Moment of Truth

by Juri Hines

ESMEE has built a life she’s proud of—running her own coffeehouse, curating soulful poetry nights, and staying laser-focused on her success. Love? Not part of the plan.
But when a night out brings her face-to-face with LYNX—her old college study partner turned thriving contractor—everything shifts. Back then, he was too shy to say how he felt. Now, he’s confident, successful, and still carries a torch for her that she never knew burned.
When she hires him for a major renovation, it’s supposed to be all business. But Lynx has waited long enough, and this time, he’s not backing down.
MOMENT OF TRUTH is a second-chance romance about ambition, timing, and the kind of love that never lets go.

Genres: Romance

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2025

Reviews

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author, and it was cute. Esmee was raised to stay focused in everything she did, no distractions. I.E. men, per her father. Being the good girl that she is, she followed his teachings to the letter. However, when she reconnects with Lincoln, she rethinks her teachings.

Lincoln aka Lynx, done had a glow up. He met Eliza/Esmee in college and was feeling her something fierce. However, he didn’t have the courage to tell her at that time. Well, now Lynx is bold, and coming for what he wants.

Esmee gives him a hard time at first, but slowly allows him in, realizing that he is everything she didn’t know she needed. The way Lynx showed up for Esmee and loved her was beautiful. Their friend group was adorable and held each other down. Looking forward to Zena’s read.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was a moment

Yes, this story was a moment in reading time that was worth the journey. The couple felt like they belonged together. Their character voices were loud and clear for me. The emotional moments were something else. The writing was relaxing and enjoyable. I recommend this story.

[Dai’ TheBookBae · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 2nd book from Mrs Juri Hines & I can say I AM
NOT DISAPPOINTED. I loved how hardworking Esmee is & how she loved on her friends . I also loved how Lynx knew what he wanted and went for it . I wasn’t too crazy with the way he handled some things but that’s still bae lol . I loved me some Zena . The banter and comedy in this book was amazing and I just loved the geechie slang in this book . Definitely a 10/10 and would definitely recommend 💕

[Sisireia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glow up and Grow

This is my first read from this author. I will definitely read more of her work since she is a SC native like me. I enjoyed the story of Esmee and Lynx. I love the sisterhood amongst Esmee and her family. Esmee and Lynx were both thriving entrepreneurs and adds that missing piece to each other's lives. I love that Lynx stood firm in his manhood and didn't cave in. Very seldom do we see this strength in male characters. Lynx brought something to the table and easily earned his spot as a #bookbae.

[Nikita · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐️

[Imajin Consulting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful couple, funny dialogue & overall sweet, wholesome story❣️📚❣️

Love a story that has a good combo of love, life & laughter! A colorful cast of characters & strong family ties as well as friendships. Enjoyed the growth & entrepreneurship highlighted through Esmee, Lynx & the entire cast of characters in this thriving community. Fast-paced & entertaining - great continuation of Juri’s debut ‘Sparks in the Moment’.

[Tre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute story!

[lexx t · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moment of Truth by Juri Hines gave me all the second chance romance vibes I love. Esmee has built a life she is proud of, running her coffeehouse, curating soulful poetry nights, and staying focused on her goals. She is not really looking for love again, but when Lynx, her old college study partner, steps back into her life, everything shifts in the best way. Their reconnection has a smooth, soulful energy that instantly reminded me of Love Jones with its creative atmosphere and emotional pull.

One of my favorite parts of this story is the way Hines highlights other Black authors and cultural touchpoints. It feels warm and familiar, like a quiet nod to the creative community that shapes us. Since I am from South Carolina too, the cultural references added comfort and made certain scenes feel even more personal. The chemistry between Esmee and Lynx grows slowly and tenderly, and by the end it definitely picks up a little heat.

This book is more than a reunion. It focuses on healing, growth, and trusting yourself again after old wounds fade. Esmee’s journey is thoughtful, relatable, and beautifully grounded in community and artistry. I am giving it four stars because it is heartfelt and emotionally rich, and I only wish I could have spent more time with them.

[Shamoya Radcliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by the author, and I enjoyed it. This story follows Esmee & Lincoln, they met in college and was in the same study group. Fat forward to now they are both business owners, Esmee owns a coffee shop which she wants to renovate, and Lincoln owns several businesses and just acquired a gym. and cross paths again. Esmee doesn't have time for dating, she is focused on her business. Lincoln aka Lynx is happy to run into his childhood crush again and doesn't want to waste this second chance.

I love the small town, country vibes with the group of friends. for someone like Esmee, Lynx was exactly what she needs, a man who has experience being a boss, and wouldn't waste her time. I love who he was loving and patient but also let her know when she was being a little disrespectful. I enjoyed the friendships, the family dynamic, the southern charm.

[Alison Cleveland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a quick and engaging read—I was hooked right from the beginning! Lincoln/Lynx has officially been added to my list of book baes. 😍

What I really enjoyed was how the story explored the journey of a focused, driven, independent woman learning that there’s more to life than just work. It’s okay to want and need love, especially when it’s with someone who truly sees and supports you. The second chance romance was heartfelt and so satisfying to read.

Overall, a fun, romantic, and empowering story that left me smiling.

[Celesté · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Juri Hines. I got this during the #BRAE event. I adored how rich in life Esmee was. From the start her circle of sisters/cousins warmed my heart and reminded me of my own family support system. Lynx was applying every bit of pressure this go around. He was not letting his second chance get by and I loved that. He let her know right away that he was not here to play with her heart. Third act breakups usually annoy me because they’re usually do to some miscommunication but no, this one was warranted! I was sooo mad at how Esmee handled that! 😂

[Lucy Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good and quick read with an intriguing storyline. You want to keep reading to see what happens between Esmee and Lynx. I think Esmee is a relatable character as she's a strong, focused, independent, business woman, who has no time to waste. However, I love how confident Lynx is and how he's firm in what he stands for. I enjoyed watching their story unfold as the pages turned. It's a feel good story. I'm enjoy Juri Hines as an author and look forward to more of her work. Specially, I want to read Zena's story as she's been a bold character in the first two books.

[Shan ~A~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esmee & Lynx

My first by this author, but I'll definitely read more. Her writing style made it easy to read, but there were some issues in the editing department. The most obvious being when sentences or paragraphs were repeated.

I liked how driven Esmee was with her business, and how driven Lynx was with his businesses as well as his drive to make Esmee his woman.

And I ended up liking the secondary characters enough to want to know more about them.

[Kim Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt this in my spirit

This book was everything. The plot,setting and themes. I absolutely loved the poetry. I got some great quotes from this book for my motivation wall. Run don’t walk to purchase this one. This a new author to me and I’m excited to read her entire catalog.

[Kia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute romance

Cute and sweet romance where Lincoln finally got his chance to get his crush. Now Eliza almost lost him listening to her daddy but just like her grandma Ma May said, he got his love already he basically full of $#@t lol. Quick read that gives you all the romance vibes you need.

[India · Rating 4 out of 5]

review

Overall good book. It was one part that repeated itself but it didn’t take away from the book. Now Esmee/Eliza had me stressed the whole book! Girl you know you want Lynx! The daddy got on my nerves too cause sir you got a wife let someone love your daughter!

[Purple Lotus · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read!!

I looove the way he loved her! I am a huge fan of friends to lovers and second chance/one that for away. Juri nailed this one and I can’t wait to read about Zena!!