Thanks to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

Scarlett Russo and her bestie Pepper were more involved in an accident that left two classmates dead the night of their senior picnic. Pepper takes for for NYC after graduation and never communicates with anyone from home. 22 years later Pepper's daughter, Zoey, comes to town saying Pepper is dead and she wants to find out who her father is. Zoey and Scarlett work to uncover what really happened. Told in multiple POV over multiple time lines, this is a solid mystery.

I enjoyed Hillary Huber's narration.

✨Pub Day Review✨

A Lovely Lie
Pub date: 5/28/24

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a wild ride!! I could not stop listening to this audiobook!! It was so good and filled with twists and turns that I didn’t see coming! Some twists were predictable but definitely still enjoyable! Scarlett and Pepper were best friends back in high school. They were involved in a car accident that left two people dead and changed their lives forever. So many secrets, lies and deception!
I really enjoyed the dual POV and timeline. This was my first book by Jamie Lynn Hendricks and won’t be my last! I highly recommend this bingeable thriller!!

Thank you @netgalley @penzlerpub and @jamielynnhendriks and RB media for the advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

In Jaime Lynn Hendricks' captivating novel, "A Lovely Lie," readers are taken on an intriguing journey through the complex web of friendship, secrets, and lies. This gripping tale revolves around the lives of Scarlett and Pepper, best friends who find themselves entangled in a series of events that alter their lives forever.

The story begins with an accident at a graduation party. As the events unfold, it becomes evident that things are not as they seem. Scarlett and Pepper, entwined in the incident, decide to lie to the police about what truly happened and make a pact to never discuss it again.

Pepper, unable to bear the weight of the secret, leaves town. Fast forward twenty-two years later, Pepper's daughter, Zoey, shows up unexpectedly and begins to question the identity of her father. Vince, Pepper's high school boyfriend who is now married to Scarlett, becomes the center of her inquiry. As Zoey digs deeper into her mother's past, it becomes evident that secrets don't stay buried forever.

One of the striking elements of "A Lovely Lie" is its pacing. The book starts out slow, leaving readers pondering where the narrative is headed. However, about forty percent into the book, everything changes. Hendricks takes the story, shakes it up, and turns it on its head. From that point onwards, the tale becomes riveting, making it impossible to stop reading until the very end.

The audiobook rendition of the novel, narrated by Hillary Huber, initially comes across as somewhat lackluster. However, as the story progresses, Huber's voice grows on the listener, adding an additional layer of intrigue to the narrative.

In conclusion, "A Lovely Lie" is a compelling tale of friendship, secrets, and the consequences of lies. It serves as a reminder of the power of truth and the destructive potential of secrets. I would like to extend my gratitude to Jaime Lynn Hendricks, High Bridge Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to listen to this audiobook ARC. For anyone in search of a gripping and thought-provoking read, I highly recommend "A Lovely Lie" by Jaime Lynn Hendricks.

❤️ Happy Reading!!! ❤️

Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers, Scarlet Suspense and HighBridge Audio for the copies to review!

I love Jamie Lynn Hendricks’ books and this one was fantastic! Told in two timelines, 1999 and present day Twenty-two years later, Scarlett Russo has buried an incident from her past that comes back to the forefront, when her bff’s daughter shows up with a cryptic letter asking all kinds of questions about that night long ago. I loved the mess that Scarlett found herself in, and wasn’t sure how she was going to get herself out of it. I did guess a couple of twists but it did not take away anything from this book and I still did not see a few things coming. I loved this one, and having grown up in a small town, it was spot on and hit pretty close to home. The audio was great, it enhanced the story and really got me worked up on a couple of characters, which I always love. I definitely recommend this one, you need it on your summer reading list for sure!!

A Lovely Lie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Jaime Lynn Hendricks

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, Penzler Publishers and HighBridge Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: 1999: The night of their senior picnic, Scarlett Russo and her best friend Pepper were involved in a car accident that left two of their classmates dead. Afterward, they lied to the police, protecting each other from the consequences. Then Pepper left town and Scarlett never heard from her again…

Now: Twenty-two years later, Scarlett has buried that deadly incident deep in her mind and built a comfortable life for herself, working in a hotel on the west coast of Florida and raising her teenage son with her husband Vince. Her peace is disrupted, however, when Pepper’s daughter shows up with news of Pepper’s death. Zoey is twenty-one and studying to be an investigative journalist. She has a cryptic letter from Pepper addressed to Scarlett that alludes to the events of that fateful night and Pepper’s initial intentions to get an abortion. Now Zoey wants answers about her mother’s past. Who is Zoey’s father? And what really happened after the senior picnic? As Zoey continues to dig into the past, all of Scarlett’s buried secrets threaten to rise to the surface.

My Thoughts: I am a HUGE fan of Hendricks works, having read all of them. In 1999, Scarlett and her best friend, Pepper, were at a senior picnic. They were involved in an accident that left two students dead, and then lied to the police to cover up their involvement. Pepper then left town, leaving Scarlett behind and Scarlett never heard from Pepper agin. Fast forward to the present, Scarlett is married to Vince and they have a teenage son. Life is comfortable until Zoey shows up. Zoey is Pepper’s daughter and has a cryptic note that Pepper left behind. The letter alludes to Pepper’s pregnancy and her initial thought of an abortion. Zoey wants answers to her mother’s past, primarily who her father is and what happened that faithful night. This follows the trope of college co-ed murder mystery.

This twisty psychological thriller from Hendricks is full of lies, betrayal, and scandalous characters. Initially, all of the characters are not likable. However, as the story unfolds, I can connect with Scarlett and Zoey. It is a cat and mouse game of finding out who the most scandalous, who is the biggest liar, who was cheating on whom, and who is the most despicable. By far, I think Pepper is the most scandalous of the characters. Pepper is definitely the mean girl with Scarlett being the follower. While I did connect with Scarlett, I was also yelling at her for staying with Vince, who was a piece of work. While some parts of the story are outlandish, I thought the plot was executed well.

The story is narrated by Scarlett and Zoey, with some other narrators, such as Vince, Chris, and Pepper. The story is an alternating time narrative, from 1999 to the present. Scarlett was, and still is to a degree, a people pleaser, a follower. Pepper was queen bee, the most popular kid in class, and down right mean to people. Vince was the star of the football team and loved Pepper, more than life itself. They broke up and got to together so many times, people lost track. Chris is Vince’e best friend and now business partner. Then Zoey just wants to know who her father was, which Pepper refused to tell her. The characters were well developed, fleshed out, were mysterious, secretive, and intriguing. The supporting characters really elevated the game on this book. The author’s writing style was complex, multilayered, twisty, suspenseful, and brilliant. The flow and pacing of the book was perfection. The plot was developed in twisty multifaceted layers with a conclusion that is explosive 💥.

Hendricks is a masterful storyteller and is able to spin twists from twists and times the twists at the most perfect moment. It was compelling, captivating, chilling, creepy, dark, disturning, and gripping, keeping you on the edge of your seat. I guessed some of the twists, but there were still a few unpredictable surprises. The narrator, Hillary Huber, was fantastic. The voice variation through character distinction was truly amazing. The pitch and flow was excellent, I had no issues listening at 2x speed, I was able to keep up. If you like Freida McFadden, John Marrs, Daniel Hurst, or Alex Finlay, you will love this novel. I highly recommend picking up today, or borrowing from the library.

I agree with some reviewers that the book had a YA feel to it—I actually assumed that it was that genre and surprised it wasn’t! It was still a good and entertaining read, nothing wrong with YA. I felt like the POV switched too much, I prefer two narrators or maybe three if one is a dark horse/part of the twist, but there were just so many perspectives.

This dual timeline story touches on the senior picnic that left two kids dead. Scarlett and her best friend, Pepper, vowed to never talk about that night again.

Today, Pepper's daughter, Zoey, is back in town trying to find out who her father is and finds a note from her mom to Scarlett about an accident that happened in high school. She feels like this could be a clue into who her father is and will stop at nothing to find out the truth.

There are a lot of secrets that in this one along with some shocking twists that will keep you reading to find out what is going to happen.
I was surprised at how much Zoey was able to uncover in such a short amount of time. Some things are predictable but there are some surprising events that take place toward the end.

I love a dual timeline because we get the YA thriller along with the adult thriller.

Thank you NetGalley! I love books by this author and A Lovely Lie was no exception. The back and forth between the present and past including police interviews is a must to follow the story. The twists and turns kept coming. I throughly enjoyed the narrator of this audio book as well

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“A Lovely Lie” Audiobook Review

In the world of psychological thrillers, Jaime Lynn Hendricks’ audiobook “A Lovely Lie” stands out as a masterful blend of suspense and emotional depth. Narrated by Hillary Huber, whose voice brings a haunting resonance to the story, this audiobook is a journey through the shadows of the past and the complexities of human relationships.

The story unfolds with Scarlett Russo, who has carefully constructed a life far removed from the tragic night of her senior picnic that ended in a fatal car accident. The event, which led to the death of two classmates, has been buried deep within Scarlett’s conscience, shielded by a pact of silence with her best friend Pepper. However, the sudden appearance of Pepper’s daughter, Zoey, two decades later, threatens to unravel the fabric of lies Scarlett has woven around her seemingly tranquil existence.

Hendricks crafts a narrative that is as much about the fragility of the human psyche as it is about the suspense of the unfolding mystery. The audiobook format adds an extra layer of intimacy to the experience, with Huber’s narration capturing the nuances of each character’s emotional turmoil. The pacing is impeccable, with each revelation more surprising than the last, keeping the listener on the edge of their seat.

What sets “A Lovely Lie” apart is its exploration of the moral gray areas that define our lives. It poses the question: Is it better to live with a comforting falsehood or to face the harrowing truth? As Scarlett’s carefully curated life begins to crumble, listeners are compelled to confront their own perceptions of truth and loyalty.

The audiobook is a testament to Hendricks’ ability to weave complex characters and intricate plots into a compelling narrative. It’s a story that echos the haunting question of whether the lies we tell ourselves are indeed lovelier than the truths we hide from.

“A Lovely Lie” is a must-listen for fans of psychological thrillers. With its rich character development, gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes, it is a standout addition to the genre and a testament to the power of storytelling in the audiobook format.

4.5 🌟 (rounded up)

A Lovely Lie is one of those books that grabs you from the very first page and doesn't let go. I couldn't put it down, finishing the audiobook in no time at all. Jamie Lynn Hendricks did a great dob weaving together dual timelines, making both equally gripping and fun to follow.

The story is split into three parts and told from multiple points of view, which adds layers of intrigue. We hear from Scarlet, the determined wife; Zoey, the curious daughter of Pepper, the best friend; Vince, the complicated husband; and Juliet, whose role becomes clear near the end of the story. This variety of perspectives kept me on my toes and made the audiobook all the more engaging.

The book centers on a mystery from 1999, with the senior picnic accident at its core. A series of revelations that span decades is triggered by this accident. The story is revealed through Zoey's quest to uncover the truth about her mother, Pepper, and meet her father.

The integration of flashbacks in A Lovely Lie is one of my favorite aspects. They really drive the story forward and add to the tension as past and present collide. The characters' realizations that their past actions are coming back to haunt them create a sense of dread that kept me interested throughout.

Although I was unfamiliar with Jamie Lynn Hendricks, I found her book ‘A Lovely Lie’ to be a fantastic read, full of twists and turns. If you love a good flashback series where the past and present collide in unexpected ways, this book is for you.

It’s a yes for me! 🖤

@deannsdailydrop

Thank you NetGalley, RB Media and Jamie Lynn Hendricks for the ALC in exchange for my honest review. It was my pleasure.

Very good! Kept me guessing! The twists were great! It was a little confusing with there only being one narrator reading for multiple characters but other than that it was really good! I thought I had figured it out and then BOOM...plot twist! Then there was another plot twist! It was great!

Is it better to believe a lovely lie or know the horrible truth? This books makes all aspects of that dilemma and adds some twists as I read it some outcomes seemed pretty obvious, however, I wasn't always right because there were more twists to come. I loved the writing style, it kept me engaged from the beginning. The narration was great, really added to the plot. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC audiobook.

Tragedy struck the high schoolers and it all comes back around 20 years later when a girl shows up claiming to be the daughter of the popular girl who took off after that tragedy. She tells the her mom is dead and she wants to find out who her father is. This was so good and I loved the audio version.

Scandal, sleuthing, and surprise developments!

A compelling story with a mostly morally shallow and reprehensible cast.

A LOVELY LIE is my favorite Jaime Lynn Hendricks book yet. PUB DAY tomorrow May 28th! Don’t Miss It!!!

Special thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for the amazing digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

#ALovelyLie #NetGalley #Suspense #Thriller #Audiobooks @JaimeLynnHendricksAuthor @HillaryOutLoud @BookShell_F @HighBridgeAudio

Loved this book!

A Lovely Lie is focused on a group of high schoolers wrapped up in a gruesome event that comes back to haunt them years later. Hendricks uses dual timelines (1999 and present day) and multiple perspectives to propel the story forward in an interesting way.

There are twists but they aren’t all that shocking. Instead, Hendricks leads you into each reveal slowly…in a dramatic way that’s quite satisfying.

This book is a real page turner. I finished it in just two days!

This was my first Jaime Lynn Hendricks book but I’ll definitely be checking out her other titles.

3.9 rounded up to 4.

Jamie Lynn Hendricks' "A Lovely Lie" is a fast-paced thriller that kept me engaged with its intricate web of secrets and a plot that steadily unravels as high school friends reunite. The audiobook's pace is brisk, making it a fun ride as you try to connect the clues and piece together the mystery. The narrator’s voice wasn’t my favorite, because it sounded a little robotic, but the narration wasn’t exactly bad either. The trope of high school friends coming together again adds a nostalgic layer, and the characters, though largely unlikable, are compelling in their flawed and secretive ways.

However, the story does suffer from a few predictable turns that dampen the overall suspense. The subplot involving Pepper as an aspiring actress felt unnecessarily forced, adding little to her character's depth or the plot's progression. Similarly, Scarlett’s affection for her son comes across as unnatural and forced, lacking the emotional resonance one would expect. The connection between Zoey and Luke also felt off, creating a dissonance that detracted from their storyline.

Despite these drawbacks, "A Lovely Lie" remains an enjoyable listen for those who appreciate a quick-moving thriller with a twisty plot. Hendricks' ability to weave secrets and lies among her characters keeps the listener intrigued, even if the overall execution could have been tighter.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this early in exchange for an honest review!

Jaime Lynn Hendricks's latest, A LOVELY LIE, is a multi-layered twisty domestic thriller as the past and present collide— dark secrets, betrayal, manipulation, and murder are unraveled with jaw-dropping twists. #Covercrush

Is it better to believe a lovely lie or know the horrible truth?

Audiobook...
I read the book and listened to the audiobook narrated by one of my favorites, Hillary Huber, delivering an outstanding and entertaining performance for all voices. Unputdownable!

About...
With dual timelines, we visit the past/present.

PAST: 1999: Scarlett and her best friend Pepper, teens drunk after a party, are involved in a deadly car accident, leaving two of their classmates dead. Both lied to the cops, and no one was held accountable. Pepper moved on to New York to explore her acting career, and Scarlett in Florida, married to Pepper's old boyfriend. Now they have a son, Luke.

PRESENT: 22 years later
Scarlett is a hotel concierge. She is married to Vince and has a son, Luke. They reside in Florida, and she and her husband are not all that happy together. He still pines for his old flame, Pepper.

Zoey:
When Zoey, a young girl, shows up at the hotel with news that her mother, Pepper, is dead and she is looking for her biological father, things go a little crazy. Nothing or no one is as they appear.

She has a cryptic letter from Pepper addressed to Scarlett that refers to the events long ago and their secret. Pepper was pregnant back then but planned on having an abortion. Did she keep the baby? Is Vince the father?

Zoey starts digging into the past, and all the secrets start unraveling. What really happened that night years ago? Who was the real murderer?

My thoughts...
The past refuses to stay buried. A LOVELY LIE is INTENSE, twisty, and full of characters you will love to hate. (Pepper is the worst) and those she controls and manipulates from past to present. The author keeps you guessing as to the identity of the killer and the biological father of Zoey. Adults and teens behaving badly with a YA vibe.

A fast-paced psychological drama! From lies, secrets, and unlikable characters the author keeps you glued to the pages to see how all will unravel. I enjoyed the ending! My first book by the author, and I look forward to reading more.

Recs...
A LOVELY LIE is for fans of Megan Miranda, Wendy Walker, Stephen Amidon, Christina McDonald, and Michele Campbell.

Thanks to Penzler Publishers, Highbridge Audio, and NetGalley for gifting an ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
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I absolutely LOVED this one! Jaime’s books are always so captivating and I tend to finish them in just 2-3 sittings. This was no exception. A Lovely Lie was so entertaining from beginning to end and I really enjoyed this cast of characters. Easy five stars and I highly recommend!

I enjoyed this story, but found it to be pretty predictable. If the there were twists, they weren’t very “twisty” for me. The characters were fine. Overall, I’d say this is a fine domestic drama. I’d read more from this author based on her writing skill and the audiobook narration was good as well.

Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley!

There were no lovely lies. There were a lot of horrible lies. And a lot of very dislikable people. Some people do redeem themselves. SOme just make it through. Pepper is never a likable person. Not even when she is the narrator. She can’t even present herself well. Scarlet is pathetic and weak. Luke is OK, I guess. There is a certain amount of satisfaction with the end. What really happened on grad night isn’t that hard to figure out. Whether anyone will pay for it is less certain. This was a good Saturday in the hammock read.