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Unlucky in Love #2
The Love Heist
Asking for a friend...I captured a thief. Does that mean I get to keep him?
Lainey
My ex-fiancé was a gaslighting cheater, so I broke up with him and moved to a small mountain town for a fresh start. Now I'm working as an assistant to a professional rich woman while I launch my side business offering services for women who have been trampled on in bad breakups.
I love my new life, but everything changes when a smooth-talking charmer tries to steal my boss's very expensive necklace. I catch him in a compromising position, but I don't turn him in, because it turns out the necklace was already taken by someone else.
Jake claims he’s gone legit and only got pulled into this job because his brother ran into trouble with their former employer. The last thing I want to do is fall under the spell of another charming liar, but if he's telling the truth, he needs me.
So I agree to help him, and the next thing I know, he's watching trash TV with me when I can't sleep, helping me deliver FU cookies for my side business, and snuggling with my cat...
He may be a former criminal, but he's better to me than my ex ever was.
Jake
No one could accuse me of being a standup guy, but Lainey makes me want to be one. The more time I spend with this perplexing, gorgeous woman, the more I want to make her mine.
**An interconnected standalone in the Unlucky in Love series**
Lainey
My ex-fiancé was a gaslighting cheater, so I broke up with him and moved to a small mountain town for a fresh start. Now I'm working as an assistant to a professional rich woman while I launch my side business offering services for women who have been trampled on in bad breakups.
I love my new life, but everything changes when a smooth-talking charmer tries to steal my boss's very expensive necklace. I catch him in a compromising position, but I don't turn him in, because it turns out the necklace was already taken by someone else.
Jake claims he’s gone legit and only got pulled into this job because his brother ran into trouble with their former employer. The last thing I want to do is fall under the spell of another charming liar, but if he's telling the truth, he needs me.
So I agree to help him, and the next thing I know, he's watching trash TV with me when I can't sleep, helping me deliver FU cookies for my side business, and snuggling with my cat...
He may be a former criminal, but he's better to me than my ex ever was.
Jake
No one could accuse me of being a standup guy, but Lainey makes me want to be one. The more time I spend with this perplexing, gorgeous woman, the more I want to make her mine.
**An interconnected standalone in the Unlucky in Love series**
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2024
About the author
Angela Casella
41 books861 followersANGELA CASELLA lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and their ill-behaved corgi in an extremely small bungalow. She spends her days writing and pretending to market. She writes solo romcoms and also has three co-written series with Denise Grover Swank.
You can subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive free content and updates on her projects! http://subscribepage.io/AngelaCasella...
You can subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive free content and updates on her projects! http://subscribepage.io/AngelaCasella...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
July 12, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Synopsis:
Lainey left her cheating fiancé and is determined to build her own life by helping others navigate messy breakups. So, when a client’s heirloom heart necklace goes missing, Lainey boldly sets out to retrieve it. But Jake, the client's charming ex, is also on a mission to recover the necklace for a dangerous associate. With conflicting goals but undeniable chemistry, Lainey and Jake team up to find the stolen heirloom.
Thoughts:
I couldn't have loved this book more! Lainey was feisty and Jake was playful, and their chemistry was electric despite their efforts to resist each other. I enjoyed every moment of their journey. This story will tug at your heartstrings while also making you laugh out loud.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Synopsis:
Lainey left her cheating fiancé and is determined to build her own life by helping others navigate messy breakups. So, when a client’s heirloom heart necklace goes missing, Lainey boldly sets out to retrieve it. But Jake, the client's charming ex, is also on a mission to recover the necklace for a dangerous associate. With conflicting goals but undeniable chemistry, Lainey and Jake team up to find the stolen heirloom.
Thoughts:
I couldn't have loved this book more! Lainey was feisty and Jake was playful, and their chemistry was electric despite their efforts to resist each other. I enjoyed every moment of their journey. This story will tug at your heartstrings while also making you laugh out loud.
July 6, 2024
The Love Bandits follows Lainey, who is starting her business helping women who have been wronged, and Jake, who allegedly stole Lainey’s client’s necklace. Lainey gets it back, but learns that it’s actually a fake of a VERY expensive necklace her boss owns. So why does Jake have it? When it actually is stolen and there’s no way it was Jake since she was all over him, they team up - with Damien and Nicole - to figure out who really took it, although they have different ideas about what to do with it once it’s recovered. There’s one thing they can agree on; however, and that is the smoking hot chemistry between them.
Once again, Angela hit a home run! The Love Bandits is funny, sweet, and sexy. Jake and Lainey have a similar past and are both trying to be good people despite their upbringings. The hijinks of The Love Fixers are hilarious and I wish we could get some of that IRL. The conference room cookie delivery and the tea scene near the end had me nonstop giggling. This could be read as a stand alone, but when a series is this good, who would want to only read one?
Thanks to Angela and BookSprout for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Once again, Angela hit a home run! The Love Bandits is funny, sweet, and sexy. Jake and Lainey have a similar past and are both trying to be good people despite their upbringings. The hijinks of The Love Fixers are hilarious and I wish we could get some of that IRL. The conference room cookie delivery and the tea scene near the end had me nonstop giggling. This could be read as a stand alone, but when a series is this good, who would want to only read one?
Thanks to Angela and BookSprout for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 14, 2024
I'm really enjoying this series. It was great to get to know Lainey better, and I have a soft spot for a former bad boy—Jake was a fantastic character and a perfect match for her. The Love Bandits might be a bit cheesy, but I can't help but smile while reading their story. I also appreciate that we still get glimpses of other characters; Nicole has a decent presence, Claire appears a little, and Mrs. Rosing remains a key player I just can't get enough of. This series has been a lot of fun, and now I'm off to dive into the third book.
July 14, 2024
This was a fun romantic comedy with an unexpected twist. Jake and Lainey had great chemistry and their first meeting had me rooting for them. I liked the mystery throughout the book. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series when it releases!!!
July 18, 2024
Best of Angela's books to date. Full review coming soon.
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Es el mejor libro de Angela hasta el momento. Reseña completa pronto.
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Es el mejor libro de Angela hasta el momento. Reseña completa pronto.
August 17, 2024
Okay, what a cute story and path for Lainey. I loved it! I’m enjoying the little bit of mystery / drama with these romcoms.
November 19, 2024
After what happened to Ashville N.C. and the surrounding area recently, reading a book where nothing in the area had changed felt almost wrong to me. I myself visited Ashville about a year or so ago while I was in Charlotte North Carolina visiting my eldest daughter. My visit was motivated pretty much by the many series this author and her sometimes co-author Denise Grover-Swank have written based in and around Ashville. I liked to say I found the small city as charming as the authors have portrayed it to be, but I honestly didn’t. Part of that may have been due to my visit being on a hot humid summer day where the temperature was hovering just below triple digits? Which wasn’t exactly conducive to exploring the small city. Whatever my reasons I just found Ashville to be a bustling modern small city with a lot of touristy type businesses. Which were doing quite well on my visit. I did spend some coin at one of the many micro-brewery/sports bars for lunch and again at a very tasty if expensive chocolatier. Definitely not a bad place. Just not the charming place I’d hoped to find based upon my readings of The Ashville Brewing and Bad Luck Club series. Despite whatever my opinions of Ashville were after my one-day visit, when I watched the news and saw the devastation to the area caused by the heavy post Hurricane Helene rains I couldn’t help but be both stunned and saddened. To see the effects of nature on an area where I had visited, had walked and driven the now washed away and mud buried streets and roads was nothing short of shocking to me. Whatever my opinions of this book, my heart goes out to the author, her family and all the people who live in and around the Ashville N.C. area of Southwest North Carolina.
This is the second book in a new Unlucky in Love series which is a spinoff of the Fairy Godmother Detective Agency series. The first book involved Claire, Nicole’s half-sister and Declan the man she falls in love with. In that book we were first introduced to Elaine or Lainey as Claire’s BFF. Nicole and now her husband Damien seem to have become the most enduring characters in the author’s Ashville based universe going as far back as the Bad Luck Club series (perhaps even the Ashville Brewing series) where the Nicole character was first introduced and has appeared in every spinoff of those series since. With the help of Nicole, a Machiavellian like character with a hidden heart of gold Claire found love, opened her dream bakery featuring her “Bronuts” and persuaded her BFF Lainey to join her in Ashville. In this book we learn that Lainey had been raised by two parents who were small time grifters and thieves. At their urging she had dated and been engaged to Todd for a combined seven years before she caught him cheating and finally left him. Much to the chagrin of her parents who had hoped to gain access to some of Todd’s family’s money and didn’t really care how poorly he treated Lainey. In this book we discover just how poorly that was. Which left me bewildered as to why Lainey would put up with him for so long? To say Lainey has a lot of issues would be an understatement. As the Love Fixers book opened Lainey had moved into Claire’s small Brooklynn apartment after moving out of her ex-fiancée Todd’s luxury digs. As the book closes Claire has convinced Lainey to move down to Marshall (outside of Ashville) and live in the cabin her father had left to her and Nicole now that Lainey has moved in with Declan next door. Lainey has this plan to open the Love Fixers business where she helps women who have been wronged by the men in their lives get revenge by sending them cookies and balloon-a-grams with snarky messages telling them just what they think of their exes. Nicole loves the idea and offers to be Lainey’s financial backer and semi-silent partner while she and Damien run their P.I. agency. Lainey has also taken Claire’s spot working as the P.A. for the wealthy eccentric Mrs. Rosings who doesn’t seem to like Lainey nearly as much as she liked Claire.
A woman, Chloe approaches Lainey asking her for help recovering a necklace, a family heirloom given to her by her grandmother, she tells Lainey was stolen by her ex-boyfriend when she broke up with him. She tells Lainey the ex is a therapist named Jeff Jeffries and tells her where he lives. Claire incensed at the injustice of it all and planning to lean on the tricks her parents taught to recover the necklace accepts the job. But it turns out nothing is as it seems. It turns out the woman is a liar. She went home from a bar with a drunken Jake one night planning to hook up with the handsome man and spotted the necklace in his apartment. Unable to steal it herself she hatches a plan to get Lainey to do it for her. Only Jake isn’t a real therapist. He’s a reformed con man and thief. The necklace is a fake he plans to use to help him steal the real multi-million dollar necklace named Heart of the Mountains which happens to be owned by Lainey’s employer Mrs. Rosings. He needs the necklace to ransom his brother Ryan who is being held by Edmund Roarke who was once Jake’s and Ryan’s mentor and father figure while teaching them how to be thieves and con men. The chapters where Lainey makes Jake her mark, steals the fake necklace and picks up Professor X a stray cat are among the funniest in this book. Thanks to Nicole and Damien Lainey quickly discover the necklace is a very good fake and after questioning Chloe learn how she discovered it in Jake’s possession having no idea that it was a fake replica of the semi-famous piece of jewelry. They also determine that Jake intends to use the fake in a plan to steal the real one. Lainey isn’t about to let that happen. Only when Jake goes to steal the real Heart of the Mountains someone has already beaten him to it. He tells Lainey why he wanted to steal it. In Jake, Lainey finds a kindred spirit of someone who was raised to be a criminal but is trying to break away from that lifestyle. Jake has no choice but to do as Lainey tells him or be arrested for attempted robbery. He’s still plotting to get his hands on the real necklace so he can free his brother from Roarke. There’s a whole lot of mistrust between Lainey and Jake and Jake and Nicole and Damien to the point where he will give them very little information about himself, his real name or the name of the man who is holding his brother. Somehow despite the odds Jake is won over by the beautiful, sexy, snarky and smart Lainey who gets him and she by him. But the path between agreeing to semi-work together and them falling in love and finding their H.E.A. is a bumpy one fraught with drama, hilarious hijinks and some sexy times.
This is the second book in a new Unlucky in Love series which is a spinoff of the Fairy Godmother Detective Agency series. The first book involved Claire, Nicole’s half-sister and Declan the man she falls in love with. In that book we were first introduced to Elaine or Lainey as Claire’s BFF. Nicole and now her husband Damien seem to have become the most enduring characters in the author’s Ashville based universe going as far back as the Bad Luck Club series (perhaps even the Ashville Brewing series) where the Nicole character was first introduced and has appeared in every spinoff of those series since. With the help of Nicole, a Machiavellian like character with a hidden heart of gold Claire found love, opened her dream bakery featuring her “Bronuts” and persuaded her BFF Lainey to join her in Ashville. In this book we learn that Lainey had been raised by two parents who were small time grifters and thieves. At their urging she had dated and been engaged to Todd for a combined seven years before she caught him cheating and finally left him. Much to the chagrin of her parents who had hoped to gain access to some of Todd’s family’s money and didn’t really care how poorly he treated Lainey. In this book we discover just how poorly that was. Which left me bewildered as to why Lainey would put up with him for so long? To say Lainey has a lot of issues would be an understatement. As the Love Fixers book opened Lainey had moved into Claire’s small Brooklynn apartment after moving out of her ex-fiancée Todd’s luxury digs. As the book closes Claire has convinced Lainey to move down to Marshall (outside of Ashville) and live in the cabin her father had left to her and Nicole now that Lainey has moved in with Declan next door. Lainey has this plan to open the Love Fixers business where she helps women who have been wronged by the men in their lives get revenge by sending them cookies and balloon-a-grams with snarky messages telling them just what they think of their exes. Nicole loves the idea and offers to be Lainey’s financial backer and semi-silent partner while she and Damien run their P.I. agency. Lainey has also taken Claire’s spot working as the P.A. for the wealthy eccentric Mrs. Rosings who doesn’t seem to like Lainey nearly as much as she liked Claire.
A woman, Chloe approaches Lainey asking her for help recovering a necklace, a family heirloom given to her by her grandmother, she tells Lainey was stolen by her ex-boyfriend when she broke up with him. She tells Lainey the ex is a therapist named Jeff Jeffries and tells her where he lives. Claire incensed at the injustice of it all and planning to lean on the tricks her parents taught to recover the necklace accepts the job. But it turns out nothing is as it seems. It turns out the woman is a liar. She went home from a bar with a drunken Jake one night planning to hook up with the handsome man and spotted the necklace in his apartment. Unable to steal it herself she hatches a plan to get Lainey to do it for her. Only Jake isn’t a real therapist. He’s a reformed con man and thief. The necklace is a fake he plans to use to help him steal the real multi-million dollar necklace named Heart of the Mountains which happens to be owned by Lainey’s employer Mrs. Rosings. He needs the necklace to ransom his brother Ryan who is being held by Edmund Roarke who was once Jake’s and Ryan’s mentor and father figure while teaching them how to be thieves and con men. The chapters where Lainey makes Jake her mark, steals the fake necklace and picks up Professor X a stray cat are among the funniest in this book. Thanks to Nicole and Damien Lainey quickly discover the necklace is a very good fake and after questioning Chloe learn how she discovered it in Jake’s possession having no idea that it was a fake replica of the semi-famous piece of jewelry. They also determine that Jake intends to use the fake in a plan to steal the real one. Lainey isn’t about to let that happen. Only when Jake goes to steal the real Heart of the Mountains someone has already beaten him to it. He tells Lainey why he wanted to steal it. In Jake, Lainey finds a kindred spirit of someone who was raised to be a criminal but is trying to break away from that lifestyle. Jake has no choice but to do as Lainey tells him or be arrested for attempted robbery. He’s still plotting to get his hands on the real necklace so he can free his brother from Roarke. There’s a whole lot of mistrust between Lainey and Jake and Jake and Nicole and Damien to the point where he will give them very little information about himself, his real name or the name of the man who is holding his brother. Somehow despite the odds Jake is won over by the beautiful, sexy, snarky and smart Lainey who gets him and she by him. But the path between agreeing to semi-work together and them falling in love and finding their H.E.A. is a bumpy one fraught with drama, hilarious hijinks and some sexy times.
July 13, 2024
How on earth Angela Casella comes up with the stuff she does I’ll never know, but I AM HERE FOR IT.
I love an opposites attract story but in this case, Lainey and Jake are cut from a similar cloth and together they have scorching chemistry which is so satisfying to read. Despite the family of origin baggage they both carry, they each have their own sense of loyalty and morality which aligns perfectly together and wonderfully. Despite the heavy familial messes, this is a very funny book, which is a signature characteristic of the author’s work.
I loved revisiting Nicole & Damien and Claire & Declan as well. This quirky found family is amazing and supportive, definitely #goals. Mrs Rosings is hilariously horrible in the best possible way -and with purpose! - and it’s great to see Anthony finally becoming more fully formed as a character. I hope he gets his own HEA.
I was very privileged to have received an advance reader copy from The Author Agency and bookfunnel, and I’m pleased to share my honest opinion.
I love an opposites attract story but in this case, Lainey and Jake are cut from a similar cloth and together they have scorching chemistry which is so satisfying to read. Despite the family of origin baggage they both carry, they each have their own sense of loyalty and morality which aligns perfectly together and wonderfully. Despite the heavy familial messes, this is a very funny book, which is a signature characteristic of the author’s work.
I loved revisiting Nicole & Damien and Claire & Declan as well. This quirky found family is amazing and supportive, definitely #goals. Mrs Rosings is hilariously horrible in the best possible way -and with purpose! - and it’s great to see Anthony finally becoming more fully formed as a character. I hope he gets his own HEA.
I was very privileged to have received an advance reader copy from The Author Agency and bookfunnel, and I’m pleased to share my honest opinion.
July 18, 2024
Amazon
Lainey wants one thing that she knows Jake has, because he's stolen it. But one twist later and now the two of them are actually teaming up to get the real necklace back. And, if she's not careful, Jake's going to steal her heart along with that necklace.
Jake absolutely has to get that necklace to the only paternal figure in his life. He shouldn't be in this position, and wouldn't be, if it weren't for his brother. But it's that brother he's protecting with the necklace. But then this sassy woman flips his world on its head and now he's wanting to come clean with her and become a better person. But how can 2 people with so much baggage be together?
Somehow these two people with baggage up the wazoo, morals lying somewhere in the grey area, but loads of chemistry, managed to find each other and fall in love, and do some character growth along the way. Jake is charming and flirty, but holding secrets. Lainey is feisty and hurting, but still trying to help people who have also been hurt by love. By no means should these two have worked, but they did, in a fun, sexy way with equal amount of heart.
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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August 21, 2025
The entire premise of this story was......stupid. Not realistic. All of it, from how she tries to get into his apartment by faking having a cat, to the older lady KNOWING the guy holding his brother hostage, and everything in between. I find it VERY hard to believe that they took him down so easily and left him in an abandoned parking lot tied up with RIBBON. Seriously, ribbon. And with no expectation that he would come looking for them after all that had been done. Just....stupid.
July 18, 2024
4.5 ⭐️, 2.5 🌶️
If there is one thing Angela Casella does well, it's write a romcom with a hint of mystery, and a splash of fantastic side characters. And The Love Bandits is another great example of her prowess in this particular writing arena.
This is the second book in the Unlucky in Love series, a new series following Nicole's half sister Claire in the first book, and now Claire's bff Lainey in the second book.
As usual, Nicole and Damien are pure gold however they appear in any of these series. You always know that you never know what you're going to get with them, and it's always so perfect. I want to be Nicole when I grow up, and I want a Damien who just accepts my crazy and joins me in it. They're fantastic.
I love the way Angela is always able to keep previous main characters like Nicole and Damien around and keep them as relevant side characters without making the story about them still, as well bringing in new side characters that add to the story and character development of her MCs again without taking too much attention away from the main story. Also, Mrs. Rosings is fantastic in this one. If you were on the fence about her in Claire's book, get ready to be surprised and fall a little in love with her in this one. Just saying. 😂
And I'm always ready to figure out who the next book is going to be about because I can't wait for that next story to unfold when I get to the end of the current one! Angela is great at getting me sucked in, not only to the story I'm currently reading, but also to the one I'm hoping to get next!
The premise of The Love Fixers business was fantastic, and I loved watching Lainey figure out how to make it into what she wanted it to be. And eventually we get to watch her and Jake join forces and make it even better. I appreciated the way Angela handled some of the more sensitive issues, especially Lainey's struggles with intimacy and Jake's PTSD. It's not easy to weave such serious topics into a more lighthearted romance, but Angela always finds a way to balance the light and heavy in a way that feels natural and appropriate.
The spice was great when we got into it. There were only a few full scenes, so if you're not into super spicy reads then I think you'll do OK with this one, but there are a couple longer open door scenes for those who like a little spice with their romcoms. 😘🔥
All of Angela's books tie into each other at least a little with side characters, so it's not necessary to read any of her other books before this one, but they do give you more background if you want it. I'd recommend at least reading The Love Fixers before this one, because it's a great book and it introduces us to this series. And if you want an introduction to Nicole and Damien specifically, their book Bringing Down The House (Bad Luck Club) is a great place for that.
I'll also always recommend diving into Angela's backlist because I love all of her books, but that's totally your call to make. 😉
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
If there is one thing Angela Casella does well, it's write a romcom with a hint of mystery, and a splash of fantastic side characters. And The Love Bandits is another great example of her prowess in this particular writing arena.
This is the second book in the Unlucky in Love series, a new series following Nicole's half sister Claire in the first book, and now Claire's bff Lainey in the second book.
As usual, Nicole and Damien are pure gold however they appear in any of these series. You always know that you never know what you're going to get with them, and it's always so perfect. I want to be Nicole when I grow up, and I want a Damien who just accepts my crazy and joins me in it. They're fantastic.
I love the way Angela is always able to keep previous main characters like Nicole and Damien around and keep them as relevant side characters without making the story about them still, as well bringing in new side characters that add to the story and character development of her MCs again without taking too much attention away from the main story. Also, Mrs. Rosings is fantastic in this one. If you were on the fence about her in Claire's book, get ready to be surprised and fall a little in love with her in this one. Just saying. 😂
And I'm always ready to figure out who the next book is going to be about because I can't wait for that next story to unfold when I get to the end of the current one! Angela is great at getting me sucked in, not only to the story I'm currently reading, but also to the one I'm hoping to get next!
The premise of The Love Fixers business was fantastic, and I loved watching Lainey figure out how to make it into what she wanted it to be. And eventually we get to watch her and Jake join forces and make it even better. I appreciated the way Angela handled some of the more sensitive issues, especially Lainey's struggles with intimacy and Jake's PTSD. It's not easy to weave such serious topics into a more lighthearted romance, but Angela always finds a way to balance the light and heavy in a way that feels natural and appropriate.
The spice was great when we got into it. There were only a few full scenes, so if you're not into super spicy reads then I think you'll do OK with this one, but there are a couple longer open door scenes for those who like a little spice with their romcoms. 😘🔥
All of Angela's books tie into each other at least a little with side characters, so it's not necessary to read any of her other books before this one, but they do give you more background if you want it. I'd recommend at least reading The Love Fixers before this one, because it's a great book and it introduces us to this series. And if you want an introduction to Nicole and Damien specifically, their book Bringing Down The House (Bad Luck Club) is a great place for that.
I'll also always recommend diving into Angela's backlist because I love all of her books, but that's totally your call to make. 😉
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
July 17, 2024
This is the second book in the series and although it can be read as a stand-alone it is best to read The Love Fixers first to get an introduction to all of the characters.
Lainey Catlan didn’t have the easiest childhood and she grew up with a mom who liked to steal from others but Lainey was really trying to live her own life as clean as possible. She was a personal assistant and also worked part time at The Love Fixers with her landlords.
Jake Jeffries is after a necklace in order to save his brother’s life and he will do anything to get it. That is the only thing on his mind in order to escape from his own difficult past and begin with a fresh start.
When it’s clear both Lainey and Jake have an interest in the necklace will they be willing to work together or will the betrayal of one surprise the other?
This was another good read from the author and I am really enjoying this series. There is a lot of humour and also some mystery to keep the pages flipping.
I really liked Lainey from meeting her in the first book and I was excited for her own book. She has moved to be closer to her best friend Claire after catching her ex fiancé cheating on her. She is a personal assistant to Mrs. Rosings who is quite the character herself and their relationship is definitely interesting. I love the stuff she does with the Love Fixers with Nicole, Damian and Claire and that provided a lot of laughs.
Jake was more of a mysterious character as you know he needs to steal this certain necklace in order to save his brother but you aren’t sure why it needs to be this particular one. Also you don’t know how he has found himself in this situation but you begin to learn more as the book goes on and slowly you are able to fill in all the gaps. I felt like when he began to trust Lainey he should have been much more forthcoming with her as you know she is going to find out anyhow.
There was chemistry right from the start between Lainey and Jake but considering each of their pasts it took awhile for them to trust each other. It was a slow build up in that sense but fun to go along with the ride.
The big dinner party was a little odd about who all was after this coveted necklace and why everyone was after it and for what reasons. Although Mrs. Rosings was able to solve one of her problems with the party.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.- Rebecca
Lainey Catlan didn’t have the easiest childhood and she grew up with a mom who liked to steal from others but Lainey was really trying to live her own life as clean as possible. She was a personal assistant and also worked part time at The Love Fixers with her landlords.
Jake Jeffries is after a necklace in order to save his brother’s life and he will do anything to get it. That is the only thing on his mind in order to escape from his own difficult past and begin with a fresh start.
When it’s clear both Lainey and Jake have an interest in the necklace will they be willing to work together or will the betrayal of one surprise the other?
This was another good read from the author and I am really enjoying this series. There is a lot of humour and also some mystery to keep the pages flipping.
I really liked Lainey from meeting her in the first book and I was excited for her own book. She has moved to be closer to her best friend Claire after catching her ex fiancé cheating on her. She is a personal assistant to Mrs. Rosings who is quite the character herself and their relationship is definitely interesting. I love the stuff she does with the Love Fixers with Nicole, Damian and Claire and that provided a lot of laughs.
Jake was more of a mysterious character as you know he needs to steal this certain necklace in order to save his brother but you aren’t sure why it needs to be this particular one. Also you don’t know how he has found himself in this situation but you begin to learn more as the book goes on and slowly you are able to fill in all the gaps. I felt like when he began to trust Lainey he should have been much more forthcoming with her as you know she is going to find out anyhow.
There was chemistry right from the start between Lainey and Jake but considering each of their pasts it took awhile for them to trust each other. It was a slow build up in that sense but fun to go along with the ride.
The big dinner party was a little odd about who all was after this coveted necklace and why everyone was after it and for what reasons. Although Mrs. Rosings was able to solve one of her problems with the party.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.- Rebecca
July 19, 2026
In "Unlucky in Love, Book 2," Lainey navigates her life with parents who are con artists, all while running a business with her best friend, Claire, and Claire’s sister, Nicole, called The Love Fixers. Their service aims to help people who have been hurt by romance.
The story begins when Lainey receives an email from a client who recently broke up with her boyfriend at a party. The client, who wore a family heirloom necklace, insists her ex is lying about its whereabouts. Lainey, convinced of the ex’s dishonesty, vows to help retrieve the necklace with Nicole's suggestion to get close to the ex, who happens to be a therapist.
Meanwhile, Jake is at a bar with his new mark, Anthony, discussing the tension between Anthony and his mother regarding his fiancée. Returning to his Airbnb, Jake encounters Lainey, who claims she lost her cat, Professor X. Their meet-cute is charming, and they embark on a search for the cat, ultimately finding a black cat that comes to Lainey. A moment of undeniable chemistry leads to an escalating kiss, but Jake pulls back, suspecting something is off.
When Lainey accidentally spills beer on herself, Jake lends her his T-shirt. During this moment, Lainey discovers the missing necklace. Feeling betrayed, she leaves and confronts Jake, who is unjustly viewed as a cheater. A series of interactions reveals that he is not what Lainey expected.
As the story unfolds, Lainey learns that the necklace she found is a fake, and Mrs. Rosings has the real one. Intrigued, Lainey cannot shake thoughts of Jake and their kiss. Chaos ensues as secrets unravel, and Jake's motives come into question. He is revealed to be a con artist himself, desperate to save his brother from Roark.
As they navigate their complicated lives, the chemistry between Lainey and Jake deepens, leading to heartfelt confessions and confrontations about trust and deception. The tension escalates as they both grapple with their true intentions, culminating in an intense climax that intertwines romance and suspense.
Lainey and Jake's journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with laugh-out-loud moments, nail-biting suspense, and a delightful romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I absolutely loved Lainey and Jake's dynamic and cannot wait to dive into Rosie and Anthony's story next!
The story begins when Lainey receives an email from a client who recently broke up with her boyfriend at a party. The client, who wore a family heirloom necklace, insists her ex is lying about its whereabouts. Lainey, convinced of the ex’s dishonesty, vows to help retrieve the necklace with Nicole's suggestion to get close to the ex, who happens to be a therapist.
Meanwhile, Jake is at a bar with his new mark, Anthony, discussing the tension between Anthony and his mother regarding his fiancée. Returning to his Airbnb, Jake encounters Lainey, who claims she lost her cat, Professor X. Their meet-cute is charming, and they embark on a search for the cat, ultimately finding a black cat that comes to Lainey. A moment of undeniable chemistry leads to an escalating kiss, but Jake pulls back, suspecting something is off.
When Lainey accidentally spills beer on herself, Jake lends her his T-shirt. During this moment, Lainey discovers the missing necklace. Feeling betrayed, she leaves and confronts Jake, who is unjustly viewed as a cheater. A series of interactions reveals that he is not what Lainey expected.
As the story unfolds, Lainey learns that the necklace she found is a fake, and Mrs. Rosings has the real one. Intrigued, Lainey cannot shake thoughts of Jake and their kiss. Chaos ensues as secrets unravel, and Jake's motives come into question. He is revealed to be a con artist himself, desperate to save his brother from Roark.
As they navigate their complicated lives, the chemistry between Lainey and Jake deepens, leading to heartfelt confessions and confrontations about trust and deception. The tension escalates as they both grapple with their true intentions, culminating in an intense climax that intertwines romance and suspense.
Lainey and Jake's journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with laugh-out-loud moments, nail-biting suspense, and a delightful romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I absolutely loved Lainey and Jake's dynamic and cannot wait to dive into Rosie and Anthony's story next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2024
I cannot express enough how much I love the characters created by this author. Each of her stories is enjoyable, easy to read, and her characters always seem to snag a piece of my heart. It was so enjoyable to be back in the world of Nicole, Damien, Claire and Declan! And now, we get to add Lainey and Jake to the mix. Just soo good.
I believe it’s necessary to emphasize the importance of reading this series in order to maintain the integrity of the plotlines and avoid spoilers. While each story can be read as a stand-alone, it is much better consumed knowing all the connections, starting with Bringing Down the House.
Claire finding her HEA with Declan was the driving force to get Lainey to move from NYC, and use her “skills” to start up “The Love Fixers” with Nicole. Only, Lainey finds herself in the middle of a situation with her employer, Mrs. Rosings, Mrs. Rosings’ son Anthony, his money hungry fiancee Nina, and a precious necklace, that Jake needs to steal.
Are you curious yet? I was definitely hooked and devoured this one, desperate for answers. Before they reached their happily ever after, this couple’s path was filled with unexpected twists and turns. The resolution to the situation took me by surprise, and I was thrilled by the revelation of who was really in control.
While on their journey, Lainey, who is cautious of everyone except Claire (and possibly Nicole), starts to develop feelings for Jake, despite being aware that she shouldn’t let her defenses down around him. Despite this, Jake is also attracted to the cunning and crafty Lainey, resulting in a delightful and amusing chemistry between them.
Both characters have compelling emotional baggage and find themselves in crazy situations, which I loved. Their chemistry is amazing, and I appreciate how supportive their friends are of their relationship. Maybe not immediately, but eventually!
I really enjoyed my time with these characters, and cannot wait for Anthony’s story next!! Once you’ve savored this series, I highly recommend delving back into the impressive catalog of this skilled author and immersing yourself in more of their works!
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary copy, (thank you!) and happily leave my review.
I believe it’s necessary to emphasize the importance of reading this series in order to maintain the integrity of the plotlines and avoid spoilers. While each story can be read as a stand-alone, it is much better consumed knowing all the connections, starting with Bringing Down the House.
Claire finding her HEA with Declan was the driving force to get Lainey to move from NYC, and use her “skills” to start up “The Love Fixers” with Nicole. Only, Lainey finds herself in the middle of a situation with her employer, Mrs. Rosings, Mrs. Rosings’ son Anthony, his money hungry fiancee Nina, and a precious necklace, that Jake needs to steal.
Are you curious yet? I was definitely hooked and devoured this one, desperate for answers. Before they reached their happily ever after, this couple’s path was filled with unexpected twists and turns. The resolution to the situation took me by surprise, and I was thrilled by the revelation of who was really in control.
While on their journey, Lainey, who is cautious of everyone except Claire (and possibly Nicole), starts to develop feelings for Jake, despite being aware that she shouldn’t let her defenses down around him. Despite this, Jake is also attracted to the cunning and crafty Lainey, resulting in a delightful and amusing chemistry between them.
Both characters have compelling emotional baggage and find themselves in crazy situations, which I loved. Their chemistry is amazing, and I appreciate how supportive their friends are of their relationship. Maybe not immediately, but eventually!
I really enjoyed my time with these characters, and cannot wait for Anthony’s story next!! Once you’ve savored this series, I highly recommend delving back into the impressive catalog of this skilled author and immersing yourself in more of their works!
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary copy, (thank you!) and happily leave my review.
July 6, 2024
Love, betrayal, and healing
I loved this story. It will give you all the swoony swoons and the snort worthy laughs while also pulling at your heartstrings with all the warm fuzzy emotions. Lainey and Jake are portrayed as real, relatable, intense, strong and passionate characters who have flaws, but are really just trying to do their best as messy and bruised humans. I have a soft spot for the people, like Lainey and Jake, who are a bit uncomfortable in their skin because they don’t feel like they fit in or are worthy. I just want to hug them until they feel loved. I am so happy when they finally see their truth and they get swoon worthy HEAs. Lainey was raised by con artists and thieving parents and she was cheated on by her ex-fiancée. So she started The Love Fixers as a way to help woman who’ve been wronged. Her first big case is stealing back Cleo’s family heirloom from Jake. Only it turns out the necklace was never Cleo’s and it’s a fake of the priceless necklace owned by her rich employer. Jake is a con man thief who was walking the straight and narrow until he was pulled back in to save his brother. When the real necklace is stolen, Lainey and Jake team up to find it but neither is completely willing or trusting in the partnership. Despite the distrust, their chemistry sizzled off the page and it pulled them together no matter how hard they tried to resist. What follows their unexpected partnership, helped along by the machinations of Nicole (and Damien), and the investigation into the stolen necklace, is a wonderful healing journey of baggage unpacking, self-discovery, inner voice finding, and life course correction with some light mystery and danger thrown in. This heartwarming well written story will give you all the feels along the way - snort laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering. As usual with Nicole in the mix, there is chaos and insanity but it all works out in the end and my romantic heart is so happy. PS - Everyone might need a Nicole in their corner at one time or other to stir the pot and help save the day.
I loved this story. It will give you all the swoony swoons and the snort worthy laughs while also pulling at your heartstrings with all the warm fuzzy emotions. Lainey and Jake are portrayed as real, relatable, intense, strong and passionate characters who have flaws, but are really just trying to do their best as messy and bruised humans. I have a soft spot for the people, like Lainey and Jake, who are a bit uncomfortable in their skin because they don’t feel like they fit in or are worthy. I just want to hug them until they feel loved. I am so happy when they finally see their truth and they get swoon worthy HEAs. Lainey was raised by con artists and thieving parents and she was cheated on by her ex-fiancée. So she started The Love Fixers as a way to help woman who’ve been wronged. Her first big case is stealing back Cleo’s family heirloom from Jake. Only it turns out the necklace was never Cleo’s and it’s a fake of the priceless necklace owned by her rich employer. Jake is a con man thief who was walking the straight and narrow until he was pulled back in to save his brother. When the real necklace is stolen, Lainey and Jake team up to find it but neither is completely willing or trusting in the partnership. Despite the distrust, their chemistry sizzled off the page and it pulled them together no matter how hard they tried to resist. What follows their unexpected partnership, helped along by the machinations of Nicole (and Damien), and the investigation into the stolen necklace, is a wonderful healing journey of baggage unpacking, self-discovery, inner voice finding, and life course correction with some light mystery and danger thrown in. This heartwarming well written story will give you all the feels along the way - snort laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering. As usual with Nicole in the mix, there is chaos and insanity but it all works out in the end and my romantic heart is so happy. PS - Everyone might need a Nicole in their corner at one time or other to stir the pot and help save the day.
July 27, 2024
The Love Bandits is a delightful romp through the world of romantic comedy, blending humor, intrigue, and a touch of adventure. This enemies-to-lovers tale features Lainey, a protagonist whose journey from a failed engagement to unexpected romance is both relatable and entertaining. As a fan of the genre, I found myself thoroughly enjoying this book.
The characters are vividly drawn, each with their quirks and complexities. Lainey's initial disdain for her love interest, a charming bad boy, creates a dynamic tension that keeps readers engaged. The witty banter between them is one of the standout features of the novel, providing numerous laugh-out-loud moments that showcase Casella's knack for humor. I found myself chuckling along with the characters, their exchanges feeling genuine and natural.
The plot is peppered with unexpected twists, including a jewel heist that adds an element of suspense to the romance. This blend of genres works well, keeping the pacing brisk and the stakes high. The supporting cast is equally enjoyable, with characters that add depth and humor to the narrative. I appreciated how the secondary storylines never overshadowed the main romance, but rather complemented it.
However, while the story is engaging, there are moments where the plot feels slightly predictable, following familiar romcom tropes. As an avid reader of the genre, I found myself anticipating certain developments, which can detract from the overall surprise factor. That said, the journey to the inevitable happily-ever-after is still an enjoyable one.
In conclusion, The Love Bandits is a fun, light-hearted read that will appeal to fans of romantic comedies. With its charming characters and humorous situations, it earns a solid four stars from me for its entertaining blend of romance and adventure, making it a worthy addition to Angela Casella's repertoire. If you're looking for a quick, feel-good read that will leave you with a smile, I highly recommend picking up this book.
The characters are vividly drawn, each with their quirks and complexities. Lainey's initial disdain for her love interest, a charming bad boy, creates a dynamic tension that keeps readers engaged. The witty banter between them is one of the standout features of the novel, providing numerous laugh-out-loud moments that showcase Casella's knack for humor. I found myself chuckling along with the characters, their exchanges feeling genuine and natural.
The plot is peppered with unexpected twists, including a jewel heist that adds an element of suspense to the romance. This blend of genres works well, keeping the pacing brisk and the stakes high. The supporting cast is equally enjoyable, with characters that add depth and humor to the narrative. I appreciated how the secondary storylines never overshadowed the main romance, but rather complemented it.
However, while the story is engaging, there are moments where the plot feels slightly predictable, following familiar romcom tropes. As an avid reader of the genre, I found myself anticipating certain developments, which can detract from the overall surprise factor. That said, the journey to the inevitable happily-ever-after is still an enjoyable one.
In conclusion, The Love Bandits is a fun, light-hearted read that will appeal to fans of romantic comedies. With its charming characters and humorous situations, it earns a solid four stars from me for its entertaining blend of romance and adventure, making it a worthy addition to Angela Casella's repertoire. If you're looking for a quick, feel-good read that will leave you with a smile, I highly recommend picking up this book.
July 20, 2024
Rating: 5⭐
Spice: 2.5 🌶️
Seriously, Angela can do NO wrong! She has gone and done it again, delivering yet another amazing and addictive read! You can always depend on Angela to bring the banter, quirky but whipsmart characters, found family with a side dash of mystery. I had so much fun and joy reading this 2nd book in the Unlucky in Love series 🩷
So Lainey has been tasked with retrieving back a precious heirloom for her client. It's in the hands of her clients ex and Lainey will do anything to make sure her new business venture is successful. Lainey did not expect to meet Jake, who is in the possession of the necklace and for the chemistry between them to be off the charts.
Jake is on his own mission, and has two weeks to complete it. He has to swap his fake necklace for the real one, in order to get him out of this mess. However, when the real necklace goes missing, he goes onto a wild goose change to find it. Lainey too knows the necklace is out there, and she must find it before Jake does... But what happens when feelings get involved and the truth finally comes out?
The mystery aspect that Angela cleverly weaved into the book made it so much more interesting! I loved how Lainey and Jake resonated with each other, sharing similar backgrounds. Together, they made such a cute couple and the way Jake was obsessed with Lainey... Gahhhh 🫠🫠 you can clearly see Lainey's character growth in this story, from being a people pleaser to standing up for what she wanted. Jake was such a loving and supportive bf and I loved how they could open up and be honest with each other. Jake losing clarity on who he is a person made me feel for him, but I was so glad he could find himself (and some home truths) with Lainey by his side. Together they were just a match made in heaven 💗
I loved catching up with Claire and Declan, and who could forget Nicole and Mrs. Rosings 👀 The pair are simply my guilty pleasure and I can't wait to see more of the crew in Anthony and Rosie's book! 🤭
Thank you to Angela and The Author Agency for providing me with an eARC, in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻
Spice: 2.5 🌶️
Seriously, Angela can do NO wrong! She has gone and done it again, delivering yet another amazing and addictive read! You can always depend on Angela to bring the banter, quirky but whipsmart characters, found family with a side dash of mystery. I had so much fun and joy reading this 2nd book in the Unlucky in Love series 🩷
So Lainey has been tasked with retrieving back a precious heirloom for her client. It's in the hands of her clients ex and Lainey will do anything to make sure her new business venture is successful. Lainey did not expect to meet Jake, who is in the possession of the necklace and for the chemistry between them to be off the charts.
Jake is on his own mission, and has two weeks to complete it. He has to swap his fake necklace for the real one, in order to get him out of this mess. However, when the real necklace goes missing, he goes onto a wild goose change to find it. Lainey too knows the necklace is out there, and she must find it before Jake does... But what happens when feelings get involved and the truth finally comes out?
The mystery aspect that Angela cleverly weaved into the book made it so much more interesting! I loved how Lainey and Jake resonated with each other, sharing similar backgrounds. Together, they made such a cute couple and the way Jake was obsessed with Lainey... Gahhhh 🫠🫠 you can clearly see Lainey's character growth in this story, from being a people pleaser to standing up for what she wanted. Jake was such a loving and supportive bf and I loved how they could open up and be honest with each other. Jake losing clarity on who he is a person made me feel for him, but I was so glad he could find himself (and some home truths) with Lainey by his side. Together they were just a match made in heaven 💗
I loved catching up with Claire and Declan, and who could forget Nicole and Mrs. Rosings 👀 The pair are simply my guilty pleasure and I can't wait to see more of the crew in Anthony and Rosie's book! 🤭
Thank you to Angela and The Author Agency for providing me with an eARC, in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻
July 19, 2024
More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
Lainey just ended things with the fiancé she doesn’t love and walked away from her life in NY to start over with her bestie down south. Her fresh start includes cutting out her toxic parents since she was just a commodity to them. They don’t care about their daughter but just want her to marry a rich man. Luckily for Lainey, there’s a job opening for Mrs. Rosings’ assistant since Claire left to start a bakery. Her primary responsibility is to help Mrs. Rosings plan her son Anthony’s wedding, which is designed to be a disaster since she loathes his fiancée. It’s a strange job but Lainey is up for the challenge and there’s never a dull moment.
In her free time, Lainey’s hard at work getting The Love Fixers up and running with Nicole’s help and their latest client throws Lainey’s whole world into a tailspin. She meets a gorgeous man who’s full of secrets and too tempting for words. She wants to run far away from Jake Jeffries but he’s a key player in her current Love Fixers plan, to stop Anthony’s wedding before it’s too late. She and Jake form a tentative partnership to help her cause and solve a mystery, but nothing is as it seems, including Jake himself.
I loved the mystery and suspense aspects of this story so much that I won’t say anything else about the plot. Lainey was sassy and funny and independent and I loved everything about her. Jake may be the best man the author has ever given us and together these two are fire. Their story has a bit of everything from humor and suspense to plenty of steam and I couldn’t get enough of it.
September 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was so excited to read another book by Angela. Her rom-com style, suspense romance is a favorite of mine and I couldn’t wait to read this book. As always Angela gives us great characters, an easy to read story line, and just the right amount of suspense.
Lainey has decided to move from NYC and start “The Love Fixers” with Nicole. Due to her upbringing, she finds it hard to trust people, everyone except Claire, and sometimes Nicole. When raised by con-artists, it’s understandable to have some emotional baggage that is carried with you as you navigate life. She hopes to help other women who have been wronged, starting with Cleo and the family heirloom that has been stolen from her.
Jake, a former con-artist, has been clean for some time, but finds himself being pulled back into the life of thieving in order to save his brother. This is how he and Lainey meet. Although deciding to team up to find the necklace, neither one trusts the other; inevitably waiting for the double cross to take place. But not trusting each other has very little to do with the amount of chemistry these two have.
Angela provides another story that had me laughing, crying, swooning, and cringing. The development of both Lainey and Jake throughout the story is well planned, perfectly written, and beautiful. As the walls start to come down, we begin to see layers pulled back to allow for deeper connections. It is not only what they discover about each other. The personal growth that both characters go through is amazing to watch. From not knowing who you are anymore and not feeling worthy to clearing seeing your worth and fully grasping onto your past does not define you.
As always review trigger warnings before reading.
Tropes:
💎ENEMIES TO LOVERS
💎BAD BOY HERO
💎MUCH INTRIGUE, BIG SURPRISE!
💎REVENGE ANTICS
💎SEMI-PUBLIC FUN TIMES
💎SCENE-STEALING BLACK BAT
I was so excited to read another book by Angela. Her rom-com style, suspense romance is a favorite of mine and I couldn’t wait to read this book. As always Angela gives us great characters, an easy to read story line, and just the right amount of suspense.
Lainey has decided to move from NYC and start “The Love Fixers” with Nicole. Due to her upbringing, she finds it hard to trust people, everyone except Claire, and sometimes Nicole. When raised by con-artists, it’s understandable to have some emotional baggage that is carried with you as you navigate life. She hopes to help other women who have been wronged, starting with Cleo and the family heirloom that has been stolen from her.
Jake, a former con-artist, has been clean for some time, but finds himself being pulled back into the life of thieving in order to save his brother. This is how he and Lainey meet. Although deciding to team up to find the necklace, neither one trusts the other; inevitably waiting for the double cross to take place. But not trusting each other has very little to do with the amount of chemistry these two have.
Angela provides another story that had me laughing, crying, swooning, and cringing. The development of both Lainey and Jake throughout the story is well planned, perfectly written, and beautiful. As the walls start to come down, we begin to see layers pulled back to allow for deeper connections. It is not only what they discover about each other. The personal growth that both characters go through is amazing to watch. From not knowing who you are anymore and not feeling worthy to clearing seeing your worth and fully grasping onto your past does not define you.
As always review trigger warnings before reading.
Tropes:
💎ENEMIES TO LOVERS
💎BAD BOY HERO
💎MUCH INTRIGUE, BIG SURPRISE!
💎REVENGE ANTICS
💎SEMI-PUBLIC FUN TIMES
💎SCENE-STEALING BLACK BAT
July 16, 2024
Angela has taken us on such a fun journey with The Love Bandits and sprinkled in a little of this and a little of that and concocted up the most perfect romcom with tons of banter and laughter & two thieving MC’s who find themselves in a few pickles-but that keep you entertained from the very beginning!
Lainey and Jake! What a pair! From
The twisted truths, their secretiveness & need
To manipulate one another in the beginning, to their race to gain the same treasure…. These two Couldn’t have been a better chaotic fit…. They had me absolutely laughing my butt off, rooting for them, wanting to throw
Down some umbrellas and bats with them and swooning from the sweet moments that jump in from Time to time. I even had a little steamy steam coming from the undercarriage from the spice that Angela threw at us! Okayyy…. I see
You girl!!! And I’m liking what you are throwing at us, so keep that sizzle coming gurllll!!!
This was such a fun, well thought out storyline with side characters that you can’t help but become connected to!! There were a few scenes I was laughing so hard I was wheezing and couldn’t catch my breath!! - IYKYK
And then those, ahhh shiz, how in the holy plot twist did she just take us there…. But she does!! Angela throws in a few twist that you will not see coming and they are perfectly and strategically placed into story!! Wow! Just wow!! Great job there, my friend!
I really enjoyed the journey and adventure we got to take with this read and cannot wait to jump Into the next book!
Also- I have a new found love for tea time 🫢🫣🤭😂🐍
And the name PETER 😂😝😛😋
And for delivering cookies…. Okay! Yes! All that! lol!
———
“Because something tells me that my only chance of making something of myself lies with this woman.”
“Her soul has lit something within me, and I never want it to go out.”
———
100% recommended by me!!!
Lainey and Jake! What a pair! From
The twisted truths, their secretiveness & need
To manipulate one another in the beginning, to their race to gain the same treasure…. These two Couldn’t have been a better chaotic fit…. They had me absolutely laughing my butt off, rooting for them, wanting to throw
Down some umbrellas and bats with them and swooning from the sweet moments that jump in from Time to time. I even had a little steamy steam coming from the undercarriage from the spice that Angela threw at us! Okayyy…. I see
You girl!!! And I’m liking what you are throwing at us, so keep that sizzle coming gurllll!!!
This was such a fun, well thought out storyline with side characters that you can’t help but become connected to!! There were a few scenes I was laughing so hard I was wheezing and couldn’t catch my breath!! - IYKYK
And then those, ahhh shiz, how in the holy plot twist did she just take us there…. But she does!! Angela throws in a few twist that you will not see coming and they are perfectly and strategically placed into story!! Wow! Just wow!! Great job there, my friend!
I really enjoyed the journey and adventure we got to take with this read and cannot wait to jump Into the next book!
Also- I have a new found love for tea time 🫢🫣🤭😂🐍
And the name PETER 😂😝😛😋
And for delivering cookies…. Okay! Yes! All that! lol!
———
“Because something tells me that my only chance of making something of myself lies with this woman.”
“Her soul has lit something within me, and I never want it to go out.”
———
100% recommended by me!!!
July 9, 2024
The second book in Angela Casella's Unlucky in Love series is another fun romantic comedy with some twists that I did not see coming. This story revolves around Lainey, Claire's best friend who we meet in The Love Fixers. She's still reeling from her broken engagement, pouring herself into helping those who have been wronged get back at their significant others. That's how she meets Jake, who is handsome, secretive, and the person who Lainey ends up needing to solve the disappearance of her boss's antique necklace.
This book is funny, a little spicy and had me guessing at every turn on what would happen next. Jake and Lainey's chemistry is built on the page and when Lainey finally allows Jake in, they really turn into the perfect match. Jake's secrets get breadcrumbed throughout the story and I love how one minute he's snarky and the next he's swoony (with a dirty mouth). They complement each other so well, especially since they both come from similar backgrounds. And the hijinks they get into that lead to a lot of laughs and also some sexy voyeurism.
We also get some great scenes from Claire & Declan, as well as Nicole & Damien. Nicole has some of the best lines continuing her reign of sarcasm. This book sets up the next one in this series nicely - plus we'll be getting a lot more of Mrs. Rosings. Her wit and sarcasm gets me every time.
Tropes & Elements:
🩷 Enemies to Lovers
🏡 Small Town
😂 Banter
🖤 Bad Boy Hero
➶ Forced Proximity
✌🏻Dual POV
My rating: 3.75 out of 5 ⭐️
Thank you to Angela Casella and The Author Agency for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book is funny, a little spicy and had me guessing at every turn on what would happen next. Jake and Lainey's chemistry is built on the page and when Lainey finally allows Jake in, they really turn into the perfect match. Jake's secrets get breadcrumbed throughout the story and I love how one minute he's snarky and the next he's swoony (with a dirty mouth). They complement each other so well, especially since they both come from similar backgrounds. And the hijinks they get into that lead to a lot of laughs and also some sexy voyeurism.
We also get some great scenes from Claire & Declan, as well as Nicole & Damien. Nicole has some of the best lines continuing her reign of sarcasm. This book sets up the next one in this series nicely - plus we'll be getting a lot more of Mrs. Rosings. Her wit and sarcasm gets me every time.
Tropes & Elements:
🩷 Enemies to Lovers
🏡 Small Town
😂 Banter
🖤 Bad Boy Hero
➶ Forced Proximity
✌🏻Dual POV
My rating: 3.75 out of 5 ⭐️
Thank you to Angela Casella and The Author Agency for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 16, 2024
✨ I received this book as an ARC for my honest review✨
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Love Bandits was the perfect read! I was able to finish it in one day! This is the second book in the Unlucky in Love series, and I have definitely added the first book to my TBR. This book was everything I wanted and hoped it would be. It was funny, spicy, cute, banter, and mystery with a plot twist that even I did not see coming!
Still recovering from her broken engagement, Lainey throws herself into helping others wronged by their partner. It's through this that she crosses paths with Jake. Jake is mysterious, attractive, and the very person Lainey must rely on to unravel the mystery behind her boss's missing antique necklace, even if he may be behind it... The truth slowly comes out with the little cookie crumbs Jake gives Lainey. Both characters honestly complete each other so well. Both are from similar backgrounds and want to better the world by helping other people. Talk about a Robinhood story-type book!
The banter was flawless, and watching Jake fall for Lainey was pure delight. Jake and Lainey's personalities were perfectly matched. One minute they are snarky and the next have so much tension coming off of them. I love the fact that Lainey has a dirty mouth and Jake was eating it up! Let's not forget that so did Jake! Jake had me blushing and swooning! The garage scene and campfire were 🥵🤭 The nickname Hellcat is perfect for Lainey!
The reveal of the culprit might catch you off guard, but the author has set the stage perfectly for the next book! Nicole and Mrs. Rosings are my favorite people. I love their wit, jokes, banter, and sarcasm which had me laughing SO hard!
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Love Bandits was the perfect read! I was able to finish it in one day! This is the second book in the Unlucky in Love series, and I have definitely added the first book to my TBR. This book was everything I wanted and hoped it would be. It was funny, spicy, cute, banter, and mystery with a plot twist that even I did not see coming!
Still recovering from her broken engagement, Lainey throws herself into helping others wronged by their partner. It's through this that she crosses paths with Jake. Jake is mysterious, attractive, and the very person Lainey must rely on to unravel the mystery behind her boss's missing antique necklace, even if he may be behind it... The truth slowly comes out with the little cookie crumbs Jake gives Lainey. Both characters honestly complete each other so well. Both are from similar backgrounds and want to better the world by helping other people. Talk about a Robinhood story-type book!
The banter was flawless, and watching Jake fall for Lainey was pure delight. Jake and Lainey's personalities were perfectly matched. One minute they are snarky and the next have so much tension coming off of them. I love the fact that Lainey has a dirty mouth and Jake was eating it up! Let's not forget that so did Jake! Jake had me blushing and swooning! The garage scene and campfire were 🥵🤭 The nickname Hellcat is perfect for Lainey!
The reveal of the culprit might catch you off guard, but the author has set the stage perfectly for the next book! Nicole and Mrs. Rosings are my favorite people. I love their wit, jokes, banter, and sarcasm which had me laughing SO hard!
July 16, 2024
Reviewed for Sassy Southern Book Blog
This was another good read from the author and I am really enjoying this series. There is a lot of humor and also some mystery to keep the pages flipping.
I really liked Lainey from meeting her in the first book and I was excited for her own book. She has moved to be closer to her best friend Claire after catching her ex fiancé cheating on her. She is a personal assistant to Mrs. Rosings who is quite the character herself and their relationship is definitely interesting. I love the stuff she does with the Love Fixers with Nicole, Damian and Claire and that provided a lot of laughs.
Jake was more of a mysterious character as you know he needs to steal this certain necklace in order to save his brother but you aren’t sure why it needs to be this particular one. Also you don’t know how he has found himself in this situation but you begin to learn more as the book goes on and slowly you are able to fill in all the gaps. I felt like when he began to trust Lainey he should have been much more forthcoming with her as you know she is going to find out anyhow.
There was chemistry right from the start between Lainey and Jake but considering each of their pasts it took awhile for them to trust each other. It was a slow build up in that sense but fun to go along with the ride.
The big dinner party was a little odd about who all was after this coveted necklace and why everyone was after it and for what reasons. Although Mrs. Rosings was able to solve one of her problems with the party.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This was another good read from the author and I am really enjoying this series. There is a lot of humor and also some mystery to keep the pages flipping.
I really liked Lainey from meeting her in the first book and I was excited for her own book. She has moved to be closer to her best friend Claire after catching her ex fiancé cheating on her. She is a personal assistant to Mrs. Rosings who is quite the character herself and their relationship is definitely interesting. I love the stuff she does with the Love Fixers with Nicole, Damian and Claire and that provided a lot of laughs.
Jake was more of a mysterious character as you know he needs to steal this certain necklace in order to save his brother but you aren’t sure why it needs to be this particular one. Also you don’t know how he has found himself in this situation but you begin to learn more as the book goes on and slowly you are able to fill in all the gaps. I felt like when he began to trust Lainey he should have been much more forthcoming with her as you know she is going to find out anyhow.
There was chemistry right from the start between Lainey and Jake but considering each of their pasts it took awhile for them to trust each other. It was a slow build up in that sense but fun to go along with the ride.
The big dinner party was a little odd about who all was after this coveted necklace and why everyone was after it and for what reasons. Although Mrs. Rosings was able to solve one of her problems with the party.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 9, 2024
The story starts with Lainey who has started a business helping women who have been wronged by their significant others, trying to get revenge for them. She ends up meeting Jake while trying to get a client's family heirloom back, but discovers that not everything is as it might seem. She meets an enchanting man and she drawn to him, even if she thinks he's a cheater and a bad person. Because she's just setting up her new business, she still needs to work for a rich lady to make sure she still has an income till she has more customers.
Jake is a person with a difficult past, trying to do the right thing, but he can't trust anyone, only one person who's been with him for a long time. Trying to steal a necklace from Lainey's boss is the right thing to do for him, but will he end up taking it after all?
He wasn't expecting to have feelings for Lainey but it happens, since they are both drawn to each other for inexplicable reasons, but as they learn more about each other it's more obvious why this happens.
They start working together once Lainey discovers his true motives for wanting the necklace, but does she entirely believe him when he's not 100% honest?
The book is cute and funny, with friendly banter between Lainey and Jake, and there are some spicy scenes (the garage scene was hot 🥵🤭🤭)
Loved how the book was written and how the characters showed growth thorough the book and how cute and funny it was.
Tropes:
😈 Enemies to Lovers
🏡 Small Town
➶ Forced Proximity
😂 Banter
🖤 Bad Boy Hero
✌🏻Dual POV
Jake is a person with a difficult past, trying to do the right thing, but he can't trust anyone, only one person who's been with him for a long time. Trying to steal a necklace from Lainey's boss is the right thing to do for him, but will he end up taking it after all?
He wasn't expecting to have feelings for Lainey but it happens, since they are both drawn to each other for inexplicable reasons, but as they learn more about each other it's more obvious why this happens.
They start working together once Lainey discovers his true motives for wanting the necklace, but does she entirely believe him when he's not 100% honest?
The book is cute and funny, with friendly banter between Lainey and Jake, and there are some spicy scenes (the garage scene was hot 🥵🤭🤭)
Loved how the book was written and how the characters showed growth thorough the book and how cute and funny it was.
Tropes:
😈 Enemies to Lovers
🏡 Small Town
➶ Forced Proximity
😂 Banter
🖤 Bad Boy Hero
✌🏻Dual POV
July 19, 2024
Thanks to @angelacasellaauthor and @theauthor.agency for the #gifted copy of this book.
Rating: 4.75⭐️
“I've been trained to recognize valuable things. Rare things. You're a rare thing, hellcat.”
Summary: He's a thief.... She's trying to help other women who have been unlucky in love as well. When a stolen necklace brings them together, sparks will fly. Their lives are about to change in ways they never dared to dream.
Thoughts: THIS BOOK... I absolutely loved the first book in this series and didn't think anything could top it. Boy was I wrong. I loved Lainey and Jake together. Their dynamic had me laughing throughout the entire book. How they cared for each other without consciously understanding why, made me just kick my feet and smile. This book had some deep issues that both MCs had to work out during the book to not only be together but also to live the life of their dreams. I love how Angela just layers the clues as you continue reading. There were a few I was able to guess on my own and some that just blew me away. Finally, I think my favorite all-time character in this series might just be Nicole. Her snarky comments are so top-notch but always come from the heart and show how much she cares for those around her.
This is a standalone book in a series. Though I think you could read this without reading the first one, I highly suggest reading both!!
Read if you love:
🥰Enemies to lovers
🫠He falls first
🔥Morally gray hero
💜Small town
😂Madcap Romance
Rating: 4.75⭐️
“I've been trained to recognize valuable things. Rare things. You're a rare thing, hellcat.”
Summary: He's a thief.... She's trying to help other women who have been unlucky in love as well. When a stolen necklace brings them together, sparks will fly. Their lives are about to change in ways they never dared to dream.
Thoughts: THIS BOOK... I absolutely loved the first book in this series and didn't think anything could top it. Boy was I wrong. I loved Lainey and Jake together. Their dynamic had me laughing throughout the entire book. How they cared for each other without consciously understanding why, made me just kick my feet and smile. This book had some deep issues that both MCs had to work out during the book to not only be together but also to live the life of their dreams. I love how Angela just layers the clues as you continue reading. There were a few I was able to guess on my own and some that just blew me away. Finally, I think my favorite all-time character in this series might just be Nicole. Her snarky comments are so top-notch but always come from the heart and show how much she cares for those around her.
This is a standalone book in a series. Though I think you could read this without reading the first one, I highly suggest reading both!!
Read if you love:
🥰Enemies to lovers
🫠He falls first
🔥Morally gray hero
💜Small town
😂Madcap Romance
April 10, 2026
4.5 Stars!!!
Lainey recently broke up with her ex-fiancé, who was a gaslighting cheater. She moved to a small mountain town for a fresh start and works as an assistant to a professional rich woman. She and her friend are trying to launch a side business offering services for women who have been trampled on in bad breakups.
She loves her new life, but everything changes when charming guy tries to steal her boss's expensive necklace. She catches him in a compromising position, but she doesn’t turn him in, because it turns out someone else already took it. She doesn’t want to fall under the spell of another charming liar, but if he's telling the truth, he needs her help. She does help him and before she knows it he's watching trash TV with her, helping her deliver FU cookies for the side business, and snuggling with her cat.
Jake is trying to be on the straight & narrow now but got pulled into a job because his brother ran into trouble with their former boss. After running into the perplexing, gorgeous woman named Lainey he decides he wants her to be his. Now he just needs to figure out how to accomplish that and still help his brother.
This was a nice stroll away from a normal RomCom. This had mystery, adventures, funny banter, sexiness. It was a well-rounded storyline that was out of the ordinary. I really enjoyed it and to be honest at first, I was thinking it might not be a good book. It seemed super odd and didn’t flow the best at the very beginning but ended up be a really enjoyable read!
Lainey recently broke up with her ex-fiancé, who was a gaslighting cheater. She moved to a small mountain town for a fresh start and works as an assistant to a professional rich woman. She and her friend are trying to launch a side business offering services for women who have been trampled on in bad breakups.
She loves her new life, but everything changes when charming guy tries to steal her boss's expensive necklace. She catches him in a compromising position, but she doesn’t turn him in, because it turns out someone else already took it. She doesn’t want to fall under the spell of another charming liar, but if he's telling the truth, he needs her help. She does help him and before she knows it he's watching trash TV with her, helping her deliver FU cookies for the side business, and snuggling with her cat.
Jake is trying to be on the straight & narrow now but got pulled into a job because his brother ran into trouble with their former boss. After running into the perplexing, gorgeous woman named Lainey he decides he wants her to be his. Now he just needs to figure out how to accomplish that and still help his brother.
This was a nice stroll away from a normal RomCom. This had mystery, adventures, funny banter, sexiness. It was a well-rounded storyline that was out of the ordinary. I really enjoyed it and to be honest at first, I was thinking it might not be a good book. It seemed super odd and didn’t flow the best at the very beginning but ended up be a really enjoyable read!
August 13, 2024
The Love Fixer, The Love Bandit, and Professor X!
Elaine is trying to find her way after breaking up with a controlling and cheating fiance and leaving her money hungry, grifting parents behind. Now she’s living next door to her best friend Claire, working as a personal assistant to a cranky and extremely wealthy old woman (Mrs. Rosings), and working with Nicole on their new business, The Love Fixers.
Jake and his twin were raised by a criminal to be manipulators and thieves to always make the score. With his twin in trouble, Mrs Rosings becomes his next mark. But, before Jake can make his move to steal the Heart of the Mountain, fate brings Elaine and Jake together, along with Professor X, as hilarity, romance, plotting, all the feels and more ensue!
This couple was so perfect for one another! I loved the plot twists in this book as Elaine and Jake were working both against one another as well as together to figure out who the real thief is, all while trying to save Jake’s brother while not falling for one another. Jake and Elaine had such an amazing connection and were drawn together from the start!
I have to give a shout out to Mrs. Rosings as well, since she was an absolute queen in this book!
The Love Bandits was a whole lot of fun from start to finish! I adored that everything wasn't as it seems, and that the author gave readers a real mystery to figure out as Elaine and Jake fell in love. 5 stars!
Elaine is trying to find her way after breaking up with a controlling and cheating fiance and leaving her money hungry, grifting parents behind. Now she’s living next door to her best friend Claire, working as a personal assistant to a cranky and extremely wealthy old woman (Mrs. Rosings), and working with Nicole on their new business, The Love Fixers.
Jake and his twin were raised by a criminal to be manipulators and thieves to always make the score. With his twin in trouble, Mrs Rosings becomes his next mark. But, before Jake can make his move to steal the Heart of the Mountain, fate brings Elaine and Jake together, along with Professor X, as hilarity, romance, plotting, all the feels and more ensue!
This couple was so perfect for one another! I loved the plot twists in this book as Elaine and Jake were working both against one another as well as together to figure out who the real thief is, all while trying to save Jake’s brother while not falling for one another. Jake and Elaine had such an amazing connection and were drawn together from the start!
I have to give a shout out to Mrs. Rosings as well, since she was an absolute queen in this book!
The Love Bandits was a whole lot of fun from start to finish! I adored that everything wasn't as it seems, and that the author gave readers a real mystery to figure out as Elaine and Jake fell in love. 5 stars!
July 13, 2024
I really like how Angela Casella’s writing style improves for every book!
This is a rom-com, for sure, but the characters are developing like real people, with struggles that might not always be common ones, but their feelings and actions are. Yes, even the infamous Nicole who I dare you not to love if you’ve followed her journey thus far.
I love to read books in series where previous characters take part. You might not always totally recognise them, as you meet them from a third perspective (the books always have a first person narrative) but that only adds to the feeling of accuracy to me.
When Lainey and Jake meet they come from different walks of life, but the attraction is immediate.
I must say that the story, well stories actually, around their love story is what makes me like this book so much. And I can’t WAIT to hear Anthony and Rosie’s story in the coming sequel.
I really think that it’s he feeling of friendship, loyalty, compassion (though sometimes wrapped in the Fairy Goodmother version by Nicole) and community that really has me hooked to this (theese!) series.
I enjoy the love stories, of course, but it’s the foundation the stories take place in that I really, really love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a rom-com, for sure, but the characters are developing like real people, with struggles that might not always be common ones, but their feelings and actions are. Yes, even the infamous Nicole who I dare you not to love if you’ve followed her journey thus far.
I love to read books in series where previous characters take part. You might not always totally recognise them, as you meet them from a third perspective (the books always have a first person narrative) but that only adds to the feeling of accuracy to me.
When Lainey and Jake meet they come from different walks of life, but the attraction is immediate.
I must say that the story, well stories actually, around their love story is what makes me like this book so much. And I can’t WAIT to hear Anthony and Rosie’s story in the coming sequel.
I really think that it’s he feeling of friendship, loyalty, compassion (though sometimes wrapped in the Fairy Goodmother version by Nicole) and community that really has me hooked to this (theese!) series.
I enjoy the love stories, of course, but it’s the foundation the stories take place in that I really, really love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2024
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and I loved this one even more. The characters are quirky and endearing, and the story had me completely engaged with the need to see how things would play out.
Jake and Elaine have a very interesting meet-cute, involving a stray cat, a tea-wielding neighbor, and an instant attraction. Too bad they find themselves at odds, with conflicting plans for a certain piece of jewelry.
I adored the business - The Love Fixers - that Lainey runs, sending naughty cookies to cheating husbands (along with a lot of other creative uses for baked goods). It's good-hearted and helps those who've been wronged in a relationship, and the results are often quite hilarious.
As in the previous book, the side characters are great. From the sassy old woman who is Lainey's boss to the housemates who run a PI agency to the best friend next door, Lainey has a great support system in place, whether she realizes it or not.
This was an enjoyable read from start to finish, and I am very interested in the book that will follow; I will definitely be picking it up.
If you like spicy romance with a bit of intrigue, a hilarious meet cute, and a cathartic moment involving a signed baseball bat, then you need to read this.
Thank you to the author and to The Author Agency for my gifted ARC. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Jake and Elaine have a very interesting meet-cute, involving a stray cat, a tea-wielding neighbor, and an instant attraction. Too bad they find themselves at odds, with conflicting plans for a certain piece of jewelry.
I adored the business - The Love Fixers - that Lainey runs, sending naughty cookies to cheating husbands (along with a lot of other creative uses for baked goods). It's good-hearted and helps those who've been wronged in a relationship, and the results are often quite hilarious.
As in the previous book, the side characters are great. From the sassy old woman who is Lainey's boss to the housemates who run a PI agency to the best friend next door, Lainey has a great support system in place, whether she realizes it or not.
This was an enjoyable read from start to finish, and I am very interested in the book that will follow; I will definitely be picking it up.
If you like spicy romance with a bit of intrigue, a hilarious meet cute, and a cathartic moment involving a signed baseball bat, then you need to read this.
Thank you to the author and to The Author Agency for my gifted ARC. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
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