Review: Hard Sell by Lauren Layne

Series: Wall Street Book #2

Format: ebook

Pages: 252

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: NetGalley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Montlake Publishing

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Twenty-eight and filthy rich, Matt Cannon is the youngest broker on Wall Street. He may be a “boy wonder,” but he’s every inch a man. Ask any woman—any night. But when Matt’s latest fling makes scandalous headlines, his clients get anxious, and his bosses at Wolfe Investments level an ultimatum: keep his assets zipped, get a “real” girlfriend, and clean up his act. Only one woman can help Matt with something this hard.

For PR genius Sabrina Cross, the best fixer in Manhattan, playing Matt’s steady is going to be a challenge, even if it’s just for show. They already have an explosive history, she can’t stand the cocky party boy, and worse—she can’t stop thinking about him. So who’ll dare to break her “no touching” rule first? Because when that happens, Matt and Sabrina’s game of let’s pretend will get so hot it could set both their reputations on fire.

Review

***I received this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

This was a quick and fairly fun read. However, it was a little disappointing. It felt unpolished.

The characters are interesting. The friendships (male, female, large group, etc.) is probably the best part. The hero and heroine-Matt and Sabrina-have a lot of potential. That's what is disappointing. Looking at their past, they should be very compelling, but instead it's never developed enough. I think it's that the emotion of their emotion of their various situations is never really explored. This means even thought they shouldn't be, Matt and Sabrina both come across one-dimensional. 

The romance was good and fun to read. IT was an interesting play on the enemies to lovers trope. I liked their bickering. They had a good push and pull to their interactions that built a strong chemistry. There was a lot of mentions to previous interactions from before this book. It would've been nice to get some flashbacks of those interactions to more fully flush that out.

While this is my least favorite Lauren Layne book, I do still really enjoy her writing. I will continue to read her books and would even read the others in this series-especially what I assume will be the next one.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Love the One You're With by Lauren Layne

Series: Sex, Love, & Stilettos Book #2

Format: Ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher:Loveswept

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

As a leading columnist for Stiletto, Grace Brighton has built a career warning women about rotten, cheating liars. She just never suspected her fiancé would be one of them. After Grace takes a heart-mending hiatus, her first assignment is to go on a couple of dates with a counterpart from the men’s magazine Oxford and report her impressions. Grace 1.0 may have been instantly smitten with the gorgeous correspondent, but Grace 2.0 has sworn off relationships for six months, and she’s not falling for his outstanding bod and trophy-winning kisses . . . or is she?

Jake Malone wants to get back to the fly-by-night, who-knows-what’s-next guy he used to be, and he knows exactly how to do it. Oxford is adding a travel section, and Jake—with no wife and no kids and a willingness to live anywhere, eat anything, do everything—is perfect for the job . . . except that his playboy reputation makes his new editor nervous. To get the gig, he must agree to a fluffy joint article with Stiletto. But after just one date with snooty, sumptuous, sensational Grace Brighton, Jake starts taking this assignment a whole lot more seriously.

 

Review

I’m really boxing this series and Lauren Layne’s writing. This reminds me of a romantic comedy. It has those awkward and unrealistic situations, but you still love it. And the characters are cute with great chemistry. Plus, there’s the quirky female friendships.

There isn’t a lot to say about this one. It’s a great romance with likeable characters. I did like it a little bit more than the first book in the series. I’m very eager to read the next one.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: After the Kiss by Lauren Layne

Series: Sex, Love, & Stiletto #1

Format: Ebook

Rating:4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Loveswept

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Julie Greene loves flings. Loves steamy first dates, sizzling first kisses, and every now and then, that first sexy romp between the sheets. Comfy pants, sleepy Sundays, movie nights on the couch? Shudder. But when Julie gets assigned the hardest story of her career—a first-person account of that magical shift between dating and “I do”—she’ll need a man brave enough to give a total commitment-phobe a chance at more.

Normally, Mitchell Forbes would be exactly that man. A devastatingly hot workaholic who tends to stay in relationships for far too long, he should be the perfect subject for Julie’s “research.” But what Julie doesn’t know is that Mitchell is looking to cut loose for once in his life. And the leggy journalist notorious for avoiding love is exactly the type of no-strings fling he’s looking for. In other words, Mitchell is the polar opposite of what Julie needs right now. And, at the same time, he’s exactly what she wants. 

Review

That was a cute story. It had a very How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days feel to it, so that was always in the back of my head. But it was still fast-paced and fun. It wasn’t a super-deep emotional story or romance, but not every story has to be.

I definitely appreciate the groundwork for female friendship. And I am eager to read the next book in the series which is Grace’s book.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Irresistibly Yours by Lauren Layne

Series: Oxford Book #1
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library (Overdrive)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Loveswept

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Hotshot sports editor Cole Sharpe has been freelancing for Oxford for years, so when he hears about a staff position opening up, he figures he’s got the inside track. Then his boss drops a bombshell: Cole has competition. Female competition, in the form of a fresh-faced tomboy who can hang with the dudes—and write circles around them, too. Cole usually likes his women flirty and curvy, but he takes a special interest in his skinny, sassy rival, if only to keep an eye on her. And soon, he can’t take his eyes off her.

Penelope Pope knows all too well that she comes off as just one of the guys. Since she’s learned that wanting more usually leads to disappointment, Penelope’s resigned to sitting on the sidelines when it comes to love. So why does Cole make her want to get back in the game? The man is as arrogant as he is handsome. He probably sees her as nothing more than a barrier to his dream job. But when an unexpected kiss turns into a night of irresistible passion, Penelope has to figure out whether they’re just fooling around—or starting something real.

Review

I think this is my fourth Lauren Layne book and it might be my favorite. There's something in her books that are my catnip. And she has so many books which makes me happy. This one, in particular, reminds me of Julie James' FBI/US Attorney books, but without the suspense elements.

Penelope is a fantastic character. Authors often try to write an easy-going girl-next-door character, but they usually feel false or fall flat. She actually reminded me a lot of myself. She has these "woe is me" moments, but also knows she's doing it. She's actually very self-aware instead of self-deprecating like this type of character can be. And Penelope Pope is a badass name. My name is also alliterative so I may be a little biased.

Then, there's Cole. I really like Cole. He gives me that school-girl crush feeling. Now, he isn't as well-developed as Penelope but he is deeper than I initially thought he would be. And I really enjoyed his relationship with his brother. It would've been nice to spend more time with his brother. The author's note also made me feel like I have to get on reading the Stiletto books so I can see him before all this.

I loved the whole group of friends/couples. They are such great friends (men and women alike). And it made me want to read all their books whether they are before or after this one. So much sequel bait here.

The characters are stars, but we've gotta talk romance. There is an attraction/chemistry between Cole and Penelope, but this really feels more like a friends-to-lover story. I'm not always a fan of that trope, but it worked here. It made me really buy into them as a couple-probably because they talked instead of just banging like rabbits all the time.

I'm really happy to have read this and look forward to reading the other related books. Lauren Layne is a great writer.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Made For You by Lauren Layne

Series: The Best Mistake #2
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 320
Rating: 2.5 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from Library
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Forever

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Will Thatcher is exactly the type of sexy playboy good girls like Brynn have always avoided. And yet there was still something about him she just couldn't resist. When Will moved across the country three years ago, Brynn vowed it was time to put him behind her. She never thought Will might have other plans . . .

Back in town, Will intends to get what he's always wanted-gorgeous, unforgettable Brynn. For years, he tormented the untouchable ice princess in a desperate bid for her attention. Now he has a new plan, and he'll do anything to rewrite their stormy past. This time, he's out to show Brynn that the imperfect man might be the best mistake of her life . . .

Review

This was a little frustrating. Brynn kind of got on my nerves and was a little oblivious to everything going on around her. And it had some of the bickering couple thing I love but it wasn't done particularly well.

I think if more time had been spent in Will's head I would've given this a higher rating. He definitely the more likeable character. Plus, I feel like I didn't get to know him because Brynn is so blind. Even if it was just in the flashbacks. So many chapters start with a look at Brynn's past/childhood and I think if some of them were for Will it would have added something.

Will comes across more as a prop in Brynn's development but she didn't develop particularly well. I don't completely love were she ends up but that isn't my issue. Instead it's that I don't understand why she made the decisions she made. This is especially bad because so little time is spent with Will. So Brynn should really shine.

This was a very fast read and I didn't hate it. But I also wouldn't necessarily recommend it. I've read better by this author and fell like this shows how she has become a better writer over the years.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: The Good Girl by Lauren Layne

Series: Love Unexpectedly Book #2
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Loveswept

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Jenny Dawson moved to Nashville to write music, not get famous. But when her latest record goes double platinum, Jenny’s suddenly one of the town’s biggest stars—and the center of a tabloid scandal connecting her with a pop star she’s barely even met. With paparazzi tracking her every move, Jenny flees to a remote mansion in Louisiana to write her next album. The only hiccup is the unexpected presence of a brooding young caretaker named Noah, whose foul mouth and snap judgments lead to constant bickering—and serious heat.

Noah really should tell Jenny that he’s Preston Noah Maxwell Walcott, the owner of the estate where the feisty country singer has made her spoiled self at home. But the charade gives Noah a much-needed break from his own troubles, and before long, their verbal sparring is indistinguishable from foreplay. But as sizzling nights give way to quiet pillow talk, Noah begins to realize that Jenny’s almost as complicated as he is. To fit into each other’s lives, they’ll need the courage to face their problems together—before the outside world catches up to them.

Review
This was my first Lauren Layne book. I've been wanting to read one for awhile, but didn't know where to start. I heard the summary of this one and I knew this was the one.

It reads a lot like a steamy ABC Family movie. It isn't too deep and is full of good chemistry and fun interactions. It's definitely a steamy read. And it's a great look at the celebrity story. I'm used to the guy being the famous one so a Taylor Swift kind of heroine was nice to read.

I can't say much because I actually read this like a month ago. I will read another Lauren Layne book, but I still don't know what to read next.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

July Wrap-Up (2016)

It didn't feel like I read a lot this month. Then, I actually look at it and apparently I did. I ended up reading eleven books.

In an effort to save money, I've started using my library again. Yeah, I have a ton of books on my TBR, but the library has been great. It's allowed me to read books I've been a little apprehensive about picking up. And the library always makes me happy.

July was definitely an eclectic reading month which describes me.

These are the books I read and my ratings.

Head Over Heels-4 Stars

Only With You-4 Stars

A Week to Be Wicked-4.5 Stars

Made For You-3 Stars

The Demon King-4 Stars

A Lady by Midnight-4 Stars

Some Kind of Perfect-5 Stars

Asking for More-5 Stars

Bet Me-4 Stars

Bared to You-3 Stars

First & Then-3 Stars

Thanks for reading!

Holly