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Lush #3
Lowdown and Lush
Mike Owens is the devil. Sexy, snarky, and as lowdown as they come, he's one of the world's greatest guitarists and one of Portland's most notorious bad boys.
Jenny Turner is an angel. A preacher's daughter, she's a good girl with a great voice and a dream to hit it big in country music.
When these two opposites meet, the attraction is undeniable, but something's stopping the bad boy from pursuing what he desires most. Can this angel handle the truth behind her devil? Or will his secrets be too Lowdown and Lush?
Jenny Turner is an angel. A preacher's daughter, she's a good girl with a great voice and a dream to hit it big in country music.
When these two opposites meet, the attraction is undeniable, but something's stopping the bad boy from pursuing what he desires most. Can this angel handle the truth behind her devil? Or will his secrets be too Lowdown and Lush?
220 pages, ebook
First published November 11, 2014
45 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Selena Laurence
51 books911 followersRomance Author | Coffee Drinker | Breaker of Tropes | Mother of Doodles
Selena Laurence is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of One of a Kind Romance. She has published books in Contemporary Romance, New Adult Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. She’s also a curated contributor in non-fiction on Medium as SE Reed.
Selena lives in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with her family, her Goldendoodle, and Demon Cat. Her favorite city is Edinburgh, her favorite color is purple, and her favorite shoes are Converse.
Selena Laurence is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of One of a Kind Romance. She has published books in Contemporary Romance, New Adult Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. She’s also a curated contributor in non-fiction on Medium as SE Reed.
Selena lives in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with her family, her Goldendoodle, and Demon Cat. Her favorite city is Edinburgh, her favorite color is purple, and her favorite shoes are Converse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 4, 2022
DNF
I feel like wasting my time trying to finish Lowdown and Lush. There is a lot of double standard and sexism in this book. I usually do not mind that as long as the plot/ writing/ twist is interesting or capture my attention.
Miss Laurence fails to deliver more interesting plot/ story. The characters seems to stuck in one dimensional and the conversation is bland. Jenny is a heroine with no backbone nor self dignity. Her whinning and self pity made me give up.
2 stars
I feel like wasting my time trying to finish Lowdown and Lush. There is a lot of double standard and sexism in this book. I usually do not mind that as long as the plot/ writing/ twist is interesting or capture my attention.
Miss Laurence fails to deliver more interesting plot/ story. The characters seems to stuck in one dimensional and the conversation is bland. Jenny is a heroine with no backbone nor self dignity. Her whinning and self pity made me give up.
2 stars
November 24, 2014
2.5 stars!
As much as I've loved the other books in this series, this one just didn't work for me. I just didn't feel the chemistry between Jenny and Mike. Mike's past was horrific was that was no excuse for acting like a douche for most of the book. I wasn't impressed with Jenny either. The fact that She was a hypocrite.
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
As much as I've loved the other books in this series, this one just didn't work for me. I just didn't feel the chemistry between Jenny and Mike. Mike's past was horrific was that was no excuse for acting like a douche for most of the book. I wasn't impressed with Jenny either. The fact that She was a hypocrite.
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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January 31, 2020🎁 The complete Lush Series Series (Books 1-4) is FREE on Amazon today (1/31/2020)! 🎁
November 1, 2014
This series just keeps getting better and better. The boys of Lush are sex-on-a-stick and each is fighting their own demons. Mike Owens has a past that he can't outrun and he thinks he can't love or be loved because of what happened with his mother. While helping Jenny with her music career, he will try to keep his feeling for her to himself but others around him sees and knows him too well. Jenny has falling in love with her friend and wants more. Will she be left with a broken heart? Can she help Mike see he can be loved? If you haven't met the men of Lush, Joss, Walsh, Mike & Colin, then you need to catch up, you will love them too. This series is perfect to me and I am loving each bandmate in their own way.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for my honest review**
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for my honest review**
November 22, 2014
This was Mike's and Jenny's story and what a story it was. Sometimes it was totally like roller coaster but still great one. Also it was nice to see Joss,Mel,Tammy and Walsh and how they are.
Can't wait for Colin's story.
Can't wait for Colin's story.
August 3, 2018
i wasn't really a fan of this one. i didnt like Mike, i couldnt connect with him. He sounded like a selfish whiny jerk every time he spoke. maybe audiobook wasnt the way to go for this one. i'll read the 4th one, because i do like everyone else in the band.
November 18, 2014
"Michael Owens, guitarist for Lush walked into a tiny, run down, country bar and told me I could have anything I wanted and everything I'd ever dreamed...It's no small wonder I fell in love with the man you gave me that high."
Mike Owens. Do I really need to say more? Okay, you pulled my arm.... He's a tattooed, sailor-mouthed, muscular, bad-ass guitarist. Need more?...He's also generous, protective, broken, and head over heels in love with someone he thinks he isn't worthy of.
Jenny Turner. She's a preacher's daughter that wants to break free and finally do what she's secretly always wanted to do...sing. She never thought she would get the chance to leave and chase her dreams. That all changed when she locked eyes with sex-on-a-stick Mike Owens.
"He thinks I'm this perfect, innocent, girl made of glass that will shatter if he gets too close. And I am a virgin, but I'm far from perfect or innocent, and I sure as heck won't shatter from the likes of him. In fact, I might just be more than he can handle if he ever gives me a chance."
Once Mike sets his mind to something, he goes for it. His mind is set on getting Jenny on the road to becoming the next big County star. Working side by side through it all sounds like the perfect plan. That is until the attraction gets too overwhelming and the past won't go away.
"This is my chance to follow my heart for once, and it's his chance to let go of the darkness. If he won't, then it'll hurt, but I'll survive. I have to take this chance. I just want it too much--the music and him. I can't walk away without trying."
Since the beginning of the Lush Series, I've wanted to know Mike's story. He seemed so mysterious, and yet loveable all at the same time. I knew it would be heartbreaking. I had that feeling...and I was right. No one should have to go through what he did as a child.
I think he found his perfect match in Jenny. Even if he doesn't want to believe it. I wanted to shake him so hard and yell, "What are you thinking? Quit being stupid and get the girl!" I loved the push and pull between these two. It was the epitome of opposites attract!
"You're the only one who could possibly fix me. You don't know what you've done for me these last few months. It's like you're this bright light that shines in all the dark corners inside me. I'm a better person when I'm with you."
This book was everything I had hoped it would be! Selena did a perfect job telling Mike and Jenny's story. All Mike had to do was call Jenny "Sunshine", and I was swooning along right beside her. It had funny and sexy moments. There were times where I wanted to throw my kindle (Mike's fault! hehe). There were also moments that the tears couldn't stop coming from my eyes.
It continued along with all the other Lush members, as well. I'm so glad that there is at least one more book in the series because I don't want to give these guys up yet!
"Can I do it? Can I go all the way? Hand her my entire being on a silver platter for her to do with me as she pleases? Can I trust her with all of me?"
It's always a good story when you have...
SEX, LUSH AND ROCK & ROLL!
November 19, 2014
4.5 stars
I love this series! Each of the books has been heartfelt, sexy and so well written. It's impossible not to fall for the Lush guys.
Mike is, well was, the lead guitarist for Lush. After the band broke up, he headed down to Texas, to support Walsh. In a small bar, he met a girl with a powerful voice and the face of an angel. Jenny is a small-town preacher's daughter, but she dreams of more than just being a teacher and living a simple life. Mike knows she can be the next big thing in country music, so along with Tammy, her new manager, they set out to make her dreams come true.
Mike and Jenny spend the summer touring together, trying to get her some recognition, and neither want their time together to end. So, Mike comes up with a way to keep her close. They've become best friends, but it's easy to see, they could be so much more. No way is he going to let that happen though.
In his mind, he'll never be good enough for her. He's hauling around some serious baggage from his childhood and he tries to deal with it by burying it in any and every willing girl. Jenny can see past it all though, to the true Michael. She's inexperienced and still learning to go after what she wants, but she knows deep down that he's the only guy for her. He just needs to let her "sunshine" chase away his darkness.
"It's like you're this bright light that shines in all the dark corners inside me. I'm a better person when I'm with you."
Throughout this series, Mike hasn't always been my favorite, but his story changed my outlook. He was put in a tough spot with Joss and Tammy and this story gave more insight into why he took that so hard. He's so much more than the man-whore, secret blasting, jerk he appears to be. He's really a generous guy with a huge heart. I love that he's always so supportive of Walsh, but it's hard to see the strained relationship he has with Joss. Although, it's getting better, way better. I loved that the other two couples played such a big role in his story too. It's great catching up with the rest of the band and I'm super excited to see what secrets Colin is hiding! I highly recommend this series!
4.5/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
I love this series! Each of the books has been heartfelt, sexy and so well written. It's impossible not to fall for the Lush guys.
Mike is, well was, the lead guitarist for Lush. After the band broke up, he headed down to Texas, to support Walsh. In a small bar, he met a girl with a powerful voice and the face of an angel. Jenny is a small-town preacher's daughter, but she dreams of more than just being a teacher and living a simple life. Mike knows she can be the next big thing in country music, so along with Tammy, her new manager, they set out to make her dreams come true.
Mike and Jenny spend the summer touring together, trying to get her some recognition, and neither want their time together to end. So, Mike comes up with a way to keep her close. They've become best friends, but it's easy to see, they could be so much more. No way is he going to let that happen though.
In his mind, he'll never be good enough for her. He's hauling around some serious baggage from his childhood and he tries to deal with it by burying it in any and every willing girl. Jenny can see past it all though, to the true Michael. She's inexperienced and still learning to go after what she wants, but she knows deep down that he's the only guy for her. He just needs to let her "sunshine" chase away his darkness.
"It's like you're this bright light that shines in all the dark corners inside me. I'm a better person when I'm with you."
Throughout this series, Mike hasn't always been my favorite, but his story changed my outlook. He was put in a tough spot with Joss and Tammy and this story gave more insight into why he took that so hard. He's so much more than the man-whore, secret blasting, jerk he appears to be. He's really a generous guy with a huge heart. I love that he's always so supportive of Walsh, but it's hard to see the strained relationship he has with Joss. Although, it's getting better, way better. I loved that the other two couples played such a big role in his story too. It's great catching up with the rest of the band and I'm super excited to see what secrets Colin is hiding! I highly recommend this series!
4.5/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
November 4, 2014
Mike and Jenny have become BEST FRIENDS during Jenny's summer tour of Texas while she becomes the next up and rising Country Star ! But did something else develop over that time too ??
With Michael going to produce Jenny's first album it only seems ideal for them to both move and live in Dallas ... together ... And Jenny take a leave of absence from teaching but how will this stand with Jenny's preacher father ?? Will he approve of her taking a leave of absence from her teaching career, even if it is for only a few months, will he allow her to move in with Michael and live in Dallas or will he just disown her ??
Joss and Mel fly in to help with the production of the album, Mel is going to take photograph's Jenny while she works and Joss is going to helping her put her songs together. Do they see what Michael and Jenny feel for each other or is it just one sided...Jenny's side. Can Michael be broken of his drinking and womanizing ways to be with Sunshine or will he keep her at arms length because he feels he is not a good influence for her Or will Mel realize that Michael feels the same way and try and make him jealous by setting Jenny up with JR, so Michael can see that he cannot stand Jenny in the arms of another man.....
Michael has it set in his head and heart that he will never get married, never have children and never have Jenny the way she wants him to have her...the perfect life but is anything ever perfect ?? Can Tammy and Mel get thought to Michael that the past doesn't always mean the future will end up the same way ??
Michael loves Jenny with all his heart but can he let go of the past so he can be happy in the future !!
This installment of the Lush Men is heart stopping, loving, sexy and with a little bit of crying , it is a book you will not want to to put down because you need to know what happens next !! It is another hit out of the park !! Love Michael !! Can't wait for more !!
With Michael going to produce Jenny's first album it only seems ideal for them to both move and live in Dallas ... together ... And Jenny take a leave of absence from teaching but how will this stand with Jenny's preacher father ?? Will he approve of her taking a leave of absence from her teaching career, even if it is for only a few months, will he allow her to move in with Michael and live in Dallas or will he just disown her ??
Joss and Mel fly in to help with the production of the album, Mel is going to take photograph's Jenny while she works and Joss is going to helping her put her songs together. Do they see what Michael and Jenny feel for each other or is it just one sided...Jenny's side. Can Michael be broken of his drinking and womanizing ways to be with Sunshine or will he keep her at arms length because he feels he is not a good influence for her Or will Mel realize that Michael feels the same way and try and make him jealous by setting Jenny up with JR, so Michael can see that he cannot stand Jenny in the arms of another man.....
Michael has it set in his head and heart that he will never get married, never have children and never have Jenny the way she wants him to have her...the perfect life but is anything ever perfect ?? Can Tammy and Mel get thought to Michael that the past doesn't always mean the future will end up the same way ??
Michael loves Jenny with all his heart but can he let go of the past so he can be happy in the future !!
This installment of the Lush Men is heart stopping, loving, sexy and with a little bit of crying , it is a book you will not want to to put down because you need to know what happens next !! It is another hit out of the park !! Love Michael !! Can't wait for more !!
November 23, 2014
5 Stunningly Beautiful and Heartbreaking Stars
Finished this book and I am truly blown away by this series and this cast of characters....... I loved and adored both Mike and Jenny, but I am not gonna lie, their journey for me was so painfully heartbreaking but yet beautiful at the same time. When they finally got together, my heart burst with such joy for them! I literally sat on the edge of my seat during this read because I have to say as much as I loved Mike, I also wanted to strangle him at points. Their journey wasn't easy and my heart broke for both of them throughout....but thank goodness my heart was put back together by the end:) I loved, loved reading about Mel and Joss as well as Walsh and Tammy, these couples are just awesome!!!!!!!
I cannot wait to read about Colin's story next. He made a very brief appearance in this story but I have to say, the mystery is one I have no clue on what to expect but I have to say that if Selena Laurence stays true to form as she has consistently done throughout this series, well, we will be in for another magnificent ride.
Congrats to you Selena Laurence, another home run!!!!!!!!!!!!
Finished this book and I am truly blown away by this series and this cast of characters....... I loved and adored both Mike and Jenny, but I am not gonna lie, their journey for me was so painfully heartbreaking but yet beautiful at the same time. When they finally got together, my heart burst with such joy for them! I literally sat on the edge of my seat during this read because I have to say as much as I loved Mike, I also wanted to strangle him at points. Their journey wasn't easy and my heart broke for both of them throughout....but thank goodness my heart was put back together by the end:) I loved, loved reading about Mel and Joss as well as Walsh and Tammy, these couples are just awesome!!!!!!!
I cannot wait to read about Colin's story next. He made a very brief appearance in this story but I have to say, the mystery is one I have no clue on what to expect but I have to say that if Selena Laurence stays true to form as she has consistently done throughout this series, well, we will be in for another magnificent ride.
Congrats to you Selena Laurence, another home run!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 2, 2015
Another sexy read in this great series.
Mike has fallen hard for his new sidekick, Jenny. Jenny has fallen hard for Mike, but never the twain shall meet, or so it would seem. Mike is a stubborn fool, and Jenny is just a little bit too naive at the start to really stand up to him and put him in his place. Once she is strong enough, it almost seems wrong. I really felt she could have handled things a lot better, rather than running off to jump into bed with JR. That really took her down in my estimation of her, and echoes of her fathers words came back to me. I felt for Mike that she had stooped to that level, and so soon too!
But, it was so good to see the team all together, and I believe I might see a new band in the boys' future?... or at the least a reforming of Lush?
Mike has fallen hard for his new sidekick, Jenny. Jenny has fallen hard for Mike, but never the twain shall meet, or so it would seem. Mike is a stubborn fool, and Jenny is just a little bit too naive at the start to really stand up to him and put him in his place. Once she is strong enough, it almost seems wrong. I really felt she could have handled things a lot better, rather than running off to jump into bed with JR. That really took her down in my estimation of her, and echoes of her fathers words came back to me. I felt for Mike that she had stooped to that level, and so soon too!
But, it was so good to see the team all together, and I believe I might see a new band in the boys' future?... or at the least a reforming of Lush?
November 16, 2014
Another great addition to the Lush series. I always felt there was more driving Mike but he desperately wants to keep his secrets, secret. This story is sexy, raw, and filled with angst. Mike has fallen in love with Jenny with everything he is. Unfortunately, he doesn't believe everything he is is enough for Jenny so he tries to keep his feelings hidden. Can the Lush family get through to him? Make him believe he is worthy of loving and being loved? You will want to read this one! I highly recommend it.
June 21, 2016
I'm not a fan of Mike. He's a jerk. He possibly is a sex addict. Sex, It's his "go to" when things are difficult or if the wind shifts. There is a way more complex layer to the man but he's still not a favorite and that is not the author, it's me, my tastes or values.
Jenny is sure a surprise then with her super strict upbringing. She is right about something not being a choice even though your dad kicks you out. She doesn't mean disrespect but it's her path to make music.
So again, another great story. it's standalone or not....I love that...great reading.
Jenny is sure a surprise then with her super strict upbringing. She is right about something not being a choice even though your dad kicks you out. She doesn't mean disrespect but it's her path to make music.
So again, another great story. it's standalone or not....I love that...great reading.
July 8, 2019
I’m currently reading this book and I had to stop and put it down because I was so upset.
I happen to be a kindergarten teacher, and the fact that this author has equated that to having ‘no vision, no guts, and no dreams’ beyond infuriated me. Teaching is one of the hardest, and most rewarding jobs-ever-and as someone reading I completely just lost respect for this author. Maybe think about not putting down other professions considering you don’t know exactly who your audience is or what we go through as teachers.
I happen to be a kindergarten teacher, and the fact that this author has equated that to having ‘no vision, no guts, and no dreams’ beyond infuriated me. Teaching is one of the hardest, and most rewarding jobs-ever-and as someone reading I completely just lost respect for this author. Maybe think about not putting down other professions considering you don’t know exactly who your audience is or what we go through as teachers.
November 12, 2014
WOW! Another great addition to the Lush series from the talented Selena Laurence. Dealing with family tragedy is never easy and fear makes things worse. The storyline is well written and the character detail is fantastic. The story is full of determination, discovery, love and steamy sex. Mike and Jenny's journey is heart wrenching at times but life is not always easy. Loved the story, love the author and look forward to more in the future.
Received copy for review.
Received copy for review.
February 17, 2015
I really loved this series! This particular book revealed why Mike acted out in such an obnoxious way. Mike's fear of repeating his mother's violent as well as scary, medical history caused him to push away Jenny, the love of his life, and face a dark, lonely future. A really good story!
November 5, 2014
Loved this book! selena never disappoints! I read it in one day but got sick so my review is a little late but my opinion is the same...... love this series. if you haven't read it you need to.
June 11, 2021
Mike was not my favorite of the band because he was such a jerk. Also he’s the one who told about Tammy and Joss -breaking up that couple and the band. But it’s also obvious that he has demons of his own. Now he’s totally madly in love with Jenny and because of his demons he refuses to let her know how he feels. Jenny is taken on a blind date by Mel and Joss who are friends with JR, Mike tags along and I couldn’t stop laughing. The jealous thoughts of hurting JR (the blind date) going through Mike’s head were hilarious. But you know the old saying, the bigger jerk they are the harder they fall and it was an epic fall. I love that this author makes all her female characters strong. They can be loving and caring but are definitely not doormat material. I loved this book and give it five stars and can’t wait to finish this series with Colin’s story- A Lush Reunion here I come.
August 9, 2017
In the midst of chaos, Mike Owens discovers an angel with a voice that will win Grammy awards and a pure and innocent heart that will threaten to bring this tatted bad boy to his knees. Mike is the most talented guitar player in the world, living life in the fast lane, bedding as many women as he can without concern for the future because he's running as fast as he can from his tortured past. His band mates have no idea that he's on the cusp of disaster until Jenny gets caught in the crossfire when his vicious tongue and his reprehensible attitude toward women exposes his faults for all to see. Mike is a conflicted character whose story is not for the faint of heart but I thought it was transformative and starkly unapologetic.
January 18, 2019
I loved this book, it’s the third in the series. I read all three so far in just two days, it’s that good. Didn’t expect to cry so much, it was an emotional journey. Poor Mike, will he ever be what Jenny needs? He really tries and loved how from the beginning , she’s something special to him. Will she give him another chance, or end up with JR? Will the band ever get back together? I can’t wait to read more. Each book can be read as a stand-alone but is better if you read them all in order. Loved the ending too. I highly recommend this book.
January 11, 2022
This has been my least favorite book in this series so far. I would say it’s more of a 1.5 star read. I don’t really like Mike or Jenny that much. Mike is an overbearing, egotistical jerk and Jenny is the stereotypical dumb blonde. I don’t understand the connection between them at all. There is no real chemistry, nothing that explains why they are together. They also spend more time pining for each other than they actually spend together. I don’t have high hopes for the final book, but since I already have it, I guess I’ll read it.
November 19, 2017
The characters were completely unredeemable. Mike was in love with Jenny Lynn but, he was off nailing anything in a skirt and Jenny Lynn, the good little preacher's daughter, broke off their relationship (despite the epic road they journeyed to get together) because he didn't want kids. Less than a month after breaking up, she's having sex another guy. WTH??? And what selfish twit uses another guy to see if she is better off living an "uncomplicated life". Yuck!
March 22, 2020
I wavered between two and three stars for this. I almost DNF'd it, but stuck with it and found it improved as the story went on. I did feel like it needed a bit more at times. For instance Jenny is a virgin, yet she dated someone for two years previously, so what was with that? No explanation. The end felt a little flat too. Overall though I did enjoy it, I like seeing Jenny through Mike's eyes, how he saw her as his sunshine.
December 5, 2019
Lowdown and Lush
Wow I was not sure if Mike was going to pull his head out of his a÷÷ .... What a dog he was at times no that's not right alllllll the tume . Poor Jenny, the preacher's daughter didn't have a chance of not falling for the bad boy. Can Mike and Jenny make a go out of it along with her singing career or will she be better to stay a elementary teacher ?
Wow I was not sure if Mike was going to pull his head out of his a÷÷ .... What a dog he was at times no that's not right alllllll the tume . Poor Jenny, the preacher's daughter didn't have a chance of not falling for the bad boy. Can Mike and Jenny make a go out of it along with her singing career or will she be better to stay a elementary teacher ?
March 4, 2020
A wonderful read bout finding yourself and letting go of your demons.
Want to read
December 26, 2022Prch. Amz. Jan 31, 2020
October 10, 2016
I love this series!!!
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
January 13, 2015
Originally posted on www.thebrunettebookworm.com
Selena Laurence is one of my absolute favorite authors. She writes totally captivating, gritty, and emotional books that I ADORE. Her Lush series revolving around the members of a band named, you guessed it, Lush, is one of my all-time favorite series.
Lowdown and Lush is Mike’s story, the bad-boy guitarist of Lush. I’ll be honest; I pretty much despised Mike leading up to this book. He’s mean, nasty and a real bastard. He’s wild and drinks and sleeps around a lot. Not much to like about him, am I right? I wondered if/how Ms. Laurence was going to change my mind about him. I’m here to tell you that the very talented Ms. L. made me do a complete about-face in my feelings towards Mike. By the end of L&L, I actually liked him a lot and definitely understood him way more than ever before. He’s no Walsh, but he’s ok ;).
In Lowdown and Lush, we learn Mike’s very painful and traumatic backstory. What happened to Mike was truly unthinkable and my heart broke for him. His horrifying past left him severely scarred and damaged inside. When he meets Jenny, a preacher’s daughter and good girl, with the voice of an angel, she immediately captivates him. Not only is she sweet and beautiful, but she’s also an extremely talented singer. As much as he is drawn to her and wants her, he won’t allow himself to “taint” her. Mike feels she deserves someone much better than himself. However, Jenny sees a sweet, caring and considerate side of Mike that no one else gets to see.
“It’s like you’re this bright light that shines in all the dark corners inside me. I’m a better person when I’m with you.”
-Mike
Mike continually tries to warn Jenny off him.
“Do you understand what you’re getting into here? I’m a mess. A fucking fucked-up mess. I could go nuts at any point. I could end up like her—my mother. And even if I don’t, I’m mean and I swear all the time. I don’t go to church and I never will. Your parents hate me—hell, they disowned you because of me. I’m selfish and I’m kinky as shit in bed, baby.”
-Mike
Oh Mike. You’re not that bad. Well…you kind of were until you met Jenny :).
I loved how supportive Mike’s friends were to him, especially Joss, with whom Mike has quite the rocky past. Joss had every right to gloat and enjoy Mike’s struggles (and maybe he did a little bit J), but he mostly did the opposite and was there to listen and offer advice.
“I’ll be honest, dude. I do get a certain pleasure out of seeing you get yours, but that doesn’t mean I want to see you fail. Some rough patches are my entertainment, but your ultimate success is still my hope.”
-Joss
Joss is totally awesome and I just adore him <3.
I loved seeing the other Lush guys and their girls again as well, although there was absolutely not enough Walsh! FYI—Ms. Laurence if you are reading this, you can never go wrong with more Walsh :).
My only complaint is that the end wrapped up a little too quickly for me. I felt like it would have been more satisfying as a reader had we actually seen Mike work through his issues, rather than been told, before getting his happily ever after.
The Lush series by Selena Laurence is a MUST-READ! I cannot emphasize this enough! It is superbly written; has interesting, realistic and loveable characters dealing with real issues; contains lots of interconnecting, complicated relationships that make for great reading and is written in a way that gets you feeling all the feels right along with the characters.
Colin’s book is up next and I cannot wait to read it! We will finally find out what his and Marsha’s story is! Lowdown and Lush was another fabulous addition to the amazing Lush series. I seriously cannot recommend this series enough.
My rating: 4 fabulous stars!
Selena Laurence is one of my absolute favorite authors. She writes totally captivating, gritty, and emotional books that I ADORE. Her Lush series revolving around the members of a band named, you guessed it, Lush, is one of my all-time favorite series.
Lowdown and Lush is Mike’s story, the bad-boy guitarist of Lush. I’ll be honest; I pretty much despised Mike leading up to this book. He’s mean, nasty and a real bastard. He’s wild and drinks and sleeps around a lot. Not much to like about him, am I right? I wondered if/how Ms. Laurence was going to change my mind about him. I’m here to tell you that the very talented Ms. L. made me do a complete about-face in my feelings towards Mike. By the end of L&L, I actually liked him a lot and definitely understood him way more than ever before. He’s no Walsh, but he’s ok ;).
In Lowdown and Lush, we learn Mike’s very painful and traumatic backstory. What happened to Mike was truly unthinkable and my heart broke for him. His horrifying past left him severely scarred and damaged inside. When he meets Jenny, a preacher’s daughter and good girl, with the voice of an angel, she immediately captivates him. Not only is she sweet and beautiful, but she’s also an extremely talented singer. As much as he is drawn to her and wants her, he won’t allow himself to “taint” her. Mike feels she deserves someone much better than himself. However, Jenny sees a sweet, caring and considerate side of Mike that no one else gets to see.
“It’s like you’re this bright light that shines in all the dark corners inside me. I’m a better person when I’m with you.”
-Mike
Mike continually tries to warn Jenny off him.
“Do you understand what you’re getting into here? I’m a mess. A fucking fucked-up mess. I could go nuts at any point. I could end up like her—my mother. And even if I don’t, I’m mean and I swear all the time. I don’t go to church and I never will. Your parents hate me—hell, they disowned you because of me. I’m selfish and I’m kinky as shit in bed, baby.”
-Mike
Oh Mike. You’re not that bad. Well…you kind of were until you met Jenny :).
I loved how supportive Mike’s friends were to him, especially Joss, with whom Mike has quite the rocky past. Joss had every right to gloat and enjoy Mike’s struggles (and maybe he did a little bit J), but he mostly did the opposite and was there to listen and offer advice.
“I’ll be honest, dude. I do get a certain pleasure out of seeing you get yours, but that doesn’t mean I want to see you fail. Some rough patches are my entertainment, but your ultimate success is still my hope.”
-Joss
Joss is totally awesome and I just adore him <3.
I loved seeing the other Lush guys and their girls again as well, although there was absolutely not enough Walsh! FYI—Ms. Laurence if you are reading this, you can never go wrong with more Walsh :).
My only complaint is that the end wrapped up a little too quickly for me. I felt like it would have been more satisfying as a reader had we actually seen Mike work through his issues, rather than been told, before getting his happily ever after.
The Lush series by Selena Laurence is a MUST-READ! I cannot emphasize this enough! It is superbly written; has interesting, realistic and loveable characters dealing with real issues; contains lots of interconnecting, complicated relationships that make for great reading and is written in a way that gets you feeling all the feels right along with the characters.
Colin’s book is up next and I cannot wait to read it! We will finally find out what his and Marsha’s story is! Lowdown and Lush was another fabulous addition to the amazing Lush series. I seriously cannot recommend this series enough.
My rating: 4 fabulous stars!
November 18, 2014
Selena Laurence keeps surprising me with the depth of her characters and her writing. LOWDOWN AND LUSH, the third book in her Lush series is no exception. I can't recommend this book, or this series, enough. It is just that good. These four band members of Lush have stolen my heart and made me a forever fan of Selena's brilliant writing.
Lowdown and Lush is Mike Owens' story and just like the other Lush band members Selena has given this bad boy an incredible back story. Mike is the lead guitarist and in a band of bad boys, THE bad boy. He is over six feet of tall, dark, gorgeous, muscle that oozes sex appeal, drinks too much and has a different woman or two every night to keep his memories and fears at bay. He's got secrets even his best friends and band mates don't know about. Demons that haunt him and feel like a ticking time bomb where a horrible end is certain. An end he is convinced is his destiny. He refuses to allow anyone, especially Jenny, the angel he has fallen for, be tainted by him.
Jenny Turner is an aspiring country singer with enough talent to take her to the big time. The picture of all that is good, innocent and sweet, a kindergarten teacher no less, all wrapped up in a blonde bombshell body that drives Mike wild. She's also a preacher's daughter who has lived under her father's harsh and controlling thumb all of her life. Her music is her path to freedom to finally make her own decisions and go after what she truly wants instead of what she is told to be. Next to a professional music career, tattooed bad boy Mike Owens is what Jenny wants. She sees what he is, what he shows the world, but she also sees his generous side, the side that is loyal to his friends and kind to her. He is everything her parents hate and she can't help but love him even knowing he will probably break her heart.
My heart is the one that was broken, Mike and Jenny do not have it easy. They are so different and there are so many things fighting to keep them apart. But their attraction and chemistry is overwhelming and impossible to deny. It leaps from the pages and wraps you up in their love, in their drama, in their heartbreak, in their passion and thank God finally in their happy ending.
Mike and Jenny really are enough to make this a wonderful must-read book, but it also has all the other Lush characters fully entrenched in the story. Not just glimpses here and there. Lots of Joss and Mel, from A Lush Betrayal, and lots of Walsh and Tammy from For the Love of a Lush. Colin is there too with teases of his story to come. Joss was my first Lush love and his role in Mike and Jenny's love story was integral. This wonderful man was stealing my heart all over again and he wasn't even the main character. Just another reason why I LOVED this one! 5 stars
~Complimentary copy received in exchange for a honest review.
Lowdown and Lush is Mike Owens' story and just like the other Lush band members Selena has given this bad boy an incredible back story. Mike is the lead guitarist and in a band of bad boys, THE bad boy. He is over six feet of tall, dark, gorgeous, muscle that oozes sex appeal, drinks too much and has a different woman or two every night to keep his memories and fears at bay. He's got secrets even his best friends and band mates don't know about. Demons that haunt him and feel like a ticking time bomb where a horrible end is certain. An end he is convinced is his destiny. He refuses to allow anyone, especially Jenny, the angel he has fallen for, be tainted by him.
Jenny Turner is an aspiring country singer with enough talent to take her to the big time. The picture of all that is good, innocent and sweet, a kindergarten teacher no less, all wrapped up in a blonde bombshell body that drives Mike wild. She's also a preacher's daughter who has lived under her father's harsh and controlling thumb all of her life. Her music is her path to freedom to finally make her own decisions and go after what she truly wants instead of what she is told to be. Next to a professional music career, tattooed bad boy Mike Owens is what Jenny wants. She sees what he is, what he shows the world, but she also sees his generous side, the side that is loyal to his friends and kind to her. He is everything her parents hate and she can't help but love him even knowing he will probably break her heart.
My heart is the one that was broken, Mike and Jenny do not have it easy. They are so different and there are so many things fighting to keep them apart. But their attraction and chemistry is overwhelming and impossible to deny. It leaps from the pages and wraps you up in their love, in their drama, in their heartbreak, in their passion and thank God finally in their happy ending.
Mike and Jenny really are enough to make this a wonderful must-read book, but it also has all the other Lush characters fully entrenched in the story. Not just glimpses here and there. Lots of Joss and Mel, from A Lush Betrayal, and lots of Walsh and Tammy from For the Love of a Lush. Colin is there too with teases of his story to come. Joss was my first Lush love and his role in Mike and Jenny's love story was integral. This wonderful man was stealing my heart all over again and he wasn't even the main character. Just another reason why I LOVED this one! 5 stars
~Complimentary copy received in exchange for a honest review.
December 8, 2014
Lowdown and Lush was amazing!!!!! I always think every male character I encounter in Selena’s books are my favorite…first Joss, then Walsh…that is until I got to know Mike. Hands down (probably until her next book)…Mike is my new love.
I am not going to waste time with writing a lengthy synopsis because I want readers to discover Mike for themselves. All you need to know is this is Mike and Jenny’s story, and it’s a heartbreakingly, beautiful one.
Now, on to the many reasons you have to read this book NOW!!!!! Mike and Jenny are HOT, HOT, HOT together. At times, I thought my Kindle would catch on fire with all the heat these two generated. Mike is the quintessential bad boy rocker with a dirty mouth and dirty mind, and Jenny is the sweet, innocent daughter of a minister who is just on the brink of gaining her own independence. She is not like anyone Mike has known before; she doesn’t give into him and expects him to show her respect. So, the two of them are the perfect together!
As much as I enjoyed the romance and sex, the book addresses some very serious issues and touched my soul in a way not many books have before. You see…Mike is a tortured soul. He’s confident, cocky, and oozes sex out of every pore in his body, yet he’s held captive by a demon that has been with him since childhood. He has allowed this darkness to hold him back from connecting completely with anyone until Jenny enters his life. She is Mike’s “Sunshine” in his world of darkness. She offers him goodness and light, but he feels like he can never be what she deserves. Selena has taken the topic of mental illness and shed some much needed light on it. She illustrates very realistically what it’s like to live with someone who suffers from mental illness and how that affects the way you grow up and the way you view relationships with others. I could literally feel Mike’s crippling fear that he would end up like his mother. While it’s a book about fear and hurt, it’s just as much a book about hope. I think many people can relate to Lowdown and Lush because a lot of us have family and friends who struggle with mental illness. I hope others who live with the same issues will find hope in the characters and the story.
Selena’s ability to tackle heavy issues in her books like alcoholism, mental illness, and domestic violence yet present it in an entertaining and beautiful story never ceases to amaze me. I am always in awe of her amazing talent. She just gets better with every book! Thank you, Selena, for writing such a poignant book that truly touched my heart! If you haven’t read the series, do it now!
A Lush Triangle (Lush Prequel), A Lush Betrayal #1, For The Love of a Lush #2, Lowdown and Lush #3
***This book was reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews.***
I am not going to waste time with writing a lengthy synopsis because I want readers to discover Mike for themselves. All you need to know is this is Mike and Jenny’s story, and it’s a heartbreakingly, beautiful one.
Now, on to the many reasons you have to read this book NOW!!!!! Mike and Jenny are HOT, HOT, HOT together. At times, I thought my Kindle would catch on fire with all the heat these two generated. Mike is the quintessential bad boy rocker with a dirty mouth and dirty mind, and Jenny is the sweet, innocent daughter of a minister who is just on the brink of gaining her own independence. She is not like anyone Mike has known before; she doesn’t give into him and expects him to show her respect. So, the two of them are the perfect together!
As much as I enjoyed the romance and sex, the book addresses some very serious issues and touched my soul in a way not many books have before. You see…Mike is a tortured soul. He’s confident, cocky, and oozes sex out of every pore in his body, yet he’s held captive by a demon that has been with him since childhood. He has allowed this darkness to hold him back from connecting completely with anyone until Jenny enters his life. She is Mike’s “Sunshine” in his world of darkness. She offers him goodness and light, but he feels like he can never be what she deserves. Selena has taken the topic of mental illness and shed some much needed light on it. She illustrates very realistically what it’s like to live with someone who suffers from mental illness and how that affects the way you grow up and the way you view relationships with others. I could literally feel Mike’s crippling fear that he would end up like his mother. While it’s a book about fear and hurt, it’s just as much a book about hope. I think many people can relate to Lowdown and Lush because a lot of us have family and friends who struggle with mental illness. I hope others who live with the same issues will find hope in the characters and the story.
Selena’s ability to tackle heavy issues in her books like alcoholism, mental illness, and domestic violence yet present it in an entertaining and beautiful story never ceases to amaze me. I am always in awe of her amazing talent. She just gets better with every book! Thank you, Selena, for writing such a poignant book that truly touched my heart! If you haven’t read the series, do it now!
A Lush Triangle (Lush Prequel), A Lush Betrayal #1, For The Love of a Lush #2, Lowdown and Lush #3
***This book was reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews.***
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