Review: Necklace of Shame
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 25, 2010
Annabel Jenkins had suffered more in her young life than anyone should have to.  Being a victim of one of the most heinous crimes possible against a woman at the young age of sixteen, she had survived, and had overcome all the atrocities she suffered.  While that time held painful memories for her, she also met the man she would fall in love with.  No one could compare to Brody Dunberg in her eyes.  He was there for her at the lowest point in her life, and all she wanted was to be with him, but that was not to be because he wouldn't even allow himself to be in the same room as she was let alone explore the possibility of a future.  After being shut down for more than ten years by Brody, she decided the only way for her to move on was to relocate to a city with enough distance to allow her heart to heal.Brody had felt the special connection with Bel since the night he saved her life.  The feeling developed quickly into love, but it was not to be.  He was ten years her senior, and felt he shouldn't be with her.  She deserved a man her own age that could take care of her and make her happy.  He also didn't feel she could handle the life he lived.  He had been involved with his best friend Callum McCloud for years, and knew she would never be able to handle his chosen lifestyle.  When Bel's past came back to haunt her future, Brody didn't hesitate to offer protection to the woman he was in love with.This was a really great read!  The reader is drawn in immediately from the beginning witnessing the violence in Bel's life.  It is so well written that you can feel the pain and emotional turmoil she lives with.  There is no shortage in the chemistry between Brody, Bel, and Callum.  It jumps off the page, and will keep you engaged.  These are all multi layered characters that are well written surrounded by a terrific story.  I only have one minor criticism, and that is if a story takes place in a real city like Colorado Springs, Colorado, the author really should have taken the time to find out the name of one of the hospitals in the area.  Colorado Springs General Hospital doesn't exist, and it would have only taken a minute on the internet to find out that Penrose and Memorial are the primary hospitals in the area.  I will caution readers that there is graphic violence that may be upsetting to some.