Tru Blue (The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor, #1)

by Melissa Foster

TRU BLUE is a USA TODAY BESTSELLER



TRU BLUE is a sexy, dark stand-alone novel written in the same loving, raw, and emotional voice romance readers have come to love, and the deeply emotional literary prose women's fiction readers have come to expect, from New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster.



"With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" New York Times Bestseller Julie Kenner



"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely



He wore the skin of a killer, and bore the heart of a lover...



There's nothing Truman Gritt won't do to protect his family--Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. When he's finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother's overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she's left behind. Truman's hard, he's secretive, and he's trying to save a brother who's even more broken than he is. He's never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he's less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people's lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman's dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he'll be faced with his toughest decision yet.



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"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

• ISBN10: 1941480594
• ISBN13: 9781941480595
• Publish Date: 22 December 2016
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 27 January 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: World Literary Press
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 260
• Language: English

Reviews

[thebookdisciple]

Oh my stars!! This story....the feels, man!!! Truman is fresh out of prison and wants nothing to do with his brother or mother. Seriously, Tru is one of those perfect book boyfriends. He has this dark past, but as you learn more about it and him, you only love him more! For anyone wondering, the kids are Tru's siblings, not his own children. So, no OW drama.

The part of the story I struggled with was the relationship between him and Gemma. Its like meet straight to love. There isn't much development in their relationship. However, Tru is so amazing, if I were Gemma and had the chance to snatch him up, I might move at light speed too...just saying. But, the build up of a relationship is a bit absent in this story

Overall, the story isn't as angsty as I expected. Its more sweet and filled with adorable moments (between Tru and Gemma and with the kids!). If you want a book that will just make you swoon and smile, this is the perfect read!

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

"He wore the skin of a killer and bore the heart of a lover. That was the tangled web of lies he’d created to protect those he loved, and it would forever more be the cloak that shrouded him. Once he revealed his past, she’d never look at him like this again".

OMG! I have read my fair share of Melissa Foster’s books. There were some that I loved, and some not so much, but none has never owned my heart the way Tru Blue did. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster ride, which I am yet to recover from. Tru Blue is the kind of story that will bring tears to your eyes and put a smile on your face. It's filled with hope, love, joy, heartache, passion and tenderness.The first thing that caught my attention was the cover. It sent a very powerful message, which is backed up by the contents of the book. When I began reading, I could barely contain myself as the heartbreaking scenes began to unfold. From that moment, I knew that this story would take a different turn from all the other books that I have read from this author.The story was not the only thing to own my heart. Truman took a piece for himself. I love it when a man is loyal, caring and protective and Truman Grit was all that and more. He did not have an easy life growing up. He was abandoned by his father and his mother was a drug addict. Truman was able to rise above this, however, fate had different plans for him when he was sent to prison for a crime he did not commit. It is said that prison hardens a man, but Truman was anything but hard. He may appear hard on the outside, but beneath that hardened exterior laid a heart bursting with love. The way he stepped in to care for his siblings with no hesitation was an indication of the loving person he was. It was quite understandable why Gemma was drawn to him.Gemma Wright dreams of finding a man who knows how to love, who is a good father and would not run at the first sign of trouble. All the things her own father was not. The night she met Truman, she knew her dream had become a reality. She is very pushy and takes no for an answer, which Truman will come to discover, when she unwittingly wormed her way into his life. She exploded in his life in such a manner that he had no desire to push her out. His only fear was that he would lose her when she discovered his secret. Gemma, accepted Truman for the loving and protective person that he was. She did not judge him. She was perfect for him, despite their different backgrounds.Melissa Foster is known for writing hot and sweet romance stories and Tru Blue was no exception. The way Tru and Gemma met was absolutely adorable. From that moment their attraction to each other developed into something meaningful. This story was not just about romance. It touched on real life issues such as drug abuse and wrongful incarceration. I have seen firsthand the ravaging effects of drug addiction so I could understand what Truman was dealing it from a very young age. Watching his mother and brother spiralling out of control could not have been easy. View all my reviews

[Emma (SCR)]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Lisa for letting me take part in this tour. I am a huge fan of Melissa's books and I was extremely intrigued by this book. It looked like it would be a little different to her other books.

Truman Gritt has been through more than any man ever should have to. He grew up with a drug addict mother. With a childhood so horrific it's heart breaking Tru ends up going to prison for a crime he never committed. When he finds out he has 2 little siblings he immediately steps up and takes care of them. Tru has nothing but love for these two children.

Gemma Wright has had everything in life. Everything that is except the one thing she wanted, the love and attention of her parents. All she ever wanted was to feel loved instead of being passed off to the staff.

Gemma and Trueman may be from different walks of life but they are exactly what the other needs.

This book is darker and grittier than anything else I have ready by Melissa. She finds a way of making those emotions jump off the page. She writes in such a way that you become ingrained in the story.

I enjoyed this edgier story and can't wait to see what Melissa comes up with next.

[Lynn]

Melissa Foster has pulled out all the stops with this sexy, heart-warming romance bursting with hope for a second chance and new beginnings.

Truman Gritt is slowly rebuilding his life after sacrificing his freedom for his younger brother. A decision he made with the best of intentions but back-fired spectacularly when he receives a call from his brother asking for help shortly after his release from prison. His life is suddenly thrown into turmoil, but assistance comes from a curious woman he meets during a late night shopping expedition.

As an only child, all Gemma Wright wanted was the love and affection of her parents. The sad reality was a life surrounded by material goods and staff employed to care, teach and entertain her. As an adult, she's taken pride in building up her successful business, offering goods and services aimed at children. During a late night trip to Walmart, Gemma's curiosity is piqued when a heavily tattooed man is juggling his shopping trolley with two small children. Her immediate reaction is to check the wellbeing of the children who should be tucked in bed asleep. However, her fears quickly vanish when she sees that the children are in caring hands.

The writing packs a punch as the author tackles the difficult topics of drug abuse, the stigma of living a life with a criminal record and infertility. All are dealt with realistically and sympathetically to the plot. The protagonists are from differing backgrounds, yet both have experienced far from happy upbringings. Truman is a man who will melt your heart. He is fiercely protective of his family with a huge heart full of love and compassion. However, he also has to administer tough love as repercussions of his self-less act come assault him as he's consumed with guilt for failing the person he was trying to save. Luckily, his life in invaded by a woman who offers help, support and love as he realises his life will now take a direction he could never imagine. Gemma recognises Truman's intimidating appearance is a far cry from the man hiding under his tough looking exterior. He's a man she believes society should support by offering him the second chance he deserves, to build his life for the good of his family and himself.

Fans of the author will love this emotionally packed standalone and equally I recommend Tru Blue to those who have yet to discover Ms. Foster novels.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher World Literary Press***

[Eve1972]

Truman Gritt is recently out of prison and just trying to lay low and get his life back on track. Little did he know that a late night phone call from his drug addict brother would change that life forever.

Gemma Wright is just out shopping late for some ice cream when she hears a baby crying. Going to check out why a baby would be out so late, she finds herself face to face with the hottest man she has ever seen. Curious as to why this man has two babies and a cart overflowing with supplies, she offers her help.

Gemma sees something in Tru that calls to her. As her offer to help turns into visits, and then more. Will Truman's dark past come between them or will Gemma find herself a home she has always wanted.



I'm pretty sure that my ovaries gave up and died halfway through reading this one. GOOD GRAVY was there A LOT of hot tatted up bearded men to baby action. That aside, this was a really enjoyable, heavy on the sweet read.

It was a low angst and pretty insta-everything type of read. With just the right amount of "feels" thrown in. You will ADORE Truman. I dare you to find one thing wrong with this guy. He's a nurturer, he's a survivor, he's a lover, he is a tatted up hot piece of man candy with a heart of gold. I fell in love with him from word GO. I loved Gemma as well, though not quite as much as Tru. That's not to say she was a bad character. She was sweet and feisty and had a heart of gold as well. Honestly, NO ONE could have eclipsed Tru for me. She was a solid second though.


"I want to wrap you up in me until you can feel how much I want you. I want to make you feel as wanted as you make me feel, because I want you Gemma, all of you. I’ve never felt like this before. I feel like this is my first time."


As well as Tru and Gemma, we get a solid cast of interesting and dare I say smokin hot secondary characters in the form of the Whiskey brothers, and sister Dixie. As well as Gemma's BFF Chrystal, and Tru's brother Quincy. I was excited as hell to read that each of the Whiskey family members will be getting their own books.

That said, I was a TINY bit disappointed in the ending. I would have liked to see a more into the future look at this couple. I imagine though that we'll be seeing more of them in the other books. What can I say? I am a sucker for further into the future epilogues. Overall though, this was a fabulous read and it gets two big thumbs up from yours truly.