The Gritty Truth

The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor

By: Melissa Foster

Narrated by: Jennifer Mack, Jacob Morgan

Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's Summary

A fun, sexy, and emotionally riveting new stand-alone romance by New York Times best-selling author Melissa Foster. USA Today best seller The Gritty Truth is the perfect love story for those who enjoy fiercely loyal and insanely sexy alpha heroes, smart, sassy heroines, strong family bonds, bikers, babies, and more!

Recovering drug addict Quincy Gritt has fought his demons. He’s confessed to his crimes and conquered his addictions. He’s finally ready to go after sweet, sexy Roni, the gorgeous brunette who won a date with him in a charity auction five months ago and has been putting him off, and driving him wild, ever since.

Dancer Veronica “Roni” Wescott worked hard to escape the seedy area where she was raised and followed her dreams to Julliard, only to have them shattered in the blink of an eye. She fought hard and regained her footing, but then the rug was pulled out from under her again when the grandmother who raised her passed away, leaving Roni feeling adrift in a world she knows very little about outside of dance. And then there's Charlie Hunnam-lookalike Quincy Gritt - the man whose late-night texts pulled her through her grief and have been setting her heart aflutter for months

Quincy pulls out all the stops, determined to prove that their friendship is only the beginning of what’s destined to be so much more. Romantic nights lead to smoldering passion and a deep connection too strong to be denied. But when Quincy’s past comes back to haunt him, can he and Roni accept their new gritty truth, or will Quincy spiral back into the darkness and lose the future he fought so hard to have?

The Whiskeys are perfect beach listens with depth of story, strong family ties, and a wealth of emotions. Small-town love stories with happily ever afters guaranteed.

©2020 Melissa Foster (P)2020 Melissa Foster

inspiring love story

Already a huge Jacob Morgan fan! Jennifer Mack is a new-to-me narrator and I really enjoyed her performance. The narration was very engaging even though I do prefer first-person storytelling for audio.

Quincy and Roni have an amazing love story. They lean into friends for support and deal with their broken pasts and hurts. Quincy was perhaps a bit too perfect, but he makes for an excellent book boyfriend.

I haven't read any of the other Whiskeys books. While this story does stand alone, as is the case with many book series I can see how having the backstory of other characters would lead to a fuller understanding of the relationships and story world. I'm now inspired to go back and read the others.

Beautiful Love Story!

This story is part of The Whiskeys, a standalone Small Town Romance. Veronica (Roni) and Quincy’s friends to lovers and slow burn romance is sweet, emotional and beautiful. Quincy, a recovering drug addict, is a handsome, sexy alpha man, caring, and protective. Veronica (Roni), an injured dancer, is smart, and strong. They share a strong and sizzling chemistry. They are opposites attract, but perfect together. I love the strong family bonds, and the amazing friendship in this story. The Dark Knights are handsome. This is a beautiful love story, and a great addition to The Whiskeys. Jennifer Mack and Jacob Morgan did a wonderful job with the narration. They are perfect as Roni and Quincy. #AudiobookObsession

Contemporary Romance

The Gritty Truth by Melissa Foster is a contemporary romance that I listened I listened to on audio narrated by Jennifer Mack and Jacob Morgan. This is the seventh book in The Whiskeys: Dark Knights At Peaceful Harbor series but can be read as a standalone.

This is the sixth book of Melissa’s that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. It was absolutely amazing. Melissa sure knows how to take you through an emotional roller coaster. You can’t help but fall in love with Quincy and Roni. I cannot wait to read more books from The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor series.

Jennifer and Jacob did a great job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

I would recommend this book if you love contemporary romances.

Audiobook Obsession Reviewer

Beautiful story of love

This is Quincy and Veronica's love story. Quincy, is a recovering addict. Veronica/Roni, a dancer, was injured by an accident. Quincy and Roni both had emotional baggage they had to get thru before moving forward with their relationship. He knew things may change when he told her about his troubled past.
There were doubts, anxiety, emotional moments. With the love for each other, they could overcome obstacles in their way. His adoration of her shines through throughout this story. I love the interaction, support, they give each other whenever needed.
The Whiskeys and the Dark Knights never know a stranger. When Quincy introduced Roni to them, she was overwhelmed by their kindness and friendship.
Jennifer Mack and a Jacob Morgan phenomenal narration shows Roni and Quincy at their strongest, weakest and most vulnerable moments. Their voices and personalities for each character were spot on! Their ability to transition from one character to the other is flawless.
🎧audiobookobsessionreviewer🎧

Booful Story

Title: The Gritty Truth
Author: Melissa Foster
Format: Audio
Narrators: Jennifer Mack, Jacob Morgan
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Sports (Dance), friends to lovers
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor Book 7
POV: Ronnie and Quincy
Steam Level: Steamy
5/5

I've read several Melissa Foster books and I think that The Gritty Truth is my favorite. It's gritty dealing is addiction recovery and an emotional journey with Ronnie accepting her scars and limitations. I also love how Melissa Foster's series always have a built in support system with couples from previous and future books. I love Ronnie and Quincy! Both have gone through so much but are experiencing a lot of their firsts together. This is one of those stories that not only touches your heart, but also has some unexpected twists. It's funny and sweet and I love the characters both primary and secondary.

Favorite Quote:
Scars are reminders of the things we've gone through that brought us to this point and made us who we are. They may not be memories we want to revisit but they don't make us ugly.

I received this audiobook for free from Audiobook Obsession and Pink Flamingo Productions. This is my honest and voluntary review.

The Gritty Truth

These two definitely have some baggage that they are carrying from their pasts. I love seeing the strength they had on their own and how stronger it became when they began to confide and lean on each other. All the characters in this book are so full of depth you can’t help but fall in love with each and every one. An amazing book with fantastic narration.

Slow

ok so I could not get past the first 4 chapters. it was just to slow for me. This is not a bicker book at all!

Heartbreaking, loving story

Audiobook Review…I cannot rave enough about Quincy Gritt’s story. I was listening to Jennifer Mack and Jacob Morgan read his story and tears were rolling down my cheeks. The story is hard, emotional, and wonderful. The narrators bring the fear, the strength, and the Gritt of the story to life. The love between Quincy and Roni is evident with every look, every word, and every touch. I could feel their love come to be as I heard their story be told.

Ebook Review…I have been waiting for Quincy’s story and it is finally here. Quincy has been a character in other Whiskey books, and I knew he had quite the story to tell. Never did I dream that Melissa Foster would take me on the ride she did while telling the story. I cried I cringed, I hoped, and I dreamed of Quincy and Roni. Both characters had a story to tell and their stories made them perfect for each other.

Roni and Quincy are both recovering. They are recovering from different things, but they are both working to keep their past behind them and find a future they can thrive and grow in. While texting for months, blushing when Roni sees Quincy, and keeping their distance from each other they shared their lives, dreams, and hopes for the future. Quincy was taking notes and making plans on his way to win Roni’s heart. The first date between them put all other first dates to shame. I swooned while reading what Quincy was willing to do for Roni. It goes to prove that you do not have to spend a lot of money or go to extravagant ends to impress someone, just take the time to learn what is important to them and make it work for you.

Melissa Foster is amazing, talented, and knows just the words to write to pull her reader deep into her characters' world. Pick up your copy of The Gritty Truth. Read the entire series of The Whiskeys.

Overcoming their pasts

Quincy and Roni both have pasts they wish they could forget but it is what made them who they are today so there is no escaping it but when their friendship grows to something more they need to tell the other just how bad their childhoods were and hope they can move past them to a future with each other.

This is a book about healing and learning and moving on. It is a slow burn love affair where Quincy and Roni are friends long before they allow it to be more so when they do come together the sparks really fly.

Jennifer Mack and Jacob Morgan did a great job. I love listening to Jacob, this was my first listening to Jennifer and she was great.

I enjoyed listening to this book.

Beautiful Story

I loved this audiobook! The narration was perfection. Quincy and Ronnie had a slow burn romance that blossomed over text messages. Once they decided to go for it, sizzling chemistry ignited between them. They both have troubled pasts and had to deal with some serious issues. Will their love be enough to pull them through? This story flowed so well and all the side characters are also fantastic. I adored this story and didn’t want to stop listening to do anything else in my normal life. I loved this audiobook and highly recommend the listen.

Quincy and Roni!

Quincy has endured a childhood that no one should have to. The guilt and regrets of what transpired led to a downward spiral that resulted in a drug addiction that it would take years before he hit bottom and realized that he needed to make changes. He has now been sober for two years and is ready to pursue the woman who has claimed his heart but first he has to convince her to give him a chance.

Roni has a painful past of her own when an accident destroyed her dreams for the future. Her strength and resilience allowed her to overcome and she has created a new life for herself but the loss of the one person who always been there for her has rocked her world once again.

Quincy’s determination pays off and when he finally convinces Roni to go out with him and they are drawn to each other in a way that neither expected. Quincy wants to ensure that Roni knows everything about him and that includes his past but will this bring them closer or tear them apart?

The characters are both so strong and resilient as Roni and Quincy have overcome so much in their lives. The chemistry between them is intense, their interactions are humorous, but it is the emotional pull of the story that makes it so special. I really enjoyed how the narrators were able to pull out all the emotions of this story. 🎧The Flock

Quincy's story!!

When we met Quincy in Tru Blue, I was hoping he was going to get his own story and was thrilled to be able to listen! Quincy has had it hard. A terrible childhood with a mother who not only neglected him but turned him to drugs left him on a path to destruction. The only light is his older brother Tru who does his best to help him. Now after hitting rock bottom, he is ready to start living again. When he meets Roni, he is taken with her and is ready to pursue. Roni is a tough cookie! She is insecure with herself, and is unsure anyone will ever love her. But this Quincy does what he can to prove her wrong. The only thing is once a drug addict, anything could trigger Quincy back down the dark road. Will she be able to live with that? Will he accept her as she is? Will he resort back to his habit? This is a beautifully sweet story and Melissa Foster knows exactly how to tell it. Tugging my heart strings, making me love these two, she lets me fall in love while dealing with real life issues. I love her books, always giving me that feeling of community, and this one gives us the Whiskey's in full force! It's like coming home and enjoying my time with the Dark Knights. It's another fantastic addition to the series and my favorite so far!

Jacob Morgan and Jennifer Mack team up to give us this beautiful love story to our ears. They are perfectly cast. Morgan is a talent, and he falls into character as Quincy, the loving man, recovering addict perfectly. He gives him an honest feel, and we know exactly where he stands with his inflections. Mack comes in as a slightly insecure Roni, and we get to hear her gain confidence with the nuances Mack uses. It's a great listen and I would love more from these two.

The Gritty Truth

These two definitely have some baggage that they are carrying from their pasts. I love seeing the strength they had on their own and how stronger it became when they began to confide and lean on each other. All the characters in this book are so full of depth you can’t help but fall in love with each and every one. An amazing book with fantastic narration.

#AudiobookObsessionReviewer

Heartwarming and beautiful story about redemption

Melissa Foster has multiple series and I love how intertwined they are, even though I have to admit that there were a few names mentioned in this book that I didn't know. Obviously, I need to read more of her books!

That's a huge part of this story and in fact, of the couple of books i've read in this series- family is completely intertwined and I adored how much love and respect was throughout the story, not just between the couple, Roni and Quincy, but also between the different families and friends. The book is mostly sugary sweet. While drug addiction is an underlying theme as is loss and tragedy, the majority of the story was so much about how love helps people overcome tragic pasts. I really enjoyed watching Roni and Quincy fall in love. The only reason I gave the story 4 stars is that the sugary sweet part of their story was quite long and perhaps a bit extended. But Melissa Foster did a masterful job of closing the story out with a heartfelt, beautiful HEA.

i listened to the audiobook and Jennifer Mack and my personal favorite, Jacob Morgan, were amazing. They played multiple roles so well and they were fantastic at really elevating the emotion. A great listen!

🎧AudiobookObsessionReviewer, AudiobookObsession

Beautiful Redemption Story

Thoughts on Plot: I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. The book is filled with hope and inspiration. We have one character who escaped life by getting addicted to drugs. He got clean and two years later runs a group to help others stay clean as well. He falls for a girl who's whole dream was ruined due to one accident. It's a beautiful story and I couldn't help but fall in love with the story and the characters.
Thoughts on Characters: I'm horrible with remembering names. However, I'll do the best I can here. Quincy is a recovering addict who does everything he can to keep himself clean and take care of those he cares about. Then we have Roni who is an amazingly talented dancer that got into a bad accident that cost her her entire career. Both of them are amazing characters. I also really adored their best friends. They really helped the two through everything as best friends should.
Notable Points in Book: This is book 7 in a series, but can be read alone. This book discusses drug addiction and all of the violence that goes along with it.
Rating on Narrator: Jennifer Mack- 5 Stars, Jacob Morgan- 5 Stars
Thoughts on Audiobook: This audio really enhanced the book for me. I loved that they were so lively and energetic with the whole story.
Suggestions for Author: None that I can think of.
Would I Recommend?: Yes. Especially to those who think they aren't enough because of their past.

Contemporary Romance

The Gritty Truth by Melissa Foster is a contemporary romance that I listened I listened to on audio narrated by Jennifer Mack and Jacob Morgan. This is the seventh book in The Whiskeys: Dark Knights At Peaceful Harbor series but can be read as a standalone.

This is the sixth book of Melissa’s that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. It was absolutely amazing. Melissa sure knows how to take you through an emotional roller coaster. You can’t help but fall in love with Quincy and Roni. I cannot wait to read more books from The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor series.

Jennifer and Jacob did a great job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

I would recommend this book if you love contemporary romances.

Audiobook Obsession Reviewer

Loved Quincy and Roni!

The Gritty Truth by Melissa Foster was so much better than I expected and my expectations were high! I’m just so impressed with every book that Foster releases, they seem to get better and better. The Gritty Truth was so emotionally charged for both main characters. Quincy is a character I’ve been eagerly awaiting since meeting him in True Blu. He was everything I expected and so much more. He’s one of those men that knows just what (read who) he wants and goes after it (them)! I really adored the heart of Quincy. He just puts it all right out there for Roni to take or discard. I can’t wait to see what is up next!


The narration by Jennifer Mack and Jacob Morgan was fabulous! I’ve been noticing Jennifer Mack more and more in audiobooks. I have found that I really like her performances. As Veronica, she portrayed that hope that Veronica seemed to exude. But she was also struggling with grief. I felt that in Mack’s voice. She really does a great job of bring life to characters. Jacob Morgan has been a favorite male narrator for the past several years. I just feel like he has that alpha male voice going on. Quincy’s character certainly gives off that alpha vibe, he also has a softer side to him. Morgan seems to add the pulse to the characters he portrays. I just enjoy his audio so much!


#AudiobookObsession

A sweet sexy and emotional drama

Two lost souls who miraculously find each other, and eventually learn to trust in each other. Quincy Gritt didn’t have the best start in life, with a mother who didn’t care he went off the rails. When things finally start to look up and he’s ready to commit, Veronica ‘Roni’ Westcott is the girl he sees a future with. Roni too has had to fight her demons, and trusting in Quincy has helped her confidence grow. A slow burn with wonderful characters, lots of sexual chemistry, and a story that gave me all the feels. Narrated by Jacob Morgan (got to say he’s a favourite of mine), and Jennifer Mack, both did a fab job of narrating, really bringing the story to life.
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer

Fantastic book!! And narrators!

Ronnie and Quincys story is excellent. Melissa Foster has a way with characters and storylines that will, in places, take your breath away.

Quincy is a man who has had issues in his life, issues that he has made a concerted effort to work through and daily overcome. He is a solid, honest, loving man who does good every day. His attraction to Ronnie was instant, but he wanted to move slow to give her the time she needs to be comfortable enough to be with him. You will adore him!!!

Ronnie is a dancer, a dancer who’s career has been stalled since she was hit by a car after she graduated from Juliard. When she lost her grandmother, who raised her, after that.. she became nearly reclusive. She doesn’t let many people in. She and Quincy have been friends, and had many text conversations for a few months. She is wary of further relationship... until he finally wears her down and gets her to go on a date with him.

This begins a wonderful relationship that is one everyone will covet! There are twists and turns... you’ll laugh and you’ll cry.. but in the end.. you will love this book! You won’t be able not to!

Jennifer Mack and Jacob Morgan... that’s a team I could listen to every day. They are very good!!!