Now and Again (Now Series, #2)
Release Date: Fall 2013
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Once again, 26-year-old Layla Carson has the attention of a
man eager to satisfy her. Ben Montrose, the hot, confident cop who gets off on
frustrating her, is eager to show her just how arresting he can be. But as a
reforming sexaholic, Layla’s sworn off casual hookups, and doesn’t miss the
days of her early 20s –much.
Ben’s caught off-guard when the sexy, outspoken attorney turns him on and then
turns him down. But the confident former Marine knows he can handle the simple
seduction of a beautiful woman. He finds Layla’s weak spot – competition, which
he happens to share – and challenges her to a game that could make them, or
destroy them.
As they compete to crown the master of seduction, Ben and Layla discover
there’s more to their game than power and foreplay. But as the stakes go up,
they realize the game has changed, and they both stand to lose more than they
bargained for.
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My Thoughts
Dear Layla, we had a rough start, you and I. I didn't really like you all that much in "Now and Then". But now? I'm pretty sure you're my favorite sister. Shh.. Don't tell Emma.
This was the best "want to make a bet?" book I have read! Layla has sworn off men ever since Cole and Emma got together. Deeming herself "easy", she decided to go the complete opposite route, and throw herself into her work, avoiding anything and everything involving men.
" 'No. I gave up on dating almost seven months ago.'
'Gave up?'
'Yeah. I haven't so much as looked at a man since last Christmas.' "
Well, one case brings her right into the lap of Mr. Hot-And-Sexy-Ex-Marine(swoon)-Ben. Ben, is absolutely hilarious, and the perfect match for Layla. Both of them are complete control freaks, and Layla has to fight her every urge to keep her distance and not let him get too close. Ben, however, has other ideas.
"He commanded every woman's attention without even trying. There was something about him - mostly his size and self assurance - that Layla found as captivating as they all did."
With Ben unwilling to give up, Layla somewhat gives in, but not without a fight. Now it's more a battle of "who will give in to who", coupled with fighting the emotions they both clearly have for each other. But maybe, this is what Layla always needed.
I really really liked "Now and Then" but I looooved "Now and Again". We see a totally different side of Layla, and this one is completely endearing. She's not the evil sister like we saw in "Now and Again". Oh, and don't worry, there's some Cole and Emma thrown in too! Ben is hilarious, and thoughtful, and strong, and adorable... and yeah.. Ben is awesome. I can not emphasis how perfect Ben and Layla are for each other. The banter between these two is hysterical.
And guess what? We get a book 3! SO excited!
Brenda Rothert, yet again, has delivered an un-put-downable read, and I cannot WAIT for more!
Favorite Quote:
"I'm just asking if there's something yoou need that I could give you. Like maybe... a cupcake. Everyone loves cupcakes."
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EXCERPT
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EXCERPT
Layla squared her shoulders as she hung up and walked into
O’Malley’s. Even at six, there was a crowd, and she saw heads turning her way.
The sight of Ben’s broad back at the bar created a flutter in her chest as she
approached. He wore jeans and a black t-shirt, and it reminded her that they
were both here because they wanted to be, not because of their jobs. The
thought gave her a jolt of nervous excitement.
“Hi,” she said as she approached him.
“Hey, you made it.” He turned and she took in a breath she
couldn’t seem to let out. The sleeves of the t-shirt were taut over his large
biceps, and the ends of a tattoo snaked out from under one sleeve. As she slid
onto the stool next to him, she leaned close and picked up on the warm scent of
fresh-cut wood that radiated from him.
“I did,” she said, suddenly nervous.
“You look beautiful.” He took a pull from a bottle of dark
beer, and Layla felt herself flushing as his gaze roved over her face and down
to her chest.
“Thank you,” she said, smiling.
“I got us a table if you want to--” He gestured across the
pub at an empty booth.
“Yes, that sounds good.” She followed him across the pub,
noting the way he commanded every woman’s attention without even trying. There
was something about him – mostly his size and self assurance -- that Layla
found as captivating as they all did.
She had cut back significantly on drinking this year, and
Layla found she was lightheaded after just one Malibu and pineapple. Ben was
asking about her high school, college and law school days, and she was
loosening up quickly. Hopefully not too quickly.
“I want to know more about you,” she said, clinking the ice
in her empty glass. “You’re so mysterious.”
“How am I mysterious?” he asked, grinning.
“You just are. You’re all tall and hot and … mysterious.
Tell me some embarrassing stories about you.”
“First let’s talk about you thinking I’m hot.”
Layla rolled her eyes. “I mean it, tell me something about
yourself.”
“Well, I grew up in Chicago and went into the Marine Corps
after high school. Did five years, went to college, and now I’m a cop.”
“I have so many questions,” Layla said. “Start with the
Marines. You totally look like one, by the way.”
“Really, how do Marines look?”
“Sexy. Intense.” She covered her face with a hand,
embarrassed. “I’m sorry, can you tell I don’t drink much?”
The waitress delivered two more drinks, and Layla sipped
hers gratefully.
“I really just did it to pay for college, but it turned out
to be a life-changing experience,” Ben said. “I did time in the Middle East.
Made some lifelong friends.”
His face changed, looking more closed off, and Layla knew
she shouldn’t ask him to elaborate further.
“And college? You knew you wanted to be a police officer, or
did you decide there?” she asked.
“No, I knew. Just went straight through and got my Masters
so I won’t have to be running traffic when I’m 50.”
“And you like it?” she asked.
“I do. It suits me. Just like being a lawyer suits you.”
“Oh, so you’ve got me all figured out now?” she said,
grinning.
“Pretty much.” His eyes twinkled playfully.
“Enlighten me, Ben. What am I like?”
“You’re the kind of girl who makes a list about her perfect
man, and it has things like ‘dreamy’ and ‘sweet’ on it, and I bet every ‘i’ is
dotted with a heart.”
Layla was only taken aback for a second. “How do you know my
list doesn’t have ‘big cock’ and ‘filthy mouth’ on it?” she said, raising her
brows at Ben. His lips parted in surprise.
“Does it?” he asked, his gaze darkening a shade.
“Fuck yes.”
His eyes widened as he blew out a deep exhale. “It’s a
little warm in here,” he said. “It seems to get that way every time I’m with
you.”
Links to "Now And Then", book one:
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About
the Author
Brenda
Rothert lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three sons. She was a
daily print journalist for nine years, during which time she enjoyed writing a
wide range of stories.
These
days Brenda writes New Adult Romance in the Contemporary and Dystopian genres.
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