The Tempo of Truth

The Monsters Duet #3

by Jay Crownover

Winnie

Halliday is life's greatest winner…


She has money, power, influence, and a family that loves and supports her no matter how impulsive or improper her choices. Winnie has longed to step out of the shadow cast by the Halliday name, but even gilded cages are hard to break. After several years chasing the one who got away, her childhood crush turned infamous footballer, Kyser Kent, Winnie's about to return home. It's time for her to take on the role she was born to the first female CEO of her family's multi-billion-dollar business. It's a massive challenge, but nowhere near as difficult as explaining to Ky and the relentless press that the reason she wasn't alone upon her return could be traced back to a heated one-night stand in Portugal—an encounter her now downtrodden fling can hardly recall.


Kyser Kent is the world's biggest loser…


He has no money, no friends, and a reputation tarnished beyond repair. His dream career of playing professional football overseas was sidelined by bad luck and some seriously questionable decisions. From the moment he returned home, the familiar cage of poverty and disgrace trapped him behind familiar rust-covered bars he longed to escape. The thought of starting over makes him want to give up before he even begins digging himself out of suffocating debt and overwhelming disappointment.


Winnie saved Ky from himself when he hit rock bottom once before. Little did he know that night would tie him to the heiress for a lifetime and give him an undeniable reason to fight for himself—and for the family he never thought he'd have.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Dark, Dark Romance

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2025

About the author

Jay Crownover is the International and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, The Point and Breaking Point Series, and the Loveless, Texas series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.
GUYS!!! I finally have a newsletter, so if you want to sign up for exclusive content and monthly giveaways you can do that right here:
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You can email me at: JayCrownover@gmail.com

Reviews

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second volume with The Monsters Duet Series
💹 1. The Silence of Monsters - 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💹 2. The Sound of Secrets - 4.5 ⭐
💹3. The Tempo of Truth - September 18, 2025 - 4.5 ⭐
𝐀 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐃𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐇, 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐋𝐘 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐁𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄, 𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐊ⵑ !
[...]
A known devil is always better than an unknown angel.

𝗜 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3N6KPGL?...

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4,5 "Fight for..." stars***



"Winnie Halliday is the best and worst thing to ever happen to me."

Oh, how I was longing for Winnie and Ky's story when I finished reading "The Monsters Duet"!!!!
And Jay had gifted us with another story in the Halliday clan and now, I can say that this circle has finally come to a full turn!!!
Ky and Winnie's connection had shown to us in the second book of the duet and from that moment, we knew that these two were meant to be, but things are not going always according the plan...
They both made their choices and they walked to a path with no return....
Now, after six long years away from each other, their paths are going to cross again... For better or for worse, who really knows????

"After all this time, how was it possible for the two of us to still be orbiting around each other?
She was the sun, and I was a black hole."

Winnie Halliday has a heavy legacy upon her shoulders to keep carrying to the next generation...
For years, she avoided to take her rightful place, but now, it is time to return to her roots and take the reigns of the Halliday kingdom....
Now, she has to face head on everyone that ever doubt her, but Winnie is not alone anymore and her new status is arising questions... and now, she needs to find the courage to face her past alongside her newfound place as the head of her family's business!!!

"I could have anything I asked for -except for him. Ky had always been the one thing I wanted that I wasn't allowed to have."

Kyser Kent had made questionable choices over the years...
He was a professional football player until he throw his entire future away...
Now, he is struggling to meet dead ends while using his fists to earn some cash!!!
He is a loser in the public's eyes, but he doesn't give a damn what everyone are saying, even though the loss of his dream had taken a tool on him...
And now, Winnie Halliday is back into his life and she is changing everything that he thought he knew!!!
Now, these two had to find a balance to make space for each other in their lives, even though nothing is ideal between them....

"The only lie I told that I never convinced myself to believe was that Winnie Halliday meant nothing to me and that I wanted nothing to do with her, in my past, present, or future."

I loved Ky and Winnie very much!!!
Winnie had gone through many ugly things when she was younger and the name Halliday was a heavy cross for her to carry.... Still, she was determined to succeed in her new beginning, but Ky was always a part of her, even if he liked it or not...
Winnie was obsessed with this boy from the moment she met him... Yes, she stayed away from him for her own reasons, but now, that she is back, she wants him to be a part of her life no matter what...

"Ky was the only one who ever opened the door of the cage I was caught in. He reached through the golden wires and purposefully ruffled my feathers. Everyone else just stared at me from the outside and waited for me to do tricks or sit there and look pretty."

Ky was a misunderstood character... Yes, he had made many questionable choices over the years, but under the surface, he was a good man and he prooved that to us in here!!!
Yes, he wanted nothing to do with the Hallidays, but even though he was adamant that he never wanted Winnie, he was always having a soft spot for her... He just knew that she was unreachable for a man like him, even though she had save him many times and had show him her true feelings for early on... He was just too stubborn to accept that he could have her, if he would stop hating himself for his own reasons...

"Dealing with Winnie left me bruised and battered in places no one else could see. I had a sinking feeling that the sweetg and innocent girl from my memories had grown into my toughest opponent, and she'd learned not to pull any of her punches."

I really loved this couple.... They were always meant to be...
They just had to break off the cages that were keeping them imprisoned and to feel free to love each other without hesitation...
The bonus in here was as always Win... God, I love this man and I loved how supportive he was over Winnie's choices!!! I also liked how he included Ky in everything!!!
And the second bonus was Lowe.... No, I won't tell you more about him!!! You just need to read the story by yourselves to find out more!!!

"We were no longer spectators watching one another's lives pass by; we were playing the same game. And both of us were the thype who only played to win."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tempo of Truth is the latest release by author Jay Crownover. This novel is a continuation of sorts from the Monsters Duet. When readers met Winnie Halliday in the Monster’s Duet – she was a privileged child who was trying to find her way in a world of deception, chaos and uncertainty. In the Tempo of Truth – Winnie is a young 20-something making her own way within the Halliday empire. Ready to change the legacy that once belonged to her grandmother, Winnie is taking the reigns of the Halliday world by storm.

It’s not all smooth sailing, as Winnie painfully discovers. Resistance and change are traveling hand and hand as the newest Halliday tries to take this empire into the future. While the future is the main goal Winnie faces, her past has found its way into the present. Kyser Kent has never been far from Winnie’s mind, but now there is so much on the line. As Winnie tries to navigate the many faces of adulthood, she finds that Ky is once again an intrical part of her decision making (in more ways than one). Can Winnie have the corporate life and still balance her personal perils?

I was ecstatic to discover that Jay Crownover was giving fans another glimpse into the lives of the Halliday family. Winnie was a favorite character of mine, and I couldn’t wait to see how her life would shape up in adulthood. Ky is nothing short of ‘trouble in the making’. Always finding a way to have the best intentions but falling short of making decisions that wouldn’t evoke grave consequences. Winnie and Ky have an amazing bond as friends, which had been a stable force throughout the years. Now this friendship unfolds into something more as the two cross paths once more. Simply put – I LOVE Winnie and Ky. They have certainly traveled a bumpy road in life. Fans of the Monsters Duet can delve deeper into a relationship that has found the strength to withstand the hurdles that these two young adults must face. Don’t miss this ‘next chapter’ in the life of the youngest Halliday.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemplative and raw The Tempo of Truth was about coming to terms with the past and moving on to new beginnings for an emotional read.

This book was driven by a complex dark legacy that left its mark on childhood friends heiress Winnie Halliday and scandal ridden soccer star Kyser Kent. Coming full circle both Winnie and Ky were faced with some brutal self examinations in order to achieve the future they both yearned for. Both these characters were victims of the sins of their parents and showed the scars of it, causing them to face some scary truths so they did not repeat their parents' mistakes with the son they shared. Whereas Winnie was on an upswing in her life Ky was at rock bottom.

This pair each had their flaws from Winnie's stalker tendencies and penchant for ruthlessly getting what she wanted and Ky's tendency to self sabotage and take on the consequences of other's mistakes. You would think Winnie and Ky were doomed for a life of despair and loneliness yet Ms. Crownover found a way for this couple to focus on each other's redeeming qualities allowing them to offer each other salvation in a world that had not been kind to them. The sadness and decline of Ky to a man who had it all until he had nothing was hard to watch play out but with Winnie on his side, encouraging Ky whether he wanted it or not, and bringing out the fighter in him he was elevated to be her equal.

Winnie and Ky's was a deep seated love that went far beyond their physical attraction. They were both loyal and respectful of each other even in their darkest and most painful moments having an innate understanding of each other. This couple's mutual capacity for forgiveness was key to their love story and ability to find hope.

Jay Crownover's happy endings often are a result of overcoming seemingly insurmountable adversity. The Tempo of Truth, book three in this author's Monsters Duet, while less event and action focused, was the necessary and finishing touch to a well devised series. Sharp scrutiny of this writer's portrayals brought a level of depth that was well navigated. The Tempo of Truth proved the truth will set you free for a story steeped in love, history and hope!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

*This is book three of the Monsters Duet and the previous books should be read prior to this one.*

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Winnie's energy she brings. I even highlighted a quote from her. "A woman like me belongs wherever she wants to be." She took no crap, and was unapologetically herself. She didn't hide how all in she was with Ky, not once. I didn't like how she kept a secret for so long, but we all make choices and just hope they're the right one.

Ky is always on a struggle bus. But he's a good guy and steps up in all the ways. I especially love how he shows up at a retirement party, but I'll let you see for yourselves. The way these two grow together and become a team was awesome. This was actually a pretty quick and very enjoyable read.

[Arceli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay Crownover delivers another heart-gripping masterpiece with *The Tempo of Truth*! Winnie and Kyser’s story is raw, messy, and achingly beautiful, pulling you in from the very first page. I adored Winnie’s strength—she’s bold, determined, and willing to face the consequences of her choices while carving out her own identity. Kyser broke my heart in the best way; his vulnerability and redemption arc made me root for him so hard. The chemistry between them was electric yet deeply emotional, blending sizzling passion with tender, soul-deep love. This duet start is powerful, addictive, and unforgettable—Crownover at her absolute best!

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tempo of Truth is the perfect companion to the first two books in The Monsters Duet. Jay Crownover gives us Winnie Halliday's story after we met her as a sheltered child and got to watch her grow away from her evil grandmother, under the guardianship of her Uncle Win and Aunt Channing. Now, as a fierce 20-something, Winnie is back in New York and ready to take charge of the Halliday empire after a whirlwind life in Europe. She is one fierce young woman and I was rooting for her success every step of the way. But with a very intense encounter 6 years prior that changed her life forever, I was beyond curious as to how her continued love for the down and out Ky Kent and the secret she was keeping from him would affect both of them once they were face to face again.

Wow. I could not put this book down! Crownover sets the pace beautifully as she allows Winnie to take the reins from her Uncle Win and Uncle Alistair to make the family company her own. Her doubters are put in their place with such ease it's no doubt she is her grandmother's offspring. But it's her love of Ky that keeps her grounded even as his world is thrown for a loop over and over again. Once Ky is back in Winnie's life and he owns up to what they have created together, both are still under each other's spell. And it's just a matter of time before they become much more than just long-lost friends.

In fact, the passion between Ky and Winnie is incredible. Once they start, they can't stop and it was wonderful to see the heiress to the Halliday fortune shed her businesswoman persona and simply become that lovelorn teen again, more determined than ever to keep Ky forever. Ky is the boss in the bedroom and it's exactly what the newly-crowned CEO needs to counter all the mayhem she faces on a daily basis. In spite of the fact that Ky is as troubled as ever and still trying his hardest to be the man Winnie deserves, I'd like to think that their differences aren't all that great. In the end, it's only money that separates their status in life, because their hearts can help but be in sync.

Ky is selfless to a fault and may have actually made his life harder at times. But I love that Winnie sees him like no one else and that with her by his side, there is no question he can conquer the world once more. With all the surprises he faces in this book, I was impressed by his unwavering loyalty to Lev, his need to prove himself worthy of Winnie and his determination to make sure Lowe always knew that he would forever love and protect him. I can see why Winnie fell hard all those years ago for the one man who would always see her as his girl and not just the heiress everyone wants a piece of.

In addition, I have to make a quick mention of how incredible it was to see the Hallidays finally live the lives they wanted and not just the ones that were expected of them. Sure, the love between Ky and Winnie drives this book, but the unwavering loyalty from the rest of the family truly added that special touch that warmed my heart and soul. I can only hope that dreadful Colette will forever roll in her grave because her family at the notion that her family is thriving beautifully.

The emotions are there for the taking and I felt every single one and then some. Jay Crownover continues to create the kinds of stories I LOVE to read and with The Tempo of Truth, she has upped her writing game once again. Another winner for this remarkable author, I happily give this book a huge 5++ stars!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to be honest, I had a hard time trying to come up with the right words to write this review. It’s not often that I’m left speechless about a book. But The Tempo of Truth left me a little speechless in the best way ever. When I read the Monster Duet, I fell in love with the world and characters, so you can guess how freaking excited I was when I learned Winnie was getting a book, and let me tell you that I was so worth the wait!
We met Winnie back in the Monster Duet, and she was young and sheltered and trying to get some freedom. Now in the Tempo of Truth, she’s become a badass. I love businesswoman Winnie, she holds her own and doesn’t let anyone talk down to her, she holds her own and is smart, witty, and stubborn, which I love. But besides her being a businesswoman, she’s also a great mother. She loves her son and will protect him from anyone trying to do any harm to him. Winnie has really changed from the girl we met in her aunt and uncle’s books and I live for it! Honestly, if there was a word for Winnie, it would be badass. She handles everyone who tries to take her down with grace and the perfect vicious bite while at the same time being a loving mother. She really is that girl, in my book anyway.
Now let’s get into Kyser Kent, oh, Ky, Ky. He was something, and not a bad thing; he really surprised me. Gone was that teenager Ky who made some questionable choices, and in his place was a man down on his luck but trying as hard as hell to get it together. I loved his character. He was also trying to make his way in the world that he didn’t feel he belonged in. I loved seeing him come to terms with being a father and a partner to Winnie.
The relationship between Winnie and Kyser was so much fun to read. The two of them are complete opposites but they are so perfect for each other. They have a connection from the time they were teenagers to now; they share a bond that I had fun reading about. Not to mention that they are parents to a hilarious and adorable little boy, Lowe. They were the perfect duo in my opinion anyway, and I loved seeing them parenting together.
Winnie and Ky’s relationship was one of my favorite parts of the book, but also seeing Winnie be a badass and Ky having her back.
Not only that, I also enjoyed seeing the characters from the Monster Duet, Win and Channing, are still going strong, and I love that we got to see a sneak peek into their lives.
Just like I say in every review, Jay has done it again and written a wonderful book that left me a little speechless and in love with characters that aren’t afraid to fight for what they want. Also, for writing a curvy heroine who is able to hold her own and have her son, man, and family standing behind her, Winnie is my hero, and I love how strong she’s become, even after the grandmother that she had.
Happy Readings!

[Wildflower Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another belter by Crownover! I've bloody loved the Halliday's and this was a fantastic addition to the Monsters Duet.

This story centers on Winnie Halliday, the Halliday heiress with wealth, status, and enough family drama that fills the first two books 😊Having been abroad for a period of time, raising her son, she finally comes home to take her place as CEO of her family's illustrious family empire.

As Winnie returns she must not only face media scrutiny but also the father of her son, Kyser, her childhood crush with whom she had a one night stand who has yet to find out he's a father.

Kyser, a once famous footballer, has fallen far from grace; his life now marred by bad luck, poor decisions, debt, and damaged reputation. Winnie once rescues him before and reading what happens from this point on is pure magic made possible by Crownover incredibly story telling and her well developed intriguing characters.

This book thrives on Crownover's innate ability to pit characters from very different worlds against each other. Winnie has privilege, structure, expectations; Kyser, failure, messy life, public shame. Their friction sets up emotionally rich terrain. There’s natural conflict: the return home, the one‑night stand that changed things, their separate struggles. All that gives the book momentum and lengthens the emotional arc nicely.

What is also incredible about this story and what most definitely will draw readers in is Winnie’s struggles both external (media, family, expectations) and internal: guilt, fear, identity, longing. Kyser is dealing with self‑worth, regret, and the weight of what could have been. Crownover’s strength is in making these personal stakes feel real — the push‑pull of wanting connection while fearing vulnerability, of wanting redemption while distrusting one’s own capabilities.

This story has everything; romance, heat, banter, longing and setbacks. The chemistry between Winnie & Kyser comes through in scenes where neither has all the power, where each holds secrets, where each needs something more than the other might want to admit. For readers who like tension and obstacles in romance, there’s plenty.

[Sylviane BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempo of truth est le tome 3 de The Monster Duet.

en ce sens où vous l’aurez compris il faut lire les 2 tomes précédents pour bien comprendre l’histoire de Winnie et de tout ce que son nom Halliday implique.

Etre une femme, une jeune femme, mère célibataire avec un nom pareil est un lourd fardeau à porter, surtout lorsque vous devez faire vos preuves sans relache dans le monde des affaires et ce patriarcat incessant.
Elle a fait des erreurs dans la vie, elle a un héritage lourd à porter à cause de ses grands parents et elle a su grandir entourée d’amour grâce à son oncle et sa tante.
Mais voilà il est temps de rentrer au bercaille et de faire face à l’amour de sa vie, Ky, ce joueur de foot, avec qui elle a eu un fils, dont ce dernier ignore tout de son existence.

Ky aussi a fait des erreurs par le passé, le bad boy et il ne porte plus dans son coeur le nom des Halliday. Mais pour leur bien de leur fils, il doit faire avec.

C’est un tome très touchant avec 2 êtres marqués par leur passé respectif.
Ky va devoir pardonner à Winnie, tout en étant un père.
Winnie va devoir affronter ce monde d’affaires qui ne laisse rien passer aux femmes.

Ensemble ils vont devoir faire table rase du passé et ils vont se soutenir mutuellement.

Les Halliday c’est plus qu’un nom, et Winnie sait que la marche haute à atteindre ne sera pas sans efforts. Elle peut compter sur sa famille et sur Ky. Ils feront des erreurs c’est sur car ils sont encore jeunes, mais ces erreurs leur permettent d’être ce qu’ils sont pour le bien être de ce petit garçon, accro au foot.

Encore une fois, Jay a ce talent de nous emporter dans une histoire, de tenir en haleine les lecteurs. C’est ce que j’aie avec Jay, car je ne suis jamais déçue par ses mots, ses récits.

Pour moi c’est une autrice incontournable et je lis ces livres les yeux fermés, enfin non, mais vous m’avez compris.
Elle met toujours à l’honneur la famille de coeur et de sang et les secondes chances sont toujours importantes.

[Ptiteaurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

En route pour le 3ème tome de la saga VO de The Monster Duet de Jay Crownover. Si vous n'avez pas lu les précédents tomes, vous allez certes manquer des éléments mais la compréhension sera possible malgré tout. Après l'intensité des précédents tomes, on relâche un peu les tensions et on découvre une romance classique et efficace.

Winnie Halliday porte le poids de son nom. Elle a vécu un enfer mais elle a survécu et elle a avancé dans la vie. Ce que j'ai aimé chez elle est le fait qu'elle soit une femme forte. Elle est la PDG de l'entreprise familiale et elle ne se laissera pas marcher sur les pieds. Elle a survécu à Collette donc elle ne laissera pas des hommes décider de son destin. Elle va revoir son passé sur le devant de la scène car six ans se sont écoulés mais il est temps de s'ouvrir totalement. Elle ne peut plus cacher cette vérité et elle doit voir si elle peut faire confiance à notre héros. Il va devoir faire ses preuves et elle devra faire attention à son coeur.

Kyser Kent a connu la gloire dans l'univers du football afin sa descente en enfer. Il a fait un choix et en a assumé les conséquences. Il doit combattre pour survivre et a pu compter sur Lev pour le remettre sur le droit chemin en cas de besoin. Il est toujours entre deux eaux mais il sait aussi prendre ses responsabilités. La famille est importante comme nous le verrons avec sa mère Julia Kent et il va devoir faire un choix crucial. Je l'ai adoré dans ce nouveau rôle car on sent qu'il a cela en lui. Il ne se pense pas à la hauteur de notre héroïne mais il saura nous le prouver à maintes reprises.

Bref, un nouveau tome qui nous emmène dans les affres du pouvoir, qui nous fait réfléchir sur la place et la "légétimité" des femmes dans un milieu de pouvoir et d'hommes. J'ai été ravie de revoir les anciens personnages et prendre de leurs nouvelles.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you thought you couldn’t already love Win and Channing and Winnie any more, you’re wrong. If you thought Ky was easily figured out, you’re even more wrong. Brace yourself because this was the adventure I hoped to have with Winnie. This is the story she and Ky deserve. And Winnie more than proves that she is worthy of everything her uncles worked to prepare her for and to give her.

Winnie takes no prisoners. She knows she’s living in a man’s world and that people are going to judge her far more harshly than they would dare judge a man in the same situation. A single parent. Young. Maybe a nepo-hire, if gossip is to be believed. But nobody realizes just how Winnie has literally spent her entire life preparing to be the next Halliday head to wear the crown or the one to rule them all. She and Ky may have a lot to work through, but she’s still that woman who keeps her first and only love in her heart, while he convinces himself he doesn’t have a heart, even though he clearly does and he clearly gave it to her. They communicate, they collaborate, they handle all that comes their way. They trust and support and her family does the exact same for Ky that they would for Winnie.

Trust me when I say that Win is spectacularly wonderful and knows what there is in Ky that makes him worthy, even when Ky doubts himself. And trust and Ky and Winnie can and will find their way to a future that is exactly what they both need so they can feel free of any shadows clinging to their feet.

Find a comfortable spot. Hydrate. And buckle up because this is a wild ride that manages to never get mired in the mud that tries to stop the new rulers from taking their rightful places at the helm.

[Soly's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

J'ai beaucoup aimé la duologie "Monsters duet" de Jay Crownover (ils sont chroniqués ici bien sûr) et ai été ravie d'apprendre qu'elle écrivait enfin l'histoire entre la nièce des héros principaux des deux premiers tomes "Winnie Halliday" et le garçon qui l'attirait "Kyser Kent", un jeune homme avec une famille et une histoire compliquée mais à côté des Halliday, ce n'était qu'un petit joueur : ce dernier l'a sauvée d'une situation compliquée mais... il a été accusée à tort d'avoir participé à cette situation (je n'en dis pas plus) et il a dû quitter la ville.

Jay Crownover explore donc ici l'alchimie qu'on a perçue lorsqu'elle était adolescente mais elle attend que les années passent afin que leur histoire soit crédible et recevable. Les années ont passé mais la jeune Winnie n'a pas oublié celui qui faisait battre son coeur et quand un soir, ce dernier qui vient de voir son rêve d'être footballer professionnel se briser, il la retrouve sur son chemin et alors qu'il a bu plus que de raison, ils passent la nuit ensemble et... rien. Or, des années après, Winnie qui doit prendre la place de son oncle à la tête du conglomérat Halliday, sort de sa "cachette" et ramène avec elle, un jeune fils, âgé de presque 6 ans et qui est le portrait de Ky. Ce dernier qui a vécu une vie assez sombre et violente depuis pourra-t-il accepter d'être le père dont il a besoin? Quid de leurs malentendus et non-réponses? Comment pourraient-ils construire une vie alors que tout les sépare? Winnie s'apprête à être une femme d'affaires très recherchée mais contestée en raison de son jeune âge et Ky vit de combats ou sert de sparring partner à de futurs combattants dans un club à la réputation pas toujours nette. Mais si les années ont passé, ces deux-là sont toujours attirés l'un par l'autre mais il leur faudra affronter de nombreux obstacles pour trouver le bonheur qu'ils sont en droit de mériter malgré leurs histoires familiales compliquée.

chronique complète ici : https://solysbooks.blogspot.com/2025/...

[Tara Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite it this series. Winnie has always intrigued me due to the fact that she bucked her upbringing and tried to live a normal life, even with her psycho grandma. She has always been enthralled with Kyser Kent, but circumstances seemed to keep them apart. Kyser Kent is the boy from the wrong side of the tracks that saved her when she was younger. He always knew/felt like he wasn't good enough for the heiress, but that didn't stop him from wanting Winnie in his life.

Now that they are adults, she has finally come back to town to take over the family company. She definitely wants to run things differently, but the board pushes back on everything. There were times, where Ky was concerned, that I didn't care for how she interacted with him, but by the end I understood and respected her for those decisions. Ky, for as much as he wants to hate her for the secret she kept from him, can't do it. He has always wanted her for her, not her money.

I liked how each of them had thier faults, but didn't shy away from them. I also appreciated that she always saw the good in him, she was just waiting for him to catch up. I feel like he grew the most in this book; at first he had a massive chip on his shoulder and wouldn't accept help at all. Eventually, he realized that some help was needed and he came in to his own. His relationship with Lowe, was sweet and showed yet another side to Ky. The revenge Winnie exacted on Ky's behalf showed how strong and formidable she is, she definitely went with the long game.

I love Jay's writing and can't wait to see what she comes up with next. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[mysticalblaise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tempo of Truth is the third book in The Monsters series by Jay Crownover.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 stars
💼 Curvy girlboss heroine
🥊 Second Chance
💼 She may have a heart but she can be ruthless
🥊 Secret kid
💼“You're too good for me, Winnie.”
🥊 Dual POV
💼 Family Drama
🥊 Forced proximity
💼 It's always been him


The Tempo of Truth picks up right where The Sound of Secrets hinted, and because of this, you can read this book as standalone. As always, read Jay's notes at the beginning and end of the book for some interesting insight into her choices and writing.

In this book, we continue the story of Winnie Halliday and Kyser Kent. In the first two books, Winnie and Ky were teenagers driving her uncle crazy. At the end of Secrets, Winnie jets off to Europe to study at university. Only, she also has another motive; following her crush Ky around as his soccer career takes off. A bad night for Ky and a chance meeting with Winnie leads to reckless decisions, Winnie is forced to grow up quick. Six years later, Winnie finds herself in charge of her family's business empire and is once again in the spotlight. When questions arise about her past, she's forced to confront them...and Ky, who is once again living in New York in her orbit. As the two navigate a new normal and new enemies in their old stomping grounds, can they ignore their undying attraction?

The plot itself was well-paced and is a fun, easy read. I really enjoyed how the plot fit in with the first two books and I loved seeing/hearing about he HEA of the other characters. Also the length of this book? Perfect. It's so refreshing to read a contemporary novel that isn't 450+pages

Speaking of the characters, I love Winnie and Ky and have since the first books. I was so looking forward to their story when it was hinted at the end of The Sound of Secrets and I was not disappointed. There's just something about a good girl/bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks that Jay always does so damn well. Winnie coming into her own was :chef's kiss:. And Ky learning not only how to love and how to BE LOVED? Amazing. Oh, and then there's Lowe. What a cutie pie.

If you love a second chance where love conquers all and were the monsters can be heroes too, The Tempo of Truth is your next read!

Thank you to Jay Crownover for a copy of this ARC.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start out by saying you HAVE to read The Monsters Duet-The Silence of Monsters and The Sound of Secrets-
before reading this or you will be very confused and will not get the full effect of their story.

Winnie and Ky have a long history together… one that both separate and together had been full of chaos, drama, danger, trust issues, different lifestyles and lots of morally gray decisions from not only them but everyone in their lives.

It is an emotion packed and emotion invoking story that has you committed to the book right away. 2 people who can’t seem to catch a break end up connected together as teenagers through first love, obsession and a dangerous situation with dangerous people. As they ended up in separate settings and time passed Winnie kept her obsession, her infatuation, her determination to love him and to let him know. Ky has always tried to keep her at arms length because he doesn’t know how to be what she wants or needs in her whirlwind of a life. Fate decided things between them were to be tied together forever after a night where inhibition was overlooked and the heat and first love feelings took over. From it came Lowe… a surprise I was expecting while reading as much as Ky was. There story only continues to be a rollercoaster of events and emotions. And it is worth every moment. 🖤

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: This review is for an ARC provided by WordSmith Publicity and is my unbiased opinion.

The Monsters Duet was one of my very favorite of Jay Crownover's books, so I was SUPER excited when I saw she was going to be releasing a book about Winnie and Ky. I am so happy we didn't have to wait too long for it!

Winnie and Ky's romance was addictive. The soap opera vibes continued from the previous books. These two had a past to make peace with along with a present to fight for. I loved seeing where life had taken them up until this point and how their lives were woven together even years they were apart. Both did a lot of growing up and it was fun to see that continue on page. Winnie and Ky's chemistry and dynamic were highly charged. The push and pull between them was fun to read. I enjoyed all the dastardly deeds that brought them together and made them a united front. I loved their love for each other and the family they created. I also loved seeing some familiar faces from the previous books to help them along the way.

I know this is a lot of words tiptoeing around the story, but I don't want to give anything away! Just know you're in for an action packed romance that will make you sad the last page ever comes. Now, I need Lowe aged up for a book of his own!

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this story and then thought no, and I went back and read the first two books. And now I get it. I totally wanted Winnie’s story 😊

Winnie Halliday, she’s a heiress and like all the wealthy heiress’s she has family drama galore. She’s been abroad for a while, raising her son, but she came home to take her place as the CEO of her
family’s family empire.

Coming home doesn’t just mean dealing with the business, media, and family, but also with the father of her son, Kyser. Her childhood crush, she had a one night stand with. And another little secret, he doesn’t know that his a dad.

Kyser, was a famous footballer, but things have not been going great for him. Debt, damaged reputation, and bad luck… Hmm really not going great.

This story was so great. These two each has their own issues and some issues between them to overcome. But what didn’t change was their attraction for each other. And how they both grew into their new normal.

Romance, banter, and amazing chemistry between these two were so great, if only they could get out of their own ways. I haven’t read a Jay Crownover story in so long, but it was definitely like coming home to an old friend 😊Enjoyable read 😊

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner

[Marian Chawner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a heart rendering story of long lasting love between to opposites of the social structure finding away through love trust and honesty to make things work. However all powers that be are against them. In the wings are a dedicated bunch of dedicated characters that all have greed, wrong doings and self gratification as their main agenda. To bring down an empire, explore anyone and anything, and even turn to killing and slander to achieve. Willow had a very difficult child hood, and also faces a difficult situation. Her name moves mountains due to the wealth that goes with it, but so does the control for some to discredit her to achieve their own disgusting desires. She is not a push over though, a single mom, with a delightful strong willed son, Lowe, whom she has sheltered for 5 years, even from his Dad Ky. Ky has always been if a protective nature. Given many raw deals, and running totally on the opposite tracks. His son is a different story. A beautiful heart warming story evolves,. Previous characters play a significant part and new unpleasant ones do too. Ther is a HEA, eventually but not without drama, revealstions, and tears. A great series by a fabulous easy to read, gritty author.

[Anima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the duet books about half brothers Win and Alistair, their story was terrifying and exciting. Winnie is their niece, mom died when she was little, and they’ve raised her to be the next CEO of Halliday Inc. Winnie lived abroad attending college and working, but eventually decided to come home and work for the family business. She’s strong minded, independent and head over heels for the bad boy of her youth. Kyser, Ky, is a former footballer with a gambling reputation and fights in underground matches. You can’t get any more opposite than these two but love is blind. Going into their story I was expecting the same vibe as the duet series, but this was definitely different than planned. Our villain showed up pretty early but the evil acts were quick and not up to the normal suspense I had experienced previously. Readers should read the duet series since there are many references to grandparents misbehaving and while the author does well sliding reminders into the story I could see new readers not understanding the significance of events. I was able to read an advanced copy and have written my review voluntarily.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to find out we'd get a future view into the Halliday family. Now a young adult, Winnie returns to take over as CEO of the company. She's come home with a five year old, and she has to track down Ky to make him aware. In the years since their one night, Ky has fallen farther from his football stardom, while Winnie spent her time focused on being a mother and studying business.
Winnie and Ky don't start from the best place. He's holding a grudge that she even asked if he had something to do with her kidnapping. She's trying to let her son have a father but needs Ky to be reliable and stick around, and follow some rules. Danger finds them both. Luckily Ky evaluates his feelings and comes to the conclusion Winnie's always had - they should be together.
I loved seeing where the characters ended up, especially Winnie. She took in everything she was taught and everything that happened to her, plus all her advantages, and she figured out how to run things the way she wanted. Plus she knew what she wanted for love and didn't settle. She and Ky love each other for who they are, not what else they bring to the table.

[Katie Koziczkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tempo of Truth was an emotional, intriguing, and sometimes intense book. Winnie and Ky are from very different walks of life. They're very different people and handle their problems in very different ways. Winnie is the new CEO of Halliday Inc. who faces criticism constantly based on how she's living her life and running the business. But she's one tough cookie who knows what she wants and goes for it, despite what others have to say about it. I like that she doesn't change based on what other people are saying. And she definitely knows how to handle the kind of people who do her and her family wrong. Ky is a fighter, both mentally and physically. He's had a rough life, but he fights through it and always comes out on the other side. I liked seeing him grow throughout the book and realize what is most important in his life. I love him and Winnie together, I think their differences make them a really strong couple, and nothing can stop them. Lowe is an absolute cutie-pie! He was easily my favorite part of the book! The storyline was interesting and kept me hooked from start to finish. *I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

[Tripip · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun to read a story where the roles are reversed – she was the multi-billion dollar heiress, he was the one struggling. I was skeptical that Winnie could handle the responsibility since she was previously quite insecure and fragile but she seemed to have found her backbone and direction once she had Lowe, her son. And while one might think that Winnie was just given the empire, she proved herself strong enough to not buckle under scrutiny.

I especially loved watching Ky’s growth in self assurance. While he had good intentions, he seemed to self sabotage thinking that he was not deserving. It was wonderful to watch him find himself as a man and as a father during his interactions with Winnie and Lowe.

There is not a lot of action in this story but it is an impactful read as we follow the emotional and personal growth of the characters.

I would have liked an explanation on how the fractious relationship between Ky and Helio, her security guard, became more amenable since they are two important characters to Winnie.

I received a free copy from the author. This is my unbiased review.

[Trader (RedHotBlueReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tempo of Truth is part of The Monsters Duet as a companion novel and contains characters introduced in The Monsters Duet. You might want to read The Monsters Duet before taking on The Tempo of Truth, but you can probably catch on without them.

Winnie finally takes the reins of family business and has to show a considerable amount of spine as her position is challenged. I liked Winnie -- she can be tough and focused. She's had a few life lessons that help her be tough and she's quite entertaining.

Ky returns home broken and battered, but when he re-acquaints with Winnie, things definitely take a turn for the better. He might get a second chance at love in spite of everything he's been through. But there is still a matter of a big secret and a one night stand years ago that can impact everything.

The Tempo of Truth is an easy-to-read romance with characters that still have lessons to learn and room to grow. I liked Winnie and Ky!

[Nicole ReadingBetweenTheSheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just don’t know where to start with this review! There was so much I absolutely loved about The Tempo of Truth…

Let’s start with Winnie. The Halliday heiress. The kick-ass, take-no-prisoners, manipulative (only when necessary), single mom.

Now Kyser Kent. Ky, Ky, Ky…Ex-socc…er…I mean…Ex-Football player. A bad-ass, don’t-do-me-wrong, broke, vengeful, faithful to a fault, fighter.

“The kid might not owe me anything, but the same can’t be said for you. Even if I have zero ulterior motives where Lowe’s concerned, it’ll never be that way with you. There’s no limit to what you owe me for keeping this secret from me all these years. We’re far from even.” ~ Ky

This book was just all-around-incredible. The characters and storyline were so strong! Author Jay Crownover absolutely nailed this follow-up to the Monsters Duet.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this amazing series, and this is Winnie and Kyser’s journey.
Winnie has wealth, power, and a family who will support her no matter what, and she is she is ready to become the first female CEO in her family’s multi billion business. Kyser is a man who is down on his luck, and his dream of becoming a professional football player, has been sidelined due to a series of bad luck. Can these two get a happily ever after, or is it too late?
This is a well written story which has family, friendships, emotions, secrets, challenges, opposites attract, stalker, humour, witty banter, making choices, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, an unpredictable page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

During her time away Winnie has transformed from a girl trying to find herself to a woman who is a force to be reckoned with. She has returned to take control of the family dynasty but with that it also means facing the boy from her past who changed the course of her life as well as the forces who don’t want her to succeed.

Ky is a man who makes decisions based on emotions which haven’t always given him the results he wanted. He has never felt that he was worthy of Winnie but learning about her secret makes him determined to be the man she needs and her equal partner in all areas of their lives.

From the time that they were teenagers the lives and hearts of Winnie and Ky were always connected even if they weren’t together. Being together not only makes them stronger but also the best versions of themselves as they fight for the life and love they are creating.

[Pamela Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I realise all the Hallidays aren’t good people, but I’ve got to say, Winnie is beyond good, she’s got all the good from the best Hallidays, along with her love and tenacity. Persistence is key when it comes to Kyser Kent, and Winnie has that in spades. She’s always known Ky was the one for her, it’s a shame that Ky didn’t get the memo. After one night with Ky, Winnie is left with the best of presents. She just needs to prove everyone she knows what she’s doing, and that Ky is worthy of the title she wants to bestow upon him. Winnie is no pushover, she knows what she wants and she’s willing to do what it takes to get her happy ever after. A wonderful read from start to finish. The author has a knack for creating strong, independent women who can always make the best out of a bad situation. I love that about her.

[Krystyn Mast · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are fans of Jay Crownover's work then you know she does bad boys so good!!! I absolutely loved Ky as a character. He was the perfect match for Winnie and shows that a real man can be ok with a strong female and let them thrive. If you have not read the Monster Duet then read that first. In those you meet Winnie when she was a child and get some back story on her. This book is her all grown up and securing her love. You will absolutely fall in love with Winnie in all the books but especially this one. If you love a strong female lead who takes charge and does not need anyone to handle things for her then Winnie is your girl. She changes a lot from a child in the previous books to and adult in this book but all in the best ways. This book is something special.

[C 12 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️The Tempo of Truth is the third (spin off) of the Monsters Duet series. I haven’t read the first two books but I found it easy enough to read as a standalone.

What to expect:

second chance romance
Secret baby
unrequited love / first love
stalker tendencies
opposites attract
curvy fmc
she fell first / he falls harder
princess vs pauper
i will make the world burn for you

I haven’t read a book where a lot of the tropes are the reverse to the standard story, which was refreshing but although it was well written I found it a bit immature. It reminded me of a soap opera storyline and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, it isn’t for me.

I received an eARC in exchange for my honest review.