Lie To You (Forbidden Trilogy #2) by J.C. Valentine (Book Review)

by dbthehype

Lie to You Cover 1Identical twin brothers, check. Lustful encounters that will make you blush and then some, check. Beautiful girl caught in the middle of a Bermuda Triangle of secrets, check. A few months ago I reviewed Dance for Me by author J.C. Valentine, the first book in the Fobidden Trilogy and I loved it. Many readers are opposed to cliffhangers but some of the ones I’ve come across have been the icing on the cake that makes the book that much more memorable (e.g. RAW by Belle Aurora and Amber to Ashes by Gail McHugh). The revelation at the conclusion of Dance for Me had me longing for the next book. Luckily, I was provided with an ARC of Lie to You in exchange for an honest review. Check out the blurb and my thoughts below.

BLURB 

I thought he was the one. I thought we were headed someplace great. I didn’t know anything.

TakeMy mystery man is no longer such a mystery. He’s still commanding and headstrong, playing my body and mind like an instrument, but I’m finding there are layers to him I never could have dreamed. What I’ve learned since that fateful night in his apartment has me reeling. Now, though, the truth has taken a backstage to other, more pressing matters.

While I struggle to make a choice that will determine the direction of my future, lies that I thought had been carefully hidden away are coming to light. My head is such a mess I don’t know what’s up or down anymore. Will I be able to sort it all out, or will the life I’ve worked so hard to build come crashing down in a pile of secrets and lies?

MY REVIEW

*ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

Lie To You Rebel Ransom TeaserLie to You picks up where Dance for Me left off, with Josephine in both emotional and mental turmoil. Faced with the uncertainty of what her next move should be, she decides to steer clear of double trouble until the dust settles. However, Ransom and Rebel, two unyielding alpha males will stop at nothing to claim Joe.

Is it possible to dislike the male lead, or in this case both? What originally drew me in to both men was no longer alluring. Given Joe’s circumstances and choices between judgmental jerk and arrogant bastard, I would have seen myself right into Brody’s welcoming arms. The heart wants what it wants, and sadly Brody isn’t it. This is not a typical love triangle by any means and every bit the antithesis. Unhappy with our heroine’s choices I reluctantly followed Joe down her self-imposed rabbit hole. What ensues is a roller coaster ride that will give you whiplash and leave your head spinning.

Lie To You TeaserHaving lost the order in her carefully balanced life, secrets are revealed that serve to further complicate Joe’s existence. Her friendships are in peril and her heart’s in a perpetual state of vulnerability. Choosing her lover Goldilocks style, trying out one bed and then the other for the right fit, Joe finally picks one Mr. Scott. How can you truly be certain if you’ve chosen correctly when you hardly know a person? Slowly but surely the reader is given glimpses into a man who has more to offer than a great body and fantastic sexual ministrations. When things seem to start looking up, a not so past flame threatens to destroy their kindling trust.

As much as I enjoy J.C. Valentine’s writing, this installment of the Forbidden series fell a bit short for me. I couldn’t sympathize with Joe and found it hard to connect with either Mr. Scott. There were scenes that almost set my phone on fire and I learned to never sit at the dinner table flanked by two hot men. I want to explore more about both men and learn what makes them who they are. Are either really worthy of Joe? And more importantly, will she ever reach a point where she’s happily fulfilled in life. Caught in the eye of the storm, I am curious to know how this turbulent tale will end.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR 

To purchase your copy of Lie to You from Amazon, click here. To connect with J.C. Valentine and stalk her upcoming projects or browse her other titles, visit her website or author page on Amazon and Goodreads.

Media Source [J.C. Valentine’s Facebook Page]