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Secrets of Suburbia #1
The Truth in My Lies
From international bestselling author Ivy Smoak comes a heart-stopping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end...
I'm not supposed to leave the house. But what my husband doesn't know won't kill him. I break his rules every morning on my runs. It's always been best when I have a routine. So every day I wake up, run, clean the house, wish for a better life, repeat. And every day is exactly the same.
Except for Thursdays. I live and breathe for Thursdays. It's when he comes. I watch him from a distance. I can't help myself. But I was never supposed to talk to him.
I know what you're thinking. But you don't know my story. You don't know the kind of monster my husband is. And trust me, you have no idea who I am.
*This is a standalone thriller with an unforgettable twist.*
__________
What readers are saying...
★★★★★ "This is Ivy's Masterpiece."
★★★★★ "I could not put it down!!!"
★★★★★ "Unforgettable and delicious from start to finish."
★★★★★ "5 CRAZY OMG PSYCHO STARS!"
★★★★★ "I am utterly completely stunned and shocked."
★★★★★ "You will not be able to put it down."
★★★★★ "A total page turner right from the beginning."
★★★★★ "Finally a book that 100% surprised me."
★★★★★ "Go one click...sooo freaking good!"
I'm not supposed to leave the house. But what my husband doesn't know won't kill him. I break his rules every morning on my runs. It's always been best when I have a routine. So every day I wake up, run, clean the house, wish for a better life, repeat. And every day is exactly the same.
Except for Thursdays. I live and breathe for Thursdays. It's when he comes. I watch him from a distance. I can't help myself. But I was never supposed to talk to him.
I know what you're thinking. But you don't know my story. You don't know the kind of monster my husband is. And trust me, you have no idea who I am.
*This is a standalone thriller with an unforgettable twist.*
__________
What readers are saying...
★★★★★ "This is Ivy's Masterpiece."
★★★★★ "I could not put it down!!!"
★★★★★ "Unforgettable and delicious from start to finish."
★★★★★ "5 CRAZY OMG PSYCHO STARS!"
★★★★★ "I am utterly completely stunned and shocked."
★★★★★ "You will not be able to put it down."
★★★★★ "A total page turner right from the beginning."
★★★★★ "Finally a book that 100% surprised me."
★★★★★ "Go one click...sooo freaking good!"
343 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2018
5166 people are currently reading
3963 people want to read
About the author
Ivy Smoak
96 books8,165 followersIvy Smoak is the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon #1 bestselling author of The Hunted Series. Her books have sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
When she's not writing, you can find Ivy binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware.
Learn more about Ivy on:
Amazon ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakAMZ
Facebook ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakFacebook
Instagram ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakInsta
TikTok ➜ https://bit.ly/3F6QML7
BookBub ➜ https://bit.ly/2VOZycg
Website ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakWebsite
Reader Group ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakGroup
Join Ivy Smoak's newsletter for a sexy FREE story and exclusive material: https://www.ivysmoak.com/newsletter
Empire High
The Hunted & Light to My Darkness
Made of Steel
When she's not writing, you can find Ivy binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware.
Learn more about Ivy on:
Amazon ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakAMZ
Facebook ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakFacebook
Instagram ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakInsta
TikTok ➜ https://bit.ly/3F6QML7
BookBub ➜ https://bit.ly/2VOZycg
Website ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakWebsite
Reader Group ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakGroup
Join Ivy Smoak's newsletter for a sexy FREE story and exclusive material: https://www.ivysmoak.com/newsletter
Empire High
The Hunted & Light to My Darkness
Made of Steel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 592 reviews
March 16, 2018
Holy Crap! I was not expecting that!
Adeline Bell is a 30-year-old suburban housewife who looks forward to her morning runs. Her husband keeps her on a tight leash and is not allowed out of the house very often. Thursdays are her favorite days of the week - that is when she sees "him", the hot guy he mows lawns. She was never supposed to talk to him, just admire him as she ran by, but then she tripped and fell....
Ben is the young man who mows lawns in the neighborhood. He has seen Adeline running by for weeks and then one day, while staring at him, she tripped and fell. He helped her up and took care of her. Intrigued by her beauty and sarcasm, he wanted to know more....
WOWZA! I LOVE when I read a book completely surprises me! I thought I had this book figured out and then there was a plot twist, I thought okay now I know where this book is heading, then, you guessed it, another plot twist. Ivy Smoak pulled off a lot of twists and turns in this suspense/thriller! I will say it again, I love when a book surprises me!
I found this book to be a well written thriller that kept me turning the pages. I was captivated and had to know what was going to happen. The first part of the book was interesting and grabbed me, but the more I read and the more revelations that came to light, the more I had to know! This book was a thrilling ride full of lies, secrets, and revelations.
If you love suspense/thrillers, this is the book for you! Seriously, read this book!
Whew!
I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review! Honestly, I thought this book was fantastic!
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Adeline Bell is a 30-year-old suburban housewife who looks forward to her morning runs. Her husband keeps her on a tight leash and is not allowed out of the house very often. Thursdays are her favorite days of the week - that is when she sees "him", the hot guy he mows lawns. She was never supposed to talk to him, just admire him as she ran by, but then she tripped and fell....
Ben is the young man who mows lawns in the neighborhood. He has seen Adeline running by for weeks and then one day, while staring at him, she tripped and fell. He helped her up and took care of her. Intrigued by her beauty and sarcasm, he wanted to know more....
WOWZA! I LOVE when I read a book completely surprises me! I thought I had this book figured out and then there was a plot twist, I thought okay now I know where this book is heading, then, you guessed it, another plot twist. Ivy Smoak pulled off a lot of twists and turns in this suspense/thriller! I will say it again, I love when a book surprises me!
I found this book to be a well written thriller that kept me turning the pages. I was captivated and had to know what was going to happen. The first part of the book was interesting and grabbed me, but the more I read and the more revelations that came to light, the more I had to know! This book was a thrilling ride full of lies, secrets, and revelations.
If you love suspense/thrillers, this is the book for you! Seriously, read this book!
Whew!
I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review! Honestly, I thought this book was fantastic!
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
May 27, 2018
EXCERPT: Maybe he wouldn't come home. All it took was one careless driver. One text. One drink. One. Single. Slip. It seemed so simple. If only I was so lucky.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: My name is Adeline Bell. I’m a suburban housewife. Period. My husband has always kept me on a tight leash. I’m not even supposed to leave the house.
My husband leaves every Monday morning for business and comes back Friday night. I have the weekdays to myself. And I always leave the house every morning. What my husband doesn’t know won’t kill him. I wake up, run, clean the house, wish for a better life, repeat. It’s best when I have a routine. And every day is exactly the same.
Except for Thursdays. I live and breathe for Thursdays. It’s when he comes. You know the type. The guy that is the epitome of escape from your wretched life. The one who embodies the strength and freedom you don’t have. I watch him from a distance. I can’t help myself. But I was never supposed to talk to him. I was never supposed to fall for him.
I know what you’re thinking. But you don’t know my story. You don’t know the kind of monster my husband is. And trust me, you have no idea who I am.
MY THOUGHTS: This is a difficult book to review. At first I was unsure of what I was reading, it seemed to be heading into the steamy adult romance arena, but that is not where it went, although it took a long time not to get there. . . Not my thing at all, and a couple of times before it started to head in another direction I contemplated dnf'ing it, but I didn't, and I am pleased I didn't. Because once Smoak gets into the nitty-gritty of the plot, it's a good read.
Adeline Bell is the queen of unreliable narrators. She is a liar. She is manipulative. She has secrets. Big secrets. She has lied and manipulated so much, even she doesn't know the truth any more.
I would have liked to have loved this book, but I think it was trying to be too many things. Addie's obsessing over the 'lawn boy' very nearly killed the book for me. But I am probably in the minority here. I enjoyed the psychological thriller part of The Truth in My Lies much more. And there did seem to be two distinct parts to this book.
There were a few things that didn't ring true to me that gave me some idea as to where the plot was going, but I wasn't 100% right. There are one or two nice little twists in there that threw me off balance. But the biggest problem for me, after all the pseudo-romance at the beginning, was that I just didn't find The Truth in My Lies suspenseful. It didn't have me holding my breath, or frantically flipping pages.
Thank you to author Ivy Smoak for providing a digital copy of The Truth in My Lies for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: My name is Adeline Bell. I’m a suburban housewife. Period. My husband has always kept me on a tight leash. I’m not even supposed to leave the house.
My husband leaves every Monday morning for business and comes back Friday night. I have the weekdays to myself. And I always leave the house every morning. What my husband doesn’t know won’t kill him. I wake up, run, clean the house, wish for a better life, repeat. It’s best when I have a routine. And every day is exactly the same.
Except for Thursdays. I live and breathe for Thursdays. It’s when he comes. You know the type. The guy that is the epitome of escape from your wretched life. The one who embodies the strength and freedom you don’t have. I watch him from a distance. I can’t help myself. But I was never supposed to talk to him. I was never supposed to fall for him.
I know what you’re thinking. But you don’t know my story. You don’t know the kind of monster my husband is. And trust me, you have no idea who I am.
MY THOUGHTS: This is a difficult book to review. At first I was unsure of what I was reading, it seemed to be heading into the steamy adult romance arena, but that is not where it went, although it took a long time not to get there. . . Not my thing at all, and a couple of times before it started to head in another direction I contemplated dnf'ing it, but I didn't, and I am pleased I didn't. Because once Smoak gets into the nitty-gritty of the plot, it's a good read.
Adeline Bell is the queen of unreliable narrators. She is a liar. She is manipulative. She has secrets. Big secrets. She has lied and manipulated so much, even she doesn't know the truth any more.
I would have liked to have loved this book, but I think it was trying to be too many things. Addie's obsessing over the 'lawn boy' very nearly killed the book for me. But I am probably in the minority here. I enjoyed the psychological thriller part of The Truth in My Lies much more. And there did seem to be two distinct parts to this book.
There were a few things that didn't ring true to me that gave me some idea as to where the plot was going, but I wasn't 100% right. There are one or two nice little twists in there that threw me off balance. But the biggest problem for me, after all the pseudo-romance at the beginning, was that I just didn't find The Truth in My Lies suspenseful. It didn't have me holding my breath, or frantically flipping pages.
Thank you to author Ivy Smoak for providing a digital copy of The Truth in My Lies for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 23, 2018
Q: What’s really bothering you, Adeline? (c)
The ultimate unreliable narrator story placed in some kingdom of broken mirrors. It's not completely believable, since I don't really think it's possible to medicate oneself into exactly this shape of mess, all the while retaining enough faculties to be doing the whatever she was doing (I sort of don't want to spoil this book, even though I LOVE spoilers!). And all the nice coincidences? Nah.
I'm at a loss as to how to describe this novel:
- Horrible? - Yes.
- Exelellent? - Yes.
- Neat? - Yes.
- A mess? - Yes.
- Stupid? - Yes.
- Clever? - Yes.
What the hell was this? An extremely unusual story, most definitely.
I should have graded this a lot lower for the faulty logic but I don't feel like it, since the reading was kind of outstanding and no logic lapses nagging at me will make it less so.
Q:
My world revolved around Thursdays at 8 a.m. Because the rest of my world was bleak. If my life was the only thing I thought about, I'd lose my mind.
Although it was possible I'd already lost it. (c)
Q:
My whole world was for show. My run couldn't be any different. (c)
Q:
When I was a little girl, I dreamt of everything I didn't have. I wanted it desperately. (c)
Q:
It was the imperfection that drew me in. (c)
Q:
Most people didn’t have to try so hard to be normal. To me, it was excruciating work. (c)
Q:
I'd started running because it was the only thing that made me feel alive. I was addicted to the wind rushing through my hair. I'd stopped using hair ties because they lowered the thrill. I needed the wind through my hair, not through my ponytail. (c)Q:
"My friends call me Addy." A lie. I no longer had any friends. (c)
Q:
He thinks you don't want to sit here with him. How wrong he was. This was the highlight of my month. My year. The past decade. (c)
Q:
My mind was at war with itself. (c)
Q:
I hobbled into the kitchen and threw open the drawer where I kept my pills. At least, the ones I wasn't hiding... (c)
Q:
I let myself feel. I let myself hurt. I let myself remember. … And then I curled up on the cold floor and willed sleep to come. (c)
Q:
Gossiping witches. And they were coming this way. (c)
Q:
“What things can you possibly achieve when you can’t walk? Snort cocaine?” (c)
Q:
What if he was the one that could actually save me from this hell? (c)
Q:
It was like every one of my dreams coming true. But I couldn’t get rid of the strangled feeling in my throat. (c)
Q:
I wanted to break the rules. I wanted a freaking brownie. (c)
Q:
His behavior was infuriating. Be suspicious of me! (c)
Q:
Had I never truly seen autumn leaves before? Yellows, oranges, and reds of all shades. I smiled and I continued to crunch through them. I had been numb for so long. So long that I couldn’t ever remember seeing such beauty. (c)
Q:
The sight of him was more glorious than any starlit sky. (c)
Q:
“Everything is black or white. Good or evil. There is no in-between.”
“That’s the most pessimistic thing I’ve ever heard.” (c)
Q:
What kind of weirdo labeled a folder “Important” and didn’t put anything in it? (c)
Q:
He was so much on the good side of the spectrum that it was almost disappointing. (c)
Q:
Why did no movies about robberies have a helpful lock-picking scene?
Probably because they didn’t want to aid lunatics like me. (c)
Q:
I needed to get in. I needed to know what secrets he was hiding. Because I couldn’t be the only one with skeletons in my closet. There had to be something wrong with him too. I couldn’t be with someone so perfect. (c)
Q:
I was going through your things. I’d want me out. (c)
Q:
He stole my sneaker, I stole his tongs. We were even. (c)
Q:
I had lost all control of my body. …When had I lost my mind too? (c)
Q:
Basements were for intruders and items of the past. I was scared of both. (c)
Q:
was so rare that I got to be myself that I wasn’t even sure I remembered how. (c)
Q:
I had gotten enchanted by the idea of a knight in shining armor. But I kind of dismissed how important it was to see what was beneath the metal. (c)
Q:
Don't be fooled by what you see … It's the things you don't that really matter. (c)
Q:
There was something satisfying knowing that when the house burned down everything would be organized. (c)
Q:
“I already belong to you, Ben.”
... “You don’t belong to me. You don’t belong to anyone. You’re your own person with your own dreams.” (c)
Q:
let the gas spread into the room. This wasn’t the first time I had done this. … It reminded me of freedom. (c)
Q:
Despite everything I had done, I only had one regret, though. That Ben would never know the truth in my lies. (c)
The ultimate unreliable narrator story placed in some kingdom of broken mirrors. It's not completely believable, since I don't really think it's possible to medicate oneself into exactly this shape of mess, all the while retaining enough faculties to be doing the whatever she was doing (I sort of don't want to spoil this book, even though I LOVE spoilers!). And all the nice coincidences? Nah.
I'm at a loss as to how to describe this novel:
- Horrible? - Yes.
- Exelellent? - Yes.
- Neat? - Yes.
- A mess? - Yes.
- Stupid? - Yes.
- Clever? - Yes.
What the hell was this? An extremely unusual story, most definitely.
I should have graded this a lot lower for the faulty logic but I don't feel like it, since the reading was kind of outstanding and no logic lapses nagging at me will make it less so.
Q:
My world revolved around Thursdays at 8 a.m. Because the rest of my world was bleak. If my life was the only thing I thought about, I'd lose my mind.
Although it was possible I'd already lost it. (c)
Q:
My whole world was for show. My run couldn't be any different. (c)
Q:
When I was a little girl, I dreamt of everything I didn't have. I wanted it desperately. (c)
Q:
It was the imperfection that drew me in. (c)
Q:
Most people didn’t have to try so hard to be normal. To me, it was excruciating work. (c)
Q:
I'd started running because it was the only thing that made me feel alive. I was addicted to the wind rushing through my hair. I'd stopped using hair ties because they lowered the thrill. I needed the wind through my hair, not through my ponytail. (c)Q:
"My friends call me Addy." A lie. I no longer had any friends. (c)
Q:
He thinks you don't want to sit here with him. How wrong he was. This was the highlight of my month. My year. The past decade. (c)
Q:
My mind was at war with itself. (c)
Q:
I hobbled into the kitchen and threw open the drawer where I kept my pills. At least, the ones I wasn't hiding... (c)
Q:
I let myself feel. I let myself hurt. I let myself remember. … And then I curled up on the cold floor and willed sleep to come. (c)
Q:
Gossiping witches. And they were coming this way. (c)
Q:
“What things can you possibly achieve when you can’t walk? Snort cocaine?” (c)
Q:
What if he was the one that could actually save me from this hell? (c)
Q:
It was like every one of my dreams coming true. But I couldn’t get rid of the strangled feeling in my throat. (c)
Q:
I wanted to break the rules. I wanted a freaking brownie. (c)
Q:
His behavior was infuriating. Be suspicious of me! (c)
Q:
Had I never truly seen autumn leaves before? Yellows, oranges, and reds of all shades. I smiled and I continued to crunch through them. I had been numb for so long. So long that I couldn’t ever remember seeing such beauty. (c)
Q:
The sight of him was more glorious than any starlit sky. (c)
Q:
“Everything is black or white. Good or evil. There is no in-between.”
“That’s the most pessimistic thing I’ve ever heard.” (c)
Q:
What kind of weirdo labeled a folder “Important” and didn’t put anything in it? (c)
Q:
He was so much on the good side of the spectrum that it was almost disappointing. (c)
Q:
Why did no movies about robberies have a helpful lock-picking scene?
Probably because they didn’t want to aid lunatics like me. (c)
Q:
I needed to get in. I needed to know what secrets he was hiding. Because I couldn’t be the only one with skeletons in my closet. There had to be something wrong with him too. I couldn’t be with someone so perfect. (c)
Q:
I was going through your things. I’d want me out. (c)
Q:
He stole my sneaker, I stole his tongs. We were even. (c)
Q:
I had lost all control of my body. …When had I lost my mind too? (c)
Q:
Basements were for intruders and items of the past. I was scared of both. (c)
Q:
was so rare that I got to be myself that I wasn’t even sure I remembered how. (c)
Q:
I had gotten enchanted by the idea of a knight in shining armor. But I kind of dismissed how important it was to see what was beneath the metal. (c)
Q:
Don't be fooled by what you see … It's the things you don't that really matter. (c)
Q:
There was something satisfying knowing that when the house burned down everything would be organized. (c)
Q:
“I already belong to you, Ben.”
... “You don’t belong to me. You don’t belong to anyone. You’re your own person with your own dreams.” (c)
Q:
let the gas spread into the room. This wasn’t the first time I had done this. … It reminded me of freedom. (c)
Q:
Despite everything I had done, I only had one regret, though. That Ben would never know the truth in my lies. (c)
March 29, 2018
This was a pass me the popcorn, can't pull my eyes away, guilty pleasure read that I enjoyed immensely. SO. MUCH. FUN.
Adeline Bell is a lonely housewife of an abusive husband. She is never allowed to leave the house. Thankfully her husband works away all week so she takes solace in her 8am jog. Thursdays are her favorite day of the week...want to know why? Because that's when HE is mowing the lawn of her neighbors. He is gorgeous and for the last six months Adeline has done nothing but fantasize about him. She dreams of him at night and would like nothing more than to make her fantasies a reality. One day while on her jog she trips and falls only to have you know who come to her rescue. His name is Ben Jones and he is every bit as perfect as she imagined him to be.
Adeline's husband keeps her on a concoction of pills to keep her mind foggy. He said she can NEVER leave him because he knows her secret. She is convinced he is trying to make her crazy.
Ben wants to help Adeline escape her abusive husband and here the roller coaster ride really begins.
If you like addictive books with twists and turns then this is the book FOR YOU!!! All the stars!
I should also mention that Ben is my new book boyfriend, so, sorry ladies, but he's mine! ;)
I was lucky enough to win a copy through a Goodreads giveaway! Thank you Goodreads!
Adeline Bell is a lonely housewife of an abusive husband. She is never allowed to leave the house. Thankfully her husband works away all week so she takes solace in her 8am jog. Thursdays are her favorite day of the week...want to know why? Because that's when HE is mowing the lawn of her neighbors. He is gorgeous and for the last six months Adeline has done nothing but fantasize about him. She dreams of him at night and would like nothing more than to make her fantasies a reality. One day while on her jog she trips and falls only to have you know who come to her rescue. His name is Ben Jones and he is every bit as perfect as she imagined him to be.
Adeline's husband keeps her on a concoction of pills to keep her mind foggy. He said she can NEVER leave him because he knows her secret. She is convinced he is trying to make her crazy.
Ben wants to help Adeline escape her abusive husband and here the roller coaster ride really begins.
If you like addictive books with twists and turns then this is the book FOR YOU!!! All the stars!
I should also mention that Ben is my new book boyfriend, so, sorry ladies, but he's mine! ;)
I was lucky enough to win a copy through a Goodreads giveaway! Thank you Goodreads!
Want to read
July 19, 2018
I CANNOT WAIT TO READ THIS!
Stand-alone.
Purchase: | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
My name is Adeline Bell. I’m a suburban housewife. Period. My husband has always kept me on a tight leash. I’m not even supposed to leave the house.
My husband leaves every Monday morning for business and comes back Friday night. I have the weekdays to myself. And I always leave the house every morning. What my husband doesn’t know won’t kill him. I wake up, run, clean the house, wish for a better life, repeat. It’s best when I have a routine. And every day is exactly the same.
Except for Thursdays. I live and breathe for Thursdays. It’s when he comes. You know the type. The guy that is the epitome of escape from your wretched life. The one who embodies the strength and freedom you don’t have. I watch him from a distance. I can’t help myself. But I was never supposed to talk to him. I was never supposed to fall for him.
I know what you’re thinking. But you don’t know my story. You don’t know the kind of monster my husband is. And trust me, you have no idea who I am.
April 8, 2018
4★★★★Stars
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Female
Adeline Bell was in her thirties with many scars and secrets; she was used to having a routine and didn't let anything get in the way of them. In her abusive relationship; having a routine was her only constant that she could control. Anything different would make her feel different. She was not a fan of her neighbors and usually kept to herself until him.
“I was naïve. I didn't realize love was a game. I trusted him. I trusted with everything. And I lost the game.”
Adeline found running the most liberating of all things and on one Thursday morning she saw someone she wasn't supposed like. I really liked Addy from the beginning; but at the same time I questioned some of her choices. She made me frustrated at times; and some other times she came across very strong. When her weak times I wanted to shake her and tell her to stand up for herself because some of her choices infuriated me.
“All I had wanted for the past decade was to get away from my husband. It's the only thing I dreamed of. Well, that wasn't entirely true. Ever since I had first seen Ben mowing lawns, I had dreamed of him.”
Ben was young and beautiful he became addicted to seeing Addy running as well each week and same as her they both look forward to that Thursday mornings. He found her fascinating and attractive; he would have never thought she was older by the way she took care of her body. He didn't want trouble but yet he couldn't stay away from her either, the need to protect her was stronger.
“Don't be fooled by what you see,”...“It's the things you don't that really matter.”
This book was absolutely insane, like once you start it you won't be able to stop. At first the entire mystery of this couple had me intrigued but then the more I read the more questions I had and I became engorged in the story. There's a mysterious serial killer running lose, there's an abusing relationship you just want it to end so the entire time I'm literally on the edge of my seat holding by a thread. What I didn't except was that utterly crazy twist; it left me shocked to the point that my brain couldn't process everything I read; a week later I am still reeling over everything and can't get over it.
The Truth in my lies, is a very well written suspense thriller with a shocking twist you will not see coming. I can literally say this is like my third book ever that I've read where I am utterly completely stunned and shocked after I read. The ride is definable on the crazy side, readers' expecting a happily ever after best stay away from this and to readers willing to take the crazy ride best get ready because you will not be able to put it down. This story is a total page turner right from the beginning that will have you glued to the pages until the very end. Readers who enjoy suspense thrillers will find this book appealing.
Book Info:
Amazon
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June 10, 2019
I went into this blind, which is probably the best advice I can give you with this one.
"The Truth In My Lies" is really quite a strange one: and as I wasn't really sure what I was reading here I just went with the general flow and boy did I have questions upon questions.
in fact, the more I discovered here or actually thought I did the more I was turned around and confused.
I trusted no one here, everybody and his dog was suspect in my eyes.
You've got Adelaide and Ben she seems slightly Cray Cray he appears to be the perfect man.
But is he too perfect?
Then there's the Husband who is he?
why is Addy so scared of him?
what is going on in her marriage and what is she hiding?
We also have locked basements, missing time and misplaced items and Adelaide is definitely keeping secrets.
Nothing here is what it seems as we get to discover the unfolding drama in real time from Addy's POV and I was absolutely transfixed throughout.
So many questions and so few answers this was misdirection at its finest and I felt like a real-life Nancy Drew.
Everything here had innocent explanations but something just felt off and my internal danger buttons were pinging all over the place.
To be fair I did guess some of what was at play here but it was quite late on and I was suitably impressed with how the author had tangled me up in knots and managed to turn me around so skillfully.
My only complaint was the ending it didn't give me enough closure plus I would have prefered an alternative finale but in the scheme of things that's really a small minus from my camp.
This really was a work of art and a fantastic piece of fiction.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of The Truth in My Lies.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
February 27, 2018
Smart, Suspenseful, Thrilling!
3 1/2 "The last 5 paragraphs" Stars!
Wow! What a mind bending story! It was captivating, suspenseful, and deliberately vague throughout. The book was very smartly written. It had me making up theories and various conclusions as I was reading. And let me tell you, none of what I guessed was right. I was completely engaged from the very first page to the very last word. The two main character Adeline and Ben both fascinated. Especially Adeline. I was rooting so hard for her. If you are a fan of Suspense/Thrillers (with just a touch of romance thrown in), I believe you will love this story; just as I did. Right up until the last 5 paragraphs! Yep... the last 5 paragraphs... Took it down a star for me. Still good though. Happy reading!
Thank you to Ms. Ivy Smoke for gifting me a copy of her book for review.
3 1/2 "The last 5 paragraphs" Stars!
Wow! What a mind bending story! It was captivating, suspenseful, and deliberately vague throughout. The book was very smartly written. It had me making up theories and various conclusions as I was reading. And let me tell you, none of what I guessed was right. I was completely engaged from the very first page to the very last word. The two main character Adeline and Ben both fascinated. Especially Adeline. I was rooting so hard for her. If you are a fan of Suspense/Thrillers (with just a touch of romance thrown in), I believe you will love this story; just as I did. Right up until the last 5 paragraphs! Yep... the last 5 paragraphs... Took it down a star for me. Still good though. Happy reading!
Thank you to Ms. Ivy Smoke for gifting me a copy of her book for review.
September 4, 2024
4 Stars
Now, what are your thoughts on the book after reading the blurb? I'm pretty sure that your thoughts on how the story is going to unfold is something like this: The husband is a terrible human being; Adeline gets saved by the mystery stranger; they are going to live happily ever after. And obviously there a few twists and turns along the way because it's a thriller after all. Well... Think again because this novel is nothing you would expect. And I mean nothing! The plot is totally and without a single doubt insane!
I usually don't mind predictable endings in New Adult and/or Contemporary Romance books. It's obvious that the guy gets the girl (or the guy the guy and the girl the girl) and I'm kind of hoping for it because I am a sucker for happy endings. The path they go, however, to get to their happily ever after is a different story. I expect there to be some small twists and turns to keep it exciting.
Thrillers, if they are plotted well, shouldn't be predictable at all. They should make you gasp, they should captivate you from the very first page, they should blow you away. All of this happened while reading The Truth in My Lies. However, I figured out the plot twist of the thriller. At least I thought I did because as it turned out it was only a minor plot twist and the big one was yet to come and that one was shocking! Now imagine my surprise when I found out! I never saw this coming. And then the ending! I am really impressed with Smoak's plotting.
Adeline was one of the most unreliable characters I've ever read about. Honestly, that made the book even better and more intriguing in my opinion. It was oftentimes difficult to tell if Adeline was telling the truth or if she only told lies. On top of that, she didn't seemed to know herself if the things she did, said and thought were true or not. I got very confused throughout the book because I didn't know what to believe anymore. I really liked this concept here.
"Don't be fooled by what you see. It's the things you don't that really matter."
There were a few scenes in the middle of the book that dragged a little and they didn't seem to fit properly in the story. But the pace which picked up again after the halfway point and the shocking ending to the story totally made up for the dragging part.
The Truth in My Lies was definitely a surprising but brilliant read. I enjoyed every minute of it. This thriller is definitely going to be on my 'Favorite Books of 2018' list.
**********
That ending!!! Holy guacamole!! 😱😱😱
Now, what are your thoughts on the book after reading the blurb? I'm pretty sure that your thoughts on how the story is going to unfold is something like this: The husband is a terrible human being; Adeline gets saved by the mystery stranger; they are going to live happily ever after. And obviously there a few twists and turns along the way because it's a thriller after all. Well... Think again because this novel is nothing you would expect. And I mean nothing! The plot is totally and without a single doubt insane!
I usually don't mind predictable endings in New Adult and/or Contemporary Romance books. It's obvious that the guy gets the girl (or the guy the guy and the girl the girl) and I'm kind of hoping for it because I am a sucker for happy endings. The path they go, however, to get to their happily ever after is a different story. I expect there to be some small twists and turns to keep it exciting.
Thrillers, if they are plotted well, shouldn't be predictable at all. They should make you gasp, they should captivate you from the very first page, they should blow you away. All of this happened while reading The Truth in My Lies. However, I figured out the plot twist of the thriller. At least I thought I did because as it turned out it was only a minor plot twist and the big one was yet to come and that one was shocking! Now imagine my surprise when I found out! I never saw this coming. And then the ending! I am really impressed with Smoak's plotting.
Adeline was one of the most unreliable characters I've ever read about. Honestly, that made the book even better and more intriguing in my opinion. It was oftentimes difficult to tell if Adeline was telling the truth or if she only told lies. On top of that, she didn't seemed to know herself if the things she did, said and thought were true or not. I got very confused throughout the book because I didn't know what to believe anymore. I really liked this concept here.
"Don't be fooled by what you see. It's the things you don't that really matter."
There were a few scenes in the middle of the book that dragged a little and they didn't seem to fit properly in the story. But the pace which picked up again after the halfway point and the shocking ending to the story totally made up for the dragging part.
The Truth in My Lies was definitely a surprising but brilliant read. I enjoyed every minute of it. This thriller is definitely going to be on my 'Favorite Books of 2018' list.
**********
That ending!!! Holy guacamole!! 😱😱😱
March 2, 2018
Book kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ messed up stars!
“Don't be fooled by what you see,”...“It's the things you don't that really matter.”
I swear I needed like fifteen minutes of deep breathing after I finished this book, because it really was a messed up story that had all my senses on alert during the whole ride.
“I was scared to fall. Not down the stairs. I wasn’t scared of bumps and bruises. That had never been my problem. I was scared of falling for him when I had no right to fall. Not again.”
One would think that this is an ordinary story where the hot guy mowing the lawn would meet the gorgeous beauty who runs in front of his house each Thursday, unravel some mysterious case of murder, get married and live happily ever after..
“I’m old. With old people problems. And I don’t understand why you’re being so nice to me. I haven’t been that nice to you. Or nice at all really. You should be hanging out with some 23 year old girl that...”
“Now why would I do that when I could have you.”
But then, out of nowhere, a shoe box shows up flipping all the cards, exposing the ugly truths and all the hidden lies.
I admit that the ending wasn't to my liking and I was like...
But there is no doubt that some stories aren't meant to get a happy ending because their perfection lays in the way they break many hearts.
“I wanted him. I wanted him desperately. That was why I threw insults his way. It was easier than admitting that I couldn’t have what I wanted. I needed him to become something I didn’t crave.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ messed up stars!
“Don't be fooled by what you see,”...“It's the things you don't that really matter.”
I swear I needed like fifteen minutes of deep breathing after I finished this book, because it really was a messed up story that had all my senses on alert during the whole ride.
“I was scared to fall. Not down the stairs. I wasn’t scared of bumps and bruises. That had never been my problem. I was scared of falling for him when I had no right to fall. Not again.”
One would think that this is an ordinary story where the hot guy mowing the lawn would meet the gorgeous beauty who runs in front of his house each Thursday, unravel some mysterious case of murder, get married and live happily ever after..
“I’m old. With old people problems. And I don’t understand why you’re being so nice to me. I haven’t been that nice to you. Or nice at all really. You should be hanging out with some 23 year old girl that...”
“Now why would I do that when I could have you.”
But then, out of nowhere, a shoe box shows up flipping all the cards, exposing the ugly truths and all the hidden lies.
I admit that the ending wasn't to my liking and I was like...
But there is no doubt that some stories aren't meant to get a happy ending because their perfection lays in the way they break many hearts.
“I wanted him. I wanted him desperately. That was why I threw insults his way. It was easier than admitting that I couldn’t have what I wanted. I needed him to become something I didn’t crave.”
April 9, 2018
4 Liar, Liar Stars
What threw me off initially is this book is tagged as a thriller… it is not it is more of a suspense book. Or may I think of thriller too literally like a bad guy with a knife and that’s just not what the book is.
This book is about Addy Bell who is a 30 year old housewife who is abused by her husband and is not allowed to leave the home but he works out of town Monday through Friday and Addy tries to have a life outside of it.
But I knew him too. I knew he got off on belittling me. Threatening me. Hurting me. And I prayed that this would be over soon. Not just this moment or this night. But us. Us and all the lies our relationship was built on. One of our hearts needed to stop beating. I just prayed it would be his.
She meets Ben who mows lawns and falls in love with him without ever speaking to him for months.
“All I had wanted for the past decade was to get away from my husband. It's the only thing I dreamed of. Well, that wasn't entirely true. Ever since I had first seen Ben mowing lawns, I had dreamed of him.”
So you figured out the book didn’t ya… she is totally going to cheat on her husband with ben.. a little affair to read about…
WRONG!!! Can you believe it!!!
This book is a super cute story of second chances, trying new things and falling in love.
But the last chapter of this book…. Will ruin your entire reading experience.. and by ruin I mean it gets amazinggg and you realize the book is not a series and you are just like OHHHH DAMNNNN
What threw me off initially is this book is tagged as a thriller… it is not it is more of a suspense book. Or may I think of thriller too literally like a bad guy with a knife and that’s just not what the book is.
This book is about Addy Bell who is a 30 year old housewife who is abused by her husband and is not allowed to leave the home but he works out of town Monday through Friday and Addy tries to have a life outside of it.
But I knew him too. I knew he got off on belittling me. Threatening me. Hurting me. And I prayed that this would be over soon. Not just this moment or this night. But us. Us and all the lies our relationship was built on. One of our hearts needed to stop beating. I just prayed it would be his.
She meets Ben who mows lawns and falls in love with him without ever speaking to him for months.
“All I had wanted for the past decade was to get away from my husband. It's the only thing I dreamed of. Well, that wasn't entirely true. Ever since I had first seen Ben mowing lawns, I had dreamed of him.”
So you figured out the book didn’t ya… she is totally going to cheat on her husband with ben.. a little affair to read about…
WRONG!!! Can you believe it!!!
This book is a super cute story of second chances, trying new things and falling in love.
But the last chapter of this book…. Will ruin your entire reading experience.. and by ruin I mean it gets amazinggg and you realize the book is not a series and you are just like OHHHH DAMNNNN
July 24, 2022
I haven't had a complete mindfuck of a book for a LONG time. Is some of it far-fetched and unrealistic? Of course, but it's also REALLY FUCKING FUN and I can't remember the last time I've been so entirely engrossed in a story.
Gone Girl who? Gillian Flynn what? Ivy Smoak is the only bitch alive.
May 28, 2018
4.5 STARS
I haven't read such a good thriller in a long while!! I was totally immersed in it!!
Review to come soon!
I haven't read such a good thriller in a long while!! I was totally immersed in it!!
Review to come soon!
March 25, 2018
3.25 stars
The Truth in My Lies is a psychological thriller filled with manipulation, lies and some batsh*t craziness about a 30-year-old woman, who in trying to escape her abusive husband, falls in love with a 23-year-old lawn boy. There’s a lot more going on than I can reveal--all I can say without giving too much away is that all is not what it seems.
Beautiful Adeline is trapped in an abusive marriage. Her husband has her on a strict regimen of medications and implores her not to leave the house. He travels during the week and only returns on weekends to enforce his control. She stays with him because he knows her deep, dark secrets and she fears he will either kill her or have her institutionalized. Thursday morning runs are the only bright spot in Adeline’s life, as her runs allow her to catch a glimpse of Ben, a young landscaper, mowing the lawn.
One morning, while gawking at Ben, she trips and falls and Ben becomes her knight in shining armor. Adeline fights her feelings for Ben but soon finds herself falling in love with him. Now that she has the motivation to leave her marriage, she will stop at nothing to take down her abusive husband.
I really am not sure how I feel about this book. Once all was revealed, my first reaction was that it was just all rather bizarre. I didn’t figure out what was going on until late into the book, which is something I liked. I found the writing to be a little stilted and I was left with some questions. Overall, this is a fast-paced, entertaining read with a twist. If you like books with unreliable narrators, then check this out!
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway!
The Truth in My Lies is a psychological thriller filled with manipulation, lies and some batsh*t craziness about a 30-year-old woman, who in trying to escape her abusive husband, falls in love with a 23-year-old lawn boy. There’s a lot more going on than I can reveal--all I can say without giving too much away is that all is not what it seems.
Beautiful Adeline is trapped in an abusive marriage. Her husband has her on a strict regimen of medications and implores her not to leave the house. He travels during the week and only returns on weekends to enforce his control. She stays with him because he knows her deep, dark secrets and she fears he will either kill her or have her institutionalized. Thursday morning runs are the only bright spot in Adeline’s life, as her runs allow her to catch a glimpse of Ben, a young landscaper, mowing the lawn.
One morning, while gawking at Ben, she trips and falls and Ben becomes her knight in shining armor. Adeline fights her feelings for Ben but soon finds herself falling in love with him. Now that she has the motivation to leave her marriage, she will stop at nothing to take down her abusive husband.
I really am not sure how I feel about this book. Once all was revealed, my first reaction was that it was just all rather bizarre. I didn’t figure out what was going on until late into the book, which is something I liked. I found the writing to be a little stilted and I was left with some questions. Overall, this is a fast-paced, entertaining read with a twist. If you like books with unreliable narrators, then check this out!
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway!
February 16, 2018
What an amazing book! I simply could not put this book down!
In a world where Addy believes that she’s no good, that the nature of people is either black or white, we sure do get spun into a whole lot of gray area, and in the best way.
As a shut-in, controlled by an abusive and often absent husband, she is understandably skittish around others. She only ventures out for a run in the mornings, which takes her past her handsome neighbor’s house. When they meet, and a relationship forms, the unraveling of the truth about Addy begins. She has been under a psychologists care and prescribed many psychiatric medications that she feels she has never needed, that her husband forces her to take to keep her under his control. But is that true? Or lies?
This concept was truly gripping, because as a reader, I was frequently oscillating between thoughts and ideas about who was guilty of what, what was real and what was not, and should I be suspicious of? You need to read this for yourself and I highly recommend it! A great conversation piece!
reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
In a world where Addy believes that she’s no good, that the nature of people is either black or white, we sure do get spun into a whole lot of gray area, and in the best way.
As a shut-in, controlled by an abusive and often absent husband, she is understandably skittish around others. She only ventures out for a run in the mornings, which takes her past her handsome neighbor’s house. When they meet, and a relationship forms, the unraveling of the truth about Addy begins. She has been under a psychologists care and prescribed many psychiatric medications that she feels she has never needed, that her husband forces her to take to keep her under his control. But is that true? Or lies?
This concept was truly gripping, because as a reader, I was frequently oscillating between thoughts and ideas about who was guilty of what, what was real and what was not, and should I be suspicious of? You need to read this for yourself and I highly recommend it! A great conversation piece!
reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
March 6, 2018
4 Stars
It's fun to step out of my normal and read a twisty suspense. This was definitely a ride on the crazy train, but buckle up because this was hard to put down.
It's fun to step out of my normal and read a twisty suspense. This was definitely a ride on the crazy train, but buckle up because this was hard to put down.
October 27, 2018
I didn't like this at all. It came across as very juvenile and also has a lot of mistakes in it. I got 15% in and gave up with it. Maybe it would be better badged for a YA audience. The 15% I read bore little relation to the premise of the story on Amazon. I'd not encountered this awful husband yet so he must work away or something......but that wasn't what we're led to believe.
She wrote physic and not physique, access and not assess, gravely and not gravelly and this line is awful English.....".....tried not to cringe by the lack of coasters" and this one too-"No one ever knocked on my door beside for the mailman"....just horribly written, like a teenager would speak !! This is the same, too-"A public display I couldn't bother to care about".......really ??
I read about someone lowering their eyebrows in the sexiest way possible but gave in when I read how she'd always be turned on if Ben was around......yet, we're supposed to believe from the synopsis that this is a terrorised wife.....hardly.
Sorry, not for me at all.
She wrote physic and not physique, access and not assess, gravely and not gravelly and this line is awful English.....".....tried not to cringe by the lack of coasters" and this one too-"No one ever knocked on my door beside for the mailman"....just horribly written, like a teenager would speak !! This is the same, too-"A public display I couldn't bother to care about".......really ??
I read about someone lowering their eyebrows in the sexiest way possible but gave in when I read how she'd always be turned on if Ben was around......yet, we're supposed to believe from the synopsis that this is a terrorised wife.....hardly.
Sorry, not for me at all.
August 10, 2018
Yuk
I'm not sure why I even kept reading this book. The characters were not developed.the plot was not believable. And if the main character "squeezed the bridge of her nose" one more time, I felt like I would like to squeeze it myself!
I'm not sure why I even kept reading this book. The characters were not developed.the plot was not believable. And if the main character "squeezed the bridge of her nose" one more time, I felt like I would like to squeeze it myself!
August 13, 2018
I wasn't to sure what to make of Addy when we first meet her. It's obvious that she is scared of her husband but that doesn't stop her falling for Ben, a local gardener.
Ben I really liked. He may only be 23 but he is very mature for his age and the attraction between both him and Addy is instant. Ben comes across as everything I think most women would want from a man and I don't mind admitting I had the hots for him also.
The story is told in the first person by Addy herself. Her head is a kind of mixed up place to be. She is understandably nervous and in constant fear of her husband. You can't help but feel sorry for her and want some sort of happy ending for her and Ben.
As the story unravels, it certainly holds more than a few shocks and surprises in store for the reader. My mind was working overtime, over thinking things and then trying to get my head around the revelations that were there right in front of me. It really is one you need to read for yourself and then beg your friends to read so you can talk about it.
The Truth In My Lies is a story that drew me in and held me there until the very last page. This is one read that is guaranteed to thrill and surprise the reader. A definite for fans of psychological thrillers. Will certainly be checking the authors other books out.
Ben I really liked. He may only be 23 but he is very mature for his age and the attraction between both him and Addy is instant. Ben comes across as everything I think most women would want from a man and I don't mind admitting I had the hots for him also.
The story is told in the first person by Addy herself. Her head is a kind of mixed up place to be. She is understandably nervous and in constant fear of her husband. You can't help but feel sorry for her and want some sort of happy ending for her and Ben.
As the story unravels, it certainly holds more than a few shocks and surprises in store for the reader. My mind was working overtime, over thinking things and then trying to get my head around the revelations that were there right in front of me. It really is one you need to read for yourself and then beg your friends to read so you can talk about it.
The Truth In My Lies is a story that drew me in and held me there until the very last page. This is one read that is guaranteed to thrill and surprise the reader. A definite for fans of psychological thrillers. Will certainly be checking the authors other books out.
March 20, 2018
4.5/5 stars
The Truth in My Lies is a standalone psychological thriller. The narrator is 30 year old Adeline Bell (1st person POV).
The book started out very strong for me. We find out that Adeline is married, but something crazy is going on with her husband. Adeline jogs past her neighbor Ben's house every Thursday morning. It seems like she is slightly obsessed with him.
I found the beginning super intriguing. I love it when the woman is a stalker or seems crazy. I was also definitely very fascinated by Adeline's husband right from the start. There were many things that I could not figure out.
This book has some dark elements and it was creepy. But it wasn't overly dark or graphic.
Right after the beginning the book leveled off a bit for me. There wasn't a lot happening. And it wasn't quite as interesting for me. However, that said the book did pick up a lot in the last half (it was crazy!). There was so much happening that it was almost hard to make sense of what was going on.
The last half of the book was definitely the strongest for me. There were so many twists and turns. I absolutely love books that don't completely make sense and that make you think. I had so many theories. I figured out parts of the truth. But this book is full of plot twists. And I loved that about the book. Although after getting to the end I re-read parts of the story. And there is still one thing that doesn't make sense to me after the reveals. Overall though this was a riveting psychological thriller. I love books that make me think!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Truth in My Lies is a standalone psychological thriller. The narrator is 30 year old Adeline Bell (1st person POV).
The book started out very strong for me. We find out that Adeline is married, but something crazy is going on with her husband. Adeline jogs past her neighbor Ben's house every Thursday morning. It seems like she is slightly obsessed with him.
I found the beginning super intriguing. I love it when the woman is a stalker or seems crazy. I was also definitely very fascinated by Adeline's husband right from the start. There were many things that I could not figure out.
This book has some dark elements and it was creepy. But it wasn't overly dark or graphic.
Right after the beginning the book leveled off a bit for me. There wasn't a lot happening. And it wasn't quite as interesting for me. However, that said the book did pick up a lot in the last half (it was crazy!). There was so much happening that it was almost hard to make sense of what was going on.
The last half of the book was definitely the strongest for me. There were so many twists and turns. I absolutely love books that don't completely make sense and that make you think. I had so many theories. I figured out parts of the truth. But this book is full of plot twists. And I loved that about the book. Although after getting to the end I re-read parts of the story. And there is still one thing that doesn't make sense to me after the reveals. Overall though this was a riveting psychological thriller. I love books that make me think!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2018
*** I received an advanced copy and chose to review it ***
** 100% spoiler-free review **
* 5 OMG Stars *
What did I just read? No seriously, I'm still in shock over this intense, AMAZING thriller from one of my favorite standout authors. Ivy Smoak has written a book that will shock and awe! Unlike any of her other books, The Truth in My Lies is a straight up thrilling mystery that you will not be able to put down. There's a side of romance but the main story here is one that you will not see coming. Smoak creates the perfect slate to wind this tale of truth, lies and the space in between. Adeline Bell is trapped in an unthinkable situation. You will feel her fear, her pain, her empowerment, her darkest moments and your heart will bleed for her. You will cheer for her and your pulse will race as she tries to find ways to escape her everyday existence. Ben Jones will swoop in and you will fall for this perfect young man and his offer of hope and salvation. Your heart will beat double time as truths are revealed and you will not put this book down until the very last word is read. This fast paced thrill ride will make you question everything you know and then some! You will not see the ending coming and that is what makes this story unique and fresh. Smoak smashes all perceptions and goes for the jugular with an ending that will leave you breathless. It's unforgettable and a delicious from start to finish!
** 100% spoiler-free review **
* 5 OMG Stars *
What did I just read? No seriously, I'm still in shock over this intense, AMAZING thriller from one of my favorite standout authors. Ivy Smoak has written a book that will shock and awe! Unlike any of her other books, The Truth in My Lies is a straight up thrilling mystery that you will not be able to put down. There's a side of romance but the main story here is one that you will not see coming. Smoak creates the perfect slate to wind this tale of truth, lies and the space in between. Adeline Bell is trapped in an unthinkable situation. You will feel her fear, her pain, her empowerment, her darkest moments and your heart will bleed for her. You will cheer for her and your pulse will race as she tries to find ways to escape her everyday existence. Ben Jones will swoop in and you will fall for this perfect young man and his offer of hope and salvation. Your heart will beat double time as truths are revealed and you will not put this book down until the very last word is read. This fast paced thrill ride will make you question everything you know and then some! You will not see the ending coming and that is what makes this story unique and fresh. Smoak smashes all perceptions and goes for the jugular with an ending that will leave you breathless. It's unforgettable and a delicious from start to finish!
April 7, 2018
4.5 Stars
The Truth in My Lies took me by surprise how suspenseful it was.The plot kept me hooked to every scene as I turn each page. Seriously, just when I thought I figured it out, then an unexpected twist will come along. It was an exceptionally well-written story and fascinating characters that will intrigue you. Ivy Smoak is a new author to me and she didn't disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more of her works in the near future. For a thrilling read, I highly recommend this book.
Note:*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Truth in My Lies took me by surprise how suspenseful it was.The plot kept me hooked to every scene as I turn each page. Seriously, just when I thought I figured it out, then an unexpected twist will come along. It was an exceptionally well-written story and fascinating characters that will intrigue you. Ivy Smoak is a new author to me and she didn't disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more of her works in the near future. For a thrilling read, I highly recommend this book.
Note:*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2019
This is not a good book, but like one of those magazines which is awful but you feel you can't stop reading. It reminded me of an erotic novel I read over a decade ago, written by a man but a female first person protagonist, and the levels of cringe were insane. In fairness, you absolutely could not see the twist coming, but that's because it was absolutely unintelligible. Saying that, I kept reading, so more fool me.
If I could give it 0 stars I still wouldn't, because I rightly or wrongly continued to read it to the end, because I'm a sucker for finding out the endings of these kinda stories. Definitely treat yourself to a different book that makes you feel less of a moron for continuing to the end though.
If I could give it 0 stars I still wouldn't, because I rightly or wrongly continued to read it to the end, because I'm a sucker for finding out the endings of these kinda stories. Definitely treat yourself to a different book that makes you feel less of a moron for continuing to the end though.
Read
March 21, 2018
The Truth in My Lies is Now Available:
Amazon: amzn.to/2BtuaWO
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
June 27, 2018
What did I just read?! Holy shit!
Such an interesting read. I have to say that this book grabbed me from start to end. And what an ending it was.
Such an interesting read. I have to say that this book grabbed me from start to end. And what an ending it was.
March 16, 2023
If you’re even remotely interested in reading this just jump in. Don’t read reviews first. Don’t talk to anyone who might drop a spoiler on you. Just suspend belief and go for it. It’s a helluva ride.
July 27, 2018
5 Bat-Crap-Crazy Stars!!
I am kicking myself for not reading this sooner (won this through Goodreads Giveaways back in April)!
Oh Adeline, you delightful little unreliable narrator you! I loved being in your head and going on this crazy little ride with you. After reading the description and up until about the last third of this book, I totally thought I knew how this was going to go down, but holy crap was I wrong! If you like your narrator unreliable and the type of twists that leave your mouth hanging open and culminate in WTF, read this book!
I am kicking myself for not reading this sooner (won this through Goodreads Giveaways back in April)!
Oh Adeline, you delightful little unreliable narrator you! I loved being in your head and going on this crazy little ride with you. After reading the description and up until about the last third of this book, I totally thought I knew how this was going to go down, but holy crap was I wrong! If you like your narrator unreliable and the type of twists that leave your mouth hanging open and culminate in WTF, read this book!
February 26, 2018
Well, this was an unexpected treasure! I took a chance on reading a new to me author, and it paid off this time. This is a twisted love story that ends up feeling like a puzzle. It gets REALLY crazy and I kind of feel like I need to read it a second time to see if I notice anything different. There were a couple of humorous moments sprinkled in to lighten the darkness. I can't say much more without giving anything away. Just trust me that it's worth a read.
July 22, 2018
Holy Smoaks!!!!
Wow!!!! That book blew me Away! Talk about a mindeff!!! This is definitely one of those. I thought I had the story figured out soo many times. But no, the author was just vague enough throughout the story to keep you guessing, but the story didn't drag. I really enjoyed it. I don't want to give anything away, but I felt the ending was perfect for the story. It won't make sense until you read it. very good!!!!! 😉😉😉😉
Wow!!!! That book blew me Away! Talk about a mindeff!!! This is definitely one of those. I thought I had the story figured out soo many times. But no, the author was just vague enough throughout the story to keep you guessing, but the story didn't drag. I really enjoyed it. I don't want to give anything away, but I felt the ending was perfect for the story. It won't make sense until you read it. very good!!!!! 😉😉😉😉
March 1, 2018
Love? what a preposterous thought. I didn't love anything. I didn't believe in love. But addiction? I believed in that.
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Lets start with the FIVE STARS!! 5 CRAZY OMG PSYCHO STARS!
WHAT THE WHAT DID I JUST READ?
The entire book had me guessing, creating theories, and pretty damn sure that I had figured it all out. I was wrong. Wrong about everything.
Adeline waits alone all week, every week for her husband to come home from business for the weekends. She scrubs the house on Fridays and loses her yoga pants and tank tops for floral dresses and pearl button cardigans. Her husband is home every Friday at the same time and he expects all of this. A clean house and a wife in a dress who takes her pills like a good girl and obeys his every word.
Adeline is also addicted to the lawn care boy next door. Its a dangerous addiction and could cost her and the lawn boy their lives if her husband finds out. Her husband is a bad man. Adeline tells us so. Adeline tells us a lot. And its realllllly really good. I suggest you hang on to her every word.....
I can't give any more of this story because I'm afraid I will spoil it for others. I really enjoyed how the author made Adeline so likable and made me want to protect her.
I like the author's writing style as well. There were many conversations that really had me laughing out loud.
I would recommend this book to friends and I will leave you with my 5 stars. FIVE BRIGHT SHINY OMG stars! #CrazyAssHousewife #Truth #Lies #HotLawnBoy #TwistyHallofFame
**Thank you #NetGalley for my free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review posted on both Netgalley and Goodreads.**
****************************************************************
Lets start with the FIVE STARS!! 5 CRAZY OMG PSYCHO STARS!
WHAT THE WHAT DID I JUST READ?
The entire book had me guessing, creating theories, and pretty damn sure that I had figured it all out. I was wrong. Wrong about everything.
Adeline waits alone all week, every week for her husband to come home from business for the weekends. She scrubs the house on Fridays and loses her yoga pants and tank tops for floral dresses and pearl button cardigans. Her husband is home every Friday at the same time and he expects all of this. A clean house and a wife in a dress who takes her pills like a good girl and obeys his every word.
Adeline is also addicted to the lawn care boy next door. Its a dangerous addiction and could cost her and the lawn boy their lives if her husband finds out. Her husband is a bad man. Adeline tells us so. Adeline tells us a lot. And its realllllly really good. I suggest you hang on to her every word.....
I can't give any more of this story because I'm afraid I will spoil it for others. I really enjoyed how the author made Adeline so likable and made me want to protect her.
I like the author's writing style as well. There were many conversations that really had me laughing out loud.
I would recommend this book to friends and I will leave you with my 5 stars. FIVE BRIGHT SHINY OMG stars! #CrazyAssHousewife #Truth #Lies #HotLawnBoy #TwistyHallofFame
**Thank you #NetGalley for my free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review posted on both Netgalley and Goodreads.**
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