A smart and sexy romance about a grumpy single dad on a mission of revenge, and the girl he can’t leave behind by USA Today bestselling author Tia Louise.
Hope
I blame the alcohol.
I lost my restaurant business, was forced to sell my dad’s cherished 1967 Chevy Impala, and I got a little drunk.
Now I’m waking up with the hottest, angriest guy I’ve ever seen, speeding down the highway like a … drunk.
Now I’m waking up with the hottest, angriest guy I’ve ever seen, speeding down the highway like a bat out of hell.
Ice-blue eyes hit mine with stomach-clenching force…
And he swerves onto the shoulder, ready to kick me out.
Needless to say, our romance doesn’t start out sweet.
J.R.
Two years ago, I hugged my little boy goodbye and told him I’d be right back.
Next thing I knew, I was arrested and sent to prison for a crime I didn’t commit.
Until they let me out early…
Now I’m headed home to confront the man who put me away.
A lie put me behind bars, and I’m ready to find the truth.
I don’t have time for a sexy girl with pale blonde hair and bright blue eyes stowed away on the backseat of my new car.
My mission is to get my son back and clear my name.
Love is not on the agenda.
It never is, though, is it?
(THIS MUCH IS TRUE is a single-dad, opposites attract, stand-alone romance. No cheating. No cliffhangers.)
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This book was everything. Everyone is going to love JR & Hope’s story. The connection between JR & Hope is off the charts. This second chance story will definitely give you all the feels. Another amazing story by Tia that everyone must one click. Scout, I absolutely love to and am so excited that his story will be next.
This Much Is True
By: Tia Louise
Narrated by: Jason Clarke, Samantha Brentmoor
The broody, growlie JR, falsely imprisoned and ripped away from his son is on a mission. Buying a car is just the start. When he finds the previous owner, Hope in the back seat, drunk with no shoes, he has not choice but to take her with him, right? And our story begins. Tia Louise masterfully crafts a story, in our current pandemic with masks and all! I love it! JR is the epitome of all grumpy, misunderstood men but what is underneath the scowl is worth looking at. Hope is the eternal optimist, and even though she is down on her luck, she refuses to let go of her dreams. Their chemistry is unmistakable, but can these two act on it? JR has baggage, a lot of it, and he is holding back. Hope is the opposite, so where there is a will, Hope will find a way. Add in the quirky, good looking brother Scout, who had me laughing so many times, and this story is gold. It’s an easy listen with relevant issues and will make your ears happy. I can’t wait to hear Scout’s story!
Narrated by the incredible team of Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor is just that something extra we all love to get. Clarke is such a talent, able to come across as that broody man in one breath and the crafty, quick witted brother in the next. Brentmoor adds to the fun with her amazing take on Hope. She fills her with optimism and love. I enjoy this team whenever they narrate together and this was pure enjoyment.
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4,5 Stars!
Whoa buddy, when we meet John aka JR for the first time, he is one surly gray cloud of a person. And who could blame him really, considering all of the stuff he was put through. But even he can’t resist the sunshine that is Hope Eternal Hill. He didn’t stand a chance and neither did she. They both tried to fight it, after all they had their own plans and love wasn’t one of them.
JR and Hope were just kinda perfect, I loved how easily they clicked together. The chemistry was there and so was the heat!!!
*Quickly fans myself*
You can’t deny that kind of connection, not one that strong. Oh I loved them! This Much Is True is a thoroughly enjoyable quick read that will have you turning the pages faster and faster! I couldn’t read it fast enough, I needed to know everything behind what happened to JR to put him behind bars and I needed to see Hope find her happily ever after. No one who hold so much optimism should get anything less and a perfect love and life. If you are a fan of Tia Louise then this is a no brainer and if you are new to this author I recommend This Much is True. You will not regret reading it!
-Mackenzie Bibliophile
This Much is True is a good story. It was east to read, fun, swoon worthy, emotional and I couldn’t put it down. It takes you on road trip with single dad J.R, who needs to see his son, his fun loving brother Scout, and the stow away, sweet Hope. J.R. and Hope have instant chemistry, and they were just so dang sweet together. This one is going on my rereads list. I hope we will get Scout story next as I’m kind of intrigued about what he is hiding.
Ugh! This book is probably one of my favorite books. Tia Louise you did it again. Haha. Now this book was a single dad trope, but also had a hero who was falsely arrested. I absolutely loved this story line, and was engulfed from the first page. Hope, and J.R were two characters who were just meant to be together. When J.R buys Hope’s dad’s car she ends up going along for the ride to clear his name, and see his little boy again. This is an absolute must read, but also one of my top books of 2020 so be sure to add it to your TBR GoodReads lists.
When Hope wakes up in the back of her car and it’s half way to LA, she’s a bit shocked. JR, who’s driving said car, also gets a fright! He’s on a mission to clear his name, and she is NOT part of the plan! He tries to shake her, but has a twinge of conscience. LOL They pick up his brother, Scout, and have a very interesting roadtrip!
And that’s just the beginning of the story!
I loved the characters, the banter, the adventure, the secrets revealed (bonding!) & the friendships – and love – formed. There are some teary moments, but mostly this a fun & sweet (& sometimes steamy) story that I highly enjoyed!!
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I don’t know where to begin.
I knew the book would be good; I have loved everything this author has written, but I wasn’t prepared for the impact of this one.
JR & Hope had so many obstacles to deal with. On top of that, a book dealing with the current situation going on in our world was so well written; I couldn’t put it down.
If you don’t read anything else this year, you need to read this book.
Thinking you can only be true to yourself.
This is the story of JR & Hope. JR is just out of jail from serving eighteen months for a crime he didn’t commit. Now it’s time for revenge. Hope is a restaurateur with a special type of pancake place, but it’s closed down because of the virus, Covid 19. This story inflicts present times into it. JR has been set up and he’s trying to prove his innocence. Is there anything that goes right for these two? JR is very grumpy and angry, and Hope is his light. JR is taking a road trip alone, or so he thought. It’s a very unusual meeting. This story is the epitome of hope and love. So many things happen in this story, it holds your interest throughout the book. It mentions characters from Tia’s other books. Looking forward to the next story of intertwined characters.
This Much is True a beautifully written story about people who find love in hard times. About love that comes at the least expected moment. About love that gives strength and overcomes all adversities of fate. It’s one of those books that sucks you in, and doesn’t let you stop turning the pages even for a second. Truly captivating story with all the feels.
If you’re looking for a book with a protective, swoon-worthy hero, this one will deliver. I absolutely loved this second chance romance!
5 Stars
Tia Louise has done it again-she has written a fantastic novel that I didn’t want to put down! This Much is True is her latest stand-alone that had me laughing out loud and smiling ear to ear. TMIT is full of amazing characters, a road trip full of laughs, and a storyline that hooked me from the very first page.
I loved loved loved JR! He is the epitome of what you want your hero to be. He had a one track mind and was not looking for love. So when Hope shows up, he has no idea how to handle the emotions she makes him feel. But when the tension gets to be too much, will he finally give in?
I adored this book! So. Freakin’. Much. The chemistry was palpable and I could seriously go on and on about every little detail that I loved. JR and Hope were pure perfection. I highly recommend reading it!
JR is wrongfully accused and has a plan to clear his name. It includes a road trip to his home town. He buys a car and ends up with unexpected passenger.
Hope is down on her luck. The pandemic has closed her dream restaurant and selling her dad’s beloved car is a last ditch effort to hold her over. She decides to spend one last time in it…. before she passes out in the back seat.
JR’s brother, Scout, who is along for the ride, talks him into bringing Hope along.
Hope is immediately attracted to JR, he however, takes a bit more time to warm up to Hope. But, once he really notices her, he is completely taken by her. The fall fast and really hard. Their connection is hungry, passionate, and intense.
As much as JR wants to look to a future with Hope, his past holds him back.
I was drawn to this book because 1) the author and 2) it’s a single dad romance. This book definitely took me on one crazy wild ride. One thing I wasn’t too crazy about was the time period. I lived it and not a huge fan of reading about it. Though I will say it wasn’t a huge part of the book, but the flashes give me a little PTSD. JR and Hope will suck you into this book. I also loved JR’s brother. I’m glad to see he is getting a book! Hope and JR are thrown into a crazy situation, but they find something unexpected, love. I always look forward to a Tia Louise book because I’m going to get some laughs, but also a book packed full of heart. This book met those expectations. It’s a good story where karma works her magic. I thought the epilogue was the perfect way to end this one, but also give us a little tease for Scout’s book.
Oh what a web Tia Louise can weave! You will fall in love with broody John “JR” and sunny Hope Eternal.
They describe each other best:
“You seem like a straight shooter. You clearly love your brother…I don’t know about the prison part, but besides that you seem honest. Like a good guy.” – Hope about JR
“Hope Eternal…You’re always so positive. So wise.” – JR about Hope
From their first meeting in the car, you can sense the attraction and chemistry between these two. The sexual tension between JR and Hope continues to build throughout the road trip from Cali to South Carolina and it eventually leads to steamy hot scenes. Then there is the breath of fresh air that is Scout, JR’s brother. He steals the show on the road trip with comic relief but also bonding with Hope. His bonding helps JR learn more about our heroine as he “sleeps” while Scout and Hope are talking. There are many adventures along the way! JR is heading to South Carolina to see his son and get answers from his dad to hopefully help clear his name.
You will fall in love with these characters. Jesse is an energetic, sweet kid and GA is a hoot! Scout is cute, charming, and radiates fun. The strong love and trust between Hope and her dad was inspiring. I enjoyed the Stephen Hastings cameo during a particularly amusing part of the story.
I liked the current events mixed in as well. JR was released early due to the pandemic and Hope had to close her restaurant before it got to have it’s grand opening. These events are what led them together. While there are references here or there about the pandemic, it isn’t “in your face” nor does it take you away from the story being told.
This book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions – love, heartbreak, anger, joy, laughter, and so much more. Another wonderful story by Tia Louise. Looking forward to reading about Scout!
A quote from the book that constantly needs to be remembered:
“Love lights more fires than hate extinguishes” – Hope’s dad
This was a fun, emotional, all the feels kinda story. You’ve got a growly man, J.R., unjustly accused & sentenced for a crime he didn’t commit. He’s a man with a plan and now that he’s out, he’s about to get on it. Hope is an optimistic beauty, who, like everyone else, is down on her luck. After a bottle of wine, she falls asleep in the back seat of her dads car, the night before it’s to be sold. She wakes up somewhere out on the road with a hot and handsome stranger. After a bumpy start, and a stop to pick up J.R.’s brother, Scout, they end up having one heckuva road trip. And let me tell you, there were some twists, holy cow moments, that will get you kinda yelling (at least I did!). And I’m gonna say, J.R. and Hope, yowza, they have some intense heat and connection going on there. Big time. There were so many ups & downs, yet such perseverance. And in all, there was hope and love And I completely loved it!
This Much is True is a stand alone romance by Tia Louise and it chronicles JR (and his brother Scout) and Hope as they journey from San Francisco to South Carolina. JR has just been released from jail. He earned time after being sent by his father to pick up some supplements for the family gym they own, only to have the supplier plant human growth hormone with the package, and JR got caught. Once JR was released, he only wanted to see his son and confront his father, and he was not prepared to meet Hope. As they make their way cross country, JR and Hope discover how much they have in common, with Scout’s help of course.
Tia Louise set this story in modern time, with the pandemic in the background. Hope Eternal Hill, as her name implies, still has hope even though she’s lost her restaurant Pancake Paradise at the Embarcadero in SF. Hope’s trying to remain positive, but she’s just sold her father’s prized Impala and drank a whole bottle of wine. When she wakes, it’s to the car moving and JR behind the wheel. JR is bitter and angry, feeling betrayed by his father and regret at missing so much time with his young son. Though JR is reluctant to help Hope at first, his brother Scout (who is along for the trip) couldn’t bear to leave Hope behind. Throughout the ride, JR, Hope, and Scout truly develop a camaraderie and friendship, and the three tease, support, and defend each other. JR’s determination to clear his name and get his son back speaks to his persistence and protective nature. Hope’s belief in JR’s innocence and her own journey to get her business back speaks of her eternal hope and optimism, which is exactly what JR needs in his life.
Ahhh this is my first book to read of Tia Louise and it’s not gonna be my last. It had just what I needed when I needed it. The adventure of two strangers traveling with each other that wasn’t planned, the humor, the hero just wanting to get to his son, the heroine who wants to do right by her dad. If you want a laugh out loud read get this book. Now I’m off to search more books by Tia Louise.
This Much Is True was full of drama, humor and lots of feels all wrapped up together to make for a great read. From their rather unexpected first meeting to the last page JR and Hope kept me entertained and rooting for them. When their worlds clashed each was dealing with their own issues and a bit down on their luck but I enjoyed the journey these two took me on. I loved how their adventure ended up giving them each a surprise they didn’t see coming and introduced amazing side characters whose stories I hope are soon to come. This Much Is True was a heartwarming second chance romance full of adventure, laughs and all the love.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Hope doesn’t have much of that right now. JR has a chip on his shoulder and it’s one that’s not of his making. This story shows that people can feel hurt and how we handle it in different ways. Then enters the voice of reason who happens to give me a chuckle or two.
This is my first book that includes our new reality. I liked the fact that it wasn’t preachy about what we should or shouldn’t do at this time. Most of the time you won’t even think that anything is different before a virus entered our world. The only thing our author does show is some of the subtle changes in how we think, how we interact, and how it now becomes part of our conversations. But you know it’s a work of fiction because not many people would make such a trip at this time – so no making comparisons, just enjoy the ride.
The author is good at getting the reader to feel the emotions that her characters are feeling. She also has the reader feel as if they are apart of what is happening. And when she adds in a little mystery/suspense, I knew that I would find it very hard to look away. Even when things get serious she knows how to lighten the mood by giving us a possible chuckle moment. The sad thing about this story is just like a road trip it soon comes to an end. The good news is you’ll get the perfect ending for our main characters and the better news is you get a sneak peek at a couple of her other books.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I absolutely loved it! Tia added in elements of the times with such ease, it made the story unforgettable! This Much Is True was exciting, funny, and filled with hope!
Hope’s life had been going down hill as the year went on. She wasn’t sure how much more she could handle. When she found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time would it be the end or would it turn out to be the best thing to happen to her?
J.R. had limited time to get home. He needed to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it so he could have his son back in his life. What he didn’t need was a stowaway in the back seat but he couldn’t seem to get rid of her. As the miles flew by, there was something that drew him to her but he just didn’t have the time…or did he?
So much fun!! It wasn’t just about the amazingly humorous road trip, it was also about finding your way during such hard times. When one door closes, fight to get the next one open!
4.5 Stars!
Hope Hill is a 23 yr. old woman from San Francisco that’s going through a tough time. Her dreams were recently shattered when she lost everything, and now she’s trying to figure out what comes next for her. As if the universe hasn’t already been unkind enough to her, things continue to spiral out of control when she has one too many drinks, and wakes up in a complicated situation. She finds herself suddenly speeding down the highway with the sexiest man she’s ever seen. He’s also the rudest. This wildly gorgeous, hostile man is like a giant dark cloud and rough around the edges. Nothing is going her way lately, including an unexpected road trip with a complete stranger.
J.R. Dunne is a single dad from South Carolina whose life is in turmoil after he spent eighteen months in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. When he’s released early his top priority is to reclaim what he’s lost. He’s been wronged and is on a mission of revenge. Now he’s headed to his hometown to make things right before he can have a fresh start. Then he gets a surprise he didn’t see coming when he discovers a beautiful blonde woman stowed away in his backseat. He doesn’t have time for any distractions, but soon their stuck together driving across the country. As a bond forms and they grow closer, will they still part ways when they reach their final destination? Will a second chance or a broken heart be waiting at the end of their journey?
This Much Is True by Tia Louise is a grumpy single dad, standalone romance where opposites attract and ignite as we get a sexy love story full of angst, emotion, hope, humor, and sizzling chemistry. It’s about a man’s journey of redemption, and the girl he can’t leave behind. A heartwarming story about two people starting over from scratch in need of a second chance. I really enjoyed this book, and loved the secondary characters as well. It was a fabulous, exciting read packed with adventure!