Release Blitz + Review: "Truly You" by Claudia Burgoa

Congratulations to Claudia Burgoa on the release of her latest novel, "Truly You," book #4 of the Luna Harbor series. Characters from a number of Burgoa's previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

I feel the need to preface this review by stating that I have loved many of Claudia Burgoa's past books, and I'm sure I will love many of her future books. However, not every book is for every reader, and "Truly You" was not a great match for me.  

I wish there had been a content/trigger warning for cancer/breast cancer in the synopsis because if I had known that it was such a central part of the plot, I probably wouldn't have picked this book up at all. I am by no means a medical expert, but as someone who has battled stage IV breast cancer since March 2019, I am more sensitive to this topic than most. I've followed the author on social media for some time, and she seems like a genuinely lovely person. I'm sure she had the best of intentions in telling this story. That said, quotes like the following were upsetting to me because they came across as characters making light of the situation.

Stage three isn't that bad, but it's cancer. An unpredictable illness.

I have to disagree - cancer at any stage can be bad. Specific to breast cancer, stage 3 means that the cancer has started to spread to the lymph nodes, chest wall, and/or skin. This is a serious diagnosis requiring significant treatment, and saying that it "isn't that bad" doesn't sit right with me.

This is the twenty-first century. There's a cure for almost everything.

Boy, do I wish that were true. Cancer treatment continues to advance, but there are many, many cases that can't be cured. Again, while I don't believe it was the author's intent, IMO it comes across as making light of a serious situation.

Setting that aspect of the plot aside, I was troubled by the central romantic relationship between main characters Siobhan Walters and Iskander Cantu. I think my biggest problem is that the vast majority of their relationship happened off the page, and the parts we did see emphasized how often Iskander was a jerk who'd gone out of his way to tell Siobhan how much he didn't want to be with her. Despite Siobhan's assertions, I had a tough time believing that he was ever "attentive" or "loving" in the three years they were "friends" (co-workers?) with benefits.

I came to the realization that Iskander has always been attentive, loving, and in a way, I tried not to acknowledge it because if I did...well, obviously, I would be head over heels in love with him.

I needed to be shown that he had acted that way, not told. Without that, their love just didn't seem very believable to me, and frankly, I thought Siobhan deserved better.
 

Overall, I had strongly mixed feelings about this book. While it wasn't a great match for me, I do think it is likely to appeal to fans of angsty/emotional contemporary romance. I remain a fan of Burgoa's writing and will continue to look forward to her latest releases.

 

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.  

 

CW: Cancer/Breast Cancer

 

 

About "Truly You"

A workplace fling is flipped on its head after one life changing phone call in this emotional and heartbreaking romance by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Claudia Burgoa.

I thought I had been through it all. Spoiler alert: I was wrong.

After my ex walked out on me and straight into someone else’s arms, I decided to focus on myself. I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted out of life, but I was finally looking.

I moved to a new town and became the manager of a brewery, where I met Iskander. The chemistry between us was undeniable and we quickly fell into a pattern. We became friends with benefits…lots of benefits. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun in my life.

But after one phone call, everything changes.

My best friend is fighting for her life.
I might become a single mother to a toddler I barely know.
I may have to leave Luna Harbor.

Iskander signed up for fun and games, not an emotional rollercoaster. Besides, a child is too much to ask.

But if that’s true, why can’t he leave me alone?

***

Truly You is an angsty, ugly cry standalone romance full of raw emotions and unconditional love. Claudia Burgoa brings the right amount of heat, desire, and intimacy kink for a truly inspiring romance.