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True Men

True Fate

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Fall in love like it’s 1995.

From USA Today bestselling author of The Duchess Society series comes a sexy small-town romance about going home, making peace with the past—and falling hard all over again.

If you love Sweet Home Alabama, unforgettable first loves, and a hero who never stopped yearning, this '90s second-chance short romance is for you.

Lainey Prescott swore she’d never come back to Promise, South Carolina. But a cheating ex, a tanked career, and one too many sleepless nights send her packing for the only place that still feels like home. Sort of.

She’s not expecting to run into Justin True—first love, worst goodbye, and the man who ruined her for all others. Now he’s all grown up, a successful architect, dangerously steady, sexy, and entirely off-limits.

Thirteen years ago, she pushed him away, and he walked, taking her heart with him.

Now she’s back. And that slow-burn chemistry? Still hot enough to torch every bridge she thought she'd burned.

One small town. One unforgettable summer.
One shot to finally get it right.

TRUE MEN Series
Book 1/ True Fate (Justin)
Book 2: True Dreams (Campbell)
Book 3: True Ruin (Dallas)
Book 4: True Burn (Ransom)

82 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2025

129 people are currently reading
151 people want to read

About the author

Tracy Sumner

60 books1,637 followers
"Witty dialogue and steamy sensuality.”

—Publisher’s Weekly

The USA Today bestselling author's storytelling career began when she picked up a historical romance on a college beach trip, and she fondly blames LaVyrle Spencer for her obsession with the genre. She’s a recipient of the National Reader’s Choice, HOLT Medallion, Golden Leaf and MAGGIE among others. She lived in New York, Paris and Taipei before returning to NYC.

When not writing sizzling love stories about feisty heroines and their temperamental-but-entirely-lovable heroes, Tracy enjoys reading, snowboarding, college football (Go Tigers!), yoga, and travel. She loves to hear from romance readers!

Find me everywhere on social here!
https://linktr.ee/tracysumner

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5 stars
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26 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Amy .
3,123 reviews
May 4, 2025
This novella was so much fun! I'm a 90's girl, so this book was a fun trip back in time.

I loved the characters and the small-town setting. I'm a huge fan of second-chance romances, and this one made my heart swoon. Seriously, this one packed a punch for a novella and has me excited to continue with this series!
Profile Image for Lynn_G.
1,113 reviews27 followers
June 22, 2025
This is a short, second chance romance that kicks off a series set in small town SC in the mid-nineties.

Lainey, a psychologist looking for a change after a bad breakup and a traumatic experience with a client returns to the hometown she never felt part of except when she was in the arms of her boyfriend in their senior year of high school. Realizing she’d be holding him back from a brighter future, she broke up with him rather than try for a long distance relationship or worse, have him stay behind and likely grow resentful toward her.

NYC-based architect and acclaimed artist Justin is at the gallery he owns with his cousin and brothers when Lainey walks in, stopping him in his tracks and bringing him back to their breakup thirteen years prior. He’s never gotten over her but he’s not sure he’s open to a one and done for old times sake, except their feelings seem to run far deeper than that.

Can they get over past hurts and try again? Or is it too late?

I received an advance reader copy from the author and booksirens, and I’m sharing my honest review.
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,696 reviews23 followers
May 7, 2025
Tracy Sumner’s True Fate is a refreshing departure from both my usual reading and the author’s typical writing. While I usually immerse myself in historical romance and Sumner typically writes in that genre—this contemporary novella set in Promise, South Carolina, in the mid-1990s was a welcome surprise.

Lainey, a psychologist seeking a fresh start after a string of disappointments, returns to her hometown—a place where she never truly felt she belonged, except in the arms of her high school boyfriend. Knowing she’d be holding him back from a promising future, she made the painful decision to break up with him rather than attempt a long-distance relationship or risk him staying behind and growing resentful.

Now a New York architect and acclaimed artist, Justin True is at the gallery he owns with his cousin and brothers in Promise, when Lainey walks in—stopping him in his tracks and bringing him right back to the heartbreak of their breakup thirteen years earlier. He’s never fully moved on, and while he wouldn’t be opposed to one night together for old times’ sake, their feelings quickly prove to be far deeper than nostalgia.

Sumner crafts a masterful novella that reads like a full-length novel, rich with depth, emotion, and well-developed characters. It’s a poignant tale of love, regret, and redemption, beautifully capturing the essence of small-town life, the enduring bonds of first love, and the magic of second chances. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.



Profile Image for Lara.
78 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2025
I have never rooted less for a couple than this one
162 reviews5 followers
May 6, 2025
If I could give four and a half stars, I would. This is a delicious snack of a story, with the missing half star given because I wanted a full meal. Tracy’s writing is great, and only getting a novella of these two characters leaves me wanting more of their story. This is a contemporary romance, not a historical, but if you remember the 90’s, you’ll enjoy the references in this one. Lainey and Justin were high school sweethearts, but she walked away to let him go to college when she was afraid she would hold him back if they stayed together. Flash forward over a decade and these two have never quite moved on. Lainey is at a turning point in her life, and goes back to her hometown to start over. She didn’t count on running into Justin, but when she did, she realized she missed him. Justin, for his part, has become the success Lainey thought he would, but has always missed Lainey. A sweet and steamy second chance romance!
Profile Image for Paige.
66 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2025
Lainey Prescott never thought she’d return to Promise, South Carolina until a broken heart and stalled career leave her no choice. Back in town, she is shocked to find her first love, Justin True, still as irresistible as ever. Luckily, their chemistry is just as explosive.

I really enjoyed this one! The tension and emotion are really well written.

Love the references to the 90s, and it added a really wholesome component to the story.

Thank you to Hidden Gems and Tracy Sumner for the ARC!
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,619 reviews23 followers
May 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"True Fate" by Tracy Sumner is an absolute gem for fans of steamy, second-chance romances. From the very first page, the chemistry between the protagonists leaps off the page, making it impossible to put down. This quick read is packed with emotional intensity, sizzling passion, and a beautifully crafted storyline that pulls at your heartstrings.

Tracy Sumner masterfully weaves a tale of rekindled love, where past mistakes meet present desires, creating an irresistible tension that keeps you hooked. The characters are incredibly relatable, with genuine emotions and vulnerabilities that make their journey all the more compelling.

If you're looking for a romance that’s both heartfelt and deliciously steamy, "True Fate" is the perfect choice. A quick yet satisfying read that leaves you wanting more, this book is a testament to Sumner's exceptional storytelling. Highly recommended for all romance enthusiasts!
Profile Image for Rosie Trzewik.
872 reviews8 followers
May 6, 2025
A wonderful start to a new series! Love the throwback to the 90’s plus fun to listen to the author’s playlist. A short romance of second chances. Lainey is returning home to Promise, something she had promised yourself never to do. So many memories and heartbreaks are tied to the small town. Of course one of the first acquaintances she bumps into is her first love, well actually her only love. And Justin is as hot as ever!
Justin is tired of the NY lifestyle and is debating about moving back to Promise. His first step is opening an art gallery to showcase his paintings. During the town’s festival in walks the one person who broke his heart in a million pieces! Unfortunately with his anger is still passion, that obviously hasn’t changed.
Quick introduction into the True brothers and cousin. Even though it’s a novella the story was well written and beware there is some steamy parts. I always enjoyed reading the historical stories by Tracy Sumner and her new endeavor into the 1990’s is a hit. Can’t wait to read the next installment. #TrueFate #TrueMen
Profile Image for Carolina CHC.
311 reviews6 followers
Read
May 6, 2025
True Fate is a short novella that introduces the new series True Men, which follows the heartfelt journeys of three brothers and their cousin. Apparently, each of them carries deep emotional scars from parental abuse and personal trauma, hopefully with a satisfying happily-ever-after at the end.
In this opening installment, we meet Justin and Lainey—high school sweethearts who shared an unforgettable summer romance just before college. Their passion was intense, but life took them in different directions, leaving them heartbroken and separated for thirteen years. By a twist of fate, they reunite in the very place where it all began.
This novella is a steamy, emotional glimpse into their rekindled connection, laced with nostalgia and a playlist of 80s hits that transport you right into the era where the rest of the series will unfold.
It left me curious to read the following book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Alexandria Williams.
524 reviews63 followers
May 8, 2025
✨ Fall in love like it’s 1995… and try not to cry while listening to the playlist. ✨

Okay, True Fate is giving Sweet Home Alabama meets teenage heartbreak, and I am obsessed.

This quick-hit novella is packed with ALL the second-chance feels—and yes, I absolutely screamed when Lainey walked back into Justin’s life like no time (or 13 years!!!) had passed.

💔 First love? Check.
🔥 Chemistry that never cooled down? DOUBLE CHECK.
🎨 Small town charm + art galleries + a hero who paints?? Just bury me now.

Lainey’s life is crumbling in NYC, so she heads back to the hometown she swore off forever—Promise, South Carolina. What she doesn’t expect is to run face-first into Justin True: the boy she broke, the one she never stopped loving, and the man who basically set the standard (and ruined her for all others 👀). And babe he’s not just fine—he’s architect, owns-an-art-gallery, still-burns-for-you fine. 😮‍💨

“I never stopped loving you, Lainey.” — Justin. DEAD. I'M DEAD.

This novella may be short, but it reads like a full-length heart-melter.

The slow-burn? 🔥

The tension? So worth it.

And don’t even get me started on the 90s nostalgia—every reference, every song, every outfit transported me straight back in the best way.

Promise is small, but the emotions are BIG—and if this is just the start of the True Men series, I am READY. Bring on more broken hearts, steamy reunions, and all the spice. 🥵

💫 Second-chance. First love. All the feelings.
Don’t walk—RUN to read True Fate.
Profile Image for Kate Abbott.
214 reviews6 followers
May 14, 2025
I really felt the emotion between these 2 people, Teenage first time love that ended when he went away to college, she gave him up believing she was doing the best thing for him as she was from the wrong side of the tracks and didnt want to hold him back. Move on 13 years and due to a crisis in her life, she is back in her home town. immediately she bumps into Justin, who has had success in his business life. Both still hurt over the broken romance that has never healed. Can they ever learn to trust each other after all this time. Will the love grow beyond the physical.

My only wish is that this book had been longer, I love the authors writing style and have read past full length books. The steam level in this and the chemistry shine through even though it is a very quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,172 reviews65 followers
May 4, 2025
Lainey Prescott swore she’d never come back to Promise, South Carolina. But when her life goes pear shaped she heads for the only place that still feels like home. She’s not expecting to run into Justin True—first love, worst goodbye, and the man who ruined her for all others. Now he’s all grown up, a successful architect, dangerously steady, sexy, and entirely off-limits. Thirteen years ago they were each others’ first love
A novella that felt it was like a full length book, the characters had depth & were very likeable, the pace was good & this second chance romance ticked all the boxes for me. I loved both Justin & Lainey & loved the way they found each other again. A different genre for both the author & myself - I loved it & look forward to the rest of the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Profile Image for Smadma.
251 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2025
This is a great story about finally getting the one who got away. Lainey and Justin were brought up by dysfunctional parents which led them to make the decision to split up when they were young adults. No other relationship could match their young love and 13 years later they meet again with the possibility of a do over if they can get over the past. This is a wonderful quick read about 2 people who have matured and thrived but remained emotionally stunted.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for BookishMya.
1,109 reviews16 followers
May 9, 2025
Reading a new Tracy Sumner always fills me with the biggest sense of coming home. There is just something in her descriptions that taps into a sense of rightness. It creates a beautiful poetry of emotion and speaks directly to my heart. A true master of second chance romance, Sumner blends the angst of time lost with the longing of pining after your first heartbreak. Being separated from the other half of your soul, that is what this story is. Justin & Lainey were always meant to be but when you fall so young it’s hard to trust your heart. That’s where their story broke… too young to believe in forever, too scarred to trust in love. Years later they’ve grown, they’ve lived and they’ve lost. Now is their chance to reclaim the love they gave away. Trust the process, this short and tender story will get you where you’re meant to be. Surrounded by the love of Just & Lain everything is right & True!
2,311 reviews11 followers
May 6, 2025
I loved this story!
Just goes to show that one should never be afraid to explore something new.
This one had all the right feels, perfectly matched characters, super suspense, passion and a wonderfully told story. Really, what more could one ask for?
I read an early copy of this book and am delighted with it!
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,327 reviews55 followers
May 9, 2025
I love second chance romance and this one was so good! Lainey Prescott comes back to Promise, South Carolina and runs into Justin True, her first love. She’s never forgotten Justin and he’s even better (and sexier) now that he’s matured from the high school boy she knew. She knows she broke his heart, even though she was just trying to do the right thing. He had a bright future ahead of him and she thought she’d hold him back. Well, Justin sees her and all the anger and hurt he’s been holding on to for the last 13 years comes roaring back. But he just can’t seem to resist her no matter how hard he tries. And man, every interaction between these too left steam coming off the page. There was so much raw feeling and chemistry between them, there could only be one outcome. But getting there was so much fun! This is just the first in a four book series, so I’m looking forward to the rest of the stories to come.
460 reviews9 followers
May 10, 2025
Exciting start to a new series!

This book sets a great pace for this new series of books by Tracy Sumner. I adore all of her HR works and just her writing style in general. I’ve never been dissatisfied, and this book is no different.

Lainy and Justin were sweethearts in high school. They both had turbulent upbringings and that bonded them in ways nothing else could. Lainy had to push Justin away which led to a decade or more of estrangement between them. Once they are reunited, they can’t stop the burn of what they once shared. It’s so beautiful. There’s some angst, but there is also understanding and forward movement. Their chemistry is hot and while they fight the pull, they can never quite win that battle. It was fun watching them swirl around and get caught up together again and end up with an amazing HEA.

I can’t wait for the next one!
118 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2025
This is a new Genre for the author, and I was delighted to read the novella. It was a terrific start to a series about three brothers and a cousin.
They all suffered while growing up with abusive father’s, and I think that trust is an ongoing issue for all of them.
This story was full of emotions, and a second chance at love.
Congratulations Tracy on a fabulous story.
442 reviews
May 27, 2025
Thirteen years apart. A dual POV tale about high school sweethearts who broke up so he could chase his dreams. A long time gone from their hometown she returns 13 years after high school not expecting to see her old beau. The story unwinds around their reconnection, the feeling left format and the heartbreak that feels fresh all over again. The memory of the past, the trepidation of the present and the fear of the future has them stumbling around each other. Will the love they thought they had over a decade ago resurface? Can they trust that it won’t all end in heartbreak? Is the path forward one that has to weave thru the past? A entertaining quick tale that makes you want more.
Profile Image for Miaowwow.
94 reviews
May 10, 2025
This short novella, first in the True Men Series, is a little gem heartfelt, hot and leaves you wanting more. The two MC’s were just so good together. The next in the series is a full length novel and I can’t wait!

Set in a small town in South Carolina with a family theme, I love series with interconnected characters, back in the nineties pre high tech/social media era., so good 😂

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

This is the first contemporary romance I have read by Tracy Sumner. I am a big fan of her historical hot romances and look forward to more in the contemporary genre. Can definitely recommend her books.
212 reviews
May 14, 2025
it took me a few pages to get into it

Bc I only read Historical romance and this author is one of my favorite I decided to read this book. It took me a bit to get into it but the author is excellent in grabbing your attention that I was able to visualize the characters. I wish it was longer and has more depth but I understand this is Novella.
Profile Image for Cindy Stone.
258 reviews5 followers
May 27, 2025
Whether historical or contemporary, I love Tracy Sumner's stories. They give me a few hours' escape from the everyday travail and I find her characters realistic and relatable. Lainey Preston and Justin True are irresistible, apart and together. Lainey had pushed Justin away for the best of reasons, unselfish reasons, but Justin never understood that. All he saw was rejection. Thirteen years apart and they still love each other. What they have to work through to truly be together is wonderful. Can't wait for Campbell and Fontana's story in the next in this series! Although I received an Advanced Reader Copy, my opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
Profile Image for Alyssa C.
181 reviews11 followers
May 15, 2025
I love Tracy’s writing - what a fun little afternoon read!!

Though I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for CanditheBookworm.
388 reviews2 followers
May 15, 2025
Excellent start to a new series. Strong, enjoyable characters. Plot flows well. This story really flew right by for me and I was disappointed that it was over. Great summer read. Looking forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Melinda Greathouse.
372 reviews
June 11, 2025
This was my second foray into the world of Promise, SC. Justin and Lainey were together in high school but they’ve been apart now for 13 years. Second chance doesn’t always work for me, but in this story, it did. Their chemistry was hot and there was just a touch of angst to the story. Great short read introducing the True men.
Profile Image for Christina Bowling.
1,594 reviews15 followers
May 15, 2025
This was a fun start to the series and I had fun reading it. The plot was entertaining and the characters were likable. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Imromanticallyinvolved .
264 reviews17 followers
May 16, 2025
My initial thoughts:
Loved it! What an outstanding start to a new series in a new era for Sumner!

Formal review to follow...
Profile Image for Lynn61.
535 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2025
“She breathed him in, wondering how she’d made it this long without him.”

Made my heart melt and sing!!🎶. Lainey is back after leaving her small town Promise and the boy she loved behind. Both had untenable home situations that drove them apart. But will Justin be able to get past his anger of their breakup? So much heat and passion - the pages were steaming 😁. Don’t forget to check out the playlist!! I voluntarily reviewed a free advanced reader copy of this book.
112 reviews3 followers
May 18, 2025
True Fate by Tracy Sumner was a fun quick read introducing us to the True brothers of South Carolina. Justin True parted from his high school sweetheart, Lainey Prescott thirteen years before. Both Justin and Lainey have spent those years apart heartbroken and searching for something more. Good thing their paths in life led them back to Promise .

Sumner's exploration of the 1990s as a backdrop to her story is a fun change up from an author that tends to be write in the Regency or Victorian eras. Loved the playlist… although it is clearly revealing my age!

This novella is a great kick off to the series. Introducing readers to the community, this world is rich with characters and a setting to be explored. Justin and Lainey's story is authentic and steamy. Readers of Sumner's other books know she'll deliver great connections between characters. Looking forward to the next books in the series and hoping the weight won't be long.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Cindy Hardegree.
1,242 reviews7 followers
Read
May 24, 2025
Whoa, highly emotional and enticingly sexy as Justin and Lainey run into each other. Heartbreak thirteen years prior, springs anger, confusion, uncertainty and some really hot sex. This story for me had me wondering how many lovers regret their past relationships, how many get the chance to do it over. To correct what they feel in their heart was wrong. This story could’ve been heart wrenching but ended with a smile.
I received this book as an arc and I am voluntarily submitting my review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews

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