Review: For the Love of a Lush by Selena Laurence
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 27, 2014
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 gets 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.