I freaking loved this book! The first few chapters had me coming to life, the middle was gripping and fast-paced, and the end was nicely wrapped up without being too sugary. It was fairly close to perfection and I will absolutely be recommending this book to everyone I know, and closely watching for Holly James' next work.

In a surprising twist on the 1990's classic Liar, Liar with Jim Carey, our MC Lucy makes a wish on the eve of her thirtieth birthday that the following day be "the perfect day". As we all know with wish stories, sometimes the universe takes things too literally and rarely answers our wishes in the way we think they would come true. What follows is the twenty-four hours where Lucy cannot lie. While this does pose slight complications with her chosen profession in publicity, James takes a twist on this narrative to focus more on the lies we tell ourselves, especially as women. Lucy admits she doesn't want to go to spin class because she doesn't actually enjoy it; she doesn't want to wear spanx, and put on makeup, and torture her feet all day in stilettos; she wants to wear something comfortable, she wants to eat something that makes her feel full, she wants to dismantle the patriarchy.

This story is a feminist, patriarchy burning dream, and one I simply enjoyed so so much. I will caution readers that there is a large portion of the story dedicated to workplace sexual harassment, so if this is a trigger for you, please tread lightly.

I did think that the workplace situation took over the story for too long though and since I wasn't expecting that plot point at all. In order to do that portion of the story justice, it had to be thoroughly developed which I do think James did, but it took over the overarching story IMO and once it finally subsided I was like "oh right, this wasn't just about workplace harassment". The only reason I downrated this from five stars, though I would say it was still closer to 4.5 for me.

Otherwise, I simply loved this book and cannot wait for other readers to find Lucy and her story.

Lucy Green is tired of her life. On the eve of her 30th year, she is alone, in a bar, waiting on her boyfriend who is late or just blows her off altogether. She has a job she loves, but it comes with downsides too. While sitting there alone, the hot bartender whips up a drink for her that is supposed to be life changing. And it does.. After she makes a wish for a perfect day, she has a lot in store for her.
When Lucy wakes up on her birthday the next morning, she finds out that she can't lie. She can't even tell a white lie to spare anyone's feelings. She is only able to speak her mind, even if it reveals truths she wasn't ready to face.
While it seems like her world is crashing down around her, she could lose her job, her boyfriend and everything she worked so hard for, something better is in store for Lucy and it's right around the corner.
With the help of Adam, the bartender who started this mess, she embarks on a day that is completely her own. I zipped right through this book. Adam was the perfect romantic and Lucy was so refreshing because she wasn't going to accept mediocre anymore. She wants and deserves nothing less than amazing.
Thank you to Peguin Dutton, Holly James and Netgalley for an early copy.

Favorite Quote: “But honesty had always been a choice. She had the power to do and say what she wanted and needed all along; she was just led to believe by personal, professional, and profound social expectation that she did not. Perhaps the day’s greatest gift was simply awareness of the choice.”

Lucy Green is a driven publicist in LA who is one day away from her 30th birthday (and long-awaited promotion). The night before, she makes a wish over a mystery cocktail to have the best day ever. What she didn’t anticipate was her wish has been granted… and 100% complete truth came with it. Not being able to tell one lie, Lucy has to endure a full day making sure her honesty doesn’t lead to consequences in both her personal and professional life - but what unfolds is while telling the truth can be brutal, lying to yourself is the biggest crime.

Taking place (mostly) over the course of one day, Lucy takes the reader on a rollercoaster of reflection - are our dreams really ours, or is it societal pressure? Are we settling, or is there something more? What Lucy learns is honesty is always a choice. It’s up to us to harness the power to use it.

This book has girl power written all over it. From the #MeToo movement to the annoyances women deal with for “normalcy,” I caught myself smiling as some of my personal thoughts are written down on paper in this book (I’m sure other women would agree). While the feminism themes were relatable, I did find it to be a tad overboard. I was confused on the role Nina played and think the book could stand alone without her. The honesty “curse” was also left open - was it Adam behind the cocktail, or what was the story behind it?

Nothing But the Truth follows Lucy, a publicist in LA, on her 30th birthday as she navigates the challenge of a birthday wish gone wrong. On the eve of turning 30, Lucy makes a wish for her birthday to be the *perfect day.* However, things get strange immediately after Lucy wakes up and begins to deviate from her routine. Instead of going to spin class which she always dreads, Lucy goes to breakfast with a friend and orders a delicious meal. While getting ready for work, Lucy decides to wear comfortable clothes/shoes and forgo make up instead of her usual high heels and extensive "daily prep" routine. Lucy begins to deviate so much from her norm that she realizes something is VERY wrong - or... is it all suddenly very right?

I wasn't a huge fan of this book. I was expecting a cute, funny rom com and instead got a slap in the face with the many challenges women face in society today. The over arching message is that women tend to settle in their personal lives and careers and that it is complete BS. It champions women standing up for themselves and instead of settling for mediocre to make it well known what they want. Then, if someone gets in the way, flay them alive.

I am a woman. I have faced sexism in the workplace, I just couldn't relate to Lucy as a character. Everything was her way or the highway and when someone didn't support her there was virtually NO understanding on her part. She was asking people to risk their entire careers - and while secual harrassment in the workplace is wrong on EVERY level - dropping truth bombs on people and expecting them to immediately support you without giving them time to digest or think.... that is uncaring and demanding.

I enjoyed the overall message - don't settle for mediocre and stand up for yourself. The writing was ok - not mindblowing, but not leaving tons to be desired either. Nothing But the Truth just wasn't a quirky, funny, rom com like I was expecting. It was more of an awkward "Down with the patriarchy, but we'll try to be funny while doing it and throw in a love story" type of book.

Short Review: A magically sweet rom com with a dash of f*ck the patriarchy. It's the book that you didn't know you needed in your life. But trust me; you need it.

Long Review: Lucy Green is turning 30 and about to have all the dreams she thinks she wants to come true. When she's stood up by her boyfriend on the eve of her birthday she makes a birthday wish for a perfect day. Magic strikes and she gets her wish, but it goes terribly wrong. Or does it?

This book was just what I needed at the time I needed it. It's sweet and funny with a side of feminist rage. I loved getting to know Lucy and Adam and follow them on their journey to find each other and find the best of themselves.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars

Nothing But the Truth is an entertaining spin on the movie Liar, Liar. When Hollywood publicist Lucy wakes up on her 30th birthday, she realizes that she is incapable of lying. The night before she made a wish for the perfect day, but this is not what she had in mind. Now Lucy must navigate her job and her relationships while being completely truthful. She begins to see just how much she has been lying to others and to herself.

This was a fun storyline with fresh characters and dialogue. While I wish there was more romance, I liked following Lucy’s story and watching her speak her mind. The narration touches on important issues and is not afraid to get a little dark at times. A quick, thought-provoking read with a dash of magic.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Nothing But the Truth
by Holly James
4.5 stars
Lucy Green loves her job as a celebrity PR agent but she has to bend the truth a lot in it, she also needs to be able to keep a straight face. After going out the night before her birthday she makes a wish for the perfect day tomorrow. When Lucy wakes up on her birthday she suddenly realizes she can't lie about anything even to herself. After the start of an odd day, it just keeps getting more and more intense.

I liked the concept of this book it reminded me of the movie Liar Liar but in the female version. Which I was excited about. This whole book was good it was very intense, I think I was just hoping for it to be more humorous. You got some magic, some romance, and a lot of work drama. I didn't care for the length the author took to make her point about liberating women and holding men accountable for making women feel uncomfortable and unsafe in the workplace and outside of it. It was a bit much to some of the guys yes it was needed but my goodness I felt like it was getting shoved down my throat. I think it was brought up once or more in each chapter. It was a really good read and I finished it in one day. I did enjoy that Lucy was spitting out the truth left and right and didn't care what anyone thought and that she was turning 30. It's a time when you think of everything that you have done and would have done differently in your life.

Thank you, Net Galley, and Penguin Group Dutton for the eARC for an honest review

🍸Nothing but the Truth🍸
By Holly James (via #netgalley)

Nothing but the Truth was a cute and funny romcom with an overall empowering message for women. I liked this one!

Lucy Green is about to turn thirty. She’s in a dead end relationship with little-to-no hope of getting married, but she’s got a great job that she loves and an opportunity to promote is on the horizon. While sitting at a bar waiting for her boyfriend to no-show, the hot bartender makes her a life changing drink. Lucy makes a silent wish before taking a sip - that the next day (her birthday) be perfect. Little did she know, her wish would come true, but not exactly how she planned. She woke up on her birthday unable to lie! Lucy spends the whole day uncompromisingly honest and it changes her life so drastically that she can barely keep up.

Thank you #netgalley and Penguin Group for an ARC of Nothing but the Truth which releases July 12, 2022!

#netgalley #netgalleyreview #books #bookstagram #read #readmore #goodreads

The great big honesty at all costs piece really fell flat, at least for me. I mean, I'm glad she did what she did but I just really didn't feel like it required the birthday candle wish. Really didn't enjoy.

I really liked this book! Though I was heading into it expecting much more of a love story/romance, I was pleasantly surprised with the important messaging and how much I really adored the women's fic nods throughout the story.

As a publicist. I was really able to relate to the main character. The premise of being unable to tell a lie, especially in that field of work, was a really interesting take. As a girl approaching my 30s, I could really relate to some of the pressures and hopes/wants the MC was feeling. Overall, a really interesting take on the Jim Carrey movie "Liar, Liar"!

This is a smart, fun, entertaining, quick-paced novel. I related well to the main character, Lucy, whose casual wish for a perfect day has landed her in a state of forced truth-telling. Unable to tell a lie, her work and personal lives become very complicated and it's hard to imagine how much happens in this one day. The feminist perspectives in this book are powerful - it turns out that Lucy doesn't like many aspects of her life and can no longer lie about them. I knew when she ditched spin class to order a big, delicious breakfast and went to work sans makeup, in a sundress, that she was about to challenge some societal norms in a way that I appreciate. This is an often humorous, quick read that tackles several common women's issues.

Thanks to Penguin Random House - Dutton for the gifted copy of this book.

Don’t let this cutesy illustrated cover fool you! Nothing But the Truth is a feminist anthem of the #MeToo movement in Hollywood, featuring an MC who works in a publicity company and has experienced advancements from the CEO. Unable to tell anything but the truth on her birthday, Lucy finds that she’s finally being who she wants to be and is standing up for herself as a woman who deserves more instead of pretending that everything is fine. This was a unique fiction read with a minor romance storyline and perfect for a good story about female empowerment.

Thank you to Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Nothing But the Truth by Holly James is a hilarious contemporary fiction novel and debut. The story revolves around Lucy, who works as a Hollywood publicist. One night, while at a bar, she makes an impossible wish, and when she wakes up, she realizes that she cannot tell any lies. Not white lies, simple lies, nothing. How can she do her job or go through her personal life without lying? Will this ruin her life or allow her to be freer than ever?

Here is a humorous excerpt from Chapter 1:

"Lucy Green stood on a precipice.
Really, she sat on a barstool contemplating her drink while she waited for her boyfriend, Caleb, who was working late again. If he didn’t cancel altogether, they’d order another round, talk about their routine days, go back to his place and have mediocre sex, and she’d fall asleep listening to him grind his teeth because he refused to wear a mouth guard. And that would be how she spent the final night of her twenties.
But it was fine. She was fine. Everything was fine.
“Would you like something different?” the bartender asked her."

Overall, Nothing But the Truth is a contemporary fiction novel that will appeal to fans of Liar Liar or Freaky Friday. One highlight of this book is the hilarious hijinks that the main character gets into. It was fun seeing her go through her life while not being able to lie. I did take off 1 star, because this book touched on darker topics. Trigger warning: sexual assault. I would be fine with this in other books, but I was expecting a light-hearted read. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, I recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in July!

Starting July off strong with this early look at Holly James’ novel, Nothing But the Truth, which releases July 12. Thank you to @netgalley for this review copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book grabbed me from page one and didn’t let go. I read it cover-to-cover in the span of just a few hours because it was incredibly engaging and a quick read.

We follow our protagonist, Lucy, through the eve and day of her 30th birthday wherein it appears a magic spell has been cast and she can’t tell a lie. But don’t worry, there’s no hocus pocus or fantasy here; this story is a mix of workplace drama, self-discovery, and a rom-com.

Beyond that, this book is a champion of the #metoo movement, women’s rights, and female empowerment, but not in a way that feels like the concepts are being shoved down your throat. I genuinely found myself nodding along with some of Lucy’s self-discovery and subsequent actions.

This was a fantastic read, and had just enough of several different topics to make it interesting and engaging. My favorite character was Oliver, and I’d be cool if James wanted to dedicate a spin-off novel to him.

Check this one out when it drops in less than 2 weeks!

This book is in a genre of its own: A female empowerment rom-com. This book addressed societal norms and beliefs widely held in both professional and personal settings that suppress woman and woman’s rights while still having a rom-com element. It was refreshing to read about a character testing the bounds of these norms - and it certainly gave me alot to think about. This book reminded me a lot of the movie ‘Liar Liar’ where our protagonist makes a wish on her birthday for the perfect day and finds she’s unable to tell a lie instead. For that reason, I would give it a 3/5. I would have also liked a bit more comical rom-com bits to lighten it up a bit - and there were a few cringey moments where Lucy, in her attempt to live her truth, inadvertently alienated and mistreated others and.. although it’s great she’s empowered I don’t think that gives her the right to steamroll others (like her ‘meeting’ with Caleb in an attempt to break the curse). Otherwise, a thought provoking novel!

Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for the advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

What a sparkling, funny, all consuming debut!
I started and finished this in under 24 hours - it was delightful, funny, witty - it truly sparkled and left me wanting much more from Holly James.

I finished this book with a literal smile on my face! I couldn’t put this one down and got annoyed when work got in the way, but I absolutely loved this charming debut.. We had a fierce female lead, a dash of Me Too, some wish malfunctions and a 30th birthday for the books.

Add in a bit of whimsy, love, best friends and f**k the patriarchy and you have a genuinely funny and sweet debut. I cannot recommend this more! Pre-order and pick this one up on July 12 - you won’t be sorry!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review. I. Loved. This!

3.5 stars to this brilliantly crafted novel. I am honored to have received an arc.

A cosmic shift after a birthday wish cursed Lucy with the inability to lie. Her life turned upside down and what she first thought was a bad curse, turned out to be what truly transformed her.

I went into this thinking it would just be a cute read, but it was so much deeper than that. There were so many prevalent and timely issues woven throughout the pages. It touches on sexual assault victims, women's rights, and the unachievable and totally absurd stereotypes that women have to face day to day. Lucy truly found herself and I feel that everyone can take something away from this book, I know I can.

I also found it interesting that this book took place within the span of basically one day (briefly touched on the night before). At first I couldn’t decide if I liked that. It felt slow at times since it was so spread out, but at the end I really came to appreciate the stylist choice.

I really recommend this book if you are looking for something new and fresh that still touches on societal issues.

3.5 stars! If you're looking for a cute, quirky, and badass feminist read, look no further! Lucy Green is a rising publicist at one of LA's elite PR practices. On the eve of her 30th birthday, she wishes for a perfect day and sips her cocktail. Once the clock strikes midnight, however, Lucy isn't able to tell a lie. Throughout the day, Lucy finds herself unable to say anything but the truth. While things start off innocent, like skipping out on her spin class because she hates it, soon she's starting to spew off truths she never thought she would out loud. One that even sends her company into a downwards spiral. This witty novel is such a breath of fresh air and I think that Lucy's voice truly speaks for all women at some point or another. While the story started out really cute and silly, it ended up hitting on deeper issues including sexual harassment in the workplace. I thought this was a sweet book with a wonderful message and I applaud Holly James for bringing it to light!

Nothing But Truth
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Nothing But the Truth was a unique story about Lucy Green, and how on her birthday, after making a wish that it would be perfect, is unable to tell a lie. As a publicist, it is important to sometimes skirt the truth, but with her new “curse” she finds herself constantly blurting out the truth. Lucy’s perfect day showed her how to laugh in the chaos and find the silver lining in terrible situations.
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I loved that this book was all about girl power. It was super empowering to see women sticking up for themselves in a world that is sometimes against women. I loved how Lucy gave her co-worker the courage to speak up after Lucy also stood up to her boss after he made sexual advances towards her. Another thing I loved about this book was how “freeing” it was for Lucy to realize she did not need to cake make up on, wear ridiculous heels, or walk around in skin tight dresses. One thing super unique about this book is that it takes place in a 24 hour period. So during this 24 hour period she had the realization to wear whatever she wanted, say what was true to her, and even eat whatever she wanted. How EMPOWERING!!!
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Unfortunately I really struggled to get through this book. It was very slow for me, and I think the fact it did take place in 24 hours is one thing that made it harder for me to read. It felt like the longest day ever and even though the ending was supposed to make it feel like the "perfect" day,it did not seem perfect to me. I felt like there was a lot of repetition in this book, where instead of Lucy telling the full story of her day over and over, the author could have written “ And then Lucy went through the whole story explaining everything about her day”. While I am sure this book will be a hit, especially how it goes so well with the “Me Too” movement, which I love, it was not one of my favorites this year.
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Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

I was first drawn to this book by the cover. I was pleasantly surprised by the story. The main character wakes up on her 30th birthday unable to lie. This allows her to live her best day, her best truth. This was a very fast-paced novel. I enjoyed the side characters and the overall theme. I felt that sometimes things were a bit rushed or unrealistic, but of course, this is a book so things are typically a bit unrealistic. This definitely made me think about complacency in life.
(Thank you to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.)