Defense Attorney, Lila Bennett, makes very poor choices.

She sometimes believes she’s a good person...she felt guilty about winning her last case, right? But, deep down, she knows she can (and should!) do better. However, the day she chooses to embrace her conscience, the world starts crumbling down around her. Switching between two narratives, a la ‘Sliding Doors,’ we find ourselves watching Lila’s mistakes destroy every single aspect of her life.

Once I started this book, I could not put it down – I finished within 24 hours. Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke are masters at instantly pulling their readers in, keeping them hooked with twisting storylines & strong characters, and, in the end, bringing it full circle while our mouths are left hanging open.

I am a sucker for mind-bending books with unusual timelines...and this one did not disappoint! You will absolutely want it with you at your window seat destined for vacation or tucked in your beach bag along side your sunscreen and wine.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this digital copy to read and review!

My first book by these authors, and I loved it!

It was like one of those choose your own adventure books when you were in school! The story line alternated between 2 options of how the story could end up. It was very interesting!

This was such an intriguing concept, and I loved that it seemed like the free Lila had some feeling about what was going on in the alternate timeline. Lila Bennett is a crappy person, and when she’s kidnapped (in one timeline) and attacked in another by someone intent on exposing all her bad choices (in the other) she has a pretty big list of who might hate her enough to do this. She starts to question her own choices up until now, and wonders if she can change.

I had already figured it out, but I was pretty far in, and I thought the reveal was well-done. Especially with so many people who all seemed to have their own reasons to hate her.

The Two Lila Bennetts by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke is another compelling and successful collaboration from this dynamic writing duo. Fast-paced, full of twists, and working from a unique premise, this is one that will make you think long after the final page has been turned.

Lila Bennett is a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles and has made many questionable decisions in both her personal and professional lives. The novel is based on a 'sliding doors' premise, and the reader is witness to how a single decision by Lila ultimately leads her down two separate, and very dark, paths. Presented in dual timelines, and alternating between 'free' and 'captured' scenarios, we see Lila begin to reevaluate some of her poor choices, and recognize the need for a reset of her moral compass. Although Lila has made many unsavoury decisions, I found that I did not dislike her, which kept me fully and emotionally invested in her story. Each path that Lila is on ultimately leads to a very different, and surprising, outcome.

This was an interesting read that kept me engaged throughout, and also led me to reflect on the importance of seemingly minor decisions, and the impact they can have on the larger picture. Any novel that stirs this type of introspection is a winner for me. Recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.

The Two Lila Bennetts by Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke

Betrayal. Drama. Suspense. Everything I love in a book and then some! Liz and Lisa masterfully crafted this book about the universe righting wrongs and the impossibility of escaping karma.

The decisions we make in our lives have the power to result in life-changing advantages or life-altering consequences. No one learns that lesson more than Lila Bennett.

Lila Bennett is a young, successful criminal attorney working at a prestigious law firm in Los Angeles. She is wealthy, married to a bestselling author, and recently succeeded in having her client acquitted of murdering his wife, making her one of the most sought-after attorneys in L.A. However, you don’t achieve that level of success by following the rules and without making enemies along the way.

A heartbreaking truth about her late father sets Lila on a self-serving path filled with poor decisions and zero consideration for others. She has everything she’s ever wanted and constantly justifies what she had to do to get it. Until one night, when she is forced into a situation that threatens to end her life. Lila has no choice but to deal with her past in order to uncover who hates her enough to seek revenge. She soon learns that no good comes out of choosing to ignore that voice inside of you.

Anyone that has ever lied should read this book. Regardless of how good a person you are, you will relate to Lila Bennett in one way or another. I know I did and in more ways than I care to admit here. Fantastic read! And if there is a better word for fantastic, insert it here. These amazing authors are without a doubt, a force to be reckoned with!

Now, excuse me while I go and try to get amnesia so I can read this book again.

I couldn’t wait to read The Two Lila Bennetts by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke! Their book, The Good Widow was an excellent novel so I was thrilled to get a sneak peek at their new book.

Lila Bennett’s bad choices have finally caught up with her. And one of those decisions has split her life in two. Literally.

In one life, she’s taken hostage by someone who appears to be a stranger but knows too much. As she’s trapped in a concrete cell, her kidnapper forces her to face what she’s done or be killed. In an alternate life, she eludes her captor but is hunted by someone who is dismantling her happiness, exposing one secret at a time.

Lila’s decorated career as a criminal defense attorney, her marriage, and her life are on the line. She must make a list of those she’s wronged—both in and out of the courtroom—to determine who is out to get her before it’s too late. But even if she can pinpoint her assailant, will she survive? And if she does, which parts of her life are worth saving, and which parts must die? Because one thing’s for certain—life as Lila Bennett knew it is over.

Told in alternating chapters of Lila’s possible two different lives, it shows how years of bad choices can affect a person down the road. Two possibilities are explored, one is that she is kidnapped and put in a concrete cell, the other timeline where she is free but someone is after her.

The authors managed to keep the quick pace of the story through the different timelines and I was curious how everything was going to come together. I love the idea of seeing how two realities can play out. Do you ever wonder if you made different choices, where you’d be right now? That’s kind of this book. Except Lila is not a good person.

Due out July 23.

3.5 ⭐️

I loved the last book by these two authors but this one didn’t work for me as well. Lila Bennett as a character was just annoying at times, and although the concept of the two parallel lives was quite interesting, I found it a bit repetitive at times because of that. I also found the ending a bit disappointing ... the “captured” Lila’s story seemed to end a bit abruptly- maybe an epilogue or something would have been nice.

I absolutely loved this book!! I'm always fascinated by "Sliding Door" type books and this one DID NOT FAIL. Lila is broken without realizing it. She has a great career, husband and seemingly life is good, but as most adults understand, there's a "go left or go right" decision that we wish we knew what happens if we chose the other direction.

This book shows both directions. What I loved is that I could relate with the realism of how things play out. It's not so cut and dry - that one way is 100% great and everything works out, while the other way is 100% bad and the total incorrect choice. There are just shades of gray in life. All decisions will have both positive and negative extensions.

In life you just have to make the best decision for you at the time based on the situation and be prepared to adjust and stand by your choice. Rarely is there a "do-over".

I truly appreciate Liz Fenton, Lisa Steinke and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to preview this ARC for an honest review. I look forward to the next read. I actually wouldn't mind a follow-up to Lila's story!

Loved loved loved this! It took a while to get used to the writing style and the switching between both Lila’s. And even now I’m still not quite sure what happened, but I loved it either way!

"Maybe all we are is a sum of our choices, each one leading us down a different path, each with its own unique outcome. The notion that each decision holds that much power is overwhelming..."
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The Two Lila Bennets was absolutely fascinating. I read it all in one fell swoop and enjoyed the hell out of it. This book, put simply, was a mindfuck of the highest order. We have a dual timeline going in this book, with two stories, both starring Lila, going at the same time. In one, she is doing her job working as a lawyer, trying to stop her personal life from falling down around her ears. In the other, she is kidnapped and trying to think one move ahead to outwit her captors and get home. In both timelines, she does change - but is it for the better or the worst? And is it too little, too late - or has she changed in time to make a difference? Read to find out!
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I liked this book a lot. Each day and timeline is labelled at the top, so you know exactly what you're looking at when you read it. The chapters are short, but long enough that you don't feel gypped. And the end is satisfactory, albiet a little confusing. The fact that I had to reread the last chapter or two made me take a half point off in my rating...so this book gets a 4.5 instead of the 5 the writing deserves - but because the writing was so good I'm rounding up to 5. Congrats on anothet great book!

I loved the premise and the format: we see the difference on how the life of the female lead takes depending on one decision she made. I found it easy to get into the story and follow both lines but sadly none of the two different voices/developments hold my interest. The style was different but I didn't care about that - I cared that none made me feel connected to the character, no matter what happened to her. Due to the lack of feelings I wasn't really sorry when I finally reached the endings.

I had so much expectations and was so happy when the publisher provided a copy but to me the authors didn't really deliver.

Read this in one delicious sitting. A sliding doors inspired novel , this book bounces between two realities as we see a character on the precipice of defining who she will be. This is an absolute must read and I am so grateful to the authors for sharing this via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what a ride this book was. I really enjoyed the character of Lila and the realization that every choice we make, good or bad, will lead us on our path through life’s journey. Can one small decision shape the whole outcome of our life, or is it never to late to change ourselves and that outcome? My mind played tricks with me on this one, and I enjoyed reading from two different timelines. As always, Liz and Lisa make an unstoppable writing team.

Makes you rethink every possible scenario in life which you have missed or crossed unknowingly with each decision !

Right, let's jump into the plot. Lila Bennett is a bad-ass lawyer on a high after her client is acquitted in his wife's murder trial. Lila doesn't feel too happy about the win, since she is not 100% sure that her client is all that innocent. However, a lawyer has go to do what she has got to do. Or so she convinces herself. The victim's sister is angry and kinda curses Lila that her karma will catch up to her. Now, Lila is also having an affair with her boss, who is also her best friend's husband. Bad, bad girl ! But something within Lila wants to change, she doesn't want to feel so shady, and so she is re-evaluating herself. After this win, her boss cum lover, invites her out for a celebration. And now from this point on, there are two different story lines because someone wants to teach Lila a lesson. And they are waiting for the right time to strike. Like you are standing in a dark passage and there are two doors in front of you, each taking you through a different path to a different outcome. Now, poor Lila does not know this. It's us, the readers, who can read how this one decision, going out with her boss or going to her home to her husband. is going to alter her life's story,

One path is mild, letting her off on her mistakes with little damage while the other is extremely opposite, making her go through fear, pain, mental torture. The outcomes of both paths are different. Will the smoother path have a better ending ? Will the violent path end badly ? You never know..But one thing is sure, Lila is going to have to face her mistakes one way or the other. Who is this person, who knows so much about her, and wants her to suffer for each life she has altered ? Will Lila make it out unscathed?

Amazing writing ! The story keeps alternating between 'Captured' and 'Free' scenarios and keeps us guessing what's the next thing that would happen. This idea is pretty unique where we can read both possibilities of a decision in parallel. Now, the cynic in me went into overdrive, judging everyone. The plot has a decent pace and does not let the thrill get slow. We get to know Lila, layer after layer, stripping her to her most basic thoughts. With more you know, you want to dislike Lila, but that doesn't happen. She seems to be a good person, just insecure and selfish, which is not all that bad, compared to the other evil in the story. So many things, she took for granted and now she has to pay for all those mistakes. Will she ever recover from this blow?

I enjoyed reading this story and I couldn't wait to reach the end. Now that I have reached the end, I have so many questions. The life as Lila knew it, can never be the same. One path had a sense of closure. The other path left so many things unanswered. I will definitely recommend this book.

PS : I wish the title was a little more alluring, and not literally two Lila Bennetts. But her, I am not complainin !

This book was interesting and kept my attention throughout reading it. Lila made a lot of mistakes and hurt a lot of people early on in her career, but she redeemed herself to become a better person and someone she could live with in the end.
I enjoyed reading it and recommend it.

Twisted. Love these dual authors, but this book was only “ok” for me. The premis/back and forth was interesting attempt at an otherwise abduction/revenge story! Additionally, I ultimately did not find the main character to be likeable which never makes for a fun read! Twisted enough however, to hold your attention and get through fast!

The Two Lila Bennetts by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke. Lake Union Publishing, 2019.

In this parallel universe story, Lila Bennett is a top criminal lawyer crushed by guilt and torn between loyalty and betrayal. Her author husband is all but housebound, perhaps suffering from depression brought on by writer’’ block. Her mother has tainted Lila’s memories of her father with stories of his philandering. The two worst decisions she made in her life indirectly betrayed her best friend at the time. Her boss expects more from Lila than he should; it seems her assistant is the only one she does not disappoint. When her life splits in two, the kidnapped Lila is forced to address face her mistakes; the free Lila decides to do the same.

The authors do a great job of character development in this page turner. I liked Lila despite some of the things she did. Supporting characters were consistent, the writing is smooth, the story is well organized and believable. We learn more about Lila’s motivation as her story unfolds and perhaps understand why she drinks so much.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of The Two Lila Bennetts via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke-- the wonderful authors who sent me a physical copy and Netgalley and Lake Union for a ecopy of this book!
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Lila Bennett is a defense attorney who has stepped on a lot of toes to get where she is now. Hurting numerous people over the years, Lila will do anything it takes. But in what becomes two different timelines, Lila's world blows up. In one she is captures in another she is free, but constantly fronted with her life issues.
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What I loved: The two storylines! I have never seen Sliding Doors, which I totally need to, so this was even more fascinating to me. The way they weaved the timelines was seamless. The pace was quick. So though we had two timelines happening, it changed so quickly you never have time to get bored in one version of Lila's life. I was totally ok with the reasoning why Lila was kidnapped because it made sense. I also loved reading about the different relationships in Lila's life. Seeing what destruction was happening in each facet of her life gave more insight into Lila as a person.
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What I did not love: Lila at points. She was extremely weak. Her mother told one her fact about her father and she let that affect her whole life. A decision that though hurts and can affect people affected her 100%. I could understand it ruining her intimate relationships, but she took this one fact and let it run everything. Also, I think Lila got off TOO easy in the one timeline. I won't say more- -spoilers-- but feel free to hit me up! lol
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As always, Fenton and Steinke are top notch. They write page turners that keep me reading at a furious pace. I was in a reading slump of five days and this took me right out!

**Review on Goodreads 4/3
** Review on Instagram 4/4

Thank you so very much NetGalley for the ARC. Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke never EVER disappoint. The Two Lila Bennetts sucked me in from the first page and kept me hooked. We meet Lila Bennett who is a defense attorney and a pretty good one. I thought she was almost too good since she managed to win every case. Her latest case though, leaves a mark on her. Her client is accused of killing his wife. The book starts out the day of verdict and the family of the victim is devasted by the verdict. Lila's firm celebrates another win, but Lila can't shake the feeling that she let a guilty man go free.
Turns out Lila has a lot of skeltons in her closest. This book take her down two paths, both where she is seeking a redemption of some sort (although both paths force her to confront her demons, One does so more cold heartedly)
I honestly thought I had the mystery of who was behind everything figured out, but I was wrong. It's not often that a thriller surprises me anymore, but this one did.
Well done Liz and Lisa, I can't wait for your next one.

What an original storyline. I loved the Sliding Doors feel with the 2 separate stories based on Lila’s choices. It was fresh and flowed so well. My only wish is that Lila was a tad more likable. I wasn’t a huge fan of Lila which made the outcome a little less exciting for me. I did love the fact that the character made a major change but she wasn’t relatable enough for me. I would recommend this book to friends.