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Darling Hill #1
These Dirty Lies
A brand new gritty and angsty romance duet from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author L A Cotton
Harleigh Wren Maguire is broken.
At least, that’s what it feels like, a puzzle whose pieces no longer fit right.
She knows one thing though: never trust your heart.
It won’t lead you right, it’ll trick you. Betray you. And in the end, it’ll kill you.
Phoenix Wilder is angry.
At least, that’s what it feels like, eating him up inside.
He knows one thing though: never trust your heart.
It won’t fix things, it’ll break them. Taint them. And in the end, it’ll destroy them.
Once upon a time, Harleigh and Nix were everything to each other. They shared their secrets, their hopes and dreams.
But things are different now.
They’re different.
And maybe everything they remember was nothing but a lie.
* These Dirty Lies is the first book in Nix and Harleigh's duet. Due to mature content that some readers may find distressing, this book is recommended for readers 17+
Harleigh Wren Maguire is broken.
At least, that’s what it feels like, a puzzle whose pieces no longer fit right.
She knows one thing though: never trust your heart.
It won’t lead you right, it’ll trick you. Betray you. And in the end, it’ll kill you.
Phoenix Wilder is angry.
At least, that’s what it feels like, eating him up inside.
He knows one thing though: never trust your heart.
It won’t fix things, it’ll break them. Taint them. And in the end, it’ll destroy them.
Once upon a time, Harleigh and Nix were everything to each other. They shared their secrets, their hopes and dreams.
But things are different now.
They’re different.
And maybe everything they remember was nothing but a lie.
* These Dirty Lies is the first book in Nix and Harleigh's duet. Due to mature content that some readers may find distressing, this book is recommended for readers 17+
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2022
180 people are currently reading
1637 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Cotton
120 books3,131 followers Reckless Love. Wild Hearts.
L A COTTON is USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty mature young adult and new adult novels, LA COTTON is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.
Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find LA immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.
L A loves connecting with readers, and you can find her at:
Official Website
www.lacotton.com
Social Media
www.facebook.com/authorlacotton
www.instagram.com/authorlacotton
L A COTTON is USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty mature young adult and new adult novels, LA COTTON is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.
Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find LA immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.
L A loves connecting with readers, and you can find her at:
Official Website
www.lacotton.com
Social Media
www.facebook.com/authorlacotton
www.instagram.com/authorlacotton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
March 17, 2022
I love a good friends to lovers romance but when you throw in the daring tension and make them enemies? I'm all in! It feels like an adrenaline rush and you find yourself being giddy over the anticipation because you know it's going to be good. What's better than sexual tension and fiery Banter? Off the wall explosive chemistry. I was so sure that I was going to get this with this book but I ended up getting something different.
Harleigh and Nix have been childhood best friend's who have always had each other's back. Being from the wrong side of town has made them different in some people's eyes but as long as they had each other, nothing else mattered. But that all changed when tragedy struck forcing Harleigh to be thrown into a new upper class world that makes being from the Row, unacceptable. Can Nix and Harleigh find their way back to one another or will they make each other public enemies number one?
I really wanted to fall in love with this and I think that if there weren't so many misunderstandings or lack of communication, I would've enjoyed it more. Harleigh and Nix both had a lot going in their personal lives and I really felt for them and saw how much they were trying to do the right things every day. They weren't perfect and they definitely showed it with their messed up decisions sometimes but I needed them to communicate for my sanity!
Seeing that this is a duet, I really hope that book two is going to be a little more smoother and we get some answers around the mystery.
March 16, 2022
"You're mine, Harleigh Wren Maguire. Then. Now. Forever."
4.5 stars!
Trigger warning: attempted suicide, off-page rape, sexual assault, physical abuse, verbal abuse
LA Cotton has once again created an angsty and dark forbidden romance filled with unrequited longing and unspoken remorse. There are so many half-truths and hidden secrets separating Nix and Harleigh, childhood friends who once meant everything to each other but now only represent what could have been. Even though you don't have to read the prequel first, I would recommend reading THESE DARK HEARTS before diving into this one as it provides more background knowledge and understanding into what happened that fateful Halloween night. I absolutely LOVED all of the angst and longing in this novel, but I just wish the ending had had a little more drama to it. However, this was another fantastic and gripping story by Lianne, and I cannot wait for the conclusion! ♡
*ARC provided by Candi Kane PR, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
March 18, 2022
Hooked from the start of the prequel. Birdie and Nix story isn’t sunshine and rainbows but they are made for each other.
When Birdie aka Harleigh moves to the rich side of town her fortune hasn’t changed. Not she has a family and a hold lot more troubles. Can the boy from the wrong side of the tracks give her a reason to start living again.
Birdie and Nix story isn’t over yet but this was so good.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Birdie aka Harleigh moves to the rich side of town her fortune hasn’t changed. Not she has a family and a hold lot more troubles. Can the boy from the wrong side of the tracks give her a reason to start living again.
Birdie and Nix story isn’t over yet but this was so good.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2022
***4,5 "Birdie!!!" stars***
"Love change everything.
And not always for the better."
This story was very emotional and angsty...
This story was about first love and the first heartbreak... But in this story, there were happening too many ugly things on our heroes' lives that you couldn't stay untouched by them...
In the middle of that, there was a young, endless love who had taken too many beatings for it to be salvageable. Or there was still hope???
"You shouldn't give me your tears, Birdie, I don't deserve them."
If you have read the prequel "These Dark Hearts", in just a handful chapters you can see how life was for Harleigh and Nix before and how close these two were in the past...
But when they started to feel something more and to persuade it, fate changed their lives completely and their love had been damaged irreparable...
"I'd waited for him for years, and the second he was able to escape from me, he had."
In "These dirty lies", we are seeing their lives after.... After tragedy hit Harleigh and kept her apart from Nix for nine whole months...
Now, Harleigh is living in the opposite side of town, the wealthy and better one and Nix is remaining to the shitty side where dreams are destined to die...
Harleigh is in a very bad place and she is trying to simply exist until the day she will be able to escape everything that's hurting her...
Nix is avoiding of dreaming a different life cause he knows that The Row will bury him under... His people need him and he can not be selfish and chase some untouchable dream!!!
"I didn't belong here. I wasn't one of them."
"It was the worst kind of torture, having the one thing you wanted more than anything right there and be unable to take it. Because I couldn't -could I?"
These two were making me so sad... My heart was hurting for their behalf...
Both of them had so many ugly things to deal with, but their only constant was each other, even though both of their hearts were broken...
They were both trying to forget each other and what they used to have, but their minds were wandering to each other quiet often and their hearts were biting wildly when they were on each other's space...
But there were too many things standing in their way...
Will they manage to get over their issues and to find their way toward each other???
"He was the flame and I was the moth who couldn't stay away. No matter how much it burned. And burn it had."
"Harleigh Wren Maguire had been my reason for breathing. Without her, I was drifting. Lost in an angry sea that wanted to pull me under."
I really loved Harleigh and Phoenix...
There were many misunderstandings between them, but nobody could deny the weakness that were having for one another...
It was sad to witness their strugglings and the way that life were pulling them under...
It was sad to see them broken for each other and honestly, these two needed to communicate in order to stop bleeding for the nasty words that they were exchanging every time that they were close to each other...
"I'd always thought of her as mine...
Mine.
Mine. Mine. Mine.
Except she wasn't mine anymore.
Maybe she never had been."
I really liked this story and I can not wait to see where the second part will lead us...
Phoenix and Harleigh deserve to be together and they need to prepare for the fight of their lives and I can not wait to witness it...
But except these two, there were many secondary characters that made an impact to me and honestly, I would love to read their own stories one day...
Zane, Celeste, Kye, Chloe, Nate were very interesting characters and they have stolen my heart along Nix and his Birdie!!!
"I'd spent the last nine months hating him and it was nothing but a dirty lie."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"Love change everything.
And not always for the better."
This story was very emotional and angsty...
This story was about first love and the first heartbreak... But in this story, there were happening too many ugly things on our heroes' lives that you couldn't stay untouched by them...
In the middle of that, there was a young, endless love who had taken too many beatings for it to be salvageable. Or there was still hope???
"You shouldn't give me your tears, Birdie, I don't deserve them."
If you have read the prequel "These Dark Hearts", in just a handful chapters you can see how life was for Harleigh and Nix before and how close these two were in the past...
But when they started to feel something more and to persuade it, fate changed their lives completely and their love had been damaged irreparable...
"I'd waited for him for years, and the second he was able to escape from me, he had."
In "These dirty lies", we are seeing their lives after.... After tragedy hit Harleigh and kept her apart from Nix for nine whole months...
Now, Harleigh is living in the opposite side of town, the wealthy and better one and Nix is remaining to the shitty side where dreams are destined to die...
Harleigh is in a very bad place and she is trying to simply exist until the day she will be able to escape everything that's hurting her...
Nix is avoiding of dreaming a different life cause he knows that The Row will bury him under... His people need him and he can not be selfish and chase some untouchable dream!!!
"I didn't belong here. I wasn't one of them."
"It was the worst kind of torture, having the one thing you wanted more than anything right there and be unable to take it. Because I couldn't -could I?"
These two were making me so sad... My heart was hurting for their behalf...
Both of them had so many ugly things to deal with, but their only constant was each other, even though both of their hearts were broken...
They were both trying to forget each other and what they used to have, but their minds were wandering to each other quiet often and their hearts were biting wildly when they were on each other's space...
But there were too many things standing in their way...
Will they manage to get over their issues and to find their way toward each other???
"He was the flame and I was the moth who couldn't stay away. No matter how much it burned. And burn it had."
"Harleigh Wren Maguire had been my reason for breathing. Without her, I was drifting. Lost in an angry sea that wanted to pull me under."
I really loved Harleigh and Phoenix...
There were many misunderstandings between them, but nobody could deny the weakness that were having for one another...
It was sad to witness their strugglings and the way that life were pulling them under...
It was sad to see them broken for each other and honestly, these two needed to communicate in order to stop bleeding for the nasty words that they were exchanging every time that they were close to each other...
"I'd always thought of her as mine...
Mine.
Mine. Mine. Mine.
Except she wasn't mine anymore.
Maybe she never had been."
I really liked this story and I can not wait to see where the second part will lead us...
Phoenix and Harleigh deserve to be together and they need to prepare for the fight of their lives and I can not wait to witness it...
But except these two, there were many secondary characters that made an impact to me and honestly, I would love to read their own stories one day...
Zane, Celeste, Kye, Chloe, Nate were very interesting characters and they have stolen my heart along Nix and his Birdie!!!
"I'd spent the last nine months hating him and it was nothing but a dirty lie."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
March 15, 2022
LA Cotton always knows how to captivate me with addictive, intense stories of the thrills and complications of young love juxtaposed with edgy drama and unexpected secrets. These Dirty Lies is rife with emotional tension and consumed me from the very first page to the last. LA has created another addictively mesmerizing world full of complicated and transfixing characters- and I’m desperate for the rest of their story!
If you’ve read the prequel novella These Dark Hearts (which is not necessary to dive in here), our story begins a year later, with our heroine Harleigh Wren not only estranged from her best friend and childhood crush Phoenix (Nix) but now trapped in a whole new Darling Hill life amidst the affluence, elitism, and privilege she was never afforded growing up on the “wrong side” of town in Darling Row.
The characters are simply fantastic- richly flawed, emotionally rich, heartbreaking and complicated. Harelgith has suffered greatly as the results of the actions of those who claim to love her- not just her family, but Nix. Burdened with the baggage of trauma and abandonment, she’s a uniquely and devastatingly broken character. With one foot in recovery and the other in self-destruction, she vacillates between steely survival, feigned indifference, and heart wrenching devastation. LA gently, but vividly, conveys her mental health challenges and emotional scars in ways relatable and emotive- I deeply felt for this character, and I found a lot of personal resonance with her insecurity, the ways in which she didn’t fit in any parts of her world, the ways in which she didn’t even feel at home in her own body or mind. Her only solace is the love and safety she once felt with the boy that she’s lost, Nix- the best friend, budding on something more, that has been destroyed, but not forgotten.
Nix is just delicious- an possessive alpha with a vulnerable streak that made me crave him as Harleigh does. While his motivations and actions aren’t always clear, we do understand the push-pull of his heart, the ways in which he wants Harleigh to have better but also can’t quite give her up. He has his own traumas to shoulder, is broken in his own way, but has manifested it in different, if not equally destructive, ways as Harleigh.
The two certainly share a bit of “star crossed” chemistry, but the burn is much slower than I’m used to for an LA story (since this is a duet), and I was getting thirsty for these two to find some common ground and secrets to be exposed. We anticipate some of them, others less so- but LA really nails the longing and emotional tension between these two, and that is much of the driving force behind a good chunk of this narrative- and it took a minute for their story to progress as they felt caught in a cycle of internal denial. The magnetic pull between them kept the pages turning though and had my heart all twisted, and when their relationship started progressing, I was hooked. The secondary characters and the entire world are completely mesmerizing- I do hope LA writes more in this universe after this duet, because I love each and every secondary character that graced the page.
If you’ve read the prequel novella These Dark Hearts (which is not necessary to dive in here), our story begins a year later, with our heroine Harleigh Wren not only estranged from her best friend and childhood crush Phoenix (Nix) but now trapped in a whole new Darling Hill life amidst the affluence, elitism, and privilege she was never afforded growing up on the “wrong side” of town in Darling Row.
The characters are simply fantastic- richly flawed, emotionally rich, heartbreaking and complicated. Harelgith has suffered greatly as the results of the actions of those who claim to love her- not just her family, but Nix. Burdened with the baggage of trauma and abandonment, she’s a uniquely and devastatingly broken character. With one foot in recovery and the other in self-destruction, she vacillates between steely survival, feigned indifference, and heart wrenching devastation. LA gently, but vividly, conveys her mental health challenges and emotional scars in ways relatable and emotive- I deeply felt for this character, and I found a lot of personal resonance with her insecurity, the ways in which she didn’t fit in any parts of her world, the ways in which she didn’t even feel at home in her own body or mind. Her only solace is the love and safety she once felt with the boy that she’s lost, Nix- the best friend, budding on something more, that has been destroyed, but not forgotten.
Nix is just delicious- an possessive alpha with a vulnerable streak that made me crave him as Harleigh does. While his motivations and actions aren’t always clear, we do understand the push-pull of his heart, the ways in which he wants Harleigh to have better but also can’t quite give her up. He has his own traumas to shoulder, is broken in his own way, but has manifested it in different, if not equally destructive, ways as Harleigh.
The two certainly share a bit of “star crossed” chemistry, but the burn is much slower than I’m used to for an LA story (since this is a duet), and I was getting thirsty for these two to find some common ground and secrets to be exposed. We anticipate some of them, others less so- but LA really nails the longing and emotional tension between these two, and that is much of the driving force behind a good chunk of this narrative- and it took a minute for their story to progress as they felt caught in a cycle of internal denial. The magnetic pull between them kept the pages turning though and had my heart all twisted, and when their relationship started progressing, I was hooked. The secondary characters and the entire world are completely mesmerizing- I do hope LA writes more in this universe after this duet, because I love each and every secondary character that graced the page.
March 12, 2022
Wow. LA Cotton did an amazing job with this story! To say I was hooked and felt all kinds of emotions is an understatement. I have so many questions I need answers to like ASAP!
Plot: 4.5/5
I absolutely loved the plot. So many twists and turns. I thought I had it figured out one minute only to be completely wrong the next. It was a roller coaster of a ride and one I didn’t want to get off of! The plot alone makes this a must read.
The only reason I am rating this plot a 4.5 is because the book is labeled to be a sports romance on top of the other tropes. Yes, there were talk about football and how the two schools are rivals. And you do get glimpses of Nix at practice. But, there was never a game or anything. I just feel like if it was a sports romance, it would have at least consisted of one football game.
Characters: 5/5
Amazing. All of them. Even though this is Phoenix & Harleigh’s story, the side characters are just as important. Without them, I honestly don’t know what it would have been like. (Fingers crossed for a Zane & Celeste book!)
Now, Phoenix is a dark, broken hero. He has had a hard life growing (major dick of a dad). Harleigh is a broken, but strong heroine. She went through so much in such a short period of time only to come out a little stronger (although she has a long way to go). Seeing what these two went through literally broke my heart. I just want to wrap them up and never let them go!
Spice: 3/5
I would consider this a slow burn, only because nothing really happens until 3/4 of the way in. But, I wasn’t disappointed. I feel like all the plot and story building was a must rather than just throwing in spice. There are a lot of angst between Phoenix & Harleigh though. Which definitely made up for it not being as spicy as I thought it would be.
Overall: 4.75/5
This is a must read story! But you will 100% need to read the second book because you will be left with so many questions. I’m so ready for Phoneix & Harleigh’s conclusion and to be put on another roller coaster of a ride!
Plot: 4.5/5
I absolutely loved the plot. So many twists and turns. I thought I had it figured out one minute only to be completely wrong the next. It was a roller coaster of a ride and one I didn’t want to get off of! The plot alone makes this a must read.
The only reason I am rating this plot a 4.5 is because the book is labeled to be a sports romance on top of the other tropes. Yes, there were talk about football and how the two schools are rivals. And you do get glimpses of Nix at practice. But, there was never a game or anything. I just feel like if it was a sports romance, it would have at least consisted of one football game.
Characters: 5/5
Amazing. All of them. Even though this is Phoenix & Harleigh’s story, the side characters are just as important. Without them, I honestly don’t know what it would have been like. (Fingers crossed for a Zane & Celeste book!)
Now, Phoenix is a dark, broken hero. He has had a hard life growing (major dick of a dad). Harleigh is a broken, but strong heroine. She went through so much in such a short period of time only to come out a little stronger (although she has a long way to go). Seeing what these two went through literally broke my heart. I just want to wrap them up and never let them go!
Spice: 3/5
I would consider this a slow burn, only because nothing really happens until 3/4 of the way in. But, I wasn’t disappointed. I feel like all the plot and story building was a must rather than just throwing in spice. There are a lot of angst between Phoenix & Harleigh though. Which definitely made up for it not being as spicy as I thought it would be.
Overall: 4.75/5
This is a must read story! But you will 100% need to read the second book because you will be left with so many questions. I’m so ready for Phoneix & Harleigh’s conclusion and to be put on another roller coaster of a ride!
March 11, 2022
March ARC Reading & Review
🌶🌶🌶🌶 🌶
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Darling Hill Duet series
These Dirty Lies
Authour: @authorlacotton
"They said you didn’t really understand what you had until you lost it. Well, I knew firsthand how true that statement was."
"But time and time again, like magnets unable to fight their natural attraction to one another, we found our way back together."
"Then. Now. Forever."
Oh man, what an emotional ride this book has been, I've been waiting for Harleigh and Nix's story since October 2021 when I read the Hallowed Night Anthology. Let me tell you it was worth the wait. This book literally killed me with how amazing it was written as I fell in love with these characters even more and felt so many emotions for them. Life has not been easy for these characters, and it continues to be a hard road for both of them, especially since they're apart from each other. That being said, these two are drawn to each other, like magnets. But so much has changed for them since they last saw each other. They're not whole piece anymore; they're both broken and missing the most important piece, which is each other. Both of these characters are broken but are so resilient; naturally, it will be a matter of time for them to fight for each other.
#bookinstagrammer #spicyreads #bookaddiction #booklover #romance #booknerd #bookish #bookreview #steamybook #recommendations #smuttyreads #lacotton #thesedirtylies #Harleigh #birdie #B #wren #maguire #Phoenix #nix #wilder #bestfriends #childhoodfriends #mine #mygirl #mentalhealth #lies #hurting #HEA
🌶🌶🌶🌶 🌶
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Darling Hill Duet series
These Dirty Lies
Authour: @authorlacotton
"They said you didn’t really understand what you had until you lost it. Well, I knew firsthand how true that statement was."
"But time and time again, like magnets unable to fight their natural attraction to one another, we found our way back together."
"Then. Now. Forever."
Oh man, what an emotional ride this book has been, I've been waiting for Harleigh and Nix's story since October 2021 when I read the Hallowed Night Anthology. Let me tell you it was worth the wait. This book literally killed me with how amazing it was written as I fell in love with these characters even more and felt so many emotions for them. Life has not been easy for these characters, and it continues to be a hard road for both of them, especially since they're apart from each other. That being said, these two are drawn to each other, like magnets. But so much has changed for them since they last saw each other. They're not whole piece anymore; they're both broken and missing the most important piece, which is each other. Both of these characters are broken but are so resilient; naturally, it will be a matter of time for them to fight for each other.
#bookinstagrammer #spicyreads #bookaddiction #booklover #romance #booknerd #bookish #bookreview #steamybook #recommendations #smuttyreads #lacotton #thesedirtylies #Harleigh #birdie #B #wren #maguire #Phoenix #nix #wilder #bestfriends #childhoodfriends #mine #mygirl #mentalhealth #lies #hurting #HEA
March 15, 2022
One minute i started reading and the next was the end... i was so engrossed with Nix and Birdie.
This book gave me all the feels- i loved the chemistry and all the other characters too. Is it bad that im hoping for books on Zane (bagsy mine🤤) Kye and Nate!!!! 🤞🤞🤞🤞
What Birdie has gone through/ put herself through was heartbreaking- the girl has experienced alot of pain and there is only so much one can take- Mental Health is out there and affects many people.
Where do i start with Nix 🔥. I loved his POV's.
His thoughts and feeling *sigh* not only with B but Jessa, his dad and his boys!!
I feel after the way it ended, the story has only just begun- there is so much more going on than we know and i cant wait to find out.
This book gave me all the feels- i loved the chemistry and all the other characters too. Is it bad that im hoping for books on Zane (bagsy mine🤤) Kye and Nate!!!! 🤞🤞🤞🤞
What Birdie has gone through/ put herself through was heartbreaking- the girl has experienced alot of pain and there is only so much one can take- Mental Health is out there and affects many people.
Where do i start with Nix 🔥. I loved his POV's.
His thoughts and feeling *sigh* not only with B but Jessa, his dad and his boys!!
I feel after the way it ended, the story has only just begun- there is so much more going on than we know and i cant wait to find out.
March 9, 2022
read a book in less than 24 hours… check👍🏻.
I think anyone who follows me knows that I am a big fan of Lianne's books. After the prequel to these dark hearts I couldn't help but look forward to the sequel. these dirty lies did not disappoint me. when you have been looking forward to a book for 5 months you start to think for yourself how the book will go… I can tell you… the story was quite different from what I expected… I expected a prison period/jail time for Nix that i was somehow caught by the cops and that was the reason why he did not reply on the messages from the prequel… but it turned out i was wrong.. I definitely had not expected the story to have so much mental health issues and an admission to a clinic for Birdie…
The story has a lot of depth. Chapter 13 and 14 had me in tears. Birdie's mental problems and how she copes just shows what a good writer Lianne is. An attempt at suicide is not a moment of weakness or choosing an easy way out… it is so much more… and that is what this book also shows. ** if you have these kinds feelings or thoughts yourself, seek help, you are not alone and there is always someone who can help you, even if it doesn't feel that way….
So back to the book…
if I must and may be critical then it is the timeline… there could have been more moments from school I could have sat and I miss the match/game between the hawks and the Devils… or I misunderstood the timeline but after the pep rally I expected a match and it never came...
For a badboy Nix seems to share a lot about his feelings for Birdie with his friends.. but i think that makes him even more likable… like it okay that boys talk about their feelings with their friends too… that it not only a girl thing 🙈
I'm already curious where the second book will go… I'm curious about Birdie's father and maybe Nix's mother too… will she make an appearance as wel??… will they go to college… what will Max and Marc do to Birdie… Will she keep her promise not to hurt herself ever again… or is that why the next book is called these dead promises… so many things to think about…
I also hope that we can expect our own books from the other books in the coming years persons I the book. Chloe, Celeste, Zane, Kye and Nate come a lot before I read the book which makes me want to know even more about them.
Quote from the book:
'I needed to get closer, to see her eyes. Her expressions. To hear her voice. It wasn’t something I wanted to do. It was something I needed to do. Like breathing air or drinking water. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to rest.
To survive.'
This quote is how i feel about lianne her books… i need to read them, to listen to them to survive 🥰. I started reading books when covid started and last year i had a burnout… when I read books they take me to another world… and to me it means so much when an character is just real and has realistic real life struggles and is strong and finds a way to be happy again. It helps myself to feel happy again!
I received an ARC from the author
I think anyone who follows me knows that I am a big fan of Lianne's books. After the prequel to these dark hearts I couldn't help but look forward to the sequel. these dirty lies did not disappoint me. when you have been looking forward to a book for 5 months you start to think for yourself how the book will go… I can tell you… the story was quite different from what I expected… I expected a prison period/jail time for Nix that i was somehow caught by the cops and that was the reason why he did not reply on the messages from the prequel… but it turned out i was wrong.. I definitely had not expected the story to have so much mental health issues and an admission to a clinic for Birdie…
The story has a lot of depth. Chapter 13 and 14 had me in tears. Birdie's mental problems and how she copes just shows what a good writer Lianne is. An attempt at suicide is not a moment of weakness or choosing an easy way out… it is so much more… and that is what this book also shows. ** if you have these kinds feelings or thoughts yourself, seek help, you are not alone and there is always someone who can help you, even if it doesn't feel that way….
So back to the book…
if I must and may be critical then it is the timeline… there could have been more moments from school I could have sat and I miss the match/game between the hawks and the Devils… or I misunderstood the timeline but after the pep rally I expected a match and it never came...
For a badboy Nix seems to share a lot about his feelings for Birdie with his friends.. but i think that makes him even more likable… like it okay that boys talk about their feelings with their friends too… that it not only a girl thing 🙈
I'm already curious where the second book will go… I'm curious about Birdie's father and maybe Nix's mother too… will she make an appearance as wel??… will they go to college… what will Max and Marc do to Birdie… Will she keep her promise not to hurt herself ever again… or is that why the next book is called these dead promises… so many things to think about…
I also hope that we can expect our own books from the other books in the coming years persons I the book. Chloe, Celeste, Zane, Kye and Nate come a lot before I read the book which makes me want to know even more about them.
Quote from the book:
'I needed to get closer, to see her eyes. Her expressions. To hear her voice. It wasn’t something I wanted to do. It was something I needed to do. Like breathing air or drinking water. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to rest.
To survive.'
This quote is how i feel about lianne her books… i need to read them, to listen to them to survive 🥰. I started reading books when covid started and last year i had a burnout… when I read books they take me to another world… and to me it means so much when an character is just real and has realistic real life struggles and is strong and finds a way to be happy again. It helps myself to feel happy again!
I received an ARC from the author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2022
OMG I have questions! So many questions!
LA Cotton has given us a story that kept me on edge, had me sobbing like a baby, smiling like a lunatic, and I could not put my kindle down!
We got a glimpse of the tough life from Harleigh and Nix in the prequel These Dark Hearts. Both growing up in the trailer park, they became best friends. But Birdie, how Nix affectionately calls her, always had a thing for him.
𝐻𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑, 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑖𝑓 ℎ𝑒’𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑡.
After tragedy strucks, Birdie left the trailer park and now lives with her Dad and his family. Across town, in the rich part of it. So many things have happened, and Nix can’t help himself he needs to go and see for it’s own eyes, because she’s been gone for months with no contact.
𝑆𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑛’𝑡 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑤ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒.
Anyhow, this book / duet is a MUST read. All these secondary characters also play a huge role in the story line. It kinda felt like a thriller reading the book. Twist and turns, and if you think you have it figured out, you’re wrong 😅
Well done Mrs. Cotton, very well done. I’ll be not so patiently waiting for the conclusion!
“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝑾𝒓𝒆𝒏 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒓𝒆,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒂𝒓, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆. “𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒏. 𝑵𝒐𝒘. 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓.”
I kindly received an arc from the author and voluntarily left a review
LA Cotton has given us a story that kept me on edge, had me sobbing like a baby, smiling like a lunatic, and I could not put my kindle down!
We got a glimpse of the tough life from Harleigh and Nix in the prequel These Dark Hearts. Both growing up in the trailer park, they became best friends. But Birdie, how Nix affectionately calls her, always had a thing for him.
𝐻𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑, 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑖𝑓 ℎ𝑒’𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑡.
After tragedy strucks, Birdie left the trailer park and now lives with her Dad and his family. Across town, in the rich part of it. So many things have happened, and Nix can’t help himself he needs to go and see for it’s own eyes, because she’s been gone for months with no contact.
𝑆𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑛’𝑡 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑤ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒.
Anyhow, this book / duet is a MUST read. All these secondary characters also play a huge role in the story line. It kinda felt like a thriller reading the book. Twist and turns, and if you think you have it figured out, you’re wrong 😅
Well done Mrs. Cotton, very well done. I’ll be not so patiently waiting for the conclusion!
“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝑾𝒓𝒆𝒏 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒓𝒆,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒂𝒓, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆. “𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒏. 𝑵𝒐𝒘. 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓.”
I kindly received an arc from the author and voluntarily left a review
April 3, 2022
e-book 📱: 5 🌟
FIVE DIRTY STARS for Harleigh and Nix 💖🖤💖🖤!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I can’t tell you how excited I was to read this book!
But as much as I was excited, I couldn’t read the book right away, but read it for almost a month (thanks to college and commitments).
Regardless, I had the opportunity to truly enjoy reading Harleigh and Nix’s story without any rush.
“These Dirty Lies” is a high school romance with best friends to enemies to lovers trope whose characters have already won me over in the prequel "These Dark Hearts".
Harleigh is a female character you'll admire for her courage that helped her survive traumatic moments and start a new life in an environment completely different from the one she grew up in, without her best friend and protector Nix.
Nix, on the other hand, is a male character who has struggled all his life to prove he isn't the same as his father.
After Harleigh disappears from his life, he is no longer sure of his future and which path he should take.
But everything changes when Harleigh and his path meet again.
The book ends with a cliffhanger, but thankfully the sequel is coming out soon.
In addition to the main characters, I also fell in love with the secondary characters who I hope will also get their books.
If you've read the prequel "These Dark Hearts" and you also love Lianne's writing style, then you should read this book immediately!!!
Highly recommended!!!
FIVE DIRTY STARS for Harleigh and Nix 💖🖤💖🖤!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I can’t tell you how excited I was to read this book!
But as much as I was excited, I couldn’t read the book right away, but read it for almost a month (thanks to college and commitments).
Regardless, I had the opportunity to truly enjoy reading Harleigh and Nix’s story without any rush.
“These Dirty Lies” is a high school romance with best friends to enemies to lovers trope whose characters have already won me over in the prequel "These Dark Hearts".
Harleigh is a female character you'll admire for her courage that helped her survive traumatic moments and start a new life in an environment completely different from the one she grew up in, without her best friend and protector Nix.
Nix, on the other hand, is a male character who has struggled all his life to prove he isn't the same as his father.
After Harleigh disappears from his life, he is no longer sure of his future and which path he should take.
But everything changes when Harleigh and his path meet again.
The book ends with a cliffhanger, but thankfully the sequel is coming out soon.
In addition to the main characters, I also fell in love with the secondary characters who I hope will also get their books.
If you've read the prequel "These Dark Hearts" and you also love Lianne's writing style, then you should read this book immediately!!!
Highly recommended!!!
April 13, 2022
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Note 2: This is a series. These Dark Hearts is a prequel to this duet - and currently free!-so reading it will give context to the first book in the duet. These Dirty Lies is the first book in the duet, and ends on a cliffhanger. Which will end in These Dead Promises, releasing April 19 2022.
Trigger Warnings: drug use, alcoholism, death,mention of suicide, violence, child abuse, cutting, panic attacks, domestic violence, bullying, mention of infidelity.
Well all I can say that the story is interesting, and I adored Nate, Celeste, Chloe, Zane, Kye. The MCs, not so much.
And yes I know they're in their teens, so I am choosing to overlook their childish obstacles.
Interesting plot with slight interesting characters, and even more interesting side characters, plus less focus on sex (holy shit what an achievement, my first time seeing this happen for real) - made for an overall interesting novel.
Let's see how the next and final book solves the cliffhanger and several questions/issues raised.
Until the next read,
-TMR
Note 2: This is a series. These Dark Hearts is a prequel to this duet - and currently free!-so reading it will give context to the first book in the duet. These Dirty Lies is the first book in the duet, and ends on a cliffhanger. Which will end in These Dead Promises, releasing April 19 2022.
Trigger Warnings: drug use, alcoholism, death,mention of suicide, violence, child abuse, cutting, panic attacks, domestic violence, bullying, mention of infidelity.
Well all I can say that the story is interesting, and I adored Nate, Celeste, Chloe, Zane, Kye. The MCs, not so much.
And yes I know they're in their teens, so I am choosing to overlook their childish obstacles.
Interesting plot with slight interesting characters, and even more interesting side characters, plus less focus on sex (holy shit what an achievement, my first time seeing this happen for real) - made for an overall interesting novel.
Let's see how the next and final book solves the cliffhanger and several questions/issues raised.
Until the next read,
-TMR
March 9, 2022
What a book!!
Birdie and Nix’s story is one which will have you on tender hooks and itching to know what’s coming! It’s emotional and action packed with questions that will have you desperate to find out what’s truly going on.
What these two have gone through and continue to go through will have your heart aching for them and wishing for more for them all. Their friends and storyline will have you engrossed and I cannot wait for more!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Birdie and Nix’s story is one which will have you on tender hooks and itching to know what’s coming! It’s emotional and action packed with questions that will have you desperate to find out what’s truly going on.
What these two have gone through and continue to go through will have your heart aching for them and wishing for more for them all. Their friends and storyline will have you engrossed and I cannot wait for more!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 16, 2022
2.5 🌟
She was the only girl in the entire world with the power to ruin me.
It was well...okay-ish. Long story short:
Nix and Harleigh every single damn chapter.
Nix: I can't live without her, she's my world.
Harliegh: I hate him.
Nix: She doesn't deserve me.
It seriously was getting on my last nerve.
I also very much dislike the miscommunication trope and the book sorta did revolve around it. So yeah, other than that it's okay. Gonna continue with the next book and see where this heads.
Because she was my mirror, the other half of my dirty fucking soul.
She was the only girl in the entire world with the power to ruin me.
It was well...okay-ish. Long story short:
Nix and Harleigh every single damn chapter.
Nix: I can't live without her, she's my world.
Harliegh: I hate him.
Nix: She doesn't deserve me.
It seriously was getting on my last nerve.
I also very much dislike the miscommunication trope and the book sorta did revolve around it. So yeah, other than that it's okay. Gonna continue with the next book and see where this heads.
Because she was my mirror, the other half of my dirty fucking soul.
March 11, 2022
LA Cotton never ceases to amaze me. Every new book I read of hers just keeps getting better and better. This one is definitely no exception.
I have been waiting for Nix and Harleigh's (Birdie) story since the moment I finished These Dark Hearts. These two crept up on me and stole another piece of my reader heart. There is just something about two broken souls who find their way back into each other's hearts.
My heart not only broke for Harleigh but it was ripped out and flayed for her. She got ripped out of everything she knew and thrust into a world, a life, she knew nothing about. Not only that but the "help" she got was cold and clinical. We see very little interaction with her father and his wife but they do not give me off those loving feeling vibes. It's like they don't even care. Yeah I see her dad tolerating her... as long as she straddles the line, but does he even care? His wife surely doesn't and their youngest is no better. He's a spoiled SOB who deserves a kick in the nads. I do like Celeste though. She is the friend who Harleigh needs. Being her half sister is just an added bonus.
Then we have Nix. I wanted to kick HIM in the nads. First off, that message?! When does Harleigh call him Phoenix?? Especially when she needs him. That boy needed out of his attitude and to think straighter. Maybe they'd be in a better place then. And Cherri?!?! Come on! Boys are dumb, ESPECIALLY teenage boys. And girls like Cherri just give the rest of the female teenage population a bad reputation. I wish they could have talked things out sooner instead of jumping to conclusions. But in the end I know they had to take this journal in order to get where they are now.
I am very much looking forward to their conclusion (and maybe more books in this series? I see more interested love stories taking place). However for now I will patiently, impatiently, wait for them to get their HEA (and maybe more nad kicking in the mean time 😉)
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*
I have been waiting for Nix and Harleigh's (Birdie) story since the moment I finished These Dark Hearts. These two crept up on me and stole another piece of my reader heart. There is just something about two broken souls who find their way back into each other's hearts.
My heart not only broke for Harleigh but it was ripped out and flayed for her. She got ripped out of everything she knew and thrust into a world, a life, she knew nothing about. Not only that but the "help" she got was cold and clinical. We see very little interaction with her father and his wife but they do not give me off those loving feeling vibes. It's like they don't even care. Yeah I see her dad tolerating her... as long as she straddles the line, but does he even care? His wife surely doesn't and their youngest is no better. He's a spoiled SOB who deserves a kick in the nads. I do like Celeste though. She is the friend who Harleigh needs. Being her half sister is just an added bonus.
Then we have Nix. I wanted to kick HIM in the nads. First off, that message?! When does Harleigh call him Phoenix?? Especially when she needs him. That boy needed out of his attitude and to think straighter. Maybe they'd be in a better place then. And Cherri?!?! Come on! Boys are dumb, ESPECIALLY teenage boys. And girls like Cherri just give the rest of the female teenage population a bad reputation. I wish they could have talked things out sooner instead of jumping to conclusions. But in the end I know they had to take this journal in order to get where they are now.
I am very much looking forward to their conclusion (and maybe more books in this series? I see more interested love stories taking place). However for now I will patiently, impatiently, wait for them to get their HEA (and maybe more nad kicking in the mean time 😉)
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*
March 17, 2022
Oh my god!!!!! I’ve always loved LA Cotton & was so excited when I was given this ARC. I also knew I’d love this story but LA Cotton is just that good but holy freaking goodness this exceeded all of my expectations.
The Dirty Lies is about childhood friends turned enemies Nix and Harleigh. I’m not going to give any detail about the plot because I think it’s best to go into this story with absolutely no idea of what you’re going yourself into. I will also say this book is not for the faint hearted m, LA Cotton is known for writing dark romance and this story is no difference. They discuss depression, anxiety, rape, abuse and suicide so please keep that in mind. But just know that Nix and Harleigh are going to take over your mind and I mean that in the best way possible. They both have so much that they’re going through in their personal lives, and losing one another is only adding to their growing pressures. This story took me on a wild ride of emotions, I felt for the characters so deeply through all their struggles and it broke my heart to see them suffer.
And when we finally get a glimpse of them together we’re crushed all over again by things that are revealed. While there isn’t a “cliffhanger” we do finish book 1 with so many unanswered questions and I for one am so excited to get those answers and see more of Nix and Harleigh. fingers crossed we get some books going on our side characters bc Z baby🥵 I can already tell I’m gonna love him.
Highly recommend reading this story, but do know it’s book 1 of a duet and book 2 is not out yet.
The Dirty Lies is about childhood friends turned enemies Nix and Harleigh. I’m not going to give any detail about the plot because I think it’s best to go into this story with absolutely no idea of what you’re going yourself into. I will also say this book is not for the faint hearted m, LA Cotton is known for writing dark romance and this story is no difference. They discuss depression, anxiety, rape, abuse and suicide so please keep that in mind. But just know that Nix and Harleigh are going to take over your mind and I mean that in the best way possible. They both have so much that they’re going through in their personal lives, and losing one another is only adding to their growing pressures. This story took me on a wild ride of emotions, I felt for the characters so deeply through all their struggles and it broke my heart to see them suffer.
And when we finally get a glimpse of them together we’re crushed all over again by things that are revealed. While there isn’t a “cliffhanger” we do finish book 1 with so many unanswered questions and I for one am so excited to get those answers and see more of Nix and Harleigh. fingers crossed we get some books going on our side characters bc Z baby🥵 I can already tell I’m gonna love him.
Highly recommend reading this story, but do know it’s book 1 of a duet and book 2 is not out yet.
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March 13, 2022
Harleigh and Nix grew up in The Row. They were best friends until one day everything changed between them. Now Harleigh is out of The Row and trying to adjust with a major change in her life.
Both Nix and Harleigh are broken. Yet, when they are together they feel like they are two parts of a whole. There is a lot between them that needs to be figured out and it takes some time for that to occur and only leads to many more questions. Despite everything that went down between them, there is still something there. They are drawn to each other and can sense each other when they are near one another.
I loved getting to know Nix, Harleigh, and their group of friends so I am excited to see what is going to happen next!
This is book one of a duet, so it does end on a cliffhanger.
If you’re looking for an angsty, emotional, second chance, friends to lovers romance this is one to check out.
Both Nix and Harleigh are broken. Yet, when they are together they feel like they are two parts of a whole. There is a lot between them that needs to be figured out and it takes some time for that to occur and only leads to many more questions. Despite everything that went down between them, there is still something there. They are drawn to each other and can sense each other when they are near one another.
I loved getting to know Nix, Harleigh, and their group of friends so I am excited to see what is going to happen next!
This is book one of a duet, so it does end on a cliffhanger.
If you’re looking for an angsty, emotional, second chance, friends to lovers romance this is one to check out.
March 13, 2022
Ahh! The author completely slayed me. I wanted to knock these two upside their head and make them talk everything out. But nonetheless, this one was unputdownable. No matter how times I’ve read it I just can’t get enough of Nix and Birdie. The secondary characters introduced have me intrigued and make me want more!! The author has won my heart with Phoenix Wilder. She writes heroes that work their way into your heart without even having to try. Bring on the next book!
March 16, 2022
A very slow burn, angsty romance that will have you on the edge of your seat!
Phoenix and Harleigh were once each other’s everything but when Harleigh’s world imploded and Phoenix wasn’t anywhere to be found things were never the same!
This is the start of a very involved story that has a lot of moving pieces and I am not sure where things will go in book 2 but I do know I am here for it and can not wait for the conclusion in book 2!
Phoenix and Harleigh were once each other’s everything but when Harleigh’s world imploded and Phoenix wasn’t anywhere to be found things were never the same!
This is the start of a very involved story that has a lot of moving pieces and I am not sure where things will go in book 2 but I do know I am here for it and can not wait for the conclusion in book 2!
March 18, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: enemies to lovers, second chance
Angst: 😱😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
These Dirty Lies is a super angsty slow burn told with some flashbacks to "before". Before Harleigh Wren Maguire and Phoenix Wilder had life happen and the manipulations of others keep them apart. It's one of those stories where if the protagonists had just talked to each other, everything would have been cleared up or at least not the fiasco of hurt feelings it turned into. Not my favorite trope, but I forgive LA Cotton for this because, well, she is just THAT good of a writer and her characters are just so wonderful. Both Harleigh Wren and Phoenix are beautifully flawed and relatable in their vulnerabilities and insecurities. I don't read a whole lot of high angst stories, but LA Cotton just knows how to do it right. Definitely recommend and can't wait to see how everything plays out in the next book!
Trope: enemies to lovers, second chance
Angst: 😱😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
These Dirty Lies is a super angsty slow burn told with some flashbacks to "before". Before Harleigh Wren Maguire and Phoenix Wilder had life happen and the manipulations of others keep them apart. It's one of those stories where if the protagonists had just talked to each other, everything would have been cleared up or at least not the fiasco of hurt feelings it turned into. Not my favorite trope, but I forgive LA Cotton for this because, well, she is just THAT good of a writer and her characters are just so wonderful. Both Harleigh Wren and Phoenix are beautifully flawed and relatable in their vulnerabilities and insecurities. I don't read a whole lot of high angst stories, but LA Cotton just knows how to do it right. Definitely recommend and can't wait to see how everything plays out in the next book!
March 13, 2022
“We’d had to endure all the pain and heartache, trials and tribulations to get to this point. Because how could you ever truly know if something was meant to be if it hadn’t been tested to its limits?”
4/4.5 ⭐️
These Dirty Lies takes place nearly a year after the cliffhanger ending in Darling Hill series Prequel These Dark Hearts.
The story told through dual perspective continues with following Harleigh ‘Birdie/B’ Wren Maguire and Phoenix ‘Nix’ Wilder’s journey.
Harleigh and Nix’s story was a non-stop emotionally charged ride that had nearly every page overflowing with all the angst possible.
It put you through an absolute wringer watching Harleigh and Nix endure all the pain and heartache, not just from within their personal lives. But also with being separated from one another, especially upon their first encounter of each other after so long.
The intensity of the tension surrounding the angst, drama and emotional turmoil led them to truly being tested to their limits. From all the trials and tribulations they were put through, it had them having to face and overcome many hurdles and obstacles. Most of which they had to do alone.
Ultimately leading to an outburst of emotions and feelings gushing out, which definitely pulled on my heartstrings.
Honestly it broke my heart with all the suffering Harleigh and Nix had to put up with.
In Harleigh’s case being in a brand new environment, not really knowing anyone or having someone she could truly be herself with and share everything that was causing her deep pain on the inside.
As for Nix, with seeing him go through the motions, but knowing he was truly suffering on the inside with not having Harleigh by his side. It had my heart hurting for him.
One thing that These Dirty Lies did was get me all choked up to the point of being on the brink of tears. But that wasn’t surprising, since when it comes to L.A. Cotton’s books, there is always a chance of this happening. And Harleigh and Nix’s story proved to be no exception to that rule. Especially given how hard and deep this book hit me at times.
Although L.A. Cotton may have not given a brutal ending to These Dirty Lies, given the type of cliffhanger it finished on. It didn’t stop me from wanting more!
The next book could not come fast enough, with Harleigh and Nix having me waiting in desperation and anticipation for These Dead Promises to be released ASAP!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2022
➳ Rate: 4/ 5 stars
I’ve been dying for this book ever since reading the prequel These Dark Secrets (which is free on amazon)!
These two had my heart aching. Everything in their lives is a mess. There was so much emotion throughout the whole book. They both have such hard lives and not having each other in their lives any longer is so heartbreaking for both of them. It really pulled at my heartstrings the whole time.
I was waiting with bated breath to find out what really happened for these two to no longer be talking. It was hard. And then getting to the actual reason really pissed me off. These two deserved a break and the truth just sort of made their future even harder. I’m dying to see how they’ll work it all out. I have a feeling there’s much more drama and heartache on the horizon.
Taking Nix and Harleigh aside, I really loved a lot of the secondary characters. I loved Nix’s besties and I’m so curious about both of them. And Harleigh’s sister, I adored her! I cannot wait to see who she ends up with and how that all is gonna happen ahah. I’m super curious about her brother as well, he’s such a d*ck and I’m curious to why! There are so many characters to love in this duet, but there are also tons to hate: ones you’ll hate with a passion and others you’ll love to hate!
If you’ve read the Wicked Bay series, you’ll want to pick this one up. There are lot of similar vibes.
➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ Order at: Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Tiktok
I’ve been dying for this book ever since reading the prequel These Dark Secrets (which is free on amazon)!
These two had my heart aching. Everything in their lives is a mess. There was so much emotion throughout the whole book. They both have such hard lives and not having each other in their lives any longer is so heartbreaking for both of them. It really pulled at my heartstrings the whole time.
I was waiting with bated breath to find out what really happened for these two to no longer be talking. It was hard. And then getting to the actual reason really pissed me off. These two deserved a break and the truth just sort of made their future even harder. I’m dying to see how they’ll work it all out. I have a feeling there’s much more drama and heartache on the horizon.
Taking Nix and Harleigh aside, I really loved a lot of the secondary characters. I loved Nix’s besties and I’m so curious about both of them. And Harleigh’s sister, I adored her! I cannot wait to see who she ends up with and how that all is gonna happen ahah. I’m super curious about her brother as well, he’s such a d*ck and I’m curious to why! There are so many characters to love in this duet, but there are also tons to hate: ones you’ll hate with a passion and others you’ll love to hate!
If you’ve read the Wicked Bay series, you’ll want to pick this one up. There are lot of similar vibes.
➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ Order at: Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Tiktok
March 12, 2022
My heart hurts, my mind’s a mess, but I LOVED every second of this story because the bond Nix and Harleigh have is untreatable even when it doesn’t seem that way. Haleigh and Nix grew up together in the Row a bad place in town where everyone struggles to survive. They had this special connection where Nix always protected her, his friends loved her too, and they always thought it would be them together in the end but fate has other plans. When Harleigh’s life is turned upside down all she wants is Phoenix by her side, but when she tries relentlessly to reach out to him he isn’t there and this is the first time ever he isn’t there to be by her side helping her and keeping her safe. Harleigh spirals down into a deep depression that eats away at her and she thinks she is all alone with no hope so she does something that changes her life. When Nix sees Harleigh is back he has so much anger towards her for living him and Harleigh is the same, yet what they don’t know is others have secrets that keep them apart. With all the lies, heartache, and pain will these two find their way back to each other or has too much time passed them by? Can Harleigh forgive Nix for not being there and will Nix see past his own pain to love her the way she deserves? This does end on a cliffhanger and left me with so many questions about how Nix and Harleigh will navigate this new place they find themselves in and what others are planning to do to rip them apart. I love these characters so much because their everyday struggles are so real. It does deal with sensitive subjects such as depression and things that go with that but it is handled beautifully. I also loved that Nix wasn’t one to shy away from his feelings even to his friends, he owned them and refused to not let them show. I can’t wait to see what is in store for all of these characters.
March 19, 2022
Well, Harleigh and Nix's story was deeper than my usual read from this author and I loved it! There is a lot going on, lots of secrets, and an emotional rollercoaster. There is a prequel I recommend reading for you to fully get the story. There is a lot of angst and suspense. These characters are definitely meant for one another, I do need the next one asap to unveil everything!
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July 31, 2022
4.5/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶
Tropes:
- sports romance (football)
- second chance vibes
- childhood best friends to lovers
- poor boy x poor girl (with a rich father)
- poor vs rich side of town
- trailer setting
- high school setting
- hero with abusive father
- virgin heroine
- angsty
*Check TW*
POV: first person - dual
Type: duet (book one) *ends on a mini cliffhanger*
This book had me HOOKED. I skipped the prequel bc i didn’t want to know “what happened” and I do love a good mystery (not an actual mystery but you know what I mean).
The only thing I didn’t like was how the hero hooked up with girls (mainly one in particular) in the the time away from the heroine. There was no details but he was described as a player in the 9 months spent apart (not a spoiler, it’s mentioned right away they were apart for that long).
1.5/5 🌶
Tropes:
- sports romance (football)
- second chance vibes
- childhood best friends to lovers
- poor boy x poor girl (with a rich father)
- poor vs rich side of town
- trailer setting
- high school setting
- hero with abusive father
- virgin heroine
- angsty
*Check TW*
POV: first person - dual
Type: duet (book one) *ends on a mini cliffhanger*
This book had me HOOKED. I skipped the prequel bc i didn’t want to know “what happened” and I do love a good mystery (not an actual mystery but you know what I mean).
The only thing I didn’t like was how the hero hooked up with girls (mainly one in particular) in the the time away from the heroine. There was no details but he was described as a player in the 9 months spent apart (not a spoiler, it’s mentioned right away they were apart for that long).
March 14, 2022
I NEED MORE!!!!
This book was incredible!! Lianne has made yet another universe that I want to visit!! The Darling Hill gang is so easy to love and I’m so excited for all of their love stories!
Nix and Birdie were perfect for each other in every way. The passion between them was scorching and I just couldn’t get enough of them. I fell in love with them in These Dark Hearts and again in this book and I just want more and more of them. I’m so so excited for book 2 to see what Lianne has in store for the Darling Hill characters.
L A Cotton is the queen of high school romance, she writes such a variety of new adults stories that are totally original and contain a helluva lot of angst. Her writing style is easy to follow and I loved her inclusion of glimpses back into the past from Nix’ POV.
The mystery and angst in the book had be staying up late at night, constantly saying just one more chapter, I just couldn’t put it down!!
A definite 5* romance!!
Tropes:
High School
Friends to Lovers
This book was incredible!! Lianne has made yet another universe that I want to visit!! The Darling Hill gang is so easy to love and I’m so excited for all of their love stories!
Nix and Birdie were perfect for each other in every way. The passion between them was scorching and I just couldn’t get enough of them. I fell in love with them in These Dark Hearts and again in this book and I just want more and more of them. I’m so so excited for book 2 to see what Lianne has in store for the Darling Hill characters.
L A Cotton is the queen of high school romance, she writes such a variety of new adults stories that are totally original and contain a helluva lot of angst. Her writing style is easy to follow and I loved her inclusion of glimpses back into the past from Nix’ POV.
The mystery and angst in the book had be staying up late at night, constantly saying just one more chapter, I just couldn’t put it down!!
A definite 5* romance!!
Tropes:
High School
Friends to Lovers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2022
This was really good I was completely addicted to this story from beginning till end I couldn’t put it down! I loved the characters even the side characters we get all the teenage angst and drama the emotions that come with your first love I loved Nix I loved his heart and his loyalty his devotion to his friends and his family and Harleigh she’s so broken my heart aches for her all her pain and suffering I just want to hug her . Nix and Harleigh’s story is just getting started I hope these two get to be together I feel like they have a rocky journey ahead of them and I can’t wait to see where this author takes us! Loved this world loved the characters definitely another addictive series to obsess over!
March 10, 2022
Without spoiling anything here is my review.
I’ve been reading Lianne’s books for almost 2 years starting with the Wicked Bay series and I have been hooked ever since.
Her books have always made me feel all the emotions. And this one isn’t any different. All I can say is have a tissue box at hand.
I’ve always loved reading ARC’s and reviewing them as it means reading them before they’re published. And I have read a few ARC’s with Lianne.
I am so excited for the next book in this duet.
All I want to say is thanks Lianne for allowing me and all these other people to read your amazing creations. Reading your books makes the wait and everything worthwhile.
I’ve been reading Lianne’s books for almost 2 years starting with the Wicked Bay series and I have been hooked ever since.
Her books have always made me feel all the emotions. And this one isn’t any different. All I can say is have a tissue box at hand.
I’ve always loved reading ARC’s and reviewing them as it means reading them before they’re published. And I have read a few ARC’s with Lianne.
I am so excited for the next book in this duet.
All I want to say is thanks Lianne for allowing me and all these other people to read your amazing creations. Reading your books makes the wait and everything worthwhile.
March 11, 2022
Nix and Harleigh's romance gets off to a powerful start in the first book of this duet of reads. I gotta say that I'm not sure anything I say can truly prepare you for this story, these characters and the journey that they will take you on. I will warn you to prepare to have your heart to be put through one extreme workout though because the emotions, the drama, the intensity and the jaw-on-the-floor twists will have you breathless, stunned and desperate for book two. This is my frank, freely posted review.
September 6, 2022
I'm new to LA Cotton's writing and wasn't sure what to expect with an HS drama tale. Phoenix and Harleigh are best friends on the verge of becoming more when tragedy and deception tear them apart. Several months later, Harleigh returns to Darling Hill HS, where she'll have to face Phoenix. Something in Phoenix broke when Harleigh left him, and though he struggles with her return, he wants answers.
Both narrators were new to me, and I enjoyed their narration; they did a fantastic job with their characters' emotions.
Both narrators were new to me, and I enjoyed their narration; they did a fantastic job with their characters' emotions.
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