Series: Stark #1
Author: Sigal Ehrlich
Published: October 2013
Format: Ebook received for review
According to Hayley love is a subject of ridicule, a myth created by hopeless romantics.
When Hayley makes a resolution to declare her loose lifestyle era R.I.P, it’s all good in theory…
That is until she meets Daniel Stark, a well-respected, mid-thirties business man who is known for his short temper, lack of steady relationships as well as his strict preserve of his private life.
Opinionated, sharp tongued Hayley accidently steps into his office leaving Daniel resolved to put Hayley in her place and have her in his bed.
Both Hayley and Daniel can’t avoid the immediate instigation of the attraction between them.
In a unanimously agreed upon verdict by Hayley and her two best friends, Ian the gay self-absorb, aspiring model and Natasha the witty, borderline neurotic soul mate, Daniel Stark is to be Hayley’s pure physical attraction, emotions aside era closure.
Will it indeed be a closure, or a beginning to something neither Hayley nor Daniel ever bargained for…
This week I read Layers by Sigal Ehrlich. Layers really threw me for a great big loop, and by the end, I was so into this book and these characters, I hated to see the book end! Luckily, the next one, Inner Core, comes out in January, so I don’t have too long to wait.
Let’s start with Hayley. This book is told from her POV, and it’s a doozy. She’s pretty young, around twenty three or twenty four. She’s a bit funky and a lot of fun; she isn’t out to impress anyone. Hayley, or Hales as her friends call her, knows who she is – and I loved that about her. She’s a straight shooter; she tells it like it is. I really found that as the story went on I felt like I was able to know her better, more deeply. We see her fears and hopes, and it really helped endear her to me. When she and Daniel spend more time together, I really love her ability to sort of “tame the beast” in him, make him see the light, the logic and proceed with an even temperament.
And then one day, Hayley meets Daniel Stark. The Daniel Stark. Daniel is a young entrepreneur in his thirties who is a self-made millionaire. He’s known for his hot temper, but he’s also known for his keen business sense and being a bit of a permanent bachelor. He’s a lot like Hayley, burnt by relationships in the past and would rather just have casual relationships without much depth. I absolutely loved Daniel. I found him to be witty and fun, protective and caring. He took some really gigantic leaps as far as his heart, and his leaps made me melt.
“No, Chris,” Daniel says in a clipped tone. I shift to look his way; his back is to the room as he stares out the window. He turns to face me slowly, his stare fixated on mine as he leans on the window frame. “Which part of no did you not understand?” he asks, annoyed. It amuses me. Could he be any less impatient?
He listens, looking exasperated, and then replies, “I am not letting anyone fuck me at their own will and appointed time.” Saying that, he points his index finger at me and mouths, “You,” then bobs his head in approval, mouthing “can.” A wicked smirk appears on his handsome face.
This book was chock full of smart ass, which along with tons o’ sex and hot Alpha males, is one of my favorite components in any book. Layers definitely had my holy trinity of a great book. In fact, not only Daniel, but I found all of the characters to be witty with flair. When you add in Hayley’s friends, Tasha and Ian, you really have some great relationships to build on. Those two often provided comic relief, but they were also there with a shoulder to cry on and a hug to comfort.
For a large portion of the book things are going really great, until they’re not. But through it all, I felt the angst I was thriving on was always right there at the surface. Hayley and Daniel have this connection that at times felt a bit codependent, but always felt real. I felt they gave each other the breath to breathe. I have no doubt in my mind of their feelings for each other, they run deep and true. When things were good between them, they were great. It was all red hot flames and enough sexual tension and chemistry to power a good sized city. When things got bad, my heart broke for each of them. I felt their anguish and found myself hoping things would work out for them.
In slow, sliding movements he makes me burn inside and out. I grab his face with unadulterated desire and consume his mouth. As I do, he returns my gesture, thrusting slowly yet forcefully. I moan, my body heated with electrifying sensations. I wrap my legs tighter and in response his movements become more intense. As they do, I feel myself explode into thousands of pieces of ecstasy; shortly afterwards, I hear him pant loudly as he joins me.
This book kept me up late. I read every spare minute I could until I was finished, even if it was only for five minutes at a time. The characters are all so enigmatic; I didn’t want to let them go! If you are looking for a contemporary romance that feels a bit different and is playful and heated at the same time, I definitely suggest Layers - it's a five star read for me!
Ok, so on December 20 I will be posting an interview that I did with author Sigal Ehrlich, so be sure to check back for that. But then She has a cover reveal (not here, but elsewhere!) for Inner Core, the second book, on January 11. Sometime after that, in January, Inner Core should be released. I am definitely anxious to find out what happens next!!
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