Imagine falling in love with a man, then finding out he was a killer...TRU BLUE is a sexy, dark stand-alone novel written in the same loving, raw, and emotional voice romance readers have come to love, and the deeply emotional literary prose women's fiction readers have come to expect, from New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster.
He wore the skin of a killer, and bore the heart of a lover...
There's nothing Truman Gritt won't do to protect his family--Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. When he's finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother's overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she's left behind. Truman's hard, he's secretive, and he's trying to save a brother who's even more broken than he is. He's never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he's less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people's lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman's dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he'll be faced with his toughest decision yet.
EXCERPT:
TRUMAN GRITT LOCKED the door to Whiskey Automotive and stepped into the stormy September night. Sheets of rain blurred his vision, instantly drenching his jeans and T-shirt. A slow smile crept across his face as he tipped his chin up, soaking in the shower of freedom. He made his way around the dark building and climbed the wooden stairs to the deck outside his apartment. He could have used the interior door, but after being behind bars for six long years, Truman took advantage of the small pleasures he’d missed out on, like determining his own schedule, deciding when to eat and drink, and standing in the f**king rain if he wanted to. He leaned on the rough wooden railing, ignoring the splinters of wood piercing his tattooed forearms, squinted against the wetness, and scanned the cars in the junkyard they used for parts—and he used to rid himself of frustrations. He rested his leather boot on the metal box where he kept his painting supplies. Truman didn’t have much—his old extended-cab truck, which his friend Bear Whiskey had held on to for him while he was in prison, this apartment, and a solid job, both of which were compliments of the Whiskey family. The only family he had anymore.
Emotions he didn’t want to deal with burned in his gut, causing his chest to constrict. He turned to go inside, hoping to outrun thoughts of his own f**ked-up family, whom he’d tried—and failed—to save. His cell phone rang with his brother’s ringtone, “A Beautiful Lie” by 30 Seconds to Mars.
“F**k,” he muttered, debating letting the call go to voicemail, but six months of silence from his brother was a long time. Rain pelleted his back as he pressed his palm to the door to steady himself. The ringing stopped, and he blew out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d trapped inside. The phone rang again, and he froze.
He’d just freed himself from the dredges of hell that he’d been thrown into in an effort to save his brother. He didn’t need to get wrapped up in whatever mess the drug-addicted fool had gotten himself into. The call went to voicemail, and Truman eyed the metal box containing his painting supplies. Breathing like he’d been in a fight, he wished he could paint the frustration out of his head. When the phone rang for the third time in as many minutes, the third time since he was released from prison six months ago, he reluctantly answered.
“Quincy.” He hated the way his brother’s name came out sounding like the enemy. Quincy had been just a kid when Truman went to prison. Heavy breathing filled the airwaves. The hairs on Truman’s forearms and neck stood on end. He knew fear when he heard it. He could practically taste it as he ground his teeth together.
“I need you,” his brother’s tortured voice implored.
Need me? Truman had hunted down his brother after he was released from prison, and when he’d finally found him, Quincy was so high on crack he was nearly incoherent—but it didn’t take much for f**k off to come through loud and clear. What Quincy needed was rehab, but Truman knew from his tone that wasn’t the point of the call.
Before he could respond, his brother croaked out, “It’s Mom. She’s really bad.”
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MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
From the moment Ms. Gritt gave her children presidential names as it "was important to have an unforgettable name, since they'd have forgettable lives" she set them on a path of self-fulfilling prophecies that takes readers on an emotional roller coaster ride. From its vivid depiction of the ravages of drug abuse to the lengths one man will go to in the name of family this is a tale that brings a tear to your eye while giving you lots of warm fuzzies.
After six years of being in prison for a crime he didn't commit all Truman Gritt wants is to just live his life on his own terms. He doesn't want to get caught up again in the world of drugs that has been an anchor around his mother and younger brother's necks, but a desperate late night phone call drags him back into the chaos. While suddenly finding yourself caring for two younger siblings would break most men, it brings out only the best in Truman and shows him to be a sweet and caring man despite a body covered in tats and a personality a bit gruff early on. He embraced these helpless children as his own and made it his mission to give them the kind of life they deserved, with the help of a loyal and colorful group of friends. Helping him in his mission too is the outspoken Gemma who's the first woman to capture his attention and make him long for more. Together they're a formidable team whose interactions with the kids are endearing while in their private moments they're a combustible couple. Truman's the perfect book boyfriend who says and does all the right things to make your heart pitter-patter. He's a sexy beast who values loyalty and honesty and isn't afraid to shed a tear which made me love him all the more.
Gemma's life was vastly different as she was brought up in the lap of luxury. She was ignored though, cared for by nannies and staff, when all she wanted was a scrap of her mother's love. Her father's suicide further isolated her and had her immersing herself in the world of fairytales and HEAs. An unlikely meeting with a man who's her exact opposite though has her finding the love and acceptance she's always longed for as well as a family she could never have on her own. Gemma's a very kind hearted woman, a bit too inquisitive at times, but she always has the best of intentions. She's honest to a fault, the proverbial good girl who goes naughty as her relationship with Truman heats up. From the moment of their first crackling meeting she becomes an important part of his new-found family, accepting him wholeheartedly and supporting him when things looked their bleakest. Being with him and the children makes her stronger and more willing to go after what SHE wants and leads to a HEA that left me cheering after all the darkness they came from.
With her new release Ms. Foster has crafted an unforgettable tale that redefines the meaning of family. From a sweet stranger to rough around the edges bikers, Truman has found a supportive group of friends that are always there when he calls. They're a larger than life group who may scare some but have hearts of gold when handling the children. They're gentle giants and I look forward to getting to know more about them as the groundwork is just starting to be laid, through flashes of flirtiness between a few of the characters, for them to find their own HEAs. The children in this story, Lincoln and Kennedy, are a sweet and endearing addition to the cast too. I normally don't care for children in romances as they can be annoying, but these two were immensely likable and actually charmed me as they brought out the very best in those caring for them. Along with lots of sweetness there was a lot of scorching encounters between Truman and Gemma that left me parched. These encounters reinforced their powerful connection but were a bit frantic as there was always a fear of Truman losing his new-found family because of his past. Another heavy issue permeating the story was that of drug abuse and the toll it took on the user as well as their family. Ms. Foster dealt with this head-on, vividly depicting the consequences, and it made my heart ache. Truman's brother Quincy is at rock bottom at the start of the story and you can't help hating him for all he's let happen. It shows how talented Ms. Foster truly is as she makes his story an ultimately uplifting one that bodes well for this little family. On a whole this was a nicely crafted romance that I highly recommend that puts readers through the emotional wringer. You feel like you're a part of this unique family which has you rooting for them every step of the way until its hard-won conclusion.
After six years of being in prison for a crime he didn't commit all Truman Gritt wants is to just live his life on his own terms. He doesn't want to get caught up again in the world of drugs that has been an anchor around his mother and younger brother's necks, but a desperate late night phone call drags him back into the chaos. While suddenly finding yourself caring for two younger siblings would break most men, it brings out only the best in Truman and shows him to be a sweet and caring man despite a body covered in tats and a personality a bit gruff early on. He embraced these helpless children as his own and made it his mission to give them the kind of life they deserved, with the help of a loyal and colorful group of friends. Helping him in his mission too is the outspoken Gemma who's the first woman to capture his attention and make him long for more. Together they're a formidable team whose interactions with the kids are endearing while in their private moments they're a combustible couple. Truman's the perfect book boyfriend who says and does all the right things to make your heart pitter-patter. He's a sexy beast who values loyalty and honesty and isn't afraid to shed a tear which made me love him all the more.
Gemma's life was vastly different as she was brought up in the lap of luxury. She was ignored though, cared for by nannies and staff, when all she wanted was a scrap of her mother's love. Her father's suicide further isolated her and had her immersing herself in the world of fairytales and HEAs. An unlikely meeting with a man who's her exact opposite though has her finding the love and acceptance she's always longed for as well as a family she could never have on her own. Gemma's a very kind hearted woman, a bit too inquisitive at times, but she always has the best of intentions. She's honest to a fault, the proverbial good girl who goes naughty as her relationship with Truman heats up. From the moment of their first crackling meeting she becomes an important part of his new-found family, accepting him wholeheartedly and supporting him when things looked their bleakest. Being with him and the children makes her stronger and more willing to go after what SHE wants and leads to a HEA that left me cheering after all the darkness they came from.
With her new release Ms. Foster has crafted an unforgettable tale that redefines the meaning of family. From a sweet stranger to rough around the edges bikers, Truman has found a supportive group of friends that are always there when he calls. They're a larger than life group who may scare some but have hearts of gold when handling the children. They're gentle giants and I look forward to getting to know more about them as the groundwork is just starting to be laid, through flashes of flirtiness between a few of the characters, for them to find their own HEAs. The children in this story, Lincoln and Kennedy, are a sweet and endearing addition to the cast too. I normally don't care for children in romances as they can be annoying, but these two were immensely likable and actually charmed me as they brought out the very best in those caring for them. Along with lots of sweetness there was a lot of scorching encounters between Truman and Gemma that left me parched. These encounters reinforced their powerful connection but were a bit frantic as there was always a fear of Truman losing his new-found family because of his past. Another heavy issue permeating the story was that of drug abuse and the toll it took on the user as well as their family. Ms. Foster dealt with this head-on, vividly depicting the consequences, and it made my heart ache. Truman's brother Quincy is at rock bottom at the start of the story and you can't help hating him for all he's let happen. It shows how talented Ms. Foster truly is as she makes his story an ultimately uplifting one that bodes well for this little family. On a whole this was a nicely crafted romance that I highly recommend that puts readers through the emotional wringer. You feel like you're a part of this unique family which has you rooting for them every step of the way until its hard-won conclusion.
My rating for this is an A.
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance (M/F, M/M, F/F), romantic suspense, thrillers, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa's emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café. When she's not writing. Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success.
Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.
Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers.
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Wow! Just, wow! I was totally blown away from your review. I can tell just how much you cared about the characters. I'm so glad you joined the tour XOXO
ReplyDeleteTYVM for stopping by and for your kind comment! I LOVE romances that pull at your heart strings and I really got caught up in this one. Thanks for crafting such a powerful tale!
DeleteThe Scarf Princess