Tru Blue

By: Melissa Foster

Narrated by: Paul Woodson

Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Tru Blue is a sexy, dark, standalone novel written in the same loving, raw, and emotional voice romance listeners have come to love, and the deeply emotional literary prose women's fiction listeners have come to expect, from New York Times & USA Today best-selling, award-winning author Melissa Foster.

He wore the skin of a killer, and bore the heart of a lover.

There's nothing Truman Gritt won't do to protect his family - including spending years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. When he's finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother's overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she's left behind. Truman's hard, he's secretive, and he's trying to save a brother who's even more broken than he is. He's never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he's less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people's lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman's dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he'll be faced with his toughest decision yet.

©2016 Melissa Foster (P)2016 Melissa Foster

Just not for me...

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I am usually pretty easy as a critic, and unfortunately (in this case), I am one to always finish a book, but this book just seemed to drag on, and on, and on, and on... The 2 main characters just seemed to have no flaws, and there wasn't really any ups and downs in the story. I honestly, just wanted more from the story.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Just as expected, very predictable ending. And I am not saying that as a bad thing. I don't really mind a predictable ending when it comes to a romance novel. I want a happy ending

What aspect of Paul Woodson’s performance would you have changed?

His performance wasn't all that bad, I just didn't think that his voice fit the story. He actually has a great voice, and I would listen to another story with him as narrator. When you have a story about an ex-con that hangs out with a bunch of bikers, I expect something deeper, more gravely.

Any additional comments?

To me, this story almost felt like something you would read as fanfiction. Writing was good, but the story just seemed so... picturesque at times. I'm not sure if it was the narrator and the fact that I didn't think his voice fit with the story, or the lovey dove unrealistic story line, but this book just didn't do it for me. This was my 1st book by this author, and there are more by her that I would like to read/listen to, hopefully, I will enjoy them more.

A story to love and fall in love with Tru Blue

I found this to be a different side to Melissa Fosters work. You will be drawn in and taking on an emotional ride that will test your views of single parenting, ex-cons, spoiled rich girls, and more. There was a rich deep depth to the characters of this read that will stay with you for a long time. Its sexy, raw, dark, alluring, and captivating. You find friends, family, and more. Tru Gritt was a man that did do whatever to protect his family. Tru will steal your heart in this heartfelt grapple with family, devotion, friends, respect, acceptance, determination, life's second chances.

Melissa has given me a raw, dirty, dark look into the life of an ex-con that happens to be an older sibling doing what it takes to keep his family safe and cared for. I felt this one was a bit deeper in its emotional connection and had a more darker undertone than anything I have read of hers. No matter what she writes you feel the love, respect, family, friends, loyalty, and hopes and dreams come out clear and strong with each new chapter that you read.

Narrator Paul Woodson was new to my narrator list and he will be there for a while. He gave the male POV strong presence and strength. You could find a connection with him and his characters with each new voice he provided. The audio was clean, clear, and flowed well.

You will truly fall in love.

This is one of my favorite books that Melissa Foster has written. It is a little different from the Love in Bloom series but great none the less. Take a chance on Tru Blue and you will not be disappointed and probably have a new book boyfriend.

Imagine finding out you have siblings that are infants who are living in squalor and that your mom just died. You are now their sole caretaker and have no idea what to do. That is what happens to Truman but he quickly gets help in the form of sweet sexy Gemma.

She helps him figure out what he needs and how to take care of his new found siblings. Knowing she can’t have kids of her own that she really wants, she helps Truman out and begins to become close to the kids and Truman.

This book is one of my favorites but is even better to listen to. The narrator does a great job of transitioning between a sort of grity Truman or Whiskey brothers voice and a more “refined” voice that Gemma and her family have.

Loyal and dedicated hero and heroine

I liked this book, but there were parts of the story, the writing and the narration that bothered me in this book. I think it was purely personal preference, and should not deter anyone else from exploring the love between Tru and Gemma

LOVE THIS STORY!

Tru Blue is a favorite story of mine. Each time I read the ballad of Gemma and Tru, it feels like the first time. Truman is more than the label that life has painted on his chest. He's a beautiful soul working his way through an ugly situation.  It's hard to walk through a heartbeat with a heartache is just around the corner.  Foster turns the pain into a beautiful love song with a haunting melody that captures the power of forgiveness, even at the price of hope.  The edition of Mr. Woodson makes the journey even more real, because he gives an emotional performance through the eyes of an unforgettable character. (5 + stars)

 

Sigh... Truman

Audiobook Review… Paul Woodson is the perfect Truman. He has a deep, thoughtful, sexy voice that portrays Tru exactly how I expected him to sound. He takes the caring feelings, the fear of ruining the life he is making, and the sexiness of Tru and brings them alive. This isn’t a light and easy book, although there were plenty of fun times in the story. It is rough, tough, and gritty but has all the love, sexiness, and friendships that Melissa Foster is known for.

eBook Review…Tru Blue is Melissa Foster at her best. She brings to this story an absolutely amazingly complex character in Truman. He has lived his entire life, even as a child, protecting and saving those he loves. He even went to prison to protect his brother. The things he saw, the things he did, and the reactions he had have shaped him into the man he is today. Then he meets Gemma.

Oh, Gemma…she is exactly what a man like Tru needs. She accepts him for who he is, she offers him support, not pity or sympathy, and she loves him. The things she is able to do for him are not easy. She offers him support and guidance even when he doesn’t think he needs or wants it. She loves him even when he thinks he is unlovable. She lifts him up when he is down on himself and his life. In return for all this Truman gives Gemma the two things she has wanted her entire life. The first is unconditional love. He just gives it to her, there are no conditions, no do this for my love, he just opens his arms and his heart and lets her in. The second thing she has wanted her entire life?? Well, you need to read the story to find that out.


You have to pick up this standalone story. Truman and Gemma are amazing. Their love is real, with rough spots and all.

Absolutely wonderful

What an absolutely amazing book by Melissa Foster. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started this book, but Ms. Foster hit every emotion I had. I can't tell you how many times I reached for the tissues. Truman tugged at my heart strings the entire way. Truman, a definite alpha is now taking care of his two younger siblings and hasn't got a clue on how to do that. Truman runs into Gemma at the store and she helps him buy what he needs to take care of them. Gemma is instantly drawn to Truman's caring and compassionate way of dealing with the young children. Truman begins falling for Gemma and wants to share his past with her so they can hopefully have a future. Truman show us his softer side when it comes to his family and it makes you fall in love with him even more. I cannot wait to see what else Melissa Foster has in store with this series!
Paul Woodson brought this book to life in the audio version. Reading it brought tears my eyes, but listening to it was even better. He did an amazing job narrating this wonderful story.

Can’t Help Falling In Love With Tru!

What a wonderful heartfelt love story! Tru and Gemma’s Story is so beautifully told by Melissa Foster! My heart just exploded with love for Tru! Hot, sexy, always trying to do the right thing! And Gemma his soul mate who fell head over heels in love with him! This has got to be one of my absolute favorite books by Melissa Foster! I also listened to the audible and fell in Love all over again!

Heartfelt

What a witty, humorous, sweet story. Tru had been in prison for six years and he loved to paint. His brother called him and needed his help with their mother. When he got there his brother was beside his dead mother, a baby and a toddler. Tru took the kids with him. After cleaning them up, he took them to WalMart to get food and clothes for them. Gems was in there looking at baby clothes, wishing she could have children. She saw Tru with the kids and helped him pick out stuff for them. Then the adventure begins! What a fantastic job Paul Woodson did with the narration of this wonderfully written story!

Fantastic Story

The story was very engaging! Great M and F MC. I loved the way Melissa weaved all the characters into the whole story. They were truly a family. Many feels in her writings, in the books I have read by her. I look forward to reading this entire series and more from Melissa. ENJOY!!

Love Tru & Gemma

I adored the kindle version of the story so knew I would enjoy the audio.
Listening to the audio book of a favourite read, for me, adds a depth to the story and characters.

Paul Woodson did a really good job on narration and while I usually like 2 narrators to cover the h/H roles I really enjoyed listening to Paul’s work.

You won't want to stop listening to this one

. There are some books that take a few chapters before you know its going to be good .After listening to the first few pages you know its going to be good. You have a good guy protecting his brother, then just when he thinks its his time he has to step in a be more than a brother. Then along comes Gemma. There is no looking back after a chance meeting. Along with good friends and Gemma life starts to look good for Truman. I look forward to reading more about the Whiskey family.

Loved it

Loved this book already got the next book in the series so worth it

Tru Blue

Paul Woodson is a enjoyable narrator.

How do cope and who do you turn to, when you find out you have infant siblings and their and your mum has died.

Truman finds help in Gemma, a very humorous and witty book

Great narration

Every time I listen or read one of Melissa Foster's books, I want to go back and re-read the whole Love in Bloom series. She creates amazing characters and Tru Blue is filled with more.

This was the first time I've heard Paul Woodson as a narrator. He did a great job, especially considering I prefer have dual narrators.

Cute single dad story

I don't know what it is about single dad stories but I usually like them. Truman was great - swoon.

Enjoyed Gemma but hated the whole princess party thing. Was she really dressing up in slutty princess outfits? Weird. I'm not a prude but don't think I'd approved if I booked it for a kids party.

Won't be a reread but enjoyed it and will continue on with the series.

Audio version - narrator was good. Clear, easy voice to listen to but not a voice I'd seek out trying to listen to everything he narrated for.

outstanding

Truman has had such a rough life so when he meets Gemma hes ready for someone of his own to love. He is , however, forced to look after his siblings he never knew he had and try to come to terms with his mothers death. Highly recommended