A good storyline with interesting characters. I loved both Jasper and Thea! They both had a backstory that helped us understand the motivation of the characters and drove the story to a great conclusion. 4 stars.

This Much is True by Vivienne Lorret, the third book in her Liars' Club series, finds the youngest Hartley daughter, Althea (or Thea), finding love with Jasper Trueblood, the Viscount St. James. It is the first book by this author that I've read/listened to, and I suspect that it won't be my last. I was able to follow the events in this book without having read the previous two in the series. And while the prior two books revolve around Thea's older sisters, Verity and Honoria, they make appearances in this book with their husbands, in addition to her parents and her older brother, Truman, so that it is relatively easy to fill in the background for this story.

The audiobook was narrated by Faye Adele - whose voice I had not previously heard recording an audiobook. At times, her voice characterizations were either too loud, overdramatic or screeching for my tastes. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to listen to over 11 hours of it to get to Thea and Jasper's happy ending. The narration alone (and my dislike of it) resulted in my docking a star from my overall rating.

Additionally, I enjoyed the story up until the 75% mark, when Jasper is rather cruel to Thea and drives her away. Then, because the ending is quite rushed and comes without a satisfactory amount of groveling or apologies on the part of Jasper in winning back Thea, I was left with a decidedly bland feeling at the end of the story. And I am starting to take issue with heroes who have sex with virgin heroines without any forethought or discussion about unplanned pregnancies. The resolution of this issue between Thea and Jasper in the story was poorly done, in my opinion, and I hope that Verity and Honoria's stories won't involve unplanned pregnancies too. Otherwise, I'll skip reading them.

Despite my issues with the book, I did think the prose was well-written, and I did enjoy some parts of quite a bit.

2.75 stars, rounded up to 3 stars

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author via NetGalley, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

Vivienne Lorret continues the Liars’ Club series with This Much Is True. This time, the spotlight is on Althea, the youngest sister of the eccentric Hartley family and a playwright who has lost her confidence after an emotionally abusive courtship. She is a hit at parties because she spins yarns about a highwayman--but then she encounters one for real. Jasper is a viscount living a dangerous double life to protect his loved ones from his vile uncle, and in high society, he pretends to be clumsy and simple-minded. Thea’s wildly popular highwayman stories are a direct threat to his carefully constructed façade, forcing him to try to silence her--but then the chemistry between them takes a different turn. Jasper is a charming Robin-Hood-like hero, adopting urchins and crafting beautiful paper flowers for Thea. Thea’s journey to regain her confidence and creative voice is handled with care, and the supporting characters are mostly charming as well.

One proviso is that this book feels a bit longer than the average romance, and at times the plot meanders. Compared to the fairly long scenes earlier in the book, the final confrontation with the story’s villain feels somewhat rushed, and I'm not sure a casual reader will pick up all of the plot points that are told in exposition. However, the journey is filled with enough humor and romance to keep the pages turning. It’s a story about finding the courage to trust again, the magic of discovering your perfect muse, and the undeniable truth of a love that steals your heart completely.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

This Much Is True was such a fun read! It did have a bit of a slow start but Thea and Jasper had wonderful chemistry and kept me entertained.

A read with humor and spice. This isn't always a grouping that you will find. A well developed story that will keep your attention from the start to the end. This is the first book that I have read from this author and I recommend her books.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and leaving a review by my own choice.

I'm giving the audiobook version four stars for the narrator's talent and the book itself three stars. Thea is an aspiring playwright with writer's block. Jasper is an intelligent man pretending to be an addlepated clod for years to protect his family from his evil uncle. Oh yes, he's also a highwayman much like Robin Hood. When he robs the coach Thea happens to be in, she gets her writing mojo back. Convinced he's her muse, she determines to find him. The narrator has a challenge because Jasper's use of a high-pitched voice with a lisp makes for some odd listening until you remember why she has to speak this way for his character. Thea soon catches on to his disguise when she gets the same tingles with Jasper she got with the highwayman. I'm a little unclear as to the need for his years-long pretense. His vile uncle and her gaslighting former boyfriend cause problems but I found the book slow going. This is book three in the Liar's Club series featuring the Hartley sisters and my least favorite, but I do recommend the series overall.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC of this title!

This is my first Vivienne Lorret but it won't be my last. She has a great balance of humor and real stakes for her characters. Our hero, Jasper, has made himself into a highwayman at night and a bumbling presence in ballrooms with a stutter by day in order to thwart his awful, criminal uncle who is keeping his inheritance from him and treating women very badly. Our heroine comes from an artistic family and Thea is a playwright who is starting her third season, after the last person who courted her just belittled and gaslit her and her talents. At one event, she meets Jasper and her inspiration, or muse is back and she begins crafting the story of "the highwayman." Her stories are oddly close to what Jasper is doing and they become entangled. He's just trying to bring justice in the face of injustice and he has his own little found family complete with a huge dog named Garmr/Thumper and a foundling child. Lovely cast of characters, action and heart. The pacing really has you wondering how our HEA will happen, but fear not it does!

An enjoyable read, I read it quickly, in a couple of days. The plot is interesting, a lady writing a character that's based on the man who held up her coach. Turns out he's real and right in front of her. Thea is written exactly as I imagine a person would feel about writing, it becomes imperative that pen and paper be found and used. The characters screaming to be let out into the world.

Jasper is between a rock and a hard place. Family to protect from family that means harm. All that's standing between the two is poor Jasper. When his villainous uncle demands something be done Jasper has no choice but to do it. You wouldn't think of a highwayman being pitiable but here he is. There is a code of ethics so to speak, lines he won't cross. I was relieved when he was freed. I will give a slight con, the ending seemed a bit rushed, like everything had to end by a certain page. Didn't detract from my enjoyment.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#ThisMuchisTrue. #TheLiars'Club #VivienneLorret #NetGalley #Avon #HarperCollins #historicalromance #romance #bookreview

This was a delightful historical tale with romance and intrigue. The characters definitely unforgettable and I loved the heroine who was very spunky. It had everything that I look for in a historical romance. I could not get enough of this story, and it was good from beginning to end. I can't wait to see what comes next. Vivienne Lorret is definitely becoming one of my favorite authors.

This Much Is True by Vivienne Lorret is the third book in the Liar’s Club series, but it reads perfectly well as a standalone. I hadn’t read the earlier books and had no trouble following the story or connecting with the characters.
This was a romance with a touch of mystery and humor. I absolutely adored the male lead, Jasper—his quiet charm, the paper flowers he leaves for Thea, and his uncanny ability to sneak into just about anywhere made him incredibly endearing.
Thea’s emotional journey, particularly her struggle to feel like she fit in especially with her family and her loss of her creativity, was both relatable and touching. I enjoyed watching her rediscover that spark through her relationship with Jasper.
While most of the book struck a lovely balance between emotional and romantic beats, I found the ending a bit too far-fetched for my taste.
This is a slow-burn romance with three open-door scenes, written with explicit detail. The story also references past trauma involving childhood abuse, though it's handled with sensitivity.
Overall, This Much Is True is a compelling and heartfelt story that fans of character-driven historical romance will likely enjoy.

This series has just generally been meh for me, though I have really enjoyed some of Lorret's other works. Maybe it was the audiobook format and I just got bored and had to keep rewinding it. Perhaps this would have been better as a physical read. I liked the main characters to some degree, but didn't love either of them. The side characters were fine, but I felt like there were too many of them and that muddled the story a bit.

Hero is a "highwayman" (not really) who robs from the rich to give to the poor. He has an evil uncle and he pretends to be unintelligent in social situations. Heroine is a playwright looking for a husband and to break through a creative block. Together they help the hero reverse his situation and eventually (in the final pages of the book) defeat the evil uncle.

It's just okay. I will continue to read Lorret but this is far from her best.

Thanks #NetGalley for an advanced copy of #ThisMuchIsTrue by Vivienne Lorret in exchange for an honest review.

This was a lot of fun! I love a hero who pretends to be one way for the public but is actually very different in his private life. I also love a bonkers story that just makes me smile and this one delivered on both. This is book 3 of the Liars Club series but it can be read as a standalone. I read the 1st book but somehow have missed book 2 and it's got one of my favorite tropes so not sure how/why I haven't read it yet. I really hope the Hartley brother gets his HEA soon either in this series of another one by Lorret.

Vivienne Lorret’s Hartley series has been a pure delight. The three sisters each very different with their own challenges and unique personalities gave wonderful stories about their journey to love. Althea, the youngest sister, is on her third season and after having her heart broken in season two and having her ever present play-writing voice silenced is unsure of her future. An unexpected run in with a highwayman begins Althea’s road back to her true self. Jasper is the least likely hero but Thea sees through to his true self too and he’s everything she wants and needs. He takes a lot of convincing and there’s a true villain in their love story but love will conquer all once they can figure out that together they are stronger than any obstacle.

This Much is True is the third book in The Liars Club series by Vivienne Lorret and if you haven't read the first two books, you really should. I think you could read this one as a standalone if you wanted to because there isn't a ton of mention back to the other stories. That said, I still think you should read the others.

Thea is our fmc and she has lost her spark. She is the youngest daughter of the Hartley girls and on her third season she is determined to find a husband. She just needs some inspiration so she creates a story about a dashing highwayman. Little does she know that it hits a little too close to home for someone in the ton.

Jasper Trueblood, Viscount St. James, needs to stop Thea's stories. Society can never find out that he isn't the clumsy oaf he pretends to be. There is just something about her that makes him act differently when she is around him and he can't risk it anymore because he has people counting on him to keep them safe from his menacing uncle.

I thought these two together were great and I enjoyed this book just as much as the first two. If you're looking for a new historical romance, consider picking this one up. I always enjoy Lorret's books and this series is one of my favorites.

What an adventure! The third book in the Liar's Club and it is perfect for me. I'm a huge fan of Vivienne Lorret and once again she always gives us a great story.
Althea Hartley is a writer who seems to have lost her creativity. On a ride home her world gets thrown for a loop. Jasper Trueblood has crossed her path before but this time everything is different. This time things are different when he meets her as a highwayman who is robbing her coach. Now adventure begins when she learns who the highwayman really is. Now with her creativity intrigued and inspired by the highwayman he has to keep her from telling his story.
This story had it all! Action, great humor & wit, and the chemistry and passion were all perfect. I love that her stories are so detailed and memorable. Even the "extra" characters are detailed. She creates a whole world that I want to be part of, and never leave. You are going to love every word.
You will love this exciting story. Enjoy the adventure!

4.5 stars

Oh this one was fun!!

Althea and Jasper were a fun pairing and I absolutely loved the yearning in this book. The highway man aspect was done very well and I really enjoyed the difference between the two characters. Also the fact that Althea had a connection with Jasper even before she realized who he was. Plus some of their scenes together….spicy 🤭

Seeing the family again was fun and I enjoyed that we learned more about Althea’s role in the family and how she was able to relate to jasper in that sense. I enjoyed the ending but would have loved an epilogue (I need a wedding damn it)!!!

I’m sad to see this series come to an end but excited for what the author writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I didnt love this one like the first two in the series. The heroine felt so naive, too much so? Maybe im just aging out of heroines of a certain age in Regency.

4.5 Stars ⭐️ - Top Pick

A heroine who’s lost her inspiration, a hero in disguise, and a series of unfortunate accidents… it doesn’t get better than this.

The finale in Lorret’s Liar’s Club series is a perfect ending for the youngest of the Hartley sisters, Althea. Althea is the writer, and we last met her when she was still squirreling around with pockets in her dresses and jotting down notes for a play whenever she had a chance. Except that at the start of this book, Althea has lost her spark. She’s got no more joy in the well to write her stories and is desperately searching for a new muse. Add in that she’s given up on the possibility of love and adventure, determined to have one last season and try to find a husband. She’ll settle because it’s safe. At least until a highwayman comes along…

The highwayman is none other than a Viscount, Jasper Trueblood. Hiding his true intelligence and personality, Jasper has been masquerading as a highwayman, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor like Robin Hood. Though his purpose is to bring those to punishment who support his dastardly, evil uncle. When Althea meets Jasper, she becomes inspired and soon the highwayman isn’t just a piece of a written word, but a tale Althea spins at balls. Of course, Jasper can’t let that stand, not if he wants to protect himself and those he cares about. Each step he takes towards Althea only results in a clumsy mishap, which has him interacting far more with Althea than he wants – an absolutely delicious disaster.

There is so much more than what this poor recap includes. There are fights, escapes, midnight trysts, kidnapping, and a Hartley play on the London stage. This one was near perfection. The only part that held me up was that I felt the villain got off too easily in this story. The ending was wrapped up in a way that left me feeling somewhat dissatisfied. I longed to see a little more punishment and redemption for the hero. Although it was still a great wrap-up to the series.

Overall, Lorret is a great author to pick up while waiting for a future Tessa Dare book. The blend of humor, action, romance, and twists on tales that would usually be a bit dry is this author’s bread and butter. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

~ Landra

Miss Althea Hartley was really patient with the multiple gown ruiner, Jasper Trueblood, Viscount St. James in Vivienne Lorret’s “This Much is True” from The Liar’s Club series!

I enjoyed the dual identity aspect! We got a spectacle-wearing nobleman who turned into a mix of part super hero and part outlaw to benefit the needy. The brave hero identity was great however it was the flower maker that made me swoon.

I enjoyed Althea’s flair! She was a playwright that lost her inspiration and I loved her determination to find her source of tingles. Her character was more than a third season debutante, her dreams gave her depth and her daring made memorable scenes.

I loved Althea and Jasper together! He would pop out of nowhere and they were tethered closer together with each encounter through their wit. She would defend him and not back down. Then they had an entertaining reunion scene in front of an actual audience no less!

I highly recommend this theatrical and well-paced book containing dreams coming true for the individuals and of course a happily ever after!

Thank you to Net Galley, Avon Books, and Harper Voyager US for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I haven’t read the previous books in the series which I think put me at a disadvantage. I would like to go back and read the first books.
With that said, I enjoyed meeting Althea and Jasper. From their initial meeting onwards, this was a sweet, funny, regency read.
The chemistry between them builds up quite nicely. They both have their own personal struggles they are trying to deal with.
I do wish we were given an epilogue….it left us wondering how Jasper reacts(if you know, you know).

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.