A red-hot forbidden romance! Indulge in this ultra sexy best friend’s brother delight!Some women are just forbidden.Like—off the top of my head—MY SISTER’S LIFE-LONG BEST FRIEND.Sis has made it patently clear that Vanessa is hands-off, as in keep my ladies’ man paws far away from her clever, go-getter best friend who’s ready for the real deal. That should be an easy guideline to follow, except … guideline to follow, except Vanessa is deliciously flirty, easy to talk to, and laughs at my jokes. Translation – my libido has been craving her many, many years. So many that we might have stolen a kiss or two.
Can you say pent-up, crazy, raw desire?
That’s exactly what we’re both feeling when the storm of the century hits and it’s 10 inches of snow with Vanessa and me trapped in a cabin all night long…
The trouble is—Vanessa isn’t interested in my playboy ways, and I have one night to convince her that I’m the real deal.
Nobody Does It Better is a standalone novella about Shaw & Vanessa in the Lucky in Love series of standalones! The books in this three-book series can be read in any order!! The other titles include Best Laid Plans and The Feel Good Factor!
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Nobody Does it Better by Lauren Blakely is a short hot romance that takes place in the world of her Lucky In Love series and follows after both Best Laid Plans & The Feel Good Factor. IT WAS AWESOME to see these characters get their own story. With all the sideways glances and obvious flirting that took place in the The Feel Good Factor between Vanessa and Shaw they totally deserved their own story – add in that it was angst free and somewhat of a “snowed-In” trope and I COULDN’T say no!
Forbidden romance. Sister’s best friend / best-friend’s brother with a clear “hell No” from Perri about them ever getting together and it literally took a snowstorm and a village to create the perfect set of circumstances to push both Shaw and Vanessa out of their comfort zones and, finally, into each other’s arms. Enjoy!
Nobody Does It Better by Lauren Blakely is what we were waiting for after Feel Good Factor. Shaw has known Vanessa since forever and shes been “off limits” on pain of damage to his manhood, as threatened by Shaw’s sister, Vanessa’s best friend. Only problem there has been something simmering between them for a long, loooong time. Building off what we saw in Feel Good Factor with Perri and Derek and the banter and attraction between Shaw and Vanessa we finally get to see them sort out their feelings. Courtesy of some little pushes from “friends” (except Perri, she is in denial).
This was a fun, fast, flirty and hot book. I wish it had been longer so that we could have gotten more fun with Shaw and Vanessa. This felt like more of an addendum to the previous book. The idea of matchmaking meddlers was clever but not an overwhelming part. Overall if you enjoyed Feel Good Factor pick up Nobody Does It Better by Lauren Blakely it’s what you’ve been waiting for.
(I voluntarily reviewed an advance review copy of this book I received for free in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
Fab, fun, quickie read!
“Perhaps that’s why I haven’t found the one yet – because I’m hung up on this one I can’t have.”
Vanessa and Shaw have skirted around each other for years. She is his sister’s best friend and he’s been warned off her time and again because he is a player. However, what his sister doesn’t know is that Shaw’s had it bad for Vanessa for years. At the same time, Vanessa has pretty much given up on Shaw ever making his move and is now determined to try and move on once and for all.
“You’re perfect. God, I’m crazy for you.”
When Shaw realises that he might have some serious competition, he’s determined to finally do something about it, especially when they get snowed in.
This was a super sexy, quick read that was also fun and lighthearted.
If you’re looking for a fun and sexy novella, you have found it!
In case you didn’t know, Shaw and Vanessa are both in Best Laid Plans and The Feel Good Factor. Shaw is Perri’s (TFGF) brother and Vanessa is one of her besties. She has had a crush on Shaw since middle school and it seems nothing can squish those feels, they are only getting stronger as the years go on. Shaw for his part, has had the same feelings but made a promise to his sister to stay away from Vanessa with his man-whore hands. It’s been a tough promise to keep and he might have kept it still if it wasn’t for the match makers and a little snow storm.
This novella is a really quick read with a few epilogues to give a fuller and richer finish to the series. Once things are put into place by certain people, Shaw and Vanessa realize here is no one else but each other, especially not the prom king! Shaw is the funny jokester guy but when push comes to shove, he is very dependable and sweet as pie! Vanessa has always been responsible but Shaw brings out her sexy side. She too is teaching him new things, like a new language, well certain words at least! All in all, this was a good book, very sweet and sugary nice with all the gang.
Lauren Blakely is one of my favorite authors because she takes a lot of time to develop her characters and they’re always people you can easily imagine being your best friends. They know you better than you know yourself and are always willing to lend an ear when you have a problem and more likely to tease the ever living daylights out of you just because they know they can get away with it. This novella brings together two characters we have met in previous books and trust me, Shaw and Vanessa find plenty of steamy things to do to keep themselves occupied! Trust me, this one is HOT! I read an early copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
There is nothing better that this book!
I loved this rom-com! This is a stand-alone in a series, so you don’t need to read the others before it. But having read the book before this one (The Feel Good Factor) made this one all the more sweeter since I already knew Shaw & Vanessa. This book has the perfect mixture of romance/swoon, comedy, tension and heat. I laughed at the beginning, smiled throughout, felt for both of these characters and swooned at the end. If you want a quick rom-com that makes you forget your problems, then read this book!
This was a great steamy, sweet, forbidden romance. Shaw and Vanessa had a underlying flirt going on throughout the previous two books in this series. I was waiting for them and they did not disappoint. The banter, the chemistry, the underlying friendship was fantastic. The flirt and the fun were off the charts. Shaw had me cracking me up as I was reading. He definitely has the funny stuff but is also sweet. Vanessa is just so down-to-earth and chill. It was nice seeing the connection build between Shaw and Vanessa. A snowstorm can work wonders! 😉 I really liked this novella-I just wished it was longer. Overall this was an entertaining read. Lauren always knows how to do it right. I’m excited for what’s to come next!
Set in the world of the Lucky In Love series comes this scorching and charming tale of forbidden romance as a young woman who’s been fighting her attraction to her best friend’s brother for years finds herself unable to keep him at arm’s length one snowy night. In a tale full of witty banter, playful interactions, and a sensual night that changes everything, readers will find this a decadently delightful read that shows that good things come in small packages. As a novella, nothing feels rushed in this story as ample time was spent with the main couple to fully invest me in their HEA while turning the pages with a smile on my face.
Shaw’s a sexy firefighter full of self-confidence. He’s funny too and the one to count on for a quick laugh. He’s also a bit of a player as he’s well-loved by the ladies who haven’t been able to keep him for more than a night. When it comes to his job though that’s the one thing he takes seriously…well, that and his hidden attraction to his sister’s best friend. Since he was a teen he’s longed for Vanessa but was sworn to keeping his hands to himself because his sister doesn’t think he’s good enough for her. Keeping his hands to himself gets harder though the moment he finds out another man will be going out with her as jealousy pushes him to finally claim her. As a snowy night leads to flirty exchanges and sexual tension, long-held secrets are also revealed that will change everything between them. Shaw’s a charming hero full of humor with a talent for flirting and dirty talk. While others see him as incapable of being serious it’s more than obvious to readers just how serious he is about Vanessa in a bold declaration that had me cheering and completely endeared him to me.
Vanessa was a young girl when her family came to this country and it was Perri who was one of her first champions. From that moment on she and Perri formed a deep friendship, one that has Perri extremely protective of her still today. Since she was young her attraction to Perri’s brother has warred with her loyalty to her friend and had her keeping her lustful feelings to herself. When an eclectic group of elderly woman talk her into going out with someone from her past though, it will finally push her into going after what she really wants as a snowy night leads to heartfelt truths and a scorching night to remember. Vanessa’s an immensely likable heroine with a classic style who’s comfortable in her own skin. She too is quick to laugh and it’s her crackling banter with Shaw that first hints at how delightful they could be together. She’s a strong-willed heroine who, when finally given the chance, stands up for what she wants in a moment that had me cheering and that fueled their HEA.
This was a quick read, no less satisfying because of its short word count, as its witty banter and sexual tension between the main couple kept me full entertained. Vanessa and Shaw were an immensely appealing couple with fun and flirty exchanges that promised something more and that something more was well worth the wait. Surrounding this likable duo was an equally likable cast of secondary characters that pushed this couple together through their secretive machinations. I was endeared by the eclectic Book Club Ladies and their laugh out loud exchanges along with a group of friends, both male and female, who supported this couple every step of the way. This was a group of friends whose stories have already been told in Ms. Blakely’s Best Laid Plans and The Feel Good Factor and I enjoyed seeing them again as well as their tight-knit interactions with each other. On a whole this was an enjoyable romance that beautifully balanced humor and sexiness and I look forward to what Ms. Blakely has planned next.
Since Arden e Gabe book I’ve been waiting for this story! This novella delivery a cute and romantic friends-to-lovers story with characters we loved from previous books. I liked that I didn’t think we were missing anything by it being a short story and Gabe and Vanessa are adorable together. If you like rom-com, small towns, and great banter, this book is for you.
Nobody Does it Better is Lauren Blakely’s newest sexy, fun, sweet novella. We know both Shaw and Vanessa from Best Laid Plans and The Feel Good Factor. Shaw is Perri’s brother and Vanessa is her best friend. They’ve known each other since they were kids and Perri made it very clear that Vanessa is off limits. Shaw has had a thing for Vanessa since high school, but because he loves his sister, he never made a move. Until he hears she has a date. It’s now or never time. And it seems that fate is on his side when they get trapped by a snowstorm in a cabin. Together. Shaw knows he has to make his move and Vanessa seems overly flirty and very responsive. Will their one night of passion prove to be the turning point to their happily ever after? I loved this story! I knew Shaw and Vanessa’s story was going to be fun and sexy! Shaw is a big goof ball, but he can be serious when it counts. Vanessa is smart, stylish, gorgeous and is the perfect match for Shaw. I was great seeing Gabe, Arden, Derek and Perri again too! Again, Lauren gives us what we want! Overall, it’s sexy, fun, sweet, and full of heart!
When it comes to forbidden romances nobody does them better than Lauren Blakely. I’m such a sucker for the whole best friend’s sibling trope and I was just chomping at the bit for Vanessa and Shaw’s story. This story left me with such a smile on my face. I laughed and swooned and definitely had to fan myself from the heat these two generated.
I loved getting to know more about Vanessa. She’s fun, sweet and loyal-almost to a fault. She’s the kind of woman everyone wants to be friends with. I loved seeing her put herself out there and own up to feelings she tried to ignore.
Shaw? Well, Shaw just made me grin. He’s funny but has a sexy streak a mile wide. I could definitely picture him front and center on a fireman’s calendar with a smolder, then laughing it up with the photographer after. I liked him and really respected him. Watching him finally go after Vanessa made me cheer.
I loved watching these two dance around each other. Their banter was was fun and flirty and the longing between them to be something more was so palpable. I would have cheered when they finally acted on their feelings but I was too busy fanning myself. Their sexy times were, well, sexy. Their relationship outside the bedroom was just as important to them and I enjoyed watching them figure out if they could really have it all with each other.
Catching up with friends from other books always makes me grin. The book club ladies in this book? Well, I hope to be half as fun as they are when I’m their age. I just adored them. It was nice to catch up with Arden and Perri and their men as well. I’d like to live in this book world and just be friends with all these characters!
The writing and pacing in this book just flowed seamlessly. I was hooked from the very first page and didn’t want it to end-even though I read it in one sitting because I didn’t want to put it down. That’s what this Author’s writing does for me. It creates the perfect escape.
The audio of this book is fantastic! If you aren’t an audio fan, I urge you to give this book a listen. The performances were just spot on. I love how these narrators work together to deliver this story! Also? There’s novellas with the audio that you WON’T want to miss-I’m still re-listening to them and swooning all over again.
I loved every moment of this book. It’s sweet and sexy and left me with such a grin on my face. I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it-and the audio as well!
Yes! This book was everything I wanted it to be for Shaw and Vanessa. So fun, sweet and sexy. It’s a standalone in the Lucky in Love series so it can be loved on its own but if you’ve read the others then this is a must read!
Nobody Does It Better is a standalone novella in the Lucky in Love series by one of all-time favorite authors, Lauren Blakely. Yes, this is a standalone but if you read Best Laid Plans and/or The Feel Good Factor then you have already met Vanessa and Shaw. I have been waiting for this. The build-up has been amazing. Lauren has been teasing us in the best ways with their story. And it was so worth the fucking wait.
Shaw has wanted Vanessa for two decades. Two! She has always been off-limits being his sister’s best friend. It wasn’t always said but understood. That was until years ago when she bluntly said, she would cut off his balls if he put his ladies’ man hands on her. He likes his balls so he has stayed away. That was until they were stuck in a cabin together for the night. Alone. He needed to know if she felt the same way. He needed to know if this was lust, love, or just a I want what I can have kind of situation.
Vanessa is in trouble. Of course, she finds Shaw attractive. Who wouldn’t? He is a fireman with wit. He was also on the cover on the firemen calendar last year. He was sex on a stick and everyone knew it even the little old ladies in book club. And the single ladies especially knew it and he loved it. He loved the ladies. The was the problem. She was looking for true love not true lust for the night. But damn, did she want him. Badly.
Pretty much Shaw and Vanessa have one night to get it all out on the table. After years of flirting around their attraction. But, what will happen if they go for it and Perri wants to axe it?
Overall…I floved every single minute! Damn, Lauren can write. It’s a fast read but there is so much story. I even cried! It’s full of heat, sweetness, laughs, and cake!
P.s. There is a link to a must-read bonus scene!
Quotes:
“Hey, Shaw. Have you been tested lately?”
“For extreme levels of good-looking? Why, yes. I was off the charts.”
“No, for your myopia, as in short-sightedness.”
Gabe mimes banging a drum. “Boom.”
“One, you don’t have to knock. Two, I think the door needs a little oil.”
I smile mischievously, unable to resist the low-hanging fruit. “Nothing wrong with a little lube now and then.” She snickers, shaking her head in amusement.
“You were looking at my calendar page?”
“Of course. You’re the hottest.”
“Damn straight.”
Nobody Does It Better than Lauren Blakely! A sexy best friends brother romance is just what I needed and let me tell you, this story delivered! Shaw and Vanessa have had feelings for each other for YEARS but never acted upon it due to Shaw’s sister, Perri, forbidding Shaw to pursue Vanessa. But when the two are snowed in, ALL bets are off!
I enjoyed Shaw and Vanessa to no end! When Shaw releases he’s almost out of time with Vanessa, he has to step up his game and boy, does he ever 😉 Their banter, their sexual chemistry, their flirting…GAH!!! All of it was on point and just oh so sexy!
I truly enjoyed every moment of Nobody Does It Better and it was great to catch up with Derek, Perri, Gabe & Arden as well! This must read for any Lauren Blakely fan!!
Readers who have read Lauren Blakely’s Best Laid Plans and The Feel Good Factor should be quite familiar with Shaw and Vanessa and the reasons why they have hidden their feelings for each other for quite some time, but in Nobody Does It Better, an opportunity for these two to finally be honest with each other comes to fruition and while it isn’t the most ideal situation, there’s no turning back once they lay everything on their line – their bodies. their hearts, and their souls.
The fact that there is a foundation to Shaw and Vanessa’s relationship, even if it’s by proxy due to Vanessa’s friendship with Shaw’s sister, Perri, helps to establish the idea that there has always been an attraction between them…there have always been feelings not acted upon, and what’s made even clearer as the story continues is the fact that regardless of their off-limits status to one another, it hasn’t stopped either of them from wanting what they seemingly can’t have.
But as readers have learned in many romantic comedies, off-limits is in the eye of the beholder and one person’s reason for wanting two people not to be together doesn’t mean that it’s the best or the only option as illustrated by feelings finally be acted upon despite the repercussions faced due to others’ concerns.
It’s amazing how much sass, steam, and humor, Lauren Blakely can pack into a novella, especially when there’s a decade worth of desire and lust surrounding Shaw and Vanessa, but Blakely manages to capture everything that comes to the surface as Shaw and Vanessa finally confess their feelings and stop listening to their heads and start listening and following what their hearts have always wanted.
4.5 Poison Apples
I adored Shaw from the minute we met him in Best Laid Plans and was already in love when The Feel Good Factor came along. This guy has fun written all over him. He doesn’t take things too seriously (the only exception being his job as a firefighter – YUM), he’s got jokes for days, and has the best light-hearted personality. He can be cocky one second and charmingly sweet the next, making him a one-two punch to your willpower that you can’t resist.
Vanessa is amazing. I love that she’s living her American dream. She’s strong, independent, and has carved her own path in this world. She’s unique and fun, but never one to not speak her mind. All the facets of her personality click together to create an amazing character you can’t help but root for.
I love these two together! The chemistry is fantastic and the sweetness is off the charts. And steaminess? They’ve got that in spades too. For me, novellas are a double-edged sword. I love that they’re short and sweet and to the point, but I want more! My greediness aside though, this is the perfect wrap-up for this group of friends. LB has created another fun and sexy romance that you’re sure to love.
A fantastic, sexy and flirty read. Devoured this read in a few hours. Shaw and Vanessa’s chemistry was palpable in The Feel Good Factor and sizzling hot in this book. Their banter as well as the supporting characters will have you laugh out loud. Definitely a must read!
Couldn’t have named it better myself!!!
This the third book in the ‘Lucky In Love’ series by Lauren Blakely. It’s a fast paced novella about Shaw Keating, a sexy as sin firefighter and Venessa Marquez, owner of Pin Up Lanes, a retro bowling alley. If you’ve read the previous books in this fabulous series (and if not, get on that, stat! You’re missing out on some serious goodness!!) then you know about the attraction these two share. Even as secondary characters the burned brightly, nut now?? As the central characters they are blisteringly HAWT, I mean scorching. The chemistry, the banter, the flirty looks and yeah… the history, it’s all just right there.
Vanessa and Shaw have had a thing for each other since their high school years, but it’s gone unrequited and mostly ignored for nearly two decades thanks to Perri (best friend of Vanessa, and Shaw’s sister) forbidding it from happening.
But, one snowy night; one mountain cabin and things are about to change. Will it go the way the two heart hungry souls want or will a wrench be thrown in the works. Read it and find out.
This was a fabulous, sweet and sexy read with absolutely no angst. My only complaint… it finished too soon, I wanted much more from these two characters. But, whether it’s a novella or a full length book, Lauren couldn’t have picked a better title, for her writing and the book’s name. `Nobody Does It Better.
Nobody does it better than Lauren Blakely when it comes to writing swoony sexy romantic comedies. She just can’t do anything wrong. The romance, the humor, the emotions- everything were better than perfect.
Vanessa and Shaw has been attracted to each other since like eternity. They love each other for their personalities. But the person standing between them is Shaw’s sister and Vanessa’s best friend Perri. But when Shawn comes to know about Vanessa’s “serious” date he has to make a move. And what can be better than getting stranded in a mountain cabin in middle of a snow storm. Things are about to get hot. Panty melting nuclear hot.
I always love the men in Lauren Blakely’s stories. And Shawn was no exception. A perfect gentleman in the sense he is caring, protective and respectful. But he has a wicked sense of humor, a very dirty mouth and tons of sex appeal. He is like your dream man. And Vanessa is a sassy, sweet and smart woman. And their chemistry is burning the pages!
Lauren Blakely has proved again why is she the queen of Rom Coms. This was charming, funny, witty and sexy. It made me smile and laugh. And it brightened my day. And nobody does is better than Lauren Blakely!
Received ARC for Honest Review