Devious Lies: A Standalone Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Book Review - No Spoilers
Last month, Matthew came home with a "brilliant idea" to reorganize our entire garage into color-coded storage bins, complete with a spreadsheet to track inventory. The man is an IT systems analyst, and his need to systematize everything is both endearing and slightly chaotic. As I watched him debate the merits of gray versus charcoal labels, I realized something: we often judge people by first impressions, by one moment, by what we think we know. But there's usually more complexity beneath the surface—a useful reminder when diving into Devious Lies, where nothing is quite what it seems.
Plot Summary
Devious Lies by Parker S. Huntington is a standalone enemies-to-lovers romance that spans years and betrayals. Emery Winthrop, the privileged daughter of a wealthy businessman, meets Nash Prescott when they're young—he's the brother of her best friend, and his family works for hers. When Emery's father's corruption destroys countless lives, including Nash's family, the dynamic shifts entirely. Years later, broke and desperate, Emery returns home and unknowingly lands a job working for the now-billionaire Nash, who wants revenge. What unfolds is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story filled with secrets, a mysterious pen pal connection, and undeniable chemistry. The book combines workplace tension, hidden identities, and emotional depth in a narrative about redemption and trust.
Why I Love This Book
I love Devious Lies for its emotional intensity and the way Parker S. Huntington crafts complex characters with real depth. Emery's vulnerability mixed with her resilience is captivating, and Nash's rough exterior hiding a heart that cares too much is exactly the kind of morally gray hero I find irresistible. The pacing is excellent—it's lengthy but never drags because every moment builds the emotional foundation for their connection. The pen pal subplot adds a layer of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the darker revenge elements. The banter is sharp, the angst is gut-wrenching, and when they finally come together, it feels earned. This is a book that pulled me in completely and made me think about forgiveness, second chances, and the danger of assuming we know someone's story.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, angsty contemporary romance, workplace drama, or stories with morally gray characters, you'll love Devious Lies. Fans of books with revenge arcs, secret identities, and emotional depth will find plenty to love here. The novel leans steamy but isn't purely focused on spice—there's a genuine emotional core that makes the romance resonate. This is perfect for readers who want their romance served with significant angst, character development, and a satisfying HEA.
⚠️ Trigger warning: family trauma, class conflict, revenge plot, grief, sexual content (open door/steamy), emotional manipulation, workplace power imbalance, class-based bullying, parental corruption, morally gray situations.
Tagged As
Contemporary romance, enemies to lovers, slow burn, workplace romance, revenge plot, dual POV, HEA, steamy/open door, morally gray hero, powerful female character, redemption arc, found family, class conflict, psychological depth, emotional angst, standalone, indie published, highly emotional, addictive read
Steam Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Moderate to Explicit
Devious Lies features several steamy, open-door scenes that are integral to the characters' emotional journey and connection. The spice level escalates as the relationship develops, with explicit content that serves the story rather than feeling gratuitous. The heat is balanced with emotional depth, making every intimate moment feel significant to their arc.
