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Vengeful Lies

Vengeful Lies

by T.L. Smith 2025 358 pages
4.17
2k+ ratings
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Plot Summary

Mysterious Intruder Leaves Deadly Clues

Eli Monti's life is disrupted

Eli Monti, the heir to a powerful mafia family, finds his life thrown into chaos by a mysterious intruder who leaves taunting notes and a dead rat in his apartment. Despite his extensive security measures, the intruder remains elusive, leaving Eli both infuriated and intrigued. The notes suggest a personal vendetta, and Eli is determined to uncover the identity of the person behind these unsettling messages. As he navigates his dangerous world, Eli's focus is split between maintaining his family's power and dealing with this new threat, setting the stage for a complex web of intrigue and danger.

A Dangerous Proposal Unfolds

Jewel's mission takes a twist

Jewel, a skilled assassin, is tasked with getting close to Eli Monti to eventually kill him. However, her mission takes an unexpected turn when Eli proposes a marriage of convenience. Eli needs to marry to take over his family's business, and Jewel's presence in his life could serve as a perfect cover. Despite her initial resistance, Jewel is drawn into Eli's world, where the lines between her mission and personal feelings begin to blur. The proposal is not just a strategic move for Eli but a dangerous game for Jewel, complicating her mission and emotions.

A Deadly Game of Seduction

Tension and attraction build

As Jewel and Eli navigate their fake engagement, the tension between them escalates into a dangerous game of seduction. Both are aware of the deadly stakes involved, yet they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Their interactions are charged with a mix of hostility and attraction, each trying to maintain control while being pulled deeper into the other's orbit. The chemistry between them is undeniable, complicating Jewel's mission and Eli's plans, as they both struggle with their growing feelings amidst the danger surrounding them.

Unlikely Allies and Hidden Motives

Alliances form amidst deception

Jewel and Eli's relationship is further complicated by the presence of Eli's family and associates, who have their own agendas. Eli's cousin Dutton and the Ivanov twins, Hawke and Ford, play significant roles in the unfolding drama. As Jewel navigates this treacherous landscape, she must discern who she can trust and who might betray her. The alliances she forms are fragile, and the motives of those around her remain shrouded in secrecy, adding layers of complexity to the already intricate web of deception and power struggles.

A Fiery Encounter Ignites Passion

Passion and danger collide

A heated encounter between Jewel and Eli ignites a passion that neither can deny. Their physical connection is intense, fueled by the adrenaline of their dangerous lives. This encounter blurs the lines between their roles as adversaries and lovers, leaving both questioning their true feelings. The passion they share becomes a powerful force, complicating their already precarious situation and threatening to derail their carefully laid plans, as they grapple with the consequences of their undeniable attraction.

Secrets and Lies in the Shadows

Deception weaves a tangled web

As Jewel delves deeper into Eli's world, she uncovers secrets and lies that threaten to unravel everything. The more she learns, the more she realizes the complexity of the Monti family's operations and the dangerous power struggles at play. Jewel must navigate this web of deception carefully, as any misstep could cost her everything. Her mission becomes increasingly perilous as she balances her role as an assassin with her growing connection to Eli, forcing her to confront the dangerous game she is playing.

A Reckless Plan Unfolds

Eli's father orchestrates a test

Eli Monti, determined to secure his family's legacy, finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game orchestrated by his father, Crue. Unbeknownst to Eli, Crue has set up a fake assassination plot to test Jewel's loyalty and Eli's leadership. As Eli and Jewel navigate this treacherous landscape, they must confront their feelings for each other and the reality of their situation. Eli's reckless nature is put to the test as he grapples with the implications of his father's manipulations and the potential consequences for his relationship with Jewel.

A Dangerous Game of Trust

Jewel's loyalty is tested

Jewel, caught in the crossfire of Crue's scheme, must decide where her loyalties lie. As she grapples with her feelings for Eli and the pressure of her mission, Jewel is forced to confront the truth about her own motivations. The lines between love and duty blur as Jewel and Eli are pushed to their limits, testing the strength of their bond. In a world where trust is a rare commodity, Jewel must navigate the dangerous game of deception and power to protect herself and those she cares about.

A Shocking Revelation Emerges

Crue's true intentions are revealed

The truth about Crue's orchestrated plot comes to light, revealing the extent of his manipulations. Eli and Jewel are forced to confront the reality of their situation and the impact of Crue's actions on their relationship. As they navigate the fallout from Crue's scheme, Eli and Jewel must decide whether to continue their partnership or go their separate ways. The revelation of Crue's true intentions forces Eli to reevaluate his priorities and the future of his family's legacy, as they both grapple with the consequences of the manipulations.

A Wedding with Deadly Stakes

Eli and Jewel's union is tested

As Eli and Jewel prepare for their wedding, the stakes are higher than ever. With the threat of danger looming over them, they must navigate the complexities of their relationship and the challenges of their world. The wedding becomes a symbol of their commitment to each other and their determination to face whatever challenges come their way. As they stand together, Eli and Jewel must confront the reality of their situation and the potential consequences of their union, as they embrace their future amidst the chaos.

A New Beginning Amidst Chaos

Eli and Jewel embrace their future

In the aftermath of their wedding, Eli and Jewel are faced with the challenges of their new life together. As they navigate the complexities of their world and the dangers that come with it, they must rely on each other to survive. Their love becomes a powerful force, driving them to overcome the obstacles in their path. As they embrace their future together, Eli and Jewel find strength in their partnership, ready to face whatever challenges come their way, as they embark on a new beginning amidst the chaos.

Characters

Eli Monti

Mafia heir with a dangerous edge

Eli Monti is the heir to a powerful mafia family, known for his ruthless efficiency and strategic mind. He is a man accustomed to getting what he wants, and his life is a constant balancing act between maintaining his family's power and dealing with personal threats. Eli is both intrigued and infuriated by the mysterious intruder who disrupts his life, and his proposal to Jewel is a calculated move to secure his position. Despite his cold exterior, Eli is drawn to Jewel in ways he cannot fully understand, complicating his plans and emotions.

Jewel

Skilled assassin with a hidden agenda

Jewel is a highly skilled assassin tasked with getting close to Eli Monti to eventually kill him. Her mission is complicated by Eli's unexpected proposal of a marriage of convenience, which forces her to navigate a dangerous world of deception and power struggles. Jewel is fiercely independent and determined to complete her mission, but her growing attraction to Eli threatens to derail her plans. As she delves deeper into Eli's world, Jewel must confront her own feelings and the dangerous game she is playing.

Crue Monti

Manipulative patriarch with a hidden agenda

Crue Monti is the head of the Monti family, known for his cunning and strategic mind. His orchestrated plot to test Eli and Jewel's loyalty reveals the extent of his manipulations and the lengths he will go to protect his family's legacy. Crue's character is one of complexity and intrigue, as he navigates the dangerous world of power and deception. His actions have a profound impact on Eli and Jewel's relationship, forcing them to confront the reality of their situation.

Dutton

Cousin with a protective streak

Dutton is Eli's cousin, known for his protective nature and involvement in the family's operations. He is skeptical of Eli's decision to marry Jewel, aware of the potential risks and complications. Dutton's loyalty to his family is unwavering, and he is determined to protect Eli from any threats, even if it means questioning his cousin's decisions. His presence adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama, as he navigates his own role in the family's power dynamics.

Hawke and Ford

Unpredictable twins with a dark past

Hawke and Ford are the Ivanov twins, adopted by Anya Ivanov and known for their unpredictable nature. They are loyal to Eli and play significant roles in the family's operations. The twins are both a source of support and potential chaos, as their actions are often driven by their own agendas. Their presence adds an element of unpredictability to the story, as they navigate their roles in the family's power struggles and their relationship with Eli.

Rya Monti

Formidable matriarch with a sharp mind

Rya Monti is Eli's mother, a formidable figure known for her sharp intellect and involvement in the family's legal affairs. She is protective of her family and skeptical of Jewel's intentions, aware of the potential risks of Eli's decision to marry her. Rya's presence is a constant reminder of the family's expectations and the consequences of any missteps. Her relationship with Eli is complex, as she balances her role as a mother with her responsibilities to the family.

Plot Devices

Marriage of Convenience

Strategic alliance with hidden motives

The marriage of convenience between Eli and Jewel serves as a central plot device, driving the narrative forward and complicating their relationship. For Eli, the marriage is a strategic move to secure his position as the head of the family, while for Jewel, it is a means to reclaim what was taken from her. The arrangement is fraught with danger, as both characters have their own hidden motives and the stakes are high. The marriage serves as a catalyst for the unfolding drama, as the characters navigate their roles and the consequences of their actions.

Intruder's Notes

Mysterious messages with deadly intent

The intruder's notes left in Eli's apartment serve as a plot device to create tension and intrigue. The notes are taunting and personal, suggesting a vendetta against Eli and leaving him determined to uncover the identity of the person behind them. The notes add an element of mystery to the story, as Eli navigates his dangerous world while dealing with this new threat. The messages serve as a constant reminder of the danger lurking in the shadows and the need for Eli to remain vigilant.

Orchestrated Plot

Manipulative scheme with hidden motives

The orchestrated plot by Crue Monti serves as a central plot device, driving the narrative forward and testing the characters' loyalties. The scheme reveals the extent of Crue's manipulations and the lengths he will go to protect his family's legacy. The plot device creates tension and conflict, forcing Eli and Jewel to confront their feelings for each other and the reality of their situation. The orchestrated plot serves as a catalyst for the characters' growth and self-discovery.

Analysis

Complex exploration of power and trust

"Vengeful Lies" by T.L. Smith is a gripping tale that delves into the complexities of power, trust, and deception within a mafia family. The narrative explores the intricate dynamics of relationships, where love and duty often collide. Through the characters of Eli and Jewel, the story examines the blurred lines between personal desires and familial obligations. The book highlights the challenges of navigating a world where trust is scarce, and every decision carries significant consequences. The themes of loyalty, manipulation, and self-discovery are woven throughout the narrative, offering readers a thrilling exploration of the human psyche and the lengths individuals will go to protect what they hold dear.

Last updated:

Review Summary

4.17 out of 5
Average of 2k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Vengeful Lies is a highly-rated mafia romance featuring Eli Monti and Jewel Diamond. Readers praise the captivating plot, steamy scenes, and strong character development. The story follows a hitwoman tasked with eliminating a mafia heir, leading to an enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Fans appreciate the unhinged personalities, witty banter, and intense chemistry between the main characters. The book is part of a next-generation series, connecting to previous characters. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few readers found the pacing slow or the plot underdeveloped.

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About the Author

T.L. Smith is a USA Today bestselling author known for creating flawed, dark characters that captivate readers. Her books have been translated into multiple languages, gaining international recognition. Smith hails from Queensland, Australia, but frequently travels the world, drawing inspiration from diverse locations such as Bali, San Francisco, and New York. She maintains an active social media presence across various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, engaging with her fans and sharing updates about her work. Smith's writing style and complex characters have earned her a dedicated following in the romance and dark fiction genres.

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