While "The Connector" by Harper Dale certainly has its merits, offering an often compelling and emotionally charged read, it's not without a few areas where it might not quite stick the landing for every reader.
On the one hand, the novel truly shines in its emotional depth and the raw intensity of the central romance. B.J. and Patsy's connection is undeniably powerful, often feeling genuinely earned through the trials they face. Harper Dale excels at crafting moments that are genuinely "gut-wrenching" and "moving," as many have rightly praised. The stakes are admirably high, particularly when the plot veers into the dangerous world of drug transport, adding a much-needed layer of suspense that keeps the pages turning. Readers looking for a romance that feels lived-in and isn't afraid to explore the grittier side of life will likely find this aspect very satisfying. The 1970s setting is also generally well-realised, adding a layer of immersive historical flavour without feeling overly didactic.
However, the very elements that make "The Connector" so intense can, at times, feel a little overdone or melodramatic. The constant heightened emotion, while impactful in parts, can become somewhat exhausting over the course of the entire novel. While the danger adds excitement, there are moments where the plot feels a little too reliant on dramatic twists, pushing the boundaries of believability and occasionally sacrificing nuance for shock value. Some readers might find the pacing a bit uneven, with periods of intense action followed by stretches that could feel a little drawn out, particularly in the build-up or resolution of certain conflicts. Furthermore, while the characters are undeniably compelling, their development, particularly for supporting roles, might not always feel as rich or multifaceted as the two leads, leading to some flatness outside of B.J. and Patsy's immediate orbit.
Ultimately, "The Connector" is a novel with a strong heart and undeniable emotional power, offering a unique and often gripping romance. Yet, for those who prefer a more nuanced approach to character and plot, or who might find constant high-stakes drama a little overwhelming, it might require a degree of willingness to overlook some of its more heightened tendencies.

Being married to an iron worker, I was very curious about this book and how this character would feel on-page. I went in sort of blind and let the story speak for itself. The characters were distinct and the story itself was engaging. It was interesting to experience the onset of the pandemic from someone else’s eyes as well.

What sort of ruined this story for me was the timeline. Being taken back and forth in time from multiple point of views was a bit jarring but mostly I feel like it took away from the fluidity of the story. The natural moments of anticipation building up, weren’t really allowed to happen. It wasn’t hard to follow, it just made the whole story feel sort of flat, in my opinion.

To avoid giving away spoilers by giving a play by of the book and its timeline I will keep my review short and to the point. I went into this story thinking it would go one way but by part two of the story we are thrown 50 years into the future. If I’m being completely honest, I was confused with where the author was taking this story and what the plot point was. The writing itself was interesting and fast paced which kept me turning the pages. I thought that Patsy and BJs love for each other was very sweet as well. The story as a whole though, I don’t know if I was interested in it enough to want to recommend it to someone. My biggest takeaway from this story was that our actions have ripple effects and can affect the lives of those around us. I also took this story as a reminder to love and live well.

WOW. BLOWN AWAY! THIS WAS EPIC. I wasn't sure what to expect going in, and that made it even more of an adventure with the two main characters. Their road trip feels as if you experience every turn with them, and before you know it, author Harper Dale has you lost in the world of the 70's. The drugs... the innocence... and the mafia behind it all tests one couple's fate to the core of both of their beings. The themes of this book for B.J. and Patsy's course seem to mirror, "Careful what you wish for," "is it worth the risk," and "we'll never get caught." It truly makes the reader think about the choices you make in life... moreover, WHO you choose to be by your side. And when push comes to shove, are they the person you thought they would be? A remarkable treat of a 20th Century historical romance with an undying love. I gave The Connector my "Top Notch 5 Star Review." It will be one of your most unique reads this year. True love prevails with its unsung hero, and I highly recommend this read!