The Lies We Tell Ourselves

2019-personal-challenge arcs

5 Cranky Stars

Move over other book boyfriends you have been replaces by Alec. Nothing personal just that epilogue cemented his permanent book boyfriend status. Lordy lordy.

Alec is a detective who goes undercover and is tasked with getting close to a drug manufacturer. When he’s able to insert himself into this man’s life his job shifts from protecting Clay to protecting Reece. He figures she’s an easier target to get info from, but he didn’t expect her to just be living one day at a time waiting for the right moment to escape. He is drawn to how close she is to her mother and she doesn’t give off the vibe of being in cahoots with Clay. Day by day the lines get blurred and he knows when the truth comes out it will hurt not just his heart but Reece too.

Reece is trapped in a prison of her own making. Thinking Clay is her only choice since he was at one point her best friend and stuck around during a family tragedy, he can’t be that bad. He now has access to her money and is becoming increasingly unstable. She wants to leave but she’s scared. When Clay assigns Alec to be her guard she feels her life is well and truly over. No way she can escape with her ailing mother with someone reporting her every move. When she learns that Alec may be on her side she starts to open up. He might be the one to help her and her mother. When the truth comes to light, she doesn’t know what’s real and what’s not and who is truly on her side.

I loved Cole. Him and Birdie made me cry in the car with my family around. I thought surely no one can take his place. I was wrong dead wrong so go ahead and mark this day that I finally admitted I was wrong about something. I loathed Clay. He was such a pompous self-absorbed useless waste of air.

I loved that Alec was selfless and so darn sweet. I did feel bad for Reece I can see how she thought she was stuck. Her love for her mother and helping her recover tugged on my heart strings. I think Alec and Reece are perfect for each other. I’m now going to need Wyatt’s story because I feel he has an amazing story to tell. Kudos once again to Michelle Heard and this amazing series.

Nadine

1,065 reviews125 followers

February 13, 2019

”There’s a sharp look in his brown eyes, and it makes me feel like I’m hunted.”

The Lies We Tell Ourselves was a surprise to me. It’s a fast paced thrilling story, I’ve read in one sitting.
Alec and Reece’s journey is gripping and you just can’t (and don’t want to) stop reading.
Between the rush you feel while reading, you get lots of heart-warming situations. These are the roots of this book. The love for family and friends keeps the characters sane, grounded and gives them the strength they need to fight.

”Alec’s sharp gaze and ruggedly beautiful smile are quickly becoming a danger to my heart.”

Alec is a wonderful, easy to love guy that grows on you quickly. He’s intense and has the heart at the right place, which leads him but he also makes very mindful decisions.
Besides the fact that he’s a HOT detective and can fight like no other, I totally fell for his soft spots. And I’m sure you’ll appreciate them as much as I did.

Reece is a strong woman lead by her deep rooted love for her mother, sacrificing her sanity and life for the right reasons but totally the wrong way. Meeting Alec gives her the right drive to fight for her freedom, realizing the lies she told herself over the last years.

The undeniable chemistry between those two characters gives their story the perfect fuel. Their careful dance around each other, shows that life happens while you are busy making plans. You’ll never know what happens next, who you’ll meet and who will change your life forever.

”What if I dare hope Alec is the one truth amongst all the lies, I’ve been telling myself?”

The Lies We Tell Ourselves is a swoon worthy suspenseful action lovestory that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With compelling characters and a powerful underlying message the author created a fascinating, emotional rollercoaster ride you don’t want to miss out!

Janice Somers

849 reviews35 followers

• Island Queen Reads • Ofa •

I loved this story. I have read the first two and loved each one. I thought I was going to make it through to the end and not ugly cry, but alas I congratulated myself before the epilogue was read and yes I did the ugly cry, of course. I am 0 out of 3 ugly crying in this series.
The story is the Southern Heroes #3 in series.

This is Alec's and Reece's. Reece is engaged to Cole but is it a true engagement or subterfuge?
Alec is undercover to gather information and find out the real truth to whether or not Reece is involved in Cole's drug smuggling. What he finds is a monster holding hostages to keep up a life that was built on emotional abuse (verbal and physical), deceit, theft, and a criminal lifestyle.
Alec is hired to be security/bodyguard for Reece. He is not supposed to let her out of his sight and to always report back to Cole everything. But Alec is there to find answers. From the first moment, he walked into the home Alec was in the cop mode, looking for any and everything that can prove or disprove his investigation...

I can not profess how good this series is and how much I recommend any and all to read them.

angst dirty fav-series

765 reviews90 followers

February 16, 2019

Another angsty alpha from Michelle Heard. I've been in love with this series since the first book. And while I love all her books and characters, this one didn't do it for me. I loved the plot and the characters but I couldn't connect with the characters. Things felt a little rushed for me and was disappointed in the conflict and resolution. There was so much build up towards the end, that I felt let down by how the events turned out. Not my favourite of the series, but still enjoyable nonetheless.

alpha-asshole angst arc

Jennifer

698 reviews5 followers

February 5, 2019

Doncha just hate the end lol!

I fell in love a few times with this book. This story. Alec is so easy to love. It's no wonder Reece falls for him so quickly. And wow, Reece! Boy is she not the girl we meet in Birdie's book (The Girl in the Closet). Oooh no. She is so much stronger than I have her credit for. And her story...the whys, when's and hows, um yeah, that alone is enough to make you see her in a brand new light. Least it did me! I loved it! Only part I didn't like, was that dreaded, the end. Doncha hate that lol!

Missy Brown

1,755 reviews30 followers

February 11, 2019

I really don't think this author has disappointed me at all, I have loved every single thing I have read of hers!!
The Lies We Tell Ourselves is a standalone story but interconnected in the A Southern Heros series. Which with cameos of characters in previous and coming stories, i would suggest reading in order. Which is as follows:

The Ocean Between Us
The Girl in the Closet
The Lies We Tell Ourselves
All the Wasted Time ( coming soon)
We Were Lost ( coming 2019)
The Fire Between Us ( coming 2019)

In the Lies We Tell Ourselves we have Reece and Alec, who cross paths on an investigation. An undercover investiagtion, which they did not immeditely fall in love. The characters are well written, as always, and the story itself just draws you in. An action packed love story that will be heartbreaking but mend your heart all in the same read. Reece is such a strong character, i was really drawn to her because of how deeply she loves and is loyal. Alec, well he is just every freaking thing you would ever want. He is so dream swooney, he will melt your heart. Perfect match between the two.
There are some twists and turns, lies to be revealed, hearts to be broken, and then mended. So my reccomendation is yes, read this story. Yes, start at the beginning. This series just keeps getting better and better!!

April Symes

5,013 reviews445 followers

2019 a-lot-of-sexual-tension abuse

The Lies We Tell Ourselves
by Michelle Heard is book 4 in the Southern Heroes series. Alec and Reece’s story is angsty, full of feels, drama, passion, action and yes,so beautiful and chock full of love. If you like strong, sexy handsome heroes, then you don't want to miss this series! I was so sad when the story ended, when the series ended. This was such an emotionally beautiful, gripping and powerful read that will have you stuck to your seat until you finish reading.

My Rating: 4.7 stars *****

743 reviews344 followers

January 5, 2021

3.5 stars, really enjoyed this!

The H was badass and soooo sweet to the h's mother. It was adorable to watch!
I also liked the pace of their relationship. It wasn't instant panting and acting like a fool for the h from the moment they meet. That irks me so much!

Safety:

badass-alpha-hero book-boyfriend celibate-hero

Amber- Leave Me Alone I’m Reading

827 reviews69 followers

Ooh this is a great one! I love this series. Alec and Reece’s story is emotional, angsty, and beautiful. If you like sexy, strong heroes, you can’t miss this series!

Teresa Lara

3,483 reviews53 followers

I love this series♡Alec and reeces live story has all the feels and emotions for an Absolutely beautiful book.So ready for Wyatt

Tasha

328 reviews

Oh. My. Gosh

I need more stars for this one. I don't have nearly enough. I couldn't get through the pages fast enough. This book has it all. Angst, suspense, romance, Swoon. Oh my the swoon. I absolutely LOVED Alec and Reece. The way Reece cares for her mother is amazing. Not many young women would take that role when they have the finances to do otherwise. Then Alec with her mother is breathtaking. Hells bells he just stole to my heart. Do men like that really exist? Sign me up!! I love a man that's there for his women and he even gets a bonus love. I like the twist and mystery still hanging in the story. Mr. Liles will get his. I'm sure of it.

Can I just say, oh my God that epilogue!!!
"A couple of months ago I met this fiesty redhead. Little did I know I'd end up fallin' in love with her and her mother." Talk about ugly crying. Yep that's me now. I wont spoil it for you all but its gonna take a lot for someone to get my heart from Alec. I think Zac is just the man for the job. Until his story I will wait patiently.

McKenzie K.

120 reviews2 followers

The biggest lies we tell ourself!

Michelle Heard has done it again. Her talent for story telling sucks you in immediately! Alec never stood a chance when he decided to protect Reece. Their chemistry is so intense. Their story even more. Literally read this book in one day!! Awesome!!!! You will NOT be disappointed!

Katieeburrr

14 reviews

Never disappoints.

This book was a lot more faster paced then her others, but I still loved it all the same.

I’m so glad it’s a series where we can find out what happens with each character in this world, and still be connected with other characters from the past. I’m so glad I found this author, because so far I’ve read every book and she’s officially become a one-click buy for me every time a new book comes out. So excited to see how this series continues to grow and read Wyatt’s book next.

Cynthia Carpenter

1,675 reviews15 followers

Amazing emotional read

Alec and Reece pull you in and have you wanting more and more.
What happens when you don't know who to trust and who not? Page after page of action,emotions, heat, and steam. With danger lurking and truth and lies hard to come by will Alec and Reece be able to tell the truth to themselves and to each other. Can't wait to read the next one

Brianne

434 reviews2 followers

Fantastic

Alec an Reece meet under false pretenses, and start their friendship on rocky ground. Reece is in a bad situation, and is trying to figure her way out. This book is full of angst, love, and the epilogue is top notch. I loved this book, this series is amazing.

Jan

2,156 reviews45 followers

4.5 stars
I loved Reece and Alec's story

I was captivated from start to finish, Alec made me swoon and laugh, I loved the balance in this book of suspense and romance.

Alec is an undercover agent and Reece is a woman who has been lied to deceived and tricked into a relationship out of obligation to a man who was once her best friend growing up. When Reece lost her father and her mother became ill following the accident Reece became dependent on her friend who took advantage of her and her fortune and used it to fund illegal activity's.

Reece and her mother were pretty much prisoners in their own home but Alec came along and just his presence gave her the courage to break free and start living for herself and support her mother.

The plot was exciting. Alec landed himself a position as Reece's body guard, he is undercover on a case but the team orchestrate it so he he ends up employed by Reece's fiance to keep an eye on her, his job is to keep tabs on Reece and report back to him. Alec's combat and martial arts skills that lands him the position was so hot.

A friendship develops between Reece and Alec and although she isn't aware he is undercover she begins to trust him which his hard for her to do with her past experiences. The lies we tell ourselves is a slow burn romance with lots of action in other areas to keep you turning the pages.

I loved the banter between Alec and Wyatt who was his eyes and ears while he stayed in the home with Reece and her fiance. I can't wait for Wyatt's story he brought lightness and banter in tense situations , I have a feeling his humour was a front though, there was hints that he has an interesting story to tell so I am looking forward to the next book too.

This is a great series, I found this book so much different to previous books by Michelle, the plot was descriptive, the characters likable and the balance was great, I was so relaxed reading this book despite the suspense, angst and drama, it was a lot lighter than previous books which had a darker theme.

A must read for anyone who loves action, suspense and a whole lot of swoon.

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Sheena

988 reviews26 followers

A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog

Riveting 5 stars..

This interconnected series of standalone stories just gets better and better; this is the story of Reece and Alec whose paths collide during an undercover investigation, and the rest, as they say, is history...except it isn’t...and in fact that’s one of the things I love about this book.. the protagonists meet, and are forced by circumstances to interact, but they don’t immediately fall in love, theirs is a slow-burning romance..

The characters are so well developed and genuine... when they hurt or are afraid it really means something.. told from Alec and Reece’s perspective (as well as one or two others along the way) it was fascinating to see their reaction to the events playing out as well as their innermost thoughts regarding their relationship; and of course there is plenty of heat when they eventually succumb to their desires...

In addition to the MCs the secondary characters are also worthy of mention..some have starred in their own book in the series already, and some are yet to have their moment in the limelight, but all are intriguing and whether they are the good guys or the bad guys, they all add extra layers to the story..

There are some very touching moments for example the scenes where Reece and Alec interact with Reece’s mother; there are some very funny moments particularly when Wyatt, Alec’s work colleague, is involved; there are suspenseful moments and some unexpected twists and turns...and since this is a love story there is passion

Well written with great world building and a carefully crafted plot; this was a riveting 5 star read that kept me on the edge of my seat, rooting for the heroes and willing sticky ends for the baddies........I received an advanced copy of this book from the author.

Jennifer Pierson

11.7k reviews188 followers

February 11, 2019

This is the 3rd book in the Southern Heroes series, and while it's a stand alone, I really recommend that you read all of them in order to get the bigger picture, especially since Reece had appearances and Clay's change really came in The Girl in the Closet (Book 2). Not saying that they took precedent, but that's when I really took a big interest, waiting for this story. Now, it's time for them to take center stage, as I needed to know why Reece has been putting up with Clay, as he went down a rabbit hole, since he was the sweet boy who was her best friend. It didn't made sense that they were engaged, because it was apparent that she was miserable, and now I know. Enter in Alec, the undercover detective, tasked by Clay to protect Reece, and actually keep tabs on her. See, Alec was investigating them both, but it didn't take long before he realized that Reece really wasn't all in, plus, he started catching feelings for the feisty beauty. So yeah, this had some serious twists to make my f-bomb dropping heart so happy. Michelle Heard's Southern Hero series has become a favorite, and while these two took a cool minute before letting their chemistry loose, it had a certain sweetness in between all the suspense of worrying about blowing a cover. I LOVED this story, and now I'm waiting for the next one, as I believe it should be great from the hints I believe we were given! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!

2,816 reviews171 followers

I really enjoyed the plot of this story. I was gripped and couldn't read fast enough to find out what happened next. The story is definitely compelling and well written.

The main characters held my interest from beginning to end. Alec is such a sweetie; so protective that I felt the need to look after him too; he made me feel all swoony. He really does his job well too, and him in fighting mode? Yes, please.

Reece is in so deep in her relationship with her childhood friend, Clay, that she is struggling to stay afloat. I really wanted to punch a few of these characters. Hard! Reece is a strong woman and I admire her for her determination and devotion to her Mother’s care and to get out of a bad situation. These two are made for each other and I could feel their love growing from the very beginning and it made my heart happy.

There are an awful lot of characters in this story and I did find it a bit mind-boggling at times. I didn’t realise this was part of a series and I had to really concentrate to keep track of the many names and relationships to each other, but I feel I need to read the previous books in the series now.

Sarah Dale

3,172 reviews77 followers

This is book 3 in the Southern Heroes Series and this is quite a gripping read. Each book in this series is interconnected and draws you in more and more. Michelle has brought the perfect blend of suspense mixed in with romance and passion.

I loved the main characters Alec and Reese. The banter and the slow build of their relationship was lovely to watch. Alec is an undercover Agent and Reese is a woman that has been lied and played by a man who was once her best friend. She had become dependent on her friend when she lost her father and he took advantage of her inheritance and vulnerability to fund his illegal enterprises.

Reese and her mother are practically prisoners in their own home until Alec comes along, as Reese's bodyguard, and they begin to have the confidence to break free.

I found this book lighter then the others in this series as they had a darker theme to them, it made this easier to read in one go.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series Wyatt's story in All the Wasted Time

ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the author

2019-reads february-2019

Nancy Reads

921 reviews17 followers

February 11, 2019

THE LIES WE TELL OURSELVES is the third book in the Southern Heroes Series. And what a great hero Alec Taylor becomes! Plus easy to fall in love with. Even Reece's mother fell in love with him.

Alec Taylor was working undercover to get the incriminating proof on a drug operation. His job was to infiltrate the organization by getting hired as a bodyguard of Clay Roberts. The whole team is anxious to catch Clay and think this is their best shot. Clay hires him as a bodyguard, but not for him. He wants Clay to guard his fiance. Reece Nicolson. She becomes Alec's new “Target.” They believe she is the financier of Clay Robert's operation, and they can use this chance to get proof that she is involved.

He takes his “body-guarding” very seriously, and that includes watching over Reece's sweet mother, too. After being with Reese, and seeing the “true” situation that her & mother are living under, the tables turn. Suddenly Alec is protecting them both from the very man who hired him to guard them. Reese realizes the biggest lie that she had told herself was that this was her life, and she had to settle for it.

K.A. Graham

Author 22 books119 followers

February 5, 2019

The Lies We Tell Ourselves
by Michelle Heard

☆☆☆5 stars☆☆☆

This book was all I expected it to be...heartbreaking, chaotic, and full of love. The underlying story is one of personal strength and finding the will to move on and let go of what or whom is holding you back. Even if it breaks your heart.

Alec is EVERYTHING! Brought in to do an undercover job, he's pulled in by Reece and her mother. The bond Reece shares with her mom is so special, it literally melts my heart. Then you add Alec to the mix...I'm literally dying! Talk about a swoonworthy man!

Reece and Clay's lies are exposed, and truths revealed, leaving past relationships and theories in the dust. I know Clay's the baddy of the story, but he split me in two. He had the love of his best friend and "sister" until he decided they weren't worth his time any longer. So truly sad...

Another great story in this amazing series from Michelle Heard. Grab it up today! You won't be disappointed!

Rebecca

958 reviews27 followers

Phenfreakintabulous yes phenomenal, fantastic, and fabulous all rolled into one! Normally I'm a total sucker for Bad Boys, but these hot southern hero's have just busted on the scene and said screw the bad boys we will lock them up and steal their girls! Roll cops theme music... Good guys are winning for once. I was die hard Aiden but Alec might be my new favorite. (My heart is already mushy for Wyatt) The characters from this series are so swoon worthy! Totally badass, hot, and huggable. This story is so well written. It has just the right amount of each element. It's fast paced and action packed. Reese is feisty and stronger than even she knows. It's so easy to love these characters they are the kind of people you want in your life. The Author continues to raise the bar, shes totally out done herself with this one. It has all the feels. It's a definite must read. I can't wait for the next story.

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Pamela Lilley

2,204 reviews39 followers

February 8, 2019

I’m loving Michelle Heard’s Southern Heroes, and I’m thinking Alec Taylor might just be my favourite. As well as being a bada$$ cop, he’s also sweet and extremely caring, I love his mushy side. An undercover police officer hired by Reece Nicolson’s overly possessive fiancé to protect her, Alec discovers more than he bargained for when he tries to uncover a major drugs operation. Reece’s one priority is her mother, and she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means lying to those closest to her. Can Alec break through her shell and get her to trust him? A lovely romance with some familiar characters (if you’ve read the previous books). Highly addictive and thoroughly enjoyable. I can’t wait for more. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.

Erika P

1,016 reviews163 followers

February 9, 2019

"Suddenly he looks up and catches me staring at him. I still feel the impact of his gaze and realize it's the way he looks at me, with his full attention. What if I open my heart to this man?"

I enjoyed this sweet and exciting romance so much!! The characters really mesh well, and I giggled at their antics, and really enjoyed both the heat, the thrill, and the heart warming facets of this story. It really, really made me want to read the rest of the series, so I'm super excited to read the rest of the guy's stories!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!

"Just looking at her makes my heart race, and I'm afraid if I close my eyes she might disappear. She's the woman I want to love forever, the one I won't let go of. I've been longing for change, needing something to fill the void I had in my life, and Reese has been it all along."

~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog

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Gemma Crouch

406 reviews4 followers

Wow just when I thought the southern heroes series couldn't get any better Michelle writes us another amazing story and provides another hero to fall in love with!
This story has so much emotion and grit with substance that I could not put it down. Moments of hilarity from Wyatt thrown in gives an amazing balance and I cannot wait for his story next.

Having read the previous 2 books in this series I already had insight on some characters already and would recommend you read at least the girl in the closet first before this to get maximum impact However if you are brand new to Michelle heard or this series it is a standalone that can be enjoyed as such.

I don't want to review the plot as I wouldn't want to spoil anything but I do want to say read this book now!!!..

Kari Hansen

12.3k reviews92 followers

February 9, 2019

Reece turned to someone she thought she could trust at the lowest point of her life and she now finds herself in a situation she can’t get out of. She doesn’t know who to trust but her new bodyguard Alec might just be the one person that can help her out of the mess her life has become.

Alec is hired as Reece’s bodyguard, but he has his own reasons for being there. He needs to find out if she is part of the problem or the solution if they are both going to get out of the situation alive.

I loved these two together. Reece is selfless and can’t see a way out without hurting those she loves so she stays and Alec is protective and willing to do whatever is necessary to help the innocent. I am loving this series and can’t wait for the next book.

Lisa Roberts

3,248 reviews27 followers