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The Innocent Liar
Fiona was desperate to find a life in Jackson, Wyoming, but when a job interview that was supposed to be a sure thing turns ugly, she doubts there’s much hope of it. Eli sees through her lies, and regardless of the favor his father has asked of him, he’s just too stubborn to hire a woman who refuses to even give him her real name.But there is a reason for everything, and he finds out soon enough her deceptions have a purpose too.Secrets and lies are nothing to build a relationship on, but a relationship isn’t something either of them seem able to avoid. They’re simply magnets pulled together in a situation that should be driving them apart, but Eli has his own ghosts to contend with, and his past leaves him incapable of trusting a woman he can never fully know.How can they move beyond her lies when the truth is what Eli really needs, and when her past threatens to destroy her, can he rise above his own needs to protect her—his innocent liar?
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2014
39 people are currently reading
958 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Finn
21 books1,181 followersElizabeth Finn is a multi-published contemporary romance author. Her passion is creating stories packed full of angsty believable conflicts, characters who leave you rooting for them, and romance that might just short-circuit your e-reader. She likes her characters flawed and scarred, but they always find the best part of themselves on their journey, and her readers find themselves devoted to her authentic, honest and heartfelt voice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 11, 2014
3.75 Erotically Angsty Stars
The Innocent Liar is an angsty and erotic story about 2 broken people, each hiding from different kinds of demons from their past.
Fiona is hiding behind a veil of lies, innocent as they may be. She's in a desperate situation, and the one saving grace that she's counting on is the job that Eli may give her as a favor to his father.
Too bad Eli is too much of an asshole to just blindly do what his father asks. A man with his past is not one that can trust a woman that can't so much as give him her real name. And his none-too-gentle dismissal of Fiona sends her fleeing his office in tears.
Guilt, circumstance, and desperate need bring them together again. But can a man that's incapable of blind trust survive a relationship with a woman that's incapable of giving him the truth, no matter how hot the passion between them may be?
I really liked this story, especially with the introduction we get to Eli. I have a particular soft spot for assholes, and Eli was one major asshole when Fiona first showed up to his office. He's not exactly known for being a nice guy. A past that still haunts him and a fucked up marriage and divorce have pretty much guaranteed that. But there's a method to his madness...
Fiona was one of those characters that I had a tough time deciding whether I truly loved or not. She wasn't quite strong, and yet she wasn't exactly weak either. What she was, was desperate and hiding from something that you know from the very beginning is going to be brutal to learn.
But something pulls the two of them together, even if neither of them truly understand what it is. Eli is a man that depends on truth, and Fiona is a woman that can't give him that. Yet the inevitable happens..
Eli bounced back and forth between an utter asshole, to sweet back to asshole, to broken man, and then sweet again. It was tough to get a handle on his moods at times, though I did understand the reasoning behind them.
I'll admit that at times I struggled to understand the connection between him and Fiona. I get that there was a sexual pull between them, but I felt like the progression of their relationship, especially given the circumstances was a little unbelievable to me.
I do love Elizabeth Finn's writing, and by then end of the book I was very much sold. And if there's one thing that Elizabeth can give you, it's one hell of a scorching love scene. If you like your books steamy, this one will deliver that in spades.
I had a feeling about Elizabeth's past, though we never really get the full painted picture, just the glossed over version of it. I understand that had the author went into the gory details of it, it would have shot the book from just angsty to pure dark category...but a part of me feels like I would have still wanted those details. We get bits and pieces of what she went through, but never the whole picture. And the ending doesn't give much more details. Maybe it's the dark romance lover in me that craved those details? I'm not sure.
For whatever reason there was just always something here that kept this from being that perfect 5 star read for me. I tend to be stingy with my 5 stars, so I tend to save those for books that I either absolutely LOVED or would see myself reading again.
Fans of Elizabeth Finn would definitely enjoy this book. She delivers a great angtsy love story about 2 broken characters finding healing with each other. And if you haven't yet discovered this author, then I recommend you do. I've read a few books by Miss Finn, and I've enjoyed each of them.
So while this may not have been a perfect 5 star read for me, it was still a very enjoyable one and certainly one I would gladly recommend.
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
A woman hiding from her past, a man lost in his own…
The Innocent Liar is an angsty and erotic story about 2 broken people, each hiding from different kinds of demons from their past.
Fiona is hiding behind a veil of lies, innocent as they may be. She's in a desperate situation, and the one saving grace that she's counting on is the job that Eli may give her as a favor to his father.
Too bad Eli is too much of an asshole to just blindly do what his father asks. A man with his past is not one that can trust a woman that can't so much as give him her real name. And his none-too-gentle dismissal of Fiona sends her fleeing his office in tears.
Guilt, circumstance, and desperate need bring them together again. But can a man that's incapable of blind trust survive a relationship with a woman that's incapable of giving him the truth, no matter how hot the passion between them may be?
I really liked this story, especially with the introduction we get to Eli. I have a particular soft spot for assholes, and Eli was one major asshole when Fiona first showed up to his office. He's not exactly known for being a nice guy. A past that still haunts him and a fucked up marriage and divorce have pretty much guaranteed that. But there's a method to his madness...
Fiona was one of those characters that I had a tough time deciding whether I truly loved or not. She wasn't quite strong, and yet she wasn't exactly weak either. What she was, was desperate and hiding from something that you know from the very beginning is going to be brutal to learn.
But something pulls the two of them together, even if neither of them truly understand what it is. Eli is a man that depends on truth, and Fiona is a woman that can't give him that. Yet the inevitable happens..
Eli bounced back and forth between an utter asshole, to sweet back to asshole, to broken man, and then sweet again. It was tough to get a handle on his moods at times, though I did understand the reasoning behind them.
I'll admit that at times I struggled to understand the connection between him and Fiona. I get that there was a sexual pull between them, but I felt like the progression of their relationship, especially given the circumstances was a little unbelievable to me.
I do love Elizabeth Finn's writing, and by then end of the book I was very much sold. And if there's one thing that Elizabeth can give you, it's one hell of a scorching love scene. If you like your books steamy, this one will deliver that in spades.
She shuddered...
"Then I'm going to watch you suck my dick. Then I'm going to fuck your ass, and I'm not going to stop until I've come inside you. Do you understand?"
I had a feeling about Elizabeth's past, though we never really get the full painted picture, just the glossed over version of it. I understand that had the author went into the gory details of it, it would have shot the book from just angsty to pure dark category...but a part of me feels like I would have still wanted those details. We get bits and pieces of what she went through, but never the whole picture. And the ending doesn't give much more details. Maybe it's the dark romance lover in me that craved those details? I'm not sure.
For whatever reason there was just always something here that kept this from being that perfect 5 star read for me. I tend to be stingy with my 5 stars, so I tend to save those for books that I either absolutely LOVED or would see myself reading again.
Fans of Elizabeth Finn would definitely enjoy this book. She delivers a great angtsy love story about 2 broken characters finding healing with each other. And if you haven't yet discovered this author, then I recommend you do. I've read a few books by Miss Finn, and I've enjoyed each of them.
So while this may not have been a perfect 5 star read for me, it was still a very enjoyable one and certainly one I would gladly recommend.
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
May 23, 2014
3.5 STARS
The Innocent Liar...an oxymoron you say? Yes, definitely! But oh, so true! This was a sweet and sometimes heartbreaking tale of rising from the failure in life to come out stronger and more resilient in finding meaning and the chance to make a fresh start.
I can't say too much without giving some significant plot twists away, but I'll try.
Fiona Finley is desperate to remain as inconspicuous as possible. She's obviously running from something. A guaranteed job however becomes anything but when she faces off with her potential employer, Elijah Hunter. This was supposed to be a shoe in right? Get a job, lay low, survive. But Eli won't give in so easily to Fiona, or whoever she says she is.
Things happen and he finds himself bending for her and going out of his way to help her. But Fiona has secrets. Secrets she's unwilling to share with Eli. And although he had issues of his own, trusting her will be the biggest challenge of his life yet.
But there is one thing either of them is unable to deny: the intense attraction between them. But what happens when danger finds you? Threatens the very thing you've found worth fighting for?
I have to say, I was kept on my seat questioning why Fiona had so many secrets. She was a great heroine in the sense that she was trying to survive and keep her head up. After learning her past I was stunned with her ability to stay so strong. She was indecisive at times though but I gather that's from never truly having options before. I also wish she wasn't always so lenient with Eli...we all have our problems right?
Eli was an interesting character. It actually took me a while to like him because he was so mercurial. His past was also a mystery and although it explained his tendency to be so suspicious and standoffish, I couldn't quite explain away his actions. He was quite an asshole at times. I understood his mechanisms for defending himself but it got a little severe. But hey, I love how EF can write a man it takes time to like, a true asshole has to earn his respect right?
And he did, he really did.
The other thing I really liked is how we were kept away from the book turning too dark. Poor Fiona went through a hell of a lot and reading that in detail would have disturbed me. Instead, this book focused more on the ability to overcome your fears and insecurities. The ability to find love again. The ability to WANT things again.
The steam was here in spades of course, and Eli was an animal! But the romance was beautiful as well, rounding everything out. The ending was sweet and the epilogue sweeter.
**arc generously provided by the wonderful Elizabeth Finn **
The Innocent Liar...an oxymoron you say? Yes, definitely! But oh, so true! This was a sweet and sometimes heartbreaking tale of rising from the failure in life to come out stronger and more resilient in finding meaning and the chance to make a fresh start.
I can't say too much without giving some significant plot twists away, but I'll try.
Fiona Finley is desperate to remain as inconspicuous as possible. She's obviously running from something. A guaranteed job however becomes anything but when she faces off with her potential employer, Elijah Hunter. This was supposed to be a shoe in right? Get a job, lay low, survive. But Eli won't give in so easily to Fiona, or whoever she says she is.
Things happen and he finds himself bending for her and going out of his way to help her. But Fiona has secrets. Secrets she's unwilling to share with Eli. And although he had issues of his own, trusting her will be the biggest challenge of his life yet.
But there is one thing either of them is unable to deny: the intense attraction between them. But what happens when danger finds you? Threatens the very thing you've found worth fighting for?
I have to say, I was kept on my seat questioning why Fiona had so many secrets. She was a great heroine in the sense that she was trying to survive and keep her head up. After learning her past I was stunned with her ability to stay so strong. She was indecisive at times though but I gather that's from never truly having options before. I also wish she wasn't always so lenient with Eli...we all have our problems right?
Eli was an interesting character. It actually took me a while to like him because he was so mercurial. His past was also a mystery and although it explained his tendency to be so suspicious and standoffish, I couldn't quite explain away his actions. He was quite an asshole at times. I understood his mechanisms for defending himself but it got a little severe. But hey, I love how EF can write a man it takes time to like, a true asshole has to earn his respect right?
And he did, he really did.
The other thing I really liked is how we were kept away from the book turning too dark. Poor Fiona went through a hell of a lot and reading that in detail would have disturbed me. Instead, this book focused more on the ability to overcome your fears and insecurities. The ability to find love again. The ability to WANT things again.
The steam was here in spades of course, and Eli was an animal! But the romance was beautiful as well, rounding everything out. The ending was sweet and the epilogue sweeter.
**arc generously provided by the wonderful Elizabeth Finn **
April 14, 2014
Fiona
“Perhaps you have a name you’re trying to lose. A name you’re trying to hide maybe?”
Fiona is in hiding and is on the run. This beautiful innocent liar is trapped in a web of deception. This is for her protection and survival. My heart really felt for her and I was on full-on-angst alert.
Eli is a man with a past that trusts NO ONE. He is doing a personal favor by employing Fiona and help her to get on her feet.
He wants answers he can't have.
He wants details and information she won't give.
He wants this woman and he can't even know her real name.
But .......fear not ......he gets her. OH. HELL. YES. Does he get her❤️ and it was delicious!
Now for theANNA-lysis:
Book rating ~ 4 sensual and suspenseful stars!!!!
I am a self professed steamy-weepy junkie and Elizabeth Finn is my go-to author for this type of book! You can always count on the thrill and suspense and now...this whole new breed of jerk-assholes that I can't help but love!! Wow Eli was very hard to initially warm up to. But in true Elizabeth Finn Fashion, he won me over. Here is a man that demands the truth yet he concedes and does those little things to catapult my heart to the sky!
You have to put some faith in me now, baby. I love you, and our future is in jeopardy if you can't do this.
"Are you going to stop me this time? Why did you last time"
"I don't know."
"Yes, you do. Was it because you wanted a different man?"
"No."
"Is it because you didn't want me?"
"No. "
"Was it because you we angry with me?"
"No. "
"Was it because you were afraid of me?"
"Yes."
“And I know you. You were never just a name to me. You were never one of your lies. The things that have happened in your life aren’t who you are. You are so much more than that. I. Know. You. And that’s who I love.”
"I have a YOU fetish- any and every way I can take you."
**********And just sayin' ladies - you know the author can write the any and every way scenes like NONE OTHER.
HOLY
FANS-SELF ..... The pages were on fire ! Eli is a dominating animal !!!! Yum❤️ he delivered in all situations. Scorching passion and then sexy and sinfully sweet when I needed him to be .
I would highly recommend this book if you're looking for a heart wrenching love story filled with suspense and angst and if you're able to read relaxingly in a WALK-IN FREEZER
I'm
Not
Kidding
July 18, 2015
4.25 Fifi Stars
People always assumed when a person was broken they didn’t realize they were broken. It wasn’t at all true. He knew it well. He saw it in himself, yet he would do nothing to stop it because he didn’t know how to function without his defects. They kept him sane and grounded. That was just a fact of life for him.
"Hi, my name is Jen and I'm an Elizabeth Finn addict."
"Hi, Jen."
"It's been two days since my last book..."
Seriously. I love this woman's writing. I've never come across another author that can captivate me with a story while at the same time make me tear up like a baby Every. Single. Time. I tend to keep my reading time on the lighter side of things but when I need the angst, Elizabeth Finn delivers.
Innocent Liar starts out with a desperate Fiona interviewing for a job with a surly as hell Eli. She needs some quick cash and to stay under the radar. He needs to take her and her secrets on like he needs a swift kick to the groin. In order to have Fiona in his life in any capacity, he needs to trust that she's being honest with him about her situation and unfortunately she doesn't have that luxury.
I loved watching these two act like skittish kittens that finally find a way to come together. Fiona's situation was slightly predictable but heartbreaking nonetheless. When Eli finally gave into his feelings and gave Fiona his trust, after many a douchebag moment, my cold black heart gave a big "hell yes!"
My complaints, and the reasons for the 4 instead of 5 star rating, stem mainly from the insta-love issues I had with the story. Fiona has very recently gone to hell and back at the hands of a man but somehow has no reservations about giving it up (heart, soul and all) to Eli. Eli, in turn, goes from hate to love in what feels like the blink of an eye. These weren't huge detractors for me but they did take away a little something from the story.
Regardless of my minor issues, I still love the fact Elizabeth Finn can make me tear up and feel hopeful about her stories at the same time. The gut wrenching moments give way to what ends up being a beautiful story every time and in the end, I'm never disappointed.
People always assumed when a person was broken they didn’t realize they were broken. It wasn’t at all true. He knew it well. He saw it in himself, yet he would do nothing to stop it because he didn’t know how to function without his defects. They kept him sane and grounded. That was just a fact of life for him.
"Hi, my name is Jen and I'm an Elizabeth Finn addict."
"Hi, Jen."
"It's been two days since my last book..."
Seriously. I love this woman's writing. I've never come across another author that can captivate me with a story while at the same time make me tear up like a baby Every. Single. Time. I tend to keep my reading time on the lighter side of things but when I need the angst, Elizabeth Finn delivers.
Innocent Liar starts out with a desperate Fiona interviewing for a job with a surly as hell Eli. She needs some quick cash and to stay under the radar. He needs to take her and her secrets on like he needs a swift kick to the groin. In order to have Fiona in his life in any capacity, he needs to trust that she's being honest with him about her situation and unfortunately she doesn't have that luxury.
I loved watching these two act like skittish kittens that finally find a way to come together. Fiona's situation was slightly predictable but heartbreaking nonetheless. When Eli finally gave into his feelings and gave Fiona his trust, after many a douchebag moment, my cold black heart gave a big "hell yes!"
My complaints, and the reasons for the 4 instead of 5 star rating, stem mainly from the insta-love issues I had with the story. Fiona has very recently gone to hell and back at the hands of a man but somehow has no reservations about giving it up (heart, soul and all) to Eli. Eli, in turn, goes from hate to love in what feels like the blink of an eye. These weren't huge detractors for me but they did take away a little something from the story.
Regardless of my minor issues, I still love the fact Elizabeth Finn can make me tear up and feel hopeful about her stories at the same time. The gut wrenching moments give way to what ends up being a beautiful story every time and in the end, I'm never disappointed.
April 30, 2014
3.5 stars
Fiona is on the run. She needs a job. She needs a place to stay. She needs help.
Eli is a bit of a jerk. Yeah, I love me some jerks most of the time, especially if they are taken down by a good woman.
He works in a woodwork shop so he can get a bit grubby. But he cleans up well.
Eli cannot stand liars and he knows Fiona is lying about something. So from the first off, their relationship was strained. But the attraction was there and they couldn’t deny it.
Not sure what was missing for me to make it 4 solid stars. This it dragged a little especially the first half or three quarters. I knew something was going to happen and it did… but it just took a bit too long for things to pick up for me.
Ms Finn seems to be always just a 3 star read for me. I see friends have given this 4 and 5 stars. Will I read more of her books? Yes, Indeed, I will.
Fiona is on the run. She needs a job. She needs a place to stay. She needs help.
Eli Hunter … she liked his name, but as near as she could tell, that was all there was to like.
Eli is a bit of a jerk. Yeah, I love me some jerks most of the time, especially if they are taken down by a good woman.
He works in a woodwork shop so he can get a bit grubby. But he cleans up well.
Eli cannot stand liars and he knows Fiona is lying about something. So from the first off, their relationship was strained. But the attraction was there and they couldn’t deny it.
Not sure what was missing for me to make it 4 solid stars. This it dragged a little especially the first half or three quarters. I knew something was going to happen and it did… but it just took a bit too long for things to pick up for me.
”Since when have ou been such a nice guy?”
“Since I realized I wasn’t gong to get very far with you if I couldn’t figure out how to stop being a dick all the time.”
She smiled … She’d made him better.
Ms Finn seems to be always just a 3 star read for me. I see friends have given this 4 and 5 stars. Will I read more of her books? Yes, Indeed, I will.
April 28, 2014
4 Sexy Eli Stars!
(BR with Sharon)
Fiona Finley is a desperate, homeless woman who once had a home, and lived a normal life. She is now on the run, and in need of money, safety, and somewhere to disappear. She arrives in Jackson Wyoming under the impression that a job has been lined up for her at Hunter Custom Furnishings.
Eli Hunter is the owner of Hunter's, and has received a call from his father asking him to hire this woman, without giving him any information. She comes in for an interview, and he realizes she thinks this job is a done deal. He questions her, and can see everything out of her mouth is a lie. He gets angry, and asks her to leave.
There is nothing Eli hates more than a liar! He didn't really care what her sad story was, he just couldn't handle dishonesty, and he was furious with his father for putting him in this position, and asking this favor of him, cause hiring her would be a risk.
Fiona is shocked that things didn't go smoothly with the job interview since she had been told it was a given that the job was hers. She finds Eli to be hostile, serious, and intimidating, but her life has become a mess, she is desperate, and really needs this job, so she returns to Hunter's to beg Eli for the job.
Eli eventually gives in and reluctantly hires Fiona as his secretary/janitor. They are around each other a lot at work, and he finds he is drawn to her. She is beautiful, quiet, strong, and has a sense of humor. He knows she is fighting something, and he still wants to solve the mystery that is Fiona.
As they grow closer, Eli isn't as focused on her deception, and just wants to help and protect her. They are both a bit broken, and begin to have real feelings for each other. Their attraction can no longer be denied, and WOW, WOW, WOW, the sex in this book is on fire!!! This was my first Elizabeth Finn book & I thought it was fantastic!!! :D
-"She's sarcastic and funny sometimes. She's a fighter- even if I don't know what she's fighting."
-She wanted more from him. She had no idea why, but she did. Something about him simply worked for her. It made no sense whatsoever.
-She was actually quite nervous, but she was too exhilarated to care. It was hard to even remember a time when she'd wanted a man like this.
-She'd never wanted someone to see her as much as she did with him. She needed him to see every one of her flaws, every one of her secrets, and she needed him to be okay with it all.
-"You make me want to give...a lot without getting much in return."
-How had this unknown woman so easily taken his life, made it hers, and given it back so very much improved?
-It was two parts intimidating and one part sexy as hell to be caught in that line of those searing dark eyes.
-He'd spent so much time avoiding attachment to people who could hurt him, and in the end he'd found himself so attached he no longer knew where he ended and she began, and he didn't want it any other way.
(BR with Sharon)
Fiona Finley is a desperate, homeless woman who once had a home, and lived a normal life. She is now on the run, and in need of money, safety, and somewhere to disappear. She arrives in Jackson Wyoming under the impression that a job has been lined up for her at Hunter Custom Furnishings.
Eli Hunter is the owner of Hunter's, and has received a call from his father asking him to hire this woman, without giving him any information. She comes in for an interview, and he realizes she thinks this job is a done deal. He questions her, and can see everything out of her mouth is a lie. He gets angry, and asks her to leave.
There is nothing Eli hates more than a liar! He didn't really care what her sad story was, he just couldn't handle dishonesty, and he was furious with his father for putting him in this position, and asking this favor of him, cause hiring her would be a risk.
Fiona is shocked that things didn't go smoothly with the job interview since she had been told it was a given that the job was hers. She finds Eli to be hostile, serious, and intimidating, but her life has become a mess, she is desperate, and really needs this job, so she returns to Hunter's to beg Eli for the job.
Eli eventually gives in and reluctantly hires Fiona as his secretary/janitor. They are around each other a lot at work, and he finds he is drawn to her. She is beautiful, quiet, strong, and has a sense of humor. He knows she is fighting something, and he still wants to solve the mystery that is Fiona.
As they grow closer, Eli isn't as focused on her deception, and just wants to help and protect her. They are both a bit broken, and begin to have real feelings for each other. Their attraction can no longer be denied, and WOW, WOW, WOW, the sex in this book is on fire!!! This was my first Elizabeth Finn book & I thought it was fantastic!!! :D
-"She's sarcastic and funny sometimes. She's a fighter- even if I don't know what she's fighting."
-She wanted more from him. She had no idea why, but she did. Something about him simply worked for her. It made no sense whatsoever.
-She was actually quite nervous, but she was too exhilarated to care. It was hard to even remember a time when she'd wanted a man like this.
-She'd never wanted someone to see her as much as she did with him. She needed him to see every one of her flaws, every one of her secrets, and she needed him to be okay with it all.
-"You make me want to give...a lot without getting much in return."
-How had this unknown woman so easily taken his life, made it hers, and given it back so very much improved?
-It was two parts intimidating and one part sexy as hell to be caught in that line of those searing dark eyes.
-He'd spent so much time avoiding attachment to people who could hurt him, and in the end he'd found himself so attached he no longer knew where he ended and she began, and he didn't want it any other way.
April 25, 2014
How can a person who can't stand liars and a person who has to lie even have a chance? Well, you would think they don't but there is something more there and Eli and Fiona just can't stay away from each other.
Right from the start, your heart goes out to Fiona. She's in a new city, homeless, penniless and her only light in her very dark tunnel is getting a job from Eli. He doesn't make it easy for her but she perseveres. It wasn't hard to figure out what had happened to her and as I was drawn to her strength, that made me admire her even more.
Eli. Is. A. Jerk. Something he freely admits. Yes, he's had some things happen in his life but really, that's no excuse for his behavior. He is downright cruel to Fiona and I had a hard time with that. And he has a really hard time with not knowing what is going on. The only redeeming part is that he finally deals with it.
When Eli and Fiona do get together, things are pretty combustible, breakable and all tie up in knots. Let me tell you, there are sex scenes a-plenty, dare I say even too many? but at least you won't be disappointed!
The main drama is interesting but otherwise predictable and easy to figure out. There were other minor dramas with some of the employees that I wish had played out more. It seemed like things started and then just fizzled out.
I did enjoy how all the family got along. It made me laugh about the hens and their clucking! The ending was good and I liked the epilogue even though I felt things wrapped up a little too nicely. But overall, another great story from Elizabeth Finn.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “There’s nothing better than you, baby. It doesn’t mean I’m not terrified all the time I’m going to hurt you, but I’m not worried in the least I’ll cheat on you or betray you for another woman. Not in the least. That’s just not who I am. It’s my mouth and my shitty attitude that’ll get me in trouble with you.”
♥ "You’re supposed to fall in love when it makes no sense whatsoever to do so. You’re supposed to get hurt sometimes. She’s supposed to break your heart a time or two, so you know how much it means to keep her.”
♥ “Well, that’s not going to help my morning breath now is it?”
♥ “You’re my ***, my Fiona, my Fifi, Fido, Fluffy.”
♥ “And I know you. You were never just a name to me. You were never one of your lies. The things that have happened in your life aren’t who you are. You are so much more than that. I. Know. You. And that’s who I love.”
♥ “Ah, it’s my favorite we’re-not-a-couple couple! Hope you reinforced that headboard when you rebuilt it.”
*BR w/Melissa*
Right from the start, your heart goes out to Fiona. She's in a new city, homeless, penniless and her only light in her very dark tunnel is getting a job from Eli. He doesn't make it easy for her but she perseveres. It wasn't hard to figure out what had happened to her and as I was drawn to her strength, that made me admire her even more.
Eli. Is. A. Jerk. Something he freely admits. Yes, he's had some things happen in his life but really, that's no excuse for his behavior. He is downright cruel to Fiona and I had a hard time with that. And he has a really hard time with not knowing what is going on. The only redeeming part is that he finally deals with it.
When Eli and Fiona do get together, things are pretty combustible, breakable and all tie up in knots. Let me tell you, there are sex scenes a-plenty, dare I say even too many? but at least you won't be disappointed!
The main drama is interesting but otherwise predictable and easy to figure out. There were other minor dramas with some of the employees that I wish had played out more. It seemed like things started and then just fizzled out.
I did enjoy how all the family got along. It made me laugh about the hens and their clucking! The ending was good and I liked the epilogue even though I felt things wrapped up a little too nicely. But overall, another great story from Elizabeth Finn.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “There’s nothing better than you, baby. It doesn’t mean I’m not terrified all the time I’m going to hurt you, but I’m not worried in the least I’ll cheat on you or betray you for another woman. Not in the least. That’s just not who I am. It’s my mouth and my shitty attitude that’ll get me in trouble with you.”
♥ "You’re supposed to fall in love when it makes no sense whatsoever to do so. You’re supposed to get hurt sometimes. She’s supposed to break your heart a time or two, so you know how much it means to keep her.”
♥ “Well, that’s not going to help my morning breath now is it?”
♥ “You’re my ***, my Fiona, my Fifi, Fido, Fluffy.”
♥ “And I know you. You were never just a name to me. You were never one of your lies. The things that have happened in your life aren’t who you are. You are so much more than that. I. Know. You. And that’s who I love.”
♥ “Ah, it’s my favorite we’re-not-a-couple couple! Hope you reinforced that headboard when you rebuilt it.”
*BR w/Melissa*
April 9, 2014
Book – The Innocent Liar
Author – Elizabeth Finn
Publication Date – April 11, 2014
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Romance/New Adult
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Review
As always Ms. Finn delivers a kick ass story full of love, angst and suspense. I loved the sass of Fiona once she became comfortable enough in her surroundings and Eli….OMG….such a LOVABLE ASSHOLE!!
Ms. Finn keeps us on the edge of our seats wondering what the hell Fiona (Fi-Fi, Fido….)is hiding from and what secrets she keeps tightly locked away. You know what I loved most about this book, is when we do find out what happened in Fiona’s past – even though it was unimaginable horror, we weren’t privy to the graphic descriptions of what exactly happened. Ms. Finn kept that dark part as light as she could and by achieving this, it didn’t take away from the romance budding between Eli and Fiona.
As much as I hated Eli in the beginning with his douche bag comments and brooding attitude, he actually turned into a lovable, cuddly teddy bear by the end. And Fiona….don’t even get me started on how strong this chick was – her independence to survive on her own – no matter where she had to go for shelter or food.
Re-Cap
Fiona (is that really her name?) is on the run from something or someone – Eli’s father asks him to give Fiona a job under the table. Eli hates lies – Fiona is full of lies. Tempers fly – Tears cascade and feelings are hurt. Who is this little bombshell who needs Eli’s help? As Eli and Fiona spend more and more time together the sexual attraction and tension continues to pile up until they are stranded due to the bad weather. Spindles are broken – Screams are heard and each of them are sexually sated. Well at least until the next time….
Eli starts opening up to Fiona and in return she tries to tell him everything she can without putting him in danger. This is the first time Eli has deep feeling of love and vice versa – Can these two have a HEA with both of their pasts hanging over their heads?
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Author – Elizabeth Finn
Publication Date – April 11, 2014
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Romance/New Adult
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Review
As always Ms. Finn delivers a kick ass story full of love, angst and suspense. I loved the sass of Fiona once she became comfortable enough in her surroundings and Eli….OMG….such a LOVABLE ASSHOLE!!
Ms. Finn keeps us on the edge of our seats wondering what the hell Fiona (Fi-Fi, Fido….)is hiding from and what secrets she keeps tightly locked away. You know what I loved most about this book, is when we do find out what happened in Fiona’s past – even though it was unimaginable horror, we weren’t privy to the graphic descriptions of what exactly happened. Ms. Finn kept that dark part as light as she could and by achieving this, it didn’t take away from the romance budding between Eli and Fiona.
As much as I hated Eli in the beginning with his douche bag comments and brooding attitude, he actually turned into a lovable, cuddly teddy bear by the end. And Fiona….don’t even get me started on how strong this chick was – her independence to survive on her own – no matter where she had to go for shelter or food.
Re-Cap
Fiona (is that really her name?) is on the run from something or someone – Eli’s father asks him to give Fiona a job under the table. Eli hates lies – Fiona is full of lies. Tempers fly – Tears cascade and feelings are hurt. Who is this little bombshell who needs Eli’s help? As Eli and Fiona spend more and more time together the sexual attraction and tension continues to pile up until they are stranded due to the bad weather. Spindles are broken – Screams are heard and each of them are sexually sated. Well at least until the next time….
Eli starts opening up to Fiona and in return she tries to tell him everything she can without putting him in danger. This is the first time Eli has deep feeling of love and vice versa – Can these two have a HEA with both of their pasts hanging over their heads?
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 12, 2014
3.5 Stars
This book starts with a job interview. Fiona is running from her past and is desperate to get a job a fast as possible. Fiona thinks that this job interview is a save bet. But with Eli is nothing save. His father asked him for a favor and give Fiona a job and also pay her under the table.
That seems very suspect to Eli. He doesn't trust "Fiona". He surely knows that she is lying (btw he hates liar and dishonesty). "Fiona" refuses to give him honest answers so he just kicks her out of his office.
But he is not totally heartless. After a phone call with his dad he regrets his decision.
Thank god poor Fiona is so desperate that she returns to his office the next day. This time she succeeds and gets the assistant/secretary job.
They start spending time together and Eli begins to like Fiona. But she still refuses to tell him her secrets. His father seems to know more about Fiona but he also refuses to tell him.
He was like
And she was like
Fiona hates to lie about her past but its the best thing to do in order to keep her and others safe.
I liked Eli, yes he was an asshole but most of the time he was a sweet one :D At one part I really hated him because he made Fiona feel really pathetic and I totally could not understand his reasons for his behaviour.
I liked Fiona and her sarcasm. She was a tad shy but still a great heroine.
It was a pretty good read overall. But I think the story dragged a little too much at the beginning/middle. I liked the last 30% the most because the story got hotter and more thrilling :D
This book starts with a job interview. Fiona is running from her past and is desperate to get a job a fast as possible. Fiona thinks that this job interview is a save bet. But with Eli is nothing save. His father asked him for a favor and give Fiona a job and also pay her under the table.
That seems very suspect to Eli. He doesn't trust "Fiona". He surely knows that she is lying (btw he hates liar and dishonesty). "Fiona" refuses to give him honest answers so he just kicks her out of his office.
But he is not totally heartless. After a phone call with his dad he regrets his decision.
Thank god poor Fiona is so desperate that she returns to his office the next day. This time she succeeds and gets the assistant/secretary job.
They start spending time together and Eli begins to like Fiona. But she still refuses to tell him her secrets. His father seems to know more about Fiona but he also refuses to tell him.
He was like
And she was like
Fiona hates to lie about her past but its the best thing to do in order to keep her and others safe.
I liked Eli, yes he was an asshole but most of the time he was a sweet one :D At one part I really hated him because he made Fiona feel really pathetic and I totally could not understand his reasons for his behaviour.
I liked Fiona and her sarcasm. She was a tad shy but still a great heroine.
It was a pretty good read overall. But I think the story dragged a little too much at the beginning/middle. I liked the last 30% the most because the story got hotter and more thrilling :D
July 22, 2014
4.5 Mysterious Stars!
Really loved this story! I love venturing into a book with ratings meh, and finding I loved it!
Fiona is on the run. She's homeless, needs a job, money for food, and most importantly, safe harbor. Eli runs a woodworking furniture company and gets a vague call from his dad to hire the girl...no details, just to help her out. Under the table, no information...Eli doesn't do well with being in the dark...being lied to.
Fiona is desperate. Eli is an ass when she won't give up who she is but she needs this job. He relents and hires her but his jerky behavior continues. That's okay...she's tough. This is a walk in the park compared to the abuse she's running from or the fate before her if the police catch her.
I loved the dynamics of this book. Fiona was tough. She wasn't going to put herself or Eli in harms way by fessing up her history. It's a need to know thing. But walls start to crumble between these two. They're both painfully attracted to each other but fight it. What kind of relationship is built on lies and secrets? Eli too has a past and fears Fiona will run when she learns of it...so they let things get physical, keeping their own secrets buried...
How long can a relationship withstand secrecy? Trust is the foundation and Eli doesn't even know her real first name! Can you love someone you don't even really know? Or does he know enough? Is she worth the risk to his heart?
Elizabeth Finn didn't let me down with this one. Innocent Liar is the perfect balance of mystery, intrigue, with a jerky hero (loved) and a tough heroine (a must). The sex was hot! Damn! Ms. Finn...not that I've seen this before but that is the hottest sawhorse sex scene ever! Hot damn! She's an auto buy for me at this point. Not quite the love I had with her book Unforgiven but still fabulous!
And I thank you!
Really loved this story! I love venturing into a book with ratings meh, and finding I loved it!
Fiona is on the run. She's homeless, needs a job, money for food, and most importantly, safe harbor. Eli runs a woodworking furniture company and gets a vague call from his dad to hire the girl...no details, just to help her out. Under the table, no information...Eli doesn't do well with being in the dark...being lied to.
Fiona is desperate. Eli is an ass when she won't give up who she is but she needs this job. He relents and hires her but his jerky behavior continues. That's okay...she's tough. This is a walk in the park compared to the abuse she's running from or the fate before her if the police catch her.
I loved the dynamics of this book. Fiona was tough. She wasn't going to put herself or Eli in harms way by fessing up her history. It's a need to know thing. But walls start to crumble between these two. They're both painfully attracted to each other but fight it. What kind of relationship is built on lies and secrets? Eli too has a past and fears Fiona will run when she learns of it...so they let things get physical, keeping their own secrets buried...
How long can a relationship withstand secrecy? Trust is the foundation and Eli doesn't even know her real first name! Can you love someone you don't even really know? Or does he know enough? Is she worth the risk to his heart?
Elizabeth Finn didn't let me down with this one. Innocent Liar is the perfect balance of mystery, intrigue, with a jerky hero (loved) and a tough heroine (a must). The sex was hot! Damn! Ms. Finn...not that I've seen this before but that is the hottest sawhorse sex scene ever! Hot damn! She's an auto buy for me at this point. Not quite the love I had with her book Unforgiven but still fabulous!
And I thank you!
April 12, 2014
4 innocent stars!
Elizabeth Finn is one of those writers who knows how capture the reader's attention by writing emotionally-charge stories with flawed characters. The Innocent Liar is definitely one of those stories. Though not as angsty or emotionally gratifying as Unforgiven, this book still delivers on the angst and scorching sensuality that has become this author's trademark.
The Story
The Innocent Liar begins with Eli interviewing Fiona for a job as a favor to this father. The catch was he knows she's lying about who she is. And Eli being a asshat threw her out of his office without a second thought. But Fiona, as she was called was desperate and she begged Eli to take her on, which he did, albeit reluctantly. Very reluctantly.
For Eli, Fiona is nothing but an employee, a lying one at that. He knows he shouldn't be involved but he can't deny he was attracted to her. She's a mystery he wants to unravel. Fiona on the hand doesn't want a boyfriend. Her life has gone to hell and she's fighting to survive with her heart intact no matter how tempting Eli is becoming to her.
My Thoughts
This book was a little slow in parts for me and Fiona's reticence was a little hard to understand especially during the first part of the book where, as a reader, I have no idea what secrets she has been keeping. While I was frustrated, I couldn't help but think about how Eli must have felt when confronted by Fiona and her secrets.
Eli was an asshole and by that I mean, I wanna climb him like a tree and have his babies. There is no question about it. Elizabeth Finn knows how to write redeemable assholes and Eli is definitely one and he is entirely irresistible. And he has his own secrets too. Secrets that could color Fiona's perception of him.
It wasn't really after the second half of the book that the story started to pick up and secrets are finally coming out. What I love about Ms. Finn's writing is the way she drops these big secrets without set up or drama. It's like you're reading a seemingly innocuous paragraph of inner monologue and then suddenly your eyes reads that one word and you go, "Whoa!" Just ONE WORD and you slowly go back and read it again just to make sure your eyes are not playing tricks on you, and usually, they're not. So then you proceed to either rage at your kindle or bawl your eyes out because you found out something that might affect these characters. I call them land mines and Ms. Finn knows how to use it effectively. Some of the shockers in this book were revealed like that and I totally dig it. I felt it was more effective.
But there was one scene that I wish, I WISH was explored more. I'm not going to go into the details except to say that it was that moment when Fiona finally laid all her cards down and told Eli the unvarnished truth about her life prior to meeting him. I wish it could have been laid out with more details rather than fade to black, essentially. It was emotional for the characters, yes, but as a reader, it wasn't gratifying since I wasn't really given any details. Those details and the emotions that came with it would have made this book a 5-star for me.
But other than that, I enjoyed reading this book. And if any of you who've read this author's books before would know that she can write some of the steamiest and blush-inducing erotic scenes out there. This book has plenty of hot and sexy moments. And in spite of the somber tone, there were still some lighthearted and funny moments.
Overall, another enjoyable book definitely recommended for those who are looking for a steamy read. :)
ARC provided by the author in exchange for honest review!
Elizabeth Finn is one of those writers who knows how capture the reader's attention by writing emotionally-charge stories with flawed characters. The Innocent Liar is definitely one of those stories. Though not as angsty or emotionally gratifying as Unforgiven, this book still delivers on the angst and scorching sensuality that has become this author's trademark.
The Story
The Innocent Liar begins with Eli interviewing Fiona for a job as a favor to this father. The catch was he knows she's lying about who she is. And Eli being a asshat threw her out of his office without a second thought. But Fiona, as she was called was desperate and she begged Eli to take her on, which he did, albeit reluctantly. Very reluctantly.
For Eli, Fiona is nothing but an employee, a lying one at that. He knows he shouldn't be involved but he can't deny he was attracted to her. She's a mystery he wants to unravel. Fiona on the hand doesn't want a boyfriend. Her life has gone to hell and she's fighting to survive with her heart intact no matter how tempting Eli is becoming to her.
My Thoughts
This book was a little slow in parts for me and Fiona's reticence was a little hard to understand especially during the first part of the book where, as a reader, I have no idea what secrets she has been keeping. While I was frustrated, I couldn't help but think about how Eli must have felt when confronted by Fiona and her secrets.
Eli was an asshole and by that I mean, I wanna climb him like a tree and have his babies. There is no question about it. Elizabeth Finn knows how to write redeemable assholes and Eli is definitely one and he is entirely irresistible. And he has his own secrets too. Secrets that could color Fiona's perception of him.
“After we make love, I’m going to take you home with me and run us a hot bath. I’m going to keep you all weekend, and I’m going to keep fucking you.” He was kissing her neck, lifting her hair as he moved around the back, sucking gentle kisses along the nape. “And come Monday morning.” Kiss. “You’re going to be exhausted.” Another kiss. “I’m going to be exhausted.” A nip on the top of her shoulder. “And you’re never going to want to let me go.”
It wasn't really after the second half of the book that the story started to pick up and secrets are finally coming out. What I love about Ms. Finn's writing is the way she drops these big secrets without set up or drama. It's like you're reading a seemingly innocuous paragraph of inner monologue and then suddenly your eyes reads that one word and you go, "Whoa!" Just ONE WORD and you slowly go back and read it again just to make sure your eyes are not playing tricks on you, and usually, they're not. So then you proceed to either rage at your kindle or bawl your eyes out because you found out something that might affect these characters. I call them land mines and Ms. Finn knows how to use it effectively. Some of the shockers in this book were revealed like that and I totally dig it. I felt it was more effective.
But there was one scene that I wish, I WISH was explored more. I'm not going to go into the details except to say that it was that moment when Fiona finally laid all her cards down and told Eli the unvarnished truth about her life prior to meeting him. I wish it could have been laid out with more details rather than fade to black, essentially. It was emotional for the characters, yes, but as a reader, it wasn't gratifying since I wasn't really given any details. Those details and the emotions that came with it would have made this book a 5-star for me.
But other than that, I enjoyed reading this book. And if any of you who've read this author's books before would know that she can write some of the steamiest and blush-inducing erotic scenes out there. This book has plenty of hot and sexy moments. And in spite of the somber tone, there were still some lighthearted and funny moments.
“Tell me about it. With all these geriatric folk shagging each other someone’s going to break a hip.”
Overall, another enjoyable book definitely recommended for those who are looking for a steamy read. :)
ARC provided by the author in exchange for honest review!
January 24, 2016
***FOUR STARS***
I really enjoyed this sweet little story of a woman running away and hiding from her horrific past, and the man unwillingly forced into helping her stay hidden.
I loved everything about Fiona. She's running from such a brutal/horrific past, she's dead broke, but willing to live on the streets rather than risk getting caught and being drug back to the horrors she's been put through before. Luckily she's got connections who find a way to get her a job, paid under the table, so she can stay off the radar. She's not completely broken though, she still has her sense of humor. She's sarcastic, in a cute way that made me smile.
Eli was perfect. He started out acting like such a rude and insulting ass to Fiona. I love an asshole hero, who later on turns into the hot alpha hero all women love them to be. Eli pulls this off famously. He's got his own secret past that he doesn't share with others, and trust issues he's never dealt with before, so blindly trusting Fiona isn't something he's keen on. It was beautiful the way these two slowly learned to trust each other, and finally reveal their secrets to each other.
The chemistry and sex between Fiona and Eli was smoking hot too. Very nice scenes.
The ending of this story was perfect.
Another awesome story by Elizabeth Finn. Absolutely a total recommend! :)
June 4, 2018
5 stars !!!!!
February 11, 2015
3,5 Stars!
Eli hates lies, Fiona's life is just that. Can they make it? Or this is bound to get seriously dangerous and messy? Elizabeth Finn unravels a beautiful and very appealing sexy mystery filled with passion and secrets.
Life wasn't kind with Fiona in the past, now trying to survive and keep herself intact she needs a job and a place to stay immediately. The help will come through Eli Hunter's father and she will go to Jackson, Wyoming with more hopes to weather the storm that bursted into her life.
But Eli is not an easy man. No, he is difficult, demanding, a real asshole most of the time, very overbearing and cold. But he opens up only for Fiona, even though he strongly suspect something is going with her..
The revelation will come, and it will shatter and change everything. Are they ready to make it? Will Eli finally leave the past in the past and decide to make Fiona his future? And is Fiona ready to stand up for herself and fight for what she wants?
I liked this book a lot, but it wasn't my favorite of Elizabeth Finn's works. I loved yet again her writing, it was great, but it took far too long to develope the real story and after the 45% mark, i got bored. Also i couldn't connect with the main characters much, even though i tried. I liked Fiona fiercely but still.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- The beggining was heartbreaking.
- Dual POV.
- It was so sweet how Eli changed!
- Most of the guys who worked with them were good..
ARC provided by the author in exchange of an honest review. Thank you, Eliza!
Eli hates lies, Fiona's life is just that. Can they make it? Or this is bound to get seriously dangerous and messy? Elizabeth Finn unravels a beautiful and very appealing sexy mystery filled with passion and secrets.
Life wasn't kind with Fiona in the past, now trying to survive and keep herself intact she needs a job and a place to stay immediately. The help will come through Eli Hunter's father and she will go to Jackson, Wyoming with more hopes to weather the storm that bursted into her life.
But Eli is not an easy man. No, he is difficult, demanding, a real asshole most of the time, very overbearing and cold. But he opens up only for Fiona, even though he strongly suspect something is going with her..
The revelation will come, and it will shatter and change everything. Are they ready to make it? Will Eli finally leave the past in the past and decide to make Fiona his future? And is Fiona ready to stand up for herself and fight for what she wants?
I liked this book a lot, but it wasn't my favorite of Elizabeth Finn's works. I loved yet again her writing, it was great, but it took far too long to develope the real story and after the 45% mark, i got bored. Also i couldn't connect with the main characters much, even though i tried. I liked Fiona fiercely but still.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- The beggining was heartbreaking.
- Dual POV.
- It was so sweet how Eli changed!
- Most of the guys who worked with them were good..
ARC provided by the author in exchange of an honest review. Thank you, Eliza!
January 26, 2020
4.5 Stars
This one had quite a few things I enjoy and love in romance:
√ alphahole turned big softie for the heroine
√ office romance (boss/employee)
√ small town setting (in the mountains)
√ plenty of sexy times (explicit-I'd say, erotica-ish)
√ emotionally moving
√ angsty (moderate)
It also has a mystery/suspense theme running throughout the story. I normally never gravitate towards suspense-y romance books, but I didn't realize that's what this was until I started the book. Surprise, surprise, that's what actually grabbed me in the first chapter! Fiona (not her real name) is a mystery woman. Hiding from someone, something, her past? We don't know. We only know she was sent to Eli for safekeeping, until she was free from the dangers that threatened her life if found. Eli was not allowed to know her true identity either and this was a problem for a man who is always in need of complete control. It's especially a problem when he starts to fall for her. He comes off harsh--okay, like an ass!--at the beginning but it's not long before he turns into a big softie for Fiona. Turns out, they are both hiding a dark past. I really LOVED watching these two come together. Despite their inner turmoils, fears and circumstances, they fell hard for one another. I must say, Eli was my favorite part of the book. Made my heart flutter countless times. He's 100% my type of book hero. The mystery part played out perfectly too. It added to the internal conflict in their relationship and kept me intrigued. I really needed to know who Fiona was and what or who she was escaping from! Note: I won't reveal her real name because finding out was part of the fun.
Anywho, the last 20% focused on the suspense aspect of the story. It became more of an external conflict--not my fave in romance--and I think that's what got me to lose interest (I'm not faulting the book). All in all, I really enjoyed this. It was a very well written story. I love finding somewhat obscure books (those with relatively few ratings) and giving them some well-deserved love. This book is seriously underrated!
This one had quite a few things I enjoy and love in romance:
√ alphahole turned big softie for the heroine
√ office romance (boss/employee)
√ small town setting (in the mountains)
√ plenty of sexy times (explicit-I'd say, erotica-ish)
√ emotionally moving
√ angsty (moderate)
It also has a mystery/suspense theme running throughout the story. I normally never gravitate towards suspense-y romance books, but I didn't realize that's what this was until I started the book. Surprise, surprise, that's what actually grabbed me in the first chapter! Fiona (not her real name) is a mystery woman. Hiding from someone, something, her past? We don't know. We only know she was sent to Eli for safekeeping, until she was free from the dangers that threatened her life if found. Eli was not allowed to know her true identity either and this was a problem for a man who is always in need of complete control. It's especially a problem when he starts to fall for her. He comes off harsh--okay, like an ass!--at the beginning but it's not long before he turns into a big softie for Fiona. Turns out, they are both hiding a dark past. I really LOVED watching these two come together. Despite their inner turmoils, fears and circumstances, they fell hard for one another. I must say, Eli was my favorite part of the book. Made my heart flutter countless times. He's 100% my type of book hero. The mystery part played out perfectly too. It added to the internal conflict in their relationship and kept me intrigued. I really needed to know who Fiona was and what or who she was escaping from! Note: I won't reveal her real name because finding out was part of the fun.
Anywho, the last 20% focused on the suspense aspect of the story. It became more of an external conflict--not my fave in romance--and I think that's what got me to lose interest (I'm not faulting the book). All in all, I really enjoyed this. It was a very well written story. I love finding somewhat obscure books (those with relatively few ratings) and giving them some well-deserved love. This book is seriously underrated!
February 1, 2020
4 Eli and Fiona Stars
I enjoyed this book and it certainly got off to a strong start for me. Eli and Fiona meet when Eli's dad asks him to employ her. He is suspicious of her and thinks something is not quite right. It's quite hard to like Eli at first - the reader's sympathy is very much with Fiona and although he did redeem himself , this Hero has the worst case ever of putting his foot in his mouth and not thinking before he verbally lashes out at various points in their story. I loved that aspect though - nothing better than watching someone having to earn their good guy status back.
My friend recommended this book to me and I took her up on it even though I don't usually read the suspense trope in my romance novels but I am glad I made the exception for this story. There was one part where my heart was racing and it was NOT for the usual reasons my heart speeds up when reading!!!
Eli is a Hero whose development as a character was addictive reading and Fiona is a heroine who you root for from the very start. The passion is hot and I loved how protective he was of her.
That man loves you.Doesn't quite have a clue what to do with that, but mark my word , you're his weakness.
The secondary characters are interesting but they are part of the reason that this was not a five star read. There were some loose ends around them that never quite tied up - I don't want to include any spoilers but the end felt a little rushed and I wanted a bit more around a couple of them.
If you enjoy romantic suspense and Heroes who mess up big time but have to earn back the heroine and the reader's affections then this book is for you.
He wanted to keep her. He needed to keep her. She made him want to be better than what he was.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
Trigger? Rape / Domestic Abuse
I enjoyed this book and it certainly got off to a strong start for me. Eli and Fiona meet when Eli's dad asks him to employ her. He is suspicious of her and thinks something is not quite right. It's quite hard to like Eli at first - the reader's sympathy is very much with Fiona and although he did redeem himself , this Hero has the worst case ever of putting his foot in his mouth and not thinking before he verbally lashes out at various points in their story. I loved that aspect though - nothing better than watching someone having to earn their good guy status back.
My friend recommended this book to me and I took her up on it even though I don't usually read the suspense trope in my romance novels but I am glad I made the exception for this story. There was one part where my heart was racing and it was NOT for the usual reasons my heart speeds up when reading!!!
Eli is a Hero whose development as a character was addictive reading and Fiona is a heroine who you root for from the very start. The passion is hot and I loved how protective he was of her.
That man loves you.Doesn't quite have a clue what to do with that, but mark my word , you're his weakness.
The secondary characters are interesting but they are part of the reason that this was not a five star read. There were some loose ends around them that never quite tied up - I don't want to include any spoilers but the end felt a little rushed and I wanted a bit more around a couple of them.
If you enjoy romantic suspense and Heroes who mess up big time but have to earn back the heroine and the reader's affections then this book is for you.
He wanted to keep her. He needed to keep her. She made him want to be better than what he was.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
Trigger? Rape / Domestic Abuse
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2016
Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review
3.5 Stars
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Elizabeth Finn delivers a love story filled with suspense and drama. Fiona and Eli, a couple burdened with secrets, are forced together and bounded by lies. Fiona (an alias assumed to cover her tracks) lands smack in the middle of Eli’s workshop and life. Eli, a man riddled with guilt traced back to his horrific childhood, is not one that can cope with deception. When these two come together, they create explosive fireworks in the wood shop and in the bedroom.
Fiona finds her life turned completely upside down and forced to live on the run. In order to survive, she assumes a new name, a new life, and a job set up by Eli’s dad. Eli is quick in sensing Fiona’s deception. Not one to pussyfoot around, he calls her on her lies and is constantly denied the truth. It’s difficult for him to accept her dishonesty and it’s frustrating the hell out of him. And with his temper, he does not deal with it well. Regardless, the attraction is overwhelming. Both Fiona and Eli can not deny their desire. But will the shadows from their past come to light and rip them apart?
Fiona was a likable character. You can’t help but feel bad for her given the situation. Except for two men who are desperate to help her, she is basically alone with no money, no home and no hope. This is where Eli enters her life. However, instead of offering comfort, he added stress to her already dire state. It takes a while for him to come around, causing more tension in an already anxious Fiona.
Eli managed to piss me for most of the story. He really was a total asshole to Fiona and his employees were no better. These men became quickly aware that Fiona was in a tough spot being homeless, hungry and desperate. Instead of offering security, they acted a bit immature, like smitten high school boys, when vying for her attention. Eli although forcing himself to assist her, was the main culprit. Eventually, his character softened towards Fiona, and he quickly wormed his way into my good graces.
But despite all the lies and obstacles, Eli and Fiona fall in love. Secrets begin to unravel and their attraction can no longer be denied. Overcoming a mountain of struggles, they both deserved their wonderful happily ever after.
3.5 Stars
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Elizabeth Finn delivers a love story filled with suspense and drama. Fiona and Eli, a couple burdened with secrets, are forced together and bounded by lies. Fiona (an alias assumed to cover her tracks) lands smack in the middle of Eli’s workshop and life. Eli, a man riddled with guilt traced back to his horrific childhood, is not one that can cope with deception. When these two come together, they create explosive fireworks in the wood shop and in the bedroom.
Fiona finds her life turned completely upside down and forced to live on the run. In order to survive, she assumes a new name, a new life, and a job set up by Eli’s dad. Eli is quick in sensing Fiona’s deception. Not one to pussyfoot around, he calls her on her lies and is constantly denied the truth. It’s difficult for him to accept her dishonesty and it’s frustrating the hell out of him. And with his temper, he does not deal with it well. Regardless, the attraction is overwhelming. Both Fiona and Eli can not deny their desire. But will the shadows from their past come to light and rip them apart?
Fiona was a likable character. You can’t help but feel bad for her given the situation. Except for two men who are desperate to help her, she is basically alone with no money, no home and no hope. This is where Eli enters her life. However, instead of offering comfort, he added stress to her already dire state. It takes a while for him to come around, causing more tension in an already anxious Fiona.
Eli managed to piss me for most of the story. He really was a total asshole to Fiona and his employees were no better. These men became quickly aware that Fiona was in a tough spot being homeless, hungry and desperate. Instead of offering security, they acted a bit immature, like smitten high school boys, when vying for her attention. Eli although forcing himself to assist her, was the main culprit. Eventually, his character softened towards Fiona, and he quickly wormed his way into my good graces.
But despite all the lies and obstacles, Eli and Fiona fall in love. Secrets begin to unravel and their attraction can no longer be denied. Overcoming a mountain of struggles, they both deserved their wonderful happily ever after.
December 5, 2014
The characters, Eli and Fiona, seem like unlikely friends or lovers after their initial meeting. Eli is one cranky @ss man! He can freeze someone with the look in his eyes and doesn’t have patience with anyone. He was called demanding, a horse’s @ss, unreasonable, controlling, and stubborn, just to name a few.
He is a sought after furniture designer for homes and businesses and Fiona comes to him for a job. His father asked that Eli hire her but didn’t tell him why, which didn’t go over well with Eli. Fiona is on the run and Eli can tell that she’s not telling the truth and he despises dishonesty. He refuses to hire her and she is desperate to earn money as she has no way to find a place to live or even eat. I can’t imagine having to sneak around to locate a place to clean yourself and sleep, whether inside or out, especially in cold weather. Eli eventually hires her as his administrative assistant, gives her a place to live, and she meets the men who work for Eli. She catches the eye of the men and it irritates Eli, which I enjoyed. As Eli thinks of the determination it took for her to return and ask again for a job, he admires her but is still distrusting. He also realizes what a beauty she is and he is fascinated by the bright blue color of her eyes. Against his best intentions, he is becoming more and more interested in Fiona.
The way Eli treated Fiona almost gave me whiplash, as he was caring one minute but could then turn to cold and cruel. I’m not sure I would want to try to have a relationship with Eli due to his moodiness, temper, and all around grumpiness but Fiona found something to love about him. I wanted to whack him upside the head several times!
The beginning of the book was a little slow to me. The constant issue of secrets is thought about by both characters but very little is brought out until much later in the story. It seemed that there was a constant push-pull between the characters but, other than beginning to care about each other, not much was going on. But the writing is excellent, flows smoothly, and is descriptive, so I enjoyed reading even though the buildup took longer than I expected. I enjoy dialog and at times it seemed that I was reading more of the thoughts of the characters vs. conversations.
The story picked up around the halfway mark and I was eventually flipping the pages quickly as the suspense grew. I was terrified, wondering when the men would locate Fiona’s hiding place. The more I read, the more horrified I felt, learning more of what Fiona had endured. I had tears in my eyes when Fiona meets Eli’s family and then when she is surprised with visitors.
It was easy to feel Fiona’s fears and yet her strength kept her going. She felt that once Eli knew her secrets that he would no longer want her.
Now, as for the sex between Eli and Fiona, WOW, it was incredibly erotic and the scenes were worth reading over and over a few times! Ms. Finn writes believable sex scenes and it was easy to visualize the scenes and each time was unique, not repetitive.
I wanted justice NOW and it seemed to take FOREVER for a ‘form’ of justice to be handled. It was difficult for me to consider that some terrible acts would never be brought to trial but understood why Fiona wanted to focus on being free and safe vs. retribution. Eli had such a difficult time with the threat to Fiona’s life and learning about her past, but he seemed to mature after meeting Fiona. He knew that he cared for her early after meeting her, but was frightened to think he might not be able to handle whatever secrets she carried. He had such a terrible secret himself and had spent most of his life avoiding attachments to people. The more he cared about her, the more he realized she had the power to destroy him. He was afraid that he either couldn’t accept her secrets or they would take her away from him. She made him feel vulnerable and that was difficult for Eli to handle.
Both Eli and Fiona were vulnerable and I could understand why they hesitated to share their secrets. Fiona couldn’t reveal her secrets based on her situation and Eli just couldn’t talk about his secret at all. They didn’t have faith that the other person would stay with them, no matter what. I felt such sadness for their situations and the more I learned, the more I understood their fears. I felt heartbroken for both of them.
I learned some new meanings to a couple of words which was educational. There were also several places that were laugh-out-loud funny. I chuckled when Eli gave Fiona a ‘housewarming gift’. I love epilogues and this one was especially good. I laughed out loud when Eli noted, “With all these geriatric folk shagging each other someone’s going to break a hip.” Or, “Your IUD is cramping my sperm’s style.”
I was gifted this book for a review and wasn’t yet familiar with Ms. Finn’s work. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Finn’s work.
He is a sought after furniture designer for homes and businesses and Fiona comes to him for a job. His father asked that Eli hire her but didn’t tell him why, which didn’t go over well with Eli. Fiona is on the run and Eli can tell that she’s not telling the truth and he despises dishonesty. He refuses to hire her and she is desperate to earn money as she has no way to find a place to live or even eat. I can’t imagine having to sneak around to locate a place to clean yourself and sleep, whether inside or out, especially in cold weather. Eli eventually hires her as his administrative assistant, gives her a place to live, and she meets the men who work for Eli. She catches the eye of the men and it irritates Eli, which I enjoyed. As Eli thinks of the determination it took for her to return and ask again for a job, he admires her but is still distrusting. He also realizes what a beauty she is and he is fascinated by the bright blue color of her eyes. Against his best intentions, he is becoming more and more interested in Fiona.
The way Eli treated Fiona almost gave me whiplash, as he was caring one minute but could then turn to cold and cruel. I’m not sure I would want to try to have a relationship with Eli due to his moodiness, temper, and all around grumpiness but Fiona found something to love about him. I wanted to whack him upside the head several times!
The beginning of the book was a little slow to me. The constant issue of secrets is thought about by both characters but very little is brought out until much later in the story. It seemed that there was a constant push-pull between the characters but, other than beginning to care about each other, not much was going on. But the writing is excellent, flows smoothly, and is descriptive, so I enjoyed reading even though the buildup took longer than I expected. I enjoy dialog and at times it seemed that I was reading more of the thoughts of the characters vs. conversations.
The story picked up around the halfway mark and I was eventually flipping the pages quickly as the suspense grew. I was terrified, wondering when the men would locate Fiona’s hiding place. The more I read, the more horrified I felt, learning more of what Fiona had endured. I had tears in my eyes when Fiona meets Eli’s family and then when she is surprised with visitors.
It was easy to feel Fiona’s fears and yet her strength kept her going. She felt that once Eli knew her secrets that he would no longer want her.
Now, as for the sex between Eli and Fiona, WOW, it was incredibly erotic and the scenes were worth reading over and over a few times! Ms. Finn writes believable sex scenes and it was easy to visualize the scenes and each time was unique, not repetitive.
I wanted justice NOW and it seemed to take FOREVER for a ‘form’ of justice to be handled. It was difficult for me to consider that some terrible acts would never be brought to trial but understood why Fiona wanted to focus on being free and safe vs. retribution. Eli had such a difficult time with the threat to Fiona’s life and learning about her past, but he seemed to mature after meeting Fiona. He knew that he cared for her early after meeting her, but was frightened to think he might not be able to handle whatever secrets she carried. He had such a terrible secret himself and had spent most of his life avoiding attachments to people. The more he cared about her, the more he realized she had the power to destroy him. He was afraid that he either couldn’t accept her secrets or they would take her away from him. She made him feel vulnerable and that was difficult for Eli to handle.
Both Eli and Fiona were vulnerable and I could understand why they hesitated to share their secrets. Fiona couldn’t reveal her secrets based on her situation and Eli just couldn’t talk about his secret at all. They didn’t have faith that the other person would stay with them, no matter what. I felt such sadness for their situations and the more I learned, the more I understood their fears. I felt heartbroken for both of them.
I learned some new meanings to a couple of words which was educational. There were also several places that were laugh-out-loud funny. I chuckled when Eli gave Fiona a ‘housewarming gift’. I love epilogues and this one was especially good. I laughed out loud when Eli noted, “With all these geriatric folk shagging each other someone’s going to break a hip.” Or, “Your IUD is cramping my sperm’s style.”
I was gifted this book for a review and wasn’t yet familiar with Ms. Finn’s work. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Finn’s work.
October 1, 2016
I am going to go against the grain on this book. It is totally my kind of book. Superbly written, well defined, strong characters and a supporting cast that are equally as well defined so you can picture each one individually in your mind.
This story is about Fiona (not her real name) who is running from a very abusive situation but who still has bad guys looking for her thinking that if she is out of the picture no one will ever know the bad deeds they have done. She is required not to tell ANYONE who she is and what her story is. She shows up in a small town with nothing to her name. Her father has told her to check with a furniture maker, Eli, to see if he might hire her off the books until her father can get the bad guys rounded up. Her father knows Eli's father and thinks that Eli will help her.
Eli is a 38-year old man who has a secret past he also doesn't want anyone to know about. He has become rude and controlling and can't keep his anger in check when he feels he's losing control. He is terribly rude to Fiona when she comes to him for a job. He knows she's lying about her name and circumstances and he masks his frustration in rudeness and anger and sends her on her way.
She desperately needs the job, however, so she goes back the next day and one thing leads to another and he does finally hire her. They have a complicated relationship. He is constantly upset that she's not telling him the truth, and she hates his rudeness and abruptness when he gets angry. But they both come to understand a lot of things about each other, even if they both have secrets.
The story had some mystery, lots of romance and LOTS of steam (Elizabeth Finn writes wonderful sexual scenes). For my squeamish friends there is a teeny bit of anal, and a teeny bit of vanilla bondage and lots of just regular, hot sex. There is no cheating unless you consider a woman is cheating when she is still technically married to a abusive, horrible animal of a man. I didn't consider it such.
If you like adult, well written romantic stories I would highly recommend this book.
This story is about Fiona (not her real name) who is running from a very abusive situation but who still has bad guys looking for her thinking that if she is out of the picture no one will ever know the bad deeds they have done. She is required not to tell ANYONE who she is and what her story is. She shows up in a small town with nothing to her name. Her father has told her to check with a furniture maker, Eli, to see if he might hire her off the books until her father can get the bad guys rounded up. Her father knows Eli's father and thinks that Eli will help her.
Eli is a 38-year old man who has a secret past he also doesn't want anyone to know about. He has become rude and controlling and can't keep his anger in check when he feels he's losing control. He is terribly rude to Fiona when she comes to him for a job. He knows she's lying about her name and circumstances and he masks his frustration in rudeness and anger and sends her on her way.
She desperately needs the job, however, so she goes back the next day and one thing leads to another and he does finally hire her. They have a complicated relationship. He is constantly upset that she's not telling him the truth, and she hates his rudeness and abruptness when he gets angry. But they both come to understand a lot of things about each other, even if they both have secrets.
The story had some mystery, lots of romance and LOTS of steam (Elizabeth Finn writes wonderful sexual scenes). For my squeamish friends there is a teeny bit of anal, and a teeny bit of vanilla bondage and lots of just regular, hot sex. There is no cheating unless you consider a woman is cheating when she is still technically married to a abusive, horrible animal of a man. I didn't consider it such.
If you like adult, well written romantic stories I would highly recommend this book.
April 17, 2014
Well, I wasn't expecting much when I went into The Innocent Liar but I actually wanted to like it. I didn't have any high expectations but I wanted it to surprise me. Well, that shit didn't happen. Underwhelming fail is more along the lines of this book.
People, I skimmed SEX scenes. <---Yes, you read that right. So, if you know me, you know I just wanted to finish this book. Honestly, I should have DNF'd it at 26%. By this point Fiona (annoying fake name. I totally agree with Eli on this one) was annoying me and this happened:
He didn't need to delve between her lips to feel the moisture seeping from her....his dick started twitching and dancing. Umm no. Hell no. This does not turn me on.
Add that to lots of nostril flaring. Again, doesn't turn me on and Eli likes to flare his nostrils when he is mad aaand turned on. I mean, she can see his flaring across the room. This does nothing for me as well.
Oh, and during the first sexual encounter, like actually do the deed, he "flicked the condom off the tip of his finger like a cigarette toward her and hit her smack in the middle of the forehead." People he is almost 40. I don't think that will ever be a turn on but it screams drunken frat boy to me. Not sensual, adult lover. Water bucked over head type situation, right?
Aaaand Eli was a total man-ho until he saw "Fiona" for the first time. Then he didn't want anyone else. *rolls eyes and gags*
I could go one about some other dumb shit that happens but really, you don't care. I promise.
So, two stars because I didn't hate it. It didn't provoke any emotions. This book just was on my ereader and for some dumb reason, I didn't stop. Enjoy!
People, I skimmed SEX scenes. <---Yes, you read that right. So, if you know me, you know I just wanted to finish this book. Honestly, I should have DNF'd it at 26%. By this point Fiona (annoying fake name. I totally agree with Eli on this one) was annoying me and this happened:
He didn't need to delve between her lips to feel the moisture seeping from her....his dick started twitching and dancing. Umm no. Hell no. This does not turn me on.
Add that to lots of nostril flaring. Again, doesn't turn me on and Eli likes to flare his nostrils when he is mad aaand turned on. I mean, she can see his flaring across the room. This does nothing for me as well.
Oh, and during the first sexual encounter, like actually do the deed, he "flicked the condom off the tip of his finger like a cigarette toward her and hit her smack in the middle of the forehead." People he is almost 40. I don't think that will ever be a turn on but it screams drunken frat boy to me. Not sensual, adult lover. Water bucked over head type situation, right?
Aaaand Eli was a total man-ho until he saw "Fiona" for the first time. Then he didn't want anyone else. *rolls eyes and gags*
I could go one about some other dumb shit that happens but really, you don't care. I promise.
So, two stars because I didn't hate it. It didn't provoke any emotions. This book just was on my ereader and for some dumb reason, I didn't stop. Enjoy!
December 9, 2014
Elizabeth Finn has done it again, got me to give a book 5 stars. God this woman just put me through some heart pounding moments, some WTF moments, some I’m gonna slap Eli so hard moments and some bloody miserable teary eyed moments. GAWD this book was a total page turner!
How can you like a man that treats Fiona (yeah not going to reveal the real name!) like he does. OMFG I wanted to string him up by the balls. That Christmas party, OMFG! I know exactly where that bottle of wine should have ended up! But then what Eli does, was just WOW. I take my hat of to him for being strong and doing the right thing. Not going to enlarge and give anything away but kudos to Eli, he done did good ☺
Fiona was a very well written character, considering what she’s been through, how Elizabeth brought her to life was just perfect in my eyes, she was strong still, even after what she had faced she was still strong. Even living like she was; she was still strong. But not only is she strong she has a healthy dose of sarcasm and wit about her too.
Everything in this book had a purpose, I was absolutely glued to it from page 1 to the final page and The Innocent Liar reiterated to me again why Elizabeth Finn is one of my favourite authors, I can guarantee she’ll put my mind through uncomfortable processes and have me hating, loving, worrying and routing for her characters.
Perfect start, perfect middle and perfecting ending. Well deserved 5 stars, well deserved indeed.
Thank you for having us on your tour. Bloody loved it!
How can you like a man that treats Fiona (yeah not going to reveal the real name!) like he does. OMFG I wanted to string him up by the balls. That Christmas party, OMFG! I know exactly where that bottle of wine should have ended up! But then what Eli does, was just WOW. I take my hat of to him for being strong and doing the right thing. Not going to enlarge and give anything away but kudos to Eli, he done did good ☺
Fiona was a very well written character, considering what she’s been through, how Elizabeth brought her to life was just perfect in my eyes, she was strong still, even after what she had faced she was still strong. Even living like she was; she was still strong. But not only is she strong she has a healthy dose of sarcasm and wit about her too.
Everything in this book had a purpose, I was absolutely glued to it from page 1 to the final page and The Innocent Liar reiterated to me again why Elizabeth Finn is one of my favourite authors, I can guarantee she’ll put my mind through uncomfortable processes and have me hating, loving, worrying and routing for her characters.
Perfect start, perfect middle and perfecting ending. Well deserved 5 stars, well deserved indeed.
Thank you for having us on your tour. Bloody loved it!
April 15, 2014
I LOVE this book! At first, I couldn't stand Eli. He was such an ass and really unlikeable. As time went on, I really think he was able to redeem himself. I was also so intrigued by Fiona and her story. I absolutely love the moment when she tells Eli her real name - that's one of my favorite moments! This book had a lot of suspense, a lot of steam and a really good plot. Elizabeth Finn is a must-buy author for me - I have loved all the books I have read of hers and this book did not disappoint! I love the Innocent Liar and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful romance.
October 22, 2014
I could not put this down! Eli ... I heart you!
October 27, 2014
4 Not So Innocent Stars!!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy from Author
Another Elizabeth Finn hit. Damn that woman knows how to write a good story.
Here we have Eli whom has a past but the one thing his past has taught him is to hate liars. His past has also taught him to be gruff and a little rough around the edges. When Fiona comes into his shop for an interview all he wants is her name. When he doesn't get it he flips, but he is strong armed into hiring her anyways. The more Fiona infiltrates his world the more intrigued he is with her and the more her presence starts to soften him.
"There's nothing better, than you, baby. It doesn't mean I'm not terrified all the time I'm going to hurt you, but I'm not worried in the least I'll cheat on you or betray you for another woman. Not in the least. That's just not who I am. It's my mouth and shitty attitude that'll get me in trouble with you."
Even though Fiona still has secrets he starts to trust her and let her in which causes him to finally give in to their sexual attraction to one another. Their chemistry is instant and emotions get involved quickly but their pasts are getting in the way.
"Eli, you don't know this girl's story."
"Isn't that kind of the problem?"
"That's your problem, and it has to do with your own personal hang-ups, not her."
As Eli start to unburden his demons, their pasts crash into them causing him to reevaluate the reality of their relationship.
"Fine. All I'm saying is that it's not surprising that her secrecy is so hard on you. You maintain a very tight hold on your life. It's how you've always coped. You control, you own, you make sure no one has the power to hurt you. She does have that power, or she did, and you decided you weren't ready for her to. ..."
I loved the softening of Eli and the growth of their relationship. This book had such a great balance of suspense, drama, angst, growth and love. It had me ensnared from the beginning to end. Gah! I adore Elizabeth Finn and her ability to write such great stories.
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November 30, 2014
if you want a book with a sexy alpha male who is more than a little rough around the edges, if you want a damsel in distress who is running from a really bad situation and isnt able to tell a soul what is happening, if you want an experience where as you are reading a section your whole body becomes tense and and its as if you are right there with said damsel in distress, then this book is definitely for you,lol
Eli is our alpha male in this story and he is all male all the time and basically got guilted into helping a family friend of his families when they asked him to allow Fiona to come work at his wood working business and after meeting her he knows she is hiding something and quickly decides the last thing he needs is trouble to come to his door, so like most men acting on impulse he kicks her out.then he finds out how bad of Fiona really is and quick as lightening brings her back, gets her set up with a place to live and gives her the job.
Fiona is on the run from a very abusive and terrifying person and is glad she was able to get away and land the job she now has.She spent to much time living a homeless existence and is really enjoying the new people she has met.She feels an attraction to Eli but it seems for every step forward they take its ten steps back.She wants him but after what happened to her she doesnt know if she can be with Eli in an intimate way and she cant tell him what her reasons are when she tells him no which makes Eli very mad.
This story was very well written and the back and forth between our two main characters was interesting and never fell flat.I felt sorry for Eli as he feels he is unworthy of love and Fiona is dying to have a loving relationship but is scared she will get hurt again.
i was very addicted to this story as i love a suspense mixed in with my story and the sex scenes were way steamy and every time i see a spindle head board now i think of these two,lol
there is one part of this book that had me scared to read the next line.it was like you feel when watching a scary movie and you know that danger is lurking around the corner.i was honestly grippin my bed covers in my hand going oh god oh god.then the moment finally arrives and i screamed out omg help her Eli.lol
there isnt a thing i would change in this book and i hope to read more of this author future books.
5 stars all the way
Eli is our alpha male in this story and he is all male all the time and basically got guilted into helping a family friend of his families when they asked him to allow Fiona to come work at his wood working business and after meeting her he knows she is hiding something and quickly decides the last thing he needs is trouble to come to his door, so like most men acting on impulse he kicks her out.then he finds out how bad of Fiona really is and quick as lightening brings her back, gets her set up with a place to live and gives her the job.
Fiona is on the run from a very abusive and terrifying person and is glad she was able to get away and land the job she now has.She spent to much time living a homeless existence and is really enjoying the new people she has met.She feels an attraction to Eli but it seems for every step forward they take its ten steps back.She wants him but after what happened to her she doesnt know if she can be with Eli in an intimate way and she cant tell him what her reasons are when she tells him no which makes Eli very mad.
This story was very well written and the back and forth between our two main characters was interesting and never fell flat.I felt sorry for Eli as he feels he is unworthy of love and Fiona is dying to have a loving relationship but is scared she will get hurt again.
i was very addicted to this story as i love a suspense mixed in with my story and the sex scenes were way steamy and every time i see a spindle head board now i think of these two,lol
there is one part of this book that had me scared to read the next line.it was like you feel when watching a scary movie and you know that danger is lurking around the corner.i was honestly grippin my bed covers in my hand going oh god oh god.then the moment finally arrives and i screamed out omg help her Eli.lol
there isnt a thing i would change in this book and i hope to read more of this author future books.
5 stars all the way
December 1, 2014
If you want a book with a sexy alpha male who is more than a little rough around the edges, if you want a damsel in distress who is running from a really bad situation and isn't able to tell a soul what is happening, if you want an experience where as you're reading a section your whole body becomes tense and it's as if you are right there with said damsel, then this book is definitely for you.
Eli is the alpha male in this story who basically got guilted into helping a family friend when they asked him to allow Fiona to come work at his woodworking business. After meeting her, he knows she is hiding something and quickly decides the last thing he needs is trouble to come to his door, so like most men acting on impulse, he kicks her out. But after finding out how bad Fiona's situation really is, quick as lightening he brings her back, gets her set up with a place to live, and gives her the job.
Fiona is on the run from a very abusive and terrifying person and is glad she was able to get away and land the job she now has. She spent too much time living a homeless existence and is really enjoying the new people she has met. She feels an attraction to Eli but it seems for every step forward they take they're ten steps back. She wants him but after what happened to her she doesn't know if she can be with Eli in an intimate way. She keeps pushing him away because she's afraid of his reaction if he ever finds out the truth about her.
This story was very well written, the back and forth between our two main characters was interesting and never fell flat. I felt sorry for both of them, Eli because he feels he is unworthy of love and Fiona because she's dying to have a loving relationship but is scared she will get hurt again.
I became addicted to this story as I went along, the sex scenes were way steamy, and now every time I see a spindle head board, I will think of these two ;-)
There is one part of this book that had me scared to read the next line, the suspense made me feel like when you watch a scary movie and you know that danger is lurking around the corner. I was honestly gripping my bed covers in my hand going oh god, oh god, then the moment finally arrives and I screamed out loud.
This book is perfect, there isn't a thing I would change. I'm hoping to be able to read more from this author in the near future.
5 stars all the way
Review by Tammy
Eli is the alpha male in this story who basically got guilted into helping a family friend when they asked him to allow Fiona to come work at his woodworking business. After meeting her, he knows she is hiding something and quickly decides the last thing he needs is trouble to come to his door, so like most men acting on impulse, he kicks her out. But after finding out how bad Fiona's situation really is, quick as lightening he brings her back, gets her set up with a place to live, and gives her the job.
Fiona is on the run from a very abusive and terrifying person and is glad she was able to get away and land the job she now has. She spent too much time living a homeless existence and is really enjoying the new people she has met. She feels an attraction to Eli but it seems for every step forward they take they're ten steps back. She wants him but after what happened to her she doesn't know if she can be with Eli in an intimate way. She keeps pushing him away because she's afraid of his reaction if he ever finds out the truth about her.
This story was very well written, the back and forth between our two main characters was interesting and never fell flat. I felt sorry for both of them, Eli because he feels he is unworthy of love and Fiona because she's dying to have a loving relationship but is scared she will get hurt again.
I became addicted to this story as I went along, the sex scenes were way steamy, and now every time I see a spindle head board, I will think of these two ;-)
There is one part of this book that had me scared to read the next line, the suspense made me feel like when you watch a scary movie and you know that danger is lurking around the corner. I was honestly gripping my bed covers in my hand going oh god, oh god, then the moment finally arrives and I screamed out loud.
This book is perfect, there isn't a thing I would change. I'm hoping to be able to read more from this author in the near future.
5 stars all the way
Review by Tammy
December 1, 2014
What a way to start to the week off!! I have a brand new book by ELIZABETH FINN and it is called "INNOCENT LIAR" .
I rec'd a ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest opinion. This is mousiey's very opinion of her book. First let me say this I would like to" Thank Ms Finn very much for allowing me the opportunity to read her very fantastic book." It is the first book that I have read from this author and I so look forward to reading more from her. Please get a cup of coffee , a nibble and take a seat. As mousiey takes you on hide and seek ride for your life.
As our story starts out we find Fiona walking into a showroom for a job. She catches the eye of the owner. He wants her. She doesn't want to date-matter of fact she wants to keep to herself. He hires her-Eli knows that she is keeping secretes from him. But he does not push her. The chief of police comes into the show room and she panics - Eli tells her not to worry he is not there for her. What he doesn't know is that he is her father.And that he has her hiding out to protect her. It seems that her husband is a crooked cop and so our four other police officers in his squad. They have filed false charges against her. The FBI are investigating them and trying to make a case against them all. So until that happens Fiona has to stay hidden. Now this is where I am going to leave you. But with questions.. What is Fiona's real name?? What happens between Eli and Fiona?? And does the FBI ever make a case against her husband before he kills her?? Ms Finn has definitely detailed and described her characters so well. That you are actually able to visualize them. As for the scenes they have so much depth you can picture yourself right there. The rating of this book is a 30 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to everyone especially to those that love mystery. THIS IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON !! SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR ?? GO GET IT NOW!!! GO !!!
I rec'd a ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest opinion. This is mousiey's very opinion of her book. First let me say this I would like to" Thank Ms Finn very much for allowing me the opportunity to read her very fantastic book." It is the first book that I have read from this author and I so look forward to reading more from her. Please get a cup of coffee , a nibble and take a seat. As mousiey takes you on hide and seek ride for your life.
As our story starts out we find Fiona walking into a showroom for a job. She catches the eye of the owner. He wants her. She doesn't want to date-matter of fact she wants to keep to herself. He hires her-Eli knows that she is keeping secretes from him. But he does not push her. The chief of police comes into the show room and she panics - Eli tells her not to worry he is not there for her. What he doesn't know is that he is her father.And that he has her hiding out to protect her. It seems that her husband is a crooked cop and so our four other police officers in his squad. They have filed false charges against her. The FBI are investigating them and trying to make a case against them all. So until that happens Fiona has to stay hidden. Now this is where I am going to leave you. But with questions.. What is Fiona's real name?? What happens between Eli and Fiona?? And does the FBI ever make a case against her husband before he kills her?? Ms Finn has definitely detailed and described her characters so well. That you are actually able to visualize them. As for the scenes they have so much depth you can picture yourself right there. The rating of this book is a 30 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to everyone especially to those that love mystery. THIS IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON !! SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR ?? GO GET IT NOW!!! GO !!!
April 16, 2014
This is another wonderful book by the lovely Elizabeth Finn. I have been a fan of her work since reading Brother's Keeper. She has a beautiful way of captivating her reader's attention by writing real and emotionally flawed characters that you can't help but grow to love and attached too.
Fiona/Brynn is a woman running from her past and uncertain of her future. She needs to lay low and hope that the truth will prevail. She is being hunted by people that appear to be above the law.
Eli is a handsome, hardworking, business man that is known for being stubborn and cocky. He has been burned by woman and relationships in the past and has yet to let his guard down! He now spends his days focusing on his business and woodworking. Eli is asked to do a favor for his father. His father has requested that he hire a woman no questions asked to work in his business. Eli is unsure how his father is involved but feels obligated to help him.
Eli and Fiona get off to a very rough start. They both have difficulties with secrets and trusting. Eli realizes that Fiona is running but has no idea from who and how dangerous they are. This has now given us the ground work for a very emotional charged journey between these two damaged individuals.
Elizabeth has taken us on an amazing ride with these two truly unlikely lovers. It was a wonderful combination of mystery, romance, suspense, and let us not forget the steamy erotic love scenes. This is not your classic tell tale love story. You will fall for these beautifully written, realistic characters that Elizabeth has created for us. This was another exceptional read for me!
I was gifted this book by the author for an honest review.
~~Michele McMullen~~
Fiona/Brynn is a woman running from her past and uncertain of her future. She needs to lay low and hope that the truth will prevail. She is being hunted by people that appear to be above the law.
Eli is a handsome, hardworking, business man that is known for being stubborn and cocky. He has been burned by woman and relationships in the past and has yet to let his guard down! He now spends his days focusing on his business and woodworking. Eli is asked to do a favor for his father. His father has requested that he hire a woman no questions asked to work in his business. Eli is unsure how his father is involved but feels obligated to help him.
Eli and Fiona get off to a very rough start. They both have difficulties with secrets and trusting. Eli realizes that Fiona is running but has no idea from who and how dangerous they are. This has now given us the ground work for a very emotional charged journey between these two damaged individuals.
Elizabeth has taken us on an amazing ride with these two truly unlikely lovers. It was a wonderful combination of mystery, romance, suspense, and let us not forget the steamy erotic love scenes. This is not your classic tell tale love story. You will fall for these beautifully written, realistic characters that Elizabeth has created for us. This was another exceptional read for me!
I was gifted this book by the author for an honest review.
~~Michele McMullen~~
December 6, 2014
The Innocent Liar by Elizabeth Finn
Review by Leesey
5 out of 5 Stars
How much did I love this story?! I simply adored it. It was filled with secrets, lies, attraction, love and trust. Fiona, the homeless woman with no back ground, with a history filled with lies. Eli, an untrusting, ultra-sexy, alpha male who without realizing it is completely into Fiona who his Father asked him to hire.
Once you get past the dick aspect that Eli is when he first meets Fiona you really do on some level start to like him and wonder why it is that you do. Is it the bad boy personality, is that alpha male in him or is that we see the insecurities? Whatever it was I found him completely irresistible. The way he found a way to accept Fiona and her secrets. Their intense attraction to each other, that for a while there I never thought would actually happen. But when they final combusted, damn it was hot!!! They were so connected, into each other that you almost forget about Fiona’s secrets and the lies that she has told him. Especially the big one that we all know will floor Eli.
I can honestly say the hottest scene was the one in the workshop (I won’t go into too much detail as I think you should all experience it yourselves… trust muy caliente).
Let me clarify this isn’t a book solely about sex, there is mystery, there is fear, there is a bad guy and a very scary situation but in the end I couldn’t put the book down. I loved Eli and Fiona and spent a Saturday evening not being able to put the book down until I flipped to the last page.
I recommend this book with 5 stars. It’s a must read and I’m so glad that I have found such an amazing story teller in Elizabeth Finn. Well done!!!
Review by Leesey
5 out of 5 Stars
How much did I love this story?! I simply adored it. It was filled with secrets, lies, attraction, love and trust. Fiona, the homeless woman with no back ground, with a history filled with lies. Eli, an untrusting, ultra-sexy, alpha male who without realizing it is completely into Fiona who his Father asked him to hire.
Once you get past the dick aspect that Eli is when he first meets Fiona you really do on some level start to like him and wonder why it is that you do. Is it the bad boy personality, is that alpha male in him or is that we see the insecurities? Whatever it was I found him completely irresistible. The way he found a way to accept Fiona and her secrets. Their intense attraction to each other, that for a while there I never thought would actually happen. But when they final combusted, damn it was hot!!! They were so connected, into each other that you almost forget about Fiona’s secrets and the lies that she has told him. Especially the big one that we all know will floor Eli.
I can honestly say the hottest scene was the one in the workshop (I won’t go into too much detail as I think you should all experience it yourselves… trust muy caliente).
Let me clarify this isn’t a book solely about sex, there is mystery, there is fear, there is a bad guy and a very scary situation but in the end I couldn’t put the book down. I loved Eli and Fiona and spent a Saturday evening not being able to put the book down until I flipped to the last page.
I recommend this book with 5 stars. It’s a must read and I’m so glad that I have found such an amazing story teller in Elizabeth Finn. Well done!!!
April 25, 2014
This book was ok and I am glad I finished it instead of having another DNF. The H in this story made me so angry. He treated the h atrociously and the she let him get away with it over and over again. The workplace where the h is employed consists only of 4-5 men and it was shocking how the presence of 1 woman causes such chaos. There was one guy who was constantly sexually harassing the h and everyone, including the H who is the boss, just shrugs it off. This didn't make sense considering how concerned the H was of liability. The h is not described as a great beauty either. Plus, the way Candice kept insulting the H and h should have gotten her fired immediately but the H kept her as an employee. The h is dirt poor and the H's housewarming gift is ramen noodles. He could afford to give her so much more!!! Perhaps the worst part of the book was the Christmas dinner scene where the H humiliates the h in front of all the employees. Most of the book is the H getting angry with the h bc she can't share any info about herself with him. He knows there is a reason she is in trouble and scared but still thinks only of himself. We find out near the end of the story that the h was raped by 4 men and they taped it. This was so disturbing but the h does not appear to have any emotional signs of someone who experienced such horror. It felt more like this was tagged on by the author without real planning. This book was recommended to me bc the H was supposed to be jealous, possessive, and protective, but he was just disappointing.
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