King of Lies

Mayhem Manuscripts Season One: 1nf3ction

by H.L. Day

Two headstrong men. One broken world. And a connection that could destroy—or redeem—them both.

AUGUST

They say the world was better before the Red Rain―before the skies grew toxic and the virus transformed people into mindless savages.
I disagree.
There’s beauty in the wreckage, if you know where to look.
Desperation is profitable. Hope is a commodity. Dreams? I sell them daily.

Keaton Levine was supposed to be just another mark.
Until he wasn’t.
Because he sees me—really sees me.
And in this shattered place we call home, I’m not sure I’m ready to be someone worth saving.

KEATON

I lost everything when I got bitten.
Discharged, discarded, diseased. All I have left is vengeance.
Then came Tobias… August, whatever the hell his real name is.
He promised answers. He gave me lies.

But in peeling him open, I found something I didn’t expect.
A reason to fight. A reason to feel.
Maybe he is the answer.
And I asked the wrong question.

KING OF LIES is a full-length enemies-to-lovers M/M romance set in the 1nf3ction multi-author post-dystopian zombie apocalypse universe. Each book can be read as a standalone.

Expect: power struggles, a morally grey antihero, a mad scientist with a god complex, a cult holed up in a castle, (fireman’s) pole dancing, and two dominant forces crashing together in a world that wants them dead.
If they can learn to trust, they might discover something more precious than survival—each other.

CW - violence.

Genres: M M Romance, Dark, Dystopia, Zombies, Enemies To Lovers, Slow Burn

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2025

About the author

H.L Day is a teacher and a writer. She enjoys writing far too many different sub genres to stick to one thing so writes everything from rom-coms to post-apocalyptic sci-fi. It's just the way her brain works. H.L Day lives in the UK with her elderly black cat that she accidentally stole from her next door neighbour.

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Reviews

[QuietlyKat]

Meh. I’m a big fan of dystopian, post apocalyptic stories and I know H.L. Day can deliver on them but this one missed for me. It started out strong and I was into it for the first 50%. But then we learn August’s origin story and visit his home community and honestly, that ruined it for me. To be fair, the blurb warns readers to expect a morally grey antihero and that’s what Day delivers, it just didn’t work for me.

Huge spoiler under tag/between the asterisks:
*** August runs a con selling what he tells people is “An injection that nullifies the effects of the rain. Not only that, but it prevents infection reaching a point where you might turn.” What he really sells them is a syringe filled with water that won’t protect them at all and will give them a false sense of security that could very well lead to them turning into biters/zombies. So yeah, that’s pretty shitty but if he was truly desperate for a way to support and feed himself, I’d probably cringe a bit and reason that I’d been warned to expect a morally gray character. Thing is, when he and Keaton arrive at August’s home, we learn he has a very secure and prosperous community founded by his grandmother where he is basically a prince who lacks for nothing. This privileged piece of shit is selling people false security that will lead to their deaths because he wants adventure and to collect watches for his grandmother to tinker with 😒🙄 ***

Other than that, it’s a pretty engaging post apocalyptic zombie story. But fuck entitled, privileged, upper class assholes that exploit desperate and vulnerable people in their own quest for adventure, and simply because they can. I wouldn’t have liked that aspect of the story regardless but it hits way too close to home at this moment in US history.

I’m not clicking the star rating because I was warned of a morally gray antihero but I went there anyway. Give August a compelling reason for the con and I probably would have given this on 3-3.5 stars. As the story stands, imo 2 stars is generous.

[Flora.reads.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
5⭐

Holy freaking shit, this book! 😱😱😱
You know when you start a book and just know right away that it’s gonna be fantastic? Yeah, this book. I knew within the first chapter that it was going to be a 5-star read, and it didn’t disappoint at all.

I went through every damn emotion possible with this one. From cackling and laughing my ass off at their banter, to being anxious as hell (Oz, I’m looking at you, you psycho! 😰), I was on the edge of my seat, not knowing what in the ever-loving-fuck could possibly happen to them. Then I’d be back giggling and smiling like a fool, only to feel utter discomfort again. The entire arc in the castle had me feeling so damn uneasy. 😭

You know an author is pure gold when they can make us feel so many emotions, just like that. 🎊 The writing is absolutely fantastic—I have no other word. I was pulled into the story as if I were right there with them. 🥹

August and Keaton have such amazing chemistry, so the banter is bantering. 🤭😂 I swear I had to stop reading for at least ten minutes during the fire station scene. I mean, come on, that was absolutely hilarious! 😂😂😂

I love how their relationship evolved—they went from not trusting each other (and literally tying each other up 🤭) to being each other’s everything. 😭💙♾️


🏍️ MM
🏹 Enemies-to-lovers
🏍️ Forced proximity
🏹 Slow burn
🏍️ Morally grey
🏹 Psycho scientist
🏍️ Dystopia
🏹 Conman x ex-soldier
🏍️ Cult
🏹 Vengeance

[369Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️
August is a con-man, absolutely okay with screwing others over to survive in this post-apocalyptic world. Immune to the red rain, he is able to survive better than others. When ex-soldier Keaton crosses paths with August, he thinks he might be the key to help him get revenge for his sister. What ensues is an adventurous and enthralling tale of deception and action, interwoven with romance!

You’re going to get tropes like:
-strangers to enemies to lovers
-zombie apocalypse
-con man x ex soldier
-forced proximity

I really enjoyed this instalment in the INF3CTION series! It almost read like a short TV series, with exciting plot points, interesting changes in setting, and great character dynamics! This book had a driving plot to keep it going, which made it strong!

I especially liked August’s character. Watching him develop through the story was great, and he had quite a few funny one-liners in the story. He balanced well with Keaton.

This is part of a multi-author series, and the books don’t need to be read in order to understand. Though the others I’ve read in the series are also worth a read, they’re not necessary to enjoy this one!

Don’t miss this one, dropping October 16!

[Whisper Wallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is my first book by H.L. Day, and I have to say I love the way they write. Keaton and August were perfect for each other. The banter between them had my giggling. Them both being sarcastic lmao. I may have gotten some weird looks from my husband 😂😂 Realizing the reason August does what he does was understandable. I mean as understandable as you can be when there’s ya know biters. The mad scientist was crazy. Like wtf. The epilogue was a great look into there future without being unrealistic in this world. It was very true to the relationship they have together and realistic. I mean who doesn’t fight with their spouse/partner. This was a great addition to the series. I’ve loved reading new to me authors and seeing what they bring to this created universe.

“Stay still.” “Or what?” “Or there’ll be trouble.” “What sort of trouble? I happen to like trouble. Keeps things interesting.”

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the world around us crumbles you learn to do what is needed to adapt and survive. August goes the not so honest route of using his charms to convince what he is selling is the truth. Keaton choose the military route until he no longer could serve, when he comes upon August he hopes his story is truth to avenge those he lost.
What starts on a not great route leads to two men allowing each other slowly in. August just has a charm about him that even when you want to throttle him, you cannot help but admire his adaptability to situations around him. Keaton has a sweetness about him that shows pureness can still happen in these broken times. Yet they both challenge the other throughout to be better and maybe hope for a better ending than they thought they'd have. This was a fun new take on a genre that has always been a hit or miss for me, glad to see how HL took it and made it their own.

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

B+ / 4.5 stars

I seem to have picked up quite a few books in multi-author series lately, and here I am with another one, H.L. Day’s King of Lies, which is part of the eight book Mayhem Manuscripts Season One: 1nf3ction series a set of dystopian romances (which can be read in any order) set in a world in which a mysterious, chemically engineered red rain has infected millions with a virus that turns them into mindless savages. While the subject matter is certainly dark, the author balances that out with lighter moments of humour and builds a strong emotional connection between the leads, showing the resilience of the human spirit even at the worst of times. The story is tense and full of danger and there is a fair amount of on-page violence (although no more than you’ll find in many romantic suspense novels and probably less than in most zombie-type TV shows), but I wouldn’t call King of Lies a 'dark romance', although some of the other books in the series do fall into that category.

After a short prologue told through the eyes of a teenaged girl, the story proper beings seventy-six years after the events she relates, and we find a young man by the name of Tobias Breeze addressing a crowd somewhere in Birmingham. He’s standing outside in the red rain while the onlookers huddle beneath the overhang of the side of a building, telling them about a miracle drug that not only nullifies the effects of the rain but which can also prevent an an infection from reaching the point at which an infected person will turn. He’s got them in the palm of his hand as he talks about newly discovered biological agents and government cover-ups – and then reveals an injector pen, one of many he stole from his former place of work and is willing to share with them. For a price.

Because Tobias Breeze is an alias, and he – real name is August Stoll - is a conman, selling nothing but lies and false hope. He does what he must to get by – just like everyone else in this new, crazy world – and doesn’t feel the slightest bit of guilt over how he goes about it. It isn’t his fault that people’s greed and gullibility makes them such easy targets, and the way he sees it, the people he cons should thank him for teaching them not to be so trusting.

One of those watching the demonstration is Keaton Levine, who was recently discharged from the army after being bitten fending off a biter attack. Even though he wasn’t fully turned that doesn’t mean he’s immune – he carries the virus in his blood and any subsequent exposure to it could push him over the edge; and the military has no use for a man who can’t risk being caught in the rain. He’s angry and bitter about being discarded like so much rubbish, but he knows his days are likely numbered and decides to spend whatever time is left to him tracking down and exacting revenge on the bastard responsible for his sister’s death. The suppressants won’t cure him, but they will at least mean he can travel without too much risk of turning completely.

The trouble is, Keaton doesn’t have any money. He decides to sneak into Breeze’s room when he’s sleeping and force him to tell him where his stash is – but he hadn’t counted on the other man setting a trap, turning the tables and putting a knife to his throat. It turns out he had noticed Keaton following him earlier in the day and had been waiting for him to make some kind of move. Breeze’s easy charm is gone, replaced by cold, hard anger; unsurprisingly, he kicks Keaton out – but doesn’t think that’s the last he’ll see of him.

And August is right. It isn’t long after he leaves the guesthouse before Keaton falls into step beside him and won’t take “fuck off” as an answer to his request for some suppressants. Realising he isn’t going to get rid of his unwanted companion easily, August decides to keep the con going for a bit longer; he’ll take the guy somewhere remote then dump him and move on to his next job.

King of Lies is a fast-paced, tightly-plotted story that played out in my head like an episode of a gritty TV series – full of action, danger and suspense with enough dark humour and snark to lighten the mood and keep things from becoming too bleak. There’s never a dull moment as August and Keaton find trouble – at one point with a psychopathic genius scientist who is both hilarious and incredibly disturbing – and realise they have no alternative but to rely on each other if they’re going to survive.

Keaton is probably the easier to like of the two, at least to start with. He can seem a little naïve at times, but he’s far from stupid; he’s loyal and kind, and that he’s managed to remain essentially decent and to retain his belief in goodness despite the horrible things he’s had to see and do is quite something. But I’m always here for a smart-mouthed bad-boy, so August stole the show for me. He’s morally grey for sure; he’s whip-smart, mercurial, and charming - and it’s hard not to admire his adaptability and quick-thinking, even when he’s lying through his teeth and behaving like a total shit. We find out, late in the book, that he has very specific motivations for his grifting; there’s no attempt to excuse it, but we do at least get to understand why he does it, and he does grow as a person over the course of the novel.

The chemistry between the pair crackles from the get-go, and their growing mutual attraction, the slow reveal of their backstories, and the way they come to let down their guards with each other are all very well-written. It’s true that their relationship begins with lies and manipulation, and that the move from antagonists-who-just-want-to-survive to two guys who-want-to-survive together happens over a short period of time, but it absolutely works. The harsh realities of living in a world that’s so broken, the danger, the close proximity, the humour and the banter – it all contributes to a dawning realisation that they really can trust one another and to a steadily growing affection and sense of ‘rightness’ when they’re together.

There’s a small secondary cast, the stand-out being August’s formidable grandmother, Caroline, who clearly adores him and who he obviously adores right back – and I really liked the way her character brings us full-circle. King of Lies is an exciting and thoroughly entertaining dystopian adventure yarn with a fast-moving plot, plenty of humour, a satisfying romance and a hard-won HEA. I enjoyed it a great deal and am happy to recommend it to anyone looking for something a bit different.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

I love post-apocalyptic stories, so I was eager to pick this one up from author H.L. Day. The story is part of the larger, multi-author 1nf3ction series set in the same world, but this book stands alone just fine. I haven’t read any of the others and had no problem starting here. I really liked the way this one opens, with diary entries from a young girl on the eve of her 13th birthday. We follow along with a few weeks of entries as the rains come, people get infected, and her family has to flee their home.

I found this one really engaging and I didn’t want to put it down. August and Keaton are interesting characters and I think they complemented each other well. I really liked the road trip element and found the world building and the story kept me quickly turning pages.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew within a couple of chapters that this was going to be a 5-star read. It hooked me instantly and never let up. The post-apocalyptic setting feels gritty and weirdly believable — cults, chaos, desperation, all of it written so vividly that I could picture every scene.

August (a compulsive liar with more layers than he lets on) and Keaton (a vengeful ex-soldier who sees right through him) have chemistry that is insane. Their banter alone could carry a book, but then you throw in the danger, the tension, the heart-punch moments… I was all over the emotional map.

Highlights?
— The castle arc had me on edge the whole time
— The fire station scene lives in my head rent-free
— The pacing is perfection — zero filler, just addictive storytelling

This series blows me away with how each book feels completely different in tone and plot, yet still belongs in the same world. I couldn’t pick a favourite if I tried.

Dark, clever, tense, hilarious in places, and full of heart — I loved every second.

[Rae_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read from H.L. Day and I absolutely loved it! Her writing style really vibed with me, dark, witty, and full of banter. The story kept me on my toes from start to finish.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Red Rain has turned people into mindless savages, this book delivers a gritty, dystopian romance with a twist. August is a conman with too many names and even more secrets. Keaton is an ex-soldier, bitter and broken after being bitten. Their relationship starts with lies and manipulation, but somehow, it works. They’re terrible at communicating (understandably), but their chemistry is undeniable, and their HEA is hard-earned and well-deserved.

The plot is fast-paced and full of surprises, cult in a castle, psychopathic scientist with a god complex, and even pole dancing (yes, really). August’s grandma is iconic (she makes lube, enough said), and Oz the mad scientist is disturbingly hilarious.

It’s a slow burn, but when the spice hits, it’s worth the wait. If you love enemies-to-lovers, morally gray characters, and dystopian chaos with a side of snark, this one’s for you.

Vibes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Morally gray MC
- Power struggles
- Vengeance
- Ex-soldier x conman
- Dystopian setting
- Forced proximity
- Cult in a castle
- Psychopathic scientist
- Slow burn romance

Highly recommend for fans of gritty M/M romance with heart, humor, and a whole lot of trouble.

Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice: 2.5 🌶

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

King of Lies
1nf3ction
H.L. Day

August & Keaton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

Dystopian
Conartist
Vengeance
Forced proximity
Enemies to lovers
Slow burn

This has been a great series

Each book has been fantastic

Keaton and August's story starts with August snake oil charming his way into supplies and valuables

August claims he has a temporary reprieve to the rains. A way to not be turned.

Keaton needs just that to carry out his vengeance mission

These two are at odds for the first bit. August keeping up his many lies and Keaton being single minded on his mission, they can't seem to trust one another.

Over time and as their journey progresses their walls drop and they learn to trust one another eventually.

These two face alot of crazy things.
A crazed scientist, a cult in a castle, the rain

I think all their adventures Forced them to rely on one another and especially August dropping his guard and showing Keaton who he truly was.

This was wonderful

They were great together

“I love you,” I said. He tilted his head. “Sorry, I didn’t catch that. You’ll have to come closer and say it.” I shuffled the stool an inch closer. “I love you.”“Nope. Still didn’t hear it.” Another inch. “I love you.”

I flew through this in one sitting. The plot was great plus Keaton and August were wonderful

Can't wait for the next in the series

So thankful for this arc

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book from H.L Day! August and Keaton weren’t your classic enemies to lovers, how can they be when they’re being attacked by zombies and mad scientists? The mad scientist in question… worked well as a way for August and Keaton to put aside their differences and start working together. They went from tying each other up (in the not so fun way) to working together, to becoming each other’s everything. Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely some tension between them but it develops into a strong relationship. The banter is everything, sometimes I laughed because of their antics; I loved the firehouse scene (iykyk). I love August’s Grandma and the part she plays in the book; she is definitely a force to be reckoned with and passed on her stubbornness to August. When Keaton got caught up in his head towards the end, I did want to smack him around a little, just so he could get his head out of the clouds and communicate with August! He does eventually and they live happily ever after. The epilogue was realistic for this world which I appreciated, I do wonder how August keeps all his names straight though?
I received this book as an ARC and am happy to provide an honest review.

[The Naughty Booknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This is not your battle. It’s mine.”“It’s ours,” I countered. “I want that after, and I’m used to getting what I want.”

Give me a book with some top-notch banter between characters, and I'm a happy camper. August and Keaton's verbal sparring is pure entertainment. This book is a gripping read that pulls you in from the very beginning and refuses to let go. August is a con man with a gift for spinning tales, while Keaton is a brother fueled by vengeance - their meeting sets off a chain reaction that changes August's life. The story's got all the ingredients we've grown to love from this series, including a healthy dose of bitters, red rains, and one awesome grandma.

🔥🔥🔥
❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Aki | nose buried in books | ❤️ | · Rating 4 out of 5]

Post-apocalyptic world? Zombies? Even mm romance? What’s not to love? I’m a fan of zombies (movies, books, everything) and this was great! The rain element was really interesting, and I found the plot very engaging, I was hooked.
I might read the other books in the series too, I like that they’re written by different authors but share the same setting.

[Brooke Greathouse · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will say that these authors should have conversed on the timelines. I think the first book was in present day I can’t remember but I know that it said this virus started 76 years prior. I know for a fact the second book was set in present day because it had the actual dates in there and in that book it had stated the virus was 76 years before. The third book no dates assumed it was present day as well. The 4th book was set on like 2101 or something in the future. The 5th book was present day I believe. It never said and never said how long they have been like that. Now this book is present day and the virus is just starting?

What in the actual fuck was the first 22 pages?! Totally pointless! Just skip to page 23!

These characters annoyed the ever loving shit out of me! I can’t go on anymore! I have way better books on my tbr! DNF!

[Demian Grimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a beautiful surprise this book was!

I will admit that going into the book I wasn't sure what to expect, especially since it seemed like it would be darker than H.L. Day's other books I've read (primarily Paranormal Problems: Necromancers series). I am happy to report I was blown away with the story, the characters, the plot and...well, everything. 😁

This post-apocalyptic dystopian romance is great fun, as are, I believe, all the books in the INF3CTION series. We get equal parts action, snark, but also intimacy and trust, which is hard to find in such a world.

In this book we are thrown into a zombie-plagued England, which was a nice change of scenery after the Australian outback (you can probably guess which book in the series I read before this one 😉). We meet August, or at this moment Tobias, in the middle of a con. He's a conman with a rotating list of names (necessary in his line of work, I should imagine), absolutely zero qualms about lying, and a sharp sense of humour. Soon after, we meet Keaton, an ex-soldier driven by revenge and surprisingly trusting despite everything he's seen. Knowing all this, it will not surprise you that their story starts off with a literal knife to the throat and loads of chemistry...it really just sets the tone for the rest of the book.

What makes this book so fun is how well these two play off each other. It's fascinating that August begins as the kind of guy you'd never fully trust. He's slick, sarcastic, morally grey and always, always, working an angle. But at the same time he's also weirdly endearing(?) and, as the story progresses, shows some real depth when he starts to let his guard down. In contrast, Keaton is all courage and resolve and quiet loyalty. Even when August keeps getting caught in his lies, Keaton somehow continues giving him chances. It's baffling from my standpoint, but when you are living in a post-apocalyptic dystopian world with little left to lose, I guess you cling to any hope you come across.
Another thing I loved is their snarky banter with flirty tension that makes their every interaction genuinely entertaining. ❤️

The plot moves quickly, as we travel a lot with August and Keaton, hopping between cool locations amid all the dystopian chaos. And there's plenty of chaos to go around! We get to meet an unhinged scientist with a god complex, a creepy cult holed up in a castle, there's even pole dancing and a legendary grandma (IYKYK!😉). As you can tell, the pace is lively, but it doesn't sacrifice the emotional depth. The relationship between August and Keaton is a messy slow burn that starts with deception but grows into a rock-solid connection and trust with a well earned happily ever after.

As all books in the INF3CTION series, this is a standalone, so no worries there. It is also a thoroughly entertaining ride that is easy to devour in one sitting.

I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my unbiased review.

[Bookandmischief06 · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Of Lies by H.L. Day is the sixth book in the INFECTION series by Mayhem Manuscripts. This is a series of standalone books that are all part of an interconnected world. King Of Lies takes place 76 years after the infection caused by the Red Rain took hold, creating a sub-species of infected individuals. Some are no longer human while many live with the infection but haven’t yet turned. King Of Lies is a dark, dystopian MM romance with a morally gray MMC, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, a cult living in a castle and one psychopathic scientist.

August Stoll (a.k.a. Tobias Breeze) is a con man. A good one too. He can’t really be bothered with worrying about others at this point in his life. So when his latest con gets the attention of an ex-army soldier, he’s not too concerned until that very man winds up in his hotel room with malicious intentions. When it becomes clear this man isn’t going to be easy to get rid of, August decides the best course of action is to simply keep the con going until he can eventually get away.

Keaton Levine only knows military life, until he was suddenly kicked out due to his infection status. Since then, he’s been wandering around, killing the infected while trying to find a way to keep himself safe from the red rain long enough to find his sister. When he runs across Tobias Breeze, he thinks his luck has finally changed for the better. What Tobias has in his possession could easily offer Keaton a solution to his problem and give him a chance to find his sister without turning first. Tobias is a slippery guy though and Keaton is going to have to stick to him like a barnacle if he has any hopes of his plan working.

This book was amazingly fun. The banter between Keaton and August was top notch and August was a pro at keeping Keaton on his toes. King Of Lies is full of adventure with these two finding endless amounts of trouble along the way. The plot was constantly moving without a dull moment while both characters’ pasts slowly unraveled. I really enjoyed this book. While it was on the darker side, the author did a fantastic job of adding in some lighter/humorous parts between the characters which made the story feel a bit more well rounded overall. 4.5 stars.

[Amber Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️/5

When the world falls apart, survival means adapting in whatever way you can. August takes the less-than-honest route, using his charm to convince others that what he’s selling is the truth. Keaton, on the other hand, followed the military path until circumstances forced him to stop serving. When he crosses paths with August, he hopes the man’s story might help him find justice for those he’s lost.

What starts on shaky ground slowly becomes something deeper as both men begin to let each other in. August has a charm that’s impossible to ignore—even when you want to throttle him—and Keaton brings a quiet sincerity that reminds you there’s still goodness left in the world. Together, they challenge one another to be better and to hope for something more than just survival.

One of my favorite moments in the book is when Keaton says,

“This is why you con people and accept watches as payment… so you can bring them home for Caroline to fix. It makes her happy. Therefore, it makes you happy too.”

and later,

“It’s true though, isn’t it? I was trying to work out why someone would ever leave here when they’ve got everything they need. But they’ve only got everything they need because you go out in the world and bring it back.”

Those lines hit me hard—they pull at your heartstrings and show the side of August you don’t expect. You see the why behind his choices, and suddenly he becomes more human, more redeemable. It reminded me of how Nesta in ACOTAR slowly transforms into someone you can’t help but root for.

This story was a refreshing twist on a genre that’s often hit or miss for me. I loved how H.L. made it their own and gave such depth to characters who live in a world built on survival, yet still find a way to rediscover their humanity.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tobias, aka, August, is a conman, had been for a long time. He swindles whoever believes his tales and doesn't feel an ounce of guilt about feeding them lies and nonsense. When an ex military soldier sneaks into his room to confront him about his miracle cure, he has a choice to make; continue with the con and play the man? Or come clean and finally let someone in?

I won't spoil the mystery for you but let's just say their journey is NOT an easy one... It's full of battles, snarky and sharp dialogue with flirty undertones, and a human who's more of a monster than the zombies.

I liked both of the MC's in this story but Keaton has my heart. Even though he's seen the cruelty of the world first hand, he's still so hopeful in believing in something good. He doesn't view everyone's words as lies, he takes them at their word. Considering the world he lives in, that's quite a special attribute, so is being so kind and caring about someone who has been caught lying to you... Repeatedly.

I thought these guys are absolutely great together! I love the opposites attract component and all of their snarky and snappy dialogue was amusing to read through. I liked that they had to warm up to each other first, it made their relationship feel more believable. I enjoyed the scenery this story takes place in, this story doesn't just take place in one location but in multiple. And all those locations were described with great detail and was written quite well.

And I also must bring up Caroline, she's the standout character for sure! I love her! She was there when the world ended and still lives to tell the tale, among other things... She's sassy, smart as a whip, and loves mercilessly teasing August.

[Hailee Flaherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️.5/5

- MM
- Post-apocalyptic zombie-infected world
- Con-artist/ex-soldier
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Morally grey antihero
- Poll dancing in an abandoned fire station
- Vengeance against a religious cult

The letters at the beginning of the book really tugged at my heart strings and at the same time really invoked the sense of stress and dread that you get from reading or watching something about an apocalypse, it always feels like it could really happen so easily (and I don’t think I would survive lol). I loved how the letters came into play later on too.

August and Keaton started off on the worst possible foot, nothing says meet-cute like a blade to your throat.

I honestly didn’t see how the author was going to have Keaton find out the truth without wanting to just kill August or without them going their separate ways, but I loved the mad scientist twist.

The plot of this book was really good and I liked how August and Keaton really grew a lot as characters. However I know August was supposed to be morally grey but he was a pretty bad person and never really saw any consequences to his actions when he probably should have lol.

I liked this book but I feel like I didn’t feel like I cared or connected with the characters for some reason. I found myself just annoyed with Keaton at the end half of the book, when I really liked him in the first half.

[Jessie Coughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

King of Lies absolutely blew me away—what an intense, gripping, and wildly entertaining ride from start to finish! From the first chapter, I just knew this was going to be a 5-star read, and it delivered everything. The post-apocalyptic world is vivid and unsettling, filled with danger, chaos, and unexpected beauty, and the writing pulls you right into the heart of it all. August, the morally grey con man with a quick tongue and hidden depth, and Keaton, the ex-soldier burning for vengeance, have chemistry that sparks off every page. Their dynamic is chaotic, magnetic, and addictive—equal parts banter, tension, and raw emotion.

The pacing is flawless, with a plot that reads like a gritty TV series—packed with action, danger, and just enough dark humor to keep you laughing even as your heart races. I went through every emotion possible with this book: laughing, panicking, grinning, and tearing up. The castle arc had me so tense, and the fire station scene? Absolutely hilarious and unforgettable. This story had everything I love—complex characters, high stakes, incredible writing, and a romance that’s equal parts brutal and beautiful. King of Lies is dark, clever, and full of heart, and I loved every single second of it.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of a multi-author series (Mayhem Manuscripts Season One: 1nf3ction), but can be read as a standalone. Dystopian. Adversarial to lovers. Forced proximity. Slow burn. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.

August is a skilled con man, taking advantage of people desperate for saving from the red rains that can turn someone feral at any time. Former soldier Keaton needs August’s help, but once he finds that there is no relief from the toxic rain, maybe he can get August to help him on his mission of revenge anyway.

This is an engaging adventure story with a redemption arc, two men that can’t trust but need to rely on each other to survive, and a solid backstory for both men and their motivations. Both August and Keaton were relatable, and when the initial attraction moves from surviving to wanting to survive together it really hit those notes well, even though it was fairly quick in the timeline. The ever present danger and sorrow of the current state of the world is well written and I did root for these two to get their HEA in any way they could as long as they were together. 4.5 rounded up

[VicReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚏 𝙻𝚒𝚎𝚜
𝚋𝚢 @h.l.day101

🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆

4.5/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️

↓↓
This had me on the edge of my seat from the start with August conman ways to trying to see what would happen next with what was going on.

These two were like oil and water in the beginning. They went through so many things that would make anyone give up hope. The rain, the crazy unhinged scientist and his experiments, the castle but through it all they got closer. They went from hating each other, to taking turns tying one another up, to becoming friends to being everything to each other.

Their growth was phenomenal, both as individuals and together in their relationship. August really changed his ways, his lying stopped and he became a better person. Keaton was able to get his vengeance and move on from his past. They really worked hard and the amount of trust that was given to each other was incredible.

I couldn't get enough of August and Keaton. And Grandma Caroline, an absolute riot, I loved her so much.

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
☣️ Morally gray MC
☣️ Enemies to lovers
☣️ Forced Proximity
☣️ Slow Burn
☣️ Cult in a castle
☣️ Ex-Soldier x Conman
☣️ Vengeance

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

King of Lies - H.L Day
5/5✨🌟

* SPOILERS *

I have never read any books by this lovely author and oh man, I was hooked from the moment we get Caroline’s POV and then we get to see her later. All I’m going to say is she is definitely one of my favorite characters. She certainly is a hoot. She was one of my many reasons of laughing throughout this book.

Each book seems to draw you in as you get further and further into this series. I will say that Keaton and August are probably one of my favorites out of this whole series and that says a lot. I was sitting on the edge of my seat the whole book because it had me captivated to what was going to happen.

There was so many things had me laughing; especially when August explained the whole fire station scene. I was giggling like a school girl because poor guy was so confused.

I loved how they got to know each other and how they depended on one another in such a beautiful way that I just didn’t think was possible. The whole captive/captor pairing was so good but it got really interesting down the line. I wanted more of this story but it certainly ended so perfectly.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Sasha [latenightswithabook] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t believe this is the sixth book in this series, it’s absolutely flown by. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again - I’m so impressed by how different and consistently good these books are. I had suuuch a good time with this one.

This book follows Keaton and August on a series of adventures as they navigate a zombie-infested England on the back of August’s motorbike. I love both of these characters, but I particularly liked August and really enjoyed his character growth. He honestly kind of comes off as a huge a-hole when we first meet him and I felt like he really grew as a person over the course of the novel.

One thing that doesn’t change though is his sense of humour and he’s consistently hilarious, I really loved the banter between him and Keaton (actually this book is pretty hilarious in general). Their relationship definitely got off to a rocky start but they’re really amazing together. The cult from ‘Call to the Devil’ makes an appearance in this book and it was still the absolute worst but made for a very entertaining plot point. The ending was so sweet.

Another fantastic entry to this series, I can’t wait for the next one.

⭐ 4/5
🌶️ 2.5/5

[Ellrae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selling fake suppressants is max evil. The guilt isn't heavy enough to make the redemption hit hard.

It could have been a tight circle for him to use that same con to get into the castle, doing his show, graciously sharing his secret with a intellectual equala, a potential partner (the cult leader) and then luring him into the final confrontation by promising to show where he got them (so the plot between the MC's) Cult leader would have ate up the chance to show his followers that same act to claim divine protection. Much plotting and subterfuge in the back and forth power struggle of who will keep the castle as cult leader would likely assume he's here to oust him.

If you also changed the love interest to the guy who knew about his scam, two evil characters doing what they had to to survive, on equal footing with each other while also potentially mirroring the conflict with the cult leader. Instead we got a doomed ex soldier naive and desperate enough to believe in the impossible. Which was fine and I like this author sometimes I just wish for more. I'd be a _terrible_ arc reader

[Shannon Winning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 7 of the Inf3ction Series, and I truly love how this series has so much in common but every book is so different!

The prologue in this really broke my heart, just felt so personal while I was reading it. I truly felt connected to the character while reading it. And LOVED how it connected in the rest of the book!

August is a major con man and while doing a con he is confronted and bribed into helping Keaton. Keaton needs what August is selling in order to seek revenge for his sister. Along the way Keaton see behind the con man to the actual person August is deep down, and August starts to realize there is more to life then thinking of the next con.

Of course it wouldn’t be part of this series without all the suspense along the way. I loved the banter between these !! I was laughing throughout and I loved seeing how they started to relay on each other. They had each other’s back even when they didn’t get along.

I love when the MCs only open up to each other only see each other. Such a good read.

[Didi DarkBee · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5


King of Lies pulled me in from the very first page. Set in a world drowned by the haunting “red rain,” where survival feels like a distant dream, this story blends apocalyptic chaos with raw, breathtaking emotion.

Keaton and August couldn’t be more different — one scarred by loss and betrayal, the other surviving through deceit and charm — yet somehow, in the middle of fear, danger, and hopelessness, they find something deeply human: trust, redemption, and love.

What I loved most is how their connection grows through every dark twist. It’s not just a romance; it’s a story about resilience, forgiveness, and finding warmth when the world has gone cold.

The enemies-to-lovers tension, the world-building, and the emotional vulnerability of both characters made this book impossible to put down. H.L. Day once again proves she can create a universe that feels both terrifying and tender — a balance few can achieve.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A perfect mix of danger, passion, and hope at the end of the world.

[xmanicpixiebookgirlx · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. From page one I was a goner. The diary entries was such an intriguing way to start the book. It truly pulls you into the story head first and gives you a taste of what’s to come. With the prologue being from the perspective of a child and from the point of before the apocalypse, you really get to see the transition which isn’t anything the other books talk about.

August, The King of Lies, impeccably written and with a backstory that truly defies this broken world. His character development was incredible to read. I loved that even with his revelations throughout the story, he still manages to stay true to himself. His personality doesn’t change the way other character growth plots do. I think that’s why I enjoyed him so much

Keaton on the other hand has a great redemption arc. The tortured hero, set on revenge. The way August and Keaton just work was perfection. I absolutely loved this book and the plot that ties into the previous book was flawless.

[Sharon Elias · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review.


I love some good banter.. These men delivererd! 😜

August & Keaton

Two men who each have their own reasons for doing what they do.

August, the smooth talking conman who makes his living by scamming others.
Keaton, a former soldier, driven by vengeance.
A single encounter forces them to work together.

Different motives brought these men together, but now they'll have to rely on each other to reach their goals.
Can they set their differences aside?

In a world where people are infected by the Red Rain turning into biters, humanity clings to the last threads of hope and the search for a cure.

This story pulls you in from the very first page! 🩷
August's quick wit (I laughed so much!)
the constant banter between these two, the tension, a lot of rope and a lot of being tied up, a motorbike, a mysterious cult...
Oh and blackberries.🤭

A great 6th book in the Infected series. A multi aitjor collab. Set in the same dystopian world. All books are standalones

[April Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:

King of Lies is book 6 of the Mayhem Manuscripts Season One: 1nf3ction Series. They are complete standalones and can be read in any order. This one follows August and Keaton.

August a con artist, a liar with a pretty face that he takes advantage of to manipulate people. Keaton an infected risking his life for revenge and falls for August’s lies. They both travel together trying to survive zombies and the red rain. They help each other throughout their journey even when Keaton realizes that August is a con and a liar. When they both air everything out August agrees to help Keaton get revenge on behalf of his sister. Through everything they both fall for each other. And trying to have a future after Keaton’s revenge is something that they both need to work on.

At first August carelessness about others lives kinda pissed me off. But he totally redeemed himself.

Enjoying this whole series so far!