Showing results by author "Layla Hagen" in All Categories

Being a single dad while managing one of the biggest businesses in New Orleans keeps me very busy. I spend my free time with my daughter, Bella—reading to her, styling her hair, or choosing nail polishes appropriate for an eight-year-old. But I’m okay with that, because she is my whole world. After my divorce, I made myself a promise: I wouldn’t date until Bella was older. Then, all my good intentions go up in smoke when I hire our newest chef for the flagship restaurant in the French Quarter.

I have a lot of titles. Jace Connor-Sexiest Soccer Player. Top-Scoring Athlete. America's Favorite Party Boy. But I'm sick of being what other people expect. Starting with the last one, I'm ready to earn some new nicknames. So I absolutely, positively, can't go anywhere near my coach's daughter.

I am wildly successful in my career. Everyone knows Graham Frazier, soccer club owner, is a winner. In my love life? Decidedly less so. But just because I'm divorced doesn't mean I can't throw my best friend the wedding party of the year. Even if marriage is a mistake. I hadn't expected the long hours with Lori to make me wonder. Wedding planning is Lori Connor's favorite thing, a vicarious escape from her life as a single mom. I doubt she's ever had a client fluster her like I seem to.

Bad luck seems to follow me. Last night, I grabbed a drink at the bar near my new workplace. I met the most sophisticated man when he “stole” my table. We bantered and danced, and I went home with a stranger for the first time in my life. The next morning, I find out my hot one-night stand is my new boss. Gone is the playful, charming man from last night. Luke Maxwell is all business, acting as if our night together never happened. He’s impossible to please, but I’m determined to succeed. This job is my chance to prove myself and put my past—and my ex—behind me.

Museum curator Summer Bennett knows that happily ever afters are not make-believe. After all, her siblings all found their soul mates, so she's optimistic her Prince Charming will come along too...eventually. In the meantime, she focuses on her job and her volunteering - which brings her face-to-face with one of Hollywood's hottest A-listers. When Alexander Westbrook flashes America's favorite panty-melting smile, Summer's entire body responds.

“Have dinner with me.” Four words. That was all Travis Maxwell needed to charm me, even though I’d just met him. In my defense, we were kind of stuck together, and he was the hottest man I’d laid eyes on. We spent a glorious week together, knowing we'd go our separate ways in the end.

As the hockey league’s star goalie, I live by three simple principles. I was killing it until a mishap tarnished my image. Now, management has me cleaning up my reputation and coaching a bunch of kids. And damn, those little punks are growing on me, and so is the program coordinator, Kendra. I’m hell-bent on proving myself, but my attraction to Kendra takes me by complete surprise. Her defenses are up, but I like a good challenge.

I moved to Chicago six months ago, determined to finally open my own bakery. My landlady was this sweet woman who treated me like her granddaughter. Then she sold the house. Now the devil himself is my landlord and neighbor, since I live in the guesthouse on his property. Declan Maxwell is moody, unreasonable, and takes himself far too seriously. Unfortunately for me, he’s also damn sexy. Then one day I come home injured from work and he surprises me by taking care of me. And kissing me. And just like that, all my best intentions go up in smoke.

Tess Winchester loves her life. Her family is growing with new nieces and nephews for her to spoil. And her lingerie business is really taking off, so in order to keep up with demand she needs more capital. Though Tess had always dreamed about finding Mr. Right, and having a family of her own, dating hasn’t been easy so working extra hours is never a problem.

Ian Gallagher loves taking risks. It’s how he turned the business he’s built with his brother into a success. But even he can’t cross some rules. His best friend’s sister is strictly off-limits, but when Ellie moves to New York, he jumps at the chance to help her settle in. One look at her and he realizes that not flirting with her will be a lot harder than he thought, and not just because she’s stunning. He enjoys her laughter and merciless teasing. How can he stay away when all he wants is to get closer?

Dylan Gallagher knows what he wants: to take New York by storm and steer clear of serious relationships. That’s the plan. That’s the goal. It’s easy, too, now that his software company is making headlines. Nothing is getting in the way of that - not even his gorgeous personal trainer. After the way his last relationship ended, Dylan’s sworn off romance.

In business circles, I’m known for being cutthroat and demanding. Robert Dumont is a hard-ass, they say. And it’s true. I thrive on challenges. Taking the family-owned restaurant chain to the next level is my passion. When my sister’s marriage implodes, I head back to New York, to be there for her and my niece. These are my only two priorities: growing the business and taking care of my family. My new neighbor is a temptation I hadn’t counted on.

It all starts as pretend. To everyone else, Hunter is the most powerful man in New York. Respected by his associates and feared by his competitors. But to me? He's just my best friend. my sexy-as-hell best friend. It was easy to agree to help him fake a romance. After all, who knows him like I do? Convincing his tight-knit family takes a little more: An unexpected kiss that makes my skin sizzle, my knees go weak. Before I know it, our banter turns to flirting and Hunter's hell-bent on charming me. On our first night together, we barely keep our hands off each other.

I made my name winning cases. Carter Sloane is known for being sharp, astute, and never taking no for an answer. At home, though, I'm fumbling my way through raising my two nieces and saying yes to far too many bowls of ice cream. If only I wasn't so distracted by the woman across from my new office. Running a booming fragrance business gives Valentina Connor a great excuse to avoid dating. But I see right through her. I'm not going to be another bad decision.

Cole Winchester loves being one of the most popular bachelors in New York. He values his freedom and all the perks it comes with. But when he notices Laney Smith at the restaurant where he’s celebrating his most recent business deal, he can’t look away. Everything from her curves to her humor and easy smile completely captivates him. Laney’s sole focus for the past few years has been her surgical residency. Her work is her passion and her refuge. Laney has loved and lost, and she can’t open up again, despite trying her best.

Everyone associates the name Ryker Winchester with money, power plays, negotiations - it's what I'm good at. I always get what I want. I was completely unprepared for Heather. She's a feisty single mom, challenging me in ways no woman ever has. I can't get enough of her. The way she gives in to me is intoxicating, but I need more than hot nights and sexy dates.

Sienna Hensley loves everything about the Christmas season, from hanging decorations to the cozy get-togethers with her family. Despite being part of the well-known Bennett family, Sienna is determined to first gather experience before joining their business. Her job at Statham department store is perfect for that. But her new boss, Winston, is going to be a slight problem. He is broody, dictatorial, and sexy as all get out. For Winston Statham, Christmas is just a reminder of the deadline looming ahead this year. Saving the store his parents built is his top priority.

Nate Becker has always had a soft spot for Alice. Despite considering the Bennetts his family, he never could look at her as just his friend's little sister. She's a spitfire, and Nate just can't stay away. He loves making her laugh...and blush. Their attraction is irresistible, and between stolen kisses and wicked-hot nights, they form a deep bond that has them both yearning for more. But when the chance of a lifetime comes knocking at his door, will Nate chase success even if it means losing Alice, or will he choose her?

I won't fall for my ex, even if I move in with him…famous last words. Conned out of my business I have no other choice but to move back home to Chicago. I’m determined to rebuild everything, but I’m so broke that I can’t even afford to pay rent.

Daniel Bennett has no regrets, except one: letting go of the woman he loved years ago. He wouldn't admit it out loud, but he's been pining for Caroline ever since. But his meddling family can read him like an open book. So when his sisters kick up their matchmaking shenanigans, Daniel decides to play right along. After all, he built his booming adventure business by making the most out of every opportunity. And he doesn't intend to miss an opportunity to be near Caroline.