Un Rival Inolvidable (Los hermanos LeBlanc)

The Leblanc Brothers #4

by Layla Hagen

Confronting my family’s nemesis wasn’t on my to-do list. Neither was falling for him.

After my difficult divorce, I thought my life was over. But now, I’m happier and more successful than I could’ve ever imagined. My cosmetics business is thriving and I’m almost ready to get back out there and find Mr. Right. Almost.

When I hear that a therapy ranch on the Bayou is seeking an investor, I jump at the opportunity. I know only too well that spending time with animals is healing.
When I visit the owners to ask for details, I find out I’m not the only one interested. Zachary LeBlanc is also there to make an offer. Why is that a problem? His family ruined my family’s reputation. He immediately tries to discredit me in front of the owners. Needless to say, I’m ready to give Zachary LeBlanc a piece of my mind.

Days later, I spot Zachary in the French Quarter, at the edge of the Mississippi River. As I hurry over to give it to him good, the unthinkable happens and I fall into the river! I’m certain I’ll drown, but he somehow pulls me out. That’s when I see an entirely new side to this man — though maybe I’m still in shock from the trauma. Zachary is kind and patient, but before long, we’re back to arguing again.
And that’s when he kisses me! After he pulls back, I wonder if his intention was to shut me up, or if he’s truly attracted to me.
One thing I know for sure; I've met my match in Zachary Leblanc. Because I'm not going down without a fight, and neither is he.
There are so many reasons why we can’t be together. So why am I ignoring all of them?

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Slow Burn, Forced Proximity

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2026

About the author

Welcome! My name is Layla Hagen and I am a Contemporary Romance author.

I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.

I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.

And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough ;)

Reviews

[Brittany Duszczyszyn]

The MMC within the first chapter says how he always believes the best in people, but then he judged the Female protagonist by what others told him rather than getting to know her!

They both come from very rich families, she use to work for her family business before leaving after getting married. Her ex was very controlling so she divorced him and started her own profitable business.

Both of them are interested in investing in a horse therapy business. He was very unkind to her. So she left in a huff

They ran into each other by the River a few days later and she fell in and he jumped in after. Then he made sure to take her back to her apartment to make sure she was okay. They kissed.

Then a few days later they met again at the horse farm but there was a rain storm and they were forced to stay the night in 1 small cabin. Where she let me him have sex with her without a condom 🤦‍♀️ when they hated each other a week ago and this is maybe the third time they have ever met.

Sure the sex scene was spicy 🌶️ but this book is just meh 🫤, they have known each other for what a month before saying they love each other. I don’t know 🤷‍♀️ it’s an overly simplistic love story.

You get your happily ever after in the end

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎]

ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖹𝖺𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝗒
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖦𝗋𝖺𝖼𝖾
5 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

Grace, she's intelligent and hardworking. She worked hard to make her company successful.

Regardless of her brothers destroying their family name, she has proved to everyone she is nothing like them.

Zachary, he is the CEO of the shipping/logistics part of the LeBlanc company. He doesn't get flustered and if there's a problem he will find a solution. His the fixer!

This is the fourth book in this series and I swear it just keeps on getting better.

Zachary and Grace, holy! I couldn't wait to read this one and it did not disappoint.

When an opportunity to invest in a therapy ranch comes up, both Zachary and Grace want it. But they don't get along from the first day they meet due to a misunderstanding.

One, fall into the Mississippi River and one hell of a scorching kiss changes everything.

The way Zachary fell, his understandings and the way he encouraged Grace and saw her 🩷

The spice 🔥

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

The LeBlanc Family! 💙

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 💻🐎💻🐎💻
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🐎🧴🐎🧴🐎
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚

[Tanja OMGReads]

Zachary... my man!** Don’t you just love it when you pick up a book and it turns out to be amazing? That’s exactly what happened to me with this one.

Zachary and Grace start off on the wrong foot—which isn’t surprising, considering all the grief her brothers caused. But once they finally manage to really talk, they begin to realize their assumptions were off, and soon the chemistry takes over. And wow, did these two burn bright throughout the book!

Grace has had a rough few years, and it finally feels like her time to shine. I absolutely loved Zachary for pushing her and supporting her in all her endeavors. He was the perfect book boyfriend—even if he was a bit blind at times during the story.

The LeBlanc brothers have become a favorite of mine, and I’m so excited to see how Lilac helps the next brother in line!

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Erin Lewis]

5 Star Review The Match (The LeBlanc Brothers #4 by Layla Hagen

I could not wait to read Zachary LeBlanc and Grace Deveraux’s enemies to lovers story.

The Match is a well written, entertaining story that ticked all the boxes for me set in New Orleans, a place I have always wanted to visit.

This was a wonderful read that ticked all the boxes for me. I found myself swooning, laughing and I was left me with a smile on my face.

[Stefanie Simeone]

it’s ok

I love this series but this book was just okay. I actually skimmed over a few of the spicy scenes looking for the story. I really never found one. There is obviously a connection between Zachary and Grace, but that was pretty much the story.

[Julie Booklover]

We are back in New Orleans with the LaBlanc boys, and Zachary has met his match with Grace Deveraux.

Grace is fighting an uphill battle; her brothers have caused trouble and soiled the Deveraux name. Her recent divorce has shown her new ways to heal. There is a business opportunity that interests her; a therapy ranch needs an investor. She is ready for the challenge to make her name known. There is only one in her way, and he has done enough damage already.

Grace and Zachary start out at odds due to his misstep with looking into Grace’s background, and his family exposed her brother's wrong doing. But these two are stubborn.

I enjoyed this quick read, once Grace and Zackary get on the same page, they are better as a team. He supports and encourages her. The LeBlanc's are becoming one of my favorite families from this author.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Kaitlynn]

Flying thru this series

[Donna Boase]

enemies to lovers

Loved both characters, this book is a must read as a stand alone or better as part of the series. The romance went from simmering to hot🔥🔥🔥, couldn’t put it down!! Enjoy tv

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog)]

Amazon / Amazon UK



Grace is still trying to move past not only her divorce but the way her horrible brothers have tainted her and her parents' reputations. Her company is doing well and she's even thinking of investing in an equine therapy farm. Too bad she has competition in the form of Zachary Leblanc who seems to hate her at first sight. Now they're engaged in an intense rivalry, trying to outdo each other in the race to invest in the therapy ranch. That rivalry is fueled by something more than dislike, though, and if they can move past their competition, they just might be able to open themselves up to love.



Zachary was wholly unprepared for the reaction he had when meeting Grace Deveraux. Not only is she beautiful, but she appears to dislike him on site. He shouldn't be attracted to his competition, and he definitely shouldn't be attracted to the sister of the two men who embezzled from half of New Orleans. But he soon finds he was so very wrong about her, and after sharing close quarters during a storm, he realizes he wants more than just being her competition.



Grace and Zachary may not have been looking for, or expecting, love, but one look at each other and it was obvious that they were going to fall headlong. It took awhile for them to correct their misconceptions of each other, a night of close confines, a rescue from the river, and even some "helping" from his grandmothers, but they finally got there. I love the way they went from rivals to friends to more, with their delicious chemistry simmering the whole time. Zachary's family is in full force, with helpful (and not so helpful *wink*), advice and lots of love. I'm not sure which Leblanc brother is next to fall in love, but I can't wait to read as he falls in love like his brothers have.



ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Michael Damen]

I read all 6 novels in Layla Hagen's Connor Family series. I gave the first three 4 stars but the last three (especially the very last one- which I only gave 2 stars) weren't as good.

This is the fourth book in Hagen's Leblanc Brothers series which is set in New Orleans. I gave 4 stars to the  2nd and 3nd books. They were both high spice, low stakes high intensity romance novels. This one follows the same formula. It's a rivals-to-lovers romance that focuses on Zachary LeBlanc, the calm, ex-EMT CEO of the family empire's shipping and logistics division. 

Grace Deveraux is a hardworking woman who successfully built her own suceessful skincare company from the ground up just a year after getting divorced. As implausible as that seems (magical romance novel economics are at play again here) Grace also has money to invest in a horse therapy ranch 3 hours outside of New Orleans.

Inexplicably, Zachary also wants to invest in that same run down ranch and they compete for that "opportunity."

Grace not only has an asshole ex-husband, she and her family are burdened by the cloud of her brothers' corrupt business dealings which Zachary's brother had exposed to the local business community.

After their tense initial meeting at the ranch, Grace spots Zachary near the edge of the Mississippi River in the French Quarter. Intending to confront him, she accidentally loses her footing and falls directly into the river. Zachary dives in and pulls her out, sparking a dramatic shift between them that culminates in a passionate kiss. 

"I felt very nervous all of a sudden, being with this hot-as-hell man here in my apartment, especially when he wasn’t being infuriating. Because then it was very hard to ignore the way my body reacted to him. It was even more difficult to deny to myself that I was attracted to him. It was a purely physical impulse because he was a very good-looking man. And he’d just been my knight in shining armor. My hormones were wreaking havoc."

Despite the spark, they remain business rivals competing for the same ranch investment opportunity. But neither of them had any history or experience in "equine therapy" and the ranch was not only run down, it was 3 hours out of town. That story line seemed really forced. I didn’t buy it.

But during one of those 3 hour trips (to see a new horse), they get trapped at the ranch when a sudden, fierce storm appears. The ranch is so run down, there is only one habitable cabin and they are forced to share that tiny cabin together overnight. That "one bed trope" goes back a hundred years to " It Happened One Night." Zachary tries to act like a gentleman by sleeping on the couch, their intense mutual attraction overwhelms their best intentions. 

The grandmothers, Isabeau and Celine, get involved again and help Grace expand her retail opportunities. They also give her a lilac infused perfume which the family believes has magical properties and, at the very least, confirms their approval of the recipient.

This was another pleasant, steamy, low conflict novel just like the other ones in the series.

[Rebecca]

I absolutely loved The Match, the fourth installment in Layla Hagen’s LeBlanc Brothers series. It is a well-written, entertaining story that ticked every single box for me. Set against the beautiful backdrop of New Orleans, this book is an addictive mix of enemies-to-lovers and opposites-attract tropes. Narrated flawlessly by Erin Mallon and Christian Fox, the story of Zachary LeBlanc and Grace Deveraux is a soulful journey that left me with a permanent smile on my face.

Grace is an incredibly intelligent and hardworking heroine who has built her own successful skincare company from the ground up. Despite her brothers' actions tarnishing the family name, she has proven to everyone that she is nothing like them. Zachary, the CEO of the shipping and logistics arm of the LeBlanc empire, is the ultimate "fixer." He is a man who doesn't get flustered and always finds a solution, but he meets his match when he crosses paths with Grace over a shared interest in a horse therapy ranch.

Their relationship begins with a major misunderstanding. Zachary is initially livid, assuming Grace only wants the ranch to boost her socialite profile and clear her family name. However, he quickly realizes he was wrong. After a bitter divorce, Grace has firsthand experience with animal-assisted therapy and a genuine connection to the cause. When a storm traps them in a small cabin together, Zachary’s protective instincts and his role as a gentleman only heighten the sizzling tension between them.

The chemistry is electric, moving from a mishap in the Mississippi River to a scorching kiss that changes everything. Zachary’s support and the way he truly sees and encourages Grace—especially as she opens up about her past—is incredibly swoon-worthy. The dialogue flows easily with playful banter and flirtatious innuendos, making their evolution from rivals to partners feel both earned and deeply passionate.

It was also wonderful to catch up with the rest of the LeBlanc family. From Zachary’s sweet relationship with his niece, Bella, to the meddling grandmothers, Isabeau and Celine, the family dynamic remains one of the best parts of this series. The grandmothers even create a custom fragrance for Grace, complete with their signature lilac, and agree to sell her skincare products in their shop. These connections make the world feel so real and full of heart.

The plot features poignant, bittersweet moments and unexpected twists that kept me turning the pages. Layla Hagen has a gift for creating strong, independent heroines who perfectly balance out her sophisticated, protective leading men. The epilogue provides a beautiful full-circle moment that serves as the perfect ending to Zachary and Grace’s story. I am already counting down the days until the next LeBlanc brother finds his match!

[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster)]

The Match is book four in The Leblanc Brothers series by Layla Hagen. We are back in New Orleans for an enemies to lovers romance between Zachary Leblanc and Grace Deveraux. Two soulmates brought together by fate but helped along by family, friends and a horse called Starlight.

Zachary is the CEO of the shipping side of the family business and is too busy for a relationship. He is always on the look out for new projects and a ranch by the bayou specialising in horse theory has caught his eye. The ranch needs renovating so the owners are looking for an investor but he’s not the only one interested in the project. He is confused as to why Grace is interested in the ranch so gets someone to look into her, which clouds his judgment of her.

Grace has run her own skincare business for a year now and it was exactly the fresh start she needed. She went to animal assisted therapy to help with the aftermath of her divorce from her controlling husband so she is very interested in the ranch. She knows her family name will be a problem because her brothers swindled businesses out of lots of money. It took Xander Leblanc to exposed them so having Zachary as a rival investor will hinder her chances.

Gaston and Felicia who own the ranch provide psychological therapy for children with anxiety and veterans with PTSD. They arrange for both Zachary and Grace to visit but it is a disaster as they argue and assume the worse of each other. Zachary is immediately attracted to her but can’t understand why she’s so cold and rude towards him. Their next meeting ends in him having to save her life and he realises he’s got the wrong idea about her. She starts to see him in a different light and admits he’s not the same man she first met.

The romance is a slow burn as they get to know each other and she reveals how mean her ex was. She endured so much and was put through hell until she lost all her self worth. He gives her the hottest kiss of her life to persuade her to give him a chance. I liked how he really listens to her and doesn’t judge her. A storm gives the couple a push in the right direction and he’s so funny when he seamlessly goes from serious to flirty with her. He wonders if they could work together and both be investors.

It was lovely catching up with all the Leblanc family. His brothers, especially the younger two, really tease him when he won’t admit he’s a goner for Grace. Her best friend was very amusing and on team Zachary. Bella was an absolute sweetie again and the grandmothers were hilarious as usual, working their magic. Zachary and Grace have to learn to trust each other and work at their relationship. Their chemistry oozes off the pages and I was so glad they sorted out the little miscommunication at the end. An enjoyable story and I look forward to the next brother’s book.

[Emilie]

J’adore Layla Hagen et cela faisait plusieurs mois que je n’avais pas lu un de ses romans alors qu’il y a eu deux parutions ces derniers mois: « The Match » que je vais présenter ici et « Forbidden Kisses », le deuxième tome de la série « The Sterling Brothers » que j’ai déjà lu et dont la chronique sera publiée prochainement. Cela me manquait un peu de lire cette autrice alors je me suis vite replongée dans une de ses séries d’autant plus que j’avais hâte d’en savoir plus sur Zach, l’un des membres de la fratrie LeBlanc, ainsi que sur Grace qui fait partie d’une famille avec qui les LeBlanc ont eu de gros différends. Alors autant dire que se confronter à Grace pour investir dans un ranch n’était pas du tout au programme de Zach. Au vu des passifs de leurs familles tous les deux ne partent pas du bon pied, ayant déjà des idées préconcues sur l’autre. Mais quand Grace tombe accidentellement dans le Mississippi et que Zach vient à son secours, elle découvre une nouvelle facette de lui. Et il en est de même pour Zach qui s’en veut de l’avoir mal jugée au premier abord. Des baisers vont être échangés et bien plus encore… Mais Grace ne sait pas s’il est vraiment attiré par elle ou s’il veut simplement la faire taire pour gagner l’investissement qu’il veut dans le ranch… En tout cas une chose est sûre si c’est le cas elle ne se laissera pas faire mais lui non plus… Alors pourquoi Grace ignore-t-elle toutes les raisons pour lesquelles ils ne peuvent pas être ensemble?

J’ai beaucoup aimé ce tome. Encore une fois j’ai très vite été emportée par la plume de Layla Hagen ainsi que cette histoire. Les personnages sont vraiment cools. Zach est top. Son comportement avec Grace n’est pas génial au début mais il l’admet et change sa façon d’agir. C’est quelqu’un de détendu mais aussi loyal et protecteur. J’adore la relation qu’il a avec sa nièce Bella cela apporte autant d’humour que de petits moments touchants. Il est aussi très intéressant avec Grace qu’il respecte beaucoup une fois les malentendus dissipés. J’ai bien aimé Grace aussi. Elle a du tempérament et ne se laisse pas marcher sur les pieds mais dans le même temps elle manque de confiance en elle à cause de sa dernière relation qui s’est très mal terminée… Elle reprend sa vie en main et c’est pour cela qu’elle ne veut pas se laisser marcher dessus par Zach ou n’importe qui d’autre. Elle a une histoire assez touchante qui apporte un plus à l’histoire. J’aime beaucoup la relation qu’elle crée avec Zach qui est à la fois pleine d’étincelles au vu de leurs tempéraments, d’humour, de moments sexys et d’émotions. Cela fait un bon cocktail d’autant plus que la trame est sympathique avec des moments de douceurs mais aussi de rire grâce à la famille LeBlanc. Il faut dire que quand il s’agit de mettre leurs nezs dans les affaires des uns et des autres ils n’ont pas leur pareil qu’on leur ait demandé leurs avis ou non. J’adore cette famille et cela ne m’a donné que plus envie de continuer cette série dont le prochain tome sort dans quelques semaines et portera sur Anthony, l’un des plus jeunes de la fratrie LeBlanc, dont j’ai hâte de découvrir l’histoire.

En attendant de parler de ce roman j’ai une autre chronique à faire sur « Forbidden Kisses » qui sera prochainement en ligne. Et avant qu’elle ne paraisse je ne peux que vous conseiller « The LeBlanc Brothers » si vous chercher une lecture sans prise de tête, pleine de douceur et d’humour pour se vider la tête.

https://kingdomofwordsblog.wordpress....

[Patti Lucas]

Layla Hagen has done it again! I absolutely LOVED The Match! It is the fourth book in her The LeBlanc Brothers series. I loved every moment on every page of The Match it was impossible to put down. The Match was one of the most enjoyable books that I have read recently. Layla Hagen is a must-read author for me. She definitely did not disappoint her readers with The Match and has once again delivered an incredible story filled with everything that I love in sizzling romance stories. Who does not love hot sexy men, who make you swoon, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another, and wonderful characters? I love the LeBlanc siblings. The Match is an opposites attract love story between billionaire Zachary LeBlanc, runs the shipping side of The Orleans Conglomerate and Grace Deveraux, owner of her own skincare company. Zachary and Grace are both interested in investing in a horse ranch specializing in assisted therapy, owned by Felicia and Gaston are the owner of the ranch. Grace recently divorced her husband and went to similar therapy following her divorce. Grace’s brothers were caught by one of Zachary’s brothers making poor business decisions for Deveraux Industries, her family’s company. Zachary is immediately fascinated with Grace when they meet at the ranch. I love all the little things that Zachary does for Grace, especially when the get caught in the rain. I love how Grace relates to Felicia and Gaston’s horses. Things heat up between Grace and Zachary as they spend time together, especially after Zachary saved Grace’s life. I love that once again Isabeau and Celine create a fragrance just for Grace and that Isabeau and Celine agree to allow Grace to sell her skincare products at their shop. I love the chemistry between Grace and Zachary. Conversation between Grace and Zachary flows so easily, with innuendos and playful banter, and Zachary constantly flirting with Grace. I love how Grace shares with Zachary how her ex-husband treated her following their marriage. I love Grace and Zachary’s love story, and how a plot twist changes things for Zachary and Grace’s relationship. I love the changes that Zachary and Grace make in their lives to have a life with one another. I love how Layla Hagen always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy men. One of my favorite parts of her books is how she incorporates the picture on the cover of the book into the love story. I am not sure how she does it, but Layla Hagen has once again given her readers another amazing book. She has once again proven that she is an amazing storyteller and continues to be one of my favorite authors to read. I really enjoy how she writes her stories in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love knowing what the main characters are thinking and feeling. Layla Hagen creates such wonderful and memorable characters and has once again done this in The Match. I love Grace and Zachary’s story and the descriptions of the New Orleans settings. I love the characters and the family dynamic in The Match, the characters feel like family and friends. I love Zachary’s relationship with his niece, Bella. I enjoy all the interactions among the LeBlanc siblings; it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I loved catching up with the other characters in the series. I love Isabeau and Celine and the fragrance that they created for Grace which included their secret additive, lilac and how Grace loved the fragrance. I loved the bittersweet and poignant moments, as well as the unexpected plot twists and surprises that I have come to love and expect in a Layla Hagen love story. The Match is filled with all those elements especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. The Match was a wonderful love story. I love how the epilogue is the perfect ending of their love story and includes a full circle moment. I cannot wait to read more books about the other LeBlanc brothers. Highly recommend this incredible love story. Received an advanced copy from the author.

[Kim Nicole]

Each time a new LeBlanc Brother book comes out I always look forward to it. I loved how feel good and simple this book was. It didn’t blow me away but it was decent, pretty entertaining and a good read, effectively resulting in a 4 rating. I love how the rocky start between Grace and Zachary didn’t last very long and they pretty much jump into something shortly after he saves her from the river. I found myself going through this book really quickly, and I’m not sure if it’s because the chapters are short or because the book transitions so smoothly that you breeze through it. A ton doesn’t happen in the book except for some pretty passionate and tender scenes mixed with trying to obtain the ranch and fun dates between Grace and Zachary. Then there’s the slight drama that happens as well with no declaration of never seeing the other again or silent treatment with an argument. This had everything I hope happens more in romance. I don’t have much to reiterate with this book as there didn’t seem to be any analyzing on my part or double meanings so there’s nothing to elaborate on or predict. Zachary was honest, to the point and didn’t beat around the bush and neither did Grace. It made this book so much easier to enjoy and get through. Blend that with no uncovering and digging deeper in the book and you get a very easy read. I have to admit though, I thought Zachary was the last brother so I figured this would be the last book but I forgot about Anthony! It sounds like a workplace romance and it’s exciting because I feel like I haven’t read that kind of trope in a while so we’ll see how it plays out and goes!

[Cara Isabella]

Confronting my family’s nemesis wasn’t on my to-do list. Neither was falling for him.

After my difficult divorce, I thought my life was over. But now, I’m happier and more successful than I could’ve ever imagined. My cosmetics business is thriving and I’m almost ready to get back out there and find Mr. Right. Almost.

When I hear that a therapy ranch on the Bayou is seeking an investor, I jump at the opportunity. I know only too well that spending time with animals is healing.

When I visit the owners to ask for details, I find out I’m not the only one interested. Zachary LeBlanc is also there to make an offer. Why is that a problem? His family ruined my family’s reputation. He immediately tries to discredit me in front of the owners. Needless to say, I’m ready to give Zachary LeBlanc a piece of my mind.

Days later, I spot Zachary in the French Quarter, at the edge of the Mississippi River. As I hurry over to give it to him good, the unthinkable happens and I fall into the river! I’m certain I’ll drown, but he somehow pulls me out. That’s when I see an entirely new side to this man — though maybe I’m still in shock from the trauma. Zachary is kind and patient, but before long, we’re back to arguing again.

And that’s when he kisses me! After he pulls back, I wonder if his intention was to shut me up, or if he’s truly attracted to me.

One thing I know for sure; I’ve met my match in Zachary Leblanc. Because I’m not going down without a fight, and neither is he.

There are so many reasons why we can’t be together. So why am I ignoring all of them?

[Lisa Broadman]

This is a 4.5 for me!

This is the 4th book in the LeBlanc Brothers series and is the story of Zachary and Grace. These are two very likeable and relatable characters who, at first, are at odds with one another. I really like the horse farm aspect too. Who knew that New Orleans had horse farms near by?!

Their chemistry leaps off the pages and while the attraction is strong, they build a solid friendship too. I love that they become friends first and have fun banter and then become close enough to become vulnerable with one another. I love Grace’s strength and determination and her layers. I love that Zachary loves her exactly how she is. I love Zachary’s layers too. His strength and serious nature seem directly opposed to the fun uncle watching Harry Potter with his niece.

I always love catching up with the other LeBlanc brothers and family, especially the grandmothers. I wish I had fun grandparents in my life still. I also love catching up with previous couples and seeing how they’re doing.

All in all, this was a story about helping your partner find their happiness and maybe even doing things to help that along! Having a beautiful city as the backdrop and solid family and friends in your life helps too!

[Jennysbookishthoughts]

As part of the LeBlanc family, Zach is known throughout New Orleans and actually has enough to do. But he is interested in investing in a therapy ranch. Grace also wants to invest in this ranch for personal reasons. The two get off on the wrong foot, but meet again and again and grow closer. However, Grace's family's reputation has fallen into disrepute and Zach's brother, of all people, has brought this about.

The Match is part of The LeBlanc Brothers series. I haven't read the other parts, but I think you can read them independently. You learn a little about the other brothers and their relationship, but not too much to spoilers, more to whet your appetite for their stories.

Layla Hagen just writes the sweetest love stories for me and The Match won me over again. At just under 300 pages, it's a perfect length for a fluffy, fluffy love story between millionaire Zach and Grace. Zach captured my heart right from the start because his manner is just so down-to-earth and charming. Then there's Grace who, after a failed marriage, is trying to find herself and build up her start-up and who simply has no chance of not falling in love with Zach. The story itself is exciting and doesn't have a lot of drama, which I always like. The whole thing is rounded off by the LeBlanc family who you can't help but love.

4/5 ⭐️ - I'm off to devour the rest of the series.

[Deb Hanson]

So good. So much drama. So much love!

So good. So much drama. So much love!

The Leblanc family are a new favourite for me. They are everything I want in a huge family of alpha males, 2 very headstrong matriarchs and family dinners to make you drool.

Grace deveraux and Zachary Leblanc are like oil and water, constantly at war. His brothers called out and destroyed Grace’s brothers with fraud claims dragging the Deveraux name through the mud! Now Zachary and Grace are again at war this time over an investment into a run down ranch. Both are hellbent on winning not seeing the chemistry in front of them. With harsh words and mean looks it seems there’s no way forward for these 2 until an accident brings them together.

Ever the gentleman, Zachary saves Grace, putting the pair in a new space neither saw coming. Enemies now friends? Friends now lovers? It seems everything these 2 families shouldn’t be, they turn into. Grace finds herself less about the sister of criminals, instead a smart, beautiful business woman who deserves happiness. The LeBlanc- Broussard clan are always happy to welcome new partners, and the matriarchs are definitely taking some of that.

Can’t wait for the next instalment in the Leblanc family love story!

[Lauren Nesic]

⭐⭐⭐.5 pretty good! there were enjoyable parts and decent chemistry, but it lacked that extra spark to make it really memorable.
🌶️🌶️🌶️: moderate heat, 4 to 6 detailed sex scenes that push beyond vanilla, incorporating light kinks but plot focused.

grace has rebuilt her life after a painful divorce, pouring her energy into a successful cosmetics business and finally beginning to look toward the future. when an opportunity to invest in a therapy ranch brings her face to face with zachary leblanc, a man tied to a family feud she has never forgotten, sparks fly for all the wrong reasons. their rivalry quickly turns complicated after an unexpected act of heroism reveals a side of zachary she never expected to see. as heated arguments give way to undeniable attraction, grace finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about him and wondering whether love is worth risking old wounds and family loyalties.

this was a quick and easy read and zachary was definitely the standout for me. i enjoyed their relationship even if some of the conflict felt a little forced at times that said grace frustrated me occasionally. overall, it was a sweet romance with likeable characters and low drama

tropes: enemies to lovers, billionaire

[Jackie Wright]

The Match is Zachary LeBlanc and Grace Deveraux’s enemies to lovers romance but this book is so much more than just a romance it’s about vulnerability and letting others in, it’s about families and loyalty but more importantly it’s about love. It’s beautifully written with great characters and it’s book four in The LeBlanc Brothers Series.
Grace and Zachary are both interested in investing in a therapeutic horse ranch that needs some help and when Grace arrives to talk to the owners she finds Zachary is already there. He became her enemy when he helped take her brothers down for illegal activities in the business world and that means at the first opportunity she gets she will give him a piece of her mind.
A few days later that opportunity arises when she sees him in the French Quarter on the edge of the Mississippi River but as she rushes over to him she falls in the river and he jumps in to save her…….
What follows is a match made in heaven as this couple go from enemies to lovers. The chemistry is sizzling, the banter is witty but it’s the camaraderie from the LeBlanc family that took this book to another level. The Match is an entertaining and heartwarming story.

[Penny Leidecker]

This book is centered around Zachary LeBlanc and Grace Deveraux. At their first person to person meeting, they get off to a rocky start, but they can’t deny the attractiveness of each other. Grace is the sister of Kyle and Beau, the two guys that swindled half of the businesses they worked with, until Xander exposed them. You can’t pick your blood family, but people will sure hold their sins against you. Zachary and Grace are both interested in investing in a ranch by the bayou that specializes in therapy horses, which is owned by Gaston and Felicia. Grace received some therapy after her divorce and knows how beneficial it is. This would be a passion project for her. The next time she sees Zachary, she decides to let him have it and ends up in the Mississippi River. Zachary jumps in and rescues her. Things start to turn around, but can they trust each other? I’m not going to leave any spoilers, but I recommend this book for anyone that loves the enemies to lovers trope. I’m looking forward to reading what this author has for us next.

I received and advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[lowkeyreader]

The Match by Layla Hagen is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance set in vibrant New Orleans that I really enjoyed. The story follows Zachary Leblanc, a busy CEO, and Grace Deveraux, a skincare business owner recovering from a controlling marriage. Their rivalry over a bayou ranch project brings plenty of tension, misunderstandings, and sizzling chemistry that kept me hooked.

I appreciated the emotional depth given to Grace, especially how animal-assisted therapy helped her heal from her past trauma, and Zachary’s gradual softening as he learns to trust her. The family dynamics and the involvement of friends added warmth and humor to balance the drama. The horse named Starlight was a charming touch that added uniqueness to the story.

While the romance follows some familiar tropes, the well-developed characters and the rich New Orleans setting made it feel fresh and engaging. The slow-building relationship and the way both leads confront their pasts gave the story a satisfying emotional arc.

Overall, I’m giving The Match four stars. It’s a heartfelt and entertaining read perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers with a touch of small-town charm and emotional healing.

[Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading]

Grace is rebuilding her life, and her self esteem, after a failed marriage as well as her brothers ruining her last name after running a ponzi scheme in the French Quarter. When the opportunity to invest in a horse ranch pops up, Grace can't resist knowing how much she benefitted from animal therapy during her divorce. But, she isn't the only one interested in investing.

While this is well outside the family business, Zachary LeBlanc wants to take on the horse ranch as a passion project. But to say he and Grace get off on the wrong foot is an understatement . . . until fate keeps tossing them together again and again and their attraction takes over. But is it more than a good time? Can Grace learn to trust again? Can Zachary focus on something other than work and his family? Will mixed communications end everything?

I loved how organic this romance was! Zachary was the sweetest, taking his time to gain Grace’s trust. Spoiling her in ways her ex never did. Watching Grace fall in love again was incredible.

This series keeps getting better with every couple. 5 stars!

[~lil maso~]

Reviewed by Donna for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

And this series keeps getting better and better. I can't tell you how much I really love this series, and this book is my favourite so far. Zachary and Grace's story was an interesting read, we see family enemies go toe to toe on getting to invest in a ranch and we see how these two get thrown together and fate steps in the change their relationship.

This book is emotional and fun at the same time. And kept me completely engrossed and not wanting it to end. This book is a huge recommend from me.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[Kari Hansen]

Grace has been dealing with a lot of upheaval in her life from learning about her brother’s and the end of her marriage. The opportunity in invest in a ranch that trains horses for therapy is a cause she believes in and wants to support. The one surprise she didn’t see coming is that Zachary also wants to invest and after the strife between their families that makes him her adversary.

Zachary has a preconceived idea about who Grace is based on what he knows about her brothers. That doesn’t diminish his feeling for her and the more time he spends with her the more time he wants to spend with her and now he needs to show her they are meant to be partners in all areas of their lives.

This story finds the perfect balance between love, emotion, humor and family. The fact that Zachary and Grace didn’t get off to the best start only made it more enjoyable to see their love and relationship unfold. It is always fun to spend time with the LeBalanc family and this tory was no exception.

[Anna-Marie Buchner]

They both learned a lesson on being so judgmental.

Zachary and Grace oh so good. There first meet wasn't a meet cute but rather tense and antagonistic. Both Grace Deveraus and Zachary LeBlanc were interested in investing in a farm with horses used as support animals to teens, veterans etc. Now you have to understand the Deveraux brothers really did a number on the family name when they were caught up in a ponzi scheme and swindled a lot of people in town.
Zachary being Zachary wanted to find out more on Grace. Turns out that wasn't so smart. They had a few run ins and she was rather abusive towards him until the last time they bumped into each other down by the river. Grace went to step back and fell in without hesitation Zachary went in after her and actually saved her life.
As the story unfolds Grace becomes more comfortable with Zachary and opens up to him for reasons she has no idea. I loved the way their story played out and I loved them as a couple. Now I can't wait for Beckett's and Anthony's stories.

[Deborah]

Ms. Hagen has done it again and knocked it out of the park with this story! Zachary LeBlanc and Grace Deveraux are both interested in investing in a therapeutic horse ranch that has fallen on hard times. When Grace arrives to meet with the owners, she finds Zachary there with the same intentions. In her mind Zachary is the enemy as she feels like he gave her family a bad name when he helped take her brothers down for illegal activities in the business world. And it seems everywhere she goes in the French quarter, there he is. She saw him by the river and headed that way to give him a piece of her mind but ended up falling in the river. Of course Zachary jumped in to save her. Needless to say, that started it all. This story has plenty of tender moments and sizzle - the perfect pairing. You have to love seeing the Leblanc family from other stories and what they’ve been up to. You have to read this and I promise you won’t be sorry! Love Ms. Hagen and her stories!

[Britt]

Another winner for Layla Hagen. The 4th book in the LeBlanc Brothers series and is the HEA of Zachary and Grace. As like all the brothers, Zachary is just as likeable and a stand-up man. Grace Deveraux is newly divorced and the victims of association with her scheming brothers who were ran out of town by another LeBlanc brother. They are both vying for a buy in to a therapy horse farm just outside of New Orleans.

The chemistry between Zachary and Grace is strong, but they build a solid friendship too. They easily tease and laugh together. Despite her brotherly relations, Grace rebuilds her professional life and cosmetics business. Of course, the LeBlanc family is very supportive including the two grandmothers who adore her for Zachary. Zachary is just head over heels for Grace.

It was great having glimpses of the lives into the previous three LeBlanc brothers love matches.

Love the backdrop of New Orleans and flair of the city. A great read, highly recommend!

[Pam]

Another fabulous book in the series as we venture New Orleans and the Bayou. This family and the support they provide each other along with some solid ribbing is what has always drawn me to Ms. Hagen's stories. This is a enemies to lovers story that digs deep in emotions.

Grace and Zachary find themselves looking at investing in the same venture. This causes a bad first impression but leaves Zachary intrigued. The more time they spend with one another while researching this new venture the more the chemistry rises.

Grace has some hurts of the past that are holding her back in her future. Can Zachary show her that all men are not created equal and he might be worth the chance?

Will one of them join this new venture or maybe they might do this as a joint venture instead.

Grab your copy and enjoy as we find out.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***