Shattered Lies

by Kathleen Brooks

The time has come to step out of the shadows . . .

Valeria McGregor was a better shot, a better fighter, and smarter than everyone she’d ever gone up against as an agent for the DEA. Then she’d uncovered illegal activity within her own organization and was fired as part of a cover-up. That was how she’d joined the secret group who reports only to the president. Valeria fully plans to find the men and women hell bent on ruling the world from the shadows, but she also has revenge on the mind.

Valeria left the secret team thinking she could go undercover and get to the bottom of how this shadow group was funded. Valeria discovered too late that when it comes to true evil, it’s best to face it with your team at your back. Alone and on the run, Valeria is being hunted by some of the most dangerous people on the planet. She has learned how the shadow group has been funded and what they have planned next, but she still has to find out where. If the shadow group pulls it off, then there may be no stopping them.

Desperate to escape, Valeria calls her team only to find they aren’t close enough to help her. Grant Macay, a trusted Air Force Pararescueman, is brought into the fold and sent to rescue Valeria. With her past at the DEA alive and threatening her survival, and the world’s most vicious drug lord hunting her, Valeria and Grant must make their way back to the team to prepare for the battle of their lives.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Audiobook, Contemporary, Suspense, Action, Mystery

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2017

About the author

Kathleen Brooks is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Kathleen's stories are romantic suspense featuring strong female heroines, humor, and happily-ever-afters. Her Bluegrass, Bluegrass Brothers®, Forever Bluegrass®, and Shadows Landing Series feature small-town charm with quirky characters while her Women of Power Series shows that behind every sexy billionaire is a man strong enough to love her! Then hang onto your seat for the wild and mysterious ride in the thrilling Web of Lies Series and a little magic in the Moonshine Hollow Series.

Kathleen is from Kentucky, where she graduated from Centre College and then later received her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Kathleen still resides in Kentucky with her family and houseful of animals.


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Book Order:
(Bluegrass Series-complete series)
Bluegrass State of Mind
Risky Shot
Dead Heat

(Bluegrass Brothers Series®-complete series)
Bluegrass Undercover
Rising Storm
Secret Santa, A Bluegrass Series Novella
Acquiring Trouble
Relentless Pursuit
Secrets Collide
Final Vow
All Hung Up, Novella
Bluegrass Dawn, Novella
The Perfect Gift, Novella
The Keeneston Roses

(Forever Bluegrass Series®-complete series)
Forever Entangled
Forever Hidden
Forever Betrayed
Forever Driven
Forever Secret
Forever Surprised, Novella
Forever Concealed
Forever Devoted
Forever Hunted
Forever Guarded
Forever Notorious
Forever Ventured
Forever Freed
Forever Saved
Forever Bold
Forever Thrown
Forever Lies
Forever Protected
Forever Paired
Forever Connected
Forever Covert
Forever Burning
Forever Lasting
Forever Country
Forever Remembered

(Bluegrass Fire Series-ongoing)
Spark

(Shadows Landing-complete series)
Saving Shadows
Sunken Shadows
Lasting Shadows
Fierce Shadows
Broken Shadows
Framed Shadows
Endless Shadows
Fading Shadows
Damaged Shadows
Escaping Shadows

(Shadows Landing: The Townsends- ongoing series)
Face-Off
Targeted
Rescued
Heated
Escaped
Fractured
Claimed

(Paige Turner Bookworm Series- complete)
Adventures of a Bookworm
Misadventures of a Bookworm
The Adventurous Bookworm

(Moonshine Hollow- complete series)
Moonshine and Murder
Moonshine and Malice
Moonshine and Mayhem
Moonshine and Mischief
Moonshine and Menace
Moonshine and Masquarades

(Web of Lies- complete)
Whispered Lies
Rogue Lies
Shattered Lies

(Women of Powe-complete)
Chosen for Power
Built for Power
Fashioned for Power
Destined for Power

Reviews

[Trish R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, the first two books were cliffhangers and the third wasn’t due out until 3 months after I read book two, then after I bought the third one I let it sit in my TBR pile until yesterday. THEN, when I started it there were so many players in the first 2 chapters I didn’t think I’d remember it enough that I would have to go back and read the first two books again. But I continued on and it slowly came back to me and I couldn’t read this book fast enough. I was up until 3:00am reading it. It was sooo exciting.

I absolutely loved all the good guys: Lizzy and Dalton, Grant and Valeria, Alex the computer geek, Tate and President Stratton, Humphrey, Sebastian who was always a question mark as to whether or not he was good or bad, and poor Jason who mourned his murdered wife.

This was the conclusion of a story that revolved around a group of evil people who were looking to take over the world by setting bombs off at the same time at the stock exchanges in 5 countries. It was all very thrilling as the good guys all tried to get every country to close their exchanges and remove all the innocent people in 15 minutes time, when the bombs were all going to go off. It was a really awesome 3 part series. BUT I will NEVER read a mystery/suspense series again unless all the books are available.

There was a little descriptive sex but not much, not page after page of it, anyway. And the F-bomb was used 42 times.

As to the narration: Therese Plummer did a wonderful job on the voices and shows great emotions when she reads.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 3 part thriller starts off slow and builds its way up to an explosive and epic conclusion that features a shadow group assembled by the President to take down a group calling themselves Mollia Domini who want to control the world via assassins, the media and high ranking political figures. The ragtag group the president gathers are ex FBI, ex DEA and Air Force PJs along with a young computer hacker. Along the way they pick up other to help in the crusade to bring down the evil that is trying to destroy the world for their own nefarious purposes.

Part 3 – This is the book I was waiting for.. Its chock full of daring escapes, repelling out of airplanes, bombs, long over due death of the bad guys and some bring tears to your eyes deaths of secondary character good guys, and finally the reveal and take down of the head of Mollia Domini.

This series was a slow burn leading up to an epic conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and loved the conclusion and HEA epilogue.. Highly recommend this series...

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dude! Lol. Seriously though I loved this book. This was the best one of the 3. All the action, suspense. For the first time I love all the characters on Birch's team. They each have their own special qualities and after reading this series I'm really sad that it's over. I got emotional when they honored their fallen friend with the salutes and the 21 gun salute.
I can't begin to say how happy I am that one of the characters was a Scot and that he was one of the Air Force prararescuemen. He was freaking awesome, I just love the Scottish men. The women were strong ass fighters too and I was rooting for them the whole time. Humphrey, I really just wanted to hug him then pick his brain. I have to say my absolute favorite character was Alex. I adored him and his favorite word: Dude. I want to cry now that the series is over. I'm really hoping there will be another book, this time with Sebastian bc the question of the day: Who the hell is Sebastian Abel?

[Carlise · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending..awesome from beginning to end

I don’t know where to start..the book grabs you from the first chapter and very rarely slows down throughout the rest of the book.

This last installment was meant to bring Valeria and Grant together, but also tie up the loose ends of the secret group and the missing bombs. I can accurately say, all the loose ends have been tied and while you may want one more story (a woman for Sebastian ☺️), it is a good ending. We even got to see Alex find not only his own girl, but one who appreciates him for who he is. It was adorable to see. At 2am, I’m crying at some of the people we lost..but it was beautiful how we honor those men and women who silently sacrifice everything “so that others may live”.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Kathleen, as usual, had a powerful women characters and dialogue..awesome men who fiercely love their women (and in this case, their country), and an awesome way of forging great relationships.

Great ending..I’ll miss our rag tag group.

[Tracy T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Trilogy and Excellent Narration by Therese Plummer (audible review).

WOW I really enjoyed this trilogy. It was amazing. Fast paced and lots of action all the way through all the 3 books, with some romance thrown into the mix.

There are some great characters and awesome dialogue throughout. The story line and plot was great. Everything flowed very well and was easy to follow along.

As for the narration it was awesome! Therese Plummer did a great job on all the voices including the male characters. She read with emotion and has a great reading voice.

I totally recommend this trilogy.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to the trilogy....

You will laugh, you will cry, and you will definitely be figuratively on the edge of your seat. An action packed page turning conclusion to the web of lies trilogy that wraps the story on a nice, neat bow. Still has a feel that there could be more to come, but not in a way that would expand the story, but to grow from stories of characters. Namely, one Sebastian Abel. He is still a bit of a mystery. Not to offer any spoilers here, but he will make you wonder.

Flawless writing by Ms. Brooks.... 5+ stars

[Donna Ferriola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered Lies

This was such an amazing conclusion to the Web of Lies series with President Stratton's secret group taking down the terrorist group, Mollia Domini for good but not before many honorable men and women lost their lives for the cause of freedom. It was so suspenseful and action packed as our brave heros, Lizzy, Dalton, Valeria and Grant worked with Alex, Roxy, Tate and Humphrey Birch working together to solve the mystery of who was in this Mollia Domini group and stopped their well made plans. Sebastian bankrolled their operations to take down this domestic terrorist group and stayed true to Birch his best friend. It was so very sad when Jason died saving their lives and Sebastian made sure his legacy was kept alive for eternity. All of our hero's also got their happily ever afters with Tate and Birch, the president getting married and Lizzy and Dalton got engaged. Grant and Valerie also got engaged surprising everyone at Tate and Birch's wedding. This was by far the best ending to a series I have ever read and I highly recommend this series as the best intriguing, suspenseful romantic stories ever.

[Mary Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Sure hate to see this series end.

I am actually at a loss of words. This book will grab your attention from page one. I enjoyed all the love, romance and wit that Kathleen wrote into this story and the way she brought all the characters together the way we have been hoping for.
I have read all of this series and hope Ms Brooks can find a way later on to add more books. She kind of left an opening but was very discreet about it.
This book is an excellent romance with lots of mystery and some laughter mixed in. I highly recommend this one and you won't be able to put it down.

[Anne Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All stars for this!

I have followed Kathleen Brooks from the very first book she released. I love her talent but am always skeptical about starting a new series. Tried it anyway. First few paragraph and I’m hooked. A bit scary when compared to our world today, but the writing is absolutely good! Couldn’t put it down. Even went to NY, DC and Quantico this summer just to get a feel of the book. It’s been a great adventure, this final book of the series. Thank you, Kathleen. More power to you.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good over evil 5+stars

This is the final book in a great series. This was the conclusion to everything and the wrapping it all together is a nice red white and blue bow! This book has you thinking one way then makes you changed directions. I change my mind d at least 3 times as to who I thought was in charge! If you are looking for suspense, mystery and romance that wasn't expected with a conclusion this is a great series to read! I will warn you that each book has a rockin cliffhanger! But the series is worth it! 💗

[Dele Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The little band of former FBI, DEA, and Special Forces, chosen by President, put their lives on the line to help find the group that is trying to take over the world economy.
They uncover a massive plot to bring down the President and the US Government. They had infiltrated the media world, political world and industry world. But who is pulling all the strings and who can be trusted.
This is a great little series. I couldn't put it down till I was finished.

[Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!!
Shattered Lies is a pulse-pounding, high-stakes thriller that follows Valeria McGregor, a former DEA agent who was betrayed by her own organization. Now part of a secret team that reports only to the president, Valeria goes undercover to expose a powerful shadow group—but she quickly learns that going it alone might have been her biggest mistake. On the run, hunted by some of the most dangerous figures in the world, she must rely on Grant Macay, an Air Force Pararescueman sent to bring her back to safety. Together, they race against time to stop a sinister plot that could change everything.
Valeria is a powerhouse heroine—tough, intelligent, and relentless in her mission. Her chemistry with Grant is immediate and electric, filled with tension and slow-burning intensity as they navigate treacherous terrain and life-threatening danger. Brooks expertly weaves action, suspense, and romance into a thrilling story that never lets up. The stakes are sky-high, and every page is packed with adrenaline-fueled twists.
With a gripping plot, a fierce female lead, and a romance that sizzles even in the midst of chaos, Shattered Lies is an exhilarating read that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Fans of Kathleen Brooks’ signature mix of action and passion won’t be disappointed!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️��️⭐️⭐️

[TinaNoir · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had some marginal hopes that the whole conspiracy reveal would be worth it. But I am sorry to say I don't think the author brought it home. For all the towering fear that this cabal seemed to instill in everyone -- I mean there were these big power players who killed themselves for 'the cause' rather than telling what they knew --- when the head honcho and his motives were revealed I think I said "are you fucking kidding me?" All that for this pissant reason? Seriously?

Anyway... I was happy that this installment addressed the poor reporter from the previous book who was wrongfully accused to killing his wife. I was about to get mad that that poor dude was not gonna get some posthumous justice. Thanks good Tate took care of that. She ends up being my favorite character after Alex.

In this one Valeria and Grant complete the romance triumvirate of the series. Their romance was pretty non-existent. He meets her and five minutes later they are in love. I almost didn't read this one because frankly , Valeria is probably my least favorite character. She is the character where the author mistakes 'rudeness' for 'tough chick.' Also she skates uncomfortably close to 'fiery Latina' stereotype for my taste.

Also I wasn't buying what the author was trying to sell wen it came to Sebastian. I think, like the issue with trying so hard to make Lizzy a bad-ass, she was trying too hard to make Sebastian this intriguing anti-hero with murky motives. I just don't think it worked for me. Much like the whole conspiracy, Sebastian's murkiness was not convincing nor logical. Frankly I think he was a colossal failure as a character on every front.

As a romantic-suspense I don't think this series delivered on either front. The strength, honestly, was in the individual characters, some nice light humor and some highly entertaining moments.

The audiobooks read by Therese Plummer went a long way toward keeping me invested in the story. I think if I had read this on paper, I probably would have bailed early on in the series.

[Sleepless · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm heartbroken that the trilogy has come to an end! The pulsepounding conclusion to an epic thriller! I am beyond acclimations! Truly Brilliant!

For three days I have been devouring this trilogy Web of Lies! I have laughed and cried, been horrified and jubilant! Today, I was 2/3rds of the way through when I felt something every avid reader knows! The end of my journey was at hand and I was devastated by the thought of losing my BBF'S (best book friends)! I loved the characters comprising the team for justice! Some new members were added and some had perished! I just have a sense of loss for my book family. I stopped reading and regrettably endured household chores and demands so I could slow the inevitable conclusion of the trilogy!
Shattered Lies, raced at a breakneck speed through the culmination of this righteous story of high treason, revenge and justice! Relationships developed, peril was palpable and desperation ruled the landscape! Twists and turns will surprise you as the epic journey winds to it's inevitable conclusion! If you want to know what happens read the series in order and soar to lofty book heights!
Now, I have to let go of my book friends and marshall on! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! We readers all have different tastes but this one was fantastic for me! I laughed and cried! I sobbed through the last chapter and epilogue (for happy)! The emotional high's and low's were so welcome and I experienced all manner of emotions flooding over me! As always wine and classical music carried me through!
You know what the series is about, if your reading this review! You owe it to yourself to embrace this wonderful and moving adventure! Cheers!

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possible spoiler alert.

Wow, that was exciting. At last know. To us Valeria McGregor had gone rogue, her whereabouts were unknown to her team. But she wanted to protect her team if possible, she was following the money, which lead to the drug lord Manuel. She realized she had been made, so she had to make a run for it, but she was caught. After a few days she was able to get away. Running for her life she called her team. They were able to send her help by a Pararescueman Grant McCay. He was able to fly a helicopter to help say her. Honestly that was just the beginning. This story has a web of lies involving her special team, secretly working for the President of the United States. The team has ex FBI agent, she was an ex DEA agent and some military officials, hackers and more. The were taking on a special group of criminals from all walks of life drug lords, tech geniuses and billionaires looking to take over the world, even if it meant killing the president. There is so much more to this story, suspense...never ends. But I am still curious, will we ever find out if Sebastian Able is one of the good guys or not?

[Antonette Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!!! This is the only word to discribe not only this book, but the series. I happened upon Ms. Brooks books by accident and I must say it was a very pleasant accident. Since the first book I read of hers (the Bluegrass series), I have had to read every book she has written. Even while on a cruise, I couldn’t put down her book. I was hooked!!!! If you want a fast paced, funny, suspenseful thriller books to read, this is it!!!! Only word of advise is start with the first book of the series. All of them have a HEA ending, but it makes the journey so much worthwhile! The other thing I love about her books is that there is not the “girl-meets-boy; girl-looses-boy; girl-reunites-with-boy” story. All her books, boy finds girl and together they both fight evil together. Ms. Brooks has now shot up to my all time favorite author. Can’t wait to see what she has next in store for us!!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable political intrigue/romance. The first volume is available from Audible's Romance package, so it's free. I bought the other two through whisper-sync deals. Not worth using full credits, but enjoyable and worth the time.

Each volume focuses on one of the women in the secret elite group helping the new president take down an evil organization.

The political intrigue is actually the better part of the series -- I'd give the romances 1-2 stars. The author mentions the couples almost as an aside, like "oops, I need to add romance so I'll talk a little bit more about them getting closer." And poof! They're in love already. None of the love stories are particularly believable -- if you are having a couple fall in love that quickly then you need to concentrate more on their stories. And by the end it sort of came across as a cheap teen drama where everyone pairs off...

[Savannah Womble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Val is screwed. Stuck in enemy territory with no way out. Luckily Grant McKay is nearby. And he's always ready to jump in and save others. It's the PJ way after all.

With the collapse of Mollia Domini within their grasp and now a nearly complete picture of where the money is coming from, the President's Team is ready to finish the job. But no one is safe in the pursuit of justice and everything is on the line as they race to deafeat Mollia Domini's grand finale.

I love how each book followed the romantic interests of the different couples while the overarching story continued to unfold. Val suffered a lit through the series, but Grant was such a good fit for her!
Alex definitely deserved his romantic outcome and his hero status! He's the man, Dude.

This was such a satisfying finale to a riveting trilogy. And through it all, Sebastian Able continues to be a mystery.

[Tracey Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I'd not be able to put this down, so resisted the urge to pick up immediately, cleared my day and got cosy. So I laughed at Humphreys antics, gasped at both bombings, cried ugly tears (read it you'll know exactly where) shouted at the bad guys, shouted at the good guys too! Kathleen Brooks is a go to author for me, for good reason, her weaving skills within a story are amazing, delivering surprises, shocks and unexpected reveals along the way. Not forgetting the romance and real elements that always find there way into Ms Brooks stories. So sad this third installment is the final in this series, but so worth reading, couldnt recommend highly enough the whole series

[Peni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I admit,this is an excellent serial. I hate serials! Saying that I can see why this particular story is best told that way. I have found authors do mostly complaining that if they didn't, the story would be too long. J K Rowling proved a long story can do just fine with each of her best selling Harry Potter books. In 'Web of Lies', the switch in focus, from each of the women, makes a difference. Kudos Kathleen Brooks.

Therese Plummer is a perfect choice as narrator. She was consistent through all the stories in portraying each character as well as narrating the action.

I really wish there was more, after all I'm certain this group isn't the only threat.

[Amanda Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Amanda score: A
This book completed this little series and it did not disappoint. I did however feel that it took a long time to reach the final climax of the entire series. Not too long but plenty long enough. I kept thinking why do the obstacles keep coming? Can't everything have a happy ending already?? But After finishing the book I was very pleased. I still think that Kathleen is still one of my top 3 authors! I would gladly recommend this series. While it does have romance, it isn't plastered on every page. Romance is not the main focal part of this series. I really enjoyed this! On to the next book!

[Rachel Chiapparine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book in the Nook store on my tablet because I had to know how everything ends. My personal review of the book is as follows:

For me personally this book felt like a mix of “Scandal” and “House of Cards” I loved all of the twists and turns mixed in with the romantic plot lines, even if I found some of the them to be “Insta-love”. I definitely feel like this book wrapped up the series nicely, I would personally love to see a novella or two checking in with everyone.

Overall I personally rate this book a 7 and half out of 10.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dudeeeeeee....

When I downloaded book 1 of this series, I didn't realize it was a three part story, but dang! I was on a 14 hour roadtrip by myself and this kept me alert and on the edge of my seat the entire time! My only complaint is that audible told me shattered lies was the next in the series after I finished book one so i ended up skipping the second book altogether. Since I was driving I was limited on my research abilities to get to the next in the series, but it was still a fabulous read...now, excuse me while I go back to book 2 and discover what all I missed lol

[Rosalynn Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of my seat conclusion to this great series!!! Nonstop action with unexpected losses! This was a fabulous read that didn’t stop taking curves that left my heart pounding and me on the edge of my seat. Val and Grant were so good together and their chemistry was palpable. Liz and Dalton were so steady and controlled, Tate and Birch were easy to root for because you wanted to see a HEA. This is a not to miss read.

[Heather Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read

This book this series was everything
This last book was everything you could want for the end of an awesome series
This author is so amazing I love all her books but she hit it out of the park with this one finally all your questions are answered and oh the ending the feels the secrets the sexy and so much love with these characters
Thank you for another beautiful read

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say this is a Amazing Series.

I really enjoyed this trilogy. Fast paced with lots of action, intrigue, danger and some romance threw out all 3 books. There are some great characters with a story line and plot that keeps you intrigued and pulls you in, I even shed tears when a couple of people died. Everything flowed very well and was easy to follow along. Great series well worth reading.

[ℸℎℯrℯᏕα · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent final book in the series.

I knew there were going to be casualties, still my heart broke for this team Humphrey's had assembled. A small team Birch could trust. I couldn't put the book down, as the team came closer to finding, who was in bed with the Mollia Domini. With the ultimate goal of finding the puppet master pulling the strings.

The women were kick ass leaders and the men were strong, confident alphas.

The author has definitely become one of my favorites.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and a real page turner as always!!

I was a little hesitant to read this trilogy because it’s very different from what Kathleen normally does but as always she delivers an entertaining story line with amazing believable characters in unreal situations.
Her characters are likable with real feelings that most of us can relate to!! Thank you for what you do and keep doing it well!!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW - Just wow!! Kathleen Brooks has done it again. This is probably the best series she has written so far, if only because it's so timely.

There's nothing I can say that would do it justice, but if you like intriguing plots and government secrets, all with a little romance, wit, and LOTS of action, The Web of Lies series is for you.