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Half Truths

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All-American boy meets broken girl... at rehab?

It will never work.

How could it?

Alex is Chicago royalty. Harley considers herself Las Vegas trash. While he's been handed everything his entire life, she scrapes to make ends meet. Still, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Both long to break free from the stereotypes of their upbringing and embrace each moment together. Yet, neither are ready to share all of who they are.

Their secrets.

Their fears.

Their bitter realities.

Does their budding relationship stand a chance under a blanket of secrecy? Or will owning their truth set them free?

298 pages, ebook

Published August 17, 2020

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About the author

Rachael Brownell

64 books985 followers
I'm a Michigan girl, born and raised. My addictions include: coffee, chocolate, coffee, avoiding adulting, coffee, and coffee.
My favorite season is fall. My favorite color is teal. And my favorite genre to read and write is romance.
I refuse to 'stay in my lane' when it comes to my books. You'll find I write everything from young-adult to sweet contemporary to steamy new adult.
#noregrets
Looking for a place to start with my books? Check out A Moment Too Late (small-town second chance romance) or The Lake State University series (new adult, steamy college romance).
Thanks for being here and happy reading!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,008 reviews80 followers
August 19, 2020

Alex has just graduated when he comes back home and he finds his little sister, Daphne, passed out on her bed after she took too many pills and drugs, so he decides to fly from Chicago to San Diego to sign her into a rehab.
Harley is the counselor assigned to Alex’s sister.
They are instantly attracted to each other, and when they find out to be neighbours it becomes even more difficult to follow the rules and to stay aways from each other.
They are both running and hiding from their families for very different reasons and they can’t risk to reveal their secrets and jeopardize their lives.
Will their lies and half truths ruin their relationship? Or will they finally trust each other letting their love to blossom?

I was so engrossed in this story and characters that I’ve finished to read Half Truths in a day.
I have appreciated how Harley and Alex fought to become better adults than their parents, they want to be worthy to be admired by their loved ones. Even if they know that they have to roll up their sleeves to succeed they are not scared by the hard work and the sacrifice.

I’ve enjoyed this story that fortunately wasn’t too crude and descriptive about addiction.


Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

Profile Image for Booknerd_dragon (TANIA).
55 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2020
• Half Truths (by Rachael brownell)

I picked this book up knowing nothing about it. It was a wild guess from my part, but boy do I pick a great book.

Alex sends his sister to the rehab because she needs help with her addiction that is eating her alive, which is certainly a real big issue in a lot of house and teenage life now a days.

I was already pleased with the drug addiction issue the book was handling with. But then the fun part comes, where Alex got attracted to the drug counselor and vice versa, then circumstances hit them and it was clear from the start that they are supposed to be together till the end of the book

I was excited about the journey, they will go through knowing they are connected through Alex's sister drug addiction cure which is not just a very fortunate way to hit it off, but on the other side a very good way to know each other from real and emotional levels.

That was what the book was holding on. The main thread and plot of the story and damn did it hit some nerves.

Both of them had their own past and present baggages which have some ugly faces to be honest and blunt, but again isnt that life.

I loved how I flew through the book and the page count disnt hurt me as much as I thought it would. It does have some good character developments.

• Character development- 4.2☆
• Story Plot- 3.8☆
• Side characters- 3.5☆
• Flow of the story- 4☆
• Overall - 4☆
Profile Image for Ashley.
299 reviews14 followers
August 11, 2020
I gladly took my time reading this one. Absorbing and appreciating the slow-burn story between Alex and Harley that was beautifully written.

Alex is a rich boy from Chicago, the son of a real estate magnate and expected to follow in the family foot steps. But when Alex returns from college and finds his little sister overdosing on drugs and his mother and father won't acknowledge her drug problem. He takes it upon himself to sneak her across the country to southern CA and check her into a rehab facility where his sister's counselor, Harley, is like no one Alex has ever met.

Harley keeps her lies close and her truths buried deep. She won't let anyone into her life for risk of her past and that of the little boy, Phoenix, she takes care of. They have been on the run for a few years, hiding from a dangerous past, but her attraction to Alex has her questioning letting down all her barriers. But she takes too much pride in her job and her first responsibility is to her patient Daphne, Alex's little sister.

A beautiful story about how lies brought together two people who were perfect for one another, but facing those lies and exposing the truths puts them both at risk. How far will you go to have real love? Will you expose everything you've been afraid of? Or will you walk away.

I adored the characters in this story, relating very closely with Harley. Coming from a family that chose drugs over responsibilities in more cases than one, I know what that pain feels like. Watching how strong she is and how she's overcome those pains, I can appreciate that as well. It's never an easy road and letting people in when you fear being hurt, is always a challenge. The little boy Phoenix, while a supporting character, brings out important traits in both Alex and Harley.

This is a beautiful and timeless love story that should be cherished and read thoroughly; appreciated for its depth and heart-aching pathway to finding love.
Profile Image for Anne .
930 reviews
August 30, 2020
4⭐️

This is my first ARC from the author. I've read the blurb and signed-up.

The story started slow for me. I expected it to be angsty, and it was. For a second there, I almost gave up on reading because the dynamic between Alex and Harley was frustrating and it wasn't relatable. But it picked around the middle and I eventually warmed up.

It was definitely a unique, heart-wrenching and heartwarming tale of giving people second chances and rising up to the occasion... that sometimes in life, we only need one person to believe in us to have a different outcome.

Profile Image for Sarah Anguish.
395 reviews80 followers
August 7, 2020
Alex is looking out for his little sister. Sure he has technically kidnapped her and admitted her to a rehab centre - which she only go into because he metaphorically killed off his parents (who are worse than useless, so wrapped up in their own lives). Whilst checking her into rehab he finds himself staring at some beautiful ebony hair followed by a perk ass. Problem being that ass belongs to his sister's new counsellor so off bounds.

Harley is that counsellor who notices Alex checking her out at the clinic. Sure, he's hot but he is the relative of a patient and she can't go there. Not that she would have option but still.

Finding themselves as neighbours allows the chemistry between them grow. However, they are both hiding truths about themselves which threaten to undo their lives. Only admitting half truths to each other. Is that a basis for a friendship? Or a relationship? Surely, each one of them needs to know the who truth.

A story about the complex relationships people have with their families, no matter what their background. Discussion on drug use and adultery.
Profile Image for Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora).
2,005 reviews261 followers
August 16, 2020
Rate: 4,4 / 5 stars

Half-Truths was my first read by Rachael Brownell and I really enjoyed it. It was a super cute read. I adored the characters, some more than others. I loved how Alex and Harley developed a relationship first and that he and Phoenix also became great friends and not because Alex was interested in his mom.

Everything to do with Daphne, Alex's addict sister, had me feeling some type of way. She was so vindictive and calculated. Alex's whole family was pretty crappy. So the fact that he found an amazing little famil in Harley and Phoenix meant so much. These three were meant to meet and be in each other's lives.

The chemistry between these two was fire. They way they described each other and the moments where they almost caved to their attraction oof. But once they finally happened, things developed too fast. I kind of wish we had gotten to see them be in a relationship and enjoy it for a while before everything imploded when Alex's secret came out. After that moment, everything happened so fast and although I really enjoyed that bit of angst, I feel like there were moments in between these two big scenes that would have been nice to see play out.

I did think it was nice that Alex went and got his life sorted before he and Harley could have a real future. I love how he had a plan, made things happen and then came back to fight for his girl. He was pretty amazing. I'm happy that some of his family members also saw light and decided to do something about it.

This book was truly a sweet read and I enjoyed it a lot. Harley and Alex were both hiding behind lies to protect themselves and the ones they loved from bad home situations. They found each other in the wonderful twists of fate and from the getgo they both knew there was something special between them. Their story is fun, sexy, sweet and emotional here and there.


➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Jess *lovetolovebooks*.
431 reviews113 followers
September 15, 2020
Ok.
Buckle up.
I got a rant filled review coming your way.

But before I get into the nitty gritty, I want to focus on the things I liked about this book.
-Harley and her childhood growing up with an addict was something I related hard to, and so I connected to her on a personal level.
-Harley’s brother Phoenix was adorable and I wanted to hug him.

Alright time for the bad news.
Let’s start with the blurb. It was written in a way that made me and some others believe that we were getting a story about two addicts connecting while in rehab. Which could not be further from the truth. Instead it’s about Alex who is forcing his sister into rehab because he found her unconscious with an empty pill bottle next to her. The love interest? Harley, one of the rehab’s counselors. Specifically she is Daphne’s (the drug addicted sister) counselor.

Alex is immediately introduced as just a sleazy human being.
I’m not joking when I say that this is how the book starts out:
Page one: My sister overdosed and almost died. Please help her.
Page two: Check out the ass on that counselor.
Alex was the cause of many an eye roll while reading.
There were times when pieces of his childhood/history were revealed and I would start to feel bad for him but then...BUT THEN
There was a moment when he actually threw what felt like a grown ass temper tantrum because his sister was taking up too much of Harley’s time on purpose to get back at him for putting her in rehab. He literally said “She knows you’ll choose her over me.” Can you feel the WTF vibes rolling off me? I understand warning Harley that “hey Daphne might be trying to manipulate you into getting out as quick as possible” but the way he did it? I hated it so much. That in itself was manipulative.
Excuse me sir. Maybe you should be letting the counselor do her fucking job instead of trying to get your dick wet?? Just a thought. I think because this book started off with the tone of Alex being such a creep instead of being more focused on his sister, this relationship was doomed from the start for me. They had a few cute moments but overall the romance was very surface level and nothing to write home about. And if I had to read one more time about how great Harley’s ass looked, I would have screamed.
In case you couldn’t tell, I absolutely could not stand Alex. Sorry but I found him to be quite gross and predatory even.
The sexy times were pretty much fade to black. They were not explicit in the least, which is only a negative if that’s not your thing. I prefer my sexy scenes to be steam filled. I have the “more explicit the better” way of thinking. Plus this is a slow burn, and if I’m going to spend all my time building up to this one passion filled moment, it better blow my socks off and this just wasn’t it chief.

Overall rating 2 stars
Steaminess 1.5 stars
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,550 reviews
August 19, 2020
First book that I have read from this author and I found it enjoyable. Alex and Harley were a great couple. They were from two different sides of the track but brought together to help his sister. What started as a friendship and a common goal turned into so much more. Loved the chemistry and attraction between them. This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. Great read and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

I read an early review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Profile Image for Ashley Cade.
Author 12 books791 followers
August 17, 2020
Half Truths has everything you’re looking for in a contemporary romance: angst, longing, sexual tension galore, and two lonely hearts with secrets they can’t share with anyone. Rachael Brownwell expertly and insightfully navigates sensitive topics to bring readers unique and realistic love story.
Profile Image for Rina | booksofthemuggleborn.
557 reviews25 followers
August 15, 2020
My Rating: 4 stars!

**ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.**

Alex and Harley's story was utter chaos, frustrating as hell, and yet completely jump-in-head-first type of love that had me engrossed. They found themselves in a unique situation that was messy, complicated, and without a doubt will bite them both in the ass. But yet they fitted each other so well. Meant to be, as some may say.

When I initially read the blurb, I assumed that Alex and Harley would be the ones in rehab. I figured it would be a dark, really depressing story of two broken souls who find common ground, learn to love again, and in the end finally have their happily ever after.

Okay. Some of that was somewhat true but not in the way I had expected. The actual story ended up being a cool take on a contemporary romance that included some form of addiction. The difference being book read a little bit lighter, not at all gloomy or heavyhearted despite the sad lives these characters are placed in.

But I'm gonna have to cut to the chase with one aspect of this book without giving you guys any spoilers...

I hate Alex's sister. There. I said it.

But it had to be said. Again, without giving any specifics I thought she was a snotty, good for nothing brat. Harsh? Maybe. But she gets no sympathies from me. By the end, I still didn't warm up to her. Can't like everybody.

But you know what? I always say that if there's a character that manages to invoke such emotions from me, albeit negative ones, then the author did a fab job of writing said character. Now, I don't know if Brownell's intentions were to make her readers despise Alex's sister, or to make us sympathize her for what's she's dealing with. Regardless, I clearly have a black heart because all I saw when she was around was trouble. 🙄

You'll discover fairly early on that family plays a vital role in this story. They have a big impact on both our protagonists and how they go about in their daily lives. Their struggles are very relatable, which makes their entire story more realistic. You may not entirely relate with Alex or Harley's lives, but you can connect with at least some of their struggles -- like money worries, family issues, work troubles, and even moral beliefs.   

I appreciate that Brownell has included a range of secondary characters that really gives Alex and Harley's world more depth, and to really shine a light on the different worlds they've come from.

Harley's son, Phoenix is without a doubt a real trooper! 😄 I love how the mood instantly lifts when he's around because not only is he such a typical adolescent, but he says things flat out one minute, and the next goes about minding his own business. The relationship Phoenix has with both Harley and Alex was one of the best highlights in my opinion. It was a nice break from the constant push and pull of Harley and Alex's growing relationship.

Their story is full of secrecy and lies -- or should I say half-truths?! 😉 They're both keeping certain things to themselves not realizing that the other may understand more than they think. It's an enjoyable love story, sometimes even too cute for words.

Alex knows how to lighten an otherwise heated situation. A charming, mostly easy-going hero. I love how he can push Harley to take chances without truly forcing her to. He's true to his word, and it may sound boring but he's dependable. Quality trait, if you ask me!

I admit, there are things that were said and done that I don't necessarily agree with... *cough* I may have huffed a little at these moments *cough* ...and I didn't always love Harley or Alex. But in the end, I was left feeling a sense of contentment with how things concluded. I was happy sighing.

It does contain sensitive subject matters that may trigger some readers -- mostly drug and alcohol abuse. There's also mention of adultery (but not involving the main characters).

There's lighthearted humor here and there. Just enough to keep the overall aura of the book on the lighter side.

Coming from completely different backgrounds, it has an opposite worlds type of romance trope. Whilst I'm normally not a fan of slow burn romances, this one was less cruel because well... Alex just can't seem to stay away from Harley. Hehe.

Fairly-well paced storytelling. Told from dual points of view.

There's a good chunk of character growth from both our hero/ heroine. It was a relief to see that they managed to handle themselves as mature adults (ironically enough, with all the drama surrounding them).   

All in all this adult contemporary romance was sweet. Perfect for readers who enjoy Hallmark movies, like I do, because this could so easily be a Hallmark movie. Two very attractive characters. Cute first meet. There's an instant attraction, and they start to see where it could lead. But things get in the way, and they have to resolve it before they can truly ever be happy. Throw in a couple of side characters that another perspective to their lives, and there you have it! 😊

**Full review in my Blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
8,934 reviews53 followers
August 24, 2020
Alex may have had anything he could want financially but emotionally is another story. With his sister’s life and future in jeopardy he is willing to whatever is necessary to ensure she changes her life and that mean keeping her location hidden while she gets the help she needs.

Harley is a counselor at the facility where Alex has taken his sister and she is trying to escape a past of her own. She has turned her life around, but she has secrets she needs to keep in order to protect those she loves.

Alex and Harley have a chemistry and connection from their first meeting and know they should keep their distance as not only do they have a professional relationship because of his sister but they find themselves neighbors as well. Denying their feelings for each other is getting more difficult with every passing day and they must decide if what they have together is strong enough to handle the truth.

Both Alex and Harley find themselves in a predicament through no fault of their own as they try to do what is best for those they care about. Although they couldn’t be more different, they couldn’t be a better match.
Profile Image for Georgia Coffman.
Author 17 books1,442 followers
August 12, 2020
"The hardest part about sharing your truth with someone is saying it out loud. Accepting that once it's out there, they may never look at you the same way again."

From the start, Half Truths sucked me into its well-established world and captivated me as I watched the characters grow and learn to trust not only each other, but themselves as well. This angsty, slow burn romance is one you don’t want to miss!
Profile Image for Isabel Lucero.
Author 32 books1,423 followers
October 26, 2020
Rachael Brownell crafts a sweet, well-rounded story that keeps you turning the pages. The journey of Harley and Alex is a deliciously unique slow-burn romance that will draw you in, making you never want to let go.
82 reviews33 followers
August 23, 2020
3 stars

What happens when a relationship is built by sharing only half-truths? It's destined to break down sooner than later.

Half Truths is the first book I've read by Rachael Brownell, and I enjoyed it. I love nothing more than meeting new authors and reading their works.

Half Truths is about two people that meet at rehab. They are NOT in rehab though. That's where I made the mistake. I thought it was going to be a love story about two drug addicts... So, I was a bit disappointed in the beginning. But I opened my mind, and I was ready to get introduced again to a different concept then I had in mind.

Harley is a counsellor at rehab while Alex is only there to drop off his sister, Daphne. But the moment those two meet... it's lust at first sight. And the more page you turn how greater it becomes until slowly it turns into to love. But the road to get there is filled with secrets none of them wants to share. Instead, they feed each other half-truths, but a healthy relationship isn't built on lies. So the moment secrets come to light, it burns painfully.

I enjoyed the storyline and the depth of the characters. They were intriguing, fresh and layered. But from the very start, I didn't feel the chemistry between the two. It might be just me though. I just didn't feel it. So it was hard to read a book where the characters fall in to lust the very first pages. And every page I turned I hoped I would, but no. Sadly.

And that made the experience of reading a romance book less exciting and almost difficult.

But in general, I did like the book. The writing was good, and it sparked my interest in reading more of this author. The storyline had all aspects that a romance book needs. A flavour of heartbreak, a sparkle of joy and a ton load of love. But the fact that I missed some of the love and lust made me settled on a three-star rating.

If you end up reading this book, let me know your thoughts and if you agree or disagree.
ARC
Booked up with Lizzy Blog Email
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595 reviews7 followers
August 13, 2020
Lies, Lies, and more Lies ... when the truth comes out, lives change.

Little do Alex and Harley know…. they’re keeping the same secret and both are afraid to tell. Half truths, they call it. Ahhhh, but half truths are nothing but lies compounded with secrets. Nothing good can come out of that.

So it is with Alex and Harley. And poor Phoenix is caught in the middle, innocent collateral damage. Their lies almost made them a family, even if it was in name only, they had become family to each other. Now, as the half truth lies come to surface, everything is ended… gone. Just with the snap of a finger, life changes.

It will be a journey of deceit, pain and second-guessing. It certainly won’t be easy. Alex leaves San Diego to go back to Chicago. He has to get his act together and fight for change…. change in himself, change in a mother who never showed love, and change in a sister who leaned on her addictions. And after all that, Alex has to somehow make it back to San Diego. He has to face Harley and Phoenix again. He wants a happy ever after but Harley has to let go of her own fears and distrust for that to happen.

👁 OBSERVATIONS:

… Imperfect people do imperfect things. It’s easy to understand why the half truths were needed in the first place. However, both Alex and Harley find out the hard way that putting everything on the line is costly.

… My talk to Harley: "Ummmm, Harley. It’s time you be honest here. You told Alex to leave and now you blame him? Tsk, Tsk. Oh, and don’t forget the big lie you’ve been holding too. Your lie was no different than Alex’s. Why being so self-righteous, Harley?"

… Lot of intimate talk or actually, intimate thoughts …. mind games

… The first several chapters lacked the emotional pull I like to feel when reading. Instead, it felt like I was being read to rather than being drawn into the storyline. However, later in the book I started feeling more pulled into the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kera’s Always Reading.
1,235 reviews39 followers
August 7, 2020
So, the most important thing I have gathered from reading this, is that the title is overwhelmingly accurate. This is a book about people who literally only tell others half truths. They lie about their lives and their pasts in order to create new and better lives for themselves and the people they hold close to them. They lie in order to protect the ones they love most.

Alex is running away from his Chicago home with his younger sister, Daphne, whom he found in her bedroom after suffering from a drug overdose.

Harley is a drug counselor who has run away with her younger brother from a drug addicted mother who neglected them both.

Their hearts are in the right place, but they lie to each other when they meet, and they don't stop lying until the lies catch up with them. Then where does that leave them?

Alex and Harley meet when he brings Daphne to the rehab center where Harley works. And the two can barely keep it in their pants long enough to get the girl situated. They are immediately attracted to one another. And it isn't ethical or responsible for them to enter into an emotional relationship, but they do it anyway.

This was an enjoyable read. I found myself caring what happened to each of the characters, even when I didn't agree with the actions they were taking. It all comes down to love, though. The lengths that Alex goes to protect his sister from their parents, who care more about appearance than Daphne's health, was a bit extreme, but I understand it was in the name of love. Harley was kind and caring even when Daphne was horrid to her. I liked the sweet but strong nature that she exuded (something that definitely benefited her as a drug counselor).

Thank you so much to Rachael Brownell and The Next Step PR for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Steph‘s Book Addiction.
168 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2020
First of all Rachael Brownell is a new to me author and I was very excited about this book.

Alex and Harley met each other when he brought his sister Daphne (drug addict) to rehab. He has a crush on her immediately at the very first sight. Thing is, Harley is Daphne's counselor and therefore off-limits for Alex. Guess what, Harley also fell for Alex right at the moment she laid eyes on him, but he's off-limits for her, too for the same reason. Sometimes fate is like a damn traitor and so it happens that Alex become Harley's neighbor. The tension around them is like heavy weight and both knew they are attracted to each other. Harley's job isn't the only issue. Both have enormous secrets to hide what makes a relationship or even a friendship really difficult. So they begin to tell knowingly half truths.

Both main characters are absolutely likable. I adore Alex as well as Harley. They're taking so much care of their loved ones it's just heart melting. Alex is definitely that kind of big brother that every girl wanna have. And for sure he's just a perfect boyfriend, too. I adore Harley for her bravery and her strong attitude. She's a hell of a fighter.

I really enjoyed the story and it was easy to go through.
When I started reading I immediately liked Rachael's writing style. It's fluent and there was no single page in this book I was bored of. I only missed a little more specific love scenes or maybe a teeny tiny bit more intense.
Last but not least please have a look at this stunning cover. It's truly one of my favorites.

Rating: 4 / 5 ⭐️

*ARC generously provided by Rachael Brownell in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Booknerd_dragon (TANIA).
55 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2020
• Half Truths (by Rachael brownell)

I picked this book up knowing nothing about it. It was a wild guess from my part, but boy do I pick a great book.

Alex sends his sister to the rehab because she needs help with her addiction that is eating her alive, which is certainly a real big issue in a lot of house and teenage life now a days.

I was already pleased with the drug addiction issue the book was handling with. But then the fun part comes, where Alex got attracted to the drug counselor and vice versa, then circumstances hit them and it was clear from the start that they are supposed to be together till the end of the book

I was excited about the journey, they will go through knowing they are connected through Alex's sister drug addiction cure which is not just a very fortunate way to hit it off, but on the other side a very good way to know each other from real and emotional levels.

That was what the book was holding on. The main thread and plot of the story and damn did it hit some nerves.

Both of them had their own past and present baggages which have some ugly faces to be honest and blunt, but again isnt that life.

I loved how I flew through the book and the page count disnt hurt me as much as I thought it would. It does have some good character developments.

• Character development- 4.2☆
• Story Plot- 3.8☆
• Side characters- 3.5☆
• Flow of the story- 4☆
• Overall - 4☆
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ReadingInPyjamas.
508 reviews
August 17, 2020
Half Truths is the first book I've read by author Rachael Brownwell and I was delighted. It's a sweet and emotional story. The writing style was easy to follow and expressive and I found myself reading it in one sitting.

Both protagonists are well-contoured and relatable. I loved their interactions, their banter and the push and pull between them. Alex is not your typical rich boy, in fact, he would gladly give up his trust fund and make his own way in life, without the help of his parents. And Harley carries a lot of baggage, she puts up a cold facade to protect her heart but deep down she feels too much. Both have secrets they want to keep buried for the sake of their loved ones. But as they spend time together the attraction between them blooms into something more, and the truth threatens to come to light.

The story unravelled easily, there was some drama but everything resolved quite rapidly. I loved the chemistry between Alex and Harley. The way their relationship developed felt genuine. The plot was a bit predictable, but I enjoyed it nonetheless and I'm looking forward to reading other books from the author.

*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Terry.
1,111 reviews
August 11, 2020
4 Stars for this slow burn romance!

The blurp is deceiving ... it gave me the impression that they were actually patients in the rehab centre, when in fact they are not. Harley is a counsellor and Alex's sister is a patient. Even though Alex and Harley are from very different worlds, they have a lot in common ... they just want the best for the people they love the most. I loved Harley's brother, but Alex's sister is a different story ... talk about a spoiled princess. A great summer read!

Alex is from a wealthy Chicago family and Harley is from the rough side of Las Vegas. They are both running from their lives and have secrets that could tear their worlds apart. Alex has taken his little sister, from his absent parents, to a rehab facility in California. Harley lives with her brother and she is a counsellor at the rehab facility. The sparks fly between Alex and Harley, but for many reasons they are off limits to each other.

I received an early copy courtesy of Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,785 reviews242 followers
August 16, 2020
I loved this one. Alex doesn't have very good parents. They are more concerned about money and how their peers view them than their children. So when Alex's sister, Daphne, needs help for an addiction, he jumps in and does what he has to to get her help. Alex is a good guy. He's from money but has seen how it has made his Dad and doesn't want to be like him. Harley is Daphane's counselor and also Alex's neighbor. These two are interesting characters, who have layers. Harley is hiding a past. She is raising her brother, Phoenix, as her son because her mother is an addict that can't raise him right. Harley is a great girl who isn't used to opening herself up to other people. There is a connection between the two. Alex is sweet and patient. They both are keeping secret from each other and share half-truths. They both are doing what is best for their siblings so I hoped that when the truth comes out the could work with it and I was a little surprised when and how so of the truths came out. I really liked this and it's one you should read.
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,257 reviews79 followers
August 22, 2020
Beautiful! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading one of Rachael Brownell books. This is Alex and Harley's story. Alex is a rich boy from Chicago, the son of a real estate magnate. Harley is his sister's counselor, at a rehab place. Half Truths is slow burn romance that is filled with angst, drama secrets and romance. What started as a friendship and a common goal turned into so much more. Loved the chemistry and attraction between them. This story shows how lies brought together two people who were perfect for one another. But with half-truths you will be facing some lies and exposing the truths puts them both at risk. Will their lies and half-truths ruin their relationship? I can't wait to read more from this author. Keep up the great job!

REVIEW BY CHANTELLE
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,087 reviews149 followers
August 23, 2020
5 Cranky Stars


Alex and Harley are both living in half truths about their lives and the lives of the people they are trying to protect. Alex is trying to protect his younger sister from not only herself, but from their parents. The parents that are so self-absorbed by the family image and work that they didn't see their daughter turning to drugs for escape. Harley is trying to protect her younger brother from their drug addict mother. Harley raised him on her own and took him from there as soon as she could; they have been on the run since posing as mother and child. Harley works with other drug addicts to help them beat their demons when Alex brings in his sister. Fireworks dance and attraction is instant. Neither one wants to have their lies found out, so they tread lightly.


This is an epic story, one filled with more hard truths than most people have to deal with in life, and a smoking hot romance!
Profile Image for Denise.
4,120 reviews13 followers
August 17, 2020
Having not had read this author before but having the books on tbr it seems this one won out. The two characters are like day and night as way of life goes. Alex and Hailey are the ones dreams are made of. When they come together you could light a match with them. Can that be all in a relationship? This tells how there are many elements to it for them but fear seems to be the ring leader. This one handles issues and searches the heart. Thanks to their beginnings that has been the foundation of fantasy when it comes to others but this one we want them to wake up and smell the coffee. You also get bits and pieces of each in the lie and truth department. This is one I was glad I opened the pages and discovered what this author can write.
Profile Image for Chantelle Bouffanie.
1,164 reviews7 followers
August 24, 2020
Beautiful! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading one of Rachael Brownell books. This is Alex and Harley's story. Alex is a rich boy from Chicago, the son of a real estate magnate. Harley is his sister's counselor, at a rehab place. Half Truths is slow burn romance that is filled with angst, drama secrets and romance. What started as a friendship and a common goal turned into so much more. Loved the chemistry and attraction between them. This story shows how lies brought together two people who were perfect for one another. But with half-truths you will be facing some lies and exposing the truths puts them both at risk. Will their lies and half-truths ruin their relationship? I can't wait to read more from this author. Keep up the great job!
Profile Image for Vedika Sheth.
543 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2020
This book made me cry countless times.

The story follows Alex and Harley. Harley is a therapist at a drug rehabilitation center. Alex has admitted his sister, Daphne, at this center when he finds that she had overdosed. When the only apartment that Alex finds is the one across from Harley, he decides that he wants to become her friend. Both have secrets that they keep hidden and away from the other. These secrets may even destroy their relationship.

I love the background that you made for Alex and Harley. I understood all their actions based on their past. I also loved Pheonix and Daphne. They both have strong personalities that can easily run the show. I loved the writing style. I wasn’t able to put this book down until I read the last page.

I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
Profile Image for Peggy Hogan.
643 reviews10 followers
August 10, 2020
4.5 stars! This is the first book I've ever read by Rachael Browning, and I am so glad I did. It was so well written and just a great story. I could feel the spark between Alex and Harley right from the start, and it continued throughout the whole book. Rachael has just gained a new reader! Definitely recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lexie.
4 reviews
August 13, 2020
Thank you #netgalley for an e-ARC copy of #halftruths in exchange for an honest review.
This book was really good! It has secrets, lies, love, addiction, happiness, sadness. And I enjoyed every minute of it. I really liked Alex. He was just so sweet and pure. You always read about bad boy A holes but he was just so good. Harper was strong, independent, and smart. Pheonix was smart, sweet, cute and a really good kid! I loved how everything played out in this book! 💖
Profile Image for Kandy.
261 reviews3 followers
August 17, 2020
I couldn't look away. This isn't like any book I have read before. The drama that surrounds every character in this book starts at page one and doesn't stop until the end. I wanted to cheer sometimes and slap a girl others, the emotions Rachael can evoke on paper is astounding, she does it every time, I should be used to it by now.
If your looking for a drama filled, dysfunctional family, and a hiding from the truth story, this is the one for you!
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