True Beginnings

by Jennifer Peer

Armed with Grandma’s Bible and a teaspoon, taking out the man paid to kill her had been easier than playing dead for twenty-five years. Sending a hitman without proper reconnaissance was someone’s first mistake. Going after the rest of her family, the second. Expecting her to lie down and take it was their last.

True McLaren appreciates the simple things in life. Coffee, gelato, cooking, a well-balanced blade, and music. When a man lets himself into her home for a deadly purpose, he activates survival protocols the McLarens have honed to perfection over the last two decades. What none of the family planned on was the complication wearing the badge.

Sergeant Dante Parisi has seen a lot of things between his multiple tours as part of an elite team of Marines and his time with the police department. It takes a lot to rattle him. When he encounters the tiny redhead with a feisty air about her, something in him shifts. Seeing the damage she inflicted on a man twice her size is almost as impressive as her big blue eyes and the size of her unruly red curls. Then she says something that brings out every ounce of his protective nature, entwining their fates forever.

As True and Dante grow closer, the search for answers uncovers unexpected revelations that no one is prepared for. The pressure intensifies as the threat expands to those being held on another continent, leaving True to open lines of communication that have long been closed. Time is running out, forcing a plan of attack that will neutralize a deadly threat both at home and overseas before more people get caught in the crossfire.

True Beginnings is the suspense-filled first book in the True McLaren Action & Adventure Series.

291 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2022

About the author

Jennifer is a coffee-infused lover of dark chocolate and all things romantic. Her dry wit and sarcasm fill the pages of whatever she’s writing because she can’t help herself. She is most often found sharing space with her family, devouring a good book, listening to music, or writing incessantly. Sometimes she manages all of these at once, which she considers a skill that sets her apart. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, three children, and their pack of hounds.

Reviews

[Venus]

be careful who you trust and where you go

This was a cool story and I’m excited to read more. I loved it when True surprised herself In her realization that she enjoyed being with Dante. She is such a serious person so it really came through that she was attracted to him.

I also loved how her feelings evolved throughout the story. There was also a theme of independence. Very relatable for all of us but not always so much in a romance, so I loved that that was prevalent here. The Author establishes the mood and setting through the tone and paste of the words. Throughout the author uses language that evokes images. In the opening, the author uses straightforward language to present action. This is not the tone you would expect for a romance but it fits very well here. The author has chosen to tell the story from the point of view of a woman who has been raised in a dangerous world and painted a picture of what the world looks and feels like to this woman in particular. This is a very detailed portrait and I like the intensity of the characterization.

[Billy Fetzner]

A Fast-Paced and Engaging Action-Adventure with a Passionate Romance

True Beginnings by Tara Fox Hall is a thrilling and captivating action and adventure book that kept me engaged from start to finish. The book tells the story of True McLaren, a highly skilled and trained weapon who has been preparing for her entire life to take on anyone who comes after her family.

True is a force to be reckoned with, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the story. The action in the book is fast-paced and engaging, and the romance between True and Dante added a layer of passion and intensity that kept me turning the pages.

The book is well-written and has well-developed characters who are easy to like and root for. I enjoyed the humorous and witty dialogue in the book, and the mix of suspense, steam, and action kept me engaged and entertained.

The book is playful, sarcastic, and intense and will keep you captivated until the very end. If you're looking for a romantic action and adventure book with a strong female lead, this book is for you.

[Mark Sneed]

Strong story and surprising twists

A hit man story with a twist. A little romance. A little action and adventure. Really enjoyed reading this book. Liked that the author kept me guessing in the story. The suspense was great. Well done. This is the first book of a series and a great debut. Wished the romance and attraction was a little more interesting than boy meets girl and girl reverts to being awkward and vulnerable. It seemed the only strike against the story but a big one. Good read.

[Nicki Pascarella]

If you love sassy red-headed heroines that kick-butt, then True Beginnings by Jenn Peer should be your next read. I was hooked the second True McLaren turned kitchen utensils into weapons. The suspense starts on the first page and never lets up. Added bonuses—there is a high-steam factor, lots of hot men, delicious food, and nostalgic music.

I really enjoy Jenn’s witty dialogue and fast action. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Nicki]

If you love sassy red-headed heroines that kick-butt, then True Beginnings by Jennifer Peer should be your next read. I was hooked the second True McLaren turned kitchen utensils into weapons. The suspense starts on the first page and never lets up. Added bonuses—there is a high-steam factor, lots of hot men, delicious food, and nostalgic music.

I really enjoy Jennifer’s witty dialogue and fast action. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Casey Dunne]

sexy moments but left hanging

Okay, so the flame is definitely there between our main characters but like 90% of the actual sex scenes are skipped over even tho this is definitely a romance! There is some action and adventure, but I’d still classify this book as centered around relationships. And those relationships are heartwarming and great. The family dynamics are lovely and it feels like a pack almost

[AmiA.]

Great action in a thriller setting!

True Beginnings has quite a few surprises, lots of action and a serious side of heated romance. The MC has many talents in different methods of fighting and a special interest in languages. I enjoyed the story very much but, there are some needed corrections to the grammar and spelling. I already have book 2 and look forward to reading it in order to discover what happens next!

Purchased from Amazon

[Ian Griffin]

True Beginnings by Jennifer Peer is a book that is fun, playful, sexy, romantic, adventurous, and intense. I love the idea and the storyline. It is captivating. The characters are interesting and fun to follow. I could not put this book down. I love the idea of assassins, survival, and so forth. It was a blast to read.

[Lori Colwell]

Action from page one

“True Beginnings” starts with action and lust, a couple of my favorite things in a book.
The writing style is a fun and sarcastic. The pacing is good. Recommended for readers that love family secrets, a strong female lead, and some steamy romance.

[Shealyn P]

Romance, drama, and so so much suspense! True and Dante are a couple for the ages; I can’t wait for the rest of the series!

[Brent Seheult]

Good book

I enjoyed this book at times it was a difficult read for me to get back to reading this book

[Lulu James]

Action

There is some action and adventure but didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. The writing does not flow well.

[Bonnye Reed]

Hello Books

[Ana]

Hard to get into the book

Overall, thought the book was ok. It was difficult to get into. The main character seemed a little desperate during the first few chapters.

[Carol Jez]

Regular people looking to find happiness, to make a difference and to take care of self as well as others!

[Karen Guerrieri]

Amazing Writing

This book was awesome, I couldn’t put it down. I hope there is another one to go on with the story. Someone should make a movie out of it.

[Jeanné Olivier]

Flirty, action packed romance with lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed Dante and True's chemistry very much and loved that True was such a ditsy little badass.

[Marisa]

Book 1 in the series, and a great start to the series. A thrilling, compelling and intriguing read, filled with lots of action, adventure, suspense, twists, and some romance. Definitely keeps you at the edge of your seat with intrigue and keeps you guessing. Really enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Everything plays out really well. Looking forward to what comes in the series and reading more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.