I really enjoyed this book, and I didn’t want to put it down while reading it. I loved the dual timelines and thought it was unique how the majority of the past was told through police interviews after two teenagers were killed in a car accident. The multiple perspectives worked perfectly, and although there were moments when I didn’t like any of the characters, Hendricks wrote Scarlett and Zoey’s points of view in a way that you couldn’t help but empathize with them too.

The pacing in this book was spot on even with the slow build up to the “lovely lie”. Hendricks threw in so many red herrings that I honestly thought everyone was a suspect at one time or another. The setting of the gulf coast of Florida was perfect, and I felt like I was there while reading this book. Although this book is a thriller, it was so nostalgic for me. The flashbacks to Scarlett and Pepper’s high school years made me think of growing up in the 90’s and my senior picnic. Thankfully my senior year didn’t end as tragically as theirs did.

There was one part that I struggled with that I can’t say because of spoilers, but overall I enjoyed this suspenseful story about toxic relationships and how they can affect our lives long after they’ve ended. This was my first book by Hendricks, but believe me, I’ll be checking out her backlist for sure.

Thank you to the author and Scarlet for a digital readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

A Lovely Lie is an utterly addictive, binge worthy, suspenseful, edge of your seat, page turning read. It will keep you hooked from start to finish without ever letting up on the pace. Hendricks is one of my favorites and with each book she writes she just keeps confirming it.

The characters were absolutely horrible, despicable, liars, conniving and I loved every single second. The author always creates characters you love to hate. That are utterly manipulative and selfish. It makes for a great ride.

I loved the multiple timelines and POV's, the police transcripts, the way everything tied in together and all the twists and turns that were perfectly sprinkled throughout. That ending was just perfect 👌 Perfect thrilling ride !

✨️ Thank you to @thrillerbookloverspromotions, @scarletsuspense, @penzlerpublishers, @netgalley & @jaimelynnhendricks for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another 4-star thriller for Jaime Lynn Hendricks! She has become an auto-read author for me. If she writes it, then I will read it. This one did not disappoint! Where are my 1990's/2000's babies at? You're gonna love this one! Buckle up for this wild rollercoaster ride!
Picture it, the year is 1999, two best friends attend the senior picnic, but tragedy strikes! As the truth comes to the light 22 years later, Scarlett must deal with the secrets of the past. What really happened that night!?!

This one gripped me and held my attention throughout. It kept me turning pages until the very end! I just had to know what REALLY HAPPENED! The untrustworthy characters are so well-developed that they drew me in despite their many flaws. This is a dual timeline story that is full of drama in the past and the present, which kept me playing the game of literary cat and mouse to find out what really happened. And oh my goodness...that ending had my jaw on the floor! "A Lovely Lie" has it all: dual timelines, unreliable characters, secrets, drama, lies, murder, and twists. If you're a thriller fan, this is a must read! 4 stars!

First of all let me warn, this is a ROLLERCOASTER. That being said, in the best way. I had a few things figured out and then the twists kept coming. I bounced back and forth between 3 and 4 stars but overall I think it’s definitely deserving of 4 stars. I did find some of the phrases and thought trains to be a little corny but it didn’t take away from the overall story. I’d definitely recommend

In "A Lovely Lie" by Jaime Lynn Hendricks, readers are transported to the year 1999, where two close friends find themselves amidst a senior picnic that takes a tragic turn. Fast forward twenty years, and the haunting memories and hidden truths of that ominous night resurface, triggering a quest for answers. The narrative skillfully navigates between past and present, delving into the complexities of flawed characters burdened with secrets. Hendricks masterfully crafts a gripping tale filled with drama and suspense, keeping readers engaged in the tantalizing mystery of what truly transpired. With its compelling storytelling and intriguing characters, "A Lovely Lie" proves to be another captivating addition to the author's repertoire, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.

It’s been 22 years since Scarlett has seen Pepper. 22 years since that night of the accident. The one they covered up and never spoke of again. When Zoey shows up at her desk at work, Scarlett is shocked to learn that Pepper never got the abortion she planned, and Zoey is her daughter. Zoey found a letter Pepper had written to Scarlett after that night and never sent. Now she wants to know what really happened, and who her father is…

Jaime hit it out of the park once again! I could not stop reading. I needed to know who Zoey’s father was, and what had actually happened that night. Pepper was such a manipulator and I needed to know more! I did guess a few twists throughout the book, but that did not keep me from loving every second! This was the fast faced story I have come to expect from Jaime and I cannot wait for what is next!

I loved these type of reads! A murder case that was solved and closed, however the truth of what really happened has been held by closed lips for decades and those involved have always known the police got it wrong that night. A terrible accident right after high school graduation and two ended up dead but the truth of who was involved and what really happened has been a secret since that night even though the original detective felt things were not as they seemed and that lies were all he was being fed during the investigation. Two decades later an investigative journalist is stirring things up from a letter she found in her mother's belongings mentioning an accident. Zoey wants to know what this letter means and is also on a mission to found out who her father is, although she has no idea just how many secrets are wrapped up in this all. The truth of what happened that night is not what anyone really remembers, as each person has their own secret they have been withholding from everyone else in the group. I loved how this story was written from the various characters and that we get piece of what happened that night, as well as transcripts from the interrogations that had taken place after. Teenagers can be some of the best and worst liars and this novel shows just how loyal they actually can be. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the complementary ebook and to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

I love each and every one of her books, I always love all the twists and turns! Ohh my gosh this book gripped me from the very beginning and refused to let go throughout the entire thing! I was totally hooked from beginning to end! One of my favorite book endings EVER and at the end of the book, I just sat there with my jaw on the floor and a grin on my face! Plus the character development and character arcs are written so well that my opinions of each character morphed as details came to light throughout. And now I truly want there to be a sequel because I am so vested in each of the characters! I will be recommending A Lovely Lie forever as it’s easily one of my favorite books ever!

Travel back in time to 1999 when two best friends attend a senior picnic with their other classmates. Something terrible happens later that night, and two classmates end up dead. Twenty years have gone by, but the memory and secrets of that fateful night are coming back. Someone knows that there is more to the story and they want answers.

I enjoyed the flawed and untrustworthy characters, how each person carried the burden of a secret or two (or more), the dual timelines of the past to the present, the drama, the guessing game of what really happened. I've enjoyed other books by this author and A Lovely Lie didn't disappoint!

Lies have a way of coming back to you as the characters in this story find out. The title is perfect for the book and the cover is as well. I love how this story is told in multiple POV and a dual timeline. The author gets you in the characters minds and you find out not everyone is as they seem. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great thriller.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my e-ARC of A Lovely Lie!

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me. I will definitely check out other work from this author in the future though.

Thank you to Thriller Book Lover Promotions, Jaime Lynn Hendricks and Scarlet for the ARC!

The night of their senior picnic, Scarlett and here best friend Pepper were involved in a deadly car crash. Afterwards, they lied to the police to protect themselves. Soon after, Pepper left town and Scarlett never heard from her again. Now, over twenty years later, Scarlett has repressed the truth and built herself a decent life with a husband and son. But she is completely thrown for a loop when Pepper’s daughter, Zoey, shows up on her doorstep with news of Pepper’s death. Zoey has a letter from Pepper to Scarlett, insinuating that something happened in their past. And Zoey wants answers.

If you want a book to binge in one sitting, look no further! Fast paced and full of twists, “A Lovely Lie” kept me on the edge of my seat from the first few sentences. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about what was going to happen next. My heart went out to Scarlett, as Pepper seemed like such a horrible and selfish friend. And it was hard to not feel bad for Zoey as well, as Pepper seemed to not be the mother she needed either. In fact, Scarlett and Zoey’s unlikely friendship in the face of Pepper’s manipulative behavior was one of my favorite parts of this book. In spite of Pepper, I think Scarlett’s husband Vince was the worst of them all - no spoilers but if you read this story, I bet you feel the same way! LOL

“A Lovely Lie” releases May 28, 2024. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)

Wow, this book was something. The lies and deceit that filled the pages and stopped me from completing anything I previously had on my to do list for the day because I could not and would not put this down, This was my first book by #jaimelynnhendricks but it will not be my last because I loved it. The dual timeline was great, especially since I was in high school at the same time as the characters. The multiple POVs were also great, I loathed almost all of them at one point. The single moment that altered so many lives and the chaos that followed it.

I absolutely loved this book and will definitely recommend it to all, this book is a must read out May 28th!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ooooeee, what a ride. I have whiplash.

4.25 ★

This was chaotic. The characters are so unlikable and full of drama. And I loved it. With a name like Pepper you just know she's going to be a b. Lemme grab my popcorn real quick and watch this unfold.

It was a little bit predictable but at some parts it had me completely second guessing everything. It was still fun! I loved how fast paced this was throughout the whole book. Didn't feel like it lulled at any point (IMO).

The ending was a bit unsatisfying.

Honestly, this would probably make a decent drama TV series. It was a fun popcorn suspense read.

Thank you Netgalley and Penzler Publishers, Scarlet for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Jaime Lynn Hendricks was an author new to me and I cannot wait to read more from her. A Lovely Lie grabbed me right from the start and I could not put it down. If you enjoy stories about adults still living in their childhood small town where bad things happened at the end of high school, secrets, multiple points of view, unreliable characters, twists and turns, then throw in the popular high school girl’s secret daughter landing from the big city 22 years later to unravel it all, buckle up. You’re in for a ride!

The story follows protagonist Emily as she grapples with the aftermath of a devastating betrayal and navigates the complexities of rebuilding her life. Hendricks deftly weaves together multiple narrative threads, skillfully exploring themes of trust, forgiveness, and the masks people wear to hide their true selves.

The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own flaws and vulnerabilities, making them relatable and compelling. As Emily delves deeper into the truth behind the lies she's been told, readers are drawn into a web of suspense and emotional depth. A Lovely Lie" is a poignant and gripping novel that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page.

Zoey arrives in Florida to discover who her father is. She quickly realizes it’s not going to be as simple as she thought. Not only has her mother Pepper lied to her, but everyone seems to be lying, especially about the night two graduates died

Pepper’s old school friends are not only still friends, but her ex boyfriend Vince is now married to her ex best friend Scarlett. Shockingly salacious, and that’s only the start

The story is fast paced and full of “Housewives” drama. Secrets are revealed and interspersed with past police interviews from the time after the two graduate deaths

None of the characters are particularly likable but it’s hard to look away and honestly, I was gripped! The only character I really liked was teenage Luke who managed to steer clear of the drama

I guessed the majority of twists, but it didn’t take away from the fun - I definitely recommend this for a fun vacation read

Thanks to Netgalley and Penzler Publishers, Scarlett for access to this eBook ARC in exchange for my honest review

What an exciting thriller. I enjoyed the mystery of A Lovely Lie. It's told in dual timelines which I always like. If you think you have this figured out just wait until the end. I was shocked! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for my gifted copy.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy.

Imagine being at work when a young lady shows up. You BFF’s kiddo. The BFF you haven’t spoken to in years.

Dual time lines and messed up friendships. What more can you want? For me…a better ending. It worked but I wanted something more.

I've enjoyed all of Hendricks' books and this was no exception. This book was filled DRAMA and insufferable people making terrible choice; it was hard to look away from the wreck. As a Floridian, its ok for me to say, just Florida people just doing Florida things. This was a very fast-paced read with a solid twist. Save this for when you need a fun, fast, when-the-past-comes-back-to-haunt-you type of read! Which is all the time, right?

thank you NetGalley and Penzler Publishers, Scarlet for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.