This book very quickly pulled me into its clutches! I was enthralled with Taylor and Nick. They had a pull towards one another but timing was always off. Then, their banter was so fun to watch and I found myself laughing out loud at times. It was a love/hate relationship that the reader can't help but get lost in. This book brought the FEELS; there were moments throughout this book that consumed me.
Taylor may have come off cold at first, but when circumstances changed, Nick took the time to get to know her. Learning about her past was sad and I couldn't help but want Nick to show her compassion/love and let her know she was worthy. Life threw them together in a way neither one expected. And he was there for her in a moment of weakness and in other ways no one else had ever been for her. I enjoyed watching their budding friendship and watching Taylor's defenses come down bit-by-bit. He was exactly what she needed and she was the one to make him reevaluate things. I enjoyed the realness in their story and the way Lauren Layne pulls the reader into their journey.

I'm one of those lucky people that really do like most of what I read. Even with liking most everything I'm still one of those people that usually don't just read in a quite room. I need sound around me like the TV or even sometimes the radio.

More often then not I have the TV going. Which means that I usually take slightly longer to read because I'm paying attention to two things at one time.

It's how I am, and I deal with it. But sometimes I will read a book that totally takes me away from my love of the TV and is all consuming. I Knew You Were Trouble did just that. I missed a whole part of my show while I was reading it. Not that I minded of course, I was to busy enjoying the story.

We know both Taylor and Nick from a prior book. I wasn't really sure about either. Mostly because we really didn't get to know them that much, plus I wasn't sure about their characters. Taylor came off cold and Nick a trouble maker.

Two peas in a pod, right? Well it turned out that there was so much more to them. This is why you shouldn't rush to judge. As I read the beginning of the story I was still on the page of...crap, not going to be my thing, then the story opened up for me and I swear I heard music (not the TV theme song type, more the birds and church type) above me.

I found myself so lost in their story and unable to get out. I had...no, needed to know what was up with these two. I totally loved the idea of them moving in together no matter what their personal reasons for doing so was. It really helped these two characters move forward as a couple.

I Knew You Were Trouble is just like all of Layne's books, it's full of humor, love, great characters and is well written. You'll find yourself lost in the moment and it will be hard to pull out. I have a feeling I'll be thinking about this one for a while to come. As much as this story can stand on it's own, I'd go back and start the series from the beginning. You don't have to go all the way back to the Stiletto Series even though there are a few characters overlapping, but I would start the Oxford series from the beginning and read it through.

Think of all the fun you'll have this summer.

Loved this story!! If your looking for lovers who started off with a love/hate relationship then this is the book for you. It's definitely a hot read!!

Taylor hates Nick instantly. She doesn't like him at all. But she does appreciate his looks though. He's hot and totally wrong for her.
Nick thinks Taylor is the ice princess of all women. He doesn't really even like her. But he still tries figuring her out. And soon Taylor is asking him out. The only problem is he can't. And when Nick is finally ready to make a move on Taylor she is in a relationship. Timing never seemed right. Then an opportunity arises that Nick and Taylor are roomies.
How long will their love/hate relationship with each other last?

4 stars

I Knew You Were Trouble by Lauren Layne was a great read.
From the first few pages I was hooked.
I enjoyed getting to know both Nick and Taylor. They made me laugh with their banter and the slow burn, love/hate storyline kept me turning the pages.

For me, being a huge fan of the Oxford series and the Sex, Love & Stiletto series getting to revisit with the previous characters in I Knew You Were Trouble was a huge plus.
They always manage to make me laugh and touch my heart with their love and support of each other.
They truly are one big happy family of friends who will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I Knew You Were Trouble is a wonderful addition to the The Oxford series, each book can be read as a standalone, and I highly recommend them all.

Buy Links
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Knew-You-Were-...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-kne...
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id11...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/i-kn...

*I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*

I loved this book!!! It was so much fun to see the other part of the Oxford office and get some cameos by some of my favorite Oxford boys. I loved getting more of Nick after meeting him in Someone Like You I was eager for his story and the love/hate bickering dynamic he had with Taylor was perfection. These two were combustible in every way, but were big teddy bears underneath. It was such a fun book to read and I couldn't have asked for more. As I say with every new Lauren Layne this is my new favorite and I highly recommend.

4.5 Stars ~ Top Pick

I loved Taylor and Nick’s romance. I knew when I first met them together in Someone Like You. Their interactions were tension-filled, the underlying attraction between them obvious.

I will say the beginning of the book confused me a bit and that’s because I wasn’t paying attention. It starts when Nick and Taylor meet, which is a year before the story “starts”. So I’ll I’m saying is make sure to keep your eye on the chapter markers at the beginning.

Now let’s get into the story. Taylor Carr initially comes across as a tough-as-nails woman. You may even think she has a bit of a chip on her shoulder. Women don’t take to her very easily but once they get to know her—if she lets them in—she’ll be the best friend they can have. That’s how she meshes with the other women of Stiletto series. As for Nick, it’s like she dislikes him on sight. Okay, maybe that’s an overstatement. He bugs her.


No, what bugged her was he way he watched her.

Not quite smirking, but knowing. As though he was the one person in the room who got her, and wanted her to know it.

Taylor whipped her head away, but as she turned, she could have sworn she saw him laugh. At her.

Nick Ballantine fits in with the hot men at Oxford magazine. Maybe he’s not as clean cut but he’s just as good-looking. When he meets Taylor they don’t exactly hit it off. But slowly something develops. What she doesn’t know is that Nick is involved with someone else. She thought he was single. Yeah, so did I. Then they become two ships passing in the night. When he’s single again, she’s involved with someone at her job. I loved this aspect of the story. Putting pretty substantial barriers in the way of romantic leads getting together (in the beginning) gets me every time.

That barrier is removed at the “beginning” of the book when her boyfriend dumps her the day they’re supposed to move in together. Now she needs a roommate. Guess who gets that privilege? Gotta love a roomie romance.

I loved the sexual tension between them. It doesn’t take long for them to acknowledge their attraction but she’s still getting over her ex—or so Nick believes—so their attraction continues to simmer. And simmer. Until it bursts into flames.

Beyond their sexual synergy, they have great rapport. Taylor is able to open up to Nick, telling him about being orphaned young and raised by her Aunt Karen, a distant and rather cold woman. A woman who taught her to be independent and not to need anyone, which explains why Taylor comes across the way she does—at least when we first meet her. Glimpses into her childhood made my heartache.

My heart didn’t only ache for her. Nick hasn’t had the best time of it. His last relationship ended badly. Heartbreakingly bad. Giving him reason to be wary. And you know what happens when there’s a lack of trust in a relationship. Yeah, nothing good. But of course that’s what makes Taylor and Nick’s romance so delicious and why the ending hits the mark.

I also loved catching up with Lincoln, Daisy and the rest of the Stiletto and Oxford gang. Ms. Layne does a wonderful job writing about large groups of friends. I love the camaraderie between them and the naturalness of their interactions. Every single character held my interest and at the end I wanted more.

All in all, another winner from Lauren Layne and I’m looking forward to her new series.

~ Beverley

Blog post will go up tomorrow

Why can't I work for a company like Oxford or Stiletto? Why can't I work where all the men are hot and all the women wicked smart and witty?

That's the problem with Lauren Layne's Oxford series. You want to inhabit this world.

In this purported final installment, we spend time with Nick and Taylor, a hate-at-first-sight couple. Or rather, they are a hate-that-I'm-attracted-to-you couple. Taylor earns herself a sweet job working in advertising for Oxford, where her boss is the goldenly handsome Bradley. She knows he's interested in her, but there is something about Nick. Yeah, he's full of smirks and confidence, but she is drawn to him.

Yet she agrees to date Bradley.

One of my favorite things about this book is the way Lauren Layne creates Taylor. She helps you realize why Taylor would agree to date Bradley and even to move in with him, showing you that Taylor believes - truly believes - that no one will ever love her. Bradley represents safety.

Another thing Layne does well is show you why Nick is attracted to Taylor. He suffers through her near constant ball busting because he's seen her rare - extremely rare - vulnerability. Nick may be unable to commit to a profession (he's a bartender, a freelance writer for Oxford, and he writes books), but he's open to committing to a relationship. He's a guy who creates cocktails to fit personalities, and he's someone you can count on to step in when a coworker has to take a temporary leave of absence. He's solid, even if he can't stop himself from ribbing Taylor.

Lauren Layne keeps you waiting for the sexy times, but when they erupt, they do so explosively. Your thighs will quiver with delight. The small moments, though, are what make this book so compelling. When Nick stops himself from touching Taylor or kissing her temple because he fears the message such an intimate act could send, you fall even harder for this story.

The only lapse relates to Taylor. She sort of has a rather abrupt change of heart regarding a personal decision, and you don't see the process she goes through to get to this point. Taylor and Nick are so well-developed that this lapse feels unsettling.

At the end of the book, Layne gives you hope that there might be another book in this series. Fingers crossed that she does.

3.5 Nurture's Impact Stars
* * * 1/2
Becoming a Grown-Up is hard...there is so much a person has to overcome or appreciate or deal with...There is that age old question of what makes us who we are... Are we made by our DNA or are we influenced by how we are raised or probably a combination of both...In this latest entry by Lauren Layne, she presents a person who finally is able to overcome issues of how she was raised to finally be able to love freely.

This book is part of the Oxford series and many of the other characters we have grown to love are there as ways to draw us in. If you have been reading the series, you will have a reference to the timelines. You will appreciate moments remembered and how you knew the lead up to this tale.

I will share this particular couple is not an easy one. Everything centers around timing. It also spotlights how influential it is how a person is raised. How they learn from their caretakers/parents...and how it can be an asset to create a very strong woman... but without including affection and care, it can also cause this strong woman to have an inability to show herself freely and share her feelings.

Taylor Carr is this strong, capable woman. She lost her mother very early and was raised by her Aunt Karen. This aunt had the mindset of "life happens and you just get on with it"...Now to be raised by a woman as shut down as that would naturally have an impact and to be fair, we do not know why the Aunt was like that... We can only surmise being single, working in a man's world and taking on the responsibility of raising a young child while only 22 at the time, would cause her to be as focused as she was with Taylor. Her main focus was not being a "touchy, feely Aunt... no sweet times being girly, no special Christmas memories...Aunt Karen's focus was to raise Taylor to be strong, able to deal with life in a straight forward manner, to handle challenges and not to cry because it was weak.

On the flip side, Nick Ballantine is a man raised with parents, brothers and sisters. His household was warm, caring in actions. Due to Nick's experience of sisters' and brothers' growing pains and open communication with his parents, Nick developed an insightful way of seeing more than what people presented...It worked for him as a bartender, as freelancer at Oxford and all the other things he did. It also allowed him to see through the veneer Taylor presented to the public...

So, on the first interaction with Taylor, Nick saw right away Taylor was playing a part at Oxford...
He nailed her smile didn't reach her eyes...and made a comment not meant to mean anything...
It cut Taylor to the quick...It was this comment which laid the foundation for these two to become the bickering, battling co-workers.

And oh, they were notorious for cutting remarks...others at Oxford would either get popcorn to watch the fireworks or jump in to provide a barrier to protect...

But why the digs...why so hot...
Because both actually were drawn to each other... and once each figured it out...the timing was always wrong...And for Taylor...putting herself out there to be turned down was something so painful, she retreated.

For Nick, his timing was off, too... and then he had to wait.

A day comes, though, when timing could actually be right... and it is this change when these two are tested...

This entry in the Sex, Love & Stiletto/Oxford series felt a little different then all the others. Taylor was a woman to respect work wise but was difficult to immediately love. At first, she was everything she didn't actually want to be... or at least felt like that to me... withholding of her feelings...a person who would shut down at the slightest sense of feeling anything uncomfortable between her and Nick. It was only when she let her guard down, allowing herself to feel pain and have Nick step in to ease it, did I start to see Taylor as someone who might be able to see where she needed to let go.

Nick, on the other hand, had his own issues. As a guy who had all this experience reading people and thinking he was part of something, he got hit hard in his past relationship. What he experienced caused him to wonder about himself, too. He was confident in his basics... making guy friends and doing his multiple work gigs...but there was this thing with Taylor and he would wonder about her.

This would not be a Lauren Layne book without wonderful sexy times between the pair... and they were there. Never think Layne wouldn't deliver.

There were other moments of interactions secondary characters... we got all of the Oxford Guys and their partners... we also got a new people...Brit and Hunter...so if Layne decides... I wouldn't be shocked if they show up somewhere.

Layne Lauren created a wonderful series, Sex, Love & Stiletto which then had it's offshoot, Oxford. Never doubt Layne's talent. Both of these series have provided us a terrific run of New York City career people... their life and times.

Nereyda: As you guys know, we’re big Lauren Layne fans here. Like any author, I love some of her books, like others and there have also been a few that sadly haven’t worked for me. This one falls in the middle category, I enjoyed it but there just a few things here and there that bothered me. I kind of felt like this book was kind of all over the place in terms of the story and my feelings reflected that. It had the enemies to lovers angle, the roommates angle, the wrong timing romance (they both had relationships in the beginning) and the View Spoiler ». I really liked certain parts, felt bleh about other parts and there was one certain part that I just didn’t like. If you’ve read the book and know my reading pet peeves, you probably already know what that is (unless you clicked the spoiler).

Nick: Yeah, I was very excited for this one too. I mean it’s Lauren Layne, one of my favoritest authors ever. And the minute I received a copy, I dove into the story. All throughout I had this feeling of irritation towards the story, that I can’t quite pinpoint. Don’t get me wrong, there were some really fun parts to I Knew You Were Trouble, but for the most part, I was detached and annoyed from the story, which aren’t feelings I’ve come to expect from Lauren Layne books.

Nereyda: We previously met Taylor and Nick in Someone Like You and man, these two hate each other! I was a little bit worried that their hatred would be too extreme and that Nick would cross the friendly banter into being downright mean or an asshole, but I didn’t feel that was the case. The beginning of the book overlaps with Lincoln’s story (Someone Like You) so we do get to see how they met and the first of their many not so friendly encounters. Sadly, I didn’t think this was needed in the story since it was already established for us that these two hated each other. Each chapter skipped along to a new month until the present time and I’m just not a fan of plots like this because it feels a bit choppy for my liking. Once we got into the present, it was much easier to get into the story.

Nick: I think the fact that we’ve only just met Taylor in Someone Like You might explain why I wasn’t completely gaga over this story. With the other characters, we’ve known them for a while now, so they’ve become like friends, and unlike Taylor, I was attached to them. But anyways, I was still quite excited for the story because the hate-to-love vibe promised a fun romance. I was thrown off by first, but the quick flashback chapters. I can’t really say if it worked for me because it moved so fast. The romance itself was fine overall. I did think Lauren Layne sometimes took the hate part a bit too far with how acerbic and hurtful Nick and Taylor could be to each other. They weren’t a favorite couple of mine by any means, but there were some good bantery moments, and when they did get together, I enjoyed the chemistry and their dynamic. THEN. That stupid misunderstanding close to the end showed up, along with Nick’s backstory and I was just annoyed at everything. I saw the View Spoiler » coming from a mile, but it was done in a way that didn’t sit well with me. Nick’s reaction to it all especially was gross and assholish, and there was minimum groveling on his part, which further bothered me. So yeah, the resolution of the story was rushed.

Nereyda: Taylor was a bit tough to like. I liked how strong she was and how dedicated she was about her job. I felt bad for how she was raised by her affection-less aunt and that explained a lot about her, but I just had such a hard time getting over her feelings for her ex Bradley. They had a mediocre relationship at best, and she spends most of the book pining over him. Despite that, I did like her but it was really annoying how such a smart girl like her could mistake what she had with Bradley with love or why she would even want to get back together with him. I didn’t have many issues with Nick (until the end) but he did come off as a bit cold. Although their reason for moving in together was a bit far-fetched, I actually really enjoyed this part of the book because I’m a sucker for the roommate romance trope. The chemistry was pretty good but it wasn’t as good as I’ve come to expect from a Lauren Layne book.

Nick: I’m also with Nereyda when it comes to Nick’s character. I liked him a lot in the beginning. He’s a fun, easygoing and flirty guy, whose easy to get behind. But the way he ended up treating Taylor left a sour taste in my mouth. And with Taylor, I was more indifferent. I couldn’t understand why she was even in a relationship with Bradley to begin with. I mean I admired her tenacity and the strength that she shows over the book, but there were moments when she was a doormat too, especially at the end. ALSO. I was super bummed that we didn’t get to meet any of the Stiletto girls. I live for their cameos, so I was sad, we didn’t really get to see them.

Nereyda: All in all, although this wasn’t my favorite book, it also wasn’t bad. I think I may have set my standards higher when it comes to this author. I actually ended up reading this in one day which is huge for me cause you guys know how freaking slow I read now. Even though some things about the book annoyed me, I was still entertained at the end of the day. I do have to admit that I’m a bit disappointing about the whole View Spoiler » If you haven’t read a book by this author yet, here are a few of my favorites: The Trouble With Love, Someone Like You, To Have and To Hold.

Nick: Yeah, I don’t think I liked this one at all. Even thinking about it now, the book was so unmemorable. I have also read Runaway Groom that releases in August by the same author, and also did not enjoy that one very much. So that’s 3/4 misses for me this year with her books. I do think her focus on wanting to write quickly and release a lot of many books in a year is declining the quality of her books. As much as I love that she releases so many for her fans, I would much prefer 1 or 2 amazing books like Someone Like You, which she took her time with.

When you think you have everything worked out and all going to plan life throws you a spanner into the machinery. Taylor our female lead gets an all mighty spanner thrown into her machinery in the shape of sexy Nick. These two have witty banter together and a sort of mutual understanding over what roommates should be. But we all know a romance story does not go that way and i loved the sexy times that we got to read, sweet and also at times very sexy. A very easy and enjoying book to read over a quiet weekend at home, that left me looking round for a roommate like Nick and what skills he can provide ;) well worth a read, not my fave book in the authors work, but by no means one you should avoid

Review on good reads under profile name kimothy

A delightful romantic escape. Lauren Layne writes up a fun, flirty and highly enjoyable story about a woman who doesn’t believe in love thinks the predictable good guy is the way to go, but actually wants the roguish bad boy with the scruff and sexy smile.

Taylor Carr and Nick Ballantine’s relationship can be described as complex mix of “bad timing and worse decisions.” But when Taylor gets dumped the same day her ex was supposed to move in with her, her no-nonsense and very pragmatic character resolves to accept Nick Ballantine, the sexy freelance writer/bartender who knows how to infuriate her in less than five seconds flat, as her roommate. How will she ever survive his infuriating attractiveness?

Ever since he first met Tayler, Nick liked her. She was a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of girl. He saw past her icy exterior and saw the lonely, competitive, sarcastic and gorgeous woman. So when he saw the opportunity to create mischief, he happily volunteered to move in with her because deep down he knows there’s an attraction neither are acknowledging. Can he convince Taylor to blur the enemy lines and take a chance at love with him?

This book was fun! It was so much fun I read it in a single sitting grabbing me with the amusing tension and quick wit banter between the protagonists. I was snickering, laughing and fanning myself while swiping left as fast as possible.

I was sad for Taylor as she felt herself unlovable but absolutely admired her backbone. She’s one tough chick and deserved a man who not only understood her but made her complete happy. And who better to do that than funny and sweet man who had no qualms in calling her BS. I absolutely adored Nick! He’s such a great guy.

Besides being carefree, smart and attractive, he’s caring and understanding, especially when Taylor’s jabs strike hard and deep. I liked that he could read woman because he had two sisters he loves. I liked that he indulged his mom, and I think my ovaries exploded along with Taylor’s in a scene where he’s carrying a baby. I’m almost sure I smiled every time I read from his perspective or he was in a scene.

Even though there are some touching and sad moments, the overall feeling while reading this story is a feel-good, light-heartedness that comes from the quick banter, fiery chemistry and slow build up between Taylor and Nick. I only wish there had been more of their story to read as I felt the ending was on the rushed side.

Lauren Layne has great skill at creating relateable characters you want to get to know and hang out with. The Stiletto and Oxford series are proof positive of that. I’ve loved getting to know every one of the characters in the series and enjoy every time they get together, gossip and conspire to get another couple into the HEA club or just pop up whenever.

I Knew You Were Trouble is book #4 in the Oxford series by Lauren Layne. It is a standalone romantic comedy. Told from both points of view with a happy ending.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book-and still purchased it!

I knew I was going to be in trouble with this book. From the moment I saw this blurb I knew I needed to read this-and that I was going to be in for one hell of a ride. I can say that this book by far exceeded my expectations-and I'll admit they were high expectations. This book hooked me from the very first sentence and I couldn't stop once I'd started. This is something I'll go back to over and over again to read and fall in love with.

I just have to say I wanted to hug Taylor. I really, truly did. She needed a friend and I wanted to volunteer as tribute, but thankfully she had Brit and Daisy. Taylor is a strong, strong woman in a sense, but she didn't have a choice to be otherwise. She desperately wants to be loved, but she doesn't necessarily feel deserving, or understand how to feel and accept love. It makes her seem cold at times, but she's not.

Nick? Well I didn't expect for him to rank as high as he currently does on my Lauren Layne book boyfriend list. I believed I'd have fun with him, I'd like him and enjoy his story. But this was more than that. I loved him. I truly felt for him-and once you read this you will, too. He has a story that I didn't see coming and I loved seeing a side to him that I didn't expect.

These two were a great example of a frenemy to lovers storyline. There's chemistry between them but the timing isn't right initially, which had me cursing. But it worked. It totally worked here to have these other people and other relationships in the way because honestly? That's real life sometimes. Sometimes timing sucks. Sometimes it works out. Once it works out for Taylor and Nick? Watch out.

This story was not what I thought it would be. It was so much better (and again, I have high expectations for this author's works!) and such a rollercoaster ride. I cried during this book-in more than one spot. Which doesn't happen often, honestly. But there were situations in this book that just tugged at my heartstrings and had me wiping me eyes. The writing is strong. The situations are completely believable. I got to catch up with old friends-which I loved-but this can be read as a standalone.

If you haven't read Lauren Layne I highly recommend her. This book is one of my favorites of the year and one I will absolutely go back to and read again and again.

I loved this book! Every time I pick up a Lauren Layne book I know I'm getting a well written romance that will have me laughing at the banter and swooning at the romance and this book was no different. Charming, witty, intelligent - these characters were fantastic and I loved this story. I can't wait to read whatever this author writes next!

While Lincoln's story was by far my favorite installment in the Oxford series, I Knew You Were Trouble was a very close second. I really enjoyed Taylor and Nick. While they were oil and water, they clashed in the best possible way and I loved it.

Taylor was horrible at showing and sharing her emotions, so it was easy to see her as a snob. But she wasn't and for a while, Nick was the only one who saw through the icyness. I just loved the plot and the whole, "when will their timing match up"? I Knew You Were Trouble was fast paced and a bit steamy. Actually, very steamy. Oh, it was so good!

There’s just something about a Lauren Layne book that’s so comforting to me. It’s so refreshing and easy to read. I feel like every time I pick up a new LL book, I’m coming back to a friend’s house and revisiting all of those feels and emotions and happiness from the last time I was there.

I love how this author just throws you over the edge and into her stories. She doesn’t waste time creating a world or emotion. Head first, she dives in and the reader can choose to sink or swim. It’s a fast paced and no nonsense approach; I always feel like it draws me into the story and characters quicker.


Her door was open a crack, allowing the voice of nineties Alanis Morissette to blast through the entire apartment.
Nick wasn’t an idiot—any woman listening to “You Oughta Know” at this volume should be avoided.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, but this group of secondary characters is my favourite of all time. The love and support they have for each other, the respect, the understanding, is something to strive for. Plus, you get each of their own personalities that we loved in their individual stories still shining through even in the background.

Jackson is my favourite Oxford guy (sorry boys) but that’s just a hard spot to take over. Nick though, man he was close! There was a serious competition going there. Even reading Jackson’s book and then Lincoln, I couldn’t wait to get my greedy little hands on Taylor and Nick’s story. This is the one I’ve been waiting for, and not one to disappoint, the author holds the bar high.


Taylor lifted herself on her elbows and gave him a smirk. “Nick Ballantine, are you an ass man?”
“When it comes to you, I’m an everything man.”

I love how tough Taylor was, though I appreciated her insecurities and how they were portrayed even more. How often has a woman felt this way at one point or another in her life? And Lauren gives this voice, our voice, to a strong and independent woman who don’t need no man! But knows it would be nice to be cared for by one. Enter Nick. My sweet, strong, thoughtful, rugged, scruffy bartender, Nick. I never knew what to make of this guy and have always wondered what kind of skeletons lay in his closet. Let me just say, it’s quite the ride finding out! This poor man. Have you ever come across a character that just needs a hug? A hug so tight that no words can come out, just actions and emotions? Yeah, Nick needed one of those, though he puts up a good front.


She stared at the glass, then back up at him. “I’m getting the really annoying suspicion that beneath the scruff and scowls you’re actually a little bit sweet.”

Something really interesting about how this story was portrayed is the fact that the characters have a handful of missed connections. The story actually starts by recounting their relationship and these missed opportunities which was such a brilliant idea! It really helps give a background to their relationship and how it has progressed.


“Never pegged you as a reader.”
“What did you think I did in my spare time, killed cats?”
“Nah. Men.”
“I’ve thought about it,” she muttered, taking a sip of wine.

I did have a bit of an issue with the plot twist, I just found it to be extremely jarring. It honestly felt like it came flying out of left field. And it’s not the fact that I didn’t expect this issue, per se, but it was like a massive bomb was dropped randomly into a conversation and I had to try and figure out A) what the heck was going on and B) if it was true or not. Not always best to confuse the readers. I would’ve liked to see this smoothed out a bit. Also, while on this note, I wasn’t really a fan of using this issue. Like really, based on all of the character development and growth and everything that had happened, this is what was chosen? In my opinion, it’s one of the most overdone twists ever. But with this being said, while I didn’t like the idea of what happened, I enjoyed the way the author twisted it to fit these characters and this story later on.

Okay, next up! Give me Hunter and Brit. I think that’ll be a fun ride, don’t you?



*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

~Review by Shannon

I Knew You Were Trouble was flirty, sexy, angsty and absolutely fabulous! This was a classic LL book, and I devoured it in one night. And when I finished the epilogue, I was left feeling beyond ecstatic and happy. I had the hugest smile on my face. So if you are a fan of enemies to lovers, or if you have fallen for any of her past releases, then you definitely want to pick this one up!
“If you weren’t dating him, would you have dinner with me?”
“I don’t like you,” she whispered.
He eased closer until his mouth was inches from her ear. “Liar.”
It was a whisper, and it sent shivers down her spine and then back up again. The good kind of shivers, the kind that made her want to lean into him and beg him to put his mouth all over her.

I was suprised that the beginning started out a little bit different. It was a brilliant idea that quickly connected me to all of the characters, and it made me feel like I’d known them forever. So the first 6 “chapters” was a countdown from over a year ago in Taylor Carr’s life to present day. We got to watch Taylor transition into the Oxford world, make friends, and interact with her coworkers. We also got to see how her hate relationship with Nick Ballentine started, and we watched how Bradley Calloway became her boyfriend. When the official first chapter started, I felt as though I completely understood and loved her inside out.
She hated being the newcomer— hated feeling vulnerable in any way for fear that someone would see right through her shield of confidence and call her out as a fraud. To expose her as what she really was on the inside: lonely. Maybe a little unlovable, if she wanted to get melodramatic about it.

Which I’m so thankful for, because I was a little nervous at first. You see, I thought Taylor was going to be too harsh for me. She could be so brutal at times, and I didn’t think I could relate or connect. Oh how wrong I was! While she portrayed herself as this tough, strong female, which she was, she was also so much more. She was a kind, wonderful friend…..I adored the friendships she had with Brit and Daisy! And I loved that she faltered, that she broke down and that she could be unsure of herself at times. But what I loved most about Taylor, was how she threw fire and ice at Nick!
Damn, but she really was beautiful.
“And I don’t get to be happy?” she said. “Bitchy Taylor deserves to be miserable, is that it?”
“Nah,” he said quietly, studying her. “I’m just not sure you’d recognize actual happiness if it bit you in your perfectly shaped ass.”
She slapped his hand away from her face. “Get. Out.”
He did.
Not because she’d told him to. But because for one idiotic moment, Nick had wanted nothing more than to kiss all that pouty anger right off Taylor Carr’s saucy mouth.

You see, Nick knew how to push Taylor’s buttons. And yes he could be a complete jerk at times. But oh my gosh, the man was charming and oh so sexy. Even when you didn’t want him to be. And underneath it all, you got glimpses of his beautiful, kind heart. So I was beyond ecstatic that Nick was going to move in with Taylor, since her boyfriend dumped her on move in day and she needed a roommate. Because them moving in together meant that there would be even more fireworks. And I also assumed that the sexual tension would get turned up a notch or ten. And that’s exactly what happened.
He’d been kind to her last night— hell, he’d been kind to her a lot more often than she deserved. But he’d never shown any interest in her as a woman, and . . . well, it bothered her.

While they were a rollercoaster of emotions that I definitely enjoyed riding, I also had fun watching them learn more about each other. Especially since their enemy status almost started to look friendly at times. And lucky for us, we got to know what both of them were thinking, since we spent chapters with both of them. So yes, I definitely recommend this book! And I’m going to hold out hope and think positive that Brit Robbins and Hunter Cross are going to get their own book some day! Fingers crossed!!

PS I loved that Lincoln and Cassidy gave Nick advice from time to time. I adore those Oxford men!

*ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing – Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Gorgeous Taylor Carr is all about her career in advertising and not so much about her feelings. Freelance writer and bartender Nick Ballantine seems to be an expert at pushing Taylor's buttons taking her from cold to hot. The sparks coming off of these two might just burn down the walls they have erected around their hearts!

Grudging attraction, sarcastic put downs and lots of sizzling pheromones converge for one entertaining read in I Knew You Were Trouble, book four in Lauren Layne's Oxford series. Taylor and Nick were great nemesis, even better friends and in the end the perfect couple. I would have been more then a little let down if Taylor was not fabulously forthright and lacking an arsenal of killer snark and Ms. Layne's matching her with Nick who was equally armed with fantastic come backs, intelligence and backbone was spot on. This story's progression as it was moved along by wit tempered by sadness and a whole lot of good writing was so well put together. Heightened chemistry took over this work from the start and ended with a resolution that felt right and made not only Ms. Layne's couple blissfully happy but would be hard pressed not to leave her readers high fiving their way to cloud nine.

Enemies to lovers make the most amazing stories, and Lauren Layne nailed this one!

Nick Ballantine, that mysterious hunk that keeps popping into the Oxford offices, is so much more than we could have bargained for. I absolutely adored his character. I'm drawn to those cocky, occasionally arrogant guys with a smart mouth that you know have an underlying softness to their personality that you can't resist. And Nick fits this mold perfectly.

I wasn't sure at first if I was going to connect with Taylor and her somewhat icy personality. But the further into the story, you begin to realize how strong her character is and just how hard letting down her walls can be.

The Oxford stories are fun and full of the feels and I can't wait to see what comes next. Highly recommend read.

4.5 Stars!

Lauren Layne is one of my favorite authors, and I find myself chomping at the bit in anticipation of each and every book release. I Knew You Were Trouble, the fourth book in the Oxford series, is a spin-off from Ms. Layne's Stiletto series. New York City plays host to both sets of books, and a few of the characters from the earlier installments drop in to IKYWT, and spread their wealth of wisdom about romance. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Taylor Carr enjoys working in advertising for the largest men's magazine in the country. She also loves living in Manhattan and her newfound romance with Bradley Calloway, another Oxford colleague. When Taylor and Bradley take the big step and decide to move in together, Bradley chickens out at the very last minute. Naturally, Taylor is heartbroken, sad, and angry. And now, she has to find a roommate.

Nick Ballantine is a part-time journalist at the magazine. He also bar-tends and writes novels. He is a little rough around the edges and likes to torment Taylor whenever he gets the chance. Taylor and Nick are like oil and water, and the sexual tension between them is off the charts. Nick ends up becoming Taylor's new roommate, and very slowly he manages to break down her barriers to being lovable.

I really liked this fast-paced romance. Taylor and Nick are a captivating couple and their lust begins to evolve the moment they notice each other from across the room. They are hot in the bedroom and Nick's romantic gestures kept me smiling from ear to ear. Since they have both been hurt in the past, commitment is not something either of them is looking for. However, being without each other doesn't work either. The last few chapters are quite eventful and I truly enjoyed the ending. Hopefully, best friends Bri and Hunter, who are friends to both Taylor and Nick, will get their own book in the near future.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Oxford series book four! The series was originally supposed to end with Lincoln and Daisy but Nick and Taylor were just begging to have their story written. This is a great hate to love romance. The animosity between these two has been building up since they were introduced to each other. Not even really hate to love and not quite enemies to lovers
Nick has never really had a problem with Taylor aside from her obvious dislike for him, he likes teasing her and riling her up, he likes her but it was never the right time to start something up. When they first met he was in a relationship then she got into a relationship with another co-worker, Bradley. Taylor judged Nick on his appearance, in her mind the perfect companion would be well dressed and have a steady job and be very reliable and have plenty in common with her and that seemed to be the opposite of everything the she perceived Nick to be.

I love the way Lauren Layne started the book in the past and filled in all the blanks on why Taylor and Nick acted the way they did with each other during Lincoln and Daisy's story. A year after they met Taylor is content in her relationship with Bradley and they both agreed to take it to the next level by moving in with each other, they even got as far as buying the damn condo. Taylor is all set to move into the condo with Bradley, but when she get there all she finds is a letter from Bradley breaking up with her. Taylor is need of a roommate and in part to piss Bradley off Nick offers to move in with her.

Nick turns her world around, she realizes things about him she never knew but probably would have if she gave him a chance. After the fiasco break up with Bradley and some hard truths and tough love from both Nick and Brit that Taylor realizes where she’s going wrong in her life. This also makes it easier for her to finally let herself jump into bed with Nick. They are combustible and despite the differences Nick and Taylor have a very easy relationship. But when Bradley comes crawling back to Taylor, Nick has some insecurities due to his own past heartache surface that he needs to deal with.


Overall, this book is everything I love about Lauren Layne. I love her rom-com style and I live vicariously through her characters. I laugh, I cry, I fall in love over and over with each new character she writes. I really hope the Brit gets her HEA as well.