Provocative (White Lies Duet)

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, I'm not sure if it the return of beloved characters or the plot line but I LOVED this book. It had the same feel as the "Inside Out" series and I cannot wait for the next book.

The characters are interesting and the book held my interest the entire time. I finally had to put the book down so that I could sleep. This book has everything that Lisa Renee Jones is known for,
AKA mystery, suspense, romance, hot steamy sex scenes... you know, the good stuff that makes you crawl back for more. I'm pretty picky when it comes to rating romances so I love that Lisa has never disappointed me.

If you're looking for a book that has a similar feel to the "Inside Out" series, this is the series for you. The characters are relatable and it truly captures your attention the second you start reading.

Seriously, just read it!

Like the story, will definitely get the second book. I always feel stupid reading Jones's books. It's not that I don't understand what's going on. They always so worldly that it takes me a minute to catch up.

Provocative is the first book in the White Lies duet series. This book is well written but there was just something missing. The main characters had no chemistry and I just couldn't connect with the story.

What a pleasant surprise this book was? Where is the beef because it is a lie:) The synopsis and book was on two entirely different levels. It had a good concept but wasn't executed enough and with an arrogant hero with uncontrollable intentions. I was enthralled initially but it fizzled to lose my attention completely as well as the book ending about 85%.

There are so many unanswered questions or lack of clear details for Nick's father being blackmailed, not a clear reason for such action. The h and h attraction to each other is in left field without hitting home base. Once again, there is a second book in this White Lies series. Good Luck!

I stopped reading 11% into it, so take this review for what it's worth. What a waste of money, it's awful. It's boring, slow moving, and the characters are uninteresting. I don't care what happens to any of them.

When I volunteered to read and review this book I was super excited despite having to make time on short notice in an exceptionally busy month.
I loved the way the characters Faith and Nick, played off each other. As a reader you are aware of the undercurrents and the author does well to build the tension between them.
You wonder how it is all going to play out when you learn that both of them have secrets that could destroy what little trust they manage to build through the course of the story.
And then the problem comes - the book stops. Ms Jones was convinced by either her agent or publisher to split the story into two books, a marketing ploy that some authors and publishers have been using to make more money.
While I don't begrudge the author her royalties, she deserves every cent coming her way, I don't like that they do this. The next book, the second part of the story, only comes out in four months so you have to wait until then, and pay some more money to read the conclusion to the same story.
Well, good luck with that.
I might have given the story four stars or more, but since I have no idea how the story is going to end, or if I will like the way the conflicts are resolved, it only gets three stars.
PS: I don't buy the second book when authors do this to their readers.

Decent book with an intense thriller like plot but ends on a ridiculous cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers, they piss me off and I think the author could have prepared us more in the earlier description of the book that was the case. Annoyed :/

DNF...I like stories that hook you in immediately and all you want to do is keep flipping through the story to discover what will happen next. I did not get hooked and the story didn't keep me interested. I got through about 20% before I gave up.. the long narratives between plot line was too much. I think this was done to build the angst and desire between Nick and Faith, but within the firat 20%, the attraction that gets so sexual so fast is overdone and tiring. If you're going to build angst, it should be met in a more satisfying timely manner.

The supporting characters build up the story, but I started to find them annoying as well. Seeing as this is a series and knowing it ended in a cliffhanger, I gave up. Sorry, hook me in and keep me interested all the way through. Reading filler words to make a story longer isn't my thing.

The story sounded good from the abstract and the lead characters had the potential, it just wasn't executed well.

4.5 out of 5 stars

I never really considered myself a fan of romantic suspense, but then again that was before I had ever picked up a Lisa Renee Jones book. My first LRJ book, If I Were You, book #1 of her Inside Out series hooked me from the very first chapter and from that point on I've considered myself a fan of the genre. Every single time I've picked up one of her stories I've fallen hook, line and sinker! I have devoured my way through series after series of her work, and I can assure the White Lies Duet is everything I've come to love and expect when I pick up one of her masterpieces. It's been at least a week since I finished this one and I am still trying to decide who I think is innocent and dying to know what happens next. You see LRJ is the master of leaving you always yearning for more. It's brilliant actually because it's a guarantee you're going to buy the next book because you HAVE to know what happens, you crave the truth - and the suspense - it's utterly addicting.

Faith Winter is an artist at heart but is stuck running a winery since the death of her parents. While she still mourns her father, her less than stellar relationship with her mother and the resentment she feels towards her are keeping Faith from moving forward in life. She hasn't felt even a mustard seed of inspiration and therefore hasn't felt the urge to pick up a paint brush in months. Add to that the bill collectors who are at every turn and threatening to take away her father’s legacy Reid Winter Winery and our heroine finds herself in a desperate situation, afraid to let her guard down.

Nick “Tiger” Rogers is a well known attorney who “rips the throats out” of his opposition. He is stubborn, rich and never loses. What begins as Nick secretly investigating Faith for the murder of his father and her mother quickly turns into him searching for her innocence and not guilt. But when all their secrets come out will they still care for each other? Can love conquer all, even forgiveness? I'm personally dying to know what really happened - who was behind the death/murders and their underlying motivation.

The sparks between Faith and Nick fly from their first introduction. Their chemistry is undeniable and what starts as a hard limit one night stand quickly turns into so much more than either one was prepared for. With each chapter the plot thickens and as always, Lisa Renee Jones weaves mystery, love, suspense and more into a wonderful story. I only wish I didn’t have to wait until July to find out the conclusion!

A hot romantic suspense full secrets and lies in new duet White Lies, Provocative introduces the reader to hot new couple on the block, Nick and Faith.

The moment Nick meets Faith his intended mission is swayed by his instant attraction to the blonde beauty. A dedicated and top attorney, Nick is the king at winning but he can see there may be more to the tangled web of mystery he at first thought he had solved about Faith. The digging he has so far uncovered involved Faith’s late mother and his deceased father. It is from this point that the story starts to evolve and the reader is sucked into this hot intense drama.

Faith is a struggling artist at the cusp of finding fame when she is forced to take up the reigns of her family winery after the death of her mother. It is at a charity event that she comes into contact with Nick and feels the explosive attraction she has for him but tries so hard to deny. The two become involved and their game is at first just sex and getting all this passion for each other out of their system but then hard limits become soft limits to then being so much more. Will the hidden depths they are both hiding become a barrier to the promise of what they could be?

This was an easy read to get hooked into from the first page. The reader is kept guessing at what the secrets are and what became of the missing millions. Trying to keep one step ahead and double guessing the outcome was out of the question as the author keeps the reader on their toes with the compelling tale of a family mysterious history and the heart pounding intensity between Nick and Faith was a game changer. There were plenty of hot passionate moments entwined between the suspense.

I loved Nick and his alpha ways but also because of the way he protected Faith and didn’t cross her boundaries. He was playing a gentle game of earning her trust when he sees she has always been her sole supporter especially since the death of her beloved father two years ago. Faith finds it hard to trust Nick but she starts to open up to the possibility that he is who he portrays and his intentions are the only very best for her.

I was a bit surprised by the ending (and yes it is a bit of a cliff hanger) as I thought more would be revealed before the end. However it was a gentle end so not too dramatic and teeth grinding for the reader. Not too long to wait for the gripping end either (which I am sure it is going to be) as the second book is due out soon. Overall an atmospheric sexy suspenseful read and a four and a half stars read for me.

“Dirty?” I supply. “Yes. It was. And I am. And so are you or you wouldn’t know what a hard limit is.”

Books in White Lies duet should be read in order:
Book 1: Provocative
Book 2: Shameless

Provocative (book 1) follows aspiring artist and heiress Faith Winter as she settles into her new role as an owner of a winery. She’s dealing some legal setbacks, pertaining to her inheritance, that has put her on the verge of foreclosure.

Heir, playboy and attorney Nick Rogers aka Tiger got his name for being a beast in the courtroom, but likely also from being an animal in the bedroom. Their chance encounter is very much orchestrated by Nick who has come to expose Faith’s part in his father’s death.

Sidetracked by lust they successfully negotiate a one-night stand. The story follows them in and out of the bedroom as the plot thickens with signs of a conspiracy. When danger comes calling it’s a race against time to uncover the truth, complicated by little white lies told…

NICK ROGERS, Tiger: 36 years/Heir/Attorney/$$$$/Dark hair/Dk blue eyes/Goatee/Tattoos.
Seven words to describe Nick Rogers, Tiger: Charming, enigmatic, cocky, commanding, nurturing, mature and worldly.

FAITH WINTER: 30 years/Heiress/Artist/Winery owner/Blond hair/Lt green eyes.
Seven words to describe Faith Winter: Private, non-confrontational, easy-going, naïve, smart, determined and trusting.

Provocative, told from dual POVs, is a sexy romantic suspense offering the very best of steam, mystery, character development and plot. In fact, it is my favorite Lisa Renee Jones to date. Looking forward to book 2, Shameless for the conclusion to their story.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

Secrets and lies intertwined with a love story, Lisa Renee Jones does a great job keeping her readers on the edge of their seats while making them fall in love with Nick and Faith along the way. I am not going lie (see what I did) I am more then slightly obsessed with Nick.

Nick meets Faith under false pretenses while Faith is just trying to keep her family legacy alive. The more time Nick spends time with Faith he comes to the conclusion that what he thought may not be true while Faith really doesn't want to trust the sexy lawyer who pushes his way into her life. The more he supports and shows that he cares about her she realizes it maybe OK to trust Nick - can they both overcome the secrets they are carrying with them.

I loved this from beginning to end - I wasn't sure if I was going to like Faith but the more we get to know her the more she shines through and well Nick I think you get it - still obsessed. Ms Jones takes her readers on a journey that actually happens in a very short amount of time and so much happens. Loved the Chris and Sara cameo we get along with the Rebecca reference at the beginning of the story, its interesting to see how Nick is part of that story. The secondary characters are intriguing and I know I for one was second guess most of them at every turn. There is a cliff hanger so be warned but I hope that doesn't turn readers off - this is so good it deserves a chance sooner rather than later.

Where to begin…..so the blurb is minimal at best. It really gives no clue to who the story is about, but I know that Lisa Renee Jones is a masterful story teller and anything she writes will be the perfect mix of steam, suspense and intrigue. I was not disappointed. The only thing that disappointed me was that this is book 1 of a duet and now I have to wait 3 months to get the rest of the story!

I am a big believer in spoiler free reviews, so I can’t say much more about the story except that you can feel the amazing connection these characters have. Even though neither one is looking for that someone special and there are secrets which have brought them together, as I reader I am rooting for them to fall in love. Of course I also want to know how their secrets will be revealed.

If you are a fan of her other books you will recognize cameo appearances of both Sara and Chris from the Inside Out series. I love the way she is able to bring back her characters in her new works.

Overall this was an amazing read that has me fully vested in Faith and Nick's story and also anxiously awaiting book 2! Lisa Renee Jones

Hero 5 Stars / Heroine 5 stars / Steam 5 stars / Plot 5 stars / Overall 5 Stars
Keys: Dual POV, MF, Intense, Good Pace, Part of a duet, Page Turner, Edge of My Seat.
#MSBB - I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

I’ve been reading Lisa Renee Jones since 2012. I fell in love with her Inside Out series when If I Were You was first published and I was done for with both her writing and her characters. In Provocative Lisa Renee Jones takes the reader into the life of Nick Rogers, also known as Tiger. He’s a hot shot lawyer. One of the best and he never loses a case.

Tiger’s new case is a bit different because it’s personal. He’s investigating his dad’s sudden death and has a lead that takes him directly to Faith. All the evidence points to her. Although Tiger hated his father, he won’t rest until he finds out the truth and puts behind bars the person responsible for his death. He just doesn’t count on Faith being who she is and how she gets under his skin. She needs help and he can’t help himself but offer her a hand.

Faith is clueless about his true intentions but he knows when she finds out, all hell will break loose.

Lisa Renee Jones’ writing is fabulous (as always). She has a way with words that enthrall and draw the reader into the world of her characters. The suspense that’s built in, and the way the reader knows what’s going on, yet the main characters can be pretty clueless about what’s happening around them is amazing. As a reader, I couldn’t wait to read what would happen next and whether Faith would find out in the next chapter that Tiger wasn’t all he said, or what her father said in the letter he left behind for her. Provocative is an erotic thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seat.

Reviewed on behalf of 2 Girls Who Love Books Blog
Provocative (White Lies Book 1) by Lisa Renee Jones had me feeling just about every emotion.
Lisa surely knows how to write very complex characters. Faith and Nick are just full of secrets. When it seemed like an answer to something was revealed, that was then quickly followed up by more questions about their pasts and their actions.
There were moments when I felt I knew which way the story would unravel, and then almost quite suddenly, the story would then move off into a totally different direction.
When this happened I didn't know whether to fling my kindle at the nearest wall, or just keep turning the page.
As you can probably guess, I thankfully decided to keep turning the page. I just had to know what happened next.
But as by the title, I was left under no illusions that this wouldn't end in a cliffhanger, but that has just left me agitated as I need to know all the secrets and I need to know them NOW!!
To give more detail about the book would probably only give away too many spoilers.
So all I can really add to this review is – Awesome job at messing with my mind.
Well played Ms Jones, well played…

Nick "Tiger" Rogers will rip your throat out in court, he is merciless if you cross him, and killing his father falls into that category even if he does hate the bastard. Right now, his prey is Faith Winters of the Reid Winters Winery. He suspects that she not only killed his father but her mother as well. However, it only takes a few moments in her presence to realize that the air between them sizzles. Now Nick has to struggle between proving Faith is a murder and wanting nothing more than to bed her.

Faith Winters is in the middle of a financial nightmare. Her father, who wanted nothing more than for Faith to take over the winery, died two years ago leaving the winery to her mother and then to Faith upon her death. Faith's mother died with no will and for some strange reason the bank keeps fighting her on probating the estate so Faith can not get her hands on her mothers money to catch up the bank note and all the vendor accounts. On top of that, WHERE THE HECK WAS ALL OF THE MONEY GOING! Faith had taken over running the winery and they were making money every month but what was her mother doing with the money, why didn't she pay any of the bills? And now Nick Rogers has entered her space, a space that is full, and she doesn't have time for him but he is persistent, domineering, surprising, infuriating, inspiring, hiding something, and addicting.

PROVOCATIVE: causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction, especially deliberately?.

When Nick 'Tiger' Rogers first meets Faith Winter at a gathering at her winery his intentions of getting to know Faith are one of deception he believes Faith has something to do with her fathers sudden death albeit a heart attack but as the plot thickens and there's more investigations by Nick you are left wondering did she? didn't she?.

Nick is a sharp lawyer, aka tiger and Faith is an artist who also inherited her fathers winery. Both have 3 things in common, the sudden death of their parent by heart-attack, Nick lost his father and faith lost her mother, both disliked said parent and both parents were cheaters.

Nick is investigating his fathers death and believes there is fowl play with the questionable written cheques to Faiths mother and Faith is fighting off debt collectors for unpaid bills that her mother never paid, both mysterious in their own way, Why was Nick's father writing cheques and why was faiths mother not paying bills when she had money? Mysterious.

Nick is the only one in this plot investigating his fathers death and all the mystery surrounding it while Faith blindly enters into a relationship unawares of the lies and deception and what is going on behind the scenes.

lust and love can allow you to be blinded by the truth, is Nick being blinded as he begins to fall hard for Faith or is there more to find out. Faith comes across as innocent enough, worrying over the winery that her father loved while allowing her love of painting and art take a back seat until her new found relationship with nick inspires her to paint again.

This is one of those stories that slowly unravel but still leaves you hanging and you feel like it is only just on the tip of warming up while doing so.

Pure curiosity would drive me to read book two in this duet, it was too slow going and lacking of drama for me to enter into it for any other reason so hopefully that will change.

Faith Winter is trying to save her family winery, which was her fathers dream. In doing so, Faith finds herself having to give up her passion in the process.

Nick Rogers is a ruthless attorney known as Tiger. He meets Faith in a seemingly random manner... but nothing Nick does is without purpose.

Faith and Nick's attraction may bring them together, but their secrets may start to unravel the trust they are slowly starting to build...

This book had a lot of nice elements of a greater mystery to be solved, intelligent characters and an interesting budding career starting for Faith.

Unfortunately, the story did not keep me engrossed despite the interesting plot. I thought there was a lot of repetition in conversations between Faith and Nick, and I felt their attraction was a little forced.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

I just finished Provocative by Lisa Renee Jones and I’m still UTTERLY SPELLBOUND!!! My mind is SPINNING from the suspense. I’m in a DREAMY DAZE. I can’t think straight. I’m still STUCK in this story!!! This story has not released my soul that is still swimming in a sea of suspense. My heart is still furiously beating out of my chest, racing like that of an Olympic runner. My body is going through the motions, directed by my brain that is still under the spell of this story. My mind is not mine. Provocative rendered me MIND-BLOWN!!!

Provocative CLAIMED and CONSUMED every ounce of me from the very first page.Mind racing. Pulse pounding. Feels flowing. Eyes wide in anticipation. Heart beating out of my chest. I felt the current of Provocative flow through me. I was HIGH on this drug of a tale and could not get enough of this FIX.

I was ENTHRALLED and ON EDGE as Provocative pushed me to the edge, transporting me to another world where I was held in suspense, left in a stupor. This story SEDUCED ME...word by word...feel by feel...weaving me into its scintillating spell. Provocative leapt to life so vividly, as if I were watching a movie my head. This story with its secrets and smolder bled into me; I was bound to Provocative. Hook. Line. Sinker.

Nick 'Tiger' Jones is intense. With his long hair and dark blue eyes, this rich and arrogant man is gorgeous...ALL ALPHA. This man is on the hunt for a woman who may be connected to his past.

I didn't want to even like this Tiger, but fell for Nick hard and fast. I LOVED THIS DARK HERO!!! This Tiger is tough on the outside but a little tender at the core.

Faith Winters is blonde, green-eyed, and a beautiful artist and winery owner. Her life has been based on lies and death has played a key role. Like Queen Elsa in Frozen, Faith is as bold as she is beautiful with strength in spades!

When Faith and Nick meet, there is a cloud of heat, palpable passion and a connection that feels familiar.

The Tiger is on the hunt, a predator about to pounce on his prey.

"Am I a friend or an enemy?"

"I haven't decided."

Faith, this bold beauty, doesn't trust anyone. Yet she lets Nick enter her impenetrable fortress, though she is still guarded.

"I want you stripped bare and not just exposed. Willingly exposed. The two are vastly different."

"And what exactly do you expect to expose?"

I lower my head, my cheek near hers but not touching. "All of you."

I SMOLDERED and SWOONED as Nick's words of passion and possession POSSESSED ME!!!

Nick won't stop until he claims the ice queen as his. Mind. Body. Soul.

"What's your sin, Faith?"

"I'm pretty sure it's you."

Despite the shield of secrets between Faith and Nick, their bodies are open books, smitten with one another. Faith and Nick's chemistry is combustible, an explosion of emotions meets the blazing of bodies. The only problem is that one or both may get burned.

Two damaged souls attracted to the darkness that both breathe and bleed. Secrets linger like bubbles ready to burst. Can two broken hearts heal together as one?

Explosive. Exhilarating. Emotionally-entwined. Evocative. Provocative is nothing like I expected; it's SO MUCH MORE!!!Provocative is smoldering suspense at its best! No one writes sizzling suspense like Lisa Renee Jones...NO ONE. Lisa Renee Jones flawlessly executed Provocative that ruled every piece of me. This breathless and brilliant book was EVERYTHING!!!

Provocative is CHARGED with LIFE — an EMOTIONAL EXPLOSION that detonates in a mind-bender of a book where you're rendered breathless and melting for more! This is not just a story but an immersion into another world. A world that holds you powerless in its clutches, daring you to escape. Escaping this enthralling tale that possesses power over the reader isn’t easy. Trust me…I know.

Heart-stopping sexy meets mind-blowing suspense in a story that will BLOW YOU AWAY!!! A shot of adrenaline to the core, Provocative is incredibly INTENSE and INTOXICATING! Provocative is PURE PERFECTION!!! I'm swathed in sin and smolder, POSSESSED, as Provocative will forever hold its POWER over me. I NEED MORE NOW!!!
❤️

????? 5 explosive and evocative stars

For the past while I have been reading more contemporary and sport romances as it’s the type of books I get most enjoyment from lately. I no longer got much enjoyment out of the sexy suspenseful erotic romances as they all seemed to be the same storyline over and over again and I found the sex scenes in them to be overdone. So when I was given the chance to read an ARC of Provocative by this author, I must say I was on the fence. I love this author’s writing so very much but didn’t know if I was in the mood to pick this type of read up. I am so very glad I took the dive into this one because once again this author did not disappoint.

Provocative is the first book in the White Lies Duet and I must say, what a phenomenal read this one was. Provocative is also a spinoff of the Inside out Series as we see a bit of Chris and Sara from that series in this story. I have not read that series and did not realize this fact until the very end and never felt that I was missing anything but must say I am not intrigued to go back and check that series out.

Faith’s dream was always to make it as an artist but all that changed when her father died and she was required to come back home and help run the family winery before her mother ran it into the ground. Now two years later she is struggling to still save the winery for her father’s sake and to keep it in the family. She is also now pretty much reserved to the fact that making it as an artist is not in her future. Things suddenly change for her when a mysterious and very sexy Nick Rogers happens to walk into her life and come to her rescue. But Faith is not the rescuing type. But knowing the chemistry between her and Nick is mutual and off the charts, she decides to act upon but with a hard limit, ONE NIGHT. Unknowing to her though, Nick coming into her life was not by chance, Nick had it planned and is out to prove something but what he proves might not be what he set out to do.

My first thought now that I have finished this first installment is… HOT HOT OMG FREAKING HOT. The author did such a fabulous job writing some extremely hot and very sexy scenes. Normally I just don’t get the enjoyment out of erotica books like I used to but I have to say this one was just WOW, that truly is all I can say. This one was off the charts hot and had me fanning myself to cool down and that doesn’t happen a lot.

Nick, OMG, what can I say about him that truly does him justice. He is truly your typical arrogant Alpha male but he’s hot and oh so cocky but his it truly works for him and only makes him sexier. But we also get to see the real Nick, Faith brings it out and he’s sweet and caring and oh so very protective, he truly is his nickname, Tiger.

Faith was such a strong independent woman and I loved that about her. She has had to give up what she dreamed of doing for the love her Dad and wanting to make him proud. But she has also found herself in a bad place with the winery and is determined to not go down without a fight to save the winery, something she has never loved. She could so play the damsel in distress and be woe is woe is me but she was anything but and I loved that about her.

These two together were perfect. Their banter, their overall interaction, their sexy times. It was all perfect and I truly loved the dynamic the author began to build between these two and then slowly developed it even further over the duration of the story. I loved when these two were together in a scene, I couldn’t turn the page fast enough as this book totally sucked me in and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next between these two. Also I must say when these two got together in the bedroom and the many other places it happened, these two totally rocked it, it was so very sexy and for the first time in a long time, I found myself looking forward to more sexiness to happen between them.

I really enjoyed the story-line and suspense the author developed in the story-line. This booked sucked me in right from the start and I truly couldn’t put it down, inhaling this book in less that 24 hours. And I must say now that I am done, I am chomping at the bit to get more of Faith and Nick, cause these two you truly can’t get enough of them. I am happy though with the way this one ends as I am now left counting the days till July when Shameless is out but it’s not a typical OMG ending that will leave your jaw on the floor and I like that the author ended it that way.

Overall a phenomenal 5+sexy hot and suspenseful stars that I truly can’t say enough about. It was truly a great mix of Hot and off the charts sexy, a bit of fun and flirty and some great suspense and drama. Once again this author has sucked me into her creative world of her characters and left me with a book hangover and I can’t wait to do it all over again with Shameless, I need some more of that Tiger!

“The best criminals are always the best actors.”

Beck Luche to Nick Rogers
Provocative

Kindle Loc. 2143 of 4261

Nick “Tiger” Rogers wants to take heed of the wise words of his PI, Luche, but it’s already too late. He’s fallen hard for the lovely Faith Winters — heiress apparent to the famed Reid Winter Vineyard in Sonoma County.

Rogers, a hot-shot, self-made San Franciscan attorney, initially approaches Faith convinced she’s behind the suspicious deaths of both his father and her mother. His convictions are immediately cast into doubt as Faith triggers the über alpha male in Rogers to surface — this Tiger wants Faith in the worst way. And he needs her to be innocent of murder — but is she?

Faith Winters really doesn’t want to run the winery — she’s an artist and an accomplished one at that. Reid Winter Vineyard is heavily in debt, and Faith is doing all she can to keep her father’s vineyard from falling into foreclosure. When she and Nick hit it off immediately, Faith is forced to face the truth of her actions and desires. Can she trust a guy like Nick with her secrets, or is she headed for a huge fall?

Provocative is the first novel in author Lisa Renee Jones White Lies Duet. First and foremost, this book ends with a huge cliffhanger — you will have to purchase the second half of the duet, Shameless, for any plot resolution. Is Provocative worth the read? Yes, if you are into a searing romance that revolves around intrigue and mystery, and is set against a backdrop of the exquisite Sonoma lifestyle. (Think Murder on The Orient Express meets Falcon Crest, with some sexy spanking tossed in for good measure.)

The story is a bit slow to start, but once in, author Jones excels at weaving a captivating tale. Told using alternate POV’s, Nick is well written as an alpha — strong in action, emotions — I connected with him immediately. I never fully grasped the character of Faith, perhaps because the reader isn’t meant to truly understand her motivations until the final reveal. We know both Nick and Faith are keeping secrets, but Faith’s character seemed a bit too elusive.

While the plot is intriguing, I found the pace of Provocative to be uneven. Secondary characters abound and it is difficult in some instances to justify the amount of plot spent on them against their import to the story (again, perhaps this plays out in Shameless). Additionally, some of the dialogue between Nick and Faith seemed redundant — I think with some crisp editing, this story would have been an absolute dazzler.

As it is, Lisa Renee Jones’s Provocative is a suspenseful, sexy tale — lush on imagery and sure to captivate fans of romantic intrigue.

Three and one-half stars

3.5 stars

Provocative by Lisa Renee Jones is the first book of a duet. I'll preface this review by saying that I've read, and enjoyed, everything that Lisa has published since If I Were You. With that said, Provocative was underwhelming and fell flat for me.

What I liked: Nick/Tiger and Faith have good chemistry and I like them together. The story starts off with a bang and a mystery is beginning to form with a good dose of conflict thrown in. Faith is a smart woman. She's experienced and strong-willed. Nick is a successful attorney that takes no prisoners. He's fierce and seems to be a loyal person. I like the dynamic between the secondary characters as well. I am looking forward to the next book. I hope that the pace is quicker and more happens and is revealed. But I also hope it's not all rushed and resolved in the last two chapters. Also, while Provocative does end unresolved, I wouldn't really label it as a major cliffhanger, more like a stopping point that we'll pick back up in the next book.

My issues: It's repetitive. Lots of phrases and thoughts repeated. The middle drags. Pages and pages...and pages of inner dialogue that seemingly goes nowhere. I'm being told, not shown, which LRJ rarely struggles with. That mystery and conflict that's so strong in the beginning, completely falls flat. The characters are underdeveloped for a full-length novel. They talk so much (so we're told), but they're not saying anything to each other! And their random thoughts, that supposedly mean something, are never revisited (I'm sure they'll be wrapped up in book two). Also, Nick and Faith's first intimate encounter was smoking! Then, it's like that one schmexy scene was checked off so no others were needed. I will say, I was glad to see some oral thrown in there. Detail is strong at first, then simmers. Kind of a let down. There are errors, but few. However, the misuse of commas is staggering. Soooo many commas. Then, when one is actually necessary, it's nowhere to be seen. This really took me out of the story. No one is perfect, but if there are multiple people proofing, the splices and overuse should have been caught. Also, there were a few continuity issues, which effected the flow.

Will I read the next book? Yes! Do I recommend this book? Yes! While I had my issues with it, I still enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more about Nick and Faith and the mysteries that surround them. I'd like to see Nick hand Macom his balls, and to see how things play out with Josh and Uncle Bill. I want more. More detail, development, dialogue, conflict, mystery, and sexy times! Bring it home, Lisa!!

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

Lisa...Renee...Jones. I am always in awe of these stories you twist. Provocative is no different. It is sexy and mysterious and will leave you wanting more (of Nick that is...).

It's been a while since I'd read the Inside Out Series, but who could forget that ferocious lawyer of Mark's, Nick "Tiger" Rogers. Alpha, of course, but when he decides to pursue Faith Winter to uncover her secrets, he is brought to his knees. Initially, his motivation has nothing to do with how sexy this bombshell blonde is and everything to do with how his father and her mother mysteriously died. But when he quickly realizes this woman is under his skin, his plan is thrown a curve ball. Trust is certainly not something he puts much stock in, being a bulldog corporate lawyer who has defeated some of the best in courtroom, including his own father, but he finds himself slowly gaining and giving trust to this woman. A woman so unexpected.

All Faith Winter ever really wanted was to paint and make a life for herself in the art world. Her parents always had a different plan for her, running their winery in Sonoma. It is certainly not her life's passion, but with both parents gone, she feels backed into a corner to save her father's dream from default. Nick Rogers enters her life in a whirlwind and in a flash, inserts himself with an air of permanence and protection she never knew she needed or wanted.

The chemistry between Nick and Faith is white hot, as evidenced by the pull she has on him from the moment he first lays eyes on her. Just the sight of her distress raises his protective instincts, something he's not quite used to.

I love that Faith has these hopes and dreams of her own, but it hurts my heart that she's hesitant on pursuing them in order to keep someone else's dream alive. She has so much artistic talent, yet doubts herself. I've known that feeling, doubting my abilities talents. But we all have to move past what others want for us and chase after what we truly want in life. Nick does that for her. His presence proves to be a fiery inspiration to Faith's creative talents. Sometimes love, or the idea of it, can open our eyes to new possibilities.

I swooned so hard for Nick. As alpha as he is, there is not one hint of misogyny. He openly encourages Faith's pursuit for her own dreams, and after learning he's become somewhat of a muse, he is truly humbled. Also, hello hotness!!! Who doesn't love a hero who is smart, successful, driven and a giver in bed?

Shameless, book 2, is the conclusion and comes out July 18th. I really want to know the secrets everyone is hiding and if there was foul play in the deaths of his father and her mother. Lisa Renee Jones has a knack for writing these stories that transcend the usual intrigue. Mystery and erotica are her forte, and she does it so well. These books standalone from the Inside Out Series, but it helps to read them first.

5 panty-melting starts!!

Secrets and lies to cover those secrets - that seems to be a constant thread in a book from Lisa Renee Jones, and when you add in some compelling characters and sexual tension that is off the chain hot – and you get Provocative. Tangentially connected to the Inside Out Series, in that our heroine Faith is an artist and known (and promoted quietly) by Chris Merit, the story plays with her desire / need to paint and her struggles to keep her family vineyard afloat after her father’s death, her mother’s mismanagement and subsequent death and her lack of available cash. Enter Nick, an attorney with a reputation that precedes him into every interaction, the body-.language and approach of a Tiger stalking his prey, and a deep desire to discover every one of Faith’s secrets, and just why she was responsible for his own father’s death.

From the start, the cat and mouse games in this story are strong: and it’s actually refreshing to see that the aggressor is ostensibly Nick, but Faith does step up (and in) to assert her own control – giving their interplay and banter a wonderful push and pull, despite all of the underlying currents between them. From Faith’s agent who has his own set of issues (including being the best friend of her ex) to the conflicting decisions from Nick as he struggles with the seeming lack of Faith’s involvement in a situation he is convinced was directly responsible for his father’s death, the bill collectors and a bank pushing to foreclose on the winery – the elements twist around one another like a Gordian Knot, each revelation brings another question or three while only answering part of one.

Clearly breaking with plenty of unanswered questions, the story captivates and provides plenty of conjecture, even as every earlier moment where you think you know – you didn’t. Riding the knife edge of tension, the unacknowledged emotions and the revelations that Nick searched her out (without telling her exactly why) should have readers finding him difficult, but his determination to keep her close and protected, even as he struggles with his own initial desire to discover her involvement in the death of his father make him a rather tortured but ultimately honorable man, despite the lies. A touch of the familiar in terms of progression and story unfolding, with plenty of hot steamy sex to bring the emotional tension and self-reflection to a head, the story isn’t wholly different from other and longer series that Jones has created, but an excellent example that will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning, wondering and reaching for a cold drink.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Provocative is FULL-SIZED novel and boy was I happy about that. This is Book one in the White Lies Duet series.
This is a sexy, seductive, passionate, mysterious and suspenseful romance novel that will take you places you never thought you would go. There is secrets, lies, seduction, and murder all that takes place in this book.
Nick made eye contact with Faith and it was immediate. Their attraction, their passion, their chemistry. Nick immediately started pursing Faith. Their meeting wasn’t an accident—he wanted to meet her because he has ulterior motives and he plans to prove Faith killed his father and quite possibly her own mother but when he actually meets her, he finds she is not quite what he has painted in his own head. She is sweet, she is sassy and she is innocent sounding/looking. Nick finds that he intrigued and aroused completely by Faith and starts to pursue her for a totally different reason than when he arrived at this charity event.
Faith and Nick dance around their feelings but by the middle of the book, they express their feelings by using sex. Also we see Nick not letting go of Faith so he goes digging into her past and who she is. Its like they are one way with each other , like they wear masks with each other , too afraid to let them truly show how they feel or who they really are. As we get into the home stretch of the book, we learn that Faiths mother had skeletons in her closet, things Faith doesn’t know and Nick is torn whether or not to tell her. Then we see Nick and Faith reaching a point about making a decision to make what they have more of a permanent relationship instead of a wham, bam, thank you type. Nick is on enigma – on one hand he tries to justify everything he has done up to this point because he needed the truth yet on another hand, he is afraid of what will happen if Faith finds out and believe you and me, Faith will find out. Tensions are building, what is going to happen between this steamy and sexy couple? Will Nick admit he has truly fallen hard for this sweet and beautiful woman? Will Faith finally be proven innocent in Nick’s eyes or will he end up completely burning her?

This book ends on an epic cliffhanger and I am looking forward to the conclusion. I cannot wait to see what happens between Faith and Nick. They worked as a couple and the suspense and mystery of who killed Nick’s dad is driving me insane. What a fantastic New Adult Romance for anyone looking for a great new read.

My rating: 4.8 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

I loved every single minute of Provocative by Lisa Renee Jones. In fact, it is my favorite book by her. It has secrets and mystery, seduction and steam, and a dominate hero and sassy heroine, which make it the epitome of what I love in a suspenseful romance.

This plot line is an absolute enigma, and, along with Nick, readers are trying to figure it all out as the story unfolds. There are so many players, so many secrets, and so many unknowns that it is hard to see how all of these pieces are going to fall together. Lisa Renee Jones, though, has laid the foundation beautifully, leaving me fully intrigued by this story and how it will be resolved in the second book, Shameless.

Part of what draws the reader into the story is the characters. Nick is this successful and dominate lawyer who has a vicious reputation in the courtroom. His name strikes fear into most, and yet, when readers see him interact with Faith, allowing them to see this softer and protective side to his character. He also is incredibly dominate, but in a way that allows control to remain with the woman he is with. He doesn't demand control, he earns it and only takes it when it is given freely, which is exactly what would seduce and entice a woman. I was completely enthralled by his character and his personality throughout the entire book.

Faith, while incredibly developed, still holds a lot of mystery. There is many facets of her background that are mentioned, but not revealed, piquing my interest in her character and how these revelations will play out in the second book. Even with these mysteries, Lisa Renee Jones fully develops her character. Readers know what motivates her, what her desires are, and what she dreams of in the future. She has walls and is closed off, but these insecurities and issues are explained. Even those she has these insecurities, she is an incredibly strong heroine for her ability to fight to honor her father, to get her dream, and to open herself to the possibilities with Nick.

I loved this book from cover to cover. The mystery surrounding the Nick's quest ensnared me from the beginning, the romance and seduction between Nick and Faith consumed me, and the writing by Lisa Renee Jones is spectacular, leaving me craving the conclusion of their story with Shameless.

Voluntarily reviewed an early copy.

A sexy, suspenseful mystery you’ll keep flipping the pages to solve. Once again, Lisa Renee Jones has drawn me into her addictive web of intrigue and romance.

With bill collectors breathing down her neck, Faith Winter is desperate to find a way to save the family business, Reid Winter Vineyards and Winery. After the death of her father, she gave up her art career in LA and came back to Sonoma to run the family winery her mother was driving into the ground. The winery was everything to Faith’s beloved father; something her father always saw as her future, though not one that she wanted for herself. After her mother’s sudden death without a will, Faith finds herself in legal limbo and in need of money to keep the winery from default.

After their first meeting at an event at the winery where Nick comes to rescue her from bill collectors out to make a scene, the fireworks between them light.

Nick Rogers, a prominent lawyer whose nickname Tiger is well deserved for his ruthlessness, has a reason for seeking out Faith. He believes his father was blackmailed and murdered, and that Faith’s mother was murdered as well. All roads seem to lead to Faith. Determined to find answers, he insinuates himself into her life. What he doesn’t count on is how much he wants her. Their chemistry is immediate and fast to burn. But with so many secrets between them, they will each have to decide if trusting the other is possible.

This author is the master of the hook. Just read that first chapter and you’ll totally understand. She draws you in, sets the intrigue, lays out the puzzle and dares you not to turn that next page. And it’s impossible not to. I flew through this book.

Nick and Faith are incendiary. Their relationship moves fast but in a believable way. Both are uncomfortable with relationships and watching them each navigate and rationalize being together brought out revelations about the characters that revealed more secrets I was desperate to find answers to.

If you are a fan of this author’s Inside Out series, there are character cameos from Chris and Sara, as well as a mention of Rebecca. This is 100% readable as a standalone; however, if you have plans on reading Inside Out, I would recommend reading that first. This series is a duet in serial style. So, it does have a sharp cliffy.

If you are looking for a smoking hot read with an unsolvable mystery, this is the book for you!

*A copy was provided to Country Gals Sexy Reads Book Blog in exchange for an honest review*

Provocative is book on in the White Lies Duet. Yes, the ending is a cliff hanger. If you don't like cliff hangers then wait until book two comes out to read this. Provocative is the story of Faith and Nick. He thinks she killed his father. She is struggling to save the business her father left her. They are both good characters and they work well together. Faith is very confident and forward in her personal life. She does keep some parts of her life a secret. Nick did not have a great childhood but he wants to avenge his father's death.

I really enjoyed the writing style and I thought the story really flowed off the page. The reason I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 is because I didn't get the emotional punch I was looking for. I have read other books by Lisa Renee Jones and they tend to give me both the highs and lows of emotions. I did smile a couple of times but I wasn't worried or upset by any part of the story. I'm thinking I'll get that from the second book.

I would recommend this book to fans of Lisa Renee Jones' work and to newcomers. I think this would be a great first book to read from this author. Warning, there are characters from a prior series in this book. I would recommend this book to readers that like contemporary romance with a little bit of mystery.

There are those moments in life that are provocative in their very existences, that embed in our minds forever, and sometimes our very souls. The change us, mold us, maybe even save us. If we allow them to, they control us. Seduce us. Quite possibly even destroy us. loc 50

Her message is clear: She wants the kind of escape I've just offered. She wants me to push her to go to places that consume, to leave room for nothing else but the here and now. No fears. No nerves. No emotion, of which I hope like hell does not include guilt. loc 1410

I received a copy of this book for review. (this review is also posted on Goodreads)

Provocative is an interesting start to what is to be a duet. I like the heroine, Faith Winter, she's smart and interesting. The hero, Nick Rogers (cue the Mr. Rogers jokes) is a typical alpha male: aggressive, a tad controlling, but interesting in his own right.

Faith is having a bad day when Nick meets her, or should I say, when he descends upon her with intent. Her winery is having an event when two sleazebags in suits surround her and try to get something out of her when Nick steps in and makes them leave. Apparently his reputation as Tiger is well known around town and it is enough to make the two men leave her alone. Faith has no idea who he is, but he most certainly knows who she is: the woman he suspects killed his father and her own mother. As the two journey into what starts as a sex only relationship, his heart is heavy with his secrets. And as the two start to fall for each other, I just cringed, knowing that when the s**t hits the fan, it will be ugly and hearts will get shredded when the lies and secrets come out into the open.

The suspense is what really drives Provocative. Faith is interesting, and so is Nick, but the suspense and the mystery is what I like most about Provocative. I will admit I had been hoping for more explosive heat between Nick and Faith, and was disappointed that I didn't get it. Yes, they were sexy together, but everything was a bit muted for my tastes. The scenes were descriptive, but not very, and I was left wanting after each scene. There was far, far too much internal dialogue and I found myself skipping some of it in hopes of getting to the action, not just of the sexy type. The pacing is a bit off, the first half is pretty slow, but in the last half things start to get more interesting when they start to admit their feelings, not to each other, but to themselves.

I am looking forward to the conclusion. I hope they can reconcile their feelings. I hope Faith will be able to forgive Nick for his deception, and of course, I really, really hope that Faith is innocent as Nick is starting to believe she is.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book received through NetGalley.

What an addictive premise. This powerful man, known as the Tiger by his enemies in court, pursues a woman he suspects is the culprit of his father and her mother's death. When they meet, the lawyer and the tormented artist with secrets and pains all over her soul, a dangerous game of trust, punishment and and lust ensues, and slowly but relentlessly erodes their barriers and opens up the way to feelings, to needs.

The author draws out every scene to its most exquisite stretch. It's impossible to stop at the end of a chapter, you just have to keep on reading to feed the growing hunger for more. The tension is so taut in every scene, with all those absorbing dialogues and mysterious, fascinating characters, that you have to force yourself to take a breath sometimes.

I feel really mesmerized and deeply connected to this writing style that plays with guarded emotions, secrets of the past and a mystery that could prove a woman, Faith, a murderess or a beautiful painter who's been betrayed too often.

And the crush is coming if she discovers the man she is breathtakingly opening her wounded soul to might be one of those who betray her. I think the perspective of the chapters and how often they change between Faith and Nick works amazingly well and it is so smart. Both Nick's undercover probing of her guilt or innocence, and how their emotions evolver are shown remarkably well in that fashion. The more he believes in her innocence, the more you fear he might be wrong. That dichotomy is so thrilling.

I loved the characters, she's smart, torn between her neglected art and saving the winery. He's arrogant, intelligent, vicious with his enemies, yet in tune with every emotional need of hers. Their interactions are both brilliant and utterly sensual. Steamy scenes are not plentiful, but really meaningful.

The investigation that he leads around her implication in a crime takes a vicious turn at the end, and we're left with so many doubts that I'm painfully impatient for the next novel in this duet.

(i'm happy to share my honest opinion of this book I reviewed on my blog Literaria for a tour)

: 4.5 stars--PROVOCATIVE is the first instalment in Lisa Renee Jones's contemporary, adult WHITE LIES erotic, romantic suspense duet focusing on attorney Nick (Tiger) Rogers, and artist/ winery owner Faith Winter.

NOTE: There is a slight cross-over between Lisa's WHITE LIES series and her INSIDE OUT SERIES including several appearances by Sara and Chris Merit, Rebecca's lost journals, and the connection to our story line hero.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Nick and Faith) PROVOCATIVE focuses on Nick Rogers search for the truth. Nick and Faith are strangers, never having met one another before Reid Winter Winery and Vineyard open house, but connected to one another through secrets, lies and a past shrouded in betrayal, mystery, and possible scandal. What ensues are Nick's seduction of a woman he hopes to destroy, and Faith's battle to keep the creditors from foreclosing on her family's winery and vineyard.

Lisa Renee Jones weaves a tale of mystery, suspense, betrayal and the search for the truth. Nick Rogers is out to prove that Faith is no innocent bystander in a series of events that unfolded months before but Faith's innocence or guilt is protected by a lack of information both to our leading hero and the reader, as well. The slow build up of clues, messages and research forces Nick Rogers to dig a little deeper in the hopes of revealing the truth-one way or another. In the end, Nick wants to believe that the woman with whom he is falling in love, is not the woman he suspects of horrendous crimes against two families drawn together by power and greed. The premise is dramatic, tense and startling; the characters are colorful, determined and energetic; the romance is seductive, provocative, and has the potential for emotional heartbreak and pain. Lisa Renee Jones's PROVOCATIVE will captivate and fascinate; seduce and draw you into a story of mystery, suspense and revenge.

Title: Provocative
Author: Lisa Renee Jones

5 amazing stars

I fell in love with Lisa Renee Jones' novels when i started my first book... the next ones only affirmed just how much i really enjoy losing myself in her books. So when i found out that she was coming out with a new series, i had to get my hands on it and find out exactly what's to happen, and damn. I think i exploded at one time! Faith is still grieving and trying to process the death of her parents as well as taking care of the family business when Nick shows up. The last thing she expected was the chemistry and attraction that exists between them, but Nick knows this girl since they've met one night for an evening he can't forget. The girl he met and the woman he comes face to face with at the winery may look and smell the same, yet soon enough, Nick is going to find out that he didn't really know her even though he wants all her secrets...

4.5 sexy dreams

It's the kind of read that makes you want it all. To find out all the secrets. To see if you're right, if you can guess what's going to happen. Most of all, it's the story that will make you want to know the characters, to find out who they really are and if it's possible to keep apart when there's so much tension between them. I couldn't get enough and selfishly, i wanted the second part, like yesterday! If there's one thing that i can truly appreciate from Lisa Renee Jones, it's her ability to make you fall into her books and forget about the outside world until you come out for air. I, for one, can't wait to find out what's to happen to Nick and Faith and will absolutely look forward to reading the next part because i still have so many questions that need answering...

*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books

Provocative (White Lie Book 1) may just be my first read by Lisa Renee Jones and it won't be my last, from the first page to the last I could feel the intensity in the writing. The sexiness, dominance and suspense it at a different level and had me turning the pages and not wanting to put this story down. I seriously want book two now and when I have the chance I need to go through my kindle because I know I have a few books by this author on my TBR list that I need to read.

In Provocative we have Nick Rogers, who is a successful corporate lawyer that goes by the nickname Tiger. He is well known and someone to fear in the courtroom and out. Nick is on a mission to find answers to his father's past, there is only one problem. The woman who he believes to hold all the answers is complicated in more ways than he expected. Her beauty, mind and artistic ability become his obsession.

Faith Winter has a past that keeps her in limbo, she puts her passion aside to take over her family's winery and she has kept men at a distance, not wanting a relationship works for her.
That is until a stranger seeks her out at her winery and from then their connection is felt and it seems impossible to resist him. He is a mystery that scares her but is their passion worth the risk of getting hurt or is she the one who shouldn't be trusted?

I have to admit that this story is intense, I can't stress how the dominance of these two characters oozed off of the pages, the sexual chemistry is felt and the suspense sends chills just thinking about it. Nick and Faith will have you questioning their intentions throughout the read. Every character is an added bonus and left me wanting to know more about them. I should stop now because I could go on and on and I believe this is a must read that will leave you wanting more. 5 Passionate Stars.

Nick Rogers:
A hot, take-no-prisoners, alpha male attorney -- nicknamed "Tiger" because he won't hesitate to rip out his opponent's throat. A commitment-phobic, career-focused sexual dynamo who's as powerful in the bedroom as he is in the courtroom. A man in pursuit of the truth about his father's mysterious death. A man who becomes obsessed with his number one suspect...

Faith Winters:
A beautiful heiress fighting to save her father's legacy, a historic winery in Sonoma, California. An artist who's willing to sacrifice her art to save her father's legacy from foreclosure after her mother's sudden death. A woman powerfully, passionately drawn to the Tiger. A woman with layers, consumed by a man determined to unwrap them; and, if necessary, willing to use them to destroy her.

Secrets. Betrayal. Danger. Steaming hot sex. A mystery, wrapped in a conundrum, steeped in an enigma, set in the wine, art, and financial worlds of San Francisco and Sonoma. Characters that draw you in, electrify you and arouse you in more ways that one. An undercurrent of suspense woven into every scene.

What's not to love? Absolutely nothing, except I want the sequel. Yesterday.

Provocative, Book 1 of the White Lies duet, is a scorching, suspenseful work of literary art. It is Lisa Renee Jones at her best (although her Dirty Money Series is still in the running). It is riveting, addictive, erotic and deeply mysterious. It also has one hell of a cliffhanger, but fortunately, book two releases in July. Given the set-up in book one, the second half of this story will rock your world and leave you hanging on every word from beginning to end. Do yourself a favor and read it now, then pre-order book two, Shameless, as soon as it's available. I can't wait.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

Lisa Renee Jones is a newer author to me and when a friend mentioned this book was available on NetGalley I jumped at the chance to request it-and I'm glad that I did. As someone who normally doesn't enjoy a cliffhanger it helped going in to this book to remind myself that it was a duet-and that I should realize that there would be more to come. After finishing this book I can't wait to read the next.

I'll admit this took me a moment to get into-and when I say moment I mean a chapter-but once I was in, I was all in. This book was a sexy suspenseful book (in case you coudn't tell from the title) of Faith and Nick. Each of them have their secrets and it's fascinating to watch it play out.

I don't want to spoil anything with this review so I'm going to say this: the pacing of this book was great. The writing was very strong, the chemistry between the two main characters was definitely there for me. I was fully engrossed in this story after the first chapter and was not ready for the cliffhanger I knew was coming.

I liked Faith and Nick a lot. I enjoyed the way the author let us peer into each of their heads; their inner dialogue worked well for me. I'm on the edge of my seat to see how the author will resolve things in the next book between them.

I really enjoyed this story overall. If you're looking for a sexy, romantic suspense story I would recommend this book. If you haven't tried anything in the romantic suspense subgenre I would say this is a great book to start with. It does feature a cliffhanger-which shouldn't come as a surprise since it's the first in a duet-but I still think it needs to be mentioned.

Mystery, power play, white lies and scorching hot romance all come into play with this new series by Lisa Renee Jones. The hero, Nick Rogers, aka Tiger, is a top corporate attorney bent on revenge against his father’s presumed murderer. Faith Winters is an artist running her family's vineyard. There is an insta-connection between Nick and Faith, even though they are virtual strangers. But their mutual attraction comes from a dark place.

Nick is an irresistible combination of tenderness, danger and power and he claims who he is, his enemies call him Tiger. He is intrigued by Faith, but he suspects her of killing his father. He is conflicted and angry with himself, his attraction to her makes him lose focus on his final goal, identifying his father’s murderer. But he likes a challenge and Faith is a major one. He has studied her and is biding his time. As they get to know each other, seduction and playful sexiness come into play, and doubts arise.
Nick is in deep and he can only hope that Faith is innocent. But even though they want to earn each other’s trust, he is deceiving her. Faith feels exposed and vulnerable, she is in trouble with her creditors. Nick wants to help her, he always takes charge of situations and wins. But he is more confused than he has ever been in his life, and so was I…

This story had a general atmosphere of deceit, mystery and secrets that I enjoyed. But beware of the cliffhanger! The writing style of Ms. Jones is utterly addictive. I never can get enough of her fast-paced, riveting stories. I can’t wait for the conclusion of this intriguing story!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley.

Determined to hold on to what is rightfully hers, Faith refuses to bend to those who insist on breaking her. Though she's had her share of pain and heartache, she knows there's a silver lining around the corner. She just has to find it. Her world is further tilted on its axle when she meets the enigmatic Nick. Everything about him pulls her in. Part of her knows she should walk away. That she should leave things as they are between them. It's difficult to do, however, most especially when he incites her innermost desires, making her crave something she never knew she wanted in the first place.

A wonderful start to what promises to be an exciting and quite titillating series, Provocative lands the reader smack-dab in the middle of Faith tumultuous life. She's had to deal with so much in so short a time and isn't quite sure if she'll overcome the adversities that keep popping up along the way. This is a woman who's been dealing with a lot of pain and heartache. A woman who's not quite sure where she stands in the world around her. Mind you, she won't admit that to anyone. Nevertheless, she determined in achieving an end to her own means.

I love the fact that this book is set in the world Lisa created for her Inside Out series. It's wonderful to see old characters mesh with the new. While this book is a tad different, in some ways, to her previous books, Lisa has injected the same fervor and love into these new characters as she has with the rest of her books. I can't wait to see what she brings us next for the White Lies series. It'll be just as wonderful and chaotic as to what she's already given us with these awesome books/series.

The title of this book is definitely apt because this story is provocative, intriguing, dramatic, and suspenseful! I've been a fan of LRJ since the Inside Out series and I was not disappointed.

Set in California wine country, the story centers around Faith, an artist who is left to run her family's winery after her mother's death, and Nick, an attorney who is trying to solve the mystery of his father's death. Nick soon discovers that their was a connection between their parents and he's set on investigating things so he puts himself in Faith's path. When these two meet their attraction is immediate and intense. They soon start a passionate sexual relationship (holy hotness!!) amidst the secrets and searching for truth. The two both have a ton of secrets and this is a thrilling ride I didn't want to end.

What I found so refreshing about this book is Faith's character. She's hiding some heavy secrets and, like Nick, she isn't looking for anything serious. Also Nick, aka Tiger, is an alpha male and has definitely earned his nickname. I freakin' loved him even though I wanted to simultaneously shake him and kiss him lol. LRJ has proven that she writes incredible suspense novels and this is no different. There are so many questions I want answers to and the mystery/suspense aspect really helped drive the story.

Please be advised that the book ends in a cliffy but I can vouch for LRJ and say that it'll be completely, 100% worth the wait! I'm beyond excited for the second book in this duet and know it's going to be amazing.

The author graciously provided a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Aspiring artist Faith Winter has had to put her own dreams on hold as she struggles to clean up the mess left behind by her mother in the vineyard and winery that Faith's father loved. When she meets renowned lawyer Nicolas Rogers, all it takes is one touch for both of them to desperately wonder what it would be like if they simply allowed themselves to let go and give in to the baser needs. All Faith will allow herself is one night, but Nick wants more. He's intrigued by Faith. But his attraction to her is just one of the reasons he sought her out. She may believe that their meeting was nothing more than them being in the same place at the same time, and Nick would prefer it that way. Once she learns what motivated him to find her, he may lose the most provocative woman he's ever met.

I'm going to try and not mention any other details than what I posted in the previous paragraph. Why spoil what's a really great read, right? Let's just say that Nick has his reasons for wanting to meet Faith. He's either going to end up proving his suspicions right or not, but he certainly never expected to be as drawn to her as he is. I loved the sexual tension between these two. It's as if there was no other choice but to become tethered to one another from the moment they met. I think they also both recognize that getting too close or giving in could lead to their respective downfalls. Neither one wants to be vulnerable, but that's exactly what happens when they're together--a vulnerability comes to light. The question is, will one of them take full advantage of it? Five stars for Provocative. ♥

Finding herself running the family winery is not exactly how Faith Winters envisioned her life looking, and having to deal with the very real possibility of losing her inheritance just makes the load heavier. Enter Nick 'Tiger' Rogers, a man used to getting what he wants. With a reputation for always winning, there aren't many people that would go up against him. As their relationship progresses, Nick and Faith will find that things are never quite as they seem, with things behind the scenes conspiring to muddy the waters.

I absolutely love author Lisa Renee Jones. She just has a knack for writing stories that are at once dark, angsty, and passionate, yet, at their heart, harboring secrets that, when unraveled, are uplifting, freeing, and utterly wonderful. I haven't read one of her books, in any of her series, that didn't draw me in immediately and keep me riveted as each layer was peeled back to reveal the pearl at the center. PROVOCATIVE is more of the same, and I was hooked from the very beginning.

One of the things that I love most about Lisa's writing is the intrigue, the secrets, the way that she surprises the reader time and again, as each little thing is revealed. As the first book in a duet, PROVOCATIVE does a fantastic job of laying the groundwork for the unfolding of the story between Nick and Faith. After the way that things end in PROVOCATIVE, I can't wait to see what Lisa has in store for these two when SHAMELESS (Book 2) releases in July. 5 stars, and highly recommended that you add this one to your TBR.

Nick and Faith met at her winery and their meeting was chock full of sexual tension. The author wrote their scenes so well that the sizzle, the spark, and their chemistry virtually jumped out at me. Nick was a successful corporate attorney, given the nickname of Tiger, to which he more than lived up to. Faith was a winery owner whose true calling was as an artist. They couldn't be more dissimilar, but it was evident as their story unfolded (and as we were treated to their exquisite banter), their differences weren't going to stop their inevitable connection.

Despite how fast their relationship was moving and despite them both trying to fight their feelings, love found its way between these two and I loved that. But there were so many secrets. I loved the way the author left me as clueless as her characters. As each secret was revealed, it was just one more surprise. I was thoroughly entertained by the way that I was led with this story. Each revelation, each private fact, and each public disclosure made me feel closer to the characters. Well to Nick anyway. It took me a while to warm up to Faith but I got there in the end.

There are still so many secrets to be uncovered and I'm eager to see what the blow back will be once each of them are discovered in Shameless.

Release Date: April 18, 2017
Genre: Contemporary - Erotic Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Steam: 4 out of 5
Book Type: Book 1 of the White Lies duet

Faith Winter was an inspiring artist with serious talent, until she had no choice but to save her family's winery. Unfortunately, her mother made a big mess of the finances, which has her struggling to keep it. Nick has come to the winery to find out what Faith is hiding. What he didn't count on, was the intense attraction he has to her, nor her hard limit of one night. That's all I'm dropping, as there is so much suspenseful goodness, that I don't want to accidentally give anything away, not that I have any answers at this moment, because I'm still trying to wrap my head around what I just experienced. Lisa Renee Jones is in one word, BRILLIANT! Her diabolical twists and turns not only kept me dropping loud f-bombs, but I'm still not quite sure which way is up. What I do know is that Faith and Nick bring the thunder of super steamy sexy scene goodness that will scorch anything in their path. My heart is all twisted up from the angst levels, especially with Faith's struggles. The final thing is that Ms. Jones is now on my list of author's trying to KILL ME, and if I haven't hash tagged her before, I do so, forevermore, crown her an #EVILWHORE, after that ending that I'm still all riled up over! Part Two CANNOT COME OUT QUICKLY ENOUGH at this point, so with impatience I'm already experiencing, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND this intense piece of suspenseful goodness to all!

Provocative was my first book by Lisa Renee Jones and I don’t think I could have chosen a better one.

It had everything I like – chemistry and an overload of sexual tension. A compelling and commanding hero and a strong and mysterious heroine.

I love a good guessing game and Lisa Renee Jones did a marvelous job of giving me some answers but not all, and so many things were still shrouded in mysteriousness until the very end – or not. It certainly kept me on the edge of my seat – which made this book even more thrilling.

The little glimpses I got made me hunger for more. More answers, and more Nick and Faith.

I thought Nick and Faith were a fantastic as couple. The pull between them felt genuine and palpable. Even so both had their own agenda and secrets that neither cared to share – they were both drawn to each other. A pull that neither could ignore.

The only drawback I could see was that Lisa Renee Jones’s writing style was very elaborately descriptive – almost too descriptive – which was something I had to get used to. There were paragraphs that I had to skip entirely because they described what the characters did in minute detail. But like I said, that’s something I got used to by the end of the book.

Book 1 kept me guessing – now I can’t wait to read the conclusion in book 2.