TL;DR
Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering is a gripping and twisted modern love story about an intoxicating yet destructive relationship between Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco, set against the backdrop of college and post-college life.
What is Tell Me Lies about
Tell Me Lies is a novel by Carola Lovering that explores the tumultuous relationship between Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco. Lucy, escaping her troubled past on Long Island, seeks a fresh start at a small college in California. There, she meets Stephen, whose charm and complexity draw her in, despite her better judgment. Stephen, burdened by a secret from his past, is equally ensnared by Lucy. The narrative alternates between their perspectives, chronicling their highs and lows through college and into their early adult lives in New York City. The novel delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the difficulty of letting go.
Tell Me Lies 6 Key Takeaways
Lucy Arrives at College
Lucy Albright leaves her troubled past in Long Island behind as she starts college in California, seeking a fresh start and freedom from her mother's betrayal.
Meeting Stephen DeMarco
Lucy meets Stephen DeMarco, a charming yet complicated figure, and is quickly drawn into a passionate and tumultuous relationship.
Stephen's Hidden Past
Stephen grapples with a buried incident from his past that threatens his future and fuels his determination to win and keep Lucy's affection.
Addictive Entanglement
Despite sensing that Stephen is untrustworthy, Lucy becomes increasingly entangled in their toxic relationship, which has unforeseen consequences for both.
Post-College Life in New York
The story follows Lucy and Stephen into their post-college lives in New York City, where their relationship continues to evolve and unravel.
Lucy's Realization
Lucy eventually confronts her reality, makes amends with her past, and decides to pursue her dreams, symbolizing personal growth and the lifting of deception.
Top Tell Me Lies Quotes
- "You never forget your worst."
- "The one you couldn’t let go of. The one you’ll never forget."
- "Their addicting entanglement will have consequences they never could have imagined."
Who should read Tell Me Lies?
Tell Me Lies is ideal for readers who enjoy contemporary romance with a dark twist, psychological insights, and character-driven narratives. It will resonate with those who have experienced complex relationships and are interested in themes of love, betrayal, and personal growth.
Tell Me Lies Best Reviews
- "Readers will be enraptured by the unforgettable beauties in this very sexy story." — Kirkus Review
- "A twisted modern love story that brilliantly captures the exhilaration and dilemmas of young adulthood." — Parade
- "With psychological insight and biting wit, Tell Me Lies is a keenly intelligent and supremely resonant novel." — Booklist
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Tell Me Lies FAQs
Is the Tell Me Lies book part of a series?
Tell Me Lies is not part of a book series, but it has been adapted into an American drama television series by Hulu.
What is the moral of Tell Me Lies?
The story suggests that growth comes from lifting the veil of deception and seeing people and their actions as they truly are. Lucy's journey to self-realization and reconciliation with her past embodies this moral.
How does the Tell Me Lies book end?
The book concludes with present-day Lucy calling her mother to inform her of her decision to move back to California and pursue her dream of becoming a travel journalist, symbolizing her personal growth and reconciliation with her past.