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The Truth in the Lie
The Truth in the Lie is an unforgettable story of a woman’s road to authenticity, the lies she tells herself on the way there, and the lengths in which she’ll go to keep feelings from unravelling her new start in life.
“A.R. Hadley’s incisive words dissect the character's psyche like a surgeon cutting out a tumor. Identify the spot, slice it open, and trace the blade's tip along the unhealthy growth.” – Goodreads Reviewer
She writes to make you uncomfortable…
When thirty-eight-year-old divorced and childless Bree moves back home to Florida, she begins to write a fictional novella that forces her to confront her deepest fears and darkest secrets.
Bree also finds herself in the middle of a haunting love triangle. She’s a bartender at a local restaurant where she soon faces her attraction to both her overbearing boss and the widowed chef.
With intense themes of connection, loss, and self-discovery, The Truth in the Lie is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that will have you hooked until the very end.
You might think you know the truth...
…but are you falling for the lie?
Author Note: The Truth in the Lie is a 59,000-word literary novel. A tale of connection, not romance. The characters and their intense and realistic actions drive the plot. Contains graphic content that may trigger some readers.
This book is erotic in nature but is not "erotica." Goodreads selects genres and authors cannot change them.
“A.R. Hadley’s incisive words dissect the character's psyche like a surgeon cutting out a tumor. Identify the spot, slice it open, and trace the blade's tip along the unhealthy growth.” – Goodreads Reviewer
She writes to make you uncomfortable…
When thirty-eight-year-old divorced and childless Bree moves back home to Florida, she begins to write a fictional novella that forces her to confront her deepest fears and darkest secrets.
Bree also finds herself in the middle of a haunting love triangle. She’s a bartender at a local restaurant where she soon faces her attraction to both her overbearing boss and the widowed chef.
With intense themes of connection, loss, and self-discovery, The Truth in the Lie is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that will have you hooked until the very end.
You might think you know the truth...
…but are you falling for the lie?
Author Note: The Truth in the Lie is a 59,000-word literary novel. A tale of connection, not romance. The characters and their intense and realistic actions drive the plot. Contains graphic content that may trigger some readers.
This book is erotic in nature but is not "erotica." Goodreads selects genres and authors cannot change them.
- GenresErotica
Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2020
7 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
A.R. Hadley
15 books191 followersA.R. Hadley writes imperfectly perfect sentences by the light of her iPhone.
She loves the ocean.
Chocolate.
Her children.
And Cary Grant.
She annoys those darling little children by quoting lines from Back to the Future, but despite her knowledge of eighties and nineties pop culture, she was actually meant to live alongside the Lost Generation after the Great War and write a mediocre novel while drinking absinthe with Hemingway. Instead, find her sipping unsweet tea near a beautiful garden as she weaves fictional tales of love and connection amid reality.
VISIT A.R. HADLEY'S AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01J7WHH16
CONNECT ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/arhadleywriter/
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/arhadleywri...
TIKTOK:
https://www.tiktok.com/@arhadleywrite...
She loves the ocean.
Chocolate.
Her children.
And Cary Grant.
She annoys those darling little children by quoting lines from Back to the Future, but despite her knowledge of eighties and nineties pop culture, she was actually meant to live alongside the Lost Generation after the Great War and write a mediocre novel while drinking absinthe with Hemingway. Instead, find her sipping unsweet tea near a beautiful garden as she weaves fictional tales of love and connection amid reality.
VISIT A.R. HADLEY'S AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01J7WHH16
CONNECT ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/arhadleywriter/
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/arhadleywri...
TIKTOK:
https://www.tiktok.com/@arhadleywrite...
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 22, 2020
A.R. Hadley dives deep into the things that make up anger; the fear, the hurt, and the love. The way it controls main character Bree as she initially starts over after a failed marriage, as she faces the past that haunts her, and as she finally starts writing. I'd call this a dark-erotic novel, with Bree desperate for a different kind of affair, one that doesn't involve her emotions. She seeks a more negative type of attention, the type of attention she's grown believing she deserves. It's in her writing, in her return to her hometown, that she begins to unwind the tight binds that have held her to this belief, as well as embraces the darkness she knows is part of her. I really enjoyed the book chapter inserts, they give a lot of insight.
A.R. Hadley is an incredibly gifted writer, unfortunately The Truth in the Lie just wasn't for me. I appreciate the honest nature of it, I think we need more true-to-life, in your face books. I wanted more though, there was too much left unsaid. For all her anger and stubbornness, Bree goes along with a lot and in going along we lose some of perspective. Finally, the pacing is difficult. I like fast or I like slow, this one has a bit of both. When I needed more, I didn't get it; and where A.R. Hadley pushes Bree in uncomfortable places, I know it's meant to do that to readers too, it went on too long for me. While it wasn't a slam dunk for me, I think The Truth in the Lie will appeal to readers of both Women's Fiction and Erotica, especially those who like to dive deep into what makes us tick.
ARC provided.
A.R. Hadley is an incredibly gifted writer, unfortunately The Truth in the Lie just wasn't for me. I appreciate the honest nature of it, I think we need more true-to-life, in your face books. I wanted more though, there was too much left unsaid. For all her anger and stubbornness, Bree goes along with a lot and in going along we lose some of perspective. Finally, the pacing is difficult. I like fast or I like slow, this one has a bit of both. When I needed more, I didn't get it; and where A.R. Hadley pushes Bree in uncomfortable places, I know it's meant to do that to readers too, it went on too long for me. While it wasn't a slam dunk for me, I think The Truth in the Lie will appeal to readers of both Women's Fiction and Erotica, especially those who like to dive deep into what makes us tick.
ARC provided.
October 16, 2020
This book! When starting a new book by this author, I go in with only one preconceived thought, expect the unexpected.
When Bree catches her husband in “the act” she flees to a house left to her by her grandfather and becomes a waitress/bartender. It is at her place of work that she becomes involved with Jack the owner and Charlie the cook. She gets her needs met in different ways by these two men. Jack is full of dominance and kink that ignites Bree’s dark and lusty desires. Charlie, who has the patience of Job, gives her the space she needs to heal and chooses to cultivate his friendship with Bree by accepting her as she is, all the while knowing what’s going on between Jack and Bree. I mean, really?
As a side story, Bree is an author and we get to read several chapters of her book in this book! And what a doozy her book is!
Bree. Jack. Charlie. All have secrets. All have needs. Not one can be pigeonholed. The last couple of chapters brought tears to my eyes but not for the obvious reasons. What are the obvious reasons you may ask? My lips are sealed. Expect the unexpected.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
When Bree catches her husband in “the act” she flees to a house left to her by her grandfather and becomes a waitress/bartender. It is at her place of work that she becomes involved with Jack the owner and Charlie the cook. She gets her needs met in different ways by these two men. Jack is full of dominance and kink that ignites Bree’s dark and lusty desires. Charlie, who has the patience of Job, gives her the space she needs to heal and chooses to cultivate his friendship with Bree by accepting her as she is, all the while knowing what’s going on between Jack and Bree. I mean, really?
As a side story, Bree is an author and we get to read several chapters of her book in this book! And what a doozy her book is!
Bree. Jack. Charlie. All have secrets. All have needs. Not one can be pigeonholed. The last couple of chapters brought tears to my eyes but not for the obvious reasons. What are the obvious reasons you may ask? My lips are sealed. Expect the unexpected.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 15, 2020
In this amazing story THE TRUTH IN THE LIE, the truth brings too much pain. Loving people doesn’t always equal pain, lovers can hurt us, and death comes for everyone. But the journey is what; no wait, the journey is to be loved, cherished, and enjoyed. You cherish the memories with those who have passed, and you love all those moments in between. And even when you're hurt by someone, you still had moments together that made you who you are today. But, fear can make us do some crazy stuff.
Bree, Charlie and Jack, all three have trouble with expressing their emotions. Bree, too hurt to even want to try with anyone. Charlie is devastated by loss. Jack *sigh* oh Jack. Jack well, Jack I feel has his shit together. I think he knows his emotions, he let you know in his own way. Goddammit I want more of Jack. Can there be a before book on Jack? Lol. I too loved Jack’s blue eyes and everytime you described them. He was right there in front of me. Side tracked by Jack, sorry, in this book you will find Bree struggles with pretty much all of her emotions, except anger. Anger is her strength so get this too. Anger makes you feel brave, gives a false sense of being brave when in reality you're not. You’re scared, and Bree was scared. My heart broke a little for Bree several times in this story but it shattered at the end. Shattered because I could feel that loss, that pain that hurt so deep you can’t breathe. This was a really great read and I loved it. You will fall in love with all three of these characters, you will feel their pain and appreciate the little things that happened in between.
I was recently listening to the radio and this famous singer/song writer was talking about her song (don’t remember who this was) and she said “above anything we should be able to express emotions.” but she said specifically anger and she was talking of death. I get that - anger- death feelings. But I think, above ALL we should be able to express love without fear of being hurt. Be brave enough to express that love you have regardless of what “could” happen!
Go get lost in this book tonight.
October 13, 2020
*3.5/5 stars*
**I received a digital ARC of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
This was a dark, harrowing novel. It was disturbing at times, but understandably so. Our main character has been through some things, some really terrible things, so it only makes sense that she has some trauma from that, hence the darkness.
Bree is a super unlikeable character. She’s stubborn and rude, yet the entire time I pulled for her so much. Because of her trauma. She’s so strong, she has to protect herself because what else is left? There are two relationships going on in this story. One is super toxic, the other was not. I couldn’t fully understand the toxic one, why she needed it so much when she had the really great one right in front of her? Jack was a very typical representation of just your regular grade A D-bag. Charlie, though. Oh, sweet, sweet Charlie. I really, really liked Charlie.
I thought that the writing was good, it gripped my attention. I needed to know what was going to happen. I flew through this book when I had the time to sit and read. There were some choppy areas that didn’t flow well for me. Like, I would have liked to read more about their time in Colorado, but instead, it was just glossed over.
There was a novel being written within the novel, which took a second for me to understand, but once I did, I thought it was very interesting. That novel is truly where the darkness came from.
Overall, I thought this was a good novel. I had a hard time connecting to the main character, but I also can’t relate to her, so I think that was why. I did enjoy it even still, and I think most other women a little older than me would as well.
Thanks so much to the author, A.R. Hadley, for allowing me to read and review your book!
Review posted here: https://katelynpdickinson.wordpress.c...
**I received a digital ARC of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
This was a dark, harrowing novel. It was disturbing at times, but understandably so. Our main character has been through some things, some really terrible things, so it only makes sense that she has some trauma from that, hence the darkness.
Bree is a super unlikeable character. She’s stubborn and rude, yet the entire time I pulled for her so much. Because of her trauma. She’s so strong, she has to protect herself because what else is left? There are two relationships going on in this story. One is super toxic, the other was not. I couldn’t fully understand the toxic one, why she needed it so much when she had the really great one right in front of her? Jack was a very typical representation of just your regular grade A D-bag. Charlie, though. Oh, sweet, sweet Charlie. I really, really liked Charlie.
I thought that the writing was good, it gripped my attention. I needed to know what was going to happen. I flew through this book when I had the time to sit and read. There were some choppy areas that didn’t flow well for me. Like, I would have liked to read more about their time in Colorado, but instead, it was just glossed over.
There was a novel being written within the novel, which took a second for me to understand, but once I did, I thought it was very interesting. That novel is truly where the darkness came from.
Overall, I thought this was a good novel. I had a hard time connecting to the main character, but I also can’t relate to her, so I think that was why. I did enjoy it even still, and I think most other women a little older than me would as well.
Thanks so much to the author, A.R. Hadley, for allowing me to read and review your book!
Review posted here: https://katelynpdickinson.wordpress.c...
October 18, 2020
The Truth in the Lie
A.R. Hadley
This book was mesmerizing. I was hooked on every word and scene.
The main character is Bree and the men in her current life are Jack and Charlie.
Bree is strong, cold and yet she is not. She has built walls around herself to avoid feelings and to avoid dealing with the pain of her past. Her story revolves around her present life and the chapters of her writing. In her writing, she shares some of her pain and the good from her past. Her writing helps us get inside her head.
After her marriage ended, Bree goes back to the home her grandfather left her. Her life as a bartender in the small town revolves around two men, Jack and Charlie. They are both equally important in her life and they each fulfill a need. They both help Bree breakthrough her walls, layer by layer.
This story deals with some sensitive and painful subjects, it is also sensual and dark. All three characters have flaws, pain, and secrets. What I loved most is how the characters got into my head and made me feel for each of them. At every turn, it made me think.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
A.R. Hadley
This book was mesmerizing. I was hooked on every word and scene.
The main character is Bree and the men in her current life are Jack and Charlie.
Bree is strong, cold and yet she is not. She has built walls around herself to avoid feelings and to avoid dealing with the pain of her past. Her story revolves around her present life and the chapters of her writing. In her writing, she shares some of her pain and the good from her past. Her writing helps us get inside her head.
After her marriage ended, Bree goes back to the home her grandfather left her. Her life as a bartender in the small town revolves around two men, Jack and Charlie. They are both equally important in her life and they each fulfill a need. They both help Bree breakthrough her walls, layer by layer.
This story deals with some sensitive and painful subjects, it is also sensual and dark. All three characters have flaws, pain, and secrets. What I loved most is how the characters got into my head and made me feel for each of them. At every turn, it made me think.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2020
Bree is so done with men. At the bar and in her heart. In bed, however, now that’s another matter. Between the beer tap and her customers, Bree is about as cuddly as a prickly burr. That sticky too when it comes to Jack and Charlie.
Shredded by a cheating husband, the only refuge Bree has are her writing and her dalliance with her disgusting boss Jack. She loathes him, but that’s more than okay for the moment because she seems to loathe herself, too.
In The Truth in the Lie, A.R. Hadley introduces us to Bree, a damaged character who shatters some glass, literally and metaphorically, to get at some hard truths. She does this balanced between her distinctly different attractions to Jack and Charlie, one she wants and the other she needs. I’ll leave you to discover which one is which.
Hadley is known for writing acerbic characters and complex topics with deft and amusing grace: “Your giant breasts left.” “She took it well.” And in Bree’s story she takes us on a journey to the jagged edge.
Shredded by a cheating husband, the only refuge Bree has are her writing and her dalliance with her disgusting boss Jack. She loathes him, but that’s more than okay for the moment because she seems to loathe herself, too.
In The Truth in the Lie, A.R. Hadley introduces us to Bree, a damaged character who shatters some glass, literally and metaphorically, to get at some hard truths. She does this balanced between her distinctly different attractions to Jack and Charlie, one she wants and the other she needs. I’ll leave you to discover which one is which.
Hadley is known for writing acerbic characters and complex topics with deft and amusing grace: “Your giant breasts left.” “She took it well.” And in Bree’s story she takes us on a journey to the jagged edge.
October 16, 2020
Bree flees her home after catching her hubby cheating on her, and gets a job as a waitress / bartended, where her boss is Jack, who is dark, intimidating, and domineering, while Charlie the chef is sweet and is dealing with the loss of his wife. Bree is an author who is drawn to both men, one who is intense, and the other who accepts her as she is and gives her the space to heal. This is a well written story which has complex characters with secrets, as well as an intricate and in-depth plot, which is raw, gritty, intense, heart-breaking, emotional, and realistic, while expecting the unexpected. I was hooked throughout this story and I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend for all.
October 15, 2020
I became a fan of this author after reading her short spin off of one of the Drazen Family Sisters (CD Reiss).
This author has such a unique way with words! I always become so mesmerized and engrossed in her stories!
Bree, although hard to like, was such a strong character. And Bree’s novell inside this story, when it all finally came together at the end, brought tears to my eyes.
The storyline and characters have so much depth and complexity. It was raw, emotional, intense and so real!
**I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review**
This author has such a unique way with words! I always become so mesmerized and engrossed in her stories!
Bree, although hard to like, was such a strong character. And Bree’s novell inside this story, when it all finally came together at the end, brought tears to my eyes.
The storyline and characters have so much depth and complexity. It was raw, emotional, intense and so real!
**I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review**
October 15, 2020
Dark and seductive. Alluring and enthralling.
Bree’s journey isn’t a smooth one. She’s plagued by her Inner demons. Secrets. Dark desires. Self loathing. How long can you run from the past? Healing has to begin sometimes. There’s a rawness to this story. I was mesmerized right from the beginning. I dig a dark vibe and I was here for it. I was fascinated from beginning to end. The ending was a pleasant surprise and one I didn’t see coming.
I love Miss Hadley’s delightful storytelling and I excitedly await her next novel! I give this 5 stars.
Bree’s journey isn’t a smooth one. She’s plagued by her Inner demons. Secrets. Dark desires. Self loathing. How long can you run from the past? Healing has to begin sometimes. There’s a rawness to this story. I was mesmerized right from the beginning. I dig a dark vibe and I was here for it. I was fascinated from beginning to end. The ending was a pleasant surprise and one I didn’t see coming.
I love Miss Hadley’s delightful storytelling and I excitedly await her next novel! I give this 5 stars.
September 29, 2020
The Truth in the Lie, my first read from author A.R. Hadley. Erotic women's fiction. I was given a Kindle copy of this book and I'm voluntarily reading & reviewing it because every book needs reviews. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I didn't quite connect with this book, maybe it was because I'm a man reading women's erotic fiction? Still, obviously well-written, I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 19, 2020
A.R. Hadley never disappoints, she has such an uncanny ability to suck you into a story so deeply. The Truth in the Lie is so raw, so realistic, I guarantee you will get lost in her world after the first few pages. Like all of her works, her books venture off the beaten path and always keep you encaptured, never knowing what will happen next.
October 27, 2020
This is not your normal romance book. It's sad, brutal, honest, depressing but also somehow beautiful. Bree has gone through so much and has so much baggage. She makes horrible choices and can't find it in herself to let love in. It's a book you don't want to like but you almost can't help it because it is so beautiful written. A very interesting read.
November 22, 2020
Outstanding! Incisive look inside a troubled writer's mind. A provacative story.
Bree moved to the house that made her feel safe, growing up after catching her husband cheating on her. The betrayal was cataclysmic.
She got a job as a waitperson. The pressure-less work affords her time to write. Pulling material from her crises, Bree has lots of fodder for her book. The process of self-examination forces her to examine the "lies" under a microscope.
Involved with two men in emotionless relationships, Bree extracts what she needs from them. The one-way relationships prompt the men to ask her questions about herself, but she refuses to answer or floats them into a lie. But as the involvements continue, each man pushes her to trust them, her life unravels.
AR Hadley's incisive words dissect the character's psyche like a surgeon cutting out a tumor. Identify the spot, slice it open, and trace the blade's tip along the unhealthy growth.
Bree experienced the brutal consequences of people who lie to themselves. The pain forces her to examine her flawed thinking. She regretted wasting valuable time and missed opportunities, hurting herself and those she loved.
Bree moved to the house that made her feel safe, growing up after catching her husband cheating on her. The betrayal was cataclysmic.
She got a job as a waitperson. The pressure-less work affords her time to write. Pulling material from her crises, Bree has lots of fodder for her book. The process of self-examination forces her to examine the "lies" under a microscope.
Involved with two men in emotionless relationships, Bree extracts what she needs from them. The one-way relationships prompt the men to ask her questions about herself, but she refuses to answer or floats them into a lie. But as the involvements continue, each man pushes her to trust them, her life unravels.
AR Hadley's incisive words dissect the character's psyche like a surgeon cutting out a tumor. Identify the spot, slice it open, and trace the blade's tip along the unhealthy growth.
Bree experienced the brutal consequences of people who lie to themselves. The pain forces her to examine her flawed thinking. She regretted wasting valuable time and missed opportunities, hurting herself and those she loved.
September 29, 2020
I really didnt know what to think when I first started reading this. The further into it I got though, WOW. I did not want to put this book down! Outstanding!
October 24, 2020
I enjoyed Bree's story, it was interesting to read her story through the book that she is writing. Jack or Charlie, both men provide different things to Bree, she just has to figure out which one is best or ditch them both? This book may not be for all readers, sensitive readers beware. Otherwise, enjoy the ride this story provides.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2020
A very dark story with lots of triggers!
Bree caught her husband cheating on her and then he kicked her out! To make ends meet, she takes a waitressing job and writes her story on the side ... hoping to become novelist. Jack (the owner) has a dark side to him and intimidates Bree into a sexual relationship. While Charlie (the chef) is smitten with Bree ... the first woman who has interested him since the death of his wife. Who will win Bree's heart? Jack who she craves for the domination or Charlie who heals her heart and soul?
I really didn't know what to think of this book. I didn't like Jack at all ... Bree was right - he's a pig! I guess I just don't get why Bree was attracted to Jack when Charlie was so sweet. And as for the telling of her novel within this story ... at first it had me really confused, but it all came together in the end.
I received an early copy courtesy of the author in exchange for a honest review.
Bree caught her husband cheating on her and then he kicked her out! To make ends meet, she takes a waitressing job and writes her story on the side ... hoping to become novelist. Jack (the owner) has a dark side to him and intimidates Bree into a sexual relationship. While Charlie (the chef) is smitten with Bree ... the first woman who has interested him since the death of his wife. Who will win Bree's heart? Jack who she craves for the domination or Charlie who heals her heart and soul?
I really didn't know what to think of this book. I didn't like Jack at all ... Bree was right - he's a pig! I guess I just don't get why Bree was attracted to Jack when Charlie was so sweet. And as for the telling of her novel within this story ... at first it had me really confused, but it all came together in the end.
I received an early copy courtesy of the author in exchange for a honest review.
December 15, 2021
Wow. I was mesmerized by this book. I could not put it down. I felt everything Bree was going through. A.R. Hadley writes these stories that have so much feeling and passion and unpredictability. Perfection!
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October 22, 2024"How far inside my mind do you want to go?"
The Truth in the Lie is available now!
Find it here: https://tinyurl.com/yuh5bpm2
The Truth in the Lie is available now!
Find it here: https://tinyurl.com/yuh5bpm2
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews