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The Whispers of a Lie - The First Lie: Ashes of Innocence
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Beneath the glass towers of New York, a woman learns that innocence is not lost in a single moment. It fades quietly, choice by choice, until the mirror no longer tells the truth.
Catherine Sinclair has always followed the rules. She was raised to please, to obey, to hide the pieces of herself that didn’t fit the life she was promised. But one stolen glance changes everything. What begins as curiosity becomes temptation, and what feels like love begins to taste like ruin.
Fabian Laurent is the man she should never want. Brilliant, untouchable, already taken. Yet he sees through her composure, and in that gaze she finds the part of herself she thought she had buried. Together, they ignite something neither can control.
As secrets spread through the upper tiers of power and privilege, Catherine’s perfect world begins to crumble. Every truth uncovered demands another lie, and soon she must decide whether she is willing to destroy her old life to live the one she truly wants.
Set against the glitter and corruption of Manhattan’s elite, The First Ashes of Innocence is a darkly seductive story about forbidden desire, the decay of morality, and the moment love becomes indistinguishable from sin.
Catherine Sinclair has always followed the rules. She was raised to please, to obey, to hide the pieces of herself that didn’t fit the life she was promised. But one stolen glance changes everything. What begins as curiosity becomes temptation, and what feels like love begins to taste like ruin.
Fabian Laurent is the man she should never want. Brilliant, untouchable, already taken. Yet he sees through her composure, and in that gaze she finds the part of herself she thought she had buried. Together, they ignite something neither can control.
As secrets spread through the upper tiers of power and privilege, Catherine’s perfect world begins to crumble. Every truth uncovered demands another lie, and soon she must decide whether she is willing to destroy her old life to live the one she truly wants.
Set against the glitter and corruption of Manhattan’s elite, The First Ashes of Innocence is a darkly seductive story about forbidden desire, the decay of morality, and the moment love becomes indistinguishable from sin.
- GenresRomance
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 1, 2026
1718 people want to read
About the author
Dorian De LaRue
11 books85 followersDorian De LaRue is a storyteller who writes to make your mind work, to make you question what you read, and to look not only at what stands in front of you but at what hides behind each word. The weight they carry, the meaning they hold.
Dorian writes from a place where memory and imagination intertwine, where stories are less invention and more reflection. There is no clear line between truth and fiction in their work, and perhaps that is the point. Some stories are not meant to be neatly understood. They are meant to be felt.
The emotions that run through their novels, the betrayals, the obsessions, the wounds left quietly unspoken, come from somewhere real, even if the details are dressed in shadow.
Some believe Dorian writes to outrun the past. Others believe they write to finally understand it.
Whichever it is, the truth remains simple. Every word is an offering. A bridge between what was lost, what was endured, and what still refuses to be forgotten.
“We are all haunted by something. Writing is simply how I choose to stay still long enough to face it.”
— Dorian De LaRue
Perhaps Dorian De LaRue is just a storyteller chasing answers like the rest of us, weaving hope, heartbreak, and truth into every page, and trusting that somewhere, somehow, the right reader will understand.
E: whispersofalie@gmail.com
IG: thewhispersofalie
Dorian writes from a place where memory and imagination intertwine, where stories are less invention and more reflection. There is no clear line between truth and fiction in their work, and perhaps that is the point. Some stories are not meant to be neatly understood. They are meant to be felt.
The emotions that run through their novels, the betrayals, the obsessions, the wounds left quietly unspoken, come from somewhere real, even if the details are dressed in shadow.
Some believe Dorian writes to outrun the past. Others believe they write to finally understand it.
Whichever it is, the truth remains simple. Every word is an offering. A bridge between what was lost, what was endured, and what still refuses to be forgotten.
“We are all haunted by something. Writing is simply how I choose to stay still long enough to face it.”
— Dorian De LaRue
Perhaps Dorian De LaRue is just a storyteller chasing answers like the rest of us, weaving hope, heartbreak, and truth into every page, and trusting that somewhere, somehow, the right reader will understand.
E: whispersofalie@gmail.com
IG: thewhispersofalie
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 8, 2025
Catherine, una joven con toda la vida por delante, intentando escapar de una relación que la subió a un nivel mas alto que antes, pero que ahora la atrapa y no la deja vivir. Fabian, un hombre joven, en la cúspide de su poder, pero con grandes arrepentimientos que lo han llevado a no querer su propia vida. Dos vidas diferentes, unidas por un momento de pasión. Que será de sus vidas ahora? Seguirán mintiendo o enfrentaran su realidad?
Este es uno de esos libros que hay que sabes desde el comienzo que lo que estas leyendo no es la realidad, y sin embargo, no hay forma de que entiendas que es lo que sientes que no es real. La trama esta llena de drama, grandes descripciones de como se sientes los personajes. Momentos en lo que ellos mismos no entienden lo que están viviendo o si lo están viviendo en absoluto.
Ahora la historia comienza en el medio, no sabes el origen de los personajes, no conoces el porque de sus relaciones, ni siquiera si lo que está pasando es real o no, y sin embargo, te captura la forma en que el autor logra describir todo, no logras despegarte del libro intentando entender que pasa y al final, crees saber que fue lo que paso, pero todo sigue confuso.
En fin, es una excelente lectura, si te gusta este tipo de drama, muy bien escrita y llena de angustia. Es seguro que leeré la continuación mas adelante.
Este es uno de esos libros que hay que sabes desde el comienzo que lo que estas leyendo no es la realidad, y sin embargo, no hay forma de que entiendas que es lo que sientes que no es real. La trama esta llena de drama, grandes descripciones de como se sientes los personajes. Momentos en lo que ellos mismos no entienden lo que están viviendo o si lo están viviendo en absoluto.
Ahora la historia comienza en el medio, no sabes el origen de los personajes, no conoces el porque de sus relaciones, ni siquiera si lo que está pasando es real o no, y sin embargo, te captura la forma en que el autor logra describir todo, no logras despegarte del libro intentando entender que pasa y al final, crees saber que fue lo que paso, pero todo sigue confuso.
En fin, es una excelente lectura, si te gusta este tipo de drama, muy bien escrita y llena de angustia. Es seguro que leeré la continuación mas adelante.
November 4, 2025
Having already read and reviewed the beta edition of this book, I was desperate to see what tweaks Dorian had made to the storyline.
This new edition was even better.
Sticking with the original storylines, we are given more information on the characters' history, giving a better understanding of what's shaped the people they currently are. The twists hit just as hard the second time around and still had me second-guessing as I waited to see what alterations had been made. Despite having read The Audible series, I still found myself searching for the truth among the unreliability of the characters. Every scene, seeing my loyalty, flick between what my morals believed to be right and what was currently playing out on the pages.
I look forward to seeing the changes in part 2, and I know it will have me craving a full re-read of the whole Whispers series.
This new edition was even better.
Sticking with the original storylines, we are given more information on the characters' history, giving a better understanding of what's shaped the people they currently are. The twists hit just as hard the second time around and still had me second-guessing as I waited to see what alterations had been made. Despite having read The Audible series, I still found myself searching for the truth among the unreliability of the characters. Every scene, seeing my loyalty, flick between what my morals believed to be right and what was currently playing out on the pages.
I look forward to seeing the changes in part 2, and I know it will have me craving a full re-read of the whole Whispers series.
November 4, 2025
Dorian De LaRue has listened to all the feedback, and added in those missing bits you wanted to know in the first book, THE WHISPERS OF A LIE: PART 1. This was different from the first in that you got more backstory on the characters, their motives, what really drives them to make the decisions they do.
Catherine wants Fabian, will do anything to make him hers. Fabian is married to Sienna, who’s gone six months at a time in a seemingly loveless marriage. Oh, the other problem? Catherine is currently engaged to Damien Mercer, who confuses love with ownership.
There are quite a few love triangles to unfold in this intriguing rewrite of Dorian’s first novel.
What is loyalty? What is love? What would you do to make sure you didn’t lose the love of your life?
Happy Reading,
Crystal E.
@booked_in_mississippi
Catherine wants Fabian, will do anything to make him hers. Fabian is married to Sienna, who’s gone six months at a time in a seemingly loveless marriage. Oh, the other problem? Catherine is currently engaged to Damien Mercer, who confuses love with ownership.
There are quite a few love triangles to unfold in this intriguing rewrite of Dorian’s first novel.
What is loyalty? What is love? What would you do to make sure you didn’t lose the love of your life?
Happy Reading,
Crystal E.
@booked_in_mississippi
November 10, 2025
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Wow. That was some serious psychological thriller level writing. While I had a little trouble following the characters at the beginning, I found that within a few chapters I was sucked in and happily riding the merry-go-round of not fully knowing what was happening and being totally okay with it. 😂 I was very intrigued by the direction of the plot, and there were a few lines that really stuck with me as I was reading. This story is dark, a little twisted, and full of little twists and turns that keep you guessing. I really look forward to reading the next book…. I need to know what happens next.
Wow. That was some serious psychological thriller level writing. While I had a little trouble following the characters at the beginning, I found that within a few chapters I was sucked in and happily riding the merry-go-round of not fully knowing what was happening and being totally okay with it. 😂 I was very intrigued by the direction of the plot, and there were a few lines that really stuck with me as I was reading. This story is dark, a little twisted, and full of little twists and turns that keep you guessing. I really look forward to reading the next book…. I need to know what happens next.
November 5, 2025
The first lie: Ashes of Innocence is the brand new revamp of the Whispers of a Lie: Beneath the Ashes Part 1, is a darkly seductive story about forbidden desire, the decay of morality and the moment love becomes indistinguishable from sin.
It’s just as good as the original, if not even better!!! Tho the storyline is the same, there are some altercations and we get to see more into the characters background and how it’s made them into who they are now.
It’s just as good as the original, if not even better!!! Tho the storyline is the same, there are some altercations and we get to see more into the characters background and how it’s made them into who they are now.
November 7, 2025
Having had the opportunity to read and review this as a beta reader before, I was very intrigued to get into this again with the tweaks made to the ARC edition.
This still carries the original storyline, but Dorain has elevated the story, giving you a deeper understanding of the characters and some insight into their backgrounds.
Love, lies, seduction, deception, and secrets. A whirlwind of emotion, a web of chaos that keeps growing and the spiralling has already begun.
This psychological thriller drama follows multiple characters and how their lives intertwine, but not by chance. Not by fate.... and that's the scariest part of it all..
Thank you Dorian De Larue.
5⭐️ read all round
This still carries the original storyline, but Dorain has elevated the story, giving you a deeper understanding of the characters and some insight into their backgrounds.
Love, lies, seduction, deception, and secrets. A whirlwind of emotion, a web of chaos that keeps growing and the spiralling has already begun.
This psychological thriller drama follows multiple characters and how their lives intertwine, but not by chance. Not by fate.... and that's the scariest part of it all..
Thank you Dorian De Larue.
5⭐️ read all round
November 30, 2025
Well this was different! This is written well but just different way that i’m use to.
First I was a bit confused but then I was so invested to know what is gonna happen next!
Many characters, I didn’t have a favorite but I did have few that I absolutely hated! Oh so annoying people! let me tell you, I actually screamed and I was ready to go in my kindle and smack some sence on them. Points on that, I did have feelings!
Now I need to know what happens in next book
December 10, 2025
The Whispers of a Lie is an atmospheric and psychologically gripping dark romance that thrives on tension, obsession, and emotional complexity. Dorian De LaRue masterfully blends thriller elements with a twisting, morally grey romance that keeps the reader questioning everything.
The suspense is tight and relentless—the kind that makes you second-guess every character and every reveal. Themes of control, trauma, secrecy, and emotional manipulation run deep, creating a dark and immersive reading experience.
The dynamic between the characters is intense, charged, and unsettling in all the best ways for fans of psychological dark romance. The writing is moody, vivid, and deliberate, guiding you deeper into a web of lies where love and danger can’t be separated.
Recommended for readers who enjoy:
• Psychological thrillers
• Dark romance with a heavy emotional pull
• Obsession and control themes
• Intricate mysteries
• Characters with layered, hidden agendas
A haunting, addictive start to a series that promises even more darkness ahead.
The suspense is tight and relentless—the kind that makes you second-guess every character and every reveal. Themes of control, trauma, secrecy, and emotional manipulation run deep, creating a dark and immersive reading experience.
The dynamic between the characters is intense, charged, and unsettling in all the best ways for fans of psychological dark romance. The writing is moody, vivid, and deliberate, guiding you deeper into a web of lies where love and danger can’t be separated.
Recommended for readers who enjoy:
• Psychological thrillers
• Dark romance with a heavy emotional pull
• Obsession and control themes
• Intricate mysteries
• Characters with layered, hidden agendas
A haunting, addictive start to a series that promises even more darkness ahead.
November 20, 2025
Having already read and reviewed the beta edition of this book, I was very curious to see how this compared to the original storyline. This new edition is definitely a nice improvement.
The pacing is a lot better and the chapters are shorter which makes you want to keep reading. Regarding the plot I love that we are given more backstory of the main characters, giving a better understanding of their motivations and behaviors. I don't know if it's because I've already read and loved The Audible series but I had so much fun reading some mentions to that story and the characters in it. The way the two series are linked in this book, is really well done and makes for a more immersive experience. It also makes you curious about The Audible, which is just perfect.
I love how Dorian wrote this, in a way that even having read the original material the twists hit just as hard the second time around, trying to see all those little tweaks and new twist coming.
This is still a fantastic past-paced dark phycological thriller, that will left the readers breathless and wanting for more. I can't wait to see the changes in part 2.
The pacing is a lot better and the chapters are shorter which makes you want to keep reading. Regarding the plot I love that we are given more backstory of the main characters, giving a better understanding of their motivations and behaviors. I don't know if it's because I've already read and loved The Audible series but I had so much fun reading some mentions to that story and the characters in it. The way the two series are linked in this book, is really well done and makes for a more immersive experience. It also makes you curious about The Audible, which is just perfect.
I love how Dorian wrote this, in a way that even having read the original material the twists hit just as hard the second time around, trying to see all those little tweaks and new twist coming.
This is still a fantastic past-paced dark phycological thriller, that will left the readers breathless and wanting for more. I can't wait to see the changes in part 2.
November 9, 2025
I had the amazing chance to read the beta version of this story, previously known as The Whispers of a Lie-Part 1: Beneath the Ashes. I already loved the first book, but this new one blew me away.
Dorian De LaRue has taken a dark romance psychological thriller that was already good and made it even better. The extra backstories make the characters much more interesting and emotionally complex. Their reasons for doing things feel real, raw, and heartbreakingly human. The darker, obsessive, and controlling parts are perfectly balanced with times of vulnerability and tension that keep you interested from the beginning to the end.
I knew some of the big twists from the first version, but they still hit just as hard here. The pacing, mood, and emotional stakes have been perfectly sharpened. I can’t wait to see what Dorian does with the next book.
Dorian De LaRue has taken a dark romance psychological thriller that was already good and made it even better. The extra backstories make the characters much more interesting and emotionally complex. Their reasons for doing things feel real, raw, and heartbreakingly human. The darker, obsessive, and controlling parts are perfectly balanced with times of vulnerability and tension that keep you interested from the beginning to the end.
I knew some of the big twists from the first version, but they still hit just as hard here. The pacing, mood, and emotional stakes have been perfectly sharpened. I can’t wait to see what Dorian does with the next book.
November 26, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The characters drove this story, with everyone intricately woven into each other’s lives. Their connections are revealed slowly, uncovering whispers of the plot through beautifully written prose.
Halfway through this book, I was hooked. My mind didn’t wonder to hypothesising and guessing, it stayed with these characters. I was fascinated by their choices and how easily the lines blurred.
The scheming and plotting to bring this group together by more than mere coincidence is addictive. The lies that are spun under the guise of love, obsession, devotion and desire do not disappoint. You don’t know who to trust and it’s a thin line between sympathy and accusation.
Themes:
- Belonging
- Human desire
- Possession
- Power
- Forbidden love
- Betrayal
The characters drove this story, with everyone intricately woven into each other’s lives. Their connections are revealed slowly, uncovering whispers of the plot through beautifully written prose.
Halfway through this book, I was hooked. My mind didn’t wonder to hypothesising and guessing, it stayed with these characters. I was fascinated by their choices and how easily the lines blurred.
The scheming and plotting to bring this group together by more than mere coincidence is addictive. The lies that are spun under the guise of love, obsession, devotion and desire do not disappoint. You don’t know who to trust and it’s a thin line between sympathy and accusation.
Themes:
- Belonging
- Human desire
- Possession
- Power
- Forbidden love
- Betrayal
November 4, 2025
Dorian did such a good job with this psychological thriller book!
The explanation of each character was absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed Catherine’s story, and the unraveling of truth and lies.
Catherine grows as a character throughout the book but in becoming of herself she also unravels and learns what it is to have power, but with power comes lies, deceit, truth, confusion.
Our other characters Damian, Lucian, Fabian, Veronica, and Madeleine, all have a very crucial role into this story and the world building.
Each chapter has me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next thing to happen.
If you’re looking for your next thriller this is ! You want to be on the edge of your seat for a whole book ?! This is it.
The explanation of each character was absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed Catherine’s story, and the unraveling of truth and lies.
Catherine grows as a character throughout the book but in becoming of herself she also unravels and learns what it is to have power, but with power comes lies, deceit, truth, confusion.
Our other characters Damian, Lucian, Fabian, Veronica, and Madeleine, all have a very crucial role into this story and the world building.
Each chapter has me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next thing to happen.
If you’re looking for your next thriller this is ! You want to be on the edge of your seat for a whole book ?! This is it.
November 1, 2025
**Added Extras to a Fantastic Thriller**
**The Whispers of a Lie - The First Lie: Ashes of Innocence**
Dorian has truly accomplished the impossible with this book, enhancing the already masterfully written "The Whispers of a Lie Part 1: Beneath the Ashes." This psychological suspense thriller kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page to the last. Now, Dorian has updated and improved the complex characters by providing additional backstories for some of our favorites. This added depth clarifies the dynamics between the main characters and sheds light on their true intentions, revealing how far they will go in their manipulation and deception.
The new elements Dorian introduces amplify the twists and challenges, prompting you to question your beliefs. This is a must-read for fans of dark romance, suspense, thrillers, and psychological suspense.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
**The Whispers of a Lie - The First Lie: Ashes of Innocence**
Dorian has truly accomplished the impossible with this book, enhancing the already masterfully written "The Whispers of a Lie Part 1: Beneath the Ashes." This psychological suspense thriller kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page to the last. Now, Dorian has updated and improved the complex characters by providing additional backstories for some of our favorites. This added depth clarifies the dynamics between the main characters and sheds light on their true intentions, revealing how far they will go in their manipulation and deception.
The new elements Dorian introduces amplify the twists and challenges, prompting you to question your beliefs. This is a must-read for fans of dark romance, suspense, thrillers, and psychological suspense.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review!
I am blown away by this book. The author knows how to pull you into the story and then leave you breathless. I loved and hated so many characters in this story. Without any spoilers, I can say that this book will leave you begging to read the next! It is a perfect thriller, an amazing story filled with twists to keep you guessing. Read this! You won't regret it.
I am blown away by this book. The author knows how to pull you into the story and then leave you breathless. I loved and hated so many characters in this story. Without any spoilers, I can say that this book will leave you begging to read the next! It is a perfect thriller, an amazing story filled with twists to keep you guessing. Read this! You won't regret it.
November 28, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Without spoiling anything for anyone, I personally liked and disliked some characters but I definitely loved Catherine’s character a lot in the story, especially seeing her grow a lot as a person with all the drama and lies in between.. It has multiple point of views, tension, psychological suspense, dark romance and lots of drama the perfect thriller with twists that it keeps you guessing and wanting to know more. I definitely couldn’t put my kindle down aha.
The ending. The ending will leave you speechless 😶
Without spoiling anything for anyone, I personally liked and disliked some characters but I definitely loved Catherine’s character a lot in the story, especially seeing her grow a lot as a person with all the drama and lies in between.. It has multiple point of views, tension, psychological suspense, dark romance and lots of drama the perfect thriller with twists that it keeps you guessing and wanting to know more. I definitely couldn’t put my kindle down aha.
The ending. The ending will leave you speechless 😶
November 17, 2025
I want to say thank you to the author from the bottom of my heart for originally putting their blind faith in me, when they asked if I wouldn't mind reading their original Whispers of a Lie series. I want to say thank you to the author again though for allowing me to the absolute privilege of being able to arc read the revamped and new editions of these books. I truly appreciate it!
Like I said the first time, Both now Called 'The First Lie: Ashes of Innocence and Forevers Prison', I still can't review these books individually. Unlike the rest of the books Dorian has written you really still can't review one of these books by themselves. Also like I originally said, just like the two sides of the same coin, parts 1 and 2 of 'The First Lie' are seperate sides but a part of a whole. You can't and won't want to have one without the other. This review will be the same from me again on both books.
Now that sounds deeply mysterious or ominous, but honestly it is. 'The First Lie' (previously titled 'The Whispers of a Lie: Parts 1 and 2' is as I originally told the author, an enigma wrapped in the lies of others. It was and still is despite me arc reading their other books, the best book/ books and series' period that I've ever read, and it's so much more than the best psychological dark thriller I know I will also ever read in my lifetime. Which they still hold the title of.
This will scar you, this will rewrite fact and fantasy, and blur the two before your very eyes. This will make you second guess, everything you know, and everything you think you know. This will change your life, and you will never be able to remove it from the very darkest hidden corners of your mind. It will impact your thoughts about everyone you might meet, and everyone you know and love. It will break you until you're very much, splintered and fractured inside, all well still remaining unbelievably whole.
These versions though have been completely revamped. The story has been tightened up, the characters and mystery have been refined, and the addition of the more fleshed out characters coupled with more of the characters from 'The Audible' were extremely well done. I will say this, this series should still most definitely be read starting with these two books, followed by 'The Audible' series, and then 'Ghosts of The Undead' for the biggest impact of all.
Thank you so much again from the bottom of heart to this incredible author for allowing me the absolute privilege of being able to arc read the revamped editions of this series. I absolutely loved them and I truly appreciate the opportunity. You have no idea how much this has all meant to me, and I am forever grateful!
Like I said the first time, Both now Called 'The First Lie: Ashes of Innocence and Forevers Prison', I still can't review these books individually. Unlike the rest of the books Dorian has written you really still can't review one of these books by themselves. Also like I originally said, just like the two sides of the same coin, parts 1 and 2 of 'The First Lie' are seperate sides but a part of a whole. You can't and won't want to have one without the other. This review will be the same from me again on both books.
Now that sounds deeply mysterious or ominous, but honestly it is. 'The First Lie' (previously titled 'The Whispers of a Lie: Parts 1 and 2' is as I originally told the author, an enigma wrapped in the lies of others. It was and still is despite me arc reading their other books, the best book/ books and series' period that I've ever read, and it's so much more than the best psychological dark thriller I know I will also ever read in my lifetime. Which they still hold the title of.
This will scar you, this will rewrite fact and fantasy, and blur the two before your very eyes. This will make you second guess, everything you know, and everything you think you know. This will change your life, and you will never be able to remove it from the very darkest hidden corners of your mind. It will impact your thoughts about everyone you might meet, and everyone you know and love. It will break you until you're very much, splintered and fractured inside, all well still remaining unbelievably whole.
These versions though have been completely revamped. The story has been tightened up, the characters and mystery have been refined, and the addition of the more fleshed out characters coupled with more of the characters from 'The Audible' were extremely well done. I will say this, this series should still most definitely be read starting with these two books, followed by 'The Audible' series, and then 'Ghosts of The Undead' for the biggest impact of all.
Thank you so much again from the bottom of heart to this incredible author for allowing me the absolute privilege of being able to arc read the revamped editions of this series. I absolutely loved them and I truly appreciate the opportunity. You have no idea how much this has all meant to me, and I am forever grateful!
November 18, 2025
5⭐️
3🌶️
This is the first book in The Whispers of a Lie series and I’m hooked. We’ve got a third-person, dark sports romance psychological thriller on our hands and I am here for it! I went in blind and wow… I’m glad I did.
Dorian has a beautiful way with words, the story flows effortlessly across the pages! You think you know a character, but it turns out… you don’t. Secrets, manipulation, obsession and emotional rollercoasters, all in one book! I’m still shocked by all the twists and turns this story delivers and I can’t wait to continue my journey.
I love how we get to know these characters piece by piece and I can’t wait to learn more in the next book. What’s especially fascinating is that one moment you’re loving, pitying or hating a character and the next, you’re not even sure what you feel anymore. Dorian’s writing does that, it pulls you in and makes you feel every twist.
The deeper you go, the more your mind gets twisted into believing one thing only to be shocked into something else entirely. It’s dark, it’s emotional, it messes with your head… and it’s just delicious.
I can’t say much about the plot because this is one you want to experience blind and since it’s only book one, there’s so much more to uncover.
Tropes you’ll find in the book:
- Morally grey FMC/MMC
- Betrayal
- Forbidden love
- Obsessive fixation
- Hidden past
- Controlling and toxic romance
ꜱᴏ, ꜱʜᴇ ꜱᴍɪʟᴇᴅ. ᴘʀᴇᴛᴇɴᴅᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴀɢᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ꜱᴀꜰᴇᴛʏ.
ʜᴇ ᴛᴏʟᴅ ʜɪᴍꜱᴇʟꜰ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱ ʟᴏᴠᴇ. ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱ ɴᴏᴛ. ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ ᴅʀᴇꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴀꜱ ᴅᴇᴠᴏᴛɪᴏɴ.
ʜᴇ ᴍɪꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀɴ ʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ.
“ʜᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜱᴇᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏ ɪ ᴅᴏ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴀᴅᴍɪʀᴇᴅ. ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴡᴏʀꜱʜɪᴘᴘᴇᴅ ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰᴏʀɢᴇᴛ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ʀᴇᴀꜱᴏɴ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴛᴏʟᴅ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴜɴᴛᴏᴜᴄʜᴇᴅ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴍᴇᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ʀᴜɪɴᴇᴅ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪꜰᴜʟʟʏ.”
3🌶️
This is the first book in The Whispers of a Lie series and I’m hooked. We’ve got a third-person, dark sports romance psychological thriller on our hands and I am here for it! I went in blind and wow… I’m glad I did.
Dorian has a beautiful way with words, the story flows effortlessly across the pages! You think you know a character, but it turns out… you don’t. Secrets, manipulation, obsession and emotional rollercoasters, all in one book! I’m still shocked by all the twists and turns this story delivers and I can’t wait to continue my journey.
I love how we get to know these characters piece by piece and I can’t wait to learn more in the next book. What’s especially fascinating is that one moment you’re loving, pitying or hating a character and the next, you’re not even sure what you feel anymore. Dorian’s writing does that, it pulls you in and makes you feel every twist.
The deeper you go, the more your mind gets twisted into believing one thing only to be shocked into something else entirely. It’s dark, it’s emotional, it messes with your head… and it’s just delicious.
I can’t say much about the plot because this is one you want to experience blind and since it’s only book one, there’s so much more to uncover.
Tropes you’ll find in the book:
- Morally grey FMC/MMC
- Betrayal
- Forbidden love
- Obsessive fixation
- Hidden past
- Controlling and toxic romance
ꜱᴏ, ꜱʜᴇ ꜱᴍɪʟᴇᴅ. ᴘʀᴇᴛᴇɴᴅᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴀɢᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ꜱᴀꜰᴇᴛʏ.
ʜᴇ ᴛᴏʟᴅ ʜɪᴍꜱᴇʟꜰ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱ ʟᴏᴠᴇ. ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱ ɴᴏᴛ. ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ ᴅʀᴇꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴀꜱ ᴅᴇᴠᴏᴛɪᴏɴ.
ʜᴇ ᴍɪꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀɴ ʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ.
“ʜᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜱᴇᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʏ ɪ ᴅᴏ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴀᴅᴍɪʀᴇᴅ. ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴡᴏʀꜱʜɪᴘᴘᴇᴅ ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰᴏʀɢᴇᴛ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ʀᴇᴀꜱᴏɴ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴛᴏʟᴅ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴜɴᴛᴏᴜᴄʜᴇᴅ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴍᴇᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ʀᴜɪɴᴇᴅ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪꜰᴜʟʟʏ.”
November 13, 2025
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 5✨
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - Jan 1, 2026
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• forbidden love
• morally grey heroine
• slow-burn obsession
• toxic romance
• psychological tension
• secrets & betrayal
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
I honestly wasn’t ready for how powerful this book would be. The Whispers of a Lie – The First Lie (Ashes of Innocence) completely owned my attention from the first page. The writing is haunting yet beautiful, the kind that hurts softly and still keeps me turning pages.
I loved watching Catherine’s journey — the quiet fear, the desperate choices, and that raw transformation into someone stronger, sharper and painfully human. Every emotion felt real; the author made sure I lived every lie, every moment of guilt and desire right alongside her. Fabian’s charm and Damien’s calm both scared and fascinated me, and that contrast kept me hooked.
The story isn’t just romance; it’s power, control and heartbreak stitched together with poetic writing. I felt angry, sad and completely addicted all at once. The atmosphere is dark but elegant, the pace slow but hypnotic, and the emotional weight stays long after the last page.
It’s one of those books that break something inside yet leave it shining. Absolutely loved the depth, the tension and how every character walked the thin line between love and destruction.
Thank you so much author for the free ARC! ♡
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - Jan 1, 2026
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• forbidden love
• morally grey heroine
• slow-burn obsession
• toxic romance
• psychological tension
• secrets & betrayal
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
I honestly wasn’t ready for how powerful this book would be. The Whispers of a Lie – The First Lie (Ashes of Innocence) completely owned my attention from the first page. The writing is haunting yet beautiful, the kind that hurts softly and still keeps me turning pages.
I loved watching Catherine’s journey — the quiet fear, the desperate choices, and that raw transformation into someone stronger, sharper and painfully human. Every emotion felt real; the author made sure I lived every lie, every moment of guilt and desire right alongside her. Fabian’s charm and Damien’s calm both scared and fascinated me, and that contrast kept me hooked.
The story isn’t just romance; it’s power, control and heartbreak stitched together with poetic writing. I felt angry, sad and completely addicted all at once. The atmosphere is dark but elegant, the pace slow but hypnotic, and the emotional weight stays long after the last page.
It’s one of those books that break something inside yet leave it shining. Absolutely loved the depth, the tension and how every character walked the thin line between love and destruction.
Thank you so much author for the free ARC! ♡
November 12, 2025
This story is one of forbidden desires and its dark and tempting allure. I was so intrigued when I heard what it was about so had to read it as soon as I possibly could. The story is so beautifully and poetical written, I absolutely loved Dorian’s writing style and was captivated by the suspense and tension created throughout the book.
I particularly enjoyed Catherine’s character in the story. She grows as a person throughout in her own personal web of chaos and lies. Each character in this book has their own secrets and Dorian did such a good job of tying it all together in a way to keep the reader hooked throughout.
I would definitely recommend giving this one a read when it’s released in January, it’ll have you on the edge of your seat!
Read
November 22, 2025This is a book you feel. It’s rich with undercurrents of tension and longing. Told through multiple POVs, the story focuses on Catherine, a woman engaged to Damien, yet desperate to break free from his control. Once she meets Fabian, she can’t stop thinking about him. Unfortunately, he is in a relationship as well, wherein he feels unseen and unfulfilled.
In addition there are many secondary characters contributing to multiple complicated interwoven love triangles. This creates a web of desire and obsession with secrecy adding to the heightened energy. Dorian De LaRue writes atmospherically with effective character descriptions so you are pulled into the conflicted emotions.
This sets the tone for the next installment in the duology of Whispers of a Lie - The First Lie also being released on January 1, 2026.
In addition there are many secondary characters contributing to multiple complicated interwoven love triangles. This creates a web of desire and obsession with secrecy adding to the heightened energy. Dorian De LaRue writes atmospherically with effective character descriptions so you are pulled into the conflicted emotions.
This sets the tone for the next installment in the duology of Whispers of a Lie - The First Lie also being released on January 1, 2026.
December 7, 2025
I really felt like each chapter was its own episode of a telenovela. Each character's story unfolds throughout the story, each character is chasing after something that is meant to be unattainable. I loved how the characters unravel and loved questioning all of their actions.
November 24, 2025
Was very excited to read it but I got way to lost with all these characters but don’t let it stop you from reading it all started to get better by the end and I’d say it’s worth reading !
November 26, 2025
A dark romance that doesn’t just bruise—it heals. Trauma, control, and a love story that rewrites the rules. This dark romance hurt so good.
December 8, 2025
Review coming
November 27, 2025
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book and was not paid for my review.
***
Catherine Sinclair has spent her life perfecting the art of being a "good girl," suppressing her true self and needs. Mostly. But her new boss Fabian Laurent, brilliant and forbidden, awakens the secret part of her. He sees through her facade, and sparks begin to fly, will it lead to love or total ruin? Amidst the corruption of Manhattan’s elite, Catherine must decide if burning down her perfect life is the only way to finally feel alive.
• Forbidden Romance
• High Society Corruption
• Good Girl Gone Bad
• Moral Decay & Secrets
• Cheating/Infidelity
***
This is definitely not a book I would normally read, but I’ve seen quite a few accounts review it and couldn’t help but be intrigued. So of course, I had to say yes when the author asked if I would like to ARC read a copy!
This is a psychological thriller following the lives of the city’s rich, beautiful, and elite. The story follows Catherine’s entry into Fabian’s business and the dark, twisty chaos that becomes impossible to avoid. It drags in a host of characters including Catherine’s fiancé, Fabian’s wife and ex, their workmates, and friends. And boy, are they a collection of people I wouldn’t like to meet!
The story leaves you constantly wondering, strategising, and trying to figure out who is going to do what to who and when…
I am normally pretty good at figuring out where an author is going to take me, but this one had me completely surprised.
The characters are, complex, and many of them are wholly unlikeable. These are not a bunch of people I would invite to Sunday dinner, that’s for sure! They’re hungry, obsessive, covetous, and desperate for more. Yet, Dorian manages to keep them human, that’s what makes it impossible for you to stop reading.
Expect stalking, obsession, dark and horrible pasts, love, and the need for human connection or control. I cannot wait to read book 2 to find out just how bad things are going to get because, boy, did it hit the fan!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Dark, twisty and horribly human, in the worse ways.
***
Catherine Sinclair has spent her life perfecting the art of being a "good girl," suppressing her true self and needs. Mostly. But her new boss Fabian Laurent, brilliant and forbidden, awakens the secret part of her. He sees through her facade, and sparks begin to fly, will it lead to love or total ruin? Amidst the corruption of Manhattan’s elite, Catherine must decide if burning down her perfect life is the only way to finally feel alive.
• Forbidden Romance
• High Society Corruption
• Good Girl Gone Bad
• Moral Decay & Secrets
• Cheating/Infidelity
***
This is definitely not a book I would normally read, but I’ve seen quite a few accounts review it and couldn’t help but be intrigued. So of course, I had to say yes when the author asked if I would like to ARC read a copy!
This is a psychological thriller following the lives of the city’s rich, beautiful, and elite. The story follows Catherine’s entry into Fabian’s business and the dark, twisty chaos that becomes impossible to avoid. It drags in a host of characters including Catherine’s fiancé, Fabian’s wife and ex, their workmates, and friends. And boy, are they a collection of people I wouldn’t like to meet!
The story leaves you constantly wondering, strategising, and trying to figure out who is going to do what to who and when…
I am normally pretty good at figuring out where an author is going to take me, but this one had me completely surprised.
The characters are, complex, and many of them are wholly unlikeable. These are not a bunch of people I would invite to Sunday dinner, that’s for sure! They’re hungry, obsessive, covetous, and desperate for more. Yet, Dorian manages to keep them human, that’s what makes it impossible for you to stop reading.
Expect stalking, obsession, dark and horrible pasts, love, and the need for human connection or control. I cannot wait to read book 2 to find out just how bad things are going to get because, boy, did it hit the fan!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Dark, twisty and horribly human, in the worse ways.
November 10, 2025
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 (6+ Stars In My Books😉)
⭐️REVIEW REVIEW⭐️
As a major lover of THRILLER & DARK ROMANCE books and movies I was so excited when Dorian De LaRue reached out to me regarding this MARVELLOUS book series The Whispers Of A Lie: The First Lie: Ashes Of Innocence.
I would have to say this book has really impressed me and made me feel like I was seating in 🎬 life movie theatre watching every detail and scene coming to life right in front of my eyes-not many books do that for me. The plot and the psychological aspect is what got me craving for more with each and every page….
Speaking of the plot….it was worded perfectly from the beginning to the end had me THINKING LIKE CRAZY! That feeling that you’re on the edge of the chair….reading each chapter gets me into each characters roles and where they stand.
The CHARACTERS….so much to say but I’m not gonna say too much DON’T WANT TO SPOIL ANYTHING 🤭 But man each one of the characters have their own secrets to tell…..sometimes it’s not what you 🤔 think.
Also as a sucker for SHORT AND EASY CHAPTERS this book hits that spot…perfectly told in each chapter without being so overwhelming and boring. Dorian has certainly did an amazing job at describing every inch of the pages with descriptions that take you into a real life movie playing in your head-where you exactly know how the character feels etc.
If Psychological Thriller & Dark Romance is your cup of tea and you love being on edge and love to dig in deeper when reading…..THEN THIS BOOK SERIES IS FOR YOU! HIGHLY RECOMMEND🖤
⭐️REVIEW REVIEW⭐️
As a major lover of THRILLER & DARK ROMANCE books and movies I was so excited when Dorian De LaRue reached out to me regarding this MARVELLOUS book series The Whispers Of A Lie: The First Lie: Ashes Of Innocence.
I would have to say this book has really impressed me and made me feel like I was seating in 🎬 life movie theatre watching every detail and scene coming to life right in front of my eyes-not many books do that for me. The plot and the psychological aspect is what got me craving for more with each and every page….
Speaking of the plot….it was worded perfectly from the beginning to the end had me THINKING LIKE CRAZY! That feeling that you’re on the edge of the chair….reading each chapter gets me into each characters roles and where they stand.
The CHARACTERS….so much to say but I’m not gonna say too much DON’T WANT TO SPOIL ANYTHING 🤭 But man each one of the characters have their own secrets to tell…..sometimes it’s not what you 🤔 think.
Also as a sucker for SHORT AND EASY CHAPTERS this book hits that spot…perfectly told in each chapter without being so overwhelming and boring. Dorian has certainly did an amazing job at describing every inch of the pages with descriptions that take you into a real life movie playing in your head-where you exactly know how the character feels etc.
If Psychological Thriller & Dark Romance is your cup of tea and you love being on edge and love to dig in deeper when reading…..THEN THIS BOOK SERIES IS FOR YOU! HIGHLY RECOMMEND🖤
November 16, 2025
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 4/5 ⭐️
The Whispers of a Lie -The First Lie: Ashes of Innocence by Dorian De LaRue
Catherine has always been a rule follower but when she meets Fabian she feels like he sees her and a stolen glance changes everything.
Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book!
This was not what I was expecting going into this book! It was a lot darker and emotionally charged but with tons of tension. Catherine’s change in her character was intense. She was unraveling and creating unease in a lot of the other characters.
Definitely highlights how obsession can lead to temptation and destruction. The writing felt very poignant and atmospheric. We get a look into all the characters internal thoughts as well as their journey and how they are being affected.
There was a sense of unease and mistrust in every chapter with an ending that leaves openings for the next installment. Excited to jump into the next one!
The Whispers of a Lie -The First Lie: Ashes of Innocence by Dorian De LaRue
Catherine has always been a rule follower but when she meets Fabian she feels like he sees her and a stolen glance changes everything.
Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book!
This was not what I was expecting going into this book! It was a lot darker and emotionally charged but with tons of tension. Catherine’s change in her character was intense. She was unraveling and creating unease in a lot of the other characters.
Definitely highlights how obsession can lead to temptation and destruction. The writing felt very poignant and atmospheric. We get a look into all the characters internal thoughts as well as their journey and how they are being affected.
There was a sense of unease and mistrust in every chapter with an ending that leaves openings for the next installment. Excited to jump into the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one had me hooked early on. Elements of it felt fresh, while other are well known from other books of that genre. What I enjoyed most was the constant shift between control, attraction, and domination between the characters and how soem descisions will have a ripple effect.
In the beginning I felt a bit drawn between the various characters interacting with each other. Along the way it became clear, that each one contributing to the suspense and how the story unfolds. I could have done without one character, as it did not contribute too much to the overall story for me.
Along the way it became a constant *who is controlling who* and how will the puzzle pieces fit together. The outcome was expected and set the stage for what's to come. I couldn’t put it down and was pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed it. If you need something easy, that will drag you in, this one is for you.
I received an advance review by the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
In the beginning I felt a bit drawn between the various characters interacting with each other. Along the way it became clear, that each one contributing to the suspense and how the story unfolds. I could have done without one character, as it did not contribute too much to the overall story for me.
Along the way it became a constant *who is controlling who* and how will the puzzle pieces fit together. The outcome was expected and set the stage for what's to come. I couldn’t put it down and was pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed it. If you need something easy, that will drag you in, this one is for you.
I received an advance review by the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
October 26, 2025
This book is not about what happens but how the lies unravel.
Catherine and Damien reflect each other as if they're two sides of the same coin, and when Catherine meets Fabian, she looks at him as if he's her salvation.
The brewing "relationship" between Catherine and Fabian is electric, forbidden and dare I say toxic.
Everything is love versus possession, truth versus perception, victim versus villain.
As always, the lies and deceit are there, the psychological warfare is there.
The characters are morally grey and at times rather questionable.
Catherine's morality has long since faded, not only is she lying to everyone else around her but to herself.
"Some infatuations don't wound. They consume."
The entire series will haunt you long after the final page.
Catherine and Damien reflect each other as if they're two sides of the same coin, and when Catherine meets Fabian, she looks at him as if he's her salvation.
The brewing "relationship" between Catherine and Fabian is electric, forbidden and dare I say toxic.
Everything is love versus possession, truth versus perception, victim versus villain.
As always, the lies and deceit are there, the psychological warfare is there.
The characters are morally grey and at times rather questionable.
Catherine's morality has long since faded, not only is she lying to everyone else around her but to herself.
"Some infatuations don't wound. They consume."
The entire series will haunt you long after the final page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2025
The first time I read this book I absolutely loved it, but then after reading The Audible series which is interconnected I much preferred the pacing of it and the depth of the characters in comparison. When Dorian decided to revamp this book, I just had to reread it to see what these tweaks did to the story and all I can say is these changes put this book right up there with the rest. We got the same incredible story, but with better pacing, more in depth character building and a better sense of what made them the way that they were.
It is incredible how these adjustments have polished this book into the most perfect beginning to a truly phenomenal series.
When I say I will NEVER stop talking about this series, I mean it. Dorian is the king of mind fuckery!
It is incredible how these adjustments have polished this book into the most perfect beginning to a truly phenomenal series.
When I say I will NEVER stop talking about this series, I mean it. Dorian is the king of mind fuckery!
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