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The Whispers of a Lie - The First Lie: Ashes of Innocence
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jan 26Beneath the glass towers of New York, a woman learns that innocence is not lost in a single moment. It fades quietly, choice by choice, until the mirror no longer tells the truth.
Catherine Sinclair has always followed the rules. She was raised to please, to obey, to hide the pieces of herself that didn’t fit the life she was promised. But one stolen glance changes everything. What begins as curiosity becomes temptation, and what feels like love begins to taste like ruin.
Fabian Laurent is the man she should never want. Brilliant, untouchable, already taken. Yet he sees through her composure, and in that gaze she finds the part of herself she thought she had buried. Together, they ignite something neither can control.
As secrets spread through the upper tiers of power and privilege, Catherine’s perfect world begins to crumble. Every truth uncovered demands another lie, and soon she must decide whether she is willing to destroy her old life to live the one she truly wants.
Set against the glitter and corruption of Manhattan’s elite, The First Ashes of Innocence is a darkly seductive story about forbidden desire, the decay of morality, and the moment love becomes indistinguishable from sin.
Catherine Sinclair has always followed the rules. She was raised to please, to obey, to hide the pieces of herself that didn’t fit the life she was promised. But one stolen glance changes everything. What begins as curiosity becomes temptation, and what feels like love begins to taste like ruin.
Fabian Laurent is the man she should never want. Brilliant, untouchable, already taken. Yet he sees through her composure, and in that gaze she finds the part of herself she thought she had buried. Together, they ignite something neither can control.
As secrets spread through the upper tiers of power and privilege, Catherine’s perfect world begins to crumble. Every truth uncovered demands another lie, and soon she must decide whether she is willing to destroy her old life to live the one she truly wants.
Set against the glitter and corruption of Manhattan’s elite, The First Ashes of Innocence is a darkly seductive story about forbidden desire, the decay of morality, and the moment love becomes indistinguishable from sin.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 1, 2026
About the author
Dorian De LaRue
9 books66 followersDorian De LaRue is a storyteller who writes to make your mind work, to make you question what you read, and to look not only at what stands in front of you but at what hides behind each word. The weight they carry, the meaning they hold.
Dorian writes from a place where memory and imagination intertwine, where stories are less invention and more reflection. There is no clear line between truth and fiction in their work, and perhaps that is the point. Some stories are not meant to be neatly understood. They are meant to be felt.
The emotions that run through their novels, the betrayals, the obsessions, the wounds left quietly unspoken, come from somewhere real, even if the details are dressed in shadow.
Some believe Dorian writes to outrun the past. Others believe they write to finally understand it.
Whichever it is, the truth remains simple. Every word is an offering. A bridge between what was lost, what was endured, and what still refuses to be forgotten.
“We are all haunted by something. Writing is simply how I choose to stay still long enough to face it.”
— Dorian De LaRue
Perhaps Dorian De LaRue is just a storyteller chasing answers like the rest of us, weaving hope, heartbreak, and truth into every page, and trusting that somewhere, somehow, the right reader will understand.
E: whispersofalie@gmail.com
IG: thewhispersofalie
Dorian writes from a place where memory and imagination intertwine, where stories are less invention and more reflection. There is no clear line between truth and fiction in their work, and perhaps that is the point. Some stories are not meant to be neatly understood. They are meant to be felt.
The emotions that run through their novels, the betrayals, the obsessions, the wounds left quietly unspoken, come from somewhere real, even if the details are dressed in shadow.
Some believe Dorian writes to outrun the past. Others believe they write to finally understand it.
Whichever it is, the truth remains simple. Every word is an offering. A bridge between what was lost, what was endured, and what still refuses to be forgotten.
“We are all haunted by something. Writing is simply how I choose to stay still long enough to face it.”
— Dorian De LaRue
Perhaps Dorian De LaRue is just a storyteller chasing answers like the rest of us, weaving hope, heartbreak, and truth into every page, and trusting that somewhere, somehow, the right reader will understand.
E: whispersofalie@gmail.com
IG: thewhispersofalie
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 4, 2025
Having already read and reviewed the beta edition of this book, I was desperate to see what tweaks Dorian had made to the storyline.
This new edition was even better.
Sticking with the original storylines, we are given more information on the characters' history, giving a better understanding of what's shaped the people they currently are. The twists hit just as hard the second time around and still had me second-guessing as I waited to see what alterations had been made. Despite having read The Audible series, I still found myself searching for the truth among the unreliability of the characters. Every scene, seeing my loyalty, flick between what my morals believed to be right and what was currently playing out on the pages.
I look forward to seeing the changes in part 2, and I know it will have me craving a full re-read of the whole Whispers series.
This new edition was even better.
Sticking with the original storylines, we are given more information on the characters' history, giving a better understanding of what's shaped the people they currently are. The twists hit just as hard the second time around and still had me second-guessing as I waited to see what alterations had been made. Despite having read The Audible series, I still found myself searching for the truth among the unreliability of the characters. Every scene, seeing my loyalty, flick between what my morals believed to be right and what was currently playing out on the pages.
I look forward to seeing the changes in part 2, and I know it will have me craving a full re-read of the whole Whispers series.
November 4, 2025
Dorian De LaRue has listened to all the feedback, and added in those missing bits you wanted to know in the first book, THE WHISPERS OF A LIE: PART 1. This was different from the first in that you got more backstory on the characters, their motives, what really drives them to make the decisions they do.
Catherine wants Fabian, will do anything to make him hers. Fabian is married to Sienna, who’s gone six months at a time in a seemingly loveless marriage. Oh, the other problem? Catherine is currently engaged to Damien Mercer, who confuses love with ownership.
There are quite a few love triangles to unfold in this intriguing rewrite of Dorian’s first novel.
What is loyalty? What is love? What would you do to make sure you didn’t lose the love of your life?
Happy Reading,
Crystal E.
@booked_in_mississippi
Catherine wants Fabian, will do anything to make him hers. Fabian is married to Sienna, who’s gone six months at a time in a seemingly loveless marriage. Oh, the other problem? Catherine is currently engaged to Damien Mercer, who confuses love with ownership.
There are quite a few love triangles to unfold in this intriguing rewrite of Dorian’s first novel.
What is loyalty? What is love? What would you do to make sure you didn’t lose the love of your life?
Happy Reading,
Crystal E.
@booked_in_mississippi
November 5, 2025
The first lie: Ashes of Innocence is the brand new revamp of the Whispers of a Lie: Beneath the Ashes Part 1, is a darkly seductive story about forbidden desire, the decay of morality and the moment love becomes indistinguishable from sin.
It’s just as good as the original, if not even better!!! Tho the storyline is the same, there are some altercations and we get to see more into the characters background and how it’s made them into who they are now.
It’s just as good as the original, if not even better!!! Tho the storyline is the same, there are some altercations and we get to see more into the characters background and how it’s made them into who they are now.
November 7, 2025
Having had the opportunity to read and review this as a beta reader before, I was very intrigued to get into this again with the tweaks made to the ARC edition.
This still carries the original storyline, but Dorain has elevated the story, giving you a deeper understanding of the characters and some insight into their backgrounds.
Love, lies, seduction, deception, and secrets. A whirlwind of emotion, a web of chaos that keeps growing and the spiralling has already begun.
This psychological thriller drama follows multiple characters and how their lives intertwine, but not by chance. Not by fate.... and that's the scariest part of it all..
Thank you Dorian De Larue.
5⭐️ read all round
This still carries the original storyline, but Dorain has elevated the story, giving you a deeper understanding of the characters and some insight into their backgrounds.
Love, lies, seduction, deception, and secrets. A whirlwind of emotion, a web of chaos that keeps growing and the spiralling has already begun.
This psychological thriller drama follows multiple characters and how their lives intertwine, but not by chance. Not by fate.... and that's the scariest part of it all..
Thank you Dorian De Larue.
5⭐️ read all round
November 9, 2025
I had the amazing chance to read the beta version of this story, previously known as The Whispers of a Lie-Part 1: Beneath the Ashes. I already loved the first book, but this new one blew me away.
Dorian De LaRue has taken a dark romance psychological thriller that was already good and made it even better. The extra backstories make the characters much more interesting and emotionally complex. Their reasons for doing things feel real, raw, and heartbreakingly human. The darker, obsessive, and controlling parts are perfectly balanced with times of vulnerability and tension that keep you interested from the beginning to the end.
I knew some of the big twists from the first version, but they still hit just as hard here. The pacing, mood, and emotional stakes have been perfectly sharpened. I can’t wait to see what Dorian does with the next book.
Dorian De LaRue has taken a dark romance psychological thriller that was already good and made it even better. The extra backstories make the characters much more interesting and emotionally complex. Their reasons for doing things feel real, raw, and heartbreakingly human. The darker, obsessive, and controlling parts are perfectly balanced with times of vulnerability and tension that keep you interested from the beginning to the end.
I knew some of the big twists from the first version, but they still hit just as hard here. The pacing, mood, and emotional stakes have been perfectly sharpened. I can’t wait to see what Dorian does with the next book.
November 4, 2025
Dorian did such a good job with this psychological thriller book!
The explanation of each character was absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed Catherine’s story, and the unraveling of truth and lies.
Catherine grows as a character throughout the book but in becoming of herself she also unravels and learns what it is to have power, but with power comes lies, deceit, truth, confusion.
Our other characters Damian, Lucian, Fabian, Veronica, and Madeleine, all have a very crucial role into this story and the world building.
Each chapter has me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next thing to happen.
If you’re looking for your next thriller this is ! You want to be on the edge of your seat for a whole book ?! This is it.
The explanation of each character was absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed Catherine’s story, and the unraveling of truth and lies.
Catherine grows as a character throughout the book but in becoming of herself she also unravels and learns what it is to have power, but with power comes lies, deceit, truth, confusion.
Our other characters Damian, Lucian, Fabian, Veronica, and Madeleine, all have a very crucial role into this story and the world building.
Each chapter has me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next thing to happen.
If you’re looking for your next thriller this is ! You want to be on the edge of your seat for a whole book ?! This is it.
November 1, 2025
**Added Extras to a Fantastic Thriller**
**The Whispers of a Lie - The First Lie: Ashes of Innocence**
Dorian has truly accomplished the impossible with this book, enhancing the already masterfully written "The Whispers of a Lie Part 1: Beneath the Ashes." This psychological suspense thriller kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page to the last. Now, Dorian has updated and improved the complex characters by providing additional backstories for some of our favorites. This added depth clarifies the dynamics between the main characters and sheds light on their true intentions, revealing how far they will go in their manipulation and deception.
The new elements Dorian introduces amplify the twists and challenges, prompting you to question your beliefs. This is a must-read for fans of dark romance, suspense, thrillers, and psychological suspense.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
**The Whispers of a Lie - The First Lie: Ashes of Innocence**
Dorian has truly accomplished the impossible with this book, enhancing the already masterfully written "The Whispers of a Lie Part 1: Beneath the Ashes." This psychological suspense thriller kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page to the last. Now, Dorian has updated and improved the complex characters by providing additional backstories for some of our favorites. This added depth clarifies the dynamics between the main characters and sheds light on their true intentions, revealing how far they will go in their manipulation and deception.
The new elements Dorian introduces amplify the twists and challenges, prompting you to question your beliefs. This is a must-read for fans of dark romance, suspense, thrillers, and psychological suspense.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2025
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 (6+ Stars In My Books😉)
⭐️REVIEW REVIEW⭐️
As a major lover of THRILLER & DARK ROMANCE books and movies I was so excited when Dorian De LaRue reached out to me regarding this MARVELLOUS book series The Whispers Of A Lie: The First Lie: Ashes Of Innocence.
I would have to say this book has really impressed me and made me feel like I was seating in 🎬 life movie theatre watching every detail and scene coming to life right in front of my eyes-not many books do that for me. The plot and the psychological aspect is what got me craving for more with each and every page….
Speaking of the plot….it was worded perfectly from the beginning to the end had me THINKING LIKE CRAZY! That feeling that you’re on the edge of the chair….reading each chapter gets me into each characters roles and where they stand.
The CHARACTERS….so much to say but I’m not gonna say too much DON’T WANT TO SPOIL ANYTHING 🤭 But man each one of the characters have their own secrets to tell…..sometimes it’s not what you 🤔 think.
Also as a sucker for SHORT AND EASY CHAPTERS this book hits that spot…perfectly told in each chapter without being so overwhelming and boring. Dorian has certainly did an amazing job at describing every inch of the pages with descriptions that take you into a real life movie playing in your head-where you exactly know how the character feels etc.
If Psychological Thriller & Dark Romance is your cup of tea and you love being on edge and love to dig in deeper when reading…..THEN THIS BOOK SERIES IS FOR YOU! HIGHLY RECOMMEND🖤
⭐️REVIEW REVIEW⭐️
As a major lover of THRILLER & DARK ROMANCE books and movies I was so excited when Dorian De LaRue reached out to me regarding this MARVELLOUS book series The Whispers Of A Lie: The First Lie: Ashes Of Innocence.
I would have to say this book has really impressed me and made me feel like I was seating in 🎬 life movie theatre watching every detail and scene coming to life right in front of my eyes-not many books do that for me. The plot and the psychological aspect is what got me craving for more with each and every page….
Speaking of the plot….it was worded perfectly from the beginning to the end had me THINKING LIKE CRAZY! That feeling that you’re on the edge of the chair….reading each chapter gets me into each characters roles and where they stand.
The CHARACTERS….so much to say but I’m not gonna say too much DON’T WANT TO SPOIL ANYTHING 🤭 But man each one of the characters have their own secrets to tell…..sometimes it’s not what you 🤔 think.
Also as a sucker for SHORT AND EASY CHAPTERS this book hits that spot…perfectly told in each chapter without being so overwhelming and boring. Dorian has certainly did an amazing job at describing every inch of the pages with descriptions that take you into a real life movie playing in your head-where you exactly know how the character feels etc.
If Psychological Thriller & Dark Romance is your cup of tea and you love being on edge and love to dig in deeper when reading…..THEN THIS BOOK SERIES IS FOR YOU! HIGHLY RECOMMEND🖤
October 26, 2025
This book is not about what happens but how the lies unravel.
Catherine and Damien reflect each other as if they're two sides of the same coin, and when Catherine meets Fabian, she looks at him as if he's her salvation.
The brewing "relationship" between Catherine and Fabian is electric, forbidden and dare I say toxic.
Everything is love versus possession, truth versus perception, victim versus villain.
As always, the lies and deceit are there, the psychological warfare is there.
The characters are morally grey and at times rather questionable.
Catherine's morality has long since faded, not only is she lying to everyone else around her but to herself.
"Some infatuations don't wound. They consume."
The entire series will haunt you long after the final page.
Catherine and Damien reflect each other as if they're two sides of the same coin, and when Catherine meets Fabian, she looks at him as if he's her salvation.
The brewing "relationship" between Catherine and Fabian is electric, forbidden and dare I say toxic.
Everything is love versus possession, truth versus perception, victim versus villain.
As always, the lies and deceit are there, the psychological warfare is there.
The characters are morally grey and at times rather questionable.
Catherine's morality has long since faded, not only is she lying to everyone else around her but to herself.
"Some infatuations don't wound. They consume."
The entire series will haunt you long after the final page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2025
THE WHISPERS OF A LIE: THE FIRST LIE, ASHES OF INNOCENCE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book just got a total glow-up, and honestly I didn’t think Dorian could make an already great story even better but he’s absolutely done it!!
It felt like I was reading a brand new book, and I’m so here for it. I first read this as a beta reader and the new scenes and finishing touches make it a full 10/10 and everything flows even better now!
If you want in, head on over to instagram and send a message to @thewhispersofalie as ARC sign ups are now open!!!⭐️🖤
This book just got a total glow-up, and honestly I didn’t think Dorian could make an already great story even better but he’s absolutely done it!!
It felt like I was reading a brand new book, and I’m so here for it. I first read this as a beta reader and the new scenes and finishing touches make it a full 10/10 and everything flows even better now!
If you want in, head on over to instagram and send a message to @thewhispersofalie as ARC sign ups are now open!!!⭐️🖤
November 6, 2025
The Whispers of a Lie - The First Lie: Ashes of Innocence
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't know how Dorian does it! I beta read the first version of this but he's tweaked a few bits for the arc read and it still hits hard the second time round! Elevating the characters and their journeys in such a way but still being true to the Whispers universe!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Dorian will always be a five star read for me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't know how Dorian does it! I beta read the first version of this but he's tweaked a few bits for the arc read and it still hits hard the second time round! Elevating the characters and their journeys in such a way but still being true to the Whispers universe!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Dorian will always be a five star read for me!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews