I LOVED Man of Lies and i absolutely cannot wait for Man of War up next because i think Ben's book will be just as stunning as this was! Can't wait!
You know a book is fire when you've got 2354761582 highlights and every single note is: aiiieeeee I love this so much!!!
Man of Lies was so cinematic, immersive, powerful and gritty and I never wanted this book to end! No other author writes the kind of quality narrative that leaves me crying for more than Parker St. John.
Everything about this story was gripping, from the love story to the plotty bad boy action, where all roads lead to the ferocious Beaufort brothers who love as hard as they fight/find trouble!
The characterizations were as juicy as they come! Intriguing, broody bad boys who ride their motorcycles and their lovers to the breaking point, full of secrets and saviour-complexes and doing their best to right the wrongs in the sticky sweltering city of Devil's Garden.
The complicated dance gets tiring though. Mason was worn out by the weight of keeping it all together, and Silas was slowly losing himself to all the things he had to be but wasn't.
I loved that the true heart of Man of Lies was Mason and Silas being each other's answer to their bone deep desire to just breathe.
And finally, OMG THE DIALOGUE!!!!! I cry!! Some exchanges made my brain implode, but in the best way possible.
"Sweetheart, Gator doesn't trust anyone. But he likes the way I look when I lie."
I love a line that has so much dimension that you can legit sit with it for a few minutes and it just keeps growing and revealing more and more from whichever way you come at it!
So YES I LOVED Man of Lies and i absolutely cannot wait for Man of War up next because i think Ben's book will be just as stunning as this was! Can't wait!
June 15, 2025
4.5 stars
Back to the mysterious and dangerous small town of Devil's Garden with layers of secrets, lies, corruption, and different threats and antagonists. The Beaufort boys have struggled all of their lives and had a brief reprieve when Boone Beaufort took them in and set them up for a better life. But they all have demons, issues, secrets, unique skills, and a ton of baggage.
This one features Mason, who is a lawyer and on a special task force, and Silas McKenna, the bartender at a rough bar where some of the town locals and trouble like to hang out. They are both running on fumes over their complicated lives. They react strongly to each other and can read each other, and provide the distraction they each need. They understand and allow the other to be who they are. The temptation leads to a fiery arrangement that becomes messier with feelings and secrets. And when the secrets come out, what will be the fallout?
I felt bad for these guys, especially Mason, because he has been trying to hold up the family and keep everyone safe for so long and sacrificing his own needs. He is all about control, but is so tired and overwhelmed. Silas gives him what he needs and lets him give up control and just breathe.
It also brings back Mason's brothers: Gage, who was good at finding trouble, Dominic, the restaurateur and criminal mastermind; Gideon, the priest who runs the foster home; and Ben who is out of prison at least for now. They managed to solve some problems but there are still plenty of secrets and corruption to break down. The next book is about Ben and Mason's friend, Colton, who has been helping him and acting as his out-of-prison warden. But there are still people out for the Beauforts, and their family is splitting apart. This series is raw, dark, gritty, and all ofthe characters are flawed and full of secrets.
Back to the mysterious and dangerous small town of Devil's Garden with layers of secrets, lies, corruption, and different threats and antagonists. The Beaufort boys have struggled all of their lives and had a brief reprieve when Boone Beaufort took them in and set them up for a better life. But they all have demons, issues, secrets, unique skills, and a ton of baggage.
This one features Mason, who is a lawyer and on a special task force, and Silas McKenna, the bartender at a rough bar where some of the town locals and trouble like to hang out. They are both running on fumes over their complicated lives. They react strongly to each other and can read each other, and provide the distraction they each need. They understand and allow the other to be who they are. The temptation leads to a fiery arrangement that becomes messier with feelings and secrets. And when the secrets come out, what will be the fallout?
I felt bad for these guys, especially Mason, because he has been trying to hold up the family and keep everyone safe for so long and sacrificing his own needs. He is all about control, but is so tired and overwhelmed. Silas gives him what he needs and lets him give up control and just breathe.
It also brings back Mason's brothers: Gage, who was good at finding trouble, Dominic, the restaurateur and criminal mastermind; Gideon, the priest who runs the foster home; and Ben who is out of prison at least for now. They managed to solve some problems but there are still plenty of secrets and corruption to break down. The next book is about Ben and Mason's friend, Colton, who has been helping him and acting as his out-of-prison warden. But there are still people out for the Beauforts, and their family is splitting apart. This series is raw, dark, gritty, and all ofthe characters are flawed and full of secrets.
June 10, 2025
Steamy, riveting gay romance in Devil’s Garden, Louisiana
I love this series! I love St. John’s style in that the books begin strong with immediate action and rarely let up until the ending. Even then, the ending of this book was downright thrilling. A little background: These books are about a group of adopted unrelated boys who grew up hard with juvenile delinquent records, adopted by Boone Beaufort of old Louisiana money to become tough men who are passionate about their cause and relentless in getting what they need, yet not always for themselves in Devil’s Garden, Louisiana.
In this one we meet the lawyer “brother” named Mason Beaufort who spends a good bit of his time keeping the law away from their door. Thing is in Devil’s Garden there are a few unscrupulous lawmen who want nothing more than to arrest a Beaufort boy or worse. Mason is driven much like the way he handles his Ducati, taking unnecessary chances so he can stop his mind from thinking, always thinking. Currently he is on a task force trying to determine who is bringing in drugs into their community and who is trafficking young girls. Can they stop it?
When Mason has run himself beyond his tolerance, he takes a cot in the storage room at the local dive bar run by Silas McKenna. Mason knows this man has secrets but who doesn’t in Devil’s Garden? His family sure does. Mason and Silas have chemistry but can that be enough? If you like thrilling, mysterious and steamy gay romance, you will want to read this one. Try the series for that matter. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
I love this series! I love St. John’s style in that the books begin strong with immediate action and rarely let up until the ending. Even then, the ending of this book was downright thrilling. A little background: These books are about a group of adopted unrelated boys who grew up hard with juvenile delinquent records, adopted by Boone Beaufort of old Louisiana money to become tough men who are passionate about their cause and relentless in getting what they need, yet not always for themselves in Devil’s Garden, Louisiana.
In this one we meet the lawyer “brother” named Mason Beaufort who spends a good bit of his time keeping the law away from their door. Thing is in Devil’s Garden there are a few unscrupulous lawmen who want nothing more than to arrest a Beaufort boy or worse. Mason is driven much like the way he handles his Ducati, taking unnecessary chances so he can stop his mind from thinking, always thinking. Currently he is on a task force trying to determine who is bringing in drugs into their community and who is trafficking young girls. Can they stop it?
When Mason has run himself beyond his tolerance, he takes a cot in the storage room at the local dive bar run by Silas McKenna. Mason knows this man has secrets but who doesn’t in Devil’s Garden? His family sure does. Mason and Silas have chemistry but can that be enough? If you like thrilling, mysterious and steamy gay romance, you will want to read this one. Try the series for that matter. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
June 10, 2025
The Vendetta Kings series continues and what a fantastic read it was. This story has it all: tension, passion, mystery, family drama, and suspense. The tension between the brothers is thick and Mason is slowly burning out trying to keep the peace and keep his brothers out of jail. When he needs a moment, he keeps finding himself drawn to Silas, even though his seedy bar is the last place the upstanding lawyer should be. Silas is a man with many secrets. He’s a man who never lays down roots, but the pull to take care of the attorney who keeps showing up at his bar. Their chemistry is off the charts and I loved how hard Silas pushed Mason to give into what he wanted and taking a much needed break from holding the weight of the world on his shoulders. This opposites attract, gritty, romantic suspense features two heroes who ride motorcycles and push the limits on those bikes.
I loved how Silas was a bit of an enigma but a caretaker at heart. He is always there when Mason crawls into his bar and once Mason gives into their simmering attraction, I love how Silas shows up for him even harder. I loved how these two shouldn’t have made sense, but they were so perfect for one another even with the secrets Silas carries. My only wish is that their story had been a little longer, but the ending was so very sweet. I wasn’t ready to let this love story go, I was enjoying it so much. This series has been a gritty wild ride and I’m so intrigued by the series story ARC that the next story can’t come soon enough!
I loved how Silas was a bit of an enigma but a caretaker at heart. He is always there when Mason crawls into his bar and once Mason gives into their simmering attraction, I love how Silas shows up for him even harder. I loved how these two shouldn’t have made sense, but they were so perfect for one another even with the secrets Silas carries. My only wish is that their story had been a little longer, but the ending was so very sweet. I wasn’t ready to let this love story go, I was enjoying it so much. This series has been a gritty wild ride and I’m so intrigued by the series story ARC that the next story can’t come soon enough!
May 29, 2025
********** Contains Spoilers**********
I’m new to Parker St John’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good addition to the Vendetta Kings Series. Mason takes on so much, he’s running himself into the ground trying to not only protect his brothers but be the glue that holds them together. I loved that Silas gave him a safe place to let go and have someone else take the reins for a while, even though Mason didn’t let go easily and they were definitely both kidding themselves with the rules they set, as there was already some kind of feelings involved. I thought their chemistry was completely off the charts, as well as hot as hell.
Even though each book in this series is a new couple, it’s best to read them in order as there’s an over arching storyline that seems to be getting more intense with each book. I’m looking forward to get to see behind masks that the rest of the Beaufort’s wear as the series continues. I’ve already pre-ordered Ben’s book, Man of War which I’m looking forward to reading it when it’s released, as well as more book from Parker St John in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
I’m new to Parker St John’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good addition to the Vendetta Kings Series. Mason takes on so much, he’s running himself into the ground trying to not only protect his brothers but be the glue that holds them together. I loved that Silas gave him a safe place to let go and have someone else take the reins for a while, even though Mason didn’t let go easily and they were definitely both kidding themselves with the rules they set, as there was already some kind of feelings involved. I thought their chemistry was completely off the charts, as well as hot as hell.
Even though each book in this series is a new couple, it’s best to read them in order as there’s an over arching storyline that seems to be getting more intense with each book. I’m looking forward to get to see behind masks that the rest of the Beaufort’s wear as the series continues. I’ve already pre-ordered Ben’s book, Man of War which I’m looking forward to reading it when it’s released, as well as more book from Parker St John in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
June 15, 2025
A Real Page Turner, I Loved It!
This book was so good. As usual the authors writing was wonderful and the story had everything I needed to hook me and keep me reading it in one sitting. It was a page turner that I couldn’t put down.
Mary Calmes writing is addictive and her characters, although flawed, are interesting and complex and I am never quite sure if they are on the side of good or evil.
This is book two in the series which is set in the hot steamy Bayou in Louisiana in a small town called Devil’s Garden and yes it is as grim as it sounds. You don’t know who you can trust, there are awful things happening in broad daylight such as drug and people trafficking and the last people you call are the local law enforcement! I can’t think of one good reason to ever live in this depressing sweaty place.
It was the turn of Mason, the stoic sensible one of the five brothers and the lawyer that they keep very busy, to find his HEA with the enigmatic Silas, who owns the dive bar in town called the Dead End. On paper these two have nothing in common, with Mason being the law abiding brother and Silas a man of mystery who has been to prison, but they are perfect for each other and the chemistry is seriously 🔥 As the story unfolds we realise that there is more to Silas than making drinks for the bottom feeders in town and he really is a man of many lies.
Strongly recommend this book and book one and can’t wait to read Ben’s story next.
This book was so good. As usual the authors writing was wonderful and the story had everything I needed to hook me and keep me reading it in one sitting. It was a page turner that I couldn’t put down.
Mary Calmes writing is addictive and her characters, although flawed, are interesting and complex and I am never quite sure if they are on the side of good or evil.
This is book two in the series which is set in the hot steamy Bayou in Louisiana in a small town called Devil’s Garden and yes it is as grim as it sounds. You don’t know who you can trust, there are awful things happening in broad daylight such as drug and people trafficking and the last people you call are the local law enforcement! I can’t think of one good reason to ever live in this depressing sweaty place.
It was the turn of Mason, the stoic sensible one of the five brothers and the lawyer that they keep very busy, to find his HEA with the enigmatic Silas, who owns the dive bar in town called the Dead End. On paper these two have nothing in common, with Mason being the law abiding brother and Silas a man of mystery who has been to prison, but they are perfect for each other and the chemistry is seriously 🔥 As the story unfolds we realise that there is more to Silas than making drinks for the bottom feeders in town and he really is a man of many lies.
Strongly recommend this book and book one and can’t wait to read Ben’s story next.
September 7, 2025
Parker St. John is SUCH an underrated author! I just absolutely adore their raw and beautiful writing style. The atmosphere is so well crafted and the dynamic between Mason and Silas is electric. They have CHEMISTRY in spades, the kind that leaps off the page, and I loved how well they fit together, even when their trust was tested.
There is a MAJOR reveal about halfway through the book that literally made my jaw drop. I didn't see it coming AT ALL and immediately wanted to go back and comb through the book for clues . That, ladies and gents, is how you write a mic-drop moment. Holy fucking shit.
One thing I struggled with, both here and in the first book, was keeping track of the brothers’ dynamics. There are five of them, each carrying their own baggage, history, and complicated connections. Much of it is only hinted at or filtered through the perspective of the main brother—Gabe in book one, Mason here—so you have to piece things together yourself and don’t always get the full picture. But as the story progressed, I started to get a much clearer sense of who is who, and how their relationships interlock. By the end, I finally felt like I had a handle on the family as a whole.
If I had one wish, it’s that we got just a bit more of Mason and Silas as a couple by the end. Fingers crossed they play a big role in Ben’s book!
There is a MAJOR reveal about halfway through the book that literally made my jaw drop. I didn't see it coming AT ALL and immediately wanted to go back and comb through the book for clues . That, ladies and gents, is how you write a mic-drop moment. Holy fucking shit.
One thing I struggled with, both here and in the first book, was keeping track of the brothers’ dynamics. There are five of them, each carrying their own baggage, history, and complicated connections. Much of it is only hinted at or filtered through the perspective of the main brother—Gabe in book one, Mason here—so you have to piece things together yourself and don’t always get the full picture. But as the story progressed, I started to get a much clearer sense of who is who, and how their relationships interlock. By the end, I finally felt like I had a handle on the family as a whole.
If I had one wish, it’s that we got just a bit more of Mason and Silas as a couple by the end. Fingers crossed they play a big role in Ben’s book!
June 3, 2025
Man of Lies
Parker St John
Vendetta Kings Book 2
Mason & Silas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Secrets & Lies
Found family
Hurt / Comfort
Angsty
Following Man of Honor, Man of Lies is just as great if not better.
Plot heavy, angsty, steamy and gritty. This book is fantastic
Mason the man to save his family, carrying everything on his shoulders can't help but get attached to Silas. Taking over Devils Garsen, the local bar. Silas turns a blind eye to the shady dealings at night.
These two are angsty, hot and sweet. Silas was able to give Mason the freedom to be himself and let go from the pressures he puts on himself. It was really great.
"Pretty boy, you live like you're scared of everything," he drawled mockingly. "Scared of screwing up, mostly. Losing control. That's why you come to me. So I can take it from you.”
This series is the first from this author I have read. I really enjoy the writing and story.
Without giving too much of the plot away, this was so great, it had me at the edge of my seat.
The caretaking from Silas to Mason was so sweet. I loved the push and pull between the two. Silas had a filthy mouth, loved it. Mason was such a simp for Silas.
“I don’t care how many lives you lived before this,” I whispered. “This one? The one with me? It’s real, and I’ll choose it— I’ll choose you— every damn time.”
I also can't wait to read about the other brothers. Ben and Dom’s story will be great.
The plot is great and will continue into the next book. There is no cliff hanger but the story line does continue. I was really looking forward to this book. I loved it.
Parker St John
Vendetta Kings Book 2
Mason & Silas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Secrets & Lies
Found family
Hurt / Comfort
Angsty
Following Man of Honor, Man of Lies is just as great if not better.
Plot heavy, angsty, steamy and gritty. This book is fantastic
Mason the man to save his family, carrying everything on his shoulders can't help but get attached to Silas. Taking over Devils Garsen, the local bar. Silas turns a blind eye to the shady dealings at night.
These two are angsty, hot and sweet. Silas was able to give Mason the freedom to be himself and let go from the pressures he puts on himself. It was really great.
"Pretty boy, you live like you're scared of everything," he drawled mockingly. "Scared of screwing up, mostly. Losing control. That's why you come to me. So I can take it from you.”
This series is the first from this author I have read. I really enjoy the writing and story.
Without giving too much of the plot away, this was so great, it had me at the edge of my seat.
The caretaking from Silas to Mason was so sweet. I loved the push and pull between the two. Silas had a filthy mouth, loved it. Mason was such a simp for Silas.
“I don’t care how many lives you lived before this,” I whispered. “This one? The one with me? It’s real, and I’ll choose it— I’ll choose you— every damn time.”
I also can't wait to read about the other brothers. Ben and Dom’s story will be great.
The plot is great and will continue into the next book. There is no cliff hanger but the story line does continue. I was really looking forward to this book. I loved it.
June 3, 2025
“I don’t care how many lives you lived before this,” I whispered. “This one? The one with me? It’s real, and I’ll choose it—I’ll choose you—every damn time.”
➻ my rating: ✩✩✩✩
I said in my review of Man of Honor that I couldn’t wait to see what trouble Silas and Mason got into - and trouble there was…just in the way I thought it’d be.
When Silas and Mason embarked on a no strings attached relationship, I, like the collective, knew how this would go. First, the couple would set a few ground rules, break all those ground rules in the name of passion and romance, and fall deeply in love. This book delivered all that, while a deeply compelling piece got revealed and slotted in the puzzle of the world.
When it comes to the world Parker St. John is building, I can honestly say the romance comes second to unraveling what is going on in the Parish and just how many eyes and ears are involved. Don’t get me wrong, romance is just as compelling. I mean Gage and Wyatt served angst, Silas and Mason served lust, and with Ben and Colton coming next in a close proximity situation, lord knows all they’ll get up to, with deviant Dominic and saint Gideon serving a black vs. white (beige really) dynamic the couples of this series serve just as hard. But unraveling the debauchery of this parish…that's everything.
➻ my rating: ✩✩✩✩
I said in my review of Man of Honor that I couldn’t wait to see what trouble Silas and Mason got into - and trouble there was…just in the way I thought it’d be.
When Silas and Mason embarked on a no strings attached relationship, I, like the collective, knew how this would go. First, the couple would set a few ground rules, break all those ground rules in the name of passion and romance, and fall deeply in love. This book delivered all that, while a deeply compelling piece got revealed and slotted in the puzzle of the world.
When it comes to the world Parker St. John is building, I can honestly say the romance comes second to unraveling what is going on in the Parish and just how many eyes and ears are involved. Don’t get me wrong, romance is just as compelling. I mean Gage and Wyatt served angst, Silas and Mason served lust, and with Ben and Colton coming next in a close proximity situation, lord knows all they’ll get up to, with deviant Dominic and saint Gideon serving a black vs. white (beige really) dynamic the couples of this series serve just as hard. But unraveling the debauchery of this parish…that's everything.
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