Review: A moving and ultimately uplifting story about hope, survival and love
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 26, 2013
This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.Lussuria, by SJ Molloy, is a grand love story between a troubled and damaged woman with a heart of gold, and a giving and generous man with a fathomless amount of patience. Together, they bring each one into the light and joyousness of deep and abiding love, and learn to trust and heal in each other's arms.Lexi Robertson is an abuse survivor. Although we do not learn everything about her childhood, we learn enough to know that what she suffered at the hands of a monster is enough to make your skin crawl. In this new version, Ms. Molloy delves deeper into Lexi's past, and in doing so brings greater understanding and depth to her character. It is easy to see why Lexi has walls around her and her heart, rules about her and her life, and protection and safety are her number one priority. Given the atrocities she has suffered, and her fierce need for privacy, it makes her blossoming as a woman on her own and in a relationship that much more astounding.Lucca Caruso stirs things in Lexi she can't explain. When he seeks her care at her physiotherapy practice, she feels like a bus has hit her. She explains that she can't take on new patients because she'll be on extended holiday, but Mr. Persistence persuades her to treat him anyway. She's uncomfortable with the feelings she's having and the chemistry between them, and transfers his care to a colleague for follow-up while she heads to Tuscany.Lexi and her friend, Hazel, arrive at a villa in Val D'Orcia, for their vacation. What Lexi hasn't expected during their first evening was the appearance of a certain Italian hotty. When her eyes lock with Lucca's, her world spins - literally - and her life begins to change. This anxiety he provokes in her reminds her of her past, and she wonders if he is stalking her. When it all turns out to be an innocent coincidence, she wonders if she should listen to her heart and allow these feelings she has towards him surface. She is conflicted by what she feels and what she thinks she should do. But as she analyzes her deeper feelings, she realizes that ultimately she feels safe with him, so is the lussuria (lust in Italian) worth it? And what will happen once Lucca finds out just how horrific her life has been? The story of their love and trust and how it grows and flourishes is a satisfying journey.Lussuria is a series, so there is no "ending" in this book. Ms. Molloy has given us great understanding and background to the story and characters which grab your attention, but not so much that you feel there is nothing left for future books. I am really looking forward to reading the next books because I want to see how things unfold and get resolved. I really like Lexi, Lucca, and their friends and families, so the suspense is going to kill me until the continuation of their story is in my hand. Overall, a really enjoyable read. I would give it 4.75/5 stars, but this site does not allow for partial star ratings.