Addicted Lies

Vengeful Lies #3

by T.L. Smith, Kia Carrington-Russell

He gets addicted to things too easily…and I’m no exception.

Ford Ivanov follows the rules.

I was born to break them.

A single scandalous moment turns into a year of lies, stolen kisses behind closed doors, and whispered promises in the night.

Sneaking around with my brother’s friend is forbidden. Because where I come from, love isn't just dangerous. It’s deadly. The lies are unraveling. And in a world where love is a weakness, we’re about to find out just how strong we really are.




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, Mafia Romance, Romance, Dark, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Crime

458 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 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

[Sims · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not angst but frustrating at best😤. Yes, it's frustrating to read about people who have no courage to own up their love.

The plot had so much potential. I loved their little cat mouse game. All the stupid games they played but it got repetitive and i really was looking forward to good communication and some cool flirting but Alas!!

So here's the rant... Spoilers Alert⚠️

Like this guy is supposed to be from some mafia gang and have no balls to say that if i am bad then i will change for her improve for her. Like where is all the smugness and mafia attitude when u just decide to give up on someone you like. I would love when people fight. 99% of the book was him thinking i am not good enough. Maybe you are not but what then mister? you just gonna let her walk away😒 without a fight

The gal supposed to be a adult from a mafia family and has a temper too but is literally living under her brother's thumb where her stupid brothers gets to decide whom she is "allowed" to be with under the pretext of his protectiveness🙄 Like her brother's to be wife is literally a stripper and this brother wants to project all his protective attitude towards her good-for- everything sister🙃 Throughout the time she is just scared of what her family will say and do to the H like pls girl fight for it if you really want him.

I would say i was glued to how they would deal with everything so I completed my read but i wish it was little different than making the whole book about them being cowards🙁

HEA. Safe. Angstyyy❤️‍🔥

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Gen is coming in HOT and heavy! I gotta say I’m super obsessed with these books and Ford Ivanov is a man who has my whole heart! My gosh he’s intense and sooooooo…..well I’ll let you discover for yourself how yummy him and Billie are!!

I have to say Momma Anya is a force and if I didn’t already love her before I definitely do now! I am really loving this second generation and all the shenanigans they partake in! It’s so thrilling and watching them fall….so HOTT!

I am not going to give any of the plot away other than to say that the chemistry is off the charts and these two were made for each other! There are some twists and crazy heart wrenching turns and this was the book I needed to take me out of my book slump!

[starlvcies ☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

just feel like the push and pull game for half the book was so irritating to read, Ford wanting not taint Billie with his darkness and wanting nothing to do with her but also wanting to have sex with her was just bs. I liked Billie feistiness however but overall just a book i did not enjoy reading

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a romance packed with passion, secrets, and the thrill of sneaking around before her brother finds out, then Addicted Lies (Book 3) in the Vengeful Lies series by TL Smith and Kia Carrington-Russell is exactly what you need! While the first two books deliver fiercely protective male leads, this one takes it up a notch with a forbidden romance that will have you on edge.

Ford, the silent yet devastatingly sexy twin, is off-limits—he’s Billy’s brother’s best friend. And when her brother realizes what’s developing right in front of him, he won’t be happy. With protective men, strong-willed women who can hold their own, and a love story that’s impossible to resist, this book is an absolute must-read!

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quiet and more stoic Ivanov twin, Ford Ivanov, knows not to cross his best friend however, he is having trouble staying away from his sister Billie Taylor. They both know the repercussions of Dutton finding out but neither can stop the pull between them. Her brother is well, overprotective would be an understatement and that’s with strangers…a friend might not come out breathing! How long can these two hide what is blossoming between them before everyone finds out? Oh boy, Ford does not disappoint and he might also have something pierced too ;) You’ll never look at a lollipop the same again lol. Grab some sweets and get ready for a wild secret romance. He is a “is it hot in here” villain! Told in first person and dual POV.

[Iman’s Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐️

Omg this book was so frustrating! I had such high hopes because I loved Billie in the previous books and Ford is my type! A man who doesn’t talk? Sign me up!

But all this was was them sleeping together for over 80% of the book and both wanting more and just denying themselves… I got over pretty quickly, ngl

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️/2.25🌶️

This duo never disappoints! They’ve once again delivered a mafia romance that’s packed with action, passion, and just the right amount of chaos. The brother’s best friend trope? Done beautifully—with all the delicious mafia shenanigans we love. 😈

Billie and Ford might just be my new favorite couple in this universe. Their chemistry was intense, the humor was edgy, and the spice? Absolutely scorching. Every moment between them had me hooked, whether they were bantering, fighting, or setting the pages on fire.

And let’s talk about Anya—the ultimate scene-stealer. Every time she appeared, she owned the moment.

I can't wait for what T.L. and Kia write up next!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah I loved this one so much. The secrets and sneaking around. I cried a bit.. or a lot. I love reading about this family. Who makes a person and how they connect. I love the silent type and when he has a dirty mouth that makes it even better. I was worried there for a minute but so happy for their HEA. The overprotective and obsessive men in these books just have me wrapped around their finger. And the powerful women they have... just ..damn. love it all!

[Ash]

I just read the first chapter of this and I need this book in my hands IMMEDIATELY!

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY LAWD!!! This series is so freaking addicting I’m obsessed with every book I’ve read so far I love the characters and Ford and Billie were EVERYTHING in this book! I’m also loving all the steam that we are getting the sexual tension was so intense and their chemistry was amazing this story was so good! I loved it! I’m loving this mafia world we are getting more of course these are characters we’ve already met we are just getting to know them better . I love the found family in this too I was so captivated by their love story I couldn’t help but read this book in one sitting. I loved the banter and the side characters loved the HEA and the epilogue was chefs kiss !💋

[Rosalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3 stars 😬 this one started off strong and I was really excited but i was slightly disappointed in what followed

This is about Billie and Ford. Billie has an over protective brother named Dutton and Ford works with him in the mafia and they’re friends.

Billie and Ford start hooking up and they initially don’t want more until they do.

I love a brother’s best friend romance but this one wasn’t it … for several reasons. And they both definitely push the other away throughout the book rather than one chasing (until nearer to the end)

I liked that Billie wasn’t a meek innocent h and took charge of her sexuality but I also didn’t understand why she was SO fearful of her brother finding out which held her back a lot. Here’s the thing. Her brother seemed completely deranged - her whole family seemed ok with over protecting (suffocating and controlling) her so she stays celibate and single forever. It was so unrealistic and it felt sooooo forced and it was proven to be forced where when her brother finds out… he gets over it within the 10 mins he finds out. But she made me hate her brother made me hate him so much im not tempted to read his book which was next on my list. Sorry I can’t stand that level of selfishness and misogyny.

Ford - he was pushing away in the beginning but came through towards middle / end. At times I wanted him to just tell Dutton- for someone who spoke the WHOLE time about not caring if people found out he surely didn’t tell anyone.

In the end the above was OK but what bothered me the most is that simply I got bored. It’s not a short book by any means and the WHOLE BOOK almost 90% is the same story over and over and over. Sex, we have to stop, I want you, I don’t want you. It got super repetitive. And I would’ve liked more character development here.

Then the last 10% was a bit of drama (climax) then HEA.

I ended the book not knowing how they would be as a couple. What is a normal day for them. How do they act as bf and gf? (They become bf and gf at the end).

It would’ve been great if the climax happened at 80% and the author spent time showing us their romance and healing one another after. To see how they are as people together rather than trying to push the other away. It was too much of the same sex situation then running away.

Hell , even their cute time in Mexico wasn’t talked about. It was glossed over “we spent a few days”…I think THIS would’ve been amazing to show us how they’d be as a couple and make us see how they would work in real life and a different side to both.

I also (spoiler) seriously when she left him in the hospital I was like yeah girl kinda over you but he followed and they had HEA so whatever. Yes I agree with other reviews it felt like they were both cowards especially her.

I did like the bits she did try to show ie when he lays his head on her lap in Mexico and yeah from actions I could tell he loved her and she loved him, it was cute watching him follow her around sometimes. And I loved that it was completely safe.

I will deffo still give this author a shot and read more :)

[Brit W · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say this book brings the banter and heat, it delivers! I don’t even know where to start with Billie and Ford. The forbidden love and chemistry between them was absolutely scorching, and I was addicted!I loved watching both of them fight for what they want, but also their individual growth along the way.

Billie has always been treated as a little girl who is overly protected by her brother because she grew up around a mafia family. But she’s got this wit and fire raging inside, as well as a heart of gold that Ford doesn’t try to dim, but he fuels it. He challenges her and encourages her to rise.

And Ford… what a swoon-worthy man. He has fought some tough battles, but has come out stronger. When it comes to Billie, she becomes an addiction he can’t stop, and doesn’t want to - no matter how dangerous it gets. He is a loyal man who is stuck between his friends and the possibility of a life he never thought was possible.

Not surprisingly, these ladies will have you hooked once again. This book can be read as a standalone, but those familiar connections from the prior books just keep immersing you into the family and friend dynamics where you need more!

If you love all the spice, banter, suspense, and an ending that has you hoping for another book - look no further!

I appreciate the opportunity to have received an early gifted copy and my review is honest and voluntary.

[Tasma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been SO FUCKING EXCITED to read this book, specially after getting that little sneak peek from Promiscuous Lies of Billie and Ford. If it wasn’t going to be Billie and Ford, I knew I would have loved it, but for the fact that IT WAS about Billie and Ford I. FUCKING. DIED.

Getting little snippets of Ford and Billie so far through out this series, I was ALWAYS wondering about what would happen when Billie finally found her man, and what Ford was like under that quiet, mysterious and reserved exterior. Little did I know that I would be finding out AT THE SAME DAMN FUCKING TIME. And OH MY FUCKING GOD. IT WAS GLORIOUS. The forbidden love was REAL. The chemistry was ABLAZE. The spice was FUCKING FANTASTIC AND GOT ME ALL HOT AND BOTHERED. I LOVED EVERY. DAMN. SECOND. Both Billie and Ford’s humour, wit, charm and everything about them individually, especially when they were together was something special. Not forgetting to mention little Felix and all of his adorableness. Oh, and Ford is definitely now on my long ass list of book boyfriends. The way he felt about Billie, yearned for her, and not to mention the tattoo and those tattoo parlours… *smirk.. if you know, you know* was just UGH. Also, the Romeo & Juliet aspect of this WAS FUCKING REAL. OH MY GOD.

Of course, as always, I love seeing the current children’s parents, even as they are older, they still have their personalities from when they were younger… especially Anya, GOOD LORD. I still love the fuck out of that bitch, especially now that even though she rarely shows it, she shows her love for Ford and Hawke in her own way. River of course, still adores his Red more than anything in the world. And that little hint of information about a certain someone at the end of this book… wherever that leads… I know it’s going to be FUCKING HECTIC. *winks*

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 In Stars and Spice

"How about you let me make my own decisions? Either you put that mouth to good use, or I'm going to fuck myself in the back of your car."

𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑺

♥️ᴏᴘᴘᴏꜱɪᴛᴇ ᴀᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛ
♥️ꜰᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ʟᴏᴠᴇ
♥️ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀꜱ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ
♥️ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ ʜᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ 💀
♥️ʀᴏᴍᴇᴏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴊᴜʟɪᴇᴛ

I devoured this book so quickly, it left me wanting more of their story. There's nothing like a forbidden romance and a girl wanting to be with one of her brother's friends that gets me devouring a book so fast.

Addicted Lies is book three in the Vengeful Lies series, which is a second generation. When I first read about Ford Ivanov in the previous books, I knew he would be a book boyfriend, and I wasn't wrong. The man is the silent and deadly type. He will do anything to help out his friends, even if that means protecting one of their sisters from men. He considers himself a street rat since that's where he came from before being adopted along with his twin brother.

Billie Taylor, the little sister of Dutton Taylor. Known as a Princess and gets pretty much whatever she wants, but what she can't have is a boyfriend because of her overprotective brother Dutton, who thinks no man is worthy of his little sister. Poor girl just wants to have a little fun, and somehow she convinces Ford to have a little fun with her. You can tell the man has always had a crush on her since they were younger, and he can't fight temptation any longer.

This forbidden affair lasted for at least a year, their hearts telling them that it's something more than just a spicy good time. But Ford thinks he isn't good enough for her. And Billie doesn't want her brother to find out because she fears what may happen to Ford.

I simply loved their story, I just wanted more of Ford and Billie. I felt for the girl; she gets to see people all around her falling in love and doubted she would ever have that love because of her overbearing brother. I have a feeling this is going to be my favorite out of the series.

There is tons of delicious spice in this book, too.

Thank you, T.L. Smith and Kia Carrington-Russell, again for writing such an amazing book.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this awesome series and this is Ford and Billie’s story.
Billie has led a sheltered life with her family, and over protective brother, Dutton, while Ford is a possessive rule follower, as well as Dutton’s best friend.
This is a well written story which is action packed, and easy to read, with family, friendships, emotions, heartbreak, secrets, tension, forbidden romance, challenges, revelations, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.

[S Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved each book in this series and this is no exception.

This is the story of the mafia princess and little sister Billie. Her brother has made if perfectly clear that they will not stand for any man trying to date her. That has put a complete halt to her love life. So much so that she moves away to attend collage. When she returns home he’s is drawn to Ford. He and his twin work for her other brother. Since dating Billie is strictly forbidden, they sneak around.

I loved everything about the push and pull that Billie and Ford have. They are drawn to each other but neither of them are willing to commit to what they have as being real. Billie is afraid of what her brother sill do, which is a very real threat, and Ford is afraid he is not good enough for Billie. Since they are both convinced they can never be they limit themselves to clandestine meetings. This book is high on steam and has elements of intrigue and a little mystery. I loved Billie and Ford’s dynamic from start to finish. I also particularly loved Ford’s parents and his mom in particular. Another great installment in this series and a must read.

Thank you to Enticing Journey Book Promotions for the opportunity to read this book and leave a voluntary review.

[Kawkaawwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The relationship — or should I say, their sneaking around — was so randomly awkward that I actually found it awkward that I was enjoying it 😂. But well... the author really has her way with words, so it worked.

They only put a label on their relationship at the very very end, so expect a lot of push and pull throughout the book (which usually isn’t my preference because it can get repetitive). But here, even the repetitiveness was tolerable x)

[My Reading Era · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billie has always lived under her brother’s protection, with strict rules that kept men, especially his best friend, Ford, at a distance. But one reckless night, she decides to take matters into her own hands, tempting the one man she was never supposed to have. What starts as a secret fling quickly turns into an addiction, with stolen moments and undeniable passion. They both know her brother would never allow it, but keeping their love hidden gets harder as danger looms and the stakes rise. The tension, the chemistry, and Ford’s intense, possessive nature make this book impossible to put down. If you love a fiercely devoted alpha this one’s for you!

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

[Ioana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Chaos stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.5🌶

NU ma așteptam să fie atât de emoțională povestea dintre Billie și Ford (exact, geamanul mai tacut) insa a fost mind-blowing tocmai pt ca am si plâns către final!
Poate Billie da semne de "fetiță răsfățată" din când în când, însă când vine vorba de Ford, face tot ce ii sta în puteri sa-i reziste,cu o maturitate la care nu m-am așteptat.
Happy-end garantat!🦋

[Mayelin Beekman · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars for me!

[Kefi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️

[Zahra · Rating 5 out of 5]

ngl i didnt like him in the beginning and they seemed mismatch but he came throughhhhh ugghhh 💖💖🥵🥵😋😍

[Sarah Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this series—I cannot stop binge-reading it. It is just the right amount of unhinged, romantic, mafia, and baking. I think this is the one I was most excited for since the hints were dropped in previous books, and who doesn't love a stoic enforcer who's a cinnamon roll just for her?

[Reading4_Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am devouring this second generation!! It’s so good! The banter & spicy tension was everything with these two. A lot of push pull in this one. Definitely recommend.

[Mariana Neiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5

[Annesa · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 40%

Booooooooooooo 🍅

[Shushi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶

Trope - mafia romance, grumpy × sunshine, brother's friend, dark romance, forbidden, mc with twin, push and pull, angsty, he falls first, it's always been you, secret relationship, rough play, kinky and steamy, suspense, touch her and die, HEA
Bonus chapter - 1

I was most excited for Ford's book, and to some extent, it didn't disappoint me much. Billie is off-limits, but one night together makes him addicted to her, and now he can't stay away from her. She has become his addiction, but the threat of Billie's brother always hangs over their heads.

I liked this book because it was way beyond the constant push and pull relationship. These two were meant to be together, but life hasn't always been fair to them, so they struggled but eventually found their way back to each other.

The first few chapters were more about flashback moments they shared; and yes, it did piss me off that he liked keeping her secret, but in his defence, when he proposed to tell Dutton, she refused to do it. Ford's thoughts really struck a chord with me. It was tough to see him feeling so down on himself, believing he deserved pain and punishment for being with her. I think when someone has often felt like a second choice, those feelings can creep in without any clear reason.

It broke my heart seeing these two suffer, especially when Dutton got his happiness so beautifully, yet he didn't let these two get close to theirs. Every time Ford pushed Billie away, it broke a piece of my heart. After a while, it did piss me off, but his struggle made me understand his point of view better.

These two didn't have much self-confidence, which often exacerbated their dilemma.

There was a constant angst, push-and-pull between them. However, I liked those hidden moments. They were fleeting, but also meaningful- especially the sneaking around, baking sweets and drawing tattoos for/on each other. The piano scene was just another beautiful moment that showed how well they complemented each other.

Ford's silent but visible efforts were possessive yet sweet, especially considering how much he struggled to express himself. He was sweet, but only for her. His possessive and protective nature is particularly evident during the jealousy scenes.

THE SPICE OMFG!! The degradation and rough play were so out of the blue, and damn spicy.

Side characters -
1. This book revealed a new side of Hawke, and I was all-in to read about this protective yet dangerous brother. His love for Ford knew no bounds.
2. Anya Ivanov was so intuitive and badass, and I loved everything about her. She might be lethal, but she was a damn good mother to the twins. I also liked that she wouldn't let anyone threaten her kids and family.
3. Dutton became my favourite in the previous book, but I can't forgive him for the pain he caused these two. He stole many moments from this couple.
4. Felix (Stray Kids WHOH, lol, if you understand the reference) was such an adorable little creature. I loved how he brought a little joy and a constant connection into Ford and Billie's relationship.
5. Ivy was a good friend, but she couldn't be any more perfect for Hawke. Can't wait to read their book.
_________________________________

I knew this book was going to emotionally wreck me, and it stayed true to that promise until the end. I bawled my eyes out towards the end; damn, that one scene opened a tap. Ford's love for her was unspoken but never hidden.

My heart pained for Billie and Ford. The confrontation with Dutton wasn't easy, but she was brave enough to finally stand up for their love.

Their story didn't follow a simple, straightforward pattern; it was filled with ups and downs, struggles, emotions, restraints, and lots of love.

You bet your arse I cried during their confession scene. Ford, finally speaking his heart and accepting himself and their love, was truly healing. These two getting their HEA was more soothing than anything in the world.

The ending felt rushed, and we were definitely robbed of some sweet moments they shared in Mexico, which is why this wasn't a five-star read. It had potential, but even the bonus chapter didn't ease the itch. I wanted more moments between them, especially after how much time we lost to everything.

Enjoyed reading it.
Overall 4/5.

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨E-ARC Review✨

To say Ford and Billie consumed me would be an understatement, honestly these characters owned me body and soul👏🏼 I was always curious about these two characters stories since I read Eli and Jewels story but after reading Dawson (who is Billies brother) and Posies story some things started to add up 👀

Of course with Ford and Billie’s story we have the classic brothers friend trope. Honestly I wishing we would get this trope when it came to Billie as we saw how protective Dawson was of his little sister, and to add someone close to him that is falling for his sister to that mix and you will only get chaos. I am also a fan of the forbidden romance trope and “we shouldn’t be doing this” trope and let me tell you we get plenty of that in this book. These two know how to get themselves into some risky situations.

We get a few flashbacks to how Billie and Ford came to be and it takes us up to the present day which would be the end of Promiscuous Lies. With what started out as to be a casual fling turned out to be so much more. These characters were definitely possessive of one another. I mean Ford quite literally bought out every tattoo parlour in the area so Billie had no choice in having her tattoo being finished by him (Yes I swooned so hard)👀

I liked seeing more of Fords backstory and his relationship with his parents Anya and River. If you are unfamiliar Ford and his twin brother Hawke were adopted by Anya and River when they were fifteen. If you have read Anya’s book (Cunning Vows) you know that she is a woman that is not to be crossed but she does care for the twins in her own way and she’s quite a fan of her family dinners which I found quite cute🫶🏼.

I connected with Billie quite well. She is a woman who basically wanted to free herself from her brothers protective nature and find someone that will worship the ground she walks on, just as her brother does with Posie and her father does with her mother. She is also not afraid to let people (or more specifically Ford) know when they annoy her. Yes there’s one chapter than had me cackling and it involved Fords front garden and a very interesting choice of words😂

We do get a bit of back and forth between Billie and Ford when the stakes are raised. This makes the tension and chemistry between them even more explosive😮‍💨

Overall I loved this book and I am loving this series, I enjoy seeing our first generation characters making their appearances in their children’s books and I am so excited as to where the authors will take us next. Thank you so much to the authors who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭

[Smutty Professor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in a second-generation mafia romance series that has completely owned me from the beginning. I’ve devoured each book like it was my last meal, but something about Ford and Billie’s story just hit different. Forbidden romance? Check. Brother’s best friend trope? Check. Off-the-charts chemistry that made me want to scream into my pillow? Absolutely.

What really stood out in Addicted Lies- besides the frustration, heartache, heat, and longing- was the deeper dive into the actual work they do. I loved that we got more detail about their roles, especially Ford’s position as an enforcer. The added layers of danger, loyalty, and calculated violence gave the entire story a heavier, more intense feel, and it made the emotional stakes between Ford and Billie all the more real.

And let’s talk about Ford. Sweet. Silent. Deadly.
He is everything. There’s just something about a man who doesn’t say much but feels everything so deeply. His quiet yearning for Billie, the way he tries to keep his distance but fails over and over again, and the rare moments when he lets his guard down- swoon. He’s absolutely going on my list of all-time favorite book boyfriends.

Also… can we PLEASE talk about his phone??
I’m dying to know what this man is always looking at. Every time it was mentioned, I was like, “Give me the POV! I need to know!!” The mystery is driving me a little bit insane, but in the best way.

Billie was just as intriguing. I adored her fire, her independence, and her refusal to let her overbearing brother control her life. Watching her fight for what she wants, even when it terrifies her, was so powerful. She’s strong, stubborn, and knows her worth- but she’s also deeply craving a love that’s real and out in the open, not hidden in shadows.

And of course, seeing the first-gen characters make their appearances always feels like coming home. I love that their personalities haven’t changed one bit, especially Anya (still the queen) and River (still head over heels for his Red). The way the authors have woven this multigenerational story together is just so satisfying.

I can’t wait to see where this series goes next- especially with the final few kiddos left to get their stories. But for now? I’ll just be here, emotionally destroyed in the best way, clutching Addicted Lies to my chest and wishing I could unread it just to experience it all over again.