Cover Image: No More Lies

No More Lies

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Member Reviews

Can I just start out by saying I can’t wait for the third book in this series to come out? I loved this book! Mystery, lies, remembered events, a family on the run, trying to outrun the past. Many twists and turns as well as past remembrance, all flows seamlessly and very easy to read. This authors books have a way of reeling a person in very quickly.

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With No More Words, bestselling author Kerry Lonsdale launched her “No More” trilogy. Lonsdale says that at the heart of the series is her attempt to answer this question: “Does a parent’s dysfunction prevent the younger generation from having a normal life, or have circumstances fated them to live with their trauma?”

In that first installment, she introduced three siblings: Olivia, Lucas, and Lily, the youngest. The story focused on Olivia and was related from her point of view. Suddenly, Josh, the nephew she had never met, showed up at her house. Lily, who ran away when she was just sixteen years old and pregnant, consistently sent Olivia a letter and picture of Josh every year, mailed from different locations and bearing no return address. Their father, Dwight, actively sought to destroy the sisters’ relationship, culminating with telling Olivia that the father of Lily’s unborn child was Olivia’s twenty-one-year-old boyfriend, Ethan. Lonsdale explored Olivia’s inability to trust and the various family conflicts and secrets leading up to Josh’s arrival.

Josh was unable to articulate how or why he made his way to Oliva’s house or the whereabouts of his mother. A large scar on his scalp led Olivia to believe he had recently suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting in aphasia (a compromised ability to communicate), and she set about learning what happened to Josh, as well as Lily’s whereabouts. She found herself attempting to piece together a fourteen-year-old mystery: What exactly happened to Lily, and why was she treated differently by their parents than Olivia and Lucas? Is Ethan really Josh’s father? If not, who is? And why did Lily abruptly leave, cutting off all ties with her family?

No More Lies is Jenna/Lily’s story and it opens months before Josh makes his way to Olivia’s home. He and Jenna (formerly Lily) reside in beautiful Oceanside, California, where she enjoys a successful career as an animator. Her YouTube cartoon became a viral sensation several years ago and now “Tabby’s Squirrel” is about to become a movie. Jenna has also signed a four-book contract. However, she carefully guards her identity, never conducting in-person interviews or permitting her photograph to be published. She eschews social media and forbids Josh to use it, which is a source of conflict between her and her adolescent son. For the past eighteen months, she and Josh have enjoyed a stable lifestyle, rather than moving every few months. Josh is approaching his thirteenth birthday, has made a few friends at school — one, in particular, named Anson, whose mother, Keely, has been very kind to both Josh and Jenna — and unequivocally expressed his desire to remain in one place. He is tired of constantly relocating. Jenna even accepted an engagement ring from Kavan, a restauranteur with whom she has allowed herself to fall in love. For the first time since she left home when she was carrying Josh at just sixteen years of age, she has let herself believe that she and Josh might actually be safe, with no need to remain on the run.

But as Jenna arrives at Josh’s school to pick him up, she learns that the other parents are gossiping about her and speculating about her past in a Facebook forum. A reporter for the Oceanside newspaper has discovered her real identity and is seeking information about the circumstances surrounding the death of her friend, Wes Jensen, who perished the night she ran away from home. Ryder, Wes’s older brother, was Jenna’s boss at the local 7-Eleven store where she worked and Jenna believes he stalked her until the point at which he was incarcerated, convinced that Jenna murdered Wes and intent on vengeance. Jenna has been burdened by guilt, shame, and fear since that night, believing that she was, in fact, responsible for Wes’s death and, if the authorities find her, she will be prosecuted and lose Josh. More pointedly, Josh will lose her.

Lonsdale relates, from Jenna’s perspective, the events leading up to Josh’s arrival at Olivia’s house. Jenna’s father, Dwight, from whom she has been estranged since that fateful night, arrives in Oceanside, leveling threats. Jenna is convinced that he is responsible for the disturbing appearance of items from the past, as well as notes meant to intimidate and frighten Jenna. She has never told Josh the truth about the past and when he comes face to face with the grandfather he has never seen before, his questioning about his family history only intensifies, as does his resolve to remain in Oceanside. Jenna has never told Kavan about her past, either, and fears that should he learn the whole truth, their relationship will be over, her chance for true happiness ripped away from her. Worse, she learns that Ryder has paroled.

Lonsdale deftly intersperses chapters detailing Lily’s life as a sixteen-year-old in fictional Seaside Cove (situated up the coast near San Luis Obispo, California), commencing with the night she takes a home pregnancy test. She overhears a nightmarish argument between her parents and, when she refuses to accede to their demands, resolves to leave home for good in order to protect her unborn child. Lonsdale answers all the questions she left pending in No More Words about what Jenna’s life was like from that point forward. Similarly, a few chapters convey Josh’s perspective, supplying deeper context to what readers already learned about his experiences in the first installment.

Of course, readers of No More Words know whether Olivia and Josh are reunited with Jenna, but that does not diminish the emotional impact of learning the rest of the details, some quite harrowing, from Jenna’s vantage point. Because, Lonsdale observes, reading about the same series of events is a completely different experience since “interpretation and reaction can be distorted depending on the person telling the story and what they’re feeling at the time. What they’re protecting, which is usually themselves.”

In No More Lies, Lonsdale grippingly explores Jenna’s emotional tumult and the impact the secrets she has kept for so many years have had on both her and Josh, as well as what continuing to conceal the truth from Josh might eventually cost. “When we own the secrets, they give us the impression we’re in control. We keep them so as not to hurt others, but mostly to protect ourselves. We’re always trying to save our own hides,” Lonsdale explains. And that is a prominent theme in No More Lies. Determined to keep her baby when her parents demanded that she either have an abortion or put the child up for adoption, Jenna’s determination to run away was initially fueled, in large part, by maternal instinct. Lonsdale explores, through Jenna’s intense and fraught journey, whether that remains her prime motivation and, if not, what other factors, including her own desire for a conventional, transparent life, as well as the near-crippling fear she has lived with for thirteen years, have played into her decision-making. Lonsdale's depicts Jenna's increasing maturity, self-awareness, and recognition of how her motives have shaped her life and Josh's, and what she is now willing to sacrifice in order to ensure Josh's safety and happiness.

“And when we’re privy to a good secret?” Lonsdale notes. “Well, that’s a sense of control, too.” Control, manipulation, and retribution are also explored in No More Lies, a tale featuring some very clear-cut villains. The parents of Olivia, Lucas, and Lily were revealed in No More Words to be duplicitous, narcissistic, and willing to achieve their own selfish goals by any means necessary. Lily’s toxic relationship with her parents is further examined in this volume, as is Jenna’s gradual empowerment and refusal to be cowed by Dwight’s menacing reappearance and Ryder's dedication to revenge..

Once again, Lonsdale seamlessly melds domestic drama and psychological suspense into a thoroughly absorbing story that advances at a steady pace. Lonsdale further develops the characters of Lilly/Jenna and Josh, endears readers to Kavan, and cements Dwight and Ryder’s deplorable natures. She also introduces readers to Murielle, who helped Lily when she first left her parents’ home, as well as Keely, who proves to be the first true friend Jenna has had in the ensuring years.

The intriguing and entertaining family saga will conclude in the third volume, No More Secrets, but readers will have to wait until 2023 to hear the story from Lucas’s perspective.

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Ever since her son, Josh, was born 13 years ago, Jenna/Lily has been running from her past. Despite being a teen mom, she's done an excellent job providing for him, but has her past finally caught up with her? Will she continue to be able to keep them safe?

"Once one lie unravels, the entire web will fall."

No More Lies, the second in a series, fills in more blanks about a deliciously dysfunctional family (the type that's fun to read about but not to be a member of haha). It focused mostly on Jenna/Lily, a children's author, and her teen son, Josh. Lies was even more suspenseful and compelling than the first and provided more information about Jenna's childhood and why she ran away. This was the perfect Mother's Day weekend read as Jenna proved she will do anything to save her son!

Now I just have to wait for No More Secrets, the third in the series to release in March 2023 so I can find out more about Jenna/Lily's brother, Lucas!

Location: Oceanside, California

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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Wow! Once I started I didn’t not want to put it down! After seeing bits of Jenna/Lily in No More Words, I was anxious for her story. My favorite suspenseful novels are ones where I’m anxious for the characters, but still can’t stop reading. I’ve been a big fan of Kerry Lonsdale’s books for years now and this series is no exception. This one definitely kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. I can’t wait for No More Secrets!

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Throughly enjoyed this book and read in 2 nights. From page 1 I was gripped by the characters and the story which was being told. I'm looking forward to the next book written by this author.

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A fun follow up to No More Words. The nice thing about this book, although it's the 2nd part of a three part series it could actually be read as a standalone too - but with that said, I still recommend reading the first book first!

Lily Carson has started fresh as Jenna Mason and she finally feels like her and her son Josh can settle down. She's engaged and she's happy. However, she's been lying to both her son and her fiance about her past. And her past comes knocking on her door and then Josh goes missing.

It was fun to see the other side of the story from what we got in No More Words, however, did make the first half the book a little bit dull as I already knew the gist of what was coming. But the second half was chock full of new drama!

Thanks NetGalley, Kerry Lonsdale and Lake Union Publishing for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

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This is the second book in the No More trilogy series. While this is part of a series it can definitely be read as a stand-alone story. This book shows Lily’s side of the story and tells us the reason why she ran away pregnant at the age of 16 and why she had to change her name and has moved with her son several times. After her past finally catches up to her and a devastating accident leaves her broken and tired, Lily finally decides to stand firm and tell her side of what happened to make her run. A very taut, intriguing mystery. I can’t wait for the final book in this series.

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I didn't realize this book was part of a series (this is book two) until I had already started reading it. With that said, I didn't feel lost and was able to read this as a standalone.

Overall, I thought the book was good. The author alternated between telling the story from Jenna's perspective in the current time period and from Lily's perspective in the past, slowly uncovering more details about the events that occurred that Jenna/Lily is desperate to keep secret. While I felt empathy for Lily, a scared, pregnant 16 year old with terrible parents, I was somewhat irritated with Jenna for not being more forthcoming with her fiance, Kavan, and for not realizing that the events of the past really were not her fault. Other than some mild annoyance at Jenna, I found the story to be fast-paced and interesting.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.

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Book 2 in Kerry Lonsdale’s No More series was fantastic! Full of family drama and plenty of suspense, this story moved at a decent pace and I was anxious to find out the ending. While this could definitely be read as a stand alone, reading the first book (Olivia’s story, No More Words) gives a lot of background and family dynamics.
This was an easy story to get lost in, and I can’t wait for Book number 3, No More Secrets

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This book is beyond words. I had no idea it was the second in a trilogy, because it read like a standalone. I will one hundred percent be reading the first now. Through much of the book, you feel like you know what's going to happen, and the comes the twist! I would very much recommend this trilogy (even though I've only read the one so far) to absolutely anyone that likes twists and turns!

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No More Lies by Kerry Lonsdale is the second book in The No More Trilogy. This is one heck of book that I was unable to put down and left my heart beating out of chest long after I was finished!! I was blown away!!! This is one suspenseful book with one very dysfunctional family! This was one of the best roller coaster rides I have ever been on!! The twist and turns just keep coming!!! It is told in dual timelines and has such well developed characters that they are as real as the person next to you! This is family drama at its best!!! There are so many secrets it will make your head spin!!! I kept trying to figure this one out but Lonsdale writes so well I never saw it coming. She leaves you wanting more with each turn of the page! This is one psychological thriller trilogy you don’t want to miss!! I am so looking forward for to Book Three!

Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Kerry Lonsdale for an advanced copy of this amazing book in exchange for my honest opinion.
#netgalley #nomorelies. #kerrylonsdale
#lakeunionpunlishing

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No More Lies is the second book in the No More series by the fabulous Kerry Lonsdale. After enjoying the first book (No More Words) as much as I did, I was so excited to read Lies.

Let me just say, the book was worth the wait. Kerry Lonsdale is one of my favorite authors. She has a unique way of drawing you in, creating the perfect amount of suspense to make the story that much more intriguing. Her stories are original, which is a welcome break from the usual cookie cutter storylines that seem to circulate in the book world.

The No More series follows the drama of the Carson family and is told from the point of views of the three siblings. While No More Words is told from Olivia’s POV (the oldest of the sisters), Lies centers around Jenna/Lili. While the books can be read as stand alones, I recommend reading them in order. Even though I read Words, I found myself confused at times. Lies jumps right in and without the prior knowledge of the story I would have been somewhat lost. There were even times when I found myself searching the prior book just to bring some clarity and understanding.

With all of that being said, I enjoyed No More Lies. Puzzle pieces were put together, but without wrapping everything up in a neat little bow….and that’s perfect because it just makes me that much more excited for the third book!

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No More Lies is the second novel in the No More trilogy by the fabulous Kerry Lonsdale. No More Lies picks up with Lily/Jenna's POV after No More Words introduced us to the Carson family and featured older sister Olivia's perspective. Lily left home as a teenager, never heard from again and transformed into Jenna Mason-a now successful artist who created characters that were optioned for a movie and a mother of a 12 year old son. But, as the title suggests, the family is caught in a web of lies that threatens to destroy them all. Why did Lily leave home, pregnant and alone, in the middle of the night? What does her father, Dwight, have over her that kept her from contacting her family and left her running? This second novel can be read as a stand-alone but having the background and different perspective from the first novel made this an even better read. There is another cliffhanger that sets up the concluding novel of the trilogy and I am looking forward to finding out how everything ends!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

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NO MORE LIES is Book 2 in the No More series by Kerry Lonsdale. I loved Book 1, NO MORE WORDS, and couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. NO MORE LIES could certainly be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend starting with Book 1 to get your introduction to the Carson family and all their secrets and lies. Book 1 was Olivia’s story and Book 2 is Jenna/Lily’s story. Single mom Jenna Mason has finally settled down after years of being on the run from her abusive family and a dark secret from the past. She has a successful career and a beachfront townhome where she lives with her devoted son, Josh. She has even recently gotten engaged to Kavan. Jenna feels that she can finally relax and have a normal and safe life. But when a reporter learns that she is really Lily Carson, her carefully constructed new life is about to fall apart. To protect those she loves, Jenna knows she has to go on the run again with Josh, but before she can, Josh goes missing. The story alternates between the present and the past that lead to the current situation. It is full of suspense and drama and it kept me riveted to my seat through all the twists and turns. NO MORE LIES is not just a thriller. It is an emotional tale of love, family and the lengths a person will go to protect the ones they love. I truly enjoyed this fast-paced and gripping book and can’t wait for the next book in the series which will be Lucas’ story. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

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After reading No More Words, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. I needed to know what happened to Lily/Jenna. This book did not disappoint. It pulled me in from the first page and had me hooked until the end and now am counting down until I can' read Lucas' story.

I would suggest reading No More Words prior to this book just so you are more at peace with what is going on with Josh. Jenna's story was not quite what I was expecting. She had so much to deal with at just 16. I loved that we got to learn how she was able to run away and where she got help. Jenna was so strong and such an amazing mom to Josh. I was glad we got to see what happened to Josh and how Jenna was helping him heal. The only thing that maybe I was a little disappointed in was that I sort of thought Jenna and Josh's father were going to rekindle their relationship, but in the end, I do think the right choice was made there. I felt that Lucas was sorting of " missing" from this book, however, Jenna was not in contact with him so that makes sense.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. I can't wait for next year and No More Secrets.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Kerry Lonsdale for the ARC of this ebook. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Kerry Lonsdale always writes books I enjoy reading. This is book two in the No More series, I LOVED it….I’m SO glad we got to hear Lily’s story! The complexity and depth of her characters always amazes me. I wanted more at the end…..I need to know what happens in the future with all their lives!! 😫
I’m excited to read all about Lucas’ story in book 3, No More Secrets. 😍
After you’ve read the first two books in this series, check out the rest of her books! They’re all fantastic!! 👏🏼

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Book 2 in the No More series did not disappoint! I am very fortunate to be on a team to receive ARCs of this book series, so thank you to Kerry and Lake Union!
In good ole Kerry fashion, she kept me on my toes throughout No More Lies. This story brings the cliffhangers of No More Words together and you finally get the answers you've been waiting for. From start to finish, I was unable to predict what would happen next! Jenna Mason is finally able to reveal family secrets that have kept her out of the public eye and on the run for so many years. This story is one of love, acceptance, and redemption. A true must read!!

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The wonderful, fantastic author Kerry Lonsdale is back at it again, with the second installment of the No More Trilogy, and it truly didn't disappoint.

The Carson siblings past and present drama continues in No More Lies. You don't need to read the first book, no more words, in the series, but it does set up some of the story for this book. Jenna's story is the main character of this book, and she has been on the run since she left her parents' house as a teenager. She used to be known as Lily, and she has been able to stay in hiding since she ran and changed her name.

Her son is now at an age where he is asking questions, and Jenna doesn't know which way to turn and what to do. She has hidden so many secrets throughout her time on the run, that she doesn't truly know what the truth is anymore.

I cannot wait until the last book in the trilogy comes out in 2023 and all of this family's secrets are finally revealed. Thank you so much for writing this perfect trilogy, and allowing readers the opportunity to share your writing.

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No More Lies is the second book in the No More Series. I read the first book No More Words last year and loved it. I have been waiting impatiently for this one to come out.The first book centered around Olivia. This one centers around her sister Lily/Jenna.

Told from two viewpoints:

Lily is a teenager pregnant and afraid and on the run. She can't stay in her abusive home any longer. She must protect her unborn baby.

Years later Lily is now Jenna and living a nomadic lifestyle with her son, still doing whatever it takes to keep her son safe.

When secrets from her past are in danger of being known, Jenna's first instinct is to run. But, she promised her son Josh that they wouldn't leave this time.

Can Jenna and Josh ever lead a normal life? Will they ever be safe? What will Josh think of her when he learns the truth of her past?

I really don't want to wait until next year to read the third book which will tell us the last sibling's story. I will be eagerly waiting!

Thanks to netgalley and and Lake Union Publishing for the arc.

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Disclaimer - I will read anything Kerry writes - she could write directions on how to clean a wash machine and I would be the first in line to purchase them…. With that being said…

No More Lies is the second in a thrilling trilogy - this time around we are hearing the story originally told by Olivia in No More Words, in her sister Lily/Jenna’s perspective. I found No More Lies to be extremely fast paced, heart racing, and just as thrilling as the initial story. I was extremely intrigued by Lily’s perspective and Kerry’s writing made me really feel for her as a mother on the run with her young son. Lily would do anything to protect her son Josh - even uprooting her life and leaving the man she loves.

I cannot say enough good things about No More Lies - I cannot wait to read the next novel where we will finally uncover Lucas’ perspective of the dreadful night that changed the future of so many family members.

Definitely a 5+ star review, I cannot wait till the rest of my friends get their hands on this novel so we can discuss!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and the author for the opportunity to review an ARC of this breathtaking family drama.

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