Review: Truth & Tenderness by Tere Michaels

Title: Truth & Tenderness (Faith, Love & Devotion: Book Six)

Author: Tere Michaels

Pages/Word Count: 200 Pages

At a Glance: This story is filled with emotion and real life struggles. I was totally wrapped up in it.

Reviewed By: Lana

Blurb: Newly promoted police captain Evan Cerelli takes command of his own precinct as Matt Haight’s security business begins to expand at a rapid rate. Both of their careers require more and more of their time—away from home and each other. When his most famous clients, Daisy and Bennett Ames, suffer a traumatic breakup, Matt is drawn into a dangerous and dramatic situation. With attentions diverted, Evan and Matt’s tight-knit home life begins to unravel.

As Griffin Drake’s movie nears final edit, his thoughts turn toward building a home with his new fiancé, Jim Shea—and maybe even starting a family. Before he can think of a new family, Jim is caught up in his past. The possibility of putting Tripp Ingersoll in jail once and for all beckons, and Jim wants the closure that has long eluded him. As a new lead spurs him on, Jim begins to lose sight of the future by chasing an old ghost.

Both couples struggle to remember that “happily ever after” requires hard work, trust, and tender, open hearts.

Review: Evan, Matt, and the gang are back for more adventures in the city! I am sooooo in love with Evan and Matt, I just can’t explain how much, but if I have one pet peeve about Trust & Tenderness, it is that there was too much focus on the supporting characters and not enough of Evan and Matt. Yes, I know I always say that I wanted more of the supporting characters, but here, less would have been more. But, I loved this peek into their lives nonetheless.

Evan and Matt have settled into a routine. Matt’s security business has taken off. Evan is now a captain and has his own precinct, albeit a trophy one and he still feels that he got the job because he is gay rather than on his merits. Jim and Griffin have moved to the East Coast. Jim is in business with Matt and Griffin, and is finishing his first major movie production. Both are restless and are wondering what the next step is. Is a baby the answer? And…you’ll need to read the book to find out. Jim’s past also catches up with him, and there is some excitement. Let’s just say that loose ends are neatly tied up!

Daisy and Bennett have hit a rough patch in their marriage. Bennett has an affair with an old boyfriend. I thought this was a very interesting situation since Bennett was always perceived as gay, but he winds up with a woman. It sort of mirrors Evan and Matt’s experiences with the opposite sex, and I really liked how it was played out. Love and life are not always black and white—there are a lot of gray areas. I thought Bennett’s confusion and reactions were very real, and it was good to see that Daisy was not a pushover and finally realized her worth.

Now, back to Matt and Evan! These two just burn up the pages! Matt has a “rival” for Evan’s affection. But Evan is so unaffected by other guys that he’s oblivious. It was pretty funny watching Matt go all caveman and “he’s mine,” because it seemed that Matt hasn’t had those feelings about anyone before! A little bit of jealousy can be really hot. Just a little. And, more Matt and Evan.

In the end there’s a public wedding, a baby, and a secret wedding. This story is filled with emotion and real life struggles. I was totally wrapped up in it. Ms. Michaels, please don’t leave us hanging, and tell us when Evan and Matt’s honeymoon story is coming out? If you are a fan of the Faith, Love & Devotion series like me, you’ll be plenty satisfied but will be left wanting more, more, and more, but in a good way!