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False #3
False Start
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
Read the stunning conclusion to USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine’s False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
Read the stunning conclusion to USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine’s False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
182 pages, ebook
First published September 17, 2019
177 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
Meli Raine
30 books1,835 followersUSA Today bestselling author Meli Raine rode her first motorcycle when she was five years old, but she played in the ocean long before that. She lives in New England with her family.
Join her New Releases and Sales newsletter at: https://meliraine.com/newsletter/
Website: http://meliraine.com/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/meliraineauthor
Join her New Releases and Sales newsletter at: https://meliraine.com/newsletter/
Website: http://meliraine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meliraine/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/meliraineauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
January 9, 2019
This book marks the end of the third trilogy with a plot that spans nines books (and counting). I am usually not a fan of stories that are drug out over so many books, but this author is amazing at luring you in and keeping you hooked. And hooked I was through all three of these books. This trilogy didn't quite have the same intensity as the first two did. The romance for me was a little lackluster and the couple a little on the boring side, but the suspense part was spot on. So yea, overall I enjoyed this trilogy, and I am certainly super excited to get my hands on the next book(s). 
Want to read
January 19, 2019✓ Romantic Suspense
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
May 28, 2019
2,5 😞😞⭐️s
This trilogy could be a duet, with less chapters.
This trilogy could be a duet, with less chapters.
Read
January 24, 2019✓ Romantic Suspense
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
February 8, 2020
This series was quite interesting. I liked all the books, but the first one is my favorite.
I love it when I find a book with a simple cover and an intriguing content. And this series had them both.
I love it when I find a book with a simple cover and an intriguing content. And this series had them both.
Read
January 23, 2019✓ Romantic Suspense
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
Want to read
January 18, 2019✓ Romantic Suspense
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
September 17, 2019
✩ Romantic Suspense
✩ Bodyguard Romance
✩ Psychological Thriller
✩ Mistaken Identity
✩ Secrets
✩ Political Intrigue
✩ Complete Trilogy
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Read it here
This isn’t how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I’m just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it’s finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
Read it here
✩ Bodyguard Romance
✩ Psychological Thriller
✩ Mistaken Identity
✩ Secrets
✩ Political Intrigue
✩ Complete Trilogy
[image error]
Read it here
This isn’t how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I’m just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it’s finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
Read it here
June 21, 2023
Oh how my ratings have skewed.
This book shouldn't exist. The author should've condensed it to just two books and it would've been better for the whole story.
Also, I hate when there's a plot involving a sex club. Like why? Why would you ruin a perfectly good mystery by including a sex club scene? You've already had a solid plot there but no, we have to make the story edgier by having this hostage subplot. It went nowhere.
It was just a mess and I don't enjoy a single second of reading it.
This book shouldn't exist. The author should've condensed it to just two books and it would've been better for the whole story.
Also, I hate when there's a plot involving a sex club. Like why? Why would you ruin a perfectly good mystery by including a sex club scene? You've already had a solid plot there but no, we have to make the story edgier by having this hostage subplot. It went nowhere.
It was just a mess and I don't enjoy a single second of reading it.
Currently reading
January 21, 2019✓ Romantic Suspense
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
Read
January 18, 2019✓ Romantic Suspense
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
Read
January 18, 2019✓ Romantic Suspense
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
Read
January 18, 2019✓ Romantic Suspense
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
February 29, 2020
I have more confusion than answers. This series felt like a series inside a larger series that will then be continued in yet another series. Since I didn’t read any other series I was constantly trying to figure out who people were and the connections. However, Lily and Duff and there specific story had me enthralled. Just wanted more if a conclusion this last entry that I didn’t get.
January 12, 2019
As usual, I love the covers for the False series, every time I see the different colored flowers I fall in love. For those who read Meli Raine's books, we are now in the last book in Lily's story aka the False Series. We all know who her killer is, and the rest of the "good guys" that is, if you can tell them apart are aware too. We start this book where Lily has been kidnapped by Romeo, and Duff aka Sean is left to die after being drugged by those stupid black spiders that have been appearing in all three books. Now that Romeo knows the truth that Lily can expose him, he must kill her. That is though not before he gets his "real target" - Duff. It seems that the political conspiracies surrounding the Bosworths and the other families involve now has something to do with a programme called "stateless" which trains killer soldiers- ones that have no record of being born therefore can become ghosts. In False Start, we learn more in-depth about the programme and how it ties into Lindsay and Drew's attacks in the first series Harmless. As usual, we got a few questions answered, but still we were left hanging with more questions about Wyatt aka Duff's brother and the Stateless programme and also when the hell is Harry Bosworth going to get what's coming to him and come on people, you still by now can't think he's not involved. He's like the only OG left alive so far. One of my favorite things about Meli Raine is that she writes her books in trilogies and though they stand alone - they are all build-on from the previous stories. We had Coming Home, Harmless, Shameless and False and the next three will be in a series called Stateless which I assume will have Wyatt and Duff being prominent characters in the stories. Another great conclusion to an equally fantastic trilogy by Meli Raine and I now cannot wait for the Stateless books to come through to my Kindle.
January 2, 2022
Meh. The book should have been part of book two. It was over early, with all the saving and mystery revealed, then just dribbled crap for a loooong time.
Read
January 19, 2019✓ Romantic Suspense
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
January 15, 2019
This trilogy comes to a shocking conclusion in False Start. My heart was racing from the very first page and didn’t slow down until well after finishing.
Throughout this series, Lily has been faced with unimaginable situations. Her strength and resiliency were incredible. She had an immense drive to heal, to find a new normal, it was amazing to witness. Then you add in Duff who was such a surprise. He was an enigma. You knew that he was special, that there was so much more than we could and boy were we right. As if things weren’t complex enough, Duff takes this whole mystery even deeper.
While we see things come together for Lily and Sean, we are still left with unanswered questions. Raine leaves the mystery unfinished as the story will continue in the next trilogy. I am thrilled with the direction she is taking us and I cannot wait to dive into whatever she throws at next.
January 13, 2019
False Start by Meli Raine is book Three in the False Series. This continues the story of Lily and how she is dealing with being almost killed with the killer still looking over her shoulder. You really should read the previous book 'False Memory' and 'False Hope' first. This book starts up where we were left off in the previous book. Duff works to save Lily from danger and to keep her safe. We get answers to some of the questions that the other books brought forward. This book does end with Duff getting a lead of his brother Wyatt but we do get the ending story we have been reading toward.
Great page turning story.
Great page turning story.
February 20, 2020
Finally Sean and Lily!!!
This is the last book right? The cliffhanger ending annoyed me pfttttt
This is the last book right? The cliffhanger ending annoyed me pfttttt
January 21, 2019
Where we were left in False Hope, Lily is on her way to her death if Duff can't shake off the effects of being drugged. He also needs to find out where she's being taken. With his coworkers on his side they're pooling their resources and intuition to discover her whereabouts. Everything is coming to a head with Duff's past, Lily's mistaken identity and subsequent brushes with death, secret organizations, ramifications of the participants, and the power of the key players; all of it is leading up to a confrontation of vast emotional proportions. They may have to balance their need for answers with their need to survive.
So much depressing, choppy navel gazing that seems to go on forever, dragging the story out. Increasing the drama through this type of writing is actually pretty ineffective because it becomes more distracting and annoying than intense. BUT, and here's the mind-bender, by the end of the book I must read more from this world.
Lily finds the answers she needs and finally feels free to pursue life in the most meaningful, healing way she can. With Duff at her side, she feels secure and most importantly, she's happy. Duff finally comes clean with everyone and his past is heartbreaking. I can see threads weaving their way in preparation for the next series in this world, Stateless, and I'm definitely curious. I'm glad for the whole team around Duff and Lily in this story because they provide a very necessary balance between action and planning. Duff began the series as cold, calculating, secretive, and robotic. Lily began strong and vulnerable, frustrating and pitiable. As they navigated the minefield of their situation they each found a future.
It's looking more than likely that I'll need to go back and read Harmless and Shameless so I get the best, fullest picture as I get to Stateless. All the pieces are coming together and I'm intrigued, captivated by the story despite the writing style.
So much depressing, choppy navel gazing that seems to go on forever, dragging the story out. Increasing the drama through this type of writing is actually pretty ineffective because it becomes more distracting and annoying than intense. BUT, and here's the mind-bender, by the end of the book I must read more from this world.
Lily finds the answers she needs and finally feels free to pursue life in the most meaningful, healing way she can. With Duff at her side, she feels secure and most importantly, she's happy. Duff finally comes clean with everyone and his past is heartbreaking. I can see threads weaving their way in preparation for the next series in this world, Stateless, and I'm definitely curious. I'm glad for the whole team around Duff and Lily in this story because they provide a very necessary balance between action and planning. Duff began the series as cold, calculating, secretive, and robotic. Lily began strong and vulnerable, frustrating and pitiable. As they navigated the minefield of their situation they each found a future.
It's looking more than likely that I'll need to go back and read Harmless and Shameless so I get the best, fullest picture as I get to Stateless. All the pieces are coming together and I'm intrigued, captivated by the story despite the writing style.
Read
January 18, 2019✓ Romantic Suspense
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
Now Available on Apple Books: https://apple.co/2D1QTJU
From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
✓ Bodyguard Romance
✓ Psychological Thriller
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ Political Thriller
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From USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine comes the stunning conclusion to the False series, told from both Lily and Duff’s points of view.
This isn't how my life is supposed to end.
Then again, a case of mistaken identity got me here. No one is ever who we think they are. Especially my kidnapper, a man whose entire life is designed to deceive.
Powerful people want my rescuer to die. I'm just a lure. A pawn. An object.
But objects hold meaning. Emotions attach themselves without logic.
Like love.
I now know that Duff will do everything to protect me.
If he gets here in time. And if I can hold on long enough.
Because my body can only handle so much. Pushed to the limits, it's finally giving out. Giving way.
Giving up.
I know Duff, though.
He never will.
Blink.
January 9, 2019
False Start is book three in the False trilogy and cannot be read as a standalone.
I've been waiting for the conclusion to this series, the first two books completely captivated me and I was counting the days until the ending hit my kindle.
This book as expected picks up right where book 2 left off, I won't spoil anything, we begin the story with Duff trying to rescue Lily from a threat few people know the truth about. I was dying to see the villain get what was coming to him, I think he got off a bit easier than I had hoped for but the end result is what Lily needed. A twist I didn't see coming was thrown in and now I cannot wait for Stateless.
This series is one of my favorites from last year, this is the second trilogy I've read by the author and while I enjoyed the first, this one is the series that made me a hardcore fan of Meli Raine.
The end of a suspense filled trilogy couldn't have been better, I look forward to Wyatt's story.
I've been waiting for the conclusion to this series, the first two books completely captivated me and I was counting the days until the ending hit my kindle.
This book as expected picks up right where book 2 left off, I won't spoil anything, we begin the story with Duff trying to rescue Lily from a threat few people know the truth about. I was dying to see the villain get what was coming to him, I think he got off a bit easier than I had hoped for but the end result is what Lily needed. A twist I didn't see coming was thrown in and now I cannot wait for Stateless.
This series is one of my favorites from last year, this is the second trilogy I've read by the author and while I enjoyed the first, this one is the series that made me a hardcore fan of Meli Raine.
The end of a suspense filled trilogy couldn't have been better, I look forward to Wyatt's story.
January 16, 2019
I like how we got more development between the love interest and the main character with this novel. There was a good progression with their love story and also the main plot as well. There were a lot of questions answered, but enough left over that I can foresee another book coming :) I loved the suspense that Raine developed in her novel and I look forward to what comes next.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
July 13, 2021
I like that many of this author’s series are continuations of previous stories. I like knowing characters. Sometimes there is a lot of repetition in order to catch reader up if they haven’t read previous stories…which is great if you don’t begin with her very first series….but if you have read them from the beginning, it can become a bit skim-worthy.
January 15, 2019
This is False Start, book 3 of the False series written by Meli Raine. This book will pull you in and keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end...or non-end. There is so much going on that you don’t know what to think. How do you go through life not knowing who you can trust? Lily has been through a hell of a lot in her life and it’s not about to end now. Can Duff keep her safe when he can barely keep himself out of the bad guys path? This book is overwhelming in the best way! I can’t wait for the next chapter in the Stateless series! Coming later this year!! Well played Ms Raine! Well played!
December 27, 2022
I absolutely loved this trilogy and all the characters.
I’m looking forward to the next trilogy and to see if Duff can find his brother and bring down the Stateless.
Narrators did a fantastic job telling all the stories.
I’m looking forward to the next trilogy and to see if Duff can find his brother and bring down the Stateless.
Narrators did a fantastic job telling all the stories.
February 11, 2020
****** CLIFFHANGER ENDING ******
I *really* dislike cliffhanger endings, and particularly the ones without warning in the blurb. Fortunately, I have access to the entire series, so I will treat it as a whole.
****** SPINOFF SERIES ******
Another thing that would have been *really* nice to know before I started is that characters from this book were originally from another series. I didn't know that until I finished book 1 and read other reviews that pointed it out. That was an a-ha moment! I think it definitely affected my understanding of the overall story and character dynamics. Too late now, though... BTW, this series sets the stage for yet another series.
Book 1 - False Memory
This was an interesting story that I connected with right away. I'm intrigued by the characters and anxious to find out what's going on. This is also the ultimate in slow burn, as they only have a first kiss in book 1. After I complete the entire series, I'll come back and add comments on the overall story.
Book 2 - False Hope
Part 2 picks up right where the previous one left off, but switched POV from Lily to Duff. I was definitely lost in a critical part of this book because I didn't know to read the previous series. The characters (and there are many) involved in the mystery are all from the other books, so none of the explanations made very much sense to me.
Book 3 - False Start
Part 3 continues with both Lily and Duff's POV. I lost interest in the mystery since I didn't know the characters. The romance part finally picks up, and it's sweet, with the slow burn finally coming to an end.
****** OVERALL ******
I enjoyed the writing in the series. Several times I noticed sentences that I thought were very beautifully worded. The MCs were both great and Lily was very thought out/researched. The mystery was well written, but the need to read previous series to understand any of it was a BIG negative for me. The romance was sweet and very slow to develop. Overall 4 stars, but I'm strongly fighting the urge to knock it down because of the reasons I mentioned above.
I *really* dislike cliffhanger endings, and particularly the ones without warning in the blurb. Fortunately, I have access to the entire series, so I will treat it as a whole.
****** SPINOFF SERIES ******
Another thing that would have been *really* nice to know before I started is that characters from this book were originally from another series. I didn't know that until I finished book 1 and read other reviews that pointed it out. That was an a-ha moment! I think it definitely affected my understanding of the overall story and character dynamics. Too late now, though... BTW, this series sets the stage for yet another series.
Book 1 - False Memory
This was an interesting story that I connected with right away. I'm intrigued by the characters and anxious to find out what's going on. This is also the ultimate in slow burn, as they only have a first kiss in book 1. After I complete the entire series, I'll come back and add comments on the overall story.
Book 2 - False Hope
Part 2 picks up right where the previous one left off, but switched POV from Lily to Duff. I was definitely lost in a critical part of this book because I didn't know to read the previous series. The characters (and there are many) involved in the mystery are all from the other books, so none of the explanations made very much sense to me.
Book 3 - False Start
Part 3 continues with both Lily and Duff's POV. I lost interest in the mystery since I didn't know the characters. The romance part finally picks up, and it's sweet, with the slow burn finally coming to an end.
****** OVERALL ******
I enjoyed the writing in the series. Several times I noticed sentences that I thought were very beautifully worded. The MCs were both great and Lily was very thought out/researched. The mystery was well written, but the need to read previous series to understand any of it was a BIG negative for me. The romance was sweet and very slow to develop. Overall 4 stars, but I'm strongly fighting the urge to knock it down because of the reasons I mentioned above.
February 23, 2020
Compared to the other two books in this series, this one was a letdown. Why? Because basically, this story gets resolved at the beginning of this book and from then on there is no story left to tell and still, the author dragged this out with unnecessary chapters about Duff and Lily going on a date, going back to physical therapy and so on. Information the reader has received multiple times is repeated over and over again. It really became a bit of a drag. Towards the end, I skipped several pages because nothing was really happening there.
I really think this story could have been concluded with two books. The original thriller/ love story of Duff and Lily is finished within the first few chapters, so this could have easily been added to the second book. This third one is the weak link in this trilogy and ultimately is just used as a set-up for Raine's next trilogy in the end. That was a bit disappointing.
I still enjoyed her writing and the world she created, but this book did not do its predecessors any justice and I think my love for the first two books is what makes me give this a 3-star-rating. I was debating giving these just 2 stars for quite a while.
I really think this story could have been concluded with two books. The original thriller/ love story of Duff and Lily is finished within the first few chapters, so this could have easily been added to the second book. This third one is the weak link in this trilogy and ultimately is just used as a set-up for Raine's next trilogy in the end. That was a bit disappointing.
I still enjoyed her writing and the world she created, but this book did not do its predecessors any justice and I think my love for the first two books is what makes me give this a 3-star-rating. I was debating giving these just 2 stars for quite a while.
January 10, 2019
False Start is a powerful and stunning journey of love and hope like no other. It will strike fast and sink you slowly into its deep mire of misfortune and fate. Don’t close your eyes too long because you might not only miss out on the truth that is desperate to hide, but also on the best gifts that life gives us that can only be found at the other end of misfortune and pain. If you can hold onto one truth to keep your heart afloat in the wicked storm ahead, it would be that the power of words is the key to our survival, determination, and persistence to take one step at a time.
Lily continues to be handed the short of the every stick that she finds. While she holds no ill will towards Jane whose identity started the downward spiral of her life, she longs to find reason and above all hope to keep pushing always forward. One unexpected glimmer of hope she does find is Duff. He is much more than he seems and yet so hidden out of habit and safety. He brings challenge and stability to her reckless world that is just beyond her control. Nothing escapes Duff’s watchful eyes and yet his steely determination to keep the status quo with Lily becomes a living entity that is growing past the boundaries of his hard limits. No matter the gale force winds and the destructive debris that try to annihilate them, Duff helps Lily to see the value in hiding and then slowly fighting back. When control is stolen, can surrender be its own form of defiance?
I was left heartbroken and suffering in silence as to what was going to happen to Lily and Duff. My mind and heart has been wrecked and destroyed as a result of watching their story unfold. I never anticipated the true power their precious bond would create and effect on either of them, but it made my heart jump for joy. Their power of their love is unforgettable and truly life changing. Only together and moving forward can the next step in this masterful plot happen. What a magnificent storyline that is not even close to being done!! I am so in love with this book and every one that has come before it!
Meli Raine is truly a stunning and beyond words master and goddess of romantic suspense. She knows how to turn pain and suffering into tools that show us the true beauty and true potential of her incredible characters. Her words are echoing emotions that surround and invade every part of your heart, mind, and soul and leave you desperate for what comes next. There is nothing but awe and admiration in my heart for this larger than life and brilliant author!
Lily continues to be handed the short of the every stick that she finds. While she holds no ill will towards Jane whose identity started the downward spiral of her life, she longs to find reason and above all hope to keep pushing always forward. One unexpected glimmer of hope she does find is Duff. He is much more than he seems and yet so hidden out of habit and safety. He brings challenge and stability to her reckless world that is just beyond her control. Nothing escapes Duff’s watchful eyes and yet his steely determination to keep the status quo with Lily becomes a living entity that is growing past the boundaries of his hard limits. No matter the gale force winds and the destructive debris that try to annihilate them, Duff helps Lily to see the value in hiding and then slowly fighting back. When control is stolen, can surrender be its own form of defiance?
I was left heartbroken and suffering in silence as to what was going to happen to Lily and Duff. My mind and heart has been wrecked and destroyed as a result of watching their story unfold. I never anticipated the true power their precious bond would create and effect on either of them, but it made my heart jump for joy. Their power of their love is unforgettable and truly life changing. Only together and moving forward can the next step in this masterful plot happen. What a magnificent storyline that is not even close to being done!! I am so in love with this book and every one that has come before it!
Meli Raine is truly a stunning and beyond words master and goddess of romantic suspense. She knows how to turn pain and suffering into tools that show us the true beauty and true potential of her incredible characters. Her words are echoing emotions that surround and invade every part of your heart, mind, and soul and leave you desperate for what comes next. There is nothing but awe and admiration in my heart for this larger than life and brilliant author!
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