“A sizzling, chemistry-filled enemies-to-lovers romance, which is both crackaliciously addictive and angst-central. I couldn’t get enough of Nash and Em. One of my favorite books of the year.” – L.J. Shen, USA Today Bestselling AuthorFrom USA Today bestselling author Parker S. Huntington comes an enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance full of revenge and a dash of fate.“She could enjoy her pretty, … fate.
“She could enjoy her pretty, perfect world a little longer. Soon enough, everything she owned would be mine.”
I had a plan to escape the friend zone.
Step one: sneak into Reed’s room.
Step two: sleep with him.
But when the lights turned on, it wasn’t familiar blue eyes I saw.
These were dark, angry, and full of demons.
And they belonged to Reed’s much older brother.
Four years later, Nash Prescott is no longer the help’s angry son.
I’m no longer the town’s prized princess.
At twenty-two, I’m broke, in need of a job.
At thirty-two, he’s a billionaire, in need of revenge.
Who cares if my family ruined his?
Who cares if he looks at me with pure loathing?
Who cares if every task he assigns me is designed to torture?
I need the money.
Simple as that.
I’ll suffer his cruelty in silence, knowing there’s one thing he wants more than revenge…
Me.
Note: Devious Lies is a 145,000-word standalone in the Cruel Crown series. If you love banter and angst, this book is for you! Welcome to Eastridge. Enter if you dare.
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3.5/4
This was my 1st book by Parker.
If you’ve read any of my reviews before, I’m honest, I never DNF books and I always read them to the end. Even if the beginning is a bit difficult.
Devious Lies took me a long time to read because the first 40% was just not there for me, lots of unnecessary writing that I found myself skipping at times.
That being said, the balance of the book was enjoyable. Nash & Emery have great chemistry and their banter is entertaining. The lies are revealed and the story begins…
Devious Lies is the first book in this newest series from another new to me author. I have heard great reviews from some of the author’s works and I’m asking myself why did I wait until now to read her. Not going to lie, this book just about blew me away. Gah!
I’ve always been a sucker for enemies to lovers romance. But when you add revenge plot, angst, intrigue plus love/hate tension, and I’m eternally yours baby! Chapter to chapter, I can’t stop flipping the pages because of its perfectly rendered characters and story building. I love the simmering sexual tension between Nash and Emery and how they are perfect for each other, even from the start. And Nash, oh man! I’m in love with this guy. I can’t even! I simply can’t stress how much I love this book and I can’t wait for the next!
Rating: 5/5
Steamy: 3/3
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
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YALL. HOLY SHIT. This book was easily the best book I have read this year. It was everything I didn’t know I needed or wanted and then some. Parker hit it out of the park. Plus, I love a good Veronica Mars reference.
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Okay, I’m just going to let you all in on a little secret, I love misunderstood bad boys. Love, love, love them. They are my weakness, all my favorite book boyfriends fall into that category. Nash is definitely in that category but he also is so genuine and good. Nash has a lot of baggage, he carries a lot on his shoulders and doesn’t let anyone in. His presence is captivating, all consuming, and getting to know him was a genuine pleasure (even when he was being a bit of an ass).
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Emery is beautifully complex, she has many layers but her heart is gold. I just loved her, the amount of times I wanted to reach through the pages and hug her was incredible. I don’t think I have ever respected a book character as much as I have her. She had plenty of spunk and lots of backbone. Plus she has two different colored eyes which is just badass.
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This book just proves that perception is everything. Both Nash and Emery have their own perceptions of things and ultimately reality is somewhere in the middle. Their story is just beautiful, it’s raw and authentic. Coming up with words to describe this book was difficult, Parker seriously wrote the most beautiful story and I just want to do her work justice.
Two lives are intertwined by fate. Fate had a way of putting Nash and Emory together. Emory was raised in an affluent home by a horrible mother. Nash lived in the cottage on the grounds of the estate with his mother, father and brother Reed (who is Emory’s best friend). The story unfolds showing the poor little rich girl wanting a family like Reed’s. The storylines twists and turns take you on a very long rollercoaster ride. Parker Huntington delves into the minds thoughts and makes you think what would you do in that situation. Yes, your on a thinking trip too. I wondered if Emory would ever come to the realization that life is not always lived by thoughts and more by actions. Nash is the tough as nails older brother of Reed . The story takes off when Emory goes to work for Nash’s
company. You will need time to read the 685 pages of this book or over 15 hours to listen to audio.
I recommend you take the leap and enjoy the trip.
ARC REVIEW
Nash freaking Prescott just went and stole my heart.
‘Devious Lies’ by the talented Parker S Huntington is her first non-mafia novel and a first read by this author to me. And full disclosure? I. Am. Speechless.
Shocked. Speechless. Awestruck. Dumbfounded.
This book has totally ruined me for all other books.
I had no idea of what I was walking into, but the idea of a book stealing my breath away, inspiring me to be more me, break me down just to build me up stronger was sure as h*ll not what I was expecting.
‘Devious Lies’ is unique and rare, quirky, strange, a one-of-a-kind story that will make you believe in magic words and starless nights.
It is truly one of the best books I have had the pleasure to read so far and definitely goes to my ‘favorites’ list. How to finish the decade with a bang huh!
Emery is a quirky little thing, a fierce woman, a strong fighter, a stubborn warrior and a selfless human being. Her life was not the easiest but she always found a way to see the beauty in it anyway, a way to be content with what she had and to be proud of what she could accomplish.
She is funny and sarcastic, she believes in the power of words and quoting the book ‘she was the loudest when she was quiet’.
Emery has been caught in a storm throughout her life, but despite all the battles, the arguments and the bad situations she found herself into, she learned how to dance in the rain, freely, being unapologetically and fiercely her.
She is the example of quirky but still hard working, of loving and yet uncaring of what others thought of her, she is the balance of good and bad. Even though sometimes, being bad won.
Nash is a heart-stealing, breath-stopping, drool-dropping beast of a man. He is a fierce leader, a feared enemy and underneath his armor, a loving son and man.
He is calculating and cold, ready to jump his prey at any moment but also always planning his next move.
A best full of vengeance on his brain, ready to get his revenge but not ready fo a Little Tiger to turn his whole world upside down over and over again.
He is the king of the jungle and no one in their right mind goes up against him. Good thing Emery is a bit crazy herself.
Nash is like a storm, fascinating from afar and deadly when you get close enough, and yet you cannot help but walk towards it, knowing you might be walking to your death.
Fiery one of the adjectives that come to my mind when thinking about Nash and Emery’s relationship.
It truly is explosive, deadly to those around and revitalizing to them. A breath of fresh air made of angst and anger and vengeance.
The tension between the characters is off the charts, and with every argument, with every raised tone, every battle between them, it just goes higher and higher until it finally explodes into a chaotic mess of lips, limbs, fire, ice, and ashes.
This book is philosophical and romantic, almost to the point of becoming poetic, magical, whimsical and somehow it all works together.
Every action in this book has a meaning, even the littlest of movements, but words are what truly make it special.
Every syllable that creates a word helps the readers live through their minds, through the pages of a book, creating a type of magic not many are willing to try.
If every book this author writes is authentic, unique and steamy as this one, I have definitely missed out on what has become one of my new favorite writers!
‘Devious Lies’ is a one of a kind book made to give you goosebumps, insert some courage in your veins, help you raise your freak/weird flag with pride and most importantly, made to make you fall in unconditional love with fictional characters that it’s hard to even distinguish what’s real and what’s not.
Don’t miss out on this great read that will help you finish 2019 with a BANG!
This will go down as one of my top 5 reads of this year. The writing was outstanding and the slow burn romance was done just right.
This is the second book I’ve read by Parker S Huntington, this is one that I really enjoyed! There revenge on the mind of Nash and that person he going after is none other then Emery Winthrop but he doesn’t realise that he has been in love with her since the night they slept together four years ago!
There’s revenge, lust, love and lies! Will Nash and Emery get their happily ever after or will all the secrets that’s between them be the end?
“Falling in love with you is like diving blindly into a book, not knowing it’s destined to be my favorite”
Wow! I don’t even know if I can find the words to describe how amazing I thought this book was.
Parker S Huntington absolutely knocked it out of the park with Devious Lies. Nash and Emery’s story is full of betrayal, lies, pain, but also so much love, understanding, and loyalty.
I adore Emery, she is strong-willed, determined, and such a bad*ss. And Nash freakin Prescott is the epitome of alpha male. He is braggadocious, ruthless, but also has a heart of gold under his tough exterior. They are incredible characters on their own, but so incredibly great together.
Once I started Devious Lies, I could not stop. I snuck in reading during work and stayed up late just to read all about Nash and Emery. I was fully immersed in their world and never wanted to leave.
Parker S Huntington is a phenomenal writer and storyteller, and if you haven’t already experienced her writing I encourage you to add her books to your TBR, you will not be disappointed!
I highly recommend this book!
Okay…my friends, it must be said. You absolutely, positively MUST read this book. Yeah, cause it’s that dang good. This book covers so many genres at one time. So you’ve got Bully romance, Best friends brother, Office romance and age-gap romance. All my favorites all in one fabulous book!
If you read The anti-fling in the Spring Fling anthology, you are already somewhat familiar with Emery Winthrop and Nash Prescott. I was craving more of them, so I was super excited when I saw Devious Lies was coming. Plus I happen to be a super huge Parker S. Huntington fan as well, so this is a win all around. Finding out I was getting to ARC read this Baby was the best day EVER!!!
Emery is the rich girl who is BFF’s with the help’s son, whom she also happens to be in love with. One night Em makes a huge mistake and beds the wrong brother, she totally thought it was finally her chance with her long time BFF. Shorty after that event her entire world crumbles. A scandal has ripped apart her small town, leaving families destroyed and financial ruin and devastation in its wake.
Fast forward several years later and this beautiful woman is nothing like the rich, pampered princess, she once was. Living a life most would compare to poverty level, for reasons she keeps hidden. She accepts help from her best friend through a job hook up. She is desperate and that means taking a job working for Nash Prescott, the older brother she slept with, the man whose family lost everything due to the actions of her father. The man who despises her. Would he even allow her to work for him? What will his response be when he sees just how far the mighty have fallen?
“She could enjoy her pretty, perfect world a little longer. Soon enough, everything she owned would be mine.”
I love Emery, her character is so strong willed, and stubborn. She’s amazing, self-sacrificing, even to a fault. She’s so caring and humble. She just wanted to wright wrongs that she didn’t even commit. I was amazed by her. I’m just in love with her, and my heart breaks for her. At any time she could have changed her situation by giving into her mother’s demands, but she was too strong for that. I love that she wasn’t backing down from her, from Nash or anybody else.
Now, Nash. He made something of himself. He went from nothing to everything. He knew deeply some of the ways in which he accomplished that weren’t right but he just didn’t care, or maybe he did, but with his IDGAF attitude you’d never know it if he did.
He tried to tell himself he didn’t feel guilty but that just wasn’t true either. As far as a boss go he was a straight shooter and was gonna tell you what he thought and could care less what you thought, he had no filter and couldn’t give a shit about your feelings.
However he was so good to people in the community, he gave back to those less fortunate.
He really was the nicest most generous dickhead around. When Emery shows up working for him, he sees his opportunity to get revenge and information at the same time. This gorgeous cruel boss tries to instantly cut her down and put her in her place. But will she bring him to his knees as well? Has the great Nash Prescott met his match? How well will Nash handle his orders not be followed? She’s really the perfect person to verbally spar with him. My own undergarments melted from the beginning tension between these two. GAH!!
I literally couldn’t put this book down. It had suspense and mystery, the most delicious tension. Characters you love and some you want to hate and have to root for and love again and I just had to know what was going to happen. There was not a boring moment in the book, and it was a pretty long book. It legit kept me captivated from the first page to the last. I’m definitely marking this in my top reads of 2019!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book!
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
– I have to add a sixth star for my blog rating cause this is definitely one of my top reads of 2019! This is like a Bully/ Best friends Brother / Age-Gap. It has everything you could possibly want!
-Holy Hot biscuits and Gravy!! Emery and Nash are everything! BEYOND HOT Y’ALL
Cliffhanger Warning-No cliffhanger! IFloved this!! #Perfection
Let’s just dive into this review shall we?
Emery is so cute and funny I just loved everything about her. Her shirts, her obsession with the sky and muttering random words. I can’t think of any flaw for this character. But like Emery says no one is perfect. Lagom.
Nash is selfless, he is portrayed as an asshole at first but then when you get to know his reasoning behind his actions you will know how selfless he is. He does everything for the people he cares about. Also he is a sexy alpha hero and who doesn’t love one of those?
Is this Lust?
The story however was okayish? Like it was interesting and boring at the same time? There were parts where I felt the story was being dragged a lot. Like I skimmed through the boring parts which was 40% of the book I guess. When I finally reached some spicy/cute/ sad scenes.
Like when Nash finally was shown the true picture of what Emery was actually going through and started getting/making Lunch for her, uggh my heart melted. And god I loved Emery rejecting the Lunch bags even though she was starving! I love defiant female leads so yeah I ADORED EMERY. She really is a tiger.
Or when Emery was having a full on discussion with the ceiling it was giving me In The Unlikely Event vibes when we were getting side notes from other characters/non living objects
“Ceiling: I’ve changed my mind. You psychos are both made for each other.”
The thing is I don’t want to go into too much detail with the story of the book as I feel like if personally I would read a review with a glimpse of what the plot is about, I would easily figure out the rest and won’t find the book that interesting… Just my opinion.
All I’m going to say is this book had potential, to be a lot better. There was something missing, with the story and Emery and Nate. I honestly thought I would get to read a lot more kinky sex than I got, but even what I read it felt weird like he just went down on her, first lick and she is already having an orgasm. Just put his fingers inside her and she is cuming. You know what I’m talking about if you have read the book or are going to read the book.
Overall I would say Loved the characters, the story was pretty average. I mean you can read this one during a rainy day.
I loved Nash. He’s the ultimate bad boy who always stands up for the underdog. Emery is the wild girl who opens his eyes to baltering in the rain. They both walked thru hard times, but Nash became driven for revenge. Emery became determined to help even to her own detriment. I think Nash has been in love with her long before their reunion in Haling Cove. This story was so well written. Their chemistry jumped off the pages.
Thanks for ARC opportunity.
This is my first book I read of this author. I had liked the blurb and applied for ARC and I couldn’t wait to start this. I went in blind, its an addictive read. Its lengthy but I enjoyed it well. I fell in love with this author after studying the foreword story about princess Lily and Celia. Totally agree on author’s standpoint in this.
This book starts with the introduction to the lead protagonist Nash and Emery when they are young and how the entire plot revolves around the base. Emery is born with money and yet her best friend Reed is the son of the person who works in her estate. Emery thinks she loves her best friend. Everything changes when she is 18, when many people from her town becomes victimized for her family business embezzlement.
Actual plot stats after this point. After 4 years, now emery is 22 and is struggling to meet the ends. Emery is strong, caring, selfless and total badass. Her feistiness and ability to give everything and her vocabulary, my god. Emery has a unique quirk in this, she keeps telling unique dictionary words to express her feelings.
Nash, the poor boy turned billionaire is rude, blunt and bully. He strongly believes in his revenge and when the opportunity arises for him to consider Emery as collateral damage, he tries to utilize that to the core. I fully enjoyed laughing out loud where they come face to face for first time after 4 years. . I just don’t have enough words to explains this. They fought, pushed each other buttons and is slow burn.
Loved Delilah in this. She is best as a best friend and lawyer, who understands and pushes back Nash. Reed was ok ok, but his part as a passive player in this is big. At some point I even felt wordings were complicated, yet, it was justifiable due to heroine’s, quick for unique dictionary words. Loved few dialogues in this book. My Fav being “Silence is the best response to people who don’t deserve your words”. The characters were complex and dynamic. Depth of the story and characters is wonderful. These characters were everything that makes for a great story. The suspense and lies will keep you wondering. It’s a combo of suspense, revenge, witty banter, a slow burn with incredible chemistry.
Bottom line- This book is Lagom & Selcouth – Not too little. Not too much. Just Right. Rare, strange and yet marvellous.
Devious Lies needs to be on your reading device like now! I loved this book, Parker writes such amazing books and this one is no different. This enemies to lovers book involved an OTT cocky alpha named Nash had the most intense chemistry with Emery an independent bad bish. An Addicting, sexy, and suspenseful must read. I couldn’t put this book down!
When fate intervenes, can two people destined for each other not be affected and follow their hearts? I loved the interaction between Nash and Emery and it is obvious that they are probably the only two people on the earth who truly “get” each other and are therefore meant to be together. Nash has so many scars including ones that are not visible on the outside and the scars Emery carries are visible to Nash because he “sees” her. This was a powerful story that only Parker S. Huntington could write and while it seemed to be a long one, it was well worth the time I invested in reading it. Do yourself a favor and find out why this author is one of my favorite ones and why I can’t wait until each new book is released.
I was given and ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
Parker S. Huntington gives us a slow-burn enemies to lovers romance. Nash is a broody hero that you can’t help but swoon over. Emery is quirky and you can’t help but love it. The chemistry between the two despite the age gap is perfection. A pair that couldn’t be more different found compatibility with each other. Two people broken and destroyed by lies and hurt find love and the journey to their hea was a ride that you don’t want to miss. It is mesmerizing and will have you fully invested from the opening pages.
This was a powerful book! I couldn’t put it down reading through the night. This was the first book I have read by Parker Huntington but I will be buying more on Amazon! The writing of this book was exceptional! The words and phrases added something extra special to the book. This was an enemies to lovers romance. The characters seemed to lift off of the pages and take their own life outside of the book. This book was a must read! I highly recommend this book!
Parker Huntington is becoming one of my favorite authors. She is giving me what I want and need in books right now. I am so happy her books just happened to fall in my hands.
This was a slow burn but boy was it worth it. This book was different then what I am used to by Huntington. But she did not disappoint. I fell in love with Emery. Her character was EVERYTHING!!! And Nash was one of those characters you love to hate. You’re not sure if you should be wishing for his demise or cheering him on. LOL!! Well he finally broke through my walls but it took him awhile to win me over. This book had all the feels.
I love Huntington’s sense of humor so much. And the connection her characters have. I can’t wait for what comes next.
I also listened to the audio and the narrators just brought this story to life even more.
Parker S. Huntington’s Devious Lies, book one in the Cruel Crown series, brings some straight up steam fueled revenge for one great story!
Nash filled all the bad boy requisites and checked off hero on the way. At face value he was a jerk but underneath his mask of disdain he was brimming over with compassion and kindness. Emery was that rare magical character who managed to bring decency and goodness to a world full of harsh realities. This heroine was whimsical meets formidable taking her audience prisoner on contact with her endless charisma.
As a pair Nash and Emery kept this story in a constant state of flux between being friends and enemies. Their actions and emotions always spoke to extremes that were very well played out. This writer continuously managed to find ways to bring Nash and Emery to neutral ground before irreparable damage was done to their relationship and with readers. As blinded by their similarities as they were repelled by their differences this pair had some intense and heated exchanges that charged this story and kept it constantly interesting. Ms. Huntington handled a significant age gap with good timing and careful bridging, targeting all the reasons why this couple were right for each other even while not shying away from traits that pointed out the differences in their ages.
This author’s characters were flawed yet full of angsty personality that was irresistibly decadent in its dysfunction! Story building is Ms. Huntington’s forte and she layered with a seamless resolve until she left her readers fully committed to her story even while jonesing for her next work. Deep and thought provoking dialog and an infinite amount of unique details made this story a special experience. Ms. Parkington put so much love into this work clearly reaching for the best in her characters even in their worst moments. Devious Lies, smart writing that merges with the heart!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
This book !!!! T H I S B O O K !!!!! It’s a must read, I’m telling You guys !!!
I feel overwhelmed….
I feel speachless…
I feel breathless…
Maybe someone could remind what’s my name right now??? Today , You can call me Mrs.Nash’s Prescott, I want to own Him just like he (shamelessly) owned my (and Emery’s) heart ! Gahhhh I love hard this ruthless bastard !
Devious Lies by Parker S. Huntington is my first meeting this author, and now I’m trying to figured out – How could I live for so long without Her books in my life ????
Devious Lies is not only a good book… This story will suck You deeply in from the first chapters, from the first sentences and very first words !!! Parker and HER mastermind created one of the best stories, I’ve ever read. Story that is full of angst, passion, love, secrects…. and lies.
I devoured Devious Lies in one log breath and I still feel hungry for more ! Nash and Emery has strong characters, The tension between them is so.. intense that makes Your hair stand up (everywhere) !!!! I felt every tear, I felt every laugh, I felf every hatefull moment deeply in my bookish heart.
For now I feel happy that I gave a chance this book and Mrs. Huntington. Standing ovation fot the author !!! Devious lies is a perfect match!!!
Devious Lies
By: Parker S. Huntington
Narrated by: Sebastian York, Desireé Ketchum
I have been waiting to meet Nash Prescott and the it was totally worth the wait. This book, the first in the Cruel Crown series is so good, it will keep up to finish the listen! This enemies to lovers story is not your typical listen. It’s fresh, original and oh, so sexy. Emery is down and out after her father’s reputation is tarnished. Now believing her trust fund is tainted, she is set on making it on her own, It’s not easy, so taking a job with her best friend’s brother is a last resort. When Nash realizes the daughter of the man who ruined his family’s life is now working for him, the one that accidentally landed in his bed 4 years earlier, he is determined to make her life miserable. But what these two don’t know is how their journey will go. Huntington is a master at suspense, intrigue and romance. There are twists and turns in this that are surprising and so well written, I just could not stop listening. Smart and sexy is how I would best describe it and some humor to lighten the mood at times that will make you spit out your drink! I am hooked again, and can’t wait for more.
Sebastian York and Desireé Ketchum are cast so well, you would think they actually are Nash and Em. York has that edge to his voice for this darker, alpha, full of venom when necessary and can turn the charm on in the next breath. Ketchum feels the essence of Emery, with her need to be separated from her family and find her independence. She has attitude and fiery passion flowing through her voice. This is an amazing team and makes this an amazing listen.
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