Review: Your One True Love by Layla Hagen

KA
Nov 1, 2017
7 min read

Look what is finally available. I was so so so excited for Daniel and Caroline's book and it didn't disappoint. This is going to be one Second-Chance romance that you're going to love!

About YOUR ONE TRUE LOVE

She’s the one who got away.

This time, he refuses to let her slip through his fingers.

Daniel Bennett has no regrets, except one: letting go of the woman he loved years ago. He wouldn’t admit it out loud, but he’s been pining for Caroline ever since. But his meddling family can read him like an open book. So when his sisters kick up their matchmaking shenanigans, Daniel decides to play right along. After all, he built his booming adventure business by making the most out of every opportunity. And he has no intention of missing out on opportunity to be near Caroline.

Determined to keep her heart in check, Caroline Dunne knows better than to fall for Daniel’s charms again--even though the man is a walking temptation. Everything from his sexy smile to his charming banter makes her toes curl and her heart throb. Even with their lives going in separate directions, neither can ignore the magnetic pull between them, or deny their connection. But will they find the second chance they've both wanted all along?

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon US - Paperback

Amazon UK - Paperback

Audiobook Info to follow

EXCERPT

Wordlessly, Daniel picks me up, carrying me to the bedroom. How did I end up in his arms for the second time today? After breakfast, I was too sick to take it all in, but now... oh my, am I making up for that.

Every nerve ending where my bare skin presses against Daniel is perking up. The bits covered by the towel aren’t faring much better. A light shudder passes through me when Daniel lays me on the bed. To my dismay, he sits on the edge, pulling my left ankle in his lap, inspecting it.

“Does it hurt?”

“No.” I flex it a little, testing it out. “Definitely no sprain, but I’m going to have bruises tomorrow all over my left side. I think you bring me bad luck. I seem to have all sorts of accidents when I’m around you. First I nearly sprained my ankle at Blake and Clara’s wedding, and today—”

“You scared ten years off my life today.” Daniel shakes his head, putting my foot back on the mattress.

He’s frowning as he shifts his weight until he sits right next to my hips. I don’t like that frown one bit, but then I remember Daniel isn’t mine to make happy. Still, I can lighten up the situation.

“Hmm, now that you mention it, I can see two white hairs. Weren’t there before. Must have sprouted while I was asleep.”

Reaching out, I’m aiming to touch a random spot on his scalp, but somehow end up running my hand through his hair. Damn it, he’s not mine to touch. Why do I keep forgetting this?

My heart thumps wildly when I realize Daniel’s leaning into my hand as if... as if he’s been yearning for my touch as much as I’ve yearned for his. Has he missed me just as much?

I barely formulate the thought when he grabs my hand, kissing the inside of my wrist. I feel the contact reverberate through my entire body until my center is on fire. Goose bumps erupt everywhere on my skin, and I have no way to hide them. Daniel’s pupils dilate. I’m not the only one who is aroused.

“You look even more beautiful than I remember, Caroline.”

I shake my head. “I’ve put on weight.”

“You’re perfect. You’re—”

Daniel doesn’t finish the sentence. Instead, he leans over, sealing his lips against mine. Oh God, his lips. They’re so warm and feel so, so good against mine that I fist his shirt without thinking, pulling him even closer, scooting over to one side, making space for him.

REVIEW

Rating: 5 Stars

Daniel Bennett and Caroline Dunne dated almost 10 years ago, both have stayed in touch with each other’s families. The Bennett sisters are notorious for matchmaking and have spent years trying to convince Daniel and Caroline to give it another shot; Daniel and Caroline find it comical the lengths they go to. They always find a way to let them down gently, the problem is, they both still have feelings for each other but after heartbreak and ten years apart can they risk opening up to each other again?

Layla Hagen never ceases to impress me with her writing talent. This series hit me with all the feels for so many reasons. It makes me laugh, cry and, swoon in equal measure. Just when I think she’s covered every trope and every subplot possible she comes back and hits me with another. There is a subject in this book which is very close to my heart and although I felt to was too fast (that’s just because of my personal experience and I know I’m being vague but no spoilers! – but it’s the epilogue so when you read it feel free to send me a message to discuss), the rest was just perfect and highlights the subject very well.

Layla, Layla, Layla. Every time I read another Bennett book I think it’s the best yet. I’ve gone through so many book boyfriends with this series that I’m starting to worry about myself. Daniel was no exception. I just adored him, Blake is still in the lead though, but his twin is right behind him. Those party brothers sure turned out well. I haven’t read many second chance romance books but after this one maybe I need to start. Even if that trope isn’t your thing, I think you’ll like this book. Although the book is a standalone and you can dive right in with Daniel and Caroline’s story I’d recommend starting at the beginning because this is a wonderful series with interconnecting characters and you’re going to want each siblings story. Bring on Summer’s!!!!!

Caroline Dunne we’ve seen here and there in the other books and I was always intrigued by her. She was obviously still in love with Daniel, but I always assumed the feeling wasn’t mutual. Her life has changed since they were together, and she has worries she didn’t have before. I enjoyed that aspect of the story and it gave her character that bit of internal conflict. I could relate to Caroline more than most of the female characters in this series. Her concerns about bringing up a certain issue she has hits very close to home. I felt a real connection to her and must admit I shed a few tears on her behalf. Daniel Bennett hasn’t really played that big of a part in the other books, except his incident in Your Alluring Love, so although I was excited to read his book I also didn’t know what to expect. Being Blake’s twin, I had high hopes though…and he’s a Bennett! Gah! He is a total sweetheart. The way he was with Caroline, was just adorable, he had those cheeky yet charming traits down pat. He felt very British to me. Maybe it was some of the phrases he used, I dunno, but it suited his character well.

I adored their relationship so much. The way they knew each other but were also learning about each other. The things that had changed. The respect they had for one another was beautiful to witness and how they didn’t push the other and gave themselves the right to be happy again. There was no big break up like in a lot of romances, they knew what they wanted and what they’d be losing so they worked at it. That’s not to say they didn’t have any conflict to contend with, just that it wasn’t blown up, one of my pet peeves in romance fiction is lack of communication and thankfully that isn’t the case with this book – I didn’t have to shout at the characters. It was simply beautiful. The sex scenes were sexy as f*** and played such an important role in the story that it never felt like too much or misplaced. And boy, did they make up for lost time in the bedroom department. Talk about steaming up my kindle. When Caroline finally tells Daniel about the secret she has I was incredibly emotional and if I didn’t like Daniel before, his reaction would have made me fall madly in love with him. It’s a testament to Layla Hagen’s skill that she can evoke such reactions from her readers.

Want to win? Layla Hagen is having a great giveaway! hyperurl.co/FBgiveawayLH

Be sure to join Layla Hagen and a ton of amazing authors at the One Click Addict Support Group on Saturday, November 4th for an incredible day long celebration with tons of fun and giveaways! https://www.facebook.com/groups/OneClickAddictSupportGroup/