Veena’s review of Always Be True: Tino (Jacks Boy’s, Book 2) by Alexis Morgan
Contemporary Romance published by Love Swept 04 Oct 16

Now that Jack is settled with a new wife and a teenage foster child, Tino is the next of Jack’s boys who comes home from the military struggling to adapt to civilian life.  In this series the author sheds light into the challenges our vets face assimilating back into their families as they come home from the war, changed on the inside as well as on the outside sometimes.  For Tino, a volunteer gig brings him into contact with Natalie Kennigan, who lights a spark in his heart. It’s heartwarming how his family comes together to support him as he struggles to be worthy of Natalie and figure out who he is as a civilian.

Tino is an interesting character. Home from the military, he’s not quite sure what he wants out of his life as a civilian. Helping his brother in the family construction business definitely helps fill time and earn money, but when he does some local volunteering, it’s the lady with green paint who’s struggling with a power saw who might have the potential to change his life.  He’s attracted to Natalie, and the feelings are definitely not just on his side. But given her wealthy background and privileged upbringing, will Tino be enough for a long-term relationship?

Through her characters and her story, the author brings to light the plight of young adults in poor neighborhoods who have no outlets for their energy and talents and end up resorting to a life of crime through either peer pressure or boredom. Through their volunteer activity and community centers, Natalie and Tino bring hope and alternatives to the youth in these poorer mixed neighborhoods. As Tino goes through his own soul searching to determine what he wants out of life, it’s clear that he’s not alone and perhaps thousands of veterans who are used to following orders find themselves rudderless and adrift as they attempt to assimilate back into civilian life.

I feel the story is more powerful because of how skillfully the author blends the social issues that need to be addressed into the evolving relationship between her characters. Her characterization of Bennett, the spoiled, privileged, bratty ex-fiancé, and some of the country club set that we get to meet at the charity event against Natalie, who is a child born of the same privilege but such a different character who wants love in and equal partnership in her relationships against Tino who had a difficult start in life but is more principled and disciplined because of the strong foundation he received from his foster parents.

I enjoyed Tino’s story and can’t wait to read Mikhail’s next.

Grade: B

Summary:

From Alexis Morgan, the bestselling author of such “heartfelt, touching stories” (Susan Mallery) as Always for You: Jack, comes another charming Sergeant Joe’s Boys novel featuring a proud military man with a lot to learn about love—and an irresistible woman with a lot to give.

When Sergeant Joe and his wife, Marlene, adopted Tino Gianelli as a teenager, the foster kid began to heal from his deep insecurities. Now, with a successful military career behind him and a good job as a contractor in the family construction business, Tino shouldn’t have any reason to doubt himself. He’s fallen hard for a beautiful heiress, and she seems to be crazy about him too. So why does he keep trying to hide his working-class roots?

Natalie Kennigan’s ideal guy is someone who will consider her an equal and his best friend, not merely a box to check on the road to success. Tino—with his down-to-earth personality, generous heart, and passionate embrace—might just be the one, at least until he finds out about Natalie’s family money and starts treating her like the typical rich girl who needs to be wined and dined. Natalie will have none of it. She won’t be happy until he accepts her for who she truly is—just as she wants to love the real Tino.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: