Blog Tour: Blissful Lies by Jennifer Brown-Thomas

Author: Jennifer Brown-Thomas
Publisher: Helm Publishing
Date of Publication: January 2012

Things are often not what they seem in the decadent lifestyles of the rich and famous. Life can be messy and at times people do what feels wrong, because in the end it may turn out to be the best decision ever made. A close bond between 5 lifelong friends, now of college age, find the limits of their relationships are tested when multiple secrets and lies begin to surface, which ultimately leave them wondering if it is all too much to move forward as the family they once were. Forbidden love, drug dealing, date rape, betrayal, cheating, and more begin to unravel the strong ties between friends. Can they overcome secrets which warrant a very difficult life altering response?



When I read the synopsis for Blissful Lies, I was really looking forward to reading it.  Sadly, it did not live up to my expectations.  This book just really didn't do it for me.  I liked the concept and I could see where the author was trying to go with the novel, but it didn't reach its destination.  I think with more editing and revision, this book could have been the book I was hoping to read.   I always regret having to write bad reviews, but I believe in being honest.

I could find nothing likable about the characters.  Addison thinks her husband is cheating on her and is devastated. Jackson, her son's best friend,  professes his love for her.  So, she decides to have an affair with him and they are all of a sudden in love.  Never mind the fact that she has known him since he was little and she is best friends with his mother.   (That added a big ick factor for me).  I couldn't blame Jackson's mother for freaking out.

I'm not sure if it was the editing or maybe it was my version of the book.  There were odd scene changes and time frames that made no sense   For instance, one scene takes place in the morning, then within what seemed like an hour's time, two of the characters are having dinner. Also, at times, I felt like I was reading a movie script turned into a book. The dialogue felt awkward and not realistic. The friends are supposed to be in their early 20s but they are often spoken to and reprimanded like they are teenagers. The book is labeled as a romantic thriller.  In a way, I could see why, but the "thriller' part doesn't show up until almost the end of the book with no sense of foreboding or indication that it is coming.  The revelations at the end were too far-fetched and unbelievable.

Blissful Lies has gotten good reviews from other readers.  So, I urge you to try it and see what you think.  It just didn't work  for me.  This book has been made into a movie by the author.  Check out the trailer below.

About the author:

At just 25 years old, Jennifer Brown-Thomas is a celebrated book author and movie director. Her first novel, Blissful Lies, combines both of her passions.

At the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, she presented Blissful Lies (the movie) starring Emmy award winning actress, Leann Hunley. YTINIFNI Pictures is working to bring the film to DVD and on-demand television this spring.

Jennifer is a married, Texas Christian University graduate and mother of one. Her newest venture, LBT Enterprises, is set to launch a fragrance, a children's clothing line and more.

Watch for more novels from Jennifer - the next on its way is Vindictive Grounds. In February, Jennifer will begin directing the film version of this novel. She says, "It definitely has more of the explicit sexual contact comparable to Fifty Shades of Grey."