I Knew You Were Trouble: An Oxford Novel

3.5 stars I am a fan of the Oxford Series, and I knew I had to read I Knew You Were Trouble as soon as I could! That being said, this was not my favorite book in the series, Taylor has it all. Good Job, Boyfriend. Life is good, Until she gets dumped the day she is to move in with her boyfriend. Her leaves her a "Dear John", leaving her stuck. She has to move in and needs a roommate. Enter Nick. I liked Nick (most of the book). Him and Taylor has a love/hate relationship. It kept you on your toes. You knew from page one that they would end up together... and I loved seeing them get there (the long roundabout way!). I liked Nick more than Taylor at times, but then there was times I didn't care for Nick either. It was overall a decent read for me. I just didn't love it like I usually love this series.

Favorite Quotes: She hated being the newcomer— hated feeling vulnerable in any way for fear that someone would see right through her shield of confidence and call her out as a fraud. To expose her as what she really was on the inside: lonely. Maybe a little unlovable, if she wanted to get melodramatic about it. We talked. That was it. Why is it that everyone seems to think carnage will follow whenever I have a conversation with someone? I’m not seeing anyone else, Taylor. I couldn’t even if I wanted to. You consume me. I’ve got three sisters and four nieces, and my best friend is a woman. I’m fluent in the language of lady tears. My Review: I find I am rather conflicted in how to rate this book. While, as always, Ms. Layne’s work was amusing and well-written, I had considerable difficulty in appreciating the female main character of Taylor. Taylor was a cold fish and an aloof ice princess who was instantly and unnecessarily sarcastic and antagonistic toward the adorable Nick. Nick was a nice man – but she had disliked him on sight and turned him into her nemesis by going all mean girl. As the story and her childhood history unfolded, she began to thaw and I did too, and although I totally adored Nick - I could not find Taylor endearing. On the plus side, I found much of the storyline witty and amusing. I enjoy Ms. Layne’s snarky humor and always look forward to the clever and easy banter among the smart and feisty characters from previous books. I will recall this group fondly, and with a smile, whenever consuming a tuna roll.

Lauren Layne is one of a handful of authors that can break your heart, while keeping you smiling the whole time. Readers don't have to like every character, but by the end, it's hard not to love them. I Knew You Were Trouble is an ideal example of that. Taylor is a little much at first meeting, but as more is revealed about her, it's easy to understand why. She hides painful insecurities. Nick pushes her, because he sees the beautiful woman behind the abrasive attitude. Another winner.