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Scarlet #1
Scarlet Lies
Lies are beautiful – when the truth hurts.
Sixteen years ago, Scarlet’s family sent her away in disgrace. She’s been back once – with disastrous consequences. Now, her little sister is getting married and Scarlet's headed home once more. Will this be the reunion she's always longed for? Or will the lies of her childhood entangle her once more in their beautiful embrace?
She has a nightmarish fear of flying and she’s escorting her sister’s wedding dress through three different time zones. He’s the tall, dark and handsome stranger that gets in her way… What happens when Scarlet has to go home to be bridesmaid to her least favorite little sister, (who loves to remind everyone she’s a former beauty Queen EVERY OTHER MINUTE?) Can she survive three weeks of tropical heat and mosquitos, droves of busybody relatives all wanting to tell her WHY she’s still single as she endures the wedding from hell? Six hundred guests, three wedding dresses, twenty-four cake tiers, fifteen bridesmaids, a mother on a mission to makeover her daughter who ‘lacks ambition,’ and ONE deliciously divine man who alternately renders her speechless then drives her to outrage - all add up to a recipe for disaster. Or does it?
More than 'just a romance', this poignant story about the tangled connections between mothers, daughters and sisters - speaks with compelling insight and humor, of inherited trauma, desire and deception, and the power and stubbornness of love.
Sixteen years ago, Scarlet’s family sent her away in disgrace. She’s been back once – with disastrous consequences. Now, her little sister is getting married and Scarlet's headed home once more. Will this be the reunion she's always longed for? Or will the lies of her childhood entangle her once more in their beautiful embrace?
She has a nightmarish fear of flying and she’s escorting her sister’s wedding dress through three different time zones. He’s the tall, dark and handsome stranger that gets in her way… What happens when Scarlet has to go home to be bridesmaid to her least favorite little sister, (who loves to remind everyone she’s a former beauty Queen EVERY OTHER MINUTE?) Can she survive three weeks of tropical heat and mosquitos, droves of busybody relatives all wanting to tell her WHY she’s still single as she endures the wedding from hell? Six hundred guests, three wedding dresses, twenty-four cake tiers, fifteen bridesmaids, a mother on a mission to makeover her daughter who ‘lacks ambition,’ and ONE deliciously divine man who alternately renders her speechless then drives her to outrage - all add up to a recipe for disaster. Or does it?
More than 'just a romance', this poignant story about the tangled connections between mothers, daughters and sisters - speaks with compelling insight and humor, of inherited trauma, desire and deception, and the power and stubbornness of love.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2015
37 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Lani Wendt Young
27 books433 followersLani Young is an international bestselling author of YA fantasy, contemporary romance and literary fiction. The 2018 Pacific Laureate, her work is inspired by the diverse mythology of Oceania and the richness of her cultural heritage as a Samoan and Maori woman.
When she's not writing (or reading), she's baking cookies, talking to dogs, and trying to do triathlons.
She lives in Samoa and New Zealand with her Ironman husband and four children.
When she's not writing (or reading), she's baking cookies, talking to dogs, and trying to do triathlons.
She lives in Samoa and New Zealand with her Ironman husband and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 5, 2023
#ReadAroundTheWorld #Samoa
This is a chick-lit rom-com featuring big, beautiful brown girl Scarlet, by Samoan author, Lani Wendt Young. Scarlet had left Samoa years before, her family believing she had brought shame on them. She is returning now for her sister’s wedding and meets a handsome stranger Jackson on the plane. The family she returns to is full of warmth and affection but also petty squabbles, sibling rivalry and plenty of blunt advice for the plus-sized and single Scarlet.
Rom-com is not really my genre of choice but on the positive side at least this one gives some insight into Samoan family life. Scarlet also puts a different spin on romance with her detailed sweet food analogies. On the negative side I don’t really enjoy the insta-love (well more precisely lust) trope and the need to be perpetually reiterating the hero’s physical traits every time he appears. I was also sad that Scarlet felt a handsome man wouldn’t be interested in a fat girl. At least he proved her wrong on this front. There is only really one sex scene in this book and there are suggestions of previous sexual trauma in Scarlet’s teenage years, but the details are not stated. Overall this was a good story, if I’m going to read rom-com let it be Samoan! 3.5 stars for me.
This is a chick-lit rom-com featuring big, beautiful brown girl Scarlet, by Samoan author, Lani Wendt Young. Scarlet had left Samoa years before, her family believing she had brought shame on them. She is returning now for her sister’s wedding and meets a handsome stranger Jackson on the plane. The family she returns to is full of warmth and affection but also petty squabbles, sibling rivalry and plenty of blunt advice for the plus-sized and single Scarlet.
Rom-com is not really my genre of choice but on the positive side at least this one gives some insight into Samoan family life. Scarlet also puts a different spin on romance with her detailed sweet food analogies. On the negative side I don’t really enjoy the insta-love (well more precisely lust) trope and the need to be perpetually reiterating the hero’s physical traits every time he appears. I was also sad that Scarlet felt a handsome man wouldn’t be interested in a fat girl. At least he proved her wrong on this front. There is only really one sex scene in this book and there are suggestions of previous sexual trauma in Scarlet’s teenage years, but the details are not stated. Overall this was a good story, if I’m going to read rom-com let it be Samoan! 3.5 stars for me.
March 29, 2015
This is my first book by this author. This story is labelled as romantic comedy, a genre I have not read much of.
This is Part 1 of a 3 Part Story. Book 2 will be out by 30 April and the final book will be out in May.
This is Scarlet and Jackson's story. Scarlet is a plus sized woman with a vivid imagination and the story is told from her prospective. She belongs to a large family most of whom are horrible to her because they all believe she brought shame and pain to the family when she was around 14 years old.
The scene that had me laughing the most and is my favourite in the book is when she meets her love interest Jackson on an aeroplane, on her way home to her sister's wedding. I was laughing my head off. There are other great laugh out loud moments in this story. The author gives an honest prospective on what it can be like being a plus sized woman in lots of different circumstances that will have you laughing!
I really enjoyed this story and I cannot wait for books 2 to come out in April. I would highly recommend this book.
This is Part 1 of a 3 Part Story. Book 2 will be out by 30 April and the final book will be out in May.
This is Scarlet and Jackson's story. Scarlet is a plus sized woman with a vivid imagination and the story is told from her prospective. She belongs to a large family most of whom are horrible to her because they all believe she brought shame and pain to the family when she was around 14 years old.
The scene that had me laughing the most and is my favourite in the book is when she meets her love interest Jackson on an aeroplane, on her way home to her sister's wedding. I was laughing my head off. There are other great laugh out loud moments in this story. The author gives an honest prospective on what it can be like being a plus sized woman in lots of different circumstances that will have you laughing!
I really enjoyed this story and I cannot wait for books 2 to come out in April. I would highly recommend this book.
August 31, 2021
I grabbed this off the YA New Books shelf for lockdown reading as I love Lani's Afakasi Woman which was one of my top books of last year and should have won the YA book award last year in my opinion. So was looking forward to this. First thing about this book, it's not YA, although I think lots of young adults would enjoy it, so will get it moved to the Adult collection. Secondly, it's Romance - not my favourite genre. Thirdly, I totally loved it! I haven't read romance for years, but this is just so delightful and funny. and I whipped through it desperate to see what would happen in the end. Scarlet is hilarious and real and so who you'd want to hang out with at the dreaded family wedding. Lani's ability to recreate the nuances of family life, with all the good and the bad, is as honest and open as in the fantastic Afakasi Woman stories. Absolutely can't stand not knowing what happens and being in lockdown so I can get the next installment - great entertaining read and a new 'literary' heroine who likes eating cake as much as I do. Rawe, rawe, rawe!!
March 22, 2019
Samoan Chick flick/rom-com 😍 captivated me from start to finish. Plus size girl trying to overcome her life experiences, meets tall handsome dream guy. But goes through a few insecurities, family drama and judgement. She refers her dream guy to the yummiest description by using her favourite desserts lol which i LOVE!. This book had me in fits, LAUGHING OUT LOUD! Waiting for the 2nd book 🙌
December 31, 2015
What can I say about this book! I absolutely loved every bit of it! "Scarlet Lies" book 1 & 2 are probably one of my favorite books this year, just waiting so very impatiently for book 3.....
Scarlet is a Samoan woman who flies back to her home country for her sister's wedding. The events on the plane and her homecoming were hilarious; her matter of fact nature is so cute, and her love of food is a crack up. ((She is such a relatable heroine, I would definitely be friends with her :)) However, her relationship with her family is rough, it's strained by lies, and cultural expectations; it's truly heartbreaking to read at times.
And then there's Jackson - nothing more to say about this awesome man!!!! This Author is wonderful, I think she can do no wrong in the writing world.
Scarlet is a Samoan woman who flies back to her home country for her sister's wedding. The events on the plane and her homecoming were hilarious; her matter of fact nature is so cute, and her love of food is a crack up. ((She is such a relatable heroine, I would definitely be friends with her :)) However, her relationship with her family is rough, it's strained by lies, and cultural expectations; it's truly heartbreaking to read at times.
And then there's Jackson - nothing more to say about this awesome man!!!! This Author is wonderful, I think she can do no wrong in the writing world.
April 3, 2015
Real, hilarious, fun...
I love how Lani writes. Such raw honesty is the best platform for humor and storytelling. Scarlet is both strong and fragile, confident and horribly self conscious, just like most of us truly are. I knew I'd love this book, and I wasn't disappointed!
I love how Lani writes. Such raw honesty is the best platform for humor and storytelling. Scarlet is both strong and fragile, confident and horribly self conscious, just like most of us truly are. I knew I'd love this book, and I wasn't disappointed!
March 31, 2015
Here is another book that was hard to put down!!! #hilarious
May 25, 2017
I loved it. I love Scar. Jackson is bae *swoon*
The storyline is amazing. A very accurate portrayal of Samoan families.
I just loved it.
The storyline is amazing. A very accurate portrayal of Samoan families.
I just loved it.
November 6, 2019
Scarlet is a big, brown, bold, and beautiful bakery assistant living in Las Vegas Nevada who has been (unwantedly) called to attend her baby sister's wedding back home in Samoa. Ridiculously fearful of flying, she bumps (literally - head into lap first) into a tall, dark and handsome stranger on her flight, but that is only the beginning of her nightmare.
After being away from her home for sixteen years, Scarlet isn't sure she can survive the gossip, the drama, her bride-to-be little sister's melodramatic theatrics, her mother's unnecessary "advice" on how to be a respectable woman, and the fact that pretty much everyone on the island is aware of her presence and everything that happened sixteen years ago. Throw in a - what is sure to be - wedding from hell and deliciously divine man who enjoys rendering Scarlet speechless with his wit and impressive physique that has her asking "Jason Momoa who???", this trip back home is sure to be one hell of ride.
✨
• Best Points: SCARLET. LOVE HER HUMOUR. IT'S HUMOUR THAT I RELATE TO ON SO MANY LEVELS. I found myself laughing in nearly every chapter at either her wit, her sarcasm, her interactions with her nieces and nephews, or her constant comparing of Jackson to decadent desserts. SPEAKING OF JACKSON --
• Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✨
OK, this book is EVERYTHING! I am always down to support my WOC authors - ESPECIALLY my Polynesian/Pacific Island story-tellers and being that I am a fan of the Telesā (regardless that I really did not like Leila lol), I had kept 'Scarlet Lies' on my reading list for an overdue period of time. And boy, did I regret not reading this book sooner.
Let's start with Scarlet. I just - I relate to her on so many different levels and there are so many woman in my life who remind me of Scarlet because they have similar personality traits as she does. I can't help but really adore her and want her to live her best life and have the happiest ending because she really deserves it. If I was to give Scarlet her own theme song, the Hairspray number 'Big, Blonde & Beautiful' (the Queen Latifah version) comes to mind. She is big, brown and proud of who she is and what she does, and if that ain't the confidence I aspire to have, then throw me away. And I mean, what kind of human would Scarlet be if she didn't have her faults? While she is proud of her own personal achievements, she uses binge-eating (and self-deprecating humour) to mask her personal insecurities and self-doubts in many, if not all, situations. And honestly? If that ain't the most relatable toxic trait as a plus-size, Pacific Island woman, then I don't know what is.
Reading Scarlet's familial interactions felt too real. From her 'neutral' stance with her nieces and nephews (it isn't the truth if you don't have ONE favourite child) and promises of sweets; to her robotic and inconspicuous eye-rolling "yes, aunty" responses whenever she was in the presence of the aunties in the kitchen helping prepare the food (funeral, birthday, and family reunion flashbacks are REAL fam!); and to the personal opinions about religious-philosophies-on-the-world-we-live-in-today-that-we-can't-actually-express-to-our-Pacific-Island-relatives-who-are-deeply-rooted-in-the-church, I felt like I was reading flashbacks of my own life.
And of course, I have to talk about Jackson. LORD. JESUS. WHEW. I-- OK, I was really enamoured by Lani Wendt Young's story-telling of Daniel Tahi in Telesa: The Covenant Keeper, but her description and creation of Jackson Emery is just -- ugh -- *chef's kiss*. Like, I truly want to know who she envisioned when describing him with his caramel eyes, long hair and olive skin cus I'm thinking of Boo Boo Stewart meets Rudy Youngblood meets Chaske Spencer. And like, he's so nice? A cheeky bugger with a strong flirt streak, but he's so nice to Scarlet and really likes her beyond her looks and finds her funny and endearing and just...just call me a #JacksonAppreciation stan and let me live my life.
OK. I'm rambling.
Overall, I really love this book and I'm way too freaking excited to read the second and third installments because I just cannot sit here and be happy with the way it ended in the first installment. Excuse me?! You give me all of that build up - ALL OF THEM - and I have to wait anxiously to see how their romance progresses? How Jackson plans on making Scarlet drunk on him (SHE ALREADY IS BTW)? How Scarlet deals with being back "home" and dealing with all of THAT mess? How the wedding goes?
TL;DR this book is one of my all-time faves and I might actually just purchase the set once I've read the final two books.
After being away from her home for sixteen years, Scarlet isn't sure she can survive the gossip, the drama, her bride-to-be little sister's melodramatic theatrics, her mother's unnecessary "advice" on how to be a respectable woman, and the fact that pretty much everyone on the island is aware of her presence and everything that happened sixteen years ago. Throw in a - what is sure to be - wedding from hell and deliciously divine man who enjoys rendering Scarlet speechless with his wit and impressive physique that has her asking "Jason Momoa who???", this trip back home is sure to be one hell of ride.
✨
• Best Points: SCARLET. LOVE HER HUMOUR. IT'S HUMOUR THAT I RELATE TO ON SO MANY LEVELS. I found myself laughing in nearly every chapter at either her wit, her sarcasm, her interactions with her nieces and nephews, or her constant comparing of Jackson to decadent desserts. SPEAKING OF JACKSON --
• Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✨
OK, this book is EVERYTHING! I am always down to support my WOC authors - ESPECIALLY my Polynesian/Pacific Island story-tellers and being that I am a fan of the Telesā (regardless that I really did not like Leila lol), I had kept 'Scarlet Lies' on my reading list for an overdue period of time. And boy, did I regret not reading this book sooner.
Let's start with Scarlet. I just - I relate to her on so many different levels and there are so many woman in my life who remind me of Scarlet because they have similar personality traits as she does. I can't help but really adore her and want her to live her best life and have the happiest ending because she really deserves it. If I was to give Scarlet her own theme song, the Hairspray number 'Big, Blonde & Beautiful' (the Queen Latifah version) comes to mind. She is big, brown and proud of who she is and what she does, and if that ain't the confidence I aspire to have, then throw me away. And I mean, what kind of human would Scarlet be if she didn't have her faults? While she is proud of her own personal achievements, she uses binge-eating (and self-deprecating humour) to mask her personal insecurities and self-doubts in many, if not all, situations. And honestly? If that ain't the most relatable toxic trait as a plus-size, Pacific Island woman, then I don't know what is.
Reading Scarlet's familial interactions felt too real. From her 'neutral' stance with her nieces and nephews (it isn't the truth if you don't have ONE favourite child) and promises of sweets; to her robotic and inconspicuous eye-rolling "yes, aunty" responses whenever she was in the presence of the aunties in the kitchen helping prepare the food (funeral, birthday, and family reunion flashbacks are REAL fam!); and to the personal opinions about religious-philosophies-on-the-world-we-live-in-today-that-we-can't-actually-express-to-our-Pacific-Island-relatives-who-are-deeply-rooted-in-the-church, I felt like I was reading flashbacks of my own life.
And of course, I have to talk about Jackson. LORD. JESUS. WHEW. I-- OK, I was really enamoured by Lani Wendt Young's story-telling of Daniel Tahi in Telesa: The Covenant Keeper, but her description and creation of Jackson Emery is just -- ugh -- *chef's kiss*. Like, I truly want to know who she envisioned when describing him with his caramel eyes, long hair and olive skin cus I'm thinking of Boo Boo Stewart meets Rudy Youngblood meets Chaske Spencer. And like, he's so nice? A cheeky bugger with a strong flirt streak, but he's so nice to Scarlet and really likes her beyond her looks and finds her funny and endearing and just...just call me a #JacksonAppreciation stan and let me live my life.
OK. I'm rambling.
Overall, I really love this book and I'm way too freaking excited to read the second and third installments because I just cannot sit here and be happy with the way it ended in the first installment. Excuse me?! You give me all of that build up - ALL OF THEM - and I have to wait anxiously to see how their romance progresses? How Jackson plans on making Scarlet drunk on him (SHE ALREADY IS BTW)? How Scarlet deals with being back "home" and dealing with all of THAT mess? How the wedding goes?
TL;DR this book is one of my all-time faves and I might actually just purchase the set once I've read the final two books.
January 21, 2023
I read this book as part of my quest to read a book written by an author from each of the 196 countries in the world. The author of this book is from Samoa.
The first thing that struck me about this book was how 'American' it sounded. I don't mean that in a negative way - it's just that since the author grew up on a tropical island on the other side of the world, I would think that her writing and perspectives would be different! She is the author of 15 books and one of her aims is to show that love stories and 'American' romances can be set in her culture just as easily.
I enjoyed the story as it went on but it goes a bit overboard with the cliches. Scarletta (Scar) lives in the US where she fled when she was banished from Samoa by her family. She is a heavier girl and constantly puts herself down because of her weight. She is tasked with bringing her sister one of her wedding dresses to Samoa. On the plane, she meets Jackson, a handsome, buff young man. They hit it off on the plane, though she can't imagine that he actually likes her.
They again run into each other. Scar continually puts herself down and is convinced that he is 'out of her league'. She also constantly focuses on his physical characteristics - so much so that it becomes annoying.
This is book one of 3 in a series and it ends rather abruptly!
The first thing that struck me about this book was how 'American' it sounded. I don't mean that in a negative way - it's just that since the author grew up on a tropical island on the other side of the world, I would think that her writing and perspectives would be different! She is the author of 15 books and one of her aims is to show that love stories and 'American' romances can be set in her culture just as easily.
I enjoyed the story as it went on but it goes a bit overboard with the cliches. Scarletta (Scar) lives in the US where she fled when she was banished from Samoa by her family. She is a heavier girl and constantly puts herself down because of her weight. She is tasked with bringing her sister one of her wedding dresses to Samoa. On the plane, she meets Jackson, a handsome, buff young man. They hit it off on the plane, though she can't imagine that he actually likes her.
They again run into each other. Scar continually puts herself down and is convinced that he is 'out of her league'. She also constantly focuses on his physical characteristics - so much so that it becomes annoying.
This is book one of 3 in a series and it ends rather abruptly!
May 20, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed Scarlet Lies, the first book in the Scarlet Series, by Lani Wendt Young, an author of Samoan and Maori heritage who resides in both Samoa (which, I learned, is not the same thing as American Samoa) and New Zealand.
Lani brings her Samoan culture to life through her rich descriptions of her land, food, and family dynamics and interwoven seamlessly with her local dialect. Anyone with an extended family unit will laugh and sympathize at the familial antics and complicated relationships, and it is so telling about any type of Asian or Pacific Islander culture to show love through food.
I also enjoyed her heroine, a full-bodied woman who, despite her insecurities and reluctance to return home, loves fiercely and has a wicked sense of humor. The scene on the plane made me laugh, too. #iykyk
Aaaand maybe I was drawn into choosing this book with its beautiful cover including the same hibiscus flower that I have as my one and only (so far) tattoo 🌺
My only complaint is that, while the book ended well enough, it was clearly not the conclusion, so I guess I’ll be jumping into book 2 to chase down my #HEA. Not a heavy burden to bear. 😉
Lani brings her Samoan culture to life through her rich descriptions of her land, food, and family dynamics and interwoven seamlessly with her local dialect. Anyone with an extended family unit will laugh and sympathize at the familial antics and complicated relationships, and it is so telling about any type of Asian or Pacific Islander culture to show love through food.
I also enjoyed her heroine, a full-bodied woman who, despite her insecurities and reluctance to return home, loves fiercely and has a wicked sense of humor. The scene on the plane made me laugh, too. #iykyk
Aaaand maybe I was drawn into choosing this book with its beautiful cover including the same hibiscus flower that I have as my one and only (so far) tattoo 🌺
My only complaint is that, while the book ended well enough, it was clearly not the conclusion, so I guess I’ll be jumping into book 2 to chase down my #HEA. Not a heavy burden to bear. 😉
January 20, 2022
Scar is such a powerful and real character. That being said, the negative self-talk / self deprecation was A LOT. There were also hints of sexual abuse, self-harm, and substance abuse. So if you’re going through your own issues with any of that, I would say maybe think of reading something else.
I give props to the author for not shying away from Scar’s very real and complicated feelings toward her family and the harm they’ve done to her for so many years. Though it was heavy, the wholesome chunks (where Scar is enveloped in the love that her nieces and nephews have for her, great vibes from Jackson) made up for it.
I give props to the author for not shying away from Scar’s very real and complicated feelings toward her family and the harm they’ve done to her for so many years. Though it was heavy, the wholesome chunks (where Scar is enveloped in the love that her nieces and nephews have for her, great vibes from Jackson) made up for it.
October 2, 2023
First book pick of Pasifika Book Club
Cute & quick read.
There's a dash of humor. There's romance, some triggers, relatable characters & a mystery? What really happened to Scarlet?
I feel for Scarlet, being the eldest girl of 3 girls & her father a pastor. The pressure from her family & her community. Everyone "knows" what Scarlet did to lose HER virginity when she was younger. Everyone also has opinions on why she's 30, plus size & still single. She bears the brunt of the island's gossip & her family's shame. She escaped, has a life off island, why return?
Cute & quick read.
There's a dash of humor. There's romance, some triggers, relatable characters & a mystery? What really happened to Scarlet?
I feel for Scarlet, being the eldest girl of 3 girls & her father a pastor. The pressure from her family & her community. Everyone "knows" what Scarlet did to lose HER virginity when she was younger. Everyone also has opinions on why she's 30, plus size & still single. She bears the brunt of the island's gossip & her family's shame. She escaped, has a life off island, why return?
April 1, 2024
An interesting read, being set in Samoa, but I didn't enjoy it very much. Although it is listed as adult fiction, it has a very adolescent feel, & I couldn't engage with the characters at all. There are some amusing moments in amongst Scarlet's sometimes unpleasant family relationships & expectations, her earlier trauma & very low self-esteem. Jackson provides a bit of sparkle, & I'm very pleased that the climax is rather special for Scar. I'm happy to have read this but I doubt I'll look for the next book in the series.
December 31, 2023
This is such a fun book! Scarlet is hilarious and her quick wit and self deprecating humor had me laughing out loud in many parts of this book. However along with the funny came deep pain and darkness. She is far more complex than any of her family gives her credit for.
Set in Samoa, Scarlet Lies is a romance, but also a story of going home again and facing past fears and injustices. I’m glad to see this is a series and I can’t wait to see where Scarlet and Jackson go next.
Set in Samoa, Scarlet Lies is a romance, but also a story of going home again and facing past fears and injustices. I’m glad to see this is a series and I can’t wait to see where Scarlet and Jackson go next.
May 12, 2017
Funny and laugh-out-loud reading
Reading this was like reading my own journal. There were some funny laugh-out-loud moments that made me look around the room to make sure I was on my own. Scar's character is funny but frustrating at times. I learnt a lot about desserts in this book. There were some grammatical errors that editing hadn't picked up but overall it was a fun read.
Reading this was like reading my own journal. There were some funny laugh-out-loud moments that made me look around the room to make sure I was on my own. Scar's character is funny but frustrating at times. I learnt a lot about desserts in this book. There were some grammatical errors that editing hadn't picked up but overall it was a fun read.
April 14, 2019
Yassss!!!!
Omg, I love Scarlet and her personality. Oh and Jackson, I totally ship him and Scarlet. I love, love, love this book! Just like the first one 💯
Omg, I love Scarlet and her personality. Oh and Jackson, I totally ship him and Scarlet. I love, love, love this book! Just like the first one 💯
September 16, 2021
Great book!
Very easy to read, great humor, love the way she describes parts of our culture. Very truthful, humorous and unapologetic. Loved it!
Very easy to read, great humor, love the way she describes parts of our culture. Very truthful, humorous and unapologetic. Loved it!
November 20, 2021
Gorgeous
So much Samoa! Yet so much any other proud culture. While I usually give books that feel somewhat incomplete poor reviews, this was worth it.
So much Samoa! Yet so much any other proud culture. While I usually give books that feel somewhat incomplete poor reviews, this was worth it.
July 8, 2023
So fun!!!
February 22, 2024
Language
September 21, 2025
bro honestly in love with this series, it's raw real and sexy
December 29, 2023
Hi,
Really funny 😁
It’s lore than a love story, it’s about reconstruction and self love and overcome past trauma.
Emilie
Really funny 😁
It’s lore than a love story, it’s about reconstruction and self love and overcome past trauma.
Emilie
October 21, 2015
OMG I freakin' love Scar!! She is freakin' hilarious, quirky, and cracks me the hell up. She is really hard on herself and at times I wanted to shake her but at the same time be strong for her and kick ass and take names on her behalf. BUT...based on the interactions with her family and an obviously hurtful past, it's clear why she is always down on herself. I love how she is an undercover blogger because it gives us insight on her "true" self/feelings that she keeps hidden from the rest of the world. It's where she can vent and speak freely! There is tons of family drama that you don't want to miss out on. Enter Jackson...*sighing dreamily*...he is exactly what Scar needs even though her emotions are at war with herself because she can't believe this FINE, HOT as hell man is attracted to her.
Scar is a BBW (Big Beautiful Woman) but she pretty much keeps denying their attraction to each other because of their physical appearances. She also doesn't really give him a chance and keeps telling him they don't fit/match and so on. So what does Jackson do? He responds by showing her. Because action after all speaks louder than words. Ohhhweee his lips show her..mmhmm that lucky bitch! LOL! Every time they run into each other, they continue to flirt and their attraction to each other continues to build into this smoldering heat. That slow burn gets hotter and hotter, where it starts to smoke and oh good lawd help us all when those two combust into an open flame and are on FIYYYAAAAHHHHH!!!
It was a very entertaining read and I want more NOW! I mean who wouldn't especially with a cliffy like this:
"We're not done Scarlet. Trust me, when we finally make love, the only thing you will be drunk on - is me."
Awwww suki suki now! HOT DAMN! It's a fast, hot, funny read! Definitely a page turner and it never gets boring. There are times that I get get hungry because of all the delicious treats she goes on about, lol. But it meshes well because she works at a bakery, her description fits exactly what she is envisioning, loves to eat and owns it! I love that!
I can't wait for part 2 so please hurry eeeeek!!! Freakin' Awesome job Lani! TWO THUMBS UP & A CHAAA-HOOOO!!!
Scar is a BBW (Big Beautiful Woman) but she pretty much keeps denying their attraction to each other because of their physical appearances. She also doesn't really give him a chance and keeps telling him they don't fit/match and so on. So what does Jackson do? He responds by showing her. Because action after all speaks louder than words. Ohhhweee his lips show her..mmhmm that lucky bitch! LOL! Every time they run into each other, they continue to flirt and their attraction to each other continues to build into this smoldering heat. That slow burn gets hotter and hotter, where it starts to smoke and oh good lawd help us all when those two combust into an open flame and are on FIYYYAAAAHHHHH!!!
It was a very entertaining read and I want more NOW! I mean who wouldn't especially with a cliffy like this:
"We're not done Scarlet. Trust me, when we finally make love, the only thing you will be drunk on - is me."
Awwww suki suki now! HOT DAMN! It's a fast, hot, funny read! Definitely a page turner and it never gets boring. There are times that I get get hungry because of all the delicious treats she goes on about, lol. But it meshes well because she works at a bakery, her description fits exactly what she is envisioning, loves to eat and owns it! I love that!
I can't wait for part 2 so please hurry eeeeek!!! Freakin' Awesome job Lani! TWO THUMBS UP & A CHAAA-HOOOO!!!
December 2, 2015
OMG I freakin' love Scar!! She is freakin' hilarious, quirky, and cracks me the hell up. She is really hard on herself and at times I wanted to shake her but at the same time be strong for her and kick ass and take names on her behalf. BUT...based on the interactions with her family and an obviously hurtful past, it's clear why she is always down on herself. I love how she is an undercover blogger because it gives us insight on her "true" self/feelings that she keeps hidden from the rest of the world. It's where she can vent and speak freely! There is tons of family drama that you don't want to miss out on. Enter Jackson...*sighing dreamily*...he is exactly what Scar needs even though her emotions are at war with herself because she can't believe this FINE, HOT as hell man is attracted to her.
Scar is a BBW (Big Beautiful Woman) but she pretty much keeps denying their attraction to each other because of their physical appearances. She also doesn't really give him a chance and keeps telling him they don't fit/match and so on. So what does Jackson do? He responds by showing her. Because action after all speaks louder than words. Ohhhweee his lips show her..mmhmm that lucky bitch! LOL! Every time they run into each other, they continue to flirt and their attraction to each other continues to build into this smoldering heat. That slow burn gets hotter and hotter, where it starts to smoke and oh good lawd help us all when those two combust into an open flame and are on FIYYYAAAAHHHHH!!!
It was a very entertaining read and I want more NOW! I mean who wouldn't especially with a cliffy like this:
"We're not done Scarlet. Trust me, when we finally make love, the only thing you will be drunk on - is me."
Awwww suki suki now! HOT DAMN! It's a fast, hot, funny read! Definitely a page turner and it never gets boring. There are times that I get get hungry because of all the delicious treats she goes on about, lol. But it meshes well because she works at a bakery, her description fits exactly what she is envisioning, loves to eat and owns it! I love that!
I can't wait for part 2 so please hurry eeeeek!!! Freakin' Awesome job Lani! TWO THUMBS UP & A CHAAA-HOOOO!!!
Scar is a BBW (Big Beautiful Woman) but she pretty much keeps denying their attraction to each other because of their physical appearances. She also doesn't really give him a chance and keeps telling him they don't fit/match and so on. So what does Jackson do? He responds by showing her. Because action after all speaks louder than words. Ohhhweee his lips show her..mmhmm that lucky bitch! LOL! Every time they run into each other, they continue to flirt and their attraction to each other continues to build into this smoldering heat. That slow burn gets hotter and hotter, where it starts to smoke and oh good lawd help us all when those two combust into an open flame and are on FIYYYAAAAHHHHH!!!
It was a very entertaining read and I want more NOW! I mean who wouldn't especially with a cliffy like this:
"We're not done Scarlet. Trust me, when we finally make love, the only thing you will be drunk on - is me."
Awwww suki suki now! HOT DAMN! It's a fast, hot, funny read! Definitely a page turner and it never gets boring. There are times that I get get hungry because of all the delicious treats she goes on about, lol. But it meshes well because she works at a bakery, her description fits exactly what she is envisioning, loves to eat and owns it! I love that!
I can't wait for part 2 so please hurry eeeeek!!! Freakin' Awesome job Lani! TWO THUMBS UP & A CHAAA-HOOOO!!!
Read
November 28, 2015CAPTIVATING & HILARIOUS AF
Seriously cracked up from the beginning of til the end with no sleep in between should be indication enough of how much I enjoyed and loved reading another epic series by the beautiful Lani Wendt! Thank you! Truly made this book relatable, painful and cheesy in all the right and true Samoan ways.
As a plus sized Samoan myself, we all know too well the first words uttered when you see an Aunty you haven't seen in yonks is 'oka ua e lapo'a' then comes the 'why are you still single' and the gruelling matchmaking begins lol. The Samoan wifi was on point with the constant gossiping that never ends and nosey family! Nevertheless we love them all regardless lol! That Jackson though, dang, get it gurl - tackle (lol@the cousin who yelled it out at the bday)
Scarlett's food analogies for every situation cracked me up.. Love her character! And made me visit the fridge one too many times lol You're an amazing writer, thank you Lani! Purchasing the second book as we speak :) yay!
RECOMMENDATION: For anyone who loves a laugh my ass off, hilarious, romantic series, a must read, wether you're islander or not I guarantee you'd love it as much as I did!!!
Seriously cracked up from the beginning of til the end with no sleep in between should be indication enough of how much I enjoyed and loved reading another epic series by the beautiful Lani Wendt! Thank you! Truly made this book relatable, painful and cheesy in all the right and true Samoan ways.
As a plus sized Samoan myself, we all know too well the first words uttered when you see an Aunty you haven't seen in yonks is 'oka ua e lapo'a' then comes the 'why are you still single' and the gruelling matchmaking begins lol. The Samoan wifi was on point with the constant gossiping that never ends and nosey family! Nevertheless we love them all regardless lol! That Jackson though, dang, get it gurl - tackle (lol@the cousin who yelled it out at the bday)
Scarlett's food analogies for every situation cracked me up.. Love her character! And made me visit the fridge one too many times lol You're an amazing writer, thank you Lani! Purchasing the second book as we speak :) yay!
RECOMMENDATION: For anyone who loves a laugh my ass off, hilarious, romantic series, a must read, wether you're islander or not I guarantee you'd love it as much as I did!!!
September 25, 2015
I loved this book more than I thought I would. I have been in a bit of reading slump lately so I was hoping to read something different and boy was this something different. I have always been a fan of Lani Wendt Young but this book has probably become my new favourite written by her.
Scarlet was an interesting character and I found her voice to be unique. I think I have a strong affinity to her because I too am Pacific Islander and I found myself relating to a lot of what she saying and the some of the struggles she went through. There are a few triggering issues in this book so readers need to be aware. In saying that I think the issues were touched on appropriately and it helped you to better understand Scarlet as a person.
This book is heart retching but beautiful and I can't wait to see where this story goes.
Scarlet was an interesting character and I found her voice to be unique. I think I have a strong affinity to her because I too am Pacific Islander and I found myself relating to a lot of what she saying and the some of the struggles she went through. There are a few triggering issues in this book so readers need to be aware. In saying that I think the issues were touched on appropriately and it helped you to better understand Scarlet as a person.
This book is heart retching but beautiful and I can't wait to see where this story goes.
May 26, 2015
Book Review of Scarlet Lies. http://guamgoddessintraining.blogspot...
...I will praise Young’s writing magic and the journey I took with Scar. I identified with lovely Scar immediately—from being more woman than the norm #curves, to her predilection for anything sweet #croquembouche, and her admiration for sculptured physiques #mancandy, ‘Scarlet Lies’ is a complex, sophisticated dessert of a story and I cannot wait for the next serving, ‘Scarlet Secrets’.
...I will praise Young’s writing magic and the journey I took with Scar. I identified with lovely Scar immediately—from being more woman than the norm #curves, to her predilection for anything sweet #croquembouche, and her admiration for sculptured physiques #mancandy, ‘Scarlet Lies’ is a complex, sophisticated dessert of a story and I cannot wait for the next serving, ‘Scarlet Secrets’.
April 8, 2019
Really really good, Lani Wendt please accept my heartfelt thanks for writing this awesome (100%) romance story about our Samoan Life. I am addicted to reading but this is the first romance story i ever read based on our samoan people, their views, opinions, culture, life, our extended samoan family, and etc. You write exactly how to be a samoan family and their ways. So thank you, for making Samoa very popular. i can't wait for the part 2. Manuia (Bless) your journey as a Samoan Author. I salute you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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