What do you think?
Rate this book
Oxford #4
I Knew You Were Trouble
New York City’s hottest bachelors are stirring up trouble in this fun, flirty Oxford Novel, as a love triangle forces a feisty beauty to choose between winning back Mr. Right or giving in to Mr. Wrong.
Taylor Carr has it all—a sleek job in advertising, a stunning Manhattan apartment, and the perfect man to share it with: Bradley Calloway. Even after Bradley dumps her for a co-worker on move-in day, Taylor isn’t worried. She’ll get her man eventually. In the meantime, she needs a new roommate. Enter Nick Ballantine, career bartender, freelance writer—and longtime pain in Taylor’s ass. Sexy in a permanent five-o’clock-shadow kind of way, Nick knows how to push Taylor’s buttons, as if he could see right through to the real her.
Nick’s always trying to fix people, and nobody could use a good fixing more than Taylor. Sure, she’s gorgeous, with mesmerizing silver eyes, but it’s her vulnerability that kills him. Now that they’re shacking up together, the chemistry is out of control. Soon they’re putting every part of their two-bedroom apartment to good use. Then Taylor’s ex comes crawling back to her, and Nick figures she’ll jump at the chance to go back to her old life—unless he fights for the best thing that ever happened to him.
Don’t miss any of Lauren Layne’s juicy Oxford Novels:
IRRESISTIBLY YOURS | I WISH YOU WERE MINE | SOMEONE LIKE YOU | I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE
“Irresistibly Yours has it all: fun banter, hot chemistry, and a couple that you just can’t help but want to be together!”—New York Times bestselling author Marquita Valentine
“A smart, sexy, and absolutely irresistible read!”—USA Today bestselling author Mira Lyn Kelly, on I Wish You Were Mine
“Lauren Layne is a new auto-buy author for me. I can’t get enough of the men of Oxford!”—Christi Barth, author of the Naked Men series
And look for her exhilarating Sex, Love & Stiletto series:
AFTER THE KISS | LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH | JUST ONE NIGHT | THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE
Taylor Carr has it all—a sleek job in advertising, a stunning Manhattan apartment, and the perfect man to share it with: Bradley Calloway. Even after Bradley dumps her for a co-worker on move-in day, Taylor isn’t worried. She’ll get her man eventually. In the meantime, she needs a new roommate. Enter Nick Ballantine, career bartender, freelance writer—and longtime pain in Taylor’s ass. Sexy in a permanent five-o’clock-shadow kind of way, Nick knows how to push Taylor’s buttons, as if he could see right through to the real her.
Nick’s always trying to fix people, and nobody could use a good fixing more than Taylor. Sure, she’s gorgeous, with mesmerizing silver eyes, but it’s her vulnerability that kills him. Now that they’re shacking up together, the chemistry is out of control. Soon they’re putting every part of their two-bedroom apartment to good use. Then Taylor’s ex comes crawling back to her, and Nick figures she’ll jump at the chance to go back to her old life—unless he fights for the best thing that ever happened to him.
Don’t miss any of Lauren Layne’s juicy Oxford Novels:
IRRESISTIBLY YOURS | I WISH YOU WERE MINE | SOMEONE LIKE YOU | I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE
“Irresistibly Yours has it all: fun banter, hot chemistry, and a couple that you just can’t help but want to be together!”—New York Times bestselling author Marquita Valentine
“A smart, sexy, and absolutely irresistible read!”—USA Today bestselling author Mira Lyn Kelly, on I Wish You Were Mine
“Lauren Layne is a new auto-buy author for me. I can’t get enough of the men of Oxford!”—Christi Barth, author of the Naked Men series
And look for her exhilarating Sex, Love & Stiletto series:
AFTER THE KISS | LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH | JUST ONE NIGHT | THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2017
About the author
Lauren Layne
54 books9,926 followersLauren Layne is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Hot Asset, Hard Sell, and Huge Deal in her 21 Wall Street series, as well as her Central Park Pact series. Her books have sold more than a million copies in nine languages. Lauren’s work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, the Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 763 reviews
March 12, 2018
Review available at Under the Pages.
June 14, 2017
*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
This latest installment in the OXFORD series is an ”Enemies-to-Lovers” romance. We met Nick Ballantine and Taylor Carr in the previous book and from their initial encounter, I knew these two were going to have explosive chemistry and I wasn’t disappointed.
Taylor Carr works in the advertising department at Oxford magazine and loves her job. She’s a no-nonsense headstrong woman who has been labeled an ice princess. It’s a term that doesn’t sit well with her. Taylor has a hard time showing any sort of vulnerability and it’s mostly due to the fact that she lost her parents at a very young age and was raised by her aunt, who was never a warm or affectionate person.
Nick Ballantine is a freelance writer for Oxford who also works part-time as a bartender. He’s been offered a permanent position but always turns it down because he likes the freedom of being able to come and go as he pleases. That’s how he feels about relationships as well after having been burned pretty badly by his last girlfriend, but he can’t deny the strong pull he feels towards Taylor.
When Taylor and Nick first meet there is a spark that ignites between them but more often than not, their interactions end up in a heated argument. They could never seem to get their timing right. When Taylor was single, Nick wasn’t and vice versa. It’s not until almost a year later that the two end up being single at the same time and Nick becomes Taylor’s roommate when her Ex abruptly breaks up with her. Things are rocky during the initial weeks of living together but eventually the two settle into an amiable coexistence and the feelings that they have kept buried deep down for each other start to resurface.
As they both give in to their attraction to each other, an unexpected situation and opposing views of what they want in the future threatens to tear the couple apart.
I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE is currently available! If you haven’t read the Oxford series it is definitely one I would highly recommend. It is my favorite series by the author.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-kne...
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
I_Knew_You_Were_Trouble?id=R6K5DAAAQBAJ
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id11...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/i-kn...
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
This latest installment in the OXFORD series is an ”Enemies-to-Lovers” romance. We met Nick Ballantine and Taylor Carr in the previous book and from their initial encounter, I knew these two were going to have explosive chemistry and I wasn’t disappointed.
Taylor Carr works in the advertising department at Oxford magazine and loves her job. She’s a no-nonsense headstrong woman who has been labeled an ice princess. It’s a term that doesn’t sit well with her. Taylor has a hard time showing any sort of vulnerability and it’s mostly due to the fact that she lost her parents at a very young age and was raised by her aunt, who was never a warm or affectionate person.
Nick Ballantine is a freelance writer for Oxford who also works part-time as a bartender. He’s been offered a permanent position but always turns it down because he likes the freedom of being able to come and go as he pleases. That’s how he feels about relationships as well after having been burned pretty badly by his last girlfriend, but he can’t deny the strong pull he feels towards Taylor.
When Taylor and Nick first meet there is a spark that ignites between them but more often than not, their interactions end up in a heated argument. They could never seem to get their timing right. When Taylor was single, Nick wasn’t and vice versa. It’s not until almost a year later that the two end up being single at the same time and Nick becomes Taylor’s roommate when her Ex abruptly breaks up with her. Things are rocky during the initial weeks of living together but eventually the two settle into an amiable coexistence and the feelings that they have kept buried deep down for each other start to resurface.
As they both give in to their attraction to each other, an unexpected situation and opposing views of what they want in the future threatens to tear the couple apart.
I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE is currently available! If you haven’t read the Oxford series it is definitely one I would highly recommend. It is my favorite series by the author.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-kne...
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
I_Knew_You_Were_Trouble?id=R6K5DAAAQBAJ
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id11...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/i-kn...
August 19, 2020
3.5 Nurture's Impact Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Becoming a Grown-Up is hard...there is so much a person has to overcome or appreciate or deal with...There is that age-old question of what makes us who we are... Are we made by our DNA or are we influenced by how we are raised or probably a combination of both...In this latest entry by Lauren Layne, she presents a person who finally is able to overcome issues of how she was raised to finally be able to love freely.
This book is part of the Oxford series and many of the other characters we have grown to love are there as ways to draw us in. If you have been reading the series, you will have a reference to the timelines. You will appreciate moments remembered and how you knew the lead up to this tale.
I will share this particular couple is not an easy one. Everything centers around timing. It also spotlights how influential it is how a person is raised. How they learn from their caretakers/parents...and how it can be an asset to create a very strong woman... but without including affection and care, it can also cause this strong woman to have an inability to show herself freely and share her feelings.
Taylor Carr is this strong, capable woman. She lost her mother very early and was raised by her Aunt Karen. This aunt had the mindset of "life happens and you just get on with it"...Now to be raised by a woman as shut down as that would naturally have an impact and to be fair, we do not know why the Aunt was like that... We can only surmise being single, working in a man's world and taking on the responsibility of raising a young child while only 22 at the time, would cause her to be as focused as she was with Taylor. Her main focus was not being a "touchy, feely Aunt... no sweet times being girly, no special Christmas memories...Aunt Karen's focus was to raise Taylor to be strong, able to deal with life in a straight forward manner, to handle challenges, and not to cry because it was weak.
On the flip side, Nick Ballantine is a man raised with parents, brothers, and sisters. His household was warm, caring in actions. Due to Nick's experience of sisters' and brothers' growing pains and open communication with his parents, Nick developed an insightful way of seeing more than what people presented...It worked for him as a bartender, as a freelancer at Oxford, and all the other things he did. It also allowed him to see through the veneer Taylor presented to the public...
So, on the first interaction with Taylor, Nick saw right away Taylor was playing a part at Oxford...
He nailed her smile didn't reach her eyes...and made a comment not meant to mean anything...
It cut Taylor to the quick...It was this comment which laid the foundation for these two to become the bickering, battling co-workers.
And oh, they were notorious for cutting remarks...others at Oxford would either get popcorn to watch the fireworks or jump in to provide a barrier to protect...
But why the digs...why so hot...
Because both actually were drawn to each other... and once each figured it out...the timing was always wrong...And for Taylor...putting herself out there to be turned down was something so painful, she retreated.
For Nick, his timing was off, too... and then he had to wait.
A day comes, though, when timing could actually be right... and it is this change when these two are tested...
This entry in the Sex, Love & Stiletto/Oxford series felt a little different than all the others. Taylor was a woman to respect work-wise but was difficult to immediately love. At first, she was everything she didn't actually want to be... or at least felt like that to me... withholding of her feelings...a person who would shut down at the slightest sense of feeling anything uncomfortable between her and Nick. It was only when she let her guard down, allowing herself to feel pain and have Nick step in to ease it, did I start to see Taylor as someone who might be able to see where she needed to let go.
Nick, on the other hand, had his own issues. As a guy who had all this experience reading people and thinking he was part of something, he got hit hard in his past relationship. What he experienced caused him to wonder about himself, too. He was confident in his basics... making guy friends and doing his multiple work gigs...but there was this thing with Taylor and he would wonder about her.
This would not be a Lauren Layne book without wonderful sexy times between the pair... and they were there. Never think Layne wouldn't deliver.
There were other moments of interactions secondary characters... we got all of the Oxford Guys and their partners... we also got new people...Brit and Hunter...so if Layne decides... I wouldn't be shocked if they show up somewhere.
Layne Lauren created a wonderful series, Sex, Love & Stiletto which then had it's offshoot, Oxford. Never doubt Layne's talent. Both of these series have provided us a terrific run of New York City career people... their life and times.
Irresistibly Yours (Oxford, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I Wish You Were Mine (Oxford, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Someone like You (Oxford, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I Knew You Were Trouble (Oxford, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I Think I Love You (Oxford, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Even though it is not released till June... I Cannot Wait- going in!
●•●•●•●•●•●•●•
UPDATE--Ever your trusty dusty Lauren Lane Stalker...Here is a snippet that may or may not be in the upcoming book!
"Morning, Nemesis. What's with the streetwalker outfit?"
Taylor didn't bother to glance up. She already recognized the rough masculine voice. "Go away, Ballantine."
"I was going to tell you that I brought some homemade biscotti from the Ballantine matriarch herself. Then I remembered that your body is inherently incompatible with anything sweet."
Nick said all this as he helped himself to the emergency dark chocolate stash she kept on her desk.
She gave up on trying to ignore him and looked up.
"So why aren't you eating that instead of devouring my candy," Taylor snapped, trying to grab the chocolate and missing.
He grinned wickedly. "So many dirty jokes to make, so little time."
Meet Nick Ballantine. Freelance writer, sometimes design consultant, and about as welcome in her life as a blister on the hoo-ha.
As a contractor, he wasn't actually employed by Oxford, but not for lack of trying on the part of the execs. They apparently saw some sort of creative genius in him.
As for Taylor, all she saw was dark brown hair that was perpetually a week past needing a trim, a strong jaw always two day past needing a shave, and an impressive aptitude for getting under her skin.
He might be attractive if one didn't mind the womanizer hiding behind all the guy-next-door charm.
But Taylor knew better. First hand.
●•●•●•●•●•●•●
Oh, you thought Ms. Layne was finished with the Men of the Oxford Series...
Well, then you need to get a grip because we are in for something a bit different...
Two headstrong, career oriented, sexy as hell co-workers thrown together as roommates...
Yes, there is attraction...
Yes, there is that push/pull thing...
But there also is this annoying Ex who decides...
Maybe he made a mistake...
Now what's going to happen...
I guess we will just have to wait and see...
I Knew You Were Trouble (Oxford, #4)-June 13th 2017
A gifted copy was provided by Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Becoming a Grown-Up is hard...there is so much a person has to overcome or appreciate or deal with...There is that age-old question of what makes us who we are... Are we made by our DNA or are we influenced by how we are raised or probably a combination of both...In this latest entry by Lauren Layne, she presents a person who finally is able to overcome issues of how she was raised to finally be able to love freely.
This book is part of the Oxford series and many of the other characters we have grown to love are there as ways to draw us in. If you have been reading the series, you will have a reference to the timelines. You will appreciate moments remembered and how you knew the lead up to this tale.
I will share this particular couple is not an easy one. Everything centers around timing. It also spotlights how influential it is how a person is raised. How they learn from their caretakers/parents...and how it can be an asset to create a very strong woman... but without including affection and care, it can also cause this strong woman to have an inability to show herself freely and share her feelings.
Taylor Carr is this strong, capable woman. She lost her mother very early and was raised by her Aunt Karen. This aunt had the mindset of "life happens and you just get on with it"...Now to be raised by a woman as shut down as that would naturally have an impact and to be fair, we do not know why the Aunt was like that... We can only surmise being single, working in a man's world and taking on the responsibility of raising a young child while only 22 at the time, would cause her to be as focused as she was with Taylor. Her main focus was not being a "touchy, feely Aunt... no sweet times being girly, no special Christmas memories...Aunt Karen's focus was to raise Taylor to be strong, able to deal with life in a straight forward manner, to handle challenges, and not to cry because it was weak.
On the flip side, Nick Ballantine is a man raised with parents, brothers, and sisters. His household was warm, caring in actions. Due to Nick's experience of sisters' and brothers' growing pains and open communication with his parents, Nick developed an insightful way of seeing more than what people presented...It worked for him as a bartender, as a freelancer at Oxford, and all the other things he did. It also allowed him to see through the veneer Taylor presented to the public...
So, on the first interaction with Taylor, Nick saw right away Taylor was playing a part at Oxford...
He nailed her smile didn't reach her eyes...and made a comment not meant to mean anything...
It cut Taylor to the quick...It was this comment which laid the foundation for these two to become the bickering, battling co-workers.
And oh, they were notorious for cutting remarks...others at Oxford would either get popcorn to watch the fireworks or jump in to provide a barrier to protect...
But why the digs...why so hot...
Because both actually were drawn to each other... and once each figured it out...the timing was always wrong...And for Taylor...putting herself out there to be turned down was something so painful, she retreated.
For Nick, his timing was off, too... and then he had to wait.
A day comes, though, when timing could actually be right... and it is this change when these two are tested...
This entry in the Sex, Love & Stiletto/Oxford series felt a little different than all the others. Taylor was a woman to respect work-wise but was difficult to immediately love. At first, she was everything she didn't actually want to be... or at least felt like that to me... withholding of her feelings...a person who would shut down at the slightest sense of feeling anything uncomfortable between her and Nick. It was only when she let her guard down, allowing herself to feel pain and have Nick step in to ease it, did I start to see Taylor as someone who might be able to see where she needed to let go.
Nick, on the other hand, had his own issues. As a guy who had all this experience reading people and thinking he was part of something, he got hit hard in his past relationship. What he experienced caused him to wonder about himself, too. He was confident in his basics... making guy friends and doing his multiple work gigs...but there was this thing with Taylor and he would wonder about her.
This would not be a Lauren Layne book without wonderful sexy times between the pair... and they were there. Never think Layne wouldn't deliver.
There were other moments of interactions secondary characters... we got all of the Oxford Guys and their partners... we also got new people...Brit and Hunter...so if Layne decides... I wouldn't be shocked if they show up somewhere.
Layne Lauren created a wonderful series, Sex, Love & Stiletto which then had it's offshoot, Oxford. Never doubt Layne's talent. Both of these series have provided us a terrific run of New York City career people... their life and times.
Irresistibly Yours (Oxford, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I Wish You Were Mine (Oxford, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Someone like You (Oxford, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I Knew You Were Trouble (Oxford, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I Think I Love You (Oxford, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Even though it is not released till June... I Cannot Wait- going in!
●•●•●•●•●•●•●•
UPDATE--Ever your trusty dusty Lauren Lane Stalker...Here is a snippet that may or may not be in the upcoming book!
"Morning, Nemesis. What's with the streetwalker outfit?"
Taylor didn't bother to glance up. She already recognized the rough masculine voice. "Go away, Ballantine."
"I was going to tell you that I brought some homemade biscotti from the Ballantine matriarch herself. Then I remembered that your body is inherently incompatible with anything sweet."
Nick said all this as he helped himself to the emergency dark chocolate stash she kept on her desk.
She gave up on trying to ignore him and looked up.
"So why aren't you eating that instead of devouring my candy," Taylor snapped, trying to grab the chocolate and missing.
He grinned wickedly. "So many dirty jokes to make, so little time."
Meet Nick Ballantine. Freelance writer, sometimes design consultant, and about as welcome in her life as a blister on the hoo-ha.
As a contractor, he wasn't actually employed by Oxford, but not for lack of trying on the part of the execs. They apparently saw some sort of creative genius in him.
As for Taylor, all she saw was dark brown hair that was perpetually a week past needing a trim, a strong jaw always two day past needing a shave, and an impressive aptitude for getting under her skin.
He might be attractive if one didn't mind the womanizer hiding behind all the guy-next-door charm.
But Taylor knew better. First hand.
●•●•●•●•●•●•●
Oh, you thought Ms. Layne was finished with the Men of the Oxford Series...
Well, then you need to get a grip because we are in for something a bit different...
Two headstrong, career oriented, sexy as hell co-workers thrown together as roommates...
Yes, there is attraction...
Yes, there is that push/pull thing...
But there also is this annoying Ex who decides...
Maybe he made a mistake...
Now what's going to happen...
I guess we will just have to wait and see...
I Knew You Were Trouble (Oxford, #4)-June 13th 2017
A gifted copy was provided by Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 30, 2017
DNF @ 55%. There were no valid reasons for the insta-hate, also, the childish banter was just sad. What are they, 12?
June 17, 2017
3 - "You could do better..." Stars.
Lauren Layne and I seem to have had a bit of a falling out so far in 2017. After book three in the Oxford series; Someone Like You being some of the authors best writing I have experienced, everything else I have read since that was released back in December 2016 has been decidedly lackluster.
"Some days I think I’ll figure out just what the hell made you so damn bitchy, but then I remember I don’t give a shit."
I think the main problem is that the author is churning out so many books now, on an almost bi-monthly basis, that quality is being forsaken for quantity. All well, and good if the books you are producing are of the high quality that your loyal readers are used to, but I am not really getting that feeling with the last couple I have read.
Crying made you weak, feelings left you vulnerable, and the only person you could count on was yourself…
Can’t really say I was a fan of Taylor, she came across as an unfeeling, overly defensive shrew for most of the book, and Nick's motivation for being with her didn’t really endear him to me much either. The old frenemy-to-lovers trope is usually one of my favorites, but I just didn’t see these two as a functioning couple for most of the story. The second half hits the predictable slope, and my high point for the whole thing was getting to catch up on past characters from the series.
"Someone will love you… I promise it."
I am in the minority with my feelings on this one, but this is an author who has been on my go-to list for a few years now, and there is very little she has released that I haven’t read and totally enjoyed. Because of that I have high expectations, and so far in 2017, they have in no way been met. I don’t doubt that we will see more from this series/characters in the future, I just hope that the author can get back to the quality story-telling she delivered in the earlier books, and the Stiletto series, when she does.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Lauren Layne and I seem to have had a bit of a falling out so far in 2017. After book three in the Oxford series; Someone Like You being some of the authors best writing I have experienced, everything else I have read since that was released back in December 2016 has been decidedly lackluster.
"Some days I think I’ll figure out just what the hell made you so damn bitchy, but then I remember I don’t give a shit."
I think the main problem is that the author is churning out so many books now, on an almost bi-monthly basis, that quality is being forsaken for quantity. All well, and good if the books you are producing are of the high quality that your loyal readers are used to, but I am not really getting that feeling with the last couple I have read.
Crying made you weak, feelings left you vulnerable, and the only person you could count on was yourself…
Can’t really say I was a fan of Taylor, she came across as an unfeeling, overly defensive shrew for most of the book, and Nick's motivation for being with her didn’t really endear him to me much either. The old frenemy-to-lovers trope is usually one of my favorites, but I just didn’t see these two as a functioning couple for most of the story. The second half hits the predictable slope, and my high point for the whole thing was getting to catch up on past characters from the series.
"Someone will love you… I promise it."
I am in the minority with my feelings on this one, but this is an author who has been on my go-to list for a few years now, and there is very little she has released that I haven’t read and totally enjoyed. Because of that I have high expectations, and so far in 2017, they have in no way been met. I don’t doubt that we will see more from this series/characters in the future, I just hope that the author can get back to the quality story-telling she delivered in the earlier books, and the Stiletto series, when she does.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
December 18, 2018
Overall feeling / me after reading this book:
Really?!?
They sold me her as an ice-queen and she was a scared girl who desperately tried to play her role.
They sold me her as a self-confident woman and she was pathetic.
They sold me him as a nice person and he left her when she got pregnant?
Really?!?
When a woman says she is on the pill and then “forgets” to take them regularly, she is DUMB! Irresponsible and stupid!
And when a man says to a woman he wants to get DNA test, coz he is not sure if the baby is his, and then comes to his senses and a woman takes him back immediately – I call it bullsh*t.
Woman, do the words self-respect, dignity and pride tell you something???
Really?!?
They sold me her as an ice-queen and she was a scared girl who desperately tried to play her role.
They sold me her as a self-confident woman and she was pathetic.
They sold me him as a nice person and he left her when she got pregnant?
Really?!?
When a woman says she is on the pill and then “forgets” to take them regularly, she is DUMB! Irresponsible and stupid!
And when a man says to a woman he wants to get DNA test, coz he is not sure if the baby is his, and then comes to his senses and a woman takes him back immediately – I call it bullsh*t.
Woman, do the words self-respect, dignity and pride tell you something???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2017
A delightful romantic escape. Lauren Layne writes up a fun, flirty and highly enjoyable story about a woman who doesn’t believe in love thinks the predictable good guy is the way to go, but actually wants the roguish bad boy with the scruff and sexy smile.
Taylor Carr and Nick Ballantine’s relationship can be described as complex mix of “bad timing and worse decisions.” But when Taylor gets dumped the same day her ex was supposed to move in with her, her no-nonsense and very pragmatic character resolves to accept Nick Ballantine, the sexy freelance writer/bartender who knows how to infuriate her in less than five seconds flat, as her roommate. How will she ever survive his infuriating attractiveness?
Ever since he first met Tayler, Nick liked her. She was a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of girl. He saw past her icy exterior and saw the lonely, competitive, sarcastic and gorgeous woman. So when he saw the opportunity to create mischief, he happily volunteered to move in with her because deep down he knows there’s an attraction neither are acknowledging. Can he convince Taylor to blur the enemy lines and take a chance at love with him?
This book was fun! It was so much fun I read it in a single sitting grabbing me with the amusing tension and quick wit banter between the protagonists. I was snickering, laughing and fanning myself while swiping left as fast as possible.
I was sad for Taylor as she felt herself unlovable but absolutely admired her backbone. She’s one tough chick and deserved a man who not only understood her but made her complete happy. And who better to do that than funny and sweet man who had no qualms in calling her BS. I absolutely adored Nick! He’s such a great guy.
Besides being carefree, smart and attractive, he’s caring and understanding, especially when Taylor’s jabs strike hard and deep. I liked that he could read woman because he had two sisters he loves. I liked that he indulged his mom, and I think my ovaries exploded along with Taylor’s in a scene where he’s carrying a baby. I’m almost sure I smiled every time I read from his perspective or he was in a scene.
Even though there are some touching and sad moments, the overall feeling while reading this story is a feel-good, light-heartedness that comes from the quick banter, fiery chemistry and slow build up between Taylor and Nick. I only wish there had been more of their story to read as I felt the ending was on the rushed side.
Lauren Layne has great skill at creating relateable characters you want to get to know and hang out with. The Stiletto and Oxford series are proof positive of that. I’ve loved getting to know every one of the characters in the series and enjoy every time they get together, gossip and conspire to get another couple into the HEA club or just pop up whenever.
I Knew You Were Trouble is book #4 in the Oxford series by Lauren Layne. It is a standalone romantic comedy. Told from both points of view with a happy ending.
4.5 stars
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2sQaHrV
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley and Tasty Book Tours. The excerpts taken are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
Taylor Carr and Nick Ballantine’s relationship can be described as complex mix of “bad timing and worse decisions.” But when Taylor gets dumped the same day her ex was supposed to move in with her, her no-nonsense and very pragmatic character resolves to accept Nick Ballantine, the sexy freelance writer/bartender who knows how to infuriate her in less than five seconds flat, as her roommate. How will she ever survive his infuriating attractiveness?
Ever since he first met Tayler, Nick liked her. She was a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of girl. He saw past her icy exterior and saw the lonely, competitive, sarcastic and gorgeous woman. So when he saw the opportunity to create mischief, he happily volunteered to move in with her because deep down he knows there’s an attraction neither are acknowledging. Can he convince Taylor to blur the enemy lines and take a chance at love with him?
“He wanted Taylor Carr—but when he finally put his hands on her, he didn’t want it to be about Bradley. He wanted it to be about them.”
This book was fun! It was so much fun I read it in a single sitting grabbing me with the amusing tension and quick wit banter between the protagonists. I was snickering, laughing and fanning myself while swiping left as fast as possible.
I was sad for Taylor as she felt herself unlovable but absolutely admired her backbone. She’s one tough chick and deserved a man who not only understood her but made her complete happy. And who better to do that than funny and sweet man who had no qualms in calling her BS. I absolutely adored Nick! He’s such a great guy.
“How can you be a bartender, a journalist, and a n author, and still find all that time to drive me crazy>” ~ Taylor to Nick
Besides being carefree, smart and attractive, he’s caring and understanding, especially when Taylor’s jabs strike hard and deep. I liked that he could read woman because he had two sisters he loves. I liked that he indulged his mom, and I think my ovaries exploded along with Taylor’s in a scene where he’s carrying a baby. I’m almost sure I smiled every time I read from his perspective or he was in a scene.
Even though there are some touching and sad moments, the overall feeling while reading this story is a feel-good, light-heartedness that comes from the quick banter, fiery chemistry and slow build up between Taylor and Nick. I only wish there had been more of their story to read as I felt the ending was on the rushed side.
Lauren Layne has great skill at creating relateable characters you want to get to know and hang out with. The Stiletto and Oxford series are proof positive of that. I’ve loved getting to know every one of the characters in the series and enjoy every time they get together, gossip and conspire to get another couple into the HEA club or just pop up whenever.
“You forget that I have to share and office space with you two and your pheromones. The sexual tension’s excruciating.” ~ Brit to Taylor
I Knew You Were Trouble is book #4 in the Oxford series by Lauren Layne. It is a standalone romantic comedy. Told from both points of view with a happy ending.
4.5 stars
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2sQaHrV
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley and Tasty Book Tours. The excerpts taken are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
June 15, 2017
4.5-5 'Worthy Trouble' Stars!
God the magic this woman has in her head! Lauren Layne is killing it with her releases every single time! Lauren is an auto-buy author for me and I am always extremely excited when it's time for a new book to come out. I always have crazy high expectations for them and I am so glad to say that, again, she did not disappoint with this one!
I Knew You Were Trouble is the fourth installment in the Oxford series (spin-off of Lauren's Stiletto series) and it's the love story between two enemies who, obviously, fall hopelessly in love. The sparks between Nick and Taylor start flying (in all directions!) from their very first meeting and, as you can imagine, that transforms into a fantastic chemistry afterwards!
What if Nick Ballantine got under her skin not because she didn’t like him . . . but because she did?
And what if he liked her back?
Imagine when Taylor Carr gets turned down by sexy Nick Ballantine! Other kinds of sparks start flying everywhere! lol Their hate-to-love relationship is just amazing. Who doesn't enjoy lots of banter, some secrets and lots of emotions? I am definitely not complaining on that! Lauren just knows how to develop that slow burn in such a delicious way that you cannot stop yourself from falling in love with her stories and her characters!
He wanted Taylor Carr—but when he finally put his hands on her, he didn’t want it to be about Bradley.
He wanted it to be about them.
And yes, there is some type of "love triangle" at the beginning. And you know how much I don't like them but it was so clear since the beginning what Nick and Taylor feel for each other that I could get pass it! I just cannot stop myself from loving all these characters! The Stiletto/Oxford crew has a very special place in my heart and now Nick and Taylor are too!
“Some of the best things in life are the unplanned ones.”
“Only you,” she whispered before she could stop herself. It’s only been this way with you.
Therefore, I am rating I Knew You Were Trouble with 4.5/5 STARS because I enjoyed the heck out of this love story (that's why I am leaving this rating because I can't decide how good it was! lol). I love feeling such a strong connection with the characters and the love story and I do hope we get more Oxford stories: I am definitely curious about Hunter and Brit! If you are a LL fan, you cannot miss this one!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
God the magic this woman has in her head! Lauren Layne is killing it with her releases every single time! Lauren is an auto-buy author for me and I am always extremely excited when it's time for a new book to come out. I always have crazy high expectations for them and I am so glad to say that, again, she did not disappoint with this one!
I Knew You Were Trouble is the fourth installment in the Oxford series (spin-off of Lauren's Stiletto series) and it's the love story between two enemies who, obviously, fall hopelessly in love. The sparks between Nick and Taylor start flying (in all directions!) from their very first meeting and, as you can imagine, that transforms into a fantastic chemistry afterwards!
What if Nick Ballantine got under her skin not because she didn’t like him . . . but because she did?
And what if he liked her back?
Imagine when Taylor Carr gets turned down by sexy Nick Ballantine! Other kinds of sparks start flying everywhere! lol Their hate-to-love relationship is just amazing. Who doesn't enjoy lots of banter, some secrets and lots of emotions? I am definitely not complaining on that! Lauren just knows how to develop that slow burn in such a delicious way that you cannot stop yourself from falling in love with her stories and her characters!
He wanted Taylor Carr—but when he finally put his hands on her, he didn’t want it to be about Bradley.
He wanted it to be about them.
And yes, there is some type of "love triangle" at the beginning. And you know how much I don't like them but it was so clear since the beginning what Nick and Taylor feel for each other that I could get pass it! I just cannot stop myself from loving all these characters! The Stiletto/Oxford crew has a very special place in my heart and now Nick and Taylor are too!
“Some of the best things in life are the unplanned ones.”
“Only you,” she whispered before she could stop herself. It’s only been this way with you.
Therefore, I am rating I Knew You Were Trouble with 4.5/5 STARS because I enjoyed the heck out of this love story (that's why I am leaving this rating because I can't decide how good it was! lol). I love feeling such a strong connection with the characters and the love story and I do hope we get more Oxford stories: I am definitely curious about Hunter and Brit! If you are a LL fan, you cannot miss this one!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
June 2, 2018
3.5 But Sandy gets me Stars
Broken women, I admit sometimes I’m a little hard on them as a reader. Usually I think they are whiny or bitchy or just mean and so I generally have a hard time connecting. But Lauren Layne gets me and she gave me a woman who wants to be loved so much, but at the same time is driven in her life and doesn’t really complain and boo-hoo about it she just pulls her boot straps up, makes a plan and gets stuff done. Sure Taylor has some baggage but overall she is a heroine worth rooting for.
Enter Nick, he rubs her the wrong way and gets under Taylor’s skin. He is all wrong for her and yet he still seems to see through to the real girl under the prickles. Nick might be more than the part time fill in at Oxford magazine if she just got to know him. But their timing is horrible and never seems to line up. They spent a year in each other’s orbits and never getting the timing quite right but now Nick has volunteered to be Taylor’s roomie after the man she was supposed to be starting a new stage in life with abruptly breaks it all off.
I loved the slow burn romance between these two. You could tell right away the chemistry was there if they just got out of their own way and let it happen. I loved how patient Nick was while Taylor went through the stages of grief for a relationship that was completely wrong for her. But I also like he and her friends all gave her the tough love when she needed it.
This is classic Lauren Layne with plenty of romcom cute and fantastic side characters to add some fun dialogue to the story. Plus she always has a few super great lines in the book that just make you want to stay in and relive the romance.
The only reason this gets downgraded a little is because there is one instance that I had to suspend disbelief a little. It was hard to believe that no one that knew both Nick and Taylor collectively didn’t know about the situation with Nick’s ex to clue Taylor in. Even part time Nick was like one of the crew, but overall I enjoyed the overall love story and resolution for this Oxford couple.
Broken women, I admit sometimes I’m a little hard on them as a reader. Usually I think they are whiny or bitchy or just mean and so I generally have a hard time connecting. But Lauren Layne gets me and she gave me a woman who wants to be loved so much, but at the same time is driven in her life and doesn’t really complain and boo-hoo about it she just pulls her boot straps up, makes a plan and gets stuff done. Sure Taylor has some baggage but overall she is a heroine worth rooting for.
She was prickly, and she knew it. But she wished that, just once, someone would get it. That they would understand she wasn’t icy so much as careful. That she didn’t know how to show vulnerability or softness, not because she didn’t feel it, but because she’d spent the past twentysomething years being told that crying made you weak, feelings left you vulnerable, and the only person you could count on was yourself
Enter Nick, he rubs her the wrong way and gets under Taylor’s skin. He is all wrong for her and yet he still seems to see through to the real girl under the prickles. Nick might be more than the part time fill in at Oxford magazine if she just got to know him. But their timing is horrible and never seems to line up. They spent a year in each other’s orbits and never getting the timing quite right but now Nick has volunteered to be Taylor’s roomie after the man she was supposed to be starting a new stage in life with abruptly breaks it all off.
I loved the slow burn romance between these two. You could tell right away the chemistry was there if they just got out of their own way and let it happen. I loved how patient Nick was while Taylor went through the stages of grief for a relationship that was completely wrong for her. But I also like he and her friends all gave her the tough love when she needed it.
It’s Friday night and you’re newly single. You should be wearing that red dress that makes your boobs look huge and working the club scene, not spending it with Sandra Bullock in your pajamas. I’ve done movie night four times this week. I need to get out, Tay. So do you.”
Taylor nodded toward the credits of While You Were Sleeping. “But Sandy gets me.”
“Well, that’s probably true,” Brit muttered as she rummaged in her purse. “She spent seventy percent of that movie thinking she was in love with the wrong guy.”
This is classic Lauren Layne with plenty of romcom cute and fantastic side characters to add some fun dialogue to the story. Plus she always has a few super great lines in the book that just make you want to stay in and relive the romance.
”… what’s Nick in your Taylor-is-the-sun scenario?”
“A prism,” Jess said without hesitation. “He takes your light and makes it even more awesome, for everyone to see.”
The only reason this gets downgraded a little is because there is one instance that I had to suspend disbelief a little. It was hard to believe that no one that knew both Nick and Taylor collectively didn’t know about the situation with Nick’s ex to clue Taylor in. Even part time Nick was like one of the crew, but overall I enjoyed the overall love story and resolution for this Oxford couple.
June 13, 2017
***4.5/5 Stars***
I Knew You Were Trouble was flirty, sexy, angsty and absolutely fabulous! This was a classic LL book, and I devoured it in one night. And when I finished the epilogue, I was left feeling beyond ecstatic and happy. I had the hugest smile on my face. So if you are a fan of enemies to lovers, or if you have fallen for any of her past releases, then you definitely want to pick this one up!
I was suprised that the beginning started out a little bit different. It was a brilliant idea that quickly connected me to all of the characters, and it made me feel like I'd known them forever. So the first 6 "chapters" was a countdown from over a year ago in Taylor Carr's life to present day. We got to watch Taylor transition into the Oxford world, make friends, and interact with her coworkers. We also got to see how her hate relationship with Nick Ballentine started, and we watched how Bradley Calloway became her boyfriend. When the official first chapter started, I felt as though I completely understood and loved her inside out.
Which I'm so thankful for, because I was a little nervous at first. You see, I thought Taylor was going to be too harsh for me. She could be so brutal at times, and I didn't think I could relate or connect. Oh how wrong I was! While she portrayed herself as this tough, strong female, which she was, she was also so much more. She was a kind, wonderful friend.....I adored the friendships she had with Brit and Daisy! And I loved that she faltered, that she broke down and that she could be unsure of herself at times. But what I loved most about Taylor, was how she threw fire and ice at Nick!
You see, Nick knew how to push Taylor's buttons. And yes he could be a complete jerk at times. But oh my gosh, the man was charming and oh so sexy. Even when you didn't want him to be. And underneath it all, you got glimpses of his beautiful, kind heart. So I was beyond ecstatic that Nick was going to move in with Taylor, since her boyfriend dumped her on move in day and she needed a roommate. Because them moving in together meant that there would be even more fireworks. And I also assumed that the sexual tension would get turned up a notch or ten. And that's exactly what happened.
*ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
I Knew You Were Trouble was flirty, sexy, angsty and absolutely fabulous! This was a classic LL book, and I devoured it in one night. And when I finished the epilogue, I was left feeling beyond ecstatic and happy. I had the hugest smile on my face. So if you are a fan of enemies to lovers, or if you have fallen for any of her past releases, then you definitely want to pick this one up!
“If you weren’t dating him, would you have dinner with me?”
“I don’t like you,” she whispered.
He eased closer until his mouth was inches from her ear. “Liar.”
It was a whisper, and it sent shivers down her spine and then back up again. The good kind of shivers, the kind that made her want to lean into him and beg him to put his mouth all over her.
I was suprised that the beginning started out a little bit different. It was a brilliant idea that quickly connected me to all of the characters, and it made me feel like I'd known them forever. So the first 6 "chapters" was a countdown from over a year ago in Taylor Carr's life to present day. We got to watch Taylor transition into the Oxford world, make friends, and interact with her coworkers. We also got to see how her hate relationship with Nick Ballentine started, and we watched how Bradley Calloway became her boyfriend. When the official first chapter started, I felt as though I completely understood and loved her inside out.
She hated being the newcomer— hated feeling vulnerable in any way for fear that someone would see right through her shield of confidence and call her out as a fraud. To expose her as what she really was on the inside: lonely. Maybe a little unlovable, if she wanted to get melodramatic about it.
Which I'm so thankful for, because I was a little nervous at first. You see, I thought Taylor was going to be too harsh for me. She could be so brutal at times, and I didn't think I could relate or connect. Oh how wrong I was! While she portrayed herself as this tough, strong female, which she was, she was also so much more. She was a kind, wonderful friend.....I adored the friendships she had with Brit and Daisy! And I loved that she faltered, that she broke down and that she could be unsure of herself at times. But what I loved most about Taylor, was how she threw fire and ice at Nick!
Damn, but she really was beautiful.
“And I don’t get to be happy?” she said. “Bitchy Taylor deserves to be miserable, is that it?”
“Nah,” he said quietly, studying her. “I’m just not sure you’d recognize actual happiness if it bit you in your perfectly shaped ass.”
She slapped his hand away from her face. “Get. Out.”
He did.
Not because she’d told him to. But because for one idiotic moment, Nick had wanted nothing more than to kiss all that pouty anger right off Taylor Carr’s saucy mouth.
You see, Nick knew how to push Taylor's buttons. And yes he could be a complete jerk at times. But oh my gosh, the man was charming and oh so sexy. Even when you didn't want him to be. And underneath it all, you got glimpses of his beautiful, kind heart. So I was beyond ecstatic that Nick was going to move in with Taylor, since her boyfriend dumped her on move in day and she needed a roommate. Because them moving in together meant that there would be even more fireworks. And I also assumed that the sexual tension would get turned up a notch or ten. And that's exactly what happened.
He’d been kind to her last night— hell, he’d been kind to her a lot more often than she deserved. But he’d never shown any interest in her as a woman, and . . . well, it bothered her.
While they were a roller coaster of emotions that I definitely enjoyed riding, I also had fun watching them learn more about each other. Especially since their enemy status almost started to look friendly at times. And lucky for us, we got to know what both of them were thinking, since we spent chapters with both of them. So yes, I definitely recommend this book! And I'm going to hold out hope and think positive that Brit Robbins and Hunter Cross are going to get their own book some day! Fingers crossed!!
PS I loved that Lincoln and Cassidy gave Nick advice from time to time. I adore those Oxford men!
*ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
September 5, 2017
4 stars
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Lauren Layne. She's my go to author for a feel good read. Perfect amount of angst and sweet. This one was no different, the characters had the most intense connection- i was rooting for them from the get-go!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Lauren Layne. She's my go to author for a feel good read. Perfect amount of angst and sweet. This one was no different, the characters had the most intense connection- i was rooting for them from the get-go!
June 12, 2017
"What can I get for you, Carr?"
"Thought you were supposed to be some sort of cocktail miracle worker. Make me something."
"Shit. Of all the days to forget the arsenic."
Okay, so I've finally noticed Layne's trend in her Oxford series. For every Sex, Love & Stiletto-introduced character & love interest, she's swapping the next book out with a newbie couple. The first one (newbie, I mean) didn't work for me -- see review re I WISH YOU WERE MINE -- but this second one, with the couple only having been introduced in SOMEONE LIKE YOU, book three? This worked for me so much.
She was prickly, and she knew it. But she wished that, just once, someone would get it. That they would understand she wasn't icy so much as careful.
Not only is hate-to-love my catnip, but throw in a sorta Ice Princess Redemption trope and I'm hooked. Misunderstood badboys are a dime a dozen in romancelandia, but misunderstood ladies? We need more. Our brief glimpse of Taylor Carr from Lincoln's perspective in book three didn't give us much. She was hot, confident, a potential man-eater, and already she had a hate-on for Nick Ballantine, the freelancer responsible for stepping in during Lincoln's hiatus. We didn't know why.. we (I) just knew it was delicious and ripe for possibilities. But the reality far surpassed my expectations.
"What are you doing here?"
"This is my gig for the next month or so."
"What, being a less good-looking stand-in for Lincoln?"
Because we didn't have a string of books with these two characters lurking in the background to build a picture for us, Layne did us one better. She offered chapters with time jumps and glimpses of their interactions to set the stage and show the progression (or regression) of their relationship. A lot of it worked as backstory for Taylor, saving most of Nick's for in-story reveals, but I really loved how it played out. And I really loved seeing the facets of this complicated woman who was so strong, so fierce, but so.. well. Lonely. The frustration she felt when she realized Nick was the only one to see through her was also just so perfect and heartbreaking, too.
"I'll see you around?"
"Yes, please leave. All this friendliness is making me uncomfortable."
But what was the best part of their relationship, especially in the beginning when they weren't in a relationship, was how for all they traded barbs and insults, often the other would laugh or fire back in good fun. Only a few times did the verbal battle draw blood and both were easily able to see when they'd gone too far. For all that they were frenemies, their relationship was complex from the beginning and not only did Layne acknowledge that but so did the couple themselves.
Taylor Carr's feelings towards him were the perfect match of his toward her -- somewhere between contempt and pure loathing, with a splash of regret that neither acknowledged.
Of course, there was more than just the banter and refusal to admit their attraction, timing was an issue, bad timing, plus various ex girlfriends and exboyfriends made life -- and love -- difficult for these two. The worst being Taylor's ex. Bradley was, well, the worst.
"Since I don't like you anyway, feel free to tell me the truth. Is the ridiculous size of that TV compensating for something?"
It was really refreshing to read of a female struggling with the idea, concept, and realities, of love. And not because she'd been burned by a previous lover or boyfriend but because of how she had been raised. And I really appreciated Layne giving us Nick's insight onto how he felt hearing about Taylor's childhood. It wasn't too traumatic or full of tragedy, though it was sad, whereas Nick's own issues were so very different from what we've seen in this series (both of them) so far and I loved it. Even if it, too, broke my heart.
Somehow the guy who'd gone from being the one person she couldn't stand had become the one she most looked forward to seeing each day.
I've often complained -- at length -- abut my struggle with the 'break up' portion of the romance book, and moreso how similar the ones in Layne's stories have been (likely not helped by the massive binge I've done of her books) but in I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE, I was almost on board with it. It was a completely acceptable reaction to the situation.. I just wish it had gone a little differently. Because for all that I completely understood, I felt it was likewise unreasonable to have gone on so long (it was like a week but whatever, a day would've been too long, in my opinion). While at the same time part of the catalyst for said break-up kinda came out of nowhere. I wish there'd been a little bit more foundation laid for that particular event.
Nick had no idea how to explain that being involved with Taylor was like cuddling a stick of dynamite.
That being said, of all the break-ups/love-hiccups in the Love, Sex & Stiletto & Oxford world, this might've been the best situation to warrant it. Nope, I'm lying, book one in the first series was the best. But still. This makes it to the top two slot. I did also love the ending but felt it was a little rushed, I could've done with one more chapter before the epilogue, but as for that epilogue.. the sweetness was real. I got really misty. Also, yeah, this isn't over, no way. There has to be another book planned for that particular couple.
"You should come with a warning label. Or at least an instruction manual."
I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE, in addition to making me sing T Swift all day, is definitely the best book of this series. It was so nice to read about a woman discovering how to navigate the tough emotional waters of a relationship, and admit to herself who she really wanted, as well as put herself out there, take charge (or try) sexually, while still being sassy and sweet and strong and real. I know I've talked a lot about Taylor and that isn't because Nick wasn't great, he was, but I just really felt that Taylor and her realizations that she did want to be loved, and did deserve it, even if she only had a dog to love her, were so great and so important.. even if she did get her sexy man and a happily ever after in the end.
Highly recommend.
4.25 "Nick wasn't an idiot -- any woman listening to 'You Oughta Know' at this volume should be avoided" stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
"Thought you were supposed to be some sort of cocktail miracle worker. Make me something."
"Shit. Of all the days to forget the arsenic."
Okay, so I've finally noticed Layne's trend in her Oxford series. For every Sex, Love & Stiletto-introduced character & love interest, she's swapping the next book out with a newbie couple. The first one (newbie, I mean) didn't work for me -- see review re I WISH YOU WERE MINE -- but this second one, with the couple only having been introduced in SOMEONE LIKE YOU, book three? This worked for me so much.
She was prickly, and she knew it. But she wished that, just once, someone would get it. That they would understand she wasn't icy so much as careful.
Not only is hate-to-love my catnip, but throw in a sorta Ice Princess Redemption trope and I'm hooked. Misunderstood badboys are a dime a dozen in romancelandia, but misunderstood ladies? We need more. Our brief glimpse of Taylor Carr from Lincoln's perspective in book three didn't give us much. She was hot, confident, a potential man-eater, and already she had a hate-on for Nick Ballantine, the freelancer responsible for stepping in during Lincoln's hiatus. We didn't know why.. we (I) just knew it was delicious and ripe for possibilities. But the reality far surpassed my expectations.
"What are you doing here?"
"This is my gig for the next month or so."
"What, being a less good-looking stand-in for Lincoln?"
Because we didn't have a string of books with these two characters lurking in the background to build a picture for us, Layne did us one better. She offered chapters with time jumps and glimpses of their interactions to set the stage and show the progression (or regression) of their relationship. A lot of it worked as backstory for Taylor, saving most of Nick's for in-story reveals, but I really loved how it played out. And I really loved seeing the facets of this complicated woman who was so strong, so fierce, but so.. well. Lonely. The frustration she felt when she realized Nick was the only one to see through her was also just so perfect and heartbreaking, too.
"I'll see you around?"
"Yes, please leave. All this friendliness is making me uncomfortable."
But what was the best part of their relationship, especially in the beginning when they weren't in a relationship, was how for all they traded barbs and insults, often the other would laugh or fire back in good fun. Only a few times did the verbal battle draw blood and both were easily able to see when they'd gone too far. For all that they were frenemies, their relationship was complex from the beginning and not only did Layne acknowledge that but so did the couple themselves.
Taylor Carr's feelings towards him were the perfect match of his toward her -- somewhere between contempt and pure loathing, with a splash of regret that neither acknowledged.
Of course, there was more than just the banter and refusal to admit their attraction, timing was an issue, bad timing, plus various ex girlfriends and exboyfriends made life -- and love -- difficult for these two. The worst being Taylor's ex. Bradley was, well, the worst.
"Since I don't like you anyway, feel free to tell me the truth. Is the ridiculous size of that TV compensating for something?"
It was really refreshing to read of a female struggling with the idea, concept, and realities, of love. And not because she'd been burned by a previous lover or boyfriend but because of how she had been raised. And I really appreciated Layne giving us Nick's insight onto how he felt hearing about Taylor's childhood. It wasn't too traumatic or full of tragedy, though it was sad, whereas Nick's own issues were so very different from what we've seen in this series (both of them) so far and I loved it. Even if it, too, broke my heart.
Somehow the guy who'd gone from being the one person she couldn't stand had become the one she most looked forward to seeing each day.
I've often complained -- at length -- abut my struggle with the 'break up' portion of the romance book, and moreso how similar the ones in Layne's stories have been (likely not helped by the massive binge I've done of her books) but in I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE, I was almost on board with it. It was a completely acceptable reaction to the situation.. I just wish it had gone a little differently. Because for all that I completely understood, I felt it was likewise unreasonable to have gone on so long (it was like a week but whatever, a day would've been too long, in my opinion). While at the same time part of the catalyst for said break-up kinda came out of nowhere. I wish there'd been a little bit more foundation laid for that particular event.
Nick had no idea how to explain that being involved with Taylor was like cuddling a stick of dynamite.
That being said, of all the break-ups/love-hiccups in the Love, Sex & Stiletto & Oxford world, this might've been the best situation to warrant it. Nope, I'm lying, book one in the first series was the best. But still. This makes it to the top two slot. I did also love the ending but felt it was a little rushed, I could've done with one more chapter before the epilogue, but as for that epilogue.. the sweetness was real. I got really misty. Also, yeah, this isn't over, no way. There has to be another book planned for that particular couple.
"You should come with a warning label. Or at least an instruction manual."
I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE, in addition to making me sing T Swift all day, is definitely the best book of this series. It was so nice to read about a woman discovering how to navigate the tough emotional waters of a relationship, and admit to herself who she really wanted, as well as put herself out there, take charge (or try) sexually, while still being sassy and sweet and strong and real. I know I've talked a lot about Taylor and that isn't because Nick wasn't great, he was, but I just really felt that Taylor and her realizations that she did want to be loved, and did deserve it, even if she only had a dog to love her, were so great and so important.. even if she did get her sexy man and a happily ever after in the end.
Highly recommend.
4.25 "Nick wasn't an idiot -- any woman listening to 'You Oughta Know' at this volume should be avoided" stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
May 1, 2017
Another incredible romance from Lauren Layne. Again...I cried. I ALWAYS cry while reading her books. I don't know why, as they aren't the most heartwrenching romances out there, but I think I just get so swept up in the characters and their emotions and I just end of with tears, sometimes joy, sometimes pain, but ALWAYS because I just want them to have their happily-ever-after, and for Taylor and Nick....it was a long road, but the end was SO WORTH the journey.
I didn't think anything could top SOMEONE LIKE YOU in my mind but Taylor and Nick are up there with just an incredible love story!
And might I just add that this one is SEXAYYYYYYY.....Like Sexy....Like OMG sexy! Ok...so just read it, cause it's beyond worth it!
I didn't think anything could top SOMEONE LIKE YOU in my mind but Taylor and Nick are up there with just an incredible love story!
And might I just add that this one is SEXAYYYYYYY.....Like Sexy....Like OMG sexy! Ok...so just read it, cause it's beyond worth it!
July 13, 2017
5 stars - Contemporary Romance
I loved this! The enemies to frenemies/roomies to lovers story was done fabulously! I'm usually a more hero-centric romance reader, and Nick certainly had his swoony qualities and moments. But I actually fell even harder for the heroine in this one. I adored Taylor, and I wanted to hug her and have Nick be the one to finally show her all the understanding, acceptance, and love she'd been so deserving yet deprived of. The scenes of Taylor excitedly bringing home all the were so funny, sweet, and touching.
I just wish there had been a bit more to the ending and a longer epilogue because I was loving . I didn't want their story to end! And I really hope there are more books to come in this series!
I loved this! The enemies to frenemies/roomies to lovers story was done fabulously! I'm usually a more hero-centric romance reader, and Nick certainly had his swoony qualities and moments. But I actually fell even harder for the heroine in this one. I adored Taylor, and I wanted to hug her and have Nick be the one to finally show her all the understanding, acceptance, and love she'd been so deserving yet deprived of. The scenes of Taylor excitedly bringing home all the were so funny, sweet, and touching.
I just wish there had been a bit more to the ending and a longer epilogue because I was loving . I didn't want their story to end! And I really hope there are more books to come in this series!
June 23, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers story. This was a pretty quick read and I found myself flying through this fun little book. This is the fourth book in the Oxford series and while fans of the series will enjoy seeing some of their favorite characters, this book could easily be read as a stand alone novel. This was one of those books that I could just totally lose myself in and ended up reading it for hours at a time. It definitely lived up to all of my expectations.
This book is about Taylor and Nick. The book starts out with short chapters showing some of their history with each other which I thought really set the stage of the book quite well. Taylor is planning to move in with her boyfriend, Bradley, but is surprised to find a break up note at the new apartment. When Taylor starts looking for a roommate, Nick decides to taker her up on it and the stage is set for a whole lot of fun.
I thought that Taylor and Nick had wonderful chemistry together. Each of these characters had some very painful moments in their past that really shaped how they deal with life. It became quite apparent that Taylor was very misunderstood because of how she was raised. Nick is a really good guy and sometimes others have taken advantage of his kindness. These two just seemed to fit together perfectly once they gave each other a chance.
I really liked the way this book was written. The characters were wonderfully developed. Their chemistry with each other was intense and their banter was a lot of fun. I liked the fact that it took this pair some time to really get together since it felt more realistic. I must admit that I was pretty sick of Bradley before the book was over but Taylor and Nick seemed to feel the same way so I guess that is okay.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This is a fun little book that tells a really wonderful story. Lauren Layne is one of my go to authors when I am in the mood for contemporary romance and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I liked this one. Enemies to Lovers story that was a lot of fun. Nick and Taylor worked really well together.
I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers story. This was a pretty quick read and I found myself flying through this fun little book. This is the fourth book in the Oxford series and while fans of the series will enjoy seeing some of their favorite characters, this book could easily be read as a stand alone novel. This was one of those books that I could just totally lose myself in and ended up reading it for hours at a time. It definitely lived up to all of my expectations.
This book is about Taylor and Nick. The book starts out with short chapters showing some of their history with each other which I thought really set the stage of the book quite well. Taylor is planning to move in with her boyfriend, Bradley, but is surprised to find a break up note at the new apartment. When Taylor starts looking for a roommate, Nick decides to taker her up on it and the stage is set for a whole lot of fun.
I thought that Taylor and Nick had wonderful chemistry together. Each of these characters had some very painful moments in their past that really shaped how they deal with life. It became quite apparent that Taylor was very misunderstood because of how she was raised. Nick is a really good guy and sometimes others have taken advantage of his kindness. These two just seemed to fit together perfectly once they gave each other a chance.
I really liked the way this book was written. The characters were wonderfully developed. Their chemistry with each other was intense and their banter was a lot of fun. I liked the fact that it took this pair some time to really get together since it felt more realistic. I must admit that I was pretty sick of Bradley before the book was over but Taylor and Nick seemed to feel the same way so I guess that is okay.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This is a fun little book that tells a really wonderful story. Lauren Layne is one of my go to authors when I am in the mood for contemporary romance and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I liked this one. Enemies to Lovers story that was a lot of fun. Nick and Taylor worked really well together.
August 2, 2017
I can't quite believe that I'm DNFing this book at 62 %. LL is one of my go to authors for rom com. She is the only one who can balance the angst with the romance that she adds to her story. In book 3 of this series which is Someone Like You she did an exceptional job. In I knew you were trouble? Not so much.
The book is utterly ridciulous. Nick made one off hand comment and since then they have been at one another's throats. Why?
Taylor is oblivious to EVERYTHING around her and thinks she loves a douche named Bradley. She has her head stuck in the frigging sand it ain't even funny.
There are so many low blows between these two it doesn't make sense. She does a 180 and decides to seduce him at his work place. What is wrong with you?
This isn't a book for me. I hope that the others will be better.
The book is utterly ridciulous. Nick made one off hand comment and since then they have been at one another's throats. Why?
Taylor is oblivious to EVERYTHING around her and thinks she loves a douche named Bradley. She has her head stuck in the frigging sand it ain't even funny.
There are so many low blows between these two it doesn't make sense. She does a 180 and decides to seduce him at his work place. What is wrong with you?
This isn't a book for me. I hope that the others will be better.
May 31, 2017
Aaannnnd I'm crying. AMAZING!!!!!
June 14, 2017
4 stars
I Knew You Were Trouble by Lauren Layne was a great read.
From the first few pages I was hooked.
I enjoyed getting to know both Nick and Taylor. They made me laugh with their banter and the slow burn, love/hate storyline kept me turning the pages.
For me, being a huge fan of the Oxford series and the Sex, Love & Stiletto series getting to revisit with the previous characters in I Knew You Were Trouble was a huge plus.
They always manage to make me laugh and touch my heart with their love and support of each other.
They truly are one big happy family of friends who will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I Knew You Were Trouble is a wonderful addition to the The Oxford series, each book can be read as a standalone, and I highly recommend them all.
💕Buy Links💕
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Knew-You-Were-...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-kne...
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id11...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/i-kn...
*I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
I Knew You Were Trouble by Lauren Layne was a great read.
From the first few pages I was hooked.
I enjoyed getting to know both Nick and Taylor. They made me laugh with their banter and the slow burn, love/hate storyline kept me turning the pages.
For me, being a huge fan of the Oxford series and the Sex, Love & Stiletto series getting to revisit with the previous characters in I Knew You Were Trouble was a huge plus.
They always manage to make me laugh and touch my heart with their love and support of each other.
They truly are one big happy family of friends who will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I Knew You Were Trouble is a wonderful addition to the The Oxford series, each book can be read as a standalone, and I highly recommend them all.
💕Buy Links💕
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Knew-You-Were-...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-kne...
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id11...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/i-kn...
*I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
November 5, 2017
When I first started this book I thought their banter was ‘so junior high man.’ But as the story progressed I became more attached to the story.
Taylor comes across as an ‘ice princess’ but all along she has erected barriers so she won’t be hurt. But, that irritating guy at work, Nick breaks through the barriers.
Here are two wisdoms this book reminded me of 1) office romances should always be avoided and 2) I could never read someone as well as these characters do. I wouldn’t see the “hurt flitting across his face.” Instead I’d probably think it was something he had for lunch. 🤷🏼♀️ “Bad tacos, man?” 🌮
Taylor comes across as an ‘ice princess’ but all along she has erected barriers so she won’t be hurt. But, that irritating guy at work, Nick breaks through the barriers.
Here are two wisdoms this book reminded me of 1) office romances should always be avoided and 2) I could never read someone as well as these characters do. I wouldn’t see the “hurt flitting across his face.” Instead I’d probably think it was something he had for lunch. 🤷🏼♀️ “Bad tacos, man?” 🌮
February 26, 2018
This is fourth in a series and many of the previous couples show up here. More than that, this is a follow-on series and you get occasional cameos from folks in those earlier books, too. Layne does a reasonable, but not seamless, job giving relevant background so you can start here if you like.
Well, it's been maybe a month since finishing it so I'm afraid this is going to be a bit vague.
Here's what stands out as a major irritation, even now: both protagonists spend huge swathes of this story with other people. Further, they miss connecting by temporary circumstances that were so close they felt manipulated. And pay for that with months of stupid. Even worse still (and I only read past this because I usually like Lauren Layne stories), the main missed chance arose from Taylor putting herself out there with courage and forthrightness and while Nick let her down nicely it still kicked off unreasoning hostility that persisted through months and months of fairly bitter antagonism.
Oh, and then we get to one of my very least favorite pet peeves (), and it's enhanced by Nick reacting to it in a relationship-destroying tantrum. I was glad that Taylor, at least, was adult about it, and that she was able to forgive him once he came to himself. But by that time, I'd have been happy with her blowing him off and finding someone worthy of her. Or staying single, for that matter.
And yes, the details I remember are all bad ones. Which may be why I put off the review for so long. I finished it and didn't regret doing so, so I'm going to stake this one at 2½ stars that I'm rounding to three on a benefit-of-the-doubt basis.
A note about Steamy: Um. I got nothing. I'm guessing it's the middle of my steam tolerance because Layne almost always is...
Well, it's been maybe a month since finishing it so I'm afraid this is going to be a bit vague.
Here's what stands out as a major irritation, even now: both protagonists spend huge swathes of this story with other people. Further, they miss connecting by temporary circumstances that were so close they felt manipulated. And pay for that with months of stupid. Even worse still (and I only read past this because I usually like Lauren Layne stories), the main missed chance arose from Taylor putting herself out there with courage and forthrightness and while Nick let her down nicely it still kicked off unreasoning hostility that persisted through months and months of fairly bitter antagonism.
Oh, and then we get to one of my very least favorite pet peeves (), and it's enhanced by Nick reacting to it in a relationship-destroying tantrum. I was glad that Taylor, at least, was adult about it, and that she was able to forgive him once he came to himself. But by that time, I'd have been happy with her blowing him off and finding someone worthy of her. Or staying single, for that matter.
And yes, the details I remember are all bad ones. Which may be why I put off the review for so long. I finished it and didn't regret doing so, so I'm going to stake this one at 2½ stars that I'm rounding to three on a benefit-of-the-doubt basis.
A note about Steamy: Um. I got nothing. I'm guessing it's the middle of my steam tolerance because Layne almost always is...
November 29, 2022
“I knew you were trouble from the very first second, Ms. Carr.”
“Worth it, though. Right?”
“You are the best thing that ever happened to me. So hell yeah. It was all worth it.”
I'm speechless. I don't know what to say or to think because I was truly not expecting to like Taylor and Nick as much as I did. I don’t know what I was expecting for this book, but I can say that nothing compares to what I read and felt.
After being briefly introduced to Nick and Taylor in Someone Like You, I was kinda hesitant (? I don’t know if that’s the right word) about Nick, and very curious about Taylor and about how their relationship would be developed.
Taylor is such a badass; she’s fierce, strong as hell and simply brilliant, and Nick is basically everything I’d want in a man. I mean, he’s a journalist, he writes books, he’s handsome, works as a barman, good with kids and animals, and wants to have a family. What else could I ever ask for?
The enemies to roommates to kinda friends to lovers, with all their sexual tension and connection and all the “what if”s around them trope was such a serve, I truly can’t complain about anything. Their relationship development was pretty awesome, and I admit I got a little mad at them for some moments, but who never did that with some of their fav characters, right?
And also, I guess I made it clear already (lol), but I truly fear Lauren has ruined me for other man because I so want a Nick Ballantine for me.
“Worth it, though. Right?”
“You are the best thing that ever happened to me. So hell yeah. It was all worth it.”
I'm speechless. I don't know what to say or to think because I was truly not expecting to like Taylor and Nick as much as I did. I don’t know what I was expecting for this book, but I can say that nothing compares to what I read and felt.
After being briefly introduced to Nick and Taylor in Someone Like You, I was kinda hesitant (? I don’t know if that’s the right word) about Nick, and very curious about Taylor and about how their relationship would be developed.
Taylor is such a badass; she’s fierce, strong as hell and simply brilliant, and Nick is basically everything I’d want in a man. I mean, he’s a journalist, he writes books, he’s handsome, works as a barman, good with kids and animals, and wants to have a family. What else could I ever ask for?
The enemies to roommates to kinda friends to lovers, with all their sexual tension and connection and all the “what if”s around them trope was such a serve, I truly can’t complain about anything. Their relationship development was pretty awesome, and I admit I got a little mad at them for some moments, but who never did that with some of their fav characters, right?
And also, I guess I made it clear already (lol), but I truly fear Lauren has ruined me for other man because I so want a Nick Ballantine for me.
July 21, 2020
THE POTENTIAL THIS BOOK HAD, I am so mad.
Taylor and Nick could have been one of the best couples out there and their moments were so full of angst and laughter and they were so cute together and so sexy but the last 25% of the book was so meh.
You guys know I do not like the pregnancy trope that much, and while there are exceptions, this book was not one of them. And it wasn't really even the pregnancy but the whole I love you part of it and the marriage. The story was going so so great but then pfff.
I still enjoyed the book a lot and the characters are so great and dearly to me.
Taylor and Nick could have been one of the best couples out there and their moments were so full of angst and laughter and they were so cute together and so sexy but the last 25% of the book was so meh.
You guys know I do not like the pregnancy trope that much, and while there are exceptions, this book was not one of them. And it wasn't really even the pregnancy but the whole I love you part of it and the marriage. The story was going so so great but then pfff.
I still enjoyed the book a lot and the characters are so great and dearly to me.
Shelved as 'nope'
June 15, 2017https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Said a little and said it all.
Said a little and said it all.
July 23, 2019
4/5
- Taylor let me LOVE you 🥺
- Nick, you’re alright
- They’ve got it all, the chemistry, the banter, the fluff, the a n g s t
- I cried
- Enemies to roommates to friends to lovers
- Bless
- Taylor let me LOVE you 🥺
- Nick, you’re alright
- They’ve got it all, the chemistry, the banter, the fluff, the a n g s t
- I cried
- Enemies to roommates to friends to lovers
- Bless
July 24, 2019
not at these books making me cry again
June 13, 2017
There's just something about a Lauren Layne book that's so comforting to me. It's so refreshing and easy to read. I feel like every time I pick up a new LL book, I'm coming back to a friend's house and revisiting all of those feels and emotions and happiness from the last time I was there.
I love how this author just throws you over the edge and into her stories. She doesn't waste time creating a world or emotion. Head first, she dives in and the reader can choose to sink or swim. It's a fast paced and no nonsense approach; I always feel like it draws me into the story and characters quicker.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, but this group of secondary characters is my favourite of all time. The love and support they have for each other, the respect, the understanding, is something to strive for. Plus, you get each of their own personalities that we loved in their individual stories still shining through even in the background.
Jackson is my favourite Oxford guy (sorry boys) but that's just a hard spot to take over. Nick though, man he was close! There was a serious competition going there. Even reading Jackson's book and then Lincoln, I couldn't wait to get my greedy little hands on Taylor and Nick's story. This is the one I've been waiting for, and not one to disappoint, the author holds the bar high.
I love how tough Taylor was, though I appreciated her insecurities and how they were portrayed even more. How often has a woman felt this way at one point or another in her life? And Lauren gives this voice, our voice, to a strong and independent woman who don't need no man! But knows it would be nice to be cared for by one. Enter Nick. My sweet, strong, thoughtful, rugged, scruffy bartender, Nick. I never knew what to make of this guy and have always wondered what kind of skeletons lay in his closet. Let me just say, it's quite the ride finding out! This poor man. Have you ever come across a character that just needs a hug? A hug so tight that no words can come out, just actions and emotions? Yeah, Nick needed one of those, though he puts up a good front.
Something really interesting about how this story was portrayed is the fact that the characters have a handful of missed connections. The story actually starts by recounting their relationship and these missed opportunities which was such a brilliant idea! It really helps give a background to their relationship and how it has progressed.
I did have a bit of an issue with the plot twist, I just found it to be extremely jarring. It honestly felt like it came flying out of left field. And it's not the fact that I didn't expect this issue, per se, but it was like a massive bomb was dropped randomly into a conversation and I had to try and figure out A) what the heck was going on and B) if it was true or not. Not always best to confuse the readers. I would've liked to see this smoothed out a bit. Also, while on this note, I wasn't really a fan of using this issue. Like really, based on all of the character development and growth and everything that had happened, this is what was chosen? In my opinion, it's one of the most overdone twists ever. But with this being said, while I didn't like the idea of what happened, I enjoyed the way the author twisted it to fit these characters and this story later on.
Okay, next up! Give me Hunter and Brit. I think that'll be a fun ride, don't you?
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
I love how this author just throws you over the edge and into her stories. She doesn't waste time creating a world or emotion. Head first, she dives in and the reader can choose to sink or swim. It's a fast paced and no nonsense approach; I always feel like it draws me into the story and characters quicker.
Her door was open a crack, allowing the voice of nineties Alanis Morissette to blast through the entire apartment.
Nick wasn’t an idiot—any woman listening to “You Oughta Know” at this volume should be avoided.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, but this group of secondary characters is my favourite of all time. The love and support they have for each other, the respect, the understanding, is something to strive for. Plus, you get each of their own personalities that we loved in their individual stories still shining through even in the background.
Jackson is my favourite Oxford guy (sorry boys) but that's just a hard spot to take over. Nick though, man he was close! There was a serious competition going there. Even reading Jackson's book and then Lincoln, I couldn't wait to get my greedy little hands on Taylor and Nick's story. This is the one I've been waiting for, and not one to disappoint, the author holds the bar high.
Taylor lifted herself on her elbows and gave him a smirk. “Nick Ballantine, are you an ass man?”
“When it comes to you, I’m an everything man.”
I love how tough Taylor was, though I appreciated her insecurities and how they were portrayed even more. How often has a woman felt this way at one point or another in her life? And Lauren gives this voice, our voice, to a strong and independent woman who don't need no man! But knows it would be nice to be cared for by one. Enter Nick. My sweet, strong, thoughtful, rugged, scruffy bartender, Nick. I never knew what to make of this guy and have always wondered what kind of skeletons lay in his closet. Let me just say, it's quite the ride finding out! This poor man. Have you ever come across a character that just needs a hug? A hug so tight that no words can come out, just actions and emotions? Yeah, Nick needed one of those, though he puts up a good front.
She stared at the glass, then back up at him. “I’m getting the really annoying suspicion that beneath the scruff and scowls you’re actually a little bit sweet.”
Something really interesting about how this story was portrayed is the fact that the characters have a handful of missed connections. The story actually starts by recounting their relationship and these missed opportunities which was such a brilliant idea! It really helps give a background to their relationship and how it has progressed.
“Never pegged you as a reader.”
“What did you think I did in my spare time, killed cats?”
“Nah. Men.”
“I’ve thought about it,” she muttered, taking a sip of wine.
I did have a bit of an issue with the plot twist, I just found it to be extremely jarring. It honestly felt like it came flying out of left field. And it's not the fact that I didn't expect this issue, per se, but it was like a massive bomb was dropped randomly into a conversation and I had to try and figure out A) what the heck was going on and B) if it was true or not. Not always best to confuse the readers. I would've liked to see this smoothed out a bit. Also, while on this note, I wasn't really a fan of using this issue. Like really, based on all of the character development and growth and everything that had happened, this is what was chosen? In my opinion, it's one of the most overdone twists ever. But with this being said, while I didn't like the idea of what happened, I enjoyed the way the author twisted it to fit these characters and this story later on.
Okay, next up! Give me Hunter and Brit. I think that'll be a fun ride, don't you?
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
December 20, 2017
I seriously enjoyed the last book, but this one is not my cup of tea. In general, Layne’s books usually run between two extremes for me: Love or hate. Of the 8 books I have read so far, I love 3 and hate 5.
I think it comes down to the tropes. I’m not a fan of certain tropes.
Here are some random thoughts in no particular order:
• Taylor: I can relate to her very much in some of her thought processes. However, she does disappoint me sometimes throughout the book. On one hand, I appreciate her character development to see what/who she deserves. On the other hand, I’m like, Seriously, get over him, he’s a douchebag. Why would you want someone back who is currently dating someone else? Especially if that other girl is a good person. She took way to get it together. However, after she learns and makes the switch, she becomes a lot more likable and happy. Actually rather sweet towards the end as well.
• Nick. Conflicted on him. Generally a good guy but eh. I don’t find him particularly endearing, especially compared to the Layne heroes that I do adore. With that being said, he is still a nice guy. A bit of an idiot at times, but he tries to do the right thing. Also, I adore that scene where he helps Taylor set up the Mario Kart stuff and plays with her because she insists.
• The romance – not my cup of tea to be honest. In the beginning, especially during the flashbacks, it is all about the, “oh darn bad timing, just missed it.” I’m not a fan of that trope. This romance develops – but develops perhaps too slowly. When they do finally get together, the book gets a lot better and the characters are less irritating.
• I love the supportive friends in this, especially Brit. Also, seeing Daisy and Lincoln again is great.
• I got a little teary-eyed at the end. I’m a sap. I admit it. Even for books that I don’t entirely love.
• Oh, the angst.
• Honestly not a fan of books with an extended prologue of flashbacks. Considering that it covers about 1 year of events, I guess it is pretty fast. Still, I’m not a big fan.
Overall, 2 stars. Not my cup of tea. I appreciate some of the developments, especially in the 2nd half of the book.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
What age level would be appropriate?
I think it comes down to the tropes. I’m not a fan of certain tropes.
Here are some random thoughts in no particular order:
• Taylor: I can relate to her very much in some of her thought processes. However, she does disappoint me sometimes throughout the book. On one hand, I appreciate her character development to see what/who she deserves. On the other hand, I’m like, Seriously, get over him, he’s a douchebag. Why would you want someone back who is currently dating someone else? Especially if that other girl is a good person. She took way to get it together. However, after she learns and makes the switch, she becomes a lot more likable and happy. Actually rather sweet towards the end as well.
• Nick. Conflicted on him. Generally a good guy but eh. I don’t find him particularly endearing, especially compared to the Layne heroes that I do adore. With that being said, he is still a nice guy. A bit of an idiot at times, but he tries to do the right thing. Also, I adore that scene where he helps Taylor set up the Mario Kart stuff and plays with her because she insists.
• The romance – not my cup of tea to be honest. In the beginning, especially during the flashbacks, it is all about the, “oh darn bad timing, just missed it.” I’m not a fan of that trope. This romance develops – but develops perhaps too slowly. When they do finally get together, the book gets a lot better and the characters are less irritating.
• I love the supportive friends in this, especially Brit. Also, seeing Daisy and Lincoln again is great.
• I got a little teary-eyed at the end. I’m a sap. I admit it. Even for books that I don’t entirely love.
• Oh, the angst.
• Honestly not a fan of books with an extended prologue of flashbacks. Considering that it covers about 1 year of events, I guess it is pretty fast. Still, I’m not a big fan.
Overall, 2 stars. Not my cup of tea. I appreciate some of the developments, especially in the 2nd half of the book.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
What age level would be appropriate?
February 4, 2019
No, this isn't about Taylor Swift or her songs. However, the MC's name is actually Taylor. Coincidence? I think so.
In I Knew You Were Trouble you will meet Taylor, Bradley, and Nick. No, it's not a love triangle because that would be gross. Nope Bradley is Taylor's ex-boyfriend who decided to dump her on their moving day was a great idea. God, men are idiots. Now Taylor was an interesting character. She's deemed an ice princess, which I've heard a time or two in books. Then there's Bradley, and he just seems like a douche. A complete and total douche. Then there's Nick, who is like the bad boy of this entire thing.. but also the perfect guy for her.
The romance, chemistry, and everything else between these two was cute. The smut was way better than I thought it would be. Then there's their bantering.. and eh, it was annoying at time but I could see the sexual tension.
Overall, this book was surprisingly good. I flew through this audio and now I'm wondering why I started with book 4 instead of 1. I will definitely have to fix that and dive into the beginning of this series stat!
In I Knew You Were Trouble you will meet Taylor, Bradley, and Nick. No, it's not a love triangle because that would be gross. Nope Bradley is Taylor's ex-boyfriend who decided to dump her on their moving day was a great idea. God, men are idiots. Now Taylor was an interesting character. She's deemed an ice princess, which I've heard a time or two in books. Then there's Bradley, and he just seems like a douche. A complete and total douche. Then there's Nick, who is like the bad boy of this entire thing.. but also the perfect guy for her.
The romance, chemistry, and everything else between these two was cute. The smut was way better than I thought it would be. Then there's their bantering.. and eh, it was annoying at time but I could see the sexual tension.
Overall, this book was surprisingly good. I flew through this audio and now I'm wondering why I started with book 4 instead of 1. I will definitely have to fix that and dive into the beginning of this series stat!
June 8, 2017
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
I need to stop reading Lauren Layne - either I've aged a lot suddenly or her characters have become more and more immature. Here Nick, a part-time contractor for Oxford magazine, and Taylor, a full-time member of the advertising department, are endlessly and needlessly rude to one another. (This is when they are not mentally assessing the attractiveness of every other character they encounter - "hotness" seems to be a defining personality trait in this book.) It was petty and unpleasant to read - not "banter". Nothing happens at all plot-wise apart from people having relationships and breaking up with people and then getting back together with them etc etc. Bradley, a sometime love interest of Taylor's, who she comes to realize is "boring", is the character on whom the storyline hangs. Literally nothing happens until about a third of the way into the book, when things pick up slightly.
I disliked the last few chapters in many different ways. I just don't think this is a match made in heaven.
I need to stop reading Lauren Layne - either I've aged a lot suddenly or her characters have become more and more immature. Here Nick, a part-time contractor for Oxford magazine, and Taylor, a full-time member of the advertising department, are endlessly and needlessly rude to one another. (This is when they are not mentally assessing the attractiveness of every other character they encounter - "hotness" seems to be a defining personality trait in this book.) It was petty and unpleasant to read - not "banter". Nothing happens at all plot-wise apart from people having relationships and breaking up with people and then getting back together with them etc etc. Bradley, a sometime love interest of Taylor's, who she comes to realize is "boring", is the character on whom the storyline hangs. Literally nothing happens until about a third of the way into the book, when things pick up slightly.
I disliked the last few chapters in many different ways. I just don't think this is a match made in heaven.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 763 reviews