Review and Giveaway; Layers by Sigal Ehrlich

Title: Layers
Author: Sigal Ehrlich
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Purchase Links: Amazon

Synopsis

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-absorbed, 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…

My Review

There is only one way to feel about the mysterious Daniel Stark…and that would be feeling like you are standing on the edge of a cliff with one foot dangling off the edge. Just the slightest breeze and you could be knocked over. He makes you on edge…nervous… He is short tempered and there is no telling what is going to set him off. 

There are many different sides to Daniel Stark. Two of the most prevalent sides are the callous business man who doesn't even believe in saying thank you to his employees because “that is what salaries are for.” He can quiet a room with just one word and make people go running scared with just a glance. He is ruthless when it comes to business. That is the side of Mr. Stark…CEO of Stark Software.

Then you have Daniel. Daniel is humble, a bit softer and a protector by nature. He has had a difficult childhood living with his mother who was sick and a father who “isn’t relevant” (Daniel’s words). He has never been in love. After being betrayed by someone he cared about, the only women he has allows himself are highly paid escorts. He doesn’t have time for love or relationships. It has always been about the release…that is until he sets his sights on the one person not afraid to bad mouth him. Although, in her defense, she doesn’t really know it is Daniel Stark she is talking to.

The attraction is evident.

The banter is witty.

The pull is magnetic.

The story is addicting.

Hayley is a reformed playgirl. She liked to, shall we say “have fun”, but never wanted to deal with the emotional side of a relationship. She has decided it’s finally time to grow up. She’s no longer looking for random hookups but once she gets a taste of THE Daniel Stark her best friends convince her that she should not let this chance go to waste. She should take and enjoy anything she can get from the cocky businessman.

“Of the slutty princess who did not believe in love, who used to take advantage of innocent men, who finally got enchanted by a handsome, slightly deranged prince.”

“And how does this fairy tale end?”

“They’re both committed to an asylum in a faraway kingdom,” Ian continues. “Doing it like bunnies till the end of days.”

However, after an awkward first “date” she is left feeling used and empty…and it confuses her. She doesn’t know how to react. However, she quickly finds out the there’re more LAYERS to Daniel Stark than most people get to see. She’s intrigued and even though everything is telling her to say away…she can’t.

“Don’t get me wrong, Daniel, in my heart I feel like I would do anything you want but when reason sets in and I take control of my Danielized brain, I know this isn’t right.”

- “You’ve been Danielized?” he asks, highly amused.

I went into this book knowing that there is a cliffhanger…so I was prepared. Thank goodness or I think I would have been throwing my kindle across the room. This book definitely does not end in a HEA but just as Hayley’s friends, I have faith that Daniel and Hayley can find their way back to each other in the next book. But you never know what will happen. He believes she committed the ultimate betrayal…causing him to do the same to her.

“When I think of Mr. Stark, the first thing that pops to mind is a termite.”

“Termites?”

“You’re like termites because they mate for life”…”You two will end up together. Even a nonromantic, coming of age, cynical gay guy can see that. It’ll take more than a quarrel for you to really split up”…”Too deep, too emotional, too cosmic, too manic, to compatible. Just like a pair of gorgeous termites.”

The storyline was captivating and exciting. It was both witty and intense. I could not have asked for more in a debut. The only part that kind of got old was some of the blurbs in Hayley’s thinking. Most were unnecessary and made her sound kind of immature. Other than that the writing was great.  I am a huge fan of dual POVs but this book is only in Hayley's until the very last chapter.  I am so glad it was written that way.  I think it would have taken away from the story if we would have had Daniel's POV.  However, I am glad the last chapter was by him.  It completely sets you up perfectly for the next book. 

This is a story of a beautiful bond turned to a relationship of distrust, misunderstandings, lack of faith and betrayal. 

Congratulations to Sigal Ehrlich for such a great debut. INNER CORE (the second & last book) will be released January 2014 and I can’t wait!

Don’t hesitate, read LAYERS now and be sure to add INNER CORE to your TBR list!

★★☆  4 Stars ☆★★

Reviewed by Alissa Evanson

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About the Author

By teen age, Sigal already lived in three different continents where she was lucky enough to experience and visit varied places, meet unique people, which only helped fuel her overly developed imagination. Currently, Sigal calls Estonia home where she lives with her husband and three kids. 

Not exactly sure where they will end up next… 

When she is not hiding in her office, writing, she enjoys music, reading and taking care of her little clan. 

With a great believe in "don’t wait for things to happen - make them happen," she enjoys anything exciting life has to offer.


Follow the author at these links

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway 

Win a Signed paperback copy of Layers and a $20 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of the lovely Sigal. 

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