She was jilted on her wedding day. He’s the best friend waiting in the wings.Landscape architect Lexie Gallagher is starting to think she’s better off alone. With a mom who deserted her family, a dad who drank himself to death, and all her romances ending in disaster, she wonders if it’s something about her that makes everyone leave. Everyone except her best friend, Gabe, who whisks her away from … whisks her away from the scene of the latest breakup.
As the human resources VP for North Brothers Sports, Gabe North understands people and how to meet their needs. What Lexie’s always needed is a true-blue friend, and even more so when she’s left at the altar. Of course he’ll be her shoulder to cry on—even though he’s wanted to be more than friends for years.
As Lexie heals from yet another rejection, Gabe is everything she needs…and then he becomes even more. But when life gets tricky, can Lexie truly believe she’s perfect for Gabe and that true blue can be forever?
True Blue is the third stand-alone story in the North Brothers contemporary romance series. Dive into this sexy series today!
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Loved this story. Lexie gets rejected on her wedding day, Gabe, her longtime supportive friend, helps her escape the humiliation. Lexie’s life is going through many changes…career, family relationship, new friendships and love life. Fortunately for Lexie, Gabe is one of those changes. I received this ARC for my honest opinion of this book.
5 stars
I received a free copy of the novel True Blue: North Brothers book 3:Lexie and Gabe by Amy Knupp and this review was given freely.
An emotional best friends to more and a love finally fulfilled romance with a bit of angst, a touch of steamy, the at times competitive North men and the always supportive extended North family.
Jilted minutes before her wedding to Raleigh Clarke, emotionally scarred landscape architect Lexie Gallagher is whisked away to the Colorado’s Rocky mountains by her supportive best friend of thirty years, VP of North Brothers Sports Human Resources Gabe North who struggles with his desires to move beyond their close but platonic relationship.
Features a wonderful group of characters that interconnect a couple of Amy Knupp series through Clayborne’s Bar and Grill. Can be read as a standalone but best if read in sequence.
Great romance with Gabe and Lexie. Gabe was such a nice guy and so, so patient with how he’s always loved her. Great character building.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I just LOVE the North Brothers! I would give more than 5 stars if I could. I was enjoying this so much that I found myself reading this so slowly so that I could really savour it. The book could have kept on going for me and not stopped. (Personally I would have liked to kick Lexie to the curb and take Gabe for myself!!!!)
Gabe North and Lexie Gallagher have been best friends since kindergarten. They are so close that Gabe agreed to stand up with Lexie when she married. Unfortunately shortly before the wedding is to begin, Lexie’s fiance cancels. He doesn’t like Gabe and feels there is more to Lexie and Gabe’s relationship than they are letting on. Gabe rushes Lexie away from the church, Tennessee and all the fallout. They spend a week in Colorado with Gabe supporting Lexie.
Even though these two are BFFs, they become even closer. Seeing the relationship change and develop was enchanting. The scenes were so well written that I felt like I was right there with the characters. The characters internal snarky comments to themselves were so spot on as to something I would say, it was so hilariously funny. I adored getting to know these two characters because the story was written in a dual POV format. We see the prior North brothers and their girlfriends as well as several recurring appearances from the Hale street group.
While this is a part of a series, the author did a fantastic job of making sure the reader would not be lost if they don’t read the prior stories (I would highly recommend that though). There are a few sexy scenes but are written in such a way that it should offend anyone over the age of 18.
True Blue
By Amy Knupp
Main Characters: Gabe and Lexie
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the North Brothers series. Lexis is jilted at the church and her best friend (Gabe) steps up to the plate to help her out. This was a great story with wonderful characters. I loved it and look forward to reading more books by this author.
The North Brothers is a series about a family of brothers (and cousins) who own a sporting goods company. They are wealthy, good-looking, family oriented men who work hard, make time for family dinners, and take care of their mother. (I’m hooked already!) Then add in Amy Knupp as the author and you have a hit! Knupp is a wonderful writer. She writes a well developed story with characters that you want to be your friends. This is Gabe’s story. Gabe is the VP of Human Resources. He has also been best friend’s with Lexi Gallagher since they were children. Gabe has also been secretly in love with Lexi for years. He says that he never made a move on her because he wanted her in his life more than anything and he was afraid that if something went wrong in their relationship, then he would lose their friendship as well. So, he didn’t take any chances. He sat back, watched her date other men, tried to find relationships with other women, and carried on life as usual. Until… Lexi is dumped at the altar. She needs Gabe’s friendship now more than ever. Gabe is torn. He knows he needs to be her friend first but wonders if he will finally have a chance with the one true love of his life.
This is the third book in the series. Although it isn’t necessary to read the first 2 in order to understand this story, I would highly recommend reading them. Each is so well written and a terrific story by itself.
Lexi and Gabe…. I’d been waiting for their book!
And it was ALMOST everything I expected.
He had always treated her like a queen, despite her flaws. Little did I realize those flaws would also drive a wedge between them.
While it was fun, steamy (once they took the plunge) and dramatic in areas – I would have liked to have seen them dating longer. Just my personal opinion.
Other than that it was amazing.
What a beautiful, romantic story of best friends, Lexie and Gabe. They have been best friends since childhood but somewhere along the way Gabe fell in love with Lexie. He never told her because he never wanted to lose her friendship. Now she is about to marry someone else.
This was a wonderful story of dealing with the pain from childhood and recent experiences to become a stronger person capable of loving oneself and falling in love. I really liked Lexie and how much her confidence grew as she grew as a person and found herself and what truly made her happy. So glad she found her North star. I now have to read the other books in this series! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I love the North Brothers so I was excited to read Gabe and Lexie’s story. These characters have real depth and great chemistry. Friends since kindergarten, these two are afraid to reach for more in case it would damage their friendship. When Lexie’s fiancé leaves an hour before the wedding, Gabe rescues Lexie and takes her to the mountains. You will not want to miss this book as Gabe sets out to win Lexie’s heart.
How horrible to be jilted, not only on your wedding day, but at the church. Thank goodness Lexi’s best friend, Gabe, is there to help her escape from the church without her having to talk to anyone else. Then he arranges for them to leave town for a week so that she can process what is happened. During this trip, they both start to learn aspects of themselves that will have an impact on their futures.
Lexi has pretty much been a loner her whole life but as the story progresses, she learns to open up and develop friendships with other women. She also has life decisions to make regarding her career.
Gabe is very kind and thoughtful, but rarely puts himself first. His brothers and cousin can see that he has feelings for Lexi that run deeper than just friendship. Now that she is single and unattached, will he finally decide to take a chance and pursue Lexi?
This is one of those stories that will stay with you after you are done reading and is an excellent addition to the series.
This is my first review for this author and I really enjoyed the book. Just before her wedding Lexie finds her husband to be leaving her in the lurch. Her Man Honor, Gabe, rushes her out of the church basement to a getaway. Let the family of the groom deal with the fall out. Her neighbor family (including Gabe) has been her rock for years and they wrap her in care while she tries to sort things out. Will Gabe finally take a chance to love Lexie from friend zone to something more? Lexie likes him, but what does love really mean for these two? I had fun finding out where they go and how they get there. Great read with wonderful editing. I hope you will enjoy the book as much as I did.
I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
4.5 Stars
What a great continuation to this story! It is finally Gabe and Lexie’s turn. They have been best friends for thirty years but the time has never been right for them. This story is full of heart, emotion, friendship, and family. It can definitely be read as a standalone or as part of the series.
True Blue by Amy Knupp
is the third stand-alone story in the North Brothers
She was jilted on her wedding day. He’s the best friend waiting in the wings.
Lexie Gallagher is starting to think she’s better off alone. Her family fell apart years ago. Her relationships all end in disaster. Is she the common denominator who causes everyone to leave? Everyone but her best friend, Gabe, who whisks her away from the scene of the latest breakup.
As the human resources VP for North Brothers Sports, Gabe North understands people and how to meet their needs. What Lexie’s always needed is a true-blue friend, doubly so when she’s left at the altar. Of course he’ll be her shoulder to cry on—even though he’s wanted to be more than friends for years.
As Lexie heals from her recent rejection, Gabe is everything she needs…and then he becomes even more. But when life gets tricky, can Lexie believe that true blue is forever, or will she find herself eternally alone?
This is Lexie Gallagher and Gabe North’s story.
It would be a crying shame if Lexie Gallagher threw up on her pretty white wedding dress.
Then again, the dress hardly mattered now.
She was sure her jaw actually gaped as she watched her fiancé—former fiancé—all slim and clean-cut in his charcoal tux, walk away after calling off the ceremony, then turn the corner and disappear from her sight. Her chest felt heavy and tight as the situation sank in.
Now what?
She was standing in a nondescript hallway in the basement of a church she’d been in exactly three times in her life, with close to a hundred and fifty people due to show up in twenty-ish minutes.
“Lex?”
The deep, so-familiar male voice resonated through her as Gabe North, her best friend, strode around the corner from the direction Raleigh had gone.
“What did he say?” Gabe said in a low, controlled voice as he hurried toward her. With some measure of relief, she drank in the sight of him, every golden-brown hair uncharacteristically in place, his tuxedo fitting him impeccably.
Lexie reached out and wrapped her fingers around his forearm, maybe subconsciously hoping to prevent him from going after Raleigh when she filled him in.
“We’re not…” She cleared her throat to get her voice to work. “The wedding’s off,” she croaked out.
True Blue by Amy Knupp is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Amy Knupp.
I won this ebook in a giveaway.
The North brothers have captivated my heart with the previous books, so I was eagerly awaiting Gabe’s story. I knew there was more than just friendship between him and Lexi, and I was giddy with anticipation.
Unfortunately, it takes Lexi being dumped on her wedding day for things to start to change between these two friends. Gabe whisks Lexi away from the wedding venue and out of town, away from well-meaning friends she’s not ready to face. She needs time to heal, to take stock of her life and make some decisions. And Gabe is there for her through it all, waiting patiently.
I fully anticipated I would enjoy Gabe and Lexi’s story, but Knupp really upped her game with this one! I completely adore these two together and loved watching their growth, both individually and together. Once again, we get a vivid look at Nashville, the sights, sounds and smells, so realistic I felt like I was there. With the lifelike setting and endearing, memorable secondary characters, I experienced everything rather than simply observing it.
The members of the North family, one and all, have made a place for themselves in my heart. Their heartaches, joys and triumphs have become a part of me, and I love everything about this big, teasing, loving family, but I think Gabe and Lexi are my favorite. Their story is funny, heartfelt, steamy and fantastic, so make sure you don’t miss this phenomenal read!
So I am lucky enough to have started the series with this book. Gabe North being my introduction to the North brothers. I loved so many things about this story. I adored the main characters, Gabe and Lexie, who have been best friends since kindergarten.
These characters were sincere, lovable and genuine. The family and friend dynamics were heartwarming.
I love the friends to lovers theme and Gabw may just be my new book boyfriend. I will be reading this series from the start.
I am volunteering to leave a review for this book
This is the third book in the North Brothers series and what a great story it is. Gabe and Lexie have been best friends since kids. My heart went out to her as everyone she loves leaves her making her feel unlovable. Her mother first when she was four, then her father. She spent a lot of time with the North family and they loved her as a part of them. Gabe had been in love with her forever and waited for her to grow up but then lost his chance when she got engaged. Now her fiancé tells her he isn’t marrying her right before the ceremony. Gabe took care of her getting her out of the church unseen and out of town for a couple days. He knows she needs time to deal with the breakup but will he now step up and tell her his feelings before it becomes too late again? They both had great jobs and supported each other. She is an architect but totally loves sketching and painting. He is VP of human resources for North Brothers Sports.
One of the best friends to lovers romance this year!
Gabe North had always been in love with his best friend Lexie Gallagher and everybody in his family knew it, but he refused to tell her because she was engaged to someone else. Gabe knew he had to finally tell her when her groom breaks up with her on the day of the wedding because he couldn’t deal with her being best friends with Gabe.
Lexie was so used to changing herself into what her boyfriends wanted than being true to her personality. Gabe has to decide if he’d rather play it safe and have second-best than take a risk and maybe have it all? Gabe decided that telling Lexie was worth everything.
True Blue is one the best contemporary romances that I have read this year with Gabe and Lexie moving from friends to lovers with the support of their friends.
P.S. You need to read the rest of the North Brothers series and the Hale Street because they are so good!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
True Blue is one of the best contemporary romances I have read in recent memory! Gabe and Lexie are truly best friends and Gabe has been in love with her for years. When Lexie finally acknowledges Gabe is much more than a friend, their chemistry is amazing. Yes, there is lovemaking in the story – lovemaking, not sex. There is also support, deep commitment and long standing love for one another.
Lexie is so strong and at the same time, vulnerable. She is finding herself and identifying her dreams as the story progresses, helped by the smart, funny women who are engaged to Gabe’s brothers. Sierra, Mackenzie and Kennedy are the friends Lexie needs – they provide concrete help so she can realize her dreams, they have drinks with her on bad days, celebrate the good days and provide encouragement as needed.
Gabe’s brothers and cousins are fabulous! The North family is the one I wanted to have as neighbors when I was growing up – just to be in the vicinity would have been a guarantee of a good time. Ms. Knupp has created the family that we want to befriend us, with distinct personalities and strengths.
I highly recommend True Blue – it’s part of a series but I read it as a stand alone book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I received a copy of True Blue from the author and the opinions expressed are my own.
It is such an enjoyable read.
If you love a friends to lovers story,
this is the book for you.
It’s heartwarming & moving romance.
Lexie & Gabe, have been best friends
forever. No matter what happened,
they friendship was what was most
important.
Lexie’s choice in men was not the best.
Gabe, only wanted Lexie. But their
friendship & their timing was always off.
I loved reading it from the first page
to the last!!
Lexi gets dumped on her wedding day and Gabe who is her best friend since kindergarten comes to her rescue by taking her away. Gabe has loved Lexi for a long time but, she see’s him as a friend. Gabe doesn’t want to lose her again so he sets out to win her heart but, never seems to find the right time to tell her. Will Gabe finally get the chance to tell her how he feels after all this time? Great characters filled with emotion, family support, and love and best friends falling in love.