My Favorite What If

by Lyssa Layne

One year after Jacob "Smitty" Smith is stood up at the altar, his good friend Jules encourages him to redeem his honeymoon package before it expires. Reluctantly, he agrees, and finds himself sitting beside free spirit Sloan Talbott, who is attending her sister's destination wedding at the same resort. Both have been hurt. Neither is looking for love. Will one week in paradise be a fling to remember or could it possibly lead to something more?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2015

About the author

Lyssa Layne is first, and foremost, the proud momma to her precious daughter, AR. In addition to working full-time and being a mommy to AR, she is also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a runner, blogger, and an infertility survivor.

Having watched one too many medical dramas and being inspired by author Rachelle Ayala, who introduced her to the world of indie writing, Lyssa decided to try her hand at writing a romance story. Her attempt turned into the Burning Lovesick series. You can find Lyssa’s own interests throughout her stories although all stories are fictional.

You can visit Lyssa’s writing blog at http://www.authorlyssalayne.blogspot.com You can also follow her on Twitter @layne_lyssa or check out her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/lyssalayne

Feel free to contact her regarding blog reviews, giveaways, or blog book tours authorlyssalayne@gmail.com Happy reading!

Reviews

[Janett The Pleasure of Reading Today · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if your happily ever after was taken away from you in an instant? What if life will give you a second chance at happiness and love, would you take it?

Sloan Talbott had found her partner in crime and the love of her life, but one night in an instant everything changed and Sloan is left to pick up the pieces of her life without her husband. For six long years she dedicated herself to her career without even thinking about sharing her life with another man again, and then while on her way to her sister's destination wedding she meets Jacob "Smitty" Smith.

Smitty had the surprise of his life when his fiancé didn't show up on his wedding day, leaving him brokenhearted and lonely. In an effort to help him lift his spirits his best friend convinces him to take advantage of his honeymoon package to enjoy a little R&R.

Sloan and Smitty hit it off right away and so it starts a vacation romance that neither one of them expected to find. They both have doubts, they both have reservations about giving themselves again to someone new. But when a secret is revealed, would the bonds formed be enough to give them the second chance at love they deserve?

I loved this story and really liked the fact that the author didn't give you all the details of the main characters' previous relationships right away. Little by little she revealed to the readers the details of how both Sloan and Smitty's lives changed and the chain of events that connected them without them even knowing. My heart went out to these two people who had to go through so much loss and pain. You can truly feel their heartache and loneliness with each word written.

As always Lyssa's writing is flawless, through twists and turns, and a lot of heart the story keeps the reader's interest and makes you wonder if you were given a second chance at love after an incredible loss, would you take it, would you risk it all again for a chance at happiness?

[Bloggers From Down Under · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Provided on behalf of the author for an honest review **

What if you were given a second chance at love, would you take it?

Sloan, a personal trainer, lost her husband 6 years ago and hasn’t dated since.

Jacob “Smitty” lost his wife on their wedding day.

When his friends insist he takes his “honeymoon” for a bit of R&R, he agrees.

As chance has it, both Sloan and Smitty are on the same plane on the way to Jamaica.

Can this holiday romance last once they are back home, or will a heartfelt confession have Smitty running?

We thoroughly enjoyed this book, finding ourselves hoping for a happy ending.

What we found was an ending that truly touched us.

A beautiful read.

For us a definite 5 star read.

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob was stood up at the alter but his friend suggests he use the honeymoon package anyway. Once he's on the vacation he meets Sloan who's there for her sisters wedding. Will Sloan and Jacob have a fling to remember or will it lead to LOVE?

I received the book for my honest review

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
======================

no other woman will ever measure up to my sweet Caroline.

Finally, she looks up at me, tears already falling down her cheeks. “Smitty, Caroline’s not coming,” she whispers.

My sweet Caroline isn’t coming. Today is not going to be the best day of my life.

I shouldn’t let it still bother me, but it does and all I can picture is Caroline’s face. Every day when I wake up, it’s the first thing I see in the picture frame beside my bed.

This is the closest I’ve been to a woman in over a year.

Caroline is gone. Why can’t I let her go? This is exactly why I haven’t moved on in the past year, but the fact is that I need to.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m okay with messing around and having a good time, but I won’t be someone’s mistake.

Caroline wasn’t a big sports fan, much less an athlete. She tried though, watching Sportscenter every night with me, but I could tell she was never into it.

His hands move to my neck and he looks in my eyes. “Caroline, why are you so good to me?” I shift uncomfortably, not quite sure how to answer.

Who is this Caroline and what did she do to Smitty?

This is it, the first man I’ve been with since Cooper.

Ever since Caroline left, there were tons of women who have flung themselves at me. Of course, there were the random women at the bars and Jules tried to set me up with some of her co-workers. Hell, even Caroline’s cousin asked me out, but I turned them all down because a random fuck wasn’t going to make me feel better and it’s not going to now either.

Sloan pushes off her tip toes to hug her father, who is easily six inches taller than me and I’m six feet. Adoringly, he hugs his daughter and it’s obvious that she’s his little girl. Just like Caroline…

I laugh with her, knowing the feeling all too well. I remember being exactly like her and Will. Caroline and I unable to keep our hands off each other, our always-present smiles, much like Sloan and me this week.

“Because she hasn’t dated, or at least brought any guy around us, since her husband died.”

Until Smitty, I’d only slept with three men, all of whom I loved in some way, one of whom I married. And then there was Smitty…

I run my hand over my hair and take a deep breath. “Yeah, one more thing. Could you swing by my house and hide everything of Caroline’s?”

Maybe that’s why I still have Caroline’s stuff all over my house. Dragging my hands down my face, I try to push the thought away.

Partly, because she looks so stunning, but mainly, so I can block out the vows and what I missed out on with Caroline.

“Caroline had her hair and make-up done, but before she came to the church, she made one more stop, somewhere on Hampton Avenue. Except she didn’t make it to the church. When she was walking back to her car, a drunk driver jumped the curb and hit her.”

He’s definitely not Cooper and he never will be, just like I’ll never be his Caroline. Instead, we’re Smitty and Sloan, our own kind of relationship that is unique and of its own.

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 4 out of 5]

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I received this book from the author for an honest review.

AWWW Smitty!! Lemme tell ya..this man stole my heart is Jules book. Then to SEE he was getting a book….Imagine me being a crazy girl jumping up and down. Yes I wanted Smitty to find love. SO imagine my shock when I SEE that the beginning of the book he is getting married. *Insert wrinkled eye brows* Unless her name is Angie, this won’t do!!

Smitty has found his one love. I mean I was even shocked to hear about their whirlwind courtship and pending nuptials but it just SEEMED right. It seemed he found his one…until Jules dropped the BOMB that Caroline isn’t coming. My heart was breaking for my man in the first chapter. NO NO NO not my Smitty!!! Why would this woman leave. He is perfection …in my eyes anyway.

So fast forward a year later and Smitty is still hurting. He hasn’t had the heart to remove Caroline from his life so to speak. He looks at her photo every morning and is still hurt by her departure. Jules has had enough. She FORCED Smitty to go on his trip…..errr…..his honeymoon because the trip hasn’t yet expired. She packs his bag and ships him off to Jamaica for the week.

Sloan is going to Jamaica to see her little sister get married. But before she can leave she has to go and visit a grave sight of someone she loves dearly. Her husband. She hasn’t been able to move on in over 5 years since he died. Her love for Cooper is so strong and she is happy, or so she thinks, with her life the way it is.

A simple seat assignment on a plane has the two meeting and forming a connection. I gotta say there was something SO RIGHT about Sloan and Smitty the more and more we saw them together. They were like two missing puzzle pieces. They just FIT!
When the story starts to unfold and we learn what happened to Coop and then why Caroline doesn’t show for the wedding. OMG I dunno which story made me sadder. But the things that REALLY BROKE Me was when Sloan leaves Smitty because of her involvement with Caroline…OMG….DESTROYED!!!

I was a bit mad at my man Smitty but loved when how he owned his heart and feelings. I loved how he never gave up on Sloan and even assisted is getting her family to help him get his woman back!!

I am so going to miss this guy and these characters but trust me you won’t be disappointed.

[Ramona Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you realize your perfect love was there to point you toward your forever love...

I won't gloss over the fact that I've been a Lyssa Layne fangirl right from her very first novel all the way up to her latest one, My Favorite What If. Her easily flowing style and her ability to keep springing surprises throughout the book all the way to the very end is what hooked me and keeps me wanting more.

This can be read as a standalone novel and also as a sequel to Everybody's After Love. Smitty, everybody's best friend, was supposed to have his ideal girl, the white picket fence, and a happily ever after. It was not to be when Caroline never showed up for their wedding. With his friends' support, he picked up the broken pieces of his life and went on as best he could. Jules, the heroine of the previous book and his best friend's younger sister, couldn't stand to see him hurting anymore and made him take his honeymoon trip to Jamaica. Alone.

Sloane knew only too well what it felt like to lose people you love. With an upcoming family celebration on the horizon, she's forced to cope and hide her pain so the attention will be on her beloved younger sister instead. She takes the trip to Jamaica in stride and makes the best of what should be a great time in paradise.

Is it serendipity that these two are seated together on the plane and hit it off right away? When her family and his friends (through video calls) see how they interact and finally bring each other out from behind their masks, they think it is. But can a weeklong fling survive outside paradise when they're both concealing painful secrets that could blow their budding relationship up?

There's always that time when you ask yourself the question, "What if ...?" There are so many alternate realities that your mind can come up with that sometimes you miss the best one - the one right in front of you. This sweet story brings you along on the journey of two people who lost the best parts of themselves and found the missing pieces in each other. It's not all kisses, hearts, and roses though, as they have to face their pain in order to stay together.

If you're looking for that lazy weekend read, then My Favorite What If is perfect because once you start, there is no putting it down till the very end. A sometime tearjerker, an all around feel good ending, and an intricately twisting plot gives this novel by Lyssa Layne a double thumbs up from me.

[xxoabbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book written by Lyssa Layne, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going in but I was pleasantly surprised. My Favorite What If, is the second book in a series however it can be read as standalone.

Smitty was supposed to get married & have his happily ever after with Caroline, however he found on out the day fo the wedding the bride wasn’t showing, and he shut down on himself for 6 months, until Jules (Heroine from first book) basically told him to get his shit together and told him to go on his honeymoon. Alone..

Sloane, knows heartache after suffering a terrible loss , but is putting it aside to celebrate his little sisters wedding in paradise.. is it fate that these two just so happen to sit by each other on the plane & our heading to the exact same location once they land? Some may call that serendipity…

After an intense sexual connection during the plane ride & journey to the resort, they both decide on 1 week of fun, no strings attached adulterous fun, which by the way was hot – you could feel the chemistry between them coming off the page!

Smitty and Sloan both have their own reasons & excuses for wanting to stay well away from anything too serious, but when sparks ignite between them, it doesn’t take long for emotions and feelings to start getting involved, but when reality comes a knockin’, are they ready to face the real world?

This isn’t your standard, second chance at love book, there are twists and surprises throughout the book, which will keep you wanting to turn the page to find out what the heck is going on. So don’t expect hearts & flowers throughout the book, there is some real tear jerking moments aswell laugh out loud.

Personally, myself I am not a big fan on second chance at love books, be it the MC’s fell in love then got separated or the MC’s lost their first loves then fall in love again with someone else, so as much as I wanted to really love the book, I just couldn’t but that is just purely due to personal preference. It was written really well, has a great story line with well developed characters, Congratulations on another release Lyssa Layne <3

#lovefromNZ
#abbeys1clickbookblog

[Chantel Rhondeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I have to say that every book I read by this author just keeps getting better and better! While I felt so sad for Smitty in the beginning, I contented myself knowing good things were in store for this hunky hero. From the very first meet between Sloane and Smitty, sparks fly. Their chemistry is white hot and so much fun to read! I would highly recommend it!

While this book is technically part 2 of a series, I have yet to read Jules's story and had no problems reading this one first. I would highly recommend it. My only (minor) complaint would be that reading a story in first person is not my favorite, and this book has both characters' scenes written that way. However, there is a heading at the beginning of each scene to tell you who is speaking, and I found the story easy to follow and get into and soon forgot to be annoyed by the first person ;-) Even if you are like me and prefer to read in third person, this book is worth the time. You'll get so engrossed in the story itself, soon you won't care how it is structured because it is a good read that works.

Fast paced, hard to put down, and overall a great story! I think My Favorite What If is my favorite by this author that I've read so far!

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Smitty’s story from Everybody’s After Love but can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend reading EAL not only because you meet Smitty in that book but because it’s a great story all on its own.

Smitty and Sloan are a true match. The way they handle their relationships or lack of being able to be in committed relationships just proves how perfect they are for one another. They have both been hurt in the worse possible way but what they find out about each other’s past is just jaw dropping and a complete surprise.

Lyssa Layne gives us stories that are true romance so if you’re looking for hard erotica this is not that book. Don’t get me wrong there are some really hot sex scenes that will leave you panting. But if you are interested in a heartwarming, emotion filled story with a climax “you never saw coming” then this is a one click for you.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! Another absolutely amazing book by Lyssa Layne! I loved this book so much and it was hard to take a break to go to sleep!

Jacob "Smitty" Smith is ready to get married when on his wedding day he is told that his bride-to-be, Caroline, would not be coming. He is heartbroken and a year later, his best friend Jules trades in his honeymoon for a trip for him to go to Jamaica.

Sloan Talbott is headed to her sister's wedding in Jamaica but before leaving she must go to a grave site to shed some tears.

Sloan and Smitty are seated beside each other on the flight and right away sparks fly but both are afraid of getting attached to the other one due to their pasts. As they grow closer and closer they both realize how much they care about the other one but neither can forget their past heartbreaks.

These characters are amazing and so are all the supporting family members! I can not say enough amazing things about this book!!

[Dawn DiDominzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm already a huge fan of Lyssa Layne, but, I have to say, My Favorite What If, is my favorite book she has written, to date. Although, I do believe I said that after I read her last book, but still. :)

The story is told in dual points of view of "Smitty" and Sloan. Both characters have their own personal demons, and as a result, their hearts are completely guarded.

Besides "Smitty" and Sloan, I found all of the character's interactions to be authentic, their relationships, sincere and believable. "Smitty" and Sloan are two of the most likeable characters, with incredible chemistry, which made their story, not only enjoyable, but captivating.

The author's writing flowed smoothly, while taking me down an engaging, yet sometimes, heart wrenching road, complete with all the ups and downs, twists and turns, that are never quite expected.

I give, My Favorite What If, 5 fiery stars!

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Lyssa Layne and her writing style. This book was one her best yet. Smitty, at the urging of his best friend Jules, goes on his honeymoon by his self. This is because is bride to be Caroline was going to be a no show at the wedding. Sloane is attending her sister's wedding at the same resort Smitty is at. These two agree to have one week of fun, no strings attached fun. At the end of the week can the connection between the two be the end of the fun and they go back to reality?
Lyssa knows how to write a romance story with twist and turns. It was hard for me to put this book done but when I did I wanted to hurry up and get back to it to see what was going to happen next. I would recommend this book! Lyssa Layne you did it again.

[Beth Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favorite What If by Lyssa Layne

Lyssa has done it again! She has an ability to captivate me with her fantastic storylines and characters. As I read I couldn't wait to turn the page eager to read the next word, sadly for a reader that is a negative the end approaches too quickly.

Smitty & Sloan head off to Paradise both with broken hearts. Once they meet they have an undeniable connection. Trying to fight it is a losing battle so why not enjoy it. Maybe a week long fling is step one to moving on with their lives, a no strings attached relationship. Giving in to the connection they agree to this one week in Paradise but Fate had other plans.

[Jill Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this lovely contemporary romance, author Lyssa Layne pairs two people who have suffered personal loss. Neither is interested in getting involved in a long-term relationship. They meet by chance on their way to a resort, and after some intense flirting agree to embark on a week of no-strings-attached sex. What starts out as a hot vacation fling, though, turns into something neither expects: love, the kind that grabs hold and won’t let go despite both Smitty and Sloan’s resistance. Their story is heartfelt, entertaining, and definitely hot! Grab a copy and see for yourself--you won't regret it!

[Karina Gioertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favorite What If is a beautiful story of second chances and finding love when you least expect to...or even want to. Smitty and Sloan both have their own reasons for wanting to steer clear of anything too involved, but when sparks fly between them, it doesn't take long for their intense physical connection to get emotional.

But...given their pasts, both are scared to death of what a future together could mean. However, promising only the present comes with a preset expiration date.

Maybe love doesn't come twice in a lifetime. But...what if?

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd chances are rare but if given one, would you take it?

Sloan and Smitty have both loved and lost. A chance meeting on a plane headed to paradise (Sloan for a wedding; Smitty to get away from life) leads the two on a one week "only" adventure that finds the two taking that second chance opportunity but will it turn into more and continue into the future?

Through twists and turns, the outcome of the two is one that you could probably predict but still makes for a great read. I can't wait to read the future books on these 2 in the hopes that happiness continues on.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleep deprived and semi-delirious after plowing straight through My Favorite What If I have the strangest urge to smile uncontrollably and look at those ridiculously adorable photos of baby animals. You know the ones. Happiness. Grinning ear to ear as I write this, I can’t remember the last time I felt that warm glow of perfect bliss after reading an amazing book. My Favorite What If gave me a serious case of the warm and fuzzies. I just can’t get enough of Sloan and Smitty.

https://youngadultbookmadness.wordpre...

[Tami Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our favorite secondary character, Smitty, is back. His world is turned upside down by a bride not arriving at the church. One year later, while on vacation, he meets Sloan. Her life fell apart five years earlier. She's survived through the love and support of her family. She turns that love on Smitty, helping him to heal. But can they survive when fate throws them a curve ball. This story sent my emotions on a wild roller coaster. I always thought Bentley was my main man by Lyssa, till this book. Smitty is the man of every woman's fantasy. Another five star need to read.

[D.L. Gallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Lyssa really knows how to pull at your heart strings but this time rather than leaving me a blubbering mess (still upset over Love Is A Fire but I now forgive you...you need to read that one) I was left with a bg happy smile. This book was amazing, they story sucked you in from the beginning and with every little twist and turn, up and down you were let with that warm happy feeling. I loved all the characters and each individual relationship was beautiful
This is hands down Lyssa's best work yet

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Favorite What If is my first Lyssa Layne novel! I'm glad I found her. Her choice of first person present tense was very engaging. The story was full of plot twists and turns, angst, laughs and sighs. Her characters are finely drawn and the dialogue lively and strong. An excellent read and an author I'll start following with great interest.

This book is the second in a series, but I never felt I was missing anything from the first story. Highly recommend this author.

[CDBW · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Crazy Ass Stars!!!!!

Lyssa Layne does not disappoint with this book. I was excited to catch up with Jules and Bentley. I love Smitty! *Swoons* I will not say anymore because I don't want to give away the big twist in the story. I will say that I did nit see that coming. This is a Crazy Ass Must Read!

[Joan Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favorite What If by Lyssa Layne
It is a book that has a second chance at love from many perspectives. The plot is multi-layered and each twist just adds to the heightened suspense. Finding out at almost the end of the book to what happened to the one of the main characters is a gripping aha moment. A masterful story that I would highly recommend.

[Marie Mckenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

This book was full of emotional ups and downs. Smitty and Sloan's relationship from beginning to end was very emotional. Loved the characters from this author's previous book. Love all of Lyssa's previous book. Another awesome book.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!! Such a great romance story. I absolutely love her books!!

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favorite What If by Lyssa Layne is a great read. Ms Layne has delivered a well-written book. The characters are lovable and fun. Smitty and Sloan's story is full of drama, humor and sizzle. This is an awesome story of heartbreak and healing. I enjoyed reading My Favorite What If and look forward to reading more from Lyssa Layne in the future. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I purchased a print copy of this book at a book signing.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smitty and Sloan's story was full of love, romance, laughter, loss with just enough spice!!! Smitty thought he had found the love of his life but on his wedding day, he bride would never show. After drowning in his sorrows, one of his best friends, Jules, makes him go on his honeymoon. Smitty has a chance encounter with Sloan and they immediately hit it off. They spend time together during the honeymoon and end up sharing more than just hit sex. Sloan ultimately realizes that their pasts are intertwined. Smitty and Sloan have both faced great sorrow and hesitate to move on but they find truly letting go of the past holds the key to their future!!! I really enjoyed this book and Lyssa Lane is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! This book is well written and perfectly balanced!!!

[For the Love of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance love is an incredible thing and in this book it is written about in a romantic, realistic and passionate way. We are introduced not only to two lovers but to an amazing group of friends who create a story with depth and feeling. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and award it 4 stars ~ Rosie

[Nikki Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to Come!