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The Lies We Tell
I grew up logical. No fairy tales, no romantic notions, no expectations. Life is unfair. I knew this. I bled it. Lived it. But the damage… that was unexpected. Because it was all a lie. Every moment, every story, every ideal I held onto, was a lie. Somewhere, somehow the lie exploded and now, now my reality is far more grim than logic. It’s an expanse of color filled reality, heartbreaking loss, spine chilling emotions imprinted into the psyche I didn’t ask for. I didn’t ask for any of this. I wanted a peaceful life. But that was bulldozed the second she went missing and he showed up on my front porch. The moment fiction and reality blurred their lines in my mind. Can I run from the truth? Can I escape the fear of becoming a monster? Or will I give into the desires I underestimated? The only thing I truly know is… if I’m not careful… I know I’ll Byrne.
- GenresFantasyParanormalSpicy
509 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2022
About the author
E.Y. Kelley
7 books90 followersE.Y. Kelley is a multi-genre author of Dark Urban Fantasy, contemporary fiction, and more.
The Lies We Tell was her first published book debuting in 2022.
She lives in South Dakota with her 2 kids, her husband, their dog, and Bearded Dragon.
Her life is crazy, chaotic, and full of adventure. She enjoys lazy, rainy days with a good book, venturing into nature, and exploring everything the country has to offer. She often tells people she isn't of this world, daydreaming of fantastical realities in realms unknown. She enjoys playing volleyball, loves music, snuggling with her family, reading endlessly, and having a laid-back cocktail with her best friends. She loves Fantasy Fiction books and is a huge fan of spicy scenes, bossy alpha males, strong female MC’s, and all things dark and chilling.
She is a mental health and sexual assault advocate. You can reach her on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more!
www.EYKelley.com
The Lies We Tell was her first published book debuting in 2022.
She lives in South Dakota with her 2 kids, her husband, their dog, and Bearded Dragon.
Her life is crazy, chaotic, and full of adventure. She enjoys lazy, rainy days with a good book, venturing into nature, and exploring everything the country has to offer. She often tells people she isn't of this world, daydreaming of fantastical realities in realms unknown. She enjoys playing volleyball, loves music, snuggling with her family, reading endlessly, and having a laid-back cocktail with her best friends. She loves Fantasy Fiction books and is a huge fan of spicy scenes, bossy alpha males, strong female MC’s, and all things dark and chilling.
She is a mental health and sexual assault advocate. You can reach her on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more!
www.EYKelley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
March 26, 2026
This series holds such a special place in my heart. It has since I read this book when it was first released. I love that it has been revamped and rereleased. I truly hope everyone enjoys this book/series as much as I have over the years. I fell in love with the story and characters a long time ago and nothing has changed since.
First can I just say the cover of this book is gorgeous! Its eye catching and draws you in on its own. I love that the necklace is on the cover so you can picture it in your head while reading.
The synopsis doesn’t give you a lot into what is going to happen but that also adds to the mystery of not knowing what is to come. E. Y. Kelley tells you the story in such a vague way it doesn’t click that you knew everything until you have read the book. Its genius!
The concept of intuitives with this book is so different from anything else I have read even when it was originally released. Its unique and the writing style is amazing. The world created isnt something extreme like in other books and its so easy to get into and understand everything. Though everything isnt explained right away(due to storyline), it gets explained in time and in the best way possible.
The feelings Lexi has in this book are so relatable. Lexi goes through the feelings of being unsure of herself and it makes the whole story feel more realistic. This book will pull at your heart strings and make you envious of being able to connect to people and the Earth the way they do in the book. I cried, laughed and broke when Lexi did.
Lexi and Emmy's friendship is absolutely top tier. They compliment each other perfectly. A true friendship.
I have such a love/hate relationship with Kohl. He can be the sweetest person when he wants to be, but boy can he also be the biggest jacka** too. The way he calls he love s just everything. Kalob will forever be my #1 book boyfriend! Whiele you dont see alot of why in this book keep reading and you will fall in love too!
First can I just say the cover of this book is gorgeous! Its eye catching and draws you in on its own. I love that the necklace is on the cover so you can picture it in your head while reading.
The synopsis doesn’t give you a lot into what is going to happen but that also adds to the mystery of not knowing what is to come. E. Y. Kelley tells you the story in such a vague way it doesn’t click that you knew everything until you have read the book. Its genius!
The concept of intuitives with this book is so different from anything else I have read even when it was originally released. Its unique and the writing style is amazing. The world created isnt something extreme like in other books and its so easy to get into and understand everything. Though everything isnt explained right away(due to storyline), it gets explained in time and in the best way possible.
The feelings Lexi has in this book are so relatable. Lexi goes through the feelings of being unsure of herself and it makes the whole story feel more realistic. This book will pull at your heart strings and make you envious of being able to connect to people and the Earth the way they do in the book. I cried, laughed and broke when Lexi did.
Lexi and Emmy's friendship is absolutely top tier. They compliment each other perfectly. A true friendship.
I have such a love/hate relationship with Kohl. He can be the sweetest person when he wants to be, but boy can he also be the biggest jacka** too. The way he calls he love s just everything. Kalob will forever be my #1 book boyfriend! Whiele you dont see alot of why in this book keep reading and you will fall in love too!
October 5, 2022
I could not finish this book, which makes me feel horrible as I try to give every book a chance, but it was honestly a chore to read it. After halfway through, I started to skip and skim ahead to see if I could find a part to capture my interest but couldn’t find anything. I normally finish books in a couple days or less, especially when I can’t seem to put them down, but I kept finding it hard to pick this one up. I received this to read as an ARC and it kills me to leave a negative review, but I agreed to read it for my honest review, so here it is.
The synopsis of this sounded good and I love fantasy romance books, however this really didn’t feel like fantasy. I feel kind of let down by the description because it just really doesn’t read as fantasy to me. It’s more of a highly sensitive person/empath with a stone that amplified it a bit. The focus isn’t really even on her powers, it’s on her desire to have a sexual distraction from her frantic mind. I have so many questions that never seemed to get answered even though the book is so long, with plenty of time to answer them. I kept wanting more and not in a good, anticipation way. I wanted more fantasy, more info on powers, more emotional connection, more something I can’t put my finger on.
The steamy parts were definitely steamy in description, but overall felt just like filler to appease the reader who likes books with sex scenes. I prefer to have emotional connections to the characters and feel their emotions. You would think since her powers evolve around emotions, that would convey in the writing, but I found it really hard to feel a connection to the MC or any of the characters really.
The flow to the writing seemed disjointed and choppy, with some parts really good and others confusing, and almost like it was a rush for the author to finish parts to get on with the story.
The parts that were written really good, were really good, and I think the author has great promise and I enjoyed some of her analogies in it. I would give future books of hers a try, as some parts of her writing I really liked.
I enjoy lyrical prose writing (like The Shatter Me series by Taherah Mafi) and the parts I really liked seemed to flow like that type of writing, while other parts seemed to be a battle of writing styles and the author trying to conform to traditional writing styles, instead of embracing the prose writing way. So I think once the author nails down her writing style, it will flow a lot better. I’m hoping by writing this review, it gives the new author some things she might want to work on for her next book, because I really do think she has promise or i wouldn’t write such a lengthy negative review.
The synopsis of this sounded good and I love fantasy romance books, however this really didn’t feel like fantasy. I feel kind of let down by the description because it just really doesn’t read as fantasy to me. It’s more of a highly sensitive person/empath with a stone that amplified it a bit. The focus isn’t really even on her powers, it’s on her desire to have a sexual distraction from her frantic mind. I have so many questions that never seemed to get answered even though the book is so long, with plenty of time to answer them. I kept wanting more and not in a good, anticipation way. I wanted more fantasy, more info on powers, more emotional connection, more something I can’t put my finger on.
The steamy parts were definitely steamy in description, but overall felt just like filler to appease the reader who likes books with sex scenes. I prefer to have emotional connections to the characters and feel their emotions. You would think since her powers evolve around emotions, that would convey in the writing, but I found it really hard to feel a connection to the MC or any of the characters really.
The flow to the writing seemed disjointed and choppy, with some parts really good and others confusing, and almost like it was a rush for the author to finish parts to get on with the story.
The parts that were written really good, were really good, and I think the author has great promise and I enjoyed some of her analogies in it. I would give future books of hers a try, as some parts of her writing I really liked.
I enjoy lyrical prose writing (like The Shatter Me series by Taherah Mafi) and the parts I really liked seemed to flow like that type of writing, while other parts seemed to be a battle of writing styles and the author trying to conform to traditional writing styles, instead of embracing the prose writing way. So I think once the author nails down her writing style, it will flow a lot better. I’m hoping by writing this review, it gives the new author some things she might want to work on for her next book, because I really do think she has promise or i wouldn’t write such a lengthy negative review.
July 1, 2022
Fantastic book! The heartache, drama, suspense, and SPICE! It reads very easily, once you start you don't want to put it down! The MC, Lexi, is a strong, intelligent, and thoughtful 21 year old struggling with 21 year old problems but then she gets hit with life-changing news and her whole world changes. The author of The Lies We Tell, E.Y. Kelley, introduces Lexi's best friends, lovers, and enemies in such a graceful and enticing manner that once you get a few chapters in- you're addicted and need to know how Lexi is going to navigate this new world around her.
HIGHLY recommend this book!
It is going to be a very long year until book 2 of the Intuitive Series, but I'm here for it!!
HIGHLY recommend this book!
It is going to be a very long year until book 2 of the Intuitive Series, but I'm here for it!!
July 1, 2022
This book is so beautifully written and the main character is very relatable in many ways. I often find myself in a fantasy world similar to the main character to deal with chaos in life. All the characters are so strong and brave in many ways. The love interests are incredibly sexy and protective of the main character. Overall I loved this book and had so much fun reading it. I did get this book as an advanced reader's copy and would recommend this book to anyone looking for an awesome romance with spice in it.
July 10, 2022
Advanced reader copy in exchange for a honest review.
Going in to this book with the knowledge that this was the debut novel by the author I felt impressed by her writing. As an avid reader of indie published authors I have grown accustomed to the different types of writing styles, however this book did not feel like a debut novel!
A few things I would have loved a bit more of was conversations and built between Lexi and Emmy other than their constant talk of sex and relationships. Whenever they began talking about anything other than their relationships the author stopped writing in dialoges and skipped forward. I loved their relationship but would love more regular discussions in book two!
The first half of the book was amazing, five stars! However, the second half felt a bit too long and uneventful for me. Kohl and Kaleb were both so much better characters in the first half but continued to disappear under random times in the second half. I started to root for Tyler in the end that was just a random hookup, just because he wasn’t portrayed as a continuous douchebag.
If any of these tropes are your cup of tea I would recommend you to try this book and form your own opinion!
Tropes:
- [ ] Paranormal romance
- [ ] Second chance
- [ ] Possessive alpha hero
- [ ] Cinnamon roll hero
- [ ] Reverse harem
- [ ] Stalker
- [ ] Magic
- [ ] 18+
Trigger warning:
- [ ] Grief
- [ ] Cheating (not on page)
Going in to this book with the knowledge that this was the debut novel by the author I felt impressed by her writing. As an avid reader of indie published authors I have grown accustomed to the different types of writing styles, however this book did not feel like a debut novel!
A few things I would have loved a bit more of was conversations and built between Lexi and Emmy other than their constant talk of sex and relationships. Whenever they began talking about anything other than their relationships the author stopped writing in dialoges and skipped forward. I loved their relationship but would love more regular discussions in book two!
The first half of the book was amazing, five stars! However, the second half felt a bit too long and uneventful for me. Kohl and Kaleb were both so much better characters in the first half but continued to disappear under random times in the second half. I started to root for Tyler in the end that was just a random hookup, just because he wasn’t portrayed as a continuous douchebag.
If any of these tropes are your cup of tea I would recommend you to try this book and form your own opinion!
Tropes:
- [ ] Paranormal romance
- [ ] Second chance
- [ ] Possessive alpha hero
- [ ] Cinnamon roll hero
- [ ] Reverse harem
- [ ] Stalker
- [ ] Magic
- [ ] 18+
Trigger warning:
- [ ] Grief
- [ ] Cheating (not on page)
July 11, 2022
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC for this review.
Warning: This book contains many spicy 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 scenes.
The Lies We Tell is a whirlwind of a story, and it’s just the beginning. FMC Lexi is a bright, albeit naive 21 year old college student. She has normal college problems until her mother vanishes. The story picks up a year later when the family decides to stop looking and finally grieve their loss. With this acceptance, Lexi puts on her mother’s favorite necklace, that she gave to Lexi before disappearing. The necklace opens Lexi up to a new world, and all the problems and experiences that come with her new abilities.
The author, E.Y. Kelley, let’s the reader dive deep into Lexi’s brain and really imagine what it would feel like to be in her shoes. You meet Lexi’s family, friends, lovers, and enemies. They are all treated with respect and given a chance to be understood.
The scenes are spicy, the men are dominating and hot 🥵, there’s a magical component, what’s not to love?
Fantastic book that had me running back to read it, I barely wanted to stop to eat. I cannot wait til next summer for the next book in the series!
Warning: This book contains many spicy 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 scenes.
The Lies We Tell is a whirlwind of a story, and it’s just the beginning. FMC Lexi is a bright, albeit naive 21 year old college student. She has normal college problems until her mother vanishes. The story picks up a year later when the family decides to stop looking and finally grieve their loss. With this acceptance, Lexi puts on her mother’s favorite necklace, that she gave to Lexi before disappearing. The necklace opens Lexi up to a new world, and all the problems and experiences that come with her new abilities.
The author, E.Y. Kelley, let’s the reader dive deep into Lexi’s brain and really imagine what it would feel like to be in her shoes. You meet Lexi’s family, friends, lovers, and enemies. They are all treated with respect and given a chance to be understood.
The scenes are spicy, the men are dominating and hot 🥵, there’s a magical component, what’s not to love?
Fantastic book that had me running back to read it, I barely wanted to stop to eat. I cannot wait til next summer for the next book in the series!
July 15, 2022
Received as an ARC from the author
The Lies We Tell is an intriguing, paranormal romance debut novel by author E.Y. Kelley. It follows Lexi, a junior in college, who is left reeling after the sudden disappearance of her beloved mother. Lexi soon finds out that she's an Intuitive and must quickly learn to use and control her new found abilities.
While I enjoyed the novel, I felt like the pace was a bit awkward. There were sections where I felt like little happened (I was hoping for more "plot") and then other times where the timeline would fast forward two weeks. Lexi's character development was one of my favorite parts. I enjoyed seeing her mature through the novel. I feel like she grew into herself and stood up for what she wanted.
Overall, I give this novel 4/5 stars and am definitely looking forward to book 2 in the series as well as any other novels Kelley writes.
The Lies We Tell is an intriguing, paranormal romance debut novel by author E.Y. Kelley. It follows Lexi, a junior in college, who is left reeling after the sudden disappearance of her beloved mother. Lexi soon finds out that she's an Intuitive and must quickly learn to use and control her new found abilities.
While I enjoyed the novel, I felt like the pace was a bit awkward. There were sections where I felt like little happened (I was hoping for more "plot") and then other times where the timeline would fast forward two weeks. Lexi's character development was one of my favorite parts. I enjoyed seeing her mature through the novel. I feel like she grew into herself and stood up for what she wanted.
Overall, I give this novel 4/5 stars and am definitely looking forward to book 2 in the series as well as any other novels Kelley writes.
July 15, 2022
Warning: This book contains multiple smut scenes. (All of them are YUMMY!)
My Thoughts: I am dying right now after finishing this book! Elizabeth is a fantastic author. I was hanging onto every word of this phenomenal book. Not only did this book have yummy spice but heartache and suspense with underlying drama. Every scene in this book mattered and was a part of shaping who Lexi is as a person. By the end of the book I felt as though I WAS Lexi. I cried with her, I broke with her, and I smiled with her. I absolutely loved Lexi and seeing her go from being a logical person to one handling emotions and how overwhelming that was for her was so relatable. By the end of the book I was ready to go right into book two but I must wait until next summer.
My Thoughts: I am dying right now after finishing this book! Elizabeth is a fantastic author. I was hanging onto every word of this phenomenal book. Not only did this book have yummy spice but heartache and suspense with underlying drama. Every scene in this book mattered and was a part of shaping who Lexi is as a person. By the end of the book I felt as though I WAS Lexi. I cried with her, I broke with her, and I smiled with her. I absolutely loved Lexi and seeing her go from being a logical person to one handling emotions and how overwhelming that was for her was so relatable. By the end of the book I was ready to go right into book two but I must wait until next summer.
April 21, 2026
Have you ever heard that sound on Tiktok that goes “EMOTIONAL DAMAGE”? Well if you need an emotional rollercoaster in your life then this is your book. Jesus Mary and Joseph… I just…I just… I just need to know what I’m supposed to do with my life for the next year until book two comes out?
Does anybody have anything to help with a book hangover? Cuz I don’t know how I’m supposed to move onto the rest of my TBR after a book like this….
Does anybody have anything to help with a book hangover? Cuz I don’t know how I’m supposed to move onto the rest of my TBR after a book like this….
July 9, 2022
I ended up with this book as an ARC reader and it is absolutely phenomenal! It takes a lot for me to get into a book and I was hooked in the first 3 pages! It pulled me in on a personal level as I've dealt with a lot of the MC issues and hurdles. It kept me hooked because of the storyline and smexy scenes. I ended up finishing the book in less than 12 hours. I am so sad it will be awhile until book 2 is here!!
July 9, 2022
Received as an ARC. The synopsis didn’t give too much away and I did find it a little hard to get into initially but when I did, I quite enjoyed myself.
The story was interesting. It did take some getting used to and some of the descriptions were a little odd to me but I found that I’m rather charmed by the Ferris wheel of life analogy. The writing was disjointed in places, the pace could be a bit choppy and it could do with a thorough editing which was tough going for me at times.
I was expecting something considerably steamier based on the teasers we were fed but this May suit other readers better as I like my smutty books to be so hot it burns my fingers when I turn the pages.
Overall, I thought it was a decent first book. The author took that leap of faith and that’s very much a badass move so congratulations and well done!
I gave it a 2 star rating because of the disjointed writing, editing and pace because It is very much part of what I enjoy in a book. Also because the steam could’ve been steamier for me. Am I going to continue reading the series? Yeah…you got me there!
That ending? Book 2 seems so very far away.
The story was interesting. It did take some getting used to and some of the descriptions were a little odd to me but I found that I’m rather charmed by the Ferris wheel of life analogy. The writing was disjointed in places, the pace could be a bit choppy and it could do with a thorough editing which was tough going for me at times.
I was expecting something considerably steamier based on the teasers we were fed but this May suit other readers better as I like my smutty books to be so hot it burns my fingers when I turn the pages.
Overall, I thought it was a decent first book. The author took that leap of faith and that’s very much a badass move so congratulations and well done!
I gave it a 2 star rating because of the disjointed writing, editing and pace because It is very much part of what I enjoy in a book. Also because the steam could’ve been steamier for me. Am I going to continue reading the series? Yeah…you got me there!
That ending? Book 2 seems so very far away.
August 21, 2022
What a rollercoaster of emotions. This book has it all… and the character development throughout is what makes it so intriguing and keeps you reading.
The beginning was a little slow but being it is a first book the a series, the foundation to the story and the basis needed to be set so I understand that. The steamy scenes were so well written and keep you enthralled!
I think this is a very unique plot and storyline especially for a romance book. I can’t wait to see what’s next in book 2!
The beginning was a little slow but being it is a first book the a series, the foundation to the story and the basis needed to be set so I understand that. The steamy scenes were so well written and keep you enthralled!
I think this is a very unique plot and storyline especially for a romance book. I can’t wait to see what’s next in book 2!
March 28, 2023
I don't know what write. This book was amazing.
This review may have be all over the place, it doesn't feel like one of my best, but I don't want to give anything away, but I also want people to read this book and be in the same place I am waiting on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2. I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The preface of this book hooks you in, and the rest of the story just keeps you wanting more.
Lexi is a girl who's life completely changes after the preface (I don't want to give anything away.) Lexi feels lied to and betrayed by the people who are supposed to love her. Lexi has her best friend Emmy who is her roommate and a sister to her. Lexi & Emmy share a dorm and Lexi tries to keep Emmy at bay with the changes in her life. Lexi also has her ex-boyfriend and still best friend Kalob, who always tries to be there for her. The last person who helps Lexi is Kohl, Kohl is brought in to help Lexi and keep her safe from the big bad....
This book has some really interesting twists and turns unfortunately (only because we have to wait a year for the next book) we get some major happenings and twists near the end or at the end, so yes it ends on a major cliffhanger, but OMG it is so worth the read.
Off story but still about this book, I loved the trigger warning E.Y. gives at the beginning of this book, while none of these were my triggers, I appreciate it being written out as it was.
This review may have be all over the place, it doesn't feel like one of my best, but I don't want to give anything away, but I also want people to read this book and be in the same place I am waiting on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2. I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The preface of this book hooks you in, and the rest of the story just keeps you wanting more.
Lexi is a girl who's life completely changes after the preface (I don't want to give anything away.) Lexi feels lied to and betrayed by the people who are supposed to love her. Lexi has her best friend Emmy who is her roommate and a sister to her. Lexi & Emmy share a dorm and Lexi tries to keep Emmy at bay with the changes in her life. Lexi also has her ex-boyfriend and still best friend Kalob, who always tries to be there for her. The last person who helps Lexi is Kohl, Kohl is brought in to help Lexi and keep her safe from the big bad....
This book has some really interesting twists and turns unfortunately (only because we have to wait a year for the next book) we get some major happenings and twists near the end or at the end, so yes it ends on a major cliffhanger, but OMG it is so worth the read.
Off story but still about this book, I loved the trigger warning E.Y. gives at the beginning of this book, while none of these were my triggers, I appreciate it being written out as it was.
February 13, 2023
ARC READER:
For whatever reason when I started this book, I was struggling to get into the prologue but am I ever glad that I stuck with it and got to chapter one… once I hit Lexi’s side of the story I was hooked. Liz’s writing provided such an in-depth look at Lexi’s life it was easy to fall completely head over heels with her and all her loved ones, especially Aunt Dani, who wants so much to be the voice of reason but struggles with needing to be at home with her own husband and little girl. I dreaded as I got towards the end of the book, even though I went in to being an ARC reader knowing that there was a cliffhanger and that the story wouldn’t be done because there is still so much left unsaid, even after 500 pages. Even so my breath caught when I read the final sentence.
Liz has a great way with words, and I cannot wait until next summer to get to read Book 2 of the Intuitives.
For whatever reason when I started this book, I was struggling to get into the prologue but am I ever glad that I stuck with it and got to chapter one… once I hit Lexi’s side of the story I was hooked. Liz’s writing provided such an in-depth look at Lexi’s life it was easy to fall completely head over heels with her and all her loved ones, especially Aunt Dani, who wants so much to be the voice of reason but struggles with needing to be at home with her own husband and little girl. I dreaded as I got towards the end of the book, even though I went in to being an ARC reader knowing that there was a cliffhanger and that the story wouldn’t be done because there is still so much left unsaid, even after 500 pages. Even so my breath caught when I read the final sentence.
Liz has a great way with words, and I cannot wait until next summer to get to read Book 2 of the Intuitives.
July 11, 2022
ARC Review
4.8 out of 5 stars!
First and foremost:
"And remember, to be kind to yourself and practice self-love and self-care. Even if it's with something that buzzes." - E. Y. Kelley
Secondly, please read the trigger warnings at the start of the book.
This book's prologue is a little intense and the contents help keep you from getting hit out of left field. By no means is this to scare you out of reading this amazing story! It's simply to prepare you so you know what you're jumping into. The prologue does do it's job in sucking you into the book!
We are in Northern Arizona at a sad event. Lex's sitting on her parent's porch trying to breath and be able to handle the rest of the day. The loss of her mom has hit Lexi hard. Causing the very logical and rational Lex to feel emotions she hasn't before.
Staying around for a little bit to help out. Only Lex's practically chased off by two of her aunts, her mom's sisters. Because with funerals everyone comes out of the wood working wanting things left "to them". An item of her mother's has gone from a simple gift given to Lex to something more. Everyone wanting it, aggressively wanting it. To the point Nathan, Lexi's step-father, states for her to never give it to anyone.
Lex tries to return to college and her life living with her best friend Emmy. Having dealt with grief and all these intense emotions. Some completely taking over and causing her to feel sick. Wondering what's going on Dani shows up at her apartment randomly. Dani being the sweetest sister of her mom's and someone you can count on.
Lexi feels relief when Dani's around but after a much needed, enlightening conversation. . .Lexi's world spins on it's head. Finding out secrets about herself, her family, and her biological father. Not to mention her childhood friend and ex boyfriend, Kalob, is back. The icing on the cake? Kohl, and that's all I am going to say because I don't want to give away too much!
"He's like the stray dog that won't go away." Lex's thoughts on Kohl
I love Lexi and how she grows throughout the book. Regardless of the love interests being big idiots some of the time. I can understand Lex's journey and being overwhelmed. Having to break through and understand yourself and control. Even snapping at everyone to put them in their places.
"I am not breakable. I don't need a knight in shinning armor." - Lex
But she has such a great support system. One of them being her step-father, Nathan who always saw her as his. His figure as a father was amazing and I honestly just want to hug him!
"We are allowed to break, Alexis. We are allowed to hurt and be angry. It doesn't make you weak or fragile. You loved your mom and missing her is ok. You don't have to always be strong." - Nathan
From a personal stand point. . .This. . .this quote got me! That's all I wanted to hear when I was a teen dealing with issues. Allowing yourself to feel things and understand the emotions. Knowing that you are strong even if you need a moment. Not always having to be "perfect". This book hit very close to home, not in the sense of a family member loss. But the emotional part and the larger focus of the storyline.
Again, read the triggers. This book is emotional and all about the feels. I liked how the romance wasn't just clear cut and happily ever after. This is the first book so of course the cliffhanger. Author even tells her cast that "it doesn't get easier after this. . . Forgive me." So we are going to be in for a ride! There are very spicy MF scenes as well as language.
Enjoy this read and give the author some stars!
4.8 out of 5 stars!
First and foremost:
"And remember, to be kind to yourself and practice self-love and self-care. Even if it's with something that buzzes." - E. Y. Kelley
Secondly, please read the trigger warnings at the start of the book.
This book's prologue is a little intense and the contents help keep you from getting hit out of left field. By no means is this to scare you out of reading this amazing story! It's simply to prepare you so you know what you're jumping into. The prologue does do it's job in sucking you into the book!
We are in Northern Arizona at a sad event. Lex's sitting on her parent's porch trying to breath and be able to handle the rest of the day. The loss of her mom has hit Lexi hard. Causing the very logical and rational Lex to feel emotions she hasn't before.
Staying around for a little bit to help out. Only Lex's practically chased off by two of her aunts, her mom's sisters. Because with funerals everyone comes out of the wood working wanting things left "to them". An item of her mother's has gone from a simple gift given to Lex to something more. Everyone wanting it, aggressively wanting it. To the point Nathan, Lexi's step-father, states for her to never give it to anyone.
Lex tries to return to college and her life living with her best friend Emmy. Having dealt with grief and all these intense emotions. Some completely taking over and causing her to feel sick. Wondering what's going on Dani shows up at her apartment randomly. Dani being the sweetest sister of her mom's and someone you can count on.
Lexi feels relief when Dani's around but after a much needed, enlightening conversation. . .Lexi's world spins on it's head. Finding out secrets about herself, her family, and her biological father. Not to mention her childhood friend and ex boyfriend, Kalob, is back. The icing on the cake? Kohl, and that's all I am going to say because I don't want to give away too much!
"He's like the stray dog that won't go away." Lex's thoughts on Kohl
I love Lexi and how she grows throughout the book. Regardless of the love interests being big idiots some of the time. I can understand Lex's journey and being overwhelmed. Having to break through and understand yourself and control. Even snapping at everyone to put them in their places.
"I am not breakable. I don't need a knight in shinning armor." - Lex
But she has such a great support system. One of them being her step-father, Nathan who always saw her as his. His figure as a father was amazing and I honestly just want to hug him!
"We are allowed to break, Alexis. We are allowed to hurt and be angry. It doesn't make you weak or fragile. You loved your mom and missing her is ok. You don't have to always be strong." - Nathan
From a personal stand point. . .This. . .this quote got me! That's all I wanted to hear when I was a teen dealing with issues. Allowing yourself to feel things and understand the emotions. Knowing that you are strong even if you need a moment. Not always having to be "perfect". This book hit very close to home, not in the sense of a family member loss. But the emotional part and the larger focus of the storyline.
Again, read the triggers. This book is emotional and all about the feels. I liked how the romance wasn't just clear cut and happily ever after. This is the first book so of course the cliffhanger. Author even tells her cast that "it doesn't get easier after this. . . Forgive me." So we are going to be in for a ride! There are very spicy MF scenes as well as language.
Enjoy this read and give the author some stars!
July 10, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have mixed emotions regarding this book…while I did enjoy it and feel it was pretty good all around for this authors debut, it left me wanting…more. I feel that the pacing in this book was a little choppy, there were a lot of times where scenes ended rather abruptly or felt rushed.
I found myself wishing that the author would have spent more time on the Intuitive’s instead of Lexi’s love life or personal struggles, there were multiple times in the book where the author introduced other Intuitive’s but barely touched on them or their abilities. I feel it would have given the reader a bit of a better understanding of what was going on and why. Like the times they went to the cabin in particular, those bothered me cause it felt more like it was all about Lexi and her personal issues than learning anything further about what she was dealing with. You’re told all these things instead of it playing out on the page for you, if that makes sense. At one point Lexi talks to someone mind to mind and then never does it again, and that just threw me off cause if I had that ability you can bet your ass I’d be using it all the time!! (I hope that’s not a spoiler, don’t think it is??)
With all of that being said, I actually did really enjoy this book. It took me a couple tries to really get into it as the beginnings a bit awkward, but once I did I found I couldn’t put it down! I found a lot of similarities between myself and Lexi, which I think is what really hooked me. It’s rare that I find MCs that are so similar to me, from the description of her body type to her emotions and how she handled situations…literally me. I loved it. Also, that Ferris Wheel analogy? Chefs kiss. The story overall is super interesting and I feel like it really set the stage for a lot of cool stuff to happen in the next book!
Now Lexi’s love life…that I found incredibly aggravating. I know a lot of people like Kalob but honestly? I don’t like him, not at all lol. He was a bit of a weenie in my opinion, didn’t really understand the appeal personally. I do find I lean towards the “bad boys” so that’s probably why I found myself loving Kohl so much, but that whole relationship is something else and if I’m being honest left me a little confused with how frequently it flip flopped back and forth between him and Lexi. The sex scenes though? Hell yah. I think there was just enough to not be too much, although I would like to see Lexi get a bit more confidence on that front and take control yknow?
I gave this book 4 stars because even with all the critiques I’ve put in here, it was still a very good read and I know the author put in a ton of work. I honestly don’t know where the second book will take us, I have hopes that Lexi will come into her own and we’ll get to see more on the Intuitive’s front and she’ll focus a little less on all the guys in her life. I want Lexi to focus on Lexi and learn to manage her powers and become the badass bitch I know she can be! Can’t wait for book two!!!
I have mixed emotions regarding this book…while I did enjoy it and feel it was pretty good all around for this authors debut, it left me wanting…more. I feel that the pacing in this book was a little choppy, there were a lot of times where scenes ended rather abruptly or felt rushed.
I found myself wishing that the author would have spent more time on the Intuitive’s instead of Lexi’s love life or personal struggles, there were multiple times in the book where the author introduced other Intuitive’s but barely touched on them or their abilities. I feel it would have given the reader a bit of a better understanding of what was going on and why. Like the times they went to the cabin in particular, those bothered me cause it felt more like it was all about Lexi and her personal issues than learning anything further about what she was dealing with. You’re told all these things instead of it playing out on the page for you, if that makes sense. At one point Lexi talks to someone mind to mind and then never does it again, and that just threw me off cause if I had that ability you can bet your ass I’d be using it all the time!! (I hope that’s not a spoiler, don’t think it is??)
With all of that being said, I actually did really enjoy this book. It took me a couple tries to really get into it as the beginnings a bit awkward, but once I did I found I couldn’t put it down! I found a lot of similarities between myself and Lexi, which I think is what really hooked me. It’s rare that I find MCs that are so similar to me, from the description of her body type to her emotions and how she handled situations…literally me. I loved it. Also, that Ferris Wheel analogy? Chefs kiss. The story overall is super interesting and I feel like it really set the stage for a lot of cool stuff to happen in the next book!
Now Lexi’s love life…that I found incredibly aggravating. I know a lot of people like Kalob but honestly? I don’t like him, not at all lol. He was a bit of a weenie in my opinion, didn’t really understand the appeal personally. I do find I lean towards the “bad boys” so that’s probably why I found myself loving Kohl so much, but that whole relationship is something else and if I’m being honest left me a little confused with how frequently it flip flopped back and forth between him and Lexi. The sex scenes though? Hell yah. I think there was just enough to not be too much, although I would like to see Lexi get a bit more confidence on that front and take control yknow?
I gave this book 4 stars because even with all the critiques I’ve put in here, it was still a very good read and I know the author put in a ton of work. I honestly don’t know where the second book will take us, I have hopes that Lexi will come into her own and we’ll get to see more on the Intuitive’s front and she’ll focus a little less on all the guys in her life. I want Lexi to focus on Lexi and learn to manage her powers and become the badass bitch I know she can be! Can’t wait for book two!!!
July 9, 2022
5 much deserved stars! This book is so well written, it’s hard to believe this is her debut novel. As an arc reader, I’ve gotten to know a little bit about this author through her very active Facebook group. I know how much blood sweat and tears went into this, and it SHOWS on page. E.Y. Kelley, CONGRATS girl, this is a masterpiece!!!!
Where to begin? … as an arc reader, I had a very vague sense of what I would be reading going into this. I was expecting cozy little whimsical mystery/romance.. which is basically what this is… (Except for the “cozy“ part. ) What I was not expecting, was the DEPTH/the emotional roller coaster ((or Ferris wheel, if you will ;) )) this book would take me on. I’m not someone who’s inclined to open emotional displays. In fact, the only people who know I have tear ducts, are my closest friends and family. I’m not someone who literally cries over fictional characters (it happens, but not often) and I’ll be honest this book made me UNCOMFORTABLE, but in the best way!
Without giving too much away, this is a story about a young practical-minded woman learning to feel/process raw emotion. Other than that, I think it would be best to go into this book (almost) completely blind with a wide open mind.
If you like family secrets, magic, surprise powers AND you’re ready to FEEL… I mean laugh, cry, get turned on, fall in love, cry some more, and are also okay with an epic cliffhanger YOU NEED THIS BOOK((Or if you’re a sociopath and just plain curious, you might find this very informational )) RUN , don’t walk, go get your copy ASAP!
Where to begin? … as an arc reader, I had a very vague sense of what I would be reading going into this. I was expecting cozy little whimsical mystery/romance.. which is basically what this is… (Except for the “cozy“ part. ) What I was not expecting, was the DEPTH/the emotional roller coaster ((or Ferris wheel, if you will ;) )) this book would take me on. I’m not someone who’s inclined to open emotional displays. In fact, the only people who know I have tear ducts, are my closest friends and family. I’m not someone who literally cries over fictional characters (it happens, but not often) and I’ll be honest this book made me UNCOMFORTABLE, but in the best way!
Without giving too much away, this is a story about a young practical-minded woman learning to feel/process raw emotion. Other than that, I think it would be best to go into this book (almost) completely blind with a wide open mind.
If you like family secrets, magic, surprise powers AND you’re ready to FEEL… I mean laugh, cry, get turned on, fall in love, cry some more, and are also okay with an epic cliffhanger YOU NEED THIS BOOK((Or if you’re a sociopath and just plain curious, you might find this very informational )) RUN , don’t walk, go get your copy ASAP!
March 20, 2026
Het Verhaal
Het boek draait om de complexe dynamiek tussen personages wiens levens aan elkaar hangen door geheimen uit het verleden. Wanneer een oude leugen aan de oppervlakte komt, begint een gevaarlijk kat-en-muisspel waarbij niemand te vertrouwen in.
Pluspunten
* Onvoorspelbaar: Kelly is een meester in de plot twist. Net wanneer je denkt te weten hoe de vork in de steel zit, verandert de richting van het verhaal volledig.
* Psychologische Diepgang: De focus ligt niet alleen op de actie, maar vooral op de mentale tol die bedrog eist van de personages.
* Vlot geschreven: De hoofdstukken zijn kort en krachtig, waardoor je door het boek heen vliegt.
Minpunten
* Onsympathieke personages: Sommige lezers kunnen het lastig vinden om mee te leven met de hoofdpersonen, omdat ze bijna allemaal moreel twijfelachtige keuzes maken.
* Traag begin: Het duurt even voordat de spanning echt opbouwt, maar de ontknoping maakt dat ruimschoots goed.
Eindoordeel
Een absolute aanrader voor fans van auteurs als Shari Lapena of B.A. Paris. Het is een duister verhaal over hoe één kleine leugen een heel leven kan verwoesten.
Het boek draait om de complexe dynamiek tussen personages wiens levens aan elkaar hangen door geheimen uit het verleden. Wanneer een oude leugen aan de oppervlakte komt, begint een gevaarlijk kat-en-muisspel waarbij niemand te vertrouwen in.
Pluspunten
* Onvoorspelbaar: Kelly is een meester in de plot twist. Net wanneer je denkt te weten hoe de vork in de steel zit, verandert de richting van het verhaal volledig.
* Psychologische Diepgang: De focus ligt niet alleen op de actie, maar vooral op de mentale tol die bedrog eist van de personages.
* Vlot geschreven: De hoofdstukken zijn kort en krachtig, waardoor je door het boek heen vliegt.
Minpunten
* Onsympathieke personages: Sommige lezers kunnen het lastig vinden om mee te leven met de hoofdpersonen, omdat ze bijna allemaal moreel twijfelachtige keuzes maken.
* Traag begin: Het duurt even voordat de spanning echt opbouwt, maar de ontknoping maakt dat ruimschoots goed.
Eindoordeel
Een absolute aanrader voor fans van auteurs als Shari Lapena of B.A. Paris. Het is een duister verhaal over hoe één kleine leugen een heel leven kan verwoesten.
July 11, 2022
This novel had so much heart and emotion poured into it, and was an incredible debut!
A little spoiler free synopsis- Lexi, a college student in her early 20s, is gifted a special necklace that was her mothers. She has no idea that this piece of jewelry is actually a powerful relic and that she comes from a long line of Intuitives ( people with abilities to read emotions, auras ect)
As Lexi gets thrown into her new powers and this whole new world she tries to hang on to some sense of normalcy as a college student and that includes having a love life. 🌶 💕 But someone is after the necklace and maybe even Lexi, herself.
I loved the way the novel was written from Lexi’s POV, as you’re learning all about the world of the intuitives right along with her. The way she navigates the entire gamut of emotions ( and it’s a roller coaster or Ferris wheel 😜) was very real and relatable for a girl in their young twenties. If you love a spicy book with broody guys, a strong female lead, and lots of twists and turns; you’ll love this book!
A little spoiler free synopsis- Lexi, a college student in her early 20s, is gifted a special necklace that was her mothers. She has no idea that this piece of jewelry is actually a powerful relic and that she comes from a long line of Intuitives ( people with abilities to read emotions, auras ect)
As Lexi gets thrown into her new powers and this whole new world she tries to hang on to some sense of normalcy as a college student and that includes having a love life. 🌶 💕 But someone is after the necklace and maybe even Lexi, herself.
I loved the way the novel was written from Lexi’s POV, as you’re learning all about the world of the intuitives right along with her. The way she navigates the entire gamut of emotions ( and it’s a roller coaster or Ferris wheel 😜) was very real and relatable for a girl in their young twenties. If you love a spicy book with broody guys, a strong female lead, and lots of twists and turns; you’ll love this book!
July 10, 2022
First off this book is so beautifully written. Elizabeth did such an amazing job with this book. She had me hooked right away from the prologue. The characters in this book and so relatable. Navigating with being adults, relationships, life lessons, college. The main female character Lexi is the most relatable. You instantly fall in love with her. I loved following her journey in this book. Without giving anything away, I loved learning about what she can do, and going along that with her. Wanting to know what happens with her love life. The spice in this book is HOT! I won't give anything away. I really feel you need to go into this book not knowing everything. When this book comes out, you are gonna want to run and get a copy. It does end with a huge cliffhanger. Waiting for book two to come out is going to be brutal. I loved this book.
February 7, 2023
It took a moment to get used to the unique style of putting 3 narrators together in a single scene, but once my brain synced, there was no looking back.
The main narrator, the voice of Lexi, had so much depth and emotion in her performance, not only as the main character but also as every other female in the story. She had a distinct voice for each, capturing each emotion with seeming ease.
The male narrators did a wonderful job as well. The interactions between the three were natural despite the fact they probably have never met.
As for the story, it was my kind of modern fantasy. The stakes are high, the characters are flawed (and good lord, I wanted to strangle a certain man from time to time!), and the narrative moved easily. I cannot wait to get my hands on books two! (And hopefully the audio too!) this is definitely a book I want to add to my physical library ASAP.
The main narrator, the voice of Lexi, had so much depth and emotion in her performance, not only as the main character but also as every other female in the story. She had a distinct voice for each, capturing each emotion with seeming ease.
The male narrators did a wonderful job as well. The interactions between the three were natural despite the fact they probably have never met.
As for the story, it was my kind of modern fantasy. The stakes are high, the characters are flawed (and good lord, I wanted to strangle a certain man from time to time!), and the narrative moved easily. I cannot wait to get my hands on books two! (And hopefully the audio too!) this is definitely a book I want to add to my physical library ASAP.
March 29, 2026
Not many stories make me cry and while I didn't necessarily get emotionally attached to the story, it did bring a lot of my own past to the forefront of my mind and I felt Lexi's emotions as they were real -which made me cry.
It's a great story and I'm intrigued enough to want to read the rest of the series.
There were some times that I really felt like it was dragging and thought it could be cut down in page count, but since it was stated, prior to reading, that it was a slow start to the series, I was able to keep going without too much annoyance.
It's a great story and I'm intrigued enough to want to read the rest of the series.
There were some times that I really felt like it was dragging and thought it could be cut down in page count, but since it was stated, prior to reading, that it was a slow start to the series, I was able to keep going without too much annoyance.
July 11, 2022
Sexy, Intriguing, And Left Me Wanting More!
Holy Smokes, I didn’t know I needed this kind of escape, but boy am I glad I was offered the journey!
The characters, places, and story are well written. Steamy sex scenes had me swooning. The plot has me guessing and wondering the whole time trying to solve the mystery.
I want more. Get the book you’ll be so glad you did, don’t read it to your kids… grab your wine and don’t forget to play the music along with it!
Holy Smokes, I didn’t know I needed this kind of escape, but boy am I glad I was offered the journey!
The characters, places, and story are well written. Steamy sex scenes had me swooning. The plot has me guessing and wondering the whole time trying to solve the mystery.
I want more. Get the book you’ll be so glad you did, don’t read it to your kids… grab your wine and don’t forget to play the music along with it!
July 10, 2022
The Lies We Tell is a refreshing fantasy story with a strong FMC and a delightful splash of spicy scenes leaving you wanting more. I am excited to see where the story takes Lexi, not only with her powers and her love life but all the little details that are unfolded in the story.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and I am so glad i did. The Author new exactly what she was doing with this book and I cannot wait for book 2!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and I am so glad i did. The Author new exactly what she was doing with this book and I cannot wait for book 2!
November 12, 2024
I loved this book
Read it in a full day
Stayed up late reading it
It keeps you glued from the start.
Would make a good movie series
Read it in a full day
Stayed up late reading it
It keeps you glued from the start.
Would make a good movie series
November 30, 2024
Such a great book! I am totally hooked on this story. And it keeps you hanging on....til the next book!
July 3, 2022
Received as an ARC reader for the review.
Personally, I loved this book and cannot wait for more to come out and see where this story goes. While this style book may not be for everyone, it's right up my alley. Fantasy thriller-esque but enough that I can get behind the genre and find it believable.
Flows really well and has lots of understandable situations that make the story more real. Lots of spice (🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵🥵🥵) and an interesting take on a world within a world.
Preface drew me in and I had to know what this woman had left behind during her final moments even if it was incredibly awful finding out. The storyline jumps forward a lot but it progresses and gets you invested in the mental health and emotional value of the characters, especially with their snarky and fun attitudes at different points. Genuinely felt it was a good story that can open up much more in the coming installment/s.
Personally, I loved this book and cannot wait for more to come out and see where this story goes. While this style book may not be for everyone, it's right up my alley. Fantasy thriller-esque but enough that I can get behind the genre and find it believable.
Flows really well and has lots of understandable situations that make the story more real. Lots of spice (🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵🥵🥵) and an interesting take on a world within a world.
Preface drew me in and I had to know what this woman had left behind during her final moments even if it was incredibly awful finding out. The storyline jumps forward a lot but it progresses and gets you invested in the mental health and emotional value of the characters, especially with their snarky and fun attitudes at different points. Genuinely felt it was a good story that can open up much more in the coming installment/s.
July 7, 2022
Elizabeth had me hooked from the very short prologue and if it weren’t for work and other daily duties I probably would have had the book read in record time. I absolutely could not put it down. The characters are all relatable and genuine and there is just enough spice put in in the perfect places to keep you on your toes wanting more. Oh, and have we mentioned the cliff hanger??? OMG…. Book 2 is going to be just as incredible!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2022
Great read that leaves you wanting more..... of everything! Couldn't put it down.
July 10, 2022
I love it so much the Author did a really good job with this book I couldn’t put my phone number I can’t wait to get a physical copy
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