A review by melstylensubstance
The Liar's Reckoning by August Jones

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Wow. What a story!  

First off, I have to say that the author was transparent about how difficult this book was to write. It’s the 4th book in a series, and this relationship apparently was built up in the first books. Thus, when the American political climate went to hell in a hand basket, the planned story became a landmine. But I can confidently say, the author struck an excellent balance in not compromising the closeted gay Republican Senator, Graham, having an affair with a gay escort, Silas. 

First Graham, because he is FASCINATING. The background character development, which let you see how his upbringing, familial relationships, and general niavete shaped how he was in the world. Very privileged, sheltered, and selfish. He didn’t even realize how sheltered and selfish he was until he met Silas. I had loads of empathy for this guy. Silas called him puppy, and it was an apt nickname in so many ways. 

Silas was a bit of a jerk. But, idk - it worked?  He had no problem telling it like it is, holding a mirror up to Graham and asking him tough questions to consider how political actions and decisions had big impacts he couldn’t even see - because he was the opposite of worldly. And Silas knew too much of the world. And he really got f’ed over. I’m surprised that he even considered staying with Graham. 

This is a book that I went to sleep thinking about and woke up thinking about. It’s been a while since that’s happened. 

So - mind the content warnings and be prepared for lots of explicit scenes, but the emotion and angst were top notch.