The Innocence Lie

by Corinne Arrowood

It was his responsibility to fight for those who could not fight, punish those who needed punishing, and righting the world of all the wrongs—to Captain Vicarelli, that was his mission even out of the Corps. Once separated from the Marines, he took his mission to his home, New Orleans, rife with murder, rape, and crime. The Corps had trained him and trained him well. He was a skillful killing machine of unusual propensity.
There was nothing average about the man; he stood six-five and was a wall of powerful, rippling muscle. Honorably discharged, with unwritten speculation of PTSD from the psych community, the Marine pursued the life of a civilian. It wasn’t his fault that there was crime around every corner, but he took his mission to heart, protecting, punishing, and eliminating the threats.
Trinity was his one weakness. His entire essence craved her tight little body full of sexy energy. Her caramel-colored skin, waist-length black hair, and cat-like ebony eyes lit an unquenchable fire in his body and soul. If fate were a friend, she would be his woman one day. Night after night, he sat at the end of Louie’s Tap mahogany bar, sipping on his two-finger pour of Glenlivet and watching as she swayed to the background music while mixing libations for the clientele.
Spring break hit the city, and with it came hordes of college students. When the Ole Miss group arrived at Louie’s, he observed the young men strut like peacocks, trying to allure the naïve young women. He took note of Jessica Lambert, who was different from the rest of the girls. She didn’t flirt or appreciate the unnecessary pawing of the boys. Vicarelli admired her refreshing innocence. Appearances were not always as they seemed, even to the well-trained, observant eyes of the Marine Raider.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2025

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Police Fiction, and this is the first book in the Fit the Crime series. I am not 100% sure how to feel about this book. It took me forever to get into this book, and I wish there was a mystery to follow in this book. There was just police trying to solve cases, and a man saving people for bad people throughout this book. I am still not sure how I feel about Babe's character. I did not hate this book, but I did not love it either. And, I also do not know if I would pick up the next book in this series. I won a Kindle edition of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Corinne Arrowood · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was his responsibility to fight for those who could not fight, punish those who needed punishing, and right the world of all the wrongs—to Captain Vicarelli, that was his mission even out of the corps. Once separated from the Marines, he took his mission to his home, New Orleans, rife with murder, rape, and crime. The corps had trained him and trained him well. He was a skillful killing machine of unusual propensity.
There was nothing average about the man; he stood six-five and was a wall of powerful, rippling muscle. Honorably discharged, with unwritten speculation of PTSD from the psych community, the Marine pursued the life of a civilian. It wasn’t his fault that there was crime around every corner, but he took his mission to heart, protecting, punishing, and eliminating the threats.
Trinity was his one weakness. His entire essence craved her tight little body full of sexy energy. Her caramel-colored skin, waist-length black hair, and cat-like ebony eyes lit an unquenchable fire in his body and soul. If fate were a friend, she would be his woman one day. Night after night, he took his seat at the end of Louie’s Tap mahogany bar, sipping on his two-finger pour of Glenlivet and watching as she swayed to the background music while mixing libations for the clientele.
Spring break hit the city, and with it came hoards of college students. He was there when the Ole Miss group arrived at Louie’s and observed the young men strut like peacocks, trying to allure the naïve young women. He took note of Jessica Lambert; she was different than the rest of the girls. She didn’t flirt or appreciate the unnecessary pawing of the boys. Vicarelli admired her refreshing innocence. Appearances were not always as they seemed, even to the well-trained, observant eyes of the Marine Raider.

[Lauren B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I really enjoyed this book. The writing was great. The story had me hooked. I had no idea what I was in for, but I don't think I was expecting this. The way each chapter picked up with another part of the story was genius! There is so much going on in this book, but the story is seamless and all fits perfectly together at the end.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Innocence Lie by Corinne Arrowood is the first installment in the Fit the Crime series. After serving as a Marine, Captain Vicarelli is adjusting to civilian life in New Orleans—a city where danger often lurks unseen.

At Louie’s Tap, Babe’s attention is instantly drawn to Trinity. With her caramel-toned skin and jet-black hair, she captivates him before a single word is spoken. Meanwhile, busser Sean Finnegan accepts an invitation to a woman’s hotel room. When he steps out to grab pizza, he returns to find her dead—and suddenly becomes the prime suspect. Convinced of Sean’s innocence, Babe steps in to vouch for him. But in New Orleans, crime hides around every corner, and the truth is never simple.

Fans of crime thrillers and steamy romance will thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced read. The cover is striking, the title fits perfectly, and Corinne Arrowood’s writing style is sharp and engaging. This gripping story kept me on edge from start to finish—I couldn’t put it down.

[Lucia Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Innocence Lie surprised me in the best way. From the opening chapters, the book builds a tense atmosphere around its main character, and it never lets go. The mix of action, personal struggle, and emotional weight feels real and grounded.
What stood out most to me is how the author balances the tough exterior of the protagonist with the cracks in his armor. His past, his mistakes, and the way he pushes through them give the story more depth than I expected. The pacing is tight, the scenes are vivid, and every chapter adds something important, there’s no dragging or filler.
If you enjoy stories with grit, redemption, and characters who aren’t perfect but fight hard anyway, this one is worth picking up. It’s intense in the right ways and leaves you thinking about the cost of truth and the lies we tell to survive.

[Aurelia Metz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of the most emotionally honest stories I have read in a long time. From the opening scene, the author shows an incredible ability to write from a child’s perspective in a way that feels both delicate and powerful. The way Lily’s innocence is presented, mixed with the subtle confusion she carries, created a bond between me and the character almost instantly. I admire the author for handling such sensitive emotions with grace and care. It takes real talent to write with this kind of emotional truth, and I sincerely appreciate the heart that was poured into every page. I recommend this book to every reader who loves meaningful storytelling.

[Pam J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watching Lily slowly make sense of her world is one of the most rewarding parts of the story. The author guides us through her emotional discoveries with such care that every realization feels meaningful. I appreciate the patience and craft behind these scenes. It is rare to find a book that handles emotional growth with such authenticity. The author’s talent shines throughout the entire reading experience.

[Karen W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn’t just crime fiction, it’s a study of human conscience and the scars left by war. Captain Vicarelli’s struggle pulled me in completely. Arrowood’s ability to portray both strength and vulnerability deserves recognition. Keep writing, Corinne you have given readers a hero we won’t forget.

[Jessie Ebersole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect a book about a Marine-turned-vigilante to hit me in the heart like this. Captain Vicarelli is fierce, violent, and broken in ways that feel painfully real. His loyalty… his hunger for justice… and the soft chaos of love tugging at him through Trinity? I’m still sitting here trying to breathe.

[Gabriel Y. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the most powerful moments in the story come from the smallest realizations Lily experiences. These scenes are written with a level of sensitivity that only a thoughtful author can achieve. I appreciate how deeply human these moments feel. This book will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend it.

[Étienne Lefèvre · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Innocence Lie captivated me from the first chapter with its emotional honesty and relentless tension. It’s the kind of story that unfolds like a slow burn, then ignites into something unforgettable. If you love thrillers that pull you in emotionally and don’t let you go, this is the book you need

[a.v_Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I know I took forever to read, BUT…I was putting it off. At first it was so confusing, I was all like, what the heck is going on, I was so close and putting this book away BUT…I am glad I finished it. It ended up being such a good book once I realized it’s in everyone’s (almost everyone’s) POV. The twists were crazy, I absolutely loved it.

[Gloria T.]

The Innocence Lie grips you from the very first page. Corinne Arrowood has created a powerful story of justice, trauma and redemption that feels both raw and real. Her writing made me believe in second chances and in the strength of those who fight for truth.

[Wanda L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading The Innocence Lie, I can say without hesitation Corinne Arrowood is an author to watch. Her courage to confront pain with honesty and craft deserves celebration. May her pen never stop moving.

[Jesse T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every chapter deepened my respect for the author’s understanding of moral conflict and emotional pain. The PTSD theme hit hard, handled with empathy and authenticity. Corinne Arrowood writes like someone who has seen into the human soul.

[Dorcas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has teeth. Sharp ones. It drags you into the shadows of New Orleans, then hands you a man shaped by war and duty. Vicarelli isn’t just a protector. He’s a storm. And yet, somehow, the tenderness he feels for Trinity feels louder than the gunfire and danger.

I felt that.

[Vonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author didn’t give us a hero. They gave us a man haunted by duty, muscle and armor wrapped around a bruised soul. Watching Vicarelli move through this city like a guardian angel with scars made me ache in the best way. And that slow-burn tension with Trinity? Whew.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me that sometimes the strongest warriors are the ones who still dream of love even after seeing the worst of humanity. Vicarelli hurts. He fights. He protects. And in the quiet corners of his life, he longs. I was rooting for him every page.

[Christopher H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some characters leave footprints. This one leaves boot prints. Heavy ones. Vicarelli is intense, loyal, terrifying to his enemies, and oddly gentle toward the people he cares about. The mix of grit, violence, and vulnerability felt so human.

[Gary K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Orleans comes alive here, but not the glittery postcard version. The dark corners. The forgotten people. The danger. And in the middle of it all, a Marine trying to fix a world that never stops breaking. This book made me think about the price of duty and the hunger for connection.

[Tricia W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t ready for how emotional this story would be. Beneath the strength and the fighting and the justice-at-all-costs, there’s a man desperate to feel normal again. The way he watches Trinity from across the bar… like she’s his last tether to hope… it shook me.

[Jacob D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book completely pulled me in from the first chapter. The tension, the secrets, and the emotional depth kept me turning every page. I honestly recommend this to anyone who loves a gripping story that stays with you.

[Noémie Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extraordinary blend of suspense and soul. The author paints with words, vivid, intense, and emotionally charged. I haven’t read a thriller that hits this hard in a long time. If you want a book that grips your heart just as tightly as it grips your nerves, do yourself a favor and read this

[Felix Hartmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book feels like a masterclass in character driven suspense. The emotional layers are deep, the plot is multi-dimensional, and the writing is impossible to walk away from. I felt every heartbeat, every fear, every moment of hope. A brilliant story I’m recommending to every reader I know.

[Diego Castaño · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is haunting in the best way. The writing is beautifully expressive and emotionally charged. I found myself completely wrapped up in the tension, rooting hard for the characters, and gasping at the revelations. An absolute must-read.

[Mariana Lopes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare thriller that offers adrenaline AND emotional depth. The characters feel so real, you can’t help but care about them. The plot twists are sharp and brilliantly timed. Highly recommended to readers who want a story that grips both the heart and mind

[Tomás Aguilar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was blown away. Truly. The Innocence Lie is relentless in its tension and fearless in its exploration of trauma and truth. Every page is packed with emotion and meaning. I highly recommend it to readers looking for a story that will leave them breathless.

[Alessia Greco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mesmerizing, emotionally loaded story that captured me completely. The author handles complex themes with incredible skill. This is not just a thriller, it’s a human story full of pain, strength, secrets, and redemption.

[Ingrid Solberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A breathtaking thriller full of complexity and heart. The relationships between the characters gave the story so much weight and meaning. It’s intense, beautifully written, and absolutely riveting. Highly recommended.

[Alva Bergström · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every chapter left me hungrier than the last. The storytelling is rich, emotional, and meticulously crafted. If you love thrillers that keep you awake thinking about the characters, this one is for you.