Lying to yourself was the most dangerous game of all.
I’d once thought the only thing that mattered was the truth. But perhaps I’d been naive.
Learning to navigate life with my eyes open, I’d found things weren’t as they seemed. The good guy didn’t always get the girl, the right thing wasn’t always easy to spot, and the bad guy wasn’t always the villain. Life was more about perception than truth. Maybe… that was the biggest lie of all.
My mother and ex-husband hid behind their mansions and club memberships, making everyone believe they were better and had it all together. Deep down they were twisted and cruel, covering it up with pretty lies.
The mask I’d worn for so long no longer protected me, the facade cracking as I began to emerge into my own person. Heartache, deceit, and treachery kept knocking at my door, but they had no place here. I could see through their betrayals and I was no longer alone to carry the pain.
I used to think my biggest confession was having it all and losing it so epically, laying splattered on the floor in a million pieces. Yet, piece by piece, I was being put back together. Which led me to wonder if I’d ever been whole to begin with?
When your whole life was a lie, did you ever know the truth?
This is a dark contemporary mafia romance with LGBTQ+ themes and a why-choose romance. This is book 2 in a 4 book series. This book is intended for 18+ audiences due to adult content. Please check the foreward for content warnings.
Kris Butler writes under a pen name to have some separation from her everyday life. Writing has become her second love, providing a safe place to normalize mental health through her characters. Kris enjoys writing emotional books with flawed characters, sassy heroines, and all the book boyfriends she loves to drool over. You can find her at home most nights reading with her husband and furbaby, trying to maintain her nerdy sock collection, or playing tabletop games with her friends. Kris loves to talk with readers about her books, even if it’s just them yelling at her for that cliffhanger. If you enjoyed her book, please consider leaving a review. You can find her in her reader group or on social media.
Follow Kris's journey as an author on Instagram (@authorkrisbutler) and Facebook, and join her reader group (Kris Butler's Misfit Penguins) for exclusive content.
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4 stars Woah. Just finished this book in one go and I've fallen in love with this series even more. Witnessing Loren's growth as a character, dealing with her depression and gaining more confidence was an amazing thing to read about. I was really happy for Monroe in this book. He is probably my favourite out of the guy's. Maybe tied with Sax.... Jude and Immy are super cute. I live reading any scene with Jude and Loren. I can't wait for book 3 after the last 2 chapters... Super excited!!!!!
I didn’t take notes while reading this. Mostly because school has started and I already have a bunch of tabs open. Partly because I’m lazy and overconfident, a dangerous combination.
This is book 2 of a series and is not a stand-alone. It won’t make any sense if it is read that way, that way being independently.
Okay, so this is a dark mafia romance, why choose, reverse harem. The first book introduced all the characters (basically). I liked them all. I'll admit that I was more interested with Atticus in the first one than this one. He's sort of hanging in there by a thread. The other guys - Monroe, Nicco, Sax, and Wells - were developed further in this book and their relationship with Loren grew. They all accepted being with her together.
It is a slow burn and this book is mostly plot development but not the fun kind. The author seemed to be setting up the chess board to make a move. The next one should be more interesting in regards to development.
I was still willing to continue with this series even though the first book was really underwhelming but the potential was so high that I was confident about it and well… nope. Loren is just so boring, I think ( and I’m shocked to come to this conclusion) this book would’ve been better if it wasn’t a reverse harem. Our main girl is clearly lost and needs some time to get her shit together, which is fine I guess, but I couldn’t care less reading about it. This series is just so freaking long and WORDY. Wow, I was falling asleep reading this, it’s really soporific.
This author is seriously one of the best. She is my go to one click when I want a story packed full of emotions. I love that we are getting this slow to mid burn build, we are getting to see how each character grows and develops in each book and in Dangerous Lies we see great growth with each and every character. Loren is a character I was in love with from the very moment she was introduced. Her strength and ability to keep pushing forward is unmatched. The way she goes into every situation and looks at all the facts to come to a conclusion even when the people she cared about the most are the ones to cause her hurt she looks at it from their POV and is able to understand why they did what they did. Let me tell you I would not be that understanding and I want to throat punch a few of our guys on multiple occasions. Nicco, Well, Monroe, Sax and Atticus are all completely swoon worthy in their own ways and some of them you literally just want to strangle (Atticus I’m looking at you boo) The writing and the story along with all of these complex character created by such an amazing author is a true treat to read. You are engrossed in their story and so invested in how it will end. You feel every emotion the characters are feeling which is a true testament to this authors amazing writing. If you haven’t started the Dark Confessions series you absolutely need to and it starts with book 1 Dangerous Truths and follow that up with Dangerous Lies book 2…
DNF @ 80%. I’m bailing. It’s been a week of trying to read this… I’m over it. Just sucks since I enjoyed the characters but the pacing was atrocious. So slow then random excitement then slow again then a small burst of excitement then slow again
Kris Butler never fails to deliver on epic reads packed with emotion. Dangerous Lies is Book 2 In the Dark Confessions series. It is more of a slow build story with a lot of emotional growth and deep elements.
Loren is a character that I instantly loved. In book 1, I found myself drawn to the maturity she had, but also the struggles she was up against. That really continues in this book. There is strength in her character. Maybe not a gun toting baddy, but the inner strength we all strive for. That makes her real in a way most books lack.
I loved the character growth from the guys too. Sax, Nicco, Wells, Monroe and Atticus all have so many interesting quirks that make me swoon but also make me want to strangle one or two of them. I hope to see more development from them as the story progresses.
Really though, the writing is fantastic, the story is a slow build but can see the elements building and I just know it’s gonna get better. I love the hard truths and not shying away from difficult topics like mental health and depression. I think it is a true skill to be able to write so wonderfully. I laughed, cried, raged and swooned in this book, so definitely checks all of my boxes.
Dangerous Lies by Kris Butler is a dark contemporary mafia romance. This is the second book in the Dark Confessions series.
The book does come with a caution: "This is a dark contemporary mafia romance with LGBTQ+ themes and a why-choose romance. This book is intended for 18+ audiences due to adult content. Please check the foreword for content warnings."
I absolutely love Kris's books! She does an amazing job pulling you into the story and making you feel every emotion the characters are feeling. I couldn't put the book down.
I am loving the relationships that Loren is slowly building between Monroe, Atticus, Sax, Wells, and Nicco. I really enjoyed getting all of their points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
The book ends on a cliffhanger but that wasn't a surprise since it's the second book in a four book series. I can't wait for the next book in the series Dangerous Vows to be released on March 31, 2022.
I would highly recommend this book if you like dark romances, contemporary romance, reverse harem romances, or mafia romances.
Thank you Kris for sending me an advanced copy to read.
This series really is shaping up to bring all the elements that lure you in. Drama, angst and of course secrets. As I mentioned in my review for Dangerous Truth, I love the POV changes. The different narratives always open the story up to being more dynamic.
I really enjoyed how much development happened with the characters side stories, not just with Loren and her path. Also once again Kris always writes book boyfriend gold! I cannot wait to see how the harem evolves but how their relationships one on one grow.
But that cliffhanger! While it wasn’t as much of a punch in the feels as Dangerous Truth, I still need answers. Pronto 😂
This series shows the ugly side of depression. It doesn’t glorify it or show how the FMC has it but is not effected. No this shows how she survives with it and how each day can be a struggle and the coping mechanisms she uses. I love how she doesn’t easily cave with the guys especially Nicco. How he ghosted her after everything. Just wow. Dayton creeps me the heck out. That guy is a sociopath. Freud would have a field day with him, for sure. This one ends on a hook that might leave you confused like me. But I’m sure book three will shed some light. Immy and Jude are my ultimate favorite. I hope they end up a couple because how cute would that be.
I love how Kris incorporates real feelings, mental health conditions and good ole spicy times into these books. This latest release is absolutely no exception!
This book begins where book 1 left off, it continues at a much slower pace but its oh so good! Each character is learning and growing and we get the chance to explore everyone in more depth. There's more insight into the mind of Loren and her depressive thoughts. These men 🔥🔥 they continue to show their sweet sides whilst being absolute nails! And the side characters of Immy & Jude 😍😍 I just wanna squeeze them both!
That ending ahhh! It's not *too* big of a cliffy but book 3 is needed pronto!
I am absolutely in love with this series! This book had me all in my feelings!! It definitely ends in a cliffhanger but omg. It is the best cliffhanger everrrrrr!!! I love, love, love Nicco (he is mine, I licked him). Monroe is still my number 2. Wells has quickly replaced Sax as my number 3 (I know, I know. Huge surprise!) Saxon is definitely number 4. Or maybe he is tied for number 2 😂🤷🏼♀️ And Atticus is number 5. He really needs to get his head out of his ass. 😂 Loren handles everything though and grows in her womanhood! She is absolute perfection!
I absolutely love how this series is progressing. This second book in the series, same as the first, pulled me right back into Loren and the guys world. Loren is coming into her own, slowly discovering herself and finally realizing the truth about those she's surrounded herself with. Poor Immy finally starts to talk about her traumatic experiences when her father took her. I just wanted to hug her the whole time. I held my breath waiting and expecting for the reveal to happen about Mr Mascro between Immy and Loren after leaving her office. I love each of the guys, and Atticus finally giving into his feeling for Loren. What I didn't expect was that ending! Like... What?!?! Can't wait for the next book to see what happens!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I absolutely love this series! I never want it to end. It is so riveting and enthralling. You can't help but feel like you are apart of this story with Lo and her men. Jude and Immy are such sweet kids as well. I love the depth that this book reached with each and every character. It hit all the feels and you don't ever want to put it down. I loved the ending because you can't help but say FINALLY, lol. Definitely can't wait for the next book to see what transpires from everything that happened in book two!
After reaching the end of Dangerous Truths I started looking forward to this second installment! I couldn't wait to find out which direction this story was going to go in next. I picked it up and got back into the Dark Confessions world! I enjoyed this second book!
Loren's journey continues! I wasn't sure what all was going to happen getting into this second book which i really liked! I so enjoyed what the men brought to this installment. I was so glad to get to dig deeper into this world with these characters and that i once again felt so many things as well!
With Dangerous Lies, Ms.Butler has created a good read that already has me looking forward to more! I can't wait to get back into this world with the third installment, Dangerous Vows!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Following the events of Dangerous Truths, Dangerous Lies continues Loren's story. With more steamy scenes between Loren and her men and great exploration of the characters Kris Butler has blown me away with this story. I highly recommend you check it out
Misfit Penguins for life!!! I absolutely love Loren and Jude’s relationship. I love that he gives her light and something to fight for on the dark days. I love that she gives him hope and a home that he’s never had before. Loren went through so much and when all her guys just cut her off at the same time, it was heartbreaking. It was awesome to see her realize that she was strong and that she could be enough on her own, especially since she now had Jude to take care of. She didn’t have to give in to the depression again. I loved seeing her friendships with Nat, Cami, and Staci grow and flourish. Every girl needs friends like that in her corner. As for the guys…🥵🥵🥵 I love every single one of them, oh my lord. Even Atticus. Though he definitely has a lot of asshole moments to make up for. I hope Loren gives him the chance to. All in all I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait for more
Yet again all the feels are rampant. The way the characters are developing within the pages keeps you hooked and I didn't want it to end but boy when it did, it left me screaming for book 3 immediately. This series is just getting better and better. Highly recommended, if I could give it more than 5 stars I would.
Loving this series 😍 like nothing I've ever read! Loren and all her men have a lot of growth in this book. Monroe, Nicco, Sax and Wells are all in for her at all costs. Atticus is fighting himself the most but it's making Loren challenge him more which is back firing for him. She's enjoying her time being happy with all of them. Knowing theirs danger but ignorance is bliss until she's pushed to ask the one question she doesn't want to know.
Dangerous Lies is another emotional read that follows Loren and her various men. The characters continue to be ones that you can't help but love and root for. There is a fantastic storyline that evokes numerous emotions plus some really hot steamy bits. Despite an intense cliffhanger, I'm really enjoying this series!
Yes Plzzz!!! The heat and steam!!! Bit these men better work their asses off to stay in her good graces. Especially with Jude having her back at all cost. Now just to find out what her mother and ex are up to. She has something up her sleeve. And can Mas just hurry up and travel to the dark side now!
Wow! This story really drags you in. With all the subtle details going on, it’s easy to get lost in the words. Really can’t wait to see what happens next after all that! Definitely becoming one of my new favorite series!
I wasn’t ready… I love Loren (and Immy) so much. Seeing them both rebuild themselves and their lives is so inspiring. Loren is exceptionally deserving of the true family she is carefully creating around herself. Jude is just amazing; I love their dynamic and the way they are helping each other. For Loren, when it rains, it pours and it’s raining damn men… Getting each of their POVs helped me to forgive them as Loren took her time to do the same. And lordy, when she forgives… Those men are lucky! The spicy moment are ❤️🔥🔥❤️🔥 and perfect. Be prepared though for an epic cliffhanger… And maybe wanting to throw your device a few times!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Omg right in the feels!!!! Seeing the growth in Loren from book 1 to 2 has been so amazing! Every chapter she is stronger and more sure of herself and I love it!! The multiple POVs are perfect, the naughty bits are hot as hell 🔥 , and I am on the edge of my seat from all the sexual tension between Monroe & Wells!! Ends on a cliffhanger but I’m not even upset about it! This series has me hooked and I can not wait for Dangerous Vows so see how things pan out for everyone! Eek!!
As soon as I clicked on 'write a review', I was smiling. Because this book did me so good. I like how Loren's positive attitude and the changes I could see in her character overcoming her struggle made me happy and also encourage you know? Just reading about her and not just her but the other characters how they grow into themselves make a better version of them to achieve what they want, it was nice to read all of it. I like the emphasis on changing for you not for anyone else. After that crazy ending in the previous book, in the way the story moved surprised me. I liked it. She and Jude, my god I am so protective of this bond and not just this but in all the whole group. I felt so protective that I thought I will be so angry if the ending has anyone hurting them because man the connection you form with characters while reading this book is real. Also there was so much communication and at the pace things took place I appreciated it. Loren has been recovering well and she is surprising not only others around her but me as a reader too. It was nice to see her going for what she wants and not letting her insecurities take the lead. The way this book is written is therapeutic and I think I needed to see this character flourish.
When it comes to the romantic angle, things are looking up and it just excites me. I am always left wondering how will the endgame be but I guess I should just enjoy the present for now. Monroe has grown so much too from being the nice guy to doing what he can but trying to be a good person for his son, it was good to see him as a father. I like the way he set priorities and for once people he loves came to him to show him support so that felt good. Wells, this man has a side to him that just wants to be loved and I guess seen and we see that here. He is in a much better place thanks to our other men and he is willing to put a step forward. Plus I love him with his dogs so plus points lol. Nicco is a patient man, you would not expect that trait from a man in mafia but I think that just explains his character and his need to be different than what he was born into. Atticus, I knew this was not going to be easy well within reason. But I like that Loren surprises him and I think for everyone involved I hope they get a big win so Atticus can feel like he has the power to protect everyone. Or maybe it can happen that together they can protect well? I don't know. Sax, the best for the last because he is a man after my own heart. God I love him, he just makes me laugh and I like that we get to know more about him in this book. There is a softness to him that comes out with Loren.
Men are struggling but they also are in kind of acceptance of having a harem. I think things will get interesting when all men are in the relationship solid. But for now the acceptance feeling is there. And when it comes to plot its so interesting, we do not know what is going to happen but the way things are set, its like dominoes waiting to be tipped any second. Ah, the ending is scary but also will be intriguing how everyone will make out of this mess. Immy and Jude are adorable and yes they need to be protected at all costs. The danger is scary but I hope together they can make through this!
✨I mentioned this in my review of the first book, I’ll mention it here, and will mention it in my review for the third and final book. Our FMC & the men who will be in her harem are all in their 30’s (except for the youngest who is 29). It can get a little exhausting reading so many books where the characters, especially the FMC, are so young - even in their teens. Being in your 30s is not old, and I’m glad this book explores these adult relationships in the way that it does. It also helps to add a level of realism to some of the events that happen in this book, and the subsequent books, because our main characters are not teens. ✨The communication! This ties into my first point, but the way that our main characters communicate is so refreshing and I love it. There is no excessive miscommunication happening, and therefore no unnecessary fights and disagreements. The characters discuss their feelings and thoughts openly in a very mature way, which I think fits especially with the occupation our FMC, Loren, has. ✨Loren’s relationship with Jude! Seriously, after losing her baby and after everything Jude’s been through, seeing their relationship blossom is incredible and heartwarming. It adds a lot to the story. ✨Jude & Immy sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G! Their relationship progression is absolutely adorable and I love them together.
The Cons: 😤I am sad that we haven’t seen Loren open up more about her past, her relationship with her ex-husband, the loss of her child, etc. I feel like she, of all people, should understand the importance of facing these things and not burdening herself through isolation. I’m hoping she’ll open up in the next book. 😤Once again, a little slow and boring for a mafia romance. This is a con for me, but not a dealbreaker because this book is clearly meant to be about a lot more than just mafia.
Ive never read such an amazing book!! I ADORE Kris Butler and her writing.
Book 2 starts right where book 1 left off. Loren gets pushed away by Monroe, Monroe is dealing with the court stuff, and she was working on getting custody of Jude. Nico is missing Loren so much and Atticus is doing all he can to keep both Imogen and Loren safe. But Loren is getting threats from their enemies. This book will have you all in your feelings, then you get to the cliffhanger and wanna read the next book right away 😂😂
I love the relationship between Loren and Jude. They deserve all the happiness in the world. Nicco is still my boo, and i really wish Atticus would just let himself feel the feelings he has for Loren. Immy is just amazing. After Loren forgives the guys, the spice is off the charts HOT!!! Kris always brings AMAZING spice in her books along with all the feelings, and I am here for it!!! I am loving everything about this series and I can't wait to read more. Kris Butler, you are PHENOMENAL and I will be a fan of yours for life!!!!
Kris Butler does it again with her second installment in her Dark Confessions Collection. Dangerous Lies takes us on a roller coaster ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire way. Ms. Butler obviously doesn't pull punches. This book will have you laughing, crying and occasionally throwing things. It is obvious that she puts her heart and soul into her writing. It is raw, brutally honest and unforgiving. At the same time, it is healing, a true testament to those who have gone through tragedy and come out stronger on the other side. As she warns, it does end on a cliffhanger, but that just makes me want the next book more.
The storyline is well-paced and exceptionally well written. It is filled with danger, intrigue, politics, organized crime, subterfuge, love, personal growth and lots of hot romance. There are so many POVs in the story, but she weaves them together seamlessly. I love that each guy gets to have his own POV. I think it really adds depth and meshes well with Loren's tale. The characters are well developed and engaging. Each guy brings something different into Loren's life. I especially like Jude and Immy's stories including the one they are gradually creating together.
Kudos Ms. Butler on another exceptional novel, written in such a way as to make the reader feel part of the story. Keep writing, can't wait for book three!
Have I mentioned how much I adore Kris butlers writing? It’s like she has ninja abilities and sneaks in hard truths and deep emotions that hit you right in that box you hide all your Shiz in so you don’t think about it. There’s always so much more than the story, and the story well…. I have no idea how I’m supposed to wait months to see what happens. I actually kept dragging this story along because I didn’t want it to end. If you haven’t already. Start book 1 asap. You’ll fall in love with the complexity of the characters both individually and with how they come together. This is the type of series you savor that sticks with you for a while. Hurry hurry book 3. Please and thank you!
This series is shaping up to be one of my favorites! It's a dark mafia contemporary reverse harem with warnings, so read them.
Kris has a way with words to bring light to real life struggles and mental health and she does it in the most beautiful way! This book, just like the last, was packed full of emotions, drama and angst with some spice threw in there. It's so real and raw, you feel like you are there with the characters. You will fall in love with all of them.. I mean...how can you not?! Loren is finally gaining some confidence and figuring out who she is, I've loved witnessing her growth! The depth of all the characters will amaze you.
This story is EPIC! Definitely one of the best! And Kris Butler will quickly become a one click author for you, as she has for me. Start this series, you won't regret it.
Loren is dealing with the guys withdrawal after the events at the end of book 1. I am so in love with Loren, and I love her relationship with Jude. I love the guys POVs - it definitely helps to understand why they do some of the things they do. This series does deal with some dark themes and also looks. I love that the characters also deal with their mental health. Loren is growing and really embracing her strength. This series just keeps getting better, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.