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Love Unexpectedly #3
Love Story
Over the course of one wild road trip, feuding childhood sweethearts get a second chance at love in this charming rom-com—a standalone novel from the USA Today bestselling author of Blurred Lines and Good Girl.
When Lucy Hawkins receives a job offer in San Francisco, she can’t wait to spread her wings and leave her small Virginia hometown behind. Her close-knit family supports her as best they can, by handing over the keys to a station wagon that’s seen better days. The catch? The cross-country trip comes with a traveling companion: her older brother’s best friend, aka the guy who took Lucy’s virginity hours before breaking her heart.
After spending the past four years and every last dime caring for his sick father, Reece Sullivan will do just about anything to break free of the painful memories—even if it means a two-week road trip with the one girl who’s ever made it past his carefully guarded exterior. But after long days of bickering in the car turn into steamy nights in secluded motel rooms, Reece learns that, when it comes to Lucy, their story is far from over. And this time, they just might have a shot at a happy ending.
When Lucy Hawkins receives a job offer in San Francisco, she can’t wait to spread her wings and leave her small Virginia hometown behind. Her close-knit family supports her as best they can, by handing over the keys to a station wagon that’s seen better days. The catch? The cross-country trip comes with a traveling companion: her older brother’s best friend, aka the guy who took Lucy’s virginity hours before breaking her heart.
After spending the past four years and every last dime caring for his sick father, Reece Sullivan will do just about anything to break free of the painful memories—even if it means a two-week road trip with the one girl who’s ever made it past his carefully guarded exterior. But after long days of bickering in the car turn into steamy nights in secluded motel rooms, Reece learns that, when it comes to Lucy, their story is far from over. And this time, they just might have a shot at a happy ending.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 586 reviews
February 6, 2017
*****3.5 STARS*****
He kisses me on and on, and slowly I feel my doubts disappear. I let myself believe, just for a second, that he wants me the way I want him.
Lauren Layne has written another story with a couple of my favorite tropes- ”in love with the older brother’s best friend” & “second chance romance”. The premise had me so excited about this one – a sexy & brooding Hero and a sassy Heroine on the outs and forced to endure each other’s company on a two-week road trip across the U.S. There was sure to be a lot of heat due to the tension that existed between the H & h, and I can confirm that there are several steamy moments that will please readers, but this reader was more than a little annoyed with the constant push and pull between the two characters. I was literally exhausted from all the trips between the past and the present during the story and more than that, the immaturity of the Hero began to chip away at my patience.
Lucy and Reece have been friends since their early childhood days. Reece was Lucy’s older brother Craig’s, best friend, and her family unofficially adopted him as their own once his mother passed away and his family life kind of fell apart. Reece had always been protective of Lucy and she harbored a crush on him almost from the start. If Reece were being truly honest with himself, he’d admit that Lucy pretty much had his heart from the beginning too. Things get serious between them when Lucy is eighteen and Reece is nineteen, but Reece’s insecurities cause him to do something really stupid which ends up tearing the couple apart. Lucy goes off to college with a broken heart and leaves Reece behind back home. They see each other briefly, several years later at Reece’s father’s funeral and then once more when Lucy is twenty-four and Reece is twenty-five. They’re both moving across the country to Napa to start new jobs and Lucy’s parents give them their old car as their form of transportation. Neither are particularly happy about being travel buddies as they still haven’t gotten over their painful past. Two people with years worth of hurt and animosity, spending almost every waking hour together for two weeks straight in such close proximity seems to be a recipe for disaster.
For most of the road trip Reece and Lucy alternate between sexy innuendos and heated arguments. Lucy still hasn’t gotten over how Reece’s stupid actions tore them apart six years ago. Reece still holds on to the ridiculous notion that he’s not good enough for Lucy and that she’ll only end up leaving him just like she did when she went off to college. Reece’s insecurities, to me, seemed unfounded and for that reason, I had a hard time finding him a swoon-worthy book boyfriend. Lucy was clearly putting herself out there to him and he was just completely blind and lacked the confidence to realize that he was everything to her.
The story wasn’t a complete disappointment for me, there were some really tender moments from their childhood that touched my heart and the steamy moments throughout held my interest. I wanted these two to get over all of their immature insecurities and give love another shot. There was no denying that they had white hot chemistry sparking between them.
LOVE STORY releases on Valentine’s Day! I think those of you who love angst-filled romances just might enjoy this one.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Story-Une...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-...
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
_Love_Story?id=UlRcDAAAQBAJ
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id11...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
He kisses me on and on, and slowly I feel my doubts disappear. I let myself believe, just for a second, that he wants me the way I want him.
Lauren Layne has written another story with a couple of my favorite tropes- ”in love with the older brother’s best friend” & “second chance romance”. The premise had me so excited about this one – a sexy & brooding Hero and a sassy Heroine on the outs and forced to endure each other’s company on a two-week road trip across the U.S. There was sure to be a lot of heat due to the tension that existed between the H & h, and I can confirm that there are several steamy moments that will please readers, but this reader was more than a little annoyed with the constant push and pull between the two characters. I was literally exhausted from all the trips between the past and the present during the story and more than that, the immaturity of the Hero began to chip away at my patience.
Lucy and Reece have been friends since their early childhood days. Reece was Lucy’s older brother Craig’s, best friend, and her family unofficially adopted him as their own once his mother passed away and his family life kind of fell apart. Reece had always been protective of Lucy and she harbored a crush on him almost from the start. If Reece were being truly honest with himself, he’d admit that Lucy pretty much had his heart from the beginning too. Things get serious between them when Lucy is eighteen and Reece is nineteen, but Reece’s insecurities cause him to do something really stupid which ends up tearing the couple apart. Lucy goes off to college with a broken heart and leaves Reece behind back home. They see each other briefly, several years later at Reece’s father’s funeral and then once more when Lucy is twenty-four and Reece is twenty-five. They’re both moving across the country to Napa to start new jobs and Lucy’s parents give them their old car as their form of transportation. Neither are particularly happy about being travel buddies as they still haven’t gotten over their painful past. Two people with years worth of hurt and animosity, spending almost every waking hour together for two weeks straight in such close proximity seems to be a recipe for disaster.
For most of the road trip Reece and Lucy alternate between sexy innuendos and heated arguments. Lucy still hasn’t gotten over how Reece’s stupid actions tore them apart six years ago. Reece still holds on to the ridiculous notion that he’s not good enough for Lucy and that she’ll only end up leaving him just like she did when she went off to college. Reece’s insecurities, to me, seemed unfounded and for that reason, I had a hard time finding him a swoon-worthy book boyfriend. Lucy was clearly putting herself out there to him and he was just completely blind and lacked the confidence to realize that he was everything to her.
The story wasn’t a complete disappointment for me, there were some really tender moments from their childhood that touched my heart and the steamy moments throughout held my interest. I wanted these two to get over all of their immature insecurities and give love another shot. There was no denying that they had white hot chemistry sparking between them.
LOVE STORY releases on Valentine’s Day! I think those of you who love angst-filled romances just might enjoy this one.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Story-Une...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-...
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
_Love_Story?id=UlRcDAAAQBAJ
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id11...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
July 16, 2022
If you're looking for a story with tons of angst and you're a fan of constant pushing and pulling between protagonists, then you're really going to enjoy this story.
Reece is Lucy's brother's best friend. They met when they were kids and had a connection all their own. Over time, as they grew, those friendly feelings grew with them and became more. When Lucy was 18 years old (Reece was 19), they were in love, without actually telling each other. Reece ultimately breaks Lucy's heart and it seems their story was over before it even began.
Six years later, both Lucy and Reece are prepared to start over in California. Separately. Unfortunately, their family has other ideas and complicates matters. They find themselves stuck together on a two-week road trip, destined to either kill each other or fall in love all over again.
Although I enjoyed the premise of the story immensely, I wasn't a fan of how immature the characters acted. Their bad behavior and poor communication skills frustrated me. It took them until the over the 90% mark to finally get their heads out of their asses. The rest of the time they're bickering, being petty, and lashing out. I was also disappointed that there wasn't more grovelling from Reece. He was pretty mean and all I got for the trouble was:
For me, it wasn't enough and so the ending fell flat. Otherwise, I liked the banter, the bits of drama, and the idea of the broken hero that had some redeemable qualities, even if they were very well hidden.
Release Date: February 14, 2017
Genre: Second Chance Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Steam: 2.5 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone (Book 3 of the Love Unexpectedly series)
Reece is Lucy's brother's best friend. They met when they were kids and had a connection all their own. Over time, as they grew, those friendly feelings grew with them and became more. When Lucy was 18 years old (Reece was 19), they were in love, without actually telling each other. Reece ultimately breaks Lucy's heart and it seems their story was over before it even began.
Six years later, both Lucy and Reece are prepared to start over in California. Separately. Unfortunately, their family has other ideas and complicates matters. They find themselves stuck together on a two-week road trip, destined to either kill each other or fall in love all over again.
Although I enjoyed the premise of the story immensely, I wasn't a fan of how immature the characters acted. Their bad behavior and poor communication skills frustrated me. It took them until the over the 90% mark to finally get their heads out of their asses. The rest of the time they're bickering, being petty, and lashing out. I was also disappointed that there wasn't more grovelling from Reece. He was pretty mean and all I got for the trouble was:
"Lucy Hawkins was my girl. Now she's my woman. And I'm her man. She'd better start getting used to the idea."
For me, it wasn't enough and so the ending fell flat. Otherwise, I liked the banter, the bits of drama, and the idea of the broken hero that had some redeemable qualities, even if they were very well hidden.
Release Date: February 14, 2017
Genre: Second Chance Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Steam: 2.5 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone (Book 3 of the Love Unexpectedly series)
February 5, 2017
3 STARS
Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books
Parents mean well. They always want to help but sometimes they don't mind throwing you under the bus by doing so. Lucy is supposed to start her new job in California in two weeks - her car however decides to break down shortly before she wants to leave her childhood home. Her parents come up with a genius plan. Since her (secret) ex-boyfriend, the cheater, is heading the same way, why not share the family car to get there? Lucy is everything but thrilled but not much she can do as the car was promised to Reece to begin with.
Reece is seething. He has to deal with his ex for two weeks. The girl who used to mean everything to him. How are they supposed to stay civil when there is nothing but bad blood and hard feelings between them now. When they leave they both are dead-set on keeping away from each other. As their journey progresses each of them tries hard not to let the other one see what they both know is still there: their insane sexual chemistry and a hurt so deep that neither of them is over it yet.
This story is told in both first person POVs and in flashbacks outlining Reece's and Lucy's friendship from when they were kids to the day they fell apart. While this is always a bit hard to pull off it worked with this book and I attribute it to the length of the flashback chapters. They aren't overly long, just the right size. And through these chapters I learned who they were and it made it possible for me to view Reece in a better light. Because you see, he was really hard to love.
I'm usually very easy on the heroes in books and the heroines usually have it harder winning me over. This time it was the opposite. I love my alphaholes like the next girl but Reece was unfortunately too much of a jerk to Lucy and I just couldn't connect with him. Granted, he had abandonment issues and insecurities but boy, the guy was testy. If it hadn't been for the sweet connection of their childhood I would have given up on him. He was despicable to Lucy at times and he really deserved acasual hard kick in his family jewels.
Ouch.
He keeps repeating in his inner monologues that Lucy is a childish brat, when the only one acting like one is him.
Double - ouch.
Lucy didn't let him get away with it, thankfully. While she had big reservations in the beginning of their road trip she tried, yet and again, to be nice and stay civil. I really admired how she stood up to her ex-boyfriend who hurt her so badly and didn't let him drag her down. Which was a feat in my book since Reece really was an idiot a lot of times. I alternately screamed at my kindle or rolled my eyes at it. In the end I had a hard time rooting for them and thought Lucy deserved better.
While this wasn't a complete winner for me it still had a lot of enjoyable moments. It was a quick, surprisingly angsty read with the road trip feel when you get to travel through the country, driving in a car, listening to whatever is on the radio and without having to hurry to get to your goal. Again, the reminder to not let my review sway you. We all have different expectations from a story so it might be totally down your alley!
Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books
Parents mean well. They always want to help but sometimes they don't mind throwing you under the bus by doing so. Lucy is supposed to start her new job in California in two weeks - her car however decides to break down shortly before she wants to leave her childhood home. Her parents come up with a genius plan. Since her (secret) ex-boyfriend, the cheater, is heading the same way, why not share the family car to get there? Lucy is everything but thrilled but not much she can do as the car was promised to Reece to begin with.
Reece is seething. He has to deal with his ex for two weeks. The girl who used to mean everything to him. How are they supposed to stay civil when there is nothing but bad blood and hard feelings between them now. When they leave they both are dead-set on keeping away from each other. As their journey progresses each of them tries hard not to let the other one see what they both know is still there: their insane sexual chemistry and a hurt so deep that neither of them is over it yet.
"Go tell your family goodbye. Let's get this nightmare on the road."
Right. Right. Because heaven forbid we put off the inevitable of finishing what we started years ago: destroying each other.
This story is told in both first person POVs and in flashbacks outlining Reece's and Lucy's friendship from when they were kids to the day they fell apart. While this is always a bit hard to pull off it worked with this book and I attribute it to the length of the flashback chapters. They aren't overly long, just the right size. And through these chapters I learned who they were and it made it possible for me to view Reece in a better light. Because you see, he was really hard to love.
Lucy crawled on her hands and knees over to him, and he noticed the smashed Kleenex box in her hand. Without the slightest bit of hesitation, she sat beside him on the platform, swinging her legs around to dangle like his, and handed Reece the Kleenex box.
I'm usually very easy on the heroes in books and the heroines usually have it harder winning me over. This time it was the opposite. I love my alphaholes like the next girl but Reece was unfortunately too much of a jerk to Lucy and I just couldn't connect with him. Granted, he had abandonment issues and insecurities but boy, the guy was testy. If it hadn't been for the sweet connection of their childhood I would have given up on him. He was despicable to Lucy at times and he really deserved a
"See, I just watched the way you attempted to juggle multiple girlfriends and failed, and then did the exact opposite."
He glances at me then, a mocking smile on his face.
"Oh sweetheart. When did I ever claim you as my girlfriend?"
Ouch.
He keeps repeating in his inner monologues that Lucy is a childish brat, when the only one acting like one is him.
"Bullshit," he snaps, before lowering his voice and leaning forward. "You're the reason we ... broke up. Shit, were we even dating?"
I lean forward. "I sure as hell thought so when I handed over my V card."
His eyes narrow. "You act like you handed it over easily. Like it didn't take me all goddamn summer to get into your pants."
Double - ouch.
Lucy didn't let him get away with it, thankfully. While she had big reservations in the beginning of their road trip she tried, yet and again, to be nice and stay civil. I really admired how she stood up to her ex-boyfriend who hurt her so badly and didn't let him drag her down. Which was a feat in my book since Reece really was an idiot a lot of times. I alternately screamed at my kindle or rolled my eyes at it. In the end I had a hard time rooting for them and thought Lucy deserved better.
While this wasn't a complete winner for me it still had a lot of enjoyable moments. It was a quick, surprisingly angsty read with the road trip feel when you get to travel through the country, driving in a car, listening to whatever is on the radio and without having to hurry to get to your goal. Again, the reminder to not let my review sway you. We all have different expectations from a story so it might be totally down your alley!
February 15, 2017
She thinks he cheated. He thinks he isn’t good enough for her, but making too many wrong turn during their cross country road trip they finally make a right turn and find themselves getting a second chance at love in this agonizingly sweet story.
Lucy Hawkins is ready to start the job of her dreams in San Francisco she only has to get there, she only has one problem: her car died and the only way to get there is taking her family’s old station wagon along with her older brother’s best friend. The same friend she’s known since they were children, the one she had a crush on, the one no one knew she’d been in love with. The same friend who after taking her virginity shattered her heart six years ago.
After burying his father, Reece Sullivan has no one left and his small town only holds sorrow. Anxious for a fresh start in wine country California, he agrees to go on a two week road trip that promises long torturous days with the only person who’s ever seen past his surly façade and is now likely to kill him in his sleep. But the familiar connection he’s always felt with Lucy soon comes to the fore along with their explosive attraction. Can they forgive the heartache they’ve inflicted in the past to carve a happy future together?
I love Lauren Layne’s books. I haven’t missed a single one knowing they’re guaranteed entertainment because she’s adept at writing from fun, flirty and hot, to heartbreakingly tragic, to drive you crazy with antagonistic banter.
I really enjoy a frenemies to lovers story especially when there’s a shared history between the couple. I find the back and forth sparing and animosity wholly amusing and that it’s a good source for sexual tension. Right of the bat Reece and Lucy bicker like nobody’s business. The anger between them is palpable. They have a lot of unresolved feelings for each other but they also care deep down for one another and have an undeniable attraction. They’re perfect for one another, they just can’t see past their hurt feelings.
Even though they drove me a bit nutty with so much bickering, I couldn’t help but like both Reece and Lucy. I felt so much for all of Reece’s loss. He never had an easy life, but was happy to know that he had Lucy and her family there for him, of course he kept everyone at arm’s length to save himself further pain hiding behind a thick wall of stubbornness with a coat of hurtfulness which Lucy easily threw back at him with equal force.
As they travel through the country in close quarters they slowly let their guard down and begin to open up once again and through flashbacks that go way back to their early childhood we learn how their friendship developed and just how deep their connection is and eventually they learn navigate their turbulent relationship into a the beautiful one it was always meant to be.
As an aside that has little to do with the story but a lot to do with my personal enjoyment, I LOVED Lucy’s totally nerdy nickname: Spock. Yes, based on Leonard Ninmoy’s Star Trek character.
Love Story is book #3 in the Love Unexpectedly series by Lauren Layne. It is a standalone contemporary romance. Told from both points of view and has a happy ending.
Excerpt -> http://bit.ly/2j645kF
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2leXEQv
* 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
Found this post on another blog... it's cool! There's a letter from Reece to Lucy -> http://www.truestorybookblog.com/2017...
Lucy Hawkins is ready to start the job of her dreams in San Francisco she only has to get there, she only has one problem: her car died and the only way to get there is taking her family’s old station wagon along with her older brother’s best friend. The same friend she’s known since they were children, the one she had a crush on, the one no one knew she’d been in love with. The same friend who after taking her virginity shattered her heart six years ago.
“I was eight years old when I gave my heart to Reece Sullivan. I was eighteen when he shattered it into a million pieces.”
After burying his father, Reece Sullivan has no one left and his small town only holds sorrow. Anxious for a fresh start in wine country California, he agrees to go on a two week road trip that promises long torturous days with the only person who’s ever seen past his surly façade and is now likely to kill him in his sleep. But the familiar connection he’s always felt with Lucy soon comes to the fore along with their explosive attraction. Can they forgive the heartache they’ve inflicted in the past to carve a happy future together?
I love Lauren Layne’s books. I haven’t missed a single one knowing they’re guaranteed entertainment because she’s adept at writing from fun, flirty and hot, to heartbreakingly tragic, to drive you crazy with antagonistic banter.
“We may hate each other, but we’re a part of each other. Moth to flame.”
I really enjoy a frenemies to lovers story especially when there’s a shared history between the couple. I find the back and forth sparing and animosity wholly amusing and that it’s a good source for sexual tension. Right of the bat Reece and Lucy bicker like nobody’s business. The anger between them is palpable. They have a lot of unresolved feelings for each other but they also care deep down for one another and have an undeniable attraction. They’re perfect for one another, they just can’t see past their hurt feelings.
“My heart’s had barbed wire around it for a good sex years now, and there’s absolutely zero chance that the person to slip beneath my protective walls is going to be the one who caused those walls to go up in the first place.”
Even though they drove me a bit nutty with so much bickering, I couldn’t help but like both Reece and Lucy. I felt so much for all of Reece’s loss. He never had an easy life, but was happy to know that he had Lucy and her family there for him, of course he kept everyone at arm’s length to save himself further pain hiding behind a thick wall of stubbornness with a coat of hurtfulness which Lucy easily threw back at him with equal force.
“It keeps happening this way with us, and I’m damn sick of it. Push pull, flirt fight, laugh.”
As they travel through the country in close quarters they slowly let their guard down and begin to open up once again and through flashbacks that go way back to their early childhood we learn how their friendship developed and just how deep their connection is and eventually they learn navigate their turbulent relationship into a the beautiful one it was always meant to be.
“Mine. Always mine. Lightning flashes, thunder barks, and the wind rips the rain viciously against us, but I don’t notice. I’m not aware of anything but her and her warmth.”
As an aside that has little to do with the story but a lot to do with my personal enjoyment, I LOVED Lucy’s totally nerdy nickname: Spock. Yes, based on Leonard Ninmoy’s Star Trek character.
Love Story is book #3 in the Love Unexpectedly series by Lauren Layne. It is a standalone contemporary romance. Told from both points of view and has a happy ending.
Excerpt -> http://bit.ly/2j645kF
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2leXEQv
* 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
Found this post on another blog... it's cool! There's a letter from Reece to Lucy -> http://www.truestorybookblog.com/2017...
January 20, 2018
Come on, tell me now : this can't have been written by Lauren Layne. It lacked the spark, the fun, the compelling writing, the hot sex scenes of her other works. As far as I'm concerned, Love Story was so fucking dry and boring and tasteless and also really badly written? I'm quite baffled? Sure enough, I have not liked every one of her books. Yet all of them managed to make me care, even for a short moment. Love Story never did. Hard pass.
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November 6, 2017
So, let me get the good stuff out of the way before I go on a bit of a tear here. I've enjoyed pretty much all of Layne's books so far. Some have been out of this world amazing, some of been hilarious but just okay, but never has one of her romances pissed me off like LOVE STORY.
I liked the setting; I liked that this was set around winemaking and the various elements (making vs serving) that acted as a sort of background backbone to the story with these two. The flashbacks between Reece and Lucy were the only good parts of their relationship. And I thought the epilogue was cute. Everything else in between made me want to throw myself into traffic. Mostly because of Reece.
It isn't often that I wish a romance starring NA'ers, aka twentyfour and twentyfive year olds, were instead being played by YA'ers. Mostly to excuse to ridiculous behaviour of the "hero".
For those playing the home game, let me give you one little (well, it went from little to long, sorry) glimpse into this man's behaviour. Halfway into the story, after a back and forth of hate and blame and guilt and flashback glimpses into their almost-sibling-like relationship that transitioned into something hot and heavy before splintering, he confesses that -- back then -- she mattered to him. She confronts him to verify, because he never once gave her that impression (spoiler : he cheated on her) and instead of answering he gives her this big epic dramatic makeout in a shitty motel parking lot while torrential rain falls down around them ala The Notebook. When his internal bitchy childish inner monologue gets the better of him he pulls away, she asks why, and he follows it up by saying, "think whatever you want of me, I'm done pretending your opinion matters."
This is also after him feeling her up on a dancefloor after she catches her current boyfriend cheating on her; after he randomly kisses her at the side of the road; calls her "mine" multiple times; bangs on her hotel room door to kiss her as punishment for "being so gorgeous".. yeah, this is a guy who is really good at making him, and his feelings, clear. It would be tough to suffer through this if the protag was seventeen, eighteen, maybe. But twentyfive?
And he's the one claiming to be more heartbroken. Because she went off to college (BOOHOO) which had always been her plan, (and by the way, he constantly mocks her for her ambition and degree, which, I mean.. I can't even go there right now actually).. and he only did this tiny thing of cheating on her with his exgirlfriend. Yeah, he definitely has more reason to hate her. Mhmm, yes, sure.
This isn't a love story. It's a morality tale on how to treat no one ever. Or : How To Be A Douchebag 101.
I really wish I could lay all my problems at Reece's feet but alas, though he deserved probably 98% of the blame, as much as I liked Lucy's attitude and drive, and felt for her and her frustrations during all the hot and cold back and forth, she was also pretty shit at communicating (one scene has Reece calling on her for asking everything of him while withholding all her feelings, too, and yeah he scored a point there) and a little spineless at times. She apparently only grew a replacement right near the end.. convenient.
"I signed up for some classes."
"Okay. What kind of classes. Like, how not to be an asshole?" <-- Too little too late, Luce.
The only saving grace here for me is that this was literally the last book in the Love Unexpectedly series I had to get caught up. It was also the one that took the longest to get ahold of via Overdrive. Though having now read it I can maybe understand why it took most readers every single second of those twenty one days to push through. Hard to believe the same author who gave me WALK OF SHAME also wrote this. I think a title swap is in need.
Anyway, I'm over it, I'm moving on, and still very much looking forward to whatever Layne puts out next. Though maybe I'll avoid her next hate-to-love until someone tells me it's safe.
1.5 "the only endgame this reader wanted was the end pages" stars
I liked the setting; I liked that this was set around winemaking and the various elements (making vs serving) that acted as a sort of background backbone to the story with these two. The flashbacks between Reece and Lucy were the only good parts of their relationship. And I thought the epilogue was cute. Everything else in between made me want to throw myself into traffic. Mostly because of Reece.
It isn't often that I wish a romance starring NA'ers, aka twentyfour and twentyfive year olds, were instead being played by YA'ers. Mostly to excuse to ridiculous behaviour of the "hero".
For those playing the home game, let me give you one little (well, it went from little to long, sorry) glimpse into this man's behaviour. Halfway into the story, after a back and forth of hate and blame and guilt and flashback glimpses into their almost-sibling-like relationship that transitioned into something hot and heavy before splintering, he confesses that -- back then -- she mattered to him. She confronts him to verify, because he never once gave her that impression (spoiler : he cheated on her) and instead of answering he gives her this big epic dramatic makeout in a shitty motel parking lot while torrential rain falls down around them ala The Notebook. When his internal bitchy childish inner monologue gets the better of him he pulls away, she asks why, and he follows it up by saying, "think whatever you want of me, I'm done pretending your opinion matters."
This is also after him feeling her up on a dancefloor after she catches her current boyfriend cheating on her; after he randomly kisses her at the side of the road; calls her "mine" multiple times; bangs on her hotel room door to kiss her as punishment for "being so gorgeous".. yeah, this is a guy who is really good at making him, and his feelings, clear. It would be tough to suffer through this if the protag was seventeen, eighteen, maybe. But twentyfive?
And he's the one claiming to be more heartbroken. Because she went off to college (BOOHOO) which had always been her plan, (and by the way, he constantly mocks her for her ambition and degree, which, I mean.. I can't even go there right now actually).. and he only did this tiny thing of cheating on her with his exgirlfriend. Yeah, he definitely has more reason to hate her. Mhmm, yes, sure.
This isn't a love story. It's a morality tale on how to treat no one ever. Or : How To Be A Douchebag 101.
I really wish I could lay all my problems at Reece's feet but alas, though he deserved probably 98% of the blame, as much as I liked Lucy's attitude and drive, and felt for her and her frustrations during all the hot and cold back and forth, she was also pretty shit at communicating (one scene has Reece calling on her for asking everything of him while withholding all her feelings, too, and yeah he scored a point there) and a little spineless at times. She apparently only grew a replacement right near the end.. convenient.
"I signed up for some classes."
"Okay. What kind of classes. Like, how not to be an asshole?" <-- Too little too late, Luce.
The only saving grace here for me is that this was literally the last book in the Love Unexpectedly series I had to get caught up. It was also the one that took the longest to get ahold of via Overdrive. Though having now read it I can maybe understand why it took most readers every single second of those twenty one days to push through. Hard to believe the same author who gave me WALK OF SHAME also wrote this. I think a title swap is in need.
Anyway, I'm over it, I'm moving on, and still very much looking forward to whatever Layne puts out next. Though maybe I'll avoid her next hate-to-love until someone tells me it's safe.
1.5 "the only endgame this reader wanted was the end pages" stars
February 9, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I enjoyed this sweet little romance. I am amazed by how consistantly good Lauren Layne's romance have been and this book is no exception. This was a really quick read for me. I read the whole thing in just a few hours but it didn't feel like a small book. There was really a lot going on in this story and it all worked well. I had a really nice time learning Lucy and Reece's love story.
Lucy and Reece have known each other forever. Almost forever at least. Reece is Lucy's older brother's best friend and he has been almost like an extra family member since he was in grade school. Lucy is only one year behind her brother and Reece in school so they really grew up together in a lot of ways. This story was filled with scenes from their past together which were a lot of fun to read and brought a lot ot the story.
Lucy and Reece were a couple back when they were teenagers. It didn't last long and ended very poorly when Lucy found Reece kissing his ex. Their relationship has never recovered and they both still have a hard time getting along with each other. Lucy and Reece are both moving to the West Coast and Lucy's parents push them into making the drive together. Lucy has a detailed plan of all the things she wants to see on the way to California and wants to take two weeks to make the trip.
I liked Lucy and Reece. They obviously had a lot of strong feelings about everything that had happened in their past. At the start of the trip, they were very angry with each other but as they spent more time with each other the chemistry became obvious. Reece was a good guy and the more we learned about him the more I liked him. Lucy was a lot of fun. I could tell how much pain she still carried due to her break up with Reece but she has worked hard to move on with her life. I really could see them as a couple and thought that their relationship seem authentic.
I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This is a quick and incredibly satisfying story that was a lot of fun to read. This book is listed as the third book in a series but the books in this series aren't really connected so this book reads as a stand alone story. I can't wait to read more from Lauren Layne soon!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I liked Lucy and Reece a lot and thought that their history together really added to the story. I found this story to be sweet, romantic, and sexy. I had a lot of fun with this quick read.
I enjoyed this sweet little romance. I am amazed by how consistantly good Lauren Layne's romance have been and this book is no exception. This was a really quick read for me. I read the whole thing in just a few hours but it didn't feel like a small book. There was really a lot going on in this story and it all worked well. I had a really nice time learning Lucy and Reece's love story.
Lucy and Reece have known each other forever. Almost forever at least. Reece is Lucy's older brother's best friend and he has been almost like an extra family member since he was in grade school. Lucy is only one year behind her brother and Reece in school so they really grew up together in a lot of ways. This story was filled with scenes from their past together which were a lot of fun to read and brought a lot ot the story.
Lucy and Reece were a couple back when they were teenagers. It didn't last long and ended very poorly when Lucy found Reece kissing his ex. Their relationship has never recovered and they both still have a hard time getting along with each other. Lucy and Reece are both moving to the West Coast and Lucy's parents push them into making the drive together. Lucy has a detailed plan of all the things she wants to see on the way to California and wants to take two weeks to make the trip.
I liked Lucy and Reece. They obviously had a lot of strong feelings about everything that had happened in their past. At the start of the trip, they were very angry with each other but as they spent more time with each other the chemistry became obvious. Reece was a good guy and the more we learned about him the more I liked him. Lucy was a lot of fun. I could tell how much pain she still carried due to her break up with Reece but she has worked hard to move on with her life. I really could see them as a couple and thought that their relationship seem authentic.
I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This is a quick and incredibly satisfying story that was a lot of fun to read. This book is listed as the third book in a series but the books in this series aren't really connected so this book reads as a stand alone story. I can't wait to read more from Lauren Layne soon!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I liked Lucy and Reece a lot and thought that their history together really added to the story. I found this story to be sweet, romantic, and sexy. I had a lot of fun with this quick read.
February 12, 2017
3.5 "We're in trouble here..." Stars!
The third book in Lauren Layne’s Love Unexpectedly series offers up a road-trip of sorts between two childhood friends, turned lovers, turned enemies.
Lauren is an author whose writing I never struggle to read, and for the most part all of the books I have read by her have been enjoyable, Love Story wasn’t a struggle, I pretty much read it in one sitting, but for me the connection between Reece and Lucy lacked a little of the spark that I have come to expect from this authors couples now.
"let’s get this nightmare on the road."
This is a couple that have been through the wringer together from a very early age, and told from dual POV as well as dipping back to their younger years at points, you pretty much take that journey from childhood to adult with them both to the present, as they drive across the country in a beat up truck called… Horny.
"We may hate each other, but we’re a part of each other."
As I said I didn’t struggle to read this book at all, but I generally read a book by this author in a perpetual state of excitement, and that kind of fizzled out quickly for me with this one, the constant merry-go-round with them battling with each other over every little thing on the journey, coupled with the odd gesture of kindness lacked any real backbone for me, and it felt more like they were behaving that way because the author thought they should rather than their personalities dictated.
Damn but I want her. Always her. Maybe only her.
I know what you are saying, the author gave them their personalities so how can I be saying they were acting out of character? But for me they just both seemed too nice in general to be acting as they were towards each other. The reason for the conflict again seemed a tad flimsy for the level of dislike, especially from Reece’s perspective, but again I will reiterate, I did not struggle to read the book.
Not my favorite book by Lauren Layne, but then I have had such a long and illustrious line of winners from this author in the last couple of years it stands to reason that at some point something isn’t going to quite hit the high level of expectation I have from her now. I’d still recommend it if you are looking for a quick and easy read to get you through a few hours of inactivity.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
The third book in Lauren Layne’s Love Unexpectedly series offers up a road-trip of sorts between two childhood friends, turned lovers, turned enemies.
Lauren is an author whose writing I never struggle to read, and for the most part all of the books I have read by her have been enjoyable, Love Story wasn’t a struggle, I pretty much read it in one sitting, but for me the connection between Reece and Lucy lacked a little of the spark that I have come to expect from this authors couples now.
"let’s get this nightmare on the road."
This is a couple that have been through the wringer together from a very early age, and told from dual POV as well as dipping back to their younger years at points, you pretty much take that journey from childhood to adult with them both to the present, as they drive across the country in a beat up truck called… Horny.
"We may hate each other, but we’re a part of each other."
As I said I didn’t struggle to read this book at all, but I generally read a book by this author in a perpetual state of excitement, and that kind of fizzled out quickly for me with this one, the constant merry-go-round with them battling with each other over every little thing on the journey, coupled with the odd gesture of kindness lacked any real backbone for me, and it felt more like they were behaving that way because the author thought they should rather than their personalities dictated.
Damn but I want her. Always her. Maybe only her.
I know what you are saying, the author gave them their personalities so how can I be saying they were acting out of character? But for me they just both seemed too nice in general to be acting as they were towards each other. The reason for the conflict again seemed a tad flimsy for the level of dislike, especially from Reece’s perspective, but again I will reiterate, I did not struggle to read the book.
Not my favorite book by Lauren Layne, but then I have had such a long and illustrious line of winners from this author in the last couple of years it stands to reason that at some point something isn’t going to quite hit the high level of expectation I have from her now. I’d still recommend it if you are looking for a quick and easy read to get you through a few hours of inactivity.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
February 23, 2017
4-3.5 Stars
I loved this one at times but also felt it was just meh sometimes. I'm not sure I felt the love between these two. I think I needed more of them together during the summer before she left for college. We got a back story on them both here and there about when they were kids and I loved that the most but I still needed more of the summer fling that made them enemies. The conflict between them annoyed me. Ugh! They both pissed me off! I don't know. This was my least favorite in this series so far.
However I loved that the family station wagon was named Horny because of her brother and all the action that the car got. Hahahaha!!
The tension between Lucy and Reece was thick and when it finally came to a head it was explosive and I loved that too.
Will I be reading more of this series? Hell yes! Love LL and her enemies to lovers are the best!! Can't wait for the next book. This book can be read as a standalone along with the others. Hope you try them out and enjoy:))
I loved this one at times but also felt it was just meh sometimes. I'm not sure I felt the love between these two. I think I needed more of them together during the summer before she left for college. We got a back story on them both here and there about when they were kids and I loved that the most but I still needed more of the summer fling that made them enemies. The conflict between them annoyed me. Ugh! They both pissed me off! I don't know. This was my least favorite in this series so far.
However I loved that the family station wagon was named Horny because of her brother and all the action that the car got. Hahahaha!!
The tension between Lucy and Reece was thick and when it finally came to a head it was explosive and I loved that too.
Will I be reading more of this series? Hell yes! Love LL and her enemies to lovers are the best!! Can't wait for the next book. This book can be read as a standalone along with the others. Hope you try them out and enjoy:))
March 13, 2017
FIVE ROAD TRIP STARS.
"I’ll never leave if you don’t want me to."
I unapologetically love this authors writing. I've been struggling of late to find that perfect fit with the books that I've been choosing to read. But this book was like meeting up with a long lost friend and finally feeling at ease. The sweet, the mild angst, the steam - all of it was strung together to make the perfect reading time and I really couldn't have asked for more.
What's it all about?
Best selling author, Lauren Layne has released another book in her 'love unexpectedly' series. A book that can be read as a standalone but is grouped together in a series that is linked by circumstance rather than character based. Layne has written the perfect, 'older brothers best friend' tale with a road trip themed twist. A new adult emerging into the contemporary trope this book featured the best of the past and future for these characters and it couldn't have fit my tastes more perfectly.
What did I love?
This book was the very definition of the slow burn in romance books that I adore. It had the right amount of peeking into their feelings for each other, without them actually acknowledging the elephant in the room till well into the book. I loved how the characters were frustrating, but loveable, in complete love but vulnerable about their feelings. It had the right mix of 'hate to love you' and ended with just the right amount of angst. The hero won me over and the heroine was all kinds of relatable. This was the kind of romance that wasn't all sweetness and light, the characters made mistakes and stepped out of line but for my tastes this all added to the enjoyment. I loved the past snippets that were given throughout the storytelling it added a little depth, comedy and swoon to the book. From beginning to end I was won over.
Final thoughts ...
If you love the push and pull of a slow burn romance with some bad mistakes and misunderstandings thrown in for good measure along they way then you are most certainly going to love what Layne has provided here. As for me I have zero issues confessing I'm in love with this authors writing. Enjoy ... kisses.
"I’ll never leave if you don’t want me to."
I unapologetically love this authors writing. I've been struggling of late to find that perfect fit with the books that I've been choosing to read. But this book was like meeting up with a long lost friend and finally feeling at ease. The sweet, the mild angst, the steam - all of it was strung together to make the perfect reading time and I really couldn't have asked for more.
What's it all about?
Best selling author, Lauren Layne has released another book in her 'love unexpectedly' series. A book that can be read as a standalone but is grouped together in a series that is linked by circumstance rather than character based. Layne has written the perfect, 'older brothers best friend' tale with a road trip themed twist. A new adult emerging into the contemporary trope this book featured the best of the past and future for these characters and it couldn't have fit my tastes more perfectly.
What did I love?
This book was the very definition of the slow burn in romance books that I adore. It had the right amount of peeking into their feelings for each other, without them actually acknowledging the elephant in the room till well into the book. I loved how the characters were frustrating, but loveable, in complete love but vulnerable about their feelings. It had the right mix of 'hate to love you' and ended with just the right amount of angst. The hero won me over and the heroine was all kinds of relatable. This was the kind of romance that wasn't all sweetness and light, the characters made mistakes and stepped out of line but for my tastes this all added to the enjoyment. I loved the past snippets that were given throughout the storytelling it added a little depth, comedy and swoon to the book. From beginning to end I was won over.
Final thoughts ...
If you love the push and pull of a slow burn romance with some bad mistakes and misunderstandings thrown in for good measure along they way then you are most certainly going to love what Layne has provided here. As for me I have zero issues confessing I'm in love with this authors writing. Enjoy ... kisses.
Shelved as 'dnf-lost-interest'
March 14, 2017DNF
February 21, 2017
I quickly devoured Love Story in one sitting, and absolutely adored Lucy Hawkins and Reece Sullivan. Their friendship was volatile, hot and filled with history that we got to witness through flashbacks. It was all centered around a road trip which made for a cute, fun read, that left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside when I finished that last page.
Lucy and Reece have known each other almost their whole lives, since Reece is Lucy's brother's best friend. After his mother died, when he was a little boy, he became an even bigger part of Lucy's world. Her family took him in, to a certain extent. But from the beginning, Lucy couldn't help fall for Reece. Even if she knew he only saw her as his best friend's little sister. They were the truest of friends, until they pushed their relationship past the friendship boundary. And from that point on, they barely spoke to each other.
Years later, they're both headed to California for new jobs, and they end up getting stuck together for a road trip. A two-week road trip. Oh this made me so giddy! Because from just those first few minutes being together in the car, I couldn't stop smiling. Sexual tension and friendship simmered and exploded between the two of them. So emotions definitely flew high, and it made for an exciting trip that was filled with tears, jealousy, anger, and lots of desire!
My favorite thing about this story was definitely the characters. They were the reasons I read this book in one sitting! First off, Reece. I love tortured men, and Reece played the part perfectly. He was highly jaded from his past, since everyone he loved except Lucy's family left him in one way or another. Yet he seems to harbors so much anger and hatred towards Lucy. And I was dumbstruck why . Things she would say or do would set him off so easily, he was so explosive towards her. Which felt ironic to me, since it was his fault their relationship blew up in a fiery inferno. So Reece was a fun mystery to unravel! And his moments of tenderness that alternated with want towards Lucy made me easily fall for him.
I liked Lucy from the get go. She was driven and knew exactly what she wanted in life. Whether it was her future job or Reece. But what made me really connect to her were the flashbacks. I loved watching their friendship unfold right from the start! BUT the flashbacks didn't feel seamless to me. Each and every time I desperately wanted to stay in the present, even though I loved the moments the flashbacks showed. I just wish they would have fit in a little differently to the story-line.
So Love Story was an enjoyable, quick read that I easily devoured. While I guessed how a few things turned out, it didn't take away from how much fun their story was. And just so you know, each book in this series is a standalone and the characters don't interact with one another from book to book. Except they did listen to a Jenny Dawson song on the radio woohoo, which was a shout out to Good Girl. If you adore road trips and hate to love stories, then there’s a good chance you’ll like Love Story too!
PS The nicknames were kinda different.... Spock, Horny ummm okay lol.
*Quotes used from ARC and may be changed with final copy*
*ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
He laughs, and my heart hurts at the flood of memories. Of how we used to talk so easily, how we used to laugh so much . . .
Lucy and Reece have known each other almost their whole lives, since Reece is Lucy's brother's best friend. After his mother died, when he was a little boy, he became an even bigger part of Lucy's world. Her family took him in, to a certain extent. But from the beginning, Lucy couldn't help fall for Reece. Even if she knew he only saw her as his best friend's little sister. They were the truest of friends, until they pushed their relationship past the friendship boundary. And from that point on, they barely spoke to each other.
“Not at all,” I say sweetly. “See, I just watched the way you attempted to juggle multiple girlfriends and failed, and then did the exact opposite.”
He glances at me then, a mocking smile on his face. “Oh, sweetheart. When did I ever claim you as my girlfriend?”
I suck in a quick breath, because it’s one of the more hurtful things he can say— dismissing that summer as though it were nothing.
Years later, they're both headed to California for new jobs, and they end up getting stuck together for a road trip. A two-week road trip. Oh this made me so giddy! Because from just those first few minutes being together in the car, I couldn't stop smiling. Sexual tension and friendship simmered and exploded between the two of them. So emotions definitely flew high, and it made for an exciting trip that was filled with tears, jealousy, anger, and lots of desire!
I glance down at my towel, considering throwing some clothes on first, but then I shrug. It’s just Reece.
My inner skank rolls her eyes. There’s never been anything just Reece about what’s between us.
A fact I’m reminded of when I open the door and his gaze rakes over me.
My favorite thing about this story was definitely the characters. They were the reasons I read this book in one sitting! First off, Reece. I love tortured men, and Reece played the part perfectly. He was highly jaded from his past, since everyone he loved except Lucy's family left him in one way or another. Yet he seems to harbors so much anger and hatred towards Lucy. And I was dumbstruck why . Things she would say or do would set him off so easily, he was so explosive towards her. Which felt ironic to me, since it was his fault their relationship blew up in a fiery inferno. So Reece was a fun mystery to unravel! And his moments of tenderness that alternated with want towards Lucy made me easily fall for him.
When she held out her small hand expectantly for the card, he took a deep breath and handed it over, meeting her eyes. “Thank you. For staying with me.”
Lucy blinked , looking a little confused, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world that she’d spend an afternoon with a crybaby.
Then she gave him a small smile, looking a little shy for the first time since going to him, as though she’d just realized something. “I’ll never leave if you don’t want me to.”
I liked Lucy from the get go. She was driven and knew exactly what she wanted in life. Whether it was her future job or Reece. But what made me really connect to her were the flashbacks. I loved watching their friendship unfold right from the start! BUT the flashbacks didn't feel seamless to me. Each and every time I desperately wanted to stay in the present, even though I loved the moments the flashbacks showed. I just wish they would have fit in a little differently to the story-line.
I blow out a breath. “Thanks.”
“For?”
I pluck at the hotel comforter. “For yesterday. For coming after me and holding me, even though I know you hate me.”
I hold my breath, waiting for him to confirm that he doesn’t hate me. Which is stupid. He has no reason to hate me. He’s the one who ruined things.
I hold my breath anyway. Deny it. Say you miss me like I miss you.
There’s a rustling noise, then the creak of a crappy couch. “Night, Lucy.”
So Love Story was an enjoyable, quick read that I easily devoured. While I guessed how a few things turned out, it didn't take away from how much fun their story was. And just so you know, each book in this series is a standalone and the characters don't interact with one another from book to book. Except they did listen to a Jenny Dawson song on the radio woohoo, which was a shout out to Good Girl. If you adore road trips and hate to love stories, then there’s a good chance you’ll like Love Story too!
PS The nicknames were kinda different.... Spock, Horny ummm okay lol.
*Quotes used from ARC and may be changed with final copy*
*ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
March 2, 2017
4 'Horny will get you there' stars!
What's it about? Reece and Lucy have been each other's rock since Reece's mother died when he was nine years old, and eight year old Lucy spent the afternoon by his side in a tree house, trying to comfort him in the only way she knew. As they grew up they became friends and eventually, high school lovers. Until both their hearts broke. Six years later, or eight (meh, can't remember) and the two find themselves on a two-week car trip across the country... and old skeletons just won't stay in the closet this time!
The best bit: Reece's stand-offish attitude and dialogue in the beginning of the book.
The worst bit: Unfortunately, Reece ended up being just another guy who didn't have the balls to talk to Lucy about his feelings.
"He's a big coward who couldn’t handle the fact that I was going to college, so he ditched me before I could ditch him."
This is pretty much spot on.
Recommended for: fans of second chance romance who don't mind rushed endings, ridiculously OTT resolutions in an epilogue and conflict based on misunderstandings.
A great, fun, easy read.
What's it about? Reece and Lucy have been each other's rock since Reece's mother died when he was nine years old, and eight year old Lucy spent the afternoon by his side in a tree house, trying to comfort him in the only way she knew. As they grew up they became friends and eventually, high school lovers. Until both their hearts broke. Six years later, or eight (meh, can't remember) and the two find themselves on a two-week car trip across the country... and old skeletons just won't stay in the closet this time!
The best bit: Reece's stand-offish attitude and dialogue in the beginning of the book.
The worst bit: Unfortunately, Reece ended up being just another guy who didn't have the balls to talk to Lucy about his feelings.
"He's a big coward who couldn’t handle the fact that I was going to college, so he ditched me before I could ditch him."
This is pretty much spot on.
Recommended for: fans of second chance romance who don't mind rushed endings, ridiculously OTT resolutions in an epilogue and conflict based on misunderstandings.
A great, fun, easy read.
October 27, 2019
Lucy Hawkins fresca fresca di laurea sta per raggiungere il suo futuro posto di lavoro a San Francisco, una strada spianata ed una nuova vita che inizia. Reece Sallivan dopo aver perso tutte le persone che ama ha deciso di cambiare aria e di trasferirsi nella Napa Valley, un posto nuovo in cui non conoscendo nessuno non corre il rischio di essere compatito ed in cui può finalmente dimostrare qualcosa a se stesso. Due persone, un’unica metà ed un viaggio sulla via del vino da dover per forza di cose affrontare insieme...nulla di più semplice se non fosse che le persone in questione si detestano da morire. Due futuri un unico passato che ritorna ingombro di non detti e reciproche recriminazioni, due cuori spezzati che dovranno trovare un bagliore di luce anche attraverso la sofferenza più dura.
E se la trama non è nulla di nuovo il bello è il modo in cui viene raccontata, la scrittura è sempre fluida e mai noiosa tanto che non si può non farsi intenerire da questi due ragazzi cocciuti ed anche un po’ immaturi, ma di una dolcezza assolutamente coinvolgente.
E se la trama non è nulla di nuovo il bello è il modo in cui viene raccontata, la scrittura è sempre fluida e mai noiosa tanto che non si può non farsi intenerire da questi due ragazzi cocciuti ed anche un po’ immaturi, ma di una dolcezza assolutamente coinvolgente.
February 13, 2017
24 year old Lucy is finally done with school. She’s landed her dream job at a winery in Napa, California.
And after a saying good-bye to her family she’s planning on driving cross-country to take in some sights she might never visit again. But her car dies before she can leave and her parents graciously gift her the old family car. Which has been lovingly fixed by her brother’s best friend Reece. The guy she’s loved since she was only eight years old. The guy that broke her heart after having sex with her when she was 18.
And now she has to spend two weeks in a small car with him? Because he’s coming to Cali too! He’s got a job at another winery. He needs a change of scenery after taking care of his dying dad for so long.
Off they go – on the road-trip that will either end up with them killing each other…. or the road-trip that might just be the exact thing both of them needed….
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO LUCY & REECE!!!
I really enjoyed this story. It was so adorable!
We have this story that’s happening now in the present, but we also go back in time to when they were 8 and then 16 et cetera. Just too cute – and moving and…ugh…I just loved it! And I’m not really a fan of going back in time in my books! But it was really adorable to see how they went from best friends as kids to falling in love, to breaking each other’s hearts. Ugh.
And the present. Just as adorable. They’re fighting and arguing and hating each other. But they’re also still horribly in love with each other – only they don’t know it – yet!
LOVE STORY was a really adorable and sweet and moving and sexy second-chance…LOVE STORY ☺ Run to your nearest amazon to find out how Lucy & Reece will finally find their HEA with each other!
♡
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♡
♡
February 17, 2017
If I could I would change the title of this book to
A Very Generic Love Story
Serious talk everything about this book is generic. It was also hard for me to get into the book when both main characters did not act like adults. They're so unlikable. And not to mention have zero chemistry with each other.
I don't like how the Hero cheapened the heroine's dreams and ambitions just because they weren't aligned with his. That's disrespectful and he kept doing that throughout the book, and was very vocal about it too.
Also the Hero was acting as if the heroine didn't have a right to feel the way she did about him cheating on her.
And the heroine was just plain annoying. Enough said.
Serious talk everything about this book is generic. It was also hard for me to get into the book when both main characters did not act like adults. They're so unlikable. And not to mention have zero chemistry with each other.
I don't like how the Hero cheapened the heroine's dreams and ambitions just because they weren't aligned with his. That's disrespectful and he kept doing that throughout the book, and was very vocal about it too.
Also the Hero was acting as if the heroine didn't have a right to feel the way she did about him cheating on her.
And the heroine was just plain annoying. Enough said.
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 20, 2017Didn't like the hero. Not at all.
Ditto with the heroine.
Ditto with the heroine.
March 3, 2017
4 stars!
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This a story of Lucy and Reece, a friends to lovers and second chances!
I really love Ms. Layne’s writing. It’s always so direct and fun! There are also so many emotions that you get pulled into Ms. Layne’s world. The plot is known but nice. The story is said by dual POV (Lucy’s and Reece’s) with few chapters on third person that are related to the past. My issue with this book was these flashbacks. I couldn’t understand the connection of each flashback with what was actually happening. I thought that the flashbacks are in chronological order but that wasn’t the case. Then, I’ve noticed few similarities between the “then” and the “now”. To be honest, I am happy to know what happened among Lucy and Reece in the past but I didn’t enjoy the flashbacks.
Lucy is a strong woman with dreams and ambitions! I see nothing wrong to it! I actually love her reactions and her sassy ways. She is fun! Lucy has also a very caring side that keeps well protected and hidden because she is afraid to be hurt. I can understand it up to a point.
Reece is a mess! The guy doesn’t know what he wants, how to get it or if he should have it at all! I can understand him too up to a point but this point was reached much faster than Lucy’s! Once all his walls are down and the hard exterior is off, Reece is amazing! I am happy that I could read his POV because I could see his transformation better. I think otherwise I wouldn’t enjoy this book.
Their interactions were fantastic! I loved their hate period with the strong comments! I loved their past! And I totally loved their present connection! It was fire! So intense! So beautiful! Honestly I wouldn’t fall for someone like Reece but I could totally see Lucy and Reece being together! They were perfect for each other!
The end of the story was also nice! I love HEA’s with a point. I mean Lucy and Reece couldn’t be together in the past so something had to change in order to achieve a HEA this time and I am happy that Ms. Layne made the heroes to grow and change! I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series!
I definitely recommend this book to everyone who love a funny, intense, sexy romance!
ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This a story of Lucy and Reece, a friends to lovers and second chances!
I really love Ms. Layne’s writing. It’s always so direct and fun! There are also so many emotions that you get pulled into Ms. Layne’s world. The plot is known but nice. The story is said by dual POV (Lucy’s and Reece’s) with few chapters on third person that are related to the past. My issue with this book was these flashbacks. I couldn’t understand the connection of each flashback with what was actually happening. I thought that the flashbacks are in chronological order but that wasn’t the case. Then, I’ve noticed few similarities between the “then” and the “now”. To be honest, I am happy to know what happened among Lucy and Reece in the past but I didn’t enjoy the flashbacks.
Lucy is a strong woman with dreams and ambitions! I see nothing wrong to it! I actually love her reactions and her sassy ways. She is fun! Lucy has also a very caring side that keeps well protected and hidden because she is afraid to be hurt. I can understand it up to a point.
Reece is a mess! The guy doesn’t know what he wants, how to get it or if he should have it at all! I can understand him too up to a point but this point was reached much faster than Lucy’s! Once all his walls are down and the hard exterior is off, Reece is amazing! I am happy that I could read his POV because I could see his transformation better. I think otherwise I wouldn’t enjoy this book.
Their interactions were fantastic! I loved their hate period with the strong comments! I loved their past! And I totally loved their present connection! It was fire! So intense! So beautiful! Honestly I wouldn’t fall for someone like Reece but I could totally see Lucy and Reece being together! They were perfect for each other!
The end of the story was also nice! I love HEA’s with a point. I mean Lucy and Reece couldn’t be together in the past so something had to change in order to achieve a HEA this time and I am happy that Ms. Layne made the heroes to grow and change! I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series!
I definitely recommend this book to everyone who love a funny, intense, sexy romance!
February 15, 2017
4 stars
I really enjoyed reading Love Story.
The storyline was entertaining, the plot and characters captured my interest from the very first page and held it until the last.
Watching Reece and Lucy's relationship unfold was like riding an emotional roller coaster.
They made me smile, they made me laugh, they frustrated me with some of the things that came out of their mouths (especially Reece, I wanted to slap him a few times for the hurtful way he spoke to Lucy) and they made me swoon.
I loved the way author Lauren Layne switches from the past to the present, we get to see how their friendship started, how their loved developed and then how it imploded leaving them both hurting and lashing out in the present.
From the beginning I could feel the attraction/chemistry between Reece and Lucy. Even when they were arguing over the smallest things I felt the sexual tension slowly sizzle and I loved it when they finally gave into it.
The road to their HEA wasn't easy, but with time, a few tears, open and honest communication Reece and Lucy finally get there and I was thrilled for them.
Overall, Love Story by Lauren Layne was a beautifully written second chance romance that will bring out all the feels and leave you with a smile on your face.
Purchase Links~
Amazon--> https://www.amazon.com/Love-Story-Une...
B&N--> http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-...…
Google--> https://play.google.com/…/detai…/Laur...…
iTunes--> https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id11...
Kobo--> https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
*Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
I really enjoyed reading Love Story.
The storyline was entertaining, the plot and characters captured my interest from the very first page and held it until the last.
Watching Reece and Lucy's relationship unfold was like riding an emotional roller coaster.
They made me smile, they made me laugh, they frustrated me with some of the things that came out of their mouths (especially Reece, I wanted to slap him a few times for the hurtful way he spoke to Lucy) and they made me swoon.
I loved the way author Lauren Layne switches from the past to the present, we get to see how their friendship started, how their loved developed and then how it imploded leaving them both hurting and lashing out in the present.
From the beginning I could feel the attraction/chemistry between Reece and Lucy. Even when they were arguing over the smallest things I felt the sexual tension slowly sizzle and I loved it when they finally gave into it.
The road to their HEA wasn't easy, but with time, a few tears, open and honest communication Reece and Lucy finally get there and I was thrilled for them.
Overall, Love Story by Lauren Layne was a beautifully written second chance romance that will bring out all the feels and leave you with a smile on your face.
Purchase Links~
Amazon--> https://www.amazon.com/Love-Story-Une...
B&N--> http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-...…
Google--> https://play.google.com/…/detai…/Laur...…
iTunes--> https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id11...
Kobo--> https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
*Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
February 10, 2017
ARC from NetGalley and Publisher for honest review.
Lucy Hawkins and Reece Sullivan have know each other since they were children. Reece and Lucy's brother were best friends and Reece practically lived in the Hawkins home. Lucy has loved Reece forever and had hopes of a possible relationship. But just before she heads off to college he makes it clear nothing would ever happen between them and breaks her heart. Reece never felt he was good enough for Lucy and felt this was the best way to protect her. Lucy believes Reece cheated on her and Reece believes she's just a spoiled girl.
Years latter each has entered the wine country industry and are working to further their career with a move to the California wine country. Lucy's parents come up with a plan for the two to make a two week trip together down to California using their car as Lucy's car died.
The trip is one filled with a lot of sparing, sparks and animosity. The two are total opposites and have a lot of unresolved hurts and secrets.We have flash backs of their past childhood and the development of their relationship. As the trip progresses they begin to open up and old and new feelings are revealed, as well as past hurts resolved.
I found the second chance story line overall as good. But the characters to me were one demential with no real depth. Their sparing back and forth seemed juvenile and irritating. I didn't really come to care or like the main characters, especially Reece. I worked on finishing this one and found it disappointing.
Lucy Hawkins and Reece Sullivan have know each other since they were children. Reece and Lucy's brother were best friends and Reece practically lived in the Hawkins home. Lucy has loved Reece forever and had hopes of a possible relationship. But just before she heads off to college he makes it clear nothing would ever happen between them and breaks her heart. Reece never felt he was good enough for Lucy and felt this was the best way to protect her. Lucy believes Reece cheated on her and Reece believes she's just a spoiled girl.
Years latter each has entered the wine country industry and are working to further their career with a move to the California wine country. Lucy's parents come up with a plan for the two to make a two week trip together down to California using their car as Lucy's car died.
The trip is one filled with a lot of sparing, sparks and animosity. The two are total opposites and have a lot of unresolved hurts and secrets.We have flash backs of their past childhood and the development of their relationship. As the trip progresses they begin to open up and old and new feelings are revealed, as well as past hurts resolved.
I found the second chance story line overall as good. But the characters to me were one demential with no real depth. Their sparing back and forth seemed juvenile and irritating. I didn't really come to care or like the main characters, especially Reece. I worked on finishing this one and found it disappointing.
November 3, 2019
4.5🌟
Lo devo ammettere: i libri che raccontano storie d'amore on the road sono tra i miei preferiti. Ho un debole per i viaggi, e soprattutto per gli States, un mio grande sogno è visitarli in un viaggio in macchina uno per uno. Quindi, capite bene che appena ho letto la trama ho capito che dovevo buttarmi capofitto nella lettura, infatti non appena ho avuto la copia sul kindle l'ho iniziato!
Ho uno strano rapporto con Lauren Layne, ci sono un paio di suoi libri che non mi sono piaciuti e altri che invece ho adorato, quindi ero un po' spaventata quando ho iniziato "Una strada inaspettata", visto quanto sono appassionata di amori che nascono in viaggio. Poi, ho iniziato a leggere il prologo e sono capitolata. Mi sono innamorata di poche semplici frasi.
"A volte la vita non va come l'avevi pianificata a otto anni. A volte la vita comprende cuori infranti, una gomma a terra, un'autentica alluvione, e qualche squallida camera di motel lungo la strada.
Mi chiamo Lucy Hawkins.
Lui si chiama Reece Sullivan.
E questa è la nostra storia. "
Sono entrata in questa storia in punta di piedi e non pensavo che, soprattutto i racconti passati, mi toccassero così profondamente. Mi ha emozionata più volte, è stato un bellissimo viaggio poter leggere e sentire le emozioni sulla mia pelle.
Le ambientazioni sono descritte in modo abbastanza superficiale e avrei preferito qualcosa in più visto che si parlava di una storia costruita in diversi posti, ma comunque hanno mantenuta viva la mia attenzione anche cambiando stato velocemente. Non mi sono mai annoiata o messa in disparte, la Laulyne da qualche libro a questa parte sceglie di "parlare" con la lettrice palesandosi attraverso la scrittura e, anche se nell'ultimo libro non mi era piaciuto questo aspetto perché capitava di rado e spezzava l'armonia della narrazione, in questo libro è stata costante e l'ho trovato divertente.
La scrittura anche questa è molto semplice e veloce, senza tempi morti e piena di accadimenti. Il tutto condito con sana ironia e una dose di scorrevolezza.
"Una strada inaspettata" è un romance secondo chance, il pov si alterna tra prima persona alternato tra i protagonisti al presente e alcuni capitoli riguardanti il passato in terza persona, e seppur sembra confusionario detto così, vi assicuro che quest'ultimi relativi agli anni addietro mi sono piaciuti e mi hanno catapultata nella loro storia.
Alcuni aspetti non mi hanno convinta fino alla fine del libro, ma Lauren Layne è riuscita a non farmici pensare troppo. La chiusura non mi ha soddisfatta e anche la velocità di "riappacificazione" però posso ritenermi abbastanza soddisfatta, perché come dicevo, l'autrice è riuscita a farmi focalizzare su altri aspetti.
Entrambi i protagonisti mi sono piaciuti molto, mi sono affezionata a loro e ne ho capito ogni scelta.
È una storia basata su un'amicizia durata anni, un legame profondo e sincero. Un racconto di un amore doloroso e generoso. Seppur pensavo che ci fosse dell'egoismo ogni mio pensiero è stato stroncato sul nascere dopo piccole pagine. È un romanzo che merita la pena di essere letto, anche perché scivola via in poche ore, e lo consiglio a chiunque ami le storie che nel tempo si riparano.
Lo devo ammettere: i libri che raccontano storie d'amore on the road sono tra i miei preferiti. Ho un debole per i viaggi, e soprattutto per gli States, un mio grande sogno è visitarli in un viaggio in macchina uno per uno. Quindi, capite bene che appena ho letto la trama ho capito che dovevo buttarmi capofitto nella lettura, infatti non appena ho avuto la copia sul kindle l'ho iniziato!
Ho uno strano rapporto con Lauren Layne, ci sono un paio di suoi libri che non mi sono piaciuti e altri che invece ho adorato, quindi ero un po' spaventata quando ho iniziato "Una strada inaspettata", visto quanto sono appassionata di amori che nascono in viaggio. Poi, ho iniziato a leggere il prologo e sono capitolata. Mi sono innamorata di poche semplici frasi.
"A volte la vita non va come l'avevi pianificata a otto anni. A volte la vita comprende cuori infranti, una gomma a terra, un'autentica alluvione, e qualche squallida camera di motel lungo la strada.
Mi chiamo Lucy Hawkins.
Lui si chiama Reece Sullivan.
E questa è la nostra storia. "
Sono entrata in questa storia in punta di piedi e non pensavo che, soprattutto i racconti passati, mi toccassero così profondamente. Mi ha emozionata più volte, è stato un bellissimo viaggio poter leggere e sentire le emozioni sulla mia pelle.
Le ambientazioni sono descritte in modo abbastanza superficiale e avrei preferito qualcosa in più visto che si parlava di una storia costruita in diversi posti, ma comunque hanno mantenuta viva la mia attenzione anche cambiando stato velocemente. Non mi sono mai annoiata o messa in disparte, la Laulyne da qualche libro a questa parte sceglie di "parlare" con la lettrice palesandosi attraverso la scrittura e, anche se nell'ultimo libro non mi era piaciuto questo aspetto perché capitava di rado e spezzava l'armonia della narrazione, in questo libro è stata costante e l'ho trovato divertente.
La scrittura anche questa è molto semplice e veloce, senza tempi morti e piena di accadimenti. Il tutto condito con sana ironia e una dose di scorrevolezza.
"Una strada inaspettata" è un romance secondo chance, il pov si alterna tra prima persona alternato tra i protagonisti al presente e alcuni capitoli riguardanti il passato in terza persona, e seppur sembra confusionario detto così, vi assicuro che quest'ultimi relativi agli anni addietro mi sono piaciuti e mi hanno catapultata nella loro storia.
Alcuni aspetti non mi hanno convinta fino alla fine del libro, ma Lauren Layne è riuscita a non farmici pensare troppo. La chiusura non mi ha soddisfatta e anche la velocità di "riappacificazione" però posso ritenermi abbastanza soddisfatta, perché come dicevo, l'autrice è riuscita a farmi focalizzare su altri aspetti.
Entrambi i protagonisti mi sono piaciuti molto, mi sono affezionata a loro e ne ho capito ogni scelta.
È una storia basata su un'amicizia durata anni, un legame profondo e sincero. Un racconto di un amore doloroso e generoso. Seppur pensavo che ci fosse dell'egoismo ogni mio pensiero è stato stroncato sul nascere dopo piccole pagine. È un romanzo che merita la pena di essere letto, anche perché scivola via in poche ore, e lo consiglio a chiunque ami le storie che nel tempo si riparano.
January 7, 2017
4.5 Stars!
This is a beautiful blend of the forbidden romance, friends to lover, and second chance romance. Lucy and Reece have known each other for years. Reece is her big brother’s best friend and has always been part of their family. Their friendship was always strong and as they got older they crossed the line to lovers. Through some misunderstanding, they part ways and have hated each other ever since. Can they find their way back to each other?
The story starts out with Reece and Lucy in present time. They have a burning hatred for each other, but buried down deep is also a burning love for one another. The key mystery in the story is what tore them apart; it definitely kept me reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed the flash backs of Reece and Lucy developing their friendship as children and then seeing their friendship develop into love. I’m a sucker for childhood love. It’s all so very sweet and innocent. It was well written and their love for one another was very palpable.
Eventually, the reason for their separation was revealed and honestly, it was a bit frustrating. It all came down to poor communication. If Reece and Lucy could have had one conversation about their insecurities, it would have solved a lot of heartache. I think Lucy had more reason to be upset than Reece. Both felt they were burned by one another, but while I hate to put blame, I think it was mostly Reece’s fault.
I’m happy to report that the ending is sweet and just my style. If you are a fan of friends to lover and second chance romance, you will love this story. It’s a sweet, feel good book perfect for snowy day. Happy Reading!!
This is a beautiful blend of the forbidden romance, friends to lover, and second chance romance. Lucy and Reece have known each other for years. Reece is her big brother’s best friend and has always been part of their family. Their friendship was always strong and as they got older they crossed the line to lovers. Through some misunderstanding, they part ways and have hated each other ever since. Can they find their way back to each other?
The story starts out with Reece and Lucy in present time. They have a burning hatred for each other, but buried down deep is also a burning love for one another. The key mystery in the story is what tore them apart; it definitely kept me reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed the flash backs of Reece and Lucy developing their friendship as children and then seeing their friendship develop into love. I’m a sucker for childhood love. It’s all so very sweet and innocent. It was well written and their love for one another was very palpable.
Eventually, the reason for their separation was revealed and honestly, it was a bit frustrating. It all came down to poor communication. If Reece and Lucy could have had one conversation about their insecurities, it would have solved a lot of heartache. I think Lucy had more reason to be upset than Reece. Both felt they were burned by one another, but while I hate to put blame, I think it was mostly Reece’s fault.
I’m happy to report that the ending is sweet and just my style. If you are a fan of friends to lover and second chance romance, you will love this story. It’s a sweet, feel good book perfect for snowy day. Happy Reading!!
March 25, 2017
Typically, I don't enjoy stories full of miscommunication or second chance romances BUT this one was so easy to read that I flew through it and ended up adoring this pair of ignorant idiots. Actually, I've really enjoyed the whole series so far.
September 13, 2021
whose love story are you talking about, exactly?
June 26, 2021
yeahhhh this just wasn’t it…
very boring and dramatic
very boring and dramatic
October 28, 2019
4.5🌟
Lo devo ammettere: i libri che raccontano storie d'amore on the road sono tra i miei preferiti. Ho un debole per i viaggi, e soprattutto per gli States, un mio grande sogno è visitarli in un viaggio in macchina uno per uno. Quindi, capite bene che appena ho letto la trama ho capito che dovevo buttarmi capofitto nella lettura, infatti non appena ho avuto la copia sul kindle l'ho iniziato!
Ho uno strano rapporto con Lauren Layne, ci sono un paio di suoi libri che non mi sono piaciuti e altri che invece ho adorato, quindi ero un po' spaventata quando ho iniziato "Una strada inaspettata", visto quanto sono appassionata di amori che nascono in viaggio. Poi, ho iniziato a leggere il prologo e sono capitolata. Mi sono innamorata di poche semplici frasi.
"A volte la vita non va come l'avevi pianificata a otto anni. A volte la vita comprende cuori infranti, una gomma a terra, un'autentica alluvione, e qualche squallida camera di motel lungo la strada.
Mi chiamo Lucy Hawkins.
Lui si chiama Reece Sullivan.
E questa è la nostra storia. "
Sono entrata in questa storia in punta di piedi e non pensavo che, soprattutto i racconti passati, mi toccassero così profondamente. Mi ha emozionata più volte, è stato un bellissimo viaggio poter leggere e sentire le emozioni sulla mia pelle.
Le ambientazioni sono descritte in modo abbastanza superficiale e avrei preferito qualcosa in più visto che si parlava di una storia costruita in diversi posti, ma comunque hanno mantenuta viva la mia attenzione anche cambiando stato velocemente. Non mi sono mai annoiata o messa in disparte, la Laulyne da qualche libro a questa parte sceglie di "parlare" con la lettrice palesandosi attraverso la scrittura e, anche se nell'ultimo libro non mi era piaciuto questo aspetto perché capitava di rado e spezzava l'armonia della narrazione, in questo libro è stata costante e l'ho trovato divertente.
La scrittura anche questa è molto semplice e veloce, senza tempi morti e piena di accadimenti. Il tutto condito con sana ironia e una dose di scorrevolezza.
"Una strada inaspettata" è un romance secondo chance, il pov si alterna tra prima persona alternato tra i protagonisti al presente e alcuni capitoli riguardanti il passato in terza persona, e seppur sembra confusionario detto così, vi assicuro che quest'ultimi relativi agli anni addietro mi sono piaciuti e mi hanno catapultata nella loro storia.
Alcuni aspetti non mi hanno convinta fino alla fine del libro, ma Lauren Layne è riuscita a non farmici pensare troppo. La chiusura non mi ha soddisfatta e anche la velocità di "riappacificazione" però posso ritenermi abbastanza soddisfatta, perché come dicevo, l'autrice è riuscita a farmi focalizzare su altri aspetti.
Entrambi i protagonisti mi sono piaciuti molto, mi sono affezionata a loro e ne ho capito ogni scelta.
È una storia basata su un'amicizia durata anni, un legame profondo e sincero. Un racconto di un amore doloroso e generoso. Seppur pensavo che ci fosse dell'egoismo ogni mio pensiero è stato stroncato sul nascere dopo piccole pagine. È un romanzo che merita la pena di essere letto, anche perché scivola via in poche ore, e lo consiglio a chiunque ami le storie che nel tempo si riparano.
Lo devo ammettere: i libri che raccontano storie d'amore on the road sono tra i miei preferiti. Ho un debole per i viaggi, e soprattutto per gli States, un mio grande sogno è visitarli in un viaggio in macchina uno per uno. Quindi, capite bene che appena ho letto la trama ho capito che dovevo buttarmi capofitto nella lettura, infatti non appena ho avuto la copia sul kindle l'ho iniziato!
Ho uno strano rapporto con Lauren Layne, ci sono un paio di suoi libri che non mi sono piaciuti e altri che invece ho adorato, quindi ero un po' spaventata quando ho iniziato "Una strada inaspettata", visto quanto sono appassionata di amori che nascono in viaggio. Poi, ho iniziato a leggere il prologo e sono capitolata. Mi sono innamorata di poche semplici frasi.
"A volte la vita non va come l'avevi pianificata a otto anni. A volte la vita comprende cuori infranti, una gomma a terra, un'autentica alluvione, e qualche squallida camera di motel lungo la strada.
Mi chiamo Lucy Hawkins.
Lui si chiama Reece Sullivan.
E questa è la nostra storia. "
Sono entrata in questa storia in punta di piedi e non pensavo che, soprattutto i racconti passati, mi toccassero così profondamente. Mi ha emozionata più volte, è stato un bellissimo viaggio poter leggere e sentire le emozioni sulla mia pelle.
Le ambientazioni sono descritte in modo abbastanza superficiale e avrei preferito qualcosa in più visto che si parlava di una storia costruita in diversi posti, ma comunque hanno mantenuta viva la mia attenzione anche cambiando stato velocemente. Non mi sono mai annoiata o messa in disparte, la Laulyne da qualche libro a questa parte sceglie di "parlare" con la lettrice palesandosi attraverso la scrittura e, anche se nell'ultimo libro non mi era piaciuto questo aspetto perché capitava di rado e spezzava l'armonia della narrazione, in questo libro è stata costante e l'ho trovato divertente.
La scrittura anche questa è molto semplice e veloce, senza tempi morti e piena di accadimenti. Il tutto condito con sana ironia e una dose di scorrevolezza.
"Una strada inaspettata" è un romance secondo chance, il pov si alterna tra prima persona alternato tra i protagonisti al presente e alcuni capitoli riguardanti il passato in terza persona, e seppur sembra confusionario detto così, vi assicuro che quest'ultimi relativi agli anni addietro mi sono piaciuti e mi hanno catapultata nella loro storia.
Alcuni aspetti non mi hanno convinta fino alla fine del libro, ma Lauren Layne è riuscita a non farmici pensare troppo. La chiusura non mi ha soddisfatta e anche la velocità di "riappacificazione" però posso ritenermi abbastanza soddisfatta, perché come dicevo, l'autrice è riuscita a farmi focalizzare su altri aspetti.
Entrambi i protagonisti mi sono piaciuti molto, mi sono affezionata a loro e ne ho capito ogni scelta.
È una storia basata su un'amicizia durata anni, un legame profondo e sincero. Un racconto di un amore doloroso e generoso. Seppur pensavo che ci fosse dell'egoismo ogni mio pensiero è stato stroncato sul nascere dopo piccole pagine. È un romanzo che merita la pena di essere letto, anche perché scivola via in poche ore, e lo consiglio a chiunque ami le storie che nel tempo si riparano.
February 25, 2018
Why oh Why must there always be a catch...
Have a new job offer and opportunity to break away from your Virginia home...
Be gifted by the folks a beat up station wagon to get you there...
Yeah...Until you find out the catch....
Did the righteous thing and took care of your dad till the end...
Want to escape all the memories and just leave it all behind...
Willing to do just about anything to make it all go away...
Sure...and Two Weeks with the only gal who touched your soul should do just fine...
This Cross Country Road Trip has all the markings for disaster...
His Best Friend's Sister...
Her First Love and Heart Break...
Oh, and lots of Motel Rooms, Close Quarters...
This is sure to be an Epic....
Love Story (Love Unexpectedly #3) - February 14th 2017
Blurred Lines (Love Unexpectedly, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Good Girl (Love Unexpectedly, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Have a new job offer and opportunity to break away from your Virginia home...
Be gifted by the folks a beat up station wagon to get you there...
Yeah...Until you find out the catch....
Did the righteous thing and took care of your dad till the end...
Want to escape all the memories and just leave it all behind...
Willing to do just about anything to make it all go away...
Sure...and Two Weeks with the only gal who touched your soul should do just fine...
This Cross Country Road Trip has all the markings for disaster...
His Best Friend's Sister...
Her First Love and Heart Break...
Oh, and lots of Motel Rooms, Close Quarters...
This is sure to be an Epic....
Love Story (Love Unexpectedly #3) - February 14th 2017
Blurred Lines (Love Unexpectedly, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Good Girl (Love Unexpectedly, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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February 13, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and Tasty Book Tours***
There are books that just work. You like and relate the characters, you believe enjoy story, the pacing and writing are perfect... all just falls into place.
Love Story is one of those books. Reece and Lucy were wonderful together. You wanted to know what happened in the past and you really want them to end up together as they are perfect for one another, they just happen to be the only ones who don't see it.
I loved the balance of the current events and the flashbacks as it let you really see that they are so much more than the fling from 6 years ago, that they have been there for one another in the big moments in life, in the moments that build the foundation of a relationship.
Second chance romances are some of my favorites and when they are done right, they can be the best of the best. This was done right. And, once again, Love Story reminded me that if Lauren Layne writes it, I'm going to read it. And I'm going to enjoy it. And it's going to leave me with that perfect feeling when you finish a book... you know, the one where you don't want to let go of the characters just yet.
I recommend this book.
***This and other reviews also featured on our blog “Booked All Night" http://bookedallnight.blogspot.com/***
There are books that just work. You like and relate the characters, you believe enjoy story, the pacing and writing are perfect... all just falls into place.
Love Story is one of those books. Reece and Lucy were wonderful together. You wanted to know what happened in the past and you really want them to end up together as they are perfect for one another, they just happen to be the only ones who don't see it.
I loved the balance of the current events and the flashbacks as it let you really see that they are so much more than the fling from 6 years ago, that they have been there for one another in the big moments in life, in the moments that build the foundation of a relationship.
Second chance romances are some of my favorites and when they are done right, they can be the best of the best. This was done right. And, once again, Love Story reminded me that if Lauren Layne writes it, I'm going to read it. And I'm going to enjoy it. And it's going to leave me with that perfect feeling when you finish a book... you know, the one where you don't want to let go of the characters just yet.
I recommend this book.
***This and other reviews also featured on our blog “Booked All Night" http://bookedallnight.blogspot.com/***
February 6, 2017
3 “Road trips and miscommunication” Stars
ARC via NetGalley
Thank you, Loveswept
This is my first Lauren Layne book and, yes, I can see the appeal. Although I had my fair share of problems with this story, I practically read this in one sitting, so there was definitely an element there keeping me interested.
This is a second chance love story involving road trips, tons of problems that could’ve been solved with better communication and two main characters who got on my nerve quite a bit.
Let me start with Lucy Hawkins, the woman who got a job across the country and planned on driving there alone, so she could stop on the way, visit some places she’d never have the opportunity to see otherwise and surprise her boyfriend. Yeah, the blurb fails to mention this boyfriend detail, except it’s not a detail when that same blurb hints at things getting hot and sexy between the two main characters while they’re still on the road.
When I first saw a mention of Lucy’s boyfriend, which was early on, I got angry. I didn’t want to go through a love story that was founded on cheating. Lucky for me this wasn’t the case. I guess leaving that part out of the blurb kind of made sense since it could’ve pushed away readers with the same fear as mine. Especially because the boyfriend wasn’t even in the story for too long. That raises the question: was he necessary for the story at all? I’d say no.
Anyway… Lucy faces a problem with her road trip plans when her car breaks down and she’s forced to travel in the company of Reece Sullivan, her brother’s BFF, her longtime crush, the guy who slept with her then cheated on her, therefore breaking her trust and heart.
You can see how I had a hard time warming up to Reece with an introduction like that, right?
Reece didn’t make things easier, because he’s pretty much rude and a jerk from moment on. I mean, okay, I can take that for a moment because he seems to be really angry at her for something, too. That something, I later learned, was leaving him like everyone else in his family did.
So, right away I get the sense that these two are really suffering from a serious case of “I-think-you-did-something-bad-but-you-actually-didn’t”. If only they sat down and talked about it.
Good thing they’ll have plenty of time to do that since they’ll be spending two weeks in a car with nothing else to do, right? Except they don’t talk at all. They bicker, fight over radio stations, dance around the reasons they resent each other, try to ignore the sexual tension. Anything but talk.
That’s when I start to lose my patience a little. The thing with a conflict based solely on lack of communication is that you have to find a way for the two people holding a grudge to be unable to communicate. Otherwise, why aren’t they talking? There has to be more than that. In Love Story there isn’t. The only thing keeping Reece and Lucy from learning the truth about their past is their own stubbornness.
This is especially jarring since the outcome of the conversation is pretty easy to figure out from moment one. We wouldn’t have a cheating love interest/main character, would we?
When we learn what truly happened all those years back, I’m afraid it doesn’t help Reece’s case at all. I was already not on Reece’s team because he continued to act a lot ruder than the situation called for, and the revelation only made him look worse. The whole thing behind the “cheating incident” was truly childish. To be completely fair to him, I can kind of see where he was coming from with all the things that had happened with his family, but it was still so immature of him to do what he did then. Even more immature to repeat the mistake when he was twenty-five years old. Didn’t you learn anything, boy?
Lucy wasn’t that much better. The girl had no backbone when it came to Reece, and that was even more clear toward the end.
In the end, Reece ended up doing the right thing, but he still didn’t grow on me. The way he acted in the prologue had me narrowing my eyes at him once again, which is definitely not the best way to end a story.
Despite these problems, the sexual tension was palpable. The initial hate and love thing made for an interesting and addictive dynamic, and when they gave in to their attraction things were extremely hot. This being a romance novel, the chemistry between the main characters is one of the most important points. For that reason, I’m choosing a positive rating for this book.
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