Title: The Truth About Letting Go (The Truth #2)
Author: Leigh Talbert Moore
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Realistic Fiction 
Publisher: All Night Reads
Publication Date: 2 March 2013 
Pages: 276
Rating: 4.stars

Synopsis (from goodreads):
Ashley Lockett has always followed the rules. She’s always done the right thing and played it safe until her ideal life is shattered when her dad dies suddenly.

Fueled by anger and grief, she vows to do everything opposite of how she lived before. Then she meets Jordan. He has big dreams, he’s had a crush on Ashley for years, and he’s a great kisser. But he’s also safe.

Enter Colt. He is not safe, and he’s more than willing to help Ashley fulfill her vow.

My Review:

Since Ashley Lockett’s father got diagnosed with cancer six months ago, she’s felt like the world is a different place – and she’s not quite sure she likes where she fits in. Now, with her dad passing away, her brother in a different city for college and her mother becoming a workaholic, Ashley wants to be someone different. Ditching her cheerleading threads and taking notice of people outside her social circle, Ashley tries to experience what else there is to offer. Even if that includes taking a walk on the wild side with new student, Colt.

This is a book that whilst it’s a part of a series, it works fantastically well as a standalone.

For a character who has just gone through the emotional trauma of losing a parent – Ashley felt authentic to me. She’s angry and egocentric but felt justified in her emotions. Her decision to try to change her life was interesting to follow – I loved that whilst she was trying to change who she was, she never completely lost sight of the girl she used to be. Her relationships with her friends and family evolved throughout the novel and I liked that Ashley grew as a person over the duration of the novel.

Book that have a religious element can sometimes be over the top and feel preachy but The Truth About Letting Go manages to incorporate faith perfectly into the story and character’s lives. Jordan is an unlikely hero but ultimately he plays the part well.

One part of this book that I found to be fascinating was just what effect pop-culture and trends have on the youth of today – with the popularity of erotic novels becoming mainstream I found it interesting at the author’s view of just how this craze trickles down through society.

The Truth About Letting Go is a short but sweet and heartbreaking story about a girl having deal with not only the death of a parent but how it touches the rest of life as she knows it. Recommend it to fans of contemporary romance who enjoy a hearty dose of realism.

Thanks to All Night Reads and Netgalley for the digital review copy.

Purchase the novel from:

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