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Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Book Review: Truth, Lies, and Second Dates

By Sara Steven

Captain Ava Capp has been flying from her past for a decade. She’d much rather leave it, and her home state, behind forever. But when she finds herself back in Minnesota, against her better judgment, everything goes sideways in a way she never expected it to.

M.E. Dr. Tom Baker has never forgotten Ava and the cold case she ran away from. When she shows up unexpectedly in town, in spite of himself, sparks fly. Which is terrible because he can’t stop his growing attraction to her. Can these two Type-A’s let their guards down and work together to put Ava’s tragic past behind her for good? And keep their hands off each other at the same time?
(Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

I really enjoyed the sarcastic wit and humor within Truth, Lies and Second Dates. Ava showcases so much of it when she’s engaging with friends and coworkers and with the people who think they know her best, the ones who still envision her as the person they remember from a decade ago. The old adage, “I laugh so I won’t cry” seems to really ring true for her, particularly when she’s invited back to Minnesota, a place she has tried so hard to distance herself from for so long.

Ava chose to be a pilot, and I felt this really was the perfect job for the character she is. It adds to her need to continually run away, and to never put roots down in any particular place.  When Tom Baker enters her world, not only do sparks fly, but it makes her question if the last ten years was a good decision for her life. Has her inclination to run away from the past created issues for her future?

And speaking of her future, it begins to appear uncertain when the story removes itself from merely a potential budding romance perspective into a potential murder mystery. Not only will Ava fear for her own life, but there are other people at stake too, and she wonders what that could mean for her and for Tom. It doesn’t help that Tom doesn’t know what to think of the way Ava reacts to everything, questioning whether her motives are pure and real. 

Through all the mischief and mystery, Ava continues to showcase her sarcasm, allowing the reader to feel closer to her and what she’s going through. It was also appealing to see things from not just her perspective, but from Tom’s too, so we get an even better idea of why they react the way they do to what they’re experiencing. I felt like this was the perfect mix of romance, comedy, and enigma, a true five-star experience! 

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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