TWISTED LIES by C.B. Clark
Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary Romance
3***

Blurb: Athena Cooper’s tragic past drives her to seek solace in a bottle. The addiction threatens her legal career, and she risks spiraling out of control. When her dog engineers a meeting with an all-too-handsome hunk, it’s lust at first sight…until she discovers his identity. Businessman Russell Crawford is desperate to find the woman who cheated him out of his inheritance. His shock when she turns out to be the gorgeous red head he had a brief encounter with is only surpassed when she claims his father was a murderer. Athena and Russ declare a truce and join forces to investigate the mystery of her parents’ disappearance from an isolated island off the rugged Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Russ promises to be her safe harbor as they uncover long-buried secrets that rock her very foundation. Can she overcome a lifelong distrust and open her heart to love?

Thoughts: This was a good story with a really good ending that satisfied. It was entertaining and the mystery was intriguing. But… it was also repetitive. Parts of the story were repeated multiple times leaving me to skip over a good bit. But the ending with what happened to her parents was well done. The scenery imagery was amazing. I felt like I was on the islands or the boat with them. And the contrast between Maggie’s childhood home and Angus’s cottage were perfect.

I have to admit, I didn’t much care for Maggie/Athena. She played the “poor me” card a little too often, especially with the alcoholism mixed in. But, her struggles with alcohol are brilliantly—and truthfully—portrayed. I am glad she found the truth of her past and that she got sober, but the constant tearful scenes got a little old after a while. Russ was okay, but didn’t really change much throughout for a hero type. The characters go through a lot and have an obvious attraction, but they didn’t do a lot for me. As for Russ’ father leaving the bulk of his estate to Maggie/Athena… it was obvious to me why he did so. No surprise there – except to the characters.

Recommendation: Even with all that, I do recommend the book. It’s a good book with a satisfying ending. And even though I thought it slow at times, I couldn’t put it down. The author drew me in and made me keep reading to find out what happened.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

I was given this book for an honest review. Though the story was good and entertaining, the author retold parts of the story over and over. It seemed like it was just to make the book longer. Since the story and charactors otherwise well written, it wasn't really necessary. Overall, I enjoyed the story and Just skipped over the repeats