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Love's Inconvenient Truth
What can Elle Jarreau, a seasoned woman with a skewed view on love, learn about the verity of fairy tales from a man nine years her junior? Apparently a thing or two.“I don’t believe in fairy tales; only acquainted with reality. I understand there are people who are genetically damaged in the womb. Some of these people, like me, are destined to be alone. We’re too strong willed; our power too potent and can destroy all around if wielded.”Jackson Q. Hunter isn’t your average 26 year old. Forced to be a man before his time by his well-connected, extremely resourceful, and very wealthy father, Jackson is especially conversant on commitment and crowning a woman.“Fairy tales don’t always have to be a forsaken concept. Sometimes it’s a matter of viewing it from the right perspective. Sometimes you have to simply choose a more suitable illustrator. Even we haunted cynics can find liberation in the mendacity of fairy tales. Sounds like your demons would fit nicely in my haunted closet with the rest of my iniquities.”As secrets are unveiled and nightmares illuminated, see what they learn about self-acceptance and self-forgiveness when they find redemption through their mirrored self-exiled darkness.
520 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2015
353 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Love Belvin
39 books1,874 followersLove Belvin is a native of the Tri-State area and now lives in the Delaware Valley. She's an avid reader and enjoys dinner parties with her closest girlfriends. While she enjoys many things, nothing excites her more than curling up with a glass of wine and a good romance novel.
Love has been given the moniker "adult contemporary series queen." She is the author of the "Love's Improbable Possibility," "Wayward Love," and "Love Unaccounted" serials. Her two standalones, “Love's Inconvenient Truth” and "Low Love, Low Fidelity" are available. Love Belvin is also the co-author of the "Connecticut Kings" series. She's currently penning the journey of her latest captivating clients.
You can find Love on her website www.LoveBelvin.com
Facebook @ Author - Love Belvin
Twitter @LoveBelvin
Instagram @LoveBelvin
Love's a regular on Goodreads.
Sign up to receive emails from her team (#TeamLove) -> http://eepurl.com/6ejjv
Love has been given the moniker "adult contemporary series queen." She is the author of the "Love's Improbable Possibility," "Wayward Love," and "Love Unaccounted" serials. Her two standalones, “Love's Inconvenient Truth” and "Low Love, Low Fidelity" are available. Love Belvin is also the co-author of the "Connecticut Kings" series. She's currently penning the journey of her latest captivating clients.
You can find Love on her website www.LoveBelvin.com
Facebook @ Author - Love Belvin
Twitter @LoveBelvin
Instagram @LoveBelvin
Love's a regular on Goodreads.
Sign up to receive emails from her team (#TeamLove) -> http://eepurl.com/6ejjv
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
March 21, 2023
LB mentioned Ex-factor by Lauryn Hill towards the end of this book and those lyrics perfectly described the entire premise of Jackson and Elle’s relationship. These were two tortured souls that found solace in their own little bubble of each other. It was definitely a tug of war or battle of wills with these two. She was pulling and he was pulling and lord if the rope didn’t snap at 90% of the book being complete. I don’t even know if you can call this a slow burn because the chemistry was always there but it took FOREVER for them to pull the trigger JEEZ!!!!
9 years his senior, Elle had some real life demons she was running from. They chased her out of Virginia all the way to NYC and while she worked tirelessly to bury them, she put just as much effort into keeping her heart closed off to anything closely resembling love. She was a beautiful put together woman on the outside but inside she was in utter turmoil. After indulging in a one night stand looking to drown her sorrows, she ultimately exposed herself to a love she never felt worthy of experiencing.
Jackson may have been young (26) in age but that BDE was grown af! The way he carried himself inside and outside of the boardroom let everyone know who the boss was. His father taught him well and while he worked towards paving his own way, he was left to continue on a legacy that could rival the best of them. Jackson was mentioned in both LB series prior to this one (The Improbable and Waiting to Breathe series) and I was actually looking forward to his story. While it was good it didn’t totally wow me. For one, I didn’t like that the entire story with the exception of the epilogue was told from Elle’s POV. It was as if the story was about her with Jackson as the supporting role when it was his character that was highly anticipated. I wanted to know more of what was going through Jackson’s head throughout the story. His experiences, his feelings and what he endured dealing with his fathers death and certain indiscretions. He was a young man with the weight of the world on his shoulders and I don’t think we were fully able to experience him in this book the way we deserved! This was still a good read and I would recommend especially since we got cameos from Azrayna and StentZo 🥰🥰🥰 I’m happy to see these couples thriving because lord knows they had me fighting for my life in their own series!
9 years his senior, Elle had some real life demons she was running from. They chased her out of Virginia all the way to NYC and while she worked tirelessly to bury them, she put just as much effort into keeping her heart closed off to anything closely resembling love. She was a beautiful put together woman on the outside but inside she was in utter turmoil. After indulging in a one night stand looking to drown her sorrows, she ultimately exposed herself to a love she never felt worthy of experiencing.
Jackson may have been young (26) in age but that BDE was grown af! The way he carried himself inside and outside of the boardroom let everyone know who the boss was. His father taught him well and while he worked towards paving his own way, he was left to continue on a legacy that could rival the best of them. Jackson was mentioned in both LB series prior to this one (The Improbable and Waiting to Breathe series) and I was actually looking forward to his story. While it was good it didn’t totally wow me. For one, I didn’t like that the entire story with the exception of the epilogue was told from Elle’s POV. It was as if the story was about her with Jackson as the supporting role when it was his character that was highly anticipated. I wanted to know more of what was going through Jackson’s head throughout the story. His experiences, his feelings and what he endured dealing with his fathers death and certain indiscretions. He was a young man with the weight of the world on his shoulders and I don’t think we were fully able to experience him in this book the way we deserved! This was still a good read and I would recommend especially since we got cameos from Azrayna and StentZo 🥰🥰🥰 I’m happy to see these couples thriving because lord knows they had me fighting for my life in their own series!
July 22, 2015
4.5 Stars! Review To Come!
January 22, 2025
In this stand alone, we get complex characters who both have past issues they need to deal with. Both with demons & pain they need to sort through. We meet Elle who gets hired to work for Jackson. Workplace romance at its finest lol The intimacy between them was *chefs kiss*. I didn’t know if they were going to make it with all the stuff they a to unpack, but I’m glad they got their HEA 🫶🏽
I’m so happy to be apart of the #LBuniverse 💜 Making my way through the catalog. Jackson who is the MMC in this story was mentioned in Love’s Improbable Possibilities series so when I saw he had his own book I was veryyyyyy intrigued. In that series, he was dating an older woman and I wanted to know why 😏
Was glad to see cameos from Azmir, Rayna, Zoey, & Stenton & pastor Ezra. & the couples are still going strong!
💜Age Gap
💜Workplace Romance
I’m so happy to be apart of the #LBuniverse 💜 Making my way through the catalog. Jackson who is the MMC in this story was mentioned in Love’s Improbable Possibilities series so when I saw he had his own book I was veryyyyyy intrigued. In that series, he was dating an older woman and I wanted to know why 😏
Was glad to see cameos from Azmir, Rayna, Zoey, & Stenton & pastor Ezra. & the couples are still going strong!
💜Age Gap
💜Workplace Romance
June 11, 2017
Elle and Jackson's story was unique and special. I saw it unfolding from the book's very first scene. This story truly shows what unanticipated love can do to people, especially when they're not looking for it. The plot of the story was amazing and is well written. I absolutely love, Love Belvin's style and her ability to create and maintain her characters' chemistry. Hopefully we'll hear more from Elle and Jackson in a sequel to "Love's Inconvenient Truth"... Do not Sleep on One Clicking Love Belvin's new release. Trust me when I tell you that you will not be disappointed.
April 10, 2015
As the saying goes, we all have secrets.. demons. Some buried in closets but others clutched to the heart and tangled in the soul. That was Elle's Inconvenient Truth. An independent woman about her business, she needed nothing or no one to survive..exist. So what could this mature beauty learn from a 26 year old man? Apparently more than the heart could conceive..or control. Jackson isn't just any young man. His comanding presence and astute business head makes him stand out amongst his peers. When these dark souls meet in the unlikeliest of ways and insidious pasts become unearthed as masks are dropped, will a fairytale ending even be feasible?
It took me a minute to sit down and formulate this review. Hell, it took me days to finish reading the book. I think this was my longest and most emotional journey with one of Love's books. My feelings are still unsettled, almost akin to pulling a bandage off a fresh wound. This...this one was different..unconventional even. I almost wanted to look away but couldn't. It was raw and gritty and just down right emotionally brutal. I had to mentally check myself and ask how does she do that!? How can she make you feel every twist of the heart, flutter of a libido or the gut wrenching pain of a tortured soul? Those are all signs of exceptional character development. She doesn't just tell you things, she makes you feel them through her words..and feel them to the point of living in the characters' moments..their inconvenient truths.
It's an amazing feat Love did with developing these characters, especially Elle in her entirety. How is it that she created such a layered character that I have nothing in common with but so enamoured to her to the point that her story shed light on my very own? Who the freak does that!??? Let's not forget Jackson who is NOTHING like Azmir or Stenton. I wondered if you had it in you to create another hero as innately rich as those two; one I could set aside from them and admire. Well you did that and then some with Jackson!!! How did you get me to love and relate to such a flawed hero and heroine is beyond me. Jackson and Elle's chemistry was alluring and magnetic to the point of pulling you inward..into them. I cursed them out, I cried for them and championed for them.
I also loved the minor characters and can't wait to see which one may pop up in future works. And the cameos: all smoothly woven into the story and perfectly complimented the theme. As anyone knows who is familiar with Love's work, she uses biblical references but it is in no way shoved down your throat. They seemlessly flow with the storyline and helps with the resolution of conflict in the plot.
As always, the timeline was accurate and I applaud Love's pacing with the characters which led to an extraordinary culmination that left me with feelings of nostalgia. The ending was hearty but I just really wanted more (greedy)! Additionally, I believe not every story must have certain concluding elements to be considered complete. But if any reader felt Love's words and the emotions she evoked in the highs and lows of the plot, then they got all they required and more from the epilogue.
I feel a 'reread' coming on...sigh.
Kudos Love!
It took me a minute to sit down and formulate this review. Hell, it took me days to finish reading the book. I think this was my longest and most emotional journey with one of Love's books. My feelings are still unsettled, almost akin to pulling a bandage off a fresh wound. This...this one was different..unconventional even. I almost wanted to look away but couldn't. It was raw and gritty and just down right emotionally brutal. I had to mentally check myself and ask how does she do that!? How can she make you feel every twist of the heart, flutter of a libido or the gut wrenching pain of a tortured soul? Those are all signs of exceptional character development. She doesn't just tell you things, she makes you feel them through her words..and feel them to the point of living in the characters' moments..their inconvenient truths.
It's an amazing feat Love did with developing these characters, especially Elle in her entirety. How is it that she created such a layered character that I have nothing in common with but so enamoured to her to the point that her story shed light on my very own? Who the freak does that!??? Let's not forget Jackson who is NOTHING like Azmir or Stenton. I wondered if you had it in you to create another hero as innately rich as those two; one I could set aside from them and admire. Well you did that and then some with Jackson!!! How did you get me to love and relate to such a flawed hero and heroine is beyond me. Jackson and Elle's chemistry was alluring and magnetic to the point of pulling you inward..into them. I cursed them out, I cried for them and championed for them.
I also loved the minor characters and can't wait to see which one may pop up in future works. And the cameos: all smoothly woven into the story and perfectly complimented the theme. As anyone knows who is familiar with Love's work, she uses biblical references but it is in no way shoved down your throat. They seemlessly flow with the storyline and helps with the resolution of conflict in the plot.
As always, the timeline was accurate and I applaud Love's pacing with the characters which led to an extraordinary culmination that left me with feelings of nostalgia. The ending was hearty but I just really wanted more (greedy)! Additionally, I believe not every story must have certain concluding elements to be considered complete. But if any reader felt Love's words and the emotions she evoked in the highs and lows of the plot, then they got all they required and more from the epilogue.
I feel a 'reread' coming on...sigh.
Kudos Love!
October 26, 2020
Past life complicates present love
Key call outs: For adults, sexually graphic yet tasteful. If that isn't your thing this book is not for you.
Elle was a beautiful woman externally with a troubled broken spirit internally. Her past indiscretions and mistakes forever changed how she viewed herself. Elle was a walking contradiction...strong, yet so weak. She did her best to shield herself from real relationships out of fear. Confident, yet so insecure. Confident in her abilities to manipulate a situation, yet insecure about her body and her past. She was intriguing and the more she unraveled the more we got to learn about her.
Jackson was a young man before his time. Groomed to be the heir of his father's businesses, assets, and unorthodox teachings. He was a provider and ensured his family was well taken care of. He had seen and done so much in his life for his age. He was a layered man, like most people. He gave people limited access to the real Jax.
When their paths cross...it was explosive and both never expected to see each other again. As they realize they will be connected almost daily, both are unsure how to handle this revelation. They start out almost at war, but their chemistry will not be denied. As this love story unfolded I was so caught up in it. I had questions....which were slowly answered. Some extremely emotional. The author did a good job of making a detailed story line make sense.
I appreciated the work Elle did on herself. The freedom to move on she finally gave herself. The only thing I wanted more of was real communication between her and Jax..they avoided a lot trying to stay neutral. Once it all unfolded, it was a beautiful challenging love story. I would have eagerly read another book.
Key call outs: For adults, sexually graphic yet tasteful. If that isn't your thing this book is not for you.
Elle was a beautiful woman externally with a troubled broken spirit internally. Her past indiscretions and mistakes forever changed how she viewed herself. Elle was a walking contradiction...strong, yet so weak. She did her best to shield herself from real relationships out of fear. Confident, yet so insecure. Confident in her abilities to manipulate a situation, yet insecure about her body and her past. She was intriguing and the more she unraveled the more we got to learn about her.
Jackson was a young man before his time. Groomed to be the heir of his father's businesses, assets, and unorthodox teachings. He was a provider and ensured his family was well taken care of. He had seen and done so much in his life for his age. He was a layered man, like most people. He gave people limited access to the real Jax.
When their paths cross...it was explosive and both never expected to see each other again. As they realize they will be connected almost daily, both are unsure how to handle this revelation. They start out almost at war, but their chemistry will not be denied. As this love story unfolded I was so caught up in it. I had questions....which were slowly answered. Some extremely emotional. The author did a good job of making a detailed story line make sense.
I appreciated the work Elle did on herself. The freedom to move on she finally gave herself. The only thing I wanted more of was real communication between her and Jax..they avoided a lot trying to stay neutral. Once it all unfolded, it was a beautiful challenging love story. I would have eagerly read another book.
April 4, 2015
This is a contemporary Black romance for those who are all the way GROWN. Love Belvin is not playing any kiddie games with this one. Be prepared to deal with real-life complexities, raw emotions, demons from the past, and the struggle to begin anew. You will feel as if you have been transported into the psyche of both Elle and Jackson. You will learn that real love ain't always fluffy and flowery. However, it can be a life-altering experience when you let your guard down. Elle and Jackson will show you that guarding your heart doesn't really work after all -- luckily for them it doesn't. Love Belvin blew me away with this one. I was so entranced by the story that I couldn't wait to finish, but now I'm sad it's over. Love Belvin has a unique way that she tells a love story that I've yet to find in another author, which says a lot because I'm an avid reader and librarian by profession. She became one of my favorite authors after reading the L.I.P. Series. This one is my favorite story by Ms. Belvin and I highly recommend that you give it a try.
April 25, 2022
This Story Took Me On A Journey
This story of Elle & Jackson was definitely a journey. Both Jackson & Elle had a story and they were really both broken and needed desperately to find one another for healing they both needed….I’m so happy that Elle found some semblance of healing to move forward with her life and get to her HEA.
This story of Elle & Jackson was definitely a journey. Both Jackson & Elle had a story and they were really both broken and needed desperately to find one another for healing they both needed….I’m so happy that Elle found some semblance of healing to move forward with her life and get to her HEA.
April 3, 2015
Love outdid her self on this one. Elle and Jackson story was not a easy story to read without feeling the characters pain, struggle, and passion throughout this amazing book! It was worth the 6 hour emotional roller coaster ride. You will not be disappointed with this series.
January 17, 2016
I hate when my reading gets interrupted (yes it was due to school and homework but still a book by author Love Belvin shouldn't have interruptions LOL!!)
I knew going into this story, I was in for an emotional roller coaster ride, the one of the things I love about this author is her ability to dig so deeply into your emotional psyche, that its complete exposure with no escape. This is what you are faced with in reading Elle Jarreau and Jackson Q. Hunter's story.
Elle Jarreau, is a woman on a mission who is out to prove herself professionally but has chosen to remain emotionally absent. She is has suffered much and lost a lot and with it she feels that she should never know what love is. Jackson Hunter, has grown up in the shadows of his father literally eclipsing the father and son relationship, till it was like being bestfriends except in this case it was totally unhealthy because the aftermath of his father dying, has left Jackson to clean up the proverbial mess.
Elle is damaged but redeemable and watching her transformation although it was painful, you couldn't help but to cheer and shout she deserves real happiness. Her family (especially her mother) was a mess, between her overly religious stepfather, her creepy ass stepbrother and her tacky ass stepsister, you begin to get a picture why she was so detached.
Jackson was just as damaged, being exposed to the things at such a young age, forced to grow up so quickly and not enjoying what teenage boys should love doing. He was treated as if he were a grown man but in a child's body. You see his mother an alcoholic, his baby sister who cries for attention has found an unwitting connection with Elle. So you read about these two and shake your head and say no damn way these two can possibly make anything.
Elle and Jackson explains why there is no such thing as perfection but two people coming together whom are meant to be, the man has found his rib and God in his patience and infinite wisdom knows how to bring people together make it all right. It was wonderful also to see Azmir and Rayna, Stenton and Zoey, and then we get another glimpse of the man Ezra.
I implore you that if you have never read a book by author Love Belvin (this is my seventh book read by her and she has 2 new books out) you are truly missing out on the literary genius that is this incredible woman. When I finish reading her books, it always takes me a good minute before I can pick up another book, because her books make you think and take a good look at your own heart, things that we often don't want to acknowledge but in order to receive love we have to allow for the painful healing process to begin because without it, love can not come into our lives they God has intended for us to have.
Well Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!
I knew going into this story, I was in for an emotional roller coaster ride, the one of the things I love about this author is her ability to dig so deeply into your emotional psyche, that its complete exposure with no escape. This is what you are faced with in reading Elle Jarreau and Jackson Q. Hunter's story.
Elle Jarreau, is a woman on a mission who is out to prove herself professionally but has chosen to remain emotionally absent. She is has suffered much and lost a lot and with it she feels that she should never know what love is. Jackson Hunter, has grown up in the shadows of his father literally eclipsing the father and son relationship, till it was like being bestfriends except in this case it was totally unhealthy because the aftermath of his father dying, has left Jackson to clean up the proverbial mess.
Elle is damaged but redeemable and watching her transformation although it was painful, you couldn't help but to cheer and shout she deserves real happiness. Her family (especially her mother) was a mess, between her overly religious stepfather, her creepy ass stepbrother and her tacky ass stepsister, you begin to get a picture why she was so detached.
Jackson was just as damaged, being exposed to the things at such a young age, forced to grow up so quickly and not enjoying what teenage boys should love doing. He was treated as if he were a grown man but in a child's body. You see his mother an alcoholic, his baby sister who cries for attention has found an unwitting connection with Elle. So you read about these two and shake your head and say no damn way these two can possibly make anything.
Elle and Jackson explains why there is no such thing as perfection but two people coming together whom are meant to be, the man has found his rib and God in his patience and infinite wisdom knows how to bring people together make it all right. It was wonderful also to see Azmir and Rayna, Stenton and Zoey, and then we get another glimpse of the man Ezra.
I implore you that if you have never read a book by author Love Belvin (this is my seventh book read by her and she has 2 new books out) you are truly missing out on the literary genius that is this incredible woman. When I finish reading her books, it always takes me a good minute before I can pick up another book, because her books make you think and take a good look at your own heart, things that we often don't want to acknowledge but in order to receive love we have to allow for the painful healing process to begin because without it, love can not come into our lives they God has intended for us to have.
Well Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!
July 7, 2015
It's no secret that at this point, this author could write a book on the importance of watching paint dry and I will read it, no questions asked. Sooooo if you haven't guessed, I'm officially bias with this author. However (and it pains me to type this), I wasn't blown away with this book like the other two series and bothered me a little. It took me a second to figure out why and I came to the realization that there was no angst......well that's unfair, there is angst in this book....but it's NOTHING like the others and I can't believe I'm saying this but I sort of....missed it (grinds teeth as I admit that in writing). Love had me climbing the walls in distress with the first two series and for some sick twisted reason, I guess I want that back (I guess there really is no pleasing your book fans...lol).
Seriously, overall I loved the book. I admire her for trying something new with wrapping everything up in one book. I missed my dual POV's, but eventually became ok with trying to figure out Jackson's "angle" via Elle.
Looking forward to more from this author soon (HINT HINT)......hoping she is typing her little heart away right now (HINT HINT). I mean no rush, because she can't rush a masterpiece, but surely she is already wrapping up something as I type (cough loudly to the point that even readers can hear it)
*smile*
Seriously, overall I loved the book. I admire her for trying something new with wrapping everything up in one book. I missed my dual POV's, but eventually became ok with trying to figure out Jackson's "angle" via Elle.
Looking forward to more from this author soon (HINT HINT)......hoping she is typing her little heart away right now (HINT HINT). I mean no rush, because she can't rush a masterpiece, but surely she is already wrapping up something as I type (cough loudly to the point that even readers can hear it)
*smile*
April 3, 2015
I laughed, cried and laughed some more. I've read all of Love's books but this one is my favorite. The complexities of both characters hit home with me. I probably should've waited awhile to review it because I'm kind of speechless. I'm still mulling it over. This book touched me.
September 15, 2015
Ella, the heroine, is 35 years old and scared of sex and relationships. She is no prude but she is recovering from a promiscuous past, a teen pregnancy, a teen marriage that ended badly. She has never gotten over her past. Jackson, the hero, is alpha and sexy and rich. He is also a 26 year old womanizer who has secrets and a fear of intimacy. Ella and Jack agreed to an "it's just sexy" relationship but it becomes more for Jack. Ella feels it too but spends the entire book running and avoiding her feelings and Jack. I was so bored with Ella I just wanted to scream at her to "grow the f@#$ up!"
Probably 2/3's of the book was about how immature this 35 year old woman is and how patient and mature her 25 year old lover is in comparison. There wasn't a story beyond that so I just kept skipping page and couldn't wait to get to the end of this book.
Probably 2/3's of the book was about how immature this 35 year old woman is and how patient and mature her 25 year old lover is in comparison. There wasn't a story beyond that so I just kept skipping page and couldn't wait to get to the end of this book.
April 6, 2015
I always anticipate this author's books because I know that Love Belvin is a consummate story teller and writer. This book grabs the reader from the very first chapter. Elle and Jackson took me on a wonderful journey, watching how their relationship unfolded. And it was nice to have the "cameos" from Love's other books. When a book can evoke real emotions from its readers and make you feel as though you really have met the characters, you know the author has a true gift. I cried, laughed and had heart-stopping moments for Elle and just wanted to protect Jackson. Is the next book ready yet???
April 4, 2015
This book is nothing short of amazing! You will laugh, you will cry, you will get angry. Jax and Elle are two very flawed individuals trying to deny what they feel. When they can no longer, Love Belvin takes her readers on an emotional rollercoaster that will make you feel what these characters feel. She does an amazing job of drawing her readers into Jax and Elle's story.
October 15, 2025
Amazing story!
After reading this for the fifth time, I guess a review is in order. Love knows how to develop characters, even with their many flaws, in such a way that they are endearing. Elle and Jackson have a love that healed their pain and allowed them to grow together. Their love wasn’t perfect, neither were their lives, but they were perfect for each other.
After reading this for the fifth time, I guess a review is in order. Love knows how to develop characters, even with their many flaws, in such a way that they are endearing. Elle and Jackson have a love that healed their pain and allowed them to grow together. Their love wasn’t perfect, neither were their lives, but they were perfect for each other.
August 9, 2015
Enticing romantic story. The relationship between Jackson & Elle started on an exciting whirlwind. Throughout the story, I was hoping they would make it. They were meant for each other. Very well written & an enjoyable read!
March 1, 2020
Love Belvin has not let me down yet. The character buildup of Elle was beautiful but Candice and Stephanie was crazy. A must read!!
September 15, 2025
✨ Book Review ✨
😮💨 Whew! Talk about my nerves being tore up! Elle and Jackson were the definition of tug-of-war. These two had me STRESSED from start to finish.
We meet Elle Jarreau, a 35-year-old woman still battling demons from her past. Growing up as a preacher’s kid in a small Virginia town, Elle dealt with heavy shame and judgment for choices she made as a teen. After a devastating experience, she moved to NYC and built a new life—but that lingering belief that she was undeserving of love and joy? Yeah… it followed her. In Elle’s mind, loneliness was safer.
Then came Jackson Hunter. What was supposed to be a one-night stand turned into something neither of them could shake. But life had other plans because that same man Elle thought she’d never see again? He ends up being her boss. And the tension? THICK. The chemistry? Undeniable. The back and forth? Annoying as hell 😂.
Can I just say that Jackson is 26, fine, focused, and definitely not giving 26-year-old energy. That man walked with full-blown grown man BDE. The way he’d just stare at Elle like she was the only woman in the room? Whew 😮💨 yeah… I get why the women couldn’t leave him alone.
Okay back to the review:
Elle had me ready to throw hands. I understood her trauma, I really did, but ma’am… either be with that man or leave him alone. Meanwhile, Jackson? Sir, open your mouth and say what it is. All that “it’s just sex” talk was sending mixed signals and had Elle second-guessing everything.
And while we’re here—let’s talk about Christmas night. Yep, that’s how I’m tryna spend Christmas from now on, period. That scene? 10/10 would recommend 😮💨. Oh and that strip tease Elle put on?! My girl had Jackson losing his mind. That scene alone earned a few extra degrees on the spice scale.
Now, if I had to nitpick, I really wish we got Jackson’s POV. I wanted to get deeper into his grief, his pattern with older women, and what he was feeling through all the chaos. I also would’ve loved to see how things truly smoothed over with Valerie, because that last Elle vs. Valerie moment? Whew.
Let’s talk Candice—the way she kept calling Elle her “best friend” had me cracking up. 😂 Girl, that’s a grown woman. Big sis vibes, not bestie! But Candice was sweet and just wanted to be loved on, and I’m glad Elle was able to pour into her and be a soft place to land.
Even though I wish we saw a bit more of them happy together at the end, the emotional ride was worth it. Because one thing Love Belvin gonna do? Is tell a layered, grown, soul-stirring story that you feel. Elle and Jackson worked my nerves, but I was locked in the whole way.
Book: Love’s Inconvenient Truth
Author: Love Belvin
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵 🥵
😮💨 Whew! Talk about my nerves being tore up! Elle and Jackson were the definition of tug-of-war. These two had me STRESSED from start to finish.
We meet Elle Jarreau, a 35-year-old woman still battling demons from her past. Growing up as a preacher’s kid in a small Virginia town, Elle dealt with heavy shame and judgment for choices she made as a teen. After a devastating experience, she moved to NYC and built a new life—but that lingering belief that she was undeserving of love and joy? Yeah… it followed her. In Elle’s mind, loneliness was safer.
Then came Jackson Hunter. What was supposed to be a one-night stand turned into something neither of them could shake. But life had other plans because that same man Elle thought she’d never see again? He ends up being her boss. And the tension? THICK. The chemistry? Undeniable. The back and forth? Annoying as hell 😂.
Can I just say that Jackson is 26, fine, focused, and definitely not giving 26-year-old energy. That man walked with full-blown grown man BDE. The way he’d just stare at Elle like she was the only woman in the room? Whew 😮💨 yeah… I get why the women couldn’t leave him alone.
Okay back to the review:
Elle had me ready to throw hands. I understood her trauma, I really did, but ma’am… either be with that man or leave him alone. Meanwhile, Jackson? Sir, open your mouth and say what it is. All that “it’s just sex” talk was sending mixed signals and had Elle second-guessing everything.
And while we’re here—let’s talk about Christmas night. Yep, that’s how I’m tryna spend Christmas from now on, period. That scene? 10/10 would recommend 😮💨. Oh and that strip tease Elle put on?! My girl had Jackson losing his mind. That scene alone earned a few extra degrees on the spice scale.
Now, if I had to nitpick, I really wish we got Jackson’s POV. I wanted to get deeper into his grief, his pattern with older women, and what he was feeling through all the chaos. I also would’ve loved to see how things truly smoothed over with Valerie, because that last Elle vs. Valerie moment? Whew.
Let’s talk Candice—the way she kept calling Elle her “best friend” had me cracking up. 😂 Girl, that’s a grown woman. Big sis vibes, not bestie! But Candice was sweet and just wanted to be loved on, and I’m glad Elle was able to pour into her and be a soft place to land.
Even though I wish we saw a bit more of them happy together at the end, the emotional ride was worth it. Because one thing Love Belvin gonna do? Is tell a layered, grown, soul-stirring story that you feel. Elle and Jackson worked my nerves, but I was locked in the whole way.
Book: Love’s Inconvenient Truth
Author: Love Belvin
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵 🥵
April 16, 2025
What happens when two broken souls that only know how to communicate their emotions through sex, meet and accidentally fall in love? Elle and Jackson respect each other’s career aptitude and appreciate each other’s sexual openness and appetites. But it turns out they also enjoy all the tender, fun and supportive moments that happen between their frequent bouts of hot sex. Both of them swear they have no time or interest in more than sex because each of them is skillfully avoiding dealing with their trauma. Add in the nine year age gap and there is no way this will work. However, Jackson is not your average 26yo. As he put it, he was forced to grow up too early. And as worldly and mature as Jackson is, Elle is just as stunted and emotionally and socially immature. In between the mind blowing sex they begin to connect in a way neither of can with anyone else. They show up for each other in ways the other didn’t realize they needed.
This book is another complicated, nonlinear love story that is on brand for Love Belvin. Elle’s inner monologue was often hilarious. By the end of the book she reveals herself to be a complete looney tune. I’m sure I was supposed to be annoyed with Jackson but I wasn’t. I loved him from start to finish. But you know a couple is chaotic when Azmir and Rayna are the voices of reason.
This book is another complicated, nonlinear love story that is on brand for Love Belvin. Elle’s inner monologue was often hilarious. By the end of the book she reveals herself to be a complete looney tune. I’m sure I was supposed to be annoyed with Jackson but I wasn’t. I loved him from start to finish. But you know a couple is chaotic when Azmir and Rayna are the voices of reason.
October 24, 2025
Wheew! The push and pull between these two complex characters was a rollercoaster!
They couldn’t deny the sexual chemistry and eventually the love they developed.
Although the journey it took for them to get there required them to both heal from the secrets and traumas of their past I loved watching them realize they were what each other needed.
I do wish we got more POV from Jackson except at the end.
They couldn’t deny the sexual chemistry and eventually the love they developed.
Although the journey it took for them to get there required them to both heal from the secrets and traumas of their past I loved watching them realize they were what each other needed.
I do wish we got more POV from Jackson except at the end.
January 5, 2021
Jackson Jackson Jackson
Put on those seatbelts because BABY Jackson is going to take you on a ride!!!! Jackson got me wanting to be a cougar so bad!
Put on those seatbelts because BABY Jackson is going to take you on a ride!!!! Jackson got me wanting to be a cougar so bad!
June 22, 2021
Good Tale👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
The things that your family will do to you, leading to your depression and destruction. What the female protagonist endures will twist your guts. Can she be saved by her romantic interest, or can she save herself?
Buy.it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
The things that your family will do to you, leading to your depression and destruction. What the female protagonist endures will twist your guts. Can she be saved by her romantic interest, or can she save herself?
Buy.it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
September 6, 2024
Outstanding
This is a great book. I could not keep this book out of my hands. I was very pleased with outcome!!!
This is a great book. I could not keep this book out of my hands. I was very pleased with outcome!!!
April 3, 2015
Love strikes again!!!
What can I say, this girl is on fire! Love’s Inconvenient Truth (L.I.T.) as an amazing journey of healing and restoration. This is so much more than a boy meets girl love story…this is a boy meets girl, girl finds her truth, girl embraces the gift of redemption so that she can truly love boy.
Jackson and Elle are two people who have it all together…externally. Internally they are both deeply wounded and this is where the conflict lives. Elle doesn’t believe that she deserves love and doubts that she could provide anything but pain to a man nine years her junior. Jackson’s view of love and devotion is deeply skewed by the tumultuous relationship of his parents. However, when the two come together, neither can deny the chemistry, serenity, and healing they find in their new “situationship”.
This story is written from Elle’s point of view. Because of this, we see Jackson the way that she sees Jackson. We grow to love and appreciate Jackson at the rate that Elle does. Jackson’s virtues are revealed at the pace of Elle’s revelations and we don’t spend time yelling at her to get it together because we are following her journey to love.
The story connected to my soul and I believe I received a little bit of deliverance along the way. If you are looking for substance, look no further. 1-click right now!
What can I say, this girl is on fire! Love’s Inconvenient Truth (L.I.T.) as an amazing journey of healing and restoration. This is so much more than a boy meets girl love story…this is a boy meets girl, girl finds her truth, girl embraces the gift of redemption so that she can truly love boy.
Jackson and Elle are two people who have it all together…externally. Internally they are both deeply wounded and this is where the conflict lives. Elle doesn’t believe that she deserves love and doubts that she could provide anything but pain to a man nine years her junior. Jackson’s view of love and devotion is deeply skewed by the tumultuous relationship of his parents. However, when the two come together, neither can deny the chemistry, serenity, and healing they find in their new “situationship”.
This story is written from Elle’s point of view. Because of this, we see Jackson the way that she sees Jackson. We grow to love and appreciate Jackson at the rate that Elle does. Jackson’s virtues are revealed at the pace of Elle’s revelations and we don’t spend time yelling at her to get it together because we are following her journey to love.
The story connected to my soul and I believe I received a little bit of deliverance along the way. If you are looking for substance, look no further. 1-click right now!
January 1, 2021
No fairytale, but a happily ever after!
This was actually a re-read. But as with all LB books, there's always a new discovery to be made or something that may have been missed the first time around. Elle and Jackson did not have an easy journey to their happily ever after. They were both stubborn and downright frustrating at times. But they were also both dealing with trauma and past demons. And before they could get it together for each other, their past baggage had to be confronted and dealt with. As usual LB tells a compelling story full of emotion, and heart! Her pen game continues to impress, and I'm definitely a permanent #LBUniverse supporter!
This was actually a re-read. But as with all LB books, there's always a new discovery to be made or something that may have been missed the first time around. Elle and Jackson did not have an easy journey to their happily ever after. They were both stubborn and downright frustrating at times. But they were also both dealing with trauma and past demons. And before they could get it together for each other, their past baggage had to be confronted and dealt with. As usual LB tells a compelling story full of emotion, and heart! Her pen game continues to impress, and I'm definitely a permanent #LBUniverse supporter!
June 27, 2020
So many dark secrets.....
I enjoyed this story but not as much as others. It centered around a lot of darkness and dealt with a lot of hurts. Elle and Jackson are perfect for one another. I envision a baby in the future after marriage and many more cameos in future novels. Found a lot of grammatical errors in this one but it did not deter from the story, I just couldn't connect well with this novel, not sure why. Oh well on to Rayna and Azmiri's story!
I enjoyed this story but not as much as others. It centered around a lot of darkness and dealt with a lot of hurts. Elle and Jackson are perfect for one another. I envision a baby in the future after marriage and many more cameos in future novels. Found a lot of grammatical errors in this one but it did not deter from the story, I just couldn't connect well with this novel, not sure why. Oh well on to Rayna and Azmiri's story!
January 19, 2016
This book was not one of this author's best work. Very slow and it was a drag. I am very surprised that this book was on the boring side.
This book was not this author's best work. It was very slow and on the boring side. I can usually finish one of Love's books in a matter of hours but it took me several days to complete.
This book was not this author's best work. It was very slow and on the boring side. I can usually finish one of Love's books in a matter of hours but it took me several days to complete.
May 3, 2017
In love...AGAIN
I become completely enamored every time I read one of your stories. The characters are so real and face real life issues that are not normally penned. You've quickly become one of my top five favorite authors. Love me some Elle and Jackson!!
I become completely enamored every time I read one of your stories. The characters are so real and face real life issues that are not normally penned. You've quickly become one of my top five favorite authors. Love me some Elle and Jackson!!
September 8, 2015
Enjoyed.... but I wanted more.....
Love Belvin knows just how to leave you wanting more from her characters.
I sure hope this isn't the only book to focus on Jackson and Elle.
Love Belvin knows just how to leave you wanting more from her characters.
I sure hope this isn't the only book to focus on Jackson and Elle.
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