A review by momadvice
The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

funny hopeful informative lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 I know many buzzy romance novels dropped this year, but I hope one of this year's buzziest will be discovering that readers have gotten their first Native American rom-com. This novel is entertaining and offers readers a fresh perspective on workplace dynamics and the challenges Native Americans face in contemporary society.

Ember is in her twenties and struggling financially. Now rejected for her 37th time for a job, she decides to fabricate her education and job background to land a corporate position that will finally give her a leg up. Along with these subtle shifts in her work history, she also answers the ethnicity question on applications with a half-lie checking the box for white instead of Native American.

These omissions and adjustments do land her a promising job interview for an accounting position that could change the trajectory of her financial life as long as her struggling vehicle can get her there. 
Through a comedy of errors on her way, she meets a handsome man named Danuwoa, who works at the same corporation. With one swoon-worthy hair tuck behind his flowing braid, Ember is smitten with the IT guy. 

However, the company's strict policy against workplace romances means she has to quickly give up pursuing a romantic relationship with him as feelings escalate in the office. 
This novel offers many laugh-out-loud moments as she navigates the weird corporate culture, from not understanding "all hands on deck" to never knowing what they do in the company due to their vague website description. I laughed so hard that I got a few weird looks from my family members as I poured over these relatable corporate scenes. 

What sets this novel apart is its authenticity. Nava draws from her experiences to paint a vivid portrait of modern Native American life, from everyday microaggressions to deep-seated fears. Somehow, it easily navigates that tricky terrain of becoming one-note or preachy by embedding natural moments that I found eye-opening as a white reader. 
As the couple are from different tribes, navigating their language differences offered an extra layer of charm for readers that I had not considered until reading this book.   

Sometimes, characters in their twenties don't feel relatable, but Ember's messiness is endearing. I laughed out loud at the shenanigans while admiring her scrappiness in trying to get herself out of a difficult financial position.

This romance is medium-spiced, with two open-door scenes that are easily skimmable while still enjoying the steamy chemistry between these characters. I am excited to see what this author writes next because I can see this novel being a massive success.  

I’m thrilled to share that Danica will participate in our summer author series to discuss this debut journey! Be sure to reserve your copies now! 

TAG: Native American Representation, Diverse Romance, Forbidden Romance, One-Bed Trope, Workplace Romance, Rom-Com Books