Eye Contact


Romance - Sizzle
159 Pages
Reviewed on 05/08/2022
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Vivian Woolf is a writer, attorney, and avid romance reader. She grew up in rural Maine in the '90s, and waxes nostalgic about all the boyfriends she never had. She graduated from Bowdoin College, where she won the Brown Prize for Extemporaneous Composition. She is the mother of one, wife of one, sister of two, cousin of thirty-five, friend of many, and (hopefully) enemy of no one. In her spare time, she wishes she had more spare time.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Eye Contact is a sizzling romance novel by Vivian Woolf. It's the year 1996. Isobel Winters is a senior at Munich High School in Munich, Maine. An overachiever and straight-A student throughout her life, all Isobel lacks is the expertise in the boyfriend department. But her life turns upside down when newcomer Evan Alvarez, a handsome and mysterious bad boy, sweeps her off her feet. Evan makes it his number one mission to pursue Isobel and teach her the wonderful trappings of young love. Intoxicated by Evan's direct demeanor and swaggering confidence, Isobel soon falls head over heels for him. However, as she begins to explore her sexuality, Isobel unwittingly pushes her closest friends away. But is Evan truly who he says he is? Can Isobel trust their burgeoning love amidst strange incidents?

Filled with romance, raging hormones, and mystery, Eye Contact is a captivating tale of first love that will have your eyes glued to the pages from start to finish. Author Vivian Woolf weaves a blazing romance story that follows a young high school senior as she comes to terms with her awakened sexuality and falls in love with a boy shrouded in mystery. The plot moves at a brisk pace, and the surprising twists and turns always keep you guessing as to what's going to happen next. The characters are layered, with compelling traits and personas to keep you engaged all the way through. Apart from Isobel and Evan's dynamic, I also enjoyed the friendship and banter between Isobel and her friends. Recommended to romance lovers.

K.J. Simmill

In Vivian Woolf’s Eye Contact, Isobel was a straight-A student. She was only seen as that - a nerd, a geek, brains. Whatever they said about her and however they teased her, one thing she'd never been seen as was beautiful, at least not by a boy. That all changed the day Evan walked in. Although new to the school, he owned the halls, he singled her out, he stirred in her things she had never known. But there was something strange about him too. Jealousy, with an aversion to talking about his past and his previous girlfriend. He wanted every minute of Isobel’s time, and when that didn't happen, other things did. Things weren't as they seemed, that's for sure. Where does love end and obsession begin?

Eye Contact follows the drama of school mingled with a new romance, alternating priorities, and the all too familiar back-handed bullies. I loved how Vivian Woolf managed to weave an amusing yet troubling story that made you think to uncover what was going on. I enjoyed the authentic feel of Isobel, with her human traits of selfishness, thoughtlessness, being carried away, and self-involved, while still possessing the qualities that had made her a good friend to start with. The author made her real and credible. With all the suspicious and strange goings-on, I was desperate to uncover the truth behind the events. Was there something more to Evan than there seemed, or was there a reason people acted so strongly around him? The setting was skillfully created without being overpowering. A smooth and enjoyable book that will keep you turning the pages for answers. Romance, tension, and questions combine to make a thrilling read.

Stephanie Chapman

In Eye Contact by Vivian Woolf, Isobel feels invisible to everyone. She is successful in her academics and reminisces about her leading role in a play from last year. Evan, a new student, is used to being surrounded by girls. However, much to the dismay of Becky, a popular cheerleader, Evan approaches Isobel. Later that day, in a class she shares with her best friend, Kara, she learns Evan is interested in her. Her friend, Michelle, has doubts and tells Isobel he sounded “sketchy.” Evan approaches Isobel, intending to be her boyfriend. After Isobel’s father goes off on one of his tirades while her friends are present, Evan doesn’t abandon her. She learns about his upbringing, and they form a close bond. However, something seems wrong, and Isobel’s insecurities run haywire. What does Isobel need to keep her from becoming heartbroken and isolated from everyone?

I couldn’t tear myself away from this high school romance story. Vivian Woolf created Isobel’s character to be like my high school experience. It was easy for me to understand Isobel’s insecurities. I felt Michelle may have jealousy issues about Isobel’s relationship because she kept casting doubt. At one point, Michelle even tells Isobel she was irresponsible for skipping practice. Evan’s past catches up with him, but Isobel defends him. The pace of this book builds intensity, and every page presents Isobel’s developing feelings. They even have moments of jealousy and disagreements, like a normal couple. I was interested in the twists that fell into place. The end of the book was nothing like I would have expected at all. I liked the unpredictable nature of the romance because the vivid depiction was realistic. Eye Contact is perfect for romance readers who like relatable experiences in their stories.

Maria Victoria Beltran

Eye Contact by Vivian Woolf is a sizzling romance novel set in the 1990s. It focuses on the unlikely development of a romantic relationship between high school classmates Isobel and Evan. Isobel Winters is an intelligent and talented girl who seems to scare the boys away with her achievements. She had almost given up on having a loving relationship when the attractive Evan Alvarez transferred to her school and caused a stir among her girlfriends. Handsome and confident, Evan is immediately attracted to Isobel, and they have an exciting and intimate liaison. Rumors about his past surface and his erratic behavior disrupts their relationship. So much in love, Isobel always ends up in his loving arms despite the disturbing signs. Is this the passionate romance that she has been anticipating for so long?

Vivian Woolf's Eye Contact is an engaging high school love story that should remind readers of their teenage romantic experiences. We can all empathize with falling in love and struggling to make a relationship work. This book has an excellent story with lots of hot and steamy scenes. Woolf's vivid descriptive style is a bit on the graphic side and is highly realistic. The characters are interesting, with the main protagonists having less than ideal home lives. This adds layers to the story and some degree of suspense. It enhances the central theme's development. Isobel's friends also add color to the fast-paced sizzling romance that ends in an unexpected twist. I recommend this novel to those who want an easy and pleasurable read!