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Darkest Lies (Deadly Secrets Series, #1)
by
The truth hurts, but lies are deadly.
Devyn
Ten years ago, my world was ripped apart and intertwined with a man I had never met.
Now, someone’s threatening the freedom I so desperately want after a decade of suffering.
Pushed to relive my mother’s death and dig up the truth for answers, I discover more than a few lies. Starting with the man responsible.
Or so I thought…
I have t ...more
Devyn
Ten years ago, my world was ripped apart and intertwined with a man I had never met.
Now, someone’s threatening the freedom I so desperately want after a decade of suffering.
Pushed to relive my mother’s death and dig up the truth for answers, I discover more than a few lies. Starting with the man responsible.
Or so I thought…
I have t ...more
Kindle Edition, 1st
Published
April 2021
by KDP
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Start your review of Darkest Lies (Deadly Secrets Series, #1)

Darkest Lies by Bella Shay is a fantastic debut! It’s an action-packed, age-gap, slow-burn romantic suspense filled with murder, mystery, and danger.
Devyn and Elliot’s lives were forever changed that fateful day 10 years ago. It was Devyn’s birthday and her mother took her to work with her at the bank. It just so happened that the bank was robbed that day and three people including Devyn’s mother were murdered. Elliot was wrongly convicted of his involvement in the bank robbery and has served 10 ...more
Devyn and Elliot’s lives were forever changed that fateful day 10 years ago. It was Devyn’s birthday and her mother took her to work with her at the bank. It just so happened that the bank was robbed that day and three people including Devyn’s mother were murdered. Elliot was wrongly convicted of his involvement in the bank robbery and has served 10 ...more

Oh, so this is a suspense/mystery/murder romance book and I am all for it. Devyn and Elliot have some how been intertwined from the one tragic day that changed their lives forever. Devyn's was suppose to have a nice birthday celebration with her mom that day, but went with her to work. She was kept in the back to keep away from the normal day to day transaction. But, something happened where her world comes crashing down. Devyn is then thrown to the foster care system and ended up with terrible
...more

Just finished my arc reading of this and wow! I really really enjoyed it! It’s a debut novel but you’d never know, the writing is really good!
It’s a slightly different book to the normal smut I read but it still kept me hooked completely. It’s more of a mystery/thriller type book focusing on the main characters Devyn & Elliot whose past is intertwined from a bank robbery 10 years before.
Don’t get it wrong though.. the chemistry and sexual tension between the two is absolute FIRE 🔥
This ended on ...more
It’s a slightly different book to the normal smut I read but it still kept me hooked completely. It’s more of a mystery/thriller type book focusing on the main characters Devyn & Elliot whose past is intertwined from a bank robbery 10 years before.
Don’t get it wrong though.. the chemistry and sexual tension between the two is absolute FIRE 🔥
This ended on ...more

I was honored enough to receive an ARC of this book and HOLY TOLEDO! This debut from Bella Shay has me so pumped to see what else she comes up with and where she takes this story. I don’t know how many times I messaged her an “OMG” while I was reading, but she probably hated me now 🤣
This book has the forbidden love vibe and so action packed I couldn’t put it down. I had to keep turning the page to see what she had in store for Devyn next. Both Devyn (FMC) and Elliot (MMC) have had harder lives t ...more
This book has the forbidden love vibe and so action packed I couldn’t put it down. I had to keep turning the page to see what she had in store for Devyn next. Both Devyn (FMC) and Elliot (MMC) have had harder lives t ...more

This is Author Bella Shay's debut book and I enjoyed it very much. It's dark with lots of mystery and keeps you guessing throughout the book. Everytime I thought I knew I didn't know. Devyn and Elliot's story started long ago before they even new it did and the actions that happened that day would one day bring them to cross paths. They have both been through hell and back with what they have lived through and now things seems to be getting more complicated. This book will leave you with some qu
...more

A debut novel. An amazing read. An author I’ll be looking forward to reading more of. That was my initial thoughts when I had finished this story.
I really like the two main characters Devyn and Elliot.
I’m not gonna go into the storyline.. you need to read this gem for yourself. If you like stories full of suspense then I recommend this one.
As this was such a great read and it’s the authors debut I’m really excited to read more from her in the future.
I really like the two main characters Devyn and Elliot.
I’m not gonna go into the storyline.. you need to read this gem for yourself. If you like stories full of suspense then I recommend this one.
As this was such a great read and it’s the authors debut I’m really excited to read more from her in the future.

Jul 30, 2021
XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
1st-pov,
m-f,
romantic-suspense,
tw-violence-gore,
arc,
secrets,
cliffhanger,
dark-romance,
contemporary,
slow-burn
This is Bella Shay's fantastic debut. This was actually a perfect pace and burn, with all of the suspense and mystery. This had me hooked with all of the twist and turns. Very eager to read more!!
...more

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, so I have said this a few times by now, but this story is amazing! It’s so amazing that I really do not want to wait for the next book to come out, but alas I must.
I will preface this to let you know that she does advise towards a trigger warning and sensitive content at the beginning towards child abuse and sexual abuse. Although, it is light and doesn’t go into gory details about it, I have never been in the situation so I cannot relate and cannot say how bad th ...more
Okay, so I have said this a few times by now, but this story is amazing! It’s so amazing that I really do not want to wait for the next book to come out, but alas I must.
I will preface this to let you know that she does advise towards a trigger warning and sensitive content at the beginning towards child abuse and sexual abuse. Although, it is light and doesn’t go into gory details about it, I have never been in the situation so I cannot relate and cannot say how bad th ...more

Nice refreshing new series, this is a suspense age-gap romance, Davyn and Elliot's story is intriguing, lots of mystery, a crime has been committed and a man is blamed for it. He needs to clear his name so he is forced to keep save those involved. I can't wait for book 2 to find answers, this is very interesting and entertaining suspense. One you should give the chance.
Blog |BookBub | Amazon |Audible |Instagram |Twitter |Facebook |TikTok |YouTube |Pinterest |Tumblr |Bookstore
...more

Blog |BookBub | Amazon |Audible |Instagram |Twitter |Facebook |TikTok |YouTube |Pinterest |Tumblr |Bookstore
...more

This book was different than most I read. It had a more mystery-type theme to it. It was definitely good for a debut. There is a lot of suspense and has some dark themes. Elliot is in prison after taking the fall for his twin brother for a bank robbery 10 years ago. Devyn was at the bank the day it happened though she doesn’t remember many details. After her mom was killed she ended up being bounced from one bad foster care to another. She had a lot of hardships growing up but it has made her to
...more

Ok call me intrigued... Have you ever watched a suspenseful mystery movie or tv show and feel like you have it all figured out? You are sitting there piecing the clues together and just know that you know who did what and why? Then all of a sudden BAM what you think you know you really don't? I will say this book was choked full of those kind of surprises for me. I thought for sure I knew the who, what, why, where, & how of everything.
Our two main characters have a intertwined history with one ...more
Our two main characters have a intertwined history with one ...more

This is the 1st in a new series as well as being a debut from this author, and there are so few debuts whose work is mindblowing as this one is, and this is more definitely an author to look out for in the future. Devyn’s world came crashing down on her 10-years ago with a devastating event, and her life is forever entwined with Elliot due to this tragedy. Elliot has spent the last 10-years in prison for a crime he did not commit to save his brother, and now that the survivors who witnessed the
...more

I absolutely loved this book. It took me awhile to read because of quite a few personal issues going on in my life but this book gave me a little escape from that personal drama and I absolutely fell in love with the story. Devyn went through a major tragedy when she was younger and her mother died. She was put in to foster care and suffered much abuse during that time. Elliot went to prison for a crime he did not commit and was stuck there for ten years. He gets out when people that were apart
...more

OH MY EVER LOVIN' HOLY HELL! Darkest Lies was totally my jam & then some so I CANNOT believe it's Bella Shay's debut. I'm all about romantic suspense, but that almost seems too tame of a description for the wild ride I was taken on to be honest. Poor Devyn, her life was awesome until one tragic day that set her on a different course in foster homes with awful people. Poor Elliot, he was sent to do a ten year bid in prison for a crime he didn't commit. These two had their lives ripped apart from
...more

Warning: this does end in a cliffhanger so if that’s not for you... read on maybe I will change your mind lol!
I honestly had no idea going in this was a series and would end on a cliffhanger but that really doesn’t bother me. It only makes me want the next book. ( though it was just getting to the good stuff)
There isn’t any real romance here and though towards the end there is a little arc it’s hot and well written.
This is a suspense and maybe crime thriller.
I loved both characters and Ellio ...more
I honestly had no idea going in this was a series and would end on a cliffhanger but that really doesn’t bother me. It only makes me want the next book. ( though it was just getting to the good stuff)
There isn’t any real romance here and though towards the end there is a little arc it’s hot and well written.
This is a suspense and maybe crime thriller.
I loved both characters and Ellio ...more

Okay this was a fantastic debut that leaves me begging for more! I absolutely loved every moment of it! This story is action packed and will have you hooked from beginning to end. Devyn and Elliot have not had the easiest time in life to say the least. Devyn for everything that she has been going through is still as strong as ever. Elliot this man *swoon* lord he is such a protector of everyone no matter the costs which you can’t help but fall in love with! The chemistry between these two is ama
...more

As soon as I found out about this book while scrolling through social media I instantly started looking forward to it! I wasn't sure what all to expect going into this story and I really liked that! I enjoyed this first book!
This first book in Devyn and Elliot's journey grabbed my attention from the start! Their story kept me on my toes and had me feeling so many different things throughout reading! I liked the realness shown throughout this book as well!
With Darkest Lies, Ms.Shay has created su ...more
This first book in Devyn and Elliot's journey grabbed my attention from the start! Their story kept me on my toes and had me feeling so many different things throughout reading! I liked the realness shown throughout this book as well!
With Darkest Lies, Ms.Shay has created su ...more

You can tell from the beginning that Devyn is strong. She was dealt a rough hand but she keeps going. She is determined to find the answers.
Elliot is a protector. He served time to save his brother, who does that?! He protects Devyn even before she knows who he is. I love how Devyn calls him her stranger.
I think I made the last 25% of the book more tense than it was 🤣 I kept waiting for that moment when something happened. Worried about what it would be and hoping for the best. Nail biting, ed ...more
Elliot is a protector. He served time to save his brother, who does that?! He protects Devyn even before she knows who he is. I love how Devyn calls him her stranger.
I think I made the last 25% of the book more tense than it was 🤣 I kept waiting for that moment when something happened. Worried about what it would be and hoping for the best. Nail biting, ed ...more

Wow. What a journey so far!
Devyn is such a strong person, even if she does feel like she's falling apart. How she has lived through what she has, and still finds the strength and courage to get up and carry on every day, is amazing.
Elliott is a tortured soul. He's been like a horse with blinkers on following his path, until Devyn.
They know they shouldn't be drawn to each other like they are. But they can't help it.
This book almost killed me with the slooooooow burn!
And that that ending! What a ...more
Devyn is such a strong person, even if she does feel like she's falling apart. How she has lived through what she has, and still finds the strength and courage to get up and carry on every day, is amazing.
Elliott is a tortured soul. He's been like a horse with blinkers on following his path, until Devyn.
They know they shouldn't be drawn to each other like they are. But they can't help it.
This book almost killed me with the slooooooow burn!
And that that ending! What a ...more

wow what a book. From the very start it is action packed with a plotline that just draws you in. It all started with a horrible and dreadful day that has our two main characters thrown together in a series of events. Elliot is put in prison and Devyn is put in the system. Over time, things change and he finds her again but will they able to work together to find out what really happened that day. This book is full of suspension, mystery and steamy moments. I cannot wait for the 2nd book in this
...more

Was not expecting that!
So normally when it comes to mysteries, I like to watch them on tv, but this book definitely has me wanting to pick up more mystery novels.
We follow Elliot and Devyn around trying to piece together what happened ten years ago when their worlds collided.
Be warned, you may think you know what is coming, but you don’t! Definitely ready for the next book in the series!!!
As Bella Shay’s first book, I can’t wait to see how she progresses as an author!
So normally when it comes to mysteries, I like to watch them on tv, but this book definitely has me wanting to pick up more mystery novels.
We follow Elliot and Devyn around trying to piece together what happened ten years ago when their worlds collided.
Be warned, you may think you know what is coming, but you don’t! Definitely ready for the next book in the series!!!
As Bella Shay’s first book, I can’t wait to see how she progresses as an author!

Love love love
Omg this book is everything it should be, forbidden love, mystery and death I love it like really really love it,
Elliot and devyn brought together by a tragedy that concerned them both, I love the whole 2 sides of a story point, Elliott one one side of the tragedy and devyn on the other side, I love their partnership from the sarcasm to the loving, I really can't wait for the 2nd book now and yes I shall be stalking your Facebook Bella just so I can keep an eye out lol ...more
Omg this book is everything it should be, forbidden love, mystery and death I love it like really really love it,
Elliot and devyn brought together by a tragedy that concerned them both, I love the whole 2 sides of a story point, Elliott one one side of the tragedy and devyn on the other side, I love their partnership from the sarcasm to the loving, I really can't wait for the 2nd book now and yes I shall be stalking your Facebook Bella just so I can keep an eye out lol ...more

Well this is a corker of a debut thats for sure
A gripping suspense novel with an age-gap/ forbidden romance aspect. Brought together by association with a crime from the past Devyn is searching for answers whilst Elliot teams up with a detective to work out why survivors are suddenly dying. Elliot finds himself fighting his attraction to Devyn whilst trying to keep her alive, the sexual tension between the two is off the charts.
As more secrets and lies are uncovered and danger creeps ever close ...more
A gripping suspense novel with an age-gap/ forbidden romance aspect. Brought together by association with a crime from the past Devyn is searching for answers whilst Elliot teams up with a detective to work out why survivors are suddenly dying. Elliot finds himself fighting his attraction to Devyn whilst trying to keep her alive, the sexual tension between the two is off the charts.
As more secrets and lies are uncovered and danger creeps ever close ...more

4.75⭐️ WoW! Amazing story! Hard to believe that this is the first book written by Bella Shay.
I loved how the story is starting to unfold. What you think you know…you don’t. What you remember….your wrong. It’s crazy how the mind processes information in a way so that it protects.
I just loved Devyn. She needs some good in her life after the crap hand she was given.
I’m still not sure what to make of Elliott yet. There is so much more to him than has been shown to us readers. I can’t wait for boo ...more
I loved how the story is starting to unfold. What you think you know…you don’t. What you remember….your wrong. It’s crazy how the mind processes information in a way so that it protects.
I just loved Devyn. She needs some good in her life after the crap hand she was given.
I’m still not sure what to make of Elliott yet. There is so much more to him than has been shown to us readers. I can’t wait for boo ...more

Wow this book was very good it is everything you could want in a murder, mystery suspense, romance book. And for a debut book I was thoroughly impressed with the writing. I loved the character development and the authors ability to make the book immediately intriguing. Devyn and Elliot have immediate chemistry even though they both know they probably shouldn’t. This book takes some twists that I didn’t see coming and kept me intrigued the entire time.

Suspense and Romance all rolled into one. This book is an interesting debut book for this author and it definitely captured my attention. Devyn and Elliot's lives are entwined in such a way that it is amazing to see how they are together. Devyn has had a hard life since the death of her mother and as secrets from that day are revealed, it adds to the suspense of a who done it type mystery. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
...more

I received a ARC for this book to review with my honest opinion.
This book was amazing! I loved it! I'm glad there was a trigger warning before I started reading so I could prepare myself. Even with the trigger warning I still loved it. It consumed me. If you like alpha male, and romance mystery suspense this book is just for you! I love Bella Shays writing and I can't wait to read more from her. The cliffhanger at the end has me needing more! ...more
This book was amazing! I loved it! I'm glad there was a trigger warning before I started reading so I could prepare myself. Even with the trigger warning I still loved it. It consumed me. If you like alpha male, and romance mystery suspense this book is just for you! I love Bella Shays writing and I can't wait to read more from her. The cliffhanger at the end has me needing more! ...more

3.5 Stars
Great debut novel.
I do love a great twisty story that keeps me on my toes trying to work it all out.
My heart was torn for Devyn & Elliot. Life certainly throw them some whopping curve balls turning their lives upside down and inside out through no fault of their own.
This unlikely pair are on a mission to uncover the past they share and hopefully pave a path for a better future.
Looking forward to seeing it all happen in the next installment.
Great debut novel.
I do love a great twisty story that keeps me on my toes trying to work it all out.
My heart was torn for Devyn & Elliot. Life certainly throw them some whopping curve balls turning their lives upside down and inside out through no fault of their own.
This unlikely pair are on a mission to uncover the past they share and hopefully pave a path for a better future.
Looking forward to seeing it all happen in the next installment.

Another new to me author! I am in BIG TROUBLE! So very hard to believe this is a debut novel!
There's a reason to read suspense romance novels, and this story is one of them.
Devyn and Elliot are great characters, and it was interesting to read Ms. Shay taking them through their paces!
I'll be definitely watching for more.
Can't wait to watch this writer's growth!
...more
There's a reason to read suspense romance novels, and this story is one of them.
Devyn and Elliot are great characters, and it was interesting to read Ms. Shay taking them through their paces!
I'll be definitely watching for more.
Can't wait to watch this writer's growth!
...more
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