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Veil of Lies
She was law. He was crime.
Together, their passion became a beautiful lie.
ELARA BELLINI has always believed in truth. Following in the footsteps of her papà, she dreams of a future built on justice. She had everything: the perfect family, the perfect boyfriend, and the perfect life.
Until one night shatters it all.
On her twentieth birthday, heartbreak leads her into Club Fuego, where she crosses paths with Ryan. But he isn’t just any man; he’s been watching her long before she has ever set foot in his club.
RYAN SÁNCHEZ thrives in a world built on power and deception. Winning has always been his game, until Elara becomes his unpredictable opponent. She was supposed to be a pawn, but soon she becomes the one thing he can’t control.
As past lovers, buried secrets, and a deadly ultimatum of one hundred eighty days threaten to destroy his empire, neither of them realizes the cruelest twist of fate is yet to come.
Lies have bound them.
Betrayal has shaped them.
Can their love survive when the truth is another lie?
Together, their passion became a beautiful lie.
ELARA BELLINI has always believed in truth. Following in the footsteps of her papà, she dreams of a future built on justice. She had everything: the perfect family, the perfect boyfriend, and the perfect life.
Until one night shatters it all.
On her twentieth birthday, heartbreak leads her into Club Fuego, where she crosses paths with Ryan. But he isn’t just any man; he’s been watching her long before she has ever set foot in his club.
RYAN SÁNCHEZ thrives in a world built on power and deception. Winning has always been his game, until Elara becomes his unpredictable opponent. She was supposed to be a pawn, but soon she becomes the one thing he can’t control.
As past lovers, buried secrets, and a deadly ultimatum of one hundred eighty days threaten to destroy his empire, neither of them realizes the cruelest twist of fate is yet to come.
Lies have bound them.
Betrayal has shaped them.
Can their love survive when the truth is another lie?
457 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2026
18 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Shay Maddox
1 book34 followersShay Maddox writes contemporary romance about morally grey men who find their only soft spot in the women they love. Currently pursuing her BBA as an undergraduate student, she balances university life with a passion for crafting stories of redemption and hardened hearts. When she isn’t buried under business projects, Shay can be found binge-watching dramas, exploring travel vlogs, or curled up with a romance novel and a warm cup of coffee.
Find her at Instagram (active) & TikTok (currently inactive): @shaymaddoxauthor
Find her at Instagram (active) & TikTok (currently inactive): @shaymaddoxauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
ARC Review, thx Shay Maddox
I needed a few days to process the story before writing my review.
This dark romance is refreshingly different from the usual books.
Means the storyline is quite different from what I expected, yet it's a real pleasure to read.
The focus isn't on the cartel aspect, but rather on the relationship between Elara, a law student, and Ryan, the leader of a cartel. Both are young and have had bad experiences. Ryan is mysterious and emotionally scarred, while Elara is relatively inexperienced in relationships and has just been cheated on.
Their worlds collide, revealing that lies can also contain other truths. This book isn't action-packed; instead, the quiet moments are powerful.
The side characters are also wonderfully described, and I hope they all get their own books (Federico/Aria, Victor/Chiara, Aiden/Alessia).
Even though I, as a reader, could guess who Romero was relatively quickly, the plot was good.
This debut novel has many elements that make it a good book: emotions, lies, betrayal, a bit of action, plot twists, and a few steamy scenes.
A few questions remain unanswered and will perhaps be resolved in future installments. (What did Victor write to Chiara? How did Federico know that Elara loved Ryan?)
The steamy scenes could use a bit more spice and plot development.
Personally, I found there were too many texts in foreign languages and too many written thoughts of the protagonists, but that's just a minor criticism in an otherwise worthwhile book.
And a few passages were duplicated.
Yes, well, one advantage is definitely that the best friend isn't the traitor, as is so often the case.
All in all, it's a great debut book and highly recommended.
Find the colors in the morally gray content.
HEA , no cheating (between FMC and MMC), sharing
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶 2.5/5
I needed a few days to process the story before writing my review.
This dark romance is refreshingly different from the usual books.
Means the storyline is quite different from what I expected, yet it's a real pleasure to read.
The focus isn't on the cartel aspect, but rather on the relationship between Elara, a law student, and Ryan, the leader of a cartel. Both are young and have had bad experiences. Ryan is mysterious and emotionally scarred, while Elara is relatively inexperienced in relationships and has just been cheated on.
Their worlds collide, revealing that lies can also contain other truths. This book isn't action-packed; instead, the quiet moments are powerful.
The side characters are also wonderfully described, and I hope they all get their own books (Federico/Aria, Victor/Chiara, Aiden/Alessia).
Even though I, as a reader, could guess who Romero was relatively quickly, the plot was good.
This debut novel has many elements that make it a good book: emotions, lies, betrayal, a bit of action, plot twists, and a few steamy scenes.
A few questions remain unanswered and will perhaps be resolved in future installments. (What did Victor write to Chiara? How did Federico know that Elara loved Ryan?)
The steamy scenes could use a bit more spice and plot development.
Personally, I found there were too many texts in foreign languages and too many written thoughts of the protagonists, but that's just a minor criticism in an otherwise worthwhile book.
And a few passages were duplicated.
Yes, well, one advantage is definitely that the best friend isn't the traitor, as is so often the case.
All in all, it's a great debut book and highly recommended.
Find the colors in the morally gray content.
HEA , no cheating (between FMC and MMC), sharing
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶 2.5/5
February 12, 2026
Veils of Lies is a dark, gritty mafia romance. The path to Ryan and Elara being together was quite tumultuous. And often brutal with so many outside factors interfering as much as their own selves.
There are multiple POVs in this story, in addition to Ryan and Elara. The way it’s delivered is different. It adds a unique layer to the story, often providing a different perspective on Ryan or Elara, or even prompting the reader to shift the angle slightly for a moment before resuming. I’ve never seen this done, but it seemed to have worked.
Veils of Lies builds to an explosive level reminiscent of Al Pacino in Scarface, minus all the white powder—well, there was some—hence why it likely reminded of it. I was fully engrossed, and that's when things got a bit plot twisty. The way the story shifted was unexpected, and it appears to be Book 2, focusing on different characters.
Thank you to Author Shay Maddox for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There are multiple POVs in this story, in addition to Ryan and Elara. The way it’s delivered is different. It adds a unique layer to the story, often providing a different perspective on Ryan or Elara, or even prompting the reader to shift the angle slightly for a moment before resuming. I’ve never seen this done, but it seemed to have worked.
Veils of Lies builds to an explosive level reminiscent of Al Pacino in Scarface, minus all the white powder—well, there was some—hence why it likely reminded of it. I was fully engrossed, and that's when things got a bit plot twisty. The way the story shifted was unexpected, and it appears to be Book 2, focusing on different characters.
Thank you to Author Shay Maddox for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A solid 5 star read!
To be honest, I expected drama and chaos going in, but I was not prepared for the level of intensity this book delivered.
Elara is a stubborn, mentally strong female lead who starts off as a nerdy law aspirant from a prestigious lawyer family. As the story unfolds, the cracks in her perfect life slowly begin to show. She felt like such a breath of fresh air, and the contrast between her background and her falling for a crime lord was executed so beautifully that it completely blew my mind.
“I want to know the man behind the silence, even if it means setting myself on fire just to melt his ice.” [Elara]
Ryan is the perfect morally gray anti-hero. He initially approaches Elara with the intention of using her to gain intel, but somewhere along the way, his goals start to blur. Shaped and haunted by his past, his inner conflict felt incredibly real and despite everything, he was impossible not to like. I could genuinely feel his inner struggle, which made his character even more compelling.
“I’m not selfless enough to let her pick the safe choice. I’m the a**hole who’ll ruin her and still make her love me for it. So no, she’s not getting someone better, she’s getting me.” [Ryan]
What truly stood out was the cast beyond the main couple. The side characters weren’t just there to fill space; they had their own arcs, struggles, and depth. The author didn’t just spotlight the main characters, she gave everyone room to grow, showing that each character had real potential.
The balance of multiple POVs, emotional contrasts, and unexpected plot twists kept me hooked right through to the epilogue. That final twist especially hit hard, because I was completely unprepared.
Overall, this book felt refreshingly different from the typical mafia romances I’ve read. Ryan and Elara are easily one of my favorite couples now, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next installment in the series. Massive kudos to the author for such an impressive debut!
To be honest, I expected drama and chaos going in, but I was not prepared for the level of intensity this book delivered.
Elara is a stubborn, mentally strong female lead who starts off as a nerdy law aspirant from a prestigious lawyer family. As the story unfolds, the cracks in her perfect life slowly begin to show. She felt like such a breath of fresh air, and the contrast between her background and her falling for a crime lord was executed so beautifully that it completely blew my mind.
“I want to know the man behind the silence, even if it means setting myself on fire just to melt his ice.” [Elara]
Ryan is the perfect morally gray anti-hero. He initially approaches Elara with the intention of using her to gain intel, but somewhere along the way, his goals start to blur. Shaped and haunted by his past, his inner conflict felt incredibly real and despite everything, he was impossible not to like. I could genuinely feel his inner struggle, which made his character even more compelling.
“I’m not selfless enough to let her pick the safe choice. I’m the a**hole who’ll ruin her and still make her love me for it. So no, she’s not getting someone better, she’s getting me.” [Ryan]
What truly stood out was the cast beyond the main couple. The side characters weren’t just there to fill space; they had their own arcs, struggles, and depth. The author didn’t just spotlight the main characters, she gave everyone room to grow, showing that each character had real potential.
The balance of multiple POVs, emotional contrasts, and unexpected plot twists kept me hooked right through to the epilogue. That final twist especially hit hard, because I was completely unprepared.
Overall, this book felt refreshingly different from the typical mafia romances I’ve read. Ryan and Elara are easily one of my favorite couples now, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next installment in the series. Massive kudos to the author for such an impressive debut!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely loved this book and the twist and turns in it! If you love a good mafia book this one is for you! Already can not wait for book two and to see how this series will continue!!!
February 9, 2026
"...Every man is a red flag. So, don't hesitate to choose your favourite shade of red."
I absolutely loved this dark mafia romance! It had spice, drama, and a handful of plot twists I never saw coming. Hell, I even shed a few tears towards the end (I was hormonal and deeply invested in these characters). The main characters, Elara and Ryan, were beautifully constructed and I loved seeing their relationship develop gradually over time. I'm very grateful Shay took the time to establish something real between them instead of settling for an insta-love/lust situation. I'm PRAYING we get to see more of Viktor at some point (he's my favourite character and arguably the real MVP of this book)! I can't wait to read book two and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book! :)
I absolutely loved this dark mafia romance! It had spice, drama, and a handful of plot twists I never saw coming. Hell, I even shed a few tears towards the end (I was hormonal and deeply invested in these characters). The main characters, Elara and Ryan, were beautifully constructed and I loved seeing their relationship develop gradually over time. I'm very grateful Shay took the time to establish something real between them instead of settling for an insta-love/lust situation. I'm PRAYING we get to see more of Viktor at some point (he's my favourite character and arguably the real MVP of this book)! I can't wait to read book two and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book! :)
February 15, 2026
I'm a sucker for any mafia book. And this one did not disappoint.
Elara and Ryan's story is full of angst. Enemies to lovers and she's mine but doesn't know it with a HEA.
Elara is the daughter of an attorney who is trying to follow in his footsteps when she meets Ryan a suspected mafiso. Set in Italy we watch as Elara and Ryan fight their attraction to one another before giving in.
Elara and Ryan's story is full of angst. Enemies to lovers and she's mine but doesn't know it with a HEA.
Elara is the daughter of an attorney who is trying to follow in his footsteps when she meets Ryan a suspected mafiso. Set in Italy we watch as Elara and Ryan fight their attraction to one another before giving in.
February 8, 2026
This book is about a girl, Elara Belleni who is very sweet and innocent and always beilieved in truth and who also wants to become a lawyer, just like her father and has everything - luxury, a family that loves her, a boyfriend she loves, basically a perfect life. Until one night shatters it all. On her twentieth birthday, she experiances her first heartbreak which leads to her meeting Ryan Sanchez for the first time, who is the head of the Mafia and everybody is scared of him as he is ruthless, and who also turns her whole world upside down. For Ryan, Elara was supposed to be only a pawn in his game. Turns out he was wrong all along. She is his weapon, He is her weakness.
Theres love, theres betrayal, theres war but one thing that never changes? Its the pull towards each other no matter what they go through.
I loved this book actually. Not a lot of authors are able to write a good dark romance book but this author has proved them wrong. Its inviting and so engaging that I couldn't stop myself from finishing it.
Elara Belleni, in my opinion, is a very innocent girl who at the starting was a bit naive and had no idea how the actual real life works under all the harshness. Though I loved how her character development was. I feel like thats how she was supposed to be. I loved her wit, her emotions and her courage. Its not easy to go through a heartbreak that massive and still come out smiling and strong. But she did it all with her head held high. She is the most realtable character of all times. I loved how she realised her worth and stopped people from treating her like shit, especially Ryan.
Ryan Sanchez. He was a character I didn't like at the starting, cuz you can't treat a woman like that. But when I read his point of view, I realised how enticed he was with Elara. Its like she was his own personal made oxygen that only he can have and nobody else can. He was a misunderstood character who was burdened by the pressure of being the Mafia Boss. He deserved a family much better than what he had. I loved how he was with Elara. Like if he looks away for a second, she might disappear. I absolutaly loved that even though he was ruthless, he was an absolute sweetheart for his woman. If my future man can't be like him then I don't want him.
To be very honest, Ryan and Elara were one of the most realistic characters I've read.
Now I can't tell much about this book without giving spoilers but in this book, I loved the side main characters more than the main ones. Viktor and Chiara are my absolute favourite and I can't wait to read their book. Chiara is my spirit animal. I love her.
I felt because he was a side character, Viktor was shown as a very underestimated character, but he stole my heart when I learned that he is a stalker (in a good way), overprotective and I was sold when I learned he's A BIKER BOY!
I'm very excited and can't wait to read his book so, Shay Maddox, when his book comes, pls pls don't hesitate to send me cuz I will absolutely devour it.
If you guys love a dark romance with angst, yearning, spicy chapters and grovelling and with enemies to lovers, where he worsjips the ground she walks on? This book is for you. You should definately read it. It’s so much fun!
Theres love, theres betrayal, theres war but one thing that never changes? Its the pull towards each other no matter what they go through.
I loved this book actually. Not a lot of authors are able to write a good dark romance book but this author has proved them wrong. Its inviting and so engaging that I couldn't stop myself from finishing it.
Elara Belleni, in my opinion, is a very innocent girl who at the starting was a bit naive and had no idea how the actual real life works under all the harshness. Though I loved how her character development was. I feel like thats how she was supposed to be. I loved her wit, her emotions and her courage. Its not easy to go through a heartbreak that massive and still come out smiling and strong. But she did it all with her head held high. She is the most realtable character of all times. I loved how she realised her worth and stopped people from treating her like shit, especially Ryan.
Ryan Sanchez. He was a character I didn't like at the starting, cuz you can't treat a woman like that. But when I read his point of view, I realised how enticed he was with Elara. Its like she was his own personal made oxygen that only he can have and nobody else can. He was a misunderstood character who was burdened by the pressure of being the Mafia Boss. He deserved a family much better than what he had. I loved how he was with Elara. Like if he looks away for a second, she might disappear. I absolutaly loved that even though he was ruthless, he was an absolute sweetheart for his woman. If my future man can't be like him then I don't want him.
To be very honest, Ryan and Elara were one of the most realistic characters I've read.
Now I can't tell much about this book without giving spoilers but in this book, I loved the side main characters more than the main ones. Viktor and Chiara are my absolute favourite and I can't wait to read their book. Chiara is my spirit animal. I love her.
I felt because he was a side character, Viktor was shown as a very underestimated character, but he stole my heart when I learned that he is a stalker (in a good way), overprotective and I was sold when I learned he's A BIKER BOY!
I'm very excited and can't wait to read his book so, Shay Maddox, when his book comes, pls pls don't hesitate to send me cuz I will absolutely devour it.
If you guys love a dark romance with angst, yearning, spicy chapters and grovelling and with enemies to lovers, where he worsjips the ground she walks on? This book is for you. You should definately read it. It’s so much fun!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐ My first five star read of 2026 ⭐
Honestly, when I signed up for this ARC, I did not expect too much. And then… wow. I was so wrong. This book did not just surprise me, it completely blew my freaking mind. I am a huge sucker for mafia romance, but cartel mafia was a first for me. And now. I am officially HOOKED. A man who speaks Spanish like a sinner and loves like a green flag? Oh my god. Someone hand him over. Immediately.
Because the truth isn’t about her wound; it’s about the image of her being on her knees for me. I’d never let her kneel for me. Even if her knee weren’t injured, I’d still pull her up. She’s not meant to be on her knees; she’s meant to be held by someone worthy of her. She deserves someone who’d worship the ground she walks on, not someone who touches her with hands only meant to destroy.
I literally kicked my feet because oh my god, this man is a STANDARD.
The female lead surprised me in the best way possible. She is not connected to the mafia. She is strong, feisty, and knows exactly how to put men in their place. She is the definition of a baddie. She proved that being intelligent can be just as powerful and honestly even sexier than knowing how to use guns or throw punches. Absolute queen behavior.
The side characters were not just there to exist. Every single one of them had depth and backstory without slowing the plot down. The author balanced it perfectly. Federico. Viktor. Aiden. Chiara. I loved them so much and I cannot wait to read more, especially knowing there is a book two coming. To be honest, I was a little intimidated by the page count at first, but I was so hooked that I did not even realize how fast time flew until I reached epilogue two. Overall, this book is a total chef’s kiss. If you love mafia romance with plot twists, action packed suspense, and characters who actually deliver, this one is for you. Cheers to the author for such an impressive debut!
January 23, 2026
Overall, Veil of Lies is a strong and engaging story that rewards readers who are willing to take their time with it. Thank you to Shay Maddox for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It’s been a really special experience to be part of an ARC for the first time.
Veil of Lies is a slow-burning psychological mystery with a strong focus on character development and emotional depth.
The story follows Elara, a complex and introspective main character whose inner thoughts drive the plot. Her voice feels genuine and raw, making it easy to connect with her, even when her flaws come to the surface. The pacing is intentionally slow and deliberate, prioritizing atmosphere and tension over fast-paced action or shocking twists.
Although it can feel a bit slow at times, the gradual uncovering of secrets kept me engaged and enhanced the overall mood of the story. Themes of trust, trauma, and hidden truths are explored with care. The writing is immersive and moody, though there are moments when the introspection becomes somewhat repetitive. Still, the emotional payoff and character growth make the journey worthwhile, especially for readers who enjoy psychologically driven stories and deep character exploration.
I would recommend this book to readers who appreciate slow-burn mysteries, character-driven narratives, and darker, emotionally intense reads.
Overall, Veil of Lies is a compelling and engaging story that rewards readers who are willing to take their time with it.
Much Love,
Ashly
February 11, 2026
This story is a first time read by the author for me. And I thank Shay for giving me this opportunity to read and review her story.
Veil of lies takes you on a rollercoaster of a ride as both Ryan and Elara chase their dreams.
As the Jefe of his families cartel, he rules with an iron fist. He has his enemies circling, one enemy in particular, his brother Rapheal.
Elara is the daughter of a prominent Lawyer, who wants to bring Ryan and his cartel down to its knees.
Elara is oblivious of Ryan;s true identity. Secrets being kept, Ryan being closed off so as to not let his heart become involved with Elara, as she is a means to an end.....get info on her fathers attempts at bringing his cartel down.
But both do not expect feelings to become involved, until they do!
Many twists to this plot keep you on your toes. Elara and Ryan separate for 4 months...the timeline jumps in the story, until suddenly Ryan is back.
He tried to keep away from her, but when she runs into her ex and he starts bullying her, he comes to her rescue.
Not realising the scope of their feelings when all is revealed. The secrets that Ryan has been hiding, explode and their relationship crumbles. Her father feeds her information on the cartel, to keep her away from Ryan. It works.
But Ryan has Viktor on his side, and he cannot see his best friend and Jefe kill himself with drugs and booze. Ah Viktor to the rescue LOL
I loved all the characters and the many POV's that were included in the story.
And do they reach their HEA, you ask? Well you will have to read Veil of lies to find out.
Veil of lies takes you on a rollercoaster of a ride as both Ryan and Elara chase their dreams.
As the Jefe of his families cartel, he rules with an iron fist. He has his enemies circling, one enemy in particular, his brother Rapheal.
Elara is the daughter of a prominent Lawyer, who wants to bring Ryan and his cartel down to its knees.
Elara is oblivious of Ryan;s true identity. Secrets being kept, Ryan being closed off so as to not let his heart become involved with Elara, as she is a means to an end.....get info on her fathers attempts at bringing his cartel down.
But both do not expect feelings to become involved, until they do!
Many twists to this plot keep you on your toes. Elara and Ryan separate for 4 months...the timeline jumps in the story, until suddenly Ryan is back.
He tried to keep away from her, but when she runs into her ex and he starts bullying her, he comes to her rescue.
Not realising the scope of their feelings when all is revealed. The secrets that Ryan has been hiding, explode and their relationship crumbles. Her father feeds her information on the cartel, to keep her away from Ryan. It works.
But Ryan has Viktor on his side, and he cannot see his best friend and Jefe kill himself with drugs and booze. Ah Viktor to the rescue LOL
I loved all the characters and the many POV's that were included in the story.
And do they reach their HEA, you ask? Well you will have to read Veil of lies to find out.
February 13, 2026
3.8 🌟
1.5🌶
Where to begin... this book is very hard to place on a scale
The whole story was riddled with contradiction.
for example:
one character who's "a military man" and very much someone who loves those values, also consistently lies to his boss the entire time.
There was also random lore drop, which really didn't need to be there. It didn't effect anything in the story and would have read better without it.
example: when the father is talking about why he wanted to be a lawyer, why tf does he say such an out of pocket sentence after...
it threw me off hard, and it didn't even contribute to the story 😅
Yes there were spelling issues, and the language changes were annoying at best. I ended up having to go through and translate most by myself.. no not everyone knows basic Spanish words and we do need those translations.
Otherwise, it read like a slightly better whattpad story. The story was good, although predictable to a T. Still had decent substance, I would guess that there are many books with a similar story so it's nothing original either.
I also never got to the point of having a clear picture of the characters in my head, normally I can imagine how they look, these two are just Male blank canvas with black hair, and female with collar bone length hair.
would be worth a read to some, probably not to anyone who reads this exact type of book all the time.
1.5🌶
Where to begin... this book is very hard to place on a scale
The whole story was riddled with contradiction.
for example:
one character who's "a military man" and very much someone who loves those values, also consistently lies to his boss the entire time.
There was also random lore drop, which really didn't need to be there. It didn't effect anything in the story and would have read better without it.
example: when the father is talking about why he wanted to be a lawyer, why tf does he say such an out of pocket sentence after...
it threw me off hard, and it didn't even contribute to the story 😅
Yes there were spelling issues, and the language changes were annoying at best. I ended up having to go through and translate most by myself.. no not everyone knows basic Spanish words and we do need those translations.
Otherwise, it read like a slightly better whattpad story. The story was good, although predictable to a T. Still had decent substance, I would guess that there are many books with a similar story so it's nothing original either.
I also never got to the point of having a clear picture of the characters in my head, normally I can imagine how they look, these two are just Male blank canvas with black hair, and female with collar bone length hair.
would be worth a read to some, probably not to anyone who reads this exact type of book all the time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)
🌶🌶🌶 (3.5)
🖤🖤🖤 (3)
This book was a bit of a mixed experience for me, but overall I enjoyed it.
Right from the start, I loved the dedication — it instantly pulled me in. And let’s be honest, the MMC speaking Spanish? Immediate win. That’s one of my biggest weaknesses in books, so I was sold early on.
The story itself was good, but the pacing felt slow for my taste. The first half focuses a lot on character descriptions and their lives past and present, which helped with immersion but dragged at times.
That said, the bathroom scene was absolutely 🔥🔥 and easily one of the highlights.
The second half also started off slow, but once things picked up, it felt like everything happened all at once — especially in the last 20% of the book. While the pacing there was quicker compared to the rest, I still found it engaging. The ending was satisfying, which really helped balance out the slower build.
Content-wise, the spice level wasn’t extremely descriptive, but it had some slightly kinky moments (the mirrors, iykyk). There’s on-page violence, obsession, manipulation, and a dangerous MMC, which added a darker edge to the story.
Overall, I’d say this is not just a slow burn, but also a slow-paced read — which may work better for some than others. Even though it felt too slow for me personally, I did like the story as a whole, and I’m glad I stuck with it.
🌶🌶🌶 (3.5)
🖤🖤🖤 (3)
This book was a bit of a mixed experience for me, but overall I enjoyed it.
Right from the start, I loved the dedication — it instantly pulled me in. And let’s be honest, the MMC speaking Spanish? Immediate win. That’s one of my biggest weaknesses in books, so I was sold early on.
The story itself was good, but the pacing felt slow for my taste. The first half focuses a lot on character descriptions and their lives past and present, which helped with immersion but dragged at times.
That said, the bathroom scene was absolutely 🔥🔥 and easily one of the highlights.
The second half also started off slow, but once things picked up, it felt like everything happened all at once — especially in the last 20% of the book. While the pacing there was quicker compared to the rest, I still found it engaging. The ending was satisfying, which really helped balance out the slower build.
Content-wise, the spice level wasn’t extremely descriptive, but it had some slightly kinky moments (the mirrors, iykyk). There’s on-page violence, obsession, manipulation, and a dangerous MMC, which added a darker edge to the story.
Overall, I’d say this is not just a slow burn, but also a slow-paced read — which may work better for some than others. Even though it felt too slow for me personally, I did like the story as a whole, and I’m glad I stuck with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Veil of Lies is a sophisticated debut that stands out by prioritizing character depth over standard cartel tropes. By focusing on the psychological tension between Elara, a principled law student, and Ryan, an emotionally scarred cartel leader, the author masterfully explores the intersection of justice and lawlessness. The "morally gray" atmosphere is beautifully rendered, finding nuance in quiet moments rather than relying solely on action. This thematic depth is supported by a vividly realized ensemble cast—particularly the dynamics involving Federico, Victor, and Adrian—who provide a strong foundation for future installments. Furthermore, the narrative avoids common clichés, such as the "traitorous best friend," which adds a layer of maturity to the plot.
While the emotional stakes are high, the pacing is occasionally slowed by extensive internal monologues and untranslated foreign dialogue. Tighter editing would address minor repetitive passages and further integrate the steamy scenes into the overarching character development. Ultimately, this is an impressive debut that delivers a satisfying "Happily Ever After" without compromising its dark, pining intensity. It is highly recommended for readers who enjoy complex, high-stakes emotional drama.
While the emotional stakes are high, the pacing is occasionally slowed by extensive internal monologues and untranslated foreign dialogue. Tighter editing would address minor repetitive passages and further integrate the steamy scenes into the overarching character development. Ultimately, this is an impressive debut that delivers a satisfying "Happily Ever After" without compromising its dark, pining intensity. It is highly recommended for readers who enjoy complex, high-stakes emotional drama.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced Reader Copy Review!
This book was a pleasant surprise for me. I was pretty skeptical the first few chapters. It took me a few to get into the story line but, once I did, I struggled to put the book down!
I really loved the perspectives from some of the supporting characters throughout the book. Although the main story was focused on Elara and Ryan, the supporting characters played a major role in the ongoing plot. It definitely was a romance novel but it wasn't solely focused on their relationship. The storyline beyond was riveting. I absolutely got hooked on the family drama, mafia movements, secret identities and action. I expected Elara's character to stay fairly young and naïve but her character growth and sly ways were amazing. Ryan was not the typical mafia Jefe I expected. He portrayed the strong, in charge, don't f**k with me attitude you expect from his type of character but his soft side that craved acceptance and love that scared him more than anything was addictive.
Shay has really outdone herself for a debut novel. I am so excited for this to be released and Shay to get the recognition that's deserved. I am beyond excited for the next book in the series. I am hooked by her writing and storytelling ability.
This book was a pleasant surprise for me. I was pretty skeptical the first few chapters. It took me a few to get into the story line but, once I did, I struggled to put the book down!
I really loved the perspectives from some of the supporting characters throughout the book. Although the main story was focused on Elara and Ryan, the supporting characters played a major role in the ongoing plot. It definitely was a romance novel but it wasn't solely focused on their relationship. The storyline beyond was riveting. I absolutely got hooked on the family drama, mafia movements, secret identities and action. I expected Elara's character to stay fairly young and naïve but her character growth and sly ways were amazing. Ryan was not the typical mafia Jefe I expected. He portrayed the strong, in charge, don't f**k with me attitude you expect from his type of character but his soft side that craved acceptance and love that scared him more than anything was addictive.
Shay has really outdone herself for a debut novel. I am so excited for this to be released and Shay to get the recognition that's deserved. I am beyond excited for the next book in the series. I am hooked by her writing and storytelling ability.
February 14, 2026
Veils of Lies gave me something I didn’t expect: a mafia romance that focuses less on crime and more on two broken people learning how to love through lies, betrayal, and obsession.
Elara is an aspiring law student whose life shatters overnight. Ryan is a cartel leader with secrets and scars who realizes she might be useful to him… and decides to use her. What starts as manipulation slowly turns into something intense, messy, and impossible to walk away from. Ryan is exactly the kind of morally gray anti-hero I fall way too hard for.
This story isn’t crime- or action-heavy, but the quiet moments hit hardest. The tension, emotional pull, and slow unraveling between Ryan and Elara are what made this book stand out for me. They hurt each other, heal each other, and somehow still find their way back.
The side characters added so much depth too. Between Elara’s family and Ryan’s inner circle, it felt like a full world instead of just one romance. If you love morally gray heroes, obsession-heavy love stories, and slow emotional burns with explosive twists, you’ll probably devour this one too. I received this book as an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
She’ll never know she’s the only thing I ever let myself want for real.
Elara is an aspiring law student whose life shatters overnight. Ryan is a cartel leader with secrets and scars who realizes she might be useful to him… and decides to use her. What starts as manipulation slowly turns into something intense, messy, and impossible to walk away from. Ryan is exactly the kind of morally gray anti-hero I fall way too hard for.
This story isn’t crime- or action-heavy, but the quiet moments hit hardest. The tension, emotional pull, and slow unraveling between Ryan and Elara are what made this book stand out for me. They hurt each other, heal each other, and somehow still find their way back.
The side characters added so much depth too. Between Elara’s family and Ryan’s inner circle, it felt like a full world instead of just one romance. If you love morally gray heroes, obsession-heavy love stories, and slow emotional burns with explosive twists, you’ll probably devour this one too. I received this book as an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
She’ll never know she’s the only thing I ever let myself want for real.
February 17, 2026
I truly love supporting local and debut authors. I’m especially grateful to the @shaymaddoxauthor for giving me the chance to read this book before its release.
This story beautifully blends love, betrayal, revenge, and personal growth. Elara Bellini believes in truth and justice, dreaming of following her father’s footsteps to become a lawyer. But one night changes everything and leads her into the world of Ryan Sánchez — a man ruled by power, crime, and deception. As the synopsis perfectly says, “She was law. He was crime. Together, their passion became a beautiful lie.”
What I loved most was the tension and emotional depth between Elara and Ryan. He initially sees her as a pawn, yet her presence slowly brings light into his life, blurring the lines between truth and manipulation. Ryan is not entirely cruel, but his world forces him to make dark choices, which makes his character complex and compelling.
With twists, secrets, and intense chemistry, the story keeps you hooked from start to finish. Overall, Veil of Lies is an engaging read about love, deception, and finding your way through the chaos of lies. Definitely worth the read if you enjoy emotional, tension-filled romance.
This story beautifully blends love, betrayal, revenge, and personal growth. Elara Bellini believes in truth and justice, dreaming of following her father’s footsteps to become a lawyer. But one night changes everything and leads her into the world of Ryan Sánchez — a man ruled by power, crime, and deception. As the synopsis perfectly says, “She was law. He was crime. Together, their passion became a beautiful lie.”
What I loved most was the tension and emotional depth between Elara and Ryan. He initially sees her as a pawn, yet her presence slowly brings light into his life, blurring the lines between truth and manipulation. Ryan is not entirely cruel, but his world forces him to make dark choices, which makes his character complex and compelling.
With twists, secrets, and intense chemistry, the story keeps you hooked from start to finish. Overall, Veil of Lies is an engaging read about love, deception, and finding your way through the chaos of lies. Definitely worth the read if you enjoy emotional, tension-filled romance.
Review of advance copy
I went into this story expecting drama and romance, but I didn’t expect it to hit the way it did.
The contrast between law and crime, truth and lies, was beautifully woven into Elara and Ryan’s story. Elara’s belief in justice and truth made her such a compelling heroine, especially as her perfect world slowly unraveled. Ryan, on the other hand, was intense, dangerous, and deeply intriguing — the kind of character you know you shouldn’t root for, yet can’t stop thinking about.
Their chemistry was undeniable, charged with tension, secrets, and emotional push-and-pull. I loved how the story explored power, control, betrayal, and the painful realization that sometimes the truth is far more complicated than a lie. The twists kept me invested, and the emotional stakes only grew stronger with each chapter.
This book is dark, passionate, and full of morally gray moments that make you question every choice the characters make — in the best way.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an advance copy. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to read and experience this story early. 💖
The contrast between law and crime, truth and lies, was beautifully woven into Elara and Ryan’s story. Elara’s belief in justice and truth made her such a compelling heroine, especially as her perfect world slowly unraveled. Ryan, on the other hand, was intense, dangerous, and deeply intriguing — the kind of character you know you shouldn’t root for, yet can’t stop thinking about.
Their chemistry was undeniable, charged with tension, secrets, and emotional push-and-pull. I loved how the story explored power, control, betrayal, and the painful realization that sometimes the truth is far more complicated than a lie. The twists kept me invested, and the emotional stakes only grew stronger with each chapter.
This book is dark, passionate, and full of morally gray moments that make you question every choice the characters make — in the best way.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an advance copy. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to read and experience this story early. 💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐️2.5🌶
Reading a 500+ page book in one sitting will now be my biggest flex, I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN. I feel like i have lived through every single emotion between these pages.
“Al final de sokotos seis meses, te voy a dar mi apellido. Es unable promesa.”
Urghh, theres just something about confessions, secrets, and declarations lof love so sacred that they can only be spoken in their mother tongue. It gets me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. And Shay, you are a real one for doing the translating for me to save me having to work out what something means.
"I learned that fury could be beautiful… and terrifying at the same time. Because this man shattered his world for my love, and I knew there was nothing he wouldn’t do for the woman he loves."
You are getting 2 quotes. Sorry, not sorry ✋️ theres so many good ones to pick from.
Every single character was so vivid, not just Elara and Ryan. They all had their own love, heartache and backstories going on and it just added so much depth to this little world, personally i want to find out more of Alessia and Adrian id live to see a spin off with the whole mafia daughter x bodyguard dynamic going on, Shay im begging!!
Reading a 500+ page book in one sitting will now be my biggest flex, I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN. I feel like i have lived through every single emotion between these pages.
“Al final de sokotos seis meses, te voy a dar mi apellido. Es unable promesa.”
Urghh, theres just something about confessions, secrets, and declarations lof love so sacred that they can only be spoken in their mother tongue. It gets me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. And Shay, you are a real one for doing the translating for me to save me having to work out what something means.
"I learned that fury could be beautiful… and terrifying at the same time. Because this man shattered his world for my love, and I knew there was nothing he wouldn’t do for the woman he loves."
You are getting 2 quotes. Sorry, not sorry ✋️ theres so many good ones to pick from.
Every single character was so vivid, not just Elara and Ryan. They all had their own love, heartache and backstories going on and it just added so much depth to this little world, personally i want to find out more of Alessia and Adrian id live to see a spin off with the whole mafia daughter x bodyguard dynamic going on, Shay im begging!!
December 26, 2025
🚨ARC READER REVIEW🚨
My rating 4/5⭐️
I had to sit on this for a while to really digest what I was reading. It took me longer than usual to get through dark romance books but I was also stepping out of my comfort zone to read something new like a cartel romance since it was my first time reading something like this.
Elara was personally not one of my favorite FMCs but she has good qualities that I see in other FMCs (stubborn, strong willed). She had her moments where I loved and some parts where I face palmed with frustration.
Ryan was almost not my favorite MMCs but I saw where the author was trying to make us see in him. He does have a darker and more of a toxic side but that book dedication said enough for me to say I will gladly read about a red flag but never go near one in real life.
Overall this book was good but took time to understand and sit on my feelings about all of it. I am aware this is a debut book and the author is starting hence why I’m not overly hyping the book or over shit posting this book. This book has its ups and downs but I do suggest reading if you genuinely love a toxic dark man pining over a rival’s daughter.
My rating 4/5⭐️
I had to sit on this for a while to really digest what I was reading. It took me longer than usual to get through dark romance books but I was also stepping out of my comfort zone to read something new like a cartel romance since it was my first time reading something like this.
Elara was personally not one of my favorite FMCs but she has good qualities that I see in other FMCs (stubborn, strong willed). She had her moments where I loved and some parts where I face palmed with frustration.
Ryan was almost not my favorite MMCs but I saw where the author was trying to make us see in him. He does have a darker and more of a toxic side but that book dedication said enough for me to say I will gladly read about a red flag but never go near one in real life.
Overall this book was good but took time to understand and sit on my feelings about all of it. I am aware this is a debut book and the author is starting hence why I’m not overly hyping the book or over shit posting this book. This book has its ups and downs but I do suggest reading if you genuinely love a toxic dark man pining over a rival’s daughter.
Review of advance copy
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced reader's copy of this book, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this title. To anyone who loves romance, suspense, and intricate plotting, don't miss out on this one! It's a thrilling ride that will keep you guessing until the very end. Can't wait to see what's next from this author!
I was absolutely hooked on this story! The complex characters of Elara and Ryan are masterfully woven together, their chemistry palpable from the moment they meet. Elara's strength and determination are inspiring, while Ryan's mysterious and brooding nature makes him impossible to resist. The way their relationship unfolds is both captivating and heartbreaking, with a tangled web of secrets and lies that threaten to tear them apart.
The author's writing style is engaging and suspenseful, kept me on the edge of my seat as I navigated the twists and turns of the plot. The supporting characters add depth and complexity to the story, and the world-building is rich and immersive.
I was absolutely hooked on this story! The complex characters of Elara and Ryan are masterfully woven together, their chemistry palpable from the moment they meet. Elara's strength and determination are inspiring, while Ryan's mysterious and brooding nature makes him impossible to resist. The way their relationship unfolds is both captivating and heartbreaking, with a tangled web of secrets and lies that threaten to tear them apart.
The author's writing style is engaging and suspenseful, kept me on the edge of my seat as I navigated the twists and turns of the plot. The supporting characters add depth and complexity to the story, and the world-building is rich and immersive.
February 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC Review: Veil of Lies by Shay Maddox 🖤✨
A massive thank you to Shay Maddox for the ARC! 🫶 To say Ryan and Elara have "stuff to work through" is the understatement of the century—their chemistry is a literal powder keg! 💣💥
The Vibe:
🔥 Mafia Prince vs. Lawyer’s Daughter ⚖️
🔥 He Falls First (but tries to deny it) 🤫
🔥 Vengeance & Betrayal 🐍
🔥 "Who Did This To You?" Energy 👊
Ryan Sánchez is the second-born son who seizes his father’s empire right from under his brother’s nose (the drama!! 🎭). He meets Elara at his club on her 20th birthday—which also happens to be the worst night of her life. 🥂💔 Reeling from her ex’s betrayal, she ends up back at Ryan’s hotel, and let’s just say… things get complicated FAST. 🥵
What follows is months of a delicious cat-and-mouse game. 🐭🐈⬛ Ryan wants to destroy Elara’s father, but his feelings for her are making his "revenge mission" impossible. Elara is done with the hot-and-cold games, but her heart just won’t let him go. 😩❤️🔥
Betrayal and lies run rampant through these multiple POVs, leading to an ending where Elara has to choose between her heart and the family she loves. 🥺💔
I absolutely LOVED this ride and I am already vibrating with excitement for Book 2! 📖🙌
ARC Review: Veil of Lies by Shay Maddox 🖤✨
A massive thank you to Shay Maddox for the ARC! 🫶 To say Ryan and Elara have "stuff to work through" is the understatement of the century—their chemistry is a literal powder keg! 💣💥
The Vibe:
🔥 Mafia Prince vs. Lawyer’s Daughter ⚖️
🔥 He Falls First (but tries to deny it) 🤫
🔥 Vengeance & Betrayal 🐍
🔥 "Who Did This To You?" Energy 👊
Ryan Sánchez is the second-born son who seizes his father’s empire right from under his brother’s nose (the drama!! 🎭). He meets Elara at his club on her 20th birthday—which also happens to be the worst night of her life. 🥂💔 Reeling from her ex’s betrayal, she ends up back at Ryan’s hotel, and let’s just say… things get complicated FAST. 🥵
What follows is months of a delicious cat-and-mouse game. 🐭🐈⬛ Ryan wants to destroy Elara’s father, but his feelings for her are making his "revenge mission" impossible. Elara is done with the hot-and-cold games, but her heart just won’t let him go. 😩❤️🔥
Betrayal and lies run rampant through these multiple POVs, leading to an ending where Elara has to choose between her heart and the family she loves. 🥺💔
I absolutely LOVED this ride and I am already vibrating with excitement for Book 2! 📖🙌
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Review of advance copy received from author"
I went into Veil of Lies expecting a typical mafia romance, but I was not prepared for the emotional wreckage. Shay Maddox has crafted a world where every truth is a weapon and every lie is a necessity.
Elara, a law student driven by justice, is a breath of fresh air-stubborn, resilient, and morally upright.
But then there's Ryan, the morally grey anti-hero who is as cold as he is captivating.
Their chemistry? Absolute fire. The push-and-pull between them kept me on edge, especially the tension of a 'rival's daughter' trope.
What I loved most was the strategic use of spice and the heavy focus on character development. It’s not just about the romance; it’s about the downfall of two worlds colliding. That final twist hit like a freight train. 🗡️🩸
I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to read this. If you love possessive MMCs, strong FMCs, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this is your next 5-star read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5
I went into Veil of Lies expecting a typical mafia romance, but I was not prepared for the emotional wreckage. Shay Maddox has crafted a world where every truth is a weapon and every lie is a necessity.
Elara, a law student driven by justice, is a breath of fresh air-stubborn, resilient, and morally upright.
But then there's Ryan, the morally grey anti-hero who is as cold as he is captivating.
Their chemistry? Absolute fire. The push-and-pull between them kept me on edge, especially the tension of a 'rival's daughter' trope.
What I loved most was the strategic use of spice and the heavy focus on character development. It’s not just about the romance; it’s about the downfall of two worlds colliding. That final twist hit like a freight train. 🗡️🩸
I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to read this. If you love possessive MMCs, strong FMCs, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this is your next 5-star read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5
January 11, 2026
ARC Review
First I would like to thank Shay for the opportunity to be an ARC reader!
I thought this was a good book. I was emotionally invested into the growing relationship, it definitely took you on a roller coaster ride! I liked that it was mafia/cartel, you don’t see those meshing very often.
She is the rule following daughter of a lawyer, and law student. He is the “jefe” of the business. He is broken and she wants to fix him. Slowly she pieces things together and it’s torn between law and love and family. Veil of Lies has good plot and great twists that will have you hooked to keep reading. The spice is there, scattered throughout the story, and it is good. There is betrayal, that has you questioning everything.
Overall I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good heart ache and mafia/cartel romances.
Who doesn’t love an emotionally unavailable red flag that speaks to you in a language you don’t understand?
First I would like to thank Shay for the opportunity to be an ARC reader!
I thought this was a good book. I was emotionally invested into the growing relationship, it definitely took you on a roller coaster ride! I liked that it was mafia/cartel, you don’t see those meshing very often.
She is the rule following daughter of a lawyer, and law student. He is the “jefe” of the business. He is broken and she wants to fix him. Slowly she pieces things together and it’s torn between law and love and family. Veil of Lies has good plot and great twists that will have you hooked to keep reading. The spice is there, scattered throughout the story, and it is good. There is betrayal, that has you questioning everything.
Overall I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good heart ache and mafia/cartel romances.
Who doesn’t love an emotionally unavailable red flag that speaks to you in a language you don’t understand?
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had to sit with this for a little bit before I could share my thoughts.
I think Elara and Ryan are one of the more realistic book couples I’ve read in how they hurt each other trying to find themselves in a relationship they think they can’t have. I love happy love stories, but the ones that are hard fought battles just mean more to me.
The author set up at least 2 other books within the side characters of this one and I’m excited for their stories too.
I suspected the plot twist early on and while feeling validated when it came to light, I was initially devastated in how it was revealed. That turned out okay too and I’m happy to know we’ll learn more on that in the future.
There were some problems with the wording at times leading me to believe English is not the author’s natural language and by the end of the story it bothered me less and became part of the charm of the story.
I think Elara and Ryan are one of the more realistic book couples I’ve read in how they hurt each other trying to find themselves in a relationship they think they can’t have. I love happy love stories, but the ones that are hard fought battles just mean more to me.
The author set up at least 2 other books within the side characters of this one and I’m excited for their stories too.
I suspected the plot twist early on and while feeling validated when it came to light, I was initially devastated in how it was revealed. That turned out okay too and I’m happy to know we’ll learn more on that in the future.
There were some problems with the wording at times leading me to believe English is not the author’s natural language and by the end of the story it bothered me less and became part of the charm of the story.
December 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
WOW what a debut book! 📖
Elara is a law student trying to make her father proud. Ryan is *el jefe*, a title he earned by taking it from his older brother. When Elara stumbles into Ryan’s club on her birthday, sparks fly. But she has no idea who he really is or that he’s been given six months to take her father down or lose everything.
This story is full of twists, lies, and deception. Everyone has secrets, and the tension kept me hooked. The action is intense, the emotional push-and-pull between Elara and Ryan is heartbreaking, and I constantly went back and forth on who I felt worse for.
While this is a dark romance, the spice is more strategically placed than abundant, with a strong focus on mafia/cartel drama and the complicated build of their relationship. If this is your genre, it’s absolutely worth the read. Well done, Shay Maddox, and thank you for the ARC!
🌶️🌶️
WOW what a debut book! 📖
Elara is a law student trying to make her father proud. Ryan is *el jefe*, a title he earned by taking it from his older brother. When Elara stumbles into Ryan’s club on her birthday, sparks fly. But she has no idea who he really is or that he’s been given six months to take her father down or lose everything.
This story is full of twists, lies, and deception. Everyone has secrets, and the tension kept me hooked. The action is intense, the emotional push-and-pull between Elara and Ryan is heartbreaking, and I constantly went back and forth on who I felt worse for.
While this is a dark romance, the spice is more strategically placed than abundant, with a strong focus on mafia/cartel drama and the complicated build of their relationship. If this is your genre, it’s absolutely worth the read. Well done, Shay Maddox, and thank you for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Veil of Lies pulled me in the right away with its dark, secret heavy atmosphere and strong mafia/cartel styles vibes. The tension that starts in the beginning carries through the entire book.
Being honest, there were moments where I could see what was coming, but it didn't ruin the experience at all. The story was still engaging, emotional, and well written enough that I wanted to keep reading. Sometimes a predictable moment just means the buildup was done right, and that is the case with Veil of Lies.
The characters felt layered and human, driven by loyalty, fear, and love in a world where trust is dangerous.
Overall, this was a solid read that held my attention from start to finish. If you’re into mafia or cartel romances, especially the “enemy’s daughter” trope, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Veil of Lies pulled me in the right away with its dark, secret heavy atmosphere and strong mafia/cartel styles vibes. The tension that starts in the beginning carries through the entire book.
Being honest, there were moments where I could see what was coming, but it didn't ruin the experience at all. The story was still engaging, emotional, and well written enough that I wanted to keep reading. Sometimes a predictable moment just means the buildup was done right, and that is the case with Veil of Lies.
The characters felt layered and human, driven by loyalty, fear, and love in a world where trust is dangerous.
Overall, this was a solid read that held my attention from start to finish. If you’re into mafia or cartel romances, especially the “enemy’s daughter” trope, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review//From Author
Star Rating: 4⭐️
Pub Date: Feb 7th, 2026
Genre: Dark Romance/Mafia Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was different for me. There wasn’t much mafia stuff going on as much as other mafia romances I’ve read. I did like the characters Elara and Ryan, although Ryan did frustrate me from time to time. Elara is from a law family and her name is well known as well as Ryan’s name. Elara is strong willed and she didn’t put up with being pushed to the side as Ryan tried to do but slowly fell for her as time went on. Ryan was pining for Elara and I did like the story overall. There was a lot but I did feel disconnected at times from the story. I still did enjoy it and it’s really good and the writing is good too. Lots of Spanish phrases but the author puts it also in English so we can understand and that was great! This novel definitely was a Veil of Lies. Lol
Star Rating: 4⭐️
Pub Date: Feb 7th, 2026
Genre: Dark Romance/Mafia Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was different for me. There wasn’t much mafia stuff going on as much as other mafia romances I’ve read. I did like the characters Elara and Ryan, although Ryan did frustrate me from time to time. Elara is from a law family and her name is well known as well as Ryan’s name. Elara is strong willed and she didn’t put up with being pushed to the side as Ryan tried to do but slowly fell for her as time went on. Ryan was pining for Elara and I did like the story overall. There was a lot but I did feel disconnected at times from the story. I still did enjoy it and it’s really good and the writing is good too. Lots of Spanish phrases but the author puts it also in English so we can understand and that was great! This novel definitely was a Veil of Lies. Lol
January 8, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ (rounding up to 4). I really wanted to love this book because I adore a fierce FMC, and Elara absolutely delivers: she’s feisty, strong, and never lets Ryan walk all over her. While I enjoyed her character, I didn’t fully feel the connection between her and Ryan until later in the story. At times, the pacing felt a bit drawn out and the romance slightly forced, but the second half of the book really picked up and became much easier to sink into. One of the highlights for me was the strong side characters—they added depth, balance, and heart to the story, and their presence truly enhanced the overall reading experience. Overall, an enjoyable read with strong moments, especially in the latter half
March 3, 2026
On-3.5 ⭐
Veil of Lies is a mafia romance that had a premise which immediately caught my attention. I’ve always loved stories with powerful, strategic mmcs paired with strong, justice-driven heroines, and Ryan and Elara definitely brought that dynamic to life.
Can I just talk bout RYAN SÁNCHEZ??My Spanish Chico🤪This man is just insanely hawtt with his Spanish accent.And idk I found Elara so cute and fragile I lowkey wanted to protect her while still fangirling over Ryan😔
The storyline wasn’t entirely groundbreaking, it was still an entertaining read filled with drama and twists that kept me turning the pages.
Oki and I was so invested in whatever was happening between Viktor and Chiara. Um genuinely curious about what’s coming next. There’s so much potential there 👀❣️
Veil of Lies is a mafia romance that had a premise which immediately caught my attention. I’ve always loved stories with powerful, strategic mmcs paired with strong, justice-driven heroines, and Ryan and Elara definitely brought that dynamic to life.
Can I just talk bout RYAN SÁNCHEZ??My Spanish Chico🤪This man is just insanely hawtt with his Spanish accent.And idk I found Elara so cute and fragile I lowkey wanted to protect her while still fangirling over Ryan😔
The storyline wasn’t entirely groundbreaking, it was still an entertaining read filled with drama and twists that kept me turning the pages.
Oki and I was so invested in whatever was happening between Viktor and Chiara. Um genuinely curious about what’s coming next. There’s so much potential there 👀❣️
February 8, 2026
Veil of Lies Shay Maddox
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
This was a different take on a mafia romance and I truly enjoyed it. At the very start I wasn’t sure how I would like it, but I was sucked in after that!
There are twists that I didn’t see coming and piping hot tension between the mc’s! Shay did a wonderful job writing the story between Ryan & Elara! The character development they both had was some of the best I’ve read in a while!!
If you’re looking for a toxic romance, with touch her & die vibes, this one should be your next pick!🤭👀
Tropes✨
~age gap
~mafia romance
~hidden identity
~touch her & 💀
~anti hero x strong fmc
~slow burn
Thank you to Shay for letting me arc read Veil of Lies!!💜🩶
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
This was a different take on a mafia romance and I truly enjoyed it. At the very start I wasn’t sure how I would like it, but I was sucked in after that!
There are twists that I didn’t see coming and piping hot tension between the mc’s! Shay did a wonderful job writing the story between Ryan & Elara! The character development they both had was some of the best I’ve read in a while!!
If you’re looking for a toxic romance, with touch her & die vibes, this one should be your next pick!🤭👀
Tropes✨
~age gap
~mafia romance
~hidden identity
~touch her & 💀
~anti hero x strong fmc
~slow burn
Thank you to Shay for letting me arc read Veil of Lies!!💜🩶
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