Book Review: The Love Wars By L. Alison Heller

 
To make it at Bacon Payne, Manhattan's foremost law firm, associates have to take dedication to a whole new level. The incentives are impressive, but the price is high. All-nighters, dinners at the office, lack of a social life...those are just the tip of the iceberg. Playing the game is required to succeed, and that comes with an understanding that the firm comes first.

Molly Grant, matrimonial attorney at Bacon Payne, has her reasons for sticking around. But how long can she continue to burn the candle at both ends while simultaneously ignoring the nagging voice in her head telling her that the choices she is making in the name of career advancement do not align with her personal beliefs and character? When she starts listening to her heart, everything starts to change. An old flame is reignited, but who at Bacon Payne really has time to invest in relationships? And perhaps it is best to leave the past in the past. A colleague becomes a mentor and confidante, but could he possibly become more?

As Molly secretly attempts to retain a sense of self she can comfortably live with, the reader is left turning each page in stressful anticipation of what will happen next. Can Molly pull it off, or will her double life catch up with her? There were literally times I had to take a deep breath and put the book down because I couldn't stand the suspense. But I couldn't stay away for long, because I had to find out what happened next!

L. Alison Heller's novel, The Love Wars, is a book about lawyers behind the scenes, without focusing too much on courtroom drama. It's a romance, but it's also a book about staying true to yourself, and having the courage to recognize when it might be time to re-evaluate what you thought were your dreams and goals in life. I'm sure many can commiserate with Molly, as they trudge through life trying to please parents and bosses, and struggling to chase after dreams that are no longer relevant.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of The Love Wars in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.