If you're up for a deep dive into raw, gut-wrenching emotions and complicated romance, "True Love Story" delivers. Fans of angsty second-chance love stories and those who appreciate flawed but realistic characters will find themselves hooked. The journey of Sparrow and Ian through heartbreak, personal growth, and the temptation of forgiveness is intensely personal and so achingly real, you might find yourself rooting for (and yelling at) them in equal measure. If you crave books that make you feel everything - from swoons to heartbreak - this one won’t let you down.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If cheating is a hard no in your romance reads or you prefer love stories without major heartbreak, this book might not be your cup of tea. Some found the characters' choices - especially Ian’s actions - hard to stomach, and the secrecy/frustration surrounding their relationship off-putting. Readers who want their romance drama-free or quickly resolved might not love the extended angst and emotional turbulence here.

Prepare for a rollercoaster: "True Love Story" is beautifully written but brutally honest about love, mistakes, and forgiveness. It’s not an easy ride, but it’s unforgettable for those who can take the emotional punches.

About:

'True Love Story' by Willow Aster is a raw and emotional tale of heartbreak, love, and second chances. The story follows Sparrow and Ian, whose paths cross multiple times, leading to a deep connection despite the challenges they face. The book explores themes of forgiveness, growth, and the complexities of relationships, with a writing style that evokes strong emotions in readers through its poignant storytelling and well-developed characters.

Characters:

The characters are vividly drawn, with Sparrow as a naive yet strong individual, and Ian as a complex rock star whose choices drive the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is emotional and evocative, drawing readers into the characters' intense feelings and internal struggles.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows the tumultuous romance between Sparrow and Ian, highlighting their emotional highs and lows over several years, including themes of love, betrayal, and the challenge of reconnecting.

Setting:

The setting centers around the rock music world and includes various locations tied to the characters' journeys, with a mixture of present and previous timelines.

Pacing:

The pacing is varied, offering deep emotional moments while unfolding key events over time, which can create a slow build-up to significant developments.

It has been a year, two months, and seventeen days since I last saw him. Two years, ten months, and five days since he broke my heart—well, since I knew that he had broken my heart. Technically, he be...

Notes:

The story follows Sparrow and Ian over a 5-year period featuring both good and bad times.

There is a significant age difference between the main characters: Ian is an established musician, while Sparrow is just starting college.

The relationship faces challenges due to Ian's constant touring, which prevents them from being together.

The opening chapter hints at a major event that causes a 2-year separation between Sparrow and Ian.

Sparrow has strong feelings for Ian, stating she wants him more than basic necessities like food or water.

The book explores themes of love, heartbreak, and forgiveness, focusing on whether love can overcome challenges.

There are moments of intense emotional connection, as reflected in letters Ian writes to Sparrow.

The book includes a subplot involving infidelity, which is a central point of conflict between the characters.

Sparrow's character is noted for her strength and agency, as she does not immediately forgive Ian after his wrongdoing.

Many readers found the book emotionally impactful, with some calling it a brutal love story that left them feeling heartbroken.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include cheating, heartache, and emotional distress, which are significant themes in the story.

Has Romance?

Romance is a central theme in the story, characterized by intense emotional connections and struggles.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

Growing up in an idealistic home, Sparrow Fisher is sheltered and innocent. When she meets Ian Sterling, a musician who is rising in popularity, she instantly falls for his charm.

They run into each other over the next few months and eventually begin an unconventional relationship. At different places in their lives, Sparrow is off to college in New York, and Ian is traveling the country with the band. When they see each other, all seems wonderful and lighthearted, but when they're apart, Sparrow is left to wonder if Ian really cares about her the way he says he does, or if she's just another pretty face to him.

Once their relationship steadies, they're both happier than they've ever been, and it's hard to not get caught up in the magic they have together. Until something so devastating comes to light that threatens to shatter everything they've built with each other. True Love Story is a story about the real highs and lows that come with a relationship-happiness, pain, angst, and finding out if love really is enough.

February 2013

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402 pages

Ratings (19)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (7)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (52):

Read It (21)
Currently Reading (3)
Want To Read (21)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (6)

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True Love Story

Willow Aster

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