A new, sexy standalone from top 100 Amazon Bestseller, R.C. Stephens.She was my best friend’s little sister—forbidden.Jolie Campbell was my solace in a dark life. Jolie was my first love, my first kiss. She was a soothing balm, loving me, keeping me from sinking in a ship of life that experienced daily storms. I promised her forever but I should’ve known better.I made mistakes and ruined … mistakes and ruined everything. Jolie is my favorite memory and my biggest regret. My need for her hasn’t faded even after all these years. She loved me for who I am. There was never a choice about moving on. I’ll always be alone. It’s what I deserve after leaving her the way I did.
Until fate hands me a second chance. A funeral brings me home to a place I swore I would never return. My memories and mistakes come crashing down on me before the plane even lands. I want to keep my distance from Jolie but my old feelings return like a tidal wave sucking me under while breathing life back into me. I tell myself to keep my distance from her. That no good could come of us, but she’s too hard to resist and I want my second chance with the only girl I ever loved. Too bad fate has other plans. . .
THE TRUTH ABOUT IS, is a second chance contemporary romance with a swoonworthy hero and a strong heroine . Enjoy Griffin and Jolie’s road to an HEA.
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RC Stephen is one of my favorite storytellers and The Truth About Us is one of her more emotional stories. She really pulled me into Griff and Jolie’s world and it was heartbreaking.
This second chance, friends to lovers story will pull on all your heartstrings. When they thought they would have forever, Griff just disappears. Now it’s 10 years later and Griff is ready to prove to Jolie that she has always been the love of his life but he has a lot of explaining to do.
If you love emotional reads then The Truth About Us is a story you will really love.
The Truth about Us is a second chance romance that had me on one heck of a roller coaster , I liked it even though it did frustrate be a bit with how things would go and how characters react . This wouldn’t be the first or the last book that I’ve read by R.C. Stephens I can’t wait to read more the author in the future .
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
Jolie: Griffin Campbell was the typical bad boy. My father warned me not to get too close. But he’s handsome as hell with eyes the color of the ocean, and he’s fiercely loyal and loves unconcditionally. I couldn’t stay away when he was the only boy to ever claim my heart. I gave him all my first…and he left me behind. Ten years later, he has returned home offering answers as to why he left because he wants me bac – only I’m not the broken hearted teenager he once fell for. His pretty eyes and killer muscles aren’t enough to mend the hurt that rages inside me.
Griffin: Jolie Bryant was my best friend’s little sister. She’s sexy as hell, sweet as sin, and very forbidden – my favorite memeory and my biggest regret. I should stay away. I’m harboring secrets that will shatter her world. The thing about secrets is that they always find a way to come out. I just hope that when mine do, she won’t turn away from me… I want my second chance with the only girl I’ve ever loved, but it seems that fate has other plans.
Second chance romances are one of my favorite kinds. and The Truth About Us is a really good one. This too is a story with a lot of twists and turns. This is the story that makes you think would you chose the same love you chose at twenty that you would chose at thirty? This story starts when Griff and JoJo are teenager and right smack do in the middle of a massive crush on each other with stolen kisses and moments together including JoJo giving Griff her virginity and the promise of a future together. However Giff suddenly vanishes from her life completely leaving her devestated and heartbroken. Now ten years later she has moved on even married and now is returning home becasue of her stepfather sudden death. She doens’t go home often as the memeories are way to painful but now she has to put on her big girl panties and go. She never in her wildest dream though would think she would see the man who nearly broke her in the same airport as her. Griff though sees a second chance. One that he has been wanting for a while and he is not giving up until JoJo is his again. Can these to pick up right where they left off? Are they destined to be what they should have been to begin with? You have to read and find out. I love this book and the characters. It is a must read. Especially if you love second chance romances as much as I do.
4 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
R.C Stephens has a way with words and the layout of a story unfolding. The Truth About Us gives us just that. From the start we are swept up in the love affair and then, BAM!,.off to the races. Holy smokes I was hooked till the end especially with everything that just kept coming till the end.
The story is told in dual point of view, which is my favorite. It includes second chances, brothers best friend, family drama and so much more.
This story even has those moments that breaks your heart. You can feel the heartbreak jumping off the pages just as much as the hot chemistry does.
Jolie and Griffin’s story starts when they are young. But life has other plans for them. Not so easy plans either. After years of trying to survive, they come face to face and things start rolling and unraveling fast.
From that point on, it’s a roller coaster that you don’t want to miss.
The Truth About Us is the perfect title for this story. It is so well written and has all the feels.
It is a standalone but leaves you wanting more.
Such a beautiful love story about fighting for a 2nd chance to be the one you have always loved. Griffin and Jolie have such a magnetic pull that even years later the chemistry is still there. Coming face to face after years apart Griffin refuses to let Jolie go and is determined to prove to Jolie that they are meant to be forever. Watching these two fall back in love will have you in all your feels.
Heartfelt, charming, second chance, fall for brother’s best friend, was full of grit and soul!!
Told in dual POV, I was really able to see how their chemistry developed.
The story of Julie and Griffin starts when they were teenagers Despite their strong feelings and secrets plans for an HEA, something happens and plans are aborted.
Fast forward 10 years and they see each other again under awkward circumstances.
Has it been too long of a stretch to rekindle their romance?
Their story albeit predictable was well written and the author inserted some highly emotional and unexpected twists to keep my attention going from beginning to end.
Growing up Jolie was Griff’s best friend’s little sister so she was supposed to be off limits but the heart can’t help who it wants. These two fell in love between secret rendezvous and years spent getting to know each other. Even though they were teens, they had to keep their love hidden because Jolie’s brother and her judgmental and horrible Dad thought less of Griff. These two thought they’d be together forever but after one special night Griff was gone. He vanished from Jolie’s life without even saying goodbye and she was left heartbroken.
“He’s vanished from my life and I don’t understand why.”
Ten years later Jolie returns home and she’s definitely not the same girl Griffin left behind without an explanation. They say you never forget your first love and as much as he tried to move on, Griff can’t let go of Jolie. They are thrown together this time because of a family tragedy and Griff sees this as his chance to be with the only girl he has ever loved. He wants her back but she is still holding onto the pain of being abandoned ten years ago. Seeing each other brings up so many feeling she thought were buried and long forgotten. When Griff reveals the truth of why he left, will she be able to forgive him and give their love a second chance or are some things unforgivable?
“What happened to you Griffin Campbell? What made you run?”
I love a good second chance romance and this one had the whole I fell in love with my best friend’s sister too so I was definitely looking forward to reading it. It was a slow burn lead up for sure and it took me a while to get through some parts because honestly there was just a lot going on. I was having a little bit of a hard time connecting to the characters. There was a good amount of drama, angst and some twists I didn’t see coming thrown in there and it was a good read overall. I just think for me it would have been a better read had I had an easier time feeling the connection between Jolie and Griff. I do think a lot of people will love this book and I look forward to seeing more from this new to me author.
“It’s been a decade since I’ve seen her and still my heart beats for this woman. Why did I stay away so long?”
Griffin is Jolie’s older brother’s best friend. When they were young, their relationship somehow grew from friendship into something more. Then Griffin just up and left with no goodbye to Jolie.
Now, ten years later, they are seeing each other for the first time. Both have been through a lot and both are carrying a lot of baggage. Their struggle isn’t their attraction to each other, it’s everything else the world throws at them.
This book constantly pulled at my heart strings. You know the saying, “When it rains it pours”? This is Jolie’s situation. What I loved about her was her strength and how she chooses to react.
This book does have a HAE for the two characters but the bow it’s wrapped in is a little frayed by the time the story is over.
I highly suggest this book to anyone looking for a steamy read with a little grit and rawness to it.
When it comes to second chance loves R.C. Stephens totally rocks and boy do Griffin and Jolie deserve it. I loved that we see the past between them like falling in love and then as adults trying to come to grips with their past. The chemistry is still there but rekindling their friendship might seem hard at first yet R.C. Stephens does it beautifully. Griffin may be an adult but deep inside we still see the lonely, unloved boy he used to be and Jolie the little girl that rescues this prince in a way he didn’t expect happening. Have to say there were some things I didn’t see coming and again the way it was told yes was heartbreaking but had to be told. All in all this is one romance that surely deserves to be together after everything that has happened. Loved it.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
Griffin and Jolie’s story is full of sweetness, angst and life changing events. The heart of this love story, the relationship between these two characters, is beautiful and complicated. The path from start to finish though is full of so many twists, turns and dramatic events that you feel as though you need to keep track of what is the latest “issue” keeping them apart. Many of the side characters are well developed, but some feel like they don’t fit in properly and their part in the plot isn’t used in the best way possible. I found Jolie a character I could empathize with but I found as the story went on I was getting frustrated with how she would behave. I thought Griffin was well written and a sweet hero with demons and found myself feeling as though Jolie was often taking advantage of his love and dedication to her. Overall, I think this story has a solid foundation and could’ve been fantastic if it has ended sooner with a few less dramatic plot lines in it as it just started to feel way too much at times.
Second chance romance stories are always very hard for me to get into. It’s typically not the authors fault, it’s just the story line. I love watching two people fall in love. Seeing them slowly realize their feelings, and then go after the other person. So when it’s a second chance romance we miss “the fall” because it’s them just working out their issues. This story between Griff and Jolie is second chance romance with brother’s best friend added into it. I liked these characters but it did take me a minute to get into the story. The beginning was more telling us and not showing us, and I think that hindered the story a bit. I do wish this had less of the overused “issues” between the two characters. I feel it could have been a lot more than what it was. The author is a good writer, and I will check out her other work.
3.5 Stars
Griffin and Jolie’s story is full of sweetness, angst and life changing events. The heart of this love story, the relationship between these two characters, is beautiful and complicated. The path from start to finish though is full of so many twists, turns and dramatic events that you feel as though you need to keep track of what is the latest “issue” keeping them apart. Many of the side characters are well developed, but some feel like they don’t fit in properly and their part in the plot isn’t used in the best way possible. I found Jolie a character I could empathize with but I found as the story went on I was getting frustrated with how she would behave. I thought Griffin was well written and a sweet hero with demons and found myself feeling as though Jolie was often taking advantage of his love and dedication to her. Overall, I think this story has a solid foundation and could’ve been fantastic if it has ended sooner with a few less dramatic plot lines in it as it just started to feel way too much at times.
Cara – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Beautiful and romantic story of a love that isn’t easy
This book could almost be a coming of age, or the re-awakening of two souls, with the impetus provided by yet another family tragedy. It also brings together two of my favourite facets in a romance: Second chances and dual POV, accompanied with a side of brother’s best friend. I couldn’t put it down and was invested in our two main characters from the start.
Throughout her early years, Jolie had the perfect and sheltered life, until she experienced love and ultimate betrayal at a young age. She kept her secret close to her heart, locked away from her family, eventually moving on with her life. Griff had loved her and inexplicably disappeared, ghosting her on social media.
Griff had lived the best life that he could, and after reading why he left, my heart broke for both of them. 10 years were stolen from them. 10 years!
To all intents, the Bryant family looked perfect, but beneath, everyone kept their own secrets, and they were actually, in truth, all broken. As secrets started to spill, my heart broke not only for Jolie and Griff, but for a young secondary character whose life was put into a tailspin of wrong decisions that ended up devastating her life. They all suffered years of heartbreak bought on by the selfish actions and choices of a parental figure which ultimately coloured the way they viewed life. Some changed and grew in spite of things, while others withered under the pressure.
RC Stephens pulled all emotions together in a perfect storm of love, hypocrisy, betrayal and lies. This is why her books are always a guaranteed great read for me and I will highly recommend her to all and sundry!!. 5 Stars
This was my first RC Stephen’s book. This is a good brother’s best friend and second chance to love. Jolie and Griffin’s story is heartbreaking, filled with drama, secrets, angst, and unexpected twists. The story has a great ending.
There is so much to this story , it is packed full of drama and angst,and there are so many obstacles for Griffin and Jolie to get over.You begin to wonder if they will ever be able to find their HEA.
I Love second chances and this story was no exception,it certainly takes you on a rocky road of emotions and surprises.
Griffin and Jolie were just meant to be but it takes alot of drama to get there,it is an enthralling page turner that keeps you on your toes.
I really enjoyed it ,a great read that I would recommend.
Griff and Jolie had the most emotional but beautiful love story ever. She was his best friend little sister and they both mutually had a crush on each other but were hesitant because of several reasons. Griff grew up with an alcoholic dad and she grew up in a completely loving household with siblings and both parents. They threw caution to the wind and got together but then things happened. Fast forward 10 years later when they see each other again. So many things happened and oh my so many family secrets were revealed that left me shocked and upset at the same time. But Griff never gave up on Jolie and she always had a space for him. It was hard for him to get her back she was beyond stubborn. When she finally gave in they fought for their happiness. It wasn’t easy but they made it. This also showed how much of a big heart Jolie has and also how much Griff still cared about Jolie even during the years when they weren’t together. I can’t wait to read Logan’s story; I was very intrigued by him.
R.C. Stephens is a new to me author and I am so glad I get to read this amazing story!
An amazing story of love, trust, family and loyalty. It was truly a beautiful story. I loved the glimpses into the past to see where Griffin and Jolie came from and what caused so much pain for this duo. Jolie fell head over heels for her older brother’s best friend Griffin. Griffin was also smitten with Jolie. No matter that Jolie was off-limits, they would steal glances and kisses and they even promised each other forever. But promises are meant to be broken right?
The story will make you feel all sorts of emotions. This couple faced so much heartache to tell us their story and the author really made you feel it all. Her writing is so engaging and really takes you on a journey. I really enjoy the relationship between Jolie and Griff, it was sweet, hot and had an absolutely amazing ending!
And who doesn’t love a good second chance romance?
Jolie was shattered when the love of her life walked away without a backwards glance. Moving on was hard for her but eventually she meets Mason and starts a new life for herself. Ten years after her first love broke her heart, circumstances throw them back together. Jolie is now a widow and life hasn’t been kind to her. I really like Jolie. She’s been through a lot and she’s still dealing with the aftermath. Seeing Griff after so long isn’t easy for her and brings all that old heartache rushing back and it was hard not to sympathise with her.
Griff is determined not to let Jolie get away again. Having always loved her he sees them meeting again as his second chance and grabs on to it with both hands but Jolie isn’t ready to forgive and forget just yet. They have a lot to work through and with family drama and revelations causing a few bumps along the way, Griff and Jolie have a lot to overcome.
I loved that both main characters were flawed in their own way, that their pasts had left their marks and helped shape them into the people they’ve grown to be. I love a second chance romance and loved Jolie and Griffs story. I can’t wait to read more from R.C. Stephens.
⇨ R E V I E W ⇦
First timer here so NEW to me author and books! The blurb is what originally snagged m attention! I was forewarned by BookBestie Ames that this will be a tearjerker and BOY WAS IT!
This was a very unique story, with lots of twists and turns! Second-Chance Brothers/Best Friend Romance but it’s not really how it seems if that makes sense, hence the twists and turns. I can’t give out too much but will say that I was not ready nor expecting this to be the way it was.
Griffin is the MEGA SWOON WORTHY man, the most loving man who fights to get back what he longs for. Jolie is a woman that went through lot things that happened for her…unpredictable and you’ll see! They both have the most amazing chemistry, you can feel the air sizzling when they are around one another. Lot’s of obsolesces to overcome, lots of secrets to be revealed and most of all PAIN because love without it wouldn’t be worth it.
SO EMOTIONAL! I was a little here and there about the indiscisiveness of Jolie but understanding it kind of comes with what had happened previously. There is a lot of history between hero and heroine here so there are glimpses of PAST along with PRESENT of course. I was not prepared but SO HAPPY i got to read this, one of the beautiful painful ones!
A MUST READ!
Rating:
Steamy:
Recommended: HIGHLY!
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦
BLOG REVIEW -> https://tgtrnbookreviews.wordpress.com/2019/08/07/r-e-v-i-e-w-%e2%9e%a0-the-truth-about-us-by-r-c-stephens/
“You were always my favorite memory and my biggest regret.”
Jolie and Griff loved each other. Dating in secret, the two were friends, confidants and shared many things over the years. About to turn eighteen, Jolie gives herself to her boyfriend, in a passionate and special moment. And that was the last time she saw him. Griff disappeared from her life without saying goodbye.
Ten years later, Jolie lives in New York, is a widow and is trying to find her way. When she receives a call from her mother informing her stepfather death, she finds herself torn between supporting her mother in a delicate situation and returning home from where she left without looking back or continuing to run away as she always did. The truth is that her old home holds many memories she prefers to forget. But among all the situations that had happened in her life, being face to face with Griff after so many years, on a chance meeting, was definitely not something she expected. Much less deal with the news that he is also coming home.
Griff is nothing like the neglected boy of the past. If his childhood was miserable, lonely and traumatic, his adult version is successful. Being a big shot in Hollywood, he has fame, money and lives his life intensely. Years of therapy made him move on. But Jolie is still his only unfinished business. And the love of his life.
Jolie never forget or forgive Griff. And her life with her late husband has too many secrets for her to deal with. Returning to where it all began and having to face the past, as well as new revelations, will make her wonder if she really has the strength to continue, or if abandoning everything and leaving is the best way out.
With the whole family together under the same roof, the story begins to focus on that hitherto perfect family, but which over the years has grown apart, and whose dramas and problems go deeper than imagined.
When the main couple seemed to be getting along, new revelations disrupted their lives again, with a secret from Jolie’s sister further shaken this nonexistent relationship between sisters, and someone from Griff’s past throwing unexpected news.
Filled with drama and conflict, the book shies away from traditional novels by exploring the dynamics of this family, and showing how the unforgivable attitudes of the patriarch in the past changed the course of all involved.
A real, deep narrative with emotionally charged characters whose title fits the work perfectly. The truth is the great character of the work, and everyone has to face it. As hard as it is.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *