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Lie for Me
One night in New York City.
A heated rendezvous with a deliciously handsome stranger.
It shouldn’t have ended in marriage.
And yet here I am, ordinary Phaedra Mills, standing in the office of my ballet studio two months later, clutching at proof that I’ve been manipulated into a union with the enigmatic and egotistical billionaire Atticus Shaw.
I remember nothing of these supposed nuptials, so I decide to confront him at his New York City office, determined to put this mistake behind me. Well, jokes on me, because he’s not only expecting me, but he’s elated to see his wife.
Wife.
Atticus expects me to want this, to want him. But I refuse to succumb to his inexplicable charm, or his primal intensity, and especially not his disarmingly perfect face.
So he makes me an offer.
He wants me to lie.
For a month, if I play his dutiful wife, he might let me out of our marriage.
It’s a ridiculous notion, and agreeing to it is reckless. But, for my future, my freedom, I have to consider...
What’s a lie worth?
Lie for me is a dark billionaire standalone romance that includes themes which some readers may find triggering. Please read the triggers at the front of the book or on the author's website.
A heated rendezvous with a deliciously handsome stranger.
It shouldn’t have ended in marriage.
And yet here I am, ordinary Phaedra Mills, standing in the office of my ballet studio two months later, clutching at proof that I’ve been manipulated into a union with the enigmatic and egotistical billionaire Atticus Shaw.
I remember nothing of these supposed nuptials, so I decide to confront him at his New York City office, determined to put this mistake behind me. Well, jokes on me, because he’s not only expecting me, but he’s elated to see his wife.
Wife.
Atticus expects me to want this, to want him. But I refuse to succumb to his inexplicable charm, or his primal intensity, and especially not his disarmingly perfect face.
So he makes me an offer.
He wants me to lie.
For a month, if I play his dutiful wife, he might let me out of our marriage.
It’s a ridiculous notion, and agreeing to it is reckless. But, for my future, my freedom, I have to consider...
What’s a lie worth?
Lie for me is a dark billionaire standalone romance that includes themes which some readers may find triggering. Please read the triggers at the front of the book or on the author's website.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2025
7 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra B. Andreucci
5 books118 followersGrowing up in the eccentric streets of Melbourne, Australia, Cassandra (who prefers Cass) has always been a dreamer. With one of those last names that most people can't pronounce (it's Andre-oochi), she likes to keep people second-guessing with a new hobby every other day, way too many simultaneous writing projects, and a new book love every week.
You'll catch her in the wild with an iced coffee, a different hair colour, probably a new tattoo, and her music way too loud as she conjures up new plot points and tries to work out why her characters won't stick to the outline.
Follow along her caffeine fuelled chaos on her socials or her newsletter for sneak peeks of upcoming projects.
Links: https://lnk.bio/thatwriter.cassb
You'll catch her in the wild with an iced coffee, a different hair colour, probably a new tattoo, and her music way too loud as she conjures up new plot points and tries to work out why her characters won't stick to the outline.
Follow along her caffeine fuelled chaos on her socials or her newsletter for sneak peeks of upcoming projects.
Links: https://lnk.bio/thatwriter.cassb
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 11, 2025
I binged this book in 24 hours 🫣 it's been a hot minute since I've done that which is saying something!
🩰 Billionaire x ex-ballerina
🖤 Marriage of deception
🩰 Fake relationship
🖤 Forced proximity
🩰 "My wife"
🖤 Morally grey possessive & obsessive MMC
The way I loved Atticus from pafe 1! There's just something about an MMC who is so obsessed with their woman that they threaten (and sometimes follow through with those threats 👀) anyone who hurts her. (Disclaimer: in fiction only !!!). This man had me colour blind to his red flags. Honestly, if Atticus was a cult, I'd be the first to sign up. No questions asked, I'll do whatever you want 🙂↕️
One thing I've noticed with Cass' FMC's is that they're all so cool and I would 100% be besties with them, and Phaedra is no exception to that. She was strong, witty, resilient and loved to push Atticus' buttons 🤭 I want to go on a night out with her and Zahra and get way too messy 🤣
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read and made me realise I really do love a morally grey MMC a little too much 😈
🩰 Billionaire x ex-ballerina
🖤 Marriage of deception
🩰 Fake relationship
🖤 Forced proximity
🩰 "My wife"
🖤 Morally grey possessive & obsessive MMC
The way I loved Atticus from pafe 1! There's just something about an MMC who is so obsessed with their woman that they threaten (and sometimes follow through with those threats 👀) anyone who hurts her. (Disclaimer: in fiction only !!!). This man had me colour blind to his red flags. Honestly, if Atticus was a cult, I'd be the first to sign up. No questions asked, I'll do whatever you want 🙂↕️
One thing I've noticed with Cass' FMC's is that they're all so cool and I would 100% be besties with them, and Phaedra is no exception to that. She was strong, witty, resilient and loved to push Atticus' buttons 🤭 I want to go on a night out with her and Zahra and get way too messy 🤣
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read and made me realise I really do love a morally grey MMC a little too much 😈
June 25, 2025
Adding Shaw to the list of main characters that could spit in my mouth and I'd say thank you 💅🏻
June 27, 2025
When I first received my ARC copy of Lie For Me, I’ll admit— I was frothing at the mouth. And after some technical and human errors on my part, I could finally DIVE IN.
Andreucci is no stranger to the writing in a way that basks the reader in descriptive, emotional, moving language. When I say I devoured this book and was only withheld from reading in one sitting because of blasted adult responsibilities, I mean I DEVOURED it. Not only are the main characters, Phae and Atticus, deeply constructed and vibrant characters, but others in the cast like Sloane, Constance, Wade, and Zahra build interest and emotion with ease and finesse. This was a thrilling, delectable story that had me gasping and highlighting like a madwoman, and it’s no surprise given the author. My hopes and appetite for more stories from Andreucci may never truly be sated, but one can try.
Andreucci is no stranger to the writing in a way that basks the reader in descriptive, emotional, moving language. When I say I devoured this book and was only withheld from reading in one sitting because of blasted adult responsibilities, I mean I DEVOURED it. Not only are the main characters, Phae and Atticus, deeply constructed and vibrant characters, but others in the cast like Sloane, Constance, Wade, and Zahra build interest and emotion with ease and finesse. This was a thrilling, delectable story that had me gasping and highlighting like a madwoman, and it’s no surprise given the author. My hopes and appetite for more stories from Andreucci may never truly be sated, but one can try.
June 28, 2025
The way I devoured this book. Atticus is so controlling, obsessive and sometimes manipulative but damn if I don’t love him and all his crazy. Phae is just living her life with her best friend until after going out one night together at a club she wakes up married to one of the wealthiest men in the city, Atticus. The way these two constantly push each other and the way Phae constantly pushed his buttons had me dying. He thought he was gonna have control but she found a way to take the control back. There was a constant push and pull between them. The spice throughout their month arrangement was hottt. If you love a spicy obsessive stalker, billionaire and possessive MMC, forced proximity marriage and lots of hot spice. Go to Amazon right now and grab Lie for Me!
July 6, 2025
I love this author’s writing and anxiously await her next book.
What I loved
- Atticus and how he’s desperately obsessed with Phae
- Phae and her best friend’s relationship
- The sex (most of it), the lead up to explosive interactions is delicious
What I struggled with
- the ending felt rushed for some reason, maybe I was missing that dramatic third act conflict, or maybe it was because…
- I kept feeling like I had started a series in the middle. It felt like I was missing back story on characters that was never really addressed
- Atticus was a little too mean/rough sometimes - this is 100% personal taste and zero reflection on the author’s writing
I would give this a 4.5 but it’s definitely on my re-read/buy list and I am hoping the author is starting a new world with the characters.
What I loved
- Atticus and how he’s desperately obsessed with Phae
- Phae and her best friend’s relationship
- The sex (most of it), the lead up to explosive interactions is delicious
What I struggled with
- the ending felt rushed for some reason, maybe I was missing that dramatic third act conflict, or maybe it was because…
- I kept feeling like I had started a series in the middle. It felt like I was missing back story on characters that was never really addressed
- Atticus was a little too mean/rough sometimes - this is 100% personal taste and zero reflection on the author’s writing
I would give this a 4.5 but it’s definitely on my re-read/buy list and I am hoping the author is starting a new world with the characters.
July 1, 2025
Dangerously beautiful man...
Dark romance at its best.
Oh, this book had me from the prologue. It was just so delicious I devoured it. Andreucci has a way of writing that pulls you into the world she created and makes you feel so many emotions with her words. This was such a thrilling read. The spice was HOT and the plot was so good.
Phedra is our FMC. I love how confident she is and her comments and thoughts are hilarious at times.
Atticus is our MMC. He is obsessed with Phae and has been stalking her. (And can I just say even his name is attractive?) He is completely unhinged in the best way. This is the type of morally grey man we put our blinders on for.
I loved their banter and chemistry was so scorthing hot. The spice was written so well and the storyline was so entertaining. I just had the best time reading this book and can't wait to explore more by this author.
Dark romance at its best.
Oh, this book had me from the prologue. It was just so delicious I devoured it. Andreucci has a way of writing that pulls you into the world she created and makes you feel so many emotions with her words. This was such a thrilling read. The spice was HOT and the plot was so good.
Phedra is our FMC. I love how confident she is and her comments and thoughts are hilarious at times.
Atticus is our MMC. He is obsessed with Phae and has been stalking her. (And can I just say even his name is attractive?) He is completely unhinged in the best way. This is the type of morally grey man we put our blinders on for.
I loved their banter and chemistry was so scorthing hot. The spice was written so well and the storyline was so entertaining. I just had the best time reading this book and can't wait to explore more by this author.
June 19, 2025
Omg devoured in 1 night ! Couldn't put it down. Atticus is a walking red flag in all the ways we want him to be. 🥵🤤 I was in such a reading slump but Cassandra always brings me back with her writing, characters and plot. 👏🏼
July 6, 2025
Cass has become a must read for me.
You’re a goddess with some dark romance!!!
Shaw checked all of the boxes for me.
You’ve done it again, I didn’t want it to end!
You’re a goddess with some dark romance!!!
Shaw checked all of the boxes for me.
You’ve done it again, I didn’t want it to end!
August 3, 2025
What are morals? I definitely didn't have any while reading this and loving it!
June 17, 2025
Thanks to the ARC team for an advance copy! I would give this 4.5 stars if there were half-stars available.
This book is pretty dark - the MMC is morally dark grey/black, and the obsession trope is strong here. The FMC finds, a few months after a wild and drunken night in NYC, that she is married to one of the city's most wealthy and famous men. The spice that occurs during this wild night is hottt, so you know it's going to be an interesting interaction when she goes to confront him.
The arrangement they make - she will be his wife for one month, then he will consider letting her out of the marriage - lends itself to a forced proximity/forced marriage vibe for a bit, because the MCs are essentially strangers with tons of chemistry. There's more at play, though, because the MMC is completely obsessed with his wife - the details unravel throughout the story. The chemistry is so strong, though, that it's hard for them to resist each other.
This is definitely a book where the spice is the primary reason for the plot - and that's not a bad thing, because the spice is very well done. The forced marriage aspect is a framework for the MCs' chemistry and conflict to both come to a head, and the explosiveness is mesmerizing. Some of the spice does venture into BDSM/kink at times, but it's not too intense.
I loved reading this book and only took of half a star because I felt that there were a few parts of the story that weren't explored as much as I would like. While the chemistry between Phae and Atticus is super strong, the reasoning for her forgiving him often hinges on the chemistry alone - which to me felt a bit hollow sometimes, although of course I was rooting for her to forgive him anyway. And I absolutely loved the BDSM aspect and the hidden darkness of both characters - but I wanted to see that explored further and tied to the growth and connection of the characters more.
Overall a very fun, dark, sexy read - highly recommend!
This book is pretty dark - the MMC is morally dark grey/black, and the obsession trope is strong here. The FMC finds, a few months after a wild and drunken night in NYC, that she is married to one of the city's most wealthy and famous men. The spice that occurs during this wild night is hottt, so you know it's going to be an interesting interaction when she goes to confront him.
The arrangement they make - she will be his wife for one month, then he will consider letting her out of the marriage - lends itself to a forced proximity/forced marriage vibe for a bit, because the MCs are essentially strangers with tons of chemistry. There's more at play, though, because the MMC is completely obsessed with his wife - the details unravel throughout the story. The chemistry is so strong, though, that it's hard for them to resist each other.
This is definitely a book where the spice is the primary reason for the plot - and that's not a bad thing, because the spice is very well done. The forced marriage aspect is a framework for the MCs' chemistry and conflict to both come to a head, and the explosiveness is mesmerizing. Some of the spice does venture into BDSM/kink at times, but it's not too intense.
I loved reading this book and only took of half a star because I felt that there were a few parts of the story that weren't explored as much as I would like. While the chemistry between Phae and Atticus is super strong, the reasoning for her forgiving him often hinges on the chemistry alone - which to me felt a bit hollow sometimes, although of course I was rooting for her to forgive him anyway. And I absolutely loved the BDSM aspect and the hidden darkness of both characters - but I wanted to see that explored further and tied to the growth and connection of the characters more.
Overall a very fun, dark, sexy read - highly recommend!
June 17, 2025
🙋♀️🖤In need of a Dark Romance book that will curl your toes and make you question your own morals? Look no further. Lie for me by @thatwriter.cassb is a standalone dark romance book that is so bingeable i read it in 2 sittings.
What to expect:
🖤 stalker mmc
🖤 billionaire x ballerina
🖤 dark themes
🖤 pain and pleasure
🖤 spice spice baby 🥵
🖤 possesive mmc
🖤 surprise marriage (you read that right lol)
🖤 1 month to live with him
Good god this book 😮💨I feel like Cassandra is one of those authors that’s so talented when writing dark romance that if she writes it, I will eat it up 🤌 I have devoured this book, on the edge of my seat.
ATTICUS. He most be a god cause k want to warship at his alter 🙇♀️ the man may be an alpha hole and assertive and controlling and a bit manipulative. But he is so hot I too would ignore all the red flags like Phae, make them into a T-shirt and wear them just to bang him. The man was a straight shooter, with a dry sense of humour that some scenes came off comical in a perfect way.
Phae was a fantastic FMC. She was funny, assertive and learned to quickly take control of a man who revealed in it. Their time together was spicy and so hot. I had to take breaks sometimes 🤣 I loved their exploration of pain and pleasure. I liked that Phae could make him kneel just for her. It was all just perfection 👏
If you love really dark romance and aren’t scared of possessive men where the FMC accepts their crazy and gets on board this one is for YOU. You can get the book on KU as well!
What to expect:
🖤 stalker mmc
🖤 billionaire x ballerina
🖤 dark themes
🖤 pain and pleasure
🖤 spice spice baby 🥵
🖤 possesive mmc
🖤 surprise marriage (you read that right lol)
🖤 1 month to live with him
Good god this book 😮💨I feel like Cassandra is one of those authors that’s so talented when writing dark romance that if she writes it, I will eat it up 🤌 I have devoured this book, on the edge of my seat.
ATTICUS. He most be a god cause k want to warship at his alter 🙇♀️ the man may be an alpha hole and assertive and controlling and a bit manipulative. But he is so hot I too would ignore all the red flags like Phae, make them into a T-shirt and wear them just to bang him. The man was a straight shooter, with a dry sense of humour that some scenes came off comical in a perfect way.
Phae was a fantastic FMC. She was funny, assertive and learned to quickly take control of a man who revealed in it. Their time together was spicy and so hot. I had to take breaks sometimes 🤣 I loved their exploration of pain and pleasure. I liked that Phae could make him kneel just for her. It was all just perfection 👏
If you love really dark romance and aren’t scared of possessive men where the FMC accepts their crazy and gets on board this one is for YOU. You can get the book on KU as well!
June 28, 2025
Cass is back and doing what she does best!
AKA writing men who you should absolutely not love but end up doing so regardless.
Atticus Shaw is the newest member to add to this list and while the rational part of me is screaming to run in the opposite direction I am choosing to ignore that and jump into his gigantic tattooed cover arms.
This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions with my heart in my throat for the majority of the read. I damn near threw a riot at one point but I choose to trust Cass because she never ever steers me wrong with her writing.
Atticus knows what he wants and he wants Phaedra. And nothing and I mean nothing will stop him. His personally and straight the point no fluffy words in sight somehow manages to have points of comedy that come out of nowhere which is a complete juxtaposition to the previous scene.
As for Phae, she fits right in with Cass’s other FMC who accept the crazy in their men and possess a power to get them to kneel at their feet. She reveals in the power that she discovers with Atticus and isn’t afraid to use it.
If you are in the market for a standalone dark romance with a trigger warning as long as my forearm then pick this book up IMMEDIATELY!!!
🩰Billionaire x ex-ballerina
🖤Marriage by deception
🩰 A bargain
🖤Fake relationship
🩰Questionable morals
🖤‘My wife’
🩰Rough & primal play
🖤Possessive/obsessive male lead
🩰Forced proximity
AKA writing men who you should absolutely not love but end up doing so regardless.
Atticus Shaw is the newest member to add to this list and while the rational part of me is screaming to run in the opposite direction I am choosing to ignore that and jump into his gigantic tattooed cover arms.
This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions with my heart in my throat for the majority of the read. I damn near threw a riot at one point but I choose to trust Cass because she never ever steers me wrong with her writing.
Atticus knows what he wants and he wants Phaedra. And nothing and I mean nothing will stop him. His personally and straight the point no fluffy words in sight somehow manages to have points of comedy that come out of nowhere which is a complete juxtaposition to the previous scene.
As for Phae, she fits right in with Cass’s other FMC who accept the crazy in their men and possess a power to get them to kneel at their feet. She reveals in the power that she discovers with Atticus and isn’t afraid to use it.
If you are in the market for a standalone dark romance with a trigger warning as long as my forearm then pick this book up IMMEDIATELY!!!
🩰Billionaire x ex-ballerina
🖤Marriage by deception
🩰 A bargain
🖤Fake relationship
🩰Questionable morals
🖤‘My wife’
🩰Rough & primal play
🖤Possessive/obsessive male lead
🩰Forced proximity
December 29, 2025
Relationship building? No, thanks. I wanted to like this. I love a good dark romance. But I'm not even sure Atticus, the guy that forced this marriage, even liked the FMC, Phaedra. He was constantly angry and in his anger, would spank and fuck her pretty violently.
This is basically just a violent example of Stockholm Syndrome. There is no emotional connection between these two characters. There is just fucking into submission basically. The writing isn't terrible. There is no plot to this beyond a trickling reveal of Atticus's depth of stalking and Phaedra's descent into accepting that she is cool with his obsession.
This is light-erotica and really not my jam. I need more plot and relationship building, and less angry sex.
This is basically just a violent example of Stockholm Syndrome. There is no emotional connection between these two characters. There is just fucking into submission basically. The writing isn't terrible. There is no plot to this beyond a trickling reveal of Atticus's depth of stalking and Phaedra's descent into accepting that she is cool with his obsession.
This is light-erotica and really not my jam. I need more plot and relationship building, and less angry sex.
July 12, 2025
This one had me hooked fast. It’s unhinged, and I loved every second of it. Atticus is rich, obsessive, manipulative, and off-his-rocker intense. So basically, perfect. Phae? Backbone and fire, and I loved how she wasn’t afraid to bite back, even when she was cornered. Their dynamic is straight chaos and kink, and I ate that shit up. The plot? Messy. Twisty. Slightly delusional. I respect it. The spice was hot as hell without being all the book had to offer. Lookin for a read where men who don’t play fair and women make them work for it, run your fingers over these pages.
July 18, 2025
This book was so good, but also like the meaning of when someone else’s crazy matches your crazy. Phaedra’s crazy matches Atticus’s crazy!
I was pulled into this story from the first page! It is a whirlwind of the wildest, toxic (but in a strangely enduring way) relationship. This story is a crazy ride filled with drama and twists, and turns.
I loved how well it flowed and how, just when you think things have settled, something wild happens again. If you are into morally grey men with crazy possessive qualities, you’ll love this book too.
I was pulled into this story from the first page! It is a whirlwind of the wildest, toxic (but in a strangely enduring way) relationship. This story is a crazy ride filled with drama and twists, and turns.
I loved how well it flowed and how, just when you think things have settled, something wild happens again. If you are into morally grey men with crazy possessive qualities, you’ll love this book too.
September 30, 2025
This book sparked my interest in reading again. This book perfectly completes character development. It is the perfect mix of sexy and crazy to keep you on the edge of your seat 10/10
June 27, 2025
There is some kind of dark magic at play here... Atticus is the type of morally questionable man who will grab your hands in the streets, and your hair in the sheets, and you will just smile and say "Please Sir, can I have some more?"
Not only do we have a man dedicated to "surveillance" but he will keep you safe from danger and convince a minister to secretly marry you. What's in it for him? Only one month to play the role of his wife.
And Phaedra was no shrinking violet. Strong, sassy and quick to figure out the best buttons to push. Also her bestie and their banter was top tier.
If you love dark romance and alot of spice, add this to your TBR right away.
Not only do we have a man dedicated to "surveillance" but he will keep you safe from danger and convince a minister to secretly marry you. What's in it for him? Only one month to play the role of his wife.
And Phaedra was no shrinking violet. Strong, sassy and quick to figure out the best buttons to push. Also her bestie and their banter was top tier.
If you love dark romance and alot of spice, add this to your TBR right away.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews