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Canvas of Lies
He needs her as leverage, but she has her own score to settle.
Eccentric toyseller Kat Willoughby grew up as Spruce Hill royalty, but she’s desperate to get as far from her past as possible. When Nico, her unrequited first love and childhood best friend, crashes back into her life, she has to decide whether to keep running away or finally make a move. But there’s a catch—he needs her in order to reclaim the inheritance stolen by Kat’s treacherous father, a painting that’s the only connection Nico has to his own parents. While she might be a willing accomplice, Kat has her own agenda.
Nico Beaumont can’t let his feelings for Kat derail his plan to restore his family’s legacy, no matter how the memories haunt him. He regrets walking away from her without a fight all those years ago, and his attempt to use her as leverage to get the painting makes a warm reunion unlikely. Failure will devastate Nico’s family back in France, severing generations of shared history, but success could destroy his burgeoning relationship with Kat.
With time running out to recover the priceless artwork before her father sells it, Kat and Nico must overcome their past and outsmart the man who once tore them apart, even when their lives are threatened in the process.
Because second chances don’t come cheap.
Eccentric toyseller Kat Willoughby grew up as Spruce Hill royalty, but she’s desperate to get as far from her past as possible. When Nico, her unrequited first love and childhood best friend, crashes back into her life, she has to decide whether to keep running away or finally make a move. But there’s a catch—he needs her in order to reclaim the inheritance stolen by Kat’s treacherous father, a painting that’s the only connection Nico has to his own parents. While she might be a willing accomplice, Kat has her own agenda.
Nico Beaumont can’t let his feelings for Kat derail his plan to restore his family’s legacy, no matter how the memories haunt him. He regrets walking away from her without a fight all those years ago, and his attempt to use her as leverage to get the painting makes a warm reunion unlikely. Failure will devastate Nico’s family back in France, severing generations of shared history, but success could destroy his burgeoning relationship with Kat.
With time running out to recover the priceless artwork before her father sells it, Kat and Nico must overcome their past and outsmart the man who once tore them apart, even when their lives are threatened in the process.
Because second chances don’t come cheap.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2025
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Fitzjames
6 books29 followersRachel Fitzjames is the author of a contemporary romantic suspense series set in the fictional town of Spruce Hill, NY. She started writing on her brother’s ancient computer back in the early 90s and never looked back, though her first short story about an underground cat thievery ring was sadly lost. With a degree in geography inspired by wanderlust, Rachel has a keen appreciation for the escape that the romance genre allows. She is a lifelong resident of Western NY and created Spruce Hill in order to give a little bit of home to all of her characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 10, 2025
ARC Review of Canvas of Lies by Rachel Fitzjames
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Canvas of Lies is a heartfelt story that blends second-chance romance with a mystery that slowly unravels, keeping you turning the pages.
Kat and Nic share a deep, genuine bond that feels both tender and unshakable, the kind of connection everyone longs for. Their journey is filled with sincerity, emotional weight, and moments that tug at your heart.
Rachel Fitzjames writes with a raw honesty that makes her characters feel alive. This book had me reflecting on love, loss, and the courage it takes to open your heart again. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Canvas of Lies is a heartfelt story that blends second-chance romance with a mystery that slowly unravels, keeping you turning the pages.
Kat and Nic share a deep, genuine bond that feels both tender and unshakable, the kind of connection everyone longs for. Their journey is filled with sincerity, emotional weight, and moments that tug at your heart.
Rachel Fitzjames writes with a raw honesty that makes her characters feel alive. This book had me reflecting on love, loss, and the courage it takes to open your heart again. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
August 28, 2025
This may not be the type of book I would often go for, but I found it to be a nice cute romance. We get to the dual pov’s from both the fmc and mmc, and get to see their thoughts through their crazy reunion. The romance starts with some tension and grows into an adorable fluffy ball of old but strong feelings. Overall the romance between Nico and Kay was cute and very caring, going from childhood friends who hadn’t seen each other in years to lovers. My favorite part is that we don’t just get romance, we get smart characters working through solutions and fitting pieces of a big tangled web of a puzzle together. I certainly wasn’t expecting some of the conclusions we got, but their ideas and thought processes while trying to solve them were thought out and made sense. I overall enjoyed this book and would consider reading the others of this series.
I appreciate having received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I appreciate having received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2025
Received as an ARC.
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I found it to be a quick and easy read, with a followable plot/backstory. The character building portrayed their childhood relationship well and translated well into them as adults, dual POV chapters meant we got insight from both MMC and FMC, giving more depth to certain decisions/outcomes. As much as I enjoyed this book, I felt that there was something lacking, but I can’t put my finger on what. Maybe more suspense/build up needed? As I found it overcame issues that cropped up quickly and wasn’t much dread building. However, the banter and friendships within this book had me giggling one second and swinging my feet the next, I would probably read another in the series.
- childhood best friends
- accidental kidnap
- dual pov
- small town romance
- second chances
- stolen artwork
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I found it to be a quick and easy read, with a followable plot/backstory. The character building portrayed their childhood relationship well and translated well into them as adults, dual POV chapters meant we got insight from both MMC and FMC, giving more depth to certain decisions/outcomes. As much as I enjoyed this book, I felt that there was something lacking, but I can’t put my finger on what. Maybe more suspense/build up needed? As I found it overcame issues that cropped up quickly and wasn’t much dread building. However, the banter and friendships within this book had me giggling one second and swinging my feet the next, I would probably read another in the series.
- childhood best friends
- accidental kidnap
- dual pov
- small town romance
- second chances
- stolen artwork
September 30, 2025
Canvas of Lies is book 3 in the Spruce Hill Series
I did enjoy this read overall. I think the characters were interesting and the story had mystery/suspence that kept things interesting. If you enjoy small town romance, friends to lovers, one bed or second chance romance with some mystery/suspense. I would recommend this read!
I did enjoy this read overall. I think the characters were interesting and the story had mystery/suspence that kept things interesting. If you enjoy small town romance, friends to lovers, one bed or second chance romance with some mystery/suspense. I would recommend this read!
August 31, 2025
I received this book as an arc.
This isn’t ordinarily my go-to genre. The romance was very cutesy and I loved how they came back together from years apart. The mystery aspect of the book is what piqued my interest the most; you think you know and then YOU DON’T KNOW.
This isn’t ordinarily my go-to genre. The romance was very cutesy and I loved how they came back together from years apart. The mystery aspect of the book is what piqued my interest the most; you think you know and then YOU DON’T KNOW.
September 12, 2025
Canvas of Lies is book 3 in the Spruce Hill series but can be read as a standalone.
As with the previous books in this series, Canvas of Lies is a wonderful mix of romance and suspense which leads to an exciting storyline and book!
This book follows Kat and Nico, residents of Spruce Hill who have known each other since they were kids as Nicos dad worked as a chef for Kats family.
Kats parents divorced when she was young thanks to the public reveal of her father’s affair and her mom left without a second thought for Kat. Growing up with her rich and snobby father was hard and as an adult, Kat doesn’t have much of a relationship with him.
Nicos dad sadly passed away and left a painting with an SD card hidden in the frame containing evidence of Kats dads shady dealings for Nico. Before Nico can get to it though, it is stolen by Kats dad as it turns out the paining is worth millions.
In order to get the painting and evidence back, Nico makes a plan which involves seeing Kat for the first time in years and there’s a lot of unresolved sexual tension between the two.
As the two bond over their shared past and dislike of Kats father, they grow closer but while finding a way to ensure the painting ends up with its rightful owner, danger lurks around the corner. Could Kats father be on to them or have his shady dealings come back to hurt his daughter?
I loved the chemistry between Kat and Nico. I like how the first chapter has an epilogue showing them as children to show the background of their close relationship. I liked the banter between the pair and how much they cared for each other.
I enjoyed the suspense element of the story and not knowing if they will follow through with their plan or if it’ll succeed if they do. The book was fast paced which kept me gripped - I read it in 2 days!
I’m definitely going to carry on with the Spruce Hill series and I’m hoping these characters will reappear in another book at some point!
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and Rachel Fitzjames for the ARC!
As with the previous books in this series, Canvas of Lies is a wonderful mix of romance and suspense which leads to an exciting storyline and book!
This book follows Kat and Nico, residents of Spruce Hill who have known each other since they were kids as Nicos dad worked as a chef for Kats family.
Kats parents divorced when she was young thanks to the public reveal of her father’s affair and her mom left without a second thought for Kat. Growing up with her rich and snobby father was hard and as an adult, Kat doesn’t have much of a relationship with him.
Nicos dad sadly passed away and left a painting with an SD card hidden in the frame containing evidence of Kats dads shady dealings for Nico. Before Nico can get to it though, it is stolen by Kats dad as it turns out the paining is worth millions.
In order to get the painting and evidence back, Nico makes a plan which involves seeing Kat for the first time in years and there’s a lot of unresolved sexual tension between the two.
As the two bond over their shared past and dislike of Kats father, they grow closer but while finding a way to ensure the painting ends up with its rightful owner, danger lurks around the corner. Could Kats father be on to them or have his shady dealings come back to hurt his daughter?
I loved the chemistry between Kat and Nico. I like how the first chapter has an epilogue showing them as children to show the background of their close relationship. I liked the banter between the pair and how much they cared for each other.
I enjoyed the suspense element of the story and not knowing if they will follow through with their plan or if it’ll succeed if they do. The book was fast paced which kept me gripped - I read it in 2 days!
I’m definitely going to carry on with the Spruce Hill series and I’m hoping these characters will reappear in another book at some point!
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and Rachel Fitzjames for the ARC!
September 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Canvas of Lies, book 3 in Rachel Fitzjames’ Spruce Hills series, perfectly combines suspense and romance to bring a delightful read. I love a good second chance romance and couldn’t get enough of our MCs. Once childhood best friends, they have drifted apart, but find themselves together again when a plan goes wrong to gain back a stolen inheritance. Rachel never fails to bring her readers genuine characters, a storyline full of heart, and a captivating writing style that makes it easy to become lost in her books.
Nico and Kat were best friends, something Kat’s father never approved of. After he made sure their friendship ended, they drifted apart, but never forgot each other. When Nico decides to take back what was stolen from him, things don’t go as planned. Due to his faulty plans, he and Kat are now back together, it is impossible to not see neither one stopped caring for the other. Despite the distance between them, the heart wants what the heart wants, and it was beautiful watching them find their way back to each other.
While their romance carried the story, the mystery around Nico held my attention as well. Rachel had me guessing until the very end of who was responsible for Nico’s stolen legacy. To keep both of these aspects of the story in balance, one not overpowering the other, shows Rachel’s talents to plot a story and blend it together.
Able to be read as a standalone, I recommend reading all of the books in this series, as Rachel’s writing is impossible to not love.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🖼️Second Chance Romance
🕰️Small Town Romance
🖼️Accidental Kidnapping
🕰️Childhood Best Friends
🖼️Unavoidable Proximity
🕰️One Bed
🖼️Suspense
Canvas of Lies, book 3 in Rachel Fitzjames’ Spruce Hills series, perfectly combines suspense and romance to bring a delightful read. I love a good second chance romance and couldn’t get enough of our MCs. Once childhood best friends, they have drifted apart, but find themselves together again when a plan goes wrong to gain back a stolen inheritance. Rachel never fails to bring her readers genuine characters, a storyline full of heart, and a captivating writing style that makes it easy to become lost in her books.
Nico and Kat were best friends, something Kat’s father never approved of. After he made sure their friendship ended, they drifted apart, but never forgot each other. When Nico decides to take back what was stolen from him, things don’t go as planned. Due to his faulty plans, he and Kat are now back together, it is impossible to not see neither one stopped caring for the other. Despite the distance between them, the heart wants what the heart wants, and it was beautiful watching them find their way back to each other.
While their romance carried the story, the mystery around Nico held my attention as well. Rachel had me guessing until the very end of who was responsible for Nico’s stolen legacy. To keep both of these aspects of the story in balance, one not overpowering the other, shows Rachel’s talents to plot a story and blend it together.
Able to be read as a standalone, I recommend reading all of the books in this series, as Rachel’s writing is impossible to not love.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🖼️Second Chance Romance
🕰️Small Town Romance
🖼️Accidental Kidnapping
🕰️Childhood Best Friends
🖼️Unavoidable Proximity
🕰️One Bed
🖼️Suspense
September 30, 2025
This book truly made me feel like I was watching a heist movie with a romance component to it bc both Nico and Kat deserve the world. This is the story of Kat and Nico, childhood best friends who come from different family styles and statuses’ but that didnt deter them from being the bestest of friends. Kat has always loved Nico since forever ago but always assumed that Nico didn’t feel the same way about her. When Nico decided to leave for college, the final words he told her were “See you later Kitten” and that cemented for Kat that he wouldn’t see her more than a friend.
Years later, Kat has escaped the clutches of her father and has opened her own store. Working late at night, she sees a strange van and notices a man she hasn’t seen in years. Nico has reappeared in her life and just asks for one chance to explain everything that has happened. Forced to stop being her friend, and avoiding his father from getting hurt, Nico leaves due to Kat’s father’s orders. However, now that his dad has sadly passed away; there is a painting that is a part of his family for generations but Kat’s father stole it from them.
With Kat’s help, he wants to get it back from her father and regain what’s hidden in the painting. Through the obstacles, you can easily tell that these two are deeply in love with each other. Rachel does a fantastic job intertwining their second chance romance trope with the mystery surrounding the painting and what information it contains. Not once did it feel like one theme was being put in the spotlight and the other left in the shadows. I truly loved reading this book and getting lost in the mystery of the painting.
Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥
Years later, Kat has escaped the clutches of her father and has opened her own store. Working late at night, she sees a strange van and notices a man she hasn’t seen in years. Nico has reappeared in her life and just asks for one chance to explain everything that has happened. Forced to stop being her friend, and avoiding his father from getting hurt, Nico leaves due to Kat’s father’s orders. However, now that his dad has sadly passed away; there is a painting that is a part of his family for generations but Kat’s father stole it from them.
With Kat’s help, he wants to get it back from her father and regain what’s hidden in the painting. Through the obstacles, you can easily tell that these two are deeply in love with each other. Rachel does a fantastic job intertwining their second chance romance trope with the mystery surrounding the painting and what information it contains. Not once did it feel like one theme was being put in the spotlight and the other left in the shadows. I truly loved reading this book and getting lost in the mystery of the painting.
Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥
December 22, 2025
Canvas of Lies by Rachel Fitzjames
Reviewed by Jennifer Jernigan for The Plot Thickens Bookclub
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was my second Fitzjames book & I was not disappointed!! This lady can make you fall in love with her characters on page one!
Kat Willougby & Nico Beaumont meet as kids when his dad is hired as the Willoughby chef. They connect instantly & establish their foundation of their relationship. Their strong friendship eventually grows into more but unbeknownst to Kat her high power lawyer dad made sure it wouldn’t amount to anything as long as he has a say.
Years later Nico shows up needing Kat’s help. Adrian, Kat’s dad, has stolen a Beaumont family heirloom & Nico will stop at nothing to get it back. A flawed plan puts these 2 in a forced proximity & finally these friends become what they’ve always meant to be.
Kat & Nico will do whatever it takes to protect each other & both vow that nothing or no one will come between them. They will give up everything if it means keeping those promises, and I do mean everything!
This was a really good romance meets suspense story. The friends to lovers & the mystery complimented each other very well!
There are 2 more books in this Spruce Hill series & I plan to make sure I have them ready to read as soon as they are released!!
Reviewed by Jennifer Jernigan for The Plot Thickens Bookclub
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was my second Fitzjames book & I was not disappointed!! This lady can make you fall in love with her characters on page one!
Kat Willougby & Nico Beaumont meet as kids when his dad is hired as the Willoughby chef. They connect instantly & establish their foundation of their relationship. Their strong friendship eventually grows into more but unbeknownst to Kat her high power lawyer dad made sure it wouldn’t amount to anything as long as he has a say.
Years later Nico shows up needing Kat’s help. Adrian, Kat’s dad, has stolen a Beaumont family heirloom & Nico will stop at nothing to get it back. A flawed plan puts these 2 in a forced proximity & finally these friends become what they’ve always meant to be.
Kat & Nico will do whatever it takes to protect each other & both vow that nothing or no one will come between them. They will give up everything if it means keeping those promises, and I do mean everything!
This was a really good romance meets suspense story. The friends to lovers & the mystery complimented each other very well!
There are 2 more books in this Spruce Hill series & I plan to make sure I have them ready to read as soon as they are released!!
September 6, 2025
Canvas of lies is book 3 in the Spruce Hill series, but it can be read as a standalone.
I love the childhood friends trope but it always breaks my heart when one sort of pushes the other away without telling them why. In this case, Nico and Kat are childhood friends that basically do everything together. Nico's father works for Kat's father. Kat's father did not approve of Nico and Kat together but to be fair, he really didn't have much to do with Kats life either way. He warned Nico off and not wanting to put his dad at risk, Nico kept his distance. Years later, Nico is making a reappearance in Kat's life. His father has passed and a very important canvas that has hidden information in it that should now belong to Nico is stolen by Kat's father. He needs it back and thinks Kat might be the way, however, he after making a reentrance in her life, he realizes how much he loves her and would never harm her or put her in danger. Now together, they have to find a way to get the canvas back, without her father knowing it's them trying to get it.
The story is well written and interesting. The plot was captivating and the spice was spicy. Give this a read.
I love the childhood friends trope but it always breaks my heart when one sort of pushes the other away without telling them why. In this case, Nico and Kat are childhood friends that basically do everything together. Nico's father works for Kat's father. Kat's father did not approve of Nico and Kat together but to be fair, he really didn't have much to do with Kats life either way. He warned Nico off and not wanting to put his dad at risk, Nico kept his distance. Years later, Nico is making a reappearance in Kat's life. His father has passed and a very important canvas that has hidden information in it that should now belong to Nico is stolen by Kat's father. He needs it back and thinks Kat might be the way, however, he after making a reentrance in her life, he realizes how much he loves her and would never harm her or put her in danger. Now together, they have to find a way to get the canvas back, without her father knowing it's them trying to get it.
The story is well written and interesting. The plot was captivating and the spice was spicy. Give this a read.
September 6, 2025
ARC Review-Author
Pub Date: Sept 3, 2025
Star Rating: 4-4.25⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Book 3 of Spruce Hill
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense/Crime-Mafia Adjacent.
I really liked the story right from the beginning as it is childhood friends to lovers, and kinda a second chance as Kat and Nico were best friends but he left her when he was older because Kat’s father threatened him to stay away which made Kat so confused and feeling like he never did like her at all which was not true. Years later Nico comes across Kat again out of the blue and she can’t believe it’s him and they don’t get on very good. I don’t wanna give stuff away but let’s just say Nico takes her to hide her together with him as they both end up figuring some stuff out and as they spend time together, their bond gets stronger and the feelings come out between the two. I really liked Nico and Kat as a duo and with some action going on and the plot was really good as Nico had a plan to take down Kat’s father all over this painting. I enjoyed this from beginning to end :)
Pub Date: Sept 3, 2025
Star Rating: 4-4.25⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Book 3 of Spruce Hill
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense/Crime-Mafia Adjacent.
I really liked the story right from the beginning as it is childhood friends to lovers, and kinda a second chance as Kat and Nico were best friends but he left her when he was older because Kat’s father threatened him to stay away which made Kat so confused and feeling like he never did like her at all which was not true. Years later Nico comes across Kat again out of the blue and she can’t believe it’s him and they don’t get on very good. I don’t wanna give stuff away but let’s just say Nico takes her to hide her together with him as they both end up figuring some stuff out and as they spend time together, their bond gets stronger and the feelings come out between the two. I really liked Nico and Kat as a duo and with some action going on and the plot was really good as Nico had a plan to take down Kat’s father all over this painting. I enjoyed this from beginning to end :)
September 9, 2025
This was an intriguing second chance romance with a heaping helping of suspense.
As a girl, Kat had a crush on Nico. One which was reciprocated. Until Kat's very arrogant, condescending father chased Nico away. Now he's back and he needs Kat's help to recover a priceless painting Kat's father stole from Nico's family. He's got a plan. One Kat is sure isn't going to work.
I really liked the combination of Kat and Nico. They fell into old habits quickly neither having lost their feelings for the other. Her quirky personality worked well with his optimism and determination. Each attuned to the other's feelings, Kat refused to quit knowing how much that painting meant to both Nico and his family.
To be honest, it took me a while to warm up to this story. Even with Kat's snark at the very beginning, it just didn't seem to do anything for me. However, I'm glad I stuck with it. As the action built and the story heated up, I found myself engaged. The pace increased as the story wore on. Though I probably should have, I never saw the ending twist coming.
As a girl, Kat had a crush on Nico. One which was reciprocated. Until Kat's very arrogant, condescending father chased Nico away. Now he's back and he needs Kat's help to recover a priceless painting Kat's father stole from Nico's family. He's got a plan. One Kat is sure isn't going to work.
I really liked the combination of Kat and Nico. They fell into old habits quickly neither having lost their feelings for the other. Her quirky personality worked well with his optimism and determination. Each attuned to the other's feelings, Kat refused to quit knowing how much that painting meant to both Nico and his family.
To be honest, it took me a while to warm up to this story. Even with Kat's snark at the very beginning, it just didn't seem to do anything for me. However, I'm glad I stuck with it. As the action built and the story heated up, I found myself engaged. The pace increased as the story wore on. Though I probably should have, I never saw the ending twist coming.
September 11, 2025
Recieved as an ARC.
A story of childhood crush developing into a serious relationship where they face life or death situations ans still stick together *thick as theives*.
The characters were well written, their personalities felt distinct and engaging. A side character is also a lesbian rep so i felt truly happy seeing the diversity but i kinda felt the side characters were ignored and not worked on the buildup towards the end that much.
I absolutely love Nico and his tongue aaahhh mi amor I'll marry him any second!! A side character i loved was Kat's dad even though he wasn't much on the mainscreen, the little of what banter i read was very fun😂i absolutely loved that scene!
The plot was well written and pretty thick in the end but the ending was unexpected which i like but the buildup towards the end didn't feel satisfying so i kinda prefer the first 80% over the last 20%.
If u like cozy small town cabin kinda romance with a touch of investigation and mystery, this is a good fit. Worth a try!!
A story of childhood crush developing into a serious relationship where they face life or death situations ans still stick together *thick as theives*.
The characters were well written, their personalities felt distinct and engaging. A side character is also a lesbian rep so i felt truly happy seeing the diversity but i kinda felt the side characters were ignored and not worked on the buildup towards the end that much.
I absolutely love Nico and his tongue aaahhh mi amor I'll marry him any second!! A side character i loved was Kat's dad even though he wasn't much on the mainscreen, the little of what banter i read was very fun😂i absolutely loved that scene!
The plot was well written and pretty thick in the end but the ending was unexpected which i like but the buildup towards the end didn't feel satisfying so i kinda prefer the first 80% over the last 20%.
If u like cozy small town cabin kinda romance with a touch of investigation and mystery, this is a good fit. Worth a try!!
September 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. It’s a romantic suspense story with a great mix of emotion, mystery, and second chances. Kat and Nico were childhood friends who haven’t seen each other in years, and when they reunite, things get complicated fast. There’s tension, old feelings, and a shared past that neither of them has fully let go of.
Kat is strong and independent, trying to move on from her family’s messy history. Nico shows up with a plan to recover something stolen from his family a painting connected to Kat’s father and needs her help. Their reunion isn’t exactly smooth, and I loved how their relationship slowly shifted.
The story has some fun twists, and I liked how both characters had their own goals and secrets. There’s also a bit of danger and suspense.
I liked the small-town setting (has become my favourite) and the way the characters dealt with their pasts.
Kat is strong and independent, trying to move on from her family’s messy history. Nico shows up with a plan to recover something stolen from his family a painting connected to Kat’s father and needs her help. Their reunion isn’t exactly smooth, and I loved how their relationship slowly shifted.
The story has some fun twists, and I liked how both characters had their own goals and secrets. There’s also a bit of danger and suspense.
I liked the small-town setting (has become my favourite) and the way the characters dealt with their pasts.
September 3, 2025
I love it when the main characters were childhood friends. Especially when they appear to have tender feelings for each other, even though they probably wouldn't admit it at that age. Kat and Nico start out as friends. There's a very touching scene where, as children, they were inadvertently eavesdropping and Nico is very protective of Kat.
I knew then that this book was going to be good if the MMC already has a tender heart at a young age towards the fmc. Give me all those little moments, all day, every day.
It just made sense that Kat and Nico were so good together in present day because they already had a head start. Sometimes it's just really nice to see characters not have to start from scratch. Even though they were apart for years, in a very short time they achieved great intimacy.
Thank you to Rachel Fitzjames for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
I knew then that this book was going to be good if the MMC already has a tender heart at a young age towards the fmc. Give me all those little moments, all day, every day.
It just made sense that Kat and Nico were so good together in present day because they already had a head start. Sometimes it's just really nice to see characters not have to start from scratch. Even though they were apart for years, in a very short time they achieved great intimacy.
Thank you to Rachel Fitzjames for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
September 4, 2025
I have never read anything from Rachel Fitzjames before, OMG this was fantastic, this is part of The Spruce Hill Series. Nico and Kat have been friends since childhood. Kat grew up rich as "royalty," living in a "castle," Nico's father was their chef. Nico went off to college, and Kat rebelled against her father, doing her own thing. Kat was Nico's first and only love. Nico's father had an unsigned painting from a famous painter that had been in the family for many years. After Nico's father died, Nico went to get the painting but it was gone! Kat's unscrupulous father had taken it. Nico wants Kat's help to get it back, is that even possible? Will Kat help since they haven't seen each other in years? Can they out smart Kat's rich lawyer father? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Rachel Fitzjames!!!
September 4, 2025
I received an ARC of this book. This was a real treat for me. A new to me genre with romance suspense. Nico and Kat were destined to be together, but Kat’s sketchy dad made sure that it wouldn’t happen under his watch. But a stolen painting and a flawed kidnapping plan brings them back together! I loved all these tropes of friends to lovers, and forced proximity. I loved Kat and Nico’s protectiveness over each other. The ending threw me for a loop. This was my first taste into the Spruce Hills series and it left me wanting more! I’m excited to dig into the first two books and will most definitely watch out for the next ones in the series!
** to note these can be read as standalone books, I was not lost at all with the story.**
** to note these can be read as standalone books, I was not lost at all with the story.**
September 5, 2025
All the heart eyes for Kat and Nico. This was such a great read. There’s something about childhood friends to lovers that always gets to me. I loved that no matter how much time had passed since they’d seen each other their feelings remained unchanged once they were reunited. Kat’s steadfast loyalty to Nico and his mission was so sweet and I loved watching them rebuild their relationship and admitting their feelings for each other. The mystery in this was really good because I genuinely didn’t know who was responsible for the shenanigans in regard to Nico’s legacy until the very end. The spice in this was really hot even though most of it wasn’t outrageously explicit. This was a really enjoyable read and I loved the way the story ended.
September 7, 2025
I started reading this book without any expectations. This was different from the books I generally read — it was a mystery romcom. Romance isn’t the main genre of this book.
From the start, this book had me on my toes. It felt like going on an adventure, not knowing what’s gonna happen next, the thrill and anticipation, and liking each moment — it was exactly that.
Nico and Kat — these two are the cutest. And their reunion? SWEETEST, HILARIOUS, CHAOTIC, AND FIERY. They are love >>>>
The mystery had me on the edge. At every turn, I was screaming, ‘Oh damn!’ The ending felt a bit rushed, but the rest of the book was so wholesome, well written, and worth a read.
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED!!!
Thank You Happily Booked PR for providing with the ARC of this amazing book <3
From the start, this book had me on my toes. It felt like going on an adventure, not knowing what’s gonna happen next, the thrill and anticipation, and liking each moment — it was exactly that.
Nico and Kat — these two are the cutest. And their reunion? SWEETEST, HILARIOUS, CHAOTIC, AND FIERY. They are love >>>>
The mystery had me on the edge. At every turn, I was screaming, ‘Oh damn!’ The ending felt a bit rushed, but the rest of the book was so wholesome, well written, and worth a read.
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED!!!
Thank You Happily Booked PR for providing with the ARC of this amazing book <3
September 11, 2025
Kat has everything she’s wanted. She worked to make her own business separate from her capricious father and his rich life as a dirty lawyer, she’s trying to go on dates, doing all the things. When Nico, her first crush, comes crashing back into her life; Kat is at a loss. Nico wants something special to him back from her father, but both characters desperately want each other in the process. Will they come out on top?
Gosh. I adore a romance where it’s a childhood crush turned cute and sometimes steamy adult love story. This hits that nail on the head. It’s also very intriguing with the constant plotting for Nico’s painting back and the added danger they face throughout for pursuing it. A very hard to put down and beautifully enjoyable read.
Gosh. I adore a romance where it’s a childhood crush turned cute and sometimes steamy adult love story. This hits that nail on the head. It’s also very intriguing with the constant plotting for Nico’s painting back and the added danger they face throughout for pursuing it. A very hard to put down and beautifully enjoyable read.
August 22, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜 Friends to lovers
🖤 Accidental kidnapping
💜 Small town romantic suspense
Amazing, funny, heartbreaking, deceit and friendship, this book is filled with all of that. Rachel has done an amazing job with this book with all the lies and suspense but ending with HEA. Kat and Nico were childhood friends, she was the town’s princess, and he was the chef’s son. Kat had been estranged from her dad for years and after Nico’s dad passed away, he realized that her father had taken something that belonged to his family. This book is so good, and I love that accidental kidnapping.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜 Friends to lovers
🖤 Accidental kidnapping
💜 Small town romantic suspense
Amazing, funny, heartbreaking, deceit and friendship, this book is filled with all of that. Rachel has done an amazing job with this book with all the lies and suspense but ending with HEA. Kat and Nico were childhood friends, she was the town’s princess, and he was the chef’s son. Kat had been estranged from her dad for years and after Nico’s dad passed away, he realized that her father had taken something that belonged to his family. This book is so good, and I love that accidental kidnapping.
August 28, 2025
I received an early copy of this gem!! Such a good read! I’m all about second-chance romances with suspense thrown into the mix, and Canvas of Lies definitely delivers! From an early age, Kat was completely smitten with her childhood friend, Nico. But life and painful secrets happened that made Kat want to get away as far as possible. From the very beginning, their chemistry is undeniable, and the emotional tension between them had me hooked. Add in a layer of mystery, twists, spice, and just enough danger to keep me guessing, and you’ve got an absolute page-turner.
If you’re a fan of second chances, unresolved tension, and romantic suspense with bite, you’ll want this one on your shelf!
If you’re a fan of second chances, unresolved tension, and romantic suspense with bite, you’ll want this one on your shelf!
September 6, 2025
I was able to read the ARC of A Lonely Road (Spruce Hill #2) and I LOVED it. Of course, I knew that, as soon as the applications were up for Canvas of Lies, I simply had to sing up. I had a feeling I was going to love this book as much as the previous one.
CoL delivered such a clever mix of romance and intrigue! The mystery elements kept me guessing, while the romance added just the right amount of heart and tension. Fitzjames does a great job balancing twists with character depth, and the artistic themes made it feel fresh and unique. It’s a smart, engaging story that’ll appeal to readers who like their love stories wrapped in suspense.
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Thank yoy, Happily Booked PR for the ARC!
CoL delivered such a clever mix of romance and intrigue! The mystery elements kept me guessing, while the romance added just the right amount of heart and tension. Fitzjames does a great job balancing twists with character depth, and the artistic themes made it feel fresh and unique. It’s a smart, engaging story that’ll appeal to readers who like their love stories wrapped in suspense.
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Thank yoy, Happily Booked PR for the ARC!
September 7, 2025
This was my first read with this author and I’m glad I took the chance. This was a delightful read that checked off all the boxes for me - suspense, childhood friends-to-lovers, and forced proximity.
Nico and Kat may have reunited in an unconventional way, but once they did, all the feelings from their childhood came rushing back. They made a great team working together to recover a painting that was stolen from Nico’s father. There were plenty of twists throughout the book to keep the reader engaged. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Nico and Kat may have reunited in an unconventional way, but once they did, all the feelings from their childhood came rushing back. They made a great team working together to recover a painting that was stolen from Nico’s father. There were plenty of twists throughout the book to keep the reader engaged. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 11, 2025
Awesome book. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. Canvas of Lies really was a heartfelt story that blends of a true second-chance romance with a mystery that slowly unravels, keeping you turning the pages. I was hooked . Kat and Nic share a deep connection of the passion and love as they couldn’t fight the emotions of temptation that was surrounded them in this moment and time.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be regret reading or be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book Happily Book RP via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be regret reading or be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book Happily Book RP via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
August 27, 2025
Childhood friends to lovers? Some light kidnapping? Sold! This was a quick fun read that was fluffy and suspenseful, and had an MMC with some great qualities (hearing his plan won't work and actually listening to the woman who might actually know better? Sign me up!)
You can never go wrong with a second chance childhood crush to adult romance, and I loved seeing Kat and Nico reignite their love. This was a great read, and I look forward to reading more from Rachel Fitzjames (and now I need to go back and read the other Spruce Hill books!)
You can never go wrong with a second chance childhood crush to adult romance, and I loved seeing Kat and Nico reignite their love. This was a great read, and I look forward to reading more from Rachel Fitzjames (and now I need to go back and read the other Spruce Hill books!)
August 30, 2025
In this third book of the Spruce Hill series we get all of the fun and flirty feels mixed with the plot twists and suspense we've come to expect from this author. If you're looking to be transported to a cozy small town with a story full of romance and a plot that keeps you guessing, this book is for you! While the book works as a stand alone, Rachel brings the kind of consistency readers crave with each book in the series, so you know exactly what you're going to get—a couple you'll be rooting for from the first chapter, a little bit of danger, and a lot of steam!
September 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I didn’t know it was book 3 in a series when I got it but since it is an interconnected stand alone series I didn’t feel like I was diving into the middle of something. Maybe a little more tension on the romance side would be nice but also given the history of the characters the pace still made sense. The twists at the end were a nice touch and I enjoyed the epilogue and how it wrapped up Nico and Kat’s story. I can see myself reading more from the series.
Thanks Happily Booked PR for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks Happily Booked PR for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 7, 2025
Although, I don’t think I would typically read this book, I enjoyed the easiness, the lightness, and the romantic batter between Nico + Kay! It was so refreshing to have Kat end up with the person she always knew she was meant to be with. I signed up for this arc based on the mysterious qualities. My only issue was the fact that I didn’t receive enough “mystery or thriller.” There was really no build up, and I am definitely one who appreciates a good buildup. Other than that, I enjoyed the easy read and I am so appreciate to have been a part of the arc team!
September 9, 2025
Canvas of Lies is an amazing read with suspense and childhood friends to lovers. Kat and Nico’s story is filled with mystery and lies surrounding their lives. I love how they rekindled their friendship into so much more. Their story revolves around a painting that belongs to Nico’s family with hidden secrets apparently Kat’s dad suddenly has. I love how it hooked me from the beginning and just kept me on the edge. I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait to read more.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance reader copy
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance reader copy
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