I had o idea this book will be good. I'm happy I picked it up. I'm itching to give spoilers. Will definitely recommend

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

This book is a dark romance with a lot of thrilling and mysterious twists. Although enjoyable, there are multiple POVs and time skips that I personally didn't love. I felt like we were just jumping around too much. And the ending did have some twists, but then it just felt like all the twists kept piling up together, that then I felt like it was just trying to do too much at once. Lastly, I felt like Veronica's backstory was barely covered even with the flashbacks. There could have been more depth to her backstory.

Beneath Your Lies is a dark, gripping read that kept me on the edge of my seat. Nicole J. Owens weaves suspense, romance, and secrets in a way that feels both intense and utterly addictive. The characters are complex and flawed, making every twist and revelation hit even harder. I couldn’t put it down—this one will haunt you long after the last page.

This book gives you everything: female rage, forbidden love, a suspenseful romance dripping with danger, and an intoxicating mix of revenge and healing.

Veronica’s world explodes when she learns her District Attorney husband Richard has been cheating. His twisted solution? She’s to move into a hotel and even the score with an affair of her own, but of course there's a bigger catch. This solution can only be with a man of Richard's choosing and under his constant control.

But Veronica isn’t playing by Richard’s rules. Enter Ronan, brooding, dangerous, hitman with shadows of his own. Their chemistry is impossible to ignore, and you can feel the heat jumping off the page. It’s reckless. It’s forbidden. And it’s addictive.

The story itself is the perfect balance of plot and spice. The steamy scenes sizzle, but never at the expense of the thriller-meets-crime-meets-romance storyline. The twists had me gasping, the final chapter left me stunned, and I’m praying for a sequel.

The characters are layered and magnetic. Veronica’s resilience, Ronan’s tortured depth, all the way to Sylvie, the witty hacker sidekick I absolutely adored. And then there’s Richard, the kind of villain that makes you love to hate him, wielding power and influence in ways that had me fuming and intrigued at the same time.

Every chapter peels back new layers, and just when you think you know where it’s going, bam, another twist. This book had me hooked, breathless, and itching for more.

I went into Beneath Your Lies intrigued not only by the blurb but also by the author’s note at the beginning. Nicole J. Owens takes the time to flag potential triggers, making it clear she values the well-being of her readers above all else—a thoughtful touch that set the tone before the story even began.

First Impressions

The book hooked me right away. The story is told through multiple characters and time periods, but it’s done seamlessly, never feeling confusing or disjointed. Veronica and Ronan—the central figures—are both layered and compelling, which is essential since the book revolves around them. Even though Ronan is a hitman, both characters are written with enough depth that they feel relatable and real.

Plot & Pacing

The pacing is brisk but never rushed. Owens balances fast-moving action with enough detail to flesh out the story and characters. The romance between Veronica and Ronan develops quickly but convincingly, with just the right mix of spice and tenderness. Meanwhile, the mystery element is teased out through small, well-placed snippets that kept me curious right up until the end.

The final act is especially strong, bringing both the suspense and emotional stakes to a satisfying conclusion. I also particularly enjoyed the sections where Veronica and Ronan begin to explore their relationship—the chemistry between them practically jumps off the page.

Characters

Veronica and Ronan stand out as strong leads, but the supporting cast adds texture without overshadowing them. The dialogue throughout feels natural and easy to read—never stiff or forced. The romance between Veronica and Ronan worked for me; it’s fast-burning but balanced, spiced with passion while still carrying genuine emotion.

Writing Style & Atmosphere

The prose is smooth, accessible, and witty at times, which provides balance when the story dips into darker themes. Owens manages to explore violence, crime, and trauma without letting the tone get too heavy or oppressive, yet it never trivializes the subject matter either. The criminal underworld backdrop feels well built, believable, and easy to get lost in.

Emotional Response

This book gave me more than just surface-level thrills. I connected with Veronica’s journey as her world shifted dramatically, and I felt invested in her decisions and the consequences that followed. The romance and mystery both landed in a satisfying way, and by the final chapters, I was thoroughly engaged.

Critiques

I didn’t come away with many complaints. The book felt cohesive, well-paced, and balanced in tone. Some readers may prefer a slower build to the romance, but for me, the fast burn worked given the intensity of the story.

Content Warnings

The author addresses potential triggers up front, which is reassuring. Still, readers should be aware of:

Violence

Trauma and abuse references

Strong language

Criminal underworld elements

Final Thoughts

Beneath Your Lies is a sharp blend of romance, spice, and suspense. With a hitman bad-boy hero, a strong female lead, and a plot that drips out twists until the very end, it will appeal to fans of dark romance and revenge-driven stories.

A solid and satisfying read. I’d happily recommend it to romance readers looking for something with edge, heat, and mystery—and I’d be open to picking up more from Nicole J. Owens in the future.

🌟4,25 🌶 2.5

"The rage of a woman is not to be underestimated - it is a force to be reckoned with, a strom that demands respect."
Feels thorough the book; I have a thing for feminine rage, as said by Anya Taylor-Joy, that I support 👏🏼

I absolutely loved this! The story was "chef's kiss" to say it simply. I absolutely ate this up, damn!

The story has multiple POV's and has two different timelines. There are different themes presented throughout the story, which made it feel rich and enticing. You get a little 'whodunnit' feel and want to puzzel the peaces together. I can't give it a 5-star reading because I puzzled it out before the ending. That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and couldn't wait to pick it back up. Ronan, you have my heart!

What an incredible debut novel. This is how you do suspense, action, and romance. I see a bright future for J. Owens and will definitely keep an eye out for future publication!

Go read this book now, I highly recommend it!

Thank you Netgalley, Nicole J. Owens and Moonlit Graves publishing for the eARC! ❤️

This book didn’t just start with chaos, it shoved me into it headfirst. The opening pages dragged me back to being nineteen and trapped in all the wrong places with all the wrong people, but Nicole J. Owens didn’t just leave me drowning in the dark. She built a story that twisted me inside out, broke me open, and stitched me back together with hope I didn’t see coming.

Victoria isn’t just a character; she’s survival personified. She’s innocence sharpened on the edge of pain; fragile in the cracks, yet unyielding in the fight. She reminded me of the version of myself I wished existed back then: someone who refuses to stay broken, no matter how many times life tries to shatter her. Every layer she peeled back made me love her more, because she is the contradiction of soft and steel.

And then there’s Ronan. He isn’t perfect but he’s perfectly everything. He’s a green flag in human form, steady and fierce, the kind of man who holds you together when you’re about to fall apart. Unless you’re on his list: then you’re screwed, because he’ll tear you apart without blinking. But for Victoria? He’s dangerous in all the right ways, the man who doesn’t just save her, he chooses her, wholly and unapologetically. He made me ache for the kind of love that heals old scars instead of carving new ones.

This isn’t a gentle book. It’s jagged and raw, full of mind twisting turns that ripped the floor out from under me. I gasped, cursed, laughed in disbelief, and whispered “just one more chapter” until there were none left. Every twist was a sucker punch, every reveal a shockwave, and yet I couldn’t look away.

And then, when I thought I’d be left gutted on the floor; Nicole gave me light. A happy ending that felt earned. Hope rising from the wreckage. The kind of ending that makes every bruise, every gasp, every tear worth it.

Beneath Your Lies isn’t just a dark romance. It’s a survival story disguised as a love story. It’s pain and resilience, chaos and devotion, lies and truth, all colliding in the kind of emotional storm you don’t walk out of the same.

Was I ready? Not at all.
Did I fall in love anyway? Harder than I ever expected.

What a Rollercoaster!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5

The twists and turns in this book kept me know edge. The mystery and suspense of who and what will keep you on your toes.

🖤 Hitman
🫦 Forbidden Love
🖤 Multiple POV
🫦 Revenge
🖤 Betrayal
🫦 Family Secrets

Ronan is that morally gray man we all love. Veronica is the scorned woman who plotted her plan perfectly.

I couldnt stop reading this book!! I can't believe thisnis her debut novel. I loved it so much!!! I cant wait to read more from Nicole. I was taking notes trying to piece things together. I cant wait to have this book on my shelf!

Thank you NetGalley and Moonlit Graves Publishing for the ARC.

This book - wow, I couldn't put it down! I was hooked from the start and loved the development of the plot and storyline. The twists and turns kept me on my toes and sitting on the edge of my seat! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

ARC review!

Thank you to Nicole and NetGalley for the ARC!
I LOVED this book. I loved the character development.
And every single plot twist! Yes, there’s more than 1!
I couldn’t believe all the twists and turns. I’m pretty sure I had my mouth on the floor the entire last quarter of this book. It was the perfect mix of spice and plot. And the set up for a potential second book? 👀 YES PLEASE!
If you love true crime, spicy books and a whole lot of twists and turns. ABSOLUTELY read this book.

Great debut novel. Excellent suspense romance with multiple POVs. Gripping and an utter page turner. What a fun read.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS!!!

This was a thriller and dark romance in one book which for me is *chef's kiss*.

It took me a while to review because of a lot of ARC's, but when I started it, I immediately devoured it. What happens next is a rollercoaster ride of suspense, plot twists, and spicy scenes that will keep you guessing all the way to the end. I enjoyed reading this book, and each time I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong!

This debut was addictive from start to finish... full of secrets, betrayal and one hell of an ending.

Veronica Sullivan seems like the dutiful young wife married to Richard, a powerful DA twice her age. But when his affair comes to light, he offers her a twisted deal: have an affair of her own, but only under his control. Enter Ronan, a hitman who crosses her path at just the right (or wrong) time. Their connection is instant, magnetic and dangerous.

The tension between Veronica, Richard, and Ronan is a perfect storm of control, revenge and obsession. What I loved most is that Veronica is never just the pawn caught between two men ... there’s always a feeling she has more going on beneath the surface. And the final reveal proved me right. That ending had me whispering “damn” out loud.

Overall: a strong debut that kept me hooked. The writing may not be flawless, but the atmosphere, pacing and ending more than made up for it. 4★ and I’ll definitely be watching for the sequel.

This book was such a mind twisting ride! Loved everything about this read, the different POV’s , the way you’re reading thinking you know what’s happening only for the next chapter to rip the rug from under your feet! I’m not going leave spoilers here I just going to say, if you do not read this you will miss you on such a good story! There is some spice and violence if that is what you’re looking for but if you want something to keep you guessing pleas please! Pick this book up and find out for yourself the LIES and betrayal that keep you reading till the last page!
Thank you to Netgalley and of course
Thank you to Nicole J.Owens, you definitely now how to twist a mind

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
A thoroughly entertaining book about death, love, and revenge.
There are a few twists, characters you dislike and grow to dislike them more. Enough spice to keep anyone happy. A morally grey MMC that you can’t help but like.
An enjoyable read that kept my interest from start to finish

Sapnapolitan Score - 3.8/5
The book is a dramatic, sexy suspense that runs through the entire range of emotions a person has, from curiosity to sympathy, laced with significant anger at some of the actions and the unfairness in the stories of the characters. There's something for everyone in this gripping thriller by Nicole J. Owens, and it is intensely readable for fans of the genre. It reads like a fast-paced screenplay and has the addictive quality to it that also made Scandal a hit TV show. The protagonists, while not traditionally likeable, have layers to them which would leave any reader confused about their own opinions regarding them.

The twists and turns occurring in the story, which is deeply rooted in the greys of the criminal world, helped me keep reading even though books like these aren’t always my cup of tea. At the end of the day, I was relieved that everyone got what they deserved, neither more nor less.

Veronica Sullivan’s picture-perfect life unravels the moment she confronts her husband about his betrayal. Desperate to save his image as the State’s District Attorney, he offers her a shocking proposal: she can have an affair—so long as he controls the terms. What he didn’t anticipate, however, was who Veronica would choose to exercise that freedom with.

Enter Ronan, a morally grey assassin haunted by his past. Their connection is instant, electric, and completely addictive. Falling into lust with Ronan was a thrilling ride as a reader, and the deeper their relationship went, the more the story twisted. With disappearances and murders shaking the city, the line between truth and lies blurred at every turn.

I loved how the book constantly kept me guessing—I truly didn’t figure things out until the very end! The suspense was perfectly balanced with steamy, passionate moments that elevated the stakes even higher. If you enjoy morally complex characters, jaw-dropping twists, and spice woven into a dark, suspenseful plot, this book delivers it all.

Thank you to Nicole J. Owens, Moonlit Graves Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

If you love morally gray men and women who refuse to be pawns, buckle up.

Veronica Sullivan is the young wife of the much older, super-influential State DA, Richard Sullivan. When Richard is caught having an affair with his even younger new secretary, he 'graciously' pushes Veronica towards an affair of her own - a 'what's good for me will be good for you' stunt to keep an even playing field, and keep himself out of the headlines. Veronica Sullivan thought escaping her manipulative husband would mean peace. Instead, she finds herself entangled with Ronan—a hitman with secrets of his own. What begins as a twisted game of tit-for-tat spirals into a suspenseful, steamy ride full of betrayal, danger, and unexpected alliances.

What I loved...

This book was gripping from the very beginning! You can tell there are secrets, and the author gives you just enough throughout the story to keep you engrossed. Our MMC is smoldering—broody, battle-worn, and surprisingly tender beneath the grit. Our FMC doesn’t flinch—she’s sharp, self-assured, and refreshingly complex. The pacing was razor-sharp, the tension deliciously taut, and the chemistry? Off the charts. It’s the kind of book that makes you forget to check the time.

What I would have liked to be different...

Honestly, there isn't anything that I didn't care for in this book. If I could tweak one thing, I’d love a deeper dive into Sylvie and Lauren’s backstories—they had intriguing potential that left me wanting more.

I picked this book based on its cover and title, but it wasn't exactly what I had been hoping for. But I think it could work well for the dark romance girlies!

It has a rather complex plot with multi POV and flashbacks, but the insta lust turning insta love was a bit too much for me. I couldn't really connect with the characters either. I definitely think this book would have benefitted from a longer first half, with more focus on character interactions, especially with side characters.

What I liked most about this book, was the mystery part, and while I guessed some of the twists, there were some I didn't see coming at all! Based on the last chapter, there is potential for a sequel, but it works well as a standalone too.

Thank you to Moonlit Graves Publishing, Netgalley and the author for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading Beneath Your Lies by Nicole J Owens. The story opens with Veronica, the wife of the DA, catching her husband having an affair when he makes a deal.

Veronica then meets Ronan, a beautiful and mysterious hitman who is haunted by his past. The pair are connected immediately and their dark and twisted past and present intertwined with one another.

Throughout the book, my favourite POV was Ronan’s and despite there being dual POVs and characters introduced quickly, I found myself immersed. There were short chapters throughout which kept my attention as it switched between different POVs.

I found I enjoyed the way the storyline merges and that within the first 35% of the book, there’s a dark secret that Veronica has that isn’t revealed until the end of the book (but I was mostly able to guess!) I also liked how the author quickly built up Ronan and Veronica’s relationship and was engrossed within this.

I had to admit, there were a few twists at the end that I had anticipated which I also really enjoyed. Overall, I really enjoyed Beneath Your Lies and would throughly recommend. I have rated it 3.75 on Story Graph.

Thank you to Nicola J Owens, Moonlit Graves Publishing and Net Galley for this eArc!