Monique Cashmere
I have a confession to make, I had a little intrepidation about going into this book, as I wasn't sure where this couple fit into the whole picture of LB's extended family, I keep forgetting who is related to whom. What I felt once I started was, I didn't need to know exactly which family tree this couple sits on the branch, because we get a little background to remind us but most importantly it doesn't take away from the overall story line what their lineage is. I had to put it into perspective of this is nothing short of another brilliant rom-com from Ms Blakely. This book is set in the world of publishing and editors and our to leads work at the same firm. Amy and Linc don't work directly with each other but in the same office. Linc is a Cali import and has only been in NYC for a few weeks and they hit it off straight from the first morning. They both have the same quirky bubbly personalities and it is an instant attraction. But Linc has been burnt with office romances before and Amy is all systems go with wanting to concentrate on her career so they don't do anything but have great office banter. Then things go in a different and fun direction of Amy joining a dating app for her bestie and to weed out the bad eggs and present her with the golden one. This brings about some flirty and fabulous repartee which had me smiling and giggling along. Things could have gone different for these two when the crunch came, but I am glad it didn't take the road of unnecessary angst and foolhardiness. I feel they achieved their HEA as this couple should with their characteristics and charisma. I loved both of them equally and could have read more from them. Although, I am eager to hear more about the said bestie, Payton and her tale with Tristan, which is next for this series.
Heather Fueger
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review** Lauren Blakely has done it again! She's created a fun, fresh, entertaining rom-com that I didn't want to put down! Amy Summers is taking a break from men and concentrating on her work. She loves books, reading and her job as a junior editor is perfect for her, however she wants more. She wants, and is going for, a promotion that she knows is going to take all her concentration to get. Although when a new guy comes on board at work, she can't help but notice how drawn to him she is. Linc Silvers is a new senior editor that has moved across the country to start fresh. He too is on a romantic break after getting involved with someone at work that went disastrously wrong. He's the kind that makes friends easily and that proves true as soon as he hits the door at his new job. The other thing he notices is Amy, but he knows that he needs to steer clear! When Amy decides to help her friend Peyton get back into the dating game, she signs up for Boyfriend Material, an app that matches people with similar interests and in like locations. She's going to act as the screener and then when she has some good ones to choose from, she'll share them with Peyton. When Amy begins sifting through the potential suitors, there are many to choose from, but one seems to rise to the top. She begins chatting with him and she realizes how much fun it is to banter with him. It reminds her of her bantering with Linc, but she knows that is a no go since she works with him. Linc is also trying not to think about Amy in his own way, yet he too continues to think about her. Amy and Linc are such a great duo. They banter, they flirt, they are sweet, they are nerdy and they also bring the heat! It was not hard to get swept up in this romance and how it all unfolded. I enjoyed the secondary characters as well. Peyton was great and Baldwin was another breath of fresh air. All in all, this was another fantastic story from Lauren Blakely and if I learned anything, I learned that sometimes you need to ask for yourself!
Book Bruin Kim
4.5 stars This was exactly the kind of swoony, low angst romcom that I needed! Asking For a Friend hooked me in right from the start, thanks to two of the quirkiest and most adorkable characters that I've encountered. Linc and Amy were undeniably perfect for each other and their playful banter and conversations made them even more endearing. I loved that there was push and pull thanks to the office romance taboo/some past baggage, but nothing over the top or unnecessary. The drama that does pop up is resolved just as quickly as it appears. It allowed the story to focus on these two and more importantly, the powerful message that "women can support each other even when they compete". Cape power all the way! Catching up with previous Blakely characters and the nods to locations and businesses that have popped up through her books are always fun easter eggs to find. The secondary characters were just as wonderful, especially Baldwin. I loved that he got his HEA too ;) I'm really looking forward to Tristan and Peyton's story next! If you're looking for a sweet, feel good romcom, you don't want to miss Asking For a Friend! *I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
