Star's my penguin. She doesn't know it. She took off. Sure. I'm mad at her. Sure. But that's her charm. She's ornery. Difficult. Impossible to love, but I see her BS. And I call her on it. I'll chase her from the North Pole to Antarctica, this Fecker isn't about to lose his soul mate.
FILTHY LIES is the eighth book in The Five Points' Mob Collection.
Fifteen books you've been waiting, and trust me, as impatient as you are, that's nothing compared to Conor...
USA Today and International Best Selling Author Serena Akeroyd aka G. A. Mazurke is most known for her mafia and MC series set in the Five Points Mob Universe.
Avid reader of all things romance, she first started her career as a why choose author in both contemporary and paranormal.
She eventually made her way to MF romance where she found her groove with the O’Donnelly brothers, the Satan Sinners and most recently the Valentini Family.
In her back list you can find some MM, MF, MFM and Why Choose romances. HEA guaranteed!
When not writing Serena is either reading, traveling or coloring.
Conor's story is the story I have been waiting for since my first Five Points book and Serena did NOT disappoint! Holy fracking WOW! Conor and Star have been playing this cat and mouse game for years and the build up has been slow, but torturous in the best kind of ways. YEARS of foreplay without even having been in each others' physical company. Now she's on the run, but Conor will stop at nothing to gain the happiness each one of his brothers have obtained with their women. He'll get his girl. He'll keep his girl.
Filthy Lies has a total edge of your seat storyline that will grab you from the beginning. I loved how Ms. Akeroyd used news articles, texts, blogs, and journal entries in the beginning of the story in order to make sure the reader hasn't forgotten where we are in the overarching storyline, also allowing a new reader to dive in Conor and Star's world. This is definitely a book that you have to pay more attention to while reading with a more complex storyline that is an appreciated departure from my usual fluffy reads with tons of action, secrets, and twists that keep you gripped. The character development is fantastic. I absolutely love Star. Life has made her so hard on the outside, for her own protection. But for her people she will do anything. She's brave, strong, and even while a bit broken, she still perseveres. Conor is truly the perfect man for her, quick to temper, but equally quick to calm. He appreciates what makes her special and doesn't try to hold her back, but rather always has her back. Such a fantastic start to the duet and Filthy Truths just can't get here fast enough!
Oh Conor and Star, how you have been well worth the wait. For fans of the Five Points series, Conor's story has been long in the making (and such a teasing slow burn between him and Star). He is the enigmatic hacker whose childhood abuse changed the course of his own and his brother's lives. His control, protection and intelligence knows no bounds. Conor is loyal to his family and has been shaped and defined by his father's crazy form of patriarchal control. His oversight of his family has kept people safe throughout the series and now it is time for his story to be told. I already loved him as a character, but Filthy Lies gives him a voice and a fleshed out personality. You get so much more than the O'Donnelly brother. In this book, he is incredibly thoughtful, loving, determined, patient, but no less obsessive, possessive and domineering as his brothers have been with the loves of their lives.
This was always going to be a big story to be told and Filthy Lies is just part 1 of a duet. Star's story and her systematic take down of the Sparrows would never be contained to one book. She is the most formidable of Five Points women (and that is saying something!) and has a history of violence, abuse, vengeance and high level control. As Conor geeks out over her super spy status, she is also frequently recognised as the serial killer she is. But as Nyx before her, she is a serial killer with a heart and a mission. And at the core of everything she does is protecting the vulnerable and ensuring those in power are taken down to protect women and children being trafficked or controlled. Star uses her own tragedy to fuel her fight. She is prickly and hard to read at times. But this long slow burning romance with Conor has her softening. And his patience is slowly breaking down her walls and allowing her to feel again.
For a couple so defined by the sexual abuse and violence of their pasts, this book is surprisingly sensual and loving. While these two might not consummate their relationship, their journey to experiencing each other is touching and beautifully written. Serena writes with such sensitivity to them and the comfort they find in one another.
Filthy Lies is addictive and I couldnt put it down. The ending left me breathless and I cannot wait to see how their story concludes.
If you thought Rex and Rachel blew your mind, I’m telling you now…Author Serena Akeroyd has gone beyond blowing your mind…she has played with your heart in the best way possible and opened up a box of lies, hidden truths and mayhem that you have to work your way through!
Conor O’Donnelly is bloody awesome! I mean it..he is beyond smart, beyond handsome, beyond noble! Conor is everything you can want and more! He is going to find Star if it kills him and it just might!
Everyone….and I mean everyone that has appeared in a Five Points book is in this book…maybe only by name so you know these last two books are going to be epic and I promise you all…this book is epic and there is still book two to come.
Again, I encourage you take notes while you read, names will pop up and you may know the name but when it pops up its context becomes more important. Don’t rush there is so much in here you need to know, you need to keep your notes close because you may need them for future reading!
As Conor said to Star I’ve been building up to meeting you every day I’ve been on this planet, Star Akeroyd has been building up to this epic ending!
You will want to throw your kindle, you will want to hug both Conor and Star and if your second sense is freaking out listen to it, because the end is just beginning!
I truly believe that this duet is going to end up at the top of my 2023 reading list it’s that good!
Conor and Star! Their story is finally here. More than 20 books in the making. Three interconnecting series. One spectacular universe. Serena Akeroyd has delivered with the first book of the Filthy Feck duet!
First, let me say that this story can be read as a standalone duet. However, the epic journey that is Conor and Star’s love story begins way back in Filthy Rich, when, in the ultimate hacker meet cute, Star breaks though Conor’s security code and leaves a little surprise. Every book thereafter in the Five Points, Sinners, and Valentini series has given us little glimpses into who Star and Conor are as individuals and as a couple. Their story has been slow cooking throughout this universe’s saga and it is ready to be savored.
Filthy Lies begins right where the last Five Points book ends, with Conor vowing to find his missing Star. Before he can go after her, though, there are some obligations he must contend with, ones that are revelations into our swoony hero’s life. But when he finally catches up with her, their first IRL meeting, is just as fiery, exhilarating, and sensual as we had hoped. Their story is filled with intrigue, danger, and steam.
Every moment they are together is charged with the love, trust, and sexual tension these two have been building since the moment their codes broke down each other’s defenses. Conor is protective, loyal, patient, and so loving. Not to mention he’s oh so sexy! Star is strong, independent, complex, and deadly. She’s also one of the bravest heroine’s I’ve come to love. Together, Conor and Star are # couplegoals.
What each of them has endured in their pasts has shaped them into the perfect soulmates. Conor has found his penguin and he isn’t letting go. The cliffhanger at the end of this would be excruciating if the Filthy Truth wasn’t due out so soon. This gives me just enough time to relish all the filthy goodness that Filthy Lies has given us. And I for one cannot wait!
Wow! Wow and wow again! This packs a PUNCH! The first book in the duet of Conor and Star. Yes! The long awaited story of Conor and Star. Finally a deep dive into their lives and relationship. So many revelations and uncovered truths is truly a roller coaster ride of intrigue and emotions! With all the O'Donnely brothers, some Sinners, wives and more! Get ready for a wild ride and a cliff hanger that will have you on the edge of your seat! Good thing book two is close around the corner. Besides the non stop fun, getting to know these two is a delight. Star is so smart, resilient, brave and dedicated a total hero! Conor is so much more than a computer geek. Conor is smart, fit, handsome, romantic and so swoon worthy! Couldn't put this down!
If a character could be a home, it would be Conor. And if Conor is home, then Star is love. Because they go hand in hand and they both love so hard.
I don't know how else to explain how Conor is, but that would be the closest example I have. He makes you feel comfortable. He makes you smile especially when life gives you reasons not to. He makes you laugh. And he has a way of looking at things differently. Where other people would see finding your person as making you weak, he finds that as a strength. Star makes him stronger and vice versa.
These two deserve all of the happiness especially after everything they have been through and that we have seen then endure throughout the Five Points series and A Dark & Dirty Sinners MC series. We've had little glimpses inside their heads, but having a book dedicated solely to them hits different. They both exceeded my expectations and my expectations were HIIIIIIIGH.
When they first met, I felt like I was the chair in that room. If you know, you know. AND THEIR FIRST KISS. Omg, I was kicking my feet in the air.
You see so much growth in this book especially between the brothers and their wives. It was really beautiful to read especially Conor's interaction with Finn, Aiofe and Jake.
There were twists and turns and if there is one thing Serena knows how to do it's of course write spicy scenes, but also keep you on your toes. I cannot wait to see where the next book takes us because if Filthy Lies was a ride, I just know Filthy Truth is gonna be a rollercoaster.
Loved this so so much! I purposely read it slowly so I could savor every second of Conor and Star. You should read this immediately! It is a standalone, so you could start here even if you haven’t read any of the other Five Points Mob books.
Conor and Star have one of the most beautifully unique relationships that I’ve read. Conor is very atypical for a mafia hero, but in the best way. To start, he’s a hot nerd, a hacker, who prefers to break through firewalls over breaking necks (although he’s proven capable of both). He is also a total cinnamon roll when it comes to Star. He treats her with such a gentle loving reverence.
Star is a contradiction. She’s a total badass. Honestly, Star has more BDE than most alphahole MMCs. However, her past trauma as a s3ggs slave makes intimacy very difficult for her. Conor is also a survivor of childhood SA. The author did such a beautiful job with a very delicate topic. Their relationship progressed so naturally, and I loved watching them overcome their pasts together. . Of course it ended it a cliffhanger and I am anxiously awaiting Filthy Truth’s release on January 12.
In all honesty I’m not even sure what to say. This series has had me hooked from the very beginning with Finn and Aofie’s story. I’ve patiently been waiting for Conor’s story to come out and boy did it come out, either a mother fucking BANG. Within this book there is a recap of most important details pertaining to the lives of the other brothers books in a “catch up” section. With the inclusion of blog post and chat conversation I feel like it’s a great way to recall all of what has happened over the series instead of having to reread it. From the very beginning of this book I was all in the feels.. laughing, crying, smiling and pissed off. I don’t like to give a lot of spoilers on reviews so this isn’t going to be like that. However there are some moments. In chapter 10, a text chat between Star and Conor brought the comment of the titles between their books; “STAR: Filthy. Lies. CONOR: Filthy. Truth. “ I thought that little inclusion between them as well as the rest of the conversation was perfectly brought up.
In part 2 of the book there is a chapter in Conor’s POV, chapter 22, where he quotes, “ a man burned so his women didn’t have to”. Around the comment is about how his Da, Aiden Sr., was basically a shit parent but did teach his sons something valuable when it came to their ladies.
The way both Star and Conor overcome their difficult feelings towards what happened sexually to them in the past for each other with the help of each other is brilliant. It shows that even though someone is “damaged” (as many would say) they can overcome what happened to them with patience and the right person who is there for them. But that they aren’t damaged at all.
Conor and Star’s story is a beautiful story and I can not wait to read Filthy Truth.
P.S. if you hate perfectly great cliff hangers DO Not READ until Filthy Truth is released as well. Because i’m COMPLETELY dying to know what the actual hell happened at Troy’s compound….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the eighth book/audiobook in The Five Points Mob Collection, and features the first half of Conor and Star’s highly anticipated story.
Let me just say, if you weren’t already head over heels for this couple, you will be after this book! The way they are with each other and their relationship progression, it’s simply brilliant! These two were definitely made for each other!
The storyline is complex and super intriguing, and the flow is flawless, you will definitely not want to willingly stop reading/listening, that’s for sure! Oh, and the cliffhanger, things just got real, thats all I got to say!
The audiobook narrators are fantastic and bring life to this story and it’s wonderful characters! I can’t imagine anyone else voicing Conor and Star, these two were the absolute perfect choice!
IMO this is an absolute Must Read/Listen! I will be excitedly awaiting the second half of this incredible duet!
“she’s my penguin. you’ve all got yours. i want mine so I’m not going to stop until she’s here. with me.”
whatever i expected this book to be would have never prepared me for the reality of it. after waiting a year for this story i can genuinely and undoubtedly claim it couldn't have been any more right, even if it tried. conor's and star's journey is one of acceptance and forgiveness in its many shapes and forms – accepting oneself and one's trauma, allowing you the grace and patience to forgive yourself for something that was never your fault to begin with, to grow into yourself outside of your past and not be hard on you because of it. it's how kid isn't the "kid" anymore, having reclaimed his rightfully voice amongst the brothers. it's how the self-sabotager in lodestar didn't push back and seeked comfort and safety when she didn't know that was a possibility for her. but what absolutely obliterated my heart was conor acknowledging the similarities between his woman and his brother, how he grieved their minds in a sense and what it meant that he witnessed in her what he had experienced with him, in one way or another. it's no secret eoghan and conor are my favorite, alongside star, and the symbolism behind each of their encounters from how he was the cataclysm that brought this couple's path's to collide to now him being the first accepting the new addition to the family and relating to her just broke my soul in the sweetest of mercies.
* i was sent an arc by valentine pr in exchange for an honest review
Just finished my Arc read of Filthy Lies by and absolutely loved it!!! I've been so excited for Conor and Stars story and Serena didn't disappoint! She saved the best for last with this series! Seeing how they both help each other with their traumas and understand each other on a level no one else can is amazing! Star really is his penguin. We get to see what Star's been up to and finally get some answers. We get the fun loving and joking around Conor that we all love. And of course we get the see what the brothers and sisters in law have been up to after the changes in Filthy King. So many questions get answered in this one and pieces are falling into place. I can't wait for Filthy Truth after that ending!
My god! This story has me all hyped up! I'm feeling jittery and emotional. I know we've all been eagerly awaiting Conor and Star's book, and I'm here to tell you, you will not be prepared for how it leaves you feeling. Not that it's a bad thing...well maybe a little, only because he's the final O'Donnelly to have his story told and it's feeling a bit too final. I wanted to take my time reading but I just couldn't stop. I'm not going to give anything away. For as long as we've all been waiting for this book, you deserve it all to be a surprise...but I will say, gird your loins ladies!! You are not prepared for the hotness that is Conor O'Donnelly!!
I fell in love with Star and Conor while reading the Satan's Sinners series. When I found out they were getting their own book I immediately started Filthy so I would be ready, and I ended up falling for all of those filthy folks. However, Conor has always been my favorite and Filthy Lies absolutely solidified that for me. This book was amazing.
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell narrate this story beautifully. Joe Arden has always been a favorite, but Maxine is totally underrated and does such an incredible job embodying Star. I swear I could let them talk me to sleep, their voices are so soothing.
Was I hoping after two years of being internet besties slash lovers would mean when these two finally met we'd get a spicefest for days? Heck yes. Am I disappointed we didn't? Not at all. What we got was exactly what Conor and Star needed and that was angsty as heck build up and hot as hades fore play. Both of these characters have such heinous pasts... but they fit together so beautifully and it shows as they get to know each other on a physical level.
It wasn't quite as action-packed as I was expecting, but it's still there and it's still thrilling. We get to know Dead to Me better along with some of Star's other "friends" in the biz. And the last page has me anxiously awaiting Filthy Truths arrival, thank the gods it's only going to be a week because holy canoly that was an ending. I can't wait to finally get to see these two happily ever after and to experience all the action on the way there.
I’ve been waiting for Conor's book, and the wait was worth it. I fell more in love with him, seeing how he is with Star. Serena is able to write a story with a plotline that’s both amazing and beautifully written at the same time. This book takes you on an emotional roller coaster. We find a few more truths that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I think the best bit of the book is when they finally meet each other. The cliffhanger has left me wanting more, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
This book was a fantastic read. I could not put it down no matter what I needed to do. It grabbed me and kept me reading until the last page. It moves along at a pace that is the perfect speed for the flow of this story. Speeding up and slowing down as needed. Which makes for an easy read. The characters are fantastic and you cannot help but love them, no matter what happens. You want to see them overcome whatever may get in their way. This book needs to be read and on your TBR list, there is no doubt about it.
Oh wow. I've been waiting for Conor & Stars story for what feel like forever. This part 1 was amazing. It had me gripped from the very beginning and I devoured this book, absolutely loved Conor & Stars story so far. So much going on in the Five Poi ts world yet its not too overwhelming. The world building and character journeys are top notch, and spectacularly written. This has me counting the minutes til the 2nd book drops. Actually biting my nails in anticipation!!!
Oh how I was waiting for this book. Star and Connor’s book has been a very long time coming and I was so excited to read it. And this book was everything I wanted it to be and so much more. I just adored every second of this book.
I just adored the relationship so much. Star and Connor both suffered a lot of abuse in their past and they both care for each other and try to guide each other through the difficult situations. I just loved how they always listened to each other and their needs and how patient with each other they were. I must admit that so many scenes in this book just had me cry while I was crying due to how adorable they were, they just melted my heart so much. Angst with a lot of hurt/comfort is my favourite thing to read about in books and I was served with this one.
I just loved the relationship progression so much. I loved the slow burn in this one. It just really worked with their relationship and the characters. I just loved seeing all the tender moments between Star and Connor and slowly seeing the way in which they got together.
Also, I’m a sucker for anything long distance or characters who text each other in books and I just adored this part of this book so much.
I really enjoyed this entire series, so it’s no surprise that I was really invested in the mafia aspects of this book, and I just wanted to see where everything would go. I’m just so engaged in this world and I always want more.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
Wow do Conor and Star pack a punch!! I couldn’t wait for this book and it didn’t disappoint. So grab a drink and buckle up for a wild ride!!! I absolutely loved seeing them come together and how it happened. If I couldn’t love Conor more, here comes this book. In this book he tried to find Star. But keep iim mind, it ends on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the next book a d the conclusion of their story!!!
Oh man this first book of this duet was what I was waiting for and Serena Akeroyd did not disappoint! Conor & Star have both been through hell and back and they both deserve a happy ending.
Conor was a man on a mission to get his penguin and would do just about anything for his Star.
This book is heart melting but don't let that distract you from the fact that it's high action all the way through. This is definitely a Mafia book and the twists and turns are phenomenal!
The ending....holy moly...cannot wait for the second installment of this duet!
Favorite quotes:
"She’s my penguin,” I said simply. “You’ve all got yours. I want mine so I’m not going to stop until she’s here. With me. Understand?”
“I didn’t believe in things like kismet before. I don’t wholly now, but—”“What changed?”“I think you already know the answer to that.”
“In fact, I know you’re lying about not having a sideline with Hallmark.” His lips twisted. “If I do, it’s only in the section that’s specifically for women called Star.”
🖤🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧🖤
This book got me through a dark time. I absolutely loved the banter back and forth. Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell brought Star and Conor to life. Their voices were spot on. Loved everything about them!! This book will always have a special place in my heart.
I have waited and waited for Conor and Stars story. I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED! I devoured this book just as I knew I would, it hit all the feels.
That ending!!! I'm soooo anxious for the next book. I knew Conor was going to be my favourite, deep down I had a love for him and anxiously awaited his book. He was all I dreamed of and more! Star is his penguin, and he will do anything just to see her smile. Their conversations had me tearful, they understand each other and accept each other regardless of what they've done and and been through. And there has been a lot!
I have an absolute love for these two together and their story so far has been everything I'd wished for, I cannot wait for the next book, to see Conor and Star get their revenge and make all those that have wronged them pay! It's more than deserved and I for one hope there's much pain involved for all those that have come between them, and hurt them. Serena I am in awe of your writing!! I knew this was going to be a favourite for me, but you have outdone yourself! Thank you for Conor and Star! 🐧🐧
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have been waiting sooo long for Conor and Star’s story and it was everything and then some. I absolutely LOVED the format of this book because it was just so them. Conor and Star have the best love story by far since it was so long in the making - the foundation of their relationship is beyond real. As always, I am in complete awe of how all of the story lines and characters intermingle it’s fascinating and it is all finally coming to light. The cliffhanger did me in but thankfully we don’t have to wait long for the rest of the story in Filthy Truths. Conor has moved up to my second fave Fecker
This is what I have been waiting for, what WE have been waiting for months and months. I can’t believe it’s finally here. Yes, it’s Connor and Star time to shine. And shine they did. As many times as I tried to I couldn’t imagine first actual REAL life meeting of those two like THIS. And hilarious IT WAS. So another piece of puzzle coming together in this part. It’s full of heart melting moments I can’t get enough and then there are those OMG I can’t believe this just happened. Especially THE END. Once again, Serena, you are STAR, who just guaranteed my MIND spin for next week or so before I get THE answers.
Filthy Lies by Serena Akeroyd is book one of a duet….which follows Conor and Star. This story starts out wildly crazy….and ends wildly crazy!!! Star has secrets and issues….Conor has his own shocks and truths to tell. Together they meet up in a deadly spiral!!! The wait is over!!! Their story is finally here….and it’s a shocker!!!
I love Star’s fierceness and strength….along with her hidden vulnerability. Conor is patient and persistent…all the while, knowing that she is more than she portrays!!! Meanwhile, all around them, their world is in utter chaos!!! Wonderful read!!!
I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Wow, just wow! I don’t even know where to start with this review. I have been waiting so long for Conor and Star’s story and Serena definitely did not disappoint. These two characters are so complex, and have so many layers, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as Serena peeled back each one. There’s so much that unfolds throughout this book that I don’t wanna give anything away. Fair warning, this ends on a cliffhanger, however, you will not have to wait long for the next book. So just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Conner and Star!!! Swoon!!! What can I say other than this was absolutely the perfect start to their story. I have to admit this has been the most anticipated story out of all of the brothers for me personally. This amazingly written book will hook you completely and leave you wanting more. The amount of support and love these two characters show each other Is bar none! I can not wait for the next in this beautiful duet. Must read!
Oh my goodness Connor is such a sweetheart! Sweet & sour comes to mind when I think of Star & Connor. Star is definitely an acquired taste & Connor is addicted!
First & foremost read the catch up chapter… even if you’ve recently done a reread. There is so so much information to remember for this one & we are given EVEN MORE twists & turns to try & untangle. It’s a knotty mess & my mind is still spinning days later. Plus the cliffhanger is a doozy, I can’t wait for the next book for these two! I’m addicted & I want more!
Take note Mafia romance fans, with Filthy Lies Ms Akeroyd has legitimately thrown down the gauntlet. So get yourself comfy, maybe grab a glass of wine, and prepare yourself for the ride of a lifetime. Once you start, I can guarantee there’s not a chance in hell you’re coming up for air anytime soon.
After umpteen instalments in this nail-biting series, we finally see the meeting of two perfectly matched minds. If there’s ever the epitome of a destined couple then it’s Conor and Star. Both genius hackers, both adept risk takers, both shouldering a world of pain and trauma. The connection they had online is nothing to the one they feel when they meet in person. Both demonstrating the capability to bring each other peace, and a willingness to accept, and more importantly, to love one another’s flaws.
“He’s making me want things. Things I stopped believing I could ever have.”
I can tell you now, without any doubt, this duet WILL be the crowning glory of the Five Points mob series.