I Wish You Were Mine: An Oxford Novel

My attention was captured from the first. The introduction to Mollie gave the story the touch it needed. Mollie and Jackson are so adorable together. More relaxed and open. They bring out the best in each other. The friends to lovers theme with a twist. I received an ARC of I Wish You Were Mine in exchange for an honest review. The friends with benefits storylines have been done to death but Lauren Layne had me within five seconds of opening this novel. The history between Mollie and Jackson proved to be an obstacle but Ms. Layne delivered a story that is as special as the characters.

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***