Conflicted Lies

Vengeful Lies #4

by T.L. Smith, Kia Carrington-Russell

Detective Braxton Hero should keep his distance from me. Even though I can’t seem to stay away from him.

Letting him get too close is a mistake. One I can’t stop making.

He sees me. The woman I pretend to be, and the one behind the mask. And for the first time, I don’t know which version is real.

Even though I’ve spent my life in the shadows, I’ve never been conflicted about who I am…until he blurred the lines. The thought of him seeing my darkness does something to me.

He makes me want things. Things I can’t have.

A life that isn’t mine to take.

A love built on lies.

A all-new Standalone in the Vengeful Lies series.

From USA Today and Amazon Top 25 Best Selling Author duo, a new Standalone Dark Romance in the same world as the Lethal Vows.

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Mafia Romance, Romance, Dark, Family, Contemporary Romance

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2025

About the author

USA Today Best Selling Author T.L. Smith loves to write her characters with flaws so beautiful and dark that you can’t turn away from. Her books have been translated into several languages. If you don’t find her in her home town of Queensland, Australia you can usually find her travelling around the world to sitting on a beach in Bali, to exploring Alcatraz in San Francisco or walking the streets of New York.



Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authortlsmith/
Instagram - tlsmith1313
Twitter - @LsmithT
Tiktok - tlsmith.13

Reviews

[Iman’s Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

I did not see that plot twist coming, and that’s the only reason this even got a 2.5⭐️… I hated the MMC so much. Idk why, but I just disliked him so much and their relationship was awful. He stalked and harassed her, the hate fucked the WHOLE book, and then BAM! they’re in love?! 😒

And can we please stop with these horrendous names?! Braxton Hero?! What is going on? We had Jewel Diamond in book one, Posie and Dutton in book two, and now this?! And the mom in the book is Lena Love? I just can’t take it seriously at this point.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deliciously dark and absolutely addictive.

This fourth installment in the series wasn't just the usual stories in the first and second generation, but also had a true murder mistery that was really well done.
All the secrets and twists in this book kept me constantly surprised by the story's direction. I did not see them coming.
Don't forget to check out the trigger warnings, this is not for everyone.

Braxton, Braxton, Braxton... omg, he is something else! He is sly, arrogant and extremely cocky.
And Hope? definitely she's not the innocent one of the next gen.
Their risky relationship is forbidden, with a touch of danger and full of carnal attraction. And their chemistry? Insane.

I need Hawke's story now, with Ivy, if it is possible 🙄

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 Stars)
Hope Ivanov has found herself in a little trouble and a Detective Braxton Hero can’t seem to forget the little trouble maker. They may of had a thing a while back but her family and the law don’t go together at all. When her name gets tied to a case he is working on can Braxton keep his feelings professional or will he bend the law to find the truth and his “shortcake.” This is a steamy enemies to lovers mystery with all the banter we love from this series. You’ll never look at an officers “accessories” quite the same again, lol! Oh and I need Hawkes book stat!! Get ready for a wild ride! Told in first person and dual POV.

[Moongirl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not a fan of making a “serial killer” something normal and accepted….big yikes this is not just fiction, normalizing this bs is huge NO

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating - ⭐⭐.5
Spice - 🌶🌶.5

Trope - age gap, police detective × sculptor, dark romance, silent but mysterious FMC, murder mystery, hate to love, ONS, second chance, strangers to lovers, suspense, forbidden, morally grey, banter, gore, gun play, no third-act break-up, secret relationship, kinky, HEA
Bonus chapter - 1

THIS REVIEW IS FILLED WITH SPOILERS!!!

I was least excited about this book because Hope was never a particularly interesting character with a significant role in previous books. However, I was curious to see how she ends up with a detective, but sadly, this book wasn't for me.

There have been several mysterious murders recently, with Braxton Hero as the lead detective on all these cases. Hope is the woman whose virginity he took four years ago, and he has been obsessed ever since. These murders have provided him with the opportunity to be close to her, and now he would do anything to get her attention. He was practically harassing her in the first few chapters because he thought she was linked to the murders, and honestly, he was quite cocky and obnoxious- which I didn't like. He was smart, no doubt, but the attitude was just irking me.

My intuition predicted the plot twist before I reached 30%. There was no way Hope was different from her family, which wasn't surprising. Her character was somewhat intriguing in previous books, but she lacked much personality, and I felt the same about her throughout this book. She didn't have the sassy-badass spark Jewel had, or the innocent-sassy attitude like Posie, or even the rebellious-sassy persona Billie exhibited. She seemed a bit plain compared to other female main characters, even though she claimed to be crooked or have secrets.

The gun play was okay and something I have seen before, but the badge thing was just so unhygienic that it really put me off. I also didn't feel much chemistry between the couple; it was more a matter of lust and mutual interest. The only moments I felt a slight connection were when Braxton started questioning their relationship and when he got shot, and she finally showed a bit of care.

I don’t know what it was, but the plot and writing in this book just didn't appeal to me. I was bored to death. I literally speed-read the last 50%.

I dislike the idea of killing your friend or partner as collateral just because someone was jealous and couldn't control their emotions. I've read multiple books where jealousy led to a person's death, but it rarely involved a prominent or good character affected by such events, so it didn't really bother me or evoke much anger.

Hope had more of a sadistic serial killer mentality. She apparently targeted only men who hurt women, but this was only revealed at the very end. It would have been interesting to read about a fictional female serial killer who targeted men who mistreated women, if we knew why she was targeting these men. She does previously mentioned that she did it out of pleasure, but nothing else, which made her character seem hollow throughout the book.

The irritating names need to stop. They not only sound poor but also seem like two words were randomly thrown together without thought.

The only reason I added an extra 0.5 was because of the ending and how the families came together for a nice cameo. The ending was quite sweet, especially Lena's scene.

The bonus epilogue was very awkward; if I were in Hawke's place, I’d have been traumatised for life.

Meh, got so bored.
Overall 2.5/5

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Yes**
Author: T.L. Smith and Kia Carrington-Russell
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating:3.5/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Braxton and Hope
Trope(s): Enemies To Lovers, Second Chance, Obsessed MMC, Forbidden Romance

‘I want to be so deeply embedded in her thoughts that the beautiful little monster unravels for me.”

Each book in the Vengeful Lies interconnected standalone series gets better and better. These next Gen books are really lighting my fire. Everytime I dive into one of these books, I KNOW it is going to deliver. And, man did this book surprise the hell out of me. This is dark romance so the themes are to be expected. These FMC’s really give their counterparts a run for their money. Braxton and Hope give the term “hate fuck” a whole new meaning. The fire that burns between these two literally lights the pages up. Leaving behind scorched earth. The build of this story, the little crumbs that begin to lead the trail to the secrets to end all secrets has been laid out so perfectly. That by time all the tea is spilled you are a whole lotta WTF just happened. Brace yourself for Braxton and Hope.

Hope Ivanov is twenty-two, the talk of the art world, beautiful, part of a family with murderous tendencies, and hiding a whole lotta secrets.

One of those secrets just arrested her.

Braxton Hero, her one night stand four years ago to rid herself of that pesky virginity. Only she didn’t know he was a detective and he didn’t know she was Hope Ivanov.

Their worlds cannot collide for obvious reasons.

Only once they do, their explosive chemistry is making it extra hard to remember they will never work.

Braxton is hunting a serial killer.

The coincidences surrounding Hope just keep adding up.

But, Braxton is starting to get a really good view of the “real” Hope.

Hope knows she will have to do something about the nosey detective. He is becoming a liability.

Braxton is completely fixated on Hope.

Hope is ready to play Braxton’s game.
They will be each other's undoing.

[BooksbyKim98 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been so wrong

I thought I had this all figured out but I couldn’t be more wrong about this one 😂😂 I absolutely loved the chemistry and the pull between Hope and Braxton. The way they were teasing eachother and just not ready to admit to their feelings.
I am so ready for the next book in this series

[Nora Fresse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really tried to like this one because Hope was such a mystery to me in the previous books that I really wanted to know more about her. Her love interest being a detective was more of a lure to me but it definitely was NOT what I was expecting. I have to admit I'm not a huge fan of mafia stories (all the gratuitous killing and crimes, etc.) but I have enjoyed the other stories in this series. This one however was not for me. I was enjoying the story especially the back and forth between Hope and Braxton. Their chemistry was hot and the plot was very interesting. (I'm a fan of true crime shows) but when the truth comes out I was disappointed. The fact that Hope and Braxton turned out to be what they turned out to be was a let down to me. I almost DNF the book but I ended up finishing it so I can give an honest review. Sorry but this one was just not for me.

[Tasma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I SWEAR every time that I get a new one of the Vengeful Lies series it just gets BETTER AND BETTER. And I am FUCKING MELTING at Hope and Braxton. OH. MY. GOD.

Getting into the mind of Hope Ivanov was something I was NOT FUCKING EXPECTING considering she is the shy, quiet and seemingly innocent one out of the next generation. She resembles Alek and Lena to a tea; quiet like Alek and as creative and artistic as Lena, Hope is a force to be reckoned with. AND BOY OH BOY THE FUCK SHE IS! I am LOVING this new side of her that we are getting to see, the little snippets of psycho are EXCITING! HAHA! Not to mention they DEFINITELY come out to play when she’s in proximity with a certain detective Braxton Hero. BUT MY GOD Braxton is SOMETHING ELSE. We definitely haven’t had someone like him previously and I AM LOVING HIM. His wit, banter and just everything about him is just so deliciously fun IT’S INTOXICATING. UGH.

And you would think that even after all that time that Braxton and Hope hadn’t seen each other that their spark wouldn’t still be there right? WRONG. Their chemistry is FUCKING FIERY AND SPICY AND IT IS GLORIOUS. Everything about them? YES. YES. AND FUCKING YES. I LOVE LOVE LOVED IT! Oh, and DON’T EVEN get me started on THOSE PLOT TWISTS! THAT WAS FUCKING INSANE! UGH. I can’t WAIT to see what’s instore for the final book in this series, and it better be about Hawke cause that man NEEDS a happily ever after!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this phenomenal series, and this is Braxton and Hope’s story.
Braxton is a detective, who is on the hunt for a serial killer, while Hope is a quiet artist, with a hidden darkness.
This is a well written easy to read, action packed story, with family, friendships, emotions, angst, mystery, lies, secrets, hidden identity, obsession, tension, humor, witty banter, second chances, forbidden, palpable chemistry, twists and turns, unexpected surprises, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictable, dark romance.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️/2.5🌶️

I went in completely blind with this one because I wanted to be surprised — and WOW, was I surprised!! Braxton and Hope absolutely stole my heart.

Hope's quiet strength and the darkness she carries made me fall for her instantly. There's just something so powerful about a character who doesn't need to be loud to leave a mark. And Braxton…That man can do NO wrong, lol.

The chemistry between them was amazing. And the twists and turns?? I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough! 😅

I seriously cannot wait to see what this incredible duo comes up with next! 🙌

[Stephanie Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not see any of that coming! Oh my god! Hope is a hiding in plain sight kinda girly and Braxten? Damn, that man is fiiinnneee. All the secrets and twists in this book! You will not want to put it down! The obsession in the book is on point, and I honestly did not see the last two twists coming!
Fantastic!

[My Reading Era · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Braxton Hero and Hope Ivanov shared a passionate one night stand years ago, but fate throws them back together when Braxton begins investigating a string of murders. Their chemistry is undeniable, but their worlds couldn’t be more different, he’s sworn to uphold the law, and her family lives on the other side of it. As Hope grapples with loyalty to her family and Braxton is forced to choose between duty and desire, both must confront impossible choices. The obstacles they face are intense, but the emotional payoff is worth it. If you’ve been loving this series, this installment is also a must read. Be sure to add it to your TBR!

Thank you, T.L. Smith and Kia Carrington-Russell.

[Veronique · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hope is a depraved serial killer and Braxton, a cop, kills his partner, whose sister Hope killed out of pure jealousy, to protect and avoid Hope getting caught. No, thank you.

[Khloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Literally in a reading slump rn

[Zahra · Rating 3 out of 5]

umm i dunno the first 3 books had my expectations so high that this was a disapppointment.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank T.L. Smith for allowing me to be part of her ARC team. Honestly, it has been an amazing journey starting with the first-generation books and continuing into this second-generation series. Conflicted Lies is the fourth book in the Vengeful Lies series, which is part of the second generation.

I give this book 5 out of 5 Stars and 4 out of 5 spice.

Hope Ivanov and Braxton Hero are a whole different type of energy from previous couples. Hope is the good girl, but behind the scenes, she's the bad girl. Braxton is a good homicide detective who is a bit naughty himself and has been captivated by Hope since their one-night stand four years ago.

The plot was awesome. Braxton is in search of a serial killer, and he has an idea that it's his little shortcakes doing. Hope will deny, deny, and deny, but she secretly loves the fact that he is intrigued by her work.

This is a forbidden romance; she comes from a world of mafia and crime, her family is elite, and he is a cop. A love between them could never be. I honestly cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Please read trigger warnings before going into this book, and of course, read the books in order.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delicious!!! Just like the books before this one, I devoured it!!!

Omg Braxton was not what I expected at all!! He is all cocky, arrogant, sly and the perfect MMC!!

And Hope?! Wow, just wow!! I didn’t see her coming!! I expected her to be sweet, and innocent. Her shy personality and quiet demeanor, had lead me to believe she would be the tamest of the second gen, boy was I wrong!!!

This book centers around their forbidden and unlikely relationship, as well as a little bit of cat and mouse!! It’s dangerous, and full of insane chemistry!!

These 2 are absolutely addictive and full of carnal attraction!! I wish there had been soooo much more!!!

[Kim Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope Ivanov, daughter of the infamous Alek Ivanov and Lena Love, has a problem and his name is Braxton Hero. The detective can’t seem to stop following her but it’s not just answers that he wants, it’s her. After sharing a passionate and life changing night with her years ago, Braxton can’t seem to stay away from Hope. As the passion in their risky relationship grows, it’s clear that their emotions pull them in deeper than either one of them wants to acknowledge.

This was a fun read, period. It wasn’t just the usual hijinks that we have become familiar with in the first and second generation books in this world but also had a true murder mystery at it’s core that was really well done.

“She places her hand on my heart, and my breath shudders, as if her every word is something I’ve been waiting to hear my entire life.”

Hope is every single bit an Ivanov, through and through. The craziness, the unhinged, unapologetic nature, whew this girl was a baddie to her core. She’s not afraid to do whatever it takes to get what she wants, including crashing her car to get attention. But she’s also talented and smart, fiercely independent and can hold her own which makes her so perfect for Braxton. Can I also say I loved that she wore glasses? I feel like I never see FMCs with glasses and it was both refreshing and relatable that she can’t see haha.

And speaking of Braxton, behind that bravado of a detective bent on finding out the truth and solving his case, was a man who was soft for his woman and willing to do anything for her. I loved moments where he took care of her, where he gave Hope glimpses of a softer life where she can be cared for. Where sharing pancakes and spending time holding hands could bring them both comfort.

“Everything I have is yours. But you will always be mine.”.

The twists and turns in this book really brought it home though. I LOVED where everything was headed and in true T.L. and Kia fashion, the story gets unhinged in the best way! As usual, special mention for the gang. I did miss them a little this time around, Hope isn’t as close to the rest of the second generation kids (apart from her cousins and Ivy) but that’s realistic and makes so much sense given her personality and their dynamics. Any new instalment in this wonderful world is like a special look into the craziness of the Monti, Ivanov, Taylor, and Walker clan and feels like such a treat. Side note, I loved Mom-Anya and I loved Aunt-Anya and don’t even get me started with how amazing Alek and Lena were as parents…there really is something special about the Ivanovs as a whole.

The final book in the series will by Mischievous Lies and will follow my absolute favourite Hawke Ivanov as he falls for Ivy Walker, completing the unbreakable bonds between our favourite morally grey families and I’m not ready to let go just yet!

[Nikeeeee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get ready for some spoilers in...

3

2

1

Here we go:

“Unfortunately, I’ve never been great at dousing flames. I’m fascinated by human behavior, and I find it the most delicious when it borders on the edge of losing humanity completely. I hope she burns the whole fucking house down.”

Yeah… Mr. Detective sounded unhinged from the beginning, and I was absolutely eating it up. But even then, I didn’t expect that plot twist

“The second he hits me, I’ll imprison him, and I can’t wait to see how Hope might react, how she’ll beg and plead for me to set him free. The idea of that power and control over her excites me.”

I’m sorry, but this line was hilarious. "Oooh, I’m a cop baiting you into hitting me teehee." Like... why is he so goofy?! He’s trying to be terrifying and it’s just giving dramatic theater kid with a badge.
“Sure, a therapist may have mentioned I might have an authority complex.”

I cannot read that without imagining him casually shrugging. He’s so unintentionally funny—and I love him for it.

That said, my one issue with Braxton is how he's obsessed with Hope but also judging the hell out of her family. Like… sir? You cannot have it both ways. Hope is absolutely not morally superior to the rest of the Ivanovs—so stop pretending she is. Plus he isn’t any better then the rest of them either.
Also, Hawke calling Alek “Daddy Gloves”?? I lost it. That’s iconic. I’m already excited for Hawke’s book. He brings that chaotic energy I live for.

And Hope?? Girl, please.

“How dare he assume I’m the one with the twisted and fucked-up mind”
Meanwhile, she’s the one sending him cryptic gifts with blood-sweat-and-tears monologues about it. Like ma’am. Be serious. The mental breakdown over him packing her gifts with bubble wrap?? Comedy gold. She’s in absolute denial, and I love that for her.

Then came the plot twist: Hope is a killer. I didn’t see that coming at all, but I LOVED it. And the way Alek and Anya reacted? Absolute perfection. Parenthood hasn’t made the Ivanov siblings soft—and it shouldn’t. They were never meant to be soft.

And just when I thought we were done—second plot twist: he’s also a killer, and he’s copying her
because he’s that obsessed??

Excuse me??

WHO saw that coming? Not me.

But I was so here for it.

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, sexy & delicious

WOW, just WOW!

Just when I thought T.L. Smith and Kia Carrington-Russell's series Vengeful Lies couldn't get any better they go and blow my mind with CONFLICTED LIES. An enemies to lovers, second chance, obsessed MMC, forbidden romance which was passionate, fiery, suspenseful, addictive, and RED HOT. With numerous twists and turns this story held me completely mesmerized.

Hope Ivanov is the daughter of Alek Ivanov and Lena Love, and she's the perfect combination of both. Hope is a sculptor, a woman who appears to be sweet and innocent, yet she has another side, one which is filled with a darkness no one would have expected. Braxton Hero is a detective who hides his secrets. He's sly, arrogant, and extremely cocky. He's also completely infatuated and obsessed with Hope. They have a history, one which neither has forgotten.

The daughter of a crime lord and a detective should never mix, let alone work, but they do. Theirs' is a forbidden romance but keeping away from each other became an impossibility. They became obsessed with each other, but for different reasons. Their banter was incredible, witty, blunt, and often sarcastic. The heat between them is animalistic, it's carnal, with a touch of danger thrown in. Braxton encourages the darkness within Hope, and she thrives, but as he is trying to find a serial killer, she is busy plotting his demise.

T.L. and Kia excelled with Hope and Braxton's story. It was intriguing witnessing the layers slowly being peeled back. I loved the various relationships throughout the story, Hope and Braxton's, Hope and her parents, Hope and her cousins, Braxton and his partner. CONFLICTED LIES was everything, it was emotional, sexy, dark, edgy, twisted, and I was absolutely captivated. I was glued to the edge of my seat owner by T.L. and Kia's words.

There's only one more book left in this series, and after all the teasing in this one I can't wait.

A highly recommended read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much T. L. Smith and Kia Carrington-Russell for sending me this ARC!

Conflicted Lies is the fourth in a series of standalone Dark Romance books and this series keeps getting better and better with each book, I loved Hope and Braxton’s story!

After an amazing one night stand a few years ago, Hope and Braxton meet again, this time him as a detective trying to catch a serial killer and her as one of the suspects, along with her family and friends. They know that getting close to each other means Braxton risking his life and Hope betraying her family, but with each heated encounter they realize they can’t stay away from each other.

I knew I was going to enjoy this book after the crumbs about Hope we got in the previous book (woman from mafia and detective MMC with enemies to lovers where she wants to kill him? Oh yes) but it was even better than I expected. The suspense, the plot, the characters were all so interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat, I read the whole book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Hope is such a strong and badass FMC, I loved her from page one and loved getting to know her. Braxton was quite mysterious in the beginning with his intentions, but once everything was revealed I absolutely loved him, the way he always cared about Hope and never gave up on her was beautiful and he was willing to do absolutely anything for her. Braxton and Hope made quite an unlikely pairing but they were so perfect for each other, I loved seeing their relationship develop and them slowly realizing their feelings, they were true enemies to lovers, their banter was amazing and the spicy scenes made me blush a few times, I loved these two together. I also liked seeing the characters from previous books, the authors created a great mafia world with so many amazing characters and couples and it’s always so much fun to see them again.

Conflicted Lies is an amazing dark romance book with interesting plot, great characters and beautiful romance, I absolutely loved it and already can’t wait for the next book!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.

This is the fourth book in the Vengeful Lies Series. It is the story of Detective Braxton Hero and Hope Ivanov. These two have a past. But he has really never been able to get her out of his head. She on the other hand had the moment and disappeared not knowing what he did for a living. He is of course a detective with the police dept and she is a famous artist who does sculpture. They are both really good at what they do. One night though after a rare moment of drinking with her friend and said friend stealing the wallet off of Braxton's partner she can't run anymore and is caught in the park and taken in to be questioned. This is the beginning of the story and I am almost at a loss of how to review this book because I want you to have the experience I had reading it. I don't think I figured it all out until it was revealed, and I loved that about this book. I loved that we are sucked back into this world and the characters we have come to know and love are in this one too. I loved that he is slightly obsessed and then grows to full blown I think I love her and she is the same way. But boy do they have smart mouths on them. He has an ego and she likes for him to not get the better of him. After all her family is who they are and he is a detective. The two wouldn't mix very well at all. But he knows full well who her family is and it doesn't even phase him. But, there is more to this book then just a love story. A lot is going on and you will not be able to put this book down. I loved how fiery these two are for each other but trying to keep it under wraps. They each give as good as they get and neither of them has a submissive bone in their bodies. That however, makes for great reading. Now I have to be quiet or I am going to give something away. You do not want to miss this book. You will be missing a really great story that is so much more than a romance book. But in the same turn has a couple you can't help but fall for as there falling for each other.

[Katie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my I am lost for words, I thank Hope and Braxton have to be up there as one of my favourite couples of the series👏🏼

We got a little insights during Ford and Billies book about these two and let me say their story did not disappoint. The forbidden aspect is in absolutely full swing when it comes to these two as Braxton is a detective and of course Hopes family criminal empire.

The pair actually met a few years prior where they had a one night stand not expecting to see one another again, but Hope was in for quite the shock when she is arrested by Braxton due to her friend stealing his partners wallet. Of course it’s clear the spark never died between these two because Braxton was definitely down right flirting🤭. Of course now that Hope realises he is in fact a detective their love/hate relationship comes out in full force- and let me say it leads us to quite some delicious moments between the pair😮‍💨.

I absolutely loved Hope. From reading this book I can definitely say she is not a woman you should underestimate, and she most certainly is a mix of her father and her aunt👏🏼 I get why she felt conflicted with her feelings for Braxton, the man is on the right side of the law while her family isn’t. She also had conflicted feelings about certain parts of herself but I’ll keep those to myself for now👀

Braxton, Braxton, Braxton.. that man fell so so hard for Hope. He’s more cunning than I initially thought when I first started reading this book, it was clear that he was always a step head in the game of cat and mouse. He protected Hope in so many ways, even when she was completely unaware.

The plot had me absolutely hooked, I was questioning quite a few things but I had an inkling about the twist but I wasn’t too sure until it was revealed😲. Also we get a meet the family situation which I was absolutely living for- lol I’m always glad to see the Ivanovs 👏🏼

Thank you so much to the authors who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This hate I feel, might, in fact, be love. And that hurts more than anything else could.”

Deliciously dark and absolutely addictive, Conflicted Lies is an exhilarating rollercoaster of emotions. Hope and Braxton are an unconventional duo who shouldn’t fit—but somehow, they’re the perfect match. The twists and turns of their journey kept me riveted, constantly surprised by the story's direction.

“Hope was the first woman I met who showed me what true power is in a woman.”

Hope is a captivating contradiction. On one hand, she’s a sweet, unassuming sculptor who fears disappointing her beloved and fierce parents. Yet beneath that exterior lies a fierce, enigmatic side no one could have predicted. Braxton, meanwhile, sees her for who she truly is—and celebrates her strength, sass, and unyielding determination.

“She’s slowly undoing everything I’ve pieced together in my life for stability and security. Hope Ivanov is no doubt my weakness and undoing.”

Braxton, a cop harboring his own secrets, is utterly obsessed with Hope. He’ll stop at nothing to claim her, even if it means challenging her family head-on. Both characters are shrouded in intrigue, keeping me on edge as I turned each page, eager to discover what would unfold.

“Despite everything, when I looked at you, I didn’t feel like I was lost in this world.”

Together, Hope and Braxton are delightfully dark and twisted—characters you can’t help but root for. Their snarky banter and fiery chemistry are intense, even borderline psychotic at times, yet they complement each other in unexpected ways. Conflicted Lies is an emotional whirlwind with a richly layered narrative that will have you racing through to the end. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next!

[Juli · Rating 3 out of 5]

KU*

This is Hope’s book, daughter of Alek and Lena (Deranged Vows).

Okay, I’m calling it this generation is more deranged than their predecessors aka their parents because I am not even sure what I just read to be honest. I thought this was going to be a forbidden romance between a Detective and the quiet daughter of killer with a possible dark side herself, it is but not completely, I would characterize this book as a dark romance. How can kids with parents who treated/loved them better than their parents did, come out crazier than they did? And that is saying a lot, if you read the Lethal Vow series.

I am going to start with Hope Ivanov, she is the only child of Alek and Lena and she 100% a biological Ivanov, I will do my best to prevent spoilers, but come on what is going with these kids. We don’t get must insight into Hope in previous books and to be honest I’m surprised she even got a book, I think it’s one of things where everyone gets a book, that’s how much she is not mention. She is apparently a young and world renowned highly talented artist who has a very dark secret that no one knows or at least she thinks no one knows.

This leads me to Braxton, the Detective, her one night stand who won’t die (hehe, if you read the book, you’ll get the joke); who years later won’t stop popping up accusing her of murder. Naturally there nothing connecting her to the murders except for being Ivanov and the fact that Braden is obsessed with her and their night together.

You see on the outside they seem like complete opposites, like I said a cop and daughter of a crime family, but things start to change in a rather dark way. It turns out everyone is not exactly who they say they are and the serial killer on the loose is closer than everyone knows.

I really liked the relationship between Braxton and Hope, he loved his “Shortcake” right from the start even he didn’t realize it. Mind you it’s probably not the most sanest relationship and Braden shouldn’t be considered swoon-worthy, but who wouldn’t want their man in their corner 100% no matter what.

Now as for Hope, I’m sorry but I didn’t like her, her reasonings didn’t make any sense especially considering who her father and aunt are. The danger she put everyone in including herself just didn’t make sense and not to mention the Kylie situation was just wrong and immature. It was like a child tantrum but only the way an Ivanov could do it and she’s 22 years old and supposed to be mature and intelligent.

Also, we don’t get much backstory on Braxton and how he became such an influential person. He just lays it out and everyone just accepts it as fact and he’s only 27 years old.

This book had me torn, I loved how Braxton loved Hope, but Hope got on my nerves for the entire book and never seemed to mature for me; however, her family showing their love and support for her was nice, insane but nice.

Anya as always is the star whenever she is featured.

The next book is Hawke and Ivy, the ultimate players of the crew and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for these two.




























Spoilers:

Hope being the serial killer because she liked to sculpt the dead bodies after is just crazy. Her victims were woman beaters which make it less evil but what I didn’t like is that is not why she started killing, she killed for her art and her love of killing, she picked victims she wouldn’t feel guilty about. Except for Kylie she killed her because she was jealous over Braxton. I know I said Eli was a psychopath, nope Hope is the family psychopath.

Braxton is not far behind, the detective who covers up his girlfriend’s murders because he loves her and he evens kills his own partner to make sure she isn’t found out. He was even enamored she killed Kylie because of him. Braxton was a dirty cop even though he became a cop for power and hated bad guys and dirty cops yet he ended up the most powerful dirty cop ever, how does that work?

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shortcake 💚

After Addicted Lies, I started looking forward to this fourth installment right away! I couldn't wait to get more from this series and duo. I picked it up and jumped right back into the Vengeful Lies world. I enjoyed this story so much!

Hope and Braxton's journey pulled me in! Braxton is a detective and Hope is a sculpture artist. Little did these know that they'd be brought back into each other's lives in a memorable fashion. Will they give into the forbidden between them?

Braxton and Hope got me into their story right from the get go! I enjoyed the way these two were reunited and how they kept being brought back together. From danger and lies to the forbidden and feelings between the two, I couldn't wait to see how Braxton and Hope would tackle everything.

Hope and Braxton kept me turning the pages! These two got to each other in so many ways. Their chemistry was undeniable and so blushworthy. I enjoyed getting to dive into Braxton and Hope's minds. Their journey definitely kept me on edge and holding my breath as I waited to see how everything would play out for these two. Hope and Braxton had me feeling so many feels throughout!

With Conflicted Lies, Ms.Smith and Ms.Carrington-Russell have created such a good and dark read that brought daughter of a criminal x detective, many moments that kept me on edge, steam, and forbidden goodness which all had me feeling SO much! This duo always knows how to make me blush and keep me glued to my kindle and did they ever with Conflicted Lies! I can't wait to dive back into the Vengeful Lies world with the fifth installment, Mischievous Lies! 💚

Be sure to check out the authors note.


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Enticing Journey Book Promotions / the authors*

[Jean Dewsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured reading about dectective Braxton Hero and Hope Ivanov.
Both characters are flawed in the best ways both have been keeping their inner demons caged up, afraid of what might happen if their secrets are brought into the light.
Hope is 22years old and still seen as the young somewhat innocent woman of the mafia families. When you read more about Hope you see she doesn't want to disappoint or let them down especially her mother.

So when her and her college friend Charlotte are caught after Charlotte steels a police officers wallet, they find themselves being chased through the park late at night. Hope decides to stop running falling flat on her back on the grass and waits for the officers to catch her.
Braxton can't believe his eyes to discover one of the women he is chasing down is no the than Hope Ivanov.
He knows the Ivanov"s by reputation as untouchable extremely high up in the mafia world. What is more important than that he realises that it is also the same wowan he slept with 4 years ago.

Braxton knows trouble will follow and it does in ways he really doesn't see coming.
Hope is caught totally be suprise as she had no idea that he was a police officer when she lost her viginity to him 4 years ago.
This isn't going to go well if her parents or her families find out.
Both of them know that this shouldn't continue, however they are both lost in the craziness that has become them.

The collective characters were brilliantly co-written and the storyline has so many twists and turns. It will become a favourite series to read more about.
Highly recommended reading

[Little monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot get over how much I absolutely love this series each and every book I absolutely devour in a day!!!

These Next Gen kids are killing me off each and every book gets better and better and Conflicted Lies is oof Hope and Braxton!! One of my fav couples from this series!! Please heed TWs in this one as it can get quite dark in places! But oh my....Hope is one feisty woman!! She's seen in the past books as a young, shy woman who is 22 and has the world at her feet within the art world, but in this book wow oh wow!!! This chick is Spicy and likes it rough...🥵 the scenes between her and Braxton well my oh my.....my kindle got hot 🔥 the story leaves little crumbs to how these two know each other from their pasts plus the crumbs lead to something massive at the end of the story.....brace yourself for a whole lotta what the hell did I just read lol.

Braxton is the one night stand from four years ago that Hope never really forgot about as he took her virginity but she didn't know he was a cop back then and now he's a detective and once he sees her again he knows he wants her and he won't let her go this time around. These two and their chemistry......the spicy scenes are just 🔥 Braxton is hunting a serial killer and the evidence and coincidences keep pilling round Hope and her family......but Braxton starts to see the "real" Hope and he knows he's gotta keep this fixation secret.....what will happen when the family find out she's sleeping with a detective? I can't fault this series and I believe Hawke is in the next book!!! I don't want this series to end 😭