What do you think?
Rate this book
Chesterton Scandal #2
Bed of Lies
"Shelly Ellis is a new favorite to our list." --Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling authors
Secrets and scandals are a way of life for the Murdochs of Chesterton, Virginia. But the lies that bind them may end up tearing them apart…
With his drama-filled marriage behind him, Evan Murdoch has finally found happiness with his longtime friend turned fiancée, Leila Hawkins. But when his party boy brother, Terrence, is seriously injured in a car accident, a gossiping press puts the family back in the spotlight. Soon Terrence could face a lawsuit--and much worse, if his vengeful half-brother, Dante, has his way. Terrence's only bright spot is journalist C.J. Aston--but is she really on his side, or does she have another motive?. . .
While Terrence struggles to recover from his injuries, Paulette, the little sister of the family, is struggling with a she's pregnant, and unsure whether the father is her blackmailing ex or her husband. Amid the turmoil, Evan does his best to stay above the fray, but a shocking revelation makes that impossible--he's a Murdoch after all, and trouble seems to be their business…
Praise for Another Woman's Man
Nominated for a NAACP Image Award
"A fast-paced and very gratifying story." -- RT Book Reviews , 4 Stars
Secrets and scandals are a way of life for the Murdochs of Chesterton, Virginia. But the lies that bind them may end up tearing them apart…
With his drama-filled marriage behind him, Evan Murdoch has finally found happiness with his longtime friend turned fiancée, Leila Hawkins. But when his party boy brother, Terrence, is seriously injured in a car accident, a gossiping press puts the family back in the spotlight. Soon Terrence could face a lawsuit--and much worse, if his vengeful half-brother, Dante, has his way. Terrence's only bright spot is journalist C.J. Aston--but is she really on his side, or does she have another motive?. . .
While Terrence struggles to recover from his injuries, Paulette, the little sister of the family, is struggling with a she's pregnant, and unsure whether the father is her blackmailing ex or her husband. Amid the turmoil, Evan does his best to stay above the fray, but a shocking revelation makes that impossible--he's a Murdoch after all, and trouble seems to be their business…
Praise for Another Woman's Man
Nominated for a NAACP Image Award
"A fast-paced and very gratifying story." -- RT Book Reviews , 4 Stars
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2016
20 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Ellis
16 books381 followersShelly Ellis is a NAACP Image Award-nominated women's fiction/romance author and creator of the Gibbons Gold Digger and Chesterton Scandal series. Her fiction writing career began when she became one of four finalists in a First-Time Writers Contest when she was 19 years old. The prize was a publishing contract and having her first short-story romance appear in an anthology. She has since published ten novels and was a finalist for 2015 NAACP Image Award in the Literary Fiction Category, a three-time finalist for the African American Literary Award in the romance category (2012, 2016, and 2017), and a finalist for the 2015 RT Reviewers' Choice Award in Multicultural Romance category.
She is married and lives in Prince George's County, Maryland with her husband and their daughter. Visit her at her web site www.shellyellisbooks.com.
She is married and lives in Prince George's County, Maryland with her husband and their daughter. Visit her at her web site www.shellyellisbooks.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 28, 2016
Bed of Lies by Shelly Ellis is her second best novel yet. I was amazed how she keeps all the drama, trouble, and scandals afloat in this new exciting book of hers. Once again readers are brought back to the irresistible family, the Murdochs. As we have seen in book one scandals are just one major pain in the side that the family has yet to endure. Evan Murdoch and his fiancée finally get through the first round of trouble that headed their way and now it's coming back. However, it will be his friend Terrance, Terrance's half brother Dante, and Evan's sister who will be stirring up a bee's nest. Can Evan Murdoch keep his wits this time or will it all be too much for him to handle?
Bed of Lies is exactly what's inside this new title. Shelly Ellis is a talented writer whose plots have readers coming back for seconds. This time, readers get second helpings on the Murdoch family and their friends. A woman carrying child but not sure who the actual father is and receiving blackmails from a man that may be the father of the baby will keep readers in suspense all the way until the last page. Readers will love the buzz of excitement, betrayals, and lies as the Murdoch's dig their way through the drama that life keeps tossing their way. Shelly Ellis's novels are juicy with enough action, heat, and spice to lure readers every time. Overall, I highly recommend this romance novel to all.
Danielle Urban
AAMBC Reviewer
Bed of Lies is exactly what's inside this new title. Shelly Ellis is a talented writer whose plots have readers coming back for seconds. This time, readers get second helpings on the Murdoch family and their friends. A woman carrying child but not sure who the actual father is and receiving blackmails from a man that may be the father of the baby will keep readers in suspense all the way until the last page. Readers will love the buzz of excitement, betrayals, and lies as the Murdoch's dig their way through the drama that life keeps tossing their way. Shelly Ellis's novels are juicy with enough action, heat, and spice to lure readers every time. Overall, I highly recommend this romance novel to all.
Danielle Urban
AAMBC Reviewer
March 5, 2016
Where the Murdochs are you know there's also scandal, lies and betrayal. These four siblings Evan, Terrance, Paulette and Dante, try as they might to do the right thing trouble just seems to find them anyway. And of course Dante is not trying to do anything right he is still hell bent on destroying his siblings to get what he feels is rightfully his as the oldest sibling. Ms. Ellis does a wonderful job telling the story of the Murdochs. This is not my first read by this author and will not be my last. If you love scandal, suspense and lies this is the read for you. April 26, 2016, is not that far away please one click you will not be disappointed. My copy was provided as an ARC by the author for my honest review.
February 17, 2016
Bed of Lies by Shelly Ellis was the anticipated sequel to The Chesterton series. She definitely did not disappoint with this book. It was so juicy with the right amount of mix between drama, secrets, and lies. Just when you think the Murdoch's have recovered from a blow they have been dealt, something else comes along and knocks them down again. But make no mistake that they are a united front and they always bounce back. This book definitely had me on the edge of my seat with all the drama and not forgetting the romance between the couples. If I wasn't a fan already, this would make me a definite fan of Shelly Ellis!
June 15, 2016
WOW...the SCANDAL and drama surrounding the Marvelous Murdoch's and their circle of family/friends/enemies is quite the page-turner. Some of the drama is self-inflicted...and some caused by their enemies...this book had me talking/groaning/laughing out loud at the CRAZY (sometimes unbelievably INSANE) situations they got into...especially Paulette Murdoch...she needs to get her ACT together...and little Izzy needs some discipline in her life. I hope the wait isn't too long for the next book...Shelly Ellis DEFINITELY left us hanging on a cliff w/this one!
March 10, 2023
This a fun gossipy lighthearted mess.
March 9, 2016
*birdman handrub*
People? People.
First of all, if you have not yet read Best Kept Secrets, you still have time to snatch that baby up and read it, because while Bed of Lies COULD be standalone, you'll get much more enjoyment if you read BKS first. Because. HONEYYYYY the drama.
Second of all, I'm kind of a reluctant romance fan. I don't read EVERY love story that comes down the pipe, so something has to draw me to it. If there's drama AND some good lovin and a couple I can root for, I'm in there like swimwear. Bed of Lies is IT!
I won't go into the story because, like it's predecessor there is really SO MUCH going on that my review would be ten paragraphs long and who wants to read that when they can read the book? But lemme just give you some highlights:
1. Leila and Evan still make my heart sing.
2. Terrance... poor, po' Terrance. Shelly put a brother THROUGH it, but he came out knowing himself much better than when he went in... and he got himself a lil love interest!
3. Paulette-- this woman about made me SICK worrying about her! She's still hiding stuff, still not letting people in her life help her handle stuff until it's too late and she's up Excrement Creek. Also? Your husband? Uh. GIRL. GIRL. There's a secret in this book that... *averts gaze*
4. Dante. Dante. I really want to bust a cap. Have wanted to since Best Kept Secrets and he don't get no better in Bed of Lies.
So, in summation... this. book. rocks. Vivid, amazing, sex scenes (YAAASSSS), realistic characters, eye catching drama and a pace that'll make you wanna put the book down for a hot second and take a breath. Shelly Ellis became an author to watch out for after I read two of the Gibbons Gold Digger series. Then I saw Best Kept Secrets and jumped right on this series, because if I don't catch a series in the beginning, I'm generally not patient enough to catch up.
Get this book. PUT IT IN YOUR FACE. You'll be glad you did.
People? People.
First of all, if you have not yet read Best Kept Secrets, you still have time to snatch that baby up and read it, because while Bed of Lies COULD be standalone, you'll get much more enjoyment if you read BKS first. Because. HONEYYYYY the drama.
Second of all, I'm kind of a reluctant romance fan. I don't read EVERY love story that comes down the pipe, so something has to draw me to it. If there's drama AND some good lovin and a couple I can root for, I'm in there like swimwear. Bed of Lies is IT!
I won't go into the story because, like it's predecessor there is really SO MUCH going on that my review would be ten paragraphs long and who wants to read that when they can read the book? But lemme just give you some highlights:
1. Leila and Evan still make my heart sing.
2. Terrance... poor, po' Terrance. Shelly put a brother THROUGH it, but he came out knowing himself much better than when he went in... and he got himself a lil love interest!
3. Paulette-- this woman about made me SICK worrying about her! She's still hiding stuff, still not letting people in her life help her handle stuff until it's too late and she's up Excrement Creek. Also? Your husband? Uh. GIRL. GIRL. There's a secret in this book that... *averts gaze*
4. Dante. Dante. I really want to bust a cap. Have wanted to since Best Kept Secrets and he don't get no better in Bed of Lies.
So, in summation... this. book. rocks. Vivid, amazing, sex scenes (YAAASSSS), realistic characters, eye catching drama and a pace that'll make you wanna put the book down for a hot second and take a breath. Shelly Ellis became an author to watch out for after I read two of the Gibbons Gold Digger series. Then I saw Best Kept Secrets and jumped right on this series, because if I don't catch a series in the beginning, I'm generally not patient enough to catch up.
Get this book. PUT IT IN YOUR FACE. You'll be glad you did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2016
I received an advanced copy of Bed of Lies and completed it in 2 days. In fact I turned off my Thursday night ABC line up to read it. This is true drama. There are many twists and turns. Things that you thought were resolved at the conclusion of the first novel are far from finished. Evan has made some dumb moves to be an astute businessman. Dante is Dante. The Amazon release date is April 26. I urge everyone to get it. If you loved the Gold Diggers and The Right Maneuver, you will love this series too.
December 13, 2019
This book was just as messy at the first one. Usually when people act in ways I think are crazy, I would be like why did the author write them like this. These characters seemed so real I was like why are these people like this! Overall I liked this book. I didn't really care for Terrance's love story but I can see there is going to be some issues with him and CJ. Paulette was messy as usual but somethings there really surprised me. Evan is really the only character with some type of common sense. Dante was messy as usual. I listened to the audiobook and it was really good. Narrated by Lisa Smith and I liked her narration. It was pretty good. I will be listening to the next book soon.
April 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline was nice. The characters were nicely developed. The cool thing that I liked that the author did was provide you with just the right amount of background information just in case you hadn't read the first story in the series. The amount of drama in the story was great. I am really enjoying this series I can't wait for the next story. This is definitely a book worth reading.
May 29, 2016
Whoa, talk about drama on top of drama on top of drama. This book was nonstop and quite entertaining. A full review will be posted during its release week. 3.5 stars
August 24, 2017
The Murdochs just can’t escape scandal and drama. I just love this series. It’s awesome how Shelly comes up with the continued drama and scandals surrounding this family. The best part of this series is that the reader is provided with just enough information to be kept on edge at all times. Although I’m reading, I feel like I am watching a TV series (hint…this would be an awesome TV series). The characters each have their own issues that still interest me and sometimes I’m talking out loud at the Murdochs because of the situations they get themselves into…like Paulette just needs to get her life….she makes you just want to shake her….Little Elizabeth needs a good old Mama ain’t playing with you look….
Terrance has changed his view on women and love. He’s trying to make a fresh start with CJ but her past with her family is putting a block on them. However, I’m a little over Dante and definitely over Charisse. Their story and purpose….over it!!!
If you enjoy page turning drama, lies and scandal, I definitely recommend this series…you will be let down!!!
Terrance has changed his view on women and love. He’s trying to make a fresh start with CJ but her past with her family is putting a block on them. However, I’m a little over Dante and definitely over Charisse. Their story and purpose….over it!!!
If you enjoy page turning drama, lies and scandal, I definitely recommend this series…you will be let down!!!
November 12, 2021
These books do not play!!!
I just love,love these people, except the bad ones!
These Murdoch's are a tight loving family that are there for their family good or bad.
All the stuff that going in this family is just so much,that I couldn't put this book down and when I did, I couldn't wait to read some more.
Given the real twist in this book,I was really taken aback and kind of happy too.The real surprise was who actually steps up in the most dangerous way to make sure this family remains intact, untouched by the ones who want to hurt this family.
I just love,love these people, except the bad ones!
These Murdoch's are a tight loving family that are there for their family good or bad.
All the stuff that going in this family is just so much,that I couldn't put this book down and when I did, I couldn't wait to read some more.
Given the real twist in this book,I was really taken aback and kind of happy too.The real surprise was who actually steps up in the most dangerous way to make sure this family remains intact, untouched by the ones who want to hurt this family.
February 13, 2024
And drama, betrayal and lies continues in the second book, Bed of lies by Shelly Ellis! She is truly a wonderful author. This is a great read and one you won’t regret. The Murdochs are back. This time Paulette is pregnant and doesn’t know who the father is…her husband’s or the guy who was blackmailing her and forcing her to sleep with him. Dante is trying to sue the his half brother, Terrance for revenge. Evan is engaged…while still married, but her wife won’t give him a divorce, so much he hasn’t told his current fiancée 🤦🏾♀️. Go read it! I love everything about this book!
July 2, 2018
I am loving this series. The story moves smoothly and you can remember the characters from the previous book. This story reads like a tv series and you can't wait to see what happens next in the lives of the Murdochs. Good editing and no grammar errors. I enjoy reading her stories and I recommend this series.
November 26, 2017
This was a good book. The narration was done with the proper amount of drama and tone and the plot of the story wasn't entirely predictable. I liked the character development, though not a whole lot about why Evan had the type of personality type he had
March 25, 2022
Okay, a lot of twists and turns in this one. Tony had me fooled. Until he and Evan were talking at the hospital, I ruled him out as a suspect. Now with what happens to Dante, Who deserve whatever he gets, I’m just shaking my head. Anyway the saga continues. Let’s see what book 3 has to say.
April 2, 2025
I'm Black and these books never cease to amaze me. The sayings are true. Black men love toxic women and drama. Too many women lie as easily as breathing. Women cheat just as much as men. I never believed this until I started listening to books like this.
February 3, 2020
That damn Paulette!!! Great book and I know I'm enjoying it because it's pissing me off!!!
August 14, 2020
once again, this story was filled with drama and intrigue that kept me entertained. some items were predictable but not enough to ruin the story.
May 14, 2022
Captivating…
I’ve read other books by Ms. Ellis, so I decided to try this series.
This was a good read and the characters kept me engaged.
This series is a quick read.
I’ve read other books by Ms. Ellis, so I decided to try this series.
This was a good read and the characters kept me engaged.
This series is a quick read.
July 2, 2023
I guess I have to read the 3rd book.
July 7, 2025
and the drama continues.....Book 2 did not disappoint! Couldn't stop listening. Now on to Book 3!
June 1, 2016
This book was okay to me. I think the twists could have been a little more shocking.
EVAN
TERRANCE
PAULETTE
I think my favorite Murdoch is Terrance. It was nice to see him evolve. He was the typical single bachelor at first. Was an international model at one point so we know he was very good looking lol. He had any woman he wanted at his disposal from super models to exotic looking around the way girls but then
Evan Murdoch just seems very uptight. I don't have much to say about him lol.
Paulette comes of a little absent minded. Doesn't really seems to think things through. I don't understand why she hid the fact that she
Overall the story was okay. It's not something I would say "Ooooh Girl you gotta read this!" lol
I wish there were a bit more drama or shocking secrets. For it to be so long one would think it was something big to be revealed at the end, but no. Nothing where my mouth dropped. Something to read to past time, that's it.
EVAN
TERRANCE
PAULETTE
I think my favorite Murdoch is Terrance. It was nice to see him evolve. He was the typical single bachelor at first. Was an international model at one point so we know he was very good looking lol. He had any woman he wanted at his disposal from super models to exotic looking around the way girls but then
Evan Murdoch just seems very uptight. I don't have much to say about him lol.
Paulette comes of a little absent minded. Doesn't really seems to think things through. I don't understand why she hid the fact that she
Overall the story was okay. It's not something I would say "Ooooh Girl you gotta read this!" lol
I wish there were a bit more drama or shocking secrets. For it to be so long one would think it was something big to be revealed at the end, but no. Nothing where my mouth dropped. Something to read to past time, that's it.
April 28, 2016
Bed of Lies by Shelly Ellis is her second best novel yet. I was amazed how she keeps all the drama, trouble, and scandals afloat in this new exciting book of hers. Once again readers are brought back to the irresistible family, the Murdochs. As we have seen in book one scandals are just one major pain in the side that the family has yet to endure. Evan Murdoch and his fiancee finally get through the first round of trouble that headed their way and now it's coming back. However, it will be his friend Terrance, Terrance's half brother Dante, and Evan's sister who will be stirring up a bee's nest. Can Evan Murdoch keep his wits this time or will it all be too much for him to handle?
Bed of Lies is exactly what's inside this new title. Shelly Ellis is a talented writer whose plots have readers coming back for seconds. This time, readers get second helpings on the Murdoch family and their friends. A woman carrying a child but not sure who the actual father is and receiving blackmails from a man that may be the father of the baby will keep readers in suspense all the way until the last page. Readers will love the buzz of excitement, betrayals, and lies as the Murdoch's dig their way through the drama that life keeps tossing their way. Shelly Ellis's novels are juicy with enough action, heat, and spice to lure readers every time. Overall, I highly recommend this romance novel to all.
Bed of Lies is exactly what's inside this new title. Shelly Ellis is a talented writer whose plots have readers coming back for seconds. This time, readers get second helpings on the Murdoch family and their friends. A woman carrying a child but not sure who the actual father is and receiving blackmails from a man that may be the father of the baby will keep readers in suspense all the way until the last page. Readers will love the buzz of excitement, betrayals, and lies as the Murdoch's dig their way through the drama that life keeps tossing their way. Shelly Ellis's novels are juicy with enough action, heat, and spice to lure readers every time. Overall, I highly recommend this romance novel to all.
March 24, 2016
Bed of Lies is the second book in Shelly Ellis’ Chesterton series. The drama begins from the very beginning of this novel. The Murdochs are at it again. Terry thinks that he has it all until an accident changes everything. His new love interest is helping him on his road to recovery but Dante enters the scene to kick him while he is down. Paulette is still keeping secrets from her husband and her family. Evan has found out some interesting news about his wife that could change his thoughts towards her and his marriage. Ellis’ writing style draws you in from the beginning and makes it very hard to put this one down. Just when you think you have it all figured out she leaves you with a surprise ending. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
February 19, 2024
Bed of Lies is full of drama! When I tell you drama...I mean drama. If you love soap operas (daytime & nighttime), you'll probably love this book. Shelly Ellis does a great job of showing vs telling the story. I felt like I was in every scene. But after a while, I really got tired of the men in the story...more so than the ladies. Okay, well I got tired of the ladies as well. But my problem that I had with this novel was that the male characters all had the same voice. Each time one of the brothers spoke, it was profanity. The more I read the book, the more difficult it became for me to read and really get into it therefore, I gave this book three stars. I would still read another book by this author.
March 29, 2016
Murdocks have it all, but with it comes lies, scandals,a way of life for them it seems. It's one thing after another to pull them down. With 4 siblings, a lot can and does good wrong. The half brother Dante try's to do nothing. Baby of the family is Priscilla, pregnant, but who is the father ? Is it the ex, still in the picture. We have Evan and Lelia. Also Terrance and his girlfriend Aston Trouble and lies tear them apart. Read and capture the drama in this Murdock family. Given book by Net Galley for my honest opinion, of which I have given
February 4, 2017
Whew
This was good. I think some things could have ended in this book. Some things just dragged. Lil Izzy need a good time out, it's time for her lil spoil raid and not liking Evan to end. I'm tired of Dante and Charisse. Leila is a lil gullible, she works my nerves. Paulette whew that child. I knew Tony did that. Good read
This was good. I think some things could have ended in this book. Some things just dragged. Lil Izzy need a good time out, it's time for her lil spoil raid and not liking Evan to end. I'm tired of Dante and Charisse. Leila is a lil gullible, she works my nerves. Paulette whew that child. I knew Tony did that. Good read
May 2, 2016
Great book...Bed of lies, what can I say? Book two in the Chesterton Scandal serious is so full of deception . The title is true to its storyline. Terrance, Paulette and Evan are back with more secrets and lies. Shelly Ellis kept me on edge the whole book trying to figuring out who did what and how long the lies were going to go on. This was a great book and cannot wait for the next one in this series.
The was book was provided by the author for a honest review.
Shelly Ellis Street Team
The was book was provided by the author for a honest review.
Shelly Ellis Street Team
April 14, 2016
whole lotta drama in one little book! I hadn't read the first novel in the series, which I think might have enhanced my enjoyment of this one, but there's enough going on here that it probably didn't matter all that much. thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. You'll like this if you like sprawling family stories of secrets, lies, and well, drama.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews