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Lie to Me

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“I’ll do anything to have a life.”

Lonely Blair Thorne is stuck with a part-time job that won’t pay the bills. If that wasn’t enough? Her neighbor is always upset over things like misplaced mail.

When an internet stranger offers her a night of unforgettable fantasy, Blair knows it’s what she needs. What she doesn’t expect, however, is that Mistress Misty is actually her dowdy neighbor!

“I’ll do anything to reclaim my life.”

Mira Whitfield used to have it all. After the deaths of her grandparents, however, she’s lost the family home. Her determination to buy back Whitfield Manor is so strong that she’ll do whatever it takes to come up with the funds.

Even if it means becoming a professional Domme. And even if it means roping her neighbor into the competition.

“We’ll do anything to win.”

In only two months, Mira and Blair must become the power couple to end them all. Between turning up the charm, working the performance circuit, and pretending to be the perfect couple in love… these two will either stay together for life, or crash and burn before they reach the Summit.

Because the Summit, the biggest event for domme-sub women in the world, is where they’ll test their mettle to win millions of dollars.

LIE TO ME is a romance with a HEA. It is also a celebration of the Dane-Billings world and features an eclectic mix of cameos that are sure to entertain the reader’s imagination unlike ever before!

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2022

131 people are currently reading
221 people want to read

About the author

Cynthia Dane

132 books526 followers

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5 stars
167 (43%)
4 stars
118 (30%)
3 stars
79 (20%)
2 stars
13 (3%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
39 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2023
Mixed feelings. Just because something feels good. That doesn't mean it's good for you.

Bdsm is like a drug that can kill you while making you feel alive.
This book left me frustrated. While I felt it vividly captured the emotions of bdsm I was ultimately very sad for Blair through most of the story. It honestly felt like a cautionary tale at parts.

For the Characters. I liked Blair. She is a sub that gets in way to deep with someone who has a lot to learn as a domme. It's Mira that I struggled with through most of the book. She is very self centered and unlikable through most of the book. I felt like she didn't really deserve Blairs love and devotion.

But the real issue for me is mild spoiler. Blair is thrown in the deep end and pushed way past her limits through most of the story. Blair was swayed into a lot of things she didn't want or felt ambivalent about through much of the story. Part of it is their fake roles but part of it is Mira not understanding what Blair is going through.

When Blair is in deep sup space she stops really being able to consent. Not really. And Mira and later Delia take advantage of that naivete. This causes very real damage to Blair's sense of self. The shame, guilt and deeper feelings are all missed entirely by Mira who is supposed to be 'training' her.

Blair doesn't even know what she wants before it becomes something she can't stop wanting. It's incredibly unhealthy. This was both a strength of the story and a weakness.

As sad as it was to read Blairs side of things I thought it would be good to explore this dynamic of a sub getting in too deep, and the inexperienced Domme learning from her mistakes and working to win back her subs faith and trust but the execution is poor.

I liked that Tara pointed out some of Mira's weaknesses as a Domme. But I felt like Mira's apology and recognition of her mistakes was not really enough. There just wasn't enough time spent during the reconciliation at the end of the story. They needed a longer third half.

Blair really went through a lot. To me she felt damaged and not truly healed. It's all just glossed over that they talked and it got better in the epilogue.

Because of this I didn't feel like Mira deserved Blair. I wanted to see Mira maybe learn from Astrid and Elana more about being a real Domme. Or even talking to her friend Heather about what a sub feels. Blair deserved so much more.

I also felt it was a little open ended with Delia's antagonism and Mira's family. Maybe there is room for Mira to grow more in a sequel? Also I love the cover.



Profile Image for Alexa Steli.
698 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2024
3,5/5
This was soooo bad and good,like I can't believe that this book is both.

So realistic but ??also wtf???

Also I hate the sharing trope frrrr,I can't when there's not Jealousy or possessiveness ,not my cup of tea at all
Profile Image for stat shiv.
118 reviews27 followers
November 15, 2023
➬➱➫➩➪【3.75 Stars】
I am no stranger to Cynthia Dane/Hildred Billing’s writing. I was really hoping their writing was a bit more complex and had some depth in this story. I think that’s why I usually don’t connect with their stories. This book probably lands more in a 3 star category, but the sex was everything I wanted in an erotic romance. It was very hot.

Blair and Mira were great together. There were definitely some issues in their relationship that frustrated me. The plot seriously looks ridiculous, and, trust me, it is, but I thought it was funny most of the time and had a good laugh. I liked how previous characters from their books played a role in this plot. I thought it was a good erotic romance.

The BDSM is not extreme but it is there. Lots of roleplaying as well. If you don’t mind this, you might like this book.
➢Happy reading!
91 reviews
September 19, 2022
Now that was a fun story to read and fantasize about. I learned a bit about BDSM

It would have been so much better if someone had does a better job of proofreading.
Profile Image for Sarah.
93 reviews5 followers
January 10, 2024
I really, really wanted to enjoy a deliciously long story about a dom and her sub. And while there was length, I actually truly struggled with Lie to Me.

This was the first Cynthia Dane book I ever picked up - and while I'm not deterred from reading more work, I am somewhat hesitant at this stage. I found it extremely difficult to see any real chemistry between Mira and Blair. Mira was so hyper focused on the Summit, achieving her goal that at times, it was difficult to see how Blair could actually fall for her.

Blair was, at times, so back and forth. Which was understandable to a degree - Mira was her first relationship that had a BDSM element to it (and then some, it seems like there wasn't anything these two didn't do together) I almost felt bad for Blair but then just as we're about to get into her mindset more, the chapter ends or the scene changed.

It was also incredibly distracting to be reading a sex scene but have five paragraphs of Blair thinking about anythig but what she was doing, or to have Mira go on a mental tangent about her childhood home. The intimate scenes were wasted on character thought, not on focusing on what the two were doing together.

Like I said, I'm not yet deterred from Cynthia Dane - nor am I saying this book isn't worth reading. I think I was just taken by surprise that Dane opted to go off on tangents about the Whitmore estate when she should have had Mira giving Blair the aftercare she needed at times. It was also quite difficult, for me, to really care about Mira - whose only real concern seemed to be her house and Blair, whose only real concern seemed to be occassionally wondering if this sub was who she was now and without really diving into it, yes, she is. While I often bemoan that some books are just too darn short, Lie to Me perhaps suffers for the length of it.

In the end, this wasn't a love story between a dom and her sub. It was a love story between a dom and her goals.
Profile Image for Vi.
52 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2024
This book was... rough to get through. Even ignoring the frequent typos and incomplete sentences. The dialog was pretty cringy in some places, the plot is... well, its essentially porn without plot. Which is fine if the porn is good, but... eh.

My biggest gripe is that it feels like it was written by someone who's never actually experienced safe and sane BDSM. Consent is dubious at best, especially in the beginning. It is completely unheard of that a professional domme of any repute would immediately engage in any play without any discussion with someone who they know is completely new to the life. During their first scene, Mira gives Blair a safe word without any explanation of its importance or when/how to use it, nor does she even ask for consent before touching someone she'd just met. Worst yet, literally 0 aftercare or check ins.

It honestly made the whole thing feel very predatory. This is not the way BDSM should be performed and I shudder to think of new readers picking this up and thinking this is the way it is.
Profile Image for Debbie Fahlman.
100 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2022
I received an ARC, for an honest review.

This book was a page turner from the first page! Tara and Astrid are in this book as well.

Mira is Blair’s cranky neighbor and a young domme, as appeared in the authors other books, and her desire to hide her insecurities and be seen as an equal in the world of domes. Her flaws are brought to light through her interactions with Blair, as she’s only interested in procuring her families legacy.

Blair and Mira went from annoying each other, to hot kinky sex. Blair is new to BDSM and find she’s enjoying it but doesn’t understand all of it. She is taken on a quick escalation into BDSM and finds new things about herself along the way.

The characters are well written and flow in the book. Blair learns a lot as well as different perspectives from Tara and the many other subs, as they help her navigate and understand this new world she finds herself in with Mira.
112 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2022
Mira is a younger than usual Domme than we normally see in Dane/Billings books and her desire to be seen as an equal and hide her insecurities is well written. Blair is taken on a relatively quick escalation into the world of BDSM and through it discovers a bit more of herself at every turn. I love her friendship with Tara and how it helps her understand this new world she finds herself in through a lens outside of Mira’s. While Mira has been a Domme for years and worked as such professionally, her flaws were evident and her drive on regaining her family’s legacy trumped the relationship a little longer than I personally liked. While I enjoyed the story of these two, I didn’t really connect nor was I drawn to them as I have been to other characters in previous books which is why the 4 stars. Bonus is we get several appearances of characters within the universe. Overall, I did enjoy their story.
I received and ARC copy for an honest review.
101 reviews
January 10, 2023
All the heat one expects from this BDSM “TEAM”

As usual the “TEAM “ comes through with their reliably hot love stories. This is no exception.
One thing that deserves compliments is the emphasis that is always stressed on the necessity of aftercare that is necessary when bdsm is at the heart of a couple’s dynamic.
This story is not a verbal representation of a bdsm porn video.
Rather it is about two women, one dominant and one submissive, who are brought together by a dream of earning $5,000,000 by “performing” before a very exclusive and very wealthy audience of women deeply involved in the BDSM lifestyle. 🎉
What begins as a contract between them, months into an intense love affair with a dramatic but HEA conclusion.
Having read others novels by D and H, this one, as others, hits a very hot and erotic mark. 💥
1,190 reviews
February 22, 2023
A Rollercoaster Of Mixed Feelings!

I purchased in September but did not read until now. I have nothing against the BDSM topic or it’s lifestyle. From the beginning, the story pulls you in even though there were obvious flaws. But the characters Blair and Mira had something each that kept you interested. Blair is just pathetic but lovable. Her life and how she is living it keeps her in a very low esteem state. When Blair first hooks up with Mira, it is exciting but not. It seems both characters went back and forth on how they were feeling. Mira, being the dominatrix and the experienced one was lacking in emotion, self care and many other things. But the story had a agreed upon purpose and I had to see it through. I gave it four stars because the road to the end game but I think the ending lacked the finality that it needed.
Profile Image for Chelles.
685 reviews
February 19, 2025
Lie to Me

So this was interesting. It's like BDSM as a competitive sport.

Mira and Blair are neighbors who team up to as a domme/submissive couple to enter the ultimate BDSM competition - the Summit. The exclusive clubs serve as the circuit, and the characters are all players in this world, helping the new couple navigate the politics and hierarchy of the competition.

Throughout the story, it's hard to decipher whether the chemistry between Mira and Blair is strictly professional or if they're deeper than either of them expected. With what they've been preparing for together, lines get blurred easily!
Profile Image for Carolyn G. Manuel.
1,070 reviews
October 2, 2022
My Heart’s Mistress

Blair Thorne has a graduate degree in English, lives in a depressing cheap apartment and has a part time job as a clerk in a doctor’s office. Her “free” night with Mistress Misty gives her her first taste of submission. On a mission to buy back her childhood home Mira Whitfield is determined to win The Summit contest for best Domme and Submissive with a five million dollar prize. They have two months to become the perfect couple. A journey of finding your way to your heart and soul.
Profile Image for Michelle  Schuler.
923 reviews12 followers
May 24, 2025
Lie to Me

I enjoy Hildred Billings books. This one is no exception. The chemistry was strong between the MCs. She stayed on the storyline. lt felt a little slow at times.
It was fun to see a whole bunch of previous characters from her other books.
The interactions felt real. However, aftercare is minimal, which is explained, but not followed through on. Also, a request was made by an MC, and they agreed to comply, but it wasn't really shown.
I look forward to more books by this author. They are always a delight to read.
41 reviews
November 4, 2022
Hot romance with an exhibitionist flair

Our lovely author always brings depth and passion to every scene. These two characters may just be some of my favorites. Too bad the book steamy is just enough to get you started... and as a result, acting out. This book may end with a warm bottom, if your top is anything like mine.

Definitely one worth it though. Thanks for the amazing fantasy Hildred!
82 reviews
March 19, 2023
Fantastic! Not read a romance that I haven't been able to put down in a while. Blair and Mira's story is my kind of kink 🤭. To people not into that kind of thing, some scenes will either come across as icky, or deliciously depraved. This is like an all-stars feature where a load of recurring characters from the author's universe make cameos, and it's fun when you recognise who they are. Would love to see these two return in a future novel.
42 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2024
Lie to Me-one of their best stories

Blair and Mira are amazing together. I think they’re both relatable. Blair is a sweetheart and Mira is a sweetheart for Blair. It just takes her time to realise that, not surprisingly because she lost everything at such a young age and was totally focused on getting it all back. For me, this one of the authors’ best books. There’s something really human about their story. I also really liked The Submissive.
Profile Image for S Hirsch.
8 reviews
March 30, 2025
Oh my God, wet, wet, wet

Oh my God, this novel had me wet and squirming. I liked the two well developed protagonists and the descriptive lives that they had to lead to survive and accomplish the goal of getting to the Summit. The fact that Mia was so repressed emotionally was intriguing as she developed with help.

I also liked the Japanese woman and her helping develop the last leg of the Summit performance.

Hot all around.

Profile Image for Denise'S MinionsBliss .
159 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2022
The Summit revealed

“I give you America’s own the Blond Bombshell and her Mira!”
It just one the greatest line in this book. There are cameo of past favorite characters.
Spoilers....you want to make it Ch. 28 and take a day to recouped.
Have fun and enjoy the lastest.
It A Must if you ever been into this whole Dark fantasy. Stand Alone book also.
438 reviews
November 7, 2022
I enjoyed the book for the most part. It was kind of crazy to go from meeting Blair and Mira to finding out Mira was also Mistress Misty. I think part of it for me was that I didn’t really enjoy the BDSM as much in the book. While I have enjoyed reading it in others this one seemed to have more shaming in some ways that I don’t personally care for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lisa.
576 reviews8 followers
January 20, 2023
Mistress Misty owns me…

So it turns out that my next door neighbor is a professional Domme. Oh my! What must life be like upon learning THAT kind of information? Lie To Me answers that question quite creatively. The main characters have an interesting dynamic. The relationship develops nicely and wow, it is steamy!
Profile Image for Jeff.
1,637 reviews4 followers
Read
October 7, 2022
Awesome story

I have enjoyed this wonderful heartfelt adventure of young lady that struggling to make ends meet then she meet her neighbor that use to be rich they spark it fun to see what happens.
Profile Image for Mel Newmark.
56 reviews
October 27, 2022
This book wasn’t anything special. I had more expectations for the content of the book and it seemed to go weirdly side tracked but still somehow got back to the plot. I liked the overall premise but nothing had me absolutely enthralled.
831 reviews19 followers
January 8, 2023
Wow what a rollercoaster

Wow what a rollercoaster of hot passionate kink it's a great storyline I loved the main characters chemistry their turbulent relationship was described perfectly to fight for each other it was the cherry on the top great book congratulations
Profile Image for Hendrix Eva.
1,969 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2023
I read 50 shades back in the day, as did many. Was curious to try a queer bdsm romance. Still don't know much about the kink community to judge whether anything is authentic, but this wasn't too shabby.
86 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2025
okay

The story line was great. Really enjoyed the banter between the two main characters the most and wished there was more. Found the inner monologues to be cumbersome & overwhelmingly unnecessary at times.
Profile Image for Jay.
221 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2025
Steamy

What happens when the annoying neighbor becomes the Mistress of your dreams?
You enjoy the help out of it that's what you do

Becoming your true self by giving yourself completely is a magical thing
41 reviews
November 12, 2025
hot

A well-structured story, the IRS problem that closed the plot loop was a nice touch. Cynthia/Hildred is such a good writer, it's not often I want to smack such a self-important prig as Mira was at the outset. Nice to see Eva Warren turn up again.
Profile Image for Liz.
87 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2023
Booktok will end me

Booktok has done it again for me. At this rate I will die of old age and still have a decade of books to read. Great tones of BDSM and spice 😉
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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