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Beautiful Lies #1
His Other Wife
Anouk:
In just one moment everything was taken from me. My husband, my trust, my world. One rainy day in London when I found out that my darling, my Shawn had another wife. Had children.
The day I found out he was a liar.
I fled, back to my hometown of Seattle, and I vowed never to let anyone that close to me again.
But then he walked into my gallery… Knox Zapata.
He’s arrogant, and he thinks he’s irresistible.
But he’s never met someone like me before.
This is my work, my solace and no playboy artist is going to ruin that for me.
Not even one as gorgeous as Knox Zapata…
Knox:
I know it’s time I grew up. I’m almost forty, single and yeah, okay, my career is nearing its peak and I have all the money and women I could ever want…
But this isn’t me. Not really.
I miss my family. My brother, my twin-brother and my younger sister.
My dad.
I ran from the family, from the business he built from nothing, to become an artist
And I did…
But at what cost?
Now I’m back home in Seattle and I want to be a part of something, something real…
I never expected that something to be Anouk Devi.
She called me out on my arrogance the first time we met and I knew, right there, that this was someone who would change my life.
And she did.
Anouk has her ghosts too and for the second time in my life, a woman I love is in terrible danger.
Can I save her and in the process, save myself?
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2019
105 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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October 2, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/2/2019)! 🎁
May 26, 2019
When I read this, no other readers have written a review, so let me try to give you an idea of why my rating on Goodreads and many others are on the low side.
First, I think this book is mislabelled in the romance category. It was more a thriller and then sometimes a romance? In fact it felt like I was flipping between two different books - there was no cohesion in tone (or pace maybe?) between the thriller side and the romance side of the story. On top of this, the thriller wasn’t very thrilling as the author leaves almost no details to the imagination so there was no shock to what was happening. And the romance was weak, it wasn’t passionate or hot and heavy and was really lacking depth between the characters.
Overall the writing style lacked passion or emotion. I was not drawn in by the reading. The blurb sounded interesting, the cover looked the part of a protector trope romance so I took a shot at it. At 34% I checked the Goodreads ratings and started to worry. By then the book felt like it had been going on forever and yet it had gotten no where. At 43% I felt like I should have been at the 70%+ mark. The author could have wrapped the story up neatly at that point with a climax and resolution and it would have been a complete story. I carried on because 1) I hate giving up on stories and 2) I wanted to be able to give an honest review and needed to finish it for that purpose.
This book could be very easily split into two stories. Or cut in half to eliminate some of the repetition, the useless conjecture (because we all know what was going to happen) and maybe a few less crises because many of them didn’t add to the progression of the story, rather slowed it down.
This one felt like work to finish.
First, I think this book is mislabelled in the romance category. It was more a thriller and then sometimes a romance? In fact it felt like I was flipping between two different books - there was no cohesion in tone (or pace maybe?) between the thriller side and the romance side of the story. On top of this, the thriller wasn’t very thrilling as the author leaves almost no details to the imagination so there was no shock to what was happening. And the romance was weak, it wasn’t passionate or hot and heavy and was really lacking depth between the characters.
Overall the writing style lacked passion or emotion. I was not drawn in by the reading. The blurb sounded interesting, the cover looked the part of a protector trope romance so I took a shot at it. At 34% I checked the Goodreads ratings and started to worry. By then the book felt like it had been going on forever and yet it had gotten no where. At 43% I felt like I should have been at the 70%+ mark. The author could have wrapped the story up neatly at that point with a climax and resolution and it would have been a complete story. I carried on because 1) I hate giving up on stories and 2) I wanted to be able to give an honest review and needed to finish it for that purpose.
This book could be very easily split into two stories. Or cut in half to eliminate some of the repetition, the useless conjecture (because we all know what was going to happen) and maybe a few less crises because many of them didn’t add to the progression of the story, rather slowed it down.
This one felt like work to finish.
Read
April 18, 2019#DNF 37%
December 14, 2021
Excellent Romantic Suspense
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.
This is the first book in a series of standalone novels. This means there is no cliffhanger.
Anouka is happily married to Shawn. Growing up in foster care in Seattle, when she met him he swept her off her feet and made her feel loved for the first time. After graduation they moved to London to start a new life together. For five years they have been deliriously happy, especially as her career is finally established and she has had success. Life couldn’t be any better, until she receives evidence that she isn’t really married at all because he already has a wife and children.
Fleeing to Seattle to stay with her best friend her old boss manages to get her a new job where she meets the arrogant, talented and gorgeous Knox.
Knox is a successful artist. He grew up in Seattle, the son of a wealthy businessman. His father never agreed with his choice of career and cut him off from his trust fund. He moved to Germany to start his art career with his best friend Jeremiah managing him. He’s been in touch with his much younger sister and he chooses to move back to Seattle to try and connect with his family again. When he meets Anouka he is knocked off his feet and falls hard for her.
This is a complex and interesting romance. It is filled with fascinating characters, not just the main ones. The supporting characters all have a strong role to play in the narrative and as such we start to get to know them too, and I’m sure they’ll have a chance to shine in future books in the series.
The plot to this book is complex with many important facets. There is the romance part of the book which is central, but the suspense aspect is also a vital component, along with family and friendship.
I only have a few reservations about the book which are really only personal rather than relating to the quality of the writing, which is excellent. I felt that Anouka made some pretty stupid choices after her ex turned up. She kept secrets that could affect her safety. That sort of behaviour in a book makes me nuts. It feels like it’s only there for the sake of the plot, however I know that people who are skilled liars and manipulators are accomplished at getting what they want from people. Knox also behaved like a spoiled brat a couple of times which filled me with rage. Then you have to remember that people often act out when they get scared.
Apart from the glaring character flaws above, I did actually like Anouka and Knox a lot. Anouka in particular was warm, intelligent, filled with joie de vivre. She was strong (for the most part) and compassionate. Knox was talented, arrogant and self-aware. He was loving and protective. I think my favourite character was Flynn, Knox’s little sister who was lively, intelligent and loving. She was also tremendously brave and strong and really was the heart of her family. Her relationship with Anouka was lovely.
This was a really good book, and I’m very tempted to download the next in the series, which appears to be about Levi, Knox’s twin brother. I’ve not come across this author before, but I’ll be keeping an eye out for her work as this was a very absorbing book.
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.
This is the first book in a series of standalone novels. This means there is no cliffhanger.
Anouka is happily married to Shawn. Growing up in foster care in Seattle, when she met him he swept her off her feet and made her feel loved for the first time. After graduation they moved to London to start a new life together. For five years they have been deliriously happy, especially as her career is finally established and she has had success. Life couldn’t be any better, until she receives evidence that she isn’t really married at all because he already has a wife and children.
Fleeing to Seattle to stay with her best friend her old boss manages to get her a new job where she meets the arrogant, talented and gorgeous Knox.
Knox is a successful artist. He grew up in Seattle, the son of a wealthy businessman. His father never agreed with his choice of career and cut him off from his trust fund. He moved to Germany to start his art career with his best friend Jeremiah managing him. He’s been in touch with his much younger sister and he chooses to move back to Seattle to try and connect with his family again. When he meets Anouka he is knocked off his feet and falls hard for her.
This is a complex and interesting romance. It is filled with fascinating characters, not just the main ones. The supporting characters all have a strong role to play in the narrative and as such we start to get to know them too, and I’m sure they’ll have a chance to shine in future books in the series.
The plot to this book is complex with many important facets. There is the romance part of the book which is central, but the suspense aspect is also a vital component, along with family and friendship.
I only have a few reservations about the book which are really only personal rather than relating to the quality of the writing, which is excellent. I felt that Anouka made some pretty stupid choices after her ex turned up. She kept secrets that could affect her safety. That sort of behaviour in a book makes me nuts. It feels like it’s only there for the sake of the plot, however I know that people who are skilled liars and manipulators are accomplished at getting what they want from people. Knox also behaved like a spoiled brat a couple of times which filled me with rage. Then you have to remember that people often act out when they get scared.
Apart from the glaring character flaws above, I did actually like Anouka and Knox a lot. Anouka in particular was warm, intelligent, filled with joie de vivre. She was strong (for the most part) and compassionate. Knox was talented, arrogant and self-aware. He was loving and protective. I think my favourite character was Flynn, Knox’s little sister who was lively, intelligent and loving. She was also tremendously brave and strong and really was the heart of her family. Her relationship with Anouka was lovely.
This was a really good book, and I’m very tempted to download the next in the series, which appears to be about Levi, Knox’s twin brother. I’ve not come across this author before, but I’ll be keeping an eye out for her work as this was a very absorbing book.
August 5, 2019
Good
I must say this book kept me guessing until the end. It didn't turn out the way I thought it was but it was still good.
I must say this book kept me guessing until the end. It didn't turn out the way I thought it was but it was still good.
November 2, 2020
Wicked lies!
She's almost a partner in a prestigious London art gallery, married and happy. Until the day she finds out her husband is already married with children. She immediately packs up and heads back to America. Still in the art business she meets, befriends, and falls in love with an artist no less.
Of course, true love never runs smoothly, especially as a certain ex wants her back!
Now, the premise to this book was really good, disturbing and sick at times but good but...yeah, sorry, there's a but! I felt the two main characters, who were twenty something and thirty something, acted and spoke like young teenagers. There's also a lot of angst, disturbing scenes and sex scenes within, that should've had the reader hot under the collar, biting one's nails, or crying like an idiot...It didn't make me do any of these things! It just lacked any emotional pull for me.
It was also in serious need of editing but I did find it free. 2 1/2🌟🌟
She's almost a partner in a prestigious London art gallery, married and happy. Until the day she finds out her husband is already married with children. She immediately packs up and heads back to America. Still in the art business she meets, befriends, and falls in love with an artist no less.
Of course, true love never runs smoothly, especially as a certain ex wants her back!
Now, the premise to this book was really good, disturbing and sick at times but good but...yeah, sorry, there's a but! I felt the two main characters, who were twenty something and thirty something, acted and spoke like young teenagers. There's also a lot of angst, disturbing scenes and sex scenes within, that should've had the reader hot under the collar, biting one's nails, or crying like an idiot...It didn't make me do any of these things! It just lacked any emotional pull for me.
It was also in serious need of editing but I did find it free. 2 1/2🌟🌟
September 29, 2020
His Other Wife
This started with Nook finding out that the man she married was already married to another woman. And was a father. She ends up leaving England and moving to Washington State to get away from him. She Mets the man of her dreams. Knox has issues that he has been trying to overcome. But when she needs him will he be able to keep her safe from her stalker ex? What happens when the bodies start piling up? Will she get her safe loving ending?
This started with Nook finding out that the man she married was already married to another woman. And was a father. She ends up leaving England and moving to Washington State to get away from him. She Mets the man of her dreams. Knox has issues that he has been trying to overcome. But when she needs him will he be able to keep her safe from her stalker ex? What happens when the bodies start piling up? Will she get her safe loving ending?
December 13, 2021
This was an okay read. No suspense and a few steamy sex scenes. I didn’t care much for Anouk. You’ve got a crazy stalker and you play it down and don’t tell anyone?? After what her Ex did I would let everyone know. Her friends were in danger and she decides to meet for coffee? I liked the flow of the dialogue and some of the emotional issues worked well with the story, but this could have been so much better. This is my first read by this author.
December 11, 2021
Don't know what happened but want more
Feeling a bit stunned with so much happening in this story! Looking forward to reading more though - just as well I have another three books lined up!
Has it all ya know ... strong likeable characters, love & good sex
Feeling a bit stunned with so much happening in this story! Looking forward to reading more though - just as well I have another three books lined up!
Has it all ya know ... strong likeable characters, love & good sex
April 12, 2019
3 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 23, 2019
Fantastic book
A different story that is quit amazing. It has highs and lows, romance and suspense. I loved this book and can't wait to read more from this author.
A different story that is quit amazing. It has highs and lows, romance and suspense. I loved this book and can't wait to read more from this author.
August 7, 2019
I enjoyed both leading characters. When the wife came to Nook to tell her everything, she still had doubts because she thought he loved her, until she saw the real psycho he was.
September 4, 2019
This book was definitely intriguing. I was a bit confused at first but quickly figured out what was going to happen. It definitely is a book worth reading.
January 7, 2020
Loved this story from beginning to end
July 1, 2021
I enjoyed this book the story was different and a good author
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews