Twisted Lies

Hidden Truths #2

by Robin Patchen

She thought they’d never find her. And then her daughter vanished.

Marisa Vega’s life as an adoptive mom in a tiny Mexican village isn’t what she’d dreamed while growing up in New York, but as the target of a man who’s convinced she stole millions of dollars from his financial firm, Marisa believes hiding is her only way to stay alive. When her daughter is snatched and held for ransom, Marisa must discover who really stole the money in order to rescue her.

Months after being kidnapped, tortured, and left with PTSD, Nate Boyle is ready to live a quiet life in rural New Hampshire. When the source of his breakout newspaper article—and the woman who haunts his dreams—begs for help, he gets pulled into a riddle that’s proved unsolvable for nearly a decade.

Can Nate and Marisa unravel the years-old mystery and bring her daughter home?

Twisted Lies is Book 2 in the Hidden Truth series.

Genres: Suspense, Thriller, Romance, Mystery, Audiobook, Christian Fiction, Christian Romance

398 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2022

About the author

Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. After college, working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball-and-chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit https://robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing to enjoy this suspense series by a new to me author. In Twisted Lies, main characters Nate and Marisa are trying to solve a ten year mystery so that Marisa can get her kidnapped daughter returned. I especially loved the teamwork of Nate's friends to help solve the mystery.

My gratitude to the author for a complimentary e-version of this novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good suspense novel which will keep the reader engaged from the beginning to the end.

I enjoyed the mystery about the missing money and joining Nate and Marisa in following the clues to find the missing money, but more importantly find Marisa’s kidnapped daughter.

Though I did guess one twist correct with who was party to the kidnapping, there was still a lot of mysteries and unanswered questions to keep me interested till the end.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted Lies is the second book in this series by Robin Patchen which I have read. I really enjoyed the story. There were plenty of plot twists, lots of suspense, and some lost sleep on my part since I had trouble putting it down. The characters were believable; I could almost feel their pain and turmoil at times. There are times when no answer is the perfect answer; how we make those choices and the consequences they hold can be troubling. I felt the author did a wonderful job showing the conflicting thoughts and emotions of the characters.
The only reason I did not give this a 5-star rating is because of the use of a word I feel should not be in a Christian book. I realize it may seem petty, but, as a Christian, I read Christian books so I don't have to worry about content or the words being used. Seeing it used here was a jarring surprise. Other than that, I wholeheartedly recommend this book!

[Bhriv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Lies, written by Robin Patchen, is the second book in the Hidden Truth series and the second Patchen book I've read.
Wowser! If you like suspense and mystery, these books are for you. Edge of the seat suspense. No problem turning the pages as I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
I think my favorite character, NATE! What a guy! He was the ever ready guy to give up all for those he cared about. Who wouldn't want that kind of person in their life.
Thoroughly enjoy this series and can't wait to get the rest of the series!

[Ken Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. The story built as it went along. I enjoyed seeing the characters grow and develop. The plot is fairly complex, but it doesn't bog down the story. The romance element is involved,but not overly done. Very enjoyable and worth a read.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

good easy read

This was the second installment in this series. It was a good story and I loved having the Characters from book one in it. It wasn’t my favorite book in the series but it was very good

[Sarah Mcdonald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finished 60% of it but I stopped reading because I was bored by the characters and knew what was going to happen.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of romantic suspense, this is the series for you. Twisted Lies brings back a few characters from Convenient Lies. This story focuses on Nate Boyle as he reunites with Marisa Vega. Marisa had disappeared for many years after her fiance was killed and she was accused of stealing money. Now Marisa is back as someone kidnaps her daughter in an effort to get the money. Only Marisa never took the money, and Nate works to help Marisa find her daughter and clear her name.

The story starts off with an intriguing premise and lots of suspense. Nate's character struggles with his past, but his struggles make him real and likable. He's not a detective or police officer, he's a reporter who seems to get pulled into dangerous situations. He has to choose to be brave in the face of trials. He puts his life on the line to protect Marisa and bring about justice.

Twisted Lies will keep you hooked to the end with suspense and likable, memorable characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series!

[Tanya (FaithAndFictionReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride! I am really enjoying this series so far. I am hooked and need to continue the series! It's SO good.😂

From the first page you are pulled into this suspense packed story! I love how Robin Patchens gives us a great balance of mystery and suspense along with romance. I don't enjoy when a suspense novel is overshadowed by the romance and Robin does a fantastic job keeping the suspense and mystery the main focus while still giving us the swoon worthy romance!

In twisted Lies, Nate and Marissa are trying to solve a ten year mystery while trying to get her daughter back after being kidnapped.  This book has deception, manipulation, family Lies, secrets, action, suspense and of course romance. I have book 3 downloaded and ready to go. Highly recommend.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Lies is the perfect example of an author on top of her game. Full of intrigue and suspense, this book will have you turning the pages long into the night. Twisted Lies is book two of Patchen's Hidden Truth series, but reads as a standalone novel. However, I suggest reading book one first for a glimpse of Nate Boyle, a hero you'll root for all the way. I look forward to reading the final book this series.

[Kim N. Le · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my opinion this was a lot longer than it needed to be, with wayyyy too many lengthy - and very repetitive - inner monologues. Also felt awkward how we got so deep into so many characters' psyches; made the perspective feel unnatural. In general I just don't think I was a big fan of the plot as a whole which is a bummer bc I really liked the first one of the series!

[Kara Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Patchen does it again. From page one you're pulled into a story of deception, manipulation, lies suspense and love. Patchen is a master at weaving what readers look for in various genres into one.
Definitely five stars.

[Kaela (sort of inactive)]

Saw this on KU and thought I’d give it a try!

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the 2nd installment in the Hidden Truth series by Robin Patchen. Though it can stand alone, you get a better history if you've read the first book (and there is no excuse not to since you get the e-book free for signing up for her newsletter!). If you enjoy romantic suspense, I can't recommend these books enough! Though I've read book 3 prior to book 2 and therefore knew how the main dilemma would turn out, I still had no idea how they were going to get there and there were certain things I wasn't sure how it would resolve until the very end.

The characters are real - and relate-able. The plot-line is believable.... and intense. It had me on the edge of my seat! If you've read the first book (Convenient Lies), you'll remember Nate, who was a minor character (though he played a significant role). He plays a major part in this book. With the PTSD (from Convenient Lies - really, you should read it!), he struggles to rise to the occasion to help Leslie, who is attacked by a purse-snatcher right in front of his house - especially when it comes to light that she was coming to see him - to get his help in finding her sister. Marisa (Leslie's sister) is the one who put Nate's career on the fast track to the New York Times with the story she uncovered about a major real estate fraud. As the story unfolds, they find Marisa (who fled when it was assumed she had stolen a good bit of the real estate money), and there are lots of twists and turns as they seek to find answers to the mysteries from 8 years prior while Marisa's sister's and daughter's lives are on the line.

This book is Christian fiction, but it is not at all preachy. In this instance, it simply means that the dialogue is clean and the violence and sex don't go into detail. I really enjoyed this great suspense novel and though I'm not a fan of "romance" in general, the love story that transpired in this one was tame - and believable. I would highly recommend this book (and the whole series)! The characters continue to gain depth with each novel (many of them are recurring characters) and the story lines are very intriguing. Looking forward to the next one!

I received a copy of this e-book in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions are my own.

[Kelly Tyree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted Lies is a book that combines suspense, action, and romance. It keeps you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out who the kidnapper is and whether or not the outcome of the kidnapping will be good or bad. It is book two in the Hidden Truth series. I had not read book one, but I had no trouble following the plot and following the characters.

Nate Boyle is a former reporter that is escaping New York to head for quite New Hampshire. He was held hostage and beaten and is working to recover from that experience. He was a reporter that traveled all over the world investigating stories. One of those stories involved the beautiful Marissa Vega. It has been over eight years since he wrote her story and helped her go into hiding to protect her from harm. One night he witnesses a woman in front of his home being robbed. He goes to her aid only to find out she is Marissa's sister, Leslie. Leslie tells Nate a story of being threatened unless she is able to see Marissa and get her to confess to a crime that Leslie feels confident Marissa committed. Nate reluctantly helps Leslie get in contact with Marissa. Marissa agrees to see Leslie if Nate accompanies her.

Marissa's life has changed over the eight years she has been in hiding. She has adopted a little girl and has learned to value her freedom over material items. She has also thought of Nate over the years affectionately. When Nate and Leslie meet up with Marissa, Leslie tells her she has been threatened unless Marissa can help her locate money that the bad guys are convinced Marissa has. The stakes get higher when Leslie and Marissa's daughter are kidnapped. Marissa and Nate work together to try and unravel a tangled web of lies. They uncover one secret after another as they seek to find Leslie and Ana. As they work together, their feelings for one another begin to grow.

I loved the pace of the book. It really kept you on the edge of your seat. The characters were very likable as well. The book is well written and the ending is spectacular. There is a line that Ana says that just gives you chills. I cannot wait to go back and read book one in the series.

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful, action filled story about fraud, theft, kidnapping and murder that will keep you guessing all along the way. To me a good suspense novel is one that you get caught up in the story such that you don't want to put it down, that gives enough clues to keep you guessing but then surprises you in how it all turns out. And this book delivers on all of that, I was instantly pulled into the story, trying to anticipate who the bad guys were and how it was going to end but was consistently surprised at the turns in the storyline. So don't hesitate, get a copy of this book and prepare to get caught up in Marisa and Nate's lives, to route for the overall outcome, and to be sitting on the edge of your seat the whole time.

In this story, you will follow Marisa whose life is touched by crime even though she is innocent, she becomes a pawn in others schemes for worldly riches and not just once but multiple times. When the story begins you will learn that a bad situation caused Marisa to escape to Mexico where 8 years later she is pulled back into a race for her life and the lives of those she loves. And she is forced to trust Nate with her life once again just like she did 8 years ago. Both Marisa and Nate feel her life spiral out of control while they seek to make things right and hopefully come out alive. And during all of it, you can see Marisa and Nate being drawn to one another but their encounters all hinge around bad and risky situations. And they both ponder what the future holds for them if and when they can find themselves free from danger.

Though all the suspense and drama, I love how the characters are seen depending on God. While God is not a major element in the story, there are various mentions of prayer and trusting God that everything will work out okay. And at one point, a character mentions that they could feel God's presence all along the journey. Also, several mentions are made about God's presence smelling like rain. I really liked that analogy. Oh how I have always loved the smell of rain but now it will take on a new meaning.

Lastly, my favorite quote from the book is defining a hero as someone who fights to do the right thing despite possible danger to themselves. As in the book the true hero doesn't feel like a hero at all but a good friend tells them that they truly are a hero because they put themselves in harms way just to do the right thing. And in that light, we can all be heroes on any given day.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most often when we hear of someone we know going to Mexico, they are going for one of three reasons. They go for vacation, a missions trip, or to visit family. I have never known anyone who moved there to avoid the law although it is not unheard of. That is exactly what Marisa, the heroine of this story, has done although she is not guilty of any crime. She was falsely accused and saw no other option. I cannot say what I would have done in her situation. Eight years later, after making a life for herself and her four-year-old adoptive daughter, she suddenly hears from her older sister. As she tries to help her sister, she suddenly finds herself with worse problems than before because her daughter has been kidnapped and is being held until she returns the money she has never had. Nate, the newspaper reporter who helped her escape before, has been drawn back in and is trying to protect her and help her get her daughter back. The story draws the reader into the drama, suspense, and action as events unfold. Marisa and Nate keep finding too many things that do not add up while the real answers keep eluding them. Overall, I enjoyed the story with the exception of some occasional objectionable language that I understand is being removed. I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation to write a review, positive or otherwise. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Lies is book two in Patchen’s Hidden Truth series, and is every bit as wonderful as the first. Both books pull at the reader’s heart strings because young children are at risk. In Twisted Lies four-year-old Ana, adopted daughter of Marisa Vega, has been kidnapped, and the kidnapping is linked to the life Marisa led before fleeing to Mexico. Also linked to that life is former New York Times reporter, Nate Boyle. Can Marisa count on him to help her find her daughter before it is too late? Will Nate be able to work past the PTSD caused by the role he played in protecting another mother and child?
While being drawn into Ana and Marisa’s story, the reader will also be pleased to encounter lead characters from book one in the Hidden Truth series, Convenient Lies. Brady, Rae and Sam are on hand to help find Ana and to help bring her kidnapper to justice. By the end of the book, the reader will be looking forward to reading book three, Generous Lies, the story of Sam (Samantha) and retired FBI agent, Garrison Kopp.
Once again, I was impressed by Robin Patchen’s skill in writing dialogue, keeping it fresh and real. The story is well-paced, and clues to the mystery’s solution well-delivered. I really appreciate Robin’s providing this book in exchange for my honest review, and like other readers, I am excited about reading book three.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Lies by Robin Patchen
Hidden Truth Series Book Two
Nathan Walter Boyle just wants peace and quiet in his life. He's moving back to his small hometown of Nutfield, New Hampshire for that quiet. That was what he planned to do. Somehow he's ended up in Mexico to reunite two sisters and everything breaks loose. Now he's back into a hectic situation. And he wouldn't choose to be anywhere else.

Marisa Vega had to run away eight years ago. Leaving all she knew behind to start over. She has a home, job, and daughter now. She's happy. Or so she thought until Nate walks back into her life.

The reader can meet Nate in book one; Convenient Lies. In this story, several characters from the book join Nate and Marisa. They have one week to figure out a crime from eight years ago. It has suspense and if they ever can slow down...romance. A real page turner.
**Mild language
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stand-alone novel, Book 2 is based a secondary character introduced in Book 1.

For those who enjoy a clean romantic suspense will love this, and those who don’t mind not having ‘sexy scenes’ will love it too. There’s plenty of romance, emotions and action.

Marisa and Nate’s story – After eight years Nate reaches out to Marisa when her sister contacts him explaining she’s in danger and needs her sisters help. He’d helped Marisa years ago and she hoped he would help again. It’s clear early on who the bad guys are, but didn’t make it less exciting. I loved following the twists and turns in the race to find Marisa’s daughter. It was nice catching up with familiar characters from Book 1 who help solve the mystery.

This author knows how weave a good tale, a very good romantic suspense series and one I would recommend.

***I was offered this book in exchange for an honest review. These are my thoughts on the novel***

[Sheila Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will not restate the plot nor reveal any spoilers in this review.
While Twisted Lies is a stand alone story, a reader will miss the backstory to the H if he/she has not read Convenient Lies. Although I had read the first book in the series, I had a hard time following this one. Nate is a reporter who is introduced in Convenient Lies. Without reading the background of his kidnapping in book 1, a reader will flounder with understanding his character, the many references made to this event and the subsequent emotional fall out. As much as I raved about Robin Patchen's first book, this book fell short of my expectations. IMHO, Twisted Lies is not a stand-alone book. It is very well written and has a great plot, however. If you read book 1, Twisted Lies is a great book. If you don't, it's downgraded to okay.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marisa Vega’s life as an adoptive mom in a tiny Mexican village is the target of a man who’s convinced she stole millions from him. I liked this element of the story since we've adopted many children.
Marisa hides to stay alive. Her daughter Ana is snatched and held for ransom. The horror of every parent.
Marisa must discover who really stole the money in order to rescue her. Nate Boyle, months after being kidnapped, tortured, and left with PTSD, helps her. They seek to unravel a mystery in order to bring Marisa's daughter home. Nate tried to help Marisa emotionally but in my opinion, came up short. Sometimes when a person is in a rough place the best thing is just to be there and not talk.
There's much action and mystery in Twisted Lies. As the pages turn so do the clues. I loved the Christian element in this book. I look forward to the next book. 5-Stars

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left with no options but to run Marissa does that and more when she lands in a town in Mexico. She thinks she is safe that is until betrayal of the deepest kind rocks her to the core. Nate is still reeling from his trauma and dealing with the emotional recovery when he gets drawn back in to Marissa's situation. This is their story. It is twisted full of lies and misdirection. Yup this author doesn't play around. The action and deception cut deep and the answers are not as cut and dry as it's portrayed.

This standalone read is full of action and suspense and a clean read. The characters grab a hold of you and don't let go. There are carry over characters and a host of friends and love ones willing to do whatever is needed to get the job done. Awesome read.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book started off a little bit slowly, but it had a very complicated and mysterious plot and took a good deal of time to lay out all the lifestyles of the various characters in the story so we could get to know them. Robin Patchen did a great job of setting up this shocking murder mystery, scary kidnapping of a special little girl, and all intertwined with a delightful romance. Once the story really started to move, I couldn't put it down. The characters, Nate, Marisa, Leslie, Ana, Samantha, Garrison, Rae and Brady were all well-developed and they will become a part of your life as you read. Garrison was a new addition to this story and has perked my interest for upcoming stories.

Well done, Robin Patchen!

[Stella Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted Lies is full of surprises. Marisa Vega is running for her life and now she has been flushed out and her 4 year old adoptive daughter has been kidnapped. Nate is there to help her as they try to find the missing money that the kidnapper thinks she stole. It is a perilous journey as they try to solve the mystery of who actually stole the money before the kidnapper kills little Ana. This book is not an overtly Christian Novel and has some language but nothing really bad. If you are a fan of suspense you are certain to love this book. This book was given to me by the Author with no requirement for a review. All views are my own.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nate was a by line reporter, he didn’t want to be in the thick of it, he couldn’t survive. He loved the city, yet, leaving after 14 years. A plea to help
Marsia her half sister Leslie, wants his help. Said Marsia left a clue with him, of where money was at. Leslie was in danger, he didn’t like the alternative.
8 years Marsia, hadn’t gotten an email, she and her daughter felt safe here.
To risk it all, her sister was in danger, Nate had to come also. Trying to figure out who had the money, who was now giving out the threats. Why wait this long to find the money didn’t make sense. Leslie acting like a spoiled kid, at times, yet, the older sister. Overall a good plot

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marisa is been hiding in Mexico for eight years but when her sister Leslie and Nate Boyle, the journalist that helped her to take down the people that killed her boyfriend Vinnie when he contacted the FBI to come clean about a fraud, contact her she can’t stay away and she mets them in Acapulco. But the Ana, Marisa’s daughter and Leslie are kidnapped and in other to have them back Marisa and Nate must find the money that disappeared eight years ago. Nate, Rae, Brady, Sam and Garrison Koop, the ex-FBI agent that worked in Vinnie’s case, will help Marisa solve the mystery of the money and bring back her daughter. A very emotional book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Lies is the second book in The Hidden Truths series by Robin Patchen. Convenient Lies is the first book and I am glad that I read it first because book two has some of the same characters. We met Nate Boyle in book one and now we get to learn more about him as he is battling PTSD and trying to move on with his life. Marisa Vega's daughter has been kidnapped and she has turned to Nate for help. Will Nate be able to overcome his PTSD in order to help her? I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian romantic suspense because this is a book that you won't be able to put down! A big Thank You to Robin for allowing me to read this book for my honest review. Now on to book three!

[Lori Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story!

Author Patchen sure has a flair for writing a story that holds your interest from cover to cover. This is the second book of the series and I definitely hope she writes many more. I love a series that makes a connection from one book to the next, continues to develop the characters and the story line. Seeing how the characters progress in each new book makes me as a reader feel so much like I am part of the story. You feel like you can sit down next to any of the main characters and feel right at home. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes to read A good mystery including youngsters in this case.

[Charlotte Dance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthy sequel to Convenient Lies. Some of the same characters continue. This book kept me guessing and reading. I especially liked the strong immediate bond that was described between the mother and the daughter she adopted. Our description of that would be 'she has been in my heart forever'. Although the problem was stumbled into, the occupations of the people made sense with what roles they played. I read this one immediately after finishing the first book and have already started the 3rd book. Not because this book doesn't stand well on its own, but because it was good enough I wanted more.