RELEASE DAY + REVIEW: The Lies We Tell by Becca Steele

Title: The Lies We Tell

Series: The Four #1

Author: Becca Steele

Genre: NA Enemies to Lovers/Bully Romance

Release Date: January 28, 2020

Starting over after my father’s sudden death was bad enough, but the four boys who rule Alstone College, my new university, are determined to make my life even more difficult. One in particular. Caiden Cavendish.

My nightmare. My shadow. My stepbrother.

My dad’s death was an accident... Lie.

My life isn’t in danger... Lie.

The Four won’t bring mayhem to my life... Lie.

I don’t want Caiden Cavendish... Lie.

Lies.

Eeny, meeny, miny, mo.The Four are coming for you, Snow.

Before I knew what I was doing, I’d thrown the mushrooms into the pan and was stepping right up to him, so close that I could feel the heat from his body as he glared down at me. “You might want to wash your hands. They’re looking a little pink, King Caiden.”

He stepped even closer, his body pressing into mine, and I suddenly found it difficult to breathe. “King Caiden, huh? If I’m the king, then get on your knees and worship me.”
A shudder ran through me at his low, harsh rasp. I met his dark gaze, seeing the barely restrained fury clear in his eyes, and I steeled myself, welcoming the anger that surged within me, smothering the lust. “Fuck you,” I spat through clenched teeth. “If you’re insinuating that I can suck your dick, I’d rather choke to death on my own vomit than have that anywhere near my mouth.”

MY REVIEW

New to me author, Becca Steele managed to surprise me in the best way, with this thrilling and suspenseful story. The Lies We Tell is the first book in The Four series and it's a crazy ride that got me hooked from the beginning.

Winter Huntington transferred to Alstone College to be closer to her estranged mother but also to dig into her fathers' mysterious death. But things become complicated when she meets Caiden Cavendish, one of the most popular boys on campus and her stepbrother. Caiden and his group, The Four, seem to have something against her from their first encounter. They are watching her every move and try to make her feel unwelcome. But Winter is determined to not let them bully her around, her main focus is to discover what really happened to her father.

The attraction between Winter and Caiden is palpable and scorching hot. He tries really hard to keep a cold demeanor towards her and pretends to hate her, but every time he's near Winter, he becomes possessive and all he wants is to touch her. And in returned Winter seems to be fascinated with him, her body responding to his nearness in ways she never thought possible. I loved their banter and constant teasing, it was a battle of wills between them. It was a slow burn romance, but when they finally got together their chemistry was explosive. Winter is a headstrong and determined young woman, she manages to keep the boys in check and doesn't take kindly to their bullshit. And Caiden is the embodiment of a Greek god and alpha male in all its splendor. He has trust issues rooted deep, but Winter manages to bring his walls down and make him open up to her.

The secondary characters were also delightful. I loved Cassius with his witty comments and a relaxed attitude. And Weston was so sweet and nerdy. Even Zade, with his menacing personality, managed to make the story even more appealing. They are so different from one another but their group dynamic works perfectly that way.

The writing was engaging, the pacing of the story was good and I enjoyed the dual 1st person POV. There were many twists and turns and suspenseful moments and the cliffhanger at the end got me totally by surprise. I can't wait to know what happens next! If you like the enemies to lovers trope you definitely need to give this book a try. I recommend it!