I wanted to love this book, but I just couldn’t get into it. The concept was incredibly interesting; the execution fell a bit short.

I love when a story features a good romance, but it was difficult to find chemistry between Reagan and Cade.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

“Reagan Reyes hunts other people’s secrets. A former intelligence officer, she’s currently an in-house investigator for pricey uptown criminal defense attorney Cade McCarrick. The firm forbids in-house romances, but Reagan and Cade are firmly hooked up. Their love—and their agreement never to lie to each other—is the only truth they have in their world of subterfuge and betrayal.”

I LOVED Reagan & Cade’s relationship. I felt it was well developed & a major driving force for this book. Raffi is also a favorite character! I thought the twists were great & that the pacing of the story was great as well! Absolutely enjoyed this and will definitely read more by Michelle Cruz!

2.5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an audio arc in exchange for an honest review.

Reagan is a former military officer working as an investigator for a criminal defense law firm. She is having an illicit affair with one of the attorneys, Cade McCarrick. When a woman shows up looking Cade with and handful of documents and then mysteriously dies moments later on the street Reagan plunges into an investigation that puts her on the killers radar. Can she uncover the truth before Cade and she become the next victims?

I was very excited to get this book as it sounded like an interesting suspense about a strong military woman delving into the sordid world of criminal defense but I was disappointed. The story was flat and very predictable with stereotypical characters. It could not decide if it wanted to be a mystery or a romance with much of the story being dedicated to the toxic relationship between the two main characters. Suspense and romance novels can be done well but this was not one of them. This one is a hard pass.
I had the audio version read by who is easy to listen to and does a good job.

Thank you for the opportunity to receive this audiobook early and review it. First off the narrator was awesome. She was pleasant to listen to and even did accents when needed. The storyline is interesting with a woman who mysteriously drops off a letter to an attorney's investigator shortly before she dies. The investigator, Regan is now intrigued and doesn't want to just "let it go" even as she is asked by her employer who is also her boyfriend/lover. Well her curiosity is causing trouble as now she has people out to get her before she uncovers truths that others don't want uncovered. It really is a good storyline however to me this is more of a romantic thriller. It doesn't have explicit sex scenes but a lot of implying. The problem I have with it honestly is it is unrealistic in that manner. She is former military so she is pretty strong and independent but when faced someone trying to kill her she just wishes she was with her boyfriend rather than figuring a way out. It seems forced a bit to me. I mean don't get me wrong most people think of their loved ones in certain situations but not like the way it was portrayed in the book. There was definitely more relationship than mystery.

I'm not sure how to review this book. It held my attention while I was listening to it and the narrator did a good job, but it didn't grip me like I was hoping. The author does a good job with character development but there were a few characters who are introduced who seem significant and then drop off -- I'm mainly talking about Bridger's mom, who seems to be introduced as a central character and then is not involved in any of the key points of the book.

Reagan Reyes is ex-military, tough, and has a lot of trust issues (this wasn't fully fleshed out either but it didn't bother me too much). She is plucked from a congressional office to work as Cade McCarrick's in-house investigator. Mixing business with pleasure, Cade and Reagan begin a secret romance, which plays a big part in this book. I know this annoyed some people, but I went in knowing the book would be heavy on romance. After a series of unusual deaths Reagan begins investigating a dark underbelly of Dallas and is led directly back to the namesakes of her new law firm. If you like Succession or had a slightly unhealthy relationship with the Murdaugh trials, this one should be added to your TBR.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

ok this is NOT a mystery book with a bit of romance! it's a romance book with bits of mystery! and I just don't like romance. main character personalities were unrelatable and the focus was abasically on their relationship not the very dead woman and the reason why. the idea behind the mystery part was good (hence the two stars) but it was overshadowed by all that fighting and making ups. so, not for me.

thanks to NetGalley for providing my copy.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC of Even When You Lie by Michelle Cruz!

This is a legal thriller/legal romance.

In a nutshell, Cade is hoping to be named partner as an up-and-coming criminal defense lawyer at his firm. He see's Reagan (swoon's over her) and recruits her (from a military career in investigation) to work for him at his firm . Their professional and private lives intermingle (Like...a LOT). One day, a random (but maybe not so random?) lady storms into their office to drop off a shady looking envelope and shortly after she leaves, she dies. (Like, legit drops dead...What?!)

Reagan is determined to find out what happened, who's in on it, and how this lady and all of her social ties has anything to do with Cade. There are twists and turns, fights and spying and overall, I really enjoyed this story! There was also a lot of unnecessary romance...we get it. Reagan and Cade are totally into each other. But regardless, the plot still had me hooked.

The books narration was done by Nan Mcnamara and was AMAZING!

Overall, I give this 3.5 stars (Rounded up to 4!)

Even When You Lie by Michelle Cruz

This novel is categorized as a legal thriller, but it is VERY “er” and not a lot of “thrill”. More appropriately it should be labeled as a legal romance because there is SOOOOO much romance. Healthy romance life aside; it becomes exceedingly grating.

Cade is an up-and-coming criminal defense lawyer at his firm and is looking to make named partner. He manages to poach Reagan from a military career in investigation to his firm. Their professional and private lives intermingle (A LOT). The story begins with the mysterious Heather waltzing into the office to drop off a manila envelope and then proceeding to drop dead. I know…attention getting, but then the story flits around a lot. The “devil is in the details” and there are so many that do not add up. The author takes a lot of liberties with these details and character development; this makes them feel flat and unlikable.

Cade is an obsessive controlling chauvinist that supports the “good old boy’s club”. Reagan, despite a career in the military, cannot seem to defend herself and is essentially a weak heroine. All of this and the constant romance was off putting. The storyline had elements of surprise and a few moments of twist that rounded up my review rating.

Ultimately the best part of this story was the audio narration by Nan Mcnamara which was very well done.

Thank you Netgalley for my ARC.
This definitely wasn't a favorite of mine. Too much predictable romance, and racial under tones. Irritation that Reagan, ex-military, as so helpless in many situations.

Exactly the right length, always moving the story forward. Powerful, meaningful relationship. Rich people behaving badly and getting betrayed. Great story and a fun afternoon of reading.

I can't describe how excited I get when I read a story set in DFW. Mostly because I haven't seen too much over the years set in this area. I mean there's not a lot of glitz and glam in this part of Texas. It tends to me like a little treat being able to picture where you're going as a real place, instead of a place I'm dreaming up because I've never been there. When we exit the prestigious Highland Park with the monied homes and go to Oak Cliff. I know exactly what that looks like and the different feelings each area brings. I'm happy to read a book by a Texas author!

I really enjoyed this little mystery book. We start off with a weird death that Reagan can't help but look into and the more she digs the worse things seem to get. We have a young woman who was a decorated air-force Captain that winds up working as an investigator for a prestigious law firm in downtown Dallas. She partners with Cade McCarrick, the firms ace in the sleeve big shot criminal defense lawyer. When the investigation comes too close to home Cade and Reagan put their lives in danger to solve the mystery. I think when they knew they should stop their curiosity got the better of them and they just kept on going. I really liked the reveals and the subtle clues throughout the story, everything wasn't as it seemed and I wound up feeling kind of bad for the bad guys. Not THE bad guy but the bad guys.

I'm going on a tangent here but I get the Katy Trail is fairly safe, but I feel like I've read about many a murder along the trail. I would be terrified as a young woman to run it early in the AM all alone. End Tangent.

So there are kind of 2 sides of this book they mystery and the romance. The romance isn't a bulk of the book but it is an important part. Cade and Reagan's relationship plays the part of a catalyst of sorts. A way to blackmail or manipulate the couple into silence. They are a forbiddenish love, the office romance that shouldn't be. Mostly they are just a really sweet couple. I liked their relationship and how they played off of each other. This book isn't a full stop romance so don't expect that, it's just sprinkled in.

I also really enjoyed the side characters. The homeless veteran that often gets overlooked, the secretary and junior partners that are discriminated against for race and sexual preferences, though not pivotal parts of the story, really draw the cast of characters.

I honestly hope this is the beginning of a series, because I would enjoy following this merry group of people on their many adventures. Hopefully with less personal consequences.

Narrated by Nan McNamara ⭐⭐⭐
Story by Michelle Cruz ⭐⭐⭐

It took me a while to get into this story. It felt a little over the top with the characters and how cool, popular and powerful they are but then it came together nicely in the end.

This is my first time trying Michelle Cruz and while I was not blown away by this novel I would definitely try another story by her.

This book is a fast-paced romantic thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. It starts with a girl with pink hair, a mysterious envelope and a murder. An undercover investigation ensues and so does the drama. This is a great mystery with a little romance sprinkled in too.

3.75ish stars

Generally, I liked this story, including the over-the-top and dramatic conclusion. What I didn’t love as much was the relationship between the characters; in particular, I didn’t appreciate the male protagonist’s actions at different times. From the female protagonist, there was too much “If I do x, he won’t respect me the same way” for my liking…and, ugh. That aside, the story itself was fast-paced and interesting, and even though some parts weren’t really for me, it was an overall fun reading experience.

Even When You Lie was a propulsive thriller that kept me glued from the moment I started it yesterday evening. I couldn’t stop listening (to the audio version)! The author, Michelle Cruz, did a fantastic job of weaving details into this story, mixed with beautifully delicious sentences and characters that felt so completely real.

The story combined elements of different worlds, different opinions, and handled topics surrounding diversity in realistic and relevant ways. With this, the story wasn’t only propulsive and enjoyable as fiction, but offered perspectives and knowledge to be applied to real lives of readers.

The audiobook was well done by Dreamscape, the narrator bringing the story to life for audio listeners. I listened at 1.75x speed, which is my normal, and didn’t even attempt to speed it up for fear I’d miss something important.

I’ll be in a book coma from this one. It’s a must read for thriller and suspense readers.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this advanced audio copy of Even When You Lie.

Intelligence officer skirting around with a criminal defense attorney, a dead woman, a mysterious note, and an investigation that puts them in danger. Hold on to your seat!
Other people’s secrets is Regan Reyes’ job as a former intelligence officer and in-house investigator for gorgeous criminal defense attorney, Cade McCarrick. Regardless of the law firm’s strict policy against inter-office relationships, Regan and Cale could not resist each other. Cade receives a mysterious envelope, then suddenly the woman connected to that envelope is found dead. Regan can't help but investigate. She begins to uncover a connection to a murder outside a night club. The police have lost interest, but now Regan and Cade are in danger based on what they know. Can they find the killer before the killer gets to them?

Nan McNamara, as narrator for the audio book, has a smooth, silky voice- comforting to listen to. The fluctuations in tonality makes character distinction easy to identify. She has an excellent storytelling capability involving dramatic emotion, proper pace and rhythm and the I can't ability to adjust to rapid changes in events making the story more lively. I look forward to finding more books narrated by McNamara.
Overall, this novel met my expectations as a mystery thriller with plenty of on the edge of your seat moments and just when you think you have figured it all out, you discover the twist that came from behind. The writing flow was smooth, very appealing, creative with a gentle flow. Nicely done! However, I did not completely understand the cover until the book was complete and I viewed it again...then it all made sense.
I would encourage lovers of mysteries and thrillers to snatch this book up. It begins well and continues to hold your attention and drive for more right through till the end. Very enjoyable.

I loved these characters. What a tangled web we weave. Present day secrets intertwined with buried choices from the past resurface. I truly hope these characters come back for a second installment. Twists galore and you get to put your detective hat on.

Audio narration was an excellent choice really bringing the reader into the story.

This book was pretty good.

I enjoyed the mystery and the way they tied the romance in between Reagan and Kade.

It had the right about of suspense and build up.

The ending wasn’t entirely predictable, but there was a lot of foreshadowing to it.

While this book was not full of twists and turns like most of the books I read are, I did still enjoy this book. I thought it was well written and was a good story over all, and I did not expect who the "villian" was. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a mysery.

I listnened to the audiobook, and I have to say, I really like the narrator. Her voice was lovely and it seemed to fit the story well.

I would like to thank Dreamscape Media for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book as an ARC, for my honest review.

The book summary pretty much lays out the primary storyline, so I won’t repeat it here. What the summary doesn’t mention is that early in the story, Reagan befriends a homeless and former veteran Ranger, Raffi, after he saves her life when she is attacked in a park while on an early morning run. Raffi appreciates her kindness and her offers of assistance in helping him get back on his feet. Raffi, as well as Cade, begin to worry about Reagan’s safety and they begin to feel protective towards her, as if she’s some kind of damsel in distress that needs to be saved by the big, strong men.

I’ve said this before, but feel compelled to say it again, my fave characters are smart, savvy, strong, bad@$$ women who can kick @$$ and take names as good as any man. Granted, most of my fave characters are law enforcement types, but Reagan is no slouch; she’s former military and a gun-carrying investigator. If this becomes a series, I’d strongly suggest that Cruz give Reagan some backbone as well as some spunk and moxie. JMHO

During the off-the-books investigation of a couple of deaths, related to the info that one of the victims provided early in the story, Reagan and Cade discover a connection to the managing partner, Bridger, as well as Cade’s boss. Pretty early in the story, I’m flip flopping between two characters about who the killer is. Around the halfway point, I’m pretty certain who it is.

The second half of the story is definitely more interesting and fast-paced than the first half. Bridger makes it clear to both Reagan and Cade that he’s aware of their private relationship as well as their investigations. At that point, the end comes pretty quickly in a scary and intense scene. FINALLY!!! Cruz gives Reagan a shot of bravado at the end. Also, while I was off-base on my suspicions who the killer was, I wasn’t completely off-base regarding the motive.

This story leans quite heavily towards romantic suspense than the gritty crime thrillers and murder mysteries that I usually read. The romantic scenes are a straight and solid PG rating, and not descriptive and/or graphic in any way to offend anyone not looking for that in the romantic suspense novels they choose to read. Most of the characters weren’t very likeable or were just kind of flat and one dimensional, except Raffi, who was, by far, my fave character.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was pleasant enough to listen to. I like listening to audiobooks when I exercise in the morning. However, it can be a little embarrassing sometimes when I laugh out loud or curse at something stupid that some character has done or said. I get the strangest looks whenever that happens😊 However, there wasn’t too much of that in this book and the few times it did, it tended to lean more towards the latter reason than the former.

I want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

@NetGalley @DreamscapeMedia @EvenWhenYouLie