Review: Layla and Ben!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 28, 2013
4.5 StarsI love Layla.  A lot.  As in I want to have little Layla babies.  She made an incredible turn around- as in actually grew up!  She meets someone that challenges her, makes her feel something! And it doesn’t hurt that he is in a 6’5″ gorgeous package.Layla in Now and Then was the Mean Girl you wanted to hate, but there had to be something redeeming about her when you read of the amazing relationship she had with her sister.  It was buried deep.  REAL deep.  And at the end of the first book I couldn’t stand her.  She was selfish and just plain terrible to them.  Now it is 7 months later, she is still mean. Selfish.  But she has made changes.  No more random hook ups.  In fact no sex at all.  She has thrown herself into work, and into volunteering. She is trying to have a relationship again with her sister.  She has made a quiet life for herself and it works.Ben is an ex- Marine, now detective for CPD.  When he meets Layla he is instantly attracted to her, but wants nothing serious.  Through lots of flirty banter they start to get to know each other.  And admit they want to try- but no real strings or expectations.There are a few twists and turns- stalker anyone?  And who knew Cole could be such an ass??I enjoyed the growth and maturity and really the smack of reality in how the world turns that Layla experienced.  The changes in her character were gradual and realistic.  Ben also made my heart melt.  He feels so much for Layla but lets his fear and anger almost ruin everything.  His relationship with his sister and terrible childhood make him real.  He is dedicated to his remaining family and work.  He is so protective of Layla.  Love him too!This was a fun and sexy read, and it had me falling in love with Layla–which I was sure I would never do.  I really enjoy this series and cannot wait for the next and final book Now and Forever.