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Gully's Fall #3
Lie to Me
Ryder Montague and Dee Miller have been striking sparks off each other for years. They’ve blown hot and cold, argued, laughed, and clashed. Half the townsfolk wonder if they’ll kill each other, the other half if it will turn to romance.
Dee knows what she wants, it’s the local playboy Paramedic who drives her nuts during the day and invades her dreams at night.
No woman was ever going to pin bad boy Ryder down, but something is happening, something that will make him look at the curvy blonde with new eyes… but will it be too late?
Dee knows what she wants, it’s the local playboy Paramedic who drives her nuts during the day and invades her dreams at night.
No woman was ever going to pin bad boy Ryder down, but something is happening, something that will make him look at the curvy blonde with new eyes… but will it be too late?
357 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2015
18 people are currently reading
736 people want to read
About the author
Angela Verdenius
66 books677 followersI am a mixture of things - full-time worker, cat owner, writer, bookworm, supernatural horror movie buff, mystery series fan, and daydreamer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 6, 2015
ARghh...DNF
This story was terrible. And the writing was just bad.
Ryder was just a sleazy std infected dirtbag.
Dee was a pathetic loser who dribbled after this pathetic manwhore for years while he went about banging every female in sight instead of her.
Dee is an embarrassment to ALL women. You just keep chasing after the town slut and keep pining for him while he jumps into bed with every female in sight but you. You dumb idiot. Yes the pathetic little virgin who keeps herself pure because she only wants him, but HE of course wants every female that walks past him, and screws her, while the poor little virgin patiently waits for her turn with him. Urggghhh, utter brainless garbage.
I find it really demeaning and disgusting that the stupid "little woman" just sits around patiently for years waiting for the PIG man to finish screwing every available female and when HE is ready to settle down she presents herself to him immediately. He doesn't even have to work for it, she just falls in his lap. God forbid he ever waits on HER.
Not a fine romance in ANY sense of the word.
This story was terrible. And the writing was just bad.
Ryder was just a sleazy std infected dirtbag.
Dee was a pathetic loser who dribbled after this pathetic manwhore for years while he went about banging every female in sight instead of her.
Dee is an embarrassment to ALL women. You just keep chasing after the town slut and keep pining for him while he jumps into bed with every female in sight but you. You dumb idiot. Yes the pathetic little virgin who keeps herself pure because she only wants him, but HE of course wants every female that walks past him, and screws her, while the poor little virgin patiently waits for her turn with him. Urggghhh, utter brainless garbage.
I find it really demeaning and disgusting that the stupid "little woman" just sits around patiently for years waiting for the PIG man to finish screwing every available female and when HE is ready to settle down she presents herself to him immediately. He doesn't even have to work for it, she just falls in his lap. God forbid he ever waits on HER.
Not a fine romance in ANY sense of the word.
February 1, 2015
LOVED IT, Angela Verdenius!!!!
Side question: Could you write a story about Jason, too??? :D
Side question: Could you write a story about Jason, too??? :D
August 7, 2021
Holly M of sweet books!!!! Looooooooveeeed this one sooo much!!! I was pinning for Ryder's story since book 1 !!!!! Hot, sweet & interesting and did I mention hot?
Loved everything about this book, the plot, the characters, even the effing cats and I'm not a cat person !
Dee and Ryder are perfect together and yes, I am totally aware that I'm talking about them like they're real But I can't help it man, this book was that good!!!!
Can't wait for Simon's story, I need it like yesterday, oh and also I am so totally interested in Jason's story!!!! I know that Simon's story is due to come out and I am so friggin waiting for it, but please miss Angela write Jasom's story too!!!!!! Oh and maybe Del's story too?
Loved everything about this book, the plot, the characters, even the effing cats and I'm not a cat person !
Dee and Ryder are perfect together and yes, I am totally aware that I'm talking about them like they're real But I can't help it man, this book was that good!!!!
Can't wait for Simon's story, I need it like yesterday, oh and also I am so totally interested in Jason's story!!!! I know that Simon's story is due to come out and I am so friggin waiting for it, but please miss Angela write Jasom's story too!!!!!! Oh and maybe Del's story too?
February 2, 2015
In the third Gully’s Fall book, Ryder and Dee have been doing their version of the mating dance for years, but when another man starts to pay attention to Dee, Ryder starts to realize (very slowly) that what he’s been searching for has been in front of him all along. And then, romance.
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
-Always enjoy visiting Gully’s Fall: Ms. Verdenius has created a lovely little ‘verse of characters in Gully’s Fall. She’s painted a lovely picture of a quiet little town in Australia and the family and friendships there are a highlight of this book. The romance is an appealing part of this story, for sure, but the chemistry between the friends is very well done. They tease and snark, but there is genuine affection and I loved the scenes where both Ryder and Dee had their friends helping them figure out their feelings for each other. It really adds an extra layer to the story.
-Ryder is a loveable dumb bunny: Dee’s heart hasn’t been in question, but Ryder...well, he’s a bit more of a dodo when it comes to his feelings or Dee’s. He’s very alpha in his sexual confidence and it’s incredibly appealing.
-Dee takes no prisoners: Dee’s a sharp, strong, likeable heroine. She’s been the smart mouth of the group of friends, and she’s not afraid to tell it like it is, but she has enough soft edges to round out her character. She doesn’t wallow in self-doubt, and she’s more likely to confront a problem than back away. While she has her moments of self-doubt, she shook it off and pulled up her big girl panties, and I adored that.
-Best sexual chemistry: I love AV books, but I usually love it for the characters, not necessarily for the sexual heat between them. Here, I’ve loved the bickering between Dee and Ryder since the start of this series and I loved the sexual tension between them. Sometimes when a romance begins as a friendship I have trouble seeing the the heat and chemistry between the leads, but here that is NOT an issue. AV has taken the tension they’ve always had and really kicked it up a few notches. When they finally make love, it was a grand payoff to all that anticipation.
-Mild suspense: There’s a sub-plot involving someone who’s stalking Dee and vandalizing some property that adds non-romantic tension to the story. I love a character-driven piece, but sometimes that leads to a lack of excitement. This sub-plot helped There’s also a little twist at the end that sets up possible future story for one of the secondary characters.
-Not necessarily a standalone: I think it would be difficult to really appreciate the cast of characters and the individual relationships without having read the other books in the series first.
-A touch of purple prose: this is a minor, minor quibble, but some of the descriptive words during the love scenes distracted me, and tended to feel a bit OTT, but this is part of AV’s style. There was so much heat and real sexiness between Ryder and Dee that I got over it pretty quickly.
The Bottom Line
I really liked this book. I think it's my favorite AV read. Ryder and Dee's story has been building up through the earlier books, but I loved how it all paid off in this installment. Very happy with this read :)
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
-Always enjoy visiting Gully’s Fall: Ms. Verdenius has created a lovely little ‘verse of characters in Gully’s Fall. She’s painted a lovely picture of a quiet little town in Australia and the family and friendships there are a highlight of this book. The romance is an appealing part of this story, for sure, but the chemistry between the friends is very well done. They tease and snark, but there is genuine affection and I loved the scenes where both Ryder and Dee had their friends helping them figure out their feelings for each other. It really adds an extra layer to the story.
-Ryder is a loveable dumb bunny: Dee’s heart hasn’t been in question, but Ryder...well, he’s a bit more of a dodo when it comes to his feelings or Dee’s. He’s very alpha in his sexual confidence and it’s incredibly appealing.
-Dee takes no prisoners: Dee’s a sharp, strong, likeable heroine. She’s been the smart mouth of the group of friends, and she’s not afraid to tell it like it is, but she has enough soft edges to round out her character. She doesn’t wallow in self-doubt, and she’s more likely to confront a problem than back away. While she has her moments of self-doubt, she shook it off and pulled up her big girl panties, and I adored that.
-Best sexual chemistry: I love AV books, but I usually love it for the characters, not necessarily for the sexual heat between them. Here, I’ve loved the bickering between Dee and Ryder since the start of this series and I loved the sexual tension between them. Sometimes when a romance begins as a friendship I have trouble seeing the the heat and chemistry between the leads, but here that is NOT an issue. AV has taken the tension they’ve always had and really kicked it up a few notches. When they finally make love, it was a grand payoff to all that anticipation.
-Mild suspense: There’s a sub-plot involving someone who’s stalking Dee and vandalizing some property that adds non-romantic tension to the story. I love a character-driven piece, but sometimes that leads to a lack of excitement. This sub-plot helped There’s also a little twist at the end that sets up possible future story for one of the secondary characters.
-Not necessarily a standalone: I think it would be difficult to really appreciate the cast of characters and the individual relationships without having read the other books in the series first.
-A touch of purple prose: this is a minor, minor quibble, but some of the descriptive words during the love scenes distracted me, and tended to feel a bit OTT, but this is part of AV’s style. There was so much heat and real sexiness between Ryder and Dee that I got over it pretty quickly.
The Bottom Line
I really liked this book. I think it's my favorite AV read. Ryder and Dee's story has been building up through the earlier books, but I loved how it all paid off in this installment. Very happy with this read :)
February 15, 2015
I LOVED IT SO MUCH IT HURTS!
This book is the 4th installment of Gully's Fall series and I've been waiting to read Ryder and Dee's stry even from book 1! If you love enemies/best friends turn into lovers theme, then you're gonna enjoy the hell out of this book. All I can say is, I love Ryder so bad!
Dee and Ryder always on each others head. But when the rumor that Dee's finally got a "date", Ryder is bothered by it. It's not a secret that Ryder's a manwhore and he never really think about Dee that way, but he realize how pretty Dee is, no matter her size is. How easy to talk to her, to make her laugh, make her angry and make her smile. What will happen next?
You don't need to read the previous books to understand this story, but it's always nice to get to know the men from Gully's Fall before Ryder.
One thing that a bit annoying to me is the closure between Yvonne, Jaci and Dee. I was like, duuuude just like that?! Haha. But overall I love this book so much! Finally. I hope next time Angela Verdenius would write a story like this, with even thicker drama! Definitely worth waiting!! ;)
This book is the 4th installment of Gully's Fall series and I've been waiting to read Ryder and Dee's stry even from book 1! If you love enemies/best friends turn into lovers theme, then you're gonna enjoy the hell out of this book. All I can say is, I love Ryder so bad!
Dee and Ryder always on each others head. But when the rumor that Dee's finally got a "date", Ryder is bothered by it. It's not a secret that Ryder's a manwhore and he never really think about Dee that way, but he realize how pretty Dee is, no matter her size is. How easy to talk to her, to make her laugh, make her angry and make her smile. What will happen next?
You don't need to read the previous books to understand this story, but it's always nice to get to know the men from Gully's Fall before Ryder.
One thing that a bit annoying to me is the closure between Yvonne, Jaci and Dee. I was like, duuuude just like that?! Haha. But overall I love this book so much! Finally. I hope next time Angela Verdenius would write a story like this, with even thicker drama! Definitely worth waiting!! ;)
February 1, 2015
5 stars
This is Dee and Ryder's story and it was a fantastic addition to this series. It definitely captured Dee and Ryder as we have known them in the first 2 books and I loved the fact that Dee was still snarky but we also got to see her softer side. I also liked the part Jason played in this story and I wonder if he will get his own book. So you will love this book if you have read the first 2 books in Gully's Fall because Angela Verdenius has stayed true to her characters as they first appeared. If you haven't read this series before I would say to start with the first book because although this is a stand alone book you get to know the characters better if you read the other books first.
This is Dee and Ryder's story and it was a fantastic addition to this series. It definitely captured Dee and Ryder as we have known them in the first 2 books and I loved the fact that Dee was still snarky but we also got to see her softer side. I also liked the part Jason played in this story and I wonder if he will get his own book. So you will love this book if you have read the first 2 books in Gully's Fall because Angela Verdenius has stayed true to her characters as they first appeared. If you haven't read this series before I would say to start with the first book because although this is a stand alone book you get to know the characters better if you read the other books first.
June 22, 2018
Another reread and I STILL fall in love each time.
After rereading this book for the tenth time I decided it needed a review. There is just something about a book that if it tares at my heart even for a few seconds, I fall in love. My heart went to Dee more than once here. Sure I wanted to punch Ryder but in the end, he wasn't ever mean to her. They just went at it all the time. I loved this book. As you can tell my my constant rereading of it.
After rereading this book for the tenth time I decided it needed a review. There is just something about a book that if it tares at my heart even for a few seconds, I fall in love. My heart went to Dee more than once here. Sure I wanted to punch Ryder but in the end, he wasn't ever mean to her. They just went at it all the time. I loved this book. As you can tell my my constant rereading of it.
February 25, 2015
4.5 stars rounded up! I'm a sucker for friends to lovers stories and this one reeled me in!
Full review:
It was such fun to read about Ryder and Dee..they’ve been friends since they wore nappies. How cute is that!?! My thoughts about this book are a little cluttered so I’m going to just express them in a list:
- I wish there were more heart-to-heart conversations between Dee and Ryder. It would have been nice to read more angst from Dee considering she’s been in love with Ryder for years and years.
- Similar to book 2, I could have gone with less girl gossip/talk, however…
- I LOVE LOVE LOVE the “man cave time” – I think I love these scenes as much as Ryder/Dee scenes! They were so cute and funny. I adore Simon’s subtle show of insight and care, Kirk’s knowing but quiet looks, and Scott’s “what you see and hear is what you get.” I also like that they care as much about Ryder wellbeing as they do about Dee.
- Jason’s character was a nice surprise. We saw a change in him in book 2 but here, his change was obvious – both sweet and sad. I look forward to his story.
I think the childhood friends to lover theme and the history between the H/h is what made me like this book the best, though the other two books really were pretty great too! I can’t wait for Simon’s story and any other story that is related to this series.
Full review:
It was such fun to read about Ryder and Dee..they’ve been friends since they wore nappies. How cute is that!?! My thoughts about this book are a little cluttered so I’m going to just express them in a list:
- I wish there were more heart-to-heart conversations between Dee and Ryder. It would have been nice to read more angst from Dee considering she’s been in love with Ryder for years and years.
- Similar to book 2, I could have gone with less girl gossip/talk, however…
- I LOVE LOVE LOVE the “man cave time” – I think I love these scenes as much as Ryder/Dee scenes! They were so cute and funny. I adore Simon’s subtle show of insight and care, Kirk’s knowing but quiet looks, and Scott’s “what you see and hear is what you get.” I also like that they care as much about Ryder wellbeing as they do about Dee.
- Jason’s character was a nice surprise. We saw a change in him in book 2 but here, his change was obvious – both sweet and sad. I look forward to his story.
I think the childhood friends to lover theme and the history between the H/h is what made me like this book the best, though the other two books really were pretty great too! I can’t wait for Simon’s story and any other story that is related to this series.
February 1, 2015
Ryder and Dee have a long and strange history of friendship.
Dee has a sharp tongue, a huge heart and is fiercely protective of it, even against the one she loves.
Ryder is a sweet and caring guy, but acts like a tom cat and never thinks twice about it. He's completely clueless regarding Dee's feelings.
Somehow everything changes when Ryder finally understands why Simon kept calling him a "poor dumb bastard".
The further the story progresses, the more you see layers of the main caracters you could have never suspected.
The secondary caracters are still incredibly funny, Simon is still my favorite (can't wait for his book, the nice and laid-back guy who sees everything but keeps to himself) and my heart ached for the Dawson family.
Jason absolutely needs his own book, he seems to be so much more than the glimpses we had in the first two Gully' Fall books.
A beautiful love story between two friends who thought they knew everything about each other, but obviously should have known better.
A incredible addition to the Gully's Fall Series, thank you Angela Verdenius !
It was totally worth the (short) wait !
Dee has a sharp tongue, a huge heart and is fiercely protective of it, even against the one she loves.
Ryder is a sweet and caring guy, but acts like a tom cat and never thinks twice about it. He's completely clueless regarding Dee's feelings.
Somehow everything changes when Ryder finally understands why Simon kept calling him a "poor dumb bastard".
The further the story progresses, the more you see layers of the main caracters you could have never suspected.
The secondary caracters are still incredibly funny, Simon is still my favorite (can't wait for his book, the nice and laid-back guy who sees everything but keeps to himself) and my heart ached for the Dawson family.
Jason absolutely needs his own book, he seems to be so much more than the glimpses we had in the first two Gully' Fall books.
A beautiful love story between two friends who thought they knew everything about each other, but obviously should have known better.
A incredible addition to the Gully's Fall Series, thank you Angela Verdenius !
It was totally worth the (short) wait !
July 20, 2015
I love enjoyable dialogue. This had it.
May 29, 2016
I enjoyed this book even though it has the Virgin and the Man-ho trope, which I am tired of, made worse that she's a virgin because she's been pining over him for years.
The heroine was stubborn and sarcastic, and the hero was clueless, but they weren't unreasonable.
So much of the book - and so many years before the book - is about his man-Ho ways and her pining for him, that I would have liked more time spent on the hero's possessiveness and jealousy and need to fight for her. That part felt pretty quick. (Though I really enjoyed the scene with Jason's injury). So the book felt lop-sided. On the other hand, many readers will like that the heroine didn't resist unnecessarily.
The suspense wasn't very suspenseful - it was pretty obvious what was going on and who was behind it.
Small town feel with everyone knowing everyone else's business.
I hadn't read the other books in the series. But it was fine. It might be nice to read them so you understand the other couples, but it's not necessary. And it might be even more aggravating to see the Man-Ho hero with more skanks then.
The heroine was stubborn and sarcastic, and the hero was clueless, but they weren't unreasonable.
So much of the book - and so many years before the book - is about his man-Ho ways and her pining for him, that I would have liked more time spent on the hero's possessiveness and jealousy and need to fight for her. That part felt pretty quick. (Though I really enjoyed the scene with Jason's injury). So the book felt lop-sided. On the other hand, many readers will like that the heroine didn't resist unnecessarily.
The suspense wasn't very suspenseful - it was pretty obvious what was going on and who was behind it.
Small town feel with everyone knowing everyone else's business.
I hadn't read the other books in the series. But it was fine. It might be nice to read them so you understand the other couples, but it's not necessary. And it might be even more aggravating to see the Man-Ho hero with more skanks then.
February 1, 2015
I eagerly awaited this book and was not disappointed. I have enjoyed the Gully's Fall series immensely but the character I connected with most was always Dee so I couldn't wait for her story to be told. It is rare for me to come across a character I so strongly identify with, flaws and all. That's what I've always appreciated about Angela Verdenius's work. She portrays women who are real and complicated and flawed who you definitely have met in real life but who rarely are portrayed in fiction. It is what sets her apart from many other romance writers.
October 17, 2023
I have been awaiting Ryder and Dee's story, somewhat impatiently if do say so myself, and I was most assuredly not disappointed!!
These two spark off each other like flint and steel and it is so enjoyable to watch them finally get their act together.
Thank you Angela I cannot wait for Simon's story (and maybe a little something-something for Jason who seems to be actually turning out to be an alright guy?)
These two spark off each other like flint and steel and it is so enjoyable to watch them finally get their act together.
Thank you Angela I cannot wait for Simon's story (and maybe a little something-something for Jason who seems to be actually turning out to be an alright guy?)
February 4, 2022
I LOVE RYDER AND DEE!!!!! This is a definite favorite!!! I soooooo enjoyed watching the buildup to their book and Dee's angst about her feelings and Ryder's reactions and basically I loved everything about this. Also,
Well, that one will be tough to follow up. How much longer do I have to wait for another Angela Verdenius book????
Well, that one will be tough to follow up. How much longer do I have to wait for another Angela Verdenius book????
June 1, 2015
Sensational
I absolutely loved Lie to Me! I loved Dee and Ryder's characters from the first Gully's Fall story, and was so glad when they got their own story. The chemistry between the two characters is explosive. Dee's prickly attitude and snarky comments are one of a kind, and combined with Ryder's egotism and player reputation, it is a recipe for hilarity. I am looking forward to reading Simon's book.
I absolutely loved Lie to Me! I loved Dee and Ryder's characters from the first Gully's Fall story, and was so glad when they got their own story. The chemistry between the two characters is explosive. Dee's prickly attitude and snarky comments are one of a kind, and combined with Ryder's egotism and player reputation, it is a recipe for hilarity. I am looking forward to reading Simon's book.
February 4, 2015
Praise to the queen of BBW romance! Loved the bickering but loved also the softer and serious side of the characters! I'm so looking forward to Simon's story (I have a serious thing for young good looking guys with reading glasses). I hope Jason's story will start a new series. Please please keep 'em coming, Angie!
February 1, 2015
MUST READ!!!
I have wanting Ryder and Dee's story since the first book and the author is not disappoint!!!!!! I couldn't put this book down. It has every emotion from family, love, and laughter. You get a glimpse at the other couples and their lives. I cried, laughed, and cheered for the couple! It had everything!! I can't wait for the next book!!!
I have wanting Ryder and Dee's story since the first book and the author is not disappoint!!!!!! I couldn't put this book down. It has every emotion from family, love, and laughter. You get a glimpse at the other couples and their lives. I cried, laughed, and cheered for the couple! It had everything!! I can't wait for the next book!!!
January 5, 2016
It was so fun to read the story of Dee and Ryder.
The sparks flew through their friendship and relationship.
Dee has sharp tong and she’s not afraid to tell it like it is, she's
stubborn and sarcastic, but also has a huge heart.
Ryder is a sweet, clueless guy whit a player reputation, the hot dumb arse .
I loved this story...
The sparks flew through their friendship and relationship.
Dee has sharp tong and she’s not afraid to tell it like it is, she's
stubborn and sarcastic, but also has a huge heart.
Ryder is a sweet, clueless guy whit a player reputation, the hot dumb arse .
I loved this story...
February 3, 2015
I am a big fan of this author and while I loved the continuation of the characters I did feel it was wrapped up rather quickly. Would have loved to see a slower progression once Ryder figured out he was a dumb arse :)
March 4, 2017
Ryder and Dee have been best friends since childhood, but Dee has been in love with Ryder since high school. Ryder on the other hand is oblivious, preferring to have every woman in town service his sexual needs. He's a free-loving man to the nth degree. This of course hurts the virginal, yet extremely snarky Dee, who wants nothing more than for Ryder to suddenly realize that Dee is his everything. But she KNOWS that's not about to happen, so she keeps her walls up. But friendly contact with a disreputable but nice guy arises Ryder's jealousy and before she knows it, Dee is faced with a sexual shift to their friendship.
This author's stories are touch and go for me. On the bright side, Dee is a confident plus size woman with very few insecurities about her body (and in the whole book she doubts her attractiveness maybe only once). On the other hand, she is feisty, snarky and a bit on the defensive side. I couldn't help but think that this "personality" was possibly not geniune, especially with Ryder, and maybe just used to keep him at a distance. Which makes me wonder whether we and Ryder ever get to know the real Dee, without those defenses. I would have developed such walls and defenses if I'd remained best friends with the man I loved, but couldn't have him. This author also tends to write runners, who pull a disappearing act and avoid the hero at the slightest sign of stress. Dee is a runner, but Ryder is really good at tracking her down and confronting her at least. I liked Dee, but honest to God it frustrated me that she sat around for years waiting on a man who had to dip his wick in every pot in town, and never once thought to stick up for herself.
If you're anti-slut shaming - this book is not for you. This author and the characters shame sluts - Yvonne because she's apparently slept with every guy in town, Jaci and Rachel for being willing to sleep with Ryder on the first date and Jason, when the hero raises the possibility that he could a blood-borne pathogen because he's slept around freely while drunk. On the other hand, Ryder receives no such shaming when he's guilty of all the same things. Sure, the heroine teases him for his manwhore behavior, but he's never really looked down upon for it. I'm not a huge fan of the double standard. I also wasn't a fan of these two having unprotected sex the first-go-round, given everything we know about Ryder's sexual past - especially in the face of the characters' views about promiscuity. It just seemed to reinforce the double standard. Nobody would dream of having unprotected sex with one of the other "sluts," but Ryder - he's totally safe (despite having had sex with Yvonne).
I really did enjoy the relationship between Ryder and Dee once he started seeing her sexually. Their times together are pretty hot. Their banter walked the line between irritating and charming. The scenes with the pregnant cat - really cool! First time I read about a pregnant cat character. She's an excellent vehicle for revealing Ryder's more sensitive side. A good, solid and sexy story. Fair warning, if you're American, like I am, you may get tripped up by Aussie vocabulary: I had to look up the following words: doona, trackie-daks, chook, ute, ambo and various others.
This author's stories are touch and go for me. On the bright side, Dee is a confident plus size woman with very few insecurities about her body (and in the whole book she doubts her attractiveness maybe only once). On the other hand, she is feisty, snarky and a bit on the defensive side. I couldn't help but think that this "personality" was possibly not geniune, especially with Ryder, and maybe just used to keep him at a distance. Which makes me wonder whether we and Ryder ever get to know the real Dee, without those defenses. I would have developed such walls and defenses if I'd remained best friends with the man I loved, but couldn't have him. This author also tends to write runners, who pull a disappearing act and avoid the hero at the slightest sign of stress. Dee is a runner, but Ryder is really good at tracking her down and confronting her at least. I liked Dee, but honest to God it frustrated me that she sat around for years waiting on a man who had to dip his wick in every pot in town, and never once thought to stick up for herself.
If you're anti-slut shaming - this book is not for you. This author and the characters shame sluts - Yvonne because she's apparently slept with every guy in town, Jaci and Rachel for being willing to sleep with Ryder on the first date and Jason, when the hero raises the possibility that he could a blood-borne pathogen because he's slept around freely while drunk. On the other hand, Ryder receives no such shaming when he's guilty of all the same things. Sure, the heroine teases him for his manwhore behavior, but he's never really looked down upon for it. I'm not a huge fan of the double standard. I also wasn't a fan of these two having unprotected sex the first-go-round, given everything we know about Ryder's sexual past - especially in the face of the characters' views about promiscuity. It just seemed to reinforce the double standard. Nobody would dream of having unprotected sex with one of the other "sluts," but Ryder - he's totally safe (despite having had sex with Yvonne).
I really did enjoy the relationship between Ryder and Dee once he started seeing her sexually. Their times together are pretty hot. Their banter walked the line between irritating and charming. The scenes with the pregnant cat - really cool! First time I read about a pregnant cat character. She's an excellent vehicle for revealing Ryder's more sensitive side. A good, solid and sexy story. Fair warning, if you're American, like I am, you may get tripped up by Aussie vocabulary: I had to look up the following words: doona, trackie-daks, chook, ute, ambo and various others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
This is the book that we were all waiting for right? It doesn’t disappoint in many ways, though some things did niggle at me.
First off, I really identified with Dee - as a character we are quite similar. She’s angry because the man she is in love with would rather sleep with anyone else other than her. Oh I have BEEN THERE with knobs on!! It HURTS. She is becoming bitter that people don’t see her as a woman with sexual desires, especially the man she so wants to see her that way - Ryder. He is blind I tell you. Dee is deep in the friend zone; even in the ‘sister from another mister’ zone. Her home town has her pigeon holed as that girl who is secretly in love with her best friend. Oh man.
Now we know that in real life this situation would probably never change and eventually Dee would grow a pair and strike out for her happiness with some other bloke who was willing to see her as a sexual being (experience speaking here … 😁) But this is fantasy-land, and she finally gets the balls to kiss him, and adventures start from there.
The no condom thing bothered me. Would a woman as sensible as Dee really risk a pregnancy or STD to what she initially suspects as a pity shag?! NOPE.
The Jason Dawson storyline is much more interesting to be fair and I really hope we get to hear more about him and his Mum starting a new life. It would have been nice if more of a friendship could have developed between him and Dee. Some lessons could have been learned by her about how it feels to be put on a pedestal and worshipped from afar because of an idea of (rather than your reality as) a person. Which is essentially what she has done to Ryder for years, AND slagged him off to his face for not shagging her, which is kind of messed up. But she didn’t, so there we are.
In real life this relationship would never have happened and this story is essentially wish fulfilment for those of us with past addictions to / current problems with unrequited love. Which is enjoyable enough when you want to switch your brain off after a long hard day. But those of us who have been there - the funny fat ‘best friend’ - know that in reality Ryder was more likely to have pulled every single one of her friends and got Dee to help him in this process. She’d have ended up crying in the loos at his wedding to her best friend rather than nuts deep in a delicious shag fest. Reality sucks 😂
Two stars for proud, frustrated Dee - really good characterisation of someone in love with somebody who doesn’t love her back. If only she’d gone out and had some lusty fun with a farmer or two 😉 Fuck Ryder and his dick rot! 😂
One extra star for Jason.
First off, I really identified with Dee - as a character we are quite similar. She’s angry because the man she is in love with would rather sleep with anyone else other than her. Oh I have BEEN THERE with knobs on!! It HURTS. She is becoming bitter that people don’t see her as a woman with sexual desires, especially the man she so wants to see her that way - Ryder. He is blind I tell you. Dee is deep in the friend zone; even in the ‘sister from another mister’ zone. Her home town has her pigeon holed as that girl who is secretly in love with her best friend. Oh man.
Now we know that in real life this situation would probably never change and eventually Dee would grow a pair and strike out for her happiness with some other bloke who was willing to see her as a sexual being (experience speaking here … 😁) But this is fantasy-land, and she finally gets the balls to kiss him, and adventures start from there.
The no condom thing bothered me. Would a woman as sensible as Dee really risk a pregnancy or STD to what she initially suspects as a pity shag?! NOPE.
The Jason Dawson storyline is much more interesting to be fair and I really hope we get to hear more about him and his Mum starting a new life. It would have been nice if more of a friendship could have developed between him and Dee. Some lessons could have been learned by her about how it feels to be put on a pedestal and worshipped from afar because of an idea of (rather than your reality as) a person. Which is essentially what she has done to Ryder for years, AND slagged him off to his face for not shagging her, which is kind of messed up. But she didn’t, so there we are.
In real life this relationship would never have happened and this story is essentially wish fulfilment for those of us with past addictions to / current problems with unrequited love. Which is enjoyable enough when you want to switch your brain off after a long hard day. But those of us who have been there - the funny fat ‘best friend’ - know that in reality Ryder was more likely to have pulled every single one of her friends and got Dee to help him in this process. She’d have ended up crying in the loos at his wedding to her best friend rather than nuts deep in a delicious shag fest. Reality sucks 😂
Two stars for proud, frustrated Dee - really good characterisation of someone in love with somebody who doesn’t love her back. If only she’d gone out and had some lusty fun with a farmer or two 😉 Fuck Ryder and his dick rot! 😂
One extra star for Jason.
February 8, 2016
I've been having an Angela Verdenius binge. I absolutely love to fall into her sassy girl/naughty boy stories. To be honest, I have been putting off reading Lie to Me because I couldn't see any way for Ryder to successfully maneuver out of his man-whoring ways without Dee getting hurt. I should have trusted in AV, of course she pulled it off...beautifully, I might add.
I'm assuming that you've read the blurb at least, so no recaps here straight to the good stuff...
Ryder is a ho, or to paraphrase Dee "the town bike, every sheila has had a ride". He's lovable, hot as hell, a great paramedic, better friend and lives to torment (and be tormented by) Dee. He has humped and bumped his way through the girls in and around his small town since he figured out that his tab fit into some females slot. His conversations with the preggers stray cat that he's adopted (been adopted by?) Jezebel had me snickering more than once. The verbal tussles with Dee over his comic book (ahem...graphic novel) obsession are hi-larious. (She makes a big production out of putting them in a brown paper bag to preserve his reputation LOL!). He's a bit dim though, it took over a decade for him to figure out that his best-ess bud was his dream woman. Once he set a course though...wooeee did he go forth and conquer.
Dee had a bit too much whine for me at first. Throughout the first two books in the Gully Falls series you get to see these two snip, snipe, bitch and whine at each other...it's truly amusing. Once you get into this book however, Dee does quite a bit of internally flip-flopping...do-I-don't-I/does-he-doesn't-he. It's not enough to truly annoy, it's just that she seemed to have her shit together so well in the previous books I was a bit surprised.
. Super hot, holy crap give me ice and mouth to mouth FROM RYDER, wow my panties combusted! sex.
Oh yeah, the whole gang is back and sassy/silly as ever. LOVED IT!
I'm assuming that you've read the blurb at least, so no recaps here straight to the good stuff...
Ryder is a ho, or to paraphrase Dee "the town bike, every sheila has had a ride". He's lovable, hot as hell, a great paramedic, better friend and lives to torment (and be tormented by) Dee. He has humped and bumped his way through the girls in and around his small town since he figured out that his tab fit into some females slot. His conversations with the preggers stray cat that he's adopted (been adopted by?) Jezebel had me snickering more than once. The verbal tussles with Dee over his comic book (ahem...graphic novel) obsession are hi-larious. (She makes a big production out of putting them in a brown paper bag to preserve his reputation LOL!). He's a bit dim though, it took over a decade for him to figure out that his best-ess bud was his dream woman. Once he set a course though...wooeee did he go forth and conquer.
Dee had a bit too much whine for me at first. Throughout the first two books in the Gully Falls series you get to see these two snip, snipe, bitch and whine at each other...it's truly amusing. Once you get into this book however, Dee does quite a bit of internally flip-flopping...do-I-don't-I/does-he-doesn't-he. It's not enough to truly annoy, it's just that she seemed to have her shit together so well in the previous books I was a bit surprised.
. Super hot, holy crap give me ice and mouth to mouth FROM RYDER, wow my panties combusted! sex.
Oh yeah, the whole gang is back and sassy/silly as ever. LOVED IT!
February 16, 2015
I've been waiting for this book since the series started, Ryder and Dee has been putting out all kinds of fireworks, the prickly, sarcastic humor and banter between them has been so entertaining through the series. And this story didn't disappoint.
The bad boy Ryder finally sees the light, and what has been in front of him his whole life, who knew he would have such a romantic side. They are scorching hot, all fire and heat, combustible, and not just verbally...
Little intrigue mixed into the story, with someone after Dee with pranks, that comes to a bloody end. Townsfolk who are not happy that Ryder and Dee have finally found each other.
The group of friends, who are like your best friends, they are supportive, charming, sharp, and fun. The meddling small town folks, the Aussie slang, families, and enemies - flowing, realistic, so easy to relate to, and down-to-earth story telling.
I'm a huge Angela Verdenius fan, she writes stories that are memorable, pure entertainment, with the people you relate to. They are definite keepsakes, that I have been reading again and again. And Ryder and Dee's story is one of my favorites so far, sizzling, fiery romance, a bit of intrigue, with your best friends in a charming little town somewhere in Australia
~ Five Spoons!
http://booksandspoons.weebly.com/book...
The bad boy Ryder finally sees the light, and what has been in front of him his whole life, who knew he would have such a romantic side. They are scorching hot, all fire and heat, combustible, and not just verbally...
Little intrigue mixed into the story, with someone after Dee with pranks, that comes to a bloody end. Townsfolk who are not happy that Ryder and Dee have finally found each other.
The group of friends, who are like your best friends, they are supportive, charming, sharp, and fun. The meddling small town folks, the Aussie slang, families, and enemies - flowing, realistic, so easy to relate to, and down-to-earth story telling.
I'm a huge Angela Verdenius fan, she writes stories that are memorable, pure entertainment, with the people you relate to. They are definite keepsakes, that I have been reading again and again. And Ryder and Dee's story is one of my favorites so far, sizzling, fiery romance, a bit of intrigue, with your best friends in a charming little town somewhere in Australia
~ Five Spoons!
http://booksandspoons.weebly.com/book...
April 2, 2020
While I enjoyed the first 2 books of this series, I've been kind of dreading getting around to Ryder & Dee's story, which is what the 3rd book is about.
In the first two books, I found their bickering and insult-throwing irritating and childish. In the second book, you come to understand that Dee has feelings for Ryder, who is completely oblivious to that fact and just sees her as a very good friend. This is further complicated due to Ryder having a long history of being rather free with his affections for the ladies, which causes further pain for Dee.
This one actually turned out much better than I expected, but I have to say I had pretty low expectations going in. I totally expected that this would be a DNF. Instead, it kept me up pretty late, not quite being ready to put it down. That said, I still did find Dee to be a little more than abrasive, and at times downright hurtful with the barbs she tosses out to Ryder. In real life I don't see any friend, no matter how good of friends you've been or for long, would put up with that kind of behavior for that long. But this is this world of romantic fiction!
In the first two books, I found their bickering and insult-throwing irritating and childish. In the second book, you come to understand that Dee has feelings for Ryder, who is completely oblivious to that fact and just sees her as a very good friend. This is further complicated due to Ryder having a long history of being rather free with his affections for the ladies, which causes further pain for Dee.
This one actually turned out much better than I expected, but I have to say I had pretty low expectations going in. I totally expected that this would be a DNF. Instead, it kept me up pretty late, not quite being ready to put it down. That said, I still did find Dee to be a little more than abrasive, and at times downright hurtful with the barbs she tosses out to Ryder. In real life I don't see any friend, no matter how good of friends you've been or for long, would put up with that kind of behavior for that long. But this is this world of romantic fiction!
April 25, 2022
Love this series. Dee and Ryder have been friends since childhood and one night he drunkenly kisses her and passes out. She falls in love and he forgets about the act but throughout the years to come is haunted by an erotic dream with a mystery girl and a kiss. They are part of a group of friends already introduced in earlier Gully's Fall novels and strke sparks off of each other at every opportunity. Everyone ( except Ryder) knows that they are in love with each other but he is an unrepentant man whore and she covers her pain with caustic wit and sarcasm. Verdenius does a great job making Dee more human and less über bitch in this book. We see her love and loyalty to her family and friends as well as her self doubts and apprehensions. Ryder is a hot tempered good hearted man who needs to be clued in to Dee but once he is watch out. Subplots include jealous exes and a sad one involving the town bully's family. I am hoping Jason and his Mom get a HEA. Great book, great Aussie dialogue and warm characters. Hoping for Simon's book next.
August 25, 2015
Yay, so we finally got Dee and Ryder's story. I expected more angst man. I wanted Ryder to work HARDER!!! I mean, she was pining after him since nappies, he basically screwed every filly in the town, then all of a sudden he finally realize it was always Dee? SMH! I would have stop being his friend, torture him and make him sweat. But I loved the banter and the humor. Dee is such a pain in the ass with her smart mouth and Ryder was a dumb ass. The bad guy was a let down. I mean with Jaci, not that other random plot device. Also Jason is basically the female Dee. Dude is totally in love with her. Now I want his book. I'm glad the writer at least saved one Dawson brother. I really want his book now. Now Simon is a puzzle and I really want to find out more about the sweet little ginger.
February 18, 2015
Ryder and Dee have clashed and sparked with each other for years. Dee has been in love with Ryder for years but he just doesn't see her, he was blind when it came to Dee.
Until that is a kiss that opened up his eyes for him. And finally realized what was in front of him all along. Now he isn't going to let her go.
Angela Verdenius did it again. She brought us readers another great book that makes you laugh, cry, want to yell, swoon, get hot n bothered and fall in love with the characters all over again. I am so looking forward to Simon's book, can't wait.
Until that is a kiss that opened up his eyes for him. And finally realized what was in front of him all along. Now he isn't going to let her go.
Angela Verdenius did it again. She brought us readers another great book that makes you laugh, cry, want to yell, swoon, get hot n bothered and fall in love with the characters all over again. I am so looking forward to Simon's book, can't wait.
March 23, 2015
Ryder and Dee, the couple everyone knew should be together, except for Ryder. Spare me from a clueless man. Although, good friends, Dee has been in love with him forever and he was too oblivious to see it. He finally figures it out and decides to pursue it, even though, she does not want to get her heart broken. His past stands in the way if their happiness.
Funny, emotional and sexy! Just wish that Ryder felt more angst about discovering his actual feelings for Dee. He needed to suffer a little more :)
Funny, emotional and sexy! Just wish that Ryder felt more angst about discovering his actual feelings for Dee. He needed to suffer a little more :)
March 23, 2015
Another great read from Angela Verdenius. Her books just keep getting better and better. Ryder and Dee’s story. This captures the Dee & Ryder we have read about in the last 2 books. Dee is still snarky, and still madly in love with Ryder. Ryder is still the “play boy”. But when Ryder finally start to realize what he is searching for is right in front of him the whole time, Dee. The love scenes are hot and a really great story. Keep them coming, Angela. I just love your stories.
February 10, 2024
Praise to the queen of BBW romance! Loved the bickering but loved also the softer and serious side of the characters! I'm so looking forward to Simon's story (I have a serious thing for young good looking guys with reading glasses). I hope Jason's story will start a new series. Please please keep 'em coming, Angie!
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