Convenient Lies

Hidden Truths #1

by Robin Patchen

She married her enemy… 

When investigative journalist Reagan McAdams discovers her new husband is part of an international crime family, she flees Paris with their newborn and returns to her childhood home in New Hampshire to gather enough money to disappear forever. She’ll do whatever it takes to protect her son from his criminal father.

He never quit loving her. 

Rae’s first love, Brady Thomas, discovers she’s home and in trouble. She won't tell him what's going on, but he's a detective. He'll figure it out. He’s going to protect her and her son, whether she wants his help or not. 

Her enemy nears.

Rae would love nothing more than to fall into Brady's arms, to allow him to protect her and her son, but getting involved with him will only put Brady on harm’s way. When Rae's husband closes in, she has to decide what—and whom—she’ll sacrifice to save her son. 

Buy Convenient Lies today, and binge read all night. 

Genres: Suspense, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Mystery, Christian Fiction, Contemporary

420 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2016

About the author

Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. After college, working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball-and-chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit https://robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.

Reviews

[Bibi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tsk tsk

*Spoilers*

As much as it pains me I can’t but rate this as is, and it all boils down to momentum.

In broad strokes, the story is about, Reagan, a woman with many secrets, who decides to run away from Paris and from her hubby, Julien. In tow is their brand spanking newborn. Well, Reagan, you see, discovered that Julien was not who he portrayed himself to be and not only that, she also had information that linked him and his family to terrorists activities.

She heads back to the US and lands in her New Hampshire hometown, where she immediately reacquaints with, Brady, her high school BF and first love. At this point, Julien had discovered her disappearance, and knowing she can’t ever leave and most certainly not with his son, he embarks on a retrieval mission. What he doesn’t know is that most, if not all, of Reagan’s backstory had been no more than carefully orchestrated lies which makes finding her near on impossible.

All of the above transpired before the halfway mark, however, and sadly, the story then sputtered into redundancy; with the subsequent 40% revolving around a permanently tearful/crying Reagan, a fearful and inept Brady, and a hungry baby. Between feeding the baby and the crying by Reagan and the lukewarm pseudo love connection with Rea and Brady, the story never gains any meaningful arc.

Eventually, and only at the very end, we glimpse a rather lackluster resolution to the conflict, all wrapped up in a deus ex machina bow. Overall, quite underwhelming.

[Coco.V]

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[Patricia Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell you, don't start this book thinking you'll read a couple of chapters and lay it down and go to sleep. No siree. I started it at 8 p.m. and at 11:30, I'm thinking, I really need to go to sleep...just one more chapter...and that turned into The End at 12:40 a.m. So be warned.

Convenient Lies drew me in immediately. The book opened with Reagan McAdams taking her twelve-day-old baby and fleeing her husband. I had to find out why. Then I had to find out if she would escape his reach. And how Tom Brady (no, not that Tom Brady) would help her. And why did she run away from Tom in the first place? He was her one true love. Robin answers those questions and more in this taut, fast-paced suspense. Oh, and there's a search for gold coins that figures into the story. This was my first Robin Patchen book, but it won't be my last. In fact, I already have Twisted Lies downloaded.

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Robin Patchen had me hooked. It was a struggle to set this down so I could do important stuff, like homework.
I found the pacing to be quite good. There was time between the action but never enough that my interest wandered.
All the different aspects of the story were engaging and I really enjoyed as Rae recounted her past throughout the novel. It brought a lot of insight as to who she is and why she made the choices that she did.
Patchen proved that she can write a great suspense novel and I will definitely be coming back for more of her books in the future.
Rating: 5/5
Crude Language: one use of the 'a' word
Romance: a kiss
Spiritual: not much, Rae prays sometimes
Violence: quite a bit but nothing detailed
*I received a copy of this novel from the author/JustRead Tours. A positive review was not required and all thoughts are my own.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a suspense novel, I'm looking for a pager turner and plausibility. Convenient Lies was most definitely a page turner and I was engaged in the story from the beginning. There was one point that I'm not sure if it was realistic or not, but it could be so will tip the scale in that direction.

Main character Rae is trying to find a better life for her and her son. The path to getting there is incredibly dangerous and risky. She is a tough lady.

My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Christine Indorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a month for new and wonderful writers. I saw this writer recommended on Goodreads and had to try it. I am so glad I did. I was looking for a Christian Thriller author and I definitely found one!! Regan just had a baby with her husband Julien. What Julien doesn't know is that Robin found out he is in illegal gun running and sex trafficking. She runs back to her Grandmother but when she gets there she finds out her Grandmother died a few weeks back. So she runs into her old love, Brady. Brady, a cop, knows that Regan is not telling all to the story of why she is home. Persistence, he slowly finds out why she is running and is determined to help her get away from her husband. As time goes on he starts to fall back in love with Regan especially when he finds out she isn't really married to Julien. Can they come back to each other while saving Regan and the baby? Loved this story!! The storyline of Regan and why she is running is amazing. Each chapter you wonder will she make it or will Julien find her? You do follow the perspective of all 3 character and you get into the mind of Julien. Eventhough he is a bad guy you see why he is stuck in a business he really doesn't want to be in. Will he find Regan? Only time will tell. If you are into thrillers this book is for you. I read it in a day because I really couldn't put it down. I can't wait to get to book 2 in her series. Read and enjoy!!

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

If you like a intense suspense with high stakes, Convenient Lies is a book you should consider picking up.

Rachel/Reagan/Rae makes the difficult choice to leave her husband when she discovers some disturbing things. Believing she’s covered her tracks, she returns to her grandmother’s home in Nutfield. But plans don’t as well as she hoped.

While this story did sag a little bit in the middle, and Rae gets a little wishy-washy crying on Brady’s shoulder one minute and deciding she’s going to do everything on her own the next, the ending is well worth hanging in there. It’s not quite what I expected but definitely satisfying.

Readers get a little bit of a feel for the town and a few of the people who live there (more so from Rae’s memories than her present as she’s hiding out). And the romance is a slow burn that is patiently fanned over the course of the story.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author quickly drew me into the story line, and kept things moving, all the way through. I thought I "knew" how it might end; but in this truly suspenseful novel, I was wrong! It is full of well-developed characters, some of which face danger. Romance is included, too. I look forward to the next book in this series!

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, this was a great thriller with suspense and danger never ending. I also loved the shorter chapters, because it added to that Adrenalin rush feeling.

The ending was quite surprising since throughout the book we see the lengths Rae’s husband will go to to find her.

This is a clean read. However, I will recommend this to readers over 18.

Rating 3.5

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love finding books that may have released a while ago, but for whatever reason I haven't read them. This is one of those books, and it makes me already want to read the rest of the series. Patchen provides an interesting story, unique back stories, and a suspenseful atmosphere that leaves the reader wanting more!

Rae was so interesting to me. As a mom I could totally connect with her desire to protect her little one. And her investigative instincts were fun to see - she was for sure a determined character. One thing that did both me was the way she was with Brady sometimes. I don't like heroines that can't make up their mind, and when it came to Brady it seemed like she was all over the place. That's not necessarily bad writing, it's just a character fault lol. But when they were together, and real with each other, I really enjoyed reading those scenes.

One thing that surprised me was how easily Patchen made me feel empathy for the bad guy - Julien. You have this impression of him, based on Rae's perspective of of course, and it's not a great one. But then Patchen slips in Julien's POV throughout the story, and it really got to me. There is more to Julien then Rae thinks, she just doesn't realize it. He's a man who struggles with acceptance, mostly from his father. I can totally understand that, and almost feel sorry for him. But then he does things that make me question how I do feel about his character. I mean, my emotions for him were all over the place, and honestly - I like it when at author does that with a villian. Kind of reminds us that they are just people after all.

I think suspense fans would enjoy this book, and I assume the series. I know I'll be looking at the other books in this series very soon! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a scary scenario and I loved the book. I wasn't sure how the author was going to wrap it up and there is a surprise to how it ends. I give my approval. So if you suspense, drama and sudden twists and their are several of them, you are going to enjoy this book.

[Loraine Nunley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The suspense hits right away as Rae runs away from her husband and his criminal connections. While I struggled with her character at the beginning, I was drawn into the suspense as her husband comes after her. This was definitely a page turner for me and the ending was interesting and satisfying.

[Michelle, The Book Critic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a book in the JustRead's blind tours. I was silently crossing my fingers at the point because 1.) I was excited to read it, 2.) I was nervous I wouldn't like it. Of course, I didn't have to be too worried. By the time I got to page one, I was already flipping the pages faster than it took the time to blink!
Let me tell ya if ya haven't figured it out already... I LOVED it so much!
Most thrillers contain a lot of characters that makes it hard to remember them properly, unless they have interesting personalities that contribute to the plot. This book had an average amount with good characters which I am pleased about.
Convenient Lies is suspenseful, dramatic and addicting. Patchen's idea for the plot was 100% perfect and original. I don't think I have read anything like this. This book sure is unique! Mixed in with some romance and regret, you get genres that work side by side correctly.
I love how Reagan struggled with her trust issues, but, learned that in the end, to work besides the ones that care for her the most.
All in all, a great read! I would highly recommend this to anyone.

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you cross a desperate lady running for her life and a detective who still carries a flame for her? You get suspense, intrigue, romance, drama, and an edge of your seat thriller. In this story you met Rae who decides to go on the run with her newborn son once she discovers she has married a terrorist. But what do you need to live life on the run - money. So her journey begins in her hometown where she hopes to find some gold coins her father had hidden years ago to fund her life on the run. While there, she crosses paths with an old beau Brady who is a police detective. Brady can tell something is going on with Rae but she refuses to tell him anything as she is worried for his life. Rae knows her husband will stop at nothing to find her and their son. So Rae is forced to choice between confiding in Brady and protecting him.

This is just when the drama heats up as several bombings make it clear to Rae that her husband is desperate to find them and is closing in. But Brady wouldn't just leave well enough alone, he keeps drilling her for information and as they spend more and more time together, the old flames of romance begin to bloom once again. But can their be any future for them with Rae on the run from her husband. Can Brady come up with a plan to help Rae in time. How many lives will be lost in the process? Is there any hope in this hopeless situation?

Highly recommend this suspenseful drama. Get a copy and prepare to be drawn into Rae and Brady's lives and to not want to put the book down. And I have to say that the ending will surprise you and no I am not going to give you any clues.

[Kelly Tyree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convenient Lies is an edge of your seat book. It grips you from page one and keeps you engaged right up to the exciting end.

Reagan McAdams is married to Julien who is an international arms dealer. They have a two week old baby, Johnny. Reagan learns Julien is engaged in activities that are illegal and immoral. She takes their son and leaves him. She returns to the home of her grandmother with the intent of going into hiding. She knows it is a matter of time before Julien or his very powerful father finds her and Johnny. When she returns home, she learns her grandmother has passed away. She is also reunited with her Brady, the man she has never stopped loving. She is also reunited with her friend, Samantha. She does not want to be around them because she fears for their safety if Julien finds out she has associated with them. But Brady is not willing to lose Reagan again and will stop at nothing to protect her and Johnny.

Meanwhile, Julien is intent on finding Reagan and bringing her back home. He needs his son, his only heir, to return home as well so that he may take over the family business. Julien employs many methods to locate Reagan. As Reagan realizes she is endangering the lives of others by remaining on the run. She is forced to make tough decisions to protect Johnny. All her plans are changed when she receives a call from Julien and he is at her home with her son.

Convenient Lies is well written and keeps the reader engaged.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Robin Patchen that I have read. I was quite pleased for the most part with the story. The title seems quite appropriate for the story. A woman who has changed her identity to escape the infamy of a childhood deed has married a man who has kept his real identity hidden from her. He is the son of a major international crime boss. Their reasons are different but both are living a lie. Are there varying degrees of lies? Are the lies of one any worse than the lies of the other? Are their lies going to bring harm to anyone? She is an investigative journalist and learns who he really is. Can she get away from him and protect their newborn son from his criminal father? Well, grab the book and read along to see all the excitement as they play hide and seek all over the world. The book is loaded with suspense, action, and some romance. And the lies continue. You are probably familiar with some of the old sayings about one lie leads to another and so on. The more lies you tell, the easier it is to keep lying. The big question is whether the lies will ever end. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.

[Raechel Lenore · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, print copy
"Convenient Lies" was a surprise "Blind Date With a Book" adventure, and a fantastic adventure it was! This was my first book to read by this author, but I don't think it will be my last - I really enjoyed it.  The suspense was well done, and the whole plot had me intrigued. I really liked all of the characters, and felt like they were all well constructed with realistic stories and actions. Even Julian who was the 'bad guy' was a character I felt for. So that was impressive! The story moved at a decent pace, and unfolded well. I really liked the whole thing. It is a clean read more than a Christian read, though there are subtle hints at faith towards the end mostly. Nothing major or anything, but it wasn't completely without mention of God. But there was also an instance where God's name was taken in vain, which I didn't care for.That aside, it was an engaging story, and I think suspense lovers will especially enjoy it!Thanks for the copy to the author and JustRead Tours!

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Investigative journalist Reagan McAdams wakes up one day to discover her secure Paris life is an illusion. Her husband is not who she thinks he is, and she's married into a dangerous international crime family. She flees with her newborn to her hometown of Nutfield. She plans to take her inheritance and disappear with her grandma and son. Only when she arrives, she finds her grandma has recently passed away, her deceased parents had secrets, and, once again, nothing is as it seems. When her high school sweetheart, officer Brady Thomas, re-enters her life, she feels safe for the first time in years. Are things, again, an illusion? Or is her life finally falling into place?

With twists and turns and gripping prose, this book answers the question can you con a con artist? Another thrill ride from Patchen.

[Terry Houchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

The action starts right on the first page. I immediately liked Rae and wanted her to be able to get away from Julien. I was pulling for her to be able to make a home in New Hampshire through out the whole book. I was afraid she was going to panic and run away and be on the run looking over her shoulder for the rest of her life.

The tension in this book is perfect. It is paced just right.

Quite a few twists I didn't see coming. I love it when that happens!

If Romantic Suspense is your genre, then this is the book for you. It is a stand alone book. I can't say if you need to read this one before you can read the next book since I haven't read the next book, Twisted Lies, yet.

I can't wait to get get the other two books in the series.

Convenient Lies is on sale on Amazon Kindle for 99 cents right now.

[Sharon Srock · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Convenient Lies, Robin Patchen delivers a story of a small town girl caught up in a dangerous international crime family. What Reagan thought was love has turned into control. When her son is born she knows his future is at stake and she runs home to the only people who might be able to help her. The story is tightly woven, the action fast paced, and the characters are multifaceted. You'll be on the edge of your seat long before you reach the final page.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced terror-filled book that will hold you spell-bound! When Rae finds evidence that her husband has not been honest with her and goes completely against what she holds true, she takes her baby and runs. From Tunis to Paris to the US, Rae runs to protect herself and her baby from the terrorism that shows itself in his father's family. This book will hold your attention from the first word until the last word.

[Lori Shankle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Me. Patches was able to weave a very convincing story filled with action, danger, love and compassion. The more I read the more I wanted to keep reading. Anyone who loves love, HEA, danger and the thrill of the chase will love this book. I received this book free as a ARC. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review

[Juli Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Robin that I've read and not my typical genre, I was engrossed by the first chapter. Loved the storyline and the characters were well developed. Definitely recommend it. Looking forward to reading more by her.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! A real page turner, could not put it down.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very suspenseful book. Really enjoyed reading. Felt very modern. Kept me wondering how it could end in a good way. Worth reading for sure

[Clare Revell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner. Throughly enjoyed it.

[Maria]

I really enjoy this book, it was thrilling and unexpected how it was developed, it s well writed , good descriptions of Characters and the sorroundings, it s a good book

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Page turner! I couldn't put it down until I reached the end.

[Tanya (FaithAndFictionReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!

I was immediately hooked and had a hard time putting this book down. It was so good and full of action. Our FMC Rae takes her 12 day old baby and leaves her husband. As the story unfolds her reason to flee her husband, other things are exposed as she arrives in her hometown. This was a really good suspense book with high stakes. I really love how Robin Patchen wrapped everything up in the end! This was my first Robin Patchen book, but it definitely won't be my last! I will be continuing this series. Highly recommend if you love clean suspense novels. 

[Johnnie Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Robin Patchen, and I'm eager to begin the next one in the series. We often write in reviews that we like a story because of the "complex characters"...I believe Robin takes that complexity even deeper with her antagonist. Definitely recommend!