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Everybody Lies

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Foul-mouthed and sexy as sin, this bad boy is about to turn her entire world upside down…

I'm Frankie Greco. Since I can remember, a little voice inside my head has whispered to me whenever I hear lies. To distract myself, I focus on my career. I recently bought out what used to be one of the hottest nightclubs in Los Angeles, so it's not hard. There are few people I let in, and only they know my secret. But romantic relationships never last long.

That is, until I met Julian. I don't know if it was the instant, primal attraction, but I couldn't get a read on this guy to save my life. And I definitely wasn't prepared for what letting him in would start; the pieces of my past that would come back to haunt me. I didn't think it was possible to surprise a girl who can spot a lie a mile away. I couldn't have been more wrong.

219 pages, ebook

First published July 30, 2019

47 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Melanie A. Smith

28 books299 followers
Melanie A. Smith is an award-winning, international best-selling author of steamy romance with smart, self-sufficient heroines and strong, swoony book boyfriends with hearts of gold. A former engineer turned stay-at-home mom and author, when Melanie is not lost in the world of books you’ll find her spending time with her husband and son, crafting, or cross-stitching.

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5 stars
66 (45%)
4 stars
44 (30%)
3 stars
23 (15%)
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9 (6%)
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3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,709 followers
November 21, 2019

Note: This is a full length, standalone steamy contemporary romantic suspense novel. This book includes mature content, and as such is not recommended for readers under 18 years of age, or those who might be offended / triggered by such material.

Frankie Greco is a human lie detector. Something just pings in her head when someone lies to her. One thing she's learned is that everybody lies at one time or another. It might be a little white lie or it might be a whopper. There are all kinds of reasons a person might lie.

Because of her 'gift', her personal relationships have gone nowhere. Only one or two people know about her gift and they are the only people she trusts.

When she met Julian, she fell for him instantly. Yes, he mentioned a couple of things that set off the voices in her head, but she was so enamored of him, she bent her own rules in dating anyone who lies to her.

Julian skates on the edge of lies ... but he has an agenda and falling for Frankie wasn't a part of the plan.

I generally don't mind a bit of spice with my reading, as long as the story is a good one. This one disappointed me in that the story was only a very small part. Most of the book I found to be nothing but graphic sex and the 'F' word repeated over and over again. The mystery of Julian was a few short pages at the surprising end. This one is just not my cup of tea.

Many thanks to the author / Wicked Dreams Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of EVERYBODY LIES. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Profile Image for Andrea.
Author 7 books109 followers
July 30, 2019
This book gave me life!

I am a huge fan of Melanie’s work. I’ve read and adored all of her books. She has a way of writing that just sucks you into the world she creates, and you never want to leave. I am in love with her Safeguarded Heart series, but Everybody Lies is so different in the best way possible. It was unexpected which excited me. I was hooked from page one.

Frankie is this tough as nails, badass independent woman with a super power but she’s also really vulnerable and craves love like all of us, even if she won’t admit it to herself or anyone else. And Julian … oh my goodness, that man had me on fire the entire book. Dark and tattooed, and the filth that fell from his lips was so sexy and raw and just everything you want in a book boyfriend. You could feel connection between the two, it sizzled off my kindle. The push and pull, and the snowball effect their relationship had because of half-truths and outside interference felt so authentic and had me gritting my teeth in anticipation. There are some delicious twists and turns. Some definite OMG moments and just freaking hot as can be. Straight up fire. I couldn’t get enough.
Profile Image for Julia Blake.
Author 19 books176 followers
January 29, 2021
A raunchy read outside of my usual genre, I was intrigued by the premise of a woman who can tell when anyone is lying to her. A well-written book, there are a lot of very explicit sex scenes – so if you are bothered by this, it might not be the book for you – but there is a solid plot behind all the sex as well. I have read other books by the same author, and this tends to be her hallmark – lots and LOTS of sex, but an intriguing and complex storyline to back it up.

It’s a well-written read, and the characterisation is nice. I especially liked the relationship between the main character and her mother and grandmother – in my opinion, the grandmother deserves a book of her own! The interpersonal exchanges between the main character and her employees in the nightclub she runs are also present and believable.

There was a lot of swearing to go along with the sex. Now, I’m not a prude, far from it, and the odd f-bomb doesn’t bother me. The “dirty talk” between the two main characters was within the context and justifiable, however, there was maybe a little too much outside of the bedroom – so much that it began to annoy me when every other word was a swear word. But this is just the personal opinion of an older reader maybe wading slightly out of her depth, and it in no way detracts from the well-earned four stars I’m giving this book.
Profile Image for Lindsey Powell.
Author 33 books511 followers
July 5, 2019
Francesca is a fiery, strong, awesome female lead. She takes no messing, and she doesn’t back down from a challenge.

Julian is a book boyfriend badass! Seriously, the stuff of my dreams.

Together these two characters are explosive. Off the charts explosive! But as with a romance novel, that happy ending doesn’t come easily. A book full of emotion and betrayal, Frankie and Julian have to work real hard to battle the people that threaten to break them.

A deliciously seductive read that will have you racing to the end.
Five stars without a doubt.
Great job Melanie!
Profile Image for Marla Holt.
Author 28 books175 followers
May 10, 2020
I didn't want to stop this book. Everybody Lies has just the right balance of love and suspense, steaminess and tenderness, dirty talk and violence.
Profile Image for Nikki J Summers.
Author 19 books1,544 followers
September 1, 2019
Loved it. Frankie Greco is my kind of heroine. Smart, strong and takes no bs. The fact she had a power was even more intriguing. When she got together with Julian, who is hot as hell too by the way, the fireworks were exploding off my kindle. A fabulous read that kept me gripped to the end. I need another catch up now to find out what happens for them in the future!!
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,404 reviews20 followers
January 25, 2020
Everybody Lies is will suck you in pretty quickly from the first chapter. Francesca(Frankie) has a gift, she can tell when someone is lying. Growing up with this gift, can be a good thing but also a bad thing. Getting close to anyone becomes hard, but she’s figured out how to handle her capability and makes a good life for herself. Frankie is such a boss!!! One day, she encounters Julian, she can’t get a read on him and it’s messing with her head. It’s up and down with them, but when they finally put their walls down, WHOAAAAA, the chemistry and pull towards is not lacking AT ALL!!! 🔥🔥🔥.

But, what she doesn’t know is, Julian isn’t who he says he is....I can’t say too much because it may give the story away, but this was a good, fast paced read with twists and turns and the WHAAA😱 moment !!!! Melanie did very well with their story, I really enjoyed these two characters together. Definitely add this on your TBR!!!!
9,376 reviews140 followers
July 10, 2021
This is a well written book with strong characters in Frankie and Julian. The author does a fantastic job building the story and pulled me in with all the twists and turns as well as the smokin hot chemistry. She paints her scenes vividly and moves the story fluidly. I was glued to the pages reading their story and would highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Ahana M Rao (Heart’s Content).
693 reviews87 followers
November 21, 2019
You can find this review for Everybody Lies on my blog, Heart's Content!

A large thank you and shout out to Voracious Readers Only for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

First of all, from the very first chapter, I immediately took to Francesca. Her struggle with relationships--especially romantic ones--was very relatable and frankly very realistic given that she could tell if people were lying. She constantly searches for a lie and is always expectant of it and there hasn't ever been a single relationship that has lasted for her. But Frankie doesn't care about her personal life as much as she does her professional one; she's got her club that she manages and runs on her own with squeaky clean means. She's also got a lovely close friend that helps her colour her hair as quirkily as she wishes. Her relationship with her mother, however, has always been difficult, but she has a great relationship with her baby brother and grandmother which makes her happy enough.

Enter: Julian. I wasn't too impressed by him from the first scene but I think it was because he was weird and fumble-y and hadn't really left an impression, but perhaps that was the point (because that was unusual for him and he was always in control given his work). But as we read, I really did start to appreciate Julian more. He truly did fall in love with Frankie and this love gave him the strength to do the one thing that he never had the courage to do all his life, and if that's not love what is? Julian is forced to hide and stay away from Frankie at many points of this book and the way that Frankie handles this is what made it well done (and it also helps that we get to see Julian's POV during them as well). 

The secondary characters in this book, Frankie's family and another secret someone were in the background until suddenly everything starts to fall apart and slowly fall into place. I will admit, I never saw it coming: the surprise or that ending. Frankie's mother is literally incapable of any emotion or communication and it's so frustrating and sometimes you want to shake her up! Which is why I greatly appreciated Frankie's ability to remain unruffled by her mother. Frankie's grandmother and baby brother were the real salve to the wound. They were family as one would expect someone to be. They really did soften the edges that Frankie's mother created. 

That ending but, oh good freaking God. It was both what increased and decreased my rating. That ending reveal was fantastic along with one or two other twists in the middle that I hadn't expected, and I was very impressed and it really did make sense. However, the way in which the emotions of the protagonist was handled...it just felt off. The way everyone was blasé and... I don't know. Just okay with everything. 

But other than that, the book was a surprisingly quick read, with twists, messy relationships and decades old lies and truths that are both uncovered. I'm hovering between a three and a three point five star rating, so perhaps... a 3.25? 

Happy reading! 
Profile Image for Julia DeBarrioz.
Author 6 books50 followers
August 10, 2019
I loved this! Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. The writing is good and the plot unfolds at a perfect pace. This is truly a traditionally-published-quality indie read, I highly recommend it!

I'm the demanding [annoying] type of romance reader who also requires a strong plot to keep my attention. And boy howdy did Ms. Smith deliver. The premise was really interesting. Frankie's internal lie detector is subtle. It's not like Sookie Stackhouse where she can read minds. She just knows if you're full of sh*t. Naturally that would make conducting a serious relationship difficult, because well, EVERYBODY LIES.

Enter Julien, who is tall, hot, drips bad boy appeal and yet is somehow also a gentleman, and is clearly into something heavy--but he seems to be telling Frankie the truth about everything. Is he clever, is her lie detector broken, or are they just meant to be? You'll have to read to find out!

I adored Frankie from cover to cover. She's a tough girl with a big heart, even though she's been let down so many times by so many people due to her ability. She's also a smart business woman and her club is her baby.

And that ending! THAT ENDING! Dang, I did not see that coming.

::throws confetti::

Pick this up, you won't be disappointed!
Author 3 books43 followers
August 24, 2019
Once again Melanie has delivered an amazing story, my favorite! I absolutely loved Frankie. This tough as nails nightclub owner can tell if someone is lying which makes for interesting situations! Enters Julian, bad boy extraordinaire who has a few shady skeletons in the closet. Julian’s past and outside forces that threaten to pull them apart makes for some interesting twists and turns. The chemistry between these two is off the page but like with everyone that comes into her life there’s always lies and secrets that throws a spanner into the works. If you’re a fan of steamy hot romance and suspense with well-developed characters, you’ll enjoy this fast-paced page-turner! If I could give it more than 5 starts I would! Love, love, loved it!
Profile Image for N.M. McGregor.
Author 7 books28 followers
August 12, 2019
I enjoyed the lead character, Frankie Greco. A tough, independent, running from her past, woman, he hides in her work and her outlook.
Frankie meets what could be the man of her dreams, only to find out his character is as shady as her past.
But, what Frankie, can't get past is the truth that he speaks. Frankie can't deny that finding a person, never mind a gorgeous guy that she is attracted to, that tells the truth is a huge turn on for her.
but, can they get through a past that has inexplicably drawn them together into a dangerous trinity?
read to find out what happens in this fast-paced story of past and future, lies and truth.
Profile Image for Kristen Granata.
Author 19 books2,985 followers
August 30, 2019
Frankie is a badass & I love her! Melanie writes awesome, strong characters & this story did not disappoint. Julian ::fanning myself:: oof! He was that sexy, tattooed, dirty-mouthed man that we all look for in a romance novel. As always, Melanie added a few twists to keep us on our toes. Her writing is spectacular & I love reading everything she writes!
Profile Image for Kerissa Smalltowncutie38.
251 reviews35 followers
December 5, 2022
Frankie can tell when people are lying, there’s a voice that will tell her when people are saying a lie and this hinders her relationships but also helps them. When someone comes in to the club she owns asking for “Frankie” it raises some alerts cause everyone just calls her Francesca. When she finds out who it is she’s taken back by this very attractive man. Julian is there to figure out who Frankie is for his boss Sal. When he sees Frankie he is taken back, and in awe of her. When they finally get to talking Frankie realizes he is hiding something but she cant figure out what. What happens when people start falling for each other? What happens when the truth starts coming out? What happens when her ability is revealed?

I really enjoyed this book. The mouth that Julian has, damn! Julian hits on every level. I think it was a fun twist of events through out the whole book. I also loved the whole concept of Frankie being able to know when someone is lying. I am obsessed with donuts now hahah.
490 reviews4 followers
November 1, 2022
A Scorching Hot, Romantic Suspense Thriller with Substance!

By: Melanie A. Smith
Narrated by: David Philip Reed

Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 11-01-22

Frankie Greco, a smart, independent nightclub owner with a unique gift meets and falls for Julian, a man on a mission, a man with secrets. Tense and smooth flowing, you will WANT to up the speed to break the tension and get the answers fast, but DON’T! You won’t want to miss a moment of this deliciously hot, definitely for adults only, twist filled story! I loved the chemistry between Frankie and Julian, so out of control, scorching hot and naughty. I also loved that there were a few interweaving sub plots that really fleshed out the supporting characters, tempered the heat and gave a perfect balance to the story! I confess, I didn’t see the ending coming, (no spoilers), but I was delighted with how everything came together! This one was so worth a listen. Five stars!
Profile Image for Janine Caroline.
Author 1 book37 followers
December 30, 2019
I was instantly drawn to the couple in this book. Cool, ballsy nightclub owner, Frankie has the ability to tell when people are lying, so when sexy, rugged Julian arrives on the scene she senses something isn’t quite right. The deep attraction between the two of them jumps off the page, and yes — we get plenty of hot and steamy. But this book offers so much more, the characters are well developed with great insights into their motivations and the story is a definite page turner. Lies, betrayal and secrets are unravelled resulting in a climactic ending I didn’t see coming. I loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Shuhada Ramli.
353 reviews17 followers
November 28, 2019
Rating : 2 star

Review :

The starting was quite promising. The strong lead character of Frankie but I believe her character was being arrogant and self-centred for unnecessarily. Too much of obscenities and provocative plot. I believe the author has her creative idea of producing the novel. Maybe it is suitable for those who appreciate this kind of story but it is not my cup of tea.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Wicked Dreams Publishing and NetGalley.

This review is from my point of view. We may have different opinions. Feel free to share if there is any.
Profile Image for R.J. Groves.
Author 32 books58 followers
January 30, 2020
Exciting and intriguing

Melanie A Smith has done it again! This was a fun read, exciting, sexy, and a unique angle. Can't wait to see more from this author!
Profile Image for Tori.
Author 11 books176 followers
July 22, 2019
Lies. Why do people lie? For a myriad of reasons, so it’s inevitable that everyone does it. What if you could tell when people are lying? Would it change the way you view ‘little white lies’? This is the case for Frankie. She gets a feeling when people are lying and this feeling is never wrong.

Her gift has kept most people at bay due to the relentless lies people will tell. No matter how small or big, she writes off everyone as soon as they tell her a lie.

That is until Julian walks into her night club. He never directly lies to her but she knows he is hiding something. As much as Frankie wants to dismiss him, the attraction is instant.

Frankie is a no nonsense type of woman. She can handle herself and won’t depend on anybody to save her. She is confident and strong. She has a friend who has taught her self defense and how to handle a gun. No need for a man except maybe for the occasional fun in between the sheets.

Julian is the swoony bad boy book boyfriend. His traumatic childhood has him working for an unsavory boss. What does he want with Frankie? That is the question swirling throughout the story.

Melanie has done it again. Another great story filled with suspense and steamy goodness. The characters are flawed, but fit together like the perfect puzzle pieces. But even the perfect pieces sometimes have a hard time figuring out exactly how to fit together.

A 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2 star read! Go and preorder this one. Releases July 30th.
Profile Image for Genevieve.
226 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2019
This is a great story. I was captivated by the characters and how the author kept me wanting more.
Francesca is a very strong and independent business woman who owns her own night club. Her club manager Niles and her other employees respect her almost with a fear of her. She’s had a troubled childhood with her mother and no father, and her grandmother basically raised her. When a man comes looking for her and asking for her by Frankie, she’s curious as to who he is. Once she meets Julian she is instantly attracted to him. They have dinner together and she calls him out on every lie that he tells her, because she has this special ability to tell if anyone ever lies to her, something she inherited from her grandfather. Julian was sent to check Frankie out by Sal who is really her father, but no one knows that. Frankie and Julian can’t keep their hands off of each other, and he is not doing his job because he really cares for fear. Sal is a sleazy man and will do what it takes to get what he wants, even by threatening Frankie’s family. When her mom finds out about the threat she goes crazy and things take a turn for the worse. You won’t believe what all this story really is about until you read it. I’m really hoping that their story continues. I really want to see how they actually end up. I really recommend this book to read.👍🏽
Profile Image for Shannon.
367 reviews
September 23, 2023
The chemistry between the Frankie and Julian was electric! I enjoyed their scenes together, from their banter to their dirty talk. The characters both had to overcome some obstacles, Frankie with her gift and Julian with his secret. I really liked both of them being vulnerable with each other. Frankie had an interesting life, being able to tell when people are lying, so she put up walls. Julian didn't have a good start to life and fell in with a questionable crowd, so he hasn't always made the best of choices.
I quite liked the suspense element and the twist in the story. Though, the beginning of the story was a little slow in comparison to the latter half. It did feel a little disjointed because the mystery in the beginning doesn't connect with the latter half mystery.

Anyway, it's still an enjoyable book with plenty of steamy times and an interesting suspense element.

I liked the narrator; he did a good job voicing the characters, especially Julian! His trying to do a female voice for Frankie was a solid attempt, but a little weird to listen to at times, but I liked the effort he put forth!!
Profile Image for Claire Heaven.
120 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2019
No matter how much Ms. Smith played the, ‘will they won’t they’ cards, oh, you knew that these two seriously raunchy characters were going to collide with spectacular results. All I can say is that I’ll never eat doughnuts again without thinking of Julian, I’m seriously considering buying a convertible and it’s only a dodgy knee stopping me getting some 6” heels. My favorite lines: ‘You can never see stars in the city. Not even when you need to see them most.’ Sigh…
Subsequently all the romance boxes were firmly ticked and it is getting a deserved 5*
But, because I’m more of a plot girl, I have to say the storyline was so good it could have just gone that bit further for me and been firmly in the romance thriller category. This book has so much potential, it could seriously ascend to a 10*
Profile Image for Michele.
1,715 reviews
December 29, 2020
3 1/2 stars

Everybody Lies had an interesting premise. The main character, Frankie, has the ability to sense when other people tell a lie. It can cause difficulties with interpersonal relationships. She is often untrusting of others because in her mind, "everyone lies."

Julian and Frankie meet and their chemistry is clearly apparent. However, they both are initially keeping secrets from each other. There's no denying their attraction as this was one extremely steamy story. However, will that be enough when they are both keeping secrets.

I liked the way the romance progressed. Overall, this book had a good storyline. The only thing that was missing for me was more information and history regarding Frankie's "gift." I felt like it was thrown out there as a plot device without full development..

Thank you to NetGalley for this reader's copy.
Profile Image for Author Dawnette Brenner.
Author 1 book38 followers
July 31, 2019
5 out of 5 stars Blushing Sexy & Romantic

Steamy & romantic, although I truly blushed reading some of this, Melanie’s story about Frankie & bad boy Julian had me turning pages. Everyone dreams of finding a love like this! (Well, don’t you want your partner to devour you?) Frankie, a smart, sassy & independent club owner, broken & flawed, my kind of MC. The storyline is well written & timely with twists and turns as well as enticing & engaging sex scenes. You’ll fall in love with or despise the characters, which speaks volumes about the writing.

I look forward to reading all of her books. Highly recommended.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T2Z975D?...
Profile Image for Susan J. Barrett.
Author 2 books31 followers
August 23, 2019
This is my second Melanie Smith and I must be honest - not my usual genre. Ahem. I bought it because the premise sounded great, and because Mel is a really supportive Indie author and I wanted to show some love back. But OMG, it blew my socks off. Fortunately I’m a big fan (and long-time user in my less inhibited moments) of the F-word, as Ms Smith doesn’t hold back. On anything. AT ALL. Safe to say, if you’re after a hot, steamy read, I can absolutely, without doubt, definitely recommend. Not least because it has a great plot too. And some well developed characters (if you know what I mean). And lots of, you know, good bits. ;)
Profile Image for Mel Greenberg.
Author 4 books7 followers
August 21, 2019
I love this author and Everybody Lies did not disappoint! Frankie is smart, strong and sexy. But what makes her such a solid female character is her vulnerability. Smith did a beautiful job of weaving together her past to create the present in an enticing and believable manner. The relationship that develops between her and Julian is about as steamy a romance read as it gets. The sex was HOT and fun tor read. I look forward to more from Melanie - she's got a great knack for creating lovable - and not so lovable characters that I don't want to let go of. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Morgan.
636 reviews17 followers
October 18, 2019
Going in to this I wasnt really sure what to expect.

Having a heroine that could detect lies could go a million different ways but I did not see any of it coming.

I can't say much without ruining the twists and turns in the story but Frankie and Julian are EVERYTHING! Their chemistry, tension and personalities were huge but not over the top.

This is the first book I have read by Melanie Smith and I absolutely love it. It was so well written and engaging. I will definitely read more.

*I recieved this novel for free in exchange for an honest review by way of Voracious Readers Only *
360 reviews10 followers
July 12, 2019
Everybody Lies by Melanie A. Smith

I am voluntarily reviewing this ARC.


I love when I read a book that’s different. It has all the qualities that I love is a sexy romance with a different, new, exciting spice. Everybody lies is a great title for this book as Francesca, our heroine has a gift...she knows when you are lying. That comes in handy sometimes but other times, it’s a burden. She owns a night club and is very successful at what she does. Julian comes into her night club and is a mystery. The only thing we know about him is the extreme chemistry that sizzles between them.
He wants her, that’s obvious, but then why does he pull away? Moreover, why does she care.
This book hooked me from first word to last. I loved both Julian and Frankie. They are loyal and sweet and funny. This author gives a story that is unique and delicious and full of twists and turns. I absolutely loved it!
138 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2019
I received a copy of this book from voracious readers and I loved it. The erotic scenes were amazing and perfectly placed and written. I absolutely loved the characters especially Frankie because of how strong, independent and unique she is. The plot was easy to understand and the twist in the end was so interesting and yet wasn't forced at all. I would definitely recommend this book to people who like romances with stimulating erotic scenes.
Profile Image for Ela.
596 reviews
March 2, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC. I enjoyed the premise of this book and even the story. I did not like how the beginning dragged and we didn't find out until much much later some of the details and reasons behind our main character's actions especially the H. So instead of me trying to figure out the suspense I was just getting annoyed. I don't doubt other readers will love this book. For me I guess I expected something more dark.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews

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