Twisted Lies

Twisted Pine Academy #1

by Kai Juniper

The series is complete! Addictive. Steamy. The series you can't put down! Binge read all four books now! "You don’t belong here." That’s what they said when I showed up at Twisted Pine Academy. As if I wanted to be there. I’d do anything to go back to my life in New York instead of living in California with my egomaniac uncle and his spoiled-rotten sons. The only good thing about being here is Jackson. Hot-as-hell and filthy rich, he ditched Twisted Pine to play football for Legion, the rival public school. Now everyone at Twisted Pine hates him, especially my cousin, Braden, which makes me want Jackson even more. Braden rules Twisted Pine and everyone in it. If Braden finds out I’m with Jackson, he’ll use his power to ruin me. Let him try. My loyalty is with Jackson, and I won’t let anyone tear us apart. Together we’re going to take down Braden and his kingdom at Twisted Pine. They think I don’t belong there? I don’t. But now that I’m here….watch out. Contains dark themes and coarse language intended for a mature audience.

Genres: Sports, Dark, New Adult, Romance, High School, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2019

About the author

I write about hot-as-sin guys and the badass girls that love them.

Reviews

[Bookishness · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need the next book yesterday! This was such a fun, fast-paced read. I’m completely hooked and already want more of Rumour and Jackson’s forbidden relationship. I’m also hoping for more drama with Axl and more moments with the grumpy cousins.

There are clearly so many secrets and lies surrounding this family, and I’m really curious about what’s going on with her father. I can’t shake the feeling that there’s manipulation involved somewhere in all of this.

I also loved the California vibe everyone being so health-obsessed with their diet restrictions—while our NYC girl is just like, give me soda and chips! That contrast was hilarious and added a lot of personality to the story.

One thing that did frustrate me a bit was how bratty Rumour acted toward her uncle and cousins at times. I understand she was going through something incredibly painful with her mother dying, but she came across a little ungrateful. If it wasn’t for her uncle, she could have easily ended up in foster care, so that part bothered me a little.

I’m also very curious about Braden’s intentions. Is he part of the secrets too? And what really happened between him and Jackson? There are so many unanswered questions.

Overall, this book is full of secrets, tension, and drama, and I’m really hoping we get a lot of answers in Book 2.


Pre-read~

"An angsty, dark romance of forbidden love" (oh I am sat)
Received an ARC, I am starting this today!

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanting to get back into reading bully romance as I had stepped away from it, I decided to pick up Twisted Lies by Kai Juniper. In this book, we meet Rumour Bennett whose mother has just passed away. Seeing as her dad is in rehab, she has no-one but her uncle to be her guardian. Now Rumour is leaving everything she has ever known including her boyfriend Axel and headed to LA to live with her uncle Brody and his two sons. When she arrives, she is in for a surprise as she has now gone into a life filled with wealth and celebrities and a private school - Twisted Pine Academy. While in town, she meets Jackson Novak and the sparks fly but things won't be easy as turns out that Jackson is arch-enemies with Braden - Rumour's cousin as it turns out that a few people have passed away and it seems that it surrounds both Braden and Jackson. I have to admit, I had hoped to find out more about Rumour's dad as it seems he isn't actually in Rehab and is now a mystery and also I didn't quite like the way that Brody treated the maid and glad that Rumour and Axel broke up as hated the way he treated her. I am now curious to read Book #2 as I hope to find out more about her Rumour's dad.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ Blurb-
I showed up at Twisted Pine Academy. As if I wanted to be there. I’d do anything to go back to my life in New York instead of living in California with my egomaniac uncle and his spoiled-rotten sons. The only good thing about being here is Jackson. Hot-as-hell and filthy rich, he ditched Twisted Pine to play football for Legion, the rival public school. Now everyone at Twisted Pine hates him, especially my cousin, Braden, which makes me want Jackson even more. Braden rules Twisted Pine and everyone in it. If Braden finds out I’m with Jackson, he’ll use his power to ruin me. Let him try. My loyalty is with Jackson, and I won’t let anyone tear us apart. Together we’re going to take down Braden and his kingdom at Twisted Pine. They think I don’t belong there? I don’t. But now that I’m here….watch.
🖤 Review -
Fans of Dark romance novels will love this. I'm not usually a fan of dark romance novels but I thought I'd give this one a go and I'm so glad I did. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved the story, which I found easy to follow and there was a good cast of characters. I also loved the main character's chemistry. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Choclit/ Joffe books, the author Kai Juniper and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[BLuvsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the idea of this story I just wish the writing was more complex and fluid.
Hoping for it in book 2

[Nadia · Rating 1 out of 5]

One Dimensional

Didn't get very far past meeting the first cousin. Poor world building, no real idea of what some of the characters even look like so far. Not sure the author has ever been to New York City, as they somehow deduced that because there are skyscrapers there's not really any sun?! Does one not know how living on a rotating globe works when it comes to the position of the sun? Rumor is completely unlikable, and obnoxious. It seems she mourns her mother through words and not behaviors. Or is this possibly an attempt at stereotyping New Yorkers? Not sure... The writing is lazy. Not interested.

[PIONEER · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first impression of Rumour wasn't that great. She's okay. Nothing too wacky of a heroine.

Jackson can't tell that Kristen (I can't remember her name or how to spell it) is manipulating him, but he could tell Braden was manipulating Rumour. Man, and I thought he was smart.

Zero chemistry. Very platonic.

Also, Rumour has no reason to do Braden so dirty. Like I get he's not the nicest dude in the world, but he never did her dirty. Rumour is just Jackson's cannon fodder at this point.

Discontinue? Probably.

I mean, I only really read it because I liked the cover. And the synopsis kinda intrigued me because I've been wanting to read a high school themed story for a while.

[_teeny.reads_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm incredibly thankful to Choc Lit and Kai Juniper for sending me this eARC for the revised release of this book on 10th march.

I want to start of by saying I did enjoy reading this book, the story line was really cohesive and easy to follow, there was no complexities that had me questioning the plot at all.

I finished the first half of the book within just a few hours because it was so easy to read, I did find the story engaging enough to want to keep reading and I was left wondering where the story was building to.

With that being said, I was a little disappointed with how long the build ups took with this one, I felt like I had finished most of the book before there were any real plot developments, labeling this with dark secrets, forbidden love and enemies to lovers did feel a little bit of a stretch.

We're there "dark secrets" yes sure, but they were so secret that nothing is actually uncovered at all in this book, don't get me wrong I understand this is book one of a series but I'd have expected at least one dark twist to be fully revealed at least come the end to make me want to immediately pick up the next book.

With regards to enemies to lovers.. can you really call it that when the "enemy" isn't actually someone you've had any prior challenges with, but they are just in fact a family members biggest rival... I can agree to the forbidden love for sure, because everyone who sees the FMC with her love interest all warn her against him, she is warned on multiple occasions to stay away from him.

All in all, I did enjoy this book it was a quick easy read and the story was engaging enough. I just feel it fell a little flat and didn't give me the push I would have liked towards wanting to pick up the next book.

[Lozz’s Random Reads McKenzie - Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor N.Y Girl, forced to move to Cali, Uncovers Family Secrets

Rumor Bennett is shipped off to go to an expense, prestigious, new school, while having to live with her guardian (Uncle Brock, well known T.V actor and her two male cousins, Braden and Trystan)



Rumor, while dealing with separation from her boyfriend, Axel, and the sudden death of her artist mother, is absolutely disgusted with her new life in La Jolla, CA.

Her cousins hate her, her Uncle Brock, is a self absorbed, Hollywood celebrity, desperate for more fame,and her father is (allegedly) in rehab, and not in communication.

However, not everyone is how the seem.

It appears everyone is harbouring secrets and telling half truths.

Is there anyone that Rumor can trust?

Maybe her hot neighbour, Jackson will be able to help or, is he the biggest secret holder of them all.

Great story with interesting plot. Rich and famous scratching each other’s back to achieve more power. Perhaps even murders.

Rumor is a well crafted female lead, even though I would just wish she’d stop as,ing sooo many QUESTIONS!

Yeah, she’s a bit of a busy body. She really Nancy Drewing in this book. Gettin, upon everyone’s business.

She’s also a bit of a hot head. Which gets her into a lot of trouble.

But, overall a promising start to what could be a good series.

[Cazlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Rumor’s mum dies, she’s forced to leave everything she knows behind and move to LA to live with her uncle and two cousins. Her new life couldn’t be more different. Her uncle is a famous actor and millionaire, and her cousins are spoiled, obnoxious, and nothing like the people she grew up with.

Starting at Twisted Pines, an elite private school, Rumor quickly realises she doesn’t quite fit in… and she’s never been one for following the rules anyway.

She manages to make one friend — the one person her family can never find out about. But when she hears thinge about him, Rumor is left questioning who she can really trust.

I absolutely loved this book. Rumor doesn’t know who to trust, and it feels like everyone around her is hiding secrets. The plot is so gripping, with really strong, well written characters that kept me me absorbing this story.

I was genuinely gutted when it ended the way it did. it felt like only half the story had been told. Now I desperately need to know what happens next. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for when the second book is released. 📚

Enemies to lovers

Who can you trust?

High Society Elite

Forced Proximity

Academia Setting

Secrets and Lies

Thanks choclit and Joffe for allowing me an arc read

[Sharley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really easy to get through and in part that may be because there isn’t much ch going on.
It is book one of a series so got to expect some setting up for the main story.
Characters felt a little flat and lacked chemistry in some parts of the story between Jackson and Rumor.
Rumor is the main character and is told in a way that highlights she is only 17- everything is drama and she gives the angsty teenage vibe.
It’s harder to get a read on the other characters. It felt like I was given their bios but didn’t really get to know them yet, apart from they’re all secretive and have some kind of anger/ lack of trust issue.

There seems to be so many different lies that Rumor is finding and it will be interesting to see where they all lead. At this point the romance is definitely secondary and slightly juvenile. She’s in love with her boyfriend then they’re over and she’s fine and now she’s obsessed with Jackson.

I received this book as an arc and provide an honest review.

[ShetlandBookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I was in a reading slump, maybe this book just wasn’t what I expected, or maybe my personal scale for what counts as “dark” romance is a lot darker than most, but this one just didn’t work for me.

Starting with the “dark” aspect, I didn’t really feel it was there. At most, it touched lightly on morally grey territory, but even that felt minimal. It may be setting something up for the next book, but in this installment, it never fully delivers on that promise.

The pacing also felt off. It seemed like we had only just begun to get into the story when it suddenly ended. At the same time, the narrative lingers too long on very short timeframes, spending multiple chapters on a single day that doesn’t quite add up. The timeline feels unrealistic, especially with several intense encounters happening in one day with someone the main character has only just met, alongside everything else going on. Then, just as quickly, days pass in the space of a chapter, which makes the progression feel uneven and disjointed.

Overall, this one just wasn’t for me, though I can see how it might appeal to others depending on what they’re looking for.

[Cindieslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kai Juniper - Twisted Lies

⭐⭐⭐.75

Rumor lost her best friend, her mother; with this loss she has to move from New-York to LA to live with her uncle and two cousins she never even met. With this huge adjustment she has to leave her boyfriend of two years behind, trying to make a long-distance relationship work. Surprises keep piling up, not going to public school, only go out with people with the same social standard as her celebrity uncle. Live isn’t that great at the moment and enrolling in private school sucks.

Want to read my full review on this book? You can find it here;
https://cindieslibrary.com/twisted-li...

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhh honey… Twisted Lies did not come to play it came to manipulate, seduce, and leave you questioning every single character’s life choices. And honestly? I ate it up.

This book is dripping in tension, secrets, and morally questionable decisions and we love that for us. From the very first chapter, you can feel that something darker is lurking beneath the surface, and trust me… it delivers.

The twists? Twisting. The lies? Oh, they are LYING.
Just when you think you’ve figured it out boom, plot shift. It keeps you on edge in the best way, with enough emotional chaos to keep your heart rate slightly elevated at all times.

[Rachelle Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story has a good plot it’s just sooo slow and way too repetitive!! We read and scene and then Rumor repeats the conversation verbatim to whoever she’s in the next scene with and this happens through the whole book into book 2 and also 3. Sooo frustrating!!
The inconsistencies are many and it has some grammar issues also I just really needed the writing to be less juvenile more meat to the story.

I also think that there has been more than just Rumors POV that would’ve helped the story be more interesting.

I think the author has talent I hope she continues to grow as a writer.

[Celmisia · Rating 2 out of 5]

A step above white bread, so like, raisin bread?
Ngl it was pretty boring and I couldn't quite like the hero even though he seemed like an alright guy.
I skipped to the last chapter of the second book since I already uploaded it to my playbooks and, it was more interesting than the entirety of this one.

A book doesn't need to be funny to be good, but if the only enjoyment I'm getting is laughing at the book and making my own jokes it's not that good.

[Emiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the start of this series! There is potential for the rest of these books to be 4.5 to 5 stars. This was a great start to the series and there was a lot of building for the characters that was fun to read. I had a hard time stopping when I had to work. I want the rest of the series to be available as soon as possible and I hope to have the privilege to read the arcs as they come out! Definitely recommend this for anyone that likes dark romance with mystery.

[Joy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did enjoy reading the book, there wasn't as much growth as I would have liked to have seen. The buildup took a while and I will definitely read book 2. I think this series has a ton of potential and is pretty good for a dark romance. I did enjoy Rumor and Jackson's relationship and I can't wait to see where this all goes!

[Belize Esperanza Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

the idea and plot was definitely there but it seemed poorly executed in my opinion but Im also bit the biggest fan of bully romance so this is purely a me issue not an author one im glad I read it but it cemented my belief that bully romance isn't my cuppa tea

[loren · Rating 2 out of 5]

the blurb had me most excited to read this. there were secrets, forbidden love, with an enemies to lovers trope, everything i love. but i couldn’t connect with this story or characters at all. to me, it was slow paced and a bit boring

thanks for the arc :)

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley & Kai Juniper for this ARC. Wow! Give me book 2 like now! I cannot wait to find out who killed Andrea or where Rumor's Dad is. Is Jackson the good guy he seems to be? I need to know. I couldn't put this down. Not my usual type at all either.

[Louise Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rumour moves in with her uncle and cousins -, who she barely knows after the tragic sudden death if her mother. She gets enrolled into a private school with her cousins who hate her.
She meets their neighbour who she takes a liking to, but who her cousins hate

[Janie Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Can't wait for the next one. love the drama but would like to see more thoughts from the other characters and hope it has a good plot twist ....love those !!!

[Rasha Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I enjoyed this fast paced read. The storyline is mysterious, intriguing and in a way sexy because of Jackson. This is a must read

[Fiona Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

10 ☆ such a brilliant story couldn't put it down read in a day lol cannot wait for book to so much tensions excitement loved it

[Danielle Beguiled Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A read that is hard to put down. If you like suspense and mystery skipping the supernatural this is the book. I wonder who is the one telling the truth?

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/30/2020)! 🎁

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

As of book one I love the series

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️

One-dimensional. Boring. Slow. Poorly edited. I liked Rumor’s character okay, but that was about all I liked.

[KayCee Mundhenke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like don’t even have a desire to finish this series. I actually just googled to get it spoiled bc I could care less to read the rest of the books.