What do you think?
Rate this book
Just One Night #2
Just One Lie
In the instant international sensation Just One Night, sensible Kasie Fitzgerald unleashed her passions--and found herself--through an explosive affair. In Just One Lie, we meet Kasie's wild and tortured sister, whose impulsivity and lack of self-control has set off a chain of events that changes her family forever.Melody Fitzgerald is the opposite of the "perfect" daughter. The lead singer of an indie rock band, she is impulsive and creative, with a rebellious streak that both defines her and becomes her greatest enemy. Her lover, the enticing and unpredictable Ash, shares her free spirit and penchant for trouble. On the face of it, he seems to be her perfect match. So why is she so drawn to her soft spoken, reliable drummer, Brad Witmer? How can a man who wears polo shirts and reads the financial section of the paper be of any interest to her at all? And why on earth does someone like that appear to be so captivated by her? Before she knows it, Melody finds herself on a path of self-discovery, passion, and affairs of the heart. But will a dark secret from her past derail it all? Or will its exposure be the very thing that unburdens her heart and allows her to seek a future with the one man who loves her completely?
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2015
58 people are currently reading
1404 people want to read
About the author
Kyra Davis
29 books1,521 followersNew York Times bestselling author of JUST ONE NIGHT, DECEPTIVE INNOCENCE, the Sophie Katz mysteries, SO MUCH FOR MY HAPPY ENDING and the upcoming DANGEROUS ALLIANCE, JUST ONCE MORE and JUST ONE LIE (July 28th, 2015).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 30, 2015
4 Over the Years Stars
Just One Lie is a standalone and is part of the Just One Night series.
Just One Night #1, is Kasie and Robert’s story, originally it was a trilogy and now is one full length novel. Just One Lie #2 is Kasie sister’s story and Just One More #3, continues Kasie and Robert’s story.
I didn’t read the first book in the series, but I completely understood Just One Lie, in fact, I kind of want to read Just One Night now because I’m a fan of Kyra Davis. I went into Just One Lie blindly. The book starts in the year 1999. We first meet Melody/Mercy and I thought this book would have some flash backs, but it didn’t. Suffice it to say, the flow worked well for me.
The book progresses from 1999 and it takes you through Mercy story. She has a tragic past. She’s not perfect like her sister. Mercy does drugs, is self-destructive and makes poor choices. She is the lead singer for a rock band and lives the rock and roll life. But she wants to be better.
Two characters play a major role in Melody’s life, Ash and Brad. **GASP** Yes, it’s a love triangle book. I know, I cringed when I started to read and I was like, oh my word, how am I going to like this story? After finishing the book, I can see how it’s necessary to have two guys. Both guys play a focal role in Melody/Mercy’s life.
Ash is her ex-lover. He loves life and lives in the present. He’s an aspiring actor and he wants to continue a relationship with Mercy. Mercy cares for Ash deeply and she kind of starts this intense thing with Ash. It makes a lot of sense because Ash isn’t the perfect guy. He’s a big mess and he fits how messy Mercy is.
Brad is the new drummer in Melody’s band. He’s works odd jobs to support his daughter. Yes he has a daughter! You know where my heart lies. Gah, I love single parent books. He takes things day by day and he cares for Mercy, but he doesn’t know her like Ash does. Ash and Melody have history, but Brad may be good for Mercy.
The relationship between Melody, Brad and Ash was slightly angsty and kind of crazy. I didn’t want to pull my hair out, but I was 100% glued to the book. So much goes on and I didn’t want to stop reading. I didn’t know where Mercy would go or what she would do. She has a lot of issues, but like I said she wants to get better. Her issues are a major point throughout the book. Sometimes I wanted slap her and wake her up!
Overall, I liked Just One Lie. It’s a complicated book with complicated characters, but it worked for me. I was absorbed in her relationship with Brad and Ash. I wanted to know if she would redeem herself and I hoped my choice of Hero would prevail in the end. The book is lengthy, it takes you through a journey that spans 15 years, but it’s completely worth it.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON
AMAZON
AMAZON
Just One Lie is a standalone and is part of the Just One Night series.
Just One Night #1, is Kasie and Robert’s story, originally it was a trilogy and now is one full length novel. Just One Lie #2 is Kasie sister’s story and Just One More #3, continues Kasie and Robert’s story.
I didn’t read the first book in the series, but I completely understood Just One Lie, in fact, I kind of want to read Just One Night now because I’m a fan of Kyra Davis. I went into Just One Lie blindly. The book starts in the year 1999. We first meet Melody/Mercy and I thought this book would have some flash backs, but it didn’t. Suffice it to say, the flow worked well for me.
The book progresses from 1999 and it takes you through Mercy story. She has a tragic past. She’s not perfect like her sister. Mercy does drugs, is self-destructive and makes poor choices. She is the lead singer for a rock band and lives the rock and roll life. But she wants to be better.
Two characters play a major role in Melody’s life, Ash and Brad. **GASP** Yes, it’s a love triangle book. I know, I cringed when I started to read and I was like, oh my word, how am I going to like this story? After finishing the book, I can see how it’s necessary to have two guys. Both guys play a focal role in Melody/Mercy’s life.
“You are not one of the unwanted”
“You’re the woman who is a complete mess and yet in some ways I more together than anyone else I’ve ever met.”
Ash is her ex-lover. He loves life and lives in the present. He’s an aspiring actor and he wants to continue a relationship with Mercy. Mercy cares for Ash deeply and she kind of starts this intense thing with Ash. It makes a lot of sense because Ash isn’t the perfect guy. He’s a big mess and he fits how messy Mercy is.
Brad is the new drummer in Melody’s band. He’s works odd jobs to support his daughter. Yes he has a daughter! You know where my heart lies. Gah, I love single parent books. He takes things day by day and he cares for Mercy, but he doesn’t know her like Ash does. Ash and Melody have history, but Brad may be good for Mercy.
The relationship between Melody, Brad and Ash was slightly angsty and kind of crazy. I didn’t want to pull my hair out, but I was 100% glued to the book. So much goes on and I didn’t want to stop reading. I didn’t know where Mercy would go or what she would do. She has a lot of issues, but like I said she wants to get better. Her issues are a major point throughout the book. Sometimes I wanted slap her and wake her up!
Overall, I liked Just One Lie. It’s a complicated book with complicated characters, but it worked for me. I was absorbed in her relationship with Brad and Ash. I wanted to know if she would redeem herself and I hoped my choice of Hero would prevail in the end. The book is lengthy, it takes you through a journey that spans 15 years, but it’s completely worth it.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON
AMAZON
AMAZON
August 3, 2015
Just One Lie is the second book in the Just One Night Series, but since the stories focus on different people/couples it can be read as a standalone. I read Just One Lie as a standalone and was able to enjoy and understand everything. Although, now I definitely want to read Kasie and Robert’s story now!
The story begins in 1999, minutes before Y2K to be exact and I was immediately hooked. Mercy is the lead singer in a band and is performing that night when she sees Ash again, her ex. Ash is an upcoming actor and completely unreliable, but when he decides he wants to be exclusive Mercy is so taken with the idea that he wants her, she agrees.
We also immediately meet Brad, he is the new drummer in the band. While he is a rock star in his own right there is something different about him. He doesn’t fit the mold of a rock star. Despite being in a relationship with Ash, Brad makes her feel things on a whole other level.
This isn’t always an easy story to read, as a reader it’s easy to see what Mercy should do, the path she should choose. Much like in real life, as an outsider you can always see what would be best and it’s completely frustrating to watch someone self-destruct. Since the story spans 15 years it feels like you are literally watching/living the pain with Mercy. My heart completely broke for her. I wanted more for her, I wanted her to see what she could be, the life she deserved and could have.
I love a story that makes you feel and while this story is insanely hot, what really got me was the feels. The way I attached myself to the characters and began cheering for them. It’s crazy how Davis’s writing completely entraps you and owns your thoughts. I couldn’t wait to turn the page and see what happened next. I wanted to know Mercy’s past just as much as I wanted to know her future. I highly recommend Just One Lie.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
The story begins in 1999, minutes before Y2K to be exact and I was immediately hooked. Mercy is the lead singer in a band and is performing that night when she sees Ash again, her ex. Ash is an upcoming actor and completely unreliable, but when he decides he wants to be exclusive Mercy is so taken with the idea that he wants her, she agrees.
We also immediately meet Brad, he is the new drummer in the band. While he is a rock star in his own right there is something different about him. He doesn’t fit the mold of a rock star. Despite being in a relationship with Ash, Brad makes her feel things on a whole other level.
This isn’t always an easy story to read, as a reader it’s easy to see what Mercy should do, the path she should choose. Much like in real life, as an outsider you can always see what would be best and it’s completely frustrating to watch someone self-destruct. Since the story spans 15 years it feels like you are literally watching/living the pain with Mercy. My heart completely broke for her. I wanted more for her, I wanted her to see what she could be, the life she deserved and could have.
I love a story that makes you feel and while this story is insanely hot, what really got me was the feels. The way I attached myself to the characters and began cheering for them. It’s crazy how Davis’s writing completely entraps you and owns your thoughts. I couldn’t wait to turn the page and see what happened next. I wanted to know Mercy’s past just as much as I wanted to know her future. I highly recommend Just One Lie.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2015
So with this one we get Mercy's story and I was all with it until I wasn't. Just felt like there was something missing. It was that her story wasn't sad I just couldn't feel it. I also didn't understand the Ash situation sorry but it was lost on me. What I disliked the most was the last chapters. It felt so rushed and it was a situation that needed more time. I really would like just one more from Robert and Kassie. I still wonder where life will lead them.
August 18, 2015
4 You have to love yourself first stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Gallery Books via NetGalley
Thankfully I just read Just Once More, which helped set the stage for this book as it has been quite awhile since I read Just One Night. In this book we get find out the real story behind Kasie's sister Melody who has now become Mercy.
Gah! Poor Mercy. What is done to us as a child can alter how we develop and for Mercy this is the catalyst for a long winding road of destruction for her. And what a journey it was. You felt Mercy's pain and downward spiral and at the same time you were rooting for her to get her head on straight.
"I am exceptionally good at pretending that things are other than what they are. Been doing it since I was four."
For Mercy, she's stuck between the past and the present but can't see the future. She's full of self destruction and low self worth, but she's also full of insight and light.
"Yeah, you're trying to get you mind out of the past by running away from it. But that's like running away from a mountain lion. Soon as you start to run it'll give chase."
Mercy is at first stuck in a like attracts like pattern. So she starts out with Asher because he's part of her past yet part of her future. Plus he's the first person who wants to be with truly her, which in itself is a milestone for her. Unfortunately these two are also toxic together but both something they need to go through, so they can come out better at the other end.
" . . . I don't want to be numb. I want to feel. And sometimes
the only thing to feel is, well, pain. That's all that's available, and
what's weird is the pain sort of helps, because when you hurt you're
not numb. When you feel that pain you know you're alive. "
Mercy's so lost, but there's something about Brad that anchors her. Sadly she doesn't love herself enough to truly experience all that could be with him.
"If there's something I want and it's within my reach, I go after it, with everything I have."
"Like poker winnings?"
"Like you."
Mercy has never been truly loved so with Brad and June it's different and she's doesn't know how to navigate through properly, which is a catalyst to so much more.
"You are a woman. You are the woman who sees the world in ways no one else sees it. You're the woman who has empathy for the people others scorn and who speaks truths to people who need to hear them. You're the woman who is a complete mess and yet in some ways is more together than anyone else I've ever met. You're the woman who has an angelic voice and devilish moves. You're the woman I've fallen in love with."
With her world crumbling down around her, Mercy finally starts to see what she truly needs to become whole again.
"But the problem is you don't want to help me, you want to save me. And only I can do that."
Gah! Did I love Mercy's decision? NO. Did I understand it though? Unfortunately yes. Did I like how she truly handled her resurrection? Not completely as she was still fearful and staying in the safe zone. Thankfully though she did make it to the end of her journey in once piece.
"I'm still in love with you. More than that, you're the love of my life."
However, the heart wants what the heart wants. And home was calling, so Mercy had to make some firm decisions that were going to change her world again. But was she able to handle it this time around?
"Stop thinking, stop letting your fear guide you. Find courage in your love and get your butt to San Francisco."
Did I like Mercy? Yes but at times she didn't endear herself to me. Did I like Mercy's journey and growth? Very much. Did I love Brad? YES, but he too had his own path to walk on for them to find any sort of happiness? Did I like the change in Mercy after? Yes, but what is it with woman who start to giggle after they find themselves. Never a big fan of giggling, so when this was some sort of show of strength or a window into her happiness it ended up having the opposite effect for me. Did I like the ending? Absolutely. Did I like the book? Yes, but at times this book did feel a bit too long. It felt like forever before we started to get to the crux of the matter. Do I like this series? Very much. Do I like Kyra's writing style? Yes.
All quotes taken from pre-published eARC & may be altered or omitted in the final copy.
For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe
Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook
Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter
July 28, 2015
Just One Lie is the second book in author Kyra Davis’ Just One Night Series and even though I own the first in the series, Just One Night, this is the first of Kyra’s work that I’ve read. Which looking at it now is absolutely NUTS because I loved this book. Beyond loved.
First I want to mention that this can be read as a standalone, as I can attest to, and you won’t be lost or miss out on anything. Ok…now onto a hopefully not rambling review as you may know I tend to do when I love a book this much…
Melody Fitzgerald could be called a wild child. She could be called a free spirit with a devil-may-care attitude. She could also be called talented with a gift for creating edgy and beautiful music and giving performances that took an audience’s breath away. But that was the thing with Melody…she was multifaceted and holds many different sides to her personality. That’s what drew people to her and what had the either holding her close or pushing her away. It’s what attracted the brooding and mysterious Ash as well as the very opposite preppy and stable Brad. Two very different men attracted to a woman who was like a freshly blown soap bubble….beautiful and mesmerizing but fragile and ready to pop at any moment. There’s lots of emotion swirling under the surface like the iridescent colors on the clear bubble and it’s those emotions and Melody’s past that threaten to make her pop. Will either Ash or Brent be able to help her stay afloat?
It was a hard choice for me when I first started reading, to be honest, on who I would choose for her to end up with. I loved the way the story opened up with Ash and I loved their hot and heavy relationship but I wasn’t sold on him. Enter Brad. The sexy drummer who looked anything but. He was preppy and solid with a maturity about him that didn’t fit the typical drummer persona. I loved him almost immediately and loved that there was also a mystery about him. Of course, when we get beyond the surface with Brad I loved him even more. I don’t want to give anything away but I will say he is 100% swoon worthy.
Of course nothing was easy when it came to Melody. She has too many demons in her past and they are always threatening to break free at the most inopportune times. It broke my heart to see her struggling. Normally, I prefer a damaged hero being rescued by a good and whole heroine. This was the complete opposite and I loved it more than I thought. Never once did I find Melody weak or annoying. Her struggle was touching and gut wrenching. Her journey is indeed a rough one but also one that I loved from start to finish. I laughed and cried and, as I said earlier, devoured in one sitting. It was dark and beautiful and ended on such a perfect note that I wore a silly grin on my face for the rest of the day. So, so, so good!
Ok….hopefully I didn’t put you to sleep with this long review and hopefully you got the hint that I adored this story and highly recommend! Thank you, Ms. Davis, for an amazing read!
First I want to mention that this can be read as a standalone, as I can attest to, and you won’t be lost or miss out on anything. Ok…now onto a hopefully not rambling review as you may know I tend to do when I love a book this much…
Melody Fitzgerald could be called a wild child. She could be called a free spirit with a devil-may-care attitude. She could also be called talented with a gift for creating edgy and beautiful music and giving performances that took an audience’s breath away. But that was the thing with Melody…she was multifaceted and holds many different sides to her personality. That’s what drew people to her and what had the either holding her close or pushing her away. It’s what attracted the brooding and mysterious Ash as well as the very opposite preppy and stable Brad. Two very different men attracted to a woman who was like a freshly blown soap bubble….beautiful and mesmerizing but fragile and ready to pop at any moment. There’s lots of emotion swirling under the surface like the iridescent colors on the clear bubble and it’s those emotions and Melody’s past that threaten to make her pop. Will either Ash or Brent be able to help her stay afloat?
It was a hard choice for me when I first started reading, to be honest, on who I would choose for her to end up with. I loved the way the story opened up with Ash and I loved their hot and heavy relationship but I wasn’t sold on him. Enter Brad. The sexy drummer who looked anything but. He was preppy and solid with a maturity about him that didn’t fit the typical drummer persona. I loved him almost immediately and loved that there was also a mystery about him. Of course, when we get beyond the surface with Brad I loved him even more. I don’t want to give anything away but I will say he is 100% swoon worthy.
Of course nothing was easy when it came to Melody. She has too many demons in her past and they are always threatening to break free at the most inopportune times. It broke my heart to see her struggling. Normally, I prefer a damaged hero being rescued by a good and whole heroine. This was the complete opposite and I loved it more than I thought. Never once did I find Melody weak or annoying. Her struggle was touching and gut wrenching. Her journey is indeed a rough one but also one that I loved from start to finish. I laughed and cried and, as I said earlier, devoured in one sitting. It was dark and beautiful and ended on such a perfect note that I wore a silly grin on my face for the rest of the day. So, so, so good!
Ok….hopefully I didn’t put you to sleep with this long review and hopefully you got the hint that I adored this story and highly recommend! Thank you, Ms. Davis, for an amazing read!
July 29, 2015
There are some writers that just impress the heck out of me with their depth and writing skills. Kyra Davis is one of them. From the very first book I read of her's, which happened to be Just One Night, the prequel to this one, I was hooked on her writing.
I am usually not at a loss for words but with this book review, I have so many emotions rolling around, it will be hard to put them all together. Let's see if I can do justice to a book that is flat out amazing.
The author is so skilled at writing about emotion, I found myself asking no one... how can someone be this in touch with feelings and emotion and then be able to write it down? She has created an amazing character in Melody aka Mercy. Wise beyond her years, she sees things in people that others do not... including the person she is dealing with. She knows herself so incredibly well too.
Healing from self destructive tendencies, she finds herself craving care and love while wanting to offer it to others as well. The author has brought two totally different men into Melody's life that have changed her in many ways. One of them is emotionally hurtful and the other is perfect for her, but not today. The author takes you on a trip spanning 13 years of Melody's life that is emotional, eye opening, sweet, passionate, and insightful. It just wraps you up and sucks you right in.
I am not going to give away the details as you really have to read this book to get the full impact. What I will say is that this book is one to invest in, both physically and emotionally. Even though it is a sequel, you do not have to have read the first one to read this, although the first book was awesome too and definitely worth the experience of Davis' storytelling abilities. I found my copy and I am re-reading that one this weekend!
All in all, Kyra Davis is a powerful, extremely talented writer that tells a story unlike any other. If you have not had the pleasure of reading her works before, check out this one! It is so worth the time. Just keep a few tissues handy along the way!
I am usually not at a loss for words but with this book review, I have so many emotions rolling around, it will be hard to put them all together. Let's see if I can do justice to a book that is flat out amazing.
The author is so skilled at writing about emotion, I found myself asking no one... how can someone be this in touch with feelings and emotion and then be able to write it down? She has created an amazing character in Melody aka Mercy. Wise beyond her years, she sees things in people that others do not... including the person she is dealing with. She knows herself so incredibly well too.
Healing from self destructive tendencies, she finds herself craving care and love while wanting to offer it to others as well. The author has brought two totally different men into Melody's life that have changed her in many ways. One of them is emotionally hurtful and the other is perfect for her, but not today. The author takes you on a trip spanning 13 years of Melody's life that is emotional, eye opening, sweet, passionate, and insightful. It just wraps you up and sucks you right in.
I am not going to give away the details as you really have to read this book to get the full impact. What I will say is that this book is one to invest in, both physically and emotionally. Even though it is a sequel, you do not have to have read the first one to read this, although the first book was awesome too and definitely worth the experience of Davis' storytelling abilities. I found my copy and I am re-reading that one this weekend!
All in all, Kyra Davis is a powerful, extremely talented writer that tells a story unlike any other. If you have not had the pleasure of reading her works before, check out this one! It is so worth the time. Just keep a few tissues handy along the way!
July 28, 2015
Mercy won me over and probably stole the spotlight of this series. 4.5 stars!
Wow! This book was not what I was expecting! After reading Just One Night and Just Once More, I was expecting Just One Lie to tie into these previous books and pick up where Mercy left us all with out mouths hanging open. However, clever Kyra Davis did something different. Just One Lie is Mercy's story, a tragically beautiful story about Mercy's journey in discovering who she really is and how finding love isn't an easy road until you learn who you are first.
If you haven't read this series yet, you can jump right into Just One Lie easily, it can be read as a complete stand alone and not ruin anything if you choose to go back and read Just One Night at a later time.
Kyra Davis is an author that can pull out your emotions and twist you up with her characters. You get invested, involved and embroiled with the lives of these characters. While I liked Just One Night, I LOVED Mercy's journey in Just One Lie. Mercy is a character that has lots of layers, her surface isn't all that you get with her. She has issues, baggage and bad habits she is running away from and you can't help but be on her side. While her choices aren't always easy to digest, her choices are uniquely hers and her journey.
Not only did Kyra Davis give us Mercy, she added Brad, Ash and other characters that really get you involved in this story. I loved the juxtaposition of Brad vs. Ash and how through all the struggles, twists and turns that Just One Lie takes us on there is always these key relationships that make Mercy look inside herself and strive to be the person she deserves to be.
Just One Lie is a definite 1-click! If you are looking for a book that grabs your attention from the first chapter and will take your heart on a roller coaster ride, then THIS is the book that will satisfy! Kyra Davis proves that while no romance is ever "simple", sometimes its the emotional journeys that make your heart hurt, weep and soar that are the best kind of stories to read. Go grab Just One Lie!
Wow! This book was not what I was expecting! After reading Just One Night and Just Once More, I was expecting Just One Lie to tie into these previous books and pick up where Mercy left us all with out mouths hanging open. However, clever Kyra Davis did something different. Just One Lie is Mercy's story, a tragically beautiful story about Mercy's journey in discovering who she really is and how finding love isn't an easy road until you learn who you are first.
If you haven't read this series yet, you can jump right into Just One Lie easily, it can be read as a complete stand alone and not ruin anything if you choose to go back and read Just One Night at a later time.
Kyra Davis is an author that can pull out your emotions and twist you up with her characters. You get invested, involved and embroiled with the lives of these characters. While I liked Just One Night, I LOVED Mercy's journey in Just One Lie. Mercy is a character that has lots of layers, her surface isn't all that you get with her. She has issues, baggage and bad habits she is running away from and you can't help but be on her side. While her choices aren't always easy to digest, her choices are uniquely hers and her journey.
Not only did Kyra Davis give us Mercy, she added Brad, Ash and other characters that really get you involved in this story. I loved the juxtaposition of Brad vs. Ash and how through all the struggles, twists and turns that Just One Lie takes us on there is always these key relationships that make Mercy look inside herself and strive to be the person she deserves to be.
Just One Lie is a definite 1-click! If you are looking for a book that grabs your attention from the first chapter and will take your heart on a roller coaster ride, then THIS is the book that will satisfy! Kyra Davis proves that while no romance is ever "simple", sometimes its the emotional journeys that make your heart hurt, weep and soar that are the best kind of stories to read. Go grab Just One Lie!
July 30, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books
I am falling in love with Krya Davis! I can't put her books down until I am done with them. Just one Lie is a great read. Melody aka Mercy is a rebel with a cause. I felt her love, regret, confusion, stubbornness and her pain. My emotions were up and down feeling angry and heart broken for Melody because of all the things she had been through with her family. She had tough things to deal with and she was strong and fought through it all.
The love story was engaging from the start when Mercy's old boyfriend Ash comes back into her life after a year long hiatus. His arrival brings back some feelings she wants to forget but some that she wants to rekindle. As the story progresses Ash is just a typical bad boy making their relationship more about the sex and himself. I wanted to kick his ass out the door and tell him to beat it FOREVER! Meanwhile there is Brad who is so dreamy; he's the perfect guy to fall for and for him to love you unconditionally. I could go on about Brad, but I don't want to spoil the fun. I highly suggest reading this book. It's a fun and easy read.
Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.
I am falling in love with Krya Davis! I can't put her books down until I am done with them. Just one Lie is a great read. Melody aka Mercy is a rebel with a cause. I felt her love, regret, confusion, stubbornness and her pain. My emotions were up and down feeling angry and heart broken for Melody because of all the things she had been through with her family. She had tough things to deal with and she was strong and fought through it all.
The love story was engaging from the start when Mercy's old boyfriend Ash comes back into her life after a year long hiatus. His arrival brings back some feelings she wants to forget but some that she wants to rekindle. As the story progresses Ash is just a typical bad boy making their relationship more about the sex and himself. I wanted to kick his ass out the door and tell him to beat it FOREVER! Meanwhile there is Brad who is so dreamy; he's the perfect guy to fall for and for him to love you unconditionally. I could go on about Brad, but I don't want to spoil the fun. I highly suggest reading this book. It's a fun and easy read.
Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.
September 17, 2015
"You're the woman who is a complete mess and yet in some ways is more together than anyone else I've ever met."
Just One Lie is a story about a broken woman who was broken as a girl. Broken by a family who shunned her and is riddled with deceit. It's an emotional tale about depression and how it can take over. It's about how darkness and angst can lead to simplistic beauty. Piece by piece, we watch broken being put back together.
Kyra Davis has an uncanny way of writing with an omniscient voice. She's brilliant in the way she unfolds her characters. The way she grabs you and pulls you in is remarkable. I laughed, I cried, and I hated. Mercy travels down the road of self-discovery, her road isn't easy and as is so often in life, it comes to a fork. To the right is Brad, to the left is Ash, her pilgrimage emotional. Life is never black and white, it's always littered with a whole lot of grey.
It's not about the destination, it's about the journey.
All the feels for this.
Thank you Ms. Davis for showing us the beauty in the grey.
Just One Lie is a story about a broken woman who was broken as a girl. Broken by a family who shunned her and is riddled with deceit. It's an emotional tale about depression and how it can take over. It's about how darkness and angst can lead to simplistic beauty. Piece by piece, we watch broken being put back together.
Kyra Davis has an uncanny way of writing with an omniscient voice. She's brilliant in the way she unfolds her characters. The way she grabs you and pulls you in is remarkable. I laughed, I cried, and I hated. Mercy travels down the road of self-discovery, her road isn't easy and as is so often in life, it comes to a fork. To the right is Brad, to the left is Ash, her pilgrimage emotional. Life is never black and white, it's always littered with a whole lot of grey.
It's not about the destination, it's about the journey.
All the feels for this.
Thank you Ms. Davis for showing us the beauty in the grey.
August 7, 2015
Powerful. Only the heartless and numb will find this one unaffecting.
August 3, 2015
See this review and more on my blog, After Hours at Lilybloombooks
TWITTER GIVEAWAY!! Ends 7/31
Heading into a companion novel is always scary and nerve-racking. You never know if there is something that you'll miss, or be uninformed about, and there could potentially be holes a mile wide with nothing to fill them.
Fortunately, Just One Lie didn't have many holes and I am glad I made the decision to read this one. It's an emotional ride.
While Just One Lie is a romance, it's also a journey. It's a story about the life of a woman who hasn't always had it easy. A woman who is not��broken, but damaged and lost. It's the journey of self discovery, heartbreak, love and happiness.
Kyra did an amazing job with the story telling. Her writing is engaging, thought-provoking and just flows naturally and effortlessly from the page. There were hints dropped here and there regarding Mercy's past and what she was/is hiding but then all the sudden, BAM! We get all the details in our face. It was mind-boggling just how much Kyra made her characters go through.
There is a lot happening in Just One Lie but nothing I can be specific about without spoiling anything, if not the entire book.. It follows Mercy (aka Melody) over the course of many years. We see her a lot of her struggles. We see her at her worst, her best and everything in between. She not only finds love once, but twice. And watching her make the right choices to save herself and everyone around her was heartbreaking.
Mercy is one of the strongest protagonists I have read about in a long time. She has her moment of weakness, but in the grand scheme of things, she is able to recognize what could be self-destructive behavior and makes the change. Twice, she made heartbreaking decisions to change the course of her life and while I applaud her and her bravery, it was HEARTBREAKING. A lot of us stare at our weaknesses everyday and don't have the power or desire to change it. I also love that she owns up to everything that she does or has done. She does what she needs to survive and you have to respect anyone that has that type of mentality.
Of all the secondary characters, Brad was my favorite. I liked him straight away and his and Mercy's interactions were some of my favorite scenes. From the outside, they look like complete opposites and you wouldn't think anything between them could go anywhere. But as time goes on, we learn more and more about each of them and it's beautiful.
My only small issue? The ending felt liked it wrapped up too quickly. However, I mention those holes above? I assume that the ending of Just One Lie ties into the first book, Just One Night so it might make more sense had I read it. You don't need to read the first one though, as I also believe that the ending wasn't an ending but a closing. Mercy's journey isn't over but she is continuing on a more happy route.
All in all - I loved Just One Lie. It's an emotional journey filled with devastating heartbreak, passion and love. Mercy's journey is an inspiring one and one not to be missed. Highly recommend.
*I received a copy of this book from The Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
TWITTER GIVEAWAY!! Ends 7/31
Heading into a companion novel is always scary and nerve-racking. You never know if there is something that you'll miss, or be uninformed about, and there could potentially be holes a mile wide with nothing to fill them.
Fortunately, Just One Lie didn't have many holes and I am glad I made the decision to read this one. It's an emotional ride.
While Just One Lie is a romance, it's also a journey. It's a story about the life of a woman who hasn't always had it easy. A woman who is not��broken, but damaged and lost. It's the journey of self discovery, heartbreak, love and happiness.
Kyra did an amazing job with the story telling. Her writing is engaging, thought-provoking and just flows naturally and effortlessly from the page. There were hints dropped here and there regarding Mercy's past and what she was/is hiding but then all the sudden, BAM! We get all the details in our face. It was mind-boggling just how much Kyra made her characters go through.
There is a lot happening in Just One Lie but nothing I can be specific about without spoiling anything, if not the entire book.. It follows Mercy (aka Melody) over the course of many years. We see her a lot of her struggles. We see her at her worst, her best and everything in between. She not only finds love once, but twice. And watching her make the right choices to save herself and everyone around her was heartbreaking.
Mercy is one of the strongest protagonists I have read about in a long time. She has her moment of weakness, but in the grand scheme of things, she is able to recognize what could be self-destructive behavior and makes the change. Twice, she made heartbreaking decisions to change the course of her life and while I applaud her and her bravery, it was HEARTBREAKING. A lot of us stare at our weaknesses everyday and don't have the power or desire to change it. I also love that she owns up to everything that she does or has done. She does what she needs to survive and you have to respect anyone that has that type of mentality.
Of all the secondary characters, Brad was my favorite. I liked him straight away and his and Mercy's interactions were some of my favorite scenes. From the outside, they look like complete opposites and you wouldn't think anything between them could go anywhere. But as time goes on, we learn more and more about each of them and it's beautiful.
My only small issue? The ending felt liked it wrapped up too quickly. However, I mention those holes above? I assume that the ending of Just One Lie ties into the first book, Just One Night so it might make more sense had I read it. You don't need to read the first one though, as I also believe that the ending wasn't an ending but a closing. Mercy's journey isn't over but she is continuing on a more happy route.
All in all - I loved Just One Lie. It's an emotional journey filled with devastating heartbreak, passion and love. Mercy's journey is an inspiring one and one not to be missed. Highly recommend.
*I received a copy of this book from The Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
July 12, 2015
Just One Lie, by Kyra Davis, is the follow-up story to her New York Times Best Selling book Just One Night. Just One Lie is definitely a stand-alone book, as it is the first book I have read of Davis’. However, after reading it I will definitely be reading Just One Night this summer!
Just One Lie centers on Mercy/Melody, a troubled singer in an independent rock band. Melody is a loner who has done it all. Her life has literally been drugs, sex, and rock and roll. However, things changed for her more than a year ago. She fell in love after a one night stand with a mystery man, Ash, that changed her life forever and led to a severing of ties with her parents. Melody felt that that one night killed her emotionally and physically. She changed her name to Mercy and found herself in a new city. Mercy gave up the hardcore drugs and became clean from the drugs for the first time in years. She formed a new band, hid her past, and had been taking it one day at a time.
All of the effort Mercy put in to forget ‘Melody’ and her previous life comes crashes down around her. Mercy finds herself reeling after Ash shows up to her New Year’s Eve show speaking of forgiveness and soul mates. Knowing all that she knows, Mercy still can’t stay away from Ash. She keeps a huge secret from him that would undoubtedly change their relationship. What unfolds is a complicated love story filled with ups and downs, shocks and plain craziness.
Added to Ash and Mercy’s complex relationship is the fact that Mercy is starting to have feelings for her new drummer. Brad is not someone she ever thought she would be attracted to. He looks like an All American boy, not a drummer in a Rock Band. However, he listens to her and she finds herself opening up to him more and more. They seem to connect, and this both scares and fascinates Mercy. She has never known anyone like Brad, someone that would care about her wholeheartedly and not judge her for her past or present.
Kyra Davis’ Just One Lie follows Mercy from New Year’s Eve 1999 until present day. Readers are able to watch Mercy grow and bloom, as well as witness her self-destructive tendencies come to the forefront and be dealt with. I absolutely adored this story. The characters were relatable and multifaceted. I found myself rooting for Mercy throughout the book, wanting her to follow her North Star and embrace who she was. As I mentioned earlier, you do NOT need to read Just One Night in order to enjoy Just One Lie. I plan on picking up Just One Night just because I enjoyed Mercy’s story so much as well as Davis’ writing. She knows how to write a gritty, intoxicatingly sexy, coming of age story that kept me wanting more up until the last page. Just One Lie should most definitely be on your Summer 2015 ‘To Be Read’ list! I know you will enjoy it as much as I did!
Just One Lie centers on Mercy/Melody, a troubled singer in an independent rock band. Melody is a loner who has done it all. Her life has literally been drugs, sex, and rock and roll. However, things changed for her more than a year ago. She fell in love after a one night stand with a mystery man, Ash, that changed her life forever and led to a severing of ties with her parents. Melody felt that that one night killed her emotionally and physically. She changed her name to Mercy and found herself in a new city. Mercy gave up the hardcore drugs and became clean from the drugs for the first time in years. She formed a new band, hid her past, and had been taking it one day at a time.
All of the effort Mercy put in to forget ‘Melody’ and her previous life comes crashes down around her. Mercy finds herself reeling after Ash shows up to her New Year’s Eve show speaking of forgiveness and soul mates. Knowing all that she knows, Mercy still can’t stay away from Ash. She keeps a huge secret from him that would undoubtedly change their relationship. What unfolds is a complicated love story filled with ups and downs, shocks and plain craziness.
Added to Ash and Mercy’s complex relationship is the fact that Mercy is starting to have feelings for her new drummer. Brad is not someone she ever thought she would be attracted to. He looks like an All American boy, not a drummer in a Rock Band. However, he listens to her and she finds herself opening up to him more and more. They seem to connect, and this both scares and fascinates Mercy. She has never known anyone like Brad, someone that would care about her wholeheartedly and not judge her for her past or present.
Kyra Davis’ Just One Lie follows Mercy from New Year’s Eve 1999 until present day. Readers are able to watch Mercy grow and bloom, as well as witness her self-destructive tendencies come to the forefront and be dealt with. I absolutely adored this story. The characters were relatable and multifaceted. I found myself rooting for Mercy throughout the book, wanting her to follow her North Star and embrace who she was. As I mentioned earlier, you do NOT need to read Just One Night in order to enjoy Just One Lie. I plan on picking up Just One Night just because I enjoyed Mercy’s story so much as well as Davis’ writing. She knows how to write a gritty, intoxicatingly sexy, coming of age story that kept me wanting more up until the last page. Just One Lie should most definitely be on your Summer 2015 ‘To Be Read’ list! I know you will enjoy it as much as I did!
July 29, 2015
Mercy, previously known as Melody, is a hot mess. She’s never truly come to terms with her tragic past. Her family erased her from existence and the one man she felt a connection to left after one night and never saw him again. On the outside, Mercy seems like she has control of her life. Of course when compared to the old version of herself, she has improved a great deal. However, there’s a lot of darkness still mingling inside her that needs to be dealt with.
When Ash, Mercy’s one night stand, reappears he brings up a past that is both good and bad. She rekindles her relationship with him, but his bad boy tendencies take a toll on her.
This was my first Kyra Davis book—though I’ve had her books on my TBR list for quite some time—and I’m happy to say that I’m now an official fan.
As I started reading the first few pages, I felt intensely drawn to Mercy’s words. The way she expressed her deep and dark thoughts were captivating through and through. She had countless regrets, and though her spiraling downwards had been slowed immensely, she still struggled every second of every day.
Bit by bit we got another piece to Mercy’s screwed up puzzle. And despite being happy gaining the information, my heart also broke a little more each time.
Most of the time, I felt this sinking weight in my chest and gut because I felt every grim emotion Mercy was feeling. Other times I was frustrated and angered by the toxicity that she surrounded herself with; Ash above all else. I hated him so much, but in the end, I saw it was necessary for him to be in her life when he was.
In fact, many of the side characters we meet along the way are meant to influence Mercy in one way or another.
Like the other man who comes into Mercy’s life around the same time as Ash’s reappearance. He’s sweet and stable and everything Ash is not. He had my vote from the beginning, but I’ll let you find out for yourself what happens with Mercy.
I really don’t want to say anything more because I want everyone to have the same reading experience I had. I fear going on further and giving important details away. Rest assured this complex story will mess with your head, break your heart, and test your strength.
Just One Lie is book two in the Just One Night series, but can be read as a stand alone.
xoxoafterdark.com
When Ash, Mercy’s one night stand, reappears he brings up a past that is both good and bad. She rekindles her relationship with him, but his bad boy tendencies take a toll on her.
This was my first Kyra Davis book—though I’ve had her books on my TBR list for quite some time—and I’m happy to say that I’m now an official fan.
As I started reading the first few pages, I felt intensely drawn to Mercy’s words. The way she expressed her deep and dark thoughts were captivating through and through. She had countless regrets, and though her spiraling downwards had been slowed immensely, she still struggled every second of every day.
Bit by bit we got another piece to Mercy’s screwed up puzzle. And despite being happy gaining the information, my heart also broke a little more each time.
Most of the time, I felt this sinking weight in my chest and gut because I felt every grim emotion Mercy was feeling. Other times I was frustrated and angered by the toxicity that she surrounded herself with; Ash above all else. I hated him so much, but in the end, I saw it was necessary for him to be in her life when he was.
In fact, many of the side characters we meet along the way are meant to influence Mercy in one way or another.
Like the other man who comes into Mercy’s life around the same time as Ash’s reappearance. He’s sweet and stable and everything Ash is not. He had my vote from the beginning, but I’ll let you find out for yourself what happens with Mercy.
I really don’t want to say anything more because I want everyone to have the same reading experience I had. I fear going on further and giving important details away. Rest assured this complex story will mess with your head, break your heart, and test your strength.
Just One Lie is book two in the Just One Night series, but can be read as a stand alone.
xoxoafterdark.com
September 4, 2015
This was so great! An emotional and angsty story filled with self discovery, love, and acceptance.
I really liked Mercy. She was complicated and chaotic but also caring and good. By the end, I was loving her. Reading this I felt like I really experienced her personal journey over the span of times. Sometimes it was edgy and dark, other times it was light and filled with hope.
She had these complicated relationships with two different men, each fulfilling a specific need within her it seemed. I thought those relationships were explained well and balanced out nicely throughout the story. I definitely was rooting for one guy over the other and love how it all played out on the end.
I was really captivated by her life, her way of thinking, and logic. I liked all the details, and it had a good pace though some chapters felt slightly drawn out to me. It did take me a couple of chapters to get into it as everything was laid out but once I was in, I was invested. I did like the overall story but the end itself felt rushed to me. I was really feeling the emotion the entire time and then the end came and I felt more like I was being told as compared to pulled in. I loved the reconnection that was happening but I wish there would have been more of it.
All in all, this was an excellent read. It had this edgy feel, sometimes intense, sometimes emotional but beautiful because it's a story of introspection and really owning who you are.
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
I really liked Mercy. She was complicated and chaotic but also caring and good. By the end, I was loving her. Reading this I felt like I really experienced her personal journey over the span of times. Sometimes it was edgy and dark, other times it was light and filled with hope.
She had these complicated relationships with two different men, each fulfilling a specific need within her it seemed. I thought those relationships were explained well and balanced out nicely throughout the story. I definitely was rooting for one guy over the other and love how it all played out on the end.
I was really captivated by her life, her way of thinking, and logic. I liked all the details, and it had a good pace though some chapters felt slightly drawn out to me. It did take me a couple of chapters to get into it as everything was laid out but once I was in, I was invested. I did like the overall story but the end itself felt rushed to me. I was really feeling the emotion the entire time and then the end came and I felt more like I was being told as compared to pulled in. I loved the reconnection that was happening but I wish there would have been more of it.
All in all, this was an excellent read. It had this edgy feel, sometimes intense, sometimes emotional but beautiful because it's a story of introspection and really owning who you are.
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
September 13, 2015
Well this is the first Kyra Davis book I read and really enjoyed it! It was filled with everything I was looking for in a book; love, heartache, life, emotions and so much more! I will for sure be reading more form Kyra and can't wait for the next in this series!
Falling Mercy on her journey in life to find herself and her way in life was fun! She encounters the past and has to figure out what she wants most in the future. Ash was her past her present the one thing she went to, to make herself feel better. But then there was Brad the guy from her band the one that seems to be a little more grounded. But things are never a cakewalk, just like real life. And we get to take the journey through this book with Mercy to find what is in store for herself.
I really did get into this, I was hooked to Mercy’s life because I really could see a lot of what she was dealing with was something we might deal with in real life. Kyra did a great job keeping me on the edge of my seat! I cant wait for more!
Falling Mercy on her journey in life to find herself and her way in life was fun! She encounters the past and has to figure out what she wants most in the future. Ash was her past her present the one thing she went to, to make herself feel better. But then there was Brad the guy from her band the one that seems to be a little more grounded. But things are never a cakewalk, just like real life. And we get to take the journey through this book with Mercy to find what is in store for herself.
I really did get into this, I was hooked to Mercy’s life because I really could see a lot of what she was dealing with was something we might deal with in real life. Kyra did a great job keeping me on the edge of my seat! I cant wait for more!
July 28, 2015
There is a small piece of my heart that now resides in the hands of Kyra Davis. She took it the moment I met Mercy Raye in her latest novel Just One Lie. I know it sounds funny that I lost myself over the heroine and not the uber hot males that Kyra wrote so well and that I ultimately crave in a story, but I fell for Mercy’s tortured soul hard and fast. There was something about her shear strength woven into all of her inner demons that drew me to her. Just One Lie is Mercy’s story and it was told in her POV flawlessly.
If you haven’t read the first two books in the Just One Night series, don’t fret….I hadn’t either. I was told that this could be read as a standalone and I was never once lost. For Just One Lie starts out at the turn of the Millennium and is about Mercy, AKA Melody Fitzgerald, Kasie’s sister. We learn through a few flashbacks and of Mercy telling her life story to her chosen few about her upbringing and to say she was a bit rebellious would be an understatement. She was wild, she was a druggie, she slept around and she made all the mistakes a girl could make in her youth. I am sure she is no parent’s dream child, but her parents will also not be getting any ‘Parent of the Year’ awards either. When Mercy’s story begins, she is trying to get her life back under control and I will tell you that most of her partying days are behind her, but she still makes an awful lot of mistakes along the way. But where most people in her situation continue to slide down that slippery slope thankfully Mercy has that desire to do better and want more for herself.
I would never call Mercy a confident or self-assured girl, but she has a wisdom about her that is unbridled. She is girl who wants to be loved and to love in return but honestly just doesn’t think she is worthy of it and doesn’t really know how to accept it. She wants a simple hug and an affirmation from someone that she has worth. There were times watching her struggle with these needs that my heart was just shredded. I wanted to reach out and give her that hug that she so desperately craved. She wandered through life at times not knowing whether she wanted to live or just fade away and I am so glad her will to live superseded her urges to give up.
Mercy was fortunate to find the love of two men…Ash and Brad. One from her past and one from her present. They both have their reasons for loving her, but are they the right reasons? Again, this is where Mercy’s strength comes into play. She recognizes the unhealthiness of their love and her actions toward them being just as unhealthy, and as much as it gutted me, Mercy ended up being strongest out of all of them. Once Mercy gets her life in order and does finally find love, it is about as beautiful and healthy and wonderful as it can get. Her lover’s words and never ending love for her will melt anyone’s heart.
Just One Lie when broken down to its simplest form was really a sad tale of one girl’s life yet filled with all the triumphs of that girl trying to right her past wrongs. Kyra is an amazing storyteller, she crafted such incredible visuals for me that I was never lost or couldn’t picture something through this story. I love when the author can make me feel like I am there, like a fly on the wall in scene, and Kyra definitely teleported me to LA. I truly loved this story…oh the emotions I went through…I laughed, I cried for more than a few reasons, I was angry and I literally at times felt peace. I hope you love Just One Lie as much as I did. I will miss Mercy and her story, but I am so glad I got to be a part of this amazing journey with her. 5 “Home is where the heart is” Stars!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1ISjVse
iBooks: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/…/bo…/ju...…
I received a copy of this ARC from Gallery Books & #XOXperts in exchange for an honest review!
If you haven’t read the first two books in the Just One Night series, don’t fret….I hadn’t either. I was told that this could be read as a standalone and I was never once lost. For Just One Lie starts out at the turn of the Millennium and is about Mercy, AKA Melody Fitzgerald, Kasie’s sister. We learn through a few flashbacks and of Mercy telling her life story to her chosen few about her upbringing and to say she was a bit rebellious would be an understatement. She was wild, she was a druggie, she slept around and she made all the mistakes a girl could make in her youth. I am sure she is no parent’s dream child, but her parents will also not be getting any ‘Parent of the Year’ awards either. When Mercy’s story begins, she is trying to get her life back under control and I will tell you that most of her partying days are behind her, but she still makes an awful lot of mistakes along the way. But where most people in her situation continue to slide down that slippery slope thankfully Mercy has that desire to do better and want more for herself.
I would never call Mercy a confident or self-assured girl, but she has a wisdom about her that is unbridled. She is girl who wants to be loved and to love in return but honestly just doesn’t think she is worthy of it and doesn’t really know how to accept it. She wants a simple hug and an affirmation from someone that she has worth. There were times watching her struggle with these needs that my heart was just shredded. I wanted to reach out and give her that hug that she so desperately craved. She wandered through life at times not knowing whether she wanted to live or just fade away and I am so glad her will to live superseded her urges to give up.
Mercy was fortunate to find the love of two men…Ash and Brad. One from her past and one from her present. They both have their reasons for loving her, but are they the right reasons? Again, this is where Mercy’s strength comes into play. She recognizes the unhealthiness of their love and her actions toward them being just as unhealthy, and as much as it gutted me, Mercy ended up being strongest out of all of them. Once Mercy gets her life in order and does finally find love, it is about as beautiful and healthy and wonderful as it can get. Her lover’s words and never ending love for her will melt anyone’s heart.
Just One Lie when broken down to its simplest form was really a sad tale of one girl’s life yet filled with all the triumphs of that girl trying to right her past wrongs. Kyra is an amazing storyteller, she crafted such incredible visuals for me that I was never lost or couldn’t picture something through this story. I love when the author can make me feel like I am there, like a fly on the wall in scene, and Kyra definitely teleported me to LA. I truly loved this story…oh the emotions I went through…I laughed, I cried for more than a few reasons, I was angry and I literally at times felt peace. I hope you love Just One Lie as much as I did. I will miss Mercy and her story, but I am so glad I got to be a part of this amazing journey with her. 5 “Home is where the heart is” Stars!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1ISjVse
iBooks: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/…/bo…/ju...…
I received a copy of this ARC from Gallery Books & #XOXperts in exchange for an honest review!
August 5, 2015
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
Just One Lie took me on an emotional ride, unlike any book I’ve read before. This story followed Mercy, as she struggled to find her place in a world where she felt unloved, she experienced heartbreaking loss and really didn’t know who she was. It was a beautiful read that made me smile, made me sad and occasionally brought on tears.
Mercy was a troubled child; she rebelled a lot, took drugs, drank alcohol and was basically tossed out of home. Each detail I discovered about Mercy put another crack in my heart. She had been through so much, but somehow continued to live. She enjoyed the rush while performing in her band and doing her other little jobs. When a man from her past comes back into her life, he helped her escape her troubles and to have fun in the present.
Then there is Brad, the new drummer in Mercy’s band. He see’s past the façade that Mercy had created to the broken girl beneath. He forces Mercy to face some of her demons and they form a bond deeper than just friendship. He’s such a caring person, and went out of his way for Mercy at times, helping her get back on her feet.
Mercy and Brad’s story was not an easy ride. They had a lot of hurdles to face, some of which they faced together but mostly on their own. There were other factors they had to consider and made unselfish decisions that would bring them back together with the least amount of destruction. I could see how deep their feelings were growing for one another, they had some life changing and sweet moments together, which totally made me swoon.
Just One Lie focused on an element that affects people all over the world: depression. Mercy has struggled with it for a long time and never had any help. It caused her to do things that could cause harm to herself or to others. At other times, she went from extreme highs to unhappy lows. The author, Kyra Davis, did a remarkable job at weaving this particular thread into the story, it was realistic and it opened my eyes to the difficulties people go through.
Although this is the second book in the Just One Night series, it can be read as a standalone as the characters from the first book don’t really come into it until the very end. I didn’t think I missed any details by not reading Just One Night, but I am curious about the couple now that I am done. I really enjoyed reading my first book by Kyra Davis, and will be on the lookout for more of her work in the future!
Complimentary copy provided by Simon & Schuster Australia in exchange for an honest review.
Just One Lie took me on an emotional ride, unlike any book I’ve read before. This story followed Mercy, as she struggled to find her place in a world where she felt unloved, she experienced heartbreaking loss and really didn’t know who she was. It was a beautiful read that made me smile, made me sad and occasionally brought on tears.
Mercy was a troubled child; she rebelled a lot, took drugs, drank alcohol and was basically tossed out of home. Each detail I discovered about Mercy put another crack in my heart. She had been through so much, but somehow continued to live. She enjoyed the rush while performing in her band and doing her other little jobs. When a man from her past comes back into her life, he helped her escape her troubles and to have fun in the present.
Then there is Brad, the new drummer in Mercy’s band. He see’s past the façade that Mercy had created to the broken girl beneath. He forces Mercy to face some of her demons and they form a bond deeper than just friendship. He’s such a caring person, and went out of his way for Mercy at times, helping her get back on her feet.
Mercy and Brad’s story was not an easy ride. They had a lot of hurdles to face, some of which they faced together but mostly on their own. There were other factors they had to consider and made unselfish decisions that would bring them back together with the least amount of destruction. I could see how deep their feelings were growing for one another, they had some life changing and sweet moments together, which totally made me swoon.
Just One Lie focused on an element that affects people all over the world: depression. Mercy has struggled with it for a long time and never had any help. It caused her to do things that could cause harm to herself or to others. At other times, she went from extreme highs to unhappy lows. The author, Kyra Davis, did a remarkable job at weaving this particular thread into the story, it was realistic and it opened my eyes to the difficulties people go through.
Although this is the second book in the Just One Night series, it can be read as a standalone as the characters from the first book don’t really come into it until the very end. I didn’t think I missed any details by not reading Just One Night, but I am curious about the couple now that I am done. I really enjoyed reading my first book by Kyra Davis, and will be on the lookout for more of her work in the future!
Complimentary copy provided by Simon & Schuster Australia in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2015
Just One Lie is the third book in the series that started with Just One Night.
I’d like to start my review with this, Kyra is an amazing writer. Her stories are brilliant. She finds a way to make the reader think about life. At least for me, I found myself thinking about decisions that people make and why they make them. Her characters are unique and that is one of the reasons I enjoy reading her books. Mercy, Ash and Brad were different and special for different reasons. Honestly, I didn’t expect this series to take me on such an emotional journey with these beloved personalities.
This story can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the entire series. This book is Mercy (Melody’s) story. After reading Just Once More (novella), I was excited to learn about the infamous Melody. Mercy (Melody) is Kasie’s sister. She’s the sister Kasie thought was dead. Reading about how and why Melody was “dead” was heartbreaking. However, reading how she battled on with life was totally worth it.
This book takes readers back to 1999. This back in time is significant in this story. Mercy (Melody) reunites with Ash, a badboy dreamer from her past who helped contribute to her “death.” The reader gets to relive some of those tragic moments that ultimately lead to Melody becoming Mercy. We learn the truth about her parents and trust me, you will be as upset and I was when you read that part. Mercy also meets Brad, the sweet and charming good guy hottie and drummer. Both men stir feelings in Mercy’s heart and ultimately both men help her move on, grow, and live. Talk about having to make a choice, Ash or Brad?
Mercy proves to be one bad ass woman. She is strong, loving, talented and quite amazing.
The last chapters in this book were my favorite. Mr. Dade and Kasie make their appearance in this book and I found those moments welcoming and they completed Mercy’s life.
Brad and June are back too. But, you’ll have to read the book to find out about them. (my favorite moments)
Kyra, this book was awesome. You stirred all of my emotions along the way. You made me think, made me cry, upset me and ultimately, made me smile. Your steamy scenes are also… Whoa…. Kyra can write sex!
I want to say so much more in this review but will keep it spoiler free for the readers.
I highly recommend this book, this series to all. Kyra will quickly become one of your favorite authors.
I gave this book 5 stars!
I’d like to start my review with this, Kyra is an amazing writer. Her stories are brilliant. She finds a way to make the reader think about life. At least for me, I found myself thinking about decisions that people make and why they make them. Her characters are unique and that is one of the reasons I enjoy reading her books. Mercy, Ash and Brad were different and special for different reasons. Honestly, I didn’t expect this series to take me on such an emotional journey with these beloved personalities.
This story can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the entire series. This book is Mercy (Melody’s) story. After reading Just Once More (novella), I was excited to learn about the infamous Melody. Mercy (Melody) is Kasie’s sister. She’s the sister Kasie thought was dead. Reading about how and why Melody was “dead” was heartbreaking. However, reading how she battled on with life was totally worth it.
This book takes readers back to 1999. This back in time is significant in this story. Mercy (Melody) reunites with Ash, a badboy dreamer from her past who helped contribute to her “death.” The reader gets to relive some of those tragic moments that ultimately lead to Melody becoming Mercy. We learn the truth about her parents and trust me, you will be as upset and I was when you read that part. Mercy also meets Brad, the sweet and charming good guy hottie and drummer. Both men stir feelings in Mercy’s heart and ultimately both men help her move on, grow, and live. Talk about having to make a choice, Ash or Brad?
Mercy proves to be one bad ass woman. She is strong, loving, talented and quite amazing.
The last chapters in this book were my favorite. Mr. Dade and Kasie make their appearance in this book and I found those moments welcoming and they completed Mercy’s life.
Brad and June are back too. But, you’ll have to read the book to find out about them. (my favorite moments)
Kyra, this book was awesome. You stirred all of my emotions along the way. You made me think, made me cry, upset me and ultimately, made me smile. Your steamy scenes are also… Whoa…. Kyra can write sex!
I want to say so much more in this review but will keep it spoiler free for the readers.
I highly recommend this book, this series to all. Kyra will quickly become one of your favorite authors.
I gave this book 5 stars!
July 29, 2015
Just one lie is a wonderfully delivered heartbreaking, but beautifully written story. Its filled with twists and turns, secrets within, many heartbreaks, and an emotional roller coaster. Love on all levels and new friendships.
Just One Lie is Mercy's story, a tragic story about Mercy's journey in discovering who she really is, how life and love is a learning curve and how hard love is.
Mercy is a free spirit, the black sheep of the family the daredevil who dares to defy everything .
Kyra Davis did a amazing job of telling the story, and bringing her characters to life. We see Melody's - Mercy's struggle through life and the ups and downs she encounters. Never getting over her tragic past - We see Mercy's struggle with the darkness within and even though she seems kept together her constant struggle to deal with herself. She has many regrets and many set backs , her life is still moving forward - slowly but at a better pace then before.
After meeting up and rekindling the friendship with Ash - both bad and good it seems his bad boy ways get in her way. He was poison that just leaked into her soul. He was certainly not good for her or her well being.
Did I like this character not so much so - but he was a necessary evil in the story so to speak lol.
There are many secondary characters that take there place among the story. All making there way within the pages and into and out of Mercy's life. All vital and important on her path to both discovery and learning and living and possibly loving.
One I enjoyed much so but to have to read to find out.
The authors writing is crisp and sharp, well delivered and detailed and flowed effortlessly. THe story draws you in and wont let you go till the very end.
Love this authors work and will continue to read more !
This story can be read as a standalone, but is second in the series.
Highly recommend to all !
4 1/2 stars !
Heartbreaking, sexy - bold , a coming of age story that will sweep you along at every page.
Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with this book for review
Just One Lie is Mercy's story, a tragic story about Mercy's journey in discovering who she really is, how life and love is a learning curve and how hard love is.
Mercy is a free spirit, the black sheep of the family the daredevil who dares to defy everything .
Kyra Davis did a amazing job of telling the story, and bringing her characters to life. We see Melody's - Mercy's struggle through life and the ups and downs she encounters. Never getting over her tragic past - We see Mercy's struggle with the darkness within and even though she seems kept together her constant struggle to deal with herself. She has many regrets and many set backs , her life is still moving forward - slowly but at a better pace then before.
After meeting up and rekindling the friendship with Ash - both bad and good it seems his bad boy ways get in her way. He was poison that just leaked into her soul. He was certainly not good for her or her well being.
Did I like this character not so much so - but he was a necessary evil in the story so to speak lol.
There are many secondary characters that take there place among the story. All making there way within the pages and into and out of Mercy's life. All vital and important on her path to both discovery and learning and living and possibly loving.
One I enjoyed much so but to have to read to find out.
The authors writing is crisp and sharp, well delivered and detailed and flowed effortlessly. THe story draws you in and wont let you go till the very end.
Love this authors work and will continue to read more !
This story can be read as a standalone, but is second in the series.
Highly recommend to all !
4 1/2 stars !
Heartbreaking, sexy - bold , a coming of age story that will sweep you along at every page.
Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with this book for review
August 4, 2015
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH did I love this book....so much angst. When I first started reading and found out this was a love triangle, I wanted to cry...I FUCKING HATE LOVE TRIANGLES. But....with how Mercy had to grow and mature, I understand why she had to be in a love triangle. Ash made her realize she was destined to be a better person then who she was. Brad...ohhhhhh Brad. I was in love with that man from the beginning. I liked how he had to grow and mature as well. That both of them learned from each other what had to change in their lives for them to be together. This was actually a book where I respected BOTH the hero and the heroine....but....Mercy did irk me a few times. (Spoilers ahead). Mercy was with Ash who was completely unstable. But their relationship helped her see she needed to change. But she started to fall in love with Brad, but stayed with Ash. She had a feeling Ash was cheating on her, and Brad was always there for her, listening and being a shoulder to cry on. Mercy wanted to be with Brad but again...she stayed with Ash. Mercy said Brad was the love of her life but she needed to go and heal herself and get stable without him. Well 6 years comes and goes and she is stable but again, she is with someone else. I just didn't like that fact that when she was always trying to find herself, there was always another man in the picture. I'm not saying she should have been celibate but why be with another man when you are fixing yourself for your one true love. I dunno...that just irked me. But the rest of the book was so good that I let her slide on that. I'm really glad Krya wrote this book...it was really good and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 28, 2015
Every time I tried to sit down and read Just One Lie, something would come up, and I would have to put it down. For like two weeks this happened. If I had only know how phenomenal this book was, I would have let NOTHING stand in my way! This is my first Kyra Davis book, and I am seriously jealous of people who have read words written by her before. I am a true fan.
For me, this book is all about Mercy. The other characters are great, and complex, and totally needed, but Mercy is the one that shines so bright. She is damaged and so hard on herself, yet she is extremely philosophical, witty, loveable, and wise. The way the author writes her makes it feel like you ARE her. Makes you want to BE her, flaws and all. Everything she feels, YOU feel. Never before have I experienced a style of writing that connects you to the story like this author's does. I am in awe of her word weaving abilities!
Just One Lie is off the charts amazing. You need to meet Mercy. I guarantee you'll fall in love with her!!
One of my favorite lines:
"How messed up are you? You can't even decide if you want to save yourself or punish yourself, and you clearly don't know how to do either!"
And one of my favorite parts of ANY book EVER:
July 28, 2015
Just One Lie is book two in the Just One Night series and starts off with a bang. This is the story of Melody Fitzgerald, who now goes by the name of Mercy. She is Kasie’s older sister from the first two books and who Kasie believes to be dead. Her parents apparently kicked her out of their home and had her declared dead, telling Kasie that she died of a drug overdose. Parents of the year award is obviously not going to them.
This book takes you on Melody’s journey beginning December 31st 1999 and I’ll admit, when I first saw the date, I cringed. Do I really want to go back fifteen years? Let me say, the ride was totally worth it. This woman goes through so much during her life, it’s a wonder how she didn’t collapse under the weight of it all. The characters that she meets along the way, Lynette, Ash, Brad, her parents and so many others each have such an influence on the paths she takes and the things that happen to her. I felt!! I felt so much for her. She is a carpe diem the hell out of this life kind of person and just writing this review, I want to reread it just to experience again. Her story really affected me greatly. Those last few chapters, oh my gosh I’m so glad! You never know where her life is going to take her and I’m so glad where it finally did. I really don’t want to say more but I will say this. Even if you weren’t really crazy about the Kasie’s story, I would definitely take a chance on this one. Every page was so worth it.
This book takes you on Melody’s journey beginning December 31st 1999 and I’ll admit, when I first saw the date, I cringed. Do I really want to go back fifteen years? Let me say, the ride was totally worth it. This woman goes through so much during her life, it’s a wonder how she didn’t collapse under the weight of it all. The characters that she meets along the way, Lynette, Ash, Brad, her parents and so many others each have such an influence on the paths she takes and the things that happen to her. I felt!! I felt so much for her. She is a carpe diem the hell out of this life kind of person and just writing this review, I want to reread it just to experience again. Her story really affected me greatly. Those last few chapters, oh my gosh I’m so glad! You never know where her life is going to take her and I’m so glad where it finally did. I really don’t want to say more but I will say this. Even if you weren’t really crazy about the Kasie’s story, I would definitely take a chance on this one. Every page was so worth it.
August 21, 2015
Kyra Davis does such an amazing job of writing this story! She pulls you into the characters world starting on page one, she has you crying and beaming in joy with the characters. Kyra gives you all the feels you expect in a story of a woman trying to find her way.
Just one Lie is the story of Melody/Mercy. A woman who was shunned by those she loves and is trying to pick up the pieces to find herself again. Melody has a long road ahead of her and some harsh realities to face on her journey. However, though there’s a lot she has to face it life, it all just makes her stronger.
Though this is the second book in the series, you never feel like you’re missing anything. You’re constantly cheering Melody on and prying she finally gets the HEA she deserves. I would definitely recommend the book to people who love stories where the customers come out stronger than they were before.
**ARC was provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Just one Lie is the story of Melody/Mercy. A woman who was shunned by those she loves and is trying to pick up the pieces to find herself again. Melody has a long road ahead of her and some harsh realities to face on her journey. However, though there’s a lot she has to face it life, it all just makes her stronger.
Though this is the second book in the series, you never feel like you’re missing anything. You’re constantly cheering Melody on and prying she finally gets the HEA she deserves. I would definitely recommend the book to people who love stories where the customers come out stronger than they were before.
**ARC was provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
August 25, 2015
The first book in this series intrigued me. With how Mercy / Melody was introduced at the end I looked forward to this one. I sort of like Mercy, liked that she lived her life to her standard, not anyone else. What I didn't like was how she let Ash walk all over her. You could tell he needed to be the center of everything, not sure how that is going to work because you can tell that Mercy's star is on the rise and Ash will self-destruct. I really liked how different Brad was, liked his secret and how he treated Mercy.
I made it 150 pages and got a little bored and started a new book. Tonight I went to pick this one back up. Made it another 10 pages and realized that I just didn't care enough to keep reading. In the end this one wasn't for me.
I made it 150 pages and got a little bored and started a new book. Tonight I went to pick this one back up. Made it another 10 pages and realized that I just didn't care enough to keep reading. In the end this one wasn't for me.
September 20, 2015
As a character study of Mercy/Melody, this book is beautiful. I really appreciated the complexity of her evolution from wounded soul to healthy woman. And though I usually avoid love triangles, the shifting love interests make sense here in connection to her emotional development. But I have a pet peeve in romance novels when lovers spend more time apart then together, especially when there are YEARS in between. It leaves me frustrated. So that prevented me from loving this book. That said, the lovers' reunion scene was spectacular.
August 30, 2015
"Just One Lie" is the complex story of Mercy/Melody who happens to be the wayward sister of Kasie Fitzgerald, for the fans who enjoyed "Just One Night." Mercy/Melody life has many highs and lows as the reader gets pulled in her world and why she was diffcult to understood or even love by those who were important to her to her conservative parents' and the two sexy men Mercy/Melody could not help but love! No give aways here....
July 21, 2015
FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR!! Review to come closer to release date :)
July 31, 2017
*4.5 Stars*
After reading Just Once More back in May, I was eager to read Just One Lie so I was more the thrilled when it won the vote. ;) Getting Kasie's sister's story - the sister behind so much that shaped Kasie's life - well, I was anxious to get to know Melody. And Melody's story - Mercy, as she's come to be known - I don't know but I think I found it even more compelling than Kasie's. That either of the Fitzgerald girls became productive human beings after growing up with the parents they were given...it's miraculous and proves the power of inner spirit and a strong love.
It's been awhile since I read Just One Night but I think one thing I thoroughly delighted in with Just One Lie was getting to know Brad, the hero, so well. I liked how he looked at life, how he was so much more than he seemed - and he seemed like quite a lot - and I loved how he treated Mercy. He's an intelligent guy, talented, and a giving, loving man. He has his flaws but would give the shirt off his back to a damsel in distress - Mercy being on the top of that list. I also loved that even if it took time to get there, he was self-aware enough and smart enough to see the wisdom in Mercy's advice as well as to give her what she needed despite the hurt it caused him.
Mercy was one messed up young woman - but one that, like Brad said, was also one of the most together women as well. She knew her strengths, her flaws, and her limitations. She was self-aware enough to think through things and make tough decisions - ones that hurt her terribly. Oh, she made her share of mistakes and bad decisions but she learned from them and carried on. She was incredibly strong and resilient. I mean, to endure what she did at the hands of her parents - her dad specifically - yeah. I couldn't help but admire her. Her spirit refused to be crushed.
The way Davis structured the story - the expanse of time, how the details were revealed and revelations made - made for a riveting story. If I hadn't been on a road trip and only able to read in small chunks every day, I'd have probably finished Just One Lie in a day! That's how good it is. I'm still ruminating about it and wish I had the time to read it all over again. Character growth - maturity-wise and emotional - is something I admire in a story and with Mercy and Brad I got it in spades. I did have my doubts at times. There were times I wanted to shake Mercy. But in the end, she didn't let me down.
I think this is the end for the series and I like where it ended so I'm happy. And I'm excited at the prospect of reading more from Davis!
After reading Just Once More back in May, I was eager to read Just One Lie so I was more the thrilled when it won the vote. ;) Getting Kasie's sister's story - the sister behind so much that shaped Kasie's life - well, I was anxious to get to know Melody. And Melody's story - Mercy, as she's come to be known - I don't know but I think I found it even more compelling than Kasie's. That either of the Fitzgerald girls became productive human beings after growing up with the parents they were given...it's miraculous and proves the power of inner spirit and a strong love.
It's been awhile since I read Just One Night but I think one thing I thoroughly delighted in with Just One Lie was getting to know Brad, the hero, so well. I liked how he looked at life, how he was so much more than he seemed - and he seemed like quite a lot - and I loved how he treated Mercy. He's an intelligent guy, talented, and a giving, loving man. He has his flaws but would give the shirt off his back to a damsel in distress - Mercy being on the top of that list. I also loved that even if it took time to get there, he was self-aware enough and smart enough to see the wisdom in Mercy's advice as well as to give her what she needed despite the hurt it caused him.
Mercy was one messed up young woman - but one that, like Brad said, was also one of the most together women as well. She knew her strengths, her flaws, and her limitations. She was self-aware enough to think through things and make tough decisions - ones that hurt her terribly. Oh, she made her share of mistakes and bad decisions but she learned from them and carried on. She was incredibly strong and resilient. I mean, to endure what she did at the hands of her parents - her dad specifically - yeah. I couldn't help but admire her. Her spirit refused to be crushed.
The way Davis structured the story - the expanse of time, how the details were revealed and revelations made - made for a riveting story. If I hadn't been on a road trip and only able to read in small chunks every day, I'd have probably finished Just One Lie in a day! That's how good it is. I'm still ruminating about it and wish I had the time to read it all over again. Character growth - maturity-wise and emotional - is something I admire in a story and with Mercy and Brad I got it in spades. I did have my doubts at times. There were times I wanted to shake Mercy. But in the end, she didn't let me down.
I think this is the end for the series and I like where it ended so I'm happy. And I'm excited at the prospect of reading more from Davis!
August 9, 2017
I have not read the first book yet but this book for me was a little slow in the start but it didn't take me long to get into it. Mercy is seriously messed up and like everyone is looking for someone so that she can stop feeling alone. The situation with Ash was two people who have issues recognizing it in each other but not initially seeing it for what it was because they both filled holes in each other at the time they meet. The end didn't feel rushed to me but a culmination of where the book was headed towards Mercy finally getting most of her issues worked out and finding herself with the right guy and in a healthy relationship. She also realized that some relationships are not healthy and you have to let go of the unhealthy and unrealistic expectations that you hold for those relationships.
March 20, 2019
Wow what a story! Just One Lie by Kyra Davis is the story of twenty-something Melody Fitzgerald. She is depressed and trying hard not to self destruct from legal and illegal substances. After an unhealthy childhood, she struggles to survive on her own as a singer in an indie rock band in Los Angeles. Her story spans several years beginning on 12/31/99, and includes different boyfriends and different band mates. This book is the second book in the Just One Night series. I didn't read the first book, but this book works well as a stand alone. Davis does a great job of describing her characters and letting us really get to know them. I was really entertained by this book. I look forward to reading more books by thus author in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews