NOW A NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY and WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER! From #1 New York Times Bestseller Vi Keeland, comes a new, sexy standalone novel.It was just a typical Monday.Until the big boss asked me to make the pitch for a prospective new client.After two years on shaky ground at work because of my screw up, an opportunity to impress the senior partners was just what I needed.Or so I … shaky ground at work because of my screw up, an opportunity to impress the senior partners was just what I needed.
Or so I thought…
Until I walked into the conference room and collided with the man I was supposed to pitch.
My coffee spilled, my files tumbled to the ground, and I almost lost my balance.
And that was the good part of my day.
Because the gorgeous man crouched down and looking at me like he wanted to eat me alive, was none other than my ex, Gray Westbrook.
A man who I’d only just begun to move on from.
A man who my heart despised–yet my body obviously still had other ideas about.
A man who was as charismatic and confident as he was sexy.
Somehow, I managed to make it through my presentation ignoring his intense stare.
Although it was impossible to ignore all the dirty things he whispered into my ear right after I was done.
But there was no way I was giving him another chance, especially now that he was a client
…was there?more
REVIEW: 3.5 STARS
“When you love someone, sometimes you need to put their needs first.”
If there is one thing I know I can look forward to, it’s a book by Vi Keeland making me laugh and swoon over a love that is pure charisma unfolding on the pages. Once again, I have fallen in love with a couple that made me smile with Layla and Grayson. One that put me through the paces of their trying times and allowed me to feel the pain and torture of real life stepping in the way of a blissful love. I got that all with this book. All of it, tenfold.
But I also got a little more than I bargained for. While this book had a beautiful couple going through their own trials and tribulations, it also seemed to have a lot of repetitive passages explaining things that were explained in the very beginning of the story. Vi is always good about setting up and guiding us through a love story with strong, lovable characters with a plot driven by excitement and energy, and she did that with this one as well. But we heard about a few things over and over, in full detail when, if you were paying attention to the story from the beginning, you didn’t really need the rehash on it. I also felt like there was some animated filler in this one. Animated meaning we got some action or dialogue/discussion, but I didn’t feel it was pertinent to the overall outcome of the story so it sorta made it feel like it was dragging at some points. It wasn’t bad, per se. It just felt like unnecessary extra with a little less “discovery” than we normally get with Vi’s stories. I think both of these things made it feel longer than it needed to. It wasn’t bad….I want to stress that, because it wasn’t. It just wasn’t my favorite from her, but it still allowed for a great love story.
“I think you’d like the things I can do with my mouth even more.”
Her characters were notable….and I enjoyed them a lot! While Grayson was a very confident man, he wasn’t the typical arrogant, rich jerk that we see and I loved that difference about him. I loved how she mixed a sexy jealousy (work with me here) with an inhibited possessiveness, and a healthy dose of gentlemanly manners….oh! And a mouth to make you squirm. She nailed this guy!! Everything about his dynamic was smile-worthy. He was such a pillar of strength, but there was so much give and so little take from him. His demeanor, it was so genuine. Not always cocky and not always confident, his dynamic showed he was fallible, which made him more relatable. More real. I just loved him.
With Layla, that girl had some spunk to her!! I enjoyed her character. She didn’t put up with anything, she stood up for what she believed in, and she was strong-willed and stubborn. Two of my favorite female traits! I loved that she was able to show her backbone and still have her insecurities about her and her decisions.
This was a memorable story not only for the lessons learned, but also the life circumstances that were discussed. Some spots were glossed over, but that’s what made it a more upbeat, uplifting story with a very sweet ending. As always, Vi makes me smile and she did that with this one as well.
“My view is your view. Come for sunset, stay for sunrise.”
When I first started this read I thought I knew what would happened. I guessed on how Grayson Westbrook and Layla Hutton’s story would go and what I got was so much more than the typical. The place they first met even had me questioning how the book will turn out. That alone had my mind all over the place. It was filled with a connection at their first meeting that lead to an undeniable and forbidden chemistry; which in turn created feels and a ride that will have aching, swooning, and hoping on both first and second chances.
“Because she has the other half of my heart, and together our souls beat as one.”
This was a sweet taste at a second chance romance and it was one that I will not forget. The supporting characters was also a bonus. The way they all came together along with Gray and Layla’s story made one that had my heart breaking from their personal history to their story as one. The truth will set you free! The question is…will it work out at the end? Cristina, 4.5 the truth will set you free stars
The emotions I felt while reading The Naked Truth were a mixture of:
Anxiety, joy, sadness, anger, joy and just plain love.
Grayson Westbrook….a man determined to make things right for everyone.
Layla….a woman determined to not depend on a man for her happiness/stability.
The circumstances of how they meet were quite interesting, the circumstances of how things go between them…see my emotions above.
The Naked Truth was a fantastic story of two people brought together by unusual ways and how they try to “work”. I adore Ms. Keeland’s writing; she has the power to draw you into a story, put you in the characters minds and weave a tail that you can’t put down
Reviewed by: Dana D.
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This book was amazing. It needs to be at the top of everyone’s TBR. As in….YOU SHOULD BE READING THIS RIGHT NOW.
Gray and Layla will melt your heart with their naked truth….no lies….love story. Freckles and the ex-con’s book just confirms why Keeland is a master storyteller worthy of being at the top of every list.
Reviewed by: Heather S.
I made a snap judgment on this book in the first few chapters and didn’t really care for the characters. Because I love this author, I kept going. And surprise! I loved the characters and enjoyed the book.
There is more to these characters than who they seem to be early on. Gray was entirely too trusting and absorbed in his own quest for power in his career. Blindsided…twice. Layla seemed to have made a questionable career decision but in truth, demonstrated personal character and struggled with career limitations.
Trust is a problem. Communication, or lack thereof is the catalyst. But this is a second chance romance and the supporting characters are amazing. Their HEA is that much sweeter for their personal struggles, their past romance, the chemistry that sizzles, and the obstacles thrown in their way by the most manipulative person they know. Their growth was heartwarming. And the epilogue was perfect.
Another GREAT read by Vi Keeland! The Naked Truth was smart, sexy and unique; a storyline like no other with one delicious hero! I really liked the unconventional way that Layla met Gray. What an interesting place to fall in love, lol. I love second chance romances and their story was everything I had hoped it would be. Witty banter, sexy dialogue, and lots of heat! It wouldn’t be a Vi Keeland story without an unexpected twist or a heart breaking moment. I enjoyed every minute of it! Vi Keeland never disappoints and always leaves you anxiously waiting for her next novel.
Review by Lys
I devoured this novel. Vi Keeland has done it again. A perfect second chance romance. I loved Layla and Gray’s characters. The dailouges and interactions between these two were relatable and so perfectly believable. In a signature Vi Keeland style, she has beautifully sketched the story which captivated the readers and leaves them bedazzled by the time they end the story. I loved this story and would highly recommend it to everyone to read it and not to miss . One of the best summer reads.
Another hit by Vi Keeland. This book is just another reason why I am in love with her work. I loved Gray and Layla!! I went into this after reading a not so favorable review and reading the book after that just reinforced why I love her writing so much. I went into thinking one thing based on someone’s review and found something that I fell in love with. I loved the story line, the characters, the banter, the journey they take and so much more.
Their romance ended in heartbreak for Layla but Gray is determined to get her to listen to his side and get her back. They will need to rebuild trust and overcome the past hurts not just from each other but from others. The past is going to come knocking and will test their love for one another. Will their relationship survive another hurdle? Is it secure enough?
This is another book by Vi Keeland that I would definitely recommend. I loved it!!
Check out my review over at Witchy Richey!
A stellar, addictive read with tons of push and pull mixed with inside churning twist and man you can’t help but fall in love with.
Life has hit Gray over the head with a sledgehammer and nice guys really do finish last and pay the toll for doing what’s right. The hits just keep coming and he’ll either role with the punches or get knocked out.
A gripping, attention holding, couldn’t read fast enough or get enough read! A roller coaster of emotion with cresting hills and swooning valleys that left me breathless and quite hungover.
Another smash hit for Vi!
This is my favorite book of Vi Keeland. What a completely unique story! Every time, I thought I knew what was going on… she throws a curveball in there. Gray and Layla are such great characters. They are confident, honest and sexy. I could feel all of their emotions in this story.
The secondary characters will steal your heart. . Just loved all of the little details that make this such a special book.
You can’t help but fall a little bit in love with Gray Westbrook as you read this book. This tender love story is about learning life lessons and making the most of second chances. I felt happy as I read this book. I rooted for Gray and Layla through all of their insecurities and set backs.
Gray is arrogant, charming and sexy but more than that he’s a giving and caring man. Layla Hutton met Gray in the most unusual place and under unusual circumstances but that did not keep her from falling for him. That is, until she found out he lied so she walked away. Now he’s back in her life whether she wants him there or not. Just as things seem to start really work for them an unexpected visitor throws Gray and Layla for a loop. Adjusting to their new normal is hard but their love is worth it.
This is not the story to read before attempting to go to bed after a night shift. There was a jaw dropping WTF moment that kept me reading and reading. An amazing 5 star story.
Layla is going up the ladder as an attorney what she didn’t expect was to come face to face with her past. Gray is back and he wants Layla. When things are starting to be going good for them, Gray’s past is coming back for him.
Yet another amazing story by the marvellous Vi. I seem to always start her books during a night shift and can’t go to bed until I’m done. An highly addicting story that consumed me from the very first page to the last one read. It was funny at times with some amazing secondary characters that complemented this story so well.
I love the bantering between Layla and Gray, they made things exciting. The chemistry was off the charts. Strong heroine with an alpha male. She never backed down. A second chance romance that was well thought out. The plot twist was so unexpected that I was left baffled. Bottomline this is the summer 2018 most anticipated must read.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
The Naked Truth is an awesome read. I was hooked from beginning to end. I honestly don’t know how long this one is but I was able to avoid life and read this one in one sitting. Layla is a hard working lawyer. She has had some bumps in her career. She gets called upstairs to present to a new client. The new client is Grayson. She and Grayson have a past and Layla is not happy to see him. Their past intrigued me and I was happy to see that we got some of their past through flashbacks in the story. Gray is a good guy. On the surface he doesn’t seem all that good but when he gets to tell his story and show us who he really is, he’s a good guy. It has a twist I never saw coming. I loved this one from beginning to end. You should definitely check this one out.
The Naked Truth is Vi Keeland’s newest sexy standalone. I’m a HUGE fan of Vi’s and I always know that she’s going to pull all the emotions from me while I’m reading. I laugh, cry, totally swoon, get mad, get happy, laugh more and sigh. The Naked Truth is a unique story with a few crazy plot twists! Layla is a sassy, sexy lawyer who just found out her new client is her ex, Gray. They haven’t seen each other in over a year and it’s a sin for him to look that damn good in a suit. Those eyes. His swaggar. His everything. She’s not going to fall for his sneaky tactics. Period. Until, well, until she does. She can’t resist him. Her body knows before her head and as soon as she stops thinking to hard she’s all in. But, will she regret giving him another chance? He promised no more lies. What happens when he can’t tell her the truth? Oh man, I loved this story! Gray is just…so fun. He’s living every day like it’s his last. He’s not going to lose Layla this time and he’s going to make every minute count. He’s sexy, handsome and has a dirty mouth! The perfect combo. Layla is smart, funny and driven. She’s full of snark and sass and I loved her! Their chemistry is off the charts! I read it in one day and didn’t want it to end.
P.S. Ella is so wonderful!
“Just eat and don’t make me like any more of the things that come out of your mouth.”
“I think you’d like the things I can do with my mouth even more.”
“Sometimes after you leave, I start to wonder if I’ve imagined you.”
“That thing in your pants better be outstanding, if I eventually see it, for all the smack talk you’ve done about it.”
“What does love feel like?
“If feels like you would do anything in the world for that person to make them happy. It makes you happy and sort of warm inside.”
“My ice cream is making me feel cold inside. But I love ice cream.”
The Naked Truth is the perfect title for Grayson and Layla’s story; these two characters have been lied to and, in some ways, taken advantage of their entire lives, and while their story begins with the idea that Grayson is just one more person to lie to Layla, I have to admit that I was already in Gray’s corner before he finally got the chance to tell Layla the full truth.
It says a lot about the type of man Gray is that he wanted to make amends with Layla as soon as he was released, finding a way to talk to her and providing her an explanation as to why he withheld a significant truth, and while I don’t condone him for trying to lure Layla away from her lawyer boyfriend, it was clear from what little insights Layla provided about her ‘newish’ relationship with Oliver that what she felt for him was nothing like the strong pull that she felt for Grayson, even if she didn’t want to feel it any longer.
The flashbacks to Grayson and Layla’s first meeting and how quickly their connection turned to one with overwhelming feelings helped to set the stage for the crazy chemistry between them once Gray reappears in Layla’s life. He’s a tenacious businessman and that drive applies to his personal life as well, which means that Layla really didn’t stand a chance once Gray was released and worked to be given a second chance.
The supporting characters in The Naked Truth add so much to the storyline; they help to ease the minds of the hero and heroine…they help to enlighten the main characters when necessary and they prove just who Grayson and Layla are with how much those they love, love them back. But while I appreciated all of the secondary characters; in my opinion, Etta stole the show. She’s an absolute gem of a supporting character; her love for Gray and her perspectives on him help Layla to look beyond the charismatic and dirty talking man and see just how amazing he is, and because Etta loves Gray like a son, she offers both of them advice and meddles a bit as well.
The Naked Truth showcases Vi Keeland’s skill at creating likable and interesting characters, and like all of Keeland’s alpha males, she characterizes Gray in a way that illustrates this complex man in all of his selfless and selfish (in purely filthy ways) glory. I love that Gray has an edge to him, but he also has a softer side that is brought out throughout the course of the story as revelations are made and new relationships begin.
Is Gray the ‘perfect’ man? Absolutely not, but it’s his flaws that will endear readers to him and have them cheering for a man who more than deserves a second chance with a woman who owns his heart, and although, Gray and Layla both make missteps on this new journey, I never doubted the true nature of the love and commitment even when the wrong choices are made, causing some damage to their newly created connection.
I do have to say that I can’t blame Layla for her reactions to a number of overwhelming situations; her past dictates her present romantic relationships, and this is made more than clear with the backstory that Keeland provides readers with when it comes to Layla’s mother and father.
Vi Keeland is a great storyteller and the flawed characters she creates easily charm readers, which is exactly what Gray and Layla’s story did to me.
4 Poison Apples
The Naked Truth by Vi Keeland is another phenomenal standalone contemporary romance with a vein of second chances and past mistakes and secrets revealed. Well-written and well-paced, the story of Gray and Layla is powerful, emotional, and hard-earned, for the both of them.
Layla has spent the past year working past her last relationship. The man she refuses to admit she loved had lied to her. The relationship was crazy from the get go, what with him being in prison when they met and all but when the new client she has to present for turns out to be a freshly released Grey and he does nothing to hide the fact that he is back to woo her and win her trust back, she is flummoxed and flabbergasted and damning her body to hell because while her head says no way and ehr heart says back off you’ll get hurt, her body will not deny the attraction and chemistry they share…
Grey made a huge error in judgement when he didn’t come clean about his past with Layla. He had his reasons, one being that he didn’t want to scare ehr off, he couldn’t chase her down while incarcerated, but he also viewed his past as done and over with and wasn’t willing to rehash it. Now that he is free to return to his life he has made winning her back his number one priority, one he is fairly successful at until his past comes knocking at the door, with baggage and a huge surprise. Now he not only has to fix what he broke with Layla but convince her all his new issues are something they can handle together.
Powerful, emotional, heartwarming AND angst-ridden -Nothing short of the perfection i have come to expect from this author, one of my absolute favorites. Enjoy!
I was super excited to start this book! Vi did not disappoint! I officially love Gray! Layla and Gray are a second and third chance at romance and I believe I would’ve given many chances myself if put in that same situation. Ella was adorable and Etta was a hoot! I agree with Gray and no amount of sadness could make me feel ok with what Max did. It’s unforgivable. That ending though!! Loved it!! Can’t wait to read more books by this author!
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance complimentary copy of this book.
This author seriously has a vivid and wild imagination. She brings these characters to life in her stories like no other author out there. She certainly didn’t fail in that department in this story, it was fantastic. I loved the characters, the story line, the ending and everything in between. I would give this book a 4.5 stars and highly recommend to others.
Layla and Gray meet in a very unconventional way but sparks fly instantly. Layla never imagined herself falling for someone so quickly and someone in Gray’s predicament but she did… but that all flew out the window when he didn’t tell her something important and she found out by chance.. she walks away feeling like her world has been turned upside down… time will pass and she finds herself finally settling into her job and a new BF, but what she doesn’t expect is for Gray to come blowing back into her life like a hurricane.. will she give him a second chance or will she move on with her life as it is?
Get to one clicking to see what happens you don’t want to miss this one!
4.5 Freckled stars
This riveting page-turner was nothing short of sweet, sexy, and utterly endearing. It certainly wasn’t what I expected when I read the blurb and I think that’s one of the things I loved the most about this book—the twist will just come barreling down and blindside you. Halfway through, I really thought I knew what’ll happen and that I already had the conflict of the story nailed down in my head. But I was completely thrown off the loop and was surprised with something else entirely. By the end, I realized just how much I adored where this story took me even more than the initial theory I had.
“Betrayal doesn’t come from your enemies. It comes from the people you care about.”
The Naked Truth is absolutely just about everything I’m nuts about in a Vi Keeland romance and more. Her stories just have that ability to shock the living daylights out of me and tug at my heartstrings at the same time, and this one’s no different at all.
“You’ve been mine since the day we met. We may not have always been together, but that didn’t make you any less mine.”
Gray Westbrook won’t only make your heart thump wildly, but he’ll also win every single part of you over. At first, I didn’t know what to think of him. I couldn’t figure him out or what put him in the situation he was in. But then little by little, this guy left me in awe. He had his fair share of mistakes—there came a point where even I felt like the world was just against him finding true happiness—but that’s actually what made him all the more desirable to me. It showed that he’s human—someone who had chinks on his armor. Someone who has his own regrets and shortcomings. I swear, Gray is just the sweetest, most kindhearted man. He truly depicts the phrase “beautiful inside and out” to a T.
“Love changes everything.”
And then there’s Layla Hutton. To me, this woman was girl power reincarnate. No, she wasn’t perfect either, but she was so smart, strong-willed and confident. She was able to hold her own and she knew her worth, and I totally admire that. Every aspect of her just shone brightly in this story. I loved her, and the way she handled Gray coming back to her life and just about every other curveball life threw their way.
“We’re just getting started. Because what we had was real, and real doesn’t go away, no matter how much you want it to.”
When Gray and Layla were together, it wasn’t just sparks flying—it was a full-on, all-out firework display that went on for days on end. Their chemistry, the sexual tension between them, was just that intense and palpable. When you read this, you’ll feel deep in your bones how much they were truly meant to be and that they just made sense together. No matter what, with the kind of bond they’ve built between one another ever since the very beginning, you know they’re inevitable.
Intoxicatingly heart-melting and a guaranteed trip to swoonville, Vi Keeland certainly won’t disappoint you with her newest second chance romance. Just hold tight and enjoy the ride these two will take you on. Because it’s definitely one helluva wild and rocky one.
Vi Keeland is a phenomenal storyteller, and The Naked Truth is a testament to her ability to deliver a nuanced, emotional and original romance with memorable characters, an unpredictable plot twist (or two) and a sigh-worthy love story. Gray and Layla are sharp, smart and perfectly matched, and I was captivated by their every interaction. When he suddenly reenters her life and asks for a second chance, he has an uphill battle to convince her that he’s worth the risk, and she makes him work for it. He proves himself to be absolutely irresistible as he charms her (and me) with his genuine and earnest pursuit, swoon-worthy romantic gestures and effortless, magnetic charisma, but he and Layla have to work through their complicated and painful history and some unexpected present-day curve balls in order to nab their happy-ever-after. I loved every moment of their journey. The Naked Truth is a drop-dead sexy and deeply satisfying second-chance romance that reminds me why Vi Keeland is at the top of my favorite-authors list.
Recommendation appeared @ USA Today’s Happy Ever After on July 24, 2018
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.