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Very Irresistible Bachelors #5
My One and Only
Tess Winchester loves her life. Her family is growing with new nieces and nephews for her to spoil. And her lingerie business is really taking off, so in order to keep up with demand she needs more capital. Though Tess had always dreamed about finding Mr. Right, and having a family of her own, dating hasn’t been easy so working extra hours is never a problem.
When an opportunity of a lifetime arises, Tess jumps at the chance to present to the principal of Harrington & Co, New York’s hottest investment firm.
She’s determined to make the right impression, but when Liam accidentally walks in the ladies room during a wardrobe malfunction, things get off to an… interesting start.
Tess isn’t Liam’s type, they’re too different:
She’s a romantic. He’s a realist.
She’s a dreamer. He’s a practical man.
Besides, if they’re going to sign a deal, it’s best not to mix business with pleasure. Something they both agree upon.
Despite their differences, Liam finds himself doing anything in his power to win her over. She’s captivating, and he won’t back down until they explore the connection that keeps him on his toes. He can’t get enough of her sassy mouth, her tenacity, and the tenderness that encounters him at every turn. Her blushes drive him crazy. Liam wants Tess.
And Liam always gets what Liam wants.
When an opportunity of a lifetime arises, Tess jumps at the chance to present to the principal of Harrington & Co, New York’s hottest investment firm.
She’s determined to make the right impression, but when Liam accidentally walks in the ladies room during a wardrobe malfunction, things get off to an… interesting start.
Tess isn’t Liam’s type, they’re too different:
She’s a romantic. He’s a realist.
She’s a dreamer. He’s a practical man.
Besides, if they’re going to sign a deal, it’s best not to mix business with pleasure. Something they both agree upon.
Despite their differences, Liam finds himself doing anything in his power to win her over. She’s captivating, and he won’t back down until they explore the connection that keeps him on his toes. He can’t get enough of her sassy mouth, her tenacity, and the tenderness that encounters him at every turn. Her blushes drive him crazy. Liam wants Tess.
And Liam always gets what Liam wants.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2024
680 people are currently reading
2514 people want to read
About the author
Layla Hagen
72 books4,645 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 227 reviews
January 27, 2021
I have to admit, I am bit bored in the middle of the book. I was so looking forward to listen to audiobook during my bad day at work. I thought picking up My One and Only can be my secret entertainment. Well, I was wrong.
My One and Only is not that bad, but I also want more. More drama. More twisted plot. More engaging banter. Mostly I have problem with character development. I feel Liam and Tess grow at their best when they are apart. Miss Hagen focused so much on Liam and Tess' live separately and spend less showing their chemistry when Tess and Liam together.
With minimum of angst/ drama/ plot, the story becomes bit out of focus of it's romance topic.
Overall I do not like this book. But I do not hate it either. So so.
3 stars
My One and Only is not that bad, but I also want more. More drama. More twisted plot. More engaging banter. Mostly I have problem with character development. I feel Liam and Tess grow at their best when they are apart. Miss Hagen focused so much on Liam and Tess' live separately and spend less showing their chemistry when Tess and Liam together.
With minimum of angst/ drama/ plot, the story becomes bit out of focus of it's romance topic.
Overall I do not like this book. But I do not hate it either. So so.
3 stars
January 12, 2021
** Arc received in exchange for an honest review **
***4 estrelas***
My One and Only é o quinto livro da série Very Irresistible Bachelors. Quando eu pedi esse livro não sabia que fazia parte de uma série, mas ainda assim não me arrependo e foi uma leitura deliciosa. Mesmo fazendo parte de uma série é possivel ler esse livro como único.
Acompanhar o relacionamento de Tess e Liam foi uma delícia. De primeiro momento eles tentam evitar a atração que sentem um por outro para não misturar negócios e romance, ver eles tentando evitar o romance enquanto flertam vai te deixar com o coração quentinho e ver esse relacionamento se desenvolver vai te deixar com um sorriso bobo no rosto.
O casal já tem mais de 30 anos e ambos agem como a idade que tem, e umas das coisa que me encantou foi a forma que eles resolviam suas brigas, sempre com muito diálogo.
Esse foi o primeiro livro que li da autora e com certeza não será o último, com uma escrita fluída ela te encanta desde a primeira página. Durante toda a leitura me senti uma adolescente apaixonada querendo mais e mais desse casal.
My One And Only foi uma grata surpresa onde temos um CEO que não é escroto e uma mocinha que não é besta. Sem sombra de dúvidas esse é um clichê que vai ganhar seu coração e deixar suspirando a cada capitulo.
Resenha Completa no Instagram
***4 estrelas***
My One and Only é o quinto livro da série Very Irresistible Bachelors. Quando eu pedi esse livro não sabia que fazia parte de uma série, mas ainda assim não me arrependo e foi uma leitura deliciosa. Mesmo fazendo parte de uma série é possivel ler esse livro como único.
Acompanhar o relacionamento de Tess e Liam foi uma delícia. De primeiro momento eles tentam evitar a atração que sentem um por outro para não misturar negócios e romance, ver eles tentando evitar o romance enquanto flertam vai te deixar com o coração quentinho e ver esse relacionamento se desenvolver vai te deixar com um sorriso bobo no rosto.
O casal já tem mais de 30 anos e ambos agem como a idade que tem, e umas das coisa que me encantou foi a forma que eles resolviam suas brigas, sempre com muito diálogo.
Esse foi o primeiro livro que li da autora e com certeza não será o último, com uma escrita fluída ela te encanta desde a primeira página. Durante toda a leitura me senti uma adolescente apaixonada querendo mais e mais desse casal.
My One And Only foi uma grata surpresa onde temos um CEO que não é escroto e uma mocinha que não é besta. Sem sombra de dúvidas esse é um clichê que vai ganhar seu coração e deixar suspirando a cada capitulo.
Resenha Completa no Instagram
August 19, 2021
A sweet and predictable story.
Plotting was great. The family bonding is one of the plus point Layla Hagen's series has.
I liked that heroine was as financially and career-wise successful as the hero. Other than this, Tess is an emotional, kind hearted and a very strong heroine! Liam is the kind of charmer every girl wants in their life. He knows how to make a girl feel wanted 😊
Plotting was great. The family bonding is one of the plus point Layla Hagen's series has.
I liked that heroine was as financially and career-wise successful as the hero. Other than this, Tess is an emotional, kind hearted and a very strong heroine! Liam is the kind of charmer every girl wants in their life. He knows how to make a girl feel wanted 😊
January 13, 2021
3.5 STARS
Man, do I ever love He-Is-Grumpy-She-Is-Sunshine! And This book rocks it!
There were some really amazing parts of this book. Sheesh...the chemistry was panty-melting goodness! These two characters have sizzle from the instant they lay eyes in each other and they are HOT. I truly loved that Tess was a smart, hard working, driven, entrepreneur. She is passionate abut her business (and about life in general). I also loved how unapologetically Tess longs for children and a family.
Liam is all buttoned-up rules, charts, schedules, and business. Watching Tess loosen him up was a delight!
One thing I struggled with was Liam kind of morphed into an Alpha half way through this book (and then stayed there). On multiple occasions he gets jealous of HIMSELF when Tess refers to him in the third person. I mean....? That pretty ridiculous. There is a lot of you're "my woman" talk and I just don't like that. I get that some readers LOVE ALPHA MALES and they would really love this book. But it felt oddly out of place for me, especially considering that Tess is a highly driven business woman. It wasn't total caveman, but it was enough to have me rolling my eyes once or twice.
There were a lot of super-sweet and swoony moments between these two and a lot of steamy sex. I liked the friendships in this book and the familial relationships as well!
TRIGGERS: Drug addiction (not main character), emotionally distant parents.
I received an advanced copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
Man, do I ever love He-Is-Grumpy-She-Is-Sunshine! And This book rocks it!
There were some really amazing parts of this book. Sheesh...the chemistry was panty-melting goodness! These two characters have sizzle from the instant they lay eyes in each other and they are HOT. I truly loved that Tess was a smart, hard working, driven, entrepreneur. She is passionate abut her business (and about life in general). I also loved how unapologetically Tess longs for children and a family.
Liam is all buttoned-up rules, charts, schedules, and business. Watching Tess loosen him up was a delight!
One thing I struggled with was Liam kind of morphed into an Alpha half way through this book (and then stayed there). On multiple occasions he gets jealous of HIMSELF when Tess refers to him in the third person. I mean....? That pretty ridiculous. There is a lot of you're "my woman" talk and I just don't like that. I get that some readers LOVE ALPHA MALES and they would really love this book. But it felt oddly out of place for me, especially considering that Tess is a highly driven business woman. It wasn't total caveman, but it was enough to have me rolling my eyes once or twice.
There were a lot of super-sweet and swoony moments between these two and a lot of steamy sex. I liked the friendships in this book and the familial relationships as well!
TRIGGERS: Drug addiction (not main character), emotionally distant parents.
I received an advanced copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
September 4, 2022
Im letzten Teil der "New York Nights" Reihe geht es um Tess und Liam, die sich kennenlernen als Tess gemeinsam mit Skye unterwegs ist um einen Investor für ihre Unterwäschegeschäfte zu finden.
Beide wollen eigentlich nicht Geschäft und Privates miteinander verbinden, aber die beiden können ihrer Anziehung nicht entgehen. Diese Anziehung zwischen Tess und Liam merkt man auch als Leser und mich konnte die Geschichte der beiden sehr gut unterhalten.
Das Setting mit der Geschäftswelt der beiden war interessant und insbesondere der Ausbau des Geschäftes von Tess und Skye fand ich sehr interessant. Schön war es auch die bekannten Charaktere aus den vorherigen Büchern wiederzutreffen.
Ein großes Plus dieser Reihe ist für mich, dass sie weitestgehend ohne Drama auskommt. Es tauchen zwar Probleme zwischen den Paaren auf, aber diese werden auf sehr erwachsene Art geklärt, so dass dies nicht unnötig in die Länge gezogen wird.
Die Bücher von Layla Hagen können mich immer wieder gut unterhalten und ich freue mich auf die nächste Reihe von ihr.
Beide wollen eigentlich nicht Geschäft und Privates miteinander verbinden, aber die beiden können ihrer Anziehung nicht entgehen. Diese Anziehung zwischen Tess und Liam merkt man auch als Leser und mich konnte die Geschichte der beiden sehr gut unterhalten.
Das Setting mit der Geschäftswelt der beiden war interessant und insbesondere der Ausbau des Geschäftes von Tess und Skye fand ich sehr interessant. Schön war es auch die bekannten Charaktere aus den vorherigen Büchern wiederzutreffen.
Ein großes Plus dieser Reihe ist für mich, dass sie weitestgehend ohne Drama auskommt. Es tauchen zwar Probleme zwischen den Paaren auf, aber diese werden auf sehr erwachsene Art geklärt, so dass dies nicht unnötig in die Länge gezogen wird.
Die Bücher von Layla Hagen können mich immer wieder gut unterhalten und ich freue mich auf die nächste Reihe von ihr.
January 12, 2021
Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU / Nook / Kobo / Apple
Tess's embarrassed (and turned on) when a gorgeous guy walks in on her in the restroom, wearing only a bra while cleaning a stain off her blouse. That the hottie is the man she and her sister/business partner are about to pitch their business to, only serves to make her blush even further when she and Skye stand up in front of him and his investment group.
Though Liam has a rule about never mixing business with pleasure, something about Tess' sassy sweetness makes him all too eager to break his ironclad rules. Will she break the rules with him, or is their attraction too much for them to resist?
I swear, this family and this series is just so good. I loved Liam and Tess together. They're so different but they fit together so perfectly. Their story is sweet, sexy and fun and I cannot wait for more bachelors falling in love.
ARC via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
Review / Release Blast: Live Through Books Blog.
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December 16, 2020
When an "oopsie" happens in the bathroom right before the possible investor meeting happens, Tess thinks that is the worse thing of her morning. However when the man from the bathroom just happens to be the head of the investing team, she feels that the funding is doomed. But Liam cannot keep his heart out of the meeting and not only does his company invest in SoHo Lingerie but the sparks between Liam and Tess are not only one-sided. Can you mix work and pleasure and still achieve your goals? Or will the relationship be set up to fail when the heart wants what the heart wants? Layla Hagen once again does not disappoint. Her characters are top notch and the family dynamics are perfect. Love, Love, Love this series!!
January 22, 2021
ok ok, miss cole’s story.
what a family, what’s next, the in-law family, it’s never ending story, however, they all are the same, just change the name and their job.
what a family, what’s next, the in-law family, it’s never ending story, however, they all are the same, just change the name and their job.
December 31, 2020
I can always count on this author for playful and hot romance. It's the best label for this story that not only creates two lively characters, but inmerses them in a business relationship full of banter, red-hot chemistry, and real-life quality.
Right from the start, Tess and Liam meet on exciting and challenging terms. From a hilarious and embarrassing moment of chance, they go to business negotiations that pit them against each other's wits, ardent attraction, and very real feelings.
I felt an instant connection to the dynamics. This couple barely fights their incredible passion which creates utterly fun situations for them to give free rein to flirtation and then sensuality. In my opinion, the best wrapping for the physical intimacy is both the natural behaviour they have towards each other and the engaging conversations and details pertaining to their jobs, especially hers as she is trying to expand her business alongside her sister.
The day-to-day aspects of managing Soho Lingerie are quite appealing and show this woman's enthusiasm for her job and also her family's commitment to helping.
Trust and communication in a romantic relationship are highlighted via a troublesome issue that arises on Liam's side. It is not overly dramatic but it helps build a bit of momentum, and it's a good resolution to the business dealings and the romance. There are wonderful family times and a happy ending. So everything is good :-D
Right from the start, Tess and Liam meet on exciting and challenging terms. From a hilarious and embarrassing moment of chance, they go to business negotiations that pit them against each other's wits, ardent attraction, and very real feelings.
I felt an instant connection to the dynamics. This couple barely fights their incredible passion which creates utterly fun situations for them to give free rein to flirtation and then sensuality. In my opinion, the best wrapping for the physical intimacy is both the natural behaviour they have towards each other and the engaging conversations and details pertaining to their jobs, especially hers as she is trying to expand her business alongside her sister.
The day-to-day aspects of managing Soho Lingerie are quite appealing and show this woman's enthusiasm for her job and also her family's commitment to helping.
Trust and communication in a romantic relationship are highlighted via a troublesome issue that arises on Liam's side. It is not overly dramatic but it helps build a bit of momentum, and it's a good resolution to the business dealings and the romance. There are wonderful family times and a happy ending. So everything is good :-D
January 12, 2021
LH always gives me the sweet and sexy feels with her charming contemporary stories. Never too angsty, fun, tender, and hot. Her stories just feel so REAL-real life scenarios, ordinary situations, and relatable problems.
Tess and Liam have quite an interesting beginning - and though funny, it makes for some awkwardness. Despite their new found professional dynamics, these two just have a magnetism between them. A connection- and thankfully, they don’t really try to deny (see- all that low angst magic). We get sexy chemistry, flirty banter, and a sweet emotional connection. Both characters are so likable- endearing opposites to one another but somehow perfectly matched. I respected Tess and her goals and integrity, and Liam’s dash of alpha had me swooning. Watching them fall together, learning to trust one another and give into their feelings was such a satisfying, feel-good journey.
I love how LH takes tried and true romantic tropes and makes them simple, straightforward, and swoony- she makes love feel easy and magical, she lets it be charming and natural. You know you’ll chuckle, swoon a bit, get some heat, and you know you’ll get a charming HEA that lifts your spirits.
January 11, 2021
Layla Hagen has a way of writing a couple so perfect for each other that their story captivates you from the very first pages and never lets go. I have enjoyed reading all of her books. Each family that she writes have the same basic values and believes that family is first...always. Ms Hagen will continue to be a one-click author for me. I’m sure you all will love Tess and Liam’s journey as much as I did. ~Carole
This was the book I didn't know I needed. I felt so light and joyful while reading it and after I finished I immediately wanted to jump back in. It's funny, passionate with just the right amount of steam, and full of great characters. The love and family was just refreshing. I cannot recommend this book enough! ~Andrea
This was the book I didn't know I needed. I felt so light and joyful while reading it and after I finished I immediately wanted to jump back in. It's funny, passionate with just the right amount of steam, and full of great characters. The love and family was just refreshing. I cannot recommend this book enough! ~Andrea
August 17, 2022
Ich kann es gar nicht glauben, dass die Serie jetzt zu Ende ist (ich hoffe noch, dass Ian, Dylen und Isabelle noch ihr eigenes Buch bekommen). Es war wieder wunderbar und schnell zu lesen und ich glaub die Winchester sind jetzt nach den Connors meine Lieblingsfamilie. Sie halten immer zusammen und sie können sich immer aufeinander verlassen. Ich bin sowieso ein Fan davon, wenn Geschichten in New York spielen. Irgendwie ist mir hier alles zu schnell vergangen. Wir haben doch gerade erst mit Hunter und Josie gestartet. 😢 Ich freue mich auf weitere tolle Bücher von dieser Autorin.
4,5 Sterne
4,5 Sterne
January 12, 2021
* A review copy was provided by the author *
Layla Hagen has done it again. She gave us a swoony and sexy romance story that isn’t filled with a lot of angst or drama.
I loved how this couple meet for the first time. An accidental meeting with a little indecent exposure ;)
This is the fifth book in this series and I have loved them all from the first one to the last one. Layla has an amazing talent for writing series about families who you just want to be a part of. This book/series is no exception to this. She gives us a great storylines and characters you can’t help fall in love with.
I loved Tess’s character. She is such a strong and sassy heroine. She was the perfect match for the workaholic Liam. Who let me tell you is so swoony and panty melting sexy!! You will WANT to meet him ;).
I would for sure recommend this book/series to all romance readers. If you haven’t read a Layla Hagen book yet, what are waiting for?? This is the perfect place to start!!
Layla Hagen has done it again. She gave us a swoony and sexy romance story that isn’t filled with a lot of angst or drama.
I loved how this couple meet for the first time. An accidental meeting with a little indecent exposure ;)
This is the fifth book in this series and I have loved them all from the first one to the last one. Layla has an amazing talent for writing series about families who you just want to be a part of. This book/series is no exception to this. She gives us a great storylines and characters you can’t help fall in love with.
I loved Tess’s character. She is such a strong and sassy heroine. She was the perfect match for the workaholic Liam. Who let me tell you is so swoony and panty melting sexy!! You will WANT to meet him ;).
I would for sure recommend this book/series to all romance readers. If you haven’t read a Layla Hagen book yet, what are waiting for?? This is the perfect place to start!!
December 21, 2020
My One and Only by Layla Hagen was one of the sweetest, most low-angst, most romantic book I've ever read.
After an embarrassing meet-cute between investor, Liam and an applicant, Tess, sparks FLY. For Liam, his robotic reaction to situations gets tossed into the air as the sexy, yet awkward Tess weasels her way into his heart and mind. They had chemistry out the ying yang and their sexy times were HOT. Liam was amazing. He was allll about Tess. Their honesty was a breath of fresh air. I liked how they were in their mid-30s, so they actually used their mouths to communicate.
It had a bit of an insta-lust/love feel, but I adored how Liam was alpha-possessive over Tess from the get go. Growling when she talked about him in 3rd person? HILARIOUS. And adorable. While Tess tried to stop their attraction at first, Liam wasn't giving up. He treated her SO well and I loved how a woman who always cared for others was so wonderfully cared for by a man who saw her sacrifices. Liam was legit swoon-worthy and Tess was very likeable. I also LOVED all the side characters and family members. The whole protective brothers scenes were funny!
This was a relatively easy romance. I'm all for angst, drama, and that push/pull but it's so refreshing to read a beautiful romance without all the heavy emotions. This is one of those mind cleansing books in between everything else. If you need a sweet pick-me-up, then this book is PERFECT.
December 21, 2020
5 star review of My One and Only (Very Irresistible Bachelors #5) Layla Hagen
In my opinion this series has gotten better and better with every book. My One and Only is Tess and Liam’s story was a fantastic addition to a series I have come to love. Ms.Hagen’s writing is strong, with characters that are easy to relate to and I found myself totally invested in the story that she wove from the first to the last chapter. From the first moment we met Tess I knew that she was a special woman and the man who would capture her heart would need to be just as special and in my humble opinion Liam is that man.
I loved how the relationship between Tess and Liam developed, especially since they were opposites in so many ways. Of course the biggest question is do they dare mix business and pleasure? I was drawn to Liam from the start, he was so swoon worthy, hot as sin, an alpha, a dynamic and powerful man. I loved Tess, she is so focused and family orientated and if anyone deserved to find happiness it was her.
I enjoyed the banter between them which had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions. This book was steamy, passionate, witty and so full of love and family that I was smiling throughout.
In my opinion this series has gotten better and better with every book. My One and Only is Tess and Liam’s story was a fantastic addition to a series I have come to love. Ms.Hagen’s writing is strong, with characters that are easy to relate to and I found myself totally invested in the story that she wove from the first to the last chapter. From the first moment we met Tess I knew that she was a special woman and the man who would capture her heart would need to be just as special and in my humble opinion Liam is that man.
I loved how the relationship between Tess and Liam developed, especially since they were opposites in so many ways. Of course the biggest question is do they dare mix business and pleasure? I was drawn to Liam from the start, he was so swoon worthy, hot as sin, an alpha, a dynamic and powerful man. I loved Tess, she is so focused and family orientated and if anyone deserved to find happiness it was her.
I enjoyed the banter between them which had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions. This book was steamy, passionate, witty and so full of love and family that I was smiling throughout.
November 9, 2020
4.5 stars
January 15, 2021
My One and Only marks the end of the Winchester siblings search for love. Hagan has been setting this one up for a while now as we learned more about the female lead Tess Winchester 35, the eldest of the Winchester siblings and in many ways the family’s heart and leader. We’ve learned that Tess as the oldest helped raise her siblings after her parents divorce and fall into hard financial times. We learned that she is a hard working determined business woman who left her mid-level management job to start a lingerie business with her sister Skye. We’ve learned that she’s kissed a lot of frogs in her attempt to find her prince while remaining stoically optimistic disappointment after disappointment in the relationship department. Tess has stood by cheering her younger siblings on as each of them (even the confirmed bachelors) found love and happiness and started families. She longs for someone who will love her and that she can love. She longs to start a family of her own, To hold her own child in her arms.
In Tess, Hagan has created a character that in this man’s opinion is the perfect woman. She’s beautiful, smart, hard working, loyal, caring, thoughtful and loving. Our male lead financier Liam Harrington never had a chance from the moment he accidently walked into the ladies room to find a half-naked Tess trying to rinses the coffee stain out of her blouse.
This story almost from the very start is a romance in the truest form. In fact it might be a bit too sappy for some. There’s a little angst as Liam who heads an investment company that has partnered with Tess and Skye to fund the expansion of their growing business deals with a silent business partner who threatens both of their businesses. But mostly it’s about Tess finding the man of her dreams and learning to believe and trust that the man who is wooing her is really offering her the love she’s waited so long for. Liam who hasn’t been in a serious relationship for years is a rule follower. One of his rules is not to get romantically involved with business partners. But from the time Tess and Skye present their business plan to Liam and his partners in the hopes of winning their financial backing Liam finds himself breaking all of his own rules because he can’t stay away from Tess. He can’t stop flirting with her or asking her out. He can’t stop wanting to make her his. And even though Tess has some of the same reservations she can’t resist the most beautiful man she’s ever seen that makes her heart rate quicken every time he looks at her. Once Tess decides to accept the business offer and Liam’s advances, like everything else she does, she jumps in with both feet. From that point on the story is pretty much Liam and Tess learning more about each other in and out of bed, falling more and more in love. A few months into the relationship Liam talks so much about forever and your mine, that like Liam your surprised that Tess is shocked when Liam says those three little words she’s waited a lifetime to hear.
My only issues with this story are of the financial variety. If Liam and his two partners Becca and David all developed the business app together that they sold to get the money to invest in their new business, why was it named after Liam and why was he more or less the managing partner? I didn’t understand why Tess and Skye were so opposed to allowing their wealthy siblings and cousin to partner with them to expand their now already successful and growing business? I don’t know anything about Manhattan but I don’t understand why opening a second store in the same SoHo neighborhood where the original one is was a good business decision? Seems to me they’d be competing for the same walk-in customers. I understood how if Liam’s company had to freeze their investment in Soho Lingerie’s expansion it would prevent them from opening a second store but I don’t understand why it might force the women to close their entire business operation and go back to their previous jobs in the corporate world? Why couldn’t they just shrink back to their original successful, highly profitable business model until Liam’s firm was out of a financial bind? If Soho Lingerie was as successful as the story implies, why couldn’t Tess and Sky afford to upgrade their website or pay for some radio advertising out of the profits from their existing business? And now that they both finally had some time to breath after getting their business up and running with so much of Skye’s time often devoted to her young son and husband, did they even want to expand putting more demands on the free time they had so recently earned. None of these questions are critical to the story. They’re just things that made me wonder as I was reading the story.
By the end of the story I was as thrilled for Tess to finally have her happily ever after as her family was. If you enjoy a sweet romance with a minimum of angst you’ll like this one. I’ll miss the Winchesters. Hopefully we’ll see a little more of them in future books involving Josie’s siblings.
In Tess, Hagan has created a character that in this man’s opinion is the perfect woman. She’s beautiful, smart, hard working, loyal, caring, thoughtful and loving. Our male lead financier Liam Harrington never had a chance from the moment he accidently walked into the ladies room to find a half-naked Tess trying to rinses the coffee stain out of her blouse.
This story almost from the very start is a romance in the truest form. In fact it might be a bit too sappy for some. There’s a little angst as Liam who heads an investment company that has partnered with Tess and Skye to fund the expansion of their growing business deals with a silent business partner who threatens both of their businesses. But mostly it’s about Tess finding the man of her dreams and learning to believe and trust that the man who is wooing her is really offering her the love she’s waited so long for. Liam who hasn’t been in a serious relationship for years is a rule follower. One of his rules is not to get romantically involved with business partners. But from the time Tess and Skye present their business plan to Liam and his partners in the hopes of winning their financial backing Liam finds himself breaking all of his own rules because he can’t stay away from Tess. He can’t stop flirting with her or asking her out. He can’t stop wanting to make her his. And even though Tess has some of the same reservations she can’t resist the most beautiful man she’s ever seen that makes her heart rate quicken every time he looks at her. Once Tess decides to accept the business offer and Liam’s advances, like everything else she does, she jumps in with both feet. From that point on the story is pretty much Liam and Tess learning more about each other in and out of bed, falling more and more in love. A few months into the relationship Liam talks so much about forever and your mine, that like Liam your surprised that Tess is shocked when Liam says those three little words she’s waited a lifetime to hear.
My only issues with this story are of the financial variety. If Liam and his two partners Becca and David all developed the business app together that they sold to get the money to invest in their new business, why was it named after Liam and why was he more or less the managing partner? I didn’t understand why Tess and Skye were so opposed to allowing their wealthy siblings and cousin to partner with them to expand their now already successful and growing business? I don’t know anything about Manhattan but I don’t understand why opening a second store in the same SoHo neighborhood where the original one is was a good business decision? Seems to me they’d be competing for the same walk-in customers. I understood how if Liam’s company had to freeze their investment in Soho Lingerie’s expansion it would prevent them from opening a second store but I don’t understand why it might force the women to close their entire business operation and go back to their previous jobs in the corporate world? Why couldn’t they just shrink back to their original successful, highly profitable business model until Liam’s firm was out of a financial bind? If Soho Lingerie was as successful as the story implies, why couldn’t Tess and Sky afford to upgrade their website or pay for some radio advertising out of the profits from their existing business? And now that they both finally had some time to breath after getting their business up and running with so much of Skye’s time often devoted to her young son and husband, did they even want to expand putting more demands on the free time they had so recently earned. None of these questions are critical to the story. They’re just things that made me wonder as I was reading the story.
By the end of the story I was as thrilled for Tess to finally have her happily ever after as her family was. If you enjoy a sweet romance with a minimum of angst you’ll like this one. I’ll miss the Winchesters. Hopefully we’ll see a little more of them in future books involving Josie’s siblings.
January 13, 2021
My One and Only is the 5th book in the Very Irresistible Bachelors series by Layla Hagen. Each book is a stand-alone and as you might have known/guessed there isn't a sibling that doesn't get an appearance or a mention. I love this author and I never miss an opportunity to read one of her books. Usually, I love everything she writes, but in this case, I faced some obstacles.
As I was reading the book, it dawned on me that I couldn't get into it as much as I had done with other books. I couldn't pinpoint it at first. Then as I was reading about something Liam did, I realized that my issue was Liam. Even though everything he did is something that I would approve for a book boyfriend to do, I wasn't 100% sold on him. From the very first chapter, I had a feeling that whatever was going to try to tear them apart would have to do with his company and I couldn't trust him. He never did anything wrong and it weirds me out to say that I wasn't a big fan of his because he truly cared about Tess.
Tess is the reason I am not lowering my rating. She was a relatable heroine whom I would love to hang around with. She is all honesty and has a no secret-keeping policy which was refreshing. Her business is a little unusual, but it was interesting and despite the fact that we don't see her actually working (I mean working with the clients, because he does read about her doing other work-related stuff) it was obvious that her job was meant for her. She is also very close to her siblings and cousins, more than the rest of the characters so far.
Speaking of family, Tess's cousins seem to be the ones who are going to get a book one day and I hope that we will get the opportunity to see that happening. Dylan is the one who struck out the most to me and I do think that he is going to be next.
Overall, the book was good. I don't think that a lot of you will have a problem with Liam as I did, since he didn't do anything wrong after all, so I would recommend the book.
As I was reading the book, it dawned on me that I couldn't get into it as much as I had done with other books. I couldn't pinpoint it at first. Then as I was reading about something Liam did, I realized that my issue was Liam. Even though everything he did is something that I would approve for a book boyfriend to do, I wasn't 100% sold on him. From the very first chapter, I had a feeling that whatever was going to try to tear them apart would have to do with his company and I couldn't trust him. He never did anything wrong and it weirds me out to say that I wasn't a big fan of his because he truly cared about Tess.
Tess is the reason I am not lowering my rating. She was a relatable heroine whom I would love to hang around with. She is all honesty and has a no secret-keeping policy which was refreshing. Her business is a little unusual, but it was interesting and despite the fact that we don't see her actually working (I mean working with the clients, because he does read about her doing other work-related stuff) it was obvious that her job was meant for her. She is also very close to her siblings and cousins, more than the rest of the characters so far.
Speaking of family, Tess's cousins seem to be the ones who are going to get a book one day and I hope that we will get the opportunity to see that happening. Dylan is the one who struck out the most to me and I do think that he is going to be next.
Overall, the book was good. I don't think that a lot of you will have a problem with Liam as I did, since he didn't do anything wrong after all, so I would recommend the book.
January 12, 2021
I received an ARC of My One and Only by Layla Hagen as a member of her review team for an honest review. I can honestly say that I am not sure how Layla Hagen does it, but I absolutely loved My One and Only! It is the fifth book in the Very Irresistible Bachelor series. I loved every page of and could not put it down. Layla Hagen definitely did not disappoint with My One and Only and has once again delivered an incredible story filled with everything that I love in sizzling romance stories. Who doesn't love, hot sexy men, strong, passionate females, big, loving families, who always support one another, and wonderful characters? Layla Hagen continues to deliver all that and so much more. I can truly say that the books in this series keep getting better and better, and I have loved every book. I think that My One and Only is my favorite, but I have felt that way after I have read each book in the series. Layla Hagen has once again shown that she in an amazing storyteller. I really enjoy how she writes her stories in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love knowing what the main characters are thinking and feeling. I love the lighter moments where I found myself smiling and laughing. My favorite moments are the bittersweet ones that cause me to sigh, say aww to myself with tears filling my eyes. My One and Only is filled with all those things that I have come to love and expect in a Layla Hagen love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. My One and Only is the love story of Tess Winchester, co-owner of SoHo Lingerie with her sister, Skye and Liam Harrington, the founder of Harrington & Co, the company that Tess and Skye have chosen to apply to as a financial backer to fund their expansion. I love the light moment how Tess and Liam meet for the first time. After Tess and Skye’s initial presentation and their getting to know dinner, sparks fly between Tess and Liam. Tess and Liam both have their own baggage and Tess tries to avoid Liam and her reaction to him, because she is concerned about what will happen if SoHo Lingerie is the company Harrington & Co decides to invest in. Neither Tess nor Liam like to mix business with pleasure. I love Tess and Liam’s love story, and how the plot twist changes things for Tess, especially because of the Winchester family “no secrets” policy. Tess does not want to be dependent on anyone, family included. Liam was raised to take care of all the problems and protect the ones you love. My One and Only is the beautifully written story that Tess so deserved. Layla Hagen creates such wonderful and memorable characters and has once again done this in My One and Only. I love Tess and Liam's story and the descriptions of the NY settings. My One and Only felt like a family reunion and catching up with all the other characters from the other books in the series. I love the characters and the family dynamic in My One and Only, the characters feel like family and friends. I enjoy all the interactions among the Winchester siblings and the Gallagher siblings, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing, I especially love the Winchester family "no secret" policy. My One and Only is filled with all the elements that I have come to love and expect in Layla Hagen stories. I love the bittersweet and poignant moments, as well as the surprise plot twists. My One and Only was a wonderful story. So glad that Tess let go of her past disappointments and found her one, and happily ever after. I loved Liam’s proposal and where he proposed and Amelia’s reaction. I cannot wait to see which Gallagher sibling will find their very irresistible bachelor or bachelorette love story. I highly recommend this sizzling romance. I received an ARC for an honest review.
January 11, 2021
Tess has been working so hard with her sister Skye to go their lingerie business that they hardly have time for anything else in their life. The only thing she loves more than her business is her big crazy family. She has put so much effort into doing for everyone else that sometimes she forgets to look after her too. When sparks fly with the potential investor she does everything she can to keep him at arms length. Will she succeed?
Liam is happy with life the way it is. Working along side his best friends on the company they have created and is thriving. His close relationship with his Grandmother who practically raised him while his parents travelled the world working. He dated from time to time but never looked for anything serious. When Tess catches his eye at the interview for investment funds, he can't seem to focus. He can't seem to stop thinking about her after either. Drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
Will Tess and Liam cross that line between professional and personal? Will it work out for them or will it backfire?
This book is true to the series with a fun loving romance story full of banter and chemistry. These characters are so easy to fall in love with. You feel like you are walking along beside them not looking through the window. A great hopeful read.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Liam is happy with life the way it is. Working along side his best friends on the company they have created and is thriving. His close relationship with his Grandmother who practically raised him while his parents travelled the world working. He dated from time to time but never looked for anything serious. When Tess catches his eye at the interview for investment funds, he can't seem to focus. He can't seem to stop thinking about her after either. Drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
Will Tess and Liam cross that line between professional and personal? Will it work out for them or will it backfire?
This book is true to the series with a fun loving romance story full of banter and chemistry. These characters are so easy to fall in love with. You feel like you are walking along beside them not looking through the window. A great hopeful read.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
January 6, 2021
What can I say about these Very Irresistible Bachelors that hasn’t already been said, apart from I can’t get enough of them, My One and Only is book 5 and for me each book I have picked has exceeded my expectations and been better than the last book. My One and Only is Tess and Liam’s story and it’s the perfect addition to this wonderful, entertaining series, the characters are easy to relate to and their journey is believable. I fell hard and fast for this couple and I knew as soon as I met Tess that she was one special lady and with that in mind she needed a very special man to win her heart......
On the face of it Tess and Liam shouldn’t have worked, can you mix business and pleasure without someone getting hurt and they really seem like opposites in so many ways but as their story unfolds you really see that they are also very similar in so many ways and their love story touched me on so many levels. I laughed at the witty banter they shared and I admired how family meant so much to the lovely Tess and let’s mot forget swooning over the seriously hot, alpha and powerful Liam. I guess all that’s left for me to say is please one click this gem, you won’t be disappointed.
On the face of it Tess and Liam shouldn’t have worked, can you mix business and pleasure without someone getting hurt and they really seem like opposites in so many ways but as their story unfolds you really see that they are also very similar in so many ways and their love story touched me on so many levels. I laughed at the witty banter they shared and I admired how family meant so much to the lovely Tess and let’s mot forget swooning over the seriously hot, alpha and powerful Liam. I guess all that’s left for me to say is please one click this gem, you won’t be disappointed.
January 6, 2021
Right from the start, Tess and Liam have an perfect meet cute! It involves lingerie and a book shot. An embarrassing moment for both before they enter in to a business presentation. You get to see Tess’ moxie and wits from the first moments of this story.
The instant connection of this couple leads to some incredible passion. A Story filled with flirtation and then sensuality. Engaging conversations, a natural flow to their intimacy makes for a smooth read. You do feel their drive for life, love of family when you see how hard they work, especially hers as she is trying to expand her business alongside her sister.
Trust and communication in a romantic relationship are highlighted via a troublesome issue that arises on Liam's side. This is a low drama read. There is a moment where business and relationships get kind of mushed and twisted. I can always count on this author for playful and hot romance with a healthy side of family. Two very strong characters immerse themselves in a business relationship full of banter, red-hot chemistry, and real-life quality. Layla Hagen writes a fun and easy romance always with strong women, sexy men, a healthy dose of family dynamic and of course an HEA.
The instant connection of this couple leads to some incredible passion. A Story filled with flirtation and then sensuality. Engaging conversations, a natural flow to their intimacy makes for a smooth read. You do feel their drive for life, love of family when you see how hard they work, especially hers as she is trying to expand her business alongside her sister.
Trust and communication in a romantic relationship are highlighted via a troublesome issue that arises on Liam's side. This is a low drama read. There is a moment where business and relationships get kind of mushed and twisted. I can always count on this author for playful and hot romance with a healthy side of family. Two very strong characters immerse themselves in a business relationship full of banter, red-hot chemistry, and real-life quality. Layla Hagen writes a fun and easy romance always with strong women, sexy men, a healthy dose of family dynamic and of course an HEA.
January 12, 2021
Tess and Skye have big plans for their lingerie company but to fulfill those plans they need capital and that is where Liam comes in. Her first encounter with him was certainly memorable and now that he has found her in a compromising position she needs to leave it in the past as she prepares to wow him with her business plan.
When Liam first sees Tess he gets an eyeful he won’t soon forgot. There is no denying his attraction to her but she also intrigues him like no other and he is determined to convince her that they are destined to be partners both personally and professionally.
Tess is cautious about getting involved with Liam as it could not only break her heart but hurt her business as well, but Liam isn’t about to let her walk away once he sees the life and love they could have together. Romance, family and all the feels as Tess and Liam get the future they both deserve.
When Liam first sees Tess he gets an eyeful he won’t soon forgot. There is no denying his attraction to her but she also intrigues him like no other and he is determined to convince her that they are destined to be partners both personally and professionally.
Tess is cautious about getting involved with Liam as it could not only break her heart but hurt her business as well, but Liam isn’t about to let her walk away once he sees the life and love they could have together. Romance, family and all the feels as Tess and Liam get the future they both deserve.
March 20, 2021
My One and Only is the fifth in Layla Hagen’s Very Irresistible Bachelors series, and is about Tess Winchester and Liam Harrington. Told in alternating first person, Tess and Liam’s story is a low angst, sweetly hot story that begins when Tess and her sister Skye apply for funding to expand their growing custom lingerie company. Liam and his partners own one of NYC’s hottest investment firms, and Tess and Liam’s meeting immediately sets of sparks that take very little fanning to leap to life.
Liam is definitely determined and persuasive, and charms the slightly reluctant Tess, whose unvarnished enthusiasm for life grabs Liam and doesn’t let go. Liam and Tess are well matched in their hard work and deep loyalty and love for their families.
Layla Hagen’s read is an entertaining and emotionally satisfying one.
Liam is definitely determined and persuasive, and charms the slightly reluctant Tess, whose unvarnished enthusiasm for life grabs Liam and doesn’t let go. Liam and Tess are well matched in their hard work and deep loyalty and love for their families.
Layla Hagen’s read is an entertaining and emotionally satisfying one.
February 15, 2021
A sweet enough nothing read, but it was rather boring. There was no conflict to drive the plot, so there was very little plot. The characters were generically nice for the most part, they acknowledged their attraction to each other right away, they started dating with no issues, their business went well, and for the most part things just went smoothly. Even the "fights" they had once or twice were basically nothing and resolved quickly. I'm tempted to rate it lower because it was boring, but it was an alright enough read with nothing to it that actively bothered me. So I'll just place it in the middle of the road and will probably forget all about it within a week or two.
December 21, 2020
ARC
I LOVE 💗THIS BOOK 📚 not only is it 🔥 HOT and steamy♨️ like the others, Tess and Liam show that you can still be independent and also depend on others and you won't lose your independenceby doing so. I also love the fact that Layla the author keeps us informed about the characters in other books, in my eyes I'm not just reading a book I'm reading about an entire family with ups and downs just like my own. And I can't wait to read Isabells story I hope she's next!!!
I LOVE 💗THIS BOOK 📚 not only is it 🔥 HOT and steamy♨️ like the others, Tess and Liam show that you can still be independent and also depend on others and you won't lose your independenceby doing so. I also love the fact that Layla the author keeps us informed about the characters in other books, in my eyes I'm not just reading a book I'm reading about an entire family with ups and downs just like my own. And I can't wait to read Isabells story I hope she's next!!!
December 25, 2020
I knew it would take one heck of a man to grab ahold of Tess's attention and hold it, Liam is THAT man and more. The chemistry was off the charts form the moment they met and it only kept growing till it exploded into something undeniable.
Throughout the ups and downs that come with a new relationship, there is an outside source that wants to tear them apart but soon they find out that they're meant for one another and nothing can stop them once they finally get on the same page.
Throughout the ups and downs that come with a new relationship, there is an outside source that wants to tear them apart but soon they find out that they're meant for one another and nothing can stop them once they finally get on the same page.
January 2, 2021
Well I love Liam Harrington. He is definitely my favorite of the irresistible bachelors and I absolutely love him with Tess. This book has a whole bunch of chemistry and Liam is just the right bit of alpha male. I'm so excited that we are going to get more from this world.
September 5, 2024
Es una lectura ligera, ideal para distraerse, aunque la narración podría mejorar, ya que en ciertos momentos se pierde el hilo de la historia.
January 10, 2021
Liam & Tess Mix Business And Pleasure In This Shamelessly Flirty Romance About Family! He Is A Lone Wolf; She Is A Hurricane. Their Instant Attraction Is Out Of Control, And Neither Seems To Have The Ability To Put On The Breaks Despite The Risks.
This book is the fifth in a New York-based series about the Winchester family. It is Tess Winchester and Liam Harrington’s story. It is absolutely a stand-alone; however, fans will appreciate learning more about this close-knit family by reading the series in order.
In the first book, much was learned about the downfall of the Winchester family and their Caldwell cousin, who works to redeem his family name. That extra insight adds depth to later books, as the family members are shaped by their past. It makes Ryker's leap from irresistible bachelor to commitment-ready beau all the more real, explains Skye’s hesitations in a relationship, Cole’s reluctance to allow anything to distract himself from achieving financial security and ensuring his family’s well-being, and Tess’s hesitation to make herself vulnerable in a relationship.
From the first book:
Powerful and headstrong Hunter Caldwell, thirty-two, owned one of the largest real estate development companies in country. The Caldwell name was famous in New York. While Hunter's professional success and generous charitable efforts defined him as a powerhouse to be reckoned with, many remembered his late father's success and subsequent failure in real estate development, quietly sneering about parallels and gleefully anticipating Hunter's downfall. Hunter was driven by the desire to avoid the downward spiral that destroyed his family and hoped to restore the family's good name.
Josie Gallagher, thirty, is on the brink of achieving her life's goal of becoming a partner in her law firm. She misses her family in Montana (siblings Ian, Dylan, and Isabelle), but she loves her life in New York. She hopes to be married and have kids one day, but none of her relationships have gotten too serious - perhaps in no small part due to her devotion to her career. She is thankful for the Winchesters, who make her feel so much a part of their family. And of course for Hunter, her best friend of fifteen years. Her relationship with Hunter is complicated. She crushed on him for a long time before mostly accepting that they will only ever be friends. Still, sometimes her hopes have her wondering if maybe Hunter has feelings for her, too.
In book two:
Thirty year old Ryker Winchester is the laid back Winchester brother. He is smart, loyal, fun, and hard-working - and nicknamed the Flirt. Director at The Pearman Fund by day and playing guitar at Northern Lights by night from time to time, he is equally comfortable in a custom suit or a leather jacket and jeans. Ryker is great at compartmentalizing, which aided his meteoric rise to Director of a big venture capital firm. The outlet for all that concentration and pressure is performing on stage and collecting guitars. All his extra time goes to his family, and he is always there to help out when needed. Ryker is fiercely protective of them, and they all appreciate what their mom went through to raise four children on her own. Which is why Ryker has no tolerance for men that don't respect women. Ryker hasn't ever had a serious relationship himself - his relationships are casual - but he is honest and honorable. He expected that he, his brother Cole, and Hunter would be eternal bachelors, but Hunter just got married to Josie and things are changing.
Heather Prescott, twenty-eight, is building a career in journalism at a national newspaper while raising her seven year old daughter, Avery. When she meets her boyfriend at Northern Lights one night, she has no idea that her life is about to change.
From book three:
Skye Winchester, thirty-two, recently took the leap from employee to entrepreneur. She had been a biotech major in college and worked in R&D for several years. But that hadn’t fully prepared her for becoming a business woman and lingerie designer. Soho Lingerie had started as an online store that she and her sister Tess started together, but after years of juggling a day job and the web store, they took the leap and opened a brick and mortar store in Soho. Several months back their investor had jumped ship, causing them to rethink their plans, but with the help of her tight-knit family they have been able to trudge forward.
Robert Dumont, thirty-three, is returning to New York after four years in L.A. as CEO of Dumont’s West Coast restaurant chain, and taking over as Dumont’s East Coast CEO. He wants to live near his newly-divorced sister Anne and his eight year old niece Lindsay, who are both struggling with the change in their lives. When Robert looks at yet another home in the suburbs near Anne’s home, there is something about it that calls to him, though it isn’t quite everything he wanted. And the woman showing the home as a favor to her neighbors has captured his attention.
From book four:
The story opens in March, when newlywed Skye is seven months pregnant.
Cole Winchester, roughly thirty, is the youngest of the Winchester clan. He is nicknamed the charmer, and for good reason. He plays a good game and knows how to win the girl. He never gets serious, though. His commitment is to his job, his family (to include his mom, cousin, and siblings) and to his bachelor lifestyle. He had been the last remaining member of the bachelor pack, but had since reformed the club to include Josie’s brothers, Ian and Dylan. Cole remembers how difficult times were when his parents divorced and his mom struggled to raise him and his siblings, and he never wants to see his family struggle again. When Hunter started Caldwell Real Estate and asked Cole to be his partner, he had jumped at the opportunity. For Cole, it is about the money and the security it represents. He loves landing a new deal, but he also wants to ensure that his family is taken care of, even if they are too stubborn to accept help. He and Hunter make a great team. Hunter’s focus is strategy, while Cole is a problem solver. He is the Chief Operations Officer. As he and Hunter look to expand their business holdings to Europe, Cole finds himself in Rome for a tough but rewarding week of negotiations with Delimano, their new partner in a Rome shopping center.
Laney Smith, probably about twenty-eight, is a surgical resident at The Liberty in New York. She is taking full advantage of every minute of her off time during her two month assignment in Rome. She had jumped at the opportunity and hasn’t regretted it for a moment. Since her arrival, she has come to love the city of Rome and its rich history. She has one week to go before retuning to New York, her home for the last two years. Fortunately Isabelle just followed her to New York, and she won’t feel so alone anymore. Isabelle, her best friend of twenty years, and her brothers Ian and Dylan, were like family to Laney, having all grown up in a small Montana town together. So when Isabelle’s sister Josie asks Laney to meet up with her cousin-in-law Cole who is in Rome for the week, she doesn’t hesitate to agree.
In this book:
As this book opens, it is mid-September, sometime after Skye delivered baby Jonas. Heather is pregnant and showing.
Tess Winchester, thirty-five, is the last of her siblings to be single. That burns a little because she is the oldest and has always had big dreams of a family of her own, and yet she finds that her clock is ticking. She has dated for fifteen years, with nothing sticking for more than a few months, so she has learned that she isn’t for everyone. Her siblings call her “the hurricane.” She is rather enthusiastic about life and wears her heart on her sleeve. Some find her a little weird, a little too much. She doesn’t have a good filter and often finds herself overstepping boundaries. She cannot seem to turn off her mother hen tendencies. With her failed dating history combined with the hardship her family experienced when her father walked out on them, Tess never fully gets comfortable in her short-term relationships. She always holds just a little bit back. Still, she is eternally optimistic, a trait she picked up in her youth. When her parents divorced and her mother had to start over as a single mom of four, Tess was there to help. As the oldest sibling she tried to entertain and keep everyone’s spirits up. As they grew, she instituted the no-secrets policy, a way to ensure they always had one another’s back.
It was about three years ago that Tess and her sister Skye began SoHo Lingerie. Today they have a single storefront and a growing online business. Both Skye and Tess experienced self-esteem issues in their youth in relation to their bust size. With SoHo Lingerie, they found a market niche specializing in lingerie that makes women feel good about themselves. Their passion for their work shows. They are moving into customized options now and thrilled with the results so far. They have toyed with bringing in investors in the past to enable a faster expansion of their business, but it has never panned out. They also fear losing control of the company, so they are quite weary of the prospects. Harrington & Co., however, seems to be a promising possibility worth pursuing.
Liam Harrington, thirty-six, is content with his life. He follows a routine that provides structure, something he finds useful. His partners, however, note that he comes across as robotic. He loves rules, just as long as he is the one making them. Running Harrington & Co. can be stressful at times, but he takes his responsibilities seriously. Liam and his best friends Rebecca Johnson and David Delgado started out on Wall Street together after college, but none were enamored with the idea of staying and making it a career. They developed a personal finance app called InvestMe and made a windfall when they sold it. At twenty-six, they could have retired. Instead they all took some good advice and chose to do something with themselves. They started up an investment fund and work out of a brownstone on the Upper West Side of NYC along with six interns. Each year they take applications from hopeful entrepreneurs. Typically they take on three promising companies each year and help steer their mentees toward success. Their portfolio is growing, but this year they can only pick one company without bringing on new interns, something they are not of the mindset to do just yet. The competition is fierce.
Liam is content with his life. He likes to keep his personal life to himself, not that he has much of one. He is a lone wolf, broody and private. He enjoyed the fame that accompanied the sale of his app, and took advantage of the attention from women that came along with it. Although he once envisioned himself settling down and having a family, he has not had a relationship in over a decade. He lives on a steady diet of work and casual dates with no-strings trysts. He is close to his widowed grandmother, whom he regularly visits. He worries about her adjustment since his grandfather died five years ago. He had been essentially raised by his grandparents while his parents travelled the globe for their work as wildlife photographers. He often sees them on Thanksgiving or Christmas, but not always. In some respects Liam is like his grandfather, who was a man of action, not words. He stubbornly tries to manage things on his own. Serious and focused, Liam sees himself as responsible for those he loves.
As Harrington & Co. prepares for their annual day of hearing pitches from prospective mentees, Liam is not sold on SoHo Lingerie despite what his partners say about its potential. Still, he reserves judgement until all presentations are given. But once a wardrobe malfunction gives him a peak at one of the enticing beauties behind SoHo Lingerie, he has a hard time keeping his mind on business. When Tess faces the panel and gives her presentation, she tries not to get caught up in the heated gaze of the magnetic and handsome Liam Harrington. She knows better than to mix business with pleasure, yet she cannot help but flirt back once Liam unleashes his charm on her.
Wow! Liam really has his flirt on almost from the start. He is an alpha, but something about Tess pulls him out of his shell. Despite all their obvious differences, they actually have a lot in common. They both see themselves as caretakers of those they love, putting others above themselves. That has left them both alone and lonely, even if they know how to keep themselves busy and positive. While many men might find Tess to be too overbearing, Liam appreciates all the effort she puts into caring for those she loves. It also fulfills a vacancy in his heart that he hadn’t understood existed. There is a lot of heat and chemistry between the two, and their flirty banter is fun. Things gets a little more serious later on, and the wrap-up takes a while. The storylines involving Albert and Kevin felt convenient rather than authentic, but they do not distract too much from this fabulous couple. Liam and Tess eventually earn their happy for now ending.
Those following the series will note that thus far the series has included Hunter Caldwell – a Winchester cousin essentially raised with the Winchester family – and the Winchester children – Ryker, Skye, Cole, and now Tess. The series going forward shifts to the Gallagher family. Josie Gallagher already had her story in book one, where she found love with Hunter. They had been best friends for years, and she was thus very much part of the Winchester family herself. Her family was from Montana, and the Winchesters were like a surrogate family to her. Laney Smith had been best friends with Josie’s sister Isabelle since childhood; she found love with Cole in book four, again bringing the Gallagher family closer to the Winchesters. Isabelle Gallagher has finished school and moved to NYC several months ago to open a practice. One in a Million will be book six in the series. In it, Isabelle finds love with Brayden Clarke, rock star, when she lands a job advising a world-famous band on improving their communication with fans. Josie and Isabelle’s brothers, Dylan and Ian, own a software company in Washington. This book announces that they will be moving to NYC to open a subsidiary company.
Liam and Tess mix business and pleasure in this shamelessly flirty romance about family. Their instant attraction is out of control, and neither seems to have the ability to put on the breaks despite the risks. The story is well-written. The plot is realistic. The characters are authentic and well-developed. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Liam and Tess. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is the fifth in a New York-based series about the Winchester family. It is Tess Winchester and Liam Harrington’s story. It is absolutely a stand-alone; however, fans will appreciate learning more about this close-knit family by reading the series in order.
In the first book, much was learned about the downfall of the Winchester family and their Caldwell cousin, who works to redeem his family name. That extra insight adds depth to later books, as the family members are shaped by their past. It makes Ryker's leap from irresistible bachelor to commitment-ready beau all the more real, explains Skye’s hesitations in a relationship, Cole’s reluctance to allow anything to distract himself from achieving financial security and ensuring his family’s well-being, and Tess’s hesitation to make herself vulnerable in a relationship.
From the first book:
Powerful and headstrong Hunter Caldwell, thirty-two, owned one of the largest real estate development companies in country. The Caldwell name was famous in New York. While Hunter's professional success and generous charitable efforts defined him as a powerhouse to be reckoned with, many remembered his late father's success and subsequent failure in real estate development, quietly sneering about parallels and gleefully anticipating Hunter's downfall. Hunter was driven by the desire to avoid the downward spiral that destroyed his family and hoped to restore the family's good name.
Josie Gallagher, thirty, is on the brink of achieving her life's goal of becoming a partner in her law firm. She misses her family in Montana (siblings Ian, Dylan, and Isabelle), but she loves her life in New York. She hopes to be married and have kids one day, but none of her relationships have gotten too serious - perhaps in no small part due to her devotion to her career. She is thankful for the Winchesters, who make her feel so much a part of their family. And of course for Hunter, her best friend of fifteen years. Her relationship with Hunter is complicated. She crushed on him for a long time before mostly accepting that they will only ever be friends. Still, sometimes her hopes have her wondering if maybe Hunter has feelings for her, too.
In book two:
Thirty year old Ryker Winchester is the laid back Winchester brother. He is smart, loyal, fun, and hard-working - and nicknamed the Flirt. Director at The Pearman Fund by day and playing guitar at Northern Lights by night from time to time, he is equally comfortable in a custom suit or a leather jacket and jeans. Ryker is great at compartmentalizing, which aided his meteoric rise to Director of a big venture capital firm. The outlet for all that concentration and pressure is performing on stage and collecting guitars. All his extra time goes to his family, and he is always there to help out when needed. Ryker is fiercely protective of them, and they all appreciate what their mom went through to raise four children on her own. Which is why Ryker has no tolerance for men that don't respect women. Ryker hasn't ever had a serious relationship himself - his relationships are casual - but he is honest and honorable. He expected that he, his brother Cole, and Hunter would be eternal bachelors, but Hunter just got married to Josie and things are changing.
Heather Prescott, twenty-eight, is building a career in journalism at a national newspaper while raising her seven year old daughter, Avery. When she meets her boyfriend at Northern Lights one night, she has no idea that her life is about to change.
From book three:
Skye Winchester, thirty-two, recently took the leap from employee to entrepreneur. She had been a biotech major in college and worked in R&D for several years. But that hadn’t fully prepared her for becoming a business woman and lingerie designer. Soho Lingerie had started as an online store that she and her sister Tess started together, but after years of juggling a day job and the web store, they took the leap and opened a brick and mortar store in Soho. Several months back their investor had jumped ship, causing them to rethink their plans, but with the help of her tight-knit family they have been able to trudge forward.
Robert Dumont, thirty-three, is returning to New York after four years in L.A. as CEO of Dumont’s West Coast restaurant chain, and taking over as Dumont’s East Coast CEO. He wants to live near his newly-divorced sister Anne and his eight year old niece Lindsay, who are both struggling with the change in their lives. When Robert looks at yet another home in the suburbs near Anne’s home, there is something about it that calls to him, though it isn’t quite everything he wanted. And the woman showing the home as a favor to her neighbors has captured his attention.
From book four:
The story opens in March, when newlywed Skye is seven months pregnant.
Cole Winchester, roughly thirty, is the youngest of the Winchester clan. He is nicknamed the charmer, and for good reason. He plays a good game and knows how to win the girl. He never gets serious, though. His commitment is to his job, his family (to include his mom, cousin, and siblings) and to his bachelor lifestyle. He had been the last remaining member of the bachelor pack, but had since reformed the club to include Josie’s brothers, Ian and Dylan. Cole remembers how difficult times were when his parents divorced and his mom struggled to raise him and his siblings, and he never wants to see his family struggle again. When Hunter started Caldwell Real Estate and asked Cole to be his partner, he had jumped at the opportunity. For Cole, it is about the money and the security it represents. He loves landing a new deal, but he also wants to ensure that his family is taken care of, even if they are too stubborn to accept help. He and Hunter make a great team. Hunter’s focus is strategy, while Cole is a problem solver. He is the Chief Operations Officer. As he and Hunter look to expand their business holdings to Europe, Cole finds himself in Rome for a tough but rewarding week of negotiations with Delimano, their new partner in a Rome shopping center.
Laney Smith, probably about twenty-eight, is a surgical resident at The Liberty in New York. She is taking full advantage of every minute of her off time during her two month assignment in Rome. She had jumped at the opportunity and hasn’t regretted it for a moment. Since her arrival, she has come to love the city of Rome and its rich history. She has one week to go before retuning to New York, her home for the last two years. Fortunately Isabelle just followed her to New York, and she won’t feel so alone anymore. Isabelle, her best friend of twenty years, and her brothers Ian and Dylan, were like family to Laney, having all grown up in a small Montana town together. So when Isabelle’s sister Josie asks Laney to meet up with her cousin-in-law Cole who is in Rome for the week, she doesn’t hesitate to agree.
In this book:
As this book opens, it is mid-September, sometime after Skye delivered baby Jonas. Heather is pregnant and showing.
Tess Winchester, thirty-five, is the last of her siblings to be single. That burns a little because she is the oldest and has always had big dreams of a family of her own, and yet she finds that her clock is ticking. She has dated for fifteen years, with nothing sticking for more than a few months, so she has learned that she isn’t for everyone. Her siblings call her “the hurricane.” She is rather enthusiastic about life and wears her heart on her sleeve. Some find her a little weird, a little too much. She doesn’t have a good filter and often finds herself overstepping boundaries. She cannot seem to turn off her mother hen tendencies. With her failed dating history combined with the hardship her family experienced when her father walked out on them, Tess never fully gets comfortable in her short-term relationships. She always holds just a little bit back. Still, she is eternally optimistic, a trait she picked up in her youth. When her parents divorced and her mother had to start over as a single mom of four, Tess was there to help. As the oldest sibling she tried to entertain and keep everyone’s spirits up. As they grew, she instituted the no-secrets policy, a way to ensure they always had one another’s back.
It was about three years ago that Tess and her sister Skye began SoHo Lingerie. Today they have a single storefront and a growing online business. Both Skye and Tess experienced self-esteem issues in their youth in relation to their bust size. With SoHo Lingerie, they found a market niche specializing in lingerie that makes women feel good about themselves. Their passion for their work shows. They are moving into customized options now and thrilled with the results so far. They have toyed with bringing in investors in the past to enable a faster expansion of their business, but it has never panned out. They also fear losing control of the company, so they are quite weary of the prospects. Harrington & Co., however, seems to be a promising possibility worth pursuing.
Liam Harrington, thirty-six, is content with his life. He follows a routine that provides structure, something he finds useful. His partners, however, note that he comes across as robotic. He loves rules, just as long as he is the one making them. Running Harrington & Co. can be stressful at times, but he takes his responsibilities seriously. Liam and his best friends Rebecca Johnson and David Delgado started out on Wall Street together after college, but none were enamored with the idea of staying and making it a career. They developed a personal finance app called InvestMe and made a windfall when they sold it. At twenty-six, they could have retired. Instead they all took some good advice and chose to do something with themselves. They started up an investment fund and work out of a brownstone on the Upper West Side of NYC along with six interns. Each year they take applications from hopeful entrepreneurs. Typically they take on three promising companies each year and help steer their mentees toward success. Their portfolio is growing, but this year they can only pick one company without bringing on new interns, something they are not of the mindset to do just yet. The competition is fierce.
Liam is content with his life. He likes to keep his personal life to himself, not that he has much of one. He is a lone wolf, broody and private. He enjoyed the fame that accompanied the sale of his app, and took advantage of the attention from women that came along with it. Although he once envisioned himself settling down and having a family, he has not had a relationship in over a decade. He lives on a steady diet of work and casual dates with no-strings trysts. He is close to his widowed grandmother, whom he regularly visits. He worries about her adjustment since his grandfather died five years ago. He had been essentially raised by his grandparents while his parents travelled the globe for their work as wildlife photographers. He often sees them on Thanksgiving or Christmas, but not always. In some respects Liam is like his grandfather, who was a man of action, not words. He stubbornly tries to manage things on his own. Serious and focused, Liam sees himself as responsible for those he loves.
As Harrington & Co. prepares for their annual day of hearing pitches from prospective mentees, Liam is not sold on SoHo Lingerie despite what his partners say about its potential. Still, he reserves judgement until all presentations are given. But once a wardrobe malfunction gives him a peak at one of the enticing beauties behind SoHo Lingerie, he has a hard time keeping his mind on business. When Tess faces the panel and gives her presentation, she tries not to get caught up in the heated gaze of the magnetic and handsome Liam Harrington. She knows better than to mix business with pleasure, yet she cannot help but flirt back once Liam unleashes his charm on her.
Wow! Liam really has his flirt on almost from the start. He is an alpha, but something about Tess pulls him out of his shell. Despite all their obvious differences, they actually have a lot in common. They both see themselves as caretakers of those they love, putting others above themselves. That has left them both alone and lonely, even if they know how to keep themselves busy and positive. While many men might find Tess to be too overbearing, Liam appreciates all the effort she puts into caring for those she loves. It also fulfills a vacancy in his heart that he hadn’t understood existed. There is a lot of heat and chemistry between the two, and their flirty banter is fun. Things gets a little more serious later on, and the wrap-up takes a while. The storylines involving Albert and Kevin felt convenient rather than authentic, but they do not distract too much from this fabulous couple. Liam and Tess eventually earn their happy for now ending.
Those following the series will note that thus far the series has included Hunter Caldwell – a Winchester cousin essentially raised with the Winchester family – and the Winchester children – Ryker, Skye, Cole, and now Tess. The series going forward shifts to the Gallagher family. Josie Gallagher already had her story in book one, where she found love with Hunter. They had been best friends for years, and she was thus very much part of the Winchester family herself. Her family was from Montana, and the Winchesters were like a surrogate family to her. Laney Smith had been best friends with Josie’s sister Isabelle since childhood; she found love with Cole in book four, again bringing the Gallagher family closer to the Winchesters. Isabelle Gallagher has finished school and moved to NYC several months ago to open a practice. One in a Million will be book six in the series. In it, Isabelle finds love with Brayden Clarke, rock star, when she lands a job advising a world-famous band on improving their communication with fans. Josie and Isabelle’s brothers, Dylan and Ian, own a software company in Washington. This book announces that they will be moving to NYC to open a subsidiary company.
Liam and Tess mix business and pleasure in this shamelessly flirty romance about family. Their instant attraction is out of control, and neither seems to have the ability to put on the breaks despite the risks. The story is well-written. The plot is realistic. The characters are authentic and well-developed. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Liam and Tess. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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