Truth Be Told

Truth Be Told is a second-chance romance. This is different from her usual suspense and action books in this series. It was a bit of a slow burn romance. It is the story of Ignacio and Tinley. I had been anxiously awaiting their love story. Ignacio broke Tinley's heart when they were teenagers and left her, making sure that she didn't try to look for him. He was trying to do the honorable thing and only wanted her to get out of poverty and make a life for herself that he didn't think he could provide. The only problem is, is that he left behind a piece of himself that she could never forget. Thirteen years later, he reappears on her doorstep. She is not so ready to forgive and forget though, and there is also a secret she has kept. There were times I wanted to shake both of these characters. Although Ignacio has the best intentions and is trying to protect Tinley, it falls short. Tinley was hard to connect with even though she was strong and endured a lot in her young life. She was beyond stubborn about forgiving Ignacio, lies, and then all of a sudden, she has a change of heart and forgives him. It was a bit frustrating and seemed too sudden. I enjoyed the end although it seemed rushed and felt like there were still some things left unfinished. I did like the chemistry between them though and was happy to see them get their HEA. This is very different from the other books in the Blackridge Security series. I loved seeing the guys band together to help Ignacio. Although I struggled with parts of this book, I did like the overall message of forgiveness and healing. ***ARC for an unbiased review.***

TRUTH BE TOLD is the fourth instalment in Marie James’ contemporary, adult BLACKBRIDGE SECURITY romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Blackbridge Security. This is thirty-one year olds and former high school sweethearts Ignacio Torres, and Trinley Holland’s story line. TRUTH BE TOLD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Told from dual first person perspectives (Tinley and Ignacio) TRUTH BE TOLD follows in the wake of Ignacio Torres’ reluctant return to his hometown, only to discover that the woman he once loved, gave birth to the son he knew nothing about. Thirteen years earlier, Tinley’s father accepted a job in Dallas, Texas, pulling Tinley away from the young man that she loved but refusing to accept what was about to happen, Ignacio pushed Tinley out of his life. Hoping to reconnect with Tinley Holland, and uncover the truth about what happened and why, Ignacio struggles knowing he was partly to blame for Tinley’s failure to reconnect after the horrible way he left years before. Having returned home to bury his grandfather, Ignacio would learn that Tinley was struggling to make ends meet, and in this Ignacio was hoping to become the father, and husband he had once dreamed to become. What ensues is the rebuilding but tempestuous relationship between Tinley and Ignacio, as Igancio tries to prove he is worthy of Tinley’s love. The relationship between Tinley and Ignacio is a second chanced romance; high school sweethearts torn apart by heart break and pain, and one woman’s inability to move on from the past. Tinley Holland never did tell Ignacio that she as carrying his child, and in this our hero, battles between head and heart knowing he has lost twelve years of his son’s childhood in the wake of stubbornness and hurt feelings. Tinley Holland refuses to accept Ignacio Torres back into her life having raised her son as a single parent but all is not well in their area of Houston, and her son is about to pay the price. Tinley’s stubbornness and pride threatens the safety of the child she loves. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense. We are introduced to Tinley’s ailing grandmother Brooke Holland, as well as her estranged brother Cooper; and Ignacio’s son Alex; fellow Blackbridge security agents Wren, Quinten, Brooks Morgan; their boss Deacon Black, and Wren’s foul-mouthed bird Puff Daddy. TRUTH BE TOLD is a story of secrets and lies; heart break and pain; death, grief, forgiveness and love. The premise is emotional and inviting; the romanced struggles in the face of betrayal and secrets; the characters are stubborn, spirited and impassioned.

The fourth book in the Blackbridge Security Series brings us Ignacio’s story. Ignacio has traveled to his home town and it’s the last place he wants to be. Only his visit could change his whole life. Without giving too much away. I loved these characters. But at times they had me swearing up a storm with their stubbornness. As always, Puff Daddy put a huge smile on my face, when he made an appearance. This was another great book for this series.