After helping to break up a Russian human trafficking ring as part of the CIA’s elite Black Opal team, Alexei Nikanova’s newest assignment is to rescue one of the stolen women and return her to her father. When he arrives in Dubai, he discovers his target is Sasha Zablosky—a woman he knows all too well, and who has haunted him ever since their one unforgettable night together. But he finds Sasha reluctant to leave her Sheik, the only true friend she’s ever known. Only Alexei can’t give her a choice.

With their yearning roused by intrigue, Alexei and Sasha can no longer resist and spend night after night in forbidden pleasure. Soon Alexei finds himself falling for her even as he battles a shadowy menace to protect her. But Sasha is no innocent. She has a past darker than she could ever admit or that Alexei could ever forgive. And it is about to explode into her life once more. Now, as the lies they tell themselves—and each other—pull them deeper into a perilous desire, what began as simple passion becomes a love certain to destroy them and end the lives of countless innocents.

Review

Sasha has met her match in Alexei. Their bodies fit together, they speak the same language, and their chemistry in bed is unbelievable. Until he sells her into sexual slavery. Against his will, but still. That’s kind of a deal breaker.

Thankfully, Sasha finds some safety when she’s bought by Saeed. He wants to love her, make a life for her, keep and protect her. Until Alexei returns undercover to collect Sasha. She doesn’t know it’s him at first, and she just can’t deny how good they are in bed together.
I’m torn, when it comes to this book. On one hand, when I read the text of the story, I get caught up in it, I love it. But then I pull back to the big picture and read what’s really going on (like… “he sells her into sexual slavery” and “he kidnaps her a second time”), I think… I shouldn’t be liking this book so much.

Granted, St. Claire is a fantastic writer, and the characters are all complex and interesting. But I really shouldn’t like this book. It’s dark. Almost too dark. These characters are very wounded. Almost to the point where a happily-ever-after wouldn’t be realistic. But somehow, I just love them. Even things that should make me want to roll my eyes, I really enjoyed the book.

I haven’t read any of Tori St. Claire’s books before, but I tend to really like Berkley Heat. In fact, some of my favorite books are in that line. So if she keeps writing for them, I’m sure I’ll continue to read her. She definitely belongs in the company of other names in that line, and I look forward to more of her writing.

In my estimation, if you like other Berkley Heat books (Beth Kery, Jaci Burton, Lacey Alexander), I think you’ll really enjoy Lie To Me. It’s a little bit James Bond, a little bit bodice ripper, and a lot of awesomesauce.

Reviewed by Camryn

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