If I'm Being Honest

The Vals

De: C. P. Cabaniss

Narrado por: Madison Brunoehler

When you build your life on lies, how do you find the truth?

After years of trying–and failing–to make relationships work, Rose has come to the realization that she isn’t made for anything that lasts. When you can’t even befriend your own cousins, why would anyone else want you? But faced with the reality of attending another family holiday alone, she enlists Michaelson, her handsome, friendly, talented coworker to pose as her fake boyfriend. The only problem is, she doesn’t even know his name.

Dmitri has known loss and the heartache that comes with it. Now, years removed from the event that devastated him, he’s found fulfillment in chasing the promotion that will land him–as Michaelson the news anchor–on national television. The only problem: he’s been passed over for years.

When he makes a deal with Rose to fake date her for a month in exchange for help landing the promotion, Dmitri knows it’s a long shot. But he doesn’t just say yes because it might move him onto Rockford and bigger things; he says yes because he wants to know why capable, confident, beautiful Rose needs a fake boyfriend in the first place.

©2024 C. P. Cabaniss (P)2025 C. P. Cabaniss

The depth, emotions, growth, and love story is superb.

This is Rose's story, Valerie's cousin. We first meet Rose in, I've Said Love. Our first impression of her is of a wicked cousin, who bullied Valarie. However, we find out she has depth and reasons why she behaved as such. We get to experience her growth in character and follow aloong as she finds love for herself, others, and Dimitri.

C.P. Cabaniss books are so full of deep emotions and well-developed characters that really make her books shine.

There are no swears or alcohol and level 1 kisses only.

Once again, as in the other audiobooks in this series, the narrator was great.

I received a complimentary ALC. All opinions are genuinely my own.

A new favorite!

C. P. Cabaniss does it again! Wow! I am floored. This book spoke to me, I can relate to Rose’s struggles. I shocked at how her thoughts so closely echoed my own at times. This book gives me hope for the future.
If I’m being honest, I loved this book! Rose and Dmitry are the most unlikely pairing, but they work.
I love how he protects her and helps her through her trauma.
I love how she isn’t the typical romantic stupid character. She owns up to her mistakes, and is willing to talk through misunderstanding. There was a moment I thought, “Oh no! They are going to misunderstand and then everything will fall apart!” But I was so glad to see that instead of avoiding the subject, they came back and talked it through.
I love that she has found the family that will support her, and that she is willing to do the hard work to fix her relationships.
And oh boy did I love seeing Dylan again! I was constantly cracking up over his antics. We see him a bit in I’ve Said Love, and let me tell you, he just gets better! Especially in that scene where the guys are moving furniture,😂😂😂😂LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!!
The narrator had a ball with this book! I loved how she voices Rose and Dmitry. I can still hear her amazing voice in my head when I think of these characters. I would highly recommend listening to this book.
Romance: Yes! Love this so much! Kissing and holding.
Gore: None
Cussing: None
Abuse: There is a character who is emotionally abusive/distant/judgemental. They are in the book briefly.
I recieved an ALC from the author. All thoughts are my own, I was not compensated for this review.

If I’m Being Honest

The narrator, Madison Brunoehler, did another fantastic job. She has a way of portraying all the emotion while keeping the vibe calm. I can’t describe it well but it’s incredible.

I probably needed a hug but read this book instead and I think it did more for me than the hug would have.

The feelings of inadequacy and being looked over was handled so well. The character growth and process of healing and forgiveness was relatable and realistic.

Dmitri was the most solid, supportive, reliable MMC I’ve come across. He grounds the story and rounds it out.

The best type of books are those that make you feel seen. This will be a book I come back to over and over.

Redemption for the Bully

This was such a satisfying redemption story for a bully! Rose is such a list sole that you just want to fit for her to better herself. The couple are so cute together and the banter is fun. I enjoyed how the narrator read the book. I recommend this audiobook for sure.
Thank you for the gift of this audiobook.

Loved it!

This was such a perfect and heartfelt story🥹
I loved EVERYTHING! the character development, the story line, and the MCs💗
The MMC was so incredibly sweet and loving. Rose, aka Ice Queen, and Dimitri helped each other heal and it was amazing 🥲
It did have a small miscommunication (more like assumption) happen but I didn’t mind it at all.😉
I loved the dual pov was really good!💗
The narration was amazing! The narrators did such a great job!🫶🏼
Thank you C. P. Cabaniss for this opportunity!💖

tropes:
💛 widow MMC
💛 broken FMC
💛 fake dating
💛 workplace romance
💛 dual POV
💛 thanksgiving
💛 fall/ winter vibes

CONTENT:
- kisses only (closed door)
- no language

ENJOY!💛