Tell Me No Lies

Truth & Lies #4

by Delphine Dryden

The final installment in the Truth & Lies series.

Tess and Jake have been avoiding their attraction since they first met…twenty years ago. But when Tess hits rock bottom, Jake decides the best way to pull her back up is his way…which involves whips, cuffs, ropes, some highly customized workout equipment and a heaping helping of control.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, BDSM, Fiction

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

I write contemporary and erotic romance, and sometimes steampunk romance! To contact me, go to my website or find me on social media.

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm, no one has written a review for this yet? My thoughts, in no particular order:

Given how short the story is, I was really happy that it built on the decades-long friendship Tess and Jake had. That made the friends-to-lovers change more meaningful to me, and by the last scene (which was a delightful way to end the book), I totally believed in their HEA.

There's a lot of sex in the story (it's from the EC Taboo line, so this isn't a surprise) but I think if there had been another 20 pages more of story/character exploration I would have been happier with the whole. I think the BDSM elements of the h/h's relationship would be considered sugarkink?

The set-up made me a bit concerned, but fortunately the author took the approach of acknowledging the heroine's need for mental health care in a frank, loving way. Tess was resistant to Jake's attempt at building a relationship because she knew there was something wrong with how she was feeling, and Jake acknowledged that Tess needed help that he couldn't provide -- and the way he did it, saying he'd seen her at her best, and wouldn't abandon her when she was at her worst, was lovely. (And much better in Ms. Dryden's words than in mine.)

This is definitely the best in the Truth & Lies series. It makes me happy to see Ms. Dryden's writing continue to improve, and gives me hope for even more wonderful stories from her in the future.

[Jo * Smut-Dickted * · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book. I enjoyed both characters a great deal. Jake was not the perfect Dom and more than aware of his faults and Tess was willing to let go. There is humor and trust here. Dryden dealt with a main character suffering from depression with tact and sensitivity but did not turn it maudlin or put you somewhere in Tess's head that confused you. Her descriptions of the pain/pleasure moments are right on. Tess thinks a statement once the first big scene is over and she knows she cannot un-know what she has discovered about herself. That pivotal moment is just so true and it hit me so hard. It is like in the Fellowship of the Ring when Frodo knows he can never go back truly to the Shire - it is not who he is anymore. I just love this author. She always hits it out the park with me!

* Review copy provided for an honest review *

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt the resolution of heroine's issues - which are considerable - felt rushed. Overall though, quite good. Very hot domination scenes, and I loved the descriptions of how the heroine/sub felt when he sent her into subspace - the peace, the calm - that overcomes her.

Bought from Kobo.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the series. I wish it was just a little bit longer. :)

[Britt Marczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt, my favorite book of the series :) Loved it!

[Onnica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sick to death of bdsm - so over it (something I never thought I'd say). Not my favourite in this series but interesting all the same.