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Tell Me Lies
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
A thrilling, sexy coming-of-age story exploring toxic love, ruthless ambition, and shocking betrayal, Tell Me Lies is about that one person who still haunts youthe other one. The wrong one. The one you couldnt let go of. The one youll never forget. Lucy Albright is far from her Long Island upbringing when she arrives on the campus of her small California college, and happy to be hundreds of miles from her mother, whom shes never forgiven for an act of betrayal in her early teen years. Quickly grasping at her fresh start, Lucy embraces college life and all it has to offernew friends, wild parties, stimulating classes. And then she meets Stephen DeMarco. Charming. Attractive. Complicated. Devastating. Confident and cocksure, Stephen sees something in Lucy that no one else has, and shes quickly seduced by this vision of herself, and the sense of possibility that his attention brings her. Meanwhile, Stephen is determined to forget an incident buried in his past that, if exposed, could ruin him, and his single-minded drive for success extends to winning, and keeping, Lucys heart. Lucy knows theres something about Stephen that isnt to be trusted. Stephen knows Lucy cant tear herself away. And their addicting entanglement will have consequences they never could have imagined. Alternating between Lucys and Stephens voices, Tell Me Lies follows their connection through college and post-college life in New York City. With the psychological insight and biting wit of Luckiest Girl Alive, and the yearning ambitions and desires of Sweetbitter, this keenly intelligent and staggeringly resonant novel chronicles the exhilaration and dilemmas of young adulthood, and the difficulty of letting go, even when you know you should.
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kbuggle
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Pickpick

Love this series adaptation on Hulu so thought I‘d see if the novel reads the same - it does not, quite. (is this coming back for another season??🤞)

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LitStephanie
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Mehso-so

About 1/3 boring, 1/3 frustrating, and 1/3 funny. I only got through it because I could do other things while listening, and the male reader is very good at putting the right amount of contempt and arrogance into Stephen's voice. Privileged Lucy goes off to college and in short order becomes anorexic and hopelessly obsessed with Stephen, a cheesy d'bag that some women find charming. Stephen has minimal, atypical attachments and emotions to the ⬇️

LitStephanie point of possible sociopathy. The book is set up in he-said, she-said alternating narrator style. Many of the Stephen chapters are hilarious because his thoughts about everything are so scathing. The book gets bogged down by the minutiae of boring teen/college dating melodrama. The author keeps telling us how smart Lucy and Stephen are but never shows it. There isn't one intellectual conversation in the book. Lucy is so pathetic I almost hate her. 14mo
11 likes1 comment
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BookLineNSinker
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Just started this one. Been waiting for it to come off hold on Libby and I am hopeful that this will not disappoint. I've never seen the show so I'm excited to see where it goes. Have several other must-read's in my Libby library and in Audible so I'm set for at least the next two weeks! Btw I have been highly disappointed with most of the new release thrillers that have come out recently and I'm desperate for the New Year releases! Any recs?

IndianBookworm Hey, you should try this one. I really enjoyed it. 1y
LitStephanie Dear Child by Romy Hausman was super creepy. 14mo
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BooksNBowls
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Mehso-so

Honestly, bleh. I hate these characters. This is a very readable book, the toxic obsessive relationship between Lucy and Stephen pulls you in, but I hate them both. Stephen, for obvious reasons, and Lucy I just wanted to slap her, idiot girl! She reminded me of a lot of the idiot girl things I have done for relationships that weren‘t right for me. But the tv show was a lot better— watching it was addictive but reading it was torturous.

Suet624 Hmmm… maybe I‘ll try the movie. 1y
BooksNBowls @Suet624 if I was younger I probably would have loved it, but I‘m too mature now to tolerate it lol the tv show is great! Check it out on Hulu! 1y
Suet624 Will do. 👍🏻 1y
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KateReadsYA You review has me 💀🤣🤣🤣 I already don't like books like this but this review is a solid No for me!!!! 1y
BooksNBowls @KateReadsYA hey I can only be honest lol 😂 1y
LitStephanie Good to know. I just finished the book and was looking on here to see if the show is worth watching. 14mo
49 likes6 comments
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BooksNBowls
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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BooksNBowls
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Decided to dive into this book since I became obsessed with the Hulu show! So sad the first season is over already! There‘s a lot of differences so far, but all the characters still make me feel icky. Bleh. #effedupromance

AudiobookingWithLeah I didn't know there was a show... 🤔 1y
BooksNBowls @AUDIOBOOKINGWITHLEAH I loved it! Check it out it‘s a good interpretation I‘m curious to see what they do with it. 1y
LatrelWhite Didn‘t know this was a book. Haven‘t seen the show May dig into the book first. 1y
29 likes3 comments
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NikkiKey94
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Panpan

This book just wasn‘t what I thought it would be. I was hoping for a mystery or thriller and this just wasn‘t it. It was literally just the story of a toxic relationship and the only reason I finished it was because I kept reading a little more in hopes that the mystery would come and finally I was so far along I just finished it and I was glad when I did. This was the first book I‘ve read by Carola Lovering and it just wasn‘t my cup of tea.

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Bethaj11
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Just starting this one :)

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samantharoberts
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Pickpick

Got this book so I can read it before watching the show, and wow! Considering how busy I‘ve been lately, I didn‘t think I‘d have much time to read - where there‘s a will, there‘s a way! Intense story about a toxic relationship, battles with mental health, and even a twist snuck in there. Can‘t wait to watch the show now!

MyNamesParadise I may have to check this one out! 2y
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Annie1215
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Pickpick

I‘ve had this on my bookshelf for years and finally decided to read it before watching the TV show.

This relationship is as toxic as promised. Do you ever find yourself so angry with characters that you literally scoff and say how you‘re feeling out loud? That was me often throughout this book.

I always find it to be a great talent to write unlikable characters so effectively.

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Victoriahoperose
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Pickpick

I liked this book a lot. I felt this story on such a level. I think every woman knows a guy like Stephen. Not much really happens in this book. It‘s really about a relationship and how it runs it‘s course and I think I really liked it because it‘s so relatable. I think the characters were so real and the story just hit me hard and took me back to my dating days with my own Stephen Demarco from way back when.

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Asthecroweflies
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Pickpick

When I saw the previews for the Hulu series, I decided to read. Can‘t lie, I couldn‘t put it down. I wanted to yell at Lucy for being an idiot and wanted to run that Stephen over with a car. It‘s a good book when you have strong reactions for characters. Toxic college “love” story all the way.

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AudiobookingWithLeah
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Pickpick

Overall Rating 3¾⭐|Narration😀=Good
My initial reaction upon finishing this book...what, that‘s it...that‘s the end? It could even be said that it felt sort of pointless. But, once I reflected on it...I realized it did have some depth to it. A cautionary tale of a toxic relationship. With a lesson to be learned, which is --If something is eating at you, talk it out, deal with it, do something...instead of letting it eat at you from the inside out.

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Mesica25
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
Pickpick

My college self has never related to anything more

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Beckyg1
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
Pickpick

Thanks for the Rec, Rachael!

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TheLudicReader
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Summer has officially started for me and the first order of business is to finish these two books. #happysigh

Eggs Gorgeous blooms 5y
CouronneDhiver Pretty! 5y
19 likes2 comments
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TheLibrarian
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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#BookOutlet haul. I feel pretty good about getting 18 books for $50.

About to head to work. I‘ve never opened/closed before but my coworker‘s father passed away so I volunteered to work for her. Thankfully the students are really nice and offered to help me even though they aren‘t working but will be at the library.

JaclynW Great book haul! 5y
84 likes1 comment
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Kappadeemom
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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A little dessert with my book ❤️

cathysaid Well that‘s just so wrong 5y
67 likes2 comments
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Kappadeemom
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Anyone else get up an hour before you really have to get up just so you can read?

Samplergal When I still worked, never. Then again, I adore my sleep. Glad you can get up early and enjoy reading. 5y
Ashley_Nicoletto I either read or workout depending on the morning, but pretty much every morning. 🤣 5y
CSeydel I have to get up at 5:00 for skating, so no. 5y
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Jas16 I try to but it doesn‘t always work out. 5y
shellleigh33 Wish I had that kind of motivation in the morning but it is hard to get me out of bed just to go to work. Does it count if I stay up an hour pass my bedtime to read bc I do that most nights 😉 5y
JennyM 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️ 5y
Kappadeemom @shellleigh33 yes! That counts! 5y
57 likes7 comments
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intothehallofbooks
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Pickpick

Lucy and Stephen have an instant attraction that both know they should not pursue. They do anyway and it is toxic for years. I‘ll tell you, I was surprised that I liked Stephen most between the two. It was because he was more honest about his bad behavior. We all know people like both of them, so being in their heads (alternating POVs) was eye-opening!! Not everyone will like this but many will find it engrossing 🙋🏻‍♀️ I COULD NOT put it down!!

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donnamartinreads
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Pickpick

The relationship in this book is absolutely maddening, yet I couldn‘t put it down! So good!

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bookandcat
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Pickpick

Book 1 of 2019 is complete! It also conveniently fits the bill for #mmdchallenge (new to you author), #popsugarreadingchallenge (set on college campus), and #litsyAtoZ (L for Lovering).
I devoured the story of Lucy and Stephen. She is charmed by him but he may not be all that he is cracked up to be, as far as loyalty and empathy are concerned. It is paced well as it tracks them through college and beyond. I enjoyed the dialogue (inner and outer).

bookandcat Forgot it also qualifies for the #readingwomenchallenge (woman with a mental illness)! @thereadingwomen 5y
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Purrsistently
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Bailedbailed

It is good for what it is meant to be, but that is not for me apparently.

Huge trigger warning for fatphobia, starts on page one and doesn't let up. This is my only real criticism, cuz that's just crap.

DNF'd at page 88 after confirming that I had exactly guessed the big Unforgivable Thing. I appreciate that Mr. Psychopath is a Poli-Sci major, that fits. I met plenty of him in DC. 🙄

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Mrscastro
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Happy Saturday everyone! Woke to beautiful snow this morning! Something about snow, I find so peaceful! Perfect reading and baking weather! I have my stack of books, flowing coffee and these delicious Peanut butter and Jelly Bars!

Victoriahoperose This photo is so pretty. 😊😊😊 5y
10 likes2 comments
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Mrscastro
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Heard this book is amazing! ☕️📖

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Michelle505
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
Pickpick

Great book kept me on the edge of my seat. Loved the plot twists and turns.

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Lydiamansel
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
Pickpick

Relatable,sickening, so good

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Nitpickyabouttrains
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Pickpick

A modern sort-of-romance. Obsession and toxic people and relationships make this a thrilling read.

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MadsReadss
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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I‘m really struggling to finish this book. While I love the way the author has put this book together, and the story it tells, I‘d like to give a heads up to anyone who plans to read this book. If you‘ve ever been in a toxic relationship or are triggered by toxic relationships, you may want to stay away from this book. I‘ve seen many toxic relationships in my 22 years of living, and this book is just hitting a bit too close to home.

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MadsReadss
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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My last official vacation of the summer is coming to an tomorrow. I‘ve been sucked into Tell Me Lies and I‘m hoping to finish it within the next 2-3 days!

BookwormAHN Welcome to Litsy 😺 6y
Purrfectpages Curious to hear your thoughts on this one! And welcome to Litsy! 6y
Chelleo Welcome to Litsy! Hope these #Litsytips by @RaimeyGallant http://bit.ly/litsytips and #LitsyHowTo videos: goo.gl/UrCpoU are helpful. There‘s so many fun things to do: book exchanges, buddy reads, photo challenges and more! Check out @LitsyHappenings for details. #LitsyWelcomeWagon 6y
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RaimeyGallant Welcome! 6y
Eggs Welcome to Litsy 👋🏻🌸 6y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Welcome to Litsy!! 6y
thereadingowlvina Welcome to Litsy!!! 🎉🙂 6y
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mcipher
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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I started the tagged book and didn‘t get very far, because this epigraph floored me. I feel like this is how so much of my life has occurred. Probably so many people‘s lives. I‘m stacking The Unbearable Lightness is Being now! ❤️😕

BethwithBooks I would also recommend Immortality by Milan Kundera 6y
kspenmoll It was a good book. 6y
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Purrfectpages
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Pickpick

Wow, is it hard to rate this book! On one hand I hated it because the main characters were such unlikable narcissists. On the other hand, much like a car crash on the side of the road, I couldn‘t look away. It was well written, but the story itself was pathetic and sad. Then again, if Lovering‘s goal was to make me hate her characters, as well as the phrase, “the unforgivable thing”, then I suppose she succeeded.

Trashcanman Lmao @"like a car wash in the side of the road" I'm not alone! 6y
Purrfectpages @Trashcanman not a car wash, a car crash!! 😝 6y
Trashcanman @Purrfectpages lmao oh shit! I guess I am the only one! 6y
CatLass007 Hahahaha 6y
MadsReadss I completely felt the same way! 6y
45 likes5 comments
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Purrfectpages
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Starting this book on my new Prime Day purchase. Had to test out reading in the ☀️ while I can since here in NJ, ☔️ is in the forecast for the next...forever. Rain is in the forecast for forever.

JoScho No glare right? 6y
AmyG I moved from NJ and just out of curiosity, check the weather there every so often. Yikes...lots and lots of inside reading weather! 6y
Purrfectpages @joscho nope! Enjoying it so far! I also like that the cover I got is also a stand. 6y
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Purrfectpages @AmyG yes, that‘s the plan! 6y
Smangela Which kindle did you get and what‘s your verdict? I have an older one and part of me is like “it works just fine, you don‘t need a new one” and the other part of me is like “#treatyoself 6y
Purrfectpages @Smangela I got the Paperwhite. This is my third Kindle. The last few years I‘ve been reading on my iPad. I liked the idea of longer battery life, easier on the eyes, reading in the sun, and less distraction. Since it was a Prime Day deal I figured why not? (edited) 6y
51 likes6 comments
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Jhullie
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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I found this gorgeous blog through Goodreads. Jennie Shaw has a truly phenomenal talent when it comes to combining her two passions. Check her out!
www.jennieshaw.ca/
#jenniesnailsandtales

RadicalReader @Jhullie she most certainly is talented wish I had discovered her sooner no greater joy than the combination of two outrageously outstanding talents 6y
42 likes1 comment
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Aubrieoakley
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Lucky to have a best friend i can always go book shopping with. Excited to read this one! I‘ve heard really good things about it. Have any of you read yet, and If so how did you like it? #tellmelies #excited #carolalovering

lalogan Can‘t wait to read this one! I should‘ve bought it today while we were out. I should know by now... the only book you regret is the one you didn‘t buy... 🤦🏻‍♀️ 6y
Aubrieoakley Lol well there‘s always tomorrow!!! 😏😏 6y
rather_be_reading welcome to litsy!! 📚🎉📚 @litsywelcomewagon 6y
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RaimeyGallant Let us know how it is. :) And welcome to Litsy! #LitsyWelcomeWagon Some of us put together Litsy tips to help new Littens navigate the site. It's the link in my bio on my page in case you need it. Or if you prefer how-to videos, @chelleo put some together at the link in her bio. 6y
Aubrieoakley I will for sure! Great thank you so much ! 😽😽 6y
Purrfectpages Just finished this. Curious to see what you‘ll make of it! 6y
10 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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brookerhi
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Pickpick

Tell Me Lies is an eye-opening cautionary tale exploring how the wrong guy can wreck you & destroy your life if you let him. Almost painful & uncomfortable to read at times due to Stephen‘s stark & blatant manipulation, this is an impt. novel of the times, & will hopefully help readers recognize the signs & impact of a destructive love interest. Tell Me Lies is a vital read for young women & serves a much greater purpose beyond a work of fiction.

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anabereads
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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I disliked this book for the same reason I disliked the movie Closer. There is nothing redeeming about the protagonists. They are just awful. But, much like I rewatched Closer over and over for a period of time, I have been reading and rereading this book over and over. I don‘t know what that says about me. Maybe I keep hoping to find something good in them. I won‘t though.

rather_be_reading welcome back to litsy!! 📚🎉📚 @litsywelcomewagon 6y
Purrfectpages I just started this one and I‘m already seriously contemplating bailing. 6y
anabereads I did too but kept hoping for some sort of comeuppance 6y
6 likes3 comments
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TheNerdyProfessor
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
Pickpick

This was a quick, intense read. I can empathize with Lucy - even though I found her choices to be infuriating at times. We have all had a Stephen in our lives which made this book relatable. Overall, I thought this was a good summer read that held my attention.

LitsyWelcomeWagon Welcome! 6y
Dr._Who_number10 Welcome to Litsy!! Sorry for late notice😂 6y
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Mowen036
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Pickpick

“Everyone has that guy, Luce. That one guy you think you‘ll never be able to shake—the one who gets under your skin and epically fucks you up for a little while. I know I did.” Pick up this book!! Ps I love the Bookly app!

AJones I‘m also reading a book about lies, “Lies I told.” I just started it,so no news yet on its quality. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on current read. It sounds interesting. Stacked! 6y
48 likes1 comment
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Mowen036
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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I didn‘t even come close to finishing the #8intwo. 😔 my weekend was just a tad too busy. I did start tell me lies and have absolutely been devouring it!

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Mowen036
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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I‘m gonna try my hardest to do this readathon! It will be my first ever. I may have to hide in a closet and not answer my phone but I‘m gonna try. #8intwo

MelissaSue81 Ooh. Thats gonna be tough this weekend. I‘ll try? 6y
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Rissa1
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Pickpick

I loved it. It was like a glimpse into my past. I had a "Stephen" for a few years. I am so glad to be past that point in my life.

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Rissa1
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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" I don't even hate him, not anymore. It's just sad or something."

Amen! We all have that one guy.

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Rissa1
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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My little reading friend. #catsoflitsy #eyrethecalico

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Rissa1
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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This is why I always carry books. 20 minutes waiting on the husband!

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Rissa1
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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How can you hate someone so much and only be 88 pages in? @SimonSchuster

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Rissa1
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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I can't get over her cuteness!! #catsofLitsy #eyrethecalico

jenniferw88 😻😻😻 6y
8 likes1 comment
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Rissa1
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Starting this Giveaway win, today, FINALLY! @SimonSchuster

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LMJenkins
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
Mehso-so

I wanted a book I could devour during a nine-house trip and this was it. I can‘t say I loved it, but it kept me rapt even if not for great reasons. This is the story of an unhealthy infatuation disguised as a love story. I‘m sure many of us will be able to identify with pieces of the uneven dynamic between Lucy and Stephen. Overall, I enjoyed it.

Purrfectpages It‘s a hard book to review, right? 6y
20 likes1 stack add1 comment
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LMJenkins
Tell Me Lies: A Novel | Carola Lovering
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Starting this for the long ride home tomorrow.

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