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jackiehorne's review
4.0
See full review at:
http://romancenovelsforfeminists.blogspot.com/2017/11/escaping-escapist-romance-tasha-l.html
http://romancenovelsforfeminists.blogspot.com/2017/11/escaping-escapist-romance-tasha-l.html
niaforrester's review
5.0
Just 'discovered' Tasha L. Harrison recently, and am so happy I did. The Truth of Things is great women's fiction. There is romance, family drama, great development of an interesting and endearingly imperfect heroine -- all the things I like in fiction. It also doesn't hurt at all that there is a great nuanced treatment of the issue of police-community relations. The thing I liked most (okay, there were a few things, but this is up there) about this book was the author's skillful slow burn between the main characters, giving us a chance to watch their relationship grow, and even continue to develop even after the physical intimacy has begun. Once there's sex, you can almost feel some authors in relationship-focused fiction sigh with relief and then stop trying. As though once the characters climax, they do too, and are ready for a nap. Not so in this book. Here, the growth in the main protagonists' relationship happened not just through how they related to each other, but the way they watched how each of them related to the world, and the other people in their respective worlds. It made the characters full, and complete people to me, not just cut-out characters plopped into an interesting plot.
Also, alternating first person (or even third with dual POVs) seems to be the current approach in popular fiction, and I've come to enjoy it when skillfully done. Here, the author restricts herself to the heroine's POV in first, and I did not miss the other character's voice at all. I knew him just as well as if he were speaking to me, which I think the author made sure he did, though in action, rather than in voice.
And, the plot (which I generally couldn't care less about in women's fiction) was in fact interesting, so there was that as well. Complete with backstories for each of the main characters, and even most of the secondaries. I feel lucky to have stumbled across this author's work and look forward to reading all she has out now, and whatever she produces in the future. If you haven't read Tasha L. Harrison, you really should. I predict she's going to have work as good as this and even better, in store.
Also, alternating first person (or even third with dual POVs) seems to be the current approach in popular fiction, and I've come to enjoy it when skillfully done. Here, the author restricts herself to the heroine's POV in first, and I did not miss the other character's voice at all. I knew him just as well as if he were speaking to me, which I think the author made sure he did, though in action, rather than in voice.
And, the plot (which I generally couldn't care less about in women's fiction) was in fact interesting, so there was that as well. Complete with backstories for each of the main characters, and even most of the secondaries. I feel lucky to have stumbled across this author's work and look forward to reading all she has out now, and whatever she produces in the future. If you haven't read Tasha L. Harrison, you really should. I predict she's going to have work as good as this and even better, in store.
felixsanchez's review
3.0
I really wanted to give this four stars, but there were certain things holding me back. But let's start with the positives.
This book, like Harrison's others, has a real basis in reality. She doesn't shy away from incorporating police brutality, racism, sexism, violence or trauma of any kind. While it these themes may not seem typical in romance, I think they do have a place, because they are part of the character's world. It is written in a heartbreakingly real way, and it truly effects the characters. I won't spoil anything, but Harrison doesn't just briefly mention these things in passing, they are a central conflict. They influence the decision making of protagonist Ava, and deeply effect her life generally. I think this is a really commendable element of Harrison's writing, and something I hope to see more of in the future.
I'm over the moon that the cast is entirely made up of POC, and Harrison's novels focus on WOC. I'd love to see some body diversity and LGBTQI+ representation in her upcoming pieces, but aside from that, these novels really have a special place in their genre. That is a real selling point of these, and another reason to keep supporting authors like Harrison.
Now... the negatives. There were sentences that, plainly, just didn't make sense. For example, "Cause Ava is good people.", or, "He was Marine as he was in his dress blues.". As well as grammatical errors, "And your bitchy,", or "Too kiss me...". There were also instances where Harrison appeared to invent words? "squicky" was one that stood out to me.
As well as errors, there were just phrases or turns of phrase that were clunky, or just poorly edited, i.e. "Women who were so anxious to be chosen or recognised that they bent over backward to be more cruel and misogynistic than the worst of the men around her". While the sentiment is utterly true, the phrasing is poor, and is clearly missing a few commas.
In addition to that, there were some instances of dialogue that were just unrealistic, and somewhat corny, like, "So tell me about you. What have you been up to? Did you photograph anybody famous at that newspaper job?". This just screams of 'oh! readers! she works at a newspaper! just casually dropping that in here!
But these things are nit picky, and just make for a slightly odd reading experience, above all else.
This book, like Harrison's others, has a real basis in reality. She doesn't shy away from incorporating police brutality, racism, sexism, violence or trauma of any kind. While it these themes may not seem typical in romance, I think they do have a place, because they are part of the character's world. It is written in a heartbreakingly real way, and it truly effects the characters. I won't spoil anything, but Harrison doesn't just briefly mention these things in passing, they are a central conflict. They influence the decision making of protagonist Ava, and deeply effect her life generally. I think this is a really commendable element of Harrison's writing, and something I hope to see more of in the future.
I'm over the moon that the cast is entirely made up of POC, and Harrison's novels focus on WOC. I'd love to see some body diversity and LGBTQI+ representation in her upcoming pieces, but aside from that, these novels really have a special place in their genre. That is a real selling point of these, and another reason to keep supporting authors like Harrison.
Now... the negatives. There were sentences that, plainly, just didn't make sense. For example, "Cause Ava is good people.", or, "He was Marine as he was in his dress blues.". As well as grammatical errors, "And your bitchy,", or "Too kiss me...". There were also instances where Harrison appeared to invent words? "squicky" was one that stood out to me.
As well as errors, there were just phrases or turns of phrase that were clunky, or just poorly edited, i.e. "Women who were so anxious to be chosen or recognised that they bent over backward to be more cruel and misogynistic than the worst of the men around her". While the sentiment is utterly true, the phrasing is poor, and is clearly missing a few commas.
In addition to that, there were some instances of dialogue that were just unrealistic, and somewhat corny, like, "So tell me about you. What have you been up to? Did you photograph anybody famous at that newspaper job?". This just screams of 'oh! readers! she works at a newspaper! just casually dropping that in here!
But these things are nit picky, and just make for a slightly odd reading experience, above all else.
luth3rmilla's review
5.0
Review
I loved this book, The main couple was amazing, the real couple goals. I am definitely reading the second book.
I loved this book, The main couple was amazing, the real couple goals. I am definitely reading the second book.
candeelon08's review
4.0
Wow
First time reading her work and I was entertained. I have to say that it was really nice to read about a regular sized guy for a change instead of the usual 6 feet something. Levi was a good guy trying to do good in the community all while serving and protecting as a cop. Stevenson made me want a slap her continuously. Ava was a great character. To see her as a regular person, having regular everyday issues, dealing with a troubled childhood that she lives with on a daily basis, seeing her struggling with anxiety, it all made her such a relatable character. The situation with Emil and taking him in to mentor him was as cathartic for her as it was for him. To see what happened to him, the emotional toll it took on her was heartbreaking. I definitely got misty eyed all throughout that scene because we see it on the news every day. It was nice to read a book about an everyday man and woman, navigating through the pitfalls of life. Trying to live in a society that judges others based off of their pasts, their skin color, their association with others, it was a good read.
First time reading her work and I was entertained. I have to say that it was really nice to read about a regular sized guy for a change instead of the usual 6 feet something. Levi was a good guy trying to do good in the community all while serving and protecting as a cop. Stevenson made me want a slap her continuously. Ava was a great character. To see her as a regular person, having regular everyday issues, dealing with a troubled childhood that she lives with on a daily basis, seeing her struggling with anxiety, it all made her such a relatable character. The situation with Emil and taking him in to mentor him was as cathartic for her as it was for him. To see what happened to him, the emotional toll it took on her was heartbreaking. I definitely got misty eyed all throughout that scene because we see it on the news every day. It was nice to read a book about an everyday man and woman, navigating through the pitfalls of life. Trying to live in a society that judges others based off of their pasts, their skin color, their association with others, it was a good read.
doc_mbreezee's review
5.0
Great read!
This was my first book read by the author and I must say that it was a great read. I am looking forward to the conclusion of Ava and Levi’s story.
This was my first book read by the author and I must say that it was a great read. I am looking forward to the conclusion of Ava and Levi’s story.
samnreader's review
Strong start but things got a little bogged down in the middle. It's slow developing and that's great (but I'm not patient at the moment)
(I think the duet format doesn't usually work for me.
Shelving on today-is-not-that-day cause you can tell with the super sweet characters some shit's gonna hit, so going to take a pause on this and come back to it - hopefully)
(I think the duet format doesn't usually work for me.
Shelving on today-is-not-that-day cause you can tell with the super sweet characters some shit's gonna hit, so going to take a pause on this and come back to it - hopefully)
octaviaatlas's review
4.0
The Truth of Things by Tasha L. Harrison is a contemporary romance set in New York. Ava Marie Greene doesn’t meet Levi Raymond under the best of circumstances. Levi is a police officer who has an aggressive partner. This results in Ava being roughed up and her photography equipment getting damaged. None of this should have happened. Despite how they met, Ava and Levi are able to start building a relationship.
Levi moved at a pace that was always respectful and considerate. I loved seeing Ava learn to appreciate that and reciprocate. These two had a few communication issues, but once their relationship developed, they truly listened to each other. The tests to their relationship felt authentic, as the challenges were grounded in the reality of their environment.
General thoughts:
- The secondary characters were wonderful. Emil, the Santiagos and Aunt Portia were my favorites.
- A secondary character dying made me step away from the book for a while. The strength of my reaction to the character’s death shows how powerfully written that person is.
Favorite Moments:
- Ava encouraging Emil and showing him the potential he had.
- Ava saying to Levi: “Who sent you…?” and “Who knew that you were what I needed?”
Questions:
- Will Ava try again to do the community program?
- Levi seemed to be considering the nature of his career. How will that work out?
Levi moved at a pace that was always respectful and considerate. I loved seeing Ava learn to appreciate that and reciprocate. These two had a few communication issues, but once their relationship developed, they truly listened to each other. The tests to their relationship felt authentic, as the challenges were grounded in the reality of their environment.
General thoughts:
- The secondary characters were wonderful. Emil, the Santiagos and Aunt Portia were my favorites.
- A secondary character dying made me step away from the book for a while. The strength of my reaction to the character’s death shows how powerfully written that person is.
Favorite Moments:
- Ava encouraging Emil and showing him the potential he had.
- Ava saying to Levi: “Who sent you…?” and “Who knew that you were what I needed?”
Questions:
- Will Ava try again to do the community program?
- Levi seemed to be considering the nature of his career. How will that work out?
kjcharles's review
A terrific romance and a powerful story. This is set in Camden, New Jersey, with some serious grit and realism and a mainly black cast. Our heroine is making ends meet as a photographer when she's caught up in a street fight between two young hustlers that turns into an experience of police brutality--which in turn leads to her meeting our hero Levi, a black cop. (Race is absolutely central to the story.) Ava is extremely distrustful of the police, and Levi has to seriously work to persuade her to give him a chance, which he pulls off in a non-creepy way (the book is highly aware of the potential / tendency for abuse of power where police are involved). Plus she's a drug addict's daughter who knocked around the foster system, and he comes from a Huxtable-like secure upper middle class family, which adds to the layers of the story.
The romance is absolutely swoonsome. Levi is a glorious hero: kind, caring, patient, loving, sensitive, dedicated. (And he's shorter than the heroine at I think 5'8!) It's a really lovely slow-burn-to-hot-sex, and absolutely blissful--particularly in the parts where Levi is negotiating his profession with the hustler kid Ava is mentoring. Ava is intensely relatable in her combination of courage and insecurity and a really strong character to identify with. Levi is just gorgeous, honestly. Purrrr.
So far so adorably sweet, until a horrific incidence of police violence rips everything apart. This is an absolute gut punch and devastating for all concerned, and it is absolutely what contemporary US romance should be writing about. Ava and Levi need to dig deep to get through her trauma and his difficulty reconciling his profession with the reality of how policing affects black people in America.
Unquestionably hard hitting and grounded in strong grim reality of daily struggle and low and high level racism and oppression, but the power of the romance absolutely takes us through it. A terrific read. Some copy editing issues but I really didn't care as I powered through it.
The romance is absolutely swoonsome. Levi is a glorious hero: kind, caring, patient, loving, sensitive, dedicated. (And he's shorter than the heroine at I think 5'8!) It's a really lovely slow-burn-to-hot-sex, and absolutely blissful--particularly in the parts where Levi is negotiating his profession with the hustler kid Ava is mentoring. Ava is intensely relatable in her combination of courage and insecurity and a really strong character to identify with. Levi is just gorgeous, honestly. Purrrr.
So far so adorably sweet, until a horrific incidence of police violence rips everything apart. This is an absolute gut punch and devastating for all concerned, and it is absolutely what contemporary US romance should be writing about. Ava and Levi need to dig deep to get through her trauma and his difficulty reconciling his profession with the reality of how policing affects black people in America.
Unquestionably hard hitting and grounded in strong grim reality of daily struggle and low and high level racism and oppression, but the power of the romance absolutely takes us through it. A terrific read. Some copy editing issues but I really didn't care as I powered through it.
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