Two For The Love of One

by Meg Lush

When suave, self-assured Ben picks shy, overwhelmed Katarina out of the crowd in busy New York City, neither expects a cup of coffee to turn into obsession. Sparks fly, and so do their inhibitions, as they discover love, connection, and lust.She’s a naïve, small-town girl finding her place in the world.

Feeling unsettled after finishing college and experiencing another breakup, Katarina decides to spread her wings to see what life has to offer. New York City feels like the perfect place to both lose and find herself.

He’s a jaded, big-city boy hiding from his demons.

Ben is handsome, smart, confident, exciting and ridiculously sexy. He is also quiet, disturbing, and secretive.

They can’t control their electrifying desire.

As she discovers more about her needs and his secrets, Katarina finds herself stuck in a world she thought she desperately wanted, with her heart tethered to a man who might just destroy her.

Is her love strong enough to withstand the truth, or will she lose herself in its reality.

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2024

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review will be coming to blog.

A raw, emotional romance about loving someone through mental illness. Katarina and Ben’s connection is instant, intense, and all-consuming—but love alone isn’t enough to erase the struggles they face. This isn’t a fairytale HEA, but a realistic look at the highs and lows of mental health in relationships.

Trigger warnings: mental health, addiction, overdose, forced hospitalization

[theshadyivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

General: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫦🫦🫦

✨✨✨ Two for the Love of One by Meg Lush (@meglushwrites), is her debut novel. ✨✨✨

Dedication:
Daux, I figured out how to harness all my crazy. Thanks for coming on the ride, I’ll meet you on the other side.

Tropes:
🖤 Bad Boy
🖤 Mental Health Rep
🖤 Insta Love
🖤 Star crossed lovers
🖤 Open door/spicy
🖤 Opposites attract
🖤 Obsession
🖤 Second chances
🖤 Friends to lovers

I must say, Meg’s debut left me so emotional. In her story, she explores themes of intense emotions, mental health, and complex relationships—and there are plenty of them!

We meet Katarina on her first day in New York. After her breakup, she decides to start a new chapter in her life—on her own. Then there’s Benjamin, a deeply layered character who takes time to fully understand. He crosses paths with Katarina when she starts to explore the city—and from there, the story begins to unfold.

Believe me, there were moments when I wanted to throw the book out the window. One particular side character really got under my skin, and honestly? I would have loved to unalive them.

Meg did an amazing job of making us feel every emotion. She crafted a powerful story that reminds us to believe in what we love—and that it’s always worth fighting for.

Quotes:
“Do you like it?” she snaps and flicks my hardening diçk with her fingernail making me inhale a quick breath, she’s a feisty little one.

“Don’t touch me,” she snaps. “Don’t fuçking touch me,” she softens and whispers in my ear, biting it and taking her left hand to my throat to squeeze, çh0king me just a little.

“You will. You’ll figure it out in time together, and you’ll love that part just as much. Look at it this way, you’ve got two, for the love of one.”

“I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles.”

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#lushlovesfanclub #theshadyivy

[Jen Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I didn’t realize how quickly I would become absorbed in the world and lives of Katarina and Ben. This book touched close to home in dealing with mental illness but it was handled and written realistically and beautifully and in a great setting, where New York can be scary but the more time you spend look deeper into the city you can see the beauty there.

Hoping there will be a next instalment to make this book into a series as personally I would love to know what happens next!

Amazing read you won’t be disappointed!

[Amy Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am super impressed that this is a debut! Incredibly written, with a powerful story that draws you in from the start. I am rooting for book two as I’ll miss Katarina and Ben’s passion for each other.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read, and i look forward to anything else. Meg Lush comes up with ❤️👌

[Janvi Santwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meg Lush’s "Two For The Love of One" immediately draws you in with its intriguing contrast between the shy, small-town Katarina and the suave, secretive Ben. From the first encounter in bustling New York City, the story brims with palpable chemistry. The premise of a small-town girl navigating the complexities of love and self-discovery in a big city feels both relatable and compelling.

The plot effortlessly blends romance and suspense, keeping you hooked as Katarina and Ben’s relationship deepens. Lush’s writing style is immersive, with vivid descriptions that bring the NYC backdrop to life and emotionally charged dialogue that captures the intensity of their bond. The themes of vulnerability, personal growth, and the darker facets of love resonate deeply, making it more than just a love story.

What truly sets this book apart is its raw portrayal of emotions. As Katarina learns to confront Ben’s secrets and her own desires, readers are taken on a journey of empowerment and resilience. While some twists are predictable, the heartfelt narrative and passionate characters make it an engaging read. If you’re a fan of steamy, character-driven romances, this one’s for you!

[Jessica Benedet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grabbed me in and drew me to Ben right off the bat. The electricity between Ben and Katarina was just as addicting to me as it was for them. This story sucks you in, makes you feel many emotions with the characters, and made it super hard to put down. When I did put the book down I spent all my time thinking about when I could pick it back up again. I could see myself re-reading this book over and over!

Megs writing style is easy to follow, and the characters feel so real.

It also sheds light on a journey of finding yourself, and exploring a side of mental health we don’t often talk about.

Highly recommend!

[Cortney Gilchrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I was so absorbed into Katarina and Ben’s world.
My heart broke for Katarina, Ben and Max! The introduction of his life into the story made my heart shattered even more… would love to read his full story (just throwing that out there 😉)
For an indie authors debut book I loved it and can’t wait to read more!!

[Sponkles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all know how important mental health is to me. This book delves deep into the mind of Katarina who just moved to NY and Ben who has Bipolar/Manic depressive disorder. The relationship that is built goes through many hardships and really shows you how tough it is being close to someone with mood disorders. Add in the controlling family who think they are helping/doing what's best but realistically just make things worse. Having a very personal connection to this book really tugged on my feels. Everything worked out perfectly but the road to get there is the real beauty. I can't wait for more!!

[Heather Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Steamy in all the right places while also tackling some heavy relationship issues! Great character development! Great story telling!!!

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is full of passion, wit and creative flair. Your ability to translate your inner world into a story that resonates is a testament to your brilliance, not just as a writer, but as a human being. I can’t wait for the next one. !!!

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just started reading and literally can not put it down. The characters are coming to life inside my head The writing is magical, and story is magnetic.

[Myla Carbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

GREAT READ! Would recommend for sure!!

[Christina Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing book, it had spice, had some surprising moments and had me emotional while reading it. I think this was a fantastic debut novel. The character growth in this book was amazing, I can't wait to read more of her novels. If you enjoy books that aren't to long with good plot and spice then this is the book you need to check out.

[Nicole Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in a few sittings and was so good! Loved the build up and the sexy senses!

[Chris Lush · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impressive Erotic Debut!

Meg Lush’s Two For The Love of One is an impressive erotic debut. Set in NewYork City, described in rich detail we are whisked away with lovers Katerina and Ben. Erotic, forbidden desires are perfectly defined by their individual perspectives. A story of lust, passion, self discovery and forgiveness. Two For The Love Of One brings a wholly original take on modern erotica.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing debut novel and can't wait for the next one. Love hate relationship with Ben

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished Two for the Love of One and I couldn't wait to get home at night and read this book. So far this year I have read 7 books and this has been my favorite. I really felt the anguish Ben was feeling in the words Meg wrote. And While I loved Ben and Katarina, I gotta say I have a soft spot for Maxwell Templeton. Spicy love story coupled with the heaviness of mental health made this book enjoyable, sad and even sometimes funny. Great job Meg Lush!!!!

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y'all I went through so many emotions reading this. After a seemingly perfect weekend, things immediately start falling apart for Katarina and Ben. With an element of suspense, you're right alongside Katarina not quite knowing what's going on while Ben's POV is chaotic and doesn't offer up any definitive answers. Reading it I was pretty suspicious of everyone but most of all Ben's family. Mental health and the need to love the whole person rather than just the parts they show the world. I mean, having a mental illness or not, we all have things going on that we don't want others to know but it is different when mental illness is involved.

[Lindsay Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. It really made me think about the degree of influence that we have on other people's lives. The author demonstrates the power of love and compassion and how it can positively impact someone's healing journey. The story line was exciting, passionate, and steamy, and I once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I would definitely recommend! I can't wait to read the author's next book.

[Jessica Rea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. It was so emotionally gripping. I found myself thinking about the characters throughout the day. More so Ben, his story made me question and examine aspects of life in general. Sometimes people aren’t crazy but are driven crazy. It was hard to “Watch” someone making all those bad decisions! I had to put the book down sometimes and come back later because it was hitting a nerve, I was seeing myself in some of the characters, that is great writing.

[Mariusz B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy, engaging, and full of surprises. Even though this isn't my usual genre, the author really pulls you in with vivid scenes and compelling characters—made me feel like I was right there. Couldn't put it down.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible debut book! The characters were complex and had great character growth. The relationships draw you on. The book is realistic and I felt like I was in the heart of it. I look forward to read more by Meg Lush

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this one! It was exciting and had me on the edge of my seat. Has the perfect amount of spicy scenes without overdoing it.

Meg is a very talented author and I’m excited to read more of her work!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mental health issues and the emotions were written in such a real way, well-written and steamy as well, I can't wait for more from Meg Lush

[Melissa King · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written! Loved this book! Meg Lush is my new favorite author. Hopefully she will be writing another book soon!!

[Joan Moyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two for the Love of One is like the perfect Sunday dinner. Well thought out, deliciously prepared, and presented with just the right amount of spice.

[Noemi Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two For The Love of One
By Meg Lush

5 ⭐ 4 🌶️

Main Characters:
Ben & Katrina

Stand out lines/quotes:
“You will. You’ll figure it out in time together, and you’ll love that part just as much . Look at it this way, you’ve got two, for the love of one.”

My Thoughts:
O-M Freaking Geeee Meg!
The cardiac episode this book caused me is just, absolute madness... and I want more please and thank you!

Oh and can I just say. I loved how you wrote the FMC. How she handled the news of the MMC’s BD & how she fought to still continue the relationship. I think it was a realistic response to a realistic situation and you did it beautifully.