Truths and Roses [Kindle Edition]

3 Stars because I "liked it" but wasn't in love with it. The book was on an Amazon recommendation list and only cost 99 cents for my Kindle. Oh and it's PG, not a typical romance with "throw me down" love scenes. I really liked that it was PG.

Overall, the writing is excellent and the book was edited well. The flow of the book is steady and though the perspective changes between Will and Hannah pretty consistently, it's easy to follow and in tune with the rhythm of the story. It's tough because it's not that I didn't like the storyline it's just that it was so... ordinary. Ordinary makes it easy to read and easy to relate to but also makes it forgettable. I was waiting for a big explosion but it never came.

Honestly, this book does have the power to do good in someone's life if you've had the same challenges. The moral of the story comes down to following your heart, opening up on your life struggles, and having the strength to overcome those struggles. If you do those things, it will lead to your own happily ever after.

Will Kincaid returns home to Lake Perdue following his successful, career-ending play in the Super Bowl. He's never prepared for anything but football and at 29 has no idea of what's next for himself. He runs into Hannah Jacobs, a young woman he once cared a lot for and who now bears no resemblance to the vibrant woman he once knew, inside and out.

This is a story of two people trying to find their way and themselves after experiencing traumatic events. Hannah and Jacob somehow find a way to reconnect but their romance is hampered by the events from their past that are alive and unwell in the present. Theirs is a sweet relationship that struggles to survive while they attempt to help one another and figure out how to heal on their own. While their romantic interludes are sexy, the details are left to your imagination.

Will is an honorable and extremely likable character who you want to succeed in this relationship. Hannah, however, has so much self loathing it is sometimes tough to stay sympathetic to her plight. She redeems herself near the end but it was rough going at times. It's a well written story of setbacks and triumph, told realistically with sensitivity. The secondary characters are interesting and consistent with a small-town environment (no secrets in this place!).

I enjoyed the book as it was very interesting with a strong storyline and good dialogue. It's well-paced, although it dragged somewhat near the end, but not enough to alter my rating.

(I was provided a copy of the book by the author for review.)

I really enjoyed this book. I needed an escape and this was the best way to do it! I enjoyed the twists and turns in the story and loved watching the two characters come out of their self imposed shells of protection. Each chapter pulled me deeper into the story and I was rooting these two characters on in hopes that they could have their happy ending!