Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Sol and Luke Mystery Romance #2

Scripted for Love and Poison: A Sol & Luke Mystery Romance Novel

Rate this book
A missing critic. A poisoned dinner. A relationship on the brink.
In Hollywood, even vacations come with a body count.

Entertainment journalist Sol Novo and her swoony detective partner Luke Contadino are back—and this time, they’re taking on Los Angeles. What was meant to be a sun-soaked escape and a glamorous awards ceremony quickly spirals into Sol’s luggage is lost, she’s second-guessing everything with Luke, and her editor has just assigned her to track down a missing film critic who vanished after trashing a high-profile movie.

Luke doesn’t like to travel, and he definitely doesn’t like how close danger is creeping toward Sol. Especially when a second critic collapses mid-dinner... and a third turns up dead.

Now, Luke is reluctantly on the case—with rent to pay and his business partner Divya Bakshi flying in to help.

As the suspect list grows and Hollywood secrets unravel, Sol and Luke find themselves tangled in a mystery that’s as deadly as it is glitzy—all while trying to protect a fragile relationship already strained by distance, doubt, and miscommunication.

Will they catch a killer before Sol becomes the next target?
And will their love survive the most cutthroat scene of all—awards season?

Scripted for Love and Poison is the second book in the witty, addictive Sol and Luke Mystery Romance Series, following Cluelessly Unscripted—but it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

For readers who love witty whodunnits, relationship drama, and a splash of heat.

Tropes and treats

Grumpy detective × amateur sleuth

Reverse age gap

Relationship in crisis

Hollywood glam meets mystery

Flirty banter, emotional depth, and a twisty whodunnit

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

2 people are currently reading
26 people want to read

About the author

Patricia Puentes

4 books9 followers
Patricia Puentes is a mystery romance author and recovering entertainment journalist from Barcelona. After spending nearly twenty years in the U.S.—mostly in Los Angeles and Oakland, with a brief stint in Boston—she’s now back in her hometown, writing stories where glam, love, and suspense collide.

She writes open-door mystery romances and rom-com whodunnits filled with banter, humor, and just enough steam to keep you turning pages. Her books include the Sol & Luke Mystery Romance series (Cluelessly Unscripted, Scripted for Love and Poison) and the Confidential Hearts novels (Love, Lines, and Alibis).

Patricia can tell many funny—and occasionally surreal—stories about the celebrities she’s interviewed, but she’s most impressed by writers (and dogs). She lives in Barcelona with her partner and their spoiled Border Collie, Boira (aka Peluchín diabólico).

Sign up for her newsletter at www.patriciapuentes.com/my-newsletter

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
11 (57%)
4 stars
6 (31%)
3 stars
1 (5%)
2 stars
1 (5%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for joni ౨ৎ .
448 reviews394 followers
September 8, 2025
𐙚⋆°。⋆♡ ── pre-read
really enjoyed the first book in this series by the author so im excited for how this will turn out and hopefully the mystery plot is fun!! in need of a fast paced and easy read after my last read dragged

started august 24


thank you the author and booksirens for a digital arc!!
Profile Image for Lia Reads.
539 reviews469 followers
August 17, 2025
The mystery totally kept me on my toes and I loved seeing Sol and Luke work through their relationship. The plot twists got me and I had no idea who was the killer. Who doesn’t love a mystery romance with a hot British guy??

I did wish they had just talked sooner, but I understand why not!
Profile Image for InsyVinsy.
302 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2025
4.25 🌟

It was refreshing to visit Sol and Luke’s story again. I really enjoyed their first book where they traveled London and Barcelona while solving a missing script mystery together which also led to them becoming a couple. We are back again this time with another mystery in LA.
Sol and Luke were much more enjoyable this time around and their relationship progressed really well. Usually I am not a fan of less communication or miscommunication but it really worked here. Both the MCs were mature and had their own dry sense of humour. Luke really stepped up as a considerate and loving partner that matched Sol’s independent personality.
The mystery itself was better than the first book as well. I did guess the “culprit” within the first 25% but I still enjoyed their journey. Shout out to Divya for being a fun sidekick throughout.
I hope we get to see more of Luke and Sol in future books!

Thank you Book Siren for the ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews.
652 reviews79 followers
September 7, 2025
Patricia Puentes’s Scripted for Love and Poison opens with an immediate blend of chaos, humor, and intrigue, throwing readers into the bustling, sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles. Journalist Sol Novo arrives in LA with her boyfriend, Luke Contadino, but the trip immediately goes off the rails when her checked luggage fails to arrive. Puentes did a great job conveying Sol’s panic and frustration as she realizes that everything she meticulously packed—outfits, accessories, even emergency extras—is gone. Luke, ever the calm and practical partner, handles the airline bureaucracy with patience, highlighting the dynamic contrast between Sol’s high-strung, anxious energy and Luke’s meticulous composure. This opening not only establishes character traits with clarity but also sets the tone for a narrative where personal stakes, romance, and investigative tension intersect perfectly.

Early on, the momentum intensifies when Sol receives a call from her editor, Julie, who pulls her into the center of a mystery: Simon Smith, a notoriously abrasive Hollywood film critic, has gone missing. Julie is unconcerned with Sol’s travel woes, urging her instead to locate Simon, who may be in genuine danger. Puentes establishes the high-pressure environment Sol treads: jet lag, personal baggage, professional obligations, and an emerging mystery with potentially deadly consequences. This opening combines humor, stress, and intrigue, signaling to readers that the story will balance light, witty moments with suspenseful developments.

Patricia Puentes alternates perspectives between Sol and Luke, giving readers insight into both characters’ internal makeup. Luke’s viewpoint, introduced early in the book, highlights his discomfort with travel, rooted in a formative experience years earlier in LA, and his anxieties about being out of his familiar London surroundings. Through this lens, readers see how he balances his personal insecurities with his protective instincts for Sol, particularly as they go through the unusual circumstances surrounding Simon’s disappearance. The juxtaposition of Sol’s brash, fast-thinking investigative style with Luke’s methodical, observant approach creates a compelling dynamic, grounding the story’s romantic tension while providing credible investigative momentum.

The story quickly escalates from travel woes to investigative intrigue. Sol and Luke’s initial inquiries place them at Simon’s Santa Monica apartment, where they find the space trashed, bloodstains scattered, and the critic himself missing. This first glimpse of potential violence, combined with the duo’s contrasting approaches—Sol’s improvisational bluffing versus Luke’s careful detective tactics—instantly establishes stakes and injects suspense. The narrative then expands outward, taking the protagonists to glitzy Hollywood award ceremonies, the opulent Hancock Park mansion of suspect Jason Zit, and crowded party venues, all done with sharp observational detail that brings readers into the Los Angeles setting. Puentes’s descriptions are vivid, capturing both the glamour and the absurdity of celebrity culture, while allowing readers to feel the tension of being outsiders navigating complex social and professional networks.

Puentes balances these suspenseful plotlines with moments of humor, flirtation, and intimacy that deepen the characters’ relatability. Luke’s protective instincts and subtle flirtation, paired with Sol’s witty, slightly irreverent commentary, create a romance that feels both contemporary and authentic. Their relationship grows organically amidst the investigation, showing readers that trust, honesty, and playfulness are critical pillars of connection. The novel does not shy away from exploring real-life complexities: Sol’s past divorces, the challenges of blending into Luke’s family, and the lingering shadows of her ex-partners provide emotional depth and give weight to her choices. Moments of domestic intimacy, such as playful encounters in cramped showers or casual hand-holding over coffee, contrast against the high-stakes mystery, creating a rhythm that maintains reader engagement.

The investigative plot itself is multi-layered. Puentes intertwines Simon Smith’s staged disappearance, Jason Zit’s poisoning, and the shadow of Travis Wise’s prior case, creating a web of professional and personal intrigue that keeps readers guessing. By the time readers get deep into the narrative, it is revealed that Simon’s disappearance was a self-staged act to boost his notoriety and secure a book deal, cleverly playing on themes of celebrity obsession and media manipulation. Meanwhile, Sol and Luke must deal with law enforcement’s scrutiny, ethical dilemmas, and personal boundaries—all while contending with the high-pressure demands of the Hollywood social machine. Puentes does well to avoid predictable outcomes; each revelation opens new questions, and the dialogue, often laced with dry humor, maintains narrative momentum without sacrificing realism or character depth.

Sol’s struggles to have her own writing recognized, juxtaposed with Simon’s calculated self-promotion, offer an insightful commentary on contemporary publishing and journalism. Additionally, Puentes explores gender, age, and power dynamics subtly but effectively. Luke’s protective, sometimes jealous responses are tempered with respect for Sol’s agency, and their romantic connection grows through mutual understanding and negotiation rather than mere attraction. These elements elevate the novel beyond a typical romantic suspense or mystery story into a nuanced exploration of relationships, professional ethics, and personal growth.

Scripted for Love and Poison is a wonderful blend of romantic tension, investigative suspense, and witty, sharp-edged observation. Puentes has the ability to balance character-driven moments with plot-driven suspense, creating a story that is both thrilling and deeply human. Fans of investigative romance, contemporary thrillers, and character-rich narratives will find much to enjoy here. Readers who appreciate works like Sophie Kinsella’s Can You Keep a Secret? for humor and romantic tension, Laura Lippman’s Every Secret Thing for investigative depth, or Stuart Woods’s Stone Barrington series for light-hearted suspense with high-society settings will likely find Scripted for Love and Poison equally satisfying.

With its combination of sharp dialogue, vivid settings spanning London to Los Angeles, complex but relatable protagonists, and tightly-woven suspense, Scripted for Love and Poison is a standout in contemporary romantic suspense, offering readers both intellectual engagement and heartfelt emotional stakes. Puentes proves adept at blending humor, romance, and mystery, ensuring that each chapter leaves the audience eager for the next revelation, the next flirtatious exchange, and the next twist in a story that is as entertaining as it is intelligent.
Profile Image for Tamarae.
223 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2025
Patricia Puentes has once again written a stellar, funny, mysterious romance novel that readers are sure to enjoy. While this is book 2 in the series and can be ready as a stand alone novel you will gain so much from reading the first novel in the series. It will give you valuable insight to the romance between Sol and Luke.

Sol is an entertainment journalist who lives in London and travels to Los Angeles with her boyfriend Luke for an awards ceremony and just as they arrive, her boss asks her to try to find a missing journalist.

Sol and Luke, who is a private investigator in London try to solve the mystery of the missing journalist when other crimes, mysteries and murder occur. They do all of this while they try to navigate their relationship which is not as sable as either would like and their communication is not ideal.

This novel is chaotic, full of fun characters, and great storyline. It's very well written as a result fun to read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for neus.dreamybooks.
351 reviews7 followers
August 28, 2025
Even if you can read this book without reading book 1, I recommend reading it first because thats where Sol an Luke meet and fall in love so you can understand more about their dynamics and some insecurities that they still have.

Sol is an entertainment journalist who lives in London who travels to Los Angeles with her boyfriend Luke for some ceremony awards and just when they arrive, her boss asks her to try to find another journalist because he has gone missing.

So Sol and Luke, who is a private investigator in London try to solve that and some other crimes while they try to navigate their relationship with it's up and downs and some miscommunication.

I love how real their miscommunication and insecurities are because they aren't perfect but are great together.

And the side characters are just some gems that make the story even better.

-ARC read-
24 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2025
I'll start by saying that I didn't read the first book of the series - something that I regret now. While the book was great and I could understand the plot, I didn't fall in love with either of the main characters. But I could still tell that Sol and Luke were paired nicely.

I did love Divya, though! She was Luke's business partner/friend and an amazing addition to the book. Furthermore, while the book was romance-heavy (as advertised), the mystery was solid as well. I did not predict the ending at all and it wrapped up nicely.

All in all, I would recommend this book, as long as you start with the first book!

(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
Profile Image for Tash Howe.
130 reviews15 followers
August 27, 2025
Loved being with Sol & Luke again! Their relationship despite having arguments had progressed well. The miscommunication part of their relationship was written really well and felt real.
Luke still being super flirty but also stepped up as a loving partner, eventually sharing his anxiety about Sol getting hurt was lovely to see.
The mystery totally kept me hooked! Definitely wasn’t expecting the plot twist.
Loved that we got to see more of Divya she is such a great character and one that really makes me smile. She comes across like the annoying younger sister that is usually always right.

After reading the extra chapter of their future adventure I’m super excited!

Thank you Patricia & Book Siren for the ARC. I received this as an advanced copy and leaving this review voluntarily.
18 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2025
Rating: 4.5 / 5

Scripted for Love and Poison is a witty, mature, and stylish romantasy-mystery that reads like Emily Henry meets Knives Out. Puentes offers a fresh take on the “couple detective” trope — a love story rooted in both tenderness and tension, set against a glamorous yet cynical world.

Puentes’ writing is clever, elegant, and dialogue-driven, full of humor and European flair. The dual perspectives of Sol and Luke balance romantic tension with investigative sharpness. The book’s rhythm alternates between snappy rom-com exchanges and Agatha Christie–style deduction, maintaining suspense without losing warmth.
210 reviews4 followers
July 27, 2025
Loved the characters Entertainment journalist Sol Novo and her swoony detective partner Luke Contadino as when they are on holiday and attending a awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

When sol's editor has just assigned her to track down a missing film critic who vanished after trashing a high-profile movie. When another critic ends up dead Sol asks Luke to help her find the culprit.

This story has lots of suspense and keeps you wanting to read more.

Would highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3 reviews
August 25, 2025
This is my favorite of Patricia Puentes’ books so far! Love it!! It’s the second in the series about Sol and Luke, and it is so comforting to jump right back into a story with familiar characters. The book features a totally new mystery, with lots of twists and turns, and a smart story line. There is also plenty of romance and romantic drama, witty humor, and a delightful cultural immersion in LA. I got hooked from the first page and just wanted to keep reading.
5 reviews
August 27, 2025
Patricia Puentes does it again! I was delighted to hear that there was a sequel to Cluelessly Unscripted which I loved. And I have to say I enjoyed this one even more. It's a charming page turner that continues the adventures of Sol and Luke but this time set in Los Angeles. I love the characters and their dynamic and always enjoy how Patricia transports you to the location that her book takes place in with the know how of an insider. Highly recommend. It's such an enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Deborah.
445 reviews7 followers
August 27, 2025
I started thinking I might not like the book. I didn't immediately like the characters. Sol was a little too self-centered and a bit snooty, Luke wasn't trying enough. And he did bitch a lot about LA. But they grew on me and I even looked a bit at other books by this author.

Just don't give up too soon.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for grycennreads.
31 reviews
August 30, 2025
E-ARC Review

If you love mysteries that don’t take themselves too seriously but still deliver romance and intrigue, then this book is for you. Even though I haven’t read the first book, I still finished it feeling thoroughly entertained.

Thank you, Patricia, for giving me an early copy of this book through Book Sirens.
167 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2025
This is my first read by Patricia Puentes. I was thoroughly impressed with the story of Sol and Luke. I couldn't put it down. Can the duo from London solve the mystery in LA? I really enjoyed the characters and the story. This will not be my last Patricia Puentes book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3 reviews
August 26, 2025
Returning to Sol and Luke's world has been an absolute treat! The second book elevates the stakes with a much darker turn, and it still delivers the witty banter and swoon-worthy romance that I loved from the first book. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Marta Franco.
26 reviews22 followers
August 26, 2025
I loved it! I read and enjoyed Patricia Puentes' two previous books as well but this one may be me favorite so far. I finished it a day! I love Sol and the mistery kept me guessing until the end. Can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.