Sure, people say they value honesty, but in the past eight years, Angel has learned that’s not always the case. Her American bully, Genie, is the only living being that has never taken offence to the truth. But she’s perfect.
Angel is now on her third strike with her boss and at risk of losing her job as a server in a restaurant with little repeat business. Apparently, management doesn't appreciate Angel honestly telling her customers the food sucks.
Stating facts has also landed Angel in hot water with spiteful hostess, Alex. To get revenge for a truth she didn’t want to hear, Alex seats the next miserable businessman to walk through the door in Angel’s section, hoping it will be her last straw.
But the truth has a way of working things out.
Damian Taylor accepted a promotion for a job he never wanted. But he’s got a chip on his shoulder and a point to prove. The problem is, now he is surrounded by brown-nosing suck-ups who would rather bend to his every whim than make decisions for themselves. With people pleasers at every turn, the advertising industry feels more deceitful than ever.
It's total bull.
What Damian wants is honesty.
Could his straight-shooting waitress be exactly what he's looking for?
Tiffany was born and raised in a small town in Muskoka, Ontario, spending much of her childhood outdoors. She moved to attend McMaster University for Psychology at age seventeen. After university, she met her husband, and rather than pursuing a career, opted to stay at home to raise their two daughters. Since 2013 she has homeschooled her girls, and as they became more independent in their learning, Tiffany was seeking out ways to make use of her time. She opted to study to become a freelance proofreader since she was a voracious reader. Once her proofreading business was established, she dove into editing courses, and rather than focus exclusively on editing, she took creative writing classes to be able to better understand the writing process. As it turned out, she loved that process. Her first novel, We're All a Little Broken was written largely based on her own life and struggles with mental illness, which she wanted to share to help others like her not feel alone. While she didn't pursue a career in psychology, it's still very much an area of interest, and shedding light on mental health is something she is very passionate about.
This book is for you if you enjoy dual pov and the Im not like other girls trope.
This review is just me ranting and rambling and making no sense at all so I suggest you just skim instead of reading the whole thing.
No, just no. I can't with this book anymore. It's so fucking irritating (excuse my language for this entire review)
Characters:
~Angel~ she "can't" lie... actually she won't lie. You'd think it's an admirable quality? It's not when you have to always point out others flaws and how much better you are than others. Example: she was a waitress and when she gets customers she tells them the food is worse than horse shit and that she wouldn't recommend anything at the establishment. Like, I get you don't want to lie but you're not lying if no one asked your opinion. And obviously her boss is not happy with her pretty much chasing customers away. But I also get that Angel has a "strong" moral code, but then don't waitress at a shitty restaurant. It's simple logic. She was also fired because she told a customer off for groping her, and when she stood her guns about telling this guy to fuck off, I was starting to warm up to her... like yes girl, don't let this piece of garbage treat you like you're his property. Her boss did fire her because she upset the client, which is complete bullshit, any woman would have had the right to tell that guy off. Now here comes the problematic bit. The two other female employees decided to quit because of how Angel was fired (which is understandable, I would've done the same thing) but Angel is telling them they can't quit because of her. IT IS NOT BECAUSE OF YOU! It's because management treated a women who was being harassed unfairly not because you specifically were fired. Grow the fuck up and get over yourself. UGH One more thing to add to our delightful main character... she gets upset with Damien (the mmc) for being rich. Like girl, you don't know him why are you mad because he has more money than you? He literally took her out for dinner and he took them to a fancy restaurant and she was so unimpressed and so disdainful. When the waitress asked what she wanted she just ordered water and when he said that she can order whatever she wants and that money isn't a problem, she said "no, it's too expensive". GIRL! If you're not into fancy that's fine but why the fuck would agree to a date with this guy if that isn't your style... like, make it make sense please.
~Damien~ all I can say is this guy needs to grow a pair and say what he means. He's so meek it's fucking annoying. Get some backbone! He literally even said he doesn't like confrontation. Wtf are you doing being a boss person when you can't even confront someone?! He also admitted that he strings women along because he can't face telling them he's not into them so he just strings them along until they get the hint that he's not into them. Ummmm, if I liked a guy I'd rather he tell me he doesn't like me instead of me wasting my time trying to get his attention. I don't know about anyone else? Also he's such a simp. I mean we all love our delusional book boyfriends but he's just too much. She called him a growing boy (cringe) and he ✨️roared✨️ with laughter.
~quotes~ "Serena, I can't tonight. I've got..." A lot of work? Another date? No. "Food poisoning." He then goes on to think "Someone could cut off both my legs and I'd still drag my bloody stumps to the nearest pharmacy before I call Serena. Our encounters have been that intolerable." Amd then when they're saying goodbye he says he'll call her soon. Why can't you just be a man and tell her you don't want to see her if she's that intolerable?
My method of letting someone down previously has been to string them along until they give up.
Never in my life have I thought the words "I hate to see you go, but love to watch you leave," but you better believe I do when witnessing her walk away.
I could go on but I won't because I think yall get the idea of how I feel about this book.
Angel is a waitress who works in a pretty dreadful restaurant with rude customers, terrible food, and a drunken boss. Since she will never lie, she often advises customers how bad the food is, which of course gets her in trouble. One new customer, Damien, appreciates her honesty, and tries to get to know her better. At first she resists, but she sees that he's really a nice guy, and is especially attentive to her adorable pit bull, Genie. But there is one thing he doesn't tell her--can she get past it? And can either of them overcome some past trauma? Likeable characters, both two and four legged, made this a fun light read.
This is the first "romantic comedy" sort of thing I’ve ever read so not having anything to compare it to, it’s super easy to give this book 5 stars! I loooved reading this! It was so cozy and just adorable! It was just really wholesome! There are some cringey things here and there for sure but life has inherent cringe, so that just made me enjoy it more! I didn’t expect to be into reading this sort of thing at all but I was very pleasantly surprised! If you want to read something cozy, that isn’t gonna stress you out and is only gonna make you occasionally giggle and give you warm fuzzy feelings so intense that you have a good cry then you should definitely give this a read 🖤
Just not for me- dnfing at 80% after kinda just skimming it. Angel is annoying and I understand wanting to tell the truth but I don’t get why she has to be rude and yell/talk back constantly then use her truth telling oath as an excuse. Just kinda boring to me. Also don’t really get why Damian could just say her worked at her new job, it seemed like unnecessary drama for a silly reason.
This is another very clean, interracial romance. Angel Blake is the "heroine" who determined to always be totally honest after her parents died. She works as a waitress because she's not confident in finding a job in her field as a graphic designer - total honesty with others but not herself. Damian Taylor is the "hero" who is a 27-year old advertising manager at the top of his field. He's unfulfilled at work and in his personal life because he's surrounded by dishonest people who are "people pleasers". He's scarred because his father left him, his brother and his mother just to make money twenty years ago. He's determined to be successful to prove something to his father.
The two of them meet at her job as a waitress. You really have to suspend belief to find this book realistic. Angel is so honest, to the point of telling customers that the food is not very good at her restaurant. She works for a misogynistic, alcoholic boss. Most of her co-workers dislike her because she has no tact. Damian is one her customers and he finds her honesty refreshing.
The rest of the book deals with a developing relationship between the two of them. She's finally fired after being sexually harassed by customers and being lied on. Damian witnesses the harassment and subsequent firing. He doesn't intervene because he knows she wouldn't appreciate it.
The rest of the book deals with her subsequent job hunting; her discovering he's been dishonest with her, and on and on. This is such a clean romance, other than passionate kissing, there's no indication of any real physical attraction. This sets the tone for the rest of the book.
Let's not forget that she has an American Bully, Genie, who absolutely runs her life. There's so many things that happened that are simply unbelievable. The book was different but still interesting, if you can suspend belief.
a lil less than 3 probably. It was just cringe and... ehh. like if the fmc was real I would hate her bc she gives pick me "Im not like other girls" iykyk. and side note the kindle cover is way better than this one lol!
I really enjoyed this! Lots of themes of love, forgiveness, truth, and redemption. Plus, a super adorable (and relatable, as a mom to 3 pitbulls) bully baby.
I loved the latter half of the book. She's calmed a little and is actually what she should be. The feelings on his part seem justified. But the first part was pretty bad. She uses her honesty as a weapon. I'd threaten to fire her too. You can be honest and diplomatic. And after establishing how her honesty is a detrimental factor in her life and resolving the dilemma of how a waitress meet cute transitions to a work conflict she becomes a really great character. Damien is also not a good character early on. The overwhelming nature of his affection feels premature. I'd never go out and buy a dog hammock for a dog that has made a guest appearance in my life once. The most he should have done was put a blanket in the car just in case. Then justify it as I may need it. The hammock was presumptuous in the extreme. He was anticipating a relationship that wasn't there yet. But, the dude crying on stage was why I gave three stars instead of two. Most authors don't have the man cry because it's not "manly". But there is nothing better than a man being vulnerable enough to cry. It means he feels safe to be emotional. Both genders have societal expectations that create stress and lead to a lack realistic internal expectations. Boys don't cry is something men hear all the time. And humans cry as a release of grief or joy, we forget it's natural because boys who become men aren't allowed this healthy outlet. So, the last bit is good and the first bit is clunky. Genie is cute but adds almost nothing to the story. I'm a bully fan but, she could have been a boxer or rotty and it may have been the same.
Estaba buscando un libro que tuviera perritos y me encontré con este gratis en Amazon. Tuve que descargármelo y empezar a leerlo en cuanto lo vi.
Les voy a contar un poco de la historia.
Ángel la mesera de un restaurante de comida horrible, nadie regresa por segunda vez de lo feo que está.
Damian es el nuevo jefe del departamento de marketing ? En el edificio cerca de ese restaurante. Un día va a comer ahí queriendo despejarse de todo su equipo que parece que huye de él en cuanto lo ve.
Él se ve atraído por Angel desde el momento que abre la boca para decir que la comida era horrible y le recomendaba algo más o menos pasable.
Y es que si había algo que identificaba a Ángel era que NUNCA decía ninguna mentira. Parecía que había tomado el suero de la verdad porque nunca podía quedarse callada y decir ni una mentira blanca. Y Damián estaba harto que nadie le dijera la verdad nunca, que todos en su trabajo le diera la razón en todo aunque sea algo descabellado.
Lo de ellos dos fue un amor a primera vista, Damián se convirtió en cliente frecuente solo por ella y ella empezó a abrirse poco a poco con él.
No había leído ningún libro que me mostrara un crecimiento gigante entre los personajes.
Ella empezó como mesera, sin un quinto y él como el jefe de quien todos corren y terminaron siendo otros completamente diferentes y de buena manera.
Es súper raro pensar que todo lo que vivieron pasó en un año, porque pasaron por infinidad de cosas.
Algo que me llamó mucho la atención fue que en casi todos los libros, cuando el protagonista masculino es el dueño de la empresa siempre trata de intimidar a todos e infundir respeto. Damián era todo lo contrario, él quería llevarse bien con todos sus trabajadores, conocía sus vidas para poder entenderlos y sobre todo, no quería que huyeran de él como todos hacían. Me daba mucha lástima al principio. No te merecemos, Damián.
Me gusta pensar que los dos estaban hechos el uno para el otro, que si no se hubieran conocido en el restaurante donde trabajaba Angel, se hubieran visto en la empresa donde trabaja Damián.
Los dos personajes principales se robaron mi corazón, pero quien se llevó el protagonismo fue Ginnie, el bully de Ángel. Ginnie fue todo un personaje. De que se le metía no seguir caminando, se quedaba sentada en la banqueta y no se movía por nada ni nadie a menos que la cargaran.
Si hubo alguien que podía hacer lo que quisiera con Damián y él lo haría encantado, esa era Ginnie.
Lo que me gustó de este libro es que todos son súper pet friendly... O solamente amantes de los perros. La hermana de Ángel tiene un chihuahua llamado Nacho. Pobre de Ginnie cada que estaba con el chihuahua. El siguiente libro es de la hermana de Ángel así que ya quiero leerlo y saber más de ella, también porque quiero saber qué pasó en un futuro con Ángel, Damián y Ginnie.
Y aunque nunca aparecieron, sí hubo mención de los perros de las mejores amigas a Ángel, el cuarto libro es el de una de ellas y el de la otra amiga aún no sale su libro, pero tengo esperanza de que pronto salga.
El libro es un insta Love, con slow burn (se amaban pero pasaron demasiado tiempo siendo amigos, casi la mitad del libro), clean romance junto con comedia romántica.
Lo leí muy lento aunque está muy pequeño el libro, pero sí disfrute de mis momentos leyéndolo. Tocaron bastantes temas delicados como las muertes, el abandono y el perdón a uno mismo así que no siempre era todo de color de rosa. Me gustó mucho ese contraste de tener temas algo delicados y después morirnos de risa con alguna tontería que hacían los personajes.
Este fue el primer libro que leo de Tiffany y también el primer libro de la serie, pero ya quiero continuar con el libro de Dina.
While slow burn and clean romances are not my jam, I WHOLEHEARTEDLY ADORED Total Bull. Entirely a result of the author's brilliant, witty, colorful writing style.
Angel's character is honest...almost to a fault. I related to Angel's truth-telling so much, as my own honest approach has often cost me friendships and relationships (although Angel's reasons and mine are very different). Her life as a server and hesitant to dive into the career she went to school for is perfect. I love how she's so strong, utterly based in principal and willing to take that "good hard look" in the mirror when necessary.
Damian is as swoonworthy as they get... a bit of a grumpy-pants, and also a cinnamon roll. I love how he was unrelenting in his pursuit of Angel without being an alpha-hole. I also love his motivations and his affection for Angel's dog almost as much as for Angel. The interactions with his family were wonderful, and the absentee father piece was handled with perfection.
Their meet cute was adorable! The banter between the Angel and Damian was great! The interior thoughts incredibly entertaining. Angel's dog, an American Bulldog - Genie - is so endearing and I loved that Genie was never once left out. The plot twists were a delight.
While this story was a slow burn type, I never felt that the pacing was slow. And all the obstacles that arose were natural and believable - save for one... I didn't wholly buy that with all the time Angel and Damian spent together, she didn't know the name of the company he worked for, or that Angel didn't share the name of the company she was interviewing with. But - I loved the story so much I chalked it up to "romance reasons" and am not docking even the tiniest piece of a star for the book.
HIGHLY Recommend!
I will note that this is the 2nd Tiffany Andrea book I've read, and she's solidly landed herself in my "Auto One-Click" collection of authors.
I agree with the book's message that honesty is the best policy. I enjoyed reading Angel's internal thoughts and initially found her quite relatable. Like me, she dislikes being controlled, especially by men, values independence, and has a strong moral code against dishonesty. However, her tendency to quickly judge others' intentions became annoying, and her brutal honesty often came across as rude rather than constructive. We can be honest without being rude, right?
As for Damian, he already knew how Angel was, yet he chose to act in ways that would inevitably upset her. That felt a bit foolish on his part. In terms of plot, not much happens. The story lacks complexity and focuses more on the characters' thoughts than on thrilling events, making it hard to stay engaged. I didn't find the book humorous either.
The author might benefit from studying psychological responses more deeply to ensure characters' actions and reactions are logical. (I won't reveal any spoilers as that's what I've committed to.) The issue wasn't just about lying but about the character's actions at the moment. It would be more fitting for the character to regret their actions rather than just their words. However, if that were the character's reaction, then their personality would change as a whole. So, I'm not sure if the character's personality or the events in the story need to be adjusted, but something needs to change to make the character's behavior more logical and consistent.
Despite these issues, parts of the book were enjoyable. The writing style is clear and well-executed. While I can't say I liked the book overall, some readers will surely appreciate it.
I’m not usually one for contemporary romance but I really enjoyed this one. How to best describe it? Slightly Bridget Jones-y but set in Canada with less crying and emotional breakdowns.
Andrea knows the Toronto that I knew in my 20s well and I wrapped the setting around me like a cozy blanket, remembering my many adventures. It also made me remember the anxiety and excitement around new love and uncertainty navigating new relationships.
I adore Angel, the female character. She’s funny, independent and cares about the right things (ie. her dog, sister and friends). Her biggest flaw is that she absolutely refuses to lie which leads to situations that are at times funny and at times awkward. She’s the type of girl I would love to be friends with. I would have liked Damian, the male character, to be a little less perfect. He’s a “Nice Guy”, respectful towards women, with money, a fantastic job and a condo on the fourty fourth floor of a building. He’s a good son and dutifully grateful to his brother who helped provide him an education. He has anger towards his father who abandoned the family when he was young but I don’t know how much of a flaw that is.
Angel can’t help but be honest - to a fault. It’s kept her from getting ahead at her waitressing job and even from dating anyone half decent, until she encounters a customer at the mediocre restaurant where she works who flips the script. Damian is a grumbly ad exec who finds his increasingly frequent encounters with the frank-speaking Angel (get it? Angel? Damian?) and her equally strong-willed bully pup Genie unexpectedly charming.
A twist of fate leads the pair to work in the same ad agency, an environment that ensures their connection intensifies, their relationship deepens and, of course, causes new complications to arise. Is there truth in advertising? Sure. Does love win? Of course!
I enjoyed this fun, clever and altogether adorable story from Tiffany Andrea, who always ensures there are plenty of smiles and sighs to be had. My thanks to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
If you are looking for a cute romance with a strong female lead, then this book is perfect for you.
Total Bull had a lot of cute moments. Weather it be due to the fun pages with the adorable American Bully - Genie, or the building chemistry between Angel and Damian. This romance is a fun and clean read. I had so many moments where I found myself saying “awe 🥰”
I am a big fan of romances where the guy falls first. I think it’s very refreshing in romances to see a male fall for an independent strong women who knows she doesn’t need that said man in her life to take care of her. But with that being said, I’m not a huge fan when it comes to instant love. This book did have that, but the way Tiffany writes these characters and this book I was able to look past it.
I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a cute and clean romance that leaves you with a happy heart at the end.
As I tend to say after each new book of Tiffany Andrea I read, why did it take me so long to read her books. I obviously didn't know what I was missing. If you are yet to take a chance on any of her books, I urge you to reconsider. You won't regret it.
I loved Tell-Tale Sign and in anticipation of Caleb's story The Pugly Truth, I decided to read Total Bull to get a glimpse of Hannah, his leading lady. What I didn't expect was to be engrossed in a story filled with laughter, witty banter, tears and a beautiful love story. I couldn't put it down and devoured it in a few hours. It's a fast read and entertaining with no dull moments. I loved Damien and Angel. If only more people were like Angel and told the truth, the world would be better for it. And let us not forget Genie. I love how Tiffany's books almost always include a cuddly canine, they just makes the story that much enjoyable.
I can't wait to see what Tiffany has in store for us next.
This is a unique book. The male main character's fascination with her physical attributes was very much front and center in his chapters, yet somehow didn't quite make me uncomfortable. Her working situation, as she describes it, on the other hand, would be enough to give me nightmares. Sounds like the women there should be issued suits of armor. Or the boss could've not been a pervert or hired perverts. I think I made it through this book partly because I realized from the get-go it wasn't a normal sweet romance. Bad things happened. The female main character seemed to consider that normal, including her working situation and having to give someone what they deserved at a night club. That's definitely not my normal. I'll probably never read it again, but I have to give it 4 stars because in the middle of all the "Yeah, it's normal to have to fend off groping at work" the characters had depth and actual development.
I've read all of Tiffany's books and have enjoyed them all, and this was no exception.
Angel's determination to always tell the truth, no matter the consequences, was an interesting trait to observe in action. Though sometimes, her tendency to be a bit headstrong made me want to shake her by the shoulders. Lucky for her, Damien's interest in her was deeply genuine, despite her apparent efforts to push him away. So glad her friends were on hand to talk some sense into her.
I loved the HEA ending and, as always, can't wait to see what Tiffany writes next!
If you like sweet, clean romance, you'll love this book.
This book delivers as promised. It was refreshing to see a couple who didn't allow unspoken truths linger between them. Angel was one of my fav characters ever. It's crazy how our world has accepted white lies and untruths in everyday encounters. This book reflected on that and Angel didn't compromise for anyone. Her and Damian together were so cute. Damian's love for Genie was so sweet and made it clear he was just a misunderstood guy - just like bully breeds can be.
If you read this book and take issue with Angel's honesty, it's time to take a good hard look at yourself. We should all aim to be that honest. Imagine what the world would look like.
I'll start this off by saying no. Where's the plot apparently the plot is she doesnt lie which is like ??? okay, and???? The FMC was forced upon the role as "shes different". I felt no real connectio between them no slow burn infact no burn at all. The MMC was weak, couldnt say what was on his mind but still wanted others to be upfront and brutally honest with him which is a double standard
Oh and also this felt very wattpad lvl, you could really tell this was written by a woman which even annoys me to say but alas here we are. Lets end this by saying the only endearing this about this book is Genie.
When Angel's childhood abruptly ends, she makes a promise to herself to never tell lies. Ever. Not even little white lies. In principle, this is great. In reality... not so much. Truth-telling and straight shooting are the hallmarks of Angel's life, but it lands her in hot water, especially when she--the waitress-- tells the customers at her diner that they'd be better off eating anywhere else. But it's just another day of truth-telling and annoying her boss and coworkers when a handsome businessman is seated in her section.
Damian is new to his management position in his advertising firm, going from a place of creation to leadership. He didn't want this promotion, and now he's surrounded by yes-men who fear any sort of reprisal should they offer straight suggestions. He hates it. He misses the teamwork and camaraderie he once had, but how to fix it? He's at the final straw of this brown-nosing tolerance when he decides to try out a new diner for lunch. Imagine the breath of fresh air when his meal request is met with a look of horror and a strong suggestion he stick to a salad? This waitress is exactly what he needs in his life.
But will Angel want anything to do with a strange man asking her out? After all, her dog hasn't even met him yet!
This fun, fast, heartwarming story was delicious! I ate it up as fast as Angel's bully slurps down her doggie din-dins. Do yourself a favor and grab yourself a copy.
When Damian first meets Angel, he is immediately smitten. Angel, however, is a realist: why would a successful executive be interested in a waitress? As their relationship slowly evolves, I found myself rooting for him and wishing she’d let her guard down and not be so cautious. The characters are believable, their story engrossing, and the reader is left with a happily-ever-after ending without having to suffer through any of the usual saccharine found in a romance story. This is the best book I have read in a very long time---I couldn't put it down!
The characters were very easy to relate to with the common life issues. Most can relate to the workplace environment and trying to keep work and home separate. The characters made you laugh as they tried to determine and define their boundaries and develop a relationship based on honesty. They made you cry as it was revealed why they had the strong moral standards and expectations they brought from their past. This is a wonderful book, well written.
This was a super cute and sweet romance book! I absolutely adored the scenes Genie, Angel's American Bully, was in and the humor she brought. Angel and Damian were interesting characters, especially with their quirks, like Angel being unable to lie, and I liked how well they balanced each other. The romance was super sweet and not too sappy. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking to step into reading romance books as well!
Tiffany gives you love, romance, laughter, grief, and guilt in this heartwarming story. There is nothing like a little chubby bully to lift you up when you've had a bad day! For two hurt, broken, and lonely people a little Genie works her magic. Pulls you in and you don't want to let go.
Beautifully written, as always. The main character is absolutely awesome. It must be hard to be liked by people when you always say the truth to their faces. But I loved her and wish there were more people like her around.
Chemistry, love, friendship, humor, a pinch of family drama, and an adorable dog. This book has everything you need.
The characters were well crafted and believeable. Lots of good humor sprinkled throughout. Interesting premise with a lead character that won't lie, but always tells the truth as they see it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it.
I admit I was drawn to this book because of the cover. It's just so cute. Once I started reading this book, I didn't want to stop. The characters are well written and easy to love. The story is witty and deep and wonderful. I'm so glad I found this book and this author. I am looking forward to reading whatever she has available.
• A fiery waitress and a very stressful professional manager meet over lunch, her blunt unfiltered honesty has him dying to get to know her more.
• A wholesome read from a new to me author, adore the fact that a character had a bully breed! 🐾 Anyone who knows me knows that bulldog breeds have a special place in my heart.
I had a bit of a hard time getting into the story. There was a lot of trauma and family issues which was nice to see everyone work through. But my main issues was the main character she was brutally blunt and had an unnecessary complex that refused help from anyone. His point of view was hard to read. Still a cute and clean read. I did get the book for free but likely won’t read it again.
It's a funny and wonderfully enjoyable book . Once you get started on the characters' relationship, it's hard to put down until you finish reading the whole book to end . Then you can't wait to read the next book from start to finish.