Tell Me Lies is the first book of the New England Bay Sharks series of interconnected standalones. This was my first book by this author and will definitely be reading more by her! This story had me in all my feels from the prologue! Logan is a hot hockey player, single dad, tells corny dad jokes and has a filthy mouth! This man is the perfect book boyfriend! And his relationship with his little girl was the sweetest! Maci is an author that is struggling with writer’s block. She agrees to be a nanny for Logan’s little girl and hopefully get some inspiration to write again. This story was heartbreaking but also so beautiful. I loved all of these characters and I can’t wait to continue on with the series!

I listened to the audio while following along with the ebook. Chloe Ryan and Walker Williams both did a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life for me. I could feel the emotions in their voices and it made my reading experience even better!

“Tell Me Lies” is the first book in the “New England Bay Sharks” series.
It follows the story of Logan, a hockey player and Maci, a romance author that will also be the nanny for Logan’s daughter.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the ALC. I also partially read the e-book included in Kindle Unlimited.

The main tropes are:
- single dad / nanny
- hockey romance
- forced proximity

The story starts with Logan finding out he has a daughter after her mother had a car accident. Even if it was a surprise, he does his best to be a good dad. And his little girl is so sweet. Maci is going through a writer’s block and her friend convinces her to be a temporary nanny.

I enjoyed this book a lot in audio. It is narrated by Chloe Ryan and Walker Williams. Logan has a southern accent and the narrator did a great job making it very hot. Logan is not only very funny, making dad jokes but also has a dirty mouth. So I would recommend listening to the book.

The relationship started with Logan helping Maci with inspiration for her next book, but they had such a strong connection. There is some drama with something from their past and some parts are very emotional. They also both lost a parent. There are many sweet moments and I liked that Logan helped Maci deal with her pain with his love.

The next book in the series is already available and I look forward to reading it.

I am absolutely the demographic for this book, but it didn’t hit. It’s really rare I read a cinnamon roll foul mouth mmc and dislike him. Logan was neither (although I think that was the intention for him), he was just gross. The way he spoke about his previous hookups and even sex with Maci until he recognized his feeling for her, it was more narcissistic and immature. At first my impression was “oh wow, okay a little more like a MMC would talk or think in real life” but the further the book went on the more I realized he was just an ass in every department other than his daughter and his hockey. That’s not how emotionally mature men talk or think. He may be a good dad, but not a dreamy sexy dirty talking man.

Okay so next: I actually liked Maci. She was genuinely a likable FMC even though her extreme worry about her role in the accident as it related to the mother was weird. She lost her dad! It seems relevant she would be broken over the accident but not guilty or unworthy feeling “monster” as she calls herself a few times over her role in the accident. That twist was just not. Sure you needed a point for drama but that was weak and just uncomfortable how quickly he turned on her for it. And all it took was a really short talk from Poppy to realize it. I understand the third act breakup, but this just wasn’t the right conflict.

The narrators: they did great! The male narrator did a great job switching between a light southern drawl to a female voice very well. The female narrator also did a great job. Both narrators created appropriate emotion for the scenes and were easy to listen to.

My Goodreads review will be less specific as I could tell Hannah Gray Is actually a talented writer, I just didn’t feel this was her best and I look forward to reading something from her in the future to see how she does with a different premise and characters.

4 stars! 💫 First off, a massive thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC – now let’s dive into Logan and Maci’s world because OMG, I’m obsessed! 😍

Okay, let’s talk Tell Me Lies – this is your classic single dad x nanny romance, but with that extra sparkle that makes it unputdownable. Logan Sterns, the hockey-playing single dad who is equal parts goofball and swoon-worthy, had me laughing so hard at his dad jokes and filthy mouth. Seriously, this man is a riot, and he’s even more charming when he’s being the ultimate dad. His bond with his daughter, Amelia, seriously melted my heart. 🥹💕

And then we have Maci McKenzie, a romance author with writer's block who agrees to nanny Logan’s little girl to escape her past and find some inspiration. Well, she certainly finds it… but not just for her book! 😏 The way these two became a team—both in writing spicy scenes and in building something real—was a whole chef’s kiss moment. 👏

Tropes? Oh, we’ve got:
💕 Single dad x nanny
🏒 Pro hockey romance
🏡 Forced proximity
📖 Romance writer FMC
💓 Golden retriever MMC

While I had an amazing time, the twist about 70% in totally threw me off guard—though, I’ve gotta admit, the third-act breakup had me feeling some kinda way. Was it justified? Eh… but hey, what's a romance without a little drama, right? 😅

Also, PSA to all authors: PLEASE, for the love of books, can we get kids in audiobooks to actually sound like kids and not mini-adults?! I get that Amelia was adorable, but no 3-year-old talks like that. 🙄

But let’s focus on the positive—Logan? Total book boyfriend material. He’s the perfect mix of goofy, sweet, and a little naughty. Can’t wait for book two because I’m already hooked on this series! 💖

Huge shoutout to the narrators, Chloe Ryan and Walker Williams! 🎧 They did an AMAZING job bringing Logan and Maci to life, with their voices perfectly matching the fun, flirty, and emotional vibe of the story. You’ll definitely be hooked after listening!

So, if you love steamy romance, a perfectly imperfect family vibe, and a guy who’ll make you laugh and swoon at the same time, Tell Me Lies is YOUR book!

Hannah Gray delivers an irresistible blend of humor, drama, and romance in Tell Me Lies, a novel that hooks readers from the very first page and refuses to let go. Equal parts funny, swoony, and emotionally gripping, this story is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.

The characters in Tell Me Lies are the heart of the story, and Gray has created a cast that feels real, lovable, and deeply compelling. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and their personal journeys are as moving as they are satisfying. The romance is filled with tension and heartfelt moments, perfectly balancing the highs and lows that make the genre so captivating.

Gray’s writing style is sharp and engaging, capturing both the humor and drama of the story with ease. The dialogue sparkles, the pacing keeps the reader hooked, and the emotional depth adds layers of complexity to the characters’ relationships.

For readers who love romance with humor, drama, and a touch of magic in its happily-ever-after, Tell Me Lies is a standout. With characters who truly deserve their perfect ending, this novel is an absolute delight and one you’ll want to revisit again and again.

So this was an audiobook arc I received and was super excited to listen to.

Logan is a single dad and plays for an NFL hockey team and Maci is a struggling romance author he needs a nanny and she needs a muse!
Who’s better than a hockey man to help her write some of the best stuff she’s ever written.

I loved the fact that Logan researches into our bookish community understanding book boyfriends and what women like and dislike.

The story was just great and the spice was H O T T !!!

But I do have a negative and I hate that I do the female narrator was great but I really did not like the male narrator his voice got sort of annoying after a while. I still have 5 star because I loved the story.

Thank you dreamscape media and netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

Tell Me Lies is a swoon-worthy romance that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

Logan Stern, an NHL star and single dad, and Maci McKenzie, a romance writer struggling with writer's block turned nanny, have a chemistry that's off the charts. Their connection is both sweet and intense, and I couldn't get enough of their interactions.

I loved Maci's independence and her journey towards healing from past trauma. She's a relatable character who inspires you to keep going, no matter what. And Logan? He's a total dreamboat and an amazing father to his adorable daughter, Amelia.

A bonus for fans of Gray's other series: you'll love seeing familiar faces pop up throughout the story. It's like catching up with old friends.

Chloe Ryan and Walker Williams did a fantastic job narrating this audiobook. They are able to capture the emotions and personalities of these characters. Their voices really brought these characters to life!

If you're looking for a heartwarming, swoon-worthy romance, Tell Me Lies is a must listen.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC of this audiobook. I voluntarily listened and gave an honest review.

Ａｕｄｉｏｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
4.2 ☆
Logan is a single father. I often feel like the weight of the world sits on my shoulders. When his daughter's nanny gives him her two weeks' notice, he fears that his NHL season with the New England Bay Sharks could be derailed. Maci McKenzie, a struggling author running from a deep, dark secret in her past, steps into the picture. She needs a change of scenery to help her write.

This is my first book by this author, and I honestly enjoyed it. It was super cute and a quick read! I love the NHL and the book boyfriend trope, because Logan was definitely a great book boyfriend!

The audiobook was good—it's dual narration! Both narrators did a good job telling the story and were easy to understand. I listened at 2.1x speed.

Thank you, Netgellay, and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Haunting and Hot

Audiobook:

I found the default speed was too slow for my preference and listening at a faster speed, 1.5-2.5 improved my listening experience.

Chloe Ryan- A steady performance with variety in tone that keeps your ears perked up for what is coming next. You hear the conflict when the relationship escalates.

Walker Williams- The edge of the Southern accent works so well. He successfully delivers on distinguishing the difference amongst the characters he is delivering.

Tell Me Lies:

The tragedies this pair have been through are soul crushing and inspiring. Nurse Judy was a true guardian angel at the opening. This story ranges from haunting to hot!

Maci and Logan are filthy and unfiltered. They both keep Amelia as the top priority as their own relationship grows. The baggage is a heavy emotional load. The deep dark secret being held in had my head spinning.

“Tell me…..lies because I’m not ready to ruin us.”

I received a free copy of this book from Hannah Gray and Dreamscape Media. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.