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SYMPHONY FOR LIES
Even the sweetest symphony can hide the darkest lies...
Rosewood was meant to be Amelia Walker’s safe haven. A veterinary assistant with a hidden musical talent, she cherishes quiet days caring for pets, tutoring kids after school, and looking after her grandmother.
But when a wave of unexplained animal poisonings sweeps the town, her carefully composed world falls to pieces.
And then the murders start.
Is it a coincidence that Zane Cole, talented violist and son of Rosewood’s most infamous family, is back in town? Changed by time and sharper at the edges, his rough heat and restless energy ignites a tension Amelia doesn’t know how to name—even as her instincts scream a warning.
Because while the pull between them is undeniable, Zane is keeping secrets he’ll protect at any cost.
As body parts and dead animals shatter Rosewood’s residents, Amelia realizes the killer is orchestrating a much larger plan. Thrust onto a deadly stage, surrounded by cryptic clues, there is only one way to survive: give the performance of a lifetime.
Symphony of Lies is an interconnected standalone in the Tangled Truths world.
Tropes & Vibes:
• Forbidden Romance
• Intense, possessive MMC (violinist)
• Quiet, emotionally guarded FMC
• Music as clues
• Obsessive tension
• Hidden messages
• One deadly secret
• Explosive love
• Trauma & healing
• And a past that refuses to stay buried.
Rosewood was meant to be Amelia Walker’s safe haven. A veterinary assistant with a hidden musical talent, she cherishes quiet days caring for pets, tutoring kids after school, and looking after her grandmother.
But when a wave of unexplained animal poisonings sweeps the town, her carefully composed world falls to pieces.
And then the murders start.
Is it a coincidence that Zane Cole, talented violist and son of Rosewood’s most infamous family, is back in town? Changed by time and sharper at the edges, his rough heat and restless energy ignites a tension Amelia doesn’t know how to name—even as her instincts scream a warning.
Because while the pull between them is undeniable, Zane is keeping secrets he’ll protect at any cost.
As body parts and dead animals shatter Rosewood’s residents, Amelia realizes the killer is orchestrating a much larger plan. Thrust onto a deadly stage, surrounded by cryptic clues, there is only one way to survive: give the performance of a lifetime.
Symphony of Lies is an interconnected standalone in the Tangled Truths world.
Tropes & Vibes:
• Forbidden Romance
• Intense, possessive MMC (violinist)
• Quiet, emotionally guarded FMC
• Music as clues
• Obsessive tension
• Hidden messages
• One deadly secret
• Explosive love
• Trauma & healing
• And a past that refuses to stay buried.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2025
73 people are currently reading
920 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 21, 2025
Writing this story was such a joy. It almost felt like it wrote itself, haha.
Amelia and Zane are very close to my heart, and this was actually the first time I wrote from a male POV ❤︎
I hope you enjoyed seeing Bella and Nathan again 🫶🏽 Their cameo was planned... just like their part in the next book ;)
Tangled Truths has been such a fun series to create, and while I’m taking a short break now, I can’t wait to keep going.
Until then: enjoy the chaos, the music, and Zane’s obsession!
if you’re into:
• dark & emotional obsession romance
• “i’d choose you, even if it kills me.”
• a haunting murder mystery
• he’s not a hero. he’s the storm.
• wind chimes. music notes. secret codes.
• a woman who never gave up. a man who never let go.
then this might be for you.
Xoxo 💋
Akaku
Amelia and Zane are very close to my heart, and this was actually the first time I wrote from a male POV ❤︎
I hope you enjoyed seeing Bella and Nathan again 🫶🏽 Their cameo was planned... just like their part in the next book ;)
Tangled Truths has been such a fun series to create, and while I’m taking a short break now, I can’t wait to keep going.
Until then: enjoy the chaos, the music, and Zane’s obsession!
if you’re into:
• dark & emotional obsession romance
• “i’d choose you, even if it kills me.”
• a haunting murder mystery
• he’s not a hero. he’s the storm.
• wind chimes. music notes. secret codes.
• a woman who never gave up. a man who never let go.
then this might be for you.
Xoxo 💋
Akaku
July 13, 2025
THE MURDER MYSTERY PLOT IS CHEFS KISS 😚🤌🏼💋
thank you so much akaku for giving me the opportunity to arc read 💜 always such a pleasure to read your work and i literally want to read this all over again !!
this is a dark romance, murder mystery plot, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, forbidden romance, vet assistant fmc + billionaire violinist, obsession, betrayal, dark secrets, yearning, duo pov, standalone in interconnected series 🎻💙
the murder mystery with musical notes as clues actually was one of the main reasons why this pulled me in so deep !! i was so invested into this story it literally felt like i was the one figuring everything out omg. but the lore doesn’t stop there 😳 it all started with poisoned animals and every hidden clue was sooo enticing !! everything flowed super smoothly and nothing felt like it was missing anything. THE PLOT TWISTS ?!! holy fuck i have no words 😱 even the ending had a bit of a mystery which may possibly lead to the next book 👀 even though this is a standalone i LOVE how akaku did what she did for this ending !! it left me so intrigued for what’s to come 😍
i instantly fell in love with zane 🥰 like is wear that man was speaking to ME and trying to get ME to fall in love with him 😭 he is so husband material i literally could melt thinking about him omg !! and amelia ??! oh what an absolute QUEEN !! she is quiet but girl is she fierce and will put you in your place 🤩
seeing bella and nathan again was like coming home 🥹 these characters hold so much meaning to me and i love to look forward to every single one of their moments together. akaku’s writing just sucks you in immediately and sudden it’s 6am and you just finished reading 🧎🏻♀️
if you enjoy slow burn murder mysteries, with a man who’s so obsessed with his woman, lots of possessiveness, and need a read to feel like a movie … absolutely add this to your tbr IMMEDIATELY 🫀
🌶️🌶️🌶️
thank you so much akaku for giving me the opportunity to arc read 💜 always such a pleasure to read your work and i literally want to read this all over again !!
this is a dark romance, murder mystery plot, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, forbidden romance, vet assistant fmc + billionaire violinist, obsession, betrayal, dark secrets, yearning, duo pov, standalone in interconnected series 🎻💙
the murder mystery with musical notes as clues actually was one of the main reasons why this pulled me in so deep !! i was so invested into this story it literally felt like i was the one figuring everything out omg. but the lore doesn’t stop there 😳 it all started with poisoned animals and every hidden clue was sooo enticing !! everything flowed super smoothly and nothing felt like it was missing anything. THE PLOT TWISTS ?!! holy fuck i have no words 😱 even the ending had a bit of a mystery which may possibly lead to the next book 👀 even though this is a standalone i LOVE how akaku did what she did for this ending !! it left me so intrigued for what’s to come 😍
i instantly fell in love with zane 🥰 like is wear that man was speaking to ME and trying to get ME to fall in love with him 😭 he is so husband material i literally could melt thinking about him omg !! and amelia ??! oh what an absolute QUEEN !! she is quiet but girl is she fierce and will put you in your place 🤩
seeing bella and nathan again was like coming home 🥹 these characters hold so much meaning to me and i love to look forward to every single one of their moments together. akaku’s writing just sucks you in immediately and sudden it’s 6am and you just finished reading 🧎🏻♀️
if you enjoy slow burn murder mysteries, with a man who’s so obsessed with his woman, lots of possessiveness, and need a read to feel like a movie … absolutely add this to your tbr IMMEDIATELY 🫀
🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 24, 2025
4.75⭐️
”a killer was in our city. maybe even closer than i thought.” 🪻
first of all i just want to thank the author of this amazing book, akaku, for trusting me to read this ARC copy. i had such an amazing time delving into this world & trying to solve every mystery, while simultaneously falling for amelia and zane 🥹💞.
now this!! was EVERYTHING i needed and more. a town riddled with poison crimes against animals & deaths instantly turns 10x worse when veterinary assistant amelia is pulled into the crossfire. at the same time, amelia is trying to figure out her love life with the mysterious zane who comes into her life & ignites a fire in her.
ZANE COLE THE MAN YOU AREEEE 😩🔥🔥🔥. i almost felt like he was convincing me to fall in love with him the way i absolutely fell for him.
i also loved amelia’s grandma in this book, and her friend group. so supportive and loving, it was just everything. definitely shed a few tears towards the end of this book because of all the emotions throughout.
the mystery in this book is very unique, thought out, and intriguing. i’ve literally never read a book with this type of plot when it comes to the mystery, ever! props to akaku because she definitely dug into her brain for this plot. and i loved how there were connections to her other book ‘deadline by love’!
and the ending even had a plot twist! 👏🏽
only reason this isn’t getting 5 stars from me is because once everything wrapped up and everything was being explained, i was confused slightly but it made sense. not necessarily plot holes, but i has to re read the explanation a few times to understand lmao.
overall i definitely enjoyed this reading experience a lot, and i think anybody reading this review should add this book to their TBR, and read it when it’s released JULY 11Th, 2025!! ❤️❤️
”a killer was in our city. maybe even closer than i thought.” 🪻
first of all i just want to thank the author of this amazing book, akaku, for trusting me to read this ARC copy. i had such an amazing time delving into this world & trying to solve every mystery, while simultaneously falling for amelia and zane 🥹💞.
now this!! was EVERYTHING i needed and more. a town riddled with poison crimes against animals & deaths instantly turns 10x worse when veterinary assistant amelia is pulled into the crossfire. at the same time, amelia is trying to figure out her love life with the mysterious zane who comes into her life & ignites a fire in her.
ZANE COLE THE MAN YOU AREEEE 😩🔥🔥🔥. i almost felt like he was convincing me to fall in love with him the way i absolutely fell for him.
i also loved amelia’s grandma in this book, and her friend group. so supportive and loving, it was just everything. definitely shed a few tears towards the end of this book because of all the emotions throughout.
the mystery in this book is very unique, thought out, and intriguing. i’ve literally never read a book with this type of plot when it comes to the mystery, ever! props to akaku because she definitely dug into her brain for this plot. and i loved how there were connections to her other book ‘deadline by love’!
and the ending even had a plot twist! 👏🏽
only reason this isn’t getting 5 stars from me is because once everything wrapped up and everything was being explained, i was confused slightly but it made sense. not necessarily plot holes, but i has to re read the explanation a few times to understand lmao.
overall i definitely enjoyed this reading experience a lot, and i think anybody reading this review should add this book to their TBR, and read it when it’s released JULY 11Th, 2025!! ❤️❤️
June 19, 2025
This was a really enjoyable read.
Zane was the right kind of obsessed, and also very sweet.
Amelia was an extremely enjoyable FMC, her warm relationship with her grandmother was one of my favourite parts of the story.
The murder mystery was engaging, and I loved the use of music as part of that storyline.
The POV switch was timed with absolute perfection. 🔥🔥🔥
Zane was the right kind of obsessed, and also very sweet.
Amelia was an extremely enjoyable FMC, her warm relationship with her grandmother was one of my favourite parts of the story.
The murder mystery was engaging, and I loved the use of music as part of that storyline.
The POV switch was timed with absolute perfection. 🔥🔥🔥
August 22, 2025
this book was so good holy shit. there was romance, there was murder, there was heartbreak, it was perfect in every way *chefs kiss*
ps thank you Akaku for the ARC i know the book is already out im sorry 😭
ps thank you Akaku for the ARC i know the book is already out im sorry 😭
July 10, 2025
Murder mystery? Check.
Slow-burn romance? Check.
A violist who makes obsession feel like poetry and possessiveness sound like a love song? DOUBLE CHECK.
Symphony for Lies is the kind of book that ruins your reading slump—and your standards.
I finished it in a day, completely caught up in the mystery and emotion that held me until the very last page.
Zane Cole is the kind of MMC who ruins you for all others. He had that quiet, obsessive energy that hits you right in the soul.The way he worshipped her with his eyes and words? I was kicking my feet, giggling, and losing my mind.Every scene with Zane made me fall harder, and his POVs? I felt everything.I’m still not over him… and honestly? I don’t think I ever will be.
Amelia Walker is the kind of heroine who quietly leaves a mark. She’s a vet assistant who tutors kids, cares for her aging grandmother, and carries the weight of losing her parents with quiet strength. Her compassion, resilience, and soft bravery made me fall in love with her journey.The way she slowly let Zane in while standing her ground was powerful. And her bond with her grandmother? It hit me right in the heart.
The slow-burn between Zane and Amelia had me blushing, giggling, and screaming into my pillow. Their emotional push and pull, the tension, the way they truly saw each other—flaws, fears, and all—was just perfect. And yes, the spice? So worth it.
On top of all that, the mystery was unforgettable. What started with animal poisonings turned into something much darker, and the way everything tied into the characters’ lives was brilliant.
The mystery wasn’t just smart—it was beautifully crafted. The clues weren’t loud or obvious; they were hidden in the music, in the silence, in the smallest moments. I’ve never read anything like it. It made the final twist hit even harder—and when I looked back, it all made perfect sense. Such a unique, brilliant concept.
Amelia’s support system was beautifully written—soft, strong, and full of heart.
The writing? Chef’s kiss. Lyrical, emotional, and immersive. Akaku blends mystery and romance so seamlessly—it’s soft one moment, gut-wrenching the next.
The ending felt like a movie—every detail, from the maze to the violin and the flashbacks, was stunning. The epilogue wrapped it all up in the most emotional, perfect way.
If you love slow-burn mysteries with real emotional stakes, an obsessive yet protective MMC, spice wrapped in depth, music laced with meaning, and a fierce-hearted FMC—Symphony for Lies is your next obsession 😭🤌🏻💝
Slow-burn romance? Check.
A violist who makes obsession feel like poetry and possessiveness sound like a love song? DOUBLE CHECK.
Symphony for Lies is the kind of book that ruins your reading slump—and your standards.
I finished it in a day, completely caught up in the mystery and emotion that held me until the very last page.
Zane Cole is the kind of MMC who ruins you for all others. He had that quiet, obsessive energy that hits you right in the soul.The way he worshipped her with his eyes and words? I was kicking my feet, giggling, and losing my mind.Every scene with Zane made me fall harder, and his POVs? I felt everything.I’m still not over him… and honestly? I don’t think I ever will be.
Amelia Walker is the kind of heroine who quietly leaves a mark. She’s a vet assistant who tutors kids, cares for her aging grandmother, and carries the weight of losing her parents with quiet strength. Her compassion, resilience, and soft bravery made me fall in love with her journey.The way she slowly let Zane in while standing her ground was powerful. And her bond with her grandmother? It hit me right in the heart.
The slow-burn between Zane and Amelia had me blushing, giggling, and screaming into my pillow. Their emotional push and pull, the tension, the way they truly saw each other—flaws, fears, and all—was just perfect. And yes, the spice? So worth it.
On top of all that, the mystery was unforgettable. What started with animal poisonings turned into something much darker, and the way everything tied into the characters’ lives was brilliant.
The mystery wasn’t just smart—it was beautifully crafted. The clues weren’t loud or obvious; they were hidden in the music, in the silence, in the smallest moments. I’ve never read anything like it. It made the final twist hit even harder—and when I looked back, it all made perfect sense. Such a unique, brilliant concept.
Amelia’s support system was beautifully written—soft, strong, and full of heart.
The writing? Chef’s kiss. Lyrical, emotional, and immersive. Akaku blends mystery and romance so seamlessly—it’s soft one moment, gut-wrenching the next.
The ending felt like a movie—every detail, from the maze to the violin and the flashbacks, was stunning. The epilogue wrapped it all up in the most emotional, perfect way.
If you love slow-burn mysteries with real emotional stakes, an obsessive yet protective MMC, spice wrapped in depth, music laced with meaning, and a fierce-hearted FMC—Symphony for Lies is your next obsession 😭🤌🏻💝
July 2, 2025
Akaku!!! 🥹🥵🔥 This was incredible! I devoured it in one day! The storyline, characters, twist and turns, suspense, and the spice 🔥🧎♀️🏃♀️ Ma'am you weren't kidding when you said it's your spiciest and I frickin loved and devoured that! I was blushing and kicking my feet every time these two flirted, or if Zane even looked at her 😏🤭
Zane Cole 🔥 Holy F**k! This man had me literally from the start 😏 Tall, handsome, billionaire, a virgin 🥵, successful, aloof, quiet, broody with everyone but her, violinist, hot biker, obsessed 😏, possessive af, crazily in love, grumpy 🤭 and can't stand a single tear in his woman's eye 🥹❤️ His nickname for her 🤭Their first meet was hilarious, I literally snorted 😂 it was so random, but him 🥹 Everytime he tightened his jaw, when he was jealous, I cackled and blushed at the same time 😌 Yes Sir!!! He was absolutely straightforward with Amelia in telling her she is his 😌 There won't be any arguments from me, baby! He literally did anything and everything for her. He hid a lot of his struggles, and we see them in his povs 😖😭
Amelia Walker 🥹 She went through the most 😫 I just wanted to reach in and hug her! Beautiful, intelligent, independent, sunshine, loves to make Zane work for it, kind, gentle, caring, shy, a virgin too 🤭, protective, brave, vet assistant, and will do anything to solve the gruesome riddles. Amelia is one badass fmc. I can see how Zane's wrapped around her pinky. Their banter 😂✋️I adored her scenes with Simon and the other kids. They were incredibly wholesome. She's incredibly brave, and that shows when she faces these crime scenes and helps to solve them, despite how dangerous it is. She knows she needs to do something when pets are being brought in with poisonings. I understood the burdens she carried for years and my heartbroke when she cried 😖
Zane and Amelia will stay with me for sure 🤭 Especially those spicy scenes and this man's obsession 🏃♀️🔥 I can't wait for the next book 😯🧎♀️🔥
Zane Cole 🔥 Holy F**k! This man had me literally from the start 😏 Tall, handsome, billionaire, a virgin 🥵, successful, aloof, quiet, broody with everyone but her, violinist, hot biker, obsessed 😏, possessive af, crazily in love, grumpy 🤭 and can't stand a single tear in his woman's eye 🥹❤️ His nickname for her 🤭Their first meet was hilarious, I literally snorted 😂 it was so random, but him 🥹 Everytime he tightened his jaw, when he was jealous, I cackled and blushed at the same time 😌 Yes Sir!!! He was absolutely straightforward with Amelia in telling her she is his 😌 There won't be any arguments from me, baby! He literally did anything and everything for her. He hid a lot of his struggles, and we see them in his povs 😖😭
Amelia Walker 🥹 She went through the most 😫 I just wanted to reach in and hug her! Beautiful, intelligent, independent, sunshine, loves to make Zane work for it, kind, gentle, caring, shy, a virgin too 🤭, protective, brave, vet assistant, and will do anything to solve the gruesome riddles. Amelia is one badass fmc. I can see how Zane's wrapped around her pinky. Their banter 😂✋️I adored her scenes with Simon and the other kids. They were incredibly wholesome. She's incredibly brave, and that shows when she faces these crime scenes and helps to solve them, despite how dangerous it is. She knows she needs to do something when pets are being brought in with poisonings. I understood the burdens she carried for years and my heartbroke when she cried 😖
Zane and Amelia will stay with me for sure 🤭 Especially those spicy scenes and this man's obsession 🏃♀️🔥 I can't wait for the next book 😯🧎♀️🔥
June 30, 2025
INCREDIBLE.
Symphony for Lies is a dark, emotionally rich story that blends mystery, romance, and psychological tension with lyrical prose. Akaku Red explores themes of grief, identity, and healing through characters that feel deeply human.
The writing is chefs kiss! Atmospheric and captivating, with a slow-burn intensity that pulls you in. Every page is layered with emotion, and the tone shifts from soft vulnerability to gripping tension in the most unexpected ways.
We stan Amelia and Zane. Their relationship builds slowly, layered with sharp banter, achingly hot tension and quiet moments that say more than words. Their connection grows through guarded glances, clever back-and-forths, and the kind of emotional push-and-pull that makes every interaction of theirs my absolute favourite. So romance girlies, this is right up our alley!
Side note: This story isn’t light. It deals with trauma, PTSD, emotional neglect, animal death, and more.
I'm deeply grateful to Akaku Red for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for Symphony for Lies. It was an honour to experience this story early, and I genuinely appreciate the trust and care that went into sharing it. Thank you for letting me be part of something so beautifully written.
Symphony for Lies is a dark, emotionally rich story that blends mystery, romance, and psychological tension with lyrical prose. Akaku Red explores themes of grief, identity, and healing through characters that feel deeply human.
The writing is chefs kiss! Atmospheric and captivating, with a slow-burn intensity that pulls you in. Every page is layered with emotion, and the tone shifts from soft vulnerability to gripping tension in the most unexpected ways.
We stan Amelia and Zane. Their relationship builds slowly, layered with sharp banter, achingly hot tension and quiet moments that say more than words. Their connection grows through guarded glances, clever back-and-forths, and the kind of emotional push-and-pull that makes every interaction of theirs my absolute favourite. So romance girlies, this is right up our alley!
Side note: This story isn’t light. It deals with trauma, PTSD, emotional neglect, animal death, and more.
I'm deeply grateful to Akaku Red for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for Symphony for Lies. It was an honour to experience this story early, and I genuinely appreciate the trust and care that went into sharing it. Thank you for letting me be part of something so beautifully written.
July 16, 2025
I’m so sorry but I can’t give more than 1,5 ⭐️ for this book. I’ve read the other books written by Akaku before and I liked them, so I was very happy to get an arc copy. But it was pure chaos and didn’t had a red line through the story. I don’t like Zane and couldn’t sympathize with him. He’s such a child and his actions didn’t make sense. Amelias character was okay but not interesting. Also the conversations were teenager like and hadn’t much deepness. The love relationship of Amelia and Zane was just spicy time and Zane was all time horny and didn’t ask for Amelia’s consent. Also he gave me an uneasy feeling…
The crimes were very brutal and about animal death and abuse, so this book is not for everyone. And why is she so adored and loved by every male she knows?!
The crimes were very brutal and about animal death and abuse, so this book is not for everyone. And why is she so adored and loved by every male she knows?!
July 11, 2025
Spicy Romance + Murder Mystery = Perfection 💜
Zane and Amelia’s slow burn romance was filled with banter and chemistry. While the murder mystery was filled with suspense and tension. Together, the romance and mysterious murders created a story that had me completely engaged the entire time.
Zane was the biggest simp and I couldn’t get enough of him. The moment he saw Amelia, he fell hard. His jealousy and possessiveness had me on my knees BUT the best part was when he comforted Amelia during her darkest moments. There is nothing better than a man who knows what you need and gives it to you without being asked 😍
The murder mystery was so well done. I was left guessing and wondering the entire book who did it. I especially loved how music was incorporated into the book. It was weaved into the murders and the character’s lives perfectly.
Thank you so much Akaku for the ARC! 💜
Zane and Amelia’s slow burn romance was filled with banter and chemistry. While the murder mystery was filled with suspense and tension. Together, the romance and mysterious murders created a story that had me completely engaged the entire time.
Zane was the biggest simp and I couldn’t get enough of him. The moment he saw Amelia, he fell hard. His jealousy and possessiveness had me on my knees BUT the best part was when he comforted Amelia during her darkest moments. There is nothing better than a man who knows what you need and gives it to you without being asked 😍
The murder mystery was so well done. I was left guessing and wondering the entire book who did it. I especially loved how music was incorporated into the book. It was weaved into the murders and the character’s lives perfectly.
Thank you so much Akaku for the ARC! 💜
November 3, 2025
When I SAY this book kept me up all night, then I MEAN IT! THIS IS A MASTERPIECE ✨
The idea was unique and kept me totally guessing till the end! ZANE COLE IS MY BOOKHUSBAND!
The way he’s obsessed, possessive but still worked on himself to stand by Amelia OMG 😭😭
I love him, I love Amelia. in fact I love everybody 😭
But the grandma 🫠
I had to stop reading for a moment just to cry my hearts out.
I love this book so much! MY FAVORITE READ OF THE YEAR 🔥
The idea was unique and kept me totally guessing till the end! ZANE COLE IS MY BOOKHUSBAND!
The way he’s obsessed, possessive but still worked on himself to stand by Amelia OMG 😭😭
I love him, I love Amelia. in fact I love everybody 😭
But the grandma 🫠
I had to stop reading for a moment just to cry my hearts out.
I love this book so much! MY FAVORITE READ OF THE YEAR 🔥
June 21, 2025
What a wild read! I had no idea what the ending was going to look like, romance or thriller wise! Three different potential men and so many different people who could have been the villian made this read super fun. I read it super fast as I felt I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for other books especially one from Bella's story. Spicy and thrilling is exactly what I asked for and the author delivered!
5/5 book!
5/5 book!
July 6, 2025
𐙚 Arc Review
Amelia Walker leads a full life.
She works as a veterinary assistant, tutors local kids after school, and takes care of her aging grandmother. Somewhere between all that, she finds time for her first love: music. It's her escape.
But Rosewood is changing.
When a series of disturbing animal poisonings shakes the small town, Amelia’s routine is shattered. The mystery only deepens when people start turning up dead.
Things get even more complicated with the return of Zane Cole. The once-boy-next-door is now a moody, magnetic violist with a complicated family legacy. Amelia isn’t sure whether to be drawn to him or keep her distance.
𐙚 Murder Mystery
𐙚 Slow Burn Romance
𐙚 Find the message in my music
𐙚 Forced proximity
𐙚 TW : Animal Cruelty, Death
I absolutely loved this book.
It was my first time reading something by this author, and honestly, I was just so happy to have the chance to read this book.
.
Zane is obsessive and possessive—in the best way possible. The man was completely gone for Amelia, and I love a hero who’s utterly devoted to his woman. Their chemistry was off the charts, and I couldn’t get enough of their moments together. The tension between them? Chef’s kiss.
Amelia’s character was just as well written as Zane’s. I really enjoyed getting to know her and following her journey throughout the story. What stood out to me was how real her reactions felt—they weren’t over the top or unrealistic given what she was going through. She was believable, relatable, and incredibly well crafted.
I know absolutely nothing about music, so I can’t really judge the accuracy of that aspect—but I loved its presence in the story. It added so much depth, and even without a musical background, everything was explained in a way that was easy to follow and genuinely enjoyable.
As for the mystery... I never saw the ending coming. I had a few suspicions—one of which could have made for a great twist too—but I genuinely didn’t expect the actual reveal. That said, I think I would’ve liked just a bit more build-up or a few extra clues. The twist hit well, but I kind of wish I had that “Wait, how did I not see that coming?!” moment.
All in all, this was a fantastic read that made me want to dive into the rest of the series immediately. I highly recommend it!
𐙚 Quotes
When my gaze fell to the rose, I noticed something engraved on the stem.
The sound of my music... is you.
“You know… you’re the first person I’ve ever taken on my bike.” His confession made my heart skip a beat. “And the first person I’ve ever fought to get attention from.”
“Amelia.” He licked a tear away and kissed the tip of my nose. “You’re mine.”
His eyes flickered toward me every few minutes as if he needed to make sure I was still there. And in that moment, I knew. I wasn’t just someone to him. I was everything.
Amelia smelled like roses.
Like warmth.
Like her.
Like something that kept pulling me back, again and again, until I was fucking wrecked with need.
Her eyes were my command.
Her heart, my fucking obsession.
I would give her everything.
Everything.
Well, except for one thing.
She was never leaving me again.
I was lost. Completely, utterly lost. There was no going back. There was only this. Only her. And then I heard her trembling voice whimper, “I love you.” Her words shattered my soul. Tore apart whatever was left of my control. Everything I wanted, everything I fucking needed, was right in front of me. She was with me. Her lips grazed my ear. “I love you, Zane.” I lost my mind.
"The apartment belongs to her.” Ryan looked stunned. “What?” “Calculate how much she’s already paid and return it to her.” “Why?” “Because she’s my wife.” He scoffed, “You’re twenty-six and very much unmarried. Try again.” A smirk curled on my lips. “Our order of things is… complicated.”
Amelia Walker leads a full life.
She works as a veterinary assistant, tutors local kids after school, and takes care of her aging grandmother. Somewhere between all that, she finds time for her first love: music. It's her escape.
But Rosewood is changing.
When a series of disturbing animal poisonings shakes the small town, Amelia’s routine is shattered. The mystery only deepens when people start turning up dead.
Things get even more complicated with the return of Zane Cole. The once-boy-next-door is now a moody, magnetic violist with a complicated family legacy. Amelia isn’t sure whether to be drawn to him or keep her distance.
𐙚 Murder Mystery
𐙚 Slow Burn Romance
𐙚 Find the message in my music
𐙚 Forced proximity
𐙚 TW : Animal Cruelty, Death
I absolutely loved this book.
It was my first time reading something by this author, and honestly, I was just so happy to have the chance to read this book.
.
Zane is obsessive and possessive—in the best way possible. The man was completely gone for Amelia, and I love a hero who’s utterly devoted to his woman. Their chemistry was off the charts, and I couldn’t get enough of their moments together. The tension between them? Chef’s kiss.
Amelia’s character was just as well written as Zane’s. I really enjoyed getting to know her and following her journey throughout the story. What stood out to me was how real her reactions felt—they weren’t over the top or unrealistic given what she was going through. She was believable, relatable, and incredibly well crafted.
I know absolutely nothing about music, so I can’t really judge the accuracy of that aspect—but I loved its presence in the story. It added so much depth, and even without a musical background, everything was explained in a way that was easy to follow and genuinely enjoyable.
As for the mystery... I never saw the ending coming. I had a few suspicions—one of which could have made for a great twist too—but I genuinely didn’t expect the actual reveal. That said, I think I would’ve liked just a bit more build-up or a few extra clues. The twist hit well, but I kind of wish I had that “Wait, how did I not see that coming?!” moment.
All in all, this was a fantastic read that made me want to dive into the rest of the series immediately. I highly recommend it!
𐙚 Quotes
When my gaze fell to the rose, I noticed something engraved on the stem.
The sound of my music... is you.
“You know… you’re the first person I’ve ever taken on my bike.” His confession made my heart skip a beat. “And the first person I’ve ever fought to get attention from.”
“Amelia.” He licked a tear away and kissed the tip of my nose. “You’re mine.”
His eyes flickered toward me every few minutes as if he needed to make sure I was still there. And in that moment, I knew. I wasn’t just someone to him. I was everything.
Amelia smelled like roses.
Like warmth.
Like her.
Like something that kept pulling me back, again and again, until I was fucking wrecked with need.
Her eyes were my command.
Her heart, my fucking obsession.
I would give her everything.
Everything.
Well, except for one thing.
She was never leaving me again.
I was lost. Completely, utterly lost. There was no going back. There was only this. Only her. And then I heard her trembling voice whimper, “I love you.” Her words shattered my soul. Tore apart whatever was left of my control. Everything I wanted, everything I fucking needed, was right in front of me. She was with me. Her lips grazed my ear. “I love you, Zane.” I lost my mind.
"The apartment belongs to her.” Ryan looked stunned. “What?” “Calculate how much she’s already paid and return it to her.” “Why?” “Because she’s my wife.” He scoffed, “You’re twenty-six and very much unmarried. Try again.” A smirk curled on my lips. “Our order of things is… complicated.”
July 11, 2025
I just finished Symphony for Lies, and wow I wasn’t expecting that ride. What started off as what I thought would be a cosy, music filled mystery quickly turned into a gripping story full of secrets, betrayals, and twists I didn’t see coming.
The story grabs you from the very beginning. There’s no slow build it throws you right into this foggy, eerie atmosphere that keeps you on edge the whole way through. Amelia is such a grounded, relatable main character. She’s working two jobs, taking care of her grandmother, and putting her dreams on pause just to survive. She’s resilient, kind, and so easy to connect with.
Then there’s Zane. Guarded, closed-off… and honestly? Kind of a prick at first. But somehow, he grew on me. Their connection wasn’t rushed it built up naturally, and I appreciated that the romance didn’t overshadow the mystery. It felt like a slow burn that actually earned its payoff.
But romance is only one layer of this story. There’s poisoned animals, shady people, hidden motives and every time you think you’ve got a grip on what’s happening, the plot flips. It’s like a puzzle you can’t solve until the last few pieces fall into place, and when they do… Boom!
One thing I really loved was how the music wasn’t just a theme it had emotional weight. It tied into the characters, the plot, even the tension. It gave the story a unique rhythm.
This is one of those books that kept me up way too late. If you’re into mystery with real twists, layered characters, and a slow-burn romance that actually feels earned, Symphony for Lies is absolutely worth reading.
The story grabs you from the very beginning. There’s no slow build it throws you right into this foggy, eerie atmosphere that keeps you on edge the whole way through. Amelia is such a grounded, relatable main character. She’s working two jobs, taking care of her grandmother, and putting her dreams on pause just to survive. She’s resilient, kind, and so easy to connect with.
Then there’s Zane. Guarded, closed-off… and honestly? Kind of a prick at first. But somehow, he grew on me. Their connection wasn’t rushed it built up naturally, and I appreciated that the romance didn’t overshadow the mystery. It felt like a slow burn that actually earned its payoff.
But romance is only one layer of this story. There’s poisoned animals, shady people, hidden motives and every time you think you’ve got a grip on what’s happening, the plot flips. It’s like a puzzle you can’t solve until the last few pieces fall into place, and when they do… Boom!
One thing I really loved was how the music wasn’t just a theme it had emotional weight. It tied into the characters, the plot, even the tension. It gave the story a unique rhythm.
This is one of those books that kept me up way too late. If you’re into mystery with real twists, layered characters, and a slow-burn romance that actually feels earned, Symphony for Lies is absolutely worth reading.
July 13, 2025
“One hundred and twenty-two days, seven damn hours, forty-one minutes, and eighteen endless seconds. That was how long I had been separated from the love of my life. But she was underneath me again.”
When I tell you, I’ve been waiting for this book. I’ve been WAITING and when it finally became available, I did not hesitate to download and start reading. Akaku’s writing is amazing and written so throughly well that it’s like a little movie playing in my head. The characters are chefs kiss. The character development between them makes my heart melt and ache. Amelia is a strong and determined woman and Zane?
Oh Zane. That is my man right there. He captivates you as soon as he appears on the page and continues to do so. There’s not a moment where you are not captivated by this man. His determination to have her is unrelenting.
But let’s also talk about the suspense part. The mystery. If you know me, you know I love me a good murder mystery type of story. Trying to figure out who the killer. Plot twist is twisting. While the romance between the characters were blossoming, my mind was still working overtime on uncovering the truth. I thought I had but Akaku sent me into a spiral. Shocking me at the reveal. Making me recall back to everything I was reading.
Cannot recommend this book enough!
When I tell you, I’ve been waiting for this book. I’ve been WAITING and when it finally became available, I did not hesitate to download and start reading. Akaku’s writing is amazing and written so throughly well that it’s like a little movie playing in my head. The characters are chefs kiss. The character development between them makes my heart melt and ache. Amelia is a strong and determined woman and Zane?
Oh Zane. That is my man right there. He captivates you as soon as he appears on the page and continues to do so. There’s not a moment where you are not captivated by this man. His determination to have her is unrelenting.
But let’s also talk about the suspense part. The mystery. If you know me, you know I love me a good murder mystery type of story. Trying to figure out who the killer. Plot twist is twisting. While the romance between the characters were blossoming, my mind was still working overtime on uncovering the truth. I thought I had but Akaku sent me into a spiral. Shocking me at the reveal. Making me recall back to everything I was reading.
Cannot recommend this book enough!
June 23, 2025
Okay I’m OBSESSED. I think it’s one of my favorite books now❤️Zane, Dear god. My oh my why isn’t he real???? It’s just not fair. Everything about this books is just beautiful and incredible. The writing is beautiful and the plot? You won’t see it coming.
If you want a mystery wrapped in tension,love and darkness this is it. You will laugh cry and kick your feet in the air. It’s on KU and will be yours July 11. So don’t wait please and do yourself a favor. Go meet Zane and Amelia and discover a story that will mark you for sure!🌑🌹✨
If you want a mystery wrapped in tension,love and darkness this is it. You will laugh cry and kick your feet in the air. It’s on KU and will be yours July 11. So don’t wait please and do yourself a favor. Go meet Zane and Amelia and discover a story that will mark you for sure!🌑🌹✨
July 10, 2025
This book is PERFECTION! Amalia is the sweetest thing but very wild when it comes to knowing messages through music while Zane is OBSESSED with her! This book itself has innocent but also kinda darkness. Please check the trigger warning because it can be pretty disturbing for animal lovers!
•
Zane is my book husband because he is perfect, he cooked for her, waited unexpectedly for her and the way he was so rough through spicy chapters and she enjoyed it! IT WAS CHEF KISS!!! 😘
•
Amalia character development is good! She was so shy to start with but till she became sassy, attractive, bold and very funny! She’s even SMART and BRAVE! ❤️
•
Zane is so lovable, sexy, amazing and his love for her never dies. He’s so romantic in a way he gave flowers, always made sure Amalia was comfortable!♨️🤭
•
That spice was SPICING! I love it! I never ever thought it should be that detailed but Akaku, the author she is so masterpiece! And I love it!😳❤️🔥
•
It’s hard to figure out who is the murder but you will be shock cause I never thought who the murder was 😬
•
Side characters was so good. Amalia’s friendgroup was perfect mixed. In fact one of them are wearing hijab which means it’s a safe space for Muslims readers which it’s bonus! Layla is the best friend and even supporter. 😌❤️🔥
•
Try this book out guys! I’m so sure yall will love it as much as I do ❤️❤️
•
Akaku! You are the sweetest! I wish you one day to be the bestselling author! Never ever give up 🥰
•
Stars: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
•
Zane is my book husband because he is perfect, he cooked for her, waited unexpectedly for her and the way he was so rough through spicy chapters and she enjoyed it! IT WAS CHEF KISS!!! 😘
•
Amalia character development is good! She was so shy to start with but till she became sassy, attractive, bold and very funny! She’s even SMART and BRAVE! ❤️
•
Zane is so lovable, sexy, amazing and his love for her never dies. He’s so romantic in a way he gave flowers, always made sure Amalia was comfortable!♨️🤭
•
That spice was SPICING! I love it! I never ever thought it should be that detailed but Akaku, the author she is so masterpiece! And I love it!😳❤️🔥
•
It’s hard to figure out who is the murder but you will be shock cause I never thought who the murder was 😬
•
Side characters was so good. Amalia’s friendgroup was perfect mixed. In fact one of them are wearing hijab which means it’s a safe space for Muslims readers which it’s bonus! Layla is the best friend and even supporter. 😌❤️🔥
•
Try this book out guys! I’m so sure yall will love it as much as I do ❤️❤️
•
Akaku! You are the sweetest! I wish you one day to be the bestselling author! Never ever give up 🥰
•
Stars: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 12, 2025
Honest, ARC Review
Firstly, I would like to thank the author for letting me are read for them You have honestly outdone yourself with this one!! Like OMG Akaku you have done it again!! I absolutely love how the author geniusly and meticulously plays out the pacing of this story with the perfect balance of not giving too much away too soon, but also keeping readers at the edge of their seats! This is a contemporary mystery-suspense type of book perfect for readers, who love true crime with the perfect combination of light stalking, enemies to lovers banter that will make you kick up your feet with these iconic swoon worthy lines! A lot happens in this book that gives you a perfect perspective and background of each character, but at the same time it makes you second guess who’s really behind all the murders with the plot twists and mind games at play…. With that being said, there are triggers for this story such unalivings, detailed murder cases, animal unalivings, loss of loved ones and more.. please do not pick up this book if you do not have the mental capacity for it. your mental health matters so please read the trigger warnings before diving in…
Firstly, I would like to thank the author for letting me are read for them You have honestly outdone yourself with this one!! Like OMG Akaku you have done it again!! I absolutely love how the author geniusly and meticulously plays out the pacing of this story with the perfect balance of not giving too much away too soon, but also keeping readers at the edge of their seats! This is a contemporary mystery-suspense type of book perfect for readers, who love true crime with the perfect combination of light stalking, enemies to lovers banter that will make you kick up your feet with these iconic swoon worthy lines! A lot happens in this book that gives you a perfect perspective and background of each character, but at the same time it makes you second guess who’s really behind all the murders with the plot twists and mind games at play…. With that being said, there are triggers for this story such unalivings, detailed murder cases, animal unalivings, loss of loved ones and more.. please do not pick up this book if you do not have the mental capacity for it. your mental health matters so please read the trigger warnings before diving in…
July 16, 2025
I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting from this book when I picked it up, but it certainly did not disappoint. The first few chapters were sweet and endearing, and I put the book down the first night ready to sleep and knowing I'd be picking it up to carry on in the morning. I don't think she liked that I'd put her down though, because when I picked her up the next evening to read some more, she pulled me in to the point I COULDN'T put her down. And just when I thought I had it figured out, another curveball was thrown into the mix and had me second-guessing my thought process all over again.
This book was beautifully written, definitely thrilling and absolutely going onto my easy recommendations list.
This book was beautifully written, definitely thrilling and absolutely going onto my easy recommendations list.
July 14, 2025
Symphony for Lies is so good as it’s filled with mystery, intense passion, and a couple of twists. Ameila is a vet tech and talented musician who takes care of her sweet and sassy grandmother. Zane is a talented violinist who’s absolutely enamored with Amelia, though his timing of coming back to town is right when the murders start.
The very heated tension between Amelia and Zane brews as they find themselves in a deadly game with interesting clues. As Amelia digs deeper and begins unraveling the mystery, Zane’s dealing with his own secrets. With all the twists and turns popping up, his obsession with Amelia drives him to protect her at all costs.
Thank you so much Akaku for the ARC 🫶🏻
The very heated tension between Amelia and Zane brews as they find themselves in a deadly game with interesting clues. As Amelia digs deeper and begins unraveling the mystery, Zane’s dealing with his own secrets. With all the twists and turns popping up, his obsession with Amelia drives him to protect her at all costs.
Thank you so much Akaku for the ARC 🫶🏻
December 21, 2025
If you’re looking for a sign, this is it!!
Go read this book it’s amazing
Go read this book it’s amazing
July 6, 2025
Listen… this book had me giggling one second and crying like a baby the next. The emotional whiplash? Real.
First off, the drama? Top tier. There’s a certain character (side-eyes Mrs. Cole) who had me stressed every time she appeared. Just know I was not rooting for her at all. But on the flip side, Amelia? She’s that girl. The growth, the strength, the roster (👀), I was living.
There’s a particular relationship in this story that hit way harder than I expected. It was tender, sweet, and honestly? It caught me slipping. I didn’t think I’d get this emotional, but here I am wiping tears and wondering how we got here.
And don’t even get me started on the back to back heartbreaks. The kind that sneak up on you even when you know what’s coming. I had to pause reading more than once because the way it punched me in the chest? Yeah. No notes.
This book took me on a full journey. Like rollercoaster with no seatbelt type of journey. And I loved every second of it. The ups and downs were brutal but so, so worth it.
Amelia and Zane’s story will stick with me for a while. If you’re looking for something heartfelt, a little messy, and deeply human, this one’s it.
First off, the drama? Top tier. There’s a certain character (side-eyes Mrs. Cole) who had me stressed every time she appeared. Just know I was not rooting for her at all. But on the flip side, Amelia? She’s that girl. The growth, the strength, the roster (👀), I was living.
There’s a particular relationship in this story that hit way harder than I expected. It was tender, sweet, and honestly? It caught me slipping. I didn’t think I’d get this emotional, but here I am wiping tears and wondering how we got here.
And don’t even get me started on the back to back heartbreaks. The kind that sneak up on you even when you know what’s coming. I had to pause reading more than once because the way it punched me in the chest? Yeah. No notes.
This book took me on a full journey. Like rollercoaster with no seatbelt type of journey. And I loved every second of it. The ups and downs were brutal but so, so worth it.
Amelia and Zane’s story will stick with me for a while. If you’re looking for something heartfelt, a little messy, and deeply human, this one’s it.
July 15, 2025
MEN THAT YERN 😮💨 this book was seriously amazing! the way Zane would burn the whole world down for Amelia 🤌🏼 i was also NOT expecting the ending to end the way it did omg. this book was sweet, suspenseful, heartwarming and such a good read. this was a five star for me!
July 16, 2025
This book was incredible. I could feel all types of feelings and my heart jumped every single time something happened. I loved this book. It was so so heartfelt!
July 11, 2025
Zane and Amelia are actual couple goals! Zane is broody, serious, mysterious, and what every girl wants. I love the uniqueness of the murder mystery with the music, wind chimes, and puzzles. I thought it was so creative. I thought I knew who the killer was, but I was TOTALLY wrong. It was pretty shocking and I definitely need to read the next one.
July 12, 2025
Literally perfect! I love a good mystery and while the story had some gory elements, the author did a good job implementing other mild scenes so the storyline didn’t get overwhelming. I loved every second of it so please go read it!
July 12, 2025
this was such a fun read. the love story between Zane & Amelia. mixed in with the murder mystery going was so good. the twist was so good I didn't see it coming.
July 11, 2025
I am speechless. This Book is everything I ever wanted.
From start to finish, never felt bored.
Amelia and Zane have my heart and soul! Their love story is unique, wonderful and so good.
The mystery, the plottwists.
The action scenes. Wow.
I can absolutely recommend this book.
From start to finish, never felt bored.
Amelia and Zane have my heart and soul! Their love story is unique, wonderful and so good.
The mystery, the plottwists.
The action scenes. Wow.
I can absolutely recommend this book.
July 8, 2025
Serial killer using music to leave hints about who they are, why they’re doing this. I was trying to solve it with Amelia and Zane, but I did not expect the reveal of who the killer was! (I fell for the red herrings).
Now I want to binge true crime shows to classical music!
Now I want to binge true crime shows to classical music!
July 2, 2025
I am obsessed with the writing style!
I was lucky enough to arc read this book and I’m utterly obsessed the story is amazing the plot twist I never saw coming… maybe one part😂
The romance is just so cute and amazing and even though I love the grumpy guy that acts like he hates her, him being obsessed with her from the start is also so freaking good!!
I ate it up and it helped me so much with my reading slump I’m thankful!
If you are a fan of murder mysteries, obsessed at first sight MMC, getting your heart ripped out and musical riddles this book is for you!
I was lucky enough to arc read this book and I’m utterly obsessed the story is amazing the plot twist I never saw coming… maybe one part😂
The romance is just so cute and amazing and even though I love the grumpy guy that acts like he hates her, him being obsessed with her from the start is also so freaking good!!
I ate it up and it helped me so much with my reading slump I’m thankful!
If you are a fan of murder mysteries, obsessed at first sight MMC, getting your heart ripped out and musical riddles this book is for you!
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