I can see the appeal but the humour just didn’t do it for me and the story was too bitty. Felt like it needed some good editing.

5* Not to be missed

After finishing a gruesome thriller, I was in need of some light reading. According to the synopsis, Love Painted in Lies would be just this. And it was!

A genuine comedy, at times a non-PC dark comedy, containing a complicated plot keeping my complete attention. Very clever writing, there's not a dull page from beginning to end.

There's so much in this book, I intend reading it again in the future to see what I missed first time.

I won't give anything away about the plot as you've probably already read other reviews, but I strongly recommend Holly Denham's book. It's great.

eARC generously supplied by Front Recruitment Publishing and NetGalley, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

Minty is a gifted artist, but instead of painting original work, she began a forgery ring with her brother and sister. That was all years ago and now she’s back home with her parents, her twin children, and her twin dogs. Her past catches up to her and it seems everyone in the neighborhood is watching her. Hilarity and heartbreak ensue.

I have no idea what this book is. I don’t understand who Minty is or what she’s about, but man, I loved this book. It was like Cold Comfort Farm had a baby with a Guy Ritchie film. I absolutely adore the ensemble cast - her parents are the absolute best - and the entire world-building surrounding her and everyone is glorious. This book was so surprising because it had so many different elements, and like the main character Minty, everything is a bit jumbled: it is an art heist, a mystery, a comedy, a romance, a family-centered slice-of-life, all laced with a lot of dry British wit. I loved it! Please - more books with these characters!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This was a lighthearted romantic comedy, with the humor definitely taking center stage. But if all you're looking for are some humorous, lighthearted shenanigans, this should be exactly up your alley. Unfortunately, the tale didn't always flow the way I would have liked it to, especially in the beginning. There was also a little abruptness in the way the two timeframes switched.

This book was such a cute read! I love an artsy character so this was absolutely perfect. Thank you for the ability to read it!

I’ve been waiting forever to read something new from Holly Denham and this didn’t disappoint. Although very different from the Holly’s Inbox books it’s equally as brilliant. I laughed my way through this book and read it in one as I just couldn’t put it down.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for my honest and unbiased opinion. And thanks to Holly for coming back and the opportunity of a great read.

I've been waiting years for a new book from Holly Denham! Love Painted in Lies in so much fun. I love Denham's writing style and while this book was quite different from Holly's Inbox, it was fantastic. There's some mystery and some laughs and, of course, some romance. The perfect mix. Loved it!

This was a great book. I connected with the characters. I felt engrossed with the plot. I would read another book by this author.

What a lovely book, I enjoyed reading about the antics of all the characters and I loved the way the story came together. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

"Love Painted in Lies" is a delightful British comedy romp, skillfully blending humor, mystery, and heartwarming moments. Minty's return to Maida Vale brims with chaos, juggling the demands of raising twins, managing an Old English Sheepdog, and navigating the labyrinthine complexities of London school admissions. Yet, amidst the uproar, a tantalizing mystery unfurls, injecting an extra layer of excitement into the narrative.

The characters are expertly crafted, and Minty's journey is both relatable and thoroughly entertaining. The introduction of a mysterious stranger adds an alluring touch of intrigue and romance, ensuring readers remain captivated until the very end. Minty's struggles and triumphs resonate deeply, offering a connection that many will share.

In sum, "Love Painted in Lies" is a hilarious adventure that speaks to anyone who has ever felt like they didn't quite fit in. With its sharp wit, unexpected plot twists, and endearing characters, this book is a true pleasure to read. I highly recommend it!

"Love Painted in Lies" is a charming British comedy that goes beyond the typical love story. Minty's return to Maida Vale isn't just about raising twins and managing her parents—it's shadowed by her past involvement in a family art forgery ring. Suspected by the law of returning to uncover secrets about a missing painting, Minty must prove she's starting anew. Amidst this, a mysterious stranger brings intrigue and potential romance. With gangsters on her trail and love at her door, Minty's journey is a hilarious adventure blending comedy, mystery, and unexpected twists in Maida Vale.
This is a really fun book; it's perfect for relaxing and having a good laugh. There are many little subplots that add a lot to the story. I really liked Minty's character because you can easily relate to her, especially her train of thought. The book is very vivid, so while reading, you have a little movie playing in your head.
Of course, I liked that Minty is "different," adapting to how we all function now. It also addresses stress, bullying, embarrassing situations, and various topics that are humorously portrayed. I definitely recommend reading this book; it's great for a laugh, relaxing, and easy to read. It's easy to follow Minty's thoughts and the story, which alternates between events that happened about ten years ago and the present.

"Love Painted in Lies: A Maida Vale Tale" introduces us to Minty, a single mom with a unique talent for painting and a...well, let's say eccentric personality. While the premise of a single mom juggling family, art, and a possible love life held promise, the character introductions felt a little rushed. A bit more upfront development for the characters would have helped establish their dynamics and endear them to the reader.

Minty in particular, presented a challenge. Her humour, which I believe was intended to be quirky and endearing, came across as trollish. The plot itself had a decent foundation, but the execution was inconsistent. Interesting developments didn't kick in until around the 35% mark, leaving a significant portion of the book feeling slow. Honestly, some scenes, like the one with Minty bringing both her parents and children on a date, were just plain confusing. There were even moments where Minty's engagement with the reader also felt inconsistent.

Ultimately, the slow build and dull ending left me feeling like the good parts of the story weren't strong enough to overcome the pacing issues and underdeveloped characters. It took me a significant effort to finish this book, and the ending itself was a letdown.

This book needed more focus and refinement to truly capture my attention. Perhaps those who enjoy quirky humour and slower-paced stories might find this enjoyable.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I did enjoy this book, but it read like a first or second draft to me. The perspective shifts between "then" and "now" very often, which makes it a little more difficult to read. I liked the references, such as the references to Dr. Who and the Truman Show.

It completely captivated me with its intricate plot and vivid characterization. This book is not just a romance; it's a deep dive into relationships tangled with secrets and deception. The author crafts a narrative that is both suspenseful and emotionally engaging, making it hard to put down.

It took me a bit of time to get into this book but I am so glad I kept going, not really for the romance, which was a bit sketchy if I’m honest, but it was laugh out loud funny. Although books often raise a smile it isn’t often I find myself audibly chuckle and for that reason I would recommend it. If you’re looking for a romance to rock your world I’m not sure you’ll find it in these pages. but if you’re looking for an engaging storyline with a character who knows her own mind, look no further. The relationship I did enjoy was the familial one with parents who seem to route for their daughter no matter what.

This book was unlike any other I’ve read before, and I’m glad I gave it a try. It’s not my usual genre but I found myself hooked, staying up late to read just one more chapter. I did think at times the book was a little confusing when it kept jumping from now to then, however I’d say around half way through the book it became easier to follow. Character wise, some of the dialogue was a little cliche but overall I’d say they were likeable. Overall, I’d say the book was a fun read and I’d happily look out for any more from this author.

Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC in return of an honest review.

This book wasn't for me. It jumped around too much in the beginning of the story and it was hard to get into.

Thank you to NetGallery and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lovely book! While I typically read and review books that are purely romance or romantic comedies, Love Painted in Lies was refreshingly different in that romance felt like a subplot. I enjoyed that the story involved more than just a romantic thrill of the chase but an actual chase too! There was comedy, mystery, action, and romance which made for a talented work by Holly Denham.

I lived in Maida Vale for six months, so the setting of this book holds a special place in my heart. It was nostaglic to read this story knowing all too well what it is to live in the area. Though my experience there did enhance my experience reading this book, I can say the picture Denham paints of Maida Vale and Little Venice is one that can allow any reader to put themselves there in their mind. What a great location to set a story revolving around art!

Overall, I really loved reading this book. For a book of this size, I would often read it in one sitting, but I read it in three because I did not want it to be over so soon. I could say more but I dare not say anything that would cause any reader not to go into this book with an open mind and a readiness to be engaged in a all-around good story. Excited to tell my former Maida Vale flatmates about this one!

The family dynamics of this hit close to home for me, which made for an enjoyable read (to a point). I flat out adored Minty and was rooting for her every step of the way! The book was funny and the plot was one that is easy to connect with.

Honestly, this book was an unexpected reading and a difficult voluntary review to write, but not because the book wasn’t hilarious or interesting, is that the family dynamic of the main character reflects a little my own and that was difficult to deal with.

Minty is this talented artist who is afraid to express through her art her uniqueness. She thinks is easier to copy someone else’s art instead expressing herself and maybe being judged wrongly or rejected by her own father and the rest of the world. Due to this wrongly misconceptions and fears, she gets entangled with the mafia, police and even imprisoned for fraud. Her life becomes a chain of chaos, mixed with a strong feeling of family loyalty, and life resignation.
This chaos brings stressful, humiliating and sometimes laughable situations that will make you root for Minty so she could find peace, happiness, love and personal success as herself.
The story was well written, the characters well defined and the plot crazy and hilarious which reminded me of the Chavy Chase’s movies a bit.

I just reviewed Love Painted in Lies: A Maida Vale Tale by Holly Denham. #lovepaintedinlies #NetGalley