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Tell Me Pretty Lies
Three things my mother acquired when she became engaged:
1. A brand new Tiffany's ring.
2. A lavish home on Heartbreak Hill.
3. Three privileged stepsons.
The last thing I expected was to fall for one of them, least of all Thayer Ames.
Beautiful, brooding, and untouchable.
I knew it was a bad idea. He warned me himself.
But he was a thunderstorm, and I never could resist the rain.
It was perfect…
Until it wasn’t.
One night was all it took for our world to crumble, leaving only secrets and lies between us.
Now, I have to face him again, but the boy I used to know has become the man who loves to hate me.
1. A brand new Tiffany's ring.
2. A lavish home on Heartbreak Hill.
3. Three privileged stepsons.
The last thing I expected was to fall for one of them, least of all Thayer Ames.
Beautiful, brooding, and untouchable.
I knew it was a bad idea. He warned me himself.
But he was a thunderstorm, and I never could resist the rain.
It was perfect…
Until it wasn’t.
One night was all it took for our world to crumble, leaving only secrets and lies between us.
Now, I have to face him again, but the boy I used to know has become the man who loves to hate me.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2020
2293 people are currently reading
10475 people want to read
About the author
Charleigh Rose
18 books4,791 followersCharleigh Rose lives in Narnia with her husband and two young children. She's hopelessly devoted to unconventional love and pizza. When she isn't reading or mom-ing, she's writing moody, broody, swoony romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 946 reviews
April 9, 2020
this was me the entire book:
i've read so many bully romance that i've lost count. all of them fall into these categories: good, bad, and ugly. but this one? this falls into nothing because i. felt. nothing.
i was just so bored with both characters because Thayer was your typical "bully/asshole" but with no substance, whereas Shayne was your typical heroine in NA books where they say they're tough but when the H shows off his abs or touches them, they suddenly turn into a 14-year-old fangirl meeting Harry Styles or Timothee Chalamet. i hate this trope with my entire being. please don't do this trope anymore. please for the love of god.
if a boy makes me think he's going to hook up with another girl by making me witness it after telling him i love him, doesn't talk to me for a year KNOWING he's been with other girls, and when i show up he suddenly bullies me without explaining why, i would NOT do what the h here did so frankly, this is kind of a lesson on what not to do.
self-respect/grovelling > being horny.
*ARC provided
i've read so many bully romance that i've lost count. all of them fall into these categories: good, bad, and ugly. but this one? this falls into nothing because i. felt. nothing.
i was just so bored with both characters because Thayer was your typical "bully/asshole" but with no substance, whereas Shayne was your typical heroine in NA books where they say they're tough but when the H shows off his abs or touches them, they suddenly turn into a 14-year-old fangirl meeting Harry Styles or Timothee Chalamet. i hate this trope with my entire being. please don't do this trope anymore. please for the love of god.
if a boy makes me think he's going to hook up with another girl by making me witness it after telling him i love him, doesn't talk to me for a year KNOWING he's been with other girls, and when i show up he suddenly bullies me without explaining why, i would NOT do what the h here did so frankly, this is kind of a lesson on what not to do.
self-respect/grovelling > being horny.
*ARC provided
May 22, 2020
'TELL ME PRETTY LIES:' Is a full length stepbrother romance novel by Charleigh Rose
This kicked off in the ‘Prologue’ a funeral is in progress and it’s the first time we’re also introduced to our heroine and hero making out in a barn on the property.
Then we’re literally thrown into the first chapter, everything has changed, the whole story is shrouded in mystery so much so that I was thinking maybe I’d missed a previous book because it just didn’t flow right. It felt rushed and distorted.
I went into this with high hopes, I’ve loved previous works by this author but this one just fell a wee bit short. I didn’t feel their connection, it would’ve worked better if we’d seen their past connection first instead of jumping straight into the bullying which was over before it had really even started which overall left me feeling deflated.
Bully books are generally my kryptonite, where I expect the over abundance of angst and feels to rush at me if done right. This one was more of a soft porn, one look from him and off her clothes came
Read
July 15, 2020scrapped this video and not super interested in this book on its own
June 10, 2020
Tell Me Pretty Lies is the steamy, angsty escape I was looking for, and it couldn't have come at a better time!
On top of all of the horrible shit going on in the world right now, my daughter has been having some health issues that we've been trying to figure out for the past few months. As a result, I've been extremely stressed out and rarely able to enjoy a book of any kind.
Before TMPL came out, I had started and tossed aside countless books and never followed through with reading any of them. This was the first book I was able to get through since the cluster fuck that is 2020 went into full effect, and it deserves a damn award for that alone in my book!
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Charleigh Rose's writing style is fantastic and pulled me into the story immediately. I loved the complicated chemistry between Thayer and Shane and the murder mystery that played a large role in keeping them apart. There's a good amount of sex in this book too, and I loved every minute of it. (We all know I'm a perv like that though. 😜)
In short, I enjoyed the hell out of this story. It allowed me to escape from my stress and anxiety for a few hours, and for that, I'm incredibly grateful.
NA bully romance fans, this one's for you!
On top of all of the horrible shit going on in the world right now, my daughter has been having some health issues that we've been trying to figure out for the past few months. As a result, I've been extremely stressed out and rarely able to enjoy a book of any kind.
Before TMPL came out, I had started and tossed aside countless books and never followed through with reading any of them. This was the first book I was able to get through since the cluster fuck that is 2020 went into full effect, and it deserves a damn award for that alone in my book!
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Charleigh Rose's writing style is fantastic and pulled me into the story immediately. I loved the complicated chemistry between Thayer and Shane and the murder mystery that played a large role in keeping them apart. There's a good amount of sex in this book too, and I loved every minute of it. (We all know I'm a perv like that though. 😜)
In short, I enjoyed the hell out of this story. It allowed me to escape from my stress and anxiety for a few hours, and for that, I'm incredibly grateful.
NA bully romance fans, this one's for you!
May 22, 2020
3.5 STARS
I'm a sucker for a good bully romance. Give me a tortured alphahole, and I'm putty in your hands. PUTTEH. So of course the second I saw the blurb to this book, I jumped on it faster than you can say GIMMEH.
Tell Me Pretty Lies was an interesting read for me. A part of me loved the somewhat convoluted yet still addictive story. But then another part of me was thoroughly confused for a good chunk of it. This is only the second book I've read by this author, so when I was thrown into what felt like the middle of an already developing story in the beginning of the book, I was confused. I had to go back and see if this is a continuing series. Did I jump into book 3 of a series? Was there a prequel novella I missed? I was left scratching my head because this is what marks book one in what I'm hoping is the start of a new series.
The story starts with a funeral and gives you a peek into an already developed relationship between the two MCs. It's clear that theirs is a relationship that has a lot of history, and I would have loved to see it, rather than being told about it in hindsight. I think that actually experiencing that part of them would have gone a long way in really connecting me to the characters. It felt like the backstory and the true start of their relationship is told off the pages and we only get a small glimpse, where it should have been a full experience. Because of this, I spent a large part of the story trying to wrap my mind around all of the characters, their connection, and what was happening.
Now there's the other part of me, too. The part of me that was still glued to the pages, confusion or not. There was just a certain zap to this story that kept me riveted. The mystery and suspense kept me turning the pages well into the night. Truth be told, I finished this in one sitting, so that definitely tells you something. It wasn't without issues, but it was still gripping enough to completely hook me on what I'm hoping is a series, and desperate for more of the brothers. So while it wasn't a perfect 5 star read, it was still an enjoyable 3 star, and certainly one I'd recommend to any fans of the bully trope that like a good dose of angst with their NA romance.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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So innocent. So pure. But they don’t know what you like to do with your stepbrother in the dark.”
I'm a sucker for a good bully romance. Give me a tortured alphahole, and I'm putty in your hands. PUTTEH. So of course the second I saw the blurb to this book, I jumped on it faster than you can say GIMMEH.
Tell Me Pretty Lies was an interesting read for me. A part of me loved the somewhat convoluted yet still addictive story. But then another part of me was thoroughly confused for a good chunk of it. This is only the second book I've read by this author, so when I was thrown into what felt like the middle of an already developing story in the beginning of the book, I was confused. I had to go back and see if this is a continuing series. Did I jump into book 3 of a series? Was there a prequel novella I missed? I was left scratching my head because this is what marks book one in what I'm hoping is the start of a new series.
The story starts with a funeral and gives you a peek into an already developed relationship between the two MCs. It's clear that theirs is a relationship that has a lot of history, and I would have loved to see it, rather than being told about it in hindsight. I think that actually experiencing that part of them would have gone a long way in really connecting me to the characters. It felt like the backstory and the true start of their relationship is told off the pages and we only get a small glimpse, where it should have been a full experience. Because of this, I spent a large part of the story trying to wrap my mind around all of the characters, their connection, and what was happening.
Now there's the other part of me, too. The part of me that was still glued to the pages, confusion or not. There was just a certain zap to this story that kept me riveted. The mystery and suspense kept me turning the pages well into the night. Truth be told, I finished this in one sitting, so that definitely tells you something. It wasn't without issues, but it was still gripping enough to completely hook me on what I'm hoping is a series, and desperate for more of the brothers. So while it wasn't a perfect 5 star read, it was still an enjoyable 3 star, and certainly one I'd recommend to any fans of the bully trope that like a good dose of angst with their NA romance.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
July 27, 2020
2 STARS
So the book starts off with a prologue, funeral scene. Someone close to Thayer and Shayne has passed away. So we get a gist of Thayer and Shaynes relationship before they go their separate ways because both their parents call off their engagement and Shayne and her mother leave Sawyer Point .
9 months later, Shaynes grandmother passes away leaving her house in Sawyer Point to Shaynes mother, so they move back and Shayne returns to her old school she attended with her ex step brothers.
Shayne doesn’t see Thayer again until a party she attends a few weeks after joining school. Shayne decides to go and speak to Thayer and Holden (Thayers brother) and get this tension or resentment they have with her over.
Thayer barely acknowledges her and basically tells her she means nothing to him.
Thayer & Holden believe the person who died (prologue scene) didn’t die by accident and they believe Shayne might know something about it. So that’s why they were being complete dickheads too her, but then decide to change their tactics to “keep your enemies closer”, because they start to believe maybe she really doesn’t know anything.
Lmao you know the funny thing here is? Thayer has being completely close off or rude to Shayne, but then there is this scene where they are alone in the barn fighting over a book which then leads to Shayne grinding over him to her begging him to touch her.
”I shouldn’t let him touch me like this after the things he’s said and done, but here I am practically pleading for it.”
Well at least she knows right? So that counts.
See my issue is I don’t understand Shayne’s attraction for Thayer, like after the barn scene I was talking about (there was only dry humping and little nipple touching) she saw Thayer at a party where a girl was asking him why he is taking so long and a few days later Shayne and Thayer are alone and this happens.
”You were with another girl the other night.” The words seem so juvenile out loud, but I’m not a homewrecker.
Thayer laughs darkly against my neck, sending a chill down my spine. “You think this makes you my girlfriend or something?” he asks, then scrapes his teeth across my neck.
“I hate you.” Even as I say the words, I’m arching into him, needing more.
“Tell me another lie.” His hand flattens against my stomach and slides beneath my shorts and underwear. My grip on his wrist is loose, hardly a protest. “Tell me more pretty little lies from these pretty little lips.” His fingers part me and I gasp, squeezing his wrist, and he groans appreciatively. “This doesn’t feel like hate.”
You see by this point I just don’t understand the connection she has with Thayer because he is just being an asshole to her. She says some sick part of her is enjoying his taunts, I normally enjoy such taunts but here, idk I wasn’t feeling what she was feeling.
Like right after the scene mentioned about, this happens
“how he left me on the hood of his car with my shorts still around my thighs. Reaching an entirely unprecedented level of asshole, he walked away, got into his car, started the engine, and held my forgotten backpack from his window, dangling it from two fingers, while he waited for me to pull myself together. I pulled my shorts back into place and peeled myself—along with my dignity—off the hood before storming into the house without a backwards glance.”
You understand why I’m just not feeling this relationship yet? Because Thayer is just being a dick and Shayne god idk is just thinking from her vagina.
So by this point I’m like the book really needs to take a good turn.
So Thayer and Shayne go back and forth, Shayne tries to up her games but always ends up underneath Thayer begging for more.
“How the hell does he always win?”
Because you think from your vaaaaginaaaa
So yeah the story just didn’t do it for me. I’ll just brief up everything below.
So the book starts off with a prologue, funeral scene. Someone close to Thayer and Shayne has passed away. So we get a gist of Thayer and Shaynes relationship before they go their separate ways because both their parents call off their engagement and Shayne and her mother leave Sawyer Point .
9 months later, Shaynes grandmother passes away leaving her house in Sawyer Point to Shaynes mother, so they move back and Shayne returns to her old school she attended with her ex step brothers.
Shayne doesn’t see Thayer again until a party she attends a few weeks after joining school. Shayne decides to go and speak to Thayer and Holden (Thayers brother) and get this tension or resentment they have with her over.
Thayer barely acknowledges her and basically tells her she means nothing to him.
Thayer & Holden believe the person who died (prologue scene) didn’t die by accident and they believe Shayne might know something about it. So that’s why they were being complete dickheads too her, but then decide to change their tactics to “keep your enemies closer”, because they start to believe maybe she really doesn’t know anything.
Lmao you know the funny thing here is? Thayer has being completely close off or rude to Shayne, but then there is this scene where they are alone in the barn fighting over a book which then leads to Shayne grinding over him to her begging him to touch her.
”I shouldn’t let him touch me like this after the things he’s said and done, but here I am practically pleading for it.”
Well at least she knows right? So that counts.
See my issue is I don’t understand Shayne’s attraction for Thayer, like after the barn scene I was talking about (there was only dry humping and little nipple touching) she saw Thayer at a party where a girl was asking him why he is taking so long and a few days later Shayne and Thayer are alone and this happens.
”You were with another girl the other night.” The words seem so juvenile out loud, but I’m not a homewrecker.
Thayer laughs darkly against my neck, sending a chill down my spine. “You think this makes you my girlfriend or something?” he asks, then scrapes his teeth across my neck.
“I hate you.” Even as I say the words, I’m arching into him, needing more.
“Tell me another lie.” His hand flattens against my stomach and slides beneath my shorts and underwear. My grip on his wrist is loose, hardly a protest. “Tell me more pretty little lies from these pretty little lips.” His fingers part me and I gasp, squeezing his wrist, and he groans appreciatively. “This doesn’t feel like hate.”
You see by this point I just don’t understand the connection she has with Thayer because he is just being an asshole to her. She says some sick part of her is enjoying his taunts, I normally enjoy such taunts but here, idk I wasn’t feeling what she was feeling.
Like right after the scene mentioned about, this happens
“how he left me on the hood of his car with my shorts still around my thighs. Reaching an entirely unprecedented level of asshole, he walked away, got into his car, started the engine, and held my forgotten backpack from his window, dangling it from two fingers, while he waited for me to pull myself together. I pulled my shorts back into place and peeled myself—along with my dignity—off the hood before storming into the house without a backwards glance.”
You understand why I’m just not feeling this relationship yet? Because Thayer is just being a dick and Shayne god idk is just thinking from her vagina.
So by this point I’m like the book really needs to take a good turn.
So Thayer and Shayne go back and forth, Shayne tries to up her games but always ends up underneath Thayer begging for more.
“How the hell does he always win?”
Because you think from your vaaaaginaaaa
So yeah the story just didn’t do it for me. I’ll just brief up everything below.
April 10, 2020
1.5/5 Stars 🌟
Unpopular Opinion but whatever
I knew I should've DNF'd this.. L A M E
I just could not connect with Thayer or Shayne or their story. They had zero chemistry. A lot of their connection was just told but never really shown. This story definitely could've used more flashbacks of these two to help solidify that so called connection but really this was just about two horny teenagers. One who was an asshole who pushed the heroine away after they both suffered a tragic loss and then gave me whiplash with the constant back and forth. Even though he was an asshole and this is a bully/forbidden romance I feel like even that aspect of the story fell extremely flat. I could not feel the emotion behind any of it. Don't even get me started on the heroine she was such a cliched typical character with zero backbone. In her mind she probably thought she was tough & stong willed but really any time Thayer so much as breathed near her she was all like 'oops there goes my clothes' the only time I actually liked her was when she punched whats her face (i really dont remember the side characters names) in the face.
The only thing that kept me reading was the mystery behind Danny's death and that part i actually enjoyed until we get to the end and the reveal happens. It felt rushed, emotionless and also not finished. Like what happened to those involved? I don't think it was ever explained. All in all this is your typical High School Bully Romance with no substance and filled with cliches and so incredibly boring. I really did try with this one but sadly I felt NOTHING
This gave me major Cruel Prince by Ashley Jade vibes but the watered down, cliched, lust filled version. Spoiler Alert Cruel Prince is better, go read that and skip this one 🤷♀️
I will say Holden & Valen did intrigue me so I might read their book but also probably not
Unpopular Opinion but whatever
I knew I should've DNF'd this.. L A M E
I just could not connect with Thayer or Shayne or their story. They had zero chemistry. A lot of their connection was just told but never really shown. This story definitely could've used more flashbacks of these two to help solidify that so called connection but really this was just about two horny teenagers. One who was an asshole who pushed the heroine away after they both suffered a tragic loss and then gave me whiplash with the constant back and forth. Even though he was an asshole and this is a bully/forbidden romance I feel like even that aspect of the story fell extremely flat. I could not feel the emotion behind any of it. Don't even get me started on the heroine she was such a cliched typical character with zero backbone. In her mind she probably thought she was tough & stong willed but really any time Thayer so much as breathed near her she was all like 'oops there goes my clothes' the only time I actually liked her was when she punched whats her face (i really dont remember the side characters names) in the face.
The only thing that kept me reading was the mystery behind Danny's death and that part i actually enjoyed until we get to the end and the reveal happens. It felt rushed, emotionless and also not finished. Like what happened to those involved? I don't think it was ever explained. All in all this is your typical High School Bully Romance with no substance and filled with cliches and so incredibly boring. I really did try with this one but sadly I felt NOTHING
This gave me major Cruel Prince by Ashley Jade vibes but the watered down, cliched, lust filled version. Spoiler Alert Cruel Prince is better, go read that and skip this one 🤷♀️
I will say Holden & Valen did intrigue me so I might read their book but also probably not
April 12, 2020
LMFAO why his face look like that though
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Update, I loved the book.
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Update, I loved the book.
April 10, 2020
This book, wow this book... all the feels, it wrecked me, it made my heart jump, it did everything I love in a book, one great rollercoaster of emotions. Shayne and Thayer's story will have you reading from beginning to end in no time, it's just so good, the story between them, how their past and present are colliding, guilt, mystery and friendship will have them struggling. You will find yourself immersed in a world where all characters are amazing, the plotline is phenomenal and the feels is everything you want. A top recommendation.
April 11, 2020
2 Eh Stars
Soooo, okay then. That's not really what I expected what I would get out of Charleigh's writing. I don't want to bash her because I have loved some of her previous books and this is the only second book of hers I don't like, but then again, I feel a little duped right now. This book was almost as bad as Bad Habit, and that's saying A LOT. This wasn't necessarily a terrible book, but it wasn't good by any means either. Think of every single cliche you can think of in a bully book, put it together, and you have this book.
You know those stories where the entire cliche popular crowd hates the heroine and bullies her but the heroine keeps coming back for more or acts like it's not her fault she put herself in that situation, like she doesn't want to be there, and yet keeps coming back for some odd reason? Such as when she willingly sits at the popular table because her friend normally sits there and persuades her to sit there too, and then everyone there basically calls her derogatory names and she just takes it? Even coming back the next day because her friend apparently isn't a good friend since she "makes" her sit there even after how they treat her? That's pretty much what this book was. Cliche plot, cliche drama, cliche popular crowd, cliche manwhores, and cliche virgin. What even is original here?
First, her not-really-a-good-friend friend, who is also the heroine for the next book, makes her go to a party where she KNOWS the popular crowd will be there, but of course there is always that friend that pushes her to go and dresses her up. Then when she gets there, she sees that popular crowd, specifically Thayer, touching a girl on his lap, and she has this bright idea to go up to him to "talk" because what happened in the past stays in the past right? But let's totally forget the hero's brother basically insinuates they hate her still, which literally proves it's not all just in the past. And then of course when she goes up to them he touches the girl more right in front of her and treats her like dirt and yup, she just takes it, which is literally the theme in the entire book.
She's walked in on him several times about to get it on with a girl, one even right after they were about to have sex and she told him she loved him, Then a couple more times after the separation in which he was completely a manwhore and OF COURSE she stayed a virgin over their separation, barf. She literally gave in the day after she saw him with an OW, and he also pretty much degraded her and her feelings right then, and she still lets him touch her. This is so ridiculous. He treats her like trash half the book, most of which I haven't even mentioned, and never grovels for turning his back on her even after he finds out she did nothing wrong and yet all she does is run right back to him every single time. He's constantly pushing her away, and she stays with him every single time. How is that a strong heroine?
She is constantly putting up with the cliche popular cheerleader school hoe that has been with the hero AND the hero for the next book. Like honestly, that's most of the drama that occurs, is the cheerleader calling her names, and again, she just takes it or gives weak little comebacks. This has got to be the weakest heroine of Charleighs omg. She had several guys flirt with her but she brushed them all off because of course she wants Thayer, (like why tho) meanwhile he's getting it on with some other chick. Yup, real love. I mean c'mon, at least show interest in at least one of the guys or something to show she's not Thayer's lapdog
So not only do we have to put up with a weak heroine and a manwhore hero, but everything was soooo booorinng. The suspense was dragged out, the climax lackluster, and the chemistry non existent. All we literally get is a cliche bully book that we have all read hundreds of times before. Even the characters for the next book I already don't care for, so I definitely won't be reading it, especially if it's a high school one, which I hope these authors really stop writing. Lately they always make them just super OTT angst and drama that makes me want to roll my eyes at everything. Like where is the originality lately? And why is it such a common theme nowadays for the hero to move on and be a manho but the heroine stays celibate and weak? I just don't get authors lately.
Quick note: it probably would bother me more if it was in a decent book, but this book lacked so much chemistry so I'm not gonna get into it too much. But how the hero doesn't really care when when his brother walks in on them in the shower and sees her fully naked and getting it on, and then lets the brother talk about the heroines nipples like it was everyday talk instead of kicking him out or anything like that, was just weird. He also had went down on her when the brother was in the room pretending to sleep, but had no problem finding out he was awake. I think I like my hero's a little more possessive than that, it almost just shows he doesn't care about her that much.
Overall, this isn't really a good book, so I don't recommend unless you are absolutely in love with bully romance. Nothing did it for me at all, and it kind of sucks I wasted my time on it. I definitely should have listened to the reviews more😬 I may read Charleigh again in the future, but I'm officially done with her high school books.
P.S. I'm half asleep right now so this review probably doesn't even make sense right now😅 will fix it up later.
Soooo, okay then. That's not really what I expected what I would get out of Charleigh's writing. I don't want to bash her because I have loved some of her previous books and this is the only second book of hers I don't like, but then again, I feel a little duped right now. This book was almost as bad as Bad Habit, and that's saying A LOT. This wasn't necessarily a terrible book, but it wasn't good by any means either. Think of every single cliche you can think of in a bully book, put it together, and you have this book.
You know those stories where the entire cliche popular crowd hates the heroine and bullies her but the heroine keeps coming back for more or acts like it's not her fault she put herself in that situation, like she doesn't want to be there, and yet keeps coming back for some odd reason? Such as when she willingly sits at the popular table because her friend normally sits there and persuades her to sit there too, and then everyone there basically calls her derogatory names and she just takes it? Even coming back the next day because her friend apparently isn't a good friend since she "makes" her sit there even after how they treat her? That's pretty much what this book was. Cliche plot, cliche drama, cliche popular crowd, cliche manwhores, and cliche virgin. What even is original here?
First, her not-really-a-good-friend friend, who is also the heroine for the next book, makes her go to a party where she KNOWS the popular crowd will be there, but of course there is always that friend that pushes her to go and dresses her up. Then when she gets there, she sees that popular crowd, specifically Thayer, touching a girl on his lap, and she has this bright idea to go up to him to "talk" because what happened in the past stays in the past right? But let's totally forget the hero's brother basically insinuates they hate her still, which literally proves it's not all just in the past. And then of course when she goes up to them he touches the girl more right in front of her and treats her like dirt and yup, she just takes it, which is literally the theme in the entire book.
She's walked in on him several times about to get it on with a girl, one even right after they were about to have sex and she told him she loved him, Then a couple more times after the separation in which he was completely a manwhore and OF COURSE she stayed a virgin over their separation, barf. She literally gave in the day after she saw him with an OW, and he also pretty much degraded her and her feelings right then, and she still lets him touch her. This is so ridiculous. He treats her like trash half the book, most of which I haven't even mentioned, and never grovels for turning his back on her even after he finds out she did nothing wrong and yet all she does is run right back to him every single time. He's constantly pushing her away, and she stays with him every single time. How is that a strong heroine?
She is constantly putting up with the cliche popular cheerleader school hoe that has been with the hero AND the hero for the next book. Like honestly, that's most of the drama that occurs, is the cheerleader calling her names, and again, she just takes it or gives weak little comebacks. This has got to be the weakest heroine of Charleighs omg. She had several guys flirt with her but she brushed them all off because of course she wants Thayer, (like why tho) meanwhile he's getting it on with some other chick. Yup, real love. I mean c'mon, at least show interest in at least one of the guys or something to show she's not Thayer's lapdog
So not only do we have to put up with a weak heroine and a manwhore hero, but everything was soooo booorinng. The suspense was dragged out, the climax lackluster, and the chemistry non existent. All we literally get is a cliche bully book that we have all read hundreds of times before. Even the characters for the next book I already don't care for, so I definitely won't be reading it, especially if it's a high school one, which I hope these authors really stop writing. Lately they always make them just super OTT angst and drama that makes me want to roll my eyes at everything. Like where is the originality lately? And why is it such a common theme nowadays for the hero to move on and be a manho but the heroine stays celibate and weak? I just don't get authors lately.
Quick note: it probably would bother me more if it was in a decent book, but this book lacked so much chemistry so I'm not gonna get into it too much. But how the hero doesn't really care when when his brother walks in on them in the shower and sees her fully naked and getting it on, and then lets the brother talk about the heroines nipples like it was everyday talk instead of kicking him out or anything like that, was just weird. He also had went down on her when the brother was in the room pretending to sleep, but had no problem finding out he was awake. I think I like my hero's a little more possessive than that, it almost just shows he doesn't care about her that much.
Overall, this isn't really a good book, so I don't recommend unless you are absolutely in love with bully romance. Nothing did it for me at all, and it kind of sucks I wasted my time on it. I definitely should have listened to the reviews more😬 I may read Charleigh again in the future, but I'm officially done with her high school books.
P.S. I'm half asleep right now so this review probably doesn't even make sense right now😅 will fix it up later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2020
I love Charleigh Rose. We all know that. But when I started this book, it was really hard for me to get into. I felt like we had every high school bully romance cliche thrown at us and I, at this point, didn't really care. I have been having a really hard time enjoying high school bully romances lately and I don't know if it's me or that genre is just becoming too overdone at this point. However, when we got to about the halfway mark and Thayer started to talk about his emotions more, I was really hooked on this book.
I would say the latter 50% of the book made this a 4 star read instead of a 3 star read for me. I really enjoyed how we got a genuine answer for why Thayer was being mean to Shayne and how he didn't do anything that was not consensual or unforgivable. When things became more intimate, Shayne was giving consent and they were genuinely into each other. I did also like how there was a mystery over what had happened in this past a year ago and how that all came to light at the end.
I will say that I think more flashbacks between Thayer and Shayne before things ruined their relationships would have made the connection between them more understandable to the reader. We only really get the prologue and that's it and we're supposed to believe they had this whole tension build up between them before Thayer went away for a year. Overall, if you love the high school bully trope, you should definitely give this a try. If you're over that genre or have read too many, you might want to skip this one.
I would say the latter 50% of the book made this a 4 star read instead of a 3 star read for me. I really enjoyed how we got a genuine answer for why Thayer was being mean to Shayne and how he didn't do anything that was not consensual or unforgivable. When things became more intimate, Shayne was giving consent and they were genuinely into each other. I did also like how there was a mystery over what had happened in this past a year ago and how that all came to light at the end.
I will say that I think more flashbacks between Thayer and Shayne before things ruined their relationships would have made the connection between them more understandable to the reader. We only really get the prologue and that's it and we're supposed to believe they had this whole tension build up between them before Thayer went away for a year. Overall, if you love the high school bully trope, you should definitely give this a try. If you're over that genre or have read too many, you might want to skip this one.
March 24, 2021
I cannot take this cover seriously how did Charleigh Rose find the embodiment of the poutiest boy in the world hahahahah
I can't even get into why this was bad. usually im always up for a good roast but these two made it too easy that it wouldn't even be fun. sheesh every time I think about this book I laugh
I can't even get into why this was bad. usually im always up for a good roast but these two made it too easy that it wouldn't even be fun. sheesh every time I think about this book I laugh
April 7, 2020
****AVAILABLE NOW****
5 LIGHTENING IN A BOTTLE CROWNS
Thayer and Holden are minnnneeee. I love them, and this story wasn’t what I expected. It was more.
Thayer is NA hero, angsty goodness. Broody to the max, but his love for Shayne makes me love it. He is the broody and mean to everyone else and lives for his lash, and I’m a sucker for it.
Shayne is one of my favorite Charleigh heroines. She is finding her way, and I felt like she is someone I would want to have hung out with as a young girl.
The two of them together are perfection. This is quiet possibly one of the steamier books she has written and yet there was always a romantic undercurrent in each scene.
What really made me love the book was the unexpected plot. I love when seemingly unrelated pieces come together and surprise me in the end. I’m so very excited for more from the secondary cast. I think I loved them as much I as loved the H/h.
Romantic and steamy with a dash of suspense, Tell Me Pretty lies will be a must read for lovers of NA romance.
Beta read
5 LIGHTENING IN A BOTTLE CROWNS
Thayer and Holden are minnnneeee. I love them, and this story wasn’t what I expected. It was more.
Thayer is NA hero, angsty goodness. Broody to the max, but his love for Shayne makes me love it. He is the broody and mean to everyone else and lives for his lash, and I’m a sucker for it.
Shayne is one of my favorite Charleigh heroines. She is finding her way, and I felt like she is someone I would want to have hung out with as a young girl.
The two of them together are perfection. This is quiet possibly one of the steamier books she has written and yet there was always a romantic undercurrent in each scene.
What really made me love the book was the unexpected plot. I love when seemingly unrelated pieces come together and surprise me in the end. I’m so very excited for more from the secondary cast. I think I loved them as much I as loved the H/h.
Romantic and steamy with a dash of suspense, Tell Me Pretty lies will be a must read for lovers of NA romance.
Beta read
April 13, 2020
4.5 'Lightning Love' Stars!
ARC provided via Candi Kane PR in exchange for an honest review.
It seems many of us have been waiting for Charleigh Rose’s new release for a while. Now it’s finally here and trust me, the wait was completely worth it! When I think of this author, I expect an engaging story, complex characters, a whole lot of angst and full-on steam and Tell Me Pretty Lies does not lack of any of that. Oh yes, get ready for Thayer and Shayne (and the whole Heartbreak Hill crew) because this ride is sure a wild one!
Tell Me Pretty Lies is a NA romance and it looks like it’s becoming the first installment of a new series called Heartbreak Hill. As I said, it’s the story of Thayer Ames and Shayne Courtland. A forbidden romance that takes a turn after the death of Danny Ames, Thayer and Holden’s brother and Shayne’s step-brother. Thayer and Shayne had an instant connection and a secret relationship but their world is shaken after that tragic event. 9 months after, Shayne is back and lives are turned upside down all over again. Things have changed. Does Thayer really hate her now or is fate making its way in to make sure these two realize they need to be together?
How can you simultaneously love and hate how a person makes you feel?
I just knew Charleigh would not disappoint us! She keeps working her unique style, with new storylines and characters that I completely fell in love with. I loved Thayer, Shayne, Holden and Valen. What a wonderful crew! I am already loving Heartbreak Hill and all the mysteries around it. Tell Me Pretty Lies is surely a romance but it also has suspense and drama, and that is what made it such an entertaining read. I literally could not stop reading after I started it. I enjoyed every single moment of it and you’ll understand why if you read it too.
“Tell me another lie.” His hand flattens against my stomach and slides beneath my shorts and underwear. My grip on his wrist is loose, hardly a protest. “Tell me more pretty little lies from these pretty little lips.”
I loved the back and forth between Thayer and Shayne, the hate that is not really hate at all, their past, their connection and the emotions surrounding everything around them. Of course, do not doubt, Charleigh knows how to bring the heat and the chemistry was absolutely off the charts HAWT! But what makes this couple so wonderful is everything, that including their chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed this whole story, with all its characters and the outstanding couple. So glad these two found their way back to each other after all!
The lightning might have branded my skin, but Shayne branded whatever’s left of my heart.
Therefore, I am rating Tell Me Pretty Lies with 4.5 STARS because the story was so entertaining, suspenseful, angsty and with some crazy hot and sweet moments that I loved. Thayer and Shayne’s connection was amazing and their chemistry explosive and just perfect! I cannot wait for Hunter’s story because I loved him just as much and I hope he ends with Valen lol Highly recommend this NA romance!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC provided via Candi Kane PR in exchange for an honest review.
It seems many of us have been waiting for Charleigh Rose’s new release for a while. Now it’s finally here and trust me, the wait was completely worth it! When I think of this author, I expect an engaging story, complex characters, a whole lot of angst and full-on steam and Tell Me Pretty Lies does not lack of any of that. Oh yes, get ready for Thayer and Shayne (and the whole Heartbreak Hill crew) because this ride is sure a wild one!
Tell Me Pretty Lies is a NA romance and it looks like it’s becoming the first installment of a new series called Heartbreak Hill. As I said, it’s the story of Thayer Ames and Shayne Courtland. A forbidden romance that takes a turn after the death of Danny Ames, Thayer and Holden’s brother and Shayne’s step-brother. Thayer and Shayne had an instant connection and a secret relationship but their world is shaken after that tragic event. 9 months after, Shayne is back and lives are turned upside down all over again. Things have changed. Does Thayer really hate her now or is fate making its way in to make sure these two realize they need to be together?
How can you simultaneously love and hate how a person makes you feel?
I just knew Charleigh would not disappoint us! She keeps working her unique style, with new storylines and characters that I completely fell in love with. I loved Thayer, Shayne, Holden and Valen. What a wonderful crew! I am already loving Heartbreak Hill and all the mysteries around it. Tell Me Pretty Lies is surely a romance but it also has suspense and drama, and that is what made it such an entertaining read. I literally could not stop reading after I started it. I enjoyed every single moment of it and you’ll understand why if you read it too.
“Tell me another lie.” His hand flattens against my stomach and slides beneath my shorts and underwear. My grip on his wrist is loose, hardly a protest. “Tell me more pretty little lies from these pretty little lips.”
I loved the back and forth between Thayer and Shayne, the hate that is not really hate at all, their past, their connection and the emotions surrounding everything around them. Of course, do not doubt, Charleigh knows how to bring the heat and the chemistry was absolutely off the charts HAWT! But what makes this couple so wonderful is everything, that including their chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed this whole story, with all its characters and the outstanding couple. So glad these two found their way back to each other after all!
The lightning might have branded my skin, but Shayne branded whatever’s left of my heart.
Therefore, I am rating Tell Me Pretty Lies with 4.5 STARS because the story was so entertaining, suspenseful, angsty and with some crazy hot and sweet moments that I loved. Thayer and Shayne’s connection was amazing and their chemistry explosive and just perfect! I cannot wait for Hunter’s story because I loved him just as much and I hope he ends with Valen lol Highly recommend this NA romance!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
April 13, 2020
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Type: Book 1 of Heartbreak Hill series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Shayne Courtland lived in a blissful luxury for a few years when her mum got engaged to a wealthy man. A tragedy split the family apart until a year later when a situation brought them back to town. However, the town was no longer a welcoming home especially from Thayer Ames who used to be more than her family.
Even though this book is classified as NA, it had a younger vibe. Still, I did enjoy the story overall especially with the addition of some mystery/suspense elements.
I liked how Thayer was dark and broody while Shayne was a typical teenager. They had intense push and pull, but it felt trivial when their feelings were constantly contradictory to their actions with a flip of a coin. Thankfully the minimal depth of their relationship was made up by scorching sex scenes.
Tell Me Pretty Lies is a story of finding love in difficult situations. It would appeal to readers looking for a pseudo forbidden, light bully Romance.
Books in the series:
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Type: Book 1 of Heartbreak Hill series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Shayne Courtland lived in a blissful luxury for a few years when her mum got engaged to a wealthy man. A tragedy split the family apart until a year later when a situation brought them back to town. However, the town was no longer a welcoming home especially from Thayer Ames who used to be more than her family.
Even though this book is classified as NA, it had a younger vibe. Still, I did enjoy the story overall especially with the addition of some mystery/suspense elements.
The old Thayer wasn’t exactly a boy scout, but this version? This version is cold and cruel and not the boy I fell for in that barn.
I liked how Thayer was dark and broody while Shayne was a typical teenager. They had intense push and pull, but it felt trivial when their feelings were constantly contradictory to their actions with a flip of a coin. Thankfully the minimal depth of their relationship was made up by scorching sex scenes.
Tell Me Pretty Lies is a story of finding love in difficult situations. It would appeal to readers looking for a pseudo forbidden, light bully Romance.
Books in the series:
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
April 8, 2020
2 😔😔⭐️s
Let me tell you a pretty lie. I loved it. 😳
The story felt out of place. The storyline’s flow was slightly messy, too many events without sequence. Several characters didn’t have a role with substance, solidity was lacking.
Thayer and Shayne’s relationship didn’t convince me in the least!
Regarding the guilty person of the story’s mystery aspect, it was insipid and complicated without reason.
Let me tell you a pretty lie. I loved it. 😳
The story felt out of place. The storyline’s flow was slightly messy, too many events without sequence. Several characters didn’t have a role with substance, solidity was lacking.
Thayer and Shayne’s relationship didn’t convince me in the least!
Regarding the guilty person of the story’s mystery aspect, it was insipid and complicated without reason.
April 20, 2020
I assumed I’d fall in love with this as enemies to lovers with some forbidden romance and constant torment from an anti-hero is an irresistible combination to me. You can picture my abject horror when I started to skim the shit outta this massive mess of miscommunication, pettish actions and the heroine’s confident thrill to remove clothes within the blandest romance ever. Shame too, Charleigh Rose wrote some memorable romances that made me appreciate her writing.
Thayer Ames is such a bore, a common anti-hero with no substance, who resulted in me rolling my eyes into the back of my head on innumerous occasions it almost gave me an aneurysm. Naive me assumed there’d be some serious mean scenes, but Thayer’s actions are literally the equivalent of softcore porn. Medicore that left me unsatisfied and frustrated, I wanted to burst into tears. I hate anti-heroes who won’t redeem themselves with kinder actions and sweeter words—it isn’t hard to be mean and detached, the moodiest and broodiest character, but somehow full of charm. Thayer is straight up an asshole.
What made this even harder to read is Shayne Courtland. She acts resilient, but the minute she’s touched by Thayer, her non-existent resistance shatters and her clothes are away in some heap with my exhausted emotions. I can’t stomach heroines with no backbone whatsoever in dark or enemies to lovers romance, and this heroine’s characterisation is more boring than a sheet of white paper. Calm nonchalance with some bite would’ve been a real treat to witness, but alas the heroine sits there with weakness and feeble-mindedness as she’s bullied.
I also want to make mention that there’s zero chemistry between Thayer and Shayne. Flashback scenes would’ve made this couple’s chemistry more believable, devised an established history and granted the overall romance much needed forgiveness. Some inner monologue would’ve assisted as well, because it’s difficult to view this “couple’s relationship” as more than lustful attraction when we’re told rather than shown that there’s more to it. It’s even more difficult to consider this enemies to lovers romance; it’s more “Thayer hates Shayne and uses women to incite jealousness.” Hurl.
Tell Me Pretty Lies missed its intention. I love this author’s writing, but fuck me dead, this romance frustrated me to no end. One excitable outcome is eventually learning what transpired between Valen and Holden—I need some worthwhile, dramatic after-effect to be invested in post-shit show. But we’ll see.
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Our story isn’t a fairytale. More like a Shakespearean tragedy.
Thayer Ames is such a bore, a common anti-hero with no substance, who resulted in me rolling my eyes into the back of my head on innumerous occasions it almost gave me an aneurysm. Naive me assumed there’d be some serious mean scenes, but Thayer’s actions are literally the equivalent of softcore porn. Medicore that left me unsatisfied and frustrated, I wanted to burst into tears. I hate anti-heroes who won’t redeem themselves with kinder actions and sweeter words—it isn’t hard to be mean and detached, the moodiest and broodiest character, but somehow full of charm. Thayer is straight up an asshole.
What made this even harder to read is Shayne Courtland. She acts resilient, but the minute she’s touched by Thayer, her non-existent resistance shatters and her clothes are away in some heap with my exhausted emotions. I can’t stomach heroines with no backbone whatsoever in dark or enemies to lovers romance, and this heroine’s characterisation is more boring than a sheet of white paper. Calm nonchalance with some bite would’ve been a real treat to witness, but alas the heroine sits there with weakness and feeble-mindedness as she’s bullied.
How can you simultaneously love and hate how a person makes you feel?
I also want to make mention that there’s zero chemistry between Thayer and Shayne. Flashback scenes would’ve made this couple’s chemistry more believable, devised an established history and granted the overall romance much needed forgiveness. Some inner monologue would’ve assisted as well, because it’s difficult to view this “couple’s relationship” as more than lustful attraction when we’re told rather than shown that there’s more to it. It’s even more difficult to consider this enemies to lovers romance; it’s more “Thayer hates Shayne and uses women to incite jealousness.” Hurl.
Tell Me Pretty Lies missed its intention. I love this author’s writing, but fuck me dead, this romance frustrated me to no end. One excitable outcome is eventually learning what transpired between Valen and Holden—I need some worthwhile, dramatic after-effect to be invested in post-shit show. But we’ll see.
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April 8, 2020dnf at 47%
this was so bad, i don't even feel like talking shit about it 😴
this was so bad, i don't even feel like talking shit about it 😴
August 31, 2024
Unlikeable anti-hero!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 🙂🥰☺️😎
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Shayne - her mother got engaged to August Ames, an important man in her town. They immediately moved into their mansion with the family. So, her family went from just her, her mom and her brother grey, to a large family with three stepbrothers. They lived there for two years, and Shayne became best friends with the brother Holden, and she fell for Thayer. Though their romance was a secret and never went far. Until the day their brother Danny died after falling or jumping from a cliff into the water below. Her mother and Mr. Ames broke up after that and they moved away.
The Hero: Thayer - he was the bad boy, the black sheep of his family. He fell for Shayne when she lived with them, but she was his dirty little secret. He was nearly destroyed when his brother Danny died and pushed her away even before she moved away.
The Story: A year after the death of Danny, Shayne and her mother move back to town after her grandmother dies and leaves them her house. Her brother Grey is away at college and rarely answers her phone calls. Shayne is wary of returning and finds that the three Ames brothers hate her and since they are at the top of the popularity ladder at school, much of the rest of the school is against her as well. Thayer has since graduated and is attending a nearby college, but Holden and his cousin Christian are bad enough to make her days nearly unbearable. Thayer is around enough to give her plenty of grief as well.
This was an odd bully romance since it didn’t make much sense at first. Holden was best friends with Shayne before they moved, and Thayer had feelings for her. Yet now they suddenly hate her, and they won't leave her alone, they take every chance they can to bully her. Finally, after about eleven chapters, we find the reason for their animosity. They think that her brother Grey killed their brother Danny and that she might know something about it.
I still didn’t really like this premise since they could have given her the benefit of the doubt and asked her what she knew as friends instead of all the animosity. Later on in the book we find out even more about Thayer’s conflicted feelings about Shayne which make me like him even less. Though I could see he was in pain from his brother’s death, he seemed very juvenile in his feelings about Shayne.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Tor Thom and Stephanie Rose. I really like Tor Thom’s voice. It is very deep, and he is great at sounding natural. Though I absolutely hated Stephanie Rose. Her tone isn’t bad, but you can tell she is reading, and she has unnatural pauses, and she emphasizes words in a weird way. She sounds like a prissy rich girl who is someone you would immediately hate. It was extremely annoying.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 🙂🥰☺️😎
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Shayne - her mother got engaged to August Ames, an important man in her town. They immediately moved into their mansion with the family. So, her family went from just her, her mom and her brother grey, to a large family with three stepbrothers. They lived there for two years, and Shayne became best friends with the brother Holden, and she fell for Thayer. Though their romance was a secret and never went far. Until the day their brother Danny died after falling or jumping from a cliff into the water below. Her mother and Mr. Ames broke up after that and they moved away.
The Hero: Thayer - he was the bad boy, the black sheep of his family. He fell for Shayne when she lived with them, but she was his dirty little secret. He was nearly destroyed when his brother Danny died and pushed her away even before she moved away.
The Story: A year after the death of Danny, Shayne and her mother move back to town after her grandmother dies and leaves them her house. Her brother Grey is away at college and rarely answers her phone calls. Shayne is wary of returning and finds that the three Ames brothers hate her and since they are at the top of the popularity ladder at school, much of the rest of the school is against her as well. Thayer has since graduated and is attending a nearby college, but Holden and his cousin Christian are bad enough to make her days nearly unbearable. Thayer is around enough to give her plenty of grief as well.
This was an odd bully romance since it didn’t make much sense at first. Holden was best friends with Shayne before they moved, and Thayer had feelings for her. Yet now they suddenly hate her, and they won't leave her alone, they take every chance they can to bully her. Finally, after about eleven chapters, we find the reason for their animosity. They think that her brother Grey killed their brother Danny and that she might know something about it.
I still didn’t really like this premise since they could have given her the benefit of the doubt and asked her what she knew as friends instead of all the animosity. Later on in the book we find out even more about Thayer’s conflicted feelings about Shayne which make me like him even less. Though I could see he was in pain from his brother’s death, he seemed very juvenile in his feelings about Shayne.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Tor Thom and Stephanie Rose. I really like Tor Thom’s voice. It is very deep, and he is great at sounding natural. Though I absolutely hated Stephanie Rose. Her tone isn’t bad, but you can tell she is reading, and she has unnatural pauses, and she emphasizes words in a weird way. She sounds like a prissy rich girl who is someone you would immediately hate. It was extremely annoying.
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April 18, 2020
➳ Rate: 4,5 / 5 stars
Tell Me Pretty Lies turned out to be sooo much better than I ever could imagine. I had not expected it to be suspensful or mysterious but it was and I LOVED it.
Thayer and Shayne were both characters that were deeply hurting due to this one tragic event that connected them and everything that came after it. They shared a beautiful connection that was hard to ignore, even with the mess that was their lives. Tragedy, grief and a painful death separated them but their lightning connection brought them back together one year later.
I loved their messy and angsty relationship. They were a brewing storm that fired lightning whenever they were together. It was amazing and they were sexy, emotional and just fire. I loved that it was all a little slow burn, a touch here and there and it took a while for things to progress.
I absolutely adored Holden and I really hope he will get his own book because after reading one of those last party scenes... I NEED IT! I really hope this wasn't the last we've seen of this crew and that Charleigh will give us more stories in this word, not just Holden's but Grey's too! They were a messy, complicated bunch but it all stemmed from grief, anger, guilt from that one tragic, heartbreaking day that completely changed their lives.
Charleigh gave us another amazing couple and introduced us to an awesome new world with Shayne and Thayer. Tell Me Pretty Lies pulled me in from the start to finish; it was the perfect combination of suspense, heat and a slow burn second chance romance.
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ AVAILABLE NOW!!! Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Twitter
Tell Me Pretty Lies turned out to be sooo much better than I ever could imagine. I had not expected it to be suspensful or mysterious but it was and I LOVED it.
Thayer and Shayne were both characters that were deeply hurting due to this one tragic event that connected them and everything that came after it. They shared a beautiful connection that was hard to ignore, even with the mess that was their lives. Tragedy, grief and a painful death separated them but their lightning connection brought them back together one year later.
I loved their messy and angsty relationship. They were a brewing storm that fired lightning whenever they were together. It was amazing and they were sexy, emotional and just fire. I loved that it was all a little slow burn, a touch here and there and it took a while for things to progress.
I absolutely adored Holden and I really hope he will get his own book because after reading one of those last party scenes... I NEED IT! I really hope this wasn't the last we've seen of this crew and that Charleigh will give us more stories in this word, not just Holden's but Grey's too! They were a messy, complicated bunch but it all stemmed from grief, anger, guilt from that one tragic, heartbreaking day that completely changed their lives.
Charleigh gave us another amazing couple and introduced us to an awesome new world with Shayne and Thayer. Tell Me Pretty Lies pulled me in from the start to finish; it was the perfect combination of suspense, heat and a slow burn second chance romance.
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ AVAILABLE NOW!!! Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Twitter
April 8, 2020
I’m going to be in the minority here but I need to stay true to myself and be honest...
Firstly let me say, I am a HUGE Charleigh Rose fan; Bad Habit is one of my all time favourites and I’ve read it so many times. I had huge hopes for TMPL and am so fucking in love with that cover...but I just didn’t get that spark that I usually do when reading a CR book for the first time. I didn’t believe in Thayer and Shaynes relationship at all, and even though they had major sexual chemistry, I just didn’t feel the connection. I also felt like some of the major plot issues were dealt with way too quickly at the end, and a lot of the drama surrounded certain characters that I didn’t really care about. Now don’t get me wrong, I didn’t hate it. 3 stars is still a pretty good rating as far as I’m concerned, but i just wasn’t blown away by it.
I will more than likely carry on reading the series because I was super invested in Holden and Valen and feel like their story is going to have way more tension and chemistry. I LOVED Holden and he was kind of the saving grace for me, and I lived for the scenes he was in.
Maybe the problem is me...there are so many 5 star reviews for this book that it makes me think I’ve missed something...or it’s maybe just a case of my expectations being too high because of how much I love CR’s other books.
Firstly let me say, I am a HUGE Charleigh Rose fan; Bad Habit is one of my all time favourites and I’ve read it so many times. I had huge hopes for TMPL and am so fucking in love with that cover...but I just didn’t get that spark that I usually do when reading a CR book for the first time. I didn’t believe in Thayer and Shaynes relationship at all, and even though they had major sexual chemistry, I just didn’t feel the connection. I also felt like some of the major plot issues were dealt with way too quickly at the end, and a lot of the drama surrounded certain characters that I didn’t really care about. Now don’t get me wrong, I didn’t hate it. 3 stars is still a pretty good rating as far as I’m concerned, but i just wasn’t blown away by it.
I will more than likely carry on reading the series because I was super invested in Holden and Valen and feel like their story is going to have way more tension and chemistry. I LOVED Holden and he was kind of the saving grace for me, and I lived for the scenes he was in.
Maybe the problem is me...there are so many 5 star reviews for this book that it makes me think I’ve missed something...or it’s maybe just a case of my expectations being too high because of how much I love CR’s other books.
April 7, 2020
This booooookkkkkk. Ugh. I wanted to love it. But come on, it is one cliche after the other and also very YA. This is probably the 10th high school bully romance novel I’ve read that basically has the same plot line, with some minor differences. “If you let me walk out that door, Thayer, I promise you I won’t be coming back.” Anddddd what do you know, she came back...in the next chapter.
I have been very excited about this read but it really did not live up to my expectations at all. It tries to have the whole forbidden romance thing to it but falls short. Shayne has no backbone. She never once puts her foot down when Thayer treats her horribly. She *says* she is going to, she *says* she won’t allow this or that but all of those thoughts get thrown out the window as soon as she sees him, every.single.time. Even the ending was extremely weak. Sad, was hoping for a lot more from this book.
Also, side note, did we ever learn who that random guy was that Shayne’s mom was snuggled up to that one night? Maybe I missed that somewhere.
I have been very excited about this read but it really did not live up to my expectations at all. It tries to have the whole forbidden romance thing to it but falls short. Shayne has no backbone. She never once puts her foot down when Thayer treats her horribly. She *says* she is going to, she *says* she won’t allow this or that but all of those thoughts get thrown out the window as soon as she sees him, every.single.time. Even the ending was extremely weak. Sad, was hoping for a lot more from this book.
Also, side note, did we ever learn who that random guy was that Shayne’s mom was snuggled up to that one night? Maybe I missed that somewhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2020
4 stars
So this was my first read of Charleigh Rose and for certain it won't be the last. TELL ME PRETTY LIES was a great read.
I thought the beginning of the book was a little confusing because we don't get an introduction. It appears we enter in the middle of something. But after 30% I was curious about everyone and wanted to know what happened.
I thought I would hate Thayer and fall for him only at the end but I didn't hate him, even in the beginning. I kinda understood where his anger came from. I loved how he "hated" Shayne but he couldn't be away from her.
They said Shayne was different before she moved and then came back, didn't fight or discuss much with anyone. But I loved the version we meet, the spitfire version of her.
The story has a mystery and I had my theories but I didn't get any of them right and I loved that. I love when an author can still surprise us. And what about the hotness of this book? OMG! The book isn't all about sex, but the scenes we get is HOT HOT HOT!
TELL ME PRETTY LIES is a great read. I also loved the other characters of this book and I hope to see a story about Holden someday. I highly recommend it.
* I received an ARC of this book.
______
4 estrelas
Então, essa foi minha primeira leitura de Charleigh Rose e, com certeza, não será a última. TELL ME PRETTY LIES foi uma ótima leitura.
Achei o começo do livro um pouco confuso porque não recebemos uma introdução. Parece que somos jogarmos no meio de um acontecimento. Mas, depois de 30%, eu estava já estava curiosa sobre todos e queria saber o que aconteceu.
Pensei que odiaria Thayer e me apaixonaria por ele apenas no final, mas não o odiei, mesmo no começo. Eu meio que entendi de onde veio a raiva dele. Amei como ele "odiava" a Shayne, mas não conseguia ficar longe dela.
Eles disseram que a Shayne era diferente antes de se mudar e depois voltar, não brigava ou discutia muito com ninguém. Mas adorei a versão que é apresentada, a versão com temperamento forte dela.
A história tem um mistério e eu tinha minhas teorias, mas não acertei nenhuma delas e adorei. Adoro quando um autor ainda consegue nos surpreender. E o fogo deste livro? OMG! O livro não é cheio de sexo, mas as cenas que obtemos são suuuuuuper QUENTE QUENTE QUENTE!
TELL ME PRETTY LIES é uma ótima leitura. Eu tamby amei os outros personagens deste livro e espero ver uma história sobre o Holden algum dia. Recomendo.
* Recebi um ARC desse livro.
So this was my first read of Charleigh Rose and for certain it won't be the last. TELL ME PRETTY LIES was a great read.
I thought the beginning of the book was a little confusing because we don't get an introduction. It appears we enter in the middle of something. But after 30% I was curious about everyone and wanted to know what happened.
I thought I would hate Thayer and fall for him only at the end but I didn't hate him, even in the beginning. I kinda understood where his anger came from. I loved how he "hated" Shayne but he couldn't be away from her.
They said Shayne was different before she moved and then came back, didn't fight or discuss much with anyone. But I loved the version we meet, the spitfire version of her.
The story has a mystery and I had my theories but I didn't get any of them right and I loved that. I love when an author can still surprise us. And what about the hotness of this book? OMG! The book isn't all about sex, but the scenes we get is HOT HOT HOT!
TELL ME PRETTY LIES is a great read. I also loved the other characters of this book and I hope to see a story about Holden someday. I highly recommend it.
* I received an ARC of this book.
______
4 estrelas
Então, essa foi minha primeira leitura de Charleigh Rose e, com certeza, não será a última. TELL ME PRETTY LIES foi uma ótima leitura.
Achei o começo do livro um pouco confuso porque não recebemos uma introdução. Parece que somos jogarmos no meio de um acontecimento. Mas, depois de 30%, eu estava já estava curiosa sobre todos e queria saber o que aconteceu.
Pensei que odiaria Thayer e me apaixonaria por ele apenas no final, mas não o odiei, mesmo no começo. Eu meio que entendi de onde veio a raiva dele. Amei como ele "odiava" a Shayne, mas não conseguia ficar longe dela.
Eles disseram que a Shayne era diferente antes de se mudar e depois voltar, não brigava ou discutia muito com ninguém. Mas adorei a versão que é apresentada, a versão com temperamento forte dela.
A história tem um mistério e eu tinha minhas teorias, mas não acertei nenhuma delas e adorei. Adoro quando um autor ainda consegue nos surpreender. E o fogo deste livro? OMG! O livro não é cheio de sexo, mas as cenas que obtemos são suuuuuuper QUENTE QUENTE QUENTE!
TELL ME PRETTY LIES é uma ótima leitura. Eu tamby amei os outros personagens deste livro e espero ver uma história sobre o Holden algum dia. Recomendo.
* Recebi um ARC desse livro.
April 15, 2020
FIVE THUNDER STARS for Shayne and Thayer 💖💜!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
LOVE THIS BOOK!
"Tell Me Pretty Lies" is a new adult and ex-stepbrother romance with a lot of twists and turns that will make you read this book without break just to find out what will happen the next.
Shayne and Thayer's relationship is unusual and complex.
They fought against their feelings for each other but in the end attraction and love which they felt for one another won.
I love their chemistry!
Shayne is a female character who usually doesn't show her emotions no matter how much her feelings are hurt.
Her love for Thayer is strong and unconditional even when he broke her heart for a thousand times.
Thayer is a male character who is fear to show his emotions because he was hurt in the past and that's the main reason why he is hot and cold to Shayne.
But, in the end, everything change...
If you loved Charleigh's previous books, then you should read this one!
P.S. Can't wait for Valen and Holden's book 😍❤🔥!!!
Highly recommended!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
LOVE THIS BOOK!
"Tell Me Pretty Lies" is a new adult and ex-stepbrother romance with a lot of twists and turns that will make you read this book without break just to find out what will happen the next.
Shayne and Thayer's relationship is unusual and complex.
They fought against their feelings for each other but in the end attraction and love which they felt for one another won.
I love their chemistry!
Shayne is a female character who usually doesn't show her emotions no matter how much her feelings are hurt.
Her love for Thayer is strong and unconditional even when he broke her heart for a thousand times.
Thayer is a male character who is fear to show his emotions because he was hurt in the past and that's the main reason why he is hot and cold to Shayne.
But, in the end, everything change...
If you loved Charleigh's previous books, then you should read this one!
P.S. Can't wait for Valen and Holden's book 😍❤🔥!!!
Highly recommended!!!
April 8, 2020
I feel like I’ve read this story before.. cruel prince by ashley jade? hmm
it was a good book but nothing ground breaking or worth the hype.
3 ish stars
it was a good book but nothing ground breaking or worth the hype.
3 ish stars
April 9, 2020
This book was a complete and utter mess. It really was.
The Main female is annoying. She’s such an unlikeable character. The way the MMC treats her... and she just keeps coming back. Ughhh!
Omg and the Main male, he is the worst. He’s a complete idiot. He’s rude, selfish, egotistical and downright dumb.
The Main female is annoying. She’s such an unlikeable character. The way the MMC treats her... and she just keeps coming back. Ughhh!
Omg and the Main male, he is the worst. He’s a complete idiot. He’s rude, selfish, egotistical and downright dumb.
December 7, 2022
I just can’t with step sibling romances anymore and yk it wouldn’t have even been that bad if that stupid plot twist was there because ew no no no.
April 14, 2020
***4.5/5 Stars***
Charlie Rose has done it again! Tell Me Pretty Lies was addictive, sexy and impossible to put down! The characters were so easy to connect with and the story-line was so much fun. The way it all unfolded was emotional and I loved not knowing exactly where the story was going. So if you're a fan of enemies to lovers and plenty of angst, definitely put this one on your tbr!
The story started off with an emotional bang. Shayne was at the funeral of her future step brother, along with his brothers and both of their families. That first chapter gutted me and then in the next one we jumped nine months ahead. Shayne's mother had broken off her engagement and they moved away, but now they're back in town. And nothing seemed the same. Her brother was off at college. Her mom was constantly gone for work. And those who had been like family now treated her like dirt. The only good thing in her life was her best friend, Valen, who I loved with my whole heart!
I absolutely loved Shayne! She was so easy to connect with and I loved how tough she could be. She was smart, tried her hardest and I loved that she went after what she wanted. I also loved that she tried not to let what other's thought affect her. Especially since everyone at her school seemed to talk or whisper about her. But when it came to Thayer, her ex-step brother, that's where her self-control would falter. She had loved him with her whole heart, but now he was a total douche bag. And Shayne should really ignore how much Thayer's touch made her come alive. Because the moment she would give in, the next she would be hurt all over again.
Thayer did some fucked up things and at times I wanted to punch him in the throat. I didn't understand why he bullied her. And I couldn't wrap my head around how he could touch her, and create so much emotion between them, only then to completely shut down and block her out. He ran so hot and cold and he could be such an asshole. Thayer hurt Shayne again and again and it broke my heart. But I'm one of those who always tries to find the redeeming qualities and look for the tiniest of clues. So when Thayer did something even a little nice, oh my gosh I wanted to cry. And when we got to his chapters we got to learn all. His heart bled so truthfully to us and I fell madly in love with him. It all made sense and my heart soared even higher.
When Thayer and Shayne were together it was explosive. Their moments were erotic, scorching hot and beyond additive. All of their emotions fed into those moments making it even more intense. But we also got a peak into their past, which gave me all the feels. I wish we would have had more peaks into their past. But this book almost had a mysterious feel to it. Because when we were listening to Shayne's chapters, it felt like we only knew part of the story. There seemed to be secrets everywhere. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that I was sitting there with a WTF expression on my face quite a few times. The path this story took kept me on my toes and I truly didn't know what was going to come next.
So yes, I can't recommend this book enough. If you love sexy and edgy romance, that is enemies to lovers and has the most fabulous angst, then definitely give this one a try! And I also want to say that I loved Thayer's brother, Holden. Even if I wanted to throat punch him in the beginning too. He cracked me up while also breaking my heart and I'm hoping we get his story in the future! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
How can you simultaneously love and hate how a person makes you feel?
Charlie Rose has done it again! Tell Me Pretty Lies was addictive, sexy and impossible to put down! The characters were so easy to connect with and the story-line was so much fun. The way it all unfolded was emotional and I loved not knowing exactly where the story was going. So if you're a fan of enemies to lovers and plenty of angst, definitely put this one on your tbr!
Something about him brings out the worst in me, and I can’t ever seem to think clearly when he’s around. Not then, and apparently not now. He made me reckless, and I loved it.
The story started off with an emotional bang. Shayne was at the funeral of her future step brother, along with his brothers and both of their families. That first chapter gutted me and then in the next one we jumped nine months ahead. Shayne's mother had broken off her engagement and they moved away, but now they're back in town. And nothing seemed the same. Her brother was off at college. Her mom was constantly gone for work. And those who had been like family now treated her like dirt. The only good thing in her life was her best friend, Valen, who I loved with my whole heart!
They want me to cry and run away. They want a reaction. And I’m not going to give it to them.
I absolutely loved Shayne! She was so easy to connect with and I loved how tough she could be. She was smart, tried her hardest and I loved that she went after what she wanted. I also loved that she tried not to let what other's thought affect her. Especially since everyone at her school seemed to talk or whisper about her. But when it came to Thayer, her ex-step brother, that's where her self-control would falter. She had loved him with her whole heart, but now he was a total douche bag. And Shayne should really ignore how much Thayer's touch made her come alive. Because the moment she would give in, the next she would be hurt all over again.
I was hard as fuck, needing to touch her. To taste her. To be so far inside her that we both forgot about our families, our tragedies, our fucked-up lives, and everything that’s keeping us apart.
Thayer did some fucked up things and at times I wanted to punch him in the throat. I didn't understand why he bullied her. And I couldn't wrap my head around how he could touch her, and create so much emotion between them, only then to completely shut down and block her out. He ran so hot and cold and he could be such an asshole. Thayer hurt Shayne again and again and it broke my heart. But I'm one of those who always tries to find the redeeming qualities and look for the tiniest of clues. So when Thayer did something even a little nice, oh my gosh I wanted to cry. And when we got to his chapters we got to learn all. His heart bled so truthfully to us and I fell madly in love with him. It all made sense and my heart soared even higher.
It’s not fair for his touch to be so sweet when his words cut like a knife. It’s not fair that he still has this effect on me.
When Thayer and Shayne were together it was explosive. Their moments were erotic, scorching hot and beyond additive. All of their emotions fed into those moments making it even more intense. But we also got a peak into their past, which gave me all the feels. I wish we would have had more peaks into their past. But this book almost had a mysterious feel to it. Because when we were listening to Shayne's chapters, it felt like we only knew part of the story. There seemed to be secrets everywhere. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that I was sitting there with a WTF expression on my face quite a few times. The path this story took kept me on my toes and I truly didn't know what was going to come next.
“I hate you.” Even as I say the words, I’m arching into him, needing more.
“Tell me another lie.” His hand flattens against my stomach and slides beneath my shorts and underwear.
So yes, I can't recommend this book enough. If you love sexy and edgy romance, that is enemies to lovers and has the most fabulous angst, then definitely give this one a try! And I also want to say that I loved Thayer's brother, Holden. Even if I wanted to throat punch him in the beginning too. He cracked me up while also breaking my heart and I'm hoping we get his story in the future! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
May 5, 2020
One of those, I don't know if I love it or hate it kind of book.
Not my favorite book by Charleigh Rose but I read this book while I was drowning under the sea of not so good romance books ...this felt like a shinning beacon of light.
All I can remember is that by the end of the book, I was thoroughly satisfied..hence why I do plan to read this again.
Not my favorite book by Charleigh Rose but I read this book while I was drowning under the sea of not so good romance books ...this felt like a shinning beacon of light.
All I can remember is that by the end of the book, I was thoroughly satisfied..hence why I do plan to read this again.
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