Tru Blue

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.