A Beautifully Crafted Lie

by Evelyn Ash

A LIE CAN SAVE A LIFE,
UNTIL IT DEMANDS A PRICE

A creature lurks in Bryndis Ashglo’s mind. It sees what she sees and hears what she hears, and it won’t be silenced any longer. In the town of Bouldermore, governed with stringent laws and nightmarish tales of monsters, no one will be spared if found harbouring magic. Not even Bryndis, the governor’s daughter.

​On the cusp of Samhain, Bryndis attracts the unwanted attention of the famed and feared bastard prince tasked to enforce the king’s laws and conduct this year’s witch reaping. He is the last person she should provoke… yet now he watches her with calculating interest, enjoying every second of her discomfort.

​Prince Odhran doesn’t address her numerous transgressions according to the law, but no good deed comes without a cost. In exchange for her freedom, Bryndis is dragged into the faerie realm—tasked with lying to royalty on his behalf. Of all the atrocious things the bastard prince has done and can do, lying is the one thing out of his reach, but something Bryndis excels in.

​As dangerous truths unravel, Bryndis faces two terrifying revelations:

Odhran is a monster—a blood-drinking faerie.

And on some level, she is a monster too.

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Dark Fantasy, Romance

436 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 26, 2026

Reviews

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh what the hell am I doing to myself?!?

Odhran & Bryn

This book far exceeded my expectations and left me broken and angry. Yeah I’m angry. That ending is too cruel and heartbreaking. For whatever is to come next.

Tension. A slow burn that burns for so long. Possessive. Inner demons.

🔥Shadow Daddy MMC
🔥Magic
🔥Witches
🔥Forbidden magic
🔥Realms
🔥Fated Mates
🔥Lies and Secrets
🔥Slow burn
🔥Touch her and die
🔥Gothic romance

Be prepared to want to scream at your book. Throw your book across the room. Cry at choices made that you can’t even change.

While this book was heartbreaking I’m looking forward to continuing Odhran and Bryn’s story.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Evelyn Ash & Raven Court Publishing for this opportunity to read an amazing book.

[Samantha Hardesty · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You truly are the bane of my blight. My ultimate ruin.”

Oh would you look at that? Another MMC for me to obsess over 🤤

If you love a romantasy with fae, a shadow daddy, and a gothic setting, then A Beautifully Crafted Lie is for you. As Bryndis is swept away by Prince Odhran to the realm of the fae, get ready for twisted politics and a unique world with magic and found family.

This book was a real page turner and had everything I love in my romantasy books. The plot was exciting and had me hooked, with the gothic setting ensuring I was fully immersed in the world.

Bryndis is a strong FMC, which made some questionable decisions that I’m still screaming at her for now, but I think she’s going to really experience a good character arc as the overall story progresses. I especially enjoyed the ‘monster in her head’ plot and let me tell you, that REALLY ramps up towards the end.

Prince Odhran, our MMC aka my new love, is that typical brooding, sarcastic, flirty love interest that I can’t help but be obsessed over. The spice in here was written super well and Evelyn has actually put a note in the chapter for those who prefer closed door, so they can skip if they like. I’m a fiend so of course I read, but I haven’t seen this in a book before and I thought it was a great idea to cater to both preferences!

Bryndis and Odhran’s relationship does seem to snap from enemies to lovers without that ‘in between’ part but I don’t think that took away from the overall dynamic, especially as it got later in the book. I am VERY intrigued to see how things pan out because that ending?! I am still shook!!

If you like your romantasy books with fae, a hot AF MMC, and court intrigue, you’re going to love this. I have high hopes for how this series will develop - I’ve got a feeling it’ll be epic.

Thank you so much to Evelyn Ash for having me as part of your street team and for this eARC. I’m so grateful to be on this journey with Bryn & Odhran 🖤

[Lyra Blackveil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t let the fact that it took almost 3 months to read this book insinuate this book was anything less than a 4 star read. I’m such a mood reader and had some things going on that had me jumping between so many books.. to the review!

The way so many worlds were brought together is amazing! We’re talking magic, fae (that like drinking blood), dragons and the human realm! The tension was palpable throughout and while I didn’t agree with the decisions Bryndis made, she quickly realizes her mistakes and tries to fix them. Be prepared for betrayal, a little spice and so much more… not to mention that ending!

[Tifani - bloomandbodybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - ARC received from NetGalley & Author. I could not put this book down!!! I was in deep emotionally almost immediately and in even deeper by the end! That ending!!! 🫣 - Hyped me up to continue reading so I hope there’s more coming in a book 2! I loved all the fantasy, action, secrecy, fated mates, politics, found family, self discovery, and impossible choices within the story! It is well written and builds deep rooted connections to the characters where you feel what they feel and you feel completely immersed in their lives. The story is about Bryn who grew up in hardship just trying to survive, with secrets, and you follow her on quite an exciting and adventurous journey of self discovery and embracing who she is. She finds herself stuck with a man she can hardly tolerate, a man she calls a monster. As Bryn discovers more about herself and pieces together the truth she begins to take her life into her own hands. She stumbles along the way and has to be clever and resilient to navigate this new life she’s living. What will she decide are her true desires and purpose? Will they align? What will she risk to do so? And what consequences will she have to face and/or overcome to get there? A Beautifully Crafted Lie is a haunting and deeply emotional romantasy that you just keep wanting more of! If you like witchy, cinderella, game of thrones vibes then you’ll like this book! Pre-orders are open, releasing August 26th!

Thank you so much Evelyn Ash for this ARC opportunity, I absolutely loved it and look forward to more!!

Favorite Quotes:
“Be brave, be strong, but always be yourself.”

“Truth is dreadful,” my mother would say, “best not be surprised by it.”

“Everything I thought I knew has turned out to be a ruse. A beautifully crafted lie.”

[Izehi (Avid reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished an eARC of A Beautifully Crafted Lie, and my heart is officially in tatters. (Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the copy and the emotional damage!)

If you live for "I hate you/don't touch me" energy and plots that keep you guessing until the very last page, this is your new obsession.

The pacing is relentless—I stayed up way too late because "just one more chapter" turned into finishing the whole book. I was so stressed by the end I had to sit up straight just to breathe! I’m still crying over that final page.

Do yourself a favor and put this at the top of your summer TBR. I’ll be first in line for the physical copy.

[Fabia K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advance reader review - received via NetGalley

Wow! I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in a single day. The first half felt fresh and completely immersive and original. The second half carried hints of familiar fantasy and romantasy elements, blending vibes from a few beloved tropes, yet it still managed to stand on its own and feel uniquely crafted.

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author and publisher, Raven Court Publishing, for sharing an ARC of this book with me on NetGalley !!!

“Tempers are only good for starting wars when there’s no need for one”

This book was so good! I seem to be stumbling upon beautiful fantasy stories recently and Bryn’s one was no different. The power, the torment, the enemies to lovers, the forced proximity and the inevitability of a life different from the one you were living and yet closer to the one you were trying to hide wanting for yourself. It was enchanting. Compelling and thrilling at times. It was quite fast paced and things were happening suddenly sometimes but when it comes to things changing … they generally are. I really enjoyed the book and had a great time reading it. And the fact that there were some plot twists I did not see coming … I enjoyed it even more for those. Besides, when you add a cocky, arrogant, strong willed and handsome fae prince into the mix and spicy times ensues … can you really complain?

“Embrace your darkness. Do not hide from it”

“You are an ache I can’t get over … A pain I can’t escape … A blessing and a curse … the bane of my blight … My ultimate undoing … And you’re mine”

[Rosalie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC of A Beautifully Crafted Lie from Netgalley and the author Evelyn Ash, in exchange for my honest review.

I was craving a romantasy novel with an enemies to lovers, slow burn, gut wrenching plot twist and Evelyn Ash DELIVERED with this one. I could not put this down!

This book had good pacing and each chapter left you wanting to know more. The characters had depth and the plot has a good hook. I really enjoyed the imagery that the author created while telling the story, it was easy to get lost in the world she built. I am begging any other ARC readers out there that can draw, please draw our main characters! Especially the dress and tux scene!

The last 10% was a wild ride and gave me CHILLS! You know it's good when you need to change positions because sh*t got serious. I NEED to know what happens next!!! The last page had my crying.

10/10 recommend you add this to your TBR and read it when it releases this summer. I will be making sure I have a physical copy to annotate for when book 2 drops.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Evelyn Ash for the ARC of this book.

A story of humans, witches, fae, and monsters; it had yearning, found family, feminine rage, fated mates, and betrayal.

Bryndis, the main character, lives with a monster in her head. I loved her character and her strength. Despite all that she deals with, it doesn’t prevent her from caring for her half-sister, and others. When she meets Prince Odhran, we get to see a different side to her character, as she pushes back against him.

I enjoyed reading about their relationship growing. It was easy to care for both of them and root for them to fulfill their desires. There was tragedy and twists that helped keep me engaged with the story.

The ending had me wanting more! The story is definitely not finished yet. I cannot wait for the next installment.

This book is for fans of The Shepherd King Duology, ACOTAR, and Folk of the Air.

[Amy]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Beautifully Crafted Lie hooked me straight away with its premise: a young woman hearing a mysterious voice in her head, forbidden magic, and a dangerous journey into the fae realm. From the beginning I was intrigued by Bryndis and the possibility that she might either be losing her mind… or discovering something far more powerful.

The author’s worldbuilding and descriptions are one of the biggest strengths of this book. The settings feel vivid and atmospheric, with a dark gothic tone that makes the fae realm feel both beautiful and dangerous. I also loved the creative touches at the start of chapters - the artwork, poems, and excerpts added a really nice layer to the reading experience.

The multiple POVs and flashbacks helped flesh out the characters and their pasts, and I found myself especially invested in Bryn’s dynamic with Prince Odhran. Their enemies-to-lovers tension definitely keeps things interesting, even if Bryn occasionally made me want to sit her down and say “please just talk to the man for five minutes.”

One thing I struggled with a little was the pacing in the middle of the book. Some scenes felt slightly disjointed, with transitions or time jumps that weren’t always clear. There were a few moments where I had to reread sections to make sure I hadn’t missed something.

I was also hoping for a bit more clarity around Bryn’s magic. She’s described as a witch, but much of what we see feels closer to herbalism, so I’d love to see the magic system expanded further in future books.

That said, the final portion of the story absolutely pulled me back in. The twists start stacking up quickly and I found myself fully reacting to the pages - you know the type of reading experience where you’re muttering “THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A TRAP” while the characters confidently walk straight into it anyway.

The ending definitely left me curious about what comes next, and I’d be interested in continuing the series to see how the unanswered questions and character arcs develop.

Overall, A Beautifully Crafted Lie is an intriguing start to a dark fantasy romance series with immersive worldbuilding, morally grey characters, fae politics, and plenty of twists, even if the pacing occasionally stumbles along the way.

Readers who enjoy fae fantasy, enemies-to-lovers romance, morally grey princes, forbidden magic, and dark gothic romantasy may want to add this one to their list.

[teddiesandtomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omggg... This book destroyed me in the most beautiful way possible.. I knew this book would be something special but WOW,the way it unfolded was even more than I hoped. I need everyone to understand that this book did not just consume me… it possessed me... A Beautifully Crafted Lie is the kind of romantasy that feels lush, dangerous, and emotionally sharp. From page one, there’s this heavy, almost suffocating atmosphere.. Magic that’s feared, politics that are ruthless, and secrets that feel like they’re holding a dagger straight to your neck...
And then there’s Bryndis Ashglo.
She is not your soft, naive heroine. She is clever, observant and survival driven. A girl who has learned to weaponize perception because in her world, magic isn’t a gift but a threat. What I loved most about her is that she doesn’t just lie to others. She lies to herself. Watching her slowly unravel the truth about who she is and what she carries was so satisfying. Her strength isn’t loud.. It’s strategic.. What sets Bryndis apart is her resilience and wit. She excels at deception which is a skill both born of survival and sharpened by necessity. But as the story progresses, that talent becomes a double edged sword, forcing her to wrestle with who she is versus who she pretends to be.
And Odhran… oh Odhran.
The feared bastard prince who is cold., calculated and sharp edged. The kind of man who walks into a room and owns it without raising his voice. He’s not just ruthless, commanding, and terrifying
in his reputation but also layered, conflicted,
and endlessly fascinating.
The tension between him and Bryndis? It’s not just
romantic. It’s psychological. It’s two intelligent people
constantly measuring each other. This is slow burn done
RIGHT. No rushed feelings. No instant devotion. Just quiet tension, dangerous conversations, and the constant question of “Are we allies or enemies?”
The worldbuilding feels textured and intentional. Magic is political. Power is controlled. Fear shapes law. And every choice has consequences. The fae elements add mystery without overwhelming the emotional core of the story.
What truly stood out to me was the theme of identity. The idea that survival can shape you into someone you don’t even recognize. The “lie” in the title isn’t just external — it’s internal.

And I am already desperate for more. Can’t wait to read the next book.....

[The Red Robin Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of me doesn’t know where to begin. Lets just say this book is 5 stars and my fave read so far this year.

The story hooked me from the very start. We start with our FMC, Bryndis Ashglo, who is treated very poorly by her step-mother and not seen as a part of the family. Bryndis is secretly a witch passed down by her mother who sadly passed away when she was little. She also has another secret, a creature living inside her who talks to her! Despite all the horrible things she goes through she is such a fierce, fiery, empathic character. She makes mistakes she regrets, but her intentions are good.

We are quickly introduced to the MMC, Prince Odhran. He is a morally grey shadow daddy. However, he is weak at the knees for Bryn. He sees the way she is being treated and acts accordingly [touch her and die!!]. Although he is clearly powerful, he also has his own secrets related to his family and heritage. He also uses ravens to spy on Bryn.

As you move through the story, the world building and pacing is spot on. It’s so fun reading Bryn and Odhran doing this dance when it comes to their feelings for each other. She wants to hate him but can’t.

The way this book is written really evokes emotions right along with the characters. There is a particular scene towards the end where Bryn is riding a horse and the way certain parts of that bit are described had my heart racing and I was genuinely feeling all the feels.

The side characters are really well thought out and you get invested.

I also like it when characters are included that you don’t like but don’t necessarily hate. For example, they aren’t the villain but you also don’t like them. This book does that so well!! I was so mad at so many characters for different reasons. This book really is so multifaceted.

I adore the use of Irish/Gaelic language. The spice is great and I love that it wasn’t rushed.
Also very cool that the author put a note in for those who wished to skip if they wanted to keep it closed door.

If you want:
-Fierce FMC
-Morally Grey but weak at the knees for her MMC
-Faeries
-Magic
-Blood drinking
-dark gothic romantasy
-betrayal
-fated mates

You should read this!

Thank you for the chance to be an ARC reader for this amazing book!

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - 4.5 ⭐

Thank you to NetGalley, Evelyn Ash and Raven Court Publishing for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book! 🫶🏻

A Beautifully Crafted Lie is a fast paced dark gothic romantasy following Bryndis Ashglo, the monster lurking in her mind, and the Prince Odhran that drags her away to the faerie realm. It is an addicting tale of humans, monsters, faeries and witches that will have you flying through the pages just find out what happens next.

I absolutely loved our FMC, Bryndis, from the beginning. She's a wonderfully complex mix of vulnerability, naivety, stubbornness, resilience and strength. Despite the absolute atrocities she's faced with, she fights for herself, her dignity and those she cares for. I'm really excited to see how her character grows and evolves in the sequel.

The worldbuilding was immersive whilst also being easy to follow. I really enjoyed the first-person multi-POV writing of the storyline, along with the sprinkles of flashbacks throughout the story in third person. Everything felt intentional throughout the book and I felt myself constantly highlighting because I felt like I was picking up on little clues everywhere.

The romance is delicious Odhran, oh the male that you are!🔥🔥 and I found it refreshing that the author gives a heads up at the start of the chapter if it has spice so that readers can skip that section if they prefer a closed-door romance.

I really did think I had the plot for the book somewhat figured out and was theorising all the way... just for me to get to the last 10-15% of the book and just be floored by nonstop plot twists! Total emotional devastation and I am here for it. Don't even get me started on the cliffhanger though - I need book two immediately! 😅

You'll love this book if you like:
✨ magic
✨ found family
✨ shadow daddy MMC
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ forced proximity
✨ he falls first
✨ good girl

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

A Beautifully Crafted Lie is a dark, gothic fantasy that weaves witchcraft, madness, and forbidden love into a hauntingly atmospheric story. Bryndis, the eldest daughter of Bouldermore’s governor, is tormented by a creature in her mind, a legacy of her mother’s witchcraft, and relies on nightshade to silence it. When she accidentally breaks a sacred mushroom circle in the forbidden woods, she draws the attention of Prince Odhran, a ruthless prince with a mysterious connection to her. As Bryndis endures abuse from her stepmother and grapples with her feelings for Declan, her childhood friend, she reaches her breaking point and must decide whether to embrace her true nature or succumb to the madness threatening to consume her.

The atmosphere described in this book is rich. The forbidden woods, the manor, all very detailed. They give a perfect unsettling sense of dread. This is very nicely done and makes that you feel the world around you.
I love the complex characters with lots of emotional depth. Bryndis who struggles with the creature in her head, her witchcraft, but also the abuse she endures and her relation with Declan. Prince Odhran is very mysterious. He is enigmatic and sounds very dangerous. I'm very intrigued by the connection he has with Bryndis (and I hope the next book delved deeper into that). The moment where she begs Declan to run away with her and he refused! I screamed! That was so devastating.
I'm very intrigued with Bryndis's her heritage, and I wish to know more of that. I expect that it will have a very large role in the continuation of the story.
The book has unresolved questions, what is normal for a first book in a series, but it is still frustrated at times. I want to know all the things! Haha. Especially that last confrontation with Odhrian.... What will her choice be?

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some stories feel magical, while others feel dangerous. This one is fiercely both!!
A Beautifully Crafted Lie by Evelyn Ash pulled me into a dark, enchanting world where nothing is simple and no one is truly innocent. The tension between the main characters is electric from the start!! It’s filled with mistrust, sharp words, and the constant feeling that they could betray the other at any given moment. Honestly… that’s what made it so addictive 😏
I became obsessed with the slow transformation from enemies to something much deeper!! Their connection isn’t soft or easy by any means. It’s intense, complicated, and full of emotional push and pull… Made me feel all the feels!! Every moment between them felt charged with danger and desire, which made the romance feel even more powerful.
The world itself is dark and haunting, full of forbidden magic, secrets, and creatures that lurk just beneath the surface. As the story unfolds, so do the hidden truths about Bryndis and Prince Odhran making the stakes feel higher and the romance even more consuming.
What I loved most about this book was the dark magical atmosphere. The fae world feels mysterious and dangerous, and the political tension within the fae court adds another layer of intrigue to the story. Watching Bryndis slowly uncover the truth about her power made the journey even more compelling.
This is the kind of book that keeps you turning pages late into the night because you need to know what happens next. Dark, emotional, and filled with tension. If you love romantasy with morally gray characters, hidden magic, and a slow-burning enemies-to-lovers romance, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark magic. Dangerous attraction. And a love story born from enemies🖤

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book devastated me in a way that only a 5 star read can. I’m holding on by a thread waiting for the next book because of something mentioned in the bonus chapter. The utter mess my heart was left in, easily makes it one of my top reads.

This book is a gothic fantasy romance. Through her words, you can picture the world and scenes that come along with that. I felt myself turning page after page needing to see what happens next. The characters were done so well, some of them making it easy to get attached to. The banter was great! If you like fae and witches, this book is for you. There also may be a surprise along the way, I didn’t expect it, but it is one of my favorites.

If there are two things I learned from this book, it’s careful who you trust, and be specific with your bargains.

The flashbacks were at good times and just enough to add what you needed to the characters and the story. There was a chapter I loved so much, I read it twice before moving on. I should have known then, I was going to be wrecked 😆.

Something that really stuck out to me, is the author gives you a heads up on the spicy chapter. This makes it friendly to those who both prefer or may not prefer spice in their reading. So if spice isn’t your thing, don’t let it deter you. For those who like spice…enjoy😉.

This book will live in my brain for a long time. Reading it, is a must! Time for me to read something a little lighter while my heart heals.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ Yes, but you are warned
ARC Copy
Recommend to my Book Bestie: Yes!! Is it bad that I want her to feel the same devastation I did? 😁

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from NETGALLEY and this is my honest review -

There were so many things to really like and LOVE about this story. However, some of the writing and editing got in the way for me which is very unusual for me as I dont get hung up on those things. The story follows a woman who feels trapped in her life - filled with people telling her how to feel and how to live her life. She finds an opportunity to take control of it all the while realizing it is still controlling her. There is magic and some nice story arcs and side characters that I really wanted to connect with. I feel the author missed some good opportunities to really get the reader engaged and feeling for the characters including the FMC and the MMC.
There were also elements that were never explained and I just had to take for granted and I think that had to do with the story lacking congruence. I had a hard time understanding some of the plot twists because I felt I was lacking details that would have made it that much better and more immersive.
I think this was editing ....the story was great ....but due to the "jump arounds" I was unable to fully grasp the ending - I truly feel that the side characters were not given a true chance to develop and worm their way into the readers hearts. It would have made the story that much more 3 dimensional and gripping .
I assume there will be a 2nd book AND I will read it because I really want to know what happens ...but I truly hope the strory takes on a more detailed approach and allows the readers to fully submerge themselves into what promised to be a beautiful Romantasy.
🌶️🌶️

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely captivated by this book from the very first page and found it impossible to set aside. The author’s stylistic choices immediately drew me in—particularly the use of varied fonts to distinguish internal thoughts and songs. These subtle design elements added depth and texture to the narrative. I also greatly appreciated the clear labeling of each point of view and flashback at the beginning of chapters. This thoughtful structure allowed the story to flow seamlessly while ensuring clarity about whose perspective was guiding the moment.

Beyond its technical strengths, the story itself was utterly consuming. It kept me turning pages late into the night, fully immersed in its world and reluctant to return to the responsibilities of everyday life.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel was witnessing Brandis Ashglo’s character development. Her journey from vulnerability to strength was portrayed with remarkable care and authenticity, making her growth both believable and deeply moving. In contrast, Prince Odhran remains an intriguing enigma throughout the story. His layered characterization and quiet intensity left me eager to uncover every hidden detail about him.

This is a narrative that evokes a wide spectrum of emotion, carrying the reader from moments of tenderness to tension and everything in between. Without revealing spoilers, I can confidently say that this installment has left me eagerly anticipating the continuation of the series. I look forward to delving even deeper into this richly imagined world and discovering what lies ahead.

[Kendra Oosterhouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW - 3.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Evelyn Ash for the opportunity to read this book before its release!

A Beautifully Crafted Lie is a fascinating story about two realms colliding, magic, and the pursuit of figuring out who you are.

I thought the plot concept was interesting and definitely not the copy/paste that has become a staple with so many romantasies lately. I liked the FMC’s growth in confidence throughout the book (even if it left us on a major cliffhanger) and I always root for a broody, morally gray MMC.

On the other hand, I felt like the book was rushed with significant gaps in the plot and world building. I was often left with figurative whiplash wondering where certain “key” pieces came from. Having read a lot of fantasies before, I could put two and two together but for someone who may not know all this before the book, they may be left guessing. Also - the “monster” inside her - a lot more explanation about this is needed since it’s basically the reason for the cliffhanger. Her being a witch? Would have loved to know more about the witch culture. And the bond between FMC and MMC? I didn’t understand their journey. I get the formula is loathing to love but I didn’t feel the slow burn yearning that seemed to be the goal.

Overall, it was a fun, fast read and I would definitely read the next book. Does she get the dragon out? Do they reject the bond? Does he get the kingdom? I need to know! I think a lot of my critiques could be answered in book #2.

[bookish206 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5 stars

Evelyn Ash’s enchanting writing drew me in from the start. The dark atmospheric gothic vibes, sloooow burn, and delicious tension held me to the bitter end. Her debut novel is phenomenal!

There is a living creature that crawls inside Bryndis Ashglo's mind. It is an unwanted companion that sees and hears all things. "I'm as much a part of you as the skin covering your flesh." Bryn uses herbs to escape the voice that taunts her.

In her town of Bouldermore, people found with magic are taken away during Samhaim. Bryn is secretly a witch. The handsome bastard prince, Prince Odhran, captures her and takes Bryn to the faerie realm. Prince Odhran requires her to lie for him since faeries cannot lie in exchange for her freedom. Truths are revealed. Secrets are discovered. Who are the real monsters here?

This book has all the things I love: Dark fantasy, forced proximity, enemies to love, slow burn, shadow daddy, witches, faeries, and banter. I loved that Bryn shows personal growth throughout the book and finally comes to her own. Prince Odhran is my new book boyfriend. The way he cares for those he loves? It's incredibly sweet and fierce. The way he fights for what is his? It's just downright sexy and savage! The banter and tension between Bryn and Prince Odhran had me laughing and panting. So. Damn. Good.

I thought the pacing throughout the book was excellent. The world building was so detailed I felt like I was watching a movie in my head. The tail end of the book speeds up quite a bit. Fair warning: The ending had me reeling! My soul was crushed and it took me a weekend to unwrap myself from the blow to finally write my review. Evelyn, how could you leave us hanging like that?! My heart desperately needs the next book to properly heal.

If you enjoy forbidden romance, found family, hurt her and d*e vibes, and did I mention a shadow daddy?!--then this is your next book.

Thank you Evelyn Ash for the opportunity to review this arc. This review is my own opinion.

[Destry Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an ARC of A Beautifully Crafted Lie by Evelyn Ash, and the premise immediately hooked me. The story does a great job keeping readers in the dark while the mystery slowly unfolds, making you question what’s really happening as the pieces begin to fall into place.

One of my favorite elements was the monster within trope, which gave me vibes similar to One Dark Window. The book has some genuinely intense twists and an intriguing magical world filled with fae deals, war, mates, betrayals, and found family dynamics.

That said, there were several moments where I found myself confused by the characters’ choices or by the writing itself. The shift from enemies to something more happens fairly suddenly around the halfway point, and it felt like there wasn’t quite enough buildup to make the change fully believable. A few times I even went back to reread sections to make sure I hadn’t missed something.

In my opinion, the character development just needed a little more time and reasoning behind some of the big emotional shifts.

Even so, I did enjoy elements of the story—especially the witchy aspects, the fae politics, and the found family moments. The main character is constantly trying to make plans and strike deals, only to realize she might not fully understand the game she’s playing.

And that cliffhanger definitely has me curious to see what happens next.

[Brenda Stokvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐
A creature lurks in Bryn's mind and it wants its freedom. It is forbidden to have magic and being the governor's daughter won't save her from judgement. The person to enforce the law and conduct this year's witch reaping is Odhran, the bastard prince. Bryn suddenly finds herself in a world of blood thirsty faeries, bargains and tentative alliances.
First my compliments on the writing, it is beautifully done. The little poems throughout were stunning, the flashbacks gave great insight into the characters, gorgeous. It was dark, goth, lush, opulant and rich.
Bryn is a fantastic FMC, I really needed her to grow as a person and she certainly did. I hope we delve more into her magic in the next book. Odhran as our MMC immediately drew me in. He is arrogant, sarcastic and a bit of an asshole and I loved him from the first page. The tension between them was delicious. The found family vibes were amazing and I feel so sorry for Sloan! I need to know he is alright! I felt a connection with the characters, there is some good character development and I want to know more about them all.
There are some twists and turns throughout the book and to be fair, most I saw coming, but that hardly took away my enjoyment overall.
Save to say I am in love with this book! It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Check the trigger warnings though, there are some heavier themes in this book. I hope the author is busy with book 2 because I need more!

[Ro Szymkowiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautifully Crafted Lie shocked me to my core. I did not expect to become so quickly and deeply obsessed with Bryndis and Odhran’s sarcastic banter, their complex stories and multi-faceted personalities, or their deep and desperate need to protect their respective families.

So many fantasies I’ve read in the past have had predictable plots and themes but A Beautifully Crafted Lie had me sitting mouth agape in shock chapter after chapter. The political intrigue, the emotional tension, spicy scenes tastefully scattered through the book and the witty remarks from both our human and faerie characters alike had me flipping through all range of emotions, and I’m not ashamed to admit I cried a few times!

I absolutely ADORED the use of Gaelic for names, words and terms of endearment in the book (which I had to look up, and each time I did I fell harder and faster in love with this story) and the herbalism used that holds truth in real life! As a witchy, herbal tea drinker and gardener it was so refreshing to see real world remedies in a fantasy world.

I could literally go on for days about this but I’ll restrain myself- and end off this review saying that if you enjoyed ACOTAR, this book is even better in every way. A gothic romantasy that I need in my hands immediately so I can relish in the romance over and over again.

Thank you a million times over to Evelyn Ash and NetGalley for the arc read opportunity.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beautifully Crafted Lie by Evelyn Ash is a super quick, easy read that still manages to pack an emotional punch. It’s very character-led, with no complicated world building to wade through, which makes it effortless to dive straight into the heart of the story.

The novel unfolds through multiple points of view, giving depth and dimension to the central conflict. The shifting perspectives add tension and nuance, allowing you to see how each character interprets the same events differently. I especially appreciated the use of dual timelines, showing their pasts and how those experiences shaped their personalities. Watching those earlier moments slowly connect to the present-day consequences was both satisfying and emotionally impactful.

One of the highlights for me was the growth of the female main character. Her journey from quiet and reserved to strong, confident, and unapologetically opinionated felt authentic and earned. Her development anchors the entire story and gives the emotional arc real weight.

Overall, this is an engaging, emotionally driven story that balances depth with accessibility. The strong character focus, layered perspectives, and meaningful development make it a compelling read from start to finish. A thoughtful and satisfying novel that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Raven Court Publishing for the eARC!

A Beautifully Crafted Lie is a dark fantasy with romance playing an important role in the story, but is not the sole focus. The characters are damaged people with pasts that are tragic and painful to see. I wasn’t sure if I would like A Beautifully Crafted Lie at first, but by about the 20% mark I was invested.

Bryn is a complicated character that I occasionally got frustrated with and didn’t always like. I wanted to grab her sometimes and shake some sense into her at various points. I liked her more by the end of the book though and could understand where she was coming from. Odhran was harder to get a read on since chapters from his POV were limited. He’s an interesting MMC and I do want to see more of him.

The world-building in the story was excellent, using familiar concepts such as faeries and vampires, but creating something a bit different. I am curious to see where the author goes with everything in later books. Especially considering that ending…

I did find the romance rushed in the story. One moment Bryn loathes Odhran and everything he stands for then she’s suddenly feeling much different. I prefer more of a buildup in my romances. Minus that, the book was beautifully written, the story was great and I was left wanting more. So yay! I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel.

[Amanda Coudriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

A creature haunts her mind. He enjoys her torment. And the ending… shatters your heart.

Enemies to lovers + gothic dark romance + Bryndis (witch, with a creature lurking in her mind) x Odhran (morally gray, blood-drinking fae prince) + a slow burn that actually burns.

I’m still reeling from A Beautifully Crafted Lie. From the very first page, it drew me in with its dark, haunting atmosphere and refused to let go. The slow burn between Bryndis and Odhran is perfectly executed—every glance, every tense interaction, every crack in their walls made my heart race.
What absolutely haunted me, though, was the creature inside Bryndis’s mind. It sees and hears everything she does, and refuses to be silent. Reading her struggle with it made me feel her fear, confusion, and helplessness in a way that was intense, visceral, and unforgettable. It adds a whole new level of tension and dread that I can’t stop thinking about.
Bryndis and Odhran are both flawed, morally gray, and utterly magnetic. Their connection is dangerous, messy, and addicting, and I loved every second of it—especially watching how their darkness intertwines with their desire.
And the ending… it shattered my heart. Devastating, heartbreaking, and lingering long after the last page. This isn’t just a romance—it’s a gothic, haunting, emotional experience that will stay with you.

[Charl Ormond · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was actually my very first ARC and what an ARC to start with.

The book was incredible start to finish… started off a little slow with a lot to digest and understand about the first part of the human world. And then it explores more into the fae realm. The world building was a lot and there was a lot of information to understand throughout so it did take me a couple of times to re read certain parts to understand it fully. But once you got into the last part holey Christ I couldn’t put it down.

The characters were fantastic and the banter between the main characters was just perfect…. The romance between them had tension that you were just waiting to explode and when it does it is glorious.

The story itself is about Bryndis who is a human.. who has a visitor in her head which leads to a running commentary throughout the book and we find out more about them later on. And the MMC is Odhran who is the second prince of the kingdom.

The twists and turns and the betrayals and the very clever way of thinking really made this book stand out to me. And I can’t wait to go back in this world with the next book.

And the rejection at the end whaaaaaaat

Such a cracking book by Evelyn Ash

[Books &Chaos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book but unfortunately I found that it was just okay. Initially the book description was what caught my attention and I was excited because I truly believed that I was going to end up being a five star read. However, I found that I was struggling to connect with the characters and the pacing felt slow at times. I enjoyed the world building, magic and overall plot. However, there wasn’t enough chemistry between the main characters. Many of their interactions felt somewhat forced. I found the MMC and side characters to be intriguing, however, I had a hard time connecting with the FMC. She made quite a few questionable decisions and it made me somewhat annoyed by her. As for if I’ll read book two or not? I’m not sure… Maybe?

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Release Date: August 26, 2026

Tropes ✨:
Hate to lovers
Morally gray MMC
Ravens & Shadows
Witches
Forced proximity
Touch her and 💀
Fated mates

🖤: “You are my dream. Every perfectly imperfect part of you. You’re the only one who truly sees me. The only one who doesn’t expect me to fit into some sort of mould. We are two sides of the same coin.”

Thank you to the author & NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

[esther grace ‧₊˚ ✩ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this story was very beautifully written. i liked it alot, and it made me realize that i neeeed to read more gothic fantasy (and have since put a stack of books on my nightstand to read that are almost all gothic fantasy). the linework itself was very engaging and had very poetic language that kept me hooked.

the characters were very well fleshed out and complex. i loved odhran so much!! though i wished there was more of him in this book. i also heavily related to bryndis!! there was One character that i didn't like, and one that i liked but didn't trust, and i could see them both being a villain from pretty early on in the story.

this book also reminded me a lot of acotar. the parallels between the two were fun to recognize and i'm eager to see how that continues or branches off in the next book!!

one of the few things i disliked was that the second half of the story felt much more rushed than the first half. also there were some aspects of the story that didn't make much sense because they happened so fast. this book definitely felt like it needed 100 more pages to be able to flesh out the characters and certain plotlines.

the ending completely wrecked me 😭 i neeeed to know what happens next!! i'm also curious to find out what's happening with bryndis and laoise and odhran!! and also aed!! he was a very interesting character that i definitely want to know more about.

overall this story was engaging and ignited a new love of gothic fantasy for me and i definitely recommend it if you are a fan of that genre or like acotar, shadow daddies, girls who learn to stand up for themselves, and complex characters!!

[Ainsley Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say that I was a bit lost at parts reading this book. There was some good foundational work for world building and some fresh reworkings of faerie magic that made it interesting. I also really enjoyed that the author gave us different character’s viewpoints and experiences in different chapters. The flashbacks were a nice window into the character’s pasts.

But as I kept reading, the overall story line felt disjointed and there was a lot of information that never went anywhere. Like the FMC is a witch by her mothers bloodline, but other than brewing teas and her inner voice (no true spoilers) we don’t learn what that means. Is she really a witch? Can she do any type of spell work or magic herself? Are there other witches?
There was also some moments where the text would not cohesively make sense. Like a person would leave the room and then a few sentences later they were still in the room? It was at times confusing and I had to go back to reread sections to make sure I didn’t miss something.
Overall, I’d say this book has some really good ideas and I like the concepts in theory. Maybe if there’s a second book these gaps would be cleared up?