Instant Gratification by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar 

Instant Gratification by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Instant Gratification by Lauren Blakely

Instant Gratification follows on nicely from Satisfaction Guaranteed and is the story of Malone’s sister, Truly and his best friend, Jason. Jason and Truly had an epic one-nighter which, for the sake of friendship (plus other commitments) they’ve agreed to never repeat again. However, being in each other’s sphere constantly, the flirting and suggestiveness seldom - if ever! - abates until one night, one wedding, they simply snap. They go on to agree to a friends with bennies setup even though they both want more but just won’t admit to it.

This was a great, enjoyable read filled with plenty of banter and sexual tension to keep us flipping those pages. We got to know Jason quite well as the story was predominantly told in his POV with some creative insight into Truly thrown in. I loved the various relationships we got to explore here: between siblings, friends, and more. The fact that we got to catch up with some old friends/characters made this read even more enjoyable.

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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The Engagement Gift by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar

The Engagement Gift by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Engagement Gift by Lauren Blakely

The Engagement Gift is a hot AF novella in Blakely’s After Dark collection and is all about Lily and her fiancé Finn.

They are both so damn happy within their relationship and have an openness about them that many would envy. Finn is always more than willing to fulfill every single one of Lily’s fantasies (and she has an abundance!) and while Lily has never been shy about vocalizing her desires, there’s one she’s always held back on expressing: the down and dirty ménage. When she finally admits to it, Finn does everything in his power to make this a gift she’ll never forget.

Let me just start by saying holy freaking shit! This has got to be the hottttest book I’ve read this year - that I’ve read in an age if I’m being honest. This is a novella, yes, but it packs absolutely everything you could want in a full-length book: the love and respect between ALL the characters, the panty-melting dirty talk, and OMG the sex that is off the charts, dirty and delicious, and oh so hot! I loved this book and cannot wait for The Virgin Gift and The Exclusive Gift. I have a feeling this little series is quickly going to become a favorite of mine. Just a word of advice though: have your fans, battery operated friends, and/or significant others close by while reading!

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Dating Mr. Right: A Collection by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar 

Dating Mr. Right: A Collection: Four Standalone Romantic Comedies by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dating Mr Right

Dating Mr Right by Lauren Blakely

This is a collection of four (standalone) short stories featuring characters that we’ve met in the past and I have to say, it was ever so enjoyable catching up with them while they found their own happily ever after.

In Lucky Suit we get the story of Cameron and Kristen who meet online and go through a confusing then hilarious first date and subsequently navigate a long-distance relationship.

In Once Upon a Red-Hot Kiss we have Kirby, who absolutely hates Valentine’s Day and believes he’s been cursed to never find happiness. He’s in love with his best friend Macy who is effervescent and happy and embraces every occasion with gusto. Luckily, she’s in love right back!

Too Good to Be True features my favorite man in this boxset, Kirby! Serious swoon-alert right here! He’s a vet whose ex left him to travel the world and is a bit wary of getting involved with someone new. However, when his matchmaking client/friend sets him up with a gorgeous woman who is into sabotaging every relationship that comes her way, he bites the bullet and falls hard.

And finally, Strong Suit: the older-woman, younger-man trope has never been so flirty and delicious! Noah wears Ginny down with his paper aeroplanes and kale-infused cuisine till she accepts that Noah is the man for her, despite the age difference and food choices.

I have to say, I enjoyed all of these reads immensely. Some, if not all, of the characters I’ve been so eager to read about and was hoping Blakely would give us glimpses of in the future. So in my humble opinion, the novellas satisfied my curiosity while delivering a fun and flirty good time. Even though these are short stories, Blakely infuses so much warmth and personality into her characters that you’re left feeling as though you’ve read a complete and extensive novel which I believe says much about her as an author.

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.


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Coming Up Roses by Staci Hart

REVIEWED BY 

Monique Cashmere

Coming Up Roses by Staci Hart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Let me start by saying, what a freshening Cover this book has. I loved it from the first sighting and think it’s very fitting for the story.

I love a Staci Hart book, and will always be anxiously waiting for the next books release. Unfortunately, this one fell short for me. And I can’t quite put my finger on it as to why. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters but it seemed to be lacking something. There were a few components that didn’t totally fit or feel right for me. It’s odd how only Luke, with Tess, had been the instrumental members to save the family business when everyone else is there helping. And I really couldn’t get my head around the greenhouse in NYC supplying all those flowers on a daily basis and not running out. But I think my biggest dismay was that it dragged on too long where it could have been more concise with more depth.

This is certainly not a rom-com but the banter between the family members had me smiling a lot. It is a very sweet and charming contemporary romance of family values and commitment towards each other and other relationships. There is some angst as well, with an ex causing drama but the biggest outcome is love. It’s not necessarily light-hearted, but it is very heartwarming and full of emotions.

* Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooks Blog.

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