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The Promise Duet #1
Grand Lies
They say love makes the world go around.
Mason Lowell set mine spinning.
One night.
Three kisses.
And the promise of more when morning came.
While the city of London slept, he made good on our promise. Only to cut me with his words as the sun broke.
I ran from him—I always ran. But Mason Lowell was different, and he wouldn’t let me go without a fight, finding my flaws and embedding himself into them.
My push was strong. I spent my whole life perfecting it. But his pull was unashamedly stronger, and the rope he bound around my heart was his to pull at will.
Love was shared—so much love. Promises were made—he broke every one. And then just when I think we are playing in the same key...
The music stops.
Mason Lowell set mine spinning.
One night.
Three kisses.
And the promise of more when morning came.
While the city of London slept, he made good on our promise. Only to cut me with his words as the sun broke.
I ran from him—I always ran. But Mason Lowell was different, and he wouldn’t let me go without a fight, finding my flaws and embedding himself into them.
My push was strong. I spent my whole life perfecting it. But his pull was unashamedly stronger, and the rope he bound around my heart was his to pull at will.
Love was shared—so much love. Promises were made—he broke every one. And then just when I think we are playing in the same key...
The music stops.
546 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2021
1927 people are currently reading
16040 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 533 reviews
June 19, 2022
so long and for what😭
July 1, 2021
I’m not quite sure where to start this….
I was excited to read this, but unfortunately I couldn’t connect with the characters as this was written in a way that “tells” you the story as opposed to “showing” you.
The characters' inner monologue explained what they were doing, and rarely was what they were feeling, smelling, seeing, all the details that bring characters to life on the pages weren’t shared, making it impossible for me to immerse myself inside this world.
I didn’t feel a connection between Mason and Nina, but that could have been due to the fact that other than thinking each other were hot, not many other feelings they brought out of one another were shared. There were several things that transpired between them that were purely toxic and cemented in my head that they shouldn’t even be together.
A misunderstanding had Nina running from Mason, and in instance I understood why she accepted his apology, but there were several others that I had wanted her to walk away from him for good. Any sort of confrontation between them and his immediate reaction was to spew vile ignorant things at her, more than once.
*SPOILERS BELOW*
The subplot taking place alongside Mason and Nina’s romance was a bit of a mess. In chapter 1 it says that Nina had met Erin at a cafe 12 months before this story took place.
Later in the book “Erin” comes and visits, but from doing some digging Mason finds that the real Erin passed away 6 weeks before, but there’s never an explanation on how Cara used this person’s identity for an entire year before the woman died, and bought the studio 1 week before she met Mason.
When Mason is explaining things to Nina he says he took Cara home from the bar 14 months before which doesn’t follow the previously mentioned timeline.
There was also an instance where he says, “I thought I could trust her, but look what a piece of work she turned out to be.”
But in his “remembering” while explaining things to Nina, he had only met her that night and his inner monologue explains that he knows she’s like everyone else, meaning eager to please because he’s rich.
There’s a whole thing that happens and she starts blackmailing him, and what she asks for doesn’t make any sense. She wants money and his mother’s piano, her reasoning, “he used her,” it was clearly a one night stand in which she was fully on board with. Then she “hid it” inside the studio.
It just didn’t really add up, as there’s no explanation on this woman that has been conning rich men for years, bought a building, and then meets a stranger in a coffee shop and tells her she needs to rent it out within 3 weeks.
It ends in a cliffhanger and honestly, I have no interest in knowing what happens.
I was excited to read this, but unfortunately I couldn’t connect with the characters as this was written in a way that “tells” you the story as opposed to “showing” you.
The characters' inner monologue explained what they were doing, and rarely was what they were feeling, smelling, seeing, all the details that bring characters to life on the pages weren’t shared, making it impossible for me to immerse myself inside this world.
I didn’t feel a connection between Mason and Nina, but that could have been due to the fact that other than thinking each other were hot, not many other feelings they brought out of one another were shared. There were several things that transpired between them that were purely toxic and cemented in my head that they shouldn’t even be together.
A misunderstanding had Nina running from Mason, and in instance I understood why she accepted his apology, but there were several others that I had wanted her to walk away from him for good. Any sort of confrontation between them and his immediate reaction was to spew vile ignorant things at her, more than once.
*SPOILERS BELOW*
The subplot taking place alongside Mason and Nina’s romance was a bit of a mess. In chapter 1 it says that Nina had met Erin at a cafe 12 months before this story took place.
Later in the book “Erin” comes and visits, but from doing some digging Mason finds that the real Erin passed away 6 weeks before, but there’s never an explanation on how Cara used this person’s identity for an entire year before the woman died, and bought the studio 1 week before she met Mason.
When Mason is explaining things to Nina he says he took Cara home from the bar 14 months before which doesn’t follow the previously mentioned timeline.
There was also an instance where he says, “I thought I could trust her, but look what a piece of work she turned out to be.”
But in his “remembering” while explaining things to Nina, he had only met her that night and his inner monologue explains that he knows she’s like everyone else, meaning eager to please because he’s rich.
There’s a whole thing that happens and she starts blackmailing him, and what she asks for doesn’t make any sense. She wants money and his mother’s piano, her reasoning, “he used her,” it was clearly a one night stand in which she was fully on board with. Then she “hid it” inside the studio.
It just didn’t really add up, as there’s no explanation on this woman that has been conning rich men for years, bought a building, and then meets a stranger in a coffee shop and tells her she needs to rent it out within 3 weeks.
It ends in a cliffhanger and honestly, I have no interest in knowing what happens.
dnf
July 26, 2022DNF @ 9% - girlfriend wakes up from drunken stupor, in a stranger’s apartment. Turns her head, finds said Complete Stranger sleeping next to her. Immediately sticks his dick in her her mouth.
👀
👀
I mean… it’s been a hot minute since I was single, waking up in strange beds with a hangover, but I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that the LAST THING I would do,waking up in that situation, is gobble down the nearest cock.
Just saying 🤷🏼♀️
✌🏻
👀
👀
I mean… it’s been a hot minute since I was single, waking up in strange beds with a hangover, but I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that the LAST THING I would do,waking up in that situation, is gobble down the nearest cock.
Just saying 🤷🏼♀️
✌🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 18, 2021i need to stop reading books that find on tik tok
February 4, 2022
Wow the amount of toxicity in this book. I have read quite some dark books I mean Church by Stylo had a scene where he burnt the h with cigarette and she loved it and while reading it I was like .....Hmmm maybe..... like why not some people might be into it.... shes fucked up wkt.
But THIS bruh it was the kind ofstupidity toxicity that you see in real life and god is it annoying.
Yk the friend you have who whine and whine about their partner and you just wish you could take her by the hair and pull her out of his ass. It was that except these people were almost 30.
I am so fucking annoyed and mad that I am unnaturally calm. I dont think thats a good thing in my case.
Congratulations to the author for somehow writing annoying AF characters who just need to be hit a couple of times. With a hammer.
But THIS bruh it was the kind of
Yk the friend you have who whine and whine about their partner and you just wish you could take her by the hair and pull her out of his ass. It was that except these people were almost 30.
I am so fucking annoyed and mad that I am unnaturally calm. I dont think thats a good thing in my case.
Congratulations to the author for somehow writing annoying AF characters who just need to be hit a couple of times. With a hammer.
November 23, 2021
dnf at 80%
everyone is stupid and whiny and this is so long for no reason no chemistry no emotion no show no logic no communication thank you see you never
everyone is stupid and whiny and this is so long for no reason no chemistry no emotion no show no logic no communication thank you see you never
avoid
May 13, 2022Self note
Book 2 is apparently not safe.
They break up and he sleeps around with numerous ow, and the h was pregnant with his baby.
🙄
Avoid.
Book 2 is apparently not safe.
They break up and he sleeps around with numerous ow, and the h was pregnant with his baby.
🙄
Avoid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2021
3.5 stars
November 29, 2021
The first third of this book was honestly pretty good, I was constantly reading and feeling the need to continue to do so I could figure out what was going to happen. Sadly, at some point, I just got tired of what was happening. The couple was constantly arguing and getting back together after some sex. Even by the end of the book, Nina, especially, suspected of everything. I get it, you had a rough upbringing and have trust issues, but this man has shown you how much he loves you and you still cannot trust him a little bit. With every little thing that happened, she automatically assumed something completely untrue without even consulting him first. It became tiring and at that point I only wanted to dnf the book. I won't be continuing with the duet but I will still go through some reviews of the second book to figure out what is going to happen. The sex was so fine at the beginning but has the story went on, it became monotonous and repetitive.
May 18, 2022
Dude! This book had my emotions on a tight rope. Holy crap. My heart was not my own. This author had it in the palm of her hands. Wow, I'm still not over it. It's got it all - angst on steroids, the best dirty talk and sexiness with a very captivating storyline.
Mason and Nina were amazingly, heartbreakingly beautiful.
He was commanding, broody - an alpha to the extreme.
She was sassy, closed off - a woman hurt one too many times.
Together it was fireworks. Their chemistry was spot on. Emotion bled from the pages. You felt it all with these two.
Once I started reading, I literally could NOT put it down. I couldn't turn away from the trainwreck of hurts, half truths and true passion. I was invested until the bitter end. The end which BROKE ME!
OMG! My heart is hurting, my emotions are leaking and I must start book 2 ASAP! Like right now and almost 2am!!
I'm loving all the side characters as well - his guys and her girls bring so much to the read!
Mason and Nina were amazingly, heartbreakingly beautiful.
He was commanding, broody - an alpha to the extreme.
She was sassy, closed off - a woman hurt one too many times.
Together it was fireworks. Their chemistry was spot on. Emotion bled from the pages. You felt it all with these two.
Once I started reading, I literally could NOT put it down. I couldn't turn away from the trainwreck of hurts, half truths and true passion. I was invested until the bitter end. The end which BROKE ME!
OMG! My heart is hurting, my emotions are leaking and I must start book 2 ASAP! Like right now and almost 2am!!
I'm loving all the side characters as well - his guys and her girls bring so much to the read!
December 16, 2022
2.5⭐
Nothing i haven't read before but the amount of things happening in here kept me sticking to it.
But yeah...
Nothing i haven't read before.
Nothing i haven't read before but the amount of things happening in here kept me sticking to it.
But yeah...
Nothing i haven't read before.
June 9, 2021
If you’re looking for a book that has serious The Stopover by TL Swan, Fifty Shades, Crossfire series vibes then this is the books for you!
We have the unbelievable broody, angry, overprotective, sexy as fuck alpha business owner with his equally sexy as fuck besties. We have the down to earth, valued, comes from a troubled childhood, sassy, dance teacher with her equally as funny besties.
Honestly this book was what I needed right now because I’ve been reading so many ‘school’ bully romances I NEEDED a man.. and boy oh boy is Mase a man 🥵
What I loved the most about this book is you were really there for all of it.. when they were good, I was good. When they were down.. they took. Me. Down! I said to Jess it’s like being on a rollercoaster and getting to feel every single twist and turn opposed to watching it whilst holding all the bags 😂
Also JC knows how to write smut my friends. I had butterflies in all the right places and even just when they were flirting. Mase and Nina felt real!
There’s sooo many secrets and suspense throughout and don’t get me started on the cliffy!!! We all know how I feel about those and I thought I’d sussed this one out but NOPE fuck me I did not see that coming.
I am SUPER excited for the second book in the duet! Go and pick up Grand Lies if those romances I mentioned at the beginning are your thing because you will love!
We have the unbelievable broody, angry, overprotective, sexy as fuck alpha business owner with his equally sexy as fuck besties. We have the down to earth, valued, comes from a troubled childhood, sassy, dance teacher with her equally as funny besties.
Honestly this book was what I needed right now because I’ve been reading so many ‘school’ bully romances I NEEDED a man.. and boy oh boy is Mase a man 🥵
What I loved the most about this book is you were really there for all of it.. when they were good, I was good. When they were down.. they took. Me. Down! I said to Jess it’s like being on a rollercoaster and getting to feel every single twist and turn opposed to watching it whilst holding all the bags 😂
Also JC knows how to write smut my friends. I had butterflies in all the right places and even just when they were flirting. Mase and Nina felt real!
There’s sooo many secrets and suspense throughout and don’t get me started on the cliffy!!! We all know how I feel about those and I thought I’d sussed this one out but NOPE fuck me I did not see that coming.
I am SUPER excited for the second book in the duet! Go and pick up Grand Lies if those romances I mentioned at the beginning are your thing because you will love!
June 24, 2021
Oh my gosh, I am reeling right now with this ending!! I need the next book like right after ending Grand Lies.
This book guys, is something you wouldn't want to miss reading. The title of the book says it all!!
I don't want to divulge too much because I don't want to give it away, but the characters and side characters are certainly a great pack of friends that all back each other up no matter what. The guys and girls are all for taking care of one another.
Nina and Mason, the most toxic relationship duo I've read in a while. But due to the toxicity of their relationship we find out a lot about them. Nina, I get she wanted to be independent and didn't want Mason to help her in anything, but come on, a girl appreciates a gift from time to time and that's the only thing that I didn't like about her, but I do give her props for wanted to do things on her own without help from anyone.
Mason is such an alpha and I loved HIM! The love he endured for Nina in such a short span of time was incredible. He was taken by her from the instant they met and he knew that she was the one for him. He would give his life to protect this girl (swoon)!
I am downright enamored with Mason and Nina!
5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
This book guys, is something you wouldn't want to miss reading. The title of the book says it all!!
I don't want to divulge too much because I don't want to give it away, but the characters and side characters are certainly a great pack of friends that all back each other up no matter what. The guys and girls are all for taking care of one another.
Nina and Mason, the most toxic relationship duo I've read in a while. But due to the toxicity of their relationship we find out a lot about them. Nina, I get she wanted to be independent and didn't want Mason to help her in anything, but come on, a girl appreciates a gift from time to time and that's the only thing that I didn't like about her, but I do give her props for wanted to do things on her own without help from anyone.
Mason is such an alpha and I loved HIM! The love he endured for Nina in such a short span of time was incredible. He was taken by her from the instant they met and he knew that she was the one for him. He would give his life to protect this girl (swoon)!
I am downright enamored with Mason and Nina!
5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
March 14, 2022
2.4 stars..
I am soooo disappointed! This book had so much potential, but it turned out to be another “After” storyline. The constant arguing/fighting had me frustrated, not to mention how big of a dick Mase was at different times.
The constant change of pov added no real value and it got annoying at one point.
I was just over it and wanted to finish the book. Which sucks because I was actually enjoying it in the beginning.
The ending was also ridiculous and that was my 13th reason..
At this point I don’t even care if they end up together or not. I’m not planning on continuing on with this series, I’ll just look up spoilers cause I’m a curious biiiiitch.
I am soooo disappointed! This book had so much potential, but it turned out to be another “After” storyline. The constant arguing/fighting had me frustrated, not to mention how big of a dick Mase was at different times.
The constant change of pov added no real value and it got annoying at one point.
I was just over it and wanted to finish the book. Which sucks because I was actually enjoying it in the beginning.
The ending was also ridiculous and that was my 13th reason..
At this point I don’t even care if they end up together or not. I’m not planning on continuing on with this series, I’ll just look up spoilers cause I’m a curious biiiiitch.
September 10, 2021
I can’t believe I sat and read through this. It was garbage. I was cringing most of the time. I felt like Nina was extremely dramatic in this. I was confused throughout the book. I don’t even know man.
June 22, 2021
Grade Lies is book #1 in The Promise duet, and it's also JC Hawke's debut novel. JC Hawke's writing technique astonished me! From the very beginning of this amazing book, the story flowed as it unravelled beautifully. In turn, I was automatically pulled into the story. Grand Lies is most certainly a book you cannot simply put down. The opening page/prologue dives straight into Nina's (heroine) past. She had a difficult upbringing, which is one of the main reasons that Nina had an estranged relationship with her mother. But she desperately yearns for her love and affection. I truly admire Nina's strength and resilience, despite her negative experiences in the past, she has a positive outlook on life. She's truly an independent woman. Mason (hero) is a successful business man, but he is a man with many secrets. He's a typical alpha male, he doesn't take lightly when people don't listen or defy him. Sparks fly as soon as Nina and Mason meet, but soon after misunderstandings arise, and you could say that Nina made him grovel.
The characters are phenomenal, and they evolved amazing throughout the book! Especially the side characters! I loved seeing Mason's and Nina's friends dialogues, their friends are a great support network and they are like family to Nina and Mason. Nina is a dancer and dance teacher/instructor, and she loves to dance, it's like oxygen for her. Dancing is also a form of therapy for her.
Mason, this man is so.. I don't know how to describe it.. He is a very domineering and demanding character. And he can bend anyone to his will, well except for Nina. Nina loves to push his buttons by defying him. And when Mason is in Nina's presence she has this hold over him, he loses control. He has a soft spot for Nina. But boy oh boy, he is truly possessive and protective about Nina. Their encounters are intense, heated and I immensely enjoyed seeing Nina and Mason going head to head with each other. And, yes there were very steamy scenes.
Nina and Mason's relationship is definitely a turbulent journey. A couple of plot twists which caused a rift in their relationship, and the ending (yes it does end on a cliffhanger)! My goodness, my heart broke to see what had happened. Overall, it's a fantastic read, I highly recommend it! Can't wait for book #2!
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
The characters are phenomenal, and they evolved amazing throughout the book! Especially the side characters! I loved seeing Mason's and Nina's friends dialogues, their friends are a great support network and they are like family to Nina and Mason. Nina is a dancer and dance teacher/instructor, and she loves to dance, it's like oxygen for her. Dancing is also a form of therapy for her.
Mason, this man is so.. I don't know how to describe it.. He is a very domineering and demanding character. And he can bend anyone to his will, well except for Nina. Nina loves to push his buttons by defying him. And when Mason is in Nina's presence she has this hold over him, he loses control. He has a soft spot for Nina. But boy oh boy, he is truly possessive and protective about Nina. Their encounters are intense, heated and I immensely enjoyed seeing Nina and Mason going head to head with each other. And, yes there were very steamy scenes.
Nina and Mason's relationship is definitely a turbulent journey. A couple of plot twists which caused a rift in their relationship, and the ending (yes it does end on a cliffhanger)! My goodness, my heart broke to see what had happened. Overall, it's a fantastic read, I highly recommend it! Can't wait for book #2!
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
June 25, 2021
Grand Lies is the first book in The Promise Duet and is JC Hawke’s debut novel. I was hooked from the beginning and could not put it down. The book begins with a prologue which gives us the heroine, Nina’s past. Nina has had a tough life, but she’s proud of where she is in her life. Nina is strong, independent, resilient, and what she desperately wants is love and affection. Mason is a successful businessman, with secrets and demons. All his life he’s been privileged and wants for nothing until he meets Nina in the most unexpected way.
I absolutely loved these characters. Their explosive chemistry, passion, and their connection. Nina is the perfect match for Mason. She’s sassy, sweet, loyal, and handles anything thrown her way. Mason is dominant, overprotective, and broody. He gets what he wants and demands that people bend to his will. Nina and Mason have intense chemistry. Sparks fly between Nina and Mason, nothing is simple, but together they collide in the most epic of ways. Nina and Mason make each other better, their chemistry is intense and in every sense of the word they are soulmates joined by heart, mind, and soul.
The character development, the writing, suspense, drama, and secrets kept me engaged throughout and I’m dying for the second part of this duet after that cliffhanger! September can’t get here soon enough!
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely loved these characters. Their explosive chemistry, passion, and their connection. Nina is the perfect match for Mason. She’s sassy, sweet, loyal, and handles anything thrown her way. Mason is dominant, overprotective, and broody. He gets what he wants and demands that people bend to his will. Nina and Mason have intense chemistry. Sparks fly between Nina and Mason, nothing is simple, but together they collide in the most epic of ways. Nina and Mason make each other better, their chemistry is intense and in every sense of the word they are soulmates joined by heart, mind, and soul.
The character development, the writing, suspense, drama, and secrets kept me engaged throughout and I’m dying for the second part of this duet after that cliffhanger! September can’t get here soon enough!
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 23, 2021
I loved this book, I loved it a lot! This has so many aspects I love in a romance; from badass but also soft characters to dancing and so many feeeels!
Nina is sassy, sweet and loyal. Life hasn't been easy on her and she has had a tough childhood that has lead to her building these walls around herself. I love how despite of everything she has endured she is a complete badass and stands up to herself when needed. Her will to keep going forwards and doing the things she loves no matter what life throws at her is so inspiring.
Mason is overprotective, broody and has that mysterious lure to him, and I can totally see why Nina was so drawn to him. He can be extremely headstrong and quite frankly an ass, just like I love 'em, but the way he deep down cares about everyone around him is beautiful. The way he cares about his sister is everything to me and that right there made me fall for him even harder than I already was. And those moments when he is being so sweet towards Nina melted my heart, I know I'm so basic haha!
Mason and Nina have an instant connection, there's something between them that you can just feel from the moment they set their eyes on each other. Yes there's that instant attraction but there's also something deeper. Their story has a rocky start, their own demons of the past keeping each other at bay and not wanting to let the other completely in. Nina is quite guarded when it comes to others because of her past, especially Mason. I love how he keeps fighting for her and not letting her push him completely away but also giving her the space that she needs. I love him so much for that.
There's so much tension between them, oh boy THE TENSION, but also this amazing chemistry that keeps pulling them to each other, and they kept me so damn invested. Mason calls Nina Pixie which I loved but knowing the reason for it had me all emotional! And just to add to my love for this book there's amazing people surrounding both of them and the friendships are everything. I adored all the secondary characters, which doesn't always happen, Vinny being my fav!
Oh damn those secret reveals came at me out of the blue and left me shook. I love how I never knew what was going to happen and where the story would take Mason and Nina next. This definitely kept me on my toes, which I love. And I definitely didn't expect to cry but I did and oh my gosh my heart broke in that one moment!
Grand Lies is a story full of emotions, promises, lies and betrayal that truly took me through a whirlwind!
"I promise you forever, my Pixie."
*I received this ARC from the author but the thoughts are completely my own.*
Nina is sassy, sweet and loyal. Life hasn't been easy on her and she has had a tough childhood that has lead to her building these walls around herself. I love how despite of everything she has endured she is a complete badass and stands up to herself when needed. Her will to keep going forwards and doing the things she loves no matter what life throws at her is so inspiring.
Mason is overprotective, broody and has that mysterious lure to him, and I can totally see why Nina was so drawn to him. He can be extremely headstrong and quite frankly an ass, just like I love 'em, but the way he deep down cares about everyone around him is beautiful. The way he cares about his sister is everything to me and that right there made me fall for him even harder than I already was. And those moments when he is being so sweet towards Nina melted my heart, I know I'm so basic haha!
Mason and Nina have an instant connection, there's something between them that you can just feel from the moment they set their eyes on each other. Yes there's that instant attraction but there's also something deeper. Their story has a rocky start, their own demons of the past keeping each other at bay and not wanting to let the other completely in. Nina is quite guarded when it comes to others because of her past, especially Mason. I love how he keeps fighting for her and not letting her push him completely away but also giving her the space that she needs. I love him so much for that.
There's so much tension between them, oh boy THE TENSION, but also this amazing chemistry that keeps pulling them to each other, and they kept me so damn invested. Mason calls Nina Pixie which I loved but knowing the reason for it had me all emotional! And just to add to my love for this book there's amazing people surrounding both of them and the friendships are everything. I adored all the secondary characters, which doesn't always happen, Vinny being my fav!
Oh damn those secret reveals came at me out of the blue and left me shook. I love how I never knew what was going to happen and where the story would take Mason and Nina next. This definitely kept me on my toes, which I love. And I definitely didn't expect to cry but I did and oh my gosh my heart broke in that one moment!
Grand Lies is a story full of emotions, promises, lies and betrayal that truly took me through a whirlwind!
"I promise you forever, my Pixie."
*I received this ARC from the author but the thoughts are completely my own.*
June 24, 2021
JC Hawke takes us on an incredible ride. Nina is a true survivor. Mason has the right words and tools to break down her walls. I need the second book right now. You will be just like me waiting for the next book like it's Christmas morning.
September 11, 2021
3.5⭐️
Had my hooked but omg did the heroine annoy me but like that also means the author did her job, so I’m here for it.
Unless we were supposed to love Nina, then oops
Had my hooked but omg did the heroine annoy me but like that also means the author did her job, so I’m here for it.
Unless we were supposed to love Nina, then oops
October 17, 2021
Honestly, not a fan. Ends in a cliffhanger and I can’t muster up any care to read the next book to see what happened/happens.
December 6, 2021
What was even the point???????
June 18, 2021
GRAND LIES
Book one of The Promise Duet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nina Anderson is really proud of where she is in her life. Despite, or maybe in part because of her upbringing she is exactly where she wants to be. Independent and fulfilled, she couldn't have anticipated how meeting Mason Lowell would change e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g!!
Mason Lowell has demons.
And secrets.
Living a life of privilege, he wants for nothing. Until Nina.
But he doesn't just want her. He NEEDS her; a need that consumes him. Meeting Nina changes Mase at a primary level. He's no saint but for Nina he wants to do better; to be a better version of himself.
For her.
“Come live with me so that every night I can come home and taste you on my lips and be reminded that there is good in the world.”
This is the journey of two individuals who collide & continue to weave their hearts, minds and souls together. Neither being able to live without the other; the push and pull between them is magnetic, & at times almost toxic in its intensity.
"My head tells me to leave, that I can’t be bought with gifts – money. But my treacherous heart doesn’t care. It beats fearlessly in my chest, begging me to stay. To try, for once. To be more for him.
Whatever he needs me to be."
These two have explosive chemistry. I'm talking off-the-charts, panty dropping, ovary exploding pure passion. The sex is spicy, smutty and just plain yummy; all I'm saying is make sure you have your partner (or your BOB!) to hand cause Mase will have you tingling in aaaaaalllllll the right places!!
“Tell me you are mine. Tell me no one else gets the parts that I do.”
In all I loved this. The character development, world building, angst and drama are excellent – but the secondary cast of characters are possibly one of my favourite parts of all.
I really hope we get a spin off with more Lucy, Elliot and Charlie! It was like reading about old friends, they really resonated with me. I want a night out in The Pearl with this gang!
Book two in the duet is out in September and can I just say – that cliffhanger had me nauseous! I need a resolution and I need it yesterday!!
Bring on more Mase & Nina!
Book one of The Promise Duet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nina Anderson is really proud of where she is in her life. Despite, or maybe in part because of her upbringing she is exactly where she wants to be. Independent and fulfilled, she couldn't have anticipated how meeting Mason Lowell would change e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g!!
Mason Lowell has demons.
And secrets.
Living a life of privilege, he wants for nothing. Until Nina.
But he doesn't just want her. He NEEDS her; a need that consumes him. Meeting Nina changes Mase at a primary level. He's no saint but for Nina he wants to do better; to be a better version of himself.
For her.
“Come live with me so that every night I can come home and taste you on my lips and be reminded that there is good in the world.”
This is the journey of two individuals who collide & continue to weave their hearts, minds and souls together. Neither being able to live without the other; the push and pull between them is magnetic, & at times almost toxic in its intensity.
"My head tells me to leave, that I can’t be bought with gifts – money. But my treacherous heart doesn’t care. It beats fearlessly in my chest, begging me to stay. To try, for once. To be more for him.
Whatever he needs me to be."
These two have explosive chemistry. I'm talking off-the-charts, panty dropping, ovary exploding pure passion. The sex is spicy, smutty and just plain yummy; all I'm saying is make sure you have your partner (or your BOB!) to hand cause Mase will have you tingling in aaaaaalllllll the right places!!
“Tell me you are mine. Tell me no one else gets the parts that I do.”
In all I loved this. The character development, world building, angst and drama are excellent – but the secondary cast of characters are possibly one of my favourite parts of all.
I really hope we get a spin off with more Lucy, Elliot and Charlie! It was like reading about old friends, they really resonated with me. I want a night out in The Pearl with this gang!
Book two in the duet is out in September and can I just say – that cliffhanger had me nauseous! I need a resolution and I need it yesterday!!
Bring on more Mase & Nina!
July 12, 2021
Can I start by saying, I need book 2 NOW!! September is just too long.
Hawke comes onto the scene and kills it! Grand Lies had me hooked from start to finish and has me wanting to beg her for more. Mason and Nia were enough to burn the pages.
Mason Lowell is tall, dark and sexy as sin. It's really not a surprise Nina can't say no to him. I know I wouldn't. Nina had a rough childhood and has worked extremely hard for everything she has. These two are opposites in most ways but you know what they say. I'm usually not a big fan of instalove but Hawke wrote this one perfectly. These two right from the start have this off the charts chemistry that can't be denied.
While Mason is pulling, Nina is pushing. She wants to put her trust in Mason but can't fully. Mason is used to throwing money at problems to make them disappear but here's the thing, Nina doesn't want his money.
Grand Lies is not all rainbows and butterflies. It's real, and raw. These two may have formed a quick connection but that doesn't mean they don't have some issues to overcome. I think it makes them more intense. They don't know everything there is to know about the other person.
Grand Lies is a fantastic start to this duet and I'm absolutely dying for book two! Can it be September yet?
Hawke comes onto the scene and kills it! Grand Lies had me hooked from start to finish and has me wanting to beg her for more. Mason and Nia were enough to burn the pages.
Mason Lowell is tall, dark and sexy as sin. It's really not a surprise Nina can't say no to him. I know I wouldn't. Nina had a rough childhood and has worked extremely hard for everything she has. These two are opposites in most ways but you know what they say. I'm usually not a big fan of instalove but Hawke wrote this one perfectly. These two right from the start have this off the charts chemistry that can't be denied.
While Mason is pulling, Nina is pushing. She wants to put her trust in Mason but can't fully. Mason is used to throwing money at problems to make them disappear but here's the thing, Nina doesn't want his money.
Grand Lies is not all rainbows and butterflies. It's real, and raw. These two may have formed a quick connection but that doesn't mean they don't have some issues to overcome. I think it makes them more intense. They don't know everything there is to know about the other person.
Grand Lies is a fantastic start to this duet and I'm absolutely dying for book two! Can it be September yet?
June 28, 2021
Wow this is the debut novel from J.C. and let me tell you I can't wait to see where she takes us next. Our lovely heroine Nina is one tough cookie. She is a product of her past and will not be held back. She is strong, resilient, has struggled and will work for everything that she has. Her dance studio/ gym is her world and she will do whatever it takes to make it successful.
Mason oh he is our quintessential alpha male. He is powerful, brooding, confident and will get what he wants and that is Nina. Their relationship is quick, steamy and fill with drama and angst! We soon find out that their lives are more intertwined than they could have expected and the past is about to rear it's ugly head. So many twists, turns, secrets and surprises with a fabulous cast of characters that surround them Nina and Mason are going to keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat. The ending leaves you wanting more!!!!
~~Michele McMullen~~
Mason oh he is our quintessential alpha male. He is powerful, brooding, confident and will get what he wants and that is Nina. Their relationship is quick, steamy and fill with drama and angst! We soon find out that their lives are more intertwined than they could have expected and the past is about to rear it's ugly head. So many twists, turns, secrets and surprises with a fabulous cast of characters that surround them Nina and Mason are going to keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat. The ending leaves you wanting more!!!!
~~Michele McMullen~~
June 23, 2021
Author wasted no time in Grand Lies. She immediately had my full attention from the very first page.
The story line was very engaging and had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. The chemistry between Mason and Nina was undeniable, their relationship was intensely passionate, and filled with lots of steamy action that left me blushing a few times!
Side characters were also amazing! Such a cool gang.
Mason will make you weak in the knees!
And that cliff...
The story line was very engaging and had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. The chemistry between Mason and Nina was undeniable, their relationship was intensely passionate, and filled with lots of steamy action that left me blushing a few times!
Side characters were also amazing! Such a cool gang.
Mason will make you weak in the knees!
And that cliff...
June 15, 2021
This book took me by surprise. I absolutely loved it. Nina and Mason their relationships was hot, steamy and fast paced.
Nina is so independent, doesn’t rely on anyone and Mason is the hot shot rich guy who just wants to take care of her.
There is, secrets and drama that you do not expect and it just makes the storyline more gripping.
I absolutely loved this, you laughed, you swooned and you sweat from heat.
I need book two like..yesterday. Absolutely amazing and completely recommend ❤️❤️
Nina is so independent, doesn’t rely on anyone and Mason is the hot shot rich guy who just wants to take care of her.
There is, secrets and drama that you do not expect and it just makes the storyline more gripping.
I absolutely loved this, you laughed, you swooned and you sweat from heat.
I need book two like..yesterday. Absolutely amazing and completely recommend ❤️❤️
July 16, 2024
My absolute favourite book ever!!!!!! I’ve read it multiple times now and just love it
June 15, 2025
i have no fucking words. book two right now
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