Series: Granite Harbor #2
Author: J. Lynn Bailey
Pages: 258 pages
Version: Ebook (ARC)
Rating: ★★★★★
Synopsis
Sixteen years ago, Merit Young left Granite Harbor, Maine, for California in search of a future that didn’t involve Ryan Taylor. He’d left her in pieces on her bedroom floor, delivering a blow she couldn’t have expected. But, now, at the request of her brother, Eli, she must return and confront the demons of her past—Ryan included. After the loss they both suffered, she isn’t prepared to face him—especially considering he’s the only one who’s always been able to see right through her.
Ryan has lived his entire adult life in survival mode. Growing up with an abusive father has taught him to keep women at arm’s length, and that’s never been a problem. Until Merit—the only woman he’s ever loved—strides through his front door. He’s not sure how long she’s staying, but he knows it’ll be long enough to destroy what’s left of his heart.
To overcome their dark past, they’ll have to shed light on a reality that will most likely tear them apart. Merit has been hiding a heartbreaking decision from Ryan, and he’s been keeping lies of his own.
Can two tortured souls heal after a lifetime of pain? Or will the hideous secrets of the past bury them both?
Review
This book was provided by the author through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you J. Lynn Bailey and Netgalley!
Violet Ugly is the second book in the Granite Harbor series but can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the first book, Peony Red, yet and I easily fell in love with the second book in the series. The story is about Merit and Ryan who were in love with each other when they were teenagers but then all of a sudden broke up and left each other.
Violet Ugly has a double perspective, you can read in Merit and Ryan’s perspective, so you get to know both characters really well. You don’t really know what happened to Merit and Ryan when they broke up and the more chapters you read the more you get to know the full story. Some chapters are from the past and some are from the present. I really like that J. Lynn Bailey did that because it gives a better view of their story.
Violet Ugly isn’t just a Romance book because so many things have happened to the characters. Ryan had an abusive father, Merit’s mother died, … This book isn’t your typical light Romance read. I really love how strong Merit and Ryan have become and I think that Violet Ugly is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Violet Ugly was an amazing book and I cannot wait to read the first book, Peony Red, and the third book, Magnolia Road!