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The Gallaghers #3
Because You're Mine
Ian Gallagher has always liked taking risks, both in business and in his personal life. But this time, he might be taking it too far. She is strictly off limits. He knows that only too well, but he can’t help wanting to get closer. Their nights together are wicked hot, and he’s insatiable for more.
Ian has always thought he’s a sworn bachelor, but she might just change everything.
Ian has always thought he’s a sworn bachelor, but she might just change everything.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2021
About the author
Layla Hagen
50 books4,395 followersWelcome! My name is Layla Hagen and I am a Contemporary Romance author.
I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.
I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.
And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough ;)
I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.
I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.
And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough ;)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
February 22, 2023
CRYING 😭
Aren’t some of the authors embarrassed already, to built stories around the tropes and, writing very cliched and cringey dialogues. The MCs just met and haven’t even had any intimate moments except making out twice and, here, the hero already started calling her “mine” right after the first few pages.
Also who texts like that?
“Ian: Am I boring you? 😊”
Why he’s smiling like that? What’s even there to smile?
The couples were so boringly boring. I gagged. Skimmed through to finish and, it still was shit.
Aren’t some of the authors embarrassed already, to built stories around the tropes and, writing very cliched and cringey dialogues. The MCs just met and haven’t even had any intimate moments except making out twice and, here, the hero already started calling her “mine” right after the first few pages.
Also who texts like that?
“Ian: Am I boring you? 😊”
Why he’s smiling like that? What’s even there to smile?
The couples were so boringly boring. I gagged. Skimmed through to finish and, it still was shit.
August 3, 2021
Because You’re Mine by Layla Hagen is book #3 in The Gallaghers series. Since the end of the Dylan and Mel’s book (When You're Mine) I have been eager for Ian’s story. Layla Hagen did not disappoint. I fell so hard and fast for Ian and Ellie! Their love story is sweet and steamy and ALL CONSUMING! I couldn’t put it down from the moment I began reading until the end.
Ian has been dubbed the playboy and ultimate bachelor among the Gallagher siblings. All of that changes the moment his best friends sister, Ellie moves to New York. Even though she is completely off limits it was evident right from the start this was going to be easier said then done. Their attraction and chemistry is undeniable. The tension, timing and build up was perfection!
Ian has such big heart. He is the protective sibling, and hardworking. He co-owns a software company with his brother, Dylan. He is logical and hardworking but romance and relationships were never on his radar until Ellie. He is drawn to her and it is impossible for him to stay away. He needs to know everything about her and wants to give her everything she desires. Ian is sweet, caring and so attentive towards Ellie. It was so hard to imagine him as the playboy he was made out to be because he is the complete opposite with Ellie and I just loved that.
Ellie has come to New York after graduating culinary school with a plan to stay in New York for six months working at a Michelin star restaurant. She is focused on her career and has her future mapped out. I admired Ellie’s passion and drive. Not only is she driven she is equally sassy and sweet and fit right in with the Gallagher family. I loved the friendships she formed with Ian’s sisters.
Because You’re Mine is a MUST read. It is a beautifully written, contemporary romance that I didn’t want to end. By the time I got to the epilogue my heart was so full and I loved getting to see where all the Gallaghers were at in their lives not just Ellie and Ian.
*Advanced reader copy received in exchange of an honest review.
Ian has been dubbed the playboy and ultimate bachelor among the Gallagher siblings. All of that changes the moment his best friends sister, Ellie moves to New York. Even though she is completely off limits it was evident right from the start this was going to be easier said then done. Their attraction and chemistry is undeniable. The tension, timing and build up was perfection!
Ian has such big heart. He is the protective sibling, and hardworking. He co-owns a software company with his brother, Dylan. He is logical and hardworking but romance and relationships were never on his radar until Ellie. He is drawn to her and it is impossible for him to stay away. He needs to know everything about her and wants to give her everything she desires. Ian is sweet, caring and so attentive towards Ellie. It was so hard to imagine him as the playboy he was made out to be because he is the complete opposite with Ellie and I just loved that.
Ellie has come to New York after graduating culinary school with a plan to stay in New York for six months working at a Michelin star restaurant. She is focused on her career and has her future mapped out. I admired Ellie’s passion and drive. Not only is she driven she is equally sassy and sweet and fit right in with the Gallagher family. I loved the friendships she formed with Ian’s sisters.
Because You’re Mine is a MUST read. It is a beautifully written, contemporary romance that I didn’t want to end. By the time I got to the epilogue my heart was so full and I loved getting to see where all the Gallaghers were at in their lives not just Ellie and Ian.
*Advanced reader copy received in exchange of an honest review.
July 27, 2021
Because You’re Mine
(The Gallagher’s #3)
Written by: Layla Hagen
It’s always a pleasure to sit down and enjoy a Layla Hagan book. Because You’re Mine is one of those books that you know you’re going to enjoy reading.
Ian Gallagher has a bit of a reputation; he plays as hard as he works. It’s seems though what use to happen in college may have changed. There is one thing Ian respects; it’s a deal with his best friend Henry, no hitting on Ellie (Henry’s sister).
That may change though, he hasn’t seen Ellie for a few years now and promising to keep an eye on her while she is working in New York may end up being that “keeping an eye on all of her” means more than just being a friend.
Ellie Cavanaugh has graduated culinary school and has her sights set on working for a Michelin Star restaurant. She’s reached part of her goal; she’s doing the first rotation in a program that has her working at On Point. She’s been warned don’t get involved with Ian but Ellie is starting to develop feelings for him, what her brother doesn’t know won’t hurt him.
Add in the caring Gallagher’s and their cousins the Connors both Ian and Ellie have a large group of people they both can rely on. Ian’s sisters and the Connor cousins think Ellie is perfect for Ian!
I so enjoyed watching both Ian and Ellie as they work their way through their mutual attraction. Through personal growth as well as business growth we get a much clearer view of who they really are. Layla Hagan gives readers a low angst, steamy relationship, uncovers some truths both characters needed to deal with and a story that makes you feel good.
(The Gallagher’s #3)
Written by: Layla Hagen
It’s always a pleasure to sit down and enjoy a Layla Hagan book. Because You’re Mine is one of those books that you know you’re going to enjoy reading.
Ian Gallagher has a bit of a reputation; he plays as hard as he works. It’s seems though what use to happen in college may have changed. There is one thing Ian respects; it’s a deal with his best friend Henry, no hitting on Ellie (Henry’s sister).
That may change though, he hasn’t seen Ellie for a few years now and promising to keep an eye on her while she is working in New York may end up being that “keeping an eye on all of her” means more than just being a friend.
Ellie Cavanaugh has graduated culinary school and has her sights set on working for a Michelin Star restaurant. She’s reached part of her goal; she’s doing the first rotation in a program that has her working at On Point. She’s been warned don’t get involved with Ian but Ellie is starting to develop feelings for him, what her brother doesn’t know won’t hurt him.
Add in the caring Gallagher’s and their cousins the Connors both Ian and Ellie have a large group of people they both can rely on. Ian’s sisters and the Connor cousins think Ellie is perfect for Ian!
I so enjoyed watching both Ian and Ellie as they work their way through their mutual attraction. Through personal growth as well as business growth we get a much clearer view of who they really are. Layla Hagan gives readers a low angst, steamy relationship, uncovers some truths both characters needed to deal with and a story that makes you feel good.
September 10, 2021
Ellie just graduated from culinary school and is in the process of achieving her dream by working at a prestigious restaurant in New York. There resides Ian Gallagher, Henry's best friend who is Ellie's brother. She has always been attracted to Ian, although she never thought he would notice her. Ian is handsome, charismatic, and the last bachelor of the Gallagher siblings. He dedicates himself completely to his software company alongside his brother Dylan. He is outgoing, enjoys good times, and has no interest in romantic relationships. Until Ellie arrives. Both are warned by Henry due to Ian's reputation as a womanizer, but they can't help but be attracted.
At first they intend to maintain a friendship, but the more time they spend together, the sparks grow, but Ellie is afraid that for Ian she is just an affair, in addition to the fact that she does not want to be the cause of ending a friendship of years. But Ian is willing to demonstrate that he has changed and to do anything to be together. I loved the protective and persevering side of him, the sweetness and innocence of her, her love for cooking and how their relationship begins with a friendship making it more meaningful. Because you are mine is an entertaining and sweet read, you can’t miss!
***𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰***
At first they intend to maintain a friendship, but the more time they spend together, the sparks grow, but Ellie is afraid that for Ian she is just an affair, in addition to the fact that she does not want to be the cause of ending a friendship of years. But Ian is willing to demonstrate that he has changed and to do anything to be together. I loved the protective and persevering side of him, the sweetness and innocence of her, her love for cooking and how their relationship begins with a friendship making it more meaningful. Because you are mine is an entertaining and sweet read, you can’t miss!
***𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰***
July 25, 2021
Ian Gallagher is the next of the Gallagher siblings to fall in love in this sweet and steamy series. Because You’re Mine is a forbidden romance, as Ian’s best friend from college, Henry, asks him to help his younger sister, Ellie, acclimate to NYC as she relocates there for a new job as a professional chef.
She’s several years younger, but all grown up now, and Ian can’t keep his eyes off her. The sparks are immediate as he and Ellie reconnect, and I loved his protective nature and natural charisma. Ian doesn’t waste time claiming her and letting her know that she is different from the many women in his past–the main reason that Henry warned him to keep things platonic with his little sister!
I love the close, personal relationship between all of the Gallaghers as well as Ellie and her brother Henry, and the inclusion of their cousins, the Connors, from a previous series. Layla writes interconnected characters so well, that you could really pick up any of her books and read them as a standalone, but once you get invested in the characters, you will want to read more and more. The family members are down-to-earth, relatable, and very supportive, who also enjoy teasing one another and getting in each other’s business!
Even though their sparks were instant, I thought the author did a great job with the character growth as each was discovering their future career paths and what in life would really make them happy. I liked how they were friends and enjoyed each other’s company, both in and out of the bedroom, and how Ian was quick to introduce her to his family and make her feel wanted and desired.
I admired her passion for cooking and how vocal she was about her feelings. Their love was unexpected which made them both rethink their goals so that they can include one another, and I admired how Henry handled learning they were a couple.
If you’re looking for a fun, sweet romance, with little angst, then I encourage you to read this wonderful family series.
She’s several years younger, but all grown up now, and Ian can’t keep his eyes off her. The sparks are immediate as he and Ellie reconnect, and I loved his protective nature and natural charisma. Ian doesn’t waste time claiming her and letting her know that she is different from the many women in his past–the main reason that Henry warned him to keep things platonic with his little sister!
I love the close, personal relationship between all of the Gallaghers as well as Ellie and her brother Henry, and the inclusion of their cousins, the Connors, from a previous series. Layla writes interconnected characters so well, that you could really pick up any of her books and read them as a standalone, but once you get invested in the characters, you will want to read more and more. The family members are down-to-earth, relatable, and very supportive, who also enjoy teasing one another and getting in each other’s business!
Even though their sparks were instant, I thought the author did a great job with the character growth as each was discovering their future career paths and what in life would really make them happy. I liked how they were friends and enjoyed each other’s company, both in and out of the bedroom, and how Ian was quick to introduce her to his family and make her feel wanted and desired.
I admired her passion for cooking and how vocal she was about her feelings. Their love was unexpected which made them both rethink their goals so that they can include one another, and I admired how Henry handled learning they were a couple.
If you’re looking for a fun, sweet romance, with little angst, then I encourage you to read this wonderful family series.
August 7, 2021
More swoony charm from Layla Hagen and the delightful Gallagher series- shaping up to be my favorite series from this feel-good writer. Romantic, sweet- all the butterflies.
Oh Ian. Once a playboy and consummate bachelor, he’s immediately smitten with his best friends’ sister, Ellie- new to the big city to pursue her dream job. Even though he’s supposed to keep an eye on her for his buddy- even though she’s off limits. But their connection and chemistry can’t be ignored.
These two are just adorable. Layla always writes such sweet and charming character chemistry, and these two are one of my favs yet. Ian is just dreamy- big heart, protective, a kind soul. He’s also been stoic, focused and hardworking, but Ellie knocks him over. I just love how he romanced her- SWOON. And Ellie is so relatable- focused, sincere, and open. Watching them fall for each other was captivating.
I always leave a Layla story with a full heart- can’t wait for more, even if it might be the last of these two amazing families. Feel good, contemporary romance at its finest!
Oh Ian. Once a playboy and consummate bachelor, he’s immediately smitten with his best friends’ sister, Ellie- new to the big city to pursue her dream job. Even though he’s supposed to keep an eye on her for his buddy- even though she’s off limits. But their connection and chemistry can’t be ignored.
These two are just adorable. Layla always writes such sweet and charming character chemistry, and these two are one of my favs yet. Ian is just dreamy- big heart, protective, a kind soul. He’s also been stoic, focused and hardworking, but Ellie knocks him over. I just love how he romanced her- SWOON. And Ellie is so relatable- focused, sincere, and open. Watching them fall for each other was captivating.
I always leave a Layla story with a full heart- can’t wait for more, even if it might be the last of these two amazing families. Feel good, contemporary romance at its finest!
July 31, 2021
Layla Hagen had me at hello. I fell super hard for Ian. He's the book boyfriend you never saw coming, but find hard to resist. Because You're Mine is a bittersweet love song that will leave your heart swooning and your world a little brighter for taking a chance on a heartbreaker and his surprisingly perfect match.
August 4, 2021
“𝗘𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲. 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀.”
♥️
Let’s talk about “Because You’re Mine by Layla Hagen”, third book in The Gallaghers series.
♥️
This book is a bittersweet one for me. Although I was super excited to read Ian’s story, I’m also sad that this is probably the last of Gallagher’s and Winchester’s stories. These two families were so close to each other that for me they were a very big, swoony, loving and caring family. And the great dynamic they have were in full motion in Ian’s books. Not only they were all supportive of Ian’s dreams and love, but they full embraced Ellie, in absolutely everything.
Ellie has just moved to NYC to work as a chef in a restaurant, but only for 6 months. She was used to her nomad life and was kind of happy about it as she was on road to build her dreams. Why she wasn’t expecting was for Ian, her older brother’s best friend, to help her settle down at town, show her all the amazing things and create a strong bond with him and his family.
Ian was the last standing bachelor in his group, but with Ellie in town, he is tired to stay away and with every encounter he finds out a deeper feeling for her, one that he never thought he’d be able to feel. They were so cute together and their relationship were totally goals. What surprised the most was how all in he was and so damn protective of her.
I absolutely loved how they were supportive of each other dreams. I think this was the main theme, achieving your dreams with people by your side that will always hype you and help you get there. Every page was filled with love. This is a great series and both epilogues gave me life! If you enjoy an age gap and best friend’s sister romance this is for you.
♥️
Let’s talk about “Because You’re Mine by Layla Hagen”, third book in The Gallaghers series.
♥️
This book is a bittersweet one for me. Although I was super excited to read Ian’s story, I’m also sad that this is probably the last of Gallagher’s and Winchester’s stories. These two families were so close to each other that for me they were a very big, swoony, loving and caring family. And the great dynamic they have were in full motion in Ian’s books. Not only they were all supportive of Ian’s dreams and love, but they full embraced Ellie, in absolutely everything.
Ellie has just moved to NYC to work as a chef in a restaurant, but only for 6 months. She was used to her nomad life and was kind of happy about it as she was on road to build her dreams. Why she wasn’t expecting was for Ian, her older brother’s best friend, to help her settle down at town, show her all the amazing things and create a strong bond with him and his family.
Ian was the last standing bachelor in his group, but with Ellie in town, he is tired to stay away and with every encounter he finds out a deeper feeling for her, one that he never thought he’d be able to feel. They were so cute together and their relationship were totally goals. What surprised the most was how all in he was and so damn protective of her.
I absolutely loved how they were supportive of each other dreams. I think this was the main theme, achieving your dreams with people by your side that will always hype you and help you get there. Every page was filled with love. This is a great series and both epilogues gave me life! If you enjoy an age gap and best friend’s sister romance this is for you.
July 30, 2021
5* Swoon-Worthy Stars
The story of Ian and Ellie was a fun and sexy read. Layla never disappoints with her steamy scenes and Ian was one very hot and sexy bachelor, it is no wonder he was known as a playboy.
Ian and Ellie have known one another since she was a young teenager. She is 6 years younger than him and off limits as she is his best friend Henry’s little sister. Henry has made it clear that Ian’s only job is keeping an eye out on her because she has just moved to New York City. Henry is also aware of Ian’s playboy lifestyle and his reticence to commit to a relationship.
When Ian and Ellie meet up, he does not expect to feel a strong attraction towards her, she is all grown up and gorgeous. Unbeknown to him, Ellie feels the same way but they both know the promise they made to her brother. When they both fail at being just friends the journey they take is heartfelt and real.
The closeness and support of the Gallagher sisters and family was important in the decisions that Ian and Ellie made, and it was great to catch up with them and see where they are in their lives. They are such a loveable close-knit family.
I enjoyed this last instalment in the Gallagher series and highly recommend this sweet romance with very little angst. The epilogues were a wonderful bonus to their story.
The story of Ian and Ellie was a fun and sexy read. Layla never disappoints with her steamy scenes and Ian was one very hot and sexy bachelor, it is no wonder he was known as a playboy.
Ian and Ellie have known one another since she was a young teenager. She is 6 years younger than him and off limits as she is his best friend Henry’s little sister. Henry has made it clear that Ian’s only job is keeping an eye out on her because she has just moved to New York City. Henry is also aware of Ian’s playboy lifestyle and his reticence to commit to a relationship.
When Ian and Ellie meet up, he does not expect to feel a strong attraction towards her, she is all grown up and gorgeous. Unbeknown to him, Ellie feels the same way but they both know the promise they made to her brother. When they both fail at being just friends the journey they take is heartfelt and real.
The closeness and support of the Gallagher sisters and family was important in the decisions that Ian and Ellie made, and it was great to catch up with them and see where they are in their lives. They are such a loveable close-knit family.
I enjoyed this last instalment in the Gallagher series and highly recommend this sweet romance with very little angst. The epilogues were a wonderful bonus to their story.
August 4, 2021
Ian Gallagher has a bit of a playboy reputation. But he is a hard worker too. So he plays as hard as he works,lol… But that just changed when his best friend Henry’s sister Ellie comes to New York to work And then on top of it he promises to watch over her while she is there. So when he meets up with Ellie he cant believe his attraction to this women. But a promise is a promise… Right…
Ellie Cavanaugh graduated culinary school and now she is temporarily working as a pastry chef. When she arrives in New York her brother’s best friend, Ian picks her up and helps her get settled. She has been warned not get involved with Ian, but how can she walk away from this attraction that she feels for him. And man is he HOT… But she promised her brother she would not get involved with his friend. But then again he doesn’t need to know, right…
I loved how Ian is portrayed as a ‘player’, but he was just totally infatuated with Ellie and when he realized he has feelings for her totally committed. Ellie knew what she wanted from her life. She had goals and I loved how she stuck to them. Both of these characters were great, but together they just flowed and made a perfect couple 😊 If you love brothers best friend romances then this one is for you 😊♥
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
Ellie Cavanaugh graduated culinary school and now she is temporarily working as a pastry chef. When she arrives in New York her brother’s best friend, Ian picks her up and helps her get settled. She has been warned not get involved with Ian, but how can she walk away from this attraction that she feels for him. And man is he HOT… But she promised her brother she would not get involved with his friend. But then again he doesn’t need to know, right…
I loved how Ian is portrayed as a ‘player’, but he was just totally infatuated with Ellie and when he realized he has feelings for her totally committed. Ellie knew what she wanted from her life. She had goals and I loved how she stuck to them. Both of these characters were great, but together they just flowed and made a perfect couple 😊 If you love brothers best friend romances then this one is for you 😊♥
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
July 28, 2021
Because You're Mine by Layla Hagen was a sweet and sexy best friend's little sister romance that I absolutely adored! Layla Hagen has a way at making her readers fall in love with all her characters. This is book 3 in The Gallaghers series, and I was so excited that Ian finally found his HEA with Ellie.
Ellie is Ian's best friend Henry's little sister. Henry and Ian were best friends and college and both have quite the reputation of being a ladies man. Ellie is in New York temporarily working as a pastry chef. Upon her arrival Ian picks her up from the airport and per Henry's request, helps her get settled in the city. However, Henry discourages Ian to date her. When these two meet, Ellie is all grown up and the attraction to each other is super hot, and undeniable.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! That first steamy scene is so, so good! Ian's character really grows from player to a committed man, and totally made my heart swoon. I also loved how Ellie's confidence grew, and she made her chef dreams a reality. The epilogues at the end were also everything! I'm so glad we got an update on the whole family! I'm always looking forward to more from Layla Hagen!
Ellie is Ian's best friend Henry's little sister. Henry and Ian were best friends and college and both have quite the reputation of being a ladies man. Ellie is in New York temporarily working as a pastry chef. Upon her arrival Ian picks her up from the airport and per Henry's request, helps her get settled in the city. However, Henry discourages Ian to date her. When these two meet, Ellie is all grown up and the attraction to each other is super hot, and undeniable.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! That first steamy scene is so, so good! Ian's character really grows from player to a committed man, and totally made my heart swoon. I also loved how Ellie's confidence grew, and she made her chef dreams a reality. The epilogues at the end were also everything! I'm so glad we got an update on the whole family! I'm always looking forward to more from Layla Hagen!
July 29, 2021
5 star review of Because You’re Mine (The Gallaghers #3) Layla Hagen
I was excited to see what Layla Hagen had in store for Ian Gallagher and Ellie Cavanaugh. When his best friend asks Ian to keep an eye on his sister, Ian has no hesitation in agreeing. However, he didn’t count on the intense chemistry even though he knows she should be off limits.
I really enjoy Ms. Hagen’s writing style. Her characters are strong and easy to relate to and I found myself fully invested in the story that she wove from the first to the last chapter. Ian is a serial bachelor and yet there is something about Ellie that draws him in.
I loved Ian and Ellie, both separately and particularly as a couple. For me, these two are two halves of a whole, well suited to one another. The secondary characters were as entertaining and added an additional layer to my reading enjoyment. Because You’re Mine is a well written, heart warming love story that ticked the boxes for me.
One click this little gem, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
I was excited to see what Layla Hagen had in store for Ian Gallagher and Ellie Cavanaugh. When his best friend asks Ian to keep an eye on his sister, Ian has no hesitation in agreeing. However, he didn’t count on the intense chemistry even though he knows she should be off limits.
I really enjoy Ms. Hagen’s writing style. Her characters are strong and easy to relate to and I found myself fully invested in the story that she wove from the first to the last chapter. Ian is a serial bachelor and yet there is something about Ellie that draws him in.
I loved Ian and Ellie, both separately and particularly as a couple. For me, these two are two halves of a whole, well suited to one another. The secondary characters were as entertaining and added an additional layer to my reading enjoyment. Because You’re Mine is a well written, heart warming love story that ticked the boxes for me.
One click this little gem, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
August 1, 2021
Because You’re Mine is book 3 in The Gallaghers and what a perfect addition to the series, this is Ian Gallagher and Ellie Cavanaugh’s entertaining, romantic story.
Ellie has moved to New York for her dream job, she has moved into a new apartment and Ian has been asked by his best friend Henry to keep an eye on his younger sister and that should mean Ellie is off limits but from the moment he picks her up from the airport he becomes obsessed with her. Crossing the line could not only ruin the friendship this couple have formed it could also ruin Ian’s friendship with Henry, so will they take a chance and take a leap of faith…..
I fell hard and fast for Ian, I adored Ellie but together they became my perfect couple, Layla Hagen’s writing is strong and she always gives us stories we become engrossed in, she gives us characters we would love as friends and we always feel part of their journeys. This book was everything I want in a great read and now I’m excited as to where she will take us next with The Gallaghers.
Ellie has moved to New York for her dream job, she has moved into a new apartment and Ian has been asked by his best friend Henry to keep an eye on his younger sister and that should mean Ellie is off limits but from the moment he picks her up from the airport he becomes obsessed with her. Crossing the line could not only ruin the friendship this couple have formed it could also ruin Ian’s friendship with Henry, so will they take a chance and take a leap of faith…..
I fell hard and fast for Ian, I adored Ellie but together they became my perfect couple, Layla Hagen’s writing is strong and she always gives us stories we become engrossed in, she gives us characters we would love as friends and we always feel part of their journeys. This book was everything I want in a great read and now I’m excited as to where she will take us next with The Gallaghers.
August 3, 2021
4.5 stars
I love meeting the woman who brings a playboy to his knees. The wait to see who was going to change Ian Gallagher’s ways has been long; it is now time. The sparks fly immediately between Ellie and Ian, but she is his best friend's sister. He is a bit of a playboy, ok more than a bit, and she is off limits.
Ellie has no time for relationships, and she has goals big goals. Besides, she is only in town for a while and has been warned to stay away from Ian.
How can she stay away from him and her growing attraction when he is supposed to be looking out for her, and then the family interference. What her brother does not know, right?
I enjoyed this book as much, if not more than any of the others in this series.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I love meeting the woman who brings a playboy to his knees. The wait to see who was going to change Ian Gallagher’s ways has been long; it is now time. The sparks fly immediately between Ellie and Ian, but she is his best friend's sister. He is a bit of a playboy, ok more than a bit, and she is off limits.
Ellie has no time for relationships, and she has goals big goals. Besides, she is only in town for a while and has been warned to stay away from Ian.
How can she stay away from him and her growing attraction when he is supposed to be looking out for her, and then the family interference. What her brother does not know, right?
I enjoyed this book as much, if not more than any of the others in this series.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
August 6, 2021
This is an ARC review. All opinions are solely my own.
Because You're Mine by Layla Hagen is book 3 of the Gallagher's series. This series reads quickly so I would recommend reading them in order. In fact, I recommend starting with the Winchester's series. There are so many cross-over characters.
Ian Gallagher makes a promise to his best friend to help his sister, Ellie Cavanaugh, in her new city. I think we all know where this is going. LOL!! He's never been a relationship guy until he meets her. Sparks fly.
I'm so glad I read this book. I was unsure if I would since I didn't enjoy the previous book but this completely redeemed itself.
Because You're Mine by Layla Hagen is book 3 of the Gallagher's series. This series reads quickly so I would recommend reading them in order. In fact, I recommend starting with the Winchester's series. There are so many cross-over characters.
Ian Gallagher makes a promise to his best friend to help his sister, Ellie Cavanaugh, in her new city. I think we all know where this is going. LOL!! He's never been a relationship guy until he meets her. Sparks fly.
I'm so glad I read this book. I was unsure if I would since I didn't enjoy the previous book but this completely redeemed itself.
August 4, 2021
Because You’re Mine features one of my favorite tropes: sibling’s best friend. Ellie is new to NYC and her brother Henry’s best friend has taken it upon himself to show her the city. Ian Gallagher is a self-proclaimed bachelor but there’s just something about Ellie that draws him in. I loved watching this relationship develop and I appreciated the low level of angst. If you’re a contemporary romance fan, I recommend this series.
August 3, 2021
Ian & Ellie are the next couple to fall and it’s a great story. It’s a forbidden romance. Ian being a player is forewarned by Henry to leave Ellie alone. Things change once Ian lays eyes on Ellie. This is such a sweet book. I really enjoyed it.
August 3, 2021
Layla Hagen always gives me the sweet and sexy feels with her charming contemporary stories. Never too angsty, simply fun, tender, and hot. Her stories just feel so real...real life scenarios, ordinary situations, and generally so relatable.
Because You’re Mine was a fantastic addition to a series I have come to love. Layla Hagen’s writing is strong, with characters that are easy to relate to and I found myself totally invested in the story that she wove from the first to the last chapter. I loved how the relationship between Ian and Ellie developed, especially since there was a touch of a forbidden element. Watching them fall together, learning to trust one another and give into their feelings was such a fun, sexy, satisfying, feel-good journey.
I love how Layla Hagen takes tried and true romantic tropes and makes them simple, straightforward, and swoony- she makes love feel easy and magical, she lets it be charming and natural. You know you’ll smile, swoon a bit, get some heat, and I always know that I will get a charming HEA that makes my reader heart happy.
Because You’re Mine was a fantastic addition to a series I have come to love. Layla Hagen’s writing is strong, with characters that are easy to relate to and I found myself totally invested in the story that she wove from the first to the last chapter. I loved how the relationship between Ian and Ellie developed, especially since there was a touch of a forbidden element. Watching them fall together, learning to trust one another and give into their feelings was such a fun, sexy, satisfying, feel-good journey.
I love how Layla Hagen takes tried and true romantic tropes and makes them simple, straightforward, and swoony- she makes love feel easy and magical, she lets it be charming and natural. You know you’ll smile, swoon a bit, get some heat, and I always know that I will get a charming HEA that makes my reader heart happy.
Read
October 10, 2021Uhhhhhh
That's it.
That's it.
August 3, 2021
Get The Tissues Ready As You Prepare To Say Goodbye To The Gallaghers & The Winchesters! Ian & Ellie’s Brother’s Best Friend Story Is A Sweet & Steamy Romance About Finding Love Unexpectedly.
ABOUT THE SERIES:
This is the third and probably final book in The Gallaghers series of related standalones. It is a spinoff of the Very Irresistible Bachelors series, which centers around the Winchester family, and picks right up in the same world where the last book of that series left off. The Winchester family remains in the background, just the like Gallaghers had increasingly become part of the Winchester family in their series. Nevertheless, it is absolutely not necessary to have read the Very Irresistible Bachelor series first to enjoy the Gallaghers. Though books are best enjoyed in sequence, any book in either of the series can be read on its own. Fans, however, will appreciate learning more about this close-knit family by reading the series in order.
Note that two of the Very Irresistible Bachelors books are crossovers between the Winchester and Gallagher families. Book one, You’re the One, is Josie Gallagher’s story with the Caldwell’s close cousin. Book four, One Beautiful Promise, is Laney Smith’s story with a Winchester brother. Laney had been to the Gallagher family what Josie had been to the Winchester family. Each was taken in and welcomed like family. Laney and Isabelle Gallagher have been best friends since their youth. Laney grew up spending a lot of time in her best friend’s home, and the Gallagher boys are like brothers to her. The Gallagher siblings include Josie, Dylan, Isabelle, and Ian.
A QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE WINCHESTER AND GALLAGHER BOOKS:
Very Irresistible Bachelors Series:
1. You’re the One: Hunter Caldwell (32) & Josie Gallagher (30) *As it opens it is the 4th of July*
2. Just One Kiss: Ryker Winchester (30) &. Heather Prescott (28)*As it opens it is early March*
3. One Perfect Touch: Robert Dumont (33) & Skye Winchester (32)*As it opens it is just past the 4th of July weekend*
4. One Beautiful Promise: Cole Winchester (~30) & Laney Smith (~28)*As it opens it is March; newlywed Skye is 7 months pregnant*
5. My One and Only: Liam Harrington (36) & Tess Winchester (35)*As it opens it is mid-September, sometime after Skye delivered baby Jonas. Heather is pregnant and showing*
The Gallaghers Series:
1. Say You’re Mine: Brayden Clarke (30) & Isabelle Gallagher (~29)*As I opens it is just after July 4th; Tess and Liam are still engaged. Ryker and Heather have welcomed newborn son Ray. More recently, Hunter and Jose brought home newborn Sophie – roughly around the second week of June*
2. When You’re Mine: Dylan Gallagher (31) & Mel Dawson (27) *As it opens it is it is early June; Brayden and Isabelle have a November wedding planned*
3. Because You’re Mine: Ian Gallagher & Ellie Cavanaugh *As it Opens it is September; it is the day of Dylan and Melanie’s engagement party at Isabelle and Brayden’s home in Tarrytown, right where Dylan’s story leaves off; it is about four years after Hunter and Josie’s story*
ABOUT THE GALLAGHERS:
The Gallaghers hail from small town Montana. They come from a modest background, but are a tight family. Josie is the eldest. She is followed by Dylan, then Isabelle. Ian is the youngest.
Josie Gallagher is an attorney. After winning a scholarship, she left home in high school to attend a private boarding school that catered to the wealthy in New York. She soon befriended Hunter Caldwell, who had defended her when bullies made fun of her poor clothing. Hunter is a cousin of the Winchesters and was practically raised in their family. Through him, Josie was welcomed into the Winchester family and grew close to Skye and Tess Winchester. She and Hunter became best friends over time, and eventually much more. Hunter and Josie’s story is book one of the Very Irresistible Bachelors series, You’re The One.
Dylan and Ian Gallagher own a software company together, Gallagher Solutions. After spending some time setting up an office in Washington, D.C., moved to New York on year ago to start a new subsidiary there. This finally brings all the children together again in one city.
Dylan Gallagher moved to NYC roughly one year ago. This is his story.
Ian had worshipped his older brother when he was small, but he never did become a romantic. He has always enjoyed a bachelor lifestyle and has no plans to change. He is less serious and more playful.
Isabelle Gallagher moved to NYC roughly one year ago, following her sister and best friend. She has a master’s in counseling as well as one in behavioral science, and she set up her own private practice in Brooklyn. Her story with rock star Brayden Clark takes place in book one of this series, Say You’re Mine.
Laney Smith gets special mention as Isabelle’s best friend from childhood. She moved to NYC for her residency after medical school, then met and married Cole Winchester. Cole and Laney’s story is book four of the Very Irresistible Bachelors series, One Beautiful Promise.
IN THIS BOOK:
This book opens in September. It picks up right where When You’re Mine, Dylan and Mel’s story, ends. It opens at Isabelle’s home, where Dylan and Mel celebrate their engagement surrounded by the Winchester and Gallagher clans.
Ian Gallagher, twenty-nine, is the fun Gallagher brother. He doesn’t take life too seriously and enjoys having a good time. He had never been interested in relationships and doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body. He is loyal to his family and friends, never hesitating to offer a helping hand. He and Dylan are very close, and until this summer they had both enjoyed their bachelor ways. Ian casually dates and does hookups, always moving on within a week or so. With Dylan getting engaged to Melanie, though, Ian is the last single sibling in the family. Still, he has no desire to change his ways.
Ian is more of a risk taker. Dylan is all about efficiency in his life; he has some OCD tendencies. Together, they make a successful team. Ian has always looked up to his older brother and never hesitated in joining him to start Gallagher Solutions, a successful software company. He had considered going into teaching when in college, but his loyalty to his brother was stronger. Ian enjoys his work at Gallagher Solutions. He get a thrill from coding, even though they can afford to hire others to do that work for them. After building up a good business in D.C., they moved to New York just a year ago to set up a new subsidiary – and that brought them to the same city where their sisters now live, reuniting all four siblings. They still have business in D.C., so they sometimes travel there, too. It gives Ian the opportunity to visit his best friend, Henry Cavanaugh. They had attended college together in D.C
The Gallaghers are a tight family, even with their parents still back at home. Their parents had a run a ski lift in Montana, and a few warm years had been financially challenging. Dylan and Ian are now working to get partners to back them up on Project Z, an idea that has great business potential as well as personal meaning for them. They hope to develop and market an insurance model for niche markets that are not covered by existing models. Had that kind of insurance existed for their parents, a lot of hardship could have been avoided.
Ellie Cavanaugh, twenty-three, is passionate when it comes to food. A culinary school graduate, her dream is to work in a Michelin-starred restaurant before opening her own restaurant in ten years. She has a plan, too. She hopes to rotate and work with different chefs to develop her own style. She just landed a great opportunity with a rotational program. The trainee salary doesn’t pay much, but the exposure is fantastic. On Point, a Michelin-starred restaurant, has three locations: New York, New Orleans, and San Francisco. She will spend six months at each. She has just finished a stint as a pastry chef in Miami and will be working at the salad station in New York. Her life is nomadic, but she loves it. She has always been very independent. The only thing she really misses is her family, but that is complicated.
Ellie and her older brother Henry are close. When their parents divorced and remarried, starting new families, she and Henry never felt like they really fit in anywhere. Still, she loves her parents. She forgives her father for hurting her mother, and doesn’t hold a grudge against her mother for using her like a crutch in the aftermath of the breakup. Her mother had needed someone to turn to, and Ellie’s naturally warm and generous personality made her easy to turn to. Everyone is happy and healthy now, but what Ellie really wants is to see her family together again. Her parents are now on speaking terms, but with the family spread out across the country, Ellie finds it hard to make time to travel to see everyone.
When Henry asks Ian to watch after his little sister when she goes to New York for six months, Ian knows it will be a challenge to keep his hands to himself. Two years ago, Ellie had attended a Lake Tahoe vacation along with him, Henry, and a few friends. Ian hadn’t thought too much of Ellie before, but seeing her all grown up triggered his protective nature. He saw her in a different light, but with her as Henry’s sister and him as the eternal bachelor, he knew he could not cross any lines. Six months of watching over her will be a challenge to his self-control. Ellie hasn’t had great luck in the dating department. She hasn’t exactly been saving herself, but she hasn’t found anyone worth having a relationship with either. Her lack of experience has become a bit of an embarrassment and even scares some potential men away. Ian had been a crush, and when she came face to face with him again in New York, those feelings had not abated at all. With Henry out of the picture down in D.C., things were increasingly heating up between the pair. But Henry would never approve of the match, and if he discovered that they were crossing the line, things could end very badly. The couple eventually earns a happy ending.
Ian and Ellie’s brother’s best friend story is a sweet romance about family and following your passion. The couple starts out knowing their time together is limited. Ellie will be in New York for just six months. She has a plan, and New Orleans is the next stop on her journey. And since Ian is not relationship material, they have no illusions about the future. Still, their chemistry is incredible, and they embark on a relationship with no plans but for the present. They soon find that their relationship is about so much more than a good time, which only complicates matters more. Henry will never approve since he has insider information about Ian’s dating history, and he is an important figure to them both. As they meander their way through the beginning of their relationship, they face many uncertainties about the future. They must contemplate what it means to separate or to stay together, and how to balance a relationship alongside personal goals. Ian has always been restless, so he must do some soul-searching about what he really wants in life, while Ellie must reconsider her own priorities and plans.
For fans of The Gallaghers series (and of The Very Irresistible Bachelors series), this story is a must read. It is seemingly the end of the road for the Winchesters and the Gallaghers. It is sweet and sentimental. There are a few teary moments. The epilogue takes you six years into the future – that means ten years of marriage for Hunter and Josie, whose story joined both families and began The Very Irresistible Bachelors series. That led to seven additional stories, eight couples in total, all amidst New York yet grounded with a strong sense of family. It is bittersweet to say goodbye.
It will be interesting to see what comes next from the author. It might be something entirely new, although it could conceivably follow Isabelle’s wedding planner, Gina, and possible Henry Cavanaugh. That might give the Winchesters and Gallaghers the chance to stick around on the outskirts of a new series.
Get the tissues ready as you prepare to say goodbye to the Gallaghers and the Winchesters! Ian and Ellie’s brother’s best friend story is a sweet and steamy romance about finding love unexpectedly. The story is nicely written. The plot is somewhat simple. The story is character-driven. The characters are well-developed. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Ian and Ellie. I rate this book four stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ABOUT THE SERIES:
This is the third and probably final book in The Gallaghers series of related standalones. It is a spinoff of the Very Irresistible Bachelors series, which centers around the Winchester family, and picks right up in the same world where the last book of that series left off. The Winchester family remains in the background, just the like Gallaghers had increasingly become part of the Winchester family in their series. Nevertheless, it is absolutely not necessary to have read the Very Irresistible Bachelor series first to enjoy the Gallaghers. Though books are best enjoyed in sequence, any book in either of the series can be read on its own. Fans, however, will appreciate learning more about this close-knit family by reading the series in order.
Note that two of the Very Irresistible Bachelors books are crossovers between the Winchester and Gallagher families. Book one, You’re the One, is Josie Gallagher’s story with the Caldwell’s close cousin. Book four, One Beautiful Promise, is Laney Smith’s story with a Winchester brother. Laney had been to the Gallagher family what Josie had been to the Winchester family. Each was taken in and welcomed like family. Laney and Isabelle Gallagher have been best friends since their youth. Laney grew up spending a lot of time in her best friend’s home, and the Gallagher boys are like brothers to her. The Gallagher siblings include Josie, Dylan, Isabelle, and Ian.
A QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE WINCHESTER AND GALLAGHER BOOKS:
Very Irresistible Bachelors Series:
1. You’re the One: Hunter Caldwell (32) & Josie Gallagher (30) *As it opens it is the 4th of July*
2. Just One Kiss: Ryker Winchester (30) &. Heather Prescott (28)*As it opens it is early March*
3. One Perfect Touch: Robert Dumont (33) & Skye Winchester (32)*As it opens it is just past the 4th of July weekend*
4. One Beautiful Promise: Cole Winchester (~30) & Laney Smith (~28)*As it opens it is March; newlywed Skye is 7 months pregnant*
5. My One and Only: Liam Harrington (36) & Tess Winchester (35)*As it opens it is mid-September, sometime after Skye delivered baby Jonas. Heather is pregnant and showing*
The Gallaghers Series:
1. Say You’re Mine: Brayden Clarke (30) & Isabelle Gallagher (~29)*As I opens it is just after July 4th; Tess and Liam are still engaged. Ryker and Heather have welcomed newborn son Ray. More recently, Hunter and Jose brought home newborn Sophie – roughly around the second week of June*
2. When You’re Mine: Dylan Gallagher (31) & Mel Dawson (27) *As it opens it is it is early June; Brayden and Isabelle have a November wedding planned*
3. Because You’re Mine: Ian Gallagher & Ellie Cavanaugh *As it Opens it is September; it is the day of Dylan and Melanie’s engagement party at Isabelle and Brayden’s home in Tarrytown, right where Dylan’s story leaves off; it is about four years after Hunter and Josie’s story*
ABOUT THE GALLAGHERS:
The Gallaghers hail from small town Montana. They come from a modest background, but are a tight family. Josie is the eldest. She is followed by Dylan, then Isabelle. Ian is the youngest.
Josie Gallagher is an attorney. After winning a scholarship, she left home in high school to attend a private boarding school that catered to the wealthy in New York. She soon befriended Hunter Caldwell, who had defended her when bullies made fun of her poor clothing. Hunter is a cousin of the Winchesters and was practically raised in their family. Through him, Josie was welcomed into the Winchester family and grew close to Skye and Tess Winchester. She and Hunter became best friends over time, and eventually much more. Hunter and Josie’s story is book one of the Very Irresistible Bachelors series, You’re The One.
Dylan and Ian Gallagher own a software company together, Gallagher Solutions. After spending some time setting up an office in Washington, D.C., moved to New York on year ago to start a new subsidiary there. This finally brings all the children together again in one city.
Dylan Gallagher moved to NYC roughly one year ago. This is his story.
Ian had worshipped his older brother when he was small, but he never did become a romantic. He has always enjoyed a bachelor lifestyle and has no plans to change. He is less serious and more playful.
Isabelle Gallagher moved to NYC roughly one year ago, following her sister and best friend. She has a master’s in counseling as well as one in behavioral science, and she set up her own private practice in Brooklyn. Her story with rock star Brayden Clark takes place in book one of this series, Say You’re Mine.
Laney Smith gets special mention as Isabelle’s best friend from childhood. She moved to NYC for her residency after medical school, then met and married Cole Winchester. Cole and Laney’s story is book four of the Very Irresistible Bachelors series, One Beautiful Promise.
IN THIS BOOK:
This book opens in September. It picks up right where When You’re Mine, Dylan and Mel’s story, ends. It opens at Isabelle’s home, where Dylan and Mel celebrate their engagement surrounded by the Winchester and Gallagher clans.
Ian Gallagher, twenty-nine, is the fun Gallagher brother. He doesn’t take life too seriously and enjoys having a good time. He had never been interested in relationships and doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body. He is loyal to his family and friends, never hesitating to offer a helping hand. He and Dylan are very close, and until this summer they had both enjoyed their bachelor ways. Ian casually dates and does hookups, always moving on within a week or so. With Dylan getting engaged to Melanie, though, Ian is the last single sibling in the family. Still, he has no desire to change his ways.
Ian is more of a risk taker. Dylan is all about efficiency in his life; he has some OCD tendencies. Together, they make a successful team. Ian has always looked up to his older brother and never hesitated in joining him to start Gallagher Solutions, a successful software company. He had considered going into teaching when in college, but his loyalty to his brother was stronger. Ian enjoys his work at Gallagher Solutions. He get a thrill from coding, even though they can afford to hire others to do that work for them. After building up a good business in D.C., they moved to New York just a year ago to set up a new subsidiary – and that brought them to the same city where their sisters now live, reuniting all four siblings. They still have business in D.C., so they sometimes travel there, too. It gives Ian the opportunity to visit his best friend, Henry Cavanaugh. They had attended college together in D.C
The Gallaghers are a tight family, even with their parents still back at home. Their parents had a run a ski lift in Montana, and a few warm years had been financially challenging. Dylan and Ian are now working to get partners to back them up on Project Z, an idea that has great business potential as well as personal meaning for them. They hope to develop and market an insurance model for niche markets that are not covered by existing models. Had that kind of insurance existed for their parents, a lot of hardship could have been avoided.
Ellie Cavanaugh, twenty-three, is passionate when it comes to food. A culinary school graduate, her dream is to work in a Michelin-starred restaurant before opening her own restaurant in ten years. She has a plan, too. She hopes to rotate and work with different chefs to develop her own style. She just landed a great opportunity with a rotational program. The trainee salary doesn’t pay much, but the exposure is fantastic. On Point, a Michelin-starred restaurant, has three locations: New York, New Orleans, and San Francisco. She will spend six months at each. She has just finished a stint as a pastry chef in Miami and will be working at the salad station in New York. Her life is nomadic, but she loves it. She has always been very independent. The only thing she really misses is her family, but that is complicated.
Ellie and her older brother Henry are close. When their parents divorced and remarried, starting new families, she and Henry never felt like they really fit in anywhere. Still, she loves her parents. She forgives her father for hurting her mother, and doesn’t hold a grudge against her mother for using her like a crutch in the aftermath of the breakup. Her mother had needed someone to turn to, and Ellie’s naturally warm and generous personality made her easy to turn to. Everyone is happy and healthy now, but what Ellie really wants is to see her family together again. Her parents are now on speaking terms, but with the family spread out across the country, Ellie finds it hard to make time to travel to see everyone.
When Henry asks Ian to watch after his little sister when she goes to New York for six months, Ian knows it will be a challenge to keep his hands to himself. Two years ago, Ellie had attended a Lake Tahoe vacation along with him, Henry, and a few friends. Ian hadn’t thought too much of Ellie before, but seeing her all grown up triggered his protective nature. He saw her in a different light, but with her as Henry’s sister and him as the eternal bachelor, he knew he could not cross any lines. Six months of watching over her will be a challenge to his self-control. Ellie hasn’t had great luck in the dating department. She hasn’t exactly been saving herself, but she hasn’t found anyone worth having a relationship with either. Her lack of experience has become a bit of an embarrassment and even scares some potential men away. Ian had been a crush, and when she came face to face with him again in New York, those feelings had not abated at all. With Henry out of the picture down in D.C., things were increasingly heating up between the pair. But Henry would never approve of the match, and if he discovered that they were crossing the line, things could end very badly. The couple eventually earns a happy ending.
Ian and Ellie’s brother’s best friend story is a sweet romance about family and following your passion. The couple starts out knowing their time together is limited. Ellie will be in New York for just six months. She has a plan, and New Orleans is the next stop on her journey. And since Ian is not relationship material, they have no illusions about the future. Still, their chemistry is incredible, and they embark on a relationship with no plans but for the present. They soon find that their relationship is about so much more than a good time, which only complicates matters more. Henry will never approve since he has insider information about Ian’s dating history, and he is an important figure to them both. As they meander their way through the beginning of their relationship, they face many uncertainties about the future. They must contemplate what it means to separate or to stay together, and how to balance a relationship alongside personal goals. Ian has always been restless, so he must do some soul-searching about what he really wants in life, while Ellie must reconsider her own priorities and plans.
For fans of The Gallaghers series (and of The Very Irresistible Bachelors series), this story is a must read. It is seemingly the end of the road for the Winchesters and the Gallaghers. It is sweet and sentimental. There are a few teary moments. The epilogue takes you six years into the future – that means ten years of marriage for Hunter and Josie, whose story joined both families and began The Very Irresistible Bachelors series. That led to seven additional stories, eight couples in total, all amidst New York yet grounded with a strong sense of family. It is bittersweet to say goodbye.
It will be interesting to see what comes next from the author. It might be something entirely new, although it could conceivably follow Isabelle’s wedding planner, Gina, and possible Henry Cavanaugh. That might give the Winchesters and Gallaghers the chance to stick around on the outskirts of a new series.
Get the tissues ready as you prepare to say goodbye to the Gallaghers and the Winchesters! Ian and Ellie’s brother’s best friend story is a sweet and steamy romance about finding love unexpectedly. The story is nicely written. The plot is somewhat simple. The story is character-driven. The characters are well-developed. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Ian and Ellie. I rate this book four stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2022
Audiobook
Ellie and Ian
Really good.
Ellie and Ian
Really good.
July 27, 2021
Layla Hagen has done it again! I absolutely loved Because You’re Mine, the third book and final book in Layla Hagen’s The Gallaghers series! Because You’re Mine was a bittersweet book for me knowing that it is the last one in The Gallaghers series. Each book in the series keeps getting better and better and I have loved each book, but I truly believe that Because You’re Mine is my favorite book in the series. I loved every page of Because You’re Mine and could not put it down. Layla Hagen definitely did not disappoint her readers with Because You’re Mine and has once again delivered an incredible story filled with everything that I love in sizzling romance stories. Who doesn't love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families and friends, who always support one another, and wonderful characters? One of my favorite parts of her books is how she incorporates the title of the book into the love story, with a simple quote from Ian, I especially loved the last use of the phrase. I am not sure how she does it, but Layla Hagen has once again given her readers another amazing book. Layla Hagen continues to deliver all that and so much more, and has once again shown that she in an amazing storyteller. I really enjoy how she writes her stories in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love knowing what the main characters are thinking and feeling. My favorite moments in Because You’re Mine are the lighter moments where I found myself smiling and laughing out loud. I also love the parts that pull at my heartstrings and cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments Because You’re Mine is filled with such moments, and with so much more. Because You’re Mine is filled with all those elements that I have come to love and expect in a Layla Hagen love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Because You’re Mine is the love story of confirmed bachelor, Ian Gallagher, software programmer and co-owner of Gallagher Solutions, a software company, with his brother Dylan, and his best friend, Henry’s little sister, Ellie Cavanaugh, chef, who recently moved to New York to begin a restaurant rotational program. Henry asks Ian to pick up Ellie from the airport and get her settled, but then warns Ian to stay away from Ellie, he remembers Ian’s dating conquests from college and does not want that for his sister. Ian is immediately infatuated with Ellie when he picks her up at the airport. Ian tries to stay away from Ellie, but things heat up quickly as Ellie and Ian spend more time together, especially after she is involved in an accident at work. Ellie is focused on her career, and knowing that she will only be in New York for six months before heading to New Orleans for the second position in the rotation. Ellie shares secrets with Ian and is concerned about his reaction. Ellie discloses to Ian how her home life following her parents’ divorce has impacted her life. I love Ellie and Ian’s love story, and how a plot twist changes things for Ian and Ellie’s relationship, and how with Isabelle’s help Ian realizes the changes that he needs to make in his life if he wants Ellie to be part of his life. I love Ellie’s relationship with Josie and Isabelle. I loved the heart-to-heart conversations that Ellie had with both her mom during engagement, and with Ian’s mom at dinner when she first met her. Layla Hagen creates such wonderful and memorable characters and has once again done this in Because You’re Mine. I love Ellie and Ian’s story and the descriptions of the NY settings. Because You’re Mine felt like a family reunion and catching up with all the other characters from the other books in the Very Irresistible Bachelor and the Gallagher series. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Because You’re Mine, the characters feel like family and friends. I enjoy all the interactions among the Gallagher siblings, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. My favorite part is the second epilogue that takes place six years later. I loved catching up with the Gallaghers and the Winchesters for one final good bye to the characters that I have come to love. I loved the bittersweet and poignant moments, as well as the unexpected plot twists. Because You’re Mine was a wonderful love story. I love how the epilogue was more than a happily ever after. I loved Ian’s proposal to Ellie, and how he went above and beyond in order to make Ellie’s dreams come true. I highly recommend this sizzling romance.
August 8, 2021
Because You’re Mine is the final book in the Gallaghers portion and final book in Hagen’s Irresistible Bachelors series. This book features Ian Gallagher the last man standing and his BFF Henry’s younger sister Ellie Cavanaugh. Ian being the last of the Gallagher and Winchester men to cling to his player bachelorhood ways I was a bit shocked by how quickly he falls in this one. Ian has known ‘Ellie since he was an 18 year old college freshman and she was the 12 year old little sister of his college best friend Henry. She really didn’t get his attention until a couple of years ago when she was just turned 21 and joined Ian and Henry and some of their friends on a weeks long vacation. The petite but shapely Ellie prancing around in a bikini definitely got Ian’s attention then. But as Henry’s little sister Ian did his best to treat her as he would have his little sister. As the story opens its 2 years later and Ellie a culinary school trained chef is moving to N.Y. City to work at a 5 star restaurant as a trainee in their training program. Henry has asked his pal Ian to help Ellie get settled and look out for her. Ian knows he’s in trouble even before he picks her up at the airport but he does his best to stay in his own lane. Briefly at least until the attraction between them is just too much to resist. Ian thinks Ellie is the most beautiful and charming woman he’s ever met and Ellie feels the same way about Ian. With Ellie, Ian doesn’t act anything like the player her brother warned her about. And he’s not. Ellie brings out a protective side in Ian he’s only before felt for his family for whom he is very protective. One kiss with Ellie and the infamous player doesn’t even see other women. When their attraction becomes quite clear to Ellie she reveals her dark secret to Ian. At 23 years old she’s still a virgin. Not for lack of a libido but because she never met anyone when she was younger that she wanted to give her V-card to. And now that she’s in her mid-twenties it freaks guys out when she tells them she’s never had sex before. She’s not really a shy virgin, she’s just a virgin waiting for the right guy. She quickly determines Ian is that guy. Ian is anything but freaked out. He is patient and willing to give Ellie the time it takes for her to know him and become comfortable with him before she gives herself to him. And once she does she takes to sex like a duck to water. So there’s plenty of hot sex in this story. I loved Ellie’s sassy way of flirting with Ian.
This is a fairly low angst story. Of course there’s the worry about what happens when Henry finds out the guy he entrusted to take care of his little sister is taking care of her in ways he never intended. Ellie is only supposed to be in N.Y.C. for six months and then rotate to a restaurant in New Orleans and after another six months rotate to another in San Francisco. What happens after Ellie’s six months in N.Y.C. is the ticking clock hanging over the couple’s head. Ellie wants to work under as many head chefs as possible learning their different styles of cooking before hopefully opening her own restaurant a decade or so down the road. Ian of course wants her to stay with him in The Big Apple but he doesn’t want to be selfish and ask her to stay. So he tells her she should do what she believes is best for her and her career. Which being a stupid male myself I thought was the right thing to say. But apparently not from the reaction he gets from the other characters in this story.
I really enjoyed this story. I was more than pleased that Ian clinging to his bachelorhood despite his feelings for Ellie wasn’t the main conflict in the story. I enjoyed how Hagen made the rest of the Gallaghers and some of the Winchesters a big part of the story as secondary characters. I loved the second epilogue that shows us both families six years into the future and ten years since Hunter and Josie got together. It was a great happily ever after gift for readers like myself who have followed this series from the beginning.
This is a fairly low angst story. Of course there’s the worry about what happens when Henry finds out the guy he entrusted to take care of his little sister is taking care of her in ways he never intended. Ellie is only supposed to be in N.Y.C. for six months and then rotate to a restaurant in New Orleans and after another six months rotate to another in San Francisco. What happens after Ellie’s six months in N.Y.C. is the ticking clock hanging over the couple’s head. Ellie wants to work under as many head chefs as possible learning their different styles of cooking before hopefully opening her own restaurant a decade or so down the road. Ian of course wants her to stay with him in The Big Apple but he doesn’t want to be selfish and ask her to stay. So he tells her she should do what she believes is best for her and her career. Which being a stupid male myself I thought was the right thing to say. But apparently not from the reaction he gets from the other characters in this story.
I really enjoyed this story. I was more than pleased that Ian clinging to his bachelorhood despite his feelings for Ellie wasn’t the main conflict in the story. I enjoyed how Hagen made the rest of the Gallaghers and some of the Winchesters a big part of the story as secondary characters. I loved the second epilogue that shows us both families six years into the future and ten years since Hunter and Josie got together. It was a great happily ever after gift for readers like myself who have followed this series from the beginning.
August 17, 2021
I am a Layla Hagen fan so, of course, I knew this would be another great romantic escapade. Ian Gallagher the last of the Gallaghers without a steady girlfriend, much less with the desire to have one, so he said, to settle down with one person. We all know in life that there are such things as that one person, your soul mate the person you know that you cannot live without. So we have the story of Ellie Cavanaugh sister of Ian's best friend Henry. She was coming to New York because she is a chef and is on a rotation where she goes to different cities for six months and work in different areas of the restaurant. She was coming to New York and was going to work at a Michelin Starred restaurant. Ellie is 23 and is a virgin. Her brother, Henry, who she is close to asked his friend Ian to meet her at the airport and to look after her while she is in New York. Ian and his siblings, Josie who has been married to Hunter for years and the first to settle down. Then there is Isabelle, who is a psychologist and is married to Lead Singer of Green Fire, Brayden Clarke and just recently have delayed there wedding because she is expecting. Dylan his brother was just recently engaged to Isabelle's trainer Melanie Dawson and so that left the so called "confirmed bachelor" Ian to take up the slack for the men, since he was the only one in the group of Gallaghers that didn't even have a steady girlfriend. Let's talk about Ellie. Ellie is a 5'2' tiny thing compared to Ian's 6' athletic build. Ellie has long brown hair down to her waist and eyes almost as dark as her hair she has moved from Florida where she had just finished her rotation. Now she was in New York and Ian is attracted to this young beautiful lady and this is the story of how she burrows herself into Ian's heart and she leaves all of her insecurities having lived through a divorce of her mother and father and then them being married again. I thought this last of the Gallagher's was one of the best, even though all of them are great. It incorporated all of his brother and sisters and all of the Winchesters, who are married now. This is an exciting, yet sad book because it is the last of the Gallaghers and there is no more Winchesters, but I have no doubt that Layla Hagen will give us another family to read love every antic and ups and downs because she is that good. This book drew me in almost from the start and I had a chance finally to finish this book and here it is early in the morning on the east in NC. I love Layla Hagen books. I don't want to be an advanced reader because I love reading after it is finally finished and I don't mind investing her as an author by purchasing her books. As you can tell I am definitely a fan. I would highly recommend this book and if you have not read any of the rest of her series, I say go and start purchasing them, they are well worth the money. Buy them you will love them, just saying.
August 21, 2021
~4.5⭐Rating~
"I instantly knew that it wouldn’t matter if days or weeks passed until I saw her next. I’d still want her with every fiber in my body."
Ian is known for being the party play boy of the Gallagher family but that has all changed since his wild college days, now Ian is all about maintaining a good balance between working hard and playing hard. So when his best friend tasks him with the job of keeping an eye out on his little sister Ellie now that she is moving to New York, Ian doesn’t think much of it after all its been years since he has seem little Ellie. However the whole keeping his hands to himself is turning out to be a lot harder than Ian had expected with what a knockout Ellie has grown into!
••
"I was certain that he turned heads in any room he walked into. His presence was magnetic. I felt the heat of his body and knew he was watching me. I carefully looked up out of the corner of my eye. My stomach cartwheeled when our gazes crossed."
Ellie Cavanaugh has her sights set on working at a Michelin Star restaurant, with her goal halfway achieved all Ellie has to do is keep her head down and work hard and she will reach her goal in no time! However only thing that she has been warned of is to stay away from playboy Ian, but this is proving to be a lot harder than Ellie expected, after all what her brother doesnt know cant hurt him right?
••
"Ellie had turned everything upside down and shown me a side of life I wasn’t aware of before. I wanted her in my life, but I also didn’t want her to give up on her dreams."
Finally!! I have been waiting for this book from the moment I first came across Ian in previous books and gosh did Hagen just knock me over with this beauty! I absolutely loved following Ian and Ellie on their steamy banter filled relationship, these two had an instant spark unlike any other!
••
"I never wanted anything else . I wanted to make this man happy for the rest of my life, just as happy as he was making me."
Ian was such a great character and it was just the cutest getting to read his story and getting to see this player get knocked over by love. I loved the all consuming pull that he felt towards Ellie and that they kind of just fit each other perfectly.
••
Gosh did I just love Ellie, she was the perfect sassy little hero that didnt pull any punches! I loved her drive and passion for the culinary arts. Also I loved the easy relationship that she formed with Ian’s sisters.
••
Because You’re Mine was an absolute treat to read! This entire series will always hold a special spot in my heart, this is definitely one I would recommend reading!
"I instantly knew that it wouldn’t matter if days or weeks passed until I saw her next. I’d still want her with every fiber in my body."
Ian is known for being the party play boy of the Gallagher family but that has all changed since his wild college days, now Ian is all about maintaining a good balance between working hard and playing hard. So when his best friend tasks him with the job of keeping an eye out on his little sister Ellie now that she is moving to New York, Ian doesn’t think much of it after all its been years since he has seem little Ellie. However the whole keeping his hands to himself is turning out to be a lot harder than Ian had expected with what a knockout Ellie has grown into!
••
"I was certain that he turned heads in any room he walked into. His presence was magnetic. I felt the heat of his body and knew he was watching me. I carefully looked up out of the corner of my eye. My stomach cartwheeled when our gazes crossed."
Ellie Cavanaugh has her sights set on working at a Michelin Star restaurant, with her goal halfway achieved all Ellie has to do is keep her head down and work hard and she will reach her goal in no time! However only thing that she has been warned of is to stay away from playboy Ian, but this is proving to be a lot harder than Ellie expected, after all what her brother doesnt know cant hurt him right?
••
"Ellie had turned everything upside down and shown me a side of life I wasn’t aware of before. I wanted her in my life, but I also didn’t want her to give up on her dreams."
Finally!! I have been waiting for this book from the moment I first came across Ian in previous books and gosh did Hagen just knock me over with this beauty! I absolutely loved following Ian and Ellie on their steamy banter filled relationship, these two had an instant spark unlike any other!
••
"I never wanted anything else . I wanted to make this man happy for the rest of my life, just as happy as he was making me."
Ian was such a great character and it was just the cutest getting to read his story and getting to see this player get knocked over by love. I loved the all consuming pull that he felt towards Ellie and that they kind of just fit each other perfectly.
••
Gosh did I just love Ellie, she was the perfect sassy little hero that didnt pull any punches! I loved her drive and passion for the culinary arts. Also I loved the easy relationship that she formed with Ian’s sisters.
••
Because You’re Mine was an absolute treat to read! This entire series will always hold a special spot in my heart, this is definitely one I would recommend reading!
July 30, 2021
Because You’re Mine
Gallagher’s #3
Layla Hagen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ahhh like I was never going to love this?! I adore each of Layla’s characters, each fun, cute, quirky, weird they’ve got them all… but above all else, they are family minded and that makes these stories an absolute pleasure to devour because reading is just not enough. Living through them brings pleasure after a long day, a solace as such.
Ian Gallagher, is a huge Personality, he’s a self confessed bachelor, he likes his women in and out, none of this marriage and commitment stuff, he’s all about fun and business! Until a certain woman enters his life, a woman so far out of bounds he’s asking for trouble!
So we all know the rules of not dating the best friends sibling, yeah that’s Ian’s problem, looking after his best friend, Henry’s little sister as she arrives in New York for a chef rotation was supposed to be easy, but that face, those cut off shorts and her smile he’s undone from first glance at he airport!
No one is more surprised by his reaction then Ellie, she’s known Ian all her life, he’s a constant in her brothers life and the two have had a “busy” dating life, and she’s always harboured feelings towards Ian, I mean hello even in paper he’s sexy as.. Within days the welcome party is done and Ian shows his dominant side, wanting to spend time with Ellie, show her around New York, introduce to her to his family, yeah this self imposed bachelor is getting whipped and he doesn’t care. He’ll take the 6 months with Ellie, and enjoy her, until that’s not enough either.
For Ellie, she’s all in with Ian, she trusts him but hold a secret that will probably see him running to the other side of the country! But that Ian is nothing like the Ian she has spent time with, glances & laughter turn to heated glares and sleepovers, all under the secrecy from her brother who will go psycho when he finds out! Ellie might be younger and might be small but she’s a fighter and has no problems taking it to whomever picks her!
Ellie is not Ian’s normal type and that’s what makes them the perfect couple! Major swoon coming your way!
Gallagher’s #3
Layla Hagen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ahhh like I was never going to love this?! I adore each of Layla’s characters, each fun, cute, quirky, weird they’ve got them all… but above all else, they are family minded and that makes these stories an absolute pleasure to devour because reading is just not enough. Living through them brings pleasure after a long day, a solace as such.
Ian Gallagher, is a huge Personality, he’s a self confessed bachelor, he likes his women in and out, none of this marriage and commitment stuff, he’s all about fun and business! Until a certain woman enters his life, a woman so far out of bounds he’s asking for trouble!
So we all know the rules of not dating the best friends sibling, yeah that’s Ian’s problem, looking after his best friend, Henry’s little sister as she arrives in New York for a chef rotation was supposed to be easy, but that face, those cut off shorts and her smile he’s undone from first glance at he airport!
No one is more surprised by his reaction then Ellie, she’s known Ian all her life, he’s a constant in her brothers life and the two have had a “busy” dating life, and she’s always harboured feelings towards Ian, I mean hello even in paper he’s sexy as.. Within days the welcome party is done and Ian shows his dominant side, wanting to spend time with Ellie, show her around New York, introduce to her to his family, yeah this self imposed bachelor is getting whipped and he doesn’t care. He’ll take the 6 months with Ellie, and enjoy her, until that’s not enough either.
For Ellie, she’s all in with Ian, she trusts him but hold a secret that will probably see him running to the other side of the country! But that Ian is nothing like the Ian she has spent time with, glances & laughter turn to heated glares and sleepovers, all under the secrecy from her brother who will go psycho when he finds out! Ellie might be younger and might be small but she’s a fighter and has no problems taking it to whomever picks her!
Ellie is not Ian’s normal type and that’s what makes them the perfect couple! Major swoon coming your way!
August 5, 2021
Always love Layla Hagen's writing and what she does with her characters- not only do we get a great romance, but her characters always seem to grow and learn valuable lessons about themselves.
Ian Gallagher is the last single sibling and the consumate bachelor. Known for his playboy ways, Ian's best friend, Henry, warns Ian away from his little sis when she is making the big move to New York. Ellie Cannavaugh is on a cooking rotation and only in NY for 6 months. Ian will show her around and be on his way. Problem is, the years have more than kind to Ellie and their attraction is instant and mutual. Ian and Ellie and super sweet together and flirtatious and fun. They try very hard to fight their attraction, but there is no fighting the inevitable.
Ian learns he enjoys focusing on one woman and Ellie centers him, allowing him to focus on things he didn't allow himself to think about, mainly his own ambitions in life. Ellie worries her 6 months is going to quickly and Ian will be out of the picture. Their friends with benefits has turned in to way more for Ellie but she just isn't sure where Ian is at emotionally.
Ian can't go there with his friend's little sister, but it's too late. Now what. He and Ellie are short timers, she has a career waiting in another city, and Ian is newto relationships and doesn't know what to do or how to show her he would like her to stay. Then Henry pops in for a visit forcing the two to come clean on their more than friends friendship.
I love that we get to see Ian's family, his siblings and his cousins, and the love they all share. Ellie hasn't really had all that it and it is great to see her experience that from Ian's perspective. The growth these two each experience separately and together is a journey that brings them together in a sweet and lasting love, as in Ian's words, Because You're Mine!
Ian Gallagher is the last single sibling and the consumate bachelor. Known for his playboy ways, Ian's best friend, Henry, warns Ian away from his little sis when she is making the big move to New York. Ellie Cannavaugh is on a cooking rotation and only in NY for 6 months. Ian will show her around and be on his way. Problem is, the years have more than kind to Ellie and their attraction is instant and mutual. Ian and Ellie and super sweet together and flirtatious and fun. They try very hard to fight their attraction, but there is no fighting the inevitable.
Ian learns he enjoys focusing on one woman and Ellie centers him, allowing him to focus on things he didn't allow himself to think about, mainly his own ambitions in life. Ellie worries her 6 months is going to quickly and Ian will be out of the picture. Their friends with benefits has turned in to way more for Ellie but she just isn't sure where Ian is at emotionally.
Ian can't go there with his friend's little sister, but it's too late. Now what. He and Ellie are short timers, she has a career waiting in another city, and Ian is newto relationships and doesn't know what to do or how to show her he would like her to stay. Then Henry pops in for a visit forcing the two to come clean on their more than friends friendship.
I love that we get to see Ian's family, his siblings and his cousins, and the love they all share. Ellie hasn't really had all that it and it is great to see her experience that from Ian's perspective. The growth these two each experience separately and together is a journey that brings them together in a sweet and lasting love, as in Ian's words, Because You're Mine!
August 4, 2021
This is the last book in the series and gosh I am going to miss the families that the author has created. We get to see a lot of the different families nearer the end and what they are up to in the future, This is Ian Gallagher's story, and he was the one no one thought would ever settle down.
In this book we meet his best friend Henry, who has a very HOT YOUNGER sister who comes to NYC for a job as a chef. She is only supposed to be in town for 6 months and then she will rotate to a different restaurant to train there and so on...
Ian and Ellie have known each other for a very long time but never really got alone time and Henry has always warned Ian away from getting to know Ellie. When she comes to NY, he warns him away but also asks him to watch over her too.
Ellie has always crushed hard on Ian and she has always struggled letting any guy in and she also has a secret.....
Because you are mine, is the title of this book and its a phrase that Ian tells Ellie, why she is different from other women for him.
This was a fun, flirty story with a bit of a forbidden romance. I felt Henry's response was a bit tame after he had threatened Ian for years. The bigger drama in this story related to Ellie seeing a lot of Ian's discarded women around town and that she will be leaving town in a few months.
I really loved the story . It was low on drama and a great way for the series to end. However I found it a bit tamer than the other stories in the series and I adored how we get to see all the previous characters in this story and catch up with them.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2021
Note: I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
A steamy, quick, 3-star read!
Ian crushes on his best friend Henry's little sister Ellie from the moment she lands in New York City to do a rotation in a fancy restaurant. Ellie's been crushing on her older brother's hot best friend for years.
These two seemingly hit it off. Ian connects Ellie with his sisters who both live in the city. He comes to her rescue as a handyman at her apartment. He picks her up from the hospital when she slips and falls at work. Ian becomes quite possessive of Ellie, and Ellie loves that someone is finally taking care of her. When they finally give in and decide to be together, it's definitely steamy. Ellie, the virgin, submits to Ian in a way that makes their connection more powerful and beautiful.
Something that bugged me: Ian has been friends with Henry for YEARS. Ellie has known Ian for YEARS. Yet, they take 80% of the book asking the same questions about growing up, their families, etc. I felt like we should have been able to assume that Ian knew certain things about Ellie through his relationship with Henry. Ellie cared about Ian in a way that Ian's never experienced or allowed another woman to, and that was sweet.
Both of these characters are immature when it comes to relationships, and I sadly just couldn't get into this story as much as I wanted. There was too much repetitive dialogue and unfortunately a lot of the conversations were centered around their insecurities and inexperience. Both characters were too self-aware. I don't need a character to TELL ME everything about themselves (mostly through the narrative). Show me through actions or help me learn about them through other characters.
A steamy, quick, 3-star read!
Ian crushes on his best friend Henry's little sister Ellie from the moment she lands in New York City to do a rotation in a fancy restaurant. Ellie's been crushing on her older brother's hot best friend for years.
These two seemingly hit it off. Ian connects Ellie with his sisters who both live in the city. He comes to her rescue as a handyman at her apartment. He picks her up from the hospital when she slips and falls at work. Ian becomes quite possessive of Ellie, and Ellie loves that someone is finally taking care of her. When they finally give in and decide to be together, it's definitely steamy. Ellie, the virgin, submits to Ian in a way that makes their connection more powerful and beautiful.
Something that bugged me: Ian has been friends with Henry for YEARS. Ellie has known Ian for YEARS. Yet, they take 80% of the book asking the same questions about growing up, their families, etc. I felt like we should have been able to assume that Ian knew certain things about Ellie through his relationship with Henry. Ellie cared about Ian in a way that Ian's never experienced or allowed another woman to, and that was sweet.
Both of these characters are immature when it comes to relationships, and I sadly just couldn't get into this story as much as I wanted. There was too much repetitive dialogue and unfortunately a lot of the conversations were centered around their insecurities and inexperience. Both characters were too self-aware. I don't need a character to TELL ME everything about themselves (mostly through the narrative). Show me through actions or help me learn about them through other characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2021
Because You’re Mine is Ian’s book. Ian is the last of the Gallagher kin to fall. Ian was a self proclaimed bachelor. He had no intention of ever falling in love. He liked the carefree lifestyle or so he thought. His best friend Henry asked him to watch over his sister Ellie when she arrived in NYC for a new job. Ian knew Ellie through the years but she was always Henry’s little sister! Well when Ellie arrived he was set back she wasn’t Henry’s little sister anymore she was a woman. A beautiful breathtaking woman. Ellie was in NYC working as a chef. She worked in a rotational job in order to gain experience and hopefully land a job as an executive chef and eventually open her own restaurant. Ellie brought out the protectiveness in Ian. He could not explain why but she did. He chalked it up to her being his best friends little sister. What is that saying the more you deny the harder you fall or something like that! Ellie always had a crush on Ian but it was just that a crush as she knew as well that he was Henry’s best friend and she wanted nothing to come between them. Ian and Ellie decided that since she was only in NYC for six months they would give into their wants and have a fling with an end date. Don’t know how they both thought that was a good idea!! Watching Ian’s self made walls fall down was an incredible read. How he reached out to his siblings especially Isabelle because this was all new to him. How they both fell hard and fast but neither wanted to prevent the other from achieving their goals and dreams. This is a good read with lots of feels and emotions. It is a stand alone however I strongly suggest you read the entire series as other characters make appearances.
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