The Lies That Shatter

Truth & Lies #2

by A.V. Asher

They say love never dies…

Devastated and lost, Former British Intelligence officer Alec McKinley knows he must move on. Still, he can't forget the love of his life. The woman he tried so hard to protect and failed. When Alec arrives at the trial that will determine the fate of those responsible for destroying his world, he discovers how deep the lies run.

Mercedes Elliott has suffered through a lifetime’s worth of trauma, but finally, the end seems near. The trial that could free her from witness protection is around the corner, which means Alec will be waiting for her at last. She can't wait to drop the charade she's been living. But when Mercedes returns, she finds Alec isn't alone and everything she thought she knew is a lie. There's no one left to trust.

Deceptions run deep, and Alec grows more and more desperate to protect Mercedes, even as she is slipping through his fingers. Can he keep her alive long enough to prove he has never forgotten her? Or will evil succeed this time…

Genres: Second Chance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2021

About the author

A.V. Asher was one of those kids who always got in trouble for reading in class. Although she has been creating wild stories since childhood, she only recently began writing them down.

A former elementary school teacher, she now dedicates her time to her family and to chasing her publishing dreams. A.V. lives in Northern Nevada with her husband and three children.


Reviews

[Sakshi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Their second chance had a second and third chance. 🤦

I hated seeing Mercedes everytime in a hospital!

Could have wrapped it a lot sooner. Also minus other person drama...

[maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

.

Even more gripping, unpredictable, and nerve-racking than book #1! Just when I thought I could finally catch a breath, another bomb went off. 🤯💣💥




By the time I finished reading, I was literally exhausted but oh, so happy for Alec and Sadie aka Mercedes! 💖💯




Before that, I told myself to expect the unexpected. Thus, if an important character (esp Alec's dream team) is killed off on book #2, I'll knock off 2 stars no matter how good this book is. I've been attached to these characters and it would devastate me if one of them ends up dead.
So effin happy and relieved that Ms Asher didn't do that! 🤧

Aye, there are some questions left which might be answered on other couples' upcoming books. I couldn't wait!
hmm. CressiDec, next?? 🤔


H: 5 stars
h: 5 stars
Side characters: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars
Execution: 5 stars
Smut: 4 stars



Safety triggers⚠️

▪️ Attempted rape, on page.
h by OM.
▪️ Kidnapping, attempted murder, on page.
h/H by OM and OPs.
▪️ Deaths, crime and violence.

▪️ OW drama.
h's "death" caused months of severe grief and depression on H, so he attended therapy sessions. Then he met OW and tried to move on with her. They kissed, made out, went on dates but no sex for them cuz H's still hung up over h.
▪️ OM drama (not the criminal psycho OM!😅)
h's teenage friend/ex-bf. They kissed which triggered H's possessiveness on h, and jealousy. 😌

▪️ Both H/h celibate during months of (2nd) separation.

〰️

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book and I was excited to read the next in the series, it didn’t let me down. The emotional rollercoaster had me on the edge of my seat, and rapidly flipping pages. I didn’t want to put it down and didn’t want it to end either. I was so involved I wanted to beat a character around the head and cried at other moments. This book like the first has really stayed with me and I will reread them both without a doubt.
I love the characters and not just Alec and Sadie but the side characters are fabulous and I want to know more about their lives and stories. The world created is one that I would happily revisit with other characters at the centre of the plot.
I could wax lyrical for ages on the book but I think the best thing is just to say, experience the book yourself. They need to be read in order but both books in the series are two of the best I’ve read this year.

[drea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oof, if I thought the first book was painful, this one definitely took the cake.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, it would get worse. So much worse lmaooo.

What a wild ride. So worth the pain though!!

[Sarah Roupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.V. Asher has another FANTASTIC book for us to read! "The Lies that Shatter" is second and last book of this romantic and suspenseful duo.

"The Lies that Shatter" picks up 3 months after the end of "The Truth Keeps Silent" (book one). The separation between Alec and Mercedes has been tough but they know they'll make it. Mercedes is in witness protection during the trial against her old boss, but he has deep pockets and can get to anyone. This fact makes it difficult to know who Mercedes can trust with her safety. Fighting to stay alive is her ultimate goal at this point. Keep your tissues close as this story unwinds in many unexpected ways.

Again I was, thankfully, a beta reader for this book and I was beyond excited to be a part of this journey with A.V. Asher again. I've enjoyed being a part of her street team as well.

Rating on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being exceptional), this is how I rank the following aspects of "The Lies that Shatter":
- Quality of writing: 10/10
- Pace: 10/10
- Plot development: 10/10
- Characters: 10/10
- Enjoyability: 10/10
- Ease of Reading: 10/10

In addition, I think this was a mind-blowing sequel to an already impressive first book. The chemistry between Mercedes and Alec is still on fire! There are many plot twists that are unexpected and surprising in this book. Asher takes her readers on quite the emotional rollercoaster in this epic finale. This book has a little bit of everything for every type of reader; action, adventure, mystery, suspense and romance. The quality of writing is fantastic as is the plot development and pace of the story. This is definitely a book I know I could reread many times and love it even more with each reread.

In conclusion, this book was a remarkable conclusion to this duo. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy contemporary romance, action/adventure and mystery/suspense novels. Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. ☆☆☆☆☆

[Sierra Clothier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 picks up a few months after book 1, and its pace is just as frenetic right after a few pages in. The villain is going on trial, and Sadie is in hiding. The villain is such a terrific bad guy...you will read about him and find him a very timely bad guy as well. There are many smaller bad guys but the biggest bad guy will make your anxiety spike. Allegiances get tested and just like book one,the action keeps coming. Alec and Sadie work hard to get their hea. There were two epilogues and while the first one was great, the second one was a bit cliche for me. Everything was written well, and I can't wait to read more from this Author.

[Maxine Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lies that Shatter
By A.V. Asher

What an incredible ride! Not only does the twisting plot and constantly turning 'who's behind it all' make this book an unable to put down story, but the love story of Alec and Sadie is perfection. Yes, there are moments when I wanted to slap Sadie into her right mind, but that's what makes the story yummy. Their deep love and struggles to deal with their own pain feel real. Sadie's terror and panic are tangible. Alec's heartbreak is cry worthy. Add all this to the tension of the action packed thriller and you've got a best seller. 

A continuous tale of the first book, The Truth Keeps Silent, it's important to read them in order. The turning roads of turmoil, who's who, who done it and why, kept me reading well past my bedtime. I love that this story comes back to the Bay area. I love the little pieces of family and friends that are intertwined. I love the teases of offshoot books that are hinted at. Everything about this story is impressive and exciting.

This is truly one of the best book series I've read. And while I never thought I'd be a suspense romance fan, A. V. Asher has made a lifelong fan with this series. I can't wait to see what comes next. 

[valerieamanda09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!! It picks up where the first book left off. When I say this book had me on an emotional ride, I was here for it. When you think, ‘ yes, finally it is going to happen,’ nope. I laughed; I cried; I wanted to throw my kindle across the room. That is when you know you have found a fantastic book. Just when I felt something more could not happen, A.V threw another plot twist at us. She had me on the edge of my seat for the whole book. I love her writing style; It is phenomenal. You get to meet some new characters. Sadie is a Lady Boss, and she shows Alec that she can take care of herself, but she might need help from time to time. I can’t wait to read more. If I could, I would give this book 100/5 stars. I received this as an ARC for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel is so amazing I couldn't stop turning pages to work it all out. I am just in love with this follow-up book as I was with the first one. Some of the twists were so fantastic to work out and feel as I was in the room with some of them. This story is so good, I can't wait to see what other stories this author will come up with next.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of this book made my heart break, and I thought no way could there be a whole book without one of the main characters. The suspense throughout this story kept me so invested, I finished it so fast. I just loved Alec and Mercedes and the way everything went down in the end.

[Becca Colgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so many feelings for this book... It was such an amazing story, I couldn’t put it down! I highly recommend rereading the first book, if you haven’t done so recently, to get the full range of emotions. I am very happy with Alec and Mercerdes story and I’m super excited for other work that Ms. Asher comes out with!

[Faye Laherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen. I hated to love it 😂

I spent about 94% of this book swearing I wasn't going to finish it. I was so mad about the things happening to Sadie and Alec. My husband was getting tired of hearing me vent about them. This book is excellent suspense and really well written. Constantly had me thrown for a loop. 😍

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in shock—I came into this series with no expectations except that I’d probably DNF it but I fell absolutely in love with it and it’s characters. This second book in the duology was such a rollercoaster of emotions that I feel like I went through all the stages of grief with them on the journey back to happiness. Absolutely thrilled with how everything turned out, and apparently there’s another book coming out so omg cannot wait???!!!

[Eclectic Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit I didn't have time to read book 1 in the series, but I had no problem following what was going on in book 2.  Ms. Asher's characters are strong, stubborn, and loyal. Unrequited love has always frustrated me when the characters are just idiots and won't admit their true feelings. Alec and Mercedes have gone through a lot thinking they have lost each other together only to have been victims of lies and deceit that could destroy them altogether.

Mercedes is brave and determined to stay alive in WITSEC to testify against the vile Marcus Cooper who would easily kill her at the drop of a hat. When she is being moved to a new safe house, things go terribly wrong leading to heartache and a host of misunderstandings. I don't want to spoil the rest of the story.

Alec jumps to conclusions and almost loses the only woman he loves, but he comes to the rescue once again and they are forced to be together. With that being said, he's never going to let her go again.

I really like Mercedes and Alec's story as they will go through hell to be together. Mercedes is confident and I love her style when she turns on Brendan Whitley, the asshole US Attorney who is responsible for making her life a living hell. Alec almost loses Mercedes by being stupid, but she is everything to him and he shows her just how much. 

The supporting characters are many. The most notable to me was Federal Marshall Noah Ramirez who is a godsend to Mercedes. I was also on the fence with Adam Wilson who surprised me with his vulnerable side. The evil characters are extremely nasty including Jason Hollis, Mercedes' abusive ex, and Tyler Cooper, Marcus' slimy son.

Overall, I loved this exciting romantic suspense novel filled with a whole lot of action, an abundance of twists and turns, and a deserving happily ever after ending.

Thank you to Ms. Asher for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Polly Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Smoke what a fantastic book!!
I just re-read the first book The Truth Keeps Silent, so I could go right into The Lies that Shatter.
“The Lies That Shatter” takes off pretty much where the first one ended. So was glad I did, familiarize myself with the first one. It was not a hardship at all to re-read The Truth Keeps Silent! Loved it all over again.
Now for “The Lies That Shatter” Oh my goodness! The twists and turns of this book just absolutely leaves you on the edge of your seat. You literally go through so many darn emotions. When you can lose yourself in a story like this, it really says something about the author.
A. V. added some new characters. Some I really liked and a couple I did not like at all. Which again proves, just how much I was taken in with the story line, and how well this this book was written. I do not want to give anything away so will stop right here.
But I will say this. The way AV Asher brings it all to a conclusion is mind boggling. And would I recommend this book? Yes! I most absolutely would!

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic story.
Between the pulse-pounding suspense of the repeated assassination attempts, the temperature raising heat of Sadie an Alec's romance, the heart-rending pain of their doubt and uncertainty of each other and the lack of sleep because I didn't want to leave the book at the point where I was reading, I could conclude that The Lies That Shatter was bad for my health, but it was soooo worth it. The characters are full blown - sometimes larger than life and the plot is so complex it's a bit like riding a rollercoaster. Just when I thought I had handle on the back-room machinations and that Alec and Sadie might finally be able to work out their differences, the next page would reveal that there was one more surprise.
If you like your suspense with a little bit of romance, a little heat and a healthy dose of violence, this is definitely a book that should be on your must read list.

[Michelle Chamberland · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Turns out, you’re not that easy to get over.” 🖤

These two had my heart aching!! The push and pull between Alec and Sadie was reminiscent of the first book, and tore at me just the same, even though the scenario was very, very different. I wanted, and I ached, and I fumed right along with them. It’s a rollercoaster of a journey for Alec and Sadie. But man, their HEA is so worth it.

They are so freaking sweet together. And the gut-wrenching emotions between them were my absolute favorite part of this sequel. 🖤

And I loved the twists on twists on twists at the end. Totally had my heart racing yet again, though—thankfully for me, haha—it wasn’t quite as intense and fast-paced as the first, while still keeping me on the edge of my seat.

The Lies that Shatter was an awesome sequel to the Truth Keeps Silent, and a great ending to an action-packed duet.

All I need to know now is: Are Cressida and Declan going to get their HEA too?!

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

[Michelle Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing slow burn part two the the Truth & Lies duet. I loved the dark aspect of this one and how well it was written to keep me on the edge of my seat that entire time.

Sadie and Alec go through the absolute ringer and have to deal with so much turmoil and danger. The perfect amount of angst and slow burn passion was sprinkled into this to have my heart strings pulled tight and anxiously waiting for the long awaited HEA. The plot and flow of part two of this story was perfect and 100% believable. All of the emotion and hiccups that came up along the way was also perfect and well executed.

I hope that some of the other characters get their stories and that this turns into a great dark series.

Job well done.

[Dani.Reads.Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in The Truth Keeps Silent Duet, The Lies that Shatter picked up almost where we left off, however, this novel moves a bit more quickly through time as the impending trial looms closer.
I will say some characters frustrated me in their own way (Alec) as we see the tension between the two main characters, however once progressing through the novel I see how these situations made them stronger and developed their connection even further.
The ending was great and kept me guessing until the last moment as well; I particularly enjoyed how it wasn’t drawn out excessively.
AV Asher has a great writing style and the story she was able to tell was incredible. Highly recommend both novels.

[N. Dune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been lucky enough to read this second part of this stunning duet by this author. This is romantic suspense at its best, and wow, what a rollercoaster you are about to get on. So buckle up, you are in for a bumpy ride.
So if you haven't read the first book, you need to. This story follows our favourite characters from the first one and throws you some twists and turns that will have you screaming at your kindle/book. I spent a lot of time yelling at mine (not the author because that is just not done), but wow, this one is fantastic. Do they get their HEA? Yes, they do, but you are going to doubt it all the way through. Highly recommend this one.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting romantic suspense. What a rollercoaster ride, even though as a reader you may have an idea what is coming, it is definitely surprising how it all plays out. Some of it will frustrate you, but it is worth it to see where everything goes. I liked how the antagonists or those viewed as such were developed, it added an additional perspective to the story. Sadie and Alec do find happiness, but as I read I was unsure if they would due to all the tension. I highly recommend this book, it is full of suspense, danger, and romance, it is definitely worth a try.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Garnet Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect wrap up to this story!
AV Asher gives Alec and Sadie an epic finish in this duet. Now don't get me wrong, they frustrated me at times––but that's part of the story.
The heartache they go through is so real, and watching them work through their past and come back together is so gratifying.
Also *slight spoiler* But someone finally gets what they deserved and I couldn't have been happier.
I loved all the plot twists and turn AV put into this book. There's enough action, love, and adventure to keep you sucked in for the entire story. Highly recommend reading the Truths and Lie duet. It's amazing!

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a roller coaster ride. Two people who were meant to be together struggled through a lot to finally get there. There was a lot of action to the story, violence, danger, and death. At times, I felt a bit confused with all the players in the game, but once the thread was there, it just meant I had to wait a bit longer for the proper ending. Mercedes (Sadie) was a strong woman but also very hurt and tried to figure out her future. Alec was a very protective man, as well as caring yet dangerous. I enjoyed the story.

I received a copy of this story through Xpresso Tours, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Crystal Gallegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Avie!!!! Let me tell you (without spoilers) this book was fracking amazing! It was sooo good and actually parts of it I could not guess before it happened. It actually took me by surprise and did not go the way I expected it to, but in a 100% fantastic way.

If you are looking for a duet of books, grab Lies and Truth Keeps Silent, Alec and Sadie are all you need. It is a great roller-coaster ride of emotions and it will leave you completely satisfied!

Cannot wait for more A.V Asher books 👏👏

[S.A. Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did it again! I’ve been patiently waiting to dive into book 2, and it did not disappoint. Alec and Sadies relationship is so damn perfect, and their love knows no bound. Fast paced action pack conclusion to this series. I cried a few times, but they were all worth it to get to the end. Everyone’s story is woven together, to bring forth an amazing story, you can’t put down! If you haven’t started it yet, what are you waiting for? Allow AV Asher to take you on a journey, of pain, self discovery, and fierce unshakable love.

[Chey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down once I started reading! The continuation of Alec and Sadie's story is an emotional rollercoaster. There were parts that make you laugh, cry and scream in frustration. Just when you think they'll be together and everything is good, it's not. The author created a fantastic plot that you can't put down, and you have to find out what happens.

I loved the characters and how they author developed them from book one to book two. You can see all of their highs and lots and you don't struggle to connect with them.

[Nerys McCabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, tense, brilliant

This duet is fabulous. I absolutely loved The Truth… and I desperately wanted to read the second book. AV Asher continues the tension and chemistry into the second novel with a style and skill that you would expect from a seasoned novelist, it’s hard to believe that this is only Asher’s second novel.

The second in the duet is even more of a rollercoaster ride than the first: there are shocks in store with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, and the introduction of new characters adds brilliantly to the tension.

I feel like I’ve been in a relationship with Alec and Sadie for some time and it just keeps getting better. Alec is the hottest book bf and there are some scenes you will have to read over and over because he’s so damn smooth.

The chemistry created between Alec and Sadie keeps you on the edge and desperate for them to touch, or kiss, or just get it on.

I love how the author has taken them both on heart-breaking journeys so that they can finally find their own freedoms. This will have you crying and gasping and being in general awe of AV Asher who is most definitely the next big thing in romantic suspense. Loved loved loved it.

[Alejandra Sonadora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read!

The first book The Truth Keeps Silent got my attention, the second installment, The Lies That Shatter, got me hooked!

The story was refreshing, there were plot twists I did not see coming. I must mention that a certain side character who I thought I hated became my favorite, say what?? Yup the author pulled a fast one on me. I loved it.

I am looking forward to the next book, Alec and Mercedes’s story might be over but there is plenty more to tell, at least that’s what I am hoping for. Give it a try, you won’t regret it!

[Colleen Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am soooooo excited to finally read this book!!! I absolutely loved the first book, The Truth Keeps Silent and couldn't wait for the second book to find out what happened. It did not disappoint, this is a suspenseful, emotional, steamy conclusion to the first book. I cannot more highly recommend this series. If you enjoy intrigue, danger, and undeniable chemistry then you should absolutely read this series.

[S Mears · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long time since a book made me cry this hard. But it was all worth it in the end.

Book 2 of the Truth and Lies duet brings us the next grand adventure of Alec and Sadie. The twist and the turns this book have had me in tears(both of joy and heartbreak). AV did an amazing job of hooking you in from the first couple of chapters. The tension between Alec and Sadie from this twist is just perfect and the spice that comes from that tension is perfection!!!