Lies, Hearts & Truths
An angsty beauty on the path to healing from anxiety and self-inflicted suffering.
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1. LITTLE LIES by Helena Hunting
SYNOPSIS
I don’t want you. You mean nothing to me. I never loved you.
I turned my words into swords. And I cut her down. Shoved the blade in and watched her fall. I said I’d never hurt her and I did.
Years later I’m faced with all the little lies, the untruths, the false realities, the damage I inflicted when all I wanted was to indulge in my obsession.
Lavender Waters is the princess in the tower. Even her name is the thing fairy tales are made of. I used to be the one who saved her. Over and over again. But I don’t want to save her anymore. I just want to pretend the lies are still the truth.
BOOK REVIEW
Little Lies by Helena Hunting was a very emotional love story between Lavender Waters (the daughter of Alex and Violet) and Kodiak Bowman (the son of Rook and Lainey). And despite the fact that the parents’ background would definitely be helpful to understand the overall dynamic, the book can be read as a complete standalone (especially when there were so many passages telling the most necessary details anyway).
Lav and Kody used to be really close friends who understood each other better than anybody else could ever imagine doing. Both of them struggled with some type of anxiety and were there for one another on so many levels at different stages of their lives. But the connection they had was so strong that it eventually scared not only them but also people around the two. So, Lavender and Kodiak got separated only to reunite a couple of years later, being a new version of their broken selves…
I used to be the one to save her. Now I’m the reason she falls apart.
Kodiak Bowman was such a unique and interesting hero. A beautiful boy with the biggest heart but some intense mental health issues that controlled and dictated his behavior. Unfortunately, I felt like he wasn’t developed to his full potential… Maybe, it was because the main focus fell primarily on Lav.
“I hope all the suffering was worth it. If you really want me, I guess you’re going to have to find a way to deserve me.”
Lavender Waters was a volatile young lady who had childhood trauma and suffered from anxiety disorder all her life. However, she was also an incredibly strong heroine who made so much effort to fight her inner demons and chase her dreams.
Sometimes we have to break so we can recreate a stronger version of ourselves.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Lav and Kody. They went through so much shit together but still managed to find their way back to each other. And I absolutely loved how Lavender made Kodiak work for their relationship after all of his ridiculous decisions and actions. The sex scenes were hot but too kinky to my liking (I don’t even know why I get surprised at the extend after Pucked).
Long story short, if you’re looking for a romance full of angst and emotions and humor, Little Lies is the book to go for!
PS. The anxiety representation was amazing in the book.
Also, on a side note:
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is the body’s automatic fight-or-flight response that is triggered when you feel threatened, under pressure, or are facing a challenging situation, such as a job interview, exam, or first date. In moderation, anxiety isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can help you to stay alert and focused, spur you to action, and motivate you to solve problems. But when anxiety is constant or overwhelming—when worries and fears interfere with your relationships and daily life—you’ve likely crossed the line from normal anxiety into the territory of an anxiety disorder.
While having an anxiety disorder can be disabling, preventing you from living the life you want, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues—and are highly treatable. Once you understand your anxiety disorder, there are steps you can take to reduce the symptoms and regain control of your life.
If you identify with any of the following seven signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder:
Are you constantly tense, worried, or on edge?
Does your anxiety interfere with your work, school, or family responsibilities?
Are you plagued by fears that you know are irrational, but can’t shake?
Do you believe that something bad will happen if certain things aren’t done a certain way?
Do you avoid everyday situations or activities because they cause you anxiety?
Do you experience sudden, unexpected attacks of heart-pounding panic?
Do you feel like danger and catastrophe are around every corner?
If you do have anxiety, there are 3 major ways to deal with it. First of all, you should always self-help, which includes connecting with others, managing stress, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, being smart about caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, as well as putting a stop to chronic worrying. Secondly, you should seek professional help for anxiety symptoms. And finally, you can get some medical treatment (only after consulting your medical professional).
2. BITTER SWEET HEART by Helena Hunting
SYNOPSIS
From the outside looking in, I live a charmed life: hockey legend for a father, my own promising future in the league, a great family, awesome friends. It’s not untrue, but it’s not quite that simple either.
My dad’s advice has always been to make hockey my number-one priority—at least until I make it to the pros. So, going into my senior year of college, I have a plan. I’ll put in the effort required to pass my classes, play hockey like my life depends on it, and avoid relationships. All I have to do is stay focused on the end game, and I’ll walk away with a degree and into a career in the NHL.
It should be easy. But when a woman literally floats into my dock, just before summer ends and my senior year begins, I can’t resist one last hookup. What harm could a one-night stand do? It’s not like we even exchanged numbers.
Everything is fine until I run into her on campus. It’s a big school. I should be able to avoid her. Except she happens to be in my class. And she’s not a student. She’s my professor.
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3. SHATTERED TRUTHS by Helena Hunting
SYNOPSIS
The first time I met Winter Marks, I almost took her out with my Jeep. To be fair, she came out of nowhere. I flirted with her, and she flipped me off and disappeared into the woods on her bike. But she left me a souvenir: a single hockey skate.
Seemed to me that divine intervention shouldn’t be ignored. She was my icy Cinderella and I would be her Prince Not-So-Charming.
Winter was more than just a sassy, badass hockey-playing hottie. She’s stuck in a prison of a life. And I’m the perfect escape.
Neither of us expected to fall. Or for the truth to shatter us.