What do you think?
Rate this book
Beautiful Lie
I thought our love was perfect. . . Then I learned the truth.
I woke up lost and confused, with no name, no parents, nothing.
But a boy with kind eyes had decided to help me.
Eight years later and I couldn't imagine my life without him.
I could spend hours watching him, touching him, riding him.
Birch was my first everything.
There wasn't an inch of my body his tongue hadn't licked, and his fingers hadn't explored.
I thought we were soul mates. . .
Until I learned his family's secret and the lie that had been fed to me for years.
He said he did it to protect me, he claimed it was all done for love.
Birch promised me forever, but all I felt was betrayal.
He wants me to remember what we have, that the love we feel for each other is real.
I can't deny my feelings for him are still there.
But how can I trust him now?
How could I ever believe another word out of his mouth after what he kept from me?
Even if it was a beautiful lie.
I woke up lost and confused, with no name, no parents, nothing.
But a boy with kind eyes had decided to help me.
Eight years later and I couldn't imagine my life without him.
I could spend hours watching him, touching him, riding him.
Birch was my first everything.
There wasn't an inch of my body his tongue hadn't licked, and his fingers hadn't explored.
I thought we were soul mates. . .
Until I learned his family's secret and the lie that had been fed to me for years.
He said he did it to protect me, he claimed it was all done for love.
Birch promised me forever, but all I felt was betrayal.
He wants me to remember what we have, that the love we feel for each other is real.
I can't deny my feelings for him are still there.
But how can I trust him now?
How could I ever believe another word out of his mouth after what he kept from me?
Even if it was a beautiful lie.
- GenresNew Adult
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
63 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 12, 2018
2.5-3 ★'s
I'm not one of those that likes certain surprises in my books especially themed ones. I had no idea this was a mafia book! Not my favorite theme for sure but I decided to give it a go because of the whole amnesia plot.
We meet Cyprus when Birch finds her unconscious. She has no memory of who she is so Birch and his family take her in. She's welcomed into a loving family and soon into a loving relationship with Birch about a year later.
They start off at about 15-16 years old but the book progresses quickly to them being 22-23 and this is where I felt there was a huge downfall. That being we didn't get to experience the love and ensuing bond Birch and Cyprus develop...too much time was spent with Cyprus questioning things over and over again.
And this is where the whole mafia plot comes into play. The Dad, Nick, becomes Nicholi with Birch as his enforcer and Cyprus "cooking the books". It's all very cliché but the outcome is Cyprus getting some much needed information...and that changes everything or does it?
The drama, the outcome, the answers, the forgiveness and the forthcoming deliverance were all very commonplace. Nothing was surprising.
What was surprising was some of the terminology the author used...one being "the diamond between her thighs"! WTH?! That's a first for me that's for sure.
Overall, not a bad book just really not my cuppa even with the promising premise and that amazing cover.
I'm not one of those that likes certain surprises in my books especially themed ones. I had no idea this was a mafia book! Not my favorite theme for sure but I decided to give it a go because of the whole amnesia plot.
We meet Cyprus when Birch finds her unconscious. She has no memory of who she is so Birch and his family take her in. She's welcomed into a loving family and soon into a loving relationship with Birch about a year later.
They start off at about 15-16 years old but the book progresses quickly to them being 22-23 and this is where I felt there was a huge downfall. That being we didn't get to experience the love and ensuing bond Birch and Cyprus develop...too much time was spent with Cyprus questioning things over and over again.
And this is where the whole mafia plot comes into play. The Dad, Nick, becomes Nicholi with Birch as his enforcer and Cyprus "cooking the books". It's all very cliché but the outcome is Cyprus getting some much needed information...and that changes everything or does it?
The drama, the outcome, the answers, the forgiveness and the forthcoming deliverance were all very commonplace. Nothing was surprising.
What was surprising was some of the terminology the author used...one being "the diamond between her thighs"! WTH?! That's a first for me that's for sure.
Overall, not a bad book just really not my cuppa even with the promising premise and that amazing cover.
May 9, 2018
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this one. This is different from other romance books I've read. I can't tell you how exactly, because that would but a HUGE spoiler.
Birch was a 14 year old boy who found a young girl in the woods behind his house, he told his dad, Nick. Nick went out immediately to try to call her, brought her into his home, to his wife, said he would try to help her figure out who she was since she had no memories at all. Nick said his investigators could find nothing, the police could find nothing, so he offered her a life with his family and her as his own. She became Cyprus Rotterra and she picked out a day for her own birthday and she became one of them, then tell in love with Nick's son Birch.
This is a deceiving story. It pants a picture of a loving family man. Then the Cyprus and Birch grow up and Nick is a ruthless, murdering, mobster teaching his son the business and Cyprus his to launder money. The title has a fuel meaning, I believe. Beautiful Lie is about how strong love is and what it can overcome. It's about what you do for family. This book was very well written and had a great plot twist towards the end. I really liked the ending, it had a lot of details, not just"they got married, she's pregnant and happy" stuff. Worth all 5 stars.
Birch was a 14 year old boy who found a young girl in the woods behind his house, he told his dad, Nick. Nick went out immediately to try to call her, brought her into his home, to his wife, said he would try to help her figure out who she was since she had no memories at all. Nick said his investigators could find nothing, the police could find nothing, so he offered her a life with his family and her as his own. She became Cyprus Rotterra and she picked out a day for her own birthday and she became one of them, then tell in love with Nick's son Birch.
This is a deceiving story. It pants a picture of a loving family man. Then the Cyprus and Birch grow up and Nick is a ruthless, murdering, mobster teaching his son the business and Cyprus his to launder money. The title has a fuel meaning, I believe. Beautiful Lie is about how strong love is and what it can overcome. It's about what you do for family. This book was very well written and had a great plot twist towards the end. I really liked the ending, it had a lot of details, not just"they got married, she's pregnant and happy" stuff. Worth all 5 stars.
May 11, 2018
Beautiful Lie by Leah Holt was a very well written book with all the right elements, love, suspense, intrigue, mystery and sexy scenes. I have read books by Leah before and I am never disappointed.
Cypress, a young girl woke in the woods without a memory or a family she could remember. She was taken in and taken care of by Nick and his family. With no recollection of her old life Cypress started over. When she fell in love with Nick’s son Birch, Cypress finally felt whole again. That was until the secrets and deceit started to show itself. Nick, the mob, the bad things he did, all changed the family as a whole and once Cypress knew the truth, the road to love and happiness seemed to be a struggle. Would her and Birch survive it all?
I did enjoy the love story aspect of the book and what Cypress and Birch has to go through. I am not a mob story person so I found there could have been a bit more to that side of it. One thing that really bothered me is how Cypress forgives to easily, if it were me and I was lies to and deceived I would not get past things very easily or at all. However Leah is an amazing writer and pulled me into the story regardless of my feeling in forgiveness. I enjoyed Cypress and Birch’s characters the most. Will continue to read story’s written by Leah Holt. I am a total fan!!!
Cypress, a young girl woke in the woods without a memory or a family she could remember. She was taken in and taken care of by Nick and his family. With no recollection of her old life Cypress started over. When she fell in love with Nick’s son Birch, Cypress finally felt whole again. That was until the secrets and deceit started to show itself. Nick, the mob, the bad things he did, all changed the family as a whole and once Cypress knew the truth, the road to love and happiness seemed to be a struggle. Would her and Birch survive it all?
I did enjoy the love story aspect of the book and what Cypress and Birch has to go through. I am not a mob story person so I found there could have been a bit more to that side of it. One thing that really bothered me is how Cypress forgives to easily, if it were me and I was lies to and deceived I would not get past things very easily or at all. However Leah is an amazing writer and pulled me into the story regardless of my feeling in forgiveness. I enjoyed Cypress and Birch’s characters the most. Will continue to read story’s written by Leah Holt. I am a total fan!!!
May 7, 2018
What would you do if you woke up in the woods with no identity, no memories, no past? How would you feel after spending 8 years in a loving family environment finding the love of your life when you discover it is all a lie? These and more are the questions you will ask yourself when you read this book.
Cyprus has begun a journey to building a new life and identity after she loses her memory. It’s a hard path always wondering who you were and why no one is looking for you. Birch is her rock, the one constant in her life who is there for her giving her the love and support she needs to keep her strong.
While Cyprus is struggling with her conscience about how deep she is willing to get involved in the family business, she is confronted with a secret about her past she never expected. What do you do when everything you thought you knew is wrong, and the man you love has been lying to you all along?
This is an intense and compelling romance with some twists and turns which will easily keep you enthralled until the end. The characters are well-developed, drawing you effortlessly into their lives. Be forewarned, once you start this, you will have trouble putting it down. I highly recommend this book!
I am voluntarily providing an honest, unbiased review of an ARC of this book.
Cyprus has begun a journey to building a new life and identity after she loses her memory. It’s a hard path always wondering who you were and why no one is looking for you. Birch is her rock, the one constant in her life who is there for her giving her the love and support she needs to keep her strong.
While Cyprus is struggling with her conscience about how deep she is willing to get involved in the family business, she is confronted with a secret about her past she never expected. What do you do when everything you thought you knew is wrong, and the man you love has been lying to you all along?
This is an intense and compelling romance with some twists and turns which will easily keep you enthralled until the end. The characters are well-developed, drawing you effortlessly into their lives. Be forewarned, once you start this, you will have trouble putting it down. I highly recommend this book!
I am voluntarily providing an honest, unbiased review of an ARC of this book.
May 9, 2018
Her Nightmare Silver Lining
Wow what an emotional, loving, dark read. One of the best of Leah Holt reads this year. I just could not put this brilliant page turner down. I had to know who Cyprus really was! But oh I never expected the perfect twists and turns that kept you enthralled and enchanted in a good and a bad way! The last two paragraphs in this exceptional read puts everything in life, in to perspective and you will have to one-click this highly recommended must read to love this wonderful authors insightful prose! The book actually deserves far more than 5 stars and only wished I could have given it more. A young teenager was found at the back of Nicks family home with total amnesia, the family took her in and name her Cyprus as she was found under a Cyprus tree. Birch the teenage son of the family becomes her best friend and her saviour! Why is no one looking for her? Will her past become her present? Had her family forgotten her? Birch becomes her first kiss, her first love and her last lost! but is he who he says he is and could they have a future? They all live in a dark world where money is the root of all evil! I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
Wow what an emotional, loving, dark read. One of the best of Leah Holt reads this year. I just could not put this brilliant page turner down. I had to know who Cyprus really was! But oh I never expected the perfect twists and turns that kept you enthralled and enchanted in a good and a bad way! The last two paragraphs in this exceptional read puts everything in life, in to perspective and you will have to one-click this highly recommended must read to love this wonderful authors insightful prose! The book actually deserves far more than 5 stars and only wished I could have given it more. A young teenager was found at the back of Nicks family home with total amnesia, the family took her in and name her Cyprus as she was found under a Cyprus tree. Birch the teenage son of the family becomes her best friend and her saviour! Why is no one looking for her? Will her past become her present? Had her family forgotten her? Birch becomes her first kiss, her first love and her last lost! but is he who he says he is and could they have a future? They all live in a dark world where money is the root of all evil! I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
May 9, 2018
First off, I'm still soaking up my over thoughts about this book. I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. I like the authors writing and how she brings the audience with the characters in the story. I was enthralled with the character build up of Cypress and her boyfriend / adopted brother? relationship. They were really not related to each other at all so technically It's now weird.
I digress, the relationship of these two characters is strong and loving toward one another. But, in the beginning of the story we saw the strong family dynamics of the Rottera Family (Nick, Birch, and Nick's Wife who's name I can't remember). When she is found she has no recollection of who she is or where she is from. So, Cypress is raised in their family and as an adult one action turns her life upside down. I would recommend this book to read.
I digress, the relationship of these two characters is strong and loving toward one another. But, in the beginning of the story we saw the strong family dynamics of the Rottera Family (Nick, Birch, and Nick's Wife who's name I can't remember). When she is found she has no recollection of who she is or where she is from. So, Cypress is raised in their family and as an adult one action turns her life upside down. I would recommend this book to read.
May 16, 2018
Imagine that you are a young, teenaged girl who wakes up in the woods with absolutely no memories, no past, no name, no family. Your mind is a pristine sheet of blank paper. You are discovered by a young, teenaged boy and his father, taken into their home, treated like a daughter, find the love of your life (slightly taboo), then discover that the past 8 years, the beginning of your memories, are nothing but lies. How would you feel?
I would be outraged, nearly impotent with anger. The premise of this book is interesting, yet Cyprus, the young girl, is just too damned weak and forgiving. After learning that her life is fake, she makes the conscious decision to forgive those responsible, including the "love of her life". He was simply too weak to stand up to his father, even after he was no longer a child. Although there were some surprising twists, I was left wanting much more.
I would be outraged, nearly impotent with anger. The premise of this book is interesting, yet Cyprus, the young girl, is just too damned weak and forgiving. After learning that her life is fake, she makes the conscious decision to forgive those responsible, including the "love of her life". He was simply too weak to stand up to his father, even after he was no longer a child. Although there were some surprising twists, I was left wanting much more.
May 6, 2018
Sometimes your life ends up being nothing but a beautiful lie. Cyprus has no memory of who she is before she was found by Birch, the son of Nick. Nick tries to help her figure out what happened to her and how she ended up in the woods near their house. Nick has no luck but he takes her in and provides her with what she needs most, a family. This is her story and it's wonderful until it all comes crashing down when she gets more information about who she used to be and what really happened to her family. Is she strong enough for the truth or will she crumble when she finds out that everything she's been told is just a beautiful lie? This is an emotional dark romance and definitely a must read.
May 7, 2018
I was given an ARC of this book to read. Thankfully! Talk about a gut-wrenching read. From the Prologue, my heart was in my stomach, as the main character, Cyprus struggles to understand herself. One of my favorite parts of the book is her love relationship with Birch. In so many romances, there is such a struggle between the male and female protagonists. It takes chapters and chapters of angst to bring them together. With the exception of the big spoiler (which I won’t mention here), this was never the case with Cyprus and Birch. Their love was front and center in the story, redeeming both of them until the end. Even with the angst, this was a beautiful love story worth an afternoon read.
May 10, 2018
Wow! This book will hook you right from the beginning. I couldn't hardly put it down. The characters will have sucked right in. From all the lies, deceit, loss, love, tears, you name it. I can't imagine what Cyprus went through, but I really was rooting for her. I couldn't help but feel for Birch too, growing up into the life he had. But love has a way of making people change along with the lies and deceit after years of it. So who comes out stronger and better. Will these two survive... I would recommend this book. Great from beginning to end. I'm excited for more. I quite enjoyed it. ❤ Loved it.
May 9, 2018
This book gives a whole new meaning to what being the son/daughter of the mob means. What kinds of lengths you will go to, what secrets will never be told and how strong loyalty is.
Cypress is found in the middle of the woods and wakes up with no memory of who she or how she got there. Nick and Valentina take her and raise her as their own. Cyprus and Birch grow up together, fall in love and work in the family business.
Lies were told, secrets are revealed and loyalties change. I loved this book, it was very well written. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review
May 10, 2018
4.5 stars
I received an ARC and I am reviewing because I want to.
The story was very good the twists and turns kept coming. Great erotic mystery read. The love scenes were fantastic and through them you could really feel the love between Birch and Cyprus and see that they were meant to be. All roads taken lead them to where they were supposed to be.
I liked the way the characters grew into themselves and who they were meant to be despite everything that happened.
This book is a great reminder of why it is so important to be who we are and most importantly how in order to really live you have to be able to forgive.
I received an ARC and I am reviewing because I want to.
The story was very good the twists and turns kept coming. Great erotic mystery read. The love scenes were fantastic and through them you could really feel the love between Birch and Cyprus and see that they were meant to be. All roads taken lead them to where they were supposed to be.
I liked the way the characters grew into themselves and who they were meant to be despite everything that happened.
This book is a great reminder of why it is so important to be who we are and most importantly how in order to really live you have to be able to forgive.
May 10, 2018
Yes! Yes! Yes! What a book! Wow!!
This book!! Wow, this book! You are taken on an epic journey of emotional feels where you don't know if you love or hate or some weird combination of both. Leah Holt never fails to find a way to bring characters and worlds alive with her worlds that are exciting, emotional, intriguing, sensual, and vibrantly different. I have become such a fan of her work. I highly encourage others to read this books. It's amazingly good. High on the recommendation list.
I requested and received an arc copy of this book. This is my voluntary, true, and honest opinion.
This book!! Wow, this book! You are taken on an epic journey of emotional feels where you don't know if you love or hate or some weird combination of both. Leah Holt never fails to find a way to bring characters and worlds alive with her worlds that are exciting, emotional, intriguing, sensual, and vibrantly different. I have become such a fan of her work. I highly encourage others to read this books. It's amazingly good. High on the recommendation list.
I requested and received an arc copy of this book. This is my voluntary, true, and honest opinion.
May 7, 2018
I died a little with this book. It was so beautifully written and the characters and chemistry was perfectly. This book brought tears to my eyes and I was lucky enough to have received an arc. Everything that Cyprus thought was true about her life, was all a lie. All except for Birch and what he brings out in her. What would you do if everything you found out about your life was a lie? The twists and turns in this book was like going on a roller coaster ride. God, I loved this book and would definitely recommend THIS book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
May 9, 2018
Loved this story of Cyprus and Birch. Birch was a boy when he came across “Cyprus” the name given to her by his family after finding her in the woods behind his house. His family took her in and tried to find her identity. With no memories and them having no luck she became part of their family. As they grow up Cyprus learns more about Birch’s dad. This book is like nothing I ever read. There's mystery, secrets, lies with twists and turns that keeps you guessing and wondering. A great emotional read!!!
ARC provided by author - this is a voluntary review
ARC provided by author - this is a voluntary review
May 10, 2018
First off I think Nick is cray cray😂....This was a good book but kind of different from what I normally read. It was interesting because I was trying to understand how Cypress ended up where she was, it kept me guessing. I was so glad when it finally came together in the end because I was getting frustrated wondering what the heck happened. Birch was kind of weak to me but I liked how he was with Cypress besides him keeping secrets🙄 I liked Cypress but felt like she forgave them too quickly lol. I’d recommend this if you’re looking for a little suspense.
May 10, 2018
ARC:
This book has twists and turns you don't even see coming. A young girl found in the woods with no memory isn't what it seems.
Years, later Birch and Cyprus were in love, she had been brought into the family business. Yet, Nick, Birch's Dad did something that would change all three of their lives.
You will find out in this book if their love is strong enough for the storm, If a father's love is a strong one and is Cyprus will find the answers of where she came from. I was a good read and you should expect the unexpected it will completely hold your interest.
This book has twists and turns you don't even see coming. A young girl found in the woods with no memory isn't what it seems.
Years, later Birch and Cyprus were in love, she had been brought into the family business. Yet, Nick, Birch's Dad did something that would change all three of their lives.
You will find out in this book if their love is strong enough for the storm, If a father's love is a strong one and is Cyprus will find the answers of where she came from. I was a good read and you should expect the unexpected it will completely hold your interest.
May 9, 2018
Wow such a fantastic story.
The story line drew me in. The characters grew on me and the emotions got to me!
Beautiful Lie is exactly that. Her life is based on lie after lie but the deeper the lies ran, the more hurt they were going to feel if the truth ever came out!
This book had it all: hurt, deception, love, fear and a couple of teary moments but I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!!
(I received an ARC of this book 😀)
The story line drew me in. The characters grew on me and the emotions got to me!
Beautiful Lie is exactly that. Her life is based on lie after lie but the deeper the lies ran, the more hurt they were going to feel if the truth ever came out!
This book had it all: hurt, deception, love, fear and a couple of teary moments but I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!!
(I received an ARC of this book 😀)
May 9, 2018
Cyprus is found in the woods with no memory of her past by a young boy Birch.
She's confused and frightened and taken in by the boys family.Nick the father promises to keep her safe and help her find out who she is, meanwhile she lives happily with her new family even falling in love with Birtch. But not everything is as it seems when the truth starts to unfold and lives come apart. You will be kept on the edge with this read!
She's confused and frightened and taken in by the boys family.Nick the father promises to keep her safe and help her find out who she is, meanwhile she lives happily with her new family even falling in love with Birtch. But not everything is as it seems when the truth starts to unfold and lives come apart. You will be kept on the edge with this read!
May 10, 2018
Strong characters that you will fall in love with!
This newest release will have you jumping from sweet and sizzling to suspenseful and heartache that makes for a great read. You will fall in love with Cyprus’s strong character and Birch’s never ending love for her. A very enjoyable read that wasn’t complete until I read the end. I highly recommend you one click this 4.5 Stars read today.
This newest release will have you jumping from sweet and sizzling to suspenseful and heartache that makes for a great read. You will fall in love with Cyprus’s strong character and Birch’s never ending love for her. A very enjoyable read that wasn’t complete until I read the end. I highly recommend you one click this 4.5 Stars read today.
May 6, 2018
What a truly amazing story this was. I couldn't put this book down until the very end. One man's actions changed the course of few ppls lives. Cyprus was a little girl lost and found, or so we believe, she was brave and beautiful. Birch was a little boy when they met or when he found her alone. These two had a love that was strong enough to withstand the most horrible secret.
May 7, 2018
Wow, such a fantastic story. Beautiful Lie was amazing, and I absolutely loved it!!! The story line drew me in right from the beginning. The characters grew on me and the emotions got to me!
This book had it all: hurt, deception, love, fear and a couple of teary moments but I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!! 5 stars!!
This book had it all: hurt, deception, love, fear and a couple of teary moments but I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!! 5 stars!!
May 9, 2018
WOW....I started this and finished it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down there so many twists and turns that's full of heartache and emotion that made me need to keep reading. I needed to know how it turned out and my heart bled for Cyprus and Birch. Another amazing read by Leah and one I won't forget in a hurry ❤
May 9, 2018
I died a little with this book. It was so beautifully written and the characters and chemistry was perfectly. This book brought tears to my eyes and I was lucky enough to have received an arc. so many twist and turns. I loved this book from beginning to end. it was fabulous and i highly recommend this book
May 9, 2018
I received an ARC of this book and was so glad that I did. This was my first time reading something from Leah Holt and it won't be the last. I really like her writing style and the story line has many twists and turns. I don't like to give too much information in a review and spoiling the ending for anyone, but it does have an interesting twist. Take a chance, you won't regret it.
May 10, 2018
This was sooo damn good and just one more fantastic book by Leah this lady sure can write. The way her word's flow across the page it's no wonder she write's such amazing stories and this book was no different it drew me in from page 1 to the end. I'd absolutely would recommend reading this book it is sooo good.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
May 10, 2018
I liked the idea behind this story, and I liked the twists as the story went on (don’t want to give much detail and spoil it). But the story itself fell a little flat. Cyprus was way more forgiving than any normal person would be, and I feel like it could’ve been a little more realistic on that front. I would however recommend this book.
May 15, 2018
Good Story
I enjoyed the story and the way it was told, I felt there was something missing. I suppose I expected a bit more when Cyprus realises she's been lied to, after everything that has happened, forgiveness was perhaps a little too quick. Birch and Cyprus had a sweet relationship.
I enjoyed the story and the way it was told, I felt there was something missing. I suppose I expected a bit more when Cyprus realises she's been lied to, after everything that has happened, forgiveness was perhaps a little too quick. Birch and Cyprus had a sweet relationship.
May 7, 2018
I was lucky to get an Arc of this book. It was a very interesting read. It had twist and turns that made me say "Oh wow!" Loved the steamy love scenes. I really enjoyed the ending tho, was very heart melting, I even had a few tears slip out. Thanks for a very enjoyable read.
May 9, 2018
What a story awesome loved it twists and turns even felt my eyes tear up great characters could not put my kindle down that is when I know I've got such a great read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews