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Lies, Hearts & Truths #3
Shattered Truths
The first time I met Winter Marks, I almost took her out with my Jeep.
To be fair, she came out of nowhere.
I flirted with her, and she flipped me off and disappeared into the woods on her bike.
But she left me a souvenir: a single hockey skate.
Seemed to me that divine intervention shouldn’t be ignored.
She was my icy Cinderella and I would be her Prince Not-So-Charming.
Winter was more than just a sassy, badass hockey-playing hottie.
She’s stuck in a prison of a life. And I’m the perfect escape.
Neither of us expected to fall.
Or for the truth to shatter us.
To be fair, she came out of nowhere.
I flirted with her, and she flipped me off and disappeared into the woods on her bike.
But she left me a souvenir: a single hockey skate.
Seemed to me that divine intervention shouldn’t be ignored.
She was my icy Cinderella and I would be her Prince Not-So-Charming.
Winter was more than just a sassy, badass hockey-playing hottie.
She’s stuck in a prison of a life. And I’m the perfect escape.
Neither of us expected to fall.
Or for the truth to shatter us.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2023
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July 5, 2023Shattered Truths is angsty romance PERFECTION. Helena Hunting grips you from the first page and doesn't let go. An emotional rollercoaster with punches of her quintessential humor, scorching spice, and found family feels. I laughed, I cried, I never wanted this story to end. A top book of 2023 and a must-read for all romance lovers!
September 10, 2023
4.25 stars
Shattered Truths was so good! Definitely my favorite of Helena Huntings ‘Lies, Hearts and Truth’ series. I’m loving these new adult reads.
This is a second generation book that follows BJ Ballistic, son of Lily and Randy Ballistic (Pucked Over) and Winter Marks. BJ is a natural on the ice just like his parents but went the figure skating route. Winter plays hockey and she is amazing, but she hasn’t had the training or been able to play like she wants due to finances. Her family is barley scraping by.
BJ and Winter definitely had an interesting meeting. I loved how even though they were different in so many ways they really clicked. Winter has been through it and BJ and his family are so supportive to her. Later in the book when BJ needs Winter she is there for them. Their relationship was so beautiful and healthy and I loved that the conflicts in the book weren’t relationship conflicts. They had it together and were an amazing couple.
This book was funny, emotional, sweet and heartwarming. I’m looking forward to more in this series!
“You’re turning into my favorite person real fast.”
Shattered Truths was so good! Definitely my favorite of Helena Huntings ‘Lies, Hearts and Truth’ series. I’m loving these new adult reads.
This is a second generation book that follows BJ Ballistic, son of Lily and Randy Ballistic (Pucked Over) and Winter Marks. BJ is a natural on the ice just like his parents but went the figure skating route. Winter plays hockey and she is amazing, but she hasn’t had the training or been able to play like she wants due to finances. Her family is barley scraping by.
BJ and Winter definitely had an interesting meeting. I loved how even though they were different in so many ways they really clicked. Winter has been through it and BJ and his family are so supportive to her. Later in the book when BJ needs Winter she is there for them. Their relationship was so beautiful and healthy and I loved that the conflicts in the book weren’t relationship conflicts. They had it together and were an amazing couple.
This book was funny, emotional, sweet and heartwarming. I’m looking forward to more in this series!
August 28, 2023
***COMING AUGUST 2023***
5 STARS
THIS BOOK WAS LITERALLY EVERYTHING!! It is considerably lower in angst than the other 2 standalones, BUT I feel like that totally fits BJ.
I don’t want to give away a single spoiler but I will say that these two, for me, are the epitome of love. They way they support each other, don’t let them hide from the hard stuff (and there is a lot of hard stuff for them), and find solace and joy in each other. It was so enjoyable to watch them fall for each other and get their HEA.
Also, this whole freaking crew, everyone from the first generation to the current generation is so much freaking fun. If Helena chose to write in this world forever, I wouldn’t be mad about. They provide so much comedic relief, and the love of this biological and found family is everything a person could want in real life.
My last thought is this. This book had my heart bursting with happiness. I had a grin watching these two fall for each other. I felt like I was a part of this family when they were all together. It was a perfect blissful escape, and I couldn’t have wanted anything more for BJ’s story.
Early copy review
5 STARS
THIS BOOK WAS LITERALLY EVERYTHING!! It is considerably lower in angst than the other 2 standalones, BUT I feel like that totally fits BJ.
I don’t want to give away a single spoiler but I will say that these two, for me, are the epitome of love. They way they support each other, don’t let them hide from the hard stuff (and there is a lot of hard stuff for them), and find solace and joy in each other. It was so enjoyable to watch them fall for each other and get their HEA.
Also, this whole freaking crew, everyone from the first generation to the current generation is so much freaking fun. If Helena chose to write in this world forever, I wouldn’t be mad about. They provide so much comedic relief, and the love of this biological and found family is everything a person could want in real life.
My last thought is this. This book had my heart bursting with happiness. I had a grin watching these two fall for each other. I felt like I was a part of this family when they were all together. It was a perfect blissful escape, and I couldn’t have wanted anything more for BJ’s story.
Early copy review
September 12, 2023
I am obsessed with this series and was so excited for this book. The hero is instantly smitten with the heroine the moment he sees her. He's a figure skater with a hockey legend dad and she's a hockey player who can't afford to play like she wants to. He makes sure they see each other again and his dad wants her on his hockey team. This one is definitely the least angsty of the series and they got together pretty quickly because the hero was so obsessed with her. That was fine, but I wasn't the biggest fan of only having external conflicts for the second half of the book. This did, though, allow a lot of depth to develop in their romance, especially with the conflict at the end, and I did end up enjoying that. I loved how they would skate together and he helped her be a better player. So while I wanted more angst, this was still a great romance!
April 25, 2024
Pucked Over, second generation!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙❤️💚💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍
Character development: 😊😅🤨🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The Hero: Winter - she is nineteen and grew up living in trailer parks with a father that is both a jerk and a drunk. She now lives in a small run-down cabin by the lake. She plays hockey and recently got a job at the local donut shop to help her parents out with the bills. Her father spends more than half of every paycheck on beer and cigarettes and her mother often works double shifts at the diner to make ends meet.
The heroine: Randall Ballistic III (a.k.a. Balls Jr., a.k.a. B.J.) - he is the son of the famous NHL hockey player Randy Ballistic from the Pucked series. His friends call him B.J. and he also loves hockey. He grew up rich in the lake district and knows just about everybody in the small town. When he nearly runs over a pretty girl on a bike while in his flashy jeep, he is immediately interested in her, especially when she rides away and leaves a hockey skate behind. B.J. isn’t a hockey player though, he is a figure skater. A badass, bearded, tattooed, male figure skater with a peen piercing.
The Story: Winter is a bit of a fangirl with B.J.’s father and circle of friends but is also out of place with all of these characters since she comes from a completely different background. They come from the wealthy part of town and even hang out with their parents, and she comes from a trailer park where her parents often got the cops called on them for fighting and she doesn’t like being in the vicinity of her dad if she can help it. She is embarrassed about her family’s financial situation but doesn’t like people to feel sorry for her.
I kind of hate books like this even if the story is really good. Winter is old enough to leave her parents. Her mother is so weak, she just always takes what her father dishes out. He is always angry and takes out his anger on both her mother and Winter. Her father expects her to help out with the family expenses and doesn’t want her to be doing anything but working or helping out around the house. She even lies about what she is doing in her free time. Her parents even have access to her bank account. I just really wanted her to leave and live her own life, but she wouldn’t leave her mother. So, the fights between her and her family were hard to hear.
I liked the fact that when things do get better for Winter, the story doesn’t immediately end. It gets more about the romance between Winter and B.J. This is where the story turns into more of a new adult sports romance. I liked that it went in a totally different direction like that. There were also some huge surprises, it isn’t often that a book can surprise me like that.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Zachary Webber and Andi Ardnt. I love both of these narrators though they do sound quite a bit older than these characters are supposed to be. Either way, they do a terrific job on this book.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙❤️💚💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍
Character development: 😊😅🤨🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
The Hero: Winter - she is nineteen and grew up living in trailer parks with a father that is both a jerk and a drunk. She now lives in a small run-down cabin by the lake. She plays hockey and recently got a job at the local donut shop to help her parents out with the bills. Her father spends more than half of every paycheck on beer and cigarettes and her mother often works double shifts at the diner to make ends meet.
The heroine: Randall Ballistic III (a.k.a. Balls Jr., a.k.a. B.J.) - he is the son of the famous NHL hockey player Randy Ballistic from the Pucked series. His friends call him B.J. and he also loves hockey. He grew up rich in the lake district and knows just about everybody in the small town. When he nearly runs over a pretty girl on a bike while in his flashy jeep, he is immediately interested in her, especially when she rides away and leaves a hockey skate behind. B.J. isn’t a hockey player though, he is a figure skater. A badass, bearded, tattooed, male figure skater with a peen piercing.
The Story: Winter is a bit of a fangirl with B.J.’s father and circle of friends but is also out of place with all of these characters since she comes from a completely different background. They come from the wealthy part of town and even hang out with their parents, and she comes from a trailer park where her parents often got the cops called on them for fighting and she doesn’t like being in the vicinity of her dad if she can help it. She is embarrassed about her family’s financial situation but doesn’t like people to feel sorry for her.
I kind of hate books like this even if the story is really good. Winter is old enough to leave her parents. Her mother is so weak, she just always takes what her father dishes out. He is always angry and takes out his anger on both her mother and Winter. Her father expects her to help out with the family expenses and doesn’t want her to be doing anything but working or helping out around the house. She even lies about what she is doing in her free time. Her parents even have access to her bank account. I just really wanted her to leave and live her own life, but she wouldn’t leave her mother. So, the fights between her and her family were hard to hear.
I liked the fact that when things do get better for Winter, the story doesn’t immediately end. It gets more about the romance between Winter and B.J. This is where the story turns into more of a new adult sports romance. I liked that it went in a totally different direction like that. There were also some huge surprises, it isn’t often that a book can surprise me like that.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Zachary Webber and Andi Ardnt. I love both of these narrators though they do sound quite a bit older than these characters are supposed to be. Either way, they do a terrific job on this book.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Pinterest|BookBub
August 1, 2023
This one deserves all the stars! What an amazing freaking book!!! Winter is such a kind, beautiful but broken soul, that just needs someone in her corner. And that someone is Randall Ballistic Jr - also known to most as BJ. What a man, this one is. He’s positive, he’s caring, he’s thoughtful and so dang perfect I just can’t even.
When Winter runs into BJ - almost literally - I know she doesn’t expect to find a whole group of friends and family behind this one person. A group that takes her under their wing and doesn’t let her go…. No matter how hard things get. They’re there to push her out of her comfort zone but just so she can better herself. My heart for Winter at so many points throughout the book - this girl just deserves some happiness.
BJ is such an amazing product of his dad, Randy, and mom, Lily, that we all know and love from Pucked Over/Under. They are a true family unit that talk things through and have mature conversations to find solutions to problems. But BJ is so soulfully deep, and with his positive attitude, he’s a perfect fit for his major. He knows that Winter needs patience, softness and understanding - and he’s here to give it all to her.
I love that the group rallies together for anyone in their group when the going gets tough - even Dracula, I mean Laughlin. They know what they have to do and they do it - they’re always there for one another.
I cannot talk this book up enough. The perfect amount of angst, heat, and heart - you’re going to want to grab this one. But be cautious - it’s a binge reading kind of book.
I also got to listen along while I read, and having BJ croon in my ear was nothing short of amazing. These two narrators depict BJ and Winter perfectly!
When Winter runs into BJ - almost literally - I know she doesn’t expect to find a whole group of friends and family behind this one person. A group that takes her under their wing and doesn’t let her go…. No matter how hard things get. They’re there to push her out of her comfort zone but just so she can better herself. My heart for Winter at so many points throughout the book - this girl just deserves some happiness.
BJ is such an amazing product of his dad, Randy, and mom, Lily, that we all know and love from Pucked Over/Under. They are a true family unit that talk things through and have mature conversations to find solutions to problems. But BJ is so soulfully deep, and with his positive attitude, he’s a perfect fit for his major. He knows that Winter needs patience, softness and understanding - and he’s here to give it all to her.
I love that the group rallies together for anyone in their group when the going gets tough - even Dracula, I mean Laughlin. They know what they have to do and they do it - they’re always there for one another.
I cannot talk this book up enough. The perfect amount of angst, heat, and heart - you’re going to want to grab this one. But be cautious - it’s a binge reading kind of book.
I also got to listen along while I read, and having BJ croon in my ear was nothing short of amazing. These two narrators depict BJ and Winter perfectly!
August 23, 2023
Shattered Truths is book 3 of the Lies, Hearts & Truths series by H. Hunting and let me tell you, it was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions! 💖📚
Tropes:
✔️ sports/hockey/figure skating
✔️ small town
✔️ enemies to friends to lovers
✔️ hero falls first
I was hooked from the get-go. Talk about a meet-cute gone wild – Winter comes out of nowhere, BJ almost runs her over with his Jeep and she leave a single hockey skate a la Cinderella. 🏒❄️
Winter is no ordinary girl – she's a sassy, badass hockey player with a heart of gold, trapped in a life that felt like a prison. BJ couldn't resist her fiery spirit and knew they were meant to be in each other's life.
This love story, you guys, it's like a modern-day fairytale with a twist. The way they fell for each other was unexpected, and the truths that unfolded had my heart in a vice. 😢 But let me tell you, the journey was worth it.
BJ, aka Randall, is the golden retriever hero you can't help but fall in love with. His charm, his determination to be there for Winter just melted my heart. And Winter? She's fierce, sweet, and oh-so-saucy, with a backstory that tugs at your heartstrings.
Their relationship? Ah-mazing! The banter between them had me grinning like a fool, and let me assure you, the chemistry? 🔥 They were made for each other.
What I loved most is how they faced every obstacle head-on, with complete openness and honesty, never giving up, always pushing each other to be their best selves. 💪
Oh, and can we talk about the gang? Seeing familiar faces from previous books and series, especially Randy and Lily embracing parenthood, was an absolute treat! All. The. Feels. 🥰
This college-aged romance is all about two souls from different worlds coming together and changing each other's lives for the better. Their journey is a whirlwind of emotions – I laughed, I cried, I cheered them on with all my heart. And that epilogue? Adorably uplifting doesn't even begin to cover it! 🌟
So, if you're craving a romance that's as deep as it is heartwarming, add Shattered Truths to your TBR. The low-level angst, the solid support network, and the unwavering love between BJ and Winter make it an unforgettable tale. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down! 💕
#ShatteredTruths #BookLove #5Stars #HelenaHunting #BookLove #booklover #bookstagram #bookunboxing #unboxing #bookreel #hockeyromance #hhunting #advancedreadercopy #winter #bjballistic #randyballistic
★ I received an ARC of this title from the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★See all my book edits on Instagram
Tropes:
✔️ sports/hockey/figure skating
✔️ small town
✔️ enemies to friends to lovers
✔️ hero falls first
I was hooked from the get-go. Talk about a meet-cute gone wild – Winter comes out of nowhere, BJ almost runs her over with his Jeep and she leave a single hockey skate a la Cinderella. 🏒❄️
Winter is no ordinary girl – she's a sassy, badass hockey player with a heart of gold, trapped in a life that felt like a prison. BJ couldn't resist her fiery spirit and knew they were meant to be in each other's life.
This love story, you guys, it's like a modern-day fairytale with a twist. The way they fell for each other was unexpected, and the truths that unfolded had my heart in a vice. 😢 But let me tell you, the journey was worth it.
BJ, aka Randall, is the golden retriever hero you can't help but fall in love with. His charm, his determination to be there for Winter just melted my heart. And Winter? She's fierce, sweet, and oh-so-saucy, with a backstory that tugs at your heartstrings.
Their relationship? Ah-mazing! The banter between them had me grinning like a fool, and let me assure you, the chemistry? 🔥 They were made for each other.
What I loved most is how they faced every obstacle head-on, with complete openness and honesty, never giving up, always pushing each other to be their best selves. 💪
Oh, and can we talk about the gang? Seeing familiar faces from previous books and series, especially Randy and Lily embracing parenthood, was an absolute treat! All. The. Feels. 🥰
This college-aged romance is all about two souls from different worlds coming together and changing each other's lives for the better. Their journey is a whirlwind of emotions – I laughed, I cried, I cheered them on with all my heart. And that epilogue? Adorably uplifting doesn't even begin to cover it! 🌟
So, if you're craving a romance that's as deep as it is heartwarming, add Shattered Truths to your TBR. The low-level angst, the solid support network, and the unwavering love between BJ and Winter make it an unforgettable tale. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down! 💕
#ShatteredTruths #BookLove #5Stars #HelenaHunting #BookLove #booklover #bookstagram #bookunboxing #unboxing #bookreel #hockeyromance #hhunting #advancedreadercopy #winter #bjballistic #randyballistic
★ I received an ARC of this title from the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★See all my book edits on Instagram
August 28, 2023
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Randall Ballistic III, whose friends call him BJ is the son of famous retired NHL star, Randy Ballistic. He’s in his senior year of college. He has a wonderful family, great friends, and life is good. Then he meets a gorgeous, feisty girl who loves hockey. She just might be the woman of his dreams. He finds Winter fascinating and wants to get to know her better. The problem is she doesn’t seem interested even though the spark between them can’t be denied.
Winter Marks family moved to Pearl Lake a couple months ago. She stays busy working and taking college classes online. When she has any time off she wants to be playing hockey. Her favorite place to be is on the ice. It’s the one place she feels free to escape her troubles. Life hasn’t been kind to her and she doesn’t easily trust. She mostly keeps to herself. Then a sexy, bearded, tattooed figure skater pursues her. He’s a relentless flirt, but seems like a nice guy. They live two completely different lives, but share an amazing connection she can’t explain. Will she attempt to guard her heart, or will she give love a chance?
Shattered Truths by H. Hunting is the third standalone in the Lies, Hearts & Truths series. It’s an enemies to lovers, small town, opposites attract, college sports romance full of emotion, angst, humor, sizzling chemistry, fabulous banter and plenty of swoon. I’ve been so excited for this book, and I absolutely LOVED it!!! This couple’s journey to love is beautiful. I really adore this series and it was also great to get more of some of the other characters in this big hockey family. I need more from this world! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCPD9PV7?...
(ARC provided by author)
Randall Ballistic III, whose friends call him BJ is the son of famous retired NHL star, Randy Ballistic. He’s in his senior year of college. He has a wonderful family, great friends, and life is good. Then he meets a gorgeous, feisty girl who loves hockey. She just might be the woman of his dreams. He finds Winter fascinating and wants to get to know her better. The problem is she doesn’t seem interested even though the spark between them can’t be denied.
Winter Marks family moved to Pearl Lake a couple months ago. She stays busy working and taking college classes online. When she has any time off she wants to be playing hockey. Her favorite place to be is on the ice. It’s the one place she feels free to escape her troubles. Life hasn’t been kind to her and she doesn’t easily trust. She mostly keeps to herself. Then a sexy, bearded, tattooed figure skater pursues her. He’s a relentless flirt, but seems like a nice guy. They live two completely different lives, but share an amazing connection she can’t explain. Will she attempt to guard her heart, or will she give love a chance?
Shattered Truths by H. Hunting is the third standalone in the Lies, Hearts & Truths series. It’s an enemies to lovers, small town, opposites attract, college sports romance full of emotion, angst, humor, sizzling chemistry, fabulous banter and plenty of swoon. I’ve been so excited for this book, and I absolutely LOVED it!!! This couple’s journey to love is beautiful. I really adore this series and it was also great to get more of some of the other characters in this big hockey family. I need more from this world! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCPD9PV7?...
August 2, 2023
This book has the same issues as the rest of the series -- nothing actually happens. The H and h are bland as hell, and all the drama is historic and bleeds out into the present in the most boring of ways. I keep trying, but I'm always disappointed by this series. The male leads need way more depth. And they need to really feel the consequences of life. Otherwise it comes across as toxic masculinity.
August 28, 2023
Winter + BJ aka Randall Ballistic
We're back in the world of the Pucked and All In series.
Winter is pretty new in town. She and her parents just moved into grandma's old cottage. Very old and in need of lots of repairs, but it's better than the trailer park.
She dreams of going to college and playing hockey. But both those things cost money that she just doesn't have. She's working at the local bakery and using old second hand skating gear.
Then she meets BJ. He almost ran her over with his rich boy car.
She should hate everything about him. But he's so sweet and flirty and adorable and hot. And he asked her to come to the hockey arena for some skating time - for free!
How can she say no to any of that?!
══════════════════
Adorable!
First... If you're book-weird like I am ... I suggest you read LITTLE LIES & BITTER SWEET HEART first - there's a lot of BJ in there and all the other people are in here too!
And if you're super weird - again like I am - just read Helena's Pucked and All In series too before you get to this 2nd generation series!
I loved BJ's story! We've been waiting for his book since we first met him!
He and Winter come from completely different worlds. Can't get anymore different than those two. BJ has the perfect life. Perfect parents and siblings and friends.
Winter has two parents who kind of checked out of life. Alcohol. Abuse. At least they're still working, but without Winter's help they wouldn't be able to keep a roof over their heads or the power and water bills paid.
Can two people from two such different worlds find a happily ever after together?
We'll see.
I just loved reading this.
We don't get the silly cliché fight or misunderstanding that keeps them apart for ages. It's all so sweet and good and I loved that. Of course we have lots of problems and heartbreaking moments. But Winter has finally found her place, her family with BJ and his group of many people. It's just perfect.
I just love this series. All the people are so great and all have their own 'things' that will make a great book one day!
This was a really great new adult love story.
Not too much drama. Just beautiful and funny and sexy and heartbreaking moments. Full of love and friendship and found family.
I want to see this series on TV one day!
Tiny litte PS. I don't like the cover guy. That is so not how I imagine BJ. No idea why but this guy just looks like he's a 35 year old who is shooting a promo video for a 2002 punk porn movie.
And another thing. I complained about that in the last book too. The hero is always a bit too soft for my tastes. All this CAN I HUG YOU? CAN I KISS YOU? I don't want him to force himself on her - she might have some past abuse problems - but this constant asking is so not sexy.
SHATTERED TRUTHS was a such beautiful + heartbreaking + sweet + sexy New Adult Love Story! Full of love and friendship and found family and ice and hockey and all the good things! I just loved it! Run to your nearest book dealer for your own Winter + BJ - they'll be sold out in no time - and this one is MINE!
💜
💜
September 20, 2023
Shattered Truths is the third book in the Lies, Hearts, & Truths series following BJ as he becomes smitten with Winter after a chance encounter. Like its predecessors, Shattered Truths features heavier themes, so trigger warnings for domestic abuse and violence.
What I enjoyed most about Shattered Truths was Hunting's decision to reverse the characters’ typical roles by making BJ the figure skater and Winter the hockey player. It was refreshing to read and fit the characters’s personalities .
BJ is the ultimate flirt, so the banter was perfect and the angst palpable. BJ and Winter’s tension was thick making their eventual coupling fire hot. You know when you read a Hunting novel you’re going to get chef’s kiss spice.
Despite the trigger warnings, all the spice, and the traumatic climax, Shattered Truths is a wholesome romance where communication is important and sex positivity is practiced.
Overall, Shattered Truths is a spicy romance that offers readers more than just a romance. It tackles themes of domestic abuse and violence while being sex positive.
What I enjoyed most about Shattered Truths was Hunting's decision to reverse the characters’ typical roles by making BJ the figure skater and Winter the hockey player. It was refreshing to read and fit the characters’s personalities .
BJ is the ultimate flirt, so the banter was perfect and the angst palpable. BJ and Winter’s tension was thick making their eventual coupling fire hot. You know when you read a Hunting novel you’re going to get chef’s kiss spice.
Despite the trigger warnings, all the spice, and the traumatic climax, Shattered Truths is a wholesome romance where communication is important and sex positivity is practiced.
Overall, Shattered Truths is a spicy romance that offers readers more than just a romance. It tackles themes of domestic abuse and violence while being sex positive.
January 20, 2024
On a scale of one to orgasm, he’s a bean-flicking dream.
4.75 stars
I got a PR box with this ARC 😭😭😭😭 My first PR box 😭😭
“You are a wizard with your mouth.” He grins. “Anytime you want a bread ride, I’m your man.”
My favourite couple from this whole universe is Lily and Randy, so I am zero percent surprised that I absolutely loveeee BJ!!! He was so loyal, funny, chill, and just an amazing guy. Winter was absolutely great too. She had been/was going through so much, but she still stayed dedicated and positive. Her family and financial struggles were so heartbreaking to read but she had such a good sense of humour! I laughed out loud so many times, you know, the ones that burst out of you and you kinda look around to see if anyone noticed. The *incident* that pushed everything off a cliff (hmm, pun not intended) was terrifying and I was about to cry with Winter.
“Sometimes people have to find the bottom before they start looking for a way back to the surface,” Logan says softly.
“I don’t want the bottom to be a grave.”
It was a great twist on the standard hockey trope, guy is hockey player, girl is figure skater or just a random person. BJ was the figure skater and Winter was the hockey player! I love when tropes are the opposite of what’s “normal,” it’s like a breath of fresh air.
“Take the leap, Winter. I promise the landing is soft on this one.”
Winter was obviously the character who was struggling a lot more, BJ came from a life of privilege, but I also like how BJ’s struggles were mostly subtle until I was suddenly almost throwing my iPad across the room. When you read this book, and get to THAT scene, you’ll understand my horror! It was a build-up from a situation that the reader kinda knew was happening, but we didn’t think it would go that far, or at least I didn’t! Phew, that was a hard section to read, near the end.
“Are you worried you’ll make it a self-fulfilling prophecy?” I settle a hand on her waist.
“Maybe?” She shrugs. “I’m so accustomed to being stressed out, I don’t know how not to be.”
Read this book (and all the other books in the series!!) if you like:
💜Full-sleeved, tattooed figure skater MMC
💜“I got you. You can let go.”
💜Pierced 🍆
💜Strong but soft hockey-playing FMC
💜Silk scarves and feathers
💜Overcoming abuse and abuse-related guilt
💜Funny moments galore
I am pretttty sure this book was leading up to another spin-off and I’m prettttty sure I know one of the characters, so I’ll leave you with this vague quote:
“What the fuck is going on here?”
“Is that Dracula?” Rose’s nose is smushed against my arm.
I can’t see through the sea of bodies surrounding me. “It sounds like him.”
“Group hug. Want in?” River asks.
“Physical contact is something I try to avoid, but thanks,” Laughlin says.>
One final thought! The ending was also another instance of “opposite trope/normal” and I am LIVING for it!
Thank you so much, Helena, for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
___________
This was so cute and emotional 😭
RTC!
4.75 stars
I got a PR box with this ARC 😭😭😭😭 My first PR box 😭😭
“You are a wizard with your mouth.” He grins. “Anytime you want a bread ride, I’m your man.”
My favourite couple from this whole universe is Lily and Randy, so I am zero percent surprised that I absolutely loveeee BJ!!! He was so loyal, funny, chill, and just an amazing guy. Winter was absolutely great too. She had been/was going through so much, but she still stayed dedicated and positive. Her family and financial struggles were so heartbreaking to read but she had such a good sense of humour! I laughed out loud so many times, you know, the ones that burst out of you and you kinda look around to see if anyone noticed. The *incident* that pushed everything off a cliff (hmm, pun not intended) was terrifying and I was about to cry with Winter.
“Sometimes people have to find the bottom before they start looking for a way back to the surface,” Logan says softly.
“I don’t want the bottom to be a grave.”
It was a great twist on the standard hockey trope, guy is hockey player, girl is figure skater or just a random person. BJ was the figure skater and Winter was the hockey player! I love when tropes are the opposite of what’s “normal,” it’s like a breath of fresh air.
“Take the leap, Winter. I promise the landing is soft on this one.”
Winter was obviously the character who was struggling a lot more, BJ came from a life of privilege, but I also like how BJ’s struggles were mostly subtle until I was suddenly almost throwing my iPad across the room. When you read this book, and get to THAT scene, you’ll understand my horror! It was a build-up from a situation that the reader kinda knew was happening, but we didn’t think it would go that far, or at least I didn’t! Phew, that was a hard section to read, near the end.
“Are you worried you’ll make it a self-fulfilling prophecy?” I settle a hand on her waist.
“Maybe?” She shrugs. “I’m so accustomed to being stressed out, I don’t know how not to be.”
Read this book (and all the other books in the series!!) if you like:
💜Full-sleeved, tattooed figure skater MMC
💜“I got you. You can let go.”
💜Pierced 🍆
💜Strong but soft hockey-playing FMC
💜Silk scarves and feathers
💜Overcoming abuse and abuse-related guilt
💜Funny moments galore
I am pretttty sure this book was leading up to another spin-off and I’m prettttty sure I know one of the characters, so I’ll leave you with this vague quote:
“What the fuck is going on here?”
“Is that Dracula?” Rose’s nose is smushed against my arm.
I can’t see through the sea of bodies surrounding me. “It sounds like him.”
“Group hug. Want in?” River asks.
“Physical contact is something I try to avoid, but thanks,” Laughlin says.>
One final thought! The ending was also another instance of “opposite trope/normal” and I am LIVING for it!
Thank you so much, Helena, for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
___________
This was so cute and emotional 😭
RTC!
September 10, 2023
2.5 stars
I was hoping BJ book is going to be childhood best friends-to-lovers, but we move. The final product is fine insta love the book
I was hoping BJ book is going to be childhood best friends-to-lovers, but we move. The final product is fine insta love the book
August 12, 2023
Gosh, this book!! 😍😭🥺🤤
This was my most anticipated book of the year! Reading it felt like a hug—comfort, emotions. I absolutely adored seeing the whole gang, I love BJ & Winter so much 😍. Seeing Randy & Lily as parents is such a sweet treat. The book has ALL THE FEELS, omg. Devoured & savored it in around 9hrs. Yes I spent a whole day on this, I don't regret it! I f'ing squealed in happiness to have gotten the #ARC, so thankful! I love the cover too, it's blue 💙.
A College-aged romance where 2 people from opposite sides of track meet...& Inevitably change eachother, for the better, forever 💕. BJ (Randall) is charming, observant figure-skater. Winter is fierce, sweet Hockey Player with a saucy mouth. He had the best life, while Her family struggled with money & her dad's an asshole.
Fate intervenes & their world collides. An anomaly, the need to KNOW eachother. Gosh, I loved their relationship, the banters! It was lower in angst than previous books. The 2 face a lot of things, from minor to their worst nightmares. They push eachother for the better, & don't give up. Chemistry so intimate, hot & obvious! I laughed hard, teared up, smiled, hoped. I rooted for them. The epilogue's so cute!
I've got so much more to say, but I'm still processing & ain't gonna spoil...Just it's a #MustRead! RTC.
Story ratings:
POV: 1st person, DUAL POV
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) Top 3 feels: Sweet, whoa, *tears*
3) Story enjoyment: 5+/5
4) Creativity & Conflicts: 4.7/5
5) World build: 4.8/5
6) Relationship: 5+/5
7) Steamy scenes: 3.5/5
8) Levels: Cute+laughs: 4.2/5
Angst: 2.5/5 (mostly external)
Dark: 2.5/5
9) Writing style & pace: 4.7/5
10) Grammar: 5/5
This was my most anticipated book of the year! Reading it felt like a hug—comfort, emotions. I absolutely adored seeing the whole gang, I love BJ & Winter so much 😍. Seeing Randy & Lily as parents is such a sweet treat. The book has ALL THE FEELS, omg. Devoured & savored it in around 9hrs. Yes I spent a whole day on this, I don't regret it! I f'ing squealed in happiness to have gotten the #ARC, so thankful! I love the cover too, it's blue 💙.
A College-aged romance where 2 people from opposite sides of track meet...& Inevitably change eachother, for the better, forever 💕. BJ (Randall) is charming, observant figure-skater. Winter is fierce, sweet Hockey Player with a saucy mouth. He had the best life, while Her family struggled with money & her dad's an asshole.
Fate intervenes & their world collides. An anomaly, the need to KNOW eachother. Gosh, I loved their relationship, the banters! It was lower in angst than previous books. The 2 face a lot of things, from minor to their worst nightmares. They push eachother for the better, & don't give up. Chemistry so intimate, hot & obvious! I laughed hard, teared up, smiled, hoped. I rooted for them. The epilogue's so cute!
I've got so much more to say, but I'm still processing & ain't gonna spoil...Just it's a #MustRead! RTC.
Story ratings:
POV: 1st person, DUAL POV
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) Top 3 feels: Sweet, whoa, *tears*
3) Story enjoyment: 5+/5
4) Creativity & Conflicts: 4.7/5
5) World build: 4.8/5
6) Relationship: 5+/5
7) Steamy scenes: 3.5/5
8) Levels: Cute+laughs: 4.2/5
Angst: 2.5/5 (mostly external)
Dark: 2.5/5
9) Writing style & pace: 4.7/5
10) Grammar: 5/5
September 21, 2023
5 B.J. and Winter Stars
I enjoyed this sports romance so much. The original Pucked series is one of my all time favourites. This novel is about B.J. who is the son of Lily and Randy from Pucked Over and Winter Marks.
Winter (19) is a really likeable heroine. She plays Ice Hockey when she can but she's caught up in a hard life. She grew up experiencing domestic abuse between her parents and emotional / physical abuse from her father. Despite some darker themes , there is a lot of fun in this book too. B.J. (21 ish) is charming and very easy to love. Winter is so guarded and puts up lots of barriers but B.J. is determined to win the girl.
I was a bit wary of Lovey and B.J.'s best friend status - it always makes me uneasy when the Hero has a girl best friend - but I thought the inevitable conflict around this was really well written - a decent dose of angst but all that uneasiness vanished.
There was a powerful twist that I wasn't expecting later in the story.
There is a little guide at the start that helps you remember who is related to who in B.J's friend group. These are the second generation Pucked Series children so there are a lot of characters.
The first novel in this Lies, Hearts and Truths Series , Little Lies , was a 5 star read for me too. (It focuses on Lavender Waters (Daughter of Alex and Violet Waters from Pucked and Kodiak Bowman , son of Lainey and R.J. Bowman from A Lie for a Lie ). It is a bit more angsty than Shattered Truths but they are equally well written and make for heady , addictive reading. I skipped the second book Bitter Sweet Heart because it had a big age gap with an older woman and that is a hard pass for me. Purely personal preference.
If you love College based, passionate , sports romances with a gorgeous Hero , a badass heroine who just needs a break in life , then give this a try. You don't need to have read the original series or any of the other books in this one as it is a robust standalone.
Darker themes - Domestic Abuse / Parental alcohol misuse.
HEA? Yes - epilogue 5 years ahead.
Cheating? No
I enjoyed this sports romance so much. The original Pucked series is one of my all time favourites. This novel is about B.J. who is the son of Lily and Randy from Pucked Over and Winter Marks.
Winter (19) is a really likeable heroine. She plays Ice Hockey when she can but she's caught up in a hard life. She grew up experiencing domestic abuse between her parents and emotional / physical abuse from her father. Despite some darker themes , there is a lot of fun in this book too. B.J. (21 ish) is charming and very easy to love. Winter is so guarded and puts up lots of barriers but B.J. is determined to win the girl.
I was a bit wary of Lovey and B.J.'s best friend status - it always makes me uneasy when the Hero has a girl best friend - but I thought the inevitable conflict around this was really well written - a decent dose of angst but all that uneasiness vanished.
There was a powerful twist that I wasn't expecting later in the story.
There is a little guide at the start that helps you remember who is related to who in B.J's friend group. These are the second generation Pucked Series children so there are a lot of characters.
The first novel in this Lies, Hearts and Truths Series , Little Lies , was a 5 star read for me too. (It focuses on Lavender Waters (Daughter of Alex and Violet Waters from Pucked and Kodiak Bowman , son of Lainey and R.J. Bowman from A Lie for a Lie ). It is a bit more angsty than Shattered Truths but they are equally well written and make for heady , addictive reading. I skipped the second book Bitter Sweet Heart because it had a big age gap with an older woman and that is a hard pass for me. Purely personal preference.
If you love College based, passionate , sports romances with a gorgeous Hero , a badass heroine who just needs a break in life , then give this a try. You don't need to have read the original series or any of the other books in this one as it is a robust standalone.
Darker themes - Domestic Abuse / Parental alcohol misuse.
HEA? Yes - epilogue 5 years ahead.
Cheating? No
September 13, 2023
Nice Romance for a change. A likable good-guy hero. Sassy self-reliant h. Some clichéd tropes I found irritating but not enough to put me off. Enjoyed the side characters: his family and friends; (Hxhs and their kids from other books) a bit overdone but still a nice touch because I needed a "light" read.
Good happy figure skater boy from a good happy family meets wary ice hockey playing hardworking girl from bad unhappy family.
Both dedicated to their sport: her as a hobby and him, professionally with his pair skater.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Insta on both sides.
He chases, she resists.
She pushes for intimacy; he wants to take it slow.
He opens her eyes to the good things in life.
He's devoted to her in all aspects of her life. The perfect boy. I adore him.
He's aiming for gold with his skating partner.
She's scouted and unexpectedly her sporting career takes off.
He's her biggest supporter and his family take her under their wing.
Some of the usual pusual typical angst found in NA reads but their relationship remains strong.
The climax is him getting seriously hurt and pushing everyone away.
It's not about her, it's about him struggling to cope with the prospect that he might never be able to skate competitively again. Very realistically done.
Now it's her turn to encourage and nurture him and hold him up while he learns to live again.
The 5 years later epilogue tells us how they persevered and accomplished their goals both on the ice and off. A warm sappy chapter.
Their past loves:
Both had one long-term relationship in high school.
He doesn't come across as a playboy but had more than his fair share of ow whom he didn't commit to. To his horror, they're coming out of the woodwork and making him look like a real ladies’ man and pissing the h right off. Fun times. LOL. He can't be bothered with any of them, least of all his skating partner of many years who turns out to be a whacko who unfortunately doesn't get enough comeuppance as far as I'm concerned.
Some of the MANY excerpts I highlighted:
“I pluck a dandelion fluff from her hair, holding it out for her to see. “Make a wish.”
“Wishes lead to disappointment.”
“Wishes are hope with wings,” I counter. “Make one.”
“I did for him what he did for me—fed his hope, held his hand, and held him up when he couldn’t do it on his own.”
NTS - neaten review.
Good happy figure skater boy from a good happy family meets wary ice hockey playing hardworking girl from bad unhappy family.
Both dedicated to their sport: her as a hobby and him, professionally with his pair skater.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Insta on both sides.
He chases, she resists.
She pushes for intimacy; he wants to take it slow.
He opens her eyes to the good things in life.
He's devoted to her in all aspects of her life. The perfect boy. I adore him.
He's aiming for gold with his skating partner.
She's scouted and unexpectedly her sporting career takes off.
He's her biggest supporter and his family take her under their wing.
Some of the usual pusual typical angst found in NA reads but their relationship remains strong.
The climax is him getting seriously hurt and pushing everyone away.
It's not about her, it's about him struggling to cope with the prospect that he might never be able to skate competitively again. Very realistically done.
Now it's her turn to encourage and nurture him and hold him up while he learns to live again.
The 5 years later epilogue tells us how they persevered and accomplished their goals both on the ice and off. A warm sappy chapter.
Their past loves:
Both had one long-term relationship in high school.
He doesn't come across as a playboy but had more than his fair share of ow whom he didn't commit to. To his horror, they're coming out of the woodwork and making him look like a real ladies’ man and pissing the h right off. Fun times. LOL. He can't be bothered with any of them, least of all his skating partner of many years who turns out to be a whacko who unfortunately doesn't get enough comeuppance as far as I'm concerned.
Some of the MANY excerpts I highlighted:
“I pluck a dandelion fluff from her hair, holding it out for her to see. “Make a wish.”
“Wishes lead to disappointment.”
“Wishes are hope with wings,” I counter. “Make one.”
“I did for him what he did for me—fed his hope, held his hand, and held him up when he couldn’t do it on his own.”
NTS - neaten review.
August 31, 2023
This is the third book in the Lies Hearts and Truths series and I seriously hope it’s not the last. This is a new adult angst-filled romance between Winter, a girl from a poor family with an abusive father, and BJ, the son of a professional hockey player (Randy Ballistic for those who have read the Pucked series) who grew up in financial privilege. When the two characters meet they both feel an attraction but Winter will not let herself embrace a relationship with someone who brings her into a life she could only dream of. The opposites attract in this was done so well and I loved how their personalities meshed it gave us so much banter.
The way the plot went in this book was exciting. It’s almost like there were two plots with a conflict and resolution for each the first focused on Winter and the second on BJ. I was more interested in the second half of the book and the conflict that focused more on BJ. This was not the typical type of angst you see in most college sports romances and I loved how through everything they both grew together and had each other's backs. While this is not my favorite in the series (That is still reserved for Maverick and Clover) I really enjoyed it and would recommend reading it.
I love how much Helena’s writing has grown through the years and I am crossing my fingers for books for the rest of the kids from her past series, especially Laughlin!
The way the plot went in this book was exciting. It’s almost like there were two plots with a conflict and resolution for each the first focused on Winter and the second on BJ. I was more interested in the second half of the book and the conflict that focused more on BJ. This was not the typical type of angst you see in most college sports romances and I loved how through everything they both grew together and had each other's backs. While this is not my favorite in the series (That is still reserved for Maverick and Clover) I really enjoyed it and would recommend reading it.
I love how much Helena’s writing has grown through the years and I am crossing my fingers for books for the rest of the kids from her past series, especially Laughlin!
October 21, 2023
hmmm … what to say, what to say … hmmmm *sigh*
Nothing, that’s what to say. Just nothing.
Okay, not nothing … I don’t know what is happening between me and this series, but it’s starting to seriously get on my nerves because I love these kids and I love their parents and just GRRRRRRRR!!!!
I read Shattered Truths as an ARC back in August and then double downed with the audiobook on a few days after release day because I was sure that listening to this story was going to at least give me a modicum of something. SPOILER ALERT, it did not.
I am still completely and utterly flummoxed on how Winter’s homelife environment was handled or not handled at all, as the case might be. Realism flew out the window never to return.
Don’t get me started on Adele … I assume the takeaway from that entire debacle was *shrug* we only see what we want to see *shrug* but seriously, that chic should be in jail, at the very least for reckless endangerment. I’m no lawyer but, no one is ever going to convince me this chic was not reckless and knew it!
So, anyways, I didn’t understand this story and I don’t know what is happening with this series but please make it stop!
🎧Sidenote: I love Andi Arndt & Zacharry Webber and they did not disappoint, but all the talent in the world did not save this experience for me :(🎧
Nothing, that’s what to say. Just nothing.
Okay, not nothing … I don’t know what is happening between me and this series, but it’s starting to seriously get on my nerves because I love these kids and I love their parents and just GRRRRRRRR!!!!
I read Shattered Truths as an ARC back in August and then double downed with the audiobook on a few days after release day because I was sure that listening to this story was going to at least give me a modicum of something. SPOILER ALERT, it did not.
I am still completely and utterly flummoxed on how Winter’s homelife environment was handled or not handled at all, as the case might be. Realism flew out the window never to return.
Don’t get me started on Adele … I assume the takeaway from that entire debacle was *shrug* we only see what we want to see *shrug* but seriously, that chic should be in jail, at the very least for reckless endangerment. I’m no lawyer but, no one is ever going to convince me this chic was not reckless and knew it!
So, anyways, I didn’t understand this story and I don’t know what is happening with this series but please make it stop!
🎧Sidenote: I love Andi Arndt & Zacharry Webber and they did not disappoint, but all the talent in the world did not save this experience for me :(🎧
August 29, 2023
“𝙄 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣—𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙖 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚.”
One of my top reads of the year! Helena Hunting you have done it again! Wow’d me beyond words. What a story. What a read. What a serious book hangover I’m seriously now suffering from.
“𝙄 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩, 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩?”
And oh did I fall in love with Winter, BJ and every single thing about this book. I mean Helena put me in all my feelings. Times during my read I was so angry, so heartbroken but there were also times I laughed my butt off. Helena’s trademark quirk and humor was still present and never failed to entertain me. I loved being back in my beloved Pucked world. It’s one of my favorites and I could never tire of devouring every book from it. The devotion, love and care exuded from this group of friends, family and found family just warmed my soul.
“𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁?”
“𝙊𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩.”
My goodness Bj, what a sweet dirty talking charmer. I swooned HARD. He kept me cheesing so hard my jaws felt the strain by the end of this book and I have zero regrets about it. He was tenacious in his pursuit of Winter and took every rejection she gave in stride. He was the type that when he loved, he loved hard and with fervor.
𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙞𝙜 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝘽𝙅 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙡𝙮.
My girl Winter was a fighter in every sense of the word. Her pain was tangible and at times it hurt bearing witness to everything she went through. She was strength and determination personified. She persevered every obstacle she faced and left me full of admiration for her.
𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚—𝙛𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚, 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙪𝙥 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙬𝙣.
The the way these two encouraged and pushed each other, fought for each other’s dreams was absolutely everything. Ensured that they did everything in their power to reach their goals even if a different unexpected path had to be taken. Their banter was absolute perfection. They were true ride or dies and adamantly refused to let the other push them away. I fell so hard for Bj and Winter. The intensity in the way they loved each other was palpable and oozed from the pages. They were just truly destined to be. Helena shattered me in the best of ways with this one.
One of my top reads of the year! Helena Hunting you have done it again! Wow’d me beyond words. What a story. What a read. What a serious book hangover I’m seriously now suffering from.
“𝙄 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩, 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩?”
And oh did I fall in love with Winter, BJ and every single thing about this book. I mean Helena put me in all my feelings. Times during my read I was so angry, so heartbroken but there were also times I laughed my butt off. Helena’s trademark quirk and humor was still present and never failed to entertain me. I loved being back in my beloved Pucked world. It’s one of my favorites and I could never tire of devouring every book from it. The devotion, love and care exuded from this group of friends, family and found family just warmed my soul.
“𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁?”
“𝙊𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩.”
My goodness Bj, what a sweet dirty talking charmer. I swooned HARD. He kept me cheesing so hard my jaws felt the strain by the end of this book and I have zero regrets about it. He was tenacious in his pursuit of Winter and took every rejection she gave in stride. He was the type that when he loved, he loved hard and with fervor.
𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙞𝙜 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝘽𝙅 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙡𝙮.
My girl Winter was a fighter in every sense of the word. Her pain was tangible and at times it hurt bearing witness to everything she went through. She was strength and determination personified. She persevered every obstacle she faced and left me full of admiration for her.
𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚—𝙛𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚, 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙪𝙥 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙬𝙣.
The the way these two encouraged and pushed each other, fought for each other’s dreams was absolutely everything. Ensured that they did everything in their power to reach their goals even if a different unexpected path had to be taken. Their banter was absolute perfection. They were true ride or dies and adamantly refused to let the other push them away. I fell so hard for Bj and Winter. The intensity in the way they loved each other was palpable and oozed from the pages. They were just truly destined to be. Helena shattered me in the best of ways with this one.
September 3, 2023
Shattered Truths is the 3rd book in Helena Hunting’s Lies, Hearts, and Truths series. I’ve really enjoyed this series and was very excited to get to this one. The cover for this one is so stunning too.
This one started off really strong but kind of lost my attention towards the middle half. I really loved the setup of BJ and Winter with how they meet and her home life situation draws you in too. Basically, BJ is the son of a pro hockey player (from the author’s Pucked series) and is a professional figure skater himself! And then Winter is from a very different type of family, while BJ is from wealth and privilege, Winter is from a lower income family and her father is abusive and useless pretty much. But she’s a badass hockey player and BJ invites her to skate/play with him, his friends, and his family.
I liked that BJ is a tattooed, pierced 👀, bearded figure skater and how he falls first. I did think he and Winter both fall into being together rather quickly and easily, I wanted a bit more time or angst there. It was just too insta-lovey for me. But the angst and drama is brought with other aspects of the story instead. His parents and family/friend group is great and I liked seeing how things shake out for Winter’s family and home life, I just wasn’t sold on BJ and Winter together sadly. Still a great series, just not my favorite in it.
This one started off really strong but kind of lost my attention towards the middle half. I really loved the setup of BJ and Winter with how they meet and her home life situation draws you in too. Basically, BJ is the son of a pro hockey player (from the author’s Pucked series) and is a professional figure skater himself! And then Winter is from a very different type of family, while BJ is from wealth and privilege, Winter is from a lower income family and her father is abusive and useless pretty much. But she’s a badass hockey player and BJ invites her to skate/play with him, his friends, and his family.
I liked that BJ is a tattooed, pierced 👀, bearded figure skater and how he falls first. I did think he and Winter both fall into being together rather quickly and easily, I wanted a bit more time or angst there. It was just too insta-lovey for me. But the angst and drama is brought with other aspects of the story instead. His parents and family/friend group is great and I liked seeing how things shake out for Winter’s family and home life, I just wasn’t sold on BJ and Winter together sadly. Still a great series, just not my favorite in it.
August 29, 2023
boring :/
August 1, 2023
Shattered Truth’s is the third book in the Lies, Hearts and Truth series and can be read as a standalone although I absolutely recommend starting with book one for the full experience.
I don’t remember feeling as invested in a couple as I was with Winter and BJ. I’m fully immersed in everything and everything that is them.
I’ve been so insanely desperate for Randall Ballistic Jr aka BJ’s book since we were given Lavender’s and the fact that Randy Balls is his Dad made me need it even more and let’s be honest, with H. Hunting writing I just KNEW it was going to be phenomenal and I wasn’t wrong!
This book blew my damn mind! BJ and Winter are the epitome of love! They’re couple goals from start to finish. The way they cared for each other and had each others best interests at heart every time had me smiling like a fool. They’re each other’s rock. When the other is going through a hard patch, they don’t let each other wallow in sadness they build each other up instead and give each other hope.
I absolutely adore this new generation of friends, they’re all so loving and fun and I just can not wait to see if H. Hunting brings us more characters from this series.
I don’t want to give anything away so I’m not going into much detail. Just let it be known that this is hands down for me, one of the best books H. Hunting has ever wrote.
Shattered Truth’s is an angsty, heartbreaking and insanely touching book. The found family factor, the spice and the humour mixes up into one big ball of perfection.
I don’t remember feeling as invested in a couple as I was with Winter and BJ. I’m fully immersed in everything and everything that is them.
I’ve been so insanely desperate for Randall Ballistic Jr aka BJ’s book since we were given Lavender’s and the fact that Randy Balls is his Dad made me need it even more and let’s be honest, with H. Hunting writing I just KNEW it was going to be phenomenal and I wasn’t wrong!
This book blew my damn mind! BJ and Winter are the epitome of love! They’re couple goals from start to finish. The way they cared for each other and had each others best interests at heart every time had me smiling like a fool. They’re each other’s rock. When the other is going through a hard patch, they don’t let each other wallow in sadness they build each other up instead and give each other hope.
I absolutely adore this new generation of friends, they’re all so loving and fun and I just can not wait to see if H. Hunting brings us more characters from this series.
I don’t want to give anything away so I’m not going into much detail. Just let it be known that this is hands down for me, one of the best books H. Hunting has ever wrote.
Shattered Truth’s is an angsty, heartbreaking and insanely touching book. The found family factor, the spice and the humour mixes up into one big ball of perfection.
August 18, 2023
Yassss! BJ is back!
When I started this series with Little Lies, I didn't know if they other stories could come close to Lavender and Kody's story.
Ms Hunting did not disappoint. BJ's story I love from the first word to the last.
BJ and Winter are just... goals. So different, their lives could not have come from two different backgrounds if they tried, but they are so drawn to each other - and I was all here for it!
I loved the Pucked OGs and the next gen (I am glad there was a family tree included, and I will admit I forgot a lot of who belonged to who) and love the banter between them all.
There were some people in this one that I despised, and I guarantee that you will too.
If you haven't read the first two books (Little Lies and Bitter Sweet Hearts) do it, and get yourself some Ballistic Junior in your life!
When I started this series with Little Lies, I didn't know if they other stories could come close to Lavender and Kody's story.
Ms Hunting did not disappoint. BJ's story I love from the first word to the last.
BJ and Winter are just... goals. So different, their lives could not have come from two different backgrounds if they tried, but they are so drawn to each other - and I was all here for it!
I loved the Pucked OGs and the next gen (I am glad there was a family tree included, and I will admit I forgot a lot of who belonged to who) and love the banter between them all.
There were some people in this one that I despised, and I guarantee that you will too.
If you haven't read the first two books (Little Lies and Bitter Sweet Hearts) do it, and get yourself some Ballistic Junior in your life!
September 1, 2023
The thing about insta-love is that it has to be extremely well done so I can feel the love.
The main characters were bland and the plot boring. I loved the other 2 in the series and I was excited for this one, but it didn’t work for me this time.
✓ Sports (he’s a figure skater ⛸️/ she’s a hockey player 🏒)
✓ College Romance
✓ Insta-love
✓ Class Difference
✓ Third Party Abuse
✓ Dual POV
The main characters were bland and the plot boring. I loved the other 2 in the series and I was excited for this one, but it didn’t work for me this time.
✓ Sports (he’s a figure skater ⛸️/ she’s a hockey player 🏒)
✓ College Romance
✓ Insta-love
✓ Class Difference
✓ Third Party Abuse
✓ Dual POV
September 9, 2023
5 stars!
Finally, it’s BJ’s turn! I’m a massive Pucked fan, and I’m loving this spin-off series with the stories of the second generation of the Pucked kids. Randy and Lily from Pucked Over are my favourite couple of the series, so I’ve been extra excited to read their son’s story, and it (and he) was everything I was hoping for! BJ proves to be the most amazing romantic hero in this funny, sweet, sexy and heartfelt story that completely captured my heart. I loved it!
BJ and Winter meet when he almost runs her over while she’s riding her bike. She gives him a well-deserved serve, and from that moment, he is absolutely smitten. As a well-established manwhore, it’s a big shift for him, but his charm, good looks and patient determination ultimately win her over. Winter is fierce and spirited, and she has a lot of drama going on in her life that she’s trying to deal with, she doesn’t have time for BJ. But he is kind and caring, and the flirting and banter is next level, and she quickly finds herself completely under his spell. There’s no messing about, no game playing, they like each other and they don’t hide it, and I loved them together so much!
Though they share a love of the ice – he’s a figure skater, she’s a hockey player – their lives could not be more different. BJ has known nothing but love and privilege, whereas Winter has a difficult home life, but he is right there beside her to help her through some difficult times, and when her whole life implodes, the entire Pucked crew come to her rescue, and God, I love these guys together! Randy and Lily are so amazing as the parents to a 21 year old, and watching BJ’s friends and cousins gather around and bring Winter into the group warmed my heart. And the way she was able to accept their help was so gorgeous to see.
We see them chasing their dreams and settle into life together. They are fun and sweet, and so blessedly functional, they talk things through, and when problems arise, they deal with it. It’s so great to watch. And let’s not forget the sexy time, because these two are SO freaking hot together! Their passion for each other, and their growing feelings for each other create a beautiful love story, and I loved every moment with them. And when things get really hard, they are bound together even tighter – holding on and working through it all together. These two hard my heart in all the ways.
I cannot express in words how deeply I adore BJ Ballistic. He is a sexy, dirty talking cinnamon bun of a hero; kind, caring, protective and sweet, and my God, he is so freaking hot! He may be a playboy, but he has a lot of depth. He’s emotionally mature (probably because his parents are so awesome), and I love the way he supported and cared for Winter when she needed him. And as Winter finally escapes the toxicity of her life and begins to find her way forward, she’s able to give that right back to him. Their relationship is a true give and take, and I loved their story so much.
I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by the dream team of Zachary Webber and Andie Arndt, and they are just fantastic. I definitely recommend listening to this one!
This is such a gorgeous read. I could not put it down, and I absolutely loved it.
5 stars!
Finally, it’s BJ’s turn! I’m a massive Pucked fan, and I’m loving this spin-off series with the stories of the second generation of the Pucked kids. Randy and Lily from Pucked Over are my favourite couple of the series, so I’ve been extra excited to read their son’s story, and it (and he) was everything I was hoping for! BJ proves to be the most amazing romantic hero in this funny, sweet, sexy and heartfelt story that completely captured my heart. I loved it!
BJ and Winter meet when he almost runs her over while she’s riding her bike. She gives him a well-deserved serve, and from that moment, he is absolutely smitten. As a well-established manwhore, it’s a big shift for him, but his charm, good looks and patient determination ultimately win her over. Winter is fierce and spirited, and she has a lot of drama going on in her life that she’s trying to deal with, she doesn’t have time for BJ. But he is kind and caring, and the flirting and banter is next level, and she quickly finds herself completely under his spell. There’s no messing about, no game playing, they like each other and they don’t hide it, and I loved them together so much!
“Are you always this persistent?”
“Only when I think it’s worth the effort.”
Though they share a love of the ice – he’s a figure skater, she’s a hockey player – their lives could not be more different. BJ has known nothing but love and privilege, whereas Winter has a difficult home life, but he is right there beside her to help her through some difficult times, and when her whole life implodes, the entire Pucked crew come to her rescue, and God, I love these guys together! Randy and Lily are so amazing as the parents to a 21 year old, and watching BJ’s friends and cousins gather around and bring Winter into the group warmed my heart. And the way she was able to accept their help was so gorgeous to see.
“Take the leap, Winter. I promise the landing is soft on this one.”
We see them chasing their dreams and settle into life together. They are fun and sweet, and so blessedly functional, they talk things through, and when problems arise, they deal with it. It’s so great to watch. And let’s not forget the sexy time, because these two are SO freaking hot together! Their passion for each other, and their growing feelings for each other create a beautiful love story, and I loved every moment with them. And when things get really hard, they are bound together even tighter – holding on and working through it all together. These two hard my heart in all the ways.
“I tried not to fall in love with you, but you made that impossible. You know that, right?”
I cannot express in words how deeply I adore BJ Ballistic. He is a sexy, dirty talking cinnamon bun of a hero; kind, caring, protective and sweet, and my God, he is so freaking hot! He may be a playboy, but he has a lot of depth. He’s emotionally mature (probably because his parents are so awesome), and I love the way he supported and cared for Winter when she needed him. And as Winter finally escapes the toxicity of her life and begins to find her way forward, she’s able to give that right back to him. Their relationship is a true give and take, and I loved their story so much.
I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by the dream team of Zachary Webber and Andie Arndt, and they are just fantastic. I definitely recommend listening to this one!
This is such a gorgeous read. I could not put it down, and I absolutely loved it.
5 stars!
September 1, 2023
5 stars!
Gah! I am obsessed with this series and these characters!! I have been desperate for BJ’s story and it did not disappoint! It was even better than I could have imagined. It’s serious and heartbreaking but also sweet, steamy and so full of heart. We dive deep into these characters and it’s impossible to not love them.
Winter’s home life broke my heart. It is awful and I was so frustrated with her mother and hated her father. I wanted to scream and cry each time she had to go home or deal with the mess there.
Then there is BJ. After meeting him, she’d never think that he could end up bringing light to her world. BJ is all in from the get go. One look and he wanted to get to know her. He nearly hit her with his car and then takes her skate hostage just to see her again. He was so sweet and always put a smile on my face when he was with Winter. I absolutely adored him.
Winter does not live like BJ and his friends but they accept her for who she is and don’t judge her. They honestly want to get to know her, and I loved the friendship they all form and the fact that they can play hockey together. Winter is fantastic on the ice but isn’t sure she can make things with the team work out. And the whole time BJ is there for her, pushing her to do the thing she loves and refusing to let her back out.
Then when the tables are turned, Winter is there for BJ. She won’t let him give up on his dreams. He faces challenges that really test him and my heart broke for what happens to him but all along the way Winter is by his side. I loved her strength and heart.
I also love all of the secondary characters in the story. We get more of Lavender and Kody from Little Lies and Clover and Maverick from Bitter Sweet Heart . And I loved reconnecting with BJ’s parents, Lily and Randy Ballistic from Pucked Over and everyone else we get to see from the Pucked series.
Overall, I loved BJ and Winter and their story definitely found a place on my favorites shelf. It’s another story to love in the Lies, Hearts & Truths series!
*ARC generously provided by the author*
Gah! I am obsessed with this series and these characters!! I have been desperate for BJ’s story and it did not disappoint! It was even better than I could have imagined. It’s serious and heartbreaking but also sweet, steamy and so full of heart. We dive deep into these characters and it’s impossible to not love them.
Winter’s home life broke my heart. It is awful and I was so frustrated with her mother and hated her father. I wanted to scream and cry each time she had to go home or deal with the mess there.
Then there is BJ. After meeting him, she’d never think that he could end up bringing light to her world. BJ is all in from the get go. One look and he wanted to get to know her. He nearly hit her with his car and then takes her skate hostage just to see her again. He was so sweet and always put a smile on my face when he was with Winter. I absolutely adored him.
“Your heart has too many cracks already, Snowflake. Don’t go shattering it by carrying burdens you don’t deserve.”
Winter does not live like BJ and his friends but they accept her for who she is and don’t judge her. They honestly want to get to know her, and I loved the friendship they all form and the fact that they can play hockey together. Winter is fantastic on the ice but isn’t sure she can make things with the team work out. And the whole time BJ is there for her, pushing her to do the thing she loves and refusing to let her back out.
Then when the tables are turned, Winter is there for BJ. She won’t let him give up on his dreams. He faces challenges that really test him and my heart broke for what happens to him but all along the way Winter is by his side. I loved her strength and heart.
I also love all of the secondary characters in the story. We get more of Lavender and Kody from Little Lies and Clover and Maverick from Bitter Sweet Heart . And I loved reconnecting with BJ’s parents, Lily and Randy Ballistic from Pucked Over and everyone else we get to see from the Pucked series.
Overall, I loved BJ and Winter and their story definitely found a place on my favorites shelf. It’s another story to love in the Lies, Hearts & Truths series!
*ARC generously provided by the author*
August 13, 2023
Shattered Truths by H. Hunting is the third book in the Lies, Hearts, and Truths series. This could be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed in series order and even more fun to read if you have already read Hunting’s Pucked and All In series.
Winter Marks, a part time college student and aspiring hockey player has an unfortunate meeting with Randall Ballistic Jr., BJ for short, when BJ almost runs into her with his Jeep. She unknowingly leaves behind her hockey skate and BJ tracks her down. BJ, an uber talented figure skater, never spends more than a night or two with a woman, never has feelings for them either, and so he can’t figure out why Winter is taking up so much of his brain. Winter Marks is hardworking, smart, strong, and one hell of a hockey player but she’s trapped in her current living situation and is in desperate need of a break. Meeting BJ changes not only her life but it also rocks BJ’s on its axis.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audio early and let me tell you, Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt bring these characters to life in such a beautiful way! I always opt for the audio when either of them narrate so it was a delicious treat to get to listen to them both in Shattered Truths. I enjoyed every second of this audiobook. I squealed, I cried, I laughed, and I felt so good being back in this world. Several difficult topics were covered in this story and Hunting handled them with so much care however, you should still check trigger warnings. The story of Winter and BJ is so special on its own but add in all the cameos from the Pucked and All In series like BJ’s parents Lily and Randy, the Waters family, and the rest of the crew from the current generation- it was spectacular! I LOVED getting glimpses of Lily and Randy as parents, they’re great by the way! I was proud of all the gang has accomplished and so enjoyed being back with my friends again. Read this book if you like:
-college romance
-she’s a hockey player, he’s a figure skater
-the best friend group of all time
-hilarious banter
-care and comfort
-fantastic communication
-no third act breakup
-fabulous spice!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️
5/5 stars! Don’t miss the audiobook!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Helena Hunting and her team for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Winter Marks, a part time college student and aspiring hockey player has an unfortunate meeting with Randall Ballistic Jr., BJ for short, when BJ almost runs into her with his Jeep. She unknowingly leaves behind her hockey skate and BJ tracks her down. BJ, an uber talented figure skater, never spends more than a night or two with a woman, never has feelings for them either, and so he can’t figure out why Winter is taking up so much of his brain. Winter Marks is hardworking, smart, strong, and one hell of a hockey player but she’s trapped in her current living situation and is in desperate need of a break. Meeting BJ changes not only her life but it also rocks BJ’s on its axis.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audio early and let me tell you, Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt bring these characters to life in such a beautiful way! I always opt for the audio when either of them narrate so it was a delicious treat to get to listen to them both in Shattered Truths. I enjoyed every second of this audiobook. I squealed, I cried, I laughed, and I felt so good being back in this world. Several difficult topics were covered in this story and Hunting handled them with so much care however, you should still check trigger warnings. The story of Winter and BJ is so special on its own but add in all the cameos from the Pucked and All In series like BJ’s parents Lily and Randy, the Waters family, and the rest of the crew from the current generation- it was spectacular! I LOVED getting glimpses of Lily and Randy as parents, they’re great by the way! I was proud of all the gang has accomplished and so enjoyed being back with my friends again. Read this book if you like:
-college romance
-she’s a hockey player, he’s a figure skater
-the best friend group of all time
-hilarious banter
-care and comfort
-fantastic communication
-no third act breakup
-fabulous spice!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️
5/5 stars! Don’t miss the audiobook!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Helena Hunting and her team for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 7, 2023
Shattered Truths was undoubtedly my most anticipated release of 2023. I have been anxiously awaiting BJ’s story ever since Helena announced that a second generation series was coming. I have loved every single story in the Lies, Hearts & Truths series, but there is just something about the love story between BJ & Winter that really draws me in. This was one of those books that I tried to savor because I didn’t want it to end.
BJ was really nothing that I had expected him to be. He is arguably one of the sweetest MMCs that I’ve read in a long, long time. He was just so pure in his love and adoration for Winter. You could just tell from that first encounter that what they had was going to be something truly special.
It’s not often that a book will bring me to tears, but this one did on more than one occasion. The feelings it invoked in me could not be contained.
Thank you, Helena, for the beautiful words. This one is going to stick with me for a long time.
(I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.)
BJ was really nothing that I had expected him to be. He is arguably one of the sweetest MMCs that I’ve read in a long, long time. He was just so pure in his love and adoration for Winter. You could just tell from that first encounter that what they had was going to be something truly special.
It’s not often that a book will bring me to tears, but this one did on more than one occasion. The feelings it invoked in me could not be contained.
Thank you, Helena, for the beautiful words. This one is going to stick with me for a long time.
(I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.)
June 28, 2023
Absolutely loved this book! I've already read it twice it's that good! This has to be one of my faves by HH! I've been reading her since FF! Do yourself a favor and just one click this immediately once it's live!
September 8, 2023
This book will be your jam if you want to read a story that is:
- A tired and outdated Cinderella story where every single problem or obstacle the FMC faces is magically solved by the rich MMC and his family.
Seriously, there were about a dozen times that the FMC Winter thought about a problem she had and then a paragraph later, BJ or someone in his circle just so happens to anticipate this problem and solve it for her, then on to the next problem for this Nepo Baby crew to fix for the poor lil girl who they've made their project to fix.
- A book broken up into 2 disparate parts that felt slightly unrelated to each other
the first focusing on all the FMC's problems, and the second half focused on the MMC and their friend group...kinda, not much happened, and all the issues in the first half just POOF disappeared for the most part in the second half.
- About 40% of the book being either low effort telling not showing OR pep talks that border on therapy sessions
with pages of heavy-handed non-stop dialogue without dialogue tags or descriptors to give a sense of what the character is feeling or doing while they monologue on about their feelz. THIS IS SUCH AMATEURISH WRITING. There were so many instances of Hunting using the character's dialogue to speak directly to the reader to explain what the importance/meaning of events were, or to what parallels should be drawn between this story and her past stories. THIS IS NOT PROFESSIONAL LEVEL WRITING NOR STORYTELLING. (I have numerous examples of this in my highlights.)
- Hunting's REPETITIVENESS which she just needs to trademark at this point
It was full of unnecessary and hamfisted rehashings of at least 4 of Hunting's previous books jammed in at random times, clunkily told by other characters to the FMC so she can get caught up to speed. And any new drama would go like this example: the FMC, Winter, would be inner monologuing about the problems with her parents for pages, THEN she discusses it all again with BJ, BUT WAIT, in case you the reader didn't get it the first 2 times, Winter then goes through it all AGAIN in great depth with BJ's friend/Sunny & Miller's son, Logan, who just so happens to be the cop that helps solve her family's problems. The second and third retelling were not recaps, but full explanations. Who were the editors for this book??? Because it's time to find new ones.
- Cringey sex scenes where the MMC's say shit like "LeT's TrAde OrGaSms!"
- Annoying continuity errors across all her books that are prominent here particularly because of how often HH retells past stories from her other books, so you can't help but remember how different it is.
Like, why is Laughlin described basically as a vampire with jet black hair, when in previous books, all of these siblings are blonde like their parents, Sunny and Miller. (Is she planting seeds for his book being a Twilight fan fic? I recently found out that both her Inked Armor series and even Pucked started as Twilight fan fic, and I'm getting strong Laughlin as Edward vibes. Please for the love of all that's holy, don't do it, let Twilight fade into obscurity!!)
(And seriously - how old is Quinn supposed to be exactly?? Because in Rook and Lainey's book he was about 2 years old when Kody was 5 months old, yet in this book, Quinn is supposedly in his second year of grad school, yet she added in this book that he was also in the army before college for "a few years", which should put him at about 27 years old AND YET Kody is only 22 in this??? Make it make sense.
SOOOOO.....
If none of the above appeals to you, go ahead and skip this like I wish I had and save yourself the frustration of another miss.
I'm only giving 2 stars for the MMCs, as I did like both of them and there were times at the beginning and mid-way through where I had hopes for their story, but that's it, there's nothing else that I enjoyed about this book.
Finally - WHY IS THIS CALLED “SHATTERED TRUTHS”?!?!? No truths were “shattered”
In this book
- A tired and outdated Cinderella story where every single problem or obstacle the FMC faces is magically solved by the rich MMC and his family.
Seriously, there were about a dozen times that the FMC Winter thought about a problem she had and then a paragraph later, BJ or someone in his circle just so happens to anticipate this problem and solve it for her, then on to the next problem for this Nepo Baby crew to fix for the poor lil girl who they've made their project to fix.
- A book broken up into 2 disparate parts that felt slightly unrelated to each other
the first focusing on all the FMC's problems, and the second half focused on the MMC and their friend group...kinda, not much happened, and all the issues in the first half just POOF disappeared for the most part in the second half.
- About 40% of the book being either low effort telling not showing OR pep talks that border on therapy sessions
with pages of heavy-handed non-stop dialogue without dialogue tags or descriptors to give a sense of what the character is feeling or doing while they monologue on about their feelz. THIS IS SUCH AMATEURISH WRITING. There were so many instances of Hunting using the character's dialogue to speak directly to the reader to explain what the importance/meaning of events were, or to what parallels should be drawn between this story and her past stories. THIS IS NOT PROFESSIONAL LEVEL WRITING NOR STORYTELLING. (I have numerous examples of this in my highlights.)
- Hunting's REPETITIVENESS which she just needs to trademark at this point
It was full of unnecessary and hamfisted rehashings of at least 4 of Hunting's previous books jammed in at random times, clunkily told by other characters to the FMC so she can get caught up to speed. And any new drama would go like this example: the FMC, Winter, would be inner monologuing about the problems with her parents for pages, THEN she discusses it all again with BJ, BUT WAIT, in case you the reader didn't get it the first 2 times, Winter then goes through it all AGAIN in great depth with BJ's friend/Sunny & Miller's son, Logan, who just so happens to be the cop that helps solve her family's problems. The second and third retelling were not recaps, but full explanations. Who were the editors for this book??? Because it's time to find new ones.
- Cringey sex scenes where the MMC's say shit like "LeT's TrAde OrGaSms!"
- Annoying continuity errors across all her books that are prominent here particularly because of how often HH retells past stories from her other books, so you can't help but remember how different it is.
Like, why is Laughlin described basically as a vampire with jet black hair, when in previous books, all of these siblings are blonde like their parents, Sunny and Miller. (Is she planting seeds for his book being a Twilight fan fic? I recently found out that both her Inked Armor series and even Pucked started as Twilight fan fic, and I'm getting strong Laughlin as Edward vibes. Please for the love of all that's holy, don't do it, let Twilight fade into obscurity!!)
(And seriously - how old is Quinn supposed to be exactly?? Because in Rook and Lainey's book he was about 2 years old when Kody was 5 months old, yet in this book, Quinn is supposedly in his second year of grad school, yet she added in this book that he was also in the army before college for "a few years", which should put him at about 27 years old AND YET Kody is only 22 in this??? Make it make sense.
SOOOOO.....
If none of the above appeals to you, go ahead and skip this like I wish I had and save yourself the frustration of another miss.
I'm only giving 2 stars for the MMCs, as I did like both of them and there were times at the beginning and mid-way through where I had hopes for their story, but that's it, there's nothing else that I enjoyed about this book.
Finally - WHY IS THIS CALLED “SHATTERED TRUTHS”?!?!? No truths were “shattered”
In this book
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