Love Story (Love Unexpectedly)

Love Story arrived on my Kindle just when I needed to get lost in a romance only Layne could produce. I really enjoyed the main character, Lucy but had a harder time loving Reece. Their chemistry was strong and believable, but for me, they just spent way too long not getting along. I just kinda wanted more. But other than that, the story was, as always, well written. Two weeks on a road trip went fast but never felt rushed and the time span of this novel. And the supporting cast, (there wasn't a lot here) was enjoyable. Overall, not my favorite in the Love Unexpectedly series, but still a very enjoyable romance. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Lauren Layne writes some of the sweetest romance stories. I adore the Love Unexpectedly series and while I still think I liked the last two better, I still really enjoyed this one. Love Story was a relatively quick read and contained a couple of my favorite romance tropes—Second chance romance and older brother’s best friend.

I enjoyed Lucy and Reeve’s interaction, even though he could be a bit of an a****** at times. Their car ride was filled with banter and some HOT sexual tension.

All in all, Love Story was a semi-angsty, sweet, fun, and sexy read—perfect for those looking for a second chance romance.

A road trip romance featuring enemy to lover trope had me in the backseat - I was right there with the couple, mind you wanting to shake a little sense into them 'you like each other stubborn people' :) An awesome read - the author puts you there and you'll enjoy this ride, bumps in the road and all. 5 star journey.

Lauren Layne has done it again! She has written another New Adult romance that pairs interesting characters with realistic problems. I don't know how she can keep creating these awesome romances.... This book features Lucy and Reece as a star crossed couple that grew up together. They have a very complex history and when Lucy's parents throw them together for a cross country road trip, neither is thrilled. Will they be able to work out the problems to find their happily ever after? If you didn't notice, I am a huge fan of this author and would recommend this book to anyone that like new adult or contemporary romance. I was given a free copy for an honest review.

Fans of Lauren Layne may enjoy this tale of friends to lovers, second chances, and even a bit of the love/hate aspect as well.
"Love Story" wasn't my favorite book by Lauren Layne but I found parts of it to be entertaining.
I found myself liking the heroine more than the hero, which rarely happens for me.

In any case, Lauren Layne is a truly talented author and if you enjoy the tropes I mentioned above, you may want to check this one out.

Love Story follow Lucy and Reece – childhood sweethearts who parted ways only to be stuck on a roadtrip together. While this isn’t my favourite LL book I did enjoy it. It included one of my favourite tropes – best friends to lovers. I thoroughly enjoyed the flashbacks; it was beautiful watching them fall in love (and try to deny being in love). The roadtrip was so much fun; they had really great banter. There was a lot of angst and I am a sucker for angst – Lauren did a great job with that.

What didn’t work for me was how quickly the book ended – I needed more. I felt like I only started reading it and it ended – that may be a sign to…I don’t know maybe writing longer books. ? On a serious note, I did feel the end was a bit rushed and would have liked to see more angst and development. Despite this not being a favourite, LL is still one of my favourites and I will always read anything she releases.
*ARC provided by the publisher and Tasty Book Tours via Netgalley*

I absolutely adored LOVE STORY! This is one of my favorite Lauren Layne releases to date. Lucy and Reece's story captured my attention and my heart from the very first page and held it long after I finished reading. I couldn't put this one down. Lauren Layne is a master of telling stories with interwoven past and present scenes, undeniable chemistry, and a love you can only dream of having. LOVE STORY is an unforgettable, emotional, and completely lovely read. Two thumbs up.

Parents mean well. They always want to help but sometimes they don't mind throwing you under the bus by doing so. Lucy is supposed to start her new job in California in two weeks - her car however decides to break down shortly before she wants to leave her childhood home. Her parents come up with a genius plan. Since her (secret) ex-boyfriend, the cheater, is heading the same way, why not share the family car to get there? Lucy is everything but thrilled but not much she can do as the car was promised to Reece to begin with.

Reece is seething. He has to deal with his ex for two weeks. The girl who used to mean everything to him. How are they supposed to stay civil when there is nothing but bad blood and hard feelings between them now. When they leave they both are dead-set on keeping away from each other. As their journey progresses each of them tries hard not to let the other one see what they both know is still there: their insane sexual chemistry and a hurt so deep that neither of them is over it yet.

This story is told in both first person POVs and in flashbacks outlining Reece's and Lucy's friendship from when they were kids to the day they fell apart. While this is always a bit hard to pull off it worked with this book and I attribute it to the length of the flashback chapters. They aren't overly long, just the right size. And through these chapters I learned who they were and it made it possible for me to view Reece in a better light. Because you see, he was really hard to love.

I'm usually very easy on the heroes in books and the heroines usually have it harder winning me over. This time it was the opposite. I love my alphaholes like the next girl but Reece was unfortunately too much of a jerk to Lucy and I just couldn't connect with him. Granted, he had abandonment issues and insecurities but boy, the guy was testy. If it hadn't been for the sweet connection of their childhood I would have given up on him. He was despicable to Lucy at times and he really deserved a casual hard kick in his family jewels. He kept repeating in his inner monologues that Lucy is a childish brat, when the only one acting like one is him.

Lucy didn't let him get away with it, thankfully. While she had big reservations in the beginning of their road trip she tried, yet and again, to be nice and stay civil. I really admired how she stood up to her ex-boyfriend who hurt her so badly and didn't let him drag her down. Which was a feat in my book since Reece really was an idiot a lot of times. I alternately screamed at my kindle or rolled my eyes at it. In the end I had a hard time rooting for them and thought Lucy deserved better.

While this wasn't a complete winner for me it still had a lot of enjoyable moments. It was a quick, surprisingly angsty read with the road trip feel when you get to travel through the country, driving in a car, listening to whatever is on the radio and without having to hurry to get to your goal. Again, the reminder to not let my review sway you. We all have different expectations from a story so it might be totally down your alley!

Best friends from nine years old, become lovers, only to have a misunderstanding that keeps them apart. Fate brings them together once again. I had a difficult time keeping an interest in reading this book and its characters. This was just an okay read for me.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Love Story is the heart-rending relationship between Lucy and Reese. These two have basically grown up together which you see through a well-written present day vs. flashback style book. You feel their love as it develops between Lucy and Reese even as they both believe they cannot and should not be together until finally they are. And, you, also, feel the pain of betrayal and hurt pride they have and are still suffering.

Their cross country journey is a challenge in itself with the pain they have put each other through in each’s own personal heartbreak. Lucy’s parents have promised Reese the old family vehicle, but then decide to give it to Lucy so the two of them can take it to California. But, first Lucy wants to stop by to visit her current boyfriend in Florida before heading to California. Well, her parents are unaware of the very secretive relationship Lucy and Reese had right before she headed off to college. Her parents do not know that the two of them will not do well on a road trip together. What were her parents thinking? Can they not see that Lucy and Reese no longer even talk to each other? How are they supposed to drive to wine country together?

It is a tumultuous and hot journey with their bickering, wit and love. Ms. Layne places you right there in the car with Lucy and Reese. At times, you want to tell them to just ‘use their words’ as you would a couple of bickering children. Pride is a huge problem in any relationship. These two have their fair share to get in the way.

You will love Love Story! Ms. Layne writes such unique books and I have enjoyed them. Each series brings you right into the office, apartment or vehicle almost as if you are part of the family or one of the friends. So, check out Love Story and enjoy. Thank you Net Galley for sharing this sweet book in exchange for an honest review.

Lauren Layne is one of my go-to contemporary authors. Her romances are always filled with fun characters and sweet romances. Love Story was filled with both of those things. It also included two of my favorite relationship tropes: falling for the older brother's best friend and a second chance romance.

In Love Story, Lucy is forced on a cross-country road trip with her brother's best friend, Reese. Reese isn't just her brother's friend, though. He's also Lucy's ex and the last person she wants to spend two weeks in a car with. Reese isn't exactly pleased to be stuck with Lucy either. Their failed romance didn't just scar Lucy, it tore Reese apart, too. Two weeks on the road together will either mend their broken hearts or kill them both.

Love Story was written in first person dual point of view. I loved this because it gave me a glimpse at both Lucy and Reese's true feelings about being around each other. I also loved the little memories of the past Layne included. They shed light on what really happened between the two back in high school. This love story wasn't as simple as I was expecting. There were so many little revelations along Lucy and Reese's journey. Some I saw coming, but many surprised me.

One of the thing that surprised me was that it took me a long time to warm up to Reese. He was pretty hard-headed. I could understand where he was coming from, but it was hard to empathize with his anger. He created the situation they were in, so I didn't feel as bad for him as I did for Lucy. Reese had so many hang ups.

Lucy I could completely identify with. She had every reason to be angry with Reese. He broke her heart in the meanest of ways. I could understand and empathize with every feelings and thought she had. Personally, I thought Reese was lucky Lucy had an unconditional love for him that she couldn't let go of. Lucy was a catch -- even when she was being a bit of a witch.

The only thing that bugged me a bit about Love Story was that pretty much the entire book was filled with angst. The love-hate thing between Lucy and Reese was fun, but it went on entirely too long for my taste. I liked the sexual tension it built, but I got a little tired of the dramatics. I wanted their hot nights together to last longer than their hatred of each other.

I did love the climax of the story, though. It was pretty perfect. The way Lucy and Reese resolved their problems was so much fun. And that ending! It totally made me swoon.

Love Story wasn't my favorite Lauren Layne novel, but it was still a ton of fun. There was some great witty dialog, a believable romance and a swoon worthy happily ever after. Contemporary romance fans will enjoy this second chance romance.

I was excited to read the story from the prologue and couldn't put it down until I finished it! It is an awesome story Reece and Lucy have had a tumultuous relationship since they were 8/9 yrs old. Then they had a brief shot at life age 18/19, now they're 24/25. Her parents have them traveling across the united states together since they're both going to work in the wine district. He works the vineyards while she went to college and markets the wine for the vineyard she works for. However they have to get to California without killing each other first. They both feel like the other broke their heat and cannot stand to be in the same room, let alone a car for two weeks together. It's a love hate relationship, they used to be best friends. Can they make it to California alive? Will they be friends or lives if they get there? You'll gave to read LOVE STORY to find out what happens on their emotion filled cross country drive. You get to see both Reece and Lucy's perspectives, which is definitely comical at times. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book via Tasty Book Tours through NetGalley in exchange for an honest blog tour review.

Lucy and Reece have been friends since childhood. In fact, Lucy's brother is Reece's best friend. Now they are taking an unexpected road trip and have time to come to grips with what went wrong. Reece was Lucy's first lover and biggest heartbreak. However, Reece has demons of his own. The love hate relationship they have makes it an interesting 2 weeks on the road. Fun romance!

They had the basics down, but this road trip allowed them to get to know each other all over again. It was sweet, funny, sassy, happy and heartbreaking, i.e. all the feels!!!! I wanted to savor this book and didn't want to it be over. I highly recommend this read!