I fell in love with him when I was thirteen years old.He was older, mysterious, and unattainable. The guy I could never touch.Then one night changed everything for us. But there was one huge problem.He belonged to her.
An unforgettable love story that will stay with me forever.
Author
prettylittlebookthings
3 years ago
I can’t breath after finishing this book. This is EASILY one of the top 5 books I’ve read this year. The story was so smooth but so painfully gritty. I got lost in it. I forgot I was reading. The story just captured me and stole me away.
This story isn’t filled with rainbows and butterflies. It’s painful, it shows you the real world. The ugly side. The side that a lot of us are lucky enough not to go through. But I felt it.
This author is a new to me author and I am so obsessed now. The Truth About Heartbreak made.. me.. feel. I laughed, I got those butterflies in my belly when Everett did little things for River, I felt heartbreak for fictional characters, I CRIED while reading River’s story. I almost NEVER cry while reading. A story really has to consume me for me to feel so strongly.
This story deserves all the stars and more. If there was ever a time that I could rate a book more than five stars, this story would have EASILY been the one.
Author
alianamilano94
3 years ago
I finished this book at 1am this morning – I shit you not. Just ask Barbara, she was getting hourly updates.
It’s been a VERY long time since I’ve been absorbed by a book like this – a debut novel – no less and just forget about everything and anything and stay up all night to read it.
The Truth About Heartbreak consumed my every waking thought from the VERY – and I mean very – first page.
These characters and this world set in Bridgeport is not one I left willingly and I’m lucky I have another Barbara book (thanks, boo ) to beta until then, cause people, the book hangover is REAL. TTAH is one of those books where you can’t turn the pages fast enough to know what’s going on but you also try to prolong the experience for as long as possible because you just don’t want it to end.
Oh and ALL THE FEELS, you guys. All of them.
Like, I just can’t even right now. I didn’t get enough sleep for this *side eyeing you Barbara*
That is all. You’re welcome. I love Everett. And Ollie. And Charlie. And River. Gonna go stuff my face with M&M’s now and try to adult.
I read for books like this. B Celeste is a new to me author that I stumbled across when a friend recommended The Truth About Heartbreak. With the promise of angst and heartache, I just had to give it a go. What a book! I literally only put this book down to sleep (and that’s only because I was getting frustrated with repeatedly dropping my kindle because I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer). It’s like the author peeked into my mind and wrote a book with everything I love the most in it. Angst, cheating, a slow burn that gave me tons of delicious anxiety and had me loving every second of it and characters that had a real depth to them. This book was so much more than I was expecting.
I can’t finish this review without mentioning Oliver. I need his story so badly. He was without a doubt my favourite character and I need more from him. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Author
michellewelikeitbigbookblog
3 years ago
3.5-4 Stars
I just finished this book and my head is spinning with everything I just read. How it was all played out.
Did I love this book. No. But it wasn’t a bad read. I was fully into it from beginning to end.
I’m not going to lie here. I felt bad for River. She had a horrible life up until she was adopted.
That’s when things changed for her.
Her family went above and beyond for her. And I loved that!!!! Her parents were totally behind her all the way. And River was lucky to get them as parents. I loved her brother too!! Oliver went above and beyond for her too.
Everett I felt messed with her emotionally.
And that’s why I couldn’t be fully into him. He knew who he wanted to be with. But everyday he made a choice to stay with someone he didn’t fully love because of something he said.
I felt he strung River along for years. When they both crossed that line. He expected River to forget his relationship status. That’s why I was so upset about what he was doing. He needed to make a decision. And he didn’t right away.
I’m not going to get into everything. Do I think this book is worth reading? I do… like I said. It kept me fully into it. I felt certain things were missing. I’m not sure if Oliver the brother will get a book. But he pops in and out here and there. I wish we got more in the end. Compared to the whole book. I just wish there’s was a little more. I’m glad it ended the way it did. But… it all felt a little rushed.
*ARC provided for an honest review.*
Author
estepashley1
3 years ago
The Truth about Heartbreak has been on my TBR forever, and I’ve been putting it off because we all know there is cheating in it. And I am so glad I waited, and I’m not saying that because I thought it was terrible.It’s actually just the opposite. TTAT is a beautifully written, heartbreaking book that I would not have enjoyed had I read it sooner. My own emotions would have gotten in the way and this book needed to be enjoyed.
Everett and River’ story is heartbreaking, painful, soul-crushing, and gut-wrenching beautiful. Their journey is painful and complicated. B. Celeste has left me feeling every emotion there is. I cried, I screamed. I wanted to throat punch Everett more times than not. I cried real, big, ugly tears for River. B. Celeste has left me in tears and speechless. The Truth about Heartbreak is raw, and gritty. I felt all of River’s pain right in my soul.
“The truth about heartbreak is that there is no such thing. It’s your soul that shatters, along with every fiber of your being that screams for another person.”
I’ve never had a line in a book hit so close to home. I think B. Celeste summed up the truth about heartbreak better than anyone before. That line spoke to my heart and everything I have bee through the last few months.
River deserves all the happiness in life. She saw more pain and suffering in the first thirteen years of her life than most of us see ever. Her scars are proof how strong she is, and how she survived the monsters in her past. Celeste touches many sensitive subjects that really made me think. But her writing is phenomenal and grace that it’s done beautifully. After reading TTAT Celeste has me wanting to continue to push my boundaries and continue on this emotional ride.
I cannot express how much I loved this book! B. Celeste has left me feeling all the feels in the best possible way. 5 beautifully, broken stars for The Truth about Heartbreak.
Author
arabellablack
3 years ago
You’re bringing on the heartbreak…
*self-purchased on Amazon. No need of sugar daddies called promo teams*
“How did you get that way? I don’t know
You’re screwed up and brilliant
You look like a million dollar man
So why is my heart broke?.”
Million Dollar Man – Lana Del Rey
What’s this book about? (I’m trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
The James family adopts River when she’s just thirteen years old. It starts as an innocent crush when she falls for the boy that always hangs around her new family. He’s older and her brother’s best friend. It’s forbidden and she doesn’t think something will ever happen between the two of them. He’s promised to somebody else. Until one fateful night, when everything changes.
I’ve finished the three inter-connected books of this series (it’s not really a series, but it is. COMPLICATED LOL). What a ride. B. Celeste knows how to set the moods, in the two books and the novella.
My first fear when I began this book was that River would be the original Charlie. As I kept reading, I saw the differences amongst the two and I realized that the author was too good to give us the same ride twice.
My second fear was that it wouldn’t be as consuming as The Truth About Heartbreak. Bloody hell, it was. From page one, I fell in love with the mood and the characters. Ollie… Ugh, Ollie. The parents. Rhett. And my baby, River. I didn’t see Charlie the same way as I saw River. River had this aura about her and while reading I kept feeling this need to protect this baby girl.
My fears were unjustified, in the end. I received everything that I wanted and more from this novel. I truly regret not starting with Heartbreak; I would’ve been screaming KARMA all the way through book 2 if I had done that. Rhettie baby was cute and all, and I truly get his trauma, but I’m siding with my baby girl, River. It took her some time to grow strong, but when she did and she started speaking her mind to Rhett in the end, I WAS LIKE ‘YOU GO, BABY GIRL!’ The one thing I didn’t understand is how she was able to do what she did when she was 16. That was a very rash decision. At least, Rhett was decent in some ways that Ollie wasn’t in one book called The Truth About Tomorrow… Rhett was protective and took a passive interest in River, but he never pushed. In fact, he might’ve never if River hadn’t started it. He was so attentive and he picked up on small stuff that no boy/girl usually notices, AM I RIGHT.
I’m also considering a theory that Ollie is a sex addict. Is that an option? There were so many hints and tiny details about my boo Oliver that I loved discovering. I feel like re-reading Tomorrow, just to get it all in again.
I LOVE HOW THE AUTHOR GAVE BOTH CHARACTERS HEART-BREAKING BACKSTORIES that got me invested from page one. I have a thing for grandparents. I do. When characters have them in their life, I’M ALL IN.
The chemistry between River and Everett was different than of the one in Tomorrow. There were only a few intimate scenes, but they were SPLENDID LOL. Steam was top notch.
In all honesty, I applaud Everett and the author, bless her, for getting my devotion on both characters as single entities first. If there’s a definition of slow-burn, this is it. I SHOULDN’T FORGET TO MENTION Ms. Isabel Allen. I despised her when she first appeared. When she said the indecent stuff about poor River, I actually cursed her out. LIKE WTF; you could say that about Charlie but not River. Actually, I despised ISSY throughout. Yet, there was something decent about her, too? She was a victim in her own way, too. I get why Everett stayed. If it hadn’t been Isabel, it would’ve been somebody else though. THERE’S SO MUCH DEPTH TO THESE CHARACTERS, I CANNOT.
This love story was gut-wrenching, in a different way than Tomorrow but still. I felt all the feels. I love this family and their dynamics, the hope and their love.
I recommend this page-turner novel to anyone who loves an emotional read, slow-burn romance, a strong girl attempting to grow out of her weakness, a tortured leading man that’s just trying to figure his own emotions out and a dose of AMAZING side characters like OLIVER, BABY.
“I will love you ’til the end of time
I would wait a million years
Promise you’ll remember that you’re mine
Baby, can you see through the tears?
Love you more than those b****** before
Say you’ll remember.”
Blue Jeans – Lana Del Rey
Author
angelinasmith
3 years ago
The blurb for this was a little vague, so I wasn’t sure what I would be jumping into. The first chapter grabbed hold and made me want to keep reading, but I then found myself struggling a little as the story went on because it kind of felt like River and Everett just kept going round in circles until the truth finally comes out. But even then, River dragged things out even more and Everett allowed her to. Unfortunately, I found myself skim reading the slower parts as I wanted to get to the parts where something actually happened. I did come away having enjoyed the time it took to get to the end lol and I’d definitely consider picking up other books by this author, but even though the teaser for book 2 has me curious, I’m not sure I’m ready to read it yet as the reviews show that it also drags a little. I get that the author wants the reader to truly know and understand the characters, but there also needs to be a balance and some unnecessary scenes removed. I think this is a book that some will love and others will struggle with, so I’d recommend they give the book a chance and make up their own mind
Author
terracanale020785
3 years ago
My eyes have been opened by the greatness of this book. It captured me from the first page and held on tight to the last. It had a wonderful storyline that flowed so very well and the characters were all amazing. It felt like I was a part of this book because it sucked me into it. The passion, the delivery of this book was more than on point, it was genius!! I melted with the words, I laughed with the characters, I cried with the memories and I simply just was alive. This book was so powerful to me that it has me looking forward to tomorrow. It branded my heart and soul immediately. Thanks for writing this strong, powerful, exciting, amazing and life changing book.
Author
sarahbailey
3 years ago
Angsty and emotional read
I really enjoyed this one. I don’t often read books this long to be honest, but I felt compelled to read this one after I saw the blurb and the title. I’ve been on a bit of a forbidden romance kick.
River and Everett’s relationship wasn’t an easy one at all. I found myself frustrated, heartbroken and desperately wanting them to tell each other how they really felt deep down. All the complications regarding who they were to each other and Everett’s girlfriend made this one angsty read.
These two definitely deserved their ending
Author
clmatthews
3 years ago
This book was exceptional. The characters were created with flaws that they weren’t afraid to show throughout the entire story. That in itself was a feat I gladly watched her achieve. This book was exceptional. The characters were created with flaws that they weren’t afraid to show throughout the entire story. That in itself was a feat I gladly watched her achieve.
Author
llou311085
3 years ago
A love that grows through time.
River and Everett share something special, they are so in tune with each other from the time they meet it’s intoxicating.
River had suffered a great deal up untill she is adopted and finds it hard to settle in and connect with her adoptive parents but quickly has a connection with her new brother Oliver and his best friend Everett.
River grows in to a remarkably strong, kind woman, i loved everything about her, even her mistakes. Her devotion to helping other children is endearing.
River and Everetts relastionship at the beginning was innocent, effortless and sweet it captivated me.
There were times i hated Everett but i couldn’t fully hate him, his loyality is something to be admired but also his downfall. He wins me over in the end.
They both make mistakes, trying to get through life and deal with their issues, trying hard to keep their feelings for each other suppressed but true love is not meant to be contained it shines through no matter how hard you have tried to keep it subdued.
The end epilogue was just WOW! Im hooked and need Oliver and Charlie’s story now.
Written beautifully.
Author
confessionsofabibliophile
3 years ago
“The truth about heartbreak is that there is no such thing. It’s your soul that shatters, along with every fiber of your being that screams for another person.”
The Truth About Heartbreak by B. Celeste. My heart literally BROKE while reading this. I mean seriously, ALL THE FEELS! I know that cheating is a HUGE no-go for some readers but I urge you to give this one a chance, it will be worth the displeasure of the cheating aspect. I know that there is nothing I can put into this review to accurately describe how beautifully amazing The Truth About Heartbreak really is, but I’m going to try. Told from dual POV we follow along the decade long journey of River James and Everett Tucker.
Given up for adoption when she was just a baby River has spent her 13 years of life being bounced from foster home to foster home. Some homes were a lot worse than others…
Until finally, the James family comes along and offers to bring her home.
River finally has a chance at a forever home but once she gets there she has a hard time adjusting. She worries that she won’t fit in, the James’s have money and are so put together, and well… she’s not.
“I just hope they’ll let me stay when they realize how deep my scars really go.”
Oliver, A.K.A Ollie, quickly becomes her closest confidant. He is the typical older brother, looking out for River, making sure that she’s OK and helping her to adjust to life in the James family, along with Ollie’s best friend Everett.
Everett Tucker has been through his fair share of tragedy and is a permeant staple around the James house. Everett immediately feels a bond with the quiet, timid girl and seems to be able to understand River in a way that most people don’t, he sees past the walls she has painstakingly erected in order to protect herself and sees the kindred spirit inside of her. But Everett is 17, Ollie’s best friend, and River is the 13-year-old troubled, untouchable little sister.
“River James will always be mine. Even if she doesn’t want to be. Even if she can’t be.”
Over the course of a decade, River and Everett’s friendship grows… but so do their feelings for one another. What started as a friendship evolves into so much more. But a romantic relationship between the two threatens friendships and family ties. So they continue to deny their feelings and spend years fighting their attraction to one another and breaking their own hearts.
Until one night, after 10 years of fighting their true feelings… they don’t.
Gahhhh this book! Forbidden/taboo romance is one of my favorite genres so as soon as I saw the blurb I knew this one was a must for me.
There are books that just stick with you, that a year from now something will happen and you’ll remember that one phrase or that one sentence and you’ll smile, or you’ll laugh, or maybe you’ll tear up. This is THAT book.
River, god that girl is the DEFINITION of a survivor. The things that she has suffered and the scars that she still bears, both mentally and physically from people that were supposed to care for her… I just can’t even put it into words. Absolutely heartbreaking. The James’s saved her life. That family, including Everett, through patience and love, broke through River’s walls and showed her what love and family truly is.
Rhett, God that man infuriated me sometimes. There were many, many times that I wanted to shake him but I can also understand why he did what he did and although he did many things that hurt River, I never once doubted his love for her. Ultimately everything he did was for her, even if it didn’t seem like it at the moment.
Watching these characters grow from teens to young adults while trying to figure out their evolving relationship while navigating through the many obstacles that stood in the way was nothing short of amazing. Especially River, going from that shy and timid girl to a woman who voices her own opinions and isn’t scared anymore and who is finally willing to open her heart to love.
It’s been a couple of days now since I’ve finished this one and I haven’t even picked up another book yet (very unlike me!) I am having the WORST case of book hangover ever and nothing is grabbing my interest since I put this one down. I was just so emotionally invested in these characters that I *sigh* I just can’t even put it into words and I’m very rarely left speechless, but TTAH left me speechless. There was ONE SINGLE WORD spoken that brought me to tears, enough that I actually had to set the book down before I continued.. it was… heartbreaking, tragic, just… *sigh* everything.
This is a fairly long read but honestly, I didn’t mind at all. Although there were parts that I could skim, I didn’t want to. For the depth that she has developed in both of these characters and this decade long journey between them, it was absolutely perfect.
The secondary characters are all amazing and play a huge role in both River and Rhett’s life and from what I have heard there is going to be a second book, an interconnected standalone featuring two of the secondary characters that is going to be just as taboo and forbidden as The Truth About Heartbreak.
The Truth About Heartbreak, a tumultuous love story between two people who against all odds found strength and hope in one another, has stolen the top spot for my favorite read of 2019! Thank you so, so much B. Celeste for this amazing, beautiful story.
If you like your romance full of angst, and emotion, that’s both heartwarming and tragic, with a heroine who has beaten all the odds, then I HIGHLY recommend The Truth About Heartbreak.
*So I just had to add this in, this is B. Celeste’s DEBUT BOOK!!!! There is no way?!?! Did she write under another name or something before this?! I just can NOT believe this is her FIRST book!!!! HOLY SHIT! If this is what she’s putting out FIRST then OMG I can not wait to see what comes next! Sign me up for WHATEVER it is!*
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
Author
arsymes76
3 years ago
The Truth about Heartbreak by B. Celeste is an emotional, intense, forbidden heartpounding read that will get your pulses racing and hearts pounding due to all that happens in this story. The main characters are characters that have flaws yet I loved that about them. River and Rhett’s story is filled with angst, heartbreak, heartache, despair, forbidden love, passion, push/pull relationship, twists, turns, cheating, pain, anger, forgiveness, feels, deep emotions , undying love. This story is filled with a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will have you hooked from start to finish. The epilogue has me dying for a book 2 with the secondary characters shown in book 1. This book is really good and will have you rooting for River and Rhett’s HEA.
My Rating: 4.5 stars ********
Author
kimw
3 years ago
My Goodness!! My first experience with this author, and boy did she do a number on my emotions!! Like a knife cutting through my heart!! So much pain and heartache!! The title is exactly as it states!! Age is just a number! But through all the pain, Love prevailed!! My heart burst for joy!! Fantastic story!!
Author
anaughtybookfling
3 years ago
Oh My….This book is everything and more!!! This new to me author had me from the very first page. Her writing kept me reading till the very last page. The Truth about Heartbreak has just enough sweetness, hotness, forbidden love that keeps those pages turning. I absolutely loved every freaking minute of Everett and River’s story. I am actually obsessed with these two. Their story has everything that I love in a book which is why I couldn’t put it down and it kept me up late at night reading. Can you say book hangover….yes…it was so so worth it. I highly recommend that you grab this book and devour it.
Happy Reading Everyone!!!
Reviewed by Jeanette
Author
jeanetteoglesby
3 years ago
Oh My….This book is everything and more!!! This new to me author had me from the very first page. Her writing kept me reading till the very last page. The Truth about Heartbreak has just enough sweetness, hotness, forbidden love that keeps those pages turning. I absolutely loved every freaking minute of Everett and River’s story. I am actually obsessed with these two. Their story has everything that I love in a book which is why I couldn’t put it down and it kept me up late at night reading. Can you say book hangover….yes…it was so so worth it. I highly recommend that you grab this book and devour it.
Happy Reading Everyone!!!
Author
lizthompson
3 years ago
When I read the blurb for The Truth about Heartbreak by B. Celeste I knew I wanted to read it. I am a huge fan of angsty books and this had it all! Forbidden romance, cheating, a brother’s best friend, family ties and so much more! I could not wait to get it started and I was not disappointed.
River James has not had an easy life. She has been in foster care for years, until she is finally adopted. She does not trust easily, but when she meets her new family, something clicks. She meets Everett Tucker and there is a deep connection between them. But he is her new brother’s best friend and a big part of the family. So begins a story that lasts years and is full of angst and second chances. They faced so many obstacles throughout their journey.
River’s story was heartbreaking and it took her a while to find her place in her new world. Everett was so caring and patient. I loved that we got the point of view of both characters and were able to see both their past and present. This was an emotional story full of angst and I devoured it!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Siren Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Author
wssbookblog
3 years ago
Magnificent read! Absolutely fantastic!
The Truth About Heartbreak was the first book I’ve read by the author. I’m officially hooked on her writing. (I immediately downloaded and read Something About Tuesday’s.)
It’s by far my favorite CR/taboo read of 2019.
I’m not a fan of cheating but this book was good.
Go in blind and read it..please..now.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Main Characters~ 5/5
Secondary Characters~ 5/5
The Feels~ 5/5
Pacing~ 5/5
Addictiveness~5/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 5/5
Book Cover~ Fantastic
Series~ Standalone
Source~ Kindle eBook ~ ARC for honest review – however, I placed an order for a signed paperback for my personal collection.
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Like
Author
elizabethsherrell
3 years ago
I’m having a really hard time conveying my feels into words. The Truth About Heartbreak has come to be one of my absolute favorite books, and I’m struggling to explain why. I guess I’ll start by saying it was next to impossible for me to put this book down, and when I had to, I was left constantly thinking about it. What would happen next? Was the tension and angst between these characters finally going to do me in?
Spoiler Alert: It did.
The flow and beauty of B. Celeste’s words latched onto me from the first page, and held it up until the very end. River and Everett’s story was a heartrending journey. And if the word “journey” were to be used to describe two characters and their love story, it accurately describes this one. Their story took place in a span of 10 YEARS! A decade of innocent, comforting moments. A decade of longing for a person you want, and love, with every fiber of your being. A decade of heartbreak, after heartbreak–and us the readers feel it every step of the way.
I know the word “cheating” is a straight up no for some readers, but if you were ever to take a chance on a book with that word attached, I really hope it’s this one. There’s so much beauty that lies beneath that word, and in these pages. It’s intensely consuming, poignant, and at an angst level I was sure I’d survive. A gripping love story that still has ahold of me long after finishing. I really, really hope you’ll give it a chance!
An unforgettable love story that will stay with me forever.
I can’t breath after finishing this book. This is EASILY one of the top 5 books I’ve read this year. The story was so smooth but so painfully gritty. I got lost in it. I forgot I was reading. The story just captured me and stole me away.
This story isn’t filled with rainbows and butterflies. It’s painful, it shows you the real world. The ugly side. The side that a lot of us are lucky enough not to go through. But I felt it.
This author is a new to me author and I am so obsessed now. The Truth About Heartbreak made.. me.. feel. I laughed, I got those butterflies in my belly when Everett did little things for River, I felt heartbreak for fictional characters, I CRIED while reading River’s story. I almost NEVER cry while reading. A story really has to consume me for me to feel so strongly.
This story deserves all the stars and more. If there was ever a time that I could rate a book more than five stars, this story would have EASILY been the one.
I finished this book at 1am this morning – I shit you not. Just ask Barbara, she was getting hourly updates.
It’s been a VERY long time since I’ve been absorbed by a book like this – a debut novel – no less and just forget about everything and anything and stay up all night to read it.
The Truth About Heartbreak consumed my every waking thought from the VERY – and I mean very – first page.
These characters and this world set in Bridgeport is not one I left willingly and I’m lucky I have another Barbara book (thanks, boo ) to beta until then, cause people, the book hangover is REAL. TTAH is one of those books where you can’t turn the pages fast enough to know what’s going on but you also try to prolong the experience for as long as possible because you just don’t want it to end.
Oh and ALL THE FEELS, you guys. All of them.
Like, I just can’t even right now. I didn’t get enough sleep for this *side eyeing you Barbara*
That is all. You’re welcome. I love Everett. And Ollie. And Charlie. And River. Gonna go stuff my face with M&M’s now and try to adult.
#TTAH #BCelesteBooks #BookHangover #CoverLove #5Stars #AliApproved #TheyAllBelongToMe
*Reviewed by Ali at Fallen For Books
I read for books like this. B Celeste is a new to me author that I stumbled across when a friend recommended The Truth About Heartbreak. With the promise of angst and heartache, I just had to give it a go. What a book! I literally only put this book down to sleep (and that’s only because I was getting frustrated with repeatedly dropping my kindle because I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer). It’s like the author peeked into my mind and wrote a book with everything I love the most in it. Angst, cheating, a slow burn that gave me tons of delicious anxiety and had me loving every second of it and characters that had a real depth to them. This book was so much more than I was expecting.
I can’t finish this review without mentioning Oliver. I need his story so badly. He was without a doubt my favourite character and I need more from him. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
3.5-4 Stars
I just finished this book and my head is spinning with everything I just read. How it was all played out.
Did I love this book. No. But it wasn’t a bad read. I was fully into it from beginning to end.
I’m not going to lie here. I felt bad for River. She had a horrible life up until she was adopted.
That’s when things changed for her.
Her family went above and beyond for her. And I loved that!!!! Her parents were totally behind her all the way. And River was lucky to get them as parents. I loved her brother too!! Oliver went above and beyond for her too.
Everett I felt messed with her emotionally.
And that’s why I couldn’t be fully into him. He knew who he wanted to be with. But everyday he made a choice to stay with someone he didn’t fully love because of something he said.
I felt he strung River along for years. When they both crossed that line. He expected River to forget his relationship status. That’s why I was so upset about what he was doing. He needed to make a decision. And he didn’t right away.
I’m not going to get into everything. Do I think this book is worth reading? I do… like I said. It kept me fully into it. I felt certain things were missing. I’m not sure if Oliver the brother will get a book. But he pops in and out here and there. I wish we got more in the end. Compared to the whole book. I just wish there’s was a little more. I’m glad it ended the way it did. But… it all felt a little rushed.
*ARC provided for an honest review.*
The Truth about Heartbreak has been on my TBR forever, and I’ve been putting it off because we all know there is cheating in it. And I am so glad I waited, and I’m not saying that because I thought it was terrible.It’s actually just the opposite. TTAT is a beautifully written, heartbreaking book that I would not have enjoyed had I read it sooner. My own emotions would have gotten in the way and this book needed to be enjoyed.
Everett and River’ story is heartbreaking, painful, soul-crushing, and gut-wrenching beautiful. Their journey is painful and complicated. B. Celeste has left me feeling every emotion there is. I cried, I screamed. I wanted to throat punch Everett more times than not. I cried real, big, ugly tears for River. B. Celeste has left me in tears and speechless. The Truth about Heartbreak is raw, and gritty. I felt all of River’s pain right in my soul.
“The truth about heartbreak is that there is no such thing. It’s your soul that shatters, along with every fiber of your being that screams for another person.”
I’ve never had a line in a book hit so close to home. I think B. Celeste summed up the truth about heartbreak better than anyone before. That line spoke to my heart and everything I have bee through the last few months.
River deserves all the happiness in life. She saw more pain and suffering in the first thirteen years of her life than most of us see ever. Her scars are proof how strong she is, and how she survived the monsters in her past. Celeste touches many sensitive subjects that really made me think. But her writing is phenomenal and grace that it’s done beautifully. After reading TTAT Celeste has me wanting to continue to push my boundaries and continue on this emotional ride.
I cannot express how much I loved this book! B. Celeste has left me feeling all the feels in the best possible way. 5 beautifully, broken stars for The Truth about Heartbreak.
You’re bringing on the heartbreak…
*self-purchased on Amazon. No need of sugar daddies called promo teams*
“How did you get that way? I don’t know
You’re screwed up and brilliant
You look like a million dollar man
So why is my heart broke?.”
Million Dollar Man – Lana Del Rey
What’s this book about? (I’m trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
The James family adopts River when she’s just thirteen years old. It starts as an innocent crush when she falls for the boy that always hangs around her new family. He’s older and her brother’s best friend. It’s forbidden and she doesn’t think something will ever happen between the two of them. He’s promised to somebody else. Until one fateful night, when everything changes.
I’ve finished the three inter-connected books of this series (it’s not really a series, but it is. COMPLICATED LOL). What a ride. B. Celeste knows how to set the moods, in the two books and the novella.
My first fear when I began this book was that River would be the original Charlie. As I kept reading, I saw the differences amongst the two and I realized that the author was too good to give us the same ride twice.
My second fear was that it wouldn’t be as consuming as The Truth About Heartbreak. Bloody hell, it was. From page one, I fell in love with the mood and the characters. Ollie… Ugh, Ollie. The parents. Rhett. And my baby, River. I didn’t see Charlie the same way as I saw River. River had this aura about her and while reading I kept feeling this need to protect this baby girl.
My fears were unjustified, in the end. I received everything that I wanted and more from this novel. I truly regret not starting with Heartbreak; I would’ve been screaming KARMA all the way through book 2 if I had done that. Rhettie baby was cute and all, and I truly get his trauma, but I’m siding with my baby girl, River. It took her some time to grow strong, but when she did and she started speaking her mind to Rhett in the end, I WAS LIKE ‘YOU GO, BABY GIRL!’ The one thing I didn’t understand is how she was able to do what she did when she was 16. That was a very rash decision. At least, Rhett was decent in some ways that Ollie wasn’t in one book called The Truth About Tomorrow… Rhett was protective and took a passive interest in River, but he never pushed. In fact, he might’ve never if River hadn’t started it. He was so attentive and he picked up on small stuff that no boy/girl usually notices, AM I RIGHT.
I’m also considering a theory that Ollie is a sex addict. Is that an option? There were so many hints and tiny details about my boo Oliver that I loved discovering. I feel like re-reading Tomorrow, just to get it all in again.
I LOVE HOW THE AUTHOR GAVE BOTH CHARACTERS HEART-BREAKING BACKSTORIES that got me invested from page one. I have a thing for grandparents. I do. When characters have them in their life, I’M ALL IN.
The chemistry between River and Everett was different than of the one in Tomorrow. There were only a few intimate scenes, but they were SPLENDID LOL. Steam was top notch.
In all honesty, I applaud Everett and the author, bless her, for getting my devotion on both characters as single entities first. If there’s a definition of slow-burn, this is it. I SHOULDN’T FORGET TO MENTION Ms. Isabel Allen. I despised her when she first appeared. When she said the indecent stuff about poor River, I actually cursed her out. LIKE WTF; you could say that about Charlie but not River. Actually, I despised ISSY throughout. Yet, there was something decent about her, too? She was a victim in her own way, too. I get why Everett stayed. If it hadn’t been Isabel, it would’ve been somebody else though. THERE’S SO MUCH DEPTH TO THESE CHARACTERS, I CANNOT.
This love story was gut-wrenching, in a different way than Tomorrow but still. I felt all the feels. I love this family and their dynamics, the hope and their love.
I recommend this page-turner novel to anyone who loves an emotional read, slow-burn romance, a strong girl attempting to grow out of her weakness, a tortured leading man that’s just trying to figure his own emotions out and a dose of AMAZING side characters like OLIVER, BABY.
“I will love you ’til the end of time
I would wait a million years
Promise you’ll remember that you’re mine
Baby, can you see through the tears?
Love you more than those b****** before
Say you’ll remember.”
Blue Jeans – Lana Del Rey
The blurb for this was a little vague, so I wasn’t sure what I would be jumping into. The first chapter grabbed hold and made me want to keep reading, but I then found myself struggling a little as the story went on because it kind of felt like River and Everett just kept going round in circles until the truth finally comes out. But even then, River dragged things out even more and Everett allowed her to. Unfortunately, I found myself skim reading the slower parts as I wanted to get to the parts where something actually happened. I did come away having enjoyed the time it took to get to the end lol and I’d definitely consider picking up other books by this author, but even though the teaser for book 2 has me curious, I’m not sure I’m ready to read it yet as the reviews show that it also drags a little. I get that the author wants the reader to truly know and understand the characters, but there also needs to be a balance and some unnecessary scenes removed. I think this is a book that some will love and others will struggle with, so I’d recommend they give the book a chance and make up their own mind
My eyes have been opened by the greatness of this book. It captured me from the first page and held on tight to the last. It had a wonderful storyline that flowed so very well and the characters were all amazing. It felt like I was a part of this book because it sucked me into it. The passion, the delivery of this book was more than on point, it was genius!! I melted with the words, I laughed with the characters, I cried with the memories and I simply just was alive. This book was so powerful to me that it has me looking forward to tomorrow. It branded my heart and soul immediately. Thanks for writing this strong, powerful, exciting, amazing and life changing book.
Angsty and emotional read
I really enjoyed this one. I don’t often read books this long to be honest, but I felt compelled to read this one after I saw the blurb and the title. I’ve been on a bit of a forbidden romance kick.
River and Everett’s relationship wasn’t an easy one at all. I found myself frustrated, heartbroken and desperately wanting them to tell each other how they really felt deep down. All the complications regarding who they were to each other and Everett’s girlfriend made this one angsty read.
These two definitely deserved their ending
This book was exceptional. The characters were created with flaws that they weren’t afraid to show throughout the entire story. That in itself was a feat I gladly watched her achieve. This book was exceptional. The characters were created with flaws that they weren’t afraid to show throughout the entire story. That in itself was a feat I gladly watched her achieve.
A love that grows through time.
River and Everett share something special, they are so in tune with each other from the time they meet it’s intoxicating.
River had suffered a great deal up untill she is adopted and finds it hard to settle in and connect with her adoptive parents but quickly has a connection with her new brother Oliver and his best friend Everett.
River grows in to a remarkably strong, kind woman, i loved everything about her, even her mistakes. Her devotion to helping other children is endearing.
River and Everetts relastionship at the beginning was innocent, effortless and sweet it captivated me.
There were times i hated Everett but i couldn’t fully hate him, his loyality is something to be admired but also his downfall. He wins me over in the end.
They both make mistakes, trying to get through life and deal with their issues, trying hard to keep their feelings for each other suppressed but true love is not meant to be contained it shines through no matter how hard you have tried to keep it subdued.
The end epilogue was just WOW! Im hooked and need Oliver and Charlie’s story now.
Written beautifully.
“The truth about heartbreak is that there is no such thing. It’s your soul that shatters, along with every fiber of your being that screams for another person.”
The Truth About Heartbreak by B. Celeste. My heart literally BROKE while reading this. I mean seriously, ALL THE FEELS! I know that cheating is a HUGE no-go for some readers but I urge you to give this one a chance, it will be worth the displeasure of the cheating aspect. I know that there is nothing I can put into this review to accurately describe how beautifully amazing The Truth About Heartbreak really is, but I’m going to try. Told from dual POV we follow along the decade long journey of River James and Everett Tucker.
Given up for adoption when she was just a baby River has spent her 13 years of life being bounced from foster home to foster home. Some homes were a lot worse than others…
Until finally, the James family comes along and offers to bring her home.
River finally has a chance at a forever home but once she gets there she has a hard time adjusting. She worries that she won’t fit in, the James’s have money and are so put together, and well… she’s not.
“I just hope they’ll let me stay when they realize how deep my scars really go.”
Oliver, A.K.A Ollie, quickly becomes her closest confidant. He is the typical older brother, looking out for River, making sure that she’s OK and helping her to adjust to life in the James family, along with Ollie’s best friend Everett.
Everett Tucker has been through his fair share of tragedy and is a permeant staple around the James house. Everett immediately feels a bond with the quiet, timid girl and seems to be able to understand River in a way that most people don’t, he sees past the walls she has painstakingly erected in order to protect herself and sees the kindred spirit inside of her. But Everett is 17, Ollie’s best friend, and River is the 13-year-old troubled, untouchable little sister.
“River James will always be mine. Even if she doesn’t want to be. Even if she can’t be.”
Over the course of a decade, River and Everett’s friendship grows… but so do their feelings for one another. What started as a friendship evolves into so much more. But a romantic relationship between the two threatens friendships and family ties. So they continue to deny their feelings and spend years fighting their attraction to one another and breaking their own hearts.
Until one night, after 10 years of fighting their true feelings… they don’t.
Gahhhh this book! Forbidden/taboo romance is one of my favorite genres so as soon as I saw the blurb I knew this one was a must for me.
There are books that just stick with you, that a year from now something will happen and you’ll remember that one phrase or that one sentence and you’ll smile, or you’ll laugh, or maybe you’ll tear up. This is THAT book.
River, god that girl is the DEFINITION of a survivor. The things that she has suffered and the scars that she still bears, both mentally and physically from people that were supposed to care for her… I just can’t even put it into words. Absolutely heartbreaking. The James’s saved her life. That family, including Everett, through patience and love, broke through River’s walls and showed her what love and family truly is.
Rhett, God that man infuriated me sometimes. There were many, many times that I wanted to shake him but I can also understand why he did what he did and although he did many things that hurt River, I never once doubted his love for her. Ultimately everything he did was for her, even if it didn’t seem like it at the moment.
Watching these characters grow from teens to young adults while trying to figure out their evolving relationship while navigating through the many obstacles that stood in the way was nothing short of amazing. Especially River, going from that shy and timid girl to a woman who voices her own opinions and isn’t scared anymore and who is finally willing to open her heart to love.
It’s been a couple of days now since I’ve finished this one and I haven’t even picked up another book yet (very unlike me!) I am having the WORST case of book hangover ever and nothing is grabbing my interest since I put this one down. I was just so emotionally invested in these characters that I *sigh* I just can’t even put it into words and I’m very rarely left speechless, but TTAH left me speechless. There was ONE SINGLE WORD spoken that brought me to tears, enough that I actually had to set the book down before I continued.. it was… heartbreaking, tragic, just… *sigh* everything.
This is a fairly long read but honestly, I didn’t mind at all. Although there were parts that I could skim, I didn’t want to. For the depth that she has developed in both of these characters and this decade long journey between them, it was absolutely perfect.
The secondary characters are all amazing and play a huge role in both River and Rhett’s life and from what I have heard there is going to be a second book, an interconnected standalone featuring two of the secondary characters that is going to be just as taboo and forbidden as The Truth About Heartbreak.
The Truth About Heartbreak, a tumultuous love story between two people who against all odds found strength and hope in one another, has stolen the top spot for my favorite read of 2019! Thank you so, so much B. Celeste for this amazing, beautiful story.
If you like your romance full of angst, and emotion, that’s both heartwarming and tragic, with a heroine who has beaten all the odds, then I HIGHLY recommend The Truth About Heartbreak.
*So I just had to add this in, this is B. Celeste’s DEBUT BOOK!!!! There is no way?!?! Did she write under another name or something before this?! I just can NOT believe this is her FIRST book!!!! HOLY SHIT! If this is what she’s putting out FIRST then OMG I can not wait to see what comes next! Sign me up for WHATEVER it is!*
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
The Truth about Heartbreak by B. Celeste is an emotional, intense, forbidden heartpounding read that will get your pulses racing and hearts pounding due to all that happens in this story. The main characters are characters that have flaws yet I loved that about them. River and Rhett’s story is filled with angst, heartbreak, heartache, despair, forbidden love, passion, push/pull relationship, twists, turns, cheating, pain, anger, forgiveness, feels, deep emotions , undying love. This story is filled with a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will have you hooked from start to finish. The epilogue has me dying for a book 2 with the secondary characters shown in book 1. This book is really good and will have you rooting for River and Rhett’s HEA.
My Rating: 4.5 stars ********
My Goodness!! My first experience with this author, and boy did she do a number on my emotions!! Like a knife cutting through my heart!! So much pain and heartache!! The title is exactly as it states!! Age is just a number! But through all the pain, Love prevailed!! My heart burst for joy!! Fantastic story!!
Oh My….This book is everything and more!!! This new to me author had me from the very first page. Her writing kept me reading till the very last page. The Truth about Heartbreak has just enough sweetness, hotness, forbidden love that keeps those pages turning. I absolutely loved every freaking minute of Everett and River’s story. I am actually obsessed with these two. Their story has everything that I love in a book which is why I couldn’t put it down and it kept me up late at night reading. Can you say book hangover….yes…it was so so worth it. I highly recommend that you grab this book and devour it.
Happy Reading Everyone!!!
Reviewed by Jeanette
Oh My….This book is everything and more!!! This new to me author had me from the very first page. Her writing kept me reading till the very last page. The Truth about Heartbreak has just enough sweetness, hotness, forbidden love that keeps those pages turning. I absolutely loved every freaking minute of Everett and River’s story. I am actually obsessed with these two. Their story has everything that I love in a book which is why I couldn’t put it down and it kept me up late at night reading. Can you say book hangover….yes…it was so so worth it. I highly recommend that you grab this book and devour it.
Happy Reading Everyone!!!
When I read the blurb for The Truth about Heartbreak by B. Celeste I knew I wanted to read it. I am a huge fan of angsty books and this had it all! Forbidden romance, cheating, a brother’s best friend, family ties and so much more! I could not wait to get it started and I was not disappointed.
River James has not had an easy life. She has been in foster care for years, until she is finally adopted. She does not trust easily, but when she meets her new family, something clicks. She meets Everett Tucker and there is a deep connection between them. But he is her new brother’s best friend and a big part of the family. So begins a story that lasts years and is full of angst and second chances. They faced so many obstacles throughout their journey.
River’s story was heartbreaking and it took her a while to find her place in her new world. Everett was so caring and patient. I loved that we got the point of view of both characters and were able to see both their past and present. This was an emotional story full of angst and I devoured it!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Siren Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Magnificent read! Absolutely fantastic!
The Truth About Heartbreak was the first book I’ve read by the author. I’m officially hooked on her writing. (I immediately downloaded and read Something About Tuesday’s.)
It’s by far my favorite CR/taboo read of 2019.
I’m not a fan of cheating but this book was good.
Go in blind and read it..please..now.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Main Characters~ 5/5
Secondary Characters~ 5/5
The Feels~ 5/5
Pacing~ 5/5
Addictiveness~5/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 5/5
Book Cover~ Fantastic
Series~ Standalone
Source~ Kindle eBook ~ ARC for honest review – however, I placed an order for a signed paperback for my personal collection.
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes
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I’m having a really hard time conveying my feels into words. The Truth About Heartbreak has come to be one of my absolute favorite books, and I’m struggling to explain why. I guess I’ll start by saying it was next to impossible for me to put this book down, and when I had to, I was left constantly thinking about it. What would happen next? Was the tension and angst between these characters finally going to do me in?
Spoiler Alert: It did.
The flow and beauty of B. Celeste’s words latched onto me from the first page, and held it up until the very end. River and Everett’s story was a heartrending journey. And if the word “journey” were to be used to describe two characters and their love story, it accurately describes this one. Their story took place in a span of 10 YEARS! A decade of innocent, comforting moments. A decade of longing for a person you want, and love, with every fiber of your being. A decade of heartbreak, after heartbreak–and us the readers feel it every step of the way.
I know the word “cheating” is a straight up no for some readers, but if you were ever to take a chance on a book with that word attached, I really hope it’s this one. There’s so much beauty that lies beneath that word, and in these pages. It’s intensely consuming, poignant, and at an angst level I was sure I’d survive. A gripping love story that still has ahold of me long after finishing. I really, really hope you’ll give it a chance!