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Beneath Your Lies
"SOME SECRETS CAN NEVER STAY BURIED... NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY."
★★★★★ - "A razor-sharp blend of feminine rage, forbidden desire, and twisty suspense. Impossible to put down."
Veronica Sullivan's seemingly idyllic life gets turned on its head when she confronts her husband about his infidelity. Desperate to maintain his image as the State's District Attorney and salvage their marriage, he proposes a shocking solution-Veronica can indulge in her own affair, but only under his supervision.
As she embarks on this unconventional journey, Veronica meets Ronan, an enigmatic hitman haunted by his past who has a shared interest. They have an unmistakable, unquenchable connection, yet Veronica guards her own secrets closely, especially as a series of unsettling disappearances and murders grip the city. No matter how hard Veronica tries to deny it, there's something about Ronan that keeps making her go back for more...
Veronica and Ronan's passionate affair unfolds into a riveting tale of suspense and dark truths, proving some secrets can never stay buried, no matter how hard you try.
★★★★★ - "A razor-sharp blend of feminine rage, forbidden desire, and twisty suspense. Impossible to put down."
Veronica Sullivan's seemingly idyllic life gets turned on its head when she confronts her husband about his infidelity. Desperate to maintain his image as the State's District Attorney and salvage their marriage, he proposes a shocking solution-Veronica can indulge in her own affair, but only under his supervision.
As she embarks on this unconventional journey, Veronica meets Ronan, an enigmatic hitman haunted by his past who has a shared interest. They have an unmistakable, unquenchable connection, yet Veronica guards her own secrets closely, especially as a series of unsettling disappearances and murders grip the city. No matter how hard Veronica tries to deny it, there's something about Ronan that keeps making her go back for more...
Veronica and Ronan's passionate affair unfolds into a riveting tale of suspense and dark truths, proving some secrets can never stay buried, no matter how hard you try.
- GenresDark RomanceRomance
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
41 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
Nicole J. Owens
2 books37 followersNicole J. Owens lives in North Carolina with her husband, their son, and their two dogs--Benny the Bernedoodle and Ruby the Miniature Cockapoo--who are all equal parts chaos and comfort.
A lifelong reader, Nicole has always found her space tucked inside the pages of a good book. When she's not writing, you can find her with a book in one hand and a glass of red wine in the other.
BENEATH YOUR LIES, releasing on Sept. 23rd, is her debut novel.
A lifelong reader, Nicole has always found her space tucked inside the pages of a good book. When she's not writing, you can find her with a book in one hand and a glass of red wine in the other.
BENEATH YOUR LIES, releasing on Sept. 23rd, is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
September 12, 2025
*SOME SECRETS CAN NEVER STAY BURIED... NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY.*
Wow, I loved this! 🙌🏻✨
This book checked all the boxes for me. It is very rare for me to love a thriller as much as I enjoyed this one. It is an easy 5-star read. I was hooked as soon as I read the Prologue and couldn't put the book down until the very last page.
Beaneth Your Lies has multiple POVs and a dual timeline, which adds the right level of depth and complexity to the story. It was so fun to dissect each of the characters and figure out what role they would have.
Ronan, the MMC, was just the right mix of dark, dangerous, protective, and witty. I loved him! Veronica, the FMC, displayed ample sass and independence, making her character likable. Richard was just a d*** but necessary to the storyline. 😆 And, everyone needs a Sylvie in their lives.
The book had several other well-developed characters, each with their own storylines that contributed to the plot. I love how they all fit into the bigger picture.
Another thing I wanted to note was that this book was the perfect length—just shy of 300 pages. I love full-circle twisty thrillers like this, and it is rare for an author to capture what Nicole and her editing team did. So often, I'd love to take a red pen and eliminate 25% of those 400+ page thrillers. So thank you for executing this book seamlessly! The way everything clicked together at the end was truly brilliant.
If you love a good, fast-paced, twisty thriller filled with spice, betrayal, mystery, and strong characters- this one is for you! So many twists and turns.🔪🩸
Even if you are someone who struggles with multiple POVs, do not be discouraged. Each character is very unique, and once you find your rhythm, you will speed right through this one. Absolutely binge-worthy!
Go preorder this book...now! Highly recommend!
Pub Date September 23, 2025
Thank you, Moonlit Graves Publishing, for sending me this ARC. This book exceeded all my expectations!!! ☺️💕💫
As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤✨
Wow, I loved this! 🙌🏻✨
This book checked all the boxes for me. It is very rare for me to love a thriller as much as I enjoyed this one. It is an easy 5-star read. I was hooked as soon as I read the Prologue and couldn't put the book down until the very last page.
Beaneth Your Lies has multiple POVs and a dual timeline, which adds the right level of depth and complexity to the story. It was so fun to dissect each of the characters and figure out what role they would have.
Ronan, the MMC, was just the right mix of dark, dangerous, protective, and witty. I loved him! Veronica, the FMC, displayed ample sass and independence, making her character likable. Richard was just a d*** but necessary to the storyline. 😆 And, everyone needs a Sylvie in their lives.
The book had several other well-developed characters, each with their own storylines that contributed to the plot. I love how they all fit into the bigger picture.
Another thing I wanted to note was that this book was the perfect length—just shy of 300 pages. I love full-circle twisty thrillers like this, and it is rare for an author to capture what Nicole and her editing team did. So often, I'd love to take a red pen and eliminate 25% of those 400+ page thrillers. So thank you for executing this book seamlessly! The way everything clicked together at the end was truly brilliant.
If you love a good, fast-paced, twisty thriller filled with spice, betrayal, mystery, and strong characters- this one is for you! So many twists and turns.🔪🩸
Even if you are someone who struggles with multiple POVs, do not be discouraged. Each character is very unique, and once you find your rhythm, you will speed right through this one. Absolutely binge-worthy!
Go preorder this book...now! Highly recommend!
Pub Date September 23, 2025
Thank you, Moonlit Graves Publishing, for sending me this ARC. This book exceeded all my expectations!!! ☺️💕💫
As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤✨
September 6, 2025
thank you netgalley and the publishers for lending me and eARC in exchange for an honest review.
'a woman's fury is patient. it's silent. it's cunning. what is that saying?
hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.'
HOLY COW
the twists. the turns. the revenge. the reveals. the SPICE.
I ATE THIS UP. devoured from the moment i started, it pulled me in. honestly, read the trigger warnings. this is a dark/mystersy/suspense book. and if that sounds like your genre - add this to your tbr now and thank me later.
'a woman's fury is patient. it's silent. it's cunning. what is that saying?
hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.'
HOLY COW
the twists. the turns. the revenge. the reveals. the SPICE.
I ATE THIS UP. devoured from the moment i started, it pulled me in. honestly, read the trigger warnings. this is a dark/mystersy/suspense book. and if that sounds like your genre - add this to your tbr now and thank me later.
September 7, 2025
A suspense-filled dark romance where both of the main characters are morally gray. If you are into hitman romance, plot twists, revenge, and forbidden love, then this book is for you.
Veronica is the much younger wife of the District Attorney, living a seemingly idyllic life when she finds out her husband has been unfaithful.
Richard, Veronica's husband, is up for reelection as the District Attorney. When his wife confronts him for cheating, he offers a solution to save their marriage and avoid the bad press of a divorce during the election. Verionca can sleep with someone else, of Richard's choosing, to even the score.
Ronan, the sexy and tattooed hitman, spots Veronica while she is at a bar to meet the man her husband selected for her, and they share an undeniable attraction and chemistry right away.
What happens next is a rollercoaster ride of suspense, plot twists, and spicy scenes that will keep you guessing all the way to the end. I enjoyed reading this book, and each time I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong!
This was a riveting story of revenge, female rage, secrets, and seduction. I thoroughly loved Veronica's character as a strong, no BS woman, and Ronan was the perfect dark and vicious man she needed. I enjoyed watching Veronica and Ronan learn to trust and love each other through all of the difficulties they both were facing. The dual POVs were helpful to understand each character and really contributed to the overall story.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.
Veronica is the much younger wife of the District Attorney, living a seemingly idyllic life when she finds out her husband has been unfaithful.
Richard, Veronica's husband, is up for reelection as the District Attorney. When his wife confronts him for cheating, he offers a solution to save their marriage and avoid the bad press of a divorce during the election. Verionca can sleep with someone else, of Richard's choosing, to even the score.
Ronan, the sexy and tattooed hitman, spots Veronica while she is at a bar to meet the man her husband selected for her, and they share an undeniable attraction and chemistry right away.
What happens next is a rollercoaster ride of suspense, plot twists, and spicy scenes that will keep you guessing all the way to the end. I enjoyed reading this book, and each time I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong!
This was a riveting story of revenge, female rage, secrets, and seduction. I thoroughly loved Veronica's character as a strong, no BS woman, and Ronan was the perfect dark and vicious man she needed. I enjoyed watching Veronica and Ronan learn to trust and love each other through all of the difficulties they both were facing. The dual POVs were helpful to understand each character and really contributed to the overall story.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.
August 21, 2025
This book was amazing. This spicy romantic suspense 🔥 had me turning the pages faster than ever. First off I loved the writing, it really pulled you in on the first chapter. The suspense starting from the beginning hooked me. Also love the short chapters, just something I enjoy. The twists and turns in this book were a complete mind blow and caught me off guard.
Veronica Sullivan the wife of DA Richard, catches her husband cheating. He has something to help “save” their marriage and very unconventional. Veronica stays at a hotel and prepares for dates with other men to essentially call it even with Richard but the games have just begun. Veronica meets Ronan the hitman ordered to kill Richard, and they have an immediate connection and Veronica can’t seem to stay away from him. They have their own secrets …. Exactly proving some secrets can never stay buried no matter how hard you try.
LOVED LOVED LOVED the plot twists of this story but also the desirable magnetic hot connection THEY HAD 🫠🤤
Thank you Netgalley for this read.
Veronica Sullivan the wife of DA Richard, catches her husband cheating. He has something to help “save” their marriage and very unconventional. Veronica stays at a hotel and prepares for dates with other men to essentially call it even with Richard but the games have just begun. Veronica meets Ronan the hitman ordered to kill Richard, and they have an immediate connection and Veronica can’t seem to stay away from him. They have their own secrets …. Exactly proving some secrets can never stay buried no matter how hard you try.
LOVED LOVED LOVED the plot twists of this story but also the desirable magnetic hot connection THEY HAD 🫠🤤
Thank you Netgalley for this read.
December 31, 2025
4.5⭐️. Thanks for NetGalley for this awesome thriller! This book gripped me from the very beginning and I loved it. Only reason it’s not a 5 stars is because I guessed the main plot twist. Amazing book!
August 25, 2025
beneath your lies- nicole j. owens🐍
WOW! i am gobsmacked. this was an arc copy that i got from netgalley and i am SO glad, i got to read this! a debut also, i believe?! and what a debut indeed😮💨🔥
my mind?! BLOWN. i am actually SPEECHLESS. but i also have SO MUCH to say and it’s not often a book leaves me like this🤯
i.. i? erm WHAT!!! plot twist, after plot twist, AFTER PLOT TWIST! and i think i maybe figured one out along the way? but i’m not even sure anymore because THIS WAS INSANE. i couldn’t place this book down, HOOKED is an understatement.
i wanna say dark romance/mystery/suspense?! INCREDIBLE. I ATE THIS UP!!! like, YOU NEED TO ADD THIS TO YOUR TBRS IMMEDIATELY. this hitttttt!!! reading slump? who is she??? I READ THIS IN A DAY!😮💨
ronan??? YES SIR.
VERONICA?!?! whaaaaaat!!! ain’t nothing like a woman scorned, lemme tell you, she is a CLEVER WOMAN.
i absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS!🔥
•★ ★ ★ ★ ★
•🌶️🌶️🌶️
•releases- september 23, 2025!💫
•available on ku: ☑️
(as always, check your triggers peoples!🫶🏼)
WOW! i am gobsmacked. this was an arc copy that i got from netgalley and i am SO glad, i got to read this! a debut also, i believe?! and what a debut indeed😮💨🔥
my mind?! BLOWN. i am actually SPEECHLESS. but i also have SO MUCH to say and it’s not often a book leaves me like this🤯
i.. i? erm WHAT!!! plot twist, after plot twist, AFTER PLOT TWIST! and i think i maybe figured one out along the way? but i’m not even sure anymore because THIS WAS INSANE. i couldn’t place this book down, HOOKED is an understatement.
i wanna say dark romance/mystery/suspense?! INCREDIBLE. I ATE THIS UP!!! like, YOU NEED TO ADD THIS TO YOUR TBRS IMMEDIATELY. this hitttttt!!! reading slump? who is she??? I READ THIS IN A DAY!😮💨
ronan??? YES SIR.
VERONICA?!?! whaaaaaat!!! ain’t nothing like a woman scorned, lemme tell you, she is a CLEVER WOMAN.
i absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS!🔥
•★ ★ ★ ★ ★
•🌶️🌶️🌶️
•releases- september 23, 2025!💫
•available on ku: ☑️
(as always, check your triggers peoples!🫶🏼)
September 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
I cannot believe this is a debut novel. I literally flew through 70% of it in one sitting because I could not put it down. The pacing was addictive, the tension never let up, and I just had to know what was going to happen next. The twists kept me on my toes, and I was genuinely surprised all the way until the very end.
If you’re a fan of dark romance with vigilante killers and FMCs and MMCs who live in those deliciously morally gray spaces, this book will be right up your alley. It delivers everything you’d want: intensity, suspense, and characters who make you question your own morals right alongside them.
And the spice? Absolutely top notch. Nicole J Owens brought the heat and balanced it perfectly with the darker, grittier storyline. For a debut, this was wildly impressive, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel. I literally flew through 70% of it in one sitting because I could not put it down. The pacing was addictive, the tension never let up, and I just had to know what was going to happen next. The twists kept me on my toes, and I was genuinely surprised all the way until the very end.
If you’re a fan of dark romance with vigilante killers and FMCs and MMCs who live in those deliciously morally gray spaces, this book will be right up your alley. It delivers everything you’d want: intensity, suspense, and characters who make you question your own morals right alongside them.
And the spice? Absolutely top notch. Nicole J Owens brought the heat and balanced it perfectly with the darker, grittier storyline. For a debut, this was wildly impressive, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
September 22, 2025
Thank you Book Sirens for the ARC !!
I am speechless, for a debut book my mind is blown .
Just when I think I had things figured out , another turn came my way . Yes I did figure out one sort of quickly but I feel it was supposed to be that way.
Veronica confronts her husband Richard , the big wig DA, about his affair. He then send her to a hotel for a few weeks and tells her to have an affair if her own then they will be even … um wtf? He even sets up a date for her ….
While at the bar waiting for said date, she is drawn to a mysterious stranger ….. then all hell breaks loose!!
I am speechless, for a debut book my mind is blown .
Just when I think I had things figured out , another turn came my way . Yes I did figure out one sort of quickly but I feel it was supposed to be that way.
Veronica confronts her husband Richard , the big wig DA, about his affair. He then send her to a hotel for a few weeks and tells her to have an affair if her own then they will be even … um wtf? He even sets up a date for her ….
While at the bar waiting for said date, she is drawn to a mysterious stranger ….. then all hell breaks loose!!
August 24, 2025
Oh wow, wow, WOW — this book🔥. From the very first chapter, it had me hooked and I genuinely couldn’t put it down. A suspenseful romance that kept me constantly on edge, full of twists, secrets, and revelations that had me sitting of my seat.
The story follows Veronica Sullivan, who confronts her husband’s infidelity—only for him to suggest she seek out her own affair to “save” their marriage. What follows is an unconventional and addictive journey as she crosses paths with Ronan, a hitman. Their connection is undeniable, and watching their story unfold against a backdrop of dark truths and nail-biting suspense was so addictive.
I absolutely fell in love with the whole story as well as the character and the way their relationship was written. Everyone, your new book boyfriend is here 🔥. The tension, the chemistry, the danger—it had everything I wanted in a dark, twisty romance.
If you love suspense with romance, shocking twists, and characters that stay with you long after you’ve finished, this book is a must-read!
I absolutely cannot wait for the physical copy of this book to join my shelves ❤️.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
August 16, 2025
Read this as an ARC on NetGalley and really enjoyed it!
I couldn’t put it down and read it in a day.
It’s a story of true female rage & revenge with forbidden romance and twists that I did not see coming.
The epilogue drew me in right away, as did the first sentence in Veronica’s first chapter. I loved that we were fed little hints of Veronica’s dark past without giving anything away. It kept me reading and wanting to work it all out.
Ronan is the morally grey mmc that you know you shouldn’t root for but find yourself doing exactly that. I’m not usually a fan of the instant love trope but it worked so well in this story and felt more believable given Ronans background.
4/5 star dark romance.
I couldn’t put it down and read it in a day.
It’s a story of true female rage & revenge with forbidden romance and twists that I did not see coming.
The epilogue drew me in right away, as did the first sentence in Veronica’s first chapter. I loved that we were fed little hints of Veronica’s dark past without giving anything away. It kept me reading and wanting to work it all out.
Ronan is the morally grey mmc that you know you shouldn’t root for but find yourself doing exactly that. I’m not usually a fan of the instant love trope but it worked so well in this story and felt more believable given Ronans background.
4/5 star dark romance.
August 18, 2025
Read this as an arc through NetGalley and I really really enjoyed this book! It drew me in from the beginning. There was so much suspense and plot twists throughout that kept me so engaged and wanting to read more. I absolutely loved Veronica’s character, she was so strong and loved her and Ronan. Loved the different pov of each character, allowed me to learn more about each character. Absolutely loved and the plot twists at the end, oh my!!!
September 1, 2025
A sizzling debut novel by Nicole J Owens! Beneath Your Lies hooked me with its fast pace, sharp writing, and the steamy and dangerous chemistry between Veronica and Ronan. At the same time, the jumpy structure and over-the-top drama sometimes pulled me out of the story, even with the wildly entertaining ride it exuded overall.
This story followed Veronica Sullivan, the polished wife of a rising District Attorney, uncovered her husband’s affair just as he was fighting for re-election. To protect his image, he suggested she take a lover of his choice—but instead, Veronica fell into a dangerous entanglement with Ronan, a brooding hitman. He pulled her into a web of passion, secrets, and murder.
Collectively, Beneath Your Lies delivered a dark, fast-paced mix of romance and suspense, followed Veronica Sullivan as her husband’s betrayal pushed her into a dangerous affair with a hitman that spiraled into secrets and murder. I was drawn in by the sharp, witty writing and addictive pacing, along with the explosive chemistry between the leads, though at times the fragmented structure and over-the-top drama kept it from feeling fully grounded. Still, this was a compulsively readable, twisty ride that balanced passion, betrayal, and danger in a way that kept me hooked. Looking forward to reading more by Owens!
Thank you Net Galley and Moonlit Graves Publishing for gifting me an advance copy in exchange for my review.
This story followed Veronica Sullivan, the polished wife of a rising District Attorney, uncovered her husband’s affair just as he was fighting for re-election. To protect his image, he suggested she take a lover of his choice—but instead, Veronica fell into a dangerous entanglement with Ronan, a brooding hitman. He pulled her into a web of passion, secrets, and murder.
Collectively, Beneath Your Lies delivered a dark, fast-paced mix of romance and suspense, followed Veronica Sullivan as her husband’s betrayal pushed her into a dangerous affair with a hitman that spiraled into secrets and murder. I was drawn in by the sharp, witty writing and addictive pacing, along with the explosive chemistry between the leads, though at times the fragmented structure and over-the-top drama kept it from feeling fully grounded. Still, this was a compulsively readable, twisty ride that balanced passion, betrayal, and danger in a way that kept me hooked. Looking forward to reading more by Owens!
Thank you Net Galley and Moonlit Graves Publishing for gifting me an advance copy in exchange for my review.
August 28, 2025
This is so good. There’s enough hidden background and history to keep you turning pages hoping for answers. The spice and romance between the mmc and fmc is palpable and the last quarter of the book had me biting my nails, kicking my legs and squealing antsy to see how it would all turn out. I don’t always love touch her and die in contemporary romance but it works so well here. Thanks so much to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc.
August 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“BENEATH YOUR LIES,” BY NICOLE J. OWENS. A stunning dark romance set to release 09/23/25.
🐍 “Good for her.”
🖤 Cheating husband trope.
🐍 Hitman MMC love interest.
🖤 FMC is wife of District Attorney.
🐍 Time jumps ( Present / Past ).
🖤 Insta-crush.
🐍 Forbidden love.
🖤 Dual POV.
Thank you to @netgalley for the opportunity to review. This one is for the baddies with a praise addiction, who are into overstimulation, and a man murdering for you. We love to see it.
OVERVIEW:
Veronica Sullivan’s seemingly idyllic life gets turned on its head when she confronts her husband about his infidelity. Desperate to maintain his image as the State’s District Attorney and salvage their marriage, he proposes a shocking solution-Veronica can indulge in her own affair, but only under his supervision.
As she embarks on this unconventional journey, Veronica meets Ronan, an enigmatic hitman haunted by his past who has a shared interest. They have an unmistakable, unquenchable connection, yet Veronica guards her own secrets closely, especially as a series of unsettling disappearances and murders grip the city. No matter how hard Veronica tries to deny it, there’s something about Ronan that keeps making her go back for more...
MY THOUGHTS:
I knew from the authors dedication page that this was going to be a riveting tale of revenge, and it turned out to deliver exactly that, and MORE. I was curious about the cast, and the characters were complex, and deep. Veronica was 100% my favorite, as I have a soft spot for candid, no-bullshit women. Ronan was a perfect love interest for her, equally as seductive as he was vicious, dark, and… traumatized. Lol.
Banter was absolutely delicious. More than enough twists and turns to keep me satisfied, and no spoilers… but that FINAL CHAPTER? YK WHO WAS THE KILLER?? OMG. PLEASE LET THERE BE A SEQUEL?? I’ll cry if not. Dual POV was the perfect choice. The MMC wasn’t the only one with a secret, which was an added cherry on the top. And the FMC’s secret is SO juicy that I actually gasped.
All in all, what a fun read!
ENJOYED THE REVIEW? ♡
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SUPPORT THE AUTHOR? ♡
LINKTREE
“BENEATH YOUR LIES,” BY NICOLE J. OWENS. A stunning dark romance set to release 09/23/25.
🐍 “Good for her.”
🖤 Cheating husband trope.
🐍 Hitman MMC love interest.
🖤 FMC is wife of District Attorney.
🐍 Time jumps ( Present / Past ).
🖤 Insta-crush.
🐍 Forbidden love.
🖤 Dual POV.
Thank you to @netgalley for the opportunity to review. This one is for the baddies with a praise addiction, who are into overstimulation, and a man murdering for you. We love to see it.
OVERVIEW:
Veronica Sullivan’s seemingly idyllic life gets turned on its head when she confronts her husband about his infidelity. Desperate to maintain his image as the State’s District Attorney and salvage their marriage, he proposes a shocking solution-Veronica can indulge in her own affair, but only under his supervision.
As she embarks on this unconventional journey, Veronica meets Ronan, an enigmatic hitman haunted by his past who has a shared interest. They have an unmistakable, unquenchable connection, yet Veronica guards her own secrets closely, especially as a series of unsettling disappearances and murders grip the city. No matter how hard Veronica tries to deny it, there’s something about Ronan that keeps making her go back for more...
MY THOUGHTS:
I knew from the authors dedication page that this was going to be a riveting tale of revenge, and it turned out to deliver exactly that, and MORE. I was curious about the cast, and the characters were complex, and deep. Veronica was 100% my favorite, as I have a soft spot for candid, no-bullshit women. Ronan was a perfect love interest for her, equally as seductive as he was vicious, dark, and… traumatized. Lol.
Banter was absolutely delicious. More than enough twists and turns to keep me satisfied, and no spoilers… but that FINAL CHAPTER? YK WHO WAS THE KILLER?? OMG. PLEASE LET THERE BE A SEQUEL?? I’ll cry if not. Dual POV was the perfect choice. The MMC wasn’t the only one with a secret, which was an added cherry on the top. And the FMC’s secret is SO juicy that I actually gasped.
All in all, what a fun read!
ENJOYED THE REVIEW? ♡
INSTA | TWITTER | TIKTOK
SUPPORT THE AUTHOR? ♡
LINKTREE
September 14, 2025
Veronica Sullivan’s picture-perfect life unravels the moment she confronts her husband about his betrayal. Desperate to save his image as the State’s District Attorney, he offers her a shocking proposal: she can have an affair—so long as he controls the terms. What he didn’t anticipate, however, was who Veronica would choose to exercise that freedom with.
Enter Ronan, a morally grey assassin haunted by his past. Their connection is instant, electric, and completely addictive. Falling into lust with Ronan was a thrilling ride as a reader, and the deeper their relationship went, the more the story twisted. With disappearances and murders shaking the city, the line between truth and lies blurred at every turn.
I loved how the book constantly kept me guessing—I truly didn’t figure things out until the very end! The suspense was perfectly balanced with steamy, passionate moments that elevated the stakes even higher. If you enjoy morally complex characters, jaw-dropping twists, and spice woven into a dark, suspenseful plot, this book delivers it all.
Thank you to Nicole J. Owens, Moonlit Graves Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Enter Ronan, a morally grey assassin haunted by his past. Their connection is instant, electric, and completely addictive. Falling into lust with Ronan was a thrilling ride as a reader, and the deeper their relationship went, the more the story twisted. With disappearances and murders shaking the city, the line between truth and lies blurred at every turn.
I loved how the book constantly kept me guessing—I truly didn’t figure things out until the very end! The suspense was perfectly balanced with steamy, passionate moments that elevated the stakes even higher. If you enjoy morally complex characters, jaw-dropping twists, and spice woven into a dark, suspenseful plot, this book delivers it all.
Thank you to Nicole J. Owens, Moonlit Graves Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
September 18, 2025
🌟4,25 🌶 2.5
"The rage of a woman is not to be underestimated - it is a force to be reckoned with, a strom that demands respect."
Feels thorough the book; I have a thing for feminine rage, as said by Anya Taylor-Joy, that I support 👏🏼
I absolutely loved this! The story was "chef's kiss" to say it simply. I absolutely ate this up, damn!
The story has multiple POV's and has two different timelines. There are different themes presented throughout the story, which made it feel rich and enticing. You get a little 'whodunnit' feel and want to puzzel the peaces together. I can't give it a 5-star reading because I puzzled it out before the ending. That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and couldn't wait to pick it back up. Ronan, you have my heart!
What an incredible debut novel. This is how you do suspense, action, and romance. I see a bright future for J. Owens and will definitely keep an eye out for future publication!
tropes:
💀 touch her, and you dy
💀 revenge
💀 a lil' stalking
💀 hitman romance
💀 they are both morally grey
Go read this book now, I highly recommend it!
Thank you, Netgalley, Nicole J. Owens and Moonlit Graves publishing for the eARC! ❤️
"The rage of a woman is not to be underestimated - it is a force to be reckoned with, a strom that demands respect."
Feels thorough the book; I have a thing for feminine rage, as said by Anya Taylor-Joy, that I support 👏🏼
I absolutely loved this! The story was "chef's kiss" to say it simply. I absolutely ate this up, damn!
The story has multiple POV's and has two different timelines. There are different themes presented throughout the story, which made it feel rich and enticing. You get a little 'whodunnit' feel and want to puzzel the peaces together. I can't give it a 5-star reading because I puzzled it out before the ending. That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and couldn't wait to pick it back up. Ronan, you have my heart!
What an incredible debut novel. This is how you do suspense, action, and romance. I see a bright future for J. Owens and will definitely keep an eye out for future publication!
tropes:
💀 touch her, and you dy
💀 revenge
💀 a lil' stalking
💀 hitman romance
💀 they are both morally grey
Go read this book now, I highly recommend it!
Thank you, Netgalley, Nicole J. Owens and Moonlit Graves publishing for the eARC! ❤️
September 21, 2025
Veronica finds out her district attorney husband Richard has been cheating on her. His solution is for Veronica to have an affair of her own under his terms.
Instead she meets Ronan, a mysterious hitman, and they instantly feel a connection to each other.
Dark romance • Suspense
Thriller • Multiple POV
Feminine rage • SPICY 🌶️
Obsessed at first sight
I stepped outside my comfort zone with this one, and I’m so glad I did!
The prologue pulled me right in.
Richard is very unlikeable of course, so I was instantly rooting for Ronan despite the insane red flags 🚩 But that’s okay because he’s possessive, dangerous, and so handsome. I loved Ronan 🖤
With short chapters and less than 350 pages, this was a quick read I really enjoyed.
This book is dark, extra spicy, and not too complicated while still having mysteries to unravel. Check this out if you’re a dark romance lover 🖤
📖 Thank you NetGalley for my eARC
Instead she meets Ronan, a mysterious hitman, and they instantly feel a connection to each other.
Dark romance • Suspense
Thriller • Multiple POV
Feminine rage • SPICY 🌶️
Obsessed at first sight
I stepped outside my comfort zone with this one, and I’m so glad I did!
The prologue pulled me right in.
Richard is very unlikeable of course, so I was instantly rooting for Ronan despite the insane red flags 🚩 But that’s okay because he’s possessive, dangerous, and so handsome. I loved Ronan 🖤
With short chapters and less than 350 pages, this was a quick read I really enjoyed.
This book is dark, extra spicy, and not too complicated while still having mysteries to unravel. Check this out if you’re a dark romance lover 🖤
📖 Thank you NetGalley for my eARC
October 6, 2025
If you like stories with morally grey characters, those that are twisty and filled with suspense, consider reading Nicole J. Owens' debut novel Beneath Your Lies.
This domestic thriller and dark romance with a wronged wife, a cheating public figure husband ,and a sexy hitman is a story of secrets, seduction, and revenge with the main character Veronica playing the long game to exact it. It is told in dual points of view, well three because there's also character named Taylor whose perspective we get.
Married to Richard, the District Attorney, who is up for re-election, Veronica confronts him about his latest instance of infidelity. Tears, pleading, and promises follow as she anticipated but nothing prepared her for a proposal from her scheming much older husband that gave her the green light to have an affair, albeit with stipulations he set out, so they would be even.
The man even suggested - or was it instructed? - that he check in to a hotel to execute the deal.
What follows is a hard pass on the guy Richard sent for the hook up, a near miss from two brazen men who tried to get with Veronica, and sizzling encounters with the dark brooding Ronan, aka Death's Shadow. Their chemistry leapt off the pages.
Owen's writing is good and kept me gripped as the story progressed but I found it predictable and a tad trite.
Believe me when I say it's not the author, it's me. I have read so many stories and watched so many movies and TV shows/series in this genre that I am hardly surprised by how they develop. I see clues in a sentence, a chance meeting, and glance, a word. Unless the book is incredibly boring, I keep reading until the end.
I figured out what was likely to happen and kept reading to see how it would unfold, how the author would make the links for the reader.
I will not give spoilers. What I will state is that the inclusion of the first "Taylor" chapter was a major clue and I admit I didn't read the other chapters with this character at all. I knew who she was although I didn't understand why this POV was dropped into the story the way they were. Frankly, they didn't work for me and served as a nuisance because I'd be reading Veronica or Ronan's perspective and bam! up pops Taylor.
I also had an inkling, as I like to call it, about:
a) who the serial killer before I met the character. It was solidified in the chapter with the meeting at the restaurant, and the rationale for them.
b)who was really behind Ronan's hire and why
c)who Richard's latest conquest was and why
That's all I will state because I will not spoil it for other readers.
Beneath Your Lies is a good story with a cast of well developed and for the most part, typical characters who acted as they were expected. The tall, dark, handsome dangerous Ronan was my favourite person and apart from his possessiveness, I liked that as hard as he was, he was not afraid to be vulnerable and let Veronica and Sylvie in.
I liked how their romance elements of the story were intertwined and how they unfolded and how the main characters recognised their feelings, learnt to trust each other, and were wiling to work through the challenges they were dealt.
The ending hinted of another angry character who may seek revenge for what transpired. However, I am not intrigued enough to read a sequel if that is the case. I would read another book by the author and recommend this one to readers who like this genre and dark romance.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
This domestic thriller and dark romance with a wronged wife, a cheating public figure husband ,and a sexy hitman is a story of secrets, seduction, and revenge with the main character Veronica playing the long game to exact it. It is told in dual points of view, well three because there's also character named Taylor whose perspective we get.
Married to Richard, the District Attorney, who is up for re-election, Veronica confronts him about his latest instance of infidelity. Tears, pleading, and promises follow as she anticipated but nothing prepared her for a proposal from her scheming much older husband that gave her the green light to have an affair, albeit with stipulations he set out, so they would be even.
The man even suggested - or was it instructed? - that he check in to a hotel to execute the deal.
What follows is a hard pass on the guy Richard sent for the hook up, a near miss from two brazen men who tried to get with Veronica, and sizzling encounters with the dark brooding Ronan, aka Death's Shadow. Their chemistry leapt off the pages.
Owen's writing is good and kept me gripped as the story progressed but I found it predictable and a tad trite.
Believe me when I say it's not the author, it's me. I have read so many stories and watched so many movies and TV shows/series in this genre that I am hardly surprised by how they develop. I see clues in a sentence, a chance meeting, and glance, a word. Unless the book is incredibly boring, I keep reading until the end.
I figured out what was likely to happen and kept reading to see how it would unfold, how the author would make the links for the reader.
I will not give spoilers. What I will state is that the inclusion of the first "Taylor" chapter was a major clue and I admit I didn't read the other chapters with this character at all. I knew who she was although I didn't understand why this POV was dropped into the story the way they were. Frankly, they didn't work for me and served as a nuisance because I'd be reading Veronica or Ronan's perspective and bam! up pops Taylor.
I also had an inkling, as I like to call it, about:
a) who the serial killer before I met the character. It was solidified in the chapter with the meeting at the restaurant, and the rationale for them.
b)who was really behind Ronan's hire and why
c)who Richard's latest conquest was and why
That's all I will state because I will not spoil it for other readers.
Beneath Your Lies is a good story with a cast of well developed and for the most part, typical characters who acted as they were expected. The tall, dark, handsome dangerous Ronan was my favourite person and apart from his possessiveness, I liked that as hard as he was, he was not afraid to be vulnerable and let Veronica and Sylvie in.
I liked how their romance elements of the story were intertwined and how they unfolded and how the main characters recognised their feelings, learnt to trust each other, and were wiling to work through the challenges they were dealt.
The ending hinted of another angry character who may seek revenge for what transpired. However, I am not intrigued enough to read a sequel if that is the case. I would read another book by the author and recommend this one to readers who like this genre and dark romance.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
September 6, 2025
“Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged". -Samual Johnson
In this spicy romantic suspense, our main character Veronica learns that her husband Richard, State District Attorney has been…. you guessed it, sleeping with his secretary. *GASP* 😱
I promise this is the LEAST shocking element of this book.
In an attempt to salvage his marriage and public image, Richard proposes an unconventional solution: Veronica may partake in her own affair.
In his mind, after said affair, they will be “even” and will live happily ever after together.
Oh Richard 🙄.
For being Ivy League educated you really are quite dense.
Enter Ronan-the character who seasoned this book perfectly 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ . The chemistry between Ronan and Veronica was instantaneous and consuming.
The twists were twisty, the spice was spicy and the revenge was *chefs Kiss*
Overall I was really impressed with this authors debut novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and Moonlit Graves Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
In this spicy romantic suspense, our main character Veronica learns that her husband Richard, State District Attorney has been…. you guessed it, sleeping with his secretary. *GASP* 😱
I promise this is the LEAST shocking element of this book.
In an attempt to salvage his marriage and public image, Richard proposes an unconventional solution: Veronica may partake in her own affair.
In his mind, after said affair, they will be “even” and will live happily ever after together.
Oh Richard 🙄.
For being Ivy League educated you really are quite dense.
Enter Ronan-the character who seasoned this book perfectly 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ . The chemistry between Ronan and Veronica was instantaneous and consuming.
The twists were twisty, the spice was spicy and the revenge was *chefs Kiss*
Overall I was really impressed with this authors debut novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and Moonlit Graves Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 13, 2025
4.5 ⭐ – Love love love!
Fast-paced, twisty, and told through three POVs - one of which brilliantly clicks into place at the end. Veronica and Ronan’s chemistry was a highlight, though one spicy scene felt a bit unrealistic given the events beforehand (the only reason I didn't give a full 5⭐).
Still, I absolutely loved reading this and I'm so happy that my very first ARC experience was such an amazing one. Thank you to Nicole Owens and NetGalley for the opportunity! I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for a second book… please say it’s coming!
Fast-paced, twisty, and told through three POVs - one of which brilliantly clicks into place at the end. Veronica and Ronan’s chemistry was a highlight, though one spicy scene felt a bit unrealistic given the events beforehand (the only reason I didn't give a full 5⭐).
Still, I absolutely loved reading this and I'm so happy that my very first ARC experience was such an amazing one. Thank you to Nicole Owens and NetGalley for the opportunity! I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for a second book… please say it’s coming!
August 31, 2025
Beneath Your Lies was such a wild ride. It’s dark, messy, addictive, and honestly nothing like I expected. Veronica and Ronan’s story is full of secrets, betrayal, and that kind of dangerous chemistry you just know is going to explode.
It definitely leans into the darker side of romance, but that’s what made it so gripping — I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Twists, drama, passion, lies, unaliving people… it’s all there.
If you’re into romantic suspense with a psychological edge (and you don’t mind things getting a little morally grey), this one is worth picking up. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
It definitely leans into the darker side of romance, but that’s what made it so gripping — I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Twists, drama, passion, lies, unaliving people… it’s all there.
If you’re into romantic suspense with a psychological edge (and you don’t mind things getting a little morally grey), this one is worth picking up. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
August 31, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Moonlit Graves Publishing for entrusting me with an ARC of this twisty, fun read. I had no idea when I started this debut novel by Nicole J. Owens that I would LOVE this book. Not only have I found a new favorite MMC and power couple, but she definitely left me wanting more!
September 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC!
This was a real page-turner for me! I absolutely loved how the story kept moving—every chapter pulled me in deeper, and the pacing was spot-on. Those flashbacks worked so well, adding extra intrigue. I figured out whose they were pretty quickly, but it didn’t spoil the fun at all. What really surprised me was the main twist—I did not see that coming, and it made the whole book feel even more exciting.
On the flip side, I wasn’t a fan of how fast Veronica and Ronan’s relationship kicked off. That instant love felt a bit forced, especially when they started spilling big secrets to each other—honestly, it seemed pretty reckless and took me out of the story for a moment. Still, the tension and drama definitely made up for it.
Overall, this thriller was super entertaining, and I’d recommend it if you want a story full of surprises and great pacing. Just prepare for a romance that gets a little wild a bit too soon!
This was a real page-turner for me! I absolutely loved how the story kept moving—every chapter pulled me in deeper, and the pacing was spot-on. Those flashbacks worked so well, adding extra intrigue. I figured out whose they were pretty quickly, but it didn’t spoil the fun at all. What really surprised me was the main twist—I did not see that coming, and it made the whole book feel even more exciting.
On the flip side, I wasn’t a fan of how fast Veronica and Ronan’s relationship kicked off. That instant love felt a bit forced, especially when they started spilling big secrets to each other—honestly, it seemed pretty reckless and took me out of the story for a moment. Still, the tension and drama definitely made up for it.
Overall, this thriller was super entertaining, and I’d recommend it if you want a story full of surprises and great pacing. Just prepare for a romance that gets a little wild a bit too soon!
August 21, 2025
This book was absolutely amazing, I was hooked from the very beginning! The chapters were short and are written in multi POV. Which is my favorite style of writing. The book does have some pretty spicy scenes and a jaw dropping ending. READ READ READ this book!
Got as an ARC through Netgalley so thank yall so much!
Got as an ARC through Netgalley so thank yall so much!
November 7, 2025
more please!
I read this in just a couple of days and not bc I’m a fast reader! Really great from start to finish! Can’t wait to read the next one. There’s a next one, right?!
I read this in just a couple of days and not bc I’m a fast reader! Really great from start to finish! Can’t wait to read the next one. There’s a next one, right?!
September 11, 2025
✨THIS IS AN ARC REVIEW✨
Nicole J Owen’s the author you are..
This book had me hook line and sinker. Between the plot twists and the steamy scenes between Ronan and Veronica I could not put this book down.
It is by far my highest rated book I have read this year, and I cannot wait for it to come out so I can grab a physical copy!
Great work, I can’t wait to read what you come up with next!
Nicole J Owen’s the author you are..
This book had me hook line and sinker. Between the plot twists and the steamy scenes between Ronan and Veronica I could not put this book down.
It is by far my highest rated book I have read this year, and I cannot wait for it to come out so I can grab a physical copy!
Great work, I can’t wait to read what you come up with next!
September 24, 2025
Beneath Your Lies by Nicole J. Owens is a dark and twisted romance that blurs the lines between passion, obsession, and danger. Veronica Sullivan’s seemingly perfect life unravels when she confronts her husband, the State’s District Attorney, about his infidelity. Instead of walking away, he proposes a shocking bargain: she can have her own affair—so long as he controls it. Enter Ronan, a brooding hitman with a haunted past who becomes Veronica’s forbidden escape. Their chemistry is undeniable, but as disappearances and murders grip the city, Veronica realizes that Ronan has secrets of his own. The deeper she falls, the harder it is to ignore the dark truths lurking beneath the surface.
I’ll be honest—I picked this up from the thriller/mystery section on NetGalley, so clearly I wasn’t the intended audience. Still, I don’t mind a smutty, over-the-top romance every now and then, and this definitely fit that bill. It’s somewhere between a 2.5 and 3 stars for me, but I leaned generous since it will likely appeal more to dark romance readers.
There are strengths here: the story is fast-paced, packed with morally gray characters, and the plot is so outrageous at times that it oddly works. But for me, the writing style fell short. I couldn’t buy into the romance between Veronica and Ronan—their relationship felt more about control and manipulation than genuine emotion. Ronan, while tall, dark, and handsome, crossed the line into stalker territory, and I worry about presenting toxic, co-dependent dynamics as love. The constant twists also lost impact, coming so quickly that there was little time to build tension or deepen character backstories—especially Veronica’s, which felt underdeveloped even with flashbacks.
Ultimately, I couldn’t root for any of the characters, though the story itself was undeniably entrancing. If you’re into dark romance where toxic attraction drives the plot and chaos reigns, this could be a solid pick. Personally, I’d have preferred more authentic connection, fewer toxic male archetypes, and a slower buildup in the first half.
Thank you to Nicole J. Owens, Moonlit Graves Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I’ll be honest—I picked this up from the thriller/mystery section on NetGalley, so clearly I wasn’t the intended audience. Still, I don’t mind a smutty, over-the-top romance every now and then, and this definitely fit that bill. It’s somewhere between a 2.5 and 3 stars for me, but I leaned generous since it will likely appeal more to dark romance readers.
There are strengths here: the story is fast-paced, packed with morally gray characters, and the plot is so outrageous at times that it oddly works. But for me, the writing style fell short. I couldn’t buy into the romance between Veronica and Ronan—their relationship felt more about control and manipulation than genuine emotion. Ronan, while tall, dark, and handsome, crossed the line into stalker territory, and I worry about presenting toxic, co-dependent dynamics as love. The constant twists also lost impact, coming so quickly that there was little time to build tension or deepen character backstories—especially Veronica’s, which felt underdeveloped even with flashbacks.
Ultimately, I couldn’t root for any of the characters, though the story itself was undeniably entrancing. If you’re into dark romance where toxic attraction drives the plot and chaos reigns, this could be a solid pick. Personally, I’d have preferred more authentic connection, fewer toxic male archetypes, and a slower buildup in the first half.
Thank you to Nicole J. Owens, Moonlit Graves Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 18, 2025
From the very first chapter, this dark romance captured my attention and refused to let go. It opens with Veronica’s shocking discovery of her husband Richard’s betrayal, a powerful District Attorney whose response to being confronted is both cruel and manipulative. He demands that Veronica pursue her own affair, though only under his control and with a partner of his choosing. This unsettling premise sets the stage for a tense, emotional journey.
As Veronica seeks her own path forward, she encounters Ronan, a brooding hitman haunted by his past. Their connection is immediate and magnetic, but also dangerous. The forbidden attraction between them builds with every encounter, layering suspense on top of passion. The chemistry is undeniable, and the tension simmers as their lives begin to intertwine in ways neither expected.
The story escalates into a gripping mix of thriller, crime, and romance. The balance between plot and intimacy is handled with finesse: the intimate scenes are not only vivid and well-executed but also serve the story, heightening the stakes and deepening the emotional bond between the characters. Supporting figures, such as Ronan’s hacker confidante Sylvie, add depth and texture, ensuring that every thread feels meaningful.
Richard, as the antagonist, is chilling in his control and reach. His influence over the city creates a constant sense of danger, making him a villain readers will relish despising. Twists along the way keep the tension alive, culminating in a shocking final chapter that both satisfies and leaves the door open for more to come.
By the end, Veronica and Ronan’s story proves to be more than just a dark romance, it is a tale of resilience, trust, and the possibility of healing through love, even when surrounded by chaos. This novel delivers a potent combination of suspense, passion, and emotional depth, making it a must-read for fans of layered, genre-blending romance.
As Veronica seeks her own path forward, she encounters Ronan, a brooding hitman haunted by his past. Their connection is immediate and magnetic, but also dangerous. The forbidden attraction between them builds with every encounter, layering suspense on top of passion. The chemistry is undeniable, and the tension simmers as their lives begin to intertwine in ways neither expected.
The story escalates into a gripping mix of thriller, crime, and romance. The balance between plot and intimacy is handled with finesse: the intimate scenes are not only vivid and well-executed but also serve the story, heightening the stakes and deepening the emotional bond between the characters. Supporting figures, such as Ronan’s hacker confidante Sylvie, add depth and texture, ensuring that every thread feels meaningful.
Richard, as the antagonist, is chilling in his control and reach. His influence over the city creates a constant sense of danger, making him a villain readers will relish despising. Twists along the way keep the tension alive, culminating in a shocking final chapter that both satisfies and leaves the door open for more to come.
By the end, Veronica and Ronan’s story proves to be more than just a dark romance, it is a tale of resilience, trust, and the possibility of healing through love, even when surrounded by chaos. This novel delivers a potent combination of suspense, passion, and emotional depth, making it a must-read for fans of layered, genre-blending romance.
August 13, 2025
A fantastic dark romance that I could not put down.
It gives female rage, forbidden love, suspenseful romance and revenge & healing.
Veronica has discovered that her District Attorney husband Richard has been unfaithful and she confronts him leading him to insist she moves into a hotel room and has her own affair to settle the score. But only with a man of his choosing and under his constant influence.
But Veronica has plans of her own. That is until she meets hitman Ronan. Dark and mysterious with his own demons. The chemistry between the two of them is undeniable and they find they can’t stay away from each other despite how dangerous it is for them both.
This story struck the perfect balance between story and spice. The spicy scenes are brilliantly written and leave you tingling. But they support the fantastic storyline that cleverly bridges genres of thriller, crime and romance.
The characters are complex and deep, and the cast of side characters are no different. I particularly loved Ronan’s best friend and hacker Sylvie. I was gripped by how Veronica and Ronan’s lives, secrets and destinies are linked and come to a head at the end.
Richard as the villain was the perfect blend of power and control. His influence of powerful people in the city was truly terrifying, you can’t help but love to hate him.
You learn more about the characters as the story progresses but some of the twists still had me gasping. And without giving away any spoilers the final chapter was a shocker that makes me think there will be a sequel. Fingers crossed.
A fantastically fun read that I absolutely devoured. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
It gives female rage, forbidden love, suspenseful romance and revenge & healing.
Veronica has discovered that her District Attorney husband Richard has been unfaithful and she confronts him leading him to insist she moves into a hotel room and has her own affair to settle the score. But only with a man of his choosing and under his constant influence.
But Veronica has plans of her own. That is until she meets hitman Ronan. Dark and mysterious with his own demons. The chemistry between the two of them is undeniable and they find they can’t stay away from each other despite how dangerous it is for them both.
This story struck the perfect balance between story and spice. The spicy scenes are brilliantly written and leave you tingling. But they support the fantastic storyline that cleverly bridges genres of thriller, crime and romance.
The characters are complex and deep, and the cast of side characters are no different. I particularly loved Ronan’s best friend and hacker Sylvie. I was gripped by how Veronica and Ronan’s lives, secrets and destinies are linked and come to a head at the end.
Richard as the villain was the perfect blend of power and control. His influence of powerful people in the city was truly terrifying, you can’t help but love to hate him.
You learn more about the characters as the story progresses but some of the twists still had me gasping. And without giving away any spoilers the final chapter was a shocker that makes me think there will be a sequel. Fingers crossed.
A fantastically fun read that I absolutely devoured. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
August 24, 2025
Feeling like I found a gem reading this book. Had A LOT more spice than I was anticipating but I’m not mad about it. I really believe the cover threw me off and I was expecting it to be more thriller/mystery heavy but the spice in this was amazing.
If you watched “The Hunting Wives” on Netflix and are a fan of Frieda McFadden and the “Made” series by Danielle Lori - this is the book for you. This is a plot twist filled spiderweb and by the end you see where each point intersects. Throughout the book you’re seeing these POV chapters from a character who had not been introduced but it’s easy to guess who the individual really is. However, by the end you’re seeing all of these plot twists play out and boy, do they keep on comin’.
This is very much a insta-love kind of read that is borderline obsessive but sometimes, the man really does need to fall (obsess) first. The MMC is absolutely a morally grey type of guy (and the FMC starts to slowly show her shades of grey throughout) but you’re routing for them anyways.
I am not a proud member of the “Richard needs to die” fanclub because that man had me FUMING. I loved the thriller aspect to this and was actually invested in how everything played out. This was the type of book I was thinking about when I wasn’t actively reading.
As a girl who doesn’t normally read epilogues (I know, I’m sorry) I am telling you the epilogues of this is a MUST read because it will leave you wanting book 2 even more.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this story.
If you watched “The Hunting Wives” on Netflix and are a fan of Frieda McFadden and the “Made” series by Danielle Lori - this is the book for you. This is a plot twist filled spiderweb and by the end you see where each point intersects. Throughout the book you’re seeing these POV chapters from a character who had not been introduced but it’s easy to guess who the individual really is. However, by the end you’re seeing all of these plot twists play out and boy, do they keep on comin’.
This is very much a insta-love kind of read that is borderline obsessive but sometimes, the man really does need to fall (obsess) first. The MMC is absolutely a morally grey type of guy (and the FMC starts to slowly show her shades of grey throughout) but you’re routing for them anyways.
I am not a proud member of the “Richard needs to die” fanclub because that man had me FUMING. I loved the thriller aspect to this and was actually invested in how everything played out. This was the type of book I was thinking about when I wasn’t actively reading.
As a girl who doesn’t normally read epilogues (I know, I’m sorry) I am telling you the epilogues of this is a MUST read because it will leave you wanting book 2 even more.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this story.
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