The Love Scam by MaryJanice Davidson – a Review

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Description:
Rake Tarbell is in trouble. When the fabulously wealthy and carefree bachelor wakes up horribly hungover in Venice, it’s not something that would normally be a problem…except he has no idea how he got there from California. Or who stole his wallet. Or who emptied his bank account of millions. Or who in the world is Lillith, the charming little girl claiming to be his long lost daughter. For the first time in his life, Rake is on his own and throwing Benjamins around aren’t going to solve his problem. Now if only the gorgeous, fun, and free-spirited woman who brought Lillith into his life was willing to help the situation…

Claire Delaney finds Rake’s problems hilarious and is not in the least bit sorry of adding to them by bringing Lillith into the mix. A pretty Midwestern girl with a streak for mischief, Rake is not the kind of man Claire hangs around with. Even if he is drop-dead handsome and charming as all get-out. Even if he needs help and she has all the answers. But if this helps Lillith, she will go out of her way. And with a guy like Rake, she’s willing to bend her rules a bit for some fun. But when adventure-filled days turn to romantic nights as they search for answers, and someone starts following them through the streets of Venice, Claire realizes she’s playing more than just a game. And maybe, just maybe, she isn’t willing to let go of Rake or Lillith just yet.

Review:

The Love Scam by MaryJanice Davidson is the 2^nd book in her Danger series.  I did not know there was a first book in this series, and after having completed this book, it could have made a difference, though I doubt it.  I have read a couple of other series by Davidson and enjoyed her humor, even in serious situations.  However, in The Love Scam, I did have mixed feelings, which I will explain a bit later in this review.

Rake Tarbell, our playboy hero, wakes up with a hangover, in a strange room; not knowing where he was, he walks out and ends up falling into the water.  He is in Venice, Italy, and has no idea how he got there from California; to make matters worse, Rake has no money, and in his hangover state, throws his wallet into the water (never to be seen again), and when he tries to check his account, all the money is gone.

Claire Delaney, our heroine, comes across a dripping wet Rake and offers to help him.   She introduces him to a young girl, who she claims is his daughter.  She tries to explain that her deceased friend told her to bring the girl to her father (Rake?).  She knows more than she is letting on, and manages to take Rake to get his clothes and go to a hotel, where they can try to resolve everything.  What follows is an adventure that took them on a wild goose chase through Venice, with Delaney slowly beginning to fall for someone she never imagined she could, as Rake has a terrible reputation with the ladies.  I did like the young girl, Lilith, who was not only cute, but very smart.  This was a wild crazy story that was funny at times, but also very confusing.  I thought the first half of the book a bit too crazy, not really liking either Rake or Delaney; as I had to put the book down a number of times after losing interest. However, the last ½ of the book, the story line did get better.  

We learn that Delaney has unique skills, and Lilith is hiding some secrets, which does change the game.  Rake, Delaney, Lilith find themselves in danger, as people are looking for them.  We ask ourselves why??

The Love Scam was a plot filled with shenanigans, as well as a bit zany and at times funny.  I did struggle with the scattered story line, but as I said the story does calm down and get better towards the end.   The romance between Rake and Delaney got hotter towards the end, but again I was not vested into this couple.  There were a number of surprises, twists and a little excitement; and the fun begins when the truths are revealed.  I have enjoyed Davidson’s snarky and fun dialogue in the previous books, but I did find this book to be a bit confusing.   If you enjoy a zany comedic story line, you should try The Love Scam.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher