What do you think?
Rate this book
Half Truths
Hugo and Vader are best friends, boyfriends, and pen-pals.
They’ve also never met in person or talked on the phone.
Vader heads to Hugo’s parent’s sheep farm for the holidays.
What happens when Hugo realises that Vader hasn’t told him the whole truth? Or when he realises that he can’t hide the things he didn’t say in his letters.
When their half truths start to unravel, their differences and their vulnerabilities are exposed.
Both their lies have the potential to destroy a five-year relationship or turn it into the most important one they’ve ever had.
**potential trigger warning
Off page, underage sex in exchange for necessities in backstory.
They’ve also never met in person or talked on the phone.
Vader heads to Hugo’s parent’s sheep farm for the holidays.
What happens when Hugo realises that Vader hasn’t told him the whole truth? Or when he realises that he can’t hide the things he didn’t say in his letters.
When their half truths start to unravel, their differences and their vulnerabilities are exposed.
Both their lies have the potential to destroy a five-year relationship or turn it into the most important one they’ve ever had.
**potential trigger warning
Off page, underage sex in exchange for necessities in backstory.
ebook
First published April 21, 2021
6 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Bronte Meredith
2 books3 followersI'm an Australian author who writes MM Romance.
I write a whole bunch of different sub genres and was lucky enough to be invited to write with some amazing Young Adult authors for my first YA book Sunkissed.
I love my characters. I don't make them up, they pop into existence in my head. They often wake me up with conversations (sometimes heated) in the middle of the night, that need to be recorded for something later on.
I have so many notebooks filled with character situations and dialogue, that there probably should be a bookshelf cull. I need to write faster so that I can make room on my shelves for new notebooks.
If you want to reach out, I'm on facebook with my OTHER author name Nadia Mack.
(Source: Amazon.com)
I write a whole bunch of different sub genres and was lucky enough to be invited to write with some amazing Young Adult authors for my first YA book Sunkissed.
I love my characters. I don't make them up, they pop into existence in my head. They often wake me up with conversations (sometimes heated) in the middle of the night, that need to be recorded for something later on.
I have so many notebooks filled with character situations and dialogue, that there probably should be a bookshelf cull. I need to write faster so that I can make room on my shelves for new notebooks.
If you want to reach out, I'm on facebook with my OTHER author name Nadia Mack.
(Source: Amazon.com)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 22, 2021
"Everything they knew about each other was based on half-truths that only painted half a picture. The good half. the nice half, the easy half."
1.5* I really liked the PenPal aspect of the story, and I found it interesting that we got Vader's letters, but the actual story was in Hugo's perspective.
In terms of characters, while I would go to war for Vader, I didn't like Hugo. Like. AT ALL. He was mega judgmental, arrogant and downright mean. I hated how long it took him to own up to his part of the lies, how he'd get mad at Vader for trying to get on his mom's good side instead of calling her out on her disrespectful behavior, but especially how he handled the dark aspects of Vader's past.
Even though the ending was cute, I still think Vader deserved better , and I kinda wish he'd made Hugo sweat a little more for his forgiveness.
1.5* I really liked the PenPal aspect of the story, and I found it interesting that we got Vader's letters, but the actual story was in Hugo's perspective.
In terms of characters, while I would go to war for Vader, I didn't like Hugo. Like. AT ALL. He was mega judgmental, arrogant and downright mean. I hated how long it took him to own up to his part of the lies, how he'd get mad at Vader for trying to get on his mom's good side instead of calling her out on her disrespectful behavior, but especially how he handled the dark aspects of Vader's past.
Even though the ending was cute, I still think Vader deserved better , and I kinda wish he'd made Hugo sweat a little more for his forgiveness.
January 29, 2022
Read for a challenge
Or I’d have quit. So banal.
Closed door, closed minds. Meh.
Or I’d have quit. So banal.
Closed door, closed minds. Meh.
May 27, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book a lot. A little heartbreaking but I guess I should’ve been used to now, since almost all queer novels that I’ve read are heart-wrenchingly good. This book is short and the type of book that you want to read in one summer evening, and finished it in one sitting.
The characters are not shallow for a short novella like this one. The author managed to cramped all the important details in a stunning way. The story was also so tear-jerking, and this book really surprised me more than I anticipated.
The book visited some of the dark places that the characters have gone through, most especially of Vader. It’s so hard not to get all sad all of a sudden when you find out what’s happening to Vader. And I think if there will be a full-on novel for this short novella, I would’ve read and buy it. The conversations and most of the situations are also realistic and not too contrived. I pretty much can relate to Hugo on how he handle things and how he say things that he don’t mean well. He’s such a precious guy and I’m just happy that Vader and him have each other.
This isn’t one of the saddest book that I’ve ever read, but it definitely moved me. This is both a cute and heart-rending story and it makes me feel like I’m reading one of Adam Silvera’s book.
(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Highly recommended!! ♥
The characters are not shallow for a short novella like this one. The author managed to cramped all the important details in a stunning way. The story was also so tear-jerking, and this book really surprised me more than I anticipated.
The book visited some of the dark places that the characters have gone through, most especially of Vader. It’s so hard not to get all sad all of a sudden when you find out what’s happening to Vader. And I think if there will be a full-on novel for this short novella, I would’ve read and buy it. The conversations and most of the situations are also realistic and not too contrived. I pretty much can relate to Hugo on how he handle things and how he say things that he don’t mean well. He’s such a precious guy and I’m just happy that Vader and him have each other.
This isn’t one of the saddest book that I’ve ever read, but it definitely moved me. This is both a cute and heart-rending story and it makes me feel like I’m reading one of Adam Silvera’s book.
(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Highly recommended!! ♥
May 2, 2021
This tried to be something interesting, and very nearly succeeded. It's about two pen pals who've been lying to each other about some things, but they are also the only person each can tell the truth about their feelings to. The book is told from the perspective of Hugo, who lives on a farm and has a very controlling mother (he suffered a major injury a few years ago). Vader (yes, Vader) comes to visit for the first time, and they've declared themselves to be boyfriends before he arrives, but they're still feeling the situation out. We only get his perspective through quick flashbacks in the form of his letters to Hugo. Vader's lies are manifold, and the biggest one is kind of . . . not really dealt with? It has a hopeful ending, HFN-ish. I think it needed a few more chapters to round out the story.
April 22, 2021
uhm, okay, waow. i adored this sweet little novella very, very much. Hugo and Vader are both such sweethearts, i wasn’t instantly smitten with their story.
i will definitely keep an eye out for Bronte Meredith’s next release, as well.
i will definitely keep an eye out for Bronte Meredith’s next release, as well.
April 23, 2021
the writing was lackluster and could have gone through another editing process
the story was really emotional though and Hugo and Vader were really cute and made me tear up a bit at the end
the story was really emotional though and Hugo and Vader were really cute and made me tear up a bit at the end
April 21, 2021
OK, not quite sure how to rate this, it obviously wasn't for me, Vader and Hugo are sweet young men but the story was, for me, slow and at times a tiny bit boring. I did love the last few chapters and the sweet ending these two deserved.
April 25, 2021
I picked this book is as a wee refresher brake between 2 series and I found I actually really liked this book. It was sweet and I wish there was more than there was!
June 5, 2021
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was short and breezy, a book you’d read in one sitting on a summer evening. (I read it on autumn tho, with a lot of hmw in between, but whatever).
The characters where cute, the story was too, and It actually surprised me more than I had anticipated. It visited some dark places of one of the characters that I definitely didn’t see coming, and it managed it, I don’t know if I could say “well”, but it wasn’t bad either. I believe the word that I’m looking for is “realistically”, because I could see my self in some of the reactions, and how the situation was handled. Also, that’s another thing that I could mention, I felt pretty much on the same page as the protagonist, Hugo. At least with his manners and feelings. I don’t know, I just connected with him, in a way.
It wasn’t the best thing I’ve ever read, nor weren’t the characters, but it was a fun cute read, for when you have little to no time (like me at the moment), or a free afternoon to spend reading a short romance LGBTQ+ book.
I recommend it, but do know that it has some topics that could be sensitive/ triggering for some people. Please do have that in mind if you are meaning to read it. A little trigger warning.
Love, Josie ✨
The characters where cute, the story was too, and It actually surprised me more than I had anticipated. It visited some dark places of one of the characters that I definitely didn’t see coming, and it managed it, I don’t know if I could say “well”, but it wasn’t bad either. I believe the word that I’m looking for is “realistically”, because I could see my self in some of the reactions, and how the situation was handled. Also, that’s another thing that I could mention, I felt pretty much on the same page as the protagonist, Hugo. At least with his manners and feelings. I don’t know, I just connected with him, in a way.
It wasn’t the best thing I’ve ever read, nor weren’t the characters, but it was a fun cute read, for when you have little to no time (like me at the moment), or a free afternoon to spend reading a short romance LGBTQ+ book.
I recommend it, but do know that it has some topics that could be sensitive/ triggering for some people. Please do have that in mind if you are meaning to read it. A little trigger warning.
Love, Josie ✨
March 19, 2022
Super sweet quick read.
The perfect little short to brighten up your day, Half Truths was a lovely little pick me up. Written through letters and prose we follow a friendship that grows into more. Highly recommend. X
The perfect little short to brighten up your day, Half Truths was a lovely little pick me up. Written through letters and prose we follow a friendship that grows into more. Highly recommend. X
April 30, 2021
Leave a review if you liked the book... and what if I didn't?
The premise was so promising. Even without remembering they are pen-pals, never even touched online, it had that romantic sheen of a unique relationship. Which I guess it did turn out to be. If by unique one means "no idea why they are or would be even together beside both of them being lonely and unable to find anyone else and only attracted one another by saying more than a few lies (NOT half-truths)". Not sure this ever happened and considering this is 90% romance, feeling they don't belong together is a major problem.
The whole evolution of the plot is also not a win. We basically get a few scenes where they slowly find out a) how much the other one lied b) how his mother and the farm is not an ideal place for the city boy c) how they try to awkwardly kiss/cuddle/more.
Which brings me to the issue of age - 18?! They totally behaved like 15, maybe even less. It was totally bordering on those YA vibes I really don't need in my books.
It was short as well - which would be also a point against it if I didn't think I would drop the book otherwise. I guess it does get very much to the point but since I can't really say I liked any of those points, that's hardly the best.
While the book can be used, I guess, to illustrate some notion of perceiving people or self-perception and "long-distance relationships" (if it can be called that) and the struggles of queer kids and lying and I don't know, complications of family, I can't say I enjoyed the reading. Not enough to give it two stars but... let's say it's way too close for comfort.
The premise was so promising. Even without remembering they are pen-pals, never even touched online, it had that romantic sheen of a unique relationship. Which I guess it did turn out to be. If by unique one means "no idea why they are or would be even together beside both of them being lonely and unable to find anyone else and only attracted one another by saying more than a few lies (NOT half-truths)". Not sure this ever happened and considering this is 90% romance, feeling they don't belong together is a major problem.
The whole evolution of the plot is also not a win. We basically get a few scenes where they slowly find out a) how much the other one lied b) how his mother and the farm is not an ideal place for the city boy c) how they try to awkwardly kiss/cuddle/more.
Which brings me to the issue of age - 18?! They totally behaved like 15, maybe even less. It was totally bordering on those YA vibes I really don't need in my books.
It was short as well - which would be also a point against it if I didn't think I would drop the book otherwise. I guess it does get very much to the point but since I can't really say I liked any of those points, that's hardly the best.
While the book can be used, I guess, to illustrate some notion of perceiving people or self-perception and "long-distance relationships" (if it can be called that) and the struggles of queer kids and lying and I don't know, complications of family, I can't say I enjoyed the reading. Not enough to give it two stars but... let's say it's way too close for comfort.
April 19, 2021
Realistic Y/A -N/A fiction at it finest!
This novella length story had me hooked on from the blurb, as we meet our heroes- both young, having been dealt a harsh hand by fate and holding on to that glimmer of kinship that they have shared over their letters, their promises to each other and the hope for acceptance and a better future.
Caught in the dark web of insecurities and the conflict between wanting to appear ideal whilst accepting the real, the duo slowly uncover that some of what they shared is not the 'whole truth'. As the perceived image that they have conjured up (both of their perfect idea selves and the other) slowly erodes away, will love prevail as the only truth that matters?
Though it's a little hard to accept the cruelties the duo have each faced (My heart went out to them both) at a young age, I highly commend the author for keeping it real. In a way, we realise that as adults we still hold on to the idealities we yearned for during our teens.
The writing style is engaging and the imagery of rural Australia painted by the author's descriptions are a treat to read. So is the shy, innocent and sweet chemistry between Hugo and Vader.
Though I did have some qualms in between, I was happy to see our MCs get their HEA/HFN.
It did leave me wanting more, so I hope to see a sequel novella (newsletter short maybe).
Recommend to those looking for a sweet and refreshing Y/A romance.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This novella length story had me hooked on from the blurb, as we meet our heroes- both young, having been dealt a harsh hand by fate and holding on to that glimmer of kinship that they have shared over their letters, their promises to each other and the hope for acceptance and a better future.
Caught in the dark web of insecurities and the conflict between wanting to appear ideal whilst accepting the real, the duo slowly uncover that some of what they shared is not the 'whole truth'. As the perceived image that they have conjured up (both of their perfect idea selves and the other) slowly erodes away, will love prevail as the only truth that matters?
Though it's a little hard to accept the cruelties the duo have each faced (My heart went out to them both) at a young age, I highly commend the author for keeping it real. In a way, we realise that as adults we still hold on to the idealities we yearned for during our teens.
The writing style is engaging and the imagery of rural Australia painted by the author's descriptions are a treat to read. So is the shy, innocent and sweet chemistry between Hugo and Vader.
Though I did have some qualms in between, I was happy to see our MCs get their HEA/HFN.
It did leave me wanting more, so I hope to see a sequel novella (newsletter short maybe).
Recommend to those looking for a sweet and refreshing Y/A romance.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2021
~3.5 STARS~
I liked this story but I felt like I was missing something at times. I guess that’s the point of HALF TRUTHS we find out the whole truths as the story continues, but I think it would have been nice to read more letters from Hugo and Vader.
For writing five years they really didn’t seem to know anything about each other and as they got to know more, I felt like they were just so different. Yes, opposites can attract, but I just didn’t understand why the two liked each other because there wasn’t much backstory on their writings to understand where they were coming from. They both lied and they both were hurting in their own ways and that’s about all I could see that would bring them together.
I enjoyed how Hugo tried to show Vader the ropes on the farm. I also liked how Hugo never pushed Vader to do more sexually. Though there were secrets and lies between them something just worked for them and emotionally I could feel they cared for each other.
I liked this story but I felt like I was missing something at times. I guess that’s the point of HALF TRUTHS we find out the whole truths as the story continues, but I think it would have been nice to read more letters from Hugo and Vader.
For writing five years they really didn’t seem to know anything about each other and as they got to know more, I felt like they were just so different. Yes, opposites can attract, but I just didn’t understand why the two liked each other because there wasn’t much backstory on their writings to understand where they were coming from. They both lied and they both were hurting in their own ways and that’s about all I could see that would bring them together.
I enjoyed how Hugo tried to show Vader the ropes on the farm. I also liked how Hugo never pushed Vader to do more sexually. Though there were secrets and lies between them something just worked for them and emotionally I could feel they cared for each other.
October 11, 2022
Just... no.
I couldn't even finish the book, even skimming was too hard.
Too many problems with this book, starting with:
1. Hugo's mother is made to sound like a little kid throwing a tantrum. I understand not everyone has reasonable parents, but this? This is too much.
2. So. they have been pen pals for years, and they didn't meet prior to this book. But they said in letters they will call each other boyfriend. So. They meet. And they are starting kissing out of the blue. And after kiss they are acting like it's all normal, like nothing important happened.
3. Is their relationship solely based on lies?! I mean, not mentioning few smaller details... that I would understand. But this was out right lying.
4. Hugo's blatant disrespect towards his mother... just... no.
And there are probably a lot more things to pick at, but I couldn't make myself finish the book.
I couldn't even finish the book, even skimming was too hard.
Too many problems with this book, starting with:
1. Hugo's mother is made to sound like a little kid throwing a tantrum. I understand not everyone has reasonable parents, but this? This is too much.
2. So. they have been pen pals for years, and they didn't meet prior to this book. But they said in letters they will call each other boyfriend. So. They meet. And they are starting kissing out of the blue. And after kiss they are acting like it's all normal, like nothing important happened.
3. Is their relationship solely based on lies?! I mean, not mentioning few smaller details... that I would understand. But this was out right lying.
4. Hugo's blatant disrespect towards his mother... just... no.
And there are probably a lot more things to pick at, but I couldn't make myself finish the book.
May 8, 2021
This coming of age short story has a terrific premise - teenage pen-pal boyfriends meeting for the first time - and Hugo and Vader are adorably awkward, self-conscious and sweet as they tentatively get to know each other for real and in person.
I especially enjoyed getting glimpses of their past letters as they spend an emotional week on Hugo's Australian family farm where their half-truths are exposed, and their HEA is fitting and hopeful.
Even with the trigger warning, I was a bit taken aback by Hugo and Vader's painful backstories, which factor in heavily here. They'd both gone through so much, and so deserved the shared happiness they found with each other. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)
I especially enjoyed getting glimpses of their past letters as they spend an emotional week on Hugo's Australian family farm where their half-truths are exposed, and their HEA is fitting and hopeful.
Even with the trigger warning, I was a bit taken aback by Hugo and Vader's painful backstories, which factor in heavily here. They'd both gone through so much, and so deserved the shared happiness they found with each other. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)
April 21, 2021
Set in the Australian outback, this is the story of two complicated souls who not only have to navigate coming to terms with their homosexuality, but also have had to survive difficult childhoods and teenage periods.
Though you can almost taste this beautiful Aussie laid back attitude when you read the book, Bronte Meredith keeps you wondering till the end whether they can grow beyond their differences to help each other? Is love enough?
Well written, this book is a page turner; you want to quickly get to the end to see what happens next. And now, I want to read what happens next year!
Though you can almost taste this beautiful Aussie laid back attitude when you read the book, Bronte Meredith keeps you wondering till the end whether they can grow beyond their differences to help each other? Is love enough?
Well written, this book is a page turner; you want to quickly get to the end to see what happens next. And now, I want to read what happens next year!
April 20, 2021
This was such a good YA story!! Vader and Hugo are pen pals from a young age who become boyfriends although they’ve never met face to face before. Both young men are living hard lives, but don’t tell the other how bad their lives really are, hence the half truths. I loved the “letter” at the beginning of each chapter! I really felt a lot of emotions rolling thru myself reading this story. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
November 4, 2021
This is more of a long short story or a novella than a novel. Much is left unsaid and incomplete because of the brevity. The author is very considerate of his characters' privacy, which is not really a benchmark of great fiction, especially when dealing with extremely heavy issues like sexual abuse of a child. That requires unvarnished honesty and unflinching regard. This is too discreet.
I don't recommend this, but if you read it you won't be bored with it. It's just unsatisfying.
I don't recommend this, but if you read it you won't be bored with it. It's just unsatisfying.
May 4, 2021
An enjoyable and heartfelt story of first love. Told with dignity and unflinching compassion and understanding. I loved the fact that these 2 boys rocked it old-school and got to know each other anbd fell in love via letters instead of through social media and texts/email.
an engrossing and heartbreaking experience.
an engrossing and heartbreaking experience.
May 12, 2021
Hugo was the worst and doesn’t deserve Vader, the story was really slow and boring at parts but the ending was cute
I hated how Hugo handled aspects of Vader’s past I wish we weren’t stuck in his head the whole time and had switched back and forth between both characters I think that might’ve helped my enjoyment of the novella. I don’t think this was horrible just aggressively not for me
I hated how Hugo handled aspects of Vader’s past I wish we weren’t stuck in his head the whole time and had switched back and forth between both characters I think that might’ve helped my enjoyment of the novella. I don’t think this was horrible just aggressively not for me
May 22, 2021
I’ve been in a serious reading slump, picking up books has become too exhausting. However, this become provided thoughtless entertainment. It discussed a romance between two teens, and added interesting depth to the characters.
July 29, 2021
That was ok, but if you're going to introduce so much things about the characters you need to take time to develop it. Just so much information and so much potential, but we didn't get to see it really shine.
April 28, 2021
Ok if I took a shot every time the author wrote the word boyfriend I would be a mean drunk by now.
Not a bad book tho. Enjoyable enough.
Not a bad book tho. Enjoyable enough.
April 30, 2021
4.25⭐ (rounded off)
May 27, 2021
Pretty good!
January 12, 2022
I enjoyed reading the novela. The writing style is great and captivating. The characters are complex and adorable
March 16, 2022
I enjoyed this book, but the story felt so disjointed. More like multiple scenes with the same characters rather than a really cohesive story.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews