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Truly Series #2
Truly Enough
Robyn Moore is a firefighter by trade and a lesbian lothario by choice. After losing her father and witnessing her mother’s broken heart, Robyn learns that loving someone never ends well. Spending her days trying to honor her father’s legacy isn’t easy, and the best way to blow off steam is by falling into bed with whomever happens to be available.
Lexi Lynch is an artist with a passion for painting. That is, until real life kicked in and bills piled up. To prove to her overprotective father that her chosen profession isn’t a mistake, Lexi takes on commissions that pay well but bore her to tears. Missed deadline after deadline has her career in jeopardy with the only bright spot in her days being her gorgeous friend and roommate, Robyn.
As Lexi leans on Robyn for support, more than just a creative spark flares between them. Their close proximity may ignite a fiery romance or send their friendship up in flames.
Lexi Lynch is an artist with a passion for painting. That is, until real life kicked in and bills piled up. To prove to her overprotective father that her chosen profession isn’t a mistake, Lexi takes on commissions that pay well but bore her to tears. Missed deadline after deadline has her career in jeopardy with the only bright spot in her days being her gorgeous friend and roommate, Robyn.
As Lexi leans on Robyn for support, more than just a creative spark flares between them. Their close proximity may ignite a fiery romance or send their friendship up in flames.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
9 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Hale
5 books32 followersJ.J. Hale (she/her) has been devouring books since she was able to hold one and has dreamt about publishing romance novels with queer leading ladies since she discovered such a thing existed, in her late teens.
The last few years have been filled with embracing and understanding her neurodiversity, which has expanded the dream to include representing kick-ass queer, neurodivergent women who find their happily ever afters.
Jess lives in the south of Ireland, and when she’s not daydreaming, she works in technology, plays with LEGO, and (according to the kids) fixes things.
The last few years have been filled with embracing and understanding her neurodiversity, which has expanded the dream to include representing kick-ass queer, neurodivergent women who find their happily ever afters.
Jess lives in the south of Ireland, and when she’s not daydreaming, she works in technology, plays with LEGO, and (according to the kids) fixes things.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 2, 2023
4.5☆
A beautiful written friends to lovers story. The character development is good and I liked both MC's very much. And there are a few veeeery hot scenes 🔥
The secondary characters are well integrated and are friends like everybody is wishing for.
This is the second book of the the Truly series, but you can read it as a stand alone. But I will read #1 too.
A beautiful written friends to lovers story. The character development is good and I liked both MC's very much. And there are a few veeeery hot scenes 🔥
The secondary characters are well integrated and are friends like everybody is wishing for.
This is the second book of the the Truly series, but you can read it as a stand alone. But I will read #1 too.
July 27, 2023
Robyn and Lexi have been roommates for several years. They are the best of friends and have cheered on each other’s romantic quests in the past, Robyn being wholeheartedly lesbian and Lexi straight. Although this book is definitely a romance, it explores the idea of how relationships can change over the course of time.
The writing is tight and the author gives the characters time to adjust to their new feelings towards one another and to discover what each really wants in a partner. I believed them when the intimacy and trust they already shared as friends morphed into romantic love. One of my favorite aspects of the book is seeing how both Lexi and Robyn have to reassess their fears and priorities. Robyn is a firefighter, accustomed to being a free bird, afraid of loss. Lexi is considering who she might be beyond her past assumptions about herself. I also loved how Lexi’s art factored into her state of mind and heart.
The book is both a thoughtful and sexy read. Truly Enough is in the same universe as book 1 in the series but can be read as a standalone. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
The writing is tight and the author gives the characters time to adjust to their new feelings towards one another and to discover what each really wants in a partner. I believed them when the intimacy and trust they already shared as friends morphed into romantic love. One of my favorite aspects of the book is seeing how both Lexi and Robyn have to reassess their fears and priorities. Robyn is a firefighter, accustomed to being a free bird, afraid of loss. Lexi is considering who she might be beyond her past assumptions about herself. I also loved how Lexi’s art factored into her state of mind and heart.
The book is both a thoughtful and sexy read. Truly Enough is in the same universe as book 1 in the series but can be read as a standalone. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2023
This was a nice friends to lovers story. Both of the MC are really endearing, completing each other well. It felt really good watching them taking care of each other. The reasons their relationship change from friendship to more (which is always a delicate exercise) was well written. I felt for Robyn and her reason of not wanting any stable relationship. Lexi struggling and learning about ADHD made me learn with her. She also brings demi sexual representation; the topic was brought up in a non event, and educational way, which I appreciated. Overall the pace was smooth and it was low angst novel despite a heavy topic like grief.
It was a nice and easy to read book. It can be totally read as a standalone. It does feature characters from the author's first book 𝙏𝙍𝙐𝙇𝙔 𝙒𝘼𝙉𝙏𝙀𝘿, and I felt like missed the party . I will make sure to catch up.
It was a nice and easy to read book. It can be totally read as a standalone. It does feature characters from the author's first book 𝙏𝙍𝙐𝙇𝙔 𝙒𝘼𝙉𝙏𝙀𝘿, and I felt like missed the party . I will make sure to catch up.
June 8, 2023
It's a bread-and-butter classic: friends-to-lovers, fake dating, and a little bit of a firefighter romance thrown into the mix. Can't argue with that! This was sweet and fast—a little too much "telling" in places (they are nothing if not self-aware), but I'll very gladly take self-aware characters over ones who constantly miscommunicate.
Some positives:
- Truly Enough is the second in a series, but it is (...truly...) a standalone, so you're safe jumping in wherever.
- The characters are really good about having honest conversations—there is some level of miscommunication, but it's limited, and there's a much higher level of honesty. And consent! Enthusiastic consent!
- I just read another fake-dating romance in which the characters sort of...forget to have sensible conversations about how the whole thing is going to work, and more to the point how they're going to get away with it ending, so I love that that's something that Robyn and Lexi think about from the beginning...even if they don't always have satisfactory answers.
- Interesting to see possible ADHD as a plot point—again, I just read another f/f romance (...not a fake-dating one this time...) in which that was a factor. I like seeing neurodiversity and varied identities starting to play more of a role in romance, and it looks like there might be another rise in those subplots at the moment.
Some neither-positive-nor-negative-romance-novel-specific questions:
- How often does fake dating happen in real life? Tell me. Have you ever fake-dated someone? Did you fall madly in love with them (or their sibling or best friend or mortal enemy)? How did it turn out? Because this is one of those things, like self-made billionaires, that seem to come up a lot more often in romance novels than in real life.
- How often do people in real life swear off love forever because their parents or grandparents had a great love, and then one person died and the other is sad, and now the younger person is like "I CANNOT BEAR THAT PAIN"? I've seen people swear off romance because they're heartbroken (especially people on dating apps—in particular, men who have been "burned before"), but never because of secondhand grief. Except in romance novels. Again, tell me: have you seen this? I am so curious.
- What is the firefighting equivalent of a lesbian U-Haul joke? There must be something about bringing a fire truck to a second date.
What I wanted more of:
- This one's a short list: firefighting! Fire! This is as conventional as my reading tastes get: when there is a lesbian firefighter in a romance novel, god damn it, I want firefighting. (I don't want to date a firefighter, thanks. I am too anxious a person for that. But in a book? Send the fire hoses in to put out the heat. Wait, no, that metaphor might go in weird directions...) I fully recognize that this is a me problem, and that firefighters do all sorts of things other than fighting fires, and that if every firefighter romance ever had dramatic blazing buildings, they'd all start to run together, and the proportions of fires in romance would start to rival the proportions of self-made billionaires in romance novels. Or...or it would just become climate apocalyptic, which I'm less interested in reading, actually. But as far as the more conventional parts of my reading tastes go, if I'm going to read a book with a (swoon) lesbian firefighter, then I'd like to see turnout gear, a fireman's pole, a ravaged structure or two. Otherwise, the firefighter who cannot risk love because she has seen the pain of love lost...she might as well be an accountant who cannot risk love because her parents' marriage was ruined by her accountant father's lack of work-life balance.
(A short list, I said. Not a short opinion.)
Oh well. Still burns fun and fast. May the flames of firefighter romance never die...
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
Some positives:
- Truly Enough is the second in a series, but it is (...truly...) a standalone, so you're safe jumping in wherever.
- The characters are really good about having honest conversations—there is some level of miscommunication, but it's limited, and there's a much higher level of honesty. And consent! Enthusiastic consent!
- I just read another fake-dating romance in which the characters sort of...forget to have sensible conversations about how the whole thing is going to work, and more to the point how they're going to get away with it ending, so I love that that's something that Robyn and Lexi think about from the beginning...even if they don't always have satisfactory answers.
- Interesting to see possible ADHD as a plot point—again, I just read another f/f romance (...not a fake-dating one this time...) in which that was a factor. I like seeing neurodiversity and varied identities starting to play more of a role in romance, and it looks like there might be another rise in those subplots at the moment.
Some neither-positive-nor-negative-romance-novel-specific questions:
- How often does fake dating happen in real life? Tell me. Have you ever fake-dated someone? Did you fall madly in love with them (or their sibling or best friend or mortal enemy)? How did it turn out? Because this is one of those things, like self-made billionaires, that seem to come up a lot more often in romance novels than in real life.
- How often do people in real life swear off love forever because their parents or grandparents had a great love, and then one person died and the other is sad, and now the younger person is like "I CANNOT BEAR THAT PAIN"? I've seen people swear off romance because they're heartbroken (especially people on dating apps—in particular, men who have been "burned before"), but never because of secondhand grief. Except in romance novels. Again, tell me: have you seen this? I am so curious.
- What is the firefighting equivalent of a lesbian U-Haul joke? There must be something about bringing a fire truck to a second date.
What I wanted more of:
- This one's a short list: firefighting! Fire! This is as conventional as my reading tastes get: when there is a lesbian firefighter in a romance novel, god damn it, I want firefighting. (I don't want to date a firefighter, thanks. I am too anxious a person for that. But in a book? Send the fire hoses in to put out the heat. Wait, no, that metaphor might go in weird directions...) I fully recognize that this is a me problem, and that firefighters do all sorts of things other than fighting fires, and that if every firefighter romance ever had dramatic blazing buildings, they'd all start to run together, and the proportions of fires in romance would start to rival the proportions of self-made billionaires in romance novels. Or...or it would just become climate apocalyptic, which I'm less interested in reading, actually. But as far as the more conventional parts of my reading tastes go, if I'm going to read a book with a (swoon) lesbian firefighter, then I'd like to see turnout gear, a fireman's pole, a ravaged structure or two. Otherwise, the firefighter who cannot risk love because she has seen the pain of love lost...she might as well be an accountant who cannot risk love because her parents' marriage was ruined by her accountant father's lack of work-life balance.
(A short list, I said. Not a short opinion.)
Oh well. Still burns fun and fast. May the flames of firefighter romance never die...
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
May 30, 2023
Truly Enough by J.J. Hale can be read as a standalone, or a follow on to Truly Wanted (the first in the series). I read Truly Wanted prior to this book and enjoyed seeing previous characters featured here.
Lexi is an artist who is struggling with her artistic flare, the commission is so mundane and holds no interest. Missed deadlines and the never-ending bills have her questioning her future.
Robyn, Lexi’s flatmate of four years, is a firefighter living on one-night stands with emotions cut off and her feelings hidden. After seeing the hurt her mother went through after the loss of her father, a firefighter killed in action, she is resolved not to bring the same heart ache to a partner. Robyn lives for her job and the structure it brings despite the continual nags from her mother to settle down.
An invite to a family wedding anniversary puts Robyn in a bit of a spot until Lexi has an idea to play her date for the evening.
Truly Enough has a good storyline and pace covering topics such as demisexuality and ADHD which are well written. The characters back stories are believable, and their chemistry felt real drawing you into their world from the beginning. This is only J.J. Hale’s second book, the writing could have been tighter in my opinion but didn’t dispel from a good read with some sentences that melt your heart. I look forward to more of her work.
A copy of Truly Enough was provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
Lexi is an artist who is struggling with her artistic flare, the commission is so mundane and holds no interest. Missed deadlines and the never-ending bills have her questioning her future.
Robyn, Lexi’s flatmate of four years, is a firefighter living on one-night stands with emotions cut off and her feelings hidden. After seeing the hurt her mother went through after the loss of her father, a firefighter killed in action, she is resolved not to bring the same heart ache to a partner. Robyn lives for her job and the structure it brings despite the continual nags from her mother to settle down.
An invite to a family wedding anniversary puts Robyn in a bit of a spot until Lexi has an idea to play her date for the evening.
Truly Enough has a good storyline and pace covering topics such as demisexuality and ADHD which are well written. The characters back stories are believable, and their chemistry felt real drawing you into their world from the beginning. This is only J.J. Hale’s second book, the writing could have been tighter in my opinion but didn’t dispel from a good read with some sentences that melt your heart. I look forward to more of her work.
A copy of Truly Enough was provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
June 17, 2023
Robyn and Lexi are roommates. Robyn is a firefighter and a lothario. Lexi is an artist and it's been at least 3 years since she's been even on a date.
To get her mother off of her back, for a family party she tells her mother she's bringing Lexi, that they're dating. So, they fake date that night. But, there are feelings.
Will Robyn, who's afraid of love, be able to calm those fears? Lexi is demisexual, will she find the connection she needs? This is such an easy read, as you can't put it down! It is HOT!5 stars!!
To get her mother off of her back, for a family party she tells her mother she's bringing Lexi, that they're dating. So, they fake date that night. But, there are feelings.
Will Robyn, who's afraid of love, be able to calm those fears? Lexi is demisexual, will she find the connection she needs? This is such an easy read, as you can't put it down! It is HOT!5 stars!!
August 9, 2023
Beautiful
Robyn is spending her days focused on honouring her father’s legacy, and as a Firefighter knows just how easy it is for life to be over and the devastating effects on others. Robyn’s roommate Lexi couldn’t be more different, passionate about art and trying to prove to her father it can be a career, she gets bored easily taking jobs that don’t allow her to express her creativity. When her career comes under threat of a looming deadline, Lexi finds support in Robyn that becomes more than just friendship.
Such a beautiful story about acceptance and finding peace with your fears and worries. Robyn and Lexi were total opposites that you’d never expect to work but it was only through them trying hard to understand why there were so different that they learned that acceptance of one another and that support would help them both deal with things that were causing them so much inner turmoil. Lexi was flighty and free but heavily weighed by emotions and need for support from someone who didn’t always harshly judge her choices, whereas having not experienced that directly but witnessed and similar heaviness on her own mother, Robyn was so serious and needed to learn to lighten some of that and not take things so personally.
I loved how much they learned from one another through their growing relationship and the incidents that lead to their initial connection and beyond. Those moments shaped them and their relationship into one that was relaxed, natural and honest in a way only true feelings and love for another allows for. How Robyn became that inspiration and sparked Lexi’s creativity was magical, and really quite true. When you feel loved and supported, it can really help you achieve anything.
Although this is part of a series, it is a standalone story so you can completely enjoy it without having read the first book. I hadn’t read it but there was nothing unexplained or confusing when references to the first story were made. A simple and beautiful story that I absolutely adored.
Robyn is spending her days focused on honouring her father’s legacy, and as a Firefighter knows just how easy it is for life to be over and the devastating effects on others. Robyn’s roommate Lexi couldn’t be more different, passionate about art and trying to prove to her father it can be a career, she gets bored easily taking jobs that don’t allow her to express her creativity. When her career comes under threat of a looming deadline, Lexi finds support in Robyn that becomes more than just friendship.
Such a beautiful story about acceptance and finding peace with your fears and worries. Robyn and Lexi were total opposites that you’d never expect to work but it was only through them trying hard to understand why there were so different that they learned that acceptance of one another and that support would help them both deal with things that were causing them so much inner turmoil. Lexi was flighty and free but heavily weighed by emotions and need for support from someone who didn’t always harshly judge her choices, whereas having not experienced that directly but witnessed and similar heaviness on her own mother, Robyn was so serious and needed to learn to lighten some of that and not take things so personally.
I loved how much they learned from one another through their growing relationship and the incidents that lead to their initial connection and beyond. Those moments shaped them and their relationship into one that was relaxed, natural and honest in a way only true feelings and love for another allows for. How Robyn became that inspiration and sparked Lexi’s creativity was magical, and really quite true. When you feel loved and supported, it can really help you achieve anything.
Although this is part of a series, it is a standalone story so you can completely enjoy it without having read the first book. I hadn’t read it but there was nothing unexplained or confusing when references to the first story were made. A simple and beautiful story that I absolutely adored.
February 18, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this entertaining book
robyn and lexi two very different people sharing an apartment....robyn is a firefighter and lexi is an struggling artist
but as lexi starts to struggle with her art robyn steps up to support her and thats when things start to get interesting
a fun quick read with some hidden depths in there
robyn and lexi two very different people sharing an apartment....robyn is a firefighter and lexi is an struggling artist
but as lexi starts to struggle with her art robyn steps up to support her and thats when things start to get interesting
a fun quick read with some hidden depths in there
July 16, 2023
Robyn and Lexi's story in a cool dip a placid lake. Not used to such a low stakes romance story. The Demi and ADHD rep truly took it up a notch too. I'll def be checking out the first book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing an eARC for a honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing an eARC for a honest review.
June 9, 2023
"Truly Wanted" is an incredible grumpy x sunshine, (roommates)friends to lovers story! I love how JJ Hale continues to portray neurodivergence and ADHD in such a relatable way; it really resonates with me.
The relationship between Robyn and Lexi, while technically a slow burn over the years of their cohabitation, is face-paced yet wholly believable. Their value of communication and honesty is what I long for so much in a relationship & it's so nice to see Hale continue to value its importance in this storyline.
Would 10/10 recommend to all my queer-loving readers out there! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and @jjhaleauthor for providing me with a free finalized e-copy in her giveaway back in February.
The relationship between Robyn and Lexi, while technically a slow burn over the years of their cohabitation, is face-paced yet wholly believable. Their value of communication and honesty is what I long for so much in a relationship & it's so nice to see Hale continue to value its importance in this storyline.
Would 10/10 recommend to all my queer-loving readers out there! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and @jjhaleauthor for providing me with a free finalized e-copy in her giveaway back in February.
August 8, 2023
A friends to partners romance between a firefighter and an artist, this is an enjoyable read. I particularly liked the inclusion of one of the characters having ADHD and the way the other character found practical ways to support her. The characters were well developed, the friendship circle of other lesbian/bi women who met in the one gay bar was also believable and fun to read. I couldn't quite get a sense of place, at times it felt American and then they would speak Irish and talk about Edinburgh, which I found slightly distracting. I enjoyed the descriptions of painting and the creative process too.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2023
Robyn Moore is a firefighter, plays the field and has never been in a relationship. Lexi Lynch is an artist and has been roommates for four years. They are good friends and Robyn has not thought there could be anything more until Lexi tells her I never said I was straight. Small acts of kindness and encouragement bring their simmering feelings to the surface.
I like that the author has each struggling with their own issues. Robyn has daddy issues from his dying on the job as a firefighter and feeling it is easier to shut out love. I was more invested in Lexi’s struggling with ADHD. Her half-sister Sam from Truly Wanted (Oct 2022) helps her realize that ADHD may have gone on undiagnosed and impacting her art career. Sam also struggles with ADHD. I was disappointed slightly that we never know if she seeks out an official diagnosis or medication. Although other helps and strategies are included.
The switch to romance is an easy step and bumps to steamy quickly. Good communication skills help avoid easy mis-steps. This is the second in the Truly series and while I enjoyed the first one I liked this one more. I like that Sam and Brooke from the first book feature in the story too. I did miss some of the Irish words that popped up more in the first book. Other than the word hob (top of cooking stove), I wouldn’t have know the setting is in Ireland. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
I like that the author has each struggling with their own issues. Robyn has daddy issues from his dying on the job as a firefighter and feeling it is easier to shut out love. I was more invested in Lexi’s struggling with ADHD. Her half-sister Sam from Truly Wanted (Oct 2022) helps her realize that ADHD may have gone on undiagnosed and impacting her art career. Sam also struggles with ADHD. I was disappointed slightly that we never know if she seeks out an official diagnosis or medication. Although other helps and strategies are included.
The switch to romance is an easy step and bumps to steamy quickly. Good communication skills help avoid easy mis-steps. This is the second in the Truly series and while I enjoyed the first one I liked this one more. I like that Sam and Brooke from the first book feature in the story too. I did miss some of the Irish words that popped up more in the first book. Other than the word hob (top of cooking stove), I wouldn’t have know the setting is in Ireland. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
June 1, 2023
Robyn and Lexi have been roommates and friends for four years. Robyn has always had crush on Lexi but she knew nothing would come from it because she assumes Lexi is straight but it’s doesn’t matter because Robyn doesn’t want a relationship after witnessing her mother devastating over her father dying. Lexi never focus on her love life because she more in trying to finished her artwork that’s has deadlines but she been having creative issues and can’t focus but she has realizes she demisexual after looking up on why she doesn’t feel all passionate about being in relationship but starting to feel she wants one. Lexi and Robyn start to see each other in different light when they pretend to be together for Robyn mom sake because she feels that her mom will only be proud of her if she settle down. I enjoy this read I like that we got a glimpse into Sam and Brooke like from previous book Truly Wanted and I enjoy the conversation between the two sisters Lexi and Sam about having ADHD and Lexi may have it and I love that Robyn told Lexi that she makes her feel she is enough.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
July 6, 2023
i kept nearly crying at this book and i never cry at books??
August 3, 2023
‘Truly Enough’ is JJ Hale’s second novel and this friends to lovers storyline was one that I couldn’t put down. Lexi is my favourite of the two MCs in that she has a loveable awkwardness and a very relatable level of self doubt. She is an artist to her core but takes on soulless commissions just to pay the bills, she worries that her father’s doubts over her career choice will ultimately be proven right. Although her roommate, Robyn, is always there to support her and believe in her even when she can’t see her talent. I really liked Robyn because even though she is a firefighter and has this ‘hero’ demeanour, Hale really gave her a strong backstory and personality that wasn’t simply defined by her job. Just like Lexi she has her own insecurities and worries, most stemming from the loss of her father. She hopes to live up to the legacy that he left behind but cannot forget her mother’s heartbreak and swears never to do that to anyone in her life.
For me I really connected to the ethos of their story, in that they both feel like they have to live certain aspects of their lives to make others happy in some way, but neglect to see the bigger, more detrimental consequences to their decisions. The two women need one another to see what is truly in front of them and that of course leads to a romance with its own challenges. This second release from Hale has definitely cemented her as a go-to writer for me of this genre; one who gets under the skin of her characters and brings them to life in the most honest but beautiful ways. Definitely a scorching, sapphic summer must-read.
For me I really connected to the ethos of their story, in that they both feel like they have to live certain aspects of their lives to make others happy in some way, but neglect to see the bigger, more detrimental consequences to their decisions. The two women need one another to see what is truly in front of them and that of course leads to a romance with its own challenges. This second release from Hale has definitely cemented her as a go-to writer for me of this genre; one who gets under the skin of her characters and brings them to life in the most honest but beautiful ways. Definitely a scorching, sapphic summer must-read.
May 17, 2023
This story has been complex because it wants to justify how two women go from being roommates for four years to becoming something else, putting the fact that one of them is demisexual as the cause of the initial lack of sexual attraction. But that discovery is made by the protagonist in the course of the story, it is not something that she has previously assumed. It is because of the changes she notices in her relationship with Robyn that Lexi discovers her sexual choice.
And this transformation or discovery that Lexi experiences makes the story a bit dense in some of its parts. The other protagonist, Robyn, does not have sexual behavior within the canons either, although this can be debatable, of course. She is a bit marked by the loss of her father when she was little, she has followed in his footsteps by becoming a firefighter and her personal relationships are fleeting, due to the trauma that her father's death caused her.
But somehow, Lexi's transformation helps Robyn overcome this relationship phobia, all with the invaluable help of the two women's families.
So, except for the slight punctual density of the descriptions, the story is interesting and quite instructive.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
And this transformation or discovery that Lexi experiences makes the story a bit dense in some of its parts. The other protagonist, Robyn, does not have sexual behavior within the canons either, although this can be debatable, of course. She is a bit marked by the loss of her father when she was little, she has followed in his footsteps by becoming a firefighter and her personal relationships are fleeting, due to the trauma that her father's death caused her.
But somehow, Lexi's transformation helps Robyn overcome this relationship phobia, all with the invaluable help of the two women's families.
So, except for the slight punctual density of the descriptions, the story is interesting and quite instructive.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
May 29, 2023
I finished this book floating on clouds of smiles. Yes, HEA, friends to lovers, but not before some very interesting life-learning experiences. Of the two main characters, one was demisexual and the other had ADHD. One was a firefighter and the other, an artist. One was a lesbian lothario and the other had never been with a woman.
Before we got to the HEA, we saw how they learned to cope
with their weaknesses, deal with them, learn about themselves and about each other.
Lexi and Robyn were good friends and had been roommates for a long time. The author did a great job of creatively explaining how ADHD and demisexual fit into the relationship and the emotions and emotional conflicts that resulted. How did these two lovelies overcome issues to find love? How did they recognize the difference between friendship and love? How did they learn trust?
The story was quite an interesting journey. It had some understandable angst, as it helped them to recognize and reach realizations and understandings. It was topped off with some intimate and steamy love scenes.
I found this book refreshing as it had a different take on a familiar theme. I look forward to more from J.J. Hale. My thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
Before we got to the HEA, we saw how they learned to cope
with their weaknesses, deal with them, learn about themselves and about each other.
Lexi and Robyn were good friends and had been roommates for a long time. The author did a great job of creatively explaining how ADHD and demisexual fit into the relationship and the emotions and emotional conflicts that resulted. How did these two lovelies overcome issues to find love? How did they recognize the difference between friendship and love? How did they learn trust?
The story was quite an interesting journey. It had some understandable angst, as it helped them to recognize and reach realizations and understandings. It was topped off with some intimate and steamy love scenes.
I found this book refreshing as it had a different take on a familiar theme. I look forward to more from J.J. Hale. My thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
July 27, 2023
This book was a really sweet sapphic friends to lovers book, like a few other 3 star books I have reviewed though, it was a little bit too formulaic, the friends, the slight angst, and then quite quick to get over this. I felt it went along too smoothly, I like a book to throw me a bit of a curve ball, even maybe make me suffer a little ! (but that's just personal choice!)
I really did like the representation of ADHD in the story, it so rarely gets a mention, and if it does then it's hurried across, so it was nice to see the symptoms and the discussion around it, may help some people who have suffered with this and not been able to put a finger on it.
As with my other 3 star reviews, I would definitely recommend that you give this a read, and do it when you need a pick me up, as it's a really sweet story!
I really did like the representation of ADHD in the story, it so rarely gets a mention, and if it does then it's hurried across, so it was nice to see the symptoms and the discussion around it, may help some people who have suffered with this and not been able to put a finger on it.
As with my other 3 star reviews, I would definitely recommend that you give this a read, and do it when you need a pick me up, as it's a really sweet story!
August 30, 2023
I knew when reading this author's debut Truly Wanted it was an author I had to keep my eye on. Reading this book just proved to me I was right.
Robyn, a broody firefighter hurt by the loss of her father years ago and Lexi, a bright artist have been roommates for years. But then things change. They notice each other and after a fake date night things have gotten confusing.
One of the best parts of this book is that they communicate with each other. This was not just roommates to lovers, but also friends to lovers.
It was great seeing Brooke and Sam from Truly Wanted again and be such a big part of the story.
The way Lexi deals with her neurodivergence is also really great. I loved the sister dynamics in figuring that part out.
An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
Robyn, a broody firefighter hurt by the loss of her father years ago and Lexi, a bright artist have been roommates for years. But then things change. They notice each other and after a fake date night things have gotten confusing.
One of the best parts of this book is that they communicate with each other. This was not just roommates to lovers, but also friends to lovers.
It was great seeing Brooke and Sam from Truly Wanted again and be such a big part of the story.
The way Lexi deals with her neurodivergence is also really great. I loved the sister dynamics in figuring that part out.
An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
June 10, 2023
"I searched for a glimpse of your face just to get my heart to beat again.”
I loved how this book went into all that ADHD can do to a person and even the odd issues that it can cause that most don’t even know or think about. There is also the mental health of dealing with the aftermath of losing a parent as a child and how it can still affect a person even as an adult. I liked the connection these roomies have and how they clicked together and didn’t really notice it. There are so many moments in the book I felt so much emotion for what Lexi and Robyn were dealing with so I would highly recommend this if you’re looking for a good Rom-Com relatable book. In the LGBTQ+ community we need more books like this.
I loved how this book went into all that ADHD can do to a person and even the odd issues that it can cause that most don’t even know or think about. There is also the mental health of dealing with the aftermath of losing a parent as a child and how it can still affect a person even as an adult. I liked the connection these roomies have and how they clicked together and didn’t really notice it. There are so many moments in the book I felt so much emotion for what Lexi and Robyn were dealing with so I would highly recommend this if you’re looking for a good Rom-Com relatable book. In the LGBTQ+ community we need more books like this.
June 23, 2023
Lexi Lynch, an artist was looking like many before her for that big break. Her father thought she was wasting her time. The only one who encouraged her to keep putting her work out for others to buy is firefighter Robyn Moore, her room mate for more years than either wanted to think about.
They are attracted to each other but would you really want to trade your great roommate for a lover seems to be too much, so both dance around each other. Needless, this story just didn’t grab me the way I like when reading so I finished around chapter eighteen. I know I could have finished but it’s hard to review a story where neither character is to me, not that likable. All right but…
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
They are attracted to each other but would you really want to trade your great roommate for a lover seems to be too much, so both dance around each other. Needless, this story just didn’t grab me the way I like when reading so I finished around chapter eighteen. I know I could have finished but it’s hard to review a story where neither character is to me, not that likable. All right but…
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
May 23, 2023
I absolutely DEVOURED this book in one sitting.
Robyn, a firefighter, and Lexi, an artist, have been roommates for four years. When an attraction starts to build between them, can they make it work and not ruin their friendship and living situation?
I love the ADHD rep in this book - I related to it a lot. The characters were adorably opposites - grumpy/sunshine - and complemented each other well. I'm not often a lover of friends to lovers tropes but I feel like it worked so well in this story - especially with one of the characters being demisexual.
I'm looking forward to so much more from this author as I'm sure I will devour it as well.
Robyn, a firefighter, and Lexi, an artist, have been roommates for four years. When an attraction starts to build between them, can they make it work and not ruin their friendship and living situation?
I love the ADHD rep in this book - I related to it a lot. The characters were adorably opposites - grumpy/sunshine - and complemented each other well. I'm not often a lover of friends to lovers tropes but I feel like it worked so well in this story - especially with one of the characters being demisexual.
I'm looking forward to so much more from this author as I'm sure I will devour it as well.
June 6, 2023
Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, Inc., J.J. Hale, and NetGalley, for the ARC.
Quick, Cozy, Roommate Romance. I loved the representation in this book of ADHD, especially finding out that you have it when you are older. Having Sam and Lexi talk about their support systems and how helpful they were to each other. Also, Lexi finding out about her sexuality was lovely to read about,
Robyn has been through a lot in her life. She focuses on her career. I loved Robyn. She was strong, and I can see where she came from in her thinking. Lexi and Robyn were so cute together. I loved watching their romance bloom.
I highly recommend reading this book.
Quick, Cozy, Roommate Romance. I loved the representation in this book of ADHD, especially finding out that you have it when you are older. Having Sam and Lexi talk about their support systems and how helpful they were to each other. Also, Lexi finding out about her sexuality was lovely to read about,
Robyn has been through a lot in her life. She focuses on her career. I loved Robyn. She was strong, and I can see where she came from in her thinking. Lexi and Robyn were so cute together. I loved watching their romance bloom.
I highly recommend reading this book.
May 29, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldstroke Books for a copy of this book.
This is the second book of Hale's 'Truly' trilogy.
This time we're following Sam's sister Lexie and her roommate, Robyn.
In order to keep her mother quite, firefighter Robyn pretends to date artist Lexie. But will this charade become something real?
This was a quick, enjoyable read. I noticed a marked improvement in Hale's writing from her previous book to this one. I liked how this gave us demisexual representation, something rarely seen in romance novels.
Looking forward to the final book in the trilogy.
This is the second book of Hale's 'Truly' trilogy.
This time we're following Sam's sister Lexie and her roommate, Robyn.
In order to keep her mother quite, firefighter Robyn pretends to date artist Lexie. But will this charade become something real?
This was a quick, enjoyable read. I noticed a marked improvement in Hale's writing from her previous book to this one. I liked how this gave us demisexual representation, something rarely seen in romance novels.
Looking forward to the final book in the trilogy.
June 16, 2023
This is a good feel romance, I liked both characters, especially Lexi and the way she dealt with her condition and sexuality, but I am not sure the story worked for me. It has all the ingredients to be great, a firefighter, an artist, fake girlfriend, so what is not to like? I guess there wasn't enough drama for my liking, the main argument point didn't hit home for me and, overall, I felt there was too much repetition without much happening.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
May 24, 2023
Found this a quick and easy but enjoyable read. The MCs were both very likeable personalities and there was plenty of back story which was great for helping the reader understand the underlying feelings that shaped how they reacted to situations. There was no great angst in the story but I loved the way the author dealt with ADHD in the storyline, it was done in an understanding and true to life way and not made a big deal of. All in all a good read.
June 28, 2023
Truly Enough was an excellent friends to lovers story! I appreciated the portrayal of neurodivergence and ADHD in such a relatable way.
Who doesn't love a good firefighter, stuggling artist, roommate friends to lovers story?! JJ Hale has a way of pulling you in to her writing so that you don't want to put it down. The story felt relatable and believable and was a great read!
Thank you to @jjhaleauthor for the ARC!
Who doesn't love a good firefighter, stuggling artist, roommate friends to lovers story?! JJ Hale has a way of pulling you in to her writing so that you don't want to put it down. The story felt relatable and believable and was a great read!
Thank you to @jjhaleauthor for the ARC!
July 13, 2023
I enjoyed JJ's debut novel for personal reasons, so onto the second novel and its low angst but enough issues to make you ponder more on ADHD, grief and relationships. I love her style of writing with both MC's narrating the story and found it heartwarming and sincere. I look forward to more novels from JJ Hale.
June 7, 2023
This was such a sweet love story and I loved seeing both these characters overcome things for each other, my only qualm was the story moved a little too fast for me and I would’ve liked to see more of Lexis self discovery fleshed out a little.
August 12, 2024
This is such a cute book and perfect for a short, sapphic read. I could easily read hundreds more pages about Lexi and Robyn and their relationship. Will probably read again:)
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