Blind Date with a Book Event with Layla Hagen

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.

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ARC Review: Your Inescapable Love by Layla Hagen

I am a huge fan of Layla Hagen's! She is a great writer and I love that she always puts such emotion into her books! So I couldn't wait to get my hands on her newest book, Your Inescapable Love. This is Max Bennett and Emilia Campbell's story. While this book is the 4th book in her Bennett Family series, each book is easily read as a standalone.

Max and Emilia met as kids and were great friends until Emilia moved away. Years later, they each have moved on to successful careers and have no intention of settling down anytime soon. Max prefers to keep things casual, and Emilia has issues due to practically being left at the altar. But when the two meet up again by chance, they quickly realize that their connection is still there and stronger than ever. Though both are determined not to cross the line of friendship, they find themselves drawn to each other in ways they have never felt with anyone else.

I loved Max! He was sexy, protective and loyal. While he hadn't ever been one for commitment, it was clear that it was because he hadn't been with the right person. He was perfect for Emilia, and she was the same for him. These two were so great together! Emilia was strong and determined, but she also had vulnerabilities due to everything that she had been through. It made her easy to like and relate to. These two had such a special connection that had been there right from the start, and I loved seeing how they grew even closer as the book progressed. Not only did they have an undeniable connection, but the chemistry between them was smoking hot! 

Overall, this was a great story and one I would highly recommend. Layla Hagen is one of those authors that I can't recommend enough, and I know I will enjoy her books every time. She has a way of drawing you in and captivating you from the very first word all the way to the end. I can't say enough good things about her, and I think readers will really enjoy this story. If you haven't read the previous books, I definitely recommend adding them to your TBR. Layla Hagen doesn't disappoint, and I honestly can't wait to read more from her.

**ARC Provided by Author**

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RFTC I've Got a Secret Event with Author Layla Hagen

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. 

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Audiobook Review: Withering Hope by Layla Hagen, Narrated by Christy Romano, Michael David Axtell, and Coleen Marlo

Withering Hope by Layla Hagen is one of my favorite books I have ever read. This book is absolutely as gorgeous as it's cover, and it is one of those books that will stay with more forever. I really can't accurately put into words what it is about this book that touched me as much as it did, but Tristan and Aimee are the kind of characters that grab a hold of you and never let go. So when I found out that this book was being made into an audiobook as well, I knew that I had to listen to it. This book was such an experience while reading, that I couldn't wait to hear how the narrators would bring it even more to life with their voices. I absolutely was not disappointed. 

Aimee is on her way to Brazil where she will be married to the man she has known and been best friends with since childhood. She has planned for everything, except for her fiance's private plane to crash in the Amazon rainforest on the way there stranding her with only the pilot Tristan. As Aimee and Tristan begin to find ways to survive in their new surroundings, thy both begin to realize that the longer time goes on with no rescue that they will need more than just hope. They begin to formulate a plan to make their way to civilization once some of the water clears that is trapping them, but as more obstacles and danger occur, the harder it gets for them. Not only must they face the dangers in front of them, but they must also confront their pasts and their growing feelings for one another. Despite the guilt they feel over their feelings, the soon realize that they are unable to hide anything from one another including the love they share. But can they survive the rainforest long enough to have a chance at something together? 

While I was excited to hear this story, I have to admit I was a little worried about how they would translate into an audiobook. Narrators can really make or break a story, and with these being some of my favorites I was terrified that they might not be done right. I will admit my curiosity is part of what got me to jump on the chance for this audiobook though with Christy Romano being one of the narrators! I have loved her since I first watched her as Ren Stevens, so I knew she had a great voice and wanted to see how she would take on the role of Aimee. She brought her to life so well, and I felt so much emotion here with her performance. She was the perfect choice for this book, and I really felt like I grew to know Aimee's character even better than I ever had before. I thought that Michael David Axtell did the same with Tristan. His voice was smooth and easy to understand, and he brought so much depth to Tristan. I didn't think that I could love this story more than I already did, but this audiobook proved me wrong. 

Overall, I highly recommend this story in any of it's forms. It isn't often that I love the audiobook as much as reading the actual story myself. The narration really does change the way a story feels, and I have a tough time with those audiobooks that the narration just doesn't click for me. But I really feel as though with Withering Hope that it was exactly as it should have been done. The narration brought these characters and story to life in an entirely new way, and I felt even more invested in this beautiful book than I ever had before. Christy Romano, Michael David Axtell, and Coleen Marlo made this book more than just a story, and I would love to listen to more books from each of them. If you haven't read or listened to this amazing book yet, it is definitely one worth giving a shot. It is truly unlike any story I have ever read before, and I think that this is one of those books that will stick with anyone who reads it.

**Audiobook Provided by IndieSage PR**

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RFTC Hall Pass Event with Layla Hagen

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 :-D

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ARC Review: Withering Hope by Layla Hagen

I have read and really enjoyed books by Layla Hagen before, so I jumped at the chance to review her new standalone contemporary romance, Withering Hope. While I expected to enjoy this book, I had no idea how fantastic of a story it would be! Withering Hope was absolutely everything I had hoped for and more. This book was captivating and beautiful, and unlike anything I have ever read before. If I hadn't already been a fan of Layla's before, I certainly am now. This book is unique and one of a kind, and to me it is an absolute must read.

Aimee is on her way to Brazil where she will be married to the man she has known and been best friends with since childhood. She has planned for everything, except for her fiance's private plane to crash in the Amazon rainforest on the way there stranding her with only the pilot Tristan. As Aimee and Tristan begin to find ways to survive in their new surroundings, thy both begin to realize that the longer time goes on with no rescue that they will need more than just hope. They begin to formulate a plan to make their way to civilization once some of the water clears that is trapping them, but as more obstacles and danger occur, the harder it gets for them. Not only must they face the dangers in front of them, but they must also confront their pasts and their growing feelings for one another. Despite the guilt they feel over their feelings, the soon realize that they are unable to hide anything from one another including the love they share. But can they survive the rainforest long enough to have a chance at something together?

I loved Tristan and Aimee. Tristan was so protective of Aimee right from the start. He was always putting her first and doing his best to keep her going. He did his best to provide for her as well as to help her so that she could take care of herself just in case. As strong as he was on the surface though, he was so vulnerable underneath due to his past. He did his best to keep his distance from Aimee and to shield her from it, but I loved that he finally was able to tell her that he needed her and really open up to her. Aimee was strong and optimistic, and I really was glad to see that she wasn't whiny or annoying. She was in some really horrible circumstances, and yet she did her best to deal with what she had been given. She was able to get Tristan to talk to her and she really helped him to heal from his past. I loved that their relationship was slow to build. It was done as respectfully as possible considering she had been engaged at the start of the book, and it was so easy to see how hard these two fought what was happening. Yet the closer they grew, the more clear it was that they belonged together. Not only had they been able to bond over something that no one else would ever understand, but they had a chemistry and connection unlike anything they had ever felt. These two just had a spark between them, and it was something that is rare and undeniable.

Overall, I really cannot express how much I loved this book. I read it entirely in one sitting, because I just couldn't put it down. Once I had started, I had to know what would happen for these two. It had everything I could ask for in a good book, and truly captivated me from the very first page. This book is an absolute must read, and when I say that it is unlike any other book I have read I am being completely honest. It was simply amazing, and I honestly loved every part of it. I will say that the epilogue was beautiful and emotional, and it left me in tears. I can't wait to read more from Layla Hagen in the future, and I know that this book is one of those that will never truly leave me. The characters and their journey were unforgettable, and I already cannot wait to read it again.

**ARC Provided by Xpresso Book Tours**

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ARC Review: Found In Us by Layla Hagen

Found in Us is the second book in Layla Hagen's Lost series. You can read this book as a standalone without any problems, but you do meet both Jessica and Parker in the first book of the series. I would start with Lost in Us even though it isn't necessary, because you really get to see the start of things between them and how far they have come. I was a little bit worried going into Found in Us because while I really liked both Parker and Jess, I had some issues with the previous book. I am so glad that I didn't let that stop me though, because I really liked Found in Us and thought that is was even better than the last book.

After graduating, Jessica lands her dream job working for a museum in London and leaves California behind. She misses her best friend Serena, but decides to live with Serena's boyfriend James's little sister Dani. Life is going well for her except she has been avoiding Parker ever since she arrived in London. Jessica likes Parker and is very attracted to him, but after being rejected by him in California she has no interest in being further humiliated. But with Parker being Dani's cousin, she knows it is only a matter of time before she can no longer avoid seeing him. Parker has been interested in Jessica since he first met her. But around her he finds himself losing control, and he absolutely cannot have that. But the more time that goes on, the less he begins to care and decides that he wants to get to know her better. Soon Jessica and Parker are unable to ignore what is between them and find themselves on unfamiliar ground. As Parker and Jessica grow closer, they struggle with letting each other in and learning to trust one another. Can they trust in one another and move forward together, or will their secrets and pasts be too much for them to overcome?

I liked Parker a lot. I knew there was so much more to him than what we saw in Lost in Us, and I couldn't wait to see what made him who he was. He didn't let a lot of people in and was used to keeping himself closed off because of how he had been betrayed in the past. I really liked seeing him show his vulnerability to Jess though, and I was really glad that he was able to share his past with her. He was kind and patient with her as well, and let her come to him when she was ready to share her past as well. I loved that he was able to loosen up with her, and I thought that she brought out a side of him that no one else could. Jess was great as well. In Lost in Us she came off as little more than a party girl that only wanted a good time. But we really saw her grow in this book and she started to stand on her own for the first time. I loved that she was so determined to do things on her own without help from anyone else, and she was so dedicated to her job even though her parents didn't support her decision at all. She didn't let them influence her, and I really admired her for having a career that made her happy regardless of how much money it made her. Parker really supported her and was always there for her with encouragement and I loved that he would help her practice her presentations. These two were so great together, and the best part about their relationship was that they were able to really balance each other out and their strengths and weaknesses complimented each other's. They had a ton of chemistry and you could feel their attraction, but they also were developing such a strong emotional connection as well.

Overall, I thought that this book was a great addition to the series. I loved Jess and Parker, and I liked that while they had things to work through there wasn't the constant back and forth that drove me so crazy in Lost in Us. They were able to handle things together and and work through their issues. Parker and Jess were a great couple, and I really loved seeing them fall for one another. I thought Found in Us did a great job of setting up the next book as well, and I am really interested to see what Layla Hagen has in story for Dani and her tattoo guy. I am enjoying this series a lot, and I look forward to reading more from Layla Hagen in the future. I would recommend these books if you are looking for a NA series that is different. I love how the characters are all so different and it is really interesting how they are all interconnected.

**ARC Provided by Author**

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ARC Review: Lost by Layla Hagen

Lost is a prequel novella to Lost in Us by Layla Hagen. I decided to read this before reading Lost in Us, but it can be read before or after. I was sucked right into the story with this one, and as soon as I finished I couldn't wait to read Lost in Us. I really liked getting to meet James and Serena and getting some of their back-stories. I also really loved that we got both of the POVs. This novella did a great job of setting up the reader for Lost in Us.

After losing her sister, Serena leaves England to live with her mother's best friend's family in California. She begins to move on from the past, but she still suffers from guilt. She has panic attacks and won't put herself out there. Her goal is to get into Stanford and make a better life for herself and her family. James is also suffering. After his girlfriend is killed in a car accident following a fight that they had before graduation, he is wracked with guilt and proceeds to self-destruct. He burns through his trust fund and is cut off by his father. Forced to stand on his own two feet for the first time in his life, he is unable to continue on the path he has been on. He turns to booze, fast cars and racing and women. He has never wanted anything more until he sees Serena.

I liked James. I loved his honesty right off and thought that even though he was really screwed up he was never anything but completely open about it. He was definitely damaged, but you could tell that once he knew he had hit rock bottom, it was really the driving force that he needed to change. He was able to really put everything behind him and use it as motivation. He was still suffering from guilt and wasn't looking for commitment, but he knew that eventually he wanted more. I found him interesting right off and couldn't wait to get to know him better. I liked Serena. She was vulnerable and she had a lot of guilt, but she was determined to do something with her life. She worked hard and did what she had to do. I liked getting to know some of her past and seeing what made her who she was. I was invested in her character from the start, and I found her extremely real and likable. I can't wait to see where things go with these two.

I think that this was a great way to introduce us to the characters and set up the first book in this series. I liked both James and Serena and I also found the secondary characters likable as well. I can't wait to see more of James and Serena and see their journey through their guilt and pain. I will admit that while I loved the dual POVs, I did find the back and forth in time shifts to get a bit confusing. I kept having to try and think back to where we had just been and where we were now. It was a bit tough to keep straight at times since not only is there a shift in time, but also in the ages of the two main characters. It was hard to see how things lined up at times. I am really looking forward to reading Lost in Us though, and hopefully things will be more clear as far as the timeline goes. I recommend reading this story to those that have read Lost in Us or want to read Lost in Us. If you are looking for a complete story, that is not what you will get with this one. However it does a good job of introducing us to these characters and I believe will be a great addition to those reading this series.

**ARC provided by Xpresso Book Tours**

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ARC Review: Lost In Us by Layla Hagen

This is a tough review for me to write. After really liking the prequel novella and the characters, I have been looking forward to reading this book ever since. I went into this one already knowing the characters and thinking that this one was sure to be a new favorite of mine. Unfortunately this one left me frustrated and with mixed feelings. While there were still things that I liked and I enjoyed parts of this story, there were some things that drove me absolutely crazy about this book. I was really drawn into the story after the prequel and the first half or so of the book, but after about half way things really took a turn for me and not in a way that I had wanted or expected.

This story picks up after the prequel novella in that Serena is a British girl living in California while attending Stanford. She has just been dumped by her boyfriend of six years. Her friend Jess drags her out to a bar and she ends up meeting James. The attraction between them is instant, and James asks her out for the following night. Serena views the well known and successful James as the perfect person to help her act a little recklessly for the first time in her life and takes him up on his date. Their date ends passionately and before long the two of them are seeing each other and are unable to stay away from the other. James isn't looking for commitment or love and Serena isn't looking to be one of many girls that James hooks up with. James and Serena begin to grow closer, but James and Serena both have a painful past that keeps them from moving forward fully. Can James and Serena find a way to not only be together but to heal each other? Or will they be doomed before they ever have a chance at a future with each other?

I really liked James in the novella, and I was sure that I was going to like him in this story as well. I wasn't surprised that he screwed up a few times and made some bad decisions. Anyone who had been through what he had and felt the pain and guilt he did was bound to do things wrong a time or two. I actually ended up really loving his character. He not only apologized several times, but you could tell just how much his mistakes and bad reactions really took a toll on him. He felt horrible and he really cared for Serena, even if he couldn't always show it. He never gave up on her though and he kept trying to convince her that she was all he wanted and would do anything to have a future with her. He was so determined and I loved that he really tried as hard as he did. Serena was one that I was sure I was going to love, and then she ended up driving me crazy. She had moments of greatness, and I loved that she made James work for it. She didn't allow him to just let her be another girl to him, and refused to accept that he wouldn't be with just her. But she also then took things too far and even though he was changing would continually push him away for not doing things exactly how she felt they should be done. I got really tired of her being such an emotional wreck constantly sobbing over things that were her own fault. I understand she had suffered and had been hurt in the past and had issues because of that. But I also do not get that she refused to see what was going on right in front of her and all the effort that James was making. James and Serena had really amazing chemistry though, and that was one thing about them that never changed. They were super hot from the very beginning and you could really feel the connection between them. I liked that they had more than just heat though, and they really seemed to bring out the best in each other when they weren't fighting what was between them. I loved seeing James bring Serena to life and take her out of her comfort zone.

What really lost me though and took me out of this story more than once was the constant push and pull. I don't think that I have ever read a book that had so many break-ups and reconciliations in such a short amount of time. These two could not get things figured out for longer than a few days without something going wrong, and to be honest it became really tiresome. Either James would push Serena away, or Serena would cut and run. It just was too much and happened too often. I kept waiting for things to finally turn around and each time something else would happen. The constant jealousy and outside influences also got old. These two had enough problems with everything that had going on that they really didn't need the added drama of those around them getting involved. By the time that we got around to the ending, I honestly felt like it was abrupt and not as believable as it could have been. I had hoped for an epilogue or something because after all the push and pull it was hard for me to believe that they had both finally figured things out. I will admit that I really loved Jess and Parker. They were really likable characters and I found them interesting from the start. I can't wait to read their story next and see exactly what has been going on between the two of them. I really hope that they don't do the same hot and cold thing though, because I am really not sure that I could handle that again. I did like James a lot and I liked Serena even with the issues I had with her, and I had to finish Lost In Us to see what would happen. It was a good story overall, I just was expecting so much more after having read the novella. I think that this is one that had a ton of potential and I think that a lot of people will still really enjoy this story. This is definitely one that readers who like a lot of angst will probably want to read and I think that many New Adult fans will find this one to be something that they can relate to. I look forward to reading the next installment in the series though and can't wait for more Parker and Jess!

**ARC provided by Xpresso Book Tours**

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Feature and Giveaway: Lost in Us by Layla Hagen

Serena has learned to live with her past, locking her secrets and nightmares deep inside her. But when her boyfriend of six years abruptly leaves her, she’s catapulted back into pain, nursing a broken heart. When indulging in mountains of chocolate doesn’t work, Serena decides the best way to deal with her shattered heart is to indulge in something else. A rebound . . .

The night she swaps her usual Sprite for tequila, she meets James. The encounter is breathtaking.
Electrifying.
And best not repeated.

James is a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. A man who has amassed a fortune by taking risks. A man who has shunned commitment completely, and still does. He’s the exact opposite of Serena. But sometimes opposites attract. Sometimes they give in to burning passion. Sometimes opposites are perfect for each other.

James is everything her damaged soul could want. His kisses are intoxicating, his touch out of this world. He makes her forget. He grants her peace from her pain. But as they grow closer, Serena discovers she isn’t the only one with a past. James carries the scars of a past much darker than hers. One that has left him damaged, hurt, and wary of love. A past that gives him the power to shatter her.

Now James and Serena must find a way to mend one another. Or risk losing each other forever.

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