A review by niffler_for_words
The Truth Never Spoken by Ambar Cordova

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

“143” 

The truth never spoken was a very easy to read second chance romance in which Allie returns to Florida after 10 years –and the biggest breakup of her life– and bumps into said ex, Jake, right from the airport.

I loved Allie, her insecurities (without being too whiny about them), the fact she is a curvy and Dominican woman. She is a delightful character, easy to bond with. Jake is a true golden retriever, so loveable, especially because of how devoted he is to her. However, some of his behaviours were problematic to MY liking, a bit too “controlling” (in his over-protection or his way to make her have confidence in herself), or how he acts during their break up years. It’s not much, but I would have liked a bit more evolution or a reaction from Allie, but –again– it’s my own sensitivity, and it wasn’t red flags at all and can please many readers.

What I loved the most was the narrative choice here, the alternation between ‘Now’ and ‘Then’, and how it creates a mirroring effect between the situations of both MC. It gives depth to the story and helps to build a great tension in the book, which is one of the reasons I couldn’t put it down. I wish there were more evolution in the characters. Ten years is a long time, and even if regarding their personal life they pushed a “pause button” that froze them for years, you would have thought they’d lived and grew from other things becoming slightly different persons between Then and Now. Yet, the book is mostly based on the relationship between Allie and Jake so I guess it’s why the author made this choice. 

In the end, it was a very quick and cute read about forgiveness and about how the most difficult thing is always to forgive yourself first.

Thank you Ambar Cordova and Haling Bookstorm for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.