A sinfully sexy new standalone romance from #1 New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely
I’ll say this about Christian — he made one heck of a first impression. When I first saw the strapping man, he was doing handstands naked on a dock along the canal. His crown jewels were far more entertaining than anything else I’d seen on the boat tour, so I did what any curious woman would do — I took his photo. I might have looked at the shot a few dozen times. Little did I know I’d meet him again, a year later, at a secret garden bar in the heart of the city, where I’d learn that his mind and his mouth were even more captivating. But given the way my heart had been trampled, I wanted only a simple deal — No strings. No expectations.
Our arrangement worked well enough until the day I needed a lot more from him…
***
Let me just say, this whole part-time lover thing was her idea. I’d have gone all-in from the start, but hey, when a gorgeous, brilliant woman invites you into her bed, and only her bed…well, I said yes.
But then, one hysterical phone call from my brother later, begging me to find myself a wife so grandfather’s business stays in the family, and I need a promotion with Elise. Turns out a full-time husband suits her needs too, and a temporary marriage of convenience ought to do the trick, until we can simply untie the knot…
As long as no one finds out…
As long as no one gets hurt…
As long as no one falls in love…
But our ending was one I never saw coming.
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Yvette's Review:
Yvette's Review:
Ever since Griffin’s friend, Christian, and Joy’s friend, Elise, were introduced in Wanderlust, I had a sneaking suspicion we might be seeing more of them. The moment Elise mentioned her preference for a “part-time lover,” that suspicion became a certainty (of course, it helped that the title for Lauren Blakely’s next book was already released). Little did I know that Christian and Elise’s history was more complex than I initially imagined. A missed connection and a helping hand from fate pave the way for a slow-burning, angst-filled romance that’s sure to tug on your heartstrings.
The first time Elise locked eyes on Christian, they were two strangers, drawn to each other by a clothing-optional display of impulsiveness and an equally spontaneous agreement to become better acquainted. Though the two missed their planned rendezvous, each left a memorable impression on the other that lasts until they meet again a year later. And then things get even more complicated... Fast-forward a few dates to a marriage of convenience that bears some not-so-convenient feelings and things get messy faster than you can say “naked handstand”. With a deadline in place and an agreement to keep their relationship strictly physical, what could go wrong?
Characters that are as bold and carefree as they are vulnerable and introspective, banter that’s rife with wit, humor, and innuendo, and a teasing, agonizingly slow-building romance make Part-Time Lover a gripping love story. A hero that’s confident, roguish, and irresistibly charming, and a heroine that’s fierce and cynical, yet fragile and hopelessly romantic, make for spellbinding narrators of this tale about fate and second chances. With Part-Time Lover, the author dives into the backstories of Christian and Elise, revealing their innermost thoughts and feelings, and exposing their every strength and every flaw – an intimate process that ensures you’re emotionally invested in the outcome of their story.
From start to finish, Part-Time Lover will have you laughing and swooning and falling in love with love. If you’re looking for a book to give you your lighthearted rom-com fix with a side of the feels, Part-Time Lover is a sure bet.
*complimentary copy provided by the publisher for an honest review
Rating: 5 Stars
The first time Elise locked eyes on Christian, they were two strangers, drawn to each other by a clothing-optional display of impulsiveness and an equally spontaneous agreement to become better acquainted. Though the two missed their planned rendezvous, each left a memorable impression on the other that lasts until they meet again a year later. And then things get even more complicated... Fast-forward a few dates to a marriage of convenience that bears some not-so-convenient feelings and things get messy faster than you can say “naked handstand”. With a deadline in place and an agreement to keep their relationship strictly physical, what could go wrong?
Characters that are as bold and carefree as they are vulnerable and introspective, banter that’s rife with wit, humor, and innuendo, and a teasing, agonizingly slow-building romance make Part-Time Lover a gripping love story. A hero that’s confident, roguish, and irresistibly charming, and a heroine that’s fierce and cynical, yet fragile and hopelessly romantic, make for spellbinding narrators of this tale about fate and second chances. With Part-Time Lover, the author dives into the backstories of Christian and Elise, revealing their innermost thoughts and feelings, and exposing their every strength and every flaw – an intimate process that ensures you’re emotionally invested in the outcome of their story.
From start to finish, Part-Time Lover will have you laughing and swooning and falling in love with love. If you’re looking for a book to give you your lighthearted rom-com fix with a side of the feels, Part-Time Lover is a sure bet.
*complimentary copy provided by the publisher for an honest review
Rating: 5 Stars
About Lauren Blakely: Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat,
heart, and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He's Mine, Playing With Her Heart, Trophy Husband, and Far Too Tempting. On November 21, she'll release the edgy new adult novel THE THRILL OF IT. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney.
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Excerpt:
~Christian~
A year ago
A year ago
I stroll up the hilly yard toward my house, passing my brother, Erik, who stands close to the porch. “Did you scare them all away? Admit it—they cringed in terror, scary movie—style.”
I slash an arm through the air. “Whole boatload of them. Tears, shrieks of horror. Wailing.”
He cringes dramatically.
“Toss me a towel, will you? Or do you want to continue to admire your more fit and handsome younger brother?”
Erik scoffs and throws the towel over the porch railing, away from me.
I shrug. “I’ll just go inside, and you can check out my arse.”
“You can count on me never ever checking out your arse.”
I grab the handle on the sliding-glass door and head inside to one of my homes. You can’t beat a home on the water. But then, a flat in Paris is hard for me to say no to as well. Good thing I get to have both.
I grab the pair of boxer briefs I left on the couch and tug them on as Erik follows me inside.
“Seriously. How did it go?”
“Exceptionally well. I landed a date tonight.”
“Bastard. You’re not supposed to get dates when you flash the tourists, and especially not when your beloved brother is only in town with you for a few days.” Most of the time Erik’s in London, where we were raised.
“Jealous much?” I ask, heading for the fridge and pouring a glass of cold water.
Erik flexes a bicep, then another, posing like he’s Mr. Olympia. “I’ve scored plenty of dates with this fabulous physique. Just none lately.”
“That would be because you’re married, you tosser.”
He flashes a dimpled grin. He’s so ridiculously in love with his wife, it’s nearly disgusting. He could be the poster child for man-who-falls-arse-over-elbow-for-a-woman. That’s something I can’t say for all the men in my family.
“I’m like Grandfather, happy as a clam.”
I furrow my brow. “How does anyone know clams are happy? Is there a study on clam happiness? We all assume they’re rays of sunshine, but how do we know?”
He scratches his chin. “Good question.”
“I bet they aren’t happy at all. I bet they feel nothing. Is that what happiness should feel like? Nothing?”
He sighs. “Aren’t you philosophical today?”
“Maybe. It happens every now and then.” I take a drink of the water. “But what can you do? Sometimes deep thoughts stray into my brain, and I can’t help it.”
“Best to get them out of your head if you have a date tonight.”
“Perhaps she likes thinkers,” I suggest.
“So who is she? Did you exchange numbers on the dock? Or did you, I don’t know, play charades with your appendages swinging in the breeze?”
“Yes. I can do Morse code with my dick.”
“Such a useful skill,” he deadpans.
“We did it the old-fashioned way. Picked a spot to meet and a time.”
He raises his chin. “And why her? Of all the ladies on all the tours you’ve ever flashed, you haven’t asked one out before. Not that you’ve told me about anyway.”
I let my brain rewind to the petite brunette with the big sunglasses who ogled me unabashedly from the side of the boat. She was pretty, that much I could tell even from fifty feet away.
But pretty alone isn’t enough. Pretty is a dime a dozen. I’ve dated women who aren’t pretty, but are witty, clever, and keep me on my toes. I like those traits just as much. Perhaps more. But I’m not opposed to pretty either.
Obviously.
“She was bold. She called out bravo. She said it louder than anyone ever has.”
“So she knows how to read your Morse code.”
“She’s welcome to read Morse code on me anytime. Come to think of it, she can even treat me like I’m fruit at the market.”
Erik laughs. “In some countries, they don’t let you touch fruit at the market.” I gesture to my body, from my chest down to my legs. “In the fine country of Christian Land, it’s highly encouraged for the bold brunettes to touch the fruit.”
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