Monday, February 2, 2015

[ARC Review]: "The Truth As He Knows It"

The Truth As He Knows It by A.M. Arthur
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (February 10, 2015)
Series: Perspectives, 1
Genre: New Adult M/M Romance

Lies are the chains that keep you weighed down at rock bottom.

Officer Noel Carlson isn’t out to anyone in small-town Stratton, Pennsylvania, only to distant friends and family, so a relationship is out of the question. That doesn’t stop him from wanting one, though.

When a night-shift call brings him face to thonged butt with a hired stripper whose girl-party gig went terribly wrong, Noel takes pity on the guy and lets him go. But he can’t get the encounter out of his mind.

Shane has big-time debts to repay, especially to the brother who sacrificed nearly everything for him. His two jobs, in a deli and as a stripper, leave him no time for a social life. But a non-date of hot sex and takeout food with Noel? He can squeeze that in.

The bond they form is stronger than either expected or wanted. Especially since the step Shane’s about to take to put his brother—and his soul—back in the black isn’t quite legal. And he never calculated just how much his determination to make things right will cost him in the end.

Warning: Following on from the Cost of Repairs series, this book contains a closeted cop who’s looking for love, an indebted stripper who doesn’t believe he’s worthy, and a tasteful abundance of dirty guy sex. Also contains references to past physical abuse some readers may find disturbing. 



Where to Buy*:
More Info:


Reviews of Arthur's Previous Novels:

No Such Thing (#1) -- TBQ
Stand By You (#3) -- TBQ



My Review:

I’ve yet to read one of A.M. Arthur’s books that I didn’t like. No Such Thing was my first M/M romance, and it holds a special place in my reader heart for that reason – and because it was a great story. Since then, I've read each new release from Arthur and thoroughly enjoyed each one.


But as good as her previous books were, none compare to The Truth As He Knows It! Hands down, this is my favorite book of hers, and a top pick for 2015.


"Patience, young padawan."

Noel snickered, then pinched Shane's ass. "Keep sassing me, son, and I'll show you who's the apprentice."

Shane turned around and tugged Noel closer, aligning their hips. "Don't make promises you can't deliver on, master Jedi."

"You've seen my light saber, haven't you?"



I’ll try not to gush and rave, but I can’t make any promises. This book was just THAT GOOD. I’m not the only one that thinks so; last month I had TWO conversations with two different readers about how amazing TTAHKI is. Always a good sign, people!


I will say this: TTAHKI may not be for everyone. It’s an angst-y read, with drama and secrets. Some readers may not like that.


I, however, loved every fucking minute of it, and I couldn't get enough, even as my gut was twisted into knots from the story being told. Their story hurts, but in the best possible way. To some it may seem "overly dramatic" but I would disagree. Everything that happened to these boys seems very real. Life can be shitty, it can be messy, so why shouldn't it be that way in books, too?


"No sex until we've iced the cake."

Shane laughed, and it took Noel a few seconds to catch the innuendo. He flung a few grains of rice at Shane's head. "You can make anything dirty, can't you?"

"Anything except you. You were dirty when we met, and thank God for that." He wiggled his eyebrows, and Noel chuckled. 



Shane and Noel have such deep pasts, and just when you think everything from their past (Shane’s in particular) has been told, another layer is revealed. These two sexy man – gah, they left my heart aching for them! I won’t spoil anything, but trust me when I say you will want to give both Shane and Noel big hugs of comfort . . . a perhaps a not-so-innocent kiss. 


TTAHKI is so damn emotional, I was teary eyed – no joke! – during one scene, and hurting during a dozen more. Arthur did a good job at tearing my heart out a time or two, yet I loved it, and could no more turn away from the book than refuse to breathe.


I loved this book. LOVED IT. That should be my entire review, because it is the solid truth.


The sex scenes are sexy as hell, and I loved how dirty Shane and Noel were with each other. Arthur’s previous books were sexy, and done well, but this? This was ten times better, and she was able to vividly paint the dirty scenes in a way that left me extremely pleased.


Warning: this next quote might be slightly spoiler-ish, but I just couldn't resist sharing it!



Shane smiled. "I love you, Jason. Take care of Mom until I get there, okay? But it might be a while." He glanced over his shoulder at the distant shape of Noel's car. "I've got someone to live a long time for."



Deep emotions, hot sex, and great characters – The Truth As He Knows It has all that and more. I couldn't read it fast enough, yet I didn't want to finish it because I didn't want to see their story end. No matter what Arthur gives us in the coming years, I know that Shane and Noel’s story will remain firmly in my list of top favorite m/m reads! I've already pre-ordered my own copy to keep, since I will be rereading this amazing romance again and again. I’m dying for the next book, which will be Gabe and Tristan, whom I absolutely adored. October is too far away! I suppose I’ll just have to pester her even more on Twitter until then. For fans of m/m, A.M. Arthur is definitely an author to keep an eye on, and TTAHKI is a must-read!


5 STARS! 


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I received an e-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

*Note: The quotes used belong to A.M. Arthur; TBQ's Book Palace do not claim them.

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I can't tell you how much I *loved* this book. If you are a fan of M/M romances, then this is the book you need to pick up. NOW. :) 

Remember, I'll be interviewing A.M. on Feb 16th, so be sure to stop back by to learn more about Shane and Noel. 

Have you read A.M. Arthur before? Do you have a favorite of hers?



Enjoy!


Until Next Time,


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  *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

4 comments :

Sophia Rose said...

I've read a couple of this author's books and yeah, keepers. I can tell how much this one really grabbed you and I want it now too. Fantastic review and quotes!

The_Book_Queen said...

Just one more week -- it's definitely worth it, I promise! :D

Red Iza said...

I've never read that author but hey, you can be very convincing ! I'm adding it to my "next" shelf ;)
And that cover is sexy ^^

The_Book_Queen said...

;) Glad I can be convincing! And yes, it is a sexy cover indeed. Totally matches what's inside! :D