Tag Archives: Lauren Blakely

MERRY LITTLE KISSMAS by Lauren Blakely-review

Posted on by
15

MERRY LITTLE KISSMAS by Lauren Blakely-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 28, 2025

Dear Santa,
When I asked for a fresh shot at love for the holidays, I didn’t mean fake dating my brother’s grumpy best friend.
Especially since he’s also my new client.
As a professional matchmaker, my biggest job this holiday season should be simple: find a date for the sexy single dad hockey star—aka my brother’s best friend—for his team’s fancy Christmas Eve gala.
Sure Rowan’s hot as a crackling fire and spicier than a gingerbread man, but he hasn’t just sworn off romance. The Christmas hater has made a bet that I can’t find him a holidate.
What’s a matchmaker to do?

Win, of course. Even if it means fake dating the grinch myself to get him ready for the real thing.
Only…these fake dates at Christmas tree farms and hot cocoa competitions in the snowy small town of Evergreen Falls start to feel a little too real as I get to know the man behind the scowl.

Somewhere between kisses under the mistletoe and a snowed-in night in his cabin curled up by the fire (where the stockings aren’t the only thing hung), I realize I’m in over my elf-loving head.
And when Rowan opens up to me at last about his painful past, I’m determined to give my brother’s best friend the holiday he deserves.

But what if the only gift I want him to unwrap this season is… me?

••••••

REVIEW: MERRY LITTLE KISSMAS by Lauren Blakely is a contemporary, adult, stand alone erotic, Christmas romance story line focusing on matchmaker Isla Marlowe, and professional hockey player and single father Rowan Bishop. MERRY LITTLE KISSMAS includes characters from, and is set in the author’s LOVE AND HOCKEY world.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Isla and Rowan) MERRY LITTLE KISSMAS focuses on the hunt for a date for our story line hero. The annual Christmas Eve fund-raising gala is fast approaching, and Rowan, the perpetual Christmas Grinch doesn’t have or want a date but with the persistence of Isla, his agent and best friend Jason Marlowe’s younger sister, and the woman about whom he fantasizes, Rowan is about to meet his match. As the days and weeks pass with the approach to Christmas, Isla struggles to find Rowan the perfect match, and our couple agree to a fake-dating scheme to get everyone off of their back but the reality of their dating quickly grows into something more until Rowan pushes Isla out of his life, fearing further heart break for himself and his daughter.

The world building follows the back and forth between Isla and Rowan as our couple to get know one another in preparation for a match. Both Isla and Rowan’s attraction to one another is recognized by everyone including themselves but Rowan refuses to lay claim to the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Isla and Rowan is one of mutual attraction in the face of previous heart break and pain. Isla loves the Christmas Holidays, in opposition to Rowan’s lack of a Christmas spirit. Acting on their attraction, Isla finds herself hoping for something more but Rowan battles between head and heart, fearing another heart breaking going forward. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble and diverse cast of secondary and supporting characters including Rowan’s teammates,several couples from the interconnected LOVE AND HOCKEY series; Rowan’s nine-year old daughter Mia; MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE’s Fable Calloway and hotelier Wilder Blaine, as well as Isla’s brother Jason. And both Isla and Rowan’s extended families.

MERRY LITTLE KISSMAS is a story of heart break and betrayal, secrets and lies, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is both heart warming and heart breaking, inviting and uplifting; the characters are animated, sassy and flirty; the romance is seductive and passionate.

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

Share

Hearts and Hidden Secrets Anthology -review tour

Posted on by
13

Hearts and Hidden Secrets Anthology with Devney Perry, Helena Hunting, Lauren Blakely, Tijan -review  & excerpt tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 26, 2025

Some secrets are meant to be kept, but love will find a way. Hearts and Hidden Secrets explores the bonds of family and the mysteries that lie just beneath the surface. Whether it’s single parents, surprise pregnancies, or long-lost connections, these heartwarming stories show that love can heal even the deepest wounds.

Includes:
Dandelion Diary by Devney Perry
Where It Begins by Helena Hunting
Stud Finder by Lauren Blakely
and
Jonah Bennett by Tijan

 

_________

THE DANDELION DIARY by Devney Perry

THE DANDELION DIARY is the second instalment in Devney Perry’s contemporary, adult MAYSEN JAR  novella series, a part of the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights . This is divorced, single father and landscaper Jeff Dawson, and twenty-eight year old English Teacher  Della Adler’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jeff and Della) THE DANDELION DIARY follows the building but forbidden relationship between our story line couple. Jeff Dawson is a divorced, single father, of twelve year old daughter Katy but in recent days Katy appears to be struggling with her mother, and behavioral issues at school. Meeting Katy’s teacher, Della Adler finds Jeff considering a future with our story line heroine but dating a student’s parent is forbidden, and when their relationship is revealed,  Della Adler must make a decision regarding her future, going forward.

The relationship between Della and Jeff is one of the forbidden Katy knows that to ‘date’ a student’s parent may threaten her career. Jeff Dawson  is about to take over the operation and ownership of Alcott Landscaping but having  Della by his side would be worth the effort going forward. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

THE DANDELION DIARY is a fast paced, quick read focusing on secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging and inviting; the romance is flirty and seductive; the characters are  dynamic and determined.

•••••••

WHERE IT BEGINS by Helena Hunting

WHERE IT BEGINS is the prequel novella in Helena Hunting’s contemporary adult PUCKED erotic, romance series. This is forty-two year old single father and pro hockey scout Sidney Butterson, and thirty six year old, single mother/accountant Skye Hall’s story line. WHERE IT BEGINS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Sidney is the father of Miller’ Buck’ Butterson (Pucked Up 2), and Skye is the mother of Violet Hall (Pucked 1).

Told from four first person perspectives (Skye, Sidney, Violet and Miller) WHERE IT BEGINS focuses on the building romance and relationship between Sidney and Skye. Having met at a coffee shop, Sidney Buterson asks Skye Hall out for a date but from the outset of their growing relationship, everything goes wrong, a circus of catastrophes follows in their wake, and a team of horny teenaged hockey players adds fuel to the already raging fires. From one catastrophe to another, Sidney and Skye struggle for some time alone but Sidney’s son Miller is about to learn a hard lesson is responsibility and life.

The relationship between Skye and Sidney is one of immediate attraction but Skye struggles with Sidney’s career in hockey, having some experience with an ex she has fought hard to forget. Sidney knows Skye is the woman to claim his heart but one disaster after another constantly pushes the couple apart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate-Skye knows what she wants, and isn’t afraid to ask.

Meanwhile, we are up close and personal with the budding relationship between soon-to-be step siblings Violet and Miller. Miller’s propensity to party, and Violet’s need to be a fixer.

WHERE IT BEGINS is a fun, humorous, and entertaining story of family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is captivating; the characters are quirky and charismatic; the romance is provocative and impassioned.

•••••••

STUD FINDER by Lauren Blakely

STUD FINDER by Lauren Blakely is a stand alone, contemporary adult, romance story line set in the author’s Big Rock World, and latest installment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights. This is business entrepreneur Dylan Parker, and matchmaker Evie’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dylan and Evie) STUD FINDER focuses on the search for a woman for Dylan Parker. Taking matters into his own hands, APP developer and successful businessman takes out an online ad to procure the perfect woman but finds himself inundated with messages from h*ll. Enter matchmaker Evie, his sister’s best friend, and the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues are Evie’s attempts to get to know Dylan, in the hopes of finding him someone to love.

STUD FINDER is a quick read; a fun and sexy story of friends, family, flirty banter, and falling in love. Several non-dates find our leading couple drawn to one another but Evie struggles with falling for a client-a client, for whom, she is contracted to find love. The premise is heartwarming; the characters are sassy and energetic; the romance is passionate and inspiring. STUD FINDER is a delight to read; a playful and encouraging story line with a happily ever after.

••••••

JONAH BENNETT by Tijan

JONAH BENNETT by Tijan is a contemporary, adult, erotic, romance novella found in the author’s BENNETT MAFIA series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights. This is Dr. Jonah Bennett, and forensic technician Carson Dayley’s story line. JONAH BENNETT 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 (Carson and Jonah) JONAH BENNETT follows in the aftermath of the murder of Jonah Bennett’s fiancée, and Jonah’s attraction to the forensic technician Carson Dayley. Months would pass, the murder would go unsolved and Jonah never forgot about our story line heroine until the day she walked into one of the family owned nightclubs, a coincidence the Bennett family suspected to be orchestrated by someone else. Believing she was in town for her sister’s upcoming wedding, Carson never expected to come face to face with the grieving fiance, the man who stirred something deep within our story line heroine but a man whose family secrets ran dangerous and dark; a family who was now holding our heroine hostage as they searched for the truth. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Carson and Jonah ,and the potential fall-out as the Bennett family has been targeted for sins of the past, and our heroine is currently in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Carson and Jonah begins tempestuously as the Bennett family doesn’t trust our story line heroine. While Kai and Tanner Bennett begin to uncover the truth, Jonah’s relationship with Carson begins to turn into something more, something wherein Jonah become guardian and protector of the woman with whom he is falling in love. the $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include the Bennett family siblings: Kai and Riley (Bennett Mafia 1), as well as Tanner and Brooke, several security personnel, Carson’s co-workers, and the discovery of Jonah’s extended family, a family he never knew but had always wanted to know.

JONAH BENNETT is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, trust, relationships, family and love. The premise is emotional, dark but captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are strong-willed, colorful and intense.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

 

 

 

The Dandelion Diary“What’s the situation with the school? How big of a deal is this?”
“There are no rules against a friendship.”
“And what if I wanted more than friendship?” He relaxed in his chair, holding my gaze for a long moment. There was desire in his eyes. In his voice. Never in my life had anyone so clearly wanted me. Certainly not Luka.
Yes, I wanted more than friendship. I wanted it so badly I ached. But…
“It’s not allowed. Not while Katy is my student.”
“All right.” He leaned forward, elbows to knees. “Friends.”
“Friends.” I forced a smile despite my sinking heart. Standing, I made my way to the entryway, every step heavy like my shoes were wading through wet concrete.
Jeff followed, taking my coat off the hook where he’d hung it earlier. Then he held it open, but instead of sliding my arms inside, I inched closer.
“What if I wanted more than friendship?” I whispered.
What if I wanted him to kiss me? Right here. Right now.
No one in the world would have to know. Just…us.
His eyes flared, his arms dropping to his sides, my coat still clutched in a hand. “Della,” he warned. “You’re shredding my willpower here. You’d better go before it snaps.”
“Then give me my coat.”
He didn’t move.
So I closed the gap between us, feeling bold for the first time in my life. He made me comfortable enough to do that. To break the rules. To throw caution to the wind and just be desired.
His scent, citrus with woodsy undertones, invaded my nose. Damn, but he smelled good.
I was seconds away from rising up on my toes and pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth when footsteps pounded down the stairs.Where It Begins

“You don’t want to date me.”
He cocks his head, a wry grin turning up the corner of his mouth. “I don’t?”
I shake my head. “I’m a lot to deal with on a good day, and this verbal diarrhea stuff happens more than I’d like.” I need to stop talking.
There are ten seconds left on the crosswalk. Nine. Eight…
I bite my lips together and make another terrible decision to distract Sidney and to keep myself from spewing more nonsense. I grab his tie and push up on my toes, mashing my lips against his.
For a moment, he stands there, unmoving and unresponsive. And then his palm settles on my lower back and he pulls me against him, the front of our bodies flush. His hand slides upwards, between my shoulder blades and then under my hair, gently upping the back of my head as he angles his and parts his lips.
I do the same and his tongue slides against mine.
And I completely forget that this was supposed to be a distraction tactic. I release his tie and run my hand over his firm chest and grip his shoulder. I’m still holding my coffee in the other hand, which isn’t the most convenient, but it’s half full and dropping it so I can wrap myself fully around this man is both wasteful and littering. So, I keep holding it with one hand and him with the other.
Heat slams through my veins and desire makes everything below the waist tingle. I suck his bottom lip and he makes a low sound in the back of his throat when I follow with teeth.
The sound of horns blaring and someone calling out, “Get a room!” as they pass reminds me we’re on the sidewalk, across the street from my work.
I pull away and consider running across the street, but apparently, we’ve been making out so long the light has changed again.
I open my mouth, but for once, no words come out.
“I disagree.” Sidney’s eyes are hooded, and his gaze lingers on my lips.
“With what?”
“You said I don’t want to date you. And I disagree. I would very much like to see you again.”

Stud Finder

Dylan sets a hand on my arm. “Are you trying to seduce me?”
“No,” I say quickly. Too quickly. I’m not trying to seduce him at all.
I open the door, and a perfectly modulated blast of cool air greets us. We stroll across the navy carpet to a king-size bed perfectly appointed with a gorgeous white duvet and mountains of blue velvet pillows. I gesture to it, as if I’m a saleswoman, showing it off. “Tell me. Doesn’t this bed make you want to do everything on it?”
Then, to demonstrate my point, I fall back onto it, like a snow angel.
I prop myself on my elbows and meet his eyes. His green irises darken, and his lips part. He stares at me, and something shifts. The look in his eyes is no longer challenging. He’s not asking me to prove a point. His eyes are hungry. He stares as if he’s considering my question seriously, and I realize that maybe it does sound as if I’m trying to seduce him. I’ve pushed the limits here. I’m in a hotel room, trying to prove a point to a client, and in reality, my skirt is riding up my thighs, and I’m sprawled on a pristine, inviting bed.
This kind of bed is designed not only for sleeping, but for the best kind of sex in the world—hotel sex. The kind of loud, dirty, wild sex you can have when you don’t have to make the bed in the morning.
For a flash, I see Dylan hovering over me. Pinning my wrists. Pressing his body against mine. A wave of heat washes over me, and my skin is flush, my heart slamming hard against my chest.
I want that.
I want to feel that abandon.
And that goes against my personal code of ethics as a matchmaker—thou shalt not fall for a client.
I glance down, and see my skirt is riding up. It hits mid-thigh, revealing more of my legs. I tug it, and when I look up, Dylan is staring at me with darkened eyes. “Yeah. This bed makes me want to do everything on it.

Jonah Bennett

When I looked back up, my hand on the sink behind me, I saw a ghost. Well, not a ghost, but whoa.
My eyes bulged, and my heart dropped. “You’re…”
Jonah Bennett.”
My brain clicked, and I clamped my mouth shut, two seconds from spilling and showing how much of a stalker I was.
His hotness had not dimmed at all. Jesus. This guy just got better. It was such a shitty thing for me to think, but grief made him sizzle. He had a five o’clock shadow going, and the whole angry/stricken vibe just emanated from him.
I was speechless, and I was never speechless. I always had something to say.
Might’ve been why my brain was working overtime.
God.
I wanted to have this guy’s children.
I was hungry for him.
So embarrassing.
He raised an eyebrow, watching me. He stood over me, perfect position for, you know… Here I was on my knees—and there went another staccato drumline in my lady parts. My clit was getting in on the action.
I needed a life. That was my problem.
First time leaving the state, taking time off, and here I was: about wetting myself because I was hot for a grieving guy who looked like he wanted to murder me.


 

HELENA HUNTING

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

FOLLOW: NYT and USA Today Bestselling author of The PUCKED Series, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from contemporary romance to romance comedy, sports romance and angsty new adult romance.

_____

LAUREN BLAKELY

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

_______

TIJAN

Tijan is a New York Times Bestselling author that writes suspenseful and unpredictable novels. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real with a little bit of sass on the side. Tijan began writing later in life and once she started, she was hooked. She’s written multi-bestsellers including the Carter Reed Series, the Fallen Crest Series, and the Broken and Screwed Series among others. She is currently writing a new YA series along with so many more from north Minnesota where she lives with a man she couldn’t be without and an English Cocker she adores. 

Connect with Tijan

Facebook/ Twitter / Reader Group / Goodreads/ Bookbub/ Website/ Amazon Author Page

_____

DEVNEY PERRY

Devney is a USA Today bestselling author. Born and raised in Montana, she loves writing books set in her treasured home state. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her husband and two sons. Writing one book, let alone many, was not something she ever expected to do. But now that she’s discovered her true passion for writing romance, she has no plans to ever stop. Devney loves hearing from readers! Connect with her on social media.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devneyperrybooks/
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/2N1u9xz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devneyperry/
Website: https://devneyperry.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/devneyperry
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15854913.Devney_Perry
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/devneyperry/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/devney-perry

Share

The Overtime Kiss (Love and Hockey 5) by Lauren Blakely-review

Posted on by
13

The Overtime Kiss (Love and Hockey 5) by Lauren Blakely-review and excerpt

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 18, 2025

Just what every bride dreams of—running straight from her cheating fiancé into the arms of a hot hockey star… and then getting hired as his kids’ nanny.

Tyler Falcon is protective, flirtatious…and frustratingly responsible. We almost did something reckless when he found me alone in my wedding dress, and I blurted out all the things I’d never truly experienced.

Now, the sexy single dad is saving me again with a job I desperately need—and a promise to never mention The Night of 1001 Confessions.

I live in his house. Take care of his kids. Pretend I don’t notice his heated gaze lingering on me after they fall asleep.

Until one night, the tension snaps.

Now we have a deal. Five lessons in seduction. No strings attached.

But he’s not just good in bed. He spoils me with thoughtful gifts and supports my dreams. For the first time, I feel like I belong.

Except…this was never meant to last. I’m his employee. He has kids to protect. And neither of us can afford to make a mistake.

The more nights we spend tangled up together though, the harder it is to pretend it’s just physical. Because I’m not only falling for my boss—I’m falling for the man whose kids have stolen my heart.

•••••

REVIEW:THE OVERTIME KISS is the fifth instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult LOVE AND HOCKEY erotic, hockey romance series. This is thirty-two year old, San Francisco Sea Dogs hockey player and single dad Tyler Falcon, and twenty-six year old, ice skater/teacher/ nanny Sabrina Snow’s story line. THE OVERTIME KISS 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 (Tyler and Sabrina) THE OVERTIME KISS follows the ‘secret’ and ‘cliched’ relationship between thirty-two year old, San Francisco Sea Dogs hockey player and single dad Tyler Falcon, and twenty-six year old, ice skater/teacher/ nanny Sabrina Snow. Discovering her fiancé had been cheating with a co-worker, Sabrina became the ultimate runaway bride, finding herself at the local skating rink where she taught lessons to the young and young at heart but Sabrina never expected to run into friend and professional hockey player Tyler Falcon, the man with whom Sabrina will fall in love. Tyler is desperate, and needs a new nanny for his school aged children. Sabrina was looking for a job in the face of betrayal by everyone concerned, and our heroine would find herself the live-in nanny for our story line hero. As the weeks and months pass, Tyler begins to act on his attraction, an attraction that started a year before, and finds himself falling for the woman who has never felt loved in her life.

The world building focuses on Tyler and Sabrina’s careers; the care of Tyler’s children, and the potential fall-out if their relationship became public knowledge. A proverbial ‘employer falls for the nanny’ relationship was never meant to be gossip but Sabrina was about to bear the brunt of someone else’s shame.

The relationship between Tyler and Sabrina is a friends to employee/employer to lovers in which our couple enter into the stereo-typical nanny and boss affair. Keeping their relationship a secret is a bit of a struggle, and misunderstanding threatens to tear them apart. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting players including Tyler’s brothers Miles (Leighton), Tyler’s mother and Sea Dogs owner Lauren Falcon; his children Luna and Parker , and his ex Elle; Sabrina’s best friend Trevyn; her controlling and stifling parents Mr. & Mrs. David Snow, Sabrina’s ex Chad Huntington; as well as several members of the Sea Dogs Hockey club.

THE OVERTIME KISS is a story of betrayal and heart break; family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is inviting and entertaining-there is limited conflict between our story line couple; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are charismatic, determined and lovable.

 

Reading Order and Previous reviews
The Boyfriend Goal
The Romance Line
The Proposal Play
The Girlfriend Zone

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy


Tyler
“Are you a troublemaker, Tyler?”
“Maybe I was. Back in the day,” I say.
Her lips shift in amusement. “Think you’ve still got it in you?”
“Those are fighting words.” I drum my fingers on the counter. “How about trouble in the form of a spicy margarita? Can you handle the heat?”
Her smile falters for just a second, as if I’d asked about more than a drink. “I don’t even know.”
Her blue eyes flicker with something deeper—with uncertainty, maybe, or a vulnerability she’s trying to hide. Or possibly…interest. Since for a moment her gaze lingers on me, roams over me, like she’s trying to figure something out.
Like what she wants me to do to her tonight?
What the f*&k?
That is not a thought I should be entertaining. Too bad my lust-struck mind is already running away with the image, imagining what could have been if she wasn’t wearing that damn ring. Not today, brain. Stand down.
“Let’s find out,” I say, as I resume the role of runaway-bride wingman. I change her order, and when the bartender returns with the margarita, we toast again, her with her cocktail, me with my lager, which—as Ike promised—is incredibly good.
“To the opposite of today.”
“The opposite,” she echoes, her gaze…curious. But I don’t want to read into it even though I want to read everything into it.

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

Share

The Girlfriend Zone (Love & Hockey 4) by Lauren Blakely-review

Posted on by
14

The Girlfriend Zone (Love & Hockey 4) by Lauren Blakely-review & excerpt

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 26, 2025

In my defense, I had no idea the tattooed, glasses-wearing, soulful hottie I spent one perfect day—and one unforgettable night—with was a hockey star on my father’s team.

And Miles didn’t know I was the coach’s daughter.

That’s the point of a “no-work-talk” date.

But now? He’s as forbidden to me as I am to him.

When I land a new gig as the team photographer, we vow to keep it professional. We mostly succeed…except for that time after a game when he couldn’t keep his talented hands off me. But I swear, it won’t happen again.

Too much is at stake—I can’t risk my heart or my father’s team.

But when I end up living at Miles’s place to care for his pack of rescue pups, the lines blur fast. Late nights turn into stolen moments and I discover there’s more to him than I ever imagined—a man who’s genuine, thoughtful, and irresistibly real.

He looks at me like he can’t believe his luck. Touches me like he never wants to let go. And listens to my hopes and fears.

My heart’s getting dangerously attached. But if I follow it… am I putting everyone’s dreams on the line?

Tropes: coach’s daughter, the one who got away, starts with a bang, second chance vibes, age gap, forbidden hockey romance, forced proximity, workplace romance

••••

REVIEW:THE GIRLFRIEND ZONE is the fourth instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult LOVE AND HOCKEY erotic, hockey romance series. This is thirty-three year old, San Francisco Sea Dogs hockey player Mile Falcon, and twenty-four year old, photographer Leighton McBride, the coach’s daughter. THE GIRLFRIEND ZONE 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 (Miles and Leighton) covering more than a year in the life, THE GIRLFRIEND ZONE follows the building but forbidden relationship between San Francisco Sea Dogs hockey player Mile Falcon, and photographer Leighton McBride, the coach’s daughter. Leighton McBride is a photographer whose clients were a no show, and when café owner Birdie suggested her grandson as a stand in model, Leighton jumped at the chance to work with Miles but unbeknownst to both Leighton and Miles, their building relationship would stop abruptly when they discover the identity and connections to the San Franciso Sea Dogs-Leighton is the coach’s daughters, and Miles is a player on the Sea Dogs team. Reluctantly going their separate ways, months will pass before the two reconnect for some anxious times, agreeing to be friends for the foreseeable future, until an opportunity presents itself, pushing our couple together.

The world building focuses on the secret relationship between Leighton and Miles. Leighton has been warned by her father to stay clear of any and all hockey players but Miles and Leighton are struggling with their attraction as Leighton becomes the official photographer for the team.

The relationship between Leighton and Miles is one of immediate attraction, set into motion by Miles’ match-making grandmother but Miles knows to become involved with the coach’s daughter could be the end of his career with the Sea Dogs, but the heart wants the woman with whom he has fallen in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text

The energetic secondary and supporting characters include Coach Noah McBride aka Leighton’s dad, Leighton’s sixteen year old sister Riley, and their mother Grace Adley; Miles’ mother Lauren and her husband Harvey, his grandmother Birdie, sister, Charlie and his brother Tyler, as well as several of the previous story line couples and Sea Dogs players (Christian, Rowan, Ford, Alexei, Hugo) team officials, and Leighton’s exhausting roommates Ezra and Indigo.

THE GIRLFRIEND ZONE is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships, and love. The fast paced premise is endearing and captivating yet predictable; the romance is provocative and impassioned; the characters are determined, sassy and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
The Boyfriend Goal
The Romance Line
The Proposal Play

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Miles
I breathe out hard, giving in to the lust that grips me, the want I feel for her…my coach’s daughter.
For a few seconds, I freeze over those words—coach’s daughter.
Don’t go there again. Get it together. Stop f*&king thinking of her.
But the dick is sometimes stronger than the will.
I ignore that voice because it doesn’t matter what I do when I’m home alone. It’s what I do when I’m with her that counts. I haven’t crossed the line again. And baggage or no baggage, we’re not going to be a thing. But her admission that she looks at the pictures too? It’s what I wanted. It’s what I needed. It’s also all I can have of her.
So what’s the harm in giving in tonight?

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

Share

The Proposal Play (Love & Hockey 3) by Lauren Blakely-review

Posted on by
13

The Proposal Play (Love & Hockey 3) by Lauren Blakely-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 8,2025

My plan when I win a date in Vegas with my brother’s hockey star best friend? Poker and go to sleep early. Instead, I wake up with a ring on my finger and the sexy athlete naked in my bed.

But Asher’s my best friend too so we’ll get this annulled and laugh about this secret for years to come.

Trouble is our wedding pics went viral overnight.

Now everyone thinks we’re a real couple. We race back home, where I’ve just landed the big art commission of my dreams and he’s launching a sports charity so we need to look like we meant to tie the knot.

Easy enough. We’ll claim we’ve been secretly in love, while staying in separate rooms for the rest of the hockey season.

The last thing either one of us wants is to ruin a decade-long friendship by falling into bed again.

But I experience a new side of my husband at home. He cooks for me, encourages me…and buys me so many toys.

And, it’s more fun to share your toys with a friend.

We’re just enjoying temporary marital benefits.

Except, the more times he calls me his wife, the more I start to wonder if Asher was ever pretending?

And if my heart is ready to take the biggest risk of all.

•••••

REVIEW:THE PROPOSAL PLAY is the third instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult LOVE AND HOCKEY erotic, hockey romance series. This is professional hockey player Asher Callahan , and artist Maeve Hartley’s story line. THE PROPOSAL PLAY 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 (Asher and Maeve) THE PROPOSAL PLAY follows the best friends to lovers/ fake marriage between our story line couple. Asher Callahan is a left-winger for the San Francisco Sea Dogs professional hockey team, but Asher is a strong believer in superstition, and Maeve Hartley is the key to his success. A fundraiser, a winning bid,and a weekend in Vegas finds our couple married but keeping their Vegas wedding a secret is virtually impossible in the age of social media, as is the awarding of the opportunity to paint a mural for the San Franciso Sea Dogs. As the days turn into weeks, the marriage quickly becomes something more but there is a growing number of non-believers, and as such our couple find themselves defending a ten year friendship, and marriage in the face of accusations and heart break.

The world building follows the careers of both Asher and Maeve, as well as the friendships and family enmeshed in their lives but Asher struggles with issues from the past, and his obsession threatens the emotional sanity of our story line hero.

The relationship between Asher and Maeve is a best friends to lovers/ marriage relationship, Asher is also best friends with Maeve’s brother Beckett, and in this, if the relationship fails, there is a possiblity of failure for friendships as well. Asher has been in love with his best friend’s for as long as he can remember, and in this, he is willing to take a chance on their marriage, even it Maeve is struggling with the potential fall-out for everyone involved. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Maeve’s Brother Beckett, and her agent Angelina, as well as several teammates, Asher’s fathers John and Carlos, Maeve’s aunt Vivian, and social media influencer Miranda Blush.

THE PROPOSAL PLAY is a story of family and friendships, relationships and love, obsession and worry .The premise is lengthy, entertaining and engaging; the romance is fated and impassioned; the characters are desperate, dynamic and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
The Boyfriend Goal
The Romance Line

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

It’s a soulful, lingering kiss that thrums deep in my bones. She’s soft in my arms, her breath gusting across her lips. A whimper crosses them too, and it sounds like a plea for more.
I want to swallow all her sounds, let them lead me on into the night.
Because they are not platonic.
They are not friendly.
They are unbearably sexy and needy.
Maeve Hartley tastes incredible, and this kiss rattles through my entire body, touching every damn corner of me. I don’t let go. As I kiss her more deeply, I’m struck with a cold, new clarity. It wasn’t merely affection I felt all along. It wasn’t simply lust either. It’s a whole lot more than basic attraction.
I’m wildly, annoyingly obsessed with my best friend.
Otherwise known as…my wife.

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

Share

My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely-review tour

Posted on by
14

My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 12, 2024

Wanted: hot billionaire to pose as my Christmas boyfriend. Must be willing to make my cheating ex jealous by kissing me under the mistletoe at holiday parties. Bonus if you make him cry.

To my surprise my billionaire boss is more than up for the challenge of coming down the chimney as my holiday boyfriend. The sexy single dad desperately needs a plus one at a Christmas Eve wedding, where he’s the best man and I’m the maid of honor.

And since my ex is in the wedding party too, my boss and I team up as a pair of insta-lovebirds for the holiday season, including during the annual week-long Christmas competition leading up to the snowy destination wedding.

But soon staying up late to string the best popcorn balls ever turns into a scorching night in his arms where the chestnuts aren’t the only thing roasting on the open fire.

Can all these winter wonderland nights seeking revenge turn into the real thing when we return to the office? Or are we destined to go the way of a Christmas tree on New Year’s?

••••••••

REVIEW:MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE by Lauren Blakely is a contemporary, adult, erotic, holiday romance story line set into the author’s LOVE AND HOCKEY series. This is Designer Fable Calloway, and billionaire real estate magnate and football team owner Wilder Blaine’s story line. MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Fable was first introduced in The Boyfriend Goal and The Romance Line, books one and two of the author’s LOVE AND HOCKEY SERIES.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Fable and Wilder) MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE follows the fake relationship between designer Fable Calloway and billionaire real estate magnate / single father Wilder Blaine. At the Wilder’s annual Thanksgiving celebration Fable Calloway will discover Brady, her boyfriend of four months found something better to do, the party caterer Iris, and with the hope of not embarrassing those in attendance, Fable keeps the information to herself when at the same Thanksgiving dinner Fable and billionaire Wilder Blaine are asked to be the maid of honor and best man at Charlotte and Leo’s wedding.Working for billionaire Wilder Blaine comes with many perks including an invitation to the Evergreen Falls Annual Best in Snow Winter Competition in Lake Tahoe at Wilder’s Lake Tahoe resort wherein the wedding of Leo and Charlotte will take place but both Wilder and Fable are in need of a plus one, and refusing to be set up or going alone, Wilder and Fable agree to a fake relationship, a relationship that will become all too real with their days and nights spent together. As the wedding and Best in Snow Winter Competition draws near, Wilder and Fable find themselves fake dating, facing an end date, and the reveal of their mutual lie.

The world building follows the fake but building romance and relationship between Wilder and Fable. Wilder is a single father, a billionaire real estate magnate and football team owner who hasn’t had a real relationship in years. With his aunt Bibi always angling to find Wilder someone to love, Wilder is desperate, and makes Fable an offer in the face of her recent break up with Leo’s cousin. Fable is a designer, and is hoping to one day set up her own jewelry store but Fable refuses to let a little heart break stop her forward momentum including falling for our story line hero.Meanwhile Wilder is struggling with his father’s life choices, choices that are costing Wilder both money, and respect from the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Fable and Wilder begins as a business arrangement as Fable ‘works’ within Blaine Enterprises, designing merchandise for the football team but Fable is unaware that Wilder has already lost his heart to our story line heroine refusing to cross the invisible line of workplace romances. As one another’s plus ones , Wilder and Fable are required to ‘team up’ for the Best in Snow Competition, a competition that will bring out the competitive nature of everyone, including our story line couple. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced Fable’s sister Charlotte and Wilder’s best friend Leo, Wes and Josie (The Boyfriend Goal), Max and Everly (The Romance Line); Wilder’s eleven year old daughter MacKenzie; Wilder’s aunt Bibi; Fable’s ex and Leo’s cousin Brady, caterer Iris, and several close members of Wilder and Fable’s extended yet somewhat dysfunctional families.

MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is impassioned, encouraging and inviting; the romance is hopeful, sexy and spicy; the characters are quirky, and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Boyfriend Goal
The Romance Line

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

“Bossy,” she mutters.
I smirk. “Does this surprise you?”
“Not in the least.” Then she murmurs under her breath, a little sensually, “Sir.”
Well, then. That’s a whole lot of info delivered in that tone. I can’t not ask: “So not only does it not surprise you, it sounds like you don’t mind it either?”
She tips her chin up at me, challenging me with, “What do you think?”
I don’t think. I do. I slide my thumb along her pretty chin. God, it feels so good to touch her again. “That you like to give me hell. That you like to keep me on my toes. And that you love to give me a hard time.”
She leans into my touch, almost like she’s saying with her body don’t stop. “And I think you love all those things too,” she says in a husky voice that gives a little hint of her desire.
My thumb travels up to her cheek. She moves with me, her breath gusting across those gorgeous lips. “You’d be right,” I say, heat flaring inside me.

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

Share

The Romance Line (Love & Hockey 2) by Lauren Blakely-review

Posted on by
15

🩷The Romance Line (Love & Hockey 2) by Lauren Blakely-review🩷

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 2,2024

he first rule of handling PR for a hockey team? Never hook up with a player.

That shouldn’t be a problem since the last man on earth I want to give an image makeover to is our goalie. He’s infuriatingly hot, famously grumpy and lives to spar with me after every game.

But shining up his rough edges is my path to landing the promotion I desperately need, so I grit my teeth and do my job. No matter how hard he makes it (especially with that sexy smirk and cool blue eyes.) As we travel from pose-with-a-pet photo opps to cuddle-a-kitten fundraisers, we bicker like it’s foreplay.

Turns out it is.

Because as I get to know the man behind the broody iceman exterior, it’s me that melts – right into his arms as he devastates me with a kiss that turns into the hottest, most forbidden night of my life.

Only once turns into every night as Max shows me how much he wants to take care of me. His possessive touch makes me feel adored for the first time in my life.

But the man is entirely off limits and I can’t risk my job for more of those soul-deep kisses.

Because the only thing worse than hooking up with a player is falling head over heels for him.

•••••

REVIEW:THE ROMANCE LINE is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult LOVE AND HOCKEY erotic, hockey romance series set in the author’s MY HOCKEY ROMANCE world. This is Seattle Sea Dogs goalie Max Lambert, and PR agent Everly Rosewood’s story line. THE ROMANCE LINE 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 (Max and Everly) THE ROMANCE LINE follows the building romance and forbidden relationship between our story line couple. Seattle Sea Dogs’ goalie Max Lambert’s popularity with the media and fans is tanking, and the Sea Dogs have assigned their PR agent Everly Rosewood to refine and rebuild Max’s reputation but Max has been struggling in the face of a previous betrayal, and is reluctant to reveal the private side of his life. With the help of Everly, Max’s popularity begins to rise but their attraction to one another forces our couple to keep secrets their burgeoning relationship. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Max and Everly, and the potential fall-out when Max discovers Everly is in line for a promotion, and Max may be her ticket upwards.

The world building follows several paths including the revival of Max Lambert’s ‘likeability quotient’; Everly’s battle to prove Max is worthy of a second chance; the secrets Everly hides from most of the people in her life; and the return of Max’s ex who may or may not be looking for a second chance.

The relationship between Max and Everly is one of the forbidden. Max and Everly work for the same organization, and in this, there is an unwritten rule about fraternizing with fellow employees. Keeping their relationship a secret is difficult when the media wants to match Max with someone else. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and eager secondary and supporting characters including several of Max’s teammates; Everly’s co-workers, as well as her best friends; media influencers, journalists and television programmers and executives.

THE ROMANCE LINE is a story of secrets, betrayal, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is slow building, thought provoking and inviting; the romance is spicy and seductive; the characters are sassy and spirited but the appearance of Max’s ex is more of a red-herring as it goes nowhere, fast.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE BOYFRIEND GOAL

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

“Just let me walk you to the door.””Fine,” she says, her palms raised in surrender.

I set my hand on her back again. A slight shiver seems to run through her when I touch her. I try not to let that go to my head. Or my dick.

But as we go, I spread my fingers wider across the silk of her shirt. Press a little harder. Rub a little more. Curl my thumb around her waist. Register every hitch of her breath.

By the time we’re at the top of the steps, my hand feels too right on her back to let go. “I’m not sure I have made my point, Everly.”

She turns to me, facing me, so I have to drop my hand from her back. Her gaze is wary but intrigued, her eyes flickering with questions. “What’s your point exactly?”

“Like I said earlier, if this was a date I’d walk you to the door.”

“But it’s not. You keep telling me it’s not.” It’s like she’s trying to catch me on a technicality, or maybe to push me into admitting something. She doesn’t make a move to go inside. Her gaze is locked on mine, and the air is charged between us. It crackles with anticipation.

“You’re right. It’s not,” I say, weighing how far I’ll go. What it’ll cost me.

She rolls her lips together, then breathes out, like she’s centering herself. “And you did it anyway.”

“True,” I say. Like I could do anything else with her. I couldn’t have stopped myself from showing up at The Spotted Zebra tonight if I’d tried. I couldn’t have resisted driving her home. I couldn’t have refrained from walking her up her steps. Now we’re standing in the warm October air, the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, the ocean hugging us. And I’m not walking away—not with her closer than she’s ever been. I look at her lush mouth one more time, then her gorgeous eyes. “And if this were a date I’d kiss you at the door.”

She’s quiet, but her lips curve up. “That’s not what you said at the restaurant.”

Wait. I’m confused now. “That is what I said,” I point out.

She crosses her arms, shaking her head, but she’s smiling and it’s flirty. Inviting. “No, Max. You said you’d devastate me with a kiss.”

And that’s it. That’s enough. Just f*&k it. F*&k everything. “I guess I’d better start.”

 


 

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

Share

THE BOYFRIEND GOAL (Love and Hockey 1) by Lauren Blakely-review

Posted on by
20

THE BOYFRIEND GOAL (Love and Hockey 1) by Lauren Blakely-review & excerpt

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 21, 2024

A forbidden romance with my brother’s hockey teammate wasn’t on my to-do list when I moved across the country…
Neither was getting locked out of a friend’s place wearing next to nothing.
Or spending the night with the sexy stranger who rescues me.
But I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone so getting out of the rest of my clothes with him seems like a good way to start.
In the morning, I learn the filthy-mouthed man with the talented hands is not only the hotshot new hockey player on my brother’s team: he’s also – wait for it – my brand new roommate.
I’m a good student turned good librarian. A rule-follower. I’m not the kind of girl who does complicated flings. So we agree to another rule: friends-only.
It’s not easy though. Wes is bossy, flirty and generous.
He gives me rides to work.
Pitches in at my library’s fundraiser.
Takes care of me when I get hurt.
And looks at me like I’m the only one.
Soon, I’m falling hard for my brother’s teammate.
Especially when Wes comes to my door and tells me exactly how he’d like to break our rules.
Every single one.

••••

REVIEW: THE BOYFRIEND GOAL is the first instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult LOVE AND HOCKEY erotic , hockey romance series. This is twenty-seven year old, professional hockey player Wesley Bryant, and twenty-six year old, librarian Josie Winters’ story line. LOVE AND HOCKEY is set in the author’s MY HOCKEY ROMANCE world

Told from dual first person perspectives (Josie and Wes) THE BOYFRIEND GOAL follows Josie Winters as she if offered a temporary job in San Francisco, the same town where her brother Christian plays professional hockey. A temporary job needs a temporary place to stay, and Christian’s teammate Wes offers up one of his spare rooms to his teammates sister, the woman with whom Wes recently had a one-night stand. Enter Josie Winters. Josie is tagged off limits to by her big brother Christian but Josie and Wes already have history, a history no one knows anything about. Meanwhile Josie’s late aunt left our heroine a bucket list, of sorts, and Josie is determined to fulfill everything on her aunt’s behalf, a list Wes Bryant is only too happy to help complete. What ensues is the building but forbidden relationship between Wes and Josie, and the potential fall-out as Wes begins to struggle in his professional career, and the only change is the arrival of the woman with whom Wes is falling in love.

The world building follows several paths including Aunt Greta’s bucket list of things she never regretted, and Josie is resolute to complete each task with or without our story line hero. Wes Bryant never expected to fall for his teammate’s sister but forced together by convenience pushed Wes and Josie closer together.

The relationship between Josie and Wes is a forbidden romance; a forced proximity, teammates younger sister, one-night stand. Keeping their romance a secret is threatening any potential happily ever after, and when Wes’ career begins to falter, Josie knows it is only a matter of time before the blame if placed on our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and seductive.

We are introduced to Josie’s brother, and Wes’ teammate Christian Winters, Ryker Samuels and Chase Weston (Double Pucked); and Josie’s co-workers Maeve and Everly.

THE BOYFRIEND GOAL is a story of secrets and lies, determination and acceptance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The slow building, character driven premise is lively and engrossing; the characters are animated and quirky; the romance is flirty and realistic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Josie: Nice turnaround.

I smile stupidly against the dark window, so no one can see how I look right now. The glass is cool, but I’m warm everywhere. I don’t want to talk about me with Josie. Not with my teammates around. And honestly, not that much in general. I want to talk about her.  

Wesley: It was. But what are you up to? Also, it’s late. Go to bed.

Josie: That’s where I am.

Josie: Here’s your proof of bed.

She sends a picture of the lower half of the bed. Her legs are clearly under the covers. A paperback sits on the white cover. Zooming in, I read the title. Someone Else’s Ring.

Wesley: New book. Does this mean you finished the thriller? The Woman In The Hotel?

Josie: I did and the thrill was thrilling.

Wesley: How’s this one?

Josie: It reads like you f*&k.

Forget warm. I’m red hot under the collar of my dress shirt, remembering the words she wrote on hotel stationery more than a month ago. He f*&ked like a page turner that you didn’t want to put down. 

Is it just me or is Josie getting…naughtier? Bolder? More brazen? Pretty sure it’s not just me – it’s her, turning up the heat. 

I’m feeling the burn in the dark of the quiet jet, streaking across the sky. Here, it’s like no man’s land, free of consequences, devoid of risks. A place where we can flirt because of the miles between us. So I tap out a reply

Wesley: Bet I still “read” like that.

Josie: You’d keep me up all night?

Wesley: Like a page turner, Josie. Like a f*&king page turner.

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

Share