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Lies and Omissions (The Sweet Life #2)

3.21 of 5 stars 3.21 · rating details · 300 ratings · 34 reviews

For Jessica and Elizabeth, the sweet life begins at 30…

From Francine Pascal, creator of Sweet Valley High and author of the New York Times bestselling Sweet Valley Confidential, comes the second novella-length installment of the groundbreaking, six-part, e-serial, The Sweet Life, continuing the adventures of beautiful blonde twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield and the ga...more

ebook, 96 pages

Published July 15th 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin

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Mar 07, 2013 Virginia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Hmmm...I'm trying to decide which character was the stupidest in this installment. I'm going to have to go with Elizabeth. I mean seriously, Liz, why are you all besties with Bruce's accuser? Why are you doubting Bruce just because he was sketchy back in the 80s? Sigh.

I know Todd's always been a jerk, but he needs to lay off with this whole anti-Jessica-having-a-job thing. Not that it's remotely believable, but it's still annoying.

This series is so insanely dumb and compulsively readable!!

6 likes · like · see review

Jan 18, 2013 Fran rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

These are entertaining in a brainless, need something easy to read when not feeling well, way.

I'm not going to bother recapping the plot. I just want to say how, in an odd way, these actually seem to be less ridiculous and trying to be more realistic than their High School counterparts. Maybe that's just because they're being written now, and not in the 80s/90s. Probably. They're still trashy and shallow, but it's like they're trying to be less trashy and shallow.

This 2nd part of the serial cont...more

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Sep 24, 2012 Kelsey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Well I couldn't resist. In the same way I sometimes get sucked into really bad television you know is really bad, I get a little sucked into the Sweet Life. I sometimes think about all the much more productive and enlightening things I could be doing with my life, the same way I think about those things if I happen to be on the couch watching the newest reality show unfold before me with a mix of horror and disgust at the show and also annoyance at myself for watching 20 minutes of it before cha...more

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Aug 12, 2012 Cheryl rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Sweet Life: Lies and Omissions book two continues with Jessica, Todd, Elizabeth, Bruce, Lila and Ken. In this book, readers find that Jessica and Todd's relationship is on the rocks still. Jessica has made a big mistake. She slept with Liam O'Connor. Jessica figures though that it was a one time thing and as long as Todd does not find out, she can make things right and get her family back together.

Elizabeth has found Robin Platt. She is the intern that is accusing Bruce of sleeping with her...more The Sweet Life: Lies and Omissions book two continues with Jessica, Todd, Elizabeth, Bruce, Lila and Ken. In this book, readers find that Jessica and Todd's relationship is on the rocks still. Jessica has made a big mistake. She slept with Liam O'Connor. Jessica figures though that it was a one time thing and as long as Todd does not find out, she can make things right and get her family back together.

Elizabeth has found Robin Platt. She is the intern that is accusing Bruce of sleeping with her. Once Elizabeth hears Robin's story, Elizabeth starts having doubts about Bruce's innocences. Especially, when Bruce's story has some holes in his story. With Elizabeth wanting to protect Robin, her and her relationship with Bruce becomes strained.

Lila is determined to win back her husband, Ken Matthews. She will not let some other housewife have her husband. Steven Wakefield and his partner, Aaron are adjusting to their life together with their baby girl, Emma.

Caroline Pearce is Sweet Valley's resident bitch. This is why when she learns that Jessica and Liam slept together. She can not wait to spill the beans on this juicy gossip.

First off, I like the concept of this mini series of books. It is like reading about a soap opera. With the old Sweet Valley books, the twins did find themselves in trouble but nothing that they could not deal with and usually by the end of the book, everything was back to normal. Not this time. Grown up Elizabeth and Jessica have to deal with the real world.

Jessica is her usual self. She gives into temptation too easy and falls into bed with Liam. Still not too sure about her and Todd together. While, I know Elozabeth and Todd probably would not have lasted, I still can not picture Jessica and Todd as a couple who have a son. Todd has trust issues with Jessica. I can not blame him.

There is no change with Elizabeth either. She falls for Robin's story too easily. Not to say that maybe it is true but if she really loves Bruce like she says she does, then she would have his side until she learns the truth. Also, Lila is acting like a spoiled brat. She has a great husband in Ken but she of course can not see it until it is too late.

Steven and Aaron make a nice couple with their daughter Emma. However, their story did not really help add anything to the main story line.

I am getting into this series more and more. I am hooked. This series is a guilty pleasure without all the calories. Can't wait to see what craziness happens in book three. (less)

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Aug 06, 2012 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: guilty-pleasures, fiction, my-misspent-youth, light, read-in-2012

The ghostwriter is back! And with it, the continuity! And the relatively believable dialogue!

It has most of the makings of a good Sweet Valley book:

Angry Todd is angry? Check.
Meddling Liz is meddling? Check.
Despicable Lila is despicable? Check.
Sociopathic Jessica is sociopathic? Check.
Everyone is lying, manipulating, and acting like they are in high school? Motherflipping check, yo!

The only things missing are Bruce's Porsche and anything that makes Lila likable.

It's hard to decide who is the dum...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, adult-fiction, novellas

The second installment of the Sweet Life e-serial was every bit as awesome as the first! And, just as the pre-release buzz promised, the end left me breathlessly wanting me. I need the next part to be out NOW - I can't wait another week!

More characters from Sweet Valley High return in this installment, namely Annie Whitman, and both Steve Wakefield and Aaron Dallas make longer appearances than they did in the first book. Todd's still a complete moron and has yet to punch people like he did in h...more

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Jul 15, 2012 Kyla Crowley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Welcome to "Refreshing Continuity" or SVC #2, "Lies and Omissions." Everyone's lying in this book, ya'll.

Guys and dolls, it has been quite a Sweet Valley-filled day! I would say that my head is spinning, but I predicted a return to form for all of the characters. I was not disappointed, since the ghostwriter(s) is/are back! I don't think I've ever been so excited to say those words. No more "like, totally, omg" this or that. Thank heavens someone told Francine to put a sock in it. Sheesh. Once a...more Welcome to "Refreshing Continuity" or SVC #2, "Lies and Omissions." Everyone's lying in this book, ya'll.

Guys and dolls, it has been quite a Sweet Valley-filled day! I would say that my head is spinning, but I predicted a return to form for all of the characters. I was not disappointed, since the ghostwriter(s) is/are back! I don't think I've ever been so excited to say those words. No more "like, totally, omg" this or that. Thank heavens someone told Francine to put a sock in it. Sheesh. Once again, DO NOT READ ON IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED.

Some minor(ish) characters get chapters in this that didn't appear in SVC #1. Let's recap them first, shall we?

Annie Whitman's secret: She's divorced from her high school sweetheart, Charlie Markus. Okay, not really a secret, but the fact that he turned out to only like her when he thought he was the one saving her is something I'm sure she'd rather keep on the downlow. Today Annie has become a mighty fine defense lawyer. How convenient that Bruce suddenly needs a whole lot of defending. Jessica texts Annie while she's in court, and (continuity!) Annie starts reminiscing of those days when Jessica hated her so much she would do anything to keep her off the cheerleading squad... including driving her to suicide, but Annie conveniently leaves that part out of her reminiscing. She does mention that spending her formative years defending her reputation as Easy Annie has made it easier for her to defend hardened criminals (or celebrities, as the case may be) these days. She knew she was done with Charlie when she found him writing one of his novels about her and calling her those awful names from her high school days. Peace out, Markus. Whitman's now making bank! She is also now the defender of Bruce Patman's good name.

Caroline Pearce's secret: She is still seeking revenge on Jessica & Elizabeth for being a perfect size six. Well, aren't we all? It's been shoved down our throats that not one person in Sweet Valley ISN'T jealous of those two. Caroline gives us her woe is me speech about growing up "chunky" two doors down from the Wakefield twins. Instead of cultivating a fabulous life that the twins could be jealous of, Caroline is instead wreaking havoc on Jess & Liz with her gossip. She has the perfect piece of fodder this time when she is sent a picture of Jessica leaning on Liam's shoulder, drunk, right before walking into his hotel room. Tsk tsk. Nothing is secret these days. Caroline tee-hees for a bit and then immediately posts the information and the picture on her blog. She sends the e-mail straight to Todd for good measure.

Steven Wakefield's secret: Well, he's still a homosexual, and it doesn't make any sense. Not the being a homosexual part, the STEVEN being a homosexual part. Anyway, he and Aaron Dallas recently had a baby girl, Emma, via a surrogate. There is a bit of trouble in paradise concerning child-rearing. Steven has grown up with two batshit crazy twin sisters, and he is looking to NOT raise a girl as crazy as them. This is possibly the smartest thought he has ever had. Emma is supposed to sleep in her crib in her pink palace. That's what Steven would prefer. But Aaron coddles her, and Emma spends every moment of every day in someone's arms. There is a perfect moment when Steven asks Aaron if he wants Emma to grow up to be a sociopath. Before I even read the next line, my immediate thought was: just like Jessica! And, lo and behold, that was the next sentence!! Steven recalls that Jessica was rarely ever in her crib and was constantly coddled. Emma cries and cries if she is left alone. Steven, being the smart guy that he is, sees that they are raising another Jessica Wakefield. He's also tired of not getting any sleep because Emma is always in their bed. He doesn't want to roll over on the baby and cause SIDS. So far, he seems to have more concern for his child than Jessica. Anyway, we don't hear much from Aaron's point of view. They both have to concede that the baby is the one who is in charge. Bad news, fellas.

Now on to the biggies! ...

Lila Fowler's secret: She's pregnant... but not really. But, hey, don't tell that to Ken or her fellow Housewives! Now that Ken got a backbone and really left her in the last book, Lila sees that she respects him and loves him. Or, in Lila's case, something bordering on love. We open the book with her trying to come up with a plan with Jessica to win their husbands back. They talk around each other, as usual, which is a shame, because if they had actually talked TO each other they might have arrived at better conclusions. Though who am I kidding? For these two, truth is never an option. Lila first decides that she will visit Ken the next day and show off her, um, assets, because he can never resist those. She goes full out and parades through the locker room knowing that he will never, ever reject her. Except that he's had it with these crazy Sweet Valley chicks and their self-absorbed shenanigans, so he bails the moment she comes into view. Lila is momentarily distracted by a camera, but she ultimately chases after Ken. She follows him to the parking lot where she sees him at his car... with Ashley Morgan, she of the size 12 figure from SVC #1. Lila pushes her out of the way and tries to woo Ken with her assets, but he's not really interested in boobies right now. Not understanding how she could have just tried and failed to bring sexy back, Lila changes tactics. She tells Ken that she doesn't want them to be over. He actually gives a pretty balls to the wall speech that ends with "I'm done with you." That sounds pretty final. It would be, were we not dealing with Lila Fowler. As soon as he drives away, she spots a pregnant woman waddling to her car. Bingo! Plan B. She gathers the Housewife ladies for the camera the next day to let the bomb drop: she's losing Ken to Ashley. And she's pregnant. It should be noted that earlier in the e-serial Lila said that she didn't want kids now or ever. Ha!

Jessica Wakefield's secret: She slept with Liam O'Connor and, as I predicted, has no intentions of telling Todd. Todd is an old-fashioned asshole who believes that a woman shouldn't work for a living. He and Jessica have been separated due to Jessica's choice of work over family. Jessica knows she only has one hope of getting Todd back: quitting her job. She does quit, and then rewards herself for quitting by not telling Todd what happened with Liam. From strong, hard-working wife and mother to lazy Jess with no conscience all in several weeks! Jessica Wakefield, welcome back! We've missed you so much. Jessica's decision makes me very angry for very obvious reasons. Todd condoning it makes me even angrier. Liz thinks about talking her out of it, but realizes that she can't step in due to her past involvement with Todd. I think she's right and unfortunately it makes her unable to help in a lot of situations. However, I think we're all relieved to get a break from meddling Liz. Jess & Todd plan a dinner date where she will tell him that she is focusing on her family from now on. It's the restaurant at which he proposed. They have a wonderful meal, and Todd is sickeningly ecstatic that he has finally tamed the beast that is his wife. However, as soon as Jessica runs to the bathroom, the e-mail from Caroline pops up on Todd's phone. AngryPunchTodd immediately comes to life, and he remembers that instead of marrying the Good Wife, he actually married a sociopathic cunt who drives people to suicide and omits matters of great importance in order to get her way. Understandably furious (though he's still a douche!), Todd storms out of the restaurant. Jessica comes back and is rather confused at his abrupt disappearance... until she sees Caroline's blog. Ruh roh.

Elizabeth Wakefield's secret: She's a liar to everyone. She has found the intern that accused Bruce of rape, but she hasn't told him. She has moved the intern, Robin Platt, out of her home and into a home under her (Elizabeth's) name. She's lying to Robin about who she is as well, telling her that she's a therapist named Laura Christer. Liz is still plagued by the mounting evidence against Bruce. And, continuity time!, she FINALLY remembers about the motorcycle accident in high school (Dear Sister, #7), after which she was in a temporary Jess-like coma that had her flirting with Bruce who then tried to rape her. Bruce recalls it in his flashbacks too. They all ask themselves if they were just stupid teenagers. Well, Liz asks herself that. Bruce tells himself he WAS just a stupid teenager. No, you were an attempted rapist. You still are. And now you're being accused of it again. Karma's a bitch, and you should have paid more attention to Justin Timberlake. What goes around comes around! Liz continues to snoop around for more information on Robin and/or Bruce and what happened that night at the Charm Club. She goes to a previous employer of Robin's, and he corroborates Robin's story so far. That night Liz refuses Bruce's pleas to come home because he really needs her. Awww. I totally know what that's like... that's the only reason I'm on Bruce's side right now. That, and I want to believe he's changed, though he won't acknowledge he was ever a rapist in the first place. Meanwhile, Bruce is sick of waiting for Liz to find the intern. He hires a private investigator who tells Bruce to meet him at a bar because he has big information. He tells Bruce that the girl's name is Robin and shows him a picture of her house with her address. Now it's time for the old Bruce to come back and join the old/new Lila, o/n Jess, and o/n Liz. He is heavy with alcohol and decides that right now would be a perfect time to confront Robin and ask her why she is ruining his life. He goes up to the house and, I kid you not, starts banging on the windows and yelling at her through the door. He cracks a window in his quest to intimidate her (because that worked out real well for you before, buddy). Even though Liz is across town with Robin Platt in her new location, imagine my surprise when there really IS a blonde-haired Robin Platt at this location who comes to the door and watches Bruce get arrested by the cops. He can't understand why they aren't arresting HER. Must be the alcohol. What a cliffhanger! Forget what the arrest means for Liz and Bruce - I'm way more interested in who the REAL Robin Platt is.

Maybe she's not Robin Platt at all. Maybe she's Margo or Nora Black in a new disguise?
Fingers crossed, ya'll, until next week!!(less)

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Jul 01, 2012 Paula Phillips rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. At the end of book #1 , we read as Todd and Jessica's marriage was on the rocks as new reporter Sarah tried to steal Todd , Bruce Patman was accused of rape and Elizabeth ever the reporter went out to investigate and Lila scored a role of a new hit reality show "True Housewives of Sweet Valley" but on the show Lila badmouthed husband Ken and now he has walked out.
It seems that with relationships that the three girls of Sweet Valley High aren't having much luck and seemly enough it looks like it...more

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Jul 16, 2012 Victoria rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-in-a-series, sweet-valley, twins

This second serial book picks up right where The Sweet Life #1: A Sweet Valley Confidential E-Serial leaves off. It is a lot shorter, and a much faster read - especially considering the various cliffhangers that it ends on. And while the pairings amongst the key characters are not ones that I would have selected, so I don't feel invested in their relationships working out, I am definitely excited to see what happens next! I am now officially hooked and looking forward to what next week will brin...more

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Oct 16, 2012 Selina rated it 3 of 5 stars

While I still love the Wakefield twins, this melodrama strikes me as too similar to fanfiction. Will I stop reading the rest of the mini books? Absolutely not! But does it mean that I am really enjoying them? Nope. Elizabeth is really annoying me with her do-gooder and flipflopping ways. The only bits I like are about Todd and Jessica. That random chapter about Steven and his partner Aaron was seemingly out of left field. I'm sure it will come into play again soon. And poor Ken and Lila... but m...more

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Aug 07, 2012 Jenna rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am a little disappointed that the author decided to omit events from the SVU series, but I'm rather forgiving. These books are once again making me addicted to everything about them. It also may help that I grew up obsessed with the series. This one finds me really not liking Bruce Patman anymore and that's too bad because at first I was really enjoying the new Bruce. Alas... onward to the next book to see if he's actually innocent or my instincts are right and he's still a snotty loser who go...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Heather Sanchez rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: guilty-pleasures

I'm confused. Former snake turned good guy Bruce is accused of attacking a woman. I'm still having issues believing that he and Liz are a couple. And Liz is playing Junior High pajama party with his accuser. Some things don't change: Jessica is still screwing up and Lila's still a bitch. I'm still reeling from the fact that their brother Steve is gay. Never saw that coming.

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Jul 27, 2012 Rouselle rated it 3 of 5 stars

And the scandalous tales got even more scandalous! Break-ups, lies and schemings abound. Welcome back to the beautiful world of Sweet Valley. You will want to wring Elizabeth Wakefield's neck here, but with very, very good reason. Cannot wait to read the third book.

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Jul 15, 2012 Marilyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed it!

But it was REALLY SHORT.

I read it in less than an hour!!

Can't wait for the next one to come out next sunday - July 22... I've been following 'the twins' since 1990, and I'm finding it hard to stop!

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Jul 16, 2012 Julia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Pretty much the same as part #1. I have to read the series because of my history with these characters, even though I am starting to hate some of them. It was a light, quick read (only 75 pages on my nook).

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Jul 25, 2012 Elizabeth rated it 3 of 5 stars

My favorite part of this one is when Pascal uses the phrase "vindictive elephant" to describe Caroline Pearce. Anyone who grew up reading Sweet Valley could have seen that one coming.

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Nov 20, 2012 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

The storylines are too short. Why is Liz crazy enough to assist the accuser in such an extreme manner? No questions from book #1 were answered in book #2.

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Jul 16, 2012 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-teens, guilty-pleasures

My recap here.

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Sep 12, 2012 Amanda Sachs rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great quick read. It took me back to my younger days when I used to read Sweet Valley Twins.

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Sep 05, 2012 Jennifer | Nerdhuffing rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: purchased, chick-lit, 1-star, 2012

Laughably terrible and yet I feel compelled to buy the next one.

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Aug 02, 2012 Maria rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really don't understand what's going on with Elizabeth. None of her actions feels like it's something I know the character to be/do. Puzzled.

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May 12, 2013 Feistync rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

Still awful. Still enjoying these.

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Jul 27, 2012 miglanche rated it 5 of 5 stars

it was amazing. i love the topic also

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Aug 15, 2012 Kelly Hager rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review on part six.

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Jul 31, 2012 Lisa Cameron rated it 3 of 5 stars

Bah.

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Nov 27, 2012 Jamie Puleo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Mindless, fun read...we all need those every now and again.

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Jul 23, 2012 Luci rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Moves the storyline along nicely.

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Aug 15, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

http://chicklitcentraltheblog.blogspo...

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Aug 10, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

I can't wait till the next novella comes out! LOVING THESE!

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Dec 30, 2012 Leesh rated it 2 of 5 stars

These books are pretty quick to read. Although when I start each book in the series, I curse myself for reading such stupidity and then again curse myself for wanting to read more because of cliffhangers. I have the third book in queue but I'll save it for later.

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About Francine Pascal

Francine Pascal (May 13, 1938— ) is an American author best known for creating the Sweet Valley series of novels. In 1982 she created the characters and the stories for the first six books and her agent, Amy Berkower of Writers House sold them to Bantam Books. Book number one is mostly written by Ms. Pascal. From then on she wrote the stories for every book ever published in the series. After the...more

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Sweet Valley Confidential: Ten Years Later

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Lies and Omissions (The Sweet Life #2)

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