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In Loving Hate
Romantic Suspense
Tags: Contemporary, romance, suspense, widower, shipboard flirtation, independent woman, motherless child, handsome Greek, escape from misery, m/f romance, manipulation, treachery, childhood friends, wealth and power,
How far will the rich and powerful go in order to achieve their goals? That is the question Lyssa must decide when she finds herself caught between two formidable adversaries: powerful business tycoon and shipping magnate, Alex Andrakis and close childhood friend, ‘Dynamic’ Nell Winters, brewery heiress and prolific businesswoman.
Following the failure of her marriage in Greece, Lyssa returns to her family home in London, to discover that her mother, a once-celebrated actress, is now facing crippling debts. When Lyssa begins to investigate these, she becomes embroiled in the intricate business dealings of Nell and her arch-rival Alex. Irresistibly drawn towards widower Alex and his unhappy young son, Lyssa begins to uncover some unexpected and disturbing facts.
The more involved she becomes, the more shocking are the discoveries she makes. The conflicts culminate in a frightening battle for survival as Lyssa finds herself the prime target between the possessive Nell and obsessive Alex. With her loyalties deeply divided, can Lyssa make the right choice for everyone concerned?
Tags: Contemporary, romance, suspense, widower, shipboard flirtation, independent woman, motherless child, handsome Greek, escape from misery, m/f romance, manipulation, treachery, childhood friends, wealth and power,
How far will the rich and powerful go in order to achieve their goals? That is the question Lyssa must decide when she finds herself caught between two formidable adversaries: powerful business tycoon and shipping magnate, Alex Andrakis and close childhood friend, ‘Dynamic’ Nell Winters, brewery heiress and prolific businesswoman.
Following the failure of her marriage in Greece, Lyssa returns to her family home in London, to discover that her mother, a once-celebrated actress, is now facing crippling debts. When Lyssa begins to investigate these, she becomes embroiled in the intricate business dealings of Nell and her arch-rival Alex. Irresistibly drawn towards widower Alex and his unhappy young son, Lyssa begins to uncover some unexpected and disturbing facts.
The more involved she becomes, the more shocking are the discoveries she makes. The conflicts culminate in a frightening battle for survival as Lyssa finds herself the prime target between the possessive Nell and obsessive Alex. With her loyalties deeply divided, can Lyssa make the right choice for everyone concerned?
190 pages, ebook
16 people want to read
About the author
Lynette Sofras
15 books61 followersA former teacher, Lynette gave up her career in education a few years ago in order to focus on her writing and thus fulfill her childhood dream. She writes contemporary women's fiction, often involving romance with suspense or a supernatural twist. She claims 'Killing Jenna Crane', a romantic thriller and 'Unworkers' a modern ghost story/women's fiction are her personal favorites to date. Her recent release 'The Nightclub' is a romance packed with suspense, while her latest, 'Cocktails and Lies' is her first foray into the cozy mystery genre. You can find more details of her novels on her website: http://www.lynettesofras.com or Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Lynette-Sofras/...
Lynette currently lives in an early Victorian cottage in a picturesque Surrey village. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys catching up with friends, the theatre and cinema and occasionally trying to tame her out-of-control garden and the family's eccentric cat.
Lynette currently lives in an early Victorian cottage in a picturesque Surrey village. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys catching up with friends, the theatre and cinema and occasionally trying to tame her out-of-control garden and the family's eccentric cat.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 20, 2012
Reviewed for Good Book Alert! 4.5 Stars!
Read this book before you go on vacation, so you’re not tempted to accept when that romantic swarthy European with the lustful eyes proposes. Lyssa’s backstory of marriage to a Greek man carries ample warning of what might be in store if you say yes.
I was surprised on page 23 when the married male lead propositioned Lyssa after barely knowing her. I confessed disgust on page 27, when he added insult to injury by quantifying his extramarital affairs with a singular double-digit number. I did enjoy the Sappho in-joke enormously, and the crack about “paranormal trash”
It was easy to identify with the heroine Lyssa, especially as she is a writer/journalist, and her self-editing skills are somewhat like my own:
“How are your computer skills? I mean other than the usual social networking stuff. Do you type?”
She looked surprised at his question. “Badly. There’s more red and green on the page than black and white when I try to fill it with words. It looks like a battle took place between spelling and grammar, and whatever other insidious checks these word processing programs can throw at me.”
The author never fails to describe a romantic scene enough so you can envision it clearly, while also making it magical.
Glinting diamonds studded the inky sky, casting nervous freckles onto the smooth face of
the ocean. Bluish-white runnels of spume streamed out behind the lumbering ship and a mild, playful breeze whipped at Lyssa’s blonde hair as she leaned against the rail, gazing down at the nebulous plume below. Pulsating music sobbed out through the open door of the ship’s lounge. Despite the heat, energetic figures gyrated rhythmically. Turning, they sauntered slowly back toward the brightly lit deck, his hand resting impassively at the base of her neck under cloak of the soft, curling tendrils of her hair.
I enjoyed the sporadic Greek words, as they not only enhanced the plot, but some I remembered from my college days.
Lyssa had very sweet and highly imaginative dialogues with Alex’s child, Nicky, all through the book. These brought wider smiles to my face with each successive scene, and some caused me to laugh out loud.
I wasn’t sure if I liked Nell or Alex (thought he was definitely VERY sexy), as both seemed to use Lyssa for their own ends, and neither came off as trustworthy as more and more hidden facts emerged chapter by chapter. As such, the title was very apt!
My one problem with this book is that I don’t understand Lyssa’s flightiness. Her eagerness to work for David, a man she’s attracted to who is obviously attracted to her (he kisses her a few moments after offering her the job). While husband wife teams abound in the workplace, a woman only just dating would likely not agree to work for a man she knew might have ulterior motives. And what about if the relationship didn’t work out? Not only is the romance gone then, but the job might be as well! Alex’s scathing statement to Lyssa on this subject sums up my feelings well:
“You meet a total stranger on a ferry boat who offers you a job, which you are seriously considering accepting. Are you really so desperate or just completely naïve?”
And why does Lyssa agonize over finances and forget she has substantial wealth of her own in stock? A friend has to remind her of this.
Why the elaborate shenanigans to try to compete with Nell and Alex at their duplicitous game, when Lyssa is clearly not up to the task? As the character Mark puts it:
“I could say something about you being a woman—and a blonde as well—but you wouldn’t appreciate it.”
However, I did cheer for Lyssa when she finally stood up for herself. Her character does mature throughout the book into a woman unafraid to bring people to task for the way they have treated her.
Overall opinion: This book had much racier dialogue than other works by the author I have read, though her natural tendency for touching, sweet scenes resurfaces at opportune moments. With fully fleshed out characters and a plot full of twists and turns, this is far more than a simple romance. Every new development kept me guessing all the way up to the end, which was perfect!
Read this book before you go on vacation, so you’re not tempted to accept when that romantic swarthy European with the lustful eyes proposes. Lyssa’s backstory of marriage to a Greek man carries ample warning of what might be in store if you say yes.
I was surprised on page 23 when the married male lead propositioned Lyssa after barely knowing her. I confessed disgust on page 27, when he added insult to injury by quantifying his extramarital affairs with a singular double-digit number. I did enjoy the Sappho in-joke enormously, and the crack about “paranormal trash”
It was easy to identify with the heroine Lyssa, especially as she is a writer/journalist, and her self-editing skills are somewhat like my own:
“How are your computer skills? I mean other than the usual social networking stuff. Do you type?”
She looked surprised at his question. “Badly. There’s more red and green on the page than black and white when I try to fill it with words. It looks like a battle took place between spelling and grammar, and whatever other insidious checks these word processing programs can throw at me.”
The author never fails to describe a romantic scene enough so you can envision it clearly, while also making it magical.
Glinting diamonds studded the inky sky, casting nervous freckles onto the smooth face of
the ocean. Bluish-white runnels of spume streamed out behind the lumbering ship and a mild, playful breeze whipped at Lyssa’s blonde hair as she leaned against the rail, gazing down at the nebulous plume below. Pulsating music sobbed out through the open door of the ship’s lounge. Despite the heat, energetic figures gyrated rhythmically. Turning, they sauntered slowly back toward the brightly lit deck, his hand resting impassively at the base of her neck under cloak of the soft, curling tendrils of her hair.
I enjoyed the sporadic Greek words, as they not only enhanced the plot, but some I remembered from my college days.
Lyssa had very sweet and highly imaginative dialogues with Alex’s child, Nicky, all through the book. These brought wider smiles to my face with each successive scene, and some caused me to laugh out loud.
I wasn’t sure if I liked Nell or Alex (thought he was definitely VERY sexy), as both seemed to use Lyssa for their own ends, and neither came off as trustworthy as more and more hidden facts emerged chapter by chapter. As such, the title was very apt!
My one problem with this book is that I don’t understand Lyssa’s flightiness. Her eagerness to work for David, a man she’s attracted to who is obviously attracted to her (he kisses her a few moments after offering her the job). While husband wife teams abound in the workplace, a woman only just dating would likely not agree to work for a man she knew might have ulterior motives. And what about if the relationship didn’t work out? Not only is the romance gone then, but the job might be as well! Alex’s scathing statement to Lyssa on this subject sums up my feelings well:
“You meet a total stranger on a ferry boat who offers you a job, which you are seriously considering accepting. Are you really so desperate or just completely naïve?”
And why does Lyssa agonize over finances and forget she has substantial wealth of her own in stock? A friend has to remind her of this.
Why the elaborate shenanigans to try to compete with Nell and Alex at their duplicitous game, when Lyssa is clearly not up to the task? As the character Mark puts it:
“I could say something about you being a woman—and a blonde as well—but you wouldn’t appreciate it.”
However, I did cheer for Lyssa when she finally stood up for herself. Her character does mature throughout the book into a woman unafraid to bring people to task for the way they have treated her.
Overall opinion: This book had much racier dialogue than other works by the author I have read, though her natural tendency for touching, sweet scenes resurfaces at opportune moments. With fully fleshed out characters and a plot full of twists and turns, this is far more than a simple romance. Every new development kept me guessing all the way up to the end, which was perfect!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2017
When Lyssa abandons her failed marriage to her Greek husband and returns to her childhood home, she finds disturbing changes have taken place in her absence. Part of the house was converted into a flat by her late father and she is horrified to discover that her mother is not just renting the flat, but has sold it – to, of all people, a wealthy Greek! What makes the situation even more intolerable is that she finds herself drawn to the attractive young widower and entranced by his young son, Nicky. The plot thickens when her dearest friend, the wealthy and powerful Nell Winters, gets in on the act. Lyssa is caught between her admirer, Alex, and her childhood friend, both of whom are trying to discredit the other. Not to mention the machinations in Greece as her ex-husband works to discredit all three.
If you were hoping for the kind of bland romance that represents the majority of the genre these days, you will be bitterly disappointed with this book. ‘In Loving Hate’ is romance with teeth and claws. Lynette Sofras really knows how to write and everything I have read of hers so far has delighted me. Her plots are complex but believable, her characterisation superb, her language clear, simple and beautiful. I was caught by the first few sentences in this story and held until the end. I loved Alex’s lonely child, Nicky, and Lyssa’s wildly eccentric and cantankerous mother, the celebrated actress, Dame Constance Culver Danvers. I feared for Lyssa, so vulnerable in the aftermath of her disastrous marriage, and I was afraid she was trusting the wrong people.
Altogether a highly satisfying read.
Lovers of Ms Sofras’ work will not be disappointed by this latest offering.
If you were hoping for the kind of bland romance that represents the majority of the genre these days, you will be bitterly disappointed with this book. ‘In Loving Hate’ is romance with teeth and claws. Lynette Sofras really knows how to write and everything I have read of hers so far has delighted me. Her plots are complex but believable, her characterisation superb, her language clear, simple and beautiful. I was caught by the first few sentences in this story and held until the end. I loved Alex’s lonely child, Nicky, and Lyssa’s wildly eccentric and cantankerous mother, the celebrated actress, Dame Constance Culver Danvers. I feared for Lyssa, so vulnerable in the aftermath of her disastrous marriage, and I was afraid she was trusting the wrong people.
Altogether a highly satisfying read.
Lovers of Ms Sofras’ work will not be disappointed by this latest offering.
May 23, 2015
In Loving Hate by Lynette Sofras
After a failed marriage in Greece, Lyssa returns to her home in London. She finds that her mother, a once-celebrated actress, is now seriously in debt. When Lyssa begins to look more into this, she becomes involved in the business dealings of best friend Nell and her rival Alex. She is developing feelings towards Alex and his young son, Nicky. Soon Lyssa begins to uncover some unexpected and disturbing facts.
I Liked Lyssa, she is faced with so many decisions. She has her Mother's debt, her pending divorce, then she is torn when it comes to the issue of trust. There are a lot of secrets, loyalties are tested, and Lyssa doesn't know who to trust.
A well written story that kept me up late into the night. The characters are well developed. The plot is original with drama, suspense and secrets. Then add some romance and a nasty divorce making this the perfect all night read. I was so deep into the story that I did not know who to trust, up until the end. I could feel every emotion that Lyssa was felling.
I am a big fan of Lynette Sofras, and In Loving Hate did not disappoint. I highly recommend to those who love a great dramatic/romance. I look forward to reading more of Lynette's work.
After a failed marriage in Greece, Lyssa returns to her home in London. She finds that her mother, a once-celebrated actress, is now seriously in debt. When Lyssa begins to look more into this, she becomes involved in the business dealings of best friend Nell and her rival Alex. She is developing feelings towards Alex and his young son, Nicky. Soon Lyssa begins to uncover some unexpected and disturbing facts.
I Liked Lyssa, she is faced with so many decisions. She has her Mother's debt, her pending divorce, then she is torn when it comes to the issue of trust. There are a lot of secrets, loyalties are tested, and Lyssa doesn't know who to trust.
A well written story that kept me up late into the night. The characters are well developed. The plot is original with drama, suspense and secrets. Then add some romance and a nasty divorce making this the perfect all night read. I was so deep into the story that I did not know who to trust, up until the end. I could feel every emotion that Lyssa was felling.
I am a big fan of Lynette Sofras, and In Loving Hate did not disappoint. I highly recommend to those who love a great dramatic/romance. I look forward to reading more of Lynette's work.
October 4, 2013
As always, Lynette has created fantastic characters and a plot that is fabulously constructed, building suspense and never quite giving away the answers until the very end. I wholeheartedly felt for Lyssa as she struggled to work out not only what to do with her life, but who she could turn to. When someone you met once months ago seems more trustworthy than your best friend from childhood, what do you do?
There are always two sides to every story, but in this one it seems there are even more than that! Every person she speaks to seems to have a different story to tell about the others and by the end of it, Lyssa isn't entirely sure if she can even trust the charming child who has taken such a liking to her. Is he being used in some awful game just as she is? Who is telling the truth? Who wants to hurt her and who wants to help her? And why would any of them want to hurt her at all?
Lynette kept me guessing right to the end. My own beliefs over which characters were trustworthy changed just as much as Lyssa's.
This is no straightforward soppy romance, this is far more exciting!
There are always two sides to every story, but in this one it seems there are even more than that! Every person she speaks to seems to have a different story to tell about the others and by the end of it, Lyssa isn't entirely sure if she can even trust the charming child who has taken such a liking to her. Is he being used in some awful game just as she is? Who is telling the truth? Who wants to hurt her and who wants to help her? And why would any of them want to hurt her at all?
Lynette kept me guessing right to the end. My own beliefs over which characters were trustworthy changed just as much as Lyssa's.
This is no straightforward soppy romance, this is far more exciting!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews