Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Liars

Rate this book
There is an estate that sits behind stone walls. Inside is a tempest that defies and rules all.

Be afraid...Obey...and bow to the Blood King.

Born as an alpha, but raised as an omega, Avina Sinclair known for her unique beauty and kindness has lived simply as a shop keeper in the southern territory of Thaylar. But, one fateful night changes the course of her life, when a dangerous rogue pack known as the Vipers corner her on her way home.

Now, with the eyes of the dreaded Blood King upon her, the life of simplicity she knew, becomes a tangled web of secrecy, deceit and desire.

459 pages, Paperback

Published March 29, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Krysti Gardner

3 books15 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
20 (41%)
4 stars
23 (47%)
3 stars
4 (8%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Rebecca.
121 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2026
4.15
spice 🌶🌶 slow burn 🔥 lots of banter with dirty talk and tension hierarchy of alpha, omega and beta
main fml helpes her adopted parents out by selling there produced to villager she is a alpha but dosent act like typical alpha she kepted herself subdued and treat all with same kindness
when suddenly while on the way home she intercept 4 rogue and a young lad who turned out to be the blood kings brother so what's he do to thank her offer her a job lol

she finally meets her fated mate inside the castle after a bar fight and a mix up and instead of claiming her he keep her at arms length with secret of why he can't claim her it pushes her towards love interest number 2 who will win the maidens heart ?

so many uncovered secret happen and plot twist i didn't see coming some for the better she know how to fight due to being trained by her brother but gets so much after unlocking her Wolf

ml1 commander or something more? annoyingly tease and add fuel to the flame but won't fallow through with his bound however it down explain why and you see him struggle
ml2 has his own bounder however express himself is straight forward towards the fml

this had me backing both mls at one point but happy how it ended
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
23 reviews
March 23, 2026
I couldn't put this book down. The plot thickens, the tension stays coiled until the very end, and the slow burn burns! (🌶️🌶️) I even found myself turning back several pages at times to reread and make sure I didn't miss something foreshadowing what happens next. There are subtle cues that show the dedication the author put in to developing the plot. All through the book, readers follow the story from Avinia's POV. We know what she knows, which leaves more questions at times than answers. There are several switches of POV to other characters, but they aren't nearly as telling as Avinia. I feel like most readers could relate to Avinia at some point in the story. She feels injustice to her core and cannot stand aside or watch it happen. She cares for people wholly and is willing to risk herself to help a stranger. She has felt loss deeply. The battle within herself is often the loudest of them all. She holds back at times to prevent herself from drawing too much attention, afraid of the danger it could bring in the dangerous world she lives in.

I read another review docked a star for the use of bold/italics and I honestly liked that because to me it indicated when they were using the "alpha voice" instead of speaking normally. (But that's an omegaverse trait). Aside from that, I did find several minor typos that need fixed and stylistic edits that I'd prefer, but overall this book could be the start of a spectacular world that I wouldn't hesitate to dive back into or recommend. If you enjoyed either the Broken Kingdoms series, Plated Prisoner series or Quicksilver, you'd enjoy this!

This was an ARC e-book review, but I plan to continue to read from this author on KU or whatever platform she is published.
Profile Image for Destiny Wilson.
97 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2026
Liars by Krysti Gardner pulled me in right from the start with its dark fantasy world full of power, danger, and secrets. The looming palace, the ruthless Blood King, and the constant sense that something bigger is unfolding kept me completely hooked. Every time I thought I understood what was happening, another twist or hidden layer appeared, which made the story feel intense and unpredictable.


Avina Sinclair was a really fascinating heroine to follow. Being born an alpha but raised as an omega already sets her apart, and watching her get pulled from her quiet merchant life into something far more dangerous kept me invested the entire time. I especially enjoyed the tension in her relationships with Ayden and Xavier—both dynamics added emotional depth and intrigue. Overall, this felt like a strong and addictive start to the series and definitely left me wanting the next book
Profile Image for Alicia.
140 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2026
Received as an ARC to review. The plot was great and I couldn’t put the book down and so 4 stars for that! Definitely a story that pulled me in and was engaging. The FMC was an amazing and strong character and the relationship with MMC was a masterful slow burn.

The story does needs another edit. Switching back and forth between first and second person at times. Had modern day slang combined with historical and that was hard for me personally to digest. Great bones for a story and just need some edits!
29 reviews
March 27, 2026
I think the base of the story is good but it needs heavy editing. There is such thing as too detailed, having paragraphs describing how a character is looking at another or grabbed another was excessive and pulled me out of the story many times. It was 570+ pages (on the kindle) with only 17 chapters so sometimes it felt like one giant run on sentence. I had a hard time trying to figure out the time setting of the story since sometimes it felt old where one has to walk or ride horses everywhere, but then there would be a random automobile. It is also supposed to be a werewolf story but the mmc’s only shifted 1-3 times if at all.
36 reviews
March 25, 2026
This was a book I didn’t actually look for but once I started to read was totally captivated by the detailed descriptions and pull of being within that world. This writer wrote this book perfectly. A few twist and turns, some near the end actually made me cry. The main characters were perfectly depicted and you grew to love ,hate , tolerate and empathise with them throughout the book. I highly recommend this book for anyone. Please note the tw at the start for your own mental health as requested by the author. 5* all the way from me
Profile Image for Laura R.
1,406 reviews21 followers
April 8, 2026
I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Avina is living just outside of town with her foster family, selling produce in the market. While her family is considered lower class omegas, Avina has a secret: she’s actually an alpha. When she stumbles on a boy while walking home, she never could have imagined how much her life would change in that moment. Now, with the Blood King watching her, she’ll have to do whatever it takes to survive the palace. And as more and more secrets come to light, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems.

Things I really liked about this are really the world building and the plot. I enjoyed the whole mate thing and while I’m not a fan of love triangles, I did like how things were explained. I also liked the fact that Avina was a strong FMC with a lot of power and attitude. I have to say, I liked a lot of the plot twists as I didn’t see them coming. But, I think the biggest thing holding this back from being five stars is the writing itself as it became almost a chore to read through the overly descriptive language. There were a few too many times that I felt myself being pulled out of the story because of it, as well as the random switching of POVs at times that left me a bit disoriented until I figured out what was going on. That being said, I think this has the potential to be absolutely amazing in so many ways, it just needs a little bit more editing in terms of removing some of the over-the-top descriptions.
Profile Image for Samm.
110 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75 stars)
Liars by Krysti Gardner

This was such a compelling, messy, and addictive read. This is the kind of story that pulls you in with its tension and keeps you guessing the entire time.

Liars thrives on its atmosphere of distrust, secrets, and unraveling truths. The characters are flawed in a very real way, which made them both frustrating and fascinating to follow. I especially loved how the story constantly blurred the line between truth and deception. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something new would shift the narrative.

The pacing was solid for the most part, and I found myself flying through chapters because I needed to know what was really going on. There were a few moments where the story felt slow or felt a bit repetitive, which is why it didn’t quite hit a full 4 stars for me.

What stood out the most was the emotional undercurrent. Beneath all the lies and twists, there’s a deeper exploration of trust, identity, and the consequences of the choices we make. It added a layer of depth that made the story feel more than just a fantasy.

Overall, this was a gripping and entertaining read with enough twists to keep you hooked. If you enjoy unreliable characters, tension filled plots, and stories where nothing is quite what it seems, this is definitely worth picking up.
2 reviews
April 3, 2026

I absolutely loved Liars by Krysti Gardner. From the start, the author’s writing stands out, her descriptions are vivid and immersive without ever feeling overdone. It really pulls you into the world and keeps you there.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the FMC. She isn’t a helpless victim waiting to be saved; she comes in with an existing skill set and actually uses it. She’s observant, intelligent, and guided by a strong moral compass, which makes her feel both capable and grounded. It’s refreshing to read a character who thinks things through and actively engages with what’s happening around her.
As the story progresses, everything starts to click into place in the most satisfying way. The pace picks up, the tension builds (slow burn 🌶️🌶️), and the backstory weaves seamlessly into the present. That moment when all the pieces come together? Absolute chef’s kiss.
This was one of those books I didn’t want to put down, but unfortunately, being an adult with responsibilities got in the way. If you’re looking for a gripping read with a strong, smart lead and a payoff that truly delivers, this one is definitely worth your time
Profile Image for Kristie Conaughty.
37 reviews4 followers
May 18, 2026
I snagged an ARC of this book and here’s my completely honest (and only slightly obsessed) review:
OMG. This book was chef’s kiss incredible—one of my top ARC reads of the year, easily. I opened it “just for a chapter” and suddenly it was 3 a.m. and I was emotionally invested in fictional people like a fool.
Krysti crafted such a gorgeous story that hooks you from page one and refuses to let go. The plot is beautiful, the deception has you side-eyeing everyone and playing detective in your own house, and the love triangle? Honey, that’s a full-on love square. My brain was doing geometry I haven’t used since high school.
It’s a slow burn so delicious it should come with a warning label, but trust me—the payoff is worth the wait. No cruel cliffhanger either; she actually wrapped everything up like a responsible author (rude, I wanted an excuse for a sequel).
Ayden and Avina’s banter is straight-up life fuel, and Ayden? Yeah… he’s now officially on my “book boyfriends I’d abandon my husband for” list. Sorry not sorry.
Krysti, you absolute legend—thank you for this gem! My sleep schedule is in shambles, but it was 100% worth it. 😂
Profile Image for AG.
1 review
May 10, 2026
Kristi Gardner’s Liars was a really enjoyable read for me. It had a few editing and formatting issues throughout, but not enough to pull me out of the story. The actual plot and characters kept me invested the whole way through.

What I appreciated most was that it didn’t feel like every other wolf/shifter book out there. It still had some familiar pack dynamics and supernatural elements that fans of the genre expect, but it also stepped away from the usual clichés enough to feel fresh. After reading a lot of paranormal and wolf-based books, that was a nice change.

The story itself felt complete by the end, which I always appreciate, but there’s still enough left open that a second book could easily work without feeling forced. It wrapped up satisfyingly while still leaving room to explore the world and characters more.

Overall, if you enjoy supernatural romance or wolf/shifter stories but want something that doesn’t follow the exact same formula, Liars is definitely worth picking up.
Profile Image for Thalitha Lambregts vd Oest.
167 reviews
May 11, 2026
This story is quite an adventure!

I enjoyed the storyline a lot. There is lots and lots of plot and even more twists, so many that Krysti was able to completely surprise me with some. Wich I rarely am, so I was delightfully surprised.
Avina is a FMC that I actually really liked, she is strong but also jong and thereby a touch immature but in a way that fits with her age. The MMC's were both likeable and unlikeable, stirring a mix of feelings I was unsure of till the last moments.

What stood out to me most, is that this story really had that plot. And while there are spicy scenes, they do not overshadow dais plot, which is something I usually experience happening with most shifter romances.

Overall I just had a blast reading this story and would recommend it for everyone who likes slow burn shifter romance with good plot beyond the ones including bedsheets ;).

Thank you so much Krysti for this ARC opportunity, I'm looking forward to reading book 2!
Profile Image for Cheryl  Haley.
131 reviews
May 19, 2026
Once I started reading, my evenings pretty much disappeared because I simply couldn't put this story down. It's one of those books where the plot just keeps getting thicker and thicker, keeping you completely on edge right up until the very last page. And for those who appreciate a fantastic slow-burn romance, oh boy, this one absolutely sizzles! Expect plenty of delicious tension and chemistry building throughout. For the most part, we experience the world through the eyes of Avinia, which means we're often just as in the dark as she is, leading to some truly captivating 'what's going to happen next?!' moments. While we do get glimpses into other characters' perspectives, Avinia's journey is undeniably the heart of the story, and her emotional depth truly shines through.

32 reviews
April 14, 2026
I know it is still early in the year but hello my first couldn’t put down (finished in 24 hours), quickest 5 star read! I will say check the trigger warnings before starting this book due to references of SA.

When I tell you I couldn’t put this book down I am not exaggerating! I loved everything about this book. Krysti did a fantastic job at keeping the reader on the edge of their seats with the twist and turns going on in this novel. If you are looking for a book that is beautifully written, an amazing plot, fantastic world building and OH MY the yearning tension between your FMC and MMC this is for you! You will experience all the feels while turning the pages of this book.
37 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2026
I read this book as an ARC and so pleased I did.Absolutely loved this book FMC has two men that want her, her mate and the king, Avina is moved j to the blood kings castle as a medic and also as a pretend wife for the king who she gets close to but she has a strong pull to one of his right hand men who is her fated mate but he won’t claim her ! Why? And why is she strongly pulled to the blood king ? Who will she choose and will all the secrecy and lies be revealed and can they beat the rogue pack that is trying to get rid of the blood king ?
There are so many lies, secrets and twists and turns in this story can’t wait for book 2 !!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nicholette LeGros.
51 reviews14 followers
April 3, 2026
ARC reader.

I enjoyed the plot of this book. The author did a great job of weaving a good story that I finished in two days. I appreciate that the story felt closed out.

I will say that it is a long read and could benefit from some editing. I found some repetitive word usage and punctuation issues. I also felt the book didn't need to be quite as long as it was. There was overindulgence in the way things were narrated.

All in all, I'd recommend if you do not mind a few unfinished details or long-winded writing.
Profile Image for Madison Eggleston.
5 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2026
Liars by Krysti Gardner is a dark fantasy romance. In this world there is power, danger, and secrets. With a ruthless Blood King this book kept me on my toes when I thought I got it all figured out the story took a turn with so many twists. I was hooked from the beginning. The heroine Avina Sinclair was really fascinating. I loved the tension between the two males Ayden and Xavier they both added so much. I can’t wait for the second book to find out what happens next!!!!
Profile Image for Stephanie Dunigan.
118 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2026
Many thanks to the author for this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

I loved this book! I really enjoyed the multiple pov’s. The characters felt authentic and interesting. I always love a good plot twist and this book gave me plenty. The story was unique and detailed. I Hated to put it down. The relationships in this book had me guessing to the very end which ones would actually work out. It was the perfect ending!
7 reviews
April 3, 2026
I loved this book. The twists and the choices are amazing. I couldn’t tell where it was gonna end up and it was highly suspenseful. The slow burn and the fmc not being a damsel in distress really pulled me in and made this an amazing read.
37 reviews
March 22, 2026
Lust, lies sins and sacrifices!
The story has complex characters with complex backgrounds and interactions. I really enjoyed the book . The authors word smith was smooth and flowing during descriptions and interactions of the characters including their internal thoughts. It definitely keeps the reader’s attention as the story evolves with twists and turns as well as a surprise ending!
Profile Image for Hailey Willmore.
25 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2026
This book really captivated me. There were twists and turns, the characters all experience growth and change. Overall I definitely recommend if you love a good werewolf shifter romance book. Theres intrigue, deception, lies, and a love triangle. What’s not to love?
Profile Image for Anna-Marie Bell.
24 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2026
this book is a great well written story. Avina is a strong character and I love her courage and determination. The twists are exciting. I throughly enjoyed it
39 reviews
April 9, 2026
I really liked this book. the story is brilliant and keeps you guessing all the time. it has so much yearning coupled with fated mates and stolen moments. I would highly recommend reading this book, and I can't wait to read the next one to see how the story evolves.

I was an ARC reader for this book and this is my honest opinion.
50 reviews
June 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! The twists, turns, secrets and slow burn romance kept me engaged all the way through.
This story is definitely a little different from the regular omegaverse trope and Krysti does a great job of fleshing the world and characters out.
I was really happy with how it wrapped up! Now I’m off to read more of Krysti’s books!
11 reviews
May 15, 2026
I definitely recommend

This book is thick. It's fast paced and enjoyable. There's plenty of twist and turns that I didn't see coming.
Profile Image for Sierra Shearon.
9 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2026
JUST WHEN YOU THINK THE PLOT CAN’T GET ANY BETTER…. IT DOES

This ARC had my head SPINNING!! The plot twists are literally crazy. Like screaming, crying, throwing up kind of crazy.

If you’re looking for your next read and want a BADASS FMC who takes no shit from men, look no further. Avina is your girl. Her secret, unknown past and her unbreakable drive are top tier. Speaking of top tier, we have not one, but TWO great MCs in this story.

The invisible strings at play throughout the book all tying together left me SHOOK. Such beautiful, intentional writing. You won’t be disappointed.
2 reviews
April 3, 2026

I absolutely loved Liars by Krysti Gardner. From the start, the author’s writing stands out, her descriptions are vivid and immersive without ever feeling overdone. It really pulls you into the world and keeps you there.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the FMC. She isn’t a helpless victim waiting to be saved; she comes in with an existing skill set and actually uses it. She’s observant, intelligent, and guided by a strong moral compass, which makes her feel both capable and grounded. It’s refreshing to read a character who thinks things through and actively engages with what’s happening around her.
As the story progresses, everything starts to click into place in the most satisfying way. The pace picks up, the tension builds (slow burn 🌶️🌶️), and the backstory weaves seamlessly into the present. That moment when all the pieces come together? Absolute chef’s kiss.
This was one of those books I didn’t want to put down, but unfortunately, being an adult with responsibilities got in the way. If you’re looking for a gripping read with a strong, smart lead and a payoff that truly delivers, this one is definitely worth your time.
32 reviews
April 14, 2026
I know it is still early in the year but hello my first couldn’t put down (finished in 24 hours), quickest 5 star read! I will say check the trigger warnings before starting this book due to references of SA.

When I tell you I couldn’t put this book down I am not exaggerating! I loved everything about this book. Krysti did a fantastic job at keeping the reader on the edge of their seats with the twist and turns going on in this novel. If you are looking for a book that is beautifully written, an amazing plot, fantastic world building and OH MY the yearning tension between your FMC and MMC this is for you! You will experience all the feels while turning the pages of this book.
Profile Image for Ann.
57 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2026
Avina Sinclair alpha born raised as omega then being the tension with not one but 2 guys. The tension mystery and even the end oh wow. Can't wait for the next read. Amazing book must read. A few minor issues with some wording and typos but I will be reading this another time to be sure I didn't miss a thing thanks.
Profile Image for Kayla Lacy.
41 reviews
April 1, 2026
I have mixed feelings about this book. It did have me hooked that I wanted to know more but it does need to be heavily revised.

Issues were: it was too detailed to describe simple things to where it actually ruined the flow of the story. I had to go back and reread a simple sentence multiple times. Going off of that, there were big words used to describe something simple instead of just saying someone was happy or joyful that I had to look up the definition to find out what we were trying to describe which then I had to reread that part of it to be able to keep reading. That was all just part of it being too detailed that it ruined the flow. My brain was so focused on all the words that I would totally forget or be confused on where the story was going. I’m a simple person, I don’t need all the fancy/extra words. You’ve already painted the picture, don’t try to overdo it with more.

Next thing, I have no idea what time frame this is written in. The way the characters speak makes it seem like it’s set back in time along with there being merchants and booths. Even the talk of kings and queens and living situations gave the time period an older feel but then next thing you know, they’re traveling via automobile. So that was confusing throughout the book.

Another thing is, the way it was written kept changing. Like you would be in the MFC POV and next thing you know, it’s referring to she/her. Why would the female character be referring to herself or talking about herself as a she/her? She isn’t. Later started catching on that when that happened, it was supposedly switching to the male perspective but we were never prompted that it was changing so therefore it seemed like the female character was referring to herself in a weird way.

Moving on, this was supposed to be a shifter werewolf book and I don’t think any of the MMC shifted and the MFC only shifted maybe 3 times. It didn’t give the vibe that it was a shifter book. It mentions being a pack and pack life a little bit but nothing of it truly gave the vibe that this was a shifter werewolf book.

Something that was mentioned quite a bit is how powerful the MFC is supposed to be and has alpha blood but I don’t think we ever really got to see this power from her or get to truly experience it. We get little things here and there but that’s it. But I’m one that really loves a strong and powerful MFC and with how strong she was supposed to be, she actually seemed to fall flat.

Personal opinion, I did not like this love triangle thing that was going on. With it being a shifter book and MFC found her fated mate right away, I didn’t see the point of there being a third option because naturally that one wouldn’t be picked. I actually wanted the MFC to pick Xavier over Ayden 😂

To things that I did like:
I like that there was a mention of a second chance mate. I don’t think I’ve ever read a werewolf book where that’s been mentioned and I did like that. Obviously that’s where the love triangle kind of comes into play here. A lot of shifter books can instantly start off where the mate has been denied so then they have to figure out their place in the pack and blah blah blah but the second chance mate was a good idea to throw in that if you reject your mate, there is another option out there.
I liked the unknown part of who was actually king. That part of it all kept you guessing on who it actually was. Throughout the book you’re lead to believe one thing but then you kept getting these crumbs, that no, this person is in charge and making decisions but how are they doing that if they’re not king? So that part I liked because it kept me thinking and wondering.

So overall I don’t think it was a bad book, it just needs to be edited more. Having a second opinion on it before it was totally put out to the public would’ve helped more. I do think there was a little bit of a lack on planning for this book because there’s a couple things that just don’t meet up and make sense. Too many things were all over the place. There is potential for something like this to be great though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews