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Russells #2
God Love Her
When her parents divorced, Layla Russell went to LA with her mother, and her little brother Johnny stayed behind with their father. In the eighteen years since, she's tried to maintain a relationship with the other half of her family in Georgia, but a real closeness is lacking...and when she gets the call that her dad has been shot and left for dead, the guilt is crushing. She should have spent more time with him; should have made the trip more often. She catches the first flight to Atlanta; Mark's surgery was a success, but he won't wake up, and the doctors aren't optimistic.
Layla quickly realizes that this shooting wasn't random, and that her uncle, her cousin, her brother, and the rest of the "family" are launching their own investigation. Her uncle's Business Security Solutions doesn't work strictly within the law, and neither does the powerful enemy they're chasing. The more deeply entrenched she becomes in the case, the more dangerous she realizes it is...and the more intrigued she becomes by her father's friend Sly. He's made her a promise to keep her safe, but how can she trust a court-martialed car thief turned mechanic? How can she afford not to?
Layla quickly realizes that this shooting wasn't random, and that her uncle, her cousin, her brother, and the rest of the "family" are launching their own investigation. Her uncle's Business Security Solutions doesn't work strictly within the law, and neither does the powerful enemy they're chasing. The more deeply entrenched she becomes in the case, the more dangerous she realizes it is...and the more intrigued she becomes by her father's friend Sly. He's made her a promise to keep her safe, but how can she trust a court-martialed car thief turned mechanic? How can she afford not to?
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2014
24 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 9, 2016
To say I loved this book would be a gross understatement. I LOVED this book. I was hesitant to try it, mainly because her Lean Dogs series is easily one of my all time favorites and I heard book 1 of this series wasn't great. I've been in a funk lately and came across book 2 and my interest was more than peaked. So I skipped book 1 and dove right on in to God Love Her. And it's the best book decision I've made in a while. I was a teensy bit lost as to the family business, but it was no matter. I fell in love with Sly and Layla in pretty short order. Their courtship was slow, but so well done and it had me hanging on to every word and touch and glance. The major suspense element of this story wasn't anything I haven't read before, but how it was carried out literally had me shaking in my boots. Unassuming and regular...until it wasn't. I won't spoil and I'll say I wasn't shocked, I could see it, still the execution was fantastic. Sly and Layla...good lord do I love these two. As a couple they were just perfect together and intimate and lovely. I never wanted it to end. This is a new top fave of mine.
May 6, 2015
I fell in love with this author's writing style when I read Fearless: The Complete Novel. So I decided to check out some of this author's other books.
I really enjoyed this book. It's about a southern family based in Atlanta who are a little on the shady side but all in a Robin Hood way. The story is really more about family and the relationships between extended family members. The main romance in this book is about Sly and Layla but there's other couples drawn into the book. I really liked the way the author developed the romance and I guess I have gotten jaded reading so many erotic sex scenes because the author writes these sex scenes in such a way that I'm drawn into them but they're not that explicit. I would definitely rate this one 4 stars. It's a stand alone and can be read without reading the other books in the series. The Lean Dogs MC play a part in this book when the Russell family hires them to protect a family member. I have moved on to book 3 in this series and am enjoying it also.
I really enjoyed this book. It's about a southern family based in Atlanta who are a little on the shady side but all in a Robin Hood way. The story is really more about family and the relationships between extended family members. The main romance in this book is about Sly and Layla but there's other couples drawn into the book. I really liked the way the author developed the romance and I guess I have gotten jaded reading so many erotic sex scenes because the author writes these sex scenes in such a way that I'm drawn into them but they're not that explicit. I would definitely rate this one 4 stars. It's a stand alone and can be read without reading the other books in the series. The Lean Dogs MC play a part in this book when the Russell family hires them to protect a family member. I have moved on to book 3 in this series and am enjoying it also.
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November 20, 2016
11/17/2016 -- re-read 3.5 Stars again
+++++++++++++++++++
09/13/2015 -- Okay. Finished the second one in the Russell series. I really didn't like the first one, but thought I'd give #2 a try. It was solid, but the characters lacked something for me. Plus, the story didn't feel as tight to me as others I've read by this author. I liked it, but didn't love it. I'm moving on to #3 and am hoping I'll like it much better. Wish me luck! 3 to 3.5 Stars -- I'll settle on 3.5. Knowing just how good this author can be may have jaded me a bit, so will give a minor bump.
Happy Reading!
+++++++++++++++++++
09/13/2015 -- Okay. Finished the second one in the Russell series. I really didn't like the first one, but thought I'd give #2 a try. It was solid, but the characters lacked something for me. Plus, the story didn't feel as tight to me as others I've read by this author. I liked it, but didn't love it. I'm moving on to #3 and am hoping I'll like it much better. Wish me luck! 3 to 3.5 Stars -- I'll settle on 3.5. Knowing just how good this author can be may have jaded me a bit, so will give a minor bump.
Happy Reading!
October 2, 2016
after meeting sly and layla in 'fearless' by this author i really hoped that they had their own book and was so happy when i realised that they did! i enjoyed this book so much. bit of suspense and mystery which this author seems to really weave in effortlessly with a slow burn but very sexy romance. romance wise this one has a little forbidden element as sly is layla's fathers friend and 15 years her senior (sign me up right there!!) this had a very intriguing story that kept me glued to the pages. i have come to love the detailed way this author brings other characters pov into her books as well, be it previous characters or new ones we will then meet fully in new books. definitely recommend this one to others if you want a good suspense with some sexy romance. it is easily read as a standalone, that is how i started it and now meeting the russell family will be going back and picking up the first book. lauren gilley is an author you should be reading! in the last 2 weeks i have utterly consumed her work and they've all been fantastic reads.
November 10, 2024
4.5 / 5 stars
reread: 06/05/19
Ugh, this book. I cannot. I was desperate to read this one after being briefly introduced to these characters in Fearless, the quick little interaction between Sly and Layla sold me on the couple.
Lauren Gilley does age gap romance unlike any other, I adored Fearless and the unusual relationship she created between those two main characters. This was a little more 'normal' for lack of a better term, the characters meet when twenty-five-year-old Layla rushes home after hearing her father has been shot.
Sly, her father's best friend picks her up from the airport and becomes her protector of sorts. She's not sure what to make of the silent and aloof man, but quickly they realise they have an intense attraction. Throw in numerous attempted murders, assaults, attempted kidnappings, successful kidnappings, and major illegal trafficking rings, and you have this book.
It was exciting and dramatic and I ate it right up. The family interactions in this book were a highlight because they weren't all happy families. Layla had had little contact with her family, having lived with her mother in another state for the majority of her life.
I also adored Sly, he wasn't described as the guy who every girl swoons over, he was a little more unsuspecting but a second glance was all you needed.
"He was the kind of man you didn’t notice at first…but then found yourself staring. There was something…something she’d never been able to put her finger on…that inspired a double, triple, quadruple look."
reread: 06/05/19
Ugh, this book. I cannot. I was desperate to read this one after being briefly introduced to these characters in Fearless, the quick little interaction between Sly and Layla sold me on the couple.
Lauren Gilley does age gap romance unlike any other, I adored Fearless and the unusual relationship she created between those two main characters. This was a little more 'normal' for lack of a better term, the characters meet when twenty-five-year-old Layla rushes home after hearing her father has been shot.
Sly, her father's best friend picks her up from the airport and becomes her protector of sorts. She's not sure what to make of the silent and aloof man, but quickly they realise they have an intense attraction. Throw in numerous attempted murders, assaults, attempted kidnappings, successful kidnappings, and major illegal trafficking rings, and you have this book.
It was exciting and dramatic and I ate it right up. The family interactions in this book were a highlight because they weren't all happy families. Layla had had little contact with her family, having lived with her mother in another state for the majority of her life.
I also adored Sly, he wasn't described as the guy who every girl swoons over, he was a little more unsuspecting but a second glance was all you needed.
May 13, 2016
Holy shit was this book amazing. AMAZING. I absolutely loved being amidst this family and getting lost in their world. I started at book 2 but wasn't really lost. Gahh and Slyyy. Amazing. The feels. Soo Good. I cant wait to start book 3 right nowwww. Anddddd we get more Lean Dogs!!!
September 2, 2017
The first book in the Russells Series, Made For Breaking, did absolutely nothing for me which shocked the heck out of me. LG writes books full of characters who may be far from perfect, but they are real and I usually eat them up like popcorn. Unfortunately, just like in real life, sometimes a personality rubs me the wrong way which is what happened with the heroine of the first book. In need of an LG fix, I decided to give the Russells another shot so God Love Her was up and I am so glad I did.
Layla was a fish out of water in Atlanta. Raised in LA by her neurotic mother, she was only able to bond with her Dad, Mark Russell, through infrequent visits and regular phone calls. There are dark undercurrents throughout this family starting with why Layla was separated from her Dad and brother. The family is obviously into some shady stuff that ended up with her Dad shot and nobody is telling her why. Layla is quiet but has a strong backbone that her family seems to not realize exists but she is bound and determined to get to the bottom of who shot her dad and why.
Sly is Layla’s dad’s best friend. He’s a bit younger than her dad but still much older than Layla. There is a definite attraction that he fights at first (as does she). He’s the strong silent type with some definite alpha-hole tendencies. He’s also got secrets and has taken some losses that have affected him deeply. There is a lot to love about Sly, but also some holes in his background I wish were filled.
Danger can be found around every corner and the enemy is a tough one to beat. I loved almost everything about the book, the suspense, the smoldering chemistry, and the Russells themselves, but there were a few little things that tripped me up. Note: these are definite spoilers so keep that in mind before clicking.
Despite the issues, I really liked God Love Her and plan on reading the next one, Johnny’s story, soon. It is certainly a good way to pass the time while I wait for the first book in The Sons Of Rome Series that from what I can tell is going to be fan-freaking-tastic.
Rating: 4 Keeping It Real Stars
Layla was a fish out of water in Atlanta. Raised in LA by her neurotic mother, she was only able to bond with her Dad, Mark Russell, through infrequent visits and regular phone calls. There are dark undercurrents throughout this family starting with why Layla was separated from her Dad and brother. The family is obviously into some shady stuff that ended up with her Dad shot and nobody is telling her why. Layla is quiet but has a strong backbone that her family seems to not realize exists but she is bound and determined to get to the bottom of who shot her dad and why.
Sly is Layla’s dad’s best friend. He’s a bit younger than her dad but still much older than Layla. There is a definite attraction that he fights at first (as does she). He’s the strong silent type with some definite alpha-hole tendencies. He’s also got secrets and has taken some losses that have affected him deeply. There is a lot to love about Sly, but also some holes in his background I wish were filled.
Danger can be found around every corner and the enemy is a tough one to beat. I loved almost everything about the book, the suspense, the smoldering chemistry, and the Russells themselves, but there were a few little things that tripped me up. Note: these are definite spoilers so keep that in mind before clicking.
Despite the issues, I really liked God Love Her and plan on reading the next one, Johnny’s story, soon. It is certainly a good way to pass the time while I wait for the first book in The Sons Of Rome Series that from what I can tell is going to be fan-freaking-tastic.
Rating: 4 Keeping It Real Stars
January 28, 2019
Loved the characters and if anything this novel was more rl and darker in places than the first...leaving me feeling a bit uncomfortable. I read for entertainment and this touches a bit close to the current news...but I adore Lauren Gilley and her writing...I'm going to persevere and go to book 3...but altho loving the characters ..family and plot lines....perhaps reading this series back to back is not a good idea...so I will read a few lighter books ..then circle back to book 3....if you like dark/mobish..books..you Need! to read this series.
August 7, 2019
I really loved this one. Sly and Layla are so perfect for each other. I love the way Lauren Gilley writes, the world isn't perfect and love doesn't solve every problem.
Layla was outwardly fragile and weak but has the core strength that most of LG's heroines have. I loved that about her. Sly, so stoic and strong, but with that mushy heart at his core, all in loving Layla. I really loved them both.
Layla was outwardly fragile and weak but has the core strength that most of LG's heroines have. I loved that about her. Sly, so stoic and strong, but with that mushy heart at his core, all in loving Layla. I really loved them both.
May 11, 2016
This book was a huge winner! Lauren writes this underlying suspense that has you flipping the pages to see what is lying in wait. Her romance always has s way of including you and building this bond between the H and H! It's a slow build of growth and discovery.
Five stars
Five stars
dnf
July 13, 2023Maybe I should just stay away from older books by this author. This book could hardly go one chapter without something unacceptable being said. It's very easy to tell that a privileged white woman wrote this (but what did I expect? That's exactly what Lauren Gilley is).
At least in her Dartmoor series, she kept it to a minimum.
Some advice for any authors: don't write in people of color if all you're going to do is make them stereotypes; and don't put the responsibility of mothering GROWN ASS men on women.
In addition to all that bullshit, the heroine, Layla, was perfect, pale, and tiny (please, excuse me while I try not to laugh). Meanwhile, the hero, Sly, was described as rough and rugged, which I don't have a problem with—I like rugged men. But they have to be hygienic. Sly has hangnails? What the fuck are you doing, Gilley?
Oh, and by the way, tiny, sweet, perfect Layla is apparently god-sent because she's the only one who seems to be reluctant about her relationship with her father's friend. Sly, on the other hand—after the deed was done—could just barely comfort her to make her shut up.
I am the last person to get up in arms about age-gap romances, but when it feels predatory, then I have a problem.
There are a handful of other things that I could address, but I'm tired of writing this; it's putting me in a bad mood and ruining the experience I had with the lovely Dartmoor series.
I'm just glad that (hopefully) Lauren Gilley has grown as a person and author.
At least in her Dartmoor series, she kept it to a minimum.
Some advice for any authors: don't write in people of color if all you're going to do is make them stereotypes; and don't put the responsibility of mothering GROWN ASS men on women.
In addition to all that bullshit, the heroine, Layla, was perfect, pale, and tiny (please, excuse me while I try not to laugh). Meanwhile, the hero, Sly, was described as rough and rugged, which I don't have a problem with—I like rugged men. But they have to be hygienic. Sly has hangnails? What the fuck are you doing, Gilley?
Oh, and by the way, tiny, sweet, perfect Layla is apparently god-sent because she's the only one who seems to be reluctant about her relationship with her father's friend. Sly, on the other hand—after the deed was done—could just barely comfort her to make her shut up.
I am the last person to get up in arms about age-gap romances, but when it feels predatory, then I have a problem.
There are a handful of other things that I could address, but I'm tired of writing this; it's putting me in a bad mood and ruining the experience I had with the lovely Dartmoor series.
I'm just glad that (hopefully) Lauren Gilley has grown as a person and author.
September 5, 2021
Good
*spoiler*
Enjoying the series so far. The only issue with this one and it is a bit random, but I absolutely hate that the dog got killed and that the new puppy has his ears clipped. This is barbaric and should not be done. it's banned where I'm from and should be banned worldwide. apart from that a good read.
*spoiler*
Enjoying the series so far. The only issue with this one and it is a bit random, but I absolutely hate that the dog got killed and that the new puppy has his ears clipped. This is barbaric and should not be done. it's banned where I'm from and should be banned worldwide. apart from that a good read.
March 12, 2023
4.75*
I’ve no idea how many times I’ve re-read the Dartmoor books. And I can’t believe I didn’t skip Made for Breaking sooner (it just wasn’t working for me) and start with this.
Anyway I finally got there and loved it. I loved the characters, story and everything.
So it’s straight onto Keeping Bad Company for me now
I’ve no idea how many times I’ve re-read the Dartmoor books. And I can’t believe I didn’t skip Made for Breaking sooner (it just wasn’t working for me) and start with this.
Anyway I finally got there and loved it. I loved the characters, story and everything.
So it’s straight onto Keeping Bad Company for me now
September 22, 2017
Enjoyed this one much more than the first book. Great to get to know Sly on a deeper level. Loved Layla - she turned out to be quite the bad ass! Interesting tie-in to the Lean Dogs - always love me some Lean Dogs! I read the Dartmoor Series first.
October 13, 2017
“But everyone’s going to have to stop treating me like I’m made out of glass. We’re at war. This is my family. And I’m not going to curl up in the corner and cry.”
One day, these kickass female characters that Lauren Gilley creates will be the death of me.
August 6, 2017
I loved this continuing story of the Russells. This one is with Layla and 'Sly' Hammond. Lauren Gilley is a favorite author of mine and onto book 3.
January 9, 2018
Obsessed
I absolutely love Lauren Gilley. I’m so glad I didn’t give up on the first novel in the series. This one doesn’t disappoint. Ready for book 3!
I absolutely love Lauren Gilley. I’m so glad I didn’t give up on the first novel in the series. This one doesn’t disappoint. Ready for book 3!
May 13, 2014
Layla's father (Mark) has been shot and she heads to Georgia to be with him and her brother Johnny. Layla discovers that her Georgia family is caught up in some vigilante business. Something terrible happened to her mother to cause her to leave Mark and Johnny and move the LA. Now that crime is linked to her father being shot and the entire family is caught up in the web of an evil business empire and the man leading it. Sly (Mark’s friend) promised to keep Layla safe. Sly and Layla are drawn together and a relationship develops. I really enjoyed this book. I received a copy through Goodreads First Reads.
July 27, 2015
I liked this one much more than book 1. Again, the suspense is rather at the forefront, but the romance is more intertwined in this book. I love how these people have slowly knitted themselves tighter together as a family. The suspense was engaging and the love story tender but the real winner of this series is the family bond.
May 13, 2016
Loved Her!
This book will blow your mind. If your a true MC fan, than obviously it's a must regardless of this families plight merely being vigilantes associated with The Lean Dog's MC. - Not because of the association, but because it's a family saga revolving around Vigilante Justice - with a love romance that will captivate you as much as the entire family will! MUST READ
This book will blow your mind. If your a true MC fan, than obviously it's a must regardless of this families plight merely being vigilantes associated with The Lean Dog's MC. - Not because of the association, but because it's a family saga revolving around Vigilante Justice - with a love romance that will captivate you as much as the entire family will! MUST READ
March 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. The 1st Russell story about Lisa & Drew was hard work but this book about Sly & Layla was much better
November 22, 2016
I'm so in love with this Author!
This book was fan-freaking-tastic!! !
Seriously, it's a must read!
This book was fan-freaking-tastic!! !
Seriously, it's a must read!
December 23, 2016
This book consists of family, murder, and hope. God Love Her also has an interesting romantic subplot you'll love.
September 4, 2018
4 Stars
2018 re-read. Still highly enjoyed
2018 re-read. Still highly enjoyed
October 2, 2015
Lauren Gilley is one of my favorite authors!
August 12, 2016
What an amazing book! Great exciting action and love story. I just finished and I'm speechless!!!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews