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Lily's House #3
Your Eyes Don't Lie
Sometimes Survival Isn’t Enough Years of living on the street and fending for herself have made Makay Greyson tough and resourceful, if a bit disillusioned. She’s come a long way from sleeping in parks and scavenging for food. Her entire focus is on providing a better life for her young brother, one without fear of loss and neglect. That certainly doesn’t leave time for Harrison Matthews, who from their first meeting sends fire through her veins and upsets all her carefully laid plans. Makay has done things she isn’t proud of to survive, and those choices now threaten the small amount of security she’s created—and any chance of a future with Harrison. They’ve been raised in two very different worlds, and the secrets they both hide can only lead to disaster. There is only one chance to make it right, and one misstep could be fatal. Your Eyes Don’t Lie is a story about facing fears, sacrificing for those you love, and about a girl who thinks she isn’t worth loving and a guy who knows she is. All the stories in the Lily's House series are complete stories without cliffhangers. Reading all of them will catch you up with characters in previous novels, but you do not have to read them in order. Enjoy!
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2014
About the author
Rachel Branton
32 books70 followersTeyla Rachel Branton grew up avidly reading science fiction and fantasy and watching Star Trek reruns with her large family. They lived on a little farm where she loved to visit the solitary cow and collect (and juggle) the eggs, usually making it back to the house with most of them intact. On that same farm she once owned thirty-three gerbils and eighteen cats, not a good mix, as it turns out. Teyla always had her nose in a book and daydreamed about someday creating her own worlds. She is now married, mostly grown up, and has seven kids, so life at her house can be very interesting (and loud), but writing keeps her sane. She thrives on the energy and daily amusement offered by her children, the semi-ordered chaos giving her a constant source of writing material. Grabbing any snatch of free time from her hectic life, Teyla writes novels full of mystery, romance, and imagination. She warns her children that if they don’t behave, they just might find themselves in her next book! She’s been known to wear pajamas all day when working on a deadline, and is often distracted enough to burn dinner. (Okay, pretty much 90% of the time.) A sign on her office door reads: DANGER. WRITER AT WORK. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK. She loves writing fiction and traveling, and she hopes to write and travel a lot more. She also loves shooting guns, martial arts, and belly dancing. She has worked in the publishing business for over twenty years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 3, 2014
I wish I could extract the romance portion of this book and rate it separately. Without the romance, I would give the book 4 stars. The plot is fresh and engaging, and the main character is endearing, tortured, and generous. The problem is her love interest: he's a creepy stalker with anger issues and an apparent fetish for seriously beat-up women. By the end, I found myself loathing every moment of page time he corrupted. Thus, the romance gets a 0, bringing the book down to 2 stars. :(
June 14, 2018
Tons of Triggers
There's this amazing girl who had a terrible life, but is raising her brother the best she can. He meets her and it's interest-at-first-sight. But, she has to do whatever Lenny says, and he is a terrible person and calls a woman a b twice. I loved this series for its cleanliness even with the subject matter, but I'm not sure that I want to pay for the next books after this one. It was a hard read with infidelity, family/friend deaths, poverty, drugs...
There's this amazing girl who had a terrible life, but is raising her brother the best she can. He meets her and it's interest-at-first-sight. But, she has to do whatever Lenny says, and he is a terrible person and calls a woman a b twice. I loved this series for its cleanliness even with the subject matter, but I'm not sure that I want to pay for the next books after this one. It was a hard read with infidelity, family/friend deaths, poverty, drugs...
March 19, 2019
It was fast paced and captivating. I couldn't put it dawn. Makay and Harrison were good for each other - both made mistakes, but atoned for them and in the end made things right. The only thing I am not a big fan of is the instant attraction between the H and h, I usually prefer more gradual falling in love. But still, this was a great story!
Sensuality: clean, some kissing
Religion: none
Narrative: 3rd person, following Makay and Harrison (and once Harrison's mother)
Sensuality: clean, some kissing
Religion: none
Narrative: 3rd person, following Makay and Harrison (and once Harrison's mother)
August 7, 2023
Another good installment in the Lily's House series. This one has Makay, who we've seen before in Lily's actual house with her little brother Nate. Her trying to find her birth mother and Harrison trying to find his birth father lead to some interesting problems with her job. Some danger and suspense. Happy ending. Clean romance. I don't like learning how bad some kids have it but this is real and every kid needs safety. Let's help each other.
May 3, 2024
Makay was adopted at birth. But her adoptive mother died and adoptive father became an alcoholic. Makay had to learn to survive on the streets as a teenager. But she's worked as a blackmailer too long, and Lenny won't let her go. He refuses to let Makay live a normal life.
Makay struggles to take care of her younger brother, and wonders if she can have a normal relationship with the handsome Harrison.
This book is about healing and breaking free from abuse.
Makay struggles to take care of her younger brother, and wonders if she can have a normal relationship with the handsome Harrison.
This book is about healing and breaking free from abuse.
February 2, 2023
Great story
It gives a different side of a life lived with crime. Why would people get involved and not be able to see their way out of it. I'm glad things worked out.
I liked the main characters and the supporting ones also. My family was poor but never had to live in such terrible surroundings. I enjoyed the story.
It gives a different side of a life lived with crime. Why would people get involved and not be able to see their way out of it. I'm glad things worked out.
I liked the main characters and the supporting ones also. My family was poor but never had to live in such terrible surroundings. I enjoyed the story.
March 13, 2018
Awesome just Awesome
The book was just so Exciting to read I literally did not want to put the Book Down ! Definitely keeps your Curiosity Peaked can’t wait to read Her next one I’m starting it Now !
The book was just so Exciting to read I literally did not want to put the Book Down ! Definitely keeps your Curiosity Peaked can’t wait to read Her next one I’m starting it Now !
August 2, 2021
Eh....
This was my least favorite Lily's House Books. It still had a semi-nice romance, but even from the beginning, when Makay was shown to be involved with blackmail, it turned me way. I ended up skipping the middle part, just to get to the last chapter.
This was my least favorite Lily's House Books. It still had a semi-nice romance, but even from the beginning, when Makay was shown to be involved with blackmail, it turned me way. I ended up skipping the middle part, just to get to the last chapter.
March 18, 2022
Great Series
I'm so enjoying this series and getting to know all the characters. The stories are heartwarming and captivating. I loved MacKay and Harrison's story. These two were not expecting love and it hit them hard. Their story has intrigue and suspense as well as romance.
I'm so enjoying this series and getting to know all the characters. The stories are heartwarming and captivating. I loved MacKay and Harrison's story. These two were not expecting love and it hit them hard. Their story has intrigue and suspense as well as romance.
July 14, 2022
A Truly Twisted Mess
Blackmail, greed and complete self-centeredness are Lenny's good points. Read how he messes up many lives including Makay's life. Yet through Lenny's evil, good manages to prevail. You'll enjoy reading how that's even possible.
Blackmail, greed and complete self-centeredness are Lenny's good points. Read how he messes up many lives including Makay's life. Yet through Lenny's evil, good manages to prevail. You'll enjoy reading how that's even possible.
January 3, 2023
an original tale that was most excellent.
This story was unusual and held me to the last.
Very well written. Edge of your seat thrill, romance, intrigue.
A great book.
Read it. You will love it.
This story was unusual and held me to the last.
Very well written. Edge of your seat thrill, romance, intrigue.
A great book.
Read it. You will love it.
April 10, 2024
Inconsistent
For a girl who is supposed to be street savvy, the protagonist is extremely naive and does stupid things. Though the book is clean, with words and actions, I just can't recommend it more than just for someone who wants a superficial read.
For a girl who is supposed to be street savvy, the protagonist is extremely naive and does stupid things. Though the book is clean, with words and actions, I just can't recommend it more than just for someone who wants a superficial read.
November 16, 2018
Wonderful
Another wonderful book in the Lily's house series. Easy to read, flows well. Kept me interested through-out. Onto the next book...
Another wonderful book in the Lily's house series. Easy to read, flows well. Kept me interested through-out. Onto the next book...
December 18, 2018
Enjoyable read
February 12, 2020
This one was very good! I'm so glad it turned out the way it did!
August 5, 2020
Not sure why but I just could not love this book. I felt like I had to push myself to finish reading it.
February 23, 2021
Like the author and contemporary setting.
December 24, 2022
Exciting book.
One of the better books I have read. Not a drawn out on one subject. Couldn't put it down. Recommend this book.
One of the better books I have read. Not a drawn out on one subject. Couldn't put it down. Recommend this book.
September 15, 2023
I have been enjoying the Lily's House series and really enjoyed Makay in the first two books, this third book, her story, really felt like a let down to me.
October 27, 2023
Years of living on the street and fending for herself have made Makay Greyson tough and resourceful. She's come a long way from sleeping in parks and scavenging for food. Her entire focus is on providing a better life for her young brother, one without fear of loss and neglect.
MaKay has done things she isn't proud of to survive, and those choices now threaten the small amount of security she's created. There is only one chance to make it right and one misstep could be fatal.
MaKay has done things she isn't proud of to survive, and those choices now threaten the small amount of security she's created. There is only one chance to make it right and one misstep could be fatal.
March 14, 2014
Can you imagine having to try to survive from the time you are a teenager? Finding a place to sleep at night, trying to feed yourself, clothe yourself, all while trying to survive high school? Now imagine taking care of a baby brother on top of everything. Life is not easy for Makay, but somehow she has made it work. It has not been easy, and not everything she has done has been ethical, but when you are young and trying to find your way, sometimes evil people find a way to take advantage of you.
This was such a interesting premise for a book, it was so interesting. I had no idea where it was headed and had me guessing the whole time. I really loved it! I hope that Rachel Branton keeps up this fantastic series.
This was such a interesting premise for a book, it was so interesting. I had no idea where it was headed and had me guessing the whole time. I really loved it! I hope that Rachel Branton keeps up this fantastic series.
April 22, 2014
Rating 3.5.
There is something really compelling about the way Rachel Branton writes. I was wide awake until the wee hours of the morning because I just could not disengage from the story, unwind and go to sleep. That said, there were just fragments of things that bothered me--things I felt some level of incredulity toward--not to the point of huge frustration but little niggling frustration, like how long it took such an otherwise honest and upstanding person to question her involvement with Lenny AND do something about it, the rapidity of the romance, that there would be no backlash at the end for...well...how things with Lenny turned out.
I liked this book well enough.
There is something really compelling about the way Rachel Branton writes. I was wide awake until the wee hours of the morning because I just could not disengage from the story, unwind and go to sleep. That said, there were just fragments of things that bothered me--things I felt some level of incredulity toward--not to the point of huge frustration but little niggling frustration, like how long it took such an otherwise honest and upstanding person to question her involvement with Lenny AND do something about it, the rapidity of the romance, that there would be no backlash at the end for...well...how things with Lenny turned out.
I liked this book well enough.
January 22, 2015
Such a great conflict! Makay has been on her own since she was about 12-13, doing anything to stay alive. She gets hooked up with Lenny who runs a scam blackmailing people who have given up children for adoption. Yeah!! He's scum. Makay has her little brother (6years old) to take care of and of course Lenny threatens her brother so she is stuck working with him. By a chance meeting in an Albertson's parking lot we meet the eventual love-interest, who happens to be the son of one of Lenny's blackmail-ees. Ooooh, twist.
September 18, 2014
An interesting read. I enjoyed the romance and the suspense. I just had a hard time with the main character. She was adopted, and had some hard times, particularly in her teen years. She stuck around to protect her half-brother, but she also got involved in ripping people off. She works with a man who finds birth parents who don't want to be found, then she poses as their long lost daughter and blackmails them to keep her identity a secret. I understood that she was trying to take care of her brother, but it was hard to admire her when she was so dishonest and doing something illegal.
May 19, 2014
this book was shared on my Facebook wall. I noticed it was a free download from Amazon. I figured I would give it a try since I haven't found a good book to read lately. I was certainly surprised at how good this book was my page 70 I was sucked in and consumed wanting to know what was going to happen and how this is all going to end up. The story was compelling enough to keep me reading all night and was well written I look forward to reading more books by this author.
July 24, 2015
This was a great novel! The story line was really interesting and not the same old plot that gets rehashed by many authors. This was very original and I was intrigued from start to finish. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because of the language that was in the story. The b-word was used three times and the a-word twice. I don't like stories with bad language and it wasn't necessary to enhance the story. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
December 10, 2016
Very good story
An eye opener about how some kids don't get the parents they deserve. The tales of Makayla's step-mother's treatment of her were very interesting. She survived, but did some not so good things to do so.
She is getting her life together when she meets Harrison. She is adopted, he learns he has a half-sister who was adopted. Are their feelings romantic or something else?
Snoop the dog and her little brother add to the tale!
An eye opener about how some kids don't get the parents they deserve. The tales of Makayla's step-mother's treatment of her were very interesting. She survived, but did some not so good things to do so.
She is getting her life together when she meets Harrison. She is adopted, he learns he has a half-sister who was adopted. Are their feelings romantic or something else?
Snoop the dog and her little brother add to the tale!
June 3, 2014
June 03, 2014
Rachel Branton has done a fabulous job telling the tale of Makay and the brother she cares for. Reading about the struggles and we will say 'misdeeds' she had done to survive was heart wrenching. The glimmer of hope with possibly finding her birth parents, and maybe love keeps the reader turning pages. You will enjoy this!
Rachel Branton has done a fabulous job telling the tale of Makay and the brother she cares for. Reading about the struggles and we will say 'misdeeds' she had done to survive was heart wrenching. The glimmer of hope with possibly finding her birth parents, and maybe love keeps the reader turning pages. You will enjoy this!
April 21, 2016
Of the three is this series, this was my least favorite. It dealt with hard topics, abandonment and blackmail. It also was on the fence as far as being clean. The characters referred too often to a wish to make love which made their relationship nearly superficial. Fortunately, the selflessness of the two and a rewarding ending helped.
April 6, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Fast, clean and nice little love story within. Knight and shining armor stuff. I recommend it. It gives a little view into a life less fortunate than mine and still can come out on top.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews