Irresistibly Yours by Lauren Layne

Irresistibly Yours is a delightful novel from Lauren Layne, the first in her new Oxford series. Summary (from her website) is as follows:

Hotshot sports editor Cole Sharpe has been freelancing for Oxford for years, so when he hears about a staff position opening up, he figures he’s got the inside track. Then his boss drops a bombshell: Cole has competition. Female competition, in the form of a fresh-faced tomboy who can hang with the dudes—and write circles around them, too. Cole usually likes his women flirty and curvy, but he takes a special interest in his skinny, sassy rival, if only to keep an eye on her. And soon, he can’t take his eyes off her.

Penelope Pope knows all too well that she comes off as “just one of the guys.” Since she’s learned that wanting more usually leads to disappointment, Penelope’s resigned to sitting on the sidelines when it comes to love. So why does Cole make her want to get back in the game? The man is as arrogant as he is handsome. He probably sees her as nothing more than a barrier to his dream job. But when an unexpected kiss turns into a night of irresistible passion, Penelope has to figure out whether they’re just fooling around—or starting something real.

While that summary should be enough to get you one-clicking this, what really sets this one apart is how Layne weaves them all together. Not only did I fall for both Cole and Penelope, but I fell for them being together. It was so much fun to read about Cole figuring out what was more important – his love for Penelope or his dream job. Seeing Penelope get herself into Cole’s group of friends, while navigating her dreams and her job – all of those elements were so much fun to read along side them finding their happily ever afters.

Plus, I’m a sucker for sports romances and, while this is only adjacent to the genre it was fun to see another side of that world. More books about sports reporters please! Enjoy this one with a good beer and a snuggly blanket.

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