Thanks to #NetGalley for this ARC

This is the second book in this series and can be read as a stand-alone.

It has been seventeen years since Merit has been in contact with her former best friend and boyfriend, Ryan. As kids, Merit, her brother, Eli, and Ryan were inseparable. But something happened between her and Ryan just before Merit left for college. Whatever it was, Merit has yet come to terms with it. When she receives a phone call from her family that Ryan has been in an accident and needs her help, she is guilted into helping. The problem is that Ryan and her issues are not the only thing that has been left unresolved. Will they find their way back to each other or will the baggage between them be too much?

This book was one heartbreak after another. It was well written but the characters lacked depth. The most the reader was granted in way of characterization was emotional turmoil and angst. The environment of the book went from hot to cold, sex to wreckage. There may be some readers who absolutely love this type of read and Bailey will do well with this audience. But from a literary perspective, I do not feel there was enough substance to plot or characters.

How do you write a review when your heart is still broken? That's how I feel about this book.

I will forever love heartbreaking romances. Mostly because it's the interaction of the two characters that always intrigues me about a book, no matter the genre. Seeing two characters come together, fall apart and deal with life at the same time fascinates me. It's such a human thing.

That is especially the case with Violet Ugly. Without giving away two many spoilers this book is a deep dive into loss. There is a lot of loss and a lot of damage from that loss. Humans are fragile, yet resilient, creatures and these two main characters showcase both of those traits pretty well.

What I loved most about this book was how genuine it was. The two characters acted in such a familiar way that everything feels real and there's a depth to their interactions and words because of it. Everything that is expressed has years of emotions behind it. I also loved their tender physical interactions as well. The book wasn't bogged down by unnecessary over the top shallow sexual tension, it was extremely emotional.

I loved this book and I'm about to go devour Bailey's other books as well!
Also, great cover.

***Thank you to the author and Netgalley for giving me the ARC in exchange for an honest review**
#VioletUgly#NetGalley

5 amazing stars !!! First of all J.Lynn Bailey is a new author to me, "Violet Ugly " was my first book but surely won't be my last!!! The story was absolutely amazing ..the characters was so realistic and while reading I felt all characters emotions!! You know "Violet Ugly " is one of the books that you feel like you are part of plot the book ... that you are an observer!! The pace of the story was amazing and the suspence was perfectly written. I absolutely loved this book ..I couldn't put it down!! Definitely a must read !!!

CAUTION: Violet Ugly leads to ugly crying! I felt like my heart was sitting outside my body, on top of my chest the entire read. The heartbreaking history between Merit and Ryan is one you feel in the bottom of your soul.

Red Peony gives a glimpse into the turmoil brewing between Merit and Ryan. For some unknown reason, Merit takes off at 18 for college and never comes back unless extremely necessary. Her once bestest friend, Ryan, she keeps at arm's length and no one knows why.

So we get to Violet Ugly and boy it's a total shocker of what's created the tension with these two. I felt like J. Lynn Bailey gradually broke my heart yet painstakingly, and loving put it back together. Well, that might have actually been Merit she done that to, but I sure felt it. This book causes both leads to focus on the sorrows and pains of their past while throwing new dilemmas in their way. The key is to learn to deal with the past and present while healing, grieving, and letting go... moving on.

The twists and turns were exciting as well. Ryan has your heart the entire time and never lets go. His past as a young boy was heartbreaking and led him to do stupid things. Growing up and realizing what's the motivation to his actions causes him to make a change but will it be enough to cover the hurt he caused.