The Way You Lie (Isle of Kala Book 1) by Crea Reitan
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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 10, 2025
Sometimes a happy ending comes with heartbreak.
Falling in love with my father’s best friend wasn’t on my to-do list. Yes, he’s hot. Sure, I’ve been flirting with him since I was sixteen. Of course I’d be down for a little fun.
When Laiken begins returning my flirting, things get heated. It was supposed to be sexy fun and nothing more. We weren’t planning on making this a forever thing.
But falling in love isn’t a choice.
As it turns out, not everyone agrees and sometimes disapproval is loud, painful, and heartbreaking.
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This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
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REVIEW: Crea Reitan’s “The Way You Lie” is a poignant exploration of love, desire, and the heartbreak that can weave through relationships, especially when society threatens to tear them apart.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Isle of Kala, (which has appeared in several of the “For Puck Sake”) these two have had a will they won’t they/ flirty moments for many years.
The story revolves around Elijah (Lie) who finds himself drawn to his father’s best friend, Laiken. This attraction, built on years of flirtation since adolescence, evolves into something much deeper and more potent.
And Laiken, his best friend’s son (oh dear! That’s not going to go down well, I can tell you) he’s the bartender on the island. He loves the lifestyle and the island, he loves his best friend Nason, but the feelings he has for Lie, isn’t suppose to be there, he feels guilty…..
What sets “The Way You Lie” apart is its raw honesty. The story doesn’t shy away from the internal conflicts faced by both characters as they wrestle with the implications of their love. The author captured the essence and the tension that comes with falling in love, particularly when the relationship is frowned upon. The highs of their connection made me smile, and the moments of doubt and pain had me sobbing 😭
The authors writing is so engaging, it made it so easy for me to imagine myself on that island, to witness this couples love, and the pain it brings them too. Oh…. And I need to see Lie’s crochet collection 😉 (IYKYK) 😂
I loved how we get to see a few characters from previous books. I also loved how Lie and Cash were there for one another (almost like brothers)
In summary, Crea Reitan’s “The Way You Lie” is a compelling and beautifully crafted love story that balances romance with the harsh realities of societal disapproval.
It’s a tale about desire, the pain of heartbreak, and the quest for love amid adversity. This was an emotional roller coaster (chocolate/tissues and a blanket will be needed!)
This novel is a must read for anyone seeking a heartfelt exploration of love that challenges the status quo.
Oh…. And the ending…. Was NOT expecting that!! 🫣
Copy supplied for review
Reviewed by Julie B🦋
Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…
When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!
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