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Jason and Ellie's book at last. But her name isn't Ellie.


She's a liar. He's a cheat. Nothing will ever be the same again.

Jason:
It’s been a long, lonely five years. I never stopped caring for Ellie, even after I realized she’d conned her way into our firm in order to get a scoop. Now that she’s back in my life, we have a lot to catch up on—even as the world burns around us, I’m going to find a way to prove she can trust me.

Melinda:
I’m not his Ellie. I never was. She doesn’t exist, and if Jason starts digging into Melinda the journalist, that won’t end well for me, either. But now that some of our cards are on the table, maybe I can use Jason one last time. For the greater good.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 2020

61 people are currently reading
341 people want to read

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Ainsley Booth

51 books1,738 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,512 reviews86 followers
January 13, 2021
ARC received for review

Ellie and Jason had an office fling back in book one (but we never heard about it). She leaves and now five years later is back. Someone is after her for the information she has and members of the Horus group help protect her. The demise of the bad guy that's been around for all the previous books was pretty anticlimactic and disappointing. Jason and Ellie were hot and pretty normal compared to the last three couples.

The author says this is the book everyone has been waiting on...not me I wanna know about Tag and his ex-wife who keeps popping up and helping in every book.
Profile Image for Tiblu.
1,255 reviews49 followers
September 17, 2020
I’m so torn. ⚠️ there will be spoilers ⚠️

Here I am saying I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it, that’s not what I expected to be saying.
“Hate F” came in to my life with a Bang,such an exciting start to a series. But this ? This is most definitely a whimper.
It’s weird, Jason and Ellie didn’t have much a role in “Hate”,it of course was completely centered on Hailey and Cole and yet there was something about the small by plays between Ellie and Jason that left me intrigued. Then when she just up,and left at the end I just knew ,I knew there was a story there . A story I was excited to read. I story that even as the years passed waiting I was still wanting.
Sadly,while I feel it was too “good” to give it less than four stars ,I can’t say it felt worth the wait.
At all.
Like any good romance there are secrets or lies or suppositions to get past. False hopes or dreams to deal with,but that moment of truly deep and meaningfuls where the couple finally strip themselves down and bare themselves in a non sexual way and start to truly get close,for me never really came.
We start with Jason off wining and dining and sliding in and out of charming his way in and out of places,when he chances upon Ellie.
The chase begins. At first the chase and their byplay and all the layers and lies were exciting and expected. But after a while, I was like get on w/it already,tell us and him how you became the person you did. Tell the story how you became soo hard edged and jaded. Tell us what you were doing all your time away Ellie. Let us in. Give me a chance to truly connect with you. Do me that never came . Information came in spits and sputters and never in some touching moment between just her and Jason . It was like ,I like you, who are you, I love you, your what?
Finally when we’re getting answers Ellie has to kill someone . Everyone assumes it’s in self defense. It wasn’t. But of course they don’t ask and she doesn’t tell. My dissatisfaction was growing as I neared the end of the story,I was hoping towards the end ,that even though it would be too little to late in some ways,I was hoping I’d finally get what I needed. Ellie is hurt. She has to recover at Jason’s home. I’m thinking ok,finally,finally we’ll get our deep and meaningful. No.
No talk of their future together mainly just sex when she’s able. Then in the epilogue suddenly two years have passed and their living together in California . What the what?
We’re left to guess what happened to Cole,Hailey,Tag,Wilson,the business etc. Zero,zip,nada is said with all of them. No goodbyes. No so longs, No farewells or anything. It’s just all over. What. The. Hell?
This definitely ends on a whimper for me. I once was bothered Tag wasn’t getting the story he was once promised. But after this ? I guess it’s ok. Personally to me it felt like the writer never regain her love for this series when she went off doing other things and this book kept being put off.
Can’t recommend but I can’t say stay away.
Profile Image for Lisa.
667 reviews
September 13, 2020
I feel like when you crack this book open, the "Dun, dun" from Law & Order should echo out of your e-reader. Definitely ripped from the headlines. You know the ones I mean -- juicy, licentious, too much money, abuse of power, secrets, game playing, escaping justice and lots of sex.

This book hijacked my weekend and I am oh so glad it did. It is relevant, topical and hot, hot, hot. Alpha men and strong women in and around the halls of power -- what could be better? Almost nothing! This was a fantastic read that I inhaled in two sessions with only sleep in between. Jason and Ellie have fantastic chemistry that moves toward a satisfying and well deserved resolution. And there are really great supporting characters along for the ride, helping them out.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and could not wait to share the love with everyone else. You NEED to read this book as soon as you can.
Profile Image for patrick Lorelli.
3,780 reviews39 followers
October 10, 2020
Jason owns a security firm and at one time had someone working for him by the name of Ellie. The two of them became attracted to each other and then she disappeared. Even with all of his technology, he could not find her. He did find little bits of what he thought was her but putting it all together would be difficult.
Part of the story is drawn from headlines or feels like they are. When you really get into the meat of the story you find that Ellie needs his and his team's help. You also discover more and more of who she really is. Who she was and has become and for all of the secrets and deceptions that she has told Jason he still wants to be with her.
The rest of the story has chases, who done it, intrigue, and more. The story moves along at a fast pace and though I did not read any of the other books I was able to keep up with this story and found it to be very entertaining and suspenseful at times. Very good characters and a good storyline. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at
www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Profile Image for Mar.
2,257 reviews44 followers
October 27, 2020
This was okay for me. I didn't read the previous books but for some reason it felt you don't have to read them to know what's going on.
Now.... this felt too documentary for me in some parts. Like there was so much information that were too similar of things that are going on in real life right now that I just... didn't like the feeling of "reading news"; but taking that away I still didn't enjoyed the romance. I felt there was very little chemistry between our MCs eventhough they had a romantic past, i just couldn't see them together.
Also, a lot of the plot lines or things that happened in the book had a big spotlight but then a few chapters later no one talk about it and that annoyed me!
Overall it was okay.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews93 followers
October 5, 2020
It’s been years since Ellie went undercover at Horus Group to investigate a story however her assignment became very personal when the chemistry ignited between her and Jason. She may have left with her story and with her cover, but she left her heart behind.

Years later she is back investigating another story when fate brings Ellie and Jason together only this time around, she needs his help. Not only do they need to deal with the past but with all the secrets in the present as well.

This story takes you on an action-packed adventure filled with intrigue, surprises and hot chemistry.
Profile Image for Ines (Bookstaroom) .
213 reviews14 followers
October 17, 2020
Nice, fast paced, not so dirty, romance (which is good!) about Ellie and Jason.
There were so many names in the book, all new for me, because I didn't read any of the previous books, that's why I'm angry at myself right now.

Anyway, I did enjoy reading it, but unfortunately not loving it that much.

Thank you NetGalley and Ainsley Booth for this ARC.
Profile Image for Katherine.
5,402 reviews42 followers
September 16, 2021
Really good, even though it’s been too long since I read the earlier books. A solid, exciting conclusion to the series. With insanely hot chemistry between Melinda and Jason. And a resolution, of sorts, for the nasty power players, aka “bad actors”.

Kindle
Profile Image for Caroline Abreu.
122 reviews30 followers
September 14, 2020
This is a long-awaited completion of a series from Ainsley Booth, originally called The Horus Group but renamed Forbidden Bodyguards. There's been other reconfiguring with this series, as when it began, back in 2014, it was an exciting intrigue, with interesting characters and a fantastic story arc that some early reviewers thought was outrageous and unbelievable.

Well, here we are. When reality met art, and things began to get a bit too real for all of us, it was particularly hard to read what these characters were experiencing. I think it was wise of Ainsley to take a breather in there and reevaluate the course of events, even soften them a bit for a gentler landing of the story arc and the characters. There's still room for epilogues, particularly with Tag, who never got his book in all this.

Nevertheless, here is the story I was excited about from the beginning, because I loved the characters of Jason and Ellie right off. To say that this book surprised me would be an understatement, I had no clue that things would go off in the direction they did, but reading their second chance and their movement from those filthy lies to trust and honesty was very satisfying. I won't spoil the journey, particularly for folks who have been anticipating this book for years now. But I will certainly encourage you to grab it with both hands and get to reading. If you haven't read any books in this series yet, they kinda sorta stand alone, but do yourself a favor and just start at the beginning with Hate F*@k, it's free on Amazon and you won't regret it.
360 reviews4 followers
September 14, 2020
I wish I could say that I read this series in order..... I didn't. However, that did not stop me from enjoying one of Ms. Booth's novels. I could piece together the past history and character storylines enough that I didn't feel at too much of a disadvantage. That being said, I am totally going to pick up the rest of the series in the coming weeks!

I usually do not go for the political thrillers, but the story is spun in such a way with such current topics, I was hooked from the get go. The storyline is based on a D.C. based group of alphas trying to clean up the messes of the political community. Whether those actions are fully legal and deserve to be cleaned up definitely falls in the grey realm. The main characters: Melinda/Ellie and Jason have a history where they both ended up brokenhearted. They suspense of the who did it, who didn't do it, and really did anyone do what you were thinking they did (seriously, it could be ANYTHING!) really keeps the reader on their toes. Throw in some drama, motorcycles, mercenaries, and love - BAM the perfect political, second chance love story.

As is the norm for Ms. Booth, you have some deliciously yummy scenes and great supporting characters. If this is the end of the series, I agree with others that say she wraps it up well. Definitely add it to your TBR list for 2020! I received this as an ARC in exchange for my fair opinion.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,154 reviews26 followers
September 17, 2020
Stunning political thriller with a hot, hot, hot romance!

Five years after she ghosted Jason, Melinda (Ellie) is back in DC, and despite her attempts to avoid him at all costs, their paths keep crossing at various events. This gripping thriller has a deliciously intense romance set against a true "ripped-from-the-headlines" plot that feels so real if only because of how it matches today's current events. This is all the more remarkable when you realize the author started this series (and overarching storyline) more than five years ago.

I was captivated right from the start, and constantly surprised by the twists and turns that the story took. If you're wondering which one is the "filthy liar" of the title, let me assure you there are plenty of liars in this post-truth world, none more so than those who are lying to protect the truth. The fascinating commentary on our current events was deftly interspersed throughout the plot but never became preachy or heavy-handed. If you like political thrillers, you don't want to miss this book.

The shocking ending led to the sweetest of HEAs, and I loved every last bit of it. I've read the earlier books years ago, but I'm going to reread them again just to put the whole timeline together. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Nickole.
1,513 reviews9 followers
September 15, 2020
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from Ainsley for giving my two cents. One word....H-O-T!!! We meet Jason, one of the top dogs in the Horus Group who still thinks about their receptionist that went M.I.A 5 years ago after having an affair with her. While "crashing" a party he sees a server at the party who looks like Ellie....but can it really be her? We meet journalist Melinda aka Ellie, who is back in DC following a lead that would show the true colours of some prominent people but when she spots Jason at a party, she hightails it out of there. She know what she did was wrong 5 years ago...she followed a story and lied about who she was. No one knows who she really is except for her lawyer BFF Carolyn. But when her bffs life is in danger she can only turn to one person...Jason. Jason can't believe his eyes and ears....finding out that Ellie is really Melinda Gray...the journalist who cracked one of the biggest scandals in the country....but he knows she is hiding things from him. He wants her plain and simple. Melinda wants Jason too but at what cost? What will happen when the truth comes out? Drama, sexual tension and uncovered truths keeps you on your toes!!
823 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2020
Oh how I've missed Ainsley Booth and this Forbidden Bodyguards series but it was worth the wait!

This book had so much political intrigue with a secret journalist and tons of other unexpected twists and turns. Ellie and Jason connected before when she worked for him as an assistant at the Horus Group. But as soon as things got really hot between them, she ghosted him and he became a changed man. It turns out that Ellie left DC for California and wasn't planning on returning. But after 5 years, she returns and immediately she sees Jason at an event and he recognizes her and starts to chase. This is just the beginning of the chase and lies. It seems that to survive in DC, you need to lie and be a player. The problem is, everyone is a player and everyone is getting played. This is one deliciously written book that takes you on a ride of intrigue, lies and secrets that permeate the government. And of course, Ellie and Jason are tossed together due to scary events. Can they get over the past and beyond their secrets? When they connect, they are combustible in the sheets! You won't be able to put this book down, it's that good!
Profile Image for Phoenix.
1,221 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2020
3.5 for this final book in the series that started with Hate F*ck back in 2014. I didn't realize it was coming out until I got the email from Zoe York/Ainsley Booth and if I'd known, I probably would have done a complete series re-read because it would have been nice to have a refresher.
As the author's notes states, this was very much a ripped from the headlines kind of story with many shades of Jeffery Epstein in Gerome Lively.
This story picks up 5 years after the 4th book and the guys of the Horus Group have settled into their HEAs - of course secretive hacker Luke has 2 kids with his wife that even his brothers from another mother don't know the names of, and Scott and Allie are now married. There's a twist that wasn't particularly surprising but no spoilers. It was a satisfying end to a series that I enjoyed, although I'm slightly bummed that Tag didn't get his HEA - maybe we'll have a novella one day and learn more about the complicated and collaborative relationship he has with his his ex-wife Kendra.
Profile Image for Downward dog.
1,947 reviews12 followers
October 11, 2020
http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com

Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Cocktails and Books and Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

If you like reading stories about alpha males, strong women, suspense and red hot romance you will enjoy Filthy Liar. It’s about Jason, a Washington fixer, who works in security. He and his associates are the best in the business but everything they do isn't always above the law.

Jason and Melinda had a sizzling affair five years ago, until Melinda disappeared. She has now reappeared and Jason wants some answers. Jason and Melinda care about each other, but they don’t trust one another and are afraid to share much of themselves.

This is a fast paced, intriguing story with plenty of action and many twists and turns. It takes place in Washington where politics and government are involved and it is difficult to know who to trust or believe. This is an exciting story and the characters have depth, emotion and tons of chemistry.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,925 reviews18 followers
September 15, 2020
Political intrigue shares center stage with a smoking hot former lovers redo full of mystery, lies and sexual attraction. Filthy Liar is a fast-paced ride with more than a bit of timely familiarity in the storyline.
Jason and Ellie have a history built on lies, starting with the fact that Ellie isn’t who she pretended to be. She’s actually Melinda, a journalist who blew the lid off a case that has been threaded throughout the series, affecting everyone in its path. Their connection may seem strictly physical but it’s apparent there are lots of unresolved feeling simmering.
This book was definitely worth the wait and a great way to end the series. While new readers don’t need to have read the previous books, but Ainsley Booth has created a cast of interesting and intense characters you’ll definitely want to read about. Oh, and the bedroom scenes might have you blushing but wanting more!
45 reviews7 followers
September 13, 2020
I got an ARC of Filthy Liar for an honest review.
First off, I preordered this as soon as it went up because I love the worlds that Ainsley creates, though this one is a little closer to real then any of us would like.
Jason and Melinda, formerly known as Ellie, meet again after 5 years right a major player start moving their pawns around Washington. The problem is they are both so good at lying they cant see the truth right in front of them.
Fast paced and lots of action, inside the bedroom, the office, the roof... I saw the car chases form in my mind as Melinda raced down streets on her motorcycle and sat up straighter in my seat a few times as the pages flew.
This book made me want to read the rest of the series from the beginning all over again and hope of a possible rekindled relationship between Tag and Kendra... only time will tell.
Profile Image for Marlene.
872 reviews10 followers
September 15, 2020
The men and women of the Horus Group / Forbidden Bodyguard's books are just so easy to love and hate. They aren't perfect, they are flawed, they don't always tell the truth or do things by the book and that just makes them real. I have waited impatiently for Jason and Ellie's story and I did not close my Kindle until I was done (early hours of the morning), but it was worth my lack of sleep. Jason and his team are hired to help a client who is being blackmailed and in the course of the "investigation" Jason sees Ellie across a crowded room, it has been 5 years since he last saw her and he is determined to find out why, Ellie is just as determined to elude him. I don't want to give away any spoilers, just want to say that this journey to a HEA is action packed, suspenseful, detoured, has a few red herrings thrown in and are enough to keep you up all night. Enjoy!!!!
Profile Image for May.
602 reviews5 followers
September 15, 2020
* I was kindly sent this in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley*

I really liked this. Despite this being the fifth book in this series it was the first one that I've read. It was easily read as a standalone and I never found myself lost or confused about the characters pasts. It was a brilliant balance of high action investigation and sizzling romance. I loved the dynamic between Ellie and Jason; their banter was great to read. I loved the side characters and they made me want to go back and read about their stories. I felt like we got a lot of Ellie's backstory but not much on Jason and that could be down to the fact this is the fifth in the series, but it could just be that he's a simpler character. It had funny moments but nothing that made me laugh out loud. It was enjoyable and a nice quick read but it lacked that spark that pushes it to a 5 star read.
Profile Image for Rachel.
380 reviews6 followers
September 18, 2020
After binging the first four books of Forbidden Body Guards earlier this year, I was highly anticipating Filthy Liar, and now I finally got the chance to read it.

I'm not usually into political intrigue, but somehow it worked for me with this series. Ainsley Booth draws you in with her dirty-talking alphas and keeps you hooked with sexual tension and chemistry as well as a quick-moving, suspenseful plot. She did exactly that with Jason and Ellie/Melinda's story.

I do wish there had been more appearances by previous characters as well as a bit more closure for the series, but I can appreciate that this was to be more focused on Jason and Melinda (and really none of the other characters needed a reappearance except for the men of The Horus Group).

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***
3,740 reviews42 followers
September 18, 2020
This is book five in The Forbidden Bodyguards Series and it is Jason and Elle (Melinda)story and omg what a story it is. There are so many twists and turns along with betrayal, secrets, lies, hope, love and many other situations and that is what makes this book a real page and you have to keep reading to see what will happen week and it is so addictive that I couldn't put it down. Jason and Elle have history and a real strong connection and chemistry between them so when they see each other after so many years everything is still as strong as ever but there are so many secrets and lies between them that they don't know if it will work between and if they will get a second chance. Winslet Booth is an amazing author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her as they are definitely worth reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an Arc copy of this book.
Profile Image for Terry.
1,521 reviews
September 20, 2020
A second chance romance!

Five years ago Ellie was Jason's receptionist ... and his secret lover. Then she vanished. Now she's back, but her name is Melinda and she's a journalist asking questions about one of his clients. The chemistry between them can still light a room on fire, but Jason just can't trust her. Melinda knows that her secret will destroy Jason, so she's determined to help her friend and then get out of DC ... away from Jason.

I could just feel the electricity between Jason and Melinda. The author had me turning the pages to find out what the secret was that would keep two people apart that you just knew were destined to be together. I love a book that can keep me guessing. A great addition to the series.

I received a copy courtesy of Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Downward dog.
1,947 reviews12 followers
October 16, 2020
If you like reading stories about alpha males, strong women, suspense and red hot romance you will enjoy Filthy Liar. It’s about Jason, a Washington fixer, who works in security. He and his associates are the best in the business but everything they do isn't always above the law.

Jason and Melinda had a sizzling affair five years ago, until Melinda disappeared. She has now reappeared and Jason wants some answers. Jason and Melinda care about each other, but they don’t trust one another and are afraid to share much of themselves.

This is a fast paced, intriguing story with plenty of action and many twists and turns. It takes place in Washington where politics and government are involved and it is difficult to know who to trust or believe. This is an exciting story and the characters have depth, emotion and tons of chemistry.
Profile Image for BookReadingJenn.
649 reviews11 followers
September 14, 2020
An Intriguing Page-turner

This story is a fictional page-turner that could have been torn from our current world headlines. It is fast paced, keeping you on your toes with a tight mix of espionage, action, politics, twists and lies. Add to that some seriously combustible chemistry between Jason and Melinda, and you have yourself a winner.

Ainsley Booth exposes the evil that people do, layer by ugly layer. Her good guys are loyal, fierce and smart enough to take care of the situation. She brings lightness and a dose of fun to the story with love, superhero fantasies, and a refreshing little character named Monica.

I highly recommend this story. Enjoy the ride.

I received an eARC copy of this book for an honest review.
853 reviews14 followers
October 14, 2020
What a way to end this series! When I read Book #1 in the Forbidden Bodyguards series (which I believe was called the Horus Group back in 2014), I knew I stumbled upon a great romantic suspense series. I had no idea that 6 years later I would be reading the last book in the series and enjoying it so much. It was well worth the wait to read about Jason and Ellie/Melinda's second chance. There's quite a bit of political intrigue and suspense as with the other books in this series, as well as the sexual tension between the two main characters that we've come to expect in these reads. This isn't a light and flirty read by any means so prepare yourself to become immersed in the messy lives of these fascinating characters. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
156 reviews
October 26, 2020
This was a bit of a mixed bag for me because I didn't really connect with Ellie, she frustrated the hell out of me. I feel like if the information about her had come out quicker I'd have been able to relate to her better.
When the reveal came about what she was doing and the connections she'd made in the case I just felt bad for the guys, annoyed that she wouldn't tell the truth and over her lies in general.

I began this series years ago and have loved each book, I'm sad to say this is my least favourite despite finally getting answers to some long asked questions.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher/author for a copy to review.
169 reviews
December 21, 2020
I've been anticipating Jason and Ellie's story... and I'm torn. On one hand, their story was super steamy and it was great to know the story behind Ellie's disappearance five years earlier. I'm glad we got the follow up on the Gerome Lively saga and I found the resolution and explanation good.
On the other hand - there could have been more than just one flashback to help establish that there was more than just sex between the characters five years prior. And for a book that wrapped up a series, we got no update on any of the other couples from the previous books besides Wilson. (And still holding out for a Tag/Kendra reconciliation story!)
Profile Image for Judi.
1,943 reviews16 followers
September 15, 2020
This story will keep you entranced. A suspenseful tale of spies, dubious morals, and power plays takes us behind the scenes in D.C.. Jason and the Horus Group provide security and public relations support for some questionable people but try to stay on the side of good. Melinda uses her journalistic investigative skills to expose the dirty underbelly of society and government. Five years ago they became involved while she was undercover, but a second chance at love may also lead death and ruin. Great read.
6,198 reviews30 followers
September 18, 2020
Filthy lies, second chances?

Jason is part of Horus Group....elite fixers )think Scandal). Five years ago, he did the no-no (or is that oh, yes!) with their receptionist Ellie.

Ellie, is not Ellie, rather, she's the Bad A Melinda, a secret alpha (hint, its not you, Jason) who is an investigative journalist. She goes under cover. Now, she's back in Jason's orbit and its just as steamy as it was five years ago...

Recommend. Steamy, delicious fun, with a hint of political scandal ripped right outta the headlines.
Profile Image for Samantha.
2,696 reviews21 followers
October 29, 2020
Jason and Elle have a history. She’s the woman who broke through and has taken up residence in Jason’s head and heart. That is until she ghosted him and after five years apart he can’t believe he’s found her again.

Melinda has a secret and there is no way Jason would accept it. It’s why she ran. But when she needs help, the first person she turns to is Jason.

It was a good book filled with secret, action, discovering the plot runs so much deeper, and two people who love each other but are afraid to let each other in. I enjoyed this book a lot.
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