That is, without a doubt, Steve Harrington on the cover and you cannot convince me otherwise. Anyway, Truly, Madly, Deeply follows Truly Livingston, a renowned romance novelist, who is slated to co-host a relationship advice podcast amidst her own love life crisis. Struggling with her parents’ separation and catching her fiancé in bed with someone else, she’s questioning just how realistic the idea of true love is. Enter Colin McCory, a devilishly handsome divorce lawyer whose views on love rub Truly the wrong way. After a fiery encounter, Truly plans to ditch the podcast, until Colin surprises her by asking for a second chance. Reluctantly, she agrees, and as they transition from foes to friends, Truly discovers shared queer identity and unexpected chemistry with Colin. But as passion flares, she can’t shake doubts: is Colin truly in love, or is it too good to be true?
I just really, really love romance books where the guy worships the ground the woman walks on and Truly, Madly, Deeply did not disappoint. Colin is one of the hottest men that have ever graced the pages of romance book and that’s literally because he cannot stop singing Truly’s praises!? This man would win the award for most unproblematic love interest of 2024, hands down.
Some might call their love story too cheesy, but listen, this is exactly what I look for in a romance? Drown me in cheesy, over-the-top lovefests, please. Fantastic banter? Utter devotion? The desire to move mountains for your loved one? Giving them everything they need and want and not making them feel bad for being scared of that much devotion? Steamy good times that have both the characters and yourself gasping for air? Yes, please, I’ll take a thousand.
Truly and Colin just fit. I know they’re not supposed to and their opposite thinking on certain aspects of love and relationships, especially shown during their podcast recording, had me absolutely mesmerised because they both made so many great points and sometimes conceded to the other’s points without taking away from the validity of their own beliefs. Those encounters already gave so much insight into just how much of an equal pairing they were going to be—wrapped up in fantastic banter. I wish I could put a hundred quotes in here because every single time they’re together on the page, the air just…feels filled with delicious tension? Their quick back and forths reminded me a lot of the fast-paced dialogue in Gilmore Girls, it was just one quick quip after another but somehow they also always added something new to the story, whether it was some deep belief of either of them or just some background to their life trajectory that was important for the way the story unfolded – that’s talent right there. I also loved how they bonded over both being bisexual and how their queer identity has shaped the way they see others but also how they approach love. The fear of being labelled wrongly just because you’re in a straight-presenting relationship was articulated so well here and it really made me think about my own experiences with mislabelling.
Also, I’m baffled by how well Bellefleur balanced the sweet with the nasty in Truly, Madly, Deeply.
Now, mind you, I’ve read all her books and this woman knows how to write banter and steam but the way the both were just woven in so seamlessly together in this novel? Unparalleled.
The main selling point for me with this book though, is this: It’s inarguably, undoubtedly, incredible fun. Whether it’s a scene between Truly and Colin, a scene where Truly is with her parents who are over-the-top, dramatic musical lovers or a scene where Truly reflects on life and romance, I almost always had a grin on my face or a chuckle about to burst out. This is the kind of romcom book I’m sure to reread, not just because the characters feel so real and are for sure going to be fun to revisit but because of the lightheartedness and the way reading it made me feel – hopeful, happy and comforted.
That’s not to say that there aren’t emotional scenes and topics discussed that will hit you hard. After all, Truly is dealing with a pretty big problem: Losing the intrinsic belief in true love being able to conquer anything when her parents decide to take some time apart—the very couple whose love story inspired her to become a romance author. The very relationship that has always driven her own actions when it comes to romance. I loved how Bellefleur showed so many different kinds of love in this book and how love and relationships take work – and that you can’t win a battle you’re fighting on your own. The vulnerability that comes with seeking true love, the trust you have to put into a new person who you don’t know yet, whose motives might not be clear, where you don’t know yet whether they’ll break your heart or stick around forever to guard it is shown so beautifully in Truly, Madly, Deeply and makes for an unforgettable read that I can recommend with my whole heart.
Side note: If you’re a Swiftie, this book will undoubtedly be a homerun for you. The many references hit so hard but none made me tear up as much as the “You Are in Love” one. That was uncalled for, Bellefleur (but also thanks for including them).
If you’re looking for one hell of a good time, quick-witted, fast-paced banter and an opposites-attract romance that is deliciously dirty yet utterly sweet, Truly, Madly, Deeply needs to be on your TBR! This book will make you kick your feet and giggle shamelessly, guaranteed.
Truly, Madly, Deeply is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of April 30th 2024.
Will you be picking up Truly, Madly, Deeply? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Sparks fly when a lovelorn romance novelist and a divorce lawyer who has sworn off relationships agree to cohost a podcast series offering dating advice to viewers, in Truly, Madly, Deeply, the next steamy queer rom-com from Lambda Literary Award winner and national bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur.
As a bestselling romance novelist, everyone thinks Truly Livingston is an expert on happily-ever-afters. She’s even signed on to record a podcast sharing relationship advice. Little do they know she feels like an imposter—her parents just announced they’re separating, she caught her fiancé cheating, and her entire view on love has been shaken to the core. Truly hopes the podcast will distract her… until she meets her cohost.
Her first impression of Colin McCory is…hot. But then he opens his extremely kissable mouth. Colin’s view on love just pisses Truly off, even if he does have an annoyingly attractive face. Bickering with a cynical divorce lawyer is the last thing she needs—so she walks out, with no plans to return.
A few days later, Truly is surprised when Colin tracks her down, asking for a fresh start. Truly can’t deny the little thrill she gets from Colin begging, so she reluctantly agrees. As they go from enemies to friends to something else entirely, Truly discovers they have more in common than she ever imagined, including their shared queerness. He’s a genuinely good guy—charming, sweet, and equally as unlucky in love as herself—and there’s something about Colin that drives Truly a little wild. When their attraction reaches a fever pitch, Truly is happy for the first time in years. Yet she can’t help but wonder… is Colin truly, madly, deeply in love with her? Or is it all too good to be true?
