Half Truths by Rachael Brownell

Posted August 17, 2020 in review Tags: 4 stars, Miscommunication, opposites attract

Half Truths by Rachael Brownell
Pages: 298

Genres: Contemporary Romance
Setting: San Diego, CA
Source: ARC

All-American boy meets broken girl... at rehab?

It will never work.

How could it?

Alex is Chicago royalty. Harley considers herself Las Vegas trash. While he's been handed everything his entire life, she scrapes to make ends meet. Still, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Both long to break free from the stereotypes of their upbringing and embrace each moment together. Yet, neither are ready to share all of who they are.

Their secrets.

Their fears.

Their bitter realities.

Does their budding relationship stand a chance under a blanket of secrecy? Or will owning their truth set them free?

Half Truths by Rachael Brownell is the story of an addiction counselor and her patient’s brother. I have a family member who has struggled with addiction, so I instantly bonded with Alex.

Harley is an addiction counselor and doesn’t come from a good family. She feels like she is not good enough for someone like Alex, who comes from a VERY affluent family. I like these types of stories because everyone thinks the grass is greener elsewhere but once you get to know people, you realize that being born into poverty or money doesn’t mean life is difficult or easy. Addiction has afflicted both families, leaving Alex to care for his sister because his parents are checked out and Harley to raise her brother as her son because her mom is an addict.

Obviously, these two struggle with sharing their truths. They both have that instant attraction factor, but are not fully honest with each other. You can see that the main conflict in the story will be due to these ‘half truths’. While not my favorite type of trope, Brownell does a great job with it. Emotional and realistic, anyone who has experience with addiction will relate well to both Harley and Alex.

If you want a poignant romance, Half Truths is a great read. Emotions are high and the story touches on some tough subjects but it is well written. Fans of Colleen Hoover, Tijan, and M. Robinson will enjoy Half Truths and its deeply emotional topic.