It’s been 22 years since Scarlett has seen Pepper. 22 years since that night of the accident. The one they covered up and never spoke of again. When Zoey shows up at her desk at work, Scarlett is shocked to learn that Pepper never got the abortion she planned, and Zoey is her daughter. Zoey found a letter Pepper had written to Scarlett after that night and never sent. Now she wants to know what really happened, and who her father is…

Jaime hit it out of the park once again! I could not stop reading. I needed to know who Zoey’s father was, and what had actually happened that night. Pepper was such a manipulator and I needed to know more! I did guess a few twists throughout the book, but that did not keep me from loving every second! This was the fast faced story I have come to expect from Jaime and I cannot wait for what is next!

I loved these type of reads! A murder case that was solved and closed, however the truth of what really happened has been held by closed lips for decades and those involved have always known the police got it wrong that night. A terrible accident right after high school graduation and two ended up dead but the truth of who was involved and what really happened has been a secret since that night even though the original detective felt things were not as they seemed and that lies were all he was being fed during the investigation. Two decades later an investigative journalist is stirring things up from a letter she found in her mother's belongings mentioning an accident. Zoey wants to know what this letter means and is also on a mission to found out who her father is, although she has no idea just how many secrets are wrapped up in this all. The truth of what happened that night is not what anyone really remembers, as each person has their own secret they have been withholding from everyone else in the group. I loved how this story was written from the various characters and that we get piece of what happened that night, as well as transcripts from the interrogations that had taken place after. Teenagers can be some of the best and worst liars and this novel shows just how loyal they actually can be. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the complementary ebook and to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

I love each and every one of her books, I always love all the twists and turns! Ohh my gosh this book gripped me from the very beginning and refused to let go throughout the entire thing! I was totally hooked from beginning to end! One of my favorite book endings EVER and at the end of the book, I just sat there with my jaw on the floor and a grin on my face! Plus the character development and character arcs are written so well that my opinions of each character morphed as details came to light throughout. And now I truly want there to be a sequel because I am so vested in each of the characters! I will be recommending A Lovely Lie forever as it’s easily one of my favorite books ever!

Travel back in time to 1999 when two best friends attend a senior picnic with their other classmates. Something terrible happens later that night, and two classmates end up dead. Twenty years have gone by, but the memory and secrets of that fateful night are coming back. Someone knows that there is more to the story and they want answers.

I enjoyed the flawed and untrustworthy characters, how each person carried the burden of a secret or two (or more), the dual timelines of the past to the present, the drama, the guessing game of what really happened. I've enjoyed other books by this author and A Lovely Lie didn't disappoint!

Lies have a way of coming back to you as the characters in this story find out. The title is perfect for the book and the cover is as well. I love how this story is told in multiple POV and a dual timeline. The author gets you in the characters minds and you find out not everyone is as they seem. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great thriller.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my e-ARC of A Lovely Lie!

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me. I will definitely check out other work from this author in the future though.

Thank you to Thriller Book Lover Promotions, Jaime Lynn Hendricks and Scarlet for the ARC!

The night of their senior picnic, Scarlett and here best friend Pepper were involved in a deadly car crash. Afterwards, they lied to the police to protect themselves. Soon after, Pepper left town and Scarlett never heard from her again. Now, over twenty years later, Scarlett has repressed the truth and built herself a decent life with a husband and son. But she is completely thrown for a loop when Pepper’s daughter, Zoey, shows up on her doorstep with news of Pepper’s death. Zoey has a letter from Pepper to Scarlett, insinuating that something happened in their past. And Zoey wants answers.

If you want a book to binge in one sitting, look no further! Fast paced and full of twists, “A Lovely Lie” kept me on the edge of my seat from the first few sentences. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about what was going to happen next. My heart went out to Scarlett, as Pepper seemed like such a horrible and selfish friend. And it was hard to not feel bad for Zoey as well, as Pepper seemed to not be the mother she needed either. In fact, Scarlett and Zoey’s unlikely friendship in the face of Pepper’s manipulative behavior was one of my favorite parts of this book. In spite of Pepper, I think Scarlett’s husband Vince was the worst of them all - no spoilers but if you read this story, I bet you feel the same way! LOL

“A Lovely Lie” releases May 28, 2024. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)

Wow, this book was something. The lies and deceit that filled the pages and stopped me from completing anything I previously had on my to do list for the day because I could not and would not put this down, This was my first book by #jaimelynnhendricks but it will not be my last because I loved it. The dual timeline was great, especially since I was in high school at the same time as the characters. The multiple POVs were also great, I loathed almost all of them at one point. The single moment that altered so many lives and the chaos that followed it.

I absolutely loved this book and will definitely recommend it to all, this book is a must read out May 28th!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ooooeee, what a ride. I have whiplash.

4.25 ★

This was chaotic. The characters are so unlikable and full of drama. And I loved it. With a name like Pepper you just know she's going to be a b. Lemme grab my popcorn real quick and watch this unfold.

It was a little bit predictable but at some parts it had me completely second guessing everything. It was still fun! I loved how fast paced this was throughout the whole book. Didn't feel like it lulled at any point (IMO).

The ending was a bit unsatisfying.

Honestly, this would probably make a decent drama TV series. It was a fun popcorn suspense read.

Thank you Netgalley and Penzler Publishers, Scarlet for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Jaime Lynn Hendricks was an author new to me and I cannot wait to read more from her. A Lovely Lie grabbed me right from the start and I could not put it down. If you enjoy stories about adults still living in their childhood small town where bad things happened at the end of high school, secrets, multiple points of view, unreliable characters, twists and turns, then throw in the popular high school girl’s secret daughter landing from the big city 22 years later to unravel it all, buckle up. You’re in for a ride!

The story follows protagonist Emily as she grapples with the aftermath of a devastating betrayal and navigates the complexities of rebuilding her life. Hendricks deftly weaves together multiple narrative threads, skillfully exploring themes of trust, forgiveness, and the masks people wear to hide their true selves.

The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own flaws and vulnerabilities, making them relatable and compelling. As Emily delves deeper into the truth behind the lies she's been told, readers are drawn into a web of suspense and emotional depth. A Lovely Lie" is a poignant and gripping novel that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page.

Zoey arrives in Florida to discover who her father is. She quickly realizes it’s not going to be as simple as she thought. Not only has her mother Pepper lied to her, but everyone seems to be lying, especially about the night two graduates died

Pepper’s old school friends are not only still friends, but her ex boyfriend Vince is now married to her ex best friend Scarlett. Shockingly salacious, and that’s only the start

The story is fast paced and full of “Housewives” drama. Secrets are revealed and interspersed with past police interviews from the time after the two graduate deaths

None of the characters are particularly likable but it’s hard to look away and honestly, I was gripped! The only character I really liked was teenage Luke who managed to steer clear of the drama

I guessed the majority of twists, but it didn’t take away from the fun - I definitely recommend this for a fun vacation read

Thanks to Netgalley and Penzler Publishers, Scarlett for access to this eBook ARC in exchange for my honest review

What an exciting thriller. I enjoyed the mystery of A Lovely Lie. It's told in dual timelines which I always like. If you think you have this figured out just wait until the end. I was shocked! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for my gifted copy.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy.

Imagine being at work when a young lady shows up. You BFF’s kiddo. The BFF you haven’t spoken to in years.

Dual time lines and messed up friendships. What more can you want? For me…a better ending. It worked but I wanted something more.

I've enjoyed all of Hendricks' books and this was no exception. This book was filled DRAMA and insufferable people making terrible choice; it was hard to look away from the wreck. As a Floridian, its ok for me to say, just Florida people just doing Florida things. This was a very fast-paced read with a solid twist. Save this for when you need a fun, fast, when-the-past-comes-back-to-haunt-you type of read! Which is all the time, right?

thank you NetGalley and Penzler Publishers, Scarlet for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good one! Two teens died back in high school after graduation and a night of drinking. Present day, the other kids now grown, have some secrets and lies that they are trying to protect.

I enjoyed the past and present timelines, as well as the detective interviews after the accident. It is divided into parts—different characters points of view. The characters were really pretty unlikeable but that never bothers me in a book. You won’t want to put down this easy read when it is available MAY 28! It is twisty and the characters definitely behave badly! It was a fun ride, this author always knows how to capture your attention and hold it!

OBSESSED!!! Thank you NetGalley and Penzler Publishers, Scarlet for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a sinfully delightful, irresistibly addictive, meticulously plotted, emotionally absorbing, thoroughly beguiling, and utterly binge-worthy mystery thriller that refuses to release its grip!! "A Lovely Lie" immerses readers in a labyrinth of deadly secrets, lies, betrayals, and murder all while maintaining an intense and cleverly plotted narrative. With its swift pace, the story delivers jarring twists and turns that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The spellbinding suspense and moments that will make you gasp out loud, is complemented by richly developed characters. All culminating in a flawless ending!! This is my first read by Jaime Lynn Hendricks and it exceeded my expectations, leaving me eagerly anticipating more of her work. I deeply enjoyed immersing myself in this fascinating book, and it has solidified its position on my list of top thrillers for 2024!! 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

Is it better to believe a lovely lie or know the horrible truth? In 1999, Scarlett Russo and her friend Pepper were involved in a fatal car accident, leading to a web of lies to protect each other. Now, over two decades later, Scarlett's tranquil life is disrupted by Pepper's daughter, Zoey, seeking answers about her mother's past. As Zoey investigates, Scarlett's buried secrets risk resurfacing, forcing her to confront the truth she's long avoided!!

If you crave a compelling and unputdownable mystery thriller brimming with intense emotions that will captivate you from start to finish, then this book is an absolute must read! I wholeheartedly recommend it and firmly believe it deserves all the stars!!! 💫💫💫💫💫

Could you keep a secret for 20+

Scarlett has kept a secret about her friend Pepper for 20 years. Now a stranger shows up and might unravel everything.

This was a good faced thriller. It wasn’t anything too deep but it kept my attention the whole time. Some parts did feel a little predictable but it didn’t bother me.

It had a good ending tying the whole book up neatly. I don’t think there was any mind blowing twist but still a good book.

Genre: Thriller
APK: Ebook
Pages: 305
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Series or Standalone: Stand-alone

Thank you Penzler Publishing for sending me a free copy for an honest review

I really enjoyed this one! The characters were awesome. The plot moved at a great pace and there were so many twists and turns that left you reeling.
Fast paced and dark! This had an amazing atmosphere and vibe start to finish. Emotions about each character change throughout as they are complex and layered.
This read kept me up way too late and I was sad at the end when I had to say goodbye to characters I was invested in. That’s a sign of a great read!

I absolutely devoured this book. I loved the POV & that the villains kept changing throughout the book. This book had the best ending & the plot twists throughout had me questioning so many of my initial thoughts. I loved it. Look forward to reading more by Jaime!