The Lies We Lived

by Brittany Ann

He was a perfectionist, addicted to her imperfections.
She was a mess, needing to feel worthy.
Both of them were liars.


Hayes Mitchell, retired Air Force pilot turned bounty hunter, was second in command at Red Snake Investigations. For the last decade, he’d spent his days chasing other peoples’ problems instead of facing his own. On the outside, he was fine. On the inside, he was numb.

His life hadn’t been perfect, but perfection was what he craved.

That all changed when Margo stuck her black acrylic nail into his chest, threatening to kill him if he didn’t save her best friend. Two years later, he woke up tangled in her lilac sheets, the taste of hope lingering on his tongue. She’d made him feel alive again. But when she moaned another man’s name in her sleep, he knew she had never been his.

It was all pretend, a lie drenched in spiced rum and lust.

Margo Bennett, Astoria’s favorite barista turned bartender, was trying to rebuild her life after everything crumbled around her. Now, at nearly thirty years old, she was about to graduate. Things were looking up. Then Hayes stalked up to the bar for a drink and took her breath away. With his dark green eyes, deep voice, and broad shoulders, he was hard to resist. He oozed perfection and she wanted to taste it.

He would never be hers, but for now, she could pretend.

When she woke up alone, all the progress she’d made in her life disappeared along with the bounty hunter. The sting of him leaving was almost too much, a cross she didn’t have the guts to bear. She ignored the memories of his rough hands and soft praises. To keep her new life intact, she had to go back into her past, entangling herself in a web of dangerous lies that only Hayes could save her from–if she’d let him.

Genres: Small Town Romance

395 pages, ebook

Published April 16, 2026

About the author

Brittany Ann is an author of suspenseful, roller coaster romances with a sprinkle of dark on top! She writes romance with growth, twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat, and emotional romance.

Brittany has dreamed of being an author since she was fourteen years old. You would always be able to find her with her nose buried in a book or scribbling down stories in old notebooks. Today, she is living her dream by writing epic love stories with morally gray MMCs and strong FMCs. She is extremely grateful for every single one of her readers.


For more updates and to stay connected, follow her on Instagram and Threads! @authorbrittanyann_

Reviews

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new series from Brittany Ann, and her Red Snake Investigations series was worth the wait! I read this way too quickly, I was hooked, I loved being back in Astoria.

Hayes and Margo give us a journey, they are both the most stubborn characters I have read in a while, the banter is fantastic, but it is Margo’s self discovery and growth that had me turning pages.

I am excited about what comes next!

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[ash😈 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely looooved!!!!

I think I found my new bestie in the Brittany-verse! Margo is just a whole ass vibe! Very protective of her girls and her relationship with Rossy made my heart happy.

And Hayes. My heart breaks for him. His harbored emotions broke me. But him with Margo healed me right up.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a bit torn on this one.
I certainly enjoyed it, and wanted to keep reading, so that's always a good thing.
I liked the main characters, and there wasn't a huge amount of side characters that had me confused (something I have been critical of in previous books from Brittany). Having read the previous duet with these group of characters definitely helped in that regard.
But there was something that I can't quite put my finger on that stopped me being enthralled.
It could have been that it felt longer than necessary, or that it got kind of repetitive, with all the excitement happening in the last couple of chapters perhaps. I'm genuinely not sure.
All that to say, that I did enjoy it, but it's not one I'll rave about or go back and re-read.
However it's a great addition to this universe that the author has created and it's an enjoyable start to this new series. I'll definitely be reading the rest of them.

[Brittany Hayley Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished my arc of The Lies We Lived by Brittany Ann. It is book 1 of the Red Snake Investigations series. I am so obsessed with this book. I forced myself to slow down on reading so I didn’t read it to fast lol. It follows Margo the barista/ bartender in Astoria (same place as where The Catch me duet is set) a year after being rescued (iykyk) and shortly after she hooks up with one of the men who saved her the one and only Hayes. She becomes angry at him for leaving her during the night while she was sleeping. He is her best friend boyfriend’s friend and co worker so they were floating around each other she did her best to avoid him. Hayes did everything he could to see her. Things finally broke after Margo meeting someone from her past and when Hayes finds her bruised he decides he’s staying there to protect her and when her secrets come out things get alittle intense. But with 2 stubborn people fall for each other you know there’s going to be a lot of banter. And I live for that. Margo is totally random. She says things at the wrong time like the cereal comment which made me laugh so hard it’s a very wtf did she say at that moment.

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have waited for this book and it was so worth it. Margo and Hayes man. When I tell you that I love this book, I really mean it. I’m excited for what is next to come.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brittany Ann has become one of my favorite authors. Amazing storyline and the characters are top notch. This newest edition to the universe does not disappoint and had me hooked from the get go.

[teatimewithtori · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And If I fail you? What then?” “Your failures will never lead to my absence”

------
Thank you to Brittany and her team for an arc in exchange for an honest review 💕 (love you guys 🥹)

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (this was such a fun read!!!)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (3-4 on page scenes with the rest being fade to black).

TROPES:
🩷 One night stand
💜 Black cat FMC
🩷 Morally grey MMC
💜 “Who did this to you?”
🩷 Small coastal town
💜 Spice
🩷 Crazy ex’s
💜 Found Family
🖤 Lies, lies, lies, and more lies

🚨Light spoilers ahead🚨
------
RAWR!!!! *insert dinosaur noises here* We are SOOOO back! I love a good Brittany Ann book and this one as always delivered!

I have read both Langston Brothers Duet, Langston Ranch series (+ Christmas Novella which is to die for and a must read!) and The Catch Me Duet (need to read this before diving into Red Snakes series).
While I adore Langston ranch (hello Mags, loml) I LOVED the Red Snakes crew and knew if Brittany did a spin off series of them it would be amazing. And of course it is!

The Lives We Lived follows Margo, our black cat angry bookstore barista, and Hayes, the co-owner of Red Snakes Investigations and Grayson's best friend. Hayes is neat, closed off and detached from emotions. Margo, my SWEET BABY, is angry, chaotic and feels deeply.

Margo feels like the human personification of "I Did Something Bad" x "mad woman". Yeahhhh THAT'S RIGHT SHE IS JUST THAT GIRL 😝 It was beautiful to watch her inner struggle for love and acceptance while battling school, money and then the overall threats from her crazy ex. I think so many will be able to relate to Margo's character arc and the journey of self-advocacy and love she goes on. The scene of her in the bathroom talking in the mirror? SO GOOD!

I loved the little moments Hayes and Margo share and Hayes down bad love for her was sweet to see.

Some things that I would watch out for with this book:
- Slight miscommunication trope in the beginning but this is cleared up within a few chapters which I appreciate

- Margo experiences DV from her younger brother and at one point this is seen on page. Hayes tending to her afterwards was AMAZING and whenever I get a "who did this to you" moment I am kicking my feet and screaming with delight.

- Some mentions of drug use since the main baddie is a drug lord (Margo's brother and father both are drug users so if this is a trigger for you be aware 💕)

All in all I think it was a solid start to the series and I really enjoyed it! Would def recommend you read!
------
now that that is done, I have to take a moment and SCREAMMMMMMMM about that final chapter because OHHHHH MYYY GODDDD!

I thought for SURE we would get Ash's book last so the fact that his is up next OHHHHHHH I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!

Like when I read this:

"Ash nodded, walked to the back door, looked over his shoulder, and said, “You guys are the family I never had.”

Then he disappeared for five hundred and forty-seven days"

LIKE WHAT?! WHAT?!!!! Cannot wait to get Angel's story, OH IT'S. GOING TO BE SO GOOD!!!

Also V interested to see where Dom's story goes. I thought it was going to be Ms. Pam for sure but there seems to be some weird tension with Sarah and Dom that has me a bit 👀 CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT

[Gina Blades · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 1.5-2🌶️ ARC REVIEW: 📖 THE LIES WE LIVED 📖 by Brittany Ann ✨ This is book 1 in the Red Snake Investigations series, set in the small coastal town of Astoria, Oregon. It’s my first book by Brittany. This story follows Margo, a barista at a bookstore, and Hayes, a retired Air Force pilot-turned bounty hunter. Margo has struggled to think of herself as anything but damaged and unworthy because of her addict dad and abusive ex. Hayes has lived his life numb for years, suffering from grief and PTSD. She infuriates him and gets under his skin but he’s drawn to her, and loves it when she gives him attitude. All he wants is for her to let him take care of her but she’s so stubborn and independent. He’s detached from emotions but she challenges him and doesn’t let him keep up his walls. They heal each other, and go through some powerful growth. If you like a broken, cold on the outside but gooey on the inside MMC that helps an angry FMC finally feel like she belongs, then this book is for you. ❤️‍🩹

"We have to let go of the lies we lived if this is going to work."

He’s been through a lot, and lost a lot. He’s possessive and protective of her, and thinks she’s one of the strongest women he knows. She loves that he doesn’t look at her like she’s damaged or a lost cause but she doesn’t think she belongs with a good man like him. He’s neat and tidy, ‘Mr. Perfect’, always in control but she’s messy and she doesn’t want him to see her mess. She doesn’t want him or anyone to know about the dangerous secrets from her past. She has walls, too, but he pushes her away when she gets too close to his.

She'd disrupted my life, my perfectly curated lie.

He doesn’t think he deserves happiness because he blames himself for surviving when the rest of his flight crew died. She thinks she’s trash, that nobody could want her because she’s not good enough. She has a panic attack and Hayes helps her through it. She thinks that she’s a mess. Her lies are to protect herself, whereas his lies are a form of punishment.

❤️ She calls him Mr. Perfect/Top Gun
❤️ He calls her Temper
❤️ Forehead kisses 💋
❤️ Who hurt you?

Favorite quotes:
"And what would this be, Temper?"
"Don't call me that.”
“You threatened to kill me five seconds after we met."
"Yes, my best friend had been kidnapped, and you swooped into town with your Superman act.
So I needed to make sure you were able to handle the job."

“You made me feel alive for the first time in nearly thirteen years.”

"Fu*king beauty, that's what you gave me. I knew when I finally allowed myself to fall, baby, it would be detrimental to the life I convinced myself I deserved."

"One more thing. If you ever refer to yourself as a failure in front of me again, I'll take you over my knee."

"Nothing about the way you make me feel is pretend, Margo Bennett. Nothing about what happened between us weeks ago was a lie.
Nothing between us will ever be a fu*king lie. I need you to understand that."

Let me take care of you. Let me look out for you.
Baby, fu*k, just let me.

Read this if you like:
*Small town romance
*ONS
*Suspense
*Black cat FMC
*Morally gray MMC
*Touch her and 💀
*Grief
*Trauma/healing
*Mental health rep
*Found family

Content warning: PTSD, nightmares, domestic violence, alcoholism, death, anxiety, depression, emotional/physical abuse, panic attacks

Thank you to Brittany Ann for letting me read/review. All opinions are my own.

[Tiffani Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me completely locked in from the start and honestly never let me go. There is something so magnetic about the tension between Hayes and Margo that it almost hums under every interaction. It feels complicated in the best way, like two people who are both a little broken, a little guarded, and still somehow drawn together in a way they cannot ignore. The emotional push and pull is intense but never overwhelming, and it creates this addictive rhythm that made it impossible to step away.

Hayes carries this quiet heaviness that just seeps into every moment. On the surface, he feels controlled and steady, but underneath there is so much he is not saying. Watching those layers slowly unravel, especially in the way he shows up when it truly matters, hit me right in the chest. And Margo, she is beautifully messy and trying so hard to rebuild something stable for herself. There is a vulnerability to her that feels raw and real, but also this strength that keeps pushing her forward even when everything gets complicated. Together, they create this dynamic that feels equal parts fragile and electric.

What really stood out to me is how this story leans into the idea that people are not always honest, even with themselves. The emotional tension is rooted in that, in the things left unsaid, the things hidden, and the quiet fear of being fully seen. It adds this layer of depth that makes every moment between them feel meaningful. And when those walls start to crack, it feels earned, not easy.

There is also this underlying sense of danger and urgency woven into everything that keeps the pacing sharp without taking away from the emotional core. It balances suspense and romance in a way that feels seamless, so you are just as invested in what is happening around them as you are in what is happening between them.

By the end, I was completely wrapped up in their story. It is messy, emotional, and a little bit chaotic in the way real feelings often are, but that is exactly what makes it so compelling. This is one of those reads that pulls you in, keeps you there, and then lingers long after you turn the last page.

Tropes:
• 🔍 Romantic suspense
• 🖤 Morally gray hero
• 💔 Broken characters
• 🔥 Intense chemistry
• 🎭 Secrets and lies
• 🤍 Emotional healing

[Ashley Tuttle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE the universe that Brittany Ann has created! Every single one of her characters is so well written and full of emotion and her couples……. Oh my god, just perfection. So spicy and in love and Margo and Hayes are no different. Small Town Romance - He Falls First - Grumpy FMC - Badass FMC - Protective MMC - Brittany-Verse!

This book was phenomenal! I always have high hopes for Brittany’s books and she continually blows me away. Margo had a traumatic childhood and a bad relationship that sent her running out into the world to find a new safe place; she thought she had in Astoria, only to find herself thrown right back into the drama of her past.

Hayes served in the air force and has PTSD from his last mission. He believed the failure of his last mission was his fault; that he can’t forget the past without forgetting those he failed during that mission. He started Red Snake Investigation with his army buddy, Grayson (Do yourself a favor and go read his and Carrie’s story (Catch Me when I Fall)). After Hayes sees Margo the very first time he falls in love with her and his perfectly built world starts to crumble beneath his feet.

As stated before, these characters have so much emotion and life written into them, they really seem to jump off the page and tell their story to you as you sit next to them. The world that Brittany has built with her books and characters is always growing and I love that she brings those characters back in every new book as well; it truly does seem like a living, breathing universe to go back and explore when you need an emotional boost or an amazing love story to boost your moral. I can’t recommend this book, really all of her books, enough!

[Madison Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!🩷Available now on KU!

Thank you so much Brittany Ann for the ARC opportunity!

Rating: ★★★★.5/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️/5
Tropes: Black Cat FMC, Found Family, Morally Grey MMC, Small Coastal Town

This is Book 1 in Brittany’s new series called Red Snake Investigations. Margo is a black cat, barista working in a bookstore who’s had a troubled traumatic past, when she finds herself caught up with none other than Hayes. I have been itching to read this one since I was lucky enough to be a part of Brittany’s content team

Hayes also has his own personal struggles. He served in the Air Force and believes the failure of his last mission is his fault, leading him to suffer with PTSD. He then decides to start up Red Snake Investigations.

This book was so different than what I was expecting. Each character has so much love poured into them, and there’s no one else to thank for that other than Brittany, her way of writing and making these characters come to life isnt something just anyone can do.

The emotion? Incredible. The spice? STEAMY. The one liners? Amazing. And don’t event get me started on that last chapter. If you’re looking for a spicy, dark romance that has so much more. I HIGHLY suggest you give Margo and Hayes story a whirl.

Quotes I liked:
*As this is an ARC, some quotes may be subject to change in the final copy*

“She had no idea what she’d done to me, how deep her hooks were, and when she pulled them out, I was ready to bleed in front of her, to give her everything I had.”

[Sam Bartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bounty Hunter / Bartender | Kidnapping | Spice so good you melt | HEA | Nicknames | Banter

Holy f*cking s*it.

First up, this book ruined me, and I mean that in the best way possible. I have read every single Brittany Ann book and I think Margo is my new favorite FMC, which is saying something absolutely enormous because I genuinely adore each and every one of them.

This one is set in Astoria, which is the same world as the Catch Me duet, so if you've read that you're going to get some delicious little moments with familiar faces, but as always, Brittany does this magical thing where she fills you in so seamlessly that you never feel lost even if you haven't.

The spice in this one made me stop midchapter and shove my kindle at my partner and said "just read this" because *hot damn*, and there's angst for days, and banter that had me cackling out loud like a menace, and he calls her "Temper" and she calls him "Superman" in this way that is so perfectly earned it doesn't give me even a sliver of secondhand embarrassment, which you is something because I really don’t like Superman as a superhero. (Don’t get me started on Batman though.)

If you are looking for a sexy dark romance with a story that pulls you all the way into a world you're going to wish you'd found sooner, this is your entry point. Come fall in love with the Red Snake men, you will not regret it, I promise.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌑 Dark Romance
🎯 Bounty Hunter x Barista
🖤 Black Cat FMC
🔥 Morally Grey MMC
💋 One Night Stand
🤠 Small Town
💞 Found Family
🌶️🌶️🌶️

The Lies We Lived completely pulled me under—I was hooked from the first page and didn’t come up for air until the very end. And Hayes? Brittany Ann writes delectable alpha men, and Hayes has officially claimed the top spot for me.

Margo absolutely stole my heart. She’s fierce, sharp, and refuses to take anyone’s crap—but that strength was hard-won. Her past lingers like a shadow that won’t quite let her go, and it aches to watch her fight her way forward. And Hayes…this man is haunted. Buried under guilt and pain, he’s been surviving behind a carefully constructed wall for far too long. Watching these two—live lies and carry so much—collide was equal parts devastating and electrifying.

The chemistry between them is scorching, the tension thick, and when Hayes has to step up and earn it? So. Satisfying. Their journey toward something real, something safe, feels deeply emotional and completely earned. They don’t just fall—they fight for each other, and that healing? It hits hard in the best way.

And that ending?! I’m going to need Ash’s book immediately because I am not okay just waiting after that.

Special thanks to the author for the gifted copy 🫶🏻

[Anyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔸 The Lies we Lived 🔸

“She had no idea what she’d done to me, how deep her hooks were, and when she pulled them out, I was ready to bleed out in front of her, to give her everything I had.”

Hayes and Margo were perfection. No notes. No suggestions, other than read this freaking book! The way Hayes showed up for Margo, the way Margo was able to finally feel safe around Hayes, the way the two of them just fell together had me feeling all the feels. I know I say that about every Brittany Ann book, but it’s the damn truth.

Both Margo and Hayes had such a way of lying to each other, and to themselves, to try and hide what they truly craved but when they tore apart those lies to reveal honest feelings.. wow. This is the classic ‘I can handle this myself’ woman meeting a ‘you don’t have to carry this alone’ man. I loved it so much. Hearing about the demons Hayes’ inner struggles made me want to hug him. Margo is a strong AF woman, and if it’s one thing Brittany does, it’s create those women!

The pining, the protection, the fight in Margo… ugh. Sigh. Also… that last chapter?! Come onnn I cannot wait for Ash’s book!! 😍😍

If you love …
▪️one night stand
▫️black cat FMC
▪️morally grey MMC
▫️”Who did this to you?”
▪️family drama
▫️spice 🔥
◾️bounty hunter
… you’ll love this!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[FB · Rating 4 out of 5]

- ARC REVIEW -


I was so excited to get back to Astoria and all the Red Snake men. Brittany has been my favourite author for some time now, ever since I found the Hallow Ranch men and fell in love with her writing. I loved all the easter eggs and nods to past books we got here. Margo and Hayes were so good together (even though Greyson and Carrie will always be the GOAT in my eyes)

The sexual tension was top notch and the pining ohhhh was it so yummy.

Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I want to shout out Rossy and Margo’s relationship for a sec, I did not expect to have so many feels over them. Their father daughter dynamic was so heartwarming and equally heartbreaking. Rossy is the perfect father figure for her and the whole group of them honestly. I loved that Brittany wove in beautiful multi level relationships that weren’t just romantic. The found family trope is so good here and I’m all here for it.

I can’t wait for Ash’s book, it’s been teased for so long now that I don’t know how I’m going hold out till I can get my hands on it. ❤️❤️

Story: 5/5

Tension: 5/5

Group Banter: 10/10

Read this if you love a strong take charge FMC, great female friendships, and Touch her and Die vibes with A+ sexy, broody MMF longing looks

[Amanda Callies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember how I said two years ago that the Men of Red Snake Investigation would make it onto my favorite book boyfriend list? No? Well I said that and it’s true, it happened. Hayes Mitchell has flown his way into my heart and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Lies We Lived follows Margo Bennett and Hayes Mitchell a year after the events of Catch Me When I Fall and Hold Me Before You Go. Both of them are hiding their pasts, ones trying to move on- do something better and the other is just surviving.

When Margo’s past comes back to haunt her new life, Hayes does everything in his power to claim her and protect her and save her and I was HERE FOR IT ALL. Literally devoured this book in two days, totally would have been one day if I didn’t have an adult job to go to that I need my paycheck for my book buying habit.

The mention of other characters from previous books made my heart oh so happy. Col remains to be my favorite mafia king who just makes everything his business and I loved seeing him pop in and out throughout this book, and and and seeing teasers for the rest of the Red Snake Men makes me so incredibly excited for what is to come. Literally I was this close to throwing my kindle when I read the epilogue because what do you mean he leaves and doesn’t return for over 500 days? I need answers Brittany! Please me tell me his book is next, I’ll die if we have to wait.

[Bookishlyhaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lies We Lived is the first book in the brand new Red Snake Investigations series by Brittany Ann. It follows Hayes Mitchell and Margo Bennett. This book was such a rollercoaster of emotions and I enjoyed every second!

Hayes is so morally grey and I love it! The man is ruthless, possessive, stubborn, thoughtful and protective. He is so gentle with her at times and it warms my heart. He is willing to do anything to keep her safe! Margo is stubborn, feisty, passionate, playful and kind. We got to know so much more of Margo in this book and it made me love her more. Her growth over the course of this book was so great as she truly found herself and a home she always wanted.

Hayes and Margo are both deeply scared by their pasts but together they are able to help each other heal. Their journey was not easy but it was so worth it in the end!

I thought Hayes would be my favorite out of the Red Snake men but as of right now there will be no choosing! I love them all so much! I can’t wait for Ash’s book next and the rest to follow!

You will enjoy this book if you like the following:
- Romantic suspense
- One night stand
- Black cat FMC
- Morally gray blond MMC
- Small coastal town
- Found family

Thank you so much Brittany Ann for the gifted copy!

[Tiffany W · Rating 4 out of 5]

So thankfully, this is book one in the series, because I am absolutely obsessed with the Red Snake Investigation Team.

Hayes is grumpy, possessive, and blonde 🥰🥰 lowkey my quintessential, perfect book boyfriend. That said, he definitely has some issues he needs to work through. Thankfully, our girl Margo (who I absolutely loved) isn’t afraid to peel back his layers and he does the same for her. He makes sure she feels safe, loved, and cherished, which is all she’s ever wanted.

For me, this book had the perfect balance of romance and real life building(if that’s that right words lol ). I also loved that a lot of the spice was fade to black. And (spoiler alert) I really appreciated that Margo’s dream of finishing school wasn’t sidelined. So often the FMC’s personal goals get lost in the romance plot, so I’m glad that didn’t happen here.

This book has some great side characters( need more of Rossy back story) you’re absolutely going to love and become obsessed with. I especially loved that all the Red Snake men are into reading that’s low-key becoming one of my favorite micro tropes.

Also… speaking of Ash… WTF?! I need his book immediately. I can’t wait to spend more time in Astoria and maybe even Portland, because they got to bring back!

[Jodi Warne · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review with thanks to Brittany Ann and The Author Agency

Margo and Hayes have stomped all over my heart with their stubborn ways and heartfelt moments. The side characters bringing more tears and highlighting just how deserving these two are of having happiness and good things.

*************
Something was building. It was different. It wasn’t just pleasure, but a promise.

A promise of safety.

A promise of acceptance.

A promise of truth.

A promise of love.

**************

This is a story of two people who appear as polar opposites however through their own experiences and past trauma they are more a like than they realise with one blinding factor that they both feel undeserving of true happiness, love and acceptance.

Through stubbornness, tough and testing times they don’t get their happy ever after they get something better a new beginning together.

I know when it comes to romance books everyone wants to know has it got spice and yes this book has that (and it’s good🥵🥵) but also so much more. Character growth, building trust, setting boundaries, realising your worth.

I truly can’t wait for more book in this series.

[Floor · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨The Lies We Lived - Brittani Ann✨

I cannot explain to you how excited I was to read this book. From the very first time I read about Margo I loved her and I hoped she would find someone who would love her just as she was. She is such a strong woman who deserves everything in the world after the cards she’s been dealt and she is going after it which I love! Margo has been added to my list of girl crushes💖
Enter Hayes. Oh my… that man does something to me. I have a thing for the MMCs willing to hurt everyone for the ones they love. And he loves Margo. He loves her so fiercely and I was jealous.
I can know happily report that all my excitement wasn’t for nothing! The Lies We Lived was absolutely amazing. It had the spice, the ‘who hurt you’, the crazy exes, and the he falls first trope which always makes me feral!
The Red Snake men have a special place in my heart and I cannot wait to read about their love stories. That ending tho…. The next book cannot come soon enough!

Read this book if you are looking for:
🩷One night stand
💜Black cat FMC
🩷Morally grey MMC
💜"Who did this to you?"
🩷Small coastal town
💜Spice
🩷Crazy ex's
💜Found Family
🖤Lies, lies, lies, and more lies

[Savannah Sidebotham · Rating 5 out of 5]

being blessed with this ARC has been the highlight of my reading experience for 2026. Britt’s characters have all found a way in my heart and Margo & Hayes are no exception!! i truly think this series might rank up on the Hallow Ranch cowboys…and that ending nearly made me throw my kindle.

Margo is the badass FMC i crave after a while. we love a soft girlie here (Carrie my beloved), but Margo was able to hit that sweet spot of vulnerable yet completely able to handle her shit. plus, her Docs are equal parts badass & deadly.

and Hayes…oh my boy. his past hit a cord with me. his love for his Temper makes him even more perfect in my opinion, and the source behind his perfectionism is heartbreaking. all of the Brittany-verse men are book boyfriend material, but Hayes has found a comfortable spot towards the top for me.

and as always, the spice does not disappoint. the dynamic between these two fuels the fire perfectly, and the pacing between spice and plot is just right.

if you’re looking to get into the Brittany-verse, follow that beautiful little character map she has so graciously given us and dive into the crazy with us 🖤

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being back in Astoria and the Brittany-verse is always such a trip! Hayes and Margo were the perfect duo to get us back in the swing of things with Red Snake Investigation and while I’m always prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions with a Brittany book, I was really slapped with the reality check that she really doesn’t play when it comes to the tension, banter and suspense. Another ending that just about broke me in the process and left me itching for more. I will say, I wish I had re-read the catch me duet before this, I could have absolutely used the refresher. I could have slapped Hayes for leaving in the middle of the night but when you learn more about both him and Margo, you realize they are both such complicated characters with deep rooted emotional complexities and nothing about them or their relationship is going to come easily. Everything about them is hard fought and I expect nothing less from a Brittany Ann couple. Ready for the next book already!

::What to expect::

•One night stand
•Black cat FMC
•Morally grey MMC
•"Who did this to you?"
•Small coastal town
•Crazy exes
•Found Family

[Brianna Youngblood · Rating 5 out of 5]

i had so much fun reading Hayes and Margo's story (fun being relative because i def cried)

everytime i get myself ready to read a new book in the brittany verse i think to myself "well it can't be as sad as the last one" and then i still end up bawling through the first half of the book!!!!!

Margo is so strong and is always holding it together. And Hayes sees through that. He sees right through her bs and is everything she needs. she might not have known she needed someone to lean on but Hayes was it for her. they both are so damaged and traumatized from their pasts, it's so sweet and heartwarming to see them work past it all together.

now usually i'm anti miscommunication troupe but honestly i think it's played out really well here. like its definitely THERE but its resolved fairly quickly and in a realistic way.

as much as this book had me crying it also had me laughing and swoon (and sweat iykyk)!!! i love how Brittany weaves all these emotions into her book, it's like a rollercoaster for my heart.

[Hayley Peckham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely pulled at my heart strings. Margo and Hayes are both carrying so much pain from their pasts. They hide, they deflect, they fight the pull between them with everything they have, but it’s always there, simmering beneath the surface.

And when the truth finally starts to unravel, when those walls begin to crack and they let each other in… it’s overwhelming. You feel every moment of it, the fear, the vulnerability, the hope. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that doesn’t let up, and all you can do is hold on and desperately root for them to find their way to a happily ever after, because they so deeply deserve a love that heals.

The found family in this story made my heart ache in the best way. The Red Snakes clan are fiercely loyal, protective to their core, and I was completely invested in every single character.

And that ending? Don’t even get me started. That cliffhanger left me stunned, desperate, and already counting the seconds until I can get my hands on what comes next.

Thank you Brittany Ann for the advanced copy to read 🫶

[Extraspicybooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lies We Lived by Brittany Ann
Red Snake Investigations book 1

Brittany Ann’s books will ultimately take hold of your heart and squeeze until you think it’s going to shatter but then slowly release it and give you a tender hug, and this one’s no different. Fuck this book hooked me from the start!
Margo is a barista and a bartender hiding her true self and horrific past from her found family in Astoria. After being kidnapped and rescued over a year ago she’s alive but not living.
Hayes is part owner of Red Snake Investigations and is the one who rescued Margo. Having a horrible past of his own he also hides his lies.
These 2 have the most heartbreaking push and pull together. One step towards each other 5 steps away. They purposely hurt each other to avoid the hurt themselves. When the walls finally come down though, 🥵 it’s so damn hot, chemistry and banter for days! I’m so addicted to these character after one book I’m salivating for more! This one is 💯 a TOP READ!

[Ivonne Santiago-Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ This is book one in the red snake investigation series following Hayes and Margo . This was a book that was easy to eat up and hard to put down . Absolutely love the continuation of this universe , with grumpy morally grey men and a strong FMC doing some soul searching . I love her writing and the feels her books give you.

Hayes is a possessive MMC with touch her and die vibes who will do whatever it takes for his woman. This man was a teddy bear wrapped in barbed wire , I love a man that is soft and gentle for his woman but still gives off that I bite vibe .

Margo is strong willed , hard headed and fiesty looking for her worth in this world . I absolutely loved her character development , she had such wonderful growth .

These two are adorable , the banter was chefs kiss and they absolutely are meant for eachother . This was a great read and I absolutely cannot wait to get Ash’s but next .

[Anshul (stories.buddy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved this book. The pain was real, but the healing was real too. Margo & Hayes are for each other, and nothing can come in between. I freaking adore them. They have their ups and downs, their difficult pasts, and something broken that needs to be healed, and this book has that feeling that had me glued to it and get out for only necessities. My saying that I loved the book is an understatement. You can totally understand the depth of it.

How does Brittany do it??? Making me fall for each and every book of hers, and every character has a different effect on readers. I completely love this world she has created and cannot wait for the next book. I can only imagine what she comes up with, but that one is definitely going to be so much we don’t know we need, but we definitely do need. Cryptic lol. The Lies We Lived is a must-read book, and my suggestion is to read Catch Me Duet first to get the background of the characters.

[Brooklyn Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩷found family
🩷squirting
🩷bounty hunter
🩷secrets/lies

First. Check the trigger warnings. Hayes and Margo have some trauma. That being said, Brittany made me ugly cry. She shattered my heart and then she mended it. I love being in Brittany’s world. The interconnectedness of it all.

This is book 1 in the Red Snake Investigations series. It comes off from the Catch Me Duet, which I would also recommend reading.

They lie so good to each other, until they can’t anymore. Hayes and Margo dance around. The tension. The banter. The one night stand.

Both of their pasts catch up to them. Learning how to navigate through the newness, their trauma and their pasts.

This one was so good. I loved every moment of it. I could not put it down. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the team.

[Manda Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Concerning the past, I was utterly helpless. Concerning her future, I wasn’t.”

I love Brittany’s banter in her stories and the banter with the Red Snake Crew as well as Margo’s with everyone had my cheeks hurting from smiling so much. Hayes and Margo’s tension, chemistry and playfulness had me unable to put this book down. As well as her other stories this has the suspense element. While you can read this as a standalone I do recommend reading the Catch Me Duet prior as there are some moments that reference back to big moments in that duet. I am in love with series and cannot wait for the next book because that ending had my jaw on the floor!

🎼 Song Vibe- Make You Feel My Love - Adele
💬POV- Dual 1st
💞Relationship- MF
🌶️Spice- Yes

~~What To Expect~~
🎯Small Town
🎯One Night Stand
🎯Black Cat Barista/Bartender/Student FMC
🎯Morally Grey Bounty Hunter
🎯Found Family
🎯Forced Proximity

~~Quotes~~
💜Hayes Mitchell wasn’t the kind of man who just popped in unannounced on a whim. No, for a man like him to do anything, he needed a reason, a plan of attack.
💜Margo Bennett was the last thing I expected and now, after her, even just for a night she was the only thing I wanted.
💜I can’t live in a lie anymore, Superman, that includes yours.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brittany Ann never disappoints me. Literally ever. She is one of my favorite authors, and I squeal every time I get to read one of her books early. So I am sending my many thanks to her and her team for letting me read The Lies We Lived and reading Hayes and Margo’s story early.

It was SO EASY to fall in love with Hayes and Margo. I already loved them from earlier BrittanyVerse books, but getting to watch them grow and admit their love for each other was SUCH a treat. Did I cry? Yes. Did I giggle? Yes. Did I want it to last for two books instead of one? Always, but I will never complain about that. Getting to watch Margo open up to Hayes and eventually Hayes open up to Margo just wormed its way into my heart both ways.

Loved every second of this book. The suspense, the love, the sex, everything. Can't wait for the rest of the Red Snake boys books.