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The Lies That Bind
Mason knew he was valuable.
As an omega, his future has never truly been his own, and then he learns just how little choice he has. Two struggling wolf packs are set to merge for their own reasons—and to seal the deal, Mason has been promised in marriage to the wealthy heir of the rival pack. He is everything Mason entitled, controlling, and convinced an omega exists to be owned.
Desperate to escape a future he never chose, Mason makes a reckless claim—he can’t marry another, because he’s already promised to his human best friend, Kip.
It’s a lie meant to buy time, nothing more.
Until the packs demand proof and the lie becomes impossible to escape.
Forced to play the part, Mason and Kip step into a relationship neither of them expected. What begins as pretense turns into something deeper, stronger, and far more real than either is ready to admit. Mason finds the steady Dominant he’s always needed. Kip discovers a hunger—and a devotion—he never knew he had.
For a while, life is good and love feels safe.
Then everything changes when Mason is attacked and left for dead. As danger closes in, Mason’s past, his bond, and his very life hang in the balance.
And Kip?
He has a secret powerful enough to change everything—again—if it doesn’t destroy them first.
As an omega, his future has never truly been his own, and then he learns just how little choice he has. Two struggling wolf packs are set to merge for their own reasons—and to seal the deal, Mason has been promised in marriage to the wealthy heir of the rival pack. He is everything Mason entitled, controlling, and convinced an omega exists to be owned.
Desperate to escape a future he never chose, Mason makes a reckless claim—he can’t marry another, because he’s already promised to his human best friend, Kip.
It’s a lie meant to buy time, nothing more.
Until the packs demand proof and the lie becomes impossible to escape.
Forced to play the part, Mason and Kip step into a relationship neither of them expected. What begins as pretense turns into something deeper, stronger, and far more real than either is ready to admit. Mason finds the steady Dominant he’s always needed. Kip discovers a hunger—and a devotion—he never knew he had.
For a while, life is good and love feels safe.
Then everything changes when Mason is attacked and left for dead. As danger closes in, Mason’s past, his bond, and his very life hang in the balance.
And Kip?
He has a secret powerful enough to change everything—again—if it doesn’t destroy them first.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2026
7 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Wells
160 books1,864 followersK.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 3, 2026
4.5 stars
What a fabulous story! Ms. wells and Mr Williams have created another imaginative series. Mason is a rare Omega wolf shifter. Omegas are submissive born ‘to serve’ and bear their Dominant many children while accepting that they will be part of a polycule (several mates to one Dominant). When Mason is introduced to his intended, he is horrified. His ‘arranged’ Dominant is arrogant and pompous and humiliates Mason.
Kip, Mason’s best friend learns about the arrangement and is livid on Mason’s behalf, the biggest problem, Kip is not aware of the ‘shifter ways’ since he isn’t one. Kip comes up with a resolution, they’ll tell everyone that Mason can’t be with someone else since they had committed themselves to each other when they were kids.
Now, they’ll have to play their parts or Mason will be given over to Jerome. Kip had always considered himself to be straight but, he’d do anything for Mason. After Kip learns Mason’s secret, he discovers that he is the Dominant that Mason needs and he unknowingly always has been.
Kip however has a secret of his own that he knows he needs to tell Mason but several events prevent Kip from coming clean. Mason and Kip navigate their somewhat new dynamic and Kip needs to learn how to be the Dominant Mason needs.
There are attempts on Mason’s life but there are no leads or evidence. We discover Kip’s secret during one such attempt and it’s a doozy! I can’t wait for the next book!
*****
POV…multi first person
Standalone or series… book 1 in series ends on a cliffy!
Hangover… yes
Recommend… yes
Reread… yes!
What a fabulous story! Ms. wells and Mr Williams have created another imaginative series. Mason is a rare Omega wolf shifter. Omegas are submissive born ‘to serve’ and bear their Dominant many children while accepting that they will be part of a polycule (several mates to one Dominant). When Mason is introduced to his intended, he is horrified. His ‘arranged’ Dominant is arrogant and pompous and humiliates Mason.
Kip, Mason’s best friend learns about the arrangement and is livid on Mason’s behalf, the biggest problem, Kip is not aware of the ‘shifter ways’ since he isn’t one. Kip comes up with a resolution, they’ll tell everyone that Mason can’t be with someone else since they had committed themselves to each other when they were kids.
Now, they’ll have to play their parts or Mason will be given over to Jerome. Kip had always considered himself to be straight but, he’d do anything for Mason. After Kip learns Mason’s secret, he discovers that he is the Dominant that Mason needs and he unknowingly always has been.
Kip however has a secret of his own that he knows he needs to tell Mason but several events prevent Kip from coming clean. Mason and Kip navigate their somewhat new dynamic and Kip needs to learn how to be the Dominant Mason needs.
There are attempts on Mason’s life but there are no leads or evidence. We discover Kip’s secret during one such attempt and it’s a doozy! I can’t wait for the next book!
*****
POV…multi first person
Standalone or series… book 1 in series ends on a cliffy!
Hangover… yes
Recommend… yes
Reread… yes!
February 15, 2026
what
This one was just…weird. DNF at 16%. The writing style was strange and immature, it came across like it was written by a middle or high-schooler. The whole setup of the universe was lacking, the setup of the pack was non-existent. I don’t even know what omega means in this story as we’re given no context. Does Mason have to obey because he is literally unable to refuse, or has he just been conditioned because his wolf is more submissive and it’s hard for him to stand his ground? Mason and Kip are supposed to be best friends and yet they never talk about anything real and therefore don’t actually know much about each other. Just the whole thing was weird and off-putting, from the writing to the families to the characters and the relationship, or lack of one, between them. This book is not worth anyone’s time, and is certainly a disappointing effort from these authors.
This one was just…weird. DNF at 16%. The writing style was strange and immature, it came across like it was written by a middle or high-schooler. The whole setup of the universe was lacking, the setup of the pack was non-existent. I don’t even know what omega means in this story as we’re given no context. Does Mason have to obey because he is literally unable to refuse, or has he just been conditioned because his wolf is more submissive and it’s hard for him to stand his ground? Mason and Kip are supposed to be best friends and yet they never talk about anything real and therefore don’t actually know much about each other. Just the whole thing was weird and off-putting, from the writing to the families to the characters and the relationship, or lack of one, between them. This book is not worth anyone’s time, and is certainly a disappointing effort from these authors.
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February 16, 2026DNF 34%
To each their own, but I really dislike reading m/f romances where the female is nothing but a "traditional" female stereotype and I find I dislike it even more when it's two men. Once the two are together the omega suddenly becomes unable to control his emotions, wants babies, wants to focus on decorating/cooking and making a home, and serving his dominant sexually. There doesn't seem to be much else going on in his head. Even though before he was emotionally stable, a good student and wanted to become a nurse. I miss that character.
Other than that, I think the book is a well written a/b/o. So just depends what you want between your alpha and omega.
To each their own, but I really dislike reading m/f romances where the female is nothing but a "traditional" female stereotype and I find I dislike it even more when it's two men. Once the two are together the omega suddenly becomes unable to control his emotions, wants babies, wants to focus on decorating/cooking and making a home, and serving his dominant sexually. There doesn't seem to be much else going on in his head. Even though before he was emotionally stable, a good student and wanted to become a nurse. I miss that character.
Other than that, I think the book is a well written a/b/o. So just depends what you want between your alpha and omega.
Review of advance copy
THE LIES THAT BIND is the first book in the Dark Lies series, set in a paranormal world where Omegas are rare. Mason is an Omega and has been treated as a servant by most of his pack growing up. That all changes when Kip and his family move to town, and the two boys become best friends. When Mason is promised to Jerome, they think up a plan that will save Mason from having to mate him. Then the story really gets going.
This is a fast-paced story, full of attempted murder, best friends to lovers to I love you's. All the way through, you know Kip has a secret, but it's unclear what it is. I liked how Kip and Mason actually had to work at their relationship. Yes, it was incredibly fast, but it wasn't all smooth sailing. They had to figure out what worked best for them, amid all the amazing 'advice' given by different people.
As the first in a series, I was expecting some arc to come into play, but I was not expecting what I got! It will be interesting to see where it goes from here.
I received an early edition of this story, and as such, it does need another edit. Chapters 5 and 6 (I think) were the same ones repeated, and it made me chuckle when "ears ran down his cheeks." Still, a good story that I look forward to seeing develop in future books.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 13, 2026
This is a fast-paced story, full of attempted murder, best friends to lovers to I love you's. All the way through, you know Kip has a secret, but it's unclear what it is. I liked how Kip and Mason actually had to work at their relationship. Yes, it was incredibly fast, but it wasn't all smooth sailing. They had to figure out what worked best for them, amid all the amazing 'advice' given by different people.
As the first in a series, I was expecting some arc to come into play, but I was not expecting what I got! It will be interesting to see where it goes from here.
I received an early edition of this story, and as such, it does need another edit. Chapters 5 and 6 (I think) were the same ones repeated, and it made me chuckle when "ears ran down his cheeks." Still, a good story that I look forward to seeing develop in future books.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 13, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
KC Wells and Parker Williams have created a story with an interesting world building and a very different, a bit kinky, approach to your normal shifter romance.
The scenes are hot as you would expect to see from these two authors.
Mason being an Omega wolf has always been told what his future will be. Omegas are rare in this world and while celebrated, they are also designed to be submissive and have a dominant.
When Mason struggles to come to terms with his arranged marriage happening soon, his human best friend Kip comes to the rescue and a chain of events is coming into effect.
I love how Kip has to re-learn how to deal with Mason the Omega instead of the best friend. It's a big learning curve which goes against his principles but both learn together how to move their relationship from friends to lovers while Kip also discovers a side on him he didn't thought he has.
Not everyone though is ok with their relationship and when Mason is the victim of an attack Kip really has to come to terms with his feelings and what their relationship needs.
But Kip is also keeping a secret which I think really brings this book above other shifter romances, his real self and the story behind it, is an amazing idea and I can't wait to read more of it. As the story ends with a HEA for Mason and Kip, it also ends with a cliffhanger moving the story forward. I can't wait for the next book.
The scenes are hot as you would expect to see from these two authors.
Mason being an Omega wolf has always been told what his future will be. Omegas are rare in this world and while celebrated, they are also designed to be submissive and have a dominant.
When Mason struggles to come to terms with his arranged marriage happening soon, his human best friend Kip comes to the rescue and a chain of events is coming into effect.
I love how Kip has to re-learn how to deal with Mason the Omega instead of the best friend. It's a big learning curve which goes against his principles but both learn together how to move their relationship from friends to lovers while Kip also discovers a side on him he didn't thought he has.
Not everyone though is ok with their relationship and when Mason is the victim of an attack Kip really has to come to terms with his feelings and what their relationship needs.
But Kip is also keeping a secret which I think really brings this book above other shifter romances, his real self and the story behind it, is an amazing idea and I can't wait to read more of it. As the story ends with a HEA for Mason and Kip, it also ends with a cliffhanger moving the story forward. I can't wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy
DNF @ 70%
I had high hopes for this book. I love a good Friends to Lovers and a subby male Omega. The bones of this book were good, the premise was interesting, but for me, the pacing was completely off; for me, it could have been finished at the 40-50% mark. Our two leads got together too quickly, and it gave me the ick that Mason referred to Kip as 'like a brother' before the fake relationship scenario. It felt like Kip was shoehorned into liking Mason sexually and romantically (and vice versa). Their relationship developed too fast and then they were having sex and living together in the next breath. The story kind of felt like it should be over at that point because the HEA was achieved, but the plot continued on awkwardly. With some edits to the pacing, I could see the 60/70% mark being the climax instead of a slog towards the end. The whodunnit aspect didn't really inject enough angst for me either; Kip and Mason were just too immediately in tune and happy for it to be a complex challenge. Overall, the premise was good, but the execution needed work.
I had high hopes for this book. I love a good Friends to Lovers and a subby male Omega. The bones of this book were good, the premise was interesting, but for me, the pacing was completely off; for me, it could have been finished at the 40-50% mark. Our two leads got together too quickly, and it gave me the ick that Mason referred to Kip as 'like a brother' before the fake relationship scenario. It felt like Kip was shoehorned into liking Mason sexually and romantically (and vice versa). Their relationship developed too fast and then they were having sex and living together in the next breath. The story kind of felt like it should be over at that point because the HEA was achieved, but the plot continued on awkwardly. With some edits to the pacing, I could see the 60/70% mark being the climax instead of a slog towards the end. The whodunnit aspect didn't really inject enough angst for me either; Kip and Mason were just too immediately in tune and happy for it to be a complex challenge. Overall, the premise was good, but the execution needed work.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Lies That Bind by K.C. Wells and Parker Williams. 2 men both with secrets who are best friends throughout school and each would do anything for the other. Mason, an Omega werewolf, is being forced to marry an arrogant alpha who thinks he owns Mason even before their wedding. Kip, a human, couldn't stand to watch his best friend so miserable and scared. He just couldn't listen to Jerome verbally abuse and hurt his friend, stood up and told their parents they were promised to each other that Mason was his and he could not marry another. Each hoped that their lies would keep them together and safe from mysterious outside forces trying to kill them. K.C. & Parker are fantastic coauthors in this new series. The story has several twists you don't see coming and gets your heart pumping, breaking and sighing all at once. Kip and Mason are the sweetest couple who are truly soul matched. I can't wait until the next installment.
Review of advance copy
2.5 stars
This book is hard to rate. The story is interesting, the world-building unique. The love story was sweet, but the pace weird. I was absolutely taken aback by the narrative of "these kinds of people are better off when we don't listen to them and don't give them a choice", although I did feel a slight shift about that by the end of the book.
My biggest problem with this book was the writing: It felt erratic at times, the pacing felt weird. I felt like some of the decisions people made made absolutely no sense, certain conversations were going in circles or were unnecessary because the matter had already been discussed.
As you see, I did not vibe with this book. From what I read in other reviews there are people who really enjoyed this book so I hope this story finds the people who appreciate it.
This book is hard to rate. The story is interesting, the world-building unique. The love story was sweet, but the pace weird. I was absolutely taken aback by the narrative of "these kinds of people are better off when we don't listen to them and don't give them a choice", although I did feel a slight shift about that by the end of the book.
My biggest problem with this book was the writing: It felt erratic at times, the pacing felt weird. I felt like some of the decisions people made made absolutely no sense, certain conversations were going in circles or were unnecessary because the matter had already been discussed.
As you see, I did not vibe with this book. From what I read in other reviews there are people who really enjoyed this book so I hope this story finds the people who appreciate it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Lies That Bind is the first book in the Dark Lies series by K.C. Wells and Parker Williams. When Mason finds out he’s been promised in marriage to a cruel alpha, he and Kip (his best friend) pretend that they are together to save Mason from a disastrous marriage. The last thing either of them expected was to fall in love.
This is a great story. In their pretense, Mason and Kip found what they needed in each other and themselves. I love how Kip stepped up to the plate to become the partner Mason could rely on. When an attempt is made on Mason’s life, Kip reveals his shifter identity to protect the man he loves.
This is a great story. In their pretense, Mason and Kip found what they needed in each other and themselves. I love how Kip stepped up to the plate to become the partner Mason could rely on. When an attempt is made on Mason’s life, Kip reveals his shifter identity to protect the man he loves.
Review of advance copy
The Lies That Bind is the first book in the Dark Lies series. This is the story of Mason a rare omega wolf shifter and Kip a human with a secret of his own. I loved this fast paced story full of action, friendship that turns to love, and secrets to solve. I loved the characters and world building that went into this book. I loved how Mason and Kip just were perfect for each other. I loved watching their relationship change and grow. The plot was interesting and kept me wanting to read more to answer my questions. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
February 15, 2026
This story has a bit of relationship angst due to all the lies and secrets and trying to figure out how to make stuff work. It is a good read. I’d give it maybe 3.5 stars but only because I didn’t really understand the bit about Kip’s family and his secrets 100%. We also got a tiny cliffhanger but they are HFN with a hint at trouble. I did like how Mason and Kip do start to try and talk stuff out as they figure out their dynamic. I felt like the town really let Mason down though and there wasn’t really any resolution to that.
February 16, 2026
I honestly couldn't put this one down!
This is the first book from the Dark Lies series, I'm not sure how many are to follow, but I know I can't wait to find out what happens next......
Mason & Kip's relationship evolves through this book from childhood best friends to so much more. All to save his friend from a potentially nasty arranged marriage.
They work through ups and downs, a few heart wrenching moments, but they become stronger together. Thanks K C Wells & Parker Williams you've both kept me on edge with the cliffhanger ending - I need more!!!
This is the first book from the Dark Lies series, I'm not sure how many are to follow, but I know I can't wait to find out what happens next......
Mason & Kip's relationship evolves through this book from childhood best friends to so much more. All to save his friend from a potentially nasty arranged marriage.
They work through ups and downs, a few heart wrenching moments, but they become stronger together. Thanks K C Wells & Parker Williams you've both kept me on edge with the cliffhanger ending - I need more!!!
February 17, 2026
A super intriguing new series. Alpha/Omega. Two best friends who have been in each other's pockets forever. But they both have secrets.
When Mason’s expected to enter an arranged marriage with a truly horrible guy, he and Kip decide to fake a relationship. It forces out secrets and sets them in sets of some dark and difficult times.
Their relationship is complex and changing, but their strength and commitment is beautiful.
There were some slow moments, but there’s an entire new world to introduce us to, and I have no doubt the rest of the series will be incredible.
When Mason’s expected to enter an arranged marriage with a truly horrible guy, he and Kip decide to fake a relationship. It forces out secrets and sets them in sets of some dark and difficult times.
Their relationship is complex and changing, but their strength and commitment is beautiful.
There were some slow moments, but there’s an entire new world to introduce us to, and I have no doubt the rest of the series will be incredible.
February 15, 2026
I have to say I always enjoy a story with a main character who was not previously aware of the shift world and here we also get some other awakenings. Kip and Mason are friends but Kip does not know all about Mason's world. He does though step up to protect his friend from a horrible, arranged marriage and things just keep changing from there. I like the world building the revealing of secrets on both sides.
February 15, 2026
Fantastic world building and the story pulled me in from the very first page.
Mason and Kip went from being friends to so much more. These two have to learn to navigate their new relationship and figure out their dynamics. The submissive part was explored quite well and Kip never took it too far to the point, he became unbearable. He respected Mason for who is was and never tried to change him.
Certain events made my heart break. Things took a turn for the worse yet their love survived those hard times.
Fantastic book! Highly recommend and eagerly looking forward to the next instalment.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Mason and Kip went from being friends to so much more. These two have to learn to navigate their new relationship and figure out their dynamics. The submissive part was explored quite well and Kip never took it too far to the point, he became unbearable. He respected Mason for who is was and never tried to change him.
Certain events made my heart break. Things took a turn for the worse yet their love survived those hard times.
Fantastic book! Highly recommend and eagerly looking forward to the next instalment.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Review of advance copy
I absolutely loved Mason and Kip’s story ❤️❤️❤️. The plot has highs and lows, and there was character growth from both Mason and Kip which depicted an emotionally, sweet, heartfelt story. The plot also included family strife and secrets from both families. Previous reviews went into great detail about the plot. I got this ARC from GRR and this is my honest opinion.
February 16, 2026
KIP AND MASON ARE FANTASTIC!!
A GREAT FRIENDS TO LOVERS!
Kip and Mason are best friends and enter a fake relationship to protect Mason from having to mate with another. This book is well paced and had a lot going on, it definitely held my attention. I really liked! This is an ARC review.
A GREAT FRIENDS TO LOVERS!
Kip and Mason are best friends and enter a fake relationship to protect Mason from having to mate with another. This book is well paced and had a lot going on, it definitely held my attention. I really liked! This is an ARC review.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews