Alles wat ik ooit wilde, was een bestseller schrijven. En nu is het eindelijk gelukt. Mensen vragen: hoe dan? Waar haalde ik mijn inspiratie vandaan? Maar dat kan ik nooit vertellen, dat hou ik maar beter geheim.
Niemand weet wat ik heb gedaan. Niet mijn man, niet mijn bemoeizuchtige moeder. En niemand mag er ooit achter komen, het zou mijn carrière verwoesten. Ik zou alles verliezen.
Dan beginnen de dreigementen. Duistere e-mails, sinistere brieven, ijzingwekkende cadeautjes bij mijn voordeur. Iemand kent de waarheid. Iemand bespioneert me en wil dat ik boet voor mijn zonden. Ik moet alles op alles zetten om die persoon het zwijgen op te leggen.
Ze zeggen: je bent zo goed als je laatste boek. Ik weet inmiddels: je bent zo goed als je volgende leugen.
Nelle Lamarr is the psychological suspense pen name for contemporary romance author Nelle L'Amour. Be it a thriller or romance, I love to write jaw-dropping , character-driven stories that will have you turning the pages and will stay in your heart forever. I live in Los Angeles with my Prince Charming-ish husband, twin daughters, and a bevy of royal pain-in-the-butt pets.
BRILLIANT! I’ve come across the same plot theme before, but I liked how this was done so much! Nail-biting for sure and what an amazing, snarky character.
The premise of All My Lies was intriguing. I enjoyed the short chapters and there were twists that kept me interested. Parts of the plot did seem to drag at times, but I was still curious to know how the story would play out. Overall this was an entertaining read that was suspenseful and engaging. Thank you, BookSirens for my copy.
In this story we read about Sloan, who starts out as a personal assistant to one of the most famous authors in town, Barbara. One of Sloan’s biggest dreams is to become a famous author and was hoping that working for a bestselling author, she would be mentor by her and eventually her dream would come true. As the story unravels, we get to learn more about what Sloan would do to achieve her dream of becoming a well-known author.
The story itself was fast-paced thriller with short chapters and many turns and twists. However, the story felt that it dragged in certain areas. I wished this book could have been 50 pages shorter.
Thank you Inkubator Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Nelle Lamarr’s latest thriller All My Lies is an absolute must read! I absolutely loved this book! It was a thrilling ride from start to finish, and the author did a fantastic job of keeping me on the edge of my seat. I loved all the characters, especially Sloan and that husband of hers was something else. I found myself laughing out loud several times so I loved the added humor she brought to this thriller. I would love if if she makes a 5 year sequel as she “hinted” in her Epilogue. I also loved her other 2 thrillers The Night Nanny and The Family Guest. All 5 star reads!
A fun read that takes you on a ride. With an interesting premise there is great potential here! I did feel like the story drug on a bit and wish some of the story that seemed unnecessary could have been taken out but I did really enjoy overall!
While I think it's impressive for a writer to finish a book, let alone become a published author, I cannot in good conscience recommend this book.
First, the premise of this book has already been done in "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang. I wouldn't be surprised if Lamarr actually used it as a reference guide for this book.
Second, the writing is lazy, and the research is sloppy. For example, the FMC has a cat and apparently thinks feeding it a bowl of milk is what one does for a cat - fun fact: cats are lactose intolerant, so you do not feed them a bowl of milk. A lot of telling, minimally showing... and repetitive telling at that.
Third, the FMC is neither likable nor in a guilty-pleasure "Real Housewives" or "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" sense. I was rooting against her the entire time. My favorite character was Moo, the cat.
I am honestly a bit surprised that an editor didn't take this back to Lamarr more for rework because it needs a lot of polishing and originality.
The writing style is reminiscent of Freida McFadden's (who is actually name-dropped in the book). The FMC is completely imperceptive and irritating and the situations are so ridiculous it feels almost satirical at times. The overruse of exclamation points got annoying. Still, I was mildly enjoying it up until the "big twist". The villain reveal was over the top and cliche, the use of an archaic word resembling a racial slur was unnecessary and felt gross, and the epilogue was just terrible.
Sloan White has wanted to be a writer and when she finds her boss and famous thriller writer dead she impulsively steals her latest manuscript. Sloan starts getting notes and worries someone may know her secret.
Oof this was a rough read for me. The premise seemed so interesting, but the book just did not deliver. Sloan was an incredibly frustrating lead, so much of the plot made no sense and the rest was extremely predictable. Also don’t even get me started on the epilogue…
The concept itself was intriguing but it ended up falling a bit flat. The millennial FMC felt more like a Boomer’s impression of a 30-something-year-old, and the overall quality of the editing proved to be lacking.
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of All My Lies by Nelle Lamarr, a lacklustre domestic thriller that just failed to achieve its full potential.
When a struggling, down on her luck personal assistant is given an opportunity to get away with murder, and gain fame and fortune in the process, what will she do? How many lies is she willing to tell to cover up her past?
* I found myself skimming a lot of the book in order to get through some less than interesting scenes * The FMC was unlikeable and unrelatable * Some grammatical/spelling errors and plot holes * It was quite comical at times in a dry, sarcastic way. It almost felt like the whole thing was a satire. * I think the theme was a bit all over the place, like the author wasn’t quite sure which type of thriller they wanted this to be so crammed as much in as possible. * The twists were just in no way comparable to the authors mentioned in the description before reading. * Overall just felt like it didn’t quite hit the mark even though the story had potential. I think giving 2 stars is quite generous but just for the sheer balls it took to publish this.
***spoiler alert*** if you plan to read it
I think the moment I truly lost interest was when the FMC confesses that she feels she’s being stalked to her love interest and he replies by saying, oh it’s probably just a troll, now forget about it and let me bend you over your desk. I mean…. WHAT?! Talk about making a “twist” obvious.
All My Lies by Nelle Lamarr Publication date: February 20th 2025
Plot follows Sloan who starts off as an assistant to a well known author, Sloan's biggest dream is to become an author.... To what lengths will she go to accomplish this dream
I have mixed feelings about this read, the storyline and synopsis are intriguing but parts of the plot dragged despite the book having short chapters, there's a specific scene that made me predict the ending and I was right ... did guessing the ending ruin it for me? No, however the build up to the reveal was too long in my opinion, the book could have easily been shorter...
Overall: I enjoyed this one and I'd like to come back to this author in the future
Sadly didn't enjoy this book. But don't let my opinion detract you from reading it. Take care friends. Still reading the Mark Edwards book which I am really enjoying. Will definitely be getting more of his books, he's a great writer.
I will be honest - The only reason why I read this book was because Frieda McFadden said it's amazing. And I am glad I took it seriously!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "All My Lies". It's fast paced and had me glued till the very last page. It did however, remind me of the ending of YOU (season 6). Not to give any spoilers (I'm sorry if I did), but the coincidence is uncanny! Or was it just me?
would give it 0 stars if i could. the main character’s inner monologue was insufferable, and her naïveté extremely questionable. her best friend said a man assaulted her, and she chose to believe a man over her and put her in a coma?? then she tells this same man years later that she’s being stalked and he suggests she forget about it and that he bend her over instead, and it still does not raise any red flags in the protagonist’s eyes? an absolutely horrendous read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Al mijn leugens was mijn eerste kennismaking met Nelle Lamarr. Het boek leest ontzettend vlot en ik had het daardoor snel uit. Toch bleef ik uiteindelijk vooral achter met het gevoel: dit was het helaas niet voor mij.
Het uitgangspunt vond ik interessant, maar tegelijkertijd kwam het me té bekend voor. Het deed me sterk denken aan Yellowface, waardoor ik het idee achter het verhaal niet helemaal origineel vond aanvoelen.
En dan Sloan… helaas had ik totaal geen klik met de FMC. Sterker nog: sommige keuzes vond ik zo onlogisch dat ik me regelmatig afvroeg waarom ze dit überhaupt deed. 😅 Daardoor kon ik maar moeilijk met haar meeleven of me in haar verplaatsen.
Ook de schrijfstijl wist me niet echt te overtuigen. Ik vond t wat mager en miste vooral de spanning en diepgang die ik bij een thriller zoek. Het verhaal bleef me wel trekken, maar vooral omdat ik wilde weten hoe het zou aflopen.
De grootste tegenvaller was voor mij de ontknoping. Ik had het verhaal al vrij snel doorzien en daardoor wist de uiteindelijke wending me helaas niet meer te verrassen.
Nelle Lamarr heeft absoluut een vlot leesbaar verhaal neergezet, maar qua schrijfstijl, personages en originaliteit miste het voor mij net te veel.
Geen match deze keer, maar dat hoort er natuurlijk ook bij als je zoveel thrillers leest. 🫢
The pacing is good. This kept my interest and was entertaining. I enjoyed this and would recommend this to those who enjoy thrillers! Special Thank You to Nelle Lamarr, Inkubator Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for ARC of this book that I absolutely LOVED. This was a real page turner that kept me guessing the whole way as character after character was introduced, all of whom seemed extremely suspicious or connected to the murder of one of the characters in the plot. Right up to the very last page there was new information being told that tied all the loose ends together in such a surprising way. The author was humorous and I loved the “inside voice” of the main character, Sloan and how she would think something before speaking that was often quite amusing. The author was brilliant in the style of writing and I am looking forward to reading others written Nelle Lamarr in the future.
I loved this book. Each thriller I read by her is even better than the last. The twists and turns in this book are wild. I guessed one of the big twists but there was still plenty that shocked me. At times I want to shake Sloan and tell her to open her eyes but overall I loved her as a character. The end of this book is perfect and the epilogue was truly shocking. A must read!
“Maybe the best lies are closest to the truth” (66).
“All My Lies” follows a FMC, Sloan White, as she publishes her late boss and famous author, Barbara Van Wick’s, manuscript as her own. She gains fame and recognition for “her” book and all is well for her, until she starts receiving sinister messages and gifts from someone who claims to know her secret.
“All My Lies” was a quick and enjoyable read with short chapters and an easy to follow writing style. I found Sloan to be super relatable in the way she either overthinks or simply doesn’t think through her decisions; she’s only human and makes mistakes!
There were a few places in the book where I felt the plot wasn’t moving as quickly, but it was worth it because I definitely did not predict the ending and thought it was very well done!
Short chapters, twisty, and a relatable FMC made this book 4/5 stars ⭐️ for me.
Thank you Kelly Green and Nelle Lamarr for my ARC copy of All My Lies!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It felt like a bit of a slow burn at first, but the author still kept me entertained and captivated with the way she wrote, the witty personality of the main character Sloane, and by giving us just enough subtle clues as to what might come later. I had so many theories in my head about who was behind everything and at the end, everything was explained and tied together well, still surprising me!
An exquisitely written and utterly captivating thriller! Nelle’s storytelling evokes Freida’s style, yet her narrative shines with creativity, intricate detail, and a magnetic energy that pulls you right in. This twisty tale boasts a brilliant ending that leaves you craving more, and the clever pop culture references lend it an authentic, real-time feel. Absolutely delightful—I can’t wait to dive into many more of her books!
(This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
This is a great read! I wish I could give 1/2 stars because I rate it a 4.5! The twists kept me guessing once I thought I figured it out I was thrown off again. I love the Freida McFadden reference and the acknowledgements at the end gave me all the feels! 🫶🏼
The prologue made me realize what I started thinking towards the end was accurate!
*sorry for the vague review but I don’t want to spoil anything and you should just really read it! 😍
Thank you Nelle for allowing me to read an ARC copy. This was so exciting and something I have never done before! I will forever remember the moment and this book! ❤️
To answer your letter, I would definitely love to read All His Lies! Now I will be waiting for this to happen! 🤞🏼
Als eerste wil ik Uitgeverij De Fontein bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Dit was echt een prima tussendoortje. Ik denk dat je deze inderdaad ook leuk gaat vinden als je fan bent van de boeken van Freida McFadden.
Wat ik persoonlijk heel interessant vond aan het verhaal, is dat het gaat over een auteur die als PA werkt voor een bestsellerauteur. Wanneer deze bestsellerauteur plotseling komt te overlijden, steelt de PA haar manuscript.
Komt het je al bekend voor? Juist: Yellowface.
En ik vond dat echt hilarisch. Want hoe bedoel je dat ik nu een boek aan het lezen ben over het stelen van andermans werk, terwijl dit boek ondertussen zelf het plot van een ander boek ‘steelt’?
Verder lijkt het overigens niet echt op Yellowface, aangezien dat veel meer literaire fictie is en dit boek al snel alle typische elementen van een thriller bevat.
Ik vond de laatste 30% ook echt spannend. Het was hier en daar een klein beetje voorspelbaar, maar eerlijk gezegd vond ik dat helemaal niet erg.
I wanted to like All My Lies, I really did. But this book tested my patience in ways I wasn’t prepared for. If I had a dollar for every time the main character reminded us she was a klutz, I could’ve bought a much better book. Seriously, we get it. You trip over air. Move on.
The pacing? Slow. The characters? Unlikable. The plot twist? Let’s just say it didn’t feel like a twist so much as the book throwing up its hands and saying, Surprise! This is what we’re doing now! I was hoping for something gripping, but instead, I got a story that dragged its feet, much like the protagonist probably did before inevitably falling on her face again.
I respect the author’s effort, but this one just wasn’t for me. If you love meandering plots, a protagonist whose main personality trait is being clumsy, and an ending that feels more “Huh?” than “Wow!”, then maybe you’ll enjoy it. But personally? I’ll be finding my thrills elsewhere.
All My Lies is a twisty, fast-paced thriller laced with humor, sharp observations, and a protagonist who is as exasperating as she is entertaining. While I typically prefer books that terrify me, this was a refreshing change of pace, thanks to the unique perspective of Sloan, our accident-prone, catastrophically paranoid lead.
Sloan never lets us forget just how klutzy and reckless she is, and her chaotic thought process—filled with hilarious quips, self-deprecating humor, and dramatic fragments—reminded me of an adult Junie B. Jones. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about this style, but ultimately, it deepened my understanding of her character. Her paranoia and over-the-top thinking are relentless, making for an intriguing contrast in a thriller. She often ignores her gut instincts and logical reasoning, especially in dangerous situations, which is both fascinating and frustrating. One of her most memorable lines perfectly encapsulates her self-perception: “I identify with slush. My whole life I’ve been a slush puddle for people to step over.”
The narrative is further enriched by Sloan’s dreams and nightmares, offering an additional layer of perspective. These surreal moments enhance the psychological tension, pulling readers deeper into her mind.
I also loved the nods to powerhouse authors, classic works, and nostalgic media references. The book’s structure—filled with well-placed foreshadowing, breadcrumb clues, and unexpected bursts of humor—made it an engaging and effortless read. While some plot points were slightly predictable (which I never mind), the final chapters took a sharp, unexpected turn. The rapid-fire updates and last-minute curveballs left me audibly exclaiming, “WHAT?!” I had to reread the epilogue just to make sure I hadn’t imagined it. Are you JOKING?!
At the end of the book, Nelle Lamarr includes A LETTER FROM NELLE LAMARR, asking if readers would be interested in a five-years-later sequel. My answer? A resounding yes, please!
That said, I was left with a few lingering questions, the most pressing being: What exactly is a “butt girl with benefits?” I absolutely regret Googling this.
This may have been my first Nelle Lamarr read, but it certainly won’t be my last.
Sloan wil auteur worden maar na talloze afwijzingen werkt ze als PA van een enorm populaire thrillerauteur. Al twee jaar. Het lijkt een droomjob maar het is een nachtmerrie. Barbara Van Wyck is een vreselijke werkgever. Als Sloan haar op een bepaalde dag dood aantreft, steelt ze het manuscript waar Barbara aan bezig is en brengt ze dit uit onder haar eigen naam. Maar wat Sloan niet verwacht is dat iemand dit blijkbaar weet.
Sloan begint zich overal door te liegen om niet door de mand te vallen. Alleen… tja in plaats van toch dicht bij de waarheid te blijven, zijn haar leugens toch soms te obvious. Echter… ze slaagt erin om met de gestolen thriller in de bestsellerlijsten terecht te komen. Maar het verleden laat haar niet los. Ze blijft berichten krijgen van iemand die haar beschuldigt van diefstal.
Ik vond het plot heel tof. Het personage lag me daarentegen minder. Ik vond dat ze rare beslissingen nam. Maar dit nam niet weg dat ik het boek heel graag heb gelezen. Ik had de plottwist eerlijk gezegd niet zien aankomen omdat ik in mijn hoofd dacht dat het boek een andere richting zou uitgaan.
De verhaallijnen komen ook goed samen in de ontknoping. De spanning was gelijkmatig. Niet extreem spannend maar voldoende voor een psychologische thriller. Liefhebbers van het genre zullen dit boek ook graag lezen!
Als eerste wil ik Uitgeverij De Fontein bedanken voor het exemplaar dat ik mocht ontvangen!
Het concept van deze thriller vond ik heel tof; een gemene en botte bestseller auteur word tijdens het schrijven van haar nieuwste werk dood aangetrokken door haar personal assistant, welke het manuscript steelt, onder haar eigen naam uitbrengt en enorm succesvol word. Stalker die haar geheim weet inbegrepen.
Was het boek een literair hoogstandje? Zeker niet. Was het vermakelijk? Zeer zeker. Het tempo van het verhaal lag hoog en had korte hoofdstukken, waardoor je in een razend tempo door het boek heen vloog. Hier en daar een tikkeltje voorspelbaar, maar toch had ik tot het einde niet door wie de stalker in het verhaal was. Een extra plottwist hier en daar had het boek iets spannender kunnen maken.
De verwijzingen naar andere bekende auteurs en titels was een leuke toevoeging.
Al met al een vermakelijke thriller en ideaal voor lezers van Freida McFadden of lezer die het thriller genre willen ontdekken.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of All My Lies by Nelle Lamarr.
This book has strong potential and the synopsis sounded incredible, however, the story fell flat for me. Don't get me wrong, Nelle Lamarr is an amazing author and I loved 'The Family Guest' and 'The Night Nanny', but this book felt a bit subpar in comparison.
There were many repetitive and predictable parts and I just couldn't get behind the main character who to me was rather unlikeable.
I wanted to be blown away by this book but unfortunately it just didn't do it for me. Although this missed the mark in my book it might appeal to others and might still be worth checking out. Though I would highly recommend her other two books before this one.