LAYER’S DEEP (Layer’s Trilogy #1)) by LACEY SILKS

Reviewed by Jenny & Gitte

G&J ~ 4.5 Stars

Gitte: I have to say Jenny I really enjoyed Layers Deep. I was completely hooked and couldn’t put it down. It was well written with an intriguing story-line that had suspense, passion, mystery and great characters.  I didn’t think it re-invented the wheel but it was addictive and fast paced, oh and we have a new book boyfriend now don’t we?!

“I can’t work for someone who wants to be in my pants.” – Allie

“I want more than to be in your pants, Allie. But if you wish, I promise to keep my hands and my dick to myself.” – Tristan

We do have to mention that it has a very abrupt ending, a slightly strange place to end a book, I think it felt a tad unfinished. So yeah, I guess you could say it ends on an odd cliff-hanger. You agree don’t you Jenny?

Jenny:  I was certainly invested in this one that’s for sure G and have to agree with you on the ending. It was a wtf moment for me too and you can certainly bet I’ll be lining up for the next book in this series.

Layers Deep took me on a reading journey that was at times intense, suspenseful and very, very steamy.  There were a couple of times I did feel the scenes were rushed though. For instance, after following policewoman Allie when she accepts an undercover assignment offered to her by Tristan, and following the build up to this scene, I felt the undercover events could have benefitted from being a little more detailed and drawn out but this minor issue didn’t impede on my enjoyment of this book because I thoroughly did enjoy this thrilling ride and yes!! We most definitely do have a new book boyfriend.

“It’s not a request. If you want me to consider you for the job, you need to pin me to the floor.” – Tristan
“You just want me on top of you.” – Allie
“Actually, I want you under me, and I won’t have it any other way.” – Tristan

Tristan Cross….holy moly…he was yummm…and….there are two of them! He has a hot brother too…doubly delicious!

Gitte: Our heroine Allie has had a real shitty life. Her past is full of pain and heart-ache which still plays out in the present. We find out something so disturbing you can’t blame this girl for wanting revenge and retribution.

“I’m more worried about you Allie. You need to start living a happy life instead of being burdened by your Mother’s past.”

“Your past is my past. Your pain is my pain.” – Allie

I found Allie a really interesting character and I completely sympathised with her. At no point did I find her annoying or whiny, especially considering what she had to contend with. She was quite the kick-arse heroine!

We learn pretty much everything we need to know about Allie and her story really begins with Tristan.

‘I’d never allowed anyone to leave me so breathless and lightheaded and thinking about stupid giddy feelings instead of a ruthless life.’ – Allie

The intensity and connection between them was really well written and despite the fact that their relationship developed pretty quickly, I didn’t think it felt rushed. The passion was scorching!

‘For the first time since that horrible day, I had someone I could confide in whom I trusted not only with my life but also with my mother’s’ – Allie

Jenny: G, it was Allies past that drew me into this story from the beginning and her consuming and overwhelming need for revenge. It had driven her and become the sole focus of her life, withholding her from living, burdening her and preventing her from enjoying life until she could exact that revenge on the person who ruined her life.   I must say I wanted to execute this justice on her behalf too.  What happened to her, what she witnessed was cruel, evil and heart breaking and reading some of those scenes was shocking and I can understand how it set her life on a path of protection and revenge, though she would have never guessed how this would somehow lead her to Tristan Cross.

“Allie, whatever ghosts from the past are haunting your present, you need to either forget them or bury them in your past.”

The passion and potency of their meeting was tangible and felt on every page. Whilst this could have been classed as insta love in some eyes, I must say, like you, I never felt that as the author had me believing every minute of feeling between Allie and Tristan.

‘I hadn’t been with him yet, but something told me I wouldn’t want anyone else after this.’ – Allie

Allie’s character was likeable and I understood her. She was hard arsed in ways and her inner musings were witty and fun. She spoke her mind and as you said she never grated on you. She had a focus which was sideswiped by Tristan yet she still maintained her steadfastness and never compromised her own focus and feelings.

Gitte: Tristan was lush wasn’t he Jenny. I have to say, he really was quite mysterious. We do learn some things about him but he’s still a bit of an enigma because we don’t get too much background on him.  I’m hoping we get more of that in the next instalment because this is one man I’m dying to know more about. He’s so bloody passionate and bad arse but his relationship with his brother, his occupation and his intentions are not entirely clear. What you do feel though is his want and need of Allie! Their chemistry is palpable.

“I should have done this yesterday. If I don’t taste your lips, I won’t get any work done.” – Tristan

Jenny: Tristan was indeed lush Gitte and as divine as this gorgeous, smoking hot security specialist is, just what is his story? I need to know more and I’m thinking we’ve only just scratched the surface of the mysterious Mr Tristan Cross.  I did find I needed to know more about Tristan, his past and his pursuit and eventual feelings for Allie. What led him to her specifically and why was he so focused on her for the job? What is it that drove him, what is the story behind those scars and what of his relationship with Julian and Kendra?  Arrgghhh so much to unravel and I know I’m going to relish every layer we peel back on this man. Just who are you Mr Cross!!! Yep, I was in love with Tristan alright.

“Tristan, what happened yesterday was a mistake.” I crossed my arms at my chest. “The sounds that came from your mouth sounded pretty honest to me.” – Tristan

Not to mention the ending?  Ummmmm what Tristan? What the hell buddy?  You better have a good explanation for that!!!

G&J: So we really enjoyed Layers Deep; book #1 in a trilogy. It does what it says on the erotica tin! It had an intense, sensual and intriguing story that had us hooked. It had some real freezer moments and we found a new book boyfriend! We would have liked more background on Tristan and more relationship development, however, it wasn’t detrimental to our enjoyment of the story and we’re looking forward to this being covered in future books.

We can’t wait for the second book in this series, to find out more, and to see what happens next …after that revelation. Without doubt we can definitely recommend Layers Deep!

‘If I had ten tequila shots, all at once, I doubted they’d knock me off my feet as hard as Cross had.’ – Allie

Layers Deep (Layers Trilogy)