A Kind of Truth (Lili’s Review)

Title: A Kind of Truth (A Kind of Stories #1)
Author: Lane Hayes
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: January 8th 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 230 pages
Reviewed by: Lili
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5+ stars out of 5
Blurb:

Rand O’Malley dreams of superstardom. He hopes to one day sing the blues like a rock god. Moving to New York City and hiring a new manager are steps to make his dreams a reality. But nothing moves as fast as Rand would like, and everyone has opinions, which include he keep certain pieces of himself quiet if he plans on making it in the Big Apple. Like his bisexuality.

Will Sanders is a gifted musician who dazzles Rand with his ability to coax gorgeous notes from an electric guitar one moment and play the piano like a professional the next. He’s a geek, but Rand isn’t concerned about Will’s pressed exterior clashing with his tattoos. His focus is music. Yet there’s something about Will that makes Rand think there’s much more to the quiet college student than he lets on. As Rand’s dreams begin to materialize, he’s forced to reconsider his priorities and find his own kind of truth. One that might include Will.

One word to describe this book:

It was real and honest. As much as I love Lane Hayes (she’s an auto-buy author for me) I sometimes gripe that I wish she wrote her stories from an alternating POV. NOT HERE- Rand was an amazing narrator, and it was a delight to be in his head. I was not a huge fan of his in her previous book, Better Than Safe, but she not only changed my thoughts on him- she made me fall in love with him. He has been added to my Book Boyfriends List. And William, was his perfect match in every way.

My highlights:

*The main characters. They were well thought out, and she took her time developing and making them grow. I loved Rand’s passion, drive, and loyalty. William is, at first, shy and timid, but his bravery shines through. I loved the complexity of his character.
*Their relationship development from tutor and student to friends to lovers. Their chemistry is palpable on every page. Some of the best I’ve read.
*The villains of the story. I enjoy simple slice of life storylines and get annoyed when there are “bad guys” thrown into books. I often find it unnecessary, but they worked for me here. As much as I wanted them to burn in hell they added to the story.
*The steam. FREAKING HELL LANE HAYES! It is incredibly well written and sizzling hot.
*The flow of the story is smooth and effortless.
*The story had the perfect mix of sweetness and angst.
*The end. These men are in it for the long haul, and I believed in their happily ever after.

I can’t recommend this story enough- it left me with a book high. This book is one of Lane Hayes’s best- if not her best. It’s got this raw honesty, with complex characters, yet still manages to carry a feel good vibe. 5+ Stars.

A Kind of Stories