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You, Again
They have to stop meeting like this . . .
Mackenzie 'Mac' Austin just wants what any modern, commitment-phobic woman in New York wants: a no-strings-attached hook-up, steamy enough to brag about over mimosas the next morning.
What she doesn't want is her dating app's latest suggestion: preppy, corporate Thomas Decker. So, obviously, she rejects the guy without a second thought. There's just one snag: he's sitting next to her, so he witnessed her do it. And now he's calling her out.
After the initial embarrassment, Mac is determined not to let it bother her, but Fate has other plans - and Thomas isn't going anywhere. First, he pops up as her new boss. And then he reappears as her best friend's soon-to-be brother-in-law.
As the not-so meet cutes add up, Mac is sure that uptight Thomas is the last man that a free-spirit like her should want. Only the more time she spends with him, the more Mac realizes that the man she can't get away from has become the same one that she wants to keep close . . .
Mackenzie 'Mac' Austin just wants what any modern, commitment-phobic woman in New York wants: a no-strings-attached hook-up, steamy enough to brag about over mimosas the next morning.
What she doesn't want is her dating app's latest suggestion: preppy, corporate Thomas Decker. So, obviously, she rejects the guy without a second thought. There's just one snag: he's sitting next to her, so he witnessed her do it. And now he's calling her out.
After the initial embarrassment, Mac is determined not to let it bother her, but Fate has other plans - and Thomas isn't going anywhere. First, he pops up as her new boss. And then he reappears as her best friend's soon-to-be brother-in-law.
As the not-so meet cutes add up, Mac is sure that uptight Thomas is the last man that a free-spirit like her should want. Only the more time she spends with him, the more Mac realizes that the man she can't get away from has become the same one that she wants to keep close . . .
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2022
132 people are currently reading
3389 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Layne
61 books10.5k followersLauren Layne is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Hot Asset, Hard Sell, and Huge Deal in her 21 Wall Street series, as well as her Central Park Pact series. Her books have sold more than a million copies in nine languages. Lauren’s work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, the Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 595 reviews
July 19, 2022
I will always read anything Lauren Layne writes, she knows how to write rom-coms.Thomas and Mac from beginning were entertaining with sarcastic banter and great chemistry.
Opposite attraction was done great here, it was low key giving Georgie and Andrew from Walk of Shame vibes. I wish only it was longer and had dual POV.
Still it's always joy to read Lauren book.
Opposite attraction was done great here, it was low key giving Georgie and Andrew from Walk of Shame vibes. I wish only it was longer and had dual POV.
Still it's always joy to read Lauren book.
July 22, 2022
2🌟 only because i normally love Lauren's books.
However this is my least favourite book from her so far.
The h annoyed the shit out of me.😤
no she wasn't cute and quirky, she was infuriating!!
However this is my least favourite book from her so far.
The h annoyed the shit out of me.😤
no she wasn't cute and quirky, she was infuriating!!
July 23, 2022
I don’t think I have made it sufficiently clear just how much I love Lauren Layne’s writing. I absolutely devoured her backlist last year after discovering her Central Park Pact series. In total, I have read 48 of her books and enjoyed every minute of them. When I saw she was releasing a new one, very under the radar apparently, I jumped to pre-order it. After reading it in just a couple of sittings, I think I may have a new favorite.
In previous reviews, I have referred to the lump in my throat that I get if I have become emotional attached to the characters and their relationship. You know that lovely conflict they always throw at us around the two-thirds mark? Chances are good, if it’s written by Lauren Layne, I will feel said lump, and may even feel a tear or two forming. That is the power of her writing. Predictable? Sure. Original? Maybe, maybe not. But she writes romance like no one else I have read, or continue to read. While I am immersed in her books, I am fully invested in the lives of the characters to the point of forgetting I am not actually one of them.
You, Again was no exception. From the moment Mac and Thomas have their first not so “meet cute”, I was hooked. The verbal sparing, the sense of passionate loathing, the tenderness that had a way of sneaking in, all tugged at my heart strings. This book is both romantic, and unlike a lot of her books, it is also very, very spicy. From the first sentence to the final word of the epilogue, I absolutely adored every minute of it. Run, don’t walk, to grab a copy of this one.
*2 characters from Isn’t She Lovely appear in this book, so I recommend reading that book first if you don’t want a spoiler. You certainly do not need to.
Read if you like:
⬗ Enemies to Lovers
⬗ Forced proximity
⬗ Sunshine/Grump
⬗ Open door romance
In previous reviews, I have referred to the lump in my throat that I get if I have become emotional attached to the characters and their relationship. You know that lovely conflict they always throw at us around the two-thirds mark? Chances are good, if it’s written by Lauren Layne, I will feel said lump, and may even feel a tear or two forming. That is the power of her writing. Predictable? Sure. Original? Maybe, maybe not. But she writes romance like no one else I have read, or continue to read. While I am immersed in her books, I am fully invested in the lives of the characters to the point of forgetting I am not actually one of them.
You, Again was no exception. From the moment Mac and Thomas have their first not so “meet cute”, I was hooked. The verbal sparing, the sense of passionate loathing, the tenderness that had a way of sneaking in, all tugged at my heart strings. This book is both romantic, and unlike a lot of her books, it is also very, very spicy. From the first sentence to the final word of the epilogue, I absolutely adored every minute of it. Run, don’t walk, to grab a copy of this one.
*2 characters from Isn’t She Lovely appear in this book, so I recommend reading that book first if you don’t want a spoiler. You certainly do not need to.
Read if you like:
⬗ Enemies to Lovers
⬗ Forced proximity
⬗ Sunshine/Grump
⬗ Open door romance
August 6, 2024
Only the end raised this to adequate.
July 21, 2022
2.5 | Miss Lauren you are my second mother, my bestie, the one who always has my back and comes up with the best romcoms, but this book... for your sake and mine I'm gonna pretend it didn't happen.
The plot was good, I liked the idea and some scenes, but the execution was lacking and that was just because of the main characters' personality.
Mackenzie was this commitment-phobic free spirit whose only verb tense was the present tense, and her biggest fear was feeling stuck and trapped, but honestly that whole introduction was unnecessary, the only thing you need to know is that she was one hell of a judgmental and annoying ass of everyone who was not as ✨free✨ as her. It took her almost the ENTIRE book to realize her mistakes and stop judging others instead of analyzing where her own traumas came from, and by the time she had her eye opening experience it was too late for me because I was already too upset and irritated with this character.
As for Thomas, he was the perfect boyfriend on paper, full of green flags and swoon-worthy gestures BUT... he felt bland AF. I couldn't say anything more about him because he wasn't that memorable, and the only thing that could have fixed this is could be having his POV to give his character a bit more depth, but I kinda get why he only got the epilogue.
The plot was good, I liked the idea and some scenes, but the execution was lacking and that was just because of the main characters' personality.
Mackenzie was this commitment-phobic free spirit whose only verb tense was the present tense, and her biggest fear was feeling stuck and trapped, but honestly that whole introduction was unnecessary, the only thing you need to know is that she was one hell of a judgmental and annoying ass of everyone who was not as ✨free✨ as her. It took her almost the ENTIRE book to realize her mistakes and stop judging others instead of analyzing where her own traumas came from, and by the time she had her eye opening experience it was too late for me because I was already too upset and irritated with this character.
As for Thomas, he was the perfect boyfriend on paper, full of green flags and swoon-worthy gestures BUT... he felt bland AF. I couldn't say anything more about him because he wasn't that memorable, and the only thing that could have fixed this is could be having his POV to give his character a bit more depth, but I kinda get why he only got the epilogue.
January 6, 2023
lauren layne you will always be MOTHER.
July 22, 2022
✓ Squealed like a crazy person because of that last line.
✓ Made me, impulsively, give the book 4 instead of 3 stars.
Yes, I'm easily swayed. Don't trust my ratings.
No but for real, here are some thoughts:
➞ Initially, I was over the moon when I found out what You, Again actually is about. Mind you, I didn’t read the blurb, I just wanted to read a LL book because I was in the mood for something light and entertaining.
There is
✦ opposites attract
✦ a little bit of enemies-to-lovers
✦ a little bit of an boss-employee situation
➞ Even tho there was chemistry at first, there came a point where it suddenly wasn’t there anymore.
➞ So we have a commitment-phobic heroine this time. Why though can’t she at least try before saying that she’s not a commitment-kind-of-gal? Male commitment phobics in other books at least have been burned before. Can’t say the same about her.
Her “Only sex, because I can’t be that person for you and we would never work out” got old really fast.
➞ I didn’t even realize at first but omg Stephanie and Ethan from Isn't She Lovely makean a few appearances in this book. Loved those little nuggets!
✓ Made me, impulsively, give the book 4 instead of 3 stars.
Yes, I'm easily swayed. Don't trust my ratings.
No but for real, here are some thoughts:
➞ Initially, I was over the moon when I found out what You, Again actually is about. Mind you, I didn’t read the blurb, I just wanted to read a LL book because I was in the mood for something light and entertaining.
There is
✦ opposites attract
✦ a little bit of enemies-to-lovers
✦ a little bit of an boss-employee situation
➞ Even tho there was chemistry at first, there came a point where it suddenly wasn’t there anymore.
➞ So we have a commitment-phobic heroine this time. Why though can’t she at least try before saying that she’s not a commitment-kind-of-gal? Male commitment phobics in other books at least have been burned before. Can’t say the same about her.
Her “Only sex, because I can’t be that person for you and we would never work out” got old really fast.
➞ I didn’t even realize at first but omg Stephanie and Ethan from Isn't She Lovely make
August 3, 2022
3.5 stars
This was a cute read — totally readable — & I enjoyed most of the story(Thomas was a sweet hero & they had nice chemistry), but two things(they’re similar, but not quite the same) held You Again back from being anything more than that for me. 1. Mac(h) leaned a bit too much towards emotional high maintenance imho. 2. I always love me some Lauren Layne, but Mac came across more like someone resisting acceptance that she’s become a grownup & likes it(or at least some of it) than a free spirit. So occasionally it got a little old. Let’s just say it’s a good thing I didn’t turn the mention of Mac’s blue streak in her hair into a drinking game or I might’ve been writing a review more llkeeez ddiszzzz 🫣😉.
The Stephanie(Isn’t She Lovely? heroine) cameo took longer to click than it probably should have 🫣. Once my ‘ah ha’ moment happened & I realized who she was, I thought it was a really nice touch & a hell of a throwback ☺️.
This was a cute read — totally readable — & I enjoyed most of the story(Thomas was a sweet hero & they had nice chemistry), but two things(they’re similar, but not quite the same) held You Again back from being anything more than that for me. 1. Mac(h) leaned a bit too much towards emotional high maintenance imho. 2. I always love me some Lauren Layne, but Mac came across more like someone resisting acceptance that she’s become a grownup & likes it(or at least some of it) than a free spirit. So occasionally it got a little old. Let’s just say it’s a good thing I didn’t turn the mention of Mac’s blue streak in her hair into a drinking game or I might’ve been writing a review more llkeeez ddiszzzz 🫣😉.
The Stephanie(Isn’t She Lovely? heroine) cameo took longer to click than it probably should have 🫣. Once my ‘ah ha’ moment happened & I realized who she was, I thought it was a really nice touch & a hell of a throwback ☺️.
August 9, 2022
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 3.75 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
✨forced proximity
✨frenemies-to-lovers
✨boss/employee
well that was a cute little story💘💘💘
loved Thomas and the change of the typical “hero”. My man wanted a partner for life and he did everything for it 🥺🥺🥺
Mac wasn’t the best, but they both complemented each other well.
Nothing super special about this, but it was a sweet story to pass the time ✨
✨forced proximity
✨frenemies-to-lovers
✨boss/employee
well that was a cute little story💘💘💘
loved Thomas and the change of the typical “hero”. My man wanted a partner for life and he did everything for it 🥺🥺🥺
Mac wasn’t the best, but they both complemented each other well.
Nothing super special about this, but it was a sweet story to pass the time ✨
March 12, 2024
At times, a cute story with great chemistry. Could have been an easy 4 star read had it not been the infuriatingly annoying heroine…ugh. She made the story hard to get through since with the exception of the epilogue everything else was in he pov.
*le sigh*
Story: 3 stars
Narration: 4 stars
*le sigh*
Story: 3 stars
Narration: 4 stars
September 16, 2022
"I'm sure I'll see you around, Mac. Since the universe can't seem to get the message that we can't stand each other."
RTC.....
RTC.....
July 21, 2022
Lauren Layne writes books that give me the same feels as rom-com movies do. There's no one quite like her. I devoured this opposites attract romance and was completely obsessed with their meet-cute (meet-disaster?). I mean, imagine swiping left on a dude on a dating app when he's sitting right next to you!! And then turns out he's also your new boss?? Talk about awkward! The whole premise was fun, and I really enjoyed the relationship dynamic between relationship-phobe Mac and relationship-pro Thomas. They were so different, but I think that's why they fit well together. If you like romance books with flirty banter, great chemistry, and will leave you feeling good, don't miss out on YOU AGAIN. And yes, this one is open door, my friends! ;)
August 29, 2022
It was a quick read for sure but unfortunately there's nothing special.
A thing that I don't like is the way this story execute. it was just too short. As you read, you will find many stories left open without sufficient explanation for the reader.
I don't understand if this story is meant to be short, I don't think there's any need to embellish things that aren't important and just focus on the two main characters.
In general, this is a nice read for you if you just want something romantic and classic without thinking too much about it, but if you're a picky person, you might not appreciate it too much.
A thing that I don't like is the way this story execute. it was just too short. As you read, you will find many stories left open without sufficient explanation for the reader.
I don't understand if this story is meant to be short, I don't think there's any need to embellish things that aren't important and just focus on the two main characters.
In general, this is a nice read for you if you just want something romantic and classic without thinking too much about it, but if you're a picky person, you might not appreciate it too much.
July 20, 2022
oh this is 100% just fluff and cuteness and im so happy i can’t stop grinning rtc probably
August 1, 2022
Could have been better...
The heroine was supposedly free spirited woman (sexually wise), very liberated and what not, and then she ended up being this really scared and insecure female who spent her whole life trying to live up to her mother's standards (and her mother was really not the right role model), so of course she doesn't know what love looks like, she wouldn't know it even if it hits her in her face...
And then, well, the right kind of guy comes along, who had to have patience of a dead horse to set the record straight and bring her to the right track...
Well, enough with this anology LOL, damn, it just made this whole story not really entertaining at all, it made me feel really put off...
it's not the fact that she was a free spirited woman (*two thumbs up* for that), it was the fact that she didn't own it, she was hiding behind this masqarade sexcapade, whatever...and all the way she didn't really know what she was looking for...or what she really needed...
You don't label the heroine as a free spirited woman if that's the case, cause it looks kind of cheap...
but whatever, that's only my opinion, and you know what they say about opinions LOL, well, everyone has one...*wink*
BUT, my opinion matters to me, so, we'll again, leave it at that!
ta-ta...
The heroine was supposedly free spirited woman (sexually wise), very liberated and what not, and then she ended up being this really scared and insecure female who spent her whole life trying to live up to her mother's standards (and her mother was really not the right role model), so of course she doesn't know what love looks like, she wouldn't know it even if it hits her in her face...
And then, well, the right kind of guy comes along, who had to have patience of a dead horse to set the record straight and bring her to the right track...
Well, enough with this anology LOL, damn, it just made this whole story not really entertaining at all, it made me feel really put off...
it's not the fact that she was a free spirited woman (*two thumbs up* for that), it was the fact that she didn't own it, she was hiding behind this masqarade sexcapade, whatever...and all the way she didn't really know what she was looking for...or what she really needed...
You don't label the heroine as a free spirited woman if that's the case, cause it looks kind of cheap...
but whatever, that's only my opinion, and you know what they say about opinions LOL, well, everyone has one...*wink*
BUT, my opinion matters to me, so, we'll again, leave it at that!
ta-ta...
August 7, 2022
“you drive me fucking nuts, mac.”
“you drive me nuts too. but i thought for the weekend . . .”
“i don’t mean you annoy me, though you do. i don’t mean that you’re not aggravating and stubborn, because you are. i mean you drive me fucking nuts in that i can’t stop—i’ve never . . .”
commitment-phobe spontaneous gf x marriage-minded uptight planner bf we love youuuu !
the meet ugly + forced proximity ( boss + best man ) + “i see the way he looks at you” LIKEE ?!:&:)/&€>}^<]$ their quips and soft moments … everything was just mwahh (except her mom needa learn boundaries babes)
macthomas: this is a one time thing only
me as narrator, staring into the camera: it’s so not
“you,” i say. “again.”
“me,” thomas says.
“again.”
every thing lauren layne writes plays out like a #REAL romcom movie in my head and this one gave me stiletto/oxford vibes too idkkk finished this in one day i literally cant wait for her next series 🫂
“you drive me nuts too. but i thought for the weekend . . .”
“i don’t mean you annoy me, though you do. i don’t mean that you’re not aggravating and stubborn, because you are. i mean you drive me fucking nuts in that i can’t stop—i’ve never . . .”
commitment-phobe spontaneous gf x marriage-minded uptight planner bf we love youuuu !
the meet ugly + forced proximity ( boss + best man ) + “i see the way he looks at you” LIKEE ?!:&:)/&€>}^<]$ their quips and soft moments … everything was just mwahh (except her mom needa learn boundaries babes)
macthomas: this is a one time thing only
me as narrator, staring into the camera: it’s so not
“you,” i say. “again.”
“me,” thomas says.
“again.”
every thing lauren layne writes plays out like a #REAL romcom movie in my head and this one gave me stiletto/oxford vibes too idkkk finished this in one day i literally cant wait for her next series 🫂
July 20, 2022
Bingeable, chemistry-filled
I haven't devoured a book this quickly in a long time, so that deserves a full 5-star rating... even if there were a few things I would've changed. It's the CHEMISTRY between these characters that seals the deal; from the moment they met, I could feel that ZAP of connection, and I was reminded why I've always loved Layne's work. It's playful, banter-filled, and entirely bingeable, with classic rom com tropes that are twisted in a fresh and different way. This felt like the return of Layne's old style combined with something new - it's got some spice, it's light and easy, it's hiding a deeper story underneath the banter. And did I mention that chemistry? We only get the heroine's perspective, but I could feel the sparks flying. These two total opposites complement each other perfectly, and the solid, steady hero is exactly what our commitment-phobic heroine needs in her life.
The story follows Mac, a woman who didn't have the best role models growing up. She was raised by a single mom who went from one man to the next, so Mac is wary of love and relationships. When Mac's date is a no-show, she's left swiping through a dating app while alone at a bar - ready to move on to the next guy as soon as the last one fell through. Looking up from her phone, Mac is mortified to discover that the guy sitting next to her is the one she just rejected on the dating app... and he knows it. Thomas is SO not Mac's type - he's way too preppy and polished - but the interaction that follows leaves Mac questioning herself. And when Mac runs into Thomas again, it's impossible to deny that she just might have palpable chemistry with him.
I went into this completely blind, so that made Mac and Thomas' run-ins all the more fun. I loved all of the little surprises, and their chemistry was GREAT. Layne is such a pro at writing attraction - and there were so many moments that showcased that talent. That's really the best part of the book; Mac and Thomas navigating their ever-changing relationship while Mac tries to run every time Thomas starts to get under her skin. Yeah, it was a little frustrating that she was so commitment-phobic, but it was also a fresh take on the trope. It's unusual to see an unabashedly sexual, commitment-adverse heroine paired with a relationship guy, and that made for some interesting friction. The book definitely could've been longer - I think another 50 pages would've made it something really special - but I also liked the bingeable quality. I easily read it in one sitting and was eager to see how things played out. This is a win in that area for sure.
I will say that there were more typos than I anticipated; there's literally a sentence that reads: "His silver eyes hold my eyes and nods once." That wasn't the only completely indecipherable sentence either. I'm not usually someone who is bothered by typos, but they were noticeable here and unwelcome in a book this expensive. But that's my only major complaint; every other gripe pales in comparison to the reading experience. I'm happy to round up my rating, because this was pretty great overall.
I haven't devoured a book this quickly in a long time, so that deserves a full 5-star rating... even if there were a few things I would've changed. It's the CHEMISTRY between these characters that seals the deal; from the moment they met, I could feel that ZAP of connection, and I was reminded why I've always loved Layne's work. It's playful, banter-filled, and entirely bingeable, with classic rom com tropes that are twisted in a fresh and different way. This felt like the return of Layne's old style combined with something new - it's got some spice, it's light and easy, it's hiding a deeper story underneath the banter. And did I mention that chemistry? We only get the heroine's perspective, but I could feel the sparks flying. These two total opposites complement each other perfectly, and the solid, steady hero is exactly what our commitment-phobic heroine needs in her life.
The story follows Mac, a woman who didn't have the best role models growing up. She was raised by a single mom who went from one man to the next, so Mac is wary of love and relationships. When Mac's date is a no-show, she's left swiping through a dating app while alone at a bar - ready to move on to the next guy as soon as the last one fell through. Looking up from her phone, Mac is mortified to discover that the guy sitting next to her is the one she just rejected on the dating app... and he knows it. Thomas is SO not Mac's type - he's way too preppy and polished - but the interaction that follows leaves Mac questioning herself. And when Mac runs into Thomas again, it's impossible to deny that she just might have palpable chemistry with him.
I went into this completely blind, so that made Mac and Thomas' run-ins all the more fun. I loved all of the little surprises, and their chemistry was GREAT. Layne is such a pro at writing attraction - and there were so many moments that showcased that talent. That's really the best part of the book; Mac and Thomas navigating their ever-changing relationship while Mac tries to run every time Thomas starts to get under her skin. Yeah, it was a little frustrating that she was so commitment-phobic, but it was also a fresh take on the trope. It's unusual to see an unabashedly sexual, commitment-adverse heroine paired with a relationship guy, and that made for some interesting friction. The book definitely could've been longer - I think another 50 pages would've made it something really special - but I also liked the bingeable quality. I easily read it in one sitting and was eager to see how things played out. This is a win in that area for sure.
I will say that there were more typos than I anticipated; there's literally a sentence that reads: "His silver eyes hold my eyes and nods once." That wasn't the only completely indecipherable sentence either. I'm not usually someone who is bothered by typos, but they were noticeable here and unwelcome in a book this expensive. But that's my only major complaint; every other gripe pales in comparison to the reading experience. I'm happy to round up my rating, because this was pretty great overall.
January 11, 2024
I could not stand the heroine!
July 22, 2022
This book has dethroned The Trouble with Love as my favorite Lauren Layne book, and that's big coming from me if you know me. This was perfect and has become one of my top reads of the year. Also, Nothing New by Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers should be the official soundtrack of the book........ ''lord what will become of me / once i've lost my novelty?'' yeah mac austin......
May 4, 2024
Fue muy fácil darle cinco estrellas a este libro. Me fue conquistando lentamente, no me di cuenta de lo mucho que estaba amando todo hasta casi llegar al inminente final, y una vez terminado, supe al instante que no solo se convertiría en mi nuevo libro favorito (de la autora), sino también en una de mis mejores lecturas de este año (2024).
A ver, la historia es sencilla, pero mágica: Mac(kenzie) Austin es una mujer que fue criada no solo para que le tuviera alergia a las relaciones o al compromiso, sino también para vivir una vida espontánea y romper con la estructura aburrida de los planes (y cualquier expectativa que pudiese venir con estos) convencionales. Es así como su vida neoyorkina funciona: trabaja en el departamento de diseño/marketing de una marca de joyería costosa, disfruta de los fines de semana junto con sus amigas bebiendo, y cuando requiere de compañía masculina, tiene su app de citas de confianza a la que puede recurrir para conseguir chicos que están en la misma sintonía que ella: rollos —agradables y placenteros— de una noche. Eso le suele funcionar muy bien, hasta que una noche es plantada en un bar por una de sus citas, y en vez de sentirse mal por eso, decide entrar nuevamente en la app de citas para conseguir una nueva distracción. Sin embargo, todo da un giro cuando ella rechaza a un hombre que tenía la palabra aburrido tatuada en la frente y lucía un traje extra corporativo que era todo lo contrario a su tipo, ¿Que más iba a hacer? Ella jamás se le cruzó por la cabeza que aquel hombre pudiese estar sentado a su lado y hubiese visto como lo rechazó en primera fila. Y cuando crean que nada podría ser peor que eso, el destino hará una de las suyas y Mac tendrá que enfrentarse otra vez con aquel hombre que parece juzgarla de pies a cabeza con su mirada.
Partiendo de ahí, Mac y Thomas son un excelente ejemplo de opposites attract. Mac es la anti-relaciones, caótica, sin ningún plan claro más que divertirse mientras navega por la vida (pero sin olvidar sus responsabilidades). Thomas es reservado, tímido, un hombre de placeres sencillos, que hace planes para todo porque tiene múltiples objetivos que lograr, y efectivamente tiene la palabra compromiso tatuada en la frente.
Más allá de eso, tengo que decir una vez más que I'm just a girl y que me planteen una historia de amor ligada con el concepto de serendipia es mi gran debilidad. Así que... no negaré que Mac y Thomas coincidiendo múltiples veces hasta que ambos entendieron que eran la persona correcta del otro me hizo extremadamente feliz.
También debo reconocer que la autora no solo se centra únicamente en la historia de amor de esos dos, sino que también le gusta enfocarse en el desarrollo y evolución de sus protagonistas femeninas y este libro no fue la excepción. Mac pasó de intentar replicar el estilo de vida de su madre a pensar de forma diferente y aceptar que sus deseos de vida no eran los mismos que hace un par de años atrás, y que estaba bien querer cosas totalmente distintas a sus viejas creencias. Ella lidiaba con esta continua necesidad de cambiar su vida, y a pesar de que amara su trabajo y su apartamento, ella se sentía estancada por no estar en un lugar diferente con cada año que pasaba, y justo ese sentimiento de inquietud la hacía sentir estancada, y me sentí tan comprendida por eso, y más cuando ella experimentaba con su cabello para sentir un poquito de esa sensación de espontaneidad que tanto anhelaba. Siento que es un personaje que puede ser material odiable para algunos lectores o exasperar a otros, pero ciertamente la entendí y (sin duda) me vi reflejada en sus dudas y miedos, pero más que nada, en sus dilemas y contradicciones. Y fue muy satisfactorio leer como equilibró su espontaneidad con sus deseos de ser un "nosotros" en vez de limitarse a ser un "yo".
Hay dos cosas que no esperaba de esta lectura:
1) Que hubiera escenas spicy (a mitad del libro). Entre olvidar por completo el concepto de slow burn y omitir las escenas con fundido a negro, me sorprendió para bien ver otra faceta de la autora al momento de contar una historia. Y me atrevo a decir que fueron buenas escenas que no solo transmitían la química de los personajes, sino también sus sentimientos —contradictorios—.
2) Que me diera un POV del interés amoroso. Thomas fue muy mastermind, me cayó demasiado bien; pero quedé de una pieza cuando leí sus pensamientos porque... qué hombre. Fue algo corto, pero muy significativo.
Mención honorífica a Stephanie. Un personaje secundario que aportó muchísimo para la historia (y que sentí que fue más amiga para la FMC, que la propia mejor amiga de esta). Y hago una pequeña mención de la amistad inesperada entre Mary y Annett.
A ver, la historia es sencilla, pero mágica: Mac(kenzie) Austin es una mujer que fue criada no solo para que le tuviera alergia a las relaciones o al compromiso, sino también para vivir una vida espontánea y romper con la estructura aburrida de los planes (y cualquier expectativa que pudiese venir con estos) convencionales. Es así como su vida neoyorkina funciona: trabaja en el departamento de diseño/marketing de una marca de joyería costosa, disfruta de los fines de semana junto con sus amigas bebiendo, y cuando requiere de compañía masculina, tiene su app de citas de confianza a la que puede recurrir para conseguir chicos que están en la misma sintonía que ella: rollos —agradables y placenteros— de una noche. Eso le suele funcionar muy bien, hasta que una noche es plantada en un bar por una de sus citas, y en vez de sentirse mal por eso, decide entrar nuevamente en la app de citas para conseguir una nueva distracción. Sin embargo, todo da un giro cuando ella rechaza a un hombre que tenía la palabra aburrido tatuada en la frente y lucía un traje extra corporativo que era todo lo contrario a su tipo, ¿Que más iba a hacer? Ella jamás se le cruzó por la cabeza que aquel hombre pudiese estar sentado a su lado y hubiese visto como lo rechazó en primera fila. Y cuando crean que nada podría ser peor que eso, el destino hará una de las suyas y Mac tendrá que enfrentarse otra vez con aquel hombre que parece juzgarla de pies a cabeza con su mirada.
Partiendo de ahí, Mac y Thomas son un excelente ejemplo de opposites attract. Mac es la anti-relaciones, caótica, sin ningún plan claro más que divertirse mientras navega por la vida (pero sin olvidar sus responsabilidades). Thomas es reservado, tímido, un hombre de placeres sencillos, que hace planes para todo porque tiene múltiples objetivos que lograr, y efectivamente tiene la palabra compromiso tatuada en la frente.
Más allá de eso, tengo que decir una vez más que I'm just a girl y que me planteen una historia de amor ligada con el concepto de serendipia es mi gran debilidad. Así que... no negaré que Mac y Thomas coincidiendo múltiples veces hasta que ambos entendieron que eran la persona correcta del otro me hizo extremadamente feliz.
También debo reconocer que la autora no solo se centra únicamente en la historia de amor de esos dos, sino que también le gusta enfocarse en el desarrollo y evolución de sus protagonistas femeninas y este libro no fue la excepción. Mac pasó de intentar replicar el estilo de vida de su madre a pensar de forma diferente y aceptar que sus deseos de vida no eran los mismos que hace un par de años atrás, y que estaba bien querer cosas totalmente distintas a sus viejas creencias. Ella lidiaba con esta continua necesidad de cambiar su vida, y a pesar de que amara su trabajo y su apartamento, ella se sentía estancada por no estar en un lugar diferente con cada año que pasaba, y justo ese sentimiento de inquietud la hacía sentir estancada, y me sentí tan comprendida por eso, y más cuando ella experimentaba con su cabello para sentir un poquito de esa sensación de espontaneidad que tanto anhelaba. Siento que es un personaje que puede ser material odiable para algunos lectores o exasperar a otros, pero ciertamente la entendí y (sin duda) me vi reflejada en sus dudas y miedos, pero más que nada, en sus dilemas y contradicciones. Y fue muy satisfactorio leer como equilibró su espontaneidad con sus deseos de ser un "nosotros" en vez de limitarse a ser un "yo".
Hay dos cosas que no esperaba de esta lectura:
1) Que hubiera escenas spicy (a mitad del libro). Entre olvidar por completo el concepto de slow burn y omitir las escenas con fundido a negro, me sorprendió para bien ver otra faceta de la autora al momento de contar una historia. Y me atrevo a decir que fueron buenas escenas que no solo transmitían la química de los personajes, sino también sus sentimientos —contradictorios—.
2) Que me diera un POV del interés amoroso. Thomas fue muy mastermind, me cayó demasiado bien; pero quedé de una pieza cuando leí sus pensamientos porque... qué hombre. Fue algo corto, pero muy significativo.
Mención honorífica a Stephanie. Un personaje secundario que aportó muchísimo para la historia (y que sentí que fue más amiga para la FMC, que la propia mejor amiga de esta). Y hago una pequeña mención de la amistad inesperada entre Mary y Annett.
December 3, 2022
4 'TapThat' Stars!
It's feels good to go back to one of my favorite authors when it comes to the romance-in-the-city feel. I became Lauren Layne's fan years ago when I fell in love with her Oxford series and I was dying to read her newest standalone called You, Again.
I have to say, it brought back all the feels and the experience I normally had when I read LL's stories. Mac and Thomas seem so opposite to each other but they just clicked in a very special way. Their chemistry was palpable and so beautiful to read. I really enjoyed this love story, these new characters and going back to a writing style that I loved so much!!
It's feels good to go back to one of my favorite authors when it comes to the romance-in-the-city feel. I became Lauren Layne's fan years ago when I fell in love with her Oxford series and I was dying to read her newest standalone called You, Again.
I have to say, it brought back all the feels and the experience I normally had when I read LL's stories. Mac and Thomas seem so opposite to each other but they just clicked in a very special way. Their chemistry was palpable and so beautiful to read. I really enjoyed this love story, these new characters and going back to a writing style that I loved so much!!
July 26, 2022
I picked up You Again by Lauren Layne and promptly finished this book over the course of one afternoon. Mac and Thomas were so fun together! I loved their hilarious first encounter -she rejects him on a dating app and he just happens to be sitting right next to her - whoops! And the fact that they soon find themselves working along side one another at the same company - and he's her boss 😬
This forced proximity, often funny and swoony romance is what I love about Lauren Layne. I will be honest, the past few books from her have been underwhelming for me and I was quickly reminded why I love her writing so much after devouring You Again.
If you're looking for a romance with great banter, that will make you laugh with plenty of swoony moments I highly recommend You Again.
This forced proximity, often funny and swoony romance is what I love about Lauren Layne. I will be honest, the past few books from her have been underwhelming for me and I was quickly reminded why I love her writing so much after devouring You Again.
If you're looking for a romance with great banter, that will make you laugh with plenty of swoony moments I highly recommend You Again.
March 31, 2023
4.5
there’s something about lauren layne’s books that just make me feel some type of way every single time
macthomas <333
there’s something about lauren layne’s books that just make me feel some type of way every single time
macthomas <333
December 29, 2022
God when is it gonna be my turn to experience a cute romance in NY with a guy who wears suits and is hot as fuck? I'm waiting.
January 16, 2024
Ik heb dit boek in één ruk uitgeluisterd. Zo vermakelijk en erg leuke personages!
April 10, 2023
I'll read anything about Lauren Layne - I just love her rom-coms. Mac and Thomas were great characters and I loved the way fate kept throwing them together throughout the novel. Add in the Manhattan backdrop and I had no other option but to love it.
July 19, 2022
Mac Austin is a thoroughly modern woman, brought up by a free-spirited single mother, she doesn't want commitment, or long-term, she's happy with just for now and her man of choice is most definitely a bad boy, tattoos not optional. Mac is more combat boots and a tutu than Louboutins and Botox, more Van Halen than Beyoncé.
Sitting in a local bar, waiting for her no-show date Mac is idly perusing a hook-up app called TapThat (yep, classy huh?). Having let one Ivy League preppy businessman-type roll past, Mac is horrified when the man sitting next to her at the bar strikes up a conversation, making it clear that he was reading her phone over her shoulder. Even worse, he's the guy she just let roll past (the app gives you five seconds to show interest or it moves to the next candidate).
The next morning, Mac is doubly horrified to find that the suit, Thomas Decker (never Tom or Tommy) is her new boss at the upmarket jewellery store where she is a senior graphic designer. Mac has been approached several times to take a more senior role in the business but she has always declined, frankly she's horrified that she has been working for the same company for six years and has a 401K plan, this is not the peripatetic life she was brought up with.
Finally, the universe goes all in on the coincidences, Thomas is the older brother of Mac's BFF Collette's fiancé. Even worse, as Best Man and Chief Bridesmaid Mac and Thomas are in charge of organising a joint bachelor-bachelorette party. Mac just knows anything Thomas organises will involve whisky and very few penis-shaped party favours!
I have loved Lauren Layne's books for many years. However, more recently I had complained that she seemed to be just phoning them in. There seemed to be a New York high-flyer checklist that every book followed and it had become stale and formulaic, the characters ceased to be distinctly recognisable and the books were like candyfloss, easily digested and instantly forgettable. Not this one! Mac and Thomas just leapt off the page, sassy, witty and very kind they were all I love about Lauren Layne's characters and the romance was perfect.
A happy return to form for Lauren Layne.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Sitting in a local bar, waiting for her no-show date Mac is idly perusing a hook-up app called TapThat (yep, classy huh?). Having let one Ivy League preppy businessman-type roll past, Mac is horrified when the man sitting next to her at the bar strikes up a conversation, making it clear that he was reading her phone over her shoulder. Even worse, he's the guy she just let roll past (the app gives you five seconds to show interest or it moves to the next candidate).
The next morning, Mac is doubly horrified to find that the suit, Thomas Decker (never Tom or Tommy) is her new boss at the upmarket jewellery store where she is a senior graphic designer. Mac has been approached several times to take a more senior role in the business but she has always declined, frankly she's horrified that she has been working for the same company for six years and has a 401K plan, this is not the peripatetic life she was brought up with.
Finally, the universe goes all in on the coincidences, Thomas is the older brother of Mac's BFF Collette's fiancé. Even worse, as Best Man and Chief Bridesmaid Mac and Thomas are in charge of organising a joint bachelor-bachelorette party. Mac just knows anything Thomas organises will involve whisky and very few penis-shaped party favours!
I have loved Lauren Layne's books for many years. However, more recently I had complained that she seemed to be just phoning them in. There seemed to be a New York high-flyer checklist that every book followed and it had become stale and formulaic, the characters ceased to be distinctly recognisable and the books were like candyfloss, easily digested and instantly forgettable. Not this one! Mac and Thomas just leapt off the page, sassy, witty and very kind they were all I love about Lauren Layne's characters and the romance was perfect.
A happy return to form for Lauren Layne.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
September 18, 2022
Simplemente ME ENCANTÓ 😭 me sentí muuuuy identificada con Mac, así que eso me gustó más, y Thomas? QUE HOMBRE DIOS, son tan perfectos, estoy enamorada de ellos🤧🥹💓 me gustó mucho que es una historia sencilla y simple, que se lee rápido, es justo lo que necesitaba, así que otro plus de que me encantó 🤧 el epílogo? Hermoso😭 amé que era pov de thomas, bello bello💗🤧
July 22, 2022
A new LL book? Yes, please! I didn't even read the blurb, just dove right in because it's LL. I was 99.9% sure I would love it and I did!
Where to start? The title is perfection. You'll know what I'm talking about once you read the first couple of chapters of this book. It shows up throughout the book and I loved how it was used. The cover is pretty cool, too. I do wish one spot of her hair was blue like in the book. That has nothing to do with my rating and review. It's just a comment. Now onto the content...
LL's writing was as amazing as ever. I have missed her books in the time since her last release. I guess that's what happens when you've read them all. You, Again started out with a hilariously awkward meet cute. Or non-meet cute really. LL kept that hilariously awkward pace throughout the entire book with Mac finding herself not putting her best self forward. I loved Mac. She was a free spirit. She seemed to know exactly what she wanted out of life -- until she didn't. Her evolution as a character was great. There was a lot for her to learn when it came to love and her feelings about it. I loved that.
Thomas, the guy Mac shouldn't have been interested in but was, was a great match for Mac. He was this buttoned up middle manager who also knew what he wanted out of life. Well, until he didn't, just like Mac. I wish we had gotten Thomas' POV throughout the entire book. This book worked well without it, but I wanted to get to know him better because he was a great character and love interest.
Thomas and Mac were opposites in a lot of ways, and you know what they say about opposites attracting. They also had a fun enemies thing going on. Those two things combined with the ways their lives were intertwined made for a ton of great moments. I loved how their friends and family were involved in so many ways. This slow burn was filled with lots of attraction and chemistry along the way. It was another win for me from LL. I can't wait to read what she has coming out next
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
Where to start? The title is perfection. You'll know what I'm talking about once you read the first couple of chapters of this book. It shows up throughout the book and I loved how it was used. The cover is pretty cool, too. I do wish one spot of her hair was blue like in the book. That has nothing to do with my rating and review. It's just a comment. Now onto the content...
LL's writing was as amazing as ever. I have missed her books in the time since her last release. I guess that's what happens when you've read them all. You, Again started out with a hilariously awkward meet cute. Or non-meet cute really. LL kept that hilariously awkward pace throughout the entire book with Mac finding herself not putting her best self forward. I loved Mac. She was a free spirit. She seemed to know exactly what she wanted out of life -- until she didn't. Her evolution as a character was great. There was a lot for her to learn when it came to love and her feelings about it. I loved that.
Thomas, the guy Mac shouldn't have been interested in but was, was a great match for Mac. He was this buttoned up middle manager who also knew what he wanted out of life. Well, until he didn't, just like Mac. I wish we had gotten Thomas' POV throughout the entire book. This book worked well without it, but I wanted to get to know him better because he was a great character and love interest.
Thomas and Mac were opposites in a lot of ways, and you know what they say about opposites attracting. They also had a fun enemies thing going on. Those two things combined with the ways their lives were intertwined made for a ton of great moments. I loved how their friends and family were involved in so many ways. This slow burn was filled with lots of attraction and chemistry along the way. It was another win for me from LL. I can't wait to read what she has coming out next
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
July 23, 2022
I have been waiting for a new Lauren Layne book and was excited to see this one come out. While it was a mostly enjoyable read, it definitely isn't my favorite Layne book. Mac, the main character, drove me crazy. The way she reacted to things was ridiculous. And the blue streak in her hair was mentioned WAY too many times. However, I did like Thomas and I really loved the ending. This isn't one I would pick up again, but I'll still look forward to Layne's next book.
A big thanks to Deanna for lending me her copy to read!!
A big thanks to Deanna for lending me her copy to read!!
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