Narrator Reveal: Just Playing for Keeps by Lauren Blakely

 

When she’s fake dating the hockey star, but he was never faking it…

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the next standalone hockey romance in her brand new Hockey Ever After series, JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS! Narrated in duet and recorded live by Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke, and with a FULL CAST featuring Savannah Thomas and Ryan West, this spicy, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, only one bed in a room, opposites attract hockey romance releases June 3rd in all formats, and will be free to read in Kindle Unlimited. 

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustPlayingAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ Sign up for an alert! Sign up for an alert!
https://www.subscribepage.com/LaurenAudio 

About JUST PLAYING FOR KEEPS (Coming 6/3/2026):

Ever hear the story about the dating coach who got dumped on the hockey arena’s jumbotron?

Everyone did. But I lived it. Including the moment when Lake Axelrod, the team’s broody, tattooed right winger, swooped in on skates to rescue me from public humiliation.

Even more surprising? When the famously grumpy (and ridiculously sexy) hockey star insists on being my fake boyfriend for my sister’s high-profile wedding.

It’s the perfect plan. His family stops pressuring him to settle down, and I’ll get the ultimate revenge, since my ex is the best man. Bonus – I might even salvage my professional reputation.

We need rules though.

1. To pull this off, everyone from his teammates to my boss has to believe we’re a real couple.

2. That means swoony touches and knee-weakening kisses are required.

3. When it ends, we walk away.

But the intensity in Lake’s eyes after every post-game kiss makes me wonder if he’s pretending. With each whispered secret, the line between fake and real bends. Until it shatters one night in a hotel room.

Soon, he isn’t just playing the protective boyfriend—he’s the only one who truly sees me.

If I’m not careful, I’m going to break the most important rule of all: don’t fall for your fake date.

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustPlayingAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ Sign up for an alert! Sign up for an alert!
https://www.subscribepage.com/LaurenAudio 

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

New Release Review: Taylor's Father by Penelope Ward

 

Title: Taylor's Father

Author: Penelope Ward

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Age Gap (17 Years), Best Guy Friend's Father

Single Dad, Forbidden, Second Chance

Protective Hero, Sassy Heroine

Release Date: February 22, 2026

BLURB

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a new, STANDALONE contemporary romance…

When my best friend Taylor gifted me a vacation at a resort owned by his grandparents, the last thing I expected was to bond with a man seventeen years older.

Tate was also vacationing alone.

He’d come to Midnight Key to clear his head and reevaluate his life.

I’d come to get over my high school sweetheart who’d dumped me.

I’d spotted the brawny, tattooed Adonis in the lobby on the first day and thought he had to be someone’s hot dad.

But then we matched on an app that paired single men and women by proximity.

The problem was? At nineteen—almost twenty—I’d lied and said I was twenty-nine.

Tate outed me on our first date, and I fessed up to my real age.

But we continued to run into each other.

And eventually we found our connection was too magnetic to deny.

While we agreed to only use first names and to part ways at the end of the trip, I’d really fallen for Tate.

I never forgot him and knew he was the one who got away.

Remember that guy friend who gifted me the trip?

Well, four years later, Taylor got married.

He’d been estranged from his dad for years, though recently they’d reconnected.

What I didn’t know was that the man I’d had that torrid affair with at the resort would be standing next to Taylor in the receiving line.

My dream man Tate? Was Taylor’s father.

GOODREADS

BOOKBUB

PURCHASE LINKS

$3.99 for a limited time!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

FREE to read in Kindle Unlimited

 

ALSO AVAILABLE

 

AUDIO

SPECIAL EDITION PAPERBACK

 

A model-cover paperback will be live on release day.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

17-YEAR AGE GAP

BEST GUY FRIEND'S FATHER

SINGLE DAD

FORBIDDEN

SECOND CHANCE

PROTECTIVE HERO

SASSY HEROINE

My review: 5 stars!

Author Penelope Ward is one of my favorites, and I absolutely loved Taylor's Father. Age gap is not a trope I seek out, but this was so well done and such a great story that I am glad I didn't miss this one. It was messy, complicated, and such a fantastic tale. I listened to the audiobook, done in duet by Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke and I enjoyed their performances so much.

AUTHOR BIO

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty books. Her novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

AUTHOR LINKS

FACEBOOK
FACEBOOK GROUP
INSTAGRAM

TIKTOK
X

OTHER BOOKS BY PENELOPE WARD

SEE ALL BOOKS HERE

New Release Review: Bridesmaid by Chance by Meghan Quinn

Bridesmaid by Chance by Meghan Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodness this was a hoot! Author Meghan Quinn always treats us with hilarity and puts her characters in the craziest situations and Bridesmaid by Chance was a delight. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it so much- Narrators Vanessa Edwin and Jason Clarke performed in duet style and it was SO GOOD! This series has been fun, but I think Hudson and Sloane's story my just be my favorite of the three.

View all my reviews

Narrator Reveal: Bridesmaid by Chance by Meghan Quinn

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes the next standalone romance in the Bridesmaid for Hire series, BRIDESMAID BY CHANCE! This steamy, marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, workplace romantic comedy is full of the witty banter, sizzling hot scenes, and laugh out loud moments you’ve come to love from Meghan Quinn! Narrated in duet by Vanessa Edwin and Jason Clarke, BRIDESMAID UNDERCOVER releases April 15th in all formats! Pre-order your copy today!

https://mybook.to/BridesmaidByChance 

About BRIDESMAID BY CHANCE (Coming 4/15/2025):

Hudson Hopper is in some trouble. After doing his business partner, Jude, a favor by hiring his younger sister, Sloane, Hudson very quickly finds out that she is a massive distraction―especially since she's now his assistant.

But when they are confronted with a situation where Sloane is told to fill in as a bridesmaid for one of Hudson's business partners, she comes up with an equal trade. She'll be a part of the regency wedding--corset and all--if Hudson marries her. Sloane knows the value of the trade, he needs her, and she needs his wedding ring to get her into a high-society club that will further her career.

It's an instant no from Hudson at first, but when she convinces him that no one will find out, including her brother, and he will benefit from the marriage too . . . well, Hudson finds himself saying "I do."

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

https://mybook.to/BridesmaidByChance 

ABOUT MEGHAN QUINN:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Connect w/ Meghan:

Website: https://authormeghanquinn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinnauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanquinnbooks/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMegQuinn

New Audiobook Release Review: The Invitation by Adriana Locke

5 stars!

My review: I just finished the audiobook for The Invitation by Adriana Locke and it was SO GOOD! Narrators Jason Clarke and Lexi Maynard were perfectly cast as Ripley and Georgia and I enjoyed it so much. I am really loving the Brewer Family series - I just adore these Brewer men! Enemies to lovers is a trope I always enjoy, and setting this against the backdrop of a reality show made it even more fun. I appreciated that their enemies status began with a long ago miscommunication and was glad to see it reconciled so well. The banter was on point and there was such great chemistry- loved Georgia and Ripley together. And Ripley's dog Waffles was the cutest side charact ever!

Blurb:

I hate Ripley Brewer.

So, why am I cuddling on his lap, peering into his ocean-blue eyes while cameras record our every move?

My best friend needs my help to save her career, and I would do anything for her. Besides, filming a reality show sounds fun … until Ripley shows up to play the role of my fake boyfriend.

As always, we nearly come to blows within minutes of seeing each other. The playboy billionaire accuses me of a setup, but I insist I’d rather live in a world without carbs than spend a minute with him.

At some point during the melee, we sign contracts. I can’t stand the look of his six feet two inches of chiseled abs and broad shoulders. And I loathe his arrogance. But now that he’s my pretend beau, I’m stuck acting like I’m falling in love with my biggest enemy.

It turns out that Ripley’s a good actor, too. Every soft touch on the small of my back makes my heart thump faster. His sultry smirk feels like it’s only for me. I should detest every word that passes his kissable lips.

Is this all a ruse, or does Ripley want to end this episode of The Invitation going from enemies to lovers? Because now? I’m not convinced I can despise him anymore.

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3YyU7yK

Meet Adriana

USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author, Adriana Locke, writes contemporary romances about the two things she knows best—big families and small towns. Her stories are about ordinary people finding extraordinary love with the perfect combination of heart, heat, and humor.

She loves connecting with readers, fall weather, football, reading alpha heroes, everything pumpkin, and pretending to garden.

Hailing from a tiny town in the Midwest, Adriana spends her free time with her high school sweetheart (who she married over twenty years ago) and their four sons (who truly are her best work). Her kitchen may be a perpetual disaster, and if all else fails, there is always pizza.

 

Connect with Adriana 

Website: www.adrianalocke.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8379774.Adriana_Locke

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Adriana-Locke/author/B00NPBY8FE/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoradrianalocke

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/booksbyadrianalocke

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoradrianalocke

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/authoralocke

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adrianalockewrites 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/adriana-locke

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authoradrianalo

Other: https://www.youtube.com/adrianalocke

Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/adrianalocke

New Audiobook Release Review: My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely

When the holiday wish list calls for fake dating my billionaire boss…

The plan: make my ex jealous. The problem: falling for my billionaire boss instead.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes a sexy, standalone holiday romance, MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE! This spicy, small town, fake dating, billionaire, single dad, office romance will give new meaning to rocking around (or under…) the Christmas tree! MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE 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 of this steamy, holiday romance today!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/MyFavoriteHolidateAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/MFHAudible
Samantha Brentmoor & Jason Clarke narrate in duet with a full cast!

About MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE:

Wanted: one hot billionaire to pose as my Christmas boyfriend. Must be willing to make my cheating ex jealous when you kiss me under the mistletoe at all the holiday parties. Bonus points if you make him cry. 

To my surprise my billionaire boss is more than up for the challenge of coming down the chimney as my holiday boyfriend. The sexy single dad desperately needs a plus one at a Christmas Eve wedding, where he’s the best man and I’m the maid of honor. 

And since my ex is in the wedding party too, my boss and I team up as a pair of insta-lovebirds for the holiday season, including during the annual week-long Christmas competition leading up to the snowy destination wedding.

But soon staying up late to string the best popcorn balls ever turns into a scorching night in his arms where the chestnuts aren’t the only thing roasting on the open fire. 

Can all these winter wonderland nights seeking revenge turn into the real thing when we return to the office? Or are we destined to go the way of a Christmas tree on New Year’s?

READ THE EXCERPT:

“Bossy,” she mutters. 

I smirk. “Does this surprise you?” 

“Not in the least.” Then she murmurs under her breath, a little sensually, “Sir.” 

Well, then. That’s a whole lot of info delivered in that tone. I can’t not ask: “So not only does it not surprise you, it sounds like you don’t mind it either?” 

She tips her chin up at me, challenging me with, “What do you think?” 

I don’t think. I do. I slide my thumb along her pretty chin. God, it feels so good to touch her again. “That you like to give me hell. That you like to keep me on my toes. And that you love to give me a hard time.” 

She leans into my touch, almost like she’s saying with her body don’t stop. “And I think you love all those things too,” she says in a husky voice that gives a little hint of her desire.  

My thumb travels up to her cheek. She moves with me, her breath gusting across those gorgeous lips. “You’d be right,” I say, heat flaring inside me.

ONE-CLICK YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/MyFavoriteHolidateAMZ
✦ Audible ➜ https://blkly.pub/MFHAudible
Samantha Brentmoor & Jason Clarke narrate in duet with a full cast!

My review: 5 stars!

Author Lauren Blakely really treated her readers with this fantastic holiday romance! I loved the audiobook, narrated in duet by Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor along with a full cast including listener favorites Andi Arndt, Connor Crais, Vanessa Edwin, Teddy Hamilton and Erin Mallon just to name a few. Fake dating is always fun, and billionaire Wilder and employee Fable had such amazing chemistry and banter that had me giggling so many times. I adored Mac, Wilder's daughter, and she and Wilder's aunt were such great characters. I am never disappointed with a Lauren Blakely book or audiobook, and My Favorite Holidate has me totally in the holiday spirit!

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 cute but spicy. Lauren likes dogs, cake, and show tunes and 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