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The Lies of Bryn van Doren

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In the heart of Lower Manhattan, amid a maze of dark decadence, is one of New York City's best kept secrets. Among the highest of Wall Street's elite--Khalohn Morgan is in on it. Reputed as a generous lover, coveted by all the women of Clandestine’s, he's often satisfied.

Until her.

Jessica Chapman knows she’s nothing more than a girl from Brooklyn who works hard and loves deep. When her ailing mother struggles to make ends meet, she doesn't think twice before stepping in to help. As bad goes to worse, her determination to do anything for the woman who raised her is put to the test.

It's desperation that leads her into the bowels of Clandestine's. The world of secrets beckons her to slip into the persona of Bryn van Doren. But it's him who leaves her tangled in a bed of lies.

Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2021

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About the author

R.C. Martin

30 books286 followers
There’s a place where your mind can escape, your body can find rest, and your heart can soar – and R.C. Martin wants to take you there.

In a voice all her own, she strives to capture the magic of a kiss, the passion in a lovers’ embrace, and even sometimes the breathtaking ache of a broken heart. A true believer in the power of love and the grace found in redemption, you can trust this hopeless romantic to take you on an emotional ride that leaves you forever changed.

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5 stars
17 (42%)
4 stars
13 (32%)
3 stars
7 (17%)
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3 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Peggy M.
697 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2021
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntarily, honest review of it.

The writer compares this story with ‘Pretty woman’ and after reading it, I can understand why she does that but to me the story is also much more than that.

‘The lies of Bryn van Doren’ is a sweet, emotional and steamy story. It’s also a story that you have to discover for yourself, I don’t want to give too much away of the story. I think it is better if you experience it for yourself. But I will tell you this, the story is about Jessica Chapman, she’s a young woman. Her great passion is dancing but because of her circumstances she can’t follow her big dream of becoming a dancer. No, her focus is now on taking care of her sick mother and making sure there is enough money to pay for everything they need. Life is now a daily struggle but her mother is the only family that she has left and she loves her very much. Luckily, she can always count on her best friend Stefano, to hold her hand in bad times and to cheer her up. But then things go from not good to very bad and Jessica needs money, a lot of money so she does something that she never thought that she would do. She ask Stefano to help her get a job in Clandestine’s, a secret club for billionaires where their sexual fantasies come true for a lot of money. And it’s there that she meets Khalohn Morgan, he’s her first (and only) client. Khalohn is a billionaire, he became rich thanks to his ambition, his intelligent and through hard work. He’s famous in the business world. He’s also used to getting his way both at work and in his personal life but from the beginning that he meets Bryn/Jessica, he knows that she’s different. She makes him act and behave not like himself but is that really a bad thing? Only time will tell.

Both Jessica and Khalohn were interesting characters. I loved them very much. Jesscia was a sensitive, intelligent, caring and stubborn young woman. Khalohn was very intelligent, handsome, ambitious, reserved. He may be a billionaire but he wasn’t arrogant, he was really a good guy. He knew what he wanted and he made sure he got it but he treated everyone around him with respect and he was friendly. But he was also a workaholic who spend his free time alone. You got both POV’s and I liked the way that the story was told. You got little pieces of the puzzle throughout the story. The past of both the main characters was revealed at the end of the story. I loved that there was an epilogue too. The second characters, Jessica’s best friend Stefano, Khalohn’s friend and colleagues were interesting characters too.

‘The lies of Bryn van Doren’ was a wonderful read. The writer R.C. Martin wrote again a great story.

Profile Image for Red Hot Romance Blog.
459 reviews30 followers
January 19, 2021
* I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review *

I must start by saying my biggest question when reading this book was how do you pronounce Khalohn??? I was assuming it sounds like Collin, but I don’t know and every time I passed his name I had to stop and sound it out again. I like names that are different. I just think it would have been nice to learn how to pronounce it. Maybe it was just me, but it distracted me throughout the book.

I loved Khalohn. I do not know what it was about him but those bedroom scenes with him just got me. He was exactly what I wanted my hero to be. He checked off so many boxes for me. He had a heart of gold, but he wasn’t going to show it to anyone, even Jessica, until she got past his wall.

My heart hurt for Jessica. She was trying so hard to be there for her sick mother but also trying to find a way to make enough money to keep them afloat. I am surprised Stefano did not give her this option sooner. I know she probably didn’t keep him apprised with how bad financially they were, but he should have realized once her mother lost her job they were struggling. As much as he did not want her to do that for a living that was the only way she would be able to make enough money.

“When a woman is mine, I see to it that she’s taken care of. This is not about money. Do you hear me? This is about you, spending the last few years of your life doing everything within your power to help support the woman who raised you. This is about you, being so fucking loyal you offered me your body to make ends meet."

I have to say the buildup of this book took longer than I expected. I was about 25% in before Khalohn and Jessica even met. Even then their time together was quick. I wish we could have seen them together more and used that 25% towards the end. I thought Khalohn and Jessica were perfect for each other, but I wish we had some more of them in an actual relationship. It felt like the book was so short because by the time they got together it was almost over. I really wanted to give it a four-star rating but I as much as I enjoyed it I needed more to feel complete or maybe the author did that on purpose leaving me wanting more.

This was my first time reading this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I will give the rest of Ms. Martin’s collection a look to see what else I would like to read. I was totally invested in their relationship. Now please tell me that Stefano gets his own book because I need to know what is going on there.


** Go to redhotromanceblog.com to check out more reviews like this. **



Profile Image for T.B. Cooper.
89 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2021
This one surprised me. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I've had a lot going on lately so I stretched it out, savoring it; but easily could've read it in one sitting. This is a solid 4.5-star novel, maybe even a five if I was still into romance novels... and I only have one "tiny" complaint with the formatting...

Plot: So, it's been a while since I've read a romance novel, and even longer since one grabbed my emotions, even if I wasn't initially into the premise... The PREMISE being one of the "Pretty Woman" trope. But don't get it twisted... our character isn't a street worker, at all. Circumstances just evolve- as they do, that turns this story into THAT trope. Is the plot believable? The real-life aspects and relatability- absolutely. The accidental romance? Eh- I mean, sure? But, isn't that what a romance novel is all about, anyway? The happy accidents that lead us to love? Anywho, major points for the execution of the story are deserved in this area.

Characters: The two main characters, IMO, were fleshed out well enough to be believable within the confines of this type of book. The supporting characters also had distinct voices and a side note... I kinda love the MC's BFF, Stefano.

The Writing: The story itself read well, in 3rd person POV, BUT... there's this thing the author does every few chapters where we go back in time/ see a memory, which is GREAT, BUT- the whole thing is italicized and it for me, is hard on my eyes. That's it. That's my gripe.

In Case You Wanted to Know & Overall: There IS sex in this book and it's descriptive... but let me tell you... here's an area I'm gonna heap some praises on... There is a sexual tension build-up; the MCs don't just start banging right off the bat and ALSO, this book doesn't automatically turn into pages on end of gratuitous sex scenes once they DO. There's actually a story in there, and I APPRECIATE that on so many levels. And that story? Yeah, it made me cry; a couple of times. I ended up getting invested and for that, this book goes in the "Highly Recommended" pile for anyone wanting a beautiful, modern tale of love, in a big city.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
69 reviews
December 9, 2021
I apologize in advance for writing a review on a book I did not finish, but I feel like the opinion I hold of the book is absent in the reviews and I wish I could have read what I m about to write before taking a chance on this book.
Now I have read one book from this author before and loved it, so I thought another should be good. Sadly, that is not the case. Nearly the first half of this book is long and pointless. From the prologue from the drives unintersting and uninformative POV to the draining and unnecessarily academic wording. We learn, no observe, the characters in their daily lives for way too long, like the first 8-10 chapters. The main characters don't even meet each other until 10th or 11th chapter. All that in-between time we observe the characters through an odd third perspective on their day-to-day lives with absolutely nothing eventful happening. Could you imagine watching two people go to work and deal with life for a whole day with no breaks? That's what this felt like.
Now, the wording issue. I understand that some people may actually think and speak the way this book was written, and I'm not dissing them or calling it inherently boring. I actually believe that if Jessica or Khalohn spoke like this, then I could accept it and not be bored to tears, but this manner of wording coming from the narrator is exhausting. Jessica clearly doesn't speak this way and it doesn't look like Khalon does either really. It felt like reading an essay from a student who had a thesaurus with them on standby and replaced every common or basic word and phrase with a more sophisticated one. It lacked rhythm and was as heartless; it just fist feel human almost. I know that sounds dramatic, but the narrator lacked human connection.
I must also say that this is labeled as a slowburn book, but this baby don't really burn more like fizzles.
I would still try another book from this author because I might hit gold like I did the last time, but sadly I am very disappointed with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melissa.
62 reviews5 followers
February 10, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, another great book by R. C. Martin! I've been on a book slump for some time now and I was so ready to get out of it. This particular book had all my attention and curiosity ever since the author spoke about it. Reading the sinopsis spiked them even more. I've read many books from this author, and this one sounded a little different from what she's published so far.

The Lies os Bryn van Doren starts off with an air of mistery that I loved instantly. Both main characters are surrounded by a special aura that's present through good part of the book. The more I read, the more I felt I was putting together the pieces of a puzzle that made perfect sense in the end. This is a story of struggle, loss, hope and love between two people who met in the strangest of circumstances and who were surprised by life's turns taking them in a direction they never expected.

I loved both the H and h. Jessica was so strong and persevering, and Kahlon had an apparently hard exterior, but a sweet heart. Their meetings were so intense and full of questions and doubts at the beginning, which had me biting my nails the whole time, yay! But I won't spoil the book for you and I recommend you go into it blind so that you truly enjoy the whole Bry van Doren experience, it's really worth it!

I loved everything about this book and would recommend it if you're looking for a great romance, a different kind of romance, with a HEA and a beautiful bonus chapter that will melt your heart. It's always a pleasure to read this author and will be looking forward to read more books from her in a near future!
Profile Image for Aundreya.
312 reviews41 followers
February 6, 2021
I was his for the taking, but he didn't take. He gave. Even if he doesn't know it, he gave me a piece of myself I never thought I'd find in that room.


I am a sucker for a good retelling and this one did not disappoint. If pretty woman had a little more HOT SAUCE and a dash of family and emotion you would have The Lies of Brynn van Doren.

What you need to know:
-3rd person POV
-hot rich bachelor who won't follow in love, or even sleep with the paid escorts more than twice till he finds Bryn (sigh) and can't get enough, even when he denies himself his feelings. I still can't say his name right in my head and found that to be a bit distracting.


- Bryn, an amazing woman doing all she can to take care of her family through a tough time, even if it means taking her talents to a place that being paid is a bit frowned upon.

- you just might get teary eyed... don't say I didn't warn you
-pretty woman vibes pulled me into this book. "WHATS YO DREAM"

-I enjoyed the main character so much but felt like I needed a bit more of them together 😭😭😭

Rating-
story- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
romance- paid "friendship"
steam= my kindle is still sizzling

thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for a review ❤️
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
1,729 reviews42 followers
February 1, 2021
I've been sitting on this review for the past 3 days not sure how to write down what I felt while reading.

Jessica aka Bryn is a young woman who's been dealt with a shitty hand. She's barely getting by and is forced to take actions even if she's conflicted. Khalohn was a hard man to like. He was wrapped up in so much mystery that it took me more than half the book before I started to feel that he deserved her. But he stepped up when she needed him most and he wouldn't let go and that's why I loved him by the end.

This book was not an easy read and it took me quite some time before I felt into it. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed it and loved parts of it but something kept missing for me to give it a 5* rating.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Profile Image for Jennifer McCarthy.
572 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. I was completely hooked and had to finish it!

Jessica lost her job and has to take care of her sick mother. While she is at her lowest point she asks for help from her best friend and they agree for her to work at Clandestines. This is where she meets Khalohn. Jessica and Khalohn were hot stuff. Khalohn was so closed off and to see him grow and open up was a beautiful thing to see. I loved their chemistry.

The relationship Jessica and Huey had were so strong and you could see how much he protected her by keeping her as safe as possible. He wants to help her so much but he is willing to help her in a way that works for her.

I received an ARC for my honest review.
378 reviews
February 2, 2021
I love this author and her books do not disappoint! I found the beginning a bit slow but once the story built up I couldn't put it down! I really enjoyed the storyline and it was heartfelt at times which had me teary. I loved all the characters. Khalohn was super sweet and I liked how he never let this show to anyone but Jessica and even then it was subtle to start with.
I do have to mention that it's written in 3rd party which I couldn't get used to as I haven't read a book written in this POV for a long time. Also looking forward to see if Stefano gets a book, or even Porter!
Profile Image for LaDonna.
476 reviews18 followers
January 16, 2021
I will come back to finish this review in the next couple of days, but definitely another 5+ star read from RC Martin! It brings out all the feels while pushing new boundaries, but, overall, like all of Ms. Martin's books, it's got a beautiful message (or two...or ten... 😘) all wrapped up in a fantastic storyline. I will admit it took a bit longer to truly embrace than RC's books usually take me, but the payoff was beyond worth that tiny bit of hesitation.
Profile Image for Booksandcoffeemx.
1,491 reviews65 followers
January 24, 2021
I really liked this story, it took me a little to get into it, it starts a little slow, but a few chapters in and I couldn’t put it down. Both characters were great and I loved their chemistry. It was intriguing, emotional, sexy and intense. This is my first book from this author and it won’t be my last.

Thank you R.C. Martin for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

http://www.instagram.com/booksandcoff...
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
4,682 reviews87 followers
February 5, 2021
Jessica is a girl who has the world on her shoulders. She is carrying so much. When she makes a decision that will help her financially, she steps into a whole new world and takes on a whole new persona. This story is sad yet sweet, sexy and somewhat emotional at times. When Bryn/Jessica meets Kahlon both of their lives will never be the same. I enjoyed this story and my only complaint is I wish I would have gotten more of Jessica and Kahlon sooner.
Profile Image for Kathryn Manzella.
3,408 reviews26 followers
February 2, 2021
The Lies of Bryn Van Doren is an emotional and sexy romance that is well written, interesting and keeps you entertained.  The characters have amazing chemistry and the storyline kept me glued to the pages. 
February 3, 2021
The Lies of Bryn van Doreen is absolutely beautiful, filled with emotion and lots of steamy scenes.

Jessica is a young woman who would do anything to help her mother who is struggling with her illness. After being fired from the job at the bar she finds herself at a brothel to sell her self, only she did not expect to meet a stunning Khalonh who is ready to give her anything so she can only be his. He makes her a business proposal that she can’t turn down. As the time goes on their both feelings and chemistry grows and eventually they both get their happily ever after.

This is my first read by R.C.Martin and for sure it won’t be the last. I really enjoyed the story line and looking forward to more.
Profile Image for Alyssa Skaggs.
220 reviews7 followers
February 2, 2021
Book review from free ARC. Thank you to @author_r.c.martin for letting me read before the public in exchange for a review. This book was amazing the characters were written so well and parts of the book made me cry(hate when books do that) and some scenes were STEAMY!!! The book flowed so smooth and went from present to past and back again without hardly a notice. I highly recommend reading this when it comes out.
Profile Image for Nicole Johnson.
817 reviews25 followers
February 2, 2021
Khalohn and Jessica

This book is my first by this author and it won't be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
The Lies of Bryn Van Doren is a sexy, emotionally charged romance novel about successful business man, Khalohn Morgan, and a hot twenty something, barely making ends meet, determined young woman named Jessica Chapman.
These two are hot on their own, then when they're together...my oh my they are straight FIRE. Khalohn is swoon worthy in and out of the bedroom and Jessica gives as good as she gets.
I love how these two meet, how their relationship builds into more, and the ending is perfect. Great book!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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