Above the Truths (Chatham Hills, Book 2): Complicated Truths Duet

by Sara Tallary

Colson
The pain of losing someone is far worse than I imagined. My grief barely waits for me to say goodbye before it pummels me to the ground. It’s raw and relentless, and it turns me into an entirely different person.

I become my own worst enemy as my world collapses like a house of cards. It doesn't take long to get buried so deep beneath the rubble that I can barely breathe. By the time I’m finally able to come up for air, I’m too late. Because Mom is dead, and I just might be, too.


Violet
Colson is unrecognizable after his mom overdoses, a man who lets desolation and anger run the show. Mind-numbing kisses disappear, replaced with callous words that peck our hearts to pieces. I’m stuck between fighting for myself and letting my love for him win.

But then, secrets and choices he kept in the dark come to light. Buried beneath the lies of a tumultuous past, he rises above and spears me with his truths. I know our love can withstand any punch, but I’m beginning to wonder if this will be the one that lands the final blow.

Above the Truths is a full-length new adult, college romance with hints of underground fighting, binge-worthy family betrayals + secrets, and slow burn angst. It is the second and FINAL book in the Complicated Truths Duet and finishes with a HEA. Recommended for 18+.

548 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 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

[Jennifer Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the author told us it was time to release the second part of Colson and Violet's story, I knew I needed to stock up on tissues. The first book 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗲𝘀 was the first book that stirred any type of emotion in me. The type of emotion that had my heart pulsing faster than before. It ended with the MMC receiving word that crushed him.

But then came this book and the entire read was a rollercoaster of emotion. Colson put Violet through some serious hell and I felt bad for her, but considering what Colson went through, I couldn't fault or hate him for it. The phrase "hurt people, hurt people" is soo true in this situation. The characters each have their own conflicts they are working through. It was fun watching them navigate them.

Sara has a beautiful way of writing a book that transports you into the scene, feeling everything the characters are feeling. I will forever recommend this series. Beneath the Lies must be read first.

[Hannah Witherel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think that Sara could top book one of this series but i was sooo very wrong. I’m so glad i was picked to ARC read again.

The book picked up right where book one left off and brought back all of my feelings with it. At first i was getting annoyed with violet because of how “self centered” she was being with everything going on with Colson. I wanted to shake her and tell her to get her head out of her own butt. Thankfully she was self aware and realized it quickly. A great thing about Sara’s writing is that she really knows how to get you to connect to her characters.

The character growth is Colson this book was very small at first. He had so many internal battles but that just made his final “eye opening” growth that much better!

Also can we just talk about Finn? Sara please give us a Finn book. Please!

This book was very deep mentally and emotionally but it’s what i loved most about it. Sara knows how to touch on such deep subjects and bring them to light in such a great and understanding way.

[Alli Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Above the truths is book 2 in the complicated truths duet & is out now!

The first book ends in a cliffhanger & we pick up right where we left off. Colson gravitates through his new reality & grief. Violet struggles with this transformation & tries her best to be there for him. As truths come out she becomes torn whether or not to keep fighting for her relationship or protecting herself.

I highly recommend this duet. I also recommend checking the trigger warnings.

[Anais Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The only sweet part about me is you, baby.”

"Above the Truths" by Sara Tallary is book 2 in the Complicated Truths Duet and is available now.

Read if you like:
🫶 Fighting for love
🏫 College romance
🚨 Betrayal + family secrets
❤️‍🔥 Slow burn
💬 On-page text messages
2️⃣ Second book in a duet
🥊 Illegal fighting
🫠 Unputdownable

4.25 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️

TW: Death/grief, drug use, sexually explicit scenes, anxiety/panic attacks, strong language, violence.

“I’m his lighthouse, throwing out bright, luminous light every other second in hopes it’ll bring him closer and closer to home. Closer to me.”

Synopsis: Colson grapples with overwhelming grief and self-destruction after his mother’s death, leaving him lost and nearly broken. Violet struggles with his transformation from a loving partner to someone consumed by anger and pain. As secrets emerge and the truth comes out, Violet is torn between fighting for their relationship and protecting herself, unsure if their love can survive the devastating impact of Colson’s past.

“She’s only ever been my truest and safest space, and my heart knows that as it twinges with sharp steadfast palpitations.”

The first book in the duet ends on a cliffhanger, showing Colson dealing with his mother's grief alone while pushing Violet away, ignoring his feelings for her and hurting her in the process. Violet did everything she could to support him but eventually had to step back to protect herself from the back-and-forth with Colson.

I’ll be honest: I was confused about some aspects in the first book, but this sequel provides answers and resolves many issues. I loved the supportive friendships and family dynamics, and Violet’s resilience despite her struggles with Colson was admirable. Their love and chemistry were intense, but Colson's actions continually jeopardized their relationship. While I was frustrated with him at times, I understood that everyone handles grief differently, and this book captures that well. In the end, they find their way back to each other, reflecting the quote from the book: “Love is as big as the heartbreak it causes.” Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions.

Check the trigger warnings before reading, and take care of your mental health. The side characters were amazing, especially Sebastian. If you like spice, there are some scenes, but they were well-integrated into the story without overwhelming it. It would have been beneficial to see Colson seek professional help to address his grief, anxiety, and panic attacks. While the epilogue could have provided more insight into their future, it was a great conclusion to the duet. If you're looking for a new read, give this duet a try.

Thank you, Sara for the advance copy. This review was left voluntarily.

[Lisa Conant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
Spice: 🌶🌶 out of 5

Tropes:
🥊 Underground Fighting
🏫 College romance
🚨 Betrayal + Family Secrets
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn/Angst
2️⃣ Second book in a duet
🫠 Fighting for Love
💕 HEA

📍Synopsis
Colson
I become my own worst enemy as my world collapses like a house of cards. It doesn't take long to get buried so deep beneath the rubble that I can barely breathe. By the time I’m finally able to come up for air, I’m too late. Because Mom is dead, and I just might be, too.

Violet
Colson is unrecognizable after his mom overdoses, a man who lets desolation and anger run the show. Mind-numbing kisses disappear, replaced with callous words that peck our hearts to pieces. I’m stuck between fighting for myself and letting my love for him win.

📍Review
What a heart-wrenching, beautiful duet of character driven perfection! This book truly puts our couple through the ringer. A fight in so many metaphorical (and some literal ways)!

Colson, my dear sweet man who just takes on all the guilt of the world 😭 Seeing how he see-saws internally his pain, guilt, regrets...it's quite the emotional onion peeling. His justifications are understandable, as pain is dealt with differently by everyone. I was mesmerized by his POV most of all, as he's so complex. His emotional wounds and him basically using the fighting to numb the pain of his reality hurt my heart just as it did Violet's.

She's still stands as a warrior for their relationship despite him pulling away but I appreciated how she recognized that she had to think of herself in the relationship too, and that he has to want to get better for himself.

I absolutely loved how even Finn (supposedly a villain) actually thawed my disdain for him midway through this book! Seb, always the loyal golden retriever and the deepening twists and corruption subplot added a healthy dose of tension.

This duet I couldn't recommend more highly! The angst is TOP TIER, the spotlight on guilt and how it rips a heart to shreds, how secrets eat away but how it's never too late for healing, is affirming, tear jerking and extreme powerful.

[iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC

Above the Truths by Sara Tallary had me completely hooked, pulling at my emotions from start to finish. Colson and Violet's journey is a heart-wrenching yet beautiful tale of love, loss, and redemption. Colson’s grief after his mother's death is portrayed so vividly that you can almost feel his pain as if it’s urs. His transformation throughout the story—from being consumed by darkness to finding his way back was so powerful and so well written it almost felt as if it was reading someone’s soul.

Violet is an amazing heroine, fighting not only for herself but for Colson, even when his struggles nearly tear them apart. The tension between them was intense and I was so invested in them throughout every page.

From underground fights to family secrets, the twists kept me on the edge of my seat the whole entire time i was reading. Colson’s revelations were jaw-dropping, and yet, despite everything, the love between him and Violet never wavered, which was so beautiful. Their relationship is filled with challenges, but the way they overcome them together is truly unforgettable.

I absolutely loved the first book, Beneath the Lies, and had been eagerly waiting for the conclusion after the huge cliffhanger it left us with. Sara absolutely delivered with this sequel. Colson and Violet’s emotional journey tugged at my heartstrings, and there were moments when I just wanted to shake them both!

Above the truths is a rollercoaster of emotions, complete with tear-jerking moments and shocking twists.

Sara does a phenomenal job addressing sensitive topics like drug use, loss, and trauma with depth and care. The emotional weight of the story is palpable, and you truly feel every moment.

Colson and Violet’s hard-earned happy ending was everything I hoped for and more. If you enjoy slow-burn, emotional romances with plenty of angst, this duet is a must-read. And if you love stories that break your heart only to put it back together even stronger, then this one is perfect for you.

[Jenn Acidera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I had all the feelings through the second book. We were left on a cliffhanger in Beneath the Lies after Colson’s mom’s death. Sara did beautifully taking us through Colson’s grief and questionable decision making, not only after Janie’s death, but also after learning about some pretty big secrets kept from him his whole life. Colson and Violet really went through it in this book and they deserved their happy ending together! I was glad to see them decide to move forward together and build their trust and happiness with each other again, especially because there were so many times I wanted to shake the both of them.

The side characters really shined in this book. I fell in love a little more with Sebastian, Olive, Ev and was also pleasantly surprised and happy with Finn’s role in this book. Although Llewellyn had a smaller role in Above the Truths, he was still my favorite. The scene between Colson and him was an emotional and perfect way to end the book.

I highly recommend this duet if you love slow burn, college romances! Both books had fantastic tension, angst, emotional moments, and a great representation of heavy topics. Thank you Sara for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

“You’re strong.” I don’t feel it. “You’ll get through this.” Will I? “You both will and will be better because of it. Even if it feels like shit right now.”

“And if nothing else ever goes right in my life again, if I only had one wish left, I’d wish for her every goddamn time. Forever. Until the day I take my last waking breath.”

“I think you never go through stuff unless you’re meant to learn some kind of lesson from it. It’s those experiences where you gain wisdom, Colson.”

⭐️4
🌶️1.5

What to expect:
💜Family secrets + betrayal
💜Fighting for love
💜Found family
💜College romance
💜HEA

[Jessica Johnson (jess_l_lovessmut) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel this is a tough review to write. I truly enjoyed the conclusion to Colson and Violet's story. Colson just really started to drive me crazy. He could not make a good decision if his life depended on it, and sometimes it literally did! I get that it was an important part of the story but he had such a great support system. He just could not seem to get past his demons. I think a side character that deserves all the attention and literally brought me to tears was Llewellyn! He was spectacular and detrimental to this story.

Violet is the epitome of a beautiful human being. I could read about her and her thought processes all day long. She has to be one of my favorite FMCs but geez, she keeps getting crapped on every which way. I love how hard she loves and how she fights for those she cares about. I love the friendships that evolve throughout the story. My complaint would be the ending was a tad rushed as I want to know more about a few things for instance, Sylvia.

All in all, there is drama and smut. But please check trigger warnings because there are events that I believe could be very triggering to some people.

꧁𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼꧂

No more lying. No more secrets. Only truths.

And there’s this grand possibility that I’ll have no idea how to help him out of the grief that will indefinitely consume his soul and try to darken every light corner he’s ever known.

“What’s done is done.” “You get to choose how you react to it. You don’t have to be so angry, Colson.

[Miancka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly breathtaking, raw, and unforgettable!
★★★★★

Above the Truths by Sara Tallary had me completely wrapped up in its emotional whirlwind from the very first page. Colson and Violet's story is a beautifully painful rollercoaster, packed with heartache, redemption, and love that just doesn’t quit.

Colson’s journey through grief and loss after his mom’s death is so deeply raw. You feel his pain, his struggle, and the darkness that consumes him, turning him into someone Violet can barely recognize. The transformation he goes through had me aching for him, wanting him to rise above the devastation, and when he finally does… it’s powerful.

Violet is an incredible heroine. The way she holds on, fighting not just for herself but for Colson, even when his pain tears them apart, had me rooting for her every step of the way. The tension between them—between love and pain, between secrets and truth—was so intense that I couldn’t put the book down. The underground fighting scenes, the family betrayals, the slow-burn angst—this book delivers on every front.

And the twist? The secrets Colson reveals had me gasping! But through it all, the love between Colson and Violet never falters, and that’s what makes their story so unforgettable. They face challenge after challenge, but the way they rise above it together is nothing short of epic.

If you’re looking for a book that will make you swoon, cry, and cheer for love conquering all, Above the Truths is the perfect read. This finale to the Complicated Truths Duet is everything I hoped for, and the HEA had my heart soaring!

[Alli · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣⁣⁣⁣
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I was literally obsessed with the first book, Beneath the Lies, of this duet series. Colson and Violet had me in a chokehold. Sara left us on a huge cliffhanger and I’d been waiting for this closure ever since! ⁣⁣⁣⁣
And boy did she deliver!! 👏🏼 ⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣
My heart ached so much for Colson in this one. Violet too. I wanted to just shake them both at points! SO MUCH EMOTION, this one got some tears from me 🥺⁣⁣⁣⁣
The twists and turns added even more to this roller coaster of a read. I won’t spoil those for you because they’re SO worth reading! ⁣⁣⁣⁣
The side characters are just as captivating. I gained such an interest in Finn! I want Everleigh and Sebastian to have happy endings. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣
Again, Sara does such a phenomenal job writing about such a sensitive and difficult topic. The real emotional traumas of drug use, overdoses, loss, and love come full circle in this duet and you truly feel every part of it. But Colson and Violet get their HEA and it’s so well deserved 🖤💜 ⁣⁣⁣⁣
⚠️Check those TW ⁣⁣⁣⁣

Thank you to the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader!⁣ My review was voluntary.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book had me crying, laughing, and falling in love with it should be illegal.

Picking up right where Beneath the Lies left off, you are thrown into a world of emotions.
Colton is going through so much pain, sorrow, regret that he doesn't make the best decisions. This goes for his actions towards himself but especially towards Violet.

All Violet wants is to help Colton but she doesn't know how. She is facing an internal battle of emotions, being torn in multiple directions. Seeing Violet find her voice through her hardships is so empowering.

Pain and heartbreak really do a number on us and Sara has a special way of portraying that and making you feel it right along side the MMC/FMC. This book isn't all about the pain, there are so many moments of laughter, happiness and love. There are amazing side characters (cough cough SEBASTIAN) who break up some of the tension and you will love them just as much.

I couldn't recommend this duet more. It is so good!!

[Trinity (goodbooks.tastytea) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way that Sara writes is just so captivating.
•
When I finished Beneath The Lies I was HEARTBROKEN for Colson. As if he didn’t already have enough trial and pain in his life, with the added responsibility of his mother’s poor choices…but then 😢

He gets ONE GOOD THING, and then pushes her away? My heart.
And Vi? Lordt, these two were all wrapped up in pain, and trial after trial, and just both had this desperate need to WANT TO TRUST someone!
•
This second- and final- instalment was such a journey!
The amount of growth C goes through!
Only Sara could make a book happy AND angsty all within 400 pages.
Violet was hard to swallow at times but only because I think I just wanted her to let him know she was there…while also allowing him the space he needed.
In the end, these two both FINALLY allow themselves to love each other. Without LIMITS!!
•
Bravo Sara!
This was exactly the ending I needed!!

[ShannonKay12 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The love I have for this duet and their characters Colson and Violet goes unmatched!

Above the Truths was explosive in the emotional department creating the roller coaster that as a reader keeps us coming back for more.
The battle that Colson fights internally is just as brutal as his physical fights and Violet is trying to find her footing with all of it. The love these two have for one another just shows what hardships people are willingly ready to sign up for even if you're not ready for their involvement just yet or at all.

The few OMG moments will bridge those gaps and answer your burning questions from Beneath the Lies, rounds out this duet as an absolute favorite with these tropes.

[Antonia | antonia_tbrinfinity · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s hard for the sequel of a series to live up to the first book, but this came pretty close to doing that! It was the perfect book to get me out of my reading slump🙂‍↕️

I fell in love with these characters in book one, so this book had my heart breaking for them from start to finish. I came really close to shedding some tears, not gonna lie🫣🥲

The thing that kept me from giving this a full 5 stars is that it just seems unfinished to me. Some of the important side characters’ stories were wrapped up and tossed aside a little too quickly for my liking.

And while I think the ending was a bit too rushed for me, I am happy that the characters found the happily ever after they deserved. I just don’t feel like it’s the end for Colson and Violet so I’m sad that their story is “over”😭

[Meridian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so surprised at how much I absolutely LOVED this book. Sara’s writing really draws you in and you can’t get out no matter how hard you try.

This book made me feel all the emotions - and I’m shocked at how much was shoved into a duet and it all worked. Colson made me feel rage, sadness, and sympathy all in the span of 5 pages. There were so many times I wish I could’ve knocked some sense into him - and Violet, my girl was TOO DAMN PATIENT. But it all worked out in the end.

This series has SO many lovable side characters, I need more books from Chatham Hills! Sebastian, Finn, Ev, please! I saw in the back there is meant to be two more books, I wonder!!

Well all in all, I loved this series and I can’t wait to read more from Sara Tallery.

Happy Reading!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I am emotionally wrecked but love a book all at the same time. I enjoyed Beneath the Lies so much I wasn't sure I could like Above the Truths even more, but I did. I will note that you do need to read Beneath the Lies before you read Above the Truths, but being able to understand the full story makes it that much more worth it.

It picks up at the cliffhanger from Beneath the Lies that had me screaming and it doesn't stop from there. The slow burn, the angst, the grief; it draws you in. Even the dedication had me in my feels.

If you do nothing else before this year ends, read this duet.

[Lilah Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

We LOVE a good redemption story and that’s just what Sara gave us! At the end of book one Colson is left devastated over of the death of his mom and pushes everyone away. Violet fights to still be a presence in his life, but no matter what she does he will not accept that everything is going to be okay. Violet has to walk away to protect herself. And this is their love story of finding each other again. I absolutely loved Colson and Violets story of redemption.

Sara thank you for gifting me with an ARC 🤍

[Amanda Bordner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up where Beneath the Lies left off, Beneath the Truth by Sara Tallary was a perfect conclusion to Colson and Violet’s captivating story.

I felt every emotion during book 2, even some frustration at times, but felt it concluded perfectly and left me so happy in the end. Violet was so strong, and ultimately the perfect partner for Colson, someone who holds the world on their shoulders. This story was so great and I cannot recommend it enough. It is book 2, so I absolutely recommend reading book 1 first to ensure you can pick up the story without issue.

[Megan Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man this duet takes you on such a rollercoaster!! It is angsty, it is emotional, and you will feel ALL the feels…but it’s worth it. To watch Colson and Violet finally get their HEA was heart-wrenchingly beautiful. These two went through so much. If you’re looking for a duet that’ll put you through the wringer and then heal you in the end…pick this up today!

[Shelly Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where to start......

After finishing Above the Truths it has left me wanting more. It didn't hold my interest like Beneath the Lies did, I found it monotonous and had a hard time finishing it. While I'm happy for Violet and Colson, I had higher hopes for this them but I am left wanting more.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt a lot of emotions with this one but it was so good! So much angst but so happy that Violet and Colson got their HEA. I really enjoyed their story. This was a great conclusion to this duet.

I received an arc and this review is my own.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Chatham Hills

After book 1 I couldn't wait to dive into #2.
The "will they/won't they" had me super tense. And I do wish it were a little spicier. Esp at the end. But I extremely hope there's more Violet & Colson

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, this was definitely the conclusion that I needed for Colson and Violet's story.
Above the Truths jumps right back in where Beneath the Lies stopped and it is the most gut wrenching rollercoaster ride. I really didn't think I could love this couple more than I did in the first book, but with each page I kept rooting for them to break through all the external forces keeping them from each other.
They both know they need each other and Violet tries really hard to be the strong support that Colson needs while he feels that he is just not good enough and lets the dark thoughts in.
The way that Sara Tallery writes about grief and the way it can really change people as they move through it was so beautifully done. I felt so much for these characters as they each grieved (Colson for his mother and Violet for their relationship) and really didn't know which way it was going to go for either of them. Violet's willingness to throw caution to the wind to help Colson although he kept pushing her away really spoke to me. The way he almost lost her was nerve-wracking and heartbreaking. I am so happy he finally hit bottom and really rethought his actions. These two definitely deserved a happy ending 💜
I am a Chatham Hills fan through and through!!

[Caroline Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could’ve been an email.

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

Rating 3.5/5
Spicy 2/5
eARC

Book two of the duet and it packed a punch with the emotions. So many trigger warnings for this book. Definitely check out before reading. I had a love hate relationship with Colson and Violet. I mean it starts off so bad and then to have things shift so much between the two of them. I wasn’t sure what to think of these two. I think I kept getting more frustrated with the characters. I promise it does get better and there is a HEA but these two will put you through it!

Tropes: slow burn, college romance, fighting for love, betrayal, illegal fighting

Trigger warnings include: death/grief, drug abuse, violence, anxiety

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you I DEVOURED this book, I mean it. I've been (not so) patiently waiting for the second half of this duet to drop because book one obviously ended on a cliffhanger! 😭

Colson has been through it! There's no doubt about that at all! Thankfully, he'd found Violet, who was willing to fight for him, put up with him, all of it. (I'm not sure I would have, but who really knows?)

His story's beginning is tragic, as all the good ones are, but he pulled himself out, built up a family, both found and biological, and started to make something of himself 🥰

But the anxiety I got from parts?! It certainly helped make all those intense scenes more so! 😂

Sara has done a fabulous job with Colson and Violet's story. It was gripping, tense, but absolutely beautiful. And I couldn't get enough. I was thrilled to see that I was accepted for the arc team, and I look forward to what Sara has next on the docket!

[Lisa Castecka | lisawiththegoodbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

One sentence synopsis: Colson tries to stay away from Violet to protect her but ends up hurting her in the process.

This book was number two in the Complicated Truths Duet. I actually gave the first one four stars and I gave this one five stars. No sophomore slump here. I really enjoyed the evolution of Colson and Violet’s relationship. I also thought the angst was just so on point for these college students. Colson’s character arc in the world of underground boxing was also a nice touch that I found entertaining. I read this quickly and would recommend both.

Read this if you:
✨ enjoy reading about deep characters that you can relate to
✨ want to read a “backward” romance i.e. the breakup happens at the beginning
✨ have ever watched a boxing match

OUT NOW AND AVAILABLE ON KU!!

[Manda Mazanec · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know where to start with this one. I mean, I wanted to hate Colson for the way he treated Violet throughout the book. It was clear he loved her, but he didn’t know how to work through his grief from the loss of his mom and other things (don’t want to spoil it here).
With that being said, I was able to relate to his character and his grief on such a visceral level and so rather than hating him, I couldn’t wait to find out how he was going to work through his demons. And how Violet was going to help.
Most stories take you on a journey to escape, but with this story, and maybe because I’m also working through my own grief, I felt very much connected to the characters.
Grief is complicated and messy and there’s no right or wrong way to navigate those feelings. Reading this really helped me remember that it’s okay to not be okay and that there are people around me that love and support me.
It also helped push me out of my reading slump. I can’t wait to read Sara’s next book.
Highly recommend ❤️

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

Prepare yourself for the most emotional train ride! The tears are worth it! Promise!

Disclaimer: you must read Beneath the Lies before reading Above the Truths! So spoiler ahead if you haven't read Beneath the Lies!!
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Poor Colson 🥺 my heart breaks for him! His mom loosing her battle to addiction puts Colson over the edge. Luckily he hasn't followed the path of drugs but he gets himself into plenty of other deep trouble. Alcohol and underground fighting and the wrong crowds!
After pushing Violet away repeatedly he's alone in Harrison Heights.

Luckily Violet isn't done helping him whether he likes it or not.

There are soooo many twists and turns along the way for Colson and Violet. Omg!! You get answers to all the things you probably had questions about when you read Beneath the Lies!! And those answers are SO. FREAKING. GOOD!!!!! 👏👏👏 I refuse to spoil those for you!

And of course there is lots of interaction from side characters. Sebastian, Everleigh, Finn, Finns dad, Aunt Bess.

Let's take a moment to thank Sara for the emotions in this book! Every single chapter is packed with so much emotion and suspense! And the growth of Colson and Violet as individuals and in their relationship is fantastic!
I wanted to yell at Colson many times and tell him to straighten up and let Violet in but it was so needed for him to heal!

Oh and be prepared the ending is a ride!! It's great and don't worry there is a HEA! No more cliffhanger!

Book 2 was just as great as book 1 and I am so happy to have all my theories from book 1 solved! I will miss Colson and Violet but I absolutely loved their story and where they ended up!

[Juni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Above the Truths so much it kinda hurts!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Violet & Colson so much!!! I love their duet & how the FINALLY got their HEA!!!

Above the Truths was such an emotional rollercoaster. It continuously broke my heart for a while there, but the ending was so sweet & heartfelt that it was worth all the heartbreak!

I kinda though about taking a star away for all of the pain & heartbreak but it was so well written that I just can’t take a star away. *sigh*

Thank you for the e-ARC Sara Tallary!