The Unfinished Line
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars | 1,118 ratings
Price: 21.83
Last update: 12-24-2024
About this item
Jen Lyon, award-winning author of The Senator’s Wife, brings another intricately woven world of nuanced characters, solidifying herself as a skilled storyteller of women’s fiction.
When Kameryn Kingsbury lands one of the most coveted roles in cinema history, she’s certain it’s the most monumental thing that’s ever happened to her—until a twist of fate introduces her to Dillon Sinclair.
Dillon is unlike anyone Kam has ever met: bold, certain of herself, and fiercely driven by an ambition that has skyrocketed her to the top of her career. A famed British triathlete who remains on a quest to secure the one accolade she’s yet to achieve: an Olympic gold medal.
The connection between the two women is intense and unexpected, challenging Kam’s understanding of herself as she’s drawn into a relationship with Dillon. From the Hawaiian islands to the Santa Monica Pier, to the tropical paradise of the Keys, and the tranquil coast of Wales, a love story begins to unfold.
But when Dillon’s turbulent past collides with Kam’s overnight fame, the challenges escalate and the pressure of the relationship is heightened.
The Unfinished Line unravels a heartachingly beautiful story set amidst the arduous world of elite sports and the unrelenting limelight of Hollywood. Dillon and Kam’s journey explores the power of love, the sacrifices made to achieve success, and the dangers of reaching for perfection.
Content warning: This book contains topics and themes some listeners may find difficult, including struggles with mental health, discussions of suicide, and references to past sexual trauma.
Top reviews from the United States
5.0 out of 5 stars Five star book but.....
5.0 out of 5 stars This book WRECKED me
The ending gets rough, but just hold on and keep reading. I promise it’s worth it. See more below.
*** Vague SPOILERS hereafter ***
The Act 1 ending DESTROYED me! I was so invested in these characters, their relationships and their love, I had an intense autonomic response. As I read the first two pages of the first act my heart raced, dread engulfed me, a terrible sickening heat spread through my chest, it became difficult to breath and I began bawling uncontrollably as I sat in bed next to my sleeping wife.
I couldn’t handle it, I began skipping forward, reading only one to two sentences per page, desperate to find it was only a terrible nightmare that Kam was having. My hands shook with every turn of the page and I cried continuously.
By the time I discovered that there was an act 2, I was almost inconsolable. After ensuring that this was truly an alternate ending, I decided to go back and do a thorough read of act one, but now I wish I hadn’t. It was so raw, so real, so blindingly heartbreaking. Even now, the next day, my throat is constricted with grief and my tears fall freely as I write this.
Act 2 is almost not enough to ease the pain in act 1. Don’t get me wrong, all of my 27 hats off to the author. The excruciating pain of act 1 is a testament to her talent and ability. But again, I’m totally wrecked by it. Also, I agonized over the last sentence of the book. It left me questioning which ending was real which was unacceptable to me. But the authors note helped.
I am indescribably grateful that she wrote act 2. I probably would’ve bought a hard copy of the book just so I could burn it if she hadn’t. As it is, I’ll probably buy a hard copy, rip out Act 1 and then reread it a thousand times, then read several happy, light hearted Gerri Hills in an attempt to mend my broken heart.
Beautiful work. I’ve never been this affected by a book. I don’t know if I should say “thank you” or “get bent”. But I’ll lean to the former because of act 2.
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!
Oh, and if you haven't read The Senator's Wife, what are you waiting for?!
5.0 out of 5 stars Such an incredibly powerful story
4.0 out of 5 stars hummm…this one will stay with you for awhile.
Things I loved: the way Jen Lyon writes, her ability to tell a story, her character development, the way she draws you in and makes you care. She also makes you think. Her use of language, the situations in which she puts her characters, and finally, the feelings she leaves you with in the end. This is definitely a book that you will be thinking about long after the final paragraph.
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging and emotional
It should not be limited by a genre. To do so would be a huge injustice to the work.
It takes a lot to elicit actual emotion from me these days with a book. But this one hit all the points. Real, honest, tragic, and celebratory all wrapped into a nice package
You will smile, you will laugh, it will draw you to anger, and it will make you cry.
Lyon isn't afraid to hit on some tough topics.
No slow lulls. It's engaging throughout:
villains and friends, failure and redemption.
It truly is a story of love. Love in every regard:
love's successes and love's failures, love of your sport, love of the job, the love of best friends, the deep love between souls, and all
of the fight, fear, anguish and triumph that accompanies such matters of the heart
Read it. You will thank her for it after.