USA Today bestselling author Vivienne Lorret returns with the third book in her Liars’ Club series with a sexy and hilarious romance about a thrill-seeking debutante and a highwayman who is more than he seems on the surface…
Althea Hartley has lost her spark. As the youngest daughter of an eccentric family, playwrighting is in her blood. But two failed Seasons have left her disenchanted. In desperate need of inspiration, she takes matters into her own hands by creating a tale of a dashing highwayman. What could possibly go wrong?
But her stories prove to be a little too true for the actual highwayman living beneath the tons’ nose.
Jasper Trueblood, Viscount St. James, needs to put an end to the bewitching Miss Hartley’s incriminating tales. Society can never suspect that he isn’t the clumsy oaf he pretends to be. Or that, under the cover of darkness, he greets scoundrels and lightens their purses. Not too much. Just enough to keep those closest to him safe from his menacing uncle.
Then sparks fly when this unlikely pair meets one perfect night. And while she is eager to unmask him, he is determined to stay hidden. But there’s no denying the chemistry that neither of them are able to resist…
The only thing for certain is that Thea needs to guard her heart before the highwayman steals it.
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Sexual Content - 3/5
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Violence - 2/5
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Language - 0/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
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Summary
This Much Is True by Vivienne Lorret is the third book in the Liar’s Club series, but it reads perfectly well as a standalone. I hadn’t read the earlier books and had no trouble following the story or connecting with the characters.
This was a romance with a touch of mystery and humor. I absolutely adored the male lead, Jasper—his quiet charm, the paper flowers he leaves for Thea, and his uncanny ability to sneak into just about anywhere made him incredibly endearing.
Thea’s emotional journey, particularly her struggle to feel like she fit in especially with her family and her loss of her creativity, was both relatable and touching. I enjoyed watching her rediscover that spark through her relationship with Jasper.
While most of the book struck a lovely balance between emotional and romantic beats, I found the ending a bit too far-fetched for my taste.
This is a slow-burn romance with three open-door scenes, written with explicit detail. The story also references past trauma involving childhood abuse, though it's handled with sensitivity.
Overall, This Much Is True is a compelling and heartfelt story that fans of character-driven historical romance will likely enjoy.