Review: A Compelling Read
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 4, 2012
Risk explores the damage lies can do to love in "No More Lies." Dr. Olivia Crane is a successful psychiatrist. Her world is turned upside down when her old boyfriend, Lucien George is invited to her university to consult. Will Olivia's lifelong lies interfere with her efforts to rekindle her relationship with Luc?Set in contemporary Ohio, Risk places the reader in the middle of Olivia's problems right off the bat. Ten years prior, she had an intense romantic relationship with a French doctor, Luc George, but she called it off when she thought it interfered with her ability to keep her daughter, Melissa, safe. Luc is back now and all of Olivia's old feelings for him are rekindled.Adding to Olivia's confusion is Melissa's father, Jeremy Rutherford, Olivia's ex-boyfriend. He showed no care or concern for her when he found out she was pregnant, so Olivia raised Melissa on her own with the help of her parents. Rutherford is now forced to seek psychiatric help for mental health issues. Olivia told her daughter her father was dead and a war hero in order to keep her safe from her abusive father. Now, however, as Olivia's lie threatens to unravel when Melissa expresses interest in her father, Olivia needs Luc's strength and support more than ever.Luc is stunned to learn that Olivia never told him about her daughter. When he realizes the magnitude of Olivia's lies, he urges her to confess the truth to her daughter. Can Olivia find the courage to tell the truth and give Luc's love a second chance?Risk's engaging plot pulls the reader effortlessly into the story. Risk handles the subject with grace and sensitivity.The characters are wonderfully complex and dynamic. Luc is noble and honest to a fault, but his inner strength never fails Olivia when she needs him the most. Olivia has made a successful career for herself, but her determination to protect Melissa has driven her to lies which threaten her future. The supporting cast is a delightful compliment to Olivia and Luc's story and really demonstrates how rich and full their lives are.Risk's writing is easy to read and pulls on the heartstrings. "No More Lies" presents a problem many face today. How Olivia handles her issues will offer hope to those who are dealing with similar circumstances.The love scenes are sensual and tasteful, embodying a sweet hunger that has simmered between Olivia and Luc for years. "No More Lies," will resonate with readers and make them believe that love can overcome even the most challenging of obstacles.