I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I came into this book with something of a handicap. I read the Oxford series but not the Stilleto one, so since this is a wrap-up of both connected series, I was spending some time trying to remember who everyone was and skipping past the couples whose stories I had not read. Everyone is so broadly sketched though that it's not really a problem.

The premise of this story is one that should be relatable for many readers. A "friends to lovers" plot and a heroine who consistently finds herself in the friend zone is something that most people have experienced. Brit was so lovely and so focused on making sure those around her were comfortable that the spark and frisson of romantic attachment kept passing her by. She hires her best friend Hunter to be her "Cyrano" and teach her how to move out of the friend zone. The dating practice, of course, ends up snaring them both.

Hunter only really notices Brit romantically when his jealousy kicks in and this made me wonder why now? Everyone in their circle of friends has been waiting for Hunter to realize Brit is the one, but he's really slow to get there. I felt like Brit was far more in love with him than he was with her.
That's gotta hurt later.

But they have a nice rapport and push and pull with each other. It was worth it to see all the happy endings amongst the couples of the series, even if the two mains felt a bit flat.

3.5 and a pleasant conclusion to the series.

Friends to lovers? SIGN ME UP!

I love these kinds of stories and this is a fabulous one to add to my collection!

Hunter is fantastic! Not only is he sexy and charming, but he is a really good guy with a great heart. He's funny, sweet, and sophisticated. And did I mention sexy? Because he's got sex appeal in spades. 

Brit is perfect in this story! She's got her whole life worked out with the exception of one thing: her love life. She's smart, beautiful, and successful, but she's convinced herself there's something wrong with her. 

This story is so fun to read! Hunter and Brit have the perfect friendship and it was fun watching it change as the book went on. The chemistry between the two was off the charts, even if they didn't always see it. This was a great book and I really enjoyed reading it. I love the men of Oxford!

4.5 Stars!

It is with a heavy heart that I write this review about I Think I Love You, the final book from Lauren Layne's Oxford series. This book concluded all the happenings with the characters, while telling a best friends to lovers romance. This story may be enjoyed as a standalone, however, a true contemporary romance lover will relish the entire series.

Brit Robbins and Hunter Cross are best friends. Hunter is Brit's boss and they both work for Oxford, the most popular men's magazine in the country. They both love living and working in New York City, and at this time in their loves call "the big apple" home. Brit is looking to settle down but finding the right guy has proven to be quite challenging. She believes her seduction skills need work, so she enlists Hunter's help with her problem, since Hunter's wooing abilities are top notch. Their fake dates, kisses and caresses evolve into the real thing, and lust turns into love shortly thereafter.

This is a nicely-written romance, and the camaraderie between the Oxford friends is replete with quick-witted ribbing and fun. A few of the scenes had me laughing, while others just left me smiling. Brit and Hunter are a hot couple, and the build-up to their sexy times left me longing for more. This book is the perfect combination of strength-of-character, friendship, and passion. Don't pass up the opportunity to read I Think I Love You along with the entire Oxford series.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

I enjoyed reading the last two books of the Oxford series. I was bummed when the author left a note at the end of I Think I Love You saying that this is the last book in the series. I became attached to the characters and the world that they are set in. I did get a little weepy when I read that. 

I also want to point out that all these books can be read as stand alone. But, I would suggest reading them in order. That way, you aren't confused (as I was in I Knew You Were Trouble) with some of the backstories going on. Also, if you are going to read I Think You Love You, you should read I Knew You Were Trouble first. That way you aren't going "Whaaaa" during some scenes. 

The plot of I Think I Love You was simple. Brit is having a hard time keeping a boyfriend. After her last boyfriend broke up with her, she figures that something is wrong with her. So, she decides to change her dating game. She also decides that she needs some help in the seduction game. The perfect person? Her best friend, Hunter. Hunter friend zoned Brit after their first date. Instead, they became besties. Who better to teach the art of seduction than your bestie? But, can Brit keep Hunter in the friends with benefits zone or will she start to fall for him. Same goes for Hunter. 

I liked Brit. She was hilarious. I also felt her pain about dating. When I was single, way back when, I had a hard time with guys too. I didn't have a male bestie to help me with my seduction game. I loved how she propositioned Hunter. I was dying laughing. What I didn't like was how desperate she sounded when she was talking to her friends. Helloo, because you turn 30, doesn't mean all of a sudden you are undateable. It rubs me the wrong way when I hear/read that.

I liked Hunter. I did feel that he was more realistic about what was going to happen with Brit. I loved the surprise when she propositioned him. I laughed my butt off. I liked how he dealt with all their friends' ribbing and concern. He was a likable guy. 

The romance between Hunter and Brit wasn't there until after she told him what she wanted. Which was great because up until then, I got to see how comfortable they were with each other. I also got to see exactly why Brit couldn't keep a boyfriend. Let's say that Hunter marked his territory when it came to Brit. After that, the romance was a little tepid. But it was to scorching hot real fast. Like a chapter fast.

The sex scenes were everything that I expected from them. They were comfortable enough with each other not to have issues with being naked with each other. The sex itself was hot. Scorching hot. The first time they had sex, it was a little awkward. I mean, isn't it always? But every time afterward, it wasn't. Like I said, they were comfortable with each other.

The end of the book was great. I loved how Brit and Hunter realized that they loved each other. It was also a little bittersweet because the series was ending. The epilogue was even more so!!

What I liked about I Think I Love You:

A) Brit. She was awesome

B) Hunter. Loved him

C) How comfortable they were with each other

What I disliked about I Think I Love You:
A) How desperate Brit sounded at the beginning of the book

B) How turning 30 is portrayed as the end of dating 

C) Being the last book in the series.

I would give I Think I Love You and Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is language. There is no violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

There are no trigger warnings in I Think I Love You.

I would reread I Think I Love You. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review I Think I Love You.

All opinions stated in this review of I Think I Love You are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Gahh!! I swear Lauren Layne's novels are like coming home for me. I absolutely DIE for her Oxford series and was so happy that we finally got Brit and Hunter's story. I absolutely FLOVED this story!! Brit snd Hunter were funny, sexy and just perfect together. I loved their story so much!!

When commitment hesitant Hunter Cross is tasked with giving his bestfriend Brit Robbins advice and tips on why her relationships chronically fail, lines get crossed and what is a friends only relationship develops into a hot and fiery romantic entanglement. But will Brit and Hunter be able to make it work when a family crisis occurs and they have reevaluate what they actually mean to one another?

This series is so near and dear to my heart. It was sexy and fun and just so heartwarmingly amazing. I absolutely love the Stiletto and Oxford series and am saddened that they are over. But like old friends, I will definitely revisit them in rereads and a smile on my face. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review honest.

This is the 5th and final standalone book in this series and can be read without reading the previous books, but I would suggest that you do because they are all so enjoyable. This friends to lovers romance was filled with touching, tender moments and hot, steamy ones too! All the previous characters make an appearance which makes for an even more enjoyable read, but on the other hand, I'm sorry to seem them go. I feel like I've made friends with all of them and I'll definitely miss these characters. Brit and Hunter's story was a great way to close out this series. A highly recommended read if you like contemporary, emotional, sexy romances! I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

I freaking love this series and really sorry to see it end but as with all good things we knew it had to come to a conclusion at some point. This was a good one to wrap it up and all the secondary characters from previous books have come back for cameos throughout the book. Brit Robbins is finding it hard to find a man or at least a man who will stick. She turns to her best friend and boss, Hunter Cross, for help as her "love coach" to teach her how to date and the art of seduction. The only problem with that is the teaching takes a turn and who is seducing who and is it for real and are the feelings for real? It was so fun to watch these two circle each other and figure out how to make it work. Definitely a fun and satisfying read and this can be read as a standalone. **Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

With book five of her “Oxford” series, Lauren Layne brings the summer heat and closes out her series with a truly enjoyable read. She allures with an enticing romantic comedy that wittily describes the tricky yet exciting prospect of dating one’s best friend.

Brit Robbins and Hunter Cross have been best friends since they met and when one too many men friend-zone her, Brit enlists Hunter to teach her the art of seduction. Hunter isn’t sure mock dating is a good idea, but is also unwilling to let anyone else be her romance coach. When fake flirting and innocent touches that feel anything but blur the platonic lines, they find it impossible to resist their growing attraction. But is it just that or is it the real deal?

Layne has always shined at creating charming individuals, a fun moving plot with an appealing NY backdrop, and I Think I Love You is a wonderful addition to her series. Brit and Hunter are delightfully blind to the fact that they’re perfect for each other. Everyone in the Stiletto and Oxford family sees it but the details of their friendship, which Lauren describes in fun detail, provide a solid base to build their romance.

The sizzling chemistry offers steamy scenes that will melt any eReader and I found myself flipping pages until the wee hours of the night hoping and waiting to see if they’d give in. And when they do, it smolders.

The novel is full of amusing banter not just between Hunter and Brit, but with all the characters we’ve come to love from her Oxford and Stiletto series. Having them all back is bittersweet though. We get glimpses of their lives, knowing it’s the end of a loved series. I’ll never be able to hear The Rembrandts “I’ll be there for you” song without thinking of this wonderful group of friends.

I think I Love You is book #5 of the Oxford series by Lauren Layne. It is a fun and sexy contemporary romance, told from several points of view with a happy ending.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Another friends-to-lovers romance and done quite well, I might add. Brit has been friends with Hunter for years, but they have never "gone there." Brit is searching for Mr. Right and all Hunter seems to want is "Ms. Right Now." Wanting up her A-game, Brit asks Hunter for help and he reluctantly agrees.

I enjoyed this story of seeing how friends move awkwardly to that place where it’s more than friends, but not quite boyfriend/girlfriend but not friends with benefits. Showing how Brit and Hunter navigated that awkward stage is something that Ms. Layne did beautifully and as a reader, I found the transition from friends to lovers written very well.


Lee'Anne – ☆☆☆☆
This is a hilarious, cute, and well-written romance. Brit Robbins wants to land herself a man and she enlists the help of her best friend, Hunter. Hunter isn’t one to be surprised but when Brit requests he help her seduce a man, he’s definitely surprised. He sets out to help Brit in her mission… only once he begins showing her how to seduce other men, he realizes it’s not them he wants her using those powers on.

Best friends to lovers is one of my favorite types of stories and one that I think doesn’t get done enough. This author does a brilliant job – Brit and Hunter are hilarious together, both as friends and as a couple. Their banter back and forth had me in tears – Brit’s experiences with dating are priceless and Hunter having to deal with her, disaster after disaster, was both cute and endearing. This has been my favorite book in the Oxford series to date and I’m very excited to see where the author takes this series next!


Jordan – ☆☆☆☆☆
When I read my first Lauren Layne book I was instantly in love and couldn’t wait to see what she was up to next. Now as it turned out, I think Layne has slowly earned her way up to the top of my favorite authors list. Layne has easily become one of those authors that I don’t even need to read the description because if the book was written by Layne I know I’ll have no trouble falling in love with the story and characters. Which is exactly what I found myself doing when I read I Think I Love You.

Now, I did things a little out of order because I read I Think I Love You first, which can be read as a standalone, but then I had to go back and start at the beginning of the Oxford series because I immediately wanted to know more about the rest of these incredible men. I think I would’ve enjoyed I Think I Love You much more if I had read the previous books in the Oxford series, but that’s not to say I wasn’t immediately drawn in and hooked to Brit and Hunter’s story.

I really loved how relatable Brit was because honestly, anyone who has tried the NYC dating scene can attest to the struggle and Brit’s character felt like every one of us trying and failing! Honestly, I Think I Love You was a perfectly romantic and charming friends-to-lovers story and Layne did a fantastic job as usual. Honestly, I have yet to read one book by Layne that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy.

If you’ve been enjoying the Oxford men as much as I have, then go ahead and “one-click” this book because Layne will win you over by the end of the first chapter! Now I must immediately find my way into Layne’s Stiletto series, to which Oxford is a spin-off of, because I am DYING to read Emma Sinclair and Alex Cassidy’s story! If you have already been enjoying the Oxford and Stiletto books, then check out the 21 Wall Street series by Lauren Layne next!

5 STARS for Lauren Layne’s I Think I Love You!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series – and I would definitely recommend that you read them all, and in order. Each one is a rich story in its own right but to get the in jokes, the flirtatious remarks, and the whole environment of Oxford magazine and Stiletto, really start with Irresistibly Yours, you will not regret it. Lauren Layne is an author that I can wholly rely on to deliver good stories full of humour, fabulous people, and deliciously romantic outcomes. I don't even need to read the blurb to know I will enjoy them. And once again, this book reinforces my faith in her.

I love friends-to-lovers stories because it is a fact that many ignore: the person you click with as a best friend is often the very person that should be in your life all the time. And yet somehow, so many people just close off that romantic element, in the belief that it would ruin the friendship. So when Brit asks Hunter for lessons in seduction, little do either of them realise that they're undoing the lock to much, much more than just friends.

Loyal readers with enjoy catching up with the rest of the gang and the crazy that somehow surrounds their happy lives – again reinforcing Brit's feelings of needing a proper relationship. Well, with Hunter engaged as coach, we can just sit back and enjoy the ride as they navigate a complicated mating dance... with each other.

A much anticipated and very satisfying read, thank you.

Friends to lover can be tough to pull off sometimes – it's hard to strike that balance between showing a couple that were friends, but then suddenly "woke up" to the attraction and frankly, sometimes I just don't find the transition believable. Layne, however, did a great job of making me believe that Brit and Hunter were best friends and yet suddenly realized what was in front of them all along.

I think Brit struggled with a very relatable dating issue that a fair number of women face – why were men not seeing her as "forever" material? And Hunter knew that she was something special all along, but in the back of his mind, always felt that NYC was just a temporary stop before eventually heading back to his hometown to settle down, one day. Thus enters the fun plot device of the heroine asking the hero to "teach" her to be more attractive to the opposite sex. Queue the jealousy and sudden bloom of attraction. Call me corny, but when it's pulled of well, as it is here, it's pure romance gold. There was just enough drama and angst to keep things real and interesting without being "over the top", which I can honestly appreciate in a summer read. The chemistry between Brit and Hunter was great.

I do seriously love this series and I'll admit I'm a bit sad that it's coming to an end. Being that this is an interconnected standalone, I'll say that you'll definitely get more out of it having read the previous books, but I don't think it's a hard and fast requirement. As always, I'll be waiting with baited breath to see what Layne comes out with next – she's one of my one-click authors!

3.5 stars. This was a pretty good read for me. This is a friends to lovers story between Brit and Hunter. Hunter dates a lot and women trip over themselves for him, but never seriously because he plans on leaving the city to move back to the country where he is from and his family lives. Brit wants a relationship and is pretty and the full package but guys always seem to friend-zone her after a date or two. So she goes to her best friend, Hunter, for him to teach her how to be sexier or how to get guys to consider her as more than a friend. As they spend time together "fake dating", they start thinking of each other as more than friends and eventually fall for each other.

I did feel like their relationship progression from friends to lovers was pretty good and believable. Neither of them had crushed on each other before or ever considered each other romantically, but found they had chemistry once they put themselves in "fake date" situations. They don't kiss until 65%, so there is a believable build up to romance between them.

I was bothered by a few things. I wasn't sure Hunter really appreciated Brit or realized what he had with her until the very end and it felt like a little too late. I really liked Brit. She was an awesome, giving friend, if a bit of a push over. When the big conflict came, I wanted Hunter to realize what he was giving up in her and express more profusely how much he loved her. He got what he wanted a little too easily and Brit was the one to compromise to make their relationship work. So, I liked Hunter, but I didn't love him.

But, overall, I did like this story, even if I didn't totally love it. It kept me entertained. I like Brit and Hunter and felt they were a good match. This was my first read by Lauren Layne and I would read more from her in the future.

*ARC of, I Think I Love You, was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review, no compensation was given.*

One forever friend zoned girl ✅
One serial dater ✅
Two best friends ✅
A group of crazy friends ✅
What happens when you put all those together, a disaster in the making or the perfect HEA?
I Think I love You is an adorable friends to lovers romantic comedy that drew me in from the first page. Brit and Hunter have been best friends for six years, Brit can't understand why she can't seem to keep a guy interested past the third date. So she asks her BFF, Hunter, to teach her the art of seduction. Hunter reluctantly agrees to help her and that's when all the fun begins. I really enjoyed the witty banner between these two characters, and how they navigated, each in their own way, their new found romance. This is the first book I have read in this series and this book definitely makes me want to read the entire series. I whole heartedly recommend this book.

I Think I Love You is the final book in the Oxford series. I've only read one other book in this series and after reading this one, I am asking myself why I haven't read the others.

This is a friends-to-lovers romance that contains quite a bit of angst and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Since I haven't read the whole series, I can't comment on how it does as the last story of this series, but I will say that while it left me wanting more, the story was wrapped up nicely. These characters had me laughing out loud at times and overall I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more of Lauren Layne's work.
Rating: 4.5 stars

What happens when you turn to your best friend for love advice....things can get a bit complicated especially since he is a man .
Brit and Hunter have always been friends having never crossed the romantic line. When Brit decides that she has had enough of the endless dates that lead to nothing but disappointment she decides that it time to ask for outside help. How to be sexy, start up a relationship and keep it thriving she wants Hunter to help. The lines become blurred and those strange feelings of more than friendship begin to spark! Great Story!!
~~Michele McMullen ~~

Hunter and Brit are so good at being platonic best friends that there couldn’t possibly be any romantic feelings between them, right?
Brit is convinced that Hunter is the perfect person to teach her how to be a girlfriend and not just a friend. What starts out as a simple agreement, could possibly be the best thing either one of them has ever know. Or it could completely blow up in their faces.
5 stars for this awesome friends-to-lovers romance!!

The final book in this amazing series (or actually 2 related series) by Lauren Layne was everything I hoped it would be. A friends to lovers romance between Brit and Hunter who have been best friends in all the Oxford series, with all the characters from both Stilettos and Oxford being featured, left me sad that the series is ending, but it was such a fun Rom Com book that if you like laugh out loud, and yet thoughtful romantic contemporary romances, try this book, and then hopefully go back and read how all the couples got together. Sad this is over, but can’t wait to see what Ms. Layne has in store next.

I Think I Love You is the finale to the Stiletto/Oxford series by Lauren Layne, which also just happens to be my favorite contemporary romance series to date. It is bittersweet to say farewell to all the characters I’ve come to know and adore. It is also the friends to lovers trope I usually crave in a romance as well.

Brit and Hunter have been BFFs for years. He really isn’t looking to settle down but does love to date. Brit, on the other hand, wants to find someone to date long term but everyone she meets likes to put her in the friend zone. So, who better than her best friend to help her figure out a way to go from a girl I like to a girl I want to love.

“Be brutally honest. Am I giving off some sort of weird vibe? Does it say platonic across my forehead? Or do I have an unremarkable label on my boobs?”
Taylor leaned in and studied Brit’s chest. “Nope, all good there.”

Brit is adorable, she is cool, confident and isn’t throwing a pity party over the lack of passion in her life. She has a plan of attack and is going to make her best friend help her come hell or high water. Hunter is a good guy overall. He likes dating but isn’t exactly a man-whore, which let’s face it ladies, is a nice change up sometimes. I like the easy way Brit and Hunter have with one another and how they can open up to each other since they are such good friends.

“I wouldn’t have asked anyone else,”she said quietly. Truthfully. “I can’t imagine anything more vulnerable than asking someone to tell you why you’re unlovable.”
“Brit.”He put his glass down sharply.
“I didn’t mean it like that,”she rushed to explain. “Really, I didn’t. I promise I don’t think I’m not worth loving. I just . . . I do sometimes wonder why I’m not finding love when everyone around me is.”
“I’m not.”
"Well . . .”She smiled a little. “You don’t want to.”
“How do you know?”
“Because you’re good with women. Really good. If you wanted to make one of those relationships last, you’d have your pick of anyone.”

As Brit learns how to play act at being attracted to Hunter during lessons on flirting and getting a second date, it becomes clear there isn’t anything close to platonic between them.

As always, the banter and dialogue between not just the romantic couple but also the friend in this book is what makes it special. Lauren Layne does group dynamics so well and makes you want to hang out with this group of friends and get in on all of the shenanigans.

You don’t have to have read the rest of the Stiletto and Oxford series to jump into this one. It is a stand-alone romance and will hold up just fine on its own. But if you have read the other books in the series, there are cameos from everyone, and it is a good send off for all the couples into the future.

Temptation is just a stepping stone for author Lauren Layne. She seduces with laughter, her wit is evident in her well written dialogue, yet at the heart of that humor lies impactively moving storytelling. I Think I Love You keeps it light and sexy with a playful friends to lovers romance. Brit and Hunter are continuously turning the tables on each other as what was simple becomes deeply complicated. Can their friendship survive them falling in love? Layne dazzles with this irresistible romance.

This was my first Lauren Layne book and I'm sure it won't be my last! I really enjoyed this story and the writing flowed easily. I think I Love You is a friends to lovers romance, which is one of my favorite tropes and Brit and Hunter were absolutely adorable!
Brit Robbins, after being dumped multiple times by guys who tell her they see her more as a friend than a girlfriend, decides to take matters into her own hands. She decides to find out exactly what she's doing wrong - by getting herself a love coach, she choses her best friend and boss, Hunter Cross. Hunter is a serial dater, but never seems to settle down. Brit decides that he's the best choice to coach her in what exactly is going wrong in her love life that makes men see her as friend and nothing more. Hunter is decidedly uneasy about the idea, telling Brit that the right guy won't see her as just a friend. After seeing her attempt to flirt with another co-worker, Hunter realizes that Brit is taking this very seriously and agrees to help coach her. Needless to say, Hunters feelings soon come to the surface while helping coach Brit - and he's not alone in these feelings. Brit and Hunter have amazing chemistry and ease with each other. Soon, they realize these feelings may complicate their friendship and working relationship, but it's too late to turn back now. To avoid spoilers, I'll leave it there.
The chemistry between the characters was off the charts. Their banter was witty and funny and I enjoyed the secondary characters in the novel, as well. It was referenced in the book that their situation was very similar to the movie, Hitch, starring Will Smith and Eva Mendes - and it was. I recommend this book to anyone who loves friends to lovers romance.

It’s back to the Stiletto/Oxford drawing board for Brit and Hunter’s story. We’ve met them in previous novels of the two series, two people who consider themselves “best friends” but grow into lovers, surprising neither the other characters nor readers.

Still, it’s a fun, fast read. If you haven’t read most or all the other books, you might be confused by such a large cast of returning characters. It’s tricky, I’m sure, for the author to provide enough backstory to new readers without boring returning ones. For me the group scenes felt like being at a party with all my good friends. That is, my younger, hotter, richer friends. I don’t mind suspending disbelief but it’s getting a little ridiculous. One of them needs to get a pimple or something.

However, Lauren Layne writes warm, funny characters and the dialogue never flags, so spending a few hours with them is not exactly a chore. I’m not sure if there will be other books in the series. I prefer her “Love Unexpectedly” and “I Do, I Don’t” brands but a 4-star Lauren Layne book is still worth the time.

ARC supplied for an honest review.