While this most definitely is not my favorite from Blakely, it does have all of the things I love about her work – great banter, sizzling chemistry, a light/low angst feel, and a storyline that stands out from the pack. Where this one falters for me is the steam; you can definitely feel the lust between these two, but the love is harder to find. And I really don’t love dom/sub elements mixed into my rom coms, which changes the whole dynamic. It’s still a solid read from the author, settling into a much better story in the back half. That’s where we get to know our sexy single dad hero a little better, and he won me over begrudgingly.

The story follows Bryn and Logan, two people who meet in a chance encounter. All sorts of sparks fly in their initial meeting, but an interruption sidelines any plans they may have made. Fate plays a role as they meet again, and neither one wants to deny the attraction between them. They’re both divorced and apprehensive about starting something serious, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have some fun in the meantime. But hooking up with a sexy stranger can have consequences, as Bryn and Logan discover when they show up to work the next day.

I always love Blakely’s light, sexy reads, so I started reading this as soon as I got it. This one starts out with all kinds of chemistry and some great banter. But I’ll be honest and say that I was very turned off by their first date and the hookup that follows. I actually set the book aside for a few days before I was ready to get back to it, which never happens with Blakely’s books. I just wasn’t invested in the relationship. That being said, I liked the characters a lot better in the back half. Still not my favorite couple, but definitely better. My personal enjoyment of the book was closer to 3 stars, but I’m rounding up because the writing quality was still very good and I think a lot of Blakely’s readers will enjoy it. Nine times out of ten, Blakely’s books are a complete win for me, so it won’t hold me back from reading more. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review of this steamy romance.

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THE WHAT IF GUY by Lauren Blakely
Audio Release Date: July 21st
Book Release Date: July 24th 

Blurb:

A sexy standalone romance with a single dad you’ll fall hard for!

It should be an easy rule to follow – don’t bang your boss…

But I didn’t know who he was when I met him.

And the first time I saw him, our connection sounded like the stuff of romantic legends — that whole “their eyes locked across a crowded room” moment that turned into more.

I didn’t believe it. . . . until it happened to me.

Fine, the charming, clever, sexy-as-sin guy in the tailored suit was only trying to buy the same Snoopy lunchbox (as a gift!), but still, our eyes totally locked, and my lady parts definitely tingled as we vied for the prize.

Naturally, I did what any badass business woman would do. Negotiated for the lunchbox, then found my what-if guy online and made plans to see him the next night.

One night only — that was the deal we made.

But one fantastic night had us both changing our minds in the morning. And making plans for another.

Until I walked into the office to learn he just bought my company.

And here’s the biggest rule of romantic legends — no matter what, don’t bang your boss.

Especially if you’re already falling for him.

THE WHAT IF GUY is a sexy standalone you can escape into! The other standalone romances in The Guys Who Got Away series include The What If Guy!   

AVAILABLE NOW!

✦ Kindle ➜ https://amzn.to/39oddvJ
✦Audible ➜ https://amzn.to/2E6H0gW
✦Amazon Paperback ➜ https://amzn.to/39lJ5RV

✦Apple ➜ https://blkly.pub/AppleWhatIfGuy
✦Kobo ➜ https://blkly.pub/KoboWhatIfGuy
✦BN ➜ https://blkly.pub/NookWhatifGuy
✦Google ➜ https://blkly.pub/GoogleWhatIfGuy

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52905542-the-what-if-guy 

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About the Author:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sweet, sexy and witty. She also writes red-hot, ultra-steamy romance for her Lauren Blakely After Dark line. She’d love to give you a free book today! Check out her web site to grab your free read: https://laurenblakely.com/one-free-bookConnect w/Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com
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