A review by theladysparks
Truly, Madly, Deeply by Alexandria Bellefleur

5.0

 

As a bestselling romance novelist, everyone thinks Truly Livingston is an expert on happily-ever-afters. She’s even signed on to record a podcast sharing relationship advice. Little do they know she feels like an imposter—her parents just announced they’re separating, she caught her fiancé cheating, and her entire view on love has been shaken to the core. Truly hopes the podcast will distract her... until she meets her cohost.

Her first impression of Colin McCory is...hot. But then he opens his extremely kissable mouth. Colin’s view on love just pisses Truly off, even if he does have an annoyingly attractive face. Bickering with a cynical divorce lawyer is the last thing she needs—so she walks out, with no plans to return.

A few days later, Truly is surprised when Colin tracks her down, asking for a fresh start. Truly can’t deny the little thrill she gets from Colin begging, so she reluctantly agrees. As they go from enemies to friends to something else entirely, Truly discovers they have more in common than she ever imagined, including their shared queerness. He’s a genuinely good guy—charming, sweet, and equally as unlucky in love as herself—and there’s something about Colin that drives Truly a little wild. When their attraction reaches a fever pitch, Truly is happy for the first time in years. Yet she can’t help but wonder... is Colin truly, madly, deeply in love with her? Or is it all too good to be true?

"Come on, wreck me. I dare you."

Am I kicking myself over the fact that I waited until just now to pick up this book and read it? Yes. Because I honestly was deprived of Colin McCrory and it was all my own doing. Truly, Madly, Deeply has pushed its way into the list of my top favorite reads and I literally cannot and will not stop thinking about this book. I think it's changed my chemical makeup, and only partially because this man has taken up permanent residence in my frontal lobe.

The way that this book is marketed is really great, it isn't something I usually mention in my reviews but I think it's worth noting. I mean, setting up the vibes with a divorce lawyer and a woman who writes about love for a living? A match made in heaven if you're asking me. And I just think it's a really great way to get people really interested because once they pick it up and experience Truly St. James and Colin McCrory, it'll be impossible for them to put it down.

To start from the very beginning, because I would be doing the world an injustice if I didn't mention it, this book has one of the best opening scenes and paragraphs that I've ever read. I highlighted and tabbed it because it was just so good.

I think the exploration of Truly's idea about love and the journey that she takes from start to finish was really refreshing. I grew up in the south and I feel like this whole wanting to hurry up and get married because of the idea of love and marriage is prevalent where I'm from and it was the first time I'd read it in a way that put the realization of it all on display in a non-mocking sort of way. I love the fact that Truly had some sharp edges but also had softness to her, especially when it came to her parents and her whole idea of love.

And then there is Colin, who I've already stated multiple times is the love of my life, who really stole the show for me. Between the two of them, the banter and chemistry was absolutely magical. But Colin on his own will make you fall in love with this book. Particularly the scene where he is talking to Truly in the coffee shop (I won't spoil anything but it was exactly what I needed to read so thanks so much for that). I loveeeeeeeed the fact that he was very vocal about healthy communication and I really loved how he just really understood Truly, even from the beginning I think. Plus who doesn't love a man that is down bad???

I literally loved this book so much and definitely recommend if you're looking for a romance book to become your new favorite. This one features two main characters that are both bi and I think showcases a really healthy relationship with struggles. I'm going to be picking up the rest of this author's books!

- bi main characters
- she's a romance author and he's a divorce lawyer
- forced proximity
- meet cute (they're on a podcast together)
- antagonists to lovers
- delicious banter and tension
- he falls first and hard