Tru Blue by Melissa Foster

TRU BLUE is a USA TODAY BESTSELLER TRU BLUE is a sexy, dark stand-alone novel written in the same loving, raw, and emotional voice romance readers have come to love, and the deeply emotional literary prose women's fiction readers have come to expect, from New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster. "With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" New York Times Bestseller Julie Kenner "Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely He wore the skin of a killer, and bore the heart of a lover... There's nothing Truman Gritt won't do to protect his family--Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. When he's finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother's overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she's left behind. Truman's hard, he's secretive, and he's trying to save a brother who's even more broken than he is. He's never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he's less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people's lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman's dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he'll be faced with his toughest decision yet. ** "You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

Truman returned home after spending six years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. He's adjusting his life to normal when his brother calls him asking for his help, Tru can't ignore his own brother and he's dragged again to a world of addiction and horror to find his mother dead, his brother high as a kite and his two younger brothers living surrounded by crack and filth. His protective instincts kick in, because he can't allow history to repeat itself, and he takes responsibility for his younger brothers moving both of them home with him. Tru is suddenly a single parent struggling to fulfill the physical and emotional needs of a baby and a toddler and even though he's got a group of loyal friends that have his back, he knows his life will change forever, still he embraces his new responsibilities with an amazing selflessness and an overwhelming love for his siblings.

Gemma lived a shielded childhood, her parents were very rich and she was raised surrounded by nannies in a gilded cage. She had no freedom, her mother was always listing her flaws and she never felt loved while growing up. There was also a tragedy in her life that shaped her childhood and her relationship with her mother got even more distant. Gemma has her own shop, dedicated to children and their fantasies like dressing up as a princess or a fairy for a day. She approaches Tru when she sees him for the first time with his baby brother and his toddler sister buying too many diapers and formulas.

I loved, loved, loved Tru! His love for his siblings made me smile a lot and his feelings, hopes and worries kept tugging at my heart. I didn't quite connect so much to Gemma, she was a little pushy and some of her questions were a bit annoying especially when Tru was explaining his past (I think maybe I felt this way because I loved Truman so much!). The story's fast paced and even though it wasn't rushed, I think some of the conflicts should last a little longer exactly because of the story's darker tone (drug addiction, abandonment, single parenting).
Tru Blue is an emotional read, a little darker and grittier than Melissa's other books. Beautifully written, it's a story about hope, love, second chances, family, friendship and loyalty. If you love romance and you're looking for a new book boyfriend, I highly recommend it because you'll definitely fall in love with Tru.

Truman Gritt is recently out of prison and just trying to lay low and get his life back on track. Little did he know that a late night phone call from his drug addict brother would change that life forever.

Gemma Wright is just out shopping late for some ice cream when she hears a baby crying. Going to check out why a baby would be out so late, she finds herself face to face with the hottest man she has ever seen. Curious as to why this man has two babies and a cart overflowing with supplies, she offers her help.

Gemma sees something in Tru that calls to her. As her offer to help turns into visits, and then more. Will Truman's dark past come between them or will Gemma find herself a home she has always wanted.

I'm pretty sure that my ovaries gave up and died halfway through reading this one. GOOD GRAVY was there A LOT of hot tatted up bearded men to baby action. That aside, this was a really enjoyable, heavy on the sweet read.

It was a low angst and pretty insta-everything type of read. With just the right amount of “feels” thrown in. You will ADORE Truman. I dare you to find one thing wrong with this guy. He's a nurturer, he's a survivor, he's a lover, he is a tatted up hot piece of man candy with a heart of gold. I fell in love with him from word GO. I loved Gemma as well, though not quite as much as Tru. That's not to say she was a bad character. She was sweet and feisty and had a heart of gold as well. Honestly, NO ONE could have eclipsed Tru for me. She was a solid second though.

“I want to wrap you up in me until you can feel how much I want you. I want to make you feel as wanted as you make me feel, because I want you Gemma, all of you. I've never felt like this before. I feel like this is my first time.”

As well as Tru and Gemma, we get a solid cast of interesting and dare I say smokin hot secondary characters in the form of the Whiskey brothers, and sister Dixie. As well as Gemma's BFF Chrystal, and Tru's brother Quincy. I was excited as hell to read that each of the Whiskey family members will be getting their own books.

That said, I was a TINY bit disappointed in the ending. I would have liked to see a more into the future look at this couple. I imagine though that we'll be seeing more of them in the other books. What can I say? I am a sucker for further into the future epilogues. Overall though, this was a fabulous read and it gets two big thumbs up from yours truly.