The Unfinished Line

De: Jen Lyon

Narrado por: Abby Craden

Jen Lyon, award-winning author of The Senator’s Wife, brings another intricately woven world of nuanced characters, solidifying herself as a skilled storyteller of women’s fiction.

When Kameryn Kingsbury lands one of the most coveted roles in cinema history, she’s certain it’s the most monumental thing that’s ever happened to her—until a twist of fate introduces her to Dillon Sinclair.

Dillon is unlike anyone Kam has ever met: bold, certain of herself, and fiercely driven by an ambition that has skyrocketed her to the top of her career. A famed British triathlete who remains on a quest to secure the one accolade she’s yet to achieve: an Olympic gold medal.

The connection between the two women is intense and unexpected, challenging Kam’s understanding of herself as she’s drawn into a relationship with Dillon. From the Hawaiian islands to the Santa Monica Pier, to the tropical paradise of the Keys, and the tranquil coast of Wales, a love story begins to unfold.

But when Dillon’s turbulent past collides with Kam’s overnight fame, the challenges escalate and the pressure of the relationship is heightened.

The Unfinished Line unravels a heartachingly beautiful story set amidst the arduous world of elite sports and the unrelenting limelight of Hollywood. Dillon and Kam’s journey explores the power of love, the sacrifices made to achieve success, and the dangers of reaching for perfection.

Content warning: This book contains topics and themes some listeners may find difficult, including struggles with mental health, discussions of suicide, and references to past sexual trauma.

©2024 Jen Lyon (P)2024 Jen Lyon

Stunning

I wasn't sure I could handle listening to Abby's performance of The Unfinished Line so soon after I read the ebook. The story wrecked me, but I had to listen to the brilliant Abby Craden Bring Cam and Dillon to life. Abby and Jen are quite the team and I'll always be bold enough to jump on board when they unite! Once again, I laughed and cried. The story left me drowning in emotion. Some say the best novels are the ones that never leave your mind. This one lives deep in my soul.

Bloody Brilliant!

This is my first Jen Lyon book and I know there will be more. Very well written...the truth and the emotions throughout the entire book. Abby Craden's narration was absolute fire. I don't usually stray too far from her narrated pieces. I don't think I've ever actually cried at the end of any audio book as I did with this one. I'm gutted...mostly because this is or has been a reality for some athletes and their loved ones. 5 stars isn't enough...there should be 10 stars. Well done!

Two great characters and an uncommon storyline

Jen Lyon doesn't disappoint. Her characters are really developed and interesting. This story line is told in a unique way and not at all what I expected. I love the authors writing style from her earlier story of The Senators Wife and this book is written in the same style. The two main characters are very different. One is an actress and one a world class triathlete. Of course Abby Craden does a fantastic job with all the different dialects and voices. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to her next book.

Amazing!!!

OMG I started to listen to this after finishing The Senators Wife series, and it did not disappoint!!! An emotional story that made me smile and then tore my heart. Beautifully written, the author is magnificent 💓

Jen and Abby for the gold.

This is truly an amazing book and the audioversion adds a whole new dimension. Follow along as Dillon and Cam navigate their challenging love story with all the emotion that went into the writing.

Deeply, painfully sad.

It took me several days to process the ending. I wish that, instead of giving an alternate ending, the author would have taken more time to provide a resolution to the real ending so that I didn’t need to take so much time to work through it on my own.

It’s a beautiful story. Well worth reading. Just be ready to give yourself a few days after completing it.

Amazing & Unsuspecting

I absolutely love Abby Craden as a narrator! This performance was no different.

Jen Lyon!!! Thank you for this. I am a mental health professional and I thoroughly appreciate the mental health themes of this book.
I also enjoy reading names from the Senators Wife series, namely Sam. She’s freaking awesome!
My only disappointment…I have to wait for the next book!

I’m going to carry this one for a while.

I was…unprepared. Having been a collegiate athlete, married to a collegiate athlete, with an enormously elite athlete in our immediate family — I am very familiar with the painful themes in this story. It’s hard to say much without spoiling, but I had to walk my way through this, carefully. I’m not going to lie, I had to remind myself this was a fictional story and Cam and Dillion were fictional characters. The emotion the author invokes requires the aftercare she provides. Please take the trigger warning seriously.

a different kind of ending

This story lasted with me for days after finishing. Not a typical lesbian love story. Take 2 is what I expected and hoped for. Take 1 ripped my heart out. I talked with my wife after we both finished reading. She went through similar feeling after finishing D1 college softball. Who am I, what am i worth? Thankfully for her, she felt she had options.

Damn It, Jen!

You know, when I read the book, I was gutted. Totally. The ending - and the last line in particular - are so powerful that it's moved this book into my top 100 all-time (and I've been reading since Ford was President...)
But adding Abby's narration? UNFAIR, JEN!

Okay, on to the review (now that I've vented)

Oh. My. Goodness. Folks, let me tell you about "The Unfinished Line" by Jen Lyon, narrated by the incomparable Abby Craden. Where do I even begin?
First off, if you're a fan of Jen Lyon's work, particularly "The Senator's Wife" trilogy, you're in for a treat. But let me warn you, this book is on a whole other level. It's like Lyon decided to take our hearts, put them through a wringer, and then stomped on the pieces for good measure.
The story is set in the world of elite sports, and boy, does Lyon know her stuff. From triathlons to horses, the details are so vivid you can almost feel the burn in your muscles4. And don't get me started on the Welsh content - it's absolutely delightful.
Now, let's talk about Abby Craden's narration. Her voice is like butter, people. She could read a phone book, and I'd be captivated. But with Lyon's words? It's pure magic. Craden brings each character to life with such depth and emotion that you'll forget you're listening to just one person.
The romance in this book? It's a rollercoaster. One minute you're soaring, feeling all warm and fuzzy, and the next... BAM! Lyon pulls the rug out from under you4. I swear, I had to check if my Audible app was broken because surely, SURELY, that couldn't be the ending?!
And speaking of that ending - HOW DARE YOU, JEN LYON? I mean, seriously? I was not prepared. I'm still not prepared. I finished this audiobook days ago, and I'm still thinking about it. It's like Lyon reached through my headphones and rearranged my insides.
But here's the kicker - as much as I want to be mad about that gut-punch of an ending, I can't. Because it's just that good. It's powerful, it's raw, and it's going to stay with you long after you've finished listening.
A word of caution, though. Lyon includes a content warning at the beginning for a reason. This book deals with some heavy themes, so if you're in a vulnerable place, maybe save it for later.
In conclusion, "The Unfinished Line" is a masterpiece of storytelling, brought to life by Abby Craden's stellar narration. Just... maybe have some tissues and comfort food ready. And possibly a therapist on speed dial. You're going to need it.