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Well Hung by Lauren Blakely-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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WELL HUNG by Lauren Blakely-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

 

 

WELL HUNG
by Lauren Blakely
Release Date: September 12, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance,

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 12 , 2016

Here’s what you need to know about me — I’m well-off, well-hung and quick with a joke. Women like a guy who makes them laugh—and I don’t mean at the size of his d*ck. No, they want their funny with a side of huge… not to mention loyal. I’ve got all that plus a big bank account, thanks to my booming construction business. Yup. I know how to use all my tools.

Enter Natalie. Hot, sexy, smart, and my new assistant. Which makes her totally off limits… 

Hey, I’m a good guy. Really. I do my best to stay far away from the kind of temptation she brings to work.

Until one night in Vegas… 

Yeah, you’ve heard this one before. Bad news on the business front, drowning our sorrows in a few too many Harvey Wallbangers, and then I’m banging her. In my hotel room. In her hotel room. Behind the Titanic slot machine at the Flamingo (don’t ask). And before I can make her say “Oh God right there YES!” one more time, we’re both saying yes—the big yes—at a roadside chapel in front of a guy in press-on sideburns and a shiny gold leisure suit. 



But it turns out what happened in Vegas didn’t stay in Vegas. And now, my d*ck doesn’t stay in my pants when she’s around. I try to resist. Honest. But the more we try to keep our hands to ourselves, the more we end up naked again, and the more time I want to spend with her fully clothed, too.

The question now is…do I take this woman to be my ex-wife?

•••••

REVIEW: WELL HUNG by Lauren Blakely is a stand alone, contemporary adult, romance story that follows the friends to lovers relationship between PA Natalie Rhodes, and carpenter Wyatt Hammer. If you are a fan of Lauren’s rom-com story lines you will recognize our couple from her previous books Big Rock, and Mister O. WELL HUNG can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although many of the characters from previous story line cross over for cohesion and familiarity. Natalie is Charlotte’s sister (Big Rock), and Wyatt is Nick’s twin brother (Mister O).

Told from first person point of view (Wyatt) WELL HUNG follows carpenter and construction businessman Wyatt Hammer, and his personal assistant Natalie Rhodes as they venture to Las Vegas for a client to remodel a recently purchased penthouse. When the business deal falls through Wyatt and Natalie decide to enjoy Vegas for one more night waking up the next morning as husband and wife. What ensues are the couple’s attempts to get the marriage annulled when their speedy divorce in Vegas doesn’t go through, and Wyatt’s need keep his soon to be ex-wife in his life for ever. Returning home as husband and wife makes for some difficult and awkward moments at work.

Wyatt Hammer has issues of trust and has been burned in the past, and in this he envisions losing everything because of a reckless night in Vegas with his personal assistant-a woman he has fantasized about for several months. Natalie Rhodes made a promise to the man she now calls both husband and boss, and with the promise comes heartbreak and sorrow as our couple continues on their path to annulment and divorce. Natalie is a woman who has fallen in love but knows that Wyatt has no plans for the future.

WELL HUNG is a sweet and sexy read with a little bit of tension and drama on the side. The conflict arises through miscommunication, a lack of trust, and promises made only to be forgotten. The premise is entertaining and humorous; the characters are fun, warm and energetic; the romance is seductive and hot. WELL HUNG is an enjoyable read with wonderful characters that are likable and real.

Copy supplied by the promoter

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

She twirls the pen in her hand. “So who caused the contamination today? Was it Floyd or Kevin the oily electrician you tried to put a chokehold on?” “Oily Kevin needed the chokehold. Agree or disagree?” She nods. “Completely agree. There’s so much agreement in me, I can’t imagine how much more I could possibly agree.” “The chokehold was one hundred percent certifiably necessary,” I add, since Kevin had hit on her when he stopped by a few weeks ago. Here’s the thing—Natalie could dropkick him in the blink of an eye. She could slam him to the ground herself. But that shit he pulled with the leering and lewd comments does not fly with me. I would have done the same if a dude tried to get fresh with my little sister, Josie, at the bakery where she works. So I’d dropped a hand on Kevin’s shoulder, Vulcan style, and promptly escorted him the fuck out of my office. No one, and I mean no one, gets to put the moves on my employees. “It was Floyd today,” I tell her, then give her the safe-for-work version of the story—the one about Floyd’s client conquests, not his comments about banging assistants. There’s no need to have that hanging out there in the air between us. Can’t plant that forbidden idea in her head. That risky, dangerous, dirty, filthy, completely fucking alluring idea. My eyes roam the office briefly, and I catalogue all the places that are calling out to be christened. Her desk, her chair, the floor… Just like that, my head is a wild rumpus of inappropriate ideas. Exactly what it shouldn’t be. It’s like horny aliens have invaded my mind. But I’m not Floyd. I can do better, so I picture a vise, jam the images into it, and crush them out of my mind. The dirty images and the horny aliens, too. “And then I escorted him out of Lila’s home and said see ya later,” I tell her, finishing the story, as I drag a hand through my dark brown hair. “Like, in another lifetime later.” “Hmmm…” she says. “Hmm, that’s great, or hmm, why did I give one of our suppliers the heave-ho?” “Hmm, as in your story gives me a good idea. Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.” “What’s that?” Her eyes sparkle. Hers are a lighter shade than my dark blue. “Want me to find a new hinge supplier?” The idea is beyond perfect. I smack my palm against the edge of her desk enthusiastically. “Yes. And for the record, you’re brilliant and beauty—“ I cut the last word off so it sounds like a low bass note. Note to self: Don’t call her beautiful when you’re berating other men for hitting on her at work. She’s watching me, waiting for me to finish my sentence, and somehow I twist the words into a new compliment, as I say, “Brilliant, and…bountiful.” *Bountiful? Seriously? What the hell was that? Maybe she won’t notice.* No such luck. “Bountiful?” she asks, skepticism thick in her tone. As it fucking should be. “I’m bountiful?” I nod, going with it, owning it. “Your brain. It’s like a cornucopia of ideas. It’s a Thanksgiving bounty. It’s bountiful,” I say, because I’ve got to sell this cover-up. She squares her shoulders. “If you say so, Hammer.” And this bountiful brain was two steps ahead today. I already found a new supplier. I called around, talked to some of our colleagues, and got some great recommendations. I already have a new hinge guy lined up.” My smile spreads quickly. “Damn. You are three steps ahead of me.” “A good assistant should be.” 

 

about the author

Lauren BlakelyLauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and she has had eight books on the New York Times Bestseller list and fifteen on the USA Today Bestseller list. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire. She recently released SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, the first novel in her new sexy romance series Sinful Nights that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her new adult forbidden romance, 21 Stolen Kisses, hit e-readers in May and landed on the USA Today Bestseller list. In January, she’ll release BIG ROCK, a standalone contemporary romance sure to make you swoon. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, text BLAKELY + your email address to 678-249-3375 (please use the actual + sign).

 

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

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The Sapphire Heist (Jewel #2) by Lauren Blakely-Review, Book tour & Giveaway

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THE SAPPHIRE HEIST (Jewel #2) by Lauren Blakely-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Sapphire Heist banner

THE SAPPHIRE HEIST
Jewel #2
by Lauren Blakely
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic, suspense
Release Date: August 16, 2016

The Sapphire Heist

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /  BAM /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 16, 2016

Keep your lover close and your enemy closer…

After giving in to a fiery night of passion, island adventurer Steph Anderson and bounty hunter Jake Harlowe are back to square one. With millions in stolen jewels at stake, it’s hard for Steph not to question her new partner’s true motives—no matter how sexy he might be. Jake is hungry for more of Steph, but he can sense her growing mistrust, which only fuels his own doubts. Worse, there’s undeniable evidence that someone else is now after the jewels—and that they are both in real danger.

Fighting against their magnetic attraction is a distraction these two can’t afford. In order to survive, they’ll have to pull off one more heist—and trust each other with something even more precious than jewels: their hearts.

•••••••

REVIEW: THE SAPPHIRE HEIST is the second installment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult JEWEL romantic, suspense duology focusing on bounty hunter/professional retriever Jake Harlowe, and Island Adventure tour operator Steph Anderson. THE SAPPHIRE HEIST should not be read as a stand alone as the story line picks up upon the events and cliff hanger of book one-The Sapphire Affair.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jake and Steph) THE SAPPHIRE HEIST begins immediately following the events of book one. Steph and Jake have partnered together in the search for ten million dollars in missing money and diamonds with Steph’s step-father the prime suspect. But Steph believes she has been played by the man who currently holds her heart, and sets out to uncover the truth on her own. THE SAPPHIRE HEIST continues to follow the hunt for the missing diamonds focusing on more than one potential player in a game of cat and mouse.

Lauren Blakely’s THE SAPPHIRE HEIST is a suspense filled story of mystery, betrayal, lies and deceit. Lauren drops a few hints and clues throughout the story adding a couple of twists to an already entertaining tale of intrigue and romance. Our heroine doesn’t want to believe her step-father is responsible for a ten million dollar embezzlement scheme, and she begins to point the finger in another direction. A lack of trust is a presiding theme throughout the story. A great series with a sexy romance, intriguing premise, and interesting characters.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE SAPPHIRE AFFAIR

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Sapphire Heist teaser

Excerpt

A fan circled lazily overhead, stirring the gauzy white curtains that hung by the sliding glass doors. He grabbed her hand, pulled her to the open deck. The sun was still high in the sky and his room had a stunning view of the endless blue water. He also had a clear view of how to resolve this turmoil still roil¬ing in his chest.
He had to try to talk to her about some of the harder topics. If not, this would be Rosalinda and the Medici job all over again.
“Just look,” he said, gesturing to the vast sea.
She gazed toward the water. “It’s gorgeous.”
“It is. And I’m showing you to make a point.”
“Over the view?” She parked her hands on the railing.
He turned to her and met her eyes. “Yes. I’m showing you this because it’s beautiful. Because you love the water. Because you are an outdoor girl through and through. Because I know these things about you,” he said, taking her hands and clasping them in his. He squeezed. “I know already that the water calms you. I know the sunshine is like some kind of magic to you. And I know you love your mother with a fierceness that can move mountains. You’re like this warrior princess who’d go to battle for her, and even though I’ve never met her, I can pic¬ture her. I imagine she is the gentlest, kindest person in the world who wouldn’t hurt a fly, and you fight for her. Not because she’s the kind of woman who won’t fight for herself, but rather because she chooses not to. Am I right?”
Steph drew in a deep breath and nodded. A warm breeze blew by, stirring up the ends of her pretty blonde hair. “Yes. You’re right.” Her voice was soft.
As the waves lapped the shore in the distance, and boaters skipped over the blue waters, he grasped her arms. “But what do you know about me?”
She opened her lips but didn’t speak.
“Steph,” he said, fixing her with a sharp gaze, and then asked again, needing to set her straight, desperate to avoid another on-the-job mis¬take. “What do you know about me?”
“That you like ice cream?” She said it like a question, her expres¬sion confused.
He nodded, a sliver of a smile appearing briefly. “That’s a good start. What else?”
“That you like to tell jokes?” she asked, squinting as the sun shone brightly overhead.
“Keep going.”
“That you’re motivated by your family,” she said with more confi¬dence now in her tone.
“Good. Keep going.”
“That you do what you do because of them. To take care of your little sister and brother, and your big sister’s kid.”
“I do.”
“And that you hate when bastards get away with anything.”
He tapped his finger to his nose. Bingo. “Know what else?”
“What?”
A knot of discomfort clogged his throat. He pushed past it, speak¬ing plainly, honestly. “I went out with a woman who nearly cost me a job. Who tried to steal the artifact we’d teamed up to find,” he said, the memory blasting through him of how foolish he’d felt when Rosalinda stole it from him. “I trusted her. I thought she cared about me. She only cared about the prize.”
“I don’t even want the prize,” Steph said, raising her chin, meeting his gaze. “I’m not after money. I’m after the truth.”
“But it seemed this morning that you were playing me,” he said, his tone turning rougher. “That when you saw me at the café, you were all sexy snuggly because you thought I’d run. And outside the gallery, you were pretending to get cozy when you put your hands in my shorts, but you were only searching for stones even after I told you there weren’t any.”
“I was,” she said through gritted teeth. Her expression was one of frustration and embarrassment.
“Don’t fuck with my feelings. You know I want you. You know I like you. Just don’t fuck with me,” he said, yanking her close to him.
“I’m not. I won’t. I’m sorry,” she said, her tone full of contrition.
That knot unwound, and he nodded. “So tell me the truth. Do I seem like the type of guy who’d screw you over?”

about the author

Lauren BlakelyLauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and she has had eight books on the New York Times Bestseller list and fifteen on the USA Today Bestseller list. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire. She recently released SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, the first novel in her new sexy romance series Sinful Nights that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her new adult forbidden romance, 21 Stolen Kisses, hit e-readers in May and landed on the USA Today Bestseller list. In January, she’ll release BIG ROCK, a standalone contemporary romance sure to make you swoon. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, text BLAKELY + your email address to 678-249-3375 (please use the actual + sign).

 

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

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The Sapphire Affair (Jewel #1) by Lauren Blakely-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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THE SAPPHIRE AFFAIR (Jewel #1) by Lauren Blakely-Review,  Book Tour & Giveaway

The Sapphire Affair

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / BAM /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 12, 2016

Bounty hunter Jake Harlowe knows how to track a criminal. So when a group of swindled shareholders hires him to trail their former CEO, Jake expects a quick trip to the Cayman Islands to close another case. Until a devastatingly beautiful woman gets in the way.

Steph Anderson is visiting the Caymans for a rock climbing and dive trip—or so she tells Jake. She’s really trying to find out whether or not her stepfather embezzled money from his company. The last thing Steph needs is the distraction of a sexy, charming man whose kisses drive her wild.

Soon, the pair discover they’re after the same target—and millions in jewels. While Jake can’t be certain Steph isn’t working for her stepfather, and Steph can’t be certain Jake isn’t after the diamonds for himself, they can agree the heat between them is intense, and neither can deny the passion for long.

But the morning after, Steph discovers that she just might have slept with the enemy, and now she’ll have to outwit him to get everything she needs…

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE SAPPHIRE AFFAIR is the first installment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult JEWEL romantic suspense duology focusing on bounty hunter/ recovery expert Jake Harlowe, and Island Adventure Tour operator/owner Steph Anderson.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jake and Steph) THE SAPPHIRE AFFAIR focuses on the hunt for the truth. Steph Anderson is hoping to uncover the truth behind the embezzlement accusations against her stepfather- a man she considers her father but the same man who destroyed her mother’s heart. Enter Jake Harlowe, former military intelligence specialist, and a man seeking the identical information as our story line heroine. What ensues is a partnership between Jake and Steph that leads to a romantic liason where the morning after is anything but expected.

THE SAPPHIRE AFFAIR is a fast paced, romantically charged, and suspense filled story about two people searching for answers and the whereabouts of millions of dollars in missing money and diamonds. Steph Anderson hopes that the rumors about her step father are not true but all clues point to an illicit operation where missing money is but the tip of the proverbial iceberg in the Cayman Islands.

The relationship between our couple is one of immediate attraction; palpable sexual energy that is driven by a vow to remain professional and friendly. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and seductive. The premise is entertaining and will keep your attention from the very start; the characters are energetic, real and driven; the romance is hot and steamy. Betrayal, heartbreak and a lack of trust fuel the fires for the next installment. THE SAPPHIRE AFFAIR ends on a cliffhanger-you have been warned.

Lauren Blakely takes the reader on a tropical island adventure where intrigue, suspense, and a game of truth or dare are but a betrayal or ten million dollars away.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

The Sapphire Affair Teaser 2

excerpt

Jake’s eyes drifted briefly to the blond guy who hadn’t quite gotten the message. He was standing far too close, so Jake tugged her near him. “A woman like you doesn’t need a frat boy,” he said in a low voice, just for her.
She arched an eyebrow. “Is that so? What does a woman like me need?”
The guy flubbed his lips and walked away. Mission accomplished.
Jake could walk away, too.
But he didn’t. He was mere millimeters from her, and that coconut scent was in his damn nostrils again. Reminding him of how her skin tasted. How she smelled when he’d kissed her. And how goddamn much he wanted to wrap her legs around his waist.
Digging his thumb into her hip, he answered her. “Someone who knows how to savor a stunning marine biologist.”
That earned him a sparkling smile. She raised her chin as the music pulsed from the stage. “Savoring is your specialty, I take it?”
While he hadn’t cut across the floor to flirt, he found himself unable to stop. Being this close to her short-circuited all his brain cells. “Oh, believe you me. I am excellent at that pursuit,” he said, letting go of her hip, so his fingers drifted across the fabric of her dress to her belly.
“How would you do that? Savor me, that is.”
He flicked her belly button ring through the material, and her breath caught in response. “I’d run my tongue across this ring, then properly kiss you all over. Every inch. That’s what you need. That’s what you deserve.”
“Proper kissing? Everywhere?” she asked, her voice breathy and low, but he heard every word because they were only for him.
He splayed his palm over her flat belly. The club goers crowded them in, crushing them closer together, and the press of bodies and the tightness of the space made it so hardly anyone could tell who was with whom. “Everywhere,” he said as his thumb dropped lower, tracing a line along the waistband of her panties, making his intentions clear. “Everywhere along your beautiful body.”
She shivered, and her lips parted, but she said nothing. Maybe she was wondering why the hell he was saying these things when they’d agreed to cool it. Hell, he was wondering, too. “You deserve someone who craves the taste of your lips. The feel of your body. Most of all, a woman like you deserves a man who understands the three-to-one ratio.”
She scrunched her brows together. “What’s that?”
He brushed her blonde strands away from her ear, cupped a hand over it, and whispered, “I would make sure you come three times before I even do once.”

About The Author

Lauren BlakelyLauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and she has had eight books on the New York Times Bestseller list and fifteen on the USA Today Bestseller list. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire. She recently released SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, the first novel in her new sexy romance series Sinful Nights that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her new adult forbidden romance, 21 Stolen Kisses, hit e-readers in May and landed on the USA Today Bestseller list. In January, she’ll release BIG ROCK, a standalone contemporary romance sure to make you swoon. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, text BLAKELY + your email address to 678-249-3375 (please use the actual + sign).

 

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

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

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Big Rock by Lauren Blakely-Review and Release Blitz

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BIG ROCK by Lauren Blakely-Review and Release Blitz

 

We are so excited to bring you the Release Week Blitz for Lauren Blakely’s BIG ROCK! A standalone sexy romantic comedy, BIG ROCK takes everything you love about a Lauren Blakely novel –witty dialogue, smoking hot sex scenes, and heartfelt moments –and puts them into one fantastic book! BIG ROCK is releasing Wednesday, January 6th! Readers can start their new year off right with Spencer! BIG ROCK is a standalone, dirty romance novel written from the guy’s POV. Come join us as we meet Spencer-parts, heart and all!

Big Rock
by Lauren Blakely
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance
Release Date: January 6, 2016

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 6, 2016

It’s not just the motion of the ocean, ladies. It’s definitely the SIZE of the boat too.

And I’ve got both firing on all cylinders. In fact, I have ALL the right assets. Looks, brains, my own You might think I’m an asshole. I sound like one, don’t I? I’m hot as sin, rich as heaven, smart as hell and hung like a horse.

Guess what? You haven’t heard my story before. Sure, I might be a playboy, like the NY gossip rags call me. But I’m the playboy who’s actually a great guy. Which makes me one of a kind.

The only trouble is, my dad needs me to cool it for a bit. With conservative investors in town wanting to buy his flagship Fifth Avenue jewelry store, he needs me not only to zip it up, but to look the part of the committed guy. Fine. I can do this for Dad. After all, I’ve got him to thank for the family jewels. So I ask my best friend and business partner to be my fiancée for the next week. Charlotte’s up for it. She has her own reasons for saying yes to wearing this big rock.

And pretty soon all this playing pretend in public leads to no pretending whatsoever in the bedroom, because she just can’t fake the kind of toe-curling, window-shattering orgasmic cries she makes as I take her to new heights between the sheets.

But I can’t seem to fake that I might be feeling something real for her.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: BIG ROCK is a stand alone contemporary adult, erotic romance storyline from author Lauren Blakely. This is bar owners Charlotte, and Spencer Holiday’s friends to lovers/fake fiancé story line.

Told from first person point of view (Spencer Holiday) BIG ROCK focuses on Spencer Holiday’s need for a fake fiancé. When Spencer’s father decides to sell the family owned jewelry business, Spencer inserts his foot into his mouth and tells the gathered crowd that he is engaged to his best friend and business partner Charlotte. What ensues is a series of lies and rules to keep up the charade in the face of potential failure if his father’s business arrangement fails because of Spencer’s lies. Charlotte offers up one week of ‘fake fiance’ then they fall back to best friends and partners.

Spencer is a bit of a man-whore, with a reputation as a ‘love’em and leave’em’ kinda guy with an ego to match the size of his ‘big rock’. Our hero has never once considered settling down but pretending to play house with Charlotte starts Spencer on a different path towards love and a happily ever after-but Spencer doesn’t think Charlotte wants the same thing and is willing to walk away when the proverbial sh*t hits the fan. Charlotte also benefits from Spencer’s need for a fiancée, when her cheating ex-boyfriend continues to push the limits of Charlotte’s patience.

The relationship between Spencer and Charlotte is a friends to lovers scenario but Charlotte has been in love with her best friend for years. Lauren Blakely adds some steamy sex scenes, plenty of humor and fast one-liners especially as it pertains to Charlotte’s inability to tell a lie, as well as the ultimate evil in the shape of a jealous and vindictive seventeen year old girl.

We are introduced to Spencer and Charlotte’s friend Nick Hammer-a television producer who specializes in late night, adult entertainment. Nick’s story is to be told next-he may or may not have an interest in Spencer’s sister Harper Holiday. The secondary and supporting characters were real, fallible, and full of life.

BIG ROCK has a little bit of everything: love, romance and sex: heartbreak and humor; friends and family; sexual tension and emotional fallout from a lie that was never met to be. The premise is delightful and fun; the characters are colorful and energetic; the romance is provocative and alive.

Copy supplied by the promoter

Reviewed by Sandy

 

excerpt

 

I do my best work in the bedroom. This is completely my domain. So it should be no big deal that she asked me to wait here. But something about being in Charlotte’s bedroom is wigging me out. Mostly because there’s nearby nudity transpiring mere feet away. She’s taking a shower, and no matter how you slice them, New York apartments are approximately thimble size. Let me spell this out—wet, naked, hot woman in a ten-foot radius. Got it? Okay. Moving on. I pick up a picture frame on her sky blue bureau of the dog her parents have. A fluffy brown summa dog—some of this, some of that. I’m going to focus on this mutt. Zero in on him. Look at his tail. Check out his ears. Yup, this picture is doing the trick. It is helping me not to linger on the naked woman and how well she kisses. Or how much I liked it. Why the fuck did I like it so much? *Of course you liked it, idiot. A pretty woman kisses you, and you’re straight—you’d be stupid not to like it.* *End of story. Doesn’t mean anything. Stop analyzing.* Especially since she just turned off the shower. Maybe she forgot a towel. Maybe she’ll open the door a crack, and ask me to grab one for her. I smack my forehead. *Get it together, Holiday.* I set down the picture, draw a deep inhale and straighten my shoulders. The door creaks open. She steps out of the bathroom wearing only a white fluffy towel wrapped above her breasts. “You might be wondering why I asked you to wait in my bedroom instead of the living room,” she says, in the most matter-of-fact tone. I have no clue how she can be talking like we’re having a business transaction when droplets of water slide down her bare legs. But I’m a strong man. I can handle this. I’m not tempted at all by my best friend. Though my dick begs to differ, the traitorous prick. “The thought crossed my mind,” I say, as I lean against the bureau, striking a casual pose. “Because if you’re my fiancé, you need to be comfortable with me being naked,” she says with a crisp nod. Shit, she’s going to do it. She’s going to drop the towel. She’s going to make us practice fucking. I am the luckiest man on the face of the earth. Wait. No. I can’t fuck my best friend. I absolutely, positively, can’t screw Charlotte. Even if she tosses the towel on the floor and begs me to. I lace my fingers together behind my back, linking these twitchy hands. “Okay, so you’re getting naked,” I say, doing my best to imitate her cool-as-a-cucumber tone that is throwing me off big time. “No. It’s the *idea *of me naked,” she corrects. I give her a pointed look. “Seems to me it’s both the idea and the reality.” “Fine, fine. They’re one and the same, and it’s part of the debrief.” “Is this the exam portion?” She walks past me, her arm brushing against mine before she yanks open the top drawer of the bureau. “Yes. This is the practical portion.” “And this is because you somehow think we’re going to be required to be naked together in front of Mr. Offerman in order to pull this off? This isn’t like some feats-of-strength style fake engagement where we have to pass certain skill sets in an obstacle course. You know that, right?” She nods, as she hunts around in the drawer. “I’m aware of that. I see this as more like the Newlywed game.” “And in this version of the game we’re quizzed on how I get used to the idea of you naked and vice versa?” Her breath hitches when I say that—*vice versa. * I don’t know what to make of that small gasp, or if it means something about the idea of me *au naturel*. She spins around, and holds up two pairs of panties, one in each hand. “Quick. Do you prefer it when your fiancée wears the black lace thong?” She waggles a scrap of silky-looking fabric that is so hot my face might be engulfed in flames right now because Charlotte owns *that? *“Or do you prefer her in the white side-string bikini?” She waves the white pair before my eyes, and all I can see is a tiny triangular patch of fabric that’s the slightest bit see-through. Forget the flames. I am a fucking inferno right now knowing she owns *this *too. White panties that reveal pretty much everything. 

Lauren BlakelyLauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and she has had eight books on the New York Times Bestseller list and fifteen on the USA Today Bestseller list. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire. She recently released SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, the first novel in her new sexy romance series Sinful Nights that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her new adult forbidden romance, 21 Stolen Kisses, hit e-readers in May and landed on the USA Today Bestseller list. In January, she’ll release BIG ROCK, a standalone contemporary romance sure to make you swoon. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, text BLAKELY + your email address to 678-249-3375 (please use the actual + sign).

 

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