Part-Time Lover

Lauren Blakely

Jun 2018 · Lauren Blakely Books

About this ebook

A sexy new standalone romance from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Lauren Blakely!

I’ll say this about Christian — he made one hell 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.

Ratings and reviews

4 stars! Fate, flowers, and naked handstands. Lauren Blakely delivers once again!! Part-Time Lover is a really cute and sexy marriage of convenience/second chance romance. I loved this book. It had everything I've come to expect in a Lauren Blakely book - humor, an entertaining storyline, amazing characters, steaminess, and a lot of heart. Add in the bonus of naked handstands from a hot Danish/Brit, obviously, this is not a book you want to miss. I just could not get enough of all things Elise, Christian and Paris. We first met Christian Ellison and Elise Durand in Wanderlust as Griffin and Joy's friends and right away you could tell they had a connection. We learned in Part-Time Lover, before Elise and Christian properly met that night with their friends, they had a history together and it’s hilarious. Their initial run in is my favorite first meet ever. I swear you could not wipe the smile off my face after reading it. Magnificent characters is a Lauren Blakely specialty. Christian and Elise are absolutely delightful. Elise has such a big heart. Yes, most of time it's guarded behind a self erected wall after being hurt in a previous relationship but she's easy to lend a hand or shower a friend with a just because gift. The way she was so quick to help out Christian and his family is proof alone to her kindness. And then there's Christian. Christian is another Lauren Blakely hero that I've fallen head over heels for. He's so funny and charismatic, a bit perverted but in a lovable, flirty, charming way. He makes me laugh and swoon all at the same time. Together…gah!…perfect. You can't go wrong with a Lauren Blakely couple. I can certainly recommend this sexy, sweet book wholeheartedly. I just loved it! Although the characters were introduced in a previous book, this book can be read as standalone.

**I received an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review** There is something about Lauren Blakely's books that just automatically bring a smile to my face. I know they are going to be entertaining, they'll be humorous and they'll be sexy and Part-Time Lover was no exception. We originally met Elise and Christian in Wanderlust, as they are friends of Joy and Griffin, but there is no reason this book can't be read as a standalone. Both Elise and Christian have had issues in past relationships that have shaped their current thought processes on love and marriage. A chance encounter while Elise is visiting Denmark puts them on each other's radar, but an innocent mix-up leads to them never meeting up later that night as they had planned. It isn't until a year later when they happen to meet once again (or could it be fate?) in France where they are both now living. While the chemistry between these two is off the charts and they have plenty of flirty fun together, neither one of them is looking for a relationship. It isn't until a situation arises with Christian's family and they realize they could help with the situation, that things really get interesting. If they go through with helping, it's going to mean putting themselves out there in a way that could hurt one or both of them in the end. Will they be game enough to do it and if they do, will they emerge on the other side unscathed or more broken than before? This was a story filled with a roller coaster of emotions, but it was so entertaining and engaging. It's not one that you are going to want to miss, so pick it up today!

It began with a fantasy that ultimately changes the course of their destiny. Hot guy, intrigued girl and a hauntingly tempting visual began a bumpy road of twists and turns for two strangers. Part- Time Lover can make a believer out of even the most skeptic of romantics. Elise and Christian let readers take a glimpse inside their deepest thoughts with humorous angst and bits of emotional upheaval. Definitely an attention grabber. From the beautiful backdrop to the witty dialogue and the heartwarming romance, Part-time Lover is a keeper. Lauren Blakely is one addiction that I wholeheartedly cultivate.

About the author

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that's hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than 100 times, and she's sold more than 2.5 million books. In August she'll release UNBREAK MY HEART, an emotional standalone romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter