I love returning to this family of thespians sisters whom I just adore! I’ve been looking forward to Althea’s romance since the beginning and this did not disappoint.

I have enjoyed this series very much because of the humor and the unique Hartley family. This was my least favorite of the three because there was more violence than I expected and the pacing was a bit odd. However, I enjoyed the end very much. I certainly did not see that coming.

Enjoyed the general premise and the romance between Thea and Jasper. Nothing like two vulnerable and kind-hearted people falling in love. I loved seeing her see him, even before she knew he was playing a part for the ton. And the paper flowers? The absolute best.

The pacing threw me off, though. I felt like we were riding at a moderate pace for the first 80% of the book, and then all of a sudden, a lot of things needed to be resolved quickly. It was dizzying. Just the sheer number of plot points being resolved so quickly. They didn't get the attention they deserved. Either the book needed another 20 pages, or--perhaps better--a bit of a streamlining.

That said, the central romance is lovely. So what if the plot gets overly full all of a sudden? Way better than being boring, and this novel manages to be heartwarming and exciting all the way through. It's just worth the last-act frenzy.

3,5 / 5

Desiring to be a playwright, Althea Hartley is also recovering from a horrible breakup, which has left her with a strong case of imposter syndrome. Her writer’s block is removed when she encounters a highwayman who only robs the greedy aristocrats. This highwayman is also Jasper Trueblood, Viscount St. James, and though the ton thinks of him as an incompetent oaf, he is actually a determined warrior, fighting against the greed and abuse of those with power. Even though they are told to stay away from one another, Thea and Jasper cannot stop their longing or attraction.

I loved the first three quarters of this book, and I found myself engaged in the classically rip-roaring plot. The Robin Hood motifs are certainly pertinent, and it is easy to become captivated in the social-justice-avengers aspect of this book. Jasper’s manipulation of his judgmental society also captivates the reader, and I appreciate the layered use of performance as a symbol.

The chemistry and dialogue between Jasper and Thea also shine, and the secrecy and high-stakes of their love give the book momentum. However, Jasper’s inability to admit his feelings and to become possessive over Thea continues extensively throughout the book, and this weakened the romance for me. Even though I loved his journey at the beginning, I found myself increasingly frustrated with him at the end. However, many readers may love this. If you love the tension of a hero developing self-worth, then you will appreciate Jasper’s progression.

All in all, the book is easy to enjoy and undoubtedly well written. The scenes of intimacy are impeccably crafted. Lorret is a seasoned artist who can clearly get the job done! Many thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity.

This Much is True...

I adored this book! Get it, buy it, read it.
Althea is an over dramatic writer, who, after a couple of unsuccessful seasons, starts writing a little too close to home for Jasper, a viscount who is living a double identity. I guess I'll always be a sucker for a Clark Kent. Jasper pretends to be a bumbling fool, when in reality, he's dashing, clever and protective of his family. He's a mix of Clark Kent and Robin Hood, only the coin he steals is for those he protects and cares about,

As over the top as Althea is, she gets way too close to the truth that is Jasper and what ensues is some of Vivienne Lorret's strongest writing and characters. Fresh, fun and that much is true for this stand out book of the series.
Highly Recommend.

I’m not going to lie, I struggled with this book a bit. This already has not been my favorite series from Vivienne and this book just didn’t really work for me. I found the beginning to be painfully slow and there were so many character that I kept thinking I should know these people from the previous books but couldn’t remember them. I found myself skimming quite a lot and then I would get confused but didn’t care enough to go back and figure out what I missed. I did like Althea and Jasper and which we had just gotten more of their romance because I do think there was a great romance hidden in all the other things going on. There were so many plot pieces and it didn’t feel like anything got fully resolved. This was exacerbated by the fact there was no epilogue. I’m pretty sure this was the last book in this series, so the lack of an epilogue is baffling.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Vivenne Lorret writes really bonkers historical romances, and she's a great author for readers who want to embrace the full insanity of historical romance.

Althea Hartley is on her third London season. She's disenchanted with the social season after she fell in love with a playwright who crushed her spirit the year before. She wants to be a playwright, but her suitor's cruel dismissal of her talents has left her with writer's block.

Jasper Trueblood, Viscount St. James, leads a double life. To London society, he's a clumsy, not too bright oaf who often makes a fool of himself. By night, he's a highwayman, robbing only the worst of the aristocracy and using the money to keep his family afloat. He's under the thumb of his cruel and dangerous uncle, the Earl of Redcliffe, a man who's caused the death of several family members and has managed to keep Jasper's inheritance from him. Redcliffe's reputation in society is excellent, and Jasper can only work behind the scenes to try to help his family. The only way to outwit his uncle and keep his highwayman identity secret is to play the buffoon in society.

When Althea meets Jasper, she's completely confused. Sometimes, he's a witty gentleman, other times he's an idiot who trips into her and tears her dresses. Their immediate connection makes Jasper careless and he lets down his guard a bit. Althea is a sharp-witted debutante who starts to see through his facade. When she hears tales of a highwayman holding up aristocrats, she's intrigued and finally breaks through her writer's block, starting a new play about a highwayman.

This book has a lot going on, and it really embraces the zaniness of historical romance. There are two villains (one truly despicable, the other one just a jerk), Althea's wacky family (they're very theatrical), Jasper's found family, a secret identity, and loads of intrigue. Althea and Jasper are a great couple. They both wear masks of a sort, and they're able to see through each other. This makes for a really great romance, even as circumstances keep the couple apart.

This one was a wild ride, and I definitely recommend it.

CW: There are two attempted sexual assaults (one off page, the other non-graphic) and mentions of childhood abuse and involuntary commitment.

This was a very anticipated release for me since I absolutely loved the first two books in the series. I was so excited to get an arc of this book. This sadly was not a new favorite but I loved it and highly recommend it!

With this series I really love how we are following the siblings and getting their romances. The couple set ups are some of my favorites of all time and this one really worked for me as well. We are following Althea and Jasper. Jasper being a scarred hero who is a secret highwayman and Althea is the youngest sisters who is aspiring to be a playwriter but has lost her creativity.

I feel like Lorret did an amazing job with both of these characters because they felt so complex and had so much character development. It never once felt overwhelming and made sense for who they are. Jasper is having to endure an abusive uncle and making people underestimate him to protect those he cares for and Althea just got out of an abusive relationship where her past boyfriend(?) always put her down and made her doubt her worth. These two were honestly a really good match and they helped each other learn that they can and deserve love and vulnerability. I also was a fan of all the side characters and appreciated how they added to the story and shows other aspects of the characters.

I did find the book to be really slow paces in the beginning and I wasn't a fan of how the relationship was developing in the first 30% - i.e not at all. I felt like the relationship felt awkward but once we hit the 45% mark that awkwardness started going away. I also was not the biggest fan of how long the conflict was at the end. I do want to say that I think this book fell victim to my reading slump when I started it back in February so my issues with the book may not apply to every readers.

Overall tho, I really enjoyed this book and found it fun! I really want the brothers romance in this series but only time will tell.

Big love for this book...and I've surprised myself for the "why".

I have been reading historical romances for many, many years, and I've always been drawn to the strong hero and the heroine in need of a little bit of saving. I'm not going to say that I don't enjoy the more modern version of romance heroines...strong, independent and self-reliant. But there is no denying, for me anyway, the pull and all the tingles from a hero being overprotective of his heroine. This particular story had that throwback feel of the best historical historicals (HA, HA), and I must say I miss those stories of brave, in-charge heroes who will do anything to shelter their ladies.

In this particular story, both hero and heroine have their own problems. Althea Hartley has had her self-confidence diminished and been demeaned for her playwriting abilities. And in her third season she feels that she should make an effort to find a husband perhaps putting her love of playwriting secondary. Jasper Trueblood is a viscount who is under the thumb of his evil earl of an uncle. He feels he must play the bumbling nitwit that his uncle portrays him as in order to shield and protect others that he loves. But while he is publicly ridiculed for his witlessness, in reality he is bravely working behind the scenes to help others and hopefully put an end to his uncle's tyranny.

Both Althea and Jasper are written as such genuinely good humans, but who are personally in need of just a little TLC. They are selfless in their devotion to those close to them, but each is able to see what it is the other needs and is willing to help the other see it as well. While the plot here is well-constructed, it's Althea and Jasper who breathe life into it. Love them both so much.

I enjoyed the first book in this Liars' Club series (It Had to be a Duke) but have somehow missed the second (The Trouble with Inventing a Viscount) and will rectify that ASAP.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager / Avon for providing the free early arc of This Much is True for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

THIS MUCH IS TRUE was a little bit of a mixed bag for me. While I enjoyed the characters of Althea and Jasper, the story started off so slowly and finished so abruptly that the pacing threw me totally off. I didn’t feel like I got enough of them together to really invest in their relationship. The villain was a really bad guy but didn't really get what he deserved. I will say that once Thea and Jasper got together the steam was beautifully written.

This wasn’t my first Lorret and certainly won’t be my last, and readers of the first two Liar’s Club books will certainly want to read Thea’s story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for this eARC. Opinions are my own.

Althea “Thea” Hartley comes from a very unusual family and has been writing plays for her family for years – at least she used to. After having her heart bruised and her confidence crushed last season, Thea is hoping to find her muse and a husband this season. Unfortunately, the only man who seems to spark her creativity is the last man she should want. It isn’t until an encounter with a highwayman that Thea puts two and two together and realizes that things are not what they seem. But despite finding her muse and love, neither is going to be easy to hold on to, because she can’t keep one without the other.

Jasper Trueblood, Viscount St. James has convinced the entire ton and his more importantly his vile uncle, the Earl of Redcliffe, that his is a dimwitted oaf, but in actuality, Jasper is cunning and brave. He has sacrificed much and tolerates the abuse of his uncle, in order to protect his aunt and cousins. Two years ago, he fell hard for Thea but she didn’t notice him, and he was in no position to court her. He still isn’t in a position to declare himself, but now that she has noticed him, nothing will ever be the same. Can he save his family and have his heart’s desire or is he just begging for heartache?

I was so looking forward to this story after having enjoyed the first two books in the series. But I just had a hard time getting into this book – I found it slow moving and became frustrated with pace and obstacles keeping Thea and Jasper apart, which felt contrived, then after dragging for so long, the story comes to a somewhat rushed ending. Obviously, there is a happy ending, but I finished the book feeling a bit disappointed with the execution and that there was no epilogue for the series finale. Overall, it wasn’t a bad read and Jasper is a keeper, but it just wasn’t the story I was hoping for. This is the third book in the series and while you could read this book as a standalone, I would recommend reading the series in order.

2.5 stars rounded up.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

My favorite book in the series. Jasper and Athena were both strong characters who have felt lost. They save one another in their own way. It was a great read and I enjoyed the story.

The Liars Club #3. 4.25 stars. Upon their first meeting there’s an instant “something” between our sweet heroine Thea, and our dapper hero, Jasper the Viscount St. James, a protector always sacrificing for others.
As their friendship grows so does their connection. Out of all the couples in this series I like this one best. They are a match made in heaven feeling the same aloneness deep in their core, that is before meeting the other.
Jasper is a bigger built man who puts on a falsehood that he’s a bumbling simpleton, and is deemed mentally unfit by his uncle, the Earl (who’s a real piece of work ugh). But actually.. Jasper disguises himself as a highwayman, a literal Robin Hood who protects his aunt and cousins from his evil uncle. He’s even rescued an orphan boy and a wounded young wolf, now his pet, and gifted his own handmade paper roses to Thea.. *heart-melting*
As for our heroine Thea, she had been brushed off in the worst way by her now ex, and is still healing those wounds. Something you don’t see often in an HEA is that these two characters reveal they’re not perfect, and that’s what makes them feel so genuine and delightful. I can’t wait to see where Vivienne Lorret takes us next. ❥ Pub. 7/1/25

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reading copy! Though not my favorite in this series, there were some sweet parts of this The Liars Club #3 books from Vivienne Lorret. Lorret is a master of historical romance and this is the third in a series of sisters, and though not my favorite, it had its charm. Some great things about this book was the connection and steam between the main characters Althea (Thea) and Jasper and there is a lot of charm and great historical writing plot devices. The bad thing about this book was that the pacing was all off, it took me a while to get into and get through and then it just ended pretty abruptly, leaving me kind of frustrated. Saying all that, this book is a sweet addition to a great series, I do recommend it if you're a fan of Lorret and historical romances.

I received an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

Content Warnings:
-implied intended sexual assault on a minor character, off page and thwarted
-implied intended sexual assault on main character, thwarted
-physical abuse to a child and an adult
-injured animal prior to beginning of book (he's alive and very well and very loved now)
-manipulation and emotional abuse
-prior death of a sibling, parents, and grandparents off page
- (I think that's everything but if i remember more I will update!)

This is exactly the kind of historical romance I love-- lots of plot with the balls and gossip as the backdrop! I love gossip as much as the next person, but I want something to dig into with a story, and this one delivers.

Althea comes from a rather dramatic family, and during her last Season, had her heart broken by a disgusting little rat of a man. Jasper lets the ton believe he's a stuttering simpleton, when he's actually a Robin Hood style highwayman--sort of? Anyway, they meet and Thea sees through him and there's an instant spark. He can't marry her because his uncle had him deemed mentally unfit, an she's determined to marry. But they still keep running into each other-literally. When she makes up a story about a highwayman, and then runs into one, she's thrilled to get her writing spark back, only to learn it's Jasper! We get family drama, theatrics, and some dastardly deeds by Jasper's uncle.

Jasper is my current favorite book boyfriend. He's a big dude, but he's so sweet and gentle with Thea, despite all the misconceptions about him. His bumbling act to the ton was such a good character trait, it made him so interesting. I would've fallen for him instantly, just like Thea. And Thea is such a good, layered character, bearing the wounds of her awful ex-suitor. I think the author wrote these characters so well, and really treated their core wounds with respect and authenticity. Neither of them felt perfect, and that only added to their charm and realness.

I requested this arc without realizing it was the third in a series, but I didn't feel lost, so these seem to be connected stand-alones. I do intend to check out the previous books!

I recommend this for fans of Alexandra Vasti or Erin Langston.

Also, can we talk about this old school cover?? When did publishing move away from these? Why? Nobody consulted me about this! 😂

Thanks to Avon/Harper Voyager for the ARC!

4.5/5 stars

2.5-3 stars

Sadly, this ended up being my least favorite of the series. The book started off pretty slow and I only continued because I’m such a fan of Lorret’s work. I ended up falling for Thea and Jasper, but that made it worse when things went off the rails towards the end. The third act drama was frustrating and the ending was rushed and abrupt. Everything is told to the reader in an info dump right at the end. I think the author was trying to close all the plot points, but instead it left me feeling unsatisfied and with more questions than answers. Where was the reckoning with the villain where he gets his comeuppance? Where was the groveling? I wanted to love this one, but it just didn’t hit the spot.

CW: death of parents (past), financial insecurity, gaslighting from previous suitor, emotional and physical abuse, grief, assault and attempted sexual assault

This is the third book in the Liar's Club series but can be read as a standalone.
Althea Hartley has lost her creativity to write plays. When she meets Jasper, Viscount St. James he spills his drink on her. Jasper is secretly a highwayman trying to protect his aunt and cousins from his evil uncle, the earl. When Althea and her chaperon are given a ride home one evening they are stopped by St. James and she figures out who he is.
The chemistry between them was awkward at first but quickly became hot after they got to know one another.
There are wonderful secondary characters, a truly evil uncle and a pet wolf.
I really enjoyed this book. Jasper and Althea had their challenges, and it made for a very enjoyable read. The only thing I missed was there was no epilogue.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, and these are my opinions.

I received a complimentary copy of This Much is True in exchange for an honest review. Great sotry line, but stalled out. Althea and Jasper were a great couple, and it was entertaining to see how they kept interacting throughout the book. Jasper's uncle sure was some kind of special and made the novel intersting. Overall, well written, and I enjpyed the story.

A fun but heartfelt historical romance. This book was so much fun to read. The writing was entertaining and did the perfect balancing act of the multiple plots that they flowed together and kept me engrossed in what would happen next. The emotion is to perfect wrought - heart breaking moments interspersed with laugh out loud humor that even when the plot gets pretty dark this doesn't become a dark book. This book is fun and unique and I think will appeal to any historical romance reader and I can't wait to read more from this author.

Althea is a driven you woman in her third season. She knows what she wants is is determined to make it happen. This book keep you wanting to read another page. Full of action and just enough romantic scenes to make you pay attention. You won't want to put this book down.