So True

Book 2 in the Tierney Bay series and can be read as a standalone. Second chance romance between Chiara and Jax. There were together when they were in high school and she thought they would have a future until he left without a word. 10 years pass and he is back in town to see his brother and he runs into her at the gaming store his brother owns. The past hurt is front and center between them and they have to figure out how to deal with that while working together to get the store up and running successfully. Will they be able to work everything out and possibly get the HEA they deserve or will it crash and burn like it did many years ago. Great read and I can’t wait to visit Tierney Bay again.

This second book in the Tierney Bay series brings us a second chance romance for Chiara Campbell and her high school sweetheart, Jax Walker. So True takes a more serious tone than So Close, book 1 in the series, but Serena Bell still works in some of the wit and humor I expect from her, especially during character dialogue. It doesn't hurt that she has the not so small Campbell family in the small town of Tierney Bay to work with, and siblings often do make for witty dialogue. The romance is a bit of a slow burn, especially for a second time around, but it works for this couple. I really like that Chiara doesn't fall all over Jax and get all weak in the knees at first sight - okay, maybe she does get a little weak in the knees (it wouldn't make much of a second chance romance if she didn't), but she's a strong character who isn't going to be walked on no matter how much she still cares. She does what I wish so many women in romance would do; she makes him work for it. She also has a really good support system in her family even though it takes her a bit to remember that. And I'll stop there before I give spoilers. The story does have a bit of suspense with the romance, concerning Jax's reason for leaving and not reaching out, which is where the earlier mentioned serious tone comes in. All in all, this is a solid addition to the series, and I can't wait to see which Campbell sibling gets bitten by the lovebug next.

SO TRUE is the second in Serena Bell’s Tierney Bay series, and is absolutely spectacular. In it, Jax Walker and Chiara Campbell get a second chance. Life has not been easy in Jax and Chiara’s lives. What Serena Bell does incredibly well is show us how love makes life better, more beautiful, and absolutely worth living. Jax and Chiara are well written, and their emotions and struggles are all too real. From the joyful camaraderie with their families to the irresistible affection and attraction they share with each other, the small moments build a picture of the life they could have longer term. If only they are brave and clear-sighted enough to take hold. Ms. Bell’s So True also does a terrific job giving readers a glimpse of the gaming world as Jax and Chiara work with Jax’s brother Evan to make his comic/game shop succeed. So True rings absolutely true for me. I’m already looking forward to rereading this again!