Flirty, swoony and romantic

Five of Lauren Blakely’s best books in one collection. “Romance in Duet” is a flirty, swoony and romantic collection that has five great stories with five amazing couples. Each narrator was the perfect choice for each book. And the best part is how this is all recorded in duet. Each narrator is in every chapter as their character and that brings each story alive perfectly.

The Almost Romantic

Oh how I’m swooning for Elodie and Gage! “The Almost Romantic” is a flirty, steamy and swoony marriage of convenience romance that checks all the boxes for an amazing Lauren Blake romance. I was hooked from the very first chapter, Elodie and Gage were so cute! I loved how they met, such a cute way with a little bit of spice. Gage and Elodie had some spicy and flirty banter and I loved the teasing that led to them finally giving into the clear attraction they had for each other. I loved their journey to admitting their feelings and their HEA.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

A fun, flirty and swoony boss’s daughter romance. The instant chemistry between Malone and Sloane was great and only got more intense as the story went on. The banter was great and I enjoyed their story. It might have been a little forbidden but these two were great together. The met years prior in paradise but circumstances kept them apart and now those circumstances brought them back together. Those seven years were worth the wait.

Best Laid Plans

You know you’re in for a good time when you get a firefighter story. Arden and Gabe are friends and I loved that we got a friends to lovers story. They were always the perfect match for each other but it took them a minute to find their way to each other. The banter was great and the chemistry sizzling.

A Real Good Bad Thing

This was a little different from past Lauren Blakely books and I enjoyed it so much! “A Real Good Bad Thing” is a thrilling, steamy and seductive enemies to lovers to partners rom-com suspense that was a great listen. The chemistry between the two was apparent from the start and only grew stronger throughout the story. And their banter was great and had me laughing several times. The action of trying to find the diamonds had me even more invested in the story as they worked together.

The Muse

This was something different from Lauren Blakely and I loved it. It’s not a paranormal romance or a time travelers romance, it’s something so much more. Clio, the woman from the painting, is just pure magic. Clio and Julien were such refreshing characters and their story is one of my favourites of the year. It’s described as Night at the Museum meets Midnight in Paris. Lauren wrote this story in such great detail that it felt like I was there in Paris at these museums. I can’t wait for other books in this series. I’m excited to see where she takes the storylines.

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A beautiful gathering of some of my favorities!

The Almost Romantic
When Gage and Elodie meet at the bar he owns, there’s some serious flirting going on. Both are attracted to each other, but they have work and family obligations that just don’t give them much time to date. After visiting Elodie’s chocolate shop, Gage asks her out. As they’re getting to know each other, they have the great idea to go into business together. When they find the perfect location for their venture, they get a little ahead of themselves, and the next thing they know, they’re fake engaged. They agree on one rule: no touching. That turns out to be more difficult than they thought.

Elodie has a business rival who isn’t very nice. He has a global business and is trying to buy her out, and will use any tactic to ensure he gets her shop. Elodie is determined to keep her shop, but fighting him is proving to be difficult. Gage isn’t having any of that and does his best to protect his fiancée—then wife (no spoilers).

I loved this story. Gage quickly grew very protective of Elodie, and I just swooned through so much of this book. Both have issues from their past they’re dealing with, and I really liked how they could talk to each other about anything, and how supportive they were of one another. There was obvious chemistry between them, but there was genuine affection, respect, friendship, and of course love. There was no shortage of very hot moments between Gage and Elodie, and Gage has some serious dirty talk talent. What a beautiful love story.

Fake relationship tropes are a favorite of mine, and Lauren always does a wonderful job putting together great stories. Teddy Hamilton and Vanessa Edwin are fabulous narrating Gage and Elodie. Teddy is my favorite golden retriever, and I absolutely love Vanessa’s sassy, confident, sex-positive attitude.

#thealmostromantic #laurenblakely #howtodate #romancebooks #marriageofconvenience #fakeengagement #workplaceromance #singledad #romcom #spicyromance

Best Laid Plans
Gabe and Arden happen upon a great friendship. When Arden asks Gabe to show her the ropes of being “naughty,” Gabe’s up for it. That’s when things get interesting. Gabe is quite the teacher, and that dirty mouth of his was very dirty. Just how I like it. I don’t want to spoil any of it, but the feels in this book are all over the place. I cheered, laughed, and yelled at Gabe and Arden. They’re absolutely amazing. I loved their close friendship, and you could see the little blossoms forming in their hearts. They’re exactly what the other is looking for, they just don’t know it...yet.

I want to start a book club like the bawdy ladies in Arden’s book store when I turn 60! I also swooned over ALL the men in this story. They’re all hotties, so who could blame me? Gabe’s grandfather was such a sweet man, and a definite favorite of mine. I connected with Pops immediately, and developed a soft spot in my heart for him.

Joe Arden and Erin Mallon do a fantastic job, and I loved their always perfect narration. They’re definitely a favorite pair. They always do a wonderful job, seem to have fun together, and they give their own little touches to the story.

Lauren has such a gift with the friends to lovers trope, and I don’t know how she makes each one their very own without repeating some things in the stories. You know there’s going to be an HEA, but Lauren takes you on such a unique journey, and you’re treated to a great story every time. And thank goodness she has a thing for firemen!

Also, the extras after the epilogue were awesome!

The Muse
What a beautiful adventure! Admittedly, magic isn't the sort of thing I look for in romance reading, and admittedly, I wasn't sure how I was going to take this book. It seems like it's not your usual LB tale, but it so many ways, it is. It's definitely reminiscent of Night at the Museum, but it's so much more. And to my surprise, I loved every minute of it.

Julien, an art history major interning at the museum where his sister is a curator, finds himself the recipient of a phenomenon. After sunset, the paintings he studies come to life. It seems like such a treat to have his passions dance around and play to their heart's content. At first, Julien thinks he's gone mad, but he soon realizes that isn't the case at all. When Clio steps out of a painting, he's captivated by her beauty, and finds himself falling for her. That's when everything takes a kind of turn, and adventures ensue. That's all I'll say on that.

Shane did an exceptional job narrating. He captures all the feelings, and the descriptions are so detailed, you see everything as you're listening. Like a friend of mine, I found myself looking up the paintings so I could see them as the story progressed. Lauren tells a beautiful, sensual, funny, adventurous treat. With the vivid descritions, it's an almost-tactile experience for the reader. I wasn't sure how much I'd like this, but I absolutely loved it. The backdrop of lovely, romantic Paris makes it even more magical. Although a different feel, there's no doubt that this is a Laure Blakely love story. Brava!!

And Siiri Scott's epilogue is beautiful.

Satisfaction Guaranteed
I know I say this a lot, but what a wonderful story. I listened to the audiobook, and had the fortune to hear Andi Arndt work her usual romantic magic. For me, Jason Clarke was the treat with this tale. He ticks all the boxes with his panty-melting voice and wide range of talent. From the great w/animals and their people veterinarian, to the boss to his vet techs, to my favorite sultry, seductive, raspy tone he only shares with Sloane, Dr. Malone Goodman is a man of many talents.

Having met a few years prior, Malone and Sloane are kind of forced into close quarters. While their chemistry is off the charts, Malone’s focus is building the vet practice with his partner. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but for reasons you’ll see, Malone and Sloane can’t be together...yet.

And if all that melty goodness wasn’t enough, Dr. Goodman sings—very well. I love how Lauren Blakely adds a new element to a beautifully romantic story. Love songs, wonderfully performed by Jason Clarke. He’s so talented, and I’m so happy to be witness to his rising star. I can’t wait to hear Jason’s beautiful voice again. Hopefully, we’ll get more from Malone and Sloane.

And, if that weren’t enough, there’s another novella surprise. Enjoy!

A Real Good Bad Thing
If you’re an OG Lauren Blakely fan, this story may seem familiar to you. There was Jewel Series duet back in 2016. While there are some similarities between the two stories, Lauren has gone and almost totally rewritten the original story, and I love it.

Jake has been hired by a finance company to solve a mystery of some mishandled funds in a coastal town in Florida. While doing some recon work, he meets Steph. There is some serious chemistry between the two. Turns out, Steph is looking for the same thing as Jake. Instead of romance, maybe they can help each other out by working together.

As with any good mystery, there are some surprise twists that send Jake and Steph all over the keys. This was a great caper, and the heat between Jake and Steph was high. As the story flows, they get closer and closer, until there’s no point denying what’s between them. I loved all the character engagement and development as the story is told.

Stella Hunter and Ryan West are spot on with their narration.

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Wonderful Romance Collection

Five of Lauren Blakely's romantic books are all in one collection. They are some of my favorite books by Lauren Blakely. The narration of all of them are in duet and/or multicast narration. I certainly enjoyed listening to this collection.

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The best collection of romance!

Looking for all the romance tropes you love? This is the collection for you! Lauren Blakely has put together 5 of her books to give the best romance to your eyes and ears! Start with The Almost Romantic with sweets and treats! Gage, the single dad and Elodie the candy shop owner enter into a fake relationship. Where does it end? Satisfaction Guaranteed is next with a second chance for Malone and Sloane. The animals and music will make you fall in love with this couple! Best Laid Plans follows next and gives us an amazing friends to lovers story for Arden and firefighter, Gabe. Next is A Real Good Bad Thing , rivals to lovers as Ruby and Jake fight for the same thing only to find the attraction between them hard to ignore. And lastly, The Muse took me to Paris with Julian and Clio. These two took me on a journey of intrigue and love. This is a collection that will warm your heart and have you falling in love.

Enjoying this as an audio, I know Blakely hears the voice of the narrator as she is writing it. Her choices are spot on and give the best performances. Teddy Hamilton, Vanessa Edwin, Andi Arndt, Jason Clarke, Joe Arden, Erin Mallon, Stella Hunter, Ryan West, Siiri Scott and Shane East bring out all the feels and emotions. Each book is easy to escape into and will make your ears happy.

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Loved this wonderful romance collection!

Lauren Blakely put together a wonderful collection of romance stories that I loved. There is a great mix of tropes here that will definitely capture your heart!

~The Almost Romantic: How to Date Your Fake Husband (How to Date #3)
I absolutely adored everything about this fake fiancé/marriage of convenience romance. Elodie and Gage are great characters and I was cheering for them all through their moving, romantic, and seductive journey. I loved Elodie's growth and confidence, and the way that Gage was so protective, and romantic.
Narrators Vanessa Edwin and Teddy Hamilton gave a flawless performance. Their ability to deliver Ms. Blakely's witty dialogue along with imparting the genuine emotion of all characters was exquisite.
This is a fun, witty, sizzling story that is so full of heart. This beautiful tale, along with the skillful narration, made me feel many wonderful emotions, but mostly, it made me happy!

~Satisfaction Guaranteed (Always Satisfied #1)
I am totally in love with Malone and Sloane in this workplace romance! They are both strong, witty, and caring people. They are so perfect together, with their shared love of animals, and their easy, flirty natures. They also encourage and support each other, and their chemistry is off the charts. Malone is so swoony as an animal whisperer by day and a crooner by night! It is also great to catch up with old friends in this Blakely world, setting up more intriguing love matches.
I was blown away by Jason Clarke's phenomenal performance! His different voices are so distinct, and authentic, and his delivery is flawless. I really enjoyed listening to his musical talents with his deep, velvety voice, and sexy crooning as he played the piano. Andi Arndt was also amazing as the sweet seductress, Sloane.
Lauren Blakely continues to create hilarious, touching, and hot and sexy romances that capture my heart. When you add in the stellar performance by Clarke and Ardnt and you have audio gold!

~Best Laid Plans (Lucky in Love #1)
There is so much to love about this friends to lovers romance! It is hilarious, hot & steamy and a new sexy alpha hero that you can't help but fall in love with. This was such a fun and heartfelt romance that Blakely is a master at creating. I love Gabe and Arden together because they feel so genuine, honest and relate-able. They have fun together, their banter is witty while discovering each other's pasts, quirks, dreams, and desires, and their chemistry is explosive! This is a multifaceted story with a depth that is truly satisfying, and was performed flawlessly by narrators, Erin Mallon, Joe Arden. Mallon and Arden set each scene beautifully, and their inflections are spot on. I loved their chemistry so much but I especially loved the scene where Arden asked Gabe to help her with her list. Their performance brought out the myriad of emotions both characters went thru and was the perfect duet performance.

~A Real Good Bad Thing (Jewel #1-2)
Blakely has done it again! She has given us an exhilarating, suspenseful and sexy story that captures you from page one and never lets go in this rivals-to-lovers romance! Jake and Ruby are wonderful characters. They are both smart, caring, and playful yet they challenge each other making them so perfect together. Blakely expertly introduces us to the other players in this mystery and reveals just enough clues to keep you turning the pages without making it predictable and lifeless. This allows the story to be all about the thrill of uncovering clues, the excitement of the chase, the fun and sexy banter, and the intense and fiery passion.
Stella Hunter and Ryan West are fabulous as Ruby and Jake. They easily deliver all the excitement, emotion, wit, and steam, as they bring these characters and story to life so beautifully. I loved every moment and was completely captivated from start to finish and possibly beyond?

~The Muse (Beautiful Magic #1)
I loved everything about this intriguing, magical, and passionate, forbidden romantasy, with a touch of mystery! Julien and Clio are so magical together and their epic love story is breathtakingly beautiful. I really enjoyed the direction and the enchanting journey this story takes us on thru art, and museums. Blakely created such a beautiful story that was so emotional at times it broke my heart, but then she expertly put it back together again making me want more of Julien and Clio's epic love story. I also loved all the quirky friends, and family who made this story even more delightful.
Shane East was sensational as he brought this intriguing, and seductive story to life. His smooth as silk voice is so easy to listen to, and his accents were so perfect, I was completely enthralled in his performance. The epilogue was narrated by Siiri Scott. This is my first listen to her work, and she has a lovely voice that I really enjoyed, and would like to hear more from her. I really loved every minute of this beautiful, breathtaking, and passionate love story!

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2 people found this helpful

All Winners.

I loved every one of these books from LB, and it’s amazing they are now in one collection.
The audios are superb, with meticulous detail on character representation and the best narrators. I always love listening to her audiobooks. They bring her stories to life and make me feel I’m apart of it all.

Satisfaction Guaranteed, I know without a doubt, if I need a pick me up, feel good story, I can count on this author to deliver. This book is in my top 5 of her novels for lots of reasons. Firstly, she is a master at writing in the male POV. She can depict a male’s emotions and give us such detail on what makes them tick without making them seem like a douchebag. Secondly, she is a genius with the flirty, dirty banter between her couples, and this book was superb. She also makes her characters feel so genuine that I come away wanting to hang with the gang. The thing I cherish the most about her tales are that she makes her heroes and heroines equal. It is not all about the hero having to please and pleasure the heroine only, there is a perfect balance, and that to me is sexy.

The Muse was a pleasant surprise read about mystery, curses, a ghost and a magical romance in the contemporary genre. For an added bonus, those that love their art history, you will get a kick out of the references to the Renaissance era and being set in Paris gave it a true romantic feel about it.

The Almost Romantic, the thing I liked most about this book was family love. Gage is a single dad doing his best for his eleven year old daughter Eliza and Elodie is raising a teenager, her sister since their parent’s death two years prior. Their commitment to doing the best for their kids overflows into their own fake relationship that isn’t fake for long.

Best Laid Plans, I loved each character immensely. Arden was someone I could connect with because of her quirkiness and planning. I thought she was sweet and entrancing with a wicked side. I wish I had her job! Gabe melted my heart. He is that guy that is your protector as well as your biggest supporter and best friend. He realizes before Arden does that they could have so much more if they took their friendship to the next level. It just takes Arden some planning and role playing to see where her heart belongs.

A Real Good Bad Thing is about two people finding love and a whole lot more. It’s set on an island, in The Keys which is one of my favourite places I’ve been. They are there for their own reasons but start working together for the common good but trust becomes an issue and not just with their hearts.

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