Every time that Lauren Layne releases a book, I'm going to read it. She's been my go-to author for fabulous contemporary romances for the past couple of years and I don't see that changing anytime soon. An Ex for Christmas is the fifth book in the non-series, Love Unexpectedly and it's another sweet romance that I ate right up.

Kelly believes in fate and in all things psychic so when she's trying to make her way home for the holidays and a psychic stops her to tell her that she's already met her one true love, Kelly is shook. She's so shook that she gets home and ropes her best friend Mark into helping her make a list of her ex-boyfriends because one of them is her one true love and she's going to find him. So she goes on this mission to track down her exes, put them through a date to see if there are any sparks left and well...you know how that goes.

Mark just got out of a relationship that wasn't going anywhere and he's making plans for his future when his best friend Kelly comes home with the crazy plan to track down her exes and marry one of them. He's grumpy about it because what man wants to be caught up in that tangle of junk?

Mark and Kelly were adorable together. I love how comfortable they were with each other and how loyal they were to each other. When Kelly thinks that Mark's girlfriend is cheating on him, she gets super mad on his behalf and I thought that was fantastic. Mark couldn't have cared less because he was getting ready to put his plans into action and when he's sidelined by Kelly's crazy plans to nab an ex, I loved seeing him battle his emotions with that.

Lauren Layne does a great job of telling this story while only giving us Kelly's POV. I would have liked to get inside Mark's head from time to time but I caught onto his deal pretty early on so I didn't think the book suffered much from not having it. Mark was the perfect kind of grumpy that I adore to pieces so I was all aboard the Mark train.

Kelly took her sweet ass time figuring out who her perfect mate was but I had a good time seeing her fail at every date she went on so I wasn't annoyed at all. She was great fun to get to know and I liked seeing her come into her own. She had a sweet relationship with her parents and with her friends from high school so all in all, this was a good read.

This was the perfect read to read heading into the holidays...it was fun, flirty and had a smoking hot hero that was grumpily perfect for the sweetheart of a heroine. Lauren Layne continues to shine in my eyes and I'm already thirsty for more. She seriously can't write fast enough to suit me. I'm so greedy when it comes to her books. She's just so good. I definitely recommend.

<strong>Grade: 4 out of 5</strong>

Kelly has everything: a job she loves, a great shared apartment in the city, a home upstate that she spends weekends and holidays at, a good relationship with her parents and a custody-share arrangement with her best friend for a cute little cocker spaniel. Christmas break has come, and as a teacher it’s hard to see who was more excited for the holiday: her 3rd grade students or her? Planning her holiday out to the last second, Kelly is at the subway when a woman tells her that her ‘forever guy’ is someone she’s already met, and to wish her parents a happy 30th anniversary. Already prone to listen for the fates, horoscopes and make use of the many Magic 8 Balls she has scattered everywhere, she instantly decides that going through her ex-boyfriends to check for a ‘match’ will be her goal.

Mark has been Kelly’s best friend since his family moved to town – indulging in her quirks, there to support her during breakups, and even sharing custody of the dog. Mark is always there with food (he’s a chef), companionship and even challenges her on her more outrageous ideas. Like an exuberant puppy, Kelly can’t wait to share the encounter with the unknown woman at the trains, and tells Mark that she’ll hunt down these men, all before Christmas, to see that the woman’s foretelling comes true. Only problem – the woman told Kelly she’d already met her soulmate – not that she’d dated him.

From the first, Kelly’s exuberance and determination to be happy, celebrate every moment of the season (her favorite) and make her own new traditions. From giving her parents a cruise for the holiday, to her plans to be a sexy elf in the town’s holiday parade, she’s got almost every eventuality covered. Except for the fact that Mark has never entered into her thoughts in “that way” even as moments together are unsettling her, making her wonder. Sweet, cute and oh so frustrating when she can’t see what is right in front of her, always, the story is full of holiday moments, snowball fights, food and plenty of chick films. With a lovely last minute realize just what is there moment and big changes for both Mark and Kelly, the story is a wonderful escape for the holidays – sure to make you smile.

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.

Review first appeared at <a href=”http://wp.me/p3OmRo-9qo/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Such a sweet and funny little romance. I loved every word of this book and I loved all the laugh out loud moments and the chemistry between the two main characters was hot. This was a great quick read. I look forward to more from this author.

I really liked this book, it was nice to have a book that was Christmassy. I don't want to spoil this book but I will have a full review on release day.

This is another winner by Lauren Layne... It has her signature witty, rom-com style and is like the sweetest Christmas chocolate for the soul. This quick read is a perfect HEA for the holidays!

Kelly is a big believer in "signs" of all types. When a mysterious woman tells her she's already met "the one" she's supposed to be with, Kelly sets out to make her "Ex List" a rerun list. Determined to figure out which man was the one who got away, she revisits her past. Her best friend Mark is a permanent fixture in her life. He's provided an ear to listen as she ventures down the path to the past, but he doesn't seem particularly excited about it. Why does the feel of his arms around her suddenly cause things to feel a little... Different? Can these friends become lovers? Is Kelly willing to look past the "signs" and give a relationship with Mark a chance? A shake of the Magic 8 ball will reveal what's about to happen next... ;-)

An Ex for Christmas (Love Unexpectedly #5)
Lauren Layne
Book Review: ♥ ♥ ♥ ❣

Tea leaves, tarot cards, magic eight balls and future telling gypsies are all things Kelly believes in. If the Stars think you're compatible it must be true. Mark is her patient best friend who doesn't believe in all these cosmic signs.

When a psychic tells Kelly she has already met her perfect match she is determined to hunt him down. Kelly makes a list of all her ex-boyfriends who are still eligible and tries to hunt them down. Her best friend Mark is helping her, but not willingly. ex-boyfriends usually own that title because they should stay in the past. This is a friend to lovers comedy romance novel set around Christmas.

There is a fine line between funny and irritating. Kelly walks this line very well and it could go either way, for me it was a little shaky. Some bits I found funny some I didn't.

Mark is after his own Christmas wish. He thinks Kelly isn't going to find love with one of her ex-partners. Kelly is all about Christmas spirit, and he is happy to humour her over the Christmas period. He helps her set up for Christmas enjoying her company.

Marks character was a hot male lead and perfect for this book.

Lauren Layne has written two of my favourite books; Isn't she lovely and Broken. An ex for Christmas was an okay read, but I've read better from this author. This book offers Christmas spirit, a few laughs and some hot loving. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light-hearted cosy read.

3.5 stars out of 5. ARC received in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the publisher, Loveswept and Netgalley.


ebook £2.99, 218 pages
Expected publication: November 7th 2017 by Loveswept

Kelly, an elementary school teacher is on her way to her hometown for the Christmas holidays when she meets a physic at the train station, who tells her that she has already met her one true love. Kelly assumes she’s talking about one of her exes and starts planning how to find which one is The one.
Mark is Kelly’s next door neighbor and best friend. He is also in love with Kelly, to which she is totally oblivious, and is not very happy about Kelly’s plan to find her HEA with one of her exes.
Somewhere along trying to find her one true love, Kelly starts seeing Mark differently, starts accepting her attraction for him, which creates some tension between them, leads to some sexy times and a little drama.
An ex for Christmas was a funny, sweet and adorable read. There were a few times I wanted to yell at Kelly to see what’s in front of her, but watching her making plans and blundering through them made for some funny moments. Mark is a total swoon worthy hero and I just loved him.
An ex for Christmas is wonderful Christmas read that will leave with feel good and warm feelings.

I loved it! This was amazingly good. I loved Kelly's character but I think I loved Mark's more. I do enjoy a good friends to lovers story and this one didn't disappoint. I loved the Christmas theme and all of the ways the author made you feel everything both Mark and Kelly felt. Kelly was incredibly real and likable (i.e. not super thin model like) with all of her quirks and love of Christmas. I always love how she wants Mark to be happy and tries to befriend all of his girlfriends, only to find out, most only tolerate her as a necessity. Mark is the perfect match for Kelly, if only she can just open her eyes and see it. Lauren Layne makes you feel everything that Kelly feels as she navigates through her feelings about Mark. I don't know how she does it but it works. Every.single.time.

Lauren is my current fave author and I look forward to each and every one of her books.

I have been reading this author's books since her first release, out of them all...and there's some pretty awesome ones...An Ex for Christmas has become my favorite. It's difficult to say why succinctly, only that through her writing, Mark and Kelly came alive on the pages. Their joys, their sorrows, the laughter, and the heartbreak all became tangible, creating a bond with this reader that'll not easily be broken, even long after the book has been completed.

Mark and Kelly's story is filled with lively, clever and witty banter...one of the author's trademarks...while at the same time, the dialog is fast paced, smart and emotion evoking. The couple didn't just suddenly find their HEA, it had been growing over tens years, recognized exactly when it needed to be, when Kelly was receptive to its gift. I have found Ms Layne to be masterful in creating emotions in her readers...this was done in spades in An Ex for Christmas.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

It's hard to pass up the friends-to-lovers trope, especially when it's at Christmas. The set-up is a little silly and far-fetched and hinges on the heroine misunderstanding something that felt pretty obvious, but you kind of just let it go because the story was sweet and fun and quick and Christmasey. This wasn't Layne's best and felt like it should have either been a little bit shorter with less plot/backstory threads mentioned and left sort of un fully-fleshed out or it should have been longer and really tackled more of the backstory. If you want a fun, festive read that will give you a HEA and is a quick read, you'll enjoy this!

Well, Fa la la la la! “An Ex for Christmas” builds a satisfying seasonal romance framed around one of the Seven Classic plots—the quest—and decorates it with classic Christmas music beloved by the heroine. Buble, Mariah, Crosby. The good stuff. Plus all the trimmings that go along with the holiday.

To quote the heroine: Oh my gah, so good.

“An Ex” follows one of the “seven plots,” the Quest. When a psychic tells super superstitious Kelly she’s already met her One True Love she makes an “ex list” and decides to track them down and determine who it is. Just in time for a Christmas HEA. There’s even a mistletoe test and Hallmark Channel Christmas movies.

Hometown, longtime (and hot) friend Mark thinks that’s nuts and isn’t really helpful, shall we say, in supporting the quest.

Kelly’s got loads of charm and so does Mark, but sometimes the “friends to lovers” trope grates on me…one or the other has to be SO CLUELESS in order to make it work. That happens but their genuine rapport saves the plot. Since the book’s written in her POV his is less obvious but Layne gives us plenty of clues to his feelings and let’s face it, frustration, as he manages to be present at most of her disastrous dates with her motley crew of exes.

Writing a Christmas book must be a task that frightens a lot of writers but poses an irresistible challenge to others. Lucky for us Layne was equal to the task. Enthusiastically recommended.

ARC supplied for an honest review.

Refresher: The other six classic plots are overcoming the monster; rags to riches; voyage and return; comedy; tragedy; rebirth. Discuss!

3.5 stars.
Sweet and funny holiday romance written in Lauren Layne's trademark relaxed and witty, rom-com style.
After a psychic tells Kelly Byrne that she’s already met her true love, she becomes obsessed with tracking him down before Christmas. She writes up an “Ex List” and starts contacting old boyfriends to figure out which is the one. While she is busy pursuing these men it is evident that sparks are flying between her and her best friend Mark, someone she's never considered.

To be honest I got a little exasperated with Kelly's stubborness, I wanted to shake her and ask "Don't you see this kind and perfect guy right in front of you?"
Enjoyable, recommended, seasonal reading . Kelly and Mark were sweet together.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Kelly believes in astrology, her magic 8 ball, and that some people have the sight. So when an old woman tells her she's already met the man she's destined to be with, she takes matters into her own hands and starts tracking down her ex-boyfriends. Her best friend of 10 years, Mark, is brought along for the ride even though he doesn't approve of her plan.

Reading this book made me ready to skip Halloween and Thanksgiving and move right into the Christmas season. I loved all the Christmas music, decorating, and mentions of the season.

The friendship between Kelly and Mark didn't feel fake or forced, and I loved their banter and teasing. It was easy to see how much they cared for each other and to root for them individually and together.

This is the second book I have read by Lauren Layne, and just like in the first one she strikes the right balance of humor, romance, and emotion in her plot.

I highly recommend this for a sweet holiday read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lauren Layne is just delightful. No matter what series she's writing I'll go along for the read. Always a great blend of heat, heart and humor.

I always enjoy Lauren Layne’s romances. This one was a little different from her earlier works that featured sophisticated urban women and the men who love them. In this novel, the heroine is an elementary school teacher in New York City who returns to the small community she grew up in for the Christmas holidays. A superstitious woman, she resolves to find all her exes because a strange woman tells her that she has already met her true love.

As the reader will quickly realize, that man is her best friend, Mark, who lives in the house behind her and with whom she shares ownership of an adorable dog. Mark has been her friend for 10 years and she is suddenly noticing how hunky he is and how unenthusiastic he is about her drive to reconnect with all her ex-boyfriends.

We all know how this is going to end, but it’s a fun journey getting there. This book really reminded me of some of Kristin Higgins’ romances with quirky heroines looking for love in small towns in the blend of humor and romance between likable protagonists. It was a very enjoyable read and I liked it as much as I liked Layne’s books with a more sophisticated setting and heroine.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A great friends to lovers story with a heroine who, bless her heart, is just truly oblivious to how much her friend loves her. Fortunately, they get on the same page and a Merry Christmas is had. I enjoyed the characters, and felt the heroine was written especially well. It would be easy to get annoyed with her cluelessness, but Layne does a great job of making Kelly sympathetic and grounded. The book is written entirely from her perspective, but we get to see enough of Mark for him to be a fully developed hero. The conflict comes out of the story naturally and never feels overdone. A bright, fun read with lots of humor and chemistry. ARC from NetGalley.

Author needs to fact check before publishing. Cruise Ships do not travel to Alaska for a Christmas Cruise.

A big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Loved the book maybe a little cheesy but it's a fun fast read. Kelly is clueless and quirky. Mark seemed like just a truly good guy. I think most romance readers would enjoy this holiday romance.

This book was very, very close to a 4 star review. SO CLOSE. But, boy did the book frustrate me. Mark was awesome and could potentially be in the running for the best Lauren Layne hero ever, giving Lincoln a serious run for his money. Alas, Kelly, however, was seriously annoying and idiotic. A grown woman should not have to use a magic 8 ball to decide what kind of underwear to wear, much less decisions on her love life. She came off as overly cutesy-quirky, a little immature, and frankly undeserving of a guy as great as Mark. And what was that stupid thing at the end with Colin?!?! Ugh. This book had so much potential and parts of it were sweet and adorable and hysterical. Since Mark was a restauranteur and chef, I’ll put it in cooking terms: the recipe was a sweet, simple, uncomplicated chocolate chip cookie recipe but someone (namely the author) tried to get a little too fancy and cutesy and added a few unnecessary ingredients and mucked the cookies up.

This is a cozy Christmas read. Although it was predictable, it was a nice read for the holidays. I liked her best friend and wished that she would wake up a little sooner. I enjoyed reading it, but it definitely wasn't encouraged by her craziness.