Mischievous Lies

Vengeful Lies #5

by T.L. Smith, Kia Carrington-Russell

Hawke Ivanov is known to excel at two things. Sex and violence. It’s why I never took our fling seriously, accepting it with no strings attached.
Except now, his mischievous ways have become all-consuming, and I’m his new obsession, especially after one night that changed everything between us.
Hawke is using me to run away from his own demons, and when I realize it’s not only matters of our bodies but hearts as well, I tell him sweet little lies to keep him away.
All I wanted was a good boy in my bed. The last thing I needed was a dangerous man carving his way into my heart, especially when he was the one to be feared the most.

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, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Second Chance, Dark

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 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

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ The banter between Ivy and Hawke is so well done🫶

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You thought she was a good girl. She's my very favorite bad girl."

5 out of 5 Stars
4 out of 5 in Spice

My adventures started with Vows (generation 1) and now end with Lies (generation 2). I've been doing ARCs for both series since day one, and I've loved it.

Hawke and Ivy are perfect for one another. The two are all about teasing one another and ruining each other's dates, I'm all for it.

All it took was a one-night stand in the past to make these two want each other, but at the same time, they see each other as friends, so they leave it at that. The two each have a healthy, spicy appetite; it's no wonder they go in search of getting under the covers with whoever they can get, but it's each other they desire.

Hawke, though dark in his actions, totally gives off the labrador vibes, while Ivy gives the perfect black cat vibes. I love how everyone can see that something is going on between them, but they deny it. The banter between the two is hilarious.

Honestly, can't wait to see the future projects between these two authors.

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whelp they saved the best for last! Hawk and Ivy were amazing together when they weren’t burning up the sheets they were trying to one up the other their banter was just perfect! I laughed so hard through some of their antics this was probably my favorite couple out of this series. Job well done ladies!

[Dnx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release: This was.. Unexpectedly dark and comical and sweet at the same time. I was there with them for beginning to end. Read it in one go.
Hawke was so sure about loving her and I loved how he encouraged her with her feelings too.

I: "Maybe we should be a thing."
H: "What do you mean? I thought we already were."
I love them being a "thing". He was so excited for the confirmation he needed. He wanted to parade her to everyone. He worshipped her. It was definitely harder on her than on him, considering she took extra step with her feelings.
That it made me yearn for her to finally admit it. I actually never expected him to be so sweet based on the other books. Well, I haven't expected any of the men in the ten books to be sweet, but he was the one who knew he loved her from the beginning and never failed to show it in every single way. The others had obsessions and later figured out it was love.

"I think I've always loved her in some way, but now that I have her, I know I'll never let her go. She's it for me. I look at other women now, and it does nothing for me. I just want to see her. I wake up, and I want to see her. I go to sleep, and I want to hold her. And I get this weird feeling in my chest and stomach when she's near, like I have to touch her. I can't contain myself." - *sigh

And Ivy was so accepting about his dark side. Even proved it too which was sweet. She knew everything about him, bad and good and accepted him right away.
Night and day. Dark and light. Perfect together.
The ending.. 🤌
I can't even tell you the content sigh I had when finishing the book. I had events for each one of them since the first.

Thank you for the honour of being your arc reader. I look forward to the future.


Pre-release: I'm smiling and my mind is reeling replaying everything. We got the best ending of this series..
I read it in one go. I couldn't stop. I just loved them, I lived with them and for them. I am conflicted picking favourites now. I mean, if they're twins, it counts as one, right?
I don't know what was in the water with this Ivanov family members. All of them. I think I am as obsessive as they are..
They were so fun together and I laughed and cried and yearned with them. They were really meant for each other.
This is definitely a re-read for the future 🤌

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawke is, the let’s say the comic relief of the Ivanov twins but still just as b*d. Always making a joke in a world that is not the norm. He is all fun & no attachments in the bedroom also. That is until Ivy Walker. She is Billie’s best friend and they might of gotten together once, but their favorite past time is annoying one another. Will their back and forth games lead to a craving Hawke can’t stop? Omg, Hawke is such a hoot and with Ivy their banter is I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy Mr Hawke Ivanov’s story. I know I certainly did! Definitely plenty of laughs along with action and ahem the “red liquid” kind ;) Told in first person and dual POV.

[Jahda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Ivy and Hawke as a couple. I enjoyed their story.

[BooksbyKim98 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely my favorite book of this serie.
OMG I absolutely loved this book. Who suspected that Hawke and Ivy would end up together well it was definitely NOT me.
The way he takes care of Ivy and makes sure that she is okay 🤤
I am so sad that this series is over.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Yes***
Author: T.L. Smith and Kia Carrington Russell
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3.5/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Hawke and Ivy
Trope(s): Interconnected Series, Dark Mafia, Second Chance, Alpha Male, Sassy FMC, labrador vs black cat

‘The thing about a man this powerful is that once you get a taste of him, you can't forget it. Don’t want to. And no one will ever compare.
I’ve run away from it for so many years, frightened about how he’ll ruin me.
But right now, I very much want to be ruined.’

This is the last book in the next generation Vengeful Lies Interconnected Series. And, I am feeling a kind of way. I hope this dynamic duo has more cooking around their smutty minds because I will be here for it. If, like me, you have been here since the beginning these two decided to team up, you have been waiting on Hawke and Ivy’s story. Although, there is a dark undertone and the book deals with a sensitive subject, Hawke and Ivy’s banter and antics adds a levity and wit to the book. I was very curious how they would write Hawke and Ivy based on my thoughts from previous books. They added depth and interest I wasn’t expecting. I’m not sure I am ready to walk away from this gang, but I so loved watching them all get a HEA.

Ivy Walker has enjoyed her life. She is confident, owns her sexuality, and is smart AF. She has everything she wants and is free to do what she wants. But, lately she is finding her adventures lacking. She is watching all of her friends find their happily ever after. And, the level of guys she is meeting is pitiful.

Hawke is the happy go lucky twin. The playboy with no fucks to give. Until his twin almost dies, and he is haunted by the woman who almost killed Ford. Cherry on top, Ford finding his someone special and Hawke feeling like a third wheel.

So, now all of their friends are partnered up. Ivy and Hawke had a moment years ago they never repeated and both never forgot. Instead they have settled into this friends who banter and try to one up one another dynamic.

Hawke has made it known he is down for a repeat and Ivy is tempted to give in.

Lately their banter and run-ins have been affecting her in ways she does not want to delve into. Instead she attempts to put distance between them.

Until, Hawke helps her out of a precarious situation.

And, it changes the scope of things.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way that I have devoured every book in this series should be studied, because I am that obsessed.

This book is another example of all the things I love in this series: spice, swoon, humor, thrill, and emotion all packed into one. Every single character is so different, yet every book packs a punch. This is Hawke and Ivy’s story, and these two kept me reading well into the night.

The banter and chemistry with these two is top-tier, and watching their story unfold was perfection. Two MC’s were never so perfectly paired, and I loved every minute of it.

If you haven’t read this series, I highly recommend every single book. This is number 5, and it’s just as good as the others.

[Katie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Hawke and Ivy are up there as one of my favourite couple of the series. These two are chaotic as individuals but the two of them together is another level of trouble, and to be honest I was absolutely living for it.

Now both of our main characters seem to take on bachelor/bachelorette type of role. They were party people and let’s just say these two certainly didn’t end up going home alone, they were basically cut from the same cloth.

Now these two actually decided to cross the line and sleep together awhile back and ever since then the both couldn’t deny there was something there.

Ivy was a character I honestly connected with so well- she’s a hacker like her father Will and she has the fierceness and determination of her mother Alina. Ivy was cunning and didn’t back down from a challenge and she oh so loved to get under Hawke’s skin and make the man work for it- but secretly I think Hawke most certainly loved the chase🤭.

Now in my eyes Hawke wasn’t a straight forward character, there was two sides to which we saw in this book. We saw the party boy in which was evident throughout the series but in his book we got a real look at Hawke and noticed that he was similar to his twin brother in which he also has his demons.

Hawke and Ivy’s banter and flirting was top tier. While of course the chemistry was unmatched the pair really did love to push each others buttons and this made me cackle at quite a few scenes 🤭.

Overall this has to be one of my favourite books of the series. Hawke and Ivy most certainly have a special place in my heart. Thank you so much to both authors who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭

[Kate Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the dynamic between Hawke and Ivy. I honestly never thought I'd see Hawke ever settle down but I love how these two did it.

"𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔...𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖."

The relationship was fun and absolutely told so well. Love that Hawke remained strong and utterly clueless the whole way through. Ivy was perfect as the black cat FMC that loved her Labrador MMC even before she could admit it.

"𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆. 𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒓𝒌 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒔."

Absolutely perfect.

Now...what do I do? I never wanted this series to end.

Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 3 🌶️

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️/2.5🌶️

Hands down, my favorite one in the series! If you think you know Hawke from the previous books, think again. This man is layered, intense, and so much more than the charming side character we thought we knew. And Ivy? Total bada$$. She completely owns every scene she's in.

The plot kept me hooked, the chemistry between Hawke and Ivy was absolutely electric, and the smut? Pure fire 🔥. I don’t know how this duo keeps delivering such incredible books back-to-back, but I’m definitely not complaining,lol. Keep them coming!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the BEST book in the series!!! I have loved all of the characters and couples so far but Hawke and Ivy take the cake. Hawke has always been the carefree playboy with his whit and charm, and Ivy always throwing back the punches toward him, but you could tell something was brewing. And Hawke is no exception to falling head over heels in love for the one he said he’d marry at 16.
Even in their party days, the tension and quips between these two were hilarious to see unfold. But when danger appeared, Ivy leaned on the one person who could calm her storm and captured her heart. Everyone knew this ‘thing’ was a thing long before the both of them admitted.
Thank you for giving us this “family” full of heart, soul and heat. From the parents to the kids, it was truly a ride to see them evolve and love!!!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mischievous Lies is the fifth book in the Vengeful Lies series by TL Smith and Kia Carrington-Russell. This book focuses on Hawke and Ivy's story. I was so excited to dive into this book because Hawke has caught my attention since the first book in this series so I wanted to know more about him. This book has action, steamy scenes, and even a few emotional scenes. I will say, I felt like I had a goofy grin on my face while reading this book because these characters had me laughing so many times.

I really liked Ivy, but I absolutely loved Hawke. There is so much more to him than we see in the other books and I loved that. The dynamics between these two were on fire and I just wanted to keep reading more of them. The bonus scene for these two was absolute perfection.

If you want a good mafia romance to read with some dark elements and a lot of spice then you should definitely read this now!

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mischievous Lies is the perfect title for this book. I have been eager to read Hawke’s story, which is absolutely fantastic. I love how different it is from the other books in this series, with its flirty and fun allure yet still on the dark side.

I loved getting to know Hawke better and so many questions were answered, and so much makes a lot more sense now. I will admit he annoyed me a time or two in previous books, but I think this might have been the authors’ intent. However, he endeared himself to me at the same time, how could you not like Hawke?

In one way, this is one of the slowest of slow-burn romances but then again it’s not! Confused? You won’t be when you read it, I promise. Hawke is such an easy-to-like character with his joking manner. Even though he can be lighthearted he has darker needs and working for Eli allows him to follow through on these needs.

Ivy’s hacking ability takes her right up to the top tier with her father or possibly just a smidge higher. She is a ‘one and done’ girl in the boudoir just like Hawke. Ivy is such a similar character to Hawke it’s no wonder they get along so well. They are fire in the bedroom and they trigger each other in their banter as well.

This book is one of my favourites from the series.

[Reading with 2 book lovers Sarah P - · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is hawke and ivy's story. I devoured this book it was a great and well written read, these authors never fail to dissapoint. highly recommended

[it.sgottabethebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a thing for this pair. I knew this book was gonna slay and I went in totally blind. I have always loved how both characters owned their sexuality in the previous books. Hawke and Ivy are basically the same person but of the opposite sex. The chemistry between them is straight explosive. But what really made this book for me was seeing the characters beyond all the sexual tension. There was just so much more to them. This deserves all my stars.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so sad that this second generation series is over but what a way to end it!

We have seen our party boy Hawke and his playboy ways through all the other books. But we all knew that under his party ways and playboy style there was more to the man.

Ivy also doesn’t want to settle down and gets board with men so easily.

These two were everything! He’s our sweet golden retriever and she’s our black cat! She is sassy as can be but there is nothing he loves more than her sass!!

[Isabella Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲. 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼. 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗳𝗸𝗴 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆-𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿-𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻. 𝗜’𝗺 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿.”

I am absolutely gutted that this is the end of this series! 😩😩 I could easily read 10 more books in this world and never get tired. I will admit though, Hawke and Ivy’s story was the perfect way to wrap things up. I have been waiting for their story…getting peaks and glimpses into their personalities and interactions throughout previous books. We finally get to see them full on and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint!

Hawke is hands down my favorite of the series. The ultimate Mafia bad-boy, playboy. Cold, ruthless…hiding his feelings and the weight of his past with drunken parties and a different woman in his bed every night.

Ivy is basically a carbon copy of Hawke in female form. Ridiculously smart…a hacker just like her dad…dare I even say, BETTER than her dad? 🤭 I love a woman who is confident in her sexuality and in herself. She’s confident and never backs down.

Hawke and Ivy have been dancing around the sexual tension between them since they crossed the line years before. But Hawke has been down bad for Ivy since he declared he would marry her when he was 16. The back and forth, can’t and mouse nature of their relationship was SO GOOD! Hawke had me screaming. This man is a ruthless killer but also a menace. Pushing Ivys buttons and completely obsessed with her at the same time.

Ivy loved pushing Hawkes buttons too. She gave just as good as she got. And when she finally gave in, calling them a “THING” I was on the floor. I’m pretty sure Hawkes smile could be seen for miles away when she said that. Finally admitting that there was something between them that was real and true.

This man loved her fiercely. He was never afraid to show not just her but the world. He was soft for her which I loved seeing. I loved how he brought all his walls down for her and showed her that it was ok to be vulnerable…that they could both be vulnerable with each other. Once he admitted his feelings and she admitted hers, there was no one else in the world that could take the others place. She was all he saw. And that made her feel so loved for the first time in her life.

Now…the SPICE?!? These two were FILTHY! Ivy was not about to lay there and let him take control the whole time. The power struggle between them in bed was so hot…she was his good girl, but…he was HER GOOD BOY! 🥵🥵 I was fanning myself with every scene!

The book had the perfect amount of suspense mixed in with passion. When Ivy finds herself in danger, Hawke is there to protect his girl with his life. The true definition of a man burning the world down for his woman. And the ending?y heart…seeing these two settling down in “normalcy” and a true loving relationship? I may have shed a tear ! Absolutely love this book! 💜

Thank you so much to T.L. Smith and Kia Carrington-Russell for the opportunity to ARC read this incredible book and be part of the release💜

🥃Mafia Romance
💻Second Gen Series
🥃Party Boy x Party Girl
💻Genius FMC
🥃Intense MMC
💻Billionaire
🥃Friends to Lovers
💻Black Cat FMC
🥃Labrador MMC
💻Found Family
🥃Forbidden Love
💻Stalker
🥃”Good Girl” AND “Good Boy” 🤭
💻Second Chance
🥃Alpha Male
💻Tension/Banter
🥃SPICE
💻Dark Romance
🥃Dual POV
💻HEA

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Posy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mischievous Lies delivers a gripping, emotional, and steamy finale to what has clearly been a compelling series. At its heart is the electric chemistry between Ivy and Hawke, a relationship that simmers with unresolved tension until it inevitably boils over in the most satisfying way.

Ivy is cautious, guarding her heart against the fallout of falling for someone like Hawke. And who can blame her? He’s a ruthless mafia man, known for his cold efficiency and brutal methods. But as the story unfolds, a tragedy forces her to see beyond the blood-stained exterior to the man who’s always been there, fiercely protective and undeniably devoted.

“It’s entirely selfish, because I don’t want to spend any of my waking time with anyone else but her.”

Their banter is one of the book’s biggest strengths, light, natural, and infused with the kind of humor that only comes from a shared history. It makes their transition from friends to lovers feel earned and authentic. Hawke, despite his deadly profession, is nothing short of a sweetheart when it comes to Ivy. His vulnerability and pride in their relationship make him impossible not to love. He wears his heart on his sleeve and not just for Ivy, but for the entire world to see.

There’s something irresistible about a dangerous man who turns to mush for the woman he loves, and Hawke fits that mold perfectly. His character strikes a balance between lethal and tender that fans of mafia romance will adore. He’s protective and every declaration of love feels both genuine and hard-won.

Packed with betrayal, heartache, and tender moments, Mischievous Lies is the kind of romance that keeps you up late flipping pages. As the end to the series, it delivers a satisfying sendoff for longtime fans, wrapping Ivy and Hawke’s journey in a way that feels both complete and deeply romantic.

If you’re a sucker for ruthless men with soft spots, emotional stakes, and witty back-and-forths, this one’s for you. Just don’t blame the book if you start thinking dating a mafia man might actually be a good idea.

[Lauren Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟!! I loved this! I loved the characters. I thought there was a good amount of plot/spice. I just thought the ending was a bit rushed.

[Tasma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if I have been waiting for this book or I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS BOOK. Especially considering the one and fucking only Hawke Ivanov is FRONT AND FUCKING CENTER.

FROM THE DAMN START of the new generation series, I have been DRAWN to Hawke and his antics, his wit, banter, charm and the RADIATING cockiness that is weirdly attractive. And we FINALLY get his book, let alone his happily ever after, I FUCKING D.I.E.D. Having that inside look into him and after the events of the previous books my heart goes out to him! He DAMN WELL made me sob and want to give him the biggest hug for what he as well as Ford went through. Ford didn’t really say much about their past in his book, but Hawke is LETTING ALL THAT SHIT OUT and it’s BREAKING MY DAMN HEART. He deserves this happily ever after and I AM SO FUCKING HAPPY that it happened to be Ivy Walker. The walking, talking, bad ass, DEFINITION and LEGIT FEMALE VERSION of Hawke. EVERYTHING about her screams QUEEN and CURVY BAD ASS GODDESS and I LOVED seeing more of her! Not to mention Hawke and Ivy’s chemistry just WAS ELECTRIC AND EXPLODED in the BEST OF WAYS. They just intertwined like they were pieces of their own puzzle, and I LOVED IT AND I LOVED THEM.

For this being the final instalment of the Vengeful Lies series, this DEFINITELY ended with a bang and I’m gonna miss the gang, as well as seeing the OG’s from the Lethal Vows series. They’ve all become amazing parents to some bad ass children, with those children becoming amazing parents themselves and having their own happily ever after’s, even when if they’re associated in some shady dealings. I can’t wait to see what’s instore for what’s to come for the future and I hope to see these characters again soon! <3

[Maisy Yaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t like the writing but couldn’t bring myself to dnf so I skimmed through the last 30% 😭

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

He had his dick in another girls mouth 60% into the book… do with that information what you will

[NOUR EL HOUDA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read: Although this book had some things that I would normally hate in a book, I freaking love this book, the couple, and the story. They really did save the best for last.


The best book in the series, nothing compares to Hawke and Ivy, they’re crazy and so good together, and i just loved this book and enjoyed the fuck out of it, it was super fun to read about their relationship, and I’m happy for them.😍❤️❤️🥰

[tikitaka….. 22233 · Rating 1 out of 5]

he’s stupid and cringe as fuck and i hated ivy because, your “friend” betrays you, watches you while you’re being drugged while doing nothing and lets her man kills another woman in front of her without giving a fuck but you what you do? You still consinder her you friend and talk about her like she’s a good pearson, you have to be really stupid for doing this.

[C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf at around 50%. The book focused way too much on sex with little story line. I prefer to read books that have more of a story line.

[Abby Dickerson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first half of the book was pretty good, but it just got too cringy 💀💀

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶

Trope - reformed playboy and playgirl, curvy FMC, dark romance, friends to lovers, found family, sunshine × sunshine, he falls first, ons, it's always been you, mafia romance, smart tech savy FMC × second in comand, kinky, MMC with twin, morally grey, romcom, second chance, touch her and die, no third-act break-up, HEA
Bonus chapter - 1

This book was absolutely fantastic and is now one of my favourites in the series. After a disappointing read with Hope and Braxton, I was in a bad mood and feared that it would ruin this book for me. However, Hawke and Ivy knew how to capture my heart, and they succeeded beautifully.

Hawke and Ivy have had great chemistry in all the previous books, and I was so glad it continued here as well. The banter, OMFG, the banter between them was so funny and hot at the same time.

Hawke was the definition of golden retriever energy, but don't be fooled by his goofy side; he's also one of the most unhinged killers. Putting his lethal side aside, he had the sweetest, softest, and most loving heart. His pain usually went unnoticed, and I was so glad that he had people around him who saw the changes and were there for him, especially Ivy. His love for Ford was on a different level, and it broke my heart to read his point of view on Ford's accident.

Ivy is a badass, tech-savvy FMC and a playgirl. She's so smart that it is kinda hot to see her in her element. She reminded me so much of one of my favourite tech FMCs, i.e., Morana Vitalio.

Both of them were playboy/girl types and were the perfect match for each other. Normally, I would have found the idea of her spying on him during his hookup odd and weird, but here I kinda found that scene hot.

Seeing Hawke's sweet, caring side for Ivy has to be one of my favourite things. Damn, that guy was adorable. I knew he had a side he hid from the world, and while Ford's story was sad, Hawke's showed and expressed everything that was left unsaid by Ford.

Hawke and Ivy's connection was so beautiful to read. Reading their banter, friendship turning to more was a wholesome experience. These two being in a relationship was one of the most natural things; they were so well-tuned with each other. The swinging scene did feel a little weird at first, but what followed was so damn hot; like AHHH!!

That viagra scene was so damn funny. Poor Hawke, but also not so poor considering the amount of action he got. Hawke was so damn hilarious, I laughed throughout the book, thanks to him and his cute, idiotic head.

The mystery side of the book was also so exciting to read, though it was a subplot here. I liked how it didn't overpower the couple's story and added just the right amount of kick to the tale.

Hawke was so damn adorable when they finally went official. Our guy was not just smitten; he was proud as well, and I swear his golden retriever energy made his personality so much more fun to read.

Side characters -
1. Oh, I hate Braxton so much. I knew I disliked him, but every moment he appeared in this book became my least favourite. I just loathed that man. The same went for Hope; I did not like her even a bit.
2. Billie and Ford's cameo was the best. Billie's role as a best friend for Ivy was so supportive and honest. The same was true for Ford; he was the quiet brother, but we got to see a new side of him here, the one who was happier, funnier, and more expressive. His bond with Hawke was so damn good, I teared up seeing how well it was expressed and written.
3. Anya once again stole the show with her smart, badass mum personality.
4. Will was a great dad, and reading him banter with Hawke was so fun. Him being in a complete dilemma over Hawke and Ivy's relationship, marriage, and other news was hilarious to read. That man was gonna have a walk for his money.
5. Alina was such a nurturing mother. I loved her and Will's relationship, and also liked how she treated Hawke like a son.
6. Cameo of Dutton, Posie, Eli, and Jewel was also fun to read.
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Hawke and Ivy getting their kind of HEA they always wanted made me so happy. I knew it was coming, but I couldn't have been happier for these two.

This book had the best ending out of all the books in this series; like I knew Hawke's book was gonna be good, but this good? I had no idea. I couldn't stop smiling in the last few chapters, especially that one scene with Hawke and Will

The bonus chapter couldn't be more perfect. I knew their family was going to grow rapidly, but not this fast. Hawke was on a different level, also Anya was right about him all along, iykyk.

Loved it, devoured it.
Definitely recommended.
Overall 5/5.