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One Last Lie
Jonathan Beckett and Philip Stone have built the life they once believed a loving partnership, a beautiful home in Westport, Connecticut, and careers that give them everything except the child they desperately want.
Then Angela reappears.
Fifteen years after disappearing from Philip's life, his former college friend is almost unrecognizable. Once isolated and deeply insecure, Angela is now beautiful, confident, and eager to reconnect. When she offers to carry a child for Jonathan and Philip through artificial insemination, it appears to be the answer to their most private dream.
Jonathan does not trust her. Philip believes she deserves another chance.
Against Jonathan's instincts, the three enter a legal parenting agreement. But almost as soon as the documents are signed, Angela's charm begins to fracture. Promises change. Boundaries disappear. Her need for control grows stronger, and the men find themselves trapped in an arrangement that gives her access to their future, their relationship, and the child they already love.
Angela is hiding far more than resentment from the past. A volatile man named Tommy is watching her every move. A frightened friend knows pieces of a plan she is too afraid to expose. And behind Angela's carefully constructed new life lies an obsession that has been growing for years.
As the pregnancy advances, Jonathan and Philip are pulled deeper into a web of manipulation, jealousy, and lies. Every attempt to protect themselves gives Angela another weapon. Every concession brings her closer to what she truly wants. By the time the men understand the danger, their dream of becoming fathers has become a nightmare-and one final lie threatens to destroy everyone caught inside it.
One Last Lie is a gripping psychological thriller about obsession, surrogacy, betrayal, prejudice, and a love powerful enough to survive devastating loss. Told through shifting timelines and multiple perspectives, Rob Kaufman's emotionally intense novel builds toward a tragic climax and a final revelation that changes the meaning of everything that came before.
Perfect for readers who enjoy domestic suspense, dangerous female antagonists, morally complicated family dramas, and psychological thrillers that remain with them long after the final page.
Then Angela reappears.
Fifteen years after disappearing from Philip's life, his former college friend is almost unrecognizable. Once isolated and deeply insecure, Angela is now beautiful, confident, and eager to reconnect. When she offers to carry a child for Jonathan and Philip through artificial insemination, it appears to be the answer to their most private dream.
Jonathan does not trust her. Philip believes she deserves another chance.
Against Jonathan's instincts, the three enter a legal parenting agreement. But almost as soon as the documents are signed, Angela's charm begins to fracture. Promises change. Boundaries disappear. Her need for control grows stronger, and the men find themselves trapped in an arrangement that gives her access to their future, their relationship, and the child they already love.
Angela is hiding far more than resentment from the past. A volatile man named Tommy is watching her every move. A frightened friend knows pieces of a plan she is too afraid to expose. And behind Angela's carefully constructed new life lies an obsession that has been growing for years.
As the pregnancy advances, Jonathan and Philip are pulled deeper into a web of manipulation, jealousy, and lies. Every attempt to protect themselves gives Angela another weapon. Every concession brings her closer to what she truly wants. By the time the men understand the danger, their dream of becoming fathers has become a nightmare-and one final lie threatens to destroy everyone caught inside it.
One Last Lie is a gripping psychological thriller about obsession, surrogacy, betrayal, prejudice, and a love powerful enough to survive devastating loss. Told through shifting timelines and multiple perspectives, Rob Kaufman's emotionally intense novel builds toward a tragic climax and a final revelation that changes the meaning of everything that came before.
Perfect for readers who enjoy domestic suspense, dangerous female antagonists, morally complicated family dramas, and psychological thrillers that remain with them long after the final page.
334 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
About the author
Rob Kaufman
18 books411 followersRob Kaufman is a celebrated psychological thriller author, known for crafting emotionally intense stories that delve into the human psyche. With a degree in Psychology, he weaves his deep understanding of human behavior into gripping narratives filled with relatable characters and compelling twists.
Fascinated by what drives people toward darkness while seeking love and acceptance, Rob explores the fine line between good and evil. His novels aren’t just suspenseful—they unravel everyday events that spiral into extraordinary psychological dramas.
Readers become deeply invested in his characters, experiencing a range of emotions from laughter to heartbreak. His books have earned national and international acclaim for their unique, thought-provoking storylines and masterful plotting.
Beyond writing, Rob actively engages with readers, sharing insights into his creative process and the psychological depths of his characters. His commitment to authenticity and emotional resonance continues to captivate audiences, cementing his place as a compelling voice in psychological thrillers.
Fascinated by what drives people toward darkness while seeking love and acceptance, Rob explores the fine line between good and evil. His novels aren’t just suspenseful—they unravel everyday events that spiral into extraordinary psychological dramas.
Readers become deeply invested in his characters, experiencing a range of emotions from laughter to heartbreak. His books have earned national and international acclaim for their unique, thought-provoking storylines and masterful plotting.
Beyond writing, Rob actively engages with readers, sharing insights into his creative process and the psychological depths of his characters. His commitment to authenticity and emotional resonance continues to captivate audiences, cementing his place as a compelling voice in psychological thrillers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
October 15, 2012
Cross posted at Outlaw Reviews and at Shelf Inflicted
Shortly after my 23rd birthday, a gay male friend asked me to marry him. We worked closely together for two years, our cubes separated by one flimsy wall. Our friendship started tentatively, gradually progressing from occasional lunches to spending quite a bit of time together outside of work. I learned he was deeply closeted and only out to me and one other gay man at work. Not even his parents knew. I also learned that despite being gay, his politics were very conservative. A few times he asked me to attend various Republican events with him as he was eventually planning to run for local office and didn’t want to be seen without a companion. So I put on my nice dress, smiled and shook hands, and tried to be a supportive friend.
Right after one of those events, he popped the question. I thought he was joking, but the intense gaze and firm set of his jaw said otherwise. I dared not laugh or tell him no, and instead asked for a few days to think about it. After thinking about it, getting married didn’t sound like such a bad idea. My friend made decent money and lived in a small house in a good neighborhood. I lived in a dumpy third-floor apartment in a bad neighborhood and my car was always in the repair shop. If we lived together, my quality of life would improve dramatically. The only thing required of me would be to attend more of those foolish Republican events and occasionally entertain other fledgling politicians. Of course, we could both date whomever we wanted, as long as we didn’t bring them home. He also promised that I could bank my salary since his was sufficient to take care of our necessities.
Lavender marriages have happened all throughout history. Could we make it work and live our independent lives? We were good friends, despite our political differences. What could possibly go wrong?
After thinking about it, I decided against marriage. Friends are not always forever. Over time, people’s needs and desires change. Good intentions could go horribly wrong. Promises are made that could easily be broken. Suddenly, that good friend becomes an enemy.
Reading One Last Lie reminds me that there are certain things you should never do with a close friend. Getting married is one. Having a baby is another.
If only Phil had listened to Jonathan…
I loved the chapters with old Jonathan. The decline of his advancing age, his lack of control and independence, and the sorrow permeating his entire being were heartrendingly authentic and his tale told masterfully.
Flashback to when Jonathan and Phil were younger and ready to start a family. When Phil’s bout with testicular cancer and subsequent radiation treatments rendered him sterile, they looked to Phil’s old friend Angie who drops in their lives out of the blue after 15 years. Angie has successfully battled obesity, but her depression, rage and unpredictable moods are troublesome to everyone she comes in contact with.
It seems Jonathan has some problems of his own, an “irritated state of being”, according to his therapist. Things like a messy kitchen or nagging doubts and suspicion about Phil’s old friend disturb Jonathan’s neurotic sense of order.
Then there was Angie’s boyfriend, who also had trouble controlling his temper even with Zoloft and Clozapine.
My feelings about this story were all over the place. I couldn’t wait to get back to the old Jonathan, to feel his pain and share his grief. I was so close to having a good cry, when there were more flashbacks and eye-rolling moments with an over-the-top villainess, an idiot of a boyfriend who failed to see the most obvious warning signs, who dismissed Jonathan’s legitimate fears and concerns, and who disregarded the seriousness of mental illness by making ignorant and misogynistic comments like, “…first of all, she’s pregnant. We already know women are crazy before they get pregnant, and now the hormones are going haywire."
I liked the pace of the story, but found the clues heavy-handed, making the story very predictable. It would have been a lot better had the serious issues been explored more sensitively and the secondary characters were not so one-dimensional.
This is Rob Kaufman’s second novel, and he promises “this is only the beginning”. He is an extremely talented writer adept at twisty, psychological suspense. I know his next book will be even better and I’m looking forward to it.
**Book provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Shortly after my 23rd birthday, a gay male friend asked me to marry him. We worked closely together for two years, our cubes separated by one flimsy wall. Our friendship started tentatively, gradually progressing from occasional lunches to spending quite a bit of time together outside of work. I learned he was deeply closeted and only out to me and one other gay man at work. Not even his parents knew. I also learned that despite being gay, his politics were very conservative. A few times he asked me to attend various Republican events with him as he was eventually planning to run for local office and didn’t want to be seen without a companion. So I put on my nice dress, smiled and shook hands, and tried to be a supportive friend.
Right after one of those events, he popped the question. I thought he was joking, but the intense gaze and firm set of his jaw said otherwise. I dared not laugh or tell him no, and instead asked for a few days to think about it. After thinking about it, getting married didn’t sound like such a bad idea. My friend made decent money and lived in a small house in a good neighborhood. I lived in a dumpy third-floor apartment in a bad neighborhood and my car was always in the repair shop. If we lived together, my quality of life would improve dramatically. The only thing required of me would be to attend more of those foolish Republican events and occasionally entertain other fledgling politicians. Of course, we could both date whomever we wanted, as long as we didn’t bring them home. He also promised that I could bank my salary since his was sufficient to take care of our necessities.
Lavender marriages have happened all throughout history. Could we make it work and live our independent lives? We were good friends, despite our political differences. What could possibly go wrong?
After thinking about it, I decided against marriage. Friends are not always forever. Over time, people’s needs and desires change. Good intentions could go horribly wrong. Promises are made that could easily be broken. Suddenly, that good friend becomes an enemy.
Reading One Last Lie reminds me that there are certain things you should never do with a close friend. Getting married is one. Having a baby is another.
If only Phil had listened to Jonathan…
I loved the chapters with old Jonathan. The decline of his advancing age, his lack of control and independence, and the sorrow permeating his entire being were heartrendingly authentic and his tale told masterfully.
“The old man was dying, and the worst part was, he knew it.
He could feel it in his brittle bones, popping and cracking with every move. He tasted it in his mouth – the bitter phlegm sitting on his tongue. He could even see it through the viscous film caught between his quivering eyelids.
But the telltale sign of approaching death was the feeling of surrender that had crept into his aching body – complete resignation to his current existence and to the life he’d led. The fight was just about gone.”
Flashback to when Jonathan and Phil were younger and ready to start a family. When Phil’s bout with testicular cancer and subsequent radiation treatments rendered him sterile, they looked to Phil’s old friend Angie who drops in their lives out of the blue after 15 years. Angie has successfully battled obesity, but her depression, rage and unpredictable moods are troublesome to everyone she comes in contact with.
It seems Jonathan has some problems of his own, an “irritated state of being”, according to his therapist. Things like a messy kitchen or nagging doubts and suspicion about Phil’s old friend disturb Jonathan’s neurotic sense of order.
Then there was Angie’s boyfriend, who also had trouble controlling his temper even with Zoloft and Clozapine.
My feelings about this story were all over the place. I couldn’t wait to get back to the old Jonathan, to feel his pain and share his grief. I was so close to having a good cry, when there were more flashbacks and eye-rolling moments with an over-the-top villainess, an idiot of a boyfriend who failed to see the most obvious warning signs, who dismissed Jonathan’s legitimate fears and concerns, and who disregarded the seriousness of mental illness by making ignorant and misogynistic comments like, “…first of all, she’s pregnant. We already know women are crazy before they get pregnant, and now the hormones are going haywire."
I liked the pace of the story, but found the clues heavy-handed, making the story very predictable. It would have been a lot better had the serious issues been explored more sensitively and the secondary characters were not so one-dimensional.
This is Rob Kaufman’s second novel, and he promises “this is only the beginning”. He is an extremely talented writer adept at twisty, psychological suspense. I know his next book will be even better and I’m looking forward to it.
**Book provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2012
I wrote this book and am finally trying to enjoy it from a "reader's" perspective.
It's a tough job, but it's fun.
When I finish it, I'll rate it.
Gee, I wonder how many stars I'll give it...
Rob
It's a tough job, but it's fun.
When I finish it, I'll rate it.
Gee, I wonder how many stars I'll give it...
Rob
March 8, 2015
One Last Lie is the second novel written by author Rob Kaufman. It is a fast and easy read that I very much enjoyed. It is basically the tale of a loving couple whose lives are infiltrated by a wretch of a woman whose cunning and treachery rock their world.
There is much to like about this novel, which I would classify as psychological suspense. The plot is tight, the pace is quick, and the protagonists Philip and Jonathan are sympathetic characters who are easy to root for. The story pulled me in quickly and held my interest throughout. I think the storyline is very clever and the ending surprised me.
I do have some issues with the book. Firstly, though there is certainly some character development, I would have liked the characters to be more fleshed out. I do not feel I learned that much about Philip and Jonathan. Emphasis is placed primarily on how they feel about each other rather than how they evolved to become who they are. I also do not have a good understanding of how the “she-devil” Angela came to be. Another criticism regarding Angela is that I feel her persona as written is a touch over the top; she is truly reprehensible. There is another character that to me is not terribly believable, but I will not expound further in order to prevent spoilers. Finally, and I think this may just be me, but it becomes clear very early in the book that something really terrible is going to happen, which lit a fire of inner dread within me that I carried throughout the entire book. I did not care for that feeling, but I am sure other readers might consider that experience an enhancer of suspense.
Overall, One Last Lie has very “good bones”. Mr. Kaufman is a new author, having published only two novels so far. I believe he has the potential to become outstanding with more experience. I would prefer to award this book 3.5 stars. I will round up to 4 stars rather than downgrade to 3 because it made me cry, not only once but twice, at 84% and at the end. Only two other books have made me tear up in the last year and a half, so kudos to Mr. Kaufman for that.
I recommend One Last Lie to all fans of psychological suspense. I will definitely go back and read Mr. Kaufman’s first book, In the Shadow of Stone, and if he writes a third novel I will purchase that as well. I look forward to watching the growth of this author.
There is much to like about this novel, which I would classify as psychological suspense. The plot is tight, the pace is quick, and the protagonists Philip and Jonathan are sympathetic characters who are easy to root for. The story pulled me in quickly and held my interest throughout. I think the storyline is very clever and the ending surprised me.
I do have some issues with the book. Firstly, though there is certainly some character development, I would have liked the characters to be more fleshed out. I do not feel I learned that much about Philip and Jonathan. Emphasis is placed primarily on how they feel about each other rather than how they evolved to become who they are. I also do not have a good understanding of how the “she-devil” Angela came to be. Another criticism regarding Angela is that I feel her persona as written is a touch over the top; she is truly reprehensible. There is another character that to me is not terribly believable, but I will not expound further in order to prevent spoilers. Finally, and I think this may just be me, but it becomes clear very early in the book that something really terrible is going to happen, which lit a fire of inner dread within me that I carried throughout the entire book. I did not care for that feeling, but I am sure other readers might consider that experience an enhancer of suspense.
Overall, One Last Lie has very “good bones”. Mr. Kaufman is a new author, having published only two novels so far. I believe he has the potential to become outstanding with more experience. I would prefer to award this book 3.5 stars. I will round up to 4 stars rather than downgrade to 3 because it made me cry, not only once but twice, at 84% and at the end. Only two other books have made me tear up in the last year and a half, so kudos to Mr. Kaufman for that.
I recommend One Last Lie to all fans of psychological suspense. I will definitely go back and read Mr. Kaufman’s first book, In the Shadow of Stone, and if he writes a third novel I will purchase that as well. I look forward to watching the growth of this author.
February 24, 2015
Insomnia again! So while there's nothing good on TV at 2 AM, I decided I'd get started on One Last Lie. At 6AM I quit reading to catch my breath. Then I couldn't go to sleep because of all the visions I had in my head.
I loved the characters ... I hated one in particular. I felt sorrow and sadness and then I felt blindsided by what was really happening.
I've seen Angela described as a demon ... I'm not sure that fits her. She is so much more.. a manipulator of the highest caliber... a self-absorbed woman who wants what she wants and she wants it NOW.
This was quite a roller coaster ride and I loved ever minute of it. This was a psychological thriller that kept me hanging on my by fingernails.
Kudos to the author!
I loved the characters ... I hated one in particular. I felt sorrow and sadness and then I felt blindsided by what was really happening.
I've seen Angela described as a demon ... I'm not sure that fits her. She is so much more.. a manipulator of the highest caliber... a self-absorbed woman who wants what she wants and she wants it NOW.
This was quite a roller coaster ride and I loved ever minute of it. This was a psychological thriller that kept me hanging on my by fingernails.
Kudos to the author!
July 19, 2024
“One Last Lie in a word is awesome, an incredible psychological thriller that has readers hanging on the edge during the explosive and thrilling final pages."
I have a difficult time writing about books that left me in awe. I loved it and recommend it. The writing was wonderful. Kaufman brings realism into his stories and that has so much to do with my high ratings. I got to know his characters as if I knew them. If they are sad, I’m sad. Wow.
I have a difficult time writing about books that left me in awe. I loved it and recommend it. The writing was wonderful. Kaufman brings realism into his stories and that has so much to do with my high ratings. I got to know his characters as if I knew them. If they are sad, I’m sad. Wow.
December 29, 2013
Wow! Okay, where to start. This book takes you on a long ride. Some of it is beautiful, while other parts are terribly hard to sit through. The author paints both his characters and the situations so well, with such detail, that by 50 pages in, I felt like I knew these people and experienced all these things with them. Rarely do books make me cry, but this one did.
March 29, 2015
One Last Lie is a tale that stars Philip and Jonathan, a middle-aged gay couple who have been together for years and are thinking of having a child. Enter our supposed she-devil, Angela. Yes, she was manipulative and a compulsive liar, but she was anything but possessed by a demon as the synopsis of the book suggested she was.
Instead the book presented an emotionally damaged woman, two extremely trusting gay men and not one, but two, ex-druggies all wrapped up in a sordid little tale of lies and petty drama. Angela was a horrible person. She lied and twisted words, she manipulated those around her to do her bidding, but she was in control. She made decisions and took the steps to get what she wanted from those around her. She was simply a sorry excuse for a human. In this respect, Kaufman has created a very dislikeable character which is obviously the intention.
The relationship between Philip and Jonathan was a highlight. It was really solid and fleshed out. The dialogue between them was realistic and natural, and the sweet little gestures between the two were spot on. Even their interactions with Angela at the beginning were well constructed and flowed extremely well. If the story was only about their past it would have rated higher, given how well it was written. But, the book continues down into the rabbit hole...
The book took too long to get to the point, and then spent too long muddling around in the middle of the drama. It took so long to get to the point, that it felt a lot longer than its 210 pages. The writing isn't polished, there were lots of little typos and issues that could have been easily corrected with a decent edit. The story dragged until about 80% through, where it then was all about rushing to the finish line. The pacing was way off.
The pivotal emotional moments of the book were lost because too long was spent on fleshing out all the parameters of the sub-characters' lives and plot arcs. They seemed to be given far more importance than the rest of the story and that weighed down heavily on the story as a whole.
There were a number of points in the story where flashbacks were used, and while the flashbacks themselves presented the required information, the formatting was off and they seemed to blur into the story and became confusing to read. A simple paragraph break or a symbol to break the two times apart would have alleviated that issue.
The ending was pretty obvious from around half way through the story what had happened and the ‘surprise’ ending or ‘last lie’ was not a shock. This robbed it of its emotional impact.
This is firmly within in the M/M romance/romance, mystery and perhaps contemporary genres, but it doesn’t fit the thriller/suspense genre at all.
Things I noticed:
2% - lots of use of MCs name in dialogue.
10% - ...happened the way (it) always did:
12% - how can one shout loud enough for only themselves to hear it?
19% - "I definitely will," she said. (Delete she said - redundant)
22% - they shook their heads in unison (shook usually implies no, but here it's written as a positive. Nodded in unison is more correct)
38% - Jonathan looked scanned (delete either word) the room...
41% - ...choreograph that moment. . What... (Fix punctuation)
42% - About to make a s (delete s) decision...
...but his brain froze. . Other... (Fix punctuation)
WASPy (fix capitalisation)
44% - Everything is fine." "He looked... (Delete second instance of ")
51% - ...she felt feel (delete feel) Angela's judging...
53% - ...got the best of him. . (Delete second fullstop)
57% - Ladie's should be Ladies
61% - ...expectant mother s (delete s) who 'glowed'...
Roles of flesh should be rolls
64% - ok got it, you don't need to repeat the same thing from the chapter before almost word for word one page later
...went behind out (delete out, insert our) backs...
86% - billowing should be bellowing.
89% - ...cell phone range (delete e)
92% - " One officer's (delete space before One)
My notes on things to watch throughout the story:
The changes to flashbacks, it blurs in with present day. Perhaps use a paragraph break or a symbol (#) to show the break?
Too obvious an ending. Things could have been hidden a little better, or perhaps someone else might have thought of it during the story and dismissed it to throw the reader off the scent?
**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Instead the book presented an emotionally damaged woman, two extremely trusting gay men and not one, but two, ex-druggies all wrapped up in a sordid little tale of lies and petty drama. Angela was a horrible person. She lied and twisted words, she manipulated those around her to do her bidding, but she was in control. She made decisions and took the steps to get what she wanted from those around her. She was simply a sorry excuse for a human. In this respect, Kaufman has created a very dislikeable character which is obviously the intention.
The relationship between Philip and Jonathan was a highlight. It was really solid and fleshed out. The dialogue between them was realistic and natural, and the sweet little gestures between the two were spot on. Even their interactions with Angela at the beginning were well constructed and flowed extremely well. If the story was only about their past it would have rated higher, given how well it was written. But, the book continues down into the rabbit hole...
The book took too long to get to the point, and then spent too long muddling around in the middle of the drama. It took so long to get to the point, that it felt a lot longer than its 210 pages. The writing isn't polished, there were lots of little typos and issues that could have been easily corrected with a decent edit. The story dragged until about 80% through, where it then was all about rushing to the finish line. The pacing was way off.
The pivotal emotional moments of the book were lost because too long was spent on fleshing out all the parameters of the sub-characters' lives and plot arcs. They seemed to be given far more importance than the rest of the story and that weighed down heavily on the story as a whole.
There were a number of points in the story where flashbacks were used, and while the flashbacks themselves presented the required information, the formatting was off and they seemed to blur into the story and became confusing to read. A simple paragraph break or a symbol to break the two times apart would have alleviated that issue.
The ending was pretty obvious from around half way through the story what had happened and the ‘surprise’ ending or ‘last lie’ was not a shock. This robbed it of its emotional impact.
This is firmly within in the M/M romance/romance, mystery and perhaps contemporary genres, but it doesn’t fit the thriller/suspense genre at all.
Things I noticed:
2% - lots of use of MCs name in dialogue.
10% - ...happened the way (it) always did:
12% - how can one shout loud enough for only themselves to hear it?
19% - "I definitely will," she said. (Delete she said - redundant)
22% - they shook their heads in unison (shook usually implies no, but here it's written as a positive. Nodded in unison is more correct)
38% - Jonathan looked scanned (delete either word) the room...
41% - ...choreograph that moment. . What... (Fix punctuation)
42% - About to make a s (delete s) decision...
...but his brain froze. . Other... (Fix punctuation)
WASPy (fix capitalisation)
44% - Everything is fine." "He looked... (Delete second instance of ")
51% - ...she felt feel (delete feel) Angela's judging...
53% - ...got the best of him. . (Delete second fullstop)
57% - Ladie's should be Ladies
61% - ...expectant mother s (delete s) who 'glowed'...
Roles of flesh should be rolls
64% - ok got it, you don't need to repeat the same thing from the chapter before almost word for word one page later
...went behind out (delete out, insert our) backs...
86% - billowing should be bellowing.
89% - ...cell phone range (delete e)
92% - " One officer's (delete space before One)
My notes on things to watch throughout the story:
The changes to flashbacks, it blurs in with present day. Perhaps use a paragraph break or a symbol (#) to show the break?
Too obvious an ending. Things could have been hidden a little better, or perhaps someone else might have thought of it during the story and dismissed it to throw the reader off the scent?
**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
June 19, 2012
4.5 - One Last Lie by Rob Kaufman in a word is awesome, an incredible psychological thriller that will have the reader hanging on the edge during the explosive and thrilling final pages. Which is odd, since the reader knows a very important fact very early on that drives the novel - and yet, I found myself shocked and stunned by the actual event. To say that I was affected is an understatement.
The first half of the tense and romantic novel seems tame at best, a love story between two men wanting desperately to have a child and the one driving this dream is the one who is sterile due to a previous bout with cancer, of which he is a survivor.
Kaufman is a master of romantic suspense. The novel is set in the beautiful, romantic Westport, Connecticut. The subject - gay couple wanting to father and raise a child - popular in today's gay culture. The protagonists, Jonathan Beckett and dashing Philip Stone, are successful, love their careers, very wealthy and can afford the finer things in life - and to fulfill their dream of having a child.
In comes Angela, an old college friend – err, girlfriend – of Philip’s, squirreling her way into Philip and Jonathan’s lives, ironically offering what the boys are looking for – someone to carry Jonathan’s child via artificial insemination. Angela experiences a Jekyll-Hyde complex, able to turn on a dime with both her low-life moronic boyfriend, Tommy, and her brooding – and easily manipulated -- best friend, June. Angela manipulates anyone around her that she feels able to advance her agenda, an agenda set into motion the moment Angela picked up and moved to Connecticut, without invitation, to assist the boys in having a child with her via artificial insemination.
Kaufman’s gift as a writer is detailed within the sharp dialog, vivid imagery, skillful flashbacks, and well-rounded multidimensional character portrayals, but his inherit talent lay in his remarkable ability to craft a spell-bounding story, laid out for the reader in a way to have you cheering for the good guys and demonizing the psychos.
There are critical clues dropped within the novel that are thrilling, yet disturbing the same as Kaufman’s hurls the readers toward a well-crafted, suspenseful climax that will leave some breathless and others – like me- angry. Yes, I said it; angry. The reason for my anger is simple: I didn’t want the ending to happen as it did yet I KNEW what the ending would be and still, the author managed to shock me.
Angela is neurotic, psychotic and delusional – all required traits in portraying the villainess she becomes. Several characters that came before her came to mind as I learned more and more about her character, such as “Alex Forrest” (portrayed stunningly by Glenn Close in “Fatal Attraction”), or Annie Wilkes in Stephen King’s “Misery” (portrayed in film by the astounding Kathy Bates), even the sultry Rebecca de Mornay’s portrayal of Peyton Flanders in “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle”.
The malicious plot Kaufman’s Angela devises years before putting the such an evil plan into motion upon signing the co-parenting legal contract with Jonathan’s and Philip’s attorney.
But, I digress…Kaufman has created a spectacular psychological thriller that is sure to stun – is that the right word? – Readers of the genre. [Book:One Last Lie|14624158] is chock full of tense drama, betrayal, lies, compassion and violence; all the marks of an excellent thriller.
My only complaint is likely due to the HTML uploading issues unique to Amazon’s conversion technology for uploading e-books. The reader can become confused with the sudden backward or forward in time breaks without the benefit of section dividers. However, these small inadequacies are easily overlooked.
Ultimately, Kaufman has created a “must-read” novel for anyone searching for a kick-ass psychological thriller with a strong romantic theme. One Last Lie will suck you in and won’t release you until the shocking ending, indeed the ‘one last lie’.
The first half of the tense and romantic novel seems tame at best, a love story between two men wanting desperately to have a child and the one driving this dream is the one who is sterile due to a previous bout with cancer, of which he is a survivor.
Kaufman is a master of romantic suspense. The novel is set in the beautiful, romantic Westport, Connecticut. The subject - gay couple wanting to father and raise a child - popular in today's gay culture. The protagonists, Jonathan Beckett and dashing Philip Stone, are successful, love their careers, very wealthy and can afford the finer things in life - and to fulfill their dream of having a child.
In comes Angela, an old college friend – err, girlfriend – of Philip’s, squirreling her way into Philip and Jonathan’s lives, ironically offering what the boys are looking for – someone to carry Jonathan’s child via artificial insemination. Angela experiences a Jekyll-Hyde complex, able to turn on a dime with both her low-life moronic boyfriend, Tommy, and her brooding – and easily manipulated -- best friend, June. Angela manipulates anyone around her that she feels able to advance her agenda, an agenda set into motion the moment Angela picked up and moved to Connecticut, without invitation, to assist the boys in having a child with her via artificial insemination.
Kaufman’s gift as a writer is detailed within the sharp dialog, vivid imagery, skillful flashbacks, and well-rounded multidimensional character portrayals, but his inherit talent lay in his remarkable ability to craft a spell-bounding story, laid out for the reader in a way to have you cheering for the good guys and demonizing the psychos.
There are critical clues dropped within the novel that are thrilling, yet disturbing the same as Kaufman’s hurls the readers toward a well-crafted, suspenseful climax that will leave some breathless and others – like me- angry. Yes, I said it; angry. The reason for my anger is simple: I didn’t want the ending to happen as it did yet I KNEW what the ending would be and still, the author managed to shock me.
Angela is neurotic, psychotic and delusional – all required traits in portraying the villainess she becomes. Several characters that came before her came to mind as I learned more and more about her character, such as “Alex Forrest” (portrayed stunningly by Glenn Close in “Fatal Attraction”), or Annie Wilkes in Stephen King’s “Misery” (portrayed in film by the astounding Kathy Bates), even the sultry Rebecca de Mornay’s portrayal of Peyton Flanders in “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle”.
The malicious plot Kaufman’s Angela devises years before putting the such an evil plan into motion upon signing the co-parenting legal contract with Jonathan’s and Philip’s attorney.
But, I digress…Kaufman has created a spectacular psychological thriller that is sure to stun – is that the right word? – Readers of the genre. [Book:One Last Lie|14624158] is chock full of tense drama, betrayal, lies, compassion and violence; all the marks of an excellent thriller.
My only complaint is likely due to the HTML uploading issues unique to Amazon’s conversion technology for uploading e-books. The reader can become confused with the sudden backward or forward in time breaks without the benefit of section dividers. However, these small inadequacies are easily overlooked.
Ultimately, Kaufman has created a “must-read” novel for anyone searching for a kick-ass psychological thriller with a strong romantic theme. One Last Lie will suck you in and won’t release you until the shocking ending, indeed the ‘one last lie’.
June 1, 2012
*I won this book on goodreads in one of the giveaways*
I really liked it. The plot was great and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, waiting to unravel all the secrets. Right away I really felt for Philip and Jonathan, and by the way I really enjoyed how well written their relationship was. I was worried it would be cheesy or too sexual, but it wasn't at all. It was very sweet. I wanted to warn them through the whole book about Angela. Boy, there are a few names I kept calling her in my head! Then I would have to remind myself it's a book. Haha!! :P There were a few errors that did slightly bother me. An extra period a couple of times, a letter left off a name, etc. Nothing really horrible, it didn't take away from the story or anything, and the writing was fantastic. Overall "One Last Lie" was really, really good! :D
I really liked it. The plot was great and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, waiting to unravel all the secrets. Right away I really felt for Philip and Jonathan, and by the way I really enjoyed how well written their relationship was. I was worried it would be cheesy or too sexual, but it wasn't at all. It was very sweet. I wanted to warn them through the whole book about Angela. Boy, there are a few names I kept calling her in my head! Then I would have to remind myself it's a book. Haha!! :P There were a few errors that did slightly bother me. An extra period a couple of times, a letter left off a name, etc. Nothing really horrible, it didn't take away from the story or anything, and the writing was fantastic. Overall "One Last Lie" was really, really good! :D
December 14, 2022
There’s no question that this is a good author. Not only due to his writing style, but also for the emotions that are evoked. There are likable characters blended with those you will hate. And there is an underlying sorrow and tension throughout. While I prefer books that aren’t so depressing, the author definitely deserves a 5 star rating.
to-read-pruned
January 4, 2014I'm scared of this book.
June 10, 2012
I've never been one to write good reviews, I simply share my thoughts and if those thoughts help you decide whether to read a book or not, good.
One Last Lie is the type of book that will suck you in from the first sentence and then just won't let you go until the end. I stayed up until 6:30 am to finish it, I ruined my sleep schedule for this book. There is something about knowing some of the major things that will happen in a book that makes you cringe while reading because you know sometime soon you are going to have to face the devastation but even knowing what will happen, you keep reading anyway, you just HAVE to keep torturing yourself. Knowing what will happen (at least the major things) you also find yourself wanting to scream at your computer, kindle, nook etc because you know where it's all leading. Then you get to the tragedy and you wish you hadn't spent all day and night and early morning reading it because you are sleep deprived and the last 15% of the book you spend crying and then it ends and you have to go to sleep! How are you supposed to sleep right after reading this book? This doesn't sound like I like this book but you would be wrong
I love this book.
I just wish it was different, I wish it didn't have to be so sad. Jonathan and Phillip were wonderful, I loved them, I loved their relationship.
This book made me angry and upset but I love it. Rob Kaufman you are an evil man, yes that's right evil, how dare you write such a devastating yet great book (lol).
One Last Lie is the type of book that will suck you in from the first sentence and then just won't let you go until the end. I stayed up until 6:30 am to finish it, I ruined my sleep schedule for this book. There is something about knowing some of the major things that will happen in a book that makes you cringe while reading because you know sometime soon you are going to have to face the devastation but even knowing what will happen, you keep reading anyway, you just HAVE to keep torturing yourself. Knowing what will happen (at least the major things) you also find yourself wanting to scream at your computer, kindle, nook etc because you know where it's all leading. Then you get to the tragedy and you wish you hadn't spent all day and night and early morning reading it because you are sleep deprived and the last 15% of the book you spend crying and then it ends and you have to go to sleep! How are you supposed to sleep right after reading this book? This doesn't sound like I like this book but you would be wrong
I love this book.
I just wish it was different, I wish it didn't have to be so sad. Jonathan and Phillip were wonderful, I loved them, I loved their relationship.
This book made me angry and upset but I love it. Rob Kaufman you are an evil man, yes that's right evil, how dare you write such a devastating yet great book (lol).
May 28, 2012
When I read Robert's first book, "In The Shadow of Stone" I didn't think it possible for him to write another book that would keep my interest as much as it did or affect me more. Boy was I wrong! From the very beginning of this book I was hooked in a way that few books have managed to do. The writing, the story line, the characters, the twists and turns in the plot all had me needing (not wanting!) to continue reading until I finished. I kept thinking all through this book that it could make a very good movie as well! Let me know what you think after you read it.
November 23, 2012
I have mixed feelings about this one. I really liked Kaufman's first book and kept putting off reading this one until I had the time to read it in one sitting, sure that I was going to devour it. Once started, though, I wasn't expecting the overwhelming sense of dread I had, knowing what was coming. And that's never something that I enjoy. So I admit to skimming through a lot, thinking, let's just get this over with. In no way do I think this was a bad book - just not the book for me. I'll definitely read anything else Rob Kaufman writes.
January 16, 2019
My first book by this Author but not my last. An amazing, couldn't put it down story. The characters were well developed. I disliked Angela, a master manipulator, so much. Philip and Jonathan have been a couple for twelve years. Angela is a conniving bitch who convinces them to have a child with her. I loved the way the book starts and ends with Jonathan, an elderly man waiting for death, and then the story is told. The ending was superb. I received a copy of the book from the Author and my review is voluntary and is my honest opinion.
March 3, 2015
Jonathan and Phillip have been together for 12 years. They are a very happy and successful couple. In walks Angela from Phillips college years. They had a falling out 15 years ago and now she is wanting them to have a baby with her as her biological clock is ticking. In college she was morbidly obese, no she is skinny, sexy and beautiful. Jonathan has reservations about having a baby and having it with Angela. He sees something hiding under the surface of her cheerful, nice demeanor. Their lawyer friend G discourages them because you can't always control what happens after the baby is born.
The go ahead with the insemination and once it takes, all hell breaks loose. The reader knows from the start that there is a little demon inside of Angela just waiting to come out. I wanted to smack Jonathan on the back of the head because he did have big reservations and all of a sudden he's all for it.
Shockingly, Angela starts putting on weight and not really caring about the health of the baby. She quickly has put on so much weight she can barely get off the couch.
Then you throw in her obsessive on/off again boyfriend Tommy who is homophobic and has his own demon inside of him. Angela is pure evil. She is one scary character. I really had a hard time putting this down. Phillip and Jonathan were such a loving and caring couple who cared deeply for each other. There were a couple times I cried, literally with tears running down my face. When a book makes me smile, laugh and cry horrible tears I know it's a good one. I'm looking forward to more works from Rob Kaufman.
I thank Rob for sending me a copy of his book.
The go ahead with the insemination and once it takes, all hell breaks loose. The reader knows from the start that there is a little demon inside of Angela just waiting to come out. I wanted to smack Jonathan on the back of the head because he did have big reservations and all of a sudden he's all for it.
Shockingly, Angela starts putting on weight and not really caring about the health of the baby. She quickly has put on so much weight she can barely get off the couch.
Then you throw in her obsessive on/off again boyfriend Tommy who is homophobic and has his own demon inside of him. Angela is pure evil. She is one scary character. I really had a hard time putting this down. Phillip and Jonathan were such a loving and caring couple who cared deeply for each other. There were a couple times I cried, literally with tears running down my face. When a book makes me smile, laugh and cry horrible tears I know it's a good one. I'm looking forward to more works from Rob Kaufman.
I thank Rob for sending me a copy of his book.
October 29, 2012
Boring, trite, completely formulaic.
This book reads like a novelization of a bad Lifetime TV movie that gets rerun on Logo at 2 AM.
I got this book because it was on the LGBT book club reading list, but wish I'd reread the other selection, Fried Green Tomatoes, instead.
The writing is very simplistic. The characters are bad stereotypes, and the plot just plain dull.
There are some books that you must finish just because you hate the book so much. This is one of those books. Thankfully I finished it in a few days and can move on.
PS Did I mention how awful this book is?
This book reads like a novelization of a bad Lifetime TV movie that gets rerun on Logo at 2 AM.
I got this book because it was on the LGBT book club reading list, but wish I'd reread the other selection, Fried Green Tomatoes, instead.
The writing is very simplistic. The characters are bad stereotypes, and the plot just plain dull.
There are some books that you must finish just because you hate the book so much. This is one of those books. Thankfully I finished it in a few days and can move on.
PS Did I mention how awful this book is?
March 26, 2015
This was an enjoyable book. Rob Kaufman has an eloquent way with words and comes up with some beautiful phrases and descriptions. His characters are very real, and I wavered often in my feelings about Angela. The story may seem predictable, but there were also surprises.
May 26, 2012
One Last Lie (Kindle e-book version), by Rob Kaufman: Tense march toward tragedy and undefeated love
Book Review by Jack A. Urquhart
The early chapters of Rob Kaufman’s tensely wrought and engaging novel, One Last Lie, seem to herald a predictable story of ‘gayfluence’ brought low by tragedy. Indeed, Kaufman appears to be going for that familiar paradigm by setting his novel in the wealthy enclave of Westport, Connecticut, and by employing a narrative stance that immediately establishes the fact that misfortune has already befallen his protagonists, Jonathan Beckett and Philip Stone, a successful, loving, same-sex couple who previously lived the good life in Westport's privileged environs.
But once the novel kicks into high gear via Kaufman’s flashback storytelling, the trappings of Westport’s “A-list” gay life—designer showcase homes, couturier fashion and fragrance, celebrity restaurants (Tim Gunn couldn’t have done a better job at name dropping)—take a back seat to the novel’s unrelenting march toward a carefully plotted, suspenseful climax.
There is something simultaneously unsettling and thrilling (at least to this reader) about foreknowledge—something that keeps us turning pages in the same way that we continue perversely toward the scene of a roadside accident even when the flashing emergency lights are visible from miles away. Those lights begin to flash in One Last Lie the moment Kaufman introduces Angela, his fascinating villainess.
Perhaps the novel’s most compelling character, Angela, a friend from Philip’s college days, charms her way around Jonathan’s neuroses-fueled mistrust (a condition described by his therapist as an “irritated state of being”) to become part of the couples’ lives. But as with many a great villainess, Angela’s charm serves a sinister agenda—one she sets about achieving by convincing the men to have a child with her via artificial insemination.
For sheer deviousness and evil intent, Kaufman’s Angela approaches the likes of the Marquise de Merteuil in Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Lady De Winter in The Three Musketeers. Almost as soon as the ink is dry on the co-parenting legal contract prepared by Jonathan’s and Philip’s attorney, Angela leads the increasingly anxious fathers-to-be (Jonathan is ostensibly the sperm donor) on a relentless, and at times, excruciatingly tense journey toward tragedy and the revelatory denouement foreshadowed in the novel’s title.
Speaking of denouement, it is difficult for this reader to imagine that any reader who has experienced a lasting, deeply committed loving relationship could fail to be moved by the conclusion that Kaufman offers in One Last Lie. Tenderhearted readers should have their hankies at the ready.
The novel has a few possibly temporary flaws, some of which seem related to Amazon’s troubled HTML conversion technology for e-books. In a few instances, the reader is jarred abruptly backward or forward in time—literally from one paragraph to the next—without benefit of a section break; however, these imperfections may also be related to Amazon’s conversion technology and its tendency to obliterate the author’s formatting choices. Future iterations of the e-book (this reader purchased an early version) may well have eliminated these problems—snags that are hopefully altogether absent in the novel’s soft-bound version.
Ultimately a story of undefeated love couched in a tense drama of deception, betrayal, and violence, Kaufman’s novel puts the lie to the genre labels often attached to works that place gay protagonists center stage. Indeed, One Last Lie transcends tags such as ‘gay fiction,’ ‘gay romance,’ or even ‘gay suspense/thriller’ by offering a satisfying mainstream reading experience (from the nail-biting to the hankie producing) that is suitable for a broad cross-section of discerning readers.
Jack Urquhart is the author of several works of fiction including the short story, “They say you can stop yourself breathing” and So They Say collected Stories. He can be followed on Twitter @jackaurquhart.
Book Review by Jack A. Urquhart
The early chapters of Rob Kaufman’s tensely wrought and engaging novel, One Last Lie, seem to herald a predictable story of ‘gayfluence’ brought low by tragedy. Indeed, Kaufman appears to be going for that familiar paradigm by setting his novel in the wealthy enclave of Westport, Connecticut, and by employing a narrative stance that immediately establishes the fact that misfortune has already befallen his protagonists, Jonathan Beckett and Philip Stone, a successful, loving, same-sex couple who previously lived the good life in Westport's privileged environs.
But once the novel kicks into high gear via Kaufman’s flashback storytelling, the trappings of Westport’s “A-list” gay life—designer showcase homes, couturier fashion and fragrance, celebrity restaurants (Tim Gunn couldn’t have done a better job at name dropping)—take a back seat to the novel’s unrelenting march toward a carefully plotted, suspenseful climax.
There is something simultaneously unsettling and thrilling (at least to this reader) about foreknowledge—something that keeps us turning pages in the same way that we continue perversely toward the scene of a roadside accident even when the flashing emergency lights are visible from miles away. Those lights begin to flash in One Last Lie the moment Kaufman introduces Angela, his fascinating villainess.
Perhaps the novel’s most compelling character, Angela, a friend from Philip’s college days, charms her way around Jonathan’s neuroses-fueled mistrust (a condition described by his therapist as an “irritated state of being”) to become part of the couples’ lives. But as with many a great villainess, Angela’s charm serves a sinister agenda—one she sets about achieving by convincing the men to have a child with her via artificial insemination.
For sheer deviousness and evil intent, Kaufman’s Angela approaches the likes of the Marquise de Merteuil in Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Lady De Winter in The Three Musketeers. Almost as soon as the ink is dry on the co-parenting legal contract prepared by Jonathan’s and Philip’s attorney, Angela leads the increasingly anxious fathers-to-be (Jonathan is ostensibly the sperm donor) on a relentless, and at times, excruciatingly tense journey toward tragedy and the revelatory denouement foreshadowed in the novel’s title.
Speaking of denouement, it is difficult for this reader to imagine that any reader who has experienced a lasting, deeply committed loving relationship could fail to be moved by the conclusion that Kaufman offers in One Last Lie. Tenderhearted readers should have their hankies at the ready.
The novel has a few possibly temporary flaws, some of which seem related to Amazon’s troubled HTML conversion technology for e-books. In a few instances, the reader is jarred abruptly backward or forward in time—literally from one paragraph to the next—without benefit of a section break; however, these imperfections may also be related to Amazon’s conversion technology and its tendency to obliterate the author’s formatting choices. Future iterations of the e-book (this reader purchased an early version) may well have eliminated these problems—snags that are hopefully altogether absent in the novel’s soft-bound version.
Ultimately a story of undefeated love couched in a tense drama of deception, betrayal, and violence, Kaufman’s novel puts the lie to the genre labels often attached to works that place gay protagonists center stage. Indeed, One Last Lie transcends tags such as ‘gay fiction,’ ‘gay romance,’ or even ‘gay suspense/thriller’ by offering a satisfying mainstream reading experience (from the nail-biting to the hankie producing) that is suitable for a broad cross-section of discerning readers.
Jack Urquhart is the author of several works of fiction including the short story, “They say you can stop yourself breathing” and So They Say collected Stories. He can be followed on Twitter @jackaurquhart.
September 10, 2012
The story begins with Jonathan, old, alone, and miserable, he is living is a home for elderly adults. He is more then ready to die but when his nurse tells him that he has a surprise visitor coming the next day Jonathan can't even begin to imagine who it would be. He begins thinking back on his life and we see flashbacks of his life with Philip from the very beginning.
Jonathan and Philip are both loveable characters who are totally in love and deeply devoted to each other. Their lives seem almost perfect; they have love, they have a gorgeous home, and they both have amazing jobs. The only thing missing from their lives is a baby but that dream was gone once Philip found out he had cancer and received radiation treatments that left him sterile.
Then Philip's college friend Angela enters the picture. She has lost a ton of weight and is now beautiful, funny, and the perfect friend to both men. After spending many months together going to dinner, hanging out, and getting to know each other again, the three decided to have a child together. It seems like the perfect solution to the one thing all three of them want.
But after Angela gets pregnant everything changes. Her true colors begin showing and soon Jonathan and Philip are worried that the woman carrying their baby may be seriously crazy. As the months creep along Angela gets meaner and needier until something finally snaps.
I could not stand Angela from the beginning. She was mean to her friends, awful to her boyfriend, and seemed to care about no one but herself. The fact that she played the part of sweet and innocent Angela in front of Jonathan and Philip infuriated me. I knew that there was something sneaky about her but when I found out what she was really up to I hated her even more.
The characters in this book had very clearly defined personalities which made them easy to like or hate. The fact that Angela is somewhat crazy added an air of suspense to the novel because I never knew what she was thinking or what she might do next. She was unpredictable which was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
The one thing I had difficulty with in this novel was the shift between past and present as well as the shift between the time periods in the past. It jumped around a lot which was confusing at times. Otherwise I really enjoyed this suspenseful novel and the twist at the end was just crazy enough to be believable.
Jonathan and Philip are both loveable characters who are totally in love and deeply devoted to each other. Their lives seem almost perfect; they have love, they have a gorgeous home, and they both have amazing jobs. The only thing missing from their lives is a baby but that dream was gone once Philip found out he had cancer and received radiation treatments that left him sterile.
Then Philip's college friend Angela enters the picture. She has lost a ton of weight and is now beautiful, funny, and the perfect friend to both men. After spending many months together going to dinner, hanging out, and getting to know each other again, the three decided to have a child together. It seems like the perfect solution to the one thing all three of them want.
But after Angela gets pregnant everything changes. Her true colors begin showing and soon Jonathan and Philip are worried that the woman carrying their baby may be seriously crazy. As the months creep along Angela gets meaner and needier until something finally snaps.
I could not stand Angela from the beginning. She was mean to her friends, awful to her boyfriend, and seemed to care about no one but herself. The fact that she played the part of sweet and innocent Angela in front of Jonathan and Philip infuriated me. I knew that there was something sneaky about her but when I found out what she was really up to I hated her even more.
The characters in this book had very clearly defined personalities which made them easy to like or hate. The fact that Angela is somewhat crazy added an air of suspense to the novel because I never knew what she was thinking or what she might do next. She was unpredictable which was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
The one thing I had difficulty with in this novel was the shift between past and present as well as the shift between the time periods in the past. It jumped around a lot which was confusing at times. Otherwise I really enjoyed this suspenseful novel and the twist at the end was just crazy enough to be believable.
September 24, 2012
This is a tough book for me to review in some ways due to the nature of the book. Let me be up front. This book does feature a gay couple, and I don't generally read books that center around gays. It's just not my thing, and it goes against my faith. I'm not saying that I hate these people--not in the least. Goodness, the gay couple were the nicest and most normal people in the book, and I truly cared about them. I hated to see what was happening to them and how they were being treated. I am grateful that the author did not feature bedroom scenes or erotica in the book (but he did feature a lot of profanity, so be warned).
From a literary standpoint, this book was extremely well-written and easy to read. I was shocked to see that I read it all within the span of a few hours. I was surprised by a few curves the author threw into the story line, but I had already figured out what the "one last lie" had to be, and I was right! I knew to be wary of Angela from the beginning, but I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I will shush up on that point.
This book would have been perfect if the couple had not been gay--just my personal preference. But in a strange way, the author truly did make this work. I did not feel highly offended after reading the book. It takes a pretty good author to accomplish that feat. And his messages of dispelling our prejudices, preconceived notions, and not judging others based on appearances came through clearly. As did "your lies will always find you out."
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
From a literary standpoint, this book was extremely well-written and easy to read. I was shocked to see that I read it all within the span of a few hours. I was surprised by a few curves the author threw into the story line, but I had already figured out what the "one last lie" had to be, and I was right! I knew to be wary of Angela from the beginning, but I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I will shush up on that point.
This book would have been perfect if the couple had not been gay--just my personal preference. But in a strange way, the author truly did make this work. I did not feel highly offended after reading the book. It takes a pretty good author to accomplish that feat. And his messages of dispelling our prejudices, preconceived notions, and not judging others based on appearances came through clearly. As did "your lies will always find you out."
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
June 23, 2012
First of all, let me preface by saying that I am not gay. Not that that really needs to be said. (Well, maybe it does.)
Secondly, let me give my thanks to the author for not making this a book of gay erotica because I don't think I could've gotten through this wonderful book with that included.
I must say the synopsis certainly had me intrigued. I also knew that if I got too uncomfortable, I could always stop reading it. I also found that my interest was piqued as to how Jonathan and Philip met, and that in itself surprises me since I'm not a big fan of romance..
Philip has known Angela since his college days but it's been years since he's seen her. Jonathan, upon meeting her for the first time, is immediately skeptical of her but chalks it up to his neurosis. Together the three of them plan on having a baby and sharing the child.
How will such a relationship work? And more importantly, can such a relationship work? How is this handled legally and what are the ramifications? What if one party reneges?
While anything other than heterosexual relationships I'm not entirely comfortable with, this story touches the human spirit in a way that will stay with me for a long while. Considering this, I cannot but give One Last Lie a five-star rating.
Secondly, let me give my thanks to the author for not making this a book of gay erotica because I don't think I could've gotten through this wonderful book with that included.
I must say the synopsis certainly had me intrigued. I also knew that if I got too uncomfortable, I could always stop reading it. I also found that my interest was piqued as to how Jonathan and Philip met, and that in itself surprises me since I'm not a big fan of romance..
Philip has known Angela since his college days but it's been years since he's seen her. Jonathan, upon meeting her for the first time, is immediately skeptical of her but chalks it up to his neurosis. Together the three of them plan on having a baby and sharing the child.
How will such a relationship work? And more importantly, can such a relationship work? How is this handled legally and what are the ramifications? What if one party reneges?
While anything other than heterosexual relationships I'm not entirely comfortable with, this story touches the human spirit in a way that will stay with me for a long while. Considering this, I cannot but give One Last Lie a five-star rating.
January 1, 2013
"One Last Lie" by Rob Kaufman is a gem of a book. The story had me from the first sentence. The book is well writen with a cast of characters and a story line that is contemporary and believable. It is a very emotional book and one that I didn't want to put down.
The story centers on Philip and Jonathan, long time partners who decide that it's time to start a family. There are many layers and twists and turns to the plot that to say any more would give these away. Rob Kaufman is a wonderful story-teller and I look forward to reading more of his books. This one will stay with me for a long time.
The story centers on Philip and Jonathan, long time partners who decide that it's time to start a family. There are many layers and twists and turns to the plot that to say any more would give these away. Rob Kaufman is a wonderful story-teller and I look forward to reading more of his books. This one will stay with me for a long time.
June 3, 2012
All I have to say is WOW! I always can tell a good book when I think about the characters and the story when I'm not reading, i.e. cooking, at work, etc..and once I started this book I was so involved with the characters I couldn't stop thinking about them. So many twists in the plot that are unexpected definitely makes this a page turner. I am looking for more books from this author as I would love to read more from him. It's a must read!
June 9, 2012
I won One Last Lie in a Goodreads giveaway and I loved it from start to finish!!!
The story provides surprises, a great love story and a bad guy (or woman sorry).Every thing I need. I found my self so deeply involved in the book that I was warning Jonathon and Philip.
This book was a great read! Thank you to Rob Kaufman and Goodreads
The story provides surprises, a great love story and a bad guy (or woman sorry).Every thing I need. I found my self so deeply involved in the book that I was warning Jonathon and Philip.
This book was a great read! Thank you to Rob Kaufman and Goodreads
March 17, 2015
This book took me a few chapters to get into it. But once I did it was very different than I expected in a good way. I enjoyed the guessing game I used with this book. I was always trying to guess what was going to happen next and I was not right most of the time. I liked that about it. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
July 15, 2012
I couldn't put this down! My only complaint is that in my opinion too much of the story is given away in the blurb and on the back of the paperback. Even so, it was still compelling and my heart bled for Philip and Jonathan.
April 5, 2015
This is a must read book. I loved the ending. It totally surprised me and it takes a lot to do that with all the books I read. I've been raving about this book since I started reading it on the plane on my way to sunny, hot, Florida.
October 18, 2012
WOW!!!! I couldn't put this book down!!! EXCELLENT BOOK!!!!
July 17, 2018
This is the 2nd book I've read by Rob Kaufman and I was not disappointed! As the title suggests, there are lies--and one very big "last" lie that is revealed at the end. This is a lovely family drama that draws you in from the beginning as cynical Jonathan--who is dying in an assisted living facility--discovers he will have a mystery guest visit him the following day. From there we go back to the past as Jonathan and Philip's relationship begins and blossoms, only to be torn apart by a woman from Philip's college days. This brought out a range of emotions in me; Jonathan and Philip's relationship is both tender and heartwarming and Angela is a despicable character who is to be both pitied and hated. It speaks to themes of love and passion, heartbreak and loss, secrets and lies. It's passionate and deep and may change how you think about surrogacy and adoption.
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