REVIEW: Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren

In Wicked Sexy Liar (Wild Seasons #4) by Christina Lauren, London Hughes has become part of a close-knit group of friends including Mia, Harlow and Lola, plus their spouses. She loves the cool and fun vibe but still isn’t used their complicated history together. One thing London never intended to do was step on anyone’s toes in regard to exes, but that’s what happens when she hooks up with Mia’s ex, Luke Sutter. Her one-and-done somehow turns into a friendship that quickly becomes something that resembles a relationship. Can she trust a former player to be trustworthy boyfriend material?

‘Luke is managing to break down my walls one smile at a time. Being with him feels a little like letting go of the handlebars and racing down a hill. And it also feels like being wrapped up in the warmest blanket. How can he feel both like an adventure and a comfort?’

Law clerk Luke has been sowing his wild oats for a few years but it’s getting a bit old. He liked being part of a couple before things went to pieces with his ex. And after one night with surfer/bartender London, Luke can see himself devoting his time and his affections to the gorgeous girl. The trouble is that London can’t seem to see past his bachelor ways. Luke will have to prove to her that he can be monogamous and that what they have together could be the start of something absolutely extraordinary.

“Please.” I rub my thumb over the back of her hand. “Let me show you that I’m not the guy you think I am.”
“The problem is there’s no chance of that,” she says softly. “I like you, too. But not for me. You’re exactly the guy I think you are.”

The romance, funny & dirty shenanigans, and wickedly likable characters continued in Wild Seasons book four, Wicked Sexy Liar. I have loved all of the people we’ve met so far in this series, but I have to say that Luke and London just may be my favorites.

Okay. I think with each new book I say the main characters are my favorites, but come on! There was something so kickass about London’s attitude and loyalty even before Luke’s charm and down-to-earth personality was added in. The combination of these two protagonists was simply a wonderful thing to behold.

I liked the premise of the story right off the bat and thought it was quite relatable for today’s dating scene. Luke was something of a player and London used that to fact to end her, ahem, dry spell. Neither one was looking for a relationship so it should have worked perfectly, right? Wrong. There were more than sparks of attraction between London and Luke. There was actual interest and the had enough in common to make them friends who wanted a little something more. That’s where the fun began and it just took off flying from there.

Of course as we got to know both characters better, we came to some realizations about why they acted the way they did and why they made certain decisions. I loved that there was a whole lot more depth to Luke than being a playboy and I absolutely adored the scenes with his family. So. Fun. London herself had been through a lot and was not very trusting so that meant Luke had to step it up a bit and prove he was trustworthy. There were some exceedingly intimate and lovely scenes between them that were so tender and raw I had to reread them so I could sigh happily again. I just loved London and Luke’s connection.

Christina Lauren can do no wrong, in my eyes, when it comes to modern romance with a naughty edge. From the captivating characters, the fun but realistic situations, and the incredible friendships described, I can’t get enough of this series. My one hope for the future? That Not-Joe gets his very own story some day. *fingers crossed*

Book Info:

 Expected publication: February 2nd 2016 | by Gallery Books | Wild Seasons #4

When three college besties meet three hot guys in Vegas, anything can—and does—happen. Book Four in the New York Times Wild Seasons series that began with Sweet Filthy Boy (the Romantic Times book of the year that Sylvia Day called “a sexy, sweet treasure of a story”), Dirty Rowdy Thing, and Dark Wild Night.

For two people ambivalent about dating and love, they sure get naked around each other an awful lot . . .

London Hughes is very content to surf daily, tend bar, hang out with her group of friends, and slowly orient herself in the years after college. Everything’s going great and according to the non-plan.

But when a wave knocks her for a loop one morning, then Luke Sutter’s flirtatious smile knocks her for another that evening, she veers slightly off course…and into his path. Sure, he’s a total player, but the Why not—it’s only one night is a persistent voice in her ear.

For his part, Luke’s been on hookup autopilot for so long that he rarely ever pauses to consider what he’s doing. But after an amazing time with London, he realizes that he hasn’t been moving on from a devastating heartbreak so much as he’s been drifting to wherever—and whomever—the current takes him. With London he wants more.

Every relationship involves two people…plus their pasts. And as much as she enjoys her fling with Luke, when London learns about his past—more specifically, who’s in it—everything becomes the brand of complicated she strives to avoid. It’s up to Luke then to change some things in order to try and ensure he’s not something she’ll outright avoid as well.