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Finally, Lucas Lawson is a free man. After serving five years in prison for embezzlement, he’s come home to Jessamine to right the wrongs he committed against his friends and family. But, it won’t be easy. For starters, the brother he’s looked up to his entire life wants nothing to do with him, and no one in town trusts Lucas enough to give him a chance to make amends. Until, Bailey Yates gives him a job at her family’s diner.

Single mom, Bailey Yates, has had enough of bad boys to last her the next eighteen years. She’s always been a sucker for them, and Jessamine’s ultimate bad boy, Lucas Lawson, is no exception. So, when he returns to town, naturally she’s drawn to him. And naturally, she must avoid him at all costs—no matter how sexy he is. She’ll give him a job, and keep her distance…until Lucas saves her son from a hit and run.

Bailey gives Lucas a hope for the future he hasn’t allowed himself to feel in years while Lucas melts Bailey’s heart every time he spends time with her son. Could he be the one to put her life back together? But when Lucas is accused of stealing from a local charity, Bailey must decide to support him or realize that some men are too good to be true.

Unknown Binding

Published January 29, 2015

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About the author

Marquita Valentine

74 books1,741 followers
Marquita Valentine is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance.

When she's not writing sexy heroes who adore their sassy heroines, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Married to her high school sweetheart, Marquita lives in a seriously small town in the south.

You can sign up for her newsletter here: https://goo.gl/3XFh3k

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,102 reviews1,385 followers
January 9, 2016
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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Love So True by Marquita Valentine is the second installment to The Lawson Brother Series. I absolutely loved the story of Lucas Lawson because this one was more than a romance story but also a story of redemption, second chances, and forgiveness. Lucas was the prodigal son of the Lawson family who finally returned home after serving 5 years in federal prison for embezzlement. He is well aware of the stigma and what the towns-folks think of him. Besides his parents, the only person who gave him a second chance was Bailey Yates. Bailey saw the good in Lucas and him wanting to start anew. As Bailey and Lucas spent more time with one another, feelings begins to develop especially since she saw how Lucas treated her son, Leo. But when several townspeople accused of Lucas of stealing from a charity, can Bailey defend the man she loves?

#LoveSoTrue

Love So True was definitely one of those sweet reads that will touch your heats. It is a testament of forgiveness and getting that second chance in life to make amends of past sins. What drew me into this story was how Lucas was trying to start over even if it means working in a diner that doesn't pay much. I love that Ms. Valentine did not just give us only a romance story but a story that reminds us all that everyone deserves a second chance at life. Thank you Marquita for introducing us to Lucas Lawson. He is indeed superman!!!

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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Marquita Valentine
Profile Image for Danielle.
1,339 reviews50 followers
January 17, 2016
The Lawson brother are getting more and more interesting! This is the second book Valentine in this series and wow it different.

Lucas is just came out of prison for embezzlement and doesn't want his family to know he is out. When he finally makes it to there house they are having a celebration but not everyone is so welcoming of his coming home.

Bailey is a single mom and runs her families restaurant. She has always gone for the bad boys but there is something about Lucas that still calls to her. Bailey knows he has changed and now it's time to help everyone see that he has by giving him a chance that a lot of people won't.

I thought this story was short and to the point. I didn't totally fall in love with Lucas and Bailey at first because of their situation but the more I read the more I began to see what they saw in one another. They both wanted to show there town that people who made mistakes could change.

I really liked Brody in the first book but in this book I kind of wish he was written out. He was a complete jerk to Lucas throughout the entire book and I hope as the books continue there issues will be resolved.

I am really enjoying learning about each Lawson brother and I am looking forward too many more books in this series by Valentine.
525 reviews130 followers
October 14, 2020
Love So True starts off strong, with Lucas trekking for days just to get back to the little town that probably never wants to see him again. His parents are thrilled to have him back, but his brothers, neighbors, and everyone who watched his fall from grace are in no mood to forgive or let him forget. The trip on foot, Lucas's humble attempts to work for food, and the frosty reception he gets upon his return to the town of Jessamine create a heartbreaking, emotional start to a great story about two characters who are refreshingly unique to romance books.

Lucas was convicted of embezzlement, a crime that wiped out the investments of people in his hometown who trusted him. He didn't set out to steal from them, but he quickly realized that he was caught up in something shady. Still, he ran with it, happy to live the good life at the expense of those foolish enough to trust him with their money. He's not some poor schmuck who took the fall for someone else's wrong or was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. He's absolutely guilty, and now that he's been paroled, he wants to start over and make whatever amends he can.

Bailey Yates is not your typical romance novel single mother. She's got a good heart, but no one would ever accuse her of being a “good girl.” Always attracted to bad boys, tattoos, motorcycles, and anything else that would have responsible parents fraught with worry, her reckless decisions have left her the only parent to an adorable little boy. She's cleaned up her act as best she can, trying to be a good mother to Leo and prove to her parents that she's capable of taking care of herself, but one look at the ultimate bad boy gets her heart racing again. And she's not exactly shy about what she wants.

I think what I expected when I picked up Love So True was something more standard and filled with cliches. I probably would have liked it, but no way would I have loved it nearly this much. The characters are unapologetically real, and the chemistry between them is incredible. It's the kind of love story that had me rooting for them before they even laid eyes on each other again, and I loved following along as they made their way toward happily ever after.

The only problem I really had with the story was the ending. The book is rather short, and the author managed to pack some serious emotion and sizzling scenes into it, but what all that awesome leads up to is rushed and a bit confusing. One moment Lucas is running, and then he's not, and then it's over? It just felt like one more chapter, a chance to follow these two lovebirds just a little further would have made this the perfect read.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews161 followers
February 1, 2015
Our Lawson boys are back, Lucas I really liked him and I really thought Brody needed to get the stick out of his butt, "Lucas smiled a little, though he really didn't feel like it. "Two eyewitnesses back up my story, big brother. Guess you won't have the pleasure of seeing me go back to jail after all." I liked Bailey and Lucas together they understood each other, and I loved how honest they were:
"I'm out of practice," he said roughly.
"Makes two of us." She nipped at his bottom lip. "We should do something about it."
Mason I can't wait for his book he sounds like an intriguing broody character that I can't wait to read about.
Profile Image for Jen (That's What I'm Talking About).
1,645 reviews305 followers
June 15, 2016
Love So True is the second story in the small town contemporary romance series based on the good-looking and hard-working Lawson brothers. This time around, the story focuses on Prodigal Son, Lucas Lawson, who served five years in prison for his participation in an investment scandal that emptied the pockets of several of Jessamine’s residents. The one thing that kept him going was the memory of Bailey Yates’s smile.

Bailey, a single mom who has had her own share of bad choices and sideways looks from the town’s residents, sees how Lucas has changed and gives him a chance. While Lucas doesn’t feel deserving, he is humble and accepts her help. And although both agree hooking up would be a bad idea, they can’t help themselves.

I really enjoyed Love So True. I loved how vulnerable both Bailey and Lucas are, but each is ready to take life by the reins and do what they want. And while I was so worried that this book, like its predecessor, would focus on the many external issues that could tear them apart, my fears were for naught. Ms. Valentine does a marvelous job keeping the focus of the book on the developing romance between Bailey and Lucas, and as pair, how they deal with the hurdles and obstacles in their way. And unlike the first book in this series, the issues between Bailey and Lucas didn’t feel contrived and were dealt with in a mature and timely manner.

The narration by Piper Goodeve is good, but still not great for me. I enjoy Ms. Goodeve’s narrative voice, as well as her female characters, bringing in a mix of the sweet south combined with thoughtfulness. But her male characters are too soft and gentle for my liking. The male voices just don’t seem to fit the characters as well, especially when being romantic or trying to take charge.

Overall, Love So True is a delightful romance that is full of heart.

My rating: B+
Narration: B-
Profile Image for Lady Heather .
1,306 reviews776 followers
September 23, 2015

4.5 stars!

You know that feeling when you find a new author and they hook you with their words and story-telling that you just have to go out and find everything you can get your hands on and read?
Well that's what's happened to me with this author.
Marquita Valentine's stories are short, well developed, and great to read (especially if you don't have a lot of time to sit down and read a novel, but want to get lost in a complete story).


Love So True was a really good read for me.
The characters and story were great, and writing really good.
The author writes on the subject in this book of when people are released from prison and trying to start a new life with the stigma of being labeled a "criminal".

Lucas returns home after serving time in prison for embezzlement.
It doesn't help Lucas at all to re-adapt to society that the local paper announces his return.
His parents are happy to have him home, but his older brother is pissed at himself for failing him.

There is only one person in town who sits with him, forgives him, and trusts him enough to give him a second chance at a new life after paying his dues.

Bailey has her own stigma attached to her, so she knows how hard it is to live in a town so small that seems holds a grudge forever.
She gives Lucas a chance, and soon gives him her heart.

Their friendship and the struggle they endure to fight for their love is a wonderful, short read.

I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did. :-)

Profile Image for Johnnie-Marie Howard.
1,124 reviews36 followers
April 19, 2015
MUST READ!!! it seems to be a stand alone story but I would recommend reading book 1 just to get a feel for the characters some what and more of a background on them. you won't be upset by it trust me. The story has left me craving more and wanting more and more I couldn't get enough of it and hell I even loved all the alpha maleness mixed with the sweet and caring along with some hott sex and even hotter story line. I really loved the Lucas POV it was one of the best male POVs I have read and loved.


***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.blogspot.com ***
Profile Image for  B.E.Love.
1,339 reviews130 followers
February 1, 2015
This is a very sweet romance about Lucas who after serving five years for embezzlement is finally home to a town who isn't ready to forgive. Bailey learned the hard way not to trust all men and she also learned making a mistake in a small town will follow you for a very long time. Having her son could never be bad but his father left and never looked back and she knows what people think of her, so when she see's Lucas she can't turn her back on him instead she offers him kindness. Bad boys have always been Bailey's thing and Lucas has always been a temptation in her mind but Bailey wants better so even though she feels like Lucas has paid his debt and deserves a second chance she knows she has to stay away.

When Lucas can't find a job Bailey offers him one telling herself she is only helping, but the longer they spend together the harder it is to deny the attraction they both feel. Lucas remembers the kiss they shared years ago and Bailey has only gotten more beautiful but it's her kindness that Lucas can't stay away from. Soon neither can or want to deny their feelings and begin to see each other and fall in love, and then the town comes knocking on Lucas's door accusing him of something that could put him back in prison.

I liked this book it is such a sweet quick romance read that it leaves you feeling good after reading it. Lucas was a man who only wanted to correct his wrongs and for people to see him as worthy and Bailey struggled to get acceptance after her past mistakes. I have never read a book from this author before this book and didn't know it was book two when I first saw it. I was never confused or felt lost having started with book two. I will say that the heroes brother (the hero from book one) was very irritating and I didn't like him, yes Lucas did wrong but he was more mad at him than any other person in the entire book and he just wouldn't let it go though that is part of the story he just rubbed me the wrong way.

Marquita Valentine did a really nice job with this book even though it is shorter the story was complete and never felt rushed. We get a glimpse into book three about another brother and the snippet we get has me very interested and intrigued and it is something I plan to keep my eye out for. I recommend this to anyone who likes those sweet romances or anyone who just needs a change of pace or a breather from the regular.
Profile Image for Michaele.
660 reviews9 followers
April 13, 2018
This book had so much potential, but it seems so rushed. I wondered if I had accidentally gotten an abridged book, but no. It seemed like the important moments- developments between Bailey and her parents and between Lucas and his brother weren't covered they are just mentioned in passing after the fact.

And their relationship goes from somewhat friendly to hot sex without much development- just boom they are dating.

I liked it better than the first in the series, but it could have been so much better!
Profile Image for Prone to Crushes on Boys in Books.
1,165 reviews42 followers
March 1, 2016
Quick Read.

Lucas' older brother Brody....was a total bitch in this book. WTF! Totally unlikable....what happened to the Brody in book 1?

Lucas gets NO real support from his family. YES, he did wrong and went to prison. He paid the price and is trying to redeem himself. No one but Bailey seems to want to give him a break even when she still have everyone whispering negativity in her ear.

Will love prevail? Can Lucas get his much needed HEA?
Profile Image for valeria.
671 reviews22 followers
May 21, 2015
me gusto, que bueno que el pueblo al fin acepto a Lucas, ahora a conocer a Mason, pero en realidad quiero la historia de Tristan y Lemmon, despues la de Apple haber si alguien la poone en su lugar lol y despues la de Caleb, Adam y Preston
Profile Image for Mish.
590 reviews
March 14, 2015
A really sweet romantic swoon worthy read loving this series. Mason is next yay!
Profile Image for Daniela.
730 reviews12 followers
August 31, 2015
I reallly liked this story better than the first. very sweet, romantic, melt your heart moments with Bailey's 4 year old son. Loved the sassy Bailey. Loved poor Lucas. All around enjoyable
Profile Image for Sassafrack.
510 reviews11 followers
February 6, 2020
I liked this one better than the first. The characters were nice as was the whole black sheep making amends thing. They were both people who had made mistakes that had changed their lives. Bailey got pregnant young, and was left being a single mother. Lucas screwed up big time by not doing the right thing when he realised he was involved in scamming people out of their money, and ended up in prison.
When Lucas gets out, and back to town, (he walked! Took him a week! 😳🤢), Bailey was willing to be open minded and give him a chance to prove he wasn’t a total a-hole criminal.
They were already friendly, when Lucas saved her son from being hit by a car. The relationship between Lucas and the little boy (his name is escaping me at the moment. Leo I think.), was pretty adorable.
The book wasn’t over the top angsty, which was nice. The little bit of conflict at the end was predictable, but not overdone. If it had been stretched out it would have made it feel totally unrealistic and only there for angst points and padding. Which would have annoyed me. Things were resolved nicely and without that annoying antagonistic character thrown in to make things worse, or having the H or h overreact. Which I appreciated, as it’s a pet peeve of mine.

I had the 1-3 collection book. This one was not ‘silly’ like the first. I enjoyed it more. I might continue onto the next one, but wasn’t feeling hugely pulled to it.
This one was a solid 3 stars for me. I like it, but it wasn’t amazing.
Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,581 reviews24 followers
December 3, 2019
When this book starts out, Lucas has just been released from prison and is walking home. He figures he can walk there in a little over a week. When he gets home, there’s a party and some are happy to see him and others not so much. Bailey makes him feel right at home, when she fixes him a plate and sits with him. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say that Lucas totally redeems himself in this book. I love the chemistry between Bailey and Lucas. Leo, Bailey’s son, is adorable. I can’t wait to read Mason’s story next.
Profile Image for Laura D.
1,073 reviews
March 30, 2020
Lucas has returned from five years in prison. By the time he realized his company was embezzling he was in too deep. People in his hometown trusted him with their retirements and he ended up losing their money. Now he is out to make amends. Bailey is a single mom who likes the bad boys. She has always been attracted to Lucas, even in high school. Now that he is back she needs to stay away from that sexy man. When he saves her son's life all bets are off. Love this series. A great feel good story.
Profile Image for Dianne.
863 reviews
February 3, 2019
I enjoy this book very much. I loved Lucas, Bailey and little Leo. My heart bled for Lucas in the opening pages of this book. I felt his pain and suffering greatly. Yes, he’d made huge mistakes and taken people’s money, but he was punished for his involvement in this crime. He served his time, felt remorse and deserved a second chance. I really liked Brody in book one, but in this book I could not stand him. This disappointed me a lot.
Profile Image for Courtney.
4,293 reviews
March 6, 2021
This novel had a lot of good moments, a lot of sweet moments; BUT it also had lot of just okay moments that really didn't bring the same warm smile to my face as the other moments had. However, even though there were times when it would lull and I would begin to ponder about choosing another novel,  something would grab my attention again- just enough to reel me back in to stick by the side of this author. In the end, though, I'm glad I finished reading this novel.
Profile Image for Gretchen Fatouros.
Author 3 books3 followers
January 3, 2021
So many typos!!! Not misspelled words, but words that didn’t belong or were missing. Need someone to proofread!

Otherwise, enjoyable story. In some ways, I think I liked it more than book 1. But again, why does the author feel like she has to split the 2 up before they get together? This one didn’t feel as forced, but I can see the pattern and I am not a big fan.
Profile Image for ME.
574 reviews
March 12, 2018
Redemption

After cheating the town's residents out of money, Lucas is back after spending 5 years in prison. The only person to really give him the time of day and a job is Bailey. I enjoyed the setting, plot, and characters in this Lawson Brothers short read
Profile Image for Patti.
403 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2020
Can Lucas live in town with his past and can he move forward and find love. Can Bailey live in town and be her own woman with her parents breathing down her neck. And how will the town handle Lucas being back.
Profile Image for Paige Norman.
604 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2021
This was a much more enjoyable book than Lawson #1. Bailey and Lucas's story was more believable, with relationship struggles (both familial and romantic), and a feel-good resolution plus ending. Standalone, but part of a series (This came with Books 1-3 in the series) and a HEA.
Profile Image for Ashley Stevenson .
511 reviews5 followers
December 17, 2017
Wonderful story!!

Love the characters and the chemistry between them. It takes time for the past be forgotten but to be forgiven only one to find out.
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