A sexy, passionate, utterly addictive standalone MM romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely!Every bartender should follow one simple rule—don’t go home with the customers.That’s been easy for me to stick to, until the night a cocky, confident, and sinfully charming hockey star walks into my bar. This sexy athlete is too hard to resist, especially when he makes it clear how much he wants the … the “sarcastic, witty, hot AF” guy behind the bar—also known as me.Still, I’m not keen on breaking my own rules since I know where that can lead—no place good.But when that man makes his case with one bone-searing kiss on the streets of London, I throw resistance out the window.What could go wrong with a hot, dirty, no-strings-attached fling before he leaves town in five days? Trouble is, soon our nights together lead to days, to long conversations, to getting to know each other, and to something I never expected—falling ridiculously hard for a man who’s getting on a plane to America when I live a world away. My life is here. His is there. And no amount of falling or feeling will change that one big problem. Warning: contains hot hotel nights, loads of dirty talk, PDA all over London, and two sexy, witty, charming alpha heroes…A Guy Walks Into My Bar is a sexy MM standalone romance in The Guys Who Got Away world! The other standalone romances in The Guys Who Got Away series include the MF romances The What If Guy, The Dream Guy Next Door, and Thanks For Last Night.
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As a huge fan of Lauren Blakely I can’t tell you how excited I was when I found out she was venturing into a M/M storyline. And now, having read it, I can’t wait for more!
I love this story! Of course, I was hooked on Fitz two books ago. This fun-loving hockey hunk is definitely my cup of tea. I love everything about him. He’s smart, funny, and a little quirky. He also has an abundance of that boy-next-door charm, but it comes with a sexy, bad-boy twist that you’ll go crazy for. He’s absolutely irresistible!
Dean is amazing! He brings a maturity to the story, not that Fitz isn’t mature. He also brings a sense of experience to the relationship. That’s something that Fitz is definitely lacking. He’s quirky and funny, sarcastic and sexy. His subtle charm and wit will have you hooked the minute you meet him. He’s a great balance for Fitz.
This is your classic LB novel with a twist, one that proves ALL love is beautiful. Chemistry between these two is off the charts. Combine that with their witty banter and their perfect blend of steamy and sweet, and you are going to melt over Fitz and Dean. Lauren Blakely embarked on new territory with this book and she nailed it! This one gets all the stars from me.
This was my first read from this author and I heard it was her first m/m book, well ,Lauren Blakely did an amazing job. I Loved this book! I laughed, I cried, I swooned and wowed at those sexy times, hot. I loved all the characters, mainly Fitz & Dean of course. I will continue reading more of her m/m books and if I’m in an m/f reading mood I’ll try hers out. A Must Read!
One of the best!
This is honestly one of the best MM romances I’ve ever read. Imagined in a world where love is love, Dean and Fitz only have to conquer the miles and continents that separate them. Both successful and entrenched in their own worlds, how will they make their love work?
Narrated by Joe Arden and Shane East I couldn’t love this more. The bonuses at the end of the audiobook had me laughing out loud!
This was my first Lauren Blakely romance book and I’m so glad I gave it a chance. The plot was the standard lust/love-at-first-sight trope, but with some witty banter and over-the-top romantic gestures that made me swoon. I fell in love with the characters and immediately became invested in their love story. The book had just a touch of angst (more like a touch of anxiety when the characters were trying to figure out their relationship) but it was quickly resolved and the rest of the book was just full of fluff and hot sex.
The audiobook was narrated by a full cast of voice actors, with the main leads being Shane East and Joe Arden. These voice actors did an INCREDIBLE job. Listening to a full cast narration is very different than most other types of narrations and duet narrations. It truly is a performance. Once I got used to the full cast narration, I really enjoyed it. I also think the audiobook production team and editor did a fantastic job with producing the book. The entire story was told smoothly and it made for a wonderful listening experience. I also really liked the interview with the voice actors, bonus short story, and bloopers at the end of the book. That was unexpected element that was a real treat.
I’m a huge fan of all things Lauren Blakely, but this book is on a league of its own. It’s steamy, heart-breaking, and fun with multidimensional characters who will stay with you long after you finish reading their story.
Fitz walks into Dean’s bar and what results from that encounter is a steamy, honest, witty romance.
Dean is a bar owner in London and Fitz is a hockey player from New York. There is instant attraction between the heroes and what starts off as a fling quickly becomes more. These two together were beyond scorching hot. Both are happy and content with the lives they are living, in their particular locations and have no immediate intentions of given it up. This story is an example of how difficult long distance relationship are and taking a leap of faith can be the most difficult thing to do. It shows that with honesty and communication any relationship can go the distance.
I was all for the teasing and banter between these two. The only real angst and drama they face as a couple is geographical location, which I can say was refreshing to read. Distance takes a toll on the characters, their actions and demeanor with those around them are a direct result of the struggle within themselves they are experiencing.
Lauren’s writing made every touch and interaction so much more meaningful. This is so well written, never once did it cross my mind that it as an M/M. Overall this is a beautiful, passionate well rounded romance story.
I love that this book was written with acceptance and no hatred or judgement.
10 When A Tryst Becomes Their Forever Stars!!
I’ve been thinking about how to explain how much I ABSOLUTELY FREAKING LOVE this newest book by Lauren Blakely and I’m going to do my best without ruining the listening and/or reading pleasure you’re sure to have when you get your hands on this beauty.
This is Ms. Blakely’s first foray into the MM world of writing and she has done it brilliantly. This book is everything I love about her writing and storytelling ability. Both Dean and Fitz are characters I couldn’t help but love. They’re dynamic men that are definitely NOT looking for anything beyond a tryst that was also totally unexpected. But when Fitz, who we’ve met in Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend and The What If Guy goes to London to get his little sister Emma settled, he walks into The Magpie, Dean’s bar, and his time in London, if left solely up to him has just taken a sharp turn the minute he lays eyes on Dean.
For his part, Dean has no desire to spend any time with Fitz but this man is relentless in the most swoony of ways. I could feel their chemistry coming through their dialogue as I listened to this audiobook. There’s a playfulness to their conversations that’s full of double entendres that had me smiling from ear to ear. These men are so meant for each other, but there’s so much more at stake than having a fling while Fitz is in London….they just don’t know it yet….and so begins a romance for the ages filled with laughter, swooning, pleasure and some of the hottest and best sex ever written by Ms. Blakely and the forming of a love that neither were looking for but are loathe to miss out on, even if there are all sorts of obstacles in their way.
For every moment that I listened to this book, I was bowled over with the way Joe Arden and Shane East brought Fitz and Dean to life. I’ve been a fan of both narrators for quite a while, but this is by far, in my opinion, their best work EVER!! They embody these characters like none other I’ve heard from them. They play off each other beautifully. I could feel their friendship that we’re all so familiar with thanks to Twitter. Because of this friendship these characters take on a whole new level. And when they’re in the throes of the heat inducing love scenes, I felt the electrifying passion Dean and Fitz have for each other even at times when they’re at their most vulnerable.
This story is so much more than a romance novel. It’s truly and solely about love and all the ups and downs of finding your other half and exactly what a person is willing to do to make sure they can always have a love that is this intoxicating. A feeling neither man has ever felt. As this story progresses and as we delve into what happens after London, when Fitz returns to NYC, I was literally glued to my phone so I could listen to every single word and breathe in what will become the greatest love of these men’s lives.
With this book, Ms. Blakely has given me characters that I’m so in love with that these two have moved to my top spot of favorite couples ever written by her. We get to see their every flaw and pain, but we also get to experience the joy of love at its fullest and most beautiful!
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I do not normally read the M/M genre and now this book has me wondering why because I could not put this one down. It was a fantastic read from the very start. The characters had me hooked from the beginning and did not let go. This is a 100% must read.
The bonus stuff at the end of the Audiobook had me laughing out loud. I loved it truly.
I loved the characters, the hot guy sex, the entertaining banter, and feeling like I was in London. The way these two fall for each other while only planning to have a fun little fling is well done, touching, intense. When they get their HEA you will cheer out loud!
My only complaint is that about 1/3 into the book, we find out that Dean is black. It’s mentioned one or two other times after that, but we get no insight, none of his experience. It almost felt like his race was added as an afterthought. I would have hoped for a little more of what that was like for Dean, to see the world through his eyes. It was a missed opportunity to give this story even more complexity.
Despite that one flaw, I devoured this sexy read!
If you don’t think you like M/M romance novels, I challenge you to read this one. It just might change your mind. These characters are so great, they will tempt anyone to read outside of their genre.
Plot Overview:
Super-hot Hockey star James Fitzgerald has a heart of gold. He’s a family man who takes care of everyone in his life. His devotion to his career on the ice has prevented him from making a long-term commitment in the romance department. He’s already known as the openly gay NHL star, he doesn’t want to cause any more attention to his personal life by dragging his dating life through the tabloids.
When he goes to London with his sister, Fitz happens to walk into Dean Collins’ bar, and everything changes. At first, they think their attraction can just be a fling, but things turn serious pretty quickly. They are forced to figure out what to do when love comes unexpectedly.
Pros:
Trope: Just a fling turns into a helluva lot more
Sexy main characters: double the charm in this m/m delight.
Secondary Characters: lots to choose from in both NYC and London
Smoking hot sex: There are so many sex scenes in this book, and they are all on fire
LOVE is love
Cons:
Audio: I had to dig deep to find this one. But I am not a fan of the multiple narrator style of this audiobook. Too many voices in the mix was distracting. I know most will disagree and it will probably grow on me in the future.
To sum it up, I LOVED this book! It was a fun read. The characters were so emotionally invested, and the chemistry? Sizzled off the page!!! Let’s face it, I would read anything LB wrote! She is the master of intimacy between couples of any sex.
My favorite thing about this book is that LB wrote it in a world where there is no such thing as homophobia. LOVE that!! It shouldn’t take a fictional world for men to feel comfortable kissing their partner in a bar or on a riverboat tour. Heterosexual couples make out in public all the time, why not same-sex couples?
Blakely will probably get blasted over her bold decision to block out negative homophobic vibes, but I applaud her for it!! Very inspirational!!
Narrated by an all cast narrators.
4.5 stars all the way for all for bringing the story to life.. I had a few problems with skipping and reading along with this I noticed sentences unspoken.
4.5 stars A fantastic start to the book yah and Dean says the famous last words just as a man walks in the bar..lol
I loved Dean’s dad he wasn’t slow knowing his son. The games continue after the first night, Dean playing hard to get and Fitz chasing him.
Fun banter and a chemistry from the start in this book. Just 6 days together until Fitz leaves the country ta Brittan.
A great hot story for the characters trying not to fall in love and fail. While the story is great there is a far amount of sex scenes taking up the book. Written with both POVs and a HEA. Feelings of aghast and distance comes into play. This was a new author for me with this book.
Dean 31 owns the Magpie bar and in a game seting each other up with co worker. Setting his sites on a guy for Mauve, Dean tries not to go overboard chatting with him.
An American hockey player going for a drink goes to Dean’s bar. Fitz was helping his sister for awhile.
This story was so beautiful. I absolutely felt their love. it was so incredibly well written. Everyone should have a love like this. EPIC LOVE STORY
This book gave me all the feels! Oh, my word. Lauren Blakely wove a deliciously sweet and sexy romance between a big, bearded, 100-miles-an-hour hockey player and a sarcastic, analytical bartender. There’s literally an ocean dividing them, but their love blossoms over the course of a five day fling, and it feels so raw and real. They. Are. Adorable. I was cheering for them so hard. This story is so emotionally satisfying, seriously recommend.
**Disclaimer: I was provided an advance reader copy by the author in exchange for my unbiased review and opinions.**
Writing:
Story:
Audiobook:
I waited to both read AND listen before I wrote my review. If you have read anything by Lauren Blakely before, you know that her audiobooks are phenomenal. (audiobook review included in this review)
I don’t even know where to begin with this amazing story. The banter and flirting are a whole damn meal. But watching these two careen into love about did my heart in. So damn beautiful! Neither of them wanted any of it, but they got it anyway. I believe the best love stories, whether in the pages or out in the world, begin like that. No, not looking for it, yet there it is. Dean and Fitz are two alpha males in their own right… set in their ways, but there is no set in any way when love knocks you on your ass.
The supporting characters in this story are amazing as well. Some of them we have met in prior stories and some of them we see for the first time. Dean’s father deserves a special mention, his wit and wisdom are important in this book.
I can be here all day talking about this book, but I rather you go read it! Five shining stars!
Audiobook review:
This audiobook is narrated by my two favorites: Joe Arden and Shane East ( with a supporting cast)
This audiobook is an example of how the perfect casting for narrators can bring an excellent book to new heights. These two talented gentlemen are at the top of their game and it’s easy to know why: the passion and creativity they bring to these roles is unlike anything else out there. And having them do duet narration is utter perfection. A beautifully passionate love story begs for this type of narration.
Listening to this audiobook is every audiobook lovers’ dream. You *need* to experience it.
It’s important to note that all the supporting narrators did a fantastic job as well! Out of the top of my head, Vanessa Edwin, Emma Wilder, Zachary Webber, Ron Butler, and Sebastian York are the ones I remember, as they are always excellent. This is an audiobook you can gladly spend your credit on Audible.
-Insta-buy! 100% credit worthy!
Narrators
Storyline
Overall
I truly enjoy the audiobook. The narrators were awesome. Considering this is the authors first mm book it was not bad. The first part of the book felt like it was dragging on and repetitive. It felt like those 5 days Fitz had left took forever. Then then book felt rushed at the end. I enjoyed the chemistry between Dean and Fitz and their banter were fun to hear. I would recommend the audiobook just to hear the narrators.
I loved the audiobook!! Great cast! Great story!
I have been DYING to get my hands on this book from the moment Lauren Blakely hinted that she was working on it. If you ask any of my friends or family what my most anticipated book to read this year was they would tell you this title. It was everything I wanted it to be and so much more; I fucking loved it. This book is hot, sexy, passionate, romantic and just perfect. If I could rate it ten stars I would.
A Guy Walks Into My Bar gives us the story of Dean and Fitz, yes that’s right, it’s Lauren Blakely’s first M/M story. Now I understand that may not be everyone’s cup of tea…but if you haven’t tried this genre before I would strongly encourage you to start with this book. This is a love story through and through, with fabulous characters, hot sexy times and tons of flirty banter.
Dean, voiced by Shane East, is a bartender in London. He serves up delicious drinks and banter with ease. He’s sexy as sin and he is such a fabulous flirt!! Dean guards his heart carefully, though, and never crosses the line with his customers. He had me smiling from the start and I loved getting to know him. Dean definitely had some moments that made me teary eyed, and one that flat out made me cry. I absolutely adored him.
Fitz had me right from the start. This man is also sexy and hot with so much to offer. He’s got a strong protective side, which I love. He’s also direct and knows what he wants and pursues it relentlessly. Seeing him go after Dean, and get Dean to say Fitz’s favorite word, was so much fun. Now, there was a moment I wanted to shake him. But I do understand where he was coming from and he redeemed himself perfectly. I loved him.
These two together crackle with chemistry immediately. The spark is there and just grows and grows until they combust. I rank first kisses from this author…and this is my new favorite first kiss. Their sexy times? Ladies, grab a fan and make sure you have plenty of batteries; you’re going to need them! Now it wasn’t all sex, though the sex was amazing, and watching these two figure out their relationship was beautiful. I liked seeing them just BE together. Dean and Fitz had me captured the entire time.
The supporting characters here were fabulous as always, but there’s a scene with one of them that I just loved. I won’t say who, because I want you to enjoy it the moment you read it…or listen. The writing is strong and flirty and the story just flows so perfectly.
Now…I listened to an advanced copy of this book. Oh. My. God. If you only listen to one audiobook this year, PICK THIS ONE!!! Shane East and Joe Arden bring Dean and Fitz to life in a way I’m convinced that no other narrators could. I am officially team #Eaden. The performance just blew me away from start to finish. I could close my eyes and just listen to this beautiful story for days. The supporting narrators as well are amazing.
This book is incredibly special. It is hot, sexy, passionate, romantic. This is my favorite book of 2020, no questions asked. Dean and Fitz are an incredible couple and Lauren Blakely just knocked it out of the park with this one. I fucking loved it and could not recommend it more. This is a ten star book for sure!
Great Book about love and passion.
This is my first Lauren Blakely book and I loved it. I will definitely be reading more. I read and did audible and the narrators made the story come to life perfectly.
Great job Ms. Blakely
This is just a fun love story…..The multi person narration is just excellent…so excellent. I love hockey books, and although Fitz is Hockey player, this isn’t really a Hockey books. It is a great relationship book though. The narrator recap at the end was so much fun too. Definitely worth a listen.