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Two Truths and a Lie #2
A Cold Hard Truth
Name – Sebastian St. George
Age – 31
Relationship status – Divorced and Questioning
Looking for – Anyone who isn’t my ex-wife
Biggest regret – Not buying more vodka before I got home
Hobbies – Apparently philanthropy...
Name – Remington Dockery
Age – 27
Relationship status – Single and…very single.
Looking for – Someone who doesn’t mind that I’m not experienced but still want to be in control
Biggest regret – A lifetime of inaction
Hobbies – Reading, preserving rare books, reading some more, researching…
Sebastian isn’t sure if he’s interested in men, but he knows he’s interested in Remington Dockery. The younger man is awkward but bold, and after calling on Remington for help one afternoon, Sebastian can’t stop thinking about him. Remington thinks Sebastian is a mess, but he might be just the kind of man Remington has been waiting for. After a string of e-mails, a lot of money changing hands, and some first-time encounters, Remington and Sebastian are about to find out how complicated and messy love can be.
Age – 31
Relationship status – Divorced and Questioning
Looking for – Anyone who isn’t my ex-wife
Biggest regret – Not buying more vodka before I got home
Hobbies – Apparently philanthropy...
Name – Remington Dockery
Age – 27
Relationship status – Single and…very single.
Looking for – Someone who doesn’t mind that I’m not experienced but still want to be in control
Biggest regret – A lifetime of inaction
Hobbies – Reading, preserving rare books, reading some more, researching…
Sebastian isn’t sure if he’s interested in men, but he knows he’s interested in Remington Dockery. The younger man is awkward but bold, and after calling on Remington for help one afternoon, Sebastian can’t stop thinking about him. Remington thinks Sebastian is a mess, but he might be just the kind of man Remington has been waiting for. After a string of e-mails, a lot of money changing hands, and some first-time encounters, Remington and Sebastian are about to find out how complicated and messy love can be.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2021
75 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hawthorne
92 books926 followersWith over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
September 3, 2021
3 “Everything you do is because I allow it“ stars
After loving the first book in this series, I was so excited to read this one. I was really intrigued by Sebastian and Remington when they were side characters in book 1 of the series so I was, not so patiently, waiting for their book. Sadly it just wasn't what I wanted it to be and I had a hard time getting into the book, but I have been in a reading slump for weeks so I blame that one for that fact.
Brief summary
Remington is 27 years old and he is a virgin. He has a hard time trusting people and he doesn't deal with people well, he prefers to read romance books than to find his own romance. His best friend's boyfriend has a best friend, Sebastian and Remington hates him because he is rich and drinks too much. Sebastian is going through a divorce and his ex-wife is the main antagonist in the book. One of their shared friend signs them up for a dating app and they meet there without realizing who the other is as they are using usernames and fake names. They start a dom/sub relationship online. Then realize who they are in person and continue their relationship and fall in love.
First, I really enjoyed the dom/sub dynamic in this book. Remington is a caregiver and he likes to give orders. Sebastian is lost and overwhelmed and he needs guidance and for someone to take care of him and make decisions for him so he can get his life in order. They worked really well in that sense and I loved how Remington took care of Sebastian, Sebastian thrived under Remington's rules and guidance and I loved to see it. Also, I just loved how Remington made a schedule for Sebastian to follow, that was so sweet.
Second, I really enjoyed seeing how Sebastian dealt with his family's expectations of him. Sebastian is from a very rich and very conniving family and he doesn't want any part of it. I loved seeing how he was tortured between his family's expectations and how he really wants to be.
Side note, I really enjoyed Sebastian as a character, I liked seeing how he dealt with his issues and how he tried to be a better man than he was in the past.
Third, I cannot explain how happy I was that this book was a double sexual exploration. Sexual exploration is my favorite thing in books so I was thriving here. Sebastian had never been with a man and Remington was a virgin. They are both trying a dom/sub relationship for the first time too. The sexual exploration was absolutely delicious and I adored every second of it.
Fourth, the sex scenes in this book were very hot but this is Kate Hawthorne so I didn't expect any less. I was very pleased with the sex scenes, they fit the book well ... although I would have taken way more sex scenes but that's just a me thing.
I don't think I can explain how much I wanted to love this book. It had all the ingredients I look for in a book and I loved the relationship dynamic between the main characters, but there was something about the execution that just left me wanting more.
First, Sebastian drinks too much and he uses alcohol to escape his problems and make them hurt less. The book makes it seem that his drinking problem can be fixed by Remington controlling how much Sebastian drinks but I feel like those issues are way more deep-rooted and needed to be addressed professionally. A good dicking is never going to replace a therapy session and I feel like therapy would have been needed in this case.
Second, sometimes I really enjoy when characters don't communicate, when I feel like it fits with the characters feelings and backstories but I couldn't understand why these guys didn't communicate, it felt more like it was there to drive the plot along than it was linked to the characters and their life experiences. The lack of communication got so bad at times that I couldn't feel the chemistry between the main characters anymore.
Third, my favorite thing about the first book in this series was how both characters were clueless and did not know how to make a relationship work and how they had to really work at it to make it work. And it was the same dynamic in this book but sadly it didn't work for me in this book. I think it's because the couple in this book is in a dom/sub relationship while the couple in book 1 wasn't. I don't see dom/sub relationships the same as I see vanilla relationships and I was annoyed at the dom for always leaving the sub alone and not taking care of him in his time of need because that's the role he took on in the relationship. If his role in the relationship wasn't to take care of his partner then I could have forgiven him for being clueless and not getting it right much easier.
Fourth, Remington is not very good with people and I understand that because socializing is not my strong point either but I just didn't like how he never was there for Sebastian. I understand not being good with communication and socializing because I'm the same, but I would never leave the man I say I love for a week without any contact, it just seems a little too much to me. I feel like Remington should have tried to communicate better even if he isn't the best at it. Remington always abandoned Sebastian when Sebastian needed him. And since Remington was the dominant figure in the relationship, he had a role and a duty in which he should be taking care of Sebastian. So the fact that Remington just abandoned Sebastian all the time just didn't sit well with me. Just a few examples: Sebastian is exploring being with a guy for the first time and he realizes that Remington is the man he is talking to online and he reaches out to Remington and tells him how much he wants to be with him and Remington just abandons him there and tells him they cannot be together without telling him why, Sebastian is going through a divorce that's hard on him and he needs Remington and Remington doesn't contact Sebastian for a week and Remington kept saying how Sebastian should contact him if he needs him but since Remington is the dom, I feel like it's his duty to check on Sebastian and make sure he's doing alright. It made me so sad that Remington just abandoned Sebastian when Sebastian needed Remington more than ever. And Remington apologized for it but I felt like it was too late and I didn't see how he was good for Sebastian after he abandoned him so many times.
Also, I cannot tell you how excited I am for Rhys’ book. This entire book I was just dying to get all the little scraps of Rhys' time I could get, he's such a fascinating character. Redemption stories are my favorite story arcs of all time when done right. And Rhys is definitely a very bad guy and his redemption is going to be so good to read about. And I already feel for him and can tell I'll want to give him a million hugs.
I also enjoy Kate Hawthorne's writing and I enjoy reading this book, it just wasn't everything I wanted it to be, but that's on me, I'm sure most people will enjoy this one more than I did.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
After loving the first book in this series, I was so excited to read this one. I was really intrigued by Sebastian and Remington when they were side characters in book 1 of the series so I was, not so patiently, waiting for their book. Sadly it just wasn't what I wanted it to be and I had a hard time getting into the book, but I have been in a reading slump for weeks so I blame that one for that fact.
Brief summary
Remington is 27 years old and he is a virgin. He has a hard time trusting people and he doesn't deal with people well, he prefers to read romance books than to find his own romance. His best friend's boyfriend has a best friend, Sebastian and Remington hates him because he is rich and drinks too much. Sebastian is going through a divorce and his ex-wife is the main antagonist in the book. One of their shared friend signs them up for a dating app and they meet there without realizing who the other is as they are using usernames and fake names. They start a dom/sub relationship online. Then realize who they are in person and continue their relationship and fall in love.
First, I really enjoyed the dom/sub dynamic in this book. Remington is a caregiver and he likes to give orders. Sebastian is lost and overwhelmed and he needs guidance and for someone to take care of him and make decisions for him so he can get his life in order. They worked really well in that sense and I loved how Remington took care of Sebastian, Sebastian thrived under Remington's rules and guidance and I loved to see it. Also, I just loved how Remington made a schedule for Sebastian to follow, that was so sweet.
Second, I really enjoyed seeing how Sebastian dealt with his family's expectations of him. Sebastian is from a very rich and very conniving family and he doesn't want any part of it. I loved seeing how he was tortured between his family's expectations and how he really wants to be.
Side note, I really enjoyed Sebastian as a character, I liked seeing how he dealt with his issues and how he tried to be a better man than he was in the past.
Third, I cannot explain how happy I was that this book was a double sexual exploration. Sexual exploration is my favorite thing in books so I was thriving here. Sebastian had never been with a man and Remington was a virgin. They are both trying a dom/sub relationship for the first time too. The sexual exploration was absolutely delicious and I adored every second of it.
Fourth, the sex scenes in this book were very hot but this is Kate Hawthorne so I didn't expect any less. I was very pleased with the sex scenes, they fit the book well ... although I would have taken way more sex scenes but that's just a me thing.
I don't think I can explain how much I wanted to love this book. It had all the ingredients I look for in a book and I loved the relationship dynamic between the main characters, but there was something about the execution that just left me wanting more.
First, Sebastian drinks too much and he uses alcohol to escape his problems and make them hurt less. The book makes it seem that his drinking problem can be fixed by Remington controlling how much Sebastian drinks but I feel like those issues are way more deep-rooted and needed to be addressed professionally. A good dicking is never going to replace a therapy session and I feel like therapy would have been needed in this case.
Second, sometimes I really enjoy when characters don't communicate, when I feel like it fits with the characters feelings and backstories but I couldn't understand why these guys didn't communicate, it felt more like it was there to drive the plot along than it was linked to the characters and their life experiences. The lack of communication got so bad at times that I couldn't feel the chemistry between the main characters anymore.
Third, my favorite thing about the first book in this series was how both characters were clueless and did not know how to make a relationship work and how they had to really work at it to make it work. And it was the same dynamic in this book but sadly it didn't work for me in this book. I think it's because the couple in this book is in a dom/sub relationship while the couple in book 1 wasn't. I don't see dom/sub relationships the same as I see vanilla relationships and I was annoyed at the dom for always leaving the sub alone and not taking care of him in his time of need because that's the role he took on in the relationship. If his role in the relationship wasn't to take care of his partner then I could have forgiven him for being clueless and not getting it right much easier.
Fourth, Remington is not very good with people and I understand that because socializing is not my strong point either but I just didn't like how he never was there for Sebastian. I understand not being good with communication and socializing because I'm the same, but I would never leave the man I say I love for a week without any contact, it just seems a little too much to me. I feel like Remington should have tried to communicate better even if he isn't the best at it. Remington always abandoned Sebastian when Sebastian needed him. And since Remington was the dominant figure in the relationship, he had a role and a duty in which he should be taking care of Sebastian. So the fact that Remington just abandoned Sebastian all the time just didn't sit well with me. Just a few examples: Sebastian is exploring being with a guy for the first time and he realizes that Remington is the man he is talking to online and he reaches out to Remington and tells him how much he wants to be with him and Remington just abandons him there and tells him they cannot be together without telling him why, Sebastian is going through a divorce that's hard on him and he needs Remington and Remington doesn't contact Sebastian for a week and Remington kept saying how Sebastian should contact him if he needs him but since Remington is the dom, I feel like it's his duty to check on Sebastian and make sure he's doing alright. It made me so sad that Remington just abandoned Sebastian when Sebastian needed Remington more than ever. And Remington apologized for it but I felt like it was too late and I didn't see how he was good for Sebastian after he abandoned him so many times.
Also, I cannot tell you how excited I am for Rhys’ book. This entire book I was just dying to get all the little scraps of Rhys' time I could get, he's such a fascinating character. Redemption stories are my favorite story arcs of all time when done right. And Rhys is definitely a very bad guy and his redemption is going to be so good to read about. And I already feel for him and can tell I'll want to give him a million hugs.
I also enjoy Kate Hawthorne's writing and I enjoy reading this book, it just wasn't everything I wanted it to be, but that's on me, I'm sure most people will enjoy this one more than I did.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
September 18, 2021
After book one I was super excited to read this but unfortunately it wasn't quite what I expected. It had a lot of good moments and I liked Remington and Sebastian together but the storyline just didn't hold my attention. A lot of the cute moments happened off page so the love story was hard to believe since most of their relationship that we saw was physical.
Seeing Rhys was the highlight for me if we're being honest because I'm so pumped for his story (I'm a whore for a good redemption arc) BUT the whole plotline with Rhys summoning Sebastian home felt unnecessary and just preparing for book 3 and felt like it took away from Sebastian and Remington's romance.
Seeing Rhys was the highlight for me if we're being honest because I'm so pumped for his story (I'm a whore for a good redemption arc) BUT the whole plotline with Rhys summoning Sebastian home felt unnecessary and just preparing for book 3 and felt like it took away from Sebastian and Remington's romance.
May 11, 2025
Sebastian isn’t sure if he’s interested in men, but he knows he’s interested in Remington Dockery. The younger man is awkward but bold, and after calling on Remington for help one afternoon, Sebastian can’t stop thinking about him. Remington thinks Sebastian is a mess, but he might be just the kind of man Remington has been waiting for. After a string of e-mails, a lot of money changing hands, and some first-time encounters, Remington and Sebastian are about to find out how complicated and messy love can be.
The story can best be described as "reluctant intrigue that morphs into a solid bit of idiots in love,”, all written in a mostly narrative style. Kate Hawthorne takes these two characters who are stumbling around, to an unfamiliar dance between two beautiful men who inspire each other to go for what they truly want and need.
It's a story with medium-heat and relatively light kink. Both characters discover certain "truths" about themselves throughout the story. The "power exchange" dynamic that eventually evolves between the men exists but doesn't come out right away, not until the steamier bits of the story developed on both sides.
Most M/M romances that I have read...and I have read a lot, that involves a power exchange, tend to feature either two experienced characters, or one that initiates a "first-timer", into the lifestyle...but this was a glimpse into a new relationship, one that the characters will have to "grow" into their individual roles, and do so together...especially as it means that almost all of their new discoveries will be "shared firsts", for them both.
The books in the "Two Truths and A Lie" series or maybe trilogy, definitely needs to be read in order. this one read after A Real Good Lie in order to understand the full backstory between the characters of Callahan and Jace...and Callahan and Rhys. What transpires between these characters; Sebastian and Remington, is completely an event by its lonesome. Yes...it's a little confusing but you will understand it by reding in order.
The actual conflict here is mostly internal, but I find myself curious if the author intends a third book in this world. I believe there may be another one already written. I will be checking with my best friend "Mr. Amazon" I will happily go along for the ride if it means more time spent with another wonderful couples such as the ones we’ve met thus far.
P.S. YEAH...There is a book #3!!! Wonder if I can talk Kate into a book 4???
The story can best be described as "reluctant intrigue that morphs into a solid bit of idiots in love,”, all written in a mostly narrative style. Kate Hawthorne takes these two characters who are stumbling around, to an unfamiliar dance between two beautiful men who inspire each other to go for what they truly want and need.
It's a story with medium-heat and relatively light kink. Both characters discover certain "truths" about themselves throughout the story. The "power exchange" dynamic that eventually evolves between the men exists but doesn't come out right away, not until the steamier bits of the story developed on both sides.
Most M/M romances that I have read...and I have read a lot, that involves a power exchange, tend to feature either two experienced characters, or one that initiates a "first-timer", into the lifestyle...but this was a glimpse into a new relationship, one that the characters will have to "grow" into their individual roles, and do so together...especially as it means that almost all of their new discoveries will be "shared firsts", for them both.
The books in the "Two Truths and A Lie" series or maybe trilogy, definitely needs to be read in order. this one read after A Real Good Lie in order to understand the full backstory between the characters of Callahan and Jace...and Callahan and Rhys. What transpires between these characters; Sebastian and Remington, is completely an event by its lonesome. Yes...it's a little confusing but you will understand it by reding in order.
The actual conflict here is mostly internal, but I find myself curious if the author intends a third book in this world. I believe there may be another one already written. I will be checking with my best friend "Mr. Amazon" I will happily go along for the ride if it means more time spent with another wonderful couples such as the ones we’ve met thus far.
P.S. YEAH...There is a book #3!!! Wonder if I can talk Kate into a book 4???
September 16, 2021
This was a sweet book to read. A virgin Dom and bicurious man embark in a relationship. I enjoyed it.
August 25, 2021
Loved it like whoa
Wow, I loved this a lot. I really relate to these characters, especially Remington. Not so much his dominant characteristics but his focus more on school and his job than relationships and his desire to find those romance novel feelings in real life.
My one criticism is that alcohol is brought up almost too much. Despite that though, I couldn’t put it down. And I’m super intrigued for Rhys’s story.
Wow, I loved this a lot. I really relate to these characters, especially Remington. Not so much his dominant characteristics but his focus more on school and his job than relationships and his desire to find those romance novel feelings in real life.
My one criticism is that alcohol is brought up almost too much. Despite that though, I couldn’t put it down. And I’m super intrigued for Rhys’s story.
August 25, 2021
This is my first book of this series (I haven't read about Callahan and Jude), and I already knew that I wanted Rhys story in the next installment. Hadn't meet him yet before and how much he broke Callahan's heart, intrigued me to read the first book.
Back to the main couple of this story, Sebastian and Remington, they're actually have similar issues. They're both virgins :)
This story circle around Remington and Sebastian and how they're adjusted their attraction to each other. Remington needed to let go of his V card, and Sebastian to let go of the past and be himself for once.
Even I had a little adjustment to get used to the writing, A Cold Hard Truths was an enjoyable slow burn romance.
I couldn't wait to go back to Callahan and Jude, and hopefully Rhys in the near future.
I knew already, he's redeemable.
Back to the main couple of this story, Sebastian and Remington, they're actually have similar issues. They're both virgins :)
This story circle around Remington and Sebastian and how they're adjusted their attraction to each other. Remington needed to let go of his V card, and Sebastian to let go of the past and be himself for once.
Even I had a little adjustment to get used to the writing, A Cold Hard Truths was an enjoyable slow burn romance.
I couldn't wait to go back to Callahan and Jude, and hopefully Rhys in the near future.
I knew already, he's redeemable.
August 13, 2021
4.5 stars for me - overall, I really loved this story between two men struggling to figure out what they want - and that they really want each other, they just need to communicate!
So, full disclosure, I hadn't read the first book of this series before reading this one. I do think this stands well on its own - although the main couple from the first book are definitely involved in this book, too. So now I need to go back and read Jace and Callahan's story!
Remington might not have any experience, but he knows that he wants to be in control. And Sebastian might not have any experience with men specifically, but he knows that he's interested - and that he likes being told what to do. Remington is happy to provide that structure, but they also need to be up front about their pasts and their families if they're going to make it.
I kinda loved that neither really "knew" what to do in the relationship - Sebastian being with a man, Remington as the one giving structure and orders, but they both kinda stumble along the way and figure it out to learn what will work for them. I loved the online aspect of it too, I almost would have enjoyed seeing that continue on for a bit longer!
Now I need to know - please tell me Rhys is going to get a full-on redemption story!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
So, full disclosure, I hadn't read the first book of this series before reading this one. I do think this stands well on its own - although the main couple from the first book are definitely involved in this book, too. So now I need to go back and read Jace and Callahan's story!
Remington might not have any experience, but he knows that he wants to be in control. And Sebastian might not have any experience with men specifically, but he knows that he's interested - and that he likes being told what to do. Remington is happy to provide that structure, but they also need to be up front about their pasts and their families if they're going to make it.
I kinda loved that neither really "knew" what to do in the relationship - Sebastian being with a man, Remington as the one giving structure and orders, but they both kinda stumble along the way and figure it out to learn what will work for them. I loved the online aspect of it too, I almost would have enjoyed seeing that continue on for a bit longer!
Now I need to know - please tell me Rhys is going to get a full-on redemption story!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2021
Sebastian and Remington's romance was messy, complicated, and so uniquely enjoyable that I couldn't put it down. Their story had so many intricate layers that I know I'm going to be re-reading it and looking for all the little details I missed the first time around. When I first met Sebastian, he was in such a bad mental state that I couldn't get a good read on him. His burden wasn't very relatable to me, but as I got to know him better I saw how much his family's expectations weighed on him. It was hard to watch as Sebastian struggled with his inner demons that told him he was unworthy of happiness and love. Remington's structure and dominance helped a little, but before their romance could really get off the ground, both men had to do some serious soul-searching. For Sebastian, the self-doubt and inner conflict had obvious outward signs, but Remington's insecurities were more subtle. For a man who had the courage to distance himself from his wealthy background, Remington seemed like the kind of guy who had his life together. In reality, he had just as much baggage as Sebastian, and working through the disconnect in his relationships took time and effort. If anything, Sebastian and Remington's flaws made me love them more, but sometimes I did feel like their romance would never get past its initial stages. In a lot of ways, their time together felt effortlessly easy, their chemistry natural and off-the-charts, but the second either man got bogged down in self-spiraling worries, all bets were off. That's why it felt so satisfying to see Sebastian and Remington take the leap to fully trust each other. It took long, painful weeks to get to that point, but seeing the two of them be open and honest with each other at last was every bit as fulfilling as I knew it would be.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 22, 2022
I was consumed by this book from the beginning. I tried to put it down a couple of times to go about my day, but kept stopping to pick it up again, needing to know what came next.
I don't always like wealthy MCs, but they were both flawed enough (and wanting to disance themselves from the money enough) to make them human and relatable. It's the kind of story where you are rooting for both characters. Their exploration of D/S and their sexuality certainly kept things interesting too! 😚
This was definitely an engrossing read. Can't wait for the next one.
I don't always like wealthy MCs, but they were both flawed enough (and wanting to disance themselves from the money enough) to make them human and relatable. It's the kind of story where you are rooting for both characters. Their exploration of D/S and their sexuality certainly kept things interesting too! 😚
This was definitely an engrossing read. Can't wait for the next one.
August 26, 2021
Loved the first half of the book, Sebastian and Remington and their relationships both in and out of the bedroom. Both MCs were complex and fleshed out, though I wish we learned more about Remington family and his upbring.
The book went downhill around 60% when Sebastian was summoned home by Rhys, the evil brother from book 1. There was no point in the majority of what happened next rather than start Rhys' redemption arc. The setup interrupted the organic flow of Remington and Sebastian relationships and ILY felt sudden and rushed.
Certain things happened off page and are probably saved for Rhys' story. I'm intrigued by Rhys and will definitely read his book. If this was the author's intention - the goal is achieved. But Sebastian and Remington story that started as a 5 star read went downhill and felt disappointing at the end
The book went downhill around 60% when Sebastian was summoned home by Rhys, the evil brother from book 1. There was no point in the majority of what happened next rather than start Rhys' redemption arc. The setup interrupted the organic flow of Remington and Sebastian relationships and ILY felt sudden and rushed.
Certain things happened off page and are probably saved for Rhys' story. I'm intrigued by Rhys and will definitely read his book. If this was the author's intention - the goal is achieved. But Sebastian and Remington story that started as a 5 star read went downhill and felt disappointing at the end
August 24, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
A Cold Hard Truth is the second book in Kate Hawthorne’s Real Good Lie series. This story follows A Real Good Lie, Jace and Callahan’s book, and the men are Remington and Sebastian’s best friends respectively. So while this story mostly stands alone from a plot perspective, the couples are major side characters in each other’s books and some story elements carry over between the books.
This turned out to be one of my favorite Kate Hawthorne books, in part because I totally loved how she developed these characters. The set up here is my total catnip, as I love stories that feature “first experiences” of all sorts. In this case, we have a virgin hero, a bisexual experiencing sex with a man for the first time, and two people who are new to a Dom/sub type dynamic trying to figure it out together. Sebastian and Remington are just so freaking adorable and delicious together, both wanting each other and this dynamic, but not quite sure how to get from here to there.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
A Cold Hard Truth is the second book in Kate Hawthorne’s Real Good Lie series. This story follows A Real Good Lie, Jace and Callahan’s book, and the men are Remington and Sebastian’s best friends respectively. So while this story mostly stands alone from a plot perspective, the couples are major side characters in each other’s books and some story elements carry over between the books.
This turned out to be one of my favorite Kate Hawthorne books, in part because I totally loved how she developed these characters. The set up here is my total catnip, as I love stories that feature “first experiences” of all sorts. In this case, we have a virgin hero, a bisexual experiencing sex with a man for the first time, and two people who are new to a Dom/sub type dynamic trying to figure it out together. Sebastian and Remington are just so freaking adorable and delicious together, both wanting each other and this dynamic, but not quite sure how to get from here to there.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
August 27, 2021
Kate Hawthorne has done it again and made me fall on love with another story. I love Sebastian and Remington! They are so perfect for each other. I just love their chemistry together and their story is so beautiful. Just another amazing read.
August 24, 2021
I was excited about Sebastian and Remington's story, and Kate did not disappoint me! Here we can see all the trademarks I like on Kate's work: the couple is intense, with a lot of issues to deal with, a much needed wake up call and a lot of love to give. And discoveries. So many of them!
In here, we also have a lot of first times, for both. Remington is a virgin guy, in his late twenties, that likes to dominate and be in charge; Sebastian is just out of a divorce, who's never been with a man before. At first I had my doubts It would work, seems odd, to say the least. But it actually does, and we follow them following their way to happiness.
I only had one problem here: Sebastian's lack of trust in himself was a little over the top, sometimes. And his need to reassure the obvious (and said before many times) was a little "annoying". I wish he had a little more confidence in himself.
In here, we also have a lot of first times, for both. Remington is a virgin guy, in his late twenties, that likes to dominate and be in charge; Sebastian is just out of a divorce, who's never been with a man before. At first I had my doubts It would work, seems odd, to say the least. But it actually does, and we follow them following their way to happiness.
I only had one problem here: Sebastian's lack of trust in himself was a little over the top, sometimes. And his need to reassure the obvious (and said before many times) was a little "annoying". I wish he had a little more confidence in himself.
October 24, 2021
If I could give this -100 I would. Loved Remington in book one but this book was a mess.
It was a complete mess.
It was a complete mess.
August 6, 2022
Not what I was expecting
Ngl, I didn’t like this one as much as the first book. Both characters were very passive aggressive. It’s a trait I loathe.
The plot twist at 70% was also particularly ick. Very MF-y. AND completely unnecessary. You do learn Sebastian and Remington are terrible at communicating though. Rhys acts like a middle man to push the plot through.. never a good sign…
Then after that, they went from not knowing they are in a relationship to moving in together. Uh huh 😬
Emotional whiplash 😵💫😵💫. I never warmed to these characters. I liked them in book 1 but their own book was meh and very milquetoast.
Do I want to read book 3 when I hate Rhys? Does he even deserve an HEA? I’m not so sure.
Ngl, I didn’t like this one as much as the first book. Both characters were very passive aggressive. It’s a trait I loathe.
The plot twist at 70% was also particularly ick. Very MF-y. AND completely unnecessary. You do learn Sebastian and Remington are terrible at communicating though. Rhys acts like a middle man to push the plot through.. never a good sign…
Then after that, they went from not knowing they are in a relationship to moving in together. Uh huh 😬
Emotional whiplash 😵💫😵💫. I never warmed to these characters. I liked them in book 1 but their own book was meh and very milquetoast.
Do I want to read book 3 when I hate Rhys? Does he even deserve an HEA? I’m not so sure.
August 29, 2021
Everything just clicked. Sebastian is recently unhappily divorced, and has extremely low self esteem. Remington, lives a very simple humble life, even though he is extremely wealthy. He felt he had no control over his life growing up, so he craves control in his personal life. Seb and Rem are two hot messes, that need each other and don't even know it. They meet each other at a time of intense self discovery for each man. Rem is focused on school and work and wants to find love. He is ready to lose his virginity and looking for an accomplice. He knows Sebastian, doesn't really respect him but is still interested. He knows Seb is straight and married, but still! Seb's self discovery comes with a lot of denial and avoidance. His ex wife, Danielle introduced him to a lifestyle, then resented him for liking it. Can Seb admit to his attraction to men? Does Rem translate his need for control to his sexual awakening? Can Seb find peace submitting to Rem? These two man embark on a journey that requires trust and confidence. Do they find either or both? Interesting story. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2021
I think this is even better than the first book, but honestly they were both so great I can't decide. I loved how the characters had chemistry and were fighting an attraction even before they found out who they were online. This book is low angst and a wonderful read with a HEA. If you haven't, I do suggest you read 'A Real Good Lie' first. This author is great and has given us another wonderful read.
August 29, 2021
This was a nice story though I had to push myself through the first few chapters because it felt like a complete pity party and it wasn't what I was feeling at the moment. After some false starts Remington and Sebastian are able to work out their relationship and it was nice to see them settled into their life together at the end. I am totally sure if this series is for me as I hadn't read the first book but we'll see when the next one come out if it catches my eye.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
August 24, 2021
Fantastic!! I had previously read Jace and Callahan’s story and was hoping Kate would give us Sebastian and Remington’s story! Thank you!! Freaking phenomenal!! I seriously loved their growth, light kink to a truly solid love! Their internal struggles felt real. I was instantly hooked into it from the beginning to the very last word!! This was really well written, highly recommend! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
October 17, 2021
2.5/75 stars
rtc, maybe haha
rtc, maybe haha
December 3, 2021
Loved this book
I throughly enjoyed this book. The story of Remington and Sebastian made me proud to be a Kate Hawthorne fan. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I throughly enjoyed this book. The story of Remington and Sebastian made me proud to be a Kate Hawthorne fan. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 22, 2021
4.5 stars
Beautiful story of two men trying to figure out who they are as individuals and together, whilst falling in love.
I loved the genuine way Remington and Sebastian are shown exploring and growing, sometimes making mistakes or discovering things they don't enjoy; other times getting it very right.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
Beautiful story of two men trying to figure out who they are as individuals and together, whilst falling in love.
I loved the genuine way Remington and Sebastian are shown exploring and growing, sometimes making mistakes or discovering things they don't enjoy; other times getting it very right.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
August 23, 2021
This book was really good. The main characters were fleshed out with good back stories although I would have liked to have seen a bit more of Remington's. Sebastian had all the drama happening in his life. How they connect was interesting and well done.
August 27, 2021
I was given a free arc copy from the author and the GRR arc team for review.
This is book 2 and it can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading book 1 so u understand the prior relationship mentioned with the brother Rhys and Callahan. I really think the ending in this book set up a future book for him so it's good to know what went on there.
With that being said I loved this book way, way more than the first. I read the book in one read and couldn't put it down. I loved both of the main characters and how they fit each other perfectly. I would definitely recommend this one. I'm still not sure about Rhys. He has alot to make up for but I think there is some good there and I may read his book if he gets one.
This is book 2 and it can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading book 1 so u understand the prior relationship mentioned with the brother Rhys and Callahan. I really think the ending in this book set up a future book for him so it's good to know what went on there.
With that being said I loved this book way, way more than the first. I read the book in one read and couldn't put it down. I loved both of the main characters and how they fit each other perfectly. I would definitely recommend this one. I'm still not sure about Rhys. He has alot to make up for but I think there is some good there and I may read his book if he gets one.
August 20, 2021
I had no doubt going into this that I was going to love it (hello - it’s a Kate Hawthorne book!) but this was amazing. Sebastian and Remington balance each other out so well and give each other exactly what is needed. So incredibly sexy and wonderfully written - love this so much!
August 18, 2021
I loved Remington and Sebastian…even more than the first book in this series. I loved how real both men were and the struggles both went thru to finally understand themselves and who they are and what they wanted. I absolutely adored Remington’s journey to dominance and how he was sooooo s*xy in talking to Sebastian. My heart went out to Sebastian as he struggled to find himself but I loved when he let go for Remy. These two men were beautiful together.
August 17, 2021
I loved the story between Remington and Sebastian, both are struggling to find out what they want and that they are attracted to each other.
Remington is still inexperience but he knows what he wants and is to be in control. Sebastian is interested in being with a man and he likes being told what to do. Both new in what they like they decided to experiment with an app, they interact with each other not know how they are, but they are both having what their are looking for, later they discover their true identities. Both loves their dynamics and Remington is more than happy to provide the structure that Sebastian needs but they really to learn need to communicate.
I love that they kinda of each other’s first, Remington and Sebastian have a great chemistry, they just need to talk about what they want and reassure each other that they can make things work, they have a great time together and it’s super hot!
I hope that we get Rhys story!!!
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review.
Remington is still inexperience but he knows what he wants and is to be in control. Sebastian is interested in being with a man and he likes being told what to do. Both new in what they like they decided to experiment with an app, they interact with each other not know how they are, but they are both having what their are looking for, later they discover their true identities. Both loves their dynamics and Remington is more than happy to provide the structure that Sebastian needs but they really to learn need to communicate.
I love that they kinda of each other’s first, Remington and Sebastian have a great chemistry, they just need to talk about what they want and reassure each other that they can make things work, they have a great time together and it’s super hot!
I hope that we get Rhys story!!!
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review.
August 4, 2021
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this ebook, though I had fully intended to buy myself a copy if I had not had this opportunity for an early review.
Based on the initial interactions between Remington and Sebastian toward the end of the previous book, I expected this story to be much more of an “enemies to lovers” relationship arc. Instead, I got a healthy dose of reluctant intrigue that morphs into a solid bit of “idiots in love,” all written in a narrative style distinct to this author. Hawthorne elevates two characters stumbling around the unfamiliar to a beautiful dance between two men who inspire each other to go for what they truly want.
This is a medium-heat book with relatively light kink, as both characters discover certain truths about themselves throughout the pages. However, the power exchange dynamic that does evolve between the men exists as both a precursor to the steamier bits of the story and as a solid foundation for the character development that occurs on both sides. Most romances that involve power exchange tend to feature either two experience characters or one initiating a novice into the lifestyle. I thoroughly appreciated this glimpse into a relationship where the characters will have to grow into their roles together, especially when it means that all sorts of things will end up being shared firsts.
This book definitely works best when read after A Real Good Lie for the full backstory between secondary characters Callahan and Jace (and Callahan and Rhys); however, what transpires between Sebastian and Remington is completely stand-alone. The actual conflict in this book is mostly internal, but I find myself curious whether Hawthorne intends a third book in this world. A recurring secondary character might be on the path to redemption, and I’d happily go along for the ride, especially if it means more time spent with the two wonderful couples we’ve met so far.
Based on the initial interactions between Remington and Sebastian toward the end of the previous book, I expected this story to be much more of an “enemies to lovers” relationship arc. Instead, I got a healthy dose of reluctant intrigue that morphs into a solid bit of “idiots in love,” all written in a narrative style distinct to this author. Hawthorne elevates two characters stumbling around the unfamiliar to a beautiful dance between two men who inspire each other to go for what they truly want.
This is a medium-heat book with relatively light kink, as both characters discover certain truths about themselves throughout the pages. However, the power exchange dynamic that does evolve between the men exists as both a precursor to the steamier bits of the story and as a solid foundation for the character development that occurs on both sides. Most romances that involve power exchange tend to feature either two experience characters or one initiating a novice into the lifestyle. I thoroughly appreciated this glimpse into a relationship where the characters will have to grow into their roles together, especially when it means that all sorts of things will end up being shared firsts.
This book definitely works best when read after A Real Good Lie for the full backstory between secondary characters Callahan and Jace (and Callahan and Rhys); however, what transpires between Sebastian and Remington is completely stand-alone. The actual conflict in this book is mostly internal, but I find myself curious whether Hawthorne intends a third book in this world. A recurring secondary character might be on the path to redemption, and I’d happily go along for the ride, especially if it means more time spent with the two wonderful couples we’ve met so far.
October 5, 2021
BORING
This book is such a bore. It never had a highlight and just plain plateau. Each chapter is always about the characters’ indecision’s and always second-guessing about their actions.
If you read the first three chapter and the last three chapter of this book, you’ll get the complete story.
Reading this is a waste of time. Nothing exciting and worth remembering. So please, find something better to do.
This book is such a bore. It never had a highlight and just plain plateau. Each chapter is always about the characters’ indecision’s and always second-guessing about their actions.
If you read the first three chapter and the last three chapter of this book, you’ll get the complete story.
Reading this is a waste of time. Nothing exciting and worth remembering. So please, find something better to do.
August 9, 2021
I liked this book a lot but they didn't top Jace and Callahan for me. Remington was a good guy and I really liked his character, even though it is said over and over that Remington and Jace are BFFs and have never had any love interest I still felt it there. Sebastian's character surprised me in how timid and unsure of himself he was. Really good addition to the 1st book, I highly recommend reading it.
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