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Very Irresistible Bachelors #1
City of Love - Hunter & Josie
Das sind die attraktivsten Singles von New York!
Josie und Hunter sind seit der Highschool beste Freunde. Dass die ehrgeizige Anwältin und der erfolgreiche Investor seit Jahren Gefühle füreinander haben, verheimlichen sie um ihrer Freundschaft willen. Als dem gebürtigen Engländer das Visum entzogen werden soll, beschließen sie, für drei Jahre eine Scheinehe einzugehen, um Hunter eine Greencard zu besorgen. Doch können sie das verliebte Paar mimen, ohne ihrer Freundschaft zu schaden? Schon während der Hochzeitsreise verschwimmen die Grenzen und ihr Begehren füreinander wächst. Es kommt zu einem Kuss, der sie alle Vorsicht vergessen lässt …
Josie und Hunter sind seit der Highschool beste Freunde. Dass die ehrgeizige Anwältin und der erfolgreiche Investor seit Jahren Gefühle füreinander haben, verheimlichen sie um ihrer Freundschaft willen. Als dem gebürtigen Engländer das Visum entzogen werden soll, beschließen sie, für drei Jahre eine Scheinehe einzugehen, um Hunter eine Greencard zu besorgen. Doch können sie das verliebte Paar mimen, ohne ihrer Freundschaft zu schaden? Schon während der Hochzeitsreise verschwimmen die Grenzen und ihr Begehren füreinander wächst. Es kommt zu einem Kuss, der sie alle Vorsicht vergessen lässt …
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2020
About the author
Layla Hagen
92 books4,930 followersWelcome! 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 ;)
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 ;)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 552 reviews
February 26, 2020
2,25 stars
That was a sweet story but it was too sweet with no angst or with nothing interesting to keep my attention.
I don't normally like friends-to-lovers trope but I wanted to read this book because I read some quotes from it and liked. Of course, as usual, my main problem with this trope was always there in my mind: Why did they have to stay friends if they had a secret crush for so long?
It is stupid! I am never buying the pathetic excuse of "Oh we were afraid to ruin our friendship" crap... That's nonsense!
*********************************************
Well, in Hunter and Josie's case, Hunter needs help to get a green card and the easiest way is to marry an American. Josie wants to help her best friend and of course she says yes to his offer of a fake marriage.
From then on, things escalate very quickly, fake kisses make them crazy for each other too soon and they are in bed and real lovers again too soon. I needed some suffering and some angst before it happened. I needed to look forward to it happening. Well, nope, it was too easy.
And after they become real lovers, it is sweet, sweeter, and sweeter...
There is a mild problem towards the end but it is solved easily and quickly as well.
*********************************************
Hunter can enter "the best fiancé/husband" contest because he was just perfect in every way. Josie was really likable too, except for the time she had worries and doubts and acted a bit weird. Hunter was always there, patient, loving, tender, understanding and trying to make her believe that he was in it for real.
Shortly, this is a very sweet book but the lack of banter, angst, conflict and anything interesting has made it boring for me and it really was dragging after a certain point. I was yelling, "oh come on, I've had enough of their sweet lovemaking... Please make something happen." But no, other than holidays, dinners, parties, eating, talking, having a bath and making love etc., nothing much happens really.
I didn't hate anything about the book but I didn't love it enough as it couldn't keep my interest all the time. I dropped it too many times and picked it up again until I managed to finish it.
*********************************************
Writing and safety:
It is safe after they become engaged, with no cheating, no OW/OM drama but of course during the 15 years while they were just friends, both of them had many partners.
The writing is in dual point of view.
282 pages.
*********************************************
It was as if that one kiss had opened the floodgates.
***
“Fuck, Josie. Keep me in check, okay?”
“What?” His mouth was dangerously close to my ear. His hot breath tickled the sensitive spot behind it.
“Since you’ve moved in - and after today - I can’t keep the lines from blurring. I don’t know how. You have to be the reasonable one between the two of us.”
***
“I don’t know how to do this,” I admitted. “Be married to you and not want more than friendship.” Her eyes nearly bulged out of her head. I went on. “I tried, but you can see I’m not very good at it.”
She chuckled. “No, you’re not. But I’m not doing much better.”
*********************************************
* You can follow my instagram page from here
That was a sweet story but it was too sweet with no angst or with nothing interesting to keep my attention.
I don't normally like friends-to-lovers trope but I wanted to read this book because I read some quotes from it and liked. Of course, as usual, my main problem with this trope was always there in my mind: Why did they have to stay friends if they had a secret crush for so long?
It is stupid! I am never buying the pathetic excuse of "Oh we were afraid to ruin our friendship" crap... That's nonsense!
*********************************************
Well, in Hunter and Josie's case, Hunter needs help to get a green card and the easiest way is to marry an American. Josie wants to help her best friend and of course she says yes to his offer of a fake marriage.
From then on, things escalate very quickly, fake kisses make them crazy for each other too soon and they are in bed and real lovers again too soon. I needed some suffering and some angst before it happened. I needed to look forward to it happening. Well, nope, it was too easy.
And after they become real lovers, it is sweet, sweeter, and sweeter...
There is a mild problem towards the end but it is solved easily and quickly as well.
*********************************************
Hunter can enter "the best fiancé/husband" contest because he was just perfect in every way. Josie was really likable too, except for the time she had worries and doubts and acted a bit weird. Hunter was always there, patient, loving, tender, understanding and trying to make her believe that he was in it for real.
Shortly, this is a very sweet book but the lack of banter, angst, conflict and anything interesting has made it boring for me and it really was dragging after a certain point. I was yelling, "oh come on, I've had enough of their sweet lovemaking... Please make something happen." But no, other than holidays, dinners, parties, eating, talking, having a bath and making love etc., nothing much happens really.
I didn't hate anything about the book but I didn't love it enough as it couldn't keep my interest all the time. I dropped it too many times and picked it up again until I managed to finish it.
*********************************************
Writing and safety:
It is safe after they become engaged, with no cheating, no OW/OM drama but of course during the 15 years while they were just friends, both of them had many partners.
The writing is in dual point of view.
282 pages.
*********************************************
It was as if that one kiss had opened the floodgates.
***
“Fuck, Josie. Keep me in check, okay?”
“What?” His mouth was dangerously close to my ear. His hot breath tickled the sensitive spot behind it.
“Since you’ve moved in - and after today - I can’t keep the lines from blurring. I don’t know how. You have to be the reasonable one between the two of us.”
***
“I don’t know how to do this,” I admitted. “Be married to you and not want more than friendship.” Her eyes nearly bulged out of her head. I went on. “I tried, but you can see I’m not very good at it.”
She chuckled. “No, you’re not. But I’m not doing much better.”
*********************************************
* You can follow my instagram page from here
October 11, 2021
I knew the wish fulfillment on this one would be big. I mean, duh, big real estate dude in New York so he's got cash. But at a quarter in, we've had a single note drone on and on and on. Yeah, it's fun getting the big tough business guy to take you nice places and do nice things for you. And best friends to lovers is a lovely trope. But the premise is already weak to start with (big real estate dude is seriously going to be hounded out of the country by INS? He's got people to do the paperwork for him!), so having them both be yearning for things to be real, and knowing they've always loved each other, is getting old. There just isn't any story left at this point. A single honest conversation is all it'd take to wrap this sucker up. And they're supposedly old and trusted friends! So the longer they don't have this conversation, the more it undermines every thought in their heads about how much they trust and depend on one another.
So the very premise the story rests on is being undermined every moment, every scene, and every chapter that goes by. And I am so done with that nonsense.
So the very premise the story rests on is being undermined every moment, every scene, and every chapter that goes by. And I am so done with that nonsense.
Read
February 4, 2020You're The One is LIVE!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2RQH0pX
Apple: https://apple.co/39jSSHL
Nook: http://bit.ly/3aMWjXU
Kobo: http://bit.ly/38EgIN9
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2GLKHqx
Audible: https://adbl.co/2OBxGnZ
About the book:
It all starts as pretend…
My best friend, and one of the most powerful men in New York, needs my help.
Our first kiss is unexpected—but it still makes my skin sizzle, my knees go weak.
The next one is in front of his tight-knit family. We have to be convincing. But it's so wicked hot, it almost fools me too.
On our first night together, he tells me that I have to keep us both in check, because he doesn't know how to keep the lines from blurring…
He touches me like I'm precious, and holds me close… barely stopping his fingers from pushing down the straps of my dress…
Our second night is sexy as hell. Intense. Alluring. How am I supposed to not fall in love?
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2RQH0pX
Apple: https://apple.co/39jSSHL
Nook: http://bit.ly/3aMWjXU
Kobo: http://bit.ly/38EgIN9
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2GLKHqx
Audible: https://adbl.co/2OBxGnZ
About the book:
It all starts as pretend…
My best friend, and one of the most powerful men in New York, needs my help.
Our first kiss is unexpected—but it still makes my skin sizzle, my knees go weak.
The next one is in front of his tight-knit family. We have to be convincing. But it's so wicked hot, it almost fools me too.
On our first night together, he tells me that I have to keep us both in check, because he doesn't know how to keep the lines from blurring…
He touches me like I'm precious, and holds me close… barely stopping his fingers from pushing down the straps of my dress…
Our second night is sexy as hell. Intense. Alluring. How am I supposed to not fall in love?
January 27, 2020
4 stars!
A beautifully sweet, swoony and romantic friends-to-lovers/marriage of convenience love story, this book swept me up in its swoon, and I fell in love with these characters and their gorgeous romance.
Hunter and Josie have been best friends since high school, and for 15 years they have been there through ups and downs and they know each other inside and out. When Hunter runs into immigration trouble and needs a wife quickly, it’s only natural that he turns to his bestie for help, and Josie, willing to do anything to help him and keep him in her day-to-day life, agrees to marry him. They figure it’s an easy transition for them to make, and after a few years they’ll divorce and their lives will go back to normal… except it doesn’t exactly work out that way.
OMG, I love the setup to this story! Hunter and Josie already have a bit of a crush on each other but they’ve never ever confessed it out loud, not wanting to ruin the best thing in their lives. But suddenly they’re all up in each other’s spaces 24/7 having to kiss and touch and gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes, and the chemistry becomes all too apparent and it’s both hot and hilarious watching them deal with the changes in their relationship.
I was reading with a tingling sense of anticipation waiting for all of that sexual tension to explode, and it doesn’t take too long for it all to become too much, and things suddenly become steamy as two best friends get to know each other in a whole new way.
It’s sexy and sweet, and they manage to maintain their playfulness, which I love, and it’s all so natural! It just seems to happen and I love that they just follow their hearts (and other parts) and just go with it. Understandably, there are issues for them to deal with as they navigate the new them, but it’s part of their journey and I thought it was beautifully written.
The drama is there (both outside of and within the relationship), but it’s minimal and it’s resolved quickly. And we get a beautiful love story that is full of passion and fun, and I loved watching these two come together.
This is the first book in a new series by this this author, and she establishes the family group really well, setting up the close bond between Hunter and the cousins he was raised with, and I’m so excited to read more about these characters.
I loved this one. 4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
A beautifully sweet, swoony and romantic friends-to-lovers/marriage of convenience love story, this book swept me up in its swoon, and I fell in love with these characters and their gorgeous romance.
“No one would believe us, you know. That we’d marry.”
“That we’re suddenly in love? Why not? Would it be so unbelievable that I’ve fallen for you after so many years of friendship? That you’re the one?”
Hunter and Josie have been best friends since high school, and for 15 years they have been there through ups and downs and they know each other inside and out. When Hunter runs into immigration trouble and needs a wife quickly, it’s only natural that he turns to his bestie for help, and Josie, willing to do anything to help him and keep him in her day-to-day life, agrees to marry him. They figure it’s an easy transition for them to make, and after a few years they’ll divorce and their lives will go back to normal… except it doesn’t exactly work out that way.
There were two sides to Hunter. One I know: my friend, my rock. The other: the man. Pure masculinity. Pure testosterone.
OMG, I love the setup to this story! Hunter and Josie already have a bit of a crush on each other but they’ve never ever confessed it out loud, not wanting to ruin the best thing in their lives. But suddenly they’re all up in each other’s spaces 24/7 having to kiss and touch and gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes, and the chemistry becomes all too apparent and it’s both hot and hilarious watching them deal with the changes in their relationship.
“You’re avoiding looking at me. Is it because I saw you naked or because I sported a raging hard-on for you?”
I was reading with a tingling sense of anticipation waiting for all of that sexual tension to explode, and it doesn’t take too long for it all to become too much, and things suddenly become steamy as two best friends get to know each other in a whole new way.
“Fuck, Josie. Keep me in check, okay?” … “I can’t keep the lines from blurring. I don’t know how.”
It’s sexy and sweet, and they manage to maintain their playfulness, which I love, and it’s all so natural! It just seems to happen and I love that they just follow their hearts (and other parts) and just go with it. Understandably, there are issues for them to deal with as they navigate the new them, but it’s part of their journey and I thought it was beautifully written.
“I don’t know how to do this,” I admitted. “Be married to you and not want more than friendship.”
“You’re the most important person in my life, and I don’t want to screw this up.”
The drama is there (both outside of and within the relationship), but it’s minimal and it’s resolved quickly. And we get a beautiful love story that is full of passion and fun, and I loved watching these two come together.
“Things changed between us, Josie, and I like the way they are. I fucking love it. Being with you, sharing my life with you…it’s incredible.”
I was so in love with my wife I couldn’t even see straight.
This is the first book in a new series by this this author, and she establishes the family group really well, setting up the close bond between Hunter and the cousins he was raised with, and I’m so excited to read more about these characters.
I loved this one. 4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2021
Quick and entertaining read
This was a quick and entertaining read. My previous experience with this author was of an angsty and emotional read so I was definitely expecting something along those lines. This was more of a romcom, marriage of convenience story. It was solid but I was expecting more feels. The audiobook is pretty good as well.
This was a quick and entertaining read. My previous experience with this author was of an angsty and emotional read so I was definitely expecting something along those lines. This was more of a romcom, marriage of convenience story. It was solid but I was expecting more feels. The audiobook is pretty good as well.
Read
February 15, 2023rtc
March 13, 2020
DNF 40%
I don't care about the characters and I'm not curious to know what happens to them...
I don't care about the characters and I'm not curious to know what happens to them...
April 2, 2026
I’m rating this one strictly on my personal opinion of what I’m feeling right now. There was nothing really wrong with the story but it is a me thing. I enjoyed it but it really didn’t keep my interest. The story is about two best friends from childhood and end up needing a marriage of convenience. From there the romantic relationship develops. It shows what lasting and genuine friendship can be between two people that have always been there for each other. Great story, sweet, supportive and lovely. It was like sitting outside on a perfect day with a book and a cool drink- with maybe a cat or dog laying softly by your feet and no distractions whatsoever. Again, it’s probably a me thing because there wasn’t anything wrong with the story. I just felt like I was reading about their everyday life of work, going out to eat, taking vacations, etc. I really enjoyed the books from Josie’s siblings but this one was just ok for me.
January 6, 2022
Ich muss beschämend zugeben, dass dies mein erstes Buch von dieser Autorin ist. Ich habe aber schon so viel gutes von ihr gehört. Nach diesem Buch kann ich es absolut verstehen, denn der Schreibstil ist unglaublich toll und auch die Charaktere sind liebenswert. Ich habe mich in dieser Geschichte sofort wohlgefühlt und ich kam auch immer schnell voran. Ich habe mir auch jetzt schon Bücher aus den anderen Serien bestellt, möchte die jetzt auch unbedingt lesen. Bald kommt auch schon Band 2 raus und ich bin schon megagehypt. Ich liebe friends-to-lovers Bücher.
5 Sterne
5 Sterne
March 5, 2020
4.5 STARS
**Audiobook Review
Ahh! Josie and Hunter! what a sweet love story by the fabulous Layla Hagen! I adored every single word from the moment I started this. The friends to lovers trope is one of my favourites and then add in fake relationship and I had the perfect combination of two of my favourites. As they navigated their new relationship I was on the edge waiting to see how everything would work out. I also loved their chemistry. It was magnetic. Hunter was incredibly steamy and swoony in the bedroom. and the love and adoration they had for each other was just the sweetest. I loved their passion, their respect and strong emotion for one another. So BEAUTIFUL!
Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden are amazing story tellers! They do an incredible job with the narration. They bring the voices of Josie and Hunter to life with their animated voices. PERFECTION!
Thank you to Wildfire Marketing for an audio review copy in exchange of an honest review.
**Audiobook Review
Ahh! Josie and Hunter! what a sweet love story by the fabulous Layla Hagen! I adored every single word from the moment I started this. The friends to lovers trope is one of my favourites and then add in fake relationship and I had the perfect combination of two of my favourites. As they navigated their new relationship I was on the edge waiting to see how everything would work out. I also loved their chemistry. It was magnetic. Hunter was incredibly steamy and swoony in the bedroom. and the love and adoration they had for each other was just the sweetest. I loved their passion, their respect and strong emotion for one another. So BEAUTIFUL!
Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden are amazing story tellers! They do an incredible job with the narration. They bring the voices of Josie and Hunter to life with their animated voices. PERFECTION!
Thank you to Wildfire Marketing for an audio review copy in exchange of an honest review.
January 14, 2021
Josie and Hunter have been best friends for 15-years, ever since they were teenagers. They are ingrained in every aspect of each other’s lives—both living in NYC, Hunter is a billionaire CEO and Josie’s a successful lawyer. But unexpectedly, Hunter is notified his visa will not be renewed and he’s going to be deported. So he gets the bright idea of getting married to obtain his green card and what better person to marry than his best friend?
As it turns out, Josie’s always had a crush on Hunter. And when presented the opportunity to marry him, part of her is nervous it could ruin their friendship, but part of her is curious what it would be like to be married to Hunter. Once they’re married, Josie sees a whole new side of Hunter. He’s romantic, caring, extremely sexy and he seems in love with her. But he couldn’t be because they’ve always only been friends. Is it possible that a marriage that started out as fake could turn into something wholeheartedly real?
You’re the One by Layla Hagen is book 1 in the Very Irresistible Bachelors series. I’ve been wanting to try a book by this author forever and I’m so happy I finally picked one up! This is a billionaire, friends to lovers and fake relationship romance all wrapped into one and I really enjoyed it. Hunter and Josie were so sweet together and I loved seeing their friendship blossom into something more. This is very low angst/low drama which can be refreshing at times. I do with there had been a little more angst—I wanted some tension there! Even still, I really enjoyed this one. 4/5 stars.
As it turns out, Josie’s always had a crush on Hunter. And when presented the opportunity to marry him, part of her is nervous it could ruin their friendship, but part of her is curious what it would be like to be married to Hunter. Once they’re married, Josie sees a whole new side of Hunter. He’s romantic, caring, extremely sexy and he seems in love with her. But he couldn’t be because they’ve always only been friends. Is it possible that a marriage that started out as fake could turn into something wholeheartedly real?
You’re the One by Layla Hagen is book 1 in the Very Irresistible Bachelors series. I’ve been wanting to try a book by this author forever and I’m so happy I finally picked one up! This is a billionaire, friends to lovers and fake relationship romance all wrapped into one and I really enjoyed it. Hunter and Josie were so sweet together and I loved seeing their friendship blossom into something more. This is very low angst/low drama which can be refreshing at times. I do with there had been a little more angst—I wanted some tension there! Even still, I really enjoyed this one. 4/5 stars.
April 1, 2020
My first time with this author, but I loved it. It was absolutely adorable. I love a good best friends to lovers and I love a good fake relationship. This had both, so I was definitely pleased.
And I'm out.
And I'm out.
February 7, 2020
Was pleasantly surprised. I was in the mood for a light read and this was that but so much more. It was sweet, had the right amount of pace but mostly I just enjoyed the romance and love between these best friends. 3.5 rounded up!
March 1, 2021
Cute read
This was a cute quick read that allowed me to switch off in between my uni work. Deffo recommend as a light read. No major turmoil, best friends turned lovers.
This was a cute quick read that allowed me to switch off in between my uni work. Deffo recommend as a light read. No major turmoil, best friends turned lovers.
Want to Read
January 21, 2021🎁FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBook today (1/21/2021)!🎁
February 1, 2020
Hagen claimed my heart two series ago and has yet to let go. I fell head over heels the first time. The second time was a reminder as to why. Josie and Hunter are a sweet contradiction. Destiny laid the ground work, it only took a push from fate for these clueless hearts to catch up. You're the One continues my addiction with my one click button and is explanation enough as to why Layla Hagen reigns supreme on my MUST HAVE list.
January 5, 2022
Meine Meinung
Ich habe mich riesig auf diese neue Reihe der Autorin gefreut und das wunderschöne Cover hat mich sofort fasziniert. Im ersten Band „City of Dreams“ geht es um die Geschichte von Hunter und Josie. Beide sind seit der Highschool befreundet und nun benötigt er dringend ihre Hilfe. Sie soll ihn heiraten, um ihm somit die amerikanische Staatsbürgerschaft zu geben, damit er nicht abgeschoben wird. So kommt es, dass auf einmal alles anders wird. Haben beide eine gemeinsame Chance?
Josie ist Anwältin und hat eine besondere Ausstrahlung. Sie und Hunter sind seit der Highschool beste Freunde und dieser ahnt nicht, dass sie schon lange mehr als Freundschaft empfindet.
Hunter ist Immobilieninvestor und ein erfolgreicher Geschäftsmann. Er hat sich bisher nie mit dem Gedanken um heiraten und eine Familie gründen Gedanken gemacht. Doch nun muss er etwas riskieren.
Der Schreibstil ist angenehm flüssig und wird im Wechsel aus der Perspektive von Hunter und Josie erzählt. Der Leser kann sie so beide näher kennenlernen und ihre Gedanken und Gefühle erfahren während der Handlung. Die Nebenfiguren sind ebenso authentisch und gestalten die Geschichte mit. Ich bin sehr gespannt, wie es in den weiteren Büchern mit den Charakteren weitergehen wird.
Die Geschichte hat ein wenig gebraucht damit ich eine richtige Spannung gespürt habe und völlig versinken konnte. Ab da war ich Feuer und Flamme für die Liebesgeschichte von Josie und Hunter. Beide sind beste Freunde, jedoch Josie hat schon länger Gefühle für Hunter. Als Hunter die Abschiebung droht, scheint, nur eine Heirat zu helfen, damit er bleiben kann. Doch, was, wenn auf einmal Herzen drohen in Gefahr zu sein und man verletzt werden könnte? Josie will mehr von Hunter, konnte es ihm bisher aber nicht gestehen. Ein Moment scheint alles zu verändern, doch kann dies für immer sein oder hat das Schicksal andere Pläne? Ich muss gestehen, dass ich mir für die neue Reihe der Autorin ein wenig mehr gewünscht hätte, also mehr mitgerissen zu werden.
Dennoch wurde ich gut unterhalten und will die Reihe weiterlesen.
Das Cover sieht großartig aus und ich liebe diese glitzernden Elemente.
Fazit
„City of Love – Hunter & Josie (New York Nights 1)“ ist ein besonderer Auftakt, die neugierig auf die weiteren Paare macht aus dieser Reihe.
Ich habe mich riesig auf diese neue Reihe der Autorin gefreut und das wunderschöne Cover hat mich sofort fasziniert. Im ersten Band „City of Dreams“ geht es um die Geschichte von Hunter und Josie. Beide sind seit der Highschool befreundet und nun benötigt er dringend ihre Hilfe. Sie soll ihn heiraten, um ihm somit die amerikanische Staatsbürgerschaft zu geben, damit er nicht abgeschoben wird. So kommt es, dass auf einmal alles anders wird. Haben beide eine gemeinsame Chance?
Josie ist Anwältin und hat eine besondere Ausstrahlung. Sie und Hunter sind seit der Highschool beste Freunde und dieser ahnt nicht, dass sie schon lange mehr als Freundschaft empfindet.
Hunter ist Immobilieninvestor und ein erfolgreicher Geschäftsmann. Er hat sich bisher nie mit dem Gedanken um heiraten und eine Familie gründen Gedanken gemacht. Doch nun muss er etwas riskieren.
Der Schreibstil ist angenehm flüssig und wird im Wechsel aus der Perspektive von Hunter und Josie erzählt. Der Leser kann sie so beide näher kennenlernen und ihre Gedanken und Gefühle erfahren während der Handlung. Die Nebenfiguren sind ebenso authentisch und gestalten die Geschichte mit. Ich bin sehr gespannt, wie es in den weiteren Büchern mit den Charakteren weitergehen wird.
Die Geschichte hat ein wenig gebraucht damit ich eine richtige Spannung gespürt habe und völlig versinken konnte. Ab da war ich Feuer und Flamme für die Liebesgeschichte von Josie und Hunter. Beide sind beste Freunde, jedoch Josie hat schon länger Gefühle für Hunter. Als Hunter die Abschiebung droht, scheint, nur eine Heirat zu helfen, damit er bleiben kann. Doch, was, wenn auf einmal Herzen drohen in Gefahr zu sein und man verletzt werden könnte? Josie will mehr von Hunter, konnte es ihm bisher aber nicht gestehen. Ein Moment scheint alles zu verändern, doch kann dies für immer sein oder hat das Schicksal andere Pläne? Ich muss gestehen, dass ich mir für die neue Reihe der Autorin ein wenig mehr gewünscht hätte, also mehr mitgerissen zu werden.
Dennoch wurde ich gut unterhalten und will die Reihe weiterlesen.
Das Cover sieht großartig aus und ich liebe diese glitzernden Elemente.
Fazit
„City of Love – Hunter & Josie (New York Nights 1)“ ist ein besonderer Auftakt, die neugierig auf die weiteren Paare macht aus dieser Reihe.
February 26, 2024
SPONSORERET ANMELDELSE
Denne bog er virkelig sød, romantisk, underholdende og medrivende, og man kan ikke undgå at holde af Josie og Hunter. Det er en friends-to-lovers og marriage of convenience romance, hvor der er meget på spil for dem begge to. For det første er det ulovligt at gifte sig på falskt grundlag, fordi den ene er ved at blive udvist. For det andet kan de ødelægge deres tætte venskab.
Bogen handler selvfølgelig om den store kærlighed, men derudover handler den også om stærke familiebånd, venskab, karriere og identitet.
Historien bliver fortalt fra både Josies og Hunters synsvinkel, så man ved hele tiden, hvad de føler og tænker. Det er med til, at man hurtigt kommer til at lære dem at kende. Jeg elsker, når romancer bliver fortalt på den måde, så man ikke skal sidde og gætte sig til den anden parts følelser og tanker.
Jeg knuselsker Hunters moster Amelia, hans fætre Cole og Ryker og hans kusiner Tess og Skye. Den måde, de driller hinanden på, og er der for hinanden på, vidner om deres stærke familiebånd, som er ønskværdigt for enhver. Dem glæder jeg mig til at høre meget mere til i de kommende bind.
Hvis du elsker friends-to-lovers tropen, er jeg ret sikker på, at du ville kunne lide denne bog. Jeg giver den gerne en anbefaling med på vejen.
Denne bog er virkelig sød, romantisk, underholdende og medrivende, og man kan ikke undgå at holde af Josie og Hunter. Det er en friends-to-lovers og marriage of convenience romance, hvor der er meget på spil for dem begge to. For det første er det ulovligt at gifte sig på falskt grundlag, fordi den ene er ved at blive udvist. For det andet kan de ødelægge deres tætte venskab.
Bogen handler selvfølgelig om den store kærlighed, men derudover handler den også om stærke familiebånd, venskab, karriere og identitet.
Historien bliver fortalt fra både Josies og Hunters synsvinkel, så man ved hele tiden, hvad de føler og tænker. Det er med til, at man hurtigt kommer til at lære dem at kende. Jeg elsker, når romancer bliver fortalt på den måde, så man ikke skal sidde og gætte sig til den anden parts følelser og tanker.
Jeg knuselsker Hunters moster Amelia, hans fætre Cole og Ryker og hans kusiner Tess og Skye. Den måde, de driller hinanden på, og er der for hinanden på, vidner om deres stærke familiebånd, som er ønskværdigt for enhver. Dem glæder jeg mig til at høre meget mere til i de kommende bind.
Hvis du elsker friends-to-lovers tropen, er jeg ret sikker på, at du ville kunne lide denne bog. Jeg giver den gerne en anbefaling med på vejen.
February 29, 2020
If the “Friends to Lovers” trope wasn’t such a large percentage of the contemporary romance genre, I don’t know if I’d read another for a very long time. It’s not that I don’t like the trope. It’s that it’s always the same thing. Two best friends are attracted to one another but neither is willing to risk ruining the most important relationship they have in their life by suggesting they make it more than a friendship. But I like Layla Hagen and there were so many glowing reviews for this story, I thought I’d spend my $4 and give it a try. As an avid contemporary romance reader I accept that fantasy is a big part of the genre which is at its essence also fantasy romance. But there are times my logical (or cynical) mind has difficulty accepting some plot constructs all the same. In this story we have Josie, now 30 years old and a successful corporate lawyer and Hunter, now 32 years old and already a self-made billionaire real estate developer. They’ve been best friends since high school but despite both being attracted to each other, never more. Hunter was born in the U.K. and came to America with his parents when he was four years old. He’s lived here ever since only making occasional trips to London to visit his mother who returned to England after his father’s death. Now for the purposes of this plot we’re asked to believe that after 28 years of living in America, all of a sudden, Immigration has decided not to renew Hunter’s visa. And Hunter is no typical immigrant. He’s wealthy and well connected and has no hint of scandal or criminal activities in his background. In fact he spends a lot of time and money on charities. We’re also asked to believe that in his 28 years here, even in the decade since he came of age and graduated college, Hunter has never bothered to either get his Green Card or become an American citizen. So his best chance to stay in America is to marry an American. Enter his best friend Josie to be his wife in name only. Josie has had a crush on Hunter for as long as she’s known him. But she has always kept that on the back burner because A. he’s her best friend and B. he’s made it clear he isn’t interested in ever getting married. Josie very much is interested in finding Mr. Right and settling down. So again, we’re asked to believe that at 30 years old Josie is going to willingly take herself off of the dating market for 3 years putting her search for her forever love on hold until her mid-thirties to help her best friend Hunter fool Immigration into believing they have a real marriage. We’re also asked to accept that Josie is willing to flat out lie to her family and closest friends to protect the fact that her marriage to Hunter is only to protect him from deportation. I do my best to ignore my natural skepticism for what to me seems to require a real leap into fantasy make believe to enjoy the rest of this story and hope the coming romance is worth it.
As the story progressed from the engagement to the wedding to the honeymoon I kept hoping I’d get into it and really enjoy it but alas….. Even though Josie knows or at least believes the wedding is only to prevent Hunter from being deported she allows herself to get totally into the mindset of being a true bride on her wedding day marrying for love. The whole build up as the couple began to realize their own deeper feelings for the other to where they finally get intimate was intended to tease and build sexual tension for readers, but I just found it annoying. You’ve got two people that supposedly can read each other like a book. Yet neither can tell the other shares the same feelings of love and desire as they have. Even after the honeymoon when they’ve become sexually intimate and its obvious they’re in love even if neither has said it out loud, they’re still worried about immigration discovering it’s a fake marriage even though its now very much real in every regard. They’re living together, sleeping together, being sexually intimate. Can’t get much more real than that. They’re still worried about what will happen to their relationship when the three years is up and it’s safe to divorce. I know Hagen’s intent was to keep up the suspense and tension to hold the readers interest, but I couldn’t help thinking how impossibly clueless these two supposedly highly intelligent people who knew each other so well would have to be. Honestly, I felt like the only reason for the two characters to act so clueless was to give the author more to write because at this point the story would barely qualify as a novella. I’m only half way through the book. Sometimes when I’m a little down on a book a great happily ever after ending will make me reconsider and give it another star in my rating. The final chapter and the epilogue were full of happy feels but for me it just not enough to make me forget all the shortcomings I found in this story. Based upon my usual rating system of how hard was it for me to put this book down and how sad was I when it was over I just couldn’t give this one more than two stars. But let me acknowledge that I’m just a stupid guy who loves contemporary romance and if you’re a woman reading this review you may have an entirely different take on the book and love it as so many other reviewers have.
As the story progressed from the engagement to the wedding to the honeymoon I kept hoping I’d get into it and really enjoy it but alas….. Even though Josie knows or at least believes the wedding is only to prevent Hunter from being deported she allows herself to get totally into the mindset of being a true bride on her wedding day marrying for love. The whole build up as the couple began to realize their own deeper feelings for the other to where they finally get intimate was intended to tease and build sexual tension for readers, but I just found it annoying. You’ve got two people that supposedly can read each other like a book. Yet neither can tell the other shares the same feelings of love and desire as they have. Even after the honeymoon when they’ve become sexually intimate and its obvious they’re in love even if neither has said it out loud, they’re still worried about immigration discovering it’s a fake marriage even though its now very much real in every regard. They’re living together, sleeping together, being sexually intimate. Can’t get much more real than that. They’re still worried about what will happen to their relationship when the three years is up and it’s safe to divorce. I know Hagen’s intent was to keep up the suspense and tension to hold the readers interest, but I couldn’t help thinking how impossibly clueless these two supposedly highly intelligent people who knew each other so well would have to be. Honestly, I felt like the only reason for the two characters to act so clueless was to give the author more to write because at this point the story would barely qualify as a novella. I’m only half way through the book. Sometimes when I’m a little down on a book a great happily ever after ending will make me reconsider and give it another star in my rating. The final chapter and the epilogue were full of happy feels but for me it just not enough to make me forget all the shortcomings I found in this story. Based upon my usual rating system of how hard was it for me to put this book down and how sad was I when it was over I just couldn’t give this one more than two stars. But let me acknowledge that I’m just a stupid guy who loves contemporary romance and if you’re a woman reading this review you may have an entirely different take on the book and love it as so many other reviewers have.
December 29, 2021
Ich habe schon einige Bücher von Layla Hagen gelesen, daher war ich sehr gespannt auf die neue Reihe der Autorin.
Ich bin sehr gut und ich schnell in das Buch reingekommen, auch wenn das Szenario rund um Hunters Visum und die Hochzeit ein wenig konstruiert und unglaubwürdig wirkte. Ich habe mich aber dennoch gut unterhalten gefühlt und war gespannt wie sich die Liebesgeschichte zwischen Hunter und Josie entwickeln wird.
Ich finde beide als Protagonisten sehr sympathisch und die beiden haben perfekt zueinander gepasst. Die Funken zwischen den beiden waren spürbar und die Chemie der beiden sehr intensiv. Auch körperlich ging es sehr heiß her zwischen den beiden.
Positiv fand ich auch, dass die Geschichte ohne Extremes Drama auskommt und die Probleme schnell geklärt werden.
Ich bin schon sehr gespannt auf die Fortsetzungen der Reihe.
Ich bin sehr gut und ich schnell in das Buch reingekommen, auch wenn das Szenario rund um Hunters Visum und die Hochzeit ein wenig konstruiert und unglaubwürdig wirkte. Ich habe mich aber dennoch gut unterhalten gefühlt und war gespannt wie sich die Liebesgeschichte zwischen Hunter und Josie entwickeln wird.
Ich finde beide als Protagonisten sehr sympathisch und die beiden haben perfekt zueinander gepasst. Die Funken zwischen den beiden waren spürbar und die Chemie der beiden sehr intensiv. Auch körperlich ging es sehr heiß her zwischen den beiden.
Positiv fand ich auch, dass die Geschichte ohne Extremes Drama auskommt und die Probleme schnell geklärt werden.
Ich bin schon sehr gespannt auf die Fortsetzungen der Reihe.
January 25, 2020
"My skin sizzled everywhere he touched me... and everywhere he didn't, as if my entire body was anticipating his touch- craving it."
Layla Hagen is one of my favorite authors to read and she delivered on yet another feel good read. If there is one thing this author does well it's sagas. This story is the start of a brand new series into the lives of the Winchester family. And if You're The One is any indication I can already tell I'm going to love these characters just as much as her others! I was so excited to start reading this and boy did it deliver. Everything about this story was refreshing and sweet. From start to finish I was so obsessed with this book. It combined two of my absolute favorite troupes friends to lovers and fake marriage. Hunter and Josie was so perfect together. I simply could not get enough of these two and their flirty banter. The raw passion and friendship between these two was enough to make any women swoon. If I had any complaints it would be their story had to end. I could have read MORE from these characters. I certainly hope to see some tie ins with them in future books!
"I had no doubt that Hunter would know how to take care of me, no matter if he loved me slowly or f*cked me hard."
Josie is one of those heroines you cant help but to instantly connect with. Something about her was just easy to love and relate too. I could easily see myself being friends with her in real life. She was fun, sassy and down to earth. When her bestfriend needed her help she sacrificed everything selflessly to help him. The amount of passion her character had is truly what made this story so great. Josie truly was the perfect fit for this story!
Hunter is hands down the perfect man. I want one. Where can I find him at? I have never swooned so much in my life. Almost every word out of his mouth had me melting. Hunter knew his assests and he wasn't affraid to use them. He was full of smooth lines, while oozing just as much charm. Seriously, he had me wrapped around his finger in no time. I just want to say now that Hunter is MINE, I am so calling dibs!
"I think you want me to push and push until you have no choice but to give in."
*4&1/2 STARS*
Well earned for a slow burn packed with plenty of laughs, love and emotion. I look forward to seeing what character the author has in store for us next.
Layla Hagen is one of my favorite authors to read and she delivered on yet another feel good read. If there is one thing this author does well it's sagas. This story is the start of a brand new series into the lives of the Winchester family. And if You're The One is any indication I can already tell I'm going to love these characters just as much as her others! I was so excited to start reading this and boy did it deliver. Everything about this story was refreshing and sweet. From start to finish I was so obsessed with this book. It combined two of my absolute favorite troupes friends to lovers and fake marriage. Hunter and Josie was so perfect together. I simply could not get enough of these two and their flirty banter. The raw passion and friendship between these two was enough to make any women swoon. If I had any complaints it would be their story had to end. I could have read MORE from these characters. I certainly hope to see some tie ins with them in future books!
"I had no doubt that Hunter would know how to take care of me, no matter if he loved me slowly or f*cked me hard."
Josie is one of those heroines you cant help but to instantly connect with. Something about her was just easy to love and relate too. I could easily see myself being friends with her in real life. She was fun, sassy and down to earth. When her bestfriend needed her help she sacrificed everything selflessly to help him. The amount of passion her character had is truly what made this story so great. Josie truly was the perfect fit for this story!
Hunter is hands down the perfect man. I want one. Where can I find him at? I have never swooned so much in my life. Almost every word out of his mouth had me melting. Hunter knew his assests and he wasn't affraid to use them. He was full of smooth lines, while oozing just as much charm. Seriously, he had me wrapped around his finger in no time. I just want to say now that Hunter is MINE, I am so calling dibs!
"I think you want me to push and push until you have no choice but to give in."
*4&1/2 STARS*
Well earned for a slow burn packed with plenty of laughs, love and emotion. I look forward to seeing what character the author has in store for us next.
February 4, 2020
You're The One was such a sweet friends to lovers story. I am a sucker for a good marriage of convenience book and this one nailed it. Josie and Hunter were such sweet characters and they really did have great chemistry. The two had been friends for so long that neither one wanted to jeopardize that friendship and so they always stayed away from anything romantic. However, when Hunter needs Josie's help she knows she will do whatever he needs, even if it means getting married!
The two have the perfect plan, get married, stay that way for a few years and then divorce and go back to being best friends. However, things begin to get complicated when the two realize that keeping the line between friends and lovers isn't going to be as easy at they thought.
This was a book that had me hooked from the start wondering how things were going to work out. I loved the story line, the characters and the hot amazing chemistry that they had. This is a must read book for sure!By Alisa
The two have the perfect plan, get married, stay that way for a few years and then divorce and go back to being best friends. However, things begin to get complicated when the two realize that keeping the line between friends and lovers isn't going to be as easy at they thought.
This was a book that had me hooked from the start wondering how things were going to work out. I loved the story line, the characters and the hot amazing chemistry that they had. This is a must read book for sure!By Alisa
February 4, 2020
Josie and Hunter have been best friends in New York for 15 years they know each other inside and out. When Hunter finds out that his Green Card is not being renewed he realizes the quickest fix is to find a wife. He turns to Josie for help and she would do anything to keep her best friend close to her, so they agree to get married.
They figure it will be easy to keep up the facade for a few years and then divorce and things go back to the way they were before. They both have always had a secret crush on one another but did not want to act on anything due to their friendship. As they progress with the marriage and trying to make it look convincing it is becoming increasingly hard to not cross the friendship line. Every touch and caress is making the chemistry and passion hard to refuse.
This was an excellent read and I cannot wait for more in this series.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
They figure it will be easy to keep up the facade for a few years and then divorce and things go back to the way they were before. They both have always had a secret crush on one another but did not want to act on anything due to their friendship. As they progress with the marriage and trying to make it look convincing it is becoming increasingly hard to not cross the friendship line. Every touch and caress is making the chemistry and passion hard to refuse.
This was an excellent read and I cannot wait for more in this series.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
July 4, 2020
Me sorprendió bastante, creo que es de los pocos libros que he leído en el que ninguno de los protagonista es tóxico.
Definitivamente leeré más de esta autora!
Definitivamente leeré más de esta autora!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2020
Well written a good friends to lovers story that covers all the bases. The couple are believable so is the story! I am a great fan of Layla Hagen who appears to have good insight into this genre no matter how much or how little angst and drama her books always leave me wanting to read the next one post haste. I received an ARC in return for an honest review and I encourage you to read this as soon as possible For me 5 Stars is my rating.
January 30, 2020
4⭐️
I was so excited to receive this book... it's a combination of marriage of convenience and friends to lovers story.
Josie and Hunter have been friends for practically half of their lives... a problem arose which pushed Hunter to ask Josie to help because he doesn't trust anyone else... I won't elaborate anymore because I don't want to give anything away.
The storyline isn't something I haven't read before... and it's actually one of my faves. But this one still made me feel swoony and hearteyes all the same.
It's something you'd want to read over the weekend to relax or excape reality. It's light and not angsty at all, which works if you're looking for an easy, sweet and swoony read.
I was so excited to receive this book... it's a combination of marriage of convenience and friends to lovers story.
Josie and Hunter have been friends for practically half of their lives... a problem arose which pushed Hunter to ask Josie to help because he doesn't trust anyone else... I won't elaborate anymore because I don't want to give anything away.
The storyline isn't something I haven't read before... and it's actually one of my faves. But this one still made me feel swoony and hearteyes all the same.
It's something you'd want to read over the weekend to relax or excape reality. It's light and not angsty at all, which works if you're looking for an easy, sweet and swoony read.
February 10, 2020
This was my first read from the author and this book definitely makes her a must read author fro me now. It is an incredible sizzling romantic story that I could not put down. I can't help but compare this with Marriage for One as it has the same trope. And truth be told I could say this is on par with it!
Hunter and Josie's fake marriage story is steeped in angst, steam, and friendship. The book is very well-written and the characters are well-defined.
Hunter and Josie's fake marriage story is steeped in angst, steam, and friendship. The book is very well-written and the characters are well-defined.
July 19, 2020
3 Stars
Cute friends to lovers forced marriage book. Honestly it really had a lot more potential. My biggest issue was the heroine. She was very unsure all the time and the main issue towards the end that split them up for several days..... I really don’t even know why. It was kinda confusing. I just didn’t understand her I guess. Other than that it was a cute story with a HEA
Cute friends to lovers forced marriage book. Honestly it really had a lot more potential. My biggest issue was the heroine. She was very unsure all the time and the main issue towards the end that split them up for several days..... I really don’t even know why. It was kinda confusing. I just didn’t understand her I guess. Other than that it was a cute story with a HEA
April 2, 2024
Friends to lovers really creates awesome tension!
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