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Truth and Lies
“Your only regret is telling me the truth,” I pounded his chest with closed fists, “now lie to me. Make me hate you. Make me quit you. Make these feelings go away...”
I remember that moment when everything changed.
When the mystery man with aquamarine eyes sat in front of me in a sociology lecture.
My desire to know where he came from overpowered my reason and logic.
I should have never followed him around campus.
I should have never found him at the courtyard.
I should have never seen him beat up those guys.
He wiped the blood from his knuckles and stared back at me like nothing happened.
Right then I should have known he was dangerous.
Matthew Reyes left a note on my desk the next day.
“Curious much?”—an invitation to meet our destinies.
And when he told me who he was, I should have walked away.
When he told me who he worked for, it was my chance to run.
But when they say the truth shall set you free.
I say, what good is freedom when the lies that tangle us are so much sweeter?
I remember that moment when everything changed.
When the mystery man with aquamarine eyes sat in front of me in a sociology lecture.
My desire to know where he came from overpowered my reason and logic.
I should have never followed him around campus.
I should have never found him at the courtyard.
I should have never seen him beat up those guys.
He wiped the blood from his knuckles and stared back at me like nothing happened.
Right then I should have known he was dangerous.
Matthew Reyes left a note on my desk the next day.
“Curious much?”—an invitation to meet our destinies.
And when he told me who he was, I should have walked away.
When he told me who he worked for, it was my chance to run.
But when they say the truth shall set you free.
I say, what good is freedom when the lies that tangle us are so much sweeter?
- GenresSlow Burn
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2021
2 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 3, 2021
A Mafia Story Like No Other!
Here's a great romance novel that will sure pull at your heart strings. Matt is taken into the New Jersey Italian Mafia as a young teenager, after losing his family by their hands. He rises up the ranks in collecting money owed for his boss. This is not the life he wants so he signs up under an alias name as Simon & he's determined to get his university degree & leaving the mafia without dying. Becca's curiosity is peaked when she notices this new guy in her classes who is so mysterious, keeps to himself, is very smart & is always aware of his surroundings. Witnessing his involvement in a fight one night, she is drawn to him even more, like the moth to a flame. The danger is exhilarating & exciting. You are drawn into this story. There's this emotional tie, watching Becca learning about his true identity & yet, she still loves him. Their connection is so strong & could be snuffed out in an instant! This is one story which has captivated my attention, feeling their heart-breaking emotions, from their first kiss to their HEA. I highly recommend this novel as Allie Hayden knows how to pull you into the mafia world & the sweet innocent love who captures his heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Here's a great romance novel that will sure pull at your heart strings. Matt is taken into the New Jersey Italian Mafia as a young teenager, after losing his family by their hands. He rises up the ranks in collecting money owed for his boss. This is not the life he wants so he signs up under an alias name as Simon & he's determined to get his university degree & leaving the mafia without dying. Becca's curiosity is peaked when she notices this new guy in her classes who is so mysterious, keeps to himself, is very smart & is always aware of his surroundings. Witnessing his involvement in a fight one night, she is drawn to him even more, like the moth to a flame. The danger is exhilarating & exciting. You are drawn into this story. There's this emotional tie, watching Becca learning about his true identity & yet, she still loves him. Their connection is so strong & could be snuffed out in an instant! This is one story which has captivated my attention, feeling their heart-breaking emotions, from their first kiss to their HEA. I highly recommend this novel as Allie Hayden knows how to pull you into the mafia world & the sweet innocent love who captures his heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2021
Becca is a 22 year old senior at Princeton who has followed the wishes of her parents, both Princeton graduates themselves and the father a judge. A virgin she has had few relationships with boys as studying always was her priority but when on the first day of class she spots a handsome new face sitting in front of her she is curious. Following him around school for a couple of days she suddenly finds herself ambushed by the face in the library. Simon introduces himself but doesn't give much more information. They agree to study together and find that they work well but he still is tight lipped not wanting to reveal that he works for a Mafia boss collecting money. The same boss who salvaged him when he was just 14 and parentless. There grows a sweet little romance between Becca and Simon who later becomes Matt his real self. Some steam but sparing and could have used more. Not a very heavy Mafia tale. Received this ARC and have voluntarily reviewed.
November 15, 2021
Becca is an all around good girl. She is lovable, sweet and beautiful. Matt, aka Simon worked with the Mafia. He wanted a way to get out so he can lead a normal life, but of course it’s never that simple. One day, Becca witnessed something in the courtyard and didn’t know how to approach it. She is curious as to who this guy is so she will stop at nothing to find out. Matt notices her and decides to confront her. In meet cutes like this, you are drawn to one another. After spending time together, they realize they are what each other needs. But just when things are going great, danger strikes. Matt can’t tell Becca what’s going on and she is hurt when she notices he’s gone. This story will keep you interested and it was a great HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2022
This is Simon / Matt and Becca’s journey. Becca is a sweet college student who is fascinated by Matt, while he is dangerous, and is trying to escape from the mafia life to lead a normal one. When Becca witnesses something she should not have, Matt decides to confront her. The chemistry between these two is intense and undeniable, and they complement each other perfectly. What will happen when danger come to haunt them? This is a well written fast paces story with an in-depth storyline, and has regrets, trusts, lies, violence, twists, betrayal, rivalry, secrets, intrigue, drama, danger, suspense, emotions, and love, which leads to a compelling page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2021
College life
Matt secretly works for the Boss of the Mafia.
Becca is just a regular college girl doing what her parents want her to do along with what classes to take.
Matt also attends college under the name of Simon.
Becca and Simon have the same classes and he has caught her interest since he is new in her class.
Caught her interest so much that she follows him to try and find out more about him.
He is usually the one stalking the prey so he can vanish in a moment from Beccas stalking.
This book has many different curves and these curves are the ones that keep you interested.
Could not stop reading this book until it was finished.
Definitely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Matt secretly works for the Boss of the Mafia.
Becca is just a regular college girl doing what her parents want her to do along with what classes to take.
Matt also attends college under the name of Simon.
Becca and Simon have the same classes and he has caught her interest since he is new in her class.
Caught her interest so much that she follows him to try and find out more about him.
He is usually the one stalking the prey so he can vanish in a moment from Beccas stalking.
This book has many different curves and these curves are the ones that keep you interested.
Could not stop reading this book until it was finished.
Definitely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 3, 2021
Okay with some enjoyable parts
Truth and Lies is the story of Becca and Simon, both Princeton students. She has been brought up in a strict family and he was not. Well that is the least of it as really Simon has a very big secret that he is keeping from her and everyone. Will he ever let her know who he really is and what he does? What will she think when/if she finds out?
This is a book that I was of both minds about. I liked the idea of the story and on some levels it works and on others it did not, at least for me. So I am going to come down the middle on this and say that I thought it was okay but just not the best I have read by this author.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Truth and Lies is the story of Becca and Simon, both Princeton students. She has been brought up in a strict family and he was not. Well that is the least of it as really Simon has a very big secret that he is keeping from her and everyone. Will he ever let her know who he really is and what he does? What will she think when/if she finds out?
This is a book that I was of both minds about. I liked the idea of the story and on some levels it works and on others it did not, at least for me. So I am going to come down the middle on this and say that I thought it was okay but just not the best I have read by this author.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
November 4, 2021
Becca and Matt are in University and study together but Matt has a secret and is not just that his name isn't Simon.
So good!! This book had it all. Action, mystery romance and steam.
I loved Matt err Simon. He was quiet, secretive but loving. How he looked after Becca was just sweet and amazing. This relationship was slow build, but there was an underlying intensity to both their lives. Hers from her family and their expectations of her. His from the lifestyle he was working so hard to get away from. I felt for both of them at one time or another but it was worth it in the end. Such a fantastic book!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So good!! This book had it all. Action, mystery romance and steam.
I loved Matt err Simon. He was quiet, secretive but loving. How he looked after Becca was just sweet and amazing. This relationship was slow build, but there was an underlying intensity to both their lives. Hers from her family and their expectations of her. His from the lifestyle he was working so hard to get away from. I felt for both of them at one time or another but it was worth it in the end. Such a fantastic book!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2021
I really enjoyed reading, Truth and Lies: A Mafia Romance by Allie Hayden because it was such an intense romantic story about Matt/Simon and Becca. Matt's character was tough. He was involved in something dangerous. Becca was in the wrong place at the wrong time. But somehow these two people meet and things change for both of them. It was an intense story that had me on the edge of my seat wondering how and if things were going to work out. I was so intrigued reading this story. I would highly recommend reading this story. It was so good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2021
A new beginning
Matt has had it hard. He’s trying to leave his life as an enforcement agent for the mob by going to college. It’s hard doing both, but he’s doing it. When one of the girls in his class seems to take an interest in him, he has to decide what he should do.Why the interest all of a sudden?
Becca is the straight A student nerd. And as long as she does as her parents “ask,” she can live on her own and will receive her trust. When she spots a student she doesn’t recognize in one of her classes, he piques her interest. To the point she follows him. This puts both of them in danger. Can the daughter of a prominent judge be with a mob enforcer?
Matt has had it hard. He’s trying to leave his life as an enforcement agent for the mob by going to college. It’s hard doing both, but he’s doing it. When one of the girls in his class seems to take an interest in him, he has to decide what he should do.Why the interest all of a sudden?
Becca is the straight A student nerd. And as long as she does as her parents “ask,” she can live on her own and will receive her trust. When she spots a student she doesn’t recognize in one of her classes, he piques her interest. To the point she follows him. This puts both of them in danger. Can the daughter of a prominent judge be with a mob enforcer?
November 3, 2021
Truth and Lies by Allie Hayden is the story of Simon (Matt) and Becca. She’s a privileged girl attending Princeton. He’s a mafia enforcer. When they meet, their relationship is a slow burn. They share a few classes and start to study together. But, there are so many secrets, so many lies, so much subterfuge, so much danger!!!
Enjoyable story that was easy to read and absorbing. Characters were good, if a bit unbelievable…but, good nevertheless!!!
I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enjoyable story that was easy to read and absorbing. Characters were good, if a bit unbelievable…but, good nevertheless!!!
I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2021
3.5 ⭐️ Not one of the authors best works. It’s like the storylines have split personalities that don’t always come together well. I liked her coming from privilege and him being in the mafia ~ good girl meets ultimate bad boy ~ but then it’s like his personality changes and he’s a typical boy. Would you rather hear a lie when the truth is better or would you rather hear the truth when a lie sounds better? Can two people from completely two different backgrounds become an item or would it be doomed from the beginning?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2021
Simon/Matt is living a big lie in that he’s trying to be a Ivy League college student . The reality is that he is debt collector for the mafia.
He falls for the prom and proper student Becca.
Truth, lies and realities mount to a page turning story. This was a lighter and cleaner version of a mafia story due to the two paths of Simon and Matt’s life.
I always enjoy this authors story telling skills and an original spin to the mafia reads of late.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He falls for the prom and proper student Becca.
Truth, lies and realities mount to a page turning story. This was a lighter and cleaner version of a mafia story due to the two paths of Simon and Matt’s life.
I always enjoy this authors story telling skills and an original spin to the mafia reads of late.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2021
Mafia enforcer & the Prinston princess...
The story has been covered in previous reviews so I won't dwell on that too much. Oddly enough the story of this disparate couple made for an entertaining read. Whilst supporting each other studiously studying at Prinston with a side bar of growing attraction they had to endure a menacing threat & she is kidnapped to bring him to heel. Can he escape from his allegiance to the mob & still live & would she still care for him when she learns of his lies & what he actually did as an enforcer. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
The story has been covered in previous reviews so I won't dwell on that too much. Oddly enough the story of this disparate couple made for an entertaining read. Whilst supporting each other studiously studying at Prinston with a side bar of growing attraction they had to endure a menacing threat & she is kidnapped to bring him to heel. Can he escape from his allegiance to the mob & still live & would she still care for him when she learns of his lies & what he actually did as an enforcer. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
November 6, 2021
Becca and Simon (or Matt) share at class at Princeton together. When Becca sees him, she is really taken by him and decides to make it a point to get to know him. The more time they spend together studying the more they begin to like each other. Simon is hiding something from Becca, will this come between them?
Allie brings us a different type of mafia storyline and I really enjoyed it. Good characters and enough secrets and twist and turns to make you want to get to the end. Well, done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Allie brings us a different type of mafia storyline and I really enjoyed it. Good characters and enough secrets and twist and turns to make you want to get to the end. Well, done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2021
Becca was following her parents dreams and never focused on boys. Matt (aka Simon) was a loner due to circumstances beyond his control but was trying to right himself and cut the ties he has with the mob ( not an easy feat). Becca witnessed something and became intrigued with the man and Matt thought she was working for someone (an competitior per se) to get closer to him. Good read with a few twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2022
*** 3 Mafia Stars ***
This is about Becca and Simon (or Matt) two college students at Princeton that share a class together. Matt works for the Mafia he’s the enforcer / debt collector for the mafia; but his living a lie trying to be a normal college student and trying to escape from the mafia life to lead a normal on. Becca is a regular college student who is fascinated by Simon, while he is dangerous she can’t stop. When Becca see’s something she shouldn’t have Matt has to confront her. Can Matt save Becca? Ca Matt save himself?
****ARC from Book Sprout for review****
This is about Becca and Simon (or Matt) two college students at Princeton that share a class together. Matt works for the Mafia he’s the enforcer / debt collector for the mafia; but his living a lie trying to be a normal college student and trying to escape from the mafia life to lead a normal on. Becca is a regular college student who is fascinated by Simon, while he is dangerous she can’t stop. When Becca see’s something she shouldn’t have Matt has to confront her. Can Matt save Becca? Ca Matt save himself?
****ARC from Book Sprout for review****
November 2, 2021
The fall session is starting at Princeton and Becca was excited. Matt (aka Simon) got all he needed to start classes. He wanted out of the mafia life. While going to school he still did what he had to do for them. Becca becomes smitten with him. They start studying together. It develops into much more but Becca still doesn't really know Simon. Trouble arises and Becca is put in danger. Will it all end happily? Very nice story.
November 2, 2021
Becca is interested in someone in one of her classes at the university she attends. She’s so infatuated with him she goes out of her way to meet him. They spend a lot of time in the library getting to know each other, however Simon/Matt is keeping a secrets. Will the secrets and lies end up tearing them apart? I recommend you read it for yourself you won't be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2021
The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Simon/Matt and Becca and does not let go. He works for the Mafia and is trying to find a way out. He figures a college education will help him but when he meets Becca, their lives will never be the same. Will his secrets and lies tear them apart or will they find a way to be together?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2021
Can Truth and Lies: A Mafia Romance lay a solid foundation for Becca and Matt? Becca is a college student trying to find her own way in life while Matt is trying to escape the inescapable world of the Mafia that he fell into through no fault of his own. Will the truth set them both free to be a solid couple as they set out to make their own ways in this world? This is another excellent steamy romance by an excellent romance author! I honestly love this story and this author!
November 3, 2021
Becca is a student at Princeton and sees a guy in her classes that interested her, They talk and meet at the library and study and get to know each other. His says his name is Simon and they begin seeing each other, But he’s keeping secrets from her. Will he tell her or will they come out and destroy what’s been happening between them?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2021
Absolutely captivating! I love the realistic characters living in a realistic world full of romance and drama. I recommend reading this captivating journey in a mafia romance. If you love this kind of book I recommend reading this one. This author is extraordinary and knows how to create realistic characters and worlds that are captivating and realistic. I received this book for a honest review via BookSprout.
November 4, 2021
She is a go to author for me. I've read and will read everything from her. This is the story about Matt and Becca, told in the dual, first person point of view which is always a deal breaker for me. While I am a little tired of mafia stories, again this author has a way to make it great so the story was a joy to read. 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2021
I enjoyed this Mafia romance storyline. Our hero is a Mafia Enforcer who is attending college under an alias as he attempts to break free from this life. Our heroine is a privileged daughter of a judge who is very interested in this young man. Secrets, drama, danger, chemistry, and love are all present in this book and woven into an entertaining and enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2021
This is a heartfelt mafia romance between college students, Becca and Simon/Matt. These likeable characters and the unique plot make for an entertaining read. It is a love story with enough drama, steam, frustrating moments, sweetness, twists and turns, and engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested. A sweet, quick read with a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2021
I did enjoy reading this book and it is the first time for me with this author.
A very well-written book I found.
I had a great connection with the characters in the book as well.
They all worked so well together in this story.
I didn't find any spelling mistakes or any holes in the plot of the book either.
I can truly recommend this book to others that are over the age of 18+
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A very well-written book I found.
I had a great connection with the characters in the book as well.
They all worked so well together in this story.
I didn't find any spelling mistakes or any holes in the plot of the book either.
I can truly recommend this book to others that are over the age of 18+
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2021
I did enjoy this one. There are aspects of the story which seem completely unbelieveable, but that is the beauty of fiction, it does not have to be credible if the story works and this one does. It is a little bit quirky; mafia bounty hunter meets good, nerdy rich girl at an Ivy league college. It does work and manages to have a cute feel to the story too. Good fun to read.
November 8, 2021
This is the first book of this author that I have read. I love stories about the mafia and this book doesn’t let you down.
Matt is in the mafia. What happens with him is interesting and realistic. This book kept me reading. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Matt is in the mafia. What happens with him is interesting and realistic. This book kept me reading. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2021
I love Becca and Matt/Simon story. There is so much love there, even behind all of the hidden truths. Matt is trying to get out of his life and creates Simon to try to change who he is. He wants to be better than he is. It’s a great HEA!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2021
Matt’s life was nothing but lies. His name, his education, his whole way do life. Until he met Becca. He wanted so much to tell her everything about himself, but he didn’t want her anywhere near the person he was because leaving the mob was not an option. This was a great read. Loved it
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews