A House of Lies: A Belle Hamilton Novel Book 2 (2024)

I was lucky enough to read all three novels back to back which anyone purchasing from now on is also able to do. I was hooked within the first few pages. Loved the books and the characters. Lots of original themes in the books and at times couldn’t put them down. I hope #3 isn’t the last Belle Hamilton book.

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of book 2, because book 1 Interwoven, was so intriguing. A House of Lies was just as good, if not better! All the characters are back with lots of twists and turns and family secrets that keep you guessing throughout. And yet, behind the mystery is an enduring and compelling love story of hope, self-sacrifice and family. I couldn't put it down. An amazing story by a talented author.

I swooped this book up the minute it was released because I have been dying to read it since finishing Interwoven months ago. This book was better than I had hoped for. It wasn't a long read and I finished it in one night. I only had a few hours sleep. I couldn't put it down and wouldn't have been able to sleep anyway if I'd tried.
I'm glad to see all the characters back and some secondary characters, like Grace and Jonathan (Riley's dad) had some more development. Glad to see Andrea back too because I loved his chemistry with Belle in Interwoven. If you are after a romantic mystery (and you've read Interwoven also) get your hands on this book. Romantic suspense with a dark, twisty plot. The best book I've read all year!

I loved book 1 in the Belle novels and book 2 did not disappoint ! Belle, Riley and Andrea are back in a story packed full of family turmoil and skeletons-in-closets. This book is an entirely different mood from book 1. It is dark, mysterious and full on intrigue. It didn't cop out on the romance either.
The author has gone from strength to strength with this book. It is not an overly long read, but that is preferable because it doesn't get bogged down in unnecessary chapters. It is short, sharp and action-packed. As for the mystery of Riley's mother's death, the answers are hidden in plain sight and still they keep you guessing. Masterful!

A full 5 stars from me.

I received this ARC in return for an honest review.

This story is fabulous I just about inhaled it. It is so well written, fabulous characters it is fast paced intriguing and with a romance throughout, this really is a book not to be missed although you will need to read the first book in this series Interwoven (which was also fabulous). This one is a real page turner so make yourself comfortable because you will not want to put it down.

I met Belle Hamilton is the first book and got to know her really well, I think she is such a wonderful person she has such strength and character with everything she went through to get on with life and still manages a long distance relationship with Andrea who is still in Italy. Belle has settled into life in the suburbs of Sydney working as a chef she still has nightmares and longs to be with Andrea. But when her father has a heart attack and she rushes back to her family home in Sydney she overhears a conversation and again her life is about to be turned upside down again.

This brings Belle and her best friend Riley together on a trip to Scotland to investigate the death of Riley’s mother in Sydney back in 1988, so many secrets so much intrigue did she commit suicide or was she pushed and why is nobody here in Australia answering any questions? Belle and Riley have a lot to uncover and with a mystery person found in the wilds of Scotland this brings more questions and heartfelt emotions with them but this story moves fast and with hope and answers.

I truly loved this story from page one and cannot highly recommend it enough there are a lot of emotions running throughout a lot of detective work required and the friendships from the past and new friendships all add to the journey as they get to the bottom of the tale, which left me in a happy place. I do look forward to more in this series as I am sure there is more to come. Thank you MS Montebello for a fantastic story one that will stay with me for a long time.

Belle Hamilton is the ultimate heroine - totally relatable as she find herself swept up in a new mystery and heart stopping confrontations. Meanwhile, love simmers in the background. Grace reveals her true character in this instalment....so many hidden depths. Loved it!

Another great book which cannot be put down

This is the third book I’ve read written by Michelle Montebello and I am still hooked. I’ve never read so much and so quickly. Highly recommended

Really enjoyed this book 2 of the Belle series. Twists and turns, intrigue making it a really good read