This fun, female-empowering debut by Holly James is a good one! James takes all the sad truths that women still have to deal with in today's society and spins it in a fun and entertaining way.
On Lucy Green's 30th birthday she discovers that she can no longer tell or live out any lies. This is not only eye-opening for her but always a bit of a problem since she is a celebrity publicist in LA who tells little white lies for living. Through out the day, thanks to her ability to only tell the truth, Lucy blows up her whole world. However, she not only discovers some truths about herself, she makes things right for others.
I enjoyed reading this. I like the way James brought up all the ridiculous "rules" women are expected to live by but still kept a positive vibe to the book. While reading it you will get nothing but feelings of empowerment. This whole novel is entertaining and thought-provoking. It's like they say...the truth will set you free!

Nothing But The Truth comes out July 12th! Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton books for this ARC!!

What if you one day woke up and found you could no longer lie? Not a single fib or half-truth. Just frank, unfiltered honesty.

Holly James’s debut novel Nothing But the Truth follows Lucy Green, a Hollywood publicist, who wakes up on her 30th birthday unable to lie, which for a person whose whole job revolves around spinning the truth, presents quite the challenge for her in the wake of a potential big promotion.

Lucy is entirely relatable, and her journey strongly resonates, especially in the current climate. Tonally, Holly James expertly balances the humorous and more serious moments. The story has good pacing and makes for a quick read.

There is a splash of romance, but it’s not the focus of this story. This story is about female empowerment and Lucy’s transformation into being unapologetically herself. By embracing what she wants and no longer holding back, Lucy sets herself free to go after what makes her happy not what is expected of her.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an inspiring, uplifting, and entertaining story.

A huge thank you to Penguin Group Dutton Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Read/Listen If You Like:
❤️ Subtle Romance
❤️ F*ck the Patriarchy Vibes
❤️ Liar, Liar
❤️ Questioning all the little lies we tell daily

Book Review:
On the eve of Lucy Green’s 30th birthday her long-term boyfriend stands her up for drinks and because of that she meets a HOT bartender who switches out her aspirational drink she hates with one that is more enjoyable and she makes a wish for the perfect birthday.

The next day it seems as though Lucy is on a f*ck the patriarchy rampage as she is switching up many of her norms tied to cultural expectations of women. Wear the uncomfortable clothes, pimp yourselves to be acceptable for public consumption, wear the uncomfortable shoes, plaster yourself with make-up, and most importantly do not say anything to the creep at work about their behavior that crosses the line.

But when Lucy figures out that her wish was misinterpreted and she can’t live dishonestly or tell lies, and she does all of the above, what will come of her big day when she was hoping to land a client of her dreams and through that, a big promotion at work?

I loved the mortality check that Lucy had as she examined all the little lies that she had told herself mostly, and others that added up to her unhappiness that this day forced her to abandon while living in truth. I also enjoyed the character growth she made through her day of being unable to live dishonestly.

I also loved the subtle romance that also played out cause who doesn’t love a hunky tattooed bartender?

Thank you NetGalley and Dutton Books for the ARC of this book! I am so grateful to obtain a copy to read in advance of its release in exchange for my honest feedback!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley! This book was a cute yet serious one about Lucy who wakes up on her 30th with the inability to tell a lie. I think it could have used a little more humor as once it got serious, the way it was marketed kind of took a backseat but it definitely highlights an important message in today’s world!

There is absolutely no way Holly James could have known that her book would be published right after a life-altering political decision, but the universe must have, because this is the book that every woman needs right now.
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On the eve of Lucy's 30th birthday, she makes a wish to have the perfect day. She wakes up the next morning unable to tell a life, and what commences is only the best work of contemporary feminist literature I've ever read.
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This book makes me want to cuss out sleazy men, boycott thongs, and go to a protest. Lucy's truths are just the truths that women have been keeping inside for years, for centuries even, and she was such a breath of fresh air after this last week of heartbreak and hate.
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Thank you, Holly James, for giving women just the bada** female character we needed, right when we needed her the most.

Book Review:
2.5 ⭐️’s

I want to start by saying the overall writing of this book wasn’t terrible and I’d be so inclined to possibly read another book by this author in the future as they hone their skill. That being said, this book just didn’t hit it for me.

The book takes place over 24 hours and I think that made this feel so much longer than it was. It was as if the day didn’t end. There was a lot of redundancy and the ratio of dialogue and inner thoughts was off. We were inundated with never ending monologues from the lead as well as never ending internal thoughts. It also felt like a book that should be labeled as “chick lit” (I hate that name) but threw in a romance as an after thought.

Additionally, while I understand the theme of this book was about feminism in a world of the MeToo movement, it was so hard to hear a white woman complain the entire time.

I just couldn’t connect with Lucy. Weirdly enough, I felt more connected to Chase - her arch nemesis.

This book started out as a 4 ⭐️ for me and as much as I wanted to settle it into a 3 ⭐️, I just couldn’t.

Thank you to the publisher for an arc.

3.5 stars

I requested to read this book because I loved the cover, so I went into it blind, not really knowing what would happen or what the plot was. I'm really happy I picked this one up though because I did end up enjoying it!

I will be honest, there were times when I felt like putting this one down. Throughout the book there was some really long dialogue pieces, and it made it a little difficult to read for me.

Despite this, it was such a powerful read with underlying plots of friendship, romance, and female empowerment. I think it's a really empowering read for all women and discusses some important topics. The more I read, the more I enjoyed the discussion of these topics. I felt that I could relate a lot to Lucy and really wish I could speak my truth at times as well. Overall, a great and empowering read!

On the eve of her thirtieth birthday, celebrity publicist Lucy Green is being stood up by her boyfriend (again), hoping for a promotion, and not enjoying her martini. When Lucy tells the hot bartender to make her "something else" he gives her a life-changing drink, and she makes a wish for her birthday to be the perfect day. When Lucy shows up at her office the next day she soon realizes that she can't tell a lie. From the clothes she chose NOT to wear because they made her uncomfortable, to the burger she ordered at a high powered meeting because she's tired of being made to think she should order a salad instead, she can't not express her truth. Taking a good long look at her relationship, her job and her inappropriate boss she has a day where she says what she means, and means what she says. Even if it causes waves, and sparks controversy.

There were moments where I couldn't help but cheer Lucy on! And then there were moments where I wish she'd stop rushing around LA and let me get to know the other characters better. Overall, a fun female empowering read.

3.5 stars
What starts out to be a curse could actually be a blessing in disguise in this fun romance. But don’t let this cute cover fool you, this also a story about friendship, female empowerment and doing what you want instead of what you’re suppose to,
I liked this one but struggled with a lot of the long winded dialogue. All and all a great read.

The book started out being humorous as Lucy gets far more than she ever bargained for on her 30th birthday. It’s a day of ups and downs. I applauded Lucy, initially, for standing up for herself, but then it was as if she had to slay every demonic dragon of society in one day. I quickly tired of the thinly disguised rants wrapped up in dialogue about certain contemporary topics; they went on for pages.
Hot Bartender Adam who rides a motorcycle was the one saving grace of the book and I was bowled over by him at the first introduction.

Nothing But The Truth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 7/12/22
Author: Holly James
Publisher: Dutton
Pages: 304
Goodreads Rating: 3.86

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Dutton and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: It’s the eve of Hollywood publicist Lucy Green’s thirtieth birthday, so she makes a rueful wish over her cocktail for a perfect birthday. But when Lucy’s wish is granted in the most unexpected way, things go terribly awry, as things often do when wishes come true…. When Lucy arrives at the office, she realizes that not only can she no longer lie to herself, she can’t lie to anyone else, either. Now that she can’t hide how she feels, Lucy must confront all the injustices—small and large—she’s faced on a daily basis at work, in her relationship, and in every other aspect of her life...and the truth is going to come out in a big way.

My Thoughts: This reminded me of the movie, Liar Liar, starring Jim Carey. Imagine a publicist, who makes their career by telling white lies, cannot lie anymore, brilliant! The characters are well developed, have depth, passionate, charismatic, and keeps you engaged throughout the story. I absolutely adored Lucy and how she was written, the perfect heroine, that I absolutely rooted for throughout the story, she is both likable and relatable. The author’s writing style is complex, thought provoking, creative, and just brilliant! While there is a romantic element to the story, it is more of Lucy standing in her truth, discovering who she really is, connecting with the people around her, and no longer a doormat for anyone. What I most loved is that Lucy followed what she believed and not what society expects. The story has an amazing message and I absolutely adored it. Even though I was fortunate enough to read an early ARC of this book, I have also preordered the audiobook to listen to. With this being James debut novel, I can only imagine what she will write in the future, I will definitely be buying future novels from James.

this is was unexpectedly amazing. i love a woman-empowering story and this is what it was. it was heartwarming but also sad to follow the FMC's journey as she remove the society's pink glasses and see her reality and everything that was not okay with herself. this was a good story if you need reflexion on your own life it's a good book to choice

I really liked this twist of a birthday wish you didn’t know you wanted. Lucy learned over time that honesty is really the best policy. It was hard to tell the truth, because sometimes lying is just easier. I loved her journey of realizing her lies were really just forcing her to hide her true self to the point she didn’t even know she was lying anymore. Her friend group was strong as well and good for comedic relief. There was a lot that happened in this 24 hour story, so that part made it seem a little dramatic to me, but the story itself was great. I loved the weaving of celebrities, birthday wishes, and fate being involved in a romantic twist that Lucy never saw coming.

This was a breath of woman-power fresh air I didn’t know I didn’t! The topic of #metoo was covered in a sensitive, yet witty manner. I was outraged one minute and the heart warned the next. I could sympathize with the MC and cheered her on from the start. I’ll be recommending this as a summer must-read to anyone who will listen!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

3.5 stars. This was a quick and cute feminist empowering spin on Liar, Liar with a touch of romance.

Lucy Green is a Hollywood celebrity publicist, who on the night before her 30th birthday, makes a wish for the perfect day to discover the wish actually granted is she cannot tell a lie. We follow along her day on what could ultimately be a disaster to discover her truth telling actually helps her and others out more than she ever realized.

Overall, I thought it was a decent book. Not "a great, I want to scream from the rooftop everyone should read this book" book, but a decent read. I liked the supporting characters and could see the author expanding the series with Lucy's friends, Nina or Oliver, and I feel that could be enjoyable. It was definitely thought provoking, but I would have probably enjoyed it more if there was more comical moments.

**Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an advanced copy of this book and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion. I am posting this review to my Goodreads account immediately and will post it to my Amazon & Instagram accounts upon publication.

This book was a short read, however it was not my cup of tea. While I consider myself a feminist this book kinda hits you over the head with all the struggles women deal with, repeatedly and incessantly. The whole plot, humor and character developments got over shadowed by the numerous diatribes the main character went on and frankly, by the time the book ended I just wanted to yell at her to SHUT UP! Problem is the audience who would read this book already know the struggle and don't need it retold to us. What I did enjoy is that it was a quick and light read and there were a couple side characters I enjoyed. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC version of this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of "Nothing But the Truth" written by Holly James, scheduled to release on July 12th, 2022!

Overall, I rated this book a 4/5 stars! The part that made me deduct a star was because almost the entirety of the novel took place over the course of 24 hours, and despite how much I loved this novel and it's storyline, things do not actually happen that quickly.

However, the characters were all well-written and developed, and it was a fast-paced and engaging read, overall. The storyline also gave off major Liar, Liar movie vibes, which was quite the nostalgia for me.

Lucy is working hard to gain a promotion at work while fending off the unwanted advances of the CEO of the company that she works for. To make matters worse, the shit hits the fan on the day of her 30th birthday, and she also breaks up with her boyfriend of 2 years who is nowhere near ready to propose to her yet. She meets an attractive bartender the night before, and makes a wish to have the perfect day - but as we know, that can be perceived differently in the terms of each individual person. Read more to find out if you agree with Lucy - did she really have "one perfect day"?

🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

This book was absolutely flawless. I originally requested it because the cover gave me romcom vibes, but it’s definitely more of a chick lit novel with a romantic subplot, but I still loved every second of this book.

This book is Liar Liar, if it was made in modern times and the protagonist was a badass woman capable of so many things. With everything happening in the world right now, this book was an amazing middle finger saying that women can do what they want and win.

I especially loved her monologues talking about the injustices women face like climbing into their spanx and bikini wax pains and the grossness of “pee string”.

All the stars to this book and it comes out July 12th! Get your copy soon!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars. I liked this book, I liked the premise, and I loved the support for the #MeToo movement, but some of the things Lucy did was so unrealistic and farfetched, especially towards the end. I am not talking about the whole cant lie thing either.

Lucy gets stood up the night before her 30th birthday by her boyfriend. the bartender makes her a "special" drink and tells her to make a wish, she does and wishes for the perfect day. She wakes up the morning of her birthday and realizes she cannot lie. She decides that the clothes she usually wears, she is over. The makeup and hair products, she doesn't need them. She totally revamps herself and her style. And unfortunately, that is the first thing that everyone notices when she walks into work. they all ask her if she is okay as if someone wearing something comfortable means there is something wrong. But that are the standards that women are held to, unfortunately.

The day is not only her birthday but the day she is supposed to get a big promotion. Scared that she cannot lie, she doesn't know what she is going to do. But in the meantime, she is called into the CEO's office. He is sleazy and she's had enough, she finally tells him how she feels, but will it backfire on her? Guess you'll have to read it to find out.

I liked that this book took place only over 2 days. I feel like we got a lot more details that way. I loved the support Lucy got from her best friends and her boss. I also liked "hot bartender". I just wish I could rate this book higher. But that will not stop me from recommending it.

While once again being stood up by her boyfriend, Lucy makes a wish that tomorrow, her 30th birthday, will be perfect. When she wakes up, she learns that she is incapable of telling a lie but more importantly, she can no longer lie to herself. We follow Lucy throughout her day while her wish turns her life upside down and discovers how being honest can make the perfect day.

Nothing But the Truth is a feminist spin on Liar, Liar. It is filled with magical realism, supportive friends, brave women, and a swoon worthy Hot Bartender. It was so much fun to read and had important commentary on very real issues women face in their everyday lives.

*slight spoilers ahead*
I have to be honest though, I almost DNF the book at the very beginning (I'm very glad I didn't). When Lucy is getting ready for work, she decides she doesn't want to wear makeup, do her hair, or wear the tight clothing she normally wears for work. That is all fine, I do not have a problem with someone deciding that for themselves. The problem arouse from then implying every woman who DOES do those things is just lying to themselves. And when others asked if something was wrong (because her appearance suddenly didn't match what she looked like EVERY DAY at work), there was some patronizing comment like "oh they dont know any better because theyve been taught what women should look like". Um, no? If my coworker came to work and had a banana for breakfast every day for years, and then suddenly one day she didn't, I would definitely ask about it. Not because I think she *has* to have a banana, but just because she diverged from her normal routine.
I am all for encouraging women to live their truth. If they don't want to wear a full face of makeup, if they don't want to wear the tight dress, then don't. But I don't think it's fair to tell women who do enjoy some of these things that they're just lying to themselves. That aspect of the book was empowering some women while putting others down. It came off as "I'm not like other girls" and I did not like that. This became less of an issue later on in the book and the other messages were important enough for me to keep reading. Overall, it was a 3.5 stars read for me.
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.