Love Hops

by Christine Layne

After moving back to Colorado from Los Angeles, Lena Bouras began picking up the pieces of her broken life. Her cheating ex-boyfriend ruined her trust. Being unjustly fired from her interior design job obliterated her confidence. The worst blow of all, though, came at the loss of the one person who supported Lena throughout all her endeavors—her mother. Escaping to her now empty, memory-laden childhood home, Lena worked toward letting go of her old life. But, when her 40th birthday ended up being another failure, it reminded her of what she was missing. Disappointment weighed heavily on her shoulders. Until Del flipped her world upside down—literally. Handsome and charming, Del Stratton was the complete opposite of everything she looked for in a man, not to mention he owned a brewery and Lena didn’t drink beer. She promptly dismissed any idea of pursuing a relationship with him. Even though her stomach flipped every time he smiled. Despite her best efforts, Lena found herself unable to avoid Del. Slowly, she learned to give up her old life, and embraced a new one with him. For the first time in years, Lena felt happy. But, when an opportunity for all her old dreams to come true presented itself, it forced Lena to choose. Falling in love with Del was easy, but Lena had to decide whether easy dreams with him were better than the ones she worked so hard for in the past.

Genres: Workplace

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2023

About the author

Christine Layne is an adult romance author currently residing in Colorado with her husband and two children.
When she's not writing, Christine enjoys painting, playing with her kids, and watching movies with her husband. She can almost always be caught with a mug of tea in her hands, no matter what she's doing.

Reviews

[Linsey Toney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Love Hops. This book is a slow burn that turns spicy. The MMC and FMC both come from heartbreak, and go through a rollercoaster of emotions all to find love again. I think the story can be relatable to some readers making it appealing to more readers IMO. I would recommend reading or adding this book to you TBR. I really enjoyed the storyline, the characters in this book. I look forward to reading more books from this author.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute. Liked that the characters were actual adults. Very refreshing.
3.5 stars

[Madyn Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic! Tropes Mc's in their 40s! Starting over, second chance, age gap, boss/ employee & spicy. I loved how they instantly had an attraction and that everyone was supportive. The characters had a great storyline and the twist at the end! Although the 3rd act break up had me screaming at the book. I can't even tell you about it.

I highly recommend it.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dedication: "This book is dedicated to those who need a change."

Lena Boras is having a really hard time. She was fired from her job, she found her boyfriend was cheating on her and sadly her mother passed away. She is emotionally beat down in every way. She moves back to her childhood home in Colorado.

Del Stratton owns a local brewery called Citadel Brewing.  He hasn't really been serious about a woman since his divorce. These two have some serious instant chemistry, but they both have some serious trust issues and insecurities too.  Plus Del isn't Lena's type at all - she doesn't even like beer.  There is just something about him...What are the chances these two broken hearted people will be able to heal and come together? When Lena has a chance to go back to her old life, what will she do?

This is one of those stories that really tugged at my heartstrings!  Del and Lena both had so much healing to do, and I loved seeing them come together and work through that. Both of them had great character growth. Del was so funny and caring and I loved him as the MMC. Lena had been through a lot, and I liked watching her slowly start to trust Del.

They had some immediate chemistry, but I felt like it really burned brighter as they got to know each other more. Del fell first, and I liked how he was encouraging of Lena but also let her find her way. I have to say that I enjoyed reading about two characters that were a little older.  Make sure and read the epilogue!! I would definitely recommend giving this one a read!!

✨Tropes
🌟Age Gap
🔥Slow Burn
❤️‍🔥He Falls First
🍺Boss/Employee
💔Emotional Scars

[bookishthoughtsbyjo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Hops 💛
You know when you read a book, and can almost completely relate in every way… it really is something special. Almost all of us have been cheated on, and know the insecurities and inter turmoil that berates our minds and hearts aftwards. That being said, this book of 2 lost souls with shattered hearts finding each other, learning each other, TRUSTING each other…
This was the book I needed.
Falling in love with a brewery owner, Del, was the very last thing Lena was aiming for. After a soul crushing relationship, she really needs to build herself back up. Now if she’ll just let the sexy silver fox help her along the way….. 😏

[Jacqueline Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lena in unemployed, single and entering her 40’s, she has no clue what life will bring. While drinking her sorrows away Lena life is flipped over by Del. A silver fox single dad in his mid 40’s. Del has his own romantic baggage and 3 adult sons. As a lady in my 40’s I could relate to that feeling of what is next and what more can life offer me. If I’m ever single I wanna meet me a Del. He is romantic, thoughtful and driven. The spice between Lena and Del is enjoyable its a slow burn. Both characters have some healing to do.

[Aurora Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wholesome and something so relatable. Being cheated on and being able to trust again is something many of us can relate to. But being able to love again after being cheated on? The FMC meets Del, and a spark of chemistry enlightens but not really her type. Will she take a chance at love again? Read and find out. Also gonna rate this 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 😏 read to find out why. Overall, the author does a very well job in this book with the plot, characters and everything in general.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to author Christine Layne, but LOVED this book and I’m a new fan! The FMC, Lena, and the MMC, Del, are so incredibly relatable. It’s refreshing to read about characters who are “middle-aged” and have experienced “real life issues”: divorce, trust issues, loss of a parent, loss of a job, etc. The relationship and plot development is fantastic and the books is just wonderfully written. Slow burn, but when it ignites, LOOK OUT! 🥵🔥 Truly a great read!

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart is so full after this heartwarming story.
The love and passion that Del and Lena have for each other is unmatched. I truly enjoyed the way Lena had to find inner happiness and Del was her rock to believe in herself. I laughed out loud, cried and felt my own happiness toward this story. I appreciated the older characters and real world problems that came with this story, it made it that much more relatable. A must read for anyone needing a great romance book!

[Tara B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Layne does not disappoint! I loved watching Del fall first. And Lena’s growth throughout was perfect. This is a delicious slow burn that gets nice and spicy, definitely worth the build. A must read for sure!

[tessa richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable. Having older main characters is refreshing at times. The twist near the end i did not see coming, and the shock on my face was insane. Loved all the sweetness this book had to offer.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great romance that balances emotional depth and spice. Christine Layne is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance authors. Can’t wait to read what is next.

[MV Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Love Hops" by Christine Layne is a heartwarming romance that hits all the right notes. Our two main characters are on a journey to heal from past heartbreak, and their growth is the heart of the story.
He falls first, while she hesitates, and it's a delight to see how they navigate their past issues to come together.

Del's encouragement to Lena is both heartening and real, reminding us that we must figure some things out for ourselves.

Plus, a refreshing change is that the main characters are on the older side, adding a lovely layer to this cute love story. A must-read for romance enthusiasts!

[Bookworm_acre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Hops is an absolutely beautiful story about two broken hearts which find a loving and carring partner in each other again.
I loved the chemestry between Del and Lena, both have to deal with insecurities and trust issues caused by their previous relationships, but due their mutual support they slowly make it into each other heart and finally find true love.

Christine Layne's writing is wonderful, filled with so much emotion. If you want to read a slow burn romance with spicey notes, Love Hops is well worth the read.

[Cassandra Lobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Del is delicious! Absolutely loved this book, it was my favorite of hers! Love the character, the workplace, the complicated relationship. Loved the development. Hope you like steamy because Del does not disappoint!

[Sara.Hopeful · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Christine Layne doesn't disappoint with Love Hops. A fresh take on Silver Fox/Single Dad/Boss Employee/He Falls First. Lena the FMC has hit a low point. Her mother has passed away, she got fired and her boyfriend cheated on her. Maybe a change of scenery will help? Enter Del, older single dad, gorgeous, funny and owns his own business, but he's not usually the type that Lena goes for. It's instant chemistry, but Lena is scared after her ex cheated and Del hasn't been serious with anyone since his ex wife. Can they get over their exes and be open to this new possibility? This book has all the feels and a perfect slow burn, that once you get to the fire...better be prepared for the heat ( 🌶🌶🌶🌶) and try not to get burned !