Paula Dombrowiak grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois but currently lives in Arizona. She is the author of Blood and Bone, her first adult romance novel which combines her love of music and imperfect relationships. Paula is a lifelong music junkie, whose wardrobe consists of band T-shirts and leggings which are perpetually covered in pet hair. Music is what inspires her storytelling.
Let me just start by saying that it is truly a crime that this book doesn't have at least 1k reviews & ratings!! Not sure if it's the cover or the fact that it's a reverse age-gap, but if you take anything from this review, let it be this: just do it! Read it! If you don't get hooked on the angst and wish you had an Adrian of your own, I would be very surprised.
Lake has worked so hard to be the successful CFO that she is, all while raising her daughter who is now a super bright and talented teenager set to go off to college soon. She has never allowed herself even the possibility of bringing a man into their lives, she doesn't want to rob her daughter of attention, but it's left her quite lonely (even though she won't admit it). Then she meets Adrian, a chance encounter at a bar the night of her 43rd birthday. They have an immediate and explosive chemistry, and this is the one night that Lake finally allows herself to give in to her desires and have fun. Adrian is younger and super-hot, so she figures it's just a one-night stand and he'll forget about her anyways..so she allows herself a much-needed super steamy night of intense passion.
Fast forward to her sister's wedding and Lake is completely unprepared for who she discovers is her new sister-in-law's baby brother, none other than the tall dark and handsome tattooed musician, Adrian Corvin. And so, the push-and-pull begins. Adrian is completely and utterly down for Lake, bad..but she is so convinced that she is too old for him, that he is perfection and couldn't possibly want her. She tells herself every proclamation of his is a lie, and she decides that it's not meant to last, but she will give herself this temporary pleasure. She has no idea what she's in for, but Adrian is ready and willing to do whatever it takes to make her see that what they have is real and definitely not temporary.
I can't even express how this story made me feel..hopeful, maybe? It's rare to find a romance where the woman is older and isn't the stereotypical 'stella's got her groove back' trope, if you catch my drift. Lake may be older, but she's literally the only person who really harps on it in this story. I see a lot of myself in her character. I'm not a mom, but I can relate to the hesitation of letting someone in, of allowing yourself to be vulnerable and accept that there are things that are out of your control..that it's ok to want to be taken care of, even if you're more than capable of taking care of youself; that you deserve the whirlwind romance you read about. I just loved this book and I'm gonna make sure more people pick it up because it deserves so much more love!
I can't wait to read more from this author, because she knows what she is doing and she knows how to do it! Highly recommend diving into this one and enjoying the rollercoaster of emotions! It's well worth it!
ARC kindly provided in exchnage for an honest review
I started reading this book with the belief that Paula Dombrowiak was not going to break my heart with Beautiful Lies the way she did with her last two books, and I was WAY wrong: Lake's story broke my heart in different ways but I really enjoyed it, it was moving and I think it has a very important message about motherhood that we need to read more of in these types of stories.
I have to say that in the first few chapters Lake gave me the same rude and arrogant vibe that Jack has and it scared me a bit because he's not my favorite Paula character, BUT actually, Lake was a SUPER interesting woman, with a tragic past that has filled her present with traumas that prevent her from opening her heart to people, especially men and love. The only love Lake allows herself is from Noelle, his 17-year-old daughter with whom she has the most beautiful and unusual relationship, and to whom she gives all her life, attention and time, plus, her friendship with Gorgie was really fun to read and I really enjoyed the advice she gave Lake all the time. Something that definitely broke my heart was reading Lake feeling guilty for "neglecting" her relationship with Noelle when she starts seeing Adrian, but I really liked the perspective from which Paula addressed this aspect of her plot, showing the way in which society labels women with children as mothers and nothing more than that.
Adrian is my new favorite man from this author (forgive me Cash), he is the sweetest, sexiest, loving and most charming man in this universe I love the way he has been completely captivated by Lake since he met her. He's also a man who loves his family and that melted my heart, he is a loyal friend, and he loves music so much, something he has in common with Noelle that I loved about both of them.
I LOVED the love story between Lake & Adrian, although it has sad and painful moments, it is also a touching story, full of funny and VERY sexy moments that gave me many of the things I enjoyed in the reverse age-gap stories: I loved that Adrian knows very well what he wants from his relationship with Lake from the beginning, that he sees her for who she really is and understands very well the insecurities & vulnerability what's in her, and although I didn't entirely like how Lake's traumas were resolved, I loved that she found herself as a person along Adrian's side and how she unknowingly learned to trust him.
🇪🇸 ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta
Empecé leyendo este libro con la creencia de que Paula Dombrowiak no me iba a romper el corazón con Beautiful Lies de la manera en la que lo hizo con sus dos últimos libros, y estaba MUY equivocada: la historia de Lake me rompió el corazón de maneras diferentes pero la disfruté muchísimo, fue conmovedora y creo que tiene un mensaje muy importante sobre la maternidad que necesitamos leer más en este tipo de historias.
Tengo que decir que en los primeros capítulos Lakeme daba la misma vibra grosera y prepotente que tiene Jack y me asuste un poco porque él no es mi personaje favorito de Paula, PERO en realidad Lake fue una mujer SÚPER interesante, con un pasado trágico que ha llenado su presente de traumas que no la dejan abrirle su corazón a las personas, especialmente a los hombres y el amor. El único amor que Lake se permite es el de Noelle, su hija de 17 años con la que tiene una relación de lo más hermosa y poco común, y a la que le da toda su vida, atención y tiempo también, además, su amistad con Gorgie fue muy divertida de leer y disfruté mucho de los concejos que ella le daba a Lake todo el tiempo. Algo que sin dudas me rompió el corazón fue leer a Lake sintiéndose culpable por "descuidar" su relación con Noelle cuando empieza a ver a Adrian, pero me gustó mucho la perspectiva desde la que Paula abordó este aspecto de su trama, mostrando la manera en la que la sociedad etiqueta a las mujeres con hijos como mamás y nada más que eso.
Adrian es mi nuevo hombre favorito de esta autora (perdóname Cash), es él hombre más dulce, sexy, amoroso y encantador de este universo y me encanta la manera en la que queda completamente cautivado por Lake desde que la conoce. También es un hombre que ama a su familia y eso derritió mi corazón, es un amigo leal, y ama la música demasiado, algo que tiene en común con Noelle y que me encantó sobre ambos.
AMÉ la historia de amor entre Lake & Adrian, aunque tiene momentos tristes y dolorosos, también es una historia conmovedora, llena de momentos divertidos y MUY sexys que me dieron muchas de las cosas que disfrute del reverse age-gap: me encantó que Adrian sepa muy bien lo que quiere de su relación con Lake desde el principio, que la vea por quien realmente es y entienda muy bien las inseguridades & vulnerabilidad que hay en ella, y aunque no me gustó del todo como se solucionaron los traumas de Lake, me encantó que ella se encontrara como persona al lado de Adrian y como sin saberlo aprendió a confiar en él.
Beautiful Lies served as my introduction to Paula Dombrowiak’s work and it was indeed an enjoyable experience. The story hidden between the pages of Beautiful Lies will have readers laughing while giving them all the feels. The story captures the hearts of readers and keeps them totally invested in the lives of the characters.
Despite this being my first time reading the author’s work, I went into the story with high expectations as it featured one of my favourite tropes, reverse age gap romance. Well it delivered as expected leaving me eager to explore more of the author’s work.
Beautiful Lies introduces Lake Kennedy a successful 42 year old soon to be 43 single mom to a seventeen year old daughter. On the night before her 43rd birthday she met a handsome, sexy and enigmatic young musician. For one night she chooses to let loose, something she has not done in awhile. A night of passion with the understanding at least one her part, there will be no exchange of names, no promises and no expectations. So imagine her surprise to discover that her one night stand is also her sister’s brother-in-law to be, Adrian Corvin.
Adrian knew from the moment he laid eyes on Lake that she was the one for him. However, without a name or any form of contact he had no clue how to find her. But as fate would have it he discovered she was the sister of his sister-in-law to be. This was his chance to prove to Lake that what they shared that warranted not one night but a lifetime together.
Together Adrian and Lake made a great couple, if only Lake would let go of past hurt. Although successful in her career beneath the success lay a scared, emotionally damaged and lonely individual. She uses her role as a parent and their age difference to justify not allowing herself to get emotionally attached to Adrian. Even though he has proven time and again that he is nothing like her ex. Despite her many attempts to push him away he refused to give up on her. As you can see their journey towards HEA were filled with many obstacles on Lake’s part. However, when she eventually got out of her own way and let go of past hurt, their journey to HEA ended on a swoon worthy note.
The story not only focused on the relationship between Lake and Adrian but it also incorporated family relationships. I especially loved Lake’s relationship with her daughter and her best friend Georgie. Frankly those was her only relationship where she allowed her true self to shine through.
The banter between the characters will have readers laughing out loud several times throughout the story. Lake is quite feisty and sarcastic remarks are her specialty. This at times lead to humorous conversations with her best friend and her daughter.
Overall, Beautiful Lies delivered a story of hope, healing, forgiveness and love. It shows how fear can ruin life if allowed to take root and grow.
I've read all of Paula Dombrowiak's books and know her for the angsty rockstar romances she loves to write, but her latest book, Beautiful Lies, takes a somewhat different turn. I was drawn right into this story with it's impactful beginning and intriguing ups and downs, but was able to enjoy this one without being tormented quite as much as some of her other books have. Jack O'Donnell- can you hear me on this??
The age gap is reversed here, when a set in her ways single mom feels more than she thinks she should for a gorgeous younger musician singing in a bar one night. I adored Adrian and his soulful intensity right from the start. This hot, sexy, tatted up musician was immediately attracted to her, but she doesn't know why he would be. Lake can't imagine herself with a man like him- she's 12 years older and has been burned before, so one night is all she's willing to offer him.
The irony can be felt loud and clear when the man Lake thought she'd never see again turns up again and she discovers who he really is- now she really needs to run for the hills. He can't get her out of his head and there's no way he wants to let her go. Adrian's warm heart could have been all hers, but Lake has dedicated her life entirely to her career and her daughter's happiness. If she'd only give him a chance, they could be so good together. What would it take for her to let him in?
There were some twists I really enjoyed and those wonderful secondary characters were fun to get to know and explore. Lake's best friend Georgie and her daughter, Noelle, were her opposites in every way and played devil's advocate so well. It was fun to watch as they tried to wear her down every chance they got. If anyone needed to live it up, it was this woman. She was too serious for her own good.
There were times I felt that Lake was her own worst enemy, which no more evident than the exact moment she realized her fears might have cost her the one thing she needed most. It was a gripping journey, but Adrian and Lake had to go through what they did in order to land where they needed to be. Then the added bonus of the perfect cameo for a very special character I love (and could never forget) to appear, was one of a pile of cherries that topped off the ending for me.
Beautiful Lies has been another great book by this incredible author, but you never know what Paula Dombrowiak will put her characters through until the very end. By the time I finished this captivating story, I was so thrilled that she gave them the sweet, yummy romantic ending they worked so hard for. Adrian, Lake and even Noelle, ended up getting everything I hoped for them to have and even a little bit above and beyond. Isn't that the best way for a wonderfully told story to end?
"Beautiful Lies" is a scintillatingly sensual story of a single night's hook-up filled with hot, passionate adventure turning into something unexpected.
I freaking LOVED THIS BOOK!! Delightfully humurous, witty, heartfelt, and filled with the most incredibly intoxicating heat... this story was pure age gap nirvana!
I love it when reverse age gap is done right and let me just say that this story is beyond amazing! Paula takes you on the most beautiful ride where a passionate kiss in the rain makes you question what happened to the woman you used to be before shattered dreams and life's responsibilities had taken their toll. Where just for one moment, what would it be like to finally take something for yourself and to just let go...
On the eve of her 43rd birthday, Lake Kennedy found herself gazing into the soulful eyes of Adrian Corvin wanting for the very first time to be reckless and wild as she was in her younger years. He's a musician, young, and so damn sexy it hurts... but, for one night with the understanding of no truths, promises, or expectations, Lake is willing to let herself believe each and every beautiful lie he says. Only Adrian never planned on just one night and he's about to rock her carefully constructed world and turn it upside down....
Right from the beginning, Paula draws you into the story making you crave more. The attraction between Lake and Adrian is hot, heady, and intense. They're like twin flames that ignight into a scorching inferno! Just HOLY HOTNESS and trust me when I say that you'll be more than satisfied to watch it burn! 🥵🔥
This story is so much more than their relationship though, It’s a story of family and friendship...a mother's relationship with her daughter, and allowing yourself to be loved and learning to love again. Despite the choices you make to protect your heart. GAWD....IT'S SO DAMN GOOD!
I fell fast and hard for this couple and their story! It's a beautiful journey that ends with the most glorious of HEA's that will make any gal in the over 40 club swoon in absolute delight and even make John Hughes proud!
From beginning to end this story had me utterly captivating in the best possible way! It's truly an exceptional read and I couldn’t have loved it more! Get this gem on your TBR NOW! I promise you'll be finding yourself becoming a #AdriansGroupie in no time!
*I was generously given an ARC copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own *
If you like reverse age gaps, you need to read this one! Beautiful Lies was an thrilling, high-heat and just fun story. More than that it had some very good angst and lots of exciting scenes.
I adored the relationship that Lake, out main character, had with her daughter. It was very sweet. And Noelle was an interesting character. Kind of hope she gets her own book.
Adrian was just so hot but also swoon-worthy! He sure fell first and fell hard. And he made things so exciting. I loved getting to know him and watch him fall in love with Lake.
I really enjoyed this story and I hope we get more stories in this world.
⭒ Paperback kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t know where to start to describe how good this book is. I loved everything about it…Paula’s writing style is so descriptive and poetic that I get caught up from the first word. Her characters are complex and I enjoy the way she unravels their back stories as the book progresses. Lake is a powerhouse…successful business woman, single mom – but she is also jaded, closed off, and does not trust easily. Given her life experiences it is easy to understand why she protects her heart so fiercely. That is until she meets Adrian. His is a sexy rockstar, knows what he wants and is not afraid to go after it…their chemistry is off the charts. The road to their HEA was not easy, as much as I loved Lake, at times I wanted to shake her when her fears held her back, but it made the HEA even sweeter. This book is a must TBR. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Read this in one sitting! Lake and Adrian are absolute fire! Chemistry in spades. Lake has poured her heart and life into raising her daughter and her career. Now that Noelle is close to leaving for college there is a bit more tie for herself. Out with a friend for her birthday she indulges herself in hearing a band at a club like the old days. The minute she walks in their eyes meet and it feels soul deep. Love how Lake is so no nonsense yet when it comes to her loved ones she caves. Problem is she needs to learn to take some things for herself for once. Absolutely beautifully written love story full of feels.
I loved this book so much ! Lake Kennedy wanted to go out and have some fun and she finds Adrian. He’s easy going and falls for Kennedy They have so much chemistry but will Lake but lake is almost 10 years older than Adrian. Will she be able to put overlook the age gap ?
Beautiful Lies is my newest book obsession! I typically don't get emotional when reading but this book was different I found myself laughing, smiling and even crying. I would recommended this book to anyone who enjoys romance. All of the characters were well developed and I loved them all! Lake is very relatable especially if you are a mom. There were so many sections of the book I would read over again because of the wisdom and real life feelings. Adrian has gained a spot on my book boyfriends list and is extremely swoon worthy! Beautiful Lies is one of those books I wish I could read again for the first time! I can't say enough good things about this book and you should just go check it out for yourself! Oh yea and don't forget the spicy was also perfection!
I’m not usually a big fan of reverse age gap but this is an exception. Lake Kennedy is a high powered executive who doesn’t have time for a man in her life. This guy is made of jagged edges, tattoos, ripped jeans, and definitely not age appropriate for me. Adrian is a musician trying to hit it big. There attraction is emendate and smoking hot. This kiss causes my body to come alive like the desert reacting to the rain. Step out of your same old and give this one a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Lake is a single mother to her 17 year old daughter Noelle. It has always been just the two of them after Lake was burned badly by Noelle’s Dad, and he chose not to be in their lives. Lake is use to being a workaholic and devoting her life to her daughter. She has built an amazing life for both of them and Noelle doesn’t want for much. On Lake's 43 Birthday she is having dinner with her best friend Georgie, who convinces her to go to their old college hang out bar and have a drink, but on the way there Georgie gets called into work with an emergency. With Noelle being out at a sleepover, Lake decides to go by herself and check out the band. After getting a drink she makes her way over to where the band is playing and instantly locks eyes with the singer. Attraction and major chemistry on both ends. Lake is so overwhelmed she goes to leave, as she is walking back to her car she hears the singer call out to her. Without knowing each others names or very much about each other they share one amazingly hot night. I mean a night Lake knows she will never forget, it was that amazing. But she knows there is an age difference, and feels like this can only be a one time thing so she leaves while he is still sleeping and goes back to her crazy busy life full of work and being a mom.
Lake’s sister is getting remarried and Lake is in the wedding when she shows up for the rehearsal dinner she never guesses who will also be there. Lake finds out the name of her one-night stand, Adrian, and let's just say he will end up being in her life one way or another. I hate to say too much because I think the crazy coincidences of all this will be so much better if you discover it all on your own. But what I will say is Lake is scared to pursue anything more with Adrian for so many reasons, even if it was the best sex of her life. She is afraid of being screwed over by a man so she keeps her heart on lock down. Adrian being younger than her is a big thing to her but not so much to him. She also wants to spend as much time with her daughter, it is Noelle’s last year of high school before she leaves for college, and Lake is afraid of that major change let alone add another change of actually having a relationship and the idea is just way too much for her. She also worries that if the relationship doesn't work then they will be forever intertwined in each others lives one way or another, plus her sister will kill her.
So, well I already have said enough, you are just going to have to grab this book and dig into it all yourself. It will probably be one of the best choices you have made because there is just something about Paula's writing that takes you in, grabs at you and takes you through quite the emotional ride. You absolutely feel everything each character is feeling as if it was your own life falling into place right in front of you own eyes. Now being a 1980's baby 40 something women I absolutely loved and resonated with Lake, yet was extremely jealous of the amazing chemistry….ok amazing sex she is having with this much younger hot guy. Plus may I add that Play list was absolutely amazing. Set aside a few hours to get lost in this one because you are not going to want to put it down till the very last page.
I wanted to love this but the writing needed a ton of work. Almost every other page had a grammar error. Wrong word used, wrong verb tense used, misspelling. Please get a better editor. And Lake was a horrible person. I’m all for strong boss women (hate doormats) but she was just mean and rude for no reason. Not a strong female character to look up to, but a mean girl who was rude on several occasions to workers or random people she encountered. She was mean to Adrian and honestly did not deserve him. She should have been the one who groveled and did a big gesture. Overall, I can’t recommend.
Having read Ms.Dombrowiak's other books i've been so excited for more of her words! From the moment i stumbled across a teaser for this one i was so in! I've been looking forward to it ever since. I picked it up and got right into this story. I really enjoyed it!
Lake and Adrian’s journey pulled me in right away! Sometimes a soul can meet another that forever changes things, something Lake and Adrian know all too well. Lake is a hard working single mom and Adrian is a musician. Lake and Adrian are brought into each other's lives at the Yucca Tap Room and share an unforgettable night together. With so much between them, can they find a way to a beautiful forever together?
I really adored the memorable way Lake and Adrian were brought into each other's lives and the how their paths crossed. I admired how driven Lake was and the bond she shared with her daughter, Noelle. Adrian and the dedication to his music is something i so enjoyed seeing. I wasn't sure how Lake and Adrian would tackle everything from certain things in their lives, truths in their hearts, and everything between them which had me even more glued to my kindle!
Lake and Adrian's chemistry and connection was utterly undeniable. I found myself relating to both Lake and Adrian many times throughout. There was such strength to Lake and Adrian was so caring and determined when it came to Lake. The humanness they both showed shined through the pages and had me falling for them. Both of them had me going through all kinds of emotions from start to finish! Opening your heart to love can be absolutely terrifying, but taking the dive can be so worth it.
I loved the reverse age gap and forbidden aspects of this story what both brought to it all. I could picture everything so vividly in my mind while reading and i loved the Arizona setting! I so enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story as well!
With Beautiful Lies, Ms.Dombrowiak has created such a great and memorable read that brought the depth, heat, and so many feels! A great reminder to appreciate a forever lasting moment in the rain. I can always count on her writing to get right into my heart and have me feeling every bit of the journey like she did with this book! If you haven't read her work yet, you so need to change that this year! I can't wait to read what she brings our way next! 💗
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Captivating, beautifully written, addictive storyline and unable to put it down are just some words that describe Beautiful Lies. I fell in love with this book right from the start. Ms. Dombrowiak never fails to deliver a story that is full of intrigue, romance, emotions, and chemistry that is off the charts.
Lake is a strong, successful, single mom who puts her teen daughter first in every aspect of her life. She is also a woman that had been hurt and lied to. The relationship that she has with her daughter is one that a mother can hope for with her daughter. One night at a bar and her life changes. Adrian, the hot and sexy musician she meets at a bar has her doing things that she never thought she would do, a one-night-stand. Did I say that he is also much younger than her? One night of hot passion with names or information shared, Lake goes her own way, only to meet him again at her sister's wedding. What will she do since she still thinks about the way his hands and mouth felt on her skin, setting it on fire? He is determined to make her his and is willing to do anything that she asks of him. Following her rules is important to her but little does she know that he has a way of changing them in a way that they still work but now in his favour. The two of them as full of passion, caring and love.
Lake and Adrian's story is one of love, family, taking risks, finding happiness and not carrying about what the world thinks as long as you are happy. I could not get enough of these two. They pull you in with their banter and sparks that ignite into flames every time they are together. I highly recommend picking up Beautiful Lies and fall in love with Lake and Adrian's story.
OMFG! This story was just so damn good! I freaking LOVED it!
It was a sensual masterpiece filled with such poignantly written interactions between two wonderful people. I devoured this delicious morsel of intoxicating passion, desire and heart exploding moments. There was nothing that was going to tear me away from the pages of this book as I was addicted to the incredible and spellbinding connection between an older woman and a younger man. I was 100% here for this age-gap romance. And could not get enough of it.
Lake is an incredibly fierce, independent and strong woman, but on her 43 birthday she stubbles into a bar and locks eyes with a sexy, soulful musician. I could feel that intense and utterly desire filled moment throughout my body. It gave me goosebumps. Then when they met again outside in the rain and share their first uninhibited kiss – ugh I think my ovaries and panties exploded right then. It was so damn deliciously hot and exciting that I couldn’t wait for them to continue this lust filled and totally reckless moment.
Adrian, a sexy, young musician, takes one look at Lake and knows that his soul has finally found its mate. He would do anything and everything to make Lake his.
The attraction between Lake and Adrian is unmistakable, heady, and explosively hot. The heat these two give off when they are together oozed off the pages and had my kindle melting along with my panties. SO SCORCHING HOT!!
This was a brilliantly written reverse age-gap romance that had me so consumed and addicted to it that I was having my own lust filled dreams about it. This amazing author has taken us on an emotional journey of healing, finally letting go and falling in love again.
Absolutely swoon worthy love story with a nail-biting buildup to a remarkable and utterly heart exploding ending.
I have read and greatly loved all of Paula's books so far she is an amazing writer who has rapidly risen to the top of the few authors I will read no matter what. So I was looking forward to her new book with great anticipation and she certainly delivered once again.
We meet some brand new characters in this swoony and hot age gap rocker romance and I loved that this time it was an older woman with a younger man, we don't get many of those so I was ready to savour this one. Lake is a single mom who has risen to the top of her profession fighting sexism and discrimation all the way to become the best in her game. Unfortunately along the way she has lost herself, she is more than a mom and a executive, she is also a woman who needs more in her life but is not sure what it is. That's until she locks eyes with sexy musician Adrian who is singing on stage in a bar.
Adrian is so much more than Lake believes she deserves and unfortunately she makes him her dirty secret hiding him from her family and the last thing she expects is to find out that he is the brother of her sister's new wife. From then on it is a heartbreaking major struggle for Lake to admit she has feelings for Adrian and even to realise that maybe their relationship could become so much more.
Adrian's character is amazing he totally falls for Lake and introduces her to pleasures she has never had or had forgotten exist with his own brand of sexiness and humour. At the same time he is mature enough to give her space to work out her own feelings.
This was a story I devoured and I could relate to Lake's feelings not allowing herself to enjoy the gift that she had been given because of what her family and other's might think. It is a big hurdle to get over and I am glad that she did. Thanks again to Paula for an outstanding read and a smile at the end when Jack O'Donnell makes a brief appearance swaggering across the back stage area like he owned the place!
For Lake Kennedy life is good she's over 40 she's successful raised a daughter alone and dosen't believe in Love she knows that all men are good for is Beautiful Lies and then there is Adrien Corvin a hot beautiful young musician that's when everything becomes more complicated and everything she thought she new about herself gets torn to shreds and nothing will be the same for her ever again. One night that was never supposed to be more leads to a love she fears from there first kiss in the rain it's a ride she can't get off from even though it's domed to crash all because she can't let her past go to embrace a future she needs to embrace with everything that's in her but then family drama puts her on the run from all she's feeling can she beet the rain to salvage what she walked away from or will Adrian already be gone. Adrian may be young but the moment he looks at Lake there's something that draws him in he doesn't care about her age or the fear that Lake uses to say they can't be together he just wants her but his life is about to change he may finally have the chance always wanted but never thought would come his way and Lake is slipping away before they ever had a chance.
I loved this book its not just the words and the emotions you feel from this book or the passion that evolves between Lake and Adrian but the music makes me really see these too makes them more then just characters in a story. Another well written book by Paula Dombrowiak.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I didn't know what to expect when I started reading Beautiful Lies. I knew I was getting an age gap romance, and that there would be a musician involved as well. That was really it though.
Lake and Adrian's story was intriguing. What started as a night together quickly became more when the connection they shared was revealed. Who knew that Beth and Laura's relationship would impact Lake's.
I immediately liked Adrian. He just seemed like a person who fits in wherever he goes, and he's always comfortable. The age gap between him and Lake was no issue for him. The fact that Lake is a single mom was not an issue either. Adrian just knew that he wanted to be with Lake, and he was going to take whatever opportunities he had to make that happen.
Lake was a bit more difficult to get a read on. She kept things close to her chest and didn't really let anyone in. Well except for, her best friend, Georgie. Yet you could see the internal battle she was facing regarding Adrian. Did she want him? Absolutely. Was she comfortable with their age gap? Not at all. There was something holding her back, and fear might have been the biggest part of it. Fear of finding herself. Fear of making herself a priority. Fear of love.
This book was quite the ride, and I enjoyed every moment of it. Paula Dombrowiak knows how to write a story that pulls me in, and has me falling for the characters. Also those moments when previous characters were mentioned, and/or appeared, had me smiling.
This book is a 4 star read and has great spice level.
This story starts out with you meeting Lake who is a single mom who conquers the board room. She is at the Eve of her 43rd birthday day and is going out with a friend, because her daughter went to a friends house. While out with her friend they decided to go to a bar they frequented in their early 20s. Georgie her friend gets called away for a work emergency so Lake decides to go the bar anyway and she meets a mystery man who is preforming at the bar. They have instant chemistry and Lake goes back to his house for the evening but they never exchange names.
Fast forward to Lake’s sister Beth’s wedding and I’m walks mystery man, Adrian, he is the brother for Beth’s significant other.
Lake and Adrian decide to have a no strings relationship until it’s not fun anymore. Lake convinces Adrian to keep their relationship secretly. Adrian knows he wants Lake from the first moment he saw her but she is messed up from her previous relationship with her daughter, Noelle, father and she needs to come with terms that he was the problem not her.
This story is wonderfully written and takes you on a little bit of a roller coaster ride because Lake is older the Adrian.
Overall I really enjoyed this book but did feel like there were times that I just wanted things to happen faster.
I received this book as an ARC and I am leaving this review willingly.
I don't quite recall how this book caught my attention, maybe it was a teaser or maybe it was just the beautiful cover. Whatever the reason, I'm so glad that I took a chance on this forbidden, age-gap romance, because it exceeded my every possible expectation.
Lake is turning 43 and she's content with her career as a CFO and with her life as a single mom to her teenage daughter. She doesn't need anything especially the distraction of a man, but then she walks into a bar and locks eyes with Adrian Corvin. He's too young. He's forbidden. He might just be everything that Lake didn't know that she needed.
Now, let me tell you -- I was not prepared for the emotions that this book brought out in me. I smiled until my face ached. I cried until I could no longer see my Kindle. My heart broke and it was put back together. I absolutely LOVED Adrian. This man truly is the perfect book boyfriend. As a "mature" woman myself, I could really relate to Lake and I could understand every fear and apprehension that she had. Her relationship with her daughter was heartwarming and emotional. As a mom, I felt it all. SO MANY FEELS.
This is the first book that I've read by this author, and I started to get the feeling that some of the characters mentioned here were probably dropping by from other books. So...it looks like I'm going to be checking out her library and adding some more books to my TBR. Loved, loved, loved this one and I definitely want to read more!
In her work Beautiful Lies Paula Dombrowiak tackles an age gap romance and all the questioning, insecurities and judgments that accompany them for a well put together story!
Unexpected and full of chemistry, older driven career woman and single mother Lake Kennedy drops her defenses and caves into her attraction to a younger man, singer Adrian Corvin, for a one night stand. In a series of unforeseen coincidences this pair was continuously confronted with their physical attraction and found themselves dancing around their emotional gravitation for a work full of angst and flirty wit.
Adrian was an interesting contrast of edgy rocker and sweet romantic. His self awareness was as attractive as his looks and together they were irresistible making Lake's internal dilemma at pursuing a relationship with him easy to understand. Outwardly Lake appeared to have it all but behind her success Lake was lonely and emotionally scarred, isolating herself in her fear of being hurt. Using her responsibility as a single parent to her daughter to avoid taking chances, Lake was caught up in avoidance of romantic opportunities and in meeting the needs and expectations of everyone but herself. Lake and Adrian were captivating together and it was no surprise that their friends and family caught on to their attraction. Lake's struggle with letting go of her tight control of her life and viewing her relationship with Adrian as taboo was the crux of this story. Adrian's faith in his and Lake's ability to overcome, both real and imagined, obstacles kept this work from being a tragedy and was very well done by this author. Not to be ignored, this couple's connection was hot!
While this work had its fair share of angst it was a much more toned down version of what readers have come to expect from this writer. There was quite a bit more humor interwoven throughout this story mellowing it and the resulting pain of Lake and Adrian's decisions and actions. There was lots of witty dialog for some fun moments and a great supporting cast and their interactions softened this story.
Paula Dombrowiak continues to offer deep and thoughtful characters that have complex exchanges and histories that shape them. Her layers are vast, giving readers robust portrayals that feel well fleshed out. Imperfections are this author's sweet spot and she displays them in her characters without hesitation making her works interesting and relatable. Paula Dombrowiak's Beautiful Lies shows a nice change of pace for this writer and will keep readers coming back for more of her fabulous stories!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
This is a sweet and sexy story with much less angst than Paula usually writes, and it served as a palate cleanser for me after a long list of darker romances. Lake is a single mother of a 17-year old daughter, Noelle, and it's been the two of them since Noelle's father wanted nothing to do with her. On Lake's 43rd birthday, her best friend gets her to go out to celebrate and she locks eyes with the sexy lead singer of the band on the stage. Adrian is fairly happy with his life as a part-time rockstar and working for his father's flooring company. When he spots the beautiful woman at the bar, he knows he has to have her. They have a scorching night with no strings, no names or other details. But fate has another idea and when they meet at Lake's sister's wedding, Adrian takes it as a sign that they belong together. Lake's a little hesitant because she's older than he, she's been burned before and doesn't want to repeat that mistake, and her daughter is off to college and she wants to spend as much time with her as possible. If she's able to get out of her own head and out of her own way, she could see who's standing before her wanting to make this more than casual. Adrian is able to convince her to take a risk on their love and show her that it's real. In the end, it was a combination of fate and magic that showed them that they were made for each other.
🤍 Mamá soltera 🖤 Rockstar 🤍 Age gap (ella 43 – él 31) 🖤 Rollo de una noche 🤍 Relación prohibida
Lake es una mujer dedicada a las finanzas y madre soltera que conoce a Adrian en un bar donde él toca la guitarra y canta. La atracción fue instantánea y pues eso los llevó a tener una noche de pasión muy candente 🔥😈 Pasadas unas semanas se reencuentran en una cena, dónde resulta que él es el hermano pequeño de la futura esposa de su hermana Beth. Él está decido a tenerla y ella se resiste a caer en sus encantos y en esa boca sucia que tiene Adrian, pero es imposible. Ella decide dejarse llevar, pero a medias, ya que su relación solo la basa en el sexo, en pasar buenos momentos, pero nada más, no quiere que nadie se entere, mucho menos su hermana y su hija. Los fantasmas del pasado y el tabú de ser ella mayor que él, le impiden a Lake ser completamente feliz y darse el lujo de enamorarse de ese hombre maravilloso. Ella solo se preocupa por su hija Noelle, dejándose en último lugar, sintiendo culpabilidad cada vez que veia a Adrian y le quitaba ese tiempo a Noelle. La relación entre ellos es maravillosa, llena de momentos de risas, de muchos momentos sexys y también de reflexión y de auto descubrimiento. Amarán a la mejor amiga de Lake, Georgie, al igual que a la familia de Adrian. Me encantan estos reverse age gap ❤️🖤
Lake is out for dinner with her bestie and she’s called away on an emergency, she’s a veterinarian assistant. So since she’s celebrating her forty-third birthday she heads to the bar. There she orders a drink and heads towards the live music. She’s watching the singer when his eyes connect to hers. He’s gorgeous, talented, hot and young. When she decides to leave the bar and starts walking towards her car, he call out to her. Hey, he says in his sexy voice. The chemistry of these two is off the hook. They spend a few hours together that night and it was so freaking hot I thought my Kindle was going to melt. It was supposed to be one night but fate had other plans. They quickly find out who the other is and she’s shocked, but it doesn’t stop her from being with him again, and again. These two just can’t get enough of each other, they’re adorable together. He’s thirty-one to her forty-three, so she doesn’t see this going anywhere but he has other ideas. I love Adrian, he’s handsome, smart, talented and so easy going you’ll want to hug in. This story is hot, she’s a strong smart independent woman but not where this man in concerned. It’s a great story, the ending is awesome and I’m giving it five stars and highly recommend it.