Review: Rumor Has It by Caterina Campbell

Rating: 5/5  PoP:35%   Jock Star Book 1

WARNING: This is the first book of 2 that follows this couple, this book does not end with a resolved HEA. The conclusion is in Truth Be Told releasing 2/15/2022. 

First of all, I have to point out that this is a debut novel by Caterina Campbell. I feel the need to draw attention to this because this book does not read like a first. You can tell that Campbell has taken the time to hone her craft and produce a work she can be proud to share. 

Rumor Has It  is the first part of Brenna and Vance’s story. Brenna is one half of an identical twin pair with her sister Bristol. However, looks seem to be one of the few things the two have in common. Brenna is waiting for love to find her, while Bristol is cynical of any relationship beyond sisterhood lasting. They are both influenced by their mother’s constant need for romantic companionship and their father’s abandonment. And rumors about them personally and as a family have swirled around their small beach town. 

Brenna and Bristol have recently returned home to Milagro Beach for the summer. Brenna has taken on a more nurturing role of the two and is constantly fixing Bristol’s mistakes. Bristol is self absorbed, immature, and acts without thinking. Hence, Brenna often finds herself defending her sister’s poor choices. Bristol really comes across as an unlikeable character. I was impressed that Brenna did not always accept Bristol’s crap just because they are sisters. Brenna calls things out but often is willing to forgive. Bristol is less forgiving and holding onto the only security she has known. It is also interesting how Breanna sees her sister as a more physically attractive character even though they share the same looks. 

Vance is initially drawn to Brenna because she is genuine and does not know his real identity. She does come on to him with suggestive advances the same way as Bristol. Vance’s past makes it difficult to trust but, early on he is all in with Brenna. Soon his celebrity status creates some of the traditional conflicts we see in sports romances. However, I thought the couple approached them in unique ways. I feel Brenna is the character I have always wanted. She says what the reader is thinking, stands up to illogical statements, and is honest. Vance is loyal, strong willed, and quick to anger. Bristol’s dislike towards him and his relationship with Brenna is a constant tension. Brenna’s desire to remain what both Bristol and Vance want from her, is her downfall. We do not get our HEA in this book but the epilogue offers us the first POV from Vance and a spark of hope for the future. 

If I did not know, I would have never guessed that this is the author’s debut novel. Caterina Campbell took great effort in writing an original story. There is fast moving love and drama. I felt the characters stay true to themselves without quick unbelievable changes in personality. I am eagerly anticipating the conclusion.