Secrets and lies shadow a woman on the run in the second novel in the No More trilogy by Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kerry Lonsdale.
Jenna Mason’s life seems perfect: a successful career as an animator, a town house near the beach, and an adoring son, Josh, whose artistic talent looks as promising as his mother’s. But there’s something nobody realizes about Jenna. She used to be Lily Carson, a young mother on the run from a secret no one must ever know.
After years of constantly relocating, Jenna concedes to her son’s request to settle down. He wants to make friends. He wants some stability. He wants to feel normal. She convinces herself they’re safe. Until a reporter discovers who Jenna really is, bringing her estranged father to her doorstep. When he threatens to expose her carefully fabricated life for the lie that it is, Jenna has no choice but to run again.
But just as she’s about to go off the grid, Josh disappears, forcing Jenna to seek out the one person she never thought she’d see again: Josh’s father.
Kerry Lonsdale is the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Amazon Charts & #1 Kindle bestselling author of standalone and series-based emotionally charged domestic drama with over twenty-seven foreign language translations. She lives in Northern California with her husband, college-aged kids, and two cats.
While I enjoyed the story there were things about the writing that really annoyed me, I’ll try and explain.
Jenna Mason feels finally able to settle and relax after years of moving every few months. Her 13 year old son Josh has some lovely friends and has settled at his latest school. Jenna has a loving boyfriend and thinks maybe she can stay here. But a local journalist, looking to make a name for himself, seems to have stumbled on her secret. She was not always Jenna Mason, she has a secret that cannot be shared. This is all right at the start of the book. When Jenna (real name Lily Carson) was 16 and pregnant with Josh she killed her best friend Wes Jensen. Oh it was self defence and Wes was not thinking clearly but Jenna will do anything to keep this secret. She had just been thrown out of home for not divulging the baby’s father’s name and her dad threatened to kill whoever it was so very heavy stuff for a 16 year old with no other support system.
Unfortunately, parts of the reporter’s story even though it was canned, leak out luring Jenna’s father, Dwight, out of the woodwork and he has a hold over her. He has a video of Wes being killed. Long story short, someone seems to be terrorising Jenna. Is it Dwight or someone even worse?
It all gets very suspenseful when Jenna decides she has to run again and when Josh asks for a potty break in the middle of nowhere and Jenna gets hit by a car and Josh disappears and, and….The actual story was quite good, if a little predictable and it did seem to veer into soap opera territory. My problem was one of my pet hates - women who constantly wallow in guilt as if they, alone, are the cause of all the world’s ills combined with feelings of being unworthy of anyone’s love if the love interest knew how guilty/bad you are! How much do you have to hate yourself to think like that? It tiring and pointless.
Although this was a self contained story it is apparently book 2 of a trilogy. I checked out the first book and there seems to be quite a bit of overlap between the two books so I’m not inclined to go back for book 1. Many thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Punlishing for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Friends, I'm delighted for you to read No More Lies, the second book in the No More trilogy. Here, you get Lily's side of the story. You'll also revisit characters you fell in love with in No More Words as well as characters you loved to hate. The Carson family sure is something. I'm certainly glad they aren't mine. Enjoy the ride that is Lily's story. I can't wait for you to meet her. - Kerry
Special thanks to the author for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: May 10, 2022
After years of running, Jenna Mason has finally found a place to settle down. Her beloved son, Josh, has great friends, and Jenna has a loving fiancée and a career to be proud of. But what she hasn’t told anyone is that her real name is not Jenna Mason- and she’s responsible for the death of a young man many years ago. When a reporter catches wind that Jenna isn’t who she says she is, the news story is quickly cut, but the damage has been done. Soon, Jenna’s friends and neighbours are asking questions, and incriminating packages are being left on Jenna’s door. As much as Josh does not want to leave, Jenna knows she has to outrun her past once more. But now that Josh is older, he will start asking questions, questions that Jenna can’t answer without putting both their lives at risk.
“No More Lies” is the second novel in Kerry Lonsdale’s “No More” trilogy. I absolutely devoured the first novel, “No More Words”, and was super excited to read Jenna’s story! Although it isn’t necessary to read the first novel in order to keep up with the storyline of the first, I highly recommend it, as “Lies” and “Words” intersect at crucial plot points.
The story is told from the perspective of Jenna (formerly Lily), the sister of Olivia (protagonist in “No More Words”) , in the present and years ago when she was a young, pregnant teen on the run. We learn about Jenna as she talks about her negligent mother and abusive stepfather, her constant runs from the law and the responsibility she feels for a death that was not fully hers to shoulder, and her heartbreak only added to my emotional connection. I rooted for both Jenna and Josh from the first page, and I really enjoyed hearing Jenna’s side of things, especially after reading “Words”. Jenna’s desire to protect Josh, at any cost, was profound and emotional, and it made her a completely relatable character.
Lonsdale pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t let up. I had a hard time putting this novel down, as each twist and turn captivated my attention. The addictive and gripping action and drama that comprise “Lies” had me on the edge of my seat! The ending is completely satisfying and it provides a nice little tease as to what to expect from novel number three (which I eagerly look forward to!). “No More Lies” has the kind of readability you look for in a novel, and very few authors are able to achieve. Lonsdale sure can craft a tale, and her “No More” series is a winner!
Jenna Mason's life seems perfect: a successful career as an animator, a town house by the beach, an adoring son, Josh, whose artistic talent looks as promising as his mother's. Bit there's something no one realises about Jenna. She used to be Lily Carson, a young mother on the run from a secret no one must ever know.
What an emotional, raw, and suspense filled read this was. I have not read the first book in this series but it did read well as a standalone. The characters are well developed and likeable. The pace is fast and the plotline is filled with secrets and lies. The story has a dual timeline that's told in the present day and the past when Jenna was pregnant, and the dangers that haunt her from her past. When I thought that I had it all figured out, along would come another twist to prove me wrong. It did take me a few chapters to get into the story. This is a multi-layered story with each character revealing something. I quite like a story where a dysfunctional family is involved.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing and the author #KerryLongsdale for my ARC of #NoMoreLies in exchange for an honest review.
After reading and loving Kerry Lonsdale's "Everything" trilogy I was super excited to read "No More Words" the 1st book of her "No More" trilogy and it didn't disappoint. Recently released "No More Lies" the second book of the trilogy also didn't disappoint. Told in dual timelines this well-written suspenseful mystery is the continuing story of the dysfunctional Carson family and their dark secrets. I look forward to the final book in the trilogy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
No More Lies is the second book in the No More trilogy about the Carson family: Olivia, Lucas and Lily. Book 1 No More Words is Olivia's story and this book, No More Lies, is Lily/Jenna's story.
Olivia has been hiding and moving frequently since she ran away from her parents house at 16. She was pregnant and her parents insisted that she have an abortion but she wanted the baby and ran away hoping to hide from their wrath. Her son, Josh, is 12 and has started to ask questions about what she is hiding and why they have moved so frequently. She has even changed her name from Lily to Jenna. His questions and his attitude toward his mother are beginning to affect their relationship with each other. When she finds that someone is following her again, she is ready to move somewhere else. But Josh finally feels like they are in a safe place, he's made friends and doesn't want to move. Her agreement to stay where they are creates even more danger for Jenna and Josh and when Josh disappears, she is afraid that her worst fears have come true.
Janna has told so many lies over the years that it's difficult for her to share the truth. She is estranged from her siblings and in hiding from her parents. She is also lying to her fiancé Kavan and most importantly to her son. She's a famous animator but has hidden from the world and doesn't do any book events. Will Josh's disappearance make her face the issues from her past no matter what repercussions it causes? Will she be able to reconcile with her sister?
This book was a real roller coaster ride between the past and her current life. The character that I enjoyed the most was Josh - a young kid who just wants a normal life and to stay in the same place so he can make friends and get some stability in his life. and friends.
I can't wait for the last book in the series which doesn't come out until 2023 when all of the secrets in the Carson family should be revealed.
Thanks to the author of this book for a copy to read and review.
It’s no secret Kerry Lonsdale is one of my favorite authors. In NO MORE LIES she weaves another intricate web of lies and betrayal that’ll keep you turning those pages, saying “One more chapter,” and I bet you won’t stop at one. With such compelling characters they practically leap out of the novel, life-shattering secrets that should – but won’t – stay hidden, and twists and turns you won’t see coming, this family driven suspense will keep you on tenterhooks until the end. There’s no doubt this book deserves a top spot on your reading list.
Review - No More Lies By Kerry Lonsdale 5.0 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book number two of the No More trilogy did not disappoint!!!
No More Lies is the continuing saga of the Carson family drama & their secrets. This time told from Lily/Jenna’s perspective. Starting off with a possible murder accusation in chapter one had me hooked immediately thus making this one hard to put down! The book is so well written. I loved the alternating chapters of past & present along with the complex characters constantly evolving… always revealing just a bit more. Lily/Jenna’s life has been tumultuous to say the least. Her quest to protect her identity and her son is proving to be quite difficult just when she thinks she can relax. Lots of twists & turns happen along the way. Just when you think you have it figured out… along comes another twist. This was the perfect book 2! Can’t wait until book number 3 comes out!!! Kerry Lonsdale is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy a suspenseful thriller. Thank you #NetGalley, @Kerry Lonsdale, #NoMoreLies & Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC. My review is strictly voluntary.
When bad things happen, feeling powerless is one of the most stressful things that can happen. Just ask Lily Carson. In order to gain some control in her life, she does the only thing she can - she keeps a secret. A BIG secret. Keeping the secret not only protects her, but her child and their future. Keeping the secret means survival.
This is book two of a trilogy featuring the Carson siblings; Olivia, Lily and Lucas. When something terrible happens one foggy night on their property, each of them views the event differently. Despite reacting differently, they all agree, it shaped them into adulthood. Lonsdale has crafted three books, each one from a Carson sibling’s point of view. In book 1 readers get Olivia’s experience, in this book, we get Lily’s experience and in the final book of the trilogy, we’ll get Lucas’s experience. I love this concept. Each book in this family drama gives readers just a bit wider lens with which to view the tragedy and its ripple effects through the family.
Book two has it all - family dysfunction, suspense, tension, drama, romance, and twists. It’s fast-paced and difficult to set aside and participate in non-bookish life. I was swept up in the never-ending nightmare of this broken family. I was awestruck and dumbfounded. My pulse skyrocketed, my nails got bitten to the quick, and I read feverishly to find out what really happened that fateful night and how Lily was going to deal with the fall out. Lonsdale’s characters are always well-rounded allowing readers to understand how the events affect each of them, thereby enveloping the reader in the narrative. I cared about what happened….despite knowing minor parts of the story from Olivia’s point of view. I loved a chance to get the backstory and I’m looking forward to finding out what Lucas Carson has to add in No More Secrets to be published March 2023.
I was gifted this advance copy by Kerry Lonsdale, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Kerry Lonsdale. With having read the first in the series for No More, I was absolutely thrilled to have been given an early copy to the second in the series.
I loved being taken into the story of Lily. Kerry Lonsdale is such an amazing storyteller. I love the alternating chapters of past and present along with such raw and complex characters. Life shattering secrets that slowly are unfolded with each layer revealed.
Such a brilliantly crafted suspense family drama! I can't wait to read book three! Lonsdale has climbed up my favorite authors list and just love her!!!
4.5/5 stars
Thank you so much to Amazon publishing and Kerry for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
No more words set the bar quite high for me in this trilogy.
No more lies lived up to every single expectation.
I loved the suspenseful moments and how so many secrets and truths are discovered in the end.
The characters are so well fleshed out that I felt like being next to them and even interacting with some of these fictional people. I think it's just a gift of the author to make you feel so intrigued and invested in a story that you forget about reality and immerse yourself in a great fictional world.
There are some quite unexpected twists that I haven't seen coming my way.
And the final chapter? That left me reeling from all the race pounding suspense. I can't wait to see where the author will take this story in the next and final instalment.
Suspenseful and intriguing from start to finish, No more lies is a must read story.
I just want to start out by saying that this is book number two in the No More Trilogy . In the grand scheme of things, you could read this without having read the first book but I would not recommend it as the first book really sets the tone and introductions for the trilogy.
I am a huge fan of Kerry Lonsdale, and I have yet to be disappointed in anything that she has written to date.
Lily Carson is now "Jenna Mason" and "Jenna" finally feels free to start a better life with her son, Josh. Engaged to be married to Kavan.
BUTTTT,....
Jenna has been lying to Kavan and when Josh goes missing, its a race around the clock to find him before Jenna loses it all.
Someone knows Jenna has something to hide, someone knows the truth about Lily Carson....
This cant be good....
If you have not read No More Words, you have time. No More lies does not release until May 2022 and I suggest you catch up!
Put your seatbelt on for this ride! Wow, I was on the edge of my seat throughout this entire novel! Gripping, exhilarating, exciting! First, let’s talk about the characters. The author did a great job at refreshing my memory and filling in any gaps that got lost since the first book of the series. I couldn’t remember who a few of the characters were or exactly what happened previously, but I was quickly brought up to speed. It is so easy to want to read more about Jenna aka Lily, her life is so intriguing and interesting (to say the least), and it just keeps getting better and better. I appreciated the dual timeline, it really made the story even better that way. There are a few sensitive topics as well as a few hot steamy scenes, but nothing inappropriate or over the top. To me, the best parts of the book are the thrill and suspense, I even had nightmares of being followed and chased! I could not put the book down and had to keep reading it to the end though I knew I would regret it the next day since I knew I was losing so much sleep on a work night. I ended up finishing it around midnight last night! Families, relationships, friendships, romance, drama, suspense, murder, deceit, secrets, and, of course let’s not forget, LIES! Lie after lie after lie… How can you NOT be enticed to read this?! Pub date is May 10, but you can preorder it now! Do it!
Another fantastic read by the wonderfully talented Kerry Lonsdale. For starters, check out No More Words, not because it's mandatory to read this second installment, but because it's a great read. In No More Lies, Jenna's on the run from a secret in her past and finally ready to settle down with her young son. But things take a dangerous turn and Jenna is led on a dangerous path where her past and present collide.
Lonsdale writes suspense and family drama with just the right touch of romance. Add to your TBR, readers. This one hits all the notes and will leaving you wanting MORE.
Another fabulous book by Kerry Lonsdale! I have loved each of her books and this one did not disappoint. This book is the second book in the series No More and it answers so many questions that were left when No More Words ended. Lily/Jenna's story was slow to unravel but when her lies finally stopped the story that developed was remarkable. The strength of this young woman was thrilling and impressive. She and her son, Josh, have an amazing bond and you quickly realize that she will do absolutely anything to protect him. She is a fabulously written character and you cannot help but care for her and her son's well-being. The story is so well-conceived and flawlessly written that it is hard to find a place to take a break. Something new is always being discovered and the story flows so easily into each of Lily/Jenna's next obstacle in life. This could be read as a stand alone book but I would highly recommend reading the first book in the series before you begin this phenomenal book. You will understand so much more of this book if you read Olivia's story in No More Words. I am looking forward to reading all about Lucas in the third installment No More Secrets! This family drama will keep you interested from beginning to end and I undoubtedly recommend that you pick it up when it is released on May 10, 2022. I am so grateful to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this amazing book in exchange for a honest review.
This is the second book in a trilogy and while I’m sure it would be ok to read as a standalone you would be missing out because the first book is great! Book one followed one of the Carson siblings, Olivia and this one is her sister Jenna’s story. I have been so curious about her perspective and you get some answers to burning questions here. This is one complex and messed up family and there are a ton of secrets and betrayals to unravel. Much like the previous book you obviously have some suspense but you also get some romance and an emotionally charged plot as it all deals with family drama. This was a great escapist read and I cannot even wait to see how it all concludes in book 3!!
Thank you to @kerrylonsdale for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
The No More series follows estranged siblings Lily, Olivia, and Lucas. Once close as children, the actions of their parents drove them apart as teens. Check out my review of the first book, No More Words, to see how the series is set up.
No More Words followed the oldest sibling, Olivia. In No More Lies we get to know Lily, now going by the name Jenna Mason, and her son Josh. The majority of the story is told through Jenna’s present-day POV, but some flashbacks to her childhood tell the story of the secret she’s running from.
Having read the first book in the series, I loved how this continuation was told. It fills in some of the gaps introduced in No More Words, and I was so excited for the timelines to converge. I thought the flashbacks were just enough to keep the reader interested in Jenna’s past without overtaking the present-day story. The plot was well-paced and engaging throughout.
I’m normally not the biggest fan of the “I’m unlovable because of my past” trope, but in this case it was well done. Jenna worked through her residual trauma from her past and realized she was still seeing things through the view of a twelve-year-old girl. She eventually explained everything to her fiance and made up for her mistakes.
This was a great continuation of the series, and I’m looking forward to book three which follows Lucas’s point of view. If you haven’t read this series before, I would definitely recommend starting with No More Words to gain some necessary background. No More Lies would work as a standalone, but the first book is definitely worth the read and the background makes the story even better.
This is the second book in a trilogy - you don't need to have read the first book but it does help to have a better understanding of the characters and events that occur. The first installment revolved around Olivia and this one is her younger sister Jenna's story. We learn that she's been on the move with Josh for years, having fled her home, pregnant at sixteen and running from a terrible secret. But she's been in her current home for the longest she's ever stayed put, and Josh is now twelve and adjusting to a steady home life, one school, and real friends. She's actually engaged - to a local restauranteur named Kavan. She loves his daughter, Uma, and can't wait for them to be a family. And of course it all comes crashing down, as a reporter discovers Jenna's past. You see, she's a famous animator that remains anonymous - her agent and lawyer handle her professional life. Yet in one interview, she reveals a detail that only this one reporter latched onto, apparently, and he uncovered who she used to be.
She immediately gets the urge to flee, but Josh convinces her not to, as he's tired of running and doesn't know the full story about why Jenna's ran for so long. She agrees, even after her father shows up, having discovered where she lives (thanks to the reporter digging around). They come to an uneasy understanding where she basically pays him to leave them alone and they both vow to keep 'the secret' buried. And thus ensues an overly long story where Jenna constantly goes back and forth about leaving or staying, lying to Josh, and lying to Kavan. Yes, she hasn't shared the truth with him, either. It's all because of this terrible secret that we just know won't be revealed until the very end. So anyway, she finally decides to run again when something tragic occurs and she can't. Then eventually she tries to leave again, which leads to Josh disappearing. If you've read the previous book, you know what happens, but otherwise, this is where you're left wondering if she'll find him before it's too late.
The plot itself is engaging enough, but it's incredibly drawn out. And Jenna is an exhausting character, constantly lying to everyone because she's so ashamed of her past. She'll easily leave Kavan and Uma behind because she 'doesn't deserve their love.' Ugh. Half the story is Jenna's inner monologue about how terrible she is and doesn't deserve anything good in her life, etc. Even though whenever anyone close to her gets a hint that she may have a past, they don't care! These people couldn't be any more understanding, yet she continues to throw it all away because she believes she deserves nothing. The horrible secret from her past isn't so horrible when the truth comes out and it's unbelievable that her reaction would be to disappear forever. The story is overly melodramatic for me, and I don't think I'll be reading the third in the trilogy. But if you're a fan of Lifetime movies, let's say, than this would be right up your alley!
No More Lies is a brilliantly-crafted thriller about a woman who ran away when she was 16, only to have her past catch up with her, putting her and her son in imminent danger. Jenna is tired of hiding and running and lying, and has finally reached a place where she feels safe and loved—until her lies show up at her front door. This is a taut and suspenseful book that left me breathless with fear and anticipation, a cat and mouse game with Jenna trying to stay out of reach of anyone who wants to hurt her and her son. No More Lies is also an extremely emotional book, leaving me completely invested in what happens to Jenna, Josh, and the people who love them. Not only was I on the edge of my seat, I was also on the brink of tears. The lies and deception, the betrayals and manipulations, are at the root of this twisty and sordid tale. But at its core, this is a book about love, the risks we take, and even the lies we tell.
The Carson sibling drama continues in No More Lies, Book Two of the No More series. In this book, we get Jenna’s story and more things become known as to why she ran away from home at the age of sixteen, what happened to her son Josh, and about her continued anxiety and fear of people discovering who she really is and what happened in her past. I could understand why Jenna felt she had to keep running even after she thought she had found a safe place to finally stay put and make a home for Josh. Though I, like Josh, wanted her not to run again. But things start to happen as she discovers someone is stalking her and leaving notes and items from her past on her doorstep which causes her to panic and want to hit the road again. Of course, her main reason for running and always moving is to protect Josh, but Josh has had it with the moving from place to place and wants to stay. Then Josh disappears and she feels, like any mother would, like her world has just come crashing down.
No More Lies is a gripping, thrilling and emotional ride with incredible and surprising twists. It is a book about lies and deceptions, dark family secrets, and, in the end, forgiveness. It is an amazing story about one messed up family, and I cannot wait to read Lucas’ story in Book Three. I highly recommend reading Book One in this trilogy first, then YOU MUST read Book Two. I have to say that Kerry Lonsdale’s books just keep getting better and better. If she continues to write them, I will continue to read them.
Thank you to Kerry Lonsdale, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions in this review are my own.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Publishing May 10th, 2022, No More Lies is the highly anticipated second installment of Kerry Lonsdale's No More series, and it did not disappoint!!
This thrilling series follows a dysfunctional family with a lot of lies and secrets. The first book was Olivia's story, and this book is her sister Lily's story. Although the two stories are very closely intertwined, this book could be read as a standalone, or read before the first one. I recommend reading both eventually though, because some details in the story would probably be missed!! This book did a great job keeping me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down until I finished it in one sitting. It is thrilling, dramatic, and quickly paced to keep you interested.
I can't wait to see how this story ties up next year!!
Ever since her son, Josh, was born 13 years ago, Jenna/Lily has been running from her past. Despite being a teen mom, she's done an excellent job providing for him, but has her past finally caught up with her? Will she continue to be able to keep them safe?
"Once one lie unravels, the entire web will fall."
No More Lies, the second in a series, fills in more blanks about a deliciously dysfunctional family (the type that's fun to read about but not to be a member of haha). It focused mostly on Jenna/Lily, a children's author, and her teen son, Josh. Lies was even more suspenseful and compelling than the first and provided more information about Jenna's childhood and why she ran away. This was the perfect Mother's Day weekend read as Jenna proved she will do anything to save her son!
Now I just have to be patient while I wait for No More Secrets, the third and last in the series to release in March 2023 so I can find out more about Jenna/Lily's brother, Lucas!
Location: Oceanside, California
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I read everything by Kerry Lonsdale. She has never disappointed me in her stories. This is book #2 which hasnt come out yet (releasing May 10, 2022) and I was lucky to receive an ARC. This was my last book to read in 2021 and I couldnt have picked a better one.
Jenna Mason and her son, Josh now have a great life. Successful career, town house on the beach and she is even engaged to be married. But is all that going to go away? When someone finds out she is really Lily Carson, who ran away from a big secret she left at home.
This book keeps you turning the pages and wondering how it will end. Will she run again or stay and face her worst nightmare? Place it on your TBR list for May.....in fact, starting reading Book #1 NO MORE WORDS in the meantime. #Netgalley #ARC #fivestars
I’ve always been a big fan of Lonsdale’s work, but this book is so unrealistically dramatic it was hard to get through. Stalkers, multiple traumatic brain injuries, characters who are grown adults who still believe things weren’t accidents but suddenly they tell someone what happened (FINALLY) and it’s like a switch flips. It was hard to root for Jenna because she was so childish and it was a cheap narration technique to have bad things happen time after time just to move the story along. The father dying was useless and I don’t know why he was even reintroduced.
I honestly don’t know if I want to finish this trilogy this book frustrated me so much.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is book two in this series and just as good as the first one! This one centers on Jenna/Lily and the secrets she has. It’s a whirlwind of a story. It keeps you turning the pages in a rush to find out what happens. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series. Thanks to the author for the early copy
The story of Jenna Mason continues in the second book of the trilogy, and although it can be read as a standalone, my recommendation is to read the books in order. Jenna is a talented graphic novelist who has been running away from her past for over a decade, hiding from the truth and keeping the truth hidden from her teen son Josh. Josh wants to know why they constantly moved and who his father is, but Jenna doesn’t want to share a painful past with him. In hiding her past, she unwittingly endangers Josh and herself as she gets involved in a dangerous cat and mouse game with a predator determined to destroy her. In this book, Jenna has to face her past with courage and to depend on people other than herself for help, especially when Josh is targeted and disappears. The suspense increased tremendously once Jenna is injured and Josh gets away from her. I really enjoyed the way that Jenna has matured as a character, realizing that she cannot do everything alone and that she can’t hide from the truth forever. She even asks for help from Josh’s father Tyler, an unexpected source of strength and resources. I enjoyed the relationship that is developing in this book between Jenna and her friend Keely and between Jenna and her boyfriend Kavan. Kavan is a saint in my book because of his unwavering loyalty to Jenna and his patience with her as she has to find herself before she has anything to offer others. Jenna’s desperation to hide the truth is a central theme in the book, and I found myself giving her advice just to face the past and get things out in the open so she can live her life and so can Josh. I was totally engaged in the story, feeling so bad when Josh had difficulty communicating after an injury. His aphasia was heart-breaking and the frustrations that he faced because of his disability were well-portrayed by the author. The characters were realistic, with real struggles and decisions to make that were life-changing for all. The plot was layered with the revelations made by each character, especially Jenna and her past identity, Lily. I particularly enjoyed the interactions between Jenna and her sister Olivia, a relationship that had been broken but never totally severed or forgotten. The depth of this book and its characters will remain with me for a long time. It is a domestic drama with a lot of suspense and plenty of love and acceptance flowing between the characters as they discover truth for the first time. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Although this is a second book in a series, I read it as a stand-alone and totally made sense! From the very beginning I dived in, Lonsdale didn't hesitate on pulling me in with a shocker. Putting this novel down (even for bathroom breaks for myself) was near impossible. The action, the thrill & crazy suspense is never-ending. When you think you understand or have it figured out, she throws another twist at you leaving you scatterbrained! Jenna seems to have it together now - a nice house with a beach view, an infamous animator creator after teaching herself, finally financially comfortable & a well adjusted, happy son, Josh. But sadly the past has come to take its claim. Jenna used to be Lily. And now a local reporter has unearthed some connections between the two names being her and dredging up a traumatic night years ago. Cue in estranged father Dwight, who decides to blackmail Jenna in order to keep her secret quiet. With everything falling apart, the worst is yet to come - Josh vanishes. I loved the fast-paced, constant-moving ride! I loved the back & forth that was seemless between Jenna's past & present. That extra insight into it all kept the thrill going. The characters were believable, enticed emotions galore out of me & an absolute enjoyment! I had to know what's next. Family drama at it's dark & twisty-ness! She knows how to leave you wanting more.
Thank you to NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for this DARC. Release Date: May 10, 2022
There was a lot going on in this one. Jenna dealing with her past coming at her fast, she was juggling a lot of balls in the air to protect a lot of people. Sadly it all came out anyway and people were hurt along the way. There were times when it seemed like Jenna lost it all, thankfully that wasn't the case and at the end Jenna was able to fix a lot of things form her past. Going forward life will be better for her and Josh with all the secrets out in the open.
No More Lies: A Novel is the second book in Kerry Lonsdale's No More series. It can be read as a standalone, but it works so much better when you read the first book and put all the pieces together. Either way, it is incredible! Such a suspenseful, emotional, and captivating read that shows, once again, how amazing Kerry Lonsdale is.
I was guessing the whole time as to what would happen for both Jenna and Josh and there were a lot of surprises. There was a thriller feel to this novel, as Jenna was being pursued and had to make a lot of hasty decisions to keep herself and her son safe. The story had a lot of substance and kept me turning the pages, both wanting to know that they would be okay and also not wanting it to end because it was so compelling. I really liked Jenna's perspective a lot and it gave more insight into her relationship with Olivia from No More Words.
Definitely check out No More Lies this spring. I already can't wait for the next book in this series!