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Florence Love #1
A Girl Called Love
A Girl Called Love was previously published as The Last Honeytrap. If you love to curl up with Miranda Dickinson or The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes was your favourite, A Girl Called Love by Louise Lee will delight you with its rapidfire, irreverent humour. 'I am in LOVE with Florence Love' - Mel Giedroyc.
Scott 'Scat' Delaney is a world famous jazz singer. He has ample opportunity to stray and his girlfriend, Alice, needs to know she can trust him.
Step up Florence Love, Private Investigator.
Florence has just ten days to entrap an A-Lister. Whilst sticking to her cardinal rule: One kiss, with tongues, five seconds - case closed.
A master of body language, evolutionary science and nifty disguises, her approach is unconventional, her success rate excellent. But targets are rarely as beautiful as Scat. Never fall for the target.
That is very bad form indeed.
A Girl Called Love marks the energetic launch of a brilliant new series. Once you've met Florence Love, you'll see the world in glorious technicolour at last.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2014
6 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Louise Lee
15 books6 followersLouise Lee was once a Geography teacher. When oxbow lakes no longer floated her boat, she took the next, natural step in her career progression and became a Private Investigator. Memorable cases include a high-functioning bigamist with three wives and six children, who was set to marry a fourth; and losing a target because George Clooney started chatting her up in a bar.
Louise undertook an MA in Creative Writing at Birkbeck, and has had work commissioned by BBC Radio Four. The Florence Love series follows the life of an irreverent, thoroughly ‘modern’ PI who specialises in entrapment, and Louise would love to hear from fellow Florences.
If Louise’s mum is reading this, the books are in no way based on her true experiences. Honest.
Louise undertook an MA in Creative Writing at Birkbeck, and has had work commissioned by BBC Radio Four. The Florence Love series follows the life of an irreverent, thoroughly ‘modern’ PI who specialises in entrapment, and Louise would love to hear from fellow Florences.
If Louise’s mum is reading this, the books are in no way based on her true experiences. Honest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 4, 2016
27/10 - I came to The Last Honeytrap last night after DNFing Operation Black due to its writing and a lack of connection with the characters. I was hoping for a light and fluffy, heart warming romance, that's not quite what I got. Florence Love reminds me of a cross between Bridget Jones and Becky Bloomwood. She follows her horoscope, pays close attention to facial cues and body language, can predict a person's behaviour by reading their hairline (supposedly an old Chinese technique), and follows a set of self-imposed guidelines when it comes to her work as a self-employed 'honeytrap' (err, should I say P.I.). This is light and fluffy but, so far, not romantic or heart warming. Despite my disappointed expectations I'm enjoying it and it's definitely a step up from Condition Black, so this looks like a certain finisher. To be continued...
May 6, 2016
Jeżeli ktoś nie przepada za brutalnym i krwistymi kryminałami pewnie jest kobietą za pewne spodobają mu się kryminały nieco lżejsze, bardziej kobiece, z dużą dawką dowcipu i kroplą romansu. Lubicie Stephanie Plum? To poznajcie Flo Love!
Florence Love to prywatny detektyw po trzydziestce, specjalistka w dziedzinie prowokacji. Bez problemu potrafi uwieść dużo młodszego/starszego mężczyznę, by zebrać dowody dla zaniepokojonej zdradami żony podejrzanego. Kobieta ma swoje zasady, których nigdy nie łamie. Do momentu. Gdy spotka na swojej drodze niezwykle przystojny cel, który okaże się być bardziej niedostępny i nieprzewidywalny niż pozostali, a i w sprawach rodzinnych wszystko zacznie się sypać, Flo będzie zmuszona podjąć nieodwracalne decyzje.
Ostatnia prowokacja to typowy kobiecy kryminał dla dojrzałych odbiorców, bliżej trzydziestki na karku niż piętnastki. Nie znajdziemy tu długich opisów i interpretacji zupy pomidorowej jawiącej się niczym krwisty zachód słońca nad kamienistym wybrzeżem, ale duże dawki humoru i niezwykle zadziorny język. Nie bez powodu polecam tę lekturę osobom dorosłym, bo wyrażenia i sceny często odnosić się będą do aspektów seksualnych. Do tego główna bohaterka, Flo, to prawdziwa kobieta z pazurem. Nie jest głupiutką dziewuszką, wykazuje się niezwykłą inteligencją, co i rusz podsuwa nam jakieś ciekawostki i anegdotki z zakresu psychologii, historii, polityki czy też prosto z Wikipedii. Niczym Sherlock nie traktuje miłości jako dar losu, a czystą biologię, tłumacząc nam, które narządy i układy są odpowiedzialne za pożądanie czy wybranie konkretnego partnera. Sprawia to, że przy Ostatniej Prowokacji nie stykamy się ani z typowym kryminałem, ani komedyjką romantyczną.
Bałam się, czy Louise Lee będzie rzeczywiście umiała zataić przed nami pewne tajemnice, bo dość często spotykam w literaturze sytuacje, gdy ukrywane są przed nami fakty, które dawno rozpracowaliśmy i nie możemy wyjść z szoku, dlaczego główna postać jeszcze tego nie ogarnęła. Tu jednak kiedy pojawia się nowy ślad, a w naszych głowach świta pewien pomysł, ten sam pojawia się w głowie Flo. Myśli tak jak my i nie występuje u nas znaczące klapniecie w czoło i westchniecie "Boże, jaka to tępa dziewoja". Do tego jesteśmy częścią historii, bo Pani Love wielokrotnie będzie zwracać się bezpośrednio do nas.
Przy Ostatniej Prowokacji naprawdę świetnie się bawiłam, a do tego nauczyłam się kilku ciekawostek z zakresu różnych nauk. Jeżeli macie ochotę na rozwiązywanie zagadek kryminalnych, ale bez dużych ilości płynącej krwi, jeżeli podobają Wam się opowieści tworzone przez Janet Evanovich, to z czystym sercem mogę polecić Wam tomik od Louise Lee. Zakończenie pozostawiło mnie z kilkoma pytaniami, na które odpowiedzi będę poszukiwać w tomie drugim, gdy już się ukaże. Jako ciekawostkę mogę Wam za to zdradzić, że BBC wykupiło prawa do przeniesienia Ostatniej Prowokacji na mały ekran. Jeżeli już czytaliście tę powieść, koniecznie dajcie znać, kogo obsadzilibyście w rolach głównych.
http://secret-books.blogspot.com/2016...
May 12, 2015
Florence Love is a private investigator who specialises in entrapment. The book is full of humour and twists and turns to keep you turning the pages.
Her next case is to meet a famous Jazz singer- Scott Delaney. She must find him and stick to her rules- one kiss with tongues, five seconds to close the case. But he’s a reclusive hypochondriac. Is she going to be able to tempt him out of hiding? She has ten days to meet and ‘entrap’ him.
Alongside the entrapment side to her she also wants to discover more about her mum, Bambi, who is missing from her life. She wants to find answers.
This is the first in a series and I will be keen to read more. With many thanks to Headline and Net Galley for a copy of this book.
Her next case is to meet a famous Jazz singer- Scott Delaney. She must find him and stick to her rules- one kiss with tongues, five seconds to close the case. But he’s a reclusive hypochondriac. Is she going to be able to tempt him out of hiding? She has ten days to meet and ‘entrap’ him.
Alongside the entrapment side to her she also wants to discover more about her mum, Bambi, who is missing from her life. She wants to find answers.
This is the first in a series and I will be keen to read more. With many thanks to Headline and Net Galley for a copy of this book.
June 1, 2015
Sometimes when you inhabit the dark dark (reading) world of murderers, pyschopaths and sociopaths you just need a little bit of light relief- and that's where the last honeytrap comes in.
Florence Love is a Private Investigator (P.I) specialising in entrapment; luring unsuspecting (and unfaithful) men into compromising positions that they can't argue themselves out of, no matter how much fame or fortune they may have.
Love uses her beauty, brains and relentlessness to entice these men to her and she rarely fails. They are usually quick to succumb, you could they are say putty in her hands.
She loves her job, but an encounter with a foreign government minister leaves her wondering if she shouldn't give it up. Then she begins to recieve evidence that her long deceased Mother may still be alive, so she uses work to distract herself, until she can bear to find out the truth.
Florence's brother, Michael Love is just about the most adorable man in a novel that I've ever met (read). He is so loyal to Florence, but not afraid to voice his opinion. Michael has aspergers and some of his one liners to Florence are just brilliant. Michael doesn't believe as Florence does that their mother is alive, but he adores Florence and is easily influenced by her.
Scott (Scat) Delaney is a global superstar, a renowned Jazz musician with exceptional looks who could have any woman he wanted. He has a secret girlfriend, a relationship that has been kept from the press. He wants to finally go public, but his girlfriend Alice wants to be totally sure before she is thrust into the spotlight, so she hires Florence.
As Florence begins her surveillance on Scat in order to set the 'trap' several things don't add up to her and she wonders if Alice St Croix is who she says she is? But if she isn't then why on earth would she have hired Florence. As Florence's investigation continues she grows ever closer to Scat, aware that she is breaking all the rules of a P.I.
Frankly she is past caring. Convinced that her mother 'Bambi' is out there somewhere, and distracted by a potential stalker, Florence swears that Scat's entrapment will be her last. But will she be able to tear herself away from the sexiest man on the planet?
Only time will tell.... the last honeytrap probably wouldn't be my usual choice of novel, but I'm actually quite looking forward to the next one in the series!
Florence Love is a Private Investigator (P.I) specialising in entrapment; luring unsuspecting (and unfaithful) men into compromising positions that they can't argue themselves out of, no matter how much fame or fortune they may have.
Love uses her beauty, brains and relentlessness to entice these men to her and she rarely fails. They are usually quick to succumb, you could they are say putty in her hands.
She loves her job, but an encounter with a foreign government minister leaves her wondering if she shouldn't give it up. Then she begins to recieve evidence that her long deceased Mother may still be alive, so she uses work to distract herself, until she can bear to find out the truth.
Florence's brother, Michael Love is just about the most adorable man in a novel that I've ever met (read). He is so loyal to Florence, but not afraid to voice his opinion. Michael has aspergers and some of his one liners to Florence are just brilliant. Michael doesn't believe as Florence does that their mother is alive, but he adores Florence and is easily influenced by her.
Scott (Scat) Delaney is a global superstar, a renowned Jazz musician with exceptional looks who could have any woman he wanted. He has a secret girlfriend, a relationship that has been kept from the press. He wants to finally go public, but his girlfriend Alice wants to be totally sure before she is thrust into the spotlight, so she hires Florence.
As Florence begins her surveillance on Scat in order to set the 'trap' several things don't add up to her and she wonders if Alice St Croix is who she says she is? But if she isn't then why on earth would she have hired Florence. As Florence's investigation continues she grows ever closer to Scat, aware that she is breaking all the rules of a P.I.
Frankly she is past caring. Convinced that her mother 'Bambi' is out there somewhere, and distracted by a potential stalker, Florence swears that Scat's entrapment will be her last. But will she be able to tear herself away from the sexiest man on the planet?
Only time will tell.... the last honeytrap probably wouldn't be my usual choice of novel, but I'm actually quite looking forward to the next one in the series!
July 16, 2017
There are so many reasons I didn't like this book. It's about to get spoilery.
1) The attitude towards autism is sickening.
Florence's brother, Michael, is autistic. She uses this to her advantage, gaining perks and sympathy, which is a total abuse of power. Meanwhile, her internal monologue is filled with derogatory, ableist comments aimed towards him.
It's also factually incorrect: it's all stereotypical. It's implied that Michael's autism may be due to being sexually abused as a child. Yes, children with learning disabilities are more likely to be subjected to child abuse, but that's not the cause of their disability! It infuriates me that something like this was allowed to be published.
2) Comedy? What comedy?
I picked this up because it sounded like it was going to be funny. It's not. All of the jokes are terribly timed, falling flat and making me cringe.
3) It's not even romantic!
If you read that blurb and expected this to be a light-hearted, romantic tale... It's not. The entrapment story is a subplot, with the disappearance of Florence's mother being the focal point. I picked this up hoping to read something fluffy, but with a twist... And I didn't get either of those things.
4) Florence is the WORST.
She's been divorced twice, so when her brother tells her he's engaged she rages = selfish.
Her father bought the post office in their hometown for her, but she doesn't WANT a post office! = selfish.
Oh, add to that the fact that he asks her to leave her mother's disappearance alone, while getting visibly upset = selfish.
And her father warns her not to mention it to Michael, because it'll be extremely difficult for him to deal with, so she tells him. Twice. = selfish.
I've never read a book with a more self-obsessed, arrogant protagonist. Florence is beautiful and intelligent, but that doesn't cover up the fact that she's ugly on the inside, addicted to weed and drama and cursed with the inability to put other people's feelings first.
I almost gave this two stars, because I liked the concept and I kind of enjoyed the middle of the book... But the cons totally outweigh any positives I could scrape together. Blah.
1) The attitude towards autism is sickening.
Florence's brother, Michael, is autistic. She uses this to her advantage, gaining perks and sympathy, which is a total abuse of power. Meanwhile, her internal monologue is filled with derogatory, ableist comments aimed towards him.
It's also factually incorrect: it's all stereotypical. It's implied that Michael's autism may be due to being sexually abused as a child. Yes, children with learning disabilities are more likely to be subjected to child abuse, but that's not the cause of their disability! It infuriates me that something like this was allowed to be published.
2) Comedy? What comedy?
I picked this up because it sounded like it was going to be funny. It's not. All of the jokes are terribly timed, falling flat and making me cringe.
3) It's not even romantic!
If you read that blurb and expected this to be a light-hearted, romantic tale... It's not. The entrapment story is a subplot, with the disappearance of Florence's mother being the focal point. I picked this up hoping to read something fluffy, but with a twist... And I didn't get either of those things.
4) Florence is the WORST.
She's been divorced twice, so when her brother tells her he's engaged she rages = selfish.
Her father bought the post office in their hometown for her, but she doesn't WANT a post office! = selfish.
Oh, add to that the fact that he asks her to leave her mother's disappearance alone, while getting visibly upset = selfish.
And her father warns her not to mention it to Michael, because it'll be extremely difficult for him to deal with, so she tells him. Twice. = selfish.
I've never read a book with a more self-obsessed, arrogant protagonist. Florence is beautiful and intelligent, but that doesn't cover up the fact that she's ugly on the inside, addicted to weed and drama and cursed with the inability to put other people's feelings first.
I almost gave this two stars, because I liked the concept and I kind of enjoyed the middle of the book... But the cons totally outweigh any positives I could scrape together. Blah.
July 6, 2018
In her debut novel The Last Honeytrap, Louise Lee introduces Private Investigator Florence Love. Her speciality? Entrapment – catching unfaithful men on video. In this book, the first in a series that is set to take off in literary and cinematic form, Florence is employed to entrap world famous jazz singer Scott “Scat” Delaney. Scott’s girlfriend, Alice, wants to be certain of his loyalty before taking their relationship public.
So, Florence has just ten days to seduce the incredibly attractive A-lister, all while sticking to her most important rule: never fall for the target. Then, while waiting to catch a glimpse of the extremely elusive star, Florence becomes concerned that she has a stalker of her own.
Honestly, I’m generally not overly enthused by Chick lit PI-type series, however, I was instantly taken by The Last Honeytrap and Florence Love, Lee’s feisty, over-confident yet flawed protagonist. The flashbacks of growing up with Bambi, her mother, while breaking up the flow of the story a bit, gave added dimension to Florence’s character. Her treatment of her younger brother, Michael, unfortunately, was a little cruel and did not endear her to me, however it provided a good platform to highlight her little bit of growth and change during the book. Being the start of a series, though, there is not as much evolution in Florence’s character as one might see in a singular Chick lit story.
Florence’s job of entrapping men who have been unfaithful is one that is certainly one that is interesting, out of the ordinary, and, in its own unique way, admirable. Who wouldn’t want a chance to catch out some crooked, cheating politician at it with another woman? Lee throws in tit-bits of information along the way about body language and the science of what Florence does, adding to the quirky feel of the book.
Humour, mystery, romance and drama fill the pages of The Last Honeytrap. Lee has brought a fresh and wonderfully British voice to the genre, one I think will transfer well to screen. I think Florence Love and her crazy, peculiar world will be enjoyed by many.
So, Florence has just ten days to seduce the incredibly attractive A-lister, all while sticking to her most important rule: never fall for the target. Then, while waiting to catch a glimpse of the extremely elusive star, Florence becomes concerned that she has a stalker of her own.
Honestly, I’m generally not overly enthused by Chick lit PI-type series, however, I was instantly taken by The Last Honeytrap and Florence Love, Lee’s feisty, over-confident yet flawed protagonist. The flashbacks of growing up with Bambi, her mother, while breaking up the flow of the story a bit, gave added dimension to Florence’s character. Her treatment of her younger brother, Michael, unfortunately, was a little cruel and did not endear her to me, however it provided a good platform to highlight her little bit of growth and change during the book. Being the start of a series, though, there is not as much evolution in Florence’s character as one might see in a singular Chick lit story.
Florence’s job of entrapping men who have been unfaithful is one that is certainly one that is interesting, out of the ordinary, and, in its own unique way, admirable. Who wouldn’t want a chance to catch out some crooked, cheating politician at it with another woman? Lee throws in tit-bits of information along the way about body language and the science of what Florence does, adding to the quirky feel of the book.
Humour, mystery, romance and drama fill the pages of The Last Honeytrap. Lee has brought a fresh and wonderfully British voice to the genre, one I think will transfer well to screen. I think Florence Love and her crazy, peculiar world will be enjoyed by many.
May 17, 2015
This is the début novel by Louise Lee... it takes a lot of courage to put your craft out in to the public eye, so Lee should be commended for taking this step.
As a literary piece, the concept of this book was intriguing - a honey trap, to catch (potentially) unfaithful men with the story interspersed with entrapment tips. The main character, Florence Love, exuded confidence, sexiness and vulnerability - a difficult mix.
However, it took me half a book to really get into the story, the text was full of medical and anatomical terms that distracted me from the story and as a mystery, I found that there were not enough clues 'peppered' through the text for me to jump to the logical conclusions.
I think it will be interesting to see what subsequent novels in this series are like, as Lee grows in skill as a writer.
As a literary piece, the concept of this book was intriguing - a honey trap, to catch (potentially) unfaithful men with the story interspersed with entrapment tips. The main character, Florence Love, exuded confidence, sexiness and vulnerability - a difficult mix.
However, it took me half a book to really get into the story, the text was full of medical and anatomical terms that distracted me from the story and as a mystery, I found that there were not enough clues 'peppered' through the text for me to jump to the logical conclusions.
I think it will be interesting to see what subsequent novels in this series are like, as Lee grows in skill as a writer.
April 14, 2015
I liked this novel a lot!
The main character Florence kind of reminds me of me... Not wanting to let go of her past loves yet being attracted to this someone new 'Scott Scat Delaney'.
Defo a must-read
The main character Florence kind of reminds me of me... Not wanting to let go of her past loves yet being attracted to this someone new 'Scott Scat Delaney'.
Defo a must-read
June 3, 2015
The rules of seduction used by a private investigator. I really loved the relationship between Florence and her brother. I was kind of disappointed about the ending though.
July 27, 2016
Potencjał był, ale szybko się zmył.
Za mało romansu, ale przede wszystkim jak dla mnie za mało akcji.
Za mało romansu, ale przede wszystkim jak dla mnie za mało akcji.
October 28, 2017
A Girl Called Love is not the funny chick lit mystery that I thought it would be. It is a whole lot more than that.
Florence Love is a private investigator specialising in entrapment. She is paid by suspicious spouses to find proof (or not) of their partner’s unfaithfulness.
Florence is an interesting protagonist. She is smart, attractive, and devious. I didn’t initially warm to Florence, however she slowly got under my skin and by the half way point I found that I actually rather liked her as a character. I was particularly intrigued about her level of self-awareness regarding her own strengths and weaknesses. As a protagonist, she’s certainly unique!
Florence’s colleague is her younger brother Michael. The dynamic between Florence and Michael is interesting. She helped to raise him after their mother Bambi left when they were young. He is somewhere on the autistic spectrum. Florence spends a lot of time looking after Michael, yet she needs him just as much as he needs her. The book is almost as much about the characters as it is about the story and, as a reader, you get a vivid sense of who they are.
When it comes to the plot, there are twists and turns galore. Lee certainly has a creative brain! Why did their mother go missing? Is she still alive? Who was the mystery man in the car? Is Scott ‘Scat’ Delaney being unfaithful to his fiancée? Will he fall in love with Florence? Will she fall for him? There are just so many questions to be answered as the tale progresses. I would love to say that I guessed how things would turn out, but I really didn’t. I do love a story where the ending isn’t totally obvious!
Lee has a unique style of writing. I love her use of vocabulary and I enjoyed her irreverent sense of humour. Whilst I must admit that I wasn’t quite sure about the book initially, a couple of chapters in and it quickly becomes a page-turner. A Girl Called Love is funny, feisty and, above all, it’s great fun!
Florence Love is a private investigator specialising in entrapment. She is paid by suspicious spouses to find proof (or not) of their partner’s unfaithfulness.
Florence is an interesting protagonist. She is smart, attractive, and devious. I didn’t initially warm to Florence, however she slowly got under my skin and by the half way point I found that I actually rather liked her as a character. I was particularly intrigued about her level of self-awareness regarding her own strengths and weaknesses. As a protagonist, she’s certainly unique!
Florence’s colleague is her younger brother Michael. The dynamic between Florence and Michael is interesting. She helped to raise him after their mother Bambi left when they were young. He is somewhere on the autistic spectrum. Florence spends a lot of time looking after Michael, yet she needs him just as much as he needs her. The book is almost as much about the characters as it is about the story and, as a reader, you get a vivid sense of who they are.
When it comes to the plot, there are twists and turns galore. Lee certainly has a creative brain! Why did their mother go missing? Is she still alive? Who was the mystery man in the car? Is Scott ‘Scat’ Delaney being unfaithful to his fiancée? Will he fall in love with Florence? Will she fall for him? There are just so many questions to be answered as the tale progresses. I would love to say that I guessed how things would turn out, but I really didn’t. I do love a story where the ending isn’t totally obvious!
Lee has a unique style of writing. I love her use of vocabulary and I enjoyed her irreverent sense of humour. Whilst I must admit that I wasn’t quite sure about the book initially, a couple of chapters in and it quickly becomes a page-turner. A Girl Called Love is funny, feisty and, above all, it’s great fun!
June 3, 2021
2.75/3 stars
Introducing Florence Love, private investigator. Florence has just ten days to entrap an A-lister. Whilst sticking to her cardinal rule: one kiss, with tongues, five seconds - case closed”.
Hmmmm - I kind of felt like that was the sub-plot of this book, with the main plot being an introduction to Florence Love - someone who’s nondescript but comes with a very high self opinion.
The A-lister she’s meant to be honey trapping is so 2-dimensional, as is his girlfriend, that you don’t really care that much about them.
Overall it wasn’t the worst book I’ve read but it was very beige, and finishing it felt like a relief. A disappointing read from something that promised to be so much more...
Introducing Florence Love, private investigator. Florence has just ten days to entrap an A-lister. Whilst sticking to her cardinal rule: one kiss, with tongues, five seconds - case closed”.
Hmmmm - I kind of felt like that was the sub-plot of this book, with the main plot being an introduction to Florence Love - someone who’s nondescript but comes with a very high self opinion.
The A-lister she’s meant to be honey trapping is so 2-dimensional, as is his girlfriend, that you don’t really care that much about them.
Overall it wasn’t the worst book I’ve read but it was very beige, and finishing it felt like a relief. A disappointing read from something that promised to be so much more...
April 29, 2024
This book was alright. I liked the premise but didn't care for the main character/writing. A lot of the "humour" fell flat and Florence couldn't have one sincere moment. However, the ending was good with a few plotlines going in unexpected directions. That's the only reason I'm giving it three stars.
March 4, 2019
Very light, light read. Left half the story unfinished but honestly by that point I wasn’t bothered to try read the next one and found out what happened.
There are some funny parts and some characters I enjoyed. Just not what I expected.
There are some funny parts and some characters I enjoyed. Just not what I expected.
June 29, 2020
As usual I'm not sure that I should write a review on a book that I did not finish but in the hope that other readers won't waste their time on this twaddle .....
I got to page 135 and thought life is too short for really bad books (or wine).
I got to page 135 and thought life is too short for really bad books (or wine).
September 6, 2017
Extremely well written for a debut novel. Funny, sharp, intelligent and - in parts - moving.
April 5, 2020
I couldn't make it past the first 100 pages. It was hard to take seriously.
July 12, 2021
Intriguing premise, but I struggled to like the protagonist, and felt the plot was a little convoluted.
August 21, 2024
Originally posted here
I would like to say a big thank you to the team at Headline for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Right away I knew I was going to love this one! The Last Honeytrap makes a change from the gritty crime novels filled with merciless and twisted psychopaths that I've spent the past few months reading. While gory murder novels can be..ahem, how I do put it?...fun, it's always nice to pick up a little chick lit to brighten your day and Louise Lee's debut novel did just that.
If I was asked to pick a fictional character that I would like to be out of all the ones I've encountered in my reads so far in 2015, I would pick Flo Lo any day! Without a doubt.
Not only is Florence Love utterly hilarious, but she's confident, bright and brutally honest. It's Florence's tenacity and tendency to tell it like it is that makes the book so incredibly entertaining, not to mention her capers in the, as I've learned from this book, not-so-glamorous world of entrapment.
The Last Honeytrap is much like Bridget Jones' Diary humour-wise. However, Flo Lo doesn't quite bag herself a Mr. Darcy. Not that she needs to. 'Independent Women' by Destiny's Child could easily be her theme tune. She doesn't need no man..or woman for that matter.
What surprised me was that, despite being an ultra funny novel about Florence's latest PI case to entrap Scat Delany, at the center of The Last Honeytrap there is a lot of heart. More specifically, Florence's bond with her brother, Michael, a budding actor who sometimes assists Florence on her cases. Also, Florence's quest to find her mother, Bambi, who she believes is missing. I don't want to spoil anything, but I think it's the family orientated moments that really drive the novel. They definitely brought out the sweet, soft side to Flo Lo as opposed to her professional, sassy demeanor.
The Last Honeytrap is full of twists, turns and genuinely laugh out loud humour. I had a blast reading it and was sad that it had to end. This novel totally surpassed my expectations. Going in, I thought I had made a generally good guess as to what would happen, but all of my predictions were wrong which is something I could not be happier about.
A gem from start to finish, I absolutely cannot wait to read the second book in the Florence Love Series, The Last Bigamist when it comes out.
I would like to say a big thank you to the team at Headline for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Right away I knew I was going to love this one! The Last Honeytrap makes a change from the gritty crime novels filled with merciless and twisted psychopaths that I've spent the past few months reading. While gory murder novels can be..ahem, how I do put it?...fun, it's always nice to pick up a little chick lit to brighten your day and Louise Lee's debut novel did just that.
If I was asked to pick a fictional character that I would like to be out of all the ones I've encountered in my reads so far in 2015, I would pick Flo Lo any day! Without a doubt.
Not only is Florence Love utterly hilarious, but she's confident, bright and brutally honest. It's Florence's tenacity and tendency to tell it like it is that makes the book so incredibly entertaining, not to mention her capers in the, as I've learned from this book, not-so-glamorous world of entrapment.
The Last Honeytrap is much like Bridget Jones' Diary humour-wise. However, Flo Lo doesn't quite bag herself a Mr. Darcy. Not that she needs to. 'Independent Women' by Destiny's Child could easily be her theme tune. She doesn't need no man..or woman for that matter.
What surprised me was that, despite being an ultra funny novel about Florence's latest PI case to entrap Scat Delany, at the center of The Last Honeytrap there is a lot of heart. More specifically, Florence's bond with her brother, Michael, a budding actor who sometimes assists Florence on her cases. Also, Florence's quest to find her mother, Bambi, who she believes is missing. I don't want to spoil anything, but I think it's the family orientated moments that really drive the novel. They definitely brought out the sweet, soft side to Flo Lo as opposed to her professional, sassy demeanor.
The Last Honeytrap is full of twists, turns and genuinely laugh out loud humour. I had a blast reading it and was sad that it had to end. This novel totally surpassed my expectations. Going in, I thought I had made a generally good guess as to what would happen, but all of my predictions were wrong which is something I could not be happier about.
A gem from start to finish, I absolutely cannot wait to read the second book in the Florence Love Series, The Last Bigamist when it comes out.
November 11, 2015
**I was given a free copy of this book via Bookbridgr in exchange for an honest review**
"The Last Honeytrap" is the first book in a brand new private detective series, written by Louise Lee.
Florence Love is what is known in the industry as a ‘Honeytrap’. She catches men cheating on their wives, by using her seduction techniques.
Twice married, she knows a thing or two about men’s behaviours and what it takes to seduce a man, until he can no longer resist the dish set out in front of him.
When she is asked to investigate the gorgeous and famous jazz singer, Scot Delaney, she jumps at the chance, even though she has no idea how she will even get close to him, let alone seduce him.
The first chapter of the book I found hard going. This was down to the writing style as I was unsure of how well it was going to work throughout the book. Its very direct from Florence to the reader, just as if she is telling you in person about her life.
At the end of each chapter, Florence shares some of her entrapment techniques on how to seduce a man, which I actually found quite interesting as the author has obviously done plenty of research into what men really want from a woman.
Florence’s character is, on the surface, determined, confident, sexy, and exuberant. However underneath that cool, calm and collected exterior, is a woman who is often scared. She is also very confused about past events concerning her mother, who disappeared many years ago, events that we get to read about through a series of flashbacks.
She loves her family immensely, especially her brother Michael, who is autistic. It’s refreshing to see a story, that not only has someone with autism not being defined, nor tied down by their disability, but to have an adult with autism within it’s pages too.
The book was an enjoyable read, that at times had me rolling my eyes alongside moments of laughing out loud. The Scot Delaney entrapment had me hook, line and sinker and it wasn't until right near the end that I realised what was actually going on, sending my prediction of the ending straight out of the window.
A feel-good read that will keep you entertained throughout, and just may open your eyes to the way men’s minds work.
www.whisperingstories.com
"The Last Honeytrap" is the first book in a brand new private detective series, written by Louise Lee.
Florence Love is what is known in the industry as a ‘Honeytrap’. She catches men cheating on their wives, by using her seduction techniques.
Twice married, she knows a thing or two about men’s behaviours and what it takes to seduce a man, until he can no longer resist the dish set out in front of him.
When she is asked to investigate the gorgeous and famous jazz singer, Scot Delaney, she jumps at the chance, even though she has no idea how she will even get close to him, let alone seduce him.
The first chapter of the book I found hard going. This was down to the writing style as I was unsure of how well it was going to work throughout the book. Its very direct from Florence to the reader, just as if she is telling you in person about her life.
At the end of each chapter, Florence shares some of her entrapment techniques on how to seduce a man, which I actually found quite interesting as the author has obviously done plenty of research into what men really want from a woman.
Florence’s character is, on the surface, determined, confident, sexy, and exuberant. However underneath that cool, calm and collected exterior, is a woman who is often scared. She is also very confused about past events concerning her mother, who disappeared many years ago, events that we get to read about through a series of flashbacks.
She loves her family immensely, especially her brother Michael, who is autistic. It’s refreshing to see a story, that not only has someone with autism not being defined, nor tied down by their disability, but to have an adult with autism within it’s pages too.
The book was an enjoyable read, that at times had me rolling my eyes alongside moments of laughing out loud. The Scot Delaney entrapment had me hook, line and sinker and it wasn't until right near the end that I realised what was actually going on, sending my prediction of the ending straight out of the window.
A feel-good read that will keep you entertained throughout, and just may open your eyes to the way men’s minds work.
www.whisperingstories.com
June 4, 2015
The Last Honeytrap is the debut novel of Louise Lee and I thought it was great. The book is centred on Florence Love a Private Investigator based in London, specialising in entrapment. In this the book, the first in a new series Florence is asked entrap A-List Scot “Scat” Delaney a world famous jazz singer. Easy…except Scot is a confirmed recluse and possibly the most beautiful man Florence has ever seen and she may just be about to break the most important rule: Never fall for the target.
As the main plot develops as Florence finds herself in deeper than she’s ever been, she also begins to believe she herself is being stalked. Hoping the stalker is her long lost mother who is about to make a return after twenty years causes friction between other members, add to that complications with her ex-husband and previous lesbian lover and you have a book full of plot twists and humorous scenes.
I instantly liked Florence she’s feisty, independent and slightly over-confident believing she can do anything, which considering her success rate is only 78% may be slightly misjudged on her part. She also showed she had a caring side by looking after younger brother Michael, although she does remind him on numerous occasions that he is in her debt and must help her with investigation work whenever she wants.
I found this book a very refreshing read, Florence is so abrupt and honest in her language which I just loved. Surprisingly I also enjoyed the many snippets of scientific explanation in the book, which initially left me a little confused but added to the quirkiness of the book.
I think this is a great read and would like to congratulate Louise Lee on her debut novel, she’s done a cracking job creating a likable main character and an interesting plot line which continues into the second book. There is a teaser of this at the end and it looks just as good, so please hurry up and publish it so we can find out what happened to Bambi.
I think this book has something for everyone, a little romance, some mystery, some crime and some family drama, so if you’re looking to find a new favourite this summer pick up The Last Honeytrap. I would give this book 5/5 and would like to thank Headline for sending me a copy via bookbridgr.
As the main plot develops as Florence finds herself in deeper than she’s ever been, she also begins to believe she herself is being stalked. Hoping the stalker is her long lost mother who is about to make a return after twenty years causes friction between other members, add to that complications with her ex-husband and previous lesbian lover and you have a book full of plot twists and humorous scenes.
I instantly liked Florence she’s feisty, independent and slightly over-confident believing she can do anything, which considering her success rate is only 78% may be slightly misjudged on her part. She also showed she had a caring side by looking after younger brother Michael, although she does remind him on numerous occasions that he is in her debt and must help her with investigation work whenever she wants.
I found this book a very refreshing read, Florence is so abrupt and honest in her language which I just loved. Surprisingly I also enjoyed the many snippets of scientific explanation in the book, which initially left me a little confused but added to the quirkiness of the book.
I think this is a great read and would like to congratulate Louise Lee on her debut novel, she’s done a cracking job creating a likable main character and an interesting plot line which continues into the second book. There is a teaser of this at the end and it looks just as good, so please hurry up and publish it so we can find out what happened to Bambi.
I think this book has something for everyone, a little romance, some mystery, some crime and some family drama, so if you’re looking to find a new favourite this summer pick up The Last Honeytrap. I would give this book 5/5 and would like to thank Headline for sending me a copy via bookbridgr.
August 23, 2015
I requested a copy of this book from Bookbridgr as it seemed lighthearted and fun. I also adored the cover, it's cute and catchy.
The book is about Florence who is a private investigator, who works along side her brother to entrap people, for anything. She has one rule, one kiss, with tounges, five seconds, then case is closed. Never fall for anyone whilst on the case. Sounds pretty good, and it is really.
The case we are presented with is that of a famous jazz singer, one who Florence believes near impossible to get anything on. His 'girlfriend' Alice is due to go public and wants to ensure that she has nothing to worry about. He's not like all other famous folk and strays at the first chance. It does make for a good story.
My only gripe with this book, was it seemed at times cahotic, sometime there was too much going on, too many stories interwoven. We're often brought back in time to when Florence was a little girl and find out her mother aparently died when she was young. Florence at the young age accepted this, but now a personal investigator with what seems like someone following her, she beings to question her mothers disappearence.
Towards the back end of the book, the story at times seems like crazy. It went so many different ways. I found some of the medical jargon very hard to understand but I'm sure it worked with the overall story. The ending, I was disappointed with, but there is to be a sequal to this book and I'm sure answers will be given there.
Throughout the book, there are quirky little personal investigator tips. Which are interesting.
Overall a good debut by Louise Lee. I'll never knock anyone who manages to get a book published as it is their baby. Probably not something I would have chosen, had the cover not been so pretty!
The book is about Florence who is a private investigator, who works along side her brother to entrap people, for anything. She has one rule, one kiss, with tounges, five seconds, then case is closed. Never fall for anyone whilst on the case. Sounds pretty good, and it is really.
The case we are presented with is that of a famous jazz singer, one who Florence believes near impossible to get anything on. His 'girlfriend' Alice is due to go public and wants to ensure that she has nothing to worry about. He's not like all other famous folk and strays at the first chance. It does make for a good story.
My only gripe with this book, was it seemed at times cahotic, sometime there was too much going on, too many stories interwoven. We're often brought back in time to when Florence was a little girl and find out her mother aparently died when she was young. Florence at the young age accepted this, but now a personal investigator with what seems like someone following her, she beings to question her mothers disappearence.
Towards the back end of the book, the story at times seems like crazy. It went so many different ways. I found some of the medical jargon very hard to understand but I'm sure it worked with the overall story. The ending, I was disappointed with, but there is to be a sequal to this book and I'm sure answers will be given there.
Throughout the book, there are quirky little personal investigator tips. Which are interesting.
Overall a good debut by Louise Lee. I'll never knock anyone who manages to get a book published as it is their baby. Probably not something I would have chosen, had the cover not been so pretty!
March 3, 2016
I expected this to be light, amusing chick lit but, due to two very strong storylines and a vivacious heroine, it was so much better than that and I really enjoyed it. Florence Love is more than a private investigator, she is an entrapment specialist proving or disproving the fidelity of her clients’ partners. Although I didn’t rocket through this book, once I got to about half way through I was hooked. The story is twofold; that of Florence’s latest entrapment and the mysterious disappearance of her mother.
I loved the relationship that Florence has with her brother, Michael, as Florence really looks out for him and is so protective. When Florence and Michael’s mother went missing, her car was found burned out with a male corpse inside leading to an abundance of questions for the reader: Who is the mystery man? What was he to her mother? Where is her mother? As Florence starts to dig she uncovers family secrets that she wishes she’d left buried.
The entrapment storyline was really clever too as Florence tries desperately not to fall in love with Scott Delaney, the sexy Irish singer. What will happen when Scott’s fiancé sees the video of the final entrapment? Will Scott realise Florence is the woman of his dreams? All of these questions and more are answered as the final brilliant and surprising entrapment is played out.
With a smart, feisty heroine like Florence Love this is sure to be a great series and I look forward to the next book The Last Bigamist as Florence heads to Italy in search of her mother.
I received this book from the publisher, Headline, via Bookbridgr in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the relationship that Florence has with her brother, Michael, as Florence really looks out for him and is so protective. When Florence and Michael’s mother went missing, her car was found burned out with a male corpse inside leading to an abundance of questions for the reader: Who is the mystery man? What was he to her mother? Where is her mother? As Florence starts to dig she uncovers family secrets that she wishes she’d left buried.
The entrapment storyline was really clever too as Florence tries desperately not to fall in love with Scott Delaney, the sexy Irish singer. What will happen when Scott’s fiancé sees the video of the final entrapment? Will Scott realise Florence is the woman of his dreams? All of these questions and more are answered as the final brilliant and surprising entrapment is played out.
With a smart, feisty heroine like Florence Love this is sure to be a great series and I look forward to the next book The Last Bigamist as Florence heads to Italy in search of her mother.
I received this book from the publisher, Headline, via Bookbridgr in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2015
Florence Love is a private detective who specialises in entrapment cases. When she is hired to entrap hunky superstar Scott ‘Scat’ Delany she plans to make sure she gets the scoop. She is a professional gumshoe after all what she doesn’t bank on is her falling in love with her latest target.
Amidst all this someone from Florence’s past is trying to get in touch and tell her something. Can she keep her professional head on as she tries to solve a deeply personal case? Only time will tell.
I had heard that The Last Honeytrap was a feel good, funny novel; a bit like chicklit but with more sass. To be fair it was good. It was entertaining and in a very basic way, it is a damn good detective story that kept me guessing from the beginning right to the very end. I personally did not see any of the twists and turns coming. I would make a woeful detective.
However, I found it hard to like our protagonist Florence Love. Sure, she had been scorned and had decided to become a private detective because of being scorned by a man (ok, her mum influenced her as well). She just wasn’t very likeable. Louise Lee tried to give her back story some extra elements to make us empathise with her but her actions made her come across as selfish, demanding and a little unhinged.
To be fair to Louise Lee, The Last Honeytrap is extremely well written and it will make a fantastic series. And to a large extent I did enjoy the story but when I am reading a book I have to like my leading lady. Heck, I have to want to be her but with Florence Love I just didn’t.
The Last Honeytrap by Louise Lee is available now.
Amidst all this someone from Florence’s past is trying to get in touch and tell her something. Can she keep her professional head on as she tries to solve a deeply personal case? Only time will tell.
I had heard that The Last Honeytrap was a feel good, funny novel; a bit like chicklit but with more sass. To be fair it was good. It was entertaining and in a very basic way, it is a damn good detective story that kept me guessing from the beginning right to the very end. I personally did not see any of the twists and turns coming. I would make a woeful detective.
However, I found it hard to like our protagonist Florence Love. Sure, she had been scorned and had decided to become a private detective because of being scorned by a man (ok, her mum influenced her as well). She just wasn’t very likeable. Louise Lee tried to give her back story some extra elements to make us empathise with her but her actions made her come across as selfish, demanding and a little unhinged.
To be fair to Louise Lee, The Last Honeytrap is extremely well written and it will make a fantastic series. And to a large extent I did enjoy the story but when I am reading a book I have to like my leading lady. Heck, I have to want to be her but with Florence Love I just didn’t.
The Last Honeytrap by Louise Lee is available now.
April 13, 2020
Reviews can also be found on my blog Escapades of a Bookworm
So this started off like a James Bond movie, a little dalliance, some entrapment before the main event and it sure left me craving more.
I loved that it was more than being about the entrapment of a popstar. And that there was a story regarding Florence’s mum Bambi and her mysterious disappearance – more details are required please.
In the middle I did feel that the story got a little slow, a little boring and then bam stuff begins to happen really really fast and every little thing that I had grumpily thought before is forgiven. I obviously can’t tell you what occurs because that, dear reader, would be spoilers!
Also there were a lot of terms in this book, covering both Medical and Anatomical subjects that left me feel a bit stupid as I wasn’t sure what it meant and actually had to go google it…
But I did like how Entrapment tips peppered the story, allowing for more humorous moments. I liked that Florence grew on me as a character as I got to understand who she is and what she is about, and I certainly cannot wait for more from her.
I loved how endearing the other character’s were – especially Michael, who I can’t help but think of having sad puppy eyes all the time :)
This was a thoroughly entertaining read, and it was quite sad when it was over. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
So this started off like a James Bond movie, a little dalliance, some entrapment before the main event and it sure left me craving more.
I loved that it was more than being about the entrapment of a popstar. And that there was a story regarding Florence’s mum Bambi and her mysterious disappearance – more details are required please.
In the middle I did feel that the story got a little slow, a little boring and then bam stuff begins to happen really really fast and every little thing that I had grumpily thought before is forgiven. I obviously can’t tell you what occurs because that, dear reader, would be spoilers!
Also there were a lot of terms in this book, covering both Medical and Anatomical subjects that left me feel a bit stupid as I wasn’t sure what it meant and actually had to go google it…
But I did like how Entrapment tips peppered the story, allowing for more humorous moments. I liked that Florence grew on me as a character as I got to understand who she is and what she is about, and I certainly cannot wait for more from her.
I loved how endearing the other character’s were – especially Michael, who I can’t help but think of having sad puppy eyes all the time :)
This was a thoroughly entertaining read, and it was quite sad when it was over. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
March 25, 2015
Private detective, Florence Love, is an entrapment specialist who always sticks to her cardinal rule: "One kiss, with tongues, five seconds - case closed." Fresh from successfully entrapping the Dutch Minister for Security and Justice, Florence embarks on her trickiest case yet - testing the fidelity of world-famous jazz singer Scott Delaney.
I was anticipating a character along the lines of Janet Ivanovich's Stephanie Plum, but Florence Love is more complex and more nuanced. She is a wonderful creation - intrepid but vulnerable, wise but also self-deluded. The humour has a certain zaniness with some darker elements - Flo is driven by the mysterious disappearance of her mother when she was a child. The plot is compelling and promises an interesting storyline in the books that follow, and Louise Lee's firsthand experience of working as a PI shines through in the details.
A very funny book - Flo is a character I look forward to reading more about.
I was anticipating a character along the lines of Janet Ivanovich's Stephanie Plum, but Florence Love is more complex and more nuanced. She is a wonderful creation - intrepid but vulnerable, wise but also self-deluded. The humour has a certain zaniness with some darker elements - Flo is driven by the mysterious disappearance of her mother when she was a child. The plot is compelling and promises an interesting storyline in the books that follow, and Louise Lee's firsthand experience of working as a PI shines through in the details.
A very funny book - Flo is a character I look forward to reading more about.
October 9, 2015
I was lucky enough to win this through a Goodreads Giveaway.
What a fantastic book. Very well written and i loved the way it gives you little clues throughout the book about her mum and her past. It's so nice to find a "love story" that ends the way this did. Florence Love falls in love with Scott. But this doesn't end the way most people would expect it too. Honestly i find this ending to be a lot better then how most people would want it to end.
The only thing i didn't like was not finding out if Florence finds her mum. BUT i have seen that this is only the first book in novels about Florence. Nice ending leaves it open so i'm hopeful Florence will find what she wants in the future.
Looking forward to reading the next books in the series!
What a fantastic book. Very well written and i loved the way it gives you little clues throughout the book about her mum and her past. It's so nice to find a "love story" that ends the way this did. Florence Love falls in love with Scott. But this doesn't end the way most people would expect it too. Honestly i find this ending to be a lot better then how most people would want it to end.
The only thing i didn't like was not finding out if Florence finds her mum. BUT i have seen that this is only the first book in novels about Florence. Nice ending leaves it open so i'm hopeful Florence will find what she wants in the future.
Looking forward to reading the next books in the series!
July 8, 2015
A delightfully witty, fast-paced and beautifully explicit account of life as an entrapment specialist.
Florence Love is a hilariously broken, deliciously quirky and incredibly nosy private investigator that gets embroiled in an unexpectedly enlightening entrapment case while moonlighting as a missing persons investigator trying to find her long-lost mother.
Part mystery, part contemporary fiction, this is a delirious, intimate look at the life of a flawed yet brilliant single woman doing her job for all the wrong reasons. Read it.
*I won a copy from the publisher via a Goodreads giveaway and this is my honest review.
Florence Love is a hilariously broken, deliciously quirky and incredibly nosy private investigator that gets embroiled in an unexpectedly enlightening entrapment case while moonlighting as a missing persons investigator trying to find her long-lost mother.
Part mystery, part contemporary fiction, this is a delirious, intimate look at the life of a flawed yet brilliant single woman doing her job for all the wrong reasons. Read it.
*I won a copy from the publisher via a Goodreads giveaway and this is my honest review.
September 12, 2015
A fast, fun read with a likeable heroine. Florence is a private investigator specialising in the honeytrap. When she goes after the Dutch Minister for Security and Justice, though, she might just have bitten off more than she can chew. And falling for her next target, Scat Delaney, is never going to turn out well.
I loved the intricate plotting and the sense of fun that permeates this book. What could be a relentless storyline is shot through with an appealing back story, of a dependent brother and a mother who disappeared. Florence keeps her plates spinning ever more frenetically as we race towards the end. Like Meg Cabot on speed, fabulous.
I loved the intricate plotting and the sense of fun that permeates this book. What could be a relentless storyline is shot through with an appealing back story, of a dependent brother and a mother who disappeared. Florence keeps her plates spinning ever more frenetically as we race towards the end. Like Meg Cabot on speed, fabulous.
December 17, 2015
Things I liked about this book:
1) It was easy to read.
2) It was very lighthearted.
3) Learning about private investigators. (I didn't realise they were much of a thing in the UK!)
Other than that, it was just a standard chick lit book with some particularly ridiculous parts to it. The storyline was often not believable and the characters a little annoying. Although I did like Florence's little brother.
I think it will appeal to a certain group of people who like this type of book and don't think too much when they're reading. I guess it is just not my kind of thing.
1) It was easy to read.
2) It was very lighthearted.
3) Learning about private investigators. (I didn't realise they were much of a thing in the UK!)
Other than that, it was just a standard chick lit book with some particularly ridiculous parts to it. The storyline was often not believable and the characters a little annoying. Although I did like Florence's little brother.
I think it will appeal to a certain group of people who like this type of book and don't think too much when they're reading. I guess it is just not my kind of thing.
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