It Seemed Like a Good Idea ~ Lauren Blakely ~ New Release

When a film crew descends on my flower farm to shoot a romcom, my stress levels shoot through the roof.  A secret fling with my hot, origami-loving bodyguard is exactly what I need to blow off steam… and exactly what I can’t have.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely comes IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA, the first standalone small town romance in her upcoming Darling Springs rom com series! This sexy, only one bed, forced proximity, forbidden small town rom com answers the question: what happens when a lavender farmer gets a bodyguard who just happens to be the sexy grump from her one-night-stand who got away! IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA is now available in all formats and free to read in Kindle Unlimited! Check out the excerpt below, and one-click your copy today!

https://laurenblakely.com/book/it-seemed-like-a-good-idea/ 

⛅Grumpy/Sunshine
🏡Small Town Shenanigans
💙He’s Her Bodyguard
💋Forced Proximity
🛏️Only One Bed in the Room
🏃‍One-Night-Stand Who Got Away
🚫Forbidden
😄Romantic Comedy
❤️‍🩹Hate to Love
💟Protective Hero
🪻She Owns a Lavender Farm
😜Banter for Days
🩵"You're Mine" Swoon
😍DIY Toys
⛔"We Can't Keep Doing This" Vibes

About IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA:

He ghosted me once, now he’s supposed to protect me?

I don’t need a bodyguard—I run a small-town lavender farm, for bee’s sake. But when my identical twin sister lands the movie role of a lifetime that’s being shot in my hometown I get one anyway.

And guess which broody, tattooed protector the studio sends to keep the paparazzi off my porch?

Last month’s almost one-night stand.

The guy with the wicked mouth and heated eyes who slipped out before the fun even started. But turns out the sexy jerk is excellent at rescuing me from sneaky photographers at the market. Then the coffee shop. I’m trying hard to stay mad after the third time my new bodyguard saves me.

To top it all off, he’s staying in the cottage at my farm. With me. And there’s only one bed.

Maybe if we finally give in and finish what we started, it’ll relieve the tension? But one night quickly turns into another. Then into late-night secrets and soft confessions we shouldn’t say out loud. Especially since he’s leaving and I’m staying, and there’s no way we can be more than a summer romance that ends far too soon.

Escape into a spicy and hilarious forbidden small town rom com from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely!

ONE-CLICK YOUR COPY TODAY!

https://laurenblakely.com/book/it-seemed-like-a-good-idea/ 

READ THE EXCERPT:

Ripley

He’s touching me in some kind of slo-mo seduction. His fingers move to my jawline, the pads grazing along my face, then coming to a stop at my chin where he holds me. Roams his thumb right under my lower lip. Breathes out hard, full of wanting.

I am done.

“Just kiss me,” I whisper, already begging.

His lips curve up in the pleased grin of a man who holds the cards. “Patience,” he says, voice deep and in charge.

“I’m not feeling very patient,” I murmur.

“Good,” he says, a lion toying with his prey.

Pounce on me.

ONE-CLICK YOUR COPY TODAY!

https://laurenblakely.com/book/it-seemed-like-a-good-idea/ 

ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY:

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 sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party. 

Connect w/ Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com 

NL Signup: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenblakelybooks

 

★★★FACEBOOK★★★

It’s the one rule of being a bodyguard. Don’t fall for the person you’re protecting. And breaking it just might cost me everything.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author @laurenblakelybooks comes IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA, the first standalone small town romance in her upcoming Darling Springs rom com series! This sexy, only one bed, forced proximity, forbidden small town rom com answers the question: what happens when a lavender farmer gets a bodyguard who just happens to be the sexy grump from her one-night-stand who got away! IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA is now available in all formats and free to read in Kindle Unlimited! Check out the excerpt below, and one-click your copy today!

https://laurenblakely.com/book/it-seemed-like-a-good-idea/

Read the Excerpt:

Ripley

He’s touching me in some kind of slo-mo seduction. His fingers move to my jawline, the pads grazing along my face, then coming to a stop at my chin where he holds me. Roams his thumb right under my lower lip. Breathes out hard, full of wanting.

I am done.

“Just kiss me,” I whisper, already begging.

His lips curve up in the pleased grin of a man who holds the cards. “Patience,” he says, voice deep and in charge.

“I’m not feeling very patient,” I murmur.

“Good,” he says, a lion toying with his prey.

Pounce on me.

 

★★★INSTAGRAM★★★

It’s the one rule of being a bodyguard. Don’t fall for the person you’re protecting. And breaking it just might cost me everything.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author @laurenblakelybooks, comes IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA, the first standalone small town romance in her upcoming Darling Springs rom com series! This sexy, only one bed, forced proximity, forbidden small town rom com answers the question: what happens when a lavender farmer gets a bodyguard who just happens to be the sexy grump from her one-night-stand who got away! IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA is now available in all formats and free to read in Kindle Unlimited! Check out the excerpt below, and one-click your copy today!

https://laurenblakely.com/book/it-seemed-like-a-good-idea/

Read the Excerpt:

Ripley

He’s touching me in some kind of slo-mo seduction. His fingers move to my jawline, the pads grazing along my face, then coming to a stop at my chin where he holds me. Roams his thumb right under my lower lip. Breathes out hard, full of wanting.

I am done.

“Just kiss me,” I whisper, already begging.

His lips curve up in the pleased grin of a man who holds the cards. “Patience,” he says, voice deep and in charge.

“I’m not feeling very patient,” I murmur.

“Good,” he says, a lion toying with his prey.

Pounce on me.

#laurenblakely #itseemedlikeagoodidea #darlingsprings #smalltownromance #nowavailable 

On The Brink of Bliss ~ A L Jackson ~ New Release & Review

 

On the Brink of Bliss by @aljacksonauthor is now LIVE!

Download today or read for FREE with #kindleunlimited

Amazon: https://geni.us/OTBOBAmznOP

Also available in audio!

Narrated by: @seanmastersaudio & @ms_brentmoor

Listen today: https://geni.us/OTBOBAudio

Enter the release day giveaway!

https://geni.us/OTBOBRlsGvwy

Goodreads: https://geni.us/OTBOBGoodreads

A sizzling single mom, fake marriage, heroine in danger romance from New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author, A.L. Jackson

The last thing I expected when I found the trespasser bathing in my river was for it to be her…

Daisy Adair has always been my dream girl. From when we were best friends in high school to finding her now.
A gorgeous mother who shows up on my property with three kids in tow.
But I became a recluse for a reason.
The life I chose is full of wickedness and peril. The last thing I need is the object of my every fantasy invading my space and risking her life because of me.
Only when she tells me she’s on the run from her ex, I promise to do anything to keep them safe, even marry her to protect her kids.
That single kiss at the altar rips through every barrier, our passion unleashed.
Now, living under the same roof blurs the lines I’ve drawn.
Each glance of her down the hall and I am splintering.
Each brush of her hand and I am brought to my knees.
Our future—bright, hopeful, and almost within reach—hovers on the edge of becoming real…
Until we discover the threat surrounding her is grimmer than either of us imagined.
Now I’m fighting to save her and her children before our second chance at forever is burned to the ground…

What to Expect in On the Brink of Bliss:

Single Mom
Fake Marriage
Grumpy Recluse x Sunshine Wallflower
Morally Gray Hero
Heroine on the Run
Roommates-to-Lovers
Mutual Pining
Ex-Motorcycle Club
Found Family
Small Town
Secret Society

On the Brink of Bliss by A.L. Jackson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend

Review Copy Provided by Author

This was an excellent conclusion to the Moonlit Ridge series! As it is the 5th book of 5, I don’t think it stands a lone as strongly as some of the other books, so I definitely suggest reading in order!

Cash has been the member of the crew that has lurked in the background until now. We learn a lot about why here. He is paired with Daisy, his first love, when she needs his help. Both of these characters are amazing and the secondary cast is a treat.
If you have been following the series, there are awesome tid bits to catch up on.

This is a typically well written book by Ms Jackson. I loved the twist at the end!! There are also hints at what may be coming next and I can’t wait!

View all my reviews

Review Round Up ~ January

2025 Releases:

Rebel Bride by Kate Meader

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend

Review Copy Provided by Author

I’m going to be honest and say that I wasn’t sure about this one going in - the idea of one player pairing up with recent ex of another was almost more than I was ready for. BUT- Ms Meader handled this so well that I found myself sympathetic and liking Summer and Hatch.

I appreciated the fact that this book was focused on growth and had people taking accountability for their actions. This was a bit of a slower read, but I did find myself invested.

This is also a book that does a lot of work on the world building front. We are introduced to secondary characters that will play major roles in future books of the series. I am curious to see what happens next for the Rebels.

Amazon

New(er) Releases:

Heaven Forbid: A Devils Historical by Rosalind James

My rating: 5 of 5 stars - One of the Best

Review Copy Provided by the Author

Heaven Forbid finishes the three book arc focused on “Princess” Alix and her grandmother, Marguerite.
We’ve seen modern day Alix fall in love with her footballer and then take Oma back to Dresden for the first time.
We’ve seen Marguerite survive the terrors of late WWII Germany, meeting a Jewish GI, and falling in love.
In this installment, we see wha happened in between Marguerite meeting Joe and Alix meeting Sebastian.
Ms James has a way of shining lights on things. Sometimes these are light hearted and sometimes these are whoppers. Heaven Forbid continues this tradition in her signature style.
I truly appreciate the ability to make me sit with ideas that may be uncomfortable while also falling in love with these characters.
Now that we’ve met the whole family, I’m curious to see what Ms James has for us next!

Amazon

*Buy links belong to E-Reading After Midnight and we may be compensated if you choose to make purchase. 

Just Breaking The Rules ~ Lauren Blakely ~ New Release and Review

There are rules in life, just like there are rules in the rink.
The “don’t date your business partner” rule.
The “don’t fall for your best friend’s sister” rule.
The “stop kissing each other over the cookie batter” rule.
And we’re breaking every single one.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the first standalone hockey romance in her brand new Hockey Ever After series, JUST BREAKING THE RULES! This sexy, single dad, opposites attract hockey workplace romance is filled with spicy baking sessions, love letters, and all the feels, spice, and heat! JUST BREAKING THE RULES is now available in all formats including the special edition hardcover and free to read in Kindle Unlimited! Check out the excerpt below and one-click your copy today!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustBreakingAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustBreakingAUD
Samantha Brentmoor & Teddy Hamilton narrate in Duet!

About JUST BREAKING THE RULES:

Everyone knows the golden rule of business—don’t bang your business partner.
Especially if he’s your brother’s hot-as-sin, hockey-star best friend.

But when the sexy single dad athlete saves me from a cake contest catastrophe—and shows me how good he is with his hands—I blurt out the world’s worst business pitch: Want to invest in my bakery?

With no loan or backup plan, this is my last shot at proving I’m more than my past mistakes, and shockingly, he says yes.

We set one rule: don’t mix business with pleasure.
Except Corbin Knight’s impossible to resist.

When he’s not scoring goals, he’s staying up late with me to test tempting recipes.
Braiding my hair before we bake like it’s foreplay.
Giving me his jersey to wear to games.

I try to keep a professional distance from the bossy, possessive and dangerously flirty hockey player, but soon we’re testing the limits of the kitchen counter.

This bakery is my chance to finally get my life right, so I fight the messy feelings.
Until one night, he shows up after closing and admits he can’t stop thinking about me.

Suddenly I’m ready to break every rule—no matter the cost to our dreams.

And breaking the rules has never tasted so good.

ONE-CLICK YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustBreakingAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustBreakingAUD
Samantha Brentmoor & Teddy Hamilton narrate in Duet!

READ THE EXCERPT:

Corbin

Those last two words echo like a warning—working together. 

We are definitely working very closely together, and this—kissing, touching, f*&king—

is a recipe for failure.

But when she looks at me like that, lips wet, eyes dark, I can’t bring myself to care about

consequences. Not when she’s right here in my arms and I need her so damn badly.

I make quick work of the apron strings, undoing them at her neck as I crush her lips with mine.

Her mouth feels so good, soft and pliant. She moves with me, our tongues skating together.

Our moans mingling.

 “It feels like forever since I kissed you,” I mutter as I briefly break the kiss, frantically

tugging down the apron, exposing the collar of the dress that I bought her.

“A day is a long time,” she teases.

“I didn’t kiss you yesterday.”

She seems to think about that for a few seconds. “You should keep making up for that.”

ONE-CLICK YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustBreakingAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustBreakingAUD
Samantha Brentmoor & Teddy Hamilton narrate in Duet!

ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY:

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 sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party. 

Connect w/ Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com 

NL Signup: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenblakelybooks

 

Elizabeth's Review

3.5 stars - Worth a Reader's Time

Review Copy Provided by Author

Ms Blakely has introduced us to the San Francisco Foxes (and rival Sea Dogs) in the past. We have also met to town of Cozy Valley before too. In this series “starter” we spend time with Corbin and Mable, both previous secondary characters, as they see if they can have it all.

I liked both Corbin and Mable as leads and found myself invested in them finding their way both personally and professionally. The core secondary cast of kids, siblings, friends and teammates were interesting. The larger cast of the town and situations added flavor too! The recipe for this book worked!

As much as things worked, I also struggled just a tiny bit with the amount of side work this story seemed to be doing. Because we’ve been in these worlds before, there are a lot of previous main characters poppy up. But, since this is the beginning of a new series we are getting closer looks at the individuals who may be featured in future books. That’s a lot of different threads to have going at once and at times it seemed like Corbin and Mable got a little lost.
Those are probably me issues, so this is a book I can easily recommend.

View all my reviews