Review: intriguing and beguiling
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 1, 2014
Lexi initially seems emotionally stunted and rightfully so.  We’re drawn into the story with a prologue hinting to a traumatic circumstance.  Over the years, she have surmounted much of her past to become educated and successful as a physical therapist.  Although her current life is handled in as much of a controlled manner as possible, she likes to stay around only the people she knows and trusts and not deviate from her norm.  Throughout Lussuria, we get a chance to see her emotional growth as she begins to let others into her life.  Lexi goes through a remarkable transformation from meek and frightened to being alive with choices.With beautiful blue eyes, a stunning physique, and a captivating charisma, Lucca Caruso is an Italian stallion.  He’s acquired his wealth through owning of several high end fitness clubs around Ireland and renovating other properties.  Early on, he seems like perfection; understanding, patient, kind, and doting.  During the course of the story, we see he has his own broken path and negative behaviors emerge as the relationship is challenged.This is every bit an emotionally gut-wrenching story.  I was drawn in immediately with the prologue and reading of a shattered little girl.  You know she’s been abused and can surmise it’s bad but it’s what drives her entire character.  It affects Lexi in every way as she only can survive in her carefully structured environment.  Her path crosses with Lucca multiples times compelling their fated romance.When they come across on vacation, he vows to pursue her intensely until he gets what he wants…her.  Although Lexi’s demons are blatant, she still falls into bed with Lucca quickly.  I found this to be a bit hard to swallow but understand the need for the action.  The remainder of the first half was markedly slow to me.  The compressed timeline of events was a bit jolting.  It was more about their sex and lesser about the journey of the relationship.  In part, this was the honeymoon phase but I was more interested in the development of them individually and as a couple.  Finally, the last half picks up tremendously.  There are both internal and external influences to cause difficulties with what seemed much easier early on.Overall, this book is intriguing and beguiling.  I love how the author uses single words to describe situations and emotions.  With some imperfections, it’s has at the core one of the more interesting plots I’ve come across.  The characters are complex, layered, and amazing.  I loved seeing their heartrending past experiences not stop them from having the poignant love affair.  I can’t wait to see what the second book L’amore has in store.Rating:  4 stars~Complimentary copy received in exchange for honest review.~