Little Lies

When Helena Hunting announces she is going to go back to her angsty roots to write a spin-off of one of my favorite series, you better believe I’m going to drop everything to read it.  

Little Lies is a fantastic mix of satisfying, slow-burning drama, heartbreaking emotions, and unresolved tension.

Little Lies Summary

Lavender Waters is the only daughter of Alex and Violet (from the Pucked series) and the baby of the family of six.  

A traumatic event turns her from an expressive little girl into an anxiety-ridden worrier with frequent panic attacks.  The only thing that calms her is her friend Kodiak, who is the son of Lainey and Rook Bowman (from the All-In series).  

However, Kody suffers from his own perfectionist and anxious tendencies, so their relationship becomes a co-dependency quite quickly.  

Turns out, it wasn’t a good thing for either of them and their worlds are torn apart.

Fast-forward to college and Lavender has finally been given some freedom, but she is living with her three overprotective brothers, so it is limited at best.  

Kody attends the same college and since he is best friends with Maverick, Lavender’s brother, she is forced to see the guy who not only broke her heart but continues to ridicule her so that she never forgets it.

Slow Burn Sports Romance with a Focus on Mental Health

Seeing the progression of Lavender and Kody’s relationship is both torturous and agonizing to witness.  

Kody lashes out when he’s hurt and Lavender folds in on herself, so that gives you a feel for their dynamic.  Lavender has worked hard to find her independence and strength, and seeing her grow into a kickass woman is the most satisfying part of the story.

While Kody’s cruel behavior is understandable to a point, I found it hard to read some of his interactions with Lavender.  Also, their turnaround from enemies to lovers seemed a bit abrupt for my liking, but it didn’t take away anything from the story for me.

The Pucked/All-In mashup with their grown-up children is an amazing concept and I can’t wait to see if Helena gives us more of their world.  

Personally, I am hoping for each of the siblings and cousins to find their happily ever afters.