A Good Slow Burn and Lollapalooza

The kids were all home for Easter and we got to talking about concerts my daughter said she really wanted to go to Lollapalooza, and she specifically said she wanted to go on Thursday or Friday. I thought about it and I offered to get a couple tickets if she wanted to go with me. She picked Thursday! So I'll be going to Lollapalooza for one day this year! I love music and nothing beats an outdoor concert in Chicago on a summer day. 

Ten years ago I was at Lolla and I saw this one guy who was on a side stage first thing in the morning.  It was one of those shows where you know the musician is going to be huge. The kind of show where you get goosebumps. That musician was Hozier, and this year he's a headliner for Thursday night. Sure I'll be one of the oldest people in the crowd, but life is short!

Beneath The Lies by Sara Talley is a long slow burn featuring Violet and Colson who are two college-age kids from different backgrounds. This book reminded me of the TV show the OC.  If you like longer romance books, you are in for a treat this is a 400-plus page book, so lots of time for the embers to glow before the fire and lots of time to spend with the couple. This was a 4-star reading for me!

Below is the description of the book from Goodreads so you can check out the theme of the book and some of the content warnings.  

Colson

After my addict mother steals most of my savings, I move into my cousin’s college apartment, knowing it’ll keep everyone out of my business with Harrison Height’s most known drug dealer.

However, when I stumble into the wrong bathroom during a party, it doesn’t take me long to realize that Violet is all the good I’ve never had in my life. As much as wanting her consumes me, I can’t let myself have her. Not when I’m buried beneath a life that would show her just how much we don’t belong.

Violet

After the worst summer of my life, I return to Chatham U closed off. My focus is on my classes, my job at the daycare, and trying my best to ignore how my friends and I are growing apart.

Then there’s the new guy in our friend group who I’m drawn to despite our unconventional meeting. He’s gorgeous, mysterious, and…completely closed off.

Somehow he sees more than I want him to. It’s obvious he’s hiding something, but I also know that whatever it is, he needs me. Maybe more than I need him.

Beneath the Lies is a full-length new adult, college romance with hints of corruption, binge-worthy drama, and slow-burn angst. It is the first book in the Complicated Truths Duet. Recommended for 18+. TW: Corruption, drug use/addiction, sexually explicit scenes, strong language, violence (incl. body mutilation).

442 pages, Paperback