Forgiving Lies

September 23, 2013
This novel from “new adult” author McAdams (Taking Chances), which mixes together a suspenseful thriller and lighthearted romance, should please fans of both genres, but may not leave either completely satisfied. Rachel Masters is wary of intimate relationships after the death of her parents and her narrow escape from an attempted rape by her best friend’s cousin—and she’s especially reluctant to get involved with tattooed motorcycle riders like Logan “Kash” Ryan. An affair between Kash and Rachel’s respective roommates locks Rachel out of her apartment one night, however, and results in her going on an impromptu date with Kash. Despite still being traumatized by her past, Rachel can’t stop thinking about Kash’s sexy lip ring. When Kash, who’s also an undercover cop, discovers Rachel is being stalked, he whisks her away for a weekend in a honeymoon suite. Though the story follows rhythms familiar from romance novels, readers may be disappointed that McAdams opts to finish with a cliffhanger foreshadowing the next book, rather than giving Kash and Rachel a conclusive happy ending. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

September 15, 2013
Rachel Masters, beautiful but broken, is a student at the University of Texas and a pro at shielding herself to hide her true feelings. But Logan Kash Ryan can see right through her armor. An undercover cop on assignment, Kash moves into the apartment next door, and little by little the two develop a deep friendship fueled by sarcasm, goofiness, and honesty. Rachel is haunted by two distinct traumatic events in her recent past, but with Kash she finds clarity. Their friendship slowly grows into something more, but just as their love reaches a turning point, an unwelcome suitor comes back into Rachel's life, and Kash's undercover mission to catch a serial killer takes a dangerous turn. This first book in a series by McAdams in the new-adult romance subgenre offers a well-developed relationship and genuine romance with plenty of humor as well as scenes of sexual assault and violence. Quickly read and potent, it will leave readers craving the sequel.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)