A Sweet & Steamy Story About The Winchester Family

Ryker And Heather's Journey Is An Intelligent Prince Charming Story With A Single Mom Twist. Another Captivating Book About The Winchester Family.


This book is the second in a New York-based series about the Winchester family. It is Ryker Winchester and Heather Prescott's story. It is absolutely a stand-alone; however, fans will appreciate learning more about this close-knit family by reading the series in order. 

In the first book, much was learned about the downfall of the Winchester family and their Caldwell cousin. That extra insight adds depth to the second book, as Ryker, like his cousin Hunter, is shaped by his past. It makes Ryker's leap from irresistible bachelor to commitment-ready beau all the more real. 

From the first book, powerful and headstrong Hunter Caldwell, thirty-two, owned one of the largest real estate development companies in country. The Caldwell name was famous in New York. While Hunter's professional success and generous charitable efforts defined him as a powerhouse to be reckoned with, many remembered his late father's success and subsequent failure in real estate development, quietly sneering about parallels and gleefully anticipating Hunter's downfall. Hunter was driven by the desire to avoid the downward spiral that destroyed his family and hoped to restore the family's good name.

Hunter's life had changed at age fourteen when his father died and his mother returned to her native England. Hunter didn't want to leave America - the country he called home since the tender age of four - and it worked out that he earned a scholarship at a private boarding school. Hunter's Winchester cousins experienced a similar downfall at the same time, which resulted in their father abandoning the family and eventually remarrying, leaving the children scarred. Months after Hunter began at his boarding school, his Aunt Amelia relocated to the same area, along with his four cousins, and he felt the warmth of family again as they pulled him into their family circle. Amelia, his maternal aunt, became a second mother to him and his cousins felt like siblings. They became an important part of his life.

In this book, thirty year old Ryker Winchester is the laid back Winchester brother. He is smart, loyal, fun, and hard-working - and nicknamed the Flirt. Director at The Pearman Fund by day and playing guitar at Northern Lights by night from time to time, he is equally comfortable in a custom suit or a leather jacket and jeans. Ryker is great at compartmentalizing, which aided his meteoric rise to Director of a big venture capital firm. The outlet for all that concentration and pressure is performing on stage and collecting guitars. All his extra time goes to his family, and he is always there to help out when needed. Ryker is fiercely protective of them, and they all appreciate what their mom went through to raise four children on her own. Which is why Ryker has no tolerance for men that don't respect women. Ryker hasn't ever had a serious relationship himself - his relationships are casual - but he is honest and honorable. He expected that he, his brother Cole, and Hunter would be eternal bachelors, but Hunter just got married to Josie and things are changing. 

Heather Prescott, twenty-eight, was looking forward to finally taking her relationship with Gerald to the next level and hoping that things were finally turning around for her in the relationship department. After two years, she and Gerald signed a lease together and he was about to move in with her and her seven year old daughter, Avery. Her pregnancy just just out of college had been a challenge when the father promptly dumped her, but she had proudly managed to provide for herself and Avery while building a career in journalism at a national newspaper, The New York Reports. When Gerald returned to town and asked to meet at a bar called Northern Lights, Heather hadn't anticipated that her life was about to change.

Ryker and Heather's insane chemistry surprises both of them as they quickly become consumed with one another. But what makes their story so special is little Avery who grew up to believe that dads go away. She reminds Ryker of himself, and they share a love story of sorts themselves. Ryker and Heather face work, competition, and family challenges which threaten their budding relationship, but the couple earns a darling but brief HEA.

Ryker and Heather's journey is an intelligent Prince Charming story with a single mom twist. A realistic romance, there is no wild drama for shock effect. Mature characters and sincere intentions result in a steamy feel good story about the loving Winchester family. Ryker's journey is rewarding to read as he has the opportunity to learn from his past and show the strength of his character. Heather, though perfectly independent, learns to trust and open up after an unlucky history. 

Ryker and Heather's flirty Prince Charming story is steamy and sweet. The book is very well-written. The plot is fairly simple but realistic. The characters are well-defined. There is a large cast of characters which appear in the other books of the series. The POV alternates between Ryker and Heather. I rate this book 4.5 stars.

Regarding the Narration: the audio is flawless. Both narrators are excellent. When reading dialogue, Joe Arden often ends statements with a rising inflection, which initially made me question if I was hearing it correctly, but I quickly determined it is his style and had no difficulties going forward.

I received a free advance copy of this book and audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review. 

2 people found this helpful

Couldn't finish

Layla Hagen writes pretty well and I really like how close the H's family is. However, her stories tend to be a little boring. This one seemed to go on forever, and I kept looking to see how much time was left. I gave up, however, when the "conflict" happened. Why? I do not like stories that need lack of communication as the conflict. It is a lazy way to try to conclude the romance. And, especially with this story. The H never called the h to try to even talk to her. No, he called her mother. There was still over an hour left in the story, but that was the last straw for me. DNF.

Great listen!!

I enjoyed the book very much... The narrator does a fantastic job... Like the author's style of writing...

Light hearted

Just One Kiss
By: Layla Hagen
Narrated by: Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell
Series: Very Irresistible Bachelors, Book 2

This is such a feel good and sweet romance story! Layla always knows how to hit it on the right spot for heartwarming and giddiness. Ryder and Heather were narrated by Joe and Maxine. What a pair, too! They are incredible!!!! It was nice to read about a single mom and a man who just fell in love with her & the daughter. He just want to show her what it could be with him and not to be so afraid about it. The right amount of sexual tension, low angst, and happy banters!!! If you want a heartwarming story, this is the ticket to go for!

Just One Kiss

Awesome Loving Story By, Layla Hagon! A New Arthur Starting Reading Liked To Days Ago! I Have Read Liked 2 Or 3 Already By Layla Hagen! I Recommend U Read The Story For Ur Self, U Aren’t Going Regent At All. U Are Going Enjoyed, The A Lot And Beautiful Story Every Listening By Audition Audio!🥰🥰🤩🤗

A super cute quick listen.

This was a really cute book to listen to with some steamy scenes, but I loved listening to it. The narrator did really well with both male and female voices and I am really picky. It was a quick read and the timeline in the story is fast too, but when you know, you know, and Heather and Ryker were perfect for each other. Ryker is so freaking cute and I love how he immediately accepts that Heather has a kid and how he would never hurt either of them. The story did bring in side characters for the Winchester family quite a bit but I dont think it took away from Heather and Rykers story too much. If you want a quick, light and a bit steamy romantic listen I would definitely recommend taking a chance on this one.

Loving this series so far!

The dual narration perfectly brings this story to life and gives it a depth that just reading can't do, so I highly recommend the audiobook. This was a light-hearted romance that provides a perfect escape from reality. Heather is a lovable character, but her daughter Avery undoubtedly steals the show. With very little angst, this story was the perfect read for me right now.

Amazing Story!

I've been a huge Layla Hagen fan since the I read Withering Hope! She is one of my favorite authors!

This book did not disappoint. Ryker and Heather’s story is beautiful!! I love their connection.

I'm so happy with how the story evolved and turned out in the end.

I'm loving this series, just as much as I have loved Layla's other series. Thank you, Layla!

I loved the narrators in this book! Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell do an amazing job bringing Ryker and Heather to life!

Great read and listen!

Just One Kiss is the story of Ryker and Heather, and her adorable daughter Avery. Ryker is Hunter’s cousin from Hunter and Josie’s story You’re the One. Ryker witnesses Heather’s boyfriend dump her (at a bar! In public!) and steps in when he’s being ultra surly with her. They don’t actually meet until a few days later when she tries to apologize to him, and sparks fly! Heather is very interested in Ryker, but doesn’t want to risk her daughter’s feelings with a man she’s just met but she’s very much falling for him. The interactions with Ryker and Avery are adorable, and you can feel yourself falling for him right along with Avery!

In typical Ms. Hagen fashion the book is filled with well meaning and lovable family members, who are always poking their noses in and taking care of each other. And of course the sexy times are off the chart!

I highly recommend this book if you’re in the mood for a lighthearted funny romance with lots of steam!

The audiobook was a great addition to my library. The male lead has a very sexy voice and the female lead shows all the tonal nuances that the heroine goes through in her story! Thoroughly enjoyed the Audible version!

I love Ryker and Heather’s story.

Layla Hagen is one of my all time favorite authors. She is one of the authors I look forward to every book that she releases. I love the chemistry between the male and female leads. Ryker made me swoon. My heart did flips of how Ryker was with Heathers daughter.

The voice performances of the audiobook did very well and were pleasant to listen too. They did a very good job and I will definitely listen to more books read by either of them.
I was given a copy of this audiobook for me to make a fair and honest review.