Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Two Truths and a Lyle
SERIES: A Prequel Novella for the series Games We Play #1
AUTHOR: D J Jamison
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 130 Pages
RELEASE DATE: January 26, 2023
BLURB:
Two Truths and a…wait, what?!
What happens when drunken idiots, aka your friends, use a silly drinking game to sideswipe you and your BFF with the truth bomb that you’re actually in love with each other?
Truman: You impulsively kiss the best friend you’ve been in love with for ages…then wake up with a hangover—and regrets.
Lyle: You freak out because you’re not gay or bi, before realizing the kiss wasn’t *actually* bad. Then you begin to wonder…should we do it again?
Two Truths and a Lyle is a cute, low-angst M/M romance with two oblivious best friends who are perfect for one another, a town full of quirky residents who get in everyone’s business, and a sweet demisexual awakening.
REVIEW:
During a drinking game, Lyle and Truman’s friends stage an intervention – pointing out that they are in love. The question is whether their interference sparks romance, anger, flight or all three.
This novella is a prequel, with a further four books in the Games We Play series, already on sale. All have received good amazon reviews. Indeed, I found Two Truths and a Lyle a classic of its genre and one that I enjoyed very much.
The story is primarily told in alternating chapters from the viewpoints of Lyle and Truman. One aspect that was new to me was the text chat sections between the group of friends. I liked how it cleverly added a different amusing dimension while letting the reader know what was going on in the heads of others. It also made an element of everyday life cool in a novel format.
The setting is within one of those small towns where everyone knows the others’ business, and there’s no such thing as a secret. Gossip spreads quicker than news on social media. It’s also a place where meddling is also caring. Oh, and without a doubt, the scene stealers are the golden oldie ladies. Age and experience have no filter, easily making the younger generation blush. I loved every minute that the grannie club were on the page.
The tale is billed as a low-angst romance, and given its length, the ensuing drama was appropriately realistic for the world created. Truman and Lyle grew up together and are like apple pie and custard – one isn’t right without the other. But, it’s not until Truman leaves for college that the applecart is overturned, making family and friends, particularly Lyle, feel like they have missing limbs. It’s that classic; you don’t know how much you miss something until it’s not there.
If you are a sucker for friends’ to lovers’ stories, this one should grace your shelves or whatever format you download.
RATING: 
BUY LINK: