A delicious new best friends-to-lovers stand-alone romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely!The second the test-the-sexy-scenes offer landed in my lap, I said yes.After all, I’ve been damn curious about a few things I’ve read in romance novels. Do buttons truly go flying across the floor when you rip off a guy’s shirt? Is staircase nookie hella hot or does it leave you with a big old bruise … you with a big old bruise mark on your back? And don’t even get me started on all that panty shredding, and whether it even works.
Time to find out as I embark on Project Romance Novel Scenes Research, at the request of my hotshot book editor bestie.
All I need is a willing scene partner. Enter Tristan, my best guy friend. The witty, tell-it-like-it-is, bearded hottie volunteers for the experiment.
He’s also the guy who gave me the most devastating, toe-curling kiss of my life ten years ago. But nothing has happened since then.
And nothing will come between my panties and our friendship now since we have a plan to keep it PG.
But once the buttons start flying, all bets are off…
S-E-X AND OTHER SHINY OBJECTS is a standalone romance in the BOYFRIEND MATERIAL series. The other titles are ASKING FOR A FRIEND and ONE NIGHT STAND-IN.
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Coming back from a broken engagement and with her business struggling, Peyton is trying to find the way to the woman she was before the relationship. She’s ready to start dating and explore other things including resuscitating her almost defunct blog.
When her friend Amy has an idea about a companion book for a romance novel acting some of the sexy scenes, Peyton decides to volunteer and recruits her best friend Tristan to help her. The catch is that Peyton and Tristan shared a kiss back in college and they definitely have some unfinished business that might hinder their little experiments.
This was another one sitting read for me. Fun, flirty and filled with the emotion of a couple in love but afraid to cross the friendship line and losing it all in the process.
I enjoyed the plot and the characters both main and secondary. Peyton and Tristan are relatable and lovable individually and as a couple and the story is engaging enough to make it hard to put down.
Projects and lacy galore. Peyton and Tristan were my favorite pair of lovers that Lauren has presented us with. The chemistry between the two was palpable. Best friends go would do anything for each other, even if included possible heart break. This book 1. Gives you lots of lover tips 2. The importance of being bold and going for what you want and 3. It’ll make you want to go out and buy lingerie and lots of it!
Received an advanced copy for and honest review.
SEX AND OTHER SHINY OBJECTS is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult BOYFIREND MATERIAL erotic, romance series focusing on a tight knit group of friends in New York City. This is twenty-nine year olds, restaurateur / bar owner Tristan, and lingerie shop owner / blogger Peyton Valencia’s story line. SEX AND OTHER SHINY OBJECTS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Tristan and Peyton) SEX AND OTHER SHINY OBJECTS focuses on the best friends to lovers relationship between is twenty-nine year olds, restaurateur / bar owner Tristan, and lingerie shop owner / blogger Peyton Valencia. Peyton Valencia has loved and lost having found her boyfriend in bed with another woman. Wearing sexy lingerie is the one thing that Peyton enjoys but when her friends asks her to apply the sexy scenes in a romance novel to real life, Peyton needs a volunteer to help with getting the job done. Enter best friend Tristan, and the man with whom Peyton will fall in love. What ensues is the friends to lovers relationship between Peyton and Tristan, and the potential fall-out as their time together, working out the sexy scenes, comes to a close.
Tristan has been in love with his best friend since the first time they met in college but when the time came to reveal his feelings, Tristan discovered that Peyton has fallen in love with someone else, someone who was about to break her heart. Peyton Valencia fears losing her best friend if things fall-apart while ‘researching’ the sex scenes in her friend’s romance novel but Tristan insists that he is the only man for the job, a job that finds our couple falling in love.
The relationship between Tristan and Peyton is a best friends to lovers romance wherein Peyton continues to focus on one kiss, ten years earlier, a kiss between our story line couple that Peyton has never forgotten, and uses to compare to all others. Peyton is determined to follow the book, endeavouring to replay the scenes, come h*ll or high water, blogging about her experiences to a captive audience. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to Linc and Amy (Asking for a Friend #1), and Amy and Peyton’s friend Lola; Tristan’s brother Barrett and his friend Rachel; Peyton’s mother, as well as several customers at Peyton’s shop-You Look Pretty Today.
SEX AND OTHER SHINY OBJECTS is a story of friendship, family, romance and love; a story of best friends who struggle to cross the proverbial line, a line that once crossed from there is no going back. The premise is captivating ; the characters are sassy and sexy; the romance is provocative and fun. SEX AND OTHER SHINY OBJECTS is a spicy and inviting story you are sure to enjoy.
Sex and Other Shiny Objects by Lauren Blakely is book Two in the Boyfriend Material Series. This is the story of Tristan and Peyton. I have read the previous book which added to my enjoyment of this book, but I did feel you could make it a standalone book if you wish to do so so.
Tristan and Peyton have been friends for several years each having stronger feeling but neither say it or really acting on it. When Peyton lingerie shop that is her baby gets more competition she thinks to spice things up and to get some more attention to her store by doing a spicy blog. Those will entail recreating some romance book scene. Peyton is single after a breakup and she thinks of her friend Tristan might be able to fill in the leading role and someone she trust.
This was a funny, hot and cute read. Loved their story.
I am a sucker for a great friends to lovers romance and this book is up there for me on that list.
Peyton and Tristan have been friends for years and years. They shared a kiss in college, however, things never progressed further for them due to various reasons that are explained throughout the story. Despite that their friendship has remained throughout the years.
I loved Peyton. She is a smart and successful business women. She owners her own lingerie shop and really puts in an effort to helping each and every customer that comes into her shop. She has had a failed relationship that left her closed off to all men. Tristan. There is so much to say about him. He is caring, protective, loving, swoon worthy to the millionth degree. The way he cares for Barrett, his teenage brother, is what stole my heart. He is willing to do anything to help his best friend, even if that involves, finding out what works and doesn’t work when it comes to romance novels.
Peyton and Tristan’s friendship is effortless and full of banter. There is no deny these two had a crazy amount of chemistry. Once they finally gave into their connection it was all over. They couldn’t stay away from each other and they didn’t lose their friendship throughout.
Peyton’s relationship with her mom was great. I loved the closeness they had. Plus, her friendship with her girlfriends. It has me wishing that I was a part of this amazing group. I can’t wait to see what is next for them!
Sex and Other Shiny Objects is a great friends to lovers rom com and a MUST READ!
Yet another 5 plus star from Lauren Blakely!
We got a sneak peak and Peyton and Tristan in Asking for a friend, I was so excited when I saw they were going to get their book. And, one of my favorite genre’s, Friends to Lovers, and Lauren Blakely sure nows how to write them.
Peyton talks Tristan into helping her with a little research to help her friend Amy with her new book. The two have chemistry from the get go, I won’t give anything away, but let’s just say you won’t be disappointed in this next installment of the Boyfriend Material, this book if perfection!
***Edited to Add Audio book thoughts***
What a fun, engaging, and super steamy friends to lovers romance! Peyton and Tristan have been friends since college and have seen each other thru all their ups and downs. They came from totally different worlds but connected from the start. They had a very passionate moment back then, but it was over way too soon. They remained good friends, but never forgot the sparks that simmer below the surface. Now years later, Peyton is helping a friend and herself by blogging about the reality of those sexy scenes we all love to read about in romance novels. Peyton needs someone she can trust to rip each others clothes off and Tristan is more than willing to be that man. The different scenes they work through can be awkward and tricky, but they work together having fun, laughing, and fighting the passion they both are afraid to give in to. I loved the progression of the scenes, the clever blog posts, and especially their self discovery from the fears that hold them back. Peyton and Tristan are so perfect together, supporting each other and their chemistry and passion is off the charts when they finally give in to their desires. Their friends and family add so much wisdom, support and hilarity making this story even more fun and heartfelt. Lauren continues to create hilarious, touching, and hot and sexy romances that capture my heart!
I brake for shiny objects! 4 stars
When I smiled reading the first few pages, I knew this was going to be an enjoyable ride of a book! I laughed throughout the book along with shedding a few tears because I was rooting for Peyton and Tristan. Peyton and Tristan’s story is a slow burn friends to lovers story. The timing was never right for them, but what happens when Peyton needs help from a male with an experiment and she asks Tristan? An enjoyable story of long buried feelings, sexy times, friendship, trust, loyalty and love that I am so glad I braked for and read!
I received an advanced copy of this ebook from Candi Kane PR for my honest review.
Sex and Other Shiny Objects by Lauren Blakely
Book two in the Boyfriend Material series is a best friends to lovers romance and is all about Peyton and Tristan. While Tristan has been on the the verge of in love with Peyton for many years, the opportunity never came up for him to confess all and get the girl. But now that Peyton needs some help in trying out sexy scenes from a book and testing their user-friendliness, she can’t ask anyone she trusts more than Tristan. They both want to preserve the friendship but while Tristan is determined not to lose his heart, Peyton is slowly becoming aware of deeper feelings.
Lauren Blakely delivers one of my favorite tropes wonderfully. The friendship and growth to more between Peyton and Tristan was engaging and delightful, their banter perfection. The respect they had for each other and the integrity of the friendship was clear and scene feasibility testing was hotttt! Tristan may very well be my new favorite LB hero and I would totally buy my lingerie from Peyton if I could. This series of standalones is one I’m really enjoying and I can’t wait for the next one to release!
*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.
Peyton and Tristan were the best of friends: hanging out, sharing drinks, meals, and stories of how their days were. Peyton is the owner of a lingerie shop and loves all things lace, satin, and silk. Her personal touch with her customers has made her shop successful and provides a way to stay connected to those that she loves. Peyton’s business is being threatened by the new big box store that opened across the street. In a conversation by with Tristan at his bar one night he suggests that Peyton begin blogging again. Maybe her sexy posts will help remind customers as to why her shop is the best place to purchase those very special intimates. Tristan has been in love with Peyton for the last 10 years but with their friendship being the best part of his life, he has decided to keep his feelings to himself until Peyton asks for a very special favor.
Peyton and Tristan’s teasing of each other while working through the experiment and a set of special blog posts, has turned up the heat and chemistry between Peyton and Tristan. Will the panty ripping, buttons flying, and bathtub adventures allow their feelings for each to surface?
Sex and Other Shiny Objects by Lauren Blakely was an absolutely stunning read. Filled with family, friendship and love this was a must-read.
The newest couple of Lauren Blakely’s is fun, flirty & feisty, but they have to find out that all those things together makes them a perfect match.
Peyton is outgoing, fun, business owner, fantastic friend but she also is just getting over a cheating ex, but what she doesn’t realize is that her best friend is the one she always turns to to make her smile and Tristan feels the same way.
Tristan has held a torch for Peyton since that kiss all those years ago when they were in college and when the chance comes around for him to help her with some fun research he jumps at it hoping to get close to her in a way that he has always wanted to.
You will watch them navigate through their feelings for one another and watch how that they would be the best for the other but they will have to find out on their own that they are right for one another and being best friends is just a bonus.
I’m a fan of the friends to lovers trope. But this writing of it was next level. So fun and witty and I swear at times I could feel what the characters were feeling. I’ve read a lot of LB books and this one found it’s place high on the list of favorites.
Have you ever wondered if the steamy scenes in your romance novels are plausible? I do and interestingly enough the newest book by Lauren Blakely covers this topic…..hmmm? It’s wildly entertaining. Love Peyton and Tristan. Peyton owns a lingerie shop and loves lacey underthings. Tristan is Peyton’s best guy friend since they met in college. They shared a kiss 10 years ago and a variety of circumstances have kept them apart since. Peyton volunteers to help her best friends, Lola and Amy, complete a “how to” guide for steamy romance scenes and enlists Tristan to be her partner while testing out the scenes. Turns out that Peyton learns a thing or two about Tristan. He has a vulnerable side as well dirty-talking side that turns Peyton on quite well. These two have so much pent up chemistry that all their friends and relatives can practically see and feel it. Will Tristan and Peyton ever take that necessary step and tell the other how they truly feel and for how long they have felt that way? Tristan is a definite Blakely Boy-muscles everywhere, good-looking, will sacrifice his happiness for the ones he loves, loves with his whole heart, and is a pretty-darn good dirty-talker. S-E-X and Other Shiny Objects is a friends-to-lovers rom-com that has a few twists that I did not see coming. As always, Lauren’s characters are relatable, strong character, beautiful on the outside as well as the inside. For a fun escape to a world of fun, hilarious, adorable, and some pretty HOT scenes between the sheets then you need to read the newest release by Lauren Blakely. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Super easy to give this one five stars*****.
After getting a little taste of Peyton and Tristan at the end of “Asking for A Friend,” I couldn’t wait to get their story. And it did not disappoint. Lauren weaves such a magnificent friends-to-lovers story. I enjoyed every moment of Peyton and Tristan’s journey. Seeing how their friendship grows into something so much more as they tested out experiments was fascinating. I liked Peyton and Tristan individually as well as together. Their friendship was the basis of everything. They got along so well and complemented each other perfectly. Their banter and chemistry was on point. They were just so great! I also liked seeing the friendships they had with the other side characters. This is where the family atmosphere of Lauren’s world comes together so nicely. This book was sweet, passionate, and fun. Truly a wonderful read!
Sometimes my heart just needs a sweet, low angst romcom. Sex and Other Shiny Objects was a great blend of friends to lovers, second chance romance, and even a little fake-ish relationship/forced proximity. I’m a sucker for the pining and longing of what could have been and when circumstances change to allow our hero and heroine to FINALLY have their chance. We met Tristan and Peyton in book 1 of this series, Asking for A Friend, but this can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone.
I love a hero who is all in from the start, and Tristan was so incredibly swoony. He was considerate, kind hearted, and I loved the relationship he had with his brother. The cherry on top was the dirty side of him that came out to play when things started to heat up between him and Peyton. There is a little drama and back and forth as these two navigate these new waters, but I appreciated that they both resolve their conflicts and put themselves out there. There were some wonderful cameos from past characters and easter eggs sprinkled throughout and I always enjoy finding these in Lauren Blakely’s books. This is such a fun series of interconnected standalones, and I’m looking forward to Lola’s story next!
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
4.5 star review of Sex & Other Shiny Objects (Boyfriend Material #2) by Lauren Blakely
We first met Peyton and Tristan in book one Asking for a Friend and I was intrigued by both of them. They have been friends for over ten years and there is something that lies beneath the surface simmering, perhaps because of the hot as sin kiss they once shared.
Peyton is looking to increase business at her lingerie shop and asks Tristan for a favour. Tristan has had feelings for Peyton for a long time but it was never the right time to act on it so he agrees to help her test out romantic scenes from a book for her editor friend.
This was such a unique story that you couldn’t help but be drawn in to the story that Ms. Blakely weaves. The chemistry and tension build as the feelings that they have both kept hidden are unveiled. Will they risk the deep friendship they have for a chance at love and a happily ever after or will the fear become too much for them?
This is a fun, hot spicy friends to lovers story about taking a leap of faith and of taking chances outside of ones comfort zones.
The friendship and banter that arc between them had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions. Tristan and Peyton are meant to be together; he is swoon worthy and caring and I loved how much fun and sassy Peyton is.
Sex and Other Shiny Objects can easily be read as a standalone but if you want to know all the characters I would start with Asking For A Friend Book 1 in the Boyfriend Material Series.
This is Tristan and Peyton’s story and yes they were in book 1 and I needed their story! If you love books that make you laugh out loud then you need to read this book and series! Lauren Blakely books are must reads!
Tristan and Peyton knew each other previously and became best friends. They had a kiss 10 years ago but things happened and they never got together.
Peyton volunteers to act out scenarios that are written in romance books as research for her “hotshot book editor bestie. To see if it is really possible to pull off some of the scenes that are written in romance books. Peyton is going to do this research for her blog and to help out. She asks her best guy friend Tristan to help her with the research.
What happens is “Panty Shredding” HOT!
BTW I loved the Wicked Games by Chris Isaak I felt that was the PERFECT song for this book!
5+ Happy tears stars were shed at The End!
We were first introduced to Peyton and Tristan in Asking for a Friend and got to know them rather intimately in Sex and Other Shinny Things, Book 2 in the Boyfriend Material series. Lauren Blakely never disappoints and her first release of 2020 had me smiling and wishing for more. Peyton and Tristan are best friends who shared a kiss over a decade ago. Due to various circumstances that are well explained in the book, they never progressed to dating and Tristan always longed for more. You could feel his anguish and will route for these two the entire time.
Because of her extraordinary writing talent, Lauren tells this tale with her usual charm and wit. Peyton is the successful business owner of an exclusive lingerie shop and I could absolutely see us being friends in real life. I adored her. She was smart and sweet, fun to be around, thoughtful and kind, sensual and adventurous. She found pleasure in making others happy and was a class act. Vulnerable from her long-term relationship not working out, she picked herself up and moved on, qualities I admire.
Trying to boost her sales and get back into the writing world, she asks her BFF to help her with some live action research of the steamy kind, testing out various sexual encounters that are portrayed in romance novels to see if they are realistic. Can you really undress while walking up steps? Can a couple get it on in the tub? Just wait until you see what happens during their little experiments…tension builds and bodies tremble.
The fact that they were friends who desired one another but have never been intimate made these scenes all the more explosive. Their chemistry was smoking hot, and my eyes were wide open page after page. Lauren brings every one of their scenes to life with great detail, and I loved the slow burn of how they just couldn’t keep their hands off each other.
Tristan possessed many fine qualities, most importantly, his stand-up character and how he willingly became guardian of his younger brother Barrett when their mother died. He took the role seriously is a great role model. He’s also smart and sensitive, generous and thoughtful, and gifted with perfect abs and a dirty mouth.
He valued his friendship with Peyton who often gave him mixed signals so he kept his feelings hidden, but lost all control one night when role-playing one of their scenes. And bring a fan my friends because the things Tristan can do with his teeth are extraordinary! Peyton you are a lucky girl. If only our hero could read between the lines!
I loved how well they knew each other and how they supported and comforted each other. They had great character development and confirmed why friends-to-lovers is my favorite trope. I also loved Peyton’s relationship with her mom and girlfriends who helped her keep things real and point out the obvious–that the love of her life was right next to her all these years. My favorite part was when and how Tristan finally declared his feelings. Swoon. Swoon. Swoon. And special thanks to Lauren for including the extended epilogue of their lives in the future. I truly loved this rom-com and recommend it wholeheartedly.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Who doesn’t love a great friends to lovers romance?! This girl definitely does and it was a fantastic read to help kick off the new year! I was drawn in from the very beginning and was thoroughly entertained!
Peyton runs a lingerie shop and she focuses on the customer service that she provides by stocking great products and even some that are unique to cater to her customers. She’s recently broken off her engagement and she realizes how much she misses the blog that she used to write, but put on the shelf when her former fiancee voiced his displeasure with it. When she’s approached by her friend to test some of the sexy times scenes in a book she’s editing, she realizes this is the best time to resurrect her blog. It will not only help her friend, but it likely will bring more business to her shop. The question, who should help to recreate the scenes?!
Tristan and Peyton have been best friends for a decade. They’ve been through quite a bit together, not to mention a steamy kiss they shared years ago that neither has been able to completely forget. When Peyton tells Tristan about her project, and how the first person she was going to ask fell through, he volunteers to help. She agrees not only because she trusts him, but also because he a genuinely sweet, smart, amazing guy. Oh and he’s not bad to look at either!
As they begin to reenact the scenes, the chemistry is palpable between them. They have fun, things get really steamy and feelings begin to emerge as they move further into the experiment. All I know is I was rooting for them the entire time!
This book was not only witty, as Lauren Blakely books often are, but it was different than most books I’ve read lately, which was refreshing. Both characters were awesome, easy to love and like I said above, I just wanted the best for both of them. Pick up this jewel, you won’t regret it!
Wow I don’t think I will ever look at lingerie the same again!! Fanning myself!!
Peyton is the owner of a lingerie boutique that she took over when her Grandmother passed away. They both had a way of selling and knowing what their customers wanted or needed. Tristan on the other hand, owns a restaurant who is legal guardian of his 17 year old brother. Peyton and Tristan have been best friends but had recently reconnected when Peyton’s fiancé was unfaithful.
When Peyton’s friends enlist her help for a companion book, she jumps at the chance to help them. The only problem is that she doesn’t have a partner to fulfill the sexy scenes needed. After her first plan fell through, she finally remembers that she can trust her best friend and decides to ask him for help. The plan is to experiment 5 different sex scenes that are written about in romance novels to see if and how they really work.
Neither one knew that they once had hopes of seeing if their friendship could become more after one intense kiss or how this new challenge to help with this book could affect their relationship.
Another well written, intense, and funny rom-com you have got to read by non other than Lauren Blakely.