“I’m a virgin. And you need to relieve me of that.” What respectable guy could say no to that? Yeah, she was my best friend. But she was also the hottest chick I’d ever known. I thought it would be simple. I thought we’d have a good time, then pretend like it never happened. It turns out, I was an idiot. Now, she wants nothing to do with me, but I’m determined. I’ve spent the last five years … but I’m determined. I’ve spent the last five years without her and I refuse to waste another day. I have a solid plan. All of my figurative ducks are in a row. I’m going balls to the wall, and I’m not stopping until I win back the only girl I’ve ever loved.
Too bad for me, Devyn Summers was sitting on a secret that nothing could’ve prepared me for.
*Deal Breakers is filled with lots of laughs, a sexy romance, and an overflowing swear jar. It’s the first installment in the Dealing With Love series, but each one can be read as a standalone.
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This story has it all. Sexy dudes, sarcasm, hot moments, and adorable melt your heart laugh out loudness that keeps you hanging on for more! I loved this book, and would read it a million more times, because these characters are nothing short of absolutely fantastic!!
I have never read any of Laura Lee’s books before, but she did not disappoint. This was such a cute, romantic story of best friends to lovers. While it was not an easy road for Devyn and Riley, they figured it out in the end. The friendship these two had was unbreakable until Riley gave Devyn the one thing she wanted leaving college, to no l0nger be a virgin. There night together is so sweet before it turns steamy. Of course, they go their separate ways over fear ultimately, until Riley returns to the west coast to find the girl he’s been pinning over for 5 years. And let me just tell you Nathan is the best! The stuff that comes out of his mouth is the absolute best. I highly recommend this book.
Balls to the wall! I ended up really enjoying this friends-to-lovers romance. I know that Riley and Devyn start off as friends turn best friends but I struggled with Riley and his revolving door of girls. I was worried that it was going to be super angsty but it wasn’t and is a fairly quick read. Riley and Devyn are super close and get along so well it’s only natural that they would be great together. I loved that they got their second chance. It’s super sweet!
This was a sweet friends to lovers romance. Riley McIntyre first time meeting Devyn Summer had my heart from the start; however, having certain goals and plans in place holds off anything more than friendship. They were the best friends that were there for each other even to the point where Devyn even asks a favor from the one person she trusts the most before starting life in an “adult” world. Little did they expect that the one night would change the course of their lives. Surprising words was said left Riley leaving sooner than planned.
Years have past and Riley being away from his best friend is no longer an option for him. Life without her was not the same and he ends up finding a job to be closer to Devyn. He is determined and wanting to be more with the one woman that always had his heart. Someone he has always wanted to pursue but has always held back. Unexpectedly his plan takes place within days of moving.
Get ready to fall in love with Riley and Devyn’s story. It was filled with such intensity for more but life plans got in the way. Your heart wants what the heart wants and getting to realize what we really want and need is the challenge and hoping fate will fall into place accordingly.
This is the first book in the series. I really enjoyed it. I laughed a lot while reading this one. Little Nathan is precocious, but man did his colorful language he learned from his uncle make me laugh. Riley and Devyn were best friends through college and one night changed everything in more ways than one. Though I did think Riley was so romantic that night, but young and foolish is what also happened. Riley has a lot of work cut out for him to gain the family he has always wanted. Devyn and Riley have an undeniable attraction and chemistry. Over all this book gave me everything I want; heart, heat, and humor.
I loved this story!
I was so invested in Riley and Devyn’s story. I wanted their hea so bad. OMG, Nathan?! He was the ultimate show stealer because he was an absolute hoot! Legit my favorite character from the story, I just loved his sweet innocence and realness. What I love about Laura Lee is her ability to have your kindle close to melting on one page and on the next have you bursting at the seams with laughter and Deal Breakers was no different!
I really enjoyed this story by Laura Lee, and I am so glad I read it!
A couple of months ago I read her Windsor Academy series and loved it so much. I knew from that alone that she had a writing style I enjoyed, and this book did not disappoint!
I felt every emotion from both Riley and Devyn and honestly, this book took me on a wild ride.
It is told from both of their POV’s and starts when the two of them meet as Freshmen in college, and spans over their time there and then we have a time jump which I also love.
I for sure plan to read the rest of the series, and all of Laura Lee’s work as I really enjoy reading about her characters and the worlds that they live in.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Laura Lee delivers a sexy, funny, fast read with Deal Breakers!! This is the first book in the Dealing with Love series by an author I only recently discovered and is the first book I’ve read other then her Windsor Academy trilogy. Deal Breakers is a dual POV, best friends to lovers, surprise baby, second chance romance that will leave you desperate for swooning and cracking up in equal measure. The characters, Devyn and Riley, been friends throughout college, experience one night of passion before they loose track of one another for years. But after more than five years, enough is enough and Riley moves back to the west coast to be closer to the girl that got away. Only when he finds her, nothing is what it seems and he’s met with a mini-man who looks exactly like him. Can Dev and Riley rekindle their romance and friendship in the midst of heartache and deception? One-click Deal Breakers to find out and discover why Laura Lee is such a gifted author that each book I read leaves me jonesing for more of her storytelling!!
4.5 Stars for Deal Breakers ( Dealing With Love #1)
This is the first book I have read by this author and it certainly won’t be the last because this is a beautifully written friends to lovers romance that will appeal to all romance lovers.
Devyn and Riley have been friends for years but neither have wanted to risk their friendship by crossing the line until the night Devyn confesses her love and that sends Riley running for the hills.
Five years later Riley finally realised what he has lost and he is back in town to win the woman who haunts him 24/7 back but Devyn has moved on …or has she….
Can this couple get over the hurt from the past, will Devyn give Riley one more chance, guess you need to read the book to find that out.
This book is a sweet romance with just the right mix of humour added in, I laughed, I smiled and I enjoyed being on this couples journey, the chemistry is sizzling and the banter is witty and I’m looking forward to reading more from this talented author.
Who knew all you had to do to meet your dream date was lock your bikes together.
But seriously this hilarious friendship, that bolts from one direction to the next. Has belly laughing inner dialogue an adorable little person and some chemistry that will not be pushed aside, kept me turning the page I didn’t want to put it down.
Devyn and Riley were meant to be it’s just that simple, for them to figure it out wasn’t always easy but it was often funny and it’ll pay off in the end.
I was given an ARC copy for an honest review of this story.
Get ready for a friendship that will last through countless of dates and make you see that THE ONE has always been in front of your face. I loved that Laura Lee has these two, Devyn and Riley so in sync with each other and so perfect in every way. The friendship has always been there and seeing their romance bloom stronger through this was beautiful. Not only do we see their love still there but now Devyn has Nathan to think about and not just the what if’s. Riley is determined to make her see how right they are and have always been by giving her what she has never had before, patience and love. This is the first book in this series and boy there is so much more coming cannot wait to see about Brody and Rainey. All in all this was a great way to start of the series friendship to romance in all its beauty. Loved it.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
4 Star Review of Deal Breakers (Dealing With Love #1 )by Laura Lee
Laura Lee is a new author to me. This was an enjoyable friends to lovers, second chance at love story of Devyn Summers and Riley McIntyre. This was a sweet, romantic at times funny story that had me laughing out loud on occasion.
Having been friends for years, neither Devyn or Riley have ever crossed the line, until one day they do an that’s when everything starts to fall apart. After a declaration of love, Riley cuts contact with Devyn and runs away and in doing so breaks her heart.
Fast forward five years and Riley is back determined to win back the only woman he has ever loved, too bad she wants nothing to do with him and has a boyfriend. Devyn was sassy and feisty and was not afraid to give as good as she got and the chemistry that sizzles between them was intense.
Can Devyn forgive Riley for the hurt of the past? Can Riley convince Devyn to take a chance on him?
I liked the story and the characters, I read it in one sitting.
This was a fun read with a little bit of everything mixed into the plot. So much so that I reached the end and immediately downloaded the next book in the series.
I’ve read Laura Lee’s Wicked Liars trilogy so I am aware that she can write a deep, evolving, twisted, and dark plot.
Deal Breakers, and what looks to be the rest of the Dealing with Love Series, is the opposite side of the coin. Ms. Lee still delivers a wonderful story with some great steam. There are engaging characters, side stories, and a solid basis for a well told series.
Our two main characters in Deal Breakers are Devyn and Riley. Riley sees Devyn from across the quad on the first day of college. Instantly attracted to her, he “accidentally” locks his bike to hers in order to force a meet cute. Which, is sort of cute. Devyn calls him on how “accidental” it really was and Riley surprisingly confesses to just wanting to have a reason to meet her. Much to Riley’s dismay, Devyn stands firm in her “just friends” trench.
Devyn is a smart, sassy, and well balanced character. She is fun, intelligent, and sticks to her guns. She’s attending school fresh off of losing her last parent. She just needs friends and people to belong to. Riley becomes her person. Surprisingly, Devyn becomes Riley’s person.
In the first half of the novel we see the two open to each other and let each other in more than anyone they date or are attracted to. When the last year of college rolls around, these two are each other’s support system.
Then the plot starts to twist a bit. After graduation Riley is off to the east coast while Devyn starts a competitive and dream job internship in Portland. There is also one last thing that Devyn asks Riley to help her with – shedding her virginity.
After a bit of wrangling back and forth, Riley finally agrees to Devyn’s request. The sparks that have been coming off of these two in their playful banter and the different times they’ve realized an attraction to one another are hot, and always cut short.
For Devyn’s request Riley pulls out all the stops. Full on seduction based around what he knows his girl loves the most. From the start of the evening Ms. Lee builds the chemistry between these two beautifully. It’s edge of your seat “just go get to the good parts!” writing. When we finally get to the “good parts” the chemistry between the two is amazing. Culminating in Devyn finally admitting to herself, and Riley, that she loves him.
Here is where we start the downfall of Riley. In typical guy knee jerk reaction..he’s scared. Then he proceeds to do all the guy things which make you want to throw the book at a wall. Dodging calls, ghosting her, leaving for grad school without a goodbye? All checks. Add in years of unanswered calls and texts till we reach the last wall – a change of number without giving Devyn the new one. Yeah. Riley is high on THAT list.
Once Ms. Lee gets us good and angry at Riley, she redeems him a bit. Riley finally grows up and wakes up. He realizes that he’s spent five years of running from the woman he loves. So he finally gets his business together, moves back out west and plans to track down and romance Devyn.
It doesn’t take long to find her though. Turns out Devyn is Riley’s new acquaintance Drew’s little sister. Drew was Brody’s old frat brother. Brody is Riley’s best friend from grad school. Drew is NOT a fan of Riley’s (unknown to either of them) as Dev has been living with Drew for the last five years. Drew knows ALL about the guy who broke his sister. The scene in the bar where Dev walks in, Riley sees her and everyone slowly yet quickly puts all the pieces together is amazing.
Dev has picked up a kick butt, blunt as a hammer, no filter, protective best friend. Rainey isn’t taking any prisoners just names. Riley AND Brody suffer her wrath through the second half of the book.
Ms. Lee also redeems Riley further by helping him grow the rest of the way up. Four years of having to struggle and compromise has left Dev even more centered with herself and her worth. Yes, there is a guy in her life, but he seems like decoration. She knows what she wants and there isn’t any more compromising.
For the first time, Riley has to work for something and someone. Not only does he have to convince Dev that’s he’s grown up and sees her for the woman he has always loved, but now he’s got to convince and get through Drew and Rainey as well.
The second half of the book is the ending the first half deserves. The frat bro grows up. He works hard to show and tell Devyn how he feels about her.
All the while, Ms. Lee is starting to build Brody, Drew and Rainey as full colored characters. Ms. Lee uses each dialogue and character interaction to give our side characters more definition, personality, traits and hot buttons. It’s very well done.
Ms. Lee also delivers a final, realistic, and happy ending to Devyn and Riley. No, it isn’t an easy road to their ending, however it does their characters justice. Even better, Ms. Lee sneakily slips in the beginning of Brody’s book as we are settling into Devyn and Riley’s ending.
The books in this series are very much stand alones, but it is a series that will pull at you so much you’ll find yourself opening the next one as soon as you finish the current book.
“Okay, here’s the thing. I’m a virgin. And you need to relieve me of that.” Riley sprays beer from his mouth all over the table. “The fuck you say?”
This book was my first by the author, but it definitely won’t be my last! This friends to lovers book had everything you could possibly ask for–two headstrong characters, hidden feelings, love, sex, and a bond that can never be broken.
Devyn and Riley were the perfect match for each other, and it took a lot of going around the bend to get to a point where they were both destined to just be together forever.
I couldn’t put this book down and am so glad I had the chance to read it!
I had no idea what to expect going into this book but I LOVED every single moment of it!
The story starts when Riley and Devyn are freshman and from the moment, they meet there is connection. Riley is attracted to Devyn; however, she firmly puts him in the friend zone and they spend the remainder of their college years are best friends. I loved seeing their friendship progress throughout their time in college. It was fun, sweet, and they just had a great bond. Flash forward five years later and they are in a new city, a new state and both at different parts in their lives.
Riley and Devyn had AMAZING chemistry from being best friends, to their little one-night stand, to the future. The connection they had never seemed to fade. They had some ups and downs throughout the story, but always seemed to work things out. Little Nathan was super adorable and I loved the moments between him and Devyn and him and Riley. They were so sweet and had me swooning.
Deal Breakers is a fun, light hearted, friends to lovers, secret baby romance that you’ll be able to read in a weekend. A MUST READ!
Deal Breakers is a sweet little friends to lovers, second chance romance with an unexpected extra bonus trope. It was sexy, swoony and oh so sweet. I was immediately drawn in with our irresistible playboy, Riley and and the delicious and down to earth Devyn. This story is both banter filled and heartfelt so be prepared to laugh a little as well as feel a little tender too.
I loved the friendship that Riley and Devyn had. From their freshman year of college until the last night of their senior year they were the closest, best friends. Devyn has a “situation”, one that she decides Riley is the only one who can help her with. Neither one of them are prepared for the feelings the last night they hang out together before graduating college would bring out in them or the lasting consequences of things that were said and done that night. They had been towing a line of flirting but never going too far as not to risk their friendship, yet they both couldn’t help but be jealous of any relationships that the other one had during the duration of their friendship. What I loved was when they finally gave in and let it rip, so to speak. They were absolutely spark flying, panty incinerating magnificence! I was chanting “Heck Yeah!! That’s what I’m talking about! “ In my head of course. I get enough weird looks from my hubby and kids. But seriously I was totally celebrating this happening because it was really EVERYTHING!
Told in dual POV, my favorite by the way, this story spans out over the course of college and then we go to five years later. This will give you everything you crave. You will laugh, you might cry, you will definitely sweat, swear and swoon. You will be tempted a time or two to chuck a kindle. ( Don’t ever do that) You will definitely feel love and forgiveness in this book. So it really has something for all. With a cast of excellent secondary characters you will be captivated by every sentence, and by the end like me excited to know that more is in store for these characters and already available to read!!
Start the Dealing With Love Series Today!! Four Fall in Love today Stars!
The absolute star of this book is Nathan…hands down, the four year old stole the show.
Now that that statement is out of the way, yes, it is no surprise that there is a baby oops! surprise in Deal Breakers, which is a lighthearted, friends to lovers, second chance romance.
Overall, this book is a 4.5 stars for me; it’s light on overall drama, has the most adorable child, and has lots of potential for additional stories.
Riley and Devyn have been friends all through college, and it isn’t until graduation night that Devyn decides to give up her virginity to Riley, after all she hasn’t met anyone special so basically why not to her best friend who has no trouble keeping his bed warm.
Now this trope is a wonderful one at the college level so that part didn’t bother me, nor did Riley freaking out after their night and completely ghosting on Devyn, what I did wonder is his complete epiphany to suddenly find her after five years and decide that he’d make her his.
Trust me, I know men can be cavemen, but I felt it sort of douchy that in his mind after five years that Devyn would even want anything to do with him, like she’d just been sitting around waiting for him. Aside from that brief thought, it was a good thing he did finally seek her out otherwise he would never have known he had a son, because like I said, he completely ghosted her years before and now that it is years later he’s at least mature enough to handle being a father.
I like that Devyn doesn’t automatically fall into his arms, she hasn’t just been sitting around waiting for Riley to return and she isn’t willing to automatically risk her heart or her son’s by letting Riley walk into their lives. There is a lot more at stake than just her heart and if Riley decides to leave this time it will be more than her that is devastated.
They may have been best friends years ago, but their relationship is on completely different grounds now and they have to learn each other all over again, this time as parents.
Devyn and Riley we’re close friends and while graduation is looming she asks him for a favor, that favor being take her virginity and he is more then willing to help until something happens after and he totally runs away from her without a second thought and years later when he sees her again he knows how horrible he was to her and wants to get her again but then he finds out about a even bigger surprise she had for him.
I am always leery of titles that tell me what to expect. Why do you ask? Because sometimes the story does not deliver. Well, that is not the case with Deal Breakers! The title says it is A Second Chance Romantic Comedy, and I can say, oh hell yes it is. Laura Lee brings a great sense of humor to this story with a wonderful cast of characters to pull the story together.
Riley and Devyn leap off the pages with their friendship-turned so much more. From the beginning you know this story holds some interesting twists. Little did I know that there was always going to be a new curl occurring almost as often as I turned the page.
Surprises abound along with lots of humor. I can say this story had me fussing at our main characters in the beginning and cheering for them by the end. The intensity Laura Lee brings to the page kept me enthralled till the final page.
If you are looking for a fun story that will make you smile and melt your heart also, Deal Breakers fits that bill.