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bwagner's review against another edition
5.0
Compulsive (Liar Duet Book 1) by Lia Fairchild is a mystery-romance book that I couldn't put down once I started it. This is my first book by this author and I loved it! I can't wait to read the second book in this series! I loved her writing style. It was easy flowing and it pulled me in from the first word. Her characters took me on an emotional roller coaster ride that made me cry one minute, laugh the next and simply feel compassion. There are a few twists and turns in this story that you won't see coming but they will keep you reading. This story is about a woman named Gray. She is some problems but the main one is, she is a constant lair. It has caused her to almost lose her job so she has to do therapy in order to return. This is where she meets Daniel. Her previous therapist drops her and she manages to convince Daniel to take her on as a patient. This is where the story really starts. Gray takes us on a journey of healing, romance and facing the cold facts of her life. I love both of these characters, they are connectable and true to life. They pulled me into their lives with ease and kept me there until the end. Gray has so many mental issues that it is just so sad. She doesn't seem to know how to deal with her problems which is causing her behavior. Daniel is the therapist that is kind of a mystery because we don't get to really know a lot about him. He does care about her and there is no doubt an attraction between them. Will he be able to get to the root of Gray's problems? This story is a soul baring and heartbreaking. It will pull at your heart strings one minute and a little angry the next. The secondary characters in this story are lovable as well. They help make this story engaging and at times seem to pull this story together. I highly recommend you read this story. It is an emotional journey of one woman you don't want to miss!
shannonlovesbooksandreading's review against another edition
4.0
Wow if ever a character showed growth and development it is totally Gray. She is a struggling young adult with a tragically sad past. At the beginning of the story Gray lets her past define her. Through the help of a therapist or two she begins to learn how to let go. Her journey to becoming a whole woman doesn’t really start until more than half way through the story. But you can definitely see the change in her by the end of the book.
Lia Fairchild writes an intriguing story. At first I thought it was a mental illness kind of story but then we are given the details that makes Gray who she is and how her past shaped her. That same sad past did actually mess with not only her mind but her heart as well. I am still not sure how I feel about Daniel…Dr. Harrison. Or even Nathan. Or Gray’s own father. Wow I just realized the men in Gray’s life aren’t that awesome! Which makes Gray that much stronger.
The old saying “If you love something set it free, if it comes back, it’s yours. If it doesn’t it never was.” Reminds me of everything that is Gray and Daniel.
Looking forward to reading part two, Liar. Can only imagine where Fairchild will take Gray in the next book!
Lia Fairchild writes an intriguing story. At first I thought it was a mental illness kind of story but then we are given the details that makes Gray who she is and how her past shaped her. That same sad past did actually mess with not only her mind but her heart as well. I am still not sure how I feel about Daniel…Dr. Harrison. Or even Nathan. Or Gray’s own father. Wow I just realized the men in Gray’s life aren’t that awesome! Which makes Gray that much stronger.
The old saying “If you love something set it free, if it comes back, it’s yours. If it doesn’t it never was.” Reminds me of everything that is Gray and Daniel.
Looking forward to reading part two, Liar. Can only imagine where Fairchild will take Gray in the next book!
angelahayes's review against another edition
5.0
5 Stars
Compulsive is the first book in the Liar series by Lia Fairchild. WOW, this book is amazing!!! I don’t know how I have not discovered this author, or this book before now! It was recommended to me by a friend who said it was fantastic and a ‘must read’, but as I had not heard of the author before I wasn’t sure what I would find between the covers. But my friends glowing recommendation, the beautiful cover, and the intriguing blurb soon had me embarking on a very captivating, beautiful, emotional, and touching story. From the moment I opened it I was transfixed, I couldn’t put it down and ended up devouring it over the course of an afternoon.
The story is all about re-discovering yourself, overcoming grief/loss/pain, finding love- and so much more. I don’t think there is any way I can convey the beautiful story without giving away spoilers. And there is no way my meagre words can really do this book the justice it deserves. All I can say is that if you haven’t read this book, or this truly talented author- then I feel you are really missing out.
Ms. Fairchild has impressed me with her wonderfully descriptive, emotive, seemingly effortless and engaging style. Her attention to detail, well-developed and dynamic storyline, complex and endearing characters, and her masterful ability to convey moods and emotion, make this an irresistible and addictive read.
I really recommend reading Gray and Daniels story. But be prepared for a roller coaster ride of highs and lows as this story will rip your heart out one minute, before piecing you back together again. This story continues into book two, which is already released so you won’t have to wait to continue on.
It’s well worth your time and money. You are sure to love it as much as I did!
Thank you, Ms. Fairchild!
Compulsive is the first book in the Liar series by Lia Fairchild. WOW, this book is amazing!!! I don’t know how I have not discovered this author, or this book before now! It was recommended to me by a friend who said it was fantastic and a ‘must read’, but as I had not heard of the author before I wasn’t sure what I would find between the covers. But my friends glowing recommendation, the beautiful cover, and the intriguing blurb soon had me embarking on a very captivating, beautiful, emotional, and touching story. From the moment I opened it I was transfixed, I couldn’t put it down and ended up devouring it over the course of an afternoon.
The story is all about re-discovering yourself, overcoming grief/loss/pain, finding love- and so much more. I don’t think there is any way I can convey the beautiful story without giving away spoilers. And there is no way my meagre words can really do this book the justice it deserves. All I can say is that if you haven’t read this book, or this truly talented author- then I feel you are really missing out.
Ms. Fairchild has impressed me with her wonderfully descriptive, emotive, seemingly effortless and engaging style. Her attention to detail, well-developed and dynamic storyline, complex and endearing characters, and her masterful ability to convey moods and emotion, make this an irresistible and addictive read.
I really recommend reading Gray and Daniels story. But be prepared for a roller coaster ride of highs and lows as this story will rip your heart out one minute, before piecing you back together again. This story continues into book two, which is already released so you won’t have to wait to continue on.
It’s well worth your time and money. You are sure to love it as much as I did!
Thank you, Ms. Fairchild!
kirchersmiles's review against another edition
5.0
Compulsive (Liar Duet Book 1) by Lia Fairchild
5 Stars
Wow, I read this book in just a few hours because I could not put it down. There wasn't any major twists and turns or major drama, mystery, or suspense involved, but was simply about a woman who thought the only way to survive life was by constantly lying, even little white lies that wouldn't matter one way or the other, she just couldn't help herself. There was a continued mystery of how she got to where she was in her life and a few small twists you didn't see coming, but to me it was more about how she coped, and how she worked to fix it.
She was forced into therapy because of something that happened at work, and had to comply or she would lose her job. Therapy was not working with her current therapist as the lies just kept coming, until she ends up seeing Dr. Daniel Harrison. She feels comfortable with him and finds herself opening up and facing some of the issues that have been haunting her for years.
The few flashbacks that I got were perfectly placed and were completely relevant in explaining why Gray was the way she was. She had some traumatic events happen in her past that would make it hard for anyone to not have some problems as they got older. The secondary characters in this book were fantastic, well most of them were and watching all of them interact and play a part in Grays life was awesome. I really liked Gray right from the beginning, she wasn’t a bad person in any way, she just made bad choices, and I can’t wait to read the next book to see if her healing progresses and also to find out more about the doctors past, and whether there is any healing for him in his own future.
I sincerely loved this story, it obviously flowed well since I read it within a few hours and I can’t wait to dive in to the next part. This is my first read by this author but will for sure not be my last even after this series.
5 Stars
Wow, I read this book in just a few hours because I could not put it down. There wasn't any major twists and turns or major drama, mystery, or suspense involved, but was simply about a woman who thought the only way to survive life was by constantly lying, even little white lies that wouldn't matter one way or the other, she just couldn't help herself. There was a continued mystery of how she got to where she was in her life and a few small twists you didn't see coming, but to me it was more about how she coped, and how she worked to fix it.
She was forced into therapy because of something that happened at work, and had to comply or she would lose her job. Therapy was not working with her current therapist as the lies just kept coming, until she ends up seeing Dr. Daniel Harrison. She feels comfortable with him and finds herself opening up and facing some of the issues that have been haunting her for years.
The few flashbacks that I got were perfectly placed and were completely relevant in explaining why Gray was the way she was. She had some traumatic events happen in her past that would make it hard for anyone to not have some problems as they got older. The secondary characters in this book were fantastic, well most of them were and watching all of them interact and play a part in Grays life was awesome. I really liked Gray right from the beginning, she wasn’t a bad person in any way, she just made bad choices, and I can’t wait to read the next book to see if her healing progresses and also to find out more about the doctors past, and whether there is any healing for him in his own future.
I sincerely loved this story, it obviously flowed well since I read it within a few hours and I can’t wait to dive in to the next part. This is my first read by this author but will for sure not be my last even after this series.
jennadb's review against another edition
5.0
Compulsive is the first book in the Liar series by Lia Fairchild and is definitely one of my all time favourite books ever written and that is a testament to how good it is because I am hard to impress. Lia is a new author to me and she has not disappointed. She has written a story that is is so well written and completely relatable that she has blown me away. It is an emotional read that had me feeling sad and heartbroken, angry and happy and hopeful as I took this journey with our characters.
This is a beautiful and heartwarming tale of someone who is broken by past events not of her doing but how it made her who she is today. It also tells how important it is to find the right one that you know can help you to finally overcome tragedy. It is also about second chances and begin healing.
I honestly can’t say enough good things about this story but I will leave you with this, if you don’t read it you will miss out on a truly wonderful read by a talented author. I am anxiously waiting as I need to know what Lia has in store in the next book.
This is a beautiful and heartwarming tale of someone who is broken by past events not of her doing but how it made her who she is today. It also tells how important it is to find the right one that you know can help you to finally overcome tragedy. It is also about second chances and begin healing.
I honestly can’t say enough good things about this story but I will leave you with this, if you don’t read it you will miss out on a truly wonderful read by a talented author. I am anxiously waiting as I need to know what Lia has in store in the next book.
rooskie87's review against another edition
4.0
Compulsive (Liar Duet Book 1) by Lia Fairchild
4 stars
This was my first book I've read by this author and I cant wait to read the next one.
Gray is a compulsive liar, and is required to go to therapy by her job. As we get to know her and some of the past, things start to make sense. This book took a little bit for me to get into, but once it hooked me, I couldn't put it down.
Great story and looking forward to see what happens next!
4 stars
This was my first book I've read by this author and I cant wait to read the next one.
Gray is a compulsive liar, and is required to go to therapy by her job. As we get to know her and some of the past, things start to make sense. This book took a little bit for me to get into, but once it hooked me, I couldn't put it down.
Great story and looking forward to see what happens next!
hncald78's review against another edition
5.0
I wasn’t expecting this book to blow me out of the water the way it did. Every page held my attention. The characters were complex and real. The emotions leapt our from the pages. I simply couldn’t put this book down. Loved it and cannot wait to read the next in the series!
tracy_wilkin93's review against another edition
5.0
Compulsive is book one in the Liar series by Lia Fairchild. This story had a significant effect on me. It gripped me psychologically, and had me thinking hard and imagining what it must be like to live inside Gray's mind.
Gray's lies took me a while to comprehend or understand. I had to get my head around what made her tick. It was oh so slowly revealled and my gosh, it had me totally enthralled and captivated. Lia Fairchild released just enough to keep me on the knifes edge, waiting to see what would unfold.
Lia Fairchild produced a story that caused deep thought, uncertainty, confusion, a slow and intense build up of emotions, and perfection. I simply could not get enough. Gray and Daniel's dance around one another created a beautiful distraction and a blissfully satisfying read. It also kept me breathless for more. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Gray and Daniel. I am prepared for my mind to be blown. 5 stars
Gray's lies took me a while to comprehend or understand. I had to get my head around what made her tick. It was oh so slowly revealled and my gosh, it had me totally enthralled and captivated. Lia Fairchild released just enough to keep me on the knifes edge, waiting to see what would unfold.
Lia Fairchild produced a story that caused deep thought, uncertainty, confusion, a slow and intense build up of emotions, and perfection. I simply could not get enough. Gray and Daniel's dance around one another created a beautiful distraction and a blissfully satisfying read. It also kept me breathless for more. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Gray and Daniel. I am prepared for my mind to be blown. 5 stars
jayceeash's review against another edition
5.0
Lia Fairchild writes a beautiful story in Compulsive the first book in the Liar Series. Her writing style is so vivid and engrossing that as the reader you feel like you are in the story and a part of it.
It’s a story about a woman named Gray Donovan and her journey as she deals with a long list of personal demons. She has been dealt a rough hand of cards where she has endured years of hurt, betrayal, self-loathing and loss. Stuff that every human has encountered at one time or another in their life. You immediately feel for her and watch as she makes bad decisions that poorly effect herself and everyone around her.
Her downfall is as in the title she is compulsive, a compulsive liar who lies about even silly, non-important things. You soon see that she is just a lost woman that is trying to fill the voids in her life. With each word you feel the inner struggle she has going on and it makes you want to root for her, to empathize and sometimes even feel sorry for her. There are many contradicting layers to Gray Donovan, fragile, strong, serious, ad funny to name a few.
While seeking the help of a therapist, she meets Daniel in the waiting room and assumes she will never see him again. As fate would have it, due to circumstances around the people in their lives they encounter each other once again and the electricity between them is like the 4th of July. Gray quickly believes that Daniel is the complete opposite of her. He is a man who has it all together. He is surrounding by a loving family, he has a productive career, he is confident and handsome. As the reader we realize that Daniel isn’t so much different than Gray, he has his own personal demons and is just skating through them.
There soon becomes this push and pull relationship between the two of them. They are struggling between what their hearts want and what their head tells them is the right thing to do. In his head Daniel knows full well that he should be anywhere near Gray, but that’s doesn’t make it any easier on the magnetic pull he feels. He chooses the logical choice and to convince Gray and himself he tells her good bye. “One Day…You’re going to rise above your circumstances. You’re going to be a survivor instead of a victim. Your strengths will become assets instead of your downfall. Are you hearing me, Gray?”
While dealing with the blow and heartache, you soon see this beautiful woman begin to understand, find herself, and become who she is meant to be. You watch as she goes from being a “caterpillar” to a beautiful “butterfly”. She soon sees that threw the grey skies the sun can be found if you just look hard enough. Gray, “I started the day in search of peace and solitude. Or so I thought. Ultimately, it wasn’t the peace that comes from being alone that I coveted. It was the peace gained from clearing your soul of the toxins weighing it down, keeping it from soaring and opening it up to new emotions, experiences, people.”
Will that be enough? Will Gray find the peace she so desperately wants and needs? Will Daniel be able to live with the choice he made? Will fate bring them back together or will they be torn apart forever?
This book is for anyone that has ever had struggles within themselves, that has ever felt lost, hopeless, or a victim of their circumstances. It is for anyone who enjoys love and romance. For anyone that wants to have hope and believe that in time all things are possible. Bring on book 2 as quickly as possible Ms. Fairchild!
It’s a story about a woman named Gray Donovan and her journey as she deals with a long list of personal demons. She has been dealt a rough hand of cards where she has endured years of hurt, betrayal, self-loathing and loss. Stuff that every human has encountered at one time or another in their life. You immediately feel for her and watch as she makes bad decisions that poorly effect herself and everyone around her.
Her downfall is as in the title she is compulsive, a compulsive liar who lies about even silly, non-important things. You soon see that she is just a lost woman that is trying to fill the voids in her life. With each word you feel the inner struggle she has going on and it makes you want to root for her, to empathize and sometimes even feel sorry for her. There are many contradicting layers to Gray Donovan, fragile, strong, serious, ad funny to name a few.
While seeking the help of a therapist, she meets Daniel in the waiting room and assumes she will never see him again. As fate would have it, due to circumstances around the people in their lives they encounter each other once again and the electricity between them is like the 4th of July. Gray quickly believes that Daniel is the complete opposite of her. He is a man who has it all together. He is surrounding by a loving family, he has a productive career, he is confident and handsome. As the reader we realize that Daniel isn’t so much different than Gray, he has his own personal demons and is just skating through them.
There soon becomes this push and pull relationship between the two of them. They are struggling between what their hearts want and what their head tells them is the right thing to do. In his head Daniel knows full well that he should be anywhere near Gray, but that’s doesn’t make it any easier on the magnetic pull he feels. He chooses the logical choice and to convince Gray and himself he tells her good bye. “One Day…You’re going to rise above your circumstances. You’re going to be a survivor instead of a victim. Your strengths will become assets instead of your downfall. Are you hearing me, Gray?”
While dealing with the blow and heartache, you soon see this beautiful woman begin to understand, find herself, and become who she is meant to be. You watch as she goes from being a “caterpillar” to a beautiful “butterfly”. She soon sees that threw the grey skies the sun can be found if you just look hard enough. Gray, “I started the day in search of peace and solitude. Or so I thought. Ultimately, it wasn’t the peace that comes from being alone that I coveted. It was the peace gained from clearing your soul of the toxins weighing it down, keeping it from soaring and opening it up to new emotions, experiences, people.”
Will that be enough? Will Gray find the peace she so desperately wants and needs? Will Daniel be able to live with the choice he made? Will fate bring them back together or will they be torn apart forever?
This book is for anyone that has ever had struggles within themselves, that has ever felt lost, hopeless, or a victim of their circumstances. It is for anyone who enjoys love and romance. For anyone that wants to have hope and believe that in time all things are possible. Bring on book 2 as quickly as possible Ms. Fairchild!
pinsel's review against another edition
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0