What do you think?
Rate this book
The Klutch Duet #1
Lies That Sinners Tell
Darkness asked her to dance.
It started with a cold stare.
An arrangement.
A deal with a devil in a bespoke suit.
He was wicked. Cruel. No sane person would fall in love with him.
But sanity abandoned her the second she agreed to be his.
She chose to take his hand.
It started with a white dress.
With ocean eyes.
With a woman he had to have, even though he had no business touching her porcelain skin.
She was never meant to enter his world.
He dragged her in anyway.
It was meant to be about his twisted, selfish desires.
She gave him a glimpse of the man he could’ve been had the world not turned him into a monster.
He led her into the abyss.
There, in the darkness, she learned wicked things.
He knew he’d ruin her life, loving her. So he lied. Like the sinner he was, he broke her gentle, precious heart.
Like only a devil could.
But the dance had to end.
It started with a cold stare.
An arrangement.
A deal with a devil in a bespoke suit.
He was wicked. Cruel. No sane person would fall in love with him.
But sanity abandoned her the second she agreed to be his.
She chose to take his hand.
It started with a white dress.
With ocean eyes.
With a woman he had to have, even though he had no business touching her porcelain skin.
She was never meant to enter his world.
He dragged her in anyway.
It was meant to be about his twisted, selfish desires.
She gave him a glimpse of the man he could’ve been had the world not turned him into a monster.
He led her into the abyss.
There, in the darkness, she learned wicked things.
He knew he’d ruin her life, loving her. So he lied. Like the sinner he was, he broke her gentle, precious heart.
Like only a devil could.
But the dance had to end.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2021
355 people are currently reading
2868 people want to read
About the author
Anne Malcom
56 books3,931 followersAnne Malcom has been an avid reader since before she can remember, her mother responsible for her book addiction. It started with magical journeys into the world of Hogwarts and Middle Earth, then as she grew up her reading tastes grew with her. Her obsession with books and romance novels in particular gave Anne the opportunity to find another passion, writing. Finding writing about alpha males and happily ever afters more fun than reading about them, Anne is not about to stop any time soon.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/annemalcomau...
Join Anne's reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16752...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/annemalcomau...
Join Anne's reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16752...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
April 27, 2021
I'm fucking flabbergasted. I'm trying hard to thing of something to write that makes sense because right now my brain has shut down. That ending. That fucking ending. It cuts deeps.
This whole book is a straight up trip. From page one I was completely consumed in the dark forbidden depths of this story and it's unique characters. Stella and Jay are not easy characters and their also completely opposite in some ways whilst simultaneously being similar in others. Its a train wreck, one you know will rip your heart to shreds but you can't stop reading. I couldn't tear myself away even if I wanted to because they had me a slave to their story. The interesting part... it's only just the beginning. I can't even.
Stella is a contradiction. Her appearance screams wealth and high maintenance and yet she's anything but. Yes she wears her gorgeous sinfully expensive shoes and purses and dresses like she ready for the catwalk. Yes she's becoming a well known and wanted stylist around the fashion world, not just LA where she lives. She enjoys the luxuries of life. She grants herself them because she works her ass off to afford them. Stella has never been giving the easy rode in life. Her hard work ethic and talent is what got her to where she is. That and her supportive father who brought her up right with the good useful kind of values. She's light and sweet and happy wrapped in a gorgeous package. Well, that's what she shows the world anyway. But there is a darkness coursing through her. A need to not thinks so much, work so hard or chase the demons away constantly. Stella is a strong, powerful and independent woman. One with depth and layers. A character that has more that meets the eye. She has substance that's tangible.. relatable. A rawness that is honest.
Jay. That man. He's the villain of his story. He doesn't leave room for arguments. There is no hearts and flowers or declensions of love. He will never be your story book ending. His character is fascinating to me with his impenetrable walls built so high nothing can touch him. He controls every aspect of everything in his life. But I see the fractures in his well built facade. They say if someone shows you their ugly believe it and I did. But there's more. I don't think there will even be soft but under all the hard is unimaginable pain and damage. A darkness that consumes. Nightmares that haunt. He protects others but giving the worst of himself because he doesn't believe himself to be capable of more but I see through it. I mean it's real, the nasty... the broken... the rage. It suffocates you it's that palpable. I should hate him, but I can't because that perfectly imperfect flawed man in all his glory screams danger and destruction but with a whisper or redemption. I want him to have that.
These characters ripped me apart. His need to control and her need to let go. It's not really all that different when you think about it. Both of them have darkness seeping through but Jay wears his like a skin, a barrier, and Stella buries her deep where she thinks others won't find it. They are infuriating and fascinating. Both are so depthy I could dig for days and still not have all of them. The many sides we've seen already still don't begin to cover who these characters are. Both beautifully flawed and fractured to life. She feels to much and he tries to not feel at all. The counterpart to eachothers soul, they are a beautiful disaster and a tragic masterpiece. The tension is crazy. My body was coiled in turmoil waiting, wondering what the fuck was coming next. The chemistry is explosive in a way that took me back. I didn't expect it, I wasn't prepared. They are dangerous.. to eachother, to themselves and to us readers. Their journey is so all consuming. Anne has this magical ability to devour us whole with her stories. I found myself drowning in every emotion like it was own. It's unpredictable, it's heartwrenching and it infuriating. I shouted, I paced, I spat profanities at the injustices whilst I rooted for more of the sin. It's a mind fuck but one I didn't want to get off. It's like physiological warfair.
This is just the beginning and I'm already fucked so lord help me for the next one. Is one straight up snatched my soul and I know the next will take my heart. I'm all ready preparing myself for it. I loved Jay and Stella. I love their story even when I hated it. I loved them even when I shouldn't. They characters speak to me in a special way and I'm so beyond needy for the next book. I need to know, to understand. I need fucking answers and I know the wait will kill me. Dramatic?.. absofuckinglutely but it is what it is.
P.s if you made it to the end well done. Also.. I'm sorry for the crazy. My head is fried. Holy book hangover.
This whole book is a straight up trip. From page one I was completely consumed in the dark forbidden depths of this story and it's unique characters. Stella and Jay are not easy characters and their also completely opposite in some ways whilst simultaneously being similar in others. Its a train wreck, one you know will rip your heart to shreds but you can't stop reading. I couldn't tear myself away even if I wanted to because they had me a slave to their story. The interesting part... it's only just the beginning. I can't even.
Stella is a contradiction. Her appearance screams wealth and high maintenance and yet she's anything but. Yes she wears her gorgeous sinfully expensive shoes and purses and dresses like she ready for the catwalk. Yes she's becoming a well known and wanted stylist around the fashion world, not just LA where she lives. She enjoys the luxuries of life. She grants herself them because she works her ass off to afford them. Stella has never been giving the easy rode in life. Her hard work ethic and talent is what got her to where she is. That and her supportive father who brought her up right with the good useful kind of values. She's light and sweet and happy wrapped in a gorgeous package. Well, that's what she shows the world anyway. But there is a darkness coursing through her. A need to not thinks so much, work so hard or chase the demons away constantly. Stella is a strong, powerful and independent woman. One with depth and layers. A character that has more that meets the eye. She has substance that's tangible.. relatable. A rawness that is honest.
Jay. That man. He's the villain of his story. He doesn't leave room for arguments. There is no hearts and flowers or declensions of love. He will never be your story book ending. His character is fascinating to me with his impenetrable walls built so high nothing can touch him. He controls every aspect of everything in his life. But I see the fractures in his well built facade. They say if someone shows you their ugly believe it and I did. But there's more. I don't think there will even be soft but under all the hard is unimaginable pain and damage. A darkness that consumes. Nightmares that haunt. He protects others but giving the worst of himself because he doesn't believe himself to be capable of more but I see through it. I mean it's real, the nasty... the broken... the rage. It suffocates you it's that palpable. I should hate him, but I can't because that perfectly imperfect flawed man in all his glory screams danger and destruction but with a whisper or redemption. I want him to have that.
These characters ripped me apart. His need to control and her need to let go. It's not really all that different when you think about it. Both of them have darkness seeping through but Jay wears his like a skin, a barrier, and Stella buries her deep where she thinks others won't find it. They are infuriating and fascinating. Both are so depthy I could dig for days and still not have all of them. The many sides we've seen already still don't begin to cover who these characters are. Both beautifully flawed and fractured to life. She feels to much and he tries to not feel at all. The counterpart to eachothers soul, they are a beautiful disaster and a tragic masterpiece. The tension is crazy. My body was coiled in turmoil waiting, wondering what the fuck was coming next. The chemistry is explosive in a way that took me back. I didn't expect it, I wasn't prepared. They are dangerous.. to eachother, to themselves and to us readers. Their journey is so all consuming. Anne has this magical ability to devour us whole with her stories. I found myself drowning in every emotion like it was own. It's unpredictable, it's heartwrenching and it infuriating. I shouted, I paced, I spat profanities at the injustices whilst I rooted for more of the sin. It's a mind fuck but one I didn't want to get off. It's like physiological warfair.
This is just the beginning and I'm already fucked so lord help me for the next one. Is one straight up snatched my soul and I know the next will take my heart. I'm all ready preparing myself for it. I loved Jay and Stella. I love their story even when I hated it. I loved them even when I shouldn't. They characters speak to me in a special way and I'm so beyond needy for the next book. I need to know, to understand. I need fucking answers and I know the wait will kill me. Dramatic?.. absofuckinglutely but it is what it is.
P.s if you made it to the end well done. Also.. I'm sorry for the crazy. My head is fried. Holy book hangover.
April 23, 2021
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : Yes
Hero : Jay
Heroine : Stella
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 6/10
Triggers Involved : Past Trauma
Plot Summary :
Jay is a man who is ruthless and cold. He has made himself that way and there is no one who can sway him. That is until he meets Stella. She wears her heart on her sleeve and Jay being the villian he is x can't resist getting close to her and using her.
Stella knows that she should stay away from the devil because he has been known to break his toys but there is something about him that captivates her. She knows he will be her end but she can't see herself stopping.
Overall Opinion :
I am sort of new to this author. I mean, I have read her before but not as much as I wanted to. I have heard huge praises about her and this book certainly told me why! I absolutely loved it so much.
Jay and Stella have one hell of a tale and that ending almost killed me. I would highly recommend this one to all the dark romance lovers out there.
Trust me, you won't regret meeting Jay and Stella, they'll drive you crazy just like they did to me!
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bookbub | My Blog
April 17, 2021
This author is one of those that I could talk and recommend until I am blue in the face and it still wouldn't be enough towards getting her the recognition that she deserves. That doesn't stop me from trying though. This book is an example of why. When I say that there is something special about the way that this author writes, there is. Every word she chooses is deliberate for the very moment that she has chosen it. She is proof that words hold power and in the grand scheme of things she is the magician. It can be the simplest of things that I might have read a million other times, yet, it is how she frames it and retwists it into being unique and fresh that leaves me beguiled time and time again.
I didn't think that there was anything that could lure me away from Heath and Polly from the Greenstone series as being my favorite couple. However, as different as Jay and Stella were from those characters, there was something that captivated me when it came to them. I liked that I got to see a cameo appearance of those characters in this book too, so that was a bonus that I was not expecting.
Jay was an interesting character. He did not let his warmth shine through. He purposely made himself that way. It was the aforementioned Polly, that let me into him not being what he appeared because Polly is my compass in regards to other people and if she liked him then there had to be more than what meets the eye. Insight is given with his point of view chapters but he still remained aloof, only occasionally letting his mask fall. Stella on the other hand was definitely a what you see is what you get type of girl. I liked that about her. I liked that her being drawn to Jay went against everything feminist about her. She is proof of allowing the heart to dictate one's desires. I loved her friendships and want each of those friends to have their own story because they were that special. I loved her fears and her strong devotion to her dad. In a nutshell, I just loved both of these characters individually and together.
It will be interesting to see how these two navigate the course of their lives in the second part of this story. Both of these characters have some soul-searching to do, mainly Jay, and I do not see that going as smoothly, or in the direction, that these two intend. What I do know, is that this author will write it in a way that has me gobbling up her words as if they were air and will, ultimately, have me losing a large chunk of time as life ceases to exist as I devour their story. I am looking forward to it.
Off-topic, this cover is STUNNING and one of my favorites that this author has ever used which says something because she has some amazing ones.
I didn't think that there was anything that could lure me away from Heath and Polly from the Greenstone series as being my favorite couple. However, as different as Jay and Stella were from those characters, there was something that captivated me when it came to them. I liked that I got to see a cameo appearance of those characters in this book too, so that was a bonus that I was not expecting.
Jay was an interesting character. He did not let his warmth shine through. He purposely made himself that way. It was the aforementioned Polly, that let me into him not being what he appeared because Polly is my compass in regards to other people and if she liked him then there had to be more than what meets the eye. Insight is given with his point of view chapters but he still remained aloof, only occasionally letting his mask fall. Stella on the other hand was definitely a what you see is what you get type of girl. I liked that about her. I liked that her being drawn to Jay went against everything feminist about her. She is proof of allowing the heart to dictate one's desires. I loved her friendships and want each of those friends to have their own story because they were that special. I loved her fears and her strong devotion to her dad. In a nutshell, I just loved both of these characters individually and together.
It will be interesting to see how these two navigate the course of their lives in the second part of this story. Both of these characters have some soul-searching to do, mainly Jay, and I do not see that going as smoothly, or in the direction, that these two intend. What I do know, is that this author will write it in a way that has me gobbling up her words as if they were air and will, ultimately, have me losing a large chunk of time as life ceases to exist as I devour their story. I am looking forward to it.
Off-topic, this cover is STUNNING and one of my favorites that this author has ever used which says something because she has some amazing ones.
September 26, 2021
I have been devoured by this book.
What a journey.
There was definitely aspects of a 50 shades of grey moment, along with a bit of Hades and Persephone.
This books speaks to the darker, more unlovable parts of the heart and soul and how love festers from there.
It was written so so well. I was captivated the whole time. I loved the characters and how the story was portrayed. We learn so much about everyone in the right amount of time. The book doesn’t feel rushed and it doesn’t drag. You’re so engaged. It’s an absolute page turned.
The sauce in this book is mature and demanding and dominating but it compliments the story and characters so well.
I read it in less that 48 hours which is a new record for me 😂 being one number 2, IM NOT READY!
What a journey.
There was definitely aspects of a 50 shades of grey moment, along with a bit of Hades and Persephone.
This books speaks to the darker, more unlovable parts of the heart and soul and how love festers from there.
It was written so so well. I was captivated the whole time. I loved the characters and how the story was portrayed. We learn so much about everyone in the right amount of time. The book doesn’t feel rushed and it doesn’t drag. You’re so engaged. It’s an absolute page turned.
The sauce in this book is mature and demanding and dominating but it compliments the story and characters so well.
I read it in less that 48 hours which is a new record for me 😂 being one number 2, IM NOT READY!
June 4, 2021
I love this authors other dark reads -Doyenne and Birds of paradise.
This one I unfortunately had a tough time getting into it however halfway in it definitely picked up. Overall it was an okay read for me but that cliffy has me wanting to try Book 2 of this duet.
This one I unfortunately had a tough time getting into it however halfway in it definitely picked up. Overall it was an okay read for me but that cliffy has me wanting to try Book 2 of this duet.
May 22, 2021
MY HEART. MY HEART. MY HEART. NOT ME CRYING, BEING HAPPY, GOING THROUGH MASSIVE HEART ACHE. this book ruined me I cannot and will not continue on with life
May 6, 2021
5 STELLA AND JAY STARS!! These two are killing me!!! This book just became my #1 read of this year so far. Anne Malcom what are you doing to me....running me through the ringer....my heart is so messed up right now. I need the second book like right now. You must read this book.....SO FREAKING GOOD!!!
May 26, 2021
Meh.
Didn’t really feel like there was any chemistry between the MC’s and this took me forever to get through which is unheard of for me when it comes to romances. The story often dragged and felt boring. My ass will be reading the second book tho 😌
Didn’t really feel like there was any chemistry between the MC’s and this took me forever to get through which is unheard of for me when it comes to romances. The story often dragged and felt boring. My ass will be reading the second book tho 😌
May 2, 2021
Soooo this book was a pleasant surprise, this book is so completely different to the other books by this author.
Anne completely slayed this book but I am gonna be honest and say the first 50% of this book, I did find it hard to make that connection to the storyline and characters as this was a whole new experience this author shed light on for us to witness.
Never in my life have I met a character who was like Jay, the Villian in this story. His so calculated, silent and deadly, cold and I mean cold, controlling, possessive, jealous, and oozes fear. His so precise in the finer things that everything has to be his way but as soon as he meets Stella all that goes through the window as he has met something who is not afraid to speak her mind, has the power to make him feel and grip him by his very crutches.
This book is a definite page turner and once I fully got into it, I just could not let this book go. The time went by, my thoughts went out the window and my mind was just in this book wanting to experience all that the characters were.
This book focuses a lot on the characters individually and together and oozed a lot of steam between them. As much as we got a bit of insight of them, I feel like I still don’t know them which is why I am so incredibly excited for book two where we can delve more into these characters minds as well as follow them on their happily ever after journey because isn’t that what all love stories are about.
Anne completely slayed this book but I am gonna be honest and say the first 50% of this book, I did find it hard to make that connection to the storyline and characters as this was a whole new experience this author shed light on for us to witness.
Never in my life have I met a character who was like Jay, the Villian in this story. His so calculated, silent and deadly, cold and I mean cold, controlling, possessive, jealous, and oozes fear. His so precise in the finer things that everything has to be his way but as soon as he meets Stella all that goes through the window as he has met something who is not afraid to speak her mind, has the power to make him feel and grip him by his very crutches.
This book is a definite page turner and once I fully got into it, I just could not let this book go. The time went by, my thoughts went out the window and my mind was just in this book wanting to experience all that the characters were.
This book focuses a lot on the characters individually and together and oozed a lot of steam between them. As much as we got a bit of insight of them, I feel like I still don’t know them which is why I am so incredibly excited for book two where we can delve more into these characters minds as well as follow them on their happily ever after journey because isn’t that what all love stories are about.
April 29, 2021
Oof! Anne Malcom tells stories that make me question my deepest desires, and why is it that an ICE COLD, dark, vacant man can make me feel SO MUCH??
There are so many feelings in this book! Absolutely sumptuous, steamy AF, and ice cold, it was occasionally hard to catch my breath.
So many instances of "I love him, I hate him, I really, REALLY HATE HIM!" But then Jay would do or say something to Stella and I would be confused again, absolutely sure I loved him, and he was Stella's perfect man.
Stella gives as good as she gets, never giving up, working through her fears, but she's not a doormat. She has a bite, and I love that about her. I adored her crew, I thought they were written richly, enjoyable, in a tapestry that showed their history without giving too much away. I would love to have them at my back, they take no guff from anyone!
A 5 star storm of perfection that left me begging for more!!
*this is book one in the Klutch Duet*
There are so many feelings in this book! Absolutely sumptuous, steamy AF, and ice cold, it was occasionally hard to catch my breath.
So many instances of "I love him, I hate him, I really, REALLY HATE HIM!" But then Jay would do or say something to Stella and I would be confused again, absolutely sure I loved him, and he was Stella's perfect man.
Stella gives as good as she gets, never giving up, working through her fears, but she's not a doormat. She has a bite, and I love that about her. I adored her crew, I thought they were written richly, enjoyable, in a tapestry that showed their history without giving too much away. I would love to have them at my back, they take no guff from anyone!
A 5 star storm of perfection that left me begging for more!!
*this is book one in the Klutch Duet*
May 11, 2021
Of course I am a huge Anne Malcom but I really think she blew my mind on this one. She is such an amazing writer. She tells these stories that just completely suck you in and they tend to not let go even after you have finished the story.
Stella and Jay have this push and pull that kept pulling me in all kinds of directions. I hate him, wait I think I love him, no wait that is definitely hate.
What I also loved was Stella gave just as good as she got, she never gave up and was not some weak thing that let him walk all over her. I just kept going way to go Stella.
I just loved the writing, the characters, the plot, and the pace. Everything came together nicely to create this part one of the Klutch Duet. Now I need the second one please.
Stella and Jay have this push and pull that kept pulling me in all kinds of directions. I hate him, wait I think I love him, no wait that is definitely hate.
What I also loved was Stella gave just as good as she got, she never gave up and was not some weak thing that let him walk all over her. I just kept going way to go Stella.
I just loved the writing, the characters, the plot, and the pace. Everything came together nicely to create this part one of the Klutch Duet. Now I need the second one please.
May 5, 2021
*First time reading author
For the first time reading Anne Malcom I can officially say that I am a huge fan. Lies that Sinners Tell is a huge hit. It took a couple of days for me to stop having a book hangover with this story and there is still the second one that has to come out.
Jay and Stella keep this book going with little effort. The story is phenomenal and I can not say enough about how I would recommend this book! I really can not wait for the second one!
Blog: http://myfantasylandblog.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fantasylandblog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fantasylandblog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasyland...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/27664...
For the first time reading Anne Malcom I can officially say that I am a huge fan. Lies that Sinners Tell is a huge hit. It took a couple of days for me to stop having a book hangover with this story and there is still the second one that has to come out.
Jay and Stella keep this book going with little effort. The story is phenomenal and I can not say enough about how I would recommend this book! I really can not wait for the second one!
Blog: http://myfantasylandblog.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fantasylandblog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fantasylandblog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasyland...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/27664...
April 29, 2021
Lies That Sinners Tell, Part 1 of the Clutch Duet, is one of those books that seems to stay with you long after you've read it. It is engrossing as it pulls you in and keeps satisfying page after page. Malcom has a mature writing style that engages the reader, keeping you thoroughly entertained throughout the book. And while Lies is a slightly darker book, with several triggers, it also satisfies if you like your reads with a heaping portion of bittersweet complexity. If you enjoy intense anti-heroes, strong, yet breakable heroines, and reads that make you think, this one is a must read! 5 Exquisite Stars!
May 1, 2021
It’s good. AM is a very talented storyteller and she tries to pull out all the stop in this one, but I found it a bit ho-hum. I thought the characters were rather one dimensional, and I hate to say it, kinda cliched. He’s the rich bad boy with a tragic past who doesn’t “do” relationships. She’s a sophisticated trend-setter who wants to find love. There’s nothing particularly ground-breaking with this one. The ending was annoying and predictable considering it’s a duet. But if you’re looking for a an escapist read, it’s enjoyable.
May 4, 2021
This is my first book from this author and I have to say that this book spoke to my angst hungry heart.
I love the steady pace and the development that our characters go through. Jay was such a mystery to crack and I cannot wait for the next book so I can read more about him.
I loved the chemistry and the book is heavy on the emotion. This is dark romance at its finest.
I loved it.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars
I love the steady pace and the development that our characters go through. Jay was such a mystery to crack and I cannot wait for the next book so I can read more about him.
I loved the chemistry and the book is heavy on the emotion. This is dark romance at its finest.
I loved it.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars
September 2, 2021
DNF @ 60% this story had potential but was cliched and a rip off of fifty shades in multiple ways. The dual POV is not great because the male MC (Jay) POV is written in third person and doesn’t let the reader connected with his thoughts or learn his personality beyond being a “bad boy”. May try something else by this author.
Lastly, I think this book could use a professional editor. There were quite a few mistakes with punctuation & grammar.
Lastly, I think this book could use a professional editor. There were quite a few mistakes with punctuation & grammar.
April 15, 2022
God, these two win the award for being so toxic and heartbreaking.
Look, honestly, I couldn't give a rat's ass about Jay, especially after the ending of that book. Like the audacity to treat my QUEEN stella like that. bc let's be real, stella is absolutely the most beautiful perfect thing ever and jay doesn't deserve her.
"Tread softly because you tread on my dreams."
fuck me
Look, honestly, I couldn't give a rat's ass about Jay, especially after the ending of that book. Like the audacity to treat my QUEEN stella like that. bc let's be real, stella is absolutely the most beautiful perfect thing ever and jay doesn't deserve her.
"Tread softly because you tread on my dreams."
fuck me
March 22, 2025
No love story….Yet.
5 stars for the writing, 4 stars for the story so far. I do not know how Stella has fallen for Jay. He is so cold and he does not thaw easily or quickly! You are taken on a journey for sure. A very sexy one. There is no love felt here (not the traditional style anyway) Jay is so arrogant at times I hated him, then the author gave us a slight glimpse at something more, then took it away again. AUGH…. Onto the conclusion of this duet. I need to feel the love!!!
5 stars for the writing, 4 stars for the story so far. I do not know how Stella has fallen for Jay. He is so cold and he does not thaw easily or quickly! You are taken on a journey for sure. A very sexy one. There is no love felt here (not the traditional style anyway) Jay is so arrogant at times I hated him, then the author gave us a slight glimpse at something more, then took it away again. AUGH…. Onto the conclusion of this duet. I need to feel the love!!!
April 26, 2021
I wonder if Anne Malcom can ever write a story that won't rip my heart out and make me drown in feels. I don't think so. Lies That Sinners Tell, the first book of Klutch duet was an extraordinarily decadent, sinful and devastating tale. It's unlike something I have ever read from her. She went full on dark and twisted mode. And my heart and soul is in pieces.
Stella Hudson is one of the most in demand stylist in LA and she worked hard to get here. The exclusive, classy and popular nightclub Klutch is her escape from life's stress. Till the club's owner, the mysterious Jay Helmick summons her and proposes an arrangement. As a modern day woman she shouldn't even give it a second thought. But she is captivated by his darkness. She wants to explore this wickedly deviant connection. To be dominated and controlled without falling in love. But heart wants what it wants.
This story was a good surprise for me. I am obsessed with the author's alpha heroes but Jay is radically different from them. He isn't sweet or caring or protective in traditional sense. He understands ownership. He acts on possessiveness. He is cold and hard and emotionless yet he wants to consume Stella and ruin her. He is the kind of dark antihero you shouldn't even like but god help you, you will go crazy for his brand of ruthless power. He is deviant. He is dirty. He is so wrong but oh so right for my twisted heart. I wanted to slap him and shake him to get some reactions out of him and on the other hand, his silent intensity rocked me to the core.
Stella had to be someone really strong to stand with Jay. The story is mostly told from her POV and I absolutely in love with this woman. Independent. Smart. Gorgeous. Living life to the fullest while hiding her fears. She didn't run away from Jay. Rather, she accpeted and embraced her own dark desires and emotions. She let him control her but on her own terms. She broke Jay's wall one emotion at a time. A true queen in every sense. Flawed. Fierce. Perfect. Their chemistry was explosive and sensual and burning hot. They fit like a puzzle. Their souls are connected and the emotions were raw and real and maddening. I cannot wait for the conclusion of this stunning story.
Lies That Sinners Tell by Anne Malcom was a dramatic, heart-rending and nuclear hot romance. The author splayed me open and left me aching. Shocking. Erotic. Heartbreaking.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Stella Hudson is one of the most in demand stylist in LA and she worked hard to get here. The exclusive, classy and popular nightclub Klutch is her escape from life's stress. Till the club's owner, the mysterious Jay Helmick summons her and proposes an arrangement. As a modern day woman she shouldn't even give it a second thought. But she is captivated by his darkness. She wants to explore this wickedly deviant connection. To be dominated and controlled without falling in love. But heart wants what it wants.
This story was a good surprise for me. I am obsessed with the author's alpha heroes but Jay is radically different from them. He isn't sweet or caring or protective in traditional sense. He understands ownership. He acts on possessiveness. He is cold and hard and emotionless yet he wants to consume Stella and ruin her. He is the kind of dark antihero you shouldn't even like but god help you, you will go crazy for his brand of ruthless power. He is deviant. He is dirty. He is so wrong but oh so right for my twisted heart. I wanted to slap him and shake him to get some reactions out of him and on the other hand, his silent intensity rocked me to the core.
Stella had to be someone really strong to stand with Jay. The story is mostly told from her POV and I absolutely in love with this woman. Independent. Smart. Gorgeous. Living life to the fullest while hiding her fears. She didn't run away from Jay. Rather, she accpeted and embraced her own dark desires and emotions. She let him control her but on her own terms. She broke Jay's wall one emotion at a time. A true queen in every sense. Flawed. Fierce. Perfect. Their chemistry was explosive and sensual and burning hot. They fit like a puzzle. Their souls are connected and the emotions were raw and real and maddening. I cannot wait for the conclusion of this stunning story.
Lies That Sinners Tell by Anne Malcom was a dramatic, heart-rending and nuclear hot romance. The author splayed me open and left me aching. Shocking. Erotic. Heartbreaking.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
April 29, 2021
***5 ‘Obsessive & Dangerous’ Stars***
I’m still digesting this book because it’s kind of done my head in ~ in a good way ~ but still.
Things are bouncing around in there and making me feel liking I’m in a live action (albeit in my head) game of Frogger because it’s like I get settled on a feeling, an idea, a state of being and then out of nowhere I’m hit by a Mack truck and feel like I have to re-evaluate whatever I’d decided upon and yet..not really...so yeah. It’s a bit of a clusterfuck up there right now.
But...as this is a duet, I don’t have to over analyze a damn thing yet and can still do a vague, stream of consciousness type thing until I get to devour the second book…
Jay and Stella. I’m not all too sure how much I like them...yet. I do like them. I may love them (eventually) but I can say with certainty that I am fascinated by them. They both have walls. They both want to appear a certain way to those in their lives ~ no matter how deep or shallow that connection is. And they are both damaged. But they both also feel HARD. They manifest the feels differently and sometimes against their will. But they also work. There is, on the surface a huge power imbalance, but then again, the surface is just that. Their journey, so far, has been interesting and has me wondering if it is, in fact, disfunctional or the most functional relationship in existence...I don’t have a solid answer on that one but will (hopefully) once the second book is on the Kindle…
Outside of Jay and Stella, I must say that I adore Stella’s ‘girl pack’. They are what a girl pack should be. Loyal, crazy and more than willing to throw down for each other no matter what. And then there is Karson...mmmm...yeah. Me likey!
Now to practice patience and see just how much karma and fate will fuck with Jay and Stella before they find their own unique HEA.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
I’m still digesting this book because it’s kind of done my head in ~ in a good way ~ but still.
Things are bouncing around in there and making me feel liking I’m in a live action (albeit in my head) game of Frogger because it’s like I get settled on a feeling, an idea, a state of being and then out of nowhere I’m hit by a Mack truck and feel like I have to re-evaluate whatever I’d decided upon and yet..not really...so yeah. It’s a bit of a clusterfuck up there right now.
But...as this is a duet, I don’t have to over analyze a damn thing yet and can still do a vague, stream of consciousness type thing until I get to devour the second book…
Jay and Stella. I’m not all too sure how much I like them...yet. I do like them. I may love them (eventually) but I can say with certainty that I am fascinated by them. They both have walls. They both want to appear a certain way to those in their lives ~ no matter how deep or shallow that connection is. And they are both damaged. But they both also feel HARD. They manifest the feels differently and sometimes against their will. But they also work. There is, on the surface a huge power imbalance, but then again, the surface is just that. Their journey, so far, has been interesting and has me wondering if it is, in fact, disfunctional or the most functional relationship in existence...I don’t have a solid answer on that one but will (hopefully) once the second book is on the Kindle…
Outside of Jay and Stella, I must say that I adore Stella’s ‘girl pack’. They are what a girl pack should be. Loyal, crazy and more than willing to throw down for each other no matter what. And then there is Karson...mmmm...yeah. Me likey!
Now to practice patience and see just how much karma and fate will fuck with Jay and Stella before they find their own unique HEA.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
October 21, 2021
Anne Malcom is a new author for me. I discovered her books just a week ago and I loved the teasers she posted on her social media about this book. I was instantly intruged by the storyline and decided to give this a try.
"Darkness asked me to dance. I took his hand, melted into oblivion with him. I went willingly."
Stella is a stylist (or some kind of designer) in LA and she is headstrong, independent, fierce, sassy, smart and optimistic. She had all the qualities I loved in a female mc and Jay was her complete opposite.
“As long as I’m in your life, you will not have a peaceful life. Your life will be perilous. I cannot change that without leaving you. Yet I don’t want to leave you. I’m not going to leave you. So I’m giving you a chance to wear peace around your neck, because you’re always going to have chaos in your heart.”
I was instantly captivated by Jay's character, the way Stella described him when they first met was just so captivating. Jay was an engima. He was closed off and didn't express his emotions openly. We don't get to know a lot about his life and what he does for a living. Just some little snippets of his past, that weren't so descriptive. And Jay's character was described with a third person pov, so that definitely didn't help me figure his character out.
The chemistry was intensive and explosive. Jay and Stella moulded together perfectly. Stella didn't like to be controlled but instantly followed whatever Jay told her to do. It was like her body was so responsive to him even though her mind didn't want her to do that.
Also, I loved the people that Stella surrounded herself with. Her girl crew was just so powerful and independent. I loved all of them, especially her had.
I'm really looking forward to read the next book and see how it ends!
"Darkness asked me to dance. I took his hand, melted into oblivion with him. I went willingly."
Stella is a stylist (or some kind of designer) in LA and she is headstrong, independent, fierce, sassy, smart and optimistic. She had all the qualities I loved in a female mc and Jay was her complete opposite.
“As long as I’m in your life, you will not have a peaceful life. Your life will be perilous. I cannot change that without leaving you. Yet I don’t want to leave you. I’m not going to leave you. So I’m giving you a chance to wear peace around your neck, because you’re always going to have chaos in your heart.”
I was instantly captivated by Jay's character, the way Stella described him when they first met was just so captivating. Jay was an engima. He was closed off and didn't express his emotions openly. We don't get to know a lot about his life and what he does for a living. Just some little snippets of his past, that weren't so descriptive. And Jay's character was described with a third person pov, so that definitely didn't help me figure his character out.
The chemistry was intensive and explosive. Jay and Stella moulded together perfectly. Stella didn't like to be controlled but instantly followed whatever Jay told her to do. It was like her body was so responsive to him even though her mind didn't want her to do that.
Also, I loved the people that Stella surrounded herself with. Her girl crew was just so powerful and independent. I loved all of them, especially her had.
I'm really looking forward to read the next book and see how it ends!
April 27, 2021
The chemistry is everything! Jay and Stella are sexy as sin together and the heat in their attraction is combustible. Jay's the kind of man who sees what he likes, takes control, and makes it happen. In this case it was Stella. These two start a mutual "arrangement" but frankly Stella was just hanging on for the ride. Jay held all the strings and power in this dynamic.
It's dual POV, with hers in first person but his POV is in third person, which was a bit disconcerting. There is very little from Jay's perspective though, so all the insight you really get about him is through their dialogue. He is so enigmatic though, completely fathomless, and expressionless. I wasn't getting anything from him but cold air until near the end. And yet, he's still seductive as all hell. How is it possible? Then Stella is a walking contradiction. She's a small town girl, with small town values living a self proclaimed shallow and bougie L.A. lifestyle. This doesn't mean I disliked them though, I just didn't get them. And in fact I was intrigued by why they were the way they were.
While these two have steamy good times, they spent much of the time with walls up, and it seemed like their relationship was just spinning and not going anywhere. But through subtle cultivating their layers are slowly peeled back and I eventually got the insight I needed to feel emotionally involved.
Their story ended up taking me off guard. By the conclusion I realized just how much I had fallen for these characters and their relationship. I'm feeling wretched about this ending. This couple snuck up on me, caught me in the feels, and I am so here for them! Let's go, book two!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's dual POV, with hers in first person but his POV is in third person, which was a bit disconcerting. There is very little from Jay's perspective though, so all the insight you really get about him is through their dialogue. He is so enigmatic though, completely fathomless, and expressionless. I wasn't getting anything from him but cold air until near the end. And yet, he's still seductive as all hell. How is it possible? Then Stella is a walking contradiction. She's a small town girl, with small town values living a self proclaimed shallow and bougie L.A. lifestyle. This doesn't mean I disliked them though, I just didn't get them. And in fact I was intrigued by why they were the way they were.
While these two have steamy good times, they spent much of the time with walls up, and it seemed like their relationship was just spinning and not going anywhere. But through subtle cultivating their layers are slowly peeled back and I eventually got the insight I needed to feel emotionally involved.
Their story ended up taking me off guard. By the conclusion I realized just how much I had fallen for these characters and their relationship. I'm feeling wretched about this ending. This couple snuck up on me, caught me in the feels, and I am so here for them! Let's go, book two!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2021
2.5 Stars I did continue to the next one, mostly because it was a duology that I already bought and I'm cheap. Plus this ends on a bit of a "cliffhanger ". I have many regrets. First, it's told in 2 POV's. Normally this works for me in a romance. Unfortunately here it doesn't, because when we're in the heroine POV we're in 1st person, which makes sense. Unfortunately, when we're in the hero POV we're in 3rd person. So it comes across as very clunky and takes you out of the story. Which leads me to the next problem. There's Not much story or character development. Broody underworld guy likes to hook up with hot girls who come to his club inbetween his mafia activity. Everybody needs a hobby, I guess. Enter "innocent near virgin" that underworld boss must have. She says, No Thank you. He hears, she wants to be stalked by my evil henchman. After much stalking ensues. He finally wears down the intrepid near-virgin, but it's fine because he offers her his BDE (No emotions, of course-because Reasons-which we don't find out the reason for during the course of this Entire book), but of course our "near virgin " falls deeply in love with his BDE, I guess because we've been given almost No info about him other than -rich, hot, brooding, mafioso with BDE who "doesn't do " relationships. Yes, it gets worse. Haven't you been paying attention? She has the audacity, the nerve to want more from him. Like for him to string together a few sentences directed towards her before and after sex. So clearly, it's time to cut her loose now. She's trying to cut into his brooding time. Good Riddens 😂 Do yourselves the favor that I did Not do for myself. Don't continue on in this series and better yet don't start it.
April 30, 2021
Completely obsessed with Anne and her writing! Stella is an enigma of sorts. While she puts on a frontwards appearance of being wealthy and having her life together, it’s the complete opposite in reality. With her finally coming into a good spot in her career after all her hard work, she finds herself contemplating what happiness is and what comes next after achieving her goals. Out dancing by herself one night, she is ripped off the dance floor by security and taken to the owner, Jay, where after watching her dance decides to proposition her as all he does is contract relationships. Immediately insulted, she gives him attitude right back, and starts to give him the run-around while making a decision. But when she is assaulted right in front of her own home, Jay’s team saves the day, and thus starts the beginning of their different type of relationship. Jay has these rules in place to protect himself due to his past, but even he finds himself breaking them for Stella. But with the cliffhanger bomb drop, I was so shocked and hooked that I am dying for the next book because I need to know what happens after I stop freaking out over it!! Anne’s books always hook me and suck me in that I typically read them in one sitting and I’m constantly guessing until the last second. I can’t wait to see what she brings to the table in the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 2, 2021
This took me a while to grip on to the storyline. But by the ending I was (and still am!!) desperate for the second half now please!!!
For the most of this I get the feeling we were being informed and told of what our MCs were all about.
About how different Stella (FMC) is living her life and her outlook on it in general compared to Jay's (MMC). They're total opposites. Stella lives vacariously, loves her fashion, seeing her close knit girlfriends regularly, wears her heart on her sleeve and has strong outspoken opinions. Jay... He seems to be an introvert, happier behind doors than out, holds everything personal close to his chest and is frosty cold on the outside. And despite this "arrangement" going on for longer than both imagined it would neither shares any change in outlook.....
Except once. Which is the beginning of their downfall.... And where, incidentally, comes the title of the book. I don't often find titles to be included for good reason but it very much was here.
It was a strange, compelling read that kept you wanting to know what was going to happen, and therefore turning the page till you reached the end before you were ready. I'm already running thru situations between Jay and Stella but really? Literally ANYTHING could happen....!
I received a copy of the book in return for an honest review
For the most of this I get the feeling we were being informed and told of what our MCs were all about.
About how different Stella (FMC) is living her life and her outlook on it in general compared to Jay's (MMC). They're total opposites. Stella lives vacariously, loves her fashion, seeing her close knit girlfriends regularly, wears her heart on her sleeve and has strong outspoken opinions. Jay... He seems to be an introvert, happier behind doors than out, holds everything personal close to his chest and is frosty cold on the outside. And despite this "arrangement" going on for longer than both imagined it would neither shares any change in outlook.....
Except once. Which is the beginning of their downfall.... And where, incidentally, comes the title of the book. I don't often find titles to be included for good reason but it very much was here.
It was a strange, compelling read that kept you wanting to know what was going to happen, and therefore turning the page till you reached the end before you were ready. I'm already running thru situations between Jay and Stella but really? Literally ANYTHING could happen....!
I received a copy of the book in return for an honest review
May 1, 2021
The first book in a new duet so I knew going in that it would end on a cliffhanger but that didn't stop me screaming nooooooo when I got to the end. One thing I can always be guaranteed with a book by Anne is to expect the unexpected and that I will drawn into the story and mesmerised by her words.
Both Jay and Stella are very complex characters who hide so much behind a public facade. Jay takes control to another level he is intense focused and demanding. At first glance you would think Stella is an open book but like us all she has secrets she does not speak of. They have some of the hottest chemistry they are scorching. The words make you feel the intense connection, all the words the sensual touches build the tension. Slowly Stella peels back the layers that make up the closed off man and you can't help becoming emotionally involved in the unconventional relationship.
I was not ready to let them go the ending came too soon, I was not a happy bunny. Book two cannot come quick enough for me.
Both Jay and Stella are very complex characters who hide so much behind a public facade. Jay takes control to another level he is intense focused and demanding. At first glance you would think Stella is an open book but like us all she has secrets she does not speak of. They have some of the hottest chemistry they are scorching. The words make you feel the intense connection, all the words the sensual touches build the tension. Slowly Stella peels back the layers that make up the closed off man and you can't help becoming emotionally involved in the unconventional relationship.
I was not ready to let them go the ending came too soon, I was not a happy bunny. Book two cannot come quick enough for me.
May 5, 2021
4 Stars!
Whenver Ms.Malcom is releasing a new book I always look forward to it! When I found out that this was a duet I could not contain my excitement for it! I really enjoyed this first book in The Klutch Duet!
This first book in Stella and Jay's journey kept me on my toes! From their very first meeting to the end, these two pulled me in. I wasn't sure what all was going to happen. There was a beautiful realness to the emotions in this story that got to me.
With The Lies That Sinners Tell, Ms.Malcom has created such a great read that had me feeling it all! I'm still thinking about this book! I need more of these characters and I can't wait to find out what happens next in book two, Truths That Saints Believe!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Enticing Journey Book Promotions / the author*
Whenver Ms.Malcom is releasing a new book I always look forward to it! When I found out that this was a duet I could not contain my excitement for it! I really enjoyed this first book in The Klutch Duet!
This first book in Stella and Jay's journey kept me on my toes! From their very first meeting to the end, these two pulled me in. I wasn't sure what all was going to happen. There was a beautiful realness to the emotions in this story that got to me.
With The Lies That Sinners Tell, Ms.Malcom has created such a great read that had me feeling it all! I'm still thinking about this book! I need more of these characters and I can't wait to find out what happens next in book two, Truths That Saints Believe!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Enticing Journey Book Promotions / the author*
June 25, 2021
IN LOVE......
These characters have some much layers to them, y ok u can only ever understand when placed in their shoes and that not something I come across much
So initially this book starts off with the heroine Stella who goes to a club all alone like the bad bitch she is and her getting called to the hero Jay office where he proposes a deal......
Love Jay, he is so blunt with everything and the fact that the book starts off with him be an alpha male who doesn't take anyone's shit and rarely smile and ends that same way even though hes in love with Stella, I kid you not throughout this whole duet he only smiles twice and never laughed and usually that kind of thing isn't my cup of tea but it just worked.
Stella has a backbone which is amazing. The book gives me 50 shades vibes but its better I promise.
These characters have some much layers to them, y ok u can only ever understand when placed in their shoes and that not something I come across much
So initially this book starts off with the heroine Stella who goes to a club all alone like the bad bitch she is and her getting called to the hero Jay office where he proposes a deal......
Love Jay, he is so blunt with everything and the fact that the book starts off with him be an alpha male who doesn't take anyone's shit and rarely smile and ends that same way even though hes in love with Stella, I kid you not throughout this whole duet he only smiles twice and never laughed and usually that kind of thing isn't my cup of tea but it just worked.
Stella has a backbone which is amazing. The book gives me 50 shades vibes but its better I promise.
May 5, 2021
Raw pain engulfs his life. Cast aside as a child, Jay has no light behind his eyes. His drive comes from power; over people, situations and business. She walks in to his club to rid herself of her own demons. Stella isn’t looking to be saved just a reprieve to let off steam. Instead she finds herself caught up in a world wind of darkness for him. He speaks to her demons. Have you ever wanted to walk on the wild side? To know what that control can release in you? Sometimes wishes do come true. Lies that Sinners Tell is different from Anne Malcoms previous books. In this book, two protagonists come head to head with their fears, longings and pasts that may just rip them apart. I was let wanting for book two! Great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews