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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“Noah was never the prince in my story. Ours was never a fairytale, but fairytales are boring. Maybe our once upon a time was dark and dirty and raw, but it was ours.”
I’ve just sat and read my first ever Carmel Rhodes story from start to finish without taking a breath.
If you love obsessive psychopaths that you will hate for the majority of the story then this is for you. This relationship is truly toxic and not something I agree with in real life but I do love reading it in my books. Whether that makes me fucked up or not, I own it.
I had to carry on reading, I was hooked. I needed to see if Carmel Rhodes could redeem Noah because I didn’t think that she could but she 100% did and in my eyes that’s the sign of an amazing author. I loved this book so much that I went to amazon and bought the paperback.
PLEASE BE AWARE OF TRIGGERS
Non consent
Dubious consent
Toxic, obsessive tendencies
A psycho who will steal your heart
I am going to start this by saying if you are determining whether you should read this book or not I strongly suggest you read the author’s warnings. This book contains an unconventional romance that is not for everyone and I believe you should know that going into it. With that being said, I enjoyed Truly and it is an amazing bully romance for anyone who isn’t triggered by dub-con or non-con and is looking for an over the top alpha anti-hero.
I enjoyed the setting throughout this story because instead of this being set in a high school, like most bully romances, Carmel took us on a journey in this book in more ways than one. It created an interesting and unique story. And I enjoyed how the setting pushed Noah and Truly together even more. They will drive you insane with their antics along the way, but if you’re anything like me it will leave you smiling a majority of the time. I couldn’t get enough of Noah and Truly and I didn’t want this book to end. I also enjoyed the supporting characters and watching their story play out along the way too!
This is a book that I will 100% reread. It stuck with me days after reading it. I know it’s very far from conventional and these characters experience some very hard things, but I think that’s why I so badly wanted to see their story play out. I loved being able to watch as these two imperfect and broken characters fell in love and made new memories.
I also want to add that I came across this book when looking for recommendations after reading Untouchable by Sam Mariano. So if you enjoyed that book I think you will also really enjoy Truly.
This is one story that is not for everyone. When the author gives you a warning, take her up on it and don’t bash her when the book turns out as warned. When I first started it I though dub-con…I can handle it and then went haywire in my brain when it turned out to be truly non-con….for a singular moment. I tell myself, I would NEVER allow that. But once I sat with it a minute, I thought….maybe not now…maybe not 20 years ago…but when I was 17/18? I might have allowed myself to be treated poorly without making a huge deal of it. Let’s face it…Noah is not a good guy…but as always with the bad guys, there is something beneath the surface, after you peel away the layers, that makes him worth knowing. Carmel Rhodes take some difficult subject matters and turns them into something infinitely better and more beautiful with some amazing writing. My first book by this author but not my last.
Don’t you know that you’re toxic?
*read on Kindle Unlimited. No need of sugar daddies called promo teams*
What’s this book about? (I’m trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
This is a dark romance with a hefty trigger warning for themes of dub con and non con. There is a HEA. This is not suitable for people under 18 or easily triggered readers. Truly and Noah’s story is a story of self-discovery, growth and ultimately, forgiveness. In the book, they’re both in the summer between high school graduation and college.
This is my third Carmel Rhodes read. I kept seeing this everywhere on IG and lots of bookstagram friends recommend this to me. I read Untouchable by Sam Mariano and I found that book to be intriguing and Truly by Carmel Rhodes takes on a similar ‘love’ interest. There’s less psycho-analysis and philosophical discussion about why some boys think they can take what they shouldn’t. This story focuses on the lead girl and I truly admired that. This is her story and I give 5 stars to her coming of age story, NOT THE TREEHOUSE. This is an intriguing fast-paced read with a focus on characters and their exploration. They are teenagers that are about to embark on a journey of self-discovery. I related to Truly a lot. The family aspect of this novel had me empathizing with her. Carmel Rhodes has managed to get me emotional once again; Cherry Bomb was the other time I got emotional without expecting to. Maybe I’m melancholic and a lover of emotional family stories, but that part of the book overshadowed the dub con and non con of the story for me. While I was able to see Noah’s comments and actions (except the actual Treehouse) as ludicrous, outrageous, insane and dark, victims of such behaviour might deem it as traumatizing and hurtful. Therefore, don’t pick this up if you mind dub con and non con. It will make you hate this story.
I didn’t hate this story. I rooted for Truly to find herself and to define what she accepts in a relationship and what she doesn’t. She’s a little masochist, our Truly. The side twist with Truly’s friend Becky with the good hair did Becky really wrong, but then she turned it around in the last chapters.
Noah didn’t suffer enough for me; not on the pages at least. His treehouse action was very bad and they kept discussing it as semi-bad which was kind of off-putting for me. It felt like it got brushed over real quick even though the heroine keeps mentioning it; there were never any real consequences. The fact that she has to fear the Treehouse Noah’s return says a lot. Since this is a fictional book for adults and people like books that have way worse situations in them, I won’t say anything else. He is her toxic rebound and there’s nothing we can do about it.
I recommend this story to people that liked Untouchable by Sam Mariano, read dub con and non con and love strong heroines on journey of growth.
Truly was a dark, twisted, gut-wrenching emotional ride that takes you through the full spectrum! I loved everything about this book and I was fascinated by this addictive page-turner to see how the story would unfold after the harrowing beginning for Truly. Noah was absolutely terrifying in the beginning and was a perfect character you’ll love to hate and hate to love once his layers peel back to reveal just how complex and complicated he is. And Truly! What an incredible character, I loved her journey in learning who she is, how to let go, and taking the next step in her life. The writing was beautiful and the emotions this pulled out of me as I feverishly binge read it left me raw in the best way. I’m still thinking about the story and characters hours later. This is going down as one of my all-time favorites for sure!
I’m not a fan of road trip books. Honestly, they are a hard no. The 1/2 brother of my ex-boyfriend is what had me picking it up. Noah and Truly are two tortured souls trying to find themselves in sea of water. HEA Stand-alone.
I’m so glad Carmel Rhodes stepped out of her comfort zone and dived into the bully romance world. I loved everything about Truly. Noah was the perfect blend of bully and sweet. I instantly fell for him, and wanted to know what made him the a-hole he sometimes was. I loved reading as Truly found herself and her voice during their three week road trip. I hope Carmel continues to write in this genre because she knocked it out of the park with this one.
Mmmm… Noah. What a delicious mix of alpha and dark and sweet.
Fresh out of high school, Truly Parker has her whole life ahead of her. But not everything is as it seems. Life changes in the blink of an eye and her world is thrown off kilter. And Noah doesn’t help matters. If anything, he makes them worse. Or does he?
Truly will keep you glued to the pages and eager to read more. Truly’s story is packed with intensity and heat and those feral moments you crave.
I’ve seen this book everywhere so I took it as a sign to read it. OMG! What. A. Read! I was hooked early on and could not put it down. The intensity of the hero was fully on but he will blow you away.
Now, this book won’t be for everyone, there is a questionable moment at the beginning between Tru and Noah. Although Noah looks to have a perfect life, there is darkness in him that comes out during the book and although this is a small side to him, the other side of him is SO much more. I’ve not read a book in a while that kept me on the edge of my seat with the anticipation of what was to come and I was hooked.
Truly gets dumped at her graduation then attends a party where she meets Noah. They have never been friends, some would say, enemies, he’s her ex’s brother, and they didn’t get along.
Noah all jealous and possessive of Tru from the get go, manages to manipulate himself into her and her best friends road trip. The more time they spend together, the more time Noah has to convince her to be his. Get ready for Noah though, he plays to win and he’s always wanted Truly.
“I have always noticed you. You just noticed him first.”
As their road trip goes on, the more I fell for Noah. He was caring, loving and romantic with a side of darkness that I love and his possessiveness over Truly is on another level,
along with the heat in this book, Noah has all the moves and is pure fire!
When we first meet Truly I really felt her sorrow with her breakup and could understand why she wanted to cling on it. She keeps to herself then comes face to face with Noah. She is so not ready for him to fully immerse himself in her life, but with his, I don’t give a damn attitude, he’s there and is not backing down. I liked the changes that she went through as she came into herself and in some way, Noah helped her with this. First was the quiet and shy, then the I hate him but I can’t stay away from him, then the falling for him. Then came the moment where she was stronger and had the backbone and face Noah to be honest with him, he wasn’t fully in control at all times and I liked that.
When reading, you will love and hate Noah but he will possess you, he’s ruthless, but oh my, I want! The book gives a warning at the beginning so if you are easily offended and have triggers (dub con/non con) then this book probably isn’t for you. But if you are ok with this, then I’m sure you will love it just as much.
There were so many moments that pulled me under and I would fully recommend this book. Carmel Rhodes wrote something special with Noah and I loved it, deep deep!
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene – 36%
POV – First, heroine
Hero –
Heroine –
Story –
Steam –
Chemistry –
“We’re both fucked in the head,” he grunts. I press my palm to his heart. It beats erratic and wild, broken like mine. “Maybe we’re fucked in the heart, too.”
Wow. Ok. So this was my first read by Carmel Rhodes and she’s now on my list of authors to read more of, and I have a feeling she will be put on my auto buy author list before 2020 is out. Her writing is so engaging and fast paced, and good lord can she write some sexy scenes.
I normally do not mesh well with the new adult genre, because sometimes the characters can be a little too immature, but I had absolutely no problems here. Sure there were some moments where they act like teens but they are teens so they get a pass (especially since it wasn’t overly obnoxious or anything like that).
For a newly high school graduate, Truly has her head on her shoulders and I connected with that really quickly. She’s on a path of self discovery just like her mom was when she was Truly’s age and I’m so glad the author put in journal entries from when Truly’s mom was 17/18 years old. It really gave the story depth and richness, and it was just such a pleasure to watch Truly connect with her mother again and finally let go of some of the guilt she is carrying. Also the road trip aspect was so much fun. It was an absolute trip (pun intended) reading about Memphis, Bourbon Street, small towns, and great food. Seeing Truly start to come out of her shell and enjoy life…ahh I just loved it all.
Noah. My beautiful, fucked up, dominating, possessive young man. He doesn’t come off great in the beginning, but things are revealed during the book and we can see why he is the way he is. Does that excuse his troublesome actions? Hell no. But he slowly earns back mine and Truly’s trust. He also goes through some personal growths on the road trip and during his first year of college. I think time away from his family made him see who he wants to be, and in the end he wants to be a good man for Truly because she deserves it.
As a whole, I loved this book. I very nearly devoured it. When I wasn’t reading, all I could think about was Noah and Truly. They have left their mark on my little romance reader heart.
Do take heed of the trigger warnings the author put at the end of the blurb. I’ll leave it below too just in case you need to see it again:
“Truly is a dark coming of age romance that explores themes of dub-con and non-con and happily ever after. Proceed with caution.”
Overall rating 4 stars
Steaminess 4 stars (3.5 if we are being picky)
The tone of this book started exciting, I love dark, complicated romance with an element of surprise. This book has it’s sweet moments and has alot of personal issues. What put me off with the way the story was dealt and the characters input in it was messy. Ofcourse bullying, breakups, friendship situation are “crazy” but here I found things not justified even at the end.
Noah is a psychotic character and he gets away with everything, Truly is not naive but an idiot with personality disorder. And her virginity topic, it got on my nerves, I was happy when it was rid off. Yes I’ve read books where hero gets away with horrid things done to the heroine, and the heroine stays doormat and I rated those books highly, the difference here is the heroine talks herself into blaming for everyones deeds and is not strong enough to push the toxic people away. Noah on the other hand takes everything sexually and melts Truly faster than butter in heat.
This book is not a dark romance but midly has dark themes. I appreciate the authors warning. This book has high rates so don’t take my issues into consideration. This book was not for me.
Truly is not going to stop me from reading Carmel Rhodes other books. It is just my bad for not enjoying this. I like the writing and so far the two books I read of Carmel Rhodes I love the friendship bonds she creates, it’s not simple or unique but realistic.
HOLY F*CKING SH*T!!! THIS STORY HAS OBLITERATED MY SOUL AND I NEED SOMEONE TO SEND HELP BECAUSE I AM BARELY BREATHING RIGHT NOW!
Truly by Carmel Rhodes is an addictively raw and intense dark romance that owned me whole body, heart and soul. Noah and Truly’s story won’t be for everyone (please make sure to read the warning at the end of the blurb to make sure that this book is something you can handle before diving in), but the readers who are willing to take a leap of faith will find themselves deeply invested in every moment that this twisted love story!
When Carmel Rhodes announced this book, I immediately added it to my TBR list because first of all, I am in LOVE with her writing style, but the moment she mentioned bully romance I was beyond SOLD! It’s been over a week since I reached the end of this extraordinary tale and I am still finding myself at a loss for words. She stole every inch of my soul and left me breathless as I inhaled all the words.
Noah Tedesco is the ultimate ALPHA male and he is my newest book boyfriend obsession. I am putting MY claim on him and I DO NOT CARE IF SOMEONE HAS ALREADY DONE SO BECAUSE I HAVE GOT TO HAVE HIM! I will admit, YES, he does some very questionable things, especially in the very beginning, but my heart wants what my heart wants! I just knew right away that he had some demons that he had to overcome in order to be the man that Truly deserves. He struggles at times, but in the end he fully redeemed himself…at least in my eyes.
Now let’s discuss our leading lady, Truly Parker, who I happen to have a MAJOR lady crush on! I freaking ADORED her and I loved watching her grow throughout her complicated journey. She is a strong woman that struggles to find herself after her boyfriend breaks up with her at graduation. When Noah enters the picture he definitely comes on strong and he has to work on gaining her trust (rightfully so) after that moment in the treehouse.
I am still consumed by this couple and I might need to do a reread soon because I am so head over heels in LOVE with Noah and Truly’s dark and twisted love story. This story is a MUST READ for fans of bully romances and I hope you are all ready for this CRAZY rollercoaster ride! You better hang on tight because the emotions will knock the feels right out of you!
“I love you, deep.”
“Deep, deep.”
This book pulled me in from the very beginning. I couldn’t get enough of the story. Truly trying to figure out life, loss, pain, heartbreak and more.
She’s so innocent and sweet but sad and wondering about what the future will bring. Then he comes along and everything changes… He was the best and worst thing that happened to her.
This story was extremely dark. I warn you it isn’t for the faint of heart. If you have any triggers, I don’t recommend this book. I, myself needed a minute to digest what was happening but it didn’t stop me from finishing this read.
Noah wore so many faces but behind closed doors he was a mess. He was hurt and so very angry. He and Tru were toxic from the beginning. Lies, arguements, clinginess, roughness , well rough is not the word I should use. It’s well beyond that.
I wanted more for Tru, I wanted her to stand up for herself a bit more. I was annoyed by the way she just accepted things at times. Jeez, this book did a number on me.
I loved Tru’s relationship with Becca, it was filled with honesty and loyalty and love. I also loved the diary entries, I enjoyed those a lot.
There was a HEA, which was good. Goodness, I needed it, like so bad. It was a really interesting story, so very well written. I felt so many different emotions reading this book. It tore my heart out and put it back together again. I loved it.
If you think you can handle the dark that comes with this story, check it out.
I didn’t expect to love this book so much! You definitely want to heed the trigger warnings (it is not for the faint of heart). Truly is a dark bully romance that will take you on an incredible journey that is heartbreaking at times. I loved watching Truly come into her own while on her 3 week road trip. Noah definitely starts off as the villain. You love to hate him and question his motives at every turn. Some where along their road trip, your view of him starts to shift and find yourself rooting for him/them. Carmel did a fantastic job with storyline and characters! Add this to your TBR today!
Incredible read!! Carmel Rhodes takes you on a wild adventure!! Noah and Truly escapades were explosive and exciting! A coming of age that will capture your heart and have your interests peaked! Phenomenal story!!
If Dark and Twisted with a dominating Alpha is your jam then this is the book for you. This book starts off quick, and pulls the reader in with no time to fully digest everything you are reading until the end of the book. The author puts a trigger warning in the beginning of the book, and take note of it before reading.
While this book does focus on the dark, and twisted there is also some light to it as well. Truly wants to feel as close to her dead mom as possible, and finds the best way to do it. She wants to reenact a trip that her mom took before she started college. I love that Truly was able to have a piece of her mom through this book, but was able to find herself in the process.
I’ve been wanting to pick up Ms.Rhodes’ work for quite some time now. When I read the synopsis for this book I knew that it was the one I wanted to pick up first! This story grabbed my attention from the very beginning and didn’t let go!
Truly’s journey wasn’t easy. This story it’s characters brought out my emotions in so many ways throughout.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
Did you love Untouchable by Sam Mariano? Do you drool over devious stalker obsessive fine ass men that will pursue their woman relentlessly? Well then you are going to love Noah in Truly by Carmel Rhodes. He’s a baller, shot caller that breaks down Truly’s defenses and scores big time! Trigger warning for sexual stuff. But if you like your stories dark like me you will be just fine. This book is one of the smarter bully romances I have read as it also explores Noah’s deeper issues as well.
“I want you to kiss me until I forget how to breathe without you.”
Addicting. Captivating. Intense. Spell-binding.
First read by Carmel Rhodes and MAN.. what a read. Truly is dark, intense, emotional, the characters are questionably a tad bit psycho.. But they’re human. This isn’t a sweet read, it has dark moments, dark.. questionable moments that have you like that one emoji with its eyes real big saying to itself.. “wtf is you doingggg?” That was me.. the whole book.
But even though it was dark, which by the way.. I LOVE dark, it was addicting and loving and passionate.
Noah might be certifiably crazy.. but Truly likes it sooo… Their love is fire. Their passion is addicting. Their chemistry was spilling from the pages. Both of their pasts are a little broken but together they are two pieces of the same jagged puzzle.
With that being said, there was ONE part in the book that still confuses me a bit. I won’t say which one, but maybe it’s because I can’t wrap my mind around it? I don’t know.. but all in all.. this book was a GREAT read for me. A dark, twisted but amazing read.
“You can run, Tru, but I’ll always catch you.”
I had been very nervous and very excited waiting for this book. Any doubts I had about enjoying this dark bully romance were quickly erased by Carmel Rhodes’ masterful writing.
Truly and Noah don’t have a conventional beginning. I even had a hard time believing that we get to a happily ever after at times. However as the story progresses you see them each grow and become stronger and more rounded characters.
Through Carmel’s words we see the seemingly irredeemable Noah become a worthy partner and the innocent Truly become a woman who demands the respect she deserves.
Truly will take you on an emotional roller coaster; it isn’t always easy but it was worth the ride.