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Out in Austin #1
Teddy’s Truth
Teddy de Luca thought being born in the wrong body was the worst thing that ever happened to him. Then he met Julian...
All Teddy de Luca wants is for his outside to match his inside—so badly that he takes a loan from a Mexican cartel. It’s not like he can borrow the money from his alcoholic mother. She got him into this mess in the first place when she poured his savings into bottles of Jack. He figures he’ll get his operation, pick up a second job, then pay the debt off quickly and put it all behind him. When the cartel raises the stakes, his plan falls apart and he’s left with a mounting debt and no way out.
Ian Romero is a second generation Hispanic-American whose only goal is to live the American dream—finish college, find the perfect partner and settle down. His inappropriate crush on his brother’s best friend isn’t going to stop him. But when his troubled brother becomes another victim of the local cartel, his plans change. He can’t save his brother, but he can get his revenge.
After years apart, Teddy’s and Ian’s paths cross again, neither expecting the passion between them to reignite even hotter than before. Can Ian forgive Teddy’s role in his brother’s death to become the Daddy the younger man needs—or is their relationship destined to fail again?
All Teddy de Luca wants is for his outside to match his inside—so badly that he takes a loan from a Mexican cartel. It’s not like he can borrow the money from his alcoholic mother. She got him into this mess in the first place when she poured his savings into bottles of Jack. He figures he’ll get his operation, pick up a second job, then pay the debt off quickly and put it all behind him. When the cartel raises the stakes, his plan falls apart and he’s left with a mounting debt and no way out.
Ian Romero is a second generation Hispanic-American whose only goal is to live the American dream—finish college, find the perfect partner and settle down. His inappropriate crush on his brother’s best friend isn’t going to stop him. But when his troubled brother becomes another victim of the local cartel, his plans change. He can’t save his brother, but he can get his revenge.
After years apart, Teddy’s and Ian’s paths cross again, neither expecting the passion between them to reignite even hotter than before. Can Ian forgive Teddy’s role in his brother’s death to become the Daddy the younger man needs—or is their relationship destined to fail again?
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2021
12 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 1, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
Teddy’s Truth is the first book in K.D. Ellis’ Out in Austin series. It takes place in contemporary Austin, Texas and features a fairly diverse cast. Teddy was assigned female at birth, but transitions socially well before the story ever opens and is prepared for a full gender reassignment surgery as soon as he’s 18. Ian is of Latinx descent and described as “an equal opportunity lover [p]ansexual and proud.” These two eventually settled into a Daddy/boy type of power dynamic. In the context of the story, I can see Teddy wanting a partner to act as a Daddy because of how he’s had to step up from a young age to make up for an abusive (off page) father and an alcoholic (on page) mother. Similarly, Ian is very clearly depicted as someone who just wants to take care of the people he values in his life. That said, I was personally very put off with how (nearly?) every time these two are on page together, sex seems to permeate every aspect of their interactions. It’s not just a lead up to actual sexual intimacy, it’s like they cannot look at one another without popping a boner, regardless of whether someone (Teddy) has just suffered some huge trauma.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
Teddy’s Truth is the first book in K.D. Ellis’ Out in Austin series. It takes place in contemporary Austin, Texas and features a fairly diverse cast. Teddy was assigned female at birth, but transitions socially well before the story ever opens and is prepared for a full gender reassignment surgery as soon as he’s 18. Ian is of Latinx descent and described as “an equal opportunity lover [p]ansexual and proud.” These two eventually settled into a Daddy/boy type of power dynamic. In the context of the story, I can see Teddy wanting a partner to act as a Daddy because of how he’s had to step up from a young age to make up for an abusive (off page) father and an alcoholic (on page) mother. Similarly, Ian is very clearly depicted as someone who just wants to take care of the people he values in his life. That said, I was personally very put off with how (nearly?) every time these two are on page together, sex seems to permeate every aspect of their interactions. It’s not just a lead up to actual sexual intimacy, it’s like they cannot look at one another without popping a boner, regardless of whether someone (Teddy) has just suffered some huge trauma.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
January 2, 2021
Oh wow! Newbie author, wonderful story!
This book takes you on an amazing journey over 4 years.
It feels like there is a lot crammed into this book but it all feels necessary and part of the story.
It is sensitive and gritty and a great love story! It has a trans MC, a bit of Daddy kink and some dark moments. It's not a light and fluffy read but I really enjoyed it
Really.looking forward to future books from this author!
This book takes you on an amazing journey over 4 years.
It feels like there is a lot crammed into this book but it all feels necessary and part of the story.
It is sensitive and gritty and a great love story! It has a trans MC, a bit of Daddy kink and some dark moments. It's not a light and fluffy read but I really enjoyed it
Really.looking forward to future books from this author!
December 4, 2021
SO GOOD!!! Teddy is such a darling, he’s been through so much and still keeps his head up. He’s so strong and inspiring. Ian is a total caretaker, and no matter what they’ve been through, Teddy has always had his heart. Teddy goes through some really difficult situations, but he always manages to come through. I absolutely loved him and Ian is so perfect for him. Excellent read ❤️❤️❤️
January 9, 2021
Teddy’s Truth is a heartbreaker. K.D. Ellis takes what could have been just a simple love story and weaves it into a complex tale of family dysfunction, crime, and personal growth. It is kind of easy to see how this story unfolds and cringe for what you know must be coming for Teddy. It doesn’t help when we get to see what happens almost immediately and then any chance Teddy had for happiness gets blown away.
I will warn you that there are secondary character deaths, beatings, and torture. Then there is the inclusion of the same type of torture, beatings, and rape of Teddy. Ellis does not take the easy road when describing what happens when the cartel takes over your life.
Teddy’s Truth takes place in two parts. This first part of the book takes place when Teddy turns 18 years old. We meet Teddy before the surgery. When he is just crushing on his friend’s brother Ian and all he dreams about is graduating from high school, getting his surgery, and going on to become an architect. This is not to say that he is living the dream life at the beginning as Teddy is suffering from abuse, the effects of alcoholism, and poverty. Never mind having transitioned while in school and with the only support of his bestie Shiloh. The highlight of course is Ian.
Ian lives across the street with his mother and siblings. He works and goes to school. He plays hard, but works harder. He is struggling to keep his family together and healthy. Unfortunately his brother Lucas, and Teddy’s friend, is on a path of self-destruction.
It is during all of this that Ian notices Teddy in a real way and not an abstract “he’s my brother’s friend” viewpoint. There is a lot of cuteness in the early days of their romance which does not last as the cartel ends up directing their lives with devastating consequences.
Ellis balances the romance and crime in a way that really works. In the midst of a nightmare, we get to see how both Teddy and Ian change and become better people. This can be hard to balance with the details of violence and Ellis somehow manages to keep you hooked and believing that maybe love can conquer the hopeless.
I didn’t even realize how long Teddy’s Truth was because I was so entranced by the danger, love, and quirky humor in the story. The “Out In Austin'' series is introduced with a gritty, funny, and shocking romance that will be hard to top. I cannot wait to see what Ellis has in store for us.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
I will warn you that there are secondary character deaths, beatings, and torture. Then there is the inclusion of the same type of torture, beatings, and rape of Teddy. Ellis does not take the easy road when describing what happens when the cartel takes over your life.
Teddy’s Truth takes place in two parts. This first part of the book takes place when Teddy turns 18 years old. We meet Teddy before the surgery. When he is just crushing on his friend’s brother Ian and all he dreams about is graduating from high school, getting his surgery, and going on to become an architect. This is not to say that he is living the dream life at the beginning as Teddy is suffering from abuse, the effects of alcoholism, and poverty. Never mind having transitioned while in school and with the only support of his bestie Shiloh. The highlight of course is Ian.
Ian lives across the street with his mother and siblings. He works and goes to school. He plays hard, but works harder. He is struggling to keep his family together and healthy. Unfortunately his brother Lucas, and Teddy’s friend, is on a path of self-destruction.
It is during all of this that Ian notices Teddy in a real way and not an abstract “he’s my brother’s friend” viewpoint. There is a lot of cuteness in the early days of their romance which does not last as the cartel ends up directing their lives with devastating consequences.
Ellis balances the romance and crime in a way that really works. In the midst of a nightmare, we get to see how both Teddy and Ian change and become better people. This can be hard to balance with the details of violence and Ellis somehow manages to keep you hooked and believing that maybe love can conquer the hopeless.
I didn’t even realize how long Teddy’s Truth was because I was so entranced by the danger, love, and quirky humor in the story. The “Out In Austin'' series is introduced with a gritty, funny, and shocking romance that will be hard to top. I cannot wait to see what Ellis has in store for us.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
January 13, 2021
I went through every emotion reading this book
My heart breaks for Teddy!! To go through so much to get to be the person that he wanted to be. To take advice from somebody you trust, for it all to go horribly wrong.
Teddy always knew that the body he was born into was not the body he could live with. After the death of his father he had been left some money that he was going to use to get the body he wanted. But his drunk mother had stolen it from him leaving him Trying to come up with a new plan. And it wasn’t until his best friend said he knew somebody who could Give him a loan that Teddy felt whole again. But that decision ruined his life.
Ian knew Teddy had been watching him and he really liked it, he didn’t care that Teddy was his younger brothers best friend. He couldn’t help the feelings he was having and it was time that Teddy knew he liked him too. Teddy made Ian feel alive but that all changed when he found out Teddy Had been keeping a secret that change Ian’s life forever.
I’m really struggling with this because I don’t wanna give away the storyline or any of the twists and turns in this book but let me tell you you will go through every emotion you will hate what becomes of Teddy’s life. My husband had to tell me to stop shouting at this book. It just took over every emotion I was feeling. But my heart also sang so loud when Teddy was around Ian. Would Ian be able to truly forgive Teddy?? And could he be the boy that he had been looking for?? Oh my golly I could read about these two forever they just made my heart sing so loud. This is a brilliant book the storyline is fantastic but also very dark and brutal at times but I tell you something Teddy is one strong young man. Roll on book two!!!!!! An amazing Read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My heart breaks for Teddy!! To go through so much to get to be the person that he wanted to be. To take advice from somebody you trust, for it all to go horribly wrong.
Teddy always knew that the body he was born into was not the body he could live with. After the death of his father he had been left some money that he was going to use to get the body he wanted. But his drunk mother had stolen it from him leaving him Trying to come up with a new plan. And it wasn’t until his best friend said he knew somebody who could Give him a loan that Teddy felt whole again. But that decision ruined his life.
Ian knew Teddy had been watching him and he really liked it, he didn’t care that Teddy was his younger brothers best friend. He couldn’t help the feelings he was having and it was time that Teddy knew he liked him too. Teddy made Ian feel alive but that all changed when he found out Teddy Had been keeping a secret that change Ian’s life forever.
I’m really struggling with this because I don’t wanna give away the storyline or any of the twists and turns in this book but let me tell you you will go through every emotion you will hate what becomes of Teddy’s life. My husband had to tell me to stop shouting at this book. It just took over every emotion I was feeling. But my heart also sang so loud when Teddy was around Ian. Would Ian be able to truly forgive Teddy?? And could he be the boy that he had been looking for?? Oh my golly I could read about these two forever they just made my heart sing so loud. This is a brilliant book the storyline is fantastic but also very dark and brutal at times but I tell you something Teddy is one strong young man. Roll on book two!!!!!! An amazing Read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2021
M/M next-door boy’s dream comes true but not without some major problems on the way…
There are warnings to be mentioned. There is forcibly taken non-consent as well as beatings and other dangerous ‘activity’ perpetrated on Teddy and his gay friend Shiloh. Cruelty is not over-stated. If you can handle these events, please read this book. Well-written, clever banter and eye-opening. Back story of mafia entanglements.
Teddy was born female but always felt like a male. He didn’t have much but his father left him a trust fund, just enough to have THE operation that would finally make him whole. Through circumstances that will infuriate you, he loses that money and must go to unsavory sources to take out a loan. Big Mistake!
Ian is Teddy’s four-year-older next-door neighbor and brother to Teddy’s neighborhood BFF, Lucas. When Ian starts to notice Teddy, he is thrilled because Teddy has had a crush on Ian f-o-r-e-v-e-r! But just as they are getting to a closer relationship, things happen that send Ian away angry and disheartened.
The story picks up four years later and wow have things changed for both Ian and Teddy, for the better for one and not so much for the other. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was at times scared, angry, in disbelief and lastly finally sighed with relief. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and give it a resounding recommendation. I want to know more about poor Shiloh, please!
There are warnings to be mentioned. There is forcibly taken non-consent as well as beatings and other dangerous ‘activity’ perpetrated on Teddy and his gay friend Shiloh. Cruelty is not over-stated. If you can handle these events, please read this book. Well-written, clever banter and eye-opening. Back story of mafia entanglements.
Teddy was born female but always felt like a male. He didn’t have much but his father left him a trust fund, just enough to have THE operation that would finally make him whole. Through circumstances that will infuriate you, he loses that money and must go to unsavory sources to take out a loan. Big Mistake!
Ian is Teddy’s four-year-older next-door neighbor and brother to Teddy’s neighborhood BFF, Lucas. When Ian starts to notice Teddy, he is thrilled because Teddy has had a crush on Ian f-o-r-e-v-e-r! But just as they are getting to a closer relationship, things happen that send Ian away angry and disheartened.
The story picks up four years later and wow have things changed for both Ian and Teddy, for the better for one and not so much for the other. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was at times scared, angry, in disbelief and lastly finally sighed with relief. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and give it a resounding recommendation. I want to know more about poor Shiloh, please!
January 11, 2021
Teddy's Truth will take your emotions through the ringer for sure. This opens when Teddy is transitioning to a man. He has been on the medications to help his transition and just is awaiting his 18th birthday to access his trust fund and be able to pay for his surgery. Once he accesses this, he is in for quite a rude awakening. His childhood friend, Lucas, comes up with a solution that is the ultimate downfall for both of them. Enter Ian who is Lucas' brother and Teddy's long time crush. He starts to see Teddy as something more than his littler brother's friend and so a brief relationship ensues. However, Lucas and Teddy are both caught up in a gang-related issue and no one gets out unscathed. That is the end of the first part of this book.
Fast-forward 4 years, and Ian is back and low and behold one of his employees of the club he just bought is none other than Teddy. Teddy has not really been living in the 4 years that have gone by, but just barely surviving. Teddy and Ian still have the same sparks and are both into the Daddy/Boy relationship they both crave. They begin their affair and Ian helps Teddy out with the gang business he was caught up in. Teddy's life is so rough and he still powers through to try to be a great person. Shiloh is Teddy's best friend and something is transpiring through the entire book with him, but we never really figure out exactly what is going on...Also, this book ends with a HFN, but it feels completely unfinished. I am hoping book 2 wraps some things up or is about Shiloh or something. I feel unfinished business between Teddy, Ian and the gang as well as with Shiloh.
Received ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review.
Fast-forward 4 years, and Ian is back and low and behold one of his employees of the club he just bought is none other than Teddy. Teddy has not really been living in the 4 years that have gone by, but just barely surviving. Teddy and Ian still have the same sparks and are both into the Daddy/Boy relationship they both crave. They begin their affair and Ian helps Teddy out with the gang business he was caught up in. Teddy's life is so rough and he still powers through to try to be a great person. Shiloh is Teddy's best friend and something is transpiring through the entire book with him, but we never really figure out exactly what is going on...Also, this book ends with a HFN, but it feels completely unfinished. I am hoping book 2 wraps some things up or is about Shiloh or something. I feel unfinished business between Teddy, Ian and the gang as well as with Shiloh.
Received ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2021
Wow, this was more emotional than I was expecting! Teddy was assigned female at birth and has always had a crush on the older boy next door, Ian, who also happens to be his friends brother. The first part of this book covers Teddy coping with his alcoholic mother and preparing for surgery as well as Ian’s worry about his brother who has dropped out of school and is spending time with a bad crowd. The second part of this book is set 4 years later and sees Teddy dealing with the aftermath of his earlier decisions and the return of Ian to his home town. I really enjoyed this book, but some parts were a lot darker than I was expecting and there may well be trigger warnings for some people so check before reading if you have concerns. The only downside for me was that it felt slightly to quick at the end and Teddy went through a lot of emotional things but had very little issue after and was quick to be back out and about afterwards almost like nothing happened. There is a minor daddy kink element to this book as well but that isn’t the main focus of the book in my view. I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series however this could be read as a stand-alone.
January 15, 2021
This was a dark read. Teddy had a plan. He worked his plan in spite of his alcoholic neglectful Mother. He was saving money to get an operation to be able to live his truth, then go to school. He had a good friend, Lucas with whom he palled around and occasionally had sleepovers. He had a crush on Lucas' older brother, Ian. Ian had a protective crush on Teddy. Then Teddy found his Mother had spent his 30k and he had nothing. Lucas recommended a business associate, Justin who would give Teddy a loan. In desperation, he took the loan. Then Justin revealed that he was not a helpful as he seemed and had an extreme way for Teddy to repay the loan. Lucas, was scared and devestated and unsure how to help his friend. Terry's life was upended and he traveled an unexpected painful path. The story got dark and I skipped to the good parts. Was Lucas able to find peace? Did Justin get his money back from Teddy? How did Ian feel about Lucas' loan? This was a hard read, I had to skip a lot. I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2021
I loved Teddy's Truth. Ian and Teddy are great together. Teddy comes from a broken home with an abusive dad before his dad died and an alcoholic mother. Ian is also familiar with having an alcohol and pill abusing sibling named Lucas. Lucas was Teddy's best friend growing up, and Teddy had always had a crush on Lucas's older brother, Ian. Through a series of unfortunate events, all of Teddy's plans for the future are ripped away from him and leaves him struggling to pay back a loan from the cartel and working three jobs to do it. I loved the chemistry between Ian and Teddy and how their relationship evolves into a daddy/boy dynamic. I also loved Teddy's friend Shiloh and would love to read more about him. The story has a happy for now finish. I wish there were an epilogue to see how they are doing down the road. Maybe the author will do another book about them. I know I would love to read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2021
Teddy's Truth is a very emotional book. When I first started reading the book, I didn't want to finish it, but the further I got into I couldn't put it down. Teddy has been waiting a long time to transition into a man, but his mother mishandled his inheritance and he was forced to borrow money from the mob. He's forced to do unspeakable things when he can't pay the money and had to give up his future and the man he deeply love because of it. Austin loves Teddy but didn't know what had happened to him and he left home after the tragic death of his brother. Austin came back home to get revenge and realizes that he still has feeling for Teddy and unknowingly Teddy feels the same way. Their romance is filled with tragedy, a lot angst, misunderstanding, great friends, some very intense moments, actions, romance and the book had my attention from start to finish.
December 12, 2020
This is book 1 in the Out in the Austin series and can be read as a standalone.
A sweet contemporary opposites attract romance with light kink and trans representation.
This book was very well written.
I absolutely loved how the author portrayed Teddy's character.
The struggle of being born in the wrong body, dealing with his neglectful alcoholic mother and paying back the loan he took back from the dangerous Mexican cartel to pay for his surgery.
Enough to say Teddy hasn't had it easy in life.
When Ian and Teddy's paths cross after years of being apart, they don't expect the spark between them to burn brighter than ever?
Will Ian get his revenge? Will he be able save Teddy?
This was a age gap romance with medium angst and heart.
A sweet contemporary opposites attract romance with light kink and trans representation.
This book was very well written.
I absolutely loved how the author portrayed Teddy's character.
The struggle of being born in the wrong body, dealing with his neglectful alcoholic mother and paying back the loan he took back from the dangerous Mexican cartel to pay for his surgery.
Enough to say Teddy hasn't had it easy in life.
When Ian and Teddy's paths cross after years of being apart, they don't expect the spark between them to burn brighter than ever?
Will Ian get his revenge? Will he be able save Teddy?
This was a age gap romance with medium angst and heart.
January 12, 2021
Teddy does not have it easy. He is waiting on turning 18 so he can transition to manhood, he was born female. He has a troubled mom who he has to take care of and he is trying hard to stay in school. He thought he had a trust fund that will help him pay for his surgery, but unfortunately it is not what he needed and he makes a dangerous choice to get the money to pay for his surgery that leaves him in danger. Ian, his friend Lucas' big brother and the guy he has crushed on for awhile becomes an important part of his ability to, after navigating unsavory and dangerous situations, come out on the other side and have a chance at life and love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2021
Wow, just wow. Teddy's Truth is a book with all the feels.
When you first meet Teddy all you want to do is hold him close. He, like thousands of children, lives almost like he is the adult in the family with his alcoholic mother. His plans for the future within reach..... not telling next part or it will spoil it for you.
Ian is a man that Teddy has known for many years. Throughout the book you get to see.... well what can happen in life, it throws curve balls. As a reader you are swept up with the flow of the story. It is fast paced, hot and has a little angst but what great book doesn't. The characters are so real. I can almost hear Mama R telling them to eat.
Congratulations KD Ellis, I loved this book and fully recommend it to everyone.
When you first meet Teddy all you want to do is hold him close. He, like thousands of children, lives almost like he is the adult in the family with his alcoholic mother. His plans for the future within reach..... not telling next part or it will spoil it for you.
Ian is a man that Teddy has known for many years. Throughout the book you get to see.... well what can happen in life, it throws curve balls. As a reader you are swept up with the flow of the story. It is fast paced, hot and has a little angst but what great book doesn't. The characters are so real. I can almost hear Mama R telling them to eat.
Congratulations KD Ellis, I loved this book and fully recommend it to everyone.
November 22, 2021
3 stars 🌟
Teddy and Ian ❤️
This book was a bit darker themed than I expected... all in all it was a solid story with likable and well developed characters but there were some aspects that didn't particularly sit well with me, thus lowering my rating. I did however enjoy the relationship dynamic between Teddy and Ian, it wasn't an easy road to love for either of them but it eventually happened and it was so heartwarming after what they've been through. This was my first read from this author and although this may not have been my favorite storyline, I will defiantly go on to read the next in this series, looking forward to learning more about Shiloh 😊
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Teddy and Ian ❤️
This book was a bit darker themed than I expected... all in all it was a solid story with likable and well developed characters but there were some aspects that didn't particularly sit well with me, thus lowering my rating. I did however enjoy the relationship dynamic between Teddy and Ian, it wasn't an easy road to love for either of them but it eventually happened and it was so heartwarming after what they've been through. This was my first read from this author and although this may not have been my favorite storyline, I will defiantly go on to read the next in this series, looking forward to learning more about Shiloh 😊
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
October 25, 2021
There is a lot to Teddy's Story! just wow.. very heart wrenching in parts.. you just want to reach out and help Teddy become who he really is and escape all the neglect and abuse thrown at him by his family and others. Teddy's journey in this book covers quite a span of his life. Ian his friends older brother is the love of his life.. and there is a second chance romance here as well. This book was very different from most I have read and it is a well written emotional journey with a trans MC! I received an ARC of this book and I recommend for those looking for a dangerous and emotional story!
October 29, 2021
This is not a light read. It had some pretty horrifying parts. The scenes with Ian and Teddy together though were largely filled with light. Their love made the bad parts fade away.
This was one of those books that left me with more questions than answers. I know there’s a second book about Shiloh so maybe I’ll find the answers there.
I have a few questions about a few other supporting characters and I felt the ending was wrapped up too quickly.
It is a good story and well put together but it’s not for the faint of heart.
I received a copy of this book via GRR and I’m leaving an honest review voluntarily.
This was one of those books that left me with more questions than answers. I know there’s a second book about Shiloh so maybe I’ll find the answers there.
I have a few questions about a few other supporting characters and I felt the ending was wrapped up too quickly.
It is a good story and well put together but it’s not for the faint of heart.
I received a copy of this book via GRR and I’m leaving an honest review voluntarily.
November 8, 2021
This was a new to me author and I found the writing style to be very easy to get involved with and the book was written well. There was plenty of drama and the two main characters were likeable. I didn't gel with the story but that was more because I did not read the synopsis properly first and this is one of my less liked tropes, so don't let that portion of my review put you off. There were a few areas of development that I really thought were missing and that was what happened to the other members of la familia after the final showdown at the warehouse and did Teddy ever resolve things with his mother but other than that the book was great.
November 22, 2021
Teddy was born in the wrong body. When he finally thought to be able to pay for his life-changing operation, his world is ripped off under his feet and he needs to find a different solution. But this turns out the biggest mistake of his life.
This story has it all: heartbreak, treason, abuse, and still a HEA. But before it gets to the HEA, be warned: this is not a lighthearted story.
I loved the characters. They are well portrayed and have depths. I can’t wait for book 2.
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
This story has it all: heartbreak, treason, abuse, and still a HEA. But before it gets to the HEA, be warned: this is not a lighthearted story.
I loved the characters. They are well portrayed and have depths. I can’t wait for book 2.
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
January 13, 2022
MM, Best friends brother, Trans/Pan, Daddy/boy, Second Chance, Gang Crime, Romance. An easy to read page-turner that features some difficult subjects that could be upsetting to some. I was thoroughly invested in the story and it could be read as a stand-alone with no loss of enjoyment or understanding. (I mistakenly read the second book first and loved it so much that I immediately read book 1) I wish there was a third book in the series! Non stop action throughout the story full of emotion, a childhood crush that becomes so much more, love heat and friendship. A must read series. HEA, finally.
January 17, 2021
I am still not totally sure what to say about this story, it was good and well written. I just had trouble understanding some of the characters actions at times. Teddy is lucky that he has mostly been accepted by those he cared about even when his mom almost ruined his chances of his surgery. Ian drastically changed the course of his life when his brother was killed. When he finally comes home he finds he still has all the same feelings for Teddy. They both have to learn to open up to move forward.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
October 31, 2021
This book was heart wrenching from beginning to end. But it was so fantastic at the same time.
The book starts off a little slow, but picks up speed about a quarter of the way through. There’s a little bit of Teddy and Ian in all of us, and Ian’s drive to avenge his brother’s death, and then help Teddy with all his issues is admirable and made me fall in love with him even more.
Definitely a re-read! I can honestly see this becoming a comfort read.
The book starts off a little slow, but picks up speed about a quarter of the way through. There’s a little bit of Teddy and Ian in all of us, and Ian’s drive to avenge his brother’s death, and then help Teddy with all his issues is admirable and made me fall in love with him even more.
Definitely a re-read! I can honestly see this becoming a comfort read.
November 22, 2021
This book is from the theme something special. It’s about two guys, crushing about each other and torn apart by bad circumstances.
Teddy born as a girl knows really young he’s in the wrong body and doing everything to his transition. Ian is his best friends older brother. There‘re a lot of problems on their way to the HEA.
This book is a dark romance, I lost tears of their hard way, but the romance never left and also the importance of friendship.
I‘m really looking forward to the next part of the series, the story of Shiloh.
Teddy born as a girl knows really young he’s in the wrong body and doing everything to his transition. Ian is his best friends older brother. There‘re a lot of problems on their way to the HEA.
This book is a dark romance, I lost tears of their hard way, but the romance never left and also the importance of friendship.
I‘m really looking forward to the next part of the series, the story of Shiloh.
January 1, 2021
Teddy's Truth by KD Ellis is the first book in the Out in Austin series. This is a contemporary romance has a trans main character and is filled with a bit of Daddy Kink, some dark themes and violence, hurt and loss, healing, heat. and love. These characters worked their way into my heart and their story had me feeling emotions and hanging on, hoping for an HEA. I highly recommend!
January 16, 2021
Very emotional read about being born in the wrong body and figuring out the lengths and sacrifices you go to make a change. There are struggles and at times it is brutal with the cartel and Teddy's predicament but Ian is there to help him back on his feet after helping clear up his mess. Super hot and action packed with twists and turns, this is not for the light hearted.
November 20, 2021
A beautifully written,highly emotional rollercoaster ride of a story that I have no hesitation in saying I absolutely loved.
I loved both main characters.I absolutely adore Teddy and I wanted to wrap him up in cotton wool to protect him.
I want to say so much more about this story but I won't as I don't want to spoil this for anyone.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
I loved both main characters.I absolutely adore Teddy and I wanted to wrap him up in cotton wool to protect him.
I want to say so much more about this story but I won't as I don't want to spoil this for anyone.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
November 22, 2021
I enjoyed this story. Teddy and Ian were amazing together and although a tragedy tore them apart, when they met again, it was like no time had passed. They worked well together and I loved how easy their love and relationship came. That being said, there were times where the plot seemed disjointed and that's why I couldn't give this book 5 stars
June 11, 2023
A really enjoyable writing style with strong characterisation and interesting plots. Teddy hasn't had much happiness in life and his situation only got worse until Ian came back into his life. There are some heavy on page scenes including torture so be careful to look at trigger warnings. The trans representation is excellent.
January 15, 2021
Ian and Teddy loved each other and then Ian's brother Lucas died and everything changed. Ian leaves and doesn't look back and Teddy's left to pick up the pieces. Four years later Ian is back and is Teddy's new boss. I enjoyed this book.
January 12, 2021
I loved this book. There was a lot going on for poor Teddy, but luckily Ian was there to help.
I received an advanced copy of this book and was not required to leave a review
I received an advanced copy of this book and was not required to leave a review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews