The Lies We Tell

At it's core, The Lies We Tell is your run of the mill New Adult romance.

It starts with some drama [Todd hates Sia because he believes she caused his father's death].

There is inevitable chemistry [Todd flirts with Sia before he realizes who she is].

The initial drama is resolved, thereby creating even more drama [the chemistry is too much to stand and Todd finally realizes it wasn't Sia's fault. Sexy times ensue].

And there are of course the sub-plots of Sia's abusive father and the mystery surrounding the real cause of death of Todd's father [I did mention drama].

But a full star was added to the rating because of the way Sia and Todd's sexual relationship was handled. Sia was no meek and demure virgin. She knew what she wanted and she wasn't afraid to tell her partner.

“Some things you should know about me,” she said, running her hand up and down Todd's erection. His eyes widened, his nostrils flared, the muscles of his thighs under hers contracted. “I love to give and receive head. A little bit of bondage and smacking goes a long way and I get really turned on by sex with a possibility of someone walking in on it.”

And no – this wasn't erotica or BDSM themed. This was an NA novel about a normal couple with a normal sex life. It was so refreshing to read about a couple that's frisky and a bit kinky and feels no shame in enjoying their sexuality within the context of a healthy relationship. I don't know why that doesn't happen more often.

Because of that, I will definitely be on the look out for the next book by Elizabeth Dunk.