Lost in Us
Layla Hagen
Published on February 17, 2014
Serena has learned to live with her past, locking her secrets and nightmares deep inside her. But when her boyfriend of six years abruptly leaves her, she’s catapulted back into pain, nursing a broken heart. When indulging in mountains of chocolate doesn’t work, Serena decides the best way to deal with her shattered heart is to indulge in something else. A rebound . . .
The night she swaps her usual Sprite for tequila, she meets James. The encounter is breathtaking.
Electrifying.
And best not repeated.
James is a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. A man who has amassed a fortune by taking risks. A man who has shunned commitment completely, and still does. He’s the exact opposite of Serena. But sometimes opposites attract. Sometimes they give in to burning passion. Sometimes opposites are perfect for each other.
James is everything her damaged soul could want. His kisses are intoxicating, his touch out of this world. He makes her forget. He grants her peace from her pain. But as they grow closer, Serena discovers she isn’t the only one with a past. James carries the scars of a past much darker than hers. One that has left him damaged, hurt, and wary of love. A past that gives him the power to shatter her.
Now James and Serena must find a way to mend one another. Or risk losing each other forever.
Who doesn’t need some liquid courage now and again? I really enjoyed this book and found myself in my much loved angst state over James and Serena’s relationship. If you’re looking for a romantic, alpha-rich male meets smart and innocent college senior, story filled with angst, this is the book for you!
This story starts out strong with a heart broken Serena enjoying a girls night out with her best friend and roomie. In walks ladies man millionaire, late 20’s hunk, who is pompous and conceited, yet makes Serena (and my) panties damp with his quick wit and bold statements. James is a known playboy, who never commits to a relationship, right?
I am the center of his world tonight.
But what about tomorrow?
-Serena, Lost in Us
Leaving Serena wanting more after a simple conversation, she decides to take James up on his offer for a surprise date, and is whisked away in a mysterious car the next afternoon. This first date is nothing like anything I’ve read before. In fact, James has many fun and thrilling, yet utterly romantic dates with Serena. I love a refreshing love scene!
The chemistry between these two characters is off the charts. I connected instantly with these two characters and was holding my breathe through much of the first few chapters in anticipation of their physical connection. I loved that I didn’t have to wait too long for the steamy sex. It happens quick and is extremely hot.
James turns out to be a great book boyfriend. When he turns on the charm, he made my eyes tear up and my panties wet. He literally steals Serena’s breathe away through lovely, romantic, and sentimental gestures. Serena is a strong heroine who only doubts herself when the guilt of missing a loved one interferes. She is quick witted and doesn’t allow James to get his way all the time. I love a girl with some sass, and Serena exudes it when her temper is hot and she’s ready to battle.
Throughout the story, both James and Serena need to overcome a great sense of guilt in order to fully commit to each other. They need to forgive themselves in order to move on together, so their relationship is quite bumpy. Their romance seems perfect, then one gets cold-feet and does something utterly harsh or hurtful, then the relationship is doomed, or is it? The flip flopping between James and Serena’s wants, desires, and willingness to try turned my stomach to knots, and made me want to jump ahead in search of clues of a HEA for these two lovers.
Along with two hot and charismatic main characters, I also really enjoyed Jess (Serena’s best friend) and Parker (James’s cousin and business partner). There are parts in the story where these two secondary characters are up to something else and I’m dying to know more about what happened. From what I’m reading, the next book in this series focuses on these two potential love birds, and I’m looking forward to devouring that story too.
If you’re looking for a read that is delightful, charming, and romantic… Lost in Us is the book for you.
3.5 Stars and I can’t wait to read more by Layla Hagen.
About Layla Hagen
My name is Layla Hagen and I am a New Adult Contemporary Romance author.
I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.
I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.
And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
I am definitely going to have to pick this one up. Great review.
Jenea @ Books Live Forever recently posted…Review for Hereafter (Shadowlands #2) by Kate Brian
Giselle
Great review! I love it when chemistry between the two characters is that vivid – for me that’s a must in this genre. It sounds like one I would def. enjoy and it sounds like maybe the side characters are setting us up for some companion novels!
Giselle recently posted…Some of the Most Unique Books I’ve Read!
Layla Hagen
I love this review!! Thank you so much! And yeeep the second book in the series will tell Jess & Parker’s story.
(Three guesses as to whom the third book will be about :-)) )