{Review} Found in Us by Layla Hagen @LaylaHagen

Item: Found in Us
Rating: 4.5
Author: Michelle @ Book Briefs

Posted August 12, 2014 by Michelle @ Book Briefs in New Adult, Reviews / 4 Comments

{Review} Found in Us by Layla Hagen @LaylaHagen

Found in Us by Layla Hagen
Pages: 218
Published by Createspace Independent Pub on July 24, 2014
Genres: contemporary, Love & Romance, New Adult
Source: eARC from Author
four-half-stars

**This can be read as a STANDALONE. The second book in the Lost series tells Jessica and Parker's story.**

All Jessica wants -as a college graduate — is to be a good girl. She landed the job of her dreams at a museum and is trying to eliminate temptations. No more short skirts (when she can help it). No wild parties. And no men.

She particularly excels at that last thing. . .

Until her path crosses Parker’s. Again. Jessica remembers the last time their paths crossed very well. She was left with a seriously bruised ego. She knows it would be best to avoid him altogether. But the charming Brit makes it hard for her to elude his electrifying pull. He is as irresistible as he is captivating.

And enigmatic.

Because underneath the sleek Armani suit and the sweet British accent that makes her crave his touch, Parker isn’t the perfect gentleman everyone thinks he is.

He’s exactly what Jessica doesn’t want, but desperately needs.
A bad, bad boy.

Note: This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

I have heard such amazing things about Layla Hagen’s Lost series that I just had to jump at the chance to review the second installment. Each book is a complete standalone, and after discovering the romance and heat in Jessica and Parker’s story, I know I have to read the first book as well. I am sure that I will love Serena and James just as much as Jessica and Parker. And fans of the first book, will love Found in Us just as much, if not more. The author allows us to check in with Serena and James. I loved how she included them in the story.

Jessica and Parker are really very similar in a lot of ways. The interesting thing was that their pasts, although very similar pushed them to become two completely different people in their presents. Jessica is out of control and spontaneous and Parker is so controlled and orderly. I loved how Layla took trust issues and manifested them on opposite ends of the spectrum. It led for a super interesting couple. Found in Us is told in dual narrative between the two of them, which is my very favorite story telling method for new adult contemporaries. It allowed us to get to know each of them through their own eyes as well as through each others.

Layla Hagen knows how to tell a romance, that is for sure. She doesn’t add drama in just for the sake of it. Everything in her story is so natural and real. I loved that about Found in Us. Yes, there are roadblocks and hurdles for Jessica and Parker to overcome, but nothing felt forced or overdone. I could easily see this as a relationship progression for people I know. It made me want to befriend both of them. I loved how they balanced each other out and how they each wanted to help the other rise above their shadows in their past. Found in Us is just as steamy as it is satisfying. This was a feel good read for me that I really loved. Bring on the rest of the series! I am buying Lost in Us as soon as I finish this review!