A review by pagesand_polished
Nothing But the Truth by Holly James

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

 On the morning of her 30th birthday, Lucy wakes up to discover she physically can’t tell a lie—a magical twist that forces her to confront every part of her life, from her career to her romantic relationships. As she navigates this unexpected honesty, she learns what it truly means to stand in her truth. 

In terms of overarching storylines, this one had all the ingredients for a book I could love. I actually started reading it on the eve of my own birthday—just like Lucy—which made it feel a little bit like fate. I loved the concept of a personal awakening and the message of letting go of things that no longer serve you. However, I had a hard time connecting with the characters, and much of the story felt a bit superficial. A lot of time was spent on the boss storyline (no spoilers), and Lucy’s moments of "speaking her truth" often turned into lengthy monologues that felt more preachy than powerful. While I appreciate the feminist themes, the delivery felt more like a lecture than a compelling fiction read.