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Чесно, пристрасно, глибоко
Читачі книжок Трулі Лівінгстон упевнені, що вона справжня експертка у романтичному «довго і щасливо». Письменниця навіть погодилася взяти участь у подкасті про стосунки і дати поради слухачам.
Проте ніхто й не здогадується, що Трулі почувається самозванкою, адже її особисте життя далеке від ідеалу. Вона сподівається, що подкаст допоможе відволіктися, але знайомство зі співведучим - адвокатом з розлучень Коліном Маккрорі - усе лише ускладнює.
Спершу він здається Трулі дуже привабливим, та коли Колін починає ділитися своїми поглядами на стосунки, її враження про нього кардинально змінюється. Вони проходять шлях від ворогів до друзів, а можливо, навіть до чогось більшого. Та Трулі відчуває, що все занадто добре, аби бути правдою...
Проте ніхто й не здогадується, що Трулі почувається самозванкою, адже її особисте життя далеке від ідеалу. Вона сподівається, що подкаст допоможе відволіктися, але знайомство зі співведучим - адвокатом з розлучень Коліном Маккрорі - усе лише ускладнює.
Спершу він здається Трулі дуже привабливим, та коли Колін починає ділитися своїми поглядами на стосунки, її враження про нього кардинально змінюється. Вони проходять шлях від ворогів до друзів, а можливо, навіть до чогось більшого. Та Трулі відчуває, що все занадто добре, аби бути правдою...
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 30, 2024
255 people are currently reading
27926 people want to read
About the author
Alexandria Bellefleur
14 books4,589 followersAlexandria Bellefleur is a bestselling and award-winning author of swoony contemporary romance often featuring loveable grumps and the sunshine characters who bring them to their knees. A Pacific Northwesterner at heart, Alexandria has a weakness for good coffee, Pike IPA, and Voodoo Doughnuts. Her special skills include finding the best Pad Thai in every city she visits, remembering faces but not names, falling asleep in movie theaters, and keeping cool while reading smutty books in public. Her debut novel, Written in the Stars, was a 2021 Lambda Literary Award winner and a 2020 winner of The Ripped Bodice Awards for Excellence in Romantic Fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,212 reviews
nope
July 29, 2023YO is that Steve Harrington on the cover????? 🕺🏻
July 17, 2024
THIS ONES FOR ALL THE DISASTER BISEXUALS also colin is the hottest man to ever exist. next question.
Read my full review here!
Thank you to Edelweiss for the review copy.
Follow me on Instagram
Read my full review here!
Thank you to Edelweiss for the review copy.
Follow me on Instagram
September 3, 2024
So I've never read a book by Alexandria Bellefleur before, but I went in very optimistic because the premise sounded chefs kiss 💋
However... very quickly I found myself looking like this as I kept turning the pages
Unsure and less optimistic...
Right off the bat the FMC comes across extremely immature and considering there's a whole ass 'parent trap' scene- it's safe to say she acts like a whole ass child. Ugh.
Moving along... I can't put my finger on what exactly it was but in general I found the writing wildly cringe. I just got to the point that -
DNF @28%
For the bi-sexuals 💗💜💙🥂
Can't wait to start this! Here we go!
💐 Many thanks to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Alexandria Bellefleur for my complementary digital copy in exchange for an honest review 💋
However... very quickly I found myself looking like this as I kept turning the pages
Unsure and less optimistic...
Right off the bat the FMC comes across extremely immature and considering there's a whole ass 'parent trap' scene- it's safe to say she acts like a whole ass child. Ugh.
Moving along... I can't put my finger on what exactly it was but in general I found the writing wildly cringe. I just got to the point that -
DNF @28%
For the bi-sexuals 💗💜💙🥂
Can't wait to start this! Here we go!
💐 Many thanks to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Alexandria Bellefleur for my complementary digital copy in exchange for an honest review 💋
May 28, 2024
4 Stars.
First and foremost, I would like to say that I am officially an Alexandria Bellefleur stan! I've read all of her book, and enjoyed them all, and will continue to read them as soon as a new one is released.
Alright, onto the review: It really is a bookworm's dream to read an anticipated book of their and end up loving it. I also loved how fast paced and enjoyable this was, I finished it in less than one day.
Although, one minor thing that irked me just a little bit was that the some of the same exact sentence(s) were used multiple times. It felt repetitive.
Another thing was that while I really liked Truly and loved how much she loved love (we need more heroines that believe in happily ever afters, will do anything to achieve it and is a hopeless romantic) her actions were a bit childish at times.
One last thing: I wanted to see on page that Colin's family were appreciating him and acknowledging how many times they have ignored or belittled him, despite him being one of the best people out there.
************************************
Truly, Madly, Deeply by The Savage Garden is one of my favorite songs of all time, and the fact that one of my favorite romance authors is releasing a new book with that same name is making the happiest.
First and foremost, I would like to say that I am officially an Alexandria Bellefleur stan! I've read all of her book, and enjoyed them all, and will continue to read them as soon as a new one is released.
Alright, onto the review: It really is a bookworm's dream to read an anticipated book of their and end up loving it. I also loved how fast paced and enjoyable this was, I finished it in less than one day.
Although, one minor thing that irked me just a little bit was that the some of the same exact sentence(s) were used multiple times. It felt repetitive.
Another thing was that while I really liked Truly and loved how much she loved love (we need more heroines that believe in happily ever afters, will do anything to achieve it and is a hopeless romantic) her actions were a bit childish at times.
One last thing: I wanted to see on page that Colin's family were appreciating him and acknowledging how many times they have ignored or belittled him, despite him being one of the best people out there.
************************************
Truly, Madly, Deeply by The Savage Garden is one of my favorite songs of all time, and the fact that one of my favorite romance authors is releasing a new book with that same name is making the happiest.
August 7, 2025
🎀pre-review (06/17/24)🎀
I always thought the phrase fake it till you make it was just a joke but w/ this book turns out its a for real thing! I have to this was one sexy hot page turner that had me on my knees for this man! 😝
rtc!
I always thought the phrase fake it till you make it was just a joke but w/ this book turns out its a for real thing! I have to this was one sexy hot page turner that had me on my knees for this man! 😝
rtc!
April 21, 2025
I've been meaning to give Alexandria a try for a while. I heard her speak on a panel at LA Times Festival of Books last year, and her books sounded like they would interest me. This one was tough for me to get through. It feels very white woman feminist with far too many Taylor Swift references. This will speak to a very large subset of reviewers.
Truly Livingston is quite a name. She walks in on her cheating fiancé and dumps him on the spot. An author by trade, she immediately goes to a podcast to discuss romance. The podcaster's brother is the other one on the show. I am loathe to call this enemies to lovers, as it's a catchphrase made for selling books.
Colin is honestly trying, and Truly is an abrasive individual. During this time, Truly's parents are going through a trial separation, which she has trouble accepting. She parent traps them at their weekend lake house, inviting them both to spend time with her, when neither knows the other will be there. It goes to shit. Since the main romance is between Truly and Colin, obviously Colin is at the lake town, too.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Avon
Truly Livingston is quite a name. She walks in on her cheating fiancé and dumps him on the spot. An author by trade, she immediately goes to a podcast to discuss romance. The podcaster's brother is the other one on the show. I am loathe to call this enemies to lovers, as it's a catchphrase made for selling books.
Colin is honestly trying, and Truly is an abrasive individual. During this time, Truly's parents are going through a trial separation, which she has trouble accepting. She parent traps them at their weekend lake house, inviting them both to spend time with her, when neither knows the other will be there. It goes to shit. Since the main romance is between Truly and Colin, obviously Colin is at the lake town, too.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Avon
April 26, 2024
I read this in ONE SITTING (4-5 hours to be exact) Truly, one of the best romances I have read this year. This was outstanding, funny, romantic, so sexy and relatable. Won't shut up about it probably for a while. 🥹
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the arc.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the arc.
June 4, 2024
“this Ken’s job is oral” well, yes!
so i read this because i kept seeing estefania rave about it and she was not wrong, this was steaming hot holy shit. a few things in this book were questionable…
but yk who helped offset that? the man, the myth, the legend himself COLINNNN MY BOYYY (or such a good boy?) *proceeds to stamp a wet floor sign down in front of me heartily* oh boy. you guys. this kid. i’m speechless i’m giddy i can’t put coherent words to how i’m feeling rn. this book was hotter than the desert and i want to take a tumble in those weeds *cries in this is words on paper i’m having a hernia over* 😫 when i tell you he was FEENING for her, he was DESPERATE for her, he was CRAVING our girl truly 👀 there was a scene- scratch that, there were many a scene where i had to put the book down (not for nefarious reasons, of course) and FREAK THE FUCK OUT because goddamn. just. read the damn book yourselves
ASIDE from that, i think my main issue was the fmc and her whole family. anytime her parents were on the page, i wanted to…not be. i don’t hand out fucks to give for free here folks. and with colin being so perfectly colin i wanted someone who could match his energy and why was truly never giving him the time of day like?? could never be me
so i read this because i kept seeing estefania rave about it and she was not wrong, this was steaming hot holy shit. a few things in this book were questionable…
but yk who helped offset that? the man, the myth, the legend himself COLINNNN MY BOYYY (or such a good boy?) *proceeds to stamp a wet floor sign down in front of me heartily* oh boy. you guys. this kid. i’m speechless i’m giddy i can’t put coherent words to how i’m feeling rn. this book was hotter than the desert and i want to take a tumble in those weeds *cries in this is words on paper i’m having a hernia over* 😫 when i tell you he was FEENING for her, he was DESPERATE for her, he was CRAVING our girl truly 👀 there was a scene- scratch that, there were many a scene where i had to put the book down (not for nefarious reasons, of course) and FREAK THE FUCK OUT because goddamn. just. read the damn book yourselves
ASIDE from that, i think my main issue was the fmc and her whole family. anytime her parents were on the page, i wanted to…not be. i don’t hand out fucks to give for free here folks. and with colin being so perfectly colin i wanted someone who could match his energy and why was truly never giving him the time of day like?? could never be me
April 28, 2024
Truly, Madly, Deeply is an enchanting romance following Truly, a romance author, and Colin, a divorce attorney as they get to know one another while filming a podcast on relationship advice. The story is full of sweet and sensual moments, Colin and Truly were absolutely lovely together. Their back and forth banter was so fun and I loved how they knew when to pause and acknowledge each other's feelings. While there are quite a few hurt/comfort moments, the story never got too heavy and I appreciated that the emotion, romance, and humor were so balanced throughout the book.
Read If You Like:
📖Opposites Attract📖
📖Queer Rep📖
📖A Charming and Smitten MC📖
📖Family Drama📖
📖Side Plots📖
📖Forced Proximty📖
📖All The Banter📖
📖Musical Theatre References📖
~Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Read If You Like:
📖Opposites Attract📖
📖Queer Rep📖
📖A Charming and Smitten MC📖
📖Family Drama📖
📖Side Plots📖
📖Forced Proximty📖
📖All The Banter📖
📖Musical Theatre References📖
~Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
April 16, 2024
haha i need to un-fritz my brain to come back and review this filthy delight. gosh i hate this cover these two are SO bantery and so funny? and sweet! but also filthy dirty birds.
the latter half of this book is a ~fuck fest~ and she's bossy! he loves it! he has thick thighs and short shorts!
romance author and divorce (actually family law) attorney butt heads and then enjoy GREAT HEAD once they get over their differences
*audio ALC
remember how i said i needed to re-read to 'un-fritz' my brain? well, friends, the brain remains a bit squiggly because narrator Lauren Sweet brought these two filthy talkers to LIFE. Super duper enjoyable.
Truly's parents have to be Bitsy Von Muffling & Bobby Fine from SatC right?! They have to be (musical composer themed rooms, their jokes! the bits)?! I need someone to talk to me about this haha.
Also ! ! the way i first read this as Colin being super duper tall, but actually in the text he is 5'8 which is basically my height, so Truly must really be short haha. love to see a middle height hero for once.
Bellefleur really found her sparkle again with these two, and i just appreciated ALL ALIVE parents (even if Colin's are shitty) and the BANTEr. oh gosh, the banter.
the latter half of this book is a ~fuck fest~ and she's bossy! he loves it! he has thick thighs and short shorts!
romance author and divorce (actually family law) attorney butt heads and then enjoy GREAT HEAD once they get over their differences
*audio ALC
remember how i said i needed to re-read to 'un-fritz' my brain? well, friends, the brain remains a bit squiggly because narrator Lauren Sweet brought these two filthy talkers to LIFE. Super duper enjoyable.
Truly's parents have to be Bitsy Von Muffling & Bobby Fine from SatC right?! They have to be (musical composer themed rooms, their jokes! the bits)?! I need someone to talk to me about this haha.
Also ! ! the way i first read this as Colin being super duper tall, but actually in the text he is 5'8 which is basically my height, so Truly must really be short haha. love to see a middle height hero for once.
Bellefleur really found her sparkle again with these two, and i just appreciated ALL ALIVE parents (even if Colin's are shitty) and the BANTEr. oh gosh, the banter.
May 5, 2024
oh this was funnnnnnnnn and slütty as hell loved every dang second brb gonna binge everything this author has ever written bye ✌🏻
May 25, 2024
truly’s experience as a bisexual woman made me feel SEEN and the spice was hot ngl
but otherwise i felt underwhelmed. :(
after reading the blurb, I went into this hoping for two podcast cohosts constantly debating and yearning for one another, but it turns out that colin and truly are just guests on his sister’s podcast. thus, his sister became a habitual third wheel in the story and killed my vibe with her outrageously corny dialogue. AND add in a random Parent Trap sideplot that i frankly didn’t care about.
sometimes when I’m reading romcoms, I can feel the authors presence like a fly on the wall, almost laughing at their own jokes. when reading fiction, I like to forget about the author altogether and become fully invested in the characters. and I just couldn’t help but feel the authors presence the entire time I was reading this.
maybe that’s just a me thing?
all I know is, I think I’m burnt out on romcoms for a bit.
but otherwise i felt underwhelmed. :(
after reading the blurb, I went into this hoping for two podcast cohosts constantly debating and yearning for one another, but it turns out that colin and truly are just guests on his sister’s podcast. thus, his sister became a habitual third wheel in the story and killed my vibe with her outrageously corny dialogue. AND add in a random Parent Trap sideplot that i frankly didn’t care about.
sometimes when I’m reading romcoms, I can feel the authors presence like a fly on the wall, almost laughing at their own jokes. when reading fiction, I like to forget about the author altogether and become fully invested in the characters. and I just couldn’t help but feel the authors presence the entire time I was reading this.
maybe that’s just a me thing?
all I know is, I think I’m burnt out on romcoms for a bit.
January 27, 2025
5/5
Це дійсно було чесно, пристрасно, глибоко
Отже, у нас є адвокат з сімейного права Колін і авторка історичних романів Трулі. Їх обох запрошують на подкаст про стосунки, щоб дати поради слухачам. І так все й починається
Що сподобалося:
🔸багато жартів, смішних і незручних ситуацій, від яких я сміялася вголос, милі та веселі листування між героями;
🔸головні герої чесні і відкриті один з одним, вони відверті, вміють говорити про свої почуття проговорювати свої бажання;
🔸Колін. Я вважаю, що цей чоловік заслуговує на окремий пункт. Він наполегливий, але в той же час поважає бажання Трулі і намагається не переходити її кордони, він турботливий, терплячий, розсудливий, не рубає з плеча і всіляко намагається зробити Трулі щасливою і принести їй задоволення 😏 Йому достатньо просто бути поруч з нею проводити час разом, якщо вона цього бажає. А те, як він бентежився і червонів час від часу, це щось😂;
🔸шалена хімія між героями. Між ними все палало та іскрило, чого тільки варта сцена біля дверей🔥Чуттєво, пристрасно і гаряче.
🔸стиль написання. Книга читається дуже швидко і легко - це ідеальний варіант, щоб приємно провести вечір;
Були й речі, які не сподобалися:
🔸сцена сексу між героями (та, що вкінці). Але це вже мої особисті вподобання😂 Все інше, перед нею було дуже гарно прописано, а от саме ця сцена мені не зайшла;
🔸не вистачило розкриття Коліна, мені хотілося більше дізнатися про його адвокатську справу, побачити його в роботі, почути його думки, мені просто хотілося більше Коліна, дайте мені розділи від Коліна, будь ласка;
🔸час від часу бісила головна героїня, хоча я розуміла її і могла зрозуміти мотиви її вчинків
Але, незважаючи на деякі мінуси, книга мені сподобалася, вона принесла мені багато позитивних емоцій і підняла настрій. Тому, якщо ви шукаєте чогось милого, легкого, веселого пристрасного, тоді вам за адресою. Звісно тут немає такого глибокого розкриття персонажів, як, припустимо, у Емілі Генрі, трапляються також клішовані ситуації, які я вже бачила в інших книгах. Але це не означає, що книга погана, навпаки, цим вона і хороша, адже іноді хочеться прочитати щось таке простеньке, легеньке і розслабляюче.
Це дійсно було чесно, пристрасно, глибоко
Отже, у нас є адвокат з сімейного права Колін і авторка історичних романів Трулі. Їх обох запрошують на подкаст про стосунки, щоб дати поради слухачам. І так все й починається
Що сподобалося:
🔸багато жартів, смішних і незручних ситуацій, від яких я сміялася вголос, милі та веселі листування між героями;
🔸головні герої чесні і відкриті один з одним, вони відверті, вміють говорити про свої почуття проговорювати свої бажання;
🔸Колін. Я вважаю, що цей чоловік заслуговує на окремий пункт. Він наполегливий, але в той же час поважає бажання Трулі і намагається не переходити її кордони, він турботливий, терплячий, розсудливий, не рубає з плеча і всіляко намагається зробити Трулі щасливою і принести їй задоволення 😏 Йому достатньо просто бути поруч з нею проводити час разом, якщо вона цього бажає. А те, як він бентежився і червонів час від часу, це щось😂;
🔸шалена хімія між героями. Між ними все палало та іскрило, чого тільки варта сцена біля дверей🔥Чуттєво, пристрасно і гаряче.
🔸стиль написання. Книга читається дуже швидко і легко - це ідеальний варіант, щоб приємно провести вечір;
Були й речі, які не сподобалися:
🔸сцена сексу між героями (та, що вкінці). Але це вже мої особисті вподобання😂 Все інше, перед нею було дуже гарно прописано, а от саме ця сцена мені не зайшла;
🔸не вистачило розкриття Коліна, мені хотілося більше дізнатися про його адвокатську справу, побачити його в роботі, почути його думки, мені просто хотілося більше Коліна, дайте мені розділи від Коліна, будь ласка;
🔸час від часу бісила головна героїня, хоча я розуміла її і могла зрозуміти мотиви її вчинків
Але, незважаючи на деякі мінуси, книга мені сподобалася, вона принесла мені багато позитивних емоцій і підняла настрій. Тому, якщо ви шукаєте чогось милого, легкого, веселого пристрасного, тоді вам за адресою. Звісно тут немає такого глибокого розкриття персонажів, як, припустимо, у Емілі Генрі, трапляються також клішовані ситуації, які я вже бачила в інших книгах. Але це не означає, що книга погана, навпаки, цим вона і хороша, адже іноді хочеться прочитати щось таке простеньке, легеньке і розслабляюче.
August 15, 2024
mostly read this because the cover looks like steve harrington, surprisingly this was pretty good and i enjoyed it for the most part. i did find the multiple taylor swift name drops and references overwhelmingly annoying. lastly, i found that it could be a bit corny at times but i really liked the romance and the smut was good to me!
May 1, 2024
God bless Alexandria Bellefleur and her magical fingertips.
April 30, 2024
Update 4/30/24: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for sending me an ARC of Truly, Madly, Deeply in exchange for an honest review.
Truly Livingston is the bestselling author of over a dozen queer, historical romance novels. She considers herself a romantic, but her faith in love has been rocked because she just broke up with her cheating fiancé and then learned her parents are going through a trial separation after thirty years of marriage. She’s definitely not in the right headspace to start recording a relationship advice podcast series with Colin McCory, a divorce lawyer—excuse me, a family attorney—who’s a realist about love and relationships. But Colin is fun to talk to and flirt with, and “[h]e’s so pretty it pisses [her] off,” so she agrees first to work with him on the podcast with him and then to start going out with him. Colin makes her happy, and seems to be completely smitten with her, but can Truly trust her rapidly growing feelings for Colin when she’s not sure she still believes in love?
I really enjoyed Alexandria Bellefleur’s Written in the Stars trilogy, so I was very excited to read Truly, Madly, Deeply. This book has a different feel than those books, primarily because rather than alternating between the perspectives of the two main characters, it is told exclusively from Truly’s point of view. Truly’s an interesting character who’s going through a lot, so her perspective isn’t a bad place to be. Not seeing the story from Colin’s side left him seeming a little bit one-dimensional, respectfully pursuing Truly without doubts or questions. Still, Truly and Colin have believable chemistry and good banter throughout. The evolution of their relationship is entertaining, even if it did require one fairly large coincidence and Truly making two different basic errors (though hilarious) with technology.
Truly, Madly, Deeply is an interesting exploration of a straight-presenting relationship between two queer people. I enjoyed the whole Parent Trap subplot. I liked Colin’s sister Caitlin and Truly’s best friend Lulu, and I won’t be sorry if it turns out that this book was the first in a new trilogy that focuses on the two of them in future novels. Another solid, steamy rom-com from Alexandria Bellefleur, who may or may not have been her own inspiration for Truly’s character. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Recommended.
She’d be the first to admit that she’d had her fair share of misconceptions about love.
Her parents’ marriage wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows like she’d once thought.
And perfect relationships? Like unicorns, those didn’t exist.
But love?
Love launched ships and started wars and inspired sonnets and drove people to madness. Love was heaven and hell, sin and redemption. It was as real to her as any other force of nature, hurricanes and earthquakes and lightning storms and meteor strikes. It fascinated her as much as it terrified her as much as it humbled her and—
She’d spent her whole life trying to put it into words, eighty thousand of them at a time.
Love had to be enough.
There was no point if it wasn’t.
…
“Oh, did you think because I’m a romance author that I like candlelit dinners and grand gestures? We’re experiencing late-stage capitalism, McCrory. Health care’s hot.”
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for sending me an ARC of Truly, Madly, Deeply in exchange for an honest review.
Truly Livingston is the bestselling author of over a dozen queer, historical romance novels. She considers herself a romantic, but her faith in love has been rocked because she just broke up with her cheating fiancé and then learned her parents are going through a trial separation after thirty years of marriage. She’s definitely not in the right headspace to start recording a relationship advice podcast series with Colin McCory, a divorce lawyer—excuse me, a family attorney—who’s a realist about love and relationships. But Colin is fun to talk to and flirt with, and “[h]e’s so pretty it pisses [her] off,” so she agrees first to work with him on the podcast with him and then to start going out with him. Colin makes her happy, and seems to be completely smitten with her, but can Truly trust her rapidly growing feelings for Colin when she’s not sure she still believes in love?
I really enjoyed Alexandria Bellefleur’s Written in the Stars trilogy, so I was very excited to read Truly, Madly, Deeply. This book has a different feel than those books, primarily because rather than alternating between the perspectives of the two main characters, it is told exclusively from Truly’s point of view. Truly’s an interesting character who’s going through a lot, so her perspective isn’t a bad place to be. Not seeing the story from Colin’s side left him seeming a little bit one-dimensional, respectfully pursuing Truly without doubts or questions. Still, Truly and Colin have believable chemistry and good banter throughout. The evolution of their relationship is entertaining, even if it did require one fairly large coincidence and Truly making two different basic errors (though hilarious) with technology.
Truly, Madly, Deeply is an interesting exploration of a straight-presenting relationship between two queer people. I enjoyed the whole Parent Trap subplot. I liked Colin’s sister Caitlin and Truly’s best friend Lulu, and I won’t be sorry if it turns out that this book was the first in a new trilogy that focuses on the two of them in future novels. Another solid, steamy rom-com from Alexandria Bellefleur, who may or may not have been her own inspiration for Truly’s character. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Recommended.
May 22, 2024
Updating to a full 5 stars bc i think about this book daily
4.5 🌟 This was absolutely FANTASTIC. I started this book today and finished already bc I simply couldn’t put it down. From page one I was hooked. I absolutely loved the writing and was so invested in Truly & Colin’s story.
This book was so entertaining, sweet, spicy, and romantic. Everything I could hope for in a romance. The emotional connection and friendship between Truly & Colin is what I loved most. Their relationship development felt so real. Colin is a man OBSESSED and I LOVED it. How they met was so fun and their banter and bickering was perfect and so cute. At times I wanted to be like Truly girl what are you DOING but Colin would reel her back in and be there for her and I MELT.
I binged this in less than one day bc I couldn’t put it down and I almost wish I hadn’t bc I’m sad it’s over. Just means I have to reread when it comes out on the 30th 🤷🏻♀️ thank you Avon for the ARC!!
4.5 🌟 This was absolutely FANTASTIC. I started this book today and finished already bc I simply couldn’t put it down. From page one I was hooked. I absolutely loved the writing and was so invested in Truly & Colin’s story.
This book was so entertaining, sweet, spicy, and romantic. Everything I could hope for in a romance. The emotional connection and friendship between Truly & Colin is what I loved most. Their relationship development felt so real. Colin is a man OBSESSED and I LOVED it. How they met was so fun and their banter and bickering was perfect and so cute. At times I wanted to be like Truly girl what are you DOING but Colin would reel her back in and be there for her and I MELT.
I binged this in less than one day bc I couldn’t put it down and I almost wish I hadn’t bc I’m sad it’s over. Just means I have to reread when it comes out on the 30th 🤷🏻♀️ thank you Avon for the ARC!!
March 16, 2024
✰ 2.5 stars ✰
“My parents are the blueprint for me, okay? And if they can’t make it work . . . if I can’t believe in love, I . . .”
What could she believe in?”
Yes, I can't help but think of Savage Gardens' massive 90's hit, Truly, Madly, Deeply whenever I look at the title. But, with my first go at this new-to-me author, I wish certain things could have been done differently, in order for me to enjoy it more. 😔
“Do you think it’s possible you only saw what you wanted to see?”
She hugged her arms around herself. “You think I’m looking at their marriage through rose-colored glasses?”
He smiled softly. “Only you can answer that question, Truly.”
'Sparks fly when a lovelorn romance novelist and a divorce lawyer who has sworn off relationships agree to co host a podcast series offering dating advice to viewers' - which, unfortunately happened only once after their initial first rather unpleasant meeting of where the realist challenges everything she's ever believed in - only for it never addressed again - forgotten in order to focus on the more pressing matter at hand, which concerned getting Truly's parents back together - who are the epitome of what it means to be a picture perfect couple. 🙍🏻♀️
And that's what probably upset me right off the bat. Why couldn't we have had more of their interactions actually involving their podcast moments, rather than diverging the entirety of the plot towards Truly's fierce fight to get her parents back together, in order to reassert her belief in the happily ever after. I don't mind her wanting to do whatever it takes to get her parents back together, but it wasn't something I had initially signed up for, y'know. 🙎🏻♀️ I get that having Colin along for the ride and guiding her in a helpful manner is in its own way, her way of getting the advice that she needs, but it would have made their chemistry a lot more appealing, if their argumentative side could have been explored more - to see how the romantic vs the realist would fight to prove which of the opposing views was favored by their audience more. She had ill feelings for him for nearly one chapter, and after that, it was friends to lovers faster than you can say friends to lovers. 😩
“But I'd rather be with you, try with you, than walk away on the off chance that calling it quits now might hurt less than some hypothetical hurt down the road.”
The start really was awful for Truly - the start of the book really was a horrible one - what a douchebag of a boyfriend she gave so much of her time to! So, I don't blame her for wanting to hold onto the two people who made her believe in true love - holding on to tradition and stability that at times, serves as inspiration for her romance novels. It's not easy when something you've clung to for so long is shattered without any preamble or notice - even if it really shouldn't be about her. 😕 I just wish she could have acted more at her age of 27, rather than behaving a bit immaturely and quick to judge, at times - and not even feeling contrite about it - so that I have sympathized with her feelings more. 😮💨
I liked that Colin, at least tried to help Truly see things in a realistic sense, even if it went against her better nature. 'I know I haven’t seen it all, but I’ve seen enough to know that sometimes letting someone go can be the greatest gesture of love a person can make.' He is the embodiment of a walking green flag, the very definition of the perfect boyfriend, who knows just what to say at the right time and exactly how best to please a lady - 'when it comes to making you feel good? No such thing as overachieving.' 😳😳 He was very considerate, very affectionate, so very tolerant of Truly's outbursts - the calming balm that she needed, for she was his it, for him. 🩷🩷
Tender and so very understanding of Truly's plights, fiercely committed to proving just how much he wanted her from the very start, despite how hard she pushes him away, refusing to believe that they have a future. There were a couple of flirty moments and sweet gestures that warmed my heart - 'fun to—to tease. Flirt with. She hadn’t flirted with anyone in too long and it was novel. That was it. It was new. Of course she was enjoying it' 🥺 And Colin's family, sheesh! I applaud his ability to even consider hanging out with them, but I appreciated just how supportive Truly was for him at that time. It adds a bit more weight to how he's learned to be so patient in the presence of bickering couples, while also being tolerant of her severely misguided good intentions.
I truly wish (sorry, I had to throw in one bad pun, at least! 😊) Truly could have toned down on the number of times she drew attention to Colin's mole-splattered skin. Once was cute, twice was affectionate, after that, it became irksome. I mean, some details felt a bit too unnecessary that it became awkward to even comment on them. We were treated to a couple of spicy scenes, but the descriptions and dialogue in those scenes felt very mechanical to me. I mean, there are scenes that get you hot and flustered and feel the attraction, which really didn't work here, for me. If not for them being 32 and 27 respectively, it could have easily been a YA read, and no one would have been the wiser. 😒
It also bothered me at how conveniently everything wrapped up at the end - a little too cliche for my liking, and even one where Truly didn't really learn anything from what she's experienced. If anything, it just proved that true love does truly exist. I did appreciate all the lovely ways Colin proved his affection to Truly - yes, there is a reason for why she is named the way she is, as hard as it is a name to continuously read - so it wasn't a complete disappointment. I suppose it's just another case of where I expected something else, and got something else, that left me disappointed. So, if I were ever interested in reading something else by this author, I'd certainly be much more prepared for what to expect. 🤷🏻♀️
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
“My parents are the blueprint for me, okay? And if they can’t make it work . . . if I can’t believe in love, I . . .”
What could she believe in?”
Yes, I can't help but think of Savage Gardens' massive 90's hit, Truly, Madly, Deeply whenever I look at the title. But, with my first go at this new-to-me author, I wish certain things could have been done differently, in order for me to enjoy it more. 😔
“Do you think it’s possible you only saw what you wanted to see?”
She hugged her arms around herself. “You think I’m looking at their marriage through rose-colored glasses?”
He smiled softly. “Only you can answer that question, Truly.”
'Sparks fly when a lovelorn romance novelist and a divorce lawyer who has sworn off relationships agree to co host a podcast series offering dating advice to viewers' - which, unfortunately happened only once after their initial first rather unpleasant meeting of where the realist challenges everything she's ever believed in - only for it never addressed again - forgotten in order to focus on the more pressing matter at hand, which concerned getting Truly's parents back together - who are the epitome of what it means to be a picture perfect couple. 🙍🏻♀️
And that's what probably upset me right off the bat. Why couldn't we have had more of their interactions actually involving their podcast moments, rather than diverging the entirety of the plot towards Truly's fierce fight to get her parents back together, in order to reassert her belief in the happily ever after. I don't mind her wanting to do whatever it takes to get her parents back together, but it wasn't something I had initially signed up for, y'know. 🙎🏻♀️ I get that having Colin along for the ride and guiding her in a helpful manner is in its own way, her way of getting the advice that she needs, but it would have made their chemistry a lot more appealing, if their argumentative side could have been explored more - to see how the romantic vs the realist would fight to prove which of the opposing views was favored by their audience more. She had ill feelings for him for nearly one chapter, and after that, it was friends to lovers faster than you can say friends to lovers. 😩
“But I'd rather be with you, try with you, than walk away on the off chance that calling it quits now might hurt less than some hypothetical hurt down the road.”
The start really was awful for Truly - the start of the book really was a horrible one - what a douchebag of a boyfriend she gave so much of her time to! So, I don't blame her for wanting to hold onto the two people who made her believe in true love - holding on to tradition and stability that at times, serves as inspiration for her romance novels. It's not easy when something you've clung to for so long is shattered without any preamble or notice - even if it really shouldn't be about her. 😕 I just wish she could have acted more at her age of 27, rather than behaving a bit immaturely and quick to judge, at times - and not even feeling contrite about it - so that I have sympathized with her feelings more. 😮💨
I liked that Colin, at least tried to help Truly see things in a realistic sense, even if it went against her better nature. 'I know I haven’t seen it all, but I’ve seen enough to know that sometimes letting someone go can be the greatest gesture of love a person can make.' He is the embodiment of a walking green flag, the very definition of the perfect boyfriend, who knows just what to say at the right time and exactly how best to please a lady - 'when it comes to making you feel good? No such thing as overachieving.' 😳😳 He was very considerate, very affectionate, so very tolerant of Truly's outbursts - the calming balm that she needed, for she was his it, for him. 🩷🩷
Tender and so very understanding of Truly's plights, fiercely committed to proving just how much he wanted her from the very start, despite how hard she pushes him away, refusing to believe that they have a future. There were a couple of flirty moments and sweet gestures that warmed my heart - 'fun to—to tease. Flirt with. She hadn’t flirted with anyone in too long and it was novel. That was it. It was new. Of course she was enjoying it' 🥺 And Colin's family, sheesh! I applaud his ability to even consider hanging out with them, but I appreciated just how supportive Truly was for him at that time. It adds a bit more weight to how he's learned to be so patient in the presence of bickering couples, while also being tolerant of her severely misguided good intentions.
I truly wish (sorry, I had to throw in one bad pun, at least! 😊) Truly could have toned down on the number of times she drew attention to Colin's mole-splattered skin. Once was cute, twice was affectionate, after that, it became irksome. I mean, some details felt a bit too unnecessary that it became awkward to even comment on them. We were treated to a couple of spicy scenes, but the descriptions and dialogue in those scenes felt very mechanical to me. I mean, there are scenes that get you hot and flustered and feel the attraction, which really didn't work here, for me. If not for them being 32 and 27 respectively, it could have easily been a YA read, and no one would have been the wiser. 😒
It also bothered me at how conveniently everything wrapped up at the end - a little too cliche for my liking, and even one where Truly didn't really learn anything from what she's experienced. If anything, it just proved that true love does truly exist. I did appreciate all the lovely ways Colin proved his affection to Truly - yes, there is a reason for why she is named the way she is, as hard as it is a name to continuously read - so it wasn't a complete disappointment. I suppose it's just another case of where I expected something else, and got something else, that left me disappointed. So, if I were ever interested in reading something else by this author, I'd certainly be much more prepared for what to expect. 🤷🏻♀️
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2024
FINALLY SOME GOOD FOOD OMG!!!! Longer RTC
* * *
GUYS I JUST GO APPROVED FOR AN ARC OF THIS!!! This is my first ever arc, I’m so excited!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books, & Harper Voyager for the arc!!! <33
* * *
A bi4bi romance, you say 👀
* * *
GUYS I JUST GO APPROVED FOR AN ARC OF THIS!!! This is my first ever arc, I’m so excited!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books, & Harper Voyager for the arc!!! <33
* * *
A bi4bi romance, you say 👀
April 30, 2024
Happiest of pub days to Alexandria Bellefleur and to this gem of a book! Truly, Madly, Deeply hits shelves today, 4/30/24!
5⭐️
4🌶️
Welp, my dearest gays, guys, gals and nonbinary pals: CONSIDER ME A HUGE SLÛT FOR COLIN McCRORY 😃👆🏻 I swear on all that is good and unholy that Truly, Madly, Deeply is Alexandria Bellefleur’s best piece of work, to date.
Truly and Colin are so hot my jaw seemed to drop so many times while reading this book. Colin McCrory runs the Truly St. James fan club and he is also the founder and CEO of Truly St. James simp-town!!! Holy shittt their bedroom talk is WILD. Boyyy do I wish someone would speak to me the way these two speak to each other when they go at it. Oh and THEIR BANTER?! It cannot be matched, it’s THAT good. It’s some of the best banter I’ve read in AGES.
Yes, folks, this book is hot with a capital H but it’s also vulnerable and heart wrenching. Truly St. James is just getting out of a really shitty 6 year relationship with a really awful person who she thought she was going to marry. Truly is a romantic. Hell, she is a romance author (very meta)!!! She gets invited to guest star on a podcast to give relationship advice to the podcast’s listeners. Enter: Colin fucking McCrory. Unconventionally-handsome extraordinaire. Truly’s world gets turned upside down by this man during the podcast. He says some rude things to her, but feels like shit for it, and it all snow balls from there.
Colin is READY to beg for Truly. On his knees for her, LITERALLY. Ready to woo her, date her, court her (Colin’s words, not mine). Meanwhile, Truly feels like she can’t handle a new relationship because of her recent breakup and the fact that her parents might now be getting a divorce after 30+ years of marriage. To go from believing in love and romance with your whole heart to swearing off relationships is quite the pendulum swing. Truly tries so many times to get Colin to stop pursuing her because she considers herself a “mess.” The best thing about this is that Colin is patient. He’s really good at making sure that Truly knows that he isn’t going anywhere. In Truly’s eyes, Colin is just too good to be true. She can’t see why Colin wants her so badly, but Colin is determined to make Truly understand her worth.
I love how Colin and Truly push and challenge each other. How they both back each other up when shit hits the fan with their respective families. I love how they love each other. The communication between them is always clear. Colin and Truly really respect each other and they both know what it’s like to be dealt an awful lot in life.
Truly, Madly, Deeply hits all the marks for a wonderful queer romance novel. And YES, it is queer. Both MCs identify as bisexual and/or queer. I am so happy I was able to read this book. It left me feeling hot and bothered but also grinning from ear to ear.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books (Avon and Harper Voyager) for the eARC in exchange for my review! Truly, Madly, Deeply hits shelves on April 30th, 2024 💖💜💙
5⭐️
4🌶️
Welp, my dearest gays, guys, gals and nonbinary pals: CONSIDER ME A HUGE SLÛT FOR COLIN McCRORY 😃👆🏻 I swear on all that is good and unholy that Truly, Madly, Deeply is Alexandria Bellefleur’s best piece of work, to date.
Truly and Colin are so hot my jaw seemed to drop so many times while reading this book. Colin McCrory runs the Truly St. James fan club and he is also the founder and CEO of Truly St. James simp-town!!! Holy shittt their bedroom talk is WILD. Boyyy do I wish someone would speak to me the way these two speak to each other when they go at it. Oh and THEIR BANTER?! It cannot be matched, it’s THAT good. It’s some of the best banter I’ve read in AGES.
Yes, folks, this book is hot with a capital H but it’s also vulnerable and heart wrenching. Truly St. James is just getting out of a really shitty 6 year relationship with a really awful person who she thought she was going to marry. Truly is a romantic. Hell, she is a romance author (very meta)!!! She gets invited to guest star on a podcast to give relationship advice to the podcast’s listeners. Enter: Colin fucking McCrory. Unconventionally-handsome extraordinaire. Truly’s world gets turned upside down by this man during the podcast. He says some rude things to her, but feels like shit for it, and it all snow balls from there.
Colin is READY to beg for Truly. On his knees for her, LITERALLY. Ready to woo her, date her, court her (Colin’s words, not mine). Meanwhile, Truly feels like she can’t handle a new relationship because of her recent breakup and the fact that her parents might now be getting a divorce after 30+ years of marriage. To go from believing in love and romance with your whole heart to swearing off relationships is quite the pendulum swing. Truly tries so many times to get Colin to stop pursuing her because she considers herself a “mess.” The best thing about this is that Colin is patient. He’s really good at making sure that Truly knows that he isn’t going anywhere. In Truly’s eyes, Colin is just too good to be true. She can’t see why Colin wants her so badly, but Colin is determined to make Truly understand her worth.
I love how Colin and Truly push and challenge each other. How they both back each other up when shit hits the fan with their respective families. I love how they love each other. The communication between them is always clear. Colin and Truly really respect each other and they both know what it’s like to be dealt an awful lot in life.
Truly, Madly, Deeply hits all the marks for a wonderful queer romance novel. And YES, it is queer. Both MCs identify as bisexual and/or queer. I am so happy I was able to read this book. It left me feeling hot and bothered but also grinning from ear to ear.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books (Avon and Harper Voyager) for the eARC in exchange for my review! Truly, Madly, Deeply hits shelves on April 30th, 2024 💖💜💙
January 29, 2025
Якщо ви хочете легку, дуже веселу, без жодної драми, дуже романтичну з перчинкою книгу, то це саме вона! 🌶️💖
Колін - АБСОЛЮТНИЙ Green Flag. Чуйний, розумний, веселий, добрий, уміє чути, піклуватися та проговорювати проблеми. Іноді, аж занадто ідеальний. 😍
«Або ти виходиш заміж за цього хлопчика, або я усиновлю його. Ви чуєте мене, юна леді?» 💍😂
І хоча, першочергово нам його демонструють, як людину, що не вірить в кохання, на практиці виявляється зовсім інше. Трулі ж навпаки. Вовк під шкірою овечки. 🐺🦊 Наче романтична дівчина, яка вірить у довге та щасливе, але поряд з Коліном стає владною жінкою в усіх аспектах їхнього життя, якщо ви розумієте, про що я. 💪😉 Окреме дякую за Лулу. Господи, ця дівчина з її розмовами — це щось! 😆
«Слухай, дитинко, світло мого проклятого життя, я люблю тебе і знаю, що твоє серце на правильному місці, але де твій мозок? Крихітко, це ж капець.» 🤦♀️🔥
Я сміялася пораненою чайкою, як і після розповідей про дитинство Коліна його сестрою. Ситуація з блютуз колонкою досі викликає в мене іспанський сором та посмішку. 🐦🎧 Загалом гумор тут просто на висоті. Якщо ви любите вайб «С*кс та місто» з жартами та постійними розмовами довкола цього, то ця книга для вас. 🍸💬 Якщо любите гострі підколи — теж. 🔪
«Що цей вилупок накоїв цього разу? Певно, щось жахливе, якщо ти нарешті прозріла. Хочеш, я підрихтую йому пику? Якщо можеш заплатити заставу, я готова.» 😈💥
Хтиві сцени 18+ — знову ж таки. 🔞 Романтику з правильними хлопцями та здорові відносини — кладіть сюди ж. Не хочете драми — тут навіть головну проблему книги проблемою не назвеш, тому, так. 😇 Додайте сюди трошки перчинки з бісексуальністю героїв (для мене це прям було прикольно), пропагандою рівності кохання та попаданням вибору. 🌈💑 І вуаля!
Це, звичайно, не Дуглас з описом сцен 18+, але не погано. 😉
Єдине, коли ці двоє все вирішили, то їх дотепні розмови скотилися у ванільні шмарклі, це мене вже трошки дратувало. 🙄 Ну і глиби, хоча б дрібку, але хотілось би. 😜
Загалом.
Рекомендую! ✔️
🔖 Моя оцінка: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
«Ніхто не шкодує через використані можливості. Люди шкодують про втрачені.» 💭💔
Колін - АБСОЛЮТНИЙ Green Flag. Чуйний, розумний, веселий, добрий, уміє чути, піклуватися та проговорювати проблеми. Іноді, аж занадто ідеальний. 😍
«Або ти виходиш заміж за цього хлопчика, або я усиновлю його. Ви чуєте мене, юна леді?» 💍😂
І хоча, першочергово нам його демонструють, як людину, що не вірить в кохання, на практиці виявляється зовсім інше. Трулі ж навпаки. Вовк під шкірою овечки. 🐺🦊 Наче романтична дівчина, яка вірить у довге та щасливе, але поряд з Коліном стає владною жінкою в усіх аспектах їхнього життя, якщо ви розумієте, про що я. 💪😉 Окреме дякую за Лулу. Господи, ця дівчина з її розмовами — це щось! 😆
«Слухай, дитинко, світло мого проклятого життя, я люблю тебе і знаю, що твоє серце на правильному місці, але де твій мозок? Крихітко, це ж капець.» 🤦♀️🔥
Я сміялася пораненою чайкою, як і після розповідей про дитинство Коліна його сестрою. Ситуація з блютуз колонкою досі викликає в мене іспанський сором та посмішку. 🐦🎧 Загалом гумор тут просто на висоті. Якщо ви любите вайб «С*кс та місто» з жартами та постійними розмовами довкола цього, то ця книга для вас. 🍸💬 Якщо любите гострі підколи — теж. 🔪
«Що цей вилупок накоїв цього разу? Певно, щось жахливе, якщо ти нарешті прозріла. Хочеш, я підрихтую йому пику? Якщо можеш заплатити заставу, я готова.» 😈💥
Хтиві сцени 18+ — знову ж таки. 🔞 Романтику з правильними хлопцями та здорові відносини — кладіть сюди ж. Не хочете драми — тут навіть головну проблему книги проблемою не назвеш, тому, так. 😇 Додайте сюди трошки перчинки з бісексуальністю героїв (для мене це прям було прикольно), пропагандою рівності кохання та попаданням вибору. 🌈💑 І вуаля!
Це, звичайно, не Дуглас з описом сцен 18+, але не погано. 😉
Єдине, коли ці двоє все вирішили, то їх дотепні розмови скотилися у ванільні шмарклі, це мене вже трошки дратувало. 🙄 Ну і глиби, хоча б дрібку, але хотілось би. 😜
Загалом.
Рекомендую! ✔️
🔖 Моя оцінка: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
«Ніхто не шкодує через використані можливості. Люди шкодують про втрачені.» 💭💔
June 11, 2025
reread review: yep, still loved it.
colin is my book boyfriend. alexandria bellefleur's books are the ones that finally got me to appreciate audiobooks 💜
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god bless munches, every one!
i love me a good bi4bi romance, and this one just totally did it for me. i'm not big on rereading (too much fomo) but i enjoyed this audiobook so much i definitely see a comfort reread in my future.
colin just joined the league of fictional men who set the bar astronomically high 😪
colin is my book boyfriend. alexandria bellefleur's books are the ones that finally got me to appreciate audiobooks 💜
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god bless munches, every one!
i love me a good bi4bi romance, and this one just totally did it for me. i'm not big on rereading (too much fomo) but i enjoyed this audiobook so much i definitely see a comfort reread in my future.
colin just joined the league of fictional men who set the bar astronomically high 😪
May 7, 2024
Such a good boy
August 1, 2024
This book really had me blushing, giggling, kicking my feet, etc.--which is just about the highest praise I can give it to be honest. To me, a great romance a) has great dialogue (it doesn't have to be of the bantering variety but that's always a bonus) and b) shows us how and why characters fall in love with each other. Truly, Madly, Deeply does that, and then some. The banter was top-notch (it was actually SO cute 😭), the conversations always flowed well, and I just loved the dynamic between Truly and Colin. More than anything, I really appreciated that we got to see their relationship change as they got to know each other more. Second-chance romances and friends-to-lovers are always great, but something about seeing a romance from the very start, when the characters are strangers, is so supremely satisfying to me. The getting-to-know-each-other part, the spending-more-time-with-each-other part, the realizing-that-your-feelings-are-not-platonic part. I just eat it all up!!!!!
Truly, Madly, Deeply is one of those novels whose review wants to be less words and more emojis. So to sum up this review, here are some emojis that encapsulate my experiencing of reading this book: 😭🥺😳🥰💞💓🩷💖💗
(thank you to Avon for the eARC!)
Truly, Madly, Deeply is one of those novels whose review wants to be less words and more emojis. So to sum up this review, here are some emojis that encapsulate my experiencing of reading this book: 😭🥺😳🥰💞💓🩷💖💗
(thank you to Avon for the eARC!)
May 7, 2024
4.5 🌟
If you are in the market for a swoony, funny, and banter filled tension this is the book for you. Truly madly deeply was such a bingeable book and I couldn’t get enough of Colin + Truly. The meet cute in this book was so perfect to the characters + the bickering (really flirting) was probably my fav thing about them! The text message exchanges were so fun & had me feeling so giddy reading them. 🤭 Colin is the definition of a man down bad + let me tell you HE WORSHIPS THIS WOMAN!!
I loved the friendship development between Colin + Truly so much. Lulu + Truly’s parents were such fun side characters!! & the spioceee was SPIOCING!!!!
If you are in the market for a swoony, funny, and banter filled tension this is the book for you. Truly madly deeply was such a bingeable book and I couldn’t get enough of Colin + Truly. The meet cute in this book was so perfect to the characters + the bickering (really flirting) was probably my fav thing about them! The text message exchanges were so fun & had me feeling so giddy reading them. 🤭 Colin is the definition of a man down bad + let me tell you HE WORSHIPS THIS WOMAN!!
I loved the friendship development between Colin + Truly so much. Lulu + Truly’s parents were such fun side characters!! & the spioceee was SPIOCING!!!!
May 30, 2024
HELLO, I AM OBSESSED WITH COLIN MCCRORY
Truly is just getting out of a long term relationship, and while she’s a huge romantic (she’s a literal romance author!!), she’s naturally apprehensive about love in general because of this and her parents marriage falling apart.
✨ENTER COLIN✨
Who is ready to beg, on his knees, REPEATEDLY, for her. I’m telling y’all, he’s down bad. Truly is constantly trying to convince him not to pursue her because of her mess and he simply goes ✨no✨, then eats her out again. LIKE?! He’s also incredibly tender, patient, and determined to woo her. I love him.
Also they’re both bisexual!! WHICH WE LOVE. 🩷💜💙
“Truly, baby, you could spit on me and I’d say thank you.” 🥵
Truly is just getting out of a long term relationship, and while she’s a huge romantic (she’s a literal romance author!!), she’s naturally apprehensive about love in general because of this and her parents marriage falling apart.
✨ENTER COLIN✨
Who is ready to beg, on his knees, REPEATEDLY, for her. I’m telling y’all, he’s down bad. Truly is constantly trying to convince him not to pursue her because of her mess and he simply goes ✨no✨, then eats her out again. LIKE?! He’s also incredibly tender, patient, and determined to woo her. I love him.
Also they’re both bisexual!! WHICH WE LOVE. 🩷💜💙
“Truly, baby, you could spit on me and I’d say thank you.” 🥵
January 31, 2024
4/5 I absolutely devoured this book! The banter, tension, and spice were all perfection. Watching Colin and Truly’s relationship develop was so seamless and I really enjoyed that there wasn’t a ton of drama or miscommunication that kept them apart. Colin was willing to talk everything through and help Truly overcome her relationship trauma - we love an emotionally mature man!! Rom com lovers are going to eat this up!
Thank you Avon for the advanced copy.
Thank you Avon for the advanced copy.
June 24, 2024
I hate to say it but I think this is where I have to part ways with this author. I loved her first couple of books but then she started leaning more heavily into romcom shenanigans, which I hate. At the same time, her books are wonderfully queer and super readable so it’s been hard to give up hope that she would return to what made me first fall for her writing. But here we are.
I found myself annoyed with so many things as I was reading. Truly and her parents are insufferable. Don’t even get me started on their annoying musical game. Truly read as much younger than 27, very immature. I didn’t understand how or why she idealized her parents’ marriage to the degree that she did or how she could get to adulthood and believe it was totally fine and not a red flag for two adults never disagreeing in the history of their marriage. She made their separation all about her without really asking them what led to that point or, here’s an idea, respecting that this is something they need to figure out on their own.
I was frustrated with all of her choices with her parents (parent trapping, really?!), as well as how she went straight from a six year relationship with a man who was clearly wrong for her into a relationship with Colin without much by way of reflection. Just because Colin is dreamy doesn’t mean she should avoid contemplating how she willfully stayed with—and even proposed to—a terrible man FOR SIX YEARS. Everyone in her life hated that guy! Let’s contemplate that for a while, Truly, and think about where else this level of denialism shows up in your life.
Colin is basically a wish fulfillment of a MMC. And I get the allure! He gets off on going down on her, pursues her despite her wishy-washiness, and tries to look out for her. Honestly, he was too perfect. Sure, there’s the toxic family situation where he should absolutely reinforce his previous no-contact status. That’s not explored to the depth that it could be but that’s not necessarily a character flaw. It’s a plot flaw. Similarly, Truly is fixated on Colin’s “mole-splattered skin”, the descriptions of which had me concerned about whether he goes to the dermatologist for an annual skin checkup. But also not a character flaw. I wish we could have known what made him tick and what his growth areas are.
As perfect as Colin was and as dedicated as he was to Truly, I’m just not sure she deserved him. They do have good banter and I appreciated that she would get tongue-tied around him and lose the ability to speak or put her foot in her mouth at first. But beyond that, I don’t believe she was ready for a relationship, much less that she would be a good partner to Colin.
This meta moment really summed things up perfectly for me:
“Her editor found the romance unbelievable. I’m just not sure I believe these two characters will be together past the final page, her editor wrote.”
Other annoyances:
-Taylor Swift references. My kingdom for white authors to stop doing this.
-so much millennial slang
-the economics: how did her parents afford a summer house in what appears to be an upscale area? Their background is in the theater.
-More than an annoyance because I’m pretty sure I’ve pointed it out in all of Bellefleur’s books. This is a very white book. There might be a few “blink and you’ll miss them” characters who are POC but every character with significant page time is white. Also there aren’t really any other queer characters besides Colin and Truly? I guess Colin’s sister is (at least she goes home with a woman she met at the bar) but that’s it. I would have loved to see how Colin and Truly are connected to the queer community in Seattle. There wasn’t a good reason for this to have such an insular cast.
To end on something positive, I will say this was the hottest of her books so at least I went out with a bang LOL.
Characters: Truly is a 27 year old bisexual white historical romance author. Colin is a 32 year old 5’8 bisexual white family law attorney with ADHD. This is set in Seattle.
Content notes: infidelity (FMC walks in on her fiancé with another woman; they were technically “on a break”), parental separation, past family estrangement (MMC was no-contact until his mom had a cancer scare one year ago; his boundary to be around his brother and sister-in-law is holidays and special occasions only. His mother ignores this and invites them while MMC is at the lake house anyway.), MMC’s ex-girlfriend married his twin brother (not clear if they cheated but they were officially together a few days after the breakup), toxic family, MMC’s father is emotionally abusive, sexism, ageism, MMC has ADHD, pregnancy announcement (secondary character), FMC’s dad in remission from cancer (mention), past death of FMC’s grandparents (including dementia), on page sex, public sex, lake sex, biting, mild humiliation play, alcohol, inebriation, MMC quit smoking two years ago, ageist joke, casual ableism, gendered pejoratives, ableist language, hyperbolic language around addiction, use of “the natives are restless” (quoting a song title for their annoying musical game but it is a racist, colonialist phrase and the game did not need to include it)
I found myself annoyed with so many things as I was reading. Truly and her parents are insufferable. Don’t even get me started on their annoying musical game. Truly read as much younger than 27, very immature. I didn’t understand how or why she idealized her parents’ marriage to the degree that she did or how she could get to adulthood and believe it was totally fine and not a red flag for two adults never disagreeing in the history of their marriage. She made their separation all about her without really asking them what led to that point or, here’s an idea, respecting that this is something they need to figure out on their own.
I was frustrated with all of her choices with her parents (parent trapping, really?!), as well as how she went straight from a six year relationship with a man who was clearly wrong for her into a relationship with Colin without much by way of reflection. Just because Colin is dreamy doesn’t mean she should avoid contemplating how she willfully stayed with—and even proposed to—a terrible man FOR SIX YEARS. Everyone in her life hated that guy! Let’s contemplate that for a while, Truly, and think about where else this level of denialism shows up in your life.
Colin is basically a wish fulfillment of a MMC. And I get the allure! He gets off on going down on her, pursues her despite her wishy-washiness, and tries to look out for her. Honestly, he was too perfect. Sure, there’s the toxic family situation where he should absolutely reinforce his previous no-contact status. That’s not explored to the depth that it could be but that’s not necessarily a character flaw. It’s a plot flaw. Similarly, Truly is fixated on Colin’s “mole-splattered skin”, the descriptions of which had me concerned about whether he goes to the dermatologist for an annual skin checkup. But also not a character flaw. I wish we could have known what made him tick and what his growth areas are.
As perfect as Colin was and as dedicated as he was to Truly, I’m just not sure she deserved him. They do have good banter and I appreciated that she would get tongue-tied around him and lose the ability to speak or put her foot in her mouth at first. But beyond that, I don’t believe she was ready for a relationship, much less that she would be a good partner to Colin.
This meta moment really summed things up perfectly for me:
“Her editor found the romance unbelievable. I’m just not sure I believe these two characters will be together past the final page, her editor wrote.”
Other annoyances:
-Taylor Swift references. My kingdom for white authors to stop doing this.
-so much millennial slang
-the economics: how did her parents afford a summer house in what appears to be an upscale area? Their background is in the theater.
-More than an annoyance because I’m pretty sure I’ve pointed it out in all of Bellefleur’s books. This is a very white book. There might be a few “blink and you’ll miss them” characters who are POC but every character with significant page time is white. Also there aren’t really any other queer characters besides Colin and Truly? I guess Colin’s sister is (at least she goes home with a woman she met at the bar) but that’s it. I would have loved to see how Colin and Truly are connected to the queer community in Seattle. There wasn’t a good reason for this to have such an insular cast.
To end on something positive, I will say this was the hottest of her books so at least I went out with a bang LOL.
Characters: Truly is a 27 year old bisexual white historical romance author. Colin is a 32 year old 5’8 bisexual white family law attorney with ADHD. This is set in Seattle.
Content notes: infidelity (FMC walks in on her fiancé with another woman; they were technically “on a break”), parental separation, past family estrangement (MMC was no-contact until his mom had a cancer scare one year ago; his boundary to be around his brother and sister-in-law is holidays and special occasions only. His mother ignores this and invites them while MMC is at the lake house anyway.), MMC’s ex-girlfriend married his twin brother (not clear if they cheated but they were officially together a few days after the breakup), toxic family, MMC’s father is emotionally abusive, sexism, ageism, MMC has ADHD, pregnancy announcement (secondary character), FMC’s dad in remission from cancer (mention), past death of FMC’s grandparents (including dementia), on page sex, public sex, lake sex, biting, mild humiliation play, alcohol, inebriation, MMC quit smoking two years ago, ageist joke, casual ableism, gendered pejoratives, ableist language, hyperbolic language around addiction, use of “the natives are restless” (quoting a song title for their annoying musical game but it is a racist, colonialist phrase and the game did not need to include it)
January 6, 2025
** One of my Top 20 of 2024 Picks on www.JeevesReads.com! **
Truly something special, indeed. I can’t even tell you how quickly I devoured this, flying through the pages before I even realized I was doing it. These two have BANTER for days, bickering with the kind of chemistry that reveals something sizzling brewing beneath the surface. I loved the black cat heroine, who gave as good as she got, but it’s our golden retriever hero who absolutely steals the show. He is the cutest, sweater vest-wearing little sweetheart I have ever had the pleasure of reading about; the kind of guy who leaves a lasting impression. Though we only get the heroine’s perspective, it was obvious how completely SMITTEN that adorable fool was. He’s got a tender, supportive side that was just what his girl needed, and that translated into some seriously SCORCHING spicy scenes along the way. Definitely hotter and k!nkier than expected, and that’s not a complaint. I binged this in one sitting, refused to go to sleep until I was finished, and loved every minute along the way.
The story follows Truly, a historical romance author who is known for being an optimist when it comes to love. Unfortunately, on the day she’s booked on a podcast to help share those views, Truly finds her sort-of ex with another girl and her parents reveal they're separating. It’s a shock to the system, so Truly isn’t in the best of moods when she meets Colin. He’s a divorce lawyer with a realistic, somewhat pessimistic view of love, and his comments during the podcast hit a little too close to home. The two can’t seem to stop arguing, but that bickering leads to something that feels like more - at a time when love should be the last thing Truly thinks about.
Though I’ve been meaning to check out this new-to-me author for awhile now, it was that spectacular cover and the intriguing blurb that finally convinced me to take the plunge - and I’m so glad I did. I’m not big on third person POV these days, but I barely noticed it here. I love some good banter, and the chemistry between these two jumped off the page, even when they were arguing. Maybe especially when they were arguing. I loved that they pushed each other and were also just so good for each other, revealing sides of themselves they wouldn’t with anyone else. It’s also a true “he falls first” romance, with Colin relentlessly pursuing Truly. Loved that. He’s a cinnamon roll sweetie, but he’s definitely not a pushover, and it was refreshing that Truly ended up being the grump here. That made for some seriously sexy intimate moments as well. It's a high heat treat with a hot slow burn. The queer rep was great, featuring two bisexual leads who are open and honest about what they want. Fast-paced, tension-filled, and swoony, it's no surprise that I loved it!
Truly something special, indeed. I can’t even tell you how quickly I devoured this, flying through the pages before I even realized I was doing it. These two have BANTER for days, bickering with the kind of chemistry that reveals something sizzling brewing beneath the surface. I loved the black cat heroine, who gave as good as she got, but it’s our golden retriever hero who absolutely steals the show. He is the cutest, sweater vest-wearing little sweetheart I have ever had the pleasure of reading about; the kind of guy who leaves a lasting impression. Though we only get the heroine’s perspective, it was obvious how completely SMITTEN that adorable fool was. He’s got a tender, supportive side that was just what his girl needed, and that translated into some seriously SCORCHING spicy scenes along the way. Definitely hotter and k!nkier than expected, and that’s not a complaint. I binged this in one sitting, refused to go to sleep until I was finished, and loved every minute along the way.
The story follows Truly, a historical romance author who is known for being an optimist when it comes to love. Unfortunately, on the day she’s booked on a podcast to help share those views, Truly finds her sort-of ex with another girl and her parents reveal they're separating. It’s a shock to the system, so Truly isn’t in the best of moods when she meets Colin. He’s a divorce lawyer with a realistic, somewhat pessimistic view of love, and his comments during the podcast hit a little too close to home. The two can’t seem to stop arguing, but that bickering leads to something that feels like more - at a time when love should be the last thing Truly thinks about.
Though I’ve been meaning to check out this new-to-me author for awhile now, it was that spectacular cover and the intriguing blurb that finally convinced me to take the plunge - and I’m so glad I did. I’m not big on third person POV these days, but I barely noticed it here. I love some good banter, and the chemistry between these two jumped off the page, even when they were arguing. Maybe especially when they were arguing. I loved that they pushed each other and were also just so good for each other, revealing sides of themselves they wouldn’t with anyone else. It’s also a true “he falls first” romance, with Colin relentlessly pursuing Truly. Loved that. He’s a cinnamon roll sweetie, but he’s definitely not a pushover, and it was refreshing that Truly ended up being the grump here. That made for some seriously sexy intimate moments as well. It's a high heat treat with a hot slow burn. The queer rep was great, featuring two bisexual leads who are open and honest about what they want. Fast-paced, tension-filled, and swoony, it's no surprise that I loved it!
May 24, 2024
Truly, Madly, Deeply is the newest release from Alexandria Bellefleur and I loved this one so much! This has a cinnamon roll nerdy hero, a grumpy heroine, and bisexual rep (both characters).
Truly is a historical romance author and everyone thinks she’s an expert on all things happily-ever-afters. She gets invited to be a co-guest on a podcast about relationship advice and kinda shows up on the worst day possible. Right before showing up for the podcast she found her fiancé cheating on her, found out her happily-in-love parents are taking a break from their 30+ year marriage, and her thoughts on romance overall have been shaken to say the least. Her co-guest on the podcast is a divorce lawyer who is there to bring the “realist” look to relationship advice while she brings the “romantic” tips. It doesn’t go so well. 😅
She never plans to see Colin again, the co-guest for the podcast, but days later he tracks her down to apologize and start fresh and they actually connect! Soon they’re going from bantering enemies to friends to more and it was so much fun to see play out! I loved seeing these 2 together, loved seeing her stand up for him to his family, loved seeing her try to save her parents marriage. I loved the hero and how he breaks through all of her prickly thorns, he has some emotional walls up himself and see her tackle those were so nice too! They just worked so well together and I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I’ve loved all the romances from this author honestly!
Truly is a historical romance author and everyone thinks she’s an expert on all things happily-ever-afters. She gets invited to be a co-guest on a podcast about relationship advice and kinda shows up on the worst day possible. Right before showing up for the podcast she found her fiancé cheating on her, found out her happily-in-love parents are taking a break from their 30+ year marriage, and her thoughts on romance overall have been shaken to say the least. Her co-guest on the podcast is a divorce lawyer who is there to bring the “realist” look to relationship advice while she brings the “romantic” tips. It doesn’t go so well. 😅
She never plans to see Colin again, the co-guest for the podcast, but days later he tracks her down to apologize and start fresh and they actually connect! Soon they’re going from bantering enemies to friends to more and it was so much fun to see play out! I loved seeing these 2 together, loved seeing her stand up for him to his family, loved seeing her try to save her parents marriage. I loved the hero and how he breaks through all of her prickly thorns, he has some emotional walls up himself and see her tackle those were so nice too! They just worked so well together and I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I’ve loved all the romances from this author honestly!
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