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jackiemontt's review against another edition
2.0
I hated the characters in this book. I kept holding out that Stephen and Lucy would become better main-characters as the book went on, but sadly they did not.
'Tell Me Lies' is filled with drugs, sex, cheating, and toxicity -- all of which would normally make for a fun read for me (as a 20-something living in NY), but it just felt forced and unrealistic. Stephen was an asshole character that never had any character development or growth, and Lucy was often super annoying, albeit she had some character growth and I liked her better.
I wanted to like this book, but in the end, I was just so disappointed. I finished the book to finish it, but I honestly couldn't care less about where each of their storylines ended.
Overall, I was able to read/finish this book, but it was not my favorite.
***SPOILER BELOW***
Additionally, one of the most interesting plot points in the story, a young girl named Macy who's death was tied to both Stephen and Lucy, never really had a conclusion. It left me dissatisfied and wanting more information or a little something more to address it.
'Tell Me Lies' is filled with drugs, sex, cheating, and toxicity -- all of which would normally make for a fun read for me (as a 20-something living in NY), but it just felt forced and unrealistic. Stephen was an asshole character that never had any character development or growth, and Lucy was often super annoying, albeit she had some character growth and I liked her better.
I wanted to like this book, but in the end, I was just so disappointed. I finished the book to finish it, but I honestly couldn't care less about where each of their storylines ended.
Overall, I was able to read/finish this book, but it was not my favorite.
***SPOILER BELOW***
Additionally, one of the most interesting plot points in the story, a young girl named Macy who's death was tied to both Stephen and Lucy, never really had a conclusion. It left me dissatisfied and wanting more information or a little something more to address it.
readsbyhope's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Eating disorder, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
rissareads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
3.5
It was a slow burn. The main character Lucy was very much the type of woman that I try not to be. And Stephen reminds me of an ex I want to not remember. Toxic, narcissistic relationship where you cringe and are so mad throughout.
jordanrosez90's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
lise__'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mauraneandbooks's review against another edition
3.0
A good entertainment with a flat ending. Made me think of You by its characters and how it's written.
rayofsunshine99's review against another edition
3.0
Too long. Good lord. Could have been amazing with 1/3 less.
kelseyruby's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
randir18's review against another edition
2.0
I’m giving this 2.5 ⭐️ONLY because there were a couple of loose threads that were actually tied up in the end that redeemed this book a little for me. Honesty hour: I watched the show first (and really enjoyed it tbh) so I’m not 100% sure if that had an impact while I was reading. Most of my faults with the book aren’t because of the differences between book and show though.
Both characters were kind of insufferable. I was not surprised because I had the background from the show, but the book was brutal at points. It was just depressing. Even though both characters are college-aged/just post-college, I thought that they would both have some more basic common sense. It just went on too long for me, and I felt there was no real drive to the plot in general other than Lucy and Stephen are unhealthily obsessed with each other and keep coming back together time and time again. It was readable and finish-able, but I would not recommend.
Both characters were kind of insufferable. I was not surprised because I had the background from the show, but the book was brutal at points. It was just depressing. Even though both characters are college-aged/just post-college, I thought that they would both have some more basic common sense. It just went on too long for me, and I felt there was no real drive to the plot in general other than Lucy and Stephen are unhealthily obsessed with each other and keep coming back together time and time again. It was readable and finish-able, but I would not recommend.
amy_alwaysreading's review against another edition
4.5
Gritty and addictive. A completely juicy read!
I’ve been a fan of Lovering’s work since I first read Can’t Look Away and added her entire backlist to my TBR. So when Tell Me Lies was recently in the spotlight as season 2 of the series premiered, I knew it was time.
College should be a time for exploration and growth. But after Lucy met Stephen, her experience became a spiral of toxicity and obsession.
This was one disturbing and gritty storyline. Drama filled and full of angst, this book made me feel deeply and kept me swiftly turning page after page.
With chapters alternating between Stephen and Lucy’s POV, character development was rich and layered, and it also gave perspective to both sides of the relationship.
Stephen, master manipulator and profuse liar, was so easy to hate. But the juxtaposition between Lucy’s intelligence and naivete had me vacillating between frustration and empathy for her.
This was a stark look at toxic love. The on and off relationship was steeped in intensity. And while it made for a very entertaining read, it also felt scarily plausible.
🎧 The dual narration from Corey Brill and Rebekkah Ross brought both characters to life and accentuated the depth of emotion and tension that built throughout the relationship. Such an easy binge listen!