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Truth and Tinsel: A Marriage In Crisis Romance
She stopped begging for his love. Will he start fighting for hers?
Mia Winter spent six years unconditionally loving her husband, working hard to fit into his world, which didn’t make room for her.
Aiden let the weight of family expectations blind him to the woman who gave him her whole heart, and he made a terrible mistake, one his wife witnessed.
This Christmas, Mia is done holding onto…nothing, which is what she feels her marriage is. Under the tree, she puts only one gift for her husband, divorce papers, wrapped very nicely with a bow and everything.
She leaves him, taking her broken heart and her dignity (plus a chunk of his fortune) with her.
Aiden knows he’s lost the woman who was his reason for living—and if he doesn’t fight for her now, he’ll lose her forever. He wants a second chance, but Mia’s love isn’t unconditional anymore. If he wants her back, he’ll have to prove he’s the man she—and their future—deserve.
Truth & Tinsel is an emotional marriage-in-crisis romance and features your favorite
💔 Marriage in Crisis
💔 Betrayal & Grovel
💔 Other Woman Drama
💔 Infidelity (a kiss)
💔 Holiday/Christmas
💔 Complete Standalone
💔 HEA (between the main couple)
Trigger In this story, the hero shares a kiss with another woman, witnessed by the heroine. If infidelity is painful or triggering for you, please take care of yourself and skip this book. Your well-being always matters more than a story. Author’s This book has a happy ending between the main couple; so, if you like romances where the heroine finds a new man, this book isn’t for you. But if you like a book where the heroine scorned goes scorched earth, and the hero goes full-on grovel, keep reading…
Mia Winter spent six years unconditionally loving her husband, working hard to fit into his world, which didn’t make room for her.
Aiden let the weight of family expectations blind him to the woman who gave him her whole heart, and he made a terrible mistake, one his wife witnessed.
This Christmas, Mia is done holding onto…nothing, which is what she feels her marriage is. Under the tree, she puts only one gift for her husband, divorce papers, wrapped very nicely with a bow and everything.
She leaves him, taking her broken heart and her dignity (plus a chunk of his fortune) with her.
Aiden knows he’s lost the woman who was his reason for living—and if he doesn’t fight for her now, he’ll lose her forever. He wants a second chance, but Mia’s love isn’t unconditional anymore. If he wants her back, he’ll have to prove he’s the man she—and their future—deserve.
Truth & Tinsel is an emotional marriage-in-crisis romance and features your favorite
💔 Marriage in Crisis
💔 Betrayal & Grovel
💔 Other Woman Drama
💔 Infidelity (a kiss)
💔 Holiday/Christmas
💔 Complete Standalone
💔 HEA (between the main couple)
Trigger In this story, the hero shares a kiss with another woman, witnessed by the heroine. If infidelity is painful or triggering for you, please take care of yourself and skip this book. Your well-being always matters more than a story. Author’s This book has a happy ending between the main couple; so, if you like romances where the heroine finds a new man, this book isn’t for you. But if you like a book where the heroine scorned goes scorched earth, and the hero goes full-on grovel, keep reading…
364 pages, Paperback
Published December 17, 2025
1162 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Maya Alden
51 books1,079 followersA top 20 Amazon Bestselling Author, Maya Alden pens angsty contemporary romances.
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December 24, 2025Literally 12 percent in 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Cheaters do be cheating but the lengths he has gone Jesus Christ
they flagged my review, just know he KNEW full well what he was doing and cheating profusely don't tell me no physical bullshit even took OW to Paris at Eiffel Tower for a romantic dinner at THEIR ANNIVERSARY always called OW sweetheart (he knew he was crossing lines even with the work wife bullshit but did not care)
no grovel doormat fmc. FMC and MMC even blamed FMC for him cheating on her
Cheaters do be cheating but the lengths he has gone Jesus Christ
they flagged my review, just know he KNEW full well what he was doing and cheating profusely don't tell me no physical bullshit even took OW to Paris at Eiffel Tower for a romantic dinner at THEIR ANNIVERSARY always called OW sweetheart (he knew he was crossing lines even with the work wife bullshit but did not care)
no grovel doormat fmc. FMC and MMC even blamed FMC for him cheating on her
December 20, 2025
I loved, loved, loved this story! The plot, the writing, the characters were amazing!
This story is a marriage in crisis with a neglected wife for the last two years, uncovered for pretty much their whole marriage, with cheating both physical and emotional (one kiss).
The heroine is someone who you could describe as a doormat until the betrayal where she finally snaps and grows a backbone. I truly loved the Christmas scene where she gives a piece of her mind to every member of his family who didn't want her from the very beginning.
The hero is someone who avoids confrontation with pretty much everyone just because to stop until he realises how much these actions affected his marriage. He does a 180 flip and gives the finger to every one in his family as a way to redeem himself not just for his marriage and to gain back his wife but also for him as he realises how toxic they are and he will never be happy no matter what. I love when they cut off toxic people from their lives. Life is too short not to live it the way you want.
The decline of their marriage in this case is both their fault. The hero who started to work long hours and looking forward to being with the other woman and the heroine who didn't speak for herself from the very beginning cause she was insecure and felt that she didn't deserve him.
I loved how the hero redeemed himself and he put his wife's needs first even though he was hurting. And I loved that the heroine made him work for it.
The author did an amazing job writing this story because it affected me emotionally so much. I may have cried a couple of times. Or more. Ok I was sobbing in some scenes too. My heart hurt for the heroine and the betrayal that she encountered. Also I hurt for her bff and Cristiano and his loss. My heart hurt for the hero too and the devastation he felt when he realised how wrong was his actions, not only the kiss but way before it. And the despair when he loses what he loved most. But despite this story breaking my heart, it stitched it back together and by the end I was an emotional wreck in a good way.
I've already put it in my favourites list and will be re reading in the first chance. After my heart eases a little
This story is a marriage in crisis with a neglected wife for the last two years, uncovered for pretty much their whole marriage, with cheating both physical and emotional (one kiss).
The heroine is someone who you could describe as a doormat until the betrayal where she finally snaps and grows a backbone. I truly loved the Christmas scene where she gives a piece of her mind to every member of his family who didn't want her from the very beginning.
The hero is someone who avoids confrontation with pretty much everyone just because to stop until he realises how much these actions affected his marriage. He does a 180 flip and gives the finger to every one in his family as a way to redeem himself not just for his marriage and to gain back his wife but also for him as he realises how toxic they are and he will never be happy no matter what. I love when they cut off toxic people from their lives. Life is too short not to live it the way you want.
The decline of their marriage in this case is both their fault. The hero who started to work long hours and looking forward to being with the other woman and the heroine who didn't speak for herself from the very beginning cause she was insecure and felt that she didn't deserve him.
I loved how the hero redeemed himself and he put his wife's needs first even though he was hurting. And I loved that the heroine made him work for it.
The author did an amazing job writing this story because it affected me emotionally so much. I may have cried a couple of times. Or more. Ok I was sobbing in some scenes too. My heart hurt for the heroine and the betrayal that she encountered. Also I hurt for her bff and Cristiano and his loss. My heart hurt for the hero too and the devastation he felt when he realised how wrong was his actions, not only the kiss but way before it. And the despair when he loses what he loved most. But despite this story breaking my heart, it stitched it back together and by the end I was an emotional wreck in a good way.
I've already put it in my favourites list and will be re reading in the first chance. After my heart eases a little
September 13, 2025
The snips of Dementia was an accurate account of one of the many heart breaking moments when living with this disease.
Now for the big plot point. Cheating. I pretty much always want a new H when cheating is involved. This one is different in a few ways but still difficult to understand how he allowed it to get to the point of a kiss. He mentions a few times that the OW kissed him. (He returned the kiss for a few seconds before pushing her away). The thing is that he allowed her to get close to feel like she had the right to kiss him that he would want to kiss her that he would welcome it. He did briefly return the kiss. There was reflection on how he liked her company and spending time with her. He even thinks he wanted to kiss her in the months leading up to the kiss. Then in other thoughts he is thinking how he never wanted her physically. He also missed up hugely in other ways like going on business trip to Paris with OW (he had previously given h a IOU trip to Paris) he takes OW out for romantic dinner and it was his and h’s anniversary. So very much an emotional affair for almost two years before the kiss occurs. He does not tell h about the kiss and feels guilt and debates it in his mind. It blows up because h saw the kiss the OW made sure of that. They divorce but the H gets the h to agree to 8 dates of 6 hours each so he can try to win her back. His family were all horrible people and there was drama from that as well.
The H ends up losing his job and the OW falls flat on her face. The h has some great scenes like getting the father in law in the 🥜.
The twist was also how cheating was explained as being a symptom of a marriage in trouble not the cause. Here is where I don’t fully agree. Cheating is a choice. If your marriage is in trouble or you are struggling with feelings for another or are not happy you owe respect to your partner and to your history to be up front and tell them you want to work on the marriage or you want to separate before getting involved with someone else. Sometimes cheaters cheat crime of opportunity while feeling good about their marriage. Sometimes cheaters cheat are selfish and want the one they love but want to continue hot encounters with others. It comes down to choices and this one was choice after choice of the H putting OW and his family ahead of h. He had ample opportunities to stop that in its tracks but he did not. The kiss in this one was used like a wake up call for the H and he starts to see how wrong he was. So the good thing was he did not go further but the bad is that it even got close to that point. The h also was not assertive enough in voicing her discomfort and how she was feeling but that does not excuse the H’s actions. You know the saying of how I react is on me.
They work through their issues and I did believe the HEA. It felt like parts were very realistic how people drift apart. I did find the back and forth of H on how he saw the OW was not really consistent. One minute not attracted next for months wanted to kiss her. That being said overall this was a very good read.
Now for the big plot point. Cheating. I pretty much always want a new H when cheating is involved. This one is different in a few ways but still difficult to understand how he allowed it to get to the point of a kiss. He mentions a few times that the OW kissed him. (He returned the kiss for a few seconds before pushing her away). The thing is that he allowed her to get close to feel like she had the right to kiss him that he would want to kiss her that he would welcome it. He did briefly return the kiss. There was reflection on how he liked her company and spending time with her. He even thinks he wanted to kiss her in the months leading up to the kiss. Then in other thoughts he is thinking how he never wanted her physically. He also missed up hugely in other ways like going on business trip to Paris with OW (he had previously given h a IOU trip to Paris) he takes OW out for romantic dinner and it was his and h’s anniversary. So very much an emotional affair for almost two years before the kiss occurs. He does not tell h about the kiss and feels guilt and debates it in his mind. It blows up because h saw the kiss the OW made sure of that. They divorce but the H gets the h to agree to 8 dates of 6 hours each so he can try to win her back. His family were all horrible people and there was drama from that as well.
The H ends up losing his job and the OW falls flat on her face. The h has some great scenes like getting the father in law in the 🥜.
The twist was also how cheating was explained as being a symptom of a marriage in trouble not the cause. Here is where I don’t fully agree. Cheating is a choice. If your marriage is in trouble or you are struggling with feelings for another or are not happy you owe respect to your partner and to your history to be up front and tell them you want to work on the marriage or you want to separate before getting involved with someone else. Sometimes cheaters cheat crime of opportunity while feeling good about their marriage. Sometimes cheaters cheat are selfish and want the one they love but want to continue hot encounters with others. It comes down to choices and this one was choice after choice of the H putting OW and his family ahead of h. He had ample opportunities to stop that in its tracks but he did not. The kiss in this one was used like a wake up call for the H and he starts to see how wrong he was. So the good thing was he did not go further but the bad is that it even got close to that point. The h also was not assertive enough in voicing her discomfort and how she was feeling but that does not excuse the H’s actions. You know the saying of how I react is on me.
They work through their issues and I did believe the HEA. It felt like parts were very realistic how people drift apart. I did find the back and forth of H on how he saw the OW was not really consistent. One minute not attracted next for months wanted to kiss her. That being said overall this was a very good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2025
MA continues with her formula of idiot husband, sweet heroine and toxic family.
But, having said that, I liked this one. She’s sweet but with a backbone, burns down the toxic mess on Christmas Eve.
He spends the next year changing everything from his thought process to job.
But, having said that, I liked this one. She’s sweet but with a backbone, burns down the toxic mess on Christmas Eve.
He spends the next year changing everything from his thought process to job.
December 24, 2025
3.5- sooo addictive and fun but the MMC was dumb at times. Like what do you mean you didn’t realize you were being a dick for 6 years ?? Why are Maya’s MMCs always so clueless
Still fun though!
Still fun though!
November 24, 2025
A truly wonderful book. I had the pleasure of reading the ARC and found it to be heartbreaking, inspiring, and hopeful. Aiden and Mia were realistic as were their struggles. I read the book in one day and will continue to read this authors stories. While there is always struggle that must be overcome, there is also happiness at the end. Thank you for this story Maya!
December 16, 2025
This book was utter perfection. Best book of the year and hands down the best audiobook. It hit everything I love in romance. A complete rollercoaster of emotions filled with family drama, personal reflection, standing up for yourself, and finding your way back to each other through the toughest challenges. Just be mindful of triggers if you decide to pick this up.
Starting with Mia she is a beautiful, caring woman who always puts everyone else first. I loved everything about her, especially the way she handled herself with Aiden’s family and finally found the courage to stand up for herself. She deserves the world, and I’m so glad she made Aiden work for it.
As for Aiden, I genuinely felt for him once the truth came out. Seeing his inner thoughts from the moment guilt hit was powerful. For the past two years, he hasn’t been the man Mia deserved, and he knew it. Let me tell you this man GROVELLED. And he needed to. He worked hard to change, fully devoting himself to becoming the man worthy of Mia again.
I devoured this story and was nearly in tears at one point. When a book makes you feel everything and leaves a lasting imprint, it’s an easy five stars for me.
Lastly, do not sleep on the audiobook. The narration by Ryan and Kingsley was absolutely incredible. Ryan was the perfect Aiden, and this was my first experience with Kingsley but it definitely won’t be my last. She was a brilliant Mia.
I’ll be adding all of Maya’s work to my TBR because I’m completely in love with this writing style.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 9hrs 17mins
Narrators: Ryan West and Kingsley Rose - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Stand Alone
Tropes or Themes: Marriage In Crisis, Billionaire, Second Chance, Age Gap (8yrs), Opposites Attract, Slow Burn, Found Family, Holiday Read, Infidelity, Infertility, Endometriosis Rep, Betrayal, Manipulation, Guilt, Physical Assault, My Wife, Death Of Parent, Medical Content, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk and Taken Bare.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
Starting with Mia she is a beautiful, caring woman who always puts everyone else first. I loved everything about her, especially the way she handled herself with Aiden’s family and finally found the courage to stand up for herself. She deserves the world, and I’m so glad she made Aiden work for it.
As for Aiden, I genuinely felt for him once the truth came out. Seeing his inner thoughts from the moment guilt hit was powerful. For the past two years, he hasn’t been the man Mia deserved, and he knew it. Let me tell you this man GROVELLED. And he needed to. He worked hard to change, fully devoting himself to becoming the man worthy of Mia again.
I devoured this story and was nearly in tears at one point. When a book makes you feel everything and leaves a lasting imprint, it’s an easy five stars for me.
Lastly, do not sleep on the audiobook. The narration by Ryan and Kingsley was absolutely incredible. Ryan was the perfect Aiden, and this was my first experience with Kingsley but it definitely won’t be my last. She was a brilliant Mia.
I’ll be adding all of Maya’s work to my TBR because I’m completely in love with this writing style.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 9hrs 17mins
Narrators: Ryan West and Kingsley Rose - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Stand Alone
Tropes or Themes: Marriage In Crisis, Billionaire, Second Chance, Age Gap (8yrs), Opposites Attract, Slow Burn, Found Family, Holiday Read, Infidelity, Infertility, Endometriosis Rep, Betrayal, Manipulation, Guilt, Physical Assault, My Wife, Death Of Parent, Medical Content, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk and Taken Bare.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
December 23, 2025
The beginning was great! Mia was a bad bitch with the way she gave Aiden the divorce papers and she was a killer for how she tore apart his family, that’s was chefs kiss. BUT I lost respect for her when she started the bullshit up of that cheating wasn’t what broke the marriage, how it was a symptom. Then I lost even more respect for her when she dropped the charges against his mother when she assaulted her! He admitted he wanted to kiss Diana because she was exciting and that she was his work wife. He took her to Paris, instead of his god damn wife ON THEIR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY and saw nothing wrong with it! He walked all over Mia when she voiced her concerns, he said basically to get over it. Another annoying thing is she agreed with him that she didn’t voice she was unhappy cause she was afraid of losing him BUT she did voice her opinion and he ignored her cause his family was more important. Hell they berated her about being infertile and he did nothing to stop it! She wanted to adopt an he said absolutely not cause of his family’s opinion.
He keeps saying how she needs to learn to forgive him, but he can’t forgive himself for cheating on her. Why does she have to forgive him? Like she doesn’t have to do anything.
“After months of separation and trying to convince myself that leaving him was the right thing to do, I am back in his arms as if those divorce papers never existed.” MORON
“I spent months convincing myself that leaving was the right choice, that the pain between us is too deep to heal. I’ve never, in my life, been happier to be wrong.”
HE TONGUE KISSED ANOTHER WOMAN! Are you dumb?
I did like though that she shot him down about moving back in together after they had sex for the first time in months, she said that they still needed time apart, which they did especially her.
Huxley was the smartest for this and it’s absolutely true:
“Are you going to be a cliché and say it’s just a kiss and I should get over it?” I remark dryly. “Fuck no! A kiss is far more intimate than if he stuffed his dick inside her.” THANK YOU
I also liked how he got jealous of her friendship with Cristiano, how if he saw Mia kiss him how devastated he would be and understand the suffering Mia went through when he cheated.
He never took her to Paris either after making up!!! Another thing stolen from her! Asshole!
They were both doormats.
He keeps saying how she needs to learn to forgive him, but he can’t forgive himself for cheating on her. Why does she have to forgive him? Like she doesn’t have to do anything.
“After months of separation and trying to convince myself that leaving him was the right thing to do, I am back in his arms as if those divorce papers never existed.” MORON
“I spent months convincing myself that leaving was the right choice, that the pain between us is too deep to heal. I’ve never, in my life, been happier to be wrong.”
HE TONGUE KISSED ANOTHER WOMAN! Are you dumb?
I did like though that she shot him down about moving back in together after they had sex for the first time in months, she said that they still needed time apart, which they did especially her.
Huxley was the smartest for this and it’s absolutely true:
“Are you going to be a cliché and say it’s just a kiss and I should get over it?” I remark dryly. “Fuck no! A kiss is far more intimate than if he stuffed his dick inside her.” THANK YOU
I also liked how he got jealous of her friendship with Cristiano, how if he saw Mia kiss him how devastated he would be and understand the suffering Mia went through when he cheated.
He never took her to Paris either after making up!!! Another thing stolen from her! Asshole!
They were both doormats.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2025
Top notch grovel, though it almost got repetitive. The only thing I wish would have been addressed though, was the Paris trip. Did she ever get to go? I absolutely loved the way she burned it all down with the divorce papers and the photos on Christmas Eve! His family was a piece of work!
December 23, 2025
Trigger Warnings:
I am surprised to have enjoyed this. This does have cheating, and while I hate cheating IRL, I love the angst in books. I’m always curious if the grovel will win me over. We start off with the cheating, and the whole book is grovel. IMO the grovel is pretty satisfying, even though it isn’t unique. I loved the FMC, Mia, for having a backbone. I wish the MMC, Aiden, suffered more. I wish there were jealousy scenes with OM. I am surprised Mia and Aiden’s lasted for so long. Especially cuz Aiden was so fucking selfish for a majority of their marriage. It wasn’t just his betrayal of cheating, he never stood up for his wife. I did get a lil bored at points, but I’m still rating this high for the writing.
Mia and Aiden have been together for 8 years, married for 6. After Aiden betrays Mia, she is done giving him excuses. But Aiden realizes he made a massive mistake. Will he be able to win his wife back?
Now for spoilers
Stay safe folks!
I am surprised to have enjoyed this. This does have cheating, and while I hate cheating IRL, I love the angst in books. I’m always curious if the grovel will win me over. We start off with the cheating, and the whole book is grovel. IMO the grovel is pretty satisfying, even though it isn’t unique. I loved the FMC, Mia, for having a backbone. I wish the MMC, Aiden, suffered more. I wish there were jealousy scenes with OM. I am surprised Mia and Aiden’s lasted for so long. Especially cuz Aiden was so fucking selfish for a majority of their marriage. It wasn’t just his betrayal of cheating, he never stood up for his wife. I did get a lil bored at points, but I’m still rating this high for the writing.
Mia and Aiden have been together for 8 years, married for 6. After Aiden betrays Mia, she is done giving him excuses. But Aiden realizes he made a massive mistake. Will he be able to win his wife back?
Now for spoilers
Stay safe folks!
December 18, 2025
This book wins for: Best. Takedown. Scene. Ever. The heroine waits until Christmas to unleash on every everyone that had wronged her. It was truly a thing of beauty. I will enjoy reading that scene again and again in the future.
It is rare that I have to take a break from a book because I'm so upset with a character's behavior but the hero Aiden delivered......me from continuing the book until I had calmed down. His wife Mia did not deserve the treatment from the OW, Aiden's entire family and especially Aiden himself.
This man allowed his wife to be treated like g@rbage, the OW to play him and everyone else in a way that frankly was embarrassing to watch play out. He did not protect her. Not to mention the che@ting. But I'll give it to the man. He spends the second half of the book fighting to get Mia back.
This was an emotional rollercoaster. Please be aware there are triggers in this book (thankfully the author gives a heads up).
ARC given in return for an honest review.
It is rare that I have to take a break from a book because I'm so upset with a character's behavior but the hero Aiden delivered......me from continuing the book until I had calmed down. His wife Mia did not deserve the treatment from the OW, Aiden's entire family and especially Aiden himself.
This man allowed his wife to be treated like g@rbage, the OW to play him and everyone else in a way that frankly was embarrassing to watch play out. He did not protect her. Not to mention the che@ting. But I'll give it to the man. He spends the second half of the book fighting to get Mia back.
This was an emotional rollercoaster. Please be aware there are triggers in this book (thankfully the author gives a heads up).
ARC given in return for an honest review.
December 19, 2025
My rating: 4 stars
What I loved: I loved how Mia(h) told his family everything. It was messy and I was all for it!! Loved how Aiden(H) finally stood up to his family and cut them off.
What I didn’t like: I wanted Mia to really go off on Aiden about him going to Paris with ow on their wedding anniversary when he was supposed to take Mia. I needed that to be addressed again and not just him saying he messed up. That’s a huge mess up in my opinion. Maybe if I got a chapter with him taking Mia, I would have felt like he made up for that mistake. Also, I hate reading when a love one dies, even if it’s just side characters.
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: Cheating (ow kisses H), Marriage in Trouble, H’s family disapproves of h, Death of a mother figure to h. h has endometriosis.
H and h are married. H’s family doesn’t care for the h because she doesn’t come from money. h is a kindergarten teacher, the H’s family is rich and the H works at the family company. H has been spending a lot of time at work, working along side ow. Ow is a family friend. H tells the ow things (like that the h has endometriosis) and takes her to eat. H even goes to Paris with ow on his wedding anniversary for a work related event, not even thinking that he promised the h he would take her for her gift. When h sees the H and ow kissing, the h realizes she has had enough and starts making plans. When it’s time to open presents at the H’s family house for Christmas, h gives the H divorce papers along with pictures of him kissing the ow. h also let’s everyone know what she thinks of them and all their secrets (best part!!). H, before this even happened, was already feeling guilty about ow and was putting distance between him and ow. H feeling horrible and wanting to work thing out with the h , starts to make things right. He lets his family know how he feels and decides to not fight the divorce. H gives her half of everything including his shares of the family company. All H asks for is 8 dates. When H finds out that the ow stage the kiss for the h to see, he makes sure he lets her know that he doesn’t want her. He also makes sure he lets his family know that he is done with them too. H starts taking the h out on dates and they talk about what went wrong. When ow goes to the h lying about her and the H. The H fires the ow, but the H’s dad fights it. H’s dad goes behind his back to get the H removed. H not caring, decides to put all his time and love into showing the h that she is the most important person in his life. h decides to forgive the H. When h’s best friend’s mother passes away, H is there taking care of everything. HEA with them remarrying, H no longer working for the family company and his family still a hot mess that he is no longer involved with.
Final thoughts: This was a great ow with family disapproval read. Two of my favorite tropes <3 Hopefully Mia’s friend Katya gets a book.
What I loved: I loved how Mia(h) told his family everything. It was messy and I was all for it!! Loved how Aiden(H) finally stood up to his family and cut them off.
What I didn’t like: I wanted Mia to really go off on Aiden about him going to Paris with ow on their wedding anniversary when he was supposed to take Mia. I needed that to be addressed again and not just him saying he messed up. That’s a huge mess up in my opinion. Maybe if I got a chapter with him taking Mia, I would have felt like he made up for that mistake. Also, I hate reading when a love one dies, even if it’s just side characters.
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: Cheating (ow kisses H), Marriage in Trouble, H’s family disapproves of h, Death of a mother figure to h. h has endometriosis.
H and h are married. H’s family doesn’t care for the h because she doesn’t come from money. h is a kindergarten teacher, the H’s family is rich and the H works at the family company. H has been spending a lot of time at work, working along side ow. Ow is a family friend. H tells the ow things (like that the h has endometriosis) and takes her to eat. H even goes to Paris with ow on his wedding anniversary for a work related event, not even thinking that he promised the h he would take her for her gift. When h sees the H and ow kissing, the h realizes she has had enough and starts making plans. When it’s time to open presents at the H’s family house for Christmas, h gives the H divorce papers along with pictures of him kissing the ow. h also let’s everyone know what she thinks of them and all their secrets (best part!!). H, before this even happened, was already feeling guilty about ow and was putting distance between him and ow. H feeling horrible and wanting to work thing out with the h , starts to make things right. He lets his family know how he feels and decides to not fight the divorce. H gives her half of everything including his shares of the family company. All H asks for is 8 dates. When H finds out that the ow stage the kiss for the h to see, he makes sure he lets her know that he doesn’t want her. He also makes sure he lets his family know that he is done with them too. H starts taking the h out on dates and they talk about what went wrong. When ow goes to the h lying about her and the H. The H fires the ow, but the H’s dad fights it. H’s dad goes behind his back to get the H removed. H not caring, decides to put all his time and love into showing the h that she is the most important person in his life. h decides to forgive the H. When h’s best friend’s mother passes away, H is there taking care of everything. HEA with them remarrying, H no longer working for the family company and his family still a hot mess that he is no longer involved with.
Final thoughts: This was a great ow with family disapproval read. Two of my favorite tropes <3 Hopefully Mia’s friend Katya gets a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2025
it’s pretty decent - the MMC isn’t as bad as her others and the MFC has a bit of a spine
Book ends at 87% so beware.
I’m surprised this was written by Alden because most of her MMCs are enraging - they’re truly heinous with horrendous crimes/actions against the MFC (dateline worthy). The MFC is also spineless and accepts literally no grovel and takes the MMC back every time.
This book breaks from her traditional formula. The MFC has a spine. She doesn’t take MMC back right away. She kinda makes him grovel a bit I would say. The MMC isn’t actually completely unlikable and doesn’t do anything too egregious or unforgivable. He owns his mistakes.
He Has realizations of his wrongs. Makes active changes in his life to be better. He does pursue the MFC after their divorce but it comes off as- sweet and respectful rather than him ignoring her boundaries because he suddenly realizes she’s gone and he loves her.
There are some things that could’ve been better - for all the seriousness and angst of the story, you didn’t really *feel* it. She tells you what’s going on, but fails to really show you. There’s no real gut punch or angsty heart pinch, even though there should be based on what you’re reading. Just odd.
The MMC also says he wasnt sexually attracted to his colleague but he definitely was - he kissed her back and had been wondering about it for a while and was excited to spend time together. Not sure why that one thing was repeatedly mentioned (how he didn’t want her like that) when it’s clear he did.
Wasn’t a fan of the MFC feeling like she was responsible for … him cheating? Him not knowing she wasn’t happy? Him not knowing she didn’t like him taking his colleague on a trip instead of her? Etc. Just seemed convenient to blame her when it was really him and his cowardice with his family and his straying thoughts that were to the blame.
Book ends at 87% so beware.
I’m surprised this was written by Alden because most of her MMCs are enraging - they’re truly heinous with horrendous crimes/actions against the MFC (dateline worthy). The MFC is also spineless and accepts literally no grovel and takes the MMC back every time.
This book breaks from her traditional formula. The MFC has a spine. She doesn’t take MMC back right away. She kinda makes him grovel a bit I would say. The MMC isn’t actually completely unlikable and doesn’t do anything too egregious or unforgivable. He owns his mistakes.
He Has realizations of his wrongs. Makes active changes in his life to be better. He does pursue the MFC after their divorce but it comes off as- sweet and respectful rather than him ignoring her boundaries because he suddenly realizes she’s gone and he loves her.
There are some things that could’ve been better - for all the seriousness and angst of the story, you didn’t really *feel* it. She tells you what’s going on, but fails to really show you. There’s no real gut punch or angsty heart pinch, even though there should be based on what you’re reading. Just odd.
The MMC also says he wasnt sexually attracted to his colleague but he definitely was - he kissed her back and had been wondering about it for a while and was excited to spend time together. Not sure why that one thing was repeatedly mentioned (how he didn’t want her like that) when it’s clear he did.
Wasn’t a fan of the MFC feeling like she was responsible for … him cheating? Him not knowing she wasn’t happy? Him not knowing she didn’t like him taking his colleague on a trip instead of her? Etc. Just seemed convenient to blame her when it was really him and his cowardice with his family and his straying thoughts that were to the blame.
September 12, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: You know I am going to be reading this one again and again and …. well you get the picture.
Ho Ho Ho - if other woman drama is your thing this book is for you.
Mia has been married to Aiden for the last six years and it has not been easy. His family do not like her, and they make no bones about telling her why, and Aiden does nothing to protect her. After witnessing her husband making a horrible mistake she is done, and she is taking no prisoners on her way out the door. You can be sure that the Winters are in for a Blue Christmas, no spoilers from me but it is one of the best scenes that I have ever read.
Everyone is taken by surprise but no one more so than Aiden, he wants his wife home for Christmas and all she wants is a Sleigh ride out of town. Aiden spends the rest of the book trying to win his wife back and she spends the rest of the book making his cheatin heart suffer.
I loved this book from start to finish. Mia is an amazing character, and you are going to fall in love with her and her journey. Aiden starts out as a weak man but his growth throughout the book is great to watch. The Winters are a horrible bunch and you are going to love to hate them. Diana, the other woman is delusional and seeing her get what’s coming to her is amazing.
This book has some triggers so please read them. Maya has going to a lot of trouble to ensure your mental health is protected.
Ho Ho Ho - if other woman drama is your thing this book is for you.
Mia has been married to Aiden for the last six years and it has not been easy. His family do not like her, and they make no bones about telling her why, and Aiden does nothing to protect her. After witnessing her husband making a horrible mistake she is done, and she is taking no prisoners on her way out the door. You can be sure that the Winters are in for a Blue Christmas, no spoilers from me but it is one of the best scenes that I have ever read.
Everyone is taken by surprise but no one more so than Aiden, he wants his wife home for Christmas and all she wants is a Sleigh ride out of town. Aiden spends the rest of the book trying to win his wife back and she spends the rest of the book making his cheatin heart suffer.
I loved this book from start to finish. Mia is an amazing character, and you are going to fall in love with her and her journey. Aiden starts out as a weak man but his growth throughout the book is great to watch. The Winters are a horrible bunch and you are going to love to hate them. Diana, the other woman is delusional and seeing her get what’s coming to her is amazing.
This book has some triggers so please read them. Maya has going to a lot of trouble to ensure your mental health is protected.
December 17, 2025
As always (because I cannot control myself lol), I basically camped out to grab this ARC. I really enjoy MA books (not all) but I pretty much grab every other ARC of hers 😅
Alrighty, so Mia and Aiden have been together 8 years (married 6), but the last two years he has been neglecting her in favor of work (CEO of a financial company). However, with that work comes long time family friend, Diana. He starts to enjoy Diana’s company and the peace that only she can bring him because she understands his work and soothes his ego, whereas his wife (love of his life…) cannot understand because she’s a kindergarten teacher. There’s a lot to unpack in this particular bubble, but at the end of the day he spent more time with Diana, she brought him something that his wife used to, and it was negatively impacting his marriage.
At Thanksgiving, Aiden and Diana share a kiss and Mia witnesses it. She doesn’t speak up, and doesn’t confront. Instead, she gets her ducks in a row and blows everything up at his family’s Christmas getaway. Don’t worry, we don’t like them and we rather enjoy that blow up. Then the divorce happens, Mia is healing, Aiden is waking up and is basically fighting for his life to get Mia back.
Characters: Both have lots of healing and rebuilding to do. I enjoyed the author’s journey with them and loved seeing how they grew to be the best versions of themselves. At the end, I really felt like they were equipped with the clarity and tools to rebuild a life with each other and communicate their needs.
The Reconciliation Journey: Some may feel that he backed her into a corner, and honestly, I thought that for a second too. BUT, I trusted the journey and I’m so glad I did. Aiden stepped up in a big way, he showed Mia that he’s listening, he’s open, he regrets how he handled the last two years, his eyes are open and priorities fixed. It was hard fought and very sweet. They don’t “lose each other to the noise anymore.”
Side Characters: His family? Oh my lanta, they are AWFUL. Don’t worry though, they get their comeuppance and it’s very funny (I’m petty 🤷♀️). The friends? They are AMAZING! These are the friends that everyone should have.
I can see this easily becoming a reread for me & I would buy the audiobook 🥰
🎄Mia (F) / Aiden (M)
🍷Marriage in Crisis -> Divorce -> Reconciliation
🎄Betrayal & Grovel
🍷Cheating (emotional and a kiss)
🎄Holiday Season Vibes
🍷Dual POV
🎄HEA
5⭐️3🌶️
Triggers (copy & pasted):
🚨Infidelity themes (the hero shares a kiss with another woman, witnessed by the heroine).
🚨 Discussions of infertility and the emotional impact of endometriosis.
🚨 The experience of caring for an older loved one with early-onset dementia, their decline, and eventual passing.
🚨 The loss of a parent and the grief that follows.
🚨 Divorce, and the heartbreak and healing that come with it.
Alrighty, so Mia and Aiden have been together 8 years (married 6), but the last two years he has been neglecting her in favor of work (CEO of a financial company). However, with that work comes long time family friend, Diana. He starts to enjoy Diana’s company and the peace that only she can bring him because she understands his work and soothes his ego, whereas his wife (love of his life…) cannot understand because she’s a kindergarten teacher. There’s a lot to unpack in this particular bubble, but at the end of the day he spent more time with Diana, she brought him something that his wife used to, and it was negatively impacting his marriage.
At Thanksgiving, Aiden and Diana share a kiss and Mia witnesses it. She doesn’t speak up, and doesn’t confront. Instead, she gets her ducks in a row and blows everything up at his family’s Christmas getaway. Don’t worry, we don’t like them and we rather enjoy that blow up. Then the divorce happens, Mia is healing, Aiden is waking up and is basically fighting for his life to get Mia back.
Characters: Both have lots of healing and rebuilding to do. I enjoyed the author’s journey with them and loved seeing how they grew to be the best versions of themselves. At the end, I really felt like they were equipped with the clarity and tools to rebuild a life with each other and communicate their needs.
The Reconciliation Journey: Some may feel that he backed her into a corner, and honestly, I thought that for a second too. BUT, I trusted the journey and I’m so glad I did. Aiden stepped up in a big way, he showed Mia that he’s listening, he’s open, he regrets how he handled the last two years, his eyes are open and priorities fixed. It was hard fought and very sweet. They don’t “lose each other to the noise anymore.”
Side Characters: His family? Oh my lanta, they are AWFUL. Don’t worry though, they get their comeuppance and it’s very funny (I’m petty 🤷♀️). The friends? They are AMAZING! These are the friends that everyone should have.
I can see this easily becoming a reread for me & I would buy the audiobook 🥰
🎄Mia (F) / Aiden (M)
🍷Marriage in Crisis -> Divorce -> Reconciliation
🎄Betrayal & Grovel
🍷Cheating (emotional and a kiss)
🎄Holiday Season Vibes
🍷Dual POV
🎄HEA
5⭐️3🌶️
Triggers (copy & pasted):
🚨Infidelity themes (the hero shares a kiss with another woman, witnessed by the heroine).
🚨 Discussions of infertility and the emotional impact of endometriosis.
🚨 The experience of caring for an older loved one with early-onset dementia, their decline, and eventual passing.
🚨 The loss of a parent and the grief that follows.
🚨 Divorce, and the heartbreak and healing that come with it.
December 18, 2025
Oh this was hard
Between him wanting the other woman to Anya, this book delivered some hard knocks. He keeps telling her he never wanted the ow but then his thoughts reveal he did. He was thinking later on in the book how he had wanted that kiss for two years and I was like wtf? I don't know..his thoughts alone almost ruined the book for me. But when she kissed him, he responded at first and then he was disgusted and pushed her away. Then he wanted his wife. I loved his Christmas Eve present to him and it was wholly satisfying. The scene after that was even better. It took him a long time to earn back her trust but he did. and Mia became a better person too. She stopped letting people walk all over her. It was awesome.
Between him wanting the other woman to Anya, this book delivered some hard knocks. He keeps telling her he never wanted the ow but then his thoughts reveal he did. He was thinking later on in the book how he had wanted that kiss for two years and I was like wtf? I don't know..his thoughts alone almost ruined the book for me. But when she kissed him, he responded at first and then he was disgusted and pushed her away. Then he wanted his wife. I loved his Christmas Eve present to him and it was wholly satisfying. The scene after that was even better. It took him a long time to earn back her trust but he did. and Mia became a better person too. She stopped letting people walk all over her. It was awesome.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Not my usual trope preference, but I loved it anyway.
I normally avoid any books with cheating between the main characters. This book I could handle, though, as it was mostly an emotional affair and one instantly regretted kiss.
I love books with lots of family drama, and this did not disappoint.
I loved Mia and eventually Aidan as well. Aidan was not a good husband but Mia loved him so much she put up with his and his family's bs for too long. Once she witnesses that kiss she goes scorched earth and it's very satisfying. Aidan has his eyes finally opened and does a good job of groveling.
I normally avoid any books with cheating between the main characters. This book I could handle, though, as it was mostly an emotional affair and one instantly regretted kiss.
I love books with lots of family drama, and this did not disappoint.
I loved Mia and eventually Aidan as well. Aidan was not a good husband but Mia loved him so much she put up with his and his family's bs for too long. Once she witnesses that kiss she goes scorched earth and it's very satisfying. Aidan has his eyes finally opened and does a good job of groveling.
December 18, 2025
Notes for me
Put on no cheating shelf but there is a kiss
The kiss surprised him and he pushed her away after a few seconds
He admits
He called her his work wife
He looked forward to spending time with her
Took her to a meeting in Paris in his anniversary
He thinks she’s beautiful
His family was horrible to Mia
I prefer Maya’s no actual cheating stories. This is a DNF. Not sure he can come back from this.
Put on no cheating shelf but there is a kiss
The kiss surprised him and he pushed her away after a few seconds
He admits
He called her his work wife
He looked forward to spending time with her
Took her to a meeting in Paris in his anniversary
He thinks she’s beautiful
His family was horrible to Mia
I prefer Maya’s no actual cheating stories. This is a DNF. Not sure he can come back from this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2025
Another Great One
This was a great second chance romance. It was also sweet, funny and romantic. Don’t get me wrong there was still drama, angst and heartbreak as well as OW drama and evil family drama.
The journey back to each other in this marriage in crisis romance is anything but smooth. But, as the couple makes their way toward their HEA, with each obstacle whether inanimate or human, it brings them understanding and a lesson on how to do things differently so that their HEA really does last forever this time.
This was a great second chance romance. It was also sweet, funny and romantic. Don’t get me wrong there was still drama, angst and heartbreak as well as OW drama and evil family drama.
The journey back to each other in this marriage in crisis romance is anything but smooth. But, as the couple makes their way toward their HEA, with each obstacle whether inanimate or human, it brings them understanding and a lesson on how to do things differently so that their HEA really does last forever this time.
Read
December 17, 2025"Infidelity themes (the hero shares a kiss with another woman, witnessed by the heroine).
Discussions of infertility and the emotional impact of endometriosis.
The experience of caring for an older loved one with early-onset dementia, their decline, and eventual passing.
The loss of a parent and the grief that follows.
Divorce, and the heartbreak and healing that come with it."
Discussions of infertility and the emotional impact of endometriosis.
The experience of caring for an older loved one with early-onset dementia, their decline, and eventual passing.
The loss of a parent and the grief that follows.
Divorce, and the heartbreak and healing that come with it."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2025
Love this book. I was hooked from the very beginning! I loved Mia and her bestie! I loved Aiden’s character growth!
5 stars all around!
Amazing read!
5 stars all around!
Amazing read!
December 22, 2025
4 second chance ⭐️!
So well done. This was the holiday book I didn’t know I needed to read! 😭😭😭
So well done. This was the holiday book I didn’t know I needed to read! 😭😭😭
Review of advance copy
Honestly? I was bored. It was the same ol' shtick. I pretty much lost interest after she handed him the divorce papers. Definitely one of her better heroes. His family and ow were OTT as usual which only kept this semi interesting.
Safety: cheating with a kiss
Safety: cheating with a kiss
November 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A breathtaking, emotional Christmas romance that absolutely shattered me—in the best way.
Truth & Tinsel is everything I love about Maya Alden: devastating emotion, razor-sharp tension, and a heroine who chooses herself even when it hurts. Mia and Aiden’s marriage-in-crisis story pulled me in from page one and refused to let go. The moment Mia wrapped divorce papers and placed them under the tree? ICONIC. I was cheering for her strength and feeling every ounce of her heartbreak.
Aiden’s journey is just as powerful—his regret feels raw and real, and the lengths he goes to in order to prove he’s changed had me completely invested. The grovel is deep, emotional, and absolutely earned. And yes, the holiday backdrop makes the entire story hit even harder.
This book delivers:
💔 Real, honest hurt
🔥 Electric chemistry
🎄 Cozy Christmas vibes
🥺 A heroine who rises from the ashes
🫠 A hero who finally gets it—and fights
If you love emotional second chances, a scorched-earth heroine, and a hero who has to work for redemption, Truth & Tinsel is a must-read. Maya Alden does not miss. I’ll be thinking about this couple long after Christmas.
A breathtaking, emotional Christmas romance that absolutely shattered me—in the best way.
Truth & Tinsel is everything I love about Maya Alden: devastating emotion, razor-sharp tension, and a heroine who chooses herself even when it hurts. Mia and Aiden’s marriage-in-crisis story pulled me in from page one and refused to let go. The moment Mia wrapped divorce papers and placed them under the tree? ICONIC. I was cheering for her strength and feeling every ounce of her heartbreak.
Aiden’s journey is just as powerful—his regret feels raw and real, and the lengths he goes to in order to prove he’s changed had me completely invested. The grovel is deep, emotional, and absolutely earned. And yes, the holiday backdrop makes the entire story hit even harder.
This book delivers:
💔 Real, honest hurt
🔥 Electric chemistry
🎄 Cozy Christmas vibes
🥺 A heroine who rises from the ashes
🫠 A hero who finally gets it—and fights
If you love emotional second chances, a scorched-earth heroine, and a hero who has to work for redemption, Truth & Tinsel is a must-read. Maya Alden does not miss. I’ll be thinking about this couple long after Christmas.
December 18, 2025
Absolutely giddy and kicking my feet
Absolutely loved this story. I wish we had seen more vengeance !! Like everything Mia did on Christmas Eve had me kicking my feet and giggling. I wish she hadn't dropped the charges. I wish we had seen more chaos from the Winter Family after they lost their glue, Aiden. I'm glad that Mia made him work for it. This was a delightful book, story and characters. Read it in one day, I had so much fun!
Absolutely loved this story. I wish we had seen more vengeance !! Like everything Mia did on Christmas Eve had me kicking my feet and giggling. I wish she hadn't dropped the charges. I wish we had seen more chaos from the Winter Family after they lost their glue, Aiden. I'm glad that Mia made him work for it. This was a delightful book, story and characters. Read it in one day, I had so much fun!
December 19, 2025
The start was really good, entertaining and the revenge/comeuppance was epic!
But sadly after that it was blend and boring! The groveling was like a lightbulb in the MMC’s head! But it didn’t feel like he really took responsibility for his emotional affair! Only the kissing! The guy checked out of his marriage for 2 years and that wasn’t acknowledged by the FMC and MMC!
But sadly after that it was blend and boring! The groveling was like a lightbulb in the MMC’s head! But it didn’t feel like he really took responsibility for his emotional affair! Only the kissing! The guy checked out of his marriage for 2 years and that wasn’t acknowledged by the FMC and MMC!
December 19, 2025
Good as always
Really like this author,she writes books that are easy to get into and they flow nicely .This is a story where the mfc Mia believes her husband is cheating so takes the first steps to divorce him before he divorced her ,good characters and loved how her husband started dating her all over again,nice ending too
Really like this author,she writes books that are easy to get into and they flow nicely .This is a story where the mfc Mia believes her husband is cheating so takes the first steps to divorce him before he divorced her ,good characters and loved how her husband started dating her all over again,nice ending too
December 22, 2025
Alden writes in a spiral- we get the progression of the story with a lot of repetition involving the thoughts and feelings of the characters. At times, this method seems like a filler to add length to the story and causes me to start skimming a bit.
As for the content of this story, there was a nice build up and reconciliation.
3.25✨
As for the content of this story, there was a nice build up and reconciliation.
3.25✨
December 24, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
Maya is that girl!! She’s so unapologetic her and I was rooting for her to stick up for herself. She honestly gets a trophy for putting up with her husband’s family. Her big reveal when she confronted her husband cheating was everything!! I’m glad she got her happy ending even though Aiden really fucked up and I felt like you can’t really fix that with x amount of dates they went on.
Maya is that girl!! She’s so unapologetic her and I was rooting for her to stick up for herself. She honestly gets a trophy for putting up with her husband’s family. Her big reveal when she confronted her husband cheating was everything!! I’m glad she got her happy ending even though Aiden really fucked up and I felt like you can’t really fix that with x amount of dates they went on.
December 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 This is a typical love story of second chances and redemption after the MMC loses his wife over one mistake that cost him his marriage and a woman he loves. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, although it was sometimes cliché. A good book if you want something simple and easy to read.
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