Why haven’t I read Brittney Sahin’s novels until now? Going in, I expected a typical romance sprinkled with a bit of suspense. What I got was so much more! Buried Lies is well written and cleverly layered. It’s full of intrigue and shenanigans a la The Bourne Conspiracy that will have you wondering what’s going on one minute, and saying “I knew it!” the next. Ms. Sahin keeps the action going full tilt, and just when you think you have a handle on things…you don’t. This is a smooth flowing, well thought out puzzle of a story and every piece fits beautifully. There’s nothing forced or superfluous. There’s nothing to make me roll my eyes and mutter, “Really?”

Olivia has been working an undercover case for nine long months. The FBI wants the goods on a few high-level Russian mafia guys that have been evading them for years. Her “job” as PA to nightclub owner/shady douchebag Declan Reid is finally starting to pay off. Big problem; It’s leading her to Matthews Tech, the company owned by her ex-boyfriend’s father. Bigger problem; the recent death of Matthews senior has now put the company in the hands of, you guessed it, his son Connor, aka the ex. It’s been ten years since he broke her heart but she remembers every last detail of their time together. And she’s still confused about why he just up and walked out on her. Seeing Connor causes Olivia’s feelings to go haywire; anger over what he did to her ten years ago, surprise to see him associating with scum like her “boss” Declan, and a familiar lust she thought she’d said good riddance to. The last place she ever figured to meet up with him is smack dab in the middle of this dangerous undercover operation. Is he involved? Where has he been for the last ten years? Why can’t she stop loving him?

Connor is back in NYC. Albeit reluctantly. His estranged father has suddenly died, leaving his corporation to Connor and his brother, Mason. Since Mason still has a few months left to serve on his tour in Afghanistan, Connor agrees to man the helm until his return. The last person he expected to run into is Olivia. Just the sight of the gorgeous woman who broke his heart all those years ago has his brain completely muddled. Wait…what? Approach the bench, counselors. I thought HE broke HER heart! Now Connor is saying SHE broke HIS heart? So naturally, Connor has a few questions of his own. Why is Olivia working as a PA to this sketchy douche, Declan? Exactly what kind of deal did his father get into with the guy? More importantly, is Olivia involved? His ex-Marine/hired gun instincts are screaming Foul! But he needs to play along if only to make sure Olivia is safe.

Olivia and Connor are strong, well-developed characters. Olivia is an intelligent, kick-ass woman able to take care of herself without compromising her femininity. Connor is a tough-as-nails soldier bound and determined to do the right thing, yet he isn’t so stubborn as to let his pride take over. Even after ten years apart their chemistry is explosive. Their romance is believable and just angsty enough to make you squirm. There are more than a few secrets and lies going down between these two. But bottom line, Olivia and Connor are damn hot together!

Buried Lies delves deep into the intrigue and suspense, and it does it well. Covert weapons development, shady corporate dealings, blackmail, murder, you name it. If that isn’t enough, the circumstances under which Olivia and Connor split up ten years ago will also have you guessing. Ms. Sahin tells this story via first person, dual point of view. And it works Oh So Well! She shuttles us back and forth between Olivia and Connor, doling out info on a need-to-know basis. We know just as much as Olivia and Connor know at any given time. And the fact that we are living in both of their heads makes for damn interesting reading! I’m definitely going to have to go back and read the first two books in the Hidden Truths series.

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Hidden Truths Series

Silenced Memories, Book #1

Innocence & Betrayal, Book #2