This was a beautifully written, slow burn romance that had a wonderful pace to it from the start.
The characters were detailed and realistic, and the way in which their romance bloomed throughout was incredibly heart warming.
I really enjoyed this book, and will be certainly be looking to read any future books by this author.




I

I am a glutton for well written slow burn and this author has potential with that story telling style
I loved the slow building of their story and nice reshaping thrust between the h and H
Chiara and had slowly rebuild their friendship and relationship
Well written and developed
Four well deserved stars

So True is the second book in the series but is a standalone read. This is a sweet story about a second chance at love.

Chiara and Jax were together for a short time in high school until one day Jax up and vanished from her life. No goodbye, no explanations and no contact. 10 years later he turns up again in Tierney Bay. Secrets are revealed about the past and you follow them as they navigate the emotions and see if they can pick up where they left off.

BOOK REVIEW: So True by @serenabellbooks

4 stars

TW: child abuse and alcoholism

The second book in Serena Bell's Tierney Bay series and although I didn't love it quite as much as the first book "So Close", it was still a highly enjoyable read.

The storyline is based around second chance love which I really enjoyed.
Chiara our lead female and Jax the lead male were teenage sweethearts but Jax and his family left without any notice and broke Chiara's heart. The story is 10 years down the line, where they meet for the first time since Jax left.
I thought the characters worked really well together although I thought they acted younger than the couple in the first book when in fact Chiara is actually 2 years older than her sister Auburn. Still, I really liked her character and especially loved more of the family dynamic we got in book one.
Jax also brought a new family dynamic as his younger brother (who suffers from crohn's disease) plays a large role in this book. The chronic illness aspect was thankfully written very well and with respect for how hard it is to live with the disease.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the storyline was good, the smut was well written and I cannot wait for book three at the beginning of 2021 - I am really getting attached to this series!

Please note that I was #gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of So True in exchange for an honest review. I did not not know this was a series until I completed the book. With that being said it was clearly a standalone romance. This was a very well thought out and well written novel that I easily finished in a day. I enjoyed everything about Jax and Chiara's story. They were both realistic characters with real struggles. The story never felt rushed or over exaggerated. Overall, this was a great read that I would definitely recommend to friends and family.

2.5 Stars

I’m always perplexed when I find a series that I really, really liked, but then several other books by the author don’t work for me. Ms. Bell’s Returning Home series was SO good (well, except for the fourth book, but that one was probably more a case of “it’s me, not you”) - they were heartbreaking and heartfelt, and pulled heavily on my heart strings. So even though the last couple of books I’ve read by this author failed to have that effect, I was crossing my fingers for this one.

It ended up being a mixed bag…

Jax and Chiara (author lost points for having a name I wasn’t sure how to pronounce for half the book) had a brief but intense relationship when they were seniors in high school. But then one day Jax left town with his family and never spoke to Chiara again. Until he shows up back in town 10 years later and now they are going to work together to help Jax’s brother’s struggling comic book/game store survive.

The first half of the book was glacially slow and I seriously thought about DNFing my second book for the month. There was lots and lots of the heroine thinking about how hawt the hero is. LESS PECS MORE PLOT is my motto! The hero is good looking...we got it...you don’t need to go on and on about it in every chapter.

Also, I’m not a fan of when an author holds back information for the sake of building suspense (in this case, why Jax left suddenly without explanation and never contacted her) and constantly referring to it over and over. Seldom is the reason for keeping the secret a good one. In this case, the reason for leaving and not telling was understandable, the reason for not contacting for so long...was not.

Then, there were flashback scenes about superhero alter egos of Jax and Chiara and they created a whole story when they were seniors in high school and...I don’t know...I just found that whole storyline contrived and hokie. I think this was another instance of an author having a particular interest - or loved ones with an interest - and so she created a storyline around it. But it didn’t work for me, nor did it help move the storyline forward.

That being said, I really liked the last 40%, where the author finally had the characters deal with the past so they could move forward. I also give the author credit for having a heroine who held onto her mad and didn’t crumble at the sight of the hero’s hot body, or at his first apology. I LOVE when a hero has to work for his forgiveness!

The strength of this author are her family relationships and the dialogue between the characters. Unfortunately, those positive things were bogged down by too much other stuff that I didn’t like. At this point, this author has about a 50/50 record with me. I don’t have any interest in reading the first book in this series, nor do I think I have interest in reading the next book. But we will see…

* thank you to NetGalley and Jelsba Media Group for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

3.5 stars

I've read and enjoyed several books by Serena Bell, and I enjoyed this one, too. Much like those other novels, once the relationship at the heart of the story (friends/neighbors/childhood loves/frenemies etc.) transitions into a love affair, the novel becomes a bit too sticky sweet for this reader. Bell writes entertaining, sexy love stories featuring couples with crazy chemistry, but she isn't nearly as strong in the 'angst' department. The pathos feels a bit manufactured, and the resolutions are always one step removed from easy breezy, magical resolution!

Chiara Campbell once loved Jax Walker. She envisioned a future with him, and planned to have sex with him after prom. But he left town that night and never contacted her again. She's spent ten years pretending she's over him, earning a degree from Stanford (go big Ms. Bell!), and then returning home and living in a small town with her family and friends, and volunteering for every committee/organization on earth as their treasurer/accountant. She's busy but bored, and when So True kicks off, she's decided to make some changes. BIG CHANGES. A major company in Seattle wants to hire her, and Chiara is determined to score the job and relocate - and restart - her life. Unfortunately, until they make her a formal offer, she's stuck in Tierney Bay, helping a hospitalized friend keep his shop from going under.

Jax Walker hasn't heard from his brother in weeks and he's fed up. When he shows up on campus to see how he's doing, he discovers his brother isn't enrolled at the school any longer. Instead, he's taken Jake's tuition money and invested in a shop that sells comic books and games. Naturally, Jake's pissed. But when he shows up at the shop he doesn't find his brother at the cash register, he spots Chiara. The girl he's always loved. The girl he had to abandon for some mysterious reason the author doesn't want us to know. The one he can't have.

Except this is a Serena Bell story and a romance, so we know Jax and Chiara WILL eventually wind up together, and that the sex will be crazy good. Check those boxes folks because once Jax decides to help his brother out and fix up his shitty excuse for a game/comic book shop, Chiara won't be sidelined. She loves games, and she's an artist! So she can design a store just like the one Jax's brother opened on a whim! And she once drew a comic strip! She loves games and art and comic strips and she's AMAZING AT ALL OF THEM. Chiara is perfect for this job EXCEPT SHE DOESN'T REALIZE IT and thinks accounting is better. Because she's smart, but dumb. You be you, Chiara. Anyway, Chiara insinuates herself into the fixer upper project, and duh, proximity leads to crazy lust, staring, and LOVE.

Look, I liked these two and I'm happy they reconnected. Unfortunately, the backstory behind Jax's disappearance is clunky. There are betrayals, blackmails, and a pedophile all lurking behind the scenes and while I empathized with Jax and the reasons he left Chiara behind without a word, once the truth comes out, Ms. Bell seems to get cold feet on the whole premise for Jax having to leave. The author chose this history, and then largely glossed over A VERY SIGNIFICANT event and it's repercussions on the people involved. Instead, we get a weird side plot related to Chiara and her dad. He was a demanding dickhead with a heart of gold. Or something? I don't want to spoil who did what to whom, but these revelations deserved more gravitas than this story provides.

Jax and Chiara have great chemistry, and I mostly enjoyed their road to happily ever after. When they're loved up things are great; when Jax has to step up, he stumbles.

Side note: I'm still not sure the store is gonna make it. Seems VERY niche for this small town. IMO.

Recommended for fans of Ms. Bell & small town romances.

The story follows Jax and Chiara or better known as Kee. They met when they were both in high school. Then Jax disappeared with no explanation. Ten years later he’s back, to help his brother’s shop. The same one where Kee works. Kee will do anything for Jax’s brother, Evan, even if it means being in the same place as Jax.

I loved how the book had a slow build. The novel explains everything as the story goes on. I liked how family-oriented Kee’s family is and how they would do anything for her. The pain and emotion in this book was strong. It was a bit long but amazing. Every part counted. I enjoyed this book a bunch.

I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.

A story that is about a second chance at love but really before you even get anywhere near that part. Chiara Campbell must know the real reason why Jax Walker up and left with his mother and younger brother ten years ago. This right before the senior prom which there were to go together with and shortly after they did it for the first time.
Now she is helping his younger brother who has returned to town after ten years and is wanting to open a game and comic book store. Though she is not thrilled with the store that he rented she is making the best of it for she is a gamer as well. It just so happens that Evan who has had Crohn’s disease his whole life is now in the hospital having emergency surgery on his intestine. Jax who had given Evan money for college and has been ghosted by him decides to go to college and finds out what has happened. He also after calling and hearing a familiar voice on the other end realizes that Evan has returned to Tierney Bay the one and last place on earth he did not want to go to. After having a not so good talk on the phone with Chiara it does not get any better for him when he finally arrives in town and decides to help his brother with the store.
Here is when the story really picks up and though Chiara has issues with Jax she never lets up with him even after he apologizes which really makes for a good story. All of the interaction between her siblings also add to the story as well as the two of them working on the store which really was a nice touch to the story. When you finally get to the meat of the real reason, he left she is stuck with once again dealing with the past, and will he run away once again? See what happens with this very good book with really good characters.

It has been awhile since I have read a Serena Bell book, and I had not read the first book in this series. I may have a bit more invested in the story if I knew more about Tierney Bay, the small town where the book takes place. However, this is a second chance romance in a small town. Jax and Chiara took the usual path to their HEA. They are both back in Tierney Bay temporarily or so it seems. Jax ‘s brother is ill and this brings our couple together. Overall, I enjoy Ms. Bell’s storytelling and this was no exception. Cute story.

I enjoyed Jax and Chiara’s story and, while it was the second book in a series, I didn’t feel lost by not reading the first book. Jax and Chiara had some painful memories to work out and a lot of truths to tell each other after so many years, but they managed to finally find their way. And if they had to face some ugly facts along the way, at least they got to face them together. They had to piece together what went wrong, why Jax ghosted everyone, how Chiara’s reality was definitely not as it seemed, and how to help Evan’s shop succeed, all while also trying to keep Evan safe and healthy without smothering him.

Overall, this was a good second chance story of just how far Jax was willing to go to save his brother and give the only woman he ever loved a life she deserved (or so her father said). And if there were a few tears along the way, so be it. I’d definitely read more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley, Jelsba Media Group and Serena Bell for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
So True is book number two of Serena Bell’s Tierney Bey series, but my first time reading her work!
I’m a sucker for a good second chance romance troupe and So True did not disappoint! Ten years ago a passionate relationship developed between two teens, Jax Walker and Chiara Campbell. He’s from the wrong side of the tracks trying to raise his younger brother, Evan, and keep his alcoholic mother awake long enough to keep a roof over their heads. Chiara Campbell is that girl. The one who gets perfect grades, is on every committee available and who is going places. After a night together baring it all, Jax and his family leave town with no word. Now it’s been ten years and Jax has rolled back into town checking on his brother. What he finds is a game shop in desperate need of a face lift and Chiara Campbell.
A good author can give you the backstory in a second chance romance without overshadowing the present. Serena Bell created such believable and realistic characters that felt relatable throughout. Jax and Chiara’s reunion is a slow burn and then BAM! Full steam ahead, pun intended. These two have great chemistry that’s fun to read and keep you rooting for their HAE.
The drama in this one is realistic and not over the top. Eye-rolling drama in a good romance is the worst. I really appreciated the way the major conflict was introduced and resolved. There were also little side plots that involved themes like pressures for perfection from parents (say that 5 times fast), chronic illness and alcoholism. I thought Serena Bell handled these side conflicts with grace and allowed them to teach the characters/readers something without it becoming too busy.
Serena Bell is definitely on my Authors To Watch list and now I get to go back and read book number one while waiting for book number three!

4 1/2 Stars for the slow burn, sweet romance!

Jax broke Chiara's heart ten years ago when he disappeared with his family without so much as a goodbye. Now Jax's little brother is back in Tierney Bay and is opening a gaming store, but he landed up in the hospital and Chiara is helping him out. What she didn't expect was Jax to walk into the store, but what she really didn't want was Jax helping get the store up and running ... but that's exactly what happened. Now all she can think of is their last night together.

Jax thought he could be in and out of Tierney Bay without seeing Chaira. He did not expect to come face to face with her the minute he stepped into his brother's store .., but there she was, even more beautiful than he remembered. Chiara could never learn the truth as to why he really left ... it would break her heart forever.

This book just gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings. I just loved Chiara ... she was such a mother to all her siblings and even the whole town, always helping everyone. And Jax ... he would do anything for his family and he proved it by giving up Chiara when he was 18. I loved all the characters in the book and the banter between them was very realistic. It took me back to my hometown and what small town living is like.

I didn't read the first book in the series ... but I'm sure going to have to now, because I enjoyed this one so much. I can't wait for the next book either.

I received an early copy courtesy of Jelsba Media Group through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

This was the second book in the Tierney Bay series but can easily be read as a standalone. I always enjoy this author's books because she writes relatable characters with real lives and this was no exception. But I suggest you grab a box of tissues and be prepared to use them! This was a very emotional read for me because I became invested in Chiara & Jax's tumultuous journey rather quickly. These two characters endured so many disappointments, together and apart, that your heart aches for both of them and wishes and hopes for their HEA. But it was Evan's character that really moved me to tears--what a sweet, kind, soulful kid who dealt with life's difficulties and sufferings with incredible courage. I'm not familiar with gaming so this aspect of the book was quite informative and intriguing as well. I highly recommend this read and look forward to what Ms. Bell has in store for us next. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

This is the second in a series. I hadn’t read the first Tierney Bay book, but that didn’t make any difference.
I really love Serena Bell’s books (especially Sleepover). She writes contemporary romances where you really get a good sense of why the couple gets together. So True is no exception. It’s a second chance romance. Chiara is living in her hometown near her family after college and business school. Her high school love, Jax, ghosted her and left down right before prom, but it’s ten years later and she’s totally over him. His younger brother, Eric, has moved back to their tiny Oregon town and has started a gaming store that’s not doing very well. Chiara is still close to Eric, and is covering his shop while Eric’s having surgery for his Crohn’s. Jax comes to town to track down Eric. He sees Chiara for the first time in ten years. Plot ensues.
Bell’s books are low-key. They are grounded in the everyday.. Chiara and Jax haven’t seen each other in ten years, but there’s still a connection, and Bell puts them together for multiple scenes before they hook up.
This book comes down to the idea that a relationship needs people who love and allow themselves to be loved, and it is often that vulnerability that’s the hardest. Jax and Chiara are better for having remet one another, and a HEA is completely believable..
Even the villain in the book is humanized. While they may have done the wrong thing, they aren’t evil, and grappling with the consequences of their actions produces character growth for both Chiara and Jax.
If you’re a fan of Serena Bell, you’ll enjoy So True. And if you haven’t read one of her books yet but like contemporary romances with a slow burn and an unannoying small town, then give this one a try. I’ll definitely keep reading the rest of the Tierney Bay series.

*I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley. All opinions are mine.

Chiara fell in love with Jax as teenagers, however, after their first night together and making plans for prom he suddenly disappeared without a trace. Leaving with his mum and younger brother. Ghosted. Something she has never quite gotten over. Although she doesn't hold this against his younger brother Evan who has recently moved back and opened up a games store.

With plans to land a job in Seattle, she is hoping to leave the town behind and all the memories that go with it. Until Jax suddenly appears at the games store one day asking where Evan is. As it transpires that Evan has used his college tuition money to open the store instead of enrolling as he'd told his brother.

The chill between them is obvious, but so is that familiar spark of chemistry. But no way can they put the past behind them. She is headed for Seattle and Jax will be heading home - a fling would be a recipe for disaster.

A two-sided story sharing the tension and the reasons behind Jax's sudden departure. The second novel in this series, however, it works as a standalone read.