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 fiancée 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.

MY REVIEW:

FOR THE LOVE OF A LUSH by Selena Laurence is a beautifully written depiction of friendship, heartbreak, addiction, recovery, redemption and true love that stands the test of time and trials. This second book in the LUSH series tells the story of Walsh and Tammy, and the other members of the rock band LUSH who had all been lifetime friends, but have now been torn apart by addiction and betrayal. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend you read the first book in this amazing series. A LUSH BETRAYAL focuses on Joss and Mel’s love story, but also details the events that lead up to the breakup of the band and everyone going their separate ways.

In the aftermath of the band’s breakup (and his breakup from Tammy), Walsh goes off by himself to stay at a recovery ranch in Texas. He is focused on getting his life back together by working his AA steps, fighting his alcoholism, and maintaining his sobriety. After losing the love of his life and his best friend due to their betrayal staying clean and sober takes everything he has, so he has cut off all connections to his former life until Mike finds him and convinces him to allow him to come out and get a job on the same ranch.

Tammy has also been working on her recovery from the nervous breakdown she suffered but with the help of a therapist feels strong enough to take control of her life back. And to her, her life is Walsh. She still loves him fiercely and believes they are meant to be together, that they are truly one, and there is no life for her without him. So Tammy heads to Texas to get her man back and stubbornly fights for him no matter how many times he tells her to leave. No matter how many times he tells her they are done. Because he has also told her he still loves her. That he hates it, but he will always love her.

For the Love of a Lush is a very well written story of the very real emotional journey Walsh and Tammy take before they find themselves. Before they are ready to take a chance on each other or anyone else again. It was an intense read and a raw portrayal of the difficulties of an alcoholic and how their addiction affects those who love him, of the struggle it takes to forgive themselves and ask for the forgiveness of those they’ve harmed – especially when those same people have harmed them as well. It is also the story of unconditional and abiding love, both in romantic relationships and the solid love of friends who have been like family. This book is touching and will bring tears, but is also infused with humor and characterizations that will make you smile. For the Love of a Lush is balanced, well-written, and definitely kept me hungry for every word as I hoped for Walsh and Tammy’s HEA. Selena Laurence is an author who never disappoints. This was an incredible read! 4 stars

~Complimentary copy provided in exchange for a honest review.

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