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The Truth #1
The Truth: His Side, Her Side, and The Truth About Falling in Love
There’s no such thing as a right time to fall in love. It happens, or it doesn’t. Possible to fake, but not force. Impossible to simply wish away.
This is the path that hero and heroine find themselves on.
Neither of them quite ready to entertain the idea of dating, let alone love… but they can’t seem to avoid each other either.
He calls it “fate”.
She calls it “crazy”.
Maybe neither of them is wrong.
When pretense is stripped away, and feelings – good, bad, and ugly – are laid bare, all they’re left with is their truth. It’s up to them to figure out what to do with it.
This is the path that hero and heroine find themselves on.
Neither of them quite ready to entertain the idea of dating, let alone love… but they can’t seem to avoid each other either.
He calls it “fate”.
She calls it “crazy”.
Maybe neither of them is wrong.
When pretense is stripped away, and feelings – good, bad, and ugly – are laid bare, all they’re left with is their truth. It’s up to them to figure out what to do with it.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2016
378 people are currently reading
673 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
October 29, 2020
As always, we have another winner from CCJ. The Truth: His Side, Her Side, and The Truth About Falling in Love was so good! The relationship between Rob and Iris written beautifully. Their love was truly organic but, Iris worked my last nerve. She tested my patience for 85% of this book. From the beginning, she did not make it easy for Rob at all. I got her whole self love journey and being off men to figure out who she was but, she was willing to miss her blessing with that foolishness. And Rob, bless his heart, was so patient with Iris. You know this man was in love because, he put up with a lot from her. Those parents of hers?!!!! Whew chile! I don't know about the rest of y'all but, I honestly felt betrayed when the truth was revealed. With this book, we got a happy and a sad ending but in the end, Iris and Rob got their HEA. Wesleigh Siobhan and Emmanuel Ingram did a phenomenal job narrating. The Truth: His Side, Her Side, and The Truth About Falling in Love did not disappoint. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
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December 22, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/22/2017)! 💝
Blurb:
There’s no such thing as a right time to fall in love. It happens, or it doesn’t. Possible to fake, but not force. Impossible to simply wish away.
This is the path that hero and heroine find themselves on.
Neither of them quite ready to entertain the idea of dating, let alone love… but they can’t seem to avoid each other either.
He calls it “fate”.
She calls it “crazy”.
Maybe neither of them is wrong.
When pretense is stripped away, and feelings – good, bad, and ugly – are laid bare, all they’re left with is their truth. It’s up to them to figure out what to do with it.
Blurb:
There’s no such thing as a right time to fall in love. It happens, or it doesn’t. Possible to fake, but not force. Impossible to simply wish away.
This is the path that hero and heroine find themselves on.
Neither of them quite ready to entertain the idea of dating, let alone love… but they can’t seem to avoid each other either.
He calls it “fate”.
She calls it “crazy”.
Maybe neither of them is wrong.
When pretense is stripped away, and feelings – good, bad, and ugly – are laid bare, all they’re left with is their truth. It’s up to them to figure out what to do with it.
May 13, 2023
Really cute story about friends, then sweethearts and their crazy journey to love.
Loved that Rob was a math teacher and stood against all of the people who tried to tell him who he should love.
Iris and her friends are hilarious and really moved the story along!
October 20, 2016
Loved, LOved. LOVed, LOVED!
January 2, 2024
Okay I loved Iris and Rob. No drama, just two people falling in love, who communicated well and had good vibes. And hell, I’m a teacher so where’s my Rob? 🤣 great first read if the year!
October 28, 2016
I have a new fav by CCJ. Super cute read with great lead and secondary characters. Loved the simplicity and honesty of the relationship. Smiled through this one from start to finish.
August 18, 2018
Everything about this was amazing you guys. Christina C Jones literally writes the perfect romances for me.
Sidenote: WHAT DOES CCJ HAVE AGAINST LOCS?!?!?!?!!!!
Sidenote: WHAT DOES CCJ HAVE AGAINST LOCS?!?!?!?!!!!
September 17, 2016
There is always 3 sides to a story: his, hers and the truth. Well, Iris isn't into a 'his side'...or even a him. She has been through a lot and has decided to basically..keep to herself.
But when she keeps running into Rob in some unexpected ways, the attraction can't be denied. However, past relationships and hurts find their way between them. Can they overcome the exposed truths and find love?
This is one of a few books I was able to read in its entirety since 'Love on The Highlight Reel'..which btw was like the best thing since sliced bread ..that was toasted..with butter (OMG that book)..but then again: THIS book! How was Jones able to get me out of my book depression to take on another set of her characters? I guess the book pulling me out of my funk being hers was fitting.
My literary palate is so satisfied with Jones' ability to not only give an intricate story about Black love but how she develops a sub story within the plot to keep you thoroughly entertained. The 'truth' in this book wasn't just about discovering love, but about other sensitive issues that made for some real and relatable characters. Man, when I tell you I was shocked by some drama that went down..lort! Wow! I have seen so many situations touched by Jones' pen, but she never ceases to amaze me how fresh and unique her writing is.
Also, can we talk about Iris and Math Bae? I loved that Rob wasn't an alpha type. It showed variety among her plethora of male characters. I totally loved that he was in my profession so every thing he did, whether it was work related or to relax, I understood completely. Iris was so quirky and hard not to love. She was dealing with so much so I'm glad she fell for Rob..literally and figuratively. The social media interaction and lingo added so much to their budding relationship and def added a great 'contemporary love' feel to the story.
The ending was well suited to Iris and Rob: I was pleased that Jones' ability to create a seamless timeline aided in the pacing of this story. I always say that she can write a 3-page book and still find a way to give history on the characters and a satisfying ending.
This book was a breath of fresh air for me. I can't really begin to say how much it was a great escape from reality.
But when she keeps running into Rob in some unexpected ways, the attraction can't be denied. However, past relationships and hurts find their way between them. Can they overcome the exposed truths and find love?
This is one of a few books I was able to read in its entirety since 'Love on The Highlight Reel'..which btw was like the best thing since sliced bread ..that was toasted..with butter (OMG that book)..but then again: THIS book! How was Jones able to get me out of my book depression to take on another set of her characters? I guess the book pulling me out of my funk being hers was fitting.
My literary palate is so satisfied with Jones' ability to not only give an intricate story about Black love but how she develops a sub story within the plot to keep you thoroughly entertained. The 'truth' in this book wasn't just about discovering love, but about other sensitive issues that made for some real and relatable characters. Man, when I tell you I was shocked by some drama that went down..lort! Wow! I have seen so many situations touched by Jones' pen, but she never ceases to amaze me how fresh and unique her writing is.
Also, can we talk about Iris and Math Bae? I loved that Rob wasn't an alpha type. It showed variety among her plethora of male characters. I totally loved that he was in my profession so every thing he did, whether it was work related or to relax, I understood completely. Iris was so quirky and hard not to love. She was dealing with so much so I'm glad she fell for Rob..literally and figuratively. The social media interaction and lingo added so much to their budding relationship and def added a great 'contemporary love' feel to the story.
The ending was well suited to Iris and Rob: I was pleased that Jones' ability to create a seamless timeline aided in the pacing of this story. I always say that she can write a 3-page book and still find a way to give history on the characters and a satisfying ending.
This book was a breath of fresh air for me. I can't really begin to say how much it was a great escape from reality.
February 10, 2022
Iris x Rob 🥰😍
Ok, I LOVEDDDD this book. Christina C. Jones is a beast. I was a little hesitant going into this book because it's 4 years old. (I like to stay with recent work out of fear that the author's work wasn't always good then, if that makes any sense), but this read was excellent. Iris, beautiful loc'ed hair Iris. She stole my heart. Not gonna lie, she irked my nerves a few times. I wanted to shake her, but she eventually won me over. Rob, this man was the epitome of patience. Though his heart was fragile, he still put himself out there. He was so understanding, so open, so vulnerable. I love a good love story, and this book was filled with love. But what made this story for me was the family things going on outside of the love stuff. I wouldn't even call it drama. It was real-life issues.
Even the love aspect of it wasn't any surface level fluffy stuff. It was deep, real-life things that we deal with. This book was excellent.
Highly recommend 🙃
Ok, I LOVEDDDD this book. Christina C. Jones is a beast. I was a little hesitant going into this book because it's 4 years old. (I like to stay with recent work out of fear that the author's work wasn't always good then, if that makes any sense), but this read was excellent. Iris, beautiful loc'ed hair Iris. She stole my heart. Not gonna lie, she irked my nerves a few times. I wanted to shake her, but she eventually won me over. Rob, this man was the epitome of patience. Though his heart was fragile, he still put himself out there. He was so understanding, so open, so vulnerable. I love a good love story, and this book was filled with love. But what made this story for me was the family things going on outside of the love stuff. I wouldn't even call it drama. It was real-life issues.
Even the love aspect of it wasn't any surface level fluffy stuff. It was deep, real-life things that we deal with. This book was excellent.
Highly recommend 🙃
February 6, 2025
4.5⭐️ Friends to lovers. I really enjoyed this book. Iris and Rob were good together. They both had past relationships that made them afraid to fall in love again but luckily they took a chance. Ready for the next one.
November 30, 2020
GoodRead
April 13, 2021
CCJ can write a book!! It honestly makes me sick every time.
June 18, 2023
I won’t lie Christina had me worried for a little bit but then she reminded me that she’s never written a bad book😭😭
October 13, 2016
Amazing as Usual
Christina has a way of bringing characters to real life. I don't think I've ever spent more than 48 hours reading one of her books, because I devour them. I love the characters, and feel like I know them. I laugh out loud, shed tears, all of that.
Now, to this story. Another amazing (and believable) love story. All of the characters are perfectly flawed. I love that she takes her time into the characters really falling for each other. It's not drawn out and it's not rushed.
If you want a believable love story, pick up this book and any others. Twists & turns. Drama, action (wink) and just good writing in general.
Christina has a way of bringing characters to real life. I don't think I've ever spent more than 48 hours reading one of her books, because I devour them. I love the characters, and feel like I know them. I laugh out loud, shed tears, all of that.
Now, to this story. Another amazing (and believable) love story. All of the characters are perfectly flawed. I love that she takes her time into the characters really falling for each other. It's not drawn out and it's not rushed.
If you want a believable love story, pick up this book and any others. Twists & turns. Drama, action (wink) and just good writing in general.
March 31, 2022
Okay #MathBae and MsCraftyifyanasty!!! I was blushing throughout this entire book. It was such a cute and well developed romance. I love the concept of dating yourself first!! IKTR Iris! You better!! Their first intimate encounter was comical! Sis wasn’t ready! 🤣🤣 I listened to the audiobook and when I tell you I can listen to Wesleigh all day! I need her to record every audiobook because her narration is everything! This was an easy 5 ⭐️‘s
September 22, 2016
Amazing
I truly enjoyed this read. I have been sick with a cold, missed work, and made it my business to read this in bed. Lol. I love Christina's work, her characters, and how in each book she demonstrates different issues that you could relate to or even if you don't, you still feel that you're there in the book with the characters. One of my favorite authors today.
I truly enjoyed this read. I have been sick with a cold, missed work, and made it my business to read this in bed. Lol. I love Christina's work, her characters, and how in each book she demonstrates different issues that you could relate to or even if you don't, you still feel that you're there in the book with the characters. One of my favorite authors today.
September 26, 2016
CCJ has ONCE AGAIN USURPED MY WEEKEND. And I couldn't be happier. I mean, my God. Can this chick just have my entire life? How can she possibly pack this much realness and honest humor into a genre that is supposed to be fantasy and have still have me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside?! It's super-human. CCJ has super-human powers. Raise your hand if you feel me. That is all.
January 17, 2023
CCJ's books never disappoint me. And her audiobooks are always a joy to listen to because her narrators REALLY invoke emotion from the listener. The Truth follows Rob and Iris. Rob is a math teacher who helps out at his parents' bar/club some evenings. They meet when Rob politely escorts a very drunk Iris and her friends out of the bar on her birthday. After that, these two seem to keep popping up around each other around the neighborhood. This ultimately results in them being neighbors, with their apartments being directly across the courtyard from each other.
As usual, CCJ's characters are usually dealing with some personal stuff that is slowly revealed as the story goes on. Iris has a mother with health/memory issues (the reason why is revealed later in the book) and has sworn off serious relationships after her last serious relationship ended tragically. Rob is dealing with moving back to town after his engagement went wrong, and his guilt associated with his ex. None of this stops Rob from letting Iris know he's interested and wants to get to know her better. Despite Iris' "no men" policy, she eventually opens up and you get to see her and Rob truly lean on each other when they need it.
Beautiful story. It was a bit slow at times, and not my overall favorite from this author, which is why I gave it 4 stars. Definitely recommend the audio.
TROPES: neighbors; black romance/OWN voices; teacher hero;
TRIGGER WARNINGS: mentions of domestic abuse and substance abuse; death of a loved one; mentions of attempted murder
As usual, CCJ's characters are usually dealing with some personal stuff that is slowly revealed as the story goes on. Iris has a mother with health/memory issues (the reason why is revealed later in the book) and has sworn off serious relationships after her last serious relationship ended tragically. Rob is dealing with moving back to town after his engagement went wrong, and his guilt associated with his ex. None of this stops Rob from letting Iris know he's interested and wants to get to know her better. Despite Iris' "no men" policy, she eventually opens up and you get to see her and Rob truly lean on each other when they need it.
Beautiful story. It was a bit slow at times, and not my overall favorite from this author, which is why I gave it 4 stars. Definitely recommend the audio.
TROPES: neighbors; black romance/OWN voices; teacher hero;
TRIGGER WARNINGS: mentions of domestic abuse and substance abuse; death of a loved one; mentions of attempted murder
December 8, 2024
That damn CCJ knows how to write a relatable, layered love story. Two adults with complicated lives stumble through the difficulties of dating as adults. They laugh, they fight, they clap cheeks and eventually get their HEA. This book was funny and touching with a smidge of drama.
January 30, 2021
Math Bae and ICrafty
Rob and Iris's story breathed into a special place in my heart. This story was a little bit edgier than other Christina Jones novels. With that said, this story was a phenomenal read. I implore you to doubt my wisdom! Lol... Alrighty, here's my review -Rob was a math teacher and he also helped out at his parents restaurant/bar. He met Iris on the night of her birthday celebration when she decided to give him a good look at her goods. Then from that night forward the two kept bumping into one another at various places. The chemistry was electric and frighteningly amazing. Both Rob and Iris had enough going on from recent and just out of bad relationships, that the two probably should have run, but that thing called Fate kept pulling them in. Iris was quirky cute, smart, crafty and in touch with who she was. Rob was grounded, compassionate, laid back, and down right delectable. Together they made the perfectly imperfect couple. Bravo Mrs. Jones you've done it again.
Rob and Iris's story breathed into a special place in my heart. This story was a little bit edgier than other Christina Jones novels. With that said, this story was a phenomenal read. I implore you to doubt my wisdom! Lol... Alrighty, here's my review -Rob was a math teacher and he also helped out at his parents restaurant/bar. He met Iris on the night of her birthday celebration when she decided to give him a good look at her goods. Then from that night forward the two kept bumping into one another at various places. The chemistry was electric and frighteningly amazing. Both Rob and Iris had enough going on from recent and just out of bad relationships, that the two probably should have run, but that thing called Fate kept pulling them in. Iris was quirky cute, smart, crafty and in touch with who she was. Rob was grounded, compassionate, laid back, and down right delectable. Together they made the perfectly imperfect couple. Bravo Mrs. Jones you've done it again.
May 3, 2023
A Beautiful Journey
This is my second time reading this, but my first time writing a review for it. CCJ is that chick! She did such an amazing job of capturing so many nuances of falling in love. An unconventional love story is always more beautiful to me. I love the relatability of the baggage the couple brought to their courtship. I could really connect with Iris and her reservations about making a commitment. Rob’s struggles and guilt about his failed engagement felt so realistic. I enjoyed that there was so much substance to this story. The family dynamic for both characters added so many layers to this love story. Rob was such a sweetheart. He was so caring and thoughtful. I couldn’t get enough of him. This book was touching, humorous, and raw.
This is my second time reading this, but my first time writing a review for it. CCJ is that chick! She did such an amazing job of capturing so many nuances of falling in love. An unconventional love story is always more beautiful to me. I love the relatability of the baggage the couple brought to their courtship. I could really connect with Iris and her reservations about making a commitment. Rob’s struggles and guilt about his failed engagement felt so realistic. I enjoyed that there was so much substance to this story. The family dynamic for both characters added so many layers to this love story. Rob was such a sweetheart. He was so caring and thoughtful. I couldn’t get enough of him. This book was touching, humorous, and raw.
September 19, 2016
Another Must Read
CCJ has written another phenomenal story. Iris and Rob drew me in from the beginning and held my interest throughout the entire book. They had amazing chemistry. I liked that they took the time to be friends first. They both had great friends that supported them. I hope to read more about their friends.
As always, I'm never disappointed with CCJ's stories. Looking forward to what she has in store next.
CCJ has written another phenomenal story. Iris and Rob drew me in from the beginning and held my interest throughout the entire book. They had amazing chemistry. I liked that they took the time to be friends first. They both had great friends that supported them. I hope to read more about their friends.
As always, I'm never disappointed with CCJ's stories. Looking forward to what she has in store next.
December 4, 2016
Of course this was amazing.....of course I'm now in love with these too and crave more of them....of course, I could not put this down.....It was just great. The dramatics of this one had me literally gasping for air. Amazing read.
October 2, 2018
I LOVE me some Christina C. Jones. She never fails to draw you in and leave you desiring more.
February 11, 2021
#MathBae *swoon* Rob and Iris are the couples you root for! I loved how CCJ developed their characters and made their interactions so real and relatable. Their family relationships, backgrounds and issues felt so real. You saw their characters growth and even their friends and families in the background. This book had me in all my feels, I laughed out loud in some parts and cried along in others. Narration was on point between Wesleigh Siobhan and Emmanuel Ingram...they have a good chemistry/blend and their voices for the opposite sex is exceptional. Highly recommend this book!
June 12, 2025
CCJ did an amazing job! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I have nothing negative to say about this story. It was so captivating that I could visualize everything being described. In my mind, it felt like I was watching HBO's "Insecure." The characters were great, from the siblings to the girlfriends, as well as Rob's friends and more. Even the banter from the parents was hilarious. I found myself grinning the entire time. I can't wait to dive into the next book! 🤗
May 10, 2021
Amazing book by CCJ! The performance by Wesleigh and Emmanuel was riveting!
January 11, 2025
Emotional, slow burn. A little slow at times, but a really amazing romance. Loved how they communicated through everything - yay no 3rd act breakup 🙏
December 21, 2025
Wow! I felt every emotion with this book! I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as a did. A true 5 star book! ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews