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Twelve Truths and a Lie
Aurora Jones has it all—a job she loves as a child and family therapist, supportive friends, and a decent place to live. What she doesn’t have is much luck when it comes to dating men. And not only are her choices terrible, she also hasn’t been boyfriend free since she was a teenager. So she places herself on a sabbatical of sorts. No dating for twelve months. Cameron Miller has had a crappy year. His girlfriend fell for his best friend and to ease the pain, he drowns his troubles in more booze and women than he can count. When his buddies finally slap some sense into him and urge him to focus on his new position as a special education teacher in an urban school district, he decides to get his act together. Away from the prying eyes of their mutual friends, Cameron and Aurora agree to hang out once a week in their newly dubbed Chastity Club. Number of members? Two. It’s a chance to find solace, companionship, and something neither anticipated – a burgeoning attraction. But when Cameron invites Aurora to be his fake date at the reunion his ex-girlfriend and best friend will be attending, their passion ignites. What happens in Chastity Club stays in Chastity Club, right? Until they discover that a year of self-truths might actually lead them to true love.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2016
25 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Christina Lee
58 books2,149 followersChristina writes romance in different sub-genres, mostly with LGBTQ characters, not only because she's part of the community, but because representation matters, and everyone deserves a happily-ever-after.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 19, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Christina Lee has meticulously crafted a deep emotional heartfelt romance that was utterly bold, profound, raw, and honest. From the opening pages to the very last page, Lee captures reader’s heart with her intricate, raw, poignant, and vivid prose as she delicately and powerfully layers the depths of human nature.
Twelve Truths and a Lie is unlike any romance story as Lee captures the true meaning of love and friendship. Readers like myself are attuned as we witness the blossoming friendship of Aurora Jones and Cameron Miller. What started as weekly meeting of two friends talking about their life and vow to remain single for awhile, Aurora and Cameron soon discovers that their vow of Chastity was not the only thing that they had in common. Not only do they work in the same career field but they both also want to experience the one unspoken truth. REAL LOVE. So can two friends realize that the only lie that they will be telling is not admitting what is happening between them?
Twelve Truth and a Lie is a story that beautifully weaves the aspect of friendship, love, and vulnerability in such an ardent and tangible fashion. Lee emotionally grips readers to feel for the strong connection of Aurora and Cameron beyond friendship. So if you are looking for a story where the only truth is LOVE then I highly recommend you to fall in love with Christina Lee’s vibrant and touching story.
Christina Lee
Christina Lee has meticulously crafted a deep emotional heartfelt romance that was utterly bold, profound, raw, and honest. From the opening pages to the very last page, Lee captures reader’s heart with her intricate, raw, poignant, and vivid prose as she delicately and powerfully layers the depths of human nature.
Twelve Truths and a Lie is unlike any romance story as Lee captures the true meaning of love and friendship. Readers like myself are attuned as we witness the blossoming friendship of Aurora Jones and Cameron Miller. What started as weekly meeting of two friends talking about their life and vow to remain single for awhile, Aurora and Cameron soon discovers that their vow of Chastity was not the only thing that they had in common. Not only do they work in the same career field but they both also want to experience the one unspoken truth. REAL LOVE. So can two friends realize that the only lie that they will be telling is not admitting what is happening between them?
Twelve Truth and a Lie is a story that beautifully weaves the aspect of friendship, love, and vulnerability in such an ardent and tangible fashion. Lee emotionally grips readers to feel for the strong connection of Aurora and Cameron beyond friendship. So if you are looking for a story where the only truth is LOVE then I highly recommend you to fall in love with Christina Lee’s vibrant and touching story.
Christina Lee
September 13, 2016
4.5 stars
Aurora Jones is a social worker and family therapist navigating a stressful job. She's got a close core group of friends, but is still a bit lonely. She's always been in relationships and not all of them were healthy due to her tendency to get emotionally attached and be a "Fixer". So now she is taking a year sabbatical from men and sex. She's learning to be brave, true to herself, and live life on her own terms...with a little help from her friends.
Cameron Miller is a special ed teacher in an urban school dealing with troubled youth. He has had his own relationship issues. After a break up, he turned to women and alcohol to cope. But now he is on a break from women and trying to make better choices. He's sweet, charming, sexy, but kind of lost.
They meet due to their mutual friend group, but bond over their current sex ban. Soon they have their own private "Chastity Club" meet ups where they talk freely about their lives, their careers, and similar values.
I loved the slow build with them developing their own friendship, bond, understanding, trust, and attraction. It happened naturally and felt very real and organic. But they are supposed to be off limits and only friends. They both have fears and insecurities. They both have issues to deal with in their own lives. And they have to worry about damaging their new important friendship and also causing drama in their core group.
But they are a breath of fresh air for each other. They can understand and relate to the other. And they find their attraction becoming more obvious and intense. But there are some complications, confusion, and mixed feelings.
Can they take a leap towards something more and still keep everything in their lives intact?
I loved both of these characters and getting both of their points of view. They were likable, real, honest, and had interesting back stories. They had a smoldering chemistry underlying their newly built friendship and companionship. This is a journey of self actualization, and a gradual building of intimacy, trust, and feelings. I liked that is was not based on sex, but a true connection and understanding. Their individual breaks gave them time to explore what they really needed and who they wanted to be, and the ability to recognize their new truths.
I liked the side characters or Nicole, Michael, Sydney, and Maddie. I am very intrigued by Maddie and Sydney and would love to see them get their own book. This tight knit group really was a support for each other to fall back on, but they also added humor and sometimes drama to the mix.
This was a sweet, emotional, romantic friends-to-lovers story that also dealt with some important socio-economic issues. I loved how these characters strived to make a difference with the kids they served. It just gave the whole story more meaning. I was engaged from the first page and read it in one sitting. There were a lot of things about it that tugged at my heart and kept me invested in the story.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
Aurora Jones is a social worker and family therapist navigating a stressful job. She's got a close core group of friends, but is still a bit lonely. She's always been in relationships and not all of them were healthy due to her tendency to get emotionally attached and be a "Fixer". So now she is taking a year sabbatical from men and sex. She's learning to be brave, true to herself, and live life on her own terms...with a little help from her friends.
Cameron Miller is a special ed teacher in an urban school dealing with troubled youth. He has had his own relationship issues. After a break up, he turned to women and alcohol to cope. But now he is on a break from women and trying to make better choices. He's sweet, charming, sexy, but kind of lost.
They meet due to their mutual friend group, but bond over their current sex ban. Soon they have their own private "Chastity Club" meet ups where they talk freely about their lives, their careers, and similar values.
I loved the slow build with them developing their own friendship, bond, understanding, trust, and attraction. It happened naturally and felt very real and organic. But they are supposed to be off limits and only friends. They both have fears and insecurities. They both have issues to deal with in their own lives. And they have to worry about damaging their new important friendship and also causing drama in their core group.
But they are a breath of fresh air for each other. They can understand and relate to the other. And they find their attraction becoming more obvious and intense. But there are some complications, confusion, and mixed feelings.
Can they take a leap towards something more and still keep everything in their lives intact?
I loved both of these characters and getting both of their points of view. They were likable, real, honest, and had interesting back stories. They had a smoldering chemistry underlying their newly built friendship and companionship. This is a journey of self actualization, and a gradual building of intimacy, trust, and feelings. I liked that is was not based on sex, but a true connection and understanding. Their individual breaks gave them time to explore what they really needed and who they wanted to be, and the ability to recognize their new truths.
I liked the side characters or Nicole, Michael, Sydney, and Maddie. I am very intrigued by Maddie and Sydney and would love to see them get their own book. This tight knit group really was a support for each other to fall back on, but they also added humor and sometimes drama to the mix.
This was a sweet, emotional, romantic friends-to-lovers story that also dealt with some important socio-economic issues. I loved how these characters strived to make a difference with the kids they served. It just gave the whole story more meaning. I was engaged from the first page and read it in one sitting. There were a lot of things about it that tugged at my heart and kept me invested in the story.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
September 28, 2016
4.5*
Oh what this book did to my heart!
Christina Lee is a new author to me, and after reading the blurb for Twelve Truths and A Lie I jumped at the chance to read and review it. And I am so glad I did! I love a good friends-to-lovers story and this one sounded like it was going to be right up my alley. And it was…but it is so much more than just a story of friends-to-lovers.
Aurora and Cameron are pretty amazing characters. They’ve each gone through some trying times the past year and when they meet neither one is looking for a relationship. And even though there’s an undeniable attraction between them, they settle into a friendship that brings them both some needed comfort. I really loved the slow build with these 2. I loved the fact that Ms. Lee let their relationship progress at such a natural pace- they took the time to really get to know each other, to get to know things beyond the surface. Seeing their friendship grow into a deep and strong love was really quite wonderful.
I think my favorite part of the book, and what really endeared it to me and caused multiple tears, didn’t actually have anything to do with Aurora and Cameron’s personal relationship, it was their professional relationship that pulled me into this story. After reading Ms. Lee’s bio I realized why this had such a profound effect on me- she truly brought to life the struggles and harsh reality of what it’s like to be a teacher and a social worker, to be one of those compassionate people who work with the children that sadly society kind of shoves to the side. It made me so thankful for the real life Auroras and Camerons of the world…people who are out there fighting for these kids on a daily basis. I wish I was that strong of a person.
Twelve Truths and A Lie is such a moving, romantic, heartfelt book that really pulled at my heartstrings. It’s one of those books that kind of sneaks up on you, but once it grabs you it won’t let go. The best word I can think of for Cameron and Aurora’s love story is hopeful…it left me with such a feeling of hope, it wrapped around me like a warm blanket.
***Reviewed for The Book Enthusiast
September 15, 2016
This was my first book I've read by Christina Lee, and what a pleasant surprise it was. The characters drew me in. The idea behind the "Chastity Club" was adorable and fun, something new, so the book hooked me pretty fast. I loved the banter and the genuine pull between the two main characters. And what I thought was really pretty amazing about this book was that in the character's time apart, the both worked with children who faced struggles in their lives for whatever reason. Their lives intersected through their characters. I absolutely LOVED the compassion they both had for these children, how they fought for them and cared for them. I thought that was such an awesome way to develop these characters further and really get a feel for the kind of people they were.
The characters spent time getting to know one another, they fell slowly but they fell hard, and it was a beautiful thing to be a part of. This book, while following the romance genre pattern pretty straight down the line, it felt different, unique, and I really thoroughly enjoyed it.
*ARC Provided in Exchange for an Honest Review*
Read
September 21, 2016A new standalone adult contemporary m/f romance. I loved writing the blossoming tension between Aurora and Cameron. Hope you enjoy it too. <3
December 30, 2016
“I don’t want anybody else,” she whispered. “Only you. I promise to make you feel that every single day.”
The way she looked at me, like I was responsible for hanging the moon, made my chest ache and swell. This girl was it for me. My confidante, my best friend. She had become my everything.’
***
Well, it takes a while before Aurora and Cameron get to the above moment, one of my favorites in their love story. It was shortly after midnight when I read the last scene and realized I wasn’t ready for the adventures of their Chasity Club to end. Quite honestly, their journeys captivated me with how grounded in reality they were. I loved the pacing of how Aurora, a social worker, and Cameron, a special education teacher, became friends and eventually lovers.
They could relate to each other’s work stress easily and even had Darius, a client/student, in common. I also enjoyed learning about the challenges of both social workers in/out of schools and special education teachers –just wow! Consequently, I have nothing but deeper admiration for the hard work both do. I was seriously invested in the outcome of Cameron’s teaching methods and Aurora’s sessions with Darius to help him succeed in school and be the role model he aspired to be to his younger siblings.
During Aurora’s one-year hiatus from romantic entanglements, she discovers twelve great truths and a lie about herself that I could totally relate to being a long-time singleton.
‘Yet, in the middle of those twelve revealing truths for every month of the year was one bald-faced lie that continued to niggle away at me. The fact that I was lonely–and probably always had been–even through my string of endless boyfriends.
In fact, I ached with loneliness, even now. Because a warm body did not equate to a warm soul. And only one person had ever succeeded in reaching and fulfilling that very part of me–of really seeing me and accepting me for who I am. And liking me in spite of it.’
***
I was so glad that unlike me, Aurora lucked out and found a genuinely good guy like Cameron to enhance her existence. He had his own issues to work through after a duplicitous childhood friend and his girlfriend caused him to spin out of control. His 6-month ban from banging any female that caught his eye was certainly good for him. His friendship with Aurora was even better and got him to finally move on from that past hurt and embrace the irresistible connection they find themselves unable to ignore. I loved the occasion he picked and the manner in which he declared himself to her.
“We can go slow–as slow as you want–but I have no desire to be with anybody else,” he said, and I saw a mixture of trepidation and wonder in his eyes. “I’m in love with you.”
His words struck my chest like a thunderbolt, and I was standing in the center of the hurricane again, completely electrified and terrified all at once. Scarcely controlling my runaway breaths, I could feel a tear rolling down my cheek, but I was too numb to swipe at it.
My heart had already vacated the premises and was nuzzling up with Cameron’s without even a time-out to properly think things through. Traitor.
***
I felt like I was firmly in their reality and had a hard time accepting the novel was over. So much so that I reread the last scene a couple of times before reading the acknowledgements. And bonus! I loved learning that there was a real life Maddie who inspired the subplot involving Maddie and Sydney.
The way she looked at me, like I was responsible for hanging the moon, made my chest ache and swell. This girl was it for me. My confidante, my best friend. She had become my everything.’
***
Well, it takes a while before Aurora and Cameron get to the above moment, one of my favorites in their love story. It was shortly after midnight when I read the last scene and realized I wasn’t ready for the adventures of their Chasity Club to end. Quite honestly, their journeys captivated me with how grounded in reality they were. I loved the pacing of how Aurora, a social worker, and Cameron, a special education teacher, became friends and eventually lovers.
They could relate to each other’s work stress easily and even had Darius, a client/student, in common. I also enjoyed learning about the challenges of both social workers in/out of schools and special education teachers –just wow! Consequently, I have nothing but deeper admiration for the hard work both do. I was seriously invested in the outcome of Cameron’s teaching methods and Aurora’s sessions with Darius to help him succeed in school and be the role model he aspired to be to his younger siblings.
During Aurora’s one-year hiatus from romantic entanglements, she discovers twelve great truths and a lie about herself that I could totally relate to being a long-time singleton.
‘Yet, in the middle of those twelve revealing truths for every month of the year was one bald-faced lie that continued to niggle away at me. The fact that I was lonely–and probably always had been–even through my string of endless boyfriends.
In fact, I ached with loneliness, even now. Because a warm body did not equate to a warm soul. And only one person had ever succeeded in reaching and fulfilling that very part of me–of really seeing me and accepting me for who I am. And liking me in spite of it.’
***
I was so glad that unlike me, Aurora lucked out and found a genuinely good guy like Cameron to enhance her existence. He had his own issues to work through after a duplicitous childhood friend and his girlfriend caused him to spin out of control. His 6-month ban from banging any female that caught his eye was certainly good for him. His friendship with Aurora was even better and got him to finally move on from that past hurt and embrace the irresistible connection they find themselves unable to ignore. I loved the occasion he picked and the manner in which he declared himself to her.
“We can go slow–as slow as you want–but I have no desire to be with anybody else,” he said, and I saw a mixture of trepidation and wonder in his eyes. “I’m in love with you.”
His words struck my chest like a thunderbolt, and I was standing in the center of the hurricane again, completely electrified and terrified all at once. Scarcely controlling my runaway breaths, I could feel a tear rolling down my cheek, but I was too numb to swipe at it.
My heart had already vacated the premises and was nuzzling up with Cameron’s without even a time-out to properly think things through. Traitor.
***
I felt like I was firmly in their reality and had a hard time accepting the novel was over. So much so that I reread the last scene a couple of times before reading the acknowledgements. And bonus! I loved learning that there was a real life Maddie who inspired the subplot involving Maddie and Sydney.
September 19, 2016
BOOK REVIEW: Twelve Truths and a Lie
AUTHOR: Christina Lee
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
PUBLICATION DATE: September 19, 2016
CLIFF HANGER: No
5 Stars
SYNOPSIS:
Aurora Jones has it all—a job she loves as a child and family therapist, supportive friends, and a decent place to live. What she doesn’t have is much luck when it comes to dating men. And not only are her choices terrible, she also hasn’t been boyfriend free since she was a teenager. So she places herself on a sabbatical of sorts. No dating for twelve months.
Aurora
Cameron Miller has had a crappy year. His girlfriend fell for his best friend and to ease the pain, he drowns his troubles in more booze and women than he can count. When his buddies finally slap some sense into him and urge him to focus on his new position as a special education teacher in an urban school district, he decides to get his act together.
Cameron
Away from the prying eyes of their mutual friends, Cameron and Aurora agree to hang out once a week in their newly dubbed Chastity Club. Number of members? Two. It’s a chance to find solace, companionship, and something neither anticipated – a burgeoning attraction. But when Cameron invites Aurora to be his fake date at the reunion his ex-girlfriend and best friend will be attending, their passion ignites. What happens in Chastity Club stays in Chastity Club, right? Until they discover that a year of self-truths might actually lead them to true love.
MY THOUGHTS:
This is the first book I have read by this author and let me tell you it won’t be the last. I cannot tell you how much I loved this book! It pulled me in from the start. It was so beautifully written and you could tell that this author poured her heart and soul into this book. She also was a social worker and a special education teacher, so she has firsthand knowledge about the professions and she wrote about it with passion.
This is an acquaintance to friends to lovers sweet slow burn romance. The heat was exquisite! The passion and chemistry enormous. The push and pull of the characters on their respective roads to discovery is heartfelt and it is written so that you feel every emotion of the characters. The characters are written so that you have no choice but to fall in love them. The secondary characters are funny and endearing! I hope that she writes books about the secondary characters!
I don’t want to give anything away because I want you to go into this book with no idea what to expect but to just open your heart and mind and just feel this story. It is truly a beautiful love story! This is a book that I will turn to again and again as a re-read when I am in the mood for an exquisite romance, which will be often. It is one of those story’s that make you feel good and believe that love conquers all and that there are truly soulmates out there for everyone. Thank you CL for a truly beautiful book!
ARC kindly provided by the for an honest review.
AUTHOR: Christina Lee
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
PUBLICATION DATE: September 19, 2016
CLIFF HANGER: No
5 Stars
SYNOPSIS:
Aurora Jones has it all—a job she loves as a child and family therapist, supportive friends, and a decent place to live. What she doesn’t have is much luck when it comes to dating men. And not only are her choices terrible, she also hasn’t been boyfriend free since she was a teenager. So she places herself on a sabbatical of sorts. No dating for twelve months.
Aurora
Cameron Miller has had a crappy year. His girlfriend fell for his best friend and to ease the pain, he drowns his troubles in more booze and women than he can count. When his buddies finally slap some sense into him and urge him to focus on his new position as a special education teacher in an urban school district, he decides to get his act together.
Cameron
Away from the prying eyes of their mutual friends, Cameron and Aurora agree to hang out once a week in their newly dubbed Chastity Club. Number of members? Two. It’s a chance to find solace, companionship, and something neither anticipated – a burgeoning attraction. But when Cameron invites Aurora to be his fake date at the reunion his ex-girlfriend and best friend will be attending, their passion ignites. What happens in Chastity Club stays in Chastity Club, right? Until they discover that a year of self-truths might actually lead them to true love.
MY THOUGHTS:
This is the first book I have read by this author and let me tell you it won’t be the last. I cannot tell you how much I loved this book! It pulled me in from the start. It was so beautifully written and you could tell that this author poured her heart and soul into this book. She also was a social worker and a special education teacher, so she has firsthand knowledge about the professions and she wrote about it with passion.
This is an acquaintance to friends to lovers sweet slow burn romance. The heat was exquisite! The passion and chemistry enormous. The push and pull of the characters on their respective roads to discovery is heartfelt and it is written so that you feel every emotion of the characters. The characters are written so that you have no choice but to fall in love them. The secondary characters are funny and endearing! I hope that she writes books about the secondary characters!
I don’t want to give anything away because I want you to go into this book with no idea what to expect but to just open your heart and mind and just feel this story. It is truly a beautiful love story! This is a book that I will turn to again and again as a re-read when I am in the mood for an exquisite romance, which will be often. It is one of those story’s that make you feel good and believe that love conquers all and that there are truly soulmates out there for everyone. Thank you CL for a truly beautiful book!
ARC kindly provided by the for an honest review.
September 25, 2016
I liked this. It's safe.
I liked that they both decided to make life changes before their relationship came into play.
The thing that holds me back on this is just feelings, I didn't feel connected to either of the characters. I didn't feel their emotions. I didn't get a feel for their characters, what made them likeable and special, other than their jobs. They both just felt so boring to me, there was nothing stand out about them. Which sure is more like real life, not everyone is sassy or hilarious or quirky and adorable, or bad ass or gentlemanly or something that makes them stand out. But this is a book, I read it for the completely unrealistic things that happen, and this just didn't grab my attention.
Rereadability: nope. Never.
I liked that they both decided to make life changes before their relationship came into play.
The thing that holds me back on this is just feelings, I didn't feel connected to either of the characters. I didn't feel their emotions. I didn't get a feel for their characters, what made them likeable and special, other than their jobs. They both just felt so boring to me, there was nothing stand out about them. Which sure is more like real life, not everyone is sassy or hilarious or quirky and adorable, or bad ass or gentlemanly or something that makes them stand out. But this is a book, I read it for the completely unrealistic things that happen, and this just didn't grab my attention.
Rereadability: nope. Never.
October 9, 2016
Both Aurora and Cameron are characters who have been burned by love.
Aurora seems to find herself attracted to men she feels she can “fix”, which doesn’t turn out well for her time and again. Hopping from one relationship to the next, she didn’t allow herself the time to figure out who she is as a person, her likes, dislikes, wishes and hopes. Constantly molding herself to fit the man she was with.
Cameron is recovering from a betrayal. Having to deal with being “that guy”. The guy who gave his heart to a person who decides to bang his best friend… Because their feelings for each other were too hard to ignore.
Losing someone you’re going out with hurts, but you get over it. Losing a friend who’s been by your side for years, over someone that would likely have not worked out anyways? Sucks. Big time.
Personally I do not condone cheating at all - because if you can’t keep it in your pants, and your relationship is obviously not doing it for you anymore - break it off. Break off one or the other, but don’t make your relationship partner the butt of a joke, a cliché. It leaves the person having been cheated on feeling inadequate in some way. So not only are you betraying their trust, you are also emotionally scalding the person for future potential relationships.
This process of coming to terms with oneself is a long and arduous journey, and I wish the author had decided to share more than snippets of it with us. Instead the story starts right off with Aurora and Cameron both meeting one another, not for the first time - but in a new light.
Aurora - who for once isn’t hanging off of some other guy’s arm. Cameron - who’s hot, and Aurora having been abstinent for so long can’t seem to keep her eyes off of.
These characters are already months into their respective challenges of abstinence. Aurora who's sworn off relationships for at least a year. Cameron, who’s sworn off sex for at least 6 months. Different challenges, yet the same outcome. Two horny AF characters, who are incredibly hot for one another. Of course, they’re gorgeous - so it isn’t exactly helping their libido being in close company with one another.
But, they try to go further. Aurora slowly allows herself to see past Cameron’s manwhore-ish ways. Cameron allows himself to open up to someone in ways he’s never opened up to anyone. Their meetings help them add an outlet that they thoroughly needed, and were missing, to their lives and it’s nice to see that.
You know what would have made this more fun, for met at least? If they weren’t constantly thinking of jumping each other.
Really.
Like 80% of the time (more or less).
I was more interested in what they did in their profession, and how they dealt with their respective lives, rather than how thoroughly they wanted to get into each other’s pants.
Back to their respective professions, because when the story did shift towards those aspects of their lives - I was riveted.
Darius was a great secondary character that brought life to the story, to these characters’ jobs. Usually in love stories, or borderline chicklit-like books such as this one, the main characters have jobs - but they are set aside in the grand scheme of things. Both Aurora’s job as a social worker and Cameron’s job as a teacher for special kids is given more respect that that. Which I think was well-done. I would have liked this to have been more worked out though.
Sometimes though, I cam across certain phrases that gave the book gave an “I can’t take you seriously” feel.
For example: Le sigh.
It didn’t fit with Aurora’s character as it’d been portrayed so far, and it threw me off.
Another point that was on my mind for some time was the title. Throughout my read I kept wondering, when exactly it would show up. When it finally did, I didn’t even have the curiosity to count the items because it was presented in such a lackluster way. It’s taking the easy way out, listing them like that. I like it when author make me work for it, this was just the kind of renumeration I can expect when watching the ending of one of those “made-for-tv-Hallmark” movies.
This book was getting pretty movie-ish and then the friend plot was brought in, being interwoven with theirs, and honestly... I ended up becoming more interested/invested in how their best friends were going to turn out. Cameron's friend Maddie and Aurora's friend Sydney - I was kind of hoping for more on that front, or that there'll be a sequel where they'll become the main focus. As an Indian myself, I'm curious to see how Maddie would navigate that relationship with having already been engaged (arrange-marriage engaged - as in the "not-having-even-seen-their-fiancé-yet" engaged).
Regardless, overall this was a book I didn't regret having read, actually quite liked, and would recommend to others if they can not take it too critically.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Aurora seems to find herself attracted to men she feels she can “fix”, which doesn’t turn out well for her time and again. Hopping from one relationship to the next, she didn’t allow herself the time to figure out who she is as a person, her likes, dislikes, wishes and hopes. Constantly molding herself to fit the man she was with.
Cameron is recovering from a betrayal. Having to deal with being “that guy”. The guy who gave his heart to a person who decides to bang his best friend… Because their feelings for each other were too hard to ignore.
Losing someone you’re going out with hurts, but you get over it. Losing a friend who’s been by your side for years, over someone that would likely have not worked out anyways? Sucks. Big time.
Personally I do not condone cheating at all - because if you can’t keep it in your pants, and your relationship is obviously not doing it for you anymore - break it off. Break off one or the other, but don’t make your relationship partner the butt of a joke, a cliché. It leaves the person having been cheated on feeling inadequate in some way. So not only are you betraying their trust, you are also emotionally scalding the person for future potential relationships.
This process of coming to terms with oneself is a long and arduous journey, and I wish the author had decided to share more than snippets of it with us. Instead the story starts right off with Aurora and Cameron both meeting one another, not for the first time - but in a new light.
Aurora - who for once isn’t hanging off of some other guy’s arm. Cameron - who’s hot, and Aurora having been abstinent for so long can’t seem to keep her eyes off of.
These characters are already months into their respective challenges of abstinence. Aurora who's sworn off relationships for at least a year. Cameron, who’s sworn off sex for at least 6 months. Different challenges, yet the same outcome. Two horny AF characters, who are incredibly hot for one another. Of course, they’re gorgeous - so it isn’t exactly helping their libido being in close company with one another.
But, they try to go further. Aurora slowly allows herself to see past Cameron’s manwhore-ish ways. Cameron allows himself to open up to someone in ways he’s never opened up to anyone. Their meetings help them add an outlet that they thoroughly needed, and were missing, to their lives and it’s nice to see that.
You know what would have made this more fun, for met at least? If they weren’t constantly thinking of jumping each other.
Really.
Like 80% of the time (more or less).
I was more interested in what they did in their profession, and how they dealt with their respective lives, rather than how thoroughly they wanted to get into each other’s pants.
When he saw me, his entire face lit up, and I imagined him wooing girls with that blinding smile. No wonder he was a reformed manwhore. My panties practically melted from the get-go. But, I was here for platonic company. Plain and simple.
Back to their respective professions, because when the story did shift towards those aspects of their lives - I was riveted.
Darius was a great secondary character that brought life to the story, to these characters’ jobs. Usually in love stories, or borderline chicklit-like books such as this one, the main characters have jobs - but they are set aside in the grand scheme of things. Both Aurora’s job as a social worker and Cameron’s job as a teacher for special kids is given more respect that that. Which I think was well-done. I would have liked this to have been more worked out though.
Sometimes though, I cam across certain phrases that gave the book gave an “I can’t take you seriously” feel.
For example: Le sigh.
It didn’t fit with Aurora’s character as it’d been portrayed so far, and it threw me off.
Another point that was on my mind for some time was the title. Throughout my read I kept wondering, when exactly it would show up. When it finally did, I didn’t even have the curiosity to count the items because it was presented in such a lackluster way. It’s taking the easy way out, listing them like that. I like it when author make me work for it, this was just the kind of renumeration I can expect when watching the ending of one of those “made-for-tv-Hallmark” movies.
This book was getting pretty movie-ish and then the friend plot was brought in, being interwoven with theirs, and honestly... I ended up becoming more interested/invested in how their best friends were going to turn out. Cameron's friend Maddie and Aurora's friend Sydney - I was kind of hoping for more on that front, or that there'll be a sequel where they'll become the main focus. As an Indian myself, I'm curious to see how Maddie would navigate that relationship with having already been engaged (arrange-marriage engaged - as in the "not-having-even-seen-their-fiancé-yet" engaged).
Regardless, overall this was a book I didn't regret having read, actually quite liked, and would recommend to others if they can not take it too critically.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
September 19, 2016
4.5 stars
Aurora Jones is on a self-imposed moratorium on dating. After a string of failed relationships with men who were all wrong for her, Aurora promised she would go a year without dating. She is finally discovering herself in her singleness -- she love her job as a social worker and she has a strong group of friends around her.
Cameron Miller is also under a moratorium of sorts, though his dating woes were more about too many women and a scare that changed his thought process. His world has sort of fallen apart in the last year, finding his girlfriend cheating on him, losing his job, and turning to women and booze to mask the pain.
Neither is in a place for a relationship, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy each other’s company. When they begin meeting up without their circle of friends around them, they discover that the attraction between them may be more than they expected.
The chemistry between these two simmers as they build a friendship based on their dating problems and related career fields. Watching their friendship form without the pressures of a physical relationship (though they each fought the physical attraction) was a fun way to get to know these two. It was like watching my own friends find the perfect person who has been in the background all along.
The group of friends around Cameron and Aurora is a fun group with a lot of depth. Her friend, Sydney, and his roommate, Maddie, have some drama going on in the background that I would love to see explored in more detail as their own book. This was an entertaining read that kept me focused and intrigued from start to finish.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Aurora Jones is on a self-imposed moratorium on dating. After a string of failed relationships with men who were all wrong for her, Aurora promised she would go a year without dating. She is finally discovering herself in her singleness -- she love her job as a social worker and she has a strong group of friends around her.
Cameron Miller is also under a moratorium of sorts, though his dating woes were more about too many women and a scare that changed his thought process. His world has sort of fallen apart in the last year, finding his girlfriend cheating on him, losing his job, and turning to women and booze to mask the pain.
Neither is in a place for a relationship, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy each other’s company. When they begin meeting up without their circle of friends around them, they discover that the attraction between them may be more than they expected.
The chemistry between these two simmers as they build a friendship based on their dating problems and related career fields. Watching their friendship form without the pressures of a physical relationship (though they each fought the physical attraction) was a fun way to get to know these two. It was like watching my own friends find the perfect person who has been in the background all along.
The group of friends around Cameron and Aurora is a fun group with a lot of depth. Her friend, Sydney, and his roommate, Maddie, have some drama going on in the background that I would love to see explored in more detail as their own book. This was an entertaining read that kept me focused and intrigued from start to finish.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2016
Christina Lee has been a favorite since her very first book was released. Her ability to write strong, well likable characters who are real and genuine is one of the reasons why and it's never more apparent than in her newest book, Twelve Truths and a Lie. A book about friendship, finding yourself, and really following your own path, Twelve Truths is a joy from beginning to end.
I doubt there are many of us out there that haven't sworn off relationships for one reason or another, but Aurora Jones has taken her self-imposed no dating pledge to heart. Going on almost a year of being single, she's bound and determined to see it through until the end of her yearlong deadline. And she's doing a damn fine job, too, using the time to discover what it's like to do things only to please herself whether that's eating cereal for dinner, or watching cheesy television wearing her oldest sweats and t-shirt, or staying bed all day on a Sunday. Doesn't sound too bad, does it? Only problem is one Cameron Miller.
Cameron hasn't had the best year, either. His girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend, sending him into a tailspin of alcohol and meaningless one night stands. He's lonely, a bit bitter, and his friends are worried about him. When they drag him to a monthly night out gathering of friends and wives, he grudgingly agrees, but once he sets his eyes on alluring Aurora, well, things are definitely looking up. A chat at the bar waiting for drinks has these two immediately connecting, and thus the Chastity Club is born. Both Cameron and Aurora recognize the need to stay just friends and this allows them to be honest with one another, in a way they aren't with the others in their lives.
I absolutely loved the whole premise of this book. The slow burn, the quiet, meaningful conversations, the subtle and sweet flirting ... all of it was such a refreshing change from most romance novels. I'm as much a fan of burning hot lust that makes for super-hot times between the sheets as the next girl, but there's something to be said when a story line takes time to develop, to allow characters to grow and learn and evolve. Lee has handled this aspect with deft and grace. As two people who work with children and are passionate about their careers and their responsibilities, I really admired the way Cam's job as a teacher and Aurora's as a child and family therapist are portrayed. Lee didn't sugarcoat the difficulties each face but she did show passion and commitment in a very realistic way.
And let's talk about the sweet, romantic side of this relationship. I really loved watching these two grow closer and closer together. When Cameron asks Aurora to attend his high school reunion with him as his date you just know that all those urges both have been desperately trying to keep under control are just going to explode all over the place. And they did. Some in ways you'd expect, in other ways, it was gentle and sweet.
****
"What are you doing?" I whispered.
He made a noise in the back of his throat. "You smell so good."
I smiled against his chest. His skin had its own alluring vanilla scent. “What do I smell like?"
"Lemons," he said, without hesitation. "Sunshine."
"What?" I laughed and looked up at him as he wore a sheepish grin. "What a crock."
"Think whatever you want," he said, shrugging. "But you do."
I rolled my eyes. "What does sunshine even smell like?"
"Hmmm..." he murmured against my ear, my body heating up from the vibration of his voice. "Like melted ice cream...nostalgia...childhood dreams and comfort."
****
Their chemistry positively smolders, but it's the friendship between them they cultivate and guard so fiercely, so much so that their mutual friends know nothing of their weekly dates and daily text messages to one another, that is really at the heart of them.
Twelve Truths and a Lie was all kinds of warm, fluffy goodness. There are a few moments where your heart gets tugged but overall, this is a real love story. A friendship that blooms into a love that will no doubt stand the test of time. Do yourselves a favor and make sure you pick this one up. You don't want to miss it!
*This review will also be posted on www.prettysassycool.com*
September 19, 2016
To say Christina is a favorite author of mine is an understatement. I have read EVERYTHING she has written. Her works are some of my all time favorite. So when I tell you that this book hit all the feels for me, know that there isn't a bad book on her bookshelf. This one is just that much MORE!
First off, this is a love story. Cameron and Aurora have friends in common. They both have had some trying personal relationship experience and have sworn off relationships and s3x for the time being. Together, they form the Chastity Club. They meet weekly and during that time, not only do they find similar interests because of their professions, but they find a best friend. If you are used to stories with insta-love---this is not one of those. Oh, they are attracted to each other, no doubt. But both are willing to draw the line because their friendship means so much to them. You will enjoy the slow build with this one. Lots of humor mixed in with poignant moments make this just a perfect read.
Don't worry, though. Love is around the corner for these two. Friends first is always a great way to start a relationship. I liked how these two really were thoughtful about what would happen if they moved into a relationship of something more than just friends. Cameron and Aurora help each other grow as people as much as they rely on each other for support and companionship. When they finally do come together, things get pretty steamy pretty fast!
Here's the more: The author writes from experience. Her time as a social worker is evident in all her stories. The reader's encounters with people who are struggling in the book, are very real scenarios for real people. The message in this book: regardless of who we are and where we come from, we all have the right to be treated equally and with dignity. This book...from the school children, to Aurora's upbringing, to the expectations put on Cameron's friend Maddie, to the response by the school district, to the color of one's skin....screams for basic human rights for everyone. Aurora and Cameron are a shining example of the goodness in the world.
Read the book....cover to cover. Discover this author. Big hugs for her as a person and for her stories!
*ARC provided for an honest review.
First off, this is a love story. Cameron and Aurora have friends in common. They both have had some trying personal relationship experience and have sworn off relationships and s3x for the time being. Together, they form the Chastity Club. They meet weekly and during that time, not only do they find similar interests because of their professions, but they find a best friend. If you are used to stories with insta-love---this is not one of those. Oh, they are attracted to each other, no doubt. But both are willing to draw the line because their friendship means so much to them. You will enjoy the slow build with this one. Lots of humor mixed in with poignant moments make this just a perfect read.
Don't worry, though. Love is around the corner for these two. Friends first is always a great way to start a relationship. I liked how these two really were thoughtful about what would happen if they moved into a relationship of something more than just friends. Cameron and Aurora help each other grow as people as much as they rely on each other for support and companionship. When they finally do come together, things get pretty steamy pretty fast!
Here's the more: The author writes from experience. Her time as a social worker is evident in all her stories. The reader's encounters with people who are struggling in the book, are very real scenarios for real people. The message in this book: regardless of who we are and where we come from, we all have the right to be treated equally and with dignity. This book...from the school children, to Aurora's upbringing, to the expectations put on Cameron's friend Maddie, to the response by the school district, to the color of one's skin....screams for basic human rights for everyone. Aurora and Cameron are a shining example of the goodness in the world.
Read the book....cover to cover. Discover this author. Big hugs for her as a person and for her stories!
*ARC provided for an honest review.
Read
September 18, 2016Oh, where to begin with this one. Twelve Truths and a Lie is definitely one of those books where I have so much to say and no idea how to say it. Most importantly though, did I enjoy it? Yes. Yes, I did. I devoured it in just a few short hours having a hard time putting it down. Aurora and Cameron made me smile, laugh, and at time get a little emotional. They built a connection based upon something greater than attraction and that’s something not very prevalent in romance nowadays.
I only found out about Twelve Truths and a Lie a few short days ago from the writing of this review but I knew I had to read it. Christina Lee has been one of my favorite authors since I read her first novel, All of You three years ago. She has a fantastic way of bringing characters to life that feel so real, and like they could be your own friends. The relationships she writes, whether romantic or platonic, are genuine and show many facets of human nature.
Aurora and Cameron are no different. Each are in very similar stages in their lives and taking a break from the whole relationship game to take time for themselves. They have stressful careers which makes it hard to fully commit to someone. It’s hard for their significant others to fully comprehend what they do for a living and how much impact they have on the lives of the people they’re helping. But they get each other. Maybe it’s because they have so much in common, or maybe it’s just because they have similar emphatic natures. They start getting together as friends and their attraction starts getting stronger from there. They actually flirt around a lot of my favorite tropes. They have this whole friends-to-lovers meets fake relationship thing going on.
I just completely fell in love with this world Christina has made. From Aurora and Cameron to their friends, I just want more. Especially Maddie and Sydney. I can only hope and pray that she’s going to write more about these characters because they are some of the most truthful characterizations I’ve read in a long time.
I only found out about Twelve Truths and a Lie a few short days ago from the writing of this review but I knew I had to read it. Christina Lee has been one of my favorite authors since I read her first novel, All of You three years ago. She has a fantastic way of bringing characters to life that feel so real, and like they could be your own friends. The relationships she writes, whether romantic or platonic, are genuine and show many facets of human nature.
Aurora and Cameron are no different. Each are in very similar stages in their lives and taking a break from the whole relationship game to take time for themselves. They have stressful careers which makes it hard to fully commit to someone. It’s hard for their significant others to fully comprehend what they do for a living and how much impact they have on the lives of the people they’re helping. But they get each other. Maybe it’s because they have so much in common, or maybe it’s just because they have similar emphatic natures. They start getting together as friends and their attraction starts getting stronger from there. They actually flirt around a lot of my favorite tropes. They have this whole friends-to-lovers meets fake relationship thing going on.
I just completely fell in love with this world Christina has made. From Aurora and Cameron to their friends, I just want more. Especially Maddie and Sydney. I can only hope and pray that she’s going to write more about these characters because they are some of the most truthful characterizations I’ve read in a long time.
September 16, 2016
This isn’t my first book by Christina Lee and it won’t be my last. I loved how these characters drew you in. They sucked me in and I never looked back. They first meet with their mutual friends. She has sworn off relationships for a year. Her friends Nicole and Sydney challenge her. Cameron walked in on his best friend and girlfriend, so he takes a no sex vow as well.
Without the prying eyes of their friends, they meet regularly in their newly dubbed “Chastity Club,” they are however the only members. I loved these two and their compassion for what they do. They loved these kids. They wanted to help them any way they could. Aurora being a social worker and Cameron a teacher from the same behavior issues. When I was reading I could really feel what they were feeling for these kids. I just wanted to reach in and hug Darius. When one has a bad day, being the friends they are they are , they were there for each other. I loved how this book had them getting to know each other as friends and learn each other and grow. I felt these were genuine characters and someone I would want to have in my corner in life if needed. When these two fell for each other they fell hard. I loved how honest they were with each other. That is so hard for people to do. They worry over what they other will think. This book had great supporting players, Aurora's and Cameron's. I am hoping to maybe read Maddie and Sydney together next. I think that will be a great book as well.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by JoAnna from Alpha Book Club
Without the prying eyes of their friends, they meet regularly in their newly dubbed “Chastity Club,” they are however the only members. I loved these two and their compassion for what they do. They loved these kids. They wanted to help them any way they could. Aurora being a social worker and Cameron a teacher from the same behavior issues. When I was reading I could really feel what they were feeling for these kids. I just wanted to reach in and hug Darius. When one has a bad day, being the friends they are they are , they were there for each other. I loved how this book had them getting to know each other as friends and learn each other and grow. I felt these were genuine characters and someone I would want to have in my corner in life if needed. When these two fell for each other they fell hard. I loved how honest they were with each other. That is so hard for people to do. They worry over what they other will think. This book had great supporting players, Aurora's and Cameron's. I am hoping to maybe read Maddie and Sydney together next. I think that will be a great book as well.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by JoAnna from Alpha Book Club
September 19, 2016
4.5 Stars!!
Told from dual points of view, Twelve Truths and A Lie follows the story of Cameron and Aurora. Still reeling from his being cheated on by his ex-girlfriend, Cameron has been bouncing from one night stand to one night stand. It’s not until his new job as a special ed teacher that Cameron decides he should get his act together….On the outside, Aurora has it all: great job and the best friends a gal could ask for. For the past 9 months, she’s been on a self imposed dating hiatus. Her hope is that this hiatus will open her eyes and have her making better decisions….She never saw Cameron coming. Cameron and Aurora have more in common than either one of them ever expected. What started out as innocent meetings for their “chastity club”, quickly turned into something neither of them ever expected. Will Cameron and Aurora finally get the HEA they both deserve?
Twelve Truths and A Lie was a quick and easy read for me. I fell in love with Cameron and Aurora right away. I loved how easy their relationship was and how entertaining their banter was. I thought the two of them had amazing chemistry and I loved that Cameron and Aurora were friends first before jumping into something more. You could tell from the pull that these two had, that them getting together was just going to be amazing. You just had to sit back, enjoy the ride and see how it all came together.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I am a big fan of friends to lovers romances and this one does not disappoint. This story is sexy and smart. The characters are fun and entertaining. This story has just the right mix of steam, sexy good times, romance and drama.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Told from dual points of view, Twelve Truths and A Lie follows the story of Cameron and Aurora. Still reeling from his being cheated on by his ex-girlfriend, Cameron has been bouncing from one night stand to one night stand. It’s not until his new job as a special ed teacher that Cameron decides he should get his act together….On the outside, Aurora has it all: great job and the best friends a gal could ask for. For the past 9 months, she’s been on a self imposed dating hiatus. Her hope is that this hiatus will open her eyes and have her making better decisions….She never saw Cameron coming. Cameron and Aurora have more in common than either one of them ever expected. What started out as innocent meetings for their “chastity club”, quickly turned into something neither of them ever expected. Will Cameron and Aurora finally get the HEA they both deserve?
Twelve Truths and A Lie was a quick and easy read for me. I fell in love with Cameron and Aurora right away. I loved how easy their relationship was and how entertaining their banter was. I thought the two of them had amazing chemistry and I loved that Cameron and Aurora were friends first before jumping into something more. You could tell from the pull that these two had, that them getting together was just going to be amazing. You just had to sit back, enjoy the ride and see how it all came together.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I am a big fan of friends to lovers romances and this one does not disappoint. This story is sexy and smart. The characters are fun and entertaining. This story has just the right mix of steam, sexy good times, romance and drama.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Read
September 19, 2016Originally posted on Slow Reader's Blog
I’ve been reading Christina Lee’s books for just over a year now. Her writing is always clean and unassuming and her stories distinctive yet balanced with relatable characters and themes. I was excited to read this m/f contemporary as I’ve only experienced her m/m stories.
I thought the premise was great and I was excited as friends- to-lovers stories are among some of my favorites. However, something in the execution didn’t work for me. I can specifically remember wanting thoughts to be fleshed out more and details more specific. I wanted more from the writing, more from the characters, more from the story. Without the substance I’ve come to expect I’m left feeling surprised as this is not what my history would suggest with this author.
I’d classify this read as square peg round hole type of book, me being the square peg and Twelve Truths and a Lie the round hole. We just don’t fit.
I’ve been reading Christina Lee’s books for just over a year now. Her writing is always clean and unassuming and her stories distinctive yet balanced with relatable characters and themes. I was excited to read this m/f contemporary as I’ve only experienced her m/m stories.
I thought the premise was great and I was excited as friends- to-lovers stories are among some of my favorites. However, something in the execution didn’t work for me. I can specifically remember wanting thoughts to be fleshed out more and details more specific. I wanted more from the writing, more from the characters, more from the story. Without the substance I’ve come to expect I’m left feeling surprised as this is not what my history would suggest with this author.
I’d classify this read as square peg round hole type of book, me being the square peg and Twelve Truths and a Lie the round hole. We just don’t fit.
September 19, 2016
3.5 stars
I'm a bit conflicted with this book. On one hand I did really like this story and her writing but on the other hand I had a problem with a few things.
One thing that did bother me was the lack of major conflict. There was nothing for them to get over or work through to be together. I need that in a book. I need that to be able to root for them and to be invested in the story. I liked these characters and I liked the premise of this story. I wanted them to be together but without any major plot twist or "OMG" moments, it was kinda boring. There was some great chemistry between Aurora and Cameron. I loved the slow burn romance between them. The ending did kinda just stop for me. I would of liked to have seen it be more rounded out.
Christina is a great writer and I will definitely check out her stuff again. This one though is a toss-up for me. If you like the sound of it then I recommend you give it a go.
ARC in exchange for honest review
I'm a bit conflicted with this book. On one hand I did really like this story and her writing but on the other hand I had a problem with a few things.
One thing that did bother me was the lack of major conflict. There was nothing for them to get over or work through to be together. I need that in a book. I need that to be able to root for them and to be invested in the story. I liked these characters and I liked the premise of this story. I wanted them to be together but without any major plot twist or "OMG" moments, it was kinda boring. There was some great chemistry between Aurora and Cameron. I loved the slow burn romance between them. The ending did kinda just stop for me. I would of liked to have seen it be more rounded out.
Christina is a great writer and I will definitely check out her stuff again. This one though is a toss-up for me. If you like the sound of it then I recommend you give it a go.
ARC in exchange for honest review
September 29, 2016
I'm going to keep this short and sweet :)
The first 30ish % kind of drug on for me but once the sizzle and swoon began, I devoured this gem!
Aurora and Cameron are a match made in swoony bliss!
Cute, yet poignant with an oh so sweet Happily Ever After.
The first 30ish % kind of drug on for me but once the sizzle and swoon began, I devoured this gem!
Aurora and Cameron are a match made in swoony bliss!
Cute, yet poignant with an oh so sweet Happily Ever After.
October 18, 2016
4.5 stars
July 17, 2019
It was past midnight when I realize that I was reading the last few pages of this beautiful, funny, angsty, sweet and unforgettable love story. And I admit I was really sad to read the end.
I am the kind of reader who deeply enjoys finding new authors. However, finding one that can captive my attention from the very beginning is like finding a goldmine.
Twelve Truths and a Lie is an extraordinary story that not only focus on the romance side, it is charged with deep topics like cheating, coping with lost, finding yourself no matter the age, multicultural couples, mental health and the stigma we still see till this day.
Christina Lee was so meticulous when writing a story where the characters are motivated by their failures to find what they never imagined to find, through the simplest and most natural way; a friendship.
Cameron and Aurora are by far the most down to earth characters I have the immense pleasure to read so far. Finding daily struggles with both of their careers, Aurora as a child and family therapist and Cameron as a special education teacher, it becomes a relieve for both of them to finally meet someone who can understand you in a profound level where they can be themselves without having any expectations. However, all their baggage they have been carrying will determinate how far they will go to find true happiness.
There is not a dull moment since the very first chapter you start reading. The pace is perfect for the story to flow and the writing is on point to understand how they will beat the odds and let their true colors shine bright and reach their HEA.
There are so many important messages you will find in this book that will touch your heart in the best possible way.
With emotive moments and a realistic plot, Twelve Truths and a Lie is a book you do not want to leave forgotten in your TBR list.
And to finish this review, I will give you one of my favorites quotes from Cameron:
"Maybe I never had anything I wanted to protect so fiercely"
#WhatHappensInChastityClubStaysThere
#ProudMember
I am the kind of reader who deeply enjoys finding new authors. However, finding one that can captive my attention from the very beginning is like finding a goldmine.
Twelve Truths and a Lie is an extraordinary story that not only focus on the romance side, it is charged with deep topics like cheating, coping with lost, finding yourself no matter the age, multicultural couples, mental health and the stigma we still see till this day.
Christina Lee was so meticulous when writing a story where the characters are motivated by their failures to find what they never imagined to find, through the simplest and most natural way; a friendship.
Cameron and Aurora are by far the most down to earth characters I have the immense pleasure to read so far. Finding daily struggles with both of their careers, Aurora as a child and family therapist and Cameron as a special education teacher, it becomes a relieve for both of them to finally meet someone who can understand you in a profound level where they can be themselves without having any expectations. However, all their baggage they have been carrying will determinate how far they will go to find true happiness.
There is not a dull moment since the very first chapter you start reading. The pace is perfect for the story to flow and the writing is on point to understand how they will beat the odds and let their true colors shine bright and reach their HEA.
There are so many important messages you will find in this book that will touch your heart in the best possible way.
With emotive moments and a realistic plot, Twelve Truths and a Lie is a book you do not want to leave forgotten in your TBR list.
And to finish this review, I will give you one of my favorites quotes from Cameron:
"Maybe I never had anything I wanted to protect so fiercely"
#WhatHappensInChastityClubStaysThere
#ProudMember
February 4, 2017
How can anyone not like avocado? Because holy guacamole! Mexican isn't Mexican without guac! I bet if Mexico said you can build your stupid wall but we are taking all of our Mexican food back, Trump would have to change his mind or risk being stoned alive. Now there's a thought...
Political post over. I puzzled about what the twelve truths were - then had a Doh moment. It is the 12 months that Aurora commits to having no boyfriend. From school age she has always had a significant other but decides to have some alone time with just BOB aka Richard for company.
Friend of a friend, Cameron forms the Chastity Club with her where the two sex starved members meet up and mutual appreciation for each other begins to grow along with lust and dirty thoughts! One thing I do love about this book is the bi-racial relationships not just of the main characters but in the supporting cast (is there a Sydney/Maddie book?).
Christina Lee's background in social work adds a depth to the book. You can really tell the author understands and feels the subject matter and it is therefore well crafted.
Political post over. I puzzled about what the twelve truths were - then had a Doh moment. It is the 12 months that Aurora commits to having no boyfriend. From school age she has always had a significant other but decides to have some alone time with just BOB aka Richard for company.
Friend of a friend, Cameron forms the Chastity Club with her where the two sex starved members meet up and mutual appreciation for each other begins to grow along with lust and dirty thoughts! One thing I do love about this book is the bi-racial relationships not just of the main characters but in the supporting cast (is there a Sydney/Maddie book?).
Christina Lee's background in social work adds a depth to the book. You can really tell the author understands and feels the subject matter and it is therefore well crafted.
November 4, 2018
Characters felt flat and very redundant. A lot of "Oh, I really like him/her, but we can't date OR hookup yet!"
I usually read books in 1-2 days, but this one took me a few weeks. I thought the first 1/3 was okay, powered through the second 1/3, and skimmed the rest of it.
I usually read books in 1-2 days, but this one took me a few weeks. I thought the first 1/3 was okay, powered through the second 1/3, and skimmed the rest of it.
February 6, 2018
I really liked this book.
February 14, 2018
Glad I took a chance in this one. It was a sweet and funny book. I really enjoyed it.
August 11, 2018
Loved the story of Aurora and Cameron! Hoping there’s more.
September 27, 2016
It's been a while since I had the time to just sit and relax with a great book. So when I knew I have a sort of a weekend "off" I intended to do exactly that. I'm so happy I chose this one :) It was exactly what I needed. This story was HOT as hell and the story itself, the characters were a JOY to read. I loved both MC, there was something so real about them and they TOTALLY deserved one another.
Cameron Miller and Aurora Jones met through mutual friends. It didn't seem as though there could be anything going on between the two considering Aurora isn't the kind of girl to fool around and she isn't dating ANYONE this year due to bad boyfriend decisions and Cameron isn't doing any one-night-stands for half a year and relationship? he had one of those and it didn't end well to say the least.
Yet they find they DO have a lot to talk about. Aurora is a social worker and Cameron is a teacher in a class with "difficult" kids. Wanting to stay true to their promise to themselves and their friends they form "The Chastity Club", a way for them to stay friends, get to know each other, and yet not move to the next level.
Thing is, though Aurora and Cameron are great together as friends, they are reluctant to make something more out of their friendship. Aurora had her share of boyfriends but they were all wrong for her. She was looking for someone to fix, and you know THAT doesn't tend to work.. So she isn't interested in finding a new "project". Cameron might be known as the guy who just screws around by their mutual friends but that's only because they haven't known him before, when he had a steady girl, one who cheated on him with one of his closest friends..
They truly build a solid friendship before they found themselves acting upon their mutual attraction. I LOVED seeing the way their friendship was building, it felt so realistic. They had so much in common not only in their occupation but in their beliefs even though they grew up in a totally different environment. There was nothing to "fix" about Cameron, he might have been hurt by the actions of his ex and best friend, but basically he is a solid guy, exactly what Aurora needs, and on the other side, for Cameron, Aurora is perfect as well because she is something he could truly count on.
Once they act upon their attraction SPARKS FLY! I mean, the HOTNESS! a total and absolute O-M-G-! Even though sleeping together was OFF the table for most of the book their fooling around.. I can't even.. But what was PERFECT about it was the way it brought them together, made them connect.
The name of the book means the 12 truths Aurora found about herself in each of the months she have been single, the lie is being content the way she is, without a relationship, without a man to share her life with. I really liked the whole idea of it because it's me in a nut shell. I have my shares of truths I found about myself being single for the longest time, and yet I'm still struggling with my lie.. I really don't think I NEED a man, but I do want one I just tell myself it's "no big deal" and maybe it is.. I don't know. This book came in a good timing for me to think and rethink this subject.
I feel a bit rusty at writing reviews.. I'm not really pleased with my review because I don't feel it gives the right vibe of HOW MUCH I enjoyed reading it. It was an easy read, not angsty or anything, it was about friendship building and forming into something more which was done perfectly. It was a happy read. Even the tough issues that Aurora and Cameron were dealing with didn't give the book a dark feel, on the contrary.
HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
Cameron Miller and Aurora Jones met through mutual friends. It didn't seem as though there could be anything going on between the two considering Aurora isn't the kind of girl to fool around and she isn't dating ANYONE this year due to bad boyfriend decisions and Cameron isn't doing any one-night-stands for half a year and relationship? he had one of those and it didn't end well to say the least.
Yet they find they DO have a lot to talk about. Aurora is a social worker and Cameron is a teacher in a class with "difficult" kids. Wanting to stay true to their promise to themselves and their friends they form "The Chastity Club", a way for them to stay friends, get to know each other, and yet not move to the next level.
Thing is, though Aurora and Cameron are great together as friends, they are reluctant to make something more out of their friendship. Aurora had her share of boyfriends but they were all wrong for her. She was looking for someone to fix, and you know THAT doesn't tend to work.. So she isn't interested in finding a new "project". Cameron might be known as the guy who just screws around by their mutual friends but that's only because they haven't known him before, when he had a steady girl, one who cheated on him with one of his closest friends..
They truly build a solid friendship before they found themselves acting upon their mutual attraction. I LOVED seeing the way their friendship was building, it felt so realistic. They had so much in common not only in their occupation but in their beliefs even though they grew up in a totally different environment. There was nothing to "fix" about Cameron, he might have been hurt by the actions of his ex and best friend, but basically he is a solid guy, exactly what Aurora needs, and on the other side, for Cameron, Aurora is perfect as well because she is something he could truly count on.
Once they act upon their attraction SPARKS FLY! I mean, the HOTNESS! a total and absolute O-M-G-! Even though sleeping together was OFF the table for most of the book their fooling around.. I can't even.. But what was PERFECT about it was the way it brought them together, made them connect.
The name of the book means the 12 truths Aurora found about herself in each of the months she have been single, the lie is being content the way she is, without a relationship, without a man to share her life with. I really liked the whole idea of it because it's me in a nut shell. I have my shares of truths I found about myself being single for the longest time, and yet I'm still struggling with my lie.. I really don't think I NEED a man, but I do want one I just tell myself it's "no big deal" and maybe it is.. I don't know. This book came in a good timing for me to think and rethink this subject.
I feel a bit rusty at writing reviews.. I'm not really pleased with my review because I don't feel it gives the right vibe of HOW MUCH I enjoyed reading it. It was an easy read, not angsty or anything, it was about friendship building and forming into something more which was done perfectly. It was a happy read. Even the tough issues that Aurora and Cameron were dealing with didn't give the book a dark feel, on the contrary.
HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
October 4, 2016
Twelve Truths and A Lie was a great sweet read. It's told in the dual POVs of Aurora and Cameron. I loved that we get to get into both their heads. Aurora has a good and is doing pretty good but she hasn't been doing good with dating. She's on a twelve month no dating sabbatical when she meets Cameron. Cameron has also had bad luck with dating and went a bender sleeping with many women. When he meets Aurora he's taking a break from dating and sex. He has a new job and is focuses on getting his act together. Aurora works as a a child and family therapist and Cameron works a s a special education teacher. I liked that the story shows them at work too and really helps to understand them as a whole. They form a Friday club where they are the only members, called the Chastity Club. I really liked that they don't just jump into bed or a relationship. They become good friends and learn about each other. I was rooting for these two to have a lasting relationship together.
September 19, 2016
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review***
Aurora is a social worker working with children and their families. Aurora was raised by a single mom who had drinking issues and always had a boyfriend or was looking for love. And Aurora has found that she's repeated the same behavior by never being without a boyfriend since high school. She has a great group of friends who have challenged her to spend one year single.
After his girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend, Cameron went on a binge of one night stands and drinking. Cameron's friends challenge him to go six months without a hook-up. Aurora is 9 months into her challenge and Cameron, three months when they are reintroduced to each other by their friends. They jokingly start the Chastity Club, and have a "weekly" meeting that starts out awkward but turns into a friendship. Aurora and Cameron have a lot in common and believe in the same core values which furthers their attraction to each other. When Cameron decides to attend his class reunion, he's not looking forward to seeing his ex and best friend there together. Aurora agrees to attend with him for support and so he's not alone.
I really liked both of these characters, they were just two regular, everyday people trying to do better in the world. They both had difficult but important jobs, and they were really well written. I think the challenges of being single written in the story are important for people dating, a good reminder that sometimes you need to be single to center and find yourself again before jumping into new relationships and that there are valuable lessons learned in those spans of being single.
Cameron and Aurora had great chemistry in addition to their friendship, and made for a very enjoyable read. The one issue I had with Aurora was her constant monitoring/overthinking of Cameron's drinking before the reunion and she was doing all this, while she herself was drinking. I can understand the concern about being with someone who drinks excessively and about having alcohol be a part of your childhood, but it felt hypocritical that she was drinking while doing it.
I, also, really enjoyed the supporting characters. They seemed like a group of people you'd want to be friends with. Honestly, I wondered if the friends were trying to set Cameron and Aurora up together with their aligning single challenges coinciding in time-frame. I really hope there is another book that focuses on Maddie and Sydney because that was really mean of the author just to leave us hanging like that!
I thought Aurora and Cameron's story was well-written! It was sweet, low-angst and not instalove. And I really enjoyed the important issues the author brought into the story, the important jobs that both Aurora and Cameron have and how those in the field don't get to clock out at the end of the day. This was a really enjoyable story, that I would definitely recommend!
Rating: 4.5 stars!
Aurora is a social worker working with children and their families. Aurora was raised by a single mom who had drinking issues and always had a boyfriend or was looking for love. And Aurora has found that she's repeated the same behavior by never being without a boyfriend since high school. She has a great group of friends who have challenged her to spend one year single.
After his girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend, Cameron went on a binge of one night stands and drinking. Cameron's friends challenge him to go six months without a hook-up. Aurora is 9 months into her challenge and Cameron, three months when they are reintroduced to each other by their friends. They jokingly start the Chastity Club, and have a "weekly" meeting that starts out awkward but turns into a friendship. Aurora and Cameron have a lot in common and believe in the same core values which furthers their attraction to each other. When Cameron decides to attend his class reunion, he's not looking forward to seeing his ex and best friend there together. Aurora agrees to attend with him for support and so he's not alone.
I really liked both of these characters, they were just two regular, everyday people trying to do better in the world. They both had difficult but important jobs, and they were really well written. I think the challenges of being single written in the story are important for people dating, a good reminder that sometimes you need to be single to center and find yourself again before jumping into new relationships and that there are valuable lessons learned in those spans of being single.
Cameron and Aurora had great chemistry in addition to their friendship, and made for a very enjoyable read. The one issue I had with Aurora was her constant monitoring/overthinking of Cameron's drinking before the reunion and she was doing all this, while she herself was drinking. I can understand the concern about being with someone who drinks excessively and about having alcohol be a part of your childhood, but it felt hypocritical that she was drinking while doing it.
I, also, really enjoyed the supporting characters. They seemed like a group of people you'd want to be friends with. Honestly, I wondered if the friends were trying to set Cameron and Aurora up together with their aligning single challenges coinciding in time-frame. I really hope there is another book that focuses on Maddie and Sydney because that was really mean of the author just to leave us hanging like that!
I thought Aurora and Cameron's story was well-written! It was sweet, low-angst and not instalove. And I really enjoyed the important issues the author brought into the story, the important jobs that both Aurora and Cameron have and how those in the field don't get to clock out at the end of the day. This was a really enjoyable story, that I would definitely recommend!
Rating: 4.5 stars!
September 20, 2016
GOLD LIPSTICK
Holy Moly!!! Where do I even start... from the very moment I laid eyes on the cover for Twelve Truths and a Lie I was intrigued, and that title, I was sold by that alone, I experienced that rare connection immediately, I *needed* to read this book, once I read the blurb I was already over halfway to be absolutely smitten, with that much excitement building inside of me any number of things could of gone wrong, I could of failed to feel that connection to the words, the one that we as readers need to live and breathe. Twelve Truths was my first foray into Christina Lee's work, within the first chapter I was enchanted, by chapter two I was hooked, I devoured Lee's words like a Lush imbibes on wine, I was utterly and hopelessly invested in Aurora and Cameron's lives and to be honest sitting here writing this review, my hands anxious, my heart still racing, a smile on my face, I'm envious of those who get to read this book for the first time.
"Nobody's normal, no matter what they tell you."
Aurora and Cameron are each fighting an uncomfortable truth about themselves, Lee's exquisite prose serves to draw reader in, there is a rawness to their journey's, one that resonated deeply with me, in a world where these two spend so much of their professional lives being a voice of reason and support for those less fortunate, those battling larger demons than themselves it's inevitable that there's comfort in finding someone who understands the world they inhabit. Twelve Truths is simultaneously sweet and funny and raw and profound, filled with a tenderness that perfectly showed the vulnerability of the human condition interlaced with the tenacity of the human spirit, Lee encapsulated exactly what we seek, true love. A love built on more than purely animalistic attraction, or chemistry, a love so profound that you only truly understand its depth when you surrender your heart to it, a love that opens you up to life, a love that challenges you, a love that both makes you vulnerable and strong.
"You walk in the room and I can't catch my breath. My heart goes crazy. You're like this warm and commanding light that I can't turn away from. My very own Northern Light. I want to be near you all the time."
I want to divulge all the moments that made my heart skip a beat, I want to regale you with all the moments that had me giggling, I wanted to share with you all the moments that I felt that blush creep up my cheeks, everything about this story was addictive, like a compulsion I could not bare to put this book down. Twelve Truths and a Lie absolutely stole my heart, I had a sneaking suspicion this book would be right up my proverbial alley, however I could of never had anticipated how ardently I would love it. I implore you to spend some time in the world Lee created, and allow Aurora and Cameron to captivate and enchant you the way they did me.
To read more of GPI's reviews: http://www.glasspaperinkbookblog.blog...
Holy Moly!!! Where do I even start... from the very moment I laid eyes on the cover for Twelve Truths and a Lie I was intrigued, and that title, I was sold by that alone, I experienced that rare connection immediately, I *needed* to read this book, once I read the blurb I was already over halfway to be absolutely smitten, with that much excitement building inside of me any number of things could of gone wrong, I could of failed to feel that connection to the words, the one that we as readers need to live and breathe. Twelve Truths was my first foray into Christina Lee's work, within the first chapter I was enchanted, by chapter two I was hooked, I devoured Lee's words like a Lush imbibes on wine, I was utterly and hopelessly invested in Aurora and Cameron's lives and to be honest sitting here writing this review, my hands anxious, my heart still racing, a smile on my face, I'm envious of those who get to read this book for the first time.
"Nobody's normal, no matter what they tell you."
Aurora and Cameron are each fighting an uncomfortable truth about themselves, Lee's exquisite prose serves to draw reader in, there is a rawness to their journey's, one that resonated deeply with me, in a world where these two spend so much of their professional lives being a voice of reason and support for those less fortunate, those battling larger demons than themselves it's inevitable that there's comfort in finding someone who understands the world they inhabit. Twelve Truths is simultaneously sweet and funny and raw and profound, filled with a tenderness that perfectly showed the vulnerability of the human condition interlaced with the tenacity of the human spirit, Lee encapsulated exactly what we seek, true love. A love built on more than purely animalistic attraction, or chemistry, a love so profound that you only truly understand its depth when you surrender your heart to it, a love that opens you up to life, a love that challenges you, a love that both makes you vulnerable and strong.
"You walk in the room and I can't catch my breath. My heart goes crazy. You're like this warm and commanding light that I can't turn away from. My very own Northern Light. I want to be near you all the time."
I want to divulge all the moments that made my heart skip a beat, I want to regale you with all the moments that had me giggling, I wanted to share with you all the moments that I felt that blush creep up my cheeks, everything about this story was addictive, like a compulsion I could not bare to put this book down. Twelve Truths and a Lie absolutely stole my heart, I had a sneaking suspicion this book would be right up my proverbial alley, however I could of never had anticipated how ardently I would love it. I implore you to spend some time in the world Lee created, and allow Aurora and Cameron to captivate and enchant you the way they did me.
To read more of GPI's reviews: http://www.glasspaperinkbookblog.blog...
September 19, 2016
If you've never read a book written by Christina Lee, I highly encourage you to pick up Twelve Truths And A Lie. Christina is known for her unique characters, unusual life situations, and how her characters grow through trial and error. Each book is thought provoking, endearing, and interesting.
Aurora James and Cameron Miller are both on breaks from the opposite sex. Both are on a hiatus for very different reasons. Their reasons are valid and helping them to become better and stronger people. They are learning to live within their own skins and embrace their happiness. They are both lonely and form a solid friendship that leads them down the same path. A path that is right for them both.
Aurora is a perpetual relationship type of girl. She chooses to men that aren't really relationship material. They need her more than she needs them. They need fixing and she is a fixer. Her career as a youth social worker doesn't help matters. Her friends have challenged her to be relationship free for one year and find herself. After another disastrous relationship she is finally coming to terms with herself. She is learning to live alone outside of a relationship. She is learning she has needs of her own. She is also learning what she wants out of life and that it is okay to be alone.
Cameron Miller is a special ed teacher working with students that have anger issues and cannot function successfully in a large classroom environment. Because his job is specialized and the public school system is struggling with funding, his position is always the first to be dropped. He has had several teaching jobs throughout his career. While struggling to hang onto a job, his fiance cheats on him with his best friend. The betrayal sent him into a tizzy. He started drinking too much and womanizing became a way to exist. His friends finally intervened and challenged him to turn his life around for a year.
Cameron and Aurora have the same mutual friends. Their tightly knit group are the threads that keep them on their goals. Their careers often intersect and they have the same kind of mutual interests. Loneliness is hard at times and being alone is even harder. They decide form a chastity club to help each other out with the loneliness by offering companionship.
Together they form a tight friendship and find they have more in common than their goals, careers, and past disastrous relationships. What they have is what real relationships should be based on. It takes Twelve Truths And A Lie for Cameron and Aurora to finally find the right direction in their lives.
Christina Lee delivered a superb story that rang true in every sense of the word. I highly recommend this book.
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