nglofile's review against another edition
2.0
Better than I'd feared; not as good as I might have hoped.
The romance has its sweet and spicy moments, and we do become invested in seeing the couple achieve their happy-ever-after. The suspense, however, including the male protagonist's work, is B-movie level at best, and the villain is awkwardly cartoonish, though I get that many readers won't care. My ability to suspend disbelief is not as strong as it would need to be to fully appreciate this novel, and the future they embark upon didn't help with that.
Trigger warning: this book includes more than one scene of sexual assault. For the major scene, which falls early in the story, one character's distinction of "it wasn't really rape because he didn't finish" is beyond troubling, not to mention the wildly inappropriate character reactions that establish tension for the rest of the plot.
The romance has its sweet and spicy moments, and we do become invested in seeing the couple achieve their happy-ever-after. The suspense, however, including the male protagonist's work, is B-movie level at best, and the villain is awkwardly cartoonish, though I get that many readers won't care. My ability to suspend disbelief is not as strong as it would need to be to fully appreciate this novel, and the future they embark upon didn't help with that.
Trigger warning: this book includes more than one scene of sexual assault. For the major scene, which falls early in the story, one character's distinction of "it wasn't really rape because he didn't finish" is beyond troubling, not to mention the wildly inappropriate character reactions that establish tension for the rest of the plot.
ebit9104's review against another edition
4.0
This books makes me want to go buy a box of Sour Patch Kids.. Kash was such a sweetheart, a new book boyfriend. All he cared about was protecting Rachel. The only thing that annoyed be, especially since I live in Tampa is that there is no such thing as Tampa Bay Policy Dept.. Its just Tampa Police Dept... Okay my rant is over.
booksabrewin's review against another edition
5.0
I received a copy of this book from the publishers to read and review in preparation for a blog tour for the sequel.
I had heard such wonderful things about Molly McAdams and her New Adult books that when approached to review Deceiving Lies, I accepted right away. The publishers immediately sent me Forgiving Lies so I could follow the series easily. I am, currently, still waiting on my copy of the sequel I am supposed to read and review for a tour. I started reading the book as soon as it came in.
Kash is used to pretending he is someone else. As an undercover cop, he is well versed in moving to a new place and keeping his past a secret. He has never had the desire to deviate from protocol until he met Rachel. Kash is in Texas trying to find a murderer by pretending to be a bartender with his best friend and partner, Mason. He is also hiding from a hit that was placed on him and his partner after breaking up a drug ring. He was meant just to case the bar and wait for the murderer in question to appear so he could make an arrest. Instead, he starts spending more and more time with his spunky neighbor, Rachel. He never wanted to bringing a woman into his life due to the danger of it, but Rachel makes him wonder if it is possible to find happiness and love outside of his work.
Rachel has had a rough time with men lately. She was attacked and knows if she tells anyone, they won't believe her. She knows she needs to keep her distance from men entirely. Especially the bad boy next door, Kash. But for some reason she is drawn to him and finds the safety she so badly needs.
The friendship between Rachel and Kash grows until the attraction is undeniable. But their relationship is anything but easy. Rachel's attacker is on the prowl again and has his sights set, once again, on Rachel being his. Kash has to keep his true identity a secret to protect Rachel, but the secrets and unforgivable lies may be this couple's undoing.
I absolutely adored this book! Rachel was a wounded dove in need of care and respect. Kash was just such a guy to provide that. The danger each of them presented with Rachel's attacker and Kash's murderer was thrilling and riveting. I found myself transfixed and hungering for more and more story.
There was only one aspect of the book I didn't care for and that was how dramatic Kash's lies seemed to be. I didn't find them to be as big of a deal as the female protagonist did. Perhaps that was simply because Rachel had a rough go of things and just didn't like having opened up when Kash didn't. I can understand it, but I didn't really enjoy the wedge of tension it caused between one of my favorite fictional couples.
Forgiving Lies is the beginning of a contemporary series that will astound and delight. HIGHLY recommended read.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
purpl3_vix3n's review against another edition
5.0
I can't believe I waited so long to read yet another Molly McAdams book. I wanted to hug the shit out of Rachel and tell her it's OK. That girl went through so much and her best friend didn't even believe her! Candice relaly rubbed my the wrong way, it felt she was in on the evil that Blake was doing, but thank GOD for Mason and Kash. Oh those boys. Police officers I might add. Them and Pancakes made me hungry for both. Now since this left me on the worst cliffhanger ever, I have to go buy the next one. Happy Reading!
djacknurse's review against another edition
3.0
First, this could have been one book only and would have been better to me. I don't need a book to be perfect or mimic real life to enjoy it but, this had too many things I didn't care for. I thought Candice was the biggest slut/bitch EVER! If this girl was Rachel's BEST friend I would hate to meet her enemies. I can tell you if I was locked out of my apartment every time my roommate wanted a hook up I would have keys hidden everywhere outside! The second problem was Rachel was immature and a total door mat to everybody but Kash. She is in an unsafe situation and "freezes" up?? I can't see that since she is so mouthy and tough with Kash. Lastly, he saves her ass but she can't forgive him for not revealing what he does for a living when he could lose his job. UGH! I can't go on with this.....especially when it's too hard to believe this many bad things can happen to one girl in one lifetime. I will say I thought the writing was good.
syndi3's review against another edition
I read many many unbelievable romance books. Unbelievable in terms of hidieous characters, lousy plot, cringe worthy chemistry. And when I started Forgiving Lies, I just have to stop.
The story of sexual assault victim acting like nothing is wrong is just... well... wrong. It does not sit well with me. Rachel attitude toward Candice is also nausiating. How come after Candice point blank told Racher she does not believe Rachel, Rachel is still living with her??
I just can not put my head around this. That is just the moment I stop.
The story of sexual assault victim acting like nothing is wrong is just... well... wrong. It does not sit well with me. Rachel attitude toward Candice is also nausiating. How come after Candice point blank told Racher she does not believe Rachel, Rachel is still living with her??
I just can not put my head around this. That is just the moment I stop.
cupcakegirly's review against another edition
3.0
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/16521-forgiving-lies-forgiving-lies-1
talldrinkofdietcoke's review against another edition
4.0
I definitely got more then I bargained for this with book. I'm a sucker for any book with an undercover cop who falls in love while on the job. So when I read that, I knew this was the book for me. And I was right. I really did enjoy it. What I didn't expect was the seriousness of some parts. Rape, stalking, attempted murder.. All things I didn't expect to find but did which totally made a good story even better.
Only one problem for me but it's a big one. Cliffhanger.
Only one problem for me but it's a big one. Cliffhanger.
gvharlamert's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely LOVE Molly McAdams. She has such a distinct writing style and is a fabulous storyteller. This was the first book that I ever read by her and I was instantly a fan.
Unlike Taking Chances and From Ashes this story is not wrapped up in just one book. Matter of fact, it ends on a pretty big cliffhanger that makes you immediately want to go out and buy Deceiving Lies (which is fabulous by the way). First things first let's talk about Logan Kash Ryan. Because he is my latest book boy obsession. He's tall, dark, handsome, and completely yummy (even though in real life someone as intimidating as him would have me running the opposite direction).
So a character rundown:
Kash : swoon and drooling
Rachel : lovable sour patch
Mason (Kash's best friend and police partner): big teddy bear
Candace (Best friend of Rachel): Ugh and ggrrrr
Blake (Candace's cousin): Creepy as frick
This book has so many conflicts going at once but they are woven in a way that the plot flows smoothly instead of being one big disjointed mess (which it had every potential to be just that). This story is told from alternating POV which I love because I love seeing both sides of the story. Once again, McAdams makes you feel everything that the characters feel. This book had suspense in it and I remember reading when reading it the first time the thought process when I realized who the serial killer was (oh yeah, that happens).
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone. Honestly, top 5 favorite book of all time. I'm convinced McAdams can't write anything less than spectacular.
Unlike Taking Chances and From Ashes this story is not wrapped up in just one book. Matter of fact, it ends on a pretty big cliffhanger that makes you immediately want to go out and buy Deceiving Lies (which is fabulous by the way). First things first let's talk about Logan Kash Ryan. Because he is my latest book boy obsession. He's tall, dark, handsome, and completely yummy (even though in real life someone as intimidating as him would have me running the opposite direction).
So a character rundown:
Kash : swoon and drooling
Rachel : lovable sour patch
Mason (Kash's best friend and police partner): big teddy bear
Candace (Best friend of Rachel): Ugh and ggrrrr
Blake (Candace's cousin): Creepy as frick
This book has so many conflicts going at once but they are woven in a way that the plot flows smoothly instead of being one big disjointed mess (which it had every potential to be just that). This story is told from alternating POV which I love because I love seeing both sides of the story. Once again, McAdams makes you feel everything that the characters feel. This book had suspense in it and I remember reading when reading it the first time the thought process when I realized who the serial killer was (oh yeah, that happens).
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone. Honestly, top 5 favorite book of all time. I'm convinced McAdams can't write anything less than spectacular.