Deanne Dietz’s Hearts Held By Barbed Wire is a gripping tale that intertwines romance, suspense, and the gritty underworld of early 20th-century England. Set against the backdrop of Lockham, a city teeming with secrets and danger, the novel explores the complexities of human emotions and the lengths to which people will go to protect their pasts and futures. Dietz crafts a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking, drawing readers into a world where love and danger are inextricably linked.

The story centers around Brielle Holberry, a character who is as enigmatic as she is relatable. Brielle’s journey from her troubled past to her new life in Lockham is fraught with challenges, not least of which is her entanglement with the Afton family. As a nurse, Brielle is accustomed to healing wounds, but the emotional scars she carries are not so easily mended. Her character is a study in resilience and vulnerability, and Dietz does an exceptional job of peeling back the layers of Brielle’s persona, revealing a woman who is both strong and fragile.

One of the novel’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of the theme of obsession. Everett Afton, the enigmatic and dangerous head of the Afton family, becomes fixated on Brielle, and his obsession drives much of the plot. Dietz skillfully portrays Everett as a complex character whose motivations are as murky as the world he inhabits. His fascination with Brielle is both unsettling and intriguing, and the tension between them crackles with intensity. The author deftly navigates the fine line between attraction and obsession, creating a dynamic that is both captivating and unsettling.

The Afton family, known as the ‘Adders,’ are reminiscent of the notorious Peaky Blinders, and Dietz draws clear parallels between the two. The Aftons are a family steeped in crime and violence, yet they are bound by a fierce loyalty to one another. This dichotomy is at the heart of the novel, and Dietz uses it to explore themes of family, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities that often accompany them. The Aftons are not merely villains; they are complex characters with their own codes of honor and justice, and this adds depth to the narrative.

Dietz’s writing is both evocative and immersive, painting a vivid picture of Lockham and its inhabitants. The city itself becomes a character in the story, its dark alleys and shadowy corners mirroring the secrets and lies that permeate the narrative. The author’s attention to detail is evident in her descriptions of the city and its people, and this adds a layer of authenticity to the story. The atmosphere of tension and danger is palpable, and readers will find themselves drawn into the world Dietz has created.

Character development is one of the novel’s strongest points. Brielle and Everett are fully realized characters, and their interactions are charged with emotion and tension. Dietz takes care to develop their relationship slowly, allowing it to evolve naturally over the course of the novel. This slow burn adds to the suspense, and readers will find themselves invested in the outcome of their relationship. The supporting characters, too, are well-developed, each adding depth and complexity to the story. From the loyal but ruthless members of the Afton family to Brielle’s own circle of acquaintances, each character plays a crucial role in the unfolding drama.

In terms of thematic exploration, Hearts Held By Barbed Wire delves into the idea of redemption and the possibility of change. Brielle’s journey is one of self-discovery and healing, and her interactions with the Aftons force her to confront her past and consider her future. The novel raises questions about whether people can truly change and whether love can overcome the barriers of the past. These themes are handled with sensitivity and depth, making the novel not just a romance, but a meditation on the human condition.

Comparatively, Dietz’s work can be likened to that of authors such as Sarah MacLean and Lisa Kleypas, who also explore themes of love and redemption in historical settings. However, Dietz’s novel stands out for its darker, more suspenseful tone and its focus on the criminal underworld. The novel’s blend of romance and suspense is reminiscent of the works of authors like Tana French and Gillian Flynn, who similarly explore the darker aspects of human nature.

Overall, Hearts Held By Barbed Wire is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of historical romance and suspense alike. Deanne Dietz has crafted a story that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant, with characters that linger in the mind long after the final page is turned. The novel’s exploration of obsession, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships makes it a standout in its genre, and readers will find themselves eagerly anticipating Dietz’s next offering.