Series Review: Truth or Lies by Ella Miles

Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:

Synopsis for Taken by Lies (from Goodreads):

At 16 I was taken.
Kidnapped by a boy I thought I could love.
Then he sold me as if I were property.
For three years I endured.
Beatings.
Torture.
Pain.
I never broke.
I was strong, determined, resilient.
But then one day it happened…I broke.
Setting me free.
I should have run away, found a new life, and started over.
Instead, I returned.
To find the man who sold me.

SERIESous’ Top Picks: Must Read Author, 2019 Fave
Series: Truth or Lies

There is a Spin-Off Series: Sinful Truths (#1)

There are other novels set in the same universe: Retribution Games, Retribution Kings

Author: Ella Miles
# of Books: 6 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: Yes
Genre: New Adult, Dark, Contemporary, Romance
Heat Rating: Hot (BDSM: mild)
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: March 2019 – September 2019
Source & Format: Author–eARC | Thank you Ella Miles!

**This post was originally published as a Fresh Friday review of the first book of the series. It has now been updated to include the newest publications in the series.**

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

Ella Miles is my go-to author for dark contemporary romances. She just writes thrilling, steamy and more often than not twisted romance; and she never fails to surprise me with her great plots. So when I saw this New Adult series was her next project, I was super excited!

What I Liked:

–Great Chemistry Between the Leads–

I already adored the relationship between Kie and Enzo thanks to the novella (more about that below) but I loved every interaction these two had. There’s so much tension and unspoken feelings between them that I lived for their scenes together!

–The Slow Reveal of the Past–

I don’t want to give much away but if you’ve ever read Ella Miles before you know that she leaves little tidbits throughout her novels as you reach the climax. If I wasn’t already hooked on the romance, I was totally invested in learning more about what happened between the events of Lured by Lies and Taken by Lies.

–Enzo–

Don’t get me wrong, Kie is also great but I want to give a special shout out to Enzo. I’m not one who enjoys overly alpha heroes–even in dark romances–but Enzo is quickly becoming a favourite of mine! Yes, he has alpha tendencies but he also has this great vulnerability that we get from time to time that had me totally gone for his character.

What I Didn’t Like:

I have to wait for the sequels! I just want to binge this series!

When to Read the Novella: Lured by Lies (#0.5):

One thing I love about Ella Miles is that she often writes prequel novellas for her stories so you can get a little taste of what is to come. Lured by Lies provides that little bit of context for the history between the two characters who are our leads. It just brings an edge of anticipation for what’s to come next and I think it immensely increased my enjoyment of Taken by Lies since I had already fallen for the characters.

My Expectations for the Rest of the Series:

So excited for what’s to come!

–May 2, 2019– Book #2: Betrayed by Truths

Gah!!!! I’m so in love with this series so far!

I love the tension between Kai and Enzo! Their attraction to each other just leaps off the pages. Enzo makes me swoon whenever he looks at her. I adore his character so much. He is unlike any alpha hero I’ve ever read. And I love how Kai is his match in every way. They are easily one of my favourite romance couples of all time.

And the drama! So addicting. There have been so many great twists along the way that I couldn’t put this book down!

Bingeworthy!

–June 2, 2019– Book #3: Trapped by Lies

Just like the previous novels I was sucked right in. This instalment has a larger focus on character development–and not just on our two leads either–which is great. It makes these already complex leads even more intriguing by adding these additional layers to their characters. And it was great to get more insight into the other characters that are constantly shifting the narrative of this story.

Compared to the rest of the series so far, I felt like this story was slower in the middle. It picks up again near the end as it sets the stage for the rest of the series. We’ve got some interesting developments on the way and I can’t wait to see what tests Kai and Enzo have to pass next.

–July 10, 2019– Book #4: Stolen by Truths

I literally dropped my Kindle in shock. Ella Miles never fails to surprise me, especially when I thought I had things figured out. Very curious to see what happens next!

–August 11, 2019– Book #5: Possessed by Lies

The best way to describe this book is as a roller coaster. So many highs and lows for all the characters involved. It was just a great blending of action, romance, plot and character development. Again, just when I think I have things figured out, we get more curveballs thrown our way. What a story Ella Miles is weaving for us!

–September 17, 2019– Book #6: Consumed by Truths

I always get worried about series that follow the same couple for multiple books but this finale proved that it can be done. I loved that I had no idea what would happen next. It kept me on my toes. It started a little slow but those moments were needed to make the ending more impactful.