Love Drunk by Libby Rice
(Second Chances #3)
July 12, 2015
204 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+
Contains: sex, profanity, suspense
Source: eARC for Honest review
The love that lies built?
Wine importer London Whitley dots her I’s and crosses her T’s. Her meticulous nature insulates her from fears that she might just be crazy, as in certifiably, medically nuts. When her almost ex-boyfriend winds up dead at her hands and she’s soon accused of importing counterfeit wines, London’s carefully constructed world begins to crumble. There’s help to be had, but only in the form of an imposing stranger who threatens her ruin.
Trevor Rathlen is lucky to have escaped his marriage to a murderess alive and merely indebted to men who think the exquisite London Whitley’s innocence is a façade. A computer security specialist by day and hacker by night, Trevor agrees to return the favor owed by learning London’s secrets. The task should be an easy one, except Trevor is short on trust, London is long on lies, and together they battle an infinite attraction.
As for 'Love Drunk,' we are taken on a journey with Trevor, still recovering from his divorce from his psycho, criminal ex-wife, and London, recovering from a fresh break-up from an abusive ex-boyfriend, who also happens to be dead. But this is no simple love story, because London is also under suspicion for selling counterfeit - and more importantly, dangerous - wine. And Trevor's the guy needed to unveil London's guilt, or who set her up.
Let's start with what I liked:
I liked that this story followed a romance but also a mystery. The two wove in and out of each other, and I liked following along with the characters as we unveiled who was responsible for practically sabotaging London's company. I liked that I figured some things out, but there were plenty of plot twists and character reveals that kept me engaged and curious and surprised. I also grew to like Trevor and London as a couple. Their histories and personalities were well matched and suited for each other. I also enjoyed how family played a special role in the story, mostly in regard to siblings. Oh, and the dog. Let's not forget the dog.
Why not 5 stars?
Honestly, I struggled with the writing this time around. While I found the writing in ACL to be beautiful, I found the writing here to be awkward, particularly in the beginning. It's hard to pinpoint, but I found it wordy, trying too hard to be poetic or meaningful, and just coming across awkward. The early interactions between Trevor and London were kinda weird. I think they were supposed to be sexy and intriguing, but they felt artificial. So needless to say, it took me some time to warm up to this book and Trevor and London's relationship. But thankfully it got better! Trevor and London's relationship and interaction got better and more authentic. So it started as a 3 star, ending with 4 stars, so I'm averaging 3.5 stars.
Overall, I did enjoy 'Love Drunk.' I think it helped that I loved 'Art-Crossed Love' which allowed me to give this read more of a chance and persevere through the awkward beginning. Thankfully, the read improved as I went along, reminding me that Libby Rice can write an engaging mystery and love story. I'm also very curious if there will be more books about the side characters, because I would totally read them.
Love Drunk:
Art-Crossed Love:
Love Me Later FREE:
Before becoming a writer, Libby was first a mechanical engineer in the data acquisition industry (voltmeter anyone?). Preferring writing to technical design, Libby headed to law school and eventually practiced patent law for several enterprising years (patent application covering a voltmeter anyone?). Finally realizing that technology just wasn’t her bag, she traded the voltmeters for alpha heroes and the women who love them.
Today, Libby writes contemporary romances from the foot of the Rocky Mountains, where she lives with her husband, a bona fide rocket scientist (he stuck with the voltmeters!). When not writing, Libby loves good food, even better wine, and traveling the world in search of the next great story. Libby loves hearing from readers! Join the fun at www.libbyrice.com, where you can sign up for Libby’s new-release e-newsletter, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram.
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As much as I love romance, it's nice to have aspects of other genres thrown in as well. It's been a while since I read any books with a theme of mystery so I'm pretty intrigued by Love Drunk :) I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the sequel. Great review!
ReplyDeleteZareena @ The Slanted Bookshelf
I love romance mixed with other genres. It makes the story and journey that much more exciting and interesting to read!
ReplyDelete