Em and M Books: Review - For the Love of a Lush (Lush, #2) by Selena Laurence

Monday, June 2, 2014

Review - For the Love of a Lush (Lush, #2) by Selena Laurence

For the Love of a Lush

by Selena Laurence

Series: Lush, #2
Genre: Edgy Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 29, 2014

Six months ago, Walsh Clark was the drummer of America’s hottest rock sensation, Lush. Now he’s living at the Double A Ranch in north Texas, home to cows, cowboys, and lushes—like him. He’s survived alcoholism, rehab, and the breakup of his band. But the one thing Walsh might not survive is the return of his ex fiance Tammy DiLorenzo.

Tammy and Walsh met at fourteen, and she was with him on every step to fame and fortune—until one fateful night when she betrayed him. Now she’s back, begging for forgiveness and ready to fight for her man. But some betrayals are too painful to forget, some mistakes can’t be repaired, and Walsh is certain that he and Tammy can’t ever be together again.

But DiLorenzo women don’t back down, and Tammy always gets what she wants. In the wake of the lies and losses, she’s prepared to do whatever it takes for a second chance. She’ll give it all—for the love of a lush.

What an emotional read this was! Watching Walsh and Tammy try to recover from the events in “A Lush Betrayal” tugged at my heartstrings and made me question my belief in HEAs and whether or not it’s possible for everyone to have one. Hearing the story from both Walsh and Tammy’s perspective gave an added depth to the story and really had my emotions all over the place. They were both broken and scarred, and working hard to put their lives back together. Walsh was dark, sexy, and volatile, trying to find his new normal, living with his alcoholism. Tammy was driven, smart, and relentless, not willing to give up on what she knew in her heart was right, while trying to keep her need for control in check.

Walsh has convinced himself that much like the alcohol he craves, Tammy is an addiction that he can’t have in his life.

“As much as I hate it, Tammy, as much as I hate what you did, what I did, what I feel when I’m near you – I’ll always love you.” I open the door and walk away.

He knows he must follow the steps of his recovery program and make amends, and take responsibility for the pain he has caused those in his life, but he feels that the best path for his recovery is one without Tammy by his side – that being together is not good for either of them, and that his drinking is where their problems began.

“None of us knew what it meant, Tam. You were twenty-six years old and had lived a perfect life. You weren't supposed to know what it meant. I wasn't supposed to show you either.”

Tammy is still recovering from her breakdown, and is trying to learn to manage her desire to control everything and find a way to channel her emotions. But she also knows that without Walsh in her life she will never be complete.

“I crave him, it’s as simple as that, and like an alcoholic craves a drink, I’m not sure my craving for Walsh will ever subside. Also like an alcoholic I’m not sure if the craving is very healthy for me. Sometimes I think loving Walsh Clark might have ruined me forever.”

When Tammy turns up at the Double A Ranch to try and fight for their relationship, she doesn't know what to expect, just that she wants him back.

This book was an emotional ride filled with angst and drama, highs and lows, and some sensitive subject matter, which in my opinion, Selena Laurence handled perfectly. I loved the use of the flashback scenes to give further insight into the characters and show just how imprinted on one another Walsh and Tammy were. I also loved the fact that this book also addressed some of the issues within the band, something that was left in pieces at the end of the first book.

Although this book can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading “A Lush Betrayal” first to get the full impact of the issues between not only Walsh and Tammy, but between the band and Mel, Tammy’s sister, as well. This was a very well-written book, with smooth transitions between POVs and enough emotional depth to feel connected to the characters. I am definitely a fan of this series and can’t wait until the next book!

You can read my review of the first book in this series, "A Lush Betrayal", here.

Selena Laurence lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and spends a lot of time at soccer games, on her laptop, and reading. She is a full-time romance author who loves nothing more than a good love story, whether it be about rock stars or college kids. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Colorado Romance Writers. Her books have been on Amazon Topselling lists in Military Romance, Contemporary Romance, Hispanic fiction and Multicultural Romance. She requires a Mocha Latte every day to function, keeps a goldendoodle at her feet most of the time, and has more kids than she knows what to do with.