This was not an easy read but it was quite interesting. I had read the first book in the series from the library and love what the author does with her female lead in regards to roles we expect women to play.

Thanks to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed Lola, and I enjoyed this sequel as well. I may have liked it more. I read it in a very short period.

Thank you NetGalley and Crown Publishing for this arc.

Ms. Scrivner Love's first book Lola had been on my TBR pile for a while and I read that quick as a bunny before starting American Heroin. Usually I have little trouble dropping into a series without reading the previous books, but in this case I think it is imperative to read them in order. While these books are marketed as mystery/thrillers, they are very much character driven stories into a world so totally alien to my own that starting from the beginning was an absolute necessity for me.

The story was very fast paced and nearly non-stop action and picked up almost immediately after Lola (1st book) ended. The action was horrific and somewhat graphic. There was vulgar language... but I felt it to be used as an organic element of the story. It was Lola's character that left me open-mouthed awestruck. While she very much yearned for a different life from the one she has, she was a total realist about it. Enough of her own internal dialogue was presented so as to explain her actions and motivations. While her personal loyalties might temporarily get in her way, she ultimately understood that and was eventually able to overcome them to act in accordance with her own moral code, even while hating the necessity of doing so.

I do hope that Ms. Scrivner Love is busy writing the nest installment of this series. There are certainly some unanswered questions in American Heroin and a truly compelling character.

5.0 unequivocal stars

Lola was a surprise hit with Love showing off prodigious "chops" as a new author. She's back with American Heroin and it is as good, if not better than Lola!!

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. As I read the exercept, I was not completely sure what to expect. This book takes through the lives of people who dabble in a world of lies, drugs, and suspense. I imagine that some of this novel accurately depicts what goes on in the world. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend to others.