Beneath the Lies

by Sara Tallary

Colson

After my addict mother steals most of my savings, I move into my cousin’s college apartment, knowing it’ll keep everyone out of my business with Harrison Height’s most known drug dealer.

However when I stumble into the wrong bathroom during a party, it doesn’t take me long to realize that Violet is all the good I’ve never had in my life. As much as wanting her consumes me, I can’t let myself have her. Not when I’m buried beneath a life that would show her just how much we don’t belong.

Violet

After the worst summer of my life, I return to Chatham U closed off. My focus is on my classes, my job at the daycare, and trying my best to ignore how my friends and I are growing apart.

Then there’s the new guy in our friend group who I’m drawn to despite our unconventional meeting. He’s gorgeous, mysterious, and…completely closed off.

Somehow he sees more than I want him to. It’s obvious he’s hiding something, but I also know that whatever it is, he needs me. Maybe more than I need him.

Beneath the Lies is a full-length new adult, college romance with hints of corruption, binge-worthy drama, and slow burn angst. It is the first book in the Complicated Truths Duet. Recommended for 18+. TW: Corruption, drug use/addiction, sexually explicit scenes, strong language, violence (incl. body mutilation).

Genres: Romance, College Romance

442 pages, Paperback

Published March 29, 2024

About the author

Sara Tallary lives in eastern Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids, and dog. When she isn’t spending her days writing or brainstorming new ideas for stories, she’s homeschooling her kids, cuddling up with her gorgeous Malinois pup, and binge-watching TV shows with her husband or playing Mario Kart (and winning, hah!). Though she tries to stay on a healthy diet, she has a love for sweets, is constantly adding books to her TBR, and loves a good laugh.

For upcoming releases and all things writing related, join her newsletter: saratallaryauthor.myflodesk.com/newsl...

Reviews

[sj 𐙚 · Rating 3 out of 5]

⋆ ˚｡⋆3.7 stars 🎀୨୧˚
⤿ one thing, i love sara tallary ‹𝟹

okay i have some mixed feelings about some characters but yeah the book eas good (at least the part i understood while in the hospital)


this book is a cute little fluff, but also a window to adduction and mental health problems
Okay so, I am normally not a fan of these type of books, BUT DAMN SARA YOU MADE ME WANT MORE.


I cant decide if I love this book or burn it down and watch the flames turn every single page into nothing but ash or i want to savor it and burry it deep in my heart.


I am not gonna lie, I found this man HELLA attractive, the only problem? MAN CAN NOT GIVE UP ON HIS SHITTY MOTHER. I dont want to talk too much and spoil anything for anyone who will read it. But through the entire book, i wanted to shoot his mother.


₊˚⊹ to conclude 𓍢ִ໋💌
Okay so, this book was really REALLY good. I would have give it a 5 stars. But there were parts that got me confused. Probably it was because of my lack of English knowledge. Still I enjoyed it, it was a nice little read while in the hospital and I would recommend it to everyone. Hopefully I can mert Sara in person one day and get a signed copy too💞💞

happy reading everyone 🎀

[Callie Almand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! I definitely need to know more about Colson and Violet! This is such a realistic story and I devoured it. The story kept a good pace so I was constantly into what was going on with the characters. I am curious to know more about the friend characters in the book. Sara Tallary did an amazing job with this book and I can’t wait to read more from her!

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

CLIFF HANGER! ARGH!! This is fully my own doing of course, I either missed the notice, ignored it completely or chose to pretend it didn't exist so totally on me. But it does end on a cliffhanger and we all know at this point, what I think about those!

The rest of this story is so beautifully written, I could not get enough of it. I read through it so quickly, gobbling it up like an all-you-can-eat taco Tuesday. Colson has way too much going on and trying to keep it all to himself so as not to ruin the lives the people around him. I can totally understand not wanting to burden the people around you whilst asking silently begging for help on top of being the naturally good person that he obviously is. It's a struggle and a half. Thankfully he's got a new friend in Violet who is going through her own struggles and again, wanting to keep it to herself so as to not burden the friends she has around her. I love them together. I think they balance each other out really well.

I enjoyed most of the side cast of characters as well. I want to know what's up with Colson's cousin and I wish that Violet's friend, Everleigh figures out what she wants because watching her struggle has actually been the hardest story, or subplot to follow because I am a fairly assertive person and would not tolerate any of that nonsense.I do adore her thought. Honestly, she's so sweet. The other roommate of theirs has got to go. I genuinely don't care what she has going on, she's a terrible person and if that was the way she was meant to be written OMG, SARA YOU DID AN AMAZING JOB. because I cannot stand her. Every time she's on a page, I want to reach through and smack her upside the head and ask her what the hell her damn problem is because it's not anyone else's and she needs to get over herself. On the other hand, I am still hoping for a redemption arc because we love a redemption arc!

[Shari Kirtland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read! I couldn’t put it down…read it in less than 24 hours! In my opinion it’s one of the most relatable and realistic romances I’ve read. The spice wasn’t unbelievable, meaning I felt like it could happen that way in real life. I love that it’s a slow burn but not so full of sexual tension every time the two main characters are together.She builds a true friendship between the two of them despite their attraction to each other. Both Colson and Violet are relatable and not over-the-top, like some romance characters. She builds their relationship in the best way. Are they physically attracted to each other from the jump? Yes, but they work to build their friendship first…I love that. Tallary did an amazing job of making me care about them both and wanting a happy ending for them. She draws you in almost from the beginning. I never felt like there was a lull in the story. I also love that she didn’t just throw in additional characters for the sake of having them. I was invested in wanting to know more about them too. I’m honestly hoping for stories about Sebastian, Everleigh and Tristan, and even Sylvia, who I have come to love to dislike. I will definitely be picking up book two when it comes out this summer (2024).

** Disclaimer: I received a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This review is my honest opinion and was given voluntarily. **

[Kyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneath the Lies is book one in the Complicated Truths Duet. It’s a contemporary romance following Colson as he navigates life with his addict mother and develops feelings for Violet, his cousins friend. This is definitely a more life like romance, you are brought into the story and left feeling for Colson as he struggles to handle everything his mother throws his way. The romance leaves you hopeful and happy, definitely a good read. Not too big of a cliff hanger, if you have an addict in your life you could see where that storyline was heading, but I am curious to see what happens in book two! How will Colson handle this change when he was struggling to come to terms with her behavior and actions to begin with? Will he and violet make it through him processing all of this as his go-to is to push the people he cares for away? So excited!

[Anais Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"She gives me a reason to smile, to forget, to live in the moment."

Summary: After being betrayed by his addict mother and seeking refuge from the local drug scene, Colson finds solace in his cousin's college apartment. There, he meets Violet, who embodies everything good he's never had. Despite his intense desire for her, Colson believes he's not worthy of her due to his troubled past. On the other hand, Violet, dealing with her own challenges, is drawn to Colson despite his guarded demeanor. She senses that he's hiding something but believes he needs her support. Their budding relationship is complicated by their respective pasts and current struggles.

Tropes:
- Opposites Attract
- College Romance
- Slow burn
- She falls first/He falls harder
- Reverse "Who did this to you?"
- First book in a duet

Rating: 3.75⭐️
Spice Level: 1.5 🌶️

TW: corruption, drug addiction, explicit scenes, strong language, and violence, including instances of body mutilation.

"He's one of those people who can offer a haven without really trying."

I had the opportunity to read this book as part of the ARC team. "Beneath the Lies" is the first book in the Complicated Truths Duet by Sara Tallary.

Violet and Colson lead with different family situations that consume them. When they meet, they could see the feelings they are hiding in each other's eyes. Their friendship starts like that, just being there for each other, even in silence, because they understand. They refrain from judging each other, fostering a sense of comfort between them.

Despite being in a damaged environment and dealing with his mom's addiction, Colson is very mature and a sweetheart. He works and deals with his mom’s debts, always taking care of her but neglecting himself. That's why it takes him a while to give it a shot to be with Violet. Violet finds in Colson that friend who is there for her, giving her trust and advice to deal with her family situation.

The romance between them wasn’t particularly remarkable at the beginning; their interactions were limited, so I didn’t feel that connection at that point. However, as the book progresses, you begin to perceive the change in their feelings from being friends to feeling something more. Despite their mutual attraction, it takes a while for them to share their first kiss, and while there are spicy moments, they are relatively sparse until later in the story.

I found the book slow at times. I know it's a slow burn, but it was too much for me, and I lost interest in some parts of the book. When I finally got invested, it ended on a cliffhanger. 😱 Overall, it was a nice read, and I’m going to continue the duet to follow their relationship.

Thanks to Sara Tallary for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️

Colson and Violet have one thing in common…they’re both keeping secrets from those close to them. After Colson’s drug addict mother steals money from him, he’s forced to move in with his cousin, Sebastian, while he works to save money and pay his mother’s dealer back. Violet caught her father cheating on his mother on her birthday of all days…and now she’s trying to figure out how to be around her mom and sister without spilling.

When Colson and Violet meet unexpectedly, they both feel a pull toward each other that they’ve never felt before. Two people from complete opposite lifestyles could be exactly what the other needs. The only question is if either of them will let the other in.

This is my first Sara Tallary book and really different from what I’m used to reading. I thought the storyline was really unique and was getting a lot of OC vibes - IYKYK.

I loved how compassionate Colson was towards his mom after everything she had done to him and how he finally learned that it’s okay to let her deal with things on her own. The way he gravitated towards Violet and let her be his safe space was truly beautiful.

I loved how Violet finally let Colson in and eventually gained the courage to confront the people in her life that were making her feel the way she did.

The two of them had such a special and unique bond and I’m interested to see where the next book takes us.

Thank you to Sara for the ARC!

[Alli · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

When I say I loved this book… I LOVED this book 🖤

Colson and Violet grew up on opposite sides of the bridge, opposites sides of poverty. When their paths cross, they both are keeping secrets behind walls they don’t want to let down. Colson has such a soft center under this harder exterior, one he’s been made to feel is a responsibility. The support Violet shows him made my heart so happy. Their dynamic is the kind that can move mountains. The slow burn was wonderfully done and the build up of Violet and Colson’s frienship was perfect and realistic. ⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Though the feelings felt throughout are deeply gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, Sara Tallary’s captured real life struggles are some that will pull on your heart strings in all the best and worst ways. ⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
This whole book (not to mention that ending) has me already counting down for the second book in summer ⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
⚠️𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠- 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐠/𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ⁣

As a side note, I have to say- I really appreciated the perspective Tallary wrote Colson’s relationship with his mom. I’ve grown up watching firsthand a loved one be the child of an addict. The thoughts and feelings she gave Colson’s character were so genuinely real, they made me second guess how my loved one felt watching their parent make their choices. Very well written to put a different perspective on addiction.

[Lisa Conant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 1/2 out of 5

Tropes:
💞 Contemporary Romance
🫠 She falls first/he falls harder
⚖️ Corruption/Crime
🙃 Opposites Attract
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
😖 Angst

❗️TW for 💊drug use/addiction ❗️

📚 Review:
Firstly, thank God this is a duet because I need more of Colson and Violet. These are two complicated and wounded humans in their own way. Whether it's secrets or lies, they have damage, and a friendship grows like no other they've ever felt. I applaud the time taken to develop both of them equally.

This is the definition of slow burn and it's sublime! The depth to which we experience Colson's past wounds, feel his anguish at keeping those he loves at arms length for fear of hurting them... it leaves you aching to wrap him in your arms🥺

Around them are real world problems that threaten to crack the delicate relationship they are trying to build, all the while Vi working to tear down the walls Colson put up to protect himself. There is suspense, angst, hope, relief and, wait for it...passion🥵🫠 I mentioned the chef's kiss "slow burn" right😉?

I was ripped open by the rawness and engulfed by all the feels this story brings. Colson and Vi must be protected at all costs! I'm chomping at the bit for the sequel ❤️‍🔥

[Faith Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway.
I’ve never really been super into romance but there was something about the description of this book that had me intrigued. I am so beyond happy I got the chance to read it. The writing style is simple and endearing and makes it so hard to put it down! Colson and Violet are such easy characters to get lost in and the split perspective between the two is such a fun way to approach a romance. I especially loved Colson’s perspective, his character just has such a depth with all that he’s dealt with. In comparison, I could never really take Violet’s main conflict as seriously, her rehashing it became mildly repetitive and kind of annoyingly exaggerated at times. Despite that I was still always rooting for them both to be happy. Finally, Oh my gosh that ending had my jaw dropped and I will definitely be picking up the second book in this series.

[Andrea Mehalco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Even though college romances aren't usually my thing, I couldn't tear myself away from it! It's the first in a series, and I'm already counting down the days until the next one comes out. Colson, the main guy, is dealing with a lot – his mom's struggles with addiction, including stealing from him, push him to move in with his cousin and some friends on campus. One night at a party, he accidentally barges in on Violet in the bathroom, and let's just say, it's not the smoothest first meeting. But despite their rocky start, there's this undeniable pull between them. Violet's got her own secrets too, and she's feeling the strain of growing apart from her old friends. As they slowly start opening up to each other, you can feel the chemistry crackling, even if it's a slow burn. And let me tell you, the wait is totally worth it. But be warned – this book leaves you hanging off a cliff, and now I'm dying to know what happens next!

[Kat Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flew through this book. I love when books can handle heavy topics, like addicton, so well. I felt like this book did a great job making you tryly fall for the characters as individuals and then as a couple. The slow burn was perfect, and I loved seeing their friendship start first. That ending! I can't wait for what comes next, Sara! I am so excited to keep reading your books!

[mybooklibraryy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Lies
by Sara Tallary
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Colson and Violet, the immediate attachment. I feel bad for him and the debt he feels he has to help his mom, there were moments of screaming at the book when things happened to speak to the characters like you do in scary movies to help them out. Didn’t want to put the book down and enjoyed the storyline. Big supporter of you Sara❤️

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Tropes:
💖Opposites Attract
🥰Friends to Lovers
📓College Romance
❤️‍🔥Slow Burn
⚖️Corruption/Crime

‼️Trigger Warning
* Drug use/Addiction

📝 Review:

Colson and Violet's story is going to be my Roman Empire. 🏛️

I haven't read a book that invested me so much from the beginning in a long time.
From the first chapter you are hooked. From Colson's troubled childhood and what happened to Violet this last summer, they are both hiding secrets.
I loved the character development through the entire book. I felt so many emotions during this book from every character involved. It will definitely take you on a rollercoaster of emotions from happiness, to sadness, to anger, love, and hope..

If you are looking for an amazing angst filled slow burn read, this is it!! ❤️‍🔥

Sara does a fantastic job at bringing in real life struggles and tugging at your heart strings. 💔
The topics in this book are heart wrenching, please please please read the trigger warnings.

If you are thinking of reading this book, PLEASE DO!!!! It is such a good book and the ending will have you wanting more…

[Amanda ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READ

This book was really enjoyable.
It is a slow burn!
There’s really no physical spice until like 80% in.
So if you’re looking for a fast paced spicy book this isn’t for you. But this book is beautiful written and paced well that to me made it feel realistic.

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book so much. It was such an emotional read and Violet and Colson are one of my favorite couples! 💜

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

"She gives me a reason to smile, to forget, to live in the moment."


Tropes:
💜 Opposites Attract
💜 College Romance
💜 Corruption/Crime
💜 Slow Burn
💜 On page text messages
💜 She falls first/he falls harder
💜 First book in a duet



💜 ARC Review💜

Firstly, I'm so happy that this is a duet because I need more of Colson and Violet. They are two complicated and wounded people in their own way. Whether it's secrets or lies, they've been damaged and a friendship emerges that they've never felt before. I like that they took the time to develop both of them equally.

Colson and Violet have grown up on opposite sides of the bridge, on opposite sides of poverty. When their paths cross, they hide secrets behind walls they don't want to break down.

Colson has a soft core beneath his tough exterior that has been thrust upon him as a responsibility. The support Violet shows him made my heart so happy. Their dynamic is the kind that can move mountains. The slow burn was beautifully done and the build-up of the friendship between Violet and Colson was perfect and realistic.

Although the emotions in this book are deeply shocking and heartbreaking, Sara captured real-life struggles that pull at our heartstrings in the best and the worst ways.

This whole book - not to mention the ending - already has me excited for the second book 🤭


Thank you so much Sara for the ARC 🫶🏻💜

[Mandy’s Spicy Book Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing slow burn part one duet book about Colson and Violet. Colson found the good he needed in his life through Violet. These two and their journey had me feeling every emotion. I was so pulled into their story I thought it was real. I completely forgot and was not prepared for to be a cliffhanger! I’m anxiously awaiting part two duet.

You can expect:
Slow burn
Opposites attract
She falls first
Friends to lovers
College romance
Crime/corruption

Spice: low

Trigger warning - drug addiction

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this!! Sara definitely gets you sucked into the story and the characters. Loved Violet and Colson's characters. Such an emotional read. It ends on a cliffy and I can't wait to read more.

I received an arc and this review is my own.

[Hannah Witherel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book and need more because holy CLIFFHANGER.

i loved how real the author kept everything. She did not sugar coat his mother’s disease and her father’s infidelity. I seriously cannot wait for her next book.

What was amazing about this book was not only the main characters having such amazing character Development but also the smaller (even though none were truly small) side characters having such great growth as well!

If i could rate higher than 5 stars i would. I was in such a reading slump until this book. I devoured it! ⭐️

[Thaimelly Rigobello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew what I was getting into but the slow pace almost a had me jumping chapters. Hahahaha. I’m glad I didn’t though. Sara writes well and the slow burn process is worth the wait. Colson and Violet grow into each other and how they learn to trust each other is a very nice lesson. Sebastian is a great cousin and character, Everleigh too. The others though, no thank you. I kept waiting for the news about his mother to come all through the book, I just new that would be the only way for him to try and change his life. Can’t wait for the next book!!! Tks Sara!!!!

[Lilah Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨

I was lucky to get the ARC of this book and it is 🔥
I loved the beginning of Colson and Violets story and can’t wait to see how their story continues in book 2! If you love a slow burn college romance, this is for you! I felt like I was right there with them through the ups and downs. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Sara - thank you for the opportunity to read your book early! 🖤

[Antonia | antonia_tbrinfinity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did! I instantly fell in love with Colson and Violet, the friendship they built and everything that came with it. Easily a 5 star read and I’d read it again no question! Almost started crying when I realized I’d have to wait until Summer for the next book!

[Alli Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not usually a huge fan of slow burn & the build up BUT this book was worth it! Not disappointed one bit 👏🏻

Both characters go through so much & I felt for them every step of the way. Some times I wanted to cry & others I wanted to scream 🙈 I honestly can’t wait for more from Colson and Violet. I’m counting down the days till the next one comes out.

Sara - you are amazing. I honestly love everything you write! 🫶🏼

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes… so good !!! Easy read with high moments that keep you flipping the pages. Love story slow to build then BAM thank you !
And the end a freaking cliff hanger wanting more now !!!

[Shelly Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! I want more of Colson and Violet. I couldn't put this book down!!! I read it in one day! I was very intrigued by the characters and how they all intertwined. I am patiently waiting on Above the Truths. I will definitely reread!!!

[Sara Tallary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Lies is NOW available in eBook + paperback (guy + discreet options)! You can read FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Subscription as well!

[Jenn Acidera · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 1.5

Disclaimer: make sure to check the trigger warnings

Dedication: To anyone who has ever fallen down from the circumstances around them. You are not alone. It is ok to ask for help, and there is not shame in that.

So I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t read it fast enough. Beneath the Lies felt different from the contemporary romance books I usually read, but in a great way. The whole story, the characters, relationships, dialogue and their decisions were written in such a realistic way, it made it so easy to relate to the characters and the story overall. It was refreshing to see a story that wasn’t so over the top sometimes.

I would protect Colson and Violet at all costs! I applauded Vi so many times and the way she handled different scenarios, especially with her ex Webber. I loved who they were as individuals and how they built each other up in positive ways when they felt like they were at their lowest. They both also care so deeply for the people around them that they don’t always choose the best for themselves. I saw a lot of myself in that and also remember making similar decisions when I was their age. I loved the way Sara took the time to build their friendship first. The moment Colson finally said f*** it, was perfect. The slow burn was worth the wait and I was so happy they both finally gave in and found more strength and happiness in each other.

In my opinion, Sara also did well portraying difficult topics like drug use, addiction, and infidelity and the challenges that families can go through (based on my own experiences).

I am completely invested in Colson and Vi and can’t wait to see more of them in book 2. I also hope to see more of Sebastian, Ev, and even Sylvia. Thank you Sara for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC and give an honest for Beneath the Lies!

Memorable quotes:
“I’ve been through enough hurt to know that I don’t want to make someone else feel it.”

“If I ever had a chance with Violet, she’d be my first choice every damn night.”

“That when I look at her, every piece that doesn’t fit into the picture of life suddenly morphs into the exact shape it needs to be and finds its place.

[All You Read is Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Lies by Sara Tallary

ARC review!

5 stars 10/10 highly recommend!

Everyone! Go.read.this.book 👏👏👏

I just want to reread this book for the first time again. I loved so much that I don't even have the words without giving too many Spoilers.

Colson has been thru so much in his life with a mother suffering from drug addiction. Thank goodness for his aunt, uncle and cousin Sebastian. ❤️

Violet comes across her own emotional family trauma that she has to figure out how to work out and deal with, with the help of Colson of course.

I just want to wrap Colson and Violet in the biggest hug of all times. The things Colson goes thru I just love him for coming out on top and being a great man. Sara has written an amazing story with strong character development all the way thru the book.

Oh and all the things that happen throughout the book leading up to the ending are chefs kiss perfection! The villian of the story ugh you will be ready to punch or drop kick this villainous character before the end! There is also another character that I guess you could call a story villian but he's just more so a problem for Colson throughout and I am positive his part of this story is far from over. (I'm talking about you Finn 😠)

There are so many questions I have, and theories I have thought up! This book does end with a cliff hanger and a sad ending but there's happiness coming. I can't wait to find out the answer to all of my questions and theories. This book has sucked me in. And I can't wait until book 2 comes out!!

#saratallary #beneaththelies #friendstoloversromance #slowburnromancebooks #collegeromance #newadultromance #reversewhodidthistoyou #arcreview #newrelease #bookstagrammer #bookreview #bookreccomendation

[Cristie Sluberski · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 ✨

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆
𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝟹/𝟸𝟿/𝟸𝟺 — 𝙾𝚞𝚝 𝙽𝚘𝚠!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
💟 college romance
💟 opposites attract
💟 on page texts
💟 corruption/crime
💟 slow burn
💟 open door romance
💟 dual POV

Colson ends up moving in with his cousin Sebastian into his on campus apartment since his drug addict mother has stole money from him. Colson has a difficult time letting anyone get too close because he doesn’t want to burden them with the hardships he faces in his life. After stumbling into the wrong bathroom during a college party, Colson meets Violet. Violet is everything that Colson is not, but does bring Violet into his life as a friend. Violet is dealing with her own family conflicts after she walked in on her father cheating on her mother on her birthday. Violet & Colson start out as friends, but the undeniable connection that they have is too strong to hold back from.

This one was heart breaking, beautiful, & emotional all in one! Between Colson having to deal with his mother who just cannot beat her disease of addiction & Violet having to deal with the emotional turmoil of witnessing her father cheating on her mother, this one was pretty heavy, but had such a beautiful way of representing the reality of each situation & how different they are handled due to societal factors. I love how Colson & Violet ended up being friends first which made for such a strong bond & connection between them. The chemistry, angst, & tension were off the charts between them! This one has an incredibly slowww burn, but it’s worth it!