I’m Sorry and YOU have to READ this…Verite by Rachel Blaufeld

July 28, 2015 Kristi Reviews 1 ★★★★★

Verite

Rachel Blaufeld

Published on June 15, 2015

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

That’s me—Tingly Simmons—athlete, foreign-language major, professor lover, obsessed idiot girl. Definitely not a frat rat or sorority slut. I’ve never even played beer pong.

I ditched the vapid, soulless high-society life of Los Angeles for the promise of something more meaningful in rural Ohio. Accepting a track scholarship for college, I tried running my way to happiness, but instead I ended up sleeping with my French professor and falling head over heels for him.

When that relationship fell apart, so did I.

Barely hanging on by a thread and using the most absurd coping skills, I was determined to hide behind my past indiscretions. That was, until I met Tiberius Jones. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d learn the truth about love from a six-foot-five basketball player.

OK, let’s get this out there now. I’ve been a sucky blogger. I’ve been even a bigger ass of a reader. My summer has slipped away from me and I have been locked away in camp hell. Yep, camp. It’s occupied all my time. I have barely read a thing this summer. And I miss it. I miss talking to my friends online about books. I’m the one usually recommending… and now I’m PMing all my book whores to ask what to read.

This summer has been a busy one for me, professionally and personally. And while I sit and think about school starting in a handful of weeks, preparing my fall curriculum while dealing with over 400 campers and 100 staff members, I take a few deep breathes and turn to a book–I mean, I need an escape, right? Well camp is almost over and I called out today and tomorrow. In the span of four days, I’ve read five books. I feel less stressed, and I almost feel like myself again! And I think one of the reasons is I’m back to reading. I read somewhere that reading just 6 minutes a day relieves 68% of stress. Well, I’m a believer. But besides feeling less stressed, I’m giddy with excitement, because I NEED to share with you about a new book. I loved this book. And I want YOU to read it too.

A few weeks ago my friend Michelle tagged me in a Facebook book contest. I won. The prize? An ARC copy of Verite by Rachel Blaufeld. (This is the evil karma fate had for me…Rachel was signing at the Atlantic City Lovely Ladies event in June. I sat next to her table throughout the day! I missed my chance to become her new BFF. Now, I’m just her newest stalker.)

This past weekend, I read a variety of books. Books that I adored and loved. Books that made me cry. Books that I fell in love with. Books that allowed me to escape the stress in my life and just be in the moment. Well, want to know what happened the most? I fell in love with Tiberius Jones in a moment’s time. From chapter one. And he’s forever in my heart.

I have hundreds of unread books on my Kindle, but something made me pick this book yesterday morning to read, and I found myself lying to my hubs that I wasn’t feeling well, just to finish it—alone in my room. Then I wanted to slow down, because I didn’t want it to end. And when it did end, I kinda just sat and absorbed the story. This book gave me all the feels. Have I mentioned that I need you to read this book?

I love the New Adult genre. It’s my “go-to” area when I’m looking for a book to read. Maybe I secretly want to relive my college years. Maybe it’s the utmost escape for a mom of two boys. Whatever the reason, I love the emotional growth that takes place in this genre. In Verite, I didn’t have to wait long for the book to hook me. I was captivated on page one. This book has it all-it has everything that I love and adore in a book, yet is totally original, too.

Tingly is a girl with a reputation. She is a girl with a messed up family life who is going to school in Ohio to escape her arrogant and obnoxious parents. She is a loner, prefers it that way. She runs to escape. She runs to feel numb. Tiberius Jones is new to college. Ty is a basketball player with moves on the court and a heart of pure gold. Ty is all alpha-male, 100% loyal, and a totally hot new book boyfriend. Verite is about Tingly and Tiberius, and the simple truth that maybe love is enough.

Verite is French for truth. Here are a few reasons why I loved this book. If they are true for you too, you need to one-click this book. Now.

Angst. If you love angst, this is a book for you.

Friends. The secondary characters in this story add to the connection I felt with this book. I want to be their friend, too. I want Jamel and Trey to look out for me, and I want a roommate like Ginny.

Kindness and loyalty. I love that this story has the bad girl with a guy whose heart is so big and pure it’s adorable. Yet, he is loyal and kind, respectful and caring to not just Tingly, but to those around him. I also love that he’s so protective of her-emotionally and physically. SWOON.

Alpha-hotness. I love a good alpha. I love a guy who makes it known that he’s with someone, regardless of others’ perceptions. Ty is protective, yet gentle and I just found myself holding my breath to see what he would do next.

Story. This is just a beautiful story. It held my attention and I wanted to do nothing more than read it. In one sitting. If you love getting lost within the pages of a good book, I highly recommend this one.

Verite is a top read for me this summer and probably for the year. Loved it. And that’s the truth!

Keep an eye out on our Facebook page. I’ll be gifting away a copy or two!