Twisted Lies is undeniably the slowest burn in the entire series, and let me tell you, I loved it for Stella and Christian. This book brings a more mature, mysterious vibe, accompanied by a quiet intensity that sneaks up on you. Compared to the messy chaos of the previous books, this one shines with its smoldering connection.
Stella is the soft, sweet influencer grappling with a haunting past, while Christian is her enigmatic billionaire landlord who has been silently observing from the shadows throughout the series. And trust me, he’s been paying close attention.
What I Loved:
The combination of fake dating, the “I’ll protect you even if I’m the bad guy” trope, and the dynamic where “he’s only soft for her” worked flawlessly. It’s a resounding yes on all counts.
Christian Harper is perhaps the most emotionally repressed man alive, but when he falls, he falls hard. His intensity—like, “I own the building and your heart”—is captivating.
Stella undergoes incredible character growth—she transforms from scared and passive to brave and free. I was rooting for her every step of the way.
The overall tone in this installment is refreshingly different—darker, quieter, yet brimming with tension and raw emotion.
What Didn’t Fully Land for Me:
Christian’s obsession crosses into excessively intense territory at times. It can come off as stalkerish, so if that makes you uncomfortable, consider this a heads-up.
The pacing drags in the middle. There were moments when I thought, “Okay, I get it… WHEN are we kissing?”
The resolution of the side conflict regarding Stella’s stalker felt too convenient to me.
📚 Final Thoughts:
This book stands out as the most romantic and intense of the series. Christian is cold, calculating, and unhinged in his devotion to Stella, and I was here for it. If you crave protective energy, fake dating that spirals into something real, and a man who would set the world ablaze to keep her safe, Twisted Lies is definitely going to be your favorite in the series.