Tag Archives: Lauren Blakely

Kismet (Happy Endings 3) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

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Kismet (Happy Endings 3) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58310656-kismet

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 8, 2022

–> Dear Reader: 100% of all preorder and release day proceeds for Kismet will be donated to animal welfare groups in the Ukraine that are working to house, feed, and care for animals affected by the ongoing crisis. Thank you for preordering and helping the animals, and, by extension, the people.<–

When a scorching hot one-night stand with a stranger turns into a deliciously forbidden office romance…
My first evening in London feels like kismet when I bump into a charming, book-loving Englishman, and by the end of the night, he’s making me see stars. I’m floating when we make plans to meet again.
Then fate decides to pull a fast one on me.
Turns out my smoldering new lover is my red-hot competition, and we’re vying for the same promotion at the elite auction house I crossed an ocean for.
If that’s not enough, the hottie and I are forced to work together on a brand new collection.
Every. Single. Tempting. Day.
What’s an American woman in London to do?
Staying far, far away would be the safe choice, especially when I learn about his past and how it mirrors mine.

But I don’t always play it safe with my heart…

••••••

REVIEW: KISMET is the third instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult HAPPY ENDINGS romance series. This is thirty-two year old Josephine ‘Jo’ Brennan, and forty year old Heath Graham’s story line. KISMET can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jo and Heath) KISMET focuses on the building romance and relationship between thirty-two year old Josephine ‘Jo’ Brennan, and forty year old Heath Graham. Jo Brennan is an art curator whose firm has merged with a larger firm in the UK. Transferred to London England, Jo, with the help of her New York crew, enjoys a one night stand, a man who is about to star in all of her fantasies and dreams. Enter forty year old Heath Graham, a fellow art curator, and soon to be co-worker and co-competitor for the same job as VP. What ensues is the building but secret romance and relationship between Heath and Jo, and the potential fall-out as a decision about the vice-president position forces our couple to make a decision that will affect the rest of their lives.

Jo Brennan battles between head and heart when she is offered a position in London, England but England holds too many bad memories and ghosts from years past, and in this our heroine fears facing the demons that broke her heart. Meeting Heath Graham means the possibility of something more until the realization that working together may be a forbidden attraction for workplace romance. Heath Graham lost everything four years earlier, and Jo Brennan is his first attempt at normalcy in a very long time but discovering they were working together, fighting for the same position meant one of both would be sacrificing for the sake of the other.

The relationship between Jo and Heath is one of immediate attraction but working together is going to be a problem, a problem not only for our couple but for their co-workers as well. Heath Graham has loved and lost, and finds himself wondering about a future alone but the arrival of Jo Brennan gives Heath a second chance at love, a second change at his own happily ever after.

We are introduced to Jo’s New York friends: Emerson, Nolan, TJ, Easton and Bellamy (Big Rock 7), as well as Heath’s brother Jude, and bookstore owner Nigel. Jude and TJ’s story begins in the Hopelessly Bromantic duet.

KISMET is a fast paced, story of insta-lust. The premise is entertaining and captivating ; the characters are flirty and fun; the romance is passionate and seductive.

READING ORDER AND PREVIOUS REVIEWS
A Wild Card Kiss
Shut Up and Kiss Me

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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SHUT UP AND KISS ME by Lauren Blakely -Review tour

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SHUT UP AND KISS ME (Happy Endings 2) by Lauren Blakely -Review tour

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Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58310605-shut-up-and-kiss-me

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 25, 2022.

When a scorching one-night stand between best friends absolutely, definitely shouldn’t happen again…

How to resist sleeping with your best friend when you’re stuck in a hotel room in Vegas with the charming, glasses-wearing hottie.

1. Slather your face in a grapefruit mask
2. Wear a big, fluffy robe
3. Make him do the same.

Oops.

Didn’t work. Turns out our libidos had other plans.

But, no biggie. After epic, soul-shattering banging, I’ll just put the genie back in the bottle the next morning. Only, that’s easier said than done. After years of scraping by, Nolan and I just landed the big break of a lifetime for our scrappy online restaurant review show. We’re going to New York for a month.

Just the two of us. TOGETHER ALL THE TIME.

But I’ve already lost my best friend once, so I’ll do whatever it takes to resist thoroughly delicious Nolan again.

Until I learn whatever it takes might cost me everything.

••••••

REVIEW:SHUT UP AND KISS ME is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary adult HAPPY ENDINGS erotic, romance series. This is YouTuber food critics/restaurant reviewers Nolan McKay, and Emerson Alva’s story line. SHUT UP AND KISS ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Emerson and Nolan) SHUT UP AND KISS ME follows the best friends to lovers relationship between YouTube food critics/ restaurant reviewers Nolan McKay, and Emerson Alva. Nolan McKay and Emerson Alva are best friends, and partners in a successful YouTube show. An offer to come to New York, to ‘audition’ for a new network food show, places our couple into a competition with several others, a competition Nolan and Emerson aren’t sure if they can win but time spent together pulls our couple closer together as they act on their attraction and sexual need for one another. The back and forth ‘sexual innuendo’ with reference to eating and food is a part of what makes our couple the next rising stars on YouTube, innuendo the network hopes to use on their upcoming show.What ensues is the building romance between Emerson and Nolan, and the potential fall-out as their growing romantic relationship may impede their chances of getting their own show.

Emerson Alva and Nolan McKay are best friends, and business partners but both are keeping secrets about the past. Emerson has lost somebody close, while Nolan has lost more than Emerson realized. As our couple must come to terms with one another’s pasts, going forward may require Emerson and Nolan to step back and reconsider the direction of the relationship. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include both Nolan and Emerson’s family and friends : Nolan’s brother Jason, Harlan and Katie (Wild Card Kiss 1), as well as agents, executives, fellow food network wannabe stars, and fans.

SHUT UP AND KISS ME is a fast paced story of friendship, family and love. The character driven premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is flirty and hot; the characters are fun, flirty and determined.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one A WILD CARD KISS

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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A Wild Card Kiss (Happy Endings 1) by Lauren Blakely-review tour

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A Wild Card Kiss (Happy Endings 1) by Lauren Blakely-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 25, 2022

A sexy standalone romance between a single dad athlete and the woman who got away!

Things that suck on my wedding day — walking in on my groom kissing another woman twenty minutes before the ceremony.

Things that suck worse? The woman he’s kissing is my mom.

I head straight for the bowling alley bar down the street and ask for a double. And in walks a deliciously charming local football hero — Harlan Taylor.

Yes, I’ll take another drink in the form of a one-night stand with this hunk of a man. In the morning, he asks if I want to get together again. More rebound nookie? Yes please!

But then I learn his football team just hired my yoga studio to teach downward facing dog to their star player, making my O-delivering hottie officially off limits.

Trouble is, the more time I spend working with the sexy single dad who dotes on his daughter, the more I’m feeling all the things far too soon.

There’s no way this can end well, but tell that to my runaway heart…

•••••••

REVIEW:A WILD CARD KISS is the first instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult HAPPY ENDINGS erotic romance series. This is thirty-six year old professional football player for the San Francisco Renegades Harlan Taylor, and thirty-five year old, yoga instructor/studio brand owner Katie Madigan’s story line.

NOTE: There is a prequel novella-WILD CARD NIGHT -that takes place approximately seven years earlier but the prequel is also a part of the current release so there should be no confusion.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Harlan and Katie) following two timelines, A WILD CARD KISS focuses on the building romance and relationship between thirty-six year old professional football player, running back turned receiver, Harlan Taylor, and yoga instructor/studio brand owner Katie Madigan. Approximately seven years earlier, Katie Madigan and Harlan Taylor met through mutual friends at a stranger’s wedding, and agreed to meet up again days later but Katie finds herself on the move with her burgeoning career, and loses all contact with our story line hero. Fast forward to present day wherein Harlan, now a single father, finds a familiar face in a jilted bride, a bride who, just hours before, discovered her groom in a compromising position with someone she knew. Still dressed in her gown, Katie and Harlan spend a night on the town, promising to meet up again when Katie has had time to figure out her next move. Another four months will pass before Katie is ready to move forward but like all the times before something or someone keeps putting the brakes on for our story line couple. Working as the yoga instructor for the San Francisco Renegades means Harlan Taylor is probably off limits but our couple find it increasingly difficult to fight their attraction, until an agreed upon deadline, at the end of the season. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Harlan and Katie, and the potential fall-out if their behind the scenes affair threatens Katie’s contract with San Francisco Renegades.

Katie Madigan watched from the sidelines as her parent’s marriage imploded, and with the demise of her relationship feared heading in the same direction but a deep betrayal meant Katie had to start anew, and starting over with the man who continues to star in her fantasies and dreams. Harlan Taylor never forgot about the ‘one’ who got away but Harlan is now a single father whose football career has placed him at the top of the world. Reuniting with Katie Madigan gives Harlan hope for a second chance but fate keeps interfering with our couple’s future.

The relationship between Katie and Harlan begins as a one-night stand seven years earlier but a promise for more is quickly dashed when Katie has an opportunity to kick-start her future. Finding Harlan again, at one of the lowest points in her life, gave Katie hopes for her own happily ever after but timing is everything, and the stars were, once again, never properly aligned. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

We are introduced to Katie’s business partner and sister Olive, and their VP of business development Zachary; her friends Skyler, Emerson and Jillian; Harlan’s daughter Abby and her mother Danielle, and his teammates Cooper, Jason,and Shane. Emerson’s story line is next.

A WILD CARD KISS is a story of family and betrayal, heart break and pain, second chances and love, moving forward and renewal. The premise is captivating and romantic; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are dynamic, energetic, and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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Come Again (Big Rock 7) by Lauren Blakely-Review tour

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Come Again (Big Rock 7) by Lauren Blakely-Review tour

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Add to Goodreads:

http://blkly.pub/GRComeAgain

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2021.

A sexy, scorching enemies-to-lovers romance!!

There are three words most men can’t resist—I dare you.
So as you can see, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I had no choice when my buddies said “I bet you can’t get that brunette beauty to kiss you before the night ends.”

I proved them wrong, and oh how good it felt to be right when I swept the witty, quick-tongued woman into my arms and kissed the breath out of her at the party.But, I made a slight miscalculation.Turns out she’s my brand new enemy.And soon I’m locked in a fierce battle of wits with my sexy-as-sin nemesis. I’m determined to show the whole city that my company is offering the best new path to romance, and she’s dead-set on knocking me down. Publicly.

It’s the hottest game of one-upmanship I’ve ever played, punctuated by fiery kisses, dirty letters, and, after a heated argument, hate s-e-x.You know what they say. Keep your enemies closer.I keep her so damn close to my favorite body part.Everything is fun and games…until I gamble something I can’t afford to lose.

My heart.

•••••••••

REVIEW:COME AGAIN is the seventh instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult BIG ROCK erotic, romance series. This is businessman and matchmaker for the elite Easton Ford, and podcaster Bellamy Hart’s story line. COME AGAIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Easton and Bellamy’s story line begins in the prequel novella COME AND GET IT but if you have no read the prequel, fear not, as it is included in the current release COME AGAIN.

Told from first person perspective (Easton) and third person via Bellamy’s podcasts, COME AGAIN follows the building romance and relationship between is businessman Easton Ford, and podcaster Bellamy Hart. Easton Ford doesn’t believe in online dating sites, and has established himself as the premier meet and greet romance promotor for Carpe Diem but Easton never expected to fall for a stranger, podcaster Bellamy Hart, an online romance podcaster and her …A Million Frogs. As Easton and Bellamy engage in a ‘friends with benefits’ relationship, a bet is made to find each other’s happily ever after, a bet that Easton is about to lose. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Bellamy and Easton, and the potential fall-out as Easton’s head is stuck so deep in the sand, that he was about to lose his second chance at happiness with our story line heroine.

Easton Ford has loved and lost, and in this, Easton is happy to find love for everyone else. Believing love has come and gone, Easton never expected to lose his heart to a woman he gives as good as she gets, a woman with whom Easton will fall in love. Bellamy’s podcast about ..kissing a million frogs… reflects a reality for many women, and Bellamy includes herself in the long list of woman who haven’t found love.Meeting Easton Ford stirs something deep without our story line heroine, something that may not be reciprocated by the man that she loves.

The relationship between Easton and Bellamy is an enemies to lovers relationship in which Easton finds himself the topic of Bellamy’s podcast. There is plenty of back and forth banter, sexual innuendo, war of words, word games, mind games and insinuation between our couple, leading to miscommunication and misunderstanding that is about to break our heroine’s heart. The sexual chemistry is palpable; the $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Easton’s sister Rory, their cousin Spencer, friends Nolan and TJ, Grandma Coco, and Dr. Monroe-Monroe’s story line is next in BLOWN AWAY.

COME AGAIN is a fast paced, character driven story about finding love. The premise is entertaining and inviting ; the characters are fun and flirty; the romance is seductive and captivating.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

A Little Big Rock
Big Rock
Mr.O
Well Hung
Full Package
Joy Ride
Hard Wood
Stud Finder

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed By Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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The Bromance Zone (The Good Guys 1) by Lauren Blakely-review tour

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The Bromance Zone (The Good Guys 1) by Lauren Blakely-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 26, 2021.

Two great friends. One road trip. And eight inches …
… of snow that night at the cabin.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. Friends don’t bang friends.
I want my friends to stay in my life, especially that flirty, clever, outgoing best friend of mine.
It’s a damn good thing Owen and I made a pact in college to never ever sleep together, or else I’d be tempted.
Trouble is, eight years later I’ve been wondering what his kisses taste like. And I’ve been curious if our chemistry would extend into the bedroom. If he might feel the same risky pull.
But I don’t want to lose Owen, and history says there’s no way a tryst between friends can end well.
So as long as I avoid the bedroom with him, I won’t break that hard-as-steel rule.
Except the snow has other plans …

••••••

REVIEW:THE BROMANCE ZONE is the first instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult THE GOOD GUYS erotic, LGBTQ, MM, romance series-a spin off set in the author’s Men of Summer world. This is PR rep Owen Hayes, and bar owner River Michaels’ story line. THE BROMANCE ZONE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: THE BROMANCE ZONE is a story of love between a same $ex couple, with graphic sexual scenarios.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Owen and River) with one chapter by TJ, THE BROMANCE ZONE is a best friends to lovers story line focusing on PR rep Owen Hayes, and bar owner River Michaels. Eight years earlier, while still in college, best friends Owen and River made a friendship pact agreeing never to date/bang or fall in love with one another. Fast forward to present day, and a Thanksgiving ‘Friendsgiving’ celebration is hindered when Owen and River find themselves snowbound in a remote chalet, on the way to Tahoe, where our couple will act on their mutual attraction, and the love they have always felt for one another.

Owen Hayes fell in love with his best friend years before, and struggled in the ensuing time, wondering if River felt the same in return. One night together proved both men felt the same about one another but arriving at the Thanksgiving celebration was about to put a damper on feelings when it looked liked River was backing away, and Owen thought he would lose the man that he loved.

The relationship between Owen and River is a best friends to lovers relationship, set in a world where same-$ex relationships are accepted and the norm. Owen and River have been in love with one another for close to eight years but neither one was willing to ‘break’ the friendship pact, in fear of forever losing his best friend. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters including Declan and Grant (Men of Summer series); romance author TJ, River’s friend Nisha and her partner Hailey, and Nisha’s cousin Tobey.

THE BROMANCE ZONE is a story of friendships, relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is inspiring; the romance is flirty and realistic; the characters are sensitive and spirited.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter–laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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THE VIRGIN REPLAY (Rules of Love 3) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

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THE VIRGIN REPLAY (Rules of Love 3) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2021

A virgin, an athlete, a fake romance…and only one bed in the hotel room.

Following rules shot me to the top of my game as an all-star baseball player, and the golden rule is this — don’t hookup with your teammate’s sister.

But ask her to be your fake date when you desperately need one for a family wedding?

Nothing in the guy code against that. Plus, the flirty, feisty Sierra’s my friend too, so why the hell not pretend we’re madly in lust for two days in Hawaii? No hardship in a make believe kiss here, a fake smooch there, as long as we don’t cross any dangerous lines.

Then, the hotel books us into the same suite. Which means she’s showering near me, putting on itty bitty bikinis in the same room, sliding into that king-size bed wearing only a black lace cami.

But I resist…until the night she tells me she’s been waiting for me to be her first.

And there’s nothing fake about my desire to say yes, even though that’s definitely against the code. But, maybe only if someone catches feelings?
And neither one of us will.
Until I do…

••••••••

REVIEW:  THE VIRGIN REPLAY is the third instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult RULES OF LOVE erotic romanced series-a cross over with the author’s MEN OF SUMMER series. This is closing pitcher Chance Ashford, and twenty-five year old, bar owner Sierra Blackwood’s story line. THE VIRGIN REPLAY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Sierra is the sister of Grant Blackwood (Men of Summer). Some of the events of THE VIRGIN REPLAY cross over with some of the events of ALL IN WITH HIM (Men of Summer 3)

Told from dual first person perspectives (Chance and Sierra) THE VIRGIN REPLAY follows the building romance and relationship between closing pitcher Chance Ashford, and twenty-five year old, bar owner Sierra Blackwood. For close to a year, Sierra Blackwood and Chance Ashford have been dancing around one another with neither one taking the steps to move forward but a mutual friend’s, destination wedding finds Chance asking Sierra to be his ‘fake’ plus one, a fake relationship that will turn into something more. From a few days in Hawaii, to a couple nights in Vegas, Sierra and Chance moving quickly from fake to real, so real that what happens in Vegas went out for the world to see. What ensues is the fake but building romance and relationship between Chance and Sierra, and the potential fall-out as Chance’s bro-code/teammate code is about to be questioned.

Chance Ashford is Sierra’s brother’s teammate and as such, struggles with the unwritten bro-code wherein teammates do not date one another’s exes, sisters, or brothers but Chance’s attraction to Sierra is equally met by Sierra’s attraction to Chance, and their fake weekend quickly turns into something more. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

WE are introduced to Chance’s twin brother TJ, bride and groom Blake and Trish, Chance’s ex Natasha, as well as Sierra’s friend Clementine, and her brother Grant, and his fiancé Gavin.

THE VIRGIN REPLAY is a sports romance story of attraction, secrets, lies and love, family and friendships. The fast paced premise is flirty and fun; the romance is seductive and sexy; the characters are energetic and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter–laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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All In With Him (Men of Summer 3) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

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ALL IN WITH HIM (Men of Summer 3) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58457792

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2021

Once upon a time all I needed was baseball, friends and extracurricular activities. Then everything changed when Declan Steele stormed into my life and upended all my priorities with his heart, his love, his passion.

So my next five-year plan will include this new ground rule—Love big.
Only, that’s easier said than done when my man and I come face to face with hard truths and new troubles about what it means to be all in.

That’s when I learn that finding love isn’t the hardest part.
Keeping it is.

All In with Him is the final novel in the Men of Summer series, and should be read following Winning With Him.

••••••••••

REVIEW: ALL IN WITH HIM is the third and final instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult MEN OF SUMMER erotic, LBGTQ romance series focusing on professional baseball players. This is the continuing story of short stop Declan Steele, and catcher Grant Blackwood. ALL IN WITH HIM should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book two WINNING WITH HIM in which the series was advanced approximately five years.

NOTE: ALL IN WITH HIM contains scenes of MM sexual situations, If you have not read any of the previous instalments there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Declan and Grant) with a final chapter by River, ALL IN WITH HIM continues to focus on the relationship between short stop Declan Steele, and catcher Grant Blackwood. Having lived most of his life in a dysfunctional family, Declan struggles with the possibility of losing the man that he loves. Now cross-town rivals, Declan and Grant become the focus of media rumor, as it pertains to their relationship and how it may affect the game going forward. Grant is a man who wants it all, Decan battles between head and heart believing his earlier years had not prepared him for a future with love.

ALL IN WITH HIM is a story of relationships and friendships, family and happily ever after. The relationship between Declan and Grant is one of acceptance and love-the author has created a world wherein same sex relationships are commonly accepted and approved without the perils of homophobia or discrimination. The secondary characters included several teammates and friends including River and Owen. The premise is heart warming; the romance is edgy; the characters are energetic and colorful. A number of epilogues advance the story several years.

My only complaint was a lack of resolution to the accusations against Grant Blackwood, accusations that could have affected the game of baseball, going forward.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Scoring With Him
Winning With Him

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter–laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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Winning with Him (Men of Summer 2) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

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Winning with Him (Men of Summer 2) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

 

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Apple /

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56076131

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 3, 2021

Resisting the shortstop has never been my strong suit. I failed at it during my first spring training. It sure as hell looks like I’m about to fail at it again.

The sport I love playing with my very soul hangs in the balance. But everything my heart craves lies with the guy I’ve got to resist.

A guy who’s asking me to make the toughest choice ever.

But how do I become the man I want to be…with him or without him?

Trouble is, I can’t seem to get Declan out of my head, even if I stand to lose everything I’ve worked for my entire life…

•••••••

REVIEW:WINNING WITH HIM is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult MEN OF SUMMER erotic, LGBTQ, baseball romance series focusing on short stop Declan Steele, and rookie catcher Grant Blackwood. Grant’s story begins in the prequel novella CRUSHING ON HIM but you do not have to have read the novella to understand or follow the current story line WINNING WITH HIM should not be read as a stand alone- I recommend reading SCORING WITH HIM for back story and cohesion as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book one.

NOTE: WINNING WITH HIM focuses on two gay men in professional sports including graphic scenes of same $ex situations. If you have not read book one SCORING WITH HIM there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Declan and Grant) covering approximately five years, WINNING WITH HIM follows the struggling relationship between short stop Declan Steele, and rookie catcher Grant Blackwood. Grant Blackwood was heart broken when a text, during the off season, from Declan Steele declared he was no longer interested in a long distance relationship. Five years would pass wherein our couple would occasionally meet up for a hand shake or a drink but during those five years neither Grant nor Declan ever forgot about one another. Home for the Christmas holidays found Declan declaring his love for a man he thought may never forgive him, but a man who had stolen his heart, like no one else. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Declan and Grant, as they learn to navigate a world of endless possibilities and a potential long distance relationship.

WINNING WITH HIM covers five years in the life wherein the reader is only given a glimpse into the lives of our story lines heroes. From Declan’s dysfunctional father, and Grant’s success on the field, and desire to help out the LGBTQ youth, the author reveals a little more about our story line couple as they work behind the scenes without one another. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense without the use of over the top , sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Grant’s best friend Reese, and her brother River; Declan’s best friends Emma, and her brother, professional hockey player James Fitzgerald; and several members of the San Francisco Cougars: Crosby Cash, Sullivan, Miguel, and Chance Ashfordl Declan’s parents, and Grant’s mother and step-father.

WINNING WITH HIM is a story of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people focusing on their professional careers but therein lies a bit of a problem. A five-year separation meant limited information, information that would have allowed the reader to witness the character’s growth and development, and not just the revelations and quick observations from our story line couple. The premise is entertaining; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are charismatic and colorful.

WINNING WITH HIM ends on a happily ever after for now- the author has plans for at least one more instalment.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one SCORING WITH HIM

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter–laurenblakely.com/newsletter

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