Beautiful Lies

by Paula Dombrowiak

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Beautiful Lies served as my introduction to Paula Dombrowiak’s work and it was indeed an enjoyable experience. The story hidden between the pages of Beautiful Lies will have readers laughing while giving them all the feels. The story captures the hearts of readers and keeps them totally invested in the lives of the characters.

Despite this being my first time reading the author’s work, I went into the story with high expectations as it featured one of my favourite tropes, reverse age gap romance. Well it delivered as expected leaving me eager to explore more of the author’s work.

Beautiful Lies introduces Lake Kennedy a successful 42 year old soon to be 43 single mom to a seventeen year old daughter. On the night before her 43rd birthday she met a handsome, sexy and enigmatic young musician. For one night she chooses to let loose, something she has not done in awhile. A night of passion with the understanding at least one her part, there will be no exchange of names, no promises and no expectations. So imagine her surprise to discover that her one night stand is also her sister’s brother-in-law to be, Adrian Corvin.

Adrian knew from the moment he laid eyes on Lake that she was the one for him. However, without a name or any form of contact he had no clue how to find her. But as fate would have it he discovered she was the sister of his sister-in-law to be. This was his chance to prove to Lake that what they shared that warranted not one night but a lifetime together.

Together Adrian and Lake made a great couple, if only Lake would let go of past hurt. Although successful in her career beneath the success lay a scared, emotionally damaged and lonely individual. She uses her role as a parent and their age difference to justify not allowing herself to get emotionally attached to Adrian. Even though he has proven time and again that he is nothing like her ex. Despite her many attempts to push him away he refused to give up on her. As you can see their journey towards HEA were filled with many obstacles on Lake’s part. However, when she eventually got out of her own way and let go of past hurt, their journey to HEA ended on a swoon worthy note.

The story not only focused on the relationship between Lake and Adrian but it also incorporated family relationships. I especially loved Lake’s relationship with her daughter and her best friend Georgie. Frankly those was her only relationship where she allowed her true self to shine through.

The banter between the characters will have readers laughing out loud several times throughout the story. Lake is quite feisty and sarcastic remarks are her specialty. This at times lead to humorous conversations with her best friend and her daughter.

Overall, Beautiful Lies delivered a story of hope, healing, forgiveness and love. It shows how fear can ruin life if allowed to take root and grow.