Showing results by author "Layla Hagen" in All Categories

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 don’t give a damn what people say about me. I’m successful and confident—one of San Diego’s youngest CEOs. But when my womanizer rep costs me a major business deal, I’ve got a problem. One of my brothers suggests a fake girlfriend. Ridiculous. Then I spot the perfect opportunity. At a bar, I overhear a stunning blonde getting utterly humiliated by her ex—who casually informs her he dumped her to marry someone else. What an idiot. She looks like she needs rescuing. So, I sit at their table and kiss her like I’ve done it a million times.

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?

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.

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.

When someone’s down on their luck, I like to help out. Diane needed a place to stay, and my attic was empty. How hard could it be to have a temporary roommate? It turns out—very hard. Living with her is turning out to be physically impossible. Every time she saunters through the living room, I can’t help but want her. Whenever she gives me sass, I fantasize about kissing that mouth until she begs for more.

I’m Spencer Whitley, the CEO of a billion-dollar company. But behind closed doors, I’m a clueless, single dad…. Between reading as many parenting books as I can and trying to get the little dude to sleep during the night, I can barely think about anything else.

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.

When I'm not making waffles for my son Jeremy or teaching him how to swim, I’m running a billion-dollar business. My life is scheduled to the minute. So, when the nanny unexpectedly quits, I need a replacement. Riley is not what I expected. She just graduated law school and wants a summer job before starting her legal career. My son Jeremy instantly likes her—she makes him laugh until his cheeks hurt. Hell, she makes me feel carefree too, and I haven’t let my guard down ever since Jeremy’s mom left.

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.

I didn't get to be CEO by playing nice. I'm cutthroat and ruthless—and yes, occasionally rude. But it gets the job done, and that's all I care about. My business partners disagree. They insist I need to improve my communication skills. That's how I end up with Zoey Thomas shadowing me. From the moment she steps into my office, I have one goal: ignore her until she quits. I don't need anyone telling me how to conduct my business. I call the shots. Always. But the more I push Zoey away, the more she insists. Frankly, she's infuriating. She's too chirpy, too sassy, and far too sexy.

After my difficult divorce, I thought my life was over. But now, I’m happier and more successful than I could’ve ever imagined. My cosmetics business is thriving and I’m almost ready to get back out there and find Mr. Right. Almost. When I hear that a therapy ranch on the Bayou is seeking an investor, I jump at the opportunity. I know only too well that spending time with animals is healing.

When I find out on my wedding day that my fiancé is cheating on me, my whole world comes crashing down. The only bright spot? My best friend Leo is by my side every step of the way, offering his unconditional support — including a temporary getaway, which I so badly need right now. Once in Boston, he invites me to stay with him until I get back on my feet. Temporarily, of course. And I don’t even think twice before agreeing. But I quickly question if this was the right thing to do. Did I forget to mention Leo is the hottest man on the planet?

I’m Nick Whitley, CEO of Whitley Sports Industries. I’m a bonafide bachelor, and never intended to settle down. But I’m also a dependable kind of guy and do what’s right when I can. So when my best friend and his wife pass away, leaving behind their twins, I do everything possible to help out their aunt—Allison . She’s gorgeous and funny and someone I enjoy being around. I even propose marriage when the kids’ grandparents unexpectedly contest the custody. It’s the only way Allison can win.

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.

As a divorced single father, I live by three rules: Make sure every day my daughter, Paisley, knows she’s number one in my life. No matter what, keep contact with my cheating ex-wife to a minimum, and turn Maxwell Wineries into a legacy that keeps Paisley set for life. When I hire Lexi to look after my daughter, I realize I need another rule: Don’t pursue Paisley’s nanny. But even if I had that rule it wouldn’t matter. Because I'm breaking it already.

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.

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. When she introduces me to her daughter, I fall for that little girl hook, line and sinker. No one has ever played me for a fool like that kid can do with a single dimpled grin. I want to keep them both. Heather's been hurt before.

The strong and sexy Blake Bennett is downright irresistible. And I am doing everything I can to resist his charm. I can't possibly fall for Blake. But when I need a temporary place to live, and I accept Blake's offer to move next door to him, things escalate. How am I supposed to resist the man who's hell-bent on having me?

I believe in rules to live by. It's how I built my reputation as Will Connor-the tough cop, and how I've survived being one. I give a hundred percent to the job, I care for my family, and I never, ever ignore my instincts. So when Paige turns my head, all my senses go on high alert. As the developmental director of a non-profit, Paige Lamonica meets a lot of people. That's how she got so good at reading them. But I enjoy surprising her at every turn. She keeps expecting a jerk. Maybe it's my confidence. Maybe it's my looks.