Rating: 4.25/5
Steam: 3.5/5
Warnings: difficult family dynamics, divorce, cheating
Tropes/Rep: frenemies to lovers, he falls first, dual bi-sexuals

Thank you to Avon and NetGall.ey for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Well, this was really really quite good and I would like to read that all over again.

Things I loved: The banter, such good dialogue. such great sexual between these two. omg they were so horny, I hate using that word in review normally but like they were and you could feel it. and the best part,, Colin was so gone for Truly, the man worked for it. romance authors in books. swiftie easter eggs. parent trap moments.

Things I didn't love: The parents and their word games. I feel like this didn't translate well into a novel. Some "half-baked" side characters, I feel like we kinda lost them near the end (nothing major). It was very much enemies to lovers light, I don't totally understand the conflict in the beginning but you know it was there.

Truly Livingston is a romance author who is struggling to believe in happily-ever-afters. Her parents' trial separation and her recent break up from her cheating fiance have left her not in the best headspace. So when she shows up to talk relationships on a podcast, it's no surprise that she can't deal with her cohost, the cynical and realistic (but hot) divorce lawyer Colin McCroy. But after she walks out, Colin tracks her down, asking for another chance. Truly agrees, and they become fast friends finding out they have a lot in common.

I do have to point out that the story is told from Truly's POV, and sometimes I thought she was being unnecessarily difficult both to Colin and her parents. Although I can understand being skeptical and stubborn, both are relatable, character flaws. Also, if you aren't a mole person, Truly is about to make you one because she is constantly talking about Colin's moles! Someone give her a marker to make those constellations! 🤣

I absolutely loved this book. I really appreciated that both characters were bisexual. You honestly don't see enough stories where both leads are queer and open to sharing that. And the way that they stood up for each other and supported each other when it came to their families was so sweet. This book had me squealing, smiling, crying, laughing, and fanning myself. The banter, the arguing, the chemistry! So good! I loved and got all the pop culture references, from Broadway music to Taylor Swift. Perfect. And yes, the spice is that good, you guys! The things he says to her. 🥵 I love that so many books I've read lately are the guy worshiping the women and pleasing them. 🤌top tier.
I can't forget to mention that I need spin-offs for Truly's BFF Lulu and Colin's sister Caitlin. Loved them both!
So if you enjoy a "he falls first" story with lots of back and forth banter and steamy scenes, this is for you.
A huge thank you to @netgalley @avonbooks and @a.m.bellefleur for this ARC.

That is, without a doubt, Steve Harrington on the cover and you cannot convince me otherwise. Anyway, Truly, Madly, Deeply follows Truly Livingston, a renowned romance novelist, who is slated to co-host a relationship advice podcast amidst her own love life crisis. Struggling with her parents’ separation and catching her fiancé in bed with someone else, she’s questioning just how realistic the idea of true love is. Enter Colin McCory, a devilishly handsome divorce lawyer whose views on love rub Truly the wrong way. After a fiery encounter, Truly plans to ditch the podcast, until Colin surprises her by asking for a second chance. Reluctantly, she agrees, and as they transition from foes to friends, Truly discovers shared queer identity and unexpected chemistry with Colin. But as passion flares, she can’t shake doubts: is Colin truly in love, or is it too good to be true?

I just really, really love romance books where the guy worships the ground the woman walks on and Truly, Madly, Deeply did not disappoint. Colin is one of the hottest men that have ever graced the pages of romance book and that’s literally because he cannot stop singing Truly’s praises!? This man would win the award for most unproblematic love interest of 2024, hands down.

Some might call their love story too cheesy, but listen, this is exactly what I look for in a romance? Drown me in cheesy, over-the-top lovefests, please. Fantastic banter? Utter devotion? The desire to move mountains for your loved one? Giving them everything they need and want and not making them feel bad for being scared of that much devotion? Steamy good times that have both the characters and yourself gasping for air? Yes, please, I’ll take a thousand.

Truly and Colin just fit. I know they’re not supposed to and their opposite thinking on certain aspects of love and relationships, especially shown during their podcast recording, had me absolutely mesmerised because they both made so many great points and sometimes conceded to the other’s points without taking away from the validity of their own beliefs. Those encounters already gave so much insight into just how much of an equal pairing they were going to be—wrapped up in fantastic banter. I wish I could put a hundred quotes in here because every single time they’re together on the page, the air just…feels filled with delicious tension? Their quick back and forths reminded me a lot of the fast-paced dialogue in Gilmore Girls, it was just one quick quip after another but somehow they also always added something new to the story, whether it was some deep belief of either of them or just some background to their life trajectory that was important for the way the story unfolded – that’s talent right there. I also loved how they bonded over both being bisexual and how their queer identity has shaped the way they see others but also how they approach love. The fear of being labelled wrongly just because you’re in a straight-presenting relationship was articulated so well here and it really made me think about my own experiences with mislabelling.

Also, I’m baffled by how well Bellefleur balanced the sweet with the nasty in Truly, Madly, Deeply.

Now, mind you, I’ve read all her books and this woman knows how to write banter and steam but the way the both were just woven in so seamlessly together in this novel? Unparalleled.

The main selling point for me with this book though, is this: It’s inarguably, undoubtedly, incredible fun. Whether it’s a scene between Truly and Colin, a scene where Truly is with her parents who are over-the-top, dramatic musical lovers or a scene where Truly reflects on life and romance, I almost always had a grin on my face or a chuckle about to burst out. This is the kind of romcom book I’m sure to reread, not just because the characters feel so real and are for sure going to be fun to revisit but because of the lightheartedness and the way reading it made me feel – hopeful, happy and comforted.

That’s not to say that there aren’t emotional scenes and topics discussed that will hit you hard. After all, Truly is dealing with a pretty big problem: Losing the intrinsic belief in true love being able to conquer anything when her parents decide to take some time apart—the very couple whose love story inspired her to become a romance author. The very relationship that has always driven her own actions when it comes to romance. I loved how Bellefleur showed so many different kinds of love in this book and how love and relationships take work – and that you can’t win a battle you’re fighting on your own. The vulnerability that comes with seeking true love, the trust you have to put into a new person who you don’t know yet, whose motives might not be clear, where you don’t know yet whether they’ll break your heart or stick around forever to guard it is shown so beautifully in Truly, Madly, Deeply and makes for an unforgettable read that I can recommend with my whole heart.

Side note: If you’re a Swiftie, this book will undoubtedly be a homerun for you. The many references hit so hard but none made me tear up as much as the “You Are in Love” one. That was uncalled for, Bellefleur (but also thanks for including them).

If you’re looking for one hell of a good time, quick-witted, fast-paced banter and an opposites-attract romance that is deliciously dirty yet utterly sweet, Truly, Madly, Deeply needs to be on your TBR! This book will make you kick your feet and giggle shamelessly, guaranteed.

Truly, a romance novelist and Colin, a family law attorney are both asked to appear on Colin's sister's podcast giving relationship advice from the respective perspectives of a romantic and a realist. This big opportunity comes on the heels of Truly finding out her fiancé is cheating on her and her parents are separating. The rest of the story is about Truly grieving in the way of Parent Trap-ping her parents and push and pulling with Colin, a walking green flag of a man with his honest and patience. Colin was my favorite part of this story - his patience and thoughtfulness and respect. He's certainly as they say "written by a woman".

- Bi rep
- Banter
- Open Door Romance 3/5 spice

Thank you for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Truly, Madly, Deeply by Alexandria Bellefleur. #TrulyMadlyDeeply #NetGalley

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Alexandria Bellefleur once again delivers another amazing queer romcom (both leads are bi) with Truly, Madly, Deeply, which just might be her best book to date. I loved pretty much every moment of it, from the humor full of Tayloe Swfit references and dirty jokes to the gradual, not-quite-slow-burn, but-also-not-instantaneous-either romance, not to mention the sensitive handling of complex, even dysfunctional family relationships.
My interest was initially piqued by the characters of Truly and Colin. They seem like such opposites, with Truly being a hopeful romance novelist, in spite of having been betrayed by an ex at the beginning of the book, while Colin is a cynical divorce lawyer. But the way the characters evolved and grew subverted my expectations of where this would go from the initial setup. Because of course, once they got over their initial animosity, they realized they had a solid connection. But seeing that gradual deepening beyond flirting/spending time together/hooking up to it looking like it could be something real was beautifully complicated by the other elements of the story and how it impacts them, especially Truly. Her being the one to lack confidence in herself and her value in a relationship felt believable, as did Colin being pretty much gone for her, if not from the moment he met her, at least from the time they started hanging out.
And these complicating factors with each others’ families are interwoven cleverly to complement the romance, and I love how we see both Truly and Colin support each other through these issues. I generally liked Truly’s parents and their quirky show-business ways, including the propensity to quote show-tunes and turn it into a game among themselves. I also felt like the arc around the parents considering separation, even divorce, and Truly’s poor reaction to it was fairly well handled. While I don’t think the parents always respond well to her trying to show her feelings about the situation and how it impacts her, it’s also clear Truly does have some things to work on in that regard too.
Colin’s family, on the other hand…talk about toxic. His brother got with Colin’s ex right after they broke up, and now they’re married and expecting a baby. It was infuriating how Colin did try to set boundaries, but he kept being pulled back into all the toxicity, where even his parents clearly side with his brother, and don’t understand why Colin can’t forgive him.
I loved this book so much, and I’d recommend it to readers looking for a queer romcom with a lot of heat and heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Collins Publishers for a copy of an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If I could rate this book as higher than 5 stars, I would in a heartbeat. I read this book in one evening. I purchased a physical copy for my personal library when I was just 33% way through the book.

Alexandria Bellefleur, you wrote a fantastic, beautiful book. This book was different than other romances that I have read in the past, and it was a palate cleanse from alpha, possessive males that tend to permeate the romance genre.

Romance writer Truly St. James and family lawyer Colin McCrory meet on a podcast discussing relationships, and from there, sparks fly. Y'all - the banter this book had was truly riveting and electric. I literally laughed through the entirety reading this, because the interactions and banter between the two leads was just so funny. You could feel the passion and tension between the main characters from the first page of them meeting through the end of the book. The spice in the book (two to three chili peppers worth) is excellent and well written. Their obsession with each other was beautifully written, and I enjoyed everything about it, especially their text messages and emails.

This book had bi-sexual representation and ADHD representation, which I love to see. It is wonderful when authors add to the literary tradition with diverse characters written well.

I've never annotated a book before, because I've never felt compelled, but I was highlighting so much while reading, because I wanted to remember the quotes and the emotions throughout the book.

Some of my favorites:
"Want me to talk about my PPO, baby? I could tell you about my deductible?"

"Come on, wreck me. I dare you."

"You saw me on Saturday -" "Yeah, and I missed you as soon as I walked out your front door. What's your point?"

My only criticism of the book is that some characters were utilized early on, but rarely mentioned again when it seemed like they were important in the beginning. I would have liked to see them (like Colin's sister, Caitlin), a little more fleshed out and the plot of her podcast discussed a little more, but that would never stop me from reading this book.

This book is definitely worth the read, and I can tell it will be one of my go-to comfort reads for a long time to come.

Truly, Madly, Deeply was disappointing considering I've been really looking forward to reading it. I really wanted to read more about the podcast series and was shocked it only happened at the very beginning of the book and never again. The whole plot line with Truly's parents' separation was kinda weird and immature. I also found the chemistry between the characters lacking although I did enjoy the dirty talk. Overall, I think I would have enjoyed this more if the plot had been tightened since the podcast series was dropped so early on and the plotline with the parents was weird.

I mean this book was mid for me. Did it have cute moments? Yes, I just overall didn't like it.

Here's the thing, I have a huge issue with plots that have to do with situations like "My brother/sister is dating my ex and my family tries to gaslight me that it's not a shitty thing to do. I'm the problem, not them for getting together possibly while they were still with me, or days/weeks afterwards". It had nothing to do with ownership (which is gross), It's the family butting in. Whether the main character that this happened to has valid feelings of being hurt.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

One sentence summary: After a not so great first meeting, two horny fools fall hard for each other.

My thoughts: Colin McCrory is an absolute simp for Truly St. James. Me? I love them both! This book had me smiling, laughing, practicing my stealth face for reading smut in public, and I even shed a few tears. Literally the only thing I wanted was more of these two. I’d gladly read another entire book about them.

Alexandria Bellefleur writes some really great sapphic books, but my god her M/F books get me right in my feels every single (2) times 😂

Anyway, I will continue to read everything she writes and in 18 days I will attempt to tell her how much I lover her books in person (or you know just cry like I tend to do)

Enough babbling, I recommend you read this book when it comes out on 4/30! Thanks @netgalley and @avonbooks for an early copy.

I have been reading so many good romance novels, I forgot how different it feels to read one that blows you out of the water. I literally read it in one sitting.
Truly, Madly, Deeply highlights two flawed individuals who can't deny their attraction to one another. While the summary of the book highlights the delightful tropes, this story is so much more than that. Colin is my first non-fantasy book boyfriend. He's witty and sweet and caring. Bisexual king! I adored his confidence in himself (in most situations) and his ability to be vulnerable with Truly. Truly is a great main character. She's sassy and snarky with a huge heart. I was worried the plotline with her parents was going to make me dislike her or feel like she's being deliberately obtuse. But it did a great job of showing her dedication (stubbornness) and care for the people she loves. Her career was the cherry on top.
Colin and Truly's relationship felt very accurate. They fight, make up, have fears, are stubborn (cough, Truly, cough) but they work through it all. Plus, their chemistry is INTENSE!
The side characters were lots of fun and had a lot of depth. They were well fleshed out and added a lot to the story, especially Lulu and Caite.
I really appreciated that both characters were bi and sharing that was just a moment of connection for them. There was no insecurity or concerns about cheating. Just holding space for each other. Which is SO refreshing!
The spice in this book was made for me. Colin is so sexy. The way he worships Truly just made me melt. Also, the scene in the cabin had me squealing in excitement. I loved how their banter outside of the bedroom directly reflected into the way they interacted in the bedroom.
Overall, this book is definitely in my top three of the year so far. I will be shouting it from the rooftops. Preorder it now!

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for the ARC!

I love Alexandria Bellefleur books because i know the witty banter is going to be amazing!. Truly, Madly, Deeply did not disappoint. This book was great from start to finish. The banter never ever stopped. Truly, Madly, Deeply had everything from spice, romance and sweet.


I finished this book in a weekend. It is a must have if you are a fan of Alexandira Bellefluer!


Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the arc.

Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. I felt like the writing was super cringey, and while I think there could’ve been a good story under all the cringe, I just couldn’t push through to find it. Thank you for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Truly, Madly, Deeply centers on bi cuties Truly, a romance novelist and Colin, a family law attorney. They are both asked to appear on a podcast giving relationship advice offering the perspectives of a romantic and a realist. But Truly’s world is spinning out of control—having just found her fiancé cheating on her and learning her parents, whose love have served as her HEA blueprint, are separating. While she initially finds Colin super hot, he seriously pisses Truly off in their first recording of the show and she has no interest in seeing him again, let alone recording another episode. But after he makes amends, they soon become friends and the attraction they have for each other is undeniable.

This was so, so cute. The banter was chef’s kiss good!! Colin is clearly Joe Keery coded based on the cover and the descriptions and I am here for it. I really appreciated how honest and patient he was. A total gem. The amount of moles as constellation references was a bit excessive and Truly’s meddling with her parents made me forget her age. I also wish we saw a little more of the podcast. But this was overall great; a really sweet (and spicy) love story.

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers for a copy of an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read several books by Alexandria Bellefleur before and thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. This one has to take the cake for me though. Dare I say, this has strong potential to be my favorite book of 2024. I was literally giggling and kicking my feet. There were time I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face.

The banter was so well done and the spice (chef’s kiss). I mean, Collin was literally begging at points (I almost passed out). I LOVED the bi rep. I think this is one of the first books I’ve read with bi rep like this and done so well. I also loved the the ADHD rep in there too.

Some tropes I loved: he reads her books, takes care of her when she is sick, they are each other’s safe place, and grumpy//sunshine

Fav quotes:
“Want me to talk about my PPO, baby? I could tell you about my deductible?”
“The day I don’t want you is the day the Earth starts rotating backwards, okay?”

This reminded me so profoundly of “Begin Again” by Taylor Swift in book for that it also deserves a mention.

This was absolutely FANTASTIC. I started this book today and finished already bc I simply couldn’t put it down. From page one I was hooked. I absolutely loved the writing and was so invested in Truly & Colin’s story.

This book was so entertaining, sweet, spicy, and romantic. Everything I could hope for in a romance. The emotional connection and friendship between Truly & Colin is what I loved most. Their relationship development felt so real. Colin is a man OBSESSED and I LOVED it. How they met was so fun and their banter and bickering was perfect and so cute. At times I wanted to be like Truly girl what are you DOING but Colin would reel her back in and be there for her and I MELT.

I binged this in less than one day bc I couldn’t put it down and I almost wish I hadn’t bc I’m sad it’s over. Just means I have to reread when it comes out on the 30th 🤷🏻‍♀️ thank you Avon for the ARC!!

Such a fun and easy read! Love love love the banter, I couldn’t get enough of it. So relatable and my first book with bisexual representation. Colin and Truly are hilarious, witty, and charming!

this was exactly what I crave in a good love story. I related to Truly a lot, and I feel like this is one of those love stories where they bring out a new side in each other.

3.5 stars rounded up!

I thought this was a great rom com! The banter between the two leads was hilarious. I genuinely laughed at loud at the texting, the side characters, and some of the plot. This is definitely a grumpy x sunshine situation where sweet Colin is allll sunshine.

Colin was so swoony and a walking green flag for so many reasons. Truly was fun and snarky but I found to her be immature at times. The whole “I’m 27 but trying to parent trap my parents and insert myself into their relationship” was not the vibe.

The first 75% of this book was amazing for me. It felt a bit rushed at the end and some of the spicy scenes didn’t feel like they furthered the emotional depth between the characters. This book was SPICY 🥵 some of the things were definitely not my preference so that’s where, for me, the story lost me a little. However, some people will probably really enjoy the specific kinks and spicy moments that take place (spit just ain’t my thing).

Overall a fun and cute rom com with great banter!

This was such a cute book. I loved the characters and their story. If you are looking for a heart felt book to read. I highly recommend.

Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 (4.5-5)
Truly, Madly, Deeply was everything I wanted it to be and even a bit more! Following a chance meeting as two guest hosts on a relationship podcast, a newly-single romance author Truly Livingston can’t stop thinking about the infuriating divorce lawyer and cohost Colin McCory—definitely because he was rude, not because he was incredibly handsome. Truly is surprised when Colin shows up a couple of days later to ask for another chance to get to know her, and she’s surprised when she finds there’s a real connection forming. Colin seems really into her and says all the right things, but as much as Truly is a romantic her awful ex has made her question everything she thought she knew about love. Can she trust herself enough to give Colin a chance?

>> What I loved: This had all the great hallmarks of Bellefleur’s work—funny, great characters, and a whirlwind romance. The banter between Truly and Colin is a bunch of fun, and the chemistry between our characters jumps off the page. The bisexual representation in this book is really lovely! I appreciate the way that Bellefleur wove in an opportunity for the characters to talk about this in a way that felt natural and important for the characters’ development. Interesting family dynamics on both sides round out a great cast of characters and draw out numerous issues and situations that feel real, without getting too heavy.
>> What I didn’t love: Few gripes for me on this one, except that the ending was a little rushed for my liking.

Highly recommend to lovers of queer romance, especially those who love a lighthearted and pop-y story, great characters, fun banter, and spice.

Acknowledgments & Disclaimers
✨ Thank you to NetGalley, Alexandria Bellefleur, and Avon and Harper Voyager, for providing an ARC and the opportunity to share an honest review of this book.
✨ All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
✨ My reviews and ratings strive to evaluate books within their own age-demographic and genre.