Speak the Truth: Volume Three

Speak the Truth #3

by Twoony

Some enemies start out as friends. Some friends start out as enemies. Some lovers start out as an evil nemesis from the fiery pits of hell. Prince Aron Vaughn hated the annoying overachiever Quinton Underwood, but suddenly there’s talk of marriage! Now senior college students, Aron and Quinton have had a long running relationship of almost five years. The talk of the town is whether or not the two have considered engagement. While both men believe they have the same idea for their shared future, there are plenty of obstacles blocking their path. Quinton has a thesis to write and graduate schools to consider that may put them in a long distance relationship when things are already rocky. Aron has taken on more and more duties as the prince, leading to consistent broken promises and missed opportunities. The pressure of the public forces Aron to become a man he no longer recognizes and this extreme anxiety negatively affects his relationship with Quinton. Though Quinton claims that he is fine, their relationship teeters on a very slippery slope. Can Aron and Quinton rekindle their dwindling flame or is it true that the two aren’t meant to be? Panic attacks. With over 2 million views and 40k subscribers, Speak the Truth is a serialized webnovel about a coming of age romance between two boys who have to learn to accept themselves, their feelings for each other, and grow up under the harsh scrutiny of others. This is the first of three volumes. Speak the Truth also has a comic adaptation of the first volume available on tapas.io.

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Queer, Enemies To Lovers, M M Romance, Graphic Novels

272 pages, Paperback

Published November 27, 2022

About the author

Twoony is an agender and asexual geek with a love for storytelling. They write mostly adult stories ranging from the always enjoyable rom-com to fantasy romance. At the age of twelve, they posted their first story online and have been addicted to sharing ever since. Now, they are a self-published author with over a dozen stories published across major retailers and online platforms like the tapas app.

Although Twoony graduated from California University of PA with a Bachelors in Graphics & Multimedia, their true passion has always been writing. After writing original novels and comics on sites like Tapas and Wattpad, amounting over 144k subscribers and 7m+ reads, they have managed to live the dream. Twoony creates fulltime, lives with five needy cats, and not enough bookshelves.

Reviews

[Babii · Rating 5 out of 5]

O melhor dos três sem dúvida, vou sentir saudades destes dois retardados 🥺🥺

[Acordul Fin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm glad we got a happy ending but the never-ending communication problems between these two gave me a migraine.

[khánh-huyền · Rating 5 out of 5]

would have been cool if we had known more about quinton’s relationship to his mom

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once more let us admire THE COVER ART 💖 I love these two idiots and their drama. Such a fun trilogy with heartbreaking moments but luckily finished with a happily ever after.

[Chiara Licandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. But NOOOOOO!!!!!!

I’m so sad it’s over, I’m gonna miss my boys

[Dori · Rating 2 out of 5]

dude... i mean i get it. he's the prince and you're a commoner (with a not really good reputation too), but emotional rollercoaster seemed so out of place.

these two are literally in their 20s and still can't communicate properly.

I would've made a big deal out of MISSING my birthday ONCE (or even not congratulating at 12AM) if we're dating and I don't care if you're a prince or an extraterrestrial being. Quinton was just a self-sacrificing loser and Aron, while still loves him, felt no much need to change his ways.

Can't believe the only thing that makes them work on their relationship every time is this one solution.

I kinda liked them, but wouldn't think of them much. Mid, but sweet!

[🕳️]

Normalmente no me gustan los capitulos extra pero el segundo ha sido marvilloso

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume was great... but emotionally exhausting. If I showed someone my notes and highlights, most of them would reveal just how much I worried about Aron and Quinton, because I related to them so deeply.

I understand the exhaustion of waiting for everything to fall into place, only to be disappointed when things don’t go as planned. That kind of built-up disappointment eats away at you, slowly distorting your rational thinking and leaving you in pieces. No amount of gaslighting or motivational speeches can clear those thoughts once they settle in. What’s even more draining is admitting that truth to yourself. And yet, I really love Aron and Quinton for pushing through the conflict in their relationship—especially knowing how stubborn they both are.

I’m also honestly shocked I tolerated the sheer amount of miscommunication they got themselves into ㅠㅠ Maybe I expected them to think and react that way, so I wasn’t as frustrated. Or maybe I’m just biased because they’ve really grown on me. Either way, I’m still proud of them! ♡

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am the type of person who nitpicks every little detail in a story. I have so many things to point out about why I’m not that satisfied, but at the same time, I’m still giving this 5 stars. (Don’t give me that look. I know you’re judging me already.)

Anyway, I have to be honest with my review. Out of the three volumes, my favorite is the first one, the second favorite is the third one, and the last is the second volume. But why am I giving 5 stars to this third book if it’s not completely satisfying?

This volume made my chest clench so many times I could hardly breathe. The tension, the angst; I lost count of how many times I felt these emotions while reading this volume. I swear, I felt so sorry for Quinton. I could feel how emotionally and mentally exhausted he was after all the countless anniversaries, dates, birthdays, and special occasions that Aron missed.

I was so happy when I finally got Quinton’s POV. And I swear, whenever he says “I love you,” I can feel it in my heart so deeply that it starts to ache. You know those moments when “I love you” is not just a phrase, but something that feels deeper than any language can express? That’s exactly what Quinton made me feel.
So when I finally got to see his POV, I couldn’t explain my happiness knowing that he loves Aron more than anything and is willing to give up everything for him but that’s also the reason why my heart shattered into pieces and it’s ten times more painful especially when Quinton planned to propose to Aron, yet that brat chose to stay a little longer with Molly.

Anyway, I started skimming the story after that part not because it got boring, but because I couldn’t handle the angst anymore. I was so eager to know what would happen next, and I just wanted them to get back together already because my chest felt so tight watching the two of them ignore each other.
I also started skimming Aron’s whining. Don’t get me wrong. I only skimmed the parts that felt unnecessary, like when Aron spirals for two pages. It annoyed me because he keeps asking himself where everything went wrong when he knew from the very beginning what he was lacking.

Moving forward, I love Quinton exactly the way he is. I honestly can’t complain about how much I love his character. I’m not fully satisfied with how the story ended, but at the same time, I’m also happy… maybe? I’m not sure.

I’m not satisfied because I still have some questions. Maybe I skimmed past the explanation, but what happened to the Masked Mystery guy? Maybe someone can tell me. Haha.
I was also expecting to read about the grand fucking wedding. Like brooo, I was already picturing the vows, the public ceremony, the dramatic kiss in front of everyone. I didn’t get any of that, but I guess I have to be satisfied with them adopting a kid. I was also expecting the Q for Queen in the end.

Overall, combining the three volumes, I loved everything except Aron. He is funny, but I hate his decisions, his whining but can’t do anything about it. Somehow I still understand what he’s feeling. The expectations placed on him, the need to maintain his image in front of the public, while also trying to make things right with Quinton. It’s all overwhelming. So I do understand him a little bit. But since I love Quinton so much, I’m still not happy with how Aron basically neglected him.

As for the writing style, it turns me off when the whole atmosphere is serious and emotional, and then the author suddenly inserts humor for an entire paragraph. I ended up skimming it because it kills the mood. Imagine crying and then someone suddenly walks by and tells you that you have a booger in your nose. That’s what it feels like.

I think humor is great for engaging the audience, but it works better when it’s placed at the right moment. Of course, that’s just my opinion. I don’t know if we share the same wavelength, but that’s simply how I felt while reading the story. I hate when a story gives me more questions but just like I said, Quinton is solely the reason why I love this story so much. I saw a review about Quinton’s mom. Yeah I could add that too cause their relationship is kinda vague like I think there should be a resolution between them but maybe it isn’t necessary (Me? Giving excuses? That’s so unlikely me. I must be in love with Quinton so much. That’s bad. I should be judging this story critically. Don’t care. I love Quinton so much) It’s kinda feel rushed but whatever.

The ending made me say, “That’s all?” I never got the feeling of, “Fuck! This is so damn good! It’s a 10/10. No doubt.” That’s usually my reaction when I’m completely satisfied with a story. But because I love Quinton, his character, and the overall flow of the story, it’s still one of my favorites. I told myself I was going to give it a 5-star rating, but after writing all this… I think 4.8 would be the perfect score.

[Aliyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume is really amazing and all but damn I hated the characters development, the same problem throughout the first just kept reoccurring and it was just pissing me off. I do feel if the story was to be prolong like that we should have got some backstory or more information about others, like Quinton mother and maybe the other couples as well. I get Quinton is Quinton and Aaron is Aron but come on , this same situation of miscommunication as being happening for 5 years or more, like you guys should have figured it out. I went from wanting to beat Aron to Quinton then just wanting to un alive for missing the proposal and abandoning Quinton but Quinton will un alive me first lol. But the emotional rollercoaster was emotioning .

PRO:
-Really interesting and good art work for the cover
- Really lovely and sappy , make you feel awful for not ever being in a relationship and raised your standards
- Very nice and loveable characters ( expect for the moment you want to beat Aron or Quinton for something they did )
- The family bound is top notch ( makes me wonder where I went wrong in life with mine) .
- Great friends and everything.
- Teaches life lessons in a way .
- Really cute and lovely
-Will evoke all possible emotions , if you do have a heart .
- The diversity is amazing and the inclusion is great , I do appreciates it and I feel no one talks about it but I love it.
- As an happy ending.

Cons:
-Some information was not passed, like what is Aron studying , more information about Quinton mom , the friends Aron use as unpaid therapists and adviser, Dom .
-The awful character development.
- Aron being constantly annoying in not a cute Awwn way .
- Quinton ignoring things like missed events , anniversary, dates, and stuff and he was like “it’s fine…” , boy that is all on you , like Aaron may be crowned prince and all but he is still your boyfriend.
-Aron being a people pleasers ,and ignoring Quinton to suck up to others.
- The fact no one else in the friend group have issues and problem like Aron and Quinton
- The unnecessary sex to avoid answering question .
-Aron disappointing Quinton while he plans to propose .

I will recommend to those that like sappy love stories and emotional rollercoaster but the first volume is still my favourite.

[adam griste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a good reader. I’m slow, I get distracted easily, and I constantly reread paragraphs, pages, and almost entire chapters. That being said,

I couldn’t put the book down. I’m so emotionally invested in this story. For me to read 200+ pages it would take me a couple days. I started this book and just kept reading and reading and reading. I couldn’t stop.

This is one of my favorite series ever. I think the first book is my favorite, but they’re all equally as good. I cannot recommend this series enough. I know the Author has probably put this series down, but I would kill for a wedding side chapter. I haven’t had a chance to search Tapas to see if so.

Already moving onto the authors next book. Loved it. Cannot wait to read more of their work.

[Logan Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that this book really took me by surprise. The first two books were very soft in angst (of course a personal opinion). With them being younger and in grade school still the level of severity in their problems (while very real as a young queer person) was not too high. Progressing through this book tho, the insight and light shed on anxiety was very intense to process (in a good way). I think it was very accurately shown in how our poor boy constantly over thought things, and how in subtle ways his behaviors changed. I won’t lie I bawled my eyes out at about 2/3 this book and had to take many moments to realign myself before continuing. I can’t wait to read authors other work.

[Érica´s chapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so bad but so addicting, gosh! Had me pulling my hair out of anger. The fucking miscommunication trope!!!!! I cannot take this anymore I swear to god omg.

listen, LISTEN! I love them, okay? Them fighting was a knife to the heart and seeing Aron messing up constantly made me start having grey hairs and heart problems. I love them, your honor but loving them made me sick!!! 😭😂 I am not okay to suffer like this with stupid characters

[gi❀ia ⁷ · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was the part i hadn‘t originally read from the webtoon and was so excited to get to. i think Twoony told the story of them growing up very well. they had the same essence but you noticed them being older and trying to grow into adults while still being hopelessly in love with eachother. super cute, 1263849/10 would recommend! i absolutely loved revisiting this story

[Cameo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as sweetand heartbreaking as the two previous. It still has a lot of typos and grammatical errors, but nothing too dire. The writing is a lot like fanfiction, a lot of internal monologues - but damn it, it hits you straight in the heart, and yes, I cried while reading some parts. Hence the good rating - it moved me dammit.

[Kayleigh Petroski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The never ending communication problems between these two suuuuucccccckkkkkkkssss.

I took off a star because it feels like each book they have the same fight and I wish we had more obstacles like we did in the bonus chapter where is wasn’t miscommunication, but something else that served as a stepping stone in their relationship.

Still love them though!

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt very engaged in these novels. The stories about two young men who grew up in very different circumstances but were very similar in their internal emotional response to being socially isolated. How they respond was fascinating. The author captured adolescence emotions in the raw. As a therapist for adolescents I connected with Aron and Quinton. I felt like I knew them. Thank you Twoony

[Mylah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six star series 🥹 I already wanna go back and reread it because I don’t think I can get over the love I have for Aron, Quinton, and all of the characters we got to interact with throughout the story ❤️

[nibha ⋆˚꩜｡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

was cute and all but it felt so insanely rushed towards the end

[Niyathi Nikkam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the journey of Aron in this one. I usually do not cry but chap 17 brought tears to my eyes.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading the part where they were broken up was soo sad ngl

[Jun · Rating 5 out of 5]

QUERÍA VER LA BODAAAA 😭😭😭😭 sufrí, fue el q más me hizo llorar pero aún así lo amo demasiado, amé los tres libros definitivamente no será la única vez q los leeré 🤍🥹

[waterlilly]

dnf at 51% not because it's bad but bc of ONE SCENE that triggered me so much i did a panic attack. Now i just can't read this book without crying so i don't finish it to preserve myself. Anyway, the book is great and my reaction has nothing to do with the story it's just that it reminded me of some things...

[nachsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sobbed like a baby

10/10. Read this series in 3 days. It's taking everything in me not to just read it again when I just finished it two seconds ago.