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Lost #1
Lost in Us
Serena has learned to live with her past, locking her secrets and nightmares deep inside her. But when her boyfriend of six years abruptly leaves her, she’s catapulted back into pain, nursing a broken heart. When indulging in mountains of chocolate doesn’t work, Serena decides the best way to deal with her shattered heart is to indulge in something else. A rebound...
The night she swaps her usual Sprite for tequila, she meets James. The encounter is breathtaking.
Electrifying.
And best not repeated.
James is a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. A man who has amassed a fortune by taking risks. A man who has shunned commitment completely, and still does. He’s the exact opposite of Serena. But sometimes opposites attract. Sometimes they give in to burning passion. Sometimes opposites are perfect for each other.
James is everything her damaged soul could want. His kisses are intoxicating, his touch out of this world. He makes her forget. He grants her peace from her pain. But as they grow closer, Serena discovers she isn’t the only one with a past. James carries the scars of a past much darker than hers. One that has left him damaged, hurt, and wary of love. A past that gives him the power to shatter her.
Now James and Serena must find a way to mend one another. Or risk losing each other forever.
The night she swaps her usual Sprite for tequila, she meets James. The encounter is breathtaking.
Electrifying.
And best not repeated.
James is a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. A man who has amassed a fortune by taking risks. A man who has shunned commitment completely, and still does. He’s the exact opposite of Serena. But sometimes opposites attract. Sometimes they give in to burning passion. Sometimes opposites are perfect for each other.
James is everything her damaged soul could want. His kisses are intoxicating, his touch out of this world. He makes her forget. He grants her peace from her pain. But as they grow closer, Serena discovers she isn’t the only one with a past. James carries the scars of a past much darker than hers. One that has left him damaged, hurt, and wary of love. A past that gives him the power to shatter her.
Now James and Serena must find a way to mend one another. Or risk losing each other forever.
316 pages, Unknown Binding
First published February 12, 2014
960 people are currently reading
3900 people want to read
About the author
Layla Hagen
72 books4,705 followersWelcome! My name is Layla Hagen and I am a Contemporary Romance author.
I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.
I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.
And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough ;)
I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.
I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.
And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough ;)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews
January 22, 2014
OH MY GOODNESS. This book was excellent. There were absolutely no reasons to give this novel less than five stars. I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not expecting this. Lost in Us is a New Adult Romance and it is COLLEEN HOOVER good! Yes, I said it - you could put this book up against the leading New Adult Romance authors and it would hold its own.
Lost in Us is a story of two damaged souls afraid of love - one wants it, but won't risk anything to get it. The other feels it, but won't take the risk of letting the other know.
Throughout the story, I fell more and more in love with James - if Serena wasn't going to take him, I was (if only I could). But the harder Serena fell, the harder it was for her to accept James for who he was, scars and all. And the harder James fell, the more afraid he was to risk another fatal mistake.
I cannot wait for more novels from Layla Hagen.
Lost in Us is a story of two damaged souls afraid of love - one wants it, but won't risk anything to get it. The other feels it, but won't take the risk of letting the other know.
Throughout the story, I fell more and more in love with James - if Serena wasn't going to take him, I was (if only I could). But the harder Serena fell, the harder it was for her to accept James for who he was, scars and all. And the harder James fell, the more afraid he was to risk another fatal mistake.
I cannot wait for more novels from Layla Hagen.
February 15, 2014
3.75 Angsty, Reckless, Chocolate Dream Stars *** ¾
We experience so much growing up as children; these experiences guide us either to be like our siblings…… or to run in the opposite direction doing anything to be different … or to sometimes feel responsible and tied to the sister or brother trying to save them …...
And the one of the big questions can be… am I just like them… do I have the same traits…am I just another crazy time waiting to happen like them… and if something really bad happens because of their behavior… will you do everything you can to not act the same way…
All of these questions weave through Lost In Us by Layla Hagen. She puts us in the life of Serena, an Economic major; soon to be Stanford graduate focused with accomplishing a few things.
First, get over a cheating ex fiancé who she was tied to for 6 years…the one who she thought she was going to live her life with… only to be told he is off to Australia with another to find out the true meaning of life and joy….
Second, to acquire a position as soon as possible in investment banking so she can take over some of the financial burdens her parents have back in London. She wants to make their lives a little easier by contributing after all of their support during college.
And finally….. the one thing she handles and focuses on everyday whether she wants to or not is compartmentalizing the guilt and loss of her sister Kat. Her death and what led up to it is a constant in her life. The coping mechanism Serena has developed is quite interesting… Boxes of Chocolates of varying types which seem to have no impact on her figure, collecting and watching DVD’s and working on school or employment applications to exhaustion… allowing sleep without nightmares.
Because, Serena feels broken; unfixable and most of all responsible for not saving her sister Kat from her reckless behavior.
Her best friend Jess sees all… they have been living together since Serena came to the US from London to escape the reminders of her dead sister. Together they went through high school and now Stanford. Where Serena is focused to the extreme, Jess is free spirit…. Where Serena is brilliant but unable to nail an interview, Jess can bluff with the best of them and nail it every time.
Jess just accomplished the first step to the dream job she wants and uses it as an excuse to drag Serena out of her hiding to celebrate. As the two of them enjoy their drinks, Jess is egging Serena to just do a rebound cleansing hook up to get rid of any leftover remains of the old boyfriend.
Serena spy’s her target, James Cohen… unfortunately he is surrounded by a redhead and blond… she knows his dark, messy hair, toned chest, tall frame and beautifully formed face is not a figment of her imagination… she has seen him on magazine covers and articles as the next big thing… like Facebook /Zuckerburg big….He is an alumni who has made a fortune as an entrepreneur.
Turning away from the vision, she looks to her drink and hears a voice telling her how cinnamon and orange slices would be better than the usual way of drinking her tequila shot. Standing next to her is James and Serena can hardly form a sentence… they banter… she plays hard to get because of the vision she had with his harem… It doesn’t turn him off… all it does is make him want to be with her more… so he arranges to have her come to an event without telling her anything about it… a car will come to pick her up… stunned she agrees and doesn’t even understand why she would agree…
The event is a masked charity function at his parents’ home… Serena meets James’ sister Dani and his cousin Peter… she also meets all of the “mean girls” in this moneyed click… she is led to a dressing room to pick a costume; she hears all of these girls talking about James; how he has hooked up with most and who would be next… They pay no attention to Serena as she is not considered any competition.
James finds her as she enters the ballroom with the others and starts his wooing of her… they dance … he charms … he reaches into her soul and brings out the girl who is willing....open to challenges… and soon she is doing things which could be considered reckless, risky but freeing with James….
There are major swoon worthy scenes… things which are so perfect … your heart will hurt… sweet chocolate dreams shared between them and loving which feels so very real.
We go on a journey which causes so many feelings for the reader as we feel all the highs and lows with Serena and James. These two both have experienced life changing events and this draws them together in a very intense way…. Yet the same things that make them perfect for each other also cause incredible pain and hurt during their journey.
I am usually not a big angsty reader… and I did get a little frustrated with some of the back and forth which is the reasoning for my rating. If, however, you are a reader which relishes the angst…. the torment …. And the final realization of what love and life is about… then this is a read for you.
Layla Hagen asks us to question how we see behavior, responsibilities and guilt… she makes us look within and expects us to see our truths… I will keep an eye out for her next project, I have a feeling it will be worth the angst.
Arc provided in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
We experience so much growing up as children; these experiences guide us either to be like our siblings…… or to run in the opposite direction doing anything to be different … or to sometimes feel responsible and tied to the sister or brother trying to save them …...
And the one of the big questions can be… am I just like them… do I have the same traits…am I just another crazy time waiting to happen like them… and if something really bad happens because of their behavior… will you do everything you can to not act the same way…
All of these questions weave through Lost In Us by Layla Hagen. She puts us in the life of Serena, an Economic major; soon to be Stanford graduate focused with accomplishing a few things.
First, get over a cheating ex fiancé who she was tied to for 6 years…the one who she thought she was going to live her life with… only to be told he is off to Australia with another to find out the true meaning of life and joy….
Second, to acquire a position as soon as possible in investment banking so she can take over some of the financial burdens her parents have back in London. She wants to make their lives a little easier by contributing after all of their support during college.
And finally….. the one thing she handles and focuses on everyday whether she wants to or not is compartmentalizing the guilt and loss of her sister Kat. Her death and what led up to it is a constant in her life. The coping mechanism Serena has developed is quite interesting… Boxes of Chocolates of varying types which seem to have no impact on her figure, collecting and watching DVD’s and working on school or employment applications to exhaustion… allowing sleep without nightmares.
Because, Serena feels broken; unfixable and most of all responsible for not saving her sister Kat from her reckless behavior.
Her best friend Jess sees all… they have been living together since Serena came to the US from London to escape the reminders of her dead sister. Together they went through high school and now Stanford. Where Serena is focused to the extreme, Jess is free spirit…. Where Serena is brilliant but unable to nail an interview, Jess can bluff with the best of them and nail it every time.
Jess just accomplished the first step to the dream job she wants and uses it as an excuse to drag Serena out of her hiding to celebrate. As the two of them enjoy their drinks, Jess is egging Serena to just do a rebound cleansing hook up to get rid of any leftover remains of the old boyfriend.
Serena spy’s her target, James Cohen… unfortunately he is surrounded by a redhead and blond… she knows his dark, messy hair, toned chest, tall frame and beautifully formed face is not a figment of her imagination… she has seen him on magazine covers and articles as the next big thing… like Facebook /Zuckerburg big….He is an alumni who has made a fortune as an entrepreneur.
Turning away from the vision, she looks to her drink and hears a voice telling her how cinnamon and orange slices would be better than the usual way of drinking her tequila shot. Standing next to her is James and Serena can hardly form a sentence… they banter… she plays hard to get because of the vision she had with his harem… It doesn’t turn him off… all it does is make him want to be with her more… so he arranges to have her come to an event without telling her anything about it… a car will come to pick her up… stunned she agrees and doesn’t even understand why she would agree…
The event is a masked charity function at his parents’ home… Serena meets James’ sister Dani and his cousin Peter… she also meets all of the “mean girls” in this moneyed click… she is led to a dressing room to pick a costume; she hears all of these girls talking about James; how he has hooked up with most and who would be next… They pay no attention to Serena as she is not considered any competition.
James finds her as she enters the ballroom with the others and starts his wooing of her… they dance … he charms … he reaches into her soul and brings out the girl who is willing....open to challenges… and soon she is doing things which could be considered reckless, risky but freeing with James….
There are major swoon worthy scenes… things which are so perfect … your heart will hurt… sweet chocolate dreams shared between them and loving which feels so very real.
We go on a journey which causes so many feelings for the reader as we feel all the highs and lows with Serena and James. These two both have experienced life changing events and this draws them together in a very intense way…. Yet the same things that make them perfect for each other also cause incredible pain and hurt during their journey.
I am usually not a big angsty reader… and I did get a little frustrated with some of the back and forth which is the reasoning for my rating. If, however, you are a reader which relishes the angst…. the torment …. And the final realization of what love and life is about… then this is a read for you.
Layla Hagen asks us to question how we see behavior, responsibilities and guilt… she makes us look within and expects us to see our truths… I will keep an eye out for her next project, I have a feeling it will be worth the angst.
Arc provided in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 25, 2014
3.5 stars
So anyone looking for another book with a devastatingly handsome guy whose rich and has blue eyes with commitment issues?
Yes I know the picture you have in your mind? The one and only Christian Grey.
Although this sounds a lot like him it really isn't because there is no BDSM etc in this novel.
Serena is a girl who is walking around with big guilt and hurt. Her sister Kate passed away years ago. She was shot but was also a drug addict etc and did things to potentially put her in harms way.
So when this happened Serena left the UK to live in the states with her best friend and hasn't been back.
Her boyfriend of 6years breaks her heart after he cheats on her leaving her alone.
When Serena meets James... (I pictured James Cavendish here) he wants her...
But she's a good girl..
And he doesn't want commitment.
But she wants it all. And from him....
Then comes the chasing and he will change for her.... But he can't say those three special words which is a deal breaker for her.... Now Serena must decide if she can settle for less of free to NYC for a job offer.
Someone always wants more...
The story wasn't very original to me however it kept me interested so I'm going to say that it's not all that bad.
April 29, 2014
**2.5 Chocolate Covered Stars**
(BR with Shannon)
When I started reading this book I was super excited because the story had all of my favorites components; sexy and smart male character, independent heroine with a sassy best friend and also really great writing style. Unfortunately for me everything changed when these two lovers fell on a infuriating pattern of braking up and making up.
Serena is a British girl living in San Francisco, she moved to the States to escape the shadow of her sister's death and now after breaking up with her long time boyfriend she is looking for a rebound. James and Serena meet at a bar and the attraction was instant. James is successful, rich and very handsome, he likes to live life on the edge and he takes what he wants and he wants Serena.
"Two broken souls cannot heal one another. They will devour, shatter each other until there's nothing left of either of them."
What starts as a casual rebound quickly turns into something else. The sexual chemistry between James and Serena is something fierce, so much in fact that neither of them know how to handle the magnitude of their feelings for each other and that's when they start the foolish dance of -leave-and-come back - can't live with you - but can't live without you, and frankly after the third breakup I've had it with those two.
In the end even though they work out most of their issues, I really wish we would have gotten an epilogue because based on their relationship patterns I was not completely sold on the idea that was presented and there were still a lot of unanswered questions in my mind. This novel had a lot of potential and if you are a fan of high angst in a book this might just be the one for you, for me it didn't work as well as I had hope.
Thanks Shannon for reading this book with me and for talking me down the ledge in more than one occasion while reading this book. Luv you girlie!!
My Lost In Us Playlist:
*Friday I'm in Love by The Cure
*Same Mistakes by The Echo-Friendly
*Say Something by A great Big World
*I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz
(BR with Shannon)
When I started reading this book I was super excited because the story had all of my favorites components; sexy and smart male character, independent heroine with a sassy best friend and also really great writing style. Unfortunately for me everything changed when these two lovers fell on a infuriating pattern of braking up and making up.
Serena is a British girl living in San Francisco, she moved to the States to escape the shadow of her sister's death and now after breaking up with her long time boyfriend she is looking for a rebound. James and Serena meet at a bar and the attraction was instant. James is successful, rich and very handsome, he likes to live life on the edge and he takes what he wants and he wants Serena.
"Two broken souls cannot heal one another. They will devour, shatter each other until there's nothing left of either of them."
What starts as a casual rebound quickly turns into something else. The sexual chemistry between James and Serena is something fierce, so much in fact that neither of them know how to handle the magnitude of their feelings for each other and that's when they start the foolish dance of -leave-and-come back - can't live with you - but can't live without you, and frankly after the third breakup I've had it with those two.
In the end even though they work out most of their issues, I really wish we would have gotten an epilogue because based on their relationship patterns I was not completely sold on the idea that was presented and there were still a lot of unanswered questions in my mind. This novel had a lot of potential and if you are a fan of high angst in a book this might just be the one for you, for me it didn't work as well as I had hope.
Thanks Shannon for reading this book with me and for talking me down the ledge in more than one occasion while reading this book. Luv you girlie!!
My Lost In Us Playlist:
*Friday I'm in Love by The Cure
*Same Mistakes by The Echo-Friendly
*Say Something by A great Big World
*I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz
Want to read
June 27, 2016
FREE on Amazon US today (6/27/2016)
Both Prequel and Book 1 are free. Next-coming books in series are stand alones with different H/he.
BLURB:
Serena has learned to live with her past, locking her secrets and nightmares deep inside her. But when her boyfriend of six years abruptly leaves her, she’s catapulted back into pain, nursing a broken heart. When indulging in mountains of chocolate doesn’t work, Serena decides the best way to deal with her shattered heart is to indulge in something else. A rebound . . .
The night she swaps her usual Sprite for tequila, she meets James. The encounter is breathtaking.
Electrifying.
And best not repeated.
James is a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. A man who has amassed a fortune by taking risks. A man who has shunned commitment completely, and still does. He’s the exact opposite of Serena. But sometimes opposites attract. Sometimes they give in to burning passion. Sometimes opposites are perfect for each other.
James is everything her damaged soul could want. His kisses are intoxicating, his touch out of this world. He makes her forget. He grants her peace from her pain. But as they grow closer, Serena discovers she isn’t the only one with a past. James carries the scars of a past much darker than hers. One that has left him damaged, hurt, and wary of love. A past that gives him the power to shatter her.
Now James and Serena must find a way to mend one another. Or risk losing each other forever.
FREE: Prequel: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Layla-Hag...
Book 1https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Us-Layla-...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 500 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
February 22, 2014
Title: Lost In Us
Series: Lost in Us #1
Author: Layla Hagen
Release Date: February, 2014
Rating: 2. 5 stars
Cliffhanger:. No
HEA:
Being entirely honest I’m not sure what I expected from this story. I think I wanted something that would hold my interest and would be sexy enough to make me like it or If I had a little bit of luck, maybe even love it. Most time I enjoyed it . But there were also so many things that almost made me cry out in frustration and stab myslef in eye socket I wanted to stop reading it. Now, after finishing it I’m confused and a little bit bitter, I guess?
Lost in Us is new adult contemporary romance. This story is about Serena and James. She is a senior in college that recently broke up with her long term boyfriend, and that’s why she’s looking for a quick one- nighter rebound. Which is not something she has ever considered before.
On a party her attention caught James, wealthy and successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. Both of them have interest in banking and finances in common. But while Serena rarely takes risk, James made a fortune on toying on the edge of it.
Together they share a fling that sometime change into something else.
It won’t be very long review as I’m still more than mad at the direction in which the plot went. I found Lost In Us a good, decent read till the characters started a horrible, irritating pattern that not only was annoying but so boring and cliché. I found myslef wondering how many times a couple can fight, make up and fight again about stupid things like jealousy fits in span of few weeks. Serena and James have done it countless times and I really had enough of make up sex as well as stupid arguments. It was tiresome. I felt like the whole plot was a marathon in getting jealous and saying hurtful things. Besides it the storyline didn’t exist.
Overall, I can’t say I hated Lost In Us, because first half was very good. And I enjoyed it. How bad the rest of it didn’t satisfy me half this much.
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March 1, 2014
(BR with Denisse)
2.5 Makeup your damn mind already stars!!
This is a story that started out really good! Serena is coming out of a 6yr relationship & her friend, Jess, is adamant about making sure Serena finds a good rebound one night stand to help her get back in the saddle.
Serena meets James, Stanford University's "it man" alumni, who is very hot but also very commitment phobic. He's very honest & up front about his manwhore ways with every girl he's with. However, James acts differently with Serena by bringing her to family functions and adventures that usually only include his close group of friends.
Serena and James become close and Serena opens up to James about the loss of her sister. He's the first person to really get what she's feeling. James understands because he also lost someone very close to him and he harbors a lot of guilt along with the pain. These two have an electric sexual chemistry and when they get intimate it becomes combustible!! I totally loved the sexy times in this one & because of this my rating got the extra half star.
Then the roller coaster ride that is their relationship begins..........
This continues throughout the majority of the book. For me personally, I just didn't want to read about this much angst. I just wanted them to make up their minds and stick to it!! The ending of the book, although to some would seem complete but I was looking for a little more finality in their decisions and an epilogue would have accomplished this.
After finally finishing this book, Denisse & I were like this......
This is a series but each book can be read alone. The next book, Found in Us, is about Jess & Parker. I really liked Jess & Parker. I will most likely read their story when it's available.
2.5 Makeup your damn mind already stars!!
This is a story that started out really good! Serena is coming out of a 6yr relationship & her friend, Jess, is adamant about making sure Serena finds a good rebound one night stand to help her get back in the saddle.
Serena meets James, Stanford University's "it man" alumni, who is very hot but also very commitment phobic. He's very honest & up front about his manwhore ways with every girl he's with. However, James acts differently with Serena by bringing her to family functions and adventures that usually only include his close group of friends.
Serena and James become close and Serena opens up to James about the loss of her sister. He's the first person to really get what she's feeling. James understands because he also lost someone very close to him and he harbors a lot of guilt along with the pain. These two have an electric sexual chemistry and when they get intimate it becomes combustible!! I totally loved the sexy times in this one & because of this my rating got the extra half star.
Then the roller coaster ride that is their relationship begins..........
This continues throughout the majority of the book. For me personally, I just didn't want to read about this much angst. I just wanted them to make up their minds and stick to it!! The ending of the book, although to some would seem complete but I was looking for a little more finality in their decisions and an epilogue would have accomplished this.
After finally finishing this book, Denisse & I were like this......
This is a series but each book can be read alone. The next book, Found in Us, is about Jess & Parker. I really liked Jess & Parker. I will most likely read their story when it's available.
February 15, 2014
Wow!! This was actually a great debut for an author!
I'm normally a bit contemplative with new authors and this one was no exception but it actually turned out to be an intriguing and captivating read!
...
Serena is a broken down individual that craves to be loved but is too afraid too grasp it. Not after the life ordeals and curve balls that she has been through.
Serena goes through many highs and lows throughout this story but is so easy to understand that you can't help but cheer her on.
She meets polar opposite and later love interest James, who may seem like he has it all but that's not entirely the truth. Like Serena, James has scars and demons of his own but has no problem in receiving love but rather the issue of reciprocating it to another.
And as you can probably guess...
Together, they mend old hurts, grow as people, and journey through a life altering love filled with passion, decision making, angst, and even lust...
And man, is it one hell of a gratifying emotional roller coaster ride!!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this read to anyone hovering over the “buy” button on Amazon!! It shown light to those of us that even at our worst, anything is possible if only you try hard enough to make it worth it! I will now be DEFINITELY looking forward to Layla's future works and can't wait to see what book two (and other future works) will bring!!
I'm normally a bit contemplative with new authors and this one was no exception but it actually turned out to be an intriguing and captivating read!
...
Serena is a broken down individual that craves to be loved but is too afraid too grasp it. Not after the life ordeals and curve balls that she has been through.
Serena goes through many highs and lows throughout this story but is so easy to understand that you can't help but cheer her on.
She meets polar opposite and later love interest James, who may seem like he has it all but that's not entirely the truth. Like Serena, James has scars and demons of his own but has no problem in receiving love but rather the issue of reciprocating it to another.
And as you can probably guess...
Together, they mend old hurts, grow as people, and journey through a life altering love filled with passion, decision making, angst, and even lust...
And man, is it one hell of a gratifying emotional roller coaster ride!!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this read to anyone hovering over the “buy” button on Amazon!! It shown light to those of us that even at our worst, anything is possible if only you try hard enough to make it worth it! I will now be DEFINITELY looking forward to Layla's future works and can't wait to see what book two (and other future works) will bring!!
January 3, 2014
I don't know why I'm surprised, but I really enjoyed this one!
Maybe because it comes from a fairly unknown author, no reputation to precede her and very few reviews to influence my decision.
So I just got stuck in, no expectations, no idea of how it was going to go or what was going to happen. All I knew was there had been a couple of hot little teasers which had made my mind up to read it.
I was sucked in from the beginning. By 10% I had pretty much made up my mind that there was a new book boyfriend to add to the list and the authors writing style had me intrigued enough to want to know a lot more about the characters.
Serena is the lead female. She has had her ups and downs, like everyone has. She's not damaged beyond repair, but she has been affected by events in her life and needs something or someone to properly heal her hurts. She's independent but is so scared of stepping out of her safe bubble that she hasn't learned how to truly live and open her eyes. This struck a chord for me. It's so easy to run away or back off from situations that you can't control or make you feel out of your comfort zone regardless of the feeling of having that spark in your veins. He last has shown her that the risk isn't worth the reward. I had mixed feelings about Serena. Don't get me wrong, she not whiny, annoying and dislike able. But, I was getting kinda frustrated with her by the end. She was a little selfish. Focusing on how it would affect her and what she needed, but not really giving a lot of thought to James and his feelings. The thing that balances out this frustration for me is that I actually believe a lot of people would do the same in her situation. While I did want to grab her by the shoulders and shake her to see what was right in front of her nose, I totally understood her predicament. But I did feel like she was asking a lot and not really seeing the sacrifices that had been made for her.
I was wrong. So, so wrong. Two broken souls cannot heal one another. They will devour, shatter each other until there's nothing left of either of them.
James is the handsome, wealthy, adrenaline junkie that couldn't be more polar opposite to Serena if he tried. His love of thrill seeking and confidence are what gets him through. He works hard, has his pick of women and has enough money to go anywhere or try anything his heart desires. He also doesn't have a tragic past other than one incident which left a deep impression on the way he views himself. He has the ability to let go of his control by jumping out of a plane or testing the elements in a white water river raft, but it's the feelings of jealousy and control he feels when he cares for a woman that confuses him. He is nothing but honest with Serena, the whole way through and she really goes back and forth with her decisions to take him for what he can offer. I actually think his feelings for Serena were deep seated enough for him to be able to let go before he did. But again, as in real life, it's not until you lose something that it makes you realise how important they are to you.
Dreams show you who you are. Fears show you who you don't want to be.
They are pretty hot when they are together, there's definitely a fire burning rather than just a spark and James is so god damn romantic! I mean, he took her to a freaking chocolate factory for goodness sake! I want to go there!
This book is a great mixture of love, romance, heat and indecision.
The writing is perfectly descriptive enabling you to visualise every scene and I think this author will grow and is certainly one to watch. I can't wait for whatever she has planned next!
4 happy ever after stars!
Maybe because it comes from a fairly unknown author, no reputation to precede her and very few reviews to influence my decision.
So I just got stuck in, no expectations, no idea of how it was going to go or what was going to happen. All I knew was there had been a couple of hot little teasers which had made my mind up to read it.
I was sucked in from the beginning. By 10% I had pretty much made up my mind that there was a new book boyfriend to add to the list and the authors writing style had me intrigued enough to want to know a lot more about the characters.
Serena is the lead female. She has had her ups and downs, like everyone has. She's not damaged beyond repair, but she has been affected by events in her life and needs something or someone to properly heal her hurts. She's independent but is so scared of stepping out of her safe bubble that she hasn't learned how to truly live and open her eyes. This struck a chord for me. It's so easy to run away or back off from situations that you can't control or make you feel out of your comfort zone regardless of the feeling of having that spark in your veins. He last has shown her that the risk isn't worth the reward. I had mixed feelings about Serena. Don't get me wrong, she not whiny, annoying and dislike able. But, I was getting kinda frustrated with her by the end. She was a little selfish. Focusing on how it would affect her and what she needed, but not really giving a lot of thought to James and his feelings. The thing that balances out this frustration for me is that I actually believe a lot of people would do the same in her situation. While I did want to grab her by the shoulders and shake her to see what was right in front of her nose, I totally understood her predicament. But I did feel like she was asking a lot and not really seeing the sacrifices that had been made for her.
I was wrong. So, so wrong. Two broken souls cannot heal one another. They will devour, shatter each other until there's nothing left of either of them.
James is the handsome, wealthy, adrenaline junkie that couldn't be more polar opposite to Serena if he tried. His love of thrill seeking and confidence are what gets him through. He works hard, has his pick of women and has enough money to go anywhere or try anything his heart desires. He also doesn't have a tragic past other than one incident which left a deep impression on the way he views himself. He has the ability to let go of his control by jumping out of a plane or testing the elements in a white water river raft, but it's the feelings of jealousy and control he feels when he cares for a woman that confuses him. He is nothing but honest with Serena, the whole way through and she really goes back and forth with her decisions to take him for what he can offer. I actually think his feelings for Serena were deep seated enough for him to be able to let go before he did. But again, as in real life, it's not until you lose something that it makes you realise how important they are to you.
Dreams show you who you are. Fears show you who you don't want to be.
They are pretty hot when they are together, there's definitely a fire burning rather than just a spark and James is so god damn romantic! I mean, he took her to a freaking chocolate factory for goodness sake! I want to go there!
This book is a great mixture of love, romance, heat and indecision.
The writing is perfectly descriptive enabling you to visualise every scene and I think this author will grow and is certainly one to watch. I can't wait for whatever she has planned next!
4 happy ever after stars!
February 16, 2015
One of those books where I didn't believe in the HEA.
H is a pathetic cheating crybaby-wuss.
h is just masochistic. I didn't get why she didn't boink him on the head and just date someone else. That would be realistic.
Also I didn't believe that the love the h said she felt for the H was the real deal. She told him what she liked and he splashed out his money on her and also his attention and lots of flattery. I think the h was just carried away by that plus they were good in bed together. But that didn't stop H from cheating.
The h's best friend was really irritating. Her book is the next one and seriously don't wanna read it.
Thumbs down.
H is a pathetic cheating crybaby-wuss.
h is just masochistic. I didn't get why she didn't boink him on the head and just date someone else. That would be realistic.
Also I didn't believe that the love the h said she felt for the H was the real deal. She told him what she liked and he splashed out his money on her and also his attention and lots of flattery. I think the h was just carried away by that plus they were good in bed together. But that didn't stop H from cheating.
The h's best friend was really irritating. Her book is the next one and seriously don't wanna read it.
Thumbs down.
August 11, 2016
Layla Hagen blew me away with Lost In Us! She is an incredible author...she rocks. This book was excellent. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. This New Adult Contemporary Romance is a MUST READ. You will not regret it.
I loved it. It has everything you could ask for : love, laughter, angst, tears,hot scenes, ans also good material for a good BOOK BOYFRIEND… you name it, it has it. She has a way with words that makes you connect with the characters.
Lost in Us is the story of Serena and James. I will not reveal details, I would love to, but I also want you to feel them first.
Serena has learned to live with her past, locking her secrets and nightmares deep inside her. But then she is back into pain, and nursing a broken heart. Who will heal it?
The night she changes her usual Sprite for tequila, she meets James. The encounter is breathtaking. Electrifying. Has tequila beccome her best friend?
James has his own demons. He is able to unlock some of Serena´s secrets, she is letting him in. Is that good? are they gonna get hurt?
James is man who has amassed a fortune by taking risks. He’s the exact opposite of Serena. But sometimes opposites attract. Sometimes they give in to burning passion. Sometimes opposites are perfect for each other. Chocolate might help (when you read the book you will know what i am talking about).
His kisses are intoxifying, his touch burns her. She needs him, and he wants her. He has always taken risks, is he going to take a risk with Serena?
Serena and James need to find a way to each other. They can help the other to heal their damaged souls.
Lost in Us is a story of two damaged souls afraid of love. One of them is hidding the feeling, and the other will not take a risk. Serena was falling hard an fast, this was torture. But eho said that love was easy? The harder Serena fell, the harder it was for her to accept James for who he was, scars and all. Is she gonna accept him for who he is? You will ahve to read the book to find that out. James was falling too, he has his doubts, not about her, it was all about him. He was scared to ruin everything, he could not lose her, it woulf hurt a lot. Isn´t love about risking? Is James going to fight for it? Or will he just sit back and miss the boat?
August 24, 2015
This book was awful. And stupid. And unrealistic. And annoying. I basically hated it. And only finished it because I'm trying very hard not to DNF books.
This was the author of Withering Hope; which I LOVED. I didn't even realize that until I finished this book. I never would have guessed she would have written this pile of horseshit.
I don't even know where to start. Our female protagonist, Serena, meets our male protagonist, James. What ensues is insta-lust, insta-love, insta-everything. They don't even speak more that two full sentences to each other and James is asking her what she's doing the next day, she then gives him her address. I'm sorry, but do you want to get raped and murdered? Because that's how you get raped and murdered. He leaves almost immediately after getting her address. The next day his driver brings Serena to James' massive family mansion for a masquerade ball. She meets several of his friends and family members. Then they have sex in the library. By this point they've had about 1/2 of an actual conversation.
The list goes on. James is jealous, controlling, and has commitment issues. He makes several bad decisions that not only Serena, but every character in the book excuse because of this traumatic event from his past. I thought he was creepy and overbearing. Also a dick. The way he consistently treats Serena is not okay. He honestly comes off bipolar.
I do not recommend this book. Not even a little bit. I kind of wish I would have just DNF'd it, because it wasted time from my life that I can never get back.
This was the author of Withering Hope; which I LOVED. I didn't even realize that until I finished this book. I never would have guessed she would have written this pile of horseshit.
I don't even know where to start. Our female protagonist, Serena, meets our male protagonist, James. What ensues is insta-lust, insta-love, insta-everything. They don't even speak more that two full sentences to each other and James is asking her what she's doing the next day, she then gives him her address. I'm sorry, but do you want to get raped and murdered? Because that's how you get raped and murdered. He leaves almost immediately after getting her address. The next day his driver brings Serena to James' massive family mansion for a masquerade ball. She meets several of his friends and family members. Then they have sex in the library. By this point they've had about 1/2 of an actual conversation.
The list goes on. James is jealous, controlling, and has commitment issues. He makes several bad decisions that not only Serena, but every character in the book excuse because of this traumatic event from his past. I thought he was creepy and overbearing. Also a dick. The way he consistently treats Serena is not okay. He honestly comes off bipolar.
I do not recommend this book. Not even a little bit. I kind of wish I would have just DNF'd it, because it wasted time from my life that I can never get back.
January 10, 2014
Layla Hagen blew me away with her debut novel!!! I received an arc copy of lost in us when I was debating in a new book to start and Layla was kind enough to share a copy with me....
Were to start... I totally got enthralled with James and Serena and their story!! I went into this book blindly and absolutely loved it and left me wanting more and more. The damage of their pasts drive these two and they take you on an emotional rollercoaster that is lost in us. The deep seeded pain within James and Serena is so heartbreaking and awakening all at once, Serenas fear of absolutely letting go battles with the love she has for James and his pain from the lost and guilt they both have make for an intense ride throughout the entire book. There were times that I wanted to throw my kindle out the window and then I wanted to hug it and not let it go and for it never to end. Phenomenal and emotionally draining to say the least. I can't wait to read more about all of the characters we are introduced to. Kudos to you Layla!!!!!
Were to start... I totally got enthralled with James and Serena and their story!! I went into this book blindly and absolutely loved it and left me wanting more and more. The damage of their pasts drive these two and they take you on an emotional rollercoaster that is lost in us. The deep seeded pain within James and Serena is so heartbreaking and awakening all at once, Serenas fear of absolutely letting go battles with the love she has for James and his pain from the lost and guilt they both have make for an intense ride throughout the entire book. There were times that I wanted to throw my kindle out the window and then I wanted to hug it and not let it go and for it never to end. Phenomenal and emotionally draining to say the least. I can't wait to read more about all of the characters we are introduced to. Kudos to you Layla!!!!!
February 18, 2014
After seeing all the glowing reviews, I was drawn to this one with great hopes of enjoying the fruits of labor by a new author. It did not take long before I realized this was one long monotonous storyline. Staying with it was a difficult task and I found my mind wandering and lost in the clouds. I had a very difficult time staying with it. Depth in the storyline was unattainable for me. There was a lot of sex without meaningful storyline moments and some high-caliber fantasy dates, along with copious amounts of duplicated angst, but all together none added up to a very interesting story in my humble opinion.
The writing is okay and there aren't a lot of editing problems. I just didn't like either of the main characters, nor did I like their story or, in my case, lack thereof. It does not come as a surprise to me that I'm in the minority. After all, there are numerous five-star reviews written by Advanced Reading Copy readers that lead me down this pathway. I'll be anxious to see if I get some company when this one reaches a bigger audience of readers.
The writing is okay and there aren't a lot of editing problems. I just didn't like either of the main characters, nor did I like their story or, in my case, lack thereof. It does not come as a surprise to me that I'm in the minority. After all, there are numerous five-star reviews written by Advanced Reading Copy readers that lead me down this pathway. I'll be anxious to see if I get some company when this one reaches a bigger audience of readers.
January 4, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Very well blended with emotion, passion and making the right choices. As I read the book in the beginning I was unsure on how i felt about Serena, because she sounded like me at times, but in the end I totally loved her. James who is total book boyfriend material. I loved how he made her come out of her shell slowly but surely. He fought for her and their love which was simply beautiful. This book is simply just amazing. I have read it twice and it makes me even love it more which takes a lot because once I'm done with a book I go to the next.
November 21, 2019
Read on Kobo!
Lost In Us follows main character Serena who left a relationship of six years, moved to a new city and is still struggling to come to terms with the passing of her sister. When she meets James, he is struggling too and both try to connect, as well as dealing with life stresses and trauma. What I will say is that the writing style didn't work well for me, also struggled to connect to the characters. It is a fast romance read and many readers will love this. Sadly, I'm not one of them!
Lost In Us follows main character Serena who left a relationship of six years, moved to a new city and is still struggling to come to terms with the passing of her sister. When she meets James, he is struggling too and both try to connect, as well as dealing with life stresses and trauma. What I will say is that the writing style didn't work well for me, also struggled to connect to the characters. It is a fast romance read and many readers will love this. Sadly, I'm not one of them!
February 25, 2018
DNF at chapter 34
January 13, 2014
I couldn't put this book down. Layla Hagen knows how to write a sexy love story filled with angst, despair and desire. Her characters felt real to me. I was cheering Serena and James on, then I wanted to put them in a locked room and not have them come out until they worked out their issues. When I finished Lost in Us I was left wanting more. Maybe Jess & Parker? Or what about James' younger sister Dani? I loved this book til the very end and will read whatever book Layla writes next. I loved being lost in Lost in Us.
August 10, 2019
This story seemed forced...bad boy rich guy with damaged past meets innocent smart girl with flaws, and roller coaster relationship of together/broken up. The poor grammar was also hard to follow. Won't be finishing this series.
February 10, 2014
Layla Blew me away with her début novel Lost in Us.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book and by the end of the first chapter I was hooked. Funny, emotional and heart wrenching.
They say opposites attract and they weren't wrong. You could feel the pull between Serena and James right away.
Serena gets so drunk on tequila and looks at James like she wants to take him to bed. Their first time speaking James is cocky but oozes sex appeal and confidence.
After Serena's break-up from her ex she shuts herself off with hiding under the covers watching DVD's but the night after the tequila and invitation to go out with James her heart beats faster, heat on her face and the knot now gone she takes a chance.
James is rich, confident and a major risk taker. He doesn't do commitment and has past scars that make him scared to love.
Two people who want to mend each other and grow as one.
Is that possible even with love that's so powerful and electrifying?
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book and by the end of the first chapter I was hooked. Funny, emotional and heart wrenching.
Dreams show you who you are. Fears show you who you don't want to be.
They say opposites attract and they weren't wrong. You could feel the pull between Serena and James right away.
Serena gets so drunk on tequila and looks at James like she wants to take him to bed. Their first time speaking James is cocky but oozes sex appeal and confidence.
After Serena's break-up from her ex she shuts herself off with hiding under the covers watching DVD's but the night after the tequila and invitation to go out with James her heart beats faster, heat on her face and the knot now gone she takes a chance.
James is rich, confident and a major risk taker. He doesn't do commitment and has past scars that make him scared to love.
After introducing me to true passion and all it's wonders, robbing me of them shouldn't be legal.
Two people who want to mend each other and grow as one.
Is that possible even with love that's so powerful and electrifying?
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
October 28, 2016
ARC provided by author.
Ok, so, I had no idea what to expect from this novel, and when I started to read it I knew Layla Hagen has done an awsome job. Her debut novel Lost in us is amazing!
I'm totally thrilled about the whole story and with Serena and James. There were times when I wanted to whack them with a shovel, but isn't that the whole point of the book, to extract such feelings from the reader? Of course it is, and Layla did a phenomenal job with it.
The book is emotional, gives us courage and hope, hope that we can deal with everything, our worst demons, but only if we want it hard enough.
I would recommend everyone to read this book because it is really amazing, you will all be lost in Lost in us.
Congrats Layla Hagen, you are outstanding, and I hope there will be more books coming from you!
Ok, so, I had no idea what to expect from this novel, and when I started to read it I knew Layla Hagen has done an awsome job. Her debut novel Lost in us is amazing!
I'm totally thrilled about the whole story and with Serena and James. There were times when I wanted to whack them with a shovel, but isn't that the whole point of the book, to extract such feelings from the reader? Of course it is, and Layla did a phenomenal job with it.
The book is emotional, gives us courage and hope, hope that we can deal with everything, our worst demons, but only if we want it hard enough.
I would recommend everyone to read this book because it is really amazing, you will all be lost in Lost in us.
Congrats Layla Hagen, you are outstanding, and I hope there will be more books coming from you!
January 6, 2015
What a great debut new adult contemporary romance novel. This one had everything in it. Angst, sadness, love, happiness and hot HOT sex scenes.
Lost In Us is a story between James and Serena. They both have troubled pasts and have lost loved ones and cannot let go. Serena breaks up with her ex and basically stays in her own world and wont take any risks where James is the ultimate risk taker and blows thru woman with out developing any feelings. They meet on a drunken tequila night and this is when their story unfolds of two broken people trying hard to push their insecurities, pasts and secrets behind them. Can they survive?
I love finding new authors and this one did not disappoint! Layla Hagen is now on my must read authors list, permanently.
**ARC generously provided by Author for an honest review**
Lost In Us is a story between James and Serena. They both have troubled pasts and have lost loved ones and cannot let go. Serena breaks up with her ex and basically stays in her own world and wont take any risks where James is the ultimate risk taker and blows thru woman with out developing any feelings. They meet on a drunken tequila night and this is when their story unfolds of two broken people trying hard to push their insecurities, pasts and secrets behind them. Can they survive?
I love finding new authors and this one did not disappoint! Layla Hagen is now on my must read authors list, permanently.
**ARC generously provided by Author for an honest review**
February 16, 2014
Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock for an honest review. I’m literally laying here with a 102 fever at 5 in the morning writing this. I could not stop reading this book I had to know what was going to happen. I give this book 5 fangs. This book is about a woman named Serena who’s boyfriend of 6 years up and leaves her. Struggling to get over the breakup Serena’s best friend Jess takes her out in the hopes of getting a nicely tanned rebound, that’s when she spots James. Its gets crazy at times you never know what’s going to happen you think they will go one way and they go another. Your heart will break, be put back together and break all over again. You will laugh and possibly cry. Seriously you won’t want to put down this book. If you like a good love story with all types of twists and turns and are over the age of 18
Want to read
July 23, 2016
January 17, 2014
3.5!! Bright stars! This book had so many turns. It's a young adult contemporary romance. The characters were written so well. There were moments I wants to choke the leading lady. But how many of us have had a young love where we judge just about everything?! *raised hands*
I won't give away the story. But when this book comes out it will be worth the read! 2/17/14!!! Congrats Layla!!!
I won't give away the story. But when this book comes out it will be worth the read! 2/17/14!!! Congrats Layla!!!
February 14, 2014
I couldn't put this book down. I read this book in one day. Layla Hagen knows how to write a sexy love story filled with angst, despair and desire. Layla thank you for the ARC of this book. I can not wait to read you next book.
March 4, 2014
I had to stop this book at 52% as it was getting nowhere!
Hope this book will be a better read for you.
D xo
Hope this book will be a better read for you.
D xo
February 22, 2014
Damn me and my inability to put down a book and throw it in the DNF pile!
I found both Serena and James insufferable. Their constant childish drama just grated on my nerves after awhile. Two things saved it from being a one star. First, there were very few typos or grammar problems. Second, I liked the part where Serena and James released the balloons, I found that very sweet.
James is a 28 year old entrepreneur. He's hot! He's reckless! He's rich! He's a manwhore! He's completely anti-commitment! He's........Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Sorry, I'm already bored. This same character has appeared in many, many books, and nothing about James makes him stand out.
Serena has never recovered from her sister's death years before. She's about to graduate from Stanford, majoring in economics and computers, and is one of the top students in her class. Which is strange, considering she has the maturity of a 12 year old.
Serena and James meet, instant lust happens, and they go on about two dates and have a bunch of sex. But then Serena goes to James' apartment to bring him coffee and she finds him with another girl. A manwhore and commitment-phobe isn't being faithful? Surely you jest! And thus begins the annoying back and forth between them. They break up! They have sex! He can't love her, but can't live without her! She runs away again!
The problem here is that I cannot possibly get emotionally involved with these people who haven't even spent a full week dating each other! Three dates does not make a relationship. I never saw any connection between the two other than sex and the fact that someone close to them has died. There were red flags everywhere. He has major anger problems and she runs every time someone looks at her sideways. The best thing they could have done was run far away from each other. By the time the book ended, they have known each other about six weeks, and I bet they have spent less than six days in each other's company.
There are more books in this series about the secondary characters, but if they are as annoying as Serena and James, I'll be passing.
I found both Serena and James insufferable. Their constant childish drama just grated on my nerves after awhile. Two things saved it from being a one star. First, there were very few typos or grammar problems. Second, I liked the part where Serena and James released the balloons, I found that very sweet.
James is a 28 year old entrepreneur. He's hot! He's reckless! He's rich! He's a manwhore! He's completely anti-commitment! He's........Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Sorry, I'm already bored. This same character has appeared in many, many books, and nothing about James makes him stand out.
Serena has never recovered from her sister's death years before. She's about to graduate from Stanford, majoring in economics and computers, and is one of the top students in her class. Which is strange, considering she has the maturity of a 12 year old.
Serena and James meet, instant lust happens, and they go on about two dates and have a bunch of sex. But then Serena goes to James' apartment to bring him coffee and she finds him with another girl. A manwhore and commitment-phobe isn't being faithful? Surely you jest! And thus begins the annoying back and forth between them. They break up! They have sex! He can't love her, but can't live without her! She runs away again!
The problem here is that I cannot possibly get emotionally involved with these people who haven't even spent a full week dating each other! Three dates does not make a relationship. I never saw any connection between the two other than sex and the fact that someone close to them has died. There were red flags everywhere. He has major anger problems and she runs every time someone looks at her sideways. The best thing they could have done was run far away from each other. By the time the book ended, they have known each other about six weeks, and I bet they have spent less than six days in each other's company.
There are more books in this series about the secondary characters, but if they are as annoying as Serena and James, I'll be passing.
November 2, 2014
I dont like giving bad reviews because I know how hard it is to write novels then to have someone criticize it. However, I would hope that the author would take it as not so much negative criticism but just my opinion.
I guess im the minority here. I had to stop at 78%. i didnt think i could finish it. I was skipping pages to find dialog. I couldn't connect with the characters. Yes I got back ground stories from the first book, but the connection just wasn't there. Everything happened too fast. Serena, what can I say about her thaf was good. She was this brat that wanted things to go her way. Yes, she had a traumatic past, that shaped her present, but she expected people to change even though she didn't. She wanted James to change and tell her things but she couldn't except that he wasn't ready becasue of his past. I wanted to choke her. Everyone around her was saying that she was taking James' s generosity for granted. Every time I thought she would come around, something would happen and she would run. I dont like runners. I can deal with the some times, but thats all that Serena did was run. I didn't think she was worth it. Things were happening so fast. I lost track of the time periods(flipping too many pages would do that) Even when I wasn't skimming pages time periods were flying by without notice. I would have to guess or it would be said in the next 3 chapters how long time elapse. James was sweet and caring but gave Serena too much credit for things she didnt deserve.
Didnt like the book. Again, I think im the minority. So dont let just my opinion affect you picking up and read in it.
I guess im the minority here. I had to stop at 78%. i didnt think i could finish it. I was skipping pages to find dialog. I couldn't connect with the characters. Yes I got back ground stories from the first book, but the connection just wasn't there. Everything happened too fast. Serena, what can I say about her thaf was good. She was this brat that wanted things to go her way. Yes, she had a traumatic past, that shaped her present, but she expected people to change even though she didn't. She wanted James to change and tell her things but she couldn't except that he wasn't ready becasue of his past. I wanted to choke her. Everyone around her was saying that she was taking James' s generosity for granted. Every time I thought she would come around, something would happen and she would run. I dont like runners. I can deal with the some times, but thats all that Serena did was run. I didn't think she was worth it. Things were happening so fast. I lost track of the time periods(flipping too many pages would do that) Even when I wasn't skimming pages time periods were flying by without notice. I would have to guess or it would be said in the next 3 chapters how long time elapse. James was sweet and caring but gave Serena too much credit for things she didnt deserve.
Didnt like the book. Again, I think im the minority. So dont let just my opinion affect you picking up and read in it.
February 17, 2014
I was given an ARC from the author for an honest review.
AMAZING! I have read the book twice because I loved it so much. I wanted to make sure I did not miss anything. I was completely in love with both characters from the very start. I have a thing for broken characters who don't think they deserve to be loved. James and Serena both believe they are unlovable.
James is a good man even though he thinks other wise. Serena believes that being happy comes at a price. A price she in many ways does not think she deserves. Are they both too broken to be together? Can being together fix them?
Layla Hagen did a fantastic job at creating characters that you want to route for. You want James to come up with new ways to woo Serena and you want Serena to believe in herself. I loved the banter between Serena and James. It was witty and intelligent both. They actually seem to be a real life couple instead of one you are reading in a book.
I definitely need more James and Serena in my life. I will be very upset if this is the only book we get about this couple. I wish I had a James in my life. Yes, he would make my life a bit more angsty but it would be worth it. A must read for all NA readers. Hagen will be on my auto-buy list.
AMAZING! I have read the book twice because I loved it so much. I wanted to make sure I did not miss anything. I was completely in love with both characters from the very start. I have a thing for broken characters who don't think they deserve to be loved. James and Serena both believe they are unlovable.
James is a good man even though he thinks other wise. Serena believes that being happy comes at a price. A price she in many ways does not think she deserves. Are they both too broken to be together? Can being together fix them?
Layla Hagen did a fantastic job at creating characters that you want to route for. You want James to come up with new ways to woo Serena and you want Serena to believe in herself. I loved the banter between Serena and James. It was witty and intelligent both. They actually seem to be a real life couple instead of one you are reading in a book.
I definitely need more James and Serena in my life. I will be very upset if this is the only book we get about this couple. I wish I had a James in my life. Yes, he would make my life a bit more angsty but it would be worth it. A must read for all NA readers. Hagen will be on my auto-buy list.
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