The summer after senior year was supposed to be the best summer of my life.It was supposed to be full of adventure and self-discovery and making love under the stars.It was supposed to be about losing myself and finding my way.Only, it wasn’t supposed to start like this.I wasn’t supposed to go to that party.He wasn’t supposed to notice me.The hot jock with the … supposed to notice me.
The hot jock with the trust fund and chip on his shoulder.
My ex-boyfriend’s half-brother.
Noah Tedesco is so far out of my league he might as well be playing a different game.
Noah wasn’t supposed to look twice at a girl like me, but he did.
Now that I’m on his radar, my life will never be the same.
Truly is a dark, coming of age romance that explores themes like NON-CON DUB-CON, and happily ever after.
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Truly’s story is one that will stay well you long after you have read it. After her boyfriend breaks up with her on graduation day (jerk) she is heartbroken and just want to be by herself. Her best friend Becca has other ideas and convinces her to go to a party. That’s where everything changes. The one person she doesn’t want to notices her does. Noah doesn’t understand the word no, he wants Truly no matter what. After you get further into the story you begin to understand Noah more and your Heart will break for him. Truly has had her own heartbreak. After a tragic accident takes someone she loves. Truly goes on a road trip with Becca to be closer to that person. Just as they’re about to leave Noah crashes the road trip and joins them. That’s when everything starts to happen the good, the bad and the ugly. This story will take you on one hell of an emotional roller-coaster ride so buckle up. Truly’s road to her HEA isn’t perfect or pretty but it’s real. I finished this book in one night once I started it I need to know it ended.
Truly and Noah’s relationship doesn’t start out the way anything should. This story is a emotional ride and you can’t help but root for a happily ever after. This story has some triggers that some might not like this definitely isn’t the darkest book I have ever read but dark enough. I haven’t read anything by Carmel before and now I’ve got another one of her books to start. I enjoyed Truly and you need to add this to your shelf stat.
My Rating: 1/4
Type: Standalone.
Genre: Contemporary Fiction Romance, Bully Romance
Primary Characters: Noah & Truly
Narration: Dual POV
This book was suggested to me by several people in several reading groups. Even though this book was in my reading queue for a long time, I somehow hadn’t picked it up as this was by an author who was new to me.
This book starts with a dark, taboo disturbing non-con scene. That definitely pulled me out of my comfort zone. Apart from the initial dark parts of the book, it’s not that bad. This book has its own sweet moments. As stated in the blurb, Truly’s boyfriend breaks up with her on their graduation. She is totally heartbroken on that fact. When her best friend forces her to attend a party, she gets the attention of Noah. Noah is popular. He is also her ex’s half-brother. Party which was supposed to relax her turns into a nightmare.
Things take a worse turn post that, when her well laid plans to go for 3-week road trip with her best friend is shattered when Becca invites Noah and Ethan to this trip. Truly and Noah form a unique bond and they see each other’s tender and possessive side.
According to me it’s not a dark romance but mildly has dark themes. I didn’t like how Noah shot up from being the night mare to everything. I didn’t like any secondary characters. Becca and Ethan were worst friends. Plot was ok. Narration had its own up’s and downs. Relationship building was low. There was no depth and clarity on some topics in the book.
To me this was an ok read, but for several reason I didn’t connect as much with all of the characters. If you’re looking for semi dark bully romance, then you should give this one a try.
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If I could give this masterpiece 10 stars I totally would. Truly is a story that caught my attention and held it until I read the last word. I didn’t get that feeling at the end of reading a book like the story was not complete or that it was left unfinished, No! I felt like every question I could think of was answered.
You have a woman who was done so dirty at graduation, luckily she has a bestie that won’t let her pout too long about the situation. Enters the devil walking, or so I thought… This is where things gets much more interesting!
Carmel Rhodes is a brand spanking new author to me and by gosh darnit, she is instantly put to the top of my list and is immediately on the Instant – One Click list. I am a lover of writing in 1st person and the way that words flowed from Carmel was just so amazing. I was literally in the story watching everything happen like a spectator. I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I gasped and I covered my eyes for a moment, but this story could not have been written more eloquently if anyone tried. The way that this story was told, you don’t see talent like this often!
I am off to read more of her work, even though I have others that are supposed to take priority. Not when I am in the Carmel Zone! I sit and wonder what is next for this amazing author, off to stalk her I suppose. 😉
4*
Truly and Devlin have been dating for 2 years but graduation day he breaks her heart, blaming her upcoming road trip and different Colleges.
Noah is slightly obsessed with Truly but been Devlins 1/2 brother Truly isn’t 100% convinced.
The book covers sensitive issues that the author does warn you about before going into the book. Please take on board the warnings but also form your own opinion.
I really enjoyed this story. The main characters are intriguing, good overall story, plus interesting supporting characters. Truly the character is relatable and a charming heroine. Noah is an emotional mess but he tries to be better for Truly. Their chemistry is absolutely fantastic. I couldn’t put this book down.
I hope the author will write more stories like this one as it is such a pleasure to read a Black heroine in a new adult romance, esp a bully romance as those new adult dark romances featuring a younger Black heroine are too few and far between. Even moreso a story & characters as engaging as in “Truly.”
5
Spanish & English Opinion ::
ESP ::
Me encanta el libro. Lo leí entendiendo que el tema es dark Love y que incluye momentos no convencionales.
Los personajes tienen mucho background y son complejos. Las manifestaciones de amor son súper pasionales y consumidoras.
Truly es especial, desde el nombre hasta la personalidad. Me encanta que sea una heroína descrita en forma distinta a todas las que he leído.
Noah es el hombre con personalidad obscura que ama de forma obsesiva a Truly y que nos encanta por eso.
Libro inesperado. Lo disfruté mucho.
ENG ::
I loved the book. I read it understanding that it contains dark love manifestations and strong situations.
The characters are deep and interesting. The main characters have a very passionate and consuming love.
Truly is special. From her name to her description. She’s like no other heroine I have read about and I loved that.
Noah is the dark, brooding twisted guy who loves obsessively and we love him for that.
Unexpected book. Truly wonderful reading.
Never thought I’d read a teen BDSM ‘little’ story… I feel weird about it, but I finished it and it was entertaining and that’s all I got to say about that.
I was expecting a lot more from this book, just because of all the reviews and what people have been saying about it. But I am still pleasantly surprised about what I did read. I loved it. I’ve never met a hero Noah that I’ve liked, but this author has quickly smashed that misconception lol.
Like Truly, I found myself questioning my sanity and my moral compass, because of how quick and intense my feelings were for Noah. I mean, it was at that moment I knew that there was definitely something wrong with me for loving every second of this book. Was Noah a complete asshole with no car for anyone else? Yeah. And while this book deals with some very heavy and sensitive issues that I would NEVER condone in real life, people need to be open minded because it’s just fiction. If you go in with an open mind and get into the mindset of every other bully romance and enemies to lovers story you’ve ever read, then this book will be easy for you.
I didn’t necessarily find this book dark, but I loved every second. I loved how absolutely toxic Noah and Truly were for each other. A testament to how truly fucked up I am lmao. But I think Noah helped Truly embrace who she was for the first time. Her demons played absolutely well with his and I couldn’t look away. This was my first read by this author and honestly, I’d definitely go back and read anything she writes because the way she wrote this was pure poetic genius.
Style: Dark Bully Romance (High School)
Story: 5/5
Sexual: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD
Enjoyment: 4.5/5
Series: N/A
Pages: 313
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
The Best way I sum up dark romances, this is all kinds of wrong that reads all kinds of good. It’s disturbing, but you can’t help it, it’s a fix.
This is possessive and obsessive to another level. Everything Truly thought, I felt the same way. Noah sounds like a damn psychopath. It was chilling the way he speaks and handle Truly. I thought early on in the book, is the author sure she has him in the right story. He should be a hit man for the mob in another book. He is very intense, and I am not sure how to accept him or what his end game was. However, that was also the allure for me Noah’s dark side because I couldn’t figure him out for most of the book. I laughed when the author gave him my birthday (straight violation) not sharing it with psycho but very sexy Noah.
The metamorphosis of Truly, after Noah was interesting. I didn’t consider her weak. What she has with Noah works for them and that’s what makes this story so good for me to read.
To the author, (spoiler) I am not feeling the 10 years later. I accept this with Noah and Truly, however, this could have developed in to a series because I am not satisfied with how some of those relationships turned out. But then again, wouldn’t have worked because how can you even compete with Noah and Truly turbulence sex driven relationship.
Lastly, major triggers. I am mean setting off 4th of July fire works of warning. This is not your typical romance and has throat grabbing, rough handling of heroine and more disturbing parts.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s definitely about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the stories you read. I hope this review was helpful.
I love a good dark bully with a possessive alphahole and damn Carmel Rhodes YOU KILLED IT!! I do not know why it took me so long to read this book, but it is a favorite!! I wasn’t sure how to feel about Devin and Noah in the beginning, but boyyy Noah makes me want to stand up and fight him! Hot AF! Truly taking that journey to rediscover herself and feel close to her mom was amazing and heart wrenching at moments, even with Noah inviting himself to go with! The fire between Truly & Noah…explosive! Great job!
If you’re looking for a dark, bully romance that pushes your boundaries, read this right now. I loved this book. Truly and Noah’s story completely consumed me and I could not stop reading. It was dark and delicious and I loved every word. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Carmel Rhodes’ “Truly”, is super sharp, dark, and deliciously twisted with a well-built plot. Truly and Noah’s journey is full of twists and turns … it’s not your typical love story…it’s quite devastating… and will take your breath away. Their HEA?? is dubious and in a class by itself. If you like dark romances that “blow up” the envelope, this book is for you. Brilliant!!
Lacey Laurel is simply sublime. #AudiobookObsessionReviewer
This was by far one of my favorite dark bully books!! I loved it from being to end! It’s one of those stories that the closer you get to the end the more you slow down reading and don’t want it to ever end! Carmel Rhodes wrote a phenomenal book with Truly! Truly
I absolutely loved this book it was the first book I could really get into after going without reading for a long time. I can’t wait to read more books by this author. It was quite the journey in this book and I couldn’t put it down.
I like this book. I really do. My first Carmel Rhodes and I dove right in headfirst and I won’t look back. I love to push myself as a reader and she gives fair warning. I do think she approached the harder scenes in a thoughtful way. Those scenes added depth to the overall story and development of these real and flawed characters. I found myself reading this one fast because I really did just want to see what would happen next! To me, that’s the mark of a good book. This one is a bully romance that might push you to your limits, but Ms Rhodes’ storytelling is wonderful. 5 stars for Truly!
Love this book so big! One of my favorite reads this year.
Falling in love is euphoric, it’s magical, it’s what every teenage girl wants. But sometimes falling in love can get messy. Most of the time, we don’t control our feelings, they just happen. And everyone who has fell before, knows it happens whether it’s the right or the wrong person for us.
And then, comes the hard part… learning.
While I did struggle with the idea of how Truly and Noah’s story began, I understand the conflict and inner struggle.
I understand them.
Truly, like every teenager is flawed by her innocence, by her age, by her past, but she’s also a fighter. She stands up for herself and her values. Noah, while he isn’t as innocent, he is young, he’s ruled by his impulsivity and lack of control.
And that’s what I loved the most about Carmel Rhodes’ story telling. Her characters aren’t whiners, they act true to their age. Their way of thinking, their actions, they’re a representation of how they’ve suffered through their entire childhood.
And best of all, they learn. Five amazing stars.
Five “loved it” stars!
First, this book is not for the faint of heart.
That said, if you won’t be triggered by dub-con or non-con, then you NEED to read this book! This was my first read by Carmel Rhodes, but holy cow- it won’t be the last! This woman can write!
The characters, the plotline, the descriptions- she brought it all. I felt the betrayals, the tension, the fear, the sense of helplessness. And somehow, in spite of everything he had done to Truly, I came around to like Noah. I don’t have any explanation. Something in my drink, perhaps?
I loved Truly and Noah together. I loved how she didn’t have to change for him like she did for Devin; how Noah saw her as she was, and wanted her as she was.
The added drama of Noah’s parents added tension, as did the relationship drama between some other characters later in the book. I pretty much spent the whole book in a perpetual state of “No, he didn’t!” The “he” in reference changed throughout the book.
I saw so many recommendations for this book, and was really looking forward to reading it. And it definitely lived up to the hype! Noah is over-the-top possessive and borderline crazy- one of my favorite combinations.
100% recommended for fans of bully romance (but heed the trigger warning if needed).
I read this in KU, but am definitely buying.
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Passion or Obsession
Yes if you have triggers against noncon do not read as it will be push the aforementioned.
I enjoyed this read, the author gave such a realistic tone to the whole situation and while the beginning was incredibly hard to overlook, thou I can understand what most would label as toxic relationship with no redemption, I believed, hoped and cheered they’d find a way to work out, in my world view yes there is a list of issues both characters needed help with but their intimate preferences is anyone’s private matter even for just a book.
I was happy they found a way to work out and have the HEA that was the gift this couple is given by Carmel Rothes pen. I will say there is redemption for our Hero in the end, even if he did some villainous deeds.