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Gilded Lies #1
Gilded Lies
THE FLAME OF AMBITION IS DEVOURING.
In the 1920s, tradition is challenged by the rise of change and Lily Beth Winters is dead set on making a name for herself. More than anything, she longs for the day she will take over her father’s business and be seen as his equal. But her dreams are overshadowed by fury when her father announces she is to move to Boston to find a suitable husband to take over the crumbling family business. But Lily has her own plans and constructs a murderous plot to ensure she inherits her father’s legacy instead of an underserving husband.
Pulled from the world of glittering parties and grand titles, Lily’s focus is derailed when a chance meeting with two enigmatic gangsters leaves her wanting. But these gangsters are not without their own plots and secrets. Despite her growing nightmares, Lily cannot help but fall deeper down into the enthralling world of old grudges and dark magic.
With family secrets, deadly threats, and her reputation at stake, Lily quickly finds both gangsters hide more than just smuggled gin. Torn between her own ambition and the two men that battle for her heart, Lily must decide where her heart truly lies and in which world she belongs.
THIS PEAKY BLINDERS MEETS MAGIC FANTASY IS PERFECT FOR FANS OF DARK ROMANCE AND DEADLY HEROINES.
In the 1920s, tradition is challenged by the rise of change and Lily Beth Winters is dead set on making a name for herself. More than anything, she longs for the day she will take over her father’s business and be seen as his equal. But her dreams are overshadowed by fury when her father announces she is to move to Boston to find a suitable husband to take over the crumbling family business. But Lily has her own plans and constructs a murderous plot to ensure she inherits her father’s legacy instead of an underserving husband.
Pulled from the world of glittering parties and grand titles, Lily’s focus is derailed when a chance meeting with two enigmatic gangsters leaves her wanting. But these gangsters are not without their own plots and secrets. Despite her growing nightmares, Lily cannot help but fall deeper down into the enthralling world of old grudges and dark magic.
With family secrets, deadly threats, and her reputation at stake, Lily quickly finds both gangsters hide more than just smuggled gin. Torn between her own ambition and the two men that battle for her heart, Lily must decide where her heart truly lies and in which world she belongs.
THIS PEAKY BLINDERS MEETS MAGIC FANTASY IS PERFECT FOR FANS OF DARK ROMANCE AND DEADLY HEROINES.
ebook
Published May 3, 2022
9 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Martin
2 books10 followersJ.S. Martin is the debut author of the Peaky Blinders meets magic series, Gilded Lies. She writes witty female characters that rise to defy the odds, twisting plots doused in dark magic, and swoony love interests shrouded in shadow. A former southern belle, she now resides in Boston, Massachusetts, and is a lover of all things winter. When she’s not traveling the world, she can be found reading, writing, or spending time with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 16, 2022
THAT’S HOW IT ENDS! Mother Father!
Writing this on the fly, because Kindle prompted me and I wasn’t expecting it.
MOTHER FATHER, I will be reading book two, you can COUNT on THAT!
Gah! Okay, umm hang on. Gathering my thoughts.
Gilded Lies is FREAKING GOLD! You’ve got insanely well done tension, brilliant back and forth in the dialogue, a well researched time frame, drama with side characters along with the main story, rounded characters, and did I mention THE TENSION!
We start off with Lily, being pulled from boarding school because her father can’t afford it anymore and returning home. She’s excited to meet up with her summer guy, one she’s known for years and has swapped spit with, only to find out HE’S ENGAGED…and not to Lily. Her father, after yet another outburst in front of him, states she’s being sent from their southern hometown to her Uncle in BOSTON, to find a husband. Cool, they’ve got a better nightlife scene anyway. While on the train to her Uncle’s, she meets Leo, Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Dangerous, who insists they’ll never cross paths again. Wouldn’t you know it though, they do. While hanging out with her cousins, Dolly and Luke (I think it’s Luke, I’m bad with names) she does run into Leo, as well as her two suiters - Charles and not-Charles (yea I forgot his name). Although everything is setup as a typical read, once the shadows come out to play, the real fun begins.
Gilded Lies is a RIDE, I promise you that and I’m dying for book two.
Writing this on the fly, because Kindle prompted me and I wasn’t expecting it.
MOTHER FATHER, I will be reading book two, you can COUNT on THAT!
Gah! Okay, umm hang on. Gathering my thoughts.
Gilded Lies is FREAKING GOLD! You’ve got insanely well done tension, brilliant back and forth in the dialogue, a well researched time frame, drama with side characters along with the main story, rounded characters, and did I mention THE TENSION!
We start off with Lily, being pulled from boarding school because her father can’t afford it anymore and returning home. She’s excited to meet up with her summer guy, one she’s known for years and has swapped spit with, only to find out HE’S ENGAGED…and not to Lily. Her father, after yet another outburst in front of him, states she’s being sent from their southern hometown to her Uncle in BOSTON, to find a husband. Cool, they’ve got a better nightlife scene anyway. While on the train to her Uncle’s, she meets Leo, Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Dangerous, who insists they’ll never cross paths again. Wouldn’t you know it though, they do. While hanging out with her cousins, Dolly and Luke (I think it’s Luke, I’m bad with names) she does run into Leo, as well as her two suiters - Charles and not-Charles (yea I forgot his name). Although everything is setup as a typical read, once the shadows come out to play, the real fun begins.
Gilded Lies is a RIDE, I promise you that and I’m dying for book two.
August 7, 2022
phenomenal read
My heart raced in every chapter of this books. Lily and Dolly are spectacular characters, and the city she brings to life is one you can picture in your mind as you are reading.
Definitely grabbing a paperback copy of this book for my shelves, as it is one I will read again.
My heart raced in every chapter of this books. Lily and Dolly are spectacular characters, and the city she brings to life is one you can picture in your mind as you are reading.
Definitely grabbing a paperback copy of this book for my shelves, as it is one I will read again.
December 20, 2022
Gilded Lies
As the 1920s is one of my favourite periods, I could not resist this book. Within the first few chapters of this book, I knew it was quickly becoming a favourite.
Lily, I adore her. She is so aggressive and has her mind. The world you enter feels very real as it mixes the real Boston with gangs and clubs associated with the 1920s. On top of that, it has a touch of magic. It's not very well known yet, but it could be the next book.
Next, about the main character Lily. Along with Dolly and Luke, she forms a lovely group with whom readers feel genuinely connected. Mutual banter with May, Jude, Charles and Leo also completes the picture. She's also strong-willed and independent, which makes her a great character. I love how she stands up to all the men who try to control her. What bothered me a little was her impulsiveness and ability to trust strangers reasonably quickly. Hopefully, we get to see some more Harpies in the next book. It would be a shame if James took all the places.
As the 1920s is one of my favourite periods, I could not resist this book. Within the first few chapters of this book, I knew it was quickly becoming a favourite.
Lily, I adore her. She is so aggressive and has her mind. The world you enter feels very real as it mixes the real Boston with gangs and clubs associated with the 1920s. On top of that, it has a touch of magic. It's not very well known yet, but it could be the next book.
Next, about the main character Lily. Along with Dolly and Luke, she forms a lovely group with whom readers feel genuinely connected. Mutual banter with May, Jude, Charles and Leo also completes the picture. She's also strong-willed and independent, which makes her a great character. I love how she stands up to all the men who try to control her. What bothered me a little was her impulsiveness and ability to trust strangers reasonably quickly. Hopefully, we get to see some more Harpies in the next book. It would be a shame if James took all the places.
May 2, 2022
I received an arc from the author in exchange for a review:
Get ready to get swept away into Boston in the 1920s. Martin has a way with works that transport you to the scene, make you feel like you’re there with lily and dolly living it up.
This book is Gatsby meets Boardwalk empire meets NA fantasy all in one.
I loved the mixture of all the different fantasy tropes and I found lily to be a strong main character while still heavily flawed.
Since this was only 211 pages there are some details missing but I am excited for book 2
Get ready to get swept away into Boston in the 1920s. Martin has a way with works that transport you to the scene, make you feel like you’re there with lily and dolly living it up.
This book is Gatsby meets Boardwalk empire meets NA fantasy all in one.
I loved the mixture of all the different fantasy tropes and I found lily to be a strong main character while still heavily flawed.
Since this was only 211 pages there are some details missing but I am excited for book 2
December 13, 2022
Remarkable Book
This book is amazing and one of my favorites of the year. It’s beautifully written and the character development is amazing. I’ve haven’t read a book like this in many years. It’s intriguing and it draws you in from the very beginning. It’s a very refreshing book that I will forever recommend. J. S. Martin is one of my new favorite authors.
This book is amazing and one of my favorites of the year. It’s beautifully written and the character development is amazing. I’ve haven’t read a book like this in many years. It’s intriguing and it draws you in from the very beginning. It’s a very refreshing book that I will forever recommend. J. S. Martin is one of my new favorite authors.
July 31, 2022
Paranormal Romantic Historical fiction ftw
This book was like Chicago (the musical) meets gangs of NY (but in Boston) meets some occulty paranormal book in all the best ways. Amazing descriptions of the glitzy upper crust Bostonian life in the 1920s with glimpses of the seedy underbelly and a whif of the occult that grows into something really cool by the end. I can't wait for the sequel.
This book was like Chicago (the musical) meets gangs of NY (but in Boston) meets some occulty paranormal book in all the best ways. Amazing descriptions of the glitzy upper crust Bostonian life in the 1920s with glimpses of the seedy underbelly and a whif of the occult that grows into something really cool by the end. I can't wait for the sequel.
October 27, 2022
wow
Fantastic story full of drama and excitement. I was extremely pleasantly surprised with this book. Not gonna lie, I just picked it up because of the cover, which is also spectacular, but I was immediately drawn into the story.
Fantastic story full of drama and excitement. I was extremely pleasantly surprised with this book. Not gonna lie, I just picked it up because of the cover, which is also spectacular, but I was immediately drawn into the story.
October 27, 2022
Great tale
Set in the roaring 20s, Gilded lies takes you on a roller coaster ride of gangsters and murder. It was a very good book. The author did good of a strong female and beautiful scenery that was very interesting. Great job.
Set in the roaring 20s, Gilded lies takes you on a roller coaster ride of gangsters and murder. It was a very good book. The author did good of a strong female and beautiful scenery that was very interesting. Great job.
August 1, 2022
An amazing blend of supernatural and 1920’s!
One can easily tell a lot of research and detail was embedded into the writing of this story! Gilded Lies is a page-turner and a worthy read! If you love triangles, excellent development, and intrigue, check this out!
One can easily tell a lot of research and detail was embedded into the writing of this story! Gilded Lies is a page-turner and a worthy read! If you love triangles, excellent development, and intrigue, check this out!
April 16, 2022
I have read this book and I am giving my honest review.
What a book. Could not put this down,
Adventure, magic twists and turns, exciting from beginning to the end.
You become part of the book. Not spoiling you have to
Read for yourselves.
What a book. Could not put this down,
Adventure, magic twists and turns, exciting from beginning to the end.
You become part of the book. Not spoiling you have to
Read for yourselves.
August 8, 2022
YES, YES and YES! J.S. Martin is an author to keep your eye on!! Love her and love her work. If you haven’t read this, then all I’ll say is: dark magic, speakeasies and gangsters…need I say more?
October 5, 2022
The story starts out with familial drama and then dives straight into personal angst with a magical twist. I did not know what to expect with this book and was pleasantly surprised with each intrigue. Just here waiting on book two!
May 14, 2023
Be swept away to the speakeasies of Boston, but be warned, there is more to it than just music and booze.
The world you are plunged into feels very real, as it is a mix of real Boston and elements like gangsters and clubs that you associate with the 1920s. On top of that, there is a touch of magic added to it all. You don't learn much about this yet, but it has potential for the next book.
Then about the main character, Lily. Together with Dolly and Luke, she forms a nice group, in which you, as a reader, really feel involved. The mutual banter, also with May, Jude, Charles and Leo, completes the picture. She is also strong-willed and independent, which all makes her a great character. I love how she stands up to all the men who try to rule over her. The only thing that bothered me a bit was her impulsiveness and her ability to trust strangers rather quickly (plus her reasoning about looking for a future husband, maybe you should find him first and get to know him before making such plans). Hopefully we'll get to see a bit more of the Harpies in the next book, it would be a shame if James took up all the space (I still don't trust that guy, even after all that happened, of maybe just because of it).
At the end some things seemed to go rather fast and it felt a bit rushed at times (including the magic part), but I understand that this was necessary somewhere to ready everything for the next book. Hence 3.5/5.
I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
The world you are plunged into feels very real, as it is a mix of real Boston and elements like gangsters and clubs that you associate with the 1920s. On top of that, there is a touch of magic added to it all. You don't learn much about this yet, but it has potential for the next book.
Then about the main character, Lily. Together with Dolly and Luke, she forms a nice group, in which you, as a reader, really feel involved. The mutual banter, also with May, Jude, Charles and Leo, completes the picture. She is also strong-willed and independent, which all makes her a great character. I love how she stands up to all the men who try to rule over her. The only thing that bothered me a bit was her impulsiveness and her ability to trust strangers rather quickly (plus her reasoning about looking for a future husband, maybe you should find him first and get to know him before making such plans). Hopefully we'll get to see a bit more of the Harpies in the next book, it would be a shame if James took up all the space (I still don't trust that guy, even after all that happened, of maybe just because of it).
At the end some things seemed to go rather fast and it felt a bit rushed at times (including the magic part), but I understand that this was necessary somewhere to ready everything for the next book. Hence 3.5/5.
I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
November 16, 2022
A true page turner!
This book transported me to a different era! The author’s style of writing is very engaging, and it kept me glued.
It is about Lily who is to inherit her father’s business but only when she finds a husband. I mean it is the 1920’s! As Lily goes out to hunt for a catch, she experiences life. She briefly meets a very handsome guy Leo that is drawn into her life by happenstance!
As she navigates her life nuances, readers will be pleasantly surprised with thrilling elements like magic, murder and just when you don’t expect it, there is supernatural angle thrown in.
Many side characters have been wonderfully placed. I especially didn’t find it too hard to hate James Blackwood. He offers Lily an exciting life if she agrees to be his wife. All when she is there to negotiate Leo life with him! James is a dark character the one with The Black Dragon’s magic spell and shit. He has Leo’s soul and perhaps Lily’s too. And then there is the foe of James, Lord Taylor, whose brother Jude he so viciously killed. Lord Taylor kills Lily’s father indirectly.
The story got better and better with every page! It is not a standalone novel, so be ready for part two. I know I am.
This book transported me to a different era! The author’s style of writing is very engaging, and it kept me glued.
It is about Lily who is to inherit her father’s business but only when she finds a husband. I mean it is the 1920’s! As Lily goes out to hunt for a catch, she experiences life. She briefly meets a very handsome guy Leo that is drawn into her life by happenstance!
As she navigates her life nuances, readers will be pleasantly surprised with thrilling elements like magic, murder and just when you don’t expect it, there is supernatural angle thrown in.
Many side characters have been wonderfully placed. I especially didn’t find it too hard to hate James Blackwood. He offers Lily an exciting life if she agrees to be his wife. All when she is there to negotiate Leo life with him! James is a dark character the one with The Black Dragon’s magic spell and shit. He has Leo’s soul and perhaps Lily’s too. And then there is the foe of James, Lord Taylor, whose brother Jude he so viciously killed. Lord Taylor kills Lily’s father indirectly.
The story got better and better with every page! It is not a standalone novel, so be ready for part two. I know I am.
April 15, 2022
Totally unbiased review. If you enjoy all the glamour of the 1920s with a dusting of dark fantasy, gangsters, and romance--this book is for you :)
October 1, 2023
“Because if you stop breathing, then so do I”
I did not expect this book to be this good. At the beginning of the book I had a clear vision of how it was gonna go, but I was wrong. It turned out even better. The pace was good, the world building was amazing and the adding of some magic made it perfect imo. Peaky blinders meets magical elements: perfect combination. Can’t wait to read the next book!!
I did not expect this book to be this good. At the beginning of the book I had a clear vision of how it was gonna go, but I was wrong. It turned out even better. The pace was good, the world building was amazing and the adding of some magic made it perfect imo. Peaky blinders meets magical elements: perfect combination. Can’t wait to read the next book!!
May 20, 2022
murder and magic
Set in the 1920s, the main character, Lily, is forced to find a husband, but makes plans of her own. With a mixture of magic, mystery, and murder, thus book draws you in and leaves you wanting more!
Set in the 1920s, the main character, Lily, is forced to find a husband, but makes plans of her own. With a mixture of magic, mystery, and murder, thus book draws you in and leaves you wanting more!
May 30, 2022
This story is seriously so cool in how it combines historical fantasy, magic, action, and a richness of setting. If you are looking for the perfect combination of history and paranormal or enjoy strong female characters who fight for their destiny, then Gilded Lies is for you!
June 3, 2022
Gilded Lies by J.S. Martin
An exciting story by this author that has you captivated by the characters and loving the plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An exciting story by this author that has you captivated by the characters and loving the plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2022
I loved it. I have no words. Just read it. Everyone if you love a suspension well written narrative with beautiful imagery and amazing dialogue. Read it.
January 23, 2023
I have always been obsessed with the 1920's and this book made me feel like I was right there living in it. I am so glad I read this book when I stumbled across the author, I can't wait to see what else she does.
February 12, 2023
Magic and gangsters = swoon
A wonderfully done period piece with magic! thrown in and a cliffhanger that definitely leaves you wanting more of the story
A wonderfully done period piece with magic! thrown in and a cliffhanger that definitely leaves you wanting more of the story
December 8, 2024
Peaky Blinders plus magic??? I’m in
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews