Truly Enough

‘Truly Enough’ is JJ Hale’s second novel and this friends to lovers storyline was one that I couldn’t put down. Lexi is my favourite of the two MCs in that she has a loveable awkwardness and a very relatable level of self doubt. She is an artist to her core but takes on soulless commissions just to pay the bills, she worries that her father’s doubts over her career choice will ultimately be proven right. Although her roommate, Robyn, is always there to support her and believe in her even when she can’t see her talent. I really liked Robyn because even though she is a firefighter and has this ‘hero’ demeanour, Hale really gave her a strong backstory and personality that wasn’t simply defined by her job. Just like Lexi she has her own insecurities and worries, most stemming from the loss of her father. She hopes to live up to the legacy that he left behind but cannot forget her mother’s heartbreak and swears never to do that to anyone in her life.

For me I really connected to the ethos of their story, in that they both feel like they have to live certain aspects of their lives to make others happy in some way, but neglect to see the bigger, more detrimental consequences to their decisions. The two women need one another to see what is truly in front of them and that of course leads to a romance with its own challenges. This second release from Hale has definitely cemented her as a go-to writer for me of this genre; one who gets under the skin of her characters and brings them to life in the most honest but beautiful ways. Definitely a scorching, sapphic summer must-read.

Lauren Eve via NetGalley

Robyn and Lexi have been roommates for more than three years; they are supportive and respect each other’s boundaries.

Robyn, 32, is a firefighter, living dangerously day in and day out, as is her father, who lost his life in one of his many life-saving missions. She is a lesbian and not a relationship-type woman. She rather prefers one-night stands and crazy flings with wild sex with random women.

Lexi, 28, is a creative person. She makes paintings for art galleries as well as corporate companies. Currently, she is stressed as she is stuck both professionally and personally with a creative as well as mental block. And she is demisexual.

To make life easier for Lexi, Robyn takes her to a car boot sale, hoping she will be inspired to get back to her artistic rhythm. And it did the trick; Lexi was overwhelmed by Robyn’s kind and thoughtful act. Somewhere, over the years, the two had formed a deeper connection between them.

Meanwhile, Lexi accompanies Robyn as her fake girlfriend to Robyn’s sister’s wedding anniversary party, mainly to satisfy her mother and show her relationship status. That is when Lexi throws a bombshell about her gender preference in a nonchalant manner, which makes Robyn shockingly surprised and happy.

Gradually, Lexi discovers her crush on her long-time roommate Robyn, and she soon follows it with casual flirting and bantering, which eventually leads to both of them unleashing their mutual affection towards each other through intense and intimate lovemaking, igniting the lustful flames.

When she goes with her fire crew, it is her apartment from which smoke is emanating with no Lexi in sight. She is stunned and worried. What happened to Lexi and their mutual love for each other? Did they become a real couple? Why wait? Read it now.

This queer romance novel has a perfect recipe with varied emotions and sentiments and family and friendship dynamics (with long-drawn sex scenes as an additional bonus) thrown in to make it a wholesome meal that would fulfil the appetite of all queer lovers and supporters. A definite must-read from my side.

Akilesh Sridharan via NetGalley

Beautiful.

Robyn is spending her days focused on honouring her father’s legacy, and as a Firefighter knows just how easy it is for life to be over and the devastating affects one others. Robyn’s roommate Lexi couldn’t be more different, passionate about art and trying to prove to her father it can be a career, she gets bored easily taking jobs that don’t allow her to express her creativity. When her career comes under threat of a looming deadline, Lexi finds support in Robyn that becomes more than just friendship.

Such a beautiful story about acceptance and finding peace with your fears and worries. Robyn and Lexi were total opposites that you’d never expect to work but it was only through them trying hard to understand why there were so different that they learned that acceptance of one another and that support would help them both deal with things that were causing them so much inner turmoil. Lexi was flighty and free but heavily weighed by emotions and need for support from someone who didn’t always harshly judge her choices, whereas having not experienced that directly but witnessed and similar heaviness on her own mother, Robyn was so serious and needed to learn to lighten some of that and not take things so personally.

I loved how much they learned from one another through their growing relationship and the incidents that lead to their initial connection and beyond. Those moments shaped them and their relationship into one that was relaxed, natural and honest in a way only true feelings and love for another allows for. How Robyn became that inspiration and sparked Lexi’s creativity was magical, and really quite true. When you feel loved and supported, it can really help you achieve anything.

Although this is part of a series, it is a standalone story so you can completely enjoy it without having read the first book. I hadn’t read it but there was nothing unexplained or confusing when references to the first story were made. A simple and beautiful story that I absolutely adored.

Carol Hutchinson via NetGalley

Robyn and Lexi's story is a cool dip a placid lake. Not used to such a low stakes romance story. The Demi and ADHD representation truly took it up a notch too. I'll definitely be checking out the first book in this series.

Sam Brooks via NetGalley

This was a nice friends to lovers story. Both of the MC are really endearing, completing each other well. It felt really good watching them taking care of each other. The reasons their relationship change from friendship to more (which is always a delicate exercise) was well written. I felt for Robyn and her reason of not wanting any stable relationship. Lexi struggling and learning about ADHD made me learn with her. She also brings demi sexual representation; the topic was brought up in a non event, and educational way, which I appreciated. Overall the pace was smooth and it was low angst novel despite a heavy topic like grief.

It was a nice and easy to read book. It can be totally read as a standalone. It does feature characters from the author's first book 𝙏𝙍𝙐𝙇𝙔 𝙒𝘼𝙉𝙏𝙀𝘿, and I felt like missed the party . I will make sure to catch up.

Clara Nhu via NetGalley