A Beautifully Crafted Lie

by Evelyn Ash

A LIE CAN SAVE A LIFE,
UNTIL IT DEMANDS A PRICE

A creature lurks in Bryndis Ashglo’s mind. It sees what she sees and hears what she hears, and it won’t be silenced any longer. In the town of Bouldermore, governed with stringent laws and nightmarish tales of monsters, no one will be spared if found harbouring magic. Not even Bryndis, the governor’s daughter.

​On the cusp of Samhain, Bryndis attracts the unwanted attention of the famed and feared bastard prince tasked to enforce the king’s laws and conduct this year’s witch reaping. He is the last person she should provoke… yet now he watches her with calculating interest, enjoying every second of her discomfort.

​Prince Odhran doesn’t address her numerous transgressions according to the law, but no good deed comes without a cost. In exchange for her freedom, Bryndis is dragged into the faerie realm—tasked with lying to royalty on his behalf. Of all the atrocious things the bastard prince has done and can do, lying is the one thing out of his reach, but something Bryndis excels in.

​As dangerous truths unravel, Bryndis faces two terrifying revelations:

Odhran is a monster—a blood-drinking faerie.

And on some level, she is a monster too.

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Dark Fantasy, Romance

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 26, 2026

Reviews

[Samantha Hardesty · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You truly are the bane of my blight. My ultimate ruin.”

Oh would you look at that? Another MMC for me to obsess over 🤤

If you love a romantasy with fae, a shadow daddy, and a gothic setting, then A Beautifully Crafted Lie is for you. As Bryndis is swept away by Prince Odhran to the realm of the fae, get ready for twisted politics and a unique world with magic and found family.

This book was a real page turner and had everything I love in my romantasy books. The plot was exciting and had me hooked, with the gothic setting ensuring I was fully immersed in the world.

Bryndis is a strong FMC, which made some questionable decisions that I’m still screaming at her for now, but I think she’s going to really experience a good character arc as the overall story progresses. I especially enjoyed the ‘monster in her head’ plot and let me tell you, that REALLY ramps up towards the end.

Prince Odhran, our MMC aka my new love, is that typical brooding, sarcastic, flirty love interest that I can’t help but be obsessed over. The spice in here was written super well and Evelyn has actually put a note in the chapter for those who prefer closed door, so they can skip if they like. I’m a fiend so of course I read, but I haven’t seen this in a book before and I thought it was a great idea to cater to both preferences!

Bryndis and Odhran’s relationship does seem to snap from enemies to lovers without that ‘in between’ part but I don’t think that took away from the overall dynamic, especially as it got later in the book. I am VERY intrigued to see how things pan out because that ending?! I am still shook!!

If you like your romantasy books with fae, a hot AF MMC, and court intrigue, you’re going to love this. I have high hopes for how this series will develop - I’ve got a feeling it’ll be epic.

Thank you so much to Evelyn Ash for having me as part of your street team and for this eARC. I’m so grateful to be on this journey with Bryn & Odhran 🖤

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh what the hell am I doing to myself?!?

Odhran & Bryn

This book far exceeded my expectations and left me broken and angry. Yeah I’m angry. That ending is too cruel and heartbreaking. For whatever is to come next.

Tension. A slow burn that burns for so long. Possessive. Inner demons.

🔥Shadow Daddy MMC
🔥Magic
🔥Witches
🔥Forbidden magic
🔥Realms
🔥Fated Mates
🔥Lies and Secrets
🔥Slow burn
🔥Touch her and die
🔥Gothic romance

Be prepared to want to scream at your book. Throw your book across the room. Cry at choices made that you can’t even change.

While this book was heartbreaking I’m looking forward to continuing Odhran and Bryn’s story.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Evelyn Ash & Raven Court Publishing for this opportunity to read an amazing book.

[Tifani - bloomandbodybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - ARC received from NetGalley & Author. I could not put this book down!!! I was in deep emotionally almost immediately and in even deeper by the end! That ending!!! 🫣 - Hyped me up to continue reading so I hope there’s more coming in a book 2! I loved all the fantasy, action, secrecy, fated mates, politics, found family, self discovery, and impossible choices within the story! It is well written and builds deep rooted connections to the characters where you feel what they feel and you feel completely immersed in their lives. The story is about Bryn who grew up in hardship just trying to survive, with secrets, and you follow her on quite an exciting and adventurous journey of self discovery and embracing who she is. She finds herself stuck with a man she can hardly tolerate, a man she calls a monster. As Bryn discovers more about herself and pieces together the truth she begins to take her life into her own hands. She stumbles along the way and has to be clever and resilient to navigate this new life she’s living. What will she decide are her true desires and purpose? Will they align? What will she risk to do so? And what consequences will she have to face and/or overcome to get there? A Beautifully Crafted Lie is a haunting and deeply emotional romantasy that you just keep wanting more of! If you like witchy, cinderella, game of thrones vibes then you’ll like this book! Pre-orders are open, releasing August 26th!

Thank you so much Evelyn Ash for this ARC opportunity, I absolutely loved it and look forward to more!!

Favorite Quotes:
“Be brave, be strong, but always be yourself.”

“Truth is dreadful,” my mother would say, “best not be surprised by it.”

“Everything I thought I knew has turned out to be a ruse. A beautifully crafted lie.”

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author and publisher, Raven Court Publishing, for sharing an ARC of this book with me on NetGalley !!!

“Tempers are only good for starting wars when there’s no need for one”

This book was so good! I seem to be stumbling upon beautiful fantasy stories recently and Bryn’s one was no different. The power, the torment, the enemies to lovers, the forced proximity and the inevitability of a life different from the one you were living and yet closer to the one you were trying to hide wanting for yourself. It was enchanting. Compelling and thrilling at times. It was quite fast paced and things were happening suddenly sometimes but when it comes to things changing … they generally are. I really enjoyed the book and had a great time reading it. And the fact that there were some plot twists I did not see coming … I enjoyed it even more for those. Besides, when you add a cocky, arrogant, strong willed and handsome fae prince into the mix and spicy times ensues … can you really complain?

“Embrace your darkness. Do not hide from it”

“You are an ache I can’t get over … A pain I can’t escape … A blessing and a curse … the bane of my blight … My ultimate undoing … And you’re mine”

[Izehi (Avid reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished an eARC of A Beautifully Crafted Lie, and my heart is officially in tatters. (Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the copy and the emotional damage!)

If you live for "I hate you/don't touch me" energy and plots that keep you guessing until the very last page, this is your new obsession.

The pacing is relentless—I stayed up way too late because "just one more chapter" turned into finishing the whole book. I was so stressed by the end I had to sit up straight just to breathe! I’m still crying over that final page.

Do yourself a favor and put this at the top of your summer TBR. I’ll be first in line for the physical copy.

[Rachel-Rose Komanapalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! This one honestly took me a while to get into. The beginning felt slow for some reason, and Bryn seemed rather juvenile. I did end up really liking her by the end. Part Six was so good that I wished the rest of the book had the same flow. I did also enjoy the MMC, and would have enjoyed more chapters from his POV. Overall, it was a fun read. I think fans of Quicksilver would enjoy it. I will be looking out for book 2!

[Lyra Blackveil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t let the fact that it took almost 3 months to read this book insinuate this book was anything less than a 4 star read. I’m such a mood reader and had some things going on that had me jumping between so many books.. to the review!

The way so many worlds were brought together is amazing! We’re talking magic, fae (that like drinking blood), dragons and the human realm! The tension was palpable throughout and while I didn’t agree with the decisions Bryndis made, she quickly realizes her mistakes and tries to fix them. Be prepared for betrayal, a little spice and so much more… not to mention that ending!

[Fabia K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advance reader review - received via NetGalley

Wow! I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in a single day. The first half felt fresh and completely immersive and original. The second half carried hints of familiar fantasy and romantasy elements, blending vibes from a few beloved tropes, yet it still managed to stand on its own and feel uniquely crafted.

[Rosalie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC of A Beautifully Crafted Lie from Netgalley and the author Evelyn Ash, in exchange for my honest review.

I was craving a romantasy novel with an enemies to lovers, slow burn, gut wrenching plot twist and Evelyn Ash DELIVERED with this one. I could not put this down!

This book had good pacing and each chapter left you wanting to know more. The characters had depth and the plot has a good hook. I really enjoyed the imagery that the author created while telling the story, it was easy to get lost in the world she built. I am begging any other ARC readers out there that can draw, please draw our main characters! Especially the dress and tux scene!

The last 10% was a wild ride and gave me CHILLS! You know it's good when you need to change positions because sh*t got serious. I NEED to know what happens next!!! The last page had my crying.

10/10 recommend you add this to your TBR and read it when it releases this summer. I will be making sure I have a physical copy to annotate for when book 2 drops.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Evelyn Ash for the ARC of this book.

A story of humans, witches, fae, and monsters; it had yearning, found family, feminine rage, fated mates, and betrayal.

Bryndis, the main character, lives with a monster in her head. I loved her character and her strength. Despite all that she deals with, it doesn’t prevent her from caring for her half-sister, and others. When she meets Prince Odhran, we get to see a different side to her character, as she pushes back against him.

I enjoyed reading about their relationship growing. It was easy to care for both of them and root for them to fulfill their desires. There was tragedy and twists that helped keep me engaged with the story.

The ending had me wanting more! The story is definitely not finished yet. I cannot wait for the next installment.

This book is for fans of The Shepherd King Duology, ACOTAR, and Folk of the Air.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to read your book! This was giving One Dark Window vibes. I rated this a 3.5 stars.

While the pacing had me in and out of engagement, I was still intrigued by the premise. I felt like there was wholes or gaps in some of the scenes. It had me re reading it again to see if I missed something. I also didn’t get the vibes between the FMC and MMC. I would have like some more tension and yearn. I felt some parts was rushed or moved forward for the plot. The FMC’s decisions were frustrating at times—like cutting off her nose to spite her face—but I was craving more depth in the witch culture and how it affected that inner voice. That cliffhanger, though? Definitely curious what the next book has in store.

[A.M. Dunnewin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will haunt you long after the last page.

Bryn is a rose among thorns, a feisty and independent heroine surrounded by hardship and harsh rules. Odhran is our shadow daddy with issues, and yet you'll love him from the moment he steps onto the page. Their romance is what I absolutely lived for. The banter, the chemistry, the yearning - I devoured it all! And that cliffhanger? I'll never be okay until I get my hands on the next book!!

I highly recommend this beautiful Gothic read! A BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED LIE is perfect for readers who love forbidden love, fated mates, shadow daddies, feminine rage, found family, and a slow burn to die for. 🖤

I received an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Brooke Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate this book up!! It gave me One Dark Window vibes, but felt totally different in its own way. I loved the “reveal”, it actually gave me goosebumps. Can’t say too much without spoiling it, but WOW. I could picture myself right there with the characters.

Some books I forget the second I finish them, but this one has stuck with me!

Also, I need book 2 NOW!!! Don’t do this to me!!!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC!

A very good story with great potential, and almost flawless execution.

When Bryndis sneaks out of her house into the woods to collect herbs, she doesn’t expect her world to turn upside down. She breaks a magic mushroom circle, and she’s faced with the force of Prince Odhran when she manages to get home. She’s swept away into the world of Fae, with blood oaths, magical powers, compulsions, and the love of her life.

The story is intricate, builds on our general understanding of faerie courts and rules, e.g., Fae cannot lie, Fae can compel you, do not drink Fae wine, or you will get addicted. Then adds a bit of twist, when human blood keeps the Fae immortal, and Fae’s blood helps heal mortal wounds. The plot itself is predictable but well-written. She’s the one, the fated mate, ferocious and unobiding. He’s hurt, dark, broody, misunderstood, trying to protect her, and regain his kingdom’s freedom. Even though we know what to expect, we are still intrigued to see how closely the story hits that expectation. The words flow, with chapters smoothly following into the next one, and it is hard to put the book down. Quite addictive.

What I didn’t like were the moments of our MFC’s immature and emotionally reactive responses. She’s been raised as a lady, the oldest daughter of a Lord; she shouldn’t respond with ‘F you’ every time the Prince annoys. Additionally, as much as the shocking reveals were necessary to justify the turn of the events, I wish the correspondence with Declan had been shown in more detail. We understand when the betrayal is hinted at, but we’re missing how we truly got there. We got an internal thought of ‘I know what I’m doing because he told me about it’ instead of actually seeing him pass the information. Lastly, different types of oaths are discussed in the book, and how impossible it is to free oneself of them, but somehow, no one collects on the broken promises, and every character gets away scot-free.

On the other hand, the ending itself does not follow the predictable path, making it so much better, bitter, emotional, and wrenching. A perfect cliffhanger to keep us on edge until the second book is published. And a potential opportunity for more Odhran’s POVs in the sequel, definitely, will get us running to the bookstore when the continuation is published. I really like the idea of a dark passenger. I like his commentary, his transactional nature, and the way his story is resolved here. It was done tastefully before (One Dark Window), but this time, the passenger is of a different nature, with his own needs and tricks. Adding that extra element to the story makes it more complex and so much more compelling.

A strong story, with a masterfully written romance, I would recommend 100%

[Noor Kamaluldeen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Beautifully Crafted Lie was an enjoyable read that kept me engaged throughout, but it ultimately left me wanting more from its most interesting ideas.

From the beginning, many aspects of the novel felt familiar. The plot elements, character dynamics, and fantasy tropes frequently reminded me of other books I have read. While there is nothing wrong with drawing upon established conventions, I often felt that the story did not develop these elements in a way that was distinctive enough to separate itself from similar works in the genre.

My biggest criticism concerns the worldbuilding and the central mysteries surrounding Bryn and her abilities. Bryn is described as a witch, yet by the end of the novel I still felt I had only a vague understanding of what that actually means. Because she was never formally taught how to use her magic, she primarily relies on her knowledge of plants, extracting their properties and brewing them into teas and remedies. While this approach was interesting, it left me uncertain about the nature and limits of her magical abilities. What can she do? What can't she do? How does her magic differ from that of other witches? These questions remained largely unanswered, making the magic system feel underdeveloped.

Similarly, the dragon's presence was one of the most intriguing aspects of the story, yet it was also one of the least explored. The concept of a dragon being locked inside Bryn's mind immediately captured my attention, but very little information is provided about its origins, purpose, or significance. Where did the dragon come from? Why is it bound to her? What role does it play in the larger narrative? While I understand that future installments may address these questions, I felt that the first book did not provide enough information to make this mystery feel fully satisfying.

For me, the distinction between an engaging mystery and a frustrating one lies in whether the reader is given enough information to understand the stakes. In this case, I often felt that too much was withheld. Rather than leaving me eager to speculate, some of the novel's most compelling ideas felt underdeveloped because there was not enough context to fully appreciate their importance.

That said, I still found the book entertaining and easy to read. The story moves at a steady pace, and there were enough intriguing moments to keep me invested in Bryn's journey.

While the novel did not entirely distinguish itself from other fantasy novels I have read, it contains enough promise that I am curious to see where the series goes next. I only wish some of its strongest concepts, particularly Bryn's magic and her connection to the dragon, had been explored in greater depth within this first installment.

[Amy]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Beautifully Crafted Lie hooked me straight away with its premise: a young woman hearing a mysterious voice in her head, forbidden magic, and a dangerous journey into the fae realm. From the beginning I was intrigued by Bryndis and the possibility that she might either be losing her mind… or discovering something far more powerful.

The author’s worldbuilding and descriptions are one of the biggest strengths of this book. The settings feel vivid and atmospheric, with a dark gothic tone that makes the fae realm feel both beautiful and dangerous. I also loved the creative touches at the start of chapters - the artwork, poems, and excerpts added a really nice layer to the reading experience.

The multiple POVs and flashbacks helped flesh out the characters and their pasts, and I found myself especially invested in Bryn’s dynamic with Prince Odhran. Their enemies-to-lovers tension definitely keeps things interesting, even if Bryn occasionally made me want to sit her down and say “please just talk to the man for five minutes.”

One thing I struggled with a little was the pacing in the middle of the book. Some scenes felt slightly disjointed, with transitions or time jumps that weren’t always clear. There were a few moments where I had to reread sections to make sure I hadn’t missed something.

I was also hoping for a bit more clarity around Bryn’s magic. She’s described as a witch, but much of what we see feels closer to herbalism, so I’d love to see the magic system expanded further in future books.

That said, the final portion of the story absolutely pulled me back in. The twists start stacking up quickly and I found myself fully reacting to the pages - you know the type of reading experience where you’re muttering “THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A TRAP” while the characters confidently walk straight into it anyway.

The ending definitely left me curious about what comes next, and I’d be interested in continuing the series to see how the unanswered questions and character arcs develop.

Overall, A Beautifully Crafted Lie is an intriguing start to a dark fantasy romance series with immersive worldbuilding, morally grey characters, fae politics, and plenty of twists, even if the pacing occasionally stumbles along the way.

Readers who enjoy fae fantasy, enemies-to-lovers romance, morally grey princes, forbidden magic, and dark gothic romantasy may want to add this one to their list.

[teddiesandtomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omggg... This book destroyed me in the most beautiful way possible.. I knew this book would be something special but WOW,the way it unfolded was even more than I hoped. I need everyone to understand that this book did not just consume me… it possessed me... A Beautifully Crafted Lie is the kind of romantasy that feels lush, dangerous, and emotionally sharp. From page one, there’s this heavy, almost suffocating atmosphere.. Magic that’s feared, politics that are ruthless, and secrets that feel like they’re holding a dagger straight to your neck...
And then there’s Bryndis Ashglo.
She is not your soft, naive heroine. She is clever, observant and survival driven. A girl who has learned to weaponize perception because in her world, magic isn’t a gift but a threat. What I loved most about her is that she doesn’t just lie to others. She lies to herself. Watching her slowly unravel the truth about who she is and what she carries was so satisfying. Her strength isn’t loud.. It’s strategic.. What sets Bryndis apart is her resilience and wit. She excels at deception which is a skill both born of survival and sharpened by necessity. But as the story progresses, that talent becomes a double edged sword, forcing her to wrestle with who she is versus who she pretends to be.
And Odhran… oh Odhran.
The feared bastard prince who is cold., calculated and sharp edged. The kind of man who walks into a room and owns it without raising his voice. He’s not just ruthless, commanding, and terrifying
in his reputation but also layered, conflicted,
and endlessly fascinating.
The tension between him and Bryndis? It’s not just
romantic. It’s psychological. It’s two intelligent people
constantly measuring each other. This is slow burn done
RIGHT. No rushed feelings. No instant devotion. Just quiet tension, dangerous conversations, and the constant question of “Are we allies or enemies?”
The worldbuilding feels textured and intentional. Magic is political. Power is controlled. Fear shapes law. And every choice has consequences. The fae elements add mystery without overwhelming the emotional core of the story.
What truly stood out to me was the theme of identity. The idea that survival can shape you into someone you don’t even recognize. The “lie” in the title isn’t just external — it’s internal.

And I am already desperate for more. Can’t wait to read the next book.....

[The Red Robin Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of me doesn’t know where to begin. Lets just say this book is 5 stars and my fave read so far this year.

The story hooked me from the very start. We start with our FMC, Bryndis Ashglo, who is treated very poorly by her step-mother and not seen as a part of the family. Bryndis is secretly a witch passed down by her mother who sadly passed away when she was little. She also has another secret, a creature living inside her who talks to her! Despite all the horrible things she goes through she is such a fierce, fiery, empathic character. She makes mistakes she regrets, but her intentions are good.

We are quickly introduced to the MMC, Prince Odhran. He is a morally grey shadow daddy. However, he is weak at the knees for Bryn. He sees the way she is being treated and acts accordingly [touch her and die!!]. Although he is clearly powerful, he also has his own secrets related to his family and heritage. He also uses ravens to spy on Bryn.

As you move through the story, the world building and pacing is spot on. It’s so fun reading Bryn and Odhran doing this dance when it comes to their feelings for each other. She wants to hate him but can’t.

The way this book is written really evokes emotions right along with the characters. There is a particular scene towards the end where Bryn is riding a horse and the way certain parts of that bit are described had my heart racing and I was genuinely feeling all the feels.

The side characters are really well thought out and you get invested.

I also like it when characters are included that you don’t like but don’t necessarily hate. For example, they aren’t the villain but you also don’t like them. This book does that so well!! I was so mad at so many characters for different reasons. This book really is so multifaceted.

I adore the use of Irish/Gaelic language. The spice is great and I love that it wasn’t rushed.
Also very cool that the author put a note in for those who wished to skip if they wanted to keep it closed door.

If you want:
-Fierce FMC
-Morally Grey but weak at the knees for her MMC
-Faeries
-Magic
-Blood drinking
-dark gothic romantasy
-betrayal
-fated mates

You should read this!

Thank you for the chance to be an ARC reader for this amazing book!

[Jenna (jenreadsmagic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - 4.5 ⭐

Thank you to NetGalley, Evelyn Ash and Raven Court Publishing for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book! 🫶🏻

A Beautifully Crafted Lie is a fast paced dark gothic romantasy following Bryndis Ashglo, the monster lurking in her mind, and the Prince Odhran that drags her away to the faerie realm. It is an addicting tale of humans, monsters, faeries and witches that will have you flying through the pages just find out what happens next.

I absolutely loved our FMC, Bryndis, from the beginning. She's a wonderfully complex mix of vulnerability, naivety, stubbornness, resilience and strength. Despite the absolute atrocities she's faced with, she fights for herself, her dignity and those she cares for. I'm really excited to see how her character grows and evolves in the sequel.

The worldbuilding was immersive whilst also being easy to follow. I really enjoyed the first-person multi-POV writing of the storyline, along with the sprinkles of flashbacks throughout the story in third person. Everything felt intentional throughout the book and I felt myself constantly highlighting because I felt like I was picking up on little clues everywhere.

The romance is delicious Odhran, oh the male that you are!🔥🔥 and I found it refreshing that the author gives a heads up at the start of the chapter if it has spice so that readers can skip that section if they prefer a closed-door romance.

I really did think I had the plot for the book somewhat figured out and was theorising all the way... just for me to get to the last 10-15% of the book and just be floored by nonstop plot twists! Total emotional devastation and I am here for it. Don't even get me started on the cliffhanger though - I need book two immediately! 😅

You'll love this book if you like:
✨ magic
✨ found family
✨ shadow daddy MMC
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ forced proximity
✨ he falls first
✨ good girl

[Lou Lockey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and oh my gosh I thoroughly enjoyed this book I could not wait to read every evening.

We follow Bryn, a young woman who believes she is a witch, having inherited this from her mother who lost her mind before passing. This is something Bryn fights tirelessly to avoid. Being a witch is also strictly forbidden!

Poor Bryn suffers from the hands of her stepmother, while her half-sister stands by and allows it to happen despite Bryn’s love and loyalty towards her. Her best friend initially appears to be one of the few people who genuinely cares for her but with a turn of events I was left wondering whether he was a magical being himself, but the story never fully explains this.
Then we have Odhran the fae prince that comes across as arrogant and unlikeable, but as the story develops, you begin to understand his actions and motivations. Knowing that he has witnessed Bryn’s suffering and wants to protect her added depth to his character whilst I ended up being extremely frustrated with the others!

The demonic voice in Bryns head was confusing at times and I struggled to fully understand what was happening during some of these scenes but it was an interesting and important aspect to the story. Especially that jaw dropping finale!

The slow-burn romance between Bryn and Odhran was particularly enjoyable, and I love the way the author gave you a heads up once you reached the chapter so you can decide if you want the spice or not!

Much of Bryn and friends magical heritage remains a mystery throughout the book, I would love to learn more about Bryn’s origins and whether she truly is a witch.

I also loved the little quotes and poems at the start of every chapter.

If you love dark fantasy, morally grey sexy faerie men and witches this is a great read for you.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

A Beautifully Crafted Lie is a dark, gothic fantasy that weaves witchcraft, madness, and forbidden love into a hauntingly atmospheric story. Bryndis, the eldest daughter of Bouldermore’s governor, is tormented by a creature in her mind, a legacy of her mother’s witchcraft, and relies on nightshade to silence it. When she accidentally breaks a sacred mushroom circle in the forbidden woods, she draws the attention of Prince Odhran, a ruthless prince with a mysterious connection to her. As Bryndis endures abuse from her stepmother and grapples with her feelings for Declan, her childhood friend, she reaches her breaking point and must decide whether to embrace her true nature or succumb to the madness threatening to consume her.

The atmosphere described in this book is rich. The forbidden woods, the manor, all very detailed. They give a perfect unsettling sense of dread. This is very nicely done and makes that you feel the world around you.
I love the complex characters with lots of emotional depth. Bryndis who struggles with the creature in her head, her witchcraft, but also the abuse she endures and her relation with Declan. Prince Odhran is very mysterious. He is enigmatic and sounds very dangerous. I'm very intrigued by the connection he has with Bryndis (and I hope the next book delved deeper into that). The moment where she begs Declan to run away with her and he refused! I screamed! That was so devastating.
I'm very intrigued with Bryndis's her heritage, and I wish to know more of that. I expect that it will have a very large role in the continuation of the story.
The book has unresolved questions, what is normal for a first book in a series, but it is still frustrated at times. I want to know all the things! Haha. Especially that last confrontation with Odhrian.... What will her choice be?

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some stories feel magical, while others feel dangerous. This one is fiercely both!!
A Beautifully Crafted Lie by Evelyn Ash pulled me into a dark, enchanting world where nothing is simple and no one is truly innocent. The tension between the main characters is electric from the start!! It’s filled with mistrust, sharp words, and the constant feeling that they could betray the other at any given moment. Honestly… that’s what made it so addictive 😏
I became obsessed with the slow transformation from enemies to something much deeper!! Their connection isn’t soft or easy by any means. It’s intense, complicated, and full of emotional push and pull… Made me feel all the feels!! Every moment between them felt charged with danger and desire, which made the romance feel even more powerful.
The world itself is dark and haunting, full of forbidden magic, secrets, and creatures that lurk just beneath the surface. As the story unfolds, so do the hidden truths about Bryndis and Prince Odhran making the stakes feel higher and the romance even more consuming.
What I loved most about this book was the dark magical atmosphere. The fae world feels mysterious and dangerous, and the political tension within the fae court adds another layer of intrigue to the story. Watching Bryndis slowly uncover the truth about her power made the journey even more compelling.
This is the kind of book that keeps you turning pages late into the night because you need to know what happens next. Dark, emotional, and filled with tension. If you love romantasy with morally gray characters, hidden magic, and a slow-burning enemies-to-lovers romance, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark magic. Dangerous attraction. And a love story born from enemies🖤

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book devastated me in a way that only a 5 star read can. I’m holding on by a thread waiting for the next book because of something mentioned in the bonus chapter. The utter mess my heart was left in, easily makes it one of my top reads.

This book is a gothic fantasy romance. Through her words, you can picture the world and scenes that come along with that. I felt myself turning page after page needing to see what happens next. The characters were done so well, some of them making it easy to get attached to. The banter was great! If you like fae and witches, this book is for you. There also may be a surprise along the way, I didn’t expect it, but it is one of my favorites.

If there are two things I learned from this book, it’s careful who you trust, and be specific with your bargains.

The flashbacks were at good times and just enough to add what you needed to the characters and the story. There was a chapter I loved so much, I read it twice before moving on. I should have known then, I was going to be wrecked 😆.

Something that really stuck out to me, is the author gives you a heads up on the spicy chapter. This makes it friendly to those who both prefer or may not prefer spice in their reading. So if spice isn’t your thing, don’t let it deter you. For those who like spice…enjoy😉.

This book will live in my brain for a long time. Reading it, is a must! Time for me to read something a little lighter while my heart heals.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ Yes, but you are warned
ARC Copy
Recommend to my Book Bestie: Yes!! Is it bad that I want her to feel the same devastation I did? 😁

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from NETGALLEY and this is my honest review -

There were so many things to really like and LOVE about this story. However, some of the writing and editing got in the way for me which is very unusual for me as I dont get hung up on those things. The story follows a woman who feels trapped in her life - filled with people telling her how to feel and how to live her life. She finds an opportunity to take control of it all the while realizing it is still controlling her. There is magic and some nice story arcs and side characters that I really wanted to connect with. I feel the author missed some good opportunities to really get the reader engaged and feeling for the characters including the FMC and the MMC.
There were also elements that were never explained and I just had to take for granted and I think that had to do with the story lacking congruence. I had a hard time understanding some of the plot twists because I felt I was lacking details that would have made it that much better and more immersive.
I think this was editing ....the story was great ....but due to the "jump arounds" I was unable to fully grasp the ending - I truly feel that the side characters were not given a true chance to develop and worm their way into the readers hearts. It would have made the story that much more 3 dimensional and gripping .
I assume there will be a 2nd book AND I will read it because I really want to know what happens ...but I truly hope the strory takes on a more detailed approach and allows the readers to fully submerge themselves into what promised to be a beautiful Romantasy.
🌶️🌶️

[Kendra Oosterhouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW - 3.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Evelyn Ash for the opportunity to read this book before its release!

A Beautifully Crafted Lie is a fascinating story about two realms colliding, magic, and the pursuit of figuring out who you are.

I thought the plot concept was interesting and definitely not the copy/paste that has become a staple with so many romantasies lately. I liked the FMC’s growth in confidence throughout the book (even if it left us on a major cliffhanger) and I always root for a broody, morally gray MMC.

On the other hand, I felt like the book was rushed with significant gaps in the plot and world building. I was often left with figurative whiplash wondering where certain “key” pieces came from. Having read a lot of fantasies before, I could put two and two together but for someone who may not know all this before the book, they may be left guessing. Also - the “monster” inside her - a lot more explanation about this is needed since it’s basically the reason for the cliffhanger. Her being a witch? Would have loved to know more about the witch culture. And the bond between FMC and MMC? I didn’t understand their journey. I get the formula is loathing to love but I didn’t feel the slow burn yearning that seemed to be the goal.

Overall, it was a fun, fast read and I would definitely read the next book. Does she get the dragon out? Do they reject the bond? Does he get the kingdom? I need to know! I think a lot of my critiques could be answered in book #2.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darker and more traumantasy esq, A Beautifully Crafted Lie is gripping and unforgettable.

Bryndis Ashglo has a secret she has kept all her life. A darkness stirs in her, speaks to her, is conscious within her. In her town, those who hide magic are killed. One night disaster occurs, the faerie prince Odhran comes to reap humans for their blood, the same way humans use those hiding magic for theirs. Odhran notices Byrndis and decides to protect her instead of oust her. She then enters into a deal where she agrees to lie on Odhran’s behalf, since faeries cannot lie even to their enemies.

I especially liked the acknowledgement and clever utilization of “faeries cannot lie”…but humans can. Yes they could have chosen any human, but Bryndis was perfect with her individuality and ferocious war with the slithering beast in her mind. She was sharp and realistic, with a tragic past of physical abuse within her home. Bearing scars of which she always feels.

The romance is a slow burn, heated and edgy. Enemies to… to… *cries* (I am still recovering) The manifestation of the darkness within herself and Bryndis’s relationship with it is very resonating with the relationship one may have with trauma and it is very acutely conveyed through Bryndis’s past abuse and current mental state.

I loved that each chapter beginning had info from a book within A Beautifully Crafted Lie that ended up being really helpful towards the plot and also left me wanting more of the world and wondering what was going on with THAT character….

[The Nerdy Bookshop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to author Evelyn Ash for providing an advanced reader copy of A Beautifully Crafted Lie in exchange for an honest review.

I swear, you’re going to lure me in with faeries every single time!

A Beautifully Crafted Lie is a gothic romantasy that delivers a fresh and fascinating take on faeries, humans, magic, and the deeply codependent, unequal relationship between their worlds.

The FMC, Bryn, is the governor’s daughter, living within the iron protected, towering rock walls of the human kingdom. Humans are forbidden from leaving the safety of the city, and venturing into the surrounding forests is strictly prohibited. At home, Bryn endures a miserable existence. Her cruel stepmother openly despises her, subjecting her to abuse and treating her as though she doesn't belong. Worse still, her father chooses to ignore Bryn in favor of her younger half-sister, Laoise. Trapped in a life where she feels unwanted and unseen, Bryn dreams of escaping the life that has brought her nothing but misery.

Then there’s MMC Odhran.. a dark, brooding blood drinking Fae Prince with a mysterious past, a flock of ravens as his familiar, and more secrets than answers. When he takes Bryn to the faerie realm against her will, everything she thought she knew begins to unravel.

The banter, the scheming... completely addictive, and the court politics, betrayals, tension, and yearning pulled me deeper into the story with every chapter. And that ending?! I’m still thinking about it!

I need book two faster than you can say “more faeries!”

[Destry Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an ARC of A Beautifully Crafted Lie by Evelyn Ash, and the premise immediately hooked me. The story does a great job keeping readers in the dark while the mystery slowly unfolds, making you question what’s really happening as the pieces begin to fall into place.

One of my favorite elements was the monster within trope, which gave me vibes similar to One Dark Window. The book has some genuinely intense twists and an intriguing magical world filled with fae deals, war, mates, betrayals, and found family dynamics.

That said, there were several moments where I found myself confused by the characters’ choices or by the writing itself. The shift from enemies to something more happens fairly suddenly around the halfway point, and it felt like there wasn’t quite enough buildup to make the change fully believable. A few times I even went back to reread sections to make sure I hadn’t missed something.

In my opinion, the character development just needed a little more time and reasoning behind some of the big emotional shifts.

Even so, I did enjoy elements of the story—especially the witchy aspects, the fae politics, and the found family moments. The main character is constantly trying to make plans and strike deals, only to realize she might not fully understand the game she’s playing.

And that cliffhanger definitely has me curious to see what happens next.

[Brenda Stokvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐
A creature lurks in Bryn's mind and it wants its freedom. It is forbidden to have magic and being the governor's daughter won't save her from judgement. The person to enforce the law and conduct this year's witch reaping is Odhran, the bastard prince. Bryn suddenly finds herself in a world of blood thirsty faeries, bargains and tentative alliances.
First my compliments on the writing, it is beautifully done. The little poems throughout were stunning, the flashbacks gave great insight into the characters, gorgeous. It was dark, goth, lush, opulant and rich.
Bryn is a fantastic FMC, I really needed her to grow as a person and she certainly did. I hope we delve more into her magic in the next book. Odhran as our MMC immediately drew me in. He is arrogant, sarcastic and a bit of an asshole and I loved him from the first page. The tension between them was delicious. The found family vibes were amazing and I feel so sorry for Sloan! I need to know he is alright! I felt a connection with the characters, there is some good character development and I want to know more about them all.
There are some twists and turns throughout the book and to be fair, most I saw coming, but that hardly took away my enjoyment overall.
Save to say I am in love with this book! It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Check the trigger warnings though, there are some heavier themes in this book. I hope the author is busy with book 2 because I need more!

[Roreadsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautifully Crafted Lie shocked me to my core. I did not expect to become so quickly and deeply obsessed with Bryndis and Odhran’s sarcastic banter, their complex stories and multi-faceted personalities, or their deep and desperate need to protect their respective families.

So many fantasies I’ve read in the past have had predictable plots and themes but A Beautifully Crafted Lie had me sitting mouth agape in shock chapter after chapter. The political intrigue, the emotional tension, spicy scenes tastefully scattered through the book and the witty remarks from both our human and faerie characters alike had me flipping through all range of emotions, and I’m not ashamed to admit I cried a few times!

I absolutely ADORED the use of Gaelic for names, words and terms of endearment in the book (which I had to look up, and each time I did I fell harder and faster in love with this story) and the herbalism used that holds truth in real life! As a witchy, herbal tea drinker and gardener it was so refreshing to see real world remedies in a fantasy world.

I could literally go on for days about this but I’ll restrain myself- and end off this review saying that if you enjoyed ACOTAR, this book is even better in every way. A gothic romantasy that I need in my hands immediately so I can relish in the romance over and over again.

Thank you a million times over to Evelyn Ash and NetGalley for the arc read opportunity.