****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Oh my, I don't even know where to start with this one. We were introduced to Eli and Layla in a previous book in the series and I was excited to find out this would be their book. Eli and Layla were drawn to each other right from the beginning; however, they fought their feelings for a while. Layla had so much responsibility on her shoulders and didn't want anyone to know what was going on in her life. She tried to keep everyone out, until she just couldn't do it anymore.Eli was drawn to Layla as soon as he met her. He wanted nothing more than to be hers and be a part of her life. He didn't understand why she would stay with her boyfriend when he treated her like crap. When he finds Layla at a particularly vulnerable time, he has had enough. He is done trying to stay away from her and wants to be the one she can lean on.As their relationship grows, so does their love for each other. Eli and Layla haven finally accepted that they are meant to be together and nothing or no one will keep them apart. However, Layla's past is not ready to let her go. What happens when Layla's past decides to intervene in the future? To find out you have to read this book.Let me start out by saying that is book is an emotional read, so have your Kleenex handy. Eli knows Layla is the one for him and will not stop is pursuit until he has her. Layla fell in love with Eli on first sight and can't imagine her life without him. They are so good together and you can't help but want them to get their HEA. While I will not give away the ending, I will say this one ends differently then other books in the series. However, PLEASE do not let that stop you from reading it! I promise you will love it and you will be on the edge of your seat the whole time. I loved the characters and watching their love grow. Megan Smith did a wonderful job with this one and I can't wait to see what happens next!! Seriously, I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book!!I have to say when Megan told me her idea for this book I was truly worried. I didn't know how she could pull it off, still write an amazing book and not make me hate her at the end... Well I have to say she did a masterful job and weaving a tale that pulls you in and gives you a Love of two people that are just meant to be. The thing is life is messy and Lalya's life is a MESS and her ex boyfriend is a dangerous man.I won't tell I lie this book will probably gut you, but as much as it does every feeling you feel from the beginning to the end is realistic and terrifying. I found myself imagining being in Eli's shoes or Layla's shoes. If you knew the outcome you would still do nothing different because experiencing a love like they have is worth everything!Layla's love for her sister and Eli's love for them both will make you stand up and cheer. For all the terrible things Layla has had to go through, she lives to make that little girls life better. When Layla hits Rock Bottom she decides to give up her fears to make sure that Fallon has a safe and loving environment in which she can thrive. You couldn't ask more from this woman.Eli will charm the pants off of you and make you fall head over heels in love with him. No lie I was smitten the moment we met him and as I got to know him even more through his love for Layla and Fallon will make your heart soar.Megan never fails to make me feel the emotions with her writing and her storyline. This book will make you feel. And yes the ending is rough but you know what so is real life. We don't always have the white picket fence, grow old together with our soul mate, and sometimes god and man has other intentions. I still believe everything happens for a reason and I believe that Megan has a GOOD REASON for the way this all ended.... The Love Series isn't over yet and I have a felling we might see more of Eli in the future...I loved this story! Eli is close to perfection as you can be. I love this man for the way he treated Layla and her little sister Fallon and showed them what a real man is despite having an absentee father growing up. He wanted Layla but I love how he put her first and took things slow and really got to know her when friendship is all she could do first, having being in and out of an abusive relationship.I love the strength in Layla. She is so selfless and taking on so much with the crappy hand she's been dealt and putting up with. She is the true epitome of light and strength with a big heart. She has a sister to take care of that is motivating her to provide her with a better life than she had with their mother but also trying to be fully independent herself and make a life of her own.Together Eli and Layla have this amazing chemistry and are both what each other needs. Layla learns to open up to Eli and to her friends and finds that family is also who you make of it and you can ask for help and true family will be there for you to lean on without needing something in return. With Layla, I think Eli finds his balance and fulfillment in life making time for more things than just work. He also has a big heart to match hers and loving his new shared responsibilities with Layla and Fallon.And for those not happy when this book ends, life is about the journey and the fact that Layla finds happiness and got to experience how to be loved and lean on and be supported by friends who are now her family, it's just a great story no matter what and we must focus on loving life like Layla!
