**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**
Title Truth, Lies, and Second Dates
Author MaryJanice Davidson
Release Date December 15, 2020
Description from Amazon
Captain Ava Capp has been flying from her past for a decade. She’d much rather leave it, and her home state, behind forever. But when she finds herself back in Minnesota, against her better judgment, everything goes sideways in a way she never expected it to.
M.E. Dr. Tom Baker has never forgotten Ava and the cold case she ran away from. When she shows up unexpectedly in town, in spite of himself, sparks fly. Which is terrible because he can’t stop his growing attraction to her. Can these two Type-A’s let their guards down and work together to put Ava’s tragic past behind her for good? And keep their hands off each other at the same time?
Initial Thoughts
I downloaded this book a while ago but didn’t get a chance to read it until closer to release date. I really liked the idea of a pilot as a main character. Also, I was excited to see some enemies to lovers-esque vibes from our main character and her love interest.
Some Things I Liked
- Veronica Mars vibes. This story is basically Veronica Mars if Veronica was a pilot instead of a lawyer. And, I was so here for that. It’s one of my favorite CW shows from back in the day.
- Murder mystery. The synopsis didn’t really do this part justice. Ava isn’t just living with trauma in her past. It’s an unsolved murder and I was so excited that the plot revolved around her not only seeking closure, but also solving the crime.
- Big Bang Theory vibes. Not to compare it to anther TV show, but I loved that Tom and Ava reminded me of Sheldon and Amy in their business-like approach to romance. I liked how they really seemed to understand each other.
Some Things I Wasn’t Crazy About
- Ava and Tom were both so no-nonsense. Honestly, it made them almost robotic. Their dialogue was a bit chaotic and hard to follow because of that. Now, that could be a knock to the writing style, but overall, I felt I had a hard time understanding some of their conversations as well as their conversations with other characters. Sometimes the sarcasm didn’t translate well.
- The romance. I liked it, but at times, I didn’t understand how Ava went from zero attachments, hating relationships, to what she ended up with. It just felt rushed.
Series Value
I didn’t love this book, but I think there’s value in a series here. Captain Ava and Dr. Tom solving crimes together could be a fun dynamic that I’d revisit.
Final Thoughts
I liked this book. I didn’t love it. I wouldn’t reread it. But, I also wouldn’t stop myself from continuing it if it became a series. There are a lot of good bones here but some portions fell flat for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – if you enjoyed the enemies to lovers vibes in this story, try this standalone by Sally Thorne.
- Love Sold Separately by Ellen Meister – if you liked the idea of a snarky and sassy heroine solving a murder with an unlikely ally from the police force, try this standalone.
Books Over Everything 