Hunter Caldwell has never encountered a challenge he can’t conquer. He’s built an impressive real estate business in New York, succeeding against all odds. He shatters every obstacle in his way…until now. He only has one option: asking for help the one woman who is off-limits…his best friend. It all starts as pretend… The first kiss is unplanned, but Josie surrenders to him instantly, driving him … instantly, driving him crazy. The second one is in front of his tight-knit family. They have to be convincing, but he’s not pretending at all. Her taste is addictive, the scent of her skin is intoxicating.
On their first night together, he barely stops his fingers from pushing down the straps of her dress…
Their second night is sexy as hell, intense and unforgettable.
How can he stop the lines from blurring when all that really matters now is Josie?
more
3.5 stars.
Lovely.
Here we have Hunter and Josie, they’ve been friends for a long time and now Hunter needs a favor…
I loved Josie, she was just so sweet and I loved how much she was willing to help a friend out of a tough situation. She was tough and kickass, but also vulnerable. I hated how things turned out for her, workwise, but I liked how she ended up seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Hunter was good as well, he was in a bit of a problem, and the only one he could trust was Josie, which I loved, because she was perfect for this. He was fun, smart, and a sweetheart at time.
I loved most of all, how they slowly realized things could turn to more and be spectacular.
This was a sweet and lovely read, with low angst.
*Thank you to the author for providing a copy for which I’m giving my honest opinion*
Layla’s books suck me in every time! I love her swoony men, their stories, the sweet characters and everything else. Add in friends to lovers and I was a sucker for this book. I love her ability to write sagas, but bring us new characters each time. The Winchester family is her newest and I know I’m going to love them.
Josie and Hunter have been best friends forever, but Hunter needs help with something and the story takes off from there.
I loved this book. I loved how sweet it was, I loved how it makes you feel and I love how it’s just an amazing book.
You’re the One!
Hunter was always a bit of a loner and when he went to private school, he was bullied for not being like the other kids. He managed to fight back and when Josie landed a the same school, she too was bullied. But Hunter stood up for her and they became inseparable. Years later, Hunter has become a Real Estate developer, while Josie is a lawyer. But they are still best friends and attend many events together.
Hunter learns his work visa is not going to be renewed, and now he needs to find a way to stay in New York, really the only place he’s known for the majority of his life. His lawyers and Josie research how best to help him, and there’s only one solution! The man needs to get married! And of course, Josie is the right woman for the job as she’s his best friend already. They agree to keep the arrangement quiet and everyone in their family/friends sees their marriage as meant to be! But what did they see that Hunter and Josie hadn’t? The more time they spend together, the more intimate they become. And when immigration officials start asking questions, their lives take a turn. But they do come out on top after all and are ready to continue to build their lives together.
I found myself feeling very involved in Hunter and Josie’s relationship. I felt as though I was watching good friends and was hoping for their HEA. I can’t wait to read more from Layla, and learning about Hunter’s cousins as they get their own journeys to love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
GAH! I love Layla Hagen! You’re The One is probably my newest favorite! This story is everything you know and love from Ms. Hagen – sweet, swoony, and so steamy! Josie and Hunter’s story is one of the best friends-to-lovers romances I’ve ever read! LOVED!!!
Not my first read by the author and this is stand-alone. I’ve read enough books by this author that I knew I’d enjoy it. This is a friends-to-lovers and an interesting one at that.
Hunter is a wealthy and successful man, a man that started from the bottom, a man that well hasn’t been paying attention to his work-visa. He has lived in the states since he was a baby but push forward many years and well, should have paid more attention because now he is in a pickle.
Josie is a successful lawyer who has always worked hard in her life. She is a woman that knows what she wants and speaks her mind, she is also the best friend of Hunter. These two, I have to say even at the beginning after the “arrangement” was accepted, lines were starting to blur, but neither one of them know of each other’s feelings. So naturally they both ignore it and move on as this was just another time together. It’s really sweet to watch them titter-totter around one another. Sadly one doesn’t believe in actual marriage while the other hopes to have it all, husband, house and 2.5 kids.
The only thing that bothered me was the climax. I wont lie but through out the whole build up, i had no indication something was coming until when it did, it just didn’t seem right for the action. i don’t want to give it away but it kind of brought me back a step, and i wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, that’s all I can say truthfully. Threw me off just a little.
Rating:
Romance:
Steamy:
Type: Standalone
Recommended: HIGHLY!
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦
This was my first read from this Author and I found it a sweet, entertaining, steamy read. It was well written and drew me in from the beginning. The characters were engaging and their witty banter kept you entertained throughout.
Hunter and Josie have been best friends for years. They both have feelings for the other but never wanted to admit to it for fear of ruining their friendship but lines start blurring and their friendship starts to blossom into much more. The chemistry between them is palpable and off the charts hot!
I am looking forward to reading more from this Author if this is her level of writing.
Once again Layla Hagen has delivered an incredible sizzling romantic story in You’re The One. You’re The One is the first book in her new Very Irresistible Bachelors series and I could not put it down. Once again she has introduced us to amazing characters, that I immediately fell in love with, flaws and all. You’re The One takes place in New York, so it’s a change from her usual San Francisco. I always love how she describes all the places where her characters roam. You’re The One is a wonderful friends to lovers story, of BFFs Josie Gallagher and Hunter Caldwell. Josie and Hunter have been best friends since the two met fifteen years ago at a private high school in NY as scholarship students. Both having achieved the dreams that they imagined, they are still best friends and will do anything for each other. Hunter’s visa renewal is denied, and he and Josie come up with a solution, to get married and then Hunter can apply for his green card. Once he got his green card, they would wait for a couple of years and then divorce. Just like all best plans theirs went awry when Hunter’s and Josie’s feelings for each other changed from friendship to something more. An immigration officer is investing their marriage as a “sham wedding”, especially since Josie did not take Hunter’s last name when she married him. I loved how their feelings transformed on their honeymoon. Loved the descriptions of the honeymoon locale. Both Josie and Hunter confess their true feelings for each other. I love the sizzling romance scenes that Layla Hagen always seems to deliver. You’re The One contains the usual bittersweet and poignant moments, as Hunter and Josie share secrets that they have kept hidden from everyone. I loved everything about the book from the characters and setting to the romantic tale on two best friends. My favorite part was celebrating their first Christmas together. I loved all the tender moments in the book. All the sweet little things that Hunter did for Josie to show his love for her. Layla Hagen has once again proven that she is a extraordinary storyteller. Layla Hagen also included normal her plot twist that make them question whether or not they want to risk their friendship for their fake marriage, but is it really a fake marriage. It was the best friends to lovers book that I have read recently. Could not put it down. So looking forward to the series continuing with the next book in the series about Hunter’s cousin Ryker.
Overall Grade: +
Each author has this voice, this writing presence that is distinctly their own. When you read their stories, you know it belongs to them because the voice and focus is a tight thread that runs through all of their books. It’s what brings their readers back for more because reading their books feels like snuggling in a warm blanket on a cold day. It’s a reminder that we trust them with our hearts.
Layla Hagen exhibits this unmistakably. When you read her stories, we can trust these attributes of her story: a hero or heroine who doesn’t quite understand his/her feelings immediately, but they figure it out quickly, a sweet story following one of the main tropes of romance, some steamy chemistry between the hero and heroine, a family that surrounds them who add context to their relationship, and a lovely happy ending that leaves you on a sigh. Hagen’s newest book, You’re The One, is no different. In its basic form, it’s a friends-to-lovers, fake marriage story that reminds us that we oftentimes cannot see the perfection that is right in front of us.
You’re The One tells the story of Josie and Hunter who have been friends since they were in high school. They are each other’s best friend, and each big moment in their lives involved the other. At some point, Josie had a crush on Hunter but she didn’t want to ruin their friendship by acting on it. Presently, Hunter receives news that his visa is being withdrawn, and he must return to England where he was born. In researching the problem, Josie and Hunter realize that marrying each other will remedy his problem. Yet, as they enter into their marriage, dormant feelings arise, and both of them struggle to accept their temporary situation. Will they find their happy ending by making their relationship permanent? Is it possible that Josie and Hunter have always been fated for each other?
There is a guarantee with Hagen’s stories that the hero and heroine are fairly clueless about their initial attraction to each other. This is definitely the case with Josie and Hunter. As they both struggle with attraction, these two find every way initially to discourage and deny their feelings for each other. Hagen shows the complications of friends becoming attracted to each other and eventually falling in love. This is probably the best part of the friends to lovers trope, and Hagen writes this well in You’re The One.
As she has done with her other series, The Bennett and Connor Family, Hagen is crafting a new series. We meet Hunter’s aunt and cousins, and it feels as though Hagen is going to do what she does best: creating a universe of stories incorporated into one family. The promise of this is exciting as we move from the West Coast to the East Coast with this new series.
You’re The One is everything you love about Layla Hagen. Josie and Hunter finding their happily-ever-after comes with sweet moments and strife, yet it’s never too difficult to bear. As they journey forward, there is a promise that they are soulmates and will love each other dearly. Reading a Hagen romance isn’t a hardship. Once again, it’s like coming home after a long trip away. You can guarantee that you will find my nose within the pages of her books, and You’re The One is everything you love about them.
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite genres hands down. And You’re the One does not disappoint. Layla Hagen gives us a sweet flirty read with characters that are definitely swoon worthy.
Josie and Hunter have been best friends since high school, always having the others back. So when Hunter needs help Josie steps up to help him out. Problem? It’s illegal and feelings kept under wraps come to the surface.
These two have so much chemistry. Their love for each other is deep and strong. Totally observation with Hunter, he is the sweetest guy ever and I couldn’t get enough of him. Great read!
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite genres hands down. And You’re the One does not disappoint. Layla Hagen gives us a sweet flirty read with characters that are definitely swoon worthy.
Josie and Hunter have been best friends since high school, always having the others back. So when Hunter needs help Josie steps up to help him out. Problem? It’s illegal and feelings kept under wraps come to the surface.
These two have so much chemistry. Their love for each other is deep and strong. Totally observation with Hunter, he is the sweetest guy ever and I couldn’t get enough of him. Great read!
*Review by Michelle
Yay!!! This is the first book of a new series which I am sure will be great given the characteres that were presented to us. Josie and Hunter are friends for 15 years and have never crossed this line, they tell each other everything and share a lifetime of hell in school.
Hunter has an extended family in NYC but is British by birth and has never got his greencard.
Now he needs to sort this matter and convinces Josie to marry him to help him out. In my opinion, Hunter always have known he is in love with Josie and this immigration issue is just something he needs to tell himself to finally have her in his arms. The book is so beautiful and instroduces this wonderful characters that will appear in future books. I just love this book!
4 stars
Lovely best friends to lovers book by Layla Hagen. When her best friend is confronted with the possibility of being deported, Josie steps up to help. She just didn’t realize how hard it’d be to “pretend” to love the guy she’s harbored feelings for forever!
I really loved how relatable these two were! Friendships pushed into an instalove relationship would experience all the same awkwardness and pitfalls as Hunter and Josie. They were sweet and sexy and you find yourself rooting for them. Great book.
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
You’re The One will have you adding NYC to your bucket list! You won’t be able to help falling for Hunter, most especially his family. Everyone has that one friend that they’d do anything for – and Hunter is that person for Josie. So when he runs into a problem that neither of the lawyers can solve, there’s only one clear solution…marriage. Beautifully written, with a family of supporting characters that will have you in stitches from laughter. I adored this book, as I do everything from Layla Hagen, and can’t wait for more in this series!
Heart…All in….Chemistry…The One
You’re the One is a story that will stay with me for days. Josie and Hunter are the best of friends. They have been there for each other when there was no one else to turn to. Then it happens. What started as a lie only pushed these two to finally see the truth. They were truly meant to be. They were made for each other.
I have to say Hunter is the one that wears his heart on his sleeve for Josie. I was left with heart in my eyes and my soul happy after reading a great weekend book! Add this to my re-read list please!
A beautiful read! The sweetness was almost nauseating in the beginning & I wanted to see more of the future of this couple. Josie was sweet, strong & stubborn woman which was a good match to Hunter‘s charming & stubbornness. I enjoyed the banter & the negotiations between these 2. When they both finally get the heads out of their butts the story flowed beautifully. The supporting characters add to likability of this new group of characters. At times I was disappointed in the immaturity that Hunter & Josie display. Once everything is out in the open I liked the characters so much more.
I recommend this book. Told in dual POV.
You’re The One by Layla Hagen was a fun and sexy friends to lovers romance with all kinds of feels. Josie and Hunter are friends and are always there for each other. Now Hunter needs Josie’s help and she is ready to step up. But what happens when lines begin to blur? Especially when neither admitted how they truly felt before and are now together all the time crossing all the lines! This was such a sweet story to get lost in.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
What a great start to a new series and a new family. You’re the One has everything that I loved about Layla’s other series, from family bickering down to the chemistry of the main characters.
Hunter needs a favor from his best friend Josie but never did she think it was going to be him asking her to marry him. But everyone in Hunter’s extended family knows that these two belong together and have so many questions where they tell them they are getting married. But will they be able to keep from the lines getting blurred? Of course not!
I can’t wait to see who Layla writes about next in this series!
Friends to lovers is one of my favorites. There is a sizzle there and it isn’t until it is shoved in their faces that they realize it or act on it! This is an extremely cute story, not without is hot moments, but just swoon worthy all the same!
Josie and Hunter have been best friends since high school. They’ve been there for each other through thick and thin; which is why Hunter didn’t think twice to ask Josie for help when he found out his visa wasn’t going to be renewed. His solution? For them to get married so he could get a green card. What they both didn’t know is that they’ve both been hiding the fact that they’re in love with each other for a while. Will they keep their feelings in check for the sake of their friendship or will they give in and make this fake marriage, a marriage for real?
I’ve been a fan of Layla Hagen’s for a while now, so it’s no surprise when I say I LOVED THIS BOOK! Her writing flows smoothly, making this an easy read. While Josie is highly relatable, Hunter made me swoon! Their chemistry was off the charts and I was rooting for them from the start. This book is light, steamy, and VERY entertaining! I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next!
You’re the One is a friends-to-lovers, fake marriage contemporary romance written in dual first-person POV. It’s a standalone that ends with a HEA. No cliffhanger, no cheating.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Layla Hagen always does romantic and steamy oh so well. You’re the One was no different and yet another reason why she’s a one-click author for me.
I loooove swoony romance, fake marriage, and friends to lovers tropes. It’s like Layla Hagen pokes around into my bookworm mind and created a perfectly delicous romance I devoured cover to cover. I fell hard for this romance and with Layla Hagen’s writing all over again.
This is the first book in a new series and I was ga-ga for Rosie and Hunter’s story. It wasn’t hard. Hunter is book boyfriend perfection. *Le swoon!* I also loved Hunter’s family and all his cousins. I’m so excited to see more of them and where their stories lead. 5 stars.