The First Lie

Shadows of Deception, Book 1

De: N. H. Steele

Narrado por: Jake Mahler

One audit. Two men. And a dangerous obsession that will change everything.

Olivia Hart thought landing a job at Sterling Enterprises was her big break. But when a routine audit uncovers financial irregularities, she’s pulled into a world where nothing—and no one—is what they seem.

Ethan Sterling, the powerful and magnetic heir to a billion-dollar empire, quickly becomes fixated on Olivia. His attention is intense, relentless… and impossible to ignore. What begins as unease soon turns into something far more complicated as Olivia is drawn deeper into his world of power, control, and desire.

At home, her husband offers stability—but even that begins to crack under the weight of secrets she can’t explain.

Caught between two men and a web of lies that grows more dangerous by the day, Olivia must navigate a path where trust is fragile, loyalty is tested, and every choice has consequences.

As the truth begins to unravel, Olivia is forced to confront what she really wants… and what she’s willing to risk to get it.

A dark, emotionally charged psychological suspense filled with obsession, betrayal, and impossible choices.

The First Lie is Book 1 in the Shadows of Deception trilogy and ends on a dramatic cliffhanger. The story continues in Book 2.

©2025 Melissa Marie Sovak (P)2026 A Novel Idea Publishing, LLC

Some people can’t tolerate rejection

The book was a great psychological thriller. The plot was good and full of twisted suspense. Very disappointed to get to the end unless you get book # 2… you are left hanging with no closure.

Wild

Love the story line and unexpected ending. I can’t wait for the second book to hear what happens to Ethan and Livy

It Was Free

I guess it was okay for free. It was very repetitive in parts and could have easily been written as a short story. The narrator's voice made Ethan sound like a cartoon villain. I couldn't take him seriously. When I realized he was meant to be a billionaire hearththob, it made me laugh. This book had potential, but I don't know if I'll be coming back for part 2.

Too long and repetitive

I thought this book had potential and maybe the next one will be better. It was way too long, and all three characters had to weigh in to give at least one full chapter to the same incident or exchange. This happened all the way through the book. I kept thinking I’ve already heard this… Lol…

Also, there is no ending because there’s a book 2 in process…..no closure to anything. It just stops.

Very weak female lead

There no way someone could be as weak as Olivia, I couldn't understand what Ethan saw in her, although she was easily controlled.