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Tattooed Hearts Duet #1
Riddled Deceit
You might never see my name in lights, or flashed across the stage, but my roots were southern, my eyes bright, and my sass a mix of feisty-sweet. I was ready to take on anything life had to throw at me, until it did.
I used to be a romantic, hopeful someday I’d fall in love with my Mr. Right. After a slew of romantic disasters, though, I convinced myself I was cursed.
Now, almost twenty-six, I found myself working at a tattoo shop, and wondering if it was time to try again. If only the men in my life would get a clue.
Slade—the bossnemy—who liked to push my buttons.
Simon—the one who got away—who wasn’t even an option.
Thane—the perfect guy—who swooped in to rescue me.
It began so innocently, our inked confessions, a modern-day love story unfolding between us, but when the line between truth and lies blurred, how was I to know what was real?
It was hidden somewhere between all the riddled deceit. The question was, was I even brave enough to unravel it?
I'm Lennox James, and this is my story.
*This is a why choose novel, meaning the main female character doesn't have to choose between love interests. This is a contemporary romantic suspense novel with some dark elements. This is an adult romance and intended for readers 18+ due to language and content. This series will contain MM.
I used to be a romantic, hopeful someday I’d fall in love with my Mr. Right. After a slew of romantic disasters, though, I convinced myself I was cursed.
Now, almost twenty-six, I found myself working at a tattoo shop, and wondering if it was time to try again. If only the men in my life would get a clue.
Slade—the bossnemy—who liked to push my buttons.
Simon—the one who got away—who wasn’t even an option.
Thane—the perfect guy—who swooped in to rescue me.
It began so innocently, our inked confessions, a modern-day love story unfolding between us, but when the line between truth and lies blurred, how was I to know what was real?
It was hidden somewhere between all the riddled deceit. The question was, was I even brave enough to unravel it?
I'm Lennox James, and this is my story.
*This is a why choose novel, meaning the main female character doesn't have to choose between love interests. This is a contemporary romantic suspense novel with some dark elements. This is an adult romance and intended for readers 18+ due to language and content. This series will contain MM.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2021
129 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
About the author
Kris Butler
48 books400 followersKris 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.
If you enjoyed her book, please consider leaving a review.
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.
If you enjoyed her book, please consider leaving a review.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 28, 2022
The story itself gets 4 ⭐️ but the horrible southern stereotype language gets 1 ⭐️. It was so bad that every time I read one of the stupid words she used in place of a cuss word, it would pull me out of the story. I have loved in the south my entire life and no one talks like this. Especially not a 26 year old. Dagnabit? Son of a bee sting? Tarnation? Are we in a 70’s western movie or something? It was super annoying and hard to make myself continue. I almost DNF several times. However. The story was good. And so I kept reading. The last 30% of the book made it worthwhile. But it was hard. Am I going to read the next book? Yeah probably. Because I need to know how this turns out. Damn it.
January 28, 2022
This was a surprise. I only heard about it today in the Reverse Harem Readers Facebook group and am happy to have stumbled across it. It's a twisty mystery with some hot guys and a creepy stalker, which gets exceedingly creepy by the end. And now I'll have to read part two to see what happens next. 💙
August 31, 2021
Butler has done it again with this book, not only has she made this story mouthwatering but it is a pageturner. I was blown away from the first paragraph, and drawn in right from the first chapter. To say I was left wanton was an understatement, she wrote a masterpiece with this storyline and the characters were so well developed that they worked so darn well within the story....my goodness. I cannot even phantom how jealous I am Lennox, and don't even get me started on the the men...you will need to read this book to find out. And, I don't not stress this enough.....READ THIS BOOK!!!
September 1, 2021
Riddled Deciet by Kris Butler is the first book in a duet called Tattooed Hearts. This book is definitely a must read. This story follows the female main character Lennox as she tries to navigate her complicated love life, friendships, and her traumatic past. This book is a why choose novel, meaning that the female main character does not have to pick between her love interests. This book is honest and real and so are all the characters involved.
August 31, 2021
This book was everything. Dark, edgy, and oh so delicious. God, Len is just too much in a good way. This girl is sassy and has the attitude like, I know what I want and screw you all. The deceit in this one runs thick. I am still reeling from that cliffy nugget at the end. Slade and Si, I want to dick punch. Thane, like what the heck. I can’t even with him. Book two, can’t come any sooner. Can’t wait for more.
September 2, 2021
This book was all consuming from page 1! Lexxox is an absolute hoot! The characters are well developed and I love learning the backstory that connects everyone...but WOW, I definitely did not see that plot twist coming!!! I did not expect B.E.R. to be who he is...Now I wonder what's going to happen next???
September 2, 2021
Is there nothing that Kris Butler can write. I am absolutely in love with Lennox , Slade and Simon. Lennox is the perfect blend of southern charm and with hardcore sass. I loved seeing the pen pal letter exchanges thru the years. Just when you think you have the story figured out you realize you are a hundred percent wrong. Just like the title states this book is riddled with deceits.
August 31, 2021
Omg. Why??? Why did you do this to me??? That ending… 😭😭 this is what broken feels like people!!! Can I have book 2 now? Please… like pretty please with a naked man on top?? Krissssssssss, pleaseeeeeee
June 5, 2022
This book has mystery and secrets that kept me invested to find out how all the pieces connect. Loved it!
October 15, 2023
Not to be rude but I hated this. A lot.
November 8, 2022
I enjoyed it enough
September 6, 2021
Good book
I love this series! The characters are tough and smart. The storyline is so well done ! I can't wait for the next one!
I love this series! The characters are tough and smart. The storyline is so well done ! I can't wait for the next one!
September 3, 2021
This book wrapped its claws around me, dug in and refused to let go until I was done. I may or may not be a tad obsessed and desperate for more. 🤩
June 20, 2022
Oh My Gosh
I swear you, this is a must read. I fell in love with the main characters and the drama. That ending! I can’t believe BER is who he is. Simon and Slade are definitely going to have their work cut out for them. Ugh, this was so good. I wish I could read it for the first time again.
I swear you, this is a must read. I fell in love with the main characters and the drama. That ending! I can’t believe BER is who he is. Simon and Slade are definitely going to have their work cut out for them. Ugh, this was so good. I wish I could read it for the first time again.
January 23, 2022
This duology was better than The Council series by the same author. I liked the stylistic choice of having a letter between every chapter. It made me feel nostalgic, having had many pen-pals myself when I was a teen. Most of the letters were exchanged between Lennox and "Blaze", and they are everything I would want in a letter -- some news about what has happened, some sharing of personal thoughts, fears, or opinions, and some light-heartedness or silliness.
I'm not fond of the miscommunication trope, where one character jumps to conclusions based on something they heard / saw which they misinterpreted, and makes a unilateral decision causing a rift in the relationship instead of talking to the other person about it and clearing the air. I find that very frustrating. I feel like all that time spent apart and all the angst and anguish is a pointless waste, since it could easily have been avoided. It literally is a case of making yourself suffer, except that you also make the other person suffer too, because often they're bewildered as to what happened to make the relationship go south.
The miscommunication trope was overused in this story, which suggests to me that the author couldn't come up with any other way to create conflict. It occurs several times throughout the story, to various characters, and the really frustrating thing is that even when the bewildered character asks what's wrong, the one who is guilty of making assumptions refuses to be straight with them, preventing the two of them from ironing out the issues that have been keeping them apart.
I liked Lennox, but I also thought she ought to have left her job since her boss, Slade, was such a dick to her and wouldn't allow her to apprentice as a tattoo artist. She keeps on feeling hurt and wondering why he hates her so much, but girl, if your boss doesn't appreciate what you do and won't give you opportunities to develop your skills, leave and go elsewhere! Saying that the town is small and she wanted to stay close because of her family doesn't wash when she easily moves away the moment she really wants to.
So I thought she didn't stand up for herself against Slade, even though she's sassy and whatnot. Slade is really not nice to her and I didn't see anything about him that was likeable. On the other hand, I liked how Simon has always been there for Lennox when she needed him. I loved his and Lennox's friendship; they've been best friends for so long that they know each other inside out. But he is a bit of an idiot and I felt that he didn't have backbone. Thane is oddly written because the most outstanding characteristic about him is his good looks which render Lennox speechless and make her lose her train of thought. It was weird how he insisted on attending her family dinner even though he'd basically just met her and they hardly knew each other yet. I think something's off about him, but I don't know what, and it's weird because he's mentioned in the book's blurb so clearly he must be one of the harem.
By the end of this book, the harem is not established. In fact, it is scattered and Lennox is broken-hearted. It's a duology, so I didn't expect all their issues to be resolved, but I did think she'd have established a relationship with at least one or two of them, if not all three. There's a cliffhanger, but it's not brutal.
I'm not fond of the miscommunication trope, where one character jumps to conclusions based on something they heard / saw which they misinterpreted, and makes a unilateral decision causing a rift in the relationship instead of talking to the other person about it and clearing the air. I find that very frustrating. I feel like all that time spent apart and all the angst and anguish is a pointless waste, since it could easily have been avoided. It literally is a case of making yourself suffer, except that you also make the other person suffer too, because often they're bewildered as to what happened to make the relationship go south.
The miscommunication trope was overused in this story, which suggests to me that the author couldn't come up with any other way to create conflict. It occurs several times throughout the story, to various characters, and the really frustrating thing is that even when the bewildered character asks what's wrong, the one who is guilty of making assumptions refuses to be straight with them, preventing the two of them from ironing out the issues that have been keeping them apart.
I liked Lennox, but I also thought she ought to have left her job since her boss, Slade, was such a dick to her and wouldn't allow her to apprentice as a tattoo artist. She keeps on feeling hurt and wondering why he hates her so much, but girl, if your boss doesn't appreciate what you do and won't give you opportunities to develop your skills, leave and go elsewhere! Saying that the town is small and she wanted to stay close because of her family doesn't wash when she easily moves away the moment she really wants to.
So I thought she didn't stand up for herself against Slade, even though she's sassy and whatnot. Slade is really not nice to her and I didn't see anything about him that was likeable. On the other hand, I liked how Simon has always been there for Lennox when she needed him. I loved his and Lennox's friendship; they've been best friends for so long that they know each other inside out. But he is a bit of an idiot and I felt that he didn't have backbone. Thane is oddly written because the most outstanding characteristic about him is his good looks which render Lennox speechless and make her lose her train of thought. It was weird how he insisted on attending her family dinner even though he'd basically just met her and they hardly knew each other yet. I think something's off about him, but I don't know what, and it's weird because he's mentioned in the book's blurb so clearly he must be one of the harem.
By the end of this book, the harem is not established. In fact, it is scattered and Lennox is broken-hearted. It's a duology, so I didn't expect all their issues to be resolved, but I did think she'd have established a relationship with at least one or two of them, if not all three. There's a cliffhanger, but it's not brutal.
April 15, 2022
Okay, if you haven't read this book yet then stop reading this review of mine since I might say something that you'll consider as a "spoiler".
SOOOOO... I honestly didn't expect that cliffhanger ending. There were so many twists that I didn't even think will happen. Let's start with Blaze. Damn, I was really confused who he was between the two guys in the blurb. Obv, it's not Fish since he's Fish and not Blaze but yeah. I also know for a fact that Fish and Blaze might have something in the end and there might be the confession thingy 'bout the letters BUT what I didn't expect was they already know each other! AND DAMN, when they got caught together 😬😳 Then there's B.E.R. I really thought that guy is Blaze because of the initials but after what he said... The ending, oohh, the stalker part. Damn, I did not see the signs about him being a stalker or an obsessed type of man. That's when you really got me. I'm used to seeing the signs, clues and have a guess about what the ending of a book would be but in this book? The thought of that man being like that didn't even come across my mind. I salute you for that. 🙌
P.S. I really like how you make us see the different point of views of the characters to see why they're like that towards the FMC. The book is really good and the way how it ended makes the book 2 more exciting to read
SOOOOO... I honestly didn't expect that cliffhanger ending. There were so many twists that I didn't even think will happen. Let's start with Blaze. Damn, I was really confused who he was between the two guys in the blurb. Obv, it's not Fish since he's Fish and not Blaze but yeah. I also know for a fact that Fish and Blaze might have something in the end and there might be the confession thingy 'bout the letters BUT what I didn't expect was they already know each other! AND DAMN, when they got caught together 😬😳 Then there's B.E.R. I really thought that guy is Blaze because of the initials but after what he said... The ending, oohh, the stalker part. Damn, I did not see the signs about him being a stalker or an obsessed type of man. That's when you really got me. I'm used to seeing the signs, clues and have a guess about what the ending of a book would be but in this book? The thought of that man being like that didn't even come across my mind. I salute you for that. 🙌
P.S. I really like how you make us see the different point of views of the characters to see why they're like that towards the FMC. The book is really good and the way how it ended makes the book 2 more exciting to read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶/5
I was absolutely not prepared for the wild ride that Kris Butler took me on with Riddled Deceit! Lennox is a petite southern belle with so much quirk and charm that you just cannot help but love her. She believes that she’s 100% cursed in love, and when you fall in love with your gay best friend (among other things), it definitely doesn’t help. She’s strong but flawed. She’s sassy but sweet. Lennox can damn near charm the pants off of everyone she meets.
Maybe all except Slade… her bossnemy who she nicknames Tattzilla. He’s hated her from day one and she can’t figure out why. He’s a surly alpha hole, but Lennox can’t help herself from drooling just a little bit… she’s still human after all.
Simon is her best friend forever… he knows her better than she even knows herself. It’s not her fault that one night with her only reinforced that he likes guys more, right?
Thane… oh sweet Thane. Slade’s fraternal twin and the light to his darkness. All he wants is to make Lennox happy, but she just doesn’t see him in the same light as the 2 great loves of her life.
Best part of the story? Everyone’s a liar… and there’s so many smudged lines that nothing will ever be the same again…
Kris seriously knocked this one out of the park, and way more people need to read this book. You think you know what this story is about, but you seriously have no idea…
🌶🌶/5
I was absolutely not prepared for the wild ride that Kris Butler took me on with Riddled Deceit! Lennox is a petite southern belle with so much quirk and charm that you just cannot help but love her. She believes that she’s 100% cursed in love, and when you fall in love with your gay best friend (among other things), it definitely doesn’t help. She’s strong but flawed. She’s sassy but sweet. Lennox can damn near charm the pants off of everyone she meets.
Maybe all except Slade… her bossnemy who she nicknames Tattzilla. He’s hated her from day one and she can’t figure out why. He’s a surly alpha hole, but Lennox can’t help herself from drooling just a little bit… she’s still human after all.
Simon is her best friend forever… he knows her better than she even knows herself. It’s not her fault that one night with her only reinforced that he likes guys more, right?
Thane… oh sweet Thane. Slade’s fraternal twin and the light to his darkness. All he wants is to make Lennox happy, but she just doesn’t see him in the same light as the 2 great loves of her life.
Best part of the story? Everyone’s a liar… and there’s so many smudged lines that nothing will ever be the same again…
Kris seriously knocked this one out of the park, and way more people need to read this book. You think you know what this story is about, but you seriously have no idea…
November 3, 2021
Oh my goodness. This author seriously never disappoints. I'm pretty sure she can do no wrong...No matter what she puts forward, she really DELIVERS. This book kept me on my toes and kept me guessing from the very beginning, and I freaking loved it. There are so many twists and turns, you might develop some high blood pressure from reading this, but trust me, it is so worth it. The possible love interests you meet over the course of this book are truly swoon worthy and will probably turn up the heat in your house. But that's why it's even better that book 2 is out and available so you can continue right on with the story and get some desperately needed answers and closure! All I will say is, if you love sweet, slightly sassy southern girls, lots of fun substitutes for cuss words, and an absolutely riveting mystery story line, then go grab this book! NOW! Just be prepared to have it break you a little until you finish book 2, lol
February 11, 2024
Lennox & Simon, Slade, and Thane
I both loved and was irritated by this book. But before you base your reading decision on that opening sentence, please read the why.
Loved: Lennox is a complex character that seems to be cursed in the matters of the heart. She seems simple and straightforward, but she has no idea that her life has been manipulated by other people for years. (Though the reader doesn’t discover that until the end of the book)
Irritated: As someone who struggles with an attention deficit disorder, it was difficult to follow the flow of this book, the pen pal letters thrown in the middle of chapters made it difficult for me to remember what happened at the end of one chapter until that POV restarted. That is completely a “me” issue as I can’t think of a better way to plot this story out.
This is a very well written book and I can’t wait to see what happens in the conclusion of this duet!
I both loved and was irritated by this book. But before you base your reading decision on that opening sentence, please read the why.
Loved: Lennox is a complex character that seems to be cursed in the matters of the heart. She seems simple and straightforward, but she has no idea that her life has been manipulated by other people for years. (Though the reader doesn’t discover that until the end of the book)
Irritated: As someone who struggles with an attention deficit disorder, it was difficult to follow the flow of this book, the pen pal letters thrown in the middle of chapters made it difficult for me to remember what happened at the end of one chapter until that POV restarted. That is completely a “me” issue as I can’t think of a better way to plot this story out.
This is a very well written book and I can’t wait to see what happens in the conclusion of this duet!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2023
This book blew me away. I really enjoyed all the relationship angst and the plot twists and turns. None of it felt forced or manufactured and I was completely sucked into Lennox's world.
Lennox is the perfect mix of quirky Southern belle and fiery artist. I love her energy and her spirit!
Slade was NOT a hard sell for me being the tattooed, , bad-boy alpha-hole. Holy guacamole!
Simon is the best friend that any girl could wish for.
I ordered the paperback duet 40% into the e-book because this is one I will be re-reading for sure! So many things to go back and revisit that I'm sure was missed the first time around (now that I know what I know). The ending was wild and unexpected and left me an anxious mess... I immediately picked up the next one and I can't wait to see what happens!
Lennox is the perfect mix of quirky Southern belle and fiery artist. I love her energy and her spirit!
Slade was NOT a hard sell for me being the tattooed, , bad-boy alpha-hole. Holy guacamole!
Simon is the best friend that any girl could wish for.
I ordered the paperback duet 40% into the e-book because this is one I will be re-reading for sure! So many things to go back and revisit that I'm sure was missed the first time around (now that I know what I know). The ending was wild and unexpected and left me an anxious mess... I immediately picked up the next one and I can't wait to see what happens!
October 16, 2021
Riddled Deceit was not at all what I was expecting, although, on par with the rest of Kris’ amazing work. Seriously! It started out so sweet and hilarious with a few questions around some mystery pen pals, but man. Talk about climbing a rollercoaster to that drop point.
The whole book was amazing, filled with first loves and first heart breaks. Lennox James is an amazing relatable MFC with her quirky personality, sassy attitude, and inability to swear. All with a Southern twist that makes me want to visit Nashville!
But okay, the unexpected turn that I DID NOT see coming has me off balance and dying for the next one. Overall, the cliffhanger was not a bad one, I’m just thrown by a lot more questions than answers!
PHENOMENAL!
The whole book was amazing, filled with first loves and first heart breaks. Lennox James is an amazing relatable MFC with her quirky personality, sassy attitude, and inability to swear. All with a Southern twist that makes me want to visit Nashville!
But okay, the unexpected turn that I DID NOT see coming has me off balance and dying for the next one. Overall, the cliffhanger was not a bad one, I’m just thrown by a lot more questions than answers!
PHENOMENAL!
December 9, 2025
I did finish this book but barely! I had to talk myself out of just giving up about a million times. The writing is just not good. The story was very choppy and confusing. The plot was okay? I’m not even really sure because it just jumped around so much every “plot point” felt very unfinished. The book has potential but it needs some serious restructuring. I don’t often give books I have finished one star but unfortunately this one is just not it. I would not recommend this book at all there are much better options out there.
January 19, 2022
What did I just read?
This book is amazing in how it develops the further along you read it. I love Lennox she is my new best friend! I love who she is and how she doesn't take anything from anyone.
This is an emotional rollercoaster so be ready to go through so many emotions. I cried a river so many times but I kept going and it was worth it. The cliffhanger is so hard to process and I have more questions than before so I will be jumping straight to the next book.
This book is amazing in how it develops the further along you read it. I love Lennox she is my new best friend! I love who she is and how she doesn't take anything from anyone.
This is an emotional rollercoaster so be ready to go through so many emotions. I cried a river so many times but I kept going and it was worth it. The cliffhanger is so hard to process and I have more questions than before so I will be jumping straight to the next book.
September 7, 2021
Kris Butler's Riddled Deceit is the epitome of a heart-break romance. The storyline is fast-paced and well written, filled with hopes, dreams, love, disappointments, angst, sex, betrayal and romance. The characters are well developed and engaging. I love the mystery that Blaze brings to the mix. This is definitely worth the read, I highly recommend it!
January 1, 2022
Well written
I love.Lennox and her personality! The guys make me so mad they are judging so much. Between the secrets and love i how Lennox puts the guys through it to earn her respect!. to many me and I hope she gives them a chance but again I hope.she kicks them put and makes them work harder
I love.Lennox and her personality! The guys make me so mad they are judging so much. Between the secrets and love i how Lennox puts the guys through it to earn her respect!. to many me and I hope she gives them a chance but again I hope.she kicks them put and makes them work harder
January 10, 2022
Something different
Saw this recommended in a group I'm in and decided to try it out. I really like this authors writing style, and the characters. Its a different story from all of the ones out right now and I found it refreshing. I could see the ending coming, but even so was lost in the details being slowly buildt in.
Saw this recommended in a group I'm in and decided to try it out. I really like this authors writing style, and the characters. Its a different story from all of the ones out right now and I found it refreshing. I could see the ending coming, but even so was lost in the details being slowly buildt in.
August 8, 2022
If angst is your thing
If angst is your thing, this is your book. Every character is battling some version of who they think they should be and what they want. The format of this book got a little muddled at times but the underlying story is solid and you'll find yourself begging the author for an HEA for Lennox.
If angst is your thing, this is your book. Every character is battling some version of who they think they should be and what they want. The format of this book got a little muddled at times but the underlying story is solid and you'll find yourself begging the author for an HEA for Lennox.
Read
May 28, 2023I haven’t decided yet what I’m going to rate this… but what makes me mad is that I went into reading this book without knowing that is what a miscommunication trope (in a few different ways) which is one of the tropes I hate the most. So I was VERY frustrated reading that and realizing that’s what caused so many issues between the characters.
November 3, 2021
Omg absolutely loved this book! The characters are so much fun to read and did I mention very hot and alpha-hole lol. Lennox's sense of humor and fashion are very refreshing and you can't help but enjoy all her moments! Highly recommend this series.
November 7, 2022
I got back up
I got back up in the middle of the night to read more because I wanted to know what came next. The plot really surprised me. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
I got back up in the middle of the night to read more because I wanted to know what came next. The plot really surprised me. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews