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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This book walked into my heart! 5 stars
This book made me smile, made me swoon, made me hot, made me emotional, then by the end it had walked into my heart because I loved Fitz and Dean’s story so much! Fitz knew he wanted Dean right away. They had a spark just from their first conversation in Dean’s bar, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. At first Dean said no, because he had a rule about not going home with patrons from the bar. Fitz was relentless because he knew what he wanted, and that was a quality I loved in him! Dean was a thinker, more contemplative which I could also appreciate even though he wanted Fitz just as much. They were phenomenally flirty, and when they got together it was pure fire! Both had a bad relationship in their pasts plus Fitz was only in London for a week, so they thought they only a wanted a fling. As they spend time getting know each other along with not being able to keep their hands off each other, can two people catch feelings and fall in love in a week? Read this absolutely enjoyable, steamy, witty, swoon-y, emotional romance about 2 amazing guys and find out! I highly recommend it!
*I received an advanced copy of this ebook for my honest review.*
Absolutely delicious!! Fitz and Dean our two heroes are simply EVERYTHING!!!!! Their story is just so romantic! I adore them and the way they flirt and interact with each other, and I mean come on, a sexy hockey player and a hot British bartender/bar owner, you are killing me with my own fantasies Lauren Blakely!!
I had the pleasure of reading this one and then listening to the Audiobook as well. OMG let me just say that it was one of the best Audiobooks I have ever listened to! Shane East as Dean and Joe Arden as Fitz gave me hours of enjoyment. They are two of my fave male narrators so having them play these two amazing men was delightful!! I was truly blown away by how much they brought all of the emotions of this amazing story to life. There is actually a full cast who narrate the other supporting characters in the book and they too do a wonderful job.
I love this warning so much!! It honestly speaks to the absolute perfection that is this wonderful author’s first dive into the M/M genre:
“Warning: contains hot hotel sex, loads of dirty talk, PDA all over London, and two sexy, witty, charming alpha heroes…”
Back to our two charming heroes: Dean, our sexy British bartender/bar owner is sweet, swoony, sarcastic/cheeky and fun. Fitz, our hot American hockey player is fun, super flirtatious and oh so cocky but not in an awful way, it’s actually oddly endearing. Charisma oozes from both of them and they are both so playful and witty and also have amazing personalities. The two meet, when you guessed it, Fitz walks into Dean’s bar in London. After some time that is loaded with flirty, sexy and very witty banter, they agree to a no strings fling for the short duration that Fitz is there. This is the perfect scenario for these men who are wildly attracted to each other but are not looking for anything serious. But we all know how that goes. I love the friendship and relationship that develops between them in between all the passion. And let me tell you, these are some seriously passionate men which certainly makes for some molten hot steamy scenes for us to enjoy! I mean easily five-alarm fire hot!
But what happens when Fitz has to return to the states and hockey season starts? And Dean, who has his bar and responsibilities in London? Can this possibly be more than a fling with the pond that lies between them?
Two of the swooniest heroes ever and amazing supporting characters only add more fuel to this 5 star read! And all of those amazing epilogues that added so much more to the story for more than just our heroes, were perfect!! I hope this is the first of many M/M books for this author as she clearly has the right stuff for it!! Bravo!! I Loved this book, that is all !!!
This may have been Lauren Blakey’s first MM romance, but please tell me it won’t be her last. She led us not only on a journey of love but one of incredible passion, determination, and hope.
A sinful hockey player walks into the bar of a smoldering bartender. So many possibilities and so many delights. Banter and flirting are flowing freely. But for Fitz, he’s only in London to help his sister get settled. His only love is hockey. And Dean is the owner of his only true love, his bar. However, the two become intoxicated with each other. With the help of Fate, a sister, and a best friend, a possible relationship blooms. But careers and fears blanket this budding romance.
This couple was so unbelievably endearing. Their chemistry was off the charts and I love how their romance developed. I certainly hope this won’t be Blakey’s last MM story.
A Guy Walks Into My Bar…wow. Just, wow. I don’t even know where to begin to write this review. I finished reading a couple of days ago, and I’m still wishing I was exploring London through the eyes of Fitz and Dean.
First off, know that this is a M/M, LGBTQ+ romance, and the first of that nature from Lauren Blakely. I’m a huge fan of Lauren’s, and while I typically read M/F rom-coms, I do occasionally read M/M written by my favorite authors. With Lauren, I know that in her dual POV novels, her male leads are sensitive, passionate, introspective and emotionally-connected, so I had high expectations going in. I also had met Fitz and Dean in The Birthday Suit, and Fitz again in The What If Guy and Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend, so I was looking forward to reading about Fitz, the roguish, fun-loving, out-and-proud NHL-er, falling in love.
What did I love about this book? The banter, the longing, the no-holds barred confidence that Fitz just lays on the table. He is not shy, and he does not play games with his or Dean’s emotions. The irresistible pull that both Fitz and Dean feel immediately, that they just cannot deny. The fact that the both go into this saying “I’m not ready for real love” but they recognize it in each other. Seeing London as a tourist through Fitz’s eyes, and Dean’s love of his city. The fact that they exist in a world where homophobia doesn’t exist and they are free to be in love, embrace their love, and express their love out in the open, like everyone should be free to do. And let’s not forget, since this is Lauren Blakely, the sizzle.
Thank you, Lauren Blakely, for writing this book and giving us Fitz and Dean’s path to love. It was such an enjoyable read.
4.5 ’s.
If this is LB’s first MM romance, I can’t wait for more! This was one of the most flirtatious, titillating and charismatic books I have read. I loved witnessing romance from a different angle where two dominant and commanding men battle their hang ups and then fall head over heels in love. And the chemistry, goodness me…. hypnotic.
I think I’m becoming a cover snob, or maybe it’s just this model, but he was the perfect Fitz and the visual was a benefit while reading. Along with the description of Dean, and we have some delectable men to enjoy. With a LB book, there seems to be a connection somewhere along the line from a previous series, and James Fitzgerald has made a couple of appearances. He’s the New York NHL’s defenseman and he loves his job. He takes a quick trip to London with his baby sister to help her get established for her course she’s undertaking. And they walk into a bar….. Dean Collin’s bar, The Magpie, and the rest they say is history. What should of been a fling, turns into so much more.
This wasn’t my first MM novel, and when written this well, it won’t be my last either. This book had humor, banter and undeniably attraction between two characters with a captivating love story. It makes no difference to me if it’s two women, two men or one of each, if the story has heart and purpose, then I’ll read it. Because Love is Love. That is all.
Need way more than 5 stars to convey how much I loved this book. Dean & Fitz are crazy hot & funny together. Even though they are batting for the other team, I love them both. Dean is a London bar owner with a great circle of friends & father he loves. Fitz is an NHL superstar in town for a few days to help his sister get settled in art school. And then (you guessed it) a guy walks into a bar. Instant Attraction & a little meddling from a sister & bar co-owner result in a hot fling with an expiration date. Or does it have to be that way? This is Lauren Blakely’s first m/m romance & she rocked it!
5 star Review of A Guy Walks Into My Bar by Lauren Blakely
AUDIO REVIEW:
I may be wrong but I believe that this is Lauren Blakely’s first MM romance and in my opinion, she knocked this one out of the rink. What a fantastic story she wove and I was totally engrossed from the first to the last page, I couldn’t put it down.
If you are looking for a steamy and at times emotional read then A Guy Walks Into My Bar
is the book for you. As I have come to expect from Ms. Blakely, the story was funny with characters you cannot help but fall for and whose story I was fully invested in. However having said that, there were times that this was emotional and that added an additional layer to the story.
I laughed so much with the humour and banter between Fitz and Dean, they are characters who are just so fabulous that you want to be their friends. Individually these characters were awesome but together they soared. I loved Fitz when he was first introduced in previous books and all this book has done has cemented how much I adore him. The secondary characters were engaging and entertaining and really did the book justice.
Their attraction to one another is almost instant and so scorchingly hot that it is overwhelming. Both need to do some serious soul searching, as they realize that there could be repercussions if they are to follow their hearts. What will happen when their passion ignites? Will it destroy them or will it burn bright? Can they make their love work or are they destined to be torn apart by circumstances?
This book had me laughing and smiling throughout and is one I thoroughly enjoyed. This is a fun romantic comedy, it’s a story of finding love least expect it, of taking a leap of faith and finding your soul mate, even if he lives on the other side of the world.
The multi cast of narrators lead by Shane East and Joe Arden made this one of the best listens I have heard. They brought this beautiful love story to life for me. Love is Love.
A hot hockey stud and a hot brit…what more could you want!
This book has so much going on for it that I’m not even sure where to start with this review. To say that I loved this story just doesn’t seem strong enough. This book has so much emotions going on throughout the story, you won’t be able to put it down. It starts with that instant attraction that hits them both and just keeps going from there. I thought Fitz was an interesting secondary character in the other stories that he appeared in, but wow is that man total sex on a stick in this story. I loved the way that Dean and Fitz bantered back and forth with each other and how they totally complimented each other too. And the chemistry that these two have is hotter then a 5 alarm fire! I loved how Dean was able to keep Fitz on his toes yet give him the love and attention that he needed. This is another winning story from Lauren, so don’t let this one pass you by.
For being this authors first ever MM book, she did an amazing job. I loved both Dean and Fitz. They were both real and open. They drew me in and I loved them. I like that this was a light hearted read and didn’t have tons of drama. Sometimes you just need something light and fun to read, with a dash of issues and this book got that spot. I’ll admit that I haven’t read many books by this author (even though I have tons on my TBR) but when I saw that she wrote an MM I was excited. I am very happy to say that I was not let down. It was sweet and steamy with characters that were easy to connect with. 4 stars #2OCCJD
Lauren Blakely writes M/M!! And A Guy Walks Into My Bar is quite simply the perfect introduction to this kind of romance for all of the newbies out there. Featuring the very sexy Fitz and Dean, this book gets the classic Blakely treatment with exceptionally witty banter, steamy days and nights and a ton of heart.
This love story goes from zero to sixty from the very moment Fitz indeed walks into Dean’s London bar, and although neither would have ever thought they could fall so easily, fate had other plans for these two. And quite frankly, it’s a joyful kind of ride from start to finish. The angst is very light as they navigate being on two continents after their whirlwind 6 days together and I’m happy that in true Blakely style, neither I nor our couple have to wait very long to find a way to a forever kind of bliss.
I’m thrilled that the Author decided to write this kind of love story, a genre I devour on the regular. She clearly has found a new calling, so to speak, and I’m hopeful we get more in the future.
Full of the delicious kind of heat and attraction that ultimately leads to the very best kind of sincere romance, A Guy Walks Into My Bar is a wonderful summer read and I happily give it a solid 4 stars!
6 Hearts
A Guy Walks into My Bar is Lauren Blakely’s newest sexy AF, swoony, and fun romance. If you follow my reviews then you know how much I love Lauren and all of her words. You also know I am a huge fan of MM so when Lauren announced she was writing one you bet your ass I was epically excited. After reading it? I want more!!
Dean loved his life. He had everything he ever wanted in his hometown of London. He co-owned a bar, The Magpie, with his best friend, Maeve. His father was just down the street from his flat. He had amazing friends. He had it all. It was perfect and that was because he didn’t let anything distract him. It helped that he and Maeve made a bet when they opened the bar a year ago to not go home with customers. If they did, they had a list of chores waiting for them. Dean hasn’t done one extra chore since opening. He was a good boy. That was until temptation walked into his bar in the form as a sexy AF stranger who wouldn’t take no for an answer and that just turned him on even more. He was so fucked and Maeve knew it…
Fitz was in London for his sister. They found their way to The Magpie for a pint. He didn’t expect to find a Michael B. Jordan lookalike with a Sexy British accent to be behind the bar. And, when they started a little game of biggest flirt, he knew he couldn’t walk away. His pact with his hockey teammates started in six days. A pact of no hookups, no kisses, no distractions in the preseason. And knew Dean was who he needed before that began. Who he wanted. Who he desired. So when Dean tells him that all he could give him, was a fling, it was like fate. Game on…
The problem with flings? They don’t always go as planned.
Dude…this book is not only hella hot but it’s emotional, funny, and passionate. I mean I know I will never look at penguins the same again. Fitz and Dean have five days to explore the city and each other and they don’t waste a minute of it. Maeve saw the sparks flying between them the minute Fitz sat down at their bar and I felt it through my iPad. Throughout the book you will feel their connection with their banter. Their kisses. Their PDA. Their story. I am so proud of Lauren for not only writing her first MM but also for writing it with passion. You can feel it. She loved these characters. All of them. I can’t wait for her next one!!
P.S. I His Dad
Quotes:
“Who is the lucky fella?”
I laugh at his persistence. “No one. Just this absolutely frustrating American who walked into my bar last night and had the nerve to flirt with me.”
Dad feigns shock. “Flirting with a handsome, quick-witted, sarcastic bartender. The goddamn nerve of the Yankees.”
“Can you believe it? Some nights I have to beat them off with a stick.”
He strokes his jaw. “It’s the family curse, son. We have no choice but to live with it. I’ve had to spend my entire life fending off the ladies.”
“Exactly. I want to enjoy every second of it. I want to feel you deep inside me. I don’t want a quickie. I want to be driven mad with lust as you fuck me to the edge of pleasure. And that’s going to take more than thirty minutes.”
“So that’s your Harry Potter accent?”
“Yes. I sound just like you, don’t I?”
I slide into my riff on an American accent. “Yeah, man, like, that beach was totally rad.” Fitz cringes.
“Never do an American accent again.”
“Let’s just agree that the accent thing goes both ways.”
“That sounds fair.”
Lauren Blakely’s first M/M romance is sizzling with heat! Whew!! I was very excited to read this one and it was fantastic.
Dean owns a bar in London with his friend and business partner Maeve. He’s focused, sarcastic and isn’t looking for any kind of relationship. Actually he and Maeve have a bet to keep either one of them from going home with bar patrons. That has worked until a certain American hockey player walks into his bar.
James Fitzgerald, or Fitz to most everyone but his family, is a defenseman for the New York hockey team. He’s come to London with his younger sister to help her get settled as she’s going to be studying there. Fitz has a magnetic personality and he’s not the relationship type either, so he keeps things solely to hook-ups.
Dean and Fitz have undeniable chemistry right off the bat. Their banter is fun, flirty and witty which makes them such a fun couple, not to mention the heat they generate between the sheets! This is probably the hottest book Blakely has penned and it left me fanning my face on several occasions!
While the two plan to keep this to a five day hook-up while Fitz is in London, feelings seem to find their way to the surface. Even though the fact they live on different continents is a big enough issue, there are other constraints that could potentially keep them apart. Will they be able to make it work or will their several days of bliss have to be enough?
Not only did I adore Fitz and Dean, I loved the secondary characters. Fitz’s sister Emma, Maeve, Dean’s Dad and also Fitz’s teammate Ransom were certainly entertaining as well. I loved both of the guys so much and I’m really glad to see that we have another M/M book coming from Blakely later this year!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
I fucking love this book. That is all.
This was my first foray into a Lauren Blakely book and dammit it was so awesome.
On top of incredibly sizzling hot scenes, I loved the actual romance. The effortlessness of Dean and Fitz’s connection, how they fell for each other so instantly and somehow, despite the fear, baggage and reservations had the guts to see and acknowledge it.
I also loved the endless epilogues, giving us a real view into life after the big romantic gesture and HEA.
6 stars and a martini that goes to your head.
6 stars
I have been harassing… or strongly encouraging Lauren Blakely to write a male/male romance for years. I knew she could do it, but even I am shocked at how much I just absolutely loved it! It is more than I expected.
The main reason is these men. They are both unique and charismatic on their own, but together they are just magic! The verbal foreplay, sexual tension, and chemistry just flow between them. And it sizzles and sparks until it has no choice but to just combust. And oh my, when there is smoke there is fire and in this one is a 4 alarm fire!
Dean is a British bar owner. He’s focused, analytical, and sarcastic. He doesn’t want distractions or relationships. In fact he and his friend/business partner have a running bet to avoid going home with customers. But then in walks Fitz. A big, burly, tatted, American hockey player with a winning personality. And before they know it they’re in the middle of heavy flirting that Dean is determined to resist. But Fitz might just be his match. He is determined, likes to get what he wants, and he’s not afraid to play dirty to get it.
This book is so freaking hot! These guys are everything! I loved their banter and fun dynamics. They play off each other so well with their wit and intelligence. And despite their differences, they fit together really well. Their bedroom scenes are so intense and passionate, but also help forge trust and intimacy in a natural way. I like the balance of power between them and that they are not afraid to sometimes be vulnerable and let the other lead. And there are also unexpected, messy, and complicated feelings too.
But their issues aren’t just going to go away because they found someone they actually like. Not only do they have personal issues affecting how they look on relationships, but there are some built-in complications that are not easy fixes.
Bolstered by a set time limit and assurances of their own willpower, they are two men determined not to fall but start to get caught up in their own web of lies of self-protection anyway. And what happens when it is time to say goodbye?
It’s a starcrossed lovers M/M story of a Brit and an American in a relationship they never expected or wanted. I loved the side characters of Fitz’s sister, Emma, and his teammate, Ransom, and Dean’s best friend, Maeve, and his sweet dad. I enjoyed exploring a bit of London and New York. And I just freakin’ loved these guys so much! I cannot possibly pick a favorite between them since they are both so charming and lovable in their own way. I adored everything about them and how their story played out! This is definitely my new fave Lauren Blakely couple and book!