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Life of Lies
Fame, fortune...and a fatal obsession
Sahara Travis is used to being worshipped by adoring fans, but now someone is fixated on her in a dangerous way. After multiple attempts on her life, she reluctantly agrees to hire a security specialist for her protection, though the last thing she wants is some burly bodyguard invading her personal space.
Former army ranger Brendan McQueen's job is to keep the starlet safe and track down her would-be assassin. But when Sahara receives news that her estranged mother has been murdered and her father, the top suspect, is missing, Brendan quickly realizes this is much more serious than your average celebrity stalker.
With Brendan and her devoted assistant, Lucy, in tow, Sahara returns to her family estate in New Orleans to uncover the identity of her attempted killer before he can close in on his final target.
Sahara Travis is used to being worshipped by adoring fans, but now someone is fixated on her in a dangerous way. After multiple attempts on her life, she reluctantly agrees to hire a security specialist for her protection, though the last thing she wants is some burly bodyguard invading her personal space.
Former army ranger Brendan McQueen's job is to keep the starlet safe and track down her would-be assassin. But when Sahara receives news that her estranged mother has been murdered and her father, the top suspect, is missing, Brendan quickly realizes this is much more serious than your average celebrity stalker.
With Brendan and her devoted assistant, Lucy, in tow, Sahara returns to her family estate in New Orleans to uncover the identity of her attempted killer before he can close in on his final target.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 26, 2017
287 people are currently reading
1388 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
280 books2,306 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
July 18, 2019
Three and a half stars.
Movie star Sahara Travis is used to the adoration of fans as well as the hate mail that often goes with the territory of being a big star. But when a woman connected with wardrobe is found dead in her trailer, Sahara and the police begin to suspect Sahara was the intended victim of the poison. When other attempts are made on her life, Sahara reluctantly agrees to have a bodyguard. Brendan McQueen, a former army ranger, becomes her constant companion as he seeks to keep the star safe. When other events occur that concern her family, Sahara and Brendan are left in no doubt there is more behind these murderous attempts than just aiming to kill a celebrity. Sahara with her trusteed assistant Lucy, returns to New Orleans and the one place Sahara never wanted to live again. There, Brendan and Sahara seek to uncover the identity of her attempted murderer before he can fulfil his plans.
I powered through this one. I liked the way secrets about Sahara were revealed. Perhaps parts seemed a little over the top at times, like the snake coming out of the flowers, but for some reason I was happy enough to go along with it. Initially I thought the doctor might have a bigger role to play than he did. He just disappears. A romance develops, but not with the doctor. The story includes a few sex scenes, which are not overly long or graphic. Some relationships are not quite what they seem initially. I liked Billie. She was a lovely, motherly character. I also liked Harold, Sahara’s agent. Food plays an important part. Pace was steady throughout and the characters were well developed.
Even though she has written a huge number of novels, this was my first book by this author. I’d be keen to check out others and see how they compare. This one was an entertaining, quick read that, despite a few reservations, I enjoyed.
Movie star Sahara Travis is used to the adoration of fans as well as the hate mail that often goes with the territory of being a big star. But when a woman connected with wardrobe is found dead in her trailer, Sahara and the police begin to suspect Sahara was the intended victim of the poison. When other attempts are made on her life, Sahara reluctantly agrees to have a bodyguard. Brendan McQueen, a former army ranger, becomes her constant companion as he seeks to keep the star safe. When other events occur that concern her family, Sahara and Brendan are left in no doubt there is more behind these murderous attempts than just aiming to kill a celebrity. Sahara with her trusteed assistant Lucy, returns to New Orleans and the one place Sahara never wanted to live again. There, Brendan and Sahara seek to uncover the identity of her attempted murderer before he can fulfil his plans.
I powered through this one. I liked the way secrets about Sahara were revealed. Perhaps parts seemed a little over the top at times, like the snake coming out of the flowers, but for some reason I was happy enough to go along with it. Initially I thought the doctor might have a bigger role to play than he did. He just disappears. A romance develops, but not with the doctor. The story includes a few sex scenes, which are not overly long or graphic. Some relationships are not quite what they seem initially. I liked Billie. She was a lovely, motherly character. I also liked Harold, Sahara’s agent. Food plays an important part. Pace was steady throughout and the characters were well developed.
Even though she has written a huge number of novels, this was my first book by this author. I’d be keen to check out others and see how they compare. This one was an entertaining, quick read that, despite a few reservations, I enjoyed.
September 27, 2017
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
I've read several Sharon Sala books and I have never read one like this one. The story was intriguing from the first page and it took me awhile to figure out what was happening. I enjoyed the romance, but the pace was flat. It's hard to keep interest when the characters barricade themselves in one spot. Add to that a number of major plot holes and this book just did not live up to what I've come to expect from Sharon Sala.
Why? Why does someone want actress Sahara Travis dead? Now? At this point in time when she is in the middle of a controversial movie? Sahara returns to her movie dressing trailer to find a wardrobe assistant dead because she was eating some of Sahara's lunch. Then she barely escapes her condo alive. Where? Where can she hid that she will be safe? Who? Who is going to keep her safe and figure out who and why someone wants her dead?
The Who? is former Army Ranger Brendan McQueen, her new bodyguard and protector. Sahara is estranged from her family but now she is going home to a mausoleum of a house in New Orleans. Sahara has nothing but bad memories of her time there. Brendan now has to pick apart Sahara's life to find out the someone who wants her dead and why. 3 1/2 Stars
I've read several Sharon Sala books and I have never read one like this one. The story was intriguing from the first page and it took me awhile to figure out what was happening. I enjoyed the romance, but the pace was flat. It's hard to keep interest when the characters barricade themselves in one spot. Add to that a number of major plot holes and this book just did not live up to what I've come to expect from Sharon Sala.
Why? Why does someone want actress Sahara Travis dead? Now? At this point in time when she is in the middle of a controversial movie? Sahara returns to her movie dressing trailer to find a wardrobe assistant dead because she was eating some of Sahara's lunch. Then she barely escapes her condo alive. Where? Where can she hid that she will be safe? Who? Who is going to keep her safe and figure out who and why someone wants her dead?
The Who? is former Army Ranger Brendan McQueen, her new bodyguard and protector. Sahara is estranged from her family but now she is going home to a mausoleum of a house in New Orleans. Sahara has nothing but bad memories of her time there. Brendan now has to pick apart Sahara's life to find out the someone who wants her dead and why. 3 1/2 Stars
October 10, 2017
Sahara Travis is a successful actress, beloved by many, but now, someone wants her dead. After a few failed attempts on her life, her manager insists on a bodyguard. Brendan McQueen is a former army ranger and now a highly sought after bodyguard.
For some reason I wasn't very fond of Sahara. She cried all the time and was annoying in my opinion. The bodyguard, Brendan, showed up later in the story than I would have expected. I found his character to be under-developed. But it wasn't a bad story. I just didn't think it stood very well next to other Ms. Sala's books. The mystery portion of the story was interesting and, yes, I was a bit surprised at the end.
For some reason I wasn't very fond of Sahara. She cried all the time and was annoying in my opinion. The bodyguard, Brendan, showed up later in the story than I would have expected. I found his character to be under-developed. But it wasn't a bad story. I just didn't think it stood very well next to other Ms. Sala's books. The mystery portion of the story was interesting and, yes, I was a bit surprised at the end.
September 29, 2017
Someone is out to murder actress Sahara Travis and they don’t seem to mind what the method is, as long as she dies! When her mother is found murdered and her father can’t be found, the mystery deepens but it is clear she needs protection. Ex-army ranger Brendan McQueen is brought in to be her bodyguard. Further attempts are made on her life as family secrets start to reveal possible motives but there will be more deaths, more attempts on Sahara’s life, danger, double crossing and deception before all is resolved in this fast paced, enthralling romantic suspense.
The tangled web of family secrets, is slowly unravelled in this romantic suspense. The story has many twists and turns to confuse and divert the reader as the story progresses, though it is a little too reminiscent of a well known story involving a bodyguard IMHO. However, it is still an intriguing read that flows well and I’ll look out for more by this author in future.
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
The tangled web of family secrets, is slowly unravelled in this romantic suspense. The story has many twists and turns to confuse and divert the reader as the story progresses, though it is a little too reminiscent of a well known story involving a bodyguard IMHO. However, it is still an intriguing read that flows well and I’ll look out for more by this author in future.
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
not-going-there
September 30, 2017Everything is behind a spoiler tag because
I FUCKING KNEW IT
and was right all along! The goddamn blurb ruins the mystery plot.
So I clearly can't mark this as being 'read' as I basically read 5 pages tops - but I reconsider my 'not going there' shelf more often than my 'did not finish' shelf, so that's where I'm putting this book.
So I clearly can't mark this as being 'read' as I basically read 5 pages tops - but I reconsider my 'not going there' shelf more often than my 'did not finish' shelf, so that's where I'm putting this book.
January 31, 2018
I really enjoyed this romantic suspense with lots of fast paced exciting action that kept me totally absorbed. I liked that they showed a movie star who was a down to earth good person. Although it was an instant romance, all the events more than compensated. Someone is trying to kill movie star Sahara and after a couple attempts she hires bodyguard Brendan.
September 1, 2019
Life of Lies
This book was ssoooo good! It kept me going and wondering all the way through. Each time I would think I figured out who was trying to kill Sahara, the author would give me another suspect. In the end, I was surprised to find I was correct in who was trying to kill her.. A giant five stars for this one.
This book was ssoooo good! It kept me going and wondering all the way through. Each time I would think I figured out who was trying to kill Sahara, the author would give me another suspect. In the end, I was surprised to find I was correct in who was trying to kill her.. A giant five stars for this one.
May 16, 2018
Really good suspense novel. Loved the H&h. SS is one of my favorite authors for romantic suspense!
November 5, 2017
Ugh. Not sure why I'm having such bad luck with books lately. This book seemed so promising, and the reviews were great.
I won't say it's bad, because it's definitely not bad. I've read MUCH worse. Here are my main complaints:
1.) I didn't connect with the main characters. They're okay, but they're also bleh. Nothing special or endearing or attractive to make me hang onto the story. I felt they were one-dimensional.
2.) The POV shifts were some of the most awkward I've ever encountered. The POV didn't shift between chapters, like most books. Instead, the POV shifted in the middle of scenes. For instance, the POV was with a man who made a phone call to a woman. They spoke, and when they hung up the POV was now with the woman. This is a really jarring and uncomfortable way to write. It was all in third person, so maybe the author didn't think it was so strange, but I disliked it.
3.) The plot itself was kinda boring, kinda slow. There are too many scenes with characters sitting down eating. As one of my writing professors said, do not mention that there's a shotgun on the wall if someone isn't going to shoot someone with it later. Basically, get rid of fluff. There's so much fluff and it really slows things down and makes me lose interest.
4.) There are too many things that happened that don't make sense/aren't realistic.
5.) Authors need to stop comparing their characters to celebrities to get out of describing how they look . It is so lazy, and I can admit I've had the temptation to do so in my own writing, especially when it's an attractive celebrity I have in mine. So Sala comparing Brendon to Channing Tatum several times is so off-putting. Better to leave it to the reader's imagination and not bring real life people into it.
6.) Romance? Eh. I really wasn't feeling it. Maybe it's just me since I'm in a rut.
So, I DNF'ed. I don't like spending time on books that don't hold my interest, and skimming before the 50% mark is a big sign that it isn't holding my interest. The concept was good, execution was lacking.
I won't say it's bad, because it's definitely not bad. I've read MUCH worse. Here are my main complaints:
1.) I didn't connect with the main characters. They're okay, but they're also bleh. Nothing special or endearing or attractive to make me hang onto the story. I felt they were one-dimensional.
2.) The POV shifts were some of the most awkward I've ever encountered. The POV didn't shift between chapters, like most books. Instead, the POV shifted in the middle of scenes. For instance, the POV was with a man who made a phone call to a woman. They spoke, and when they hung up the POV was now with the woman. This is a really jarring and uncomfortable way to write. It was all in third person, so maybe the author didn't think it was so strange, but I disliked it.
3.) The plot itself was kinda boring, kinda slow. There are too many scenes with characters sitting down eating. As one of my writing professors said, do not mention that there's a shotgun on the wall if someone isn't going to shoot someone with it later. Basically, get rid of fluff. There's so much fluff and it really slows things down and makes me lose interest.
4.) There are too many things that happened that don't make sense/aren't realistic.
5.) Authors need to stop comparing their characters to celebrities to get out of describing how they look . It is so lazy, and I can admit I've had the temptation to do so in my own writing, especially when it's an attractive celebrity I have in mine. So Sala comparing Brendon to Channing Tatum several times is so off-putting. Better to leave it to the reader's imagination and not bring real life people into it.
6.) Romance? Eh. I really wasn't feeling it. Maybe it's just me since I'm in a rut.
So, I DNF'ed. I don't like spending time on books that don't hold my interest, and skimming before the 50% mark is a big sign that it isn't holding my interest. The concept was good, execution was lacking.
May 20, 2018
What an enjoyable story! There were lots of missed attempts on Sahara's life. She is an attractive and feisty actress who needs a bodyguard. He is a hunk and a half but so very good at his job. The novel kept me reading to find out who was trying to kill Sahara. A lot of of book was set in New Orleans, where my sister used to live. A lively city. You will love this setting, not to mention Brendan's love interest in the lady he is protecting.
September 28, 2017
Sharon Sala has been on my radar for a while, I even have one of her small town romances in my TBR, but this was the first book of hers that I read. Hollywood glamour, an ex-Ranger, romance, mystery, thrills, family drama, it had so many elements that I like.
Sahara (which I kept reading as Sarah) left home 15 years ago and hasn't looked back. In the meantime she has become a hot Hollywood actress. While on set for a film, a wardrobe assistant eats some of her food and dies; the food was poisoned. While the set is shut down for the police investigation. more attempts are made on her life and her agent/manager hires a bodyguard, Brendan. When her mother is murdered, and her father goes missing, Sahara reluctantly decides to return home. Once there she, and the reader, gets a surprise.
Brendan is a former Ranger who know works as a bodyguard and he takes his work seriously. He lays down the rules and expects Sahara, and Lucy, to abide by them. He's not a jerk about it, just firm. His job is to keep Sahara safe and alive and he will do whatever it takes.
Sparks fly between Sahara and Brendan (gawd, I love that name. It's a favorite.) but at first they ignore them. Brendan is professional and knows it's a bad idea to get involved with a client while Sahara is too focused on everything going on. Sala slowly builds up the steam between them, taking it slow, building the tension until they can't take it any more. Even so, given the genre, things happened quickly including the "I love you"s. I do have one gripe about the sex scenes - there was no condom use, nothing to indicate that any form of birth control was used, and a total failure to discuss any aspect of safe sex. That's just so unrealistic, and stupid, in this day and age.
The mystery itself was twisty, full of surprises, and kept me guessing. While some of my guesses were correct, others were wrong and there were some events that I just didn't see coming. Some things were over the top, very soap opera-ish, but Sala spun a good yarn that kept me reading and I want to read more by her.
Sahara (which I kept reading as Sarah) left home 15 years ago and hasn't looked back. In the meantime she has become a hot Hollywood actress. While on set for a film, a wardrobe assistant eats some of her food and dies; the food was poisoned. While the set is shut down for the police investigation. more attempts are made on her life and her agent/manager hires a bodyguard, Brendan. When her mother is murdered, and her father goes missing, Sahara reluctantly decides to return home. Once there she, and the reader, gets a surprise.
Brendan is a former Ranger who know works as a bodyguard and he takes his work seriously. He lays down the rules and expects Sahara, and Lucy, to abide by them. He's not a jerk about it, just firm. His job is to keep Sahara safe and alive and he will do whatever it takes.
Sparks fly between Sahara and Brendan (gawd, I love that name. It's a favorite.) but at first they ignore them. Brendan is professional and knows it's a bad idea to get involved with a client while Sahara is too focused on everything going on. Sala slowly builds up the steam between them, taking it slow, building the tension until they can't take it any more. Even so, given the genre, things happened quickly including the "I love you"s. I do have one gripe about the sex scenes - there was no condom use, nothing to indicate that any form of birth control was used, and a total failure to discuss any aspect of safe sex. That's just so unrealistic, and stupid, in this day and age.
The mystery itself was twisty, full of surprises, and kept me guessing. While some of my guesses were correct, others were wrong and there were some events that I just didn't see coming. Some things were over the top, very soap opera-ish, but Sala spun a good yarn that kept me reading and I want to read more by her.
November 5, 2017
How would you approach Life, if you lived a Life Of Lies? What everyone thinks they know about you, isn’t truly who you are, but the lie you’ve been forced to live.
Sahara Travis who is at the height off her career in Hollywood, becomes a target of an evil person.
When the first attempt happens while on set, that’s just the beginning to what this killer will do to see her life snuffed out.
Former army ranger Brendan McQueen has been assigned a new job protecting a Hollywood actress, who has a target in her back.
Brendan has never lost a client he was assigned to protect, but this new assignment may be one of his hardest. The danger of the ruthless killer isn’t his main threat, the danger is the attraction Sahara and Brendan develop for one another.
Sharon Sala has a special-talent of delivering suspenseful-romantic thrillers and Life Of Lies is no exception to the amazing books she gives her fans.
Sahara Travis who is at the height off her career in Hollywood, becomes a target of an evil person.
When the first attempt happens while on set, that’s just the beginning to what this killer will do to see her life snuffed out.
Former army ranger Brendan McQueen has been assigned a new job protecting a Hollywood actress, who has a target in her back.
Brendan has never lost a client he was assigned to protect, but this new assignment may be one of his hardest. The danger of the ruthless killer isn’t his main threat, the danger is the attraction Sahara and Brendan develop for one another.
Sharon Sala has a special-talent of delivering suspenseful-romantic thrillers and Life Of Lies is no exception to the amazing books she gives her fans.
March 14, 2019
Who edited this book? The order of events should have been changed to allow for both better character and plot development as well as creating more suspense. The Hero isn't even introduced until after a third in!
Also, the first five chapters are a drawn-out love letter to the heroine. Our very weepy heroine. It shows the doctor falling in love with her after one look, her assistant thinking about how different and wonderful she is from other actors, her being a hero and preventing her assistant's phone from being stolen by a guy who was already looking for a way to find the phone's owner. She's paying for funerals in normal people clothes and is kind and generous to all! And did I forget to mention she is literally the most beautiful woman in the world?! SHE'S A FUCKING UNICORN! It was a complete waste of time and paper.
Because the hero is introduced so late in the game, the romance was like baking bread with no yeast and expecting it to rise. I think it would have been better to introduce him by at least chapter three. We start off with a bang so it would only make sense.
The mystery is the best part, and I use the word mystery deliberately because there was little suspense. It was more of a "stroke my chin and wonder' rather than a heart thudding thriller. I think the author tried, but they might need to work on building suspense in their next work. Although it could just be me not reacting to it. Idk.
There are definitely more worthwhile romantic suspense books out there. Unless you want to witness the magical transformation of woman to unicorn to fountian to mary sue in less than 400 pages?! Skip this one.
Also, the first five chapters are a drawn-out love letter to the heroine. Our very weepy heroine. It shows the doctor falling in love with her after one look, her assistant thinking about how different and wonderful she is from other actors, her being a hero and preventing her assistant's phone from being stolen by a guy who was already looking for a way to find the phone's owner. She's paying for funerals in normal people clothes and is kind and generous to all! And did I forget to mention she is literally the most beautiful woman in the world?! SHE'S A FUCKING UNICORN! It was a complete waste of time and paper.
Because the hero is introduced so late in the game, the romance was like baking bread with no yeast and expecting it to rise. I think it would have been better to introduce him by at least chapter three. We start off with a bang so it would only make sense.
The mystery is the best part, and I use the word mystery deliberately because there was little suspense. It was more of a "stroke my chin and wonder' rather than a heart thudding thriller. I think the author tried, but they might need to work on building suspense in their next work. Although it could just be me not reacting to it. Idk.
There are definitely more worthwhile romantic suspense books out there. Unless you want to witness the magical transformation of woman to unicorn to fountian to mary sue in less than 400 pages?! Skip this one.
October 4, 2018
This has to be the cutest “thriller” I’ve ever read! It’s adorable! It read like a PG13 “mystery”. I know the author wanted suspense but the sweetness of the clichés dominated over the intrigue. It’s a cute book even if that wasn’t the authors intention. It’s most likely meant to be suspenseful, with romance interweaved more than cute but that’s the dominant word in my brain when I think about this book. I enjoyed it very much. Even the parts that were way over the top came off silly more than annoying and I liked it. Good read
November 2, 2017
As I was reading this, it was like dejavu. I had read books just like this, characters just like this and just didn't find it fresh or interesting. Yes, a formula for romance novels has been followed by authors over and over but I have read too many and want more out of what I read.
May 20, 2024
It was a fine little mystery with a clumsy start. The conclusion was witty but if you’re going to reach that far to create such an intricate ending you MUST take time flush it out. Opportunity missed.
September 26, 2017
3 stars for the action and the twist in the climax. Romance was totally blah and it was a bit annoying that Sarah would start "sobbing" after every few pages.
September 26, 2017
Outstanding
As always Sharon Salas more than delivers the goods.I couldn't put this story down,mystery ,suspense and thrills.With a love interest that didn't quite.
As always Sharon Salas more than delivers the goods.I couldn't put this story down,mystery ,suspense and thrills.With a love interest that didn't quite.
May 31, 2018
Actress Sahara Travis is living with secrets even she doesn't know about until a worker on her latest movie set is poisoned by food meant for Sahara. When she then learns her mother has been murdered and her father's missing, she goes home to New Orleans to arrange a funeral. But she is caught up in other attempts on her life.
Her agent then arranges for a bodyguard, former Army ranger, Brendon McQueen. He's determined to keep her safe and begins looking into who might want Sahara dead and why.
When he learns of previously unknown half-siblings, he suspects they're after Sahara's inheritance. But will she live long enough to receive it, or will whomever is after her get past Brendon in spite of his best efforts?
Her agent then arranges for a bodyguard, former Army ranger, Brendon McQueen. He's determined to keep her safe and begins looking into who might want Sahara dead and why.
When he learns of previously unknown half-siblings, he suspects they're after Sahara's inheritance. But will she live long enough to receive it, or will whomever is after her get past Brendon in spite of his best efforts?
November 21, 2017
Reviewed by Gemini
I have read several books by Sharon Sala. I’ll have to admit that the storylines can get a little farfetched but they are always still entertaining. In Life of Lies, the heroine, Sahara Travis is a very successful Hollywood actress with a very complicated childhood. Multiple attempts on her life, prompt Sahara to enlist the services of personal security expert Brendan McQueen. Brendan’s reputation precedes him. He goes to great lengths to keep her safe while trying to keep an emotional distance.
As the attempts on Sahara’s life increase, so does the mystery. The murder of her parents force Sahara to travel to Louisiana where everything comes to a head. We soon learn that Sahara’s life was filled with lies and deceit. To add insult to injury, it’s likely that Sahara is being targeted for an inheritance that she neither wants nor needs. Of course, there are the typical suspects but Sharon has to shock everyone by being over the top with the big reveal. You will never figure out who dunnit. But when you do find out, your mouth will drop open. The problem is that it’s just too much. I like a good suspense but I didn’t feel like there was enough authenticity to this one. I did like the action and can appreciate an overachieving hero but…
Life of Lies was good. The hero and heroine had good chemistry but I felt like they fell in love awfully fast considering the circumstances. However, they did seem rather compatible between the sheets. Life of Lies was easy to follow and I was definitely intrigued until the end.
**Received a copy of the book courtesy of the publisher and I voluntarily reviewed it.**
I have read several books by Sharon Sala. I’ll have to admit that the storylines can get a little farfetched but they are always still entertaining. In Life of Lies, the heroine, Sahara Travis is a very successful Hollywood actress with a very complicated childhood. Multiple attempts on her life, prompt Sahara to enlist the services of personal security expert Brendan McQueen. Brendan’s reputation precedes him. He goes to great lengths to keep her safe while trying to keep an emotional distance.
As the attempts on Sahara’s life increase, so does the mystery. The murder of her parents force Sahara to travel to Louisiana where everything comes to a head. We soon learn that Sahara’s life was filled with lies and deceit. To add insult to injury, it’s likely that Sahara is being targeted for an inheritance that she neither wants nor needs. Of course, there are the typical suspects but Sharon has to shock everyone by being over the top with the big reveal. You will never figure out who dunnit. But when you do find out, your mouth will drop open. The problem is that it’s just too much. I like a good suspense but I didn’t feel like there was enough authenticity to this one. I did like the action and can appreciate an overachieving hero but…
Life of Lies was good. The hero and heroine had good chemistry but I felt like they fell in love awfully fast considering the circumstances. However, they did seem rather compatible between the sheets. Life of Lies was easy to follow and I was definitely intrigued until the end.
**Received a copy of the book courtesy of the publisher and I voluntarily reviewed it.**
September 16, 2024
I have been a fan of Ms. Sala for a few years especially with her blessings series book. Life of Lies is one of her Romance Suspense novel and boy what a twist. Sahara is one of Hollywood famous actress and is working on a high profile movie when the death of one of the movie costume worker is found dead in Sahara trailer. It is found out the person ate food intended for Sahara. So begins the story of who is trying to kill Sahara. Enters ex army Ranger Brendan McQueen who has been hired to keep her safe although she is originally not happy about it but when the constant attack of near death incidence keep happening she truly realizes how in danger she is. What I like about suspense story just when you think you know who the killer is your mind is blown when the truth comes out. Loved this storyline.
July 24, 2018
Harlequin...wished I’d notice that before reading. It may be a suspense under the sex and romance, but it’s pretty well a template silky romance...not worth rather bother. Never did like Harlequin novels...
September 1, 2018
The main character drove me nuts! All she did was whine and cry through the entire book.
December 11, 2017
I've been a fan of Sharon Sala's novels for almost as long as she's been writing them, but this "movie star and her bodyguard" romantic suspense novel was unexpected and quite a departure from her more recent novels, and I liked it but didn't love it, which is why it gets a 3.5 star rating from this reader/reviewer.
The movie star in question is actress Sahara Travis, who we meet mid-scene, on the set of a movie she's starring in. When they cut for lunch, she goes to her trailer and discovers the body of her wardrobe assistant, Moira, on the floor, unconscious. When Sahara tries tries to give her mouth-to-mouth, she discovers that Moira's mouth is full of food, and that she smells of bitter almonds--cyanide, and she realizes that by taking a bite of the lunch she was delivering to Sahara, she inadvertently consumed the poison intended to kill her, and the police are called to the set. That's when we learn that Sahara's personal assistant, Lucy, had handed Sahara's lunch off to Moira, who was headed in the direction of her trailer. Sahara is devastated by the death, and hasn't a clue who would want her dead. This is only the first attempt on her life, and it won't be the last. Eventually, her manager/agent/friend, Harold, is called and insists on hiring a bodyguard to protect Sahara, and we soon meet him, ex-Ranger and handsome hunk, Brendan McQueen.
One of things I found incongruous about this novel is that apparently Sahara Travis is the hottest and highest paid actress in Hollywood because of her beauty and acting ability, yet scene after scene finds her pigging out on cake, candy, cookies, pancakes, ice cream, etc.--as if part of her allure wasn't her physical appearance. I found it very hard to imagine any celebrity, male or female who wasn't weight conscious, since their physical appearance matters so much.
As more attempts are made to kill her, Sahara, Brendan and Lucy retreat to New Orleans, Sahara's childhood home, but whoever has been trying to kill her continues his attacks there. Told in alternating points of view, we do get into the mind of the killer, but we never really learn why he so badly wants Sahara dead. When her mother is found murdered, and her father goes missing, the mystery and suspense deepen, as does the relationship between Sahara and Brendan--although the latter happens rather quickly, and the clues about the killer are sparse at best. We do learn a lot of Sahara's background as the only child of wealthy and influential parents, but outward appearances can be deceiving.
While this novel was well-written, as are all of Ms. Sala's books, I found most of it to be rather slow-moving, and the clues as to the identity of the killer were practically nonexistent. The denouement was certainly a surprise, and Ms. Sala did keep me guessing, but I was left wondering why we weren't given a single clue about the killer's motive until the very end of the novel. Both the lack of clues and motive, the almost insta-love between Sahara and Brendan, and the quick cut to the finish seemed so out of character for a novelist like Ms. Sala, who is usually so adept at drawing us into her stories and characters, that I found myself wondering if the inconsistencies I kept noticing were indicative of a rush to deadline for this novel.
As I stated at the outset, I'm a Sharon Sala fan who's been reading her work for decades, which may be why I came away from this novel feeling somewhat ambivalent about it. As romantic suspense novels go, it was a good and fairly engrossing read, but not a great one, which is why I was a bit disappointed by it. If you're new to her work, I think you'll enjoy this novel, but be advised that she's written far better, more emotional and more engrossing novels than this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
The movie star in question is actress Sahara Travis, who we meet mid-scene, on the set of a movie she's starring in. When they cut for lunch, she goes to her trailer and discovers the body of her wardrobe assistant, Moira, on the floor, unconscious. When Sahara tries tries to give her mouth-to-mouth, she discovers that Moira's mouth is full of food, and that she smells of bitter almonds--cyanide, and she realizes that by taking a bite of the lunch she was delivering to Sahara, she inadvertently consumed the poison intended to kill her, and the police are called to the set. That's when we learn that Sahara's personal assistant, Lucy, had handed Sahara's lunch off to Moira, who was headed in the direction of her trailer. Sahara is devastated by the death, and hasn't a clue who would want her dead. This is only the first attempt on her life, and it won't be the last. Eventually, her manager/agent/friend, Harold, is called and insists on hiring a bodyguard to protect Sahara, and we soon meet him, ex-Ranger and handsome hunk, Brendan McQueen.
One of things I found incongruous about this novel is that apparently Sahara Travis is the hottest and highest paid actress in Hollywood because of her beauty and acting ability, yet scene after scene finds her pigging out on cake, candy, cookies, pancakes, ice cream, etc.--as if part of her allure wasn't her physical appearance. I found it very hard to imagine any celebrity, male or female who wasn't weight conscious, since their physical appearance matters so much.
As more attempts are made to kill her, Sahara, Brendan and Lucy retreat to New Orleans, Sahara's childhood home, but whoever has been trying to kill her continues his attacks there. Told in alternating points of view, we do get into the mind of the killer, but we never really learn why he so badly wants Sahara dead. When her mother is found murdered, and her father goes missing, the mystery and suspense deepen, as does the relationship between Sahara and Brendan--although the latter happens rather quickly, and the clues about the killer are sparse at best. We do learn a lot of Sahara's background as the only child of wealthy and influential parents, but outward appearances can be deceiving.
While this novel was well-written, as are all of Ms. Sala's books, I found most of it to be rather slow-moving, and the clues as to the identity of the killer were practically nonexistent. The denouement was certainly a surprise, and Ms. Sala did keep me guessing, but I was left wondering why we weren't given a single clue about the killer's motive until the very end of the novel. Both the lack of clues and motive, the almost insta-love between Sahara and Brendan, and the quick cut to the finish seemed so out of character for a novelist like Ms. Sala, who is usually so adept at drawing us into her stories and characters, that I found myself wondering if the inconsistencies I kept noticing were indicative of a rush to deadline for this novel.
As I stated at the outset, I'm a Sharon Sala fan who's been reading her work for decades, which may be why I came away from this novel feeling somewhat ambivalent about it. As romantic suspense novels go, it was a good and fairly engrossing read, but not a great one, which is why I was a bit disappointed by it. If you're new to her work, I think you'll enjoy this novel, but be advised that she's written far better, more emotional and more engrossing novels than this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 10, 2017
I received a free complimentary book from Net Galley, and I voluntarily reviewed it.
Sharon Sala is one of my favorite authors. She is a very prolific author who writes in several different genres and uses several different styles. All of them are grammatically perfect with very creative plots, and with interesting but lovable characters. Life of lies is no exception.
Sahara Travis is a famous actress who grew up in New Orleans but left as a teenager due to problems at home. Unfortunately, at the top of her fame, someone tries to kill her. Her manager insists she get a bodyguard.
Brendan McQueen is a former Army Ranger who, ultimately, becomes Sahara’s bodyguard.
Meanwhile, Sahara finds out that her mother has been killed and her father is missing. At the same time, someone blows up Sahara’s elevator to her penthouse. She manages to escape only
Therefore, since Sahara’s apartment is unlivable, and she needs to take care of plans for her mother and her father, Sahara and Brendan decide to leave for New Orleans and move into her family home.
When she gets home, we find that Sahara’s family is abnormal and dysfunctional, to say the least. In fact, Ms. Sala uses her creative skills to think convoluting details in the plot of this story. These elaborate details carry over into the resolution of the conflict, which I found difficult to predict!
Nevertheless, I loved this story and highly recommend this book!
Sharon Sala is one of my favorite authors. She is a very prolific author who writes in several different genres and uses several different styles. All of them are grammatically perfect with very creative plots, and with interesting but lovable characters. Life of lies is no exception.
Sahara Travis is a famous actress who grew up in New Orleans but left as a teenager due to problems at home. Unfortunately, at the top of her fame, someone tries to kill her. Her manager insists she get a bodyguard.
Brendan McQueen is a former Army Ranger who, ultimately, becomes Sahara’s bodyguard.
Meanwhile, Sahara finds out that her mother has been killed and her father is missing. At the same time, someone blows up Sahara’s elevator to her penthouse. She manages to escape only
Therefore, since Sahara’s apartment is unlivable, and she needs to take care of plans for her mother and her father, Sahara and Brendan decide to leave for New Orleans and move into her family home.
When she gets home, we find that Sahara’s family is abnormal and dysfunctional, to say the least. In fact, Ms. Sala uses her creative skills to think convoluting details in the plot of this story. These elaborate details carry over into the resolution of the conflict, which I found difficult to predict!
Nevertheless, I loved this story and highly recommend this book!
December 28, 2017
I normally love this authors' books.
They usually consist of a great story-line, good characters and leave you with a feel good feeling by the time you are finished.
This started off interesting but events etc ended up happening so quickly, it was hard to keep up.
Sahara came across as a very immature woman considering her career/wealth etc. I didn't really warm up to her at all. After multiple attempts on her life, she acted like a spoilt brat with her bodyguard.
Now onto the bodyguard. There was ZERO chemistry between the characters. The love story angle felt forced and not a natural course of events. The love story between the woman and her bodyguard normally comes across quite well but not at all in this.
I actually skipped my way from 59% to the 89% to see if I was correct in what I thought the twist/bad guy was. Upon getting towards the end I realised I hadn't missed much but found out who the bad guy/s were. Mystery solved and well it wasn't worth the read to the end lol
I do normally rate this author. Sharon Sala has been very consistent over the years but this was a HUGE miss for me. In my opinion it wasn't at all as good as any of her previous books.
I won't let this put me off because I do normally love her books. I just hope this was a one off.
Read and reviewed courtesy of Netgalley
They usually consist of a great story-line, good characters and leave you with a feel good feeling by the time you are finished.
This started off interesting but events etc ended up happening so quickly, it was hard to keep up.
Sahara came across as a very immature woman considering her career/wealth etc. I didn't really warm up to her at all. After multiple attempts on her life, she acted like a spoilt brat with her bodyguard.
Now onto the bodyguard. There was ZERO chemistry between the characters. The love story angle felt forced and not a natural course of events. The love story between the woman and her bodyguard normally comes across quite well but not at all in this.
I actually skipped my way from 59% to the 89% to see if I was correct in what I thought the twist/bad guy was. Upon getting towards the end I realised I hadn't missed much but found out who the bad guy/s were. Mystery solved and well it wasn't worth the read to the end lol
I do normally rate this author. Sharon Sala has been very consistent over the years but this was a HUGE miss for me. In my opinion it wasn't at all as good as any of her previous books.
I won't let this put me off because I do normally love her books. I just hope this was a one off.
Read and reviewed courtesy of Netgalley
May 28, 2018
No longer just a job….
I love Sharon Sala’s stories! Her relatable characters and the emotional situations they find themselves in make her an insta-click for me. She can easily tap into the whole gamut of human behavior and emotions, making me feel each one, whether good or bad. Sahara and Brendan’s story had all these highs and lows, making it a new favorite!
“Too many secrets. Too many lies.”
At first glance, it was a horrible tragedy, but it soon became clear that incident was just the first in a sinister chain of events. Sahara had a stalker and this unknown enemy was deadly…. Hiring Brendan as her bodyguard was the last thing she wanted but he would quickly become all she needed…
Brendan and Sahara’s relationship changed quickly yet felt slow and steadfast. Their feelings grew from animosity and resentment on one side to mutual respect and then to love. All this with a backdrop of family secrets slowly revealed and deadly incidents mounting. They were dealing with extraordinary circumstances but kept levelheaded and determined throughout.
“He wanted her and was getting tired of fighting the truth.”
Just when I thought I had things all figured out there were a few more twists to add to the mix! A slow burning, suspenseful read, another favorite to add to the re-read shelf. ~Diane, 5 stars
I love Sharon Sala’s stories! Her relatable characters and the emotional situations they find themselves in make her an insta-click for me. She can easily tap into the whole gamut of human behavior and emotions, making me feel each one, whether good or bad. Sahara and Brendan’s story had all these highs and lows, making it a new favorite!
“Too many secrets. Too many lies.”
At first glance, it was a horrible tragedy, but it soon became clear that incident was just the first in a sinister chain of events. Sahara had a stalker and this unknown enemy was deadly…. Hiring Brendan as her bodyguard was the last thing she wanted but he would quickly become all she needed…
Brendan and Sahara’s relationship changed quickly yet felt slow and steadfast. Their feelings grew from animosity and resentment on one side to mutual respect and then to love. All this with a backdrop of family secrets slowly revealed and deadly incidents mounting. They were dealing with extraordinary circumstances but kept levelheaded and determined throughout.
“He wanted her and was getting tired of fighting the truth.”
Just when I thought I had things all figured out there were a few more twists to add to the mix! A slow burning, suspenseful read, another favorite to add to the re-read shelf. ~Diane, 5 stars
February 16, 2018
I sort of expected more out of this. In fact, I read the blurb and thought: “This is the kind of book I like!” Not. In fact, it disappointed me, and I wanted to cry because of it. I suspected the truth from chapter 1. ONE!!! Freaking chapter ONE!!! Talk about disappointment! I felt no connection whatsoever to these characters, and no matter how much I wanted to feel the “chemistry” between Sahara and Brendan, it felt flat and completely forced. Maybe I’m just used to healthy banter and actual talks between characters, justifying the instalove at some point, but unfortunately this book wasn’t like that.
This is the second book I read from this author, and even when the first one wasn’t exactly the best of the best, I liked it and I’m sort of thinking about reading the other two (it’s a trilogy) because I like mysteries and love a good thriller all mixed together, although the thriller part is yet to be seen.
Anyway, this book wasn’t exactly the worst, but it’s not the best either. It could have been so much better, but, that’s just me.
Read it if you want a simple mystery solved in the last two chapters —literally.
This is the second book I read from this author, and even when the first one wasn’t exactly the best of the best, I liked it and I’m sort of thinking about reading the other two (it’s a trilogy) because I like mysteries and love a good thriller all mixed together, although the thriller part is yet to be seen.
Anyway, this book wasn’t exactly the worst, but it’s not the best either. It could have been so much better, but, that’s just me.
Read it if you want a simple mystery solved in the last two chapters —literally.
August 1, 2018
Sahara Travis, a beautiful actress, who has a mysterious stalker after her. After a second attempt on her life, she agrees to a bodyguard. When news that her mother was murdered in New Orleans, Sahara reluctantly heads back to her old stomping grounds. She takes her personal assistant with her, Lucy. Once in her old home, she discovers that her father is missing as well.
Brendan McQueen becomes Sahara's bodyguard. He's never lost a client yet. Sahara is different, and the more he gets to know the real person, and not the actress, the more he falls for her. He doesn't trust that after all is said and done, that Sahara will feel the same way about him. Right now, he's her security and she could have misplaced devotions.
The police in L.A., and New Orleans struggle to finding the person that is a threat to Sahara. Sahara gets tired of being a prisoner in a home that only holds bad memories. Before a TV crew and a live broadcast, she sends a message to her stalker, which alarms everyone.
Sharon Sala's books never disappoint. I loved the story, and although, I suspected who the stalker was, I never saw the ending coming.
Brendan McQueen becomes Sahara's bodyguard. He's never lost a client yet. Sahara is different, and the more he gets to know the real person, and not the actress, the more he falls for her. He doesn't trust that after all is said and done, that Sahara will feel the same way about him. Right now, he's her security and she could have misplaced devotions.
The police in L.A., and New Orleans struggle to finding the person that is a threat to Sahara. Sahara gets tired of being a prisoner in a home that only holds bad memories. Before a TV crew and a live broadcast, she sends a message to her stalker, which alarms everyone.
Sharon Sala's books never disappoint. I loved the story, and although, I suspected who the stalker was, I never saw the ending coming.
July 19, 2018
Life of Lies is just that. She's in danger and he's a bodyguard. It's a story that can be made into a movie. Oh, wait it was, but Sharon Sala takes these characters on an emotional and terrifying journey to find the person behind the attempts on her life and to uncover the secrets of a past that was far from perfect. Can he keep her safe and will they find the person behind the attempts on her life by revealing her family secrets.
An actress who's life could be made into a movie. A bodyguard who is in danger of falling for his client. Sarah is an up and coming actress and working on her latest movie. When the wardrobe is woman eats a meal meant for Sarah the production is shut down. Her manager wants her to have a bodyguard but Sarah doesn't want one. When another attempt is made on her life she has no choice. Brendan is former special forces military who has become a bodyguard. He shows up at Sarah's hospital room after the second attempt and he changes all of Sarah's plans. They head to her hometown of New Orleans and try to unravel who is behind the attempts on her life. Another attempt is made and with an other innocent dying. Brendan and Sarah become closer as her secrets are revealed and she deals with the emotional fall out of her mother being murdered and her father missing to be later found dead. Sarah has dinner with an old friend. There are also a couple more attempts on her life. Sarah does a couple of interviews to keep everyone from thinking she's dead she also backs out of the movie so no one else will get hurt. A suspect is found and his hired killer killed, which gives Brendan and Sarah an idea to catch the person behind the attempts on her life. Their plan works and they are surprised by who shows up besides the suspect. Brendan saves Sarah's life and they declare their love for each other and take a trip back to his hometown to meet his family. Sarah is welcomed with open arms.
Sharon Sala has become one of my favorite authors. She is a versatile author and can write scary take suspense to a different level. She always seems to add a twist I don't see coming. Like in Life of Lies when it came to who was trying to kill the main female character. I also love to read her books whether it be a stand alone single title like this book or one of her series like the Blessings, Georgia series. I can't wait for her next book to be surprised all over again.
An actress who's life could be made into a movie. A bodyguard who is in danger of falling for his client. Sarah is an up and coming actress and working on her latest movie. When the wardrobe is woman eats a meal meant for Sarah the production is shut down. Her manager wants her to have a bodyguard but Sarah doesn't want one. When another attempt is made on her life she has no choice. Brendan is former special forces military who has become a bodyguard. He shows up at Sarah's hospital room after the second attempt and he changes all of Sarah's plans. They head to her hometown of New Orleans and try to unravel who is behind the attempts on her life. Another attempt is made and with an other innocent dying. Brendan and Sarah become closer as her secrets are revealed and she deals with the emotional fall out of her mother being murdered and her father missing to be later found dead. Sarah has dinner with an old friend. There are also a couple more attempts on her life. Sarah does a couple of interviews to keep everyone from thinking she's dead she also backs out of the movie so no one else will get hurt. A suspect is found and his hired killer killed, which gives Brendan and Sarah an idea to catch the person behind the attempts on her life. Their plan works and they are surprised by who shows up besides the suspect. Brendan saves Sarah's life and they declare their love for each other and take a trip back to his hometown to meet his family. Sarah is welcomed with open arms.
Sharon Sala has become one of my favorite authors. She is a versatile author and can write scary take suspense to a different level. She always seems to add a twist I don't see coming. Like in Life of Lies when it came to who was trying to kill the main female character. I also love to read her books whether it be a stand alone single title like this book or one of her series like the Blessings, Georgia series. I can't wait for her next book to be surprised all over again.
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