Whew did she tell a lot of lies.

And holy hell did those lies come back to bite her in the ass.

However, do I blame her? Hell no. The only thing that annoyed the hell out of me was Danuwoa's critique at the end—that she didn't trust him enough to get her out of the pickle together.

Which is to say—Ember, I see you. She was a person who had been heavily parentified as a child, and filled with the unease of asking for assistance and needing to get out and do things her own way. Add to that she was constantly subjected to microaggressions and outright racism towards Native Americans, and damn straight I don't blame her for lying a little to get her foot in the door. To do anything to give herself the stability and fiscal flexibility she never had growing up.

Anywho, where the story faltered a bit was Ember and Danuwoa's relationship. It felt too fast, too heavy. But they worked out the grovel in a way that made sense and worked, and I'm so, so happy to see the family they built.

I received an ARC from Netgalley

4.5/5

One of the best romance debuts I’ve read in a while!
Oh Ember, you won be over with your courage, kind heart, humour, sharp edges, and just being a badass lady. Both sexy (I blushed at one point) and tender, this was a great read

The Truth According to Ember was a solid read for me. I liked the authors writing and style and I’m thrilled to see a big publisher putting out an own voices indigenous romance. I hope more of her work gets published in the future, I’ll definitely read it.

Parts of the story weren’t really my jam, Embers constant lying was almost stressful to read. Otherwise I loved everything about the characters. I enjoy a good workplace romance too so that was nice.

I really wanted to love it, but Ember is the absolute worst, lol. There’s a big difference between a few white lies and whatever was happening here, so it was difficult to empathize with her. There’s also so much focus on her workplace and mountain of lies that the romance was overshadowed and woefully underdeveloped. The hero is a total sweetheart - too good to be true most of the time - and I honestly had no idea what he saw in Ember, especially by the end. That said, this also has some great moments. I love that it’s a true rom com with Native American representation. It felt authentic and original in so many ways, and I do think Nava’s writing has a lot of potential. There were quite a few rough patches here, but the foundation is solid.

The story follows Ember, a Native woman who can’t seem to catch a break. She’s been struggling to get a job in finance, and she can’t get experience in the field without someone taking a chance on her. In hopes of finally landing a position, Ember lies on her resume - and that seals the deal. Unfortunately, now she needs to figure out how to actually do the job. While trying to fit into the corporate culture, Ember sparks up a flirtation with the IT guy. Danuwoa knows what it’s like trying to fit in around the office, and the two bond over their commonalities. But Ember’s lies are bound to catch up to her sooner or later, especially since they keep piling up.

I took one look at that gorgeous cover and knew I wanted to check this out. The blurb was great too, so I was excited to dig into this. And it started out strong - I loved the authentic representation and unique voice, which shine through. I could understand why Ember was frustrated with her situation, and the original lies weren’t TOO bad. Not sure how believable it is that she was able to figure out how to be an accountant on her own, but whatever. It was the lies that followed that started to get me. We spend a LOT of time with Ember trying to get her bearings at work, and then a lot of time spent on her coming up with even more lies every time she encounters trouble in her personal life. I thought there’d be a moment when she’d come clean to Danuwoa and build a real relationship, but that didn’t happen. They jumped a few steps, and I still feel like I - and Ember - only know surface level details about Danuwoa (we only get her perspective). And most of what Danuwoa knows about Ember is a lie. So there was a level of frustration for me as a reader; I was willing to give Ember the benefit of the doubt, but she just kept digging herself into a deeper hole. Ultimately, there is a lot of good stuff going on here, but the frustrating parts steal the show.

The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava
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Ember just wants a decent job but she can’t seem to catch a break. She decides to tell one little lie on her job application, instead of checking the Native American box she checks White. Now she has a job but she is desperate to keep that one lie from mushrooming to a dozen more.
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My thoughts:
-I loved Ember! She loves her friends and family and has all her goals set. Despite some not so great choices that she made, I was rooting for her the entire time.
-Ember’s community were lots of fun and really showed up for her too. I love good stories about people who are there to help.
-There was great banter between Ember and Danuwoa.
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4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I enjoyed this book and really want to read more from the author!

While I found the focus on Native American identity, struggles, and life in general refreshing and thought-provoking, I am clearly not the target audience for this title. I struggled with the immaturity of the FMC, the language, and some of the storyline situations. After about 50% of the book, I couldn’t continue.
DNF

Oh I absolutely LOVED this book!!! I feel like its been a while since I’ve read a true romcom and this was simply romcom perfection. And Danuwoa? This man had me BLUSHINGGGGG. How is he so hot???? And respectful????

This was a cute little debut. At first I got annoyed with Ember and her choices but had to remind myself she was only twenty-five and in a completely different pond than what she was typically use to. I did enjoy the banter with her and Dan and was so happy when she finally stood up for herself with Kyle (it's always a Kyle) and then humbled herself to ask for help. I foresee great things for this author and can't wait to see what she has for us next.

A romance built on lying is VERY uncomfortable to me, but I really understood and appreciated what the author was trying to do here. She’s highlighting the unfairness and disadvantages the indigenous folks in our country face, but also that they still are valuable, and deserving of love. I disagreed with a lot of (most?) of Ember’s choices, but I understood that she saw herself as having no other option.

All in all, I didn’t love it, and didn’t like the narrator, but it was a decent debut and I want Nava to be able to write more books!

This book was incredible. The perfect combination of romance, moving, and truly engaging. Nava’s debut is truly a lovely work that is in a league of its own. I really enjoyed it and have already reread it!

For the first time I’m reading a contemporary romance featuring Native Americans as the main characters. Ember Lee Cardinal was security and stability. She needs a better job than working at the local bowling alley. After multiple rejections and not even getting an interview she decides to embellish her resume and cover letter. And significantly to her she also checks the box as white like like her father. It is the beginning of multiple lies that begins to spin as she starts her new corporate job. At work she meets handsome IT guy Dan (Danuwoa Colson) and attraction sizzles.

I was correctly frustrated by the sexism in the company and some of the less than subtle racism in the story. But I was also frustrated with Dan and took off a half star for the non consensual kiss that caused lots of problems for Ember. For me, this book falls more into general fiction as so much of the focus is on Ember and her job. The romance seems to jump from kiss to more very quickly. Overall I enjoyed the story even knowing the lies were going to catch up to Ember. And kudos to Berkley for representation of indigenous people.

4 Stars

I loved this heroine in all her messy and lying glory. She is flawed but so relatable and I just adored how her own conflict resolved itself thanks to her hard work on fixing the issue. And her love interest? 🥵🔥

Ember may have *lied* on her resume and application to get this accounting job, but who is going to blame her when all of her other applications get rejected thanks to one tiny ethnicity box.... American Indian or Alaska Native. She finally decides that she will claim her white father and put that she is caucasian and see what happens. Oh, and maybe tell a small fib about having finished her accounting program, when really she couldn't finish because her brother effed up and it lost Ember her savings that paid for school. And speaking of school, she ALMOST finished so let's just tell employers that she did. And her reference? Her BFF. WHO HASN"T LIED ON A RESUME AND WHY NOT MAKE IT WORK FOR HER?

Too bad these small lies end up snowballing into one big fiasco that she has to carefully navigate as she falls in love, finally gets ahead financially, and starts paving the way for a brighter future for her and those she loves. But all lies eventually catch up, and Ember's are starting to break through, possibly destroying everything she has worked hard for.

I found Ember to be entirely relatable and I just loved her while also wanting to shake her and be like GIRL NO DON'T. It's like a horror movie, knowing shit is about to hit the fan and there is nothing you can do to stop it. But what I really appreciated was how the author showed us the reality of these lies crashing down around Ember and how she was able to struggle through fixing them. There was accountability and that is often lacking.

But we were here for the romance, and let me tell you.. it's hot. Its somewhat forbidden, it's full of tension, and let's just say we get a steamy "can you fix the copier" hook up. Danuwoa, our swoony MMC, is so hot and dreamy and honestly an all around dirty-talking cinnamon roll of a man.

While handling so many pertinent topics of injustices in the workplace, this book also deftly handles topics of micro-aggressions, racism, prejudice and in the Native American community, not only in Oklahoma, but nationwide. There was plenty of moments of joy and beauty within the Chickasaw and Cherokee communities featured in this story. I appreciated the author inviting us into these moments and teaching us more about them. And I'm sure these communities who are often underrepresented and often left out of romance appreciate the way she so personally featured these communities. Her author's note was enlightening and I appreciate her vulnerability in making this story.

I loved every moment and couldn't get enough and think this would make an excellent Netflix romcom. It was so cinematic and gave me moments of Ugly Betty mixed with The Proposal and Space Cadet.

Indigenous romance by a major publisher? YES, FINALLY! I enjoyed this office, friends to lovers romance (yes, there's also one bed thrown in there). I read this in one day. My one caveat was Ember constantly lying. I get it, it's part of the plot, but girl you are 25! Stop!

All in all I cannot wait for Danica's next book. I need this one to be a movie like today.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this arc of The Truth According to Ember.

Unfortunately, this was not the novel for me. I went into this really loving what I saw from the description and the beautiful cover. The beginning had me hooked but once I got to the 40% mark, I felt myself losing interest and honestly getting annoyed with the lies from the female mc, Ember. I get that's basically what this is about and its her thing to do, but so many of her lies were so unnecessary and I wish she was just more true to herself, rather than be ashamed. But I wont completely fault her, I know she had to do what should could, while dealing with the pressures of life and those around her.

I will say, the banter between her and the male mc, Danuwoa and some of the office workers was a nice touch. I loved the Native American representation and I hope to see more of that in the future in romance novels. Even though this may not have been the story for me, I think so many people will genuinely enjoy it. It gives you an office trope, witty humor and of course romance!

*Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review and to PRH Audio for the gifted ALC*

This book is freaking fabulous and I loved it. Is Ember a hot mess who could've owned up to her lies far earlier? Yes! But she was scared and insecure and I freaking GET that. And despite that first lie, what was true was that Ember worked her absolute ass off at her job, supported her family, and fell for her hot officemate. And at the end of the book, I felt like Ember really grew out of telling white lies about things she was embarrassed about and went after her goals. Also Danuwoa is sexy as hell and gives peak DADDY energy. Like DAAAAAAAMN. I also really enjoyed the discussion of money and indigenous representation throughout.

Danica Nava, what a debut!

Ember’s story brings a whole new meaning to the term Pretendian! I have been looking forward to this novel since it was announced and was so happy when I was finally approved for an ARC. I read it in two days! Indigenous representation is so important to me and Native main characters are severely lacking in most genres, but it was so refreshing to encounter them in a romantic comedy. I need more! As such, I hold any Native centered media to a higher standard, but Nava did wonderfully!

Ember’s story is definitely a slow burn for those needing a romance that builds in a realistic way. I mean seriously, it is a slow burn. Nothing physical or spicy happened until I hit the 62% mark in my Kindle. Everything prior had just been flirtatious with one almost kiss. But this added to the charm. Sadly, it did lend itself to a semi-rushed final act. But everything is so incredibly well written, I forgive Nava for any plot or pacing issues. Nava’s characters are so lifelike. She did exceptionally well writing 3-dimensional characters that bring gravitas to the novel. I wanted these characters to be a part of my own family. All the Indigenous cultural infusion was just icing on the cake as well. Well handled and seamlessly integrated into the story and writing style. I am proud of the representational work that Nava has crafted here!

The only true critique I had of this novel lies with the abundant usage of modern Native tropes that are starting to become stereotypical. If you didn’t know you were reading a novel about Indigenous characters, apparently using “Shitass”, “Skoden”, and chin pointing will surely make it as clear as Creator’s sky. The implication being that all Native people use these idioms, which is not true in the slightest. This is more so a personal peeve of mine as a Native person, and by no means am I claiming the author is doing something wrong.

However, this does toe the line of stereotyping Native people, which ironically, Ember call's out other Native stereotypes several times throughout the novel. While not overtly harmful and most likely not even an issue with the average reader, those of us familiar with Native centered media know that usage of these idioms has increased over the last few years. Mostly in-part thanks to the success of Reservation Dogs on Hulu. My worry is that the more people hear these things, the more they will be used and become a part of Indigenous stereotyping. There are more ways to articulate your character is Indigenous than using slang heard on a tv show.

3.5 ⭐️
The Truth According to Ember is a fun debut novel about Ember, a Native American down on her luck. The story was entertaining and even though it wasn't as polished as I would have liked, the heart of the story was good.

~~What I liked~~
-The plot was interesting, it was easy to read, and the pacing was good. I enjoyed this light-hearted book featuring a Native American FMC. As the author was also indigenous, it was eye opening to see things from a different perspective.
-The characters were well-written. The entire book is from Ember's POV and while she does spend quite a bit of time not being honest, it is obvious why she makes her choices. Danuwoa is a great book BF, even if we don't know a lot about him.
-I really enjoyed Ember's attitude of not giving up throughout the book. She had a lot of things that were standing in her way, but she didn't quit and by the end I was glad she was able to get her HEA.
-That cover! It, along with the blurb, was what had me totally psyched to read this book.

~~What I didn't liked~~
-While the book was easy to read, the writing lacked the polished feel that I was expecting. Stylistically it didn't sit well with me.
-I know it is part of the story, but the amount of lies that Ember tells is staggering. So many that at times I didn't feel bad for what happened to her.
-I felt like we really got to know Ember, but there was so much missing from Danuwoa's story.
-Disclaimer: I have not ever worked in a corporate environment. That said, some of the shenanigans Ember gets into seemed OTT.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was entertaining and I'm glad I got my HEA.

This is my first Indigenous romance novel, and it didn’t disappoint! The Truth According to Ember follows the main character, Ember, as she uses a few “white lies” to land a job beyond her professional experience, navigate corporate America, and impress her new heartthrob coworker, Danuwoa.

The Truth According to Ember reminded me of a modern day, Indigenous version of Jane Austen’s infamous Emma. Pure in intention, Ember (like Emma) embarks on a comedy of errors that makes the reader cringe in secondhand embarrassment and laugh out loud at how relatable she is.

Nava does a great job building the story’s tension and using it to propel the reader forward as we question “will they or won’t they?” Nava also excels at depicting the experiences we as Natives have in relation to non-Natives who simply don’t understand (and don’t bother to learn) about their casual racism and cultural misappropriation. I really appreciated the “inside jokes” element to this book that only we as citizens of Indian Country would understand.

Ultimately, this is a fun novel and a perfect summer beach read. Hayu masi to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy. The Truth According to Ember will be published on August 6, 2024.

I DNF’d at 49%.

I wanted to like this book, and did appreciate the native representation. I can understand why Ember lied on her resume to get a job, and I was rooting for her from a professional standpoint. I think I would have really loved Danuwoa if I was able to finish. *Native Daddy🔥 and a cat dad?? Say less!

Ember’s excessive and unnecessary lies are what’s stopping me from enjoying the book, and are the reason why I’m stopping. It’s reached a point where the white lies aren’t even related to helping her keep her job. I somewhat understood lying about her car and where she lived to go with the image of a person who had work experience before this job (ie had a real salary), but why lie about loving cats? Why lie about having a boyfriend because you have a crush on someone in the office? This was really immature to me, and ultimately the problem is probably more that this was too New Adult for me.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for a chance to read an advance copy!

Ember Cardinal has worked her entire life without financial security. When an opportunity presents itself for a new job, she jumps at and while filling out the application clicks the ‘Caucasian’ box…technically it’s not a lie, her father is white and no one has to know.

That is the first lie of many that Ember finds herself stuck in. I usually don’t like books where the whole plot is technically miscommunication and lies but I did thoroughly enjoy this book. Ember could be a bit immature at times but you could clearly see that all she wanted in life is something for herself and for that, I can respect it. I do wish it was dual-pov because Danuwoa was HOT and I wanted to see inside of his mind so I hope the author chooses to do dual-pov later down the road!

I felt like the first half of the book dragged on a bit, but as soon as the spicy scenes hit. Gurlll they HIT 🥵
I was gagged actually when Danuwao started dirty talking and it didn’t help that I was reading in a car and had to stop right before the best part. I lovvveeed those scenes and felt like they were very well written. Hehehe….

I can appreciate the ending when all of her lies came to surface and she didn’t end up with what she wanted. Sometimes I feel like in books like this the MFC doesn’t get many consequences to their actions and Ember did. Maybe I’m a cynic but I just appreciated the realness of it all.

Overall I really did like this book and will totally be purchasing it for myself when it comes out and can’t wait to see what else the author writes! Being able to see more native representation in the rom-com genre is such a cool thing and I hope more books get published with characters like Ember and Danuwoa!♥️