Tag: inkslinger

Once Upon a Real Good Time (Lauren Blakely)

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Are you ready to have a real good time?

What do you get when you mix a smoking hot one-night stand, a swoon worthy former rock star, and a quirky single mom ready to paint the town red? Add in a morning after that surprises them both, and you get a laugh-out-loud and insanely sexy new romantic comedy from #1 NYT bestseller Lauren Blakely that you’re guaranteed to love!

✔ Campbell, a charming, clever, inked single dad and former rock star you’ll swoon for!

✔ Mackenzie, the kind of quirky, smart, loyal heroine you want to be besties with!

✔ A forbidden romance between two funny, caring single parents!

A little bit forbidden, a whole lot of dirty, and filled with everything in between, ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME is a full-length standalone romance that’s full of heat, heart, humor and sexy times sure to keep you up all night.

Get your copy of ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

✮✮✮ ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME is here! ✮✮✮
✮✮✮ Grab your copy today! ✮✮✮

Kindle US | Kindle UK | Kindle CA | Kindle AU |
iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Google Play | Paperback | Audible

ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TODAY!

I was expecting to LOVE this book, because it’s Lauren Blakely and the characters are both single parents, however, that was something about the writing that didn’t completely pull me in.

Blakely is an author that hardly ever fails, but this book felt different. Her writing felt somewhat off. The best way I can think to describe it is “too abrupt”. With that said, the characters were wonderful, and I can’t wait to read about the rest of the brothers.

There were some parts where I felt like Blakely could have digged deeper, and I wanted to see more interactions between Campbell, Mackenzie, Sam and Kyle, because the few times they were all together, it felt right, and I wanted to see that explored a bit more.

To summarize, I felt like the story was great, but the writing wasn’t all I hoped it would be, and I felt like it could have gone deeper at times. Still, good book by Blakely, and I’m excited to read the rest of this series.

We’ve got your next binge read right here! Don’t miss the next two standalone full-length novels in The Heartbreakers Series!

Three brothers. Three rock stars. Three standalones.

The Heartbreakers Series — full-length, standalone romantic comedies with no cliffhangers releasing within one month so you can binge read these sexy novels! You can indulge in three delicious romances — a sexy one-night stand with an off-limits woman, a best-friends-to-lovers tale, and a falling-for-my-buddy’s-sister love story. All come with banter, sexy times, and single parents! So get your one-clickers ready for these sexy & charming men! Each love story will make you laugh, swoon and fan yourself from the heat!

September 10: Once Upon a Real Good Time
September 24: Once Upon a Sure Thing
October 8: Once Upon a Wild Fling

About Lauren Blakely:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, and #1 Wall Street Journal 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 100 times, and she’s sold more than 2.5 million books. In September she’ll release ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME, a fun & sexy rock star romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

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Review Blitz: The Perfect Duet by Meghan Quinn

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The Left Side Of Perfect – Release Day: August 30

For better or for worse,’til death do us part . . .
The better captured me; she’s who stole my heart.
And made me realize I couldn’t live without this woman.
The worse of her took my breath away — kicked me when I was down and twisted me into a million knots.
When I first met her, I thought she was someone I would never see again.
The second time I ran into her, it was a random coincidence.
The third?
I didn’t know it at the time, but she was the girl I was going to marry.
But life isn’t always perfect. You have to take the better and the worse — even if it means giving her up, having her slip between your fingers, and letting her walk away.
I’m getting married.
This is forever, ’til death do us part.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

The Right Side Of Forever – Release Day: August 31

In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish . . .
It sounds so simple, to love someone unconditionally.
To give them your heart.
So why is she slowly eating away at my soul with every unanswered phone call, every unread text, and every door left unopened?
She said yes, and yet, in order for her to be with me . . . I need to let her go.

 

AMAZON

✮✮✮✮✮ 5 STARS ✮✮✮✮✮

These books are going to be really tough to review, because I’m determined not to give anything away. I will first of all say: trust Meghan Quinn, because she knows how to deliver. I was worried! I loved the Blue Line Duet a lot, but I was a bit weary of the trajectory I could see this new duet taking, but she surprised me, and WOW!

And both books are getting the same classification, and I’m thanking my lucky stars that I received both books at the same time, because the wait would have been terrible!

The writing is amazing once again, and the story is so so beautiful. I think Meghan wrote one of the characters I could relate the most, ever. She surprised me with the depth she took her characters to. And the romance was amazing, I loved that once again friendship had a big role in the romance.

The story was unexpected, and it made me laugh and cry, and I cursed a few times, because my heart was hurting, but I should know better, because Meghan Quinn does not let me down.

Another amazing amazing story. Go grab this duet ASAP, and then come and talk to me about how she can completely change your mind in just a few chapters.

About the author:

Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if “It’s Raining Men” starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.

Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing… enter her first novel, Caught Looking.

Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!

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The Real Deal (Lauren Blakely)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon Kindle | Amazon Paperback | AUdible | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | iBooks | Kobo | B&N | Google Play | 
ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TODAY!

Once again, Lauren Blakely doesn’t fail me. Her books are always entertaining, eheh. This one felt slightly different from all the others I read from her, that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it as much as the others, because I did.

The characters were very well thought of, and I really liked their backgrounds and their personalities. I especially liked Theo, because he went through such a rough time growing up, and he was still such an amazing person. I loved how open April was, and how strong. And most of all, I loved the family and their role in the story and on their lives.

The romance was interesting and entertaining, however, it is a bit of instalove, but I’m gonna forgive the issue because April and Theo do spend a lot of time together, and even though they fall in love in just a few days, it also happens while they’re spending 24 hours a day together, so… Also, they’re super cute!

Guys, if you love Lauren Blakely, you’re gonna love this one too. If you like the fake boyfriend troupe, you’re gonna love this. If you like a good contemporary romance, likelihood is that you’re gonna love this too. 😀

The audiobook is narrated by Zachary Webber and Erin Mallon! 

About Lauren Blakely:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, and #1 Wall Street Journal 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 100 times, and she’s sold more than 2.5 million books. In August she’ll release UNBREAK MY HEART, an emotional second chance romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

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Audio Review: Wanderlust (Lauren Blakely)

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Available exclusively in audio for the first six weeks – and narrated by Richard Armitage and Grace Grant – comes a breathtaking new romance from #1 New York Times best-selling author Lauren Blakely that will sweep you away! Get an exclusive interview with Lauren with your Audible purchase! Grab your copy of this swoony and romantic Audible Original today!

They say Paris is always a good idea…

You know what I say? Paris would be a much better idea if I spoke the dang language. I can’t even board the metro to visit the Louvre without ending up at the Moulin Rouge, and let’s not even mention how I’ll ever make it through a day at my new office.

Fortunately my company hooks me up with my own personal translator. Ooh la la. Or should I say bloody hell? Because he’s charming, witty, and British, and he brings the city to life for me. Soon, I can order a croque monsieur hold the ham, discuss perfume with my co-workers, and barter at the outdoor market. I can also tell the sexy Brit by my side how much I want him to kiss me under the streetlamps.

Except there’s a catch – Paris might be all we have.

***

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

And it’s a good farewell gig too since my newest client is a fetching American who loves to explore the cafes and cobbled streets while I teach her the language of love. We fall into a fast and flirty friendship, but Paris has a way of making lovers out of friends, and soon we’re spending our nights together too – très risqué. The trouble is, my wanderlust is calling to me, and soon I’ll be traveling the globe to fulfill a promise I made long ago.

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

*Includes a special bonus interview with the author!*

ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TODAY!

GRAB YOUR AUDIBLE COPY HERE!

Audible | Amazon Audio 

PRE-ORDER YOUR EBOOK AND PRINT COPIES HERE!

iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Google Play | Amazon PaperBack | Kindle Preorder alert (via Lauren’s newsletter)

I’m a big fan of audiobooks, so when I saw the opportunity to review an audiobook from Lauren Blakely, I jumped at the opportunity. I always love her audiobooks (and her non audio too). I really wanted to have been able to put this post up by the 6th, the day the audio was released, but work got in the way, and it was only today that I was able to finish the book, and finally write the review.

Once again I loved Lauren Blakely’s writing, and I think this is even more true for this book. The way she used her words, not only made me feel like I was exploring Paris right alongside Griffin and Joy, but I could almost sense all the smells that are described throughout the book. This is such a difficult thing to accomplish, and Blakely did it wonderfully.

Joy and Griffin were such amazing characters, and I fell in love with both of them right away. I loved the way Joy looked at live, how she faced her obstacles and never gave up. I loved that she wanted her “cake and to eat it too”, and how she fought for it. Griffin had such a huge character growth, he was awesome, and I love him. I actually feel like you have to experience these 2 characters to actually know what I’m trying to say.

The plot and the romance were great. This book described what I feel love is…

Now, I listened to this book, and I’m a huge fan of romance audiobooks, so this one made me happy. It made me travel, and it made me want to go to Paris again, sooner rather than later. It was my first audiobook by both Grace Grant and Richard Armitage, and I was very pleasantly surprised by both. Such a contrast, but somehow they complimented each other quite nicely. Grace Grant completely made Joy for me, and I could actually picture her in my mind. Richard Armitage had a super sexy voice and accent  (especially on the hot bits…).

Overall, amazing experience, and I hope you guys pick up the audiobook as soon as possible, especially because the ebook is only released next month, eheh. Seriously, pick it up. You won’t be sorry. 

Don’t miss this message from Richard Armitage about Wanderlust!

About Lauren Blakely:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, and #1 Wall Street Journal 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 85 times, and in March she’ll release WANDERLUST, a breathtaking new romance that will sweep you away. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter | Goodreads

Blog Tour: Three Blind Dates (Meghan Quinn)

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“Good Morning Malibu, it’s another beautiful day on the west coast! I’m Noely Clark, your host: and I’m in the market for love…”

When the publicity team of the new local restaurant, Going in Blind, began their search for a hot, local celebrity to promote the wildly popular eatery, they couldn’t have found a better person than me.

Outgoing? Check.
Single? Check.
Open to finding love? Check.

I signed up immediately.

A hopeless romantic with an exceedingly demanding schedule, I’ve found it impossible to find the man of my dreams — so Going in Blind seems too good to be true! That’s until they start setting me up on dates — three very different, very attractive, very distinct blind dates — and only one thing is for certain . . .

I’m in big trouble.

Good Morning Malibu,
I’m Noely Clark, and I have a choice to make.
The question is who will I choose; the suit, the rebel, or the jock

AMAZON | AMAZON PRINT | AMAZON UK | AMAZON AU | AMAZON CA

This was new… I usually love all Meghan Quinn’s books right off the bat (with one exception), but this one was confusing for my brain and my heart, and it took me a long long time to actually get into it.

The writing is great and funny as usually, but I felt like the pace on the first third of the book was a bit too slow. I actually got tired and a bit bored after each initial chapter, which is never good while reading a book. Eventually the pace picked up, the jokes came, and the personality shone through. From then on, it was amazing.

My biggest problem with this book was the plot itself. I’m not a fan of love shapes, but the last time I thought Meghan was gonna do a triangle, she surprised me, and the book was amazing. So I was expecting this one to surprise me as well. And while it does throw some curveballs here and there, it was nothing I wasn’t expecting, and I wasn’t the biggest fan of the 3 dates with 3 different men thing. Especially because I could see potential between Noely and all three guys, which is not cool in my book. But it does speak to how well written the story is. The goal is to leave us wondering, which one of the guys, if any, wins her heart back.

Noely was so much fun, and I loved how romantic she was. All the talk about You’ve Got Mail made me want to watch the movie, because it has been ages… But all the guys were super different, and still they all fit with Noely in some way. I really liked all the supporting characters, especially Dylan and Noely’s brother and sister-in-law, they were so much fun!

I liked all the guys (two more than another), I thought Noely was obviously tending towards one of them, so I was happy to see that come true. They made the most sense. And I actually loved them together.

While I wasn’t the biggest fan of the plot itself, I did love the end result, and this book was definitly super entertaining, and kept me on my toes. So another great read from Meghan Quinn, and I can’t wait to read the next 2 books, about the other 2 boys, and maybe see how they connect to one already existing series… eheh.

Excerpt:

I didn’t realize how close I was to the restaurant because I’m ten minutes early. Does that make me seem desperate? No, I chastise myself. It shows that I respect the other person’s time . . . right?

God, dating is the worst. There are so many unspoken rules you have to follow to not look desperate, or to not look like a psycho, or a creep, or horny, or—

“Can I help you, miss?”

Straightening up, I turn toward the hostess stand, which is a beautifully carved piece of wood. Standing behind it is an exotic, tall woman with long black hair, stunning grey eyes, and a massive engagement ring on her hand. Please tell me she got that rock from dating someone in this program.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that happiness for my life is dependent on getting married, but to see a success story in the flesh — particularly for me — would be encouraging.

“Hi, yes, I’m Noely Clark. I have a date at seven tonight with” — I lean forward, feeling silly and whisper — “with WindsorKnot.”

Her smile is kind and reassuring, making me feel a little calmer. “Yes, Miss Clark, I have you here for seven. You’re date hasn’t arrived yet, so can I show you to the bar for a drink while you wait?”

“That would be lovely, thank you.”

With my clutch tucked under my arm, I follow tall, dark, and beautiful to the bar where a very handsome Asian man is standing with a towel draped over his shoulder and a bright grin on his face. He’s wearing a button-up shirt with rolled sleeves, a brown vest covering his chest, which totally channels his inner Justin Timberlake.

“Danny, this is Miss Clark. She has a reservation at seven. Would you be so kind to make her whatever drink she would like?”

“Of course.” He winks at the hostess who presses her warm hand on my arm.

“Enjoy, Miss Clark. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. My name is Veronica, this is Danny, and we will be happy to serve you in any way.” With a parting grin, she moves back to her hostess spot.

Well, she’s nice.

“Miss Clark, please take a seat. What would you like?”

My tight, form fitting red dress makes my hop onto the bar stool a difficult task, but with a pleading prayer to the dress gods and a swift jump, I situate myself, only breaking a minor sweat.

I let out a sigh of relief and place my hands on the bar in front of me, scanning the glitzy bottles of “muscle relaxant.” “Hmm . . . how about a Moscow Mule?”

“Coming right up.” He gets to work and I watch as he magically floats around the bar, pulling the ingredients. “We recently bought new copper mugs, and I’ve been dying to use them.”

“Yeah? Am I the first?”

Winking, he says, “You are.”

If I didn’t know any better, I would say Danny is a bit of a flirt. Either that or he’s super friendly. Or simply made to be a bartender.

From beneath the bar, Danny pulls out a shiny, hammered-copper mug, and I’m instantly taken by the design. So sleek, just like its surroundings. The restaurant, with its white exposed brick, natural wood features, electric colors, and stone tabletops, is sexy, yet inviting. The friendly waitstaff is an absolute bonus. Every table is cornered off in its own spot, never getting too close to the other tables around it, and the mood lighting is on point with dim Edison bulb lights hanging from the ceiling and tabletop candles. I’m feeling the mood.

Despite the welcoming atmosphere, I can’t help but feel nervous, even after my brief exchange with WindsorKnot. There’s something to say about a blind date: the anticipation, the unknown, the knowledge that you’re having dinner with someone to possibly form a romantic relationship. It’s intimidating, but exhilarating all at the same time.

Could this be the last time I ever go on a first date? Will he like me? Will he want to get to know me?

Butterflies float around in my stomach and my cheeks heat as Danny places a napkin in front of me, topped by my drink with a lime slice on the side.

“Here you go, Miss Clark. Please enjoy.”

I smile politely. “Thank you.” When I take a sip, I’m instantly assaulted by the ginger-lime combination. Perfect. “This is fantastic.”

“Good.” Danny winks again and like an old-time bartender, starts drying a tumbler with the towel hanging over his shoulder. Eyeing me for a second, he asks, “A little nervous?”

After taking a sip from my drink, I lick my lips and nod. “Just a little.” I scrunch my nose, squinting ever so slightly. “Is it obvious?”

“Nah, you look pretty chill compared to a lot of blind daters I see come through the door.”

“Oh, I’m sure you see a lot of different reactions to these dates.” I lean forward, the cold wood of the bar cooling my sweaty hands, and whisper, “Any good stories you can tell me?”

Danny chuckles quietly and leans forward himself, taking a look from side to side before answering. “Plenty, but looks like your date just arrived.”

My date just arrived?

The temperature in the room seems to go up a thousand degrees as my body seizes and my shoulders tense. “Oh God, can you see him? Is he hot? What does he look like? Should I turn around? No, I shouldn’t, he would know I was checking him out.” Whispering a little louder, I ask again, “Just tell me, is he cute?”

Danny’s eyes scan over my head and his smile stretches across his face. “That’s for you to judge, not me.” Damn you, Danny.

Oh Christ, I’m not ready.

That’s right, I’m not freaking ready for this.

I get it, I know I said I was ready, that I wanted to do this, that I was all-in, that I wanted to find my soul mate, but now that I’m here, seconds from meeting “the one,” I’m pretty sure I’m going to throw up. Yep, I’m going to throw up. I can feel it rising.

Oh God, I’m going to retch all over him, right on his shoes. I know it. It’s bound to happen.

“Relax, you’re going to have fun,” Danny whispers before he turns to the bottles behind him.

As if the light hairs on my arm can sense it, they stand at attention as the sound of faint footsteps come closer.

Click, click, click. The cement floor leaves zero room for sneaking up on anyone.

Don’t throw up, don’t throw up. Think compliments, think pleasantries, think—

“Hello.”

Smooth molasses drips over my shoulders as the most velvet of voices I’ve ever heard echoes behind me, pulling me away from the death grip on my copper mug and turning me in my seat to face one of the most handsome and polished men I’ve ever seen.

About the Author:

Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if “It’s Raining Men” starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.

Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing… enter her first novel, Caught Looking.

Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!

Facebook | Follow on Goodreads | Website | Amazon Author Page | Instagram | Follow on BookBub

Blog Tour: Miss Mechanic (Emma Hart)

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Review:

Two mechanics. One rivalry.
She’ll prove she’s as good as she says she is.
He’ll prove her place isn’t under the hood.
It’s over it.

“Don’t let the bastards get you down.”

For twenty-six years, I lived by my daddy’s motto. Which is why “Mechanic Wanted” is all it takes for me to apply for the job at the garage we once owned.

And I meet the biggest bastard of them all.

Dexter Ryne. Hotter than Hell in July and a firm believer that my place is on reception, taking phone calls and looking pretty. Not getting dirty under the hood of a car.

Determined to prove each other wrong, we make a deal.

I have three weeks to prove my worth as a mechanic. If I don’t, I’m on telephone duty.

If I do, he’ll accept defeat and make my job permanent.

Now, all I have to do is fight my attraction to the cocky little… beep.

Problem is, an engine isn’t the only thing he knows how to make purr…

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Nook | iBooks | Kobo

After reading Miss Fix-It, of course I had to request this book, because I was hoping that another gem was going to fall into my lap. And although this one was still highly entertaining, it wasn’t as good as Miss Fix-It.

The writing was super fun and snort-worthy, and this book was told in dual POV, which was good. And it has to be said, Emma Hart writes amazing BANTER. So so good!

With this said, I loved loved loved the female main character, Jamie. She was such a strong and independent woman, and snarky, with an amazing sense of humour. I wasn’t as easily convinced by Dex. I liked him, and he was hilarious at times, but I wasn’t a fan of his treatment of Jamie most of the time. It bugs me that he wouldn’t have tried to keep it professional, at least for a bit longer, and I also didn’t like how dismissive he was of her in the beginning.

But I’ll admit that these 2 together were dynamite. The banter was fantastic, and all they’re scenes together were great. And throughout those interactions, I softened a bit in regards to Dex, and I saw what Jamie saw. They were a great match, and the chemistry was fantastic.

I also really liked the involvement of family, they were so important and so fundamental to the storyline.

 

If there’s one thing I felt it was a missed opportunity was how this book wasn’t even remotely related to Miss Fix-It. I wish they had been set in the same small town, because it would have been fantastic to have that connection.

Either way, super fun read, and I do recommend it. Jamie’s voice, and her banter with Dex are to die for.

EXCERPT:

“Can I help you?” I asked.

He blinked and met my eyes.

“What the hell are you doing over there?” I pushed to stand up straight.

“Right now?” He capped his water bottle. “Well, honestly… I’m just thinking you’d look better over the hood of that car than under it.”

I unhooked the hood and slammed it down, spinning on the balls of my feet.

Our eyes met properly. I didn’t like what I saw in his — desire, attraction, need. Which was obviously why a shiver ran down my spine.

I cocked a hip, putting my hand on it. “The only time you will ever get me over a hood of a car is if a wiper blade needs changing. So, unless you’re a wiper blade…”

Dex pulled his phone from his pocket and started tapping the screen.

I blinked. “What are you doing?”

He peered up at me through his unfairly thick eyelashes. “Seeing if I can get a wiper blade costume for Halloween.”

“I don’t even know how to respond to that.”

“You can buy wiper blade glasses.”

“What?”

He raised his eyebrows. “And a lady here on eBay will hand-make any costume. There’s my Halloween sorted.”

I stared at him. “You’re not getting me over anything, Dex. Definitely not a car hood. No matter what you think.”

He clutched his chest dramatically. “You wound me.”

“Unfortunately not fatally,” I muttered.

“You also underestimate me.”

“There’s a lot of that going around in this garage.” I put the bottle of coolant away.

“Touché.”

“Thank you.”

“Can I ask you something?”

I sighed and turned to face him again. “What?”

Earnestly, he asked, “Can you stop wearing those tiny shorts? Or yoga pants that make me want to touch your ass every five minutes?”

I looked down at the ripped shorts of my dungarees. “Can you keep your thoughts to yourself? Control yourself, maybe? Not look at me and see someone worth screwing?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

emma

By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies — usually wine — and writes books.

Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.

She likes to be busy—unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.

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The V Card (Lauren Blakely & Lili Valente)

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A brand new sinfully sexy standalone romantic comedy from bestselling authors Lauren Blakely and Lili Valente, THE V CARD is about all of the seduction and emotions that come when one woman is ready to ditch her V card and enlists her brother’s best friend to teach her the art of seduction! What happens next when he agrees to help her get top marks in seven days are lots of steamy and heartfelt moments. THE V CARD is available now!

Now available on all retailers! Get your copy delivered now!

A brand new sinfully sexy standalone romantic comedy from bestselling authors Lauren Blakely and Lili Valente!

When you think about how easy it is to lose keys, phones, sunglasses and your dignity on social media, you might figure it’d be a cinch for me to ditch my V Card.

You’d be wrong.

At 25, I run a successful business, live in a fantastic apartment, and have fabulous friends to go out with any night of the week. And yet I’m still a card-carrying member of a club I don’t want to belong to anymore. Good thing I know just the man for the deflowering job — my brother’s business partner and best friend.

Graham Campbell is charming, smart, and, I’m told, oh-so-skilled in the sack. As long as I keep my eyes on the prize, there’s no way this pluck-the-flower project could possibly complicate matters.

***

Work and pleasure. As the CEO of a fast-growing company, I’ve been enjoying both to the fullest. What do I do when the board throws me for an unexpected loop so I can keep my business in my hands? I enlist the help of my best friend’s little sister since she holds a big stake in the company. But then I learn there’s another big stake she wants.

The one between my legs.

I can do this. Seven nights to teach her everything I know in the bedroom. There’s no way I’ll fall for her, even though she’s earning top grades in every single sinfully sexy lesson. And turns out I’m learning something too. The trouble is I don’t have the answer key to what to do when I fall hard for her.

And that throws a whole new hitch in my plans.

Kindle US | Kindle CA | Kindle AU | Kindle UK | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Google Play | Amazon PB

I almost didn’t request this ARC, because I was so swamped, but I’m so glad I did. It was such a cute, fast and great read. I had never read any collaboration by Lauren Blakely, though I’ve read a lot of her standalones, but I was a fan. I really enjoyed it and I wouldn’t mind more!

The writing was fantastic, and this book was told in dual POV, which you guys know I love, and I really enjoyed the different voices and tones.

The characters were great, I loved the connection between Graham and CJ, how well they knew each other, and how strong they were. They were both also hilarious, and their relationship was awesome, even when they were just friends. I love friends to lovers romances, and I also really like BFF’s siblings romances, and this was both, so I loved the use of the tropes. Another thing I really really appreciated was the lack of drama. The characters are both mature and realize their feelings, and it gets resolved quite quickly, and wow, I love when the characters actually talk and there no unnecessary major drama. HEHE!

So guys, pick this one up. I’m also gonna say, try the audiobook. I haven’t heard it, but Sebastian York and Andi Arndt are awesome narrating books together, so this one promises to be a great audiobook.

The audiobook is narrated by Sebastian York and Andi Arndt!

Audio on Amazon | Audible

“Their chemistry is scorching hot…The V Card is charming, feel-good entertainment punctuated by searing heat, heartwarming moments and the magic of New York City.”

– USA Today

Excerpt:

As we settle in, the busboy brings the waters, and I cut to the chase. “So, I hate to crash the Sunday Funday vibe, but I invited you to brunch with an ulterior motive. I need a favor.”

She spreads her napkin on her lap with a raised brow. “What kind of favor?”

“I need you at next Monday’s board meeting. As you know, we lost an important account last month when Beaux Rêves in Paris went with a cheaper option. Obviously, they aren’t our only account, not by a long shot. But given how volatile the industry has been lately, I need to make it crystal clear to the shareholders that selling isn’t the right path. With the number of mergers and acquisitions going on, they’re seeing dollar signs, but quick money isn’t the answer. That’s where you come in.”

“You want them to hear from me because of my shares?” she asks, her brow furrowing. “We don’t have anything close to a majority.”

Though CJ inherited Sean’s share of the business when he passed away, that’s not why I need her at the meeting. CJ has a way of putting people at ease, of winning their trust and confidence. She’s a successful business owner in her own right — her accessories company Love Cycle Creations is growing by leaps and bounds every year. Plus, she was courted early on by an accessories conglomerate and she declined — totally the right call, as her company is now a rising star in her field.

I nod. “Of course, but that’s not the only reason. I need to convince them that now is not the time to explore getting into bed with a huge multinational retailer. And to do that, it’ll help to hear from someone with an insider’s stock holdings and an outsider’s perspective. I want them to hear from you in particular since you went through something so similar with Love Cycle.”

“On a much smaller scale, though. My company is tiny compared to Adored.”

“Size doesn’t matter.” I pause to wiggle an eyebrow for effect. “Well, in this case.”

A faint blush spreads on her cheeks. “You and the innuendo.”

“I do love innuendo. I also love Adored. That’s why I want to keep it the way it is — growing, profitable, and independent. I don’t want it swallowed by some faceless corporate giant.” A smile teases her lips for a moment and then disappears. I can’t read her at all, so I’m on the edge of my seat, waiting for an answer. “Please, CJ,” I add when she stays silent for a long beat. “I need you.”

“You need me,” she echoes, her brow smoothing as she sighs. She takes a drink of water, sets down her glass, and runs the tip of her tongue across her lips.

I watch her tongue move, wondering why I’ve never noticed how amazing her mouth is. She has the bee-stung lips of a cover girl, in a shade of pink so deep it brings to mind flushed, hot, intimate things.

Things I should be thinking of in her presence.

In anyone’s presence.

Resist, Campbell, resist…

Finally, just as I’m gearing up to beg, she looks up, a mysterious smile curving her lips. “I know exactly what you need, Graham.”

Damn, that sounded…naughty.

I reach for my water glass, needing something to cool me down since innocent words from a woman I’ve known forever are sending my thoughts straight into the gutter.

“But before I agree to your request,” she adds, her fingers drumming lightly on the white tablecloth, “I need something from you, too. Something I’ve been thinking long and hard about. Very long. And very hard.” Her eyes meet mine, trouble flickering in her gaze.

Glass halfway to my lips, I freeze.

Christ. Who the hell is this sexy-as-sin woman, and what has she done with CJ?

“Lauren Blakely and Lili Valente are a match made in ROM-COM heaven! THE V CARD was an OUTSTANDING romantic comedy that has heart, humor, and an INSANE amount of chemistry! I couldn’t take my eyes off the pages for even a minute!”

– Shayna at Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads

“Ms. Blakely and Ms. Valente have written a book that allowed me to laugh, swoon, get revved up and fall in love.”

– My Girlfriend’s Couch Blog

Add it to Goodreads here!

✮✮ Enter to win this amazing THE V CARD GIVEAWAY! ✮✮

Everything you need for a HOT DATE!
An adorable Kate Spade hand bag to carry the essentials needed for date night ($179), a $75 Gift Card to the Restaurant of Your Choice, and a $50 Gift Card to your Favorite Lingerie Shop to heat things up after dinner!

About the authors:

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 85 times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In December she’ll release THE V CARD, a sinfully sexy standalone romantic comedy co-written with Lili Valente. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

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USA Today bestselling author Lili Valente writes both naughty things and funny things (that are also naughty). She has slept under the stars in Greece, eaten dinner at midnight with French men who couldn’t be trusted to keep their mouths on their food, and walked alone through Munich’s red light district after dark and lived to tell the tale.

These days you can find her writing in a tent beside the sea, drinking coconut water and thinking delightfully dirty thoughts.

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Cover Reveal: Sex, Not Love by Vi Keeland

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We are thrilled to bring you the next standalone novel from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Vi Keeland. SEX, NOT LOVE will release on January 15th, 2018

Model: Fabian Castro
Photographer: Rafael Catala
Cover designer: Sommer Stein, Perfect Pear Creative

Blurb:

My relationship with Hunter Delucia started backwards.

We met at a wedding — him sitting on the groom’s side, me sitting on the bride’s. Stealing glances at each other throughout the night, there was no denying an intense, mutual attraction.

I caught the bouquet; he caught the garter. Hunter held me tightly while we danced and suggested we explore the chemistry sparking between us. His blunt, dirty mouth should’ve turned me off. But for some crazy reason, it had the opposite effect on me.

We ended up back in my hotel room. The next morning, I headed home to New York leaving him behind in California with the wrong number.

I thought about him often, but after my last relationship, I’d sworn off of charming, cocky, gorgeous-as-sin men. A year later, Hunter and I met again at the birth of our friends’ baby. Our attraction hadn’t dulled one bit. After a whirlwind trip, he demanded a real phone number this time. So I left him with my mother’s — she could scare away any man with her talks of babies and marriage — and flew back home.

I’d thought it was funny, until the following week when he rang the bell at Mom’s house for Sunday night dinner. The crazy, gorgeous man had won over my mother and taken an eight-week assignment in my city. He proposed we spend that time screwing each other out of our systems.

Eight weeks of mind-blowing sex with no strings attached? What did I have to lose?

Nothing, I thought.

It’s just sex, not love.

But you know what they say about the best laid plans…

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**No Amazon ebook preorder. Will go live on Amazon on release day.

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About the Vi Keeland:

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times Bestselling author. With more than a million books sold, her titles have appeared in over fifty Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twelve languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

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Cover Reveal: Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely

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Available exclusively in audio for the first six weeks – and through the Audible Romance Package – from #1 New York Times best-selling author Lauren Blakely comes a breathtaking new romance that will sweep you away!

Cover Photography by Rafa Catala with model Christian Balic.
Cover Design by Helen Williams.
Release Day: Feb 6 2018

Blurb:

They say Paris is always a good idea…

You know what I say? Paris would be a much better idea if I spoke the dang language. I can’t even board the metro to visit the Louvre without ending up at the Moulin Rouge, and let’s not even mention how I’ll ever make it through a day at my new office.

Fortunately my company hooks me up with my own personal translator. Ooh la la. Or should I say bloody hell? Because he’s charming, witty, and British, and he brings the city to life for me. Soon, I can order a croque monsieur hold the ham, discuss perfume with my co-workers, and barter at the outdoor market. I can also tell the sexy Brit by my side how much I want him to kiss me under the streetlamps.

Except there’s a catch – Paris might be all we have.

***

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

And it’s a good farewell gig too since my newest client is a fetching American who loves to explore the cafes and cobbled streets while I teach her the language of love. We fall into a fast and flirty friendship, but Paris has a way of making lovers out of friends, and soon we’re spending our nights together too – très risqué. The trouble is, my wanderlust is calling to me, and soon I’ll be traveling the globe to fulfill a promise I made long ago.

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

PREORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

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About 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, the final standalone romantic comedy in the Big Rock series. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

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Release Blitz & Review: Most Valuable Playboy (Lauren Blakely)

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From #1 NYT Bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the swoony and oh-so-romantic title…MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY.

In MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY, the NFL starting quarterback Cooper Armstrong needs his best friend’s sister to pretend to be his girlfriend. Violet is willing, but neither one expects their boyfriend-girlfriend scrimmage to turn into a full-contact sport so quickly. Find out if their fake play will become the real deal or if they can turn back the clock to when they were just friends in this sexy new standalone sports romance!

Now available on all retailers!
Get your copy delivered now!

Review:

✮✮✮ MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY is here! Grab your copy today! ✮✮✮

Hands down, my favorite thing in the world is to score. Touchdowns.

Don’t let the fact that I’m the leading pick in the Most Valuable Playboy charity auction fool you. These days, I’m only a player on the field. I’ve kept my pants zipped all season long — and it has been long — because nothing’s more important than leading my team to victory every week. Except maybe escaping from the team owner’s recently-widowed and handsy-as-hell sister who’s dead set on winning more than a date with me.

Enter Violet and a well-placed Hail Mary.

She’s my best friend’s sister with a smile as sweet as cherry pie and a mind that runs quicker than the 40-yard-dash. After Violet saves the day with the highest bid, I don’t even give her a two-minute warning before I kiss her in front of the whole crowd and then announce that she’s my girlfriend. Which would be fine except my agent tells me we have to keep up the act while he’s negotiating my contract.

Violet takes one for the team and pretends to be mine, but our boyfriend-girlfriend scrimmage quickly turns into a full contact sport, and I want it to go into overtime. The problem is — I’ve been riding the bench for years.

How can a guy like me, who finally has a chance to prove his worth on the field, convince the girl she’s most valuable to his heart?

MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY is a brand new standalone sports romance written in the guy’s POV!

Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | Audible | Audio on Amazon | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Amazon PB | Google Play

Most Valuable Playboy was another fantastic book by Lauren Blakely! Blakely is definitly my go-to author if I want a great and funny romance, and so far, I’ve loved every single book that I read by her.

Obviously I loved the writing, and the fact that this book is told exclusively through Cooper’s POV was an added bonus. You guys know how much I love a book told only through the guy’s point of view, they’re usually fantastic, and Blakely always does an amazing job with those.

Cooper was just such an amazing guy to read about. He’s confident and fun, but he’s also not afraid of his feelings, and he faces things head on. I loved this. I was a bit scared that the fact that Violet was his BFF’s little sister would be a problem, but I was so pleasantly surprised by the way that Cooper dealt with all his issues. Violet was also a delight, and even though I like a book written only through the guy’s POV, I always feel like we don’t get to know the lady as well, but hey, I’ll take it, because from what I could see, she was fantastic and the most perfect match for Cooper.

These two together were all kinds of adorable! They just fit perfectly together, and they were just meant to be. Their chemistry was also off the charts and the hot scenes were, well, HOT! And the fact that they were already super great friends before they got involved, only made everything better, because it was so clear that they actually KNEW each other on a much deeper level.

This story was so cute. I really liked it, and I adored the plot and the depth of the feelings these characters had for one another. I definitly recommend Most Valuable Playboy, another amazing book by Lauren Blakely.

Important!!!

10% of the proceeds from the release day sales along with a portion of pre-orders across all retailers of MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY will be given to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and Houston Humane Society to help those in need from the natural disaster.

✮✮✮ The audiobook is narrated by Zachary Webber!
Grab your copy today! http://adbl.co/2gbiHT2 ✮✮✮

Excerpt:

Always a bridesmaid.

No Action Armstrong.

Ball Cap Boy.

Mr. Clean.

The Unused Insurance Plan.

Oh wait. Here’s one more, a personal fave.

Best Butt in the NFL.

Those are just some of the nicknames I’ve been given in the last few years. They don’t bug me. Not one bit. They’ve all been true, especially that last one. You should see my ass. You can bounce a quarter off my cheeks.

Here’s the thing — when you spend the first three years of your career warming the bench for the best player in the league, you can’t get a chip on your shoulder. You have to stay sharp and be ready for that moment when you swap out a ball cap for a helmet and get your pants dirty.

My time has finally come this season, and so far, we’re winning.

But tonight isn’t about what happens between the opening kickoff and the end of the fourth quarter.

Tonight is about the one game I’ve always dominated.

For the last few years, I’ve been the highest ticket item in the players’ annual charity auction, and I can’t help enjoying that. Because the guy I’ve backed up has been called a lot of things — a legend, the greatest ever, a titan of the game — but the one I most enjoy is “second-best-looking quarterback on the Renegades.”

Hey, I didn’t give him that name. The media did, deciding the dude who play second-string — me — had a prettier face. Before this season, I’d seen a grand total of 120 minutes of playing time in my first three years, but I’ve taken home the top honors in the charity auction, where some of the loveliest ladies come to bid on the players they want to take out for a night on the town.

Ah, the memories of those dates have warmed my heart, and other parts, on the sidelines when the games were dull. Evenings in limos, testing the strength of the leather backseat, nights in hotels that lasted way past dawn, mutually and blissfully ignoring the no physical contact between the winner and the player rule.

Yeah, I’ve enjoyed the fuck out of being paraded on stage in front of hundreds of women, their slender arms lifted in the air, raising their bids higher on me than all the other guys. It’s been my one chance to shine, even to stand out.

Those days are behind me, though, now that I’m finally leading the team down the field every single Sunday. I still expect to rake in top dollar for the charity I gladly support, but this time, I won’t be living it up and letting loose after hours. I have a reputation to protect, and a season on the line.

The trouble is, the woman who has her eyes on me at the Most Valuable Playboy charity auction wants my full enchilada, and it’s not on the menu anymore.

Guess that means it’s time to call an audible on the line of scrimmage.

“Lauren Blakely is a master at writing sexy, engaging stories that draw you in and make you fall in love with her characters. A definite go-to author for me!”
– NYT Bestselling Author Melanie Moreland

“Lauren Blakely never ceases to amaze me with her sense of humor, her talent to write fabulous heroes and heroines and to pull an A game with a male POV. Most Valuable Playboy is a real treasure.”
– Becca at Little Read Reading Hood

“The slow burn, the teasing, the kisses, OH THE KISSES!!! MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY exceeded all of my expectations. Lauren Blakely has a knack for making a reader fall for her characters.”
– Jess at Jo and Isa Love Books Blog

Giveaway:

✮✮✮ Enter to win this amazing MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY GIVEAWAY! ✮✮✮

Lauren’s Most Valuable Playboy Team Spirit Prize Package Giveaway! This bundle is valued at $450 and includes a Coach Handbag ($300 value) and $150 Stub Hub Gift Card to use for tickets to the game, your favorite concert, or theater performance.

ABOUT 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 September she’ll release MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY, a standalone sports romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

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