Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering

Like many others I found myself binging the series, Tell Me Lies on Hulu. Imagine my surprise and happiness when I found out it was based on a novel.  I picked up a copy and devoured it.  The books is quite different from the series. No surprises there but both are fantastic on their own. The story is told in alternating point of views from Lucy and Stephen's point of view. Being, "inside" their heads created a deeper connection to the characters and made them more real. 

Lucy Albright moved from her beloved New York to a small town in California for college. Away from her mother and the betrayal she won't forget and can't forgive. College live is fun, she's making friends, going to parties and then she meets Stephen. Stephen fucking DeMarco. He isn't exactly attractive or fit but he is charming and ambitious. He is also a ladies man. 

Lucy and Stephen get into a relationship. It's toxic, full of lies and secrets. Stephen is a weasel and Lucy is naive and full of self doubt and insecurities, something Stephen uses to his advantage. Lucy and Stephen break up, make up and break up. Lucy takes him back time and time again. She just can't quit him.  This book explores their relationship with one another and others. 

This book is entertaining and so much fun to read. It's addicting and toxic similar to the relationship between Lucy and Stephen. Most of us have a Stephen DeMarco and thus we can relate or we've had relationships with men to have DeMarco's traits.  This isn't a love story. Your heart will break for Lucy, and you'll yell at Lucy and get frustrated with her. Stephen, is unlikable and will make your skin crawl. 

You will be left wanting more. I want a sequel or two!