Deadly Illusion

This book is one that I could not put down. Kathy Lockheart is new to me, but I will definitely be searching for more of her titles. I don't want to give away the plot, so let me just say lots of people find themselves trapped by life choices. You'll have to read "Deadly Illusion" to find out how this turns out.

Totally unexpected, wickedly engrossing and emotionally draining, this love story has so many twists and turns you will need a moment in a dark room when you finish it.

So many stories including stories of abuse start from a point when it’s come to a head and then the hero can come in and save the day. This story has two love stories, and only one has the real happy ever after.

One a traditional boy meets girl scenario, the other a stealth meeting that turns into a rescue and love story along the way.

I loved how all the characters, even the side characters developed over the storyline, how the story reflected the impact of these relationships shatter friendships and drive lies and unconscious estrangements. The internal monologue whilst trying to choose what to do and eventually making the stay/go decision was well written.

As much as I feel I’ve gone through the wringer with this book, I’d read it again and adored both main characters.

This arc was provided in exchange for my honest opinion

Wow this book brought all the goods out… suspense, love, terror, angst, heartbreak, and love. Very emotional and an awesome book.

Trigger warnings concerning: toxic and abusive relationships, domestic abuse, addictions, violence and death.
"It's heartbreaking how long a human will hold on to hope, even as evidence mounts against it, even as months turn into years"
"This was so confusing. I thought it would feel black and white, but this was nothing but gray"
This book got me into a major spiral of sadness and awakening about issues a lot of people use to deal with but find really hard to admit, both to themselves and to the world.
I grew fond of these characters who were there facing their own war while clinging to the people they love for support, actually finding out that some of them are their worst enemies.
Appearances are not always what they seem and it's useless to try and save someone who is beyond our reach.
Despite all this though I felt like I could relate to our main character in more ways than one and while it made it more painful to get through this book, it also made me aware of how many things need to change in this world to make it better.
Our past shapes us but it doesn't define who we are or who we will be. I think this is probably one of the most powerful messages this author could give. As well as the idea that we cannot fight. a war that it's lost from the beginning. Especially if it involves dedicating our existence to correct other's mistakes and accept blindly other's wrong gestures.
Sometimes love itself is not enough despite how much power we give it.
"True love should be able to overcome anything"
"And a life without the magic of true love seemed a depressing shell of an existence"
"I don't want to become the person I've spent my whole life fighting"
But at the end of the day, despite feeling like they're the only one to blame, it's hard for the victims to believe that they deserve happiness. That they actually weren't asking for what happened to them. They didn't ask to believe an abuser and their story.
At the end of the day , they need to know that IT'S NOT THEIR FAULT.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming, this is a book that will stick with you. Complex characters that you become completely invested in. This story deals with real life issues and it is so well written. And while a lot is difficult, it's also has a beautiful love story. An excellent read.