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A review by dawnsdiary
Cruel Lies by Lilian Harris
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is the second book in the Messina Crime Family series and I really enjoyed it. This follows Ralph, who we met in the first book, and Nicolette, who was also mentioned in the book.
I appreciated that this book is told in two different timelines. It helps to grasp Nicolette and Ralph’s relationship from when they first met. Ralph was in a relationship and got married to Nicolette’s older sister. The flashbacks show how their friendship developed and how Nicolette developed feelings for Ralph. The flashbacks also gave and insight into Ralph’s relationship and marriage as well as what let to Nicolette going on the run.
Ralph and Nicolette’s relationship was emotional and beautiful. Nicolette was very open about her feelings for Ralph, but he was very hesitant and always pushing her away. It wasn’t because of his feelings, but something deeper which is uncovered once we read more in Ralph’s POV. This was definitely a slow burn, which I am not used to reading, but once they finally let themselves go, their relationship explodes. I also loved seeing elements of their friendship from the past and present.
I really felt for Nicolette and Ralph. They experienced so much pain and hurt by the people that were supposed to protect and love them. They found refuge within each other. It was heartbreaking every time more things were uncovered about the pain and heartbreak they endured by these people. They both deserve the world.
The plot itself is also really intriguing. We discovered a lot more secrets in this book which had me shock and on the edge of my seat. I was flying through the last 20% once everything was popping off.
Overall, really enjoyed this read. I can’t wait to ready Gio’s book. We saw sneak peaks of the last couple within the last few chapters of this book and it has me really excited!
Thank you to Lilian Harris for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I appreciated that this book is told in two different timelines. It helps to grasp Nicolette and Ralph’s relationship from when they first met. Ralph was in a relationship and got married to Nicolette’s older sister. The flashbacks show how their friendship developed and how Nicolette developed feelings for Ralph. The flashbacks also gave and insight into Ralph’s relationship and marriage as well as what let to Nicolette going on the run.
Ralph and Nicolette’s relationship was emotional and beautiful. Nicolette was very open about her feelings for Ralph, but he was very hesitant and always pushing her away. It wasn’t because of his feelings, but something deeper which is uncovered once we read more in Ralph’s POV. This was definitely a slow burn, which I am not used to reading, but once they finally let themselves go, their relationship explodes. I also loved seeing elements of their friendship from the past and present.
I really felt for Nicolette and Ralph. They experienced so much pain and hurt by the people that were supposed to protect and love them. They found refuge within each other. It was heartbreaking every time more things were uncovered about the pain and heartbreak they endured by these people. They both deserve the world.
The plot itself is also really intriguing. We discovered a lot more secrets in this book which had me shock and on the edge of my seat. I was flying through the last 20% once everything was popping off.
Overall, really enjoyed this read. I can’t wait to ready Gio’s book. We saw sneak peaks of the last couple within the last few chapters of this book and it has me really excited!
Thank you to Lilian Harris for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Infertility, and Toxic relationship