This was just okay for me. I liked Olivia and Paul for the most part and the changes they went through during the story, which are a lot. Paul's in a lot of pain of various degrees and has a lot to work through. They have an instant attraction and decent chemistry but I never felt the connection I need to pull me into a story. There's good banter, a lot of ups and downs, emotion, drama, intensity, heat, and love. However, a lot of things just felt over the top and Paul could be a bit much and wore on my nerves. I kept forcing myself to read and found myself skimming. Ultimately I think it was just to angsty and new adult-ish for me.

"Once in awhile, right in the middle of ordinary life, love gives us a Fairy Tale."

With Isn’t She Lovely I discovered a new-to-me author whose writing made me want more. And now I’m excited to say that I have read another book by this newly discovered author, and I was not disappointed. In fact, Layne’s writing is even better this go-round and the story she now tells turns our heads with a much-loved Beauty and the Beast scenario. Paul and Olivia share their very own uniquely satisfying fairy tale love story .

Hidden away from the world in his father’s mansion, Paul Langdon, once a handsome and talented quarterback, is now an angry, scarred and injured war veteran. His father has issued an “either/or” ultimatum to Paul that doesn’t help his mood any. Olivia Middleton is trying to ease the guilt she feels for some bad decisions she’s made in the past. She leaves the high life in NYC hoping to redeem herself by taking a position in Maine as a caretaker for a wounded war veteran. Both Paul and Olivia get a big surprise and nothing at all like they were expecting when they meet.

I found this story to be captivating and emotional. There were parts that I felt were a bit weak and unrealistic – but those didn’t lessen the pleasure of this reading experience. There’s plenty of sexual chemistry and lots of witty banter – things I find most entertaining in a good romance. And it’s even better if there’s a bit of a love/hate relationship built in before the journey begins towards falling in love and ending in a happily-ever-after.

POVs from both main characters was another major plus. Lauren Layne has done a wonderful and very effective job of describing both characters’ personalities and emotional feelings.

This author has given readers another fantastic book filled with a perfect blend of angst, steam, and love. From start to finish, this was a delightfully fulfilling story – one I highly recommend.

This was my first Lauren Layne book, and after reading- I can say for sure I'll be reading more of her! I loved that it was emotional and so romantic. The characters were great, I liked both Olivia and Paul. Of course, Paul is a bit of a tourtured soul and those are my most favorite kinds! There is a little drama, but it's not over the top. Highly recommended to lovers of romance!