Review: True: Erin McCarthy
When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.
Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…
Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost…
"Because we both see beyond what other people see about us. We both know that sometimes the best things are below the surface. When I look at you, I see this amazingly smart, funny, generous and beautiful girl. Did you know that?""No""It's true. "
Tyler sees all that about her, appreciates it, and finds her funny and beautiful. They meet under not so desirable circumstances and the situation afterwards confuses Rory. They are not sure what they are doing at first, but end up drawn together more and more. They both have insecurities about not being good enough for the other. I loved that Rory did not judge Tyler for his family circumstances and did not run from his responsibilities. And also how Tyler was protective of her and tried to be honest with her about what his life entailed. Even though he is trying hard to make a life for himself and his brothers, it is not easy and he does not have much to offer. He is damaged, insecure, sweet, loving, and genuine. Rory is supportive, kind, and willing to do whatever she needs to do in order to help. They have challenges with friends and family and bad life circumstances. They may not be logical together, but they have a deep connection and respect for each other. And they really do balance each other out in a lot of ways.
"Because I was afraid. I didn't think you really liked me...I kept waiting for the punch line."
"Why?"
"Because guys like you don't like girls like me."
"And girls like you don't like guys like me."
"Except apparently in our case."
"Because we're amazingly awesome, that's why."
But will their families, friends, and problems break them apart or can they stay strong and make it together?
I enjoyed the story and the characters progressively grew on me. I actually got a little swoony in a couple of places especially with the TRUE theme. But I would have liked to have more in the ending or an epilogue since it seemed to be a little rushed. However this is the first in the series so that is understandable I felt that it was a little choppy in places with some of the transitions in scenes and dialogue. The main characters were well developed. It is told from Rory's POV...I would have loved to have Tyler's POV. But as I got to the end and saw the lead in to the next book in the series, I realized how invested I was in these characters and am looking forward to more Tyler, his brother Riley, Rory, and her roommate Jessica coming in November 2013.
Thanks to Erin McCarthy and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“Literature wasn’t intended to be about perfect people, it was about flaws, very real and very deep human flaws.”
Tyler and Rory, there was something about the two that just grew on me. I really liked me. Is it sad to admit that Tyler had me since tatted and pierced?! I am a sucker for this bad boy image. I know it is NA, BUT I really wanted to know more about that piercing. :wink: Ok, now that I have had my moment let me get back on track. As, I said I liked Rory and Tyler, they were a cute fun couple. Bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks meets awkward and shy good girl. Their relationship stated out as a rescue, and a payment between some misguided friends. However, the dynamics changed as they began getting to know each other. I found the story took a turn for me around the middle, when Rory met Tyler's family. I became more invested in their relationship and I was upset with both of them when the big secret is revealed, mostly Rory because she didn't confront Tyler sooner, it was almost as though she swept it all under the rug. Now I don't want to seem like I am playing favorites because towards the end Tyler really made me angry, that man needed a good kick in the nuggets. Overall, I liked that while it took them a bit to get their crap together when they finally did they were good for each other, Opposites attract and all.
The secondary characters were fun. Rory's girlfriends, while I know they had her best interest at heart, kind of made me angry at their deception. Something Rory never once discussed with them, which made me wonder how they could be BFF's. Tyler's brothers both broke my heart and made me giggle. I think they stole the spot light.
True reeled me in at times, and other times it left me cringing. I really wanted to like this book, and I did certain parts of it. The beginning not so much, middle was a bit emotional for me and totally worked, I found myself immersed in their "drama" and then the end eh, it was ok. I loved the premise of the characters, but sometimes the writing left me wanting a bit. The flow and development of the story didn't always transition well as my blog partner would say it felt choppy at times. Erin's story left me with mixed feelings.
I liked Jessica and Riley enough that I would read book 2 to see where Erin is going with them, and of course to catch a glimpse of my tatted bad boy Tyler.
Tyler and Rory, there was something about the two that just grew on me. I really liked me. Is it sad to admit that Tyler had me since tatted and pierced?! I am a sucker for this bad boy image. I know it is NA, BUT I really wanted to know more about that piercing. :wink: Ok, now that I have had my moment let me get back on track. As, I said I liked Rory and Tyler, they were a cute fun couple. Bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks meets awkward and shy good girl. Their relationship stated out as a rescue, and a payment between some misguided friends. However, the dynamics changed as they began getting to know each other. I found the story took a turn for me around the middle, when Rory met Tyler's family. I became more invested in their relationship and I was upset with both of them when the big secret is revealed, mostly Rory because she didn't confront Tyler sooner, it was almost as though she swept it all under the rug. Now I don't want to seem like I am playing favorites because towards the end Tyler really made me angry, that man needed a good kick in the nuggets. Overall, I liked that while it took them a bit to get their crap together when they finally did they were good for each other, Opposites attract and all.
The secondary characters were fun. Rory's girlfriends, while I know they had her best interest at heart, kind of made me angry at their deception. Something Rory never once discussed with them, which made me wonder how they could be BFF's. Tyler's brothers both broke my heart and made me giggle. I think they stole the spot light.
True reeled me in at times, and other times it left me cringing. I really wanted to like this book, and I did certain parts of it. The beginning not so much, middle was a bit emotional for me and totally worked, I found myself immersed in their "drama" and then the end eh, it was ok. I loved the premise of the characters, but sometimes the writing left me wanting a bit. The flow and development of the story didn't always transition well as my blog partner would say it felt choppy at times. Erin's story left me with mixed feelings.
I liked Jessica and Riley enough that I would read book 2 to see where Erin is going with them, and of course to catch a glimpse of my tatted bad boy Tyler.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of True in exchange for an honest review.
USA Today and New York Times Bestselling author Erin McCarthy sold her first book in 2002 and has since written almost fifty novels and novellas in teen fiction, new adult, and adult romance. Erin has a special weakness for New Orleans, tattoos, high-heeled boots, beaches and martinis. She lives in Ohio with her family, two grumpy cats and a socially awkward dog.
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