Lauren Layne never disappoints. I Knew You Were Trouble is a welcome addition to the Oxford/Stiletto collection, and Nick and Taylor are a dynamic entry to the crew.

About ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’

Taylor Carr has it all — a sleek job in advertising, a stunning Manhattan apartment, and the perfect man to share it with: Bradley Calloway. Even after Bradley dumps her for a co-worker on move-in day, Taylor isn’t worried. She’ll get her man eventually. In the meantime, she needs a new roommate. Enter Nick Ballantine, career bartender, freelance writer — and longtime pain in Taylor’s ass. Sexy in a permanent five-o’clock-shadow kind of way, Nick knows how to push Taylor’s buttons, as if he could see right through to the real her.

Nick’s always trying to fix people, and nobody could use a good fixing more than Taylor. Sure, she’s gorgeous, with mesmerizing silver eyes, but it’s her vulnerability that kills him. Now that they’re shacking up together, the chemistry is out of control. Soon they’re putting every part of their two-bedroom apartment to good use. Then Taylor’s ex comes crawling back to her, and Nick figures she’ll jump at the chance to go back to her old life—unless he fights for the best thing that ever happened to him.

‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ book review

We all thought Lincoln was going to be the end of the Oxford/Stiletto world. We said our goodbyes, we wept, and we tried to move on. Then the most wonderful thing happened! This mystery book that looked waaaay too much like an Oxford book appeared and we all began to hope.

And that hope was not misplaced. Not only is I Knew You Were Trouble another Oxford book, but it is the perfect way to allow us another glimpse at all our favorite characters without sticking to the editorial side of Oxford. Opening up the world to include a different side of the office is brilliant, and we hope this is just the beginning. After meeting Taylor, Brit, Jess, and Hunter, there are definitely more stories hiding in the Oxford halls.

I Knew You Were Trouble is everything we love about the Oxford and Stiletto books. It has the office drama, the incredibly real and vibrant characters, and enough snark and fun to keep you up late into the night finishing the story. Nick and Taylor are one hell of a pair and I can’t wait to re-read their story as soon as possible.

Nick’s brand of masculinity is absolutely invigorating. He’s the perfect blend of rough and smooth. When Taylor needs him to be abrasive and keep her on her toes, he is exactly that. When she’s in search of a companion, of someone to help her learn how to soften the crisp, sharp edges her aunt raised her with, he steps into that role seamlessly as well. Nick Ballantine is everything we all hope we can find one day. His mix of headstrong and comforting is a recipe for the best book boyfriend.

Ultimately, though, this is Taylor’s story. She has had a rough start in life, after learning at a young age that when life is unfair, it’s really unfair. She’s made it to adulthood with a strong sense of self and a code for how to behave. She learns and grows exponentially from the beginning to the end of I Knew You Were Trouble, allowing the reader to fall in love with her strength and marvel at her vulnerability, too.

I Knew You Were Trouble is everything I expect from and love about Lauren Layne’s books. They are always impossible to put down, chock full of smartass comebacks and witty dialogue, and have me aching for that beautiful moment when everyone’s truth is on the table and the lifelong partnerships begin. I got all that and more from Nick and Taylor. I certainly hope this isn’t the end of the Oxford/Stiletto world (**crosses fingers**), but if it is, this was a beautiful way to send us off.

I Knew You Were Trouble is available now! Get your copy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and make sure to add it on Goodreads, too!