Book Review: Forgiving Lies

Forgiving Lies (Forgiving Lies #1)

By: Molly McAdams

Published By: William Morrow

Publication Date: October 29, 2013

Page Count: 368

Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound

Source: ARC Kindly Provided by Publisher via Edelweiss

Audience: New Adult - Contemporary Romance

Molly McAdams is one of those authors that I adore. She always writes complex characters who invade my heart and mind. The situations she places her characters in are never easy ones, but sadly, they are all too realistic for many college age students. Like with her previous novels, this one tackles some pretty tough issues including date rape, emotional abuse, and grief. While these issues aren't pleasant to read about, I do appreciate that Molly doesn't shy away from difficult topics. Her characters are resilient and I love watching their development unfold.

Forgiving Lies is the first novel in a new series. I had heard that this one was slightly different than the previous stories Molly has written, but I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. I did find that this one is a lot darker than the previous novels. In addition, this one made me more anxious than the previous novels as well. McAdams does a beautiful job of keeping the reader in suspense. Forgiving Lies is a contemporary romance, but it also has some mystery/thriller elements that add tension to the plot.

I was also happy to see that the main female in this one strong and independent. Rachel isn't a damsel in distress and she's happy being single. I love reading about this sort of girl. Romance is great (and Molly knows how to write one that sizzles), but it falls flat for me if the female character isn't anyone outside of her relationship. I love that Rachel and Kash are just as strong on their own as they are together.

The relationship in this one was also a lot of fun to read. The banter between Rachel and Kash had me laughing out loud. I saw a lot of myself in both of these characters - perhaps that is why I enjoyed the story so much. I also liked that their relationship developed a little more gradually. There is often a lot of love at first sight in a McAdams novel so this was an interesting change. McAdams is also a master at creating hot leading male characters. Kash is certainly one of my new favorites. Gage (From Ashes) is still my number one McAdams guy, but Kash is a very close second. I also appreciate that we get two narrators - Rachel and Kash - which allows the reader to get a full perspective of the events and emotions.

The one thing I was frustrated with was the ending. There is a cliffhanger that made me want to throw my kindle. The next book is coming out in the spring, but that seems so far away.

Overall, I adore McAdams' novels. They are my form of book candy. I love losing myself in her characters and their lives. I wish she would write faster because I simply cannot read her stuff slowly.

One Last Gripe: I was frustrated with Kash for not figuring things out sooner. I did see that twist coming and thought he should have too. You'll know what I'm talking about when you read this one.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: Rachel and Kash's relationship

First Sentence: "Candice, you need to focus."

Favorite Character: Rachel

Least Favorite Character: Candice - she annoyed me in so many ways

Summary:

A matter of secrets...
Undercover cop Logan "Kash" Ryan can't afford a distraction like his new neighbor Rachel Masters, even if she's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. To catch a serial killer, he needs to stay focused, yet all he can think about is the feisty, long-legged coed whose guarded nature intrigues him

A matter of lies...
Deceived and hurt before, Rachel would rather be a single, crazy cat lady than trust another guy, especially a gorgeous, tattooed bad boy with a Harley, like Kash. But when his liquid-steel eyes meet hers, it takes all of Rachel's will-power to stop herself from exploring his hot body with her own.

A matter of love...
As much as they try to keep it platonic, the friction between them sparks an irresistible heat that soon consumes them. Can Kash keep Rachel's heart and her life safe even as he risks his own? Will she be able to forgive his lies ... or will she run when she discovers the dangerous truth?