Tru Blue

Just not for me...

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I am usually pretty easy as a critic, and unfortunately (in this case), I am one to always finish a book, but this book just seemed to drag on, and on, and on, and on... The 2 main characters just seemed to have no flaws, and there wasn't really any ups and downs in the story. I honestly, just wanted more from the story.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Just as expected, very predictable ending. And I am not saying that as a bad thing. I don't really mind a predictable ending when it comes to a romance novel. I want a happy ending

What aspect of Paul Woodson’s performance would you have changed?

His performance wasn't all that bad, I just didn't think that his voice fit the story. He actually has a great voice, and I would listen to another story with him as narrator. When you have a story about an ex-con that hangs out with a bunch of bikers, I expect something deeper, more gravely.

Any additional comments?

To me, this story almost felt like something you would read as fanfiction. Writing was good, but the story just seemed so... picturesque at times. I'm not sure if it was the narrator and the fact that I didn't think his voice fit with the story, or the lovey dove unrealistic story line, but this book just didn't do it for me. This was my 1st book by this author, and there are more by her that I would like to read/listen to, hopefully, I will enjoy them more.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

A story to love and fall in love with Tru Blue

I found this to be a different side to Melissa Fosters work. You will be drawn in and taking on an emotional ride that will test your views of single parenting, ex-cons, spoiled rich girls, and more. There was a rich deep depth to the characters of this read that will stay with you for a long time. Its sexy, raw, dark, alluring, and captivating. You find friends, family, and more. Tru Gritt was a man that did do whatever to protect his family. Tru will steal your heart in this heartfelt grapple with family, devotion, friends, respect, acceptance, determination, life's second chances.

Melissa has given me a raw, dirty, dark look into the life of an ex-con that happens to be an older sibling doing what it takes to keep his family safe and cared for. I felt this one was a bit deeper in its emotional connection and had a more darker undertone than anything I have read of hers. No matter what she writes you feel the love, respect, family, friends, loyalty, and hopes and dreams come out clear and strong with each new chapter that you read.

Narrator Paul Woodson was new to my narrator list and he will be there for a while. He gave the male POV strong presence and strength. You could find a connection with him and his characters with each new voice he provided. The audio was clean, clear, and flowed well.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

You will truly fall in love.

This is one of my favorite books that Melissa Foster has written. It is a little different from the Love in Bloom series but great none the less. Take a chance on Tru Blue and you will not be disappointed and probably have a new book boyfriend.

Imagine finding out you have siblings that are infants who are living in squalor and that your mom just died. You are now their sole caretaker and have no idea what to do. That is what happens to Truman but he quickly gets help in the form of sweet sexy Gemma.

She helps him figure out what he needs and how to take care of his new found siblings. Knowing she can’t have kids of her own that she really wants, she helps Truman out and begins to become close to the kids and Truman.

This book is one of my favorites but is even better to listen to. The narrator does a great job of transitioning between a sort of grity Truman or Whiskey brothers voice and a more “refined” voice that Gemma and her family have.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

LOVE THIS STORY!

Tru Blue is a favorite story of mine. Each time I read the ballad of Gemma and Tru, it feels like the first time. Truman is more than the label that life has painted on his chest. He's a beautiful soul working his way through an ugly situation.  It's hard to walk through a heartbeat with a heartache is just around the corner.  Foster turns the pain into a beautiful love song with a haunting melody that captures the power of forgiveness, even at the price of hope.  The edition of Mr. Woodson makes the journey even more real, because he gives an emotional performance through the eyes of an unforgettable character. (5 + stars)

 

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Sigh... Truman

Audiobook Review… Paul Woodson is the perfect Truman. He has a deep, thoughtful, sexy voice that portrays Tru exactly how I expected him to sound. He takes the caring feelings, the fear of ruining the life he is making, and the sexiness of Tru and brings them alive. This isn’t a light and easy book, although there were plenty of fun times in the story. It is rough, tough, and gritty but has all the love, sexiness, and friendships that Melissa Foster is known for.

eBook Review…Tru Blue is Melissa Foster at her best. She brings to this story an absolutely amazingly complex character in Truman. He has lived his entire life, even as a child, protecting and saving those he loves. He even went to prison to protect his brother. The things he saw, the things he did, and the reactions he had have shaped him into the man he is today. Then he meets Gemma.

Oh, Gemma…she is exactly what a man like Tru needs. She accepts him for who he is, she offers him support, not pity or sympathy, and she loves him. The things she is able to do for him are not easy. She offers him support and guidance even when he doesn’t think he needs or wants it. She loves him even when he thinks he is unlovable. She lifts him up when he is down on himself and his life. In return for all this Truman gives Gemma the two things she has wanted her entire life. The first is unconditional love. He just gives it to her, there are no conditions, no do this for my love, he just opens his arms and his heart and lets her in. The second thing she has wanted her entire life?? Well, you need to read the story to find that out.


You have to pick up this standalone story. Truman and Gemma are amazing. Their love is real, with rough spots and all.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Absolutely wonderful

What an absolutely amazing book by Melissa Foster. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started this book, but Ms. Foster hit every emotion I had. I can't tell you how many times I reached for the tissues. Truman tugged at my heart strings the entire way. Truman, a definite alpha is now taking care of his two younger siblings and hasn't got a clue on how to do that. Truman runs into Gemma at the store and she helps him buy what he needs to take care of them. Gemma is instantly drawn to Truman's caring and compassionate way of dealing with the young children. Truman begins falling for Gemma and wants to share his past with her so they can hopefully have a future. Truman show us his softer side when it comes to his family and it makes you fall in love with him even more. I cannot wait to see what else Melissa Foster has in store with this series!
Paul Woodson brought this book to life in the audio version. Reading it brought tears my eyes, but listening to it was even better. He did an amazing job narrating this wonderful story.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Can’t Help Falling In Love With Tru!

What a wonderful heartfelt love story! Tru and Gemma’s Story is so beautifully told by Melissa Foster! My heart just exploded with love for Tru! Hot, sexy, always trying to do the right thing! And Gemma his soul mate who fell head over heels in love with him! This has got to be one of my absolute favorite books by Melissa Foster! I also listened to the audible and fell in Love all over again!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Heartfelt

What a witty, humorous, sweet story. Tru had been in prison for six years and he loved to paint. His brother called him and needed his help with their mother. When he got there his brother was beside his dead mother, a baby and a toddler. Tru took the kids with him. After cleaning them up, he took them to WalMart to get food and clothes for them. Gems was in there looking at baby clothes, wishing she could have children. She saw Tru with the kids and helped him pick out stuff for them. Then the adventure begins! What a fantastic job Paul Woodson did with the narration of this wonderfully written story!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Exceptional audiobook, heart touching story

Melissa Foster always brings her characters to life, but the story of Truman Gritt took my breath away. Her words draw you into Tru's life so deeply you feel like you are actually there. Tru is an amazing mix of hard and soft as he is the protector of his family but is still vulnerable as he meets Gemma and accepts her help. Paul Woodson’s narration brought this book are me feel as if I were involved in every conversation. He also added humor as he portrayed Kennedy. This book is exceptional in both print and audio.

Loved Tru and Gemma!

I love bad boy/single dad romances and this was a great way to begin The Whiskeys series. Truman will do what every it takes to protect and take care of those he loves. He paid the ultimate price and is now trying to rebuild his life. When his mother suddenly dies, he discovers that he has a baby brother and toddler sister he never knew he had. There was never a doubt that he will take them in and care for them. When this big bad clueless man is fumbling thru shopping for necessities late at night, Gemma happens to notice, and steps in to help. Gemma can't help but swoon over the patient, loving, gentle giant. They come from two very different worlds, but fall easily and completely for each other. As their worlds collide and secrets come to light, they must decide if their love is strong enough to endure. I enjoyed Paul Woodson's deep, seductive voice that easily lured me into this story, bringing it to life. His inflections were spot on and his intonations help to make this romance even more captivating! I really enjoyed this heartfelt, sexy romance and am excited to find out more about the Whiskeys!