That smoking hot one-night stand with a former rock star? Turns out he’s my son’s new music teacher. The night I met Campbell all I knew was he played my body the same way he strummed a guitar — like he owned it. Now I’ve learned he’s the man coming to my house twice a week to teach my kid — the best music lessons money can buy.Time to turn down the volume on the late-night shenanigans with the … shenanigans with the sexy single dad. Only that’s easier said than done.
***
I can rock a guitar solo in front of thousands, I can write chart-topping tunes, and I can absolutely stop thinking about my student’s mother naked.
Trouble is, the more I get to know Mackenzie, the more I like all of her — she’s an awesome mom, a great friend, and she gets along perfectly with my teenage daughter.
All we have to do is set some rules and no one gets hurt.
It’s all working out beautifully. Until we start breaking the rules, one by one.
ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME is a standalone novel about Campbell & Mackenzie in the HEARTBREAKERS series of standalones! The books in this three-book series can be read in any order, but are best enjoyed in the following order: ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME, ONCE UPON A SURE THING, ONCE UPON A WILD FLING!
more
Once Upon…
Campbell Mason Evans was known as Mason Hart, one third of the band the Heartbreakers, but all of that changed when he became a father to Samantha, and while he still keeps his passion for music alive, the musician lifestyle and everything that comes with it is not who he is anymore and he’s more than fine with his new life.
A Real Good Time…
That’s something that single mom, Mackenzie, hasn’t had a lot of lately, unless you count the time she spends at The Grouchy Owl proving that her moniker of ‘trivia queen’ is more than appropriate. Mackenzie’s priorities are her 13 year old son and her job, which doesn’t leave time for anything else, at least according to her.
Once Upon A Real Good Time…
The instant spark between Mackenzie and Campbell led to a night where they could just be themselves, giving into their desires for one another and remembering what it’s like to go a little wild in the most delicious ways possible. But what that means for who they are outside of their glorious night together is still in question, especially when their ‘mom’ and ‘dad’ lives intersect.
The circumstances that Mackenzie and Campbell find themselves in due to the direction their lives took and the difficult choices they made are relatable and realistically portrayed and the fact that Lauren Blakely allows both of her main characters’ voices/perspectives to be heard as they juggle parenthood, a career, and a blossoming personal life – all factors that overwhelm, frustrate, and amaze them on any given day – provides the perfect amount of insight to understand why Mackenzie and Campbell can’t just completely give in to the chemistry between them without considering the potential risks.
The supporting characters, particularly Campbell’s brothers and daughter as well as Mackenzie’s best friend and son, make this story even more well-rounded and entertaining because Lauren Blakely makes them a priority; she understands how pivotal the main characters’ children are to the big picture and to any relationship that may develop between Campbell and Mackenzie and the insights that the other characters help to expose proves why the main characters have chosen the path they’re living and why it would have to be something extraordinary for them to deviate from the status quo.
Lauren Blakely, once again, proves why her romantic comedies are some of the best around; her characters are extremely likable, their perspectives are emotionally rich and thoughtful, and the plot line flows organically based on the conflicts the hero and heroine must struggle through in order to appease everyone and everything involved.
Once Upon a Real Good Time has a great mix of sweet and sexy as well as family time and personal time, and it also allows readers to truly see who the hero and the heroine are and why they, too, deserve to be happy in every sense of the word.
4.5 Poison Apples
5 Stars
Once Upon a Real Good Time is book one in Lauren Blakely’s new Heartbreaker series and I loved every single page. Campbell and Mackenzie are both a breath of fresh air and I adored the sexy banter between them.
Campbell is a former teen heartthrob rockstar, single dad turned music teacher. Mackenzie is a single mom who owns her own business and who’s idea of a night out is trivia night at the local bar. When these two get together they are EXPLOSIVE. Their chemistry is off the charts electric. This story was fun and lighthearted and I devoured it in one sitting. I cannot wait for the rest of this series!
Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Lauren Blakely has a knack for blending naughty and nice. She serves up a healthy dose of both in Once Upon a Real Good Time, and I must say the combination goes down nice and smooth.
It’s a simple story of two single parents who have devoted their lives to their kids, putting aside the possibility of romantic relationships in the process. Campbell is a former boy band star turned private music teacher. Mackenzie is an entrepreneur with a wealth of Jeopardy-level knowledge.
These are two amazing characters who are perfect for each other. I love their playfulness and sexy banter. Campbell’s dirty talking bedroom skills are on point! It’s no surprise that I wanted their happily ever after like I wanted my next breath. What’s really refreshing is how lovable their teenagers are. Let’s face it. Anyone with a teen knows how difficult they can be. Mackenzie’s son is a well-rounded violin prodigy. Campbell’s daughter is a sweetheart who loves to bake and has her own YouTube channel. They each love their parent and aren’t afraid to show it.
When Campbell winds up teaching Mackenzie’s son, it throws a wrench in their plans for a possible romance. I really didn’t feel like it was that much of an issue, but thankfully instead of lots of drama, good humor and warmth prevail throughout. I’m counting this as a solid win.
Campbell has two brothers with their own books coming out. I hope I enjoy the rest of the series just as much as this story.
Where do I start with this amazing story?!?
I know….with Campbell. This man is dreamy! Let’s lust on ALL the ways he’s perfect, shall we?
Former rock star and swoon-worthy teen heartthrob.
Current sexy, only gets better-with-age, single father.
Master of music both in the bedroom and out.
Dirty-talker extraordinaire.
Need I say more? Trust me! You want this man.
I really like Mackenzie in this story. She’s so much fun, even if she doesn’t think so. She’s quirky, funny, kind of nerdy and awkward, but still comfortable in her own skin, and sexy in an ‘’I don’t know it but I am’ way. She’s irresistible to Campbell.
This story was so great. Not only did you fall in love with Campbell and Mackenzie, but you also fell in love with Campbell’s brothers, Mack’s friends, and both their kids.
This was just an all-around fun book to read and I can’t wait to see more of these amazing characters!
Mackenzie has a 13 year old son Kyle and works hard as a graphic designer and single mom. She attends trivia nights for fun and one night sees a hot guy in the band. The second time she sees him she ends up bringing him home for an amazing night together.
Campbell Evans is a single dad to 14 year old Samantha and has moved on from his previous persona as a rock star named Mason Hart. Now he is raising his daughter and giving music lessons.
As Campbell and Mackenzie slowly begin a relationship they are shocked when Campbell is Kyle’s new music teacher and the two decide that they can’t have a relationship but will they be able to stay away from each other?
This was such a great book filled with laughs and some hot scenes!!
I loved that the focus for both Campbell and Mackenzie were their children and making sure that they were happy above anything else. As a single parent I can totally relate to that and have put my own life on hold like Mackenzie. There were some tough decisions that had to be made and I was sad when they were.
The chemistry between the two was through the roof and I loved as they were “sneaking” around. I really enjoyed Samantha’s baking and how Mackenzie helped her out with it.
I loved Mackenzie’s relationship with Kyle’s dad, Jamison and how he was able to get through to Mackenzie when she needed the advice.
I thought the kids actions at the end of the book were great as were their reactions to everything!
Great read!
Once Upon a Real Good Time by Lauren Blakely is the first book in a series of standalones, The Heartbreakers.
Mackenzie is a 34 year old single mom of a 13 year old. She´s a successful graphic designer, trivia shark and is still friends with her son´s father.
Campbell Evans is a lot of things, but first and foremost he´s a single dad, music teacher and plays in a band.
Both meet at a bar and they have a crazy through the roof high chemistry. The one night they spend is remarkable to put it mildly. But both are ´rents in the first place and that´s why both agree there can´t never be something between them.
I started reading and I´d rather quick learned this book is nothing like any other book I read by Lauren Blakely. It´s a slow burn, contemporary romance set in a realistic world with characters I easily could connect with. The writing is excellent and the story is unique. I loved the storyline, the writing and the beautiful words.
The story has all the feels. It made me happy, sad, made me laughing and at some point I was angry at the characters. I loved reading this book and give 4,5 stars.
Campbell and Mackenzie are quite the ultimate and just about rock everything as they break rules all the way to their HEA! You do something slightly reckless once and it monumentally comes back to bite you in the butt, or so Mackenzie is finding out. It was just supposed to be one hot and heavy night that would sustain every night there after but she never expected the rockgod to show up in like her real everyday life. Now Campbell is being obnoxiously wonderful to her kid, has one of this own that melts her heart, oh and he is so delicious it’s not even fair. Campbell has strict rules when it comes to the opposite sex and Mackenzie is making it every hard to keep them. She is rocking his world without even trying and he wants to make sweet sweet music with her all night long. When lines and rules get blurred will the show come to a screeching halt?
I voluntarily read an reader copy of this book
I am obsessed with our dirty tallking, single dad Campbell. He is so swoony and sexy and I loved being in his head. Mackenzie is also a single parent and I loved that they both were. It showed how much they both cared about their kids and always put them first, it made their relationship tricky at times. They both care about others so much and are such passionate people. They have such an ease with each other and naturally fit. I just could not put their book down, I wanted them to get their happily ever after. This is the sexy yet sweet kind of story that I absolutely love from Lauren Blakely!
*4 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
Campbell and Mackenzie’s story was a lot of fun. They connect so easily and have so much in common which is really nice to read about. The fact that they both have pasts that the other takes in stride and can understand is also refreshing.
There are some interesting secondary characters in this one who make the book fun as well. Everything lines up nicely and makes it a very easy and fun read. Theres no un-needed angst, there’s no communication problems, this is a very mature novel with well developed and mature characters.
Sexy times, funny times, cute times, this one has everything and I can’t wait for book 2.
A new Lauren Blakely novel is my happy place, and I’ve lost count of how many times this author’s writing has made me smile, made me sigh or made me happy. She’s entertained me, she’s made my heart race, and she’s made me blush. It all comes down to the simple fact that for me, Blakely writes the kind of romantic fiction that not only keeps me coming back to her work time and time again, but also reminds me of why I love this genre so much. Sexy, light-hearted and fun, her romantic comedies are exactly the types of romances that I prefer to read. All of this coupled with the fact that she consistently delivers this reading pleasure with astonishing regularity, and it’s no surprise that she’s earned a spot at the top of my favorite authors list.
Once Upon a Real Good Time is the first book in Blakely’s new Heartbreakers series of romantic comedies about three rock star brothers. This is Campbell and Mackenzie’s story, both of whom are single parents, which is a favorite theme of mine. I especially love single dad heroes, and Campbell was an involved, caring, devoted one. He was sexy and so swoon-worthy with his sultry crooning and his filthy dirty talk. Not to be outdone, Mackenzie was a confident, sexy and doting single mom in her own right, and she gave just as good as she got in the dirty talk department. The chemistry between the two of them was instantaneous and white hot. They bonded immediately, and their effortless rapport along with some flirty banter and witty dialogue resulted in a once-in-a-lifetime connection that made Campbell and Mackenzie’s romance a completely unputdownable page-turner.
Blakely continually feeds my romcom addiction with charming plots, endearing characters and steamy romances, but if this heartwarming, heated and humorous story is any indication of what’s to come, the Heartbreakers series may very well end up topping my list of favorites from her. I loved absolutely everything about this breezy, happy, fun romance. A touch forbidden, smolderingly sexy and a whole lot sweet, Once Upon a Real Good Time was exactly the kind of heart-soaring, smile-stretched-across-my-face, blush-inducing romcom that I love reading most from Lauren Blakely. I couldn’t get enough of these characters or their story, and I had a hard time putting it down. Once Upon a Real Good Time by Lauren Blakely get five smooches from me!
~ Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads
5+ STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review
I love Lauren Blakely. I love everything she writes. She blew me away with this amazing story. I think Campbell may be my favorite hero to date. This story is witty, entertaining, informational, and sweet. I loved every second of this amazing story.
Campbell has been in the spotlight before. Now, he just wants to play here and there with his new band, while teaching, and just being all around awesome. He’s an amazing dad. I loved this the most about him. And lord does Mackenzie fall hard for him. I love everything about Mackenzie. She’s so smart. She’s an amazing mom and loves her son so much. While I loved Mackenzie and Campbell, Sam and Kyle made this story. I love these two and I hope we get to see more from them in the future.
I can’t wait for Miller’s story. I can only imagine what fun things we will get to learn about him. I loved every second of this story and you will too. Please check it out.
4.5’s.
I have come to trust that every book I read from Lauren Blakely will be worth it, whether it be a rom-com or contemporary romance like this one. She has a way of dragging you in and holding you there until the last page.
This is a new series of standalone books, that will feature three brothers from a former rock band and their tales. The first one is about Campbell and MacKenzie and if you love your single dad romances, you are in for a treat as they both have a child at the same age. The thing that will melt your heart is the way that they both adore their kids and will put their own life on hold for them. Campbell is a musical genius and can play multiply instruments. In a twist of fate, he becomes MacKenzie’s sons violin teacher. This now puts their plans on hold until they can set some new rules, or break them.
The whole feel of this novel was delightful and realistic. It had me smiling the whole way through. The chemistry between MacKenzie and Campbell was amorous and lascivious. The banter was fun and witty. Being a trivia night nut, I enjoyed reading those facts too! You also get a good vibe as to what to expect with the next two books, and I will be ready to read them and find out more about these brothers.
“You’re looking at me like I’m the answer to all your prayers.”
Oh, Lauren Blakely…you dirty bird, you! Campbell and Mackenzie were absolutely PERFECT! One of my very favorite couples of yours! The fact that they were both single parents…well, that was icing on the very sexy cake! You all know that Ms. Blakely is one of the QUEENS of romantic comedy, but you add in a sassy trivia nerd and a gorgeous hunk of musician and there should be NOTHING left to say! Once Upon a Real Good Time is a standalone romance that will take you to your happy place and beyond! I loved it! I was engaged from beginning to end. I was blushing and swooning from beginning to end. Another sexy, romantic, and utterly entertaining and unputdownable romance from one of my all time favorites in the business! This was one hell of a beginning to her brand new Heartbreakers series and I CANNOT WAIT for Miller’s story! Bring it on!
Gah. This single mom and single dad, rockstar romance is absolutely swoon-worhhty. I loved every minute of this sweet, sexy and romantic story. Lauren Blakely crafts some of the dreamiest heroes, and Campbell is one of her best yet. He’s hot, kind, caring, an amazing dad, and a dirty-talker. Gah. Can you say perfection? He and Mackenzie have amazing chemistry but also a tender dynamic. Their kids are adorable, too! Once Upon a Real Good Time is the ultimate feel-good romance. I am so excited about this 3-book series with these three brothers.
Another Solid Gold Hit!! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
Once Upon a Real Good was Flirty, Fun, and Sexy! I literally could not put it down. Talk about a dream come true. Our beautiful leading lady gets the sexy former rockstar… throw in a lot of surprising hilarious inner monologue and this story is perfection.
What do you get when you cross a Trivia Queen with a Rock Star? You get a fabulous rom com that is so much more than a ‘Real Good Time’! I just couldn’t get enough of this fun and flirty, hot and steamy romance. Campbell and Mackenzie are both single parents who put their children first. When they have a chance meeting one night, they click right away, and the sparks fly. They have a hot night of passion that neither want to be a one time thing. Unfortunately, before their first official date, Campbell becomes Mackenzie’s sons’ music teacher. Their promising relationship has become a forbidden romance. I loved Campbell and Mackenzie so much! I love their personalities, how smart they are, how committed they are to their children, who were delightful as well. I loved their fun banter with their friends and family, and the deliciously dirty talk between them.
Blakely’s writing is so mesmerizing. I am completely charmed by her amazing characters, and fascinated by the lives they lead. She creates beautiful romances with the perfect measure of angst, heartache, humor and passion. She continues to put a smile on my face and Campbell and Mackenzie’s story was a compete joy to read. Their story was a great start to this series and I can’t wait for Ally and Miller’s story next!
I’m not quite sure if I’ve fully recovered from Ms. Blakely’s last release, Unbreak My Heart, but Once Upon a Real Good Time did a real good job of helping me move on! This was such a fun, sweet, and sexy romance between two single parents. That it was a little on the forbidden side just made this story all that more delicious!
When Mackenzie and Campbell first set eyes on each other you just know we’re going to be in for a treat. The chemistry between them was radiating off the pages, and when they finally meet- can you say fireworks?!? There was no coming back from that for either of them!
But then life has a way of throwing curveballs at us at the most inopportune times. And when it comes down between choosing their own happiness or doing what’s best for their kids, it’s pretty much a no brainer for either of them.
I’m not sure which of these characters I liked best, they are both pretty freaking awesome. Mackenzie is a woman after my own heart with her love of trivia, although I have a feeling she could kick my ass! And Campbell is all you could want in a man. I loved how effortless things were between them, how they just clicked.
They’re both so dedicated to making sure their kids have the best lives they were even willing to give up on something really special. So admirable, and so unnecessary, thanks to a little intervention from those same kids!
4.25 stars-ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME is the first instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary adult THE HEARTBREAKERS erotic, romance series focusing on the Evans brothers. This is single parents, former teen idol and guitarist Campbell Evans aka Mason Hart, and graphic designer MacKenzie Marksons’s story line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Campbell and MacKenzie) ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME follows the building relationship between former teen idol and guitarist Campbell Evans aka Mason Hart, and graphic designer MacKenzie (Markson). MacKenzie is all about playing trivia at The Grouchy Owl until the one night the sexy lead singer of a local band offers up more than a couple of songs for our story line heroine. Enter single father and former teen idol Campbell Evans aka Mason Hart, and the man with whom MacKenzie will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between MacKenzie and Campbell, and the potential fall-out as MacKenzie struggles with Campbell’s position as her son’s infamous music teacher.
MacKenzie is a single mother to Kyle Markson, a child music prodigy whose has been offered a prestigious chance with a former star but unbeknownst to MacKenzie, said former star and her son’s new music teacher is the man who is currently starring in both her literal and virtual dreams. Unwilling to risk her son’s chance for the future, MacKenzie sacrifices her friendship and relationship with the man that she loves. Campbell Evans suffered a tragic loss, and in the ensuing years left the band to raise his daughter as a single father, but meeting MacKenzie gives Campbell the hope for a second chance at a happily ever after.
The relationship between Campbell and MacKenzie is one of immediate attraction; a palpable sexual attraction between two single parents who have put their personal lives on hold for the foreseeable future. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense. Both Campbell and MacKenzie like to talk dirty in the bedroom.
We are introduced to MacKenzie’s son Kyle, his father Jamison, and MacKenzie’s best friend Roxy Sterling; Campbell’s daughter Samantha, and his brothers Miles and Miller Evans aka Hart.
ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME is a story of family, friendship, music and love. The premise is sexy and sassy; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are flirty, colorful and lively. ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME is a spicy and spirited story that is sure to set the sheets on fire.
I will add I am not sure if Markson is MacKenzie’s last name. I looked throughout the story but could only find one reference to Kyle’s last name, and no last name given for the other significant man in MacKenzie’s life, Kyle’s father Jamison. I am not a fan of no last name for the heroine, especially when the leading male is ‘gifted’ not one but two last names. The female lead is entitled to the same recognition, in my humble opinion.
Holy Smokes! Lauren Blakely did it again! She created yet another sexy, sweet and swoon-worthy romance with characters you’ll never forget. Once Upon a Real Good time checked all of my boxes – I laughed, I fanned myself and I even shred a tear or two. Reading a Blakely novel is like finding yourself in a magical kingdom – you pretty sure will be enchanted in no time.
The story was simply captivating and the characters were absolutely amazing.
Campbell is hands down the hottest hero Lauren Blakely ever created. I loved his dirty mouth and golden heart.
And Mackenzie is totally BAE. She’s such a caring and funny lady, I loved her to bits.
I also adored Kyle and Sam – they’re so adorable!!
I wouldn’t wish for more in a book. I highly recommend this one!
Once Upon a Real Good Time is the first book in Lauren’s new rom-com series, Heartbreakers. I have read all of Lauren’s words and let me tell you…this woman knows how to make me swoon and get all hot and bothered with her dirty-mouth men. Campbell has definitely made it to the top of my Blakely Men list with his mouth. Damn.
Campbell and Mackenzie share one passion-filled night. They connected on more than one level. They enjoyed being together in between the sheets as well as out of them. They got each other. And that is why, this was not going to be a one-night stand. That was until she walks into her son’s violin lesson and meets his new teacher. She knows for a fact he has mad skills with his hands since they were on her playing her like an instrument just a few nights ago. Fate has stepped in and kicked her ass.
Campbell gets it. Mackenzie wants what’s best for her son which means they have to keep their hands off each other. The hard part is that, that makes him like her even more. He is after-all a single father to a teen daughter that he would do anything for including not dating someone he wants to see again. And again. That doesn’t mean he can’t have dirty thoughts though and sometimes those dirty thoughts are spoken out loud. Oops. Rules. They needs rules.
Rules are made to be twisted, and broken. There is always a loop hole, right?
Omfg! I loved this book!! Campbell just has that perfect blend of filth, sweetness, humor, and heart. I fell for him. Hard and fast. And him as a dad? Swoon. I loved his relationship with Samantha. Mackenzie is kickass. One of my favorite Blakely women! She is strong, funny, sweet, and knows her trivia. And she loves her son so much. Together, Campbell and Mackenzie made me smile, melt, and laugh. And their kids made me wants to listen to music and bake treats.
Overall…it was an epic treat! I love love and when you add in laughs, dirty talk, sweet treats, and trivia, it makes it even better. I am soooo excited about the next book, Once Upon a Sure Thing! Gimme, gimme.
Quotes:
“It’s good to know my songs can transcend thoughts of nudity.”
“It’s proof of your musical talent.”
“Oh my God! You never stop.”
“I know. It’s a sickness. The only thing that makes me stop is when your lips are on my cock.”
“I’m not helpless,” I tell him, but I kind of am right now, considering Ponytail’s disdain for me.
“Let me believe you are. There is something rather sexy about you standing in a music store needing my assistance.”