This started out as a cute story, almost a coming of age, and then the second half of the book took the sexy and added the emotion. This is a reassuring story, which covers some sensitive issues around mental health well and in a caring manner. Both Cole and Shane have some rough edges, and it seems like there isn't a way for them to have a future, even if that was something that they wanted. As things get a little deeper and their past loves and bruises show up and challenge them, I was absolutely fighting for their happy ending to happen.

It’s proving hard for me to rate and write a review for this book because it appears to be the author’s first. Taking that into consideration, it’s pretty good; after all, I did finish it. However, it wasn’t something I couldn’t put down or will ever think about again. Everything seemed too rushed, from the introduction of the characters to the intimate scenes to the drama towards the end and everything in between. Nothing was quite fully flushed out, but there’s certainly potential there, and I’ll be interested to see what the rest of the series is like.

Honestly, I was a bit surprised how likeable the two main characters were. There were triggers of death in the past.
It was a good romance between two great guys. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for my review.

This story of two men dealing with past trauma hit me right in my feels and was just what I needed. Shane and Cole have both been through some terrible things and are struggling with how to move forward. When they meet, there's some insta-lust happening, as well as an interesting turn into some lighter Dom/sub action.

Though this is shorter page-wise, I felt like it took the time to develop things between the leads and there were some pretty emotional parts. This couple stole my heart and I loved seeing how things would play out.

I'm already ramping up for Alec's story next year, so be on the look out!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to HL Books and NetGalley for the copy.

✨ARC Review✨
📖: The Truth of Loving You
🖋️: Heather Leighson
🗓️: 12/26/23
⭐️: 5 of 5
🌶️: 5 of 5
💬: “The thought of you finding a man to trust with your firsts makes me crazy.”

⚠️: Please check the warnings as this book may not be suitable for all readers. As always, protect your mental health.💛

Tropes, Topics & Themes:
✨MM romance
✨BSDM & Dom/Sub
✨Grief/ loss
✨Anxiety
✨Age gap
✨Bi-awakening

Years ago, Cole lost not only his husband but his best friend and part of his soul. He has not been the same since. On the anniversary, he finds himself drunk in Paxton’s old office.

What he isn’t expecting is to find out that the office is now used by Shane, Paxton’s replacement.

“What’s your name, pretty boy?”
Shane knows what loss and grief look like. So the caretaker in him
decides to help Cole get back to the safety of his home.

From that night, both Shane and Cole can’t stop thinking about each other. Shane has never been affected by a man before but something about Cole makes him irresistible.

“Are my clothes being held for random?”
While Cole is not looking to move on from his late husband. He easily finds himself wanting to spend more time with Shane.

“Are you going to tell me why you’re stalking the yummy baby-bi?”
Alec is my favorite side character and I can’t wait to read his story in the next book! He had me laughing so much. He was also helpful in understanding Shane’s anxiety.

“You’ve been bad. You’ve been flirting in front of me. Then, you practically announced I’m the best you’ve ever had.”

Will Cole realize that he can have a second chance at love? Will Shane move on from his trauma and past?

Grab this book to find out!

If you’re a fan of BSDM and Dom and Sub relationships. You will enjoy this book.

Thank you, Heather Leighson and Netgalley for this EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared on my Instagram @Alexandriavwilliams_ shortly.

“Judging in retrospect is easy.”

“The Truth of Loving You” by Heather Leighson is a M/M romance intertwined with some subtle BDSM/Sub/Dom tropes. Cole, grappling with the lingering pain of losing his husband, has sworn off love. However, when he encounters Shane, an irresistibly attractive young man with a penchant for submission, the undeniable pull between them challenges Cole's resolve. Shane, driven by ambitions in a finance company, finds himself drawn to Cole despite his unwavering dedication to success. Two men struggling with personal loss find each other.

I really liked the book. It was sweet and heartbreaking. The BDSM/Sub/Dom tropes were pretty light and not too graphic and avoids excessive graphic content and steers clear of the aggressive edge often associated with themes bordering on abuse. My only dislike was that the conflict with the company at the end was so short and I wish it had a bigger presence in the book, but it didn’t make that much difference in their relationship so it’s okay. Despite the frequent mention of an age gap, it seamlessly fades into the background as the characters' similar behavior overshadows it, which was not a big deal for me, the chemistry between Cole and Shane feels natural, making the age difference easy to overlook. I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.
-BDSM
-Sub/Dom
-Age Gap
-Trauma
-Anxiety/Panic Attacks
-Tattoo Artist VS Business Man

I really wanted to like this, but it just didn't hit right for me. It felt way too insta-love with not enough slow burn, and it's difficult to believe that Shane hadn't questioned his sexuality at least once in his life before laying eyes on one man that suddenly changes it all. Personally, I find that a little too far-fetched.