Broken Lies

Second Chance Chigago #1

by Gina Azzi

He's a Hollywood heartthrob. She's a liar.

I can have any woman I want.

I want her. Zoe Clark.

With wicked curves, a smart mouth, and unrivaled confidence, Zoe captivates me the moment she rejects me. Amused by her brush-off, I hire her to work on the set of my next film in the exotic Seychelles.

For the next four months, she's not the sassy bartender from Chicago. Instead, she's the intense personal trainer running me through circuit trainings from hell.

She's also the woman invading my thoughts, tearing down my walls, and offering me a glimpse of a future I don't deserve.

Our spark flickers into a flame that blazes into a wildfire neither of us can resist.

Her light blocks out the failures of my past, coaxing me to let her in.

Except Zoe harbors a secret.

Her pretty words are laced with deceit. Her intentions are tainted.

And I fall for all her lies.

***
Broken Lies is book 1 in Second Chance Chicago Series and should be read prior to Twisted Truths.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity, Celebrity, Amazon

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2020

About the author

Hi! I'm Gina and I write realistic, relatable, sweet New Adult and Contemporary Romance books. A NJ native, I have lived and worked abroad before settling in Canada with my husband and Littles. Although I can't iron (at all), I am a passionate reader, frequent globetrotter, and aspiring baker (recipes appreciated!). I love hearing from fellow readers so please connect!

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Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ❤️❤️❤️💔🌟s❣️

The story didn’t grip me from the start. But I have to say, as the plot was evolving, it drew me in completely.

Lies might break you, but so can truths...

Zoe and Eli had a great chemistry from the moment they met. While both characters were carrying a lot of baggage, they connected with great passion.

A very well written book, with the appropriate amount of drama, high angst and full of emotions.

The cliffhanger was predictable for me, but I am not sure of how the author will develop it in the next part!!!
Was this another lie or truth???....

[Robin Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn that was good. Need part 2 ASAP!

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again another awesome read by one of my favorites, Gina Azzi! I love books where a famous person hooks up with a “regular” person because isn’t that an amazing dream for all of us!? Just like in all of the other books I’ve read by Ms. Azzi, I fell in love with these characters! Eli Holt is yummy but also a good guy with some trust issues. Zoe Clark has really been dealt a crappy hand in life but she has a small group of family and friends who love her and support her. And those are just the main characters! The supporting characters feel like your best friends from the moment you are introduced to them, Charlie, Harlow, Evan! Gina Azzi really had a knack for writing characters that you connect with and a story that spans the whole spectrum of feelings. Broken Lies is no different! I can’t wait for Twisted Truths to see how this all ends! I really want to know also if we are going to get Charlie’s story!

~Alexis💜

[diann bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken lies! What a ride! Gina Azzi hit this one out if the park!
The story is a page turner for sure!
The connection between Zoe and Eli is immediate and so much fun to read!
This story will keep you interested and wanting more and guess what? I’m done and I want the sequel now but sadly I have to wait.
While I am Anticipating what happens next in this wild story I will remember all the happy moments of Zoe and Eli.
#mynewfavoriteginaazzibook

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Zoe gets the chance of a lifetime to train Hollywood himself, Eli Holt, for his next big movie, she grabs it with both hands. No, not so she can be near him, but because the money will make all the difference in saving her dad's legacy, his bar Shooters. The fact that Eli is hotter than the surface of the sun doesn't hurt though...



Zoe and Eli have some serious chemistry, but they also both have serious demons. They're keeping things from each other that have the potential to obliterate whatever the thing is that they're starting between them. Unfortunately, I won't find out what their future is until their conclusion releases, Twisted Truths. But I loved reading the first part of their journey. It's sexy and the push and pull between them is delicious. Can't wait to find out what happens next for them!



ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.

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[Ashley Estep The Art of Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Lies is my first Gina Azzi book and I'm wondering why she hasn't been in my life before now! Eli and Zoe's story is an emotional rollercoaster I wasn't aware I was taking until it was too late and I was hooked.

Eli is a famous actor who shooting a film on location when his trainer has an emergency and can no longer go. Enter Zoe, the sassy, fierce fitness trainer/waitress who puts Eli in his place from their very first meeting. Eli's friend Conner tells him about Zoe and she eventually agrees to be his trainer on the tropical island. Yes, we all knew they were going to end up hooking up together, you don't spend months on an island together without it. But the pure chemistry and attraction these two have is amazing. Both with broken past and painful truths that neither wants to admit to the other their relationship was a ticking time bomb.

Azzi had me turning page after page and I had finished the book before I even realized how far I had gotten, Broken Lies was addicting and amazing. Gina Azzi gave us two amazing characters in Eli and zoe and side characters that added everything.

And then lets talk about that cliffhanger! Yes, Broken Lies is book one in the Regretful Duet and will leave you screaming for more!

5 Broken stars for Gina Azzi and Broken Lies!

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for A Book Nerd, A Bookseller, and a Bibliophile

Once again another awesome read by one of my favorites, Gina Azzi! I love books where a famous person hooks up with a “regular” person because isn’t that an amazing dream for all of us!? Just like in all of the other books I’ve read by Ms. Azzi, I fell in love with these characters! Eli Holt is yummy but also a good guy with some trust issues. Zoe Clark has really been dealt a crappy hand in life but she has a small group of family and friends who love her and support her. And those are just the main characters! The supporting characters feel like your best friends from the moment you are introduced to them, Charlie, Harlow, Evan! Gina Azzi really had a knack for writing characters that you connect with and a story that spans the whole spectrum of feelings. Broken Lies is no different! I can’t wait for Twisted Truths to see how this all ends! I really want to know also if we are going to get Charlie’s story!

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I feel like I have multiple personalities reading a book. At first, life is kinda mundane, but okay. The next is feeling elation from your dreams starting to come true. Then you are lusting, or maybe falling in love, with the man of your dreams. Of course there's always drama and your heart falls out of your chest and you may want to throw the book or kindle. And then depending on if the book ends in the cliffhanger (and whether you like them or not), anger may start to rise. Either way, I really enjoyed this one. It does end in a cliffhanger, but book 2 comes out soon. Both the H & h have issues to work through, and one is more forthcoming than the other. That being said, I can't wait to see how this one ends.

[Zilpha Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start but worth the investment

This started out a bit rough for me, but when it finally kicks in I really enjoyed it. Eli and Zoe were both closed off characters that took some warming up to. When those walls came crumbling down they were two people I could root for. The cliffhanger is a doozy.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli is a famous actor who is at the top of his career that finds himself in the position of need a new trainer to prepare for his next role which is how Zoe enters his life. He is a private man with trust issues due to his past but there is something about Zoe that draws him in both physically and emotionally.

Zoe isn’t only a trainer, but she works at her father’s bar as a waitress. The opportunity of being Eli’s trainer is exactly what her family needs, so she agrees even if it is against her better judgment. She has a painful past of her own that she keeps hidden even from those she is closest to.

As they work together it is only a matter of time before the chemistry between them ignites but is there any way for this to end other than in heartbreak?

The interactions between Zoe and Eli are fun to watch and their story isn’t without emotion and drama that leaves us wondering what the future holds for this couple.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (10/11/2020)! 🎁

[Bibliophile Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow!! This is the first riveting story of this duet and it is going to grab you by the heart and soul and take you for a wild ride.

From a small suburb of Chicago to the beautiful islands of Seychelles, Ms. Azzi spins a heartbreaking and hopeful story.

This is the story of Eli and Zoe, two people from the same small town but with wildly different lives.  Eli is the breakout star in Hollywood and Zoe is still a small-town girl, trying to live her best life.

Both Zoe and Eli have had scars in their past that drives them in the present.  But their chemistry is off the charts and what starts as something of a what happens on location, stays on location turns into something both don't see coming.

These two are so much alike and the secrets and lies that they keep from each other makes me want to grab them both and shake them!  They are perfect for each other! 

This story is one I couldn't put down until the very end and when you read the ending, it's going to leave you gasping for breath and screaming for more! I cannot wait to see what comes next for Eli and Zoe.  Will the truth finally come out?  Will they see they are truly made for each other?  So many questions!! 

This is a well written, thought out first story in a duet that is going to be epic!! 

[Cierra McCauley (Cierra's Corner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Lies is an Emotional Rollercoaster! Whew, Azzi got me! Azzi is a new author for me. I really enjoyed Broken Lies, It was a page-turner! I loved Zoe and Eli, they start off fun and the air around them is so sexually charged! I really loved all their flirty spars! Zoe has a big secret she's keeping from everyone and she just pastes on a smile and pushes through, kinda of ignoring it until she can't. The reader definitely gets that impending doom feeling. Eli wasn't expecting Zoe, she really through him for a loop and before he even realized it he was opening up for her. He has a lot of baggage and heartache in his past. The question is can these two open up and lay it all on the table to work through what's ahead or have they just been doomed from the beginning. This book is sexy and heart-clenching! The Angst is savage! I loved the characters, Charlie and Evan really have piqued my interest! I had some serious confusion at the beginning on, why Zoe is called Zoe instead of Vi since her name is Violet. It messed up quite a bit until I could finally shut my brain off and easily make the connection. I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Dani_b1821 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually shy away from actor/actress characters, but I'm glad I gave this book a chance. I was glued to my seat needing to know how the story would unfold. I was feeling array of different emotions every page. I'm excited to see what the next book will have instore.

Zoe and Eli are so sweet together. I wasn't expecting to love Eli so much, but he kept proving me wrong every page. He isn't completely jaded even after being in Hollywood for so long. He might of pushed Zoe away, but in the end he pulled off his mask to show her who he truly was. Zoe, on the other hand, is a women trying to not let fear hold her back. She is struggling in ways that can impact her future, and possible relationships. I heart really goes out for her struggle and all the pain she feels.

The story touched on sensitive issues that many women deal with. Gina Azzi was able to write about it in such a beautiful way. She was able to pull at my heart strings, but kept everything fun and flirt at the same time. I really couldn't put this book down. The cliffhanger at the end had me going crazy too. I can't wait to see what book two will have in store for us!
ARC received for a honest review.

[pran? · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Broken Lies by Gina Azzi
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Genre: A Hollywood Romance
Comment:An EXTREMELY gripping novel... I was HOOKED!
Reccomendation: Highly reccomended!
My Review:I've always had a soft spot for books wherein a famous cocky b*stard and a no-nonsense type of girl fall in love, and the moment I read the blurb of this book, I knew that I HAD to read it! When Zoe gets the chance of a lifetrime in the form of the great Mr.Hollywood himself to train the great Eli Holt for his next big movie, she knows that it's tooooo good of an opportunity to pass up, especially with her fear of the inveitable looming in her head....... The moment Eli set his eyes on that gorgeous and curvy purple-haired beauty, he knew that there was something different about her... and something mysterious. The fact that they're both keeping secrets from each other can only do two things to their relationship- either make it, or break it. I haven't reached the end of this book yet, but I can already say that the ending's gonna be a MAJOR cliffhanger, and those of you who haven't read this book, it's your loss, 'cause you're missing out on big stuff!!!

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good. But since it is a duet, I have to wait for the next book to see what happens! I will be on pins and needles to see what happens. It is a small world when Zoe meets Eli in her father’s bar. Eli’s is a movie star in Hollywood, but grew up in her small town near Chicago. I felt so bad for Eli as he was treated so bad by his high school sweetheart. Unfortunately their lives are still intertwined in some ways. I loved that Eli was attracted to Zoe, but she didn’t fall at his feet. She is a MMA trainer and Eli’s trainer can’t come with him on sight for his next big film. His assistant talks him into hiring Zoe for the four months he needs training. I loved how the two gave each other a hard time. My heart broke for Zoe with her loss of her mother and her father’s failing health. I hated how she carried everything inside her. I am ready to read the next book to see what happens. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli Holt is Hollywood's sexiest man-candy, and while he can get any woman he wants, he has some pretty big trust issues. He has this new personal trainer, Zoe Clark, and there's just something about her that keeps him thinking about her, despite trying to not do so, and boy do they have some serious chemistry from the jump. Eli doesn't want to trust her, while all the while she makes him feel, so you already know the push & pull is going to be brutal, and yet, it hurt so good. There is heat in spades, angst, and a lot of wild fun, but there are also some secondaries who tried to steal the show, as I wanted them in my life to be honest. I was hooked from the start, and never looked back, but there is a small drawback. There's another book that I have to wait for, and I'm kind of dying inside because I desperately NEED Twisted Truths! I know this review is short & sweet but I can't go on without giving spoilers away since I loved it so much, so just hit your one click buttons to experience the goodness for yourselves! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Broken Lies' has broken me - what have you done to me Gina Azzi. I turned the last page of this first book in the two book series and just wanted to keep going -thank god the next one and conclusion 'Twisted Truths' is out at the beginning of April.

Zoe and Eli's story will leave you gasping whilst grasping another tissue from the box remember there is a 2nd book so the last page isn't the end.

Two people fighting their own demons, one physical one emotional but drawn together none the less. As Zoe prepares Eli for the film that will move his film career up to the highest level the attraction between the two is simmering constantly in the background. Both knowing that that is where it needs to stay but it is becoming increasingly harder as the pair start to reveal their lives. The storyline is perfect, the characters believable as they deal with real issues against the backdrop of Hollywood.

Roll on book 2

[Ebonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina Azzi has become one of my favorite authors, and I think this book is at the top of my favorite reads from her. Holy smokes, this book had it all: steam, angst, love, hate, and everything in between. The chemistry between Zoe and Eli was jumping off the pages from their first encounter, and it didn't let up throughout the book. I loved them together, loved their storyline, and loved the drama between the two of them. This book (expectedly) ended on a cliffhanger that literally had me gasping out loud, and I can't wait to see what the next book brings!

[Rina's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy guacamole... what the actual what!? Natalie!!!!!
I'm still reeling from that ending! I can't wait to finish the rest of the story.
Eli kinda annoyed me to begin with but he definitely grew on my as his walls came down.
Zoe: beautifully broken Zoe... I love the way she embraces the small things. The way she lives for the moment and enjoys simple pleasures.
The two of them together? Magical

Also, I need Connor and Harlow's story! They intrigue me. Please and thank you 😀

[Andi Isack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this one was something else. That was really intriguing. This is my first read by Gina Azzi, but I seriously looking forward to read book 2. I have to many questions that need an answer NOW! I seriously never expected it to be such a ride for my mind and for my heart. I lost count of how many OMG I said while reading this book.
Definitely an YES from me!
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Lindsey Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fantastic! I was absolutely hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down! There was never a good stopping point when I had to take a break. This book threw me for a loop and I can’t wait for book two!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Read! Broken Lies is one exciting, intriguing, smooth flowing, page-turning wonder that's absolutely captivating. It has romance, steam, fear, intrigue, and humor between the characters that all go to make this an amazing read. I can't wait for book 2 to find out what happens with Eli and Zoe!

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two hurting people find one another, but their pain only hurts the other. Eli is a big Hollywood star, but an ex broke his heart, but their shared history binds them together. Zoe, aka Violet, lost her mother and grandmother to cancer, and lives in fear of getting the disease.
Two terrific protagonists, and an honesty to their relationship, makes this a compelling read. Warning, not an HEA, not even an HFN.

[Alida Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating! The relationship between Zoe and Eli is unique. The side relationships make you wonder, but the main story between Zoe and Eli is a page turner. I picked the book up at chapter 5 and next I checked I was at chapter 14. I can't wait to see what happens in book two!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced, sexual tension, heart breaking. Loved this! Gina takes the reader on a emotional journey with Eli and Zoe. Can’t wait till the next book comes out to see what happens. What a cliffhanger! What a ride!!

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

A story was being told here between Eli Holt and Zoe. He is a rising movie actor and she is a product of his hometown. She also helps her father keep up a popular but downturning bar and she has a secret she lives with. Zoe is also a fairly popular personal trainer with a solid social media following. These two (Eli & Zoe) are the story and there are some secondary characters that show potential. However somewhere along the way of the story, the author moves (sharp left) and her storytelling then veers into waxing poetic. I mean literally rainbows and shooting stars. I think she used them as filler garbage because the story is pretty simple, but once established there is no "there" there. We then meander into meanness and fear and hurt and useless threads when the story of Eli and Zoe was enough.

Then the author went and rolled it all to hell by letting my dumb ass know this is TBD world and this girl ain't here for that. Thus the 2 stars.

The intimate scenes are adequately told, but because the two people are hurt babies, you don't get the sense that when they commune, it means anymore than the get off.

As for Zoe's fear. I get it, but most people collect all the evidence, yell "This IS SPARTA!", and give that fear all you've got before accepting the irrefutable (if there is one). I don't know any one who starts in the reverse

My TBR was horribly depleted and I did the one thing I normally would never do. I choose this book based off of an IG ad. I have learned in the last few months authors pushing a series will take certain liberties and insert some heart tugging lines from one book into the description about another and the reader is left wondering, "where is that scene that made me want to buy the book?".

As I mentioned in my previous review of Ms. Azzi's work I am new to her world but I am smart enough to know that with the cost of digital books rising, I am pickier than ever and not going down the multiple book to tell one story slip and slide. If not for that I would have rated the book 3.25 stars.

[HANNAH (Books, Films, and Tea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Lies by Gina Azzi was a great celebrity and regular/hometown girl romance. This is part one of a duet, and it ends with a cliffhanger. Zoe is a personal trainer and works with MMA fighters. She also works at the bar/restaurant her father owns. Her mom and grandmother died of breast cancer, and she knows she is most likely going to get it as well. Her father is going increasingly blind, and she's trying to keep everything together. One day, Eli Holt, famous Hollywood actor, shows up at the bar and they are instantly drawn to each other. Eli's personal assistant asks Zoe if she'd be willing to be Eli's trainer for 4 months while he works on an important movie. She says yes because she needs the money, and leaves the next day with them all. While on set in the Seychelles, Eli and Zoe's chemistry heats up and they try to make a go of having a relationship after they can't get enough of each other. I really liked seeing Eli change for the better throughout the novel. He has a lot of issues from his past and it's clear that he wants to work through them and explain to Zoe that she's his only one now. Their banter was great and the flirting was steamy. I liked Zoe, she was strong and had a lot on her plate. I wish she had been better at communicating, but with her friends Charlie and Harlow, she had a few people to help. I loved seeing their relationship progress and it was frustrating to get to the end and have this random event occur that felt out of place. I really liked this book overall, the writing was great and Eli and Zoe were complex.

[Deb Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Lies
Second Chance Chicago #1
Gina Azzi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gah gotta start with I need book 2, luckily it’s out and I’m so ready for more Eli and Zoe. This story was so juicy, so angstey, so good. Zoe and Eli are from different worlds, he’s a hot Hollywood actor every girl loves. He’s got a past which follows him, and he’s about to start filming a new movie that’s going to shoot him to stardom on another level.

Zoe Clark is a woman living on borrowed time, after losing her Mum to cancer she holds the answer to her future in a letter she refuses to open. Instead she crushes it as a personal , trainer known for being unforgiving and hard ass attitude, but day to day she a sassy bartender at her fathers bar. When she’s offered the opportunity of a lifetime to work with Eli Holt to train him while filming in the Seychelles, she takes the job. Brushing off his good looks and sexy charm.

On the island Zoe discoveries Eli is just a man dealing with everything Hollywood throws at him. He’s actually a nice guy, and she slowly gives into his charm. Eli can have any woman but his eyes are focused on Zoe, when she finally gives in to him, the pair share an explosive chemistry. It as her past rears it’s ugly head, Zoe pulls the fight or flight…. Telling him she’s falling for him is the easy part, her other secret will be a deal breaker.

With the guts to face him she heads to his penthouse, it seems she’s not the only liar….
Watch this space (( well maybe not this one , but you get it)).
Off for book 2.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of this book didn't initially grab me. Or at least not until Zoe accepted that random job offer. Then things picked up, and my interest grew. I found myself wondering if this was really going to work between Zoe and Eli, or if something would happen to end the relationship before it had a chance to establish.

As the story progressed, my heart broke a few times. There were tears streaming down my cheeks. At this pint I was fully invested in Zoe alone. Screw her relationship, I just needed to check on her, and cheer for her. Yes her relationship with Eli was good, but all that was happening with her, had that relationship pushed to the back.

Harlow and Charlie are both amazing side characters, and I cannot wait to read their stories. To see them find their happily ever afters, and witness those journeys.

Then there is Joe. This man has been through so much, and the battle keeps building. Between him, and his daughter Zoe, I'm just drawn to them, and want nothing but the best for them.

Just a heads up if you read this book (and I think you should), it DOES end in a cliffhanger. I wasn't expecting that, but it happened.