The Truths We Burn by Monty Jay

Beneath the deepest parts of Ponderosa Springs lied secrets that we never meant to be uncovered.

Blood has soaked the hands of those we trusted most. Decrepit intentions finally come to light.

And now truths are ready to be incinerated in the open for everyone to witness.

I was ready to watch this town that made me the villain, Rot in front of my eyes, but it seems ghosts don’t stay buried here either.

Everyone’s favorite sweetheart has returned to Hollow Heights dragging nothing but unanswered questions and grim memories behind her.

A distraction I can’t afford with the police sniffing around.

A mistake that torched my last piece of humanity.

The dirty little secret that has returned searching for closure surrounding her sister’s mysterious death.

But I know the innocent, lost girl is an act. Underneath it’s just another part of her show.

They all are eating from the palm of her hand, puppets on her string.

But not me.

I see her for what she truly is, I always have.

A fake. A manipulator. A liar.

I won’t let her ruin all we have worked for. I refuse to let her derail our plan of vengeance.

I’ve played your game once before, Sage, now it’s time to play mine.

And you’re not making it out without getting burned.

🖤🖤The Truths We Burn By Monty Jay 🖤🖤

"I feel him like a third-degree burn all over. My skin blisters in remembrance. My charred bones rattle as they turn to ash all over again."

Star Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Brief Summary:

~ Rook and Sage introduce us to a new side of Ponderosa Springs in the second novel of the Hollow Boys series as they delve deep into the history of their town and make thrilling new discoveries about themselves and the mystery they're trying to uncover. ~

Review:

TW: SH

Well I'll start off by saying this was one of the most unexpected books to land on my all time favorite's shelf, but ohhh MY GOD am I so glad I continued this series after The Lies We Steal. While the TLWS was by all means a great little spicy dark romance, The Truths We Burn hit me in my fucking soul and brought out emotions in me I didn't even think a book like this would be able to.

"Patience has never been my virtue. I’ve never actively had a virtue, if I’m being honest. I relate more towards the opposing side that includes things such as lust, wrath, and pride."

♖ Rook Van Doren ♖ Rook was a character I knew I'd love and connect with even reading about him in TLWS, but I underestimated just how much his heart would bleed into my own. As someone who's struggled with SH in their past, media depiction of it, even in books, is usually grossly wrong at best and romanticized at worst, but Monty Jay captures the pain and trauma of SH in Rook's character with a maturity and understanding of how real people experience SH, without sacrificing her poetic writing style.

"I may not know fully who I am or what I want for myself—I don’t think that’s the point anymore, because we are supposed to grow, to change, to heal—but I do know what drives me."

🌿Sage Donohue🌿 Sage surprised me more and more with every page and discovering who she is on her journey with Rook, felt like such a privilege. Sage's determination in finding out what happened to her sister and her transformation from her old life was inspiring to read. I was rooting for Sage every step of the way and resonated with her decisions and feelings on such a personal level, I felt like I'd known Sage my whole life.

"Fate might not have chosen me to bear your soul mark, but I will make sure it knows that in this life and all the ones after, I will always be yours. I always have been.”

The Hollow Boys series is not only such a good plot driven dark romance, but also super spicy and a fun read at the same. Will be re-reading this book many times in the future !