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The Lie That Binds
I am a liar.
I lie to protect myself.
I lie because I’m terrified.
I lie to keep a secret that would destroy everything in my life if everyone knew.
Holly is the new girl at school and my unwilling lab partner. She hates me because I’m one of the popular guys—one of the bullies who terrorize the unfortunate and the unpopular. For me, it’s who I’ve had to become to keep anyone from getting too close—close enough to see right through me.
When Holly finds out my secret, I have to do whatever it takes to keep her quiet—even if it means telling the most damaging lie of all—the one I tell myself.
I lie to protect myself.
I lie because I’m terrified.
I lie to keep a secret that would destroy everything in my life if everyone knew.
Holly is the new girl at school and my unwilling lab partner. She hates me because I’m one of the popular guys—one of the bullies who terrorize the unfortunate and the unpopular. For me, it’s who I’ve had to become to keep anyone from getting too close—close enough to see right through me.
When Holly finds out my secret, I have to do whatever it takes to keep her quiet—even if it means telling the most damaging lie of all—the one I tell myself.
442 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2022
18 people are currently reading
2417 people want to read
About the author
Amy Argent
3 books195 followers
Amy Argent is an avid reader and writer of contemporary romance. Amy can honestly say she writes day and night —clinical trial documents as a medical writer by day and contemporary romance as a novelist by night . . . and possibly into the wee hours of the morning. She has a PhD in Genetics that she agonized entirely too much over, but it did result in a fascinating day job—the details of which tend to creep into her fiction.
Amy can be found in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, two teenagers, and two hedgehogs, where she’s most likely planning her next departure from reality —destination: Dragon Con, the closest Renaissance Faire, or the nearest book.
Amy has always been fascinated by the many ways people cope with the human condition. Her stories explore the emotional journey we take when adversity drastically changes life’s course, but being an eternal optimist, she’s found her niche in soulful stories with silver linings. In truth, they can always be found if one is willing to look for them.
Visit Amy’s website to find out more about her books at: amyargent.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
December 21, 2022
Nathan Matthews, popular junior in the high school and a part of the mean kids group, has a secret. It’s a lie that he projects to protect himself from anyone getting close enough to discover it. The secret he carries makes him believe that if he is obnoxious to the nerds, geeks, and unpopular crowd, no one will discover he is lying to them or to himself. Holly Ross, new girl in class and the current Police Chief’s daughter, tries and fails spectacularly on her first day to join the popular kids for lunch, instead sitting with Megan (“Butterfly Glasses”) and Lucy (“The Gothlet”) who befriend her. They know firsthand how nasty the mean crowd is, and they become fast friends. Nathan, however, does something so vicious to Megan that Holly becomes infuriated, and goes after Nathan, screaming, berating him, and inducing a panic attack that accidentally allows Holly to discover the secret he has pretended doesn’t exist to the outside world. He worries, frantic, that his secret will be exposed and spread throughout the school, resulting in him being treated like he treats all of the unpopular students. Will Holly betray the lie he has so carefully crafted and spread the word? Will people look at him differently? Exactly how far will Nathan go to keep his lie a secret?
This is a riveting coming of age story, set in the typical high school environment to which every one of us can relate. No matter which side of the popular and mean kids’ table you were on, the teen angst, insecurities, and hormonal changes ran rampant, and each of us remembers how it felt to be there. The teens in “The Lie That Binds” are no different, and are so perfectly illustrated that it takes the reader right back to high school, whether currently enrolled or a student from long ago, and allows them to relive those days. It’s a crazy ride of emotions, highs, lows, language classes, homeroom, and physics all combined into one volatile package. It’s an enchanting (and spicy!) narrative of first love, heartbreak, and the importance of family; the reader will cheer, ache, empathize, rage, and hearten. An intense, incredibly well-written page-turner, it is a perfect, affecting tale from opening to resolution, and I recommend it not just the young adult audience, but to all readers.
I’d like to thank AXP, Amy Argent, and Turning Tree Press for the ability to read and review this ARC.
This is a riveting coming of age story, set in the typical high school environment to which every one of us can relate. No matter which side of the popular and mean kids’ table you were on, the teen angst, insecurities, and hormonal changes ran rampant, and each of us remembers how it felt to be there. The teens in “The Lie That Binds” are no different, and are so perfectly illustrated that it takes the reader right back to high school, whether currently enrolled or a student from long ago, and allows them to relive those days. It’s a crazy ride of emotions, highs, lows, language classes, homeroom, and physics all combined into one volatile package. It’s an enchanting (and spicy!) narrative of first love, heartbreak, and the importance of family; the reader will cheer, ache, empathize, rage, and hearten. An intense, incredibly well-written page-turner, it is a perfect, affecting tale from opening to resolution, and I recommend it not just the young adult audience, but to all readers.
I’d like to thank AXP, Amy Argent, and Turning Tree Press for the ability to read and review this ARC.
June 24, 2022
This was interesting read. I wasn't too into it when I first started reading it, but as I kept on it really picked up and I enjoyed it by the end. One thing that really made this difficult for me to get into, well two things, is that one it read to me like a Twilight fan fiction kind of novel. I almost felt like I was back in Forks with the vampires until I got several chapters in and was able to separate the two. The second thing was all the nicknames. One every once awhile was ok but Holly, the female main character, just kept on with the nickname/name calling and it's ine aspect I personally didn't enjoy. Overall this was enjoyable read, and while it wasn't my favorite I would definitely read more from this author in the future!
June 26, 2022
An emotional young adult high school romance. The main characters of the story are well written so that you cannot help but connect to them. They highlight the different cliques from highschool while maintaining a reality to them. It is refreshing to see a more realistic view point on the teenage world of high school as opposed to it being drawn over the top to all extremes.
Nathan has gone to this school his whole life, but before freshman year something changed. Yet in order to protect himself he chooses to keep everyone at a distance and himself behind a wall of lies. Only those who must know and his family are aware of his deepest secret. That is until a new girl becomes a witness to it.
To what lengths will Nathan go to keep his secret from the school? What lies will he add to his wall of protection? Will Holly keep his secret or will she ruin him?
Pick up the book to find out! You will be sucked in to find out his secret, the dilemma with Holly, and everything else that happens along the way.
Nathan has gone to this school his whole life, but before freshman year something changed. Yet in order to protect himself he chooses to keep everyone at a distance and himself behind a wall of lies. Only those who must know and his family are aware of his deepest secret. That is until a new girl becomes a witness to it.
To what lengths will Nathan go to keep his secret from the school? What lies will he add to his wall of protection? Will Holly keep his secret or will she ruin him?
Pick up the book to find out! You will be sucked in to find out his secret, the dilemma with Holly, and everything else that happens along the way.
Read
May 5, 2022The Lie That Binds. You've seen the cover—maybe you've even seen the trailer—and now you're wondering: Why is she writing YA, and what is this book about?
This book is YA because it needed to be, and when you get into the plot, you'll understand exactly why that is. This story just wouldn't work with adult characters, but it spoke to me, so I needed to write it.
If you’re hoping for a story with a similar feel to the Embrace Tomorrow Duet, I think you’ll get your wish. Like the Embrace Tomorrow Duet, The Lie That Binds is about how love can change your entire outlook, how it can transform a lonely existence into a vibrant and happy life.
This is the theme I'm interested in with all of my writing—in different situations, with different people—how does love change things? How does it make them better? Does it solve the problem, make you face the problem, or make you realize that there isn't really a problem at all, outside of the obstacles in your mind?
Love is the most powerful emotion—even more powerful than fear. People will die for it, kill for it, sacrifice everything for the safety of another—or even for another's happiness. To watch love transform two people is beautiful—and even more so if one of them is in a difficult or perilous situation: if love is the difference between life and death, between comfort and fear, between existing in a vacuum and actually living. I hope you saw that in the Embrace Tomorrow Duet with Will and Tori, and I hope you see it here with Nathan and Holly.
This book also allowed me to revisit being a teenager and what it's like to experience love for the first time. Do you remember? The flutter in your stomach when he looked at you? When he smiled at you and you felt like your heart was going to beat right out of your chest? When he kissed you and the world was the most perfect place? When nothing could go wrong, and everything was right? I had such a good time reliving that through Nathan and Holly's eyes. It's worth remembering, and it's worth going back to, especially in these days when life seems more difficult and more complicated than it's ever been.
I won't spoil the plot for you, but one of the central themes of The Lie That Binds is secrets. If you were seventeen, and there was something that would radically change the way the world looked at you, would you keep it a secret? If so, how far would you go to keep it? Would you lie? Make up a cover story? Ask other people to keep it a secret too? How would it affect those around you, and how you interact with them? And most importantly, how would all these choices affect you?
At the heart of The Lie That Binds is a secret, but it's not the one you think—you need to read to the end of the book, through the layers of secrets and lies and decisions, to figure out what the true secret is, and how love is pivotal in the discovery of the truth. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
This book is YA because it needed to be, and when you get into the plot, you'll understand exactly why that is. This story just wouldn't work with adult characters, but it spoke to me, so I needed to write it.
If you’re hoping for a story with a similar feel to the Embrace Tomorrow Duet, I think you’ll get your wish. Like the Embrace Tomorrow Duet, The Lie That Binds is about how love can change your entire outlook, how it can transform a lonely existence into a vibrant and happy life.
This is the theme I'm interested in with all of my writing—in different situations, with different people—how does love change things? How does it make them better? Does it solve the problem, make you face the problem, or make you realize that there isn't really a problem at all, outside of the obstacles in your mind?
Love is the most powerful emotion—even more powerful than fear. People will die for it, kill for it, sacrifice everything for the safety of another—or even for another's happiness. To watch love transform two people is beautiful—and even more so if one of them is in a difficult or perilous situation: if love is the difference between life and death, between comfort and fear, between existing in a vacuum and actually living. I hope you saw that in the Embrace Tomorrow Duet with Will and Tori, and I hope you see it here with Nathan and Holly.
This book also allowed me to revisit being a teenager and what it's like to experience love for the first time. Do you remember? The flutter in your stomach when he looked at you? When he smiled at you and you felt like your heart was going to beat right out of your chest? When he kissed you and the world was the most perfect place? When nothing could go wrong, and everything was right? I had such a good time reliving that through Nathan and Holly's eyes. It's worth remembering, and it's worth going back to, especially in these days when life seems more difficult and more complicated than it's ever been.
I won't spoil the plot for you, but one of the central themes of The Lie That Binds is secrets. If you were seventeen, and there was something that would radically change the way the world looked at you, would you keep it a secret? If so, how far would you go to keep it? Would you lie? Make up a cover story? Ask other people to keep it a secret too? How would it affect those around you, and how you interact with them? And most importantly, how would all these choices affect you?
At the heart of The Lie That Binds is a secret, but it's not the one you think—you need to read to the end of the book, through the layers of secrets and lies and decisions, to figure out what the true secret is, and how love is pivotal in the discovery of the truth. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
July 4, 2022
Holly is the new girl & since it's high school, it's hard to fit in. Nathan is the popular boy who is hiding a big secret, and he's not about to let anyone find out about it. However, Holly finds out after going after him about something else he did that she didn't love so much, and he's terrified that she'll use it to her advantage. And honestly, most of this story is about that secret as they go back & forth about it which started to wear on me after a minute despite the secret being a good subject to read about. As these two go back & forth about it, they start to get closer, and they do have chemistry so a new journey begins, of course there are mean girls who aren't so happy about it so you already know they will bring the drama with it as it is high school. The Lie That Binds was a good story despite the younger tone with an original secret so I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Currently reading
June 18, 2022The Lie That Binds. You've seen the cover—maybe you've even seen the trailer—and now you're wondering: Why is she writing YA, and what is this book about?
This book is YA because it needed to be, and when you get into the plot, you'll understand exactly why that is. This story just wouldn't work with adult characters, but it spoke to me, so I needed to write it.
If you’re hoping for a story with a similar feel to the Embrace Tomorrow Duet, I think you’ll get your wish. Like the Embrace Tomorrow Duet, The Lie That Binds is about how love can change your entire outlook, how it can transform a lonely existence into a vibrant and happy life.
This is the theme I'm interested in with all of my writing—in different situations, with different people—how does love change things? How does it make them better? Does it solve the problem, make you face the problem, or make you realize that there isn't really a problem at all, outside of the obstacles in your mind?
Love is the most powerful emotion—even more powerful than fear. People will die for it, kill for it, sacrifice everything for the safety of another—or even for another's happiness. To watch love transform two people is beautiful—and even more so if one of them is in a difficult or perilous situation: if love is the difference between life and death, between comfort and fear, between existing in a vacuum and actually living. I hope you saw that in the Embrace Tomorrow Duet with Will and Tori, and I hope you see it here with Nathan and Holly.
This book also allowed me to revisit being a teenager and what it's like to experience love for the first time. Do you remember? The flutter in your stomach when he looked at you? When he smiled at you and you felt like your heart was going to beat right out of your chest? When he kissed you and the world was the most perfect place? When nothing could go wrong, and everything was right? I had such a good time reliving that through Nathan and Holly's eyes. It's worth remembering, and it's worth going back to, especially in these days when life seems more difficult and more complicated than it's ever been.
I won't spoil the plot for you, but one of the central themes of The Lie That Binds is secrets. If you were seventeen, and there was something that would radically change the way the world looked at you, would you keep it a secret? If so, how far would you go to keep it? Would you lie? Make up a cover story? Ask other people to keep it a secret too? How would it affect those around you, and how you interact with them? And most importantly, how would all these choices affect you?
At the heart of The Lie That Binds is a secret, but it's not the one you think—you need to read to the end of the book, through the layers of secrets and lies and decisions, to figure out what the true secret is, and how love is pivotal in the discovery of the truth. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Wanna learn more? Check out the book trailers for The Lie That Binds!
Trailer 1
Trailer 2
Trailer 3
This book is YA because it needed to be, and when you get into the plot, you'll understand exactly why that is. This story just wouldn't work with adult characters, but it spoke to me, so I needed to write it.
If you’re hoping for a story with a similar feel to the Embrace Tomorrow Duet, I think you’ll get your wish. Like the Embrace Tomorrow Duet, The Lie That Binds is about how love can change your entire outlook, how it can transform a lonely existence into a vibrant and happy life.
This is the theme I'm interested in with all of my writing—in different situations, with different people—how does love change things? How does it make them better? Does it solve the problem, make you face the problem, or make you realize that there isn't really a problem at all, outside of the obstacles in your mind?
Love is the most powerful emotion—even more powerful than fear. People will die for it, kill for it, sacrifice everything for the safety of another—or even for another's happiness. To watch love transform two people is beautiful—and even more so if one of them is in a difficult or perilous situation: if love is the difference between life and death, between comfort and fear, between existing in a vacuum and actually living. I hope you saw that in the Embrace Tomorrow Duet with Will and Tori, and I hope you see it here with Nathan and Holly.
This book also allowed me to revisit being a teenager and what it's like to experience love for the first time. Do you remember? The flutter in your stomach when he looked at you? When he smiled at you and you felt like your heart was going to beat right out of your chest? When he kissed you and the world was the most perfect place? When nothing could go wrong, and everything was right? I had such a good time reliving that through Nathan and Holly's eyes. It's worth remembering, and it's worth going back to, especially in these days when life seems more difficult and more complicated than it's ever been.
I won't spoil the plot for you, but one of the central themes of The Lie That Binds is secrets. If you were seventeen, and there was something that would radically change the way the world looked at you, would you keep it a secret? If so, how far would you go to keep it? Would you lie? Make up a cover story? Ask other people to keep it a secret too? How would it affect those around you, and how you interact with them? And most importantly, how would all these choices affect you?
At the heart of The Lie That Binds is a secret, but it's not the one you think—you need to read to the end of the book, through the layers of secrets and lies and decisions, to figure out what the true secret is, and how love is pivotal in the discovery of the truth. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Wanna learn more? Check out the book trailers for The Lie That Binds!
Trailer 1
Trailer 2
Trailer 3
May 23, 2022
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent is a YA book about a boy who lies. He has to lie to be able to live a normal life. When Holly discovers Nathan’s secret she agrees to keep it to herself. Their relationship evolves into a romance. There is a lot of teenage angst - and secrets. In the beginning I didn’t think I would like this book, but the more I read the better it got. By the end I loved it. There are so many emotions in this story. It makes you laugh, cry, hope, sigh. It will take you back to your teenage years. You will relive the emotional rollercoaster of that time in your life. This is a must read that you can’t put down. I received a free copy of this ebook from Authorsxp.
May 29, 2022
A super book with an amazing story! It was really hard to put it down, I needed to conclude it. Holy get a new school and she is fascinated with Nathan until she finds out his secret. The most interesting is the saying in each chapter. Definitely, I'm a fan of Amy Argent. Thanks truly for the opportunity for reading your book!
July 15, 2022
Nathan and Holly were so good together. What started as enemies soon turned to friendship and more. Holly was a strong and sweet girl and utterly loyal. Nathan was her opposite in a sense but being with Holly brought out the best parts of him. The secret Nathan holds turns out to be the best thing that could happen as it brings them together. Such a sweet story that I recommend for everyone
July 5, 2022
I grabbed this book because of the cover so I dove in blind. I wasnt sure what to expect with this book but it sure wasnt the heart clenching read this was.
High school age reads are not my go to reads as they are usually young but acting older than would seem normal, dealing with situations that are far fetched etc but that is NOT case with this book.
My heart broke in a million pieces with each blow we see in this book but our main characters are fighters and I was rooting for a good outcome.
Glad I took a chance on this book, I love this author so knew it would be good.
High school age reads are not my go to reads as they are usually young but acting older than would seem normal, dealing with situations that are far fetched etc but that is NOT case with this book.
My heart broke in a million pieces with each blow we see in this book but our main characters are fighters and I was rooting for a good outcome.
Glad I took a chance on this book, I love this author so knew it would be good.
July 6, 2022
This is a YA novel by an amazing author. I have read her other books and I enjoy them. This was no different. The storyline is intriguing and will lock you in its grip until you read the very last word. While I believe this story is more relevant to teens and very young adults I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of her books. The details in all the twists and turns, secrets and lies, and even the romance made this a great read!!
July 5, 2022
Nathan has a secret he has kept for years. Holly witnesses something she shouldn’t have. One secret keeps them tied together, but is it enough? At first, I thought the story was going to be slow, but it surprised me and I couldn’t put it down! This book hits on a very important social issue and is an inspiring story!
July 5, 2022
Packed full of so many emotions this book will tug at your heartstrings and take you on quite an emotional rollercoaster. The book was truly and utterly heartbreaking, tragic, loving, and entertaining. I loved every single aspect of it. This is by a new arthur for me and one I definitely want to read more from.
July 3, 2022
a bit slow to start but great story overall i received an arc of this book via hidden gems and wanted to post a review
June 23, 2022
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent. This is such a good young adult romance. Its the typical new girl at school not fitting in. Holly is the new girl and of course she doesn't fit in with the popular kids. Nathan is one of the popular kids but he has a secret and he will do anything to protect that secret. When he and Holly become lab partners not happily I might add, Holly develops a crush on Nathan. Holly is tormented by all the cool kids so Nathan is devastated that he has to be her partner. When she accidentally finds out his secret he will do whatever it takes for her to keep it. They decided to act like they are dating and as they spend more time together Nathan realizes he really likes her. Holly's brother also helps them with this secret. Remembering how things like this secret could be devastating to a high schooler makes this book seem so real. Will Holly keep Nathan's secret or will he end up just telling everyone. Really good standalone read! I feel like it could be required reading in high school! Good lesson!
May 29, 2022
Life in High School where there are bullies and the queen bees who can make the life of others difficult. It's either through ignorance or because they can.
Nathan is one of the popular students. He has a secret which he maintains by lying. His whole life is a lie. Fear of the others discovering his secret or self preservation are his motivations. He wants to be normal like every one else, hence acting and behaving the way he does.
Holly is the quiet shy girl who wishes to be noticed by the popular group and soon finds out that she doesn't belong. She has an instant crush on Nathan who unfortunately is part of the cruel crowd. The thing is that Nathan believes he has a reason to behave the way he does. Preserving his secret! Holly discovers his secret by accident and she helps him. His brother Evan comes up with a plan that he should date her to keep her quiet. This is the start of pretend romance, but as he spends time with her, he starts to ike her. She is a nice girl. The green eyed monster shows itself in the queen b and things spiral out of control. Will he come clean or continue to live his lie?
The fear attached to the stigma of the lie is quite incredible. Holly becomes his lifeline. Her selflessness knows no bound. His brother is very supportive and he discovers that he is not the only one going through what he is. There are others that are in the same situation. It's very well portrayed. It's poignant and the angst is heartbreaking. It's amazing how some take delight in demeaning others, and what Nathan fears is only a stigma that is attached to his fear. Kudos to Holly who sees the real Nathan. It's a great read with various levels of feelings.
I received an eARC from BookSirens and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
Nathan is one of the popular students. He has a secret which he maintains by lying. His whole life is a lie. Fear of the others discovering his secret or self preservation are his motivations. He wants to be normal like every one else, hence acting and behaving the way he does.
Holly is the quiet shy girl who wishes to be noticed by the popular group and soon finds out that she doesn't belong. She has an instant crush on Nathan who unfortunately is part of the cruel crowd. The thing is that Nathan believes he has a reason to behave the way he does. Preserving his secret! Holly discovers his secret by accident and she helps him. His brother Evan comes up with a plan that he should date her to keep her quiet. This is the start of pretend romance, but as he spends time with her, he starts to ike her. She is a nice girl. The green eyed monster shows itself in the queen b and things spiral out of control. Will he come clean or continue to live his lie?
The fear attached to the stigma of the lie is quite incredible. Holly becomes his lifeline. Her selflessness knows no bound. His brother is very supportive and he discovers that he is not the only one going through what he is. There are others that are in the same situation. It's very well portrayed. It's poignant and the angst is heartbreaking. It's amazing how some take delight in demeaning others, and what Nathan fears is only a stigma that is attached to his fear. Kudos to Holly who sees the real Nathan. It's a great read with various levels of feelings.
I received an eARC from BookSirens and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
June 20, 2022
A fun, quick read. This brought me right back to high school, it’s clear the author understands who they are writing for and about.
I really enjoyed that this wasn’t just your standard “previously unnoticed bookworm gets noticed by the popular guy” trope. There’s more to it than that, and it made it interesting.
I’ve read Amy’s work before and received an eARC of this book. She has well earned a loyal reader.
I really enjoyed that this wasn’t just your standard “previously unnoticed bookworm gets noticed by the popular guy” trope. There’s more to it than that, and it made it interesting.
I’ve read Amy’s work before and received an eARC of this book. She has well earned a loyal reader.
July 21, 2022
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent is the first book I've read from this author, but I guarantee it won't be the last. I love how she constructed the characters to be relatable and emotional, which made it easy to get invested in their story. This is a great young adult read that has angst, love, lies, secrets, and drama.
High school is hard, dealing with drama, peer pressure, bullying, and romance makes it even harder. Holly and Nathan encounter a lot as they try to find ways to cope in this atmosphere. Holly is the new girl at school and she wants to be part of the popular crowd, but her plan doesn't go so well. It doesn't take long to find out the gorgeous guy she's crushing on is a jerk, but she can't stop her romantic thoughts.
Nathan hates being a jerk but he feels he has to in order to keep people from seeing the real him and getting too close to his secret. Holly has caught his attention, but he still tries to hide behind his jerk persona in order to protect himself.
This is a really great read that does deal with some bullying. Through this book we get to see the characters tremendous growth, because of situations like Holly being bullied and Nathan hiding himself. I loved how Argent handled the tough situations in this book. It is definitely worth picking up and reading.
High school is hard, dealing with drama, peer pressure, bullying, and romance makes it even harder. Holly and Nathan encounter a lot as they try to find ways to cope in this atmosphere. Holly is the new girl at school and she wants to be part of the popular crowd, but her plan doesn't go so well. It doesn't take long to find out the gorgeous guy she's crushing on is a jerk, but she can't stop her romantic thoughts.
Nathan hates being a jerk but he feels he has to in order to keep people from seeing the real him and getting too close to his secret. Holly has caught his attention, but he still tries to hide behind his jerk persona in order to protect himself.
This is a really great read that does deal with some bullying. Through this book we get to see the characters tremendous growth, because of situations like Holly being bullied and Nathan hiding himself. I loved how Argent handled the tough situations in this book. It is definitely worth picking up and reading.
June 9, 2022
Contains spoilers.
High school can be hell. Just ask Nathan Harris. He lies to protect himself and keep his secret. He bullies others to keep the focus off of himself and his secret. And then the new girl arrives and inadvertently learns his secret. Can she be trusted? What must he do to make sure she keeps his secret?
Nathan has epilepsy and only his family and teachers know and now the new girl knows too. Too many lies and secrets and something has to give and it does in a really dynamic way.
I found myself rooting for Nathan and hoping he would finally let others help him. Teenage hormones, first love and a serious illness all combines to keep me reading and wanting the best for all of them.
I received an ARC for an honest review of this book.
High school can be hell. Just ask Nathan Harris. He lies to protect himself and keep his secret. He bullies others to keep the focus off of himself and his secret. And then the new girl arrives and inadvertently learns his secret. Can she be trusted? What must he do to make sure she keeps his secret?
Nathan has epilepsy and only his family and teachers know and now the new girl knows too. Too many lies and secrets and something has to give and it does in a really dynamic way.
I found myself rooting for Nathan and hoping he would finally let others help him. Teenage hormones, first love and a serious illness all combines to keep me reading and wanting the best for all of them.
I received an ARC for an honest review of this book.
June 22, 2022
This is a standalone YA romance that I absolutely loved. This is only the 3rd book that he author has published and she’s right up there in my favourite authors list. Her first two books, The Embrace Duet, blew me away and I’ve already re-read them. Could she live up to the pedestal that I’d already put her on? Oh yes she could!! This book is different, being a YA book but by God, it still had all the feels an had me laughing in places and sobbing in other places. This author definitely has an amazing talent for pulling hard on the heartstrings.
Nathan just wants to be like all the other teenagers in his high school but he has a secret that no one can find out or his life will be hell. So when new girl in town Holly accidentally finds out his secret is his life about to implode?
I adored both Nathan and Holly. Nathan is having a really hard time coming to terms with his secret and just wants to be ‘normal’. Holly is a total sweetheart. She’s exactly the type of person you want as your friend. Everyone needs a Holly in their life.
Like a YA romance with lots of angst and heartache? Like a YA with a great romance story? This is definitely the book for you.
Nathan just wants to be like all the other teenagers in his high school but he has a secret that no one can find out or his life will be hell. So when new girl in town Holly accidentally finds out his secret is his life about to implode?
I adored both Nathan and Holly. Nathan is having a really hard time coming to terms with his secret and just wants to be ‘normal’. Holly is a total sweetheart. She’s exactly the type of person you want as your friend. Everyone needs a Holly in their life.
Like a YA romance with lots of angst and heartache? Like a YA with a great romance story? This is definitely the book for you.
July 2, 2022
He has a secret - and now she knows what it is. What will he do to keep that secret? This is a high school drama, with all of the accompanying angst. But even more, it's a beautiful story. Nathan and Holly grow and change throughout the book, finding - and nearly losing - unexpected love. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2022
Holly is the new girl in school, she has been here before and she is hoping that she won’t have to be here again, but she decides that this time will be different, this time, she will be one of the popular kids, this time, she won’t be an outcast, so apart from the usual first day jitters when she has to introduce herself to each of her classes, but there is one thing she doesn’t expect and that is how gorgeous one of the popular kids is. One lunch, Holly finally decides to try her luck at the popular table, but as usual, it backfires and she is back to being the pariah, back to being insulted and terrorized by the popular kids as they bully her again, so she again gravitates to the outcasts who she knows will take her in and become the friends she needs and wants.
As the days pass and the novelty of being the new girl wears off, all she has to do now is not freak out every time she sits with her chemistry lab partner, who just happens to be the gorgeous popular guy who is one of the main bully’s in the school, but sometimes when he thinks nobody sees, flashes of what lies behind the façade show through, but it isn’t until her friend is the target of a malicious prank that she sees just what he is hiding.
Holly discovers the lie which this person has been hiding behind, she discovers just what they have worked so hard to protect and she discovers just how terrified they are that people will discover just how scared they are that everyone will find out and what the consequences of that would be. This lie binds Holly and her lab partner together, but what lengths they will go to keep this lie intact? This is an intense contemporary romance which deals with some hard hitting subjects and will leave you hooked as you follow along on the journey one lie can take someone on and how it affects everyone who comes into contact with it.
As the days pass and the novelty of being the new girl wears off, all she has to do now is not freak out every time she sits with her chemistry lab partner, who just happens to be the gorgeous popular guy who is one of the main bully’s in the school, but sometimes when he thinks nobody sees, flashes of what lies behind the façade show through, but it isn’t until her friend is the target of a malicious prank that she sees just what he is hiding.
Holly discovers the lie which this person has been hiding behind, she discovers just what they have worked so hard to protect and she discovers just how terrified they are that people will discover just how scared they are that everyone will find out and what the consequences of that would be. This lie binds Holly and her lab partner together, but what lengths they will go to keep this lie intact? This is an intense contemporary romance which deals with some hard hitting subjects and will leave you hooked as you follow along on the journey one lie can take someone on and how it affects everyone who comes into contact with it.
July 10, 2022
High school is heavy on secrets, lies, friendships, loyalties, the strength of kids dealing with adult situations, pretending and emotions. This book focuses on all of those things and also shares stuff in a way that is eternally relevant to teenagers and the stressors of high school.
Holly is new in Oregon, freshly transplanted from Texas after her mom died. Nathan is one of the popular guys leading the clique of their class. While generally an outsider, when Holly sees Nathan, she can't stop staring at how beautiful he is...until he opens his mouth. It turns out Nathan hangs with bullies and IS a bully to students like her.
Holly daydreams about becoming one of them and running her fingers through Nathan's wild hair, but her attempt is shot down. When she befriends Megan and the Gothlet, she has found her group. Unfortunately, her group of friends is one of Nathan and his cliques favorite targets. After Nathan makes an inexcusable decision to humiliate one of her friends, Holly has had ENOUGH. High schools are the same all over, you know? The bullies and jocks and popular people seek out the outsiders, and she refuses to let her new friends be diminished by hateful people.
Holly, normally quiet, catches Nathan at his locker and lets him have it - it turns into quite a screaming match. After Nathan runs away, angry, Holly is NOT finished with this conversation and follows him, only to find him hiding in a classroom and in trouble. Before she knows what is happening, she finds herself helping him...the only student besides his brother to know his secret. Originally, Nathan starts trying to build a relationship with her to ensure his secret gets kept, but in time, they genuinely enjoy each others company. The rest of the book is weaving their way through trials and tribulations of high school, great internal monologue, getting to know one another, and so much courage.
Quick read, as I was invested in this story. I really enjoyed it.
Holly is new in Oregon, freshly transplanted from Texas after her mom died. Nathan is one of the popular guys leading the clique of their class. While generally an outsider, when Holly sees Nathan, she can't stop staring at how beautiful he is...until he opens his mouth. It turns out Nathan hangs with bullies and IS a bully to students like her.
Holly daydreams about becoming one of them and running her fingers through Nathan's wild hair, but her attempt is shot down. When she befriends Megan and the Gothlet, she has found her group. Unfortunately, her group of friends is one of Nathan and his cliques favorite targets. After Nathan makes an inexcusable decision to humiliate one of her friends, Holly has had ENOUGH. High schools are the same all over, you know? The bullies and jocks and popular people seek out the outsiders, and she refuses to let her new friends be diminished by hateful people.
Holly, normally quiet, catches Nathan at his locker and lets him have it - it turns into quite a screaming match. After Nathan runs away, angry, Holly is NOT finished with this conversation and follows him, only to find him hiding in a classroom and in trouble. Before she knows what is happening, she finds herself helping him...the only student besides his brother to know his secret. Originally, Nathan starts trying to build a relationship with her to ensure his secret gets kept, but in time, they genuinely enjoy each others company. The rest of the book is weaving their way through trials and tribulations of high school, great internal monologue, getting to know one another, and so much courage.
Quick read, as I was invested in this story. I really enjoyed it.
July 20, 2022
A New Adult novel that tackles a tough subject with heart.
Would recommend for upper teens as there is explicit sex scenes and internal monologue about it.
A bit of an enemies to lovers/opposites attract going on here. The main topic though is what will someone do to keep their secrets and encourage others to do so as well.
I enjoyed the relationship between Holly and Nathan. The gradual build up and the opposites attract. While I could see what was coming I enjoyed the ride to seeing them get together and the obstacles they faced to be and stay together, both within and external to their relationship.
This novel is about underage young adults, so I think the high school environment led to more tension but also showed the strain of keeping secrets from people you see almost every day and how that can wear on a person.
Loved the supporting cast of friends, Lucy (the goth who holds a spot in my heart now), Megan, Ryan, and Evan. And of course Holly’s dad and Nathan’s parents. Holly’s dad reminds me a bit of Charlie Swan from Twilight and I’m here for that.
Think many who read and enjoyed the After series will enjoy this one.
CW: attempted sexual assault, “locker room” talk about women, epilepsy, panic attacks, explicit sexual content, underage drinking, underage sex, prescription drug use
Would recommend for upper teens as there is explicit sex scenes and internal monologue about it.
A bit of an enemies to lovers/opposites attract going on here. The main topic though is what will someone do to keep their secrets and encourage others to do so as well.
I enjoyed the relationship between Holly and Nathan. The gradual build up and the opposites attract. While I could see what was coming I enjoyed the ride to seeing them get together and the obstacles they faced to be and stay together, both within and external to their relationship.
This novel is about underage young adults, so I think the high school environment led to more tension but also showed the strain of keeping secrets from people you see almost every day and how that can wear on a person.
Loved the supporting cast of friends, Lucy (the goth who holds a spot in my heart now), Megan, Ryan, and Evan. And of course Holly’s dad and Nathan’s parents. Holly’s dad reminds me a bit of Charlie Swan from Twilight and I’m here for that.
Think many who read and enjoyed the After series will enjoy this one.
CW: attempted sexual assault, “locker room” talk about women, epilepsy, panic attacks, explicit sexual content, underage drinking, underage sex, prescription drug use
July 21, 2022
A phenomenal read that pulls the audience in right from the beginning , despite the YA tag. Amy Argent has a knack for spinning a tale that will have you feeling all the feels & bring you right back to your teenage years. Emotions are all over the place in this novel, just as they are with teenagers—hahaha…I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found myself having a hard time putting it down. Great job!
Nathan has a BIG secret that he is desperately striving to keep hidden from the rest of the world, thinking if it gets out, his world would be destroyed… Running with the popular crowded, Nathan is also a big bully. Holly, a new comer in town, doesn’t really fit in anywhere and finds herself being bullied by Nathan and his friends, however when he is paired up with the new girl as a lab partner , she inadvertently finds out his secret. Desperate to have her keep his confidence, Nathan befriends Holly and they start dating. While initially he was not sincere in his feelings for Holly, Nathan quickly finds himself falling in love with her which changes him in ways he never thought was possible.
Nathan has a BIG secret that he is desperately striving to keep hidden from the rest of the world, thinking if it gets out, his world would be destroyed… Running with the popular crowded, Nathan is also a big bully. Holly, a new comer in town, doesn’t really fit in anywhere and finds herself being bullied by Nathan and his friends, however when he is paired up with the new girl as a lab partner , she inadvertently finds out his secret. Desperate to have her keep his confidence, Nathan befriends Holly and they start dating. While initially he was not sincere in his feelings for Holly, Nathan quickly finds himself falling in love with her which changes him in ways he never thought was possible.
July 17, 2022
The Lie that Binds by Amy Argent was honestly so good. At first I won’t lie it took me a few chapters to be okay with a high school romance because of the age and things that happened but the characters were easily likable. It also totally made me think of my own high school love. Holly is the new girl in town and tries to fit in with the popular kids but it doesn’t go as planned. Nathan IS the popular kid, the jerk because he has to be, because he has secret to hide from basically everyone in his life. But Holly finds out by mistake… and Nathan is forced to make a huge decision. Let her tell the school or pretend to like her to keep her quiet. I loved the story line, it was different, quick and easy to read. It was a perfect story with the natural ebb and flow of young love. I’d love to read about Holly and Nathan’s friends, most especially the Gothlet - which I cracked up at every single time!!
July 21, 2022
The Lie That Binds is a YA romance with a twist of lies and secrets. Holly just moved to a new town and wants to fit in, just like any other schoolgirl. She soon finds out the “popular” girls are not her crowd, and the hunky Nathan isn’t all that she thought he would be…but she is still drawn to him. Nathan is equally drawn to Holly….and then his secret comes out. The same secrets that draw them close together soon has Holly wondering if his feelings are real, or just a means to keep his secrets safe. The Lie That Binds is very much your typical high school drama, and all that comes with it, so I had a difficult time connecting with the moody, ever changing characters. I was often a little frustrated with the characters and wanted to shake sense into them (but again, they are high school kids, so maybe this was intended). I did enjoy the storyline and where it ended up going, so I will give this one 4 stars, and I can definitely see the appeal for higher ratings from a younger audience!
July 21, 2022
5/5 Stars
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
This is the first book I've read by the author. The Lie That Binds is a great read. This book had me hooked from the beginning. It was hard for me to put down.
Holly is the new girl at school. She isn't sure where she fits in. She tries to make friends with the popular group only to be turned down. Then she finds out a secret that no one knows about. Can she keep it? The quote I chose for Holly is: “You and all your perfect friends! Nothing ever goes wrong for you! You have no idea what it’s like to be different or alone! You—"
Nathan has a secret he's hiding from everyone. And if anyone found out then everything he's worked for is gone. That is until the new girl finds out. Can Nathan make her keep quiet? The quote I chose for Nathan is: “I still do. But I had already put it in my coat before I saw Holly, and I stomped off without thinking.”
Highly recommended for YA Romance lovers.
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
This is the first book I've read by the author. The Lie That Binds is a great read. This book had me hooked from the beginning. It was hard for me to put down.
Holly is the new girl at school. She isn't sure where she fits in. She tries to make friends with the popular group only to be turned down. Then she finds out a secret that no one knows about. Can she keep it? The quote I chose for Holly is: “You and all your perfect friends! Nothing ever goes wrong for you! You have no idea what it’s like to be different or alone! You—"
Nathan has a secret he's hiding from everyone. And if anyone found out then everything he's worked for is gone. That is until the new girl finds out. Can Nathan make her keep quiet? The quote I chose for Nathan is: “I still do. But I had already put it in my coat before I saw Holly, and I stomped off without thinking.”
Highly recommended for YA Romance lovers.
July 20, 2022
This was such a good book! I could hardly put it down, because the story was so well written. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the excessive vulgar language and explicit sexual nature was a bit much for me. The story follows two high school students, Holly Ross and Nathan Harris. Nathan has a secret that he doesn’t want people to find out about. He covers it by being a part of the popular crowd and being mean to other kids. Holly is a new student who accidentally discovers Nathan’s secret. She never dreams Nathan would start dating her to make her keep his secret. So when she finds out why he started dating her, will their love for each other be able to overcome the deceptive start? Or will other students be able to keep them apart? Find out in this page turner!
July 20, 2022
As I was reading, I felt like I was transported back into high school. Every whisper from classmates that makes you anxious and feel alone... The fear of looking up and making eye contact with anyone, so you keep your head down.
But what happens when you do make eye contact with someone? A GORGEOUS someone?
All the butterflies and feelings of new love... So intoxicating.
I read this book in just a few hours... It was so well-written and had some twists and turns I did not anticipate! Things DEFINITELY got steamy, but there was also so much love and friendship and growth in this story too.
But what happens when you do make eye contact with someone? A GORGEOUS someone?
All the butterflies and feelings of new love... So intoxicating.
I read this book in just a few hours... It was so well-written and had some twists and turns I did not anticipate! Things DEFINITELY got steamy, but there was also so much love and friendship and growth in this story too.
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