Pretty Lies is book one in the Classified Beauty series by Kelli Roberts.
The book is a gripping, high-stakes blend of espionage thriller and modern influencer satire that plunges readers into the double life of Makenna Cade, a glamorous social media superstar turned unwilling CIA asset. With sharp prose, compelling characters, and tension that crackles from the very first page, this novel transcends its genre trappings to deliver something fresh, cinematic, and surprisingly heartfelt.
At its core, Pretty Lies follows Makenna, a top-tier influencer with ten million followers and a seemingly perfect life, who gets unwittingly caught in an international conspiracy when illegal substances are found in her luggage returning from Ibiza. Facing prison and public ruin, she’s offered an impossible choice: go to jail, or become an undercover operative using her influencer lifestyle as cover. Makenna chooses the latter, and what unfolds is a stylish, jet-setting narrative that moves from the curated aesthetics of Instagram to the raw brutality of arms trafficking and political corruption.
From infiltrating the Castillo drug empire in Mexico to seducing a Greek arms dealer named Andreas Mikos, Makenna walks a tightrope between persona and authenticity. Her world collides with Santiago Castillo, the enigmatic cartel heir who becomes both a mission target and a source of emotional confusion, and Declan Hoag, her stoic ex-SEAL handler, whose icy demeanor hides a growing protectiveness and affection for her.
One of the strongest achievements of Pretty Lies is its exploration of identity and deception. Makenna’s journey from performative social media star to an empowered covert operative mirrors a broader commentary on the personas we all adopt—online and off. The title itself is a multilayered motif, referring not just to Makenna’s curated posts but to the deep-rooted lies powering global criminal enterprises and espionage alike.
The novel also tackles themes of female agency, the commodification of beauty, and the underestimated intelligence behind digital influence. Makenna is underestimated at every turn—not just by the villains, but by her own team, and repeatedly proves herself through grit, instinct, and emotional intelligence.
The author’s writing is brisk, cinematic, and emotionally resonant. The chapters often end on cliffhangers or emotional gut-punches, making this a compulsive read. Scenes in Santorini and Mexico are painted with vivid detail, balancing aesthetic allure with the constant threat of betrayal and violence.
Pretty Lies is more than just a stylish spy novel; it’s a smart, timely reflection on identity, power, and the blurred lines between truth and performance. With razor-sharp tension, richly drawn characters, and an undercurrent of emotional honesty, Kelli Roberts has crafted a thrilling and surprisingly moving story. Fans of Killing Eve, Alias, or even The Americans will find much to love here.
So, if you are looking for a slow-burn (clean) romance with a hint of sass, this is the book for you.
