Dangerous Lies

by Lisa April Smith

The trial had everything an ambitious prosecuting attorney could a solid case against a known crimelord and a seductively beautiful witness with a steamy past - ingredients guaranteed to pack a courtroom." From its first line, Dangerous Lies entices. Alternately raw, romantic, funny, and terrifying, this racy new thriller has two unforgettable protagonists. Tina Davis is the former mob mistress who inexplicably risks her life. Jake Stern, is the prosecuting attorney who hides a crippling fear behind a handsome stoic mask. Repelled by her past and obsessed with her presence, it's Jake's job to keep Tina alive.

Genres: Fiction

254 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

Lisa April Smith is the award winning author of "Dangerous Lies," "Exceeding Expectations" first in the 'Charlie' series, "Paradise Misplaced," second in the series and her latest, "The Second Best Time," third in the series - launch date 1/1/2016- all in the genre she playfully calls “Suspense with Sizzle." But perhaps one reviewer succinctly said it best: “Lisa April Smith’s books have the pace and heat of Jacqueline Susann and the style and sophistication of Dominick Dunne.”

Her fourth book, "Forgotten Tales of China," is her first venture into historical fiction, and has received reviews. Epic in scope, it skillfully blends scientific data with Smith’s acknowledged gift for storytelling.

Reviews

[Tammy Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It opens with a high profile court case focusing on Joe Scarpia, a member of the mob. Agreeing to testify against him is the star of the hugely followed case, Tina Davis. Beautiful and mysterious this woman is associated with some of the biggest names in the mob and she captures the attention of the nation. Jake Stern, who is the assistant DA and lead prosecutor cannot keep his eyes off her but considers her role as a mob moll to be beneath him.
After a glimpse of the future by way of the opening court scene, Lisa Smith takes us back through the lives of Tina and Jake starting at childhood. Their stories reveal complex characters that have been crafted by the author in believable fashion. What makes Jake Stern choose a career in the DA's office as opposed to being a high profile attorney? Why would a young, innocent and charming 15yr old girl agree to become mistress to a much older mob boss?

Here is the book summary:The trial had everything an ambitious prosecuting attorney could want: a solid case against a known crimelord and a seductively beautiful witness with a steamy past - ingredients guaranteed to pack a courtroom." From its first line, Dangerous Lies entices. Alternately raw, romantic, funny, and terrifying, this racy new thriller has two unforgettable protagonists. Tina Davis is the former mob mistress who inexplicably risks her life. Jake Stern, is the prosecuting attorney who hides a crippling fear behind a handsome stoic mask. Repelled by her past and obsessed with her presence, it's Jake's job to keep Tina alive.

This was such a fun and interesting story. I loved the several relationships that are depicted in Dangerous Lies. The secondary characters are just as entertaining as the main ones. It is a pleasing mix of Drama, Romance, Intrigue and suspense.
I highly recommend this to all!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

some harsh, some scary, all good.

Major trigger warnings here!
There are some very Harsh chapters, some very scary chapters, hopeful, loving, and fun. This was a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I Loved it!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the closest to Mario Puzo's "Godfather" I've read in many years; especially written by a woman author. And, believe me, I hate to make that distinction, but in this case it needs to be made because Lisa Smith has the skill and the stuff it takes to tell us a good mafia story.

Anyone who reads the book will not be able to resist reading it into the small hours of the night. The protagonist, Tina, is beautiful and innocent when she's first pulled into the view of the underworld by her father, who liked to live dangerously within reach of those who could kill him with the snap of a finger. She was a beautiful and innocent, bearly teen aged child in a convent school, when she took rides and candy from a stunningly handsome, blue-eyed, Sicilian mob boss after her father died. And, she was destined because of love for a gangster moll's lifestyle whether she chose it or not for years after that.

Lisa Smith's novel is absorbing and beautifully written. She's spares not one single word in the telling. There are details so well-defined and artistically sculpted that you can live in the majestic lifestyle Tina becomes accustomed to. Mobsters may be dangerous, but they know how to live the high life, and they often have a certain eloquence at the top that's indicative of their rank. And, let's just say that Lisa couldn't write about some of these things unless she's lived them, too, I think. I'm talking about the literary, arts and fine dining, of course.

The story of Tina, her life as a gangster lover, her child-bearing years and the final years of her dealings with the mob is a fascinating one. I'm having a difficult time conveying how much I loved this book. Other than saying it is a book anyone who loves a true story about the mafia would drool over, I don't know what more I can say.

It's hard to believe Ms Smith didn't know some of these characters...but she's not telling....

5 stars

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the heroine of this novel immensely. She had a fascinating story. I've always love reading about the mob world (because organized crime fascinates me?) and her story was so involved. I also loved seeing her find a way to fight back against the people who hurt her by testifying.

The novel is broken up into many small chapters and, after an initial courtroom scene featuring Tina Davis as the primary witness, we begin when Bettina Berenson was a child. Alternating between scenes from Tina's chilhood we get a glimpse of the world that Jake Stern (prosecuting attorney) grew up in. When the novel catches up with itself we get to know Jake a little better. He is a passionate attorney working for the State of New York and his big case of the moement features Tina as the star witness.

I never grew to love Jake. He was an unlikely hero and even in the moments when I thought he was going to win me over he stopped just short of doing what I felt he should do. He was judgmental too. I didn't like that at all. But that is me not liking the character, not disliking the book!

I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone, but I wasn't crazy about it. Not that it wasn't a fine ending, and probably the one that made the most sense, it just wasn't what I wanted to see.

The book was well written and I have to say I was completely caught up in it. There were a handful of distracting typos in the book that should have been caught in the editing process, but it was a very enjoyable read.

Lisa Smith is about to come out with a new book Exceeding Expectations. I hope to be able to check that one out as well!

[Gigi Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first line "Dangerous Lies" turns up the heat:
“The trial had everything an ambitious prosecuting attorney could want: a solid case against a known crimelord and a seductively beautiful witness with a steamy past -- ingredients guaranteed to pack a courtroom.”

Two equally fascinating protagonists:
Tina Davis, former mob mistress and key witness for the prosecution...
Rejected by both parents until she turns thirteen and her father, reveling in the attention his stunning daughter generates, begins taking the impressionable girl with him – to the track, to prizefights, to nightclubs. When he dies, the despondent fifteen-year-old is easy prey for a charismatic mob-lord.

Assistant DA Jake Stern, fines everything about Tina Davis disturbs him: her sultry beauty, her sordid past, the way she walks, crosses her legs, the annoying admiration of the cops she worked with. Why did she risk her life to get him the evidence he needs and what secrets is she still hiding? But Jake’s questions will go permanently unanswered if he’s
unable to keep her alive.

My Thoughts...

Each year I read a few books out of my comfort zone, "Dangerous Lies" is one of those books. This book has been on my TBR pile for a year or two so this week I decided to it was time to read it.

For anyone who likes mysteries and stories about the mob this book is for you. Even though it was out of my Comfort Reading Zone I have to admit it kept me turning pages right to the end.

This book is a part of my Nook library and I liked it enough to award it 4 stars.

[Charla Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful and it will keep you glued to every page. The heroine is Bettina Berenson, but, Bettina is not just an ordinary woman. Bettina is not only drop dead gorgeous, but gutsy and intelligent. Even though she is smart, she still manages to get involved with some dangerous characters, and every time it seems that her life is finally on the right track, she gets thrown a curve ball that takes her down a different path. She eventually gets herself involved with some mafia types and has to testify against them which puts her life in danger. The characters in this story are very well developed and the story is written so well that you cannot help but get drawn into the action. This is the type of story that you can't stop thinking about when your not reading. When your not reading it, all you want to do is stop what your doing and get right back to the story. After the first few chapters, you can't seem to turn the pages fast enough to find out what is going to happen next. I just can't stress enough that the depth of the characters is so profound that you cannot help but get caught up in the action.
Please visit my book review blog at http://booktalkswithcharla.blogspot.com

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous Lies is an interesting view into how our past can help to shape our future lives. Ms. Smith draws you right into the story by first setting the scene in the present..a smart, beautiful former mistress of a mob boss, who is now a key witness in the trial of a gangster and the prosecuting attorney who is intrigued by her. The story then takes us into the past to explore the upbringing of both characters.

Dangerous Lies is a well written and intriguing book. I really liked the characters. They were well written and well fleshed out. Tina is a strong and ambitious women. After reading about her past, you can't help but understand how she got to this point in her life. I really liked her. The mystery was full of suspense and tension. I'm not sure I liked the ending. It wasn't what I was hoping for, but I can see why it ended the way it did.

I definitely recommend this throwback. Ms. Smith has a new book coming out soon and I look forward to reading more by her!

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book a thrilling read. I admit, I do love the "mob" stories. I grew up in Chicago, (Al Capone, Tony Lombardo, Bugs Moran, Sam Giancana among others). I grew up hearing of stories of the mob, reading of them in the local papers and seeing them on the local news. Lisa wrote a book that reminded me of those stories. Excellent characters, compelling story, well written. It's a win. Full review on my blog Alaskanbookcafe.

*An Ebook copy was given to me for review by the author. No compensation was offered or received. No promise of a good review was made. Opinions expressed are solely mine.*

[Leah James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story that kept me clicking the pages on my Kindle. :-) Love the heroine and the way her character was drawn, a fascinating mix of strength and vulnerability. I'm not too sure about the hero. He's not all that likeable (to me), but I believe that was the intent (to show his weaknesses). This book is a perfect illustration of a love story that would not be considered a "romance," as defined by market/genre standards.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh I loved this story of redemption so much. I dearly wanted a 2nd book or a different ending (some might disagree) but it was still incredible.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the beginning of this book, but as the story progressed I was disappointed at the lack of tension that I felt from the suspense that was supposed to be happening. This was a book I purchased on Amazon for $2.99 and I was surprised at the number of typographical errors and the poor quality of editing of this book.