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The Truth About #1
The Truth about Heartbreak
I fell in love with him when I was thirteen years old.He was older, mysterious, and unattainable. The guy I could never touch.Then one night changed everything for us. But there was one huge problem.He belonged to her.
484 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2019
1508 people are currently reading
19017 people want to read
About the author
B. Celeste
41 books3,213 followersB. Celeste is a new adult and contemporary romance author that gives voices to raw, realistic characters with emotional storylines that tug on the heartstrings.
She was born and raised in upstate New York where she still resides with her four-legged feline sidekick Oliver “Ollie” Queen. Her love for reading and writing began at an early age and only grew stronger after getting a BA in English and an MFA in English & creative writing. When she’s not writing, she’s working out, binge-watching reality game shows, and spending time with her friends and family.
Email: bcdwrites@gmail.com
She was born and raised in upstate New York where she still resides with her four-legged feline sidekick Oliver “Ollie” Queen. Her love for reading and writing began at an early age and only grew stronger after getting a BA in English and an MFA in English & creative writing. When she’s not writing, she’s working out, binge-watching reality game shows, and spending time with her friends and family.
Email: bcdwrites@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 840 reviews
i-rather-throw-myself-over-a-cliff
June 3, 2019Zeroine here is the OW. Pos has a girlfriend for 10 years, he got her pregnant, she lost their baby. Almost got engaged to her but he fell for the poor OW (zeroine) cheated on his girlfriend with the zeroine. Amazing guy and girl. They deserve each other. Girlfriend should run far away from him.
This book perfect for people who thinks cheating is so romantic. Me? I definitely would need a lobotomy if I ever think this shit is romantic.
This book perfect for people who thinks cheating is so romantic. Me? I definitely would need a lobotomy if I ever think this shit is romantic.
June 7, 2019
The truth about Heartbreak is that there is no such thing. It's your soul that shatters, along with every fibre of your being that screams for another person.
THE TRUTH ABOUT HEARTBREAK Is a full length, debut romance novel by B. Celeste. Spoken in 'Dual POV's'
Forbidden Romance - Check.
Cheating - Check.
Brother's Best Friend - Check.
Angst - Check.
The main reason why I chased this book down to the ends of the earth before and after the release was that one word that kept flashing like a neon sign *Forbidden* I'll sign up for anything if it has that tag.
But for me it didn't tick that box. I didn't class this as a forbidden read. But even though that one box of mine wasn't ticked it still didn't stop me from enjoying this book because she nailed all the other boxes.
This was such an enjoyable read, there were so many things I loved about this book, especially seeing their blossoming friendship which started at the age of thirteen that we got to witness at such a young age evolving into so much more later on in life.
Though they took the wrong road before they came down the right path and did things correctly.
I really connected with our heroine River, beautifully damaged but not broken, she had such a vulnerable, shy side to herself, but as she got older and comfortable with her family you could see her blossoming and coming into her own.
Our hero Everett, I loved his younger character, that caring, shelter from the storm, protective boy that befriended her garnered all the feels, older Everett I found hard to connect with, in some cases I wanted him to take a stand, stick it to the world and stand up for himself, other times I wanted to jump in the book and shake him, but then he'd redeem himself and make me fall in love with him all over again.
All in all this was so easy to get into, so hard to put down, so much love I have for this book and its characters.
THE TRUTH ABOUT HEARTBREAK Is a full length, debut romance novel by B. Celeste. Spoken in 'Dual POV's'
Forbidden Romance - Check.
Cheating - Check.
Brother's Best Friend - Check.
Angst - Check.
The main reason why I chased this book down to the ends of the earth before and after the release was that one word that kept flashing like a neon sign *Forbidden* I'll sign up for anything if it has that tag.
But for me it didn't tick that box. I didn't class this as a forbidden read. But even though that one box of mine wasn't ticked it still didn't stop me from enjoying this book because she nailed all the other boxes.
This was such an enjoyable read, there were so many things I loved about this book, especially seeing their blossoming friendship which started at the age of thirteen that we got to witness at such a young age evolving into so much more later on in life.
Though they took the wrong road before they came down the right path and did things correctly.
I really connected with our heroine River, beautifully damaged but not broken, she had such a vulnerable, shy side to herself, but as she got older and comfortable with her family you could see her blossoming and coming into her own.
Our hero Everett, I loved his younger character, that caring, shelter from the storm, protective boy that befriended her garnered all the feels, older Everett I found hard to connect with, in some cases I wanted him to take a stand, stick it to the world and stand up for himself, other times I wanted to jump in the book and shake him, but then he'd redeem himself and make me fall in love with him all over again.
All in all this was so easy to get into, so hard to put down, so much love I have for this book and its characters.
February 28, 2021
This is the exact kind of angst I HATE reading, so I have no one to blame but myself for going into this even knowing I wouldn’t enjoy it 😂 Hero is completely spineless and heroine deserves way better.
September 6, 2021
TW for abuse and cheating
I love an angsty romance that takes years to develop, and that's exactly the case with this one. River is adopted when she's 13 after being in very bad homes growing up. Rhett is her adoptive brother's best friend and immediately feels protective of her, but nothing happens while they're growing up. The two dance around their feelings for each other for years until, ten years later, they cross a line. Now they have to confront their feelings and the hurt they've caused themselves and others. While there is cheating in here, I could see why it happened and understood why Rhett found it so hard to go all in with River. River is still trying to cope with her trauma and live life and let people in, even years after she's adopted and found her place with a loving family. I also usually don't like a jealous ex, but the one in here made sense and I could definitely see her side of things. Like I said, this is an angsty romance, which I loved. My only complaint, though, is that we get a scene in the prologue of River and Rhett crossing a line together and then jump back ten years to the beginning of their story. When we catch up to that scene in the present about 50-60% into the book, though, it's completely skipped over and I feel like it was an important scene that needed to be developed and shown. So the pacing could have used some work, but other than that, this was definitely a good read!
I love an angsty romance that takes years to develop, and that's exactly the case with this one. River is adopted when she's 13 after being in very bad homes growing up. Rhett is her adoptive brother's best friend and immediately feels protective of her, but nothing happens while they're growing up. The two dance around their feelings for each other for years until, ten years later, they cross a line. Now they have to confront their feelings and the hurt they've caused themselves and others. While there is cheating in here, I could see why it happened and understood why Rhett found it so hard to go all in with River. River is still trying to cope with her trauma and live life and let people in, even years after she's adopted and found her place with a loving family. I also usually don't like a jealous ex, but the one in here made sense and I could definitely see her side of things. Like I said, this is an angsty romance, which I loved. My only complaint, though, is that we get a scene in the prologue of River and Rhett crossing a line together and then jump back ten years to the beginning of their story. When we catch up to that scene in the present about 50-60% into the book, though, it's completely skipped over and I feel like it was an important scene that needed to be developed and shown. So the pacing could have used some work, but other than that, this was definitely a good read!
May 27, 2019
“River James will always be mine. Even if she doesn’t want to be. Even is she can’t be.”
The Truth about Heartbreak tells the tumultuous love story about two people who had a lot stacked against them. This was about broken characters that gave us heartbreak and during their darkest moments, they found strength within each other and not only learned how to heal, but they found the greatest gift of all: Unconditional Love.
There’s this Universal saying that someone has been through hell and back and those words have never been more true for River James. Growing up in the foster care system, this girl has seen it all and been through it all. Now given a chance at a new life with her own forever home, River finally has the one thing that she’s always wanted. A loving family. Despite her new surroundings, there’s one thing in the back of her mind: some scars, don’t always heal but new friendships can help.
Everett Tucker has been through his fair of tragedy in his lifetime but if there’s one thing that he’s not lacking is love and support from his best friend’s family who’ve become like second parents to him. With the new addition to the James household, Everett immediately feels a bond with the shy and timid girl. As the years go by, their friendship starts to turn into something more with unspoken words and forbidden wants. Will they cross the line and burn everything in their wake or will this be the road to their very complicated love story?
The truth about Heartbreak is that there is no such thing. It’s your soul that shatters, along with every fiber of your being that screams for another person”.
From the moment I read the synopsis for this book, I knew that I had to have it. Forbidden romance is my weakness and even though I was expecting a little bit more on the forbidden side, I still liked the premise of the story and I loved the past scenes. Those were my absolute favorite and the author did an amazing job with capturing their youth and showing their ultimate growth.
Now I’ll admit that I had to really restrain myself from not throwing my tablet because a certain character had me plotting out A lot of alibis and I wanted to shake them!! I kept asking myself, how are you not in fictional jail yet?!! They tested me on another level but I will say that they redeemed themselves a bit and I was thankful for that because I was out of bail money.
Aside from that, I really enjoyed this one and knowing that this is the author’s debut book, I really cannot wait to see what she’s going to come up with next. Her characters are complex, witty, passionate and down right entertaining. If your looking for a friends to lovers romance with a forbidden feel, then you should really give this one a try.
June 12, 2019
Ugh. What a slog. Took me a week and several tries to get through, and that almost never happens.
The book was just all over the place. Makes me wonder how many of the people out there writing these days know or care that relatability matters, or if they understand thing one about human nature.
Honestly, foster care isn't the best everywhere and bad things do happen sometimes, but must every. single. story that utilises the system portray it in the absolute worst light? It's annoying, not to mention unfair. I've known people that went through the system and did so unscathed. I've known others who never experienced foster care and wished they had. Some of the worst incidences of abuse are perpetrated in the home by a child's own parents, and that's a fact.
I mean, the h has scars from cigarette burns, AND cuts, AND belt lashings and these were inflicted upon her by a different foster family each time? Um...no. I don't think. I have no doubt it can happen, but in reality even the arsey-est (yes, I made up that word) of foster parents out there aren't going to risk that care cheque each month. The book is fiction and all, but River's experience is proper overkill.
Lots of overkill in this story, however, and a lot more that didn't make sense.
I feel like the title came first, and then the story was tasked with living up to the title. The result was...well, heartbreaking.
To read, that is.
I sense that is hardly the intended context.
But seriously, for starters, the H and h just bored me. I'm heartily shut of pathetic, abused heroines with their scars and fears of everything. Give that shite a rest already. I'm a strong woman who wants a strong heroine, not a stuttering blob of neuroses, tears and snot. Everett was just immature and lacked any kind of edge.
Also, the hero should NOT be with someone else for over half the book! The main couple being apart most of the story is kind of a chemistry killer. The reason for it was laaame and just one of several nonsensical things here, but I never felt like he was that into her. Even when he chose her
he never seemed all in. If you ask me, he was clueless that the OW was a sea-hag and couldn't let go of promise he made her in his teens. Literally a decade of limbo, for what.
Christ, grow up, yeah?
So, the h was the OW - even said so herself several times - and that was the status quo too long to make me invest in them.
After a climax that felt contrived to manipulate the feels and the wrap-up that followed, I was past caring.
The following are examples of sloppiness that made this story exasperating.
River went to see her bestie because she was told to because of Everett, but then the story changed to her birth mother being the reason.
Okay, since when?
Was Everett a fire fighter, or did he work for Robert? Why such a contrast in jobs? To be fair, it's possible I skimmed the answer to this one.
What the hell was that convoluted business with The Scarlett Letter and River being Hester Prynne? How did that story have ANY parallel here?
W. T. F.
Too many plot bunnies running around, and too much stretching to tie them all together. Keep it simple.
The assumption is some kind of symbolism was intended with the couple's history and The Scarlett Letter, but for it to work it kind of needs to make sense. If I have to think too hard to cram it into a place it maybe sort of fits, it's not working.
Indecisive hero = weak.
Unwanted orphan/victim heroine = weak.
Too many random ideas, tropes, etc thrown against the wall in the hopes that something sticks = bad execution.
These are all signs of a novice with average talent and a gross lack of knowledge in the craft of writing. I don't know this writer so I can't attest to any of this, I just know I don't care enough to find out.
The book was just all over the place. Makes me wonder how many of the people out there writing these days know or care that relatability matters, or if they understand thing one about human nature.
Honestly, foster care isn't the best everywhere and bad things do happen sometimes, but must every. single. story that utilises the system portray it in the absolute worst light? It's annoying, not to mention unfair. I've known people that went through the system and did so unscathed. I've known others who never experienced foster care and wished they had. Some of the worst incidences of abuse are perpetrated in the home by a child's own parents, and that's a fact.
I mean, the h has scars from cigarette burns, AND cuts, AND belt lashings and these were inflicted upon her by a different foster family each time? Um...no. I don't think. I have no doubt it can happen, but in reality even the arsey-est (yes, I made up that word) of foster parents out there aren't going to risk that care cheque each month. The book is fiction and all, but River's experience is proper overkill.
Lots of overkill in this story, however, and a lot more that didn't make sense.
I feel like the title came first, and then the story was tasked with living up to the title. The result was...well, heartbreaking.
To read, that is.
I sense that is hardly the intended context.
But seriously, for starters, the H and h just bored me. I'm heartily shut of pathetic, abused heroines with their scars and fears of everything. Give that shite a rest already. I'm a strong woman who wants a strong heroine, not a stuttering blob of neuroses, tears and snot. Everett was just immature and lacked any kind of edge.
Also, the hero should NOT be with someone else for over half the book! The main couple being apart most of the story is kind of a chemistry killer. The reason for it was laaame and just one of several nonsensical things here, but I never felt like he was that into her. Even when he chose her
he never seemed all in. If you ask me, he was clueless that the OW was a sea-hag and couldn't let go of promise he made her in his teens. Literally a decade of limbo, for what.
Christ, grow up, yeah?
So, the h was the OW - even said so herself several times - and that was the status quo too long to make me invest in them.
After a climax that felt contrived to manipulate the feels and the wrap-up that followed, I was past caring.
The following are examples of sloppiness that made this story exasperating.
River went to see her bestie because she was told to because of Everett, but then the story changed to her birth mother being the reason.
Okay, since when?
Was Everett a fire fighter, or did he work for Robert? Why such a contrast in jobs? To be fair, it's possible I skimmed the answer to this one.
What the hell was that convoluted business with The Scarlett Letter and River being Hester Prynne? How did that story have ANY parallel here?
W. T. F.
Too many plot bunnies running around, and too much stretching to tie them all together. Keep it simple.
The assumption is some kind of symbolism was intended with the couple's history and The Scarlett Letter, but for it to work it kind of needs to make sense. If I have to think too hard to cram it into a place it maybe sort of fits, it's not working.
Indecisive hero = weak.
Unwanted orphan/victim heroine = weak.
Too many random ideas, tropes, etc thrown against the wall in the hopes that something sticks = bad execution.
These are all signs of a novice with average talent and a gross lack of knowledge in the craft of writing. I don't know this writer so I can't attest to any of this, I just know I don't care enough to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
no-thanks
May 31, 2019So the blurb says theirs another girl.
Plus cheating.
Wow.
No thanks.
Next please.
Plus cheating.
Wow.
No thanks.
Next please.
February 14, 2022
Grave bien
April 8, 2019
10+ stars! My favorite read of 2019. This is everything I want in a story!
January 6, 2026
it seems we haven't yet graduated from wattpad...
dragged way more than necessary and the characters need some therapy. romanizes cheating and relies on miscommunication to carry the story and doesn't work given there isn't much plot alongside it.
also the audiobook narrator was reallyyy weird 🤨
dragged way more than necessary and the characters need some therapy. romanizes cheating and relies on miscommunication to carry the story and doesn't work given there isn't much plot alongside it.
also the audiobook narrator was reallyyy weird 🤨
March 26, 2019
*** FIVE BROKEN-HEARTED STARS ***
The Truth about Heartbreak. Where do I even begin??
I was hooked from the very first page. It’s not very often when I get emotionally invested in a book, but this story had me gripped since the beginning. I tried to savour this as much as I could, but I failed when I realised I had read beyond 40% of the story in one sitting. Yet I couldn’t bring myself to stop, I had to know what happened next and how everything was going to pan out until the end.
River and Everett faced so many obstacles; their romantic relationship threatened to break several relationships including life-long friendships and family ties. They denied their feelings and accepted their flaws, but after a long period of ten years, they were FINALLY granted their happily ever after. One they had spent years fighting for and had very much deserved while we’re given a front-row seat, experiencing emotions – ranging from anguish and pain to happiness and joy – with them. I loved being able to see these two characters grow physically from teenagers to young adults, alongside their evolving relationship from friendship to lovers.
It was interesting to get to know all of the side characters and their importance in the story. Each played a part in River’s and Rhett’s life during the years, and each were memorable in their own way. A little bird tells me she’s planning a second book – an interconnected standalone involving two of these secondary characters. And if I’ve guessed right, this relationship will be just as taboo, just as forbidden. EEEEEEEEEK!!
It’s safe to say B. Celeste has found her niche in writing taboo stories, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!
**The Truth about Heartbreak is a standalone novel.
The Truth about Heartbreak. Where do I even begin??
I was hooked from the very first page. It’s not very often when I get emotionally invested in a book, but this story had me gripped since the beginning. I tried to savour this as much as I could, but I failed when I realised I had read beyond 40% of the story in one sitting. Yet I couldn’t bring myself to stop, I had to know what happened next and how everything was going to pan out until the end.
River and Everett faced so many obstacles; their romantic relationship threatened to break several relationships including life-long friendships and family ties. They denied their feelings and accepted their flaws, but after a long period of ten years, they were FINALLY granted their happily ever after. One they had spent years fighting for and had very much deserved while we’re given a front-row seat, experiencing emotions – ranging from anguish and pain to happiness and joy – with them. I loved being able to see these two characters grow physically from teenagers to young adults, alongside their evolving relationship from friendship to lovers.
It was interesting to get to know all of the side characters and their importance in the story. Each played a part in River’s and Rhett’s life during the years, and each were memorable in their own way. A little bird tells me she’s planning a second book – an interconnected standalone involving two of these secondary characters. And if I’ve guessed right, this relationship will be just as taboo, just as forbidden. EEEEEEEEEK!!
It’s safe to say B. Celeste has found her niche in writing taboo stories, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!
**The Truth about Heartbreak is a standalone novel.
June 3, 2019
4,5. When the book is really good, the time passes quickly...
This book is amazing, so very writing!
It’s worth the reading.
This book is amazing, so very writing!
It’s worth the reading.
July 3, 2019
Release Date: June 1, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance (with cheating)
Actual Rating: 2.5 stars
The Truth about Heartbreak has all the workings for an awesome read. However, it fell really flat in areas that should have been really important. That's not to say that the book is a total bust because it isn't. The beginning of the story is very strong and filled with angst and emotion. Around 40% though it takes a whole new direction and there is a LOT of unnecessary drama that got on my nerves. I think I would have really loved this book if it didn't skip years in the middle. We go from hearing a story of unrequited love at the age of 16 (which is VERY powerful by the way) to age 23 where there is a shit storm of stuff going on (most of which really pissed me off). Also, because of the gap in years I think the actual love story fell very flat (almost non existent if I am being honest). Sigh. I really wanted to love this one and there was just too much of a mess to muddle through.
What I LOVED about The Truth About Heartbreak
The beginning of the book is really strong. We meet River who is being adopted by the James family. She had been in foster care her entire life and finally having a forever home with people who genuinely love her is a sight to behold (and read about). I love how B. Celeste wrote this part. It's emotional, powerful, uplifting, and really exquisite to read about. I wish there were more people like Bridget and Robert out there because they are truly a godsend. Anyway, River has trust issues because of her terrible past but Oliver- her new brother, and his best friend Everett show her that she can trust again.
River doesn't realize it at first but the two of them (Everett) are clearly meant for one another. There is a difference in age between them and he is the brothers best friend but are essentially two people who share the same heart and soul. Readers are shown this through their interactions together and it's a beautiful thing to see River able to open up to him.
And then what bothered me....
Now here's where things start to go downhill...
:: POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD::
River turns 16 (I think around here) and Everett leaves for college... That's it. I kept wondering if I missed something and went back and re-read a few paragraphs but I didn't miss anything. All the stuff in between was left out. Until they meet again a year or two later at a party... HUH!?!?!
There love story really should have taken off from there. But readers were left to wonder what the heck happened. Did they stay in touch? Did they ever get to a first kiss? Were feelings every discussed? NOPE. And even worse, Everett has a serious girlfriend... Where the HELL did she come from and WHY is she even part of the story!?!!? Especially considering they didn't even love each other..
All of this just started to become a mess to me. I felt annoyed, like I was missing the important pieces of their romance (Everett said numerous times that River was his number 1), but I never saw any of it.
Fast forward a few more years (age 23) and they end up getting together. While he is in a committed 10 year relationship.
And that's it again....
I won't go on as you can see here what I mean when there are too many gaps within the story. Normally I don't care about gaps as long as they are strengthened with some sort of backstory about what happened in between. There just wasn't enough for me and it fell so flat that I almost DNF. Now, this review is not to be critical of the author because I think she has all the makings of an angsty good read here. But it did fall flat for ME. There were areas where I needed more and it just wasn't there.
In conclusion, the book has some really HIGH moments that took my breath away but also areas that were too messy for me as a reader. I personally had a hard time with the book after about 40% but that doesn't mean others will so take my review with a grain of salt and be sure to read other peoples reviews too.
That being said, the end of this book gives us a glimpse of what the next one will be like and I am SUPER excited. Just because this one was a hit for me doesn't mean the next one will be! I can't wait to read it!
Genre: Contemporary Romance (with cheating)
Actual Rating: 2.5 stars
The Truth about Heartbreak has all the workings for an awesome read. However, it fell really flat in areas that should have been really important. That's not to say that the book is a total bust because it isn't. The beginning of the story is very strong and filled with angst and emotion. Around 40% though it takes a whole new direction and there is a LOT of unnecessary drama that got on my nerves. I think I would have really loved this book if it didn't skip years in the middle. We go from hearing a story of unrequited love at the age of 16 (which is VERY powerful by the way) to age 23 where there is a shit storm of stuff going on (most of which really pissed me off). Also, because of the gap in years I think the actual love story fell very flat (almost non existent if I am being honest). Sigh. I really wanted to love this one and there was just too much of a mess to muddle through.
What I LOVED about The Truth About Heartbreak
The beginning of the book is really strong. We meet River who is being adopted by the James family. She had been in foster care her entire life and finally having a forever home with people who genuinely love her is a sight to behold (and read about). I love how B. Celeste wrote this part. It's emotional, powerful, uplifting, and really exquisite to read about. I wish there were more people like Bridget and Robert out there because they are truly a godsend. Anyway, River has trust issues because of her terrible past but Oliver- her new brother, and his best friend Everett show her that she can trust again.
River doesn't realize it at first but the two of them (Everett) are clearly meant for one another. There is a difference in age between them and he is the brothers best friend but are essentially two people who share the same heart and soul. Readers are shown this through their interactions together and it's a beautiful thing to see River able to open up to him.
And then what bothered me....
Now here's where things start to go downhill...
:: POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD::
River turns 16 (I think around here) and Everett leaves for college... That's it. I kept wondering if I missed something and went back and re-read a few paragraphs but I didn't miss anything. All the stuff in between was left out. Until they meet again a year or two later at a party... HUH!?!?!
There love story really should have taken off from there. But readers were left to wonder what the heck happened. Did they stay in touch? Did they ever get to a first kiss? Were feelings every discussed? NOPE. And even worse, Everett has a serious girlfriend... Where the HELL did she come from and WHY is she even part of the story!?!!? Especially considering they didn't even love each other..
All of this just started to become a mess to me. I felt annoyed, like I was missing the important pieces of their romance (Everett said numerous times that River was his number 1), but I never saw any of it.
Fast forward a few more years (age 23) and they end up getting together. While he is in a committed 10 year relationship.
And that's it again....
I won't go on as you can see here what I mean when there are too many gaps within the story. Normally I don't care about gaps as long as they are strengthened with some sort of backstory about what happened in between. There just wasn't enough for me and it fell so flat that I almost DNF. Now, this review is not to be critical of the author because I think she has all the makings of an angsty good read here. But it did fall flat for ME. There were areas where I needed more and it just wasn't there.
In conclusion, the book has some really HIGH moments that took my breath away but also areas that were too messy for me as a reader. I personally had a hard time with the book after about 40% but that doesn't mean others will so take my review with a grain of salt and be sure to read other peoples reviews too.
That being said, the end of this book gives us a glimpse of what the next one will be like and I am SUPER excited. Just because this one was a hit for me doesn't mean the next one will be! I can't wait to read it!
May 21, 2019
4 stars
Well well well, when you put it like that, I can't not love it, now can I?
Something about this book just felt like it was calling to me. Ya know that feeling, 'aight?
Usually, I'm not a huge fan of cheating books, as some of you might understand, but as Thor says it best—
Full review to come.
Well well well, when you put it like that, I can't not love it, now can I?
Something about this book just felt like it was calling to me. Ya know that feeling, 'aight?
Usually, I'm not a huge fan of cheating books, as some of you might understand, but as Thor says it best—
Full review to come.
June 16, 2019
⭐️ 4 "Friendship" Stars ⭐️
Since the moment I saw the gorgeous cover and the blurb of The Truth About Heartbreak, I knew I needed to read this novel. As a fan of forbidden romance, I was really intrigued by this story! B. Celeste did a fantastic job delivering an overflow of feelings through the pages of this poignant love story!
"Stop crossing ocean for people who don't even jump over puddles for you."
When River is adopted by the James family at thirteen she not only gains parents, but a caring big brother in Oliver. Everett being Ollie’s best friend, he’s never too far and she forges a strong friendship with the boy too. He shows a protectiveness over her right away that got me swooning. He’s truly so sweet with her, knowing the harsh upbringing she had.
The story span over a decade where we see their relationship’s lines being blurred by new feelings. The fact Everett is in a relationship makes their romance forbidden and heartbreaking. It would be so easy for him to go for River, but Everett also has some trauma of the past making his decisions difficult to make. He’s definitely a man of his words and breaking a promise isn’t easy for him.
"Sometimes you meet that one person in your life who holds all of that love for you and then some."
I cherished River and Everett’s romance! Their relationship evolving through the years into something so strikingly significant and powerful. It’s my favorite aspect of the story; their friendship that’s so effortless right from the start and can only turn into a love so potent.
As I previously said, I loved this book. The reason I didn’t rate it higher has something to do with the pacing and the fact some of the most pivotal scenes are only vaguely described. I wanted to feel River and Everett’s passion when they unleash their forbidden feelings for each other and I was left a little disappointed with the way it was brought.
"Sometimes distance is hope in disguise."
Overall, the connection between River and Everett is what captivated me about this story. It’s utterly gorgeous, yet tragic. The prose is really beautiful and the supporting characters are so interesting and add another dimension to the book. Now, I’m more than excited about Ollie’s story, The Truth About Tomorrow. From the epilogues I know that one will be angsty and forbidden AF!!
April 12, 2019
There aren't many moments in life when you find yourself broken by a single word. Just one, simple, common, three letter word. Maybe there won't be a single moment in your life like that. I just had one though. One simple word brought me to tears.
"Mom"
That won't make much sense until you read The Truth about Heartbreak, and I sincerely hope you do.
River spent years in foster care, until being adopted. She has issues. Many of them, mostly with trust. But there is an instant connection with her new brother and his best friend, Everett. He has an uncanny ability to read her and she feels he's a kindred very early on. And he feels it too. But Everett is 17 and River is the 13 year old untouchable little sister.
The Truth about Heartbreak encompasses a decade in River's life. A decade of learning how to be stable, strong and satisfied with her place in her family, with her place in the world. In all areas but one. She's not satisfied in love and there really isn't anything she can do about it. She loves him, he is with someone else. Until the one night he's not and it breaks them all and in a few special moments, broke me too.
"The truth about heartbreak is that there is no such thing. It's your soul that shatters, along with every fiber of your being that screams for another person."
One thing I really struggled with is Celeste's detail. It's a fairly long book with a lot of words, not all necessary to further the story. Normally, that bothers me. It did here, too. But...in a way it also felt completely fitting to the story. River and Everett are both characters who spend an awful lot of time in their own head space. Because of that I think the style worked more than it would in books with characters who don't have that trait. So, I guess I'm not completely mad about it even though there were times I felt like I could skim.
There were a couple other minor things that I could have seen tidied, but still, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a high level of angst, packed a good deal of emotion and never rushed through anything.
What I really loved though, was River's growth. She does have quite a beautiful character arc. Heartwarming at times, tragic at others, intense always. And that one word, man, that one word was pivotal in more than one way and it's a moment I'll remember.
"Mom"
That won't make much sense until you read The Truth about Heartbreak, and I sincerely hope you do.
River spent years in foster care, until being adopted. She has issues. Many of them, mostly with trust. But there is an instant connection with her new brother and his best friend, Everett. He has an uncanny ability to read her and she feels he's a kindred very early on. And he feels it too. But Everett is 17 and River is the 13 year old untouchable little sister.
The Truth about Heartbreak encompasses a decade in River's life. A decade of learning how to be stable, strong and satisfied with her place in her family, with her place in the world. In all areas but one. She's not satisfied in love and there really isn't anything she can do about it. She loves him, he is with someone else. Until the one night he's not and it breaks them all and in a few special moments, broke me too.
"The truth about heartbreak is that there is no such thing. It's your soul that shatters, along with every fiber of your being that screams for another person."
One thing I really struggled with is Celeste's detail. It's a fairly long book with a lot of words, not all necessary to further the story. Normally, that bothers me. It did here, too. But...in a way it also felt completely fitting to the story. River and Everett are both characters who spend an awful lot of time in their own head space. Because of that I think the style worked more than it would in books with characters who don't have that trait. So, I guess I'm not completely mad about it even though there were times I felt like I could skim.
There were a couple other minor things that I could have seen tidied, but still, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a high level of angst, packed a good deal of emotion and never rushed through anything.
What I really loved though, was River's growth. She does have quite a beautiful character arc. Heartwarming at times, tragic at others, intense always. And that one word, man, that one word was pivotal in more than one way and it's a moment I'll remember.
dnf
June 17, 2019DNF @ 48%
Just wasn't working for me.
Just wasn't working for me.
June 9, 2019
The book started great, and then at 39% the book went all wrong. It had potential but it became incoherent, flat and something was missing. The big problem was the writing style: Show us, don’t tell!! The excuse for Everett's behavior wasn’t justified enough for me. Too many thoughts and a few dialogues and Interactions Between River and Everett, and even then they were shallow.
January 11, 2022
I’ve never read a book with anal in the epilogue but here ya go.
February 20, 2024
“I absorb the memory of his body spread on my mattress, bare to me. Every vulnerability laying in a mess of sheets...Less than twelve hours ago I belonged to the minty eyed boy I’ve loved since I was thirteen. But Everett Tucker isn’t mine to love.”
I have picked up some absolutely incredible books lately, and this one is no exception.
THE TRUTH ABOUT HEARTBREAK is a forbidden romance, told in dual POV, and it’s a delicious slow burn, which had me hooked from start to finish; I absolutely loved Rhett and Rivers story. Fair warning though, this book does contain cheating!!
I have picked up some absolutely incredible books lately, and this one is no exception.
THE TRUTH ABOUT HEARTBREAK is a forbidden romance, told in dual POV, and it’s a delicious slow burn, which had me hooked from start to finish; I absolutely loved Rhett and Rivers story. Fair warning though, this book does contain cheating!!
Read
September 14, 2020Now available for $3.99 or free through Kindle Unlimited!
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AU: https://amzn.to/2WcONlA
xoxo
B
US: https://amzn.to/2W8BZbj
UK: https://amzn.to/2WfaBgH
CA: https://amzn.to/30Y4QCG
AU: https://amzn.to/2WcONlA
xoxo
B
June 4, 2019
#FangGirlAlert !!!!!
OMG !! Where do I start, so first and foremost as a blogger we always wish that we could read every book that comes our way. Sadly, there are just not enough hours in the day and so I'll be honest when I say that I've become very selective about what I have picked up to read lately.
It's also been so hit and miss for me, nothing seems to keep my attention for very long. I'm not sure if it's blogger burn out, the fact that I have a new job either way it's been a struggle. What hasn't really changed is the fact that I prefer to read blind and it's no different with this one.
I saw the cover, I saw the title in my newsfeed on facebook. I immediately went to Amazon and grabbed a copy. The prologue had me immediately hooked, and I settled in for what I felt would be a long and angsty journey. The book screams angst, and I LIVE FOR ANGST. This was a slow burn, nothing happens immediately, but the build up towards the inevitable OMFG's and Cursing that I would do while reading this was just perfect. It's a known fact that I gravitate towards reads that are full of emotions, most of them being angsty. This book had my chest feeling tight, it had me screaming at the characters and wanting to throw my tablet so many times. I hated and loved it all at the same time and I couldn't stop reading. It's one of those reads where I thought HOLY FUCK I can't take much more here. I'm going to riot.
Make no mistake, I LIVE FOR THESE TYPES OF READS. I love those books that make you want to message an author and say WHY !!!!!!!!!!! STOP PLAYING WITH ME. I WANT TO MURDER THEM !!!! Them, of course being the characters.
This book did all of that and I ate it up. And now I'm a fan and will basically tell everyone about this book cause that's how I roll.
All The Angst !!! What a great read.
OMG !! Where do I start, so first and foremost as a blogger we always wish that we could read every book that comes our way. Sadly, there are just not enough hours in the day and so I'll be honest when I say that I've become very selective about what I have picked up to read lately.
It's also been so hit and miss for me, nothing seems to keep my attention for very long. I'm not sure if it's blogger burn out, the fact that I have a new job either way it's been a struggle. What hasn't really changed is the fact that I prefer to read blind and it's no different with this one.
I saw the cover, I saw the title in my newsfeed on facebook. I immediately went to Amazon and grabbed a copy. The prologue had me immediately hooked, and I settled in for what I felt would be a long and angsty journey. The book screams angst, and I LIVE FOR ANGST. This was a slow burn, nothing happens immediately, but the build up towards the inevitable OMFG's and Cursing that I would do while reading this was just perfect. It's a known fact that I gravitate towards reads that are full of emotions, most of them being angsty. This book had my chest feeling tight, it had me screaming at the characters and wanting to throw my tablet so many times. I hated and loved it all at the same time and I couldn't stop reading. It's one of those reads where I thought HOLY FUCK I can't take much more here. I'm going to riot.
Make no mistake, I LIVE FOR THESE TYPES OF READS. I love those books that make you want to message an author and say WHY !!!!!!!!!!! STOP PLAYING WITH ME. I WANT TO MURDER THEM !!!! Them, of course being the characters.
This book did all of that and I ate it up. And now I'm a fan and will basically tell everyone about this book cause that's how I roll.
All The Angst !!! What a great read.
June 8, 2019
4.5 stars
It was angsty.
It was forbidden.
It was everything I love.
It was angsty.
It was forbidden.
It was everything I love.
April 15, 2021
I like emotional pain thus me picking up this book. But this was a bit exhausting to read through.
The book started with a prologue at present then went back to when River was 13 and Everett was 17. I really liked the buildup in the chapters during that timeline. Then we jump to 3 years later, it started going downhill from there.
Because of the time jump, we would be missing some points of the story. Somewhere down the chapters, they would mention Everett working at the fire station. It just came out of nowhere. The letter that was mentioned closer to the end. How, why, when was the letter made? Nada.
We get to see River from when she was 13, then 16, to her being 23 at present. It was good to see her growth but there were too many gaps that you wonder how she finally got through it. We get to see a glimpse of those in passing when the character would be reminded of something. It filled some holes but mostly didn't do it for me.
I didn't see enough of their love develop over the years as well. That was the missing key for me. It's supposedly unrequited but it's almost not. I didn't get to see how they developed feelings for each other. It was just mentioned that River had a crush on him but I didn't see that on RIver's POV. Of her realizing she liked him.
I wished Everett was given more time to show how his feelings developed and how he acted on them through the years. It was mentioned they would always get food(?). This confused me the most as it's indicated they kept contact from when Everett graduated high school till the present. I didn't see how their relationship developed.
I don't know. It was alright. There are some unnecessary dialogues that could have worked if there weren't too many pressing issues we had to solve first. These are my type of romance but this book didn't justify it.
The book started with a prologue at present then went back to when River was 13 and Everett was 17. I really liked the buildup in the chapters during that timeline. Then we jump to 3 years later, it started going downhill from there.
Because of the time jump, we would be missing some points of the story. Somewhere down the chapters, they would mention Everett working at the fire station. It just came out of nowhere. The letter that was mentioned closer to the end. How, why, when was the letter made? Nada.
We get to see River from when she was 13, then 16, to her being 23 at present. It was good to see her growth but there were too many gaps that you wonder how she finally got through it. We get to see a glimpse of those in passing when the character would be reminded of something. It filled some holes but mostly didn't do it for me.
I didn't see enough of their love develop over the years as well. That was the missing key for me. It's supposedly unrequited but it's almost not. I didn't get to see how they developed feelings for each other. It was just mentioned that River had a crush on him but I didn't see that on RIver's POV. Of her realizing she liked him.
I wished Everett was given more time to show how his feelings developed and how he acted on them through the years. It was mentioned they would always get food(?). This confused me the most as it's indicated they kept contact from when Everett graduated high school till the present. I didn't see how their relationship developed.
I don't know. It was alright. There are some unnecessary dialogues that could have worked if there weren't too many pressing issues we had to solve first. These are my type of romance but this book didn't justify it.
October 16, 2019
This book was suggested to me by a subscriber in the comments of my latest video & I immediately downloaded it with my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
This is a forbidden romance, with themes of abuse, cheating, miscarriage, and online bullying.
River is a 13-year-old girl who grew up in the foster care system and she was not one of the lucky ones until the James family adopts her and places her in their care. She is scarred physically and mentally due to her past and she is working at being comfortable around her new family.
Everett is the first person who is nice to her, other than family, that doesn’t have malicious intent. He understands her fear and wants to make her feel like she truly belongs to the family that is like his second home. Everett is River’s adopted brother’s 17-year-old best friend.
In his last year of high school Everett starts dating another senior, Isabel. Who of course is insecure, cruel, and puts other down for not being as pretty or as rich as her. Their relationship spans the course of 10 years.
You grow up with these characters and see that Everett is only with Isabel for so long because of some misplaced sense of duty to his family. I understand why he stayed with her, but it doesn’t make it right what he did and how he handled the situation.
This book would have been much better for me if there wasn’t cheating in it, hence my 4 stars. I just have a hard time justifying that. This book hit on many difficult topics without it seeming like the author was just throwing issues in the story to create drama. I think that the way it ended was perfect and I immediately downloaded the next book.
This is a forbidden romance, with themes of abuse, cheating, miscarriage, and online bullying.
River is a 13-year-old girl who grew up in the foster care system and she was not one of the lucky ones until the James family adopts her and places her in their care. She is scarred physically and mentally due to her past and she is working at being comfortable around her new family.
Everett is the first person who is nice to her, other than family, that doesn’t have malicious intent. He understands her fear and wants to make her feel like she truly belongs to the family that is like his second home. Everett is River’s adopted brother’s 17-year-old best friend.
In his last year of high school Everett starts dating another senior, Isabel. Who of course is insecure, cruel, and puts other down for not being as pretty or as rich as her. Their relationship spans the course of 10 years.
You grow up with these characters and see that Everett is only with Isabel for so long because of some misplaced sense of duty to his family. I understand why he stayed with her, but it doesn’t make it right what he did and how he handled the situation.
This book would have been much better for me if there wasn’t cheating in it, hence my 4 stars. I just have a hard time justifying that. This book hit on many difficult topics without it seeming like the author was just throwing issues in the story to create drama. I think that the way it ended was perfect and I immediately downloaded the next book.
October 13, 2021
Below zero star.
*spoiler*alert*warning*
Love triangle trope specifically CHEATING is usually angsty and emotionally-charged, and probably the reasons many readers read this trope eventho they hate cheating. This book FAILED on both, and tbh boring.
Pacing is a mess, disjointed writing, uninteresting weak MCs. Plenty of nonsense scenes are shown, while important/life-changing scenes are TOLD. Fillers overload- pages and pages of scenes and new characters that have no bearing on the story BUT only few pages for MCs. They finally got together at 98%. No couple time, no showing of the legendary LETTER that H just recently gave to h (apparently when h was 17 yr old, H wrote a letter and confessed his undying, soul deep Love for h). No grovel because you know, the epic imaginary LETTER is every thing:
• Forget that H and Isabel paraded in h's face for a whopping decade.
• Forget that for a couple of times H tried to seduce h to cheat again with him (basically, his dirty secret) but also repeatedly refused to leave Isabel for h.
• Forget that h was just a fly on the wall, and H only started to make a more-than-friendly move on h AFTER they cheated/f*cked (why, H finally had another f*ck other than Isabel after almost a damn decade).
Dammit. The long-awaited GROVEL was trumped by the monumental, imaginary LETTER!! and by the quick pity/sympathy-points fire accident. Pfffft
So yeah, H's 10 yr martyrdom/ relationship/ codependency with Isabel ended. 💀
Remove the cheating, focus on friends-to-lovers and this would've been a better story, IMO.
〰️
*spoiler*alert*warning*
Love triangle trope specifically CHEATING is usually angsty and emotionally-charged, and probably the reasons many readers read this trope eventho they hate cheating. This book FAILED on both, and tbh boring.
Pacing is a mess, disjointed writing, uninteresting weak MCs. Plenty of nonsense scenes are shown, while important/life-changing scenes are TOLD. Fillers overload- pages and pages of scenes and new characters that have no bearing on the story BUT only few pages for MCs. They finally got together at 98%. No couple time, no showing of the legendary LETTER that H just recently gave to h (apparently when h was 17 yr old, H wrote a letter and confessed his
• Forget that H and Isabel paraded in h's face for a whopping decade.
• Forget that for a couple of times H tried to seduce h to cheat again with him (basically, his dirty secret) but also repeatedly refused to leave Isabel for h.
• Forget that h was just a fly on the wall, and H only started to make a more-than-friendly move on h AFTER they cheated/f*cked (why, H finally had another f*ck other than Isabel after almost a damn decade).
Dammit. The long-awaited GROVEL was trumped by the monumental, imaginary LETTER!! and by the quick pity/sympathy-points fire accident. Pfffft
So yeah, H's 10 yr martyrdom/ relationship/ codependency with Isabel ended. 💀
Remove the cheating, focus on friends-to-lovers and this would've been a better story, IMO.
〰️
September 26, 2019
4 ⭐'s
“Nothing but skin.”
This is a brother's best friend and his little sister love story but since they meet when the sister is thirteen, it takes a while for things to get flushed out.
Also, River has been through some horrific things so it takes her a while to acclimate to a different life. Everett is a huge help as is her brother, Oliver.
Both Everett and Oliver are four years older than River so their lives are heading in different directions. And even though Everett and River still have that connection, there are some things that disconnect them.
There's a pivotal point when River is sixteen and Everett is twenty that sets the tone for the rest of the book and basically "wakes up" Everett. The problem is that Everett has a girl friend, Isabel.
The story moseys on until they are twenty-three and twenty-seven...that's when things start hitting the fan. They live in a small town so it creates a scandal that they both have to get away from.
I wasn't really happy with how Everett handled the fall-out. I felt he didn't support who he needed to and it was disappointing.
As if that was enough, there's some crazy stuff that happens at the end. I did love how that moved things forward...finally. And I totally called what happened in the second epilogue...I LOVED that!
♦ I'm so excited to find out The Truth About Tomorrow is about Oliver and OMG...again, totally called the heroine. I cannot wait to find out how the author will make this work out.
“Nothing but skin.”
This is a brother's best friend and his little sister love story but since they meet when the sister is thirteen, it takes a while for things to get flushed out.
Also, River has been through some horrific things so it takes her a while to acclimate to a different life. Everett is a huge help as is her brother, Oliver.
Both Everett and Oliver are four years older than River so their lives are heading in different directions. And even though Everett and River still have that connection, there are some things that disconnect them.
There's a pivotal point when River is sixteen and Everett is twenty that sets the tone for the rest of the book and basically "wakes up" Everett. The problem is that Everett has a girl friend, Isabel.
The story moseys on until they are twenty-three and twenty-seven...that's when things start hitting the fan. They live in a small town so it creates a scandal that they both have to get away from.
I wasn't really happy with how Everett handled the fall-out. I felt he didn't support who he needed to and it was disappointing.
As if that was enough, there's some crazy stuff that happens at the end. I did love how that moved things forward...finally. And I totally called what happened in the second epilogue...I LOVED that!
♦ I'm so excited to find out The Truth About Tomorrow is about Oliver and OMG...again, totally called the heroine. I cannot wait to find out how the author will make this work out.
June 1, 2019
This was such an emotionally heart pounding read, so beware because it will make you yell and want you to smack some sense onto certain people ➡ Rhett! River's calm demeanor made her a target to get walked all over but there came a time when enough was enough. Rhett has always felt something for River but never acted on it yet his constant hot/cold attitude towards River had me wanting to smack some kind of sense to him. I never doubted his feelings for River yet I hated what he put her through. Grab a cold drink and some comfort food and enjoy River & Rhett's story. Kara~5 Stars
April 4, 2019
Forbidden. ✔️
Angsty. ✔️
Cheating. ✔️
This book was exceptional. The characters were created with flaws that they weren't afraid to show throughout the entire story. That in itself was a feat I gladly watched her achieve.
"I just hope they’ll let me stay when they realize how deep my scars really go."
Each one was vastly different, their voices were uniquely heard and so gritty! I loved this book, it was very hard to adult as I watched Rhett and River fight for their unique and heartbreaking love.
"The truth about heartbreak is that there is no such thing. It’s your soul that shatters, along with every fiber of your being that screams for another person."
Taboo is where my heart will always be, and Ms. Celeste did a fabulous job with her first forbidden romance!
Angsty. ✔️
Cheating. ✔️
This book was exceptional. The characters were created with flaws that they weren't afraid to show throughout the entire story. That in itself was a feat I gladly watched her achieve.
"I just hope they’ll let me stay when they realize how deep my scars really go."
Each one was vastly different, their voices were uniquely heard and so gritty! I loved this book, it was very hard to adult as I watched Rhett and River fight for their unique and heartbreaking love.
"The truth about heartbreak is that there is no such thing. It’s your soul that shatters, along with every fiber of your being that screams for another person."
Taboo is where my heart will always be, and Ms. Celeste did a fabulous job with her first forbidden romance!
May 29, 2019
THIS BOOK. MY LORD. Gosh, I read this in between almost everything in my daily life, sneaking in pages between cooking dinner, running after a toddler, and everything in between. It was THAT GOOD.
River and Rhett's story is, just as the title indicates, heartbreaking. It's an epic saga of finding and keeping your one true soulmate ... and all of the hardships one has to endure to get there.
I was so engrossed in this book. It's addicting and so well written, with twists and turns at every point you think you've just figured out the story. Barbara does a fantastic job with this delicate plotline, and I can't recommend it enough!
River and Rhett's story is, just as the title indicates, heartbreaking. It's an epic saga of finding and keeping your one true soulmate ... and all of the hardships one has to endure to get there.
I was so engrossed in this book. It's addicting and so well written, with twists and turns at every point you think you've just figured out the story. Barbara does a fantastic job with this delicate plotline, and I can't recommend it enough!
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