The unforgettable protagonist of Lola returns in a gritty, high-octane thriller about a brilliant woman who will stop at nothing to protect her growing drug empire, even if she has to go to war with a rival cartel…or her own family
It took sacrifice, pain, and more than a few dead bodies, but Lola has clawed her way to the top of her South Central Los Angeles neighborhood. Her gang has grown beyond a few trusted soldiers into a full-fledged empire, and the influx of cash has opened up a world that she has never known–one where her daughter can attend a good school, where her mother can live in safety, and where Lola can finally dream of a better life. But with great opportunity comes great risk, and as Lola ascends the hierarchy of the city’s underworld she attracts the attention of a dangerous new cartel who sees her as their greatest obstacle to dominance. Soon Lola finds herself sucked into a deadly all-out drug war that threatens to destroy everything she’s built.
But even as Lola readies to go to war, she learns that the greatest threat may not be a rival drug lord but a danger far closer to home: her own brother.
Edgy, complex, and breathtakingly propulsive, Melissa Scrivner Love has crafted a novel sure to please not only those who loved her first book but everyone who enjoys a gripping thriller.
American Heroin: Dive into the Explosive World of Lola Vasquez Prepare for a relentless and unforgettable journey into the dark heart of Los Angeles with Melissa Scrivner Love's "American Heroin," the electrifying follow-up to the acclaimed novel, Lola. This gritty and suspenseful thriller plunges readers back into the life of Lola Vasquez, a woman who has clawed her way to the top of the South Central underworld, building a formidable drug empire from the ground up. Lola's empire is more than just a business; it's a lifeline for her family and community. The influx of wealth provides her daughter with educational opportunities, offers her mother a haven of safety, and allows Lola herself to finally envision a future free from the constant struggle for survival. However, this ascent to power has painted a target on her back. A ruthless and ambitious cartel has taken notice of Lola's growing influence, viewing her as the primary obstacle to their own dominance. A deadly drug war ignites, threatening to engulf everything Lola has worked so hard to achieve. The stakes are higher than ever, and Lola must summon all her cunning, strength, and resilience to protect her empire and her loved ones from the encroaching storm. But the external threat is not the only danger Lola faces. As the war intensifies, she uncovers a betrayal that cuts far deeper than any rival cartel. The gravest threat to her empire, and perhaps to her very life, may lie within her own family her brother. Melissa Scrivner Love masterfully crafts a complex and compelling narrative, filled with pulse-pounding action, intricate characters, and a raw, unflinching portrayal of life in the criminal underworld. "American Heroin" explores themes of family, loyalty, ambition, and the sacrifices one makes to protect those they love. It is a story of survival in a world where trust is a luxury and danger lurks around every corner. Fans of crime thrillers and suspense novels will be captivated by Lola's journey, her unwavering determination, and the moral ambiguities that define her world. "American Heroin" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys gripping storytelling, complex characters, and a thrilling ride that will leave you breathless until the very last page. Get ready to be enthralled by the queen of South Central. "American Heroin" is more than just a crime novel; it's a portrait of a woman battling to control her destiny in a world stacked against her.