Once Upon a Sure Thing (Heartbreakers #2) by Lauren Blakely-Review & Excerpt Tour

ONCE UPON A SURE THING (Heartbreakers #2) by Lauren Blakely-Review & Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2018

It’s so easy being best friends with a gorgeous, talented, charming guy.

Said no woman ever. Except me.

My friendship with Miller is a sure thing — he’s my plus one, my emergency contact, and my shoulder to lean on. He’s also been by my side helping me raise one helluva awesome kid who’s the center of my world.

Nothing will change our easy breezy friendship. Until I have the bright idea to convince him to start a new band with me.

Trouble is, our sizzling chemistry in the recording studio is getting harder to ignore, no matter how risky it might be.

***

Sing sexy songs with the woman you’ve been lusting after? Get up close and personal as you croon to the woman you’ve wanted for years?

Piece of cake.
NOT.

Performing with the sweet, sassy and insanely wonderful Ally is like one gigantic obstacle course of challenges for my libido. And my libido is one sexy love song away from kissing her senseless and taking her home.

But, I’m not a serious kind of guy, and she’s not a one-night-stand kind of woman. If we cross the horizontal line, we might risk our sure thing and end up out of tune forever..

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW:  ONCE UPON A SURE THING is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary adult HEARTBREAKERS erotic, romance series focusing on the Hart Brothers. This is Miller Hart, and YA audio book narrator Ally Zimmerman’s story line. ONCE UPON A SURE THING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ally and Miller) ONCE UPON A SURE THING follows the friends to lovers relationship between Miller Hart, and audio book narrator Ally Zimmerman. Ally Zimmerman has been the sole guardian to her eleven-year old niece Chloe following the death of her sister Lindsay five years earlier. Hoping to bring in a little more cash Ally sends in an audition tape knowing that if she is selected she will be singing with her best friend and the man with whom she has lusted after for close to six years. Enter Miller Hart, former teen idol, and one-third of the pop band the Heartbreakers. What ensues are Miller and Ally’s friends to lovers/ friends with benefits relationship that grows into something more.

Miller Hart has wanted Ally since the first time they met but Ally was about to become the mother to her sister’s six year old daughter, and Miller wasn’t about to disrupt their lives any more than it already had. Best friends for years, Miller was shocked when he discovered that Ally had considered singing a duet, a duet that was about to bring the Heartbreakers back together.

The relationship between Ally and Miller is a friends to lovers/friends with benefits romance that turns into something more. Ally isn’t willing to risk their friendship for a one-night stand but when Ally realizes she is falling in love, our heroine battles between head and heart, and pushes Miller back into the friends-only zone. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate; the palpable sexual attraction is heavy and hot; the back and forth banter is sassy and sexy, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the Hart brothers play secondary and supporting characters including Miles, and Campbell and his girlfriend Mackenzie, as well as Mackenzie’s best friend Roxy Sterling. We are introduced to Ally’s eleven-year old niece Chloe; her best friend Macy; and Miller’s ‘little brother’, seventeen-year old Jackson who is filming a behind the scenes video of Ally and Miller, for his college application. Miles and Roxy’s story line is next in Once Upon a Wild Fling.

ONCE UPON A SURE THING is a story of family and friendships, falling love and happily ever after. The premise is realistic and spicy; the characters are spirited and lively; the romance is seductive and provocative. ONCE UPON A SURE THING is a flawless and energetic story that will have you wanting more.

Click HERE for sandy’s review of book one -ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

~Ally~Miller holds open the hobby shop door for me. “After you, my warrior princess. I believe we have a castle to create.”

“Chloe left me a list of items to pick up, since she’s seeing her therapist.”

“Never miss a shrink visit, I say.” Miller stops in front of a remote-controlled helicopter display. “How are they going for her, anyway?”

“Good. She’s almost done with the appointments. She’s doing so well now, but it took a while,” I say, smiling as we go inside, proud of my girl.

“I’m glad she’s doing better. It’s all because of you.”

I wave off the compliment as we head down the aisles. Pom-poms and fabrics abound, nestled alongside scrapbook boxes and glitter glue, which cuddles with glitter guns and ribbons. I stop at an aisle bursting with silver ribbons, polka-dot ribbons, and ribbons with tassels. I scratch my head. “I don’t understand why there are so many ribbons.”

Miller leans in close and whispers, “The better to tie you up with, my pretty.”

A tingle spreads over my shoulders, surprising me, even thought I’m not surprised by his words. He’s a natural-born flirt, and I’m used to his naughty banter. It’s never directed toward me, per se. He’s just having fun. It’s Miller being Miller, like when we play Bananagrams and he tries to make as many naughty-sounding words as possible, like caulk and diphthong. “In that case, let’s make it a polka-dot ribbon. I can wear it with my famous polo shirts and ponytails,” I say, referring to the super-sweet style I wore when I sang online with my brother.

“Ooh, that makes it even naughtier, and it proves my point.”

“What’s that?”

He holds up a finger. “I have a hunch craft stores are frequented by the Fifty Shades crowd.”

I laugh. “DIY BDSM-ers?”

He wiggles his eyebrows. “Ribbons are for typing pretty wrists.” He circles his hand around my wrist, sending another unexpected charge through me. I do my best to ignore the sensation. He lets go quickly and leads me to an aisle of wooden frames, birdhouses, and, oddly enough, paddles. “Those paddles are not for school projects, I tell you.”

“Whatever are they for?” I ask, feigning innocence.

Miller mimes spanking my butt. Next, he gestures to the candle-making section. “Exhibit B that hobby shops are fronts for kinky sex clubs—just imagine all this wax dripping on bellies and butts tonight.”

“How on earth am I supposed to work on a project with Chloe now that you’ve put these thoughts in my head?”

He runs a hand lightly over my hair and says in his raspy baritone, “I suspect those thoughts were already there.”

Were they?Are they? Images scroll through my mind, mostly involving ribbons.

 


 

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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Once Upon a Real Good Time (Heartbreakers #1) by Lauren Blakely-Review & Excerpt Tour

Once Upon a Real Good Time (Heartbreakers #1) by Lauren Blakely-Review &  Excerpt  Tour

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ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TODAY!

That smoking hot one-night stand with a former rock star?

Turns out he’s my son’s new music teacher. Oops.

But I didn’t know that the night I met Campbell. All I knew was he played my body the same way he played a guitar — like he owned it.

My libido is still high-fiving me after being self-served for too many years, and we’re both ready for another night or two of fun, especially since we don’t just have chemistry in bed — we connect over everything.

That is, until I learn he’s the man who’ll be coming to my house twice a week to teach my son — the best music lessons money can buy.

Time to turn down the volume on our shenanigans. Only that’s easier said than done.

***

I can rock a guitar solo in front of thousands, I can write chart-topping tunes, and I can absolutely stop thinking about my student’s mother naked.

After all, I’m a single parent too, and I know what it’s like to put your kid first. That’s what I do every damn day.

Trouble is, now that I’ve had Mackenzie, it’s hard — and I do mean hard — to stop wanting her. Harder too when I get to know her, and learn she’s an awesome mom, a great friend, and, oh yeah, she happens to get along perfectly with my daughter.

All we have to do is set some rules. No dating, no nookie when the kids are around, and no one gets hurt.

It’s all working out beautifully. Until we start breaking the rules, one by one.

Making music with her in the bedroom is easy. But will we be more than just a real good time when the music stops?

•••••••••

REVIEW: ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME is the first instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary adult THE HEARTBREAKERS erotic, romance series focusing on the Evans brothers. This is single parents, former teen idol and guitarist Campbell Evans aka Mason Hart, and graphic designer MacKenzie Marksons’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Campbell and MacKenzie) ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME follows the building relationship between former teen idol and guitarist Campbell Evans aka Mason Hart, and graphic designer MacKenzie (Markson). MacKenzie is all about playing trivia at The Grouchy Owl until the one night the sexy lead singer of a local band offers up more than a couple of songs for our story line heroine. Enter single father and former teen idol Campbell Evans aka Mason Hart, and the man with whom MacKenzie will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between MacKenzie and Campbell, and the potential fall-out as MacKenzie struggles with Campbell’s position as her son’s infamous music teacher.

MacKenzie is a single mother to Kyle Markson, a child music prodigy whose has been offered a prestigious chance with a former star but unbeknownst to MacKenzie, said former star and her son’s new music teacher is the man who is currently starring in both her literal and virtual dreams. Unwilling to risk her son’s chance for the future, MacKenzie sacrifices her friendship and relationship with the man that she loves. Campbell Evans suffered a tragic loss, and in the ensuing years left the band to raise his daughter as a single father, but meeting MacKenzie gives Campbell the hope for a second chance at a happily ever after.

The relationship between Campbell and MacKenzie is one of immediate attraction; a palpable sexual attraction between two single parents who have put their personal lives on hold for the foreseeable future. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense. Both Campbell and MacKenzie like to talk dirty in the bedroom.

We are introduced to MacKenzie’s son Kyle, his father Jamison, and MacKenzie’s best friend Roxy Sterling; Campbell’s daughter Samantha, and his brothers Miles and Miller Evans aka Hart.

ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME is a story of family, friendship, music and love. The premise is sexy and sassy; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are flirty, colorful and lively. ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME is a spicy and spirited story that is sure to set the sheets on fire.

I will add I am not sure if Markson is MacKenzie’s last name. I looked throughout the story but could only find one reference to Kyle’s last name, and no last name given for the other significant man in MacKenzie’s life, Kyle’s father Jamison. I am not a fan of no last name for the heroine, especially when the leading male is ‘gifted’ not one but two last names. The female lead is entitled to the same recognition, in my humble opinion.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

CampbellShe nibbles on the corner of her lips. “My friend Roxy thinks I should—”

“—let yourself have a good time for one more night?”

“How did you know?”

“She seemed like a good wingwoman.” I reach for a strand of her hair, running my finger across the soft locks, cataloging her reaction. “Want to know what I’m thinking?”

She nods.

I flash her a wicked grin. “I’m wondering if you want to be kissed by someone who’s been wanting to kiss you all night long.”

A flash of hesitation crosses her face, then she raises her eyes as if she’s thinking.

“I do,” she whispers, and the few seconds of reticence make her answer even sweeter.

I thread a hand through her hair. I’m going to take my time working up to a kiss, to make sure she wants it desperately. “I’ve been thinking about running my hands through this hair.”

“You have nice fingers…”

“Were you watching my hands when I was on stage?”

Her voice is soft and feathery, a quiet little confession. “Yes. I like the way you play.”

“What did you like about it?” I curl my hand tighter around her head. I swear, heat is radiating off her body, and it’s so damn enticing. “Did it make you think of anything?”

She nibbles on the corner of her lips. “Made me thing about how you might play…me.”

A groan works its way up my chest. She is an alluring mix of daring lioness and clumsy puppy. I yank her flush to me, bringing her mouth mere inches away from mine. “I’d like to play your body like a guitar. I’d like to make you sing, make you cry out in pleasure.” I run both hands through her soft hair, tugging her head back.

She gasps, and that’s my cue to lick a path up her neck, where I nibble on her jaw till she’s squirming against me. “Did you think about how I might kiss you when you watched me play?”

A sexy little sigh seems to escape her lips, followed by a yes.

“I noticed you the other week. At your booth, doing your quiz. Couldn’t stop looking at you. You were so sexy and adorable, and now you’re so damn close to me all I want is to turn you on.”

She parts her lips, and there’s no more need to tell her what I want to do. It’s time to show her.

 


 

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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Unbreak My Heart by Lauren Blakely-Review & Excerpt Tour

UNBREAK MY HEART by Lauren Blakely-Review & Excerpt tour

UNBREAK MY HEART is only $2.99* for release day only! Grab it at this price while you can because the price will be going up after release day! Get your copy of UNBREAK MY HEART now!

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 13, 2018

I didn’t break her heart, and she didn’t break mine — we broke each other’s.

I never stopped loving her, but time and distance played its cruel role in ripping us apart three years ago when she moved halfway around the world. Now after all those endless miles away, she’s returned . . . but I’m not the guy I was before.

Beautiful, kind, and loving, she’s the same — my hope. The only one who can make a day better, who can make me feel again with one kiss, one touch, one night.

There’s so much I have to put back in place now that I’m alone and on my own. Things I never wanted at the age of twenty-five. When I receive an unexpected letter that might hold the clues to everything I desperately need to understand about my family, I’m sure I have to follow it. But that means leaving her once more.

She says she’ll come with me, and having her by my side will unbreak my heart . . . or destroy it.

That’s the chance I have to take.

•••••••••

REVIEW:  UNBREAK MY HEART by Lauren Blakely is a stand alone, contemporary, adult romance story line focusing on twenty-five year old, best friends and former lovers practical nurse Holland St. James, and attorney Andrew Peterson in the aftermath of a tragedy that has affected them all.

Told from dual first person points of view (Holland and Andrew) UNBREAK MY HEART focuses on personal, spiritual and emotional healing. Three years earlier, childhood friends Holland St. James, and Andrew Peterson fell in love but graduate school found Holland in Japan, and Andrew entering law school wherein our couple went their separate ways until a family tragedy brings them together, once again. When Holland accepts a permanent position overseas, Andrew struggles with losing the woman with whom he is still in love. What ensues is the rebuilding romance between Andrew and Holland, as Andrew embarks on an emotional journey in an attempt to understand all that has happened and why.

UNBREAK MY HEART is a story of grief and acceptance; of tragedy and loss; of relationships, family and love. The premise is raw, inspirational and heart breaking: the romance is subtle and understated; the characters are sympathetic and determined. Lauren Blakely takes the reader on Andrew’s journey, such that we are one with the hero as he discovers there is life after death, and everything in between.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewd by Sandy

~Andrew~

“What else did you do while you were here?”

“You want me to fill in the last three years?” she asks, with a laugh.

“Kind of.”

“Besides missing you?”

I scoff. “You didn’t miss me that much.”

She stares sharply at me. “Did you miss me?”

“You know I did.”

“And I missed you. I thought about you a lot,” she says, her words soft and tender, thawing a cold piece of me.

“So we were sad sacks, missing each other,” I tease.

“Maybe we were. I mean, look. It was hard, but I had to focus on school and so did you. We agreed to that, and I think we both did that. But I also didn’t ever stop thinking about you.”

Her admission kick-starts another part of my engine. I reach for a strand of her hair because it’s almost impossible to not touch her at a time like this.

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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The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

THE REAL DEAL by Lauren Blakely-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 10, 2018

Get ready for your next favorite romantic comedy, THE REAL DEAL!

April Hamilton wants you to know she hasn’t been on GigsforHire since that time she sold her futon after college. She doesn’t even spend that much time online. And even if she did, she would not be looking up personal ads. But going home alone for her family’s summer reunion is an invitation for every single relative to butt into her personal life. She simply can’t handle another blind date with the butcher, the baker or the candlestick maker from her hometown. So when she finds the GigsforHire ad for a boyfriend-for-hire, she’s ready to pay to play.

Heading Home and Need a Buffer? I’m the REAL DEAL.

Theo Banks has been running from the past for years. He’s this close to finally settling all his debts, and one more job as a boyfriend-for-hire will do the trick. He’s no gigolo. Please. He’s something of an actor, and he knows how to slip into any role, including pretending to be April’s new beau — the bad boy with the heart of gold.

Even if it means sleeping in close quarters in that tiny little bed in her parents’ inn. Even if it means spinning tales of a romance that starts to feel all too true. What neither one of them counts on is that amid the egg toss, the arm wrestling, and a fierce game of Lawn Twister that has them tangled up together, they might be feeling the real deal.

She only wanted to show her family once and for all that she had no need to settle down.

He didn’t expect to have the time of his life at her parent’s home.

They didn’t plan on loving every single second of the game.

But can a masterful game of pretend result in true love?

••••••

REVIEW: THE REAL DEAL by Lauren Blakely is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, romantic comedy story line focusing on body painter April Hamilton, and twenty eight year old bartender Theo Banks.

Told from dual first person perspectives (April and Theo) THE REAL DEAL follows the fake relationship between twenty-eight year olds body painter April Hamilton, and bartender Theo Banks. April Hamilton dreads the annual family reunion where she will knowingly become the target of her mother and aunt’s need to play matchmaker to her self-imposed singlehood. Hoping to avoid said matchmaking April answers a Craigslist ad offering a boyfriend-for-hire, the perfect foil to the family busybodies. Enter bartender and ‘actor’ Theo Banks, the man with whom April will fall in love. What ensues is the fake to real relationship between April and Theo, and the fall-out as Theo’s past reveals more than he had hoped to tell.

Theo Banks is in desperate need of a financial infusion when his brother’s past comes looking for payment. A boyfriend for hire as finds our hero coming face to race with his future, a future that will all but be destroyed when his brother unknowingly reveals the truth. Theo doesn’t do relationships, and lets April know that the boyfriend for hire is only a platonic arrangement, a platonic arrangement that turns into something more.

The relationship between Theo and April is fun and flirty; sexy and sassy that continues to push the boundaries of their platonic arrangement. Theo and April compliment one another; work together as though they have known one another for a lifetime, and in the end the palpable sexual attraction cannot denied. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

THE REAL DEAL is a fake romance trope; a passionate and heart warming story line of family, friendship, forgiveness and love. The premise is entertaining, engaging and fun; the romance is intimate; the characters are colorful and sassy. THE REAL DEAL is an enjoyable, inspiring and uplifting story line.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

~THEO~I can be anyone you want.

I can transform into the boss you’re banging, your hot nerdy coworker who’s only a friend, your best friend’s brother you’ve had it bad for since he danced with you at prom way back when, the guy next door everyone adores since he mows your lawn, fixes your car, and repairs the sink. I can also pull off a fireman, a soldier, a cop, a billionaire, a rogue, an athlete, a pirate—yes, some women like to play with buried treasure—and the bad boy who will drive your family bananas.

How would you reach me if you needed me?

It’s not that hard. You just have to know what you’re looking for and plug the right terms into that trusty old search engine. You might even find me the next time you’re hawking a Cuisinart or hunting for a used exercise bike on GigsforHire. There, you’ll discover a menagerie of roles I can take on, characters I can play for you. The assignments rotate depending on the season, the needs, and what’s in demand for weddings, reunions, Christmas parties, barbecues, and any other occasion where you might need a date.

I’m not an escort, a gigolo, or a stripper. This isn’t about fluid exchange. My job is to become your arm candy, and you can pick the flavor you want. I’ve played them all.

And there’s one role that outsells all the others. By far, the most popular part has been the bad boy.

Trust me when I say I wasn’t your average bod boy. I was the goddamn dictionary definition, and this ad was my golden ticket:

Heading Home and Need a Buffer? I’m Your Man

I’m a good-looking 28-year-old ex-con. But I swear the time I got nabbed, it wasn’t my fault. I was framed. I can play anywhere from 19 to 31, depending on if I shave or act like I love Ed Sheeran music. My most valuable possession is a scratched-up motorcycle one year younger than me that’s painted like a snarling leopard. I’m a bartender and work till 2 a.m. at a dive bar. If you’d like to have me as your date for a wedding, reunion, or work soiree, I can pretend you picked me up when my shift ended and I banged you in the bathroom or that we’re in a serious and committed relationship. Your choice.

 


 

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

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour provider.

✮✮✮Reader’s Choice Giveaway!✮✮✮

Everything you need for Date Night except the date:).  Find the perfect date in the Real Deal!  $100 gift card to the restaurant of your choice, $50 gift card to the movie theater of your choice, and $50 gift card to the retailer of your choice.  ($200 value)

https://laurenblakely.com/readers-choice-giveaway/

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Part-Time Lover by Lauren Blakey-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

PART-TIME LOVER by Lauren Blakely-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /Amazon.uk / / Amazon.au /  B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / iBooks / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 1, 2018

ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TODAY!

I’ll say this about Christian — he made one hell of a first impression.
When I first saw the strapping man, he was doing handstands naked on a dock along the canal. His crown jewels were far more entertaining than anything else I’d seen on the boat tour, so I did what any curious woman would do — I took his photo. I might have looked at the shot a few dozen times. Little did I know I’d meet him again, a year later, at a secret garden bar in the heart of the city, where I’d learn that his mind and his mouth were even more captivating. But given the way my heart had been trampled, I wanted only a simple deal — No strings. No expectations.

Our arrangement worked well enough until the day I needed a lot more from him…

***
Let me just say, this whole part-time lover thing was her idea. I’d have gone all-in from the start, but hey, when a gorgeous, brilliant woman invites you into her bed, and only her bed…well, I said yes.

But then, one hysterical phone call from my brother later, begging me to find myself a wife so grandfather’s business stays in the family, and I need a promotion with Elise. Turns out a full-time husband suits her needs too, and a temporary marriage of convenience ought to do the trick, until we can simply untie the knot…

As long as no one finds out…
As long as no one gets hurt…
As long as no one falls in love…

But our ending was one I never saw coming.

••••••••••

REVIEW: PART-TIME LOVER by Lauren Blakely is a contemporary, adult, stand alone erotic, romance story line focusing on language translator Christian Ellison of British / Danish decent, and British / French business woman Elise Durand. Although Christian and Elise were first introduced to the reader in the author’s Wanderlust, PART-TIME LOVER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Christian and Elise) PART-TIME LOVER follows the in the aftermath of a ‘missed opportunity’ in Denmark wherein a chance meeting between Christian and Elise is only the beginning of their fated relationship. Fast forward one year, and fate will throw our couple together, once again, but this time Christian isn’t willing to let go without a fight as he pursues the woman who has starred in all of his fantasies for close to a year. What ensues is the ‘friends with benefits’ relationship, on Elise’s terms, that soon grow into something more when, in order to save the Ellison family business, Elise makes Christian an offer he is unable to refuse-a marriage of convenience with an end date-an end that neither one was willing to accept.

The relationship between Christian and Elise is fated by circumstance, by chance, by attraction and by spirit. Elise doesn’t do romance or relationships. Burned in the past, our heroine is no longer willing to risk her heart for a possible happily ever after that will never come to be. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

PART –TIME LOVER is a fantastic addition to any romance reader’s collection of memorable, sassy and sexy story lines. The back and forth, one on one witty interaction and inter-play between our leading couple is refreshing, amusing, clever and fun. Lauren Blakely pulls the reader into an edgy, emotional and energetic tale about betrayal, heartbreak, reflection and love.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

~Elise~A year ago

The boat slides under another bridge then motors through a more residential area, passing homes on the water and private docks every few feet. My eyes hungrily eat up the view. My current hometown of Paris is my love, but I could get used to weekends in Copenhagen. It’s a delightful mix of old and new, like a Swiss alpine town mated with a futuristic sky-rise city.

As I gaze at the sun-soaked homes, I imagine lazy afternoons drinking strong coffee on the deck, reading delicious tales under the rays. That seems like a recipe for happiness for the rest of my days.

I want to feel that way. Happy. It’s been so damn elusive lately, and for a fleeting moment, it feels as if I grasp it again, so I’m no longer teetering on the edge of grief and shame.

But that’s why I’m here, to move past that terrible duet.

I try valiantly to simply enjoy everything in front of me: the buildings, the water, the view.

As we round the bend in the canal, I blink at the view.

Holy hell, the unexpected view.

Nearby is a private dock.

On that dock is a man.

He’s performing a downward-facing dog, and his rear is facing us.

What a spectacular ass.

It’s not covered in sweatpants or basketball shorts.

It’s au naturel, as finely sculpted as the statue of David.

He’s a dog all right.

I sit up.

I practically stand. I lean on the edge of the boat, agog. I won’t even pretend I’m not looking. I’m ogling.

The Japanese friends whisper and point. The couple shifts closer to get a better look. The college girls titter and laugh.

We slide along on the calm water, and now we’re fifty feet away from a sight way better than the Little Mermaid statue, more magnificent than the royal palace.

He bends forward, pressing his palms into the wood, lifting his legs, and flipping them upside down.

Full. Frontal. Birthday suit.

He’s a tall drink of a man, and I’m so very thirsty.

“Look,” I whisper to Veronica, though of course she’s already engaged in the fine art of gawking. “Did you know the Mad Naked Handstander of Copenhagen was on the tour?”

She sighs contentedly. “I am so glad you forced me to go to the buffet.” She parks her chin in her hands, watching the tall upside-down creature.

“My favorite part of the buffet is dessert,” I say, as my eyes gobble him up.

This man wears nudity well, even in this unusual position.

“I enjoyed the rubies and emeralds in Rosenborg Castle, but I like these crown jewels even better,” I say.

And hey, perhaps I’m perving, but I’m an equal-opportunity spectator at this private dock show. I don’t merely peer at the centerpiece of his physique, resting majestically against the grooves of his abs. My eyes take a most happy stroll up and down his carved body, from the planes of his stomach, to his strong thighs, to his arms ripped with muscles. His face is hard to read at 180 degrees, but I see the shape of his cheekbones, carved by angels.

Then, he moves. He walks on his hands. Back and forth.

Like he’s performing.

Showing off his most unique skill set.

I chuckle louder.

Then louder still when he holds himself up on one hand only, waving to us.

“What a show-off,” Veronica says.

Lars clears his throat. “And sometimes, we see the unexpected sights of Copenhagen.”

I do what any curious onlooker might do. I grab my phone and snap.

Snap.

Snap.

The man stands, takes a bow, and waves.

My chest heats up. The temperature in me flirts with mercury levels. He’s a stunner. My God, he’s like Skarsgård, from this distance.

And because I believe in speaking my mind, I cup my hand over my mouth and shout, “Bravo. All of it.”

He doffs an imaginary top hat and takes a bow. “My pleasure.” His voice books across the water, his accent a British one.

Sparks unexpectedly race down my chest. That accent is delicious. “Oh no. The pleasure is truly all mine.”

 


 

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

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour provider

Let’s celebrate the release of Christian and Elise’s romance
with a Kate Spade Tote ($200 value) and $50 Gift Card to Sephora for your own Scentsual Fragrance!

https://laurenblakely.com/part-time-lover-giveaway/

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Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely-a review

WANDERLUST by Lauren Blakely-a review 


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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 20, 2018

The first time I met him, his sexy British accent almost talked me into giving him my number on the spot. The second time, he nearly charmed the panties off me with his wit. Then I learned he’s the key to success in my new job in Paris. The man who tempts me into fling-worthy dirty daydreams has turned out to be my personal translator, and his accent is the hottest thing I’ve ever heard.
My mantra is simple — Don’t mix business with pleasure. I do my best to resist him as he teaches me how to converse with my co-workers, navigate the metro and order the perfect bottle of wine at dinner. But I also figure out how to tell the charming and clever man what I most want to say — that I want him to take me back to his flat — tonight.
Except there’s a catch…

***
One more assignment before I take off on my big adventure…

And it involves the toughest work ever — resisting the fetching American woman I spend all my days with. But you know what they say about best intentions. Soon, we’re spending our nights tangled together, and I don’t want to let her go. The trouble is, my wanderlust is calling to me, and before we know it I’ll be traveling the globe to fulfill a promise I made long ago.

What could possibly go wrong with falling in love in Paris? Nothing…unless one of you is leaving.

•••••••••

REVIEW: WANDERLUST by Lauren Blakely is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line focusing on American perfumer/ chemist Joy Danvers-Lively, and British marine biologist/language expert Griffin Thomas.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Joy and Griffin) WANDERLUST follows the building relationship between American chemist Joy Danvers-Lively, and British chemist and translator Griffin Thomas. Joy is a woman on a mission when the perfume company for whom she works offers her a position in their Parisian labs –a position that comes with a sexy interpreter. Enter Griffin Thomas, a British marine biologist who specializes in several languages and the man with whom Joy will fall in love. What ensues is the slow burn of sexual attraction, and the potential fall out when their time together draws to a close.

Griffin has a bucket list of things to do; a list to honor his brother’s final wishes but with it comes the responsibility of completing the list against all odds. Falling in love was never on the agenda but falling for a spunky American woman meant a change in direction Griffin never saw coming.

The relationship between Griffin and Joy is one of immediate attraction. An accidental meeting between strangers that turned into something more. Griffin knew to fall in love with a client could only result in disaster at the very end but falling in love meant spending what little time left in Paris with the woman that called to his heart. Joy would never keep Griffin from completing his list so when the time came to say good-bye her heart knew she was losing the one. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive. The sexual banter is fun and flirty.

We are introduced to Joy’s friend back home Allison; Elise –an American living in Paris, as well as Griffin’s pal and fellow translator Christian; and Joy’s Parisian boss Marisol. Christian and Elise’s story line is next in Part Time Lover (June 2018).

The world building follows Joy and Griffin as they take the reader to the sights and sounds of Paris-the usual tourist attractions as well as the local bakery, shops, cafes and more. Paris comes alive on every page and description narration- The perfumes, the scents and the building aromas are tangible and real-you can almost detect the subtle hints of floral and citrus bouquets.

WANDERLUST is a sweet and sexy story line with two sassy characters. The premise is spirited and tender; the romance is heartwarming and provocative; the characters are colorful, energetic and inspiring. WANDERLUST is a story of romance, butterflies and happily ever afters.

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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Most Likely to Score by Lauren Blakey-Review and Book Tour

Most Likely to Score by Lauren Blakely-Review and Book Tour

Most Likely to Score

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 8,2018

It should have been a simple play…

She needed a football player to step up and be the star for a charity calendar. I needed a sharp and savvy publicist to manage a brand-new sponsorship deal. I scratched her back. She scratched mine. And oh hell, did Jillian ever drag her nails down my back on one hell of a hot night. Okay fine, it was several hot nights on the road.

Now we’re back in town and it’s time to set the play clock back to when we were simply player and publicist. Given the way the last few years have gone, I can’t risk this deal, so it’s hands off for us once again. Trouble is, I want more than than just another night with her.

What’s a guy to do when he’s always been most likely to score, but the woman he’s falling for is just out of bounds?

I don’t date players.
And I definitely don’t sleep with players.
And I absolutely don’t fall for a certain player when I get to know him and learn he’s more than just sexy — he’s clever, funny and has a heart as big as his . .. well, you get my drift.

But my job is at stake, and I can’t afford to lose that as well as my heart. The problem is, I think I’ve already lost that game.

What’s a girl to do when the clock is running out, but the man she’s falling for is off limits?

••••••••••

REVIEW:MOST LIKELY TO SCORE by Lauren Blakely is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, erotic, romance sports story line focusing NFL wide receiver Jones Beckett, and San Francisco Renegade PR director Jillian Moore.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jillian and Jones) MOST LIKELY TO SCORE follows the forbidden relationship between San Francisco Renegade’s wide receiver, and manwh*re Jones Beckett, and the team’s PR director Jillian Moore. For months Jillian and Jones have been dancing around one another, the sexual attraction palpable and edgy but with Jones’ reputation drowning in off-field one-night stands Jillian Moore is called in to clean up his notoriety and fame in the public eye. What ensues is the building love and romance between Jillian and Jones, and the potential fall-out when their relationship is revealed to the people in charge.

Jillian Moore has had a crush on Jones Beckett for as long as she could remember but his reputation with the ladies precedes his introduction to the woman with whom he is falling in love. Believing Jones is out of her league, Jillian struggles with her attraction to the man with whom she begins a close, personal relationship.

The relationship between Jillian and Jones is one of immediate attraction; a forbidden love between two San Francisco Renegade employees but a love that grows stronger as their relationship climbs. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and passionate with the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Jones’ Renegade teammates, front office personnel, media reporters, sponsors, agents and numerous fans. We are introduced to Jillian’s best friend Kate, as well as her father Aaron Moore; and Jones’ brothers Trevor.

The world building follows the relationship between our leading couple, as well as the public relations nightmare of a PR director as it pertains to a star athlete. The story line conflict is minimal as most of the issues are part of a preconceived notion about other people’s reaction to co-workers dating on the job.

MOST LIKELY TO SCORE is a sweet, sexy and entertaining story line. The premise is
Inviting and engaging; the characters are charismatic and energetic; the romance is enthusiastic and captivating.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author Black and White

Lauren BlakelyA #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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Hard Wood by Lauren Blakely-Review and Excerpt Tour

Hard Wood by Lauren Blakely-Review and Excerpt Tour

Hard Wood

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.au / Amazon.uk /B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / ibooks /

Add it to Goodreads here!

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 23, 2017

Women often say a good man is hard to find. And a hard man is even better.

That’s why I’m quite a catch— good, hard, loaded, and wait for it…I’m ready to settle down too. But the woman I want to pitch my tent with lives clear across the country. Neither of us wants to get lost in those woods. All I have to do is resist her for the week she’s in town.

I try. I swear I try. But yeah, that doesn’t work out.

And after one fantastic night with my good friend Mia, I’m ready to give her years of nights under the stars. What’s a few thousand miles when love’s involved? But there’s a hitch in my plans — she just hired my adventure tour company. If there’s one thing I’m committed to, it’s running a squeaky clean business. Number one on my list of iron-clad rules?

Don’t screw your customers.

But what’s a guy to do when she’s so hard to resist? How hard can it be to keep our hands off each other for a quick group tour down the hills and over the trails? I’m about to find out, and I have a feeling I’m going to need a new badge of honor because things are about to get very hard in the woods.

••••••••••••

REVIEW:

HARD WOOD by Lauren Blakely is a contemporary, erotic romance found in the author’s series of standalone male point of view story lines including Well Hung, Mr. O, The Sexy One, Big Rock, Joy Ride and Full Package, connected by the familiarity of family, friendships and lovers. This is professional hiker and trail guide Patrick Milligan, and beauty company owner Mia Summers’ story line. HARD WOOD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty . Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Mia is the younger sister of Chase Summers (Full Package) and Max Summers (Joy Ride); Patrick is best friends with Mia’s brother Max.

Told from first person point of view (Patrick Milligan) with a few pages from Zeus the cat HARD WOOD is a best friends, little sister trope that follows the friends to lovers building romance between adventure tour owner and operator Patrick Milligan, and beauty company owner Mia Summers. Mia is a West Coast girl; her beauty products company is based in San Francisco but she struggles with the distance between herself and her brothers back in New York. Enter Patrick Milligan, Max Summers’ best friend, and the man with whom Mia will fall in love. What ensues is the quick building romance between Patrick and Mia, and the potential fall out of a long distance relationship.

The relationship between Mia and Patrick is quick to build; a friends to lovers insta-love/lust romance wherein Patrick is ready to settle down but Mia battles issues from the past. Convincing herself that New York is where she wants to be, Mia moves her head office and her heart to be closer to the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic.

Most of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting roles. The author gives the reader a glimpse into the ongoing relationship dynamics, and the growing families and friendship.

HARD WOOD is a sweet story of romance and love. There is no outside conflict, and little to no confrontation or struggle between our leading couple. The premise is engaging; the characters are real; the romance is sexy and hot. HARD WOOD takes the reader on an adventure with one sexy man; his hiking-loving cat Zeus; and one woman who is willing to take a chance on a happily ever after.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Excerpt

NOTE: Excerpt intended for mature readers due to language and content

I let go of her hand and thread my fingers through her hair. “Get on me.”

Then I grab her hips and move her so she’s straddling my lap. She gasps, a sexy noise that turns into a moan as she sinks down on my hard-on.

I hiss because it feels so fucking good.

“I wanted to come over the other night. After dinner. After the elevator,” she blurts out.

“Yeah?”

She nods. “Dinner ran late, but I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

“What were you thinking?”

“That we didn’t get to kiss, and I wanted to so badly.”

“I can fix that problem right now.”

I take her face in my hands and bring her to me. Then the world spirals away as I kiss Mia Summers for the very first time.

It’s extraordinary. Her lips brush against mine, and she wastes no time. She slides closer, rubbing on my dick as she presses her chest to me. It’s as if she’s climbing me, and God, how I want this. How I want her like this.

I thread my fingers through her hair, pulling her closer, kissing her deeper. Tasting her. Her mouth is soft and sweet, and she makes these little sounds—whimpers, sighs, gasps—that make me nearly lose my mind.

I’m kissing Mia. I’ve been crazy for her for so damn long, and she’s on my lap, rubbing against my erection, kissing me as if her every last breath depends on it. Her tongue tangles with mine, and in a hot second, the kiss become furious. Greedy. Like two people who are mad about each other. I curl my hands around her head, wanting to get as close as I can, but she bats them away.

I break contact for a moment and raise a questioning eyebrow.

“My turn.” She lifts her hands, cups my cheeks, and then she strokes my jaw. Reverently. Hungrily. And I know what she’s doing. She’s feeling my beard. She’s touching my stubbled jaw with eager fingers, as if she’s wanted to get her hands on me for as long as I’ve wanted to touch her.

I don’t stop her. I drop my hands to her hips, and I guide her along, moving her so she grinds against my cock, and she’s gasping and murmuring as she kisses me.

We consume each other. We are ravenous. My brain turns to static, firing pleasure signal after pleasure signal to every nerve in my body. I want to live in this moment for the rest of the night. I don’t ever want to forget how good it feels not only to kiss her, but to be kissed by her.

She rocks harder, goes faster, murmurs louder, then she separates and looks at me with desperate eyes. “You have no idea.”

I shake my head. “I do. I have every idea.”

Hard Wood Teaser

about the author

Lauren BlakelyA #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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