The Lie

Stella Gray

Feb 2021 · Paige Press, LLC

About this ebook

The world knows Ford Malone as the heir to a real estate fortune. 

But to me he'll always be my best friend.

The guy who saved me from my bullies back in school.

The man I’ve secretly loved for years.

When he needs me to be his plus one at a family event, I agree without hesitation.

Imagine my surprise when he announces our engagement.

As usual, I’ll play along.

Nothing has to change except the way we behave—the way we touch—in public.

But his private touches change everything.

Soon the crush I've hidden for so long is threatening to swallow me whole.

If I tell him how I feel, it could ruin our friendship forever.

But if I don't, the lie will ruin me instead.

Book One in the Charade Series.

Ratings and reviews

wow I just couldn't put it down it keeps on being more and interesting. A lot of drama and complications in a kind of way that makes willing to know the end. what a good book 5 🌟

4 Star review of The Lie (charade #1) by Stella Gray Stella Gray is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across her books before. From the first chapter I was hooked on Ford and Emzee’s friends to lovers story and found it an entertaining read. Be warned that this book does end in a cliff hanger which I was not aware of when I started The Lie, however all it has done is made me anxious to read the next book in the series. Having been in love with her best friend for what seems forever, Emzee is shocked when he announces at a family function that they are engaged. Now he wants her to maintain the pretence but at what cost? Can Emzee keep her heart intact when she is so in love with Ford or is she destined to have her heart broken? I fell hard and fast for these characters, they were easy to relate too and I liked them. The secondary characters were entertaining and the writing was strong. The chemistry that sizzles between Ford and Emzee intensifies as they are drawn deeper and deeper into their fake relationship. Ford’s mother has issues with their relationship so you know that complications are going to occur. What happens when Emzee makes a deal that could destroy her happiness? I was on the edge of my seat as I was reading and cannot wait to find out what happens for Ford and Emzee when their story continues in The Act.

4.5 Stars for The Lie ( Charade #1) This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last because I was drawn in and captivated by Emzee and Ford’s friends to lovers story. Emzee has been in love with her best friend forever and now that he is single she secretly hopes he may find room in his heart for her, the last thing she expects is for him to ask for her to pretend to be his girlfriend. It may be fake but that doesn’t stop Emzee doing whatever her best friend asks of her. I was captivated from the first page, I was drawn in by the strong writing and wonderful characters, a perfect start to a new series but what about that cliffhanger !!!! I didn’t see that coming and now I need the next book in this series. I highly recommend this fantastic read abd I’m looking forward to reading more from the very talented Stella Gray.