A delicious new twist on lessons in seduction from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely!
The rules of the game were simple.
One weekend. We play our roles. Actually, we play lots of roles.
I get the info I need for a secret work project.
We go back to how we were. That’s what I proposed to handsome, clever, commanding Jake. That’s what he said yes to — this decadent gift of a weekend that would get … get me out of trouble.
But that’s not what happened when our nights together in Vegas ended . . .
The Decadent Gift is a romance novel in THE GIFT SERIES. The book in this series are The Engagement Gift, The Virgin Gift and The Decadent Gift, and they each follow a new couple so can be read in any order.
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My oh my have I waited for this book!! We met Jake and Kate in The Engagement Gift. Jake is Finn’s best friend and Kate is Lily’s bestie. I just knew that Jake and Kate had some major sparks and was so excited to get their story. Jake and Kate literally sizzle off the pages. I mean they are a perfect match. I loved how they were so real with each other. Not just in the bedroom but they were real in conversation and with just life. They had a minor bump in the road but not to worry because you know they figure it out and be who they are supposed to be at the end. I could not put this book down.
Review by Tabitha
Jake and Kate are the perfect couple in the Decadent Gift by Lauren Blakely. Jake and Kate have admired each other from afar and are simply friends even with the gentle prodding from their friends to go for it with each other. Each has had fantasies that revolved around the other until the perfect opportunity has them working through many fantasies together. Kate is tasked to develop a new advertising plan for an escort company and has the perfect one in mind. What would be the perfect “girls night out”? Jake agrees to help Kate over the course of one weekend as he takes some “me” time away from work. As Kate and Jake begin to role-play through the weekend to solidify Kate’s plan, the chemistry between them sizzles, wicked fantasies become a reality and friends find their forever love.
This is a must-read!
This story is the third book of The Gift Series. I haven’t listened to the other audiobooks in the Series. Jake and Kate’s story is fun, and hot. Jake is handsome! Kate is independent, and feisty. Their chemistry is like fire! The narration is wonderful. The bonus story is a great addition. I enjoyed it.
The Decadent Gift is the third book in Lauren Blakely’s hot AF, The Gift series. You can read each book as complete standalone but I highly recommend reading the whole series since it’s that amazing. I have been waiting for Jake and Kate’s story since The Engagement Gift and it’s so worth the wait.
Jake needed a work-free weekend. Kate needed to do hand-ons research. One weekend with no-strings attached. Nothing more. It’s been months in the making. Months of flirty texts. Months of lingering glances. Months of full on sexual tension when together in the same room. Everyone around them sees it. And now it was time to explore their desires.
It was all about playing a role. What they are not role-playing is their attraction for each other. Kate has a kink and she knows she can trust Jake with it especially after what happened with her best friend. (Go read The Engagement Gift, people!) kate wasn’t looking for more than two nights. Jake wasn’t either. What will happen when their weekend is over? What will be their roles then?
Holy. Sin. City. Hotness!! Lauren always delivers the goods. Always! And, After Dark Lauren? Holy. Shit. I loved these two. I always have but together…so much more. I can’t wait for the next stories. I loved meeting the newbies and catching up with the crew.
Overall…it’s full of desires, gifts, kisses, friendships, and deliciousness.
Quotes:
“As you can see, I always make good on my bets.”
I was craving the danger. Craving the man. Craving the whole night.
Jake Hamilton might be pretending to be a stranger. But I knew what he was. It was so crystal clear. Jake was an animal. And I loved his hunger. I adored his appetite. I craved his ravenous need for me.
I have been anxiously awaiting Jake and Kate’s story since we met them in The Engagement Gift. There was something mysteriously sexy and alluring about them and couldn’t wait to get their story. I love this world that Lauren Blakely has created in Vegas. So much passion and heat. We meet three different couples that are discovering their darker sexier sides. Both Jake and Kate are both confident and mature. Their chemistry was evident from the start. Neither were shy or afraid to speak their mind on what they wanted from each other. They are successful in their careers and know what they want from each other and weren’t afraid to ask for it. Loved that. This story was refreshing. Mature characters with no unnecessary drama and the perfect amount of passion and heat mixed with the humor we have come to love by Lauren Blakely. 4 stars.
What’s better than a friends-to-lovers story? One that’s super light on angst but heavy on the heat! I loved every flirty, dirty and sweet word. Jake and Kate’s story ended beautifully and the side characters have me even more excited about what’s next.
I’ve been waiting for Jake and Kate’s story since we met them in The Engagement Gift. Not gonna lie, totally have a crush on Jake.
Loved the chemistry between these two and loved how open they were with each other.
Loved this friend to lovers romance and it was awesome to catch up with some past couples. As always Lauren Blakely doesn’t disappoint.
The hottest book I’ve read this year! Lauren Blakely and this series is the best thing ever! I need more books now! seriously do yourself a favor and read this!
I love Lauren Blakely’s After Dark books so damn much!! They’re hot, hot, HOT!!
The Decadent Gift is Kate and Jake’s story and it was every bit as delicious as I had hoped.*fan self* I’ve been craving their story since The Engagement Gift and it was definitely worth the wait.
This quick and seductive friends to lover romance had the most amazing chemistry, fun, flirty wagers and sexy role play. Kate and Jake fit together so well. I absolutely loved all their interactions. In order for Kate to explore her fantasies and collect research for her job, she needed someone who wouldn’t judge her. Jake was just the man for the job. He understood how she loved to observe and play and he played perfectly along right with her.
I am crazy about these Gift series books!! The heroines are unapologetically owning their sexuality and being overall goddesses. I can’t wait to read more from this series.
This is Jake and Kate’s story and I really enjoyed it. Though it can be read as a stand alone, there is added value to have read the series in order as several characters are recurring. I love how open Kate was with Jake, not only about her physical requests but emotionally also. I loved that Jake was so willing to give Kate what she needed even before he realized that he was also emotionally invested. The physical scenes were hot, though I think the first two in the series were hotter but that may be me. I appreciated that both characters were successful, mature, and have solid friendships to support them. A recurring theme through all of these books is women helping and empowering other women to speak for their needs and wants, and that is what makes this whole series stand out in a big way.
The Decadent Gift
By: Lauren Blakely
Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Elena Wolfe, Grace Grant, Vanessa Edwin, Jacob Morgan
The Decadent Gift is just that. It’s a gift to our ears from Lauren Blakely. She always gives us good things, but there is something about this couple that I just really enjoyed. Kate and Jake finally get their story told, a weekend together, to enjoy each other. And they do. This is racier than the Blakely’s usual writing, but it’s woven into the story of these two driven individuals. They have their own lives, their own dreams and now they share a passion that is unmistakably love. But will they realize they want more than just that one weekend? Blakley shines in this one, with wonderful characters, a view of Vegas and some visits from books past. It’s hot and steamy and their banter just is an extra added plus. Add in the strength of the women in this story and I was sold. Just keep them coming Lauren!
As always, the narrators are chosen with care and they are perfectly cast. Elena Wolfe and Teddy Hamilton complement each other in their narration, bringing the characters to life. I enjoyed their performances along with the cameos by Grace Grant, Jacob Morgan and Vanessa Edwin. A fantastic cast for this amazing story.
https://adbl.co/2wusvQU
Another delicious story by Lauren Blakely with a cute guy, a determined girl and many wonderfully hot scenes.
Jake and Kate are workaholic but thanks to the encouragement of the right friends and the attraction they feel for each other, they decide to live an ardent weekend full of companionship and lovely moments
In the end, the writer brings several surprises to cheer readers and make them sigh a little more.
The Decadent Gift by Lauren Blakely
I’ve been so eager for Kate and Jake’s book since I read The Engagement Gift – the first of the After Dark series – a few months ago. I expected something that sizzled with chemistry, provided delicious banter, and was underlined with friendship and family. I got all of that and more with The Decadent Gift.
Jake and Kate have been friends for a while now and their friendship group is well- intertwined. The last few months of flirtation and innuendo have had Kate seeing Jake in a new light and when she needs help with research for an important work assignment, he’s the first person to come to mind – and that’s when things get really exciting. Neither of these characters are interested in anything remotely serious – just a simple, no strings attached weekend with a side serving of kink. Sounds easy enough, right?
This was a great, sexy book featuring many a matchmaker! The chemistry between Jake and Kate was there from The Engagement Gift and only got more intense in this book. That wasn’t all though. There was still fun banter, vulnerable moments, and plenty of mutual respect. All things that tick all the boxes for me. I enjoyed the book and was excited to learn there’ll be more books in this After Dark series. I also have to say that the last few chapters were an absolute treat and will definitely be going back to reread those.
*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.
4.5 red-hot romance stars!
wow, this third book in The Gift Series is a steamy, red-hot romance! I have been intrigued by and grown to care for both Jake and Kate since the first book in this series. I couldn’t wait for more from these flirty friends and boy does their story sizzle! Kate is gifted at reading people and loves to figure out what they desire so she can run successful, subtle marketing campaigns for her clients. She is intrigued by role play but never indulged. When she is hired by a new decadent client, she becomes an adventurer in exploring fantasies. But first she needs to find the perfect partner for those explorations. Jake has wanted to unravel the mystery that is Kate for a long time. He loved how bright, clever and bold she was. The sexual tension has always been strong between them, and when Kate needed someone she could trust to explore her after dark fantasies, he was more than willing to prove he was the one to give them to her. They both loved discovering how compatible their kinks were and it helped turn their friendship into a powerful, passionate love. I really loved their sizzling story. They were so compatible both in and out of the bedroom, from their love of challenges, to their close ties to friends and family, and especially having their explosive chemistry. I loved catching up with their friends and family and getting to know new friends as well. I especially love the little plot twists that Blakely threw in to make this sweet, swoony, and hot romance even more fun!
After getting burned by her ex Kate has no plans of falling in love again…..Until her friend Jake steps in to make her fantasies come true. A great book with characters we’ve met before, daring bets and fantasies galore. Couldn’t put this book down.
OMG, I have been waiting for Jake and Kate’s story since The Engagement Gift. Loved this series. Each book kicks up the heat factor and this one was so hot. Loved the chemistry and attraction that was between Jake and Kate. It was so hot and intense. If you are looking for a hot read, then this is the one for you. I highly recommend this read as well as the entire series. You won’t regret it.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I’ve been waiting for Jake and Kate’s story since getting a glimpse of their “friendship” in The Engagement Gift. I had a feeling the chemistry between them was going to burst out every page of their story and my-oh-my this book did not disappoint. Lauren Blakely’s After Dark Series is one of my favorites. Each book gives us fierce heroins who aren’t ashamed to explore their deepest sexual fantasies and the heroes who live to fulfill their fantasies. I have loved all three books from Lauren Blakely’s After Dark Series but I’ll admit Jake and Kate’s story is by far my favorite. I absolutely loved their flirtatious friendship/relationship. The chemistry between the two was evident to everyone around them, including Jake and Kate. They just didn’t want to admit it to each other or themselves. Kate and Jake’s ability to see beneath each other’s surfaces made this story even sexier. Both participating in helping their friends fulfill a fantasy, neither of them were judgmental about exploring sexual desires. One of my top favorite things about this story was the way Jake described his attraction to Kate.
“She was gorgeous, with lush chestnut hair, hazel eyes, and a face that could start wars – high cheekbones and full lips. Not to mention she had a stunning body.
But none of that would matter without her brains.
The woman was bright and clever. Unafraid to jump into any conversation, discuss any topic, toss out any questions. That was the biggest turn-on of all – the boldness of her mouth and mind.”
OH MY HEART!
I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**
4.5 stars
I have been waiting for more with Jake and Kate since they were introduced in the first book, The Engagement Gift, since they are best friends with Finn and Lily. And this is another tale of friendship, passion, and a bit of kink set in Vegas.
Kate is a wiz at marketing especially certain less mainstream ideas that need some finessing for general audiences. She is smart, sassy, creative, observant, and outspoken. She has been burned by love and is still trying to dig herself out of the damages left behind. And to do that she has to work hard. A new project could be the answer to her prayers, but she wants to do a bit of personal research first…with someone she can trust. And if she can explore some of her own hidden needs then that could be a bigger win-win.
Jake is a work-a-holic entertainment lawyer. He is handsome, charismatic, funny, and not afraid of a bit of adventure. He has not had the best luck at relationships, so he is a bit gun shy and his social life has been absent lately. But that does not mean he does not think about it.
They are friends and share a larger friend group, business associates at times, and distracting to each other. They have been in the flirty-texting, friend-zone for a few months, but just kind of in limbo. A bit of flirting, a bet, and a kiss start to heat things up and lead to a no-strings weekend. It has rules, guidelines, and a definite end time. It sounds perfect for two busy people with the hots for each other that just need to get it out of their systems, right?
I liked Jake and Kate and thought they were fun together. They had great banter and senses of humor, hot chemistry, shared interests, and compatibility. People keep pushing them together, but they are both a bit clueless and not great at communicating as dynamics shift. And they will both have to evaluate their own needs further before they can figure out what the other truly wants. But ultimately this story is about trust, taking risks, being open, and finding balance.
It brings back their friends from the first two books and adds a few more fun side characters. I am looking forward to more in this series.
I fell in love with Jake in Lauren’s last book, The Engagement Gift. He was part of a sexy man sandwich with his friend as a gift to his fiance.
Jake and Kate are good friends, but have been tip toeing around each other as they both want to take the next step. But Jake is a very busy lawyer, and Kate does not want to even think about trusting another man after her ex left her with a huge debt and tons of credit card bills that killed her credit.
Well one night and a bet changed all that. One weekend to for fill all her dirty fantasies was all she wanted, and then she wanted more…. MUCH MORE!!!!
Great fun, laughs and oh my goodness so steamy!!! Great Read!!
Audiobook Review
I love this series. It gives us a sexier side of life that most of us fantasize about but never get to experience. Now through the words of this talented author and narrators we get to take a ride on the wild side and enjoy these fantasies brought to life.
Jake was our hero in The Engagement Gift or at least he was a hero to me when he stepped in to fulfill his best friends fiance’s fantasy. I so wanted him to get his story and now he has. The heat between him and Kate is explosive and they have more than their mutual attraction and healthy appetite for one another, they also fall in love. This gives us a glimpse into the life of living in Las Vegas. All the possibilities. I loved their story. You also get some bonus treats at the end.
The talented cast of narrators bring this book to life. Fantastic job by all.
I loved this book and highly recommend it.