Lies You Tell

St. Jared's Memorial #1

by LaQuette

A mob boss finding his dead lover alive six years after her death? Shocking. Learning they’ve got a five-year-old son? Deadly.

Six years ago Sanai Ward fled her home in Florida when her lover’s infidelity nearly brought her life to a fiery end. Devastated but determined to create a safe and happy life for the child she was carrying, Sanai started over from nothing.

Single parenthood isn’t easy. But the joys of watching her beloved Nazario thrive is more than enough motivation to ignore the ache in her heart for the man that shattered her soul.

Dante De Luca is a passionate man who’s had his life stolen from him. Six years ago he was in love and happy, until his woman was killed in a fire. There was nothing left in the ashes but the locket he’d placed around her neck. Too angry to deal with his loss, Dante sought to make the world pay for his broken heart by forming an unholy covenant with an unspeakable ally. He’d live to regret it, but signing away his humanity to the devil seemed meaningless when his soul was already gone.

When an accident involving a family member draws Dante to New York, it forces an unexpected meeting between him and Sanai. Then Dante has to decide what’s more important: his rage and revenge, or the safety of the woman he once loved and the health of his new-found son?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Interracial Romance, Contemporary

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2016

About the author

LaQuette writes sexy, stylish, and sensational romance—the kind of sentimental-and-steamy stories that feel like Hallmark movies… if Hallmark suddenly ramped up the sexy and gave us the hawt love scenes we deserve. Expect big emotions, bold choices, and characters who strut through the pages like the book is their own personal runway. 

A proud Brooklyn native, she crafts unapologetically bold, character-driven Black and interracial romances where Black women are joy-filled, desired, and absolutely treasured. These women know they belong on the page—and dare you to try telling them otherwise.

When this current Ph.D. student isn’t writing, reading, or studying, she’s probably trying on (or hunting down) her next must-have makeup find. And honestly? No one would be surprised if it’s yet another shade of red or pink lipstick. At this point, it’s basically a personality trait. Contact her at https://dot.cards/laquette.

Reviews

[Nancy L Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars

The hero in this story was not a real gangster to me. I love a man that if he's supposed to be a mobster then he should be one and the woman he pursues accepts and loves him for who he is.

[CoCoFierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

An omission of the truth is still a lie…..

Dante loved Sanai with everything in him. She was the one, his one, until the fire. He lost everything except the necklace she wore around her neck. Years later he sees that face again only it can’t be her because she is dead. Searching like a mad man to find out whose face it could be that has haunted him, Dante runs into some horrible truths that are a direct result of what he didn’t say.
Sanai had no idea loving someone could hurt so badly. She had to escape after witnessing something such horrible deaths. For her it was the only way out. Only she didn’t disappear by herself she took something of Dante’s and his back to claim them both back.

Sanai never stopped loving Dante so when he makes an appearance back into her life everything is thrown off balance. Finding out about their son Naz has the Don ( Dante) trying to make some much needed changes in his life. But you know the underworld nothing is ever that easy. He has many enemies and some who share his last name. It’s a fight for life and love but Dante is willing to show them all why he is named the Don.

Although this is a mob romance I loved the baby aspect that was thrown in. Naz is sick and his illness brings out the humanity in Dante. No parent likes to see their child helpless. Dante will do anything to keep Naz alive even if it means having another baby.
Some elements of this story were predictable like the two of them coming together to save their child. Although I wish it was a little more conflict or build-up between Sanai and Dante. i.e. after he finds out that she is a alive they end up back in bed together so quickly. After all Sanai has been threw and I know dealing with her son’s illness wasn’t easy but she could have made him grovel. Her best friend had a little more sass when it came to Dante. The author didn’t focus too heavily on the mob aspect this was more a romance story for me. Yes, Dante is the Don but he was with Sanai most of the time.

Dante really annoyed me because as the boss how do you turn your back on your enemies knowing that they will strike (and have already shown you the destruction they can cause)? I won’t give too much a way but let’s just say he has a lot of secrets that eventually come out and they are explosive. I enjoyed the relationship that Dante, Sanai and Naz share and dealing with his illness there were some very heartfelt moments. Dante does have a life back in Florida and a certain someone who thinks they he belongs to her it could be because they share the same last name. Now I know some people don’t like what could be considered an infidelity story BUT this story is not that. Yes he has what could be considered a wife but more like a business partner because the only thing they share is a name. (Don’t let that part discourage you as a reader) I thoroughly enjoyed this story it was fast moving and kept me interested. Please judge this book for yourselves and not based on this one review.

***ARC Given In Exchange For An Honest Review***

[TinaNoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mobsters and secret babies. Two of my very least favorites. But I guess one of the best reasons to have a secret baby plot is if you are running from the mob (even if you don't know it is the mob you are running from).

This was just ok. Quick read and entertaining enough. Altho, the over the top villainess was a just a bit too, too much

[Southern Born · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved It

I love a man who is not afraid to shed some tears...being a mob boss just made me love him more

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lies You Tell" was a powerful story with all the emotions necessary to bring about a exciting second chance romance.

I really enjoyed how the H/h, Don Dante Deluca and Sanai Ward were able to forgive each other after six long years apart with the hero thinking that the heroine had died in a house fire and the other, the heroine feeling betrayed by hero for cheating on her when neither was the case. I won't give out why a death was faked or why infidelity was the reason for the separation but know this - this was a epic journey to read about.

I loved the friendships that Dante had with childhood friend, Big Tony as well as the relationship Sanai had with her bff, Becca. But the child, Dante and Sanai's son, Nazario is what made this story so real and relatable! Once Dante saw Naz's picture, there was no doubt that the boy is his because the kid was the splitting image of him when he was a child. So when Sanai left, she also left with more than his heart, but with his son! Thus at this point in the story, Dante was all in at getting back EVERYTHING HE HAD LOST from those missing years. SPOILER ALERT! Sadly after Dante supposedly lost his Sanai, he committed to a business deal with a close family friend and ... no this will be a trigger for some so just read it yourselves! But anyhow... what this couple did to make their child feel loved, safe and secure was beautiful and you too will fall more in love with Dante and Sanai's relationship!

Excellent story with a poignant second chance romance based on a few omissions! This story was heartbreaking due to those omissions and hidden agendas of people on the outside looking in. STILL Read this one... there are so many ah-ha moments soundly planted in the story!

"Lies You Tell" by Laquette was an enjoyable journey making it a 5 star read for me.

[Metris · Rating 5 out of 5]

LaQuette did it again. Sanai is a hardworking single mom who is enjoying life well until she receive some not so good news about her son and run into a love from her past. Dante has been left to lead the family business and he's determined to make it happen even with the devil by his side; well that is until he make eye contact with his heart.

Sanai and Dante loved each other back in college and when they are reunited by accident they both realize that nothing has changed. Well there are some things that has changed but it's all a matter of if they can get passed it and recreate what use to be.

I love Dante quiet sexy dangerous self and his love for Sanai is beautiful.

[Mstcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great story about two people who love each other deeply. It's a mafia romance that is heavy on love and family, light on the mafia aspects. I'm not saying it isn't in there, but the primary focus is on Dante, Sanai and their son. This was an engaging read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm giving this a 4 out of 5-star rating.

Read my full review at Romance Between the Covers

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOOOOO, I'm choosing to give this a FIVE star, because wow, did it exceed my expectations!!! .
Granted, my expectations were not all that high to begin with, I have searched high and low for a BWWM author who does not a) write like English is not one of their languages, and/or they refuse the use of an editor b) write OTT stories that make ZERO sense or c) throw smut on the page (and not very good smut at that) and attempt to pass it off as literature.

This herrrreeeee SURPRISED ME!!!



Ok, were there one or two scenes that were OTT? maybe,
and ordinarily this would have been a 3.5-4 star rating for me, but given past experiences, we're sticking with 5 encourage-the-author-to-keep-up-the-good-work stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!

Here's what worked:
The story starts out with Sanai in NY getting off a triple 12hr shift, going home to her baby. From the blurb, we already know of this development. We slowly learn her side of how she came to being in NY and what's happened in the last 5 years. There isn't too much detail in this background. Could I have done with more explanation, yes, but can I live with it as is, yes.

We then meet Dante, and right away I was drawn to him. He seems caring and giving, given the reason he is in NY. We also get the impression that he would rather be there than in Florida. I really liked seeing this side of Dante, the nurturer.

They meet and wellllllll....




Let's just say... I was so. down. with. that. reunion.!!

Things move pretty quick after that, with a series of events that force them to figure their shit out.
Dante is pretty set from the beginning that he wants his family back.
There wasn't much angst around this and I like that it wasn't a long-dragged-out thing.

What didn't work for me was all the time jumps. There wasn't much on-page development of their relationship. I get that they were all kinds of great 5 years ago, but, they are different people now, having lived through different challenges for the last 5 years. I felt cheated out of their re-learning each other. There were too many time jumps with not enough substance on page which meant that we were being told what they worked through and what the developments were as opposed to witnessing them.

I feel like their relationship would have been that much more solid and believable had we seen it on page. We see more of them working through the lies and 'lies' they've told that have led to this point than seeing their actual relationship develop. I guess the book is called "lies you tell" but I thought part of that was seeing the relationship develop after the lies have been told? 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

One more thing... the "not now" after the proposal just felt like extending shit for the sake of extending shit. It really didn't serve any purpose to me other than prolonging this shindig. And frankly, if I'd have been Dante, I wouldn't have asked again, but whatevs!!! I think part of my problem with this is that I had not really seen their relationship development on page, I was told about it, and so at this point, I wasn't emotionally invested enough to care about this in the way that I could have been. So my reaction was: *eye roll*.

Overall, I liked it. Will I read the next one, probably. Will I read other works from this author, most definitely!

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I came across this author and book through this app. This is my first book by this author and I’d have to say, I’m a bit disappointed. I wanted to like this book.

Sanai fakes her death to get away from her longtime Italian mafia boyfriend, Dante. Well, she’s pregnant (what a surprise 🙄) and she keeps the baby from him. Years later, Dante finds out she’s still alive and then finds out that he has a son. I HATE stories where the woman keeps the child from his father. I can understand why she ran for her life but to keep his child away from him? Nope. Not for me. She could have told him when things cooled down.

Well, they find out that their son, Naz, has leukemia. He’s in treatment but it’s not progressing as they hoped. Naz needs a bone marrow transfusion so Dante comes up with the craziest idea to have another baby to help heal Naz. Sanai is apprehensive (well, duh), but she agrees. Get this, later in the book, Dante wants to make his family official and he proposes to Sanai. She rejects his proposal because she can’t “commit to marriage right now”. BUT YOU HAD NO PROBLEM COMMITTING TO A WHOLE CHILD?! GIRL, STOP!!!! 😑😐🙄🤨🤦🏾‍♀️

Of course there is a crazy ex girlfriend that adds to the (lame) suspense.

I do love how Big Tony called out Sanai on her foolishness.

If you’re going to write a mob story, you should bring your “A” game. This was too much of a cookie cutter type story. Dante was no gangster. Yea, he said he didn’t want it but he was still the Don. Bring that sh*t!

I may read more of this authors work down the line but I’m in no rush.

Happy reading, ❤️📖

[Jackie Bragg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwrenching

I feel in love with this couple. Their struggle together after Dante found out he had a Son, A son that may die after he found him. His and Sanai love story was so Heartwarming (I love when the Alphas have a soft spot and they can cry and let others see them 💞💞💞💞💞) And their band together to save Nazario A.K.A Naz. But oh no there is always those who would like not to see that happened. Those two idots,his so called second in Command,and the Spolied Boss BITCH Daughter tried not once but twice to break them up. I love that thier love was stronger then two stupid fractions trying to cause havoc. I also loved the part when in the Hospital parking garage he asked repeatedly did they wanted to do what they were trying. So stupid for not giving her up. And his parting words to them Both:
“If you two were really about shit, you’d have known never to fuck with a real Don’s family unless you plan to go all the way.” “FUCKING Epic this was. And the last thing he told Tomassa was Pricless"
You wanted the attention and adulation that often came with power, but you never realized that being the boss means being ready to lose your life to the jackals that will come to take your place.” He placed a single kiss on her cheek, delighting in the taste of her salty tears. “Tell the devil I said hello. And walked away with his love LIKE A DAMN BOSS. La quette I'M TRULY SPEECHLESS ( and you know I never get that way). Thanks for this Awesome Book 💘💘💘💞💞💞💞

[Cherryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Power corrupts absolutely

That is what Tomassa and Bernardino found out the hard way. Tomassa's quest for power and control was her undoing. Bernardino's fear of losing his position in the DeLuca Mafia and becoming a traitor to his friend was his as well. The only way Tomassa was able to gain power was to get her competition out of the way that was to eliminate Sanai, the love of Dante's life. Sanai witnessed the attempt on her life and ran for her life. She was safe for six years until her chance run in with Dante. Their love for each other re-kindled where it left off. Both of them had to accept lies of omission from each ither to focus on what was the most important and that was saving their son Nazario's life.

The author wrote a very interesting story with some anguishing drama to boot. This was a story about two people who were separated by lies and deceit and trying to get re-aquainted with each other will trying to do what's necessary to save their son and keep him safe. It was not until every thing was settled in their life did they reach for their HEA.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six years ago, Sanai fled Florida after someone tried to murder her. She believes her boyfriend Dante was cheating on her with a psychotic woman who decided to kill her to get her out of the way. The real reason she was targeted is slightly more complicated than that! Dante believes Sanai died in a fire. In his grief, he agrees to take over his father’s place as Don. Six years later, Sanai is taking care of Dante’s godson (she is unaware of the connection) in the ICU. Dante is shocked to discover that Sanai is not only alive, but he also has a five year old son!

You guys – this book is the kind of book that makes me sip some tea and wait for shit to hit the fan! And I love it! LaQuette perfectly balances the drama and the steam. It is safe to say that LaQuette has a new fan! One hundred percent do I believe Sanai did the right thing in running. The people who tried to kill her believe they were successful, because they killed her friend who was also in her apartment. No way would I have trusted Dante to keep me safe at that point! Does Dante have a right to be angry? Absolutely, but he has some serious secrets he keeps from Sanai, so they’re even in my book! This book was a quick read and was exactly what I needed at the time (taking care of a kid with a stomach bug)!

[Ani]

2⭐️

CW: Childhood Cancer

I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately, I didn't. From the start, we're thrown into the action, which can be exciting when done right, but here I was lost and couldn't find stable ground. Both character's emotions felt very surface level, and while their sexual chemistry was pretty good, they lacked an emotional connection which left me uninvested in their story. In addition, I was blindsided by the leukemia storyline, which I didn't appreciate. While I cannot speak to the representation, something about the cancer storyline made me feel icky they have a 2nd kid to give their older son, the younger one's bone marrow. AND they name their second kid Salvator (that's a lot of pressure) While the writing was decent, it was not particularly well crafted. The mafia/mob part and cartoonish villain were ridiculous. Overall I'm not giving up on this author, but I'm definitely disappointed by this book.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good romance not so great mafia story

Solid 3.5 stars. I liked the ram e between the H and h, they clearly loved each other even though they both made mistakes. I liked that Sinai didn’t take forever to tell Dante what happened. The reason I can’t rate this higher is the mafia aspect of the story it was definitely second to the romance and almost felt like it didn’t need to be there. He could’ve just been a rich CEO and Tomassa could have still been a family friend and the story more or less would have been the same. I also say the mob stuff wasn’t needed because although we’re told Dante is a tough Don and he should be feared, nothing he does made me believe it.

All in all, an enjoyable romance just not a great mafia story.

[Cammyjoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!!!!

This is my first book by LaQuette, I absolutely love Dante, that man can love.!! And, even though I hate the fact he married the evil witch... But, for him not to consummate the marriage was YAY!!!
I love their love story,...Sanai and Dante and their 2 little boys... Just love it!

[Leanna Terrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Love Story

This was well written with a very nice storyline. Loved the connection between Dante and Sanai. There was Lots of love, intrigue and of course sexy time.
It kept you guessing as to who or what would try and come between Dante and his Love of Sandi and their child.
Loved the story.

[Rosalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!

What a great book!! This book had me hooked from the first page until the very end. Love the characters Sanai and Dante. I truky truly lovee everything LaQuetta writes. Please keep the books coming.

[Natalie Thurman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent plot, good story

Well written and not full of errors. What a welcomed change to some of the other things I've read. Nice read.

[Libby Waterford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very hot, steamy, with really high stakes that just kept escalating. Great dialogue, and I liked how the child's illness, while heart-wrenching, didn't feel exploitative.

[Dudi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[vonzell white · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lies to tell

This was very very good fast paste good story line I wish you would tell Anthony and becca story I would love to see something happens between them

[SassafrasfromAmazon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0⭐️

[Lyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

(No hate to the author, just sharing my thoughts)

Likes:
- Unique premise
- POC representation

Dislikes:
- the MMC's reaction when he finds the FMC and finds out about his son and the FMC's feelings towards finding out he married the woman who tried to kill her fell flat, there wasn't much angst or strong reaction to it.
- maybe it's because I'm not really a mafia romance reader, but I didn't vibe with that aspect of the story.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay story. The twists were not always believable, but I found the story intriguing enough to finish.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this. Great story line. I don't usually like the mob stories, but this was good. I love Sanai and Dante. I didn't have much of a description of Sanai, which didn't make sense. Dante was certainly described, so I had a visual of him. The cancer story was good and ended well. I am sure someone has had to come to a decision like the one they made. I hope all would end that way also. This is my first read by LaQuette. It won't be my last.

[K M H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this. Pretty good.

Would reread probably

[Brenda Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thrilling and Suspenseful Romance

Lies You Tell (St. Harper's Memorial Hospital Book 1) is a thrilling and suspenseful interracial romance novel that earned a rating of five stars. Sinai escaped Florida running for her life leaving behind the love of her life who believes that she she is dead. When the mob boss finds her, he discover he has a son with leukemia. He has to protect the boy and his mother from his enemies. The couple have rekindle their relationship and have to overcome the obstacles to become a family. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading exciting romance novels.

[Ava Bloom]

DNF at 48%

I love the secret baby trope but man this was just so slow. The pacing was agonizing and the smut was barely simmering. I really liked Dante’s character and Sanai was okay too but my god the plot really drags.

One of my fake book tik toker recommended this and my god I regret the time I wasted reading this

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

How were you supposed to protect yourself when the man you loved, the man you’d always loved, kept kicking in all the doors you’d slammed between the two of you? You say fuck it and let him in...... the heart of the book to me. Dante and Sanai victims of deception and half truths. I love a second chance love story, and who better to tell it than LaQuette. I love how she incorporates real life into her books. Dante and Sanai lost loves who find each other again by accident to discover they were both deceived by the other in different ways, but the love is still there. Reunited just in time to save their son, whom Dante didnt know existed, while having to fight for the love they both share, to keep. Great story and once again Quette does not disappoint.

[Jackie Bragg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everlasting Love

Tomassa and Bernardino are two STUPIDO individuals. I understand that Dante De Luca is all that and them some, but he was never Tomassa to begin with. Dante dads wanted a better life for his son. So he sent him to college after a Botched Kidnapping. While in school he met the love of his life Sanai, The attraction between these two was Explosive. But Tomassa being the total witch she is, came to Sanai apt and killed her roommate thinking it was her. But Bernardino know, that at why he saved her and took her to his Grandmother. After five long years Dante stills feel the pain of losing his only love. While in visiting his Godson in the Hospital, he notices someone that remains him of her. He follows her and lo and behold it was her. His anger for the way she left him without telling him made him the half the man he was without her. His heart, His soul he thought was lost forever was standing in front of him. But that's not the only thing she left with. His son, his flesh and blood how could she. Dante would soon find out the reason she left, and to make matters worst his son he just found needs medical help, otherwise he might die. To have found his love and his son was everything for Dante. He will take care of those that have cause him and lady love and his Grief. La quette, I have reread this book over and over again, no matter what you write love its always box office worthy. Thanks love