Book Review: No More Lies
Written by: Mona Risk
Posted By: Mona Risk
Available as: eBook
5 stars

Risk explores the damage that lies can do to love in “No More Lies.” Dr. Olivia Crane is a successful psychiatrist. Her world is turned upside down when her old boyfriend, Lucien George, is invited to her university for consultation. Will Olivia’s lifelong lies interfere with her efforts to rekindle her relationship with Luc?

Set in contemporary Ohio, Risk puts the reader in the middle of Olivia’s problems from the start. Ten years earlier, she had an intense romantic relationship with a French doctor, Luc George, but she called it off when she thought she was interfering with her ability to keep her daughter, Melissa, safe. Luc is back now and all of Olivia’s old feelings for him are rekindled.

Adding to Olivia’s confusion is Melissa’s father, Jeremy Rutherford, Olivia’s ex-boyfriend. He didn’t show any interest or concern for her when he found out she was pregnant, so Olivia raised Melissa alone with the help of her parents. Rutherford is now forced to seek psychiatric help for mental health issues. Olivia told her daughter that her father was dead and was a war hero to keep her safe from her abusive father. However, now that Olivia’s lie threatens to unravel when Melissa expresses an interest in her father, Olivia needs Luc’s strength and support more than ever.

Luc is shocked to learn that Olivia never told him about his daughter. When he realizes the extent of Olivia’s lies, he urges her to come clean to her daughter. Can Olivia find the courage to tell the truth and give Luc’s love a second chance?

Risk’s engaging plot pulls the reader effortlessly into the story. Risk handles the subject with grace and sensitivity.

The characters are wonderfully complex and dynamic. Luc is noble and honest in the extreme, but his inner strength never fails Olivia when she needs it most. Olivia has made a successful career for herself, but her determination to protect Melissa has led her to lies that threaten her future. The supporting cast is a lovely compliment to Olivia and Luc’s story and really shows just how rich and fulfilling their lives are.

Risk’s writing is easy to read and strikes a chord. “No More Lies” presents a problem that many face today. The way Olivia handles her problems will offer hope to those dealing with similar circumstances.

The love scenes are sensual and tasteful, embodying a sweet hunger that has simmered between Olivia and Luc for years. “No More Lies” will resonate with readers and make them believe that love can overcome even the most challenging obstacles.

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart