Three things my mother acquired when she became engaged:1. A brand new Tiffany’s ring.2. A lavish home on Heartbreak Hill.3. Three privileged stepsons.The last thing I expected was to fall for one of them, least of all Thayer Ames.Beautiful, brooding, and untouchable.I knew it was a bad idea. He warned me himself.But he was a thunderstorm, and I never could resist the rain.It was perfect… could resist the rain.
It was perfect…
Until it wasn’t.
One night was all it took for our world to crumble, leaving only secrets and lies between us.
Now, I have to face him again, but the boy I used to know has become the man who loves to hate me.
more
Tell Me Pretty Lies is angsty, emotional, suspense-filled perfection. TMPL is my favorite Charleigh Rose book to date. Thayer is the kind of hot and broody bad boy I crave when I read Ms Rose’s books. He’s flawed but not heartless. Cold and distant at a glance, but drawn to Shayne even when secrets and drama have kept them apart. And Shayne? She’s a victim of circumstance who gets stronger as the book progresses. Heartbreak and bullying aren’t keeping this girl cowed.
This story is a maze of pain and passion, a who-done-it of sorts that kept me guessing until the final pages. Well-written, sexy and thoroughly satisfying, this book deserves all the stars!
This was such a good twist on a bully stepbrother romance with a dash of intrigue and mystery. Charleigh Rose is always sucking me in with her books.
Thayer Ames is totally the full package that ANY girl would love to get her hands on. Not only is he devilishly handsome, but he’s dark, broody and downright sexy with those lip rings.
Now, we all have different opinions about books and some may like the story while others don’t feel the connection. I honestly felt the connection between Thayer and Shayne. They may have started off on a good note then everything fell due to misunderstandings and started with the blame game.
Thayer had his reasons for feeling the way he did. I mean I would feel some resentment and skittish too if something happened to someone close to me and the fingers pointed at a certain somebody, No!
Any way, this story had me gripping my kindle all throughout because the things that were happening had me spinning my head. I couldn’t point my fingers from left to right fast enough to know who or what is the cause or problem in the blame game.
But it all unfolded nicely, we get surprises in this book that we never expected and then Thayer is just Thayer the guy that Shayne has always loved and she didn’t lose faith in the fact that this boy felt the same way as her. She just needed to find out why he bullied her the way he did, what caused him to be so damn evil with her after the funeral happened. He was so hot and cold with her that it made you lose focus at times.
Thayer and Shayne were like lighting and thunder. Both of them together were definitely like a tornado waiting to happen. I totally enjoyed and loved this story and can’t wait to get more of these Ames boys!
“Our story isn’t a fairytale. More like a Shakespearean tragedy.”
New Adult with a touch of forbidden and suspense in the air? Ummmm YES, please! Especially if Charleigh Rose is the author, because this woman definitely knows how to create NA perfection. Tell Me Pretty Lies sucked me in right from the start and I was captivated until the end. This angsty brilliance is perfectly balanced with drama, steam, emotions and tension. Thayer and Shayne’s story pulled at my heartstrings and left me craving more.
Thayer is the ideally crafted New Adult hero- broody, moody and rough around the edges. The bad boy, who doesn’t care about his popularity or reputation. He’s unapproachable, but he draws the attention nonetheless. He doesn’t care about much, but when he gives you his heart he does it fully.
Shayne is a walking contradiction- tough, but still vulnerable. Humble, but with her head held high. Bold and daring, but still somewhat innocent. She’s caring and loving, but she doesn’t let anyone push her around.
Their story is somewhat second chance romance, shrouded in mystery and secrets, heartbreak and longing. The forbidden type of their relantionship makes it even more exciting and the sizzling chemistry they share only added to the impression. Their connection and inability to stay away from each other was palpable and I live for this kind of bonds.
But aside from the epic love story Rose gave us a thrilling mystery that kept me at the edge of the seat. The whole plot was completely unexpected and when the truth came out I was picking my jaw from the floor.
Tell Me Pretty Lies was definitely worth the wait! Charleigh Rose gave me so much more than I expected from this story and I couldn’t be happier about the outcome. It was certainly one of the best reads of 2020 and I really hope that we’ll get more from this world (I would love to read Holden’s book, just saying). Highly recommend!
I did not fully connect with Thayer and Shayne, but I was in it enough to want to finish. The reason why this one isn’t graded higher is because there was kind of a mystery thrown in here and it was actually interesting, but was only thrown in here and there when I thought it should have had a better build up within the story. it was more of a suspicious moment happening, or when Thayer and Holden reveal why they were mean to Shayne, and then we’d forget after a while until something else happens. I don’t typically like that, especially in a romance. The romance and the mystery should entwine and build together and not be an afterthought.
I will say there is something about Thayer that is kinda hot. He’s not necessarily a jerk. He does dumb shit in an effort to protect himself from Shayne. We’ve seen the logic before. But there was something about when he got near Shayne that was hot. They were magnets for each other and there was no way people around them two couldn’t see the heat in their gazes. But that kinda it. I wish that we got more of how they were before everything went bad. How they got to know each other, the relationships they had, how they grew feelings for one another, etc. I think that would have made a big difference.
I liked this book. I didn’t love it and had a few tweaks happened I think this would have been a solid 4 star rating for me. At the end of the day, I was looking to be entertained and the author did that with this book. I’d be happy to read about Thayer’s brother Holden next.
A very addictive young adult / new adult steamy romance read that I could not put down!
“He’s just a boy you used to know. You will not fall apart at the sight of him.”
This story follows Shayne and Thayer, who start off as forbidden lovers due to being step-siblings. This all changes when a tragic event, causes their parents to divorce and them to separate.
Fast forward 12 months and Shayne has moved back home to finish her senior year at her old school with her best friend, Valen (who is getting her own book and I can’t wait but back to their story). Shayne hasn’t spoken to Thayer in a while and is very nervous to run into him but fortunately he’s away at his first year at college. Or so she thought. Of course he reappears, but with unknown revenge. Their story then becomes enemies to lovers. With Thayer not being able to stay away from his first love, Shayne.
The chemistry between Thayer and Shayne is off the charts and was so addictive. I couldn’t stop reading. The author wrote the steamy scenes perfectly. As their love redevelopments, a mystery drama connects them even more together. With the ending unexpected but also a HEA (of course).
4.5 Stars!
The only reason for the 0.5 of a star loss to 5 stars is due to the authors writing in the first quarter of the book – I found it a bit confusing and the character introductions rushed.
4.5 stars
This was my first read by Charleigh and I loved her writing! It hooked me from page one and I did not want to put it down. I loved the mystery that surrounded this book and the guessing you had to do. I loved the character development for both MC’s, Thayer and Shayne. I thought they both came so far in this book.
“Tell me more pretty little lies from these pretty little lip.”
Thayer and Shayne have to keep what is going on between them a secret being step-siblings and all. But a death turns their family upside down and tears them apart. Shayne leaves town, but soon another death brings her back, and when Thayer finds out, he tries to run her out of town and knows he can’t trust her. But their chemistry and pull is so strong that they can’t stay away from each other for long.
I hate Thayer Ames. At least that’s what I tell myself every time my thoughts drift back to him and how he left me on the hood of his car with my shorts still around my thighs.
I loved Thayer’s character. At first you think he’s a careless asshole, but he’s really just a broody broken boy in need of healing. Things do begin with him “bullying” Shayne, but deep down he’s sweet and caring when it comes to her. As time goes on he lets her in just a little bit more.
I was too wrapped up in a pretty blonde distraction with the face of an angel to notice anything else.
Shayne doesn’t have it easy. Between losing the family she had for the past couple of years, her mom leaving her home alone all the time, her brother ignoring her, mean girls at school, she’s left feeling incredibly alone. But all those things have also made her strong and independent and she doesn’t take shit from anyone.
My mom was right. Finding a love like ours is like catching lightning in a bottle. And I’m never letting go.
I was so excited when I found out that there would be a second book and I NEED Holden’s book right now!! I love his character in TMPL, and I cannot wait to read his story!
First, there’s Holden. The playboy. The comedian. Has a heart of gold somewhere underneath all that debauchery.
What an amazing book. Charleigh really knows how to hook her readers! I read this twice and going in for a 3rd! I laughed and cried so much. I really need more of Thayer and Shayne. Their story is so beautifully unique. I just wasn’t ready for it to end, hence the fact I keep rereading. I devoured Tell Me Pretty Lies from start to finish. Definitely one of my favorites and I can’t wait to read more from heartbreak hill.
This was a very good read, hoping for more stories with the secondary characters.
So this is review is a bit tricky… how do I review a book from an author I love and esteem, but a book that didn’t move me as much as I hoped?
The anticipation, the cover, good Lort, that freaking cover (I’m still so obsessed with it- and determined to own it).
I read this book on release week and I was at loss for words to review this book. Do I say what I really feel or give it a miss?
Reviews are important to authors and I truly hope this comes off as constructive rather than something negative.
Charleigh’s writing remains in all essence- beautiful and paints a picture that brings the scene and characters to life, but it just didn’t bring the spark that she’s always delivered. The plot didn’t wow me- except for the big plot twist/ big reveal. I was moved with certain scenes, and the level of angst and tension hit below par. The bottom line— the whole premise of how they went from best friends, to lovers to enemies just didn’t gel.
I will probably read this book again, just to make sure I haven’t missed something and especially because I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series, but for now the lightning bolts didn’t strike hard enough to leave a mark on my skin.
For anyone reading this review, I’d implore to read this book on your own merit. I’d always recommend any book by Charleigh Rose. My rating will not stop me from reading and recommending this talented author.
3.5 LIGHTING BOLTS STARS
This is a step brothers (sort of)/ bully to lovers romance. Lots of angst, pain, tears, steamy scenes and god I couldn’t put it down, I wanted more. When a death of a loved one transpires it changes the course of their lives and love story.
When shayne returns to the life she once new things are different, she still has her best friend but the people she once called friends treat her like she never was anything in their lives. She isn’t the same person who left, I love how strong she is and doesn’t take anyone’s crap, even though she still has feelings for the only person she shouldn’t Thayer who continues to deny how he feels and keeps pushing her back. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions especially when they suspect the death wasn’t accidentally and shaynes brother grey is a suspect. When shaynes life is threatened Thayer does everything to keep her safe even letting her in to his heart. Revaluations are made which had me completely shocked.
I absolutely loved this book and read it in one go, this book had a combination of everything you want to read that draws you in but the best bit is the smile you are left at the end of the book. I highly recommend this book and I would read it over and over again.
A full length stepbrother romance novel by Charleigh Rose, that is nothing too special.
Tell Me Pretty Lies, begins slow in the prologue but after that I was lost. I honestly thought I might have missed a previous book. I understand the author trying to create mystery and suspense but I constantly felt that the wordsmith was not up to part. It could use better storyline development.
I did, however, love the individual characters. Charleigh Rose has a knack for character writing and development. She did not go wrong there. It just felt that the characters at times also felt out of place. It kind of felt that she was trying to mold the characters into the story, instead of writing the plot around the characters.
I’ve loved previous works by this author but this one was a struggle to get through. And definitely not to par compared to her other previous books.
Charleigh is the queen of emotionally captivating connections and NA conflict romance, and Tell Me Pretty Lies lives up to her legacy!
Our amazing heroine is Shayne- and she’s up there with Lo as my favorite Charleigh heroine. We meet Shayne in a heart breaking and riveting first chapter- along with her brother, Grey, and her stepbrothers, one of whom is our brooding, rebel hero, Thayer. We instantly learn of the forbidden love between these two- they are magnets, thunder and lightning- pulled together by an epic force, but they are rocked by the devasting events we learn about straight away. From there, Charleigh unfolds a complex, emotive tale of two people struggling to regroup after loss, trying to make meaning of their new realities, struggling to reconnect with the world, and resisting their own emotions and draw to each other. We’ve got a dash of bully tropes here, some stepbrother taboo, an unexpected mystery, a menagerie of mostly interesting and moderately developed side characters, in particular Shayne’s best friend Valen and Thayer’s brother Holden, and an emotional journey of redemption, catharsis, and acceptance camouflaged by the thirst for answers and revenge.
Shayne is beacon of light- a bundle of innocence and fire. She’s somehow gentle, kind, and vulnerable while also being fierce, tough, and stoic all at once. She rolls with the punches of her life without ever feeling sorry for herself or entitled, and she grows- we see her find herself and her voice amidst all the chaos. I appreciated her resilience, her patience, her level headedness, and her consistent willingness to explore what she knows can crush her. And boy, does Thayer crush her at times. Thayer is what we all love in a light-bully anti-hero. He’s not as rough around the edges as some other anti-heros (and the bully theme does not play centerstage for long if that’s not your thing)- he’s definitely brooding and intimidating but is also accessible and layered. He’s got soul. He’s driven by anger and guilt, and only Shayne seems to reach beyond his emotional fortress to the broken boy inside.
These characters have insane chemistry- it is what I love best about Charleigh’s books, her artfully developed and interconnected characters. Sure, she can write an engaging plot, but where she shines is in the emotional arc of each character and the careful web of emotional ties and meaningful moments she weaves between these two hurting souls. Charleigh always finds a way to help you see the beauty and naturalness of an emotional journey- letting us revel in the cornucopia of emotions her characters’ experience in relationships and trying times- which always makes her characters feel more realized, more three dimensional, and more moving. The emotional chemistry is magnetic, bittersweet, and swoon worthy. Their connection- no matter what the love-hate status at any moment, doesn’t just sparkle, it blazes. And OYE, the steamy times. Some of the hottest stuff I’ve read in Charleigh’s books- and she’s written some steamy stuff. I like me some bossy and dominating yet somehow sweet Thayer bedroom persona.
My ONLY blip is that the ending seemed to wrap up too quickly- the romance was well painted and paced, but the secondary story, the mystery, felt a bit rushed at too neatly unpacked at the end. And, to be honest, the outcome was a bit unfulfilling- I expected more explosion, this was a bit of a whimper. That said, apparently we have another book coming (fingers crossed for Holden’s story) so perhaps we’ll get to explore the aftermath of the mystery solving twist (which I did not see coming) a bit more.
Overall, a great read!
3.5 stars
Having never read a novel by Charleigh Rose before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I am glad I started with Tell Me Pretty Lies. I thought that there were a lot of great moments amongst the characters, and I felt sucked into Thayer and Shane’s story, even though there were elements of it that I thought could have been explored or developed more. Overall all, though, I felt swept up in the story, and devoured it in one sitting.
I think if you like this genre, you’re probably going to love this book. And even if it’s not your typical genre (like me), it’s worth a read.
i’ve read many books by this author and each one leaves a lasting impression. this one, Tell Me Pretty Lies, was no different. the connection the characters, thayer and shayne, weren’t simple. they had a crazy history, which made their love complicated. the storyline was pretty good. it wasn’t the greatest but it held my attention–mainly because the prologue left me with one or two questions. and I wanted to know the answers. the story had a mix of everything.
– bully romance
– forbidden romance
– enemies to lovers
– the whodunit
Love it!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This book had a little bit of everything that I love in a bully romance. This book had a compelling story, plenty of suspense, interesting characters, and a forbidden romance that scorched.
I fell into this story straight away. I was very receptive to the writing style. It was smooth and I was easily transported into the story. I did find the flow at the beginning a little disjointed because of the way the story begins but it flows easier as the story goes on. I loved the plot of this story. I really loved the side of suspense that the author added to the story. It definitely kept me turning the pages. I was so consumed with this story and I wanted to know everything.
I had a love and hate relationship with these characters. Well, one in particular. I found all of the characters very relatable. Thayer was a character that I had a hard time connecting with. I just didn’t really feel a pull with him. I didn’t have any issues connecting with any of the other characters. I actually really loved this cast of secondary characters. I felt that they added a lot of depth to the story. I am really excited to read the rest of the books in this series because of the secondary characters in this book. While I may not have felt overly attached to Thayer’s characters, I did think that he and Shayne both had great character development.
The romance in this book was definitely hot. I didn’t really feel that invested in it though, to be honest. I think that the reason for that is just because of the way the story is told. Thayer and Shayne have already fallen in love and are separated and then come back together. We only get the prologue of the story to see them in the before stage and the rest of the book is after. Even though I didn’t feel the romance as much as I would have liked, I still enjoyed it.
This book doesn’t really end on a cliffhanger but I really didn’t feel like I got enough closure with the things that were going on in the book. I can only guess that the next book will cover some of these loose ends, but I was just left waiting.
Overall, this was a very enthralling story that I couldn’t get enough of. I felt the flow of the story was a little off in some places but as a whole I really enjoyed the book. I am really looking forward to the rest of this series!
5 stars for this involved, interestingly plotted novel. As well as Incorporating a cast of exciting characters, especially Shayne and Thayer, the book starts with intensely emotional scenes, so well described, and maintains the same level of intensity throughout. Shayne’s heartbreak and sense of abandonment is vividly portrayed and I truly felt for her while also admiring her strength and fortitude. I could have strangled Thayer myself at times!
Overall a really good read, with love, loss, a mystery and a great cast, Tell Me Pretty Lies kept me glued to the page!
This book took me wayy long to read with all the chaos going on right now but finally I dove completely in last night & couldn’t stop reading until I finished it. Oh man Thayer and Shayne’s story pulled on my heart strings.
Thayer and Shayne have a history that is tarnished with not only the fact their parents used to be together but the loss of Thayer’s brother Danny. Thayer has a bad boy attitude but his feelings for Shayne keep him conflicted along with the mystery surrounding his brothers death. Shayne loves Thayer but refuses to keep dealing with his constant hot and cold feelings towards her. Between trying to find out what really happened to Danny, school drama along with some other added dangers and secrets its hard for Shayne to picture this relationship ending in an happy ever after. Thayer isn’t willing to let go of Shayne this time though.
I loved this story and felt all the emotions. There are a lot of moments where I felt confused but things slowly unravel and fill in the blanks. I absolutely love both Thayer and Holden I really hope Holden gets his own story Shayne is one of my favorite heroines and proves she can really hold her own when dealing with all the guys.
*About the only thing I wish there was more of in the story was moments of Shayne and Valen. You can tell they are best friends but it seemed like they were always like we’ll catch up later.* I’m definitely interested in reading more about Valen though. Hands down this book is one of my new favorites with some steamy romance and amazing characters you can’t go wrong.
To be this age is already pretty confusing, even if you
think you know everything. Add life/death,
misunderstandings, two very stubborn people, and
you get Thayer and Shayne with things getting ready to
combust. You get to figure what happened along with them
as the story unfolds and not everything is at it seems.