- Rife with passion and lovemaking, "Luca" is an immersive ride, but fails to stitch together a realistic protagonist that readers can sink their teeth into.
Luca: A Brotherhood MC Novel
“Luca” follows the story of Honor, a woman who becomes the target of a convicted sexual predator, prompting her to relocate and settle in Whispering Pines, a seemingly idyllic small town. There, she encounters Luca, a mixed martial artist, along with a diverse array of characters.
The central theme revolves around Honor, a resilient yet damaged woman, meeting Luca, an elusive and tough man who has remained unaffected by the women he encounters—until he meets her. This premise, though tried and tested, unfortunately falls into cliché territory. To advance this plot and the ensuing sexual tension, the narrative often sidesteps the authentic humanity within Honor. Her seemingly eager and unflinching pursuit of sexual intimacy with a stranger, given her history of sexual abuse and the primary reason for fleeing her previous home, feels peculiar.
The lack of literary depth in Honor’s behavior makes it seem as if any semblance of genuine humanity within Luca is purely incidental. Scenes of gratuitous sex between Luca and Honor overshadow plot points that could add depth to the narrative. For instance, while the novel starts swiftly, the majority of the middle section revolves around Luca’s affiliation with the Brotherhood and their sexual encounters, sidelining the involvement of Gallows, who only re-emerges towards the end.
Despite this, the town and its characters create a warm and familiar backdrop, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Honor’s newfound life, filled with passion and friendships. The sensuality in the novel is well-crafted, yet a more dedicated and genuine exploration of the characters’ authenticity could elevate the story, offering a captivating blend of lust and adventure.
Residing on a farm in Northern California, Jennifer has created her own happily ever after with her partner, pup, and a flock of chickens. Her aspirations include a continued pursuit of writing, farming, and cherishing uninterrupted moments of snuggling with her loved ones for as long as possible.