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.