Rescuing Olivia

by Julie Compton

Anders Erickson has fallen for Olivia, who likes to live in the moment and doesn’t want to talk about her past. That’s fine with Anders—who has his own memories he’d like to forget—until a car runs their motorcycle off the road and causes an accident that puts Olivia in a coma.

Olivia’s estranged father blames Anders and denies his pleas to see her. When she mysteriously disappears from the hospital and Anders tries to learn what happened, her father stops at nothing to prevent him from discovering the truth.

But Anders refuses to accept that she’s gone for good. Determined to find answers, he sets out on a dangerous path that exposes Olivia’s traumatic past and places him squarely in the way of her father’s plans. When he discovers her very life is threatened, his search for answers becomes a race against time, and he is forced to finally confront his own past if he is to have any chance of rescuing Olivia from hers.

Pitched at the intersection of suspense and family drama, Rescuing Olivia is another gripping read from Julie Compton, a talented new author who never fails to mine the most compelling emotional terrain.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Fiction, Romance, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks

376 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Julie Compton is the internationally published author of TELL NO LIES, RESCUING OLIVIA, and the just-released KEEP NO SECRETS (a sequel to TELL NO LIES).

What reviewers say about TELL NO LIES:

"Compton's debut is a taut, tense cautionary tale complete with courtroom drama and a surprise ending." Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Tell No Lies is "an absorbing account of an honourable man gradually yielding to multiple temptations," and "a strong debut from a writer who knows her law, and more importantly, can depict the ebb and flow of relationships, the conflict between love and desire and the irresistible urge to self-destruct of a 'man who has everything'." The Guardian (UK)

"Tell No Lies bears comparison to Turow's landmark 1987 debut, which has launched numerous imitations if few equals. The prose is solid, the plotting assured, and the characters believable. There's even a marvelous surprise ending." Fort Myers News-Press

"Compton proves she has real storytelling skills. Tell No Lies' final twist is as stunning as that classic surprise in Scott Turow's Presumed Innocent." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"A real seat-edge thriller packed with the heady ingredients of power, passion, lies, lust and disaster." Peterborough Evening Telegraph (UK)

"A remarkably lucid writer . . . Verdict: Suspenseful and genuinely sexy." Orlando Magazine

"A promising debut." Booklist

"Readers will like this debut by a practicing attorney for its fluid prose and insight into the legal system." Library Journal

"Compton adds a very sexy pair of legs to Scott Turow legal thriller territory." Daily Mirror (UK)

Compton "does better in getting inside the mind of males than most male writers do in describing the thinking of females." St. Louis Post-Dispatch

What reviewers say about RESCUING OLIVIA:

"Compton's intense, entertaining second novel involves a horrifying coverup and a powerful new drug . . . [She] pulls off a super-satisfying resolution to this romantic thriller." Publishers Weekly

A "[m]odern-day fairy tale about a princely Florida lawn guy who must rescue his princess from a clutch of monsters. . . Compton burrows so deeply into Olivia's and Anders' troubled back stories and dramatizes in such psychologically compelling terms the swain's attempt to rescue his princess . . . that the result is a pleasing hybrid of fairy tale and contemporary thriller. . . [Her] increasingly pointed questions about what exactly it would mean to rescue Olivia make the journey worthwhile." Kirkus Reviews

"A page-turner." Booklist

"The intricate plot of this intense family drama unfolds layer by layer as a so-called accident forces two people to learn the harsh lesson that sometimes it's those closest to you that cause the most damage. Compton certainly knows how to spin an engrossing tale. Nothing is quite as it appears, which causes the suspense level to continually rise in anticipation of what's to come." RT Book Reviews

"Clearly over the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Rescuing Olivia is a terrific amateur sleuth thriller. . . Anders is a refreshing hero . . . His efforts to find and rescue Olivia make for a wonderful drama." Harriet Klausner

Reviews

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescuing Olivia by Julie Compton is an amazing read. I think I found my new favorite author. The more I read the harder time I have finding myself engrossed in a story that I stay up late at night not carrying about the lack of sleep and bags under my eyes. But Rescuing Olivia was the only thing I could think about since I started reading it. With bags and all I had to finish it, I had to know what happened.

Anders has finally found the love of his life until one tragic afternoon there is an accident. The story starts off by Anders trying to see Olivia while she is in the ICU. He is met not only by a locked door but a father who wants Anders to leave his daughter alone. After Olivia mysteriously vanished from the ICU Anders goes on a mission to find out what happened and will stop at nothing to make sure he gets his answers. This brilliant story takes you through his pain, struggles and fears. I can’t wait for more people to read this book and fall in love with it like I did.

[Carla Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was happy to snag an early read of Compton's second novel, Rescuing Olivia, having read (and loved) her debut, Tell No Lies.

Compton's got a fan in me! Rescuing Olivia was a fabulous novel that delves deeply into one man's determination to find, and rescue, the woman he loves, who has mysteriously disappeared. Rich and fully-dimensional characterization drives this fast-paced standalone story forward, and we come to care deeply about Anders' pursuit for the truth, and whether Olivia will indeed be rescued. Compton skilfully moves between the lush Florida coast to the chilly Connecticut town to the vast and magical African plains, and her ending is as surprising as it is satisfying.

Rescuing Olivia would appeal to readers of Kate Atkinson and Jacquelyn Mitchard, and be an excellent book club choice.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished this book and found it to be interesting but not really astounding; not sure if I would recommend it- perhaps to my friends who are die-hard mystery readers; who read anything with a mystery. It is full of cliches; the rich father who cares only for his business and would do anything to protect it, the rich boyfriend who is unlikeable and abusive, the rich daughter with a secret that is slowly exposed as you read forward. And the nice, albeit slightly confused and insecure boyfriend who would do anything to protect his lover. The inclusion of the use of memory drugs makes the story interesting and I loved the little addition of the tattoo as an identifier. I would ahve liked a stronger sense of place as the story plunged into Africa -it was a bit hazy for me.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a bit long and dragged out, but ultimately has a great plot with many twists I never saw coming. I thought the ending was a bit too abrupt, but overall I really enjoyed this.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anders and Olivia are lovers. While riding on Ander’s motorcycle, a black Mercedes runs them off the road, leaving Olivia in a coma. Anders was lucky and only sustained a few cuts and bruises. Olivia’s father won’t let Anders anywhere near Olivia.

A few days later, Anders receives the news that Olivia has died. Anders has a feeling that Olivia is very much alive. He goes in search of Olivia. In doing so, Anders uncovers a deep, dark secret that involves Olivia. Can Anders rescue Olivia before it is too late?

I have not read Tell No Lies by Julie Compton, though I have that book on my wish list. After reading her latest novel Rescuing Olivia, I plan to purchase the book soon. This book kept my interest from beginning to end. The whole time I was reading this book, I was cheering for Anders.

After reading the concept for this book and what Mrs. Compton learned from her research made the thought behind the plot for Rescuing Olivia that more scarier and intriguing. As if I needed that because there was enough adrenaline in the story line to keep my heart racing. Julie Compton rescued me into discovering a new author.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Compton has done it again! I love it when an author lures you in with suspense and doesn't disappoint. There are so many twists and turns I truly enjoyed my ride!

Like her other two books, I wondered what I would do if I were in Anders shoes. The lengths a person goes for the one they love is remarkable. I found myself wondering - like you will no doubt- is he in denial? Or is he right? Anders love for Olivia is very apparent. I couldn't put this book down. Great job Julie!

[Chrisy Dag · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book 2 years ago and to this day it frequents my mind. I think my favourite part about the book is this like mystery investigation genre is usually absolutely not my thing but I could not put this book down.

The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars is because i cant remember it that well and I don’t feel that pull to read it again but maybe I will explore this author a bit more when I get the chance.

[Pauline Pickles · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s great to find another good romance suspense author. This was an enjoyable read especially in concern to the memory drug and what it can do to someone. Loved how the characters unfolded but found it a bit weak in regards to how all of a sudden money came from nowhere to pay for expensive flights etc considering said man had no money! But don’t let that ruin it for you a worthwhile read

[Pamela Faust · Rating 4 out of 5]

How far will a man go to get back the love of his life? Apparently, Africa.

[Amy Logg · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Just received my giveaway copy in the mail today and can't wait to start reading it.
Thanks Julie!*

UPDATE:
When I started reading this book I was expecting a thrilling adventure - and that's just what I got. As we follow Anders around, we pick up clues and bits of information that slowly allow us to piece together what happened to Olivia. I didn't see the exact ending coming, so that was exciting for me to read.

The characters were all fleshed out and I felt like I was really getting to know these people. Anders was a very complex character, with many different layers.

My only issue was when Anders decided to sleep with his best friends ex wife to get information on where Oliva was. I understand that it was to show he was willing to do anything to save her, but I felt this tarnished his character for me somewhat - there are plenty of other scenes in the book that show his commitment to rescue her much more effectively. I once heard a director say you need to protect your main character & be carful what you make them do - well I feel this one scene was one that could have been omitted - especially because he didn't even gain any information from her in the end anyway. However I did appreciate the fact that Anders wasn't written as a typical cardboard cutout character & actually had some depth to his state of mind.

Overall I felt it was an exciting read & I would recommend this to those who enjoy a thought provoking adventure.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anders Erickson is your standard underachiever. He's intelligent (we are told - he actually does a lot of stupid things in the book so you really have to take the author's word on that) but unmotivated. When the novel begins he is just recovering from a motorcycle accident. Anders is just scraped up but his girlfriend, the Olivia of the title, was seriously injured and is in a coma.

Olivia comes from money. Her family is wealthy and powerful and they are immediately hostile toward Anders. They won't let him visit her in intensive care. Then Olivia disappears from the hospital. He doesn't know where she is or what condition she's in. He finds himself in the middle of some sort of conspiracy and only very slowly begins to piece together a picture of what's going on.

The story is engaging - the characters are interesting for the most part and realistic. Because of that engagement, however, the first part of the novel was frustrating. Anders is beaten at every turn by forces he doesn't understand. On top of that he does several bone-headed things and just makes things worse for himself. I found myself wanting to yell advice into the book like a football fan or something.

The story is a bit far-fetched and even becomes a bit of a soap opera - memory loss is a prominent plot device, you see - but overall it's an interesting read.

[Jeanne Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was certainly a wild ride of a story. Anders and Olivia met and fell in love. She had an old boyfriend that was not happy with the fact that she had someone new in her life. He was an evil man. Also evil, was Olivia's father. He may have meant well, but apparently was more concerned with making money and saving his own but. I was surprised the extent that her father went to under the guise of doing the right thing. Luckily, Anders love for Olivia sent him in another direction. He found Olivia in Africa, and he and his friend Lenny went there to rescue her. Again, the depths that the father and the old boy fried went to, trying to stop Anders. This will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Julie Compton's Rescuing Olivia, she told us a harrowing tale about love between two people. When Olivia and Anders had a mysterious bike accident, it sent both of them to the ER. Olivia ended up in a coma and strangely disappeared and later didn't remember him. It was now up to Anders to find her, before it was too late. People acted strange to him and lied to him, while he flash backed to when he met her and the events that led to the crash. From Florida, it sent him to Connecticut and down to Africa, when he caught up to her in a life-and-death battle. Anders would do anything to rescue her and bring her home. In the end, he went to be with her at her new home.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anders, a Florida biker who spent his life drifting lives with Olivia a beautiful, down-to-earth woman who appreciated his simple ways. Then the two are involved in a horrific motorcycle accident and life changes for Anders drastically as he is unable to find Olivia in the hospital and her father will stop at nothing to prevent him from finding her. He embarks on a quest from Florida, to New England,to Africa to find answers. Anders uncovers not only Olivia's traumatic past, but evidence that her life could be in danger.

[Ecompton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescuing Olivia is a well-paced suspensful romantic adventure with an unlikely but likeable lost "biker" hero you root for as he sets out to rescue his love and discover what he truly values in the process.
Uncovering the mystery of what happened to Olivia takes the reader from the beaches of Florida, to a small town in New England, then to Africa. The decsriptions of each of these destinations and their people really made me feel like I had been there.
The story never stopped moving - A very enjoyable read!

[Chicken Little · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second book by Julie Compton. I loved her first one, Tell No Lies, but barely liked her new one, Rescuing Olivia. The first part of the book is extremely captivating and keeps the reader turning pages well into the night; the second part, however, where the main characters are in Africa, is completely uninspired and WAY too long, so much so that it becomes a bore for the reader, who can't wait to be done with it.

[Mel Ance · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did keep me on the edge. I mean the suspense was killer, pun unintentional :D

Not only was it thrilling but it was also sad at the same time. There was no cliche kidnapping-and-rescuing theme. There was a story behind it. The only cliche part it had was the part about the "forgetful-pills". I rolled my eyes on that part.

I love how they choose Africa as the setting for the book. It made it more realistic.

[Richard Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This romantic thriller was a fine book. The characterization of some of the characters was a little off though. Anders, the protagonist, was repeatedly mentioned as above average intelligence. His actions were well beneath that. There was a lot of betrayal and cross-betrayal in the story that was very easily brushed off by other characters. Real life does not have the easy forgiveness these characters showed. But, I did care about all the main characters and what happened to them.

[Nelta · Rating 3 out of 5]

A suspense filled "love" story with unforeseen twists and turns...Although at times it felt to crawl a a snails pace, I continued to turn the pages until the end....It's filled with many of life's challenges that we are faced with and the emotional resolve it takes to face them head one.
I would have liked to have more between Olivia and Anders.

[Lonny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read a suspense novel in a long time, and this was pretty good. I had a difficult time sorting through who was the good guy/bad guy at times, but eventually it was all sorted out. I do wish Olivia was less of a cardboard type character; I never got a real sense of her personality. Despite its flaws, it did keep me hooked until the end.

[Teresa TL Bruce]

This is a compelling, brilliantly crafted mystery (my favorite genre), but I cannot recommend it due to language and subject issues. (I'd have given it a five-star rating for originality of plot and page-turning pace, if not for the graphic contents.)

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very suspenseful and compelling story! Parts were a bit disturbing and scary too. It was a bit outside the range of books that I normally read, but it was a book well worth venturing a little off my beaten path to read. 4 out of 5 stars.

[LeShea Avery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story with plenty of mystery. Some of the plot twists seemed some what far-fetched by not totally unrealistic. Enjoyed the conflicting feelings between the main characters. More like real life, where our feelings are multi-dimensional.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kept getting mad at Anders, and it got old. Finally he grew up, but it was almost too late to rescue the story for me. Still, I enjoyed the book and trying to figure out what was going on. It kept me guessing to the end.

[Beverly Mccollum · Rating 3 out of 5]

RESCUING OLIVIA was an interesting book. Not " great literature" -however, the psychological aspects of the characters and the gorgeous settings in Africa do make for a good read. A thriller with medical overtones-worth a try.

[Star]

incomplete.

[David Caligaris · Rating 3 out of 5]

a reasonably good romance read - bad guys with power over good guy working persistently against stiff odds to win fair maiden's hand.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book. I can't explain why, it was just so good. It was the kind of book I take with me while I blowdry my hair and read it from the vanity counter.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Won this through Goodreads and only just got round to reading it.


An enjoyable story but felt too long in places.

[Molly]

good