House of BS & Lies by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Don't Date Him #1
Genres: Romantic Suspense
She was enraptured by the man they called Romeo the moment that he turned those butterscotch-colored eyes her way.
What wasn't to love about a big, burly, plaid-wearing lumberjack?
He was tall, gorgeous, and knew how to wield a chainsaw better than Leatherface. He could fell a tree in seconds, had thighs that were as thick as said trees, filled out a pair of Wranglers better than any cowboy ever, and didn't care that she could operate heavy machinery better than him.
He was everything a girl like Mable could ask for.
The caveat? He was a convicted felon that'd just escaped from prison, faked his death, and ran from his home in Texas to the mountains of Montana.
At first, Mable didn't know what kind of man he'd been before coming to her small, mountain town. He led Mable into a false sense of security, made her fall madly, deeply, and irrevocably in love with him, and then shocked her by sharing his darkest secret.
Now, she's left reeling, thinking life couldn't get more complicated.
Until she finds out her stepmother knows Romeo's secret and plans to exploit him. To make matters worse, Romeo goes on the run to protect Mable from himself, and she realizes that she has a dark side, too. One that'll stop at nothing, not even murder, to make sure that he can live free.
Other books from this Author Hail Mary , Quit Your Pitchin', Too Bad So Sad, Mess Me Up, Trash Talkin'
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Review
This book was everything I love about Lani Lynn Vale wrapped up in one irresistible story. Romeo and Mable completely stole my heart. From their very first meeting, there’s an undeniable pull between them—curiosity, attraction, and a sense that the other gets it in a way most people don’t. Both are carrying the weight of complicated family dynamics, and that shared understanding becomes the foundation for something unexpectedly deep and meaningful.
I adored how their relationship unfolded. What starts as intrigue and chemistry grows into genuine friendship, trust, and compatibility in all the best ways. Mable is warmth personified—kind, generous, and strong even when the world throws chaos her way. Romeo would probably argue that he doesn’t have a heart, but his actions prove otherwise. His protectiveness is perfectly balanced: standing behind Mable when she needs support, beside her when she stands up for herself, and never taking over what she’s capable of handling.
The family drama is layered, emotional, and so well done. Watching it unravel kept me fully invested, and Apollo’s involvement added humor and just the right amount of chaos. Mable’s love of cooking was such a fun detail—fair warning, you will be hungry while reading—and the biscuit recipe at the end was the cherry on top.
Once again, Lani Lynn Vale delivers characters who feel real, relationships that feel earned, and a story that blends heart, humor, and heat effortlessly. This one is absolutely unforgettable and easily a five-star favorite for me.
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