Sanctuary of Lies

Hawkthorpe

by J. Rose

Genres: Why Choose, Dark Romance, Small Town Romance

399 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 29, 2026

About the author

J Rose is an independent dark romance author from the United Kingdom. She writes challenging, plot-driven stories packed full of angst, heartbreak and broken characters fighting for their happily ever afters.

She’s an introverted bookworm at heart with a caffeine addiction, penchant for cursing and an unhealthy attachment to fictional characters.

Feel free to reach out on social media, J Rose loves talking to her readers!

Enquiries: j_roseauthor@yahoo.com

Stalk J Rose here:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials

Newsletter sign up:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials

Buy J Rose's books:
www.jroseauthor.com/books

Reviews

[Kelsey]

2.75 stars. This book started out very strong. The writing was gorgeous, the mystery was intriguing, the setting was atmospheric, and the characters popped on the page. However, there were some glaring issues with the passing of time that took me out of the story. Unfortunately for this author, that happens to be one of my biggest pet peeves in a book.

There was a big event that happened about halfway through the story that I learned happened many weeks after the start of the novel. Sadly, it simply doesn’t work to say - in passing - that a few months have gone by when it feels like you’re still in the first week of the FMC arriving in town. There was no explanation of time passing aside from that simple acknowledgment; there wasn’t really any understanding of what even happened during that time.

It seemed like every few chapters after this event, time skipped forward but it also seemed like there was nothing that happened during that time. The development of the relationships and the growth of the FMC as she learned to be herself after being in an abusive marriage just wasn’t there, it just was. There simply was just no build up at all. I was honestly flabbergasted when there was a love declaration and I was thinking back…and there was maybe only a handful of small moments between the two characters, nothing to really show the love grow.

It’s honestly super unfortunate that we are missing so many critical moments of development and growth, because this book has such good bones to it. I really jived with the authors writing style. The mystery surrounding the FMC was really intriguing to me (tho maybe wrapped up a bit too quickly). Sadly, it just feels like the author took some shortcuts with the relationships, and, honestly, with the growth of the FMC from such a traumatic situation… I was really hoping for more exploration of that as she navigated being more ‘free.’ Unfortunately, it just wasn’t there - it just was.

I have not read this author before, so I’m unsure if this is a consistent thing in her storytelling or not, but I am definitely willing to try another book from her and hope that this is just a one off!

Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for this e-ARC.

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

After Everleigh flees her old life, she lands in Hawkthorpe. One small act of kindness from local pub owner Cassidy could be the very thing she needed to survive.

Firstly I want to talk about Everleigh & Cassidy's friendship because it filled my heart with so much warmth. Cassidy extended her kindness because she recognised something in Everleigh without knowing the truth of her past. Their friendship boomed at a time i feel like they both needed it most. Cassidy gave Everleigh a chance to build a life and feel safe. I loved Cassidy as a side character and I hope we get a book for her.

Now let's talk about Leo, Stirling and Fletcher. Three friends all suffering their own issues Everleigh arrives in their life and saves them all just as much as they save her. I won't go into much detail as I don't want to give away the story.

I've read J Roses books before and love that they are all interconnected. Every one built around Mental health and healing.

I enjoyed the pacing of this this story, I loved all the the side characters, the friendships and the banter between the friends. There was moments that melted my heart, but also had my heart in my throught.

I'm excited to see what is next for this series. J Rose's books never leave me disappointed.

Thank you to netgalley, Montlake and J Rose for a copy of this E-ARC to review.

[Cadie Wills · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. The men in this book were 10/10. The storyline was so good almost mystery vibes. Everleighs journey was so heartbreaking while also healing. Leo and Sterling are hot possessive men who I want more from there storys. But Fletcher has my whole heart something about a troubled, depressed, mute man just checks all my boxes. The love and protection from not only the MMCs, but also the side characters. Cas is one of the best side characters I've ever read about! Now the only thing that kept this from being 5 stars for me is I wanted more chapters with POVs from the MMCs. Especially during the main plot twist. Other than that I adored this book and characters. I honestly couldn’t put it down! Author J Rose definitely knows how to write a cohesive and intriguing plot with some of the HOTTEST MMCs.

I received this as an advanced reader copy from Net Galley and am leaving this unpaid review out of free will.

[Bobbie Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Netgalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

I thoroughly enjoyed Sanctuary of Lies. Book 1 in the Hawkthorpe series. The series will be a number of interconnected standalones.

J Rose writes trauma and mental health extremely well and with upmost care. Each of the main chatacters have really gone through it. I was gripped from the first few pages and fell in love with the broken individuals this story evolves around.

'They may be broken. But together, maybe we can be whole again'

Ultimately this book which has dark themes and at times the characters really are at rock bottom. Is a story of hope and love after all seems to be lost.

I also loved the atmospheric small town setting.

Im looking forward to dive into the rest of the series when they are released ✨️

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect with the story especially the cover. To give perspective it’s a traumatized worm (woman) who turns into a beautiful butterfly.

When I saw who wrote the book, I couldn’t say no. I’ve been eyeing J Roses’s book and happy I got to start here.

This story has a lot of past trauma, with a monster of a husband. She runs away and has a fake identity to try to be free. Along the way she finds that the new town she is living in, is more connected to her previous life than she thought. Some connections, I was gasping and screaming why, run away! Overall it’s a ride, to say the least. The story has so many characters and honestly I don’t know who is a highlight for me. I’m so ready to continue the journey and learn more about the characters in the book.

[Hannah Ladd · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
Welcome to Hawkthorpe 🤭
My dark why choose queen has done it again!!
J Rose always writes mental health so well and these group of characters were beautifully written. Each with traumas that break them in different ways, but oh how they all saved each other in the end 🥹 The most perfect found family!
I adored Everleigh and Cassidy’s friendship because Cassidy really started her journey of healing by bringing her in and helping her 😭 I hope Cassidy gets a book! I am excited for spitfire Pipers book though 👀
Also, the Sabre Security cameos gave me life! 😍
Thank you so much Netgalley, Montlake, and J Rose for this ARC!! 🫶🏼

[KDRBCK]

Sanctuary of Lies by new to me author J Rose is book one in the Hawkthorpe Series and is published by Montlake.
Everleigh is a woman with secrets. She's on the run and at the same time hiding in plain sight in Hawkthorpe.
Her love interests are a grumpy widower, an eternal optimist and a stoic ex-pilot.
This why choose romance is heartwarming, well written, a gives all the feels story.
I loved the four main characters, how they interact, how they fix issues, love each other.
A fantastic read.

[Kaija · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s such an emotional read. By this point I’ve read most of J Rose’s books and they are always so well done and amazing!
I love the way that no matter how heartbreaking the connection there’s some kinda of connection.
The past that she is running from is connected to the past that haunts Sterling, and the way she connects to Fletcher is amazing and then when she lets Leo in and has his support and love. It’s such an emotional read that kept me turning the page because I was desperate for their HEA and all the answers to the questions we had.
I’m so glad I got to ARC read this!!

[Joanna Z-F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks, Netgalley, for an early copy of this book.

I have never read anything before by this author, but I feel there were some good elements in this story that I'll pick up another one for sure.

I felt that some points of the plot were a bit rushed, but the characters were well flushed out and had very interesting back stories. There was so much going on at times that I needed to go back and reread sections to make sure I didn't miss anything. It was an entertaining read. I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Victoria Viper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great why choose romance by J Rose. Her books with hurt heroines that overcome their past and fears are always my favorite of hers. They are always centered around mental health.
This was no different but a bit duller than her other duets. All the characters were well done but the plot was more simple than usual.
I cannot wait for the next book from this connected universe.

[Katie Huyton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this is book is all the emotions!! It’s written so amazing and has me wanting to keep reading. I loved the way the author has written about the emotions, traumas and the bond between the characters, not perfect but ‘real’ (for a fiction book 😊)
Great book, check your triggers as some themes are deep, but so well done!! Highly recommend

[spicy chickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and it did not disappoint! I loved everything about this whole book. The character builds were spot on, chemistry was off the charts and the story was heartbreaking and beautiful. I absolutely can not wait for book 2!!!

[chi · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was actually pretty good! the romance between the characters were so touching and how they comforted her was so heartwarming. Everleigh in my opinion is such a boss, bffr.

thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for this arc!