Mad Love 2 picks up with a heartbroken Sophie, back home in Los Angeles, licking her wounds after seeing Clayton with his ex on the cover of a tabloid. Where I found her strong at the end of the first book, albeit injured, she's more pathetically broken at the beginning of the second book. When Erik and Orie tell her about an opportunity to do what she loves, art, she reluctantly agrees to take the job and accompanies them to France where it turns out, the entire thing was orchestrated by Clayton.
Once again, Clayton and Sophie cannot deny their attraction and sparks fly. This time around, their relationship is slightly more balanced, although Clayton is still a controlling pig and Sophie is too quick to excuse his bad behavior because a) he's filthy rich and b) he's too attractive to be real. There are some tender moments between them,which helps offset the things that both of them do that make them less than likeable. When tragedy strikes Clayton's family, he shuts her out, but Sophie finally locates her missing spine and fights for what she wants.
Plot
This installment is more character driven than the last book, with both Sophie and Clayton experiencing growth. The plot is still a romance, though, and it's still an extremely intense, edge-of-your-seat ride. There is more subplotting going on this time as well, involving secondary characters that adds to the overall enjoyment of the story.
Characters
Clayton's controlling, angry, possessive behavior and Sophie's shallowness make them both hard to like at times. Both also have their moments when they're endearing. When Clayton is considerate, sweet, and playful. When Sophie is selfless and caring. The secondary characters, Erik, Orie, and Clayton's family all come across as well-developed and add to the story. One of the more interesting subplots involves Clayton's brother and his cousin-in-law.
The Ending
The ending surprised me. I thought I knew what was going to happen and I was wrong. I love when that happens!
Bottom Line
A worthy follow-up to Mad Love, it's intense, emotional, and delves deeper into the characters we've come to know. The jury is still out on whether or not I love them.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.