I love Lauren Layne stories! I always find myself lost in her characters' worlds and I know it'll be a killer HEA with her! In Love Story, I really enjoyed how the chapters would flip from current time, to what happened between Lucy and Reece growing up. Lauren wove their pasts in nicely with things that were happening with them in current day. The reader got a nice perspective into the characters because the chapters flipped between perspectives. I really enjoyed that about this book. And watching their story play out was so sweet! The build-up was tasty and I couldn't wait to see how things would play out. Lucy and Reece knew each other growing up, but they didn't know the adult version of each other. They had the basics down, but this road trip allowed them to get to know each other all over again. It was sweet, funny, sassy, happy and heartbreaking, i.e. all the feels!!!! I wanted to savor this book and didn't want to it be over. I highly recommend this read!

What happens when the one man you love has been missing from your life, but your feelings haven't diminished? You set off on a trip across the country together.

Lucy and Reece set off on an explosive journey across the country so that they can both start their new lives in a new place not far from each other. As they make the journey together, they learn not only a lot about each other and the reasons for the actions that followed their night of passion, but they also learn a lot about who they are now and where they are heading.

This is a story of new beginnings. A story of knowing that just because you are turning the chapter in the story of your life, doesn't mean that everything has to be left behind. Lauren Layne has done it again. She brings us an amazing, captivating, hot, and breathtaking story of second chances. You can feel the tension coming from the pages. The emotions that grip you are unlike anything I was expecting.

Lauren has written a story that is sure to break your heart only to put it together again. It doesn't hurt that Reece is so amazing. This is one book you won't want to miss.

Love Story is pretty much a second chance at love romance via road trip. I mean that combination alone is catnip for romance readers like me. Road Trips are basically a very good way to get to know your travelling partner and in Love Story's scenario said travelling partners were once childhood BFFs, first love and well basically first adult relationship. Its the perfect way to rehash, revisit and to fall in love again. Lucy and Reece they just tug at your heartstrings, with their honest emotions and that push and pull attraction they have with each other. Their romance is all out captivating for the most part because all their obstacles (before the happy ending of course) seems really trivial but all too real life. Ms. Layne has continuously outdone herself in writing stories that resonates well with readers. She has struck the balance between a romantic comedy that really strikes into the heart of what makes romantic relationships well romantic and Love Story fits the bill to a T.

.A story about second chances is always a big story, and this is no different.Although this book isn't my favorite this author is still a light and romantic story that always warms my heart.

It’s no secret that I am a Lauren Layne fangirl. She could write a computer manual, and I would read it… and I’d probably like it. Love Story is the third stand-alone book in her Love Unexpectedly series. Yes, I have read the first two book in the series, but you do not need to read them before Love Story. (Of course, they should be in your TBR pile though, because they are great.)

While Love Story isn’t my favorite of the series, it is a fun second-chance romance with a sassy heroine and a sexy, broody hero. Lucy Hawkins and Reece Sullivan grew up together. He is her brother’s best friend and basically became a member of their family after his mother died. When Lucy and Reece were eighteen and nineteen respectively, they gave into the attraction they’d felt for years. Reece de-virginized Lucy and cheated on her the next day breaking her heart. Reece blames Lucy for their breakup, but she’s not sure why. They have not really spoken in years and are still both pretty pissed at each other.

Both Reece and Lucy are moving from the East Coast to the West Coast, and Lucy’s parents scheme to get them to share a car on the cross-country move. Neither are happy to be stuck together in a vehicle for two weeks, and they butt heads constantly at the beginning of the drive. Being in such close quarters eventually forces them to confront the past and in doing so, they realize they both still care for each other. It is a long road trip filled with funny moments, heartfelt memories and sweet times.

Love Story is on the younger, lighter side of contemporary romance, and it is perfect if you need a little shot of sexy without a lot of angst.

***3 ‘It pains me’ Stars***

Ever since finding the Oxford series I’ve been an LL fan and get all kinds of squee happy when I hear that she’s about to release a new book. I love her characters, flaws and all, and can’t wait to dive in and experience the journey they will take to get to their HEA’s and I felt the same as I dove into Love Story. So it pains me, actually wince worthy PAINS me, to say that this one just didn’t do it for me. The smexy was all kinds of LL amazing, and can say that I did like it, but I just didn’t love it.

They say first impressions last forever, and for the most part that is true, though after getting to know a person they can change, but that first initial feeling will always be there beneath the surface and that is unfortunately what happened with Reece. I felt for the guy, I did. He was dealt a shit hand in life and it shaped him into the man he is and there is a part of me that understood him and saw the good man underneath the armour. But unfortunately the man I met after only 10% in was an absolute asshat with what was going through his head and actions and though he did things that were sweet and finally pulled his head out of his ass, I can only say that I liked him.

Then there is Lucy, who I really did like. She’s known what she’s wanted to do with her life from a young age. She wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth, takes nothing for granted and has worked her ass off to make her dream become reality. I loved her drive and how much she appreciated what she had. This isn’t to say that she was an angel, there were moments where I wanted to give a good Gibbs style smack upside the head, but I still liked her.

When it comes to a friends to young lovers to enemies to lovers trope you know going in there will be quite a bit of angsty drama and that much of the reason for the enemies part will be due to hurt pride and lack of communication. It is also inevitable that the MC’s are going to be going for each other’s throats and all that pent up tension will turn into all kinds of smexy goodness, and it all happens here. Through flashbacks we get experience how Reece and Lucy become friends and young lovers and it is sweet and its heart wrenching to experience as they are constantly sniping at each other in the present day. And then we find out what turned them to enemies and I have to say I lay a mass majority of it on Reece and the rest on them simply being teenagers. As for the enemies to lovers part of the journey, the constant bickering was just too immature for me, it gave me a headache instead of amusing me and, again, a lot of it rested on Reece’s shoulders. How he saw Lucy and her accomplishments, especially since he was so close with her family and knew her, just pissed me off. Had he not known her as well as he did I would have felt differently, but I just saw him as a whiny little bitch who needed to get over himself. Reece does pull his head out of his ass and they do finally open up to each other about all the crap that happened in their past, though it takes a long damn time, and in the end I can say that they do belong together.

I wanted to love this book as much as I’ve loved the other books I’ve read by LL, but I can only say I liked it, which I’m sure some will be scratching their heads about after reading the review and seeing my rating, but there are two main reasons for the 3 stars. 1) I kept turning the pages despite the ache to my head and my eyes from all the rolling they were doing. 2) I have to give props to Ms. Layne for bringing out that much emotion, though not necessarily positive, over a character and making it so intense that I needed to see that character evolve and he did. Although this book did necessarily work for me, I think that if you’re an LL fan and/or love uber angsty drama you should give it a go and make up your own mind.

Lucy has finished university, and is getting ready to move to California Wine country to start her new life as a marketing guru for a vineyard. Planning a 2 week journey across the country from Virginia to California, she’s working to her endgame. But then, her ancient Craig’s list car purchase dies a horrible death, and her parents, always thinking and helpful, offer her the old family station wagon as transport to her new life. Only one issue, it comes with Reece, her brother’s best friend, her lifelong crush, the man who broke her teenaged heart.

Reece never had things easy: from his mother’s unexpected death when he was 9 to his father’s depression and alcoholism, his older sister’s withdrawal and absence: the Hawkins family has been his safe space, his shelter, and his retreat. Not going off to university, he’s watched as Lucy plans the next move, the next step, her next big thing: all while leaving him behind. Everyone leaves him behind. But with his own skill with the grapes, he’s worked himself into a position as a winemaker: earning praise and an offer in Napa as well. The station wagon was to be his – for fixing it up it would get him across the country, and to and from his job. He didn’t expect, nor want, to be GPS’d by Lucy and her ‘road trip’ plans, and he certainly doesn’t want to be cooped up with a woman he can’t stand. Well, except for the glances, and the wishes, and the memories.

A cute and clever story that replayed in alternate POV with flashbacks from Lucy and Reece as they were growing up, and their relationship was playing out. From the lashing out from fear and hurt through the friction of the undeniable chemistry, the two bicker, laugh, and struggle through the rather indirect route to their new lives. With a crisis point that brings them both to realize that “have a nice life” is not how their story was meant to end, the story is engaging and quick to read. Perfect for readers who have yet to sample a book from Lauren Layne, this brings the emotion, the humor and the underlying heart that is common to all her books, with a few moments of steam that keep things interesting.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

What’s it About? Love Story is a second chance romance between childhood sweethearts Reece Sullivan and Lucy Hawkins who have years of misunderstandings to clear up. They get that chance when Lucy receives a job offer in California and she decides to drive cross country. Her family helps her out by giving her the keys to the family station wagon that’s seen better days. The catch is that she won’t be going alone. Her brother’s best friend Reece is going along because he also got a job in California. Reece and Lucy’s past isn’t general knowledge so her family isn’t aware that these two can’t be in the same room for more than two minutes without hurling hurtful accusations and insults at each other. But two weeks in a car has a way of forcing things to the surface.


Describe the hero in five words: Bitter. Loyal. Stubborn. Smart. Snarky.

Did you like him? Yes and no.

Why? Reece sacrificed a lot to care for his father and that isn’t something that is easy to overlook. He had a lifetime of hardships and tragedy that shaped him into the closed off man he was but at the same time it left Reece with some serious abandonment issues which did influence his personality. I was definitely on board with how vulnerable Reece’s back story made him. He was alpha with a dose of insecurity and he could be emotionally hurt as evidenced with his past with Lucy. It left a lasting impact and I felt for him, he was caught between a rock and a hard place because while his relationship with Lucy imploded, Reece was still considered family by the rest of the Hawkins and he genuinely cared about them. At the same time though I felt he was so stupidly stubborn to hold onto something long passed that it blinded him to the opportunity he had to set things straight and to get answers he needed. Reece really didn’t have any growth until maybe the last fourth of the book or so. By then it was a case of too little too late to be believable. He had moments of being flat out mean with Lucy too and that I couldn’t excuse with “Oh but his past with her…”


Describe the heroine in five words: Tough. Determined. Stubborn. Snarky. Intelligent.

Did you like her? Yes.

Why? The fact that Lucy left home to accomplish her dreams despite how hard it would be had me liking her. She was young and ambitious without being callous and cruel about it. Her youth did show in her sometimes immature behavior towards Reece, actually they brought out the other’s inner brat. Lucy made the best of her situation though and she had moments of true compassion towards Reece even when he didn’t deserve it. She didn’t take his crap though, if he snapped at her she snapped back. I’m glad she wasn’t a doormat for Reece to take out his frustrations on because she didn’t deserve all the blame for their failed romance. She got big points for trying to put herself out there and not only be there for Reece as a friend but to show him she still cared about him even though he could be nasty towards her at times.


How convincing were the main characters as a couple? Here is where I ran into some trouble. The physical attraction was there buried under the mutual animosity but that’s what dominated Love Story: Lust and Resentment. I loved the flashbacks to their youths because I got a feeling of how much they loved each other but that didn’t exactly have me believing in their love in the present. It wasn’t until maybe that last fourth of the story that they finally did what they should have did sooner: Talk it out like adults. No insults. No assumptions. Just the bald truth. That last fourth was the real kicker, that’s when I felt their connection but I needed that connection much sooner or at least the beginnings of change instead of rushing it at the end.



Is there a “Scooby Gang” worth mentioning? Except for Lucy’s family in the beginning it’s just Reece and Lucy the whole way through.


How “Lost” did you get in the story? The alternating first person POV gave me insight into both characters’ driving traits and I loved that about Love Story. First person has always given me a hard time getting into the story but being able to see things from Reece’s point of view and then Lucy’s gave me a bigger picture to go on and allowed me to be fair to both characters. The premise of a road trip was fun even if Reece’s actions weren’t always likable.



Click It or Skip It? Click it if you’re a fan of Lauren Layne, angst ridden second chance romances, or road trips!

This is a second chance story that will put them on a journey in a form of a road trip. This is a 4 star story.

Reece is best friends with Lucy's older brother. They've always been in each other's lives. They have history but many years separate them from the last time they saw each other which didn't end so well. They are now both on their way to California. Lucy had a road trip all planned out, by herself. But her family had other plans, they don't want her to go by alone. Since Reece is going the same way, they put them together. A very interesting road trip.

I always admired this author's style of writing. This one is beautifully written and well executed. A storyline that involves road trips have never been my favourite. But I was able to make it work with this one. The bantering between the both of them was funny and very entertaining. So it made it an enjoyable read. There were a few surprises along the way in order to make it quite interesting. The story does go back in forth in time.

Standalone told in dual POV with an HEA. If the readers are in the mood for a road trip, this is the story to read.

Lauren Layne is back with another addition to her "Blurred Lines" series. Those of you who are fans of Layne's writing know how amazing her storylines and characters are, not to mention the intense chemistry between the hero and heroine. Well, this book is no different. So if you are looking for a book with a witty narrative and characters whose dialogues leave you laughing out loud and whose chemistry constantly simmers in the background, than look no further.

Lucy Hawkins has just finished collage and is set to start her dream job in Napa. But before setting off on her new life, she's planning on spending a few days with her family in Virginia and than taking a road trip to San Francisco. But when her small car breaks down, she is left with her family's faithful old car. A car that has been affectionately named "Horny". The only catch is that she has to take along Reece. Her older brother's best friend and her first love and the guy who she gave her virginity to. Too bad that they can't stand each other's guts.

Reece Sullivan lost his mother at an early age and than her sister when she left without a backwards glance. The Hawkins are the only family that he has ever known. Lucy has always been there for Reece, since the day that she sat by him trying to get his mind off his late mother. Their relationship morphed into something hotter and more intimate in time. But when an incident leads them apart, they become enemies, swearing to keep their distance from one another. After losing his father, Reece decides to start all over again in a new place and sets off to the wine capital of the States. The only problem is that his journey is going to take a lot longer than he anticipated with a travel mate that he is finding harder and harder to ignore as the journey leads them to their destination.

Fans of Lauren Layne who follow her monthly newsletter will find the witty narrative familiar and almost feel like Lauren is the one speaking. For those who are not yet subscribed to the newsletter, do so immediately. Another win by Layne! Not to be missed!

People who know me know that I RARELY do second-chance romances nor do I love flashbacks. There's something about them that make me anxious as I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. But NONE of this applies to Lauren Layne. NONE. This woman can tell a story that will suck you in. You will swoon, cheer, laugh and tear up because she makes you FEEL. I would willingly read the dictionary if Ms. Layne wrote it because I know it would stay with me. That's what her books do to me. They become a part of you to cherish and revisit at another time with a smile on your face.

Reece and Lucy have a volatile history. Once neighbors an confidantes, all that has changed when 16 year old Reece gave Lucy her first kiss at 15 years old. Fast forward nine years and a lot has happened. They have loved and lost (each other) and after years of silence are finally going to deal with it, being forced on a two week road trip. But what happens when truths come out the other isn't expecting to hear? Is forgiveness an option or is it better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all?

I absolutely love Ms. Layne and her writing style because she never hesitates to BRING it. She writes the hottest alpha men and the sassiest women who bring them to their knees, but she always brings a bucket load of emotions (and tears) right along with it. She gives you the gut punch you need to bring tears to your eyes and the feels to your belly. Reece was hot as heck. But vulnerable and emotional Reece? Lord bring me the tissues and the fire extinguisher! That man was delicious!

All in All I LOVED Love Story and can not wait for more from this #autoclick author! Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula

3.5 "We're in trouble here..." Stars!

The third book in Lauren Layne’s Love Unexpectedly series offers up a road-trip of sorts between two childhood friends, turned lovers, turned enemies.

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Lauren is an author whose writing I never struggle to read, and for the most part all of the books I have read by her have been enjoyable, Love Story wasn’t a struggle, I pretty much read it in one sitting, but for me the connection between Reece and Lucy lacked a little of the spark that I have come to expect from this authors couples now.

"let’s get this nightmare on the road."

This is a couple that have been through the wringer together from a very early age, and told from dual POV as well as dipping back to their younger years at points, you pretty much take that journey from childhood to adult with them both to the present, as they drive across the country in a beat up truck called… Horny.

"We may hate each other, but we’re a part of each other."

As I said I didn’t struggle to read this book at all, but I generally read a book by this author in a perpetual state of excitement, and that kind of fizzled out quickly for me with this one, the constant merry-go-round with them battling with each other over every little thing on the journey, coupled with the odd gesture of kindness lacked any real backbone for me, and it felt more like they were behaving that way because the author thought they should rather than their personalities dictated.

Damn but I want her. Always her. Maybe only her.

I know what you are saying, the author gave them their personalities so how can I be saying they were acting out of character? But for me they just both seemed too nice in general to be acting as they were towards each other. The reason for the conflict again seemed a tad flimsy for the level of dislike, especially from Reece’s perspective, but again I will reiterate, I did not struggle to read the book.

Not my favorite book by Lauren Layne, but then I have had such a long and illustrious line of winners from this author in the last couple of years it stands to reason that at some point something isn’t going to quite hit the high level of expectation I have from her now. I’d still recommend it if you are looking for a quick and easy read to get you through a few hours of inactivity.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.

Passionate, emotional and fun!

This is a second-chance romance about loss, friendship, heartbreak, miscommunication, forgiveness, trust, family, good wine and love.

The characters are young, hard-working, stubborn and dependable, The writing is clear. And the plot is a literal road trip that starts with friction and hostility in Virginia and ends with commitment and romance in San Francisco.

Overall, I found this story to be an easy, charming, sweet read that is perfect for Valentine's Day and for all those who love happy-ever-after endings!

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Random House - Loveswept, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

"I'm realizing that I knew the boy. I knew the boy better than he knew himself. But the man? The man is new. The man is hot."

"I thought I wanted her when I was nineteen, but it's nothing compared to what I feel now."

I'm just going to say it...I can't even with this story!!! I'm so in love with it!!

Everything about it made me feel something.
The second chances. The memories. The friendship. The loss. The forgiveness. The neverending love.

Lucy and Reece were childhood sweethearts without even realizing it. Their deep connection was always there. This story was so pure and real. You got caught up in their world and never wanted to leave.

"Tell me, Lucy."
"Tell you what?"
"That you want this. That you want me."
"I want this. I want you."

Thrown together on a whirlwind roadtrip, these two struggle to deal with the past that left them both heartbroken. As they drive across the country, secrets are revealed, hearts are broken all over again, and surprisingly enough, friendship and love still conquer all.

I love the trip (no pun intended) that Lauren Layne takes you on! You feel so much for both Lucy and Reece. You root for them to make it. You feel what they feel. And you struggle when they do.

I didn't expect to become emotional while reading this book. But I did. At one point, I couldn't stop the tears because it was SO REAL!!

"We're in trouble here, huh?"
"Yeah, Luce. We're in trouble."

I didn't want this book to end!! I want so much more from these two! Not to mention Lucy's family! I adore them!

Thank you, Lauren, for writing a relatable story about friends-to-lovers with a little love/hate thrown in! I enjoyed every moment and every single page!

If you want to write more about Lucy and Reece, or Lucy's family, I'm totally down;)

"If our story has taught me anything, it's that the wait is always worth it."

Review by Amber for Love Romance Books

Lucy has loved her brother's best friend Reece since the fourth grade. Reese thought about Lucy as a little sister...until he came home from college after his freshman year at nineteen. He all of a sudden saw Lucy in a different light, and couldn't stay away. They had a great summer that ended with a nasty breakup. Six years later, Lucy has her master's degree and is ready to start her dream job in California. She wants to take a two-week road trip on her way there, and thanks to her parents, she has an unexpected road-trip buddy: Reece!

They haven't seen each other for a while, but they both need to get to California, so find themselves agreeing to the idea. Over the next two weeks, they find

This was a great read! I would give it 4.5 stars. I liked the characters and the story. Throughout the book you see flashbacks of their past relationship, all the way to when they first met. It seems like they were fated from the beginning, or at least that is what it feels like by the end of the book.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this sweet little romance. I am amazed by how consistantly good Lauren Layne's romance have been and this book is no exception. This was a really quick read for me. I read the whole thing in just a few hours but it didn't feel like a small book. There was really a lot going on in this story and it all worked well. I had a really nice time learning Lucy and Reece's love story.

Lucy and Reece have known each other forever. Almost forever at least. Reece is Lucy's older brother's best friend and he has been almost like an extra family member since he was in grade school. Lucy is only one year behind her brother and Reece in school so they really grew up together in a lot of ways. This story was filled with scenes from their past together which were a lot of fun to read and brought a lot ot the story.

Lucy and Reece were a couple back when they were teenagers. It didn't last long and ended very poorly when Lucy found Reece kissing his ex. Their relationship has never recovered and they both still have a hard time getting along with each other. Lucy and Reece are both moving to the West Coast and Lucy's parents push them into making the drive together. Lucy has a detailed plan of all the things she wants to see on the way to California and wants to take two weeks to make the trip.

I liked Lucy and Reece. They obviously had a lot of strong feelings about everything that had happened in their past. At the start of the trip, they were very angry with each other but as they spent more time with each other the chemistry became obvious. Reece was a good guy and the more we learned about him the more I liked him. Lucy was a lot of fun. I could tell how much pain she still carried due to her break up with Reece but she has worked hard to move on with her life. I really could see them as a couple and thought that their relationship seem authentic.

I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This is a quick and incredibly satisfying story that was a lot of fun to read. This book is listed as the third book in a series but the books in this series aren't really connected so this book reads as a stand alone story. I can't wait to read more from Lauren Layne soon!

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley.

4 1/2 Stars! Reece and Lucy have been in love with each other since they were children, but were too afraid to admit it. Reece broke Lucy's heart when she was 18 and she hasn't seen him since. But 6 years later, after getting a college degree, she is back home for a few days before she starts her new job across the country in California. She plans on taking 2 weeks to gets there so she can do some sight seeing along the way. But when her car breaks down, she is stuck going on this vacation with Reece in her parent's old station wagon ... as he is also on his way to California for a new job. Between the silence and the arguments about everything along the way, these two don't know how to feel about each other. I laughed and cried with them and sometimes I even would have like to slap them!

The thing I liked most about this book is that Reece wasn't rich or arrogant ... he was just a normal guy trying to find his way in life. And Lucy wasn't a doormat or a snob ... she was just trying to be the best that she could be. If you like a good laugh, romance and a little bit of steam, then this is a book you need to read!

I received an ARC copy courtesy of Random House - Loveswept through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Favorite Quotes:

I don’t exactly love how isolated the motel is, and I’m betting the locks on the doors wouldn’t withstand a strong fart.

The way her pen moves furiously across the notebook gives me no doubts about what she’s writing: how she plans to kill me and bury the body.

Well this is progress… I’d half expected to find you ass down on the bed, melted cheese in your hair.

Just like that, the happy butterflies making Lucy’s heart beat too fast had their wings ripped off.

Mostly, it’s that freaking cologne he’s taken to wearing since that night in Miami. I don’t know what the hell it’s called, but they should rename it: Lucy Hawkins’s Cooter Kryptonite.


My Review:

Love Story was essentially a cross-country road trip made by two exes in an ancient station wagon named Horny. The characters were often in conflict with each other but were otherwise appealing and likable. Ms. Layne always does an excellent job of crafting heart-squeezing backstories that keep the reader sympathetic to the characters’ turmoil and less than desirable reactions. The storyline was filled with often amusing yet generally childish bickering between the two exes, who were both still secretly pining six years later. The bickering was broken up by periods of inner musing by both protagonists, which were filled with memories of their childhood and brief romance; as well as full-blown arguments, a growing uncomfortable sexual tension, and then they circled back to bickering. Written from a dual POV – which is my favorite – Love Story was emotive, engaging, angsty, humorous, and little steamy.

Lucy and Reece have been friends since childhood. In fact, Lucy's brother is Reece's best friend. Now they are taking an unexpected road trip and have time to come to grips with what went wrong. Reece was Lucy's first lover and biggest heartbreak. However, Reece has demons of his own. The love hate relationship they have makes it an interesting 2 weeks on the road. Fun romance!

3 “Road trips and miscommunication” Stars

ARC via NetGalley

Thank you, Loveswept

This is my first Lauren Layne book and, yes, I can see the appeal. Although I had my fair share of problems with this story, I practically read this in one sitting, so there was definitely an element there keeping me interested.

This is a second chance love story involving road trips, tons of problems that could’ve been solved with better communication and two main characters who got on my nerve quite a bit.

Let me start with Lucy Hawkins, the woman who got a job across the country and planned on driving there alone, so she could stop on the way, visit some places she’d never have the opportunity to see otherwise and surprise her boyfriend. Yeah, the blurb fails to mention this boyfriend detail, except it’s not a detail when that same blurb hints at things getting hot and sexy between the two main characters while they’re still on the road.

When I first saw a mention of Lucy’s boyfriend, which was early on, I got angry. I didn’t want to go through a love story that was founded on cheating. Lucky for me this wasn’t the case. I guess leaving that part out of the blurb kind of made sense since it could’ve pushed away readers with the same fear as mine. Especially because the boyfriend wasn’t even in the story for too long. That raises the question: was he necessary for the story at all? I’d say no.

Anyway… Lucy faces a problem with her road trip plans when her car breaks down and she’s forced to travel in the company of Reece Sullivan, her brother’s BFF, her longtime crush, the guy who slept with her then cheated on her, therefore breaking her trust and heart.

You can see how I had a hard time warming up to Reece with an introduction like that, right?

Reece didn’t make things easier, because he’s pretty much rude and a jerk from moment on. I mean, okay, I can take that for a moment because he seems to be really angry at her for something, too. That something, I later learned, was leaving him like everyone else in his family did.

So, right away I get the sense that these two are really suffering from a serious case of “I-think-you-did-something-bad-but-you-actually-didn’t”. If only they sat down and talked about it.

Good thing they’ll have plenty of time to do that since they’ll be spending two weeks in a car with nothing else to do, right? Except they don’t talk at all. They bicker, fight over radio stations, dance around the reasons they resent each other, try to ignore the sexual tension. Anything but talk.

That’s when I start to lose my patience a little. The thing with a conflict based solely on lack of communication is that you have to find a way for the two people holding a grudge to be unable to communicate. Otherwise, why aren’t they talking? There has to be more than that. In Love Story there isn’t. The only thing keeping Reece and Lucy from learning the truth about their past is their own stubbornness.

This is especially jarring since the outcome of the conversation is pretty easy to figure out from moment one. We wouldn’t have a cheating love interest/main character, would we?

When we learn what truly happened all those years back, I’m afraid it doesn’t help Reece’s case at all. I was already not on Reece’s team because he continued to act a lot ruder than the situation called for, and the revelation only made him look worse. The whole thing behind the “cheating incident” was truly childish. To be completely fair to him, I can kind of see where he was coming from with all the things that had happened with his family, but it was still so immature of him to do what he did then. Even more immature to repeat the mistake when he was twenty-five years old. Didn’t you learn anything, boy?

Lucy wasn’t that much better. The girl had no backbone when it came to Reece, and that was even more clear toward the end.

In the end, Reece ended up doing the right thing, but he still didn’t grow on me. The way he acted in the prologue had me narrowing my eyes at him once again, which is definitely not the best way to end a story.

Despite these problems, the sexual tension was palpable. The initial hate and love thing made for an interesting and addictive dynamic, and when they gave in to their attraction things were extremely hot. This being a romance novel, the chemistry between the main characters is one of the most important points. For that reason, I’m choosing a positive rating for this book.

*Review will be posted on Amazon on the publication date*