Catching feelings in a marriage of convenience is REALLY inconvenient.
Layla Jackson isn’t looking for marriage or her own happily ever after. At least not at this point in her life and especially not with notorious playboy and single dad, Seth Wakowski.
He may be a baller on the court, but off- he’s immature and the total opposite of the kind of guy she would ever want to be involved with.
Seth’s baby girl? Now that's a totally different story. Layla and Jasmine adore each other.
But when people in Seth’s life tell him it’s time he settle down and clean up his act, there's only one person he can think of for the job.
If only he can show her there's more to him than meets the eye.
Despite her judgmental attitude toward Seth, she can’t deny the electrical charge each time their eyes lock. Or the desire that runs through her each time they touch.
Can Seth win Layla over and prove that their marriage won't be just another rebound? He knows he’s playing for keeps, but will he be able to convince her of that?
A Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If she’s not writing, thinking about writing, you will find Evelyn with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, she’s been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come. Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion and humor. She currently lives in Washington, DC with her husband and two daughters.
Layla is the punishment that every manwhore H deserves and I love that for her 😌😌😌😌 I stanned her from day one when she wiped her hand off after shaking hands with Seth 🫶
I never thought I’d be here saying that I loved Seth….the same Seth I complained about getting a book🙃 but I actually loved him!!! Him and Layla together were hilarious, I was actually laughing out loud
He was such a lonely guy (his previous manwhore ways not included) and I loved how much he appreciated Layla for giving him the family he always wanted. Also the way he looked up to colt and Aiden and tried to model his actions after them was so sweet.
Also forgot to mention, Layla’s struggles with her grandma hit so close to home and I feel like it was portrayed so realistically, it made me feel really connected to Layla as a character.
I am so disappointed. Evelyn sola is one of my favourite authors, I reread her books all the time. But I did not enjoy this book.
It felt so childish. To be fair, the characters are quite young and this is a rom com but I could not connect with either character.
Layla annoyed me a lot with calling Seth a whore CONSTANTLY. And then she suddenly just jumped into bed with him????? Seemed strange. I also just don't believe anyone would call someone "whorekowski" in real life??? Constantly too??? I honestly doubt it and if so they must be a 13 year old.
However, I must note that Rom com really isn't my fave book genre as I find authors often try way too hard. So if rom coms are your thing you probably would enjoy this
Also, i took forever to get through this when I normally would read Evelyn's books in one sitting.
This definitely will not stop me from reading Evelyn's next release (as long as it is not another rom com😂).
Stepping up as a young, single, baller father, Seth's story is complex, beautiful, and sweet. On top of that learning how Layla finds herself in need of a little extra help and Seth is available to provide that help giving all the feels.
This story will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and cheer in happiness.
CW: Mental Health, Elder Care, Depression, Violence, Neglect, Abandonment
Okay, so I loved everything about this book. It was well told and everything I expected in an Evelyn Sola book. I love it when I read a book, and I can picture the characters plain as day in my head. That's how good Evelyn writes her characters. I loved Layla and Seth. How they went from enemies-friends-lovers. Another thing I love about Evelyn Sola books is that there is no break-up to make-up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unlike most Sola’s book, this personally was not my favourite.
Long rant incoming…
Firstly, the whole discussion of why they need to get married. You don’t need a wife to give your daughter a good life. I hate the notion that a single father needs to women to help take care of his kids. He could just hire a nanny if his career is to busy. You don’t need a wife.
Second, I really dislike Seth. He was annoying, rude, ignorant and egotistical the entire book. The way he talk to Layla early on was disgusting. How he treated anyone who were slightly opposing was terrible. The way he treated and talked about his dad truly baffled me. I could understand the trauma and daddy issues he has due to his father’s neglect, but bro never even tried to find out why he was the way he was. The way he talked about him maybe he’s dad seem like a horrible person, but from looking at him it was obvious the dad was going through trauma on his own. Anytime anyone tried to explain to Seth that his dad’s issues were complicated, he acted so rude and mean to them.
Layla was alright. Definitely not my favourite fmc. I didn’t love how she talk about Seth either. Especially when she constantly (like every chapter) referenced him being a whore. I just wasn’t a fan of the way the characters talk about things and others.
Like why did they try to erase Jasmine’s mother. And why was Brandi not even let to see Jasmine. I’m not saying Charlotte was great, we didn’t see her. But clearly she was facing a lot of issues and probably didn’t really have anyone to lean on. Seth could even feel bad for the biological mother of his child. All he cared about was himself and people close to him.
Honestly the only reason this got a 2⭐️ is the addition of the previous characters from other books. Layla was forgettable. And Seth was a literal bully.
I never knew I needed Seth's Story because I never knew he had one I'd be interested in reading, but I was very pleasantly surprised to be wrong. Everybody has a story and Seth is no different.
If you've read Evelyn's most recent books, then you've already met Seth Wakowski as a minor side character. He's the teammate of Colt Chastain who is married to Vickie Chastain who is the sister of Tara and the sister-in-law of billionaire Ethan Bradford from 'Takeover'. Whew—do you see the connection? If not, you will!
We find out in the other books that Seth's man-whore ways caught up with him and he is the baby daddy of a beautiful baby girl named Jasmine whom is dresses in odd colors and tutus—everyday. When the past refuses to stay in the past, the team owner tells Seth he needs to reevaluate his life and image, Seth takes his lecture very seriously. He decides then and there that he wants a mother for his daughter and the perfect candidate might be his nemesis Layla Jackson.
There is no love lost there and the feeling is very mutual as well as the attraction. Their respective friendships within their sports click guarantee they see each other frequently. Each time they meet a bit of ice melts away. When Seth sees an opportunity for them both to get what they want, he proposes a real marriage of convenience. Layla thinks he nuts, but circumstances beyond her control have her reconsidering his madness. The eventual results are unexpected.
Layla brings peace and harmony to the lives of Seth and his adorable baby and it also extends beyond what he could have ever imagined for himself. Best of all there is no other woman drama in the usual sense of the other woman. They both realize that having someone in your corner that understands and loves you is the best feeling in the World and the love that Seth has for his daughter is everything. Read this book, you'll be pleasantly surprised see that Seth has layers! Who knew. I didn't but now I do.
This review doesn't even begin to touch all the trials of tribulations it takes for Seth and Layla and Jasmine to make it look easy. Highly, highly Recommended: Read It!
Here's a link to my review of 'Takeover' the book that introduced many of the characters you'll encounter throughout her subsequent books.
Really enjoyed this story of Seth and Layla. I’ve been waiting ever since Friend Zoned to find out how two people who hated each other on site could possibly get together. I absolutely wasn’t disappointed.Seth wasn’t the big child he was previously and becoming a father seemed to have changed him for the better. Layla too seems to have calmed down from her feisty ways possibly due to a sick family member which means she becomes more withdrawn. The timings are perfect for these two knuckleheads to come together and give each other what they each need and fall in love along the way.
I love that past characters are mentioned frequently as it gives all of Evelyn solas books a family feel and new characters fit in quite easily making way for future storylines
Evelyn never disappoints. This was another great book. The story had just the right amount of heat as well as romance. Also, there were parts that made me laugh out loud and there some parts that had me crying like a baby. I loved the main characters and their journey to HEA. This is definitely a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rebound: Book 2 of the Mischiefs series by Evelyn Sola
Drink: Pink Tutu Cocktail
Music: Accidentally In Love by Counting Crows, They Don’t Know by Jon B., I Choose You by Kiana Ledé
Seth Wakowski: If, “I can show you better than I can tell you,” was a person it would be Seth. He was letting his presence speak for itself.
Layla Jackson: If, “judge-a-roo,” was a person it would be Layla. Sis made it her business to be the first person to judge Seth at all times.
This story is proof why Evelyn Sola is and will always be an instant buy for us. She truly out did herself with this one. She gave us all the vibes in one go. We had a girl dad, marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, and some really good lights lol. Seth just didn’t miss as a girl dad. The way he loved his little girl was just so pure and unmatched. He was dedicated and tried hard to always do what was best for Jasmine. Jasmine was perfect. We loved it every time she would pop up with her cuteness overload. They really were the best daddy daughter pair. Layla came into the family for her own reasons, but she immediately showed that Seth picked the perfect mother for his daughter and wife for himself. Layla was feisty and driven. Kind and selfless. Her heart was so big, and she was always quick to help those she cared about. We loved being in her head and getting to know her better. Going in we weren’t sure about the pair, but Ms. Sola always knows what she’s doing. Overall, it was just a good time. It was nice seeing previous characters from other stories, and getting to see where they are now. She’s truly the queen of mixing and matching her story lines. This was a delightful and fun read from beginning to end. This is a must read for sure.
This recipe was found on Google by Difford’s Guide
I had the privilege to receive this ARC. I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
3.5 ⭐️ 2 🌶️
This is my first Evelyn Sola book, and I was excited to read it as I read really positive reviews about her other books. overall I really liked the book, and enjoyed their story. She did a great job with the Enemies-Friends-Lovers trope and I especially appreciated that there was no third act break up. it’s my least favourite microtrope.
i have to admit, I did not like Layla’s excessive use of the word “Whore” to describe Seth. It felt like too much, i get it, he got a round - a lot! that and her never ending accusations of him wanting to sleep with her. at one point I thought if this doesn’t stop, i’m DNFing this book. I’m so glad I kept going, because I really enjoyed the book.
Seth is the perfect combination of mischievous and sweet, he’s not afraid to let Layla in and share his worries and vulnerabilities.
Layla is loyal, has a kind heart and a quick wit. She loves her family very much and her grandmother especially. And the way she cares about Seth’s daughter, Jasmine, is selfless and full of love.
I enjoyed the plot twists, the mental health representation and, overall, their love story.
From the moment they met Seth and Layla were like oil and water, they just didn't mix. Whenever they were in the same room everyone knew that sooner or later chaos would ensue. As time passed they learned to tolerate each other, and one fateful night dinner turned into a proposition of so much more. After meeting Layla and Seth in Friend Zoned I never would have imagined that these two would end up together and how great they would be for one another. How they come together is unconventional but after getting to know there story was the perfect way for them. I loved how after getting pass preconceived judgements of each other, that they were able to find and build something so special that Seth and Layla couldn't have asked for a better life partner than what they found in each other. When they finally gave in to each other they played hard and loved harder and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Author Evelyn Sola has this way of writing authentic characters that readers can identify with in all her books. The main characters or the supporting ones readers can connect with so quickly. “Rebound” does this and more. The relatable characters and the situations Author Sola delves into had me nodding my head throughout the story. But it wasn’t all seriousness; the comedic timing was perfectly balanced to offset the tone of “Rebound,” whether it was Seth and Layla having a deep discussion or even situations with Layla and her grandmother. There was room for humor, and it was done well.
I’ve read most of Evelyn Sola’s books and must say that “Rebound” might be on the spicier end, and I loved every single moment of it. Every scene Seth and Layla had together was flippin’ hot. And the scenes with Seth intentionally wanting to get Layla pregnant––if you know what I mean––were exceptionally hot. Well done, well done.
Thank you Evelyn Sola & Indie Pen Pr for an Arc Copy
First and foremost Evelyn Sola is one of my favourite authors, I have read EVERY single book she has written!!
Seth and Layla are a representation of enemies to lovers! The hate they had for each other was a little annoying in the beginning especially Layla I wanted to strangle her at times but the chemistry, the tension between them made the book great!
Seth is such a sweet heart! Every time he would speak or think about Layla I would giggle and kick my feet. Layla was sharp and very funny she cared for everyone around her and made lots of sacrifices for the wellbeing of her family.
This book is totally worth a read, especially if you are looking for something, sweet and spicy with a bit of an emotional element that will get you in your feels
This book checked off all my boxes ! Sports romance? Yes Single dad? Yes. Enemies to Lovers? Yes. Marriage of convenience? Hell yes. I couldn’t have asked for a better book to receive an ARC of. The chemistry between Seth and Layla is unreal and you can see something brewing between them from the very beginning. Layla couldn’t have been a better choice for both Seth and Jasmine. It’s ironic cause he mentioned he wouldn’t ever be a Simp like any of his friends but he for sure topped being biggest one out of them all. Although I haven’t read a lot of her books I definitely will be adding some to my TBR!! Can’t wait to see what she releases next 📚🤓
It was supposed to be a beneficial arrangement for both of them, after all, they can’t stand each other … right!? It didn’t take them long to realize that they misjudged each other and they are really a match made in heaven. Seth used to make fun of coach aka Aiden and Chastain calling them simps because they are so devoted and loving their wives… no way he was going to be like that. Nope! Well, he became # 3 Simp! lol I love Pete and hurt for him … The kids and their interactions, I love it . Poor Leon, he will have to keep his new woman away from the exes. Great characters. BTW. who June Bugs ended up with?
I was not expecting to love this book the way I did lol. Layla and Seth were a feuding mess in the beginning. Young and fighting feelings. The way Layla loved Jasmine, Seth’s daughter will reel you right on in! So many wonderful moments in this book. They take you on a ride through family revelations and break throughs. They even realize so many things about themselves. This book will really surprise you. It give the meaning of IT TRULY TAKE A VILLAGE. I enjoyed! ❤️
I had never read an Evelyn Sola book until Rebound. I typically stay clear of basketball novels as it’s not my favorite sport. Evelyn threw in just a touch of basketball, and you don’t have to know the lingo to read this book!
Seth is the single dad bad boy who has a cult following. Layla is the beautiful and family oriented hotel executive. Seth needs a wife and mother figure for his little girl while Layla needs help caring for her grandma. These two make an unlikely couple. They heal one another in ways you didn’t think possible.
I really liked this story about Layla Jackson and Seth Wakowski. They are a young couple and despite my initial impression of Layla, at least she realized that she was wrong in her judgement of Seth. I am glad that they got their HEA and it was a good story.
I love Evelyn Sola & Takeover is still a top book but…
I need her to stop making her characters so bratty & immature- and I mean all the characters, not just the main ones. Some of the dialogues are so cringey! This book is a little better than the last 3 books published and I actually finished reading it without rolling my eyes too much. And maybe create another arc/universe because reading about the same people is getting to be overly soppy.
This book was such a great and easy read. The banter between the main characters is awesome they pick on each other and poke fun at each other like long time best friends would do. Seth is a famous basketball player for the New York Mischiefs, who came from nothing and made something of himself. He has the bad/ play boy reputation going for him which he has given up for the last year. Because when you find out your are now a single dad to a little girl things need to change. He gave up all the countless random women to be the father his daughter deserved. Now with him being a single father, everyone around him is telling him to settle down and find a mom for Jazzy Girl. The woman he thinks would take care of his daughter no matter what is the last woman on earth that would want anything to do with him.
Layla loves and adores the little girl Jasmine it is just her father she is just no so keen on. From the first time they met she disliked him and hurled insults at him like it was a professional sport. Somehow Seth is able to talk her into an arrangement that would benefit them both. He gets a wife and his daughter has a mother figure to look up to and he will help financially to take care of her sick grandmother. It is just an arrangement between two adults what could possibly go wrong.
To every ones surprise they actually act like a real married couple. It shocked absolutely everyone to hear that they were married when all these two did was go at each others throats. I guess that the line between love and hate is really thin and those two end up falling for each other. She is there for him and does things for him even though he wouldn't ask her too. He is there protecting and taking care of her while they care for that special little girl of his. In a short amount of time with living with each other, making love, and doing everything that normal married couples do their arrangement goes from that to them actually being a family. They have their ups and downs and the other shoe drops but together they handle anything that life threw at them. They are surrounded by their friends and family and even continue to make their family grow by 2.
Throughout the book you see huge character development and that it is okay to go after the things you want that make you happy even if you don't think it could have even been accomplished before.
Another five-star read for me with Rebound, a fantastic frenemies to lovers, marriage of convenience romance featuring characters first introduced in Friend Zoned. Seth Wakowski and Layla Jackson had been at daggers drawn since the moment they met, and they made no attempt to hide it with the insults flying every time they were near. Layla took delight in affectionately calling him ‘Whorekowski’ due to the revolving door on his zipper while he thought she was uptight. All this changed however, when his womanising came back to bite with a surprise of the nine-month variety.
The flow of this story was perfect, sweeping me up as it took Seth and Layla from antagonism to tolerance to love. With moments that went from the seriously steamy to the truly tender and with quick-fire, wickedly delicious dialogue that had me laughing as two complete opposites fell head over heels for each other, kicking and screaming all the way. I loved the badboy and slightly goofy version of Seth but daddy Seth and his devotion to his Jazzy Girl stole my heart completely. I don’t think I’ve ever read a character so in love with his baby girl and determined to give her a better life than his had been, so he sets out to achieve that and for some bizarre reason sets his sights on Layla as perfect mother material. All he had to do was find an in and Jazzy would do the rest. The dynamics and chemistry between this pair was sizzling hot even as they exchanged jibes and insults, but I think this was a form of foreplay for them. As Layla got to know about the life he’d had growing up and saw how he loved his baby she couldn’t help but fall for him. The development of their relationship was beautiful to read not only between Seth and Layla but Seth and her family as they accepted him and Jazzy and giving him something he’d never had – the love and support of a family of his ow…...even as they threatened him with bodily harm if he ever hurt Layla!
Single dad Marriage of convenience Enemies to lovers Interracial romance
4/5 stars
Seth and Layla hate each other. Or so they say… Seth is a hotshot reformed man whore with a daughter who needs to clean up his image, but he also recognizes that his daughter deserves a solid family life growing up, which he did not have. Layla on the other hand is definitely not looking to date an athlete let alone marry one, but when her grandmother who raised her gets sick, Layla will do the unthinkable and accept Seth’s proposal of a marriage of convenience. Out of the deal, he will get a solid partner in raising his daughter and giving her the family he never had and in return, Seth will pay for Layla‘s grandmothers rehab, where she can get the help she needs for her failing memory issues.
This book was so good! Between the main couples chemistry, which was dazzling, the tension, and the emotional stakes… this book was a total hit! The tropes were used so well and the story flowed so naturally!
I really enjoyed how each main character’s arc was fully thought out. Seeing them go from enemies to lovers was so damn cute. It had me kicking my feet and giggling. Seth was an adorable idiot at times and heartbreaking while reliving his past trauma. Layla was sharp and funny! Totally strong and caring to everyone around her. The love that these two had for each other? On another level. I loved the appearance of the side characters from the authors previous works. Overall, this book is totally worth a read, especially if you are looking for something, sweet and sexy with a bit of an emotional element that will get you in your feels.
The 2nd book of the series is all about Seth Wakowski and Layla Jackson. After their first meeting in Friendzoned let’s say both left not being their favorite person. Before diving into more of their relationship let’s get into the characters themselves. First, we have Mischiefs baller Seth Wakowski. He is notorious for being an immature playboy until reality strikes in the form of his toddler daughter Jasmine. The team owner has had enough of Seth‘s antics and needs to grow up for his daughter’s sake. Seth decides that Jasmine needs a mother, and he has one woman in mind, Layla Jackson. Layla Jackson is Jeannie Chastain’s co-worker & “little sister”. While Layla is fiercely loyal, especially to her friends and family, she is also highly opinionated. However, there is much more to her than what is on the surface. Her world changes when Seth approaches her with a mutually beneficial proposal. As the story continues, readers get to see more about Seth and Layla as characters and some of the major family challenges each endured. Of course, the story would be complete without checking in with some of our favorite characters and introducing them to some new ones. I am trying not to give away any major spoilers, but I will say I better understand Seth and Layla. While some serious topics were discussed, there were also several steamy scenes and humor to enjoy. Layla’s family especially her cousin “June Bug” had me cackling. I will say a few characters that had me ready to lay hands and I am talking about church (IYKYK). Seth and Layla balance each other out and work well together as parents to Jasmine. Overall, I enjoyed the story and looking forward to the next story.
Reformed Playboy Basketball Player turned Single Dad and Sassy Mortal Enemy Arranged Marriage, Seriously Cute Unexpected Love Story
Seth is a player on Manhattan Mischief and he’s had a crazy few years. He goes from Ployboy to Father, to Single Dad practically overnight. Now that he is getting the hang of this Dad thing, he decides his precious daughter needs a mother. Surprisingly he decides it needs to be his Enemy at first sight Layla. You meet Layla and Set in Book 1 of the Miscchiefs Series. Although this can be read as a stand alone, Friend Zoned (book 1) is one my favorite so I recommend that book too. Back to Seth and Layla. Layla is determined not to like Seth and she is completely confused by his sudden interest. Meanwhile, Seth, when he puts his mind to something he sets about getting it, but since he doesn’t believe in love decides to imitate his former Coach and teammate (Chastain) do “simp” stuff in order to win over Layla and while doing that finding a way to get her to agree to a marriage arrangement.
I lOVED this book so much. Not only do we finally get to meet Layla’s cousin June Bug. But we also get to know a whole host of new characters in Layla’s and Seth’s family and we catch up with some of our other favorite characters in the Mischief’s world. When I tell you that Seth totally redeemed himself by wining Layla over and ultimately falling for her, hard…. Wow! He put himself up there as one of my favorite book boyfriends. Layla is likewise amazing! While they work together to raise Jasmine, they find themselves falling for each other despite themselves and it’s a joy to read. Run don’t walk and get this book immediately. Then make sure you have plenty of time because you won’t want to put it down. I read it twice in the same weekend and I’ll definitely be reading it again and again. I know I say this every time Evelyn Sola writes a book but this might be my new favorite! Layla and Seth are truly couples goals.
I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving an honest review.
Whenever I see that Evelyn Sola has a new book, I immediately mark my calendar. I anxiously awaited the release of Rebound and it was so worth the wait!
Seth is a professional basketball player that is also a new single father resulting from one night during his previously very active social life. Layla is a close friend of the wife of Seth’s former coach. Seth and Layla immediately clash. What’s better than an enemies to lovers, emotionally damaged single dad with adorable baby, and a friend of the group that has a hilarious family? Nothing. Especially when this story is written by Evelyn Sola.
Rebound brought out all of the feels. I laughed (sometimes even out loud!). I swooned. I cried. Then, I rinsed and repeated. I really enjoyed the progression of the story and of the characters. I knew that Seth and Layla would have a great story, but I did not expect to experience the level of emotion that I did. My only frustration with Rebound is that each time I have a new favorite couple, the author tells me to hold my beverage and gives me a new amazing couple.
If you’ve read other books linked to the Mischiefs basketball world, you’ll be happy to know that Coach, Jeannie, Colt, and Vickie appear throughout the story to help Seth & Layla reach their HEA. While the Mischiefs series books are linked, you could read as a standalone. I do not recommend this as you will be missing out on other amazing stories.
Rebound is more than I even imagined (and I had high expectations)! It’s free in KU so there is really no reason to check out this book (and author)!!
Ok first I would love to extend to caregivers period whether family or not that y'all should be revered by society. That is a thankless job for the most part and watching the cognitive decline of anyone cannot be easy. I appreciate yall🙏🏿 hugs
Now my endorsement bc I'm not qualified to review. I knew this was going to be fire 🔥 if only bc of their initial interaction lol. What I didn't expect was the support cast. Stella n Donna needs to take that act on the road 😂😂😂. They kept laser focus on Leon 's shortcomings with some zingers that too me tf out. I mean I was outright howling. Their friendship was so refreshing especially considering who they are lol. Donna helped look after Layla n Gaga, n Stella did not leave her out of the wedding. I love how they supported each other. Now Gaga....lordt have mercy. When she did a naked Sethhead dance IN FRONT of him the 1st time she met him I spit my tea all over my kindle. My question was why does she know that dance?lol. She was so funny and strong her death made me cry and it didn't even cry for my own grandmothers. June bug is a big old teddy bear and is just loved by errybody. I want to read his story soon!!!! But Pete broke my heart. I wish I could say more but it would not do his situation justice. It was handled tastefully with not too much detail but enough to explain his circumstances. I loved that.
I am a big fan of Evie Sola n this is fantastic. You cry laugh cringe cuss and wanna fight. LOVED this. 10 out of 10 I highly recommend. End of rant
If you have followed and read books by Evelyn Sola then you are aware that she creates romance novels with intrigue, angst, and incredible goals-worthy relationships. In addition to her abilities to engage our hearts, she also uses humor to enhance and lighten the narrative. Rebound is book two in the Mischiefs series and uses the tropes of Enemies to Lovers and Marriage of Convenience. We first encountered single father Seth Wakowski in Friend Zoned and again in Take Two; he seemed to be young and heedless but with some weight and burdens on his shoulders. When Layla and Seth were first introduced, she was very clear about her absolute contempt for his lifestyle and his character. As far as she is concerned, the only thing he did right was father a delightful child. Since they have friends in common, Seth and Layla can’t help but be in each other’s orbit. Even after MONTHS of meetups and social functions, they continue to employ brutal takedowns and checking (which are hilarious) without any end or softening in sight! Exactly what will it take for these two feuding young people to declare a truce? As a single parent with a busy career in the NBA, Seth has a hectic life, add in a father with mental health issues, and he finds himself stretched to the breaking point. When he discovers that Layla’s beloved grandmother needs more care than the family can afford, he suggests that Layla become his wife and the mother of his daughter…. win-win? This book had its fair share of emotionality and sweetness; however, the sheer volume of snark, inspired insults and Seth and Layla’s antics made for an amazingly robust story. As a greedy reader, I am always looking for the next breakout character for the next book…does Ryder Valen make the grade? I totally enjoyed this wonderful story; if you appreciate love and sly, cutting humor then don’t pass this book up!.
Seth Wakowski's whoring around finally caught up with him. Now he was a father and he was determined to let his daughter Jasmine have a loving family like he did not have. She was all of his responsibility to raise since her mother unexpectedly died. He needed help in a bad way. His answer comes in a big mouthed judgemental bully named Layla. He knew there was mire to er than what she portrayed. She needed help with her Gaga and he needed help with his daughter. Their arrangement found them in a family that Seth always wanted and didn't get. He had serious issues with his father and resented how he was raised or not raised. Despite his feelings of resentment to his father he still took care of his needs. Seth's new family was the inspiration for Pete to try harder to heal. Layla and Seth were both undercover attracted to each other before and both were taken by surprised to learn things about each other that had them falling in love. Now they have an extended loving family and HEA. Layla never expected for them to become Mr. and Mrs. Whorekowski.
I loved how the author wrote the drama in this story. We see Seth go from Whorekowski to a loving simp of a husband. We see Layla evolve from a big mouthed judgemental bully to a loving and caring care giver, mother and wife. I related to Layla's family's angst over Gaga's care. They all stepped in to care for her until they couldn't. My heart just poured out for Seth's resentment of not having a loving and normal family life. But he has one now with Layla's family.
First - Evelyn Sola wrote a fantastic book. It is a love story between Seth and Layla but it is also about family, acceptance, forgiveness and unconditional support. I like the wide variety of characters in the book because they help round out and bring perspective to both Seth and Layla's situation.
Seth didn't want his daughter to grow up in disfunction like he did. He saw an opportunity when Layla's family found themselves in an unfortunate situation. Seth and Layla's first impressions of each were not positive, or so you think (characters internal dialogue may change your mind). This marriage of convenience turned into so much more. I love the maturity the characters showed once they committed to the marriage. This book had so many laugh out loud moments then had me sobbing.
Second - I loved the narration, if you can go listen to this book. The male narrator had a good range of voices and emotions for the different characters he portrayed. He played a lot of characters. The hurt and anger from a son who wanted a father and not be the caregiver. The struggle of a father dealing with some deep scars who loves his son but can't be the father his son needs. The realization that he is loved and can give love to someone other than his daughter. The FMC's voice was like a big hug when you needed it most. Throughout the marriage her voice was the calm when Seth needed it most. She also still had some of the spark she showed in Friend Zoned (read/listen - another great book)