Review: Now and Again: Loved It! Way better than the first book!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 4, 2013
ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR FOR HONEST REVIEW**4.5 stars**Now and Again by Brenda Rothert is the the second installment of the series Now. In the first book, we were introduced to Emma Carson's beautiful older and fiercely independent sister, Layla. She was basically portrayed as slut and a bitch in Now and Then. While most readers love to hate her in the first book, I was one of the minority of readers who actually liked her. I was intrigued by her spunky attitude and how she isn't afraid to speak her mind. But behind her strong personality, I know Layla is looking for what every girl hopes to find and that is love. And now we finally we get to hear Layla's story.Now and Again picks up where it last left off in the previous book. Layla's relationship with her sister, Emma is still strained but its getting better. Layla is a young 26 corporate lawyer who decides that she needs to revamp her lifestyle. She decides that she's no longer going to have casual sex and make her career and herself number one priority.While working on a case, Layla meets Chicago Investigator Ben Montrose. Ben is all man and isn't afraid of getting his hand dirty with manual labor.He is a former Marine who has worked his way up in the law enforcement ladder to become an investigator at the young age of 31.The sexual chemistry between Layla and Ben are scorching HOT!! They perfectly balance and compliment one another. They are both fiercely independent, witty, strong and stubborn. I love the playful flirty banter they both exchange. Ben is intrigued that Layla is not like any other women he met. He was used to women throwing themselves at him but that was not in the case with Layla. As the two spent more time together, they decide to "date" each other but no sexual promises for 4 weeks. Layla will get to be in control of the first 2 weeks and the last 2 weeks Ben would be in control.Within the 4 weeks, feelings developed between them. Ben brings out Layla's fun and laid back personality. He accepts her past and always reminds her that he doesn't care of her past casual hookups and encounters. Their playful banters often include "dirty talks," which I found to be entertaining. What I love about Ben is that he protects and stands up for Layla's honor and doesn't let anyone disrespect or put her down. Also, he didn't jump at the chance to have sex with her right away. He waited till she was ready and knew for sure this is something she wanted which happened to be the last day of the their four week arrangement."Ben..he gets me. He knows how to handle me. I've never met a man who complements me, but he does. When we're together, I don't feel like an aggressive bitch. I just feel like a woman who knows what she wants. And when he looks at me...I feel beautiful. In more than a tits and a** way."Did I like this book than the first one? THE ANSWER IS A BIG FAT YES!!! I just like that the heroine isn't weak and afraid to speak her mind. Between the two sisters, I liked Layla the best. Her character was more lively and she isn't afraid to be a bitch. Ben's laid back alpha personality was just refreshing. I was never a Cole fan so I was so happy that the author finally gave us an alpha male who doesn't take BS. I think its cute that Ben calls Layla, "Cupcake."The only problem I had with this book was Emma. I'm sorry but if your boyfriend disrespects your sister and basically calls her a slut and whore... Ummm, I would slap and punch him in the face. I just didn't like that Emma would cover up for Cole's disrespectful behavior and justify it that he's moody because they haven't had sex in a week. Cole, where is Layla's apology????? Let me tell you, I loved that Ben didn't stand for Cole's harsh words for Layla and made sure to defend his woman's honor and character."Layla..I love you, too. I do, I want to be with you. I want to share the ups and downs with you."Overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and devoured it in one sitting. This book had romance, playfulness, love, passion, sexual chemistry, a little angst, "dirty talks" and suspense all wrapped up. And to top it off, a HEA ending!!For the final book of the series Now and Forever I'm hoping that Layla and Emma's relationship gets back on track to what it was before. In my bias opinion, I rather read more about Layla and Ben than Emma and Cole.