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A Beautifully Crafted Lie
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.
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.
436 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
March 30, 2026
“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 🖤
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 🖤
February 17, 2026
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.
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.
August 7, 2026
I was so so excited to read this book. The premise sounded really exciting, the concept of the monster in her head was intriguing and the promised gothic vibes sold me, but I’m gutted to say it unfortunately did not meet my expectations.
The first 100 pages of this book sucked me in and it was a really strong start but then the pacing slowed and it began to loose my attention until the last 15% where it picked up again. The ending was probably my favourite part of the book. There were some good twists and an exciting betrayal storyline that had me sat.
This book has very little world building which made it difficult to picture when reading. It would have gothic vibes in one scene but then fluffy socks in another which left me feeling confused about the world. It did however make for easy, quick reading. There were also significant gaps within the plot. So many things weren’t explored in enough detail which made it feel rushed and disjointed, leaving me with a lot of unanswered questions.
The magic system also wasn’t explained at all. I don’t understand what her magic was or why it was so forbidden. There is just a lot of unanswered questions and it felt like as the reader we were just expected to know these things.
There was some chemistry and tension between Bryndis and Odhran to begin with but it fizzled out fairly quickly. The enemies to lovers was more just Bryndis repeating she hated him over and over until lust just suddenly took over. There was no natural progression of their developing feelings for one another making the romance feel forced and inauthentic. For me this book lacked emotional depth which made it hard to connect with any of the characters.
I did feel like some things were there simply to tick a trope box, for example fated mates. It felt like it came out of nowhere and it just didn’t fit the narrative that had been portrayed up to that point.
It’s also briefly mentioned that it’s forbidden for Humans and Fae to be together, with a penalty of death under the treaty, but it was very easy to forget that as there was no forbidden romance vibes at all. It didn’t feel like they were even trying to hide their desire for one another and therefore lacked the high stakes and palpable tension and yearning that usually accompany a forbidden romance.
It definitely takes inspiration from a certain other popular romantasy with the monster in her head element which is such an intriguing concept, but it just didn’t quite work for me here. Most likely because there was not much context provided. Whilst I know this will probably be explored more in the sequel, I needed more in this initial instalment to hook me and help me become invested.
The overall premise was intriguing but too many aspects were underdeveloped. I’m left with so many questions and I wanted a lot more from these characters, the romance, the plot, the world to become invested. It definitely had the bones to be a great story, but for me the execution fell short. At this stage I am unsure if I will be continuing the series.
Many thanks to the author for gifting me this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The first 100 pages of this book sucked me in and it was a really strong start but then the pacing slowed and it began to loose my attention until the last 15% where it picked up again. The ending was probably my favourite part of the book. There were some good twists and an exciting betrayal storyline that had me sat.
This book has very little world building which made it difficult to picture when reading. It would have gothic vibes in one scene but then fluffy socks in another which left me feeling confused about the world. It did however make for easy, quick reading. There were also significant gaps within the plot. So many things weren’t explored in enough detail which made it feel rushed and disjointed, leaving me with a lot of unanswered questions.
The magic system also wasn’t explained at all. I don’t understand what her magic was or why it was so forbidden. There is just a lot of unanswered questions and it felt like as the reader we were just expected to know these things.
There was some chemistry and tension between Bryndis and Odhran to begin with but it fizzled out fairly quickly. The enemies to lovers was more just Bryndis repeating she hated him over and over until lust just suddenly took over. There was no natural progression of their developing feelings for one another making the romance feel forced and inauthentic. For me this book lacked emotional depth which made it hard to connect with any of the characters.
I did feel like some things were there simply to tick a trope box, for example fated mates. It felt like it came out of nowhere and it just didn’t fit the narrative that had been portrayed up to that point.
It’s also briefly mentioned that it’s forbidden for Humans and Fae to be together, with a penalty of death under the treaty, but it was very easy to forget that as there was no forbidden romance vibes at all. It didn’t feel like they were even trying to hide their desire for one another and therefore lacked the high stakes and palpable tension and yearning that usually accompany a forbidden romance.
It definitely takes inspiration from a certain other popular romantasy with the monster in her head element which is such an intriguing concept, but it just didn’t quite work for me here. Most likely because there was not much context provided. Whilst I know this will probably be explored more in the sequel, I needed more in this initial instalment to hook me and help me become invested.
The overall premise was intriguing but too many aspects were underdeveloped. I’m left with so many questions and I wanted a lot more from these characters, the romance, the plot, the world to become invested. It definitely had the bones to be a great story, but for me the execution fell short. At this stage I am unsure if I will be continuing the series.
Many thanks to the author for gifting me this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 7, 2026
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.”
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.”
September 9, 2026
Review incoming.
February 26, 2026
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”
“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”
March 20, 2026
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.
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.
May 2, 2026
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!
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!
September 25, 2026
Beautifully written, no lie!
No spoilers. Having already had the privledge of doing a read-through, as it happened, the first half-ish of this novel I'd already read and I was slow to kickstart myself with life in the way, keeping me from reading! However, knowing this one had a revision, I perked right up when I got into this novel. While in the works, for me, it was good then, but even better now. A movie in print!
I've read every offering Evelyn Ash has shared as any literary persona, and can honestly say, cliché yes, but she has never written a novel that I don't like. They are well written, well described, well verbalized, attention grabbing, etc. I am always impressed with her writing and her ability to draw me into her fictional worlds. She never disappoints!
"A Beautifully Crafted Lie" is a crossing of lives of Bryndis, Declan, Odhran, and Aed. Though, the side characters are not to be discounted as their roles are just as spotlighted. I must be vague as I don't want to give the story away. The plot is able to hold my attention throughout and engaging for the readers. I had questions as I read. Most were answered, but she definitely had to leave some for the sequel. It did end on my personally hated cliffhanger! I truly hope we get the sequel soon! Oh, the suspense!
This is just my review. I always encourage readers to form their own opinion and review!
Thanks to Evelyn Ash for the ARC opportunity.
No spoilers. Having already had the privledge of doing a read-through, as it happened, the first half-ish of this novel I'd already read and I was slow to kickstart myself with life in the way, keeping me from reading! However, knowing this one had a revision, I perked right up when I got into this novel. While in the works, for me, it was good then, but even better now. A movie in print!
I've read every offering Evelyn Ash has shared as any literary persona, and can honestly say, cliché yes, but she has never written a novel that I don't like. They are well written, well described, well verbalized, attention grabbing, etc. I am always impressed with her writing and her ability to draw me into her fictional worlds. She never disappoints!
"A Beautifully Crafted Lie" is a crossing of lives of Bryndis, Declan, Odhran, and Aed. Though, the side characters are not to be discounted as their roles are just as spotlighted. I must be vague as I don't want to give the story away. The plot is able to hold my attention throughout and engaging for the readers. I had questions as I read. Most were answered, but she definitely had to leave some for the sequel. It did end on my personally hated cliffhanger! I truly hope we get the sequel soon! Oh, the suspense!
This is just my review. I always encourage readers to form their own opinion and review!
Thanks to Evelyn Ash for the ARC opportunity.
October 9, 2026
5 Stars 🌟
Thank you for the ARC! 🖤
Woah. This book was genuinely wild in the best way. From the start, I was invested and did not want to put it down. The characters? The storyline? Through the entire thing, I had no idea where the story was going. Genuinely, so much was happening at any given moment, and it was hard to figure out who to trust. A Beautifully Crafted Lie was full of magic, mystery, and misdirection, and I was living for every single second of it. THE END??? I am DEVASTATED. Going into this story with as little information as possible was honestly the best thing I could have done because WHAT! I am left with so many thoughts and questions. This book was AMAZING, and I would highly recommend it!<3
Thank you for the ARC! 🖤
Woah. This book was genuinely wild in the best way. From the start, I was invested and did not want to put it down. The characters? The storyline? Through the entire thing, I had no idea where the story was going. Genuinely, so much was happening at any given moment, and it was hard to figure out who to trust. A Beautifully Crafted Lie was full of magic, mystery, and misdirection, and I was living for every single second of it. THE END??? I am DEVASTATED. Going into this story with as little information as possible was honestly the best thing I could have done because WHAT! I am left with so many thoughts and questions. This book was AMAZING, and I would highly recommend it!<3
April 26, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! This one honestly took me a while to get into. The beginning felt slow for some reason, and Bryn seemed rather juvenile. I did end up really liking her by the end. Part Six was so good that I wished the rest of the book had the same flow. I did also enjoy the MMC, and would have enjoyed more chapters from his POV. Overall, it was a fun read. I think fans of Quicksilver would enjoy it. I will be looking out for book 2!
February 22, 2026
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.
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.
February 22, 2026
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2026
This story will haunt you long after the last page.
Bryn is a rose among thorns, a feisty and independent heroine surrounded by hardship and harsh rules. Odhran is our shadow daddy with issues, and yet you'll love him from the moment he steps onto the page. Their romance is what I absolutely lived for. The banter, the chemistry, the yearning - I devoured it all! And that cliffhanger? I'll never be okay until I get my hands on the next book!!
I highly recommend this beautiful Gothic read! A BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED LIE is perfect for readers who love forbidden love, fated mates, shadow daddies, feminine rage, found family, and a slow burn to die for. 🖤
I received an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Bryn is a rose among thorns, a feisty and independent heroine surrounded by hardship and harsh rules. Odhran is our shadow daddy with issues, and yet you'll love him from the moment he steps onto the page. Their romance is what I absolutely lived for. The banter, the chemistry, the yearning - I devoured it all! And that cliffhanger? I'll never be okay until I get my hands on the next book!!
I highly recommend this beautiful Gothic read! A BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED LIE is perfect for readers who love forbidden love, fated mates, shadow daddies, feminine rage, found family, and a slow burn to die for. 🖤
I received an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2026
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.
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.
June 4, 2026
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book! This was giving One Dark Window vibes. I rated this a 3.5 stars.
While the pacing had me in and out of engagement, I was still intrigued by the premise. I felt like there was wholes or gaps in some of the scenes. It had me re reading it again to see if I missed something. I also didn’t get the vibes between the FMC and MMC. I would have like some more tension and yearn. I felt some parts was rushed or moved forward for the plot. The FMC’s decisions were frustrating at times—like cutting off her nose to spite her face—but I was craving more depth in the witch culture and how it affected that inner voice. That cliffhanger, though? Definitely curious what the next book has in store.
While the pacing had me in and out of engagement, I was still intrigued by the premise. I felt like there was wholes or gaps in some of the scenes. It had me re reading it again to see if I missed something. I also didn’t get the vibes between the FMC and MMC. I would have like some more tension and yearn. I felt some parts was rushed or moved forward for the plot. The FMC’s decisions were frustrating at times—like cutting off her nose to spite her face—but I was craving more depth in the witch culture and how it affected that inner voice. That cliffhanger, though? Definitely curious what the next book has in store.
July 31, 2026
3.5 🌟
Starting off with a big thank you for Evelyn Ash for giving me the opportunity to read her ARC of A Beautifully Crafted Lie. I had a good time reading this, it was fast paced and although only a short read (for me) at 380pages on kindle it packed a punch!
I got Cinderella vibes reading this but obviously with Fae, monsters and a good helping of blood. Bryndis, our FMC, discovers her life is not what it seems and the Fae are in control of their town and existence. Odhran, the fae man who turns her life upside down and inside out has more than his fair share of secrets and very quick to point out he can’t lie, however lying by omission is just as deadly.
For a fairly short book I thought that too many characters were introduced resulting in a lack of depth to most of them. Odhran has his own found family but although they are there and interacted well I felt I didn’t develop any connection with them. I look forward to reading more about them in book 2.
Starting off with a big thank you for Evelyn Ash for giving me the opportunity to read her ARC of A Beautifully Crafted Lie. I had a good time reading this, it was fast paced and although only a short read (for me) at 380pages on kindle it packed a punch!
I got Cinderella vibes reading this but obviously with Fae, monsters and a good helping of blood. Bryndis, our FMC, discovers her life is not what it seems and the Fae are in control of their town and existence. Odhran, the fae man who turns her life upside down and inside out has more than his fair share of secrets and very quick to point out he can’t lie, however lying by omission is just as deadly.
For a fairly short book I thought that too many characters were introduced resulting in a lack of depth to most of them. Odhran has his own found family but although they are there and interacted well I felt I didn’t develop any connection with them. I look forward to reading more about them in book 2.
August 29, 2026
What a beautifully crafted story! I was immediately invested in all the characters, the magic, the world, and the romance. That ending though, I am completely devastated! I have to go follow the author's socials right now to see when we'll get to find out what happens next with Bryn, Odhran... and Aed.
Thanks to Netgalley, Raven Court Publishing and Evelyn Ash for the arc.
Thanks to Netgalley, Raven Court Publishing and Evelyn Ash for the arc.
June 10, 2026
I ate this book up!! It gave me One Dark Window vibes, but felt totally different in its own way. I loved the “reveal”, it actually gave me goosebumps. Can’t say too much without spoiling it, but WOW. I could picture myself right there with the characters.
Some books I forget the second I finish them, but this one has stuck with me!
Also, I need book 2 NOW!!! Don’t do this to me!!!
Some books I forget the second I finish them, but this one has stuck with me!
Also, I need book 2 NOW!!! Don’t do this to me!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this book.
To me this book is a mix between a classic fae romantasy (ACOTAR style) mixed with some One Dark Window. It had a spooky gothic theme.
I struggled with what to rate this book. It started off strong and then slowly started to go downhill as I felt like things were just happening with no rhyme or reason. With Bryn being a witch, that aspect was talked about a lot but never explored. The relationship and mate bond kind of just happened in a way that didn't make sense and was very instalovey to me. I also found Bryn's actions and behaviour to not match the character or the natural progression of development from my perspective.
WITH THAT SAID - If you're looking for a masterpiece unique story, this isn't the book for you. If you're looking for fast relationship, fae and you liked One Dark Window's nightmare and you're a vibes reader then you will enjoy it.
To me this book is a mix between a classic fae romantasy (ACOTAR style) mixed with some One Dark Window. It had a spooky gothic theme.
I struggled with what to rate this book. It started off strong and then slowly started to go downhill as I felt like things were just happening with no rhyme or reason. With Bryn being a witch, that aspect was talked about a lot but never explored. The relationship and mate bond kind of just happened in a way that didn't make sense and was very instalovey to me. I also found Bryn's actions and behaviour to not match the character or the natural progression of development from my perspective.
WITH THAT SAID - If you're looking for a masterpiece unique story, this isn't the book for you. If you're looking for fast relationship, fae and you liked One Dark Window's nightmare and you're a vibes reader then you will enjoy it.
March 2, 2026
3.75 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book!
My first impressions reading this book was that I’d read something very similar with the (voice in the head) and this meant I was confused on if I would like this book/ keep reading, but I’ll admit I was wrong after getting to about 35% I started to enjoy the plot and characters. I became invested in where the story went and will definitely be reading the next instalment.
I felt there could have been slightly more information on Brynn’s magic and some history on what being a witch within this story means.
I enjoyed the romance and look forward to it growing in the next book.
I think if I’d have immediately gotten sucked into the story the rating would have been an easy 4/5 stars but as I had to push through the first third of the book I felt 3.75 was appropriate for me.
I’d definitely recommend this to someone and will be continuing the series.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book!
My first impressions reading this book was that I’d read something very similar with the (voice in the head) and this meant I was confused on if I would like this book/ keep reading, but I’ll admit I was wrong after getting to about 35% I started to enjoy the plot and characters. I became invested in where the story went and will definitely be reading the next instalment.
I felt there could have been slightly more information on Brynn’s magic and some history on what being a witch within this story means.
I enjoyed the romance and look forward to it growing in the next book.
I think if I’d have immediately gotten sucked into the story the rating would have been an easy 4/5 stars but as I had to push through the first third of the book I felt 3.75 was appropriate for me.
I’d definitely recommend this to someone and will be continuing the series.
March 5, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Evelyn Ash enters the romantasy scene with A Beautifully Crafted Lie, an atmospheric, dark fantasy romance brimming with high-stakes deception, bloodthirsty fae, and a classic enemies-to-lovers dynamic. While the novel occasionally stumbles under the weight of its frustrating character choices, its rich world-building and dramatic cliffhanger ending ultimately deliver a gripping read that leaves you eager for the next installment.
The narrative centers on Bryndis Ashglo, the daughter of a strict governor in the gloomy town of Bouldermore—a place governed by ruthless laws against magic and haunted by legends of terrifying monsters. Bryndis harbors a deadly secret: a mysterious creature lurks inside her mind, seeing and hearing everything she does. In a society where possessing magic means execution, she spends her life walking a tightrope to keep her condition hidden.
Her fragile safety shatters on the eve of Samhain with the arrival of Prince Odhran, the feared bastard prince sent to enforce the king’s laws and execute the annual witch reaping. When Bryndis catches Odhran's calculating eye, she expects the worst. Instead of turning her over to the law, Odhran strikes a dangerous bargain: in exchange for concealing her secret and protecting her freedom, Bryndis must travel with him to the realm of the Fae to serve as his master deceiver. Odhran—bound by magic or nature—cannot lie, but Bryndis, as a mortal, can do it anytime. Dragged into a deadly foreign court, she must navigate royal intrigue, bloodthirsty secrets, and the growing realization that neither Odhran nor herself are entirely human.
At the heart of the story is the fiery, highly contentious dynamic between Bryndis and Prince Odhran.
Odhran is a compelling, dark love interest. As a blood-drinking faerie and royal enforcer, he effortlessly commands fear and authority. Yet beneath his cold demeanor lies a tactician using Bryndis to play a much larger political game. He delights in her discomfort and challenges her at every turn, executing the "morally gray ruler" archetype with brooding charm.
Bryndis, on the other hand, presents a bit more of a mixed bag. Driven by a fierce instinct to survive and an overwhelming need to protect her family, her resilience is commendable. However, her interactions with Odhran often feel stuck on repeat. Her constant, unyielding "I hate you" posture toward him starts to wear thin after a while, making her feel overly stubborn rather than strategically cautious.
Compounding this frustration is the dynamic with her sister. Bryndis risks everything—her life, her secrets, and her freedom—to shield her sister, yet receives zero support or initiative in return, particularly when it comes to standing up against their domineering mother./step mother. Watching Bryndis bend over backward for a sister who refuses to pull her own weight creates a frustrating loop that bogs down the midsection of the book.
Where Ash truly shines is in her world-building. The transition from the oppressive, paranoid streets of human-governed Bouldermore to the dark, seductive threat of the Fae realm is handled with vivid detail. Ash crafts a lush lore around magic, deception, and political deceit that anchors the plot when the character dynamics stall.
Truthfully, I spent much of the story sitting right on the fence. Bryndis’s repetitive hostility and the exasperating family dynamics held the book back from reaching its full potential early on. However, the final act changes the game entirely. Ash delivers a breathtaking, high-stakes finale capped off with a cliffhanger that sets these characters up for something interesting in the next book.
Despite my grievances with Bryndis's stubbornness along the way, the sheer momentum of that ending won me over. Evelyn Ash has set up a fascinating premise for the sequel, and based on how this book wrapped up, I will definitely be picking up Book 2 to see where this woven web of lies leads next.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
The narrative centers on Bryndis Ashglo, the daughter of a strict governor in the gloomy town of Bouldermore—a place governed by ruthless laws against magic and haunted by legends of terrifying monsters. Bryndis harbors a deadly secret: a mysterious creature lurks inside her mind, seeing and hearing everything she does. In a society where possessing magic means execution, she spends her life walking a tightrope to keep her condition hidden.
Her fragile safety shatters on the eve of Samhain with the arrival of Prince Odhran, the feared bastard prince sent to enforce the king’s laws and execute the annual witch reaping. When Bryndis catches Odhran's calculating eye, she expects the worst. Instead of turning her over to the law, Odhran strikes a dangerous bargain: in exchange for concealing her secret and protecting her freedom, Bryndis must travel with him to the realm of the Fae to serve as his master deceiver. Odhran—bound by magic or nature—cannot lie, but Bryndis, as a mortal, can do it anytime. Dragged into a deadly foreign court, she must navigate royal intrigue, bloodthirsty secrets, and the growing realization that neither Odhran nor herself are entirely human.
At the heart of the story is the fiery, highly contentious dynamic between Bryndis and Prince Odhran.
Odhran is a compelling, dark love interest. As a blood-drinking faerie and royal enforcer, he effortlessly commands fear and authority. Yet beneath his cold demeanor lies a tactician using Bryndis to play a much larger political game. He delights in her discomfort and challenges her at every turn, executing the "morally gray ruler" archetype with brooding charm.
Bryndis, on the other hand, presents a bit more of a mixed bag. Driven by a fierce instinct to survive and an overwhelming need to protect her family, her resilience is commendable. However, her interactions with Odhran often feel stuck on repeat. Her constant, unyielding "I hate you" posture toward him starts to wear thin after a while, making her feel overly stubborn rather than strategically cautious.
Compounding this frustration is the dynamic with her sister. Bryndis risks everything—her life, her secrets, and her freedom—to shield her sister, yet receives zero support or initiative in return, particularly when it comes to standing up against their domineering mother./step mother. Watching Bryndis bend over backward for a sister who refuses to pull her own weight creates a frustrating loop that bogs down the midsection of the book.
Where Ash truly shines is in her world-building. The transition from the oppressive, paranoid streets of human-governed Bouldermore to the dark, seductive threat of the Fae realm is handled with vivid detail. Ash crafts a lush lore around magic, deception, and political deceit that anchors the plot when the character dynamics stall.
Truthfully, I spent much of the story sitting right on the fence. Bryndis’s repetitive hostility and the exasperating family dynamics held the book back from reaching its full potential early on. However, the final act changes the game entirely. Ash delivers a breathtaking, high-stakes finale capped off with a cliffhanger that sets these characters up for something interesting in the next book.
Despite my grievances with Bryndis's stubbornness along the way, the sheer momentum of that ending won me over. Evelyn Ash has set up a fascinating premise for the sequel, and based on how this book wrapped up, I will definitely be picking up Book 2 to see where this woven web of lies leads next.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2026
3⭐️ I was so excited to read this book. It didn't exactly live up to my expectations, but I think the concept has great potential.
It gave me One Dark Window vibes with a little bit of The Village (M. Night Shyamalan) tossed in. If you like those things, you may enjoy this book. It's dark, haunting, not as emotional as I was expecting, but still covers some tough topics. The pace moves along steadily under a solid writing style, and there are many intriguing aspects to the main characters' stories.
The walled human village in the beginning had the potential to be very fascinating, and I was almost immediately hungry for any little nugget of world building in this setting.
However, this quickly became a pattern in this book. Some fascinating tidbit of information would be introduced, suck me in, make me hungry for more and then... would go nowhere. I struggled with some of the plot points.
The mysterious "other" inside the main character Bryndis is one example. Like... Why? The fact that Bryndis is supposed to be a witch but this is never fully explored is another.
Bryndis herself was a huge point of frustration for me. The last 10 chapters of this book, all I could do was shake my head at her. She makes some of the most colossally stupid decisions I've ever seen an FMC make in a book. The bargains she made? Everything that happens to her at the end of this book, she 100% deserves!
This concept (which I think DOES have good bones) and the MMC Odhran is what earned this book 3⭐️ for me. Odhran was a fascinating character. I loved his rather dramatic, flamboyant seeming personality in the beginning. I didn't mind his obsessive, possessiveness though it did border a bit on insta-love, in my opinion. He was the star of this show though with his cavalier attitude, unusual shadow magic and tortured "bad boy" vibes. I wish we had gotten more chapters in his POV and more of his background.
I just could not connect with this story or these characters. The relationship felt forced, the characters needed more depth, it could have benefited from more world-building and time dedicated to exploring complicated scenarios. Important things would happen between characters but instead of getting to experience them, we were just told they happened. There was too much going on but some how nothing really happening. I can honestly say, I'm not sure what we were moving toward by the end.
Though I didn't have a terrible time, I'm also not entirely sure how I feel about this book. Unfortunately, I don't think this one is for me, but I think it has potential; perhaps many things that irked me will be more fully explored in book two, and I'm sure there are many readers who will find value in this story just as it is.
Thank you to the author for sharing an advanced reader copy of this book with me. This review is my honest opinion, and I'm leaving it voluntarily.
It gave me One Dark Window vibes with a little bit of The Village (M. Night Shyamalan) tossed in. If you like those things, you may enjoy this book. It's dark, haunting, not as emotional as I was expecting, but still covers some tough topics. The pace moves along steadily under a solid writing style, and there are many intriguing aspects to the main characters' stories.
The walled human village in the beginning had the potential to be very fascinating, and I was almost immediately hungry for any little nugget of world building in this setting.
However, this quickly became a pattern in this book. Some fascinating tidbit of information would be introduced, suck me in, make me hungry for more and then... would go nowhere. I struggled with some of the plot points.
The mysterious "other" inside the main character Bryndis is one example. Like... Why? The fact that Bryndis is supposed to be a witch but this is never fully explored is another.
Bryndis herself was a huge point of frustration for me. The last 10 chapters of this book, all I could do was shake my head at her. She makes some of the most colossally stupid decisions I've ever seen an FMC make in a book. The bargains she made? Everything that happens to her at the end of this book, she 100% deserves!
This concept (which I think DOES have good bones) and the MMC Odhran is what earned this book 3⭐️ for me. Odhran was a fascinating character. I loved his rather dramatic, flamboyant seeming personality in the beginning. I didn't mind his obsessive, possessiveness though it did border a bit on insta-love, in my opinion. He was the star of this show though with his cavalier attitude, unusual shadow magic and tortured "bad boy" vibes. I wish we had gotten more chapters in his POV and more of his background.
I just could not connect with this story or these characters. The relationship felt forced, the characters needed more depth, it could have benefited from more world-building and time dedicated to exploring complicated scenarios. Important things would happen between characters but instead of getting to experience them, we were just told they happened. There was too much going on but some how nothing really happening. I can honestly say, I'm not sure what we were moving toward by the end.
Though I didn't have a terrible time, I'm also not entirely sure how I feel about this book. Unfortunately, I don't think this one is for me, but I think it has potential; perhaps many things that irked me will be more fully explored in book two, and I'm sure there are many readers who will find value in this story just as it is.
Thank you to the author for sharing an advanced reader copy of this book with me. This review is my honest opinion, and I'm leaving it voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC!
A very good story with great potential, and almost flawless execution.
When Bryndis sneaks out of her house into the woods to collect herbs, she doesn’t expect her world to turn upside down. She breaks a magic mushroom circle, and she’s faced with the force of Prince Odhran when she manages to get home. She’s swept away into the world of Fae, with blood oaths, magical powers, compulsions, and the love of her life.
The story is intricate, builds on our general understanding of faerie courts and rules, e.g., Fae cannot lie, Fae can compel you, do not drink Fae wine, or you will get addicted. Then adds a bit of twist, when human blood keeps the Fae immortal, and Fae’s blood helps heal mortal wounds. The plot itself is predictable but well-written. She’s the one, the fated mate, ferocious and unobiding. He’s hurt, dark, broody, misunderstood, trying to protect her, and regain his kingdom’s freedom. Even though we know what to expect, we are still intrigued to see how closely the story hits that expectation. The words flow, with chapters smoothly following into the next one, and it is hard to put the book down. Quite addictive.
What I didn’t like were the moments of our MFC’s immature and emotionally reactive responses. She’s been raised as a lady, the oldest daughter of a Lord; she shouldn’t respond with ‘F you’ every time the Prince annoys. Additionally, as much as the shocking reveals were necessary to justify the turn of the events, I wish the correspondence with Declan had been shown in more detail. We understand when the betrayal is hinted at, but we’re missing how we truly got there. We got an internal thought of ‘I know what I’m doing because he told me about it’ instead of actually seeing him pass the information. Lastly, different types of oaths are discussed in the book, and how impossible it is to free oneself of them, but somehow, no one collects on the broken promises, and every character gets away scot-free.
On the other hand, the ending itself does not follow the predictable path, making it so much better, bitter, emotional, and wrenching. A perfect cliffhanger to keep us on edge until the second book is published. And a potential opportunity for more Odhran’s POVs in the sequel, definitely, will get us running to the bookstore when the continuation is published. I really like the idea of a dark passenger. I like his commentary, his transactional nature, and the way his story is resolved here. It was done tastefully before (One Dark Window), but this time, the passenger is of a different nature, with his own needs and tricks. Adding that extra element to the story makes it more complex and so much more compelling.
A strong story, with a masterfully written romance, I would recommend 100%
A very good story with great potential, and almost flawless execution.
When Bryndis sneaks out of her house into the woods to collect herbs, she doesn’t expect her world to turn upside down. She breaks a magic mushroom circle, and she’s faced with the force of Prince Odhran when she manages to get home. She’s swept away into the world of Fae, with blood oaths, magical powers, compulsions, and the love of her life.
The story is intricate, builds on our general understanding of faerie courts and rules, e.g., Fae cannot lie, Fae can compel you, do not drink Fae wine, or you will get addicted. Then adds a bit of twist, when human blood keeps the Fae immortal, and Fae’s blood helps heal mortal wounds. The plot itself is predictable but well-written. She’s the one, the fated mate, ferocious and unobiding. He’s hurt, dark, broody, misunderstood, trying to protect her, and regain his kingdom’s freedom. Even though we know what to expect, we are still intrigued to see how closely the story hits that expectation. The words flow, with chapters smoothly following into the next one, and it is hard to put the book down. Quite addictive.
What I didn’t like were the moments of our MFC’s immature and emotionally reactive responses. She’s been raised as a lady, the oldest daughter of a Lord; she shouldn’t respond with ‘F you’ every time the Prince annoys. Additionally, as much as the shocking reveals were necessary to justify the turn of the events, I wish the correspondence with Declan had been shown in more detail. We understand when the betrayal is hinted at, but we’re missing how we truly got there. We got an internal thought of ‘I know what I’m doing because he told me about it’ instead of actually seeing him pass the information. Lastly, different types of oaths are discussed in the book, and how impossible it is to free oneself of them, but somehow, no one collects on the broken promises, and every character gets away scot-free.
On the other hand, the ending itself does not follow the predictable path, making it so much better, bitter, emotional, and wrenching. A perfect cliffhanger to keep us on edge until the second book is published. And a potential opportunity for more Odhran’s POVs in the sequel, definitely, will get us running to the bookstore when the continuation is published. I really like the idea of a dark passenger. I like his commentary, his transactional nature, and the way his story is resolved here. It was done tastefully before (One Dark Window), but this time, the passenger is of a different nature, with his own needs and tricks. Adding that extra element to the story makes it more complex and so much more compelling.
A strong story, with a masterfully written romance, I would recommend 100%
August 31, 2026
This is a story of a girl who just wants a breather from her oppressed life - to quiet the persistent voice in the back of her mind and to break free from the chains of her family obligations. Her father, a respectable governor, falls in love with her mother only to later realize she descends from a powerful bloodline of witches. Those who have magic are reaped and never to be seen or heard from again. Lady Glynis Ashglo mysteriously falls ill, and Lord Ashglo eventually remarries leaving our MFC neglected and subjected to not only mental and physical abuse. We first meet our FMC Bryndis Ashglo who is desperately searching in the forbidden woods for nightshade to suppress her witch abilities and more importantly the creature’s voice in her mind’s eye even temporarily. During one of these nightly excursions, she accidentally disrupts a mushroom circle signaling like a beacon for The Others of the presence of magic. This puts her in the crosshairs of our MMC Odhran the bastard son and ironically army general to King Darragh. Tensions rise as Samhain nears where the veil between the living and the dead thins. On the meantime, the heir apparent Odhran’s half brother Eamon is looking for a new wife; hence, a ball is thrown to commemorate the occasion. Is this a ruse for something nefarious? Nothing is what it seems. Bryndis goes through an “awakening” process where instead of trying to blend into the background and expectations, she learns to become the queen she truly is. She starts to question everything while to struggling to keep her moral compass intact. Most importantly, she finds out what the dire consequences of her actions during her interactions with Odhran and others like him. Both are trying to protect the people who are near and dear to them only to realize they need to save themselves first. The moments of weakness (substance abuse) are accurately depicted and heartbreaking for those who witness it. The camaraderie of what is dubbed “the hellions of undoing club” consisting of Odhran’s childhood friends Sloane, Eadan, Sheridan, and Aine is a comedic release at the same time a heartwarming show of found family. Blood oaths (geas) are formed but exceeding hard to fulfill as treachery and betrayal of allegiances are expected at every corner albeit steeped in good intentions. A tale of good versus bad testing one’s moral compass and the futile attempt to not become the monster we fear are mere subplots but vital to the story’s pacing. There are lots of proverbial cookie crumbs, anecdotes and excerpts from Lady Glynis Ashglo’s personal effects, and the sordid truths and backstories make this an intriguing read from an exciting new up and coming author Evelyn Ash. This is a fabulous debut and read. Read the bonus chapter the yearning is god tier. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for these beloved characters!
August 31, 2026
A Beautifully Crafted Lie had so many ingredients that immediately caught my attention: dark fae, forbidden magic, dangerous secrets, a morally grey prince and a heroine whose greatest weapon is her ability to lie. Add a mysterious creature living inside her mind and I was absolutely curious to see where this story would take me.
And for the most part, I had a really good time with it.
Bryndis was an interesting heroine because survival has shaped almost everything about her. She has spent her life hiding pieces of herself, protecting the people she loves and learning exactly what to say to stay alive. I loved the idea of placing someone whose strength is deception in a world where the fae cannot lie. It creates such an interesting imbalance of power and made the political side of the story much more fun.
Then there is Odhran.
Dangerous, powerful, morally questionable and absolutely not interested in making Bryndis comfortable. Obviously, I was intrigued.
Their relationship was probably one of my favourite parts of the book. I enjoyed the distrust between them, the constant questioning of each other’s motives and that underlying attraction neither of them particularly wants to acknowledge. Their dynamic feels like a game where both are constantly trying to work out who has the upper hand.
That said, I did want a little more from the romance itself. At times Bryndis’ determination to hate Odhran became repetitive, and I would have loved more emotional development between those moments of tension and attraction. The chemistry was there for me, but I wanted to feel the progression more deeply.
I also found myself wanting more explanation around the magic and some parts of the world. There are so many fascinating ideas introduced here, especially the creature inside Bryndis’ mind, the restrictions surrounding magic and the politics between humans and fae, but occasionally I felt like I had more questions than answers. I am assuming some of this is intentionally being saved for later books, but I would have liked just a little more context in this first one.
And then the final part happened.
THAT was where the book really got me.
The pace picks up, secrets start shifting everything you thought you understood, and suddenly I was much more invested than I had been in some of the slower sections. Betrayal, revelations, questionable loyalties… basically all the things I want from my romantasy.
And that ending?!
Excuse me!!!!!!
You cannot casually leave me there and expect me to be okay.
A Beautifully Crafted Lie wasn’t perfect for me, but the concept was incredibly intriguing and there is so much potential in this world. I came for the dark fae and morally grey prince, stayed for the lies and secrets, and finished the book needing answers.
So yes, I will absolutely be reading Book 2.
And for the most part, I had a really good time with it.
Bryndis was an interesting heroine because survival has shaped almost everything about her. She has spent her life hiding pieces of herself, protecting the people she loves and learning exactly what to say to stay alive. I loved the idea of placing someone whose strength is deception in a world where the fae cannot lie. It creates such an interesting imbalance of power and made the political side of the story much more fun.
Then there is Odhran.
Dangerous, powerful, morally questionable and absolutely not interested in making Bryndis comfortable. Obviously, I was intrigued.
Their relationship was probably one of my favourite parts of the book. I enjoyed the distrust between them, the constant questioning of each other’s motives and that underlying attraction neither of them particularly wants to acknowledge. Their dynamic feels like a game where both are constantly trying to work out who has the upper hand.
That said, I did want a little more from the romance itself. At times Bryndis’ determination to hate Odhran became repetitive, and I would have loved more emotional development between those moments of tension and attraction. The chemistry was there for me, but I wanted to feel the progression more deeply.
I also found myself wanting more explanation around the magic and some parts of the world. There are so many fascinating ideas introduced here, especially the creature inside Bryndis’ mind, the restrictions surrounding magic and the politics between humans and fae, but occasionally I felt like I had more questions than answers. I am assuming some of this is intentionally being saved for later books, but I would have liked just a little more context in this first one.
And then the final part happened.
THAT was where the book really got me.
The pace picks up, secrets start shifting everything you thought you understood, and suddenly I was much more invested than I had been in some of the slower sections. Betrayal, revelations, questionable loyalties… basically all the things I want from my romantasy.
And that ending?!
Excuse me!!!!!!
You cannot casually leave me there and expect me to be okay.
A Beautifully Crafted Lie wasn’t perfect for me, but the concept was incredibly intriguing and there is so much potential in this world. I came for the dark fae and morally grey prince, stayed for the lies and secrets, and finished the book needing answers.
So yes, I will absolutely be reading Book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Beautifully Crafted Lie was an enjoyable read that kept me engaged throughout, but it ultimately left me wanting more from its most interesting ideas.
From the beginning, many aspects of the novel felt familiar. The plot elements, character dynamics, and fantasy tropes frequently reminded me of other books I have read. While there is nothing wrong with drawing upon established conventions, I often felt that the story did not develop these elements in a way that was distinctive enough to separate itself from similar works in the genre.
My biggest criticism concerns the worldbuilding and the central mysteries surrounding Bryn and her abilities. Bryn is described as a witch, yet by the end of the novel I still felt I had only a vague understanding of what that actually means. Because she was never formally taught how to use her magic, she primarily relies on her knowledge of plants, extracting their properties and brewing them into teas and remedies. While this approach was interesting, it left me uncertain about the nature and limits of her magical abilities. What can she do? What can't she do? How does her magic differ from that of other witches? These questions remained largely unanswered, making the magic system feel underdeveloped.
Similarly, the dragon's presence was one of the most intriguing aspects of the story, yet it was also one of the least explored. The concept of a dragon being locked inside Bryn's mind immediately captured my attention, but very little information is provided about its origins, purpose, or significance. Where did the dragon come from? Why is it bound to her? What role does it play in the larger narrative? While I understand that future installments may address these questions, I felt that the first book did not provide enough information to make this mystery feel fully satisfying.
For me, the distinction between an engaging mystery and a frustrating one lies in whether the reader is given enough information to understand the stakes. In this case, I often felt that too much was withheld. Rather than leaving me eager to speculate, some of the novel's most compelling ideas felt underdeveloped because there was not enough context to fully appreciate their importance.
That said, I still found the book entertaining and easy to read. The story moves at a steady pace, and there were enough intriguing moments to keep me invested in Bryn's journey.
While the novel did not entirely distinguish itself from other fantasy novels I have read, it contains enough promise that I am curious to see where the series goes next. I only wish some of its strongest concepts, particularly Bryn's magic and her connection to the dragon, had been explored in greater depth within this first installment.
From the beginning, many aspects of the novel felt familiar. The plot elements, character dynamics, and fantasy tropes frequently reminded me of other books I have read. While there is nothing wrong with drawing upon established conventions, I often felt that the story did not develop these elements in a way that was distinctive enough to separate itself from similar works in the genre.
My biggest criticism concerns the worldbuilding and the central mysteries surrounding Bryn and her abilities. Bryn is described as a witch, yet by the end of the novel I still felt I had only a vague understanding of what that actually means. Because she was never formally taught how to use her magic, she primarily relies on her knowledge of plants, extracting their properties and brewing them into teas and remedies. While this approach was interesting, it left me uncertain about the nature and limits of her magical abilities. What can she do? What can't she do? How does her magic differ from that of other witches? These questions remained largely unanswered, making the magic system feel underdeveloped.
Similarly, the dragon's presence was one of the most intriguing aspects of the story, yet it was also one of the least explored. The concept of a dragon being locked inside Bryn's mind immediately captured my attention, but very little information is provided about its origins, purpose, or significance. Where did the dragon come from? Why is it bound to her? What role does it play in the larger narrative? While I understand that future installments may address these questions, I felt that the first book did not provide enough information to make this mystery feel fully satisfying.
For me, the distinction between an engaging mystery and a frustrating one lies in whether the reader is given enough information to understand the stakes. In this case, I often felt that too much was withheld. Rather than leaving me eager to speculate, some of the novel's most compelling ideas felt underdeveloped because there was not enough context to fully appreciate their importance.
That said, I still found the book entertaining and easy to read. The story moves at a steady pace, and there were enough intriguing moments to keep me invested in Bryn's journey.
While the novel did not entirely distinguish itself from other fantasy novels I have read, it contains enough promise that I am curious to see where the series goes next. I only wish some of its strongest concepts, particularly Bryn's magic and her connection to the dragon, had been explored in greater depth within this first installment.
September 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 1/5
I’m not gonna lie..the beginning of this book was a bit of a struggle for me. It took me a while to get into the story, and there were parts that felt confusing, with the plot jumping around, a little too much for me. BUT…this book is exactly why I refuse to DNF books. Because once I got past that 25–30% mark, everything changed.
The second half of this book had me in a CHOKEHOLD. I could not devour the story fast enough. The plot picked up, the pace quickened, and suddenly I was completely invested in these characters and desperate to know what was going to happen next.
Our FMC is a “human” witch secretly learning about her powers. Despite being the daughter of a High Lord, she definitely doesn’t have an easy life. She goes through so much pain and struggle, but she remains smart, strong, sassy, and fiercely independent. I really enjoyed her as a FMC.
Then there’s Aed, her friend/foe/sidekick who lives in her mind and constantly seems to have his own agenda. There is so much mystery surrounding him, like, who he is, where he came from, and what exactly he wants from our FMC. I was definitely suspicious of him the entire time, and I need answers!
And then we have our MMC: the powerful, brooding fae prince, shadow daddy, who is basically a cinnamon roll exclusively for our FMC. We don’t get nearly enough of his POV for my liking, but I still really enjoyed him. The two of them have great chemistry and banter, and while some might call their relationship “insta-love”, I actually thought it worked well within the story. Their connection felt believable enough to me, and I enjoyed watching the enemies to lovers dynamic develop.
There’s also a little spice , although you’ll have to be patient because most of it comes in the last 100ish pages.
This book really does have a little bit of everything: romance, yearning, heartbreak, tension, deception, mystery, a love triangle, spice, humor, darkness, a mystical forest, and all kinds of mythical creatures. There are so many twists and turns. Some I could see coming, but others genuinely surprised me and I love when a book manages to catch me off guard because that doesn’t happen often.
Most importantly, this book gave me all the feels! There were tender moments, anger, tension, heartbreak, and moments that quite literally hurt my feelings. 😭
And that ENDING?! Absolutely rude. 😂 It left me desperate for more of their story and needing to know what happens next.
Overall, despite struggling with the beginning, I’m so glad I stuck with this one. The second half completely won me over, and I’m definitely invested in these characters and this world. I need the next book ASAP!
🌶️ 1/5
I’m not gonna lie..the beginning of this book was a bit of a struggle for me. It took me a while to get into the story, and there were parts that felt confusing, with the plot jumping around, a little too much for me. BUT…this book is exactly why I refuse to DNF books. Because once I got past that 25–30% mark, everything changed.
The second half of this book had me in a CHOKEHOLD. I could not devour the story fast enough. The plot picked up, the pace quickened, and suddenly I was completely invested in these characters and desperate to know what was going to happen next.
Our FMC is a “human” witch secretly learning about her powers. Despite being the daughter of a High Lord, she definitely doesn’t have an easy life. She goes through so much pain and struggle, but she remains smart, strong, sassy, and fiercely independent. I really enjoyed her as a FMC.
Then there’s Aed, her friend/foe/sidekick who lives in her mind and constantly seems to have his own agenda. There is so much mystery surrounding him, like, who he is, where he came from, and what exactly he wants from our FMC. I was definitely suspicious of him the entire time, and I need answers!
And then we have our MMC: the powerful, brooding fae prince, shadow daddy, who is basically a cinnamon roll exclusively for our FMC. We don’t get nearly enough of his POV for my liking, but I still really enjoyed him. The two of them have great chemistry and banter, and while some might call their relationship “insta-love”, I actually thought it worked well within the story. Their connection felt believable enough to me, and I enjoyed watching the enemies to lovers dynamic develop.
There’s also a little spice , although you’ll have to be patient because most of it comes in the last 100ish pages.
This book really does have a little bit of everything: romance, yearning, heartbreak, tension, deception, mystery, a love triangle, spice, humor, darkness, a mystical forest, and all kinds of mythical creatures. There are so many twists and turns. Some I could see coming, but others genuinely surprised me and I love when a book manages to catch me off guard because that doesn’t happen often.
Most importantly, this book gave me all the feels! There were tender moments, anger, tension, heartbreak, and moments that quite literally hurt my feelings. 😭
And that ENDING?! Absolutely rude. 😂 It left me desperate for more of their story and needing to know what happens next.
Overall, despite struggling with the beginning, I’m so glad I stuck with this one. The second half completely won me over, and I’m definitely invested in these characters and this world. I need the next book ASAP!
Read
March 13, 2026Thank 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.
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.
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