Anne Black seeks a solitary life in The Lies Within Us, writing espionage novels with her dog for company. She’s always felt that something is missing, until Mark knocks on her door one stormy night. The strangeness of their rapport draws her into a past life previously hidden from her, and lands her in the crosshairs of a ruthless hit squad. Author Rosanne Vaughan sets out to blur the lines around the moral principles of utilitarianism, while wrapping the dilemma in a deliciously complicated international crime mystery involving a gorgeous hitman. Is it right to extinguish one life for the well-being of many?

I loved the parallel that Rosanne Vaughan draws between Anne’s literary life and her current precarious existence as the target of an international kill order. The theme is order versus chaos, comparing the structured pattern of Anne’s world to the frenzied code-breaking, which causes her to grow into her latent skills and authority. By the end of the novel, Anne is portrayed as a changed woman, brave and capable, compared to the introvert at the start. “This is my adventure, she tells herself. And I’m living it now.” The characters are likeable, and the editing is flawless. I appreciated the exploration of the past life phenomena, which provides a delightful twist. My favourite quote from the novel is, “Sometimes righteousness and regret don’t share a bed.” Anne Black: The Lies Within Us is a fast-paced novel, taking place in the cutthroat world of international espionage, and provides a gripping read.

In Anne Black: The Lies Within Us by Rosanne Vaughan, bestselling author Anne Black has created a life of solitude, believing her isolation to be a haven. Mark and Mitsy were on a mission to carry out a hit and disappear, but a storm forced them to seek refuge at Anne’s house. Anne and Mark feel an inexplicable connection, as though they have known each other in the past. Mitsy is aware of the reason behind the familiarity that Mark and Anne feel, but chooses to keep quiet. Anne receives an invitation to an extravagant gathering for the Chinese Ambassador that could enhance her upcoming book's promotion. Anne is taken aback when Mark and Mitsy appear at the event. Mark warns Anne that she is in danger and urges her to leave; shortly afterward, an attack takes place. The Sons of Dragons have claimed responsibility for the assault, and Anne is their target.

Anne Black: The Lies Within Us by Rosanne Vaughan captivated me from the beginning to the end. It was a thrilling journey filled with danger, romance, and supernatural elements. The suspense kept me glued to my seat as I flipped through the pages as quickly as possible. I found it impossible to set the book down, fearing I would miss something important. The writing style was engaging, making it easy to immerse myself in Mark and Anne’s universe. The characters were well-crafted and felt authentic. The chemistry between Mark and Anne sparked my interest, and I was eager to discover what had transpired in their pasts. The story was beautifully composed and contained all the elements of a fantastic read. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the narrative maintained my interest the entire time.

Anne Black: The Lies Within Us by Roseanne Vaughan is a supernatural thriller that blends modern-day political espionage and terrorism with ancient Celtic power and reincarnation. Anne Black is a successful mystery author who has created her own secluded world in an exclusive private community, with only her beloved dog Ragsy as a companion. During the height of a snowstorm, two strangers come knocking on her door, seeking sanctuary from the storm. Mark and his wife Mitzi are staying in a villa close to Anne’s house, but their electricity has failed. Anne and Mark both feel an instant connection, a certainty that somehow, somewhere, they have met before and know each other intimately. In a story that blurs the lines between fiction and reality, Anne suddenly finds herself caught up in a massive political conspiracy and state terrorism in a battle for her very existence. 

Anne Black offers a wonderfully delightful plot premise that beautifully melds together modern-day secret cabals with powerful Celtic magic, mystery, and reincarnation. Author Rosanne Vaughan has created an intriguing concept. I loved this unique premise, and the sheer pace and various story arcs will keep readers constantly turning the pages. I particularly enjoyed the exquisite awakening of Anne and Mark’s attraction, passion, and ultimate soul connection. This gave the story an ethereal and beautiful touch. As a sequel to Anne Black: Seed of Scotland, this novel perfectly ties together the Celtic Warrior Queen with a modern-day author turned secret agent. For thriller aficionados, there is plenty of action, explosions, and gunfire to keep all adrenaline junkies fired up. The espionage story unfolds with twists and turns around a timeless and passionate love affair that crosses generations, lifting this book above others in the genre. The overarching theme of humanity’s constant battle and balance between good and evil plays out perfectly in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend it.

Anne Black: The Lies Within Us by Rosanne Vaughan is about bestselling author Anne Black, who seeks solitude and has retreated to remote Mount Baker in pursuit of peace. However, her peace is shattered when she becomes the target of Sons of Dragons, an organization that is ready to kill her to protect its secrets. Lucky for her, Mark is already there to stop their plans and protect Anne as well. However, Mark’s face stirs something long-buried in her mind. As encrypted headlines, international threats, and violent memories emerge, Anne must confront the fact that her past is not only real but holds the key to preventing a modern-day catastrophe. With the help of a covert operative, she must unravel a chilling plot that blends reincarnation, prophecy, and destiny of a love written in the stars.

Author Rosanne Vaughan is an impressive storyteller. This sequel is a fusion of thriller and metaphysical romance, offering readers a fast-paced narrative with an emotional core that keeps them invested until the end. I loved the setting of a snowed-in mountain; it amplified the isolation and made the story all the more believable. The descriptions of the setting are beautiful. Anne's struggle with fragmented memories and the uncanny familiarity of a stranger effectively draws the reader into her unsettling reality. She is a complex, sympathetic protagonist, and her journey through disbelief, recognition, and renewed purpose is both fascinating and touching. The novel offers suspenseful twists, and the reincarnation angle adds a fresh dimension to the traditional political thriller plot. Anne Black: The Lies Within Us is a complete story with a thrilling plot, well-rounded characters, and incredible delivery. Highly recommended by this fan!