REVIEW: SOME GIRLS LIE (OUTBACK HEAT #4) BY AMY ANDREWS
My Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Ethan and J.J.'s story is the latest in the Outback Heat Series. The singe marks have barely healed from the from their first attempts at love. Bad choices, dangerous situations and secret infatuations lead these two friends into uncharted territory. What I liked about this story is that although afraid to take a chance on love, both were willing to do whatever necessary to help out a friend. Perhaps the problem had never been love but the people that they chose to give their hearts to. J.J. and Ethan were magic together. Although I was not as into this book as the other three within the series I did like the chemistry between the two main characters and found the story a well rounded read. I received an ARC of Some Girls Lie in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book....actually, I've loved all of the books in the Outback Heat series. They're all excellent contemporary romances, but this book raises the ante and tackles some difficult subjects that are very emotional.

In this book, JJ's ex-husband returns to town the same week that Ethan's ex-wife gets remarried and announces she'll be taking custody of their 14 year old daughter. The shock of his ex-wife's announcement leads Ethan to get drunk at JJ's bar. As his buddy, JJ takes care of him and puts him on her couch to sleep it off. They wake up in bed together and Ethan freaks out, but that is quickly over-shadowed by JJ's ex banging on the door trying to get her back....the same ex that beat her up and fractured her facial bones. As a result, this book touches on spousal abuse and the difficulty in getting away.

This is a must read for fans of the genre.

This was an enjoyable read. A well written book. Although most of the time I was thinking what an idiot Ethan was, can't see what's right in front of them for 30 years

Love how two old friends fall into a relationship because of others. I also loved how she didn't fight him off when things got hot even after they set boundaries. I'm a sucker for a good romance and I loved how Dennis entered the picture.

I loved this series and i have been waiting for this particular couple from the very beginning. I thought this was a sweet and hot story. I do wish it was a little longer but that is probably just my greed talking. For some reason the story did feel a little anticlimactic. However, i just adore this coupe and the rest of the books in the series have been just as amazing.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from Tule Publishing for an honest review. It's a little longer than the average novella and told from J.J. and Ethan's points of view. Although this is the 4th book in Amy Andrews's Outback Heat series (brothers), I have not read the first three and had no problem following along.

J.J. grew up with Ethan and has been in love with him since she was 6 (they're now 35). They've both been married to others - hers for a year with an abusive husband (about 10 years ago) and his to a very selfish and conniving high school sweetheart (married about 10 years ago and she left him and their 2 year old daughter). Ethan's ex is now suing for full custody and J.J.'s ex-husband has shown up... so naturally they pretend they're engaged!

My heart hurt for J.J. I'm pretty sure Ethan could not be more oblivious to J.J.'s feelings or say the dumbest and most (unintentionally) hurtful things. She's tired of being good old J.J. his reliable and trusted friend. I was surprised to realize in 30+ years he's never thought of or seen her as anything but his friend - not even seen her as a woman. You know the climax is going to be a painful train wreck for J.J. and Amy Andrews did a great job making you feel all the feels with this one.

.Although this is actually set in Australia it could easily be mistaken for a book set in small town America - not too much Aussie slang to confuse readers.

This is apparently the fourth book in the series but I didn't feel that I missed out on anything by not having read the other three books.

JJ runs the local pub, The Outback, which is also a (very) small hotel and she lives in one of the hotel rooms. She has been in love with the Police Chief Ethan since she was about six years old and Ethan punched another little boy for saying mean things to her. But Ethan only thinks of JJ as his mate. He has had a traumatic time with his ex wife who has cheated on him and left him to look after their daughter Connie. The novel starts with aether tying one on after his ex wife's remarriage. He's not upset about the marriage but that she has calmly informed him that she will seek full custody of Connie when the three of them return form Paris. Ethan drinks half a bottle of whisky and JJ gets him to sleep on her couch but one thing leads to another and they have sex.

After the two of them have agreed it was a mistake and will never happen again (or be mentioned ever again), things take a different turn when JJ's abusive ex husband appears. Fresh from jail for assault he thinks the two of them could be happy again. Ethan decides to scotch that dream by saying the two of them are an item and engaged.

So, a classic rom com twist. Two people who fancy each other are forced to pretend to all and sundry that they are a couple. Although Ethan didn't think of JJ that way he certainly thinks about her like that now.

I liked this from start to finish. Ethan and JJ were a nice couple and I was rooting for them to overcome their differences. Ethan took a while to realise how he felt about JJ but he was never a jerk.

I definitely want to look up the previous three books.

Jemima Jane “JJ” Ericson has been in love with Ethan Weston as long as she can remember. But when he chose to marry someone else, JJ decided being best friends was better than nothing. That marriage has since then disintegrated and Ethan is raising his daughter on his own.

On the night of Ethan’s ex-wife’s marriage, he shows up at JJ’s bar and gets very drunk. It turns out his ex wants custody of their daughter too. One thing leads to another and JJ and Ethan end up in bed. Ethan regrets it the next morning.

When JJ’s abusive ex-husband shows up in town, Ethan tells him they are engaged to in order to keep her safe. But Shane does as he pleases and he is not done with JJ yet. JJ soon finds herself in a situation that is beyond her control. Will Ethan be able to get to JJ before Shane has his way with her?

Can JJ and Ethan change their status from best friends to lovers or will they always be just best friends? This book had a lot of excitement in it and some very naughty parts as well. I think it wrapped up the Outback Heat series very well.

A great wrap up to the Outback Heat series.

Sometimes I wanted to scream at Ethan, ugh stop being an idiot and wake up and realized JJ is the one for you. Gotta love a best friend turned to lovers story.

I have been looking forward to Ethan and JJ's book ever since I started the Outback Heat Series and I just loved it.
Ethan's ex wife wants custody of their daughter. This leads to Ethan getting drunk and Ethan and JJ spending the night together.
JJ's ex husband, the guy who beat her up ,is back in town and to protect her Ethan lies that they are engaged and to keep up appearances they start living together.
Finally Ethan is seeing JJ as a woman and not just a buddy and it was funny how he's trying to go back to being just friends again.
It was a fitting end to the series though i wished it was a little longer.

This is the last in the Outback Heat and it's now Ethan's turn to tell his story.

Ethan is the chief of police in Jumbuck Springs. He is a single dad to his daughter Connie, after a rocky marriage with Delia. He has no interest in getting emotionally involved with another woman, not wanting to go through the upheavals of a relationship!

Jemima Jane, known as JJ is the local pub owner who has been in love with JJ since she was six years old. She hides it very well and she has a good friendship with Ethan. They always have each other's back.

When Delia remarries and threatens to file for custody of their daughter, Ethan is distraught. Just the thought of losing Connie is destroying him. He decides to go on drinking binge and JJ ends up taking care of him when he is too drunk to drive himself home. Ethan wakes up in JJ's bed, horrified when he realises what transpired between them the night before. He values their friendship and the complications of a relationship is the last thing he wants. When JJ's ex turns up on her door step, Ethan goes into protective mode.

This prompts JJ and Ethan to come to an agreement which will be beneficial to both of them. They can easily fool everyone that they are in a serious relationship. At least that's what Ethan thinks. JJ is not so sure. They have some intimate and passionate moments. After all it's only hot sex as far as Ethan is concerned.

When JJ finds herself in danger, Ethan panics, especially after the way they parted. Will that be enough for him to come to his senses and make him realise what he could have with JJ?

This story is about learning to let go of past angst and learn to live and love again. I like JJ's strength of character and her approach to life despite what she went through in her previous relationship. It's as emotional as the previous books in this series and once again the family values and the community spirit shine.

I would recommend this series to those who like a well written and easy to read romance with palpable emotions and steamy sex.

I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

​​​​​Are you in the mood for a hot and exciting holiday novella? Then pick up a copy of Some Girls Lie by Amy Andrews. This is a quick read that can easily be devoured in a day or two.

Pub owner JJ Ericson, and police chief Ethan Weston, have been best friends since grade school. JJ has been in love with Ethan for years, but never did anything about it for fear of losing their amazing friendship. Now they are both single, 35, and need each other more than ever to ensure that their respective futures move forward without a ton of bumps in the road. JJ is a strong and independent woman. Her abusive ex-husband has just been released from prison, and the fear he instilled in her way back when still remains clear as day. Ethan's somewhat devious ex-wife has decided to sue him for custody of their 14-year-old daughter, whom she basically abandoned years ago. In a nutshell, JJ and Ethan decide to fake an engagement, in order for JJ to have round the clock protection and Ethan to have a ready-made family in the eyes of the court. A win-win for both of them.

JJ and Ethan are one steamy couple, and the book cover illustrates their sexy chemistry perfectly. They are likable characters and when they finally fall in love, I was truly elated. I found Ethan's daughter to be quite amusing, with her actions and expressions. Overall, this is an impassioned read that twists and turns in all the right places.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Some Girls Lie is the story about unrequited love between friends. JJ has loved Ethan since they were six years old but unfortunately aside from being her BFF he doesn't seem to feel the same. Now after thirty years of friendship things got a little heated (okay a lot heated *fans*) one night and the friendship line has been crossed. Now Ethan just wants to go back to how they were before and JJ's heart has permanently remained broken but unexpected things seem to conspire that these two remain lovers for awhile even if its for show. Set in a small outback town in Australia, Some Girls Lie will make you just want to pat and hug JJ over and over again while basically trying to conk Ethan on the head for being such a blind fool. Seriously if Ethan's character wasn't such a terrific guy, readers would personally start matchmaking JJ with someone more deserving of her love. But these two characters just click and the way the friends to lovers relationship was handled was quite bittersweet and altogether real. Some Girls Lie is definitely a fantastic ending to a very great series.

*This is the fourth book in the Outback Heat series but can be read as a standalone, although I personally think reading the first three books would make reading this a better experience*

** Loved the setting of an Outback town in Queensland, because I have happy memories living in a similar town*

Let me start by saying that I have loved this series and I am sorry to see it end! We met JJ in the previous stories and I have liked her from the beginning. She is a good friend to Ethan and his daughter...and we know that she has been in love with Ethan for years. When Ethan married someone else all those years ago, JJ decided that being in his life as his best friend was better than not being there at all. Ethan is now divorced and raising his daughter on his own. Ethan's ex-wife has remarried and on the date of her wedding he shows up at JJ's bar determine to get very drunk. JJ thinks it's because he is still in love with his ex-wife...but it's actually because his ex-wife is suing for custody of their daughter. Like she has many nights before, JJ lets Ethan sleep off the drunk at her place. JJ and Ethan end up in bed together and the reality hits Ethan in the morning. Ethan has regrets because he can't imagine not having JJ in his life - she is his best friend - but can they remain friends after this. There is much more to this story....but ultimately it comes down to the questions of - will this change JJ and Ethan's relationship...will one of them see what has been right in front of them all these years? This was a great ending to the series and I highly recommend reading it. I just wish there were more Weston brothers!

Friends for over thirty years, JJ and Ethan find passion with each other one night after Ethan receives some terrible news from his ex-wife and mother of his child. After waking up the next day, Ethan decides his actions were a mistake, but when JJ is faced with her abusive ex-husband who shows up on her doorstep, Ethan seeks to protect JJ. The two have undeniable chemistry throughout the whole book. Great read. Can't wait to read more books by this author.

I love a good friends to lovers story and this one was fantastic. When circumstances arise that are helped by JJ and Ethan pretending to be engaged things get really interesting. JJ has been in love with ages and this new charade lets her live the fantasy, at least until it becomes too real for Ethan's comfort.. I loved these characters so much. The plot was awesome and it was super steamy! This was a fabulous read!

Coming to the conclusion of a series is always somewhat bittersweet for me. On one hand it is so satisfying to have all of the wonderful characters finally get the happiness that they so richly deserve. On the other hand, I’m forced to say goodbye to now old, established fictional friends – which is sad (but I can always hope for the next series by Amy Andrews to give me a new set of fictional friends to root for and care about).

J J and Ethan have been core to all of the stories in Outback Heat, not in the limelight but vital to the stories, the community and each other. When Ethan’s crazy bitch of an ex-wife remarries and decides that she wants custody of their daughter, Ethan’s world implodes. So as any smart, dedicated lawman would do (not) he gets himself rip roaring drunk. J J has loved Ethan for years. She’s seen him marry a woman totally wrong for him, and watched him pick up the pieces of his life when that marriage ended and he had one beautiful little girl to raise. She’s watched, and at times helped, him during the times when his siblings needed him to be there, strong for them even if they didn’t agree with his stand. Through all of this J J has stayed back, holding her love close and being somewhat content to be Ethan’s friend. But right now, tonight she’s going to take one night for herself, okay Ethan’s drunk and might remember nothing – but she’s taking that risk anyway. To say that one night of passion changed their lives and Ethan’s perception of what their relationship was would be a vast understatement.

When J J’s ex-husband returns to town, obviously to harass her while trying to get her back into his abusive hands, Ethan steps in and declares them engaged in order to protect his friend. But when he thought about it, being engaged to J J would work perfectly for them both. He’d protect her from the threat of Shane, and she could provide the stable environment he needed in order to win custody of his daughter. It was the perfect solution for them both. What could possibly go wrong?

Some Girls Lie is such a satisfying conclusion to this series. Ethan finally gets his head on right and realizes what a gem has been right in front of him all these years. J J finally has the love of the one man she never, ever allowed herself to believe could be hers for life. They are a passionate couple, both stubborn and used to their independence. But together they meld perfectly, once obstacles have been removed. We also get bits of updates on the other couples of Outback Heat – and while it’s hard to let these couples go, it also is heartwarming to know they are all safe in loving arms.

I loved this series and would highly recommend all of the stories in Outback Heat. While it isn’t totally necessary to read them in order, you will get a better overall feeling for the Weston crew and the loves that come into their lives. Now begins the wait for the next story from Amy Andrews. I’ll be watching and believing that another group of people will soon find their happy ever after real soon. Oh, simply wanted to mention that the covers for all of the stories in this series have been amazingly beautiful and sensuous – I’ve loved them all, talk about hot. :)

*I received an e-ARC of Some Girls Lie from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Amazing and very sexy

Strangely humorous and entirely hot!

She is evil. I like it.

Go with that feeling. Trust your instincts; if you feel like you're being watched, you are.

Yeah, courts usually side with the mother.

Oh, poor Timmy!

Shane did what?

Well, at least his siblings are looking out for her? That's good, right?

For the love of Pete, you take her for granted, she gets it!

How long are they planning on using Connie as a buffer?

Connie was either very brave or very stupid.

Omigod, how dumb can one man be?

What, is this guy planning a murder-suicide?

I could have told you that!

It is so sad when a series comes to an end. I admit to having thoroughly enjoyed all the stories in this one which is set in the Australian outback town of Jumbuck Springs where the three Weston brothers are key members of the town’s emergency services. This story has the oldest brother, chief of the police and single Dad, Ethan Weston, as the focus. His best friend since childhood is Jemima Jane Ericson - of JJ as she is know - though he is totally unaware that she’s been in love with him for more than twenty years now. She owns and runs the local pub. Ethan turns up one night determined to drown his sorrow because his ex-wife has decided she wants custody of their daughter who she abandoned more than a decade ago… As usual, JJ keeps an eye on him. them takes him up to her apartment so he can sleep off the alcohol on her couch - or that’s where she leaves him to start with! Then they cross the line . . . and her abusive ex husband comes to visit. Ethan is determined to protect her so claims they are engaged and tells Shane to get lost and never come near JJ again. So, with everyone now thinking them engaged, Ethan in danger of losing custody of his daughter, JJ in danger of physical abuse from Shane and in emotional turmoil because of Ethan, life’s about to get very lively in Jumbuck Springs!

This is a very moving story and I’m so glad JJ, who has been a stalwart through the other stories, is having her own told now. It isn’t an easy move from friends to lover for her and Ethan - they quickly go back to just friends, or so they plan. Love, life and others all get in the way of the best laid plans and with court cases pending, threats being posed and, eventually, a kidnapping, this is a roller coaster ride to their HEA and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

I’ll miss this four story series but will be revisiting in future. I have no hesitation i highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys chicklit, friends to lovers and unexpected dramatic events to keep them enthralled.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.

Sorry, this was good (as far as I read), but when the author started intruding and commenting on my private review space on Goodreads I felt too intimidated to finish or review.

This was ok but not really anything special. The roadblocks, mortification, second thoughts...those things interrupted the story.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Single dad Ethan has been burned by his ex wife for times than he can count. Luckily he has a strong family to have his back and a best friend that he can't live without.

JJ has been in love with her best friend all her life. Unfortunately it is completely one sided. She knows her only reality is the one in which she continues to hide her feelings while pretending to be his lover in order for him to save his daughter in a custody battle.

I have loved watching this family of strong alpha men fall in love. This being the last book tied it all together with a great ending. I loved to be able to catch up with all of the men and the women who captured their hearts.

Some girls lie is a love story between best friends. It was one of really excellent read. The plot was extremely good. Pace just quick enough and all likable character. I loved haw did Amy write and escalated sexual tension between JJ and Ethan. It made me hot and horny too. Story had it all. Strong sassy heroin, hot sexy stubborn hero add sex, suspense, crazy ex and love and you definitely have one hell of a good story.
I loved every page of it. Highly recommended
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I enjoyed this book, friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. JJ and Ethan have amazing chemistry and the sexual tension between them is very thick. I will say there were times I found Ethan very frustrating though, I kept thinking how can you not see this woman loves you! JJ was another great character and I loved watching her fall deeper for Ethan. There was plenty of tension and….relief….yeah we’ll go with relief. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, fun read and if you enjoy a good friends to lovers story you should give this one a try. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

Some Girls Lie was such a good read, I love friends to lovers storylines.

The writing is well done and the chemistry between the characters is smoking!

You will definitely want to read this one, I highly recommend this book and the Outback Heat series.

Thank you to Tule Publishing via Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I've only read two of the books in this series but they were both good! I definitely preferred this one because it involved one of my favorite tropes -- friends to lovers (especially long time friends). I was rooting for JJ so much in this one but the most overarching thing I can say about this book is that it was HOT, HOT, HOT. Super steamy! Even though I kept waiting for Ethan to come to his sense, more or less, the romance felt right from the very beginning of the book. It's crazy but this friends to lover (with a bit of sub-plot fake-out romance) felt plausible, which is unusual when it comes to books where the MCs are pretending. I would definitely recommend this series to fans of contemporary -- the setting of this series is great!!

My 4.5 star review:
was extremely happy to head back to Jumpback Spring and the Weston family, but sad to find out this was the last book (I somehow missed book three which I took care of by one-clicking the minute it came to my attention)in this series. Some Girls Lie is simply a fantastic friends to lovers story with a strong woman who has wanted her good friend for ages and the man who has been oblivious. This was a crazy mixed-up love story between friends who cross the line, decide to stay together for good reasons, but find themselves trying to figure out how things got out of hand and where to go next. From the funny moments, to the intense, to the emotional and the sexy I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

Jemima Jane (JJ) Erickson has spent her adult life running her parent’s bar, The Stockman and supporting her best friend and the man she’s loved all of her life, Ethan Weston, as he faced single parenthood. JJ knows she’s not Ethan’s type given the witch of a woman he married and divorced after she abandoned him and their 2 year old daughter, but she kept hoping he’d wake up one day and see her as a woman and not just his mate.

I really liked both of these characters immensely even when I wanted to slap Ethan upside the head and tell him to snap out of it. It is hard not to admire a man who changed his life to raise his daughter. JJ is a tough woman and has no problem handling the men who frequent her bar. She survived a horrible marriage to a man who physically hurt her and while she’s made peace with the fact that Ethan will never see her as a woman he desires she’s made peace with it.

When these two are forced to perpetrate a relationship for a couple of reasons , they wind up closer than ever, but JJ’s heart is fully engaged and Ethan maintains he no longer believes in love.

From beginning to end this wasn’t an easy romance despite the close friendship they had shared throughout the years and while I was a bit disappointed at the very obvious plot device to get Ethan to see the light, I still very much enjoyed their story. I found Some Girls Lie to be a sweet and sexy romance with a lot of heart and a perfect ending to this series.

Ethan is the guy that Jemima has loved for a long time. He his also her best friend. A drunken night leads Ethan to sleep with her but even then he still doesn't see what they could be. When Jemima is threatened by an abusive ex, he pretends to be her fiancé to protect her. As they spend more time in their ruse, his feelings sneak up on him. It's interesting to see his revelation unravel :)

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

I was looking for a light, fun chic-lit type of story and found this on Net Galley. Thanks to Net Galley, Amy Andrews and Tule Publishing for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

I'm left with the thought that I should have kept to the mystery/thriller/romantic suspense genre because this book didn't work for me.

This book is a friends to lover story which I tend to like because it beats insta-love/lust. But almost the entire first half of the book took place in her one bedroom apartment over a bar and almost the entire first half of the book is about their mental angst of wanting to have sex with the other one and drooling over each other's body parts. One or two scenes would have been fine, but I want a story and not just sexual angst.

The second half of the book did have more of a story. Our H, Ethan, has a child and an ex who has suddenly decided to be a mom after years of almost ignoring her child. He turns to JJ as the thought of losing his daughter who he adores is devastating. At the same time, JJ's ex is back in down and threatening her so it's a great opportunity for them to support and help each other out. The second half of the story redeemed the book, but I feel there was more that could have been done with the story and wish the author had focused on the story and character development versus the sexual angst.

I haven't read any of the other books in the series and I think those who have read the other books may enjoy seeing these two get their hea.

Unable to download the book prior to being archived so unfortunately I won't be able to review the book

For a short book, this one packed quite a punch. A best friend to lovers story set somewhere in Australia, which was awesome, this book had angst, heat and humor. The ending was too abrupt for my taste though.

Review JJ was that girl that breaks your heart! She has been in love with Ethan since forever and he has been completely oblivious to JJ and especially to JJ having or wanting a sex life. Those conversations were laugh out loud funny!

As friends, Ethan and JJ cross a line, but as best friends they know that protecting the other is more important than anything. JJ will do anything to protect Ethan and his daughter from Ethan’s worthless ex…and Ethan will do the same for JJ when her abusive ex shows up in town fresh out of prison.

I loved the banter between these two and I really loved that Ethan’s brothers took JJ’s back in wanting to protect her and her heart. But when the chips are down, the Chief of Police turns vigilante and nothing will stop in from protecting what is his…I love a uber alpha male in protection mode! Enjoy!

Fourth in Amy Andrews' Outback Heat series, Some Girls Lie tells the story of Ethan, the oldest of the Weston brothers and his best friend forever JJ, who's secretly been in love with Ethan for decades.
Ethan, had a brief and disastrous marriage to Delia, and has custody of their daughter Connie, who is now fourteen. Delia is getting married again and has informed Ethan that she'd like her turn with Connie and is prepared to take him to court to get her way. Ethan is devastated. Connie means everything and he can't bear the thought of losing her. He heads off to JJ's pub to drown himself in a bottle of overproof rum. In no condition to go home, he finds himself bundled up to JJ's room to sleep off his hangover on the couch. He wakes, and as the couch is uncomfortable and JJ is still working downstairs he falls into her much more comfortable bed. Of course JJ can't shift him when she eventually finishes up downstairs so hops in beside him and eventually one thing leads to another. Although JJ agrees with Ethan that, despite a night of hot sex, they can't repeat the exercise for fear of wrecking their friendship, she also agrees to be his pretend fiancee to boost his chances of retaining custody of Connie.
Despite being part of a series, and I would definitely recommend you read the other three books, ideally first and in order, Some Girls Lie stands alone very well. I like the fact that in this series Amy Andrews has tackled some pretty confronting issues head on and perhaps given those of us lucky enough not to suffer from them a bit of a glimpse at how life can be for others in the community. This book, with its central theme focused on custody, gives us a look at how difficult that can be for all parties involved. With domestic violence thrown in as a side theme, there's plenty for readers to think about. Finally there's the setting. Think outback Australian country town, filled with people who know each other's business and are there for you when the going gets tough. Think red dust extending for miles, amazing starry nights in crystal clear skies and unexpected waterholes hidden away for the locals to indulge in and you'll get the picture. I loved this book.

It is difficult to say which of the stories in the Outback Heat Series is my favorite. I have enjoyed them all with the third book being the most heart wrenching. However, I had been looking forward to Ethan’s finding his HEA ever since the first book, where he was such an overprotective big brother. The wait is over for in Some Girls Lie by Amy Andrews Ethan gets his due.
It seemed a bit contrived that Ethan and JJ would both need an instant love interest after all the years that they have known each other. But hey, stranger things have happened in real life. Besides it made an incredible story for these two to go from friends to lovers then try to be friends again. The lesson here is not going back especially when you truly love someone.

The plot works in ways not every author could pull off in a believable fashion like it is written here. The characters are authentic, likeable with Ethan’s daughter being adorable. I especially liked that Ethan and JJ don’t just love each other but like each other too. Then there is enough suspense to go with the drama to never get boring. A very fitting conclusion to this delightful series.

4.5 Stars The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.

I guess I'm coming in on the end of the series, but this one can definitely be read as a stand-alone because I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything other than getting to know some of the secondary characters more. After reading Some Girls Lie though, I'm definitely going to be going back and reading all the rest of this series for sure. My heart hurt so much for JJ being in loving a man who not only was her best friend, but who also couldn't even manage to see her as a woman. She was always just his rock steady friend when she wanted so much more. But we all know guys are dense, so it wasn't really a shock. I think what it boiled down more to was that he just didn't want to ever lose that relationship with JJ that he held so dear, so he never thought of her in that way.

I loved the Aussie Outback setting. I just adore books set in Australia, so it was a big highlight for me. When these two embark on their charade, they really aren't fooling anyone but themselves. They all know that the only person who is really going to get hurt in the end, is JJ. I mean Ethan is a great guy and all, but he has so many hangups that I found it hard to believe his about face with JJ. I think too much focus in the book was on his not being able to love that when he finally admits to being in love with her, it just didn't seem real. Aside from that, I really enjoyed this book and like I said I want to read it from the start so I get more time with all of these awesome characters. It was a fun read and I definitely suggest it.

I haven't read any of the previous books in this series. I've also never read anything from Amy Andrews before, at least I don't remember having done so. I think that worked well because I went into this book without any expectations, and I ended up really liking this book. I'm all for the friends-to-lovers trope. I already keep saying that in a lot of my reviews. But that's not all that I liked in this book.

First, I really liked the part where the hero was also a loving father. I mean, it ups his points. I also liked that the characters of the previous books were present here, but the author didn't spend so much time trying to acquaint readers with who they were and what their stories were and how their books were played out. You know, I have to say this but there's this really popular author that I love. However, I get tired of her books sometimes because as you get further into a series, cthce cprcevioucs characters arec still featured and they all get a paragraph or two on what happened in their book, and who needs that, right?

So, going back to this book. It wasn't perfect, but I really enjoyed this story to the point that I will surely look for the other three books and read them too. I hope I'd love them as much as I did this book.

JJ has watched her best friend, Ethan from afar her entire life. She watched as he screwed up his life by marrying a selfish woman that took Ethan's heart with her when she left him years ago. When Ethan's ex decides that she's going to take custody of their 14-year old daughter, Ethan hits rock bottom.

After a fun, slightly drunken night together, Ethan is scrambling to get his and JJ's friendship back to normal, but when her abusive ex shows up, Ethan can't help himself but declare that they are in fact engaged to protect her. They agree to play along since this helps them both twofold - protection from JJ's ex and a stronger front for the upcoming custody battle. Little does Ethan expect though, to start becoming drawn to JJ in a way he never has before.

I really enjoyed Some Girls Lie. I'm a fan of any setting in Australia, so that automatically was a bit of a win for me. The characters were relate-able and I really liked JJ and her spitfire personality. I was happy that she wouldn't settle for less than what she deserved. On top of everything else, and truthfully, just as important, if not more, the sexy-times were just absolute holy-hotness.

A big thank-you to NetGalley for providing this ARC for an honest review.

A HOT friends-to-lovers romance that inspires you to keep believing in forever even if you hit some speed bumps along the way! Great characters!

JJ Ericson is minding her own business, enjoying life, running her bar, lusting after her BFF from afar when a wrecking ball busts in and turns her life upside down.

Ethan Weston's witch of an ex-wife just got remarried and declared her intent to sue for custody of their 14 year old daughter all in the same day, so he's in the mood to tie one on and JJ has always been his soft place to fall.

The morning after, JJ's abusive ex-husband shows up at the door wanting to reconnect and Ethan tells him to get lost after announcing they are engaged. When they talk it out afterwards, they realize the ruse is a good one for both of them. He can keep her safe from Shane, and she can help him win the brewing custody battle with his ex.

Being up close and personal wreaks havoc on them both and they find it impossible to keep fighting this attraction. Will they give in and enjoy each other or will Ethan keep pining after his ex and letting forever slip past again?

I've really enjoyed reading the Outback Heat series from author Amy Andrews. JJ and Ethan's story is quite possibly my favourite of the lot. So many hilarious, frustrating moments for these tortured, loveable characters, each with a big heart and tremendous loyalty. The ensuing wrestling of feelings and snippets of drama kept this reader glued to the chapters. A delightful read and magnificent finale for the series.
Review copy kindly received from the Publisher

DNF - I normally love friends-to-lovers stories, but I immediately disliked how the heroine in this book was portrayed as a doormat for the hero.

ridiculously sexy! LOVED IT!

I love this whole damn series. Amy Andrews is one of my favorite authors and this is another one that shows why. Human characters, hot sex, witty dialogue, it has it all.

Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

A bit predictable, but a great read. Ethan and JJ had been friends for practically their whole lives, so watching them come together was a lot of fun. There was drama thanks to some troublesome exes and quite a bit of steam thanks to "Dennis". Overall, a lot of fun. I have to go back and read some of the other Weston brothers' stories.

The fourth and last book in the Outback Heat series functions very well as a stand-alone. I did not have the privilege of being able to read the first three but thoroughly enjoyed this book.

This story focuses on chief of the police and single Dad, Ethan Weston and his best friend, Jemima Jane Ericson (JJ) who owns and runs the local pub.

She's been in love with him for more than twenty years, through his marriage and eventual divorce. Things come to a head when Ethan turns up one night determined to drown his sorrows. His ex-wife wants custody of their daughter. He drowns one too many, she hauls him up to her place so he can sleep it off then bam! A line is crossed.

Enter JJ's abusive ex, Shane.

Hey, let's solve both our problems...let's get engaged.

It isn’t easy to move from friends to lovers for JJ and Ethan. Love, life and others all get in the way of their best laid plans. Court cases, physical threats, a kidnapping! A roller coaster ride of emotions that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was definitely engaging on so many levels. Definite recommend.