Title: The What If Guy
Author: Lauren Blakely
Series: The Guys Who Got Away #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

From the title of this, I knew that there was going to be a bit of a “What If” vibe to this romance, and from the beginning, I was wondering how Logan would end up being the What If guy. What I did not expect was that it would also be a bit of a workplace romance and one that I would seriously enjoy. I mean, I knew that I’d enjoy this book, because I really like Blakely’s romances, but I didn’t realise this would so quickly turn into a workplace romance. Or that Logan and Bryn would have a whole lot of baggage to unpack before they manage to come together for their happily ever afters.

One of the things that both Bryn and Logan must overcome in their journey to each other is the fact that they are both learning how to move on from their divorces. And that they were both cheated on in their marriages. Whilst Logan has to negotiate this as a single father, Bryn is doing this as a strong and independent career woman. Different roles in their lives, but with some of that same baggage. Plus, there is just something ridiculously yummy and fun single dads who dote on their daughters. Actually, any time a father is an amazing father, it’s going to make me (and most other women) feel all the warm and gooey feelings about them.

The in-balance for Bryn of her wanting to date her boss, and how this often reflects poorly on the woman (regardless of the circumstances). Yet, rather than pushing the issue, Logan does a great job of backing down and then spending the time to try and figure out how he can actually have all the things. Without negatively impacting Bryn and how her employees view her. I thought that this balance and negotiation, which took up a fair portion of the book and conflict, was really well handled. I mean, women are often perceived in a more negative light regardless of the circumstances, so it’s a greater risk for us. But, in admitting this and trying to work with Bryn, Logan does a great job of supporting her.

Ultimately, as much as I loved this story and the romantic journey it took me on, I loved Bryn the most. There is so much crackling wit and sassy dialogue, which I for one, would never have because I am not that quick. But, it was also the fact that Bryn is her own Boss Bitch. And, by the end of her character journey in this story, she decides how she wants to be her own Boss Bitch. Doing something that is terrifying and brave, all on her own. Something which I admire and would love to have the guts to do myself one day.

Image source: Barnes & Noble

Title: Birthday Suit
Author: Lauren Blakely
Series: The Guys Who Got Away #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

I’ve been really wanting to dive into this series since reading Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend. But, sadly, I’ve always read on the kobo and it’s been sitting in Kindle Unlimited. Which, ultimately has meant that I pulled the trigger and decided to get KU as well as Kobo Plus. On this book alone, there are no regrets for that decision. Birthday Suit was a wonderful book and I couldn’t put it down from the very first page. It was everything that I loved in a really good romance, the angst, the characters and all of my joy.

I love that even though Birthday Suit is a second chance romance, but not really of the typical kind. Rather, instead of having a romantic history that they both stuffed up, it’s all about Leo’s unrequited love and Lulu’s ability to move into a whole new future. The complications of their past and the tangled webs of Tripp are kind of intense at times. And then, to keep up with the emotional rollercoaster that Blakely takes you on, there’s one tiny insight into Tripp’s views on Leo and Lulu. And it just… honestly destroyed me.

All of the tangled web that is Leo and Lulu’s relationship turned this into a wonderfully, enjoyably intense romance. I love that it’s a combination of Leo’s guilt for coveting his best friend’s wife for years. And Lulu’s confusion about her sudden feelings and moving forward with her life. Rather than glossing over these details and the emotional confusion that turning from a trio to a duo inflicts upon Leo and Lulu, Blakely is able to highlight this as part of their character journey. The very angst that is experienced is what makes the two so relatable and wonderful.

As with all heroines that I love, Lulu is ridiculously strong and independent. I love that the strength she shows doesn’t involve suppressing or hiding her feelings. But, rather, she revels in them. It’s a reminder that committing to love and embracing how you feel isn’t a sign of weakness, rather, it is a strength in and of itself. I also love that Lulu was historically able to away from relationships that weren’t healthy for her. And pursue her own desires and needs.

Image source: Barnes & Noble

Title: Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend
Author: Lauren Blakely
Series: The Guys Who Got Away #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

This is a book that come in a bundle of ebooks on my ereader. So, I’ve looked at reading it a few times – but then I was kind of put off by the synopsis at the front. And, like everyone in this story – I mistook the name and the tone for something entirely different. Because this isn’t actually about an ex-boyfriend. It’s about two friends, who love each other. And the tone of the letter is far less cringy and more sweet than anything I’ve read in quite a long time. To the point that I read this cover to cover and just couldn’t put it down!

There is something incredibly graphic (and gratifying) about starting a novel with a hot brit in a swimsuit. Something entirely drool-worthy and really enjoyable. I seriously loved this idea. And the image that it left in my mind was… delicious. Not normally my type of yum, but Blakely’s wonderful writing definitely made it incredibly tantalising. There’s also all kinds of humour and cuteness in the interaction that just makes it all that much better.

I love that Oliver and Summer are true and dear friends to each other. Before anything starts in the storyline – their entire relationship is built on years of trust and care for one another. They make such an adorable and sweet couple just for the friendship goals alone. Then, there’s the fact that throughout their history together, they have frequently posed as each others’ significant others. Again, an absolutely adorable and wonderful interaction with one another.

I always love the fake fiancée trope. There is something great about it which makes me smile and laugh. Add in the whole best friends sister / best friends to lovers tropes… and honestly, this was just a romance perfectly tailored to me. It was adorable and light hearted. Incredibly cute and just all around wonderful. Definitely the kind of romance that I wanted to dive right into with some of my own mental load at the moment.

Image source: Amazon