A Beautiful Lie

First things first, you are going to be irritated reading this b

First things first, you are going to be irritated reading this book. You're going to feel like there's loose ends that are NEVER EVER going to be tied up. There are times you're going to be like "seriously, how is this suspenseful!! how do they NOT see what's coming?!" The majority of the time what I expected to happen didn't actually happen. There was only once where I guessed correctly. You're going to think "Well that was unexpected and completely different." You're going to fall in love with Garrett and want to beat Parker over the head for being an idiot, then turn around and do the same thing with Garrett...I was literally screaming "hello, haven't you people ever heard of adult conversations?! Geesh, get it together!" BUT, then you'll realize WHY they weren't talking and realize the way Ms. Sivec wrote it was perfect.

Finally, spend the money for this book - but don't start it unless you have about two hours to read 300+ pages in one sitting.

Tara Sivec is an amazing author and there were times while reading this I wondered if this is the same Tara Sivec I fell in love with. This book is completely different come her normal work and truly shows the diversity this author has to offer the world. I felt like this was tied up so well, I am not sure how there is going to be a series. BUT, it is Tara Sivec and she is amazing so I'm not going to think about that too deeply and just eagerly await her next book.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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¿When something you¿ve wanted for as long as you can remember i

“When something you’ve wanted for as long as you can remember is finally yours, you have a hard time believing it’s real…You find yourself wondering if it’s just a dream and in one careless moment it will all be taken away from you.”


I so did not see this one coming and it hit me like a freight train. I did not go into this book with blinders on. I was not expecting a humorous book, I was not expecting another book in the Chocolate Lovers series, in fact, I really wasn’t sure what I was expecting. This book was so much more than anything I could have imagined. This book was such a change of pace from the Chocolate Lovers that I was used to, I wasn’t even sure how to begin my review.

The trouble with a book like this, I could talk about it for hours, but unless you have read it, I am bound to spoil something. This book has more twist and turns than a rollercoaster, but it was so worth the ride!

I will start with my only hardship reading this book… third person. It took a bit to adjust to, but once I did, I was blown away. This book was so much more than I could have hoped for. It was beautiful. If that was my biggest complaint about the book and I recovered from it quickly, I would say T.E. Sivec has nothing to worry about with this one.

The story of this book starts when Parker is in college. She meets her two best friends in the world, Garrett and Milo. For eight years, their friendship grew strong and nothing was going to change that. Then it happens, they lose one when Milo dies tragically. Parker and Garrett’s bond grows even stronger after the death of their dear friend. Parker and Garrett head to the Dominican Republic to try and get the ultimate question answered, why?

The more they searched for answers, the faster I turned the pages. You can avoid falling in love with your best friend, assuming he is not a hot guy in a uniform with an amazing personality. Definitely boyfriend material…but do you honor the death of your other friend and remain neutral in your relationship, or do you take a chance? They both knew how they felt individually, but would revealing those feelings ruin it for them? I hope not, because the scenes between Parker and Garrett were just plain hot.

Even as each lie is uncovered and revealed and the truth becomes more and more unreal, I still left wanting more, not knowing where the story would lead. The thing I loved most about this book, is knowing that there is another book coming! I couldn’t get enough of the plot, the characters, the Navy Seals, the CIA, the bad guys, the good guys and the tropical location…

I was a huge fan of Sivec’s Chocolate Lovers series, I knew this book was going to be more serious than the Chocolate books, but I was still surprised at how drastic of a change this book was and how amazing it still was. I went from laughing so hard I was crying with the Chocolate Lovers books to sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what else could possibly happen in A Beautiful Lie.

Sivec is an amazing author and was able to make this change in styles seamlessly. This book is probably one of the best books I have read in a while and I am so glad I did. I fell in love with it… all the Beautiful Lies and amazing characters.

Thank you, T.E. Sivec, for this book. It is definitely one that will be in my library for a long time!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I've loved all of her other books, and if you haven't read those you really should. This book/series isn't funny, it isn't cute, it isn't going to make you laugh out loud in the middle of the night and wake up your husband.

This book/series is going to make you anxious, and thoughtful, and angry, but more just plain glad you read it. I was worried at first seeing as it's such different type of book from her others, but she easily pulls off the thriller/suspence genre, just as well as more established authors like Patterson.
I don't know her, but I feel PROUD of her, especially after reading the acknowledgements in the front and seeing she was actually nervous about putting it out there. I cannot wait for the others!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Needs an editor

This book sorely needs an editor, there are many misspellings and omitted words. The characters in this story are some of the least intelligent I have encountered. Sorry but I can't recommend this book as a good read for anyone.

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GREAT BOOK! WONDERFUL STORY!

I can't say enough good things about this book! It is the best book I have read in a very long time. It had me on the edge of my chair with every page, you never knew what was going to happen! I couldn't put it down, I had to know what was gonna happen. Made you laugh, and cry! It was a great love story too. Steamy love scenes, great characters! They should make this into a movie!! Will definetely read more by this author!

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Great book!

I love this book. I. Love. Garrett. Yum! As other reviewers mentioned, I got so caught up in the romance and suspense, I read almost all night and finished it the next morning. I enjoy this writing style, and had no trouble at all with the character transitions and flashbacks.

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So Glad I took a chance on this book!

This is the first review on B&N I have given and even though I have to be up in less then 3 hrs for work I could not put this book (nook) down until I read every last page and I certainly couldn't sleep until I could tell all my fellow book lovers what a must read this is . This book will take you through every emotion I longed with Parker and felt for Garrett I was angry with both of them , shocked and just down right upset the ending I really didn't see coming I kind of had a feeling although I was partially right it still caughtme off gaurd I am so glad I was bored and thought why not ? With this book hands down a must read of 2013 !!

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Kept me on the edge of my seat!!

Could not wait to see how it all ended...some surprises and some things I had a feeling were going to happen...but still liked it.

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Awesome!!! I have loved all of her books!!!

Awesome must read

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Must read

Must read!!

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AMAZING!!!!!

100% a must read! Hands down another brilliant piece of beauty from a wonderful author! I LOVE IT!!!

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I read in paper back. I love this author for her zany sense of h

I read in paper back. I love this author for her zany sense of humor and was not sure she could do a 360 and write a sexy,romantic,mystery,drama. Boy, I was so wrong, and gladly admit it. There was so much going on with many plot twists and characters,that I had to read it in 24 hours because I was so involved I could not put down. Every time I thought I had it figured out Ms. Sivec went in another direction and I sat there, transfixed , and said what the hell just happened! I did get watery eyes while reading so you may want to include tissue! This is a must read and looking for more from this author!

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Let me finish my tums because my stomach was in knots through th

Let me finish my tums because my stomach was in knots through this entire book. I had no clue what to expect from this novel and I was BLOWN AWAY!!! I can't believe how utterly amazing this book was. When you read this novel you will be in shock that this layered, mystery, suspense book was written by the same woman who had Gavin punching people in the balls....love that kid FYI!!!

Anna Parker meets 2 best friends and all their lives change. When one of the group dies, the other 2 go off and try to find out what the heck happened. Anna Parker was the coolest chick ever! But seeing her make alpha male Garrett look at her and say "who are you?" was hilarious!!! I loved the sexual chemistry these two people had. It blew my mind. I loved the chemistry but when they finally caved...the drunken table scene.....I drank a gallon of water and turned on the air conditioning in DECEMBER people!!!! That was amazing!!!!. I did want to punch Garrett a couple of times in the face because he was such a stubborn arse!! However, when he finally realized he was being a jackass, he would come running!!! I must admit it made me love him more. The basement scene when all hope is lost and he is caressing Anna's face and whispering all the mushy words of love.....I was snot sobbing!! I had giant crocodile tears streaming down my face, wiping my nose with my arm like a 5 year old and hiccuping saying "NOOOOO!"

This book has it all...intrigue, sex appeal, mystery, constant "who done it moments" and lust...lots of lust. I am busting at the seems for book 2 . I can't wait because I want to see more Garrett and Anna but I can't wait for the couple in the next book. They will definitely be a good read!!! I feel like I am rambling but I can't tell you much or I will be sitting here telling the whole story. Just take our advise and read this book. You will not be disappointed!!!!

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good

good read.

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Unnamed

Great book!!!

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Wow

I haven't read anything from this author before. This book was so freaking good. It's what I looked for with Suzanne Brockmann and her seal team books, military hunks, suspense, and kick a*s chicks with guys that want to take care of them. I will not hesitate to buy the next. Can NOT wait.

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Loved it!

Tara has becomed my new favorite author! This book is fantastic!

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A Beautiful Lie by Tara Sivec was the beginning of what I suspec

A Beautiful Lie by Tara Sivec was the beginning of what I suspect, will be a brilliant Romantic Suspense series. There was mystery, intrigue, action, sexual tension, (hunky) SEALs and many convoluted twists and turns to keep you guessing. (oh, did I mention SEALs???!!!)  The book opened with such a clever hook, that there was no way I was going to stop reading until I was finished! There was so much to this story, and I feel this review barely scrapes the surface.  
When you first meet Annabelle Parker, she was a young woman shrouded in mystery, and seemed quite a simple character with little depth. Not shallow, just someone who seemed to be hiding – both emotionally and mentally. Despite her instant attraction to ‘Mr Sexy Blue Eyes’ Garrett (and we’ll get to him I promise…), she played it safe and denied herself the man she knew she loved, to be with the man less likely to hurt her. Through an interesting twist of events, we soon discovered that there was LOADS more than meets the eye with Parker; and despite her shuttered, aloof façade, there was an incredibly strong, generous, intelligent, and warm-hearted woman on the inside. She was determined to never love deeply, to shield her heart, to never again know the agony of loss.  
Admirably loyal, humble and protective SEAL and Computer geek, Garrett McCarthy, was not only the gorgeous man in love with Parker, and the man who had denied his own needs and desires for many years, he was also sexy as all get up! (and talented in the bedroom!) In his presence, Parker’s resolve weakened. In his presence, her skin would be tingling with goose bumps and sensual awareness. In his presence, she could lose herself. But would she? How could you resist the man who says this about you? “If you were mine, I would never be able to walk away from you. If you were mine, I'd worship every inch of your body with my hands, lips, tongue. If you were mine, I wouldn't be able to stand in the same room as you without running my hands over your skin and tasting your lips” Yup! With thanks to the Author, we also had a really good mental picture of his powerfully sculptured, deliciously hot bod – thank you Tara Sivec! 
The story moved at an excellent pace and was substantial in length; was cleverly written, keeping unsolved many loose ends until later, with many layers of intrigue all interspersed with a sexual tension and heat that gets your blood boiling.  (Yes, the sex was HOT!). In some ways, it was predictable, (good verses evil) but not to the point where you felt certain that you had correctly guessed the ending.  
The flashbacks in the story were fitting and provided the exact amount of back-story required each time. As there was little warning when switching time, this caused momentary confusion. Similarly, as it was written in Third Person, at times, it took more effort to discern whose head you were in; occasionally distracting, but not detrimental to the story. I often wanted to slap both Garrett and Parker telling them to ‘Just. Tell. The. Truth’ about what they both felt! 
Despite that, A Beautiful Lie was a winner! Romantic Suspense is my favorite genre, so I am possibly biased. The book was gritty, intelligently descriptive, passionate and engrossing; incredibly hard to put down, staying in my mind for days. Grab this book – you wont regret it! 

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You know, it's not always easy for authors to cross genres. Espe

You know, it's not always easy for authors to cross genres. Especially when they've developed a huge fan base in another. In this case, I think it worked. 




I'm going to go ahead and jump in with my thoughts on Annabelle. Did I like her? Eeh...I felt a bit indifferent towards her at the beginning. Don't get me wrong, I felt bad that she was grieving over Milo, but she didn't reel me in until further into the story. Now, I did end up liking her. She's pretty rad, but I think she had the potential to be bad ass. I would have liked more butt kicking scenes with her. I admire a chick who can throw a dude down. 




Ok now Garrett, he kinda of stole the show for me. I had a serious crush on him. Not only is he smart, but he's a NAVY SEAL people! You can only imagine how stacked he must be. Am I right ladies? Anyway...besides his sex appeal, he's a very sweet guy. He's loyal and protective. Oh, and he definitely has skills in the bedroom. My biggest peeve about Garrett and Annabelle was that I got so frustrated that they wouldn't just share their feelings. I mean, can you imagine the torture of being in love with someone for 8 years and not telling them? I know they were dealing with the loss of Milo, but still. Once they got going though, I was thrilled. 




Although I had the plot pretty much figured out early on (because I think I'm Sydney Bristow), I still enjoyed seeing the story unfold. Also, this book had such a different feel to it, even down to the writing style. I don't mind reading books in third person, even though it's not my favorite. I did feel like I really had to pay attention to who's voice I was hearing. It bothered me a bit. Not enough to stop reading though. 




Overall, I'd say I enjoyed it. This is such a different style for Sivec and I believe that as the series progresses it will get better and better. I look forward to following along with this series. If you like a bit of suspense mixed in with your "love stories", check this one out. 




Favorite Quote:
"If you were mine, I would never be able to walk away from you. If you were mine, I'd worship every inch of your body with my hands, lips, tongue. If you were mine, I wouldn't be able to stand in the same room as you without running my hands over your skin and tasting your lips. If you were mine..."-Loc 1558 ARC

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great book!  different from the types of romance books i've read

great book!  different from the types of romance books i've read lately.  the suspense kept me reading so much that i finished the book in a day.  

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