Let me start this by saying if you have not read the previous book “Danger, Sweetheart”, you may want to before reading this book. I was a little lost at the beginning and finally caught up, but it took a few chapters and I did not enjoy the journey. By the mid point, I was “all in” and loved the twists and turns. One item I feel needs correcting are the constant foot notes per chapter, you are either constantly going back, or skipping forward to match them in the chapter. The story is twisted, fun, outrageous and romantic. A fun read.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get into this story. It was hard to find a fun plot line, and the writing style was difficult to follow along with.

After reading the synopsis I thought I would really enjoy this novel. However, this one fell completely short for me. I struggled with the writing style and the plot. This one just didn’t work for me and I ended up giving this book up. I just couldn’t go on reading it unfortunately.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Love Scam by MaryJanice Davidson seemingly had everything I would enjoy in a read, however I had the most difficult time getting into this story. A hot mess, I felt my eyes glazing over as I tried my hardest to press onwards. Putting the book down and giving it some before making another attempt was no help; I struggled with it all. I couldn’t relate to the characters, let alone I didn’t like them, the storyline was a train wreck and the execution of the story left a lot to be desired. DNF at 50%.

An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.

Like some of the other reviewers, I had a little trouble following what was going on in the beginning. But, I kept reading and really enjoyed the story!! I do love this authors funny, clever writing style.

There are several ways I could sum up The Love Scam in a two word sentence. Wait, what? I’m lost. Just no. So confused. I’m pretty sure Davidson is trying to trying to create a humorous story. And what’s she written is kind of funny, but I’m not entirely sure it’s a story. It’s definitely not a cohesive one. Apparently Delaney is hired to run a scam that involves convincing rich, oblivious Rake that he has a child while depriving him of his money for what is supposedly a good cause. It also appears to have Rake hating his “perfect” twin brother, gallivanting about Italy, over imbibing on vermouth, falling into the canals, experiencing uncontrollable vomiting and hanging around a Best Western in Venice filling Easter baskets full of Peeps. If this doesn’t make any sense to you, I assure you it’s not me (or you for that matter), this is actually events unfolding in the book. If you’re looking for dialogue that may seem witty when you’re trashed on vermouth then this book may be for you. Otherwise it’s probably not worth the headache it will give you trying to follow along.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I had hoped to enjoy this book more for a fun, light read but unfortunately, it just wasn't my cup of tea. Funny and witty moments at points but the characters seemed a little bland and shallow at points and it just wasn't for me.. I know other readers would definitely like the mystery and plot and can see some of the appeal for the overall story.

Where do I start, Rake is a like able guy. He seems charming, funny and sweet underneath it all. A bit privileged but nothing that can’t be fixed and appreciated. Delaney has a hard exterior but she wants what we all do...love. I really enjoyed this read and I’m curious to read others by this author. Thank you Net Galley!

This book is quite unique. It's a little confusing in the beginning. Takes a while to really catch on to what is happening. It alternates between POVs, and sometimes it takes a few paragraphs before you realize whose POV it is. There is some mystery.. partly the characters actually trying to solve a crime and partly (well, mostly) just the mystery and secrets they are keeping from one another. There are things hinted at, but never elaborated. There is also a little romance. A slow burn kind. There is also a small amount of thriller/suspense. Humor spread throughout. She comes off as a bit of a vigilante, but is she friend or fo? He is a clueless playboy who just happens to be smarter than he comes across as, of course it takes a while for everyone else to figure that out. The two of them, along with her motley crew, are somewhat forced to spend time together. Crazy things happen to them. There are a couple different story lines that criss cross throughout the book, and that is part of what makes it confusing. You don't realize one thing doesn't have anything to do with the other until further into the book. (Of course they all kinda come together in the end.) There is very minimal sexual content, though there is mention of it throughout. (I'd consider it safe for teens and up, though there is some mild language.) The style of writing is different than what I am used to. There are mention of things or different language spoken (the book takes place in Italy) that is '*' and clarified at the end of chapter. There are also mid sentence breaking points to include inner thoughts.

*I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.

I am going to say this twice in this review since it seems that people are going to need reminding: "I have to say though, that this book is full of cliches and tropes and it has been done on purpose---please read the author's notes at the beginning of the book."

I will update to a 'true' review just as soon as I read Danger, Sweetheart and then re-read The Love Scam. You really don't need to read Danger, Sweetheart first but I want to see if that will change my opinion of this book.

I have to say though, that this book is full of cliches and tropes and it has been done on purpose---please read the author's notes at the beginning of the book. It was a bit of a mess at first until I got into the rhythm and remembered about the trope/cliche issue of the book but it ended up being an excellent mystery with (what was to me) a shocking conclusion. I really hope that this is turned into a small series.

Oh, wait I don't have to write a "real" review LOL! Oh, wait-I already did -but I reserved the right to add to this if my re-read change anything!!!

*ARC supplied by the publisher.

This is a hilarious and funny novel. There are antics and quirks galore. I thoroughly enjoyed reading through each unforgettable adventure.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Imagine waking up with a massive hangover and not knowing where you are or how you got there? In The Love Scam by MaryJanice Davidson that is exactly what happens. And if that isn't bad enough Rake Tarbell's wallet and phone are both missing. Enter Claire Delaney, a stranger who at the request of her dead friend has been looking for Rake to try and determine if he is her daughter, Lillith's, father. Rake has a twin brother named Blake and unfortunately there has been some kind of a mix up and somehow they have lost their fortunes. In this crazy book, there are highs and lows and turns and twists and even unexpected joy and happiness. A little crazy but I would recommend.

This book is cute & funny, a very quick read. The praise was so intriguing, and I truly enjoyed the pace and dialogue. A solid four star book.

I enjoyed this story. I found the storyline interesting and different. I also liked the quirky characters and the moments that made me laugh and smile. I found it a little hard to follow at times though. I enjoy Mary Janice Davidson's work, especially her Betsy series and I will definitely be looking forward to more from her.

I really wanted to love this book - the premise is great, the setting is vivid, and the characters have endearing qualities...but I just couldn't believe plot developments and motivations. A hangover led to a surprise daughter?? There were parts that were very funny and had me laughing, but the storyline didn't pull me along. I was able to finish it, but it ultimately fell flat. It does have good qualities, though, and I can see what some readers love about it. Wasn't for me. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this novel.

I didn’t enjoy this very much. I listened to the author’s Undead series a few years ago and remember thinking they were fun, light and easy. Just the kind of book you need sometimes to break up heavier content. When I saw this one was available, I decided to try it as it sounded like a fun romance. I don’t demand a lot from these fun reads, but the main differentiator for me between good and not-so-good is plot. The characters can be superficial but I need the plot to be interesting and fast-paced. This one didn’t do it for me. I felt like it lacked structure and was confusing. The allusions to the mystery underlying the plot were just confusing rather than helpful or intriguing. I liked the characters well enough but struggled to get through the book because of the lack of structure in the plot.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I wanted to like this book. I really really did. It was so confusing and almost painful to read. I skimmed a bunch of it. I am no quitter - so I kept going.

The premise was good, the cover intrigued me, and the writing at times was really witty - but as a whole - it wasn't worth it.

The Love Scam is a delightfully humorous rom-com. Full of outrageous situations and memorable characters, the story is a wild ride as rich boy Rake is taught his lesson in funny and imaginative ways. Delaney is a strong heroine with an overwhelming sense of justice that leaves you entertained and rooting for her to win over the charming playboy. The story leaves you addicted and itching to get Rake's twin Blake's tale on your e-reader. A feel good story with a cheerful happy ending that leaves you feeling warm and gooey inside. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy form Netgalley.

The Love Scam is a contemporary romance about Rake who wakes up horribly hungover in Venice with no idea how he got there from the States. He has no money and no apparently a daughter! I loved the premise but the book unfortunately felt a bit cheesy and I had a really hard time finishing it.

Not exactly sure what this book is about as I didn't make it past the third chapter. The main character wakes up confused in Venice and tries to piece together how he got there, meeting his daughter in the process. While I absolutely love Venice as the setting, having lived there myself, I found the writing style odd and did not make me want to continue reading. I thought there were extensive details about trivial things and the names of the characters were very odd. The inner monologue that the main character was having with himself, and the voice in which he spoke, the back and forth was very immature and not entertaining.