The LoveLock by Eichin Chang-Lim

The LoveLock Reviews

• 
  Dee

  DNF at 25% = no rating
  
  I must've read a different story to the 5 star reviewers.
  
  I strongly urge readers to read the blurb, thoroughly, before making a buying decision. I saw this book listed as sensual romantic suspense and pounced. This is a dark book, least what I read, and upon reading the high ratings reviews closer, that darkness doesn't let up.
  
  Within the first few chapters the reader is introduced to death, cancer, depression, child neglect, and all-consuming hopelessness. If you enjoy those things in a romantic suspense, this is the book for you.
  
  ***
  
  EDIT to above, since the author/publisher decided to pounce on my review, rather than trust readers to make their own buying decision.
  
  Another thing that stopped me loving this story was the head-hopping, grammatical errors, and tense mix-ups.
  
  A few examples of the latter below, keep in mind this story is told in past tense.
  
  "Let's move on to the next activity. Everyone takes a seat."
  
  The young man was a natural with responses and tries initiating.
  
  "Lovely young lady," heard the physic's voice, breaking Violet's reveries.
  ^^ That doesn't even make sense!
• 
  Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic)

  I did start reading this book knowing that it was rather a 'dark romance' rather that a happy romance, however once I finished reading this book I felt like there wasn't really any romance just a little bit at the end. Through the novel we find out about the life of Violet (Bethany) , although its not really romantic you do find out about her ups and downs in life and how she overcame them. Although it is a book that does venture into depression and addiction, for me it is not a book that I would remember in later months what happened in it, or be one that I would recommend to someone who is going through any of that to read.
  
  The book is also scattered with spelling mistakes and sentences that don't make sense such as 'Her hair Dylan flew' this is something that as a reader I look out for and was rather disappointed to see fairly often in this novel
  
  (Got the book through Netgalley)
• 
  Martha Perez

  Having devastation in a young life could bring many emotions and countless problems, yet life goes on and brings two hearts together destiny will break them up Violet and Dylan live their own life, but the memories of their love bring them back will the ghost from the past intervene do they have a chance? I loved this story brings drama, love and lots of emotions, loss, and passion will two hearts become one in the end. This is a captivating story I truly recommended for an evening read.
• 
  Patrice

  Ok, talk about intense. This was an interesting New Adult book. It is the life of Violet and Dylan . This is at times a love story, a tragedy, a coming-of-age, and a contemporary tale. I look at is as a modern day Romeo and Juliet"esque" type of tragic love story. Although, in good conscience I wouldn't really call it a "love story". The author deals with some very prevalent issues of our times; drug addiction, dependency, depression, suicide, illness, murder, death, etc. The story is told in the third person from both main characters points of view. It flows well and is engrossing. I liked it quite a bit; so maybe it should be 4 1/2 stars.
  I received an uncorrected proof of this book from Net Galley for an honest review.
• 
  Anna Casamento Arrigo

  Both Violet and Dylan suffer great losses in their adolescence and such losses bear down upon them heavily as they find their way through life. Apart,they seek out purpose,careers,and self-discovery.Unfortunately,some choices lead them far from each other.Violet chooses to chase an acting career while Dylan travels abroad and joins the Peace Corps. Failed relationships, lackluster, unfilled goals and dreams ultimately redirect their paths and purpose. A beautifully written story of loss,grief,young love lost and found. A wonderful,well-developed plot with unexpected twists and turns. I look forward to reading more of Eichin Chang-Lim’s work! No spoilers!
• 
  Ken Fry

  I've always been a fan of Eichin's writing. The Lovelock has enhanced my liking. This is by far her most mature offering. She has moved up a few rungs with this story. I would call it a romantic thriller. but often buried in sadness and frustrations of a dark and unsettling nature Love is lost and love is found between Violet and Dylan.The trials and tribulations they find themselves embroiled in can be unsettling
  Her style of writing is lucid and free flowing as always. I found myself wondering how much truth was written into the narrative. Not that it matters to such a fine presentation.
  A well deserved 5*
• 
  Author Inderjit

  The Lovelock
  
  By Eichin Chang Lim
  
  I think this book is the best demonstration of what it is to live with severe anxiety and still find a way to function and thrive in one’s life. This is the most accurate and vivid description of depression that I have ever read, she focuses the in depth of her characters in the story by exploring specific concerns of their life that they were dealing with PTSD, including intrusive thoughts and traumatic memories, anxiety, avoidance, self-criticism, depression, numbing, dissociation and how PTSD affects relationships. Few understand this painful truth quite like Violet and Dylan, former college sweethearts united by their troubled childhoods. When a gut-wrenching tragedy strikes in their adult years, they're torn apart their relationship unable to survive the blow.
  Dylan faces his own challenges while trying to manage his past trauma with an unknown future. They each venture down their own dark path laced with drugs and manipulative, taxing characters, the concept of abuse is complicated. Unmet needs, emotions, and behaviours remain. All this unprocessed rage, hurt, sadness, loneliness, betrayal, and fear is still there. Sometimes they even become worse because of other experiences and relationships that the person encounters along the way. The hurt tends to pile up, the beliefs tend to become stronger, the behaviours tend to become more automatic, more “natural,” and more unconscious.
  Sometimes it results in acting out on other people and re-enacting onto others what was done to you. But for the most part, it results in self-harmful behaviour or other acts against healthy self-interest (which includes hurting others).
  In extreme cases, people even commit suicide an ultimate act of self-destruction. Since the central theme of The Lovelock revolves around mental illness, there are scenes depicting the relentless pain of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that the main characters are trapped within.
  Violet and Dylan had faced the worst, the world had to offer and came out stronger, still in the lock of love that was unwavering and endless.
  
  The affectionate, sweet, unwavering love between Violet and Dylan certainly make this book well-qualified in the romantic genres. In the end, readers will sense inspiration and empowered as the main characters cope to seek for healing and for their lives.
  
  A captivating suspense, thrilling romance and a healthy dose of inspiration!
  
   
  
  A well-deserved five-star rating!
  
   
• 
  Ingrid Foster

  book doing. The Author's prose is laced with the deep-seeded knowledge of what it is to lose someone you care about. But the story isn't only about loss, it's about love and the courage to keep love and hope alive no matter what.
  
  Upon The LoveLock's pages, Ms Chang-Lim's characters become real and familiar. I believe from page one I related so strongly to Violet not from losing a twin or a sibling, but just from the emphatic knowledge of how it feels to be rejected and still seek to have that person in your life. The Author's writing is beautiful and touching, captivating and compelling.
  
  I was elated at the end as these two people, so injured by loss as children embrace their pain and rise above it, reaching out to others in need and from those experiences heal to become the adults they were meant to be. Yes, it's just a story, but at the same time, it could easily be a memoir. Beautifully written, Eichin Chang-Lim. I highly recommend The LoveLock.
• 
  Shelley

  Author's guest post at my blog:
  
  https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2020/02...
• 
  Eeva Lancaster

  The LoveLock is Eichin Chang-Lim's best by far. It's a heartbreaking story of two lovers separated by tragedy. Their lives going in directions they never dreamed of. Each trying to come to terms with their past but always looking back to the time when they had each other. Chang-Lim's books always end with a HEA, and after everything this couple has been through, they totally deserve it. But the in-between had me turning the pages. Worth the journey. I invite you to read it.
• 
  Catherine

  Read for NetGalley
  Wow. So I don't know why this is getting five star ratings. The "gritty" nature of this book didn't bother me, and it wasn't even the endless stream of bad events in the lives of Violet and Dylan. No, it was the fact that throughout the entire book, we barely got any evidence that they even loved each other. I had no context for their relationship, and so through the ups and downs, I had no emotional investment in them, and didn't care when bad things happened to them because there was no reason for me to think of them as good people who were suffering in the story.
  The note from the publisher (or the author? It was unclear) about how it's a dark story, but that the bad things in the beginning of the story set up the second half I found annoying. I don't think you should have to defend your work like that. Your story should be good enough that it can stand on it's own, and that the bad events explain themselves. A trigger warning maybe, but don't say "I know it's a lot of bad stuff but it'll get better don't worry, it'll make sense." I should be invested enough in the characters that even though things don't get better, I'm still rooting for them. I was not rooting for the main characters of this book.
  Lastly, I have to bring up the utter stupidity of naming twins after the color of their eyes. Babies eyes can change colors anywhere from six to nine months after being born, and most babies are born with dark blue eyes. The fact that the author is not only suggesting that Amber and Violet were both not born with blue eyes, but that no longer did both of them keep their eye colors as they grew up, but that one of them had VIOLET eyes, was one of the most unrealistic things in a book that was already riddled with events that just seemed shoved into the storyline.
• 
  Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic)

  I did start reading this book knowing that it was rather a 'dark romance' rather that a happy romance, however once I finished reading this book I felt like there wasn't really any romance just a little bit at the end. Through the novel we find out about the life of Violet (Bethany) , although its not really romantic you do find out about her ups and downs in life and how she overcame them. Although it is a book that does venture into depression and addiction, for me it is not a book that I would remember in later months what happened in it, or be one that I would recommend to someone who is going through any of that to read.
  
  The book is also scattered with spelling mistakes and sentences that don't make sense such as 'Her hair Dylan flew' this is something that as a reader I look out for and was rather disappointed to see fairly often in this novel.
• 
  Vicky Whedbee

  Wow! Awesome story!
  
  I've had this book on my TBR list for a while and somehow other books just kept getting pushed before it, and now that I've finally read it I couldn't help thinking "I could have read this awesome book months ago!!"
  
  It's the first book I've read by this author but I'm definitely looking forward to her other books now!
  
  It was a gripping story anyway but by the last quarter of it, I simply couldn't put it down! There were shocking surprises that I didn't see coming, and I love an unpredictable story!
  
  It was simply marvelous all the way around! You'll experience a gamut of emotions throughout the book and won't be able to make yourself stop reading it! Well done!
• 
  Robin Goodfellow

  -I received this book from Reader's Favorites. This is my honest review.
  
  The Lovelock, by Eichin Chang-Lim, is a heartbreaking romance about two people, both of whom had deep, horrific connections with Death.
  
  The book is separated in six parts. Part I introduces Violet, and the struggles she has in coping with her sister’s cancer. However, she meets a boy named Dylan, who has lost his mother to cancer. Part II goes into detail about Violet’s life, and how hard she’s trying to make it as an actress, despite her profession and her past. In Part III, Dylan finally comes back from Peace Corps to try and find Violet again. It all comes to a head when he gets into a car accident and is nursed back to health by Tess, whom he laters marries in an alcohol-fueled night. In Part IV, Violet succumbs to her depression, and almost ends her life, only to be saved by her friends in the end, as well as Amber. In Part V, both Dylan and Violet finally meet, only for Violet to run away and face her past. In Part VI, Violet and Dylan finally get back together, despite the heartbreak they’ve experienced.
  
  Violet was a character I particularly resonated with. I know what it feels like to have a parent who has depression, and while her dad did try to help cover for her mother, in the end, it just wasn’t enough. It’s partially the reason why she came to love Dylan the way she did; he had a similar connection to her. Through pain and loss, they were able to stand with each other. That changed with their parents though. It was through their mistakes that Dylan and Violet ended up losing each other. At the same time, while I was happy they were growing up, there was still that big hole in their lives, that very hole that came with missing each other. Even when Dylan wanted to see her, he couldn’t; Tess was someone he had to care for, and though he didn’t love her, he still had compassion for her. To be honest, they’ve been through a lot. While I did understand how Dylan felt trapped in the marriage, in the end, I was happy that Tess’s final words still resonated with him.
  
  The concept of grief was embedded within the pages. The sorrow of losing a cherished family member, and then members, in one fell swoop, as well as the fact that one was moving on, leaving the other behind; it was something that not a lot of people could deal with, much less move on from. It seemed like they kept grieving throughout their lives, but it was like, in the end, they still managed to find each other. It’s ironic in a sense, that Tess’s death was the motivating factor that Dylan needed to move on. Despite all the tragedy in the book, it really did seem like their marriage was a good one, despite the struggles they’ve had in the past.
  
  I enjoyed the book. The characters dealt with fear of the future, and grief, and how everything was just spiraling out of control. Still, the two managed to find each other again in the end, despite all the heartbreak they’ve been through. Chang-Lim had written an enchanting story about what it means to be in love with someone through your entire life, and the beauty that comes with it. As such, I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5.0 stars, and would recommend it to those who enjoy The Simple Soul of Susan by Noel Branham, and The Shadow and the Rose by Amanda DeWee.
  
• 
  Michael DeStefano

  Leave it to optometrist and author Eichin Chang-Lim to focus her vision on the most unlikely amalgamation of calamities and bring them together in such a suspenseful way. In her third fictional romantic outing, the author takes our central characters through an arduous gauntlet of implacable obstacles as if to test their resolve to be together. Despite the tragedy that ended their planned wedding and subsequent years of separation, the symbol of their emotional connection to one another remained; the small lovelock Dylan gave Violet as a lasting proof of their bond.
  
  This author’s straightforward prose ingratiates her readers from the start. Time-defined chapters and short, digestible scenes move the story along, taking an occasional segue to expound on the latest plot twist introduced by a character. Well-crafted divergent storylines and evenly paced ‘surprises’ maintained the suspense throughout this romantic tale.
  
  Dylan, bound by duty and responsibility (and believing Violet had abandoned him), takes a wife he really doesn’t love. And Violet, a prisoner of her tortured past (neglected by an inconsolable mother following the childhood death of her twin sister from Leukemia) allows her life to spiral out of control. For these star-crossed lovers, just when one problem resolved itself, another, more insufferable one takes its place, making any reunion less likely. Attempts to list the string of such plot twists would seriously compromise this review, for doing so would sabotage the steady pressure the author intended to add with each new wrinkle. Suffice to say, as the reader comes to believe Dylan and Violet had painted themselves into a problematic corner, the small keepsake returns to bridge their rescue into the arms of love.
  
  Far from any fairytale, Dr. Chang-Lim draws from her own experience with the circumstances of real people. As a medical professional, she illustrates her vast knowledge of drug abuse, post-traumatic stress, mental illness, Multiple Sclerosis, and other maladies she deftly employs in the story. Combine them with personal intrigue and you can see how the problems of modern society can take a serious toll on a young couple in love. So, the question posed by Dr. Chang-Lim is, can love’s inspiration really conquer insurmountable odds? Her answer? Not without significant effort from both parties and certainly not without destiny’s guiding hand.
  
• 
  K.J. Simmill

  Childhood devastation had brought together the two hearts of Violet and Dylan, reuniting them when the time was correct. They were the perfect match for each other, and a token of love, a lovelock, was shared between them. This token offers a memory of good times as fate once more separates the two lovers and they go their separate ways, each living their own life. To say they did not go as they had planned would be an understatement. Their lives spiral out of control, and whilst they are no longer part of each other's lives, they retain the token of their past, a source of comfort and despair. Can they take control of their own lives before they hit rock bottom, and will fate once more reunite those who remain connected through time?
  
  The Lovelock is one hell of an emotional read. The first few chapters alone are enough to stir deep emotions. Eichin Chang-Lim knows how to write wrenching, gritty emotion that plays the reader like a fiddle forcing them to experience the highs and lows of the deep, vivid, flawed, and believable characters. The Lovelock is a heart-breaking tale of shattered dreams, uncertainty, despair, regret, romance, and just a touch of the supernatural. This book is written in parts, and each one is its own gem. Get a box of tissues at the ready, and see what plans fate has in store. I wouldn't hesitate to read more work from this talent author who excels at infusing such raw emotion into their writing. Unquestionably a five-star read.
• 
  Kerry Reis

  Violet and Dylan first met as children during a difficult time when Violet lost her twin sister to leukemia and Dylan lost his mother to cancer. They reconnected in college and developed a deep relationship that appeared headed for marriage. However, a few years later, Violet is on her own, trying to make as an actress in Hollywood, while Dylan is halfway around the world, working with the Peace Corps. Will they be able to overcome the event that upended their lives and the continuing obstacles that fall into their path of refinding each other and reconnect the true love they had? The path of the plot builds interesting characters that empathetically draws the reader into their emotional journey, while the time jump creates a strong mystery into the psychological disruption of that journey, which finds a resolution with a paranormal touch at a climactic point. However, some of the unconnected obstacles in the journey do feel more like manipulative plot devices, and some readers may find the resolution of the mystery to be very dark. If the reader can get past these elements, this mystery romance full of internal psychological drama will lead the leader to a satisfactory HEA journey.
• 
  D.L. Finn

  “The LoveLock” is a story of Dylan and Violet’s love and separation. They met in a hospital as children, but don’t reconnect again until college. The couple decides to get married, but that doesn’t happen for reasons unknown. Next, Violet is living in LA and struggles to survive. I could feel her anguish when she had to decide how to make money to pay her rent. How she self-medicated and numbly went through the motions was realistic. Then the POV switches to Dylan, who comes back for her, only to be stopped. I was rooting for them as obstacle after obstacle got in the way, including themselves. I loved both of their journeys, although some heavy subjects were dealt with along the way. The truth shocked me when it was revealed why they didn’t get married. I was all in with this story and read it in two sittings, although I tried to do it in one. If you love drama, self-reflection, and tragedy in a love story, this is for you. I highly recommend it.
• 
  Doris Vandruff

  This is a story of love, tragedy, betrayal and forgiveness. Forgiveness not only of others, but for oneself.
  Violet loses her twin sister, Amber to cancer. She is only ten years old. In the process she also loses her mother to depression and her mother withdraws from life at home. The one positive thing is meeting Dylan at the hospital. His mother also has cancer, and she also passes on. Through these tragedies, Dylan and Violet become close and are soon dating. Then after college they become engaged. Their live for one another reaches no depth. They are meant for one another, now and forever. Life has some more tests and tribulations to throw their way and in the process they lose each other. But, they never forget.
  Very heartwarming story. Great storyline. Wonderful characters. Definitely recommend.
• 
  John Dolan

  “This is my tribe now. A tribe of broken, wounded people.”
  Having read other Eichin Chang-Lim novels, I was eagerly looking forward to ‘The LoveLock’, a somewhat darker excursion into the tribulations of life and love that were present in her earlier books. I also appreciated the clever use of backward and forward timelines to give a slow reveal of the characters’ motivations.
  A catastrophic trip to Hawaii, a family tragedy, childhood trials, the challenges and penury of pursuing an acting career, an unwise marriage, and a descent into the abyss … For Violet and Dylan, love might just hold the key – if it doesn’t become another prison for them.
  Written with empathy, and artfully paced, ‘The LoveLock’ is a great read for lovers of the romantic, and for romantics everywhere.
  
• 
  Kristy Volchko

  Emotional and deeply moving, just like in real life, tragedy happens, souls ache, and everything isn't always peaches & cream. What I liked most about this book was, no matter the obstacle, love, love, love is what makes the world go round and makes life worth living. The overall story is creative, well-written, and the character building, suspense, ending, and cover make this a another five-star must-read from this author. This is the third book I've read from Eichin Chang-Lim and what I enjoy most (aside from the great story itself) is her down-to earth, relatable writing style. The Love Lock is an inspiring, unforgettable read. Highly recommend.
• 
  Dawn Cunningham Roether

  A dramatic and compelling romance story about 2 characters, Violet and Dylan who have known each other since childhood. Coming into each other's lives after they each had loved ones die. After reconnecting in college, they developed a close relationship. However, a few years later they are each chasing after different things in life, worlds apart from each other. This book can be captivating at times. It is full of drama, loss. love, passion, plot twists, Emotional upheavals that cause the characters to have a reactionary and projection-type psychological mindsets, which causes hurtful behaviors.
  
  This book leaves you wondering if they will overcome the obstacle/events that caused their lives to go in separate directions and rediscover each other. Will they reconnect with the love they once shared?
• 
  Leah

  I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
  This is not my usual genre but I decided to give it a try. This heart wrenching book was very beautifully written. This story was totally captivating and compelling. I absolutely could not put it down. This story was captivating from page one. The characters are very well developed and relate able. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
• 
  Kristie

  I received a copy of this one through NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.
  
  Violet and Dylan were former college sweethearts with a past that is unforgettable and troubled. This was a little hard to read. It is a very dark romance and tragedy is no stranger to this couple who separate and try to find their way back to each other. There is a lot of emotion in this book. There is also the exploration of loss, grief, and passion. It is definitely not a light read for a one night sitting. However, it does have a lot of emotional depth to it and it is written really well for mature readers.
• 
  Rox Burkey

  Author Eichin Chang-Lim weaves a story to enjoy and reflect upon during the winding, divergent path of two people’s relationship. The storytelling is delivered in succinct pieces that capture a reader’s imagination while taking them right into this emotional story. The three-dimensional character development is a result of the choices made by the individuals during their life-journey.
  
  The evolution of the personalities is executed to perfection. The reader sees a view of the resilient Violet when she tries so hard to regain her parents’ attention following the death of her twin sister.
  
  “ Got up earlier, hmm?” he whispered.
  Violet nodded excitedly and proceeded with her top-secret operation. After extracting a chef’s knife from the knife set, she carefully cut the pepper in long strips, paying special attention to keep them the same length and width. She cut the tomato in the same fashion. An hour later, the kitchen was filled with the invigorating aroma of sautéed vegetables.
  Now it was time for the finishing touches. The veggie-ham omelet sat folded in the center of a plate, flanked by a mug of creamy, freshly brewed coffee. Aidan offered to carry the tray, undoubtedly a little worried that his sometimes overly enthusiastic ten-year-old daughter would spill it. Violet carried a bouquet of daffodils she had picked from their yard. She was lured to the yellow flowers, thinking that no one could be unhappy looking at such a bright and cheerful color.”
  
  The author carefully sets the stage for love between Dylan and Violet, aka Cheetos with a gift. Dylan presents Violet a heart pendant, with his associated key necklace to represent their forever love. Life deals both Violet and Dylan with a hefty share of hardship, that they each must conquer. As they individually grow, dealing with the real-world issues you will question if these lovers are star-crossed or destined for success. You’ll need to read to the end for that though provoking answer.
  
  I must admit this is my first experience with Eichin Chang-Lim, but it won’t be my last. I highly recommend The Love Lock if you enjoy romantic suspense that is not a cookie cutter story but rather a well thought out suspense. Five stars for a haunting yet realistic plot with a remarkable ending.
• 
  Billy Buttons

  This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
  Title: The LoveLock
  Author: Eichin Chang-Lim
  
  Star Rating: 5 Stars
  Number of Readers: 15
  Stats
  Editing: 9/10
  Writing Style: 9/10
  Content: 10/10
  Cover: 8/10
  Of the 15 readers:
  13 would read another book by this author.
  13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
  15 felt it was easy to follow.
  14 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
  Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
  Of all the readers, 11 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
  14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
  13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
  
  Readers’ Comments
  ‘I liked this story. Yes, it was sort of sad and a lot of horrible things happened to the two characters, but it was well-told and always interesting. Liked the premise of the locket and how it bonds the two together.’ Female reader, aged 16
  ‘This is a romance but only just. It looks at how so many things can keep two people apart and whether they can find a way through. The writing style is excellent and the characters develop so well during the book. I didn’t love the cover, but I loved the story.’ Female reader, aged 15
  ‘Lots of plot twists, and tons and tons of problems/dilemmas for the two characters to overcome. Will they/won’t they find each other? Is it destiny? The locket was a super-clever touch that was cleverly thought-out by the author. The pacing is good and the ending is delicious!’ Female reader, aged 17
  
  To Sum It Up:
  ‘A dark, richly-told story filled with memorable characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
  
• 
  Yvette Calleiro

  I really enjoyed this story. You can't help but feel for both Violet and Dylan. Lack of communication really put these two on horrible paths that led to tragedy and suffering and heart-ache. The author did a wonderful job of creating realistic characters who struggle through their journeys. It touches upon some strong topics, so I'd probably not recommend it for children or teens.
• 
  Jan Sikes

  Violet and Dylan seemed destined to be together from their first meeting. They shared death in common, with Violet's twin sister, Amber, dying at a very young age, and Dylan losing his mother to cancer at the same time. I felt for Violet as her mother sank into a deep depression removing herself from all interactions. On the other hand, Violet's father tried to fill both shoes. The author took me through Violet's difficult childhood up to the point that she and Dylan got engaged to be married. From there, I felt that she abandoned me in a crucial point of the book, suddenly switching to the present time and Violet is working in a strip club addicted to drugs without any explanation. Then the author moved on to Dylan and his life which included a stint in the Peace Corps, again with no explanation as to why he would suddenly leave Violet. Just as he is determined to find her, he is in an almost fatal motorcycle accident and ended up married to his nurse, Tess. I won't spoil the book by telling what happens after that. It's a good story, but I felt cheated by the way the author chopped the story into bits that didn't flow together and left me hanging for so long before ever revealing what happened to drive Violet and Dylan apart. I will say the ending was satisfactory.
• 
  Kristina

  This claims to be a "romantic suspense novel". One of the words in the description was true. It was a novel.
  
  There was no suspense. The "romance" was lacking.
  
  I frankly couldn't tell you what this book overall story was. But OMG the DRAH-MAH was just over the top. I found my eyes rolling and just total disgust with the characters.
  
  Add to that, this book needed the assistance of a good copy editor. Grammar, spelling, sentence structure all needed eyes that were not the author.
  
  Would not recommend
• 
  Archie

  I write Sci-fi and historical fiction. I picked up this book to evaluate how romance writers write with the idea of putting more romance in my writing. What I like is the writer's style and ability to write. What I found is the story did not keep my interest probably more because I am not a typical reader of this genre. If you like a tragic life leading to a romance, this is probably a good book to read.