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Existential Angst #1
What Lies
Taken without a trace. Held by a sadist intent on loving her.
He said I was the only perfect woman in the world. It's why he had to have me.
“The game today, Larissa, is called pick your poison.”
He took me while I was sitting alone in my backyard. I had my feet cooling in the pool, face heating in the sun when his shadow eclipsed all happiness four days ago. I don’t remember any sounds or words, only waking up here…and his games.
“I expect you to either make a choice, or don’t.”
In this box of horrors, he wanted me to find my purpose. I thought I already had—to save my heart from pain and to hold out for freedom.
Turns out, I wasn’t wrong. Only my perceptions were. And he’s giving me a chance to choose again.
“I’m going to hurt you.”
I’ve been a monster for him, a perfect version of myself, and I don’t think I can pretend that I haven’t liked it.
Whoever said knowledge is power wasn’t chained up when they said it.
What Lies is a prequel to What Love and should be read first.
Trigger Warning: Contains explicit scenes, on-page violence, the dubiest of dub con, blood, a dark captor - captive romance, a jealous / possessive / obsessive antihero, and gripping psychological suspense. Also loads of angst (it’s in the title after all). No cheating. Author’s version of happy for now.
He said I was the only perfect woman in the world. It's why he had to have me.
“The game today, Larissa, is called pick your poison.”
He took me while I was sitting alone in my backyard. I had my feet cooling in the pool, face heating in the sun when his shadow eclipsed all happiness four days ago. I don’t remember any sounds or words, only waking up here…and his games.
“I expect you to either make a choice, or don’t.”
In this box of horrors, he wanted me to find my purpose. I thought I already had—to save my heart from pain and to hold out for freedom.
Turns out, I wasn’t wrong. Only my perceptions were. And he’s giving me a chance to choose again.
“I’m going to hurt you.”
I’ve been a monster for him, a perfect version of myself, and I don’t think I can pretend that I haven’t liked it.
Whoever said knowledge is power wasn’t chained up when they said it.
What Lies is a prequel to What Love and should be read first.
Trigger Warning: Contains explicit scenes, on-page violence, the dubiest of dub con, blood, a dark captor - captive romance, a jealous / possessive / obsessive antihero, and gripping psychological suspense. Also loads of angst (it’s in the title after all). No cheating. Author’s version of happy for now.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
80 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
Willow Madison
10 books271 followersFor new release info, sign up for her (never spammy) newsletters:
http://willowmadisonbooks.com
Willow Madison enjoys writing in a variety of genres including dark psychological suspense, contemporary romance, and dark romance. All her books have one thing in common: an unflinching, unapologetic, uncompromising exploration into what dark corners our desires can take us.
Find yourself in Willow Madison Books
More About Willow . . .
Willow came into this world hand first, clutching a No 2 pencil between her chubby baby fingers. Coming up with ways to twist the lives of her Barbies and Kens was a favorite pastime from her towheaded youth.
In the wilds of the Windy City, her imagination really took off, resulting in all sorts of dramas, big and small.
Speaking of size, she prefers her male characters to be larger than life, unapologetically Alphaholish, and as close to so wrong he’s right as she can write.
Willow embodies a wanderlust, having explored five continents and called seven states home so far, with a hope to never lose her tumbling tumbleweed status unless it’s for the chance to live out her ultimate fantasy.
She’s had many loves, some four-legged and viciously fanged, others high in calories and covered in chocolate. Tacos are hard for her to resist, and she’s a firm believer that chili sauce makes most anything better.
A perfect day ends with stretching and a new book.
Some of this is fictitious. But you can’t fault her—Willow is a writer.
Connect with Willow . . .
https://www.facebook.com/willowmadiso...
http://willowmadisonbooks.com
Willow Madison enjoys writing in a variety of genres including dark psychological suspense, contemporary romance, and dark romance. All her books have one thing in common: an unflinching, unapologetic, uncompromising exploration into what dark corners our desires can take us.
Find yourself in Willow Madison Books
More About Willow . . .
Willow came into this world hand first, clutching a No 2 pencil between her chubby baby fingers. Coming up with ways to twist the lives of her Barbies and Kens was a favorite pastime from her towheaded youth.
In the wilds of the Windy City, her imagination really took off, resulting in all sorts of dramas, big and small.
Speaking of size, she prefers her male characters to be larger than life, unapologetically Alphaholish, and as close to so wrong he’s right as she can write.
Willow embodies a wanderlust, having explored five continents and called seven states home so far, with a hope to never lose her tumbling tumbleweed status unless it’s for the chance to live out her ultimate fantasy.
She’s had many loves, some four-legged and viciously fanged, others high in calories and covered in chocolate. Tacos are hard for her to resist, and she’s a firm believer that chili sauce makes most anything better.
A perfect day ends with stretching and a new book.
Some of this is fictitious. But you can’t fault her—Willow is a writer.
Connect with Willow . . .
https://www.facebook.com/willowmadiso...
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August 25, 2021
This is my officially unofficial release date announcement: ARCs will be sent out starting September 9th.
Sign up for an ARC for both books now.
As to an official publication date beyond ARCs -- both books will be available for pre-order.
It's been a really - r e a l l y - long road to get here with these books, and I just want to express all of my appreciation for anyone who's waited patiently for my ass to get in gear *hugs n sloppies!!
http://willowmadisonbooks.com
September 10, 2021
Update: Release date for the prequel is October 7th.
I know most people skim over the 5 star ARC reviews (I know I do), so I'm putting the info most want to know at the top (trigger warnings/safety/hea). Full disclosure I beta read & received an ARC.
Trigger Warnings:
Safety:
Cliffhanger & HEA:
The prequel What Lies must be read before the novel, What Love.
~I've struggled to write an actual review of this book. To explain why it's an all time favorite. It's not because I beta read - I've beta read other books that have not made it into my all time faves shelf. Existentialism, as a philosophy, is meaningful to me. I left the religion I was raised with at the age of 17. It was an isolating, unbalancing experience. My boyfriend at the time introduced me to Jean-Paul Sartre and existentialism. I'm not going to get into the philosophy here, but at the core of existentialism is the notion that life is what you make it. You are responsible for choosing a purpose in your own life. I don't want to give anyone the impression religion is a topic in this book - it's not - but, awhile back, when I noticed one of my favorite dark romance authors was writing a book titled: Existential Angst, I raised my eyebrows. That's a serious title to give to a dark romance book. Was she just giving it this title because she liked the sound of it? Or was this author actually familiar with the philosophy?
The book lives up to its name. This author has applied existentialism to captive romance in a way I haven't seen before. It's layered, symbolic, deep. Larissa has to choose how to define herself when she's forced into extreme circumstances. Just, it's difficult for me to describe this book and try to give it justice. This is not a light, quick, dark read that is meant to simply excite. This book has a philosophical, symbolic undertone that made me think. The themes of freedom, love, and choices carry on into the next book, What Love, in a brilliant way. The metal wings, the pyramid, the cage - there's so much symbolism loaded behind these things in the book. What comes across as a simple writing style ends up being remarkably layered and filled with subtext. In this sense the author's writing style here reminded me of Hemingway - and I can't believe I'd ever make that comparison to a dark romance author, but this is probably the most literary dark romance series I've read to date. It's intelligent, riveting, haunting.
"The game today, Larissa, is called pick your poison.” He starts to undo his belt. Leather whips past denim with an unhurried pull. He doesn’t take his eyes off me, continuing in a quiet, steady voice."
“Now, are you clear on how this works?”
His words follow me into the dark hole that consumes my head.
I don’t feel the floor as it meets me.
I don’t feel the brief freedom of escape that my collapse provides.
I don’t feel the terror.
In the vein of Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas, Existential Angst includes themes covering trauma bonding, Stockholm syndrome, and captivity. It's sadistic, romantic, yet cerebral.
I’ve climbed to the top of my pyramid for Him; I’ve opened myself up, given my trust.
But I haven’t made the leap, have I?
He gives me choices, but I give small pieces of myself with them, inches instead of my whole heart. That’s not love; that’s not freedom—not to me, not to Him.
In this box of horrors, He wanted me to find my purpose. I thought I already had—to save my heart from pain and to hold out for freedom.
Turns out, I wasn’t wrong. Only my perceptions were. And He’s giving me a chance to choose again.
I know most people skim over the 5 star ARC reviews (I know I do), so I'm putting the info most want to know at the top (trigger warnings/safety/hea). Full disclosure I beta read & received an ARC.
Trigger Warnings:
Safety:
Cliffhanger & HEA:
The prequel What Lies must be read before the novel, What Love.
~I've struggled to write an actual review of this book. To explain why it's an all time favorite. It's not because I beta read - I've beta read other books that have not made it into my all time faves shelf. Existentialism, as a philosophy, is meaningful to me. I left the religion I was raised with at the age of 17. It was an isolating, unbalancing experience. My boyfriend at the time introduced me to Jean-Paul Sartre and existentialism. I'm not going to get into the philosophy here, but at the core of existentialism is the notion that life is what you make it. You are responsible for choosing a purpose in your own life. I don't want to give anyone the impression religion is a topic in this book - it's not - but, awhile back, when I noticed one of my favorite dark romance authors was writing a book titled: Existential Angst, I raised my eyebrows. That's a serious title to give to a dark romance book. Was she just giving it this title because she liked the sound of it? Or was this author actually familiar with the philosophy?
The book lives up to its name. This author has applied existentialism to captive romance in a way I haven't seen before. It's layered, symbolic, deep. Larissa has to choose how to define herself when she's forced into extreme circumstances. Just, it's difficult for me to describe this book and try to give it justice. This is not a light, quick, dark read that is meant to simply excite. This book has a philosophical, symbolic undertone that made me think. The themes of freedom, love, and choices carry on into the next book, What Love, in a brilliant way. The metal wings, the pyramid, the cage - there's so much symbolism loaded behind these things in the book. What comes across as a simple writing style ends up being remarkably layered and filled with subtext. In this sense the author's writing style here reminded me of Hemingway - and I can't believe I'd ever make that comparison to a dark romance author, but this is probably the most literary dark romance series I've read to date. It's intelligent, riveting, haunting.
✢✢✢✢✢Review in Progress✢✢✢✢✢
"The game today, Larissa, is called pick your poison.” He starts to undo his belt. Leather whips past denim with an unhurried pull. He doesn’t take his eyes off me, continuing in a quiet, steady voice."
“Now, are you clear on how this works?”
His words follow me into the dark hole that consumes my head.
I don’t feel the floor as it meets me.
I don’t feel the brief freedom of escape that my collapse provides.
I don’t feel the terror.
In the vein of Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas, Existential Angst includes themes covering trauma bonding, Stockholm syndrome, and captivity. It's sadistic, romantic, yet cerebral.
I want you begging me to stop. I want you screaming and crying until you don’t even make sense to yourself, Larissa. I want you to feel only me and what I make you feel.
There is no pretending—no hiding away from this, from him. I’m only what he is doing to me; I’m only the pain. Nothing I do stops him. All I’m capable of is screaming and pleading. My voice wears out begging him to stop. My mind won’t form words—only sobs, only screams, and finally, only harsh gasps. I pass out just as he moves away from me.
She is the embodiment of allure
A youthful muse that beckons with beauty
But how does an artist capture innocence?
How does one paint temptation?
It is her elusivity that entices
It is her fragility that calls to my strength
I’ve climbed to the top of my pyramid for Him; I’ve opened myself up, given my trust.
But I haven’t made the leap, have I?
He gives me choices, but I give small pieces of myself with them, inches instead of my whole heart. That’s not love; that’s not freedom—not to me, not to Him.
In this box of horrors, He wanted me to find my purpose. I thought I already had—to save my heart from pain and to hold out for freedom.
Turns out, I wasn’t wrong. Only my perceptions were. And He’s giving me a chance to choose again.
October 6, 2021
I had to do a re-read before starting the novel since it’s been years since I originally read this.
And I have to say it wasn’t any easier on the re-read.
This authors books may seem a strange choice for me since I like my books on the more romantic side. I need a HEA or at least a HFN or I’m not a happy bunny.
But since I picked up my first Willow book back in 2015 I’ve been strangely addicted. I likened it at the time to watching a horror film through my fingers. Only it’s more difficult to read that way.
So if you’ve ever read one of this authors books you know she has a mean streak. Delicate little pixie my ass.
The book opens (yes opens) with Larissa waking up in a cage. She’s been kidnapped by a man she’s never seen before.
“I’m going to hurt you”
Okay so Prince Charming he is not.
At first she holds on to the dream of being rescued. But surely they should have found her by now?
This isn’t an easy read (when is it ever with this author?). The most upsetting thing is we’re with Larissa. We feel the change the realisation as it happens and I didn’t like it. But I hated that I felt the same. Initially I loathed Him, the monster but as time passed I wanted her to yield to him.
Was this just my desperate need for a HEA?
So anyway it’s straight onto the novel for me now. I suspect I should put on hold my visions of picnics, puppy dogs and rainbows.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided the author.
And I have to say it wasn’t any easier on the re-read.
This authors books may seem a strange choice for me since I like my books on the more romantic side. I need a HEA or at least a HFN or I’m not a happy bunny.
But since I picked up my first Willow book back in 2015 I’ve been strangely addicted. I likened it at the time to watching a horror film through my fingers. Only it’s more difficult to read that way.
So if you’ve ever read one of this authors books you know she has a mean streak. Delicate little pixie my ass.
The book opens (yes opens) with Larissa waking up in a cage. She’s been kidnapped by a man she’s never seen before.
“I’m going to hurt you”
Okay so Prince Charming he is not.
At first she holds on to the dream of being rescued. But surely they should have found her by now?
This isn’t an easy read (when is it ever with this author?). The most upsetting thing is we’re with Larissa. We feel the change the realisation as it happens and I didn’t like it. But I hated that I felt the same. Initially I loathed Him, the monster but as time passed I wanted her to yield to him.
Was this just my desperate need for a HEA?
So anyway it’s straight onto the novel for me now. I suspect I should put on hold my visions of picnics, puppy dogs and rainbows.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided the author.
August 21, 2022
wonderful premise but actually trash 🙅
October 12, 2021
I read this story for the first time as a beta read back in 2017. I loved it then and I love it now! Willow Madison has such a beautiful way of bringing her characters to life. And making them so real that you never really feel like you can totally love or hate a character. Everyone lives on that gray scale. ‘Him’ and Larissa’s story is a tough one to read. We are only ever in her head so as a reader you’re really able to feel the fear, isolation, confusion, and anger that she goes through. It is almost as if the reader is experiencing Stockholm Syndrome right alongside Larissa. As the story moves along you realize that your feelings for both characters change throughout. Which at times made me angry to realize that I couldn’t maintain my very logical reaction of revulsion towards Him. But, that’s what you get with a WM book. ALL. THE. FREAKING. FEELS!!!!!
And I wouldn’t have it any other way :D
Copy received via author in exchange for an honest review.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way :D
Copy received via author in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2021
▷ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
▷ POV: 1st Person/present tense
▷ Kidnapped/stalker
▷ There's a distinct lack of both sexual and nonsexual bondage scenes and this book balanced both beautifully.
▷ As ya'll know I only give 5's to books that leave me reeling so here are my immediate thoughts:
▷Okay, how do I start to describe the aching in my chest right now? I have no idea. All I know is my brain is still processing, my body is still short circuiting and the residual feelings of not being able to distinguish my own energy from the book I've just read is blissfully and torturously present. I live to be able to feel the aftereffects of a story, and this one definitely left me with aftershocks I crave to feel-the whole reason why I keep reading through books, even if they don't leave me twisting and contorting in a blend of realities. I continue because there are books like this, for me, that will keep me trapped there for just a little while.
▷ POV: 1st Person/present tense
▷ Kidnapped/stalker
▷ There's a distinct lack of both sexual and nonsexual bondage scenes and this book balanced both beautifully.
▷ As ya'll know I only give 5's to books that leave me reeling so here are my immediate thoughts:
▷Okay, how do I start to describe the aching in my chest right now? I have no idea. All I know is my brain is still processing, my body is still short circuiting and the residual feelings of not being able to distinguish my own energy from the book I've just read is blissfully and torturously present. I live to be able to feel the aftereffects of a story, and this one definitely left me with aftershocks I crave to feel-the whole reason why I keep reading through books, even if they don't leave me twisting and contorting in a blend of realities. I continue because there are books like this, for me, that will keep me trapped there for just a little while.
Read
October 10, 2021First I would like to thank WM for this ARC I am very appreciative of this.
I am so sorry to do this as I have waited years for book but no matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t get into it. I think the problem for me is that I want to be drawn in from the beginning and so there has to be something compelling enough to keep me hooked. Unfortunately I just couldn’t connect with either main characters and so after numerous efforts I decided to give it a rain check. I have no doubt sometime in the future I will pick up the book again but for now it’s just not calling to me. I’m sure other people no doubt will enjoy it though.
I am so sorry to do this as I have waited years for book but no matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t get into it. I think the problem for me is that I want to be drawn in from the beginning and so there has to be something compelling enough to keep me hooked. Unfortunately I just couldn’t connect with either main characters and so after numerous efforts I decided to give it a rain check. I have no doubt sometime in the future I will pick up the book again but for now it’s just not calling to me. I’m sure other people no doubt will enjoy it though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2021
3.5 stars.
I read the whole of this book with a furrowed brow. I’m just… unsure?
Love the dark vibes (and hoo boy, they be DARK!) the writing was amazing. I just want to know more, the whole story made me feel like I was missing something.
I appreciate what I think the author was trying to do here, just throw the reader in the deep end with this quite frankly horrific scenario. She writes very well, and on the whole delivered an atmospheric and intense story. But I want to know the why’s and the how’s of it all.
Which of course leads me to be extremely curious to see where this story leads. Hopefully book two gives me the answers I’m after.
I received this book in an ARC (which, yay, coz it’s my first one!) in exchange for an honest review.
I read the whole of this book with a furrowed brow. I’m just… unsure?
Love the dark vibes (and hoo boy, they be DARK!) the writing was amazing. I just want to know more, the whole story made me feel like I was missing something.
I appreciate what I think the author was trying to do here, just throw the reader in the deep end with this quite frankly horrific scenario. She writes very well, and on the whole delivered an atmospheric and intense story. But I want to know the why’s and the how’s of it all.
Which of course leads me to be extremely curious to see where this story leads. Hopefully book two gives me the answers I’m after.
I received this book in an ARC (which, yay, coz it’s my first one!) in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2021
Wow, this book was good. I don't think I've ever read a more realistic captive/ Stockholm situation like this before; Trying to write a spoiler-free review with this book is nearly impossible. I think what drew me in was the darkness. This book is DARK. I am not going to say pitch black but dark. What I enjoyed the most about it was that if this were to turn into a HEA it would have to be Stockholm, wouldn't it? Yeah, this book had me thinking a lot, and I need the next one ASAP. My only complaint would be I wanted more from Him. I wish I could jump inside his mind and see what's going on in there. Long story short, if you like dark books, then read this!!! But if you're not sure, heed the trigger warning, and if you think it's for you, give it a go.
September 16, 2021
I loved this book so much! I couldn’t put it down. I NEED the second one more than anything!! What Lies is my first read written by Willow Madison and I’m seriously NOT disappointed. Can’t wait for what’s to come <3
September 10, 2021
I'm not quite sure what I was expecting going into What Lies, but I have to say that it certainly made an impact. As a fan of Ms. Madison's prior work, I can say that she has undoubtedly grown as an author and the way she wove a deeply disturbing psychological narrative in this book is absolutely spellbinding. I was trapped in Larissa's head and couldn't look away as I inhaled this book in one sitting. Don't go in expectating a titillating dark romance. What Lies is more of a psychological thriller that starts one woman's painful and unconventional journey to a destination yet unknown. This book is uncomfortable to read and full of triggers. We only get Larissa's POV, therefore, the "hero's" motivations remain somewhat of a mystery. I was completely engrossed even through my discomfort and I can't wait to see where Willow takes this story next.
September 14, 2021
So I'm doing this review a little differently... I'm reviewing as I read it.. I want to get all my thoughts down as I'm reading it to see if it makes for a better review from me...
I have to say right now.. I'm missing the MC's pov right now... If I knew what he was thinking.. how he was feeling about all of this I might like him a little better then I do right now... I'm not liking his games at all... pick your poison indeed... he is playing mind games with the FMC actually I'm thinking its more along the lines of brainwashing her to accept him the way he is... and I'm not cool with that at all... that's not love.. although I will say he is surely obsessed with her.
Larissa... I'm not sure how I feel about her right now either.. I know she is terrified... I would be in her situation... but I don't like how she is bargaining with herself on how to deal with it and then in the next moment forgetting all about what she just promised herself she would do. I can't say this wouldn't really happen... but it's not entirely believable to me at this point... it's more like she is making excuses for herself to give in without owning up to why she is... I really don't like the fact that she is referring to herself as a monster for doing so either.
67% into the book and I can't say that I am liking him any better. It really pissed me off the line he used about sacrificing himself before letting anything happen to her... maybe he would as long as he was the only one that was hurting her... I can't see him dealing well with losing his toy to play with.
Larissa I'm understanding a little more... I do understand her thinking that she deserves the ecstasy after all the suffering she goes thru... and yes she does... but I think it's blinding her to the facts that he is brainwashing her. Molding her to be the way that he wants her to be... yes I can see some of it comes from her naturally but not all of it... she is giving up hope of ever being free and just trying survive the ordeal the best way she can.
It's kind of interesting to watch her make her choices and the internal debate she has with herself. Can she give up this freedom she is allowing herself to feel what she has no choice but to accept and feel while she is with him if she were able to get away... could she go back to hiding her emotions and feelings again. How much would she have to hide? I can understand why she made the choice to do that. If nothing else her captor is making her feel everything and not allowing her to hide or control any of it.
Okay... so I finished the book... I can't say that I like Shane any better now then I did at the beginning... While I understand Larissa more now... I'm not sure what she feels is actually love... I just don't see it... I think its more like stockholm... She has given in on every front and kidding herself into believing it's love so that she can survive what he has done to her. Knowing that she will never get away from him.
I still think I need his POV in all this... I don't think I will ever like him until I understand what he is thinking... I need answers. I also need him to show some regret for how he went about all of this... I don't see any of that... Until I see him making amends or the very least saying he is sorry to her... that is the very least that he owes her... I don't see any of this as love.
I have to say right now.. I'm missing the MC's pov right now... If I knew what he was thinking.. how he was feeling about all of this I might like him a little better then I do right now... I'm not liking his games at all... pick your poison indeed... he is playing mind games with the FMC actually I'm thinking its more along the lines of brainwashing her to accept him the way he is... and I'm not cool with that at all... that's not love.. although I will say he is surely obsessed with her.
Larissa... I'm not sure how I feel about her right now either.. I know she is terrified... I would be in her situation... but I don't like how she is bargaining with herself on how to deal with it and then in the next moment forgetting all about what she just promised herself she would do. I can't say this wouldn't really happen... but it's not entirely believable to me at this point... it's more like she is making excuses for herself to give in without owning up to why she is... I really don't like the fact that she is referring to herself as a monster for doing so either.
67% into the book and I can't say that I am liking him any better. It really pissed me off the line he used about sacrificing himself before letting anything happen to her... maybe he would as long as he was the only one that was hurting her... I can't see him dealing well with losing his toy to play with.
Larissa I'm understanding a little more... I do understand her thinking that she deserves the ecstasy after all the suffering she goes thru... and yes she does... but I think it's blinding her to the facts that he is brainwashing her. Molding her to be the way that he wants her to be... yes I can see some of it comes from her naturally but not all of it... she is giving up hope of ever being free and just trying survive the ordeal the best way she can.
It's kind of interesting to watch her make her choices and the internal debate she has with herself. Can she give up this freedom she is allowing herself to feel what she has no choice but to accept and feel while she is with him if she were able to get away... could she go back to hiding her emotions and feelings again. How much would she have to hide? I can understand why she made the choice to do that. If nothing else her captor is making her feel everything and not allowing her to hide or control any of it.
Okay... so I finished the book... I can't say that I like Shane any better now then I did at the beginning... While I understand Larissa more now... I'm not sure what she feels is actually love... I just don't see it... I think its more like stockholm... She has given in on every front and kidding herself into believing it's love so that she can survive what he has done to her. Knowing that she will never get away from him.
I still think I need his POV in all this... I don't think I will ever like him until I understand what he is thinking... I need answers. I also need him to show some regret for how he went about all of this... I don't see any of that... Until I see him making amends or the very least saying he is sorry to her... that is the very least that he owes her... I don't see any of this as love.
September 11, 2021
There are no words to describe What Lies did to me.
Nothing i come up with does it any justice.
The closest i come,is that it’s darkness reached down into the deepest part of my soul,and left a permanent mark.
I can understand why Willow took the time to write this….
The conflicting emotions Larissa has,her struggles,are written so vividly,so intimately,they start to feel like your own….
To receive the ARC feels even more special than usual.
Because Willow created such a beautiful story,it shines in all its glorious darkness!!
And dark it is...so beware of her warning,it's there for a very good reason!
I’m not going to say too much about this beauty,except when you reach the end,Larissa is not the same girl she was in the beginning….
Even though she tried to resist him as long as she could,he was stronger in so many ways.
I hated him for what he demanded of,and did to her.
But at the same time,i couldn’t help but,f**ked up as he was,like how he felt about her,and told her time and time again.
This was a rollercoaster-ride that had my head spinning,and i loved every minute of it!
Leaving me with a bone- deep need to know what happens in What Love!
Because this story is far from over……
Nothing i come up with does it any justice.
The closest i come,is that it’s darkness reached down into the deepest part of my soul,and left a permanent mark.
I can understand why Willow took the time to write this….
The conflicting emotions Larissa has,her struggles,are written so vividly,so intimately,they start to feel like your own….
To receive the ARC feels even more special than usual.
Because Willow created such a beautiful story,it shines in all its glorious darkness!!
And dark it is...so beware of her warning,it's there for a very good reason!
I’m not going to say too much about this beauty,except when you reach the end,Larissa is not the same girl she was in the beginning….
Even though she tried to resist him as long as she could,he was stronger in so many ways.
I hated him for what he demanded of,and did to her.
But at the same time,i couldn’t help but,f**ked up as he was,like how he felt about her,and told her time and time again.
This was a rollercoaster-ride that had my head spinning,and i loved every minute of it!
Leaving me with a bone- deep need to know what happens in What Love!
Because this story is far from over……
abandoned
October 10, 2021Kidnapping and keeping the h in cage was a big turn off for me.
Nonsense.
Nonsense.
September 10, 2021
Well, this was tense…
I have to say I love a good mindf**k, and Ms Madison usually delivers, which was why I was excited when I read the description for What Lies.
I wasn’t disappointed, the story begins with a young woman in a cage; she’s been kidnapped and she’s trying to work out if she will ever be free. “The game today, Larissa, is called pick your poison.” Those are her captor’s words, forcing her to choose what he does to her. If that isn’t a mindf**k, I don’t know what is, and that is just the beginning.
I always enjoy the psychological element to Ms Madison’s books and this one didn’t disappoint. I wanted to hate Him, but I couldn’t. To begin with I was silently rooting for his captive to escape, but I was soon just fascinated by what his next move would be and what would be her response. It was like a game of chess, a game of Stockholm Syndrome chess (And no, I really don’t think that’s a thing).
I haven’t read the second part of this duet (yet) but I will be doing so as soon as possible, mainly because I know it’s going to ROCK but also because What Lies ended on something of a cliff hanger (luckily the second book is out within a month of the release date so we won’t have long to wait). Yes, the opening gambit had been played, but we haven’t truly seen the lengths to which our players will go to win the prize.
I would heartily recommend this book to lovers of dark romance, non-con, and good old fashioned minkf**ks.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided the author.
I have to say I love a good mindf**k, and Ms Madison usually delivers, which was why I was excited when I read the description for What Lies.
I wasn’t disappointed, the story begins with a young woman in a cage; she’s been kidnapped and she’s trying to work out if she will ever be free. “The game today, Larissa, is called pick your poison.” Those are her captor’s words, forcing her to choose what he does to her. If that isn’t a mindf**k, I don’t know what is, and that is just the beginning.
I always enjoy the psychological element to Ms Madison’s books and this one didn’t disappoint. I wanted to hate Him, but I couldn’t. To begin with I was silently rooting for his captive to escape, but I was soon just fascinated by what his next move would be and what would be her response. It was like a game of chess, a game of Stockholm Syndrome chess (And no, I really don’t think that’s a thing).
I haven’t read the second part of this duet (yet) but I will be doing so as soon as possible, mainly because I know it’s going to ROCK but also because What Lies ended on something of a cliff hanger (luckily the second book is out within a month of the release date so we won’t have long to wait). Yes, the opening gambit had been played, but we haven’t truly seen the lengths to which our players will go to win the prize.
I would heartily recommend this book to lovers of dark romance, non-con, and good old fashioned minkf**ks.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided the author.
September 16, 2021
Amazing dark read! I loved it, can't wait for the next one.
It was my first read from this author but definitely not the last one :-)
It was my first read from this author but definitely not the last one :-)
September 25, 2021
Review to come
November 28, 2021
What Lies was a recommendation I found in a discussion for "dark erotica." As is my usual M-O, I did not read the synopsis before diving in.
• I was not prepared for where this story went, but I absolutely loved it.
• It is, by far, the darkest book I've read (see Trigger Warnings in the description up there).
• The plot/set-up is fascinating and unlike anything I've read before.
• I could not put this book down;
- It's raw and emotional and uncomfortable and philosophical and psychological and hard to read and really makes you feel what the protagonist is feeling.
When I finished What Lies I actually just sat there staring at my phone trying to process all the things I was feeling. It's been a couple of days and I still can't quite organize my thoughts properly into words beyond what I've typed here; I just have the feeling that the story left me with. It's not often that a book gives me such aftershocks (perfect word from another reviewer, Ashley Michele).
This is one of those books that I would be hesitant to recommend to people I know just because I realize that the nature of the content is going to be very polarizing, but damn, if this is on your TBR shelf then this is your sign to just read it already.
- Not for the faint of heart & better for those who can keep an open mind (because you'll need it)
I can't remember the last time I purchased a physical copy of a book, but I want this book in my collection.
• I was not prepared for where this story went, but I absolutely loved it.
• It is, by far, the darkest book I've read (see Trigger Warnings in the description up there).
• The plot/set-up is fascinating and unlike anything I've read before.
• I could not put this book down;
- It's raw and emotional and uncomfortable and philosophical and psychological and hard to read and really makes you feel what the protagonist is feeling.
When I finished What Lies I actually just sat there staring at my phone trying to process all the things I was feeling. It's been a couple of days and I still can't quite organize my thoughts properly into words beyond what I've typed here; I just have the feeling that the story left me with. It's not often that a book gives me such aftershocks (perfect word from another reviewer, Ashley Michele).
This is one of those books that I would be hesitant to recommend to people I know just because I realize that the nature of the content is going to be very polarizing, but damn, if this is on your TBR shelf then this is your sign to just read it already.
- Not for the faint of heart & better for those who can keep an open mind (because you'll need it)
I can't remember the last time I purchased a physical copy of a book, but I want this book in my collection.
Want to read
December 21, 2017oh my goodness....that excerpt 😍😍
Read
May 24, 2019Rating and review coming soon...
May 29, 2024
Holy S#^! How do I review this...I am struggling here. This is NOT a dark romance. This prequel to What Love is violently haunting. Make sure you read the list of triggers, and take them seriously. I rarely find myself uncomfortable while reading a dark horror romance, but I did with this one. It is not an easy read, and it will push you. Saying this is deep, layered, extreme, brilliant, personal, explicit, realistic, is just the beginning.
The book opens up full swing, with Larissa already four days into captivity. As the story of her captivilty unfolds, she has to chose the between two terrible punishments each time He plays His game with her. She goes through anger, hate, hope, despair. She negotiates with herself and struggles to keep her sanity intact. Finally, she is at her breaking point, pushed beyond limits unimaginable. And you, my friend, will find you are going through those same emotions and struggles with her. She is angry at Him. So am I. She hates Him. So do I. She fears Him. So do I. She wants His comfort. So do I.
So be prepared if you jump into this one. No less than 5 stars from this reader.
The book opens up full swing, with Larissa already four days into captivity. As the story of her captivilty unfolds, she has to chose the between two terrible punishments each time He plays His game with her. She goes through anger, hate, hope, despair. She negotiates with herself and struggles to keep her sanity intact. Finally, she is at her breaking point, pushed beyond limits unimaginable. And you, my friend, will find you are going through those same emotions and struggles with her. She is angry at Him. So am I. She hates Him. So do I. She fears Him. So do I. She wants His comfort. So do I.
So be prepared if you jump into this one. No less than 5 stars from this reader.
September 12, 2021
I expected more from What Lies….it was a bit disappointing.
It is not explained what the background is of Larissa who tells from her own pov.
Her captor remains mysterious and the environment where she is captured.
The story is superficial and therefore a bit boring.
Nothing is really happening.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
It is not explained what the background is of Larissa who tells from her own pov.
Her captor remains mysterious and the environment where she is captured.
The story is superficial and therefore a bit boring.
Nothing is really happening.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2022
Intriguing!
3-tbr-now
October 11, 2021What Lies is a prequel to What Love and should be read first!!
November 7, 2021
good
It’s very wordy, a lot of inner dialogue. I know she’s trying to help us see the change and what she’s going thru but sometimes it was too much. It’s not too dark really if you like dark romances.
It’s very wordy, a lot of inner dialogue. I know she’s trying to help us see the change and what she’s going thru but sometimes it was too much. It’s not too dark really if you like dark romances.
September 10, 2021
It's not often I'm at a loss for words in a review, but Willow Madison has completely effed up my brain with this book. Every single moment of this book is wrong, wrong, WRONG, but also absolutely perfect in a disgustingly degraded and beautifully broken way. There is definitely something very wrong with me for having loved What Lies as much as I did.
Gut-wrenching, horrifying and disturbingly compelling I could NOT put this book down. I felt so many emotions whilst reading this, I railed against the injustice of Larissa's situation, I begged her to fight to the bitter end (though it wouldn't have made for a good story, lol), I rejoiced in her strength and understood her decisions. I wanted to stab Him through the eye with a rusty fork, yet loved how utterly devoted he was to Larissa. He's as crazy as a box of frogs and I'm still reserving judgement on what I want to happen to him.
The intensity of the story left me with a massive book hangover and I cannot wait for What Love.
November 3, 2021
This book belongs to "why iam doing this to myself" bookshelf!!
.
* The writing style of the author is impeccable. She started this story only where it required to start! No boring prologue.
.
*The story nature is simply cool. I felt like reading a journal of an abducted girl who was tortured by her kidnapper than a fictional dark story.
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*Sadly that's it!!! These are the positive things I saw in this book.🥺
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* Heroine character is what confuses me the most, like one moment she despised him, thinking about how she shouldn't trust him and the next moment she realises that it was some kind of love ( well his kind of love).
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*How could he make her trust him through punishing is beyond me! I mean after few days she started to like him, even though he ripped her apart from her old life. But he still punished her to find her purpose! ( I mean I still didn't understand his or her purpose, even after the ending 😅)!!
💥 I should have given DNF to this book! But i somehow completed ( yeah feeling dizzy 😵). I read the extended prologue to the next book. But no thanks I'm just fine with this one! May be in the future when I read all my TBR books!!!
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* I will never recommend this book to anyone, because I'm sure they will hate me forever for this 😭.
~ FINALLY~
💥 I just couldn't understand the concept of "learn to love and trust through punishments!!!" 🤷
.
* The writing style of the author is impeccable. She started this story only where it required to start! No boring prologue.
.
*The story nature is simply cool. I felt like reading a journal of an abducted girl who was tortured by her kidnapper than a fictional dark story.
.
*Sadly that's it!!! These are the positive things I saw in this book.🥺
.
* Heroine character is what confuses me the most, like one moment she despised him, thinking about how she shouldn't trust him and the next moment she realises that it was some kind of love ( well his kind of love).
.
*How could he make her trust him through punishing is beyond me! I mean after few days she started to like him, even though he ripped her apart from her old life. But he still punished her to find her purpose! ( I mean I still didn't understand his or her purpose, even after the ending 😅)!!
💥 I should have given DNF to this book! But i somehow completed ( yeah feeling dizzy 😵). I read the extended prologue to the next book. But no thanks I'm just fine with this one! May be in the future when I read all my TBR books!!!
.
* I will never recommend this book to anyone, because I'm sure they will hate me forever for this 😭.
~ FINALLY~
💥 I just couldn't understand the concept of "learn to love and trust through punishments!!!" 🤷
September 29, 2025
What Lies is magnetic—dark, tender, and deeply emotional. The world Willow created with Shane and Larissa pulled me in completely.
But one question stayed with me: Shane tells Larissa that love means giving up all her choices. She does it—she surrenders, fully, to prove her love. But then… where is his surrender? Why doesn’t he show his love by giving her his choices too?
Yes, Shane shows love through pain, control, and flashes of gentleness. But those aren’t choices—they’re power. By his own definition, he never proves his love to Larissa. That leaves their relationship feeling one-sided, almost possession more than partnership. I kept wishing for a turning point where he said, “Now I’ll give you my choices, the way you gave me yours.” That moment never comes, and the ending feels incomplete because of it.
Other than this, I really loved the book. The story and the plot were amazing, and Willow’s storytelling is powerful—I just wanted that final touch of balance between them.
But one question stayed with me: Shane tells Larissa that love means giving up all her choices. She does it—she surrenders, fully, to prove her love. But then… where is his surrender? Why doesn’t he show his love by giving her his choices too?
Yes, Shane shows love through pain, control, and flashes of gentleness. But those aren’t choices—they’re power. By his own definition, he never proves his love to Larissa. That leaves their relationship feeling one-sided, almost possession more than partnership. I kept wishing for a turning point where he said, “Now I’ll give you my choices, the way you gave me yours.” That moment never comes, and the ending feels incomplete because of it.
Other than this, I really loved the book. The story and the plot were amazing, and Willow’s storytelling is powerful—I just wanted that final touch of balance between them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 3, 2024LIKED THE WHOLE KIDNAPPING ELEMENT, but since this was mostly about the Dom-Sub aspect, I wasn't that invested in it. The whole story focused on the male lead's conditioning upon the heroine. You'll either agree with me, or you'll disapprove - depends on what you want to believe in. In terms of fantasy, this was okay, it was more psychological than sexual, even though there's plenty of sensual scenes.
In terms of logic, well, this was pretty much Stockholm Syndrome in the making.
I would have loved it more had it been more twisted, but you'll find the romance was surprisingly sweet - if one could call this romance. The heroine was young and sweet, and I'm guessing there's an age-gap between the MCs - so he's the older, mature one...who yes, kidnapped her to mould her into his own submissive lover.
I won't be continuing into the second book, since I'm that invested in the story.
In terms of logic, well, this was pretty much Stockholm Syndrome in the making.
I would have loved it more had it been more twisted, but you'll find the romance was surprisingly sweet - if one could call this romance. The heroine was young and sweet, and I'm guessing there's an age-gap between the MCs - so he's the older, mature one...who yes, kidnapped her to mould her into his own submissive lover.
I won't be continuing into the second book, since I'm that invested in the story.
April 6, 2022
Wow….this book is hard for me to review. Honestly….there were things I really liked about the book and things that brought it down for me. First off—I generally did like the characters, but I felt like I was missing A-LOT of their story. Maybe that was part of the issue was I didn’t feel totally IN it if that makes sense. Secondly—Even with all of the craziness that happened—we still didn’t get to see everything even some of the descriptions felt held back…again like I wasn’t getting the whole story. It made it harder to push through and continue reading. 🤷🏻♀️ Still interested in the next.
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