I Knew You Were Trouble: An Oxford Novel

This book is #4, in the incredible Oxford series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader understanding and enjoyment, I recommend reading this series in order.

From the time Taylor & Nick met, they were like oil and water. They occasional had to work together. They had mutual friends. It was all they could do not to kill one another, some days.

Nick has been attracted to Taylor from the very moment they met. Taylor would claim the same, if forced to do so. Their timing never seemed to click. Until one day....

This series is just phenomenal! Gets better and better with each story. I loved these characters. I loved that they did not want to be attracted to - or even like one another. It felt very real. Easy to read with a great HEA.

***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review by Netgalley and its publishers.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I am a big fan of the author and this series is my FAVORITE. I am so glad the author is introducing new characters at Oxford. This is Nick and Taylors story and they were characters introduced in the last book featuring Daisy and Lincoln. If you love frienenemies stories or enemies to lovers story or work romances then you will LOVE this story.

Taylor is gorgeous but inside she is beyond lonely. Her life will make you cry. She really has never had anyone stay and love her. So many people think she is cold and unfeeling, ice princessey. And that is what happens when she meets Nick, a part time writer at her new job. He calls her an ice princess and she never forgives him for that.

Nick is actually going thru a rough time when he meets Taylor and he is sorry he said that to her but she won't let it go and so they become enemies. They also have a very strong attraction but he can't be with her because he has a girl friend and when he doesn't then she is with a co worker and so they form this attraction/hate relationship.

Now here is a warning: This story features exes a lot. Nick is dating someone when he meets Taylor and he has many girlfriends after. Meanwhile Taylor dates Bradley and it gets serious and you see that alot during the beginning of this story. So while it should not stop you from reading this story, it is something you should expect.

This story starts out very slow burn like. It starts one year before and then fast forwards with significant events throughout that year. The dating of the beginning is very important and I loved that the author wrote it in this way. It was unexpected though and so I had to go back and read from the beginning as it was not what I expected.

For a bit of the story Taylor dates Bradley a co-worker but on the day they move in together, he writes her a Dear John letter. So she gets stuck with this beautiful apartment but needs to share the rent. Nick, has an ex who won't leave his place, so he decides to move in with Taylor, his friendenemy.

And shall I say this is where the fun starts. The two don't magically fall in love. They have lots of more banter and anger for the other. And I liked that they never rush anything, even when they both agree they are very attracted. Beyond that I am not spoiling anymore about this story. It was a wonderful trip to Oxford and I cannot wait for more stories.

What an amazing journey these two characters took. I truly enjoyed reading how their t relationship changes. Lots of quick witted banter to go along with the extra fiery Taylor who has to choose between two... Whom does she choose? Now Nick..... He just annoys her endlessly, when the time comes will she course perfect Bradley or hot and sexy Nick? You'll have to read I Knew You Were Trouble to find out. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book via Tasty Book Tours through NetGalley for an honest blog tour review.
Favorite Passages~
• ...just remember this: there are plenty of fertile fish in the sea, plenty of women who want to be mamas, but none of them might make you feel the way this girl makes you feel.”
• “Like you two were sort of really great together for a split second, but you’re the sun, and you needed someone who could enhance your light, not try to block it.”

I Knew You Were Trouble was a sometimes troubling to read, but definitely sexy, office romance complete with one of my favorite tropes - enemies to lovers. Taylor and Nick met on the job and with one hurtful, albeit unintentionally, comment from him, their course was set. "So everyone gets the ice-princess routine?" The question was teasing, but it still stung. Ice princess. The label was hardly a new one, but she'd worked hard to eradicate it in recent years--to remember that just because she'd been raised by Karen Carr didn't mean she had to become Karen Carr.

Nearly a year later, after a tumultuous, back and forth, tension filled, let's eat popcorn and watch the fireworks filled working relationship, Taylor and Nick become roommates after a seriously douchey move by Taylor's ex where he dumped her via letter the day he was supposed to move in with her. And of course, this is where their relationship turns the tide, but not until more tension, more back and forth, more bitching at each other, more ice princess and snarky banter.

What I liked about I Knew You Were Trouble is that it doesn't shy away from the hard stuff. This isn't really a fluffy office romance. There's emotional pain, demons to be rid of, souls to be bared, and of course, lots and lots of f ups by both Taylor and Nick. Neither is presented as some kind of super human, superstar, they're both real, realistic characters who act like the rest of us do, and I really appreciate that. She's the ice princess but it's only skin deep. She's got a lot of insecurities, thanks to her cold and unloving aunt/guardian. He's the slightly breezy, smirky, easy going guy who has his own demons thanks to a horrible ex shredding his heart. Put them together and they shouldn't work, but they do, and they work really well once they get their timing right and once they get all their s*** together.

About the only thing I didn't like was that when Nick had to grovel, Taylor, in a complete reversal of her previous nature, didn't make him grovel too hard, didn't make him sweat it out much. I would have made him lick my feet and beg for my forgiveness. A little apology and a token of his love wouldn't have been enough for me to simply forget he left me when I was pregnant, and asked me to get a paternity test because he thought I had cheated on him...Nope, just nope. Flowers, some Louboutins, lots of begging, breakfast in bed, a massage or two, even a spa day, and maybe, just maybe I would have considered forgiving him ;) But, perhaps it was just that Taylor had done some maturing or growing up that she was so easily able to forgive his major faux pas.

I like this Oxford world thanks to Nick and Taylor and am looking forward to reading both the previous books and any new ones.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book received through NetGalley.

Funny, witty, always bordering on snarky and hot romance is something you can count n with a Lauren Layne book so I Knew You Were Trouble fits the bill. It is book 4 in the Oxford Series, so if there are glimpses of the previous couples scattered throughout the book, but it is not necessary to have read their stories before this one.

The frenemies-to-lovers trope works well for Taylor and Nick. I must admit I liked Nock more than Taylor even with her straight forward approach to people. The story could easily fit on the big screen with the ups and downs as well as push away then pull together that this couple does. Adding in an ex who you really don’t want to see Taylor with, you have a Lauren Layne hit. I Knew You Were Trouble is a fun summertime read with the right guy getting the girl.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.

I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers story. This was a pretty quick read and I found myself flying through this fun little book. This is the fourth book in the Oxford series and while fans of the series will enjoy seeing some of their favorite characters, this book could easily be read as a stand alone novel. This was one of those books that I could just totally lose myself in and ended up reading it for hours at a time. It definitely lived up to all of my expectations.

This book is about Taylor and Nick. The book starts out with short chapters showing some of their history with each other which I thought really set the stage of the book quite well. Taylor is planning to move in with her boyfriend, Bradley, but is surprised to find a break up note at the new apartment. When Taylor starts looking for a roommate, Nick decides to taker her up on it and the stage is set for a whole lot of fun.

I thought that Taylor and Nick had wonderful chemistry together. Each of these characters had some very painful moments in their past that really shaped how they deal with life. It became quite apparent that Taylor was very misunderstood because of how she was raised. Nick is a really good guy and sometimes others have taken advantage of his kindness. These two just seemed to fit together perfectly once they gave each other a chance.

I really liked the way this book was written. The characters were wonderfully developed. Their chemistry with each other was intense and their banter was a lot of fun. I liked the fact that it took this pair some time to really get together since it felt more realistic. I must admit that I was pretty sick of Bradley before the book was over but Taylor and Nick seemed to feel the same way so I guess that is okay.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This is a fun little book that tells a really wonderful story. Lauren Layne is one of my go to authors when I am in the mood for contemporary romance and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

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

Enemies to Lovers, Nick Ballantine and Taylor Carr are the focus of this last edition (sob sob) in the highly entertaining Oxford series.

When Taylor Carr's boyfriend dumps her on the day they're supposed to move in together, she needs to find a room-mate fast for her stunning new apartment, to help pay the rent. When Oxford's sometimes, freelance writer Nick Ballantine hears about Taylor's predicament, he jumps at the chance to share. Only, can they overcome their hostility towards each other and live together amicably?

When Nick Ballantine hears Taylor Carr is looking for a room-mate, he volunteers because it gets him out of a personal situation, even though he doesn't want to move. However, when Bradley, Taylor's ex objects, he's determined to move in and claim her as his own, only he has to convince her to like him.

I didn't feel the combustible sparks of attraction between Nick and Taylor, in the same way, I did when they were first introduced to them in Someone Like You (Oxford #3). Somehow their chemistry is more subtle with more emphasis on their hostility to each other. Underneath their combative exterior hides a lust and mutual attraction, only their right place at the right time meetings are coupled with wrong timing...until they find themselves as room-mates. Once they settle into a routine, it doesn't take long before the sparks ignite, and problems to arise.

In trademark, Oxford style, the dialogue is as sharp as their designer suits as familiar faces from the series blend into the narrative along with a couple of new faces. Ms Layne couples this with palpable emotions during heart-wrenching scenes. I was instantly taken with Nick and charmed by his gentlemanly compassion whereas Taylor was a more difficult character to like, however, it's important to remember that as a couple Taylor and Nick are perfect together with a satisfying Happy Ever After to consolidate that fact.

If you've read any of the Stiletto or Oxford books, you'll love this one. If not, take your pick from any of these standalone novels...you won't regret it!

***arc generously received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley***

LL does it again! Another Oxford hit!

Nick Ballantine is a newer addition to Lauren Layne's world of suits and striped ties and pencil skirts and stilettos. He's the rather gorgeous and rugged, part-time bartender and freelance writer for Oxford Magazine, when he meets Taylor Carr, the sharp-witted, ball-busting brunette, with perfectly manicured nails and red lipstick to match. She's beautiful. but untouchable to him. except he usually can't think of anything else he wants to do more.

They have many hot sparring sessions in the office and at the occasional social outing. But we all know--- that's just code for sexual tension. And they have it in SPADES! But they never have good timing... when they want to become more. There's always a girlfriend or boyfriend.

This book starts in the past and travels to the future to when Taylor is preparing to move into an apartment with her long-standing boyfriend, Bradley Calloway, but she soons finds out from a note (FYI: BOYFRIENDS SHOULD NEVER DO THIS!) that he doesn't want to move in with her and wants to break up, and totally disappears after that. Well, that stinks! I feel bad for poor Tay! But she's strong and tries to make the best of it; however, she stills needs a roommate. Here comes our boy, Nick. :)

I do love a enemies to roommates to lovers story. But wait- we haven't gotten there yet! HAHAHA

There is even more sexual tension between these two since there's tighter quarters and fireworks go off! These two crazy kids were always meant to be. I know it and you know it! They just take a bit longer to figure it out. Ex-boyfriends coming back with their tail between their legs (hate him!) and pretend baby mamas. Jealousy and insecurity. Pride and stubbornness.

Thank God they come to their senses to realize their love for the other and they can have the ol' happy ending they deserve. :)

I was given an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Answer something for me."
"What?"
"If you weren't dating him, would you have dinner me?"
"I don't like you."
"Liar."

Love and hate.
Such a thin line between the two.
Especialy when it comes to Nick and Taylor.

When these two laid eyes on each other, there was such a pull of chemistry, but there was also denial...and dislike...and sex appeal...and refusal of emotions.
The tension ran high between these two, and their timing was never right...until Taylor needed a roommate.
It was destiny, sweet and sexy destiny.

"Is this how it's going to be with you? Always hungry for more?"
"Is this how it's going to be with you? Running off, leaving unfinished business?"
"Now, Taylor. Don't be greedy."
"That's just the problem. I am feeling a little greedy."

Oh my goodness!!
I swear, the push and pull between these two was so good. You would be on the edge of your seat, waiting for them to finally take the plunge, just to have them push back away.
Gahhhh!

Lauren Layne is one of my favorites for a reason.
She can write a romcom like no other, but she also gives you so much heart within her pages.
Taylor and Nick each have to overcome their pasts to get ready for their futures.

"What are we going to do with us, Carr?"
"Not a clue."

This book was everything I hoped for and more!!
Nick and Taylor are my new favorite couple because I love a good love/hate relationship.
It's so much fun to wach them finally surrender to what we have seen all along<3

I have loved every single book within this series!!
This book was icing on the cake, but there's one more book I hope to see...Two others within the Oxford community need their stroy told...just saying;)

Another great read from Lauren Layne!!

"I Knew You Were Trouble from the very second, Ms. Carr."
"Worth it, though. Right?"
"You are the best thing that ever happened to me. So hell yeah. It was worth it."

3 - "You could do better..." Stars.

Lauren Layne and I seem to have had a bit of a falling out so far in 2017. After book three in the Oxford series; Someone Like You being some of the authors best writing I have experienced, everything else I have read since that was released back in December 2016 has been decidedly lackluster.

"Some days I think I’ll figure out just what the hell made you so **** ******, but then I remember I don’t give a shot."

I think the main problem is that the author is churning out so many books now, on an almost bi-monthly basis, that quality is being forsaken for quantity. All well, and good if the books you are producing are of the high quality that your loyal readers are used to, but I am not really getting that feeling with the last couple I have read.

Crying made you weak, feelings left you vulnerable, and the only person you could count on was yourself…

Can’t really say I was a fan of Taylor, she came across as an unfeeling, overly defensive shrew for most of the book, and Nick's motivation for being with her didn’t really endear him to me much either. The old frenemy-to-lovers trope is usually one of my favorites, but I just didn’t see these two as a functioning couple for most of the story. The second half hits the predictable slope, and my high point for the whole thing was getting to catch up on past characters from the series.

"Someone will love you… I promise it."

I am in the minority with my feelings on this one, but this is an author who has been on my go-to list for a few years now, and there is very little she has released that I haven’t read and totally enjoyed. Because of that I have high expectations, and so far in 2017, they have in no way been met. I don’t doubt that we will see more from this series/characters in the future, I just hope that the author can get back to the quality story-telling she delivered in the earlier books, and the Stiletto series, when she does.

I loved, loved, LOVED the back and forth between Nick and Taylor. He gave as good as he got and so did she. They were brutally honest with each other, and that lack of BS was exactly what Taylor needed but didn't realize it right away. I could see they were so meant to be together, so you can imagine my frustration since it felt like it took forever for them to get with the program, especially Taylor! Can I just say that I wanted to stand up and applaud the manner in which Nick wanted to handle the potential shift in their relationship from frenemies to lovers? It showed his respect for her and himself. He never coddled her but did offer comfort whenever she needed it. That was the thing with him--it was as if he knew her better than anyone else in the world and all he did was observe her. If you're familiar with the Sun Tzu quote about knowing your enemy, you will get how it was apt for these two.

Over the span of four books, this series has become a favorite for me. I have yet to get around to reading the series it was originally spun off from, Stiletto, but I'm hoping to get to those before the year end...or before the fifth book in Oxford is released. Yep, I've got a feeling there's at least one more book in the offing, thanks to two supporting characters, Hunter Cross and Brit Robbins, who are best friends that could very well be perfect for each other. Then there's also Jessica Hayes who so deserves to be with a guy who deserves someone as nice as her. So, I've got my fingers crossed we haven't seen the last of the Oxford crew, but whoever gets their story told next will be faced with a bar set REALLY high, not just by I Knew You Were Trouble but the three other novels in the series. Nick and Taylor left me smiley and satisfied as well as wanting even more Oxford goodness. This favorite gets five-plus stars. ♥

Taylor appears to have it all: the perfect boyfriend, the perfect job, and the perfect apartment...until the not-so-perfect boyfriend dumps her in a letter when they should be moving into their new apartment together.

Now in need of a roommate, her co-worker Nick steps in to take the spot. How these two were ever going to survive together was a surprise! The two of them exchanged few words that weren't hostile and overtly cruel. The jabs between the two are more brutal than you'd expect from a LL Oxford couple. It was a bit more gritty, Taylor was icy, and Nick was a bit jerkish. Somehow, LL takes their spark and makes them ignite.

Fans of the Oxford series will enjoy this one -- but you'll just need to get past Nick's behavior at times. For me, it was a bit more real but I can see some being put off by the brashness.

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 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.

Taylor Carr has just got her dream job working for the Oxford Magazine in the advertising department. Also the staff there are easy on the eyes as all the Male employees look like Models including Bradley Calloway and Nick Ballantine. Both guys are single and have caught Taylor's eyes. Bradley, however, is the safe option, and so Taylor begins to date Bradley and all goes well, except on the day they are supposed to move in together to their new co-leased apartment -he leaves her a Dear John letter. Now desperate for a roommate and someone to share the rent with, she advertises at work and who shall be in need for a new living situation - Nick Ballantine. Taylor has always been attracted to Nick, but he is her dangerous guy, the one she finds herself out of whack around and the one who not only brings out the best in her but also the worst. As the months go by, they both try to resist the growing chemistry and sparks and avoid developing a relationship but what happens when they finally do start a romance and a steady relationship with Nick's past shows up with a baby on her hip? Can they get over this obstacle and what will happen when to make matters either worst or better Taylor receives some life-changing news that will affect both her's and Nick's futures?

Find out in this fast-paced romance novel set in the bustling world of the Magazine world known as Oxford. Even better is that though this is Book #4 of the series Oxford, it can be read as a stand-alone.

I Knew You Were Trouble is the fourth installment to the Oxford series by Lauren Layne. 



I have adored this series ever since I got the opportunity of reviewing the first Oxford book. Since then, Lauren Layne has produced amazing characters that just pull you in. No matter what the circumstance. 



Now, in the beginning the story started a bit differently as we get to watch Taylor Carr’s life on how it all came together before we really dive into the meaty part of the story. Taylor transition to Oxford was interesting and wasn’t always swift, but she pulled through. With amazing friend and current boyfriend. However, her current boyfriend;Bradley Calloway wasn’t someone I cared for. Then enters Nick Ballentine. Oh, this man confidence just swept me away. I always love hate/love relationships and this one was certainly that. Taylor and Nick never started on the right foot, but when she’s in need of a roommate, Nick is there. Present and ready to move in. 

Will Taylor let down her guard just enough for Nick to get into her fortress, or will they forever be in a hate/love relationship?

Overall, I love the story and that we got to see the pervious characters from the other Oxford installments. 
I would highly recommend for anyone who loves banter and reading duel point of views from both main characters. 


Reviewed on Behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
**ARC for an Honest Review**

copy received courtesy of Netgalley
Another fun, sexy book in the Oxford series. This series never disappoints. Taylor and Nick are great characters. They start out as enemies and work their way to friends then lovers. Again the romance is something they work toward. It is not a instant love or sex. I love that the characters get a chance to get to know each other and grow together. Taylor thought she was unlovable due to her upbringing, and she came off as a little cold. Nick dubbed her "the ice princess". That started the enemy portion of the book. They were attracted to each other but the timing was off. When they do finally get together it is fun and sexy. We get the funny lines and scenes that play out in all the Oxford books. I never get tired of this series! Love it.

** spoiler alert ** ARC provided from Tasty Books

Spoiler Alert

With any Lauren Layne book expect main characters who enjoy pushing each other's buttons. Taylor Carr and Nick Ballentine are co workers at Oxford Magazine. When Taylor's boyfriend develops cold feet and decides against sharing an apartment Nick comes to the rescue. The two frenemies go from coworkers to roommates to lovers. I enjoyed the first 50-60% of the book but the remaining portion not so much.

Taylor is portrayed as the ultimate career woman. In fact she is named Ice Princess by Nick. Of course we know there's a backstory. But by the end of the book Taylor has adopted a dog and is preparing for an unplanned pregnancy.

As for the unplanned pregnancy the ultimate career woman "forgets to take her birth control pills" ? Nick who wants children decides to use no protection even though at this point he believes Taylor doesn't want children.

Nicks old girlfriend who has a baby has an emergency and when she can't locate Nick leaves the baby with Taylor. Taylor volunteers to keep the baby until Nick is located. This comes from a woman who told her previous boyfriend she did not want children. Also neither woman has ever met the other before this scene.

Layne is still one of my favorite authors but this is not one of the books that I would recommend to a new reader. Because I did enjoy the first half I went with 3 stars. ARC provided from Tasty Books

Some things in life are just certain. Me falling in love with Lauren Layne's characters is one of them. Another would be me loving Lauren's latest release. When I learned the Oxford series was going to continue with I Knew You Were Trouble, I was all geeked out. I loved the Stiletto ladies. I loved the Oxford guys. Any time I can get more of any of them, I'm all in.

One of the reasons I probably enjoyed this book so much is that I dig a good slow burn romance. That's definitely what Lauren delivered with Taylor and Nick's story. These two had tons of chemistry, but as often happens in real life, the timing wasn't quite right at first. And for awhile thereafter. That made it all the more realistic to me. Who hasn't met someone and realized the timing was off? Thankfully, for these two, the universe had a way of making things right and they wound up with another opportunity. Which was great because, even with their differences and their tendency to pick at each other, they were great together.

I loved watching both Taylor and Nick grow over the course of this book. I also enjoyed seeing them come to terms with their individual pasts so they could move forward together. And, as always, it was great to see some of my past favorite characters make appearances here.

Long story short, Lauren delivered the laughs, swoons, feels and sexy times I've come to expect from her books.

Holy crap, it’s hard to imagine anything better than the previous Stiletto/Oxford series getting better. However, Lauren Layne does it with this one of a kind romance that’s sure to please any readers who love sassy banter and smoking hot chemistry. Get ready to hold onto your hat because the heat plus funny is going to blow your mind.

Taylor loves her new job and the fact that it comes with multiple flavors of eye candy doesn’t hurt. As always, though, her career comes first. Growing up with her aunt Karen had taught her that emotions were useless and only hurt. Being logical and organic was the best course.

And no, the smoking hot chemistry between her and her pesky co-worker Nick was just irritation, not awareness. Dislike, not interest. That didn’t stop her from approaching him one night only to get turned down. He was in a relationship? Crazy. So she begins a relationship with the one that common sense tells her is more her type and suddenly he’s free.

Is it bad timing or are they really not meant to be?

Luckily fate throws another money wrench into the mix and they’re roommates. How are they going to avoid the attraction now?

Funny, sexy and sweet, I really loved these two and their story. Thanks!

It is said that the thinnest of lines exist between love and hate. The fireworks between Taylor Carr and Nick Ballantine are perfect examples of that. Taylor has a backbone of steel wrapped in a velvet glove, has the perfect job and now has found the perfect boyfriend. Too bad that he ends up being a complete jerk and leaves her high and dry on the day that they plan to move in together. Nick loves his free lifestyle - from the three jobs that he juggles to the women that grace his bed. But when he finds Taylor in trouble, he is the first to step in to help, even if that help was not wanted. He and Taylor love to spar verbally and truly loathe each other or so they thought. After living together for a few weeks, the sparks between turn into an inferno. But will that inferno burn out of control?

I Knew You were Trouble was such a fun, fast read! I adored the verbal foreplay between Taylor and Nick - hot enough to scorch my Kindle! I loved Taylor - from her smart mouth to her passion for her job. It was really nice to see a female character with a career that she was dedicated to. Nick was an absolute blast to get to know in this story. I would love to sit at his bar and have a drink. I adore Lauren Layne's books but to date, this one may be my favorite. This one is not to be missed!

I definitely enjoyed this slightly different entry in the Oxford series. Taylor and Nick are one of those couples that you just know should be together from their first meeting, but life keeps them apart.
Taylor is a heroine that honestly made me a little uncomfortable even while I wanted to cuddle her. Her upbringing stunted her emotional growth and it shows in how she looks at love.
Nick isn't the classic hero, but is perfect for Taylor. Their banter and barbs are fun to watch - as is their evolution from fren-enemies, to roommates, to coupledom.
My only complaint is that the tenacity in which Taylor held on to a failed relationship. It didn't seem to fit with the strong persona she portrayed in other places.

Taylor Carr is starting a new job in advertising and is eager to get started. With a stifled upbringing , Taylor is not sure how to interact with the friendly demeanor by everyone she has met. The only person to rub her the wrong way is Nick Ballantine who works at the agency periodically.

Something inside Nick flares every time he interacts with Taylor, he wants he but she has made it clear she doesn't want him. Nick bides his time though and eventually Taylor is as taken with Nick as he is her. However Nick has a past that shadows him and an old flame of Taylor's is about to ruin everything.

This was entertaining and filled with wonderful characters. It took awhile to soften to Taylor but you get why she is the way she is but her level of contempt for Nick drags a bit. Overall I thought the chemistry was off the charts and was waiting to see what would happen with this couple.

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

I Knew You Were Trouble: An Oxford Novel by Lauren Layne
This is Taylor Carr and Nick Ballantine's story.

Oh my goodness!!! This was a great story. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. Taylor doesn't know what it's like to be loved. Nick has a loving family but was hurt in a bad relationship. They seem to get on each other's nerves don't like each other. Well, the chemistry is so intense between them. Will they ignore this chemistry and put aside their stubbornness to take a chance on love?

A fun, steamy, and entertaining read with characters that were so relatable and fun. With Nick and Taylor I could feel the passion they had for each other and the pain they had suffered in their life. I just love how the author incorporates so many emotions in the story. This is a must read!

FYI, contains mature content.  I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Nick Ballantine and Taylor Carr are so perfect for each other but it not only is the timing off for a while but they rub each other the wrong way. Watching these two circle each other along with the rest of the gang at Oxford was not only enjoyable it was so much fun! They started as enemies then reluctant roommates and then finding their way to friendship and finally to a relationship. The dialogue alone was worth reading this one!

This one can be read as a standalone.

I highly recommend this one!

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

What is there to say about the Oxford series that hasn't yet been said? This is simply my favorite series to read and with this one I dreaded it and anticipated it. Never ready for the end of a series, and always hoping there will be more to come. Lauren has written yet another consuming and hialrious story that is so full of heart and soul. I fell head over heels in love with Nick, not that I didn't like him before, and had a major girl crush on Taylor. This story is everything.

Taylor's life is going according to plan, until it isn't. Without any other options, Taylor looks for a roommate. Nick steps in to help her out, while helping himself out of a sticky situation. When all is said and done, will these roommates turn into more? Or will they find their own trouble elsewhere?

Reviewed for Reviews From The Heart

Lauren Layne's Oxford/Stiletto series has been one of my favorites. I Knew You Were Trouble, the latest in the series, is another 5 star read.

While a few of my favorite Oxford men make a cameo in the book, unlike the other books in the series, this story really focuses on Nick and Taylor bringing them firmly into the Oxford/Stiletto universe.

One comment from Nick puts him firmly in enemy territory for Taylor. After an office romance gone bad, Taylor finds herself an unexpected roommate in Nick. As they move from enemies to frenemies to something more, both Nick and Taylor find themselves in a position they never imagined. Nick has a secret that breaks your heart and Taylor has a past that explains her frosty demeanor. Taylor finds in Nick the HEA that she could have never imagined.

This is another outstanding book by Lauren Layne. The Oxford series has been full of wonderful strong and spunky women, this story is no exception. The sexual tension between Taylor and Nick has been an undercurrent even in earlier books but it is off the charts in this story and is very well written. This is not a typical hate-turns-to-love story and the characters are well developed and compelling. This is probably one of my favorite books so far by Layne, if not my favorite, and highly recommend to anyone who loves smart romance books.

i love this series by Lauren Layne, actually (to my husbands chagrin ) I love all her books! She has a way of bringing the right two characters together-the ones, that if they existed in our world, would find each other no matter what. Thanks for being romantic and finding the good in every one of your characters and letting them find it in themselves. Like most people I read to get away from real life especially when it gets to be too much-thank you for giving me such interesting places and wonderful people to spend my time with.

Decisions, decisions. This Lauren Layne Oxford novel puts an extremely relateable heroine in the middle, with love on the line. I have been enjoying the series and I'm impressed with Lauren's ability to tell complete stand alone stories and still tie the series together. There's just enough info to make sure that wherever you enter the series you'll be able to settle in easily, I Knew You Were Trouble brings the humor and the romance. I really appreciated the heroine's fully dimensional character, and the chance to be inside her mind as she deliberated her future. I was extremely satisfied by the happily ever after. Looking forward to the next fun, sexy read in the series.

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.

I just loved this book, from beginning to end. The tension between Nick and Taylor was unbearable at times and I couldn't get enough. The banter to between them was not only sexy but funny, too. They're both such strong characters and the evolution of their relationship was perfect. Funny and romantic with a lot of sexy. Definitely recommend!

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Compared to Layne's other books, this one was simply okay. Perhaps it is because I have read some truly exceptional books by this author, but this book fell a little bit short for me. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a light romantic read, but I wouldn't expect the surprising substance that I have enjoyed from some of her other novels. I'm not sure why, but I just didn't feel like the hero and heroine connected as solidly and seamlessly as I might have liked.

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 iciness. I just loved the plot and the whole, "when will their timing match up?" I Knew You Were Trouble was fast paced and pretty darn steamy. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

This is Nick and Taylor's story. Taylor has everything going for her and is excited to move in with her boyfriend. Then on move in day, she gets dumped for a coworker. Now she is looking for a new room mate in order to keep the apartment.

Nick is the coworker that always has a comment for Taylor, not always a good one. But he does need a place to live, could they be roommates?

This is another fun read from the Oxford series! I look forward to more of them!

Fantastic! Has a little bit of everything in it. Funny, flirty, great characters and some issues that really hit home. Great way to end the series. Really sad to see it end, I felt like one more book could possibly be written Ms Layne.

Jeez, I seriously need a job at Oxford, these men, oh my! If you haven't read this electrifying series yet, you are missing out. Hot, alpha guys, they wear suits, and they are uber-protective of their women. Nick fits in almost perfectly with these editorial guys, but I love how Lauren Layne has written it to involve different characters than the previous books. You still see the editorial team, but are introduced to a more laid-back side of the office as well. Nick is the wanderer of the office, not having a full time job there, but fills in when needed, as well as bartending as a side job. When Taylor starts work at the Oxford office, she can't help but notice all the men are insanely hot, cue panting and drooling on my part. However, one in particular catches her eye, Bradley. Just as these two lovebirds are about to move in, he pulls a dickish move on her, leaving Taylor scrambling for a roommate. Enter her arch nemesis, Nick Ballantine, these two have more animosity and banter with each other than anyone I know. When that same banter turns into something steamier, will they be able to survive?
I'll admit, I Knew You Were Trouble is different than Ms. Layne's other books, there are twists and turns I never thought she'd go for. That being said, I love that she stepped out of her comfort zone, it fits the story and the characters perfectly. This book still has her what I consider to be her signature Tri-H's- heart, humor, and heat. I Knew You Were Trouble causes your heart to pound, and then explode. It leaves you with a smile, and I couldn't love this book more. I hope there is more to this series, the characters have left a huge indent on my heart and I don't want to leave them yet!

I Knew You Were Trouble has Nick Ballantine matching swords with Taylor Carr. Their beginning relationship of antagonism is so close to that love/hate line you wonder from the beginning when they will cross it. Ms. Layne writes believable and true to real world relationships for her characters as she does it with Nick and Taylor. They seem to circle each other before meeting the challenge of becoming roommates out of necessity – mostly to irritate Bradley, the ex; it works well here.

Taylor was raised by an aunt who left her no room for feelings. Taylor has already decided she does not want to be a mother. She has not had any kind of example about motherly love in her life. And, once her aunt passes, she really feels alone and lonely. Nick just happened by upon news of her aunt’s death and was the one who simply held her when she needed it most.

Nick comes from a loving family and has his own demons from a previous relationship. He wants a family with kids eventually, but, it looks as though if he chooses Taylor, there will not be any children – just him and her.

Bradley, the ex, is not any woman’s prize. He doesn’t even know what he wants. Sounds like he gets what he deserves though.

Ms. Layne has added to her love stories with another hit. The Stiletto/Oxford series keeps on giving. One of the great issues with your characters is we have had the opportunity to get to know most of them through previous books in these two series. Your ‘acknowledgment’ indicates you will not continue the series, but I can see you moving forward. Do you really want to leave us hanging on Brit and Hunter? Thank you Ms. Layne and Net Galley for sharing this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ms Layne's brand of heart sighing romance, humor and even at times drama...are the perfect mixture for the attention grabbing story this is. As with all her stories, you're invested from the onset in the characters...Nick and Taylor are no different. The reappearance of characters from the previous books in the series only enhances the enjoyment experienced here.

Nick finally getting his own story is a long wait answered. Everything about his being is counterpoint to Taylor. Their bickering early on created some is the most memorable moments of the story. The snide quips were priceless and done so effortlessly...another trademark found in all this author's stories. That the balance between the growth of Nick and Taylor's story and their HEA was perfectly crafted and one of the most heartwarming parts of the story.

Hopefully the Oxford series had not seen its last story, with more to come can only benefit this reader in the best of ways.

This ARC copy of this book is complimentary provided by the Publisher and Netgally, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

When Nick and Taylor met sparks flew and along with it words. They were at constant loggerheads.
Taylor is stuck with the lease of her apartment after her boyfriend dumps her on moving day and needs a roommate. And the person to help her out is none other than her arch nemesis, Nick Ballantine.
What will happen when two people who hate each other are living together, with attraction on low simmer ? Fireworks for sure.
I knew you were trouble is exactly as you would expect Ms Layne's book to be. It's funny, has heat, and just enough emotions to get you teary eyed and leaves you with a smile. She has incorporated the characters of her previous books so well that it feels like catching up with old friends :). I hope this is not the end of Oxford series especially with the possible something between Brit and Hunter.
I have voluntarily read and reviewed the arc from Netgalley.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I am a big fan of the author and this series is my FAVORITE. I am so glad the author is introducing new characters at Oxford. This is Nick and Taylors story and they were characters introduced in the last book featuring Daisy and Lincoln. If you love frienenemies stories or enemies to lovers story or work romances then you will LOVE this story.

Taylor is gorgeous but inside she is beyond lonely. Her life will make you cry. She really has never had anyone stay and love her. So many people think she is cold and unfeeling, ice princessey. And that is what happens when she meets Nick, a part time writer at her new job. He calls her an ice princess and she never forgives him for that.

Nick is actually going thru a rough time when he meets Taylor and he is sorry he said that to her but she won't let it go and so they become enemies. They also have a very strong attraction but he can't be with her because he has a girl friend and when he doesn't then she is with a co worker and so they form this attraction/hate relationship.

Now here is a warning: This story features exes a lot. Nick is dating someone when he meets Taylor and he has many girlfriends after. Meanwhile Taylor dates Bradley and it gets serious and you see that alot during the beginning of this story. So while it should not stop you from reading this story, it is something you should expect.

This story starts out very slow burn like. It starts one year before and then fast forwards with significant events throughout that year. The dating of the beginning is very important and I loved that the author wrote it in this way. It was unexpected though and so I had to go back and read from the beginning as it was not what I expected.

For a bit of the story Taylor dates Bradley a co-worker but on the day they move in together, he writes her a Dear John letter. So she gets stuck with this beautiful apartment but needs to share the rent. Nick, has an ex who won't leave his place, so he decides to move in with Taylor, his friendenemy.

And shall I say this is where the fun starts. The two don't magically fall in love. They have lots of more banter and anger for the other. And I liked that they never rush anything, even when they both agree they are very attracted. Beyond that I am not spoiling anymore about this story. It was a wonderful trip to Oxford and I cannot wait for more stories.

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.

Nick Ballantine and Taylor Carr are so perfect for each other but it not only is the timing off for a while but they rub each other the wrong way. Watching these two circle each other along with the rest of the gang at Oxford was not only enjoyable it was so much fun! They started as enemies then reluctant roommates and then finding their way to friendship and finally to a relationship. The dialogue alone was worth reading this one!

This one can be read as a standalone.

I highly recommend this one!

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

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.

As expected another great book by Lauren Layne. Although I'm sad that this is the last of the Stiletto/Oxford series I couldn't be happier with Taylor and Nick's story. It was sweet ,fun and very steamy at moments.