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Almost True: A Billionaire & Bookstore Owner Slow-Burn Romance
Because love isn’t always perfect, but it’s always true. Almost.One lie. One love. One truth that could break them.
Olivia Monroe has learned the hard way that love built on lies never lasts. Truth matters to her—not the kind people tell when it’s convenient, but the kind that costs something.
Adrian Hale isn’t looking for love. He’s just looking for quiet and for a place where he doesn’t have to be who everyone expects him to be. He’s looking for something real. When Olivia enters his world, she’s impossible to ignore and soon becomes exactly that.
Their connection is slow, intense, and honest in all the ways that matter… except one.
Because Adrian is hiding something. And the one thing Olivia can’t forgive is a lie that changes everything.
Almost True is a slow-burn contemporary romance about emotional honesty, broken trust, and the kind of love that doesn’t come easy—but might be worth fighting for.
Olivia Monroe has learned the hard way that love built on lies never lasts. Truth matters to her—not the kind people tell when it’s convenient, but the kind that costs something.
Adrian Hale isn’t looking for love. He’s just looking for quiet and for a place where he doesn’t have to be who everyone expects him to be. He’s looking for something real. When Olivia enters his world, she’s impossible to ignore and soon becomes exactly that.
Their connection is slow, intense, and honest in all the ways that matter… except one.
Because Adrian is hiding something. And the one thing Olivia can’t forgive is a lie that changes everything.
Almost True is a slow-burn contemporary romance about emotional honesty, broken trust, and the kind of love that doesn’t come easy—but might be worth fighting for.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 26, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Maisie has done it again, there is just something about her books that just draw me in, I very much love my spicy books but this and her first book were a lot tamer compared to the other books I read and I was here for it.
I loved the storyline, I love how they met. I was shook when the truth came out but then I just swooned over how he stuck around to win back the girl he chose over his father 😍😍
I honestly cannot wait to read more of Maisie’a work!
Maisie has done it again, there is just something about her books that just draw me in, I very much love my spicy books but this and her first book were a lot tamer compared to the other books I read and I was here for it.
I loved the storyline, I love how they met. I was shook when the truth came out but then I just swooned over how he stuck around to win back the girl he chose over his father 😍😍
I honestly cannot wait to read more of Maisie’a work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Almost true by Maisie Serein is a slow burn romance medium paced story. It revolves around the characters Olivia and Adrian, their chemistry is magical and every scene between them was written in such a way that I just craved to read more and more about them.
I want to appreciate the dialogue writing, they were witty and I really enjoyed the banter between the characters. The setting of the bookstore was just amazing and it was in such a detailed manner that one can feel the warmth of that place. Right from the first scene the book gets one hooked and there is a good humor throughout the book. The conflict between Olivia and Adrian was presented well and the POV of both the characters was understandable. It was emotional at times. There were certain moments in the book which can make one smile and bring joy while reading.
The side characters of this book, Thomas and Mia were mind-blowing and they really made this story more interesting.The friendship between Thomas and Adrian and their conversations were heartwarming to read. And Mia was a sunshine and her role as a younger sister to Olivia was just perfect.
Overall I enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading slow burn romance and amazing chemistry.
Favorite quotes from the book:
“Books are the only constant,” she said, tracing the rim of her glass. “People change. Cities change. But words stay. They wait for you.”
Good love comes with good words.
love is not an eraser. It can’t unwrite names or un-know truth. But it also doesn’t die on command. It lingers like perfume on a sweater you’re not ready to wash.
I watched the city pass and thought about how love isn’t always a spark. Sometimes, it’s the slow rebuilding of something you broke with your own hands.
I enjoyed this book!!
I want to appreciate the dialogue writing, they were witty and I really enjoyed the banter between the characters. The setting of the bookstore was just amazing and it was in such a detailed manner that one can feel the warmth of that place. Right from the first scene the book gets one hooked and there is a good humor throughout the book. The conflict between Olivia and Adrian was presented well and the POV of both the characters was understandable. It was emotional at times. There were certain moments in the book which can make one smile and bring joy while reading.
The side characters of this book, Thomas and Mia were mind-blowing and they really made this story more interesting.The friendship between Thomas and Adrian and their conversations were heartwarming to read. And Mia was a sunshine and her role as a younger sister to Olivia was just perfect.
Overall I enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading slow burn romance and amazing chemistry.
Favorite quotes from the book:
“Books are the only constant,” she said, tracing the rim of her glass. “People change. Cities change. But words stay. They wait for you.”
Good love comes with good words.
love is not an eraser. It can’t unwrite names or un-know truth. But it also doesn’t die on command. It lingers like perfume on a sweater you’re not ready to wash.
I watched the city pass and thought about how love isn’t always a spark. Sometimes, it’s the slow rebuilding of something you broke with your own hands.
I enjoyed this book!!
April 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book felt like hope.
From the very beginning, Almost True pulled me in so gently that I didn’t even realize when I became completely attached, especially to Olivia. There was something about her that felt familiar, like seeing small pieces of yourself reflected back, and that made every emotion hit even harder.
This is a slow-burn in the best way possible; soft, tension-filled, and deeply emotional. The kind of story where nothing feels rushed, and yet you’re completely invested, watching everything unfold exactly the way it should. And Adrian… he didn’t just show up once — he showed up again and again, with patience, with effort, with intention. As he should.
One of my favorite moments was when he returned with her grandmother’s book, restored so carefully, and everything that followed. It wasn’t just about forgiveness, it was about growth, about understanding, and about choosing someone fully.
I also loved the little things that made the story feel alive, the sisterly bond, the quiet teasing between Olivia and Adrian (#livIan 🥹), and even the driver who felt more like a friend, gently guiding and grounding the characters throughout.
The writing itself was so easy to fall into. Short chapters, dual POV, and a softness that made you want to keep turning pages. It made me smile, pause for quotes, and feel more than I expected.
And the romance… it was intimate without needing to say much. A kind of love that is felt in actions, in patience, in choosing each other, over and over again.
When I finished, my first thought was simple:
I want a love like that.
If you love emotional, aching, slow-burn romances where characters grow and heal and find their way back to each other, this book is absolutely worth reading.
A piece of my heart is staying in these pages.
Truly thankful to the author for the ARC 🤍
This book felt like hope.
From the very beginning, Almost True pulled me in so gently that I didn’t even realize when I became completely attached, especially to Olivia. There was something about her that felt familiar, like seeing small pieces of yourself reflected back, and that made every emotion hit even harder.
This is a slow-burn in the best way possible; soft, tension-filled, and deeply emotional. The kind of story where nothing feels rushed, and yet you’re completely invested, watching everything unfold exactly the way it should. And Adrian… he didn’t just show up once — he showed up again and again, with patience, with effort, with intention. As he should.
One of my favorite moments was when he returned with her grandmother’s book, restored so carefully, and everything that followed. It wasn’t just about forgiveness, it was about growth, about understanding, and about choosing someone fully.
I also loved the little things that made the story feel alive, the sisterly bond, the quiet teasing between Olivia and Adrian (#livIan 🥹), and even the driver who felt more like a friend, gently guiding and grounding the characters throughout.
The writing itself was so easy to fall into. Short chapters, dual POV, and a softness that made you want to keep turning pages. It made me smile, pause for quotes, and feel more than I expected.
And the romance… it was intimate without needing to say much. A kind of love that is felt in actions, in patience, in choosing each other, over and over again.
When I finished, my first thought was simple:
I want a love like that.
If you love emotional, aching, slow-burn romances where characters grow and heal and find their way back to each other, this book is absolutely worth reading.
A piece of my heart is staying in these pages.
Truly thankful to the author for the ARC 🤍
April 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5)
I had the privilege of reading Almost True as both a beta reader and an ARC reader—and somehow, even knowing pieces of the story, it still hit just as hard.
Maisie Serein writes with a level of emotional intention that you feel on every single page. Nothing is there by accident. Every moment, every line, every silence between the characters carries weight.
This story is built on quiet tension—the kind where everything is right there on the surface, but the truth lingers just out of reach. And when it finally comes out? It hurts. In the best, most honest way.
I loved how this book explores emotional honesty, and the consequences of withholding it. The connection between Olivia and Adrian is slow, raw, and deeply real. You don’t just watch them fall—you feel every step of it, every hesitation, every moment of longing.
And Adrian?? The way he shows up when it matters… I swooned. Hard.
Compared to a lot of the heavier, spicier romances out there, this one leans softer—but not weaker. It proves that you don’t need high spice to create intensity. The emotion is the intensity.
Maisie has such a gift for writing stories that linger. This one stays with you long after you finish.
I’m already so invested in this series and cannot wait to see where she takes us next.
I had the privilege of reading Almost True as both a beta reader and an ARC reader—and somehow, even knowing pieces of the story, it still hit just as hard.
Maisie Serein writes with a level of emotional intention that you feel on every single page. Nothing is there by accident. Every moment, every line, every silence between the characters carries weight.
This story is built on quiet tension—the kind where everything is right there on the surface, but the truth lingers just out of reach. And when it finally comes out? It hurts. In the best, most honest way.
I loved how this book explores emotional honesty, and the consequences of withholding it. The connection between Olivia and Adrian is slow, raw, and deeply real. You don’t just watch them fall—you feel every step of it, every hesitation, every moment of longing.
And Adrian?? The way he shows up when it matters… I swooned. Hard.
Compared to a lot of the heavier, spicier romances out there, this one leans softer—but not weaker. It proves that you don’t need high spice to create intensity. The emotion is the intensity.
Maisie has such a gift for writing stories that linger. This one stays with you long after you finish.
I’m already so invested in this series and cannot wait to see where she takes us next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review ❤
❤ 4.5 hearts for me
This was one of those romances that slowly pulls you into the characters world until you realize you are completely invested in what happens to them
Almost True focuses a lot on emotional honesty and the consequences of secrets in relationships. olivia is someone who deeply values truth, so the tension created by adrian holding something back adds a lot of weight to their relationship from the beginning.
What I appreciated most was how imperfect the characters are. They don’t always make the best decisions and sometimes they take the longer, harder route to figure things out. That actually made the story feel more authentic rather than overly polished.
The slow burn is very noticeable here, but it works because the connection develops through small moments and emotional conversations rather than sudden dramatic scenes.
I also liked how the story didn’t rush the emotional resolution. The characters actually have to face what went wrong and grow from it, which made the ending feel satisfying.
Overall, this felt like a thoughtful romance about trust, vulnerability, and how complicated relationships can become when honesty is tested.
I loved even the side characters Thomas, Mia and this book had me giggling, crying, shouting, getting happy for both the MCs ❣️
❤ 4.5 hearts for me
This was one of those romances that slowly pulls you into the characters world until you realize you are completely invested in what happens to them
Almost True focuses a lot on emotional honesty and the consequences of secrets in relationships. olivia is someone who deeply values truth, so the tension created by adrian holding something back adds a lot of weight to their relationship from the beginning.
What I appreciated most was how imperfect the characters are. They don’t always make the best decisions and sometimes they take the longer, harder route to figure things out. That actually made the story feel more authentic rather than overly polished.
The slow burn is very noticeable here, but it works because the connection develops through small moments and emotional conversations rather than sudden dramatic scenes.
I also liked how the story didn’t rush the emotional resolution. The characters actually have to face what went wrong and grow from it, which made the ending feel satisfying.
Overall, this felt like a thoughtful romance about trust, vulnerability, and how complicated relationships can become when honesty is tested.
I loved even the side characters Thomas, Mia and this book had me giggling, crying, shouting, getting happy for both the MCs ❣️
April 25, 2026
Almost True was a soft, easy read that felt like a welcome break from real life. The dual POVs worked really well — seeing inside both their heads made their choices and reactions feel more understandable, even when I didn’t agree with them.
That said… Adrian.
He had so many opportunities to come clean, and the repeated conversations with his driver made it even clearer that he knew he was wrong. The way he handled things with Olivia crossed into gaslighting, and she believed him a little too easily for my taste. I appreciated that he eventually recognised how hollow his life was, but the way he went about it wasn’t great.
The ending felt a bit stretched, but honestly, it’s probably the most realistic portrayal of that messy space between forgetting someone and forgiving someone. As a reader it dragged a little, but I could still appreciate the authenticity of that emotional limbo.
The spice is on the softer side — not explicit, but intentionally so. The focus is on their connection rather than the act itself, and it ends up feeling genuinely sweet.
Overall, Almost True was a warm, soothing read with a writing style I really enjoyed. Maisie Serein has a gentle, comforting way of telling a story, and I’d happily pick up more of her work.
That said… Adrian.
He had so many opportunities to come clean, and the repeated conversations with his driver made it even clearer that he knew he was wrong. The way he handled things with Olivia crossed into gaslighting, and she believed him a little too easily for my taste. I appreciated that he eventually recognised how hollow his life was, but the way he went about it wasn’t great.
The ending felt a bit stretched, but honestly, it’s probably the most realistic portrayal of that messy space between forgetting someone and forgiving someone. As a reader it dragged a little, but I could still appreciate the authenticity of that emotional limbo.
The spice is on the softer side — not explicit, but intentionally so. The focus is on their connection rather than the act itself, and it ends up feeling genuinely sweet.
Overall, Almost True was a warm, soothing read with a writing style I really enjoyed. Maisie Serein has a gentle, comforting way of telling a story, and I’d happily pick up more of her work.
April 23, 2026
BOOK REVIEW!!
Almost True is the second book in the Almost series by Maisie Serenin. I am so grateful to have been able to read Olivia and Adrian's story before its release date.
The mixture of tropes is absolutely magical, something I have been searching for in many books but hadn't found until I discovered Maisie's work. There were some moments where I wanted to throw my iPad at the wall because of how stupid Adrian was and how he refused to listen to his friends' advice, some that gave me goosebumps, and some where I had to really think to understand the psychology behind Adrian's decisions.
Regardless of his past actions, I would want someone who treats me the way Adrian does (minus the lying).
Thank you, fictional men, for raising my standards once again
Overall, I would give this book 5 stars.
If you enjoy soft romance, yearning, a billionaire MMC, a bookstore owner FMC, a New York setting, secret identity, redemption arc, he falls first, sweet moments, banter, and slow burn, this book is for you!
Thank you Maisie for letting me read your book before its release.
Read and dream
Grace
Almost True is the second book in the Almost series by Maisie Serenin. I am so grateful to have been able to read Olivia and Adrian's story before its release date.
The mixture of tropes is absolutely magical, something I have been searching for in many books but hadn't found until I discovered Maisie's work. There were some moments where I wanted to throw my iPad at the wall because of how stupid Adrian was and how he refused to listen to his friends' advice, some that gave me goosebumps, and some where I had to really think to understand the psychology behind Adrian's decisions.
Regardless of his past actions, I would want someone who treats me the way Adrian does (minus the lying).
Thank you, fictional men, for raising my standards once again
Overall, I would give this book 5 stars.
If you enjoy soft romance, yearning, a billionaire MMC, a bookstore owner FMC, a New York setting, secret identity, redemption arc, he falls first, sweet moments, banter, and slow burn, this book is for you!
Thank you Maisie for letting me read your book before its release.
Read and dream
Grace
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced copy received from the author
I had the pleasure to read “Almost true” by Maisie Serein and I really enjoyed it.
This is the story of Adrian, a billionaire running a successful family business and Olivia, the owner of a small bookstore who meet and fall in love without even realizing it. They will have to risk everything for love including telling the truth (I may have screamed at Adrian sometimes because of this one) and facing the consequences of their choices.
It was a cosy, heartbreaking and healing story about love, trust, patience, honesty, the power of love and doing everything necessary to make it work.
If you are a romance reader, please check it out. I am sure you’re going to love it ❤️.
I had the pleasure to read “Almost true” by Maisie Serein and I really enjoyed it.
This is the story of Adrian, a billionaire running a successful family business and Olivia, the owner of a small bookstore who meet and fall in love without even realizing it. They will have to risk everything for love including telling the truth (I may have screamed at Adrian sometimes because of this one) and facing the consequences of their choices.
It was a cosy, heartbreaking and healing story about love, trust, patience, honesty, the power of love and doing everything necessary to make it work.
If you are a romance reader, please check it out. I am sure you’re going to love it ❤️.
April 22, 2026
This book whispers. It glides under your skin, steals your thoughts, your breath, your time.
Quiet in my mind.
Sadness, loneliness, pleasure & heartache eating into their rightful place in my heart while eyes travel pages of love and misery and try to make sense of the wreckless abandon that graces them.
Olivia is wholesome, kind, sweet, and recovering from a life of loss.
Adrian is who every man wants to be; rich, successful, handsome.
Everyone but him. He just wants to be, not be someone.
Low spice
Heartbreak
Building trust
Slow burn
MF
Quiet in my mind.
Sadness, loneliness, pleasure & heartache eating into their rightful place in my heart while eyes travel pages of love and misery and try to make sense of the wreckless abandon that graces them.
Olivia is wholesome, kind, sweet, and recovering from a life of loss.
Adrian is who every man wants to be; rich, successful, handsome.
Everyone but him. He just wants to be, not be someone.
Low spice
Heartbreak
Building trust
Slow burn
MF
Review of advance copy received from Author
3½ stars for me. I received an ARC and agreed to give my honest review. This book is a slow burn...a very, very slow burn. Definitely a romance, with overall nice plot. Not spicy. For me, it was a little boring and the MMC drove me crazy the first ⅔ of the book. It was a little repetitive as well. I also feel like it was missing a little backstory of both main characters. Having said all that, it wasn't bad, and I'd be willing to read another from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars✨
1.5 Spices🌶️
A story about how trust can easily fall apart and the lengths we go to rebuild it once it’s been lost.
Almost True is the second book in The Almost Series that examines how profound love can survive even when trust shatters.
Maisie has beautifully crafted a heartwarming story that reveals not only the terrifying nature of loving someone when you can't be sure who they truly are, but also how the power of love can force you to find the courage to fight for it despite unavoidable circumstances that demand you to let go.
It wasn't an easy journey to Adrian and Olivia's happily ever after. They fell in love too hard and too fast and started to build a beautiful relationship - until a revelation about Adrian changed everything. You can feel both characters' pain and guilt in those sad moments, as well as their intense chemistry. Also, I'm a sucker for groveling tropes, and Adrian certainly did it well! Bravo!
At its core, Almost True is a story that blends heartbreak, healing, and hope in a captivating way, drawing readers into a story that feels real and relatable.
Receiving a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was an honour, and I'm presenting my candid opinion based on my own experience. I am eternally grateful to Maisie Serein for entrusting me with reading this book beforehand.
1.5 Spices🌶️
A story about how trust can easily fall apart and the lengths we go to rebuild it once it’s been lost.
Almost True is the second book in The Almost Series that examines how profound love can survive even when trust shatters.
Maisie has beautifully crafted a heartwarming story that reveals not only the terrifying nature of loving someone when you can't be sure who they truly are, but also how the power of love can force you to find the courage to fight for it despite unavoidable circumstances that demand you to let go.
It wasn't an easy journey to Adrian and Olivia's happily ever after. They fell in love too hard and too fast and started to build a beautiful relationship - until a revelation about Adrian changed everything. You can feel both characters' pain and guilt in those sad moments, as well as their intense chemistry. Also, I'm a sucker for groveling tropes, and Adrian certainly did it well! Bravo!
At its core, Almost True is a story that blends heartbreak, healing, and hope in a captivating way, drawing readers into a story that feels real and relatable.
Receiving a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was an honour, and I'm presenting my candid opinion based on my own experience. I am eternally grateful to Maisie Serein for entrusting me with reading this book beforehand.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Almost True was provided by the author as an eARC. This is my honest review.
This book was one of those stories that slowly pulls you in rather than hitting you all at once. The writing felt really intimate, like I was sitting inside the character’s thoughts, watching everything unravel in real time. It’s messy, a little frustrating at times (in a good way), and very human.
I won’t lie, there were moments where I struggled with some of the decisions being made. I kept thinking “Adrian, just tell her!!" but that’s also what made it feel real. The characters aren’t perfect, and the story doesn’t try to make them be.
What really stood out to me though was the emotional payoff toward the end. That redemption arc? It didn’t feel rushed or forced, it felt earned. After everything that happens, seeing that growth and accountability hit so much harder because of how flawed things were before.
Adrian and Olivia felt relatable and that is what made me feel connected to this wonderful story.
This book was one of those stories that slowly pulls you in rather than hitting you all at once. The writing felt really intimate, like I was sitting inside the character’s thoughts, watching everything unravel in real time. It’s messy, a little frustrating at times (in a good way), and very human.
I won’t lie, there were moments where I struggled with some of the decisions being made. I kept thinking “Adrian, just tell her!!" but that’s also what made it feel real. The characters aren’t perfect, and the story doesn’t try to make them be.
What really stood out to me though was the emotional payoff toward the end. That redemption arc? It didn’t feel rushed or forced, it felt earned. After everything that happens, seeing that growth and accountability hit so much harder because of how flawed things were before.
Adrian and Olivia felt relatable and that is what made me feel connected to this wonderful story.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews