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Justice with a vengeance How do you find peace in a world rife with injustice? A world that is so wrong?

Sydney Rye is in Miami, surrounded by friends and co-conspirators who share her values and goals. People who believe in her. For the first time since her brother’s murder, Sydney Rye is finding a way to live in peace…but also isn’t helping anyone in need.

Unfortunately, this peace can’t last—Sydney is in the eye of a storm. With the effects of Datura under control, she no longer hears thunder, sees lightning, or feels the cold sting of hard rain. But danger rages all around her, circling closer every moment.

Declan Doyle spent the last five years hunting Sydney Rye. He’s faced humiliation and grave injury at her hands, but nothing can stop him now. He has a warrant, she’s on US territory, and this time he’s locking her up for good. They can take his badge and career, but he’ll get Sydney Rye this time.

Dan Burke is obsessive, brilliant, and a founding member of Joyful Justice. Safely ensconced on the isolated island headquarters of his organization, Dan does what he wants, when he wants. He’s the man in charge. But when the island stronghold falls under attack, and his closest allies betray him, he’s forced to defend the network they’ve built at any cost.

Lenox Gold is dangerous, gorgeous, and devoted to justice. As a gigolo and pimp, he runs his business at the highest standards of ethics—everyone is a consenting adult getting what they need out of the transaction. With the help of Joyful Justice, Lenox is determined to bring these ideals to the entirety of his industry. But when the woman who showed Lenox how to transform his life turning tricks on the beach into a profitable international business begins breaking the rules, Lenox must choose between betrayal of a trusted friend and the ideals he spent his life defending.

What none of them see coming is a brewing discontent. Masses once thought to be harmless—splinters of humanity the internet fostered into groups of organized zealots—are forming their own networks…preparing to take revenge.

The status quo is cracking.

The war is brewing.

Continue the adventure on September 20th.

269 pages, ebook

First published February 1, 2022

505 people are currently reading
415 people want to read

About the author

Emily Kimelman

41 books882 followers
I write because I love to read, but I have specific tastes...

If I was offered a job as a professional reader with no strings attached, I would take it. Getting paid to sit around and read while drinking tea all day—I'm there. Since that’s not possible, I became an author.

I write the books I want to read—stories that give me the immersive reading experiences I crave. When a series grabs me, and it's all I can think about, I'm SO happy. When my inner dialogue starts sounding like the protagonist of my current read, I think, Oh yeah, this is IT. This is what I love.

When I finish a book, and I NEED to immediately grab the next one in the series, that’s the intensity I crave. When I binge read an entire series, I want to feel like my own reality changed—as if the stories I read affected the real world just a little. After a great series I'm a little wiser, a little more grateful for my everyday existence, and a little more aware that my personal perspective is not everyone's.

Personally, I like to spend time in fictional worlds where justice is exacted with a vengeance, even though good and bad are not always black and white. Give me raw stories with a main character who occasionally makes me laugh, is flawed like we all are, and feels like a friend by the end of the first few chapters. They don’t have to be a friend I always LIKE, per se, but a part of me has to root for them.

For me, the sentence structure is important. Too much passive voice, and I'm out. I do not mind four-letter words at all though. Sex in books can go either way—fade to black or show me the details, but either way there has to be a reason it’s in the story. I'm also into heroic pets, plots that seem totally unhinged but all come together in the end with a BANG, and long series so I always have more to look forward to.

Those are the types of stories I love reading, so that’s how I write. If you’re into some or all of the above then I think we are going to get along fantastically.

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5 stars
460 (64%)
4 stars
212 (29%)
3 stars
39 (5%)
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5 (<1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
101 reviews
September 18, 2018
Holy crap!!! Absolutely amazing!!!
You would think after so many books in this series the author would run out of ideas or the story would stop progressing but it’s just the opposite. I feel like there’s more action and anticipation for the current book and the next book than there was in earlier books. The chapters bounce back and forth between a few characters and story lines and there are many books that do this that I hate but not this book. Every single story line and every single character were extremely captivating so I was excited to see each name pop up. Betray the Lie was just incredible and I will be impatiently waiting for the next book in the series. Long live Sydney Rye!
7 reviews
September 20, 2018
I'm a guy who likes a well-written adventure story, no matter whether the main character is male or female. After reading a short story by author Emily Kimelman in the Lei Kindle World series, and thoroughly enjoying it, I read the Scorch series she co-wrote with Toby Neal, enjoying that even more. When the opportunity came up to acquire the Kindle version of the boxed set of the first 8 books in the Sydney Rye series at a very reasonable price, I couldn’t resist. Now I’m completely hooked. I’ve started paying full price for the books as soon as they come out, unable to resist the lifelike characters she has created.

This latest book, Betray the Lie, may just be the best one yet. While Book 10, Flock of Wolves (which some reviewers didn’t like), told a fascinating story from a number of different points of view, this one concentrates much more on Sydney, the central character, and reveals a good deal more about what makes her tick. Somehow, this strong, yet vulnerable young woman seems altogether authentic; despite all that she has been through, she refuses to cave in. While the basic story line of the series on its surface is a bit far-fetched, once I start reading, that feeling completely goes away, and I’m riveted by the action, and the people in the story are so real that everything they are doing seems completely normal.

For anyone who wants to escape for a while from the realities of the real world, which lately seem ever more improbable, this book is a great read. I couldn’t put it down. Be sure to set aside some time for this one, in case you can't either.
62 reviews
September 20, 2018
Was lucky enough to get an ARC to give an un bias review.
OMG this has got to be the most gripping book I've read in awhile. Sydney has finally got herself back on an even keel mentally & is doing what she does best, looking out for others. With it's wealth of strong characters this book takes you on an action packed, emotional adventure to save women from slavery. In her usual kick ass style Sydney saves the day again. If you've not read the others in the series you might feel a bit lost in parts of the book but don't let it put you off you will want to read to the end & what an end, it will leave you with so many questions you'll be begging the author to hurry up with the next. Highly recommend.
7,757 reviews50 followers
September 19, 2018
BETRAY. THE. LIE. by Emily..Kimelson
Sydney Rye # 11
Blue has two puppies now, and rollerblading a new change. Robert gets a call, then men invade his mansion, Declan wanted revenge,five years worth, but Robert and her would not surrender. The tension, the action, is tight, the characters are vivid in our mind of what they want, what they feel their mission is. If if causes them to lose everything so be it. Sydney is to be caught. Her books are more vivid in detail, you are captured from the moment, their beach mansion was invaded. Their off in a speedboat, but that is only the beginning. Readers will love this latest one, and rereading it almost a must. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Profile Image for #ByFelicia.
550 reviews9 followers
September 20, 2018
Emily is killing it with this series!

This time we find Sydney taking some much needed time to down shift from all the action surrounding her recent events. She takes some time to ponder where she is in life and how she ended up there which ends up opening some old wounds and even rubs salt in some new ones. But in true Sydney fashion, she gets the itch to get back in the game and it doesn’t take long to find trouble. Only this particular trouble isn’t just after Sydney. With Joyful Justice at risk, Sydney and her crew are in for a fight and Sydney is all too ready until life throws her a curve she didn’t expect.
70 reviews3 followers
September 20, 2018
Emily Kimelman has just up the stakes again with this newest Sydney Rye Mystery.
Sydney has finally taken time to heal herself and get some much needed rest. She is in Miami and feeling safe but restless. But things are about to heat up on many fronts. Declan is sure he's got her this time and she's going to jail, one of the groups Joyful Justice is going after is fighting back, Sydney's mother wants a relationship...
This is non-stop action and heart stopping in many places... a MUST read.

I did receive an ARC copy of the book, but as with all of this series, I buy it as soon as it comes out. My reviews are my honest opinion.
219 reviews
September 18, 2018
Omg! This book grabbed me from the start and held on till the very last page! So many surprises! And talk about an ending!!!! All I can say is WOW!! The characters are so important to the entire story and you will fall in love with them. That is what keeps me wanting more, more, more! Sydney Rye is such an awesome, kickass leading lady and I love every book in the series. This series just grabs hold of you and won’t let go! If you haven’t read all the books in the series, and you read this book first, you will definitely be hooked and go back to the beginning and read them all! Emily has done it once again and written another five star book!
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,228 reviews40 followers
September 9, 2018
Betray the Lie was a suspenseful and vividly chilling story from beginning to end.

Sydney Rye is back, finally feeling more like herself who ever that is...lol and ready to get back into the swing of things with Joyful Justice.

This book was completely jam packed with action and adventure, there was so much going on within one story I just couldn't put it down.

It was great to catch up with Declan again that guy will never give up but he is still so full of surprises.

Mulberry well that was a surprising twist with an explosive finish in more ways than one.

Dan, Dan, Dan I seriously think this guy needs off the island for a while, I'm starting to think he may need a straight jacket lol his spying has hit a totally low level of insanity and all I have to say is 'Let It Go' and yes I did sing that....lol

Mr Maxim is always there in the background he really needs to learn when NOT to push Sydney I still don't think he really loves her at all she is just something he wants to possess like a precious gem but he never will.

Lennox as always finds trouble with every woman lol and I feel he has more betrayals to come but I'm hoping for some happiness along the way.

Merl and his dogs always have Sydney's back no matter what.


Blue, Nila and Frank are adorably loyal as always.

And at the very end Emily Kimelman managed to shock the hell out of me and left me hanging for what's next.
1 review1 follower
September 13, 2018
Sydney and Blue are back! And lots of other characters from previous books. I couldn’t put it down and read it through the night in one sitting. Sometimes I wanted to scream in frustration at the twisty, evil happenings, but I think it’s because Emily does such a good job getting us readers interested in our ‘friends’ in the book.

The story brings in current events nicely, and the global backdrop is well done. The technical details are described with just the right amount of depth to be understandable and are obviously well-researched.

No spoilers, but I definitely look forward to more Joyful Justice episodes. Be brave!
73 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2018
I was tasked with reading this ahead of release because I am on Emily Kimelman's ARC group. Our purpose was to do last minute editing, and leave a honest review, good, bad, or indifferent. This book has all of that and more. I have been a Sidney Rye fan since the first book, and I feel this is the best, albeit the most aggravating. This is what keeps me reading Emily Kimelman. Her ability to draw me in, and not let go for her entire Sidney Rye series, is something many other authors could not do. The story is both frustrating and satisfying at the same time. I would highly recommend reading this book, if you have followed Sidney all along, and if not start by reading the first in the Sydney Rye series. It is a ride you won't want to miss.
Profile Image for Julie  Whitley.
206 reviews12 followers
December 1, 2023
The adrenaline rush is unrelenting

I have been binge reading this series and cannot stop. Well written and visceral, it grabs you by the imagination and drags you along by the heart strings. Sydney keeps evolving, each character, from Dan to Lenox, Robert, Anita and of course Mulberry have an important role in the rapid flight of the plot. And I love Blue. It’s special, too, that he is now joined by two of his pups, Nila and Frank. I can’t wait to see how Sydney navigates her next crisis!
Profile Image for Dave.
747 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2019
I had been hoarding a bunch of the Sidney Rye novels and I decided that was foolish. I am binge reading the rest of the series and loving them. A strong female lead, fighting for right as she navigates her own life. Much stays the same, but much also changes and evolves, keeping these stories interesting instead of repetitive. I don't put them down until done, unless my eyes cease to focus. They keep getting better.
Profile Image for Robin Cox.
97 reviews
October 18, 2018
Cannot wait

These books have gotten better and better. I am addicted to the characters. I hope Sidney and Mullberry end up together. I love the feminist aspect of the books.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,865 reviews68 followers
December 14, 2018
Betray the Lie - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Betray the Lie is the 11th great book in the Sydney Rye Mystery series by the wonderful Emily Kimelman. It tells of a pair of siblings who are organising recruits online for their Machiavellian terrorist cell, as cover for their true motive of revenge - against our feisty heroine.

Sydney is still raw from the death of her beloved brother, that caused her to have a breakdown she's barely recovering from. Helped by her four-legged constant companion Blue, who now has two pups that live with them, Sydney's return to work sees her drawn into the case, while unaware of being its secret target.
Also a target is her HQ at Joyful Justice, the organisation she created - while living as her former 'incarnation' Joy - to defend and assist those who cannot get justice any other way.
What will happen if Sydney and her team get too close to the answers? Who betrays Sydney - and why? How is Sydney's estranged Mom involved?
Who is Robert Maxim and where does Sydney go with him - and why? What outcome does this relationship have?

I liked the book's multiple POVs and the inclusion of friends and other characters, (Merle Lenox, Petra and Dan) from previous novels, as well as new ones.
I'm not so happy that the other books in the series really need to be read first (preferably in sequence), to understand where they come in the current book - that's a big investment, (though well worth the outlay), or the cliff-hanger ending that leaves many questions unanswered ready for the next book.
Why not try Betray the Lie (&/or the others) and decide for yourself? You're sure to become a fan! More please, Ms Kimelman!!
115 reviews
September 23, 2018
No matter that Sydney Rye and her dog Blue, with his two puppies, are settling into a more peaceful life. The man who holds her heart, enemies that want her demise and others that want to use Sydney as an excuse for their own dark purposes pursue Sydney. Life continues to be a challenge and surprise to Sydney as she explores her own emotional landscape while healing from her past treks into meting out justice.
Taking us on another journey with Sydney, author Emily Kimelman brings back many past characters that have played a part in the Sydney Rye adventures that span the globe. Kimelman explores injustice and violence to women through attitude and culture, the topic of vigilante justice, and righting the ills of the world. Sydney is a character of many contrasts – love, loyalty, tenderness, all sheathed in a strong fierceness and willingness to fight to the death for what is right.



Profile Image for BJ.
465 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. Here’s my review:
This Sydney Rye series is outstanding! A tough, but flawed female protagonist with a wonderful dog, Blue, is out to do what she can to bring justice to a cruel world. Joined by others with like minds, ‘Joyful Justice’ is talented, determined and sometimes ruthless in providing justice. In this 11th book, most of the long-term characters make appearances. Remember DeClan? I almost felt sorry for him this time! There’s trouble within the tight organization, too, that needs attention. Sydney seems to be conquering some of the nightmares of her past; the death of her brother, the powerful drugs that have been lingering for a long time, Mulberry’s lost memory. Will she ever have a ‘normal’ life? Perhaps more than we now know! I suggest you read the others leading up to this one so you’re familiar with the characters. Again, an outstanding series!
Profile Image for Debbi Lund.
133 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2018
I am a member of Emily’s ARC team, so I get first chance at seeing what marvelous journey Sydney is going on next. Every time I think Emily can’t do better, she amazes me! Her next installment of Sydney’s adventures shows us a side of Sydney I hadn’t seen before. We all know she has a kick ass side, but here we get to
see another one. We are also able to delve more into Lenox’s character. I’m never disappointed by Emily continuation in her series! She gives it her all and keeps you turning pages until then end and, especially in this one, leaving you with a cliffhanger! I’m biting my nails until the next book!!
Profile Image for Antanas Bernikas.
55 reviews
September 23, 2018
I have truly enjoyed the book as all previous in the series, it definitely does not disappoint - suspense and action all the way. Sydney is bit more mature in her character but that does not mean there is any less action. Story line is great as always, keeps you guessing and occasionally surprised at the outcome. As all the previous books this absorbs you in a way you cannot put down the book and have to read all way through as fast as possible. This series would look great on TV screen I'm sure. I am very eager to follow Sydney & Blue and all the other players in the story in their next adventure, especially as this book ended in a "mid-sentence".
Profile Image for Cindy.
1,847 reviews17 followers
April 13, 2023
Audio book read by Sonia Field

This book was a return to the Sydney Rye I've enjoyed. It starts in Miami, where she and Bobby Maxim are hanging out, roller blading and enjoying the sun. Then Bobby gets a call and almost simultaneously, Deckland Doyle is busting down the doors screaming "Homeland Security!" Of course, he does not capture the pair, as they slip out with Blue and the two pups, Frank and Nyla. Naturally, chaos ensues, and Sydney and Blue find themselves accompanying Lennox and Petra on a take down of traders in sex slaves, and things - well, they don't go according to plan. And queue Emily's signature cliff hanger ending!
Profile Image for Anima.
2,748 reviews52 followers
September 19, 2018
Told from various points of view Sydney and team are trying to stop human traffickers. Meanwhile people are being kidnapped, there's backstabbing at HQ and Sydney is getting healthy. She's got her personality back, sassy and witty and strong. While justice is definitely served, we are left with a few cliffhangers. Not a book you should just pick up, unless you've read the previous books the motive and connections among characters will leave you wondering. I can't wait to see what happens next. I was fortunate to receive an early copy and wrote my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,271 reviews98 followers
September 20, 2018
Sydney and Blue are taking a much needed rest. Blue has two puppies, Sydney needs to soul search to find out just how things in her life have gotten where they are and why. But then, a man from her past bent on revenge is after her. He has been plotting and planning for five years how to do this and it brings back old wounds for Sydney. Can she prevail again against this man? Who will be the loser and at what cost? You will need to read the book to find the answers. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book.
51 reviews
September 17, 2018
Once again Emily Kimelman has delivered brilliantly. Prior questions were answered and new ones set up for the next book. If you haven't followed Sydney, you have to start at the beginning of the series or you will be lost, but since each book is a jewel, don't wait. Start reading so you can enjoy the latest installment. One of the things I've enjoyed is her ability to shift POV and not disrupt the story line. I like seeing things from other eyes. Join. Read. Enjoy.
539 reviews8 followers
December 1, 2018
Great read. Intense, exciting, riveting and absolutely compelling. Characters are awesome and going where they go becomes very critical. Loving the unexpected twists and great victories

If you love fast paced and unexpected twists, read this series. Once you start, it will be impossible to put down. Lives of the rich characters become increasingly compelling. Great plots and wonderful emotional current!
Profile Image for Stephanie Schmidt.
200 reviews
September 18, 2018
I have loved every book in this series and this one didn't disappoint me !! It is full of twist and turns Just what we expect from Sydney Rye.
In this book Sydney is starting to feel like herself (whoever that is) lol and realizing that she can do more for herself. I can not wait for the next installment in this series
8 reviews
September 19, 2018
Fantastic! What a great storyline that is fresh and exciting! The author somehow manages to come up with new and exciting ideas that keep the story and characters moving and keep the readers guessing. Loved this book so much! Gritty storylines that are current and impactful. Well done! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Doug.
24 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2018
What a book! More turns and twists than a snake had me just hanging on and at times wondering if I read all what I had read before turning the page! Let me say this book has went a totally different way than I thought it would go! Well done again Ms. Emily! Looking forward to wherever Sydney goes next! Yeah for good books
439 reviews5 followers
April 14, 2019
Emily - the ending is killing me

You will not suspect the ending. I am not getting my way. Emily leaves you hanging wanting more. I am addicted and have read all 12 books one after the other. Sydney has me worrying and wanting good things for her. This is an amazing series. I’m hoping the next book is released
Soon.
460 reviews2 followers
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August 1, 2019
What Ann Ending For Sydney Rye

While this installment its as action-packed as are all the previous episodes. The action, the storylines, the characters and the writing came together perfectly do it seems sad that this is the final episode. Or is it? The ending sentence/paragraph suggest that another installment could be possible. I sure hope so, I love Sydney Rye!
Profile Image for Ollie.
284 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2022
It was nice to see Sydney of healthy mind for the first time in a few books. While this book was good, it almost felt like filler. Perhaps that's because the story wasn't huge in the grand scheme of things compared to the last couple of books. These were smaller issues compared to massive issues of the last books. 3.5/5
Profile Image for Melissa Masek.
9 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2024
While still a good book, this one shows a different, softer side of Sidney Rye. She isn't so full of rage all the time and can find some peace and happiness now that she is no longer fighting the internal thunder and lightning. I'll have to read the next book to see how I feel about the surprise we get at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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