Love Lost Adventure

The Lie

Romance - Suspense
330 Pages
Reviewed on 09/11/2023
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Roseann Gargiulo is a multimedia artist, musician, and visual storyteller. She studied Motion Picture and Theatre Arts at the University of Miami and then received her Master’s in Information Technology at Florida State University.

Gargiulo’s writing style is not that of the typical romance writer. Instead, her multi-plot storylines are usually seen from a camera’s lens. Love Lost Adventure: The Lie is the first novel in the series, and she is currently working on the second.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Love Lost Adventure: The Lie is a work of fiction in the romance, suspense, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is best suited to adult readers and was penned by author Roseann Gargiulo. This captivating journey through time and emotions follows protagonist Theodora Hayes, affectionately known as Teddy, a determined and passionate woman who embarks on a quest to rekindle a love she left behind many years ago. Her unwavering desire to find Cole, the love of her life, drives her forward, even in the face of danger, murder, and the complexities of love itself. The storytelling takes readers on a whirlwind adventure that spans from 1998 back to the Civil War era.

Author Roseann Gargiulo's characters are richly developed, and their deep connections evoke a range of emotions, taking readers from laughter to tears at the turn of a page. This deft command of emotional vulnerability is down to the intricacies of the dialogue and narrative presentation, which allows us a close look at Teddy and those around her when her emotions are put to the test. The novel keeps you engaged and always guessing at what may happen next as it navigates through mishaps, human connections, and a cast of fascinating ensemble characters. Overall, Love Lost Adventure: The Lie is a beautifully written tale that explores the enduring power of love and the mysteries of the human heart. I would highly recommend it as a must-read for those who enjoy a blend of historical fiction, romance, and adventure, all wrapped up in a compelling, emotive narrative.

Anne-Marie Reynolds

Love Lost Adventure: The Lie by Roseann Gargiulo is a romantic tale of suspense. Theodora Hayes regrets walking away from Cole years before, and she has a desperate need to get back to him. But her journey will not be easy. Cole was her one true love and nothing and no one will get in her way. Her journey takes her back to the Civil War and is fraught with danger. Murder throws her off course for a while, but love must win through. As the snow swirls around her, Teddy faces her doubts and sets off on a journey she will never forget – should she make it through.

Love Lost Adventure: The Lie by Roseann Gargiulo is a story of many plots, all gradually threading together. This is an awesome story told by a master storyteller. It’s a mixture of romance, history, murder, mystery, and adventure, with a good dash of humor thrown in for good measure. Set in the 1990s and the Civil War era, the story jumps effortlessly between the two but in a way that you always know where you are and what era the story is in. It is packed with twists and turns, with plenty of suspense. It’s both heart-stopping and heartwarming, with an eclectic mix of characters that you will adore. The dialog is sharp, witty, and to the point in an extraordinary love story that draws you in completely. Highly entertaining and compelling reading, this is recommended for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a story unlike any other you will ever read.

Stephanie Chapman

Love Lost Adventure: The Lie by Roseann Gargiulo encompasses the aftermath of Senator Prescott and his wife's murder or suicide. Theodora "Teddy" Hayes never turned down an adventure and was set to fly to New York to rekindle an old love with Cole O’Keefe. Her sister Cynthia "Cleo" Hayes drove her to the airport and insisted that Teddy call her when she arrived safely. Teddy’s plane landed in Newark, where a blizzard was raging. Meanwhile, Agents Walters and Stewart were meeting with Teddy’s adoptive parents. They were looking for Teddy, but Abby Hayes rebuked them for their secrecy. Elsewhere, Bridget Prescott idolized her father but didn’t know why her mother had a life insurance policy for Theodora Hayes. Armed with her father’s journal, Bridget was intent on making people pay for trying to ruin her father’s reputation.

Roseann Gargiulo created an intense thriller. Teddy didn’t strike me as being too intelligent. She flew by the seat of her pants when she chose to travel to New York. Cleo was level-headed, and the overprotective mother trait in her was well-developed. Despite not being blood-related, it was easy to see that she loved Teddy. Bridget Prescott was cold and calculating. Despite the story being set in New York, the Senator's involvement with the Blood and Bones Society was explained by a link to Confederate history. The alternating perspectives from several characters provided transitions that built suspense. The sudden twists in the plot made it unpredictable, and I was on edge as I read each page. Obstacles like betrayal, information leaks, rumors, and power battles accompany Teddy's hunt for passion in Love Lost Adventure.

Miche Arendse

People will do crazy things for love and there is no better example of this than Love Lost Adventure: The Lie by Roseann Gargiulo. Theodora Hayes, also known as Teddy, was always regarded as a troublemaker but that was all hearsay as far as she was concerned. She was merely a lively girl on her journey to win back a lost love when things around her seemed to go awry. It appeared as if Teddy wasn’t the only one having issues with love and, with betrayal and murder taking place, it looked as if matters were about to get more interesting.

Love Lost Adventure: The Lie by Roseann Gargiulo was an unexpectedly riveting story revolving around the good and bad sides of love, from betrayal and heartache to unending devotion. Gargiulo did a fantastic job with this book by bringing together several genres seamlessly. The first chapter had me hooked with an intense and suspenseful scene and the story just kept on getting better from there. The characters were all quirky and unique and added something to the plot. I especially liked that by the end almost every character we met was somehow connected either by way of the plot or through their experiences in the story. It goes to show that our encounters in life bind us all in ways we can’t even imagine. This is a wonderfully written book and I enjoyed every bit of it. Anyone who loves a romance that isn’t just a romance would appreciate this work.

Jamie Michele

Love Lost Adventure: The Lie by Roseann Gargiulo begins in Tampa, Florida, where Sarah Prescott confronts her senator husband about his affair, leading to a deadly altercation. Left behind is their daughter, Bridget, who discovers a cryptic diary written in her father's hand. Meanwhile, Theodora “Teddy” Hayes is on the search for the love of her life, Cole, while the FBI seeks out Teddy and ends up knocking on her parents' door. On her journey to Cole, Teddy meets and connects with a janitor who has a unique past, and her budding feelings for Kenneth begin to further complicate her situation with Cole. Now under the guardianship of her Uncle Paddy, the legacy of Bridget's father starts to unfold, bringing up roots that descend deeper than Congress and into the chambers of a secret society, familial connections, and a lifetime of lies.

It's all fun and games until somebody ends up in an incinerator! When I first picked up The Lie by Roseann Gargiulo, I admit I thought it would be a pretty standard young adult love story. The formula model is usually some combination of girl chasing boy, girl meeting new boy, girl has a choice to make. Gargiulo threw a spanner into that theory, crafting the ancient Blood & Bones Society and, while far less important, putting characters in shady places like at The Fat Black Pussycat, which is brilliant enough to be a band name. I really liked the multiple points of view because it helped keep the pace moving forward steadily. My one complaint is a character whose accent is written phonetically throughout and it is a little over the top. Still, I loved the links to the past and Gargiulo does exceptionally well in making everything come together neatly. The book is part of a series and ends with a to-be-continued. I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Danland

I really enjoyed reading this and following the story. There are a lot of surprises and plot twists, characters who draw you into their lives, and it never gets boring. I kept wanting to find out how it turned out. I hope this author continues the story where she left off, as I'll be excited to read her next effort.

Alison J

Love it! With a lot of surprises and plot twists, the characters are well written and they draw you into their lives.

Michael V.

Impressive Adventure Novel. I really enjoyed the imagination and scope for which the author created a storyline.

Gene M.

A Riveting Blend of Romance, Adventure, and Mystery! Prepare for an enthralling journey through a captivating blend of genres in this amazing book. The story's captivating narrative seamlessly navigates between modern times and a historical era, weaving together heartwarming moments, unexpected twists, and an eclectic cast of characters. The author's storytelling prowess shines through, delivering witty dialogues and masterful plotlines that converge beautifully. If you're seeking an extraordinary love story that defies conventions, this book is an absolute gem.

Suzanne D.

Riveted by the multiple stories, smiling at the characters and how you can read their minds in real language. Endearing!!

Yaniby

I just finished reading "Love Lost Adventure" and let me tell you, it's like this awesome mix of romance, adventure, and mystery all rolled into one. The way the story embarks on this crazy journey, jumping between modern times and the Civil War era, is just so cool. There are these super heartwarming moments, quirky characters, and twists you totally don't see coming. Gargiulo's storytelling is seriously on point – the witty dialogues and how all these different plot lines come together is just amazing. If you're up for a love story that's anything but ordinary, this book is a must-read.

Ryan

Wonderful book! Gripping! Couldn't put it down.

Vdeva

A Riveting Tale of Love, Adventure, and Whirlwind Quests! The characters in this book are exceptionally well-developed, and readers will be drawn to the strong female protagonist, Theodora Hayes, fondly known as Teddy. Her adventurous spirit and passionate determination to rekindle a lost flame make her truly endearing. The interactions between characters are witty, playful, and heartfelt, providing a delightful mix of emotions that keep you turning the pages.

Gail O.

I LOVE it. It’s thrilling. I couldn’t put it down and read it in four days!

Booklover

Great story and characters. This book was so much fun to read — from the crazy characters to a plot that keeps you turning pages and wanting more.

Shari

Love Lost Adventure" is a captivating blend of romance, adventure, and mystery. Theodora Hayes's whirlwind quest, set against the backdrop of both modern times and the Civil War, is filled with heartwarming moments, zany characters, and unexpected twists. Gargiulo's storytelling shines, from witty dialogues to intricate subplots that converge beautifully. A must-read for those seeking a love story that's far from typical.
—A thoroughly entertained reader.

Laura W.

Absolutely Brilliant.

Barbara Bailey

I really enjoyed this book and I'm waiting for the next one in the series.