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COLE
“Who are you, Olivia?” Only if I stand in her shadow will I truly know who she is, and what she has been through.

She is tortured and broken, lost and all alone.
I have no choice, I am obliged to help her, as a favor to my closest friend.
Now I am burdened with her nightmares, drowning in all her tears.
She is broken, just like me.
Olivia is devastatingly beautiful and undeniably strong, and I fear I have come to need her more than I need my next breath.

OLIVIA
“The truth will always haunt me, even though it’s set me free.”
I am trapped in the darkness, buried under a lifetime of lies,
Cole rescued me. He protected me, and he is helping me heal,
but he doesn’t know all of my secrets, the ones that haunt me in my dreams.
I was abandoned and sold into a life that took away all my choices.
Now I know the truth, I can start to make peace with my past, but how can I trust him? How can I open my heart when all I know is pain and betrayal? All I’ve ever known are lies.

Olivia Johansson’s traumatic past has left her not knowing who she is and where she belongs in the world. When Cole Prescott finds her and starts to unravel the truth behind all the years of lies, he tries to gain Olivia’s trust and help her rehabilitate. However, he has his own demons to fight.
If Cole opens up his guarded heart to Olivia, he also opens up the possibility of losing her. Forever.

304 pages, Paperback

First published July 11, 2019

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About the author

Maggie Kay

5 books61 followers
Maggie Kay grew up in between the picturesque wine region of the Hunter Valley and the magnificent coastlines of Newcastle in Australia. It is the perfect place to raise her three children.

In her spare time, you will find her reading and spending time with her children and fur babies. She simply cannot survive without her daily dose of coffee, but at night prefers a glass or two of wine to keep her company when she writes.

Maggie's heroes are dark & possessive Alpha Males, Her heroines strong, sassy, and full of bite. Together they create a world of passion, pleasure, and pain.

Dark Romance is her favorite genre to write.

Maggie's debut novel Truth in Lies Book 1 in the Truth & Lies Duet Released in 2019. Black Heart and Ice Queen Released 2020.

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 3, 2019
Title: ➳ Truth in Lies
Series: ➳ Truth & Lies Duet 1#
Author: ➳Maggie Kay

Published: July 11th 2019


ღ This is the author's debut novel & new author to of course to me

Cole and Olivia's story

➳This book started off where one expected about sad young girl life

➳Olivia has lived a very harsh life starting at young age! she lost her parents & was sent to live with her uncaring family member, who would at times leave her for days without eating eventually over time he ended up selling her to Eli at the prime age of 10 years old.

➳In the beginning when Olivia was with Eli things were very nice. He made sure that she had everything that she could need.

➳Olivia had been giving excellent home schooling program . She was also taught how to play the piano. Mind you all this was limited to whatever Eli thought that might service his purpose

➳once she hit puberty things started to change all those sweet little privileges, she had were taking away & she was unfortunately started to see the dark side of Eli Hawk & some of his so call friends

🔪and then it moved into – shocked
That no knew what going on under their noses
Midway through the book I had difficulty cuz it kind of slow down

👄The ending had me in tears honestly, I don't know if those were Tears of Joy or tears of sadness! but curiosity also got me of what to be, of these two so I'm definitely eager to read the next book


Truth & Lies Duet
1-Truth in Lies
2- Truth in Freedom


➳ Believe or not I am curious to see how these end up. This author has so much potential⬇

📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion 💕 💕 Also I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading it.

➦*I received an ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review of it. 💕
💕 . .**This has not influenced my review.* **


----------------------Happy Reading ---------


💕 ✎Paulette Review ❤💕
Profile Image for Miftahul.
370 reviews184 followers
April 18, 2020
A dark, heartwarming book. The plot is different than i am used to reading which made it more interesting. Olivia was trained to be a submissive all her life but when her master dies, Cole saves and makes her realize that she can make her own decisions in life. She was sold when she was around 12 and from then on she lived in the dark, she had access to limited amount of things such as watching tv but only if her master allowed. She was raped, abused but Cole helped her to come out of her shelter.

This book kept me to the edge, it was so intriguing. I felt bad for Olivia, she suffered so much but Cole helped her. I love them and their chemistry was hot! Their journey is not easy but its so inspiring. They both are damaged in their own ways but found each other.


Cole is definitely a perfect book boyfriend, he is swoon worthy and everyone can fall for him. Their story wasnt rushed up, we get to see how they fall in love.

However, towards the end when they had sex....all they did was have sex after wards. Some scenes were really cringe, and the ending was like..WUTTT??? After 50% everything went so slow, i got bored and skipped some paragraphs, but then after 70% it got worse, i mean it was hella cheesy and hella cringe. Sara and Steph annoyer me so much, it was like they put their nose in olivia and cole’s business all the time. I legit hated those two, ugh like for god’s sake mind your own business. 🙄 i dont think i ll be reading book two anytime soon cuz for this book the beginning was really good and we get to see how olivia over comes her fear but then the story gets dragged a lot.
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Profile Image for Kay's Blushing Book Reviews.
289 reviews271 followers
July 17, 2019
A dark and heart-wrenching romance that will have you captivated from beginning to end. The Love story here is unconventional but the author's message is clear. There is hope after tragedy and although we may carry the scars of our hardships, love is a powerful tool in mending broken souls. If we learn to face our pasts no matter how dark or difficult it paves us a new path to move forward on.

Cole and Olivia's journey is not an easy one but it sure is an inspiring one, and you will fall in love with them.
Profile Image for Allyson.
474 reviews47 followers
July 27, 2019
This was a really good emotional book. There are triggers so please be warned even though the author wrote them really well. I loved loved loved Cole, he was amazing, Liv bless her heart. She has been through so much and is so so strong. I can't freaking wait to read the next book, Maggie thank you for the ARC and you did an amazing job !!!!
Profile Image for Love2ReadRomance.
267 reviews101 followers
July 12, 2019
Cole is definitely a swoon worthy book boyfriend!!! Truth is Lies is a great book where the characters are really brought to life. It’s an emotional journey yet uplifting to see that happiness is possible after darkness. I can’t wait to read book 2 in this series!
Profile Image for Peta Matthews.
9 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2019
WOW! WOW! WOW!
I have never read anything like this before, I was at first a little hesitant due to the Dark Romance label but it is only the sensitive subject matter that makes this story dark, not the actual content of the story itself. This is such a beautiful and emotional story of two broken souls finding love in each other.

I cannot believe this is the author's debut novel, The story is so beautifully told, her words are almost lyrical, they dance off the pages and straight into your heart. She has told the story in a way that you feel every emotion, so raw and real.

So sexy, so heartbreaking and so damn captivating. it will have you tearing through the pages for more.

I have loved Cole and Olivia's story so far and cannot wait to read Book2 Truth in Freedom to see how their story ends.
I recieved an ARC Copy in exchange for my honest review
Profile Image for Kay's Blushing Book Reviews.
289 reviews271 followers
July 17, 2019
A dark and heart-wrenching romance that will have you captivated from beginning to end. The Love story here is unconventional but the author's message is clear. There is hope after tragedy and although we may carry the scars of our hardships, love is a powerful tool in mending broken souls. If we learn to face our pasts no matter how dark or difficult it paves us a new path to move forward on.

Cole and Olivia's journey is not an easy one but it sure is an inspiring one, and you can't help fall in love with them.
Profile Image for Jill Badker.
731 reviews7 followers
July 10, 2019
This is my first book by this author and there will be many more. Maggie gave me the privilege of reading and ARC of this book and I am so thankful. Olivia and Cole met in the best and worst time in both of their lives. They both learn to rely on each other and neither of them are sure that's the correct thing they should be doing.
Cole never thought he would find someone as special or feel so strongly for another person again in his life until Liv was brought into his life. Now he has to decide if his heart can handle loving her.
Olivia has been through hell in her short life and has a lot of healing and growing to do, but her heart is connected to Cole's and she doesn't believe it will beat without him near her.
Profile Image for SCBookAddict.
640 reviews49 followers
July 11, 2019
Truth in Lies is book one of the Truth & Lies Duet.

In it, we meet Olivia. Her story is absolutely heartbreaking and hard to read at times but it sets up why she is the way she is - her manners, thought process, etc.

Cole Prescott becomes Olivia's champion the night his best friend's father is found dead. (Aren't you curious now?)

Even though they never met before that night, their worlds are closely linked. Both of these two have suffered great tragedies and they form a bond because of that.

For this to be Maggie Kay's debut novel, I think she did a fabulous job executing this story! From Cole's protectiveness, Olivia's emotions, the villains, to the snarky women - it has everything a dark romance needs.

There was one part that made me uncomfortable. The start of Cole and Olivia's romance was hard for me to accept. Due to the nature of Olivia's past, I think I would have liked it had there been a little more "let's work on you first" and more build up after the trust portion was formed.

That being said, the chemistry between these two was H-O-T!

I can't wait to see how the second half plays out!
Profile Image for Tahlia.
10 reviews
July 3, 2019
I don't know where to start with this?? What an amazing and creative story. It's so unique and really well written. It has elements of suspense and mystery, as well as heartbreak and humor. The sex is steaming HOT! The slow burn is a killer but well worth the wait!

Cole comes across as hard, distant and guarded at first but the further and further you read you see the man underneath all of that and he is AMAZING! I have just found my new Book Husband. He is sweet and kind and sexy and so so swoon-worthy.

Olivia is so broken, but yet so strong, I loved what the author did with her character. Although Olivia was a victim, she was a fighter, she was so courageous and so inspirational. I loved reading about her growth as a character. It was as though I was going through the motions with her.

I look forward to reading the next book when it comes out.
I recieved an ARC from the author for my honest review
Profile Image for Jess.
5 reviews
July 2, 2019
Absolutely amazing story from debut author Maggie Kay. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this duet!
July 16, 2019
Maggie Kay - this is her first novel - What!!? This author has hit it out of the park with her debut novel. There is darkness that makes you long for more. The chemistry was off the charts between the characters. The way the author started the story and weaved all the bdsm parts into it and captured all it your attention was magical and enticing. She had knack for making these characters do whatever was needed to survive. I am in awe of this author and how much I can’t wait for her next novel.

Cole and Olivia’s starts very unconventional. It is hard to accept at first, but as the story unfolds you see her grow into an amazing, resilient person. Cole does what he has to do to accomplish the goal he has in mind. I was in awe of their chemistry and how it all unfolds. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next ones.
Profile Image for Laura.
356 reviews
July 8, 2019
Omg! I voluntarily received a copy of this for an honest review!


Omg! So dark and twisty with a light ray of hope!

Olivia is amazingly written character so complex and yet you just get her. I felt her spirit right away. I honestly was so drawn to her pain and loneliness. I wanted to hold her hand and cry with her...I wanted to scream and break crap with her.

Cole is the unassuming bachelor here. I’m not looking for love or romance or even the thought of happiness and bam!!! Smacks him in the face!

The characters you read her have such an amazing back ground dealing with death and loneliness and let’s face it, feelings of abandonment in some ways. And who hasn’t felt that! I wanted to wrap them up and then my anger came through for the people who hurt them and caused them both so much pain, wether it be intentional or accidental, revenge best served cold by the ice queen.....

Can the next book come out already! I need to know more. The ending was heartbreaking!
Profile Image for E&A Book.
731 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2019
This book broke my heart, put it back together, and then in the end I was left heartbroken again. Olivia and Cole are my new favorite couple and I can't wait to see how their story ends.
1 review
July 6, 2019
This book was absolutely captivating from the first page!! I cried, laughed and fell in love with the characters. I am hooked and am anxiously awaiting the second book to see how the story ends. WOW!
Profile Image for Kellovestoread.
5 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2019
This story is EVERYTHING! Dark, but not too dark, raw but not too revealing, sad but not depressing and incredibly sexy.
The angst and the slow burn is simply perfect making for some explosive sex scenes. I have to confess that Cole Prescot is my new dream man and I want to marry him!

I love how different this story is, it evoked so many real emotions from me.it's a real page-turner.
The ending was an absolute Killer so all I can think about now is getting my hands on book two!
Profile Image for Luz Acevedo.
370 reviews25 followers
December 14, 2019
This book hits all your book lover must haves. Heartbreaking, dark, twisted and has some triggers for some. Can’t wait to read book 2
Profile Image for Andrea Thompson.
730 reviews11 followers
September 5, 2019
This is not a book I might have picked for myself had it not landed on my kindle. I would, however, recommend it if you like a romance with an unconventional approach and a taboo edge.

Cole and Olivia are an unconventional couple and her tortured past is a big part of that. Their relationship grows from a friendship based on really nothing at first, just the fact that he was available to take her in when a friend asked.

As a debut, this is honestly pretty fantastic. There's a lot of moving parts, and the story follows what feels like a natural progression. The romantic tension is very tight, the dialogue good for the most part and action realistic. The copy I read had some repetitive editing errors, but hopefully those are resolved in updates.

Recommend!
Profile Image for Katy Rose.
Author 14 books127 followers
August 22, 2019
Great dramatic read!

I loved the banter, the drama and attitudes from all sides! Wow!! These characters really brought every single emotion out of me!! What a great read!
Profile Image for Kathi.
242 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2019
This book was very well written, gave you all the back stories. However I could not fully get into the story, I don’t have a specific reason for why. There is a very slow burn and pretty steamy sex. It was good read just not totally for me. First time reading this author, I will read more.
Profile Image for Jasmine Stevens.
Author 5 books17 followers
July 10, 2019
Wow!!! What can I say this book will have you turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning. This book is something else, unique and like nothing, I have ever read before. I couldn't put it down Debut Author, Maggie Kay delivers a story that is heartbreaking but not depressing. There were moments I smiled as Cole and Olivia found love with each other and moments I cried for them and all the horrific things they had been through. This story had me feeling so many different emotions. I fell in love with Cole and Olivia's strength amazed me. Such a well-written story and I recommend it wholeheartedly. 5 stars from me and I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Excessive~Reader.
201 reviews20 followers
October 11, 2019
Truly wonderful 4.5⭐️ This book just left me shattered! The emotional Journey these characters take is written so well my heart hurts. Its a dark story of pain but the strength on the characters is so bright I’m in awe. I swooned so hard for Cole and really loved Olivia. Only reason i took away 1/2 a stars instead of 5 is theres some editing and such. But they aren’t enough to take away from the story its self. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book, the rest of their story is going to be epic!
Profile Image for Virginia Lee.
1,863 reviews33 followers
January 12, 2020
This story was written with a lot of emotions in it. You will go on roller ride of emotional. Olivia has been dealt a hard life with being sold off as a child to Eli. She thinks that he is her champion and as time past that changes for dark side. Cole was not looking and when he see Olivia they have a connection. This was a wonderful book to see Olivia journey and do recommend it. But beware there are some triggers in the story
4 reviews
October 10, 2019
I loved this debut novel by Maggie Kay. Not my usual style of book to read but it had me turning the pages late into the night. This novel provoked many emotions for me. I fell in love with Cole. I was in awe of how strong Olivia’s character was. The things she had to go through were heartbreaking but she was able to work through them and learn to move forward. I can’t wait for the next book. I’m counting down the days until it’s release.
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,498 reviews13 followers
October 31, 2019
Good debut novel... There is lots going on and will definitely keep you reading.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
August 29, 2019
What an amazing read for a debut novel and this author tackled some very dark yet powerful subjects too. Very gutsy and well done. There is a point where the action slows and we are teased that something is brewing but I guess it's saved for the next book in the series. This does have a cliff-hanger but hopefully the author will keep the intensity she started and ended with in it.

First off there are triggers in this book since it is about her being a sex slave hidden and abused for years and not just by her owner. Cole is amazing and it will be difficult not to fall in love with him as this author keeps him close by Liv. There are many things this author does right hence the slowness in the middle of the story as Liv heals and in turn becomes a balm for Cole's demons. At first I was disappointed that the author in her debut novel felt the need, with this type of trauma, to bring the level of passion into the story, and then she does that ending. I have to say the ending was well done and opens a world of possibilities for the second part of the story.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series and seeing exactly what this author will blow us away with. It's an emotional read that will have you blocking out the world and diving in head first. It will twist your heart and then if you're smart you'll let it go. This author has truly shown she has what it takes to be above the norm. Well played on the debut novel can't wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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