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Hastings Brothers #1
Twisted Beautiful Lies
New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner calls Twisted Beautiful Lies “a sensual, riveting romantic thriller filled with intrigue and twists.”
They all lied. Whose lie will hurt her the most?
When my family’s secrets cost my sister her life, there’s only one person left who knows the truth and can protect me from my father’s horrifying legacy…
Will Hastings is a seductive British aristocrat with twisted secrets of his own, and as badly as I want this dangerous man, his darkness could become my downfall.
To hide from the assassins trying to end my life, Will takes me and my surviving niece to his estate in England, only to disappear later without a word. He’s out there alone, hunting the assassins who’ve already narrowed in on my location.
I can only hope he gets to them before they get to me.
While he’s gone, I’m forced to face my grief, forced to confront my feelings and the realization that I’ve given my heart to a merciless killer. Now, our one shot at survival hangs on me trading my tears for courage and finding him before he loses his life defending mine.
If only I’d known the depth of the lies and deceit before taking the leap.
Readers who love steamy romantic thrillers are calling the Hasting Brothers series a gripping, atmospheric game changer you won’t put down for anything.
They all lied. Whose lie will hurt her the most?
When my family’s secrets cost my sister her life, there’s only one person left who knows the truth and can protect me from my father’s horrifying legacy…
Will Hastings is a seductive British aristocrat with twisted secrets of his own, and as badly as I want this dangerous man, his darkness could become my downfall.
To hide from the assassins trying to end my life, Will takes me and my surviving niece to his estate in England, only to disappear later without a word. He’s out there alone, hunting the assassins who’ve already narrowed in on my location.
I can only hope he gets to them before they get to me.
While he’s gone, I’m forced to face my grief, forced to confront my feelings and the realization that I’ve given my heart to a merciless killer. Now, our one shot at survival hangs on me trading my tears for courage and finding him before he loses his life defending mine.
If only I’d known the depth of the lies and deceit before taking the leap.
Readers who love steamy romantic thrillers are calling the Hasting Brothers series a gripping, atmospheric game changer you won’t put down for anything.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2019
240 people are currently reading
645 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
February 5, 2019
THIS is why I love to try new authors. This book was SO frigging good. Like...blow me away good. One of my favorite tropes is romantic suspense but finding a good one with just the right balance of romance and suspense is genuinely hard to find at times. LIES THAT BIND US hit the perfect balance between the two. You have mystery and intrigue. A secret society. Royal lineage. Assassins. Twists and turns. A close-knit family of brothers. Heartbreak. No OW or OM drama. An over the top jealous, possessive alpha hero. A strong, compassionate heroine. Smokin hot sex scenes. A fantastic cast of secondary characters, and an ending that will both satisfy you and make you wish you had book two in your hands as soon as possible. What more can you ask for?
October 16, 2021
4.5 stars! This was the first book I've read by this author, and I was really impressed. The plot was good and well planned with characters that were so well rounded that I had a very difficult time putting this book down. Review to come….
January 21, 2019
The Lies That Bind Us was filled with suspense and adventure from the start. I was intrigued by Will and his mysterious presence in Ellie's life. Right away I loved their connection and the intensity of the story and could not get enough!
After the senseless murder of her family Ellie must determine if the mysterious Will Hastings who has suddenly come into her life is friend or foe. But after discovering a long-lost conspiracy and plot to kill the people of her lineage, she has no choice but to rely on this mysterious man.
I enjoyed this novel. The storyline was fast-paced and the connection between Will and Ellie was intense. 3.5 stars! ~Ratula
After the senseless murder of her family Ellie must determine if the mysterious Will Hastings who has suddenly come into her life is friend or foe. But after discovering a long-lost conspiracy and plot to kill the people of her lineage, she has no choice but to rely on this mysterious man.
I enjoyed this novel. The storyline was fast-paced and the connection between Will and Ellie was intense. 3.5 stars! ~Ratula
April 21, 2019
DNF@21%
I couldn't get into it. By the point I stopped reading, Will and Ellie were already involved and pledging never to leave each other despite the fact that they barely knew each other. It almost felt like I came into the story halfway through it because their feelings were so intense although they didn't meet until the beginning of the book.
The plot was too far-fetched. Will's family was oath bound to protect Ellie's family because they were descendants of a British king, which made them a threat to the current royal family. Ellie never knew any of this until and Will's family stepped in to save her. Despite this story being unbelievable, Ellie took will at this word when he told her the truth about her family.
I couldn't get into it. By the point I stopped reading, Will and Ellie were already involved and pledging never to leave each other despite the fact that they barely knew each other. It almost felt like I came into the story halfway through it because their feelings were so intense although they didn't meet until the beginning of the book.
The plot was too far-fetched. Will's family was oath bound to protect Ellie's family because they were descendants of a British king, which made them a threat to the current royal family. Ellie never knew any of this until and Will's family stepped in to save her. Despite this story being unbelievable, Ellie took will at this word when he told her the truth about her family.
November 17, 2021
I love to discover new authors 😍
This book was part of my win from a giveaway from @Devoted_pages and I'm really glad I won it because otherwise I would probably never have discovered this amazing author among the hundreds of books I still have to read.
This book is a dark romantic thriller.
I would even say that's part of the book sounds a bit like a mafia romance, just in English style.
The story is unbelievable fascinating, gripping and twisted till the end.
A hot very alpha hero and a stubborn annoying heroine makes it unbelievable entertaining, captivating and exciting.
What makes this book even more lovable is the unique topic.
I can't give you too many details, but let's just say an English aristocrat of a completely different kind meets an emancipated American.
If you think you've already got the story, trust me, you definitely haven't.
So many secrets come to light, so many mysterious stories happen in the background and so many twisted things change from one chapter to the other, you never know which direction the story will go next.
I'm really happy I won the second book in the series too ☺ I'm very excited to learn the rest of their story ❤❤❤
This book was part of my win from a giveaway from @Devoted_pages and I'm really glad I won it because otherwise I would probably never have discovered this amazing author among the hundreds of books I still have to read.
This book is a dark romantic thriller.
I would even say that's part of the book sounds a bit like a mafia romance, just in English style.
The story is unbelievable fascinating, gripping and twisted till the end.
A hot very alpha hero and a stubborn annoying heroine makes it unbelievable entertaining, captivating and exciting.
What makes this book even more lovable is the unique topic.
I can't give you too many details, but let's just say an English aristocrat of a completely different kind meets an emancipated American.
If you think you've already got the story, trust me, you definitely haven't.
So many secrets come to light, so many mysterious stories happen in the background and so many twisted things change from one chapter to the other, you never know which direction the story will go next.
I'm really happy I won the second book in the series too ☺ I'm very excited to learn the rest of their story ❤❤❤
Read
February 16, 2019DNF 25%
Felt it was rushed and underwhelming from the very first page.
Ellie who is the main character had zero idea what was going on, discovered her grandmother and sister dead but immediately accepted everything that Will said and jumped on board. It seemed way too easy for her to trust him. And there’s this attraction between Ellie and Will which was barely even developed, she wants to jump his bones already.
I’m not entirely convinced about them or this story unfortunately.
However, you might think differently about it so feel free to give it a go.
Felt it was rushed and underwhelming from the very first page.
Ellie who is the main character had zero idea what was going on, discovered her grandmother and sister dead but immediately accepted everything that Will said and jumped on board. It seemed way too easy for her to trust him. And there’s this attraction between Ellie and Will which was barely even developed, she wants to jump his bones already.
I’m not entirely convinced about them or this story unfortunately.
However, you might think differently about it so feel free to give it a go.
February 25, 2019
Will pulled me back into his arms fully and pressed his forehead to mine. “You were never lost, Elle. I knew where you were all along. I’ve been waiting for you.”
Oh dear. I don't know where this book went wrong, but at some point it went very wrong for me. It started decent enough. I was actually quite enjoying it.
The plot, while a little odd and far-fetched, was also pretty interesting. Ellie is the descendant of a royal bloodline and Will comes from a family of warriors tasked with protecting Ellie's family through generations from this creepy group who wants to kill them all off. Weird, but cool! And I liked Ellie and Will's relationship at the beginning. They had good chemistry and Will was really sweet in the way he took care of her and protected her. And they had a few arguments early on that really made me laugh.
But sadly, those good feelings didn't last very long. I think their move to London is when things started to go downhill for me. I began losing interest in the story for some reason. And not only that, but the characters started to become very irritating. Ellie, in particular. Her life is in danger and she wants to go shopping? Are you kidding me? I guess I can sympathize with not wanting to be locked up, but the way she was behaving struck me as very reckless and spoiled.
That was my first complaint but it only got worse from there. Everyone in this book is so melodramatic. I felt like I was reading a novelization of a soap opera at times. One minute they'll be fine and the next they get upset for no particular reason and refuse to even talk about it. It drove me nuts. And Ellie had this weird habit of making Will suffer before agreeing to do anything he asked of her, by staying silent and making him beg. Every. Single. Time. I guess it was meant to be endearing or something, the overused trope of this one girl coming along that "challenges" him when nobody else in his life ever has, but damn was it annoying.
And my goodness is this girl needy. 50% of the book was Will reassuring her that she was safe and he'd protect her and that he wouldn't leave her and blah blah blah. And she's just so clingy and desperate no matter how much he reassures her. If he even leaves her sight for two minutes she freaks out. Which brings me to the part that made me wanna reach in and strangle this idiot. I mean... is she stupid or is she stupid?
The romance felt forced to me. The author tried too hard to make their love seem super intense and special, but it was done through constantly telling us what they feel and not just showing it. I don't think I've ever seen a couple talk about "how they love each other" as much as these two. It seemed like every few pages we were reminded that their love is obsessive and powerful and all-consuming and once-in-a-lifetime, but it would've been more effective to actually show us through their actions how much they love each other. Their relationship developed too quickly for it to be believable that their feelings would already be that strong.
I also wasn't too crazy about the writing. It lacked detail at times. Certain parts were kind of abrupt and choppy and I was left a little confused as to what just happened. And a lot of lines didn't make sense, both in the dialogue and the narrative. So, despite a promising start, I was quite bored and annoyed during the majority of this book and all I felt when it was over was relief. Needless to say, I won't be reading the sequel.
July 3, 2021
DNF @46% because the twenty six chapters I've already read are enough to know that this American wet dream is not going to get any better.
The Pros
- The grammar is fine and the writing reasonably polished if excessively flowery.
- And... no, that's all I've got.
The Cons
- The plot is like The Princess Diaries does porn, with a few assassins thrown in for a touch of angst.
- The entitled rich people which is, oh, every single character. I don't give a fuck what kind of watch he's wearing or where she bought her shoes or bag. And when the heroine tells us she works as something to do but doesn't need the money... oh do get over yourself. Money in the bank does not equate to a personality.
- The frankly patronising view of England through an American gaze. Can you stop going on about how quaint and idyllic everything is?
- And this whole BS about how the hero's ego couldn't take it if the heroine paid for anything because in England men treat their women traditionally or some such... 1) how fragile is his ego? 2) I know the heroine is literally a pampered princess but English women by and large split the bill with their partners. Welcome to the 21st century.
- This waffle about England's old bloodlines and pure blood and whatever sounds like something I'd expect to hear from the BNP or EDL.
- The heroine's blatant disregard for her niece. For someone supposedly so important to her, she's forgotten and ignored for chapter after chapter. I guess a child's wellbeing comes after fucking your knight in shining armour, huh?
What a ridiculous story.
The Pros
- The grammar is fine and the writing reasonably polished if excessively flowery.
- And... no, that's all I've got.
The Cons
- The plot is like The Princess Diaries does porn, with a few assassins thrown in for a touch of angst.
- The entitled rich people which is, oh, every single character. I don't give a fuck what kind of watch he's wearing or where she bought her shoes or bag. And when the heroine tells us she works as something to do but doesn't need the money... oh do get over yourself. Money in the bank does not equate to a personality.
- The frankly patronising view of England through an American gaze. Can you stop going on about how quaint and idyllic everything is?
- And this whole BS about how the hero's ego couldn't take it if the heroine paid for anything because in England men treat their women traditionally or some such... 1) how fragile is his ego? 2) I know the heroine is literally a pampered princess but English women by and large split the bill with their partners. Welcome to the 21st century.
- This waffle about England's old bloodlines and pure blood and whatever sounds like something I'd expect to hear from the BNP or EDL.
- The heroine's blatant disregard for her niece. For someone supposedly so important to her, she's forgotten and ignored for chapter after chapter. I guess a child's wellbeing comes after fucking your knight in shining armour, huh?
What a ridiculous story.
February 4, 2019
From the start this book is intense, a couple lock eyes across a room and I though oh I know where this is going. WRONG. The story took a turn i never expected and it becomes mysterious and dangerous with mythology thrown in too.
At times the mythological element of the story threw me and I found myself reading some passages twice. However It didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story, I kept turning pages to see what happens next. A new to me author one who's other books I'll be checking out.
Reviewed for CherryOBlossoms Promotions
At times the mythological element of the story threw me and I found myself reading some passages twice. However It didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story, I kept turning pages to see what happens next. A new to me author one who's other books I'll be checking out.
Reviewed for CherryOBlossoms Promotions
August 8, 2022
4⭐️ 3🌶
I definitely did not see the story going the way it did. I enjoyed it, it was fun and kept me thinking! If you like insta-love, twist & turns with good spice then definitely give it a shot.
“Goddamn it, Elle. I can’t wait any longer to have you.”
I love Will and his love & protectiveness for Elle.
Elle does bug me a little but it’s hard to fully give a review since it’s a duet. They both have done wrong but what I’ve liked is they own it and apologize. Running to book 2 to see where this goes.
“I need to be inside you, Elle. I’m mad for you.”
Also, I found the audiobook because it is narrated by Erin Mallon who is amazing.
I definitely did not see the story going the way it did. I enjoyed it, it was fun and kept me thinking! If you like insta-love, twist & turns with good spice then definitely give it a shot.
“Goddamn it, Elle. I can’t wait any longer to have you.”
I love Will and his love & protectiveness for Elle.
Elle does bug me a little but it’s hard to fully give a review since it’s a duet. They both have done wrong but what I’ve liked is they own it and apologize. Running to book 2 to see where this goes.
“I need to be inside you, Elle. I’m mad for you.”
Also, I found the audiobook because it is narrated by Erin Mallon who is amazing.
January 11, 2019
Feels 4
Storyline 4
Steam 4
Overall Rating 4
Wowza. This was one action packed read. Constantly something going on to keep me flipping the pages! I had to hurry and finish to see just what was going on. So many secrets and lies to be uncovered and when they were some of them had my jaw dropping! Definitely can’t wait to get the next book and see what else happens. Extremely interesting and intriguing. First read by this author and I want to explore other books from her.
Storyline 4
Steam 4
Overall Rating 4
Wowza. This was one action packed read. Constantly something going on to keep me flipping the pages! I had to hurry and finish to see just what was going on. So many secrets and lies to be uncovered and when they were some of them had my jaw dropping! Definitely can’t wait to get the next book and see what else happens. Extremely interesting and intriguing. First read by this author and I want to explore other books from her.
January 15, 2019
*** 5 PLUS STARS ***
This is a NEW TO ME author & books! I am very thankful for my ARC!
I am blown away by the book before i even reach 6% in! I...i was left a big speechless and a lot swooned!
Ellie encountered a tragic beginning, that led to so many secrets no-know about's her family. That's where Will comes in, the real life hero. When she is left with nothing but a memory, she has to either accept or not accept the help and protection from Will.
Will is #BOOKBOYFRIEND GOALS so so so so swoon worthy! This story is NOT i mean NOT in the best way possible a traditional love story, everything is heightened, the passion, the pain and the dark. It has so much more of everything, for it being a first and new book read for me...this is easily a 2019 FAVORITE and re-read worthy one!!
I have to address the sex scenes in this...be prepared and i MEAN BE PREPARED to have your heart race, get an all over body-tingling, panting and well...other things i can't write otherwise I'll get into trouble haha. FANTASTIC sexy scenes, steamy, hot, alpha and rough! Just what the doctor ordered!
There is a lot of emotions that went through me while reading this, it kept me engaged and easily wanting to read faster, turn pages so I can know what will happen. What a heartbreaking, beautiful and painful story! I always have a little fear reading Dark Contemporary Romance but again, I was not even 10% in and i was HOOKED!
FIVE PLUS PLUS PLUS FOR THIS BOOK & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
H A P P Y - R E A D I N G!
This is a NEW TO ME author & books! I am very thankful for my ARC!
I am blown away by the book before i even reach 6% in! I...i was left a big speechless and a lot swooned!
Ellie encountered a tragic beginning, that led to so many secrets no-know about's her family. That's where Will comes in, the real life hero. When she is left with nothing but a memory, she has to either accept or not accept the help and protection from Will.
Will is #BOOKBOYFRIEND GOALS so so so so swoon worthy! This story is NOT i mean NOT in the best way possible a traditional love story, everything is heightened, the passion, the pain and the dark. It has so much more of everything, for it being a first and new book read for me...this is easily a 2019 FAVORITE and re-read worthy one!!
I have to address the sex scenes in this...be prepared and i MEAN BE PREPARED to have your heart race, get an all over body-tingling, panting and well...other things i can't write otherwise I'll get into trouble haha. FANTASTIC sexy scenes, steamy, hot, alpha and rough! Just what the doctor ordered!
There is a lot of emotions that went through me while reading this, it kept me engaged and easily wanting to read faster, turn pages so I can know what will happen. What a heartbreaking, beautiful and painful story! I always have a little fear reading Dark Contemporary Romance but again, I was not even 10% in and i was HOOKED!
FIVE PLUS PLUS PLUS FOR THIS BOOK & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
H A P P Y - R E A D I N G!
April 1, 2020
2 Stars! ★★
It started off great. I was hooked, and thought this was going to be a 5 star book, but after the first chapter,
everything went bad. The moment Ellie comes home to find her family murdered, she runs away with the help from a stranger. A stalking stranger. That made no sense but I didn’t pay it any mind at first.
“This will sound mad, but I give you my word it’s the truth. The ancient blood running through you has been hunted and eliminated for generations.”
“What do you mean hunted?”
“A covert order of British assassins believes your blood is a threat to the Crown. They refer to themselves as the Order.”
I was really loving the story up until 8% into the book. Ancient Royal blood lines and referendums and not the mention the assassins trying to kill Ellie and her family... it was a little far fetched. All this silly talk about the British government trying to kill Ellie has me rolling my eyes.
Then Ellie’s split personalities grated my nerves. First she’s shy, then suddenly fearless, next horrified & broken after her family dies and the next day she is has forgotten all about their murder and pushing Will to f#%k her...?! What?! I couldn’t connect to any of the characters or the story, no matter how good the writing was.
It started off great. I was hooked, and thought this was going to be a 5 star book, but after the first chapter,
everything went bad. The moment Ellie comes home to find her family murdered, she runs away with the help from a stranger. A stalking stranger. That made no sense but I didn’t pay it any mind at first.
“This will sound mad, but I give you my word it’s the truth. The ancient blood running through you has been hunted and eliminated for generations.”
“What do you mean hunted?”
“A covert order of British assassins believes your blood is a threat to the Crown. They refer to themselves as the Order.”
I was really loving the story up until 8% into the book. Ancient Royal blood lines and referendums and not the mention the assassins trying to kill Ellie and her family... it was a little far fetched. All this silly talk about the British government trying to kill Ellie has me rolling my eyes.
Then Ellie’s split personalities grated my nerves. First she’s shy, then suddenly fearless, next horrified & broken after her family dies and the next day she is has forgotten all about their murder and pushing Will to f#%k her...?! What?! I couldn’t connect to any of the characters or the story, no matter how good the writing was.
February 5, 2019
When Ellie James' sister and grandmother are murdered in their home, Ellie must trust mysterious Will Hastings to keep her and her young niece safe from the men that killed their loved ones and are now after them. But why are they being hunted? And why is Will and his family so determined to protect Ellie?
Lies That Bind Us is a dark and intense romance, full of drama, angst, mystery, twists, and surprises. Ellie and Will's story took me in an incredible journey and I loved every single moment of it. And the steamy scenes between them? They will melt your Kindle!
Ellie is a sweet and kind woman. She loved her family and will do anything to protect her niece. I loved how she always stood up for herself.
Will is a total alpha male. He's protective and possessive of those he loves, especially his Elle. I loved that he wasn't afraid to show everyone how deeply he loved her.
K.L. Clare did an amazing job with Lies That Bind Us! Ellie and Will's story will hook you from the first page and you won't be able to put your Kindle down. I can't wait to read more about Ellie, Will and the Hasting family.
July 1, 2021
Lies That Bind Us by K.L. Clare is a dark romantic suspense that I listened to on audio narrated by Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber. This is the first book in All The Lies Duet.
This is the first book of K.L.'s that I have read it definitely won't be my last. She did an amazing job pulling me into the story. I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Will and Ellie. Their relationship is not easy but you can help but root for them. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series Her Lovely Lies.
Erin and Zachary did an amazing job on the narration. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you love romantic suspense or dark romance.
Audiobook Obsession Reviewer
This is the first book of K.L.'s that I have read it definitely won't be my last. She did an amazing job pulling me into the story. I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Will and Ellie. Their relationship is not easy but you can help but root for them. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series Her Lovely Lies.
Erin and Zachary did an amazing job on the narration. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you love romantic suspense or dark romance.
Audiobook Obsession Reviewer
February 20, 2022
Ellie has her own personal stalker but he's not a typical stalker he's her protector and when she finds her sister and grandmother murdered he's there to save her. Their attraction is all-consuming and amid assassination attempts, family secrets being unburied, twists that come out of nowhere the couple's relationship gets stronger and stronger.
Loved Ellie and Will's intensity for one another and cannot wait to find out the mysteries that are still unknown and see where that leaves our fiery couple.
Loved Ellie and Will's intensity for one another and cannot wait to find out the mysteries that are still unknown and see where that leaves our fiery couple.
October 3, 2019
Wow! The story has everything, thrills, action, steamy love scenes and a tight family unit. It was an action packed read with tension and suspense galore.
The plot was riveting and there was secrets to be revealed, and lies and deceit.
This was a definite must read and I enjoyed it immensely. I’m now eagerly awaiting the next instalment in this exciting series. I can’t wait!
The plot was riveting and there was secrets to be revealed, and lies and deceit.
This was a definite must read and I enjoyed it immensely. I’m now eagerly awaiting the next instalment in this exciting series. I can’t wait!
September 21, 2020
4 solid stars
This was a new to me author.
This book was like one big puzzle, so I absolutely adored the premise of the plot. It was mostly well executed but my god did the main female character get to me in the last little bit.
So many secrets and lies are tangled together, look forward getting answers in the conclusion.
This was a new to me author.
This book was like one big puzzle, so I absolutely adored the premise of the plot. It was mostly well executed but my god did the main female character get to me in the last little bit.
So many secrets and lies are tangled together, look forward getting answers in the conclusion.
November 19, 2021
It was an ok book! My issue was that the beginning felt like someone dropped me in the middle of the book. Things happened but nothing was explained in a way that made sense. I feel like this book should have been DPOV, because our heroine just stay at home and goes shopping so even though we know there is action going on we don’t see it because we don’t get wills POV.
June 2, 2023
Terrible. h just lost her family, found out she is some defendant of the crowne (🤣🤣), H is there to protect her, she believes everything even though she doesn’t know him and she wants to bone him because he’s very hot.. 🙄 DNF
Pacing was very fast but very unbelievable
Pacing was very fast but very unbelievable
May 12, 2022
DNF- Not Dual POV.
Isnt from Will's perspective. Also the FMC is dumb..like her whole family was killed a day ago and her first reaction? Flirt with Will, get will to kiss her neck again, blah blah. 🙄😒
Like get your priorities straight. Also the premise of the book is dumb.."her bloodline is being killed off by an heir to the crown and there's a whole family dedicated to protecting her family", SPOILER: They dont! Because her family gets murdered. Seems like someone didnt do their job at all.
Does she have magical powers? Nope. Does she have any knowledge of her family's history? Also no. So she's just a clueless FMC.
Sorry but this book didn't grab my attention enough to finish it.
Isnt from Will's perspective. Also the FMC is dumb..like her whole family was killed a day ago and her first reaction? Flirt with Will, get will to kiss her neck again, blah blah. 🙄😒
Like get your priorities straight. Also the premise of the book is dumb.."her bloodline is being killed off by an heir to the crown and there's a whole family dedicated to protecting her family", SPOILER: They dont! Because her family gets murdered. Seems like someone didnt do their job at all.
Does she have magical powers? Nope. Does she have any knowledge of her family's history? Also no. So she's just a clueless FMC.
Sorry but this book didn't grab my attention enough to finish it.
April 21, 2022
Steamy dark romance… can’t wait to read more of Will & Elle’s story.
July 1, 2021
I had misconceptions on this book before I started it. I can say that I was guilty of judging a book by its cover here. I can also say that I really enjoyed this book very much. It was intense and action-packed. There are some things that went on in the book that I don't really fully jibe with, but those are more personal preferences rather than the writing or the book itself. I'm definitely curious to see how the rest of this series goes.
July 4, 2021
This story was very entertaining. It's loaded with action and the passion between the hero and heroine is intense and captivating. They may be one of my favorite book couples.
July 16, 2021
A long book. It’s not my normal book but I liked it.
August 2, 2022
Re-read this book and I had forgotten how it was written and it reminded me of a Wattpad story. Not bad just cheesy. I do love Ellie and Will though.
December 4, 2024
Jumps in with both feet!!!
It is fast paced and the beginning of this book really made me feel like I was missing something and I don't mean that in the "was a good thriller" way but like there should be more content. I was in ch 8 and still a bit lost but getting red flag feelings. Any man that says I will be wherever you are then says we need to go to a different country away from everything you know and we don't have much time..... But by chapter 9 he isn't even giving her the option anymore. I'm not sure if that is supposed to be romantic or scary???
When a man tells a woman he is dangerous and has killed people and destroyed people in business I think a girl should at least take pause I get totally the appeal of the bad boy or even a man who thinks they are not worth the woman they are falling for but still pause ... Then you have Will's back and forth emotions between kissing Elle and telling her they can't kiss or be intimate it was enough to give the reader whiplash.
There are several great things about this story though. The general story line is intriguing. The steamy parts of just the right amount of emotion with physical not to much for a romance reader. The screen where Elle is getting sick is so sweet and just what every woman wants. The way she describes the grief Elle feels.....only someone who has been through it can describe.
The further I get in this book the more frustrated I get with this girl I have read all kinds of romance novels I myself are a clingy type girlfriend I really am. I don't like it when we are not together however, every time he walks out the door I don't feel like he's leaving me. I feel that this was a major writing flaw. The character could show the same emotion without such dramatics and it would add to the book how it is written makes me not want to continue. She's basically a 2-year-old sorry to fit. When Will's not around she tends to get in this mindset that she's strong powerful and can do it all The moment she talks to him she falls apart into pieces this is improving anything it's a bad technique mixer that seems weak as a character.
While researching the author I found this book is no longer available and that it appears that she is now writing under the name K.L. Clare. She has republished this book under a new name it is called "Lies That Bind Us " and is next on my reading list hopefully it is better!!!!
It is fast paced and the beginning of this book really made me feel like I was missing something and I don't mean that in the "was a good thriller" way but like there should be more content. I was in ch 8 and still a bit lost but getting red flag feelings. Any man that says I will be wherever you are then says we need to go to a different country away from everything you know and we don't have much time..... But by chapter 9 he isn't even giving her the option anymore. I'm not sure if that is supposed to be romantic or scary???
When a man tells a woman he is dangerous and has killed people and destroyed people in business I think a girl should at least take pause I get totally the appeal of the bad boy or even a man who thinks they are not worth the woman they are falling for but still pause ... Then you have Will's back and forth emotions between kissing Elle and telling her they can't kiss or be intimate it was enough to give the reader whiplash.
There are several great things about this story though. The general story line is intriguing. The steamy parts of just the right amount of emotion with physical not to much for a romance reader. The screen where Elle is getting sick is so sweet and just what every woman wants. The way she describes the grief Elle feels.....only someone who has been through it can describe.
The further I get in this book the more frustrated I get with this girl I have read all kinds of romance novels I myself are a clingy type girlfriend I really am. I don't like it when we are not together however, every time he walks out the door I don't feel like he's leaving me. I feel that this was a major writing flaw. The character could show the same emotion without such dramatics and it would add to the book how it is written makes me not want to continue. She's basically a 2-year-old sorry to fit. When Will's not around she tends to get in this mindset that she's strong powerful and can do it all The moment she talks to him she falls apart into pieces this is improving anything it's a bad technique mixer that seems weak as a character.
While researching the author I found this book is no longer available and that it appears that she is now writing under the name K.L. Clare. She has republished this book under a new name it is called "Lies That Bind Us " and is next on my reading list hopefully it is better!!!!
June 30, 2021
I found the idea behind the story really interesting. Ellie loses her family and then finds out that she may be a direct descendant of a royalty. She then finds out that she’s being protected by Will, who is an unapologetically alpha bodyguard. There’s plenty of chemistry and a few twists and turns, where these two need to to overcome the dangers that are plaguing them.
My biggest issue with this story is Ellie. She was constantly noting how she couldn’t BE without Will. I think this book is supposed to showcase an obsessive relationship but I felt like the constant and repeating refrain of fear about how she could possibly survive losing him make me respect her a little less. And then Will was written as uncontrolled when he was around Ellie, so passionate that he can’t control his base instincts.. So, basically, the reader is to accept that these two characters are so obsessed with each other that they are no longer in control of their faculties. That seems a little unbelievable, especially for Will, who is supposed to be a destined protector. I give this story 3.5 stars.
However, I am looking forward to reading the next story, which is part 2 of this duet. I also listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by Erin Mallon. Zachary Webber narrates the epilogue and I noted that he narrates book 2 with Erin Mallon narrating the epilogue. Erin Mallon did a fantastic job narrating all the different characters- she also managed to infuse emotion into her reading. It was a great listen for a good, if a bit far fetched story.
🎧AudiobookObsessionReviewer, AudiobookObsession
My biggest issue with this story is Ellie. She was constantly noting how she couldn’t BE without Will. I think this book is supposed to showcase an obsessive relationship but I felt like the constant and repeating refrain of fear about how she could possibly survive losing him make me respect her a little less. And then Will was written as uncontrolled when he was around Ellie, so passionate that he can’t control his base instincts.. So, basically, the reader is to accept that these two characters are so obsessed with each other that they are no longer in control of their faculties. That seems a little unbelievable, especially for Will, who is supposed to be a destined protector. I give this story 3.5 stars.
However, I am looking forward to reading the next story, which is part 2 of this duet. I also listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by Erin Mallon. Zachary Webber narrates the epilogue and I noted that he narrates book 2 with Erin Mallon narrating the epilogue. Erin Mallon did a fantastic job narrating all the different characters- she also managed to infuse emotion into her reading. It was a great listen for a good, if a bit far fetched story.
🎧AudiobookObsessionReviewer, AudiobookObsession
July 15, 2019
Blinding Binding Melodrama
My intention was to get out of my head and lose my worries for a while in someone else’s troubles. A good romantic thriller would do just fine, or so I thought when I chose “Lies That Bind Us”. Ah well. What I got was melodrama on steroids that’s locked in a time warp. Author K.L. Clare delivers a borderline fairytale plot of Ellie who is living in the U.S. but is unknowingly a direct descendant of the British Crown. Really? Har de har har. And to top it off Will Hastings (who we’re supposed to believe is a descendant of William the Conquerer) is her sworn protector. Ellie is maddeningly over emotional with her over the top histrionics, crying buckets of tears, weepy and needy beyond all reason. And Will carries the domineering hero trope like a badge of honor. Problem is, the characters and their actions and attitudes don’t fit in a contemporary romantic thriller.
Making matters worse, the narrative and dialogue read like a rough draft throughout the first two-thirds of the book. It was disjointed and ping-ponged back and forth between subjects without continuity. I kept looking through just-read pages to see if I’d inadvertently skipped parts. Nope! I came very close to chucking it into the DNF stack but I fought the urge and finished it. I can’t remember the last time I rated a book this low, but you do what you’ve gotta’ do. I won’t be reading Book 2 of the Beautiful White Lies series though. Two stars.
My intention was to get out of my head and lose my worries for a while in someone else’s troubles. A good romantic thriller would do just fine, or so I thought when I chose “Lies That Bind Us”. Ah well. What I got was melodrama on steroids that’s locked in a time warp. Author K.L. Clare delivers a borderline fairytale plot of Ellie who is living in the U.S. but is unknowingly a direct descendant of the British Crown. Really? Har de har har. And to top it off Will Hastings (who we’re supposed to believe is a descendant of William the Conquerer) is her sworn protector. Ellie is maddeningly over emotional with her over the top histrionics, crying buckets of tears, weepy and needy beyond all reason. And Will carries the domineering hero trope like a badge of honor. Problem is, the characters and their actions and attitudes don’t fit in a contemporary romantic thriller.
Making matters worse, the narrative and dialogue read like a rough draft throughout the first two-thirds of the book. It was disjointed and ping-ponged back and forth between subjects without continuity. I kept looking through just-read pages to see if I’d inadvertently skipped parts. Nope! I came very close to chucking it into the DNF stack but I fought the urge and finished it. I can’t remember the last time I rated a book this low, but you do what you’ve gotta’ do. I won’t be reading Book 2 of the Beautiful White Lies series though. Two stars.
February 5, 2019
4.5/5
Http://jodiesbookreviews.blogspot.com
In Short
- The blurb completely drawn me in.
- The story line develops at lightening speed.
- The chemistry between the two characters is addictive.
In Long
The blurb for Lies that Bind Us is just enough to draw you in but leaves so many unknowns, I couldn't wait to start it!
From the first page this book gives you no time to breath or think, intense isn't strong enough word for the roller coaster that this book takes you on. The story line is really well thought out and develops at lightening speed, the tempo never slowing down and the twists and turns never ending.
There is good, addictive chemistry between the two main characters and i loved seeing it play out. Will is pretty irresistible character who has an intriguing but caring vibe about him while at the same time is a normal human who has flaws and makes mistakes. I have to say though I couldn't get enough of the intense side of him!
Ellie's story is heart breaking and I really felt for her, at some points I felt she was almost too strong but then you do see some glimpses where she fails to hide her hurt and struggles which made it all feel more real.
Final Thoughts
K.L. Clare will be a must read author for me and I can not wait for the next book.
Quotes
'Pain, confusion, and loneliness haunted me, but when he was close, when he touched me, my mind rested.'
'I wanted his power, wanted to breath it in.'
'The roof could have fallen in, the outside world could have ended, but not our world.'
'He held me so tight that nothing that wasn't us could survive in between.'
Http://jodiesbookreviews.blogspot.com
In Short
- The blurb completely drawn me in.
- The story line develops at lightening speed.
- The chemistry between the two characters is addictive.
In Long
The blurb for Lies that Bind Us is just enough to draw you in but leaves so many unknowns, I couldn't wait to start it!
From the first page this book gives you no time to breath or think, intense isn't strong enough word for the roller coaster that this book takes you on. The story line is really well thought out and develops at lightening speed, the tempo never slowing down and the twists and turns never ending.
There is good, addictive chemistry between the two main characters and i loved seeing it play out. Will is pretty irresistible character who has an intriguing but caring vibe about him while at the same time is a normal human who has flaws and makes mistakes. I have to say though I couldn't get enough of the intense side of him!
Ellie's story is heart breaking and I really felt for her, at some points I felt she was almost too strong but then you do see some glimpses where she fails to hide her hurt and struggles which made it all feel more real.
Final Thoughts
K.L. Clare will be a must read author for me and I can not wait for the next book.
Quotes
'Pain, confusion, and loneliness haunted me, but when he was close, when he touched me, my mind rested.'
'I wanted his power, wanted to breath it in.'
'The roof could have fallen in, the outside world could have ended, but not our world.'
'He held me so tight that nothing that wasn't us could survive in between.'
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews