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True Lies #1
Untrue Colors
She’s on the run…
Brilliant art appraiser Alex Northrop’s ex used stolen art to fund his nefarious activities. Now he wants her dead. But it isn’t just herself she’s worried about – if he discovers who she really is, he’ll kill her family.
Professor Henry Chilton is shocked to find a beautiful stranger passed out in his bed, and even more so when she reveals a priceless painting is a forgery – the painting he’d planned to use to fund a woman’s shelter. She’s mysterious and frightened, and he is determined to discover why.
Alex's knowledge of art is undeniable—just as Henry’s attraction to her is irresistible. But in order to help him recover the real painting, Alex isn't just risking exposure...she's risking her life.
Brilliant art appraiser Alex Northrop’s ex used stolen art to fund his nefarious activities. Now he wants her dead. But it isn’t just herself she’s worried about – if he discovers who she really is, he’ll kill her family.
Professor Henry Chilton is shocked to find a beautiful stranger passed out in his bed, and even more so when she reveals a priceless painting is a forgery – the painting he’d planned to use to fund a woman’s shelter. She’s mysterious and frightened, and he is determined to discover why.
Alex's knowledge of art is undeniable—just as Henry’s attraction to her is irresistible. But in order to help him recover the real painting, Alex isn't just risking exposure...she's risking her life.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2015
27 people are currently reading
816 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Forand
27 books275 followersVeronica Forand is the award winning author of romantic suspense, romance, and thrillers. She won the Golden Pen Award for Romantic Suspense and the Bookseller's Best in Romantic Suspense.
Her experience includes attorney, international corporate tax consultant, college professor, university track and field coach, United Nations intern, homeschool mom, barista, waitress, and town road crew. When she isn't writing, she's a canine search and rescue handler with her dog Max.
Veronica is represented by Michelle Grajkowski of 3 Seas Literary Agency.
Her experience includes attorney, international corporate tax consultant, college professor, university track and field coach, United Nations intern, homeschool mom, barista, waitress, and town road crew. When she isn't writing, she's a canine search and rescue handler with her dog Max.
Veronica is represented by Michelle Grajkowski of 3 Seas Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 13, 2015
Book – Untrue Colors
Author – Veronica Forand
Publication Date – March 10, 2015
Genre – Romance/Suspense
Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger - No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy generously provided for Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts - Story
I was a bit skeptical about reading this book because romantic suspense isn’t usually my favorite genre to read but I was surprised with how easy it was to get into this book and connect with the characters. I really liked Alex and her personality so much – she was such a strong woman after being abused and on the run. Henry was lovable but I did find his obsession with Alex a bit creepy and too soft for a man like him.
The book was fast paced and a quick read – once you pick it up so much happens that the action completely takes over the story.
Re-Cap
Alex is on the run from an ex boyfriend who only used her for her talent in art appraisals. After he didn’t need her anymore – she was on the list to be killed. Able to escape, Alex ends up hiding in the home of Professor Henry Chilton who instantly is attracted and vows to help her. Alex ends up risking her own life and secrets to help Henry get back a stolen painting.
Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Told In – Dual POV
Heroine/Personality – Alex is strong and kickass but has trust issues
Heroine/Personality – Henry is a pushover when it comes to Alex but so loyal
HEA (Spoiler) –
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Readers who like a fast paced, action packed romance
Author – Veronica Forand
Publication Date – March 10, 2015
Genre – Romance/Suspense
Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger - No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy generously provided for Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts - Story
I was a bit skeptical about reading this book because romantic suspense isn’t usually my favorite genre to read but I was surprised with how easy it was to get into this book and connect with the characters. I really liked Alex and her personality so much – she was such a strong woman after being abused and on the run. Henry was lovable but I did find his obsession with Alex a bit creepy and too soft for a man like him.
The book was fast paced and a quick read – once you pick it up so much happens that the action completely takes over the story.
Re-Cap
Alex is on the run from an ex boyfriend who only used her for her talent in art appraisals. After he didn’t need her anymore – she was on the list to be killed. Able to escape, Alex ends up hiding in the home of Professor Henry Chilton who instantly is attracted and vows to help her. Alex ends up risking her own life and secrets to help Henry get back a stolen painting.
Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Told In – Dual POV
Heroine/Personality – Alex is strong and kickass but has trust issues
Heroine/Personality – Henry is a pushover when it comes to Alex but so loyal
HEA (Spoiler) –
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Readers who like a fast paced, action packed romance
March 4, 2015
ARC provided by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The hero - an English Earl who is an anthropology professor with an interest in helping abused women. Add to that, he's a retired Royal Navy sniper. He's even got a castle with a moot. Be still my heart! You get 4 stars just for the set up. The heroine, Alex, has escaped from her boyfriend, a shady art dealer, who was bent on murdering her in Paris, which is the whole reason I took this book from NetGalley - the Eiffel Tower on the cover. Anyway, Alex escapes and makes her way to Oxford, England and winds up in Henry's bed. I love it!
Alex Northrup is the black sheep daughter of a prominent Boston family who took off to explore the world and ended up with very bad people. She escapes Paris and makes her way to Oxford where she hides out until the bad people find her. She runs and ends up with Henry, who, even though he doesn't know anything about the woman who calls herself Gabe, does know she needs help. Oh yeah, that little thing called sexual attraction is a mighty strong pull too. Alex's murdering ex, Luc, is a nasty piece of work and Alex plans on moving on so Henry will stay safe. Henry has other ideas, like bedding and helping Alex. Not to mention he has a little matter that Alex is just perfect to assist with - finding a valuable painting that was stolen from Henry and replaced with a forgery. There is danger for both Alex and Henry and don't forget that sexual attraction thing.
Henry's brother, Simon, is a integral part of the plot too. Think James Bond but more human. I sincerely hope Veronica Forand writes him his own book.
The hero - an English Earl who is an anthropology professor with an interest in helping abused women. Add to that, he's a retired Royal Navy sniper. He's even got a castle with a moot. Be still my heart! You get 4 stars just for the set up. The heroine, Alex, has escaped from her boyfriend, a shady art dealer, who was bent on murdering her in Paris, which is the whole reason I took this book from NetGalley - the Eiffel Tower on the cover. Anyway, Alex escapes and makes her way to Oxford, England and winds up in Henry's bed. I love it!
Alex Northrup is the black sheep daughter of a prominent Boston family who took off to explore the world and ended up with very bad people. She escapes Paris and makes her way to Oxford where she hides out until the bad people find her. She runs and ends up with Henry, who, even though he doesn't know anything about the woman who calls herself Gabe, does know she needs help. Oh yeah, that little thing called sexual attraction is a mighty strong pull too. Alex's murdering ex, Luc, is a nasty piece of work and Alex plans on moving on so Henry will stay safe. Henry has other ideas, like bedding and helping Alex. Not to mention he has a little matter that Alex is just perfect to assist with - finding a valuable painting that was stolen from Henry and replaced with a forgery. There is danger for both Alex and Henry and don't forget that sexual attraction thing.
Henry's brother, Simon, is a integral part of the plot too. Think James Bond but more human. I sincerely hope Veronica Forand writes him his own book.
February 22, 2015
Intrigue, espionage, and love.
If you like a sit on the edge of your seat story, with a hot romance woven through it, then this is your book. Alex, an art appraiser, is running from her art-thief, violent ex-boyfriend. She’s a kickass, take no prisoners woman and an art expert. How cool is that? Henry, the Oxford professor she hooks up with, isn’t your typical hero either. He’s sexy and brilliant, and has enough of a past to give him the skills to go up against the criminal mastermind. And together, the sparks fly, fizzle away with laughter, and then re-ignite.
Henry’s sexy half-brother, Simon, is the real spy. But the college professor holds his own when things get dicey. Alex proves herself tenacious and loyal, even when running from her past.
There was enough tension in this story that I had to read it through the spaces between my fingers, but not so much that I had to sleep with a baseball bat under my bed.
If you like a sit on the edge of your seat story, with a hot romance woven through it, then this is your book. Alex, an art appraiser, is running from her art-thief, violent ex-boyfriend. She’s a kickass, take no prisoners woman and an art expert. How cool is that? Henry, the Oxford professor she hooks up with, isn’t your typical hero either. He’s sexy and brilliant, and has enough of a past to give him the skills to go up against the criminal mastermind. And together, the sparks fly, fizzle away with laughter, and then re-ignite.
Henry’s sexy half-brother, Simon, is the real spy. But the college professor holds his own when things get dicey. Alex proves herself tenacious and loyal, even when running from her past.
There was enough tension in this story that I had to read it through the spaces between my fingers, but not so much that I had to sleep with a baseball bat under my bed.
March 11, 2015
Like a story with a lead women who is nobody's fool? Love a Book that is fast paced with a lot of mystery? Don't forget a steamy love interest? Wickedly sassy and smart. Loved it, and didn't expect to love it as much as I did... you'll love it.
March 16, 2015
I'm not sure what I was expecting with this book, but I was blown away. Alex is an art appraiser, even more than that, and she is running from her ex-boyfriend. She hides in an Oxford University professor's house with a bunch of college students. She's discovered by Henry Chilton, anthropology professor and his hunky brother Simon, an MI6 agent. When she tells Henry that one of his paintings is a fake, she offers to help find, despite the danger of running into her ex in the art world.
My favorite part, I'm sorry Alex and Henry, was Simon. OMG, he's intense and pretty damn amazing. Just when I was sure I knew where the plot was going, everything turned around. This book is totally different from "Flirting on Ice." It's darker and doesn't let you rest too long before plunging you further into danger. PLEASE write Simon's story.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
My favorite part, I'm sorry Alex and Henry, was Simon. OMG, he's intense and pretty damn amazing. Just when I was sure I knew where the plot was going, everything turned around. This book is totally different from "Flirting on Ice." It's darker and doesn't let you rest too long before plunging you further into danger. PLEASE write Simon's story.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
July 10, 2015
Excellent romantic suspense. Forand takes us on a gripping adventure from England to Paris. I fell in love with the professor just as quickly as our heroine Alex did. What a wonderful story. So looking forward to the next, which I hope will feature Simon and Nicola.
March 27, 2016
An entertaining whirlwind…
Hang on to your hats, folks, as this ride whips along at a fast pace! Alex Northrop is on the run, and we are taken along with her as she fears for her life. Her experiences did not prepare her for life underground but she is resourceful and quick on her feet. She has to be as the bad guy is a villain in the true sense of the word, threatening not only her but anyone she cares for.
Circumstance has her stumbling into Henry Chilton’s life, and into his bed, in an unlikely pairing. High society or Goth girl, Henry is intrigued as they soon become partners in business and also survival.
The plot is complicated and each page turns reveals even more to the story. Alex is surrounded by mystery, but Henry sees underneath the surface to the true woman beneath. Pink hair and Goth clothes may not automatically bring to mind a comfort with high-end art or their accompanying social gatherings, but Alex can’t hide her knowledge of both. She has to use her intelligence to evade her pursuers and figure out a way to keep herself and her new friend safe.
Her concern for those around her is just one part of her personality that you can’t help but like. Henry can’t resist her despite all the questions he has. The unroyal royal is a handsome, all-around good guy who Alex can’t resist. Neither can I, actually. He’s nice, incredibly so; the care he takes with his family and strangers in need putting firmly him on the ‘nice guy’ list. Of course, being sexy doesn’t hurt, either. There are hidden depths to this mind-mannered professor that, luckily, we get to see more of as the story races along.
This story is romantic and suspenseful, opening up an intriguing world of art and espionage. There is love and violence in equal measure so turn the light on and grab that glass of wine. Survival is a bumpy ride! ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
Hang on to your hats, folks, as this ride whips along at a fast pace! Alex Northrop is on the run, and we are taken along with her as she fears for her life. Her experiences did not prepare her for life underground but she is resourceful and quick on her feet. She has to be as the bad guy is a villain in the true sense of the word, threatening not only her but anyone she cares for.
Circumstance has her stumbling into Henry Chilton’s life, and into his bed, in an unlikely pairing. High society or Goth girl, Henry is intrigued as they soon become partners in business and also survival.
The plot is complicated and each page turns reveals even more to the story. Alex is surrounded by mystery, but Henry sees underneath the surface to the true woman beneath. Pink hair and Goth clothes may not automatically bring to mind a comfort with high-end art or their accompanying social gatherings, but Alex can’t hide her knowledge of both. She has to use her intelligence to evade her pursuers and figure out a way to keep herself and her new friend safe.
Her concern for those around her is just one part of her personality that you can’t help but like. Henry can’t resist her despite all the questions he has. The unroyal royal is a handsome, all-around good guy who Alex can’t resist. Neither can I, actually. He’s nice, incredibly so; the care he takes with his family and strangers in need putting firmly him on the ‘nice guy’ list. Of course, being sexy doesn’t hurt, either. There are hidden depths to this mind-mannered professor that, luckily, we get to see more of as the story races along.
This story is romantic and suspenseful, opening up an intriguing world of art and espionage. There is love and violence in equal measure so turn the light on and grab that glass of wine. Survival is a bumpy ride! ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
February 22, 2015
An art appraiser on the run from an ex bent on ending her life risks everything to help a professor recover a stolen painting. The love story between Alex and Henry interweaves seamlessly into a gripping suspense plot that leaves the reader breathless. Romantic suspense at its finest!
April 24, 2015
Lies, deception, intrigue, lust, espionage & suspense...Untrue Colors has it all in abundance in this fast paced romantic suspense.
Alex Northrop has the ability to change her personality and appearance as easily as a chameleon changes colour. Being a polyglot adds unique credibility to each persona. As her “use by date” is due to permanently expire with her current boyfriend Luc Perrault, Alex needs to use these skills to escape Paris and save her own life. She manages to escape to England and ends up in the bed of a man who will change her life forever.
Henry Chilton, ex-Royal Navy and Professor of Anthropology at Oxford University aka Earl of Ripon! He may be a geek, but he's multifaceted too, but chooses to keep some sides well hidden. When a beautiful young woman ends up in his bed he is instantly drawn to her. It's when this enigmatic woman tells him his most valuable art piece is a fake, he's compelled to ask her to help him find his original family heirloom.
The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable as is their interaction with the supporting characters. The most significant ones being Simon (who needs his own book, please!) and Luc. The layering of the characters' personalities means you never quite know what to expect from them next, so their actions are far from predictable. Alex is a heroine who you'll respect because she's strong, practical, loyal with a generous dose of rebelliousness. Henry is an academic action man who's loyal, compassionate and caring.
The plot is well crafted, keeping us the readers on our toes the whole time. The geographical changes in the plot landscape adds addition interest without feeling overwhelmed with details. All this is wrapped up in a fascinating and intelligently written story based in the underground world of stolen art.
Untrue Colors is one of the best Romantic Suspense books I have read. As a “Yorkshire Lass,” - thank-you Veronica Forand for setting part of this wonderful story in Ripon, which left me feeling homesick in a positive way.
***arc generously received in exchange for an honest review***
Alex Northrop has the ability to change her personality and appearance as easily as a chameleon changes colour. Being a polyglot adds unique credibility to each persona. As her “use by date” is due to permanently expire with her current boyfriend Luc Perrault, Alex needs to use these skills to escape Paris and save her own life. She manages to escape to England and ends up in the bed of a man who will change her life forever.
Henry Chilton, ex-Royal Navy and Professor of Anthropology at Oxford University aka Earl of Ripon! He may be a geek, but he's multifaceted too, but chooses to keep some sides well hidden. When a beautiful young woman ends up in his bed he is instantly drawn to her. It's when this enigmatic woman tells him his most valuable art piece is a fake, he's compelled to ask her to help him find his original family heirloom.
The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable as is their interaction with the supporting characters. The most significant ones being Simon (who needs his own book, please!) and Luc. The layering of the characters' personalities means you never quite know what to expect from them next, so their actions are far from predictable. Alex is a heroine who you'll respect because she's strong, practical, loyal with a generous dose of rebelliousness. Henry is an academic action man who's loyal, compassionate and caring.
The plot is well crafted, keeping us the readers on our toes the whole time. The geographical changes in the plot landscape adds addition interest without feeling overwhelmed with details. All this is wrapped up in a fascinating and intelligently written story based in the underground world of stolen art.
Untrue Colors is one of the best Romantic Suspense books I have read. As a “Yorkshire Lass,” - thank-you Veronica Forand for setting part of this wonderful story in Ripon, which left me feeling homesick in a positive way.
***arc generously received in exchange for an honest review***
March 5, 2015
WOW - a great thriller with romance interwoven in it, I really enjoyed this book! It is a superbly written roller coaster ride that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from the very beginning.
Alex Northrop is a multilingual, highly rated art appraiser who is running for her life after seeing her cruel, domineering, criminal mastermind and art thief lover murder his sister and her boyfriend. Alex decides to get out whilst she’s still alive but knows he won’t let her go. She runs from France to England and ends up in Oxford. After seeing someone else murdered by Luc’s minions, she hides out at a party in a Professor Henry Chilton’s home. Now Henry isn’t a stereotypical professor - he’s a hunk, anthropologist, ex-military Earl, brilliant and sexy, too who lives with his half-brother, Simon. She has a superb eye for colours, style and technique so when she recognises that one of the paintings adorning the walls of his home is a fake, she tells Henry . . . . that’s when their of adventures and romance begin!
Changing her name, hair style and languages might mislead Luc but by venturing back into the art world she is leaving herself vulnerable to recognition and danger. Can she really help Henry without it costing her life? Who can she trust?
I highly recommend this brilliant, fast paced, thrilling book and will certainly be looking out for others by this author in future!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Alex Northrop is a multilingual, highly rated art appraiser who is running for her life after seeing her cruel, domineering, criminal mastermind and art thief lover murder his sister and her boyfriend. Alex decides to get out whilst she’s still alive but knows he won’t let her go. She runs from France to England and ends up in Oxford. After seeing someone else murdered by Luc’s minions, she hides out at a party in a Professor Henry Chilton’s home. Now Henry isn’t a stereotypical professor - he’s a hunk, anthropologist, ex-military Earl, brilliant and sexy, too who lives with his half-brother, Simon. She has a superb eye for colours, style and technique so when she recognises that one of the paintings adorning the walls of his home is a fake, she tells Henry . . . . that’s when their of adventures and romance begin!
Changing her name, hair style and languages might mislead Luc but by venturing back into the art world she is leaving herself vulnerable to recognition and danger. Can she really help Henry without it costing her life? Who can she trust?
I highly recommend this brilliant, fast paced, thrilling book and will certainly be looking out for others by this author in future!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2015
Gabi's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I was literally caught up in this story with the 3rd sentence. This book was so perfectly paced. It was full of suspense, thrill, understated sexy scenes and 2 HOT heroes. The writing was done so well that art history or anthropology seem interesting, and the characters are perfect for the story line. Henry and Alex fit so well together and Simon and Nicola were written as perfect supporting characters who didn't sit in the shadows or Steal the show either. And Luc was the perfect amount of scary a-hole for the whole story.
I think it shows what a great writer Veronica Forand is to have so many diverse characters such as , an abuser, a victim,an heiress, an earl, an arms dealer, an art dealer and black market dealer, and a couple trust fund babies all set in Europe and the US and have it all perfectly flow within the story. It was written to feel almost as if I was watching a movie or show.
I will say there was not the usual amount or descriptive sexy scenes, but I actually believe it made the book that much more in depth. It wasn’t griity and raw but still told the gritty and raw story. What a balanced book to say the least. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Maybe a book for Simon?
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I was literally caught up in this story with the 3rd sentence. This book was so perfectly paced. It was full of suspense, thrill, understated sexy scenes and 2 HOT heroes. The writing was done so well that art history or anthropology seem interesting, and the characters are perfect for the story line. Henry and Alex fit so well together and Simon and Nicola were written as perfect supporting characters who didn't sit in the shadows or Steal the show either. And Luc was the perfect amount of scary a-hole for the whole story.
I think it shows what a great writer Veronica Forand is to have so many diverse characters such as , an abuser, a victim,an heiress, an earl, an arms dealer, an art dealer and black market dealer, and a couple trust fund babies all set in Europe and the US and have it all perfectly flow within the story. It was written to feel almost as if I was watching a movie or show.
I will say there was not the usual amount or descriptive sexy scenes, but I actually believe it made the book that much more in depth. It wasn’t griity and raw but still told the gritty and raw story. What a balanced book to say the least. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Maybe a book for Simon?
Review copy provided for an honest review.
April 5, 2015
Thanks to the author for a free copy to read and review.
The blurb on this book just doesn't do it justice. I doubt I can either, but for a first read by this author it was fabulous! Alex Northrop's ex is hunting for her, and wants to see her dead because she knows too much. It seems Alex is a brilliant woman who is fully capable of taking care of herself. I like that in a main character. Alex is hurt after a run in with her ex's goons when she hides at the professors house during a party that she infiltrates. The professor is an all right guy. With one look at Alex though it seems like the professor is smitten. They both go on an adventure that is both romantic and daring. I enjoyed watching them both find romance during a difficult but adventurous time. Once I started I couldn't put it down. Overall entertainment is five stars.
The blurb on this book just doesn't do it justice. I doubt I can either, but for a first read by this author it was fabulous! Alex Northrop's ex is hunting for her, and wants to see her dead because she knows too much. It seems Alex is a brilliant woman who is fully capable of taking care of herself. I like that in a main character. Alex is hurt after a run in with her ex's goons when she hides at the professors house during a party that she infiltrates. The professor is an all right guy. With one look at Alex though it seems like the professor is smitten. They both go on an adventure that is both romantic and daring. I enjoyed watching them both find romance during a difficult but adventurous time. Once I started I couldn't put it down. Overall entertainment is five stars.
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May 1, 2015One of the best romantic suspense books I have ever read!
One of my favorite genres is romantic suspense and this book is definitely in my top favorites. The slow burning love story between Alex and Henry gripped me from page one. Henry is suave and charming and Alex is brave and intelligent. Just what you want in a couple and in characters! Loved this book so much and loved the supporting characters as well!
One of my favorite genres is romantic suspense and this book is definitely in my top favorites. The slow burning love story between Alex and Henry gripped me from page one. Henry is suave and charming and Alex is brave and intelligent. Just what you want in a couple and in characters! Loved this book so much and loved the supporting characters as well!
March 3, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. It was fast paced and very suspenseful but still had a sweet romance. At the end I was on the edge of my seat.
March 31, 2024
Spice: 2 peppers
If you’re looking for a palate cleanser in between reads, or if you’re a fan of stories packed with important topics, action, romance, and a hint of mystery, then this is the book for you.
UNTRUE COLORS is the first standalone in the romantic thriller series True Lies. The protagonist, Alex, is an art appraiser on the run from her abusive ex, a dangerous art dealer who wants to eliminate her after she discovers his illicit activities. She meets an English earl/Oxford professor, Henry, who is trying to create a safe haven for women in need, and though he doesn’t know her story, he offers her protection. While staying with Henry and his half-brother Simon, Alex discovers that Henry’s most prized possession, a portrait he needs to fund the women’s shelter, is a forgery. Henry needs Alex to locate the real painting, but helping him comes with its risks, seeing as it could bring Alex back in her ex’s path.
The book lends itself to quick binges because the pages flow effortlessly thanks to the fast pace of the plot, the compelling storyline and characters, and the romance between Alex and Henry. Their banter was fun and sweet, and Henry was the perfect man with the right amount of gentleness and determination to lead Alex out of the shadows of her past. But despite loving them so, my favorite character has to be Simon, Henry’s half-brother and agent of the MI6. Not only did we get to see a lot of the behind the scenes of international art intrigue through his POV, but he’s also the brand of alphahole that I adore. I’m very curious to read his book!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review. Opinions are my own.
If you’re looking for a palate cleanser in between reads, or if you’re a fan of stories packed with important topics, action, romance, and a hint of mystery, then this is the book for you.
UNTRUE COLORS is the first standalone in the romantic thriller series True Lies. The protagonist, Alex, is an art appraiser on the run from her abusive ex, a dangerous art dealer who wants to eliminate her after she discovers his illicit activities. She meets an English earl/Oxford professor, Henry, who is trying to create a safe haven for women in need, and though he doesn’t know her story, he offers her protection. While staying with Henry and his half-brother Simon, Alex discovers that Henry’s most prized possession, a portrait he needs to fund the women’s shelter, is a forgery. Henry needs Alex to locate the real painting, but helping him comes with its risks, seeing as it could bring Alex back in her ex’s path.
The book lends itself to quick binges because the pages flow effortlessly thanks to the fast pace of the plot, the compelling storyline and characters, and the romance between Alex and Henry. Their banter was fun and sweet, and Henry was the perfect man with the right amount of gentleness and determination to lead Alex out of the shadows of her past. But despite loving them so, my favorite character has to be Simon, Henry’s half-brother and agent of the MI6. Not only did we get to see a lot of the behind the scenes of international art intrigue through his POV, but he’s also the brand of alphahole that I adore. I’m very curious to read his book!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review. Opinions are my own.
March 10, 2015
When I think of romantic suspense I usually associate the books with military men going on crazy covert missions, or a good serial killer on the loose in a small town. So UNTRUE COLORS was a refreshing take on the genre and made for a unique and entertaining read.
The heroine, Alex, is a very talented art appraiser. She moved away from home to fulfill her desire of studying art, her one passion in life. While becoming very successful at that, she also attracted the attention of a bad guy. And now, she's on the run from her ex boyfriend who would rather see her dead since she knows too much from his activities. Alex is a very resourceful heroine for someone so young. She managed to keep herself safe for a while, all on her own, and come up with some good escape plans.
Then there's the hero, Henry, who is this weird mix of sweet and tough. Maybe a bit too many things mixed in his background for my taste. He's an Earl (yes, like a real Earl, owns a castle and everything!), ex military, and anthropology professor. See? Too many things here for me. However, I liked his character. He comes across subdued for most of the book, doesn't go guns blazing military style. He just wants to help Alex, and help himself in the process.
The romance between Henry and Alex is woven well between all the suspense, and it managed to keep the story a bit light instead of dark due to the subject nature. I do think that their connection wasn't as strong as I would've wanted it, but they made for a good couple of read about. All in all this story reminded me of that Thomas Crown Affair movie, with the art deals and thiefs. There's a little bit of intrigue, a little bit of romance, and the tone is kept refreshingly light and airy. It was a fast read!
I wish the issue of Alex's abuse was handled a bit better, I feel like the topic was pushed aside and solved quickly to be realistic.
I am interested to see where Henry's half brother Simon goes from here, I wasn't expecting that ending for him. Here's to hoping the next book is about him.
Favorite quote:
He didn't want to be a hero. He wanted a brandy, a good book, and a woman named Alex.
*ARC provided by author
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March 11, 2015
Untrue Colors, Veronica Forand
Genre: Mystery and thrillers, Romance
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
My first read by Veronica and what a read it is. I really enjoyed it. I enjoy a suspense novel that’s not too heavy, and this with the romance angle added was perfect for me.
Alex – wow – what’s she’s been through and yet she’s tough, still fighting and trying to stay alive. It must have been really hard for her, and poor Matt, how that must hurt her conscience, and its not her fault at all, she’s not to blame for her awful ex.
So, escaping from Luc once again by the skin of her teeth she ends up accepting some help from Henry. She thinks he’s a simple Professor, and Simon just his half brother – and they are, but they are also much much more. Henry is also an Earl, with a castle no less, but that’s not all he is either. Simon is suspicious of Alex, why is she on the run, and who from and what for – he wants to protect his brother and he can see already how Henry is drawn to her.
Henry needs help tracing a stolen painting, and after finding out why, Alex agrees to help him. Its for a cause dear to them both. It brings them into the murky and dangerous world of her ex though, where stolen arts are traded and the secret arms market reigns. Death and murder are everyday part of life in these underworld transactions. Its a great read, really sets a scene that feels genuine, and I loved the characters of Alex, Henry and Simon. They each had their own special qualities ( and talents) that shaped what happened. There are times when I really feared for what would happen. The suspense was perfect for me, letting me follow along with the story, taking wild guesses at what might happen ( and getting them wrong!). It’s perfectly paced, letting events flow very naturally and wasn’t one of those where everything is crammed into two days...but spread over a few weeks. The ending is climatic and the finale just so much what I wanted, and felt very satisfying.
.
Stars: five, a great story that for me was a great mix of mystery, suspense and romance.
ARC provided by Netgalley and publishers.
April 9, 2015
**This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review**
I really had a good time with this book. It was equal parts fun, suspenseful, action-packed and romantic. The characters were complex and interesting and their development and romantic progression throughout the plot was believable.
I've never read anything by Veronica Forand, so this was a bit of a gamble for me, but I don't regret it. I'd definitely read something else by this author.
UNTRUE COLORS follows young art appraiser Alex Northrop, who is on the run from an art thief, who is her ex-lover. While she's running off, trying to stay out of sight, she happens upon Professor Henry Chilton and through this encounter, she informs him that a painting his trying to use as collateral for a particular project... is fake. Together, they aim to keep her safe and solve the mystery about his painting... all while trying to fight their attraction for one another.
Seriously, one of the better contemporary romances that I've read in a while. The plot was very well written. It was equal parts mysterious, suspenseful and romantic. I didn't feel that the subplots over took the main focus of the story and I feel that our main characters pulled their equal weight. Alex was just as important as Henry and vice versa. The supporting cast of characters added to the story, as opposed to sucking it dry or being meaningless. It was just all a cohesive, entertaining read.
This is definitely a nice balance between this book being character driven and plot driven. It's more on the character driven side, but the plot really didn't have the ability to carry its own weight, if the characters didn't. The slow but deliberate progression of the romantic relationship between Henry and Alex was probably my favorite part of the book. She didn't just fall into his arms and forget her mission to stay alive... nor did she allow Henry to just step in and save the day. Alex definitely held her own. And I loved that.
Overall, I had a LOT of fun with this book. It was perfect, by any means, but I still enjoyed the experience. And I think a lot of others will too!
I really had a good time with this book. It was equal parts fun, suspenseful, action-packed and romantic. The characters were complex and interesting and their development and romantic progression throughout the plot was believable.
I've never read anything by Veronica Forand, so this was a bit of a gamble for me, but I don't regret it. I'd definitely read something else by this author.
UNTRUE COLORS follows young art appraiser Alex Northrop, who is on the run from an art thief, who is her ex-lover. While she's running off, trying to stay out of sight, she happens upon Professor Henry Chilton and through this encounter, she informs him that a painting his trying to use as collateral for a particular project... is fake. Together, they aim to keep her safe and solve the mystery about his painting... all while trying to fight their attraction for one another.
Seriously, one of the better contemporary romances that I've read in a while. The plot was very well written. It was equal parts mysterious, suspenseful and romantic. I didn't feel that the subplots over took the main focus of the story and I feel that our main characters pulled their equal weight. Alex was just as important as Henry and vice versa. The supporting cast of characters added to the story, as opposed to sucking it dry or being meaningless. It was just all a cohesive, entertaining read.
This is definitely a nice balance between this book being character driven and plot driven. It's more on the character driven side, but the plot really didn't have the ability to carry its own weight, if the characters didn't. The slow but deliberate progression of the romantic relationship between Henry and Alex was probably my favorite part of the book. She didn't just fall into his arms and forget her mission to stay alive... nor did she allow Henry to just step in and save the day. Alex definitely held her own. And I loved that.
Overall, I had a LOT of fun with this book. It was perfect, by any means, but I still enjoyed the experience. And I think a lot of others will too!
February 22, 2015
This is a fantastic romantic suspense novel! Well paced with great characters this is definitely one you want to read. Alex Northrop is on the run. After discovering her boyfriends less than legal art world dealings and escaping is attempt to murder her there is no one she can trust. When she crashes a college dinner party and meets Prof. Henry Chilton, she doesn't realize it, but she may have stumbled upon the one person she can not only trust but who will help her get her life back.
This is a great one and I definitely recommend it.
This is a great one and I definitely recommend it.
June 17, 2015
I've read many books claiming to be romantic suspense, but this is the real deal. The beautiful mix of art, arms dealings, and romance leave this well-crafted story chock full of excitement and energy. The characters were all exceptionally developed with many opportunities for spin off stories. I particularly appreciated Alex's strength and grit. I'm not sure I could've held up as well as she did under such gruesome circumstances, but the fact that she did, made me really admire her. This is a fantastic book I highly recommend.
March 6, 2015
This is the second book I have read by Veronica For and, the first being Flirting on Ice. Untrue Colors is riveting. I loved every action packed minute. It is loaded with intrigue and suspense. My favorite part is the interaction between Alex and Henry. I hope there will be more to come for their story. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review, which in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Read
March 19, 2015This was a really great read, I enjoyed it from the very beginning. It drew me in with all of the twists and turns and had all the things that make up a great suspense and of course romance!! Loved the hero and heroine in the book. I felt like Alex was a character that any woman could relate to which made me love the book even more.
This was my first book by Veronica Forand and I was not disappointed!
This was my first book by Veronica Forand and I was not disappointed!
April 10, 2015
I didn’t realise when I started reading this book that it’s a romantic thriller, but I will be fair and refrain from judging it on the basis of my disdain for the (extremely heterosexual) romance genre. The premise did catch my interest and the world of art and art stealing was a unique element to throw in the story. The characters, however, were really conveniently practical to the plot. Too conveniently practical. A woman who can identify the maker, composition, and date of art, furniture, and jewellery she’s never seen before, and knows 20 languages just so happens to run into a rich man with a castle and just the right resources, connections, and skills to help her. Okay. I am willing to suspend my disbelief somewhat because I do like intelligent female characters. I do not like Henry. And I do not like where the story went with Alex and Henry's relationship.
I feel like the author really wanted me to find Henry kind, noble, and generous. He helped out a strange woman who crashed his party! He wants to fund a battered women’s shelter! He hates Alex’s abuser and his own abusive father! He’s so sensitive! But for a man who’s supposedly knowledgeable about the effects of physical and sexual violence and sympathetic toward women who have been abused and raped, Henry inappropriately crosses Alex’s boundaries an awful lot.
This is after Alex leaves his house. They’ve known each other for one day.
They’ve known each other for about two days when Henry kisses her out of the blue. Talk about moving fast. Then he invents a fake engagement with Alex without telling her. Apparently, this is supposed to enable him to protect Alex better than he could without the risk of publicity. Uhhh??? She’s hiding from an abuser, you idiot! Oh, but she'll be protected as part of the family, Henry claims. If you want to use your family to protect Alex, then...tell your family that you want to fucking protect her. You’re an idiot, Henry.
This is the essence of Henry's thought process: When can we fuck? Can’t you just get over your trauma already? It’s making it hard for me to get my dick wet. :(
Oh but then she changes her mind and runs back to Henry's bed and apologises for being mean. By now they've known each other for a week.
Words really cannot express how much I do not want the image of women sucking dick in my mind, and if the apocalypse ever comes, books with scenes like that are the first things I'm going to use as fireplace fodder and toilet paper when the regular supplies run low. If you're going to make your female character, a rape victim no less, suck dick to reclaim her sexuality the absolute least you can do is make the male love interest return the pleasure. What I especially hate about this author doing it is that overcoming fear of sex with a man becomes, for Alex, the height of her character development. That’s what it seemed like anyway, since I’m reminded so often about how much she knows, how she is both well-educated and street-smart but she spends a good amount of time trying to hide or downplay her knowledge. The book is just so damn heavy on the romance (if you can even call it that) that the actual interesting and useful aspects of Alex's character are overshadowed, and other questions don't get answered. For example: How did Alex develop and practice her unique talent for art appraisal?
After a certain point I could no longer suspend my disbelief because Alex's abilities just start to sound magical. How does she acquire fluency in new languages in a few months with minimal exposure and little practice? Anyone who studies a foreign language can tell you how crucial it is to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible to learn it and read, write, and speak it continuously and whenever possible so you don't lose it. You are not going to become proficient in Russian by picking up some words from your Russian house maid.
Still, I won't mind too much about that. Multilingualism is underrated, and as I said, I like smart female characters.
the story has become a lot less about Alex and a lot more about Henry and Simon. Playing hero, getting revenge, and so on. I can’t imagine why, since Alex is smarter than both of them put together. Henry is fucking dumb.
And Henry, the expert on abused women, does not understand the most basic dynamics of abusive relationships.
I do appreciate the author's attempt to handle the subject of abuse because it is not an easy topic to write about, but even so, this book is just not for me.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
I feel like the author really wanted me to find Henry kind, noble, and generous. He helped out a strange woman who crashed his party! He wants to fund a battered women’s shelter! He hates Alex’s abuser and his own abusive father! He’s so sensitive! But for a man who’s supposedly knowledgeable about the effects of physical and sexual violence and sympathetic toward women who have been abused and raped, Henry inappropriately crosses Alex’s boundaries an awful lot.
This is after Alex leaves his house. They’ve known each other for one day.
“Henry, why are you torturing me? Let me go.” Her voice strained.His response?
“Get in the bloody car.”A little further down the same page:
“I have to leave. Please,” she pleaded.Not a fucking smart or considerate way to get a scared woman to trust you, Henry.
Her cheeks glowed red and puffy from exposure to the cold rain. She tried to pull herself free, but he wouldn’t let her go.
They’ve known each other for about two days when Henry kisses her out of the blue. Talk about moving fast. Then he invents a fake engagement with Alex without telling her. Apparently, this is supposed to enable him to protect Alex better than he could without the risk of publicity. Uhhh??? She’s hiding from an abuser, you idiot! Oh, but she'll be protected as part of the family, Henry claims. If you want to use your family to protect Alex, then...tell your family that you want to fucking protect her. You’re an idiot, Henry.
Gabe picked at her food, but somehow each bite looked like an erotic overture. Every time her mouth opened for another forkful of something, Henry’s blood burned. He couldn’t watch those pink lips wrap around the tines. Or how she pulled the fork from her mouth without parting her lips. She had to be doing this on purpose to drive him crazy.What the fuck is wrong with you, Henry.
“I’ll understand if you can’t, but I’m asking you to trust me tonight. All night.” […]She just said no, why would this thought even cross your mind??
“Thanks for the offer, but I can’t. Not yet.”
He kissed her on the cheek, and then strode off to find some scotch to prevent him from sneaking into her bedroom later to comfort her.
This is the essence of Henry's thought process: When can we fuck? Can’t you just get over your trauma already? It’s making it hard for me to get my dick wet. :(
Oh but then she changes her mind and runs back to Henry's bed and apologises for being mean. By now they've known each other for a week.
"I'm sorry I've been so unpleasant toward you."What is she apologising for? Is she saying she's sorry for shying away from his endless invasion of her space? I have no idea.
Henry had spent the entire afternoon intoxicated on Gabe's unique brand of sensuality. Her previous inhibitions created by a lowlife seemed to have evaporated. Playful, sexy, and adventurous in and out of bed, Gabe could satisfy a man for a lifetime.'Yaaaay, I can finally fuck Gabe without feeling guilty!' Fuck off, Henry.
"I'm more partial to romanticism. It sounds prettier." She giggled as though her whole purpose was to please the man in her life.How the fuck do you interpret information like that from a giggle?
As fascinating a prospect as that was, he loved standing beside a genius. He'd prefer to have a companion by his side who would challenge him, not just decorate him.Oh...right. Treating a woman like your sexual object would be fun but it wouldn't benefit you, because you personally want something more. Never mind that wanting a woman's purpose to be only to please the man in her life dehumanises women. Please die, Henry.
Words really cannot express how much I do not want the image of women sucking dick in my mind, and if the apocalypse ever comes, books with scenes like that are the first things I'm going to use as fireplace fodder and toilet paper when the regular supplies run low. If you're going to make your female character, a rape victim no less, suck dick to reclaim her sexuality the absolute least you can do is make the male love interest return the pleasure. What I especially hate about this author doing it is that overcoming fear of sex with a man becomes, for Alex, the height of her character development. That’s what it seemed like anyway, since I’m reminded so often about how much she knows, how she is both well-educated and street-smart but she spends a good amount of time trying to hide or downplay her knowledge. The book is just so damn heavy on the romance (if you can even call it that) that the actual interesting and useful aspects of Alex's character are overshadowed, and other questions don't get answered. For example: How did Alex develop and practice her unique talent for art appraisal?
After a certain point I could no longer suspend my disbelief because Alex's abilities just start to sound magical. How does she acquire fluency in new languages in a few months with minimal exposure and little practice? Anyone who studies a foreign language can tell you how crucial it is to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible to learn it and read, write, and speak it continuously and whenever possible so you don't lose it. You are not going to become proficient in Russian by picking up some words from your Russian house maid.
Still, I won't mind too much about that. Multilingualism is underrated, and as I said, I like smart female characters.
the story has become a lot less about Alex and a lot more about Henry and Simon. Playing hero, getting revenge, and so on. I can’t imagine why, since Alex is smarter than both of them put together. Henry is fucking dumb.
Alex is Gabe? […] What an idiot. He should have added two plus two and reached four.You don’t say, Henry! SHE TOLD YOU HER NAME!
And Henry, the expert on abused women, does not understand the most basic dynamics of abusive relationships.
“He beats the hell out of her and treats her with disdain. Why would she marry him?”No way! What did he think? That this woman ran to him with open arms and her personality and goals changed just like that? Henry would piss his pants if he heard about Stockholm Syndrome.
“Blackmail.”
[That] made sense.
I do appreciate the author's attempt to handle the subject of abuse because it is not an easy topic to write about, but even so, this book is just not for me.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
March 18, 2024
Rating: 4.5 stars
Spice: 2 peppers
The way I loved this book!
UNTRUE COLORS is the first book in a romantic thriller series—and fear not, it’s a series of standalones. (Although I really need book 2 because hello? It’s Simon’s book and I loved him!)
The story follows Alex, an American art appraiser in Europe who is running from her dangerous ex, Lux, an art dealer on the wrong side of the law. In England, Alex meets Henry, a charismatic cinnamon roll Oxford professor and earl who offers her a safe haven. Together, Alex and Henry discover a swap of Henry’s most prized portrait, which he needs to fund his women’s shelter. Their objective is to find the original, and Alex’s knowledge of art could be fundamental to retrieving it. But helping Henry comes with its dangers for Alex.
Add some undercover work, a fake engagement, and a wonderful romance with some mild but very well-done spice, and you have a very hooked me. The romance and characters in this book are wonderful. The good guys are impossible not to root for, and the bad guys are so well done you really want to see them burn in the fiery pits of hell. Alex and Henry have some seriously adorable and fun banter, but what I loved most about them was how PERFECT they were for each other. Alex has the sass that feeds Henry’s own, and Henry is the exact type of gentleman Alex needs, especially after the abuse she’s endured at the hands of her ex. I also love everything that has to do with mystery, intrigue, international espionage, so having the plot set within the shadows of the art world was something I really enjoyed reading, and perhaps that’s why I especially loved Simon’s character. Working in the MI6, he lives and breathes intrigue and espionage. He’s also darker and more alpha than Henry, his half-brother, so I loved the contrast. And yes, I have a weakness for brothers and both types of personalities.
Loved the resolution and how everything wrapped up and I’m SO excited to read about Simon now! (And I know I said this already but I can’t help myself.)
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
Spice: 2 peppers
The way I loved this book!
UNTRUE COLORS is the first book in a romantic thriller series—and fear not, it’s a series of standalones. (Although I really need book 2 because hello? It’s Simon’s book and I loved him!)
The story follows Alex, an American art appraiser in Europe who is running from her dangerous ex, Lux, an art dealer on the wrong side of the law. In England, Alex meets Henry, a charismatic cinnamon roll Oxford professor and earl who offers her a safe haven. Together, Alex and Henry discover a swap of Henry’s most prized portrait, which he needs to fund his women’s shelter. Their objective is to find the original, and Alex’s knowledge of art could be fundamental to retrieving it. But helping Henry comes with its dangers for Alex.
Add some undercover work, a fake engagement, and a wonderful romance with some mild but very well-done spice, and you have a very hooked me. The romance and characters in this book are wonderful. The good guys are impossible not to root for, and the bad guys are so well done you really want to see them burn in the fiery pits of hell. Alex and Henry have some seriously adorable and fun banter, but what I loved most about them was how PERFECT they were for each other. Alex has the sass that feeds Henry’s own, and Henry is the exact type of gentleman Alex needs, especially after the abuse she’s endured at the hands of her ex. I also love everything that has to do with mystery, intrigue, international espionage, so having the plot set within the shadows of the art world was something I really enjoyed reading, and perhaps that’s why I especially loved Simon’s character. Working in the MI6, he lives and breathes intrigue and espionage. He’s also darker and more alpha than Henry, his half-brother, so I loved the contrast. And yes, I have a weakness for brothers and both types of personalities.
Loved the resolution and how everything wrapped up and I’m SO excited to read about Simon now! (And I know I said this already but I can’t help myself.)
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
January 15, 2018
This book was so much more than was I was expecting when I went into it! I was pleasantly surprised with this read and I can't wait for more in this True Lies series from Veronica Forand.
Alex Nothrop is what I would call the black sheep of her family and comes from a very well known Boston family. When Alex decides to go off exploring on her own, she ends up with some of the not so good people. Her ex boyfriend, Luc, used some stolen art to fund his craziness and now he wants Alex dead because of what she knows. But if he figures out who she really is he is going to kill not only her but her whole family.
Alex ends up in someones bed and when he finds her, he knows immediately that there is something special about her. Professor Henry Chilton finds Alex in his bed one day and once he gets to know a little about her, she realizes that she has a vast knowledge of art. Alex reveals to him that one of this paintings that he has planned on selling to fund a women's shelter he has wanted to open is a fake. Henry is so impressed with Alex's knowledge of art that he knows just who to enlist to help him find the real painting- Alex!!
Will Alex be able to help Henry with getting the painting back without getting herself and Henry killed? You will have to read this one to find out. The sexual attraction between these two will leave you longing for more of them as well. Very well written and flows so easily. I can't wait for the next installment in the True Lies series!
Alex Nothrop is what I would call the black sheep of her family and comes from a very well known Boston family. When Alex decides to go off exploring on her own, she ends up with some of the not so good people. Her ex boyfriend, Luc, used some stolen art to fund his craziness and now he wants Alex dead because of what she knows. But if he figures out who she really is he is going to kill not only her but her whole family.
Alex ends up in someones bed and when he finds her, he knows immediately that there is something special about her. Professor Henry Chilton finds Alex in his bed one day and once he gets to know a little about her, she realizes that she has a vast knowledge of art. Alex reveals to him that one of this paintings that he has planned on selling to fund a women's shelter he has wanted to open is a fake. Henry is so impressed with Alex's knowledge of art that he knows just who to enlist to help him find the real painting- Alex!!
Will Alex be able to help Henry with getting the painting back without getting herself and Henry killed? You will have to read this one to find out. The sexual attraction between these two will leave you longing for more of them as well. Very well written and flows so easily. I can't wait for the next installment in the True Lies series!
March 21, 2015
Untrue Colors by Veronica Forand
Source: Author
My Rating: 4/5 stars
My Review:
Life for Professor Henry Chilton is relatively normal: he teaches archaeology at Oxford, he has both a castle and another smaller though still large and beautiful home, his half-brother shuttles him around when he (the half-brother) isn’t working some covert op and, he has a beautiful stranger sound asleep in his bed. I said life is relatively normal, I just didn’t say it was normal for most people
From the moment Henry meets Alex (aka Gabe) he knows several things: 1) she is not who she says she is; 2) she is on the run from something awful and; 3) she has turned his life and plans upside down when she ever so confidently announces that his painting, his thought to be priceless painting is in fact, a fake. All of Henry’s plans for the future and his castle are riding on the painting and to find out it is a fake from a complete stranger is unsettling to say the least. With few people he can trust and a lot of people depending on him, Henry turns to his brother, Simon. Simon’s life outside of Henry’s home is a mystery to most everyone and he likes it that way. His particular skill set is highly classified and he is ideally placed to help Henry uncover Alex’s true identity and recover his stolen painting.
Alex has only two goals: 1) stay alive and; 2) keep her family protected. Meeting Henry Chilton and stumbling into his stolen painting problem was not on the agenda when she stumbled into his home. On the run from a man she thought loved her and valued her abilities, Alex is constantly afraid and desperate to protect herself and her family. Henry and his home provide a great deal of protection and he is willing to protect her but Alex doesn’t want one more life on her hands. Unfortunately, Henry is a very stubborn man and when he realizes Alex may be able to set everything in his world back to rights, he concocts a plan that will either help them or hurt them both. There is a small window of time for Henry to recover his painting and with Alex by his side and his half-brother’s connections, Henry may just be able to help a lot of people and save a damsel in distress.
What Alex isn’t quite prepared for is the sheer determination and level of evil possessed by the man hunting her. He is a whole new level of evil and is willing to kill anyone and destroy anything in his path in order to achieve his goals. Alex is simply a loose end that must be tied up and in order to do that, he takes her from Henry and forces her to submit to his will. What Alex doesn’t know is that Henry is also very determined and willing to go to great lengths to ensure her life and her safety. Even with his own plans hanging in the balance, Henry and Simon work together to get Alex back.
The Bottom Line: Untrue Colors is a fine read that takes the reader through a variety of locales, a variety of emotions and, a variety of action-packed moments. Henry Chilton is not at all what he appears to be and is just the right kind of nerd. He is physically quite capable, very adept in a physical confrontation, intelligent beyond reason and, possesses a wonderfully caring side. Time and time again, Henry proves his loyalty toward and affection for Alex, he goes to great lengths to make her comfortable and restore her faith in both men and love. He is kind and patient though never a pushover and those are all very endearing qualities in a man. Alex is young but no longer naïve. Her experiences with her ex taught her a lot of valuable lessons and unfortunately, the most potent lesson was fear. Henry is a cat of a different color and though Alex has a hard time trusting, Henry Chilton is hard to resist. His painting, his life, his affection and, his plans for the future are terribly hard to resist and Alex finds herself desperately hoping for a future of her own with the man she loves. Untrue Colors is an easy read to fall into and Henry is certainly the star of the show for me. Alex’s knowledge and confidence when she is discussing art are some of her finer moments and by the end of the read, I was all kinds of rooting for Alex and Henry. My only real complaint regarding this read is Simon and his ending. Simon is a very strange character with some excellent and awful moments and by the end of the read, he is in a very desperate way and there is just no resolution for him. I suspect there is to be a second book dedicated to Simon and his story but as of this writing, I can’t find an announcement but certainly do I hope there will be one soon
Source: Author
My Rating: 4/5 stars
My Review:
Life for Professor Henry Chilton is relatively normal: he teaches archaeology at Oxford, he has both a castle and another smaller though still large and beautiful home, his half-brother shuttles him around when he (the half-brother) isn’t working some covert op and, he has a beautiful stranger sound asleep in his bed. I said life is relatively normal, I just didn’t say it was normal for most people
From the moment Henry meets Alex (aka Gabe) he knows several things: 1) she is not who she says she is; 2) she is on the run from something awful and; 3) she has turned his life and plans upside down when she ever so confidently announces that his painting, his thought to be priceless painting is in fact, a fake. All of Henry’s plans for the future and his castle are riding on the painting and to find out it is a fake from a complete stranger is unsettling to say the least. With few people he can trust and a lot of people depending on him, Henry turns to his brother, Simon. Simon’s life outside of Henry’s home is a mystery to most everyone and he likes it that way. His particular skill set is highly classified and he is ideally placed to help Henry uncover Alex’s true identity and recover his stolen painting.
Alex has only two goals: 1) stay alive and; 2) keep her family protected. Meeting Henry Chilton and stumbling into his stolen painting problem was not on the agenda when she stumbled into his home. On the run from a man she thought loved her and valued her abilities, Alex is constantly afraid and desperate to protect herself and her family. Henry and his home provide a great deal of protection and he is willing to protect her but Alex doesn’t want one more life on her hands. Unfortunately, Henry is a very stubborn man and when he realizes Alex may be able to set everything in his world back to rights, he concocts a plan that will either help them or hurt them both. There is a small window of time for Henry to recover his painting and with Alex by his side and his half-brother’s connections, Henry may just be able to help a lot of people and save a damsel in distress.
What Alex isn’t quite prepared for is the sheer determination and level of evil possessed by the man hunting her. He is a whole new level of evil and is willing to kill anyone and destroy anything in his path in order to achieve his goals. Alex is simply a loose end that must be tied up and in order to do that, he takes her from Henry and forces her to submit to his will. What Alex doesn’t know is that Henry is also very determined and willing to go to great lengths to ensure her life and her safety. Even with his own plans hanging in the balance, Henry and Simon work together to get Alex back.
The Bottom Line: Untrue Colors is a fine read that takes the reader through a variety of locales, a variety of emotions and, a variety of action-packed moments. Henry Chilton is not at all what he appears to be and is just the right kind of nerd. He is physically quite capable, very adept in a physical confrontation, intelligent beyond reason and, possesses a wonderfully caring side. Time and time again, Henry proves his loyalty toward and affection for Alex, he goes to great lengths to make her comfortable and restore her faith in both men and love. He is kind and patient though never a pushover and those are all very endearing qualities in a man. Alex is young but no longer naïve. Her experiences with her ex taught her a lot of valuable lessons and unfortunately, the most potent lesson was fear. Henry is a cat of a different color and though Alex has a hard time trusting, Henry Chilton is hard to resist. His painting, his life, his affection and, his plans for the future are terribly hard to resist and Alex finds herself desperately hoping for a future of her own with the man she loves. Untrue Colors is an easy read to fall into and Henry is certainly the star of the show for me. Alex’s knowledge and confidence when she is discussing art are some of her finer moments and by the end of the read, I was all kinds of rooting for Alex and Henry. My only real complaint regarding this read is Simon and his ending. Simon is a very strange character with some excellent and awful moments and by the end of the read, he is in a very desperate way and there is just no resolution for him. I suspect there is to be a second book dedicated to Simon and his story but as of this writing, I can’t find an announcement but certainly do I hope there will be one soon
March 10, 2015
In Untrue Colors by Veronica Forand, Alex is an expert art appraiser who finds herself on the run, her life in danger after falling for the wrong man. Estranged from her prominent family in the US but still not wanting to endanger them, she flees to Oxford, England. There she becomes a chameleon and blends in with the university crowd as she figures out her next move. Alex, aka "Gabe", meets Henry when her past is fast catching up to her and she needs to hide. Henry is an Earl, a professor, former military and so much more. He immediately knows Alex is running from something or someone, but she won't tell him what or who.
Despite Alex having her secrets, Henry wants to help her. He wants to keep her safe, and soon he finds himself wanting her as a woman also. The attraction is mutual, but Alex is scared, and the feelings Henry evokes in her are new for her. She's not sure who to trust. Henry is sure he trusts Alex though, and for various reasons, Alex is soon agreeing to help him find a painting that has been stolen from him. Even if this means she'll be closer than ever to the danger she's desperate to escape from. Henry wants to protect her, and he finds himself wanting a future with her, but Alex is keeping her secrets carefully guarded.
When her secrets are finally uncovered will it be too late to save her?
Untrue Colors is a fast paced, intriguing, edge of your seat romantic suspense with an international flare! Veronica blends suspense, action and romance perfectly in Untrue Colors. She even managed to catch me very off guard which was so unexpected it added a great twist to the plot.
I love how Veronica built up all the players in the story, from the main characters Alex and Henry to Henry's brother Simon and the evil Luc. She slowly peels away their layers, but still leaves you wanting more with each page. Alex is brave, brilliant, determined and independent. She was a bit frustrating though because she was so determined not to let anyone help her or know her secrets for fear of putting them in danger, but they were already in danger just from her being with them. So I felt like she was kind of leaving Alex especially in the dark a little too much. Watching her grow and bloom after what she's been through was very rewarding though, and I liked the way Veronica did not sugar coat Alex's experiences. I also liked that as scared as Alex was, she was cautious but she didn't hold what happened to her against all men. There is so much more to Henry than what meets the eye, and even Alex doesn't realize how much. I liked his character. He was protective, strong and caring with out being over bearing or full of himself.
I really liked the secondary characters in Untrue Colors, and found Simon, Henry's brother especially intriguing. I'm really hoping there is a follow up book with him, because I feel like that was the only part of the story that was unfinished for me and that was a little disappointing.
I also love the main setting of Oxford, it is perfect for this book! The title is also perfect...you will find out why when you read the book!
Easy to become absorbed in and feel part of, I'd recommend Untrue Colors to any romantic suspense reader!
Despite Alex having her secrets, Henry wants to help her. He wants to keep her safe, and soon he finds himself wanting her as a woman also. The attraction is mutual, but Alex is scared, and the feelings Henry evokes in her are new for her. She's not sure who to trust. Henry is sure he trusts Alex though, and for various reasons, Alex is soon agreeing to help him find a painting that has been stolen from him. Even if this means she'll be closer than ever to the danger she's desperate to escape from. Henry wants to protect her, and he finds himself wanting a future with her, but Alex is keeping her secrets carefully guarded.
When her secrets are finally uncovered will it be too late to save her?
Untrue Colors is a fast paced, intriguing, edge of your seat romantic suspense with an international flare! Veronica blends suspense, action and romance perfectly in Untrue Colors. She even managed to catch me very off guard which was so unexpected it added a great twist to the plot.
I love how Veronica built up all the players in the story, from the main characters Alex and Henry to Henry's brother Simon and the evil Luc. She slowly peels away their layers, but still leaves you wanting more with each page. Alex is brave, brilliant, determined and independent. She was a bit frustrating though because she was so determined not to let anyone help her or know her secrets for fear of putting them in danger, but they were already in danger just from her being with them. So I felt like she was kind of leaving Alex especially in the dark a little too much. Watching her grow and bloom after what she's been through was very rewarding though, and I liked the way Veronica did not sugar coat Alex's experiences. I also liked that as scared as Alex was, she was cautious but she didn't hold what happened to her against all men. There is so much more to Henry than what meets the eye, and even Alex doesn't realize how much. I liked his character. He was protective, strong and caring with out being over bearing or full of himself.
I really liked the secondary characters in Untrue Colors, and found Simon, Henry's brother especially intriguing. I'm really hoping there is a follow up book with him, because I feel like that was the only part of the story that was unfinished for me and that was a little disappointing.
I also love the main setting of Oxford, it is perfect for this book! The title is also perfect...you will find out why when you read the book!
Easy to become absorbed in and feel part of, I'd recommend Untrue Colors to any romantic suspense reader!
March 16, 2015
I’m a big fan of romantic suspense and loved the thriller aspect that Untrue Colors added to the mix. The story was original, the characters multi-dimensional, and it was paced perfectly to keep me turning the pages to get to the end. There was a lot going on in this story and the author does a nice job introducing characters and giving you the backstory you need, when you need it, to help understand the actions and emotions of the characters.
Henry was an interesting hero for me. It was tough to peg him in a role – you could feel his alpha side wanting to come out when it came to Alex, but it usually sat at a simmer and never got to a full boil – which was one of the reasons he was so good for Alex. But one thing I wish would have been more developed and explored was Henry’s military service – since he is now just a university professor, Alex constantly underestimates Henry’s ability to protect her, and he really doesn't do much to plead his case otherwise. I would love to have seen Henry shock Alex a time or two with his abilities – nothing too crazy since Alex was running from an overbearing, abusive ex, but just a little show of alpha once or twice. I did love Henry’s sweet side, and loved how Alex snuck her way in to his heart without him realizing it.
Alex was strong, but because of her situation she has started doubting her own judgement. This of course leads her to make some decisions that don’t turn out so good for her or the people that have helped her. Knowing her background and what she is running from, it was easy to understand why she continually second guesses herself, but it was frustrating at times, especially when it came to trusting Henry.
The secondary characters added great color and additional depth to the story. From Henry’s half-brother Simon, who was easy to love and hate, to Luc, the abusive ex who threatens anyone and everyone who gets in his way, each character in this book added another layer to the plot and helped weave the story together.
This was a great read that had a gritty layer to it that added to the romantic suspense aspect of the story, making it a real thriller. The darkness in Luc added an edge to the story that I really enjoyed. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who likes their romantic suspense served with a bit of a dark edge.
I received a copy of this book from the Author for an honest review.
Henry was an interesting hero for me. It was tough to peg him in a role – you could feel his alpha side wanting to come out when it came to Alex, but it usually sat at a simmer and never got to a full boil – which was one of the reasons he was so good for Alex. But one thing I wish would have been more developed and explored was Henry’s military service – since he is now just a university professor, Alex constantly underestimates Henry’s ability to protect her, and he really doesn't do much to plead his case otherwise. I would love to have seen Henry shock Alex a time or two with his abilities – nothing too crazy since Alex was running from an overbearing, abusive ex, but just a little show of alpha once or twice. I did love Henry’s sweet side, and loved how Alex snuck her way in to his heart without him realizing it.
He kissed the top of her head, ignoring his yearning to kiss her lips. Her body shivered as her arms circled his waist, and she hugged him close. Nothing had ever fit his body so perfectly. Nobody had ever fit his body so perfectly. She’d have a hard time getting rid of him. She needed a guardian angel, and he’d just appointed himself to the task.
Alex was strong, but because of her situation she has started doubting her own judgement. This of course leads her to make some decisions that don’t turn out so good for her or the people that have helped her. Knowing her background and what she is running from, it was easy to understand why she continually second guesses herself, but it was frustrating at times, especially when it came to trusting Henry.
The secondary characters added great color and additional depth to the story. From Henry’s half-brother Simon, who was easy to love and hate, to Luc, the abusive ex who threatens anyone and everyone who gets in his way, each character in this book added another layer to the plot and helped weave the story together.
This was a great read that had a gritty layer to it that added to the romantic suspense aspect of the story, making it a real thriller. The darkness in Luc added an edge to the story that I really enjoyed. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who likes their romantic suspense served with a bit of a dark edge.
I received a copy of this book from the Author for an honest review.
March 14, 2015
A romantic thriller with just the right mix of romance and suspense.
As is common in this genre the protagonists although very likeable and engaging are very 'romantic fiction' in their make up.
On the run from an ex boyfriend, Alex is beautiful and super intelligent. She speaks multiple languages and is an art expert with the ability to detect forgeries even though she had no formal training. She comes from a wealthy and politically connected American family and, wanting to escape her domineering father, changes her name after running away to Europe.
Henry is a professor, a rich Earl with a big castle and country estate which he is turning into a women's shelter. He is also a formal member of the SBS, the special forces unit of the British naval service and has a has a half brother who is a member of MI6.
Luckily for Alex, it is Henry's dinner party that she gate crashes after escaping another attempt on her life by her ex.
Henry has used a family heirloom as collateral to help fund his women's shelter and is shocked when Alex informs him that his piece of art is a fake. He is determined to get the original back and offers Alex a place to stay in exchange for her help. Unwittingly, this puts Alex back in the middle of the dangerous underworld of stolen art and arms deals in which Luc, her ex boyfriend, is heavily involved. Alex has to dodge Luc and his henchmen but it is only a matter of time before her past catches up to her and she has no choice but to sacrifice herself in order to save those she loves.
The suspense element in 'Untrue Colors' was cleverly done. The villains were quite evil and Alex had a lot to contend with when she was under their control. There was a certain sense of doom when Luc got hold of Alex, as it was clear that her experience would be a whole lot more than simply being tied up or locked away waiting for the hero to come to the rescue.
Alex is a more gutsy character than that. She has to think on her feet and take chances in order to escape her ordeal, even if it means dying in the process.
Henry was a sweet kind of a character; a very American view of an English gentleman more suited to a historical romance, but nonetheless enjoyable as a romantic figure and I enjoyed the growing friendship and romance between the pair. Henry's brother, Simon, also cuts a fine and mysterious figure. His character is darker and more cynical in nature than Henry's but he is there for his brother and Alex when they need him.
I really hope Simon gets his own story next. With his alpha persona and MI6 background I'm sure his story would be charged with intrigue and excitement.
As is common in this genre the protagonists although very likeable and engaging are very 'romantic fiction' in their make up.
On the run from an ex boyfriend, Alex is beautiful and super intelligent. She speaks multiple languages and is an art expert with the ability to detect forgeries even though she had no formal training. She comes from a wealthy and politically connected American family and, wanting to escape her domineering father, changes her name after running away to Europe.
Henry is a professor, a rich Earl with a big castle and country estate which he is turning into a women's shelter. He is also a formal member of the SBS, the special forces unit of the British naval service and has a has a half brother who is a member of MI6.
Luckily for Alex, it is Henry's dinner party that she gate crashes after escaping another attempt on her life by her ex.
Henry has used a family heirloom as collateral to help fund his women's shelter and is shocked when Alex informs him that his piece of art is a fake. He is determined to get the original back and offers Alex a place to stay in exchange for her help. Unwittingly, this puts Alex back in the middle of the dangerous underworld of stolen art and arms deals in which Luc, her ex boyfriend, is heavily involved. Alex has to dodge Luc and his henchmen but it is only a matter of time before her past catches up to her and she has no choice but to sacrifice herself in order to save those she loves.
The suspense element in 'Untrue Colors' was cleverly done. The villains were quite evil and Alex had a lot to contend with when she was under their control. There was a certain sense of doom when Luc got hold of Alex, as it was clear that her experience would be a whole lot more than simply being tied up or locked away waiting for the hero to come to the rescue.
Alex is a more gutsy character than that. She has to think on her feet and take chances in order to escape her ordeal, even if it means dying in the process.
Henry was a sweet kind of a character; a very American view of an English gentleman more suited to a historical romance, but nonetheless enjoyable as a romantic figure and I enjoyed the growing friendship and romance between the pair. Henry's brother, Simon, also cuts a fine and mysterious figure. His character is darker and more cynical in nature than Henry's but he is there for his brother and Alex when they need him.
I really hope Simon gets his own story next. With his alpha persona and MI6 background I'm sure his story would be charged with intrigue and excitement.
September 16, 2015
3.5 stars
When I think of romantic suspense I usually associate the books with military men going on crazy covert missions, or a good serial killer on the loose in a small town. So UNTRUE COLORS was a refreshing take on the genre and made for a unique and entertaining read.
The heroine, Alex, is a very talented art appraiser. She moved away from home to fulfill her desire of studying art, her one passion in life. While becoming very successful at that, she also attracted the attention of a bad guy. And now, she’s on the run from her ex boyfriend who would rather see her dead since she knows too much from his activities. Alex is a very resourceful heroine for someone so young. She managed to keep herself safe for a while, all on her own, and come up with some good escape plans.
Then there’s the hero, Henry, who is this weird mix of sweet and tough. Maybe a bit too many things mixed in his background for my taste. He’s an Earl (yes, like a real Earl, owns a castle and everything!), ex military, and anthropology professor. See? Too many things here for me. However, I liked his character. He comes across subdued for most of the book, doesn’t go guns blazing military style. He just wants to help Alex, and help himself in the process.
The romance between Henry and Alex is woven well between all the suspense, and it managed to keep the story a bit light instead of dark due to the subject nature. I do think that their connection wasn’t as strong as I would’ve wanted it, but they made for a good couple of read about. All in all this story reminded me of that Thomas Crown Affair movie, with the art deals and thiefs. There’s a little bit of intrigue, a little bit of romance, and the tone is kept refreshingly light and airy. It was a fast read!
I wish the issue of Alex’s abuse was handled a bit better, I feel like the topic was pushed aside and solved quickly to be realistic.
I am interested to see where Henry’s half brother Simon goes from here, I wasn’t expecting that ending for him. Here’s to hoping the next book is about him.
Favorite quote:
He didn’t want to be a hero. He wanted a brandy, a good book, and a woman named Alex.
*ARC provided by author
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