Member Reviews

When We Lied by Clair Contreras, narrated by Stephen Dexter and Janine Granda, is an audiobook that swept me from the beginning. As a newcomer to this author and these narrators, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I adored every moment of this captivating story.

From the moment I pressed play, I was drawn into a world filled with suspense, mystery, and the lingering presence of exes. The overbearing parents added a layer of complexity to the plot, keeping me on the edge of my seat. But what truly made this audiobook shine was the perfect blend of thrilling plot twists and sizzling romance.

I've always enjoyed good broody hockey player romances, and When We Lied took it to the next level. The tension between Finn and Joss was electrifying, and the voice actors, Stephen Dexter and Janine Granda, deserve all the praise for bringing these characters to life. Their performances were nothing short of exceptional, capturing the emotional depth and intensity of the story flawlessly.

The audiobook enthralled me, from the tender and heart-wrenching moments to the steamy and passionate scenes. I was captivated, giggling, and eagerly trying to unravel the unfolding mysteries. The combination of the compelling storyline and the impeccable narration made this an absolute gem.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to review this title.

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I haven't read Claire in a while, I have never listened to an audio of hers either. The plot was interesting, it was also alot of spiciness which was a little to fast for me. I like my.books a little slower, a little less dhow n tell. If you.know what I mean. In my opinion it's your typical bad ass guy who doesn't do commitments and a female who agrees all too easily.

I will say I think I may have enjoyed it more if I had read it. The narrators just didn't do it for me at all. I will read it when it is released just so I can block out thier voices.

Oh well we can't love them all. It was a sold 3 audio for me storyline 3.5

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I have to admit that I’m currently in my hockey phase. I’ve been eagerly following all things related to the sport, and I was especially thrilled about Claire’s latest release. I couldn’t wait to dive into “When We Lied,” and once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Even though this book is a complete standalone, it was a pleasant surprise to see characters from the previous couple make an appearance. The suspense throughout the story kept me on the edge of my seat, making it an incredibly gripping read.

The narrators did an exceptional job bringing the story to life. Their performances were outstanding, showcasing their talent and keeping me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. Their voices added an extra layer of immersion, making the experience even more enjoyable.

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The perfect mix of anti hero romance and a suspenseful mystery, Claire Contreras weaves a web I was easily caught up in. Joss and Finn has a one night stand four years ago. Yes, it was one night, and Finn was clear about this. Now back in town, he has other thoughts about Joss. The chemistry between them is strong, but there are questions that still remain regarding on horrible evening. Answers are needed, but with the secrets these two carry, it's hard to go about finding the right people to help. Will the results be what is expected? Will their feelings survive the answers? I loved these two. I know, Finn is a bit of a jerk, but Joss softened him a bit. I loved the push pull between them, and the thread of suspense just made this a fantastic listen for me. Not so much hockey, but just enough to let me know he is an athlete, the story flew by and I enjoyed it.

Stephen Dexter and Janine Granda brought this story alive with a fantastic narration. Stephen Dexter just went head first into that dark place that was Finn, and he created him with that hint of danger, but incredibly sensual. Granda is Joss, strong when she has to be, and needing closure. I loved these two together and would love to hear them team up again.

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I already loved the ebook. The audio made it even better. Finn and Joss are HOT together. Wasn't expecting the twist in plot.

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Wow, was I happy to be back in Fairview with When We Lied, especially after Until I Get You, both incredible books and can both be enjoyed as a standalone. AND Thank You Claire Contreras for bringing us Finneas (Finn) Barlow And Josslyn (Joss) Santos In this wonderful Sports/ Influencer romance with that edge of suspense and mystery as well as including our past favorites Lachlan And Lyla and their adorable family, from Until I Get You. I absolutely devoured this book starting off strong with every bit of that longing for these two characters, and keeping me in a chokehold till the very end. Finneas is a professional hockey player, bad boy, and typical playboy, only looking to hook up and doesn’t do relationships and Josslyn a talented college basketball player and a popular influencer. When tragedy strikes in Finn’s family, he comes back to Fairview looking for answers thinking Josslyn might be the one who has them. I loved the suspense in this story as well as the major angst. When Finn and Josslyn hook up one night she knows she won’t hear from him again and moves on, but years later when they see each other again she knows she can’t say no to a second time. The chemistry these two have is unreal. Not only was it sexy as hell but they had raw, honest, mature conversations and built a friendship, a friendship Finneas didn’t even realize he needed. Janina Granda Narrated Josslyn and did an incredible job, she brought out the fierce, confident woman Josslyn is but then in the same breath could express the fragileness she had in her heart. Josslyn was tough and would defend anyone she loved but she also had a soft heart for the tragedy and trauma she has had to go through. I could tell right away that Janina Granda was the perfect voice for Joss and she really brought her to life for me. Stephen Dexter had this dark broody voice that just captivated me as he narrated Finn and who doesn’t love a cocky hockey player falling in love with a girl he just wanted a one night stand with? Me I do! I loved the way Stephen could really express Finns feelings towards Josslyn, the struggles he was facing being around his family and the person he was on the ice. When We Lied was narrated in Dual and once again the way each narrator can voice both characters is serious talent!

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This book was just not it for me. I appreciate a steamy story but this one just fell flat for me. The characters were cringey and I really had to push through to the end but I finally did it!

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I received an audio arc and this is my honest review!

The audio was great! The narrators did a fantasy job. I love when their voices enrapture me into the story.

I enjoyed this book.
I didn’t realize it was the second in the series at first, but it reads well as a stand alone.
I will be venturing back though to read the first.

The push/pull was a bit drawn out for my liking and little ridiculous at times. That’s really my only complaint.

The mystery aspect throne into the romance made such a great thrilleromance combo! The twists near the end had me on the edge of my seat!

Overall without spoiling anything…
I loved the characters I was suppose to.
I hated the ones I should.

It’s a wild ride that’s fun for any sports romance and thriller fan!

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When We Lied is the first novel I ever read by Claire Contreras and it won't be my last! Hearing this on audiobook was so much fun! It was interactive and the narrators were so entertaining. They matched the voices in the characters and added that emotional depth to the story through the audio. I felt that it added more tension and angst and made the story more intense for me. I loved it.

I loved the complexity of certains relationships in this novel. The relationship between Finn and his parents. Finding out what Mallory's actions truly represent. but I also adore the truth and trust between Finn and Josslyn. I loved the dynamic and storyline, I thought the author did an amazing job with her character's development. I just wish we had more of it, at times I felt like it went a little fast and would've loved to see more or a deeper dive into certain things that occurred in the book but overall such a great hockey romance!

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My first Claire Contreras book, I did not know what to expect, I was entertained. It had a little suspense and kept me intrigued in the story.

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If you are looking spice... This one is it. I felt myself blush multiple times... I'm still fanning myself.

I am glad I listened to the audiobook. It was well read.

If you love Morally gray heroes that are possessive AF and is a sport player.... Grab this one today

The spicy scenes are eye wateringly HAWT!

4 stars

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This one was STEAMY!!

Finn had a one night stand with a woman four years ago that he's never forgotten. A tragedy occurred and Finn is back and he is looking for answers.

He finds his woman and the steam is still steaming. But there's some mystery and some questions to be answered.

There was a lot of drama and mystery in this one as well.

The narrators were fantastic.

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Claire Contreras' "When We Lied," the second book in the Fairview Hockey Series, delivers a mix of romance, drama, and sportsmanship. While the book has its highlights, it also has some drawbacks that might not appeal to everyone.

The characters and their chemistry are well-done, making their interactions engaging and relatable. Contreras does a good job of developing their backstories and motivations, which adds depth to the story. The romance is intense and heartfelt, building gradually with moments of passion and tenderness that feel authentic.

The setting in the world of hockey adds an exciting element to the story. Contreras captures the thrill and camaraderie of the sport, which will appeal to hockey fans and newcomers alike. The descriptions of games and practices are vivid, creating a dynamic backdrop for the unfolding drama.

However, the book's last 30% feels dragged out, as if the author struggled to wrap up the story. This pacing issue detracts from the overall enjoyment, making the ending feel prolonged. The book is also heavy on angst and drama involving other characters, which might not be to everyone's taste.

Despite these issues, I still enjoyed the book and the world Claire Contreras has created. The story is engaging, and the characters are relatable. Fans of the series will appreciate the continuation, and new readers might find themselves drawn into the Fairview Hockey world.

The audiobook, performed by Stephen Dexter and Janine Granda, was done very well and added an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.

Overall, "When We Lied" is a decent read with some strong points and a few flaws. It may not be for everyone, but if you enjoy romance with a side of sports drama, it’s worth checking out. I look forward to more from Claire Contreras and seeing where she takes this series next.

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This is my first book by Contreras and I was totally captivated by her steamy and suspenseful story. Finneas Barlow has one rule, one night only, and he never breaks his rule, ever, until Josslyn Santos. They had a passionate night together four years ago, and now he is back in town to find the fateful truth and Josslyn might hold the key. Josslyn has been haunted by that same tragic event and is trying to find the truth as well. They cross paths, again and again, and can't stop their fiery attraction to each other. They both break all their rules to be together. But there are those who want to break them apart, and they will do whatever it takes to get what they want, and keep them from learning the truth. This is a rollercoaster journey with twists and turns that kept me totally invested in trying to figure out what really happened. Finn and Josslyn are great together and their chemistry is explosive.
Stephen Dexter and Janine Granda were so perfect as Finn and Josslyn. They portrayed them so thoroughly, along with all the characters, making me understand and empathize with them. I always enjoy Dexter's amazing performances, but this is my first time listening to Granda and she did a great job. I loved how they both made this story even more exciting!

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Name of Book: When We Lied
Series: Part 2 of the Fairview Hockey series
Author: Claire Contretras
Format: 🎧 Dreamscape Select
Narrators: Stephen Dexter and Janine Granda
Genre: Dark Thriller
Publisher: The Wicked Pen
Pub Date was: June 14, 2024
My Rating: 1.6 stars
Pages: 432

This story interested me as I do love women athletes- Olympics are right around the order plus Caitlin Clark has opened up the door to appreciate women in sports.
Additionally I was drawn to the blurb describing Finneas Barlow as tall with tousled brown hair, chiseled jaw, alluring green eyes, perfect teeth, well-groomed beard –he looks like a Disney prince.
I discovered right away he wasn’t a Disney prince but a jerk. After only a short way in I feared I was not going to finish- the mystery part kept me from quitting.

I did like Josslyn Santos — who is a basketball star as well as a well-known influencer.
Four years ago, Finn and Josslyn hooked up on a one-night stand.
Now Finn is back in town and Josslyn remembers their chemistry.

Yikes! Not only does she remember but the book has to describe their sex explicitly – as if I have no imagination. Then there are the excessive f-bombs.
I hung in there – true I did skipped a bit.
I enjoy a good mystery- Finn’s sister died in a fire a year ago but was it an accident? Finn is trying to figure out who she was with as well as what really happened.…

I did like the ending but this really did not work for me.

Want to Thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Select/The Wicket Pen for this audiobook.
As you know, my opinions are my own. I believe I have a bit of eclectic taste in my reading genres but this didn’t work for me I realize I am in the minority as many readers just love this story. Pub date was June 14, 2024

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This was just okay for me. I didn’t love the narrators, and i didn’t love the story itself. I feel like I can be very picky about romantic suspense stories, and this one just didn’t really do it for me. The obsession and stalking basically was a little much for me, just not to my taste.

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When We Lied" is a hockey romance with a suspenseful twist, following Finneas Barlow, a pro hockey player known for his womanizing ways, and Josslyn Santos, a popular influencer and basketball star. Their paths crossed four years ago in a night with no strings attached. Now, Finn returns to town, forcing Josslyn to confront their chemistry and the changes in their lives since then.
The story moves at a slow pace until a few chapters from the end, where unexpected twists and turns come at you with full force, keeping readers engaged. The appearance of Lachlan and Lyla brought smiles and joy, adding depth to the story.
Narrated by Stephen Dexter and Janine Granda, the audiobook expertly captures the intensity, romance, and intrigue of the narrative, bringing the characters to life.

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I had a lot of fun listening to this one! I really liked Finn and joss! There’s just something about a broody, psychotic, possessive, MMC that just does it for me 🥰

I felt like this could’ve been cut by like 50-75 pages. It felt like a whole lot of filler until the end, with some really good spice tho. There were too many side characters to keep up and follow along but I loved seeing Lach / Lyla in this one!

The mystery of “T” was annoying, as there were so many T names throughout, a little predictable who T was, however, I didn’t see the bigger twist coming??

I really enjoyed both of these narrators!!

4✨
3🌶️

Thank you Dreamscape Select and Netgalley for the ALC!

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This book starts off with so much chemistry between Josslyn and Finn. Finn is a broody, grumpy, hockey player who is known for his one night only rule. Joss is such a sweetheart and sassy. I loved their banter together. I loved that this dark romance had a little mystery added to the story. The audio narration was done by Stephen Dexter and Janina Granda. They were perfect voices for Finn and Josslyn to cover the romance and suspense of the story.

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I hadn't read a Claire Contreras book in quite a while before I pick up the audiobook of When We Lied. The blurb from this novel attracted me with its darker vibe and I definitely wasn't disappointed with this story.

The dynamic between Josslyn and Finn was electric from their first meeting and only grew through the book. Their relationship evolved from ultra sexy to something profound and truly beautiful. Under his callous and possessive ways, Finn was such a softie for his woman. I absolutely loved this hero!

What I particularly liked about this novel was the suspense it contained. I was hooked on the storyline and the unveiling of the big mystery. I seriously wasn't expecting the huge bomb at the end and was utterly surprised by it!

The audiobook narrators were both absolutely fantastic! What a performance in bringing Josslyn and Finn to life with all that passion in their voices! I highly recommend this audiobook!

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