I Wish You Were Mine: An Oxford Novel

I pretty much enjoy anything this author writes. I think it is because of the way her stories flow. There is usually good dialogue between the characters and while there is some drama it is not overly done. And before you know it you are at the end. The situation between Jackson and Mollie is a little tricky. They first met at Jackson’s wedding to her sister, Madison. You could feel just a little spark between the two at that time. Mollie fell “in love with the groom” but of course she knew nothing could/would ever come of it. Fast forward a number of years. After being involved in a car accident, Jackson’s career as a quarterback with the Texas Redhawks is finished. Oh and so is his marriage. Hence his new job at the Oxford Magazine. Jackson struggles a little in his new job. He was defined by his status as a football player and to have it taken away so suddenly is hard for him to grasp. He is standoffish and doesn’t fit in with the crowd at work. Jackson offers Mollie a place to stay. He begins to really start to see how Mollie is all grown up, how sweet, beautiful and desirable she has become. But Mollie struggles with their growing romance. She doesn’t want to betray her sister, but she wants to do something for herself for a change. But what happens when Jackson finally falls for the right sister? This is another good read by Lauren Layne. I love how she is able to pull in the characters from the other books and make them an integral part of this story. You get a little peak into how things have changed for them since their stories. Perhaps we will finally get to see Lincoln’s story soon?

I Wish You Were Mine is the second installment in Lauren Layne's Oxford series. I really enjoyed this book, it was funny, fast paced and an easy one day read. Mollie Carrington has been secretly in love with the same man for years, Jackson Burke. He is the perfect man, dashingly handsome, kind and considerate. There is only one problem, he is her sister's ex-husband. She knows their relationship can only be as friends and Mollie would never do anything to hurt her sister. Jackson Burke has the ideal life. A beautiful wife and a promising career as a quarterback in the NFL. All that changed the day a drunk driver t-boned him. In the blink of an eye Jackson lost everything, his wife, his home and his career. Now he is starting over in NYC as fitness journalist but he just doesn't feel like he is fitting in. That is until the night that Mollie Carrington walks back into his life. Mollie never gave up on Jackson. Even after he lost it all Mollie has been the only constant in his life. So when Mollie tells him she is needing to find a new apartment he offers to let her stay with him. It is not long before the sparks start flying between these two but can they really have a shot at a real relationship with their history? While this book is part of a series it can definitely be read as a stand alone. I have not read the first book in the series but had no problem keeping up with the book or the characters. A lovely book that I would highly recommend. I received an eARC of this book compliments of the publisher in exchange for my honest review and opinion. All ratings and opinions stated are my own.

This book surprised me. Having read Cole and Penelope's story in Book One (Irresistibly Yours), I couldn't really envision how the author would manage to include an outsider (Jackson Burke) in the Oxford/Stiletto clique. It turned out better than I expected! When I realized the hero was the heroine's brother-in-law (ex brother-in-law, but still...) I wasn't sure how this was going to play out. I mean, it sounded all a little awkward and I wasn't sure if I'd like the story after all - I'm personally not a fan of love triangles, and even though Jackson and Madison are divorced by the time he moves to New York and meets up with Mollie, it still felt weird at first. The book has funny moments (the Oxford/Stiletto teams are hilarious and I wish I could be part of their group), swooning, romantic moments that will make your heart flutter, and sexy moments (that are downright steamy and descriptive, and prudish me could have done without them and still enjoyed the story all the same - but that's just prudish me, like I said). If you're a fan of Lauren Layne's books, I have no doubt you will love this book. If you've yet to discover the men of Oxford magazine, you should definitely consider starting now (I would recommend reading Irresistibly Yours first, but you can enjoy I Wish You Were Mine even if you haven't read the previous books, since both characters are new to the Oxford/Stiletto world). ***I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review***