‘Told You Twice’: Emotionally Investing and Raw

STORY: Stars are finally aligning for Alexis Murphy. She has an adoring fiancé, Jeffrey, and with him, she’s planning a fairytale wedding with Grace Evangeline. All is made sweeter since Grace is married to Exi’s cousin, Devin, the guy who still affectionately calls her by the childhood nickname. Her otherwise ideal life hits a snag when Exi meets Bo Corrigan, the one man Devin distrusts most.

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Bo is walking, breathing trouble. Grace sees more to him, but when he expresses interest in Exi, all Devin can see is an infuriating charmer out to break hearts. Bo is struggling internally with his lifestyle. He isn’t sure what he wants and questions everything: including his sketchy past and his infatuation with Exi. All of which could cost Bo a great deal more that he is willing to give.   

Told You Twice, by Kristen Heitzmann | Book Review

As with everything I’ve read by Heitzmann, this second Indie novel from her is another emotional roller-coaster. Like its companion novel, this digs beneath the surface of contemporary romance to look underneath all the happy moments. Primarily this is because of the characters and strong personalities. As someone who grew up with the inspirational fiction that was of the proper variety – both as an emotional outlet and in terms of the procedures of the era (think historical prairie fiction), reading “edgy” fiction is something new. This is the reason why reading this novel is such a gratifying experience that, for those of us willing to look past the tragedy, is beautifully rewarding. 

…you are everything that’s right with this world. Don’t let anyone dim your light. No one knows who you are inside so don’t let them define you. – Kristen Heitzmann

For many, the characters will be, and should be, the greatest incentive. They’re so well examined, there isn’t anything left wanting. Everyone is genuine and fights to come out the other end of a “hopeless,” or traumatic experience. Exi seeks something she didn’t (really) know she’s searching for. Bo, though aware of what people think of him, is, as Grace wisely knows, hiding beneath a façade. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m thoroughly disappointed in Bo over something he does. That said, I understand the reason for this and appreciate that it makes the journey, story and experience all the more satisfying. Fans of Told You So will relish in experiencing Grace and Devin in a healthy place as they are more than secondary afterthoughts. (A reason why you should read Told You So first.)

If you’re looking for something that will shake up the safety net of your usual reading, Told You Twice is it. If you’re
hungering for a romance that, while about the attraction, digs beneath surface appearances, Told You Twice will not disappoint. It’s raw, powerful and unapologetic for its intentions. The story has a solid message that becomes its goal to tell, and in the end, it does this without fear.  

About the Book:

Author: Kristen Heitzmann
Publisher: bHd Books (Indie)
Source: Author Provided (via Rel’s Author Services)
Publication Date: 2016
Find the Review elsewhere: Amazon ǀ Goodreads
Find the Book Elsewhere:  Goodreads
Series: Told You, Book 2
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 

Content: There are minor innuendoes or sexual references (all “behind the door” classy than graphic) in this novel on the same level as its predecessor. A (light) PG13 rating would likely be affixed to this if it were under the film rating system. 

Sincere thanks to the author and Rel for providing a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purposes. 

Review text is © Copyright 2011-2016 Rissi JC and first appeared on Finding Wonderland (Dreaming Under the Same Moon), RissiWrites.com