Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940161588369 |
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| Publisher: | Lauren Blakely Books |
| Publication date: | 01/17/2019 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | NOOK Book |
| Sales rank: | 699 |
| File size: | 855 KB |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Birthday Suit
4.7 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
25 reviews.
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This+is+more+like+it++%21++I+really+enjoyed+this+book.+++I+won%27t+lie%2C++I+was+a+little+apprehensive.++I+wasn%27t+in+love+with+a+book+or+two+of+hers+in+the+past.+++This+one+brought+me+back.+++So+much+so+that+I+preordered+her+next+book.+++I+enjoyed+the+characters+so+much+and+I%27m+sure+you+will+too.+++I+recommend+you+read+this+book.++You+won%27t+be+disappointed.+
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Shockingly disappointing for this author. Didnt even feel like one of her books. All over the place with random details for first 1/2 of the book, 30 decent pages in the middle, and then back to random details. Took forever to read this 230 page story because I kept putting it down from boredom. I kept hoping it would get interesting. And even with 20 pages left, I stopped reading. Most of the book is about both characters thoughts but nothing on building the characters or a real story line. And if you are looking for any passion, you won't find it here. Ugh.
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Sweet read. Great characters and plot.
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5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Birthday Suit by Lauren Blakely and this review was given freely.
Flirty with bold characters who are not afraid to " voice" their thoughts, the story of Leo and LuLu is the fulfillment of unrequited love blending a mix of past, present and chocolate.
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Heartwarming, laugh out loud, sexy sweet and engaging friends to so much more romance with just a hint of forbidden love.... could not put it down once I started reading. She is the perfect combination of witty and sweet while he is both charming and unsure ... loved it! Great reading!
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A Review of Birthday Suit by Lauren Blakely
Leo and Lulu - 5+++++ Stars
Oh how I love the way this author writes her characters. I love meeting them in other books in their series as well, to catch up with what is going on with them. I loved the antics that caused Lulu to have to improvise her outfit for a demonstration at a huge convention. The chemistry between these two characters was off the charts and had me hooked from the first page. I ABSOLUTELY loved this book and look forward to what she comes up with next!
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**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**
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Chocolate is my secret snack and weakness and I have to share that Birthday Suit has lot of yummy delicious ways to use chocolate of all kinds in it. Just saying.... Now about this fun and sexy read. I was so excited when I saw the cover of this book. I personally buy books a lot of the time based on covers and this one has a yummy cover. Then reading it was about chocolatiers and a romance to boot! Well score! This book has all the bells and whistles... well candy bars and hot chocolate you could possibly want in a good read. We get to know Lulu a chocolatier very quickly in the book and her long time best friend Leo. They have lived on opposite coasts for a good number of years and life has gotten in the way because of reasons you will need to read for yourself in the book. This book deals with issues that like life many of us sadly have to face within our families. (Or Sadly I have had too). Our author, Lauren Blakely gave us real life situations within a romance that left me happy at the end of this book that I picked it up to read it.
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Birthday Suit is a witty and fun 5 star read, a swoonworthy rom/com with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I read the book, cover to cover, in one sitting. Birthday Suit is unputdownable.
Leo Hennessy is smart, driven, loyal to a fault, let her 10 golden rules dictate her life - btw. I loved rules nr 4,6 and 9. He's a sugartong user, Harry Potter fan, must I add more to the picture? No, he's simply every girl's dream-boyfriend material.
Lulu Diamond has since forever a major crush on him. The only obstacle, they're friends only for a long time. But their attraction is through the roof high.
Birthday Suit is asimply a beautiful story. I loved the storyline, the characters are to die for and the writing is more than excellent. Every time I opeb a Lauren Blakely book, I'm giddy and this one was no exception. I greatly enjoyed reading the book and wish I could give more than 5 stars.
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BIRTHDAY SUIT by Lauren Blakely is a stand alone, contemporary, adult romance story line focusing on thirty two year old, Heavenly Chocolate executive Leo Hennessy, and chocolatier Lulu Diamond’s story line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Leo and Lulu) BIRTHDAY SUIT follows the friends to lovers romance between thirty two year old, Heavenly Chocolate executive Leo Hennessy, and chocolatier Lulu Diamond. Ten years earlier Leo Hennessy fell in love with his best friend’s girlfriend Lulu Diamond, and watched from the sidelines as Tripp Hudson’s life slowly imploded leaving Leo and Lulu to pick up the pieces of their broken hearts. A recent ‘chocolate’ convention finds Leo facing the woman he has always loved, a woman who is unprepared for the truth. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and romance between Leo and Lulu, and the potential fall-out as Leo must come to terms with his guilt, what was, and what will never be.
Leo Hennessy and Tripp Hudson met Lulu Diamond on the same day but Leo stepped aside and watched from the sidelines as his best friends fell in love. A tumultuous decade would pass as Leo watch Tripp destroy his life leaving behind heart break, guilt and pain in the process. Rekindling with Lulu Diamond meant a second chance at the woman who owned his heart, a second chance hindered by anguish and grief.
The relationship between Leo and Lulu is a friends to lovers; a second chance, of sorts, between two best friends whose lost their ‘third’ to his own demons and sins. Lulu is oblivious to Leo’s love as our hero struggles between head and heart. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Leo’s best friend and Lulu’s future husband Tripp Hudson; friend Dean, Leo’s co-workers at Heavenly Chocolate- Ginny Perretti and Noah Rivera, and Lulu’s friend and business partner Cameron.
BIRTHDAY SUIT is a story of friendship, betrayal, and unrequited love. The premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is seductive and compassionate; the characters are fun, sassy and sexy. There is plenty of wonderful back and forth banter between all of the characters.
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I feel I have to write what would amount to a disclaimer at the start of my review for Birthday Suit because of the references to alcoholism within the narrative. Due to my personal experience with my Ex and his relationship with alcohol I have zero tolerance or sympathy for characters that share this trait. Yes, I know it is an addiction and therefore classed as a mental health problem BUT it is also a choice, a choice that can cost a family their home, their marriage and ultimately their dignity. So there you have it, zero empathy for the character who is an alcoholic within Birthday Suit
Leo and Lulu met in college where Leo fell hard at their first meeting only to be usurped by his best friend when he joined their conversation. I have to be honest and say I felt this was a deliberate move on Tripp’s part, sneaking in before Leo had a chance to declare his intent. Leo being the amazing person he is, buried his feelings and stood by as Tripp and Lulu became an item. Although no-one else ever elicited the same kind of reaction within him as Lulu had.
I completely adored Lulu and her quirky, unique style and warm personality. Although her obliviousness was a little shocking.
Leo is a dreamboat and as solid as a rock. Can you imagine being loved in the way Leo loves Lulu *le sigh*
A lot has changed within the ten years of their friendship. The narrative alternates both the perspective and mixes in the time frames between the past and the present, unravelling the events little by little although the pieces of the puzzle are easy to pick up on.
The timing for Leo and Lulu falls into place as does the way in which their lives and viewpoints completely intertwine. However, Leo is unable to let go of the residual guilt accompanying beginning a relationship that goes against bro-code ♀️ Creating a barrier to the couple reaching their HEA.
I adored so much about Birthday Suit, from the use of art to aid the imagery within the narrative to the chocolate to the peripheral characters. Birthday Suit is an immersive read encompassing the senses as well as the heart.
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Birthday Suit by Lauren Blakely is a fun, quick, friends-to-lovers story. And there is a scavenger hunt! Leo Hennessy isn't supposed to go after Lulu. Yes she is his friend, but she was also his best friend's girl, and that's a major no-no. But he can't help what he feels, as much as it might suck. Lulu never thought of Leo "that way", though he's always been a great friend, who has had her back through thick and thin, but the more they do this crazy hunt through New York, the more things seem to change.
The dynamic between Leo and Lulu really builds and grows throughout in a way that keeps you hooked. The connection between the characters and how they become more now that they can is one that Ms. Blakely does very well in Birthday Suit. This is definitely very well devised ftl story that gives us fun characters and a sexy romantic time. I very much recommend.
(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.)
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I love this birthday suit!
I love her rom-coms; I laughed out loud almost immediately! Leo & Lulu are a second chance romance but not quite, with a little friends-to-lovers thrown in. In college, he fell in love with her while she was falling in love with his best friend, but she never knew that part. They were always just friends. That’s in the past when they meet again at the beginning of the book, & we do find out why the best friend is not in the picture now which is a more serious subject matter. I love that Leo & Lulu were a slow burn; they got to know who each other are now, not who they were in the past. But when they do get together it is fireworks! Leo is smart, funny and swoony. Lulu is smart, funny & unique. I loved both these characters & was rooting for their happy ending. When they did get that happy ending, I smiled & teared up! If you love a quick, fun, swoony, angst-free read like I do, then read this book!
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4.5 stars
This was an entertaining enjoyable story centering on past best friends Lulu and Leo! Its been ten years but somehow the past catches up with both of them!
We learn some truths about the past friendships, and how things turned out for them both! Needless to say there is some sadness.
Should it happen or should it not!
When Lulu gets a contracted position where Leo works does the feelings bubbling to the surface get in the way of both their dreams of success?
Or does the past haunt them both!
The banter was great, the sage words of advice from certain characters incredibly insightful and the friendships created in this story will have you finish with a smile on your face!
Sometimes someone important is just what you deserve in life and above all else a love everlasting!
A truly wonderful story!
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5+ stars!!
Lauren Blakely has outdone herself! Birthday Suit may be my new favorite Blakely book. A laugh out loud, friends-to-lovers, masterpiece with an added emotional forbidden element, I absolutely loved it! There's an ease to Lauren's words. She makes it feel so effortless. She sucks you in with her fantastically witty banter, outstanding character chemistry, and smile inducing plot lines. I swear, Lauren should teach a class on how to perfect banter. This book is everything I love about rom coms!
Leo and Lulu are a dream couple. Their riddles and easy rapport made my heart so happy. From their very first interaction, I knew I was already completely in love with them. I mean, of course. How do you not fall head-over-heels for a Blakely hero? Especially when he is as smart, sexy, and swoony as Leo. *Sigh Leo. I heart him so much. He's so fiercely loyal and selfless even to the point where he had to step aside from his own happiness.
And Lulu. She is just as wonderful as Leo. She is this smart, sassy, colorful woman with big chocolatey dreams. Dreams that she had to put aside because of her previous relationship. Now, that she is on her way to accomplishing everything she wanted, she's afraid that a new relationship will cause her to lose herself and her dreams again.
There was something about this book that felt different than a typical LB book. The forbidden "bro code" element took me by surprise. It was a little more emotional and deeper than I expected. I love that Lauren went there. So many can relate to both Leo and Lulu and the effects succumbing to addiction. It was just so well written.
I cannot recommend this book enough. Scavenger hunts, chocolates and epic kisses, this book was all kinds of decadent and delicious. Go get this book immediately.
ETA: I went back and listened to the audiobook and it was amazing. I'm not an audiobook fan but even I could not pass this one up. It was soo good. An audiobook game changer.
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5 Chocolate covered stars.
Birthday Suit was a perfect start to 2019 for Lauren Blakely and I can’t wait to listen to it on audio too, it’s going to be fantastic. It’s going to start a new trend in the audio field. Mark my words.
Now on to the review.
Guys, men, book boyfriends -all of you- seriously!!! You need to get over yourselves. This silly ‘bro code’ you have going on? It’s so dumb, it’s crazy and just plain unbelievable. But, that’s men for you. And poor Lulu Diamond is stuck, not just with one, but two of them. Or she was once upon a time. Now it’s just her and Leo Hennessy.
This man is as dark, sexy and smooth as the Cognac he’s named for but when he bumps into chocolatier Lulu at a convention, he faces a difficult challenge getting over the guilt he feels when he touches her. He’s loved this woman from near and far for over a decade. He’s tortured himself as he watched her marry his best friend and now… now he has a real chance and what’s he going to do? Let the ‘bro code’ rule?
No, no, no. We can’t have that.
Leo is a sweet, caring wonderful guy, he’s hot and sexy, no more so when he’s professing all the way he feels for Lulu. GAWD, I swooned HARD for this man. He’s is the bizz. The bee’s knees.
Lulu was so smart with her comebacks to Leo’s sexy innuendos and her chocolate recipes had my mouth watering for a taste.
This story was just fabulous and the chemistry between them never waned, it was there on every page and I could literally feel the heat burning through my kindle. From first page to last, I loved it all, it was soo good, I never wanted it to end. But, like sultry chocolate and smooth wine, it did and now I’m just waiting for MORE!!!!
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I absolutely LOVED Leo and Lulu’s story! I was hooked right from the start and I didn't want to put it down. This second chance-ish friends to lovers slow burn rom com was everything I love about Lauren Blakely's books and more. It was sweet and sexy, but also poignant and heartfelt. I loved the overall message of grabbing life by the horns and not waiting on your dreams. Nothing in life is guaranteed and this theme was so beautifully woven into the story.
You will be hardpressed to find a hero and heroine more wonderful than Leo and Lulu. They are smart, loyal, strong, honest, and so beautifully human. I loved them individually and together and couldn't wait to unravel all the history between them. The book is told in dual POV, but also past and present as it cycles through moments in their 10 year friendship. Leo's longing was practically tangible and my heart broke for him as he buried his own feelings and happiness for that of his best friend. When a second chance presents itself, Lulu and Leo's mutual pain and concerns haunt them like a ghost, as they try to navigate their new relationship and growing feelings. I loved how each reconciled their emotions and sense of obligation to the past. The issues they face felt heartbreakingly realistic and honest. Throw in the sweetest moments with riddles, postcards, and kisses, and I was 100% sold. *swoon*
I'm pretty sure this is my new favorite Lauren Blakely title and I'm positive that fans will be swooning for Leo and Lulu just as much as I am! Don't miss this one! I'm also really excited for the audiobook release of Birthday Suit and will update my review after listening.
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I absolutely loved this book and the entire cast of characters that surround Leo and Lulu and their love of chocolate that continually made my mouth water and I’m not only talking about the chocolate. Leo is all kinds of sexy with his playful personality and the gorgeous suits he wears but it was his hidden longing for Lulu that totally captured my heart. And how could I resist Lulu’s zany personality and her colorful curves not to mention her courage to heal from her past; a past that includes Leo and his best friend Tripp. Even Tripp managed to break my heart and that’s the beauty of a Blakely romance. All my senses come alive, I get lost in her characters and though hearts might get bruised there’s always a happy ending to bring me back for more. I read an early copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
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This is such a deliciously fun RomCom!! (sorry blame all the chocolate) I was so completely entranced by Leo and Lulu throughout this book. Their interactions that include fun banter and riddles were adorable and made this such an entertaining story to read. Although they've known each other for many years, they were only ever friends because she was with their other friend Tripp. However, Leo has been in love with her forever. They have a wonderful ease about them and serious chemistry but will Lulu ever see him the way he sees her? Will he ever let her know how he feels? I was team Leo from moment one! He is smart, sexy, funny and extremely swoon-worthy. Lulu is also smart and sexy and has always enjoyed being around Leo, but has never really done it alone until now and never thought of him as more than a friend. Until now. That ending is amazing!!!This is a fun one for sure! I thoroughly enjoyed it!!
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The instant Lulu Diamond wandered into Leo Hennessy's world he found himself enamored with her, but unfortunately that little fact had to remain a secret, because she belonged to his best friend. And falling for your buddies girl is a huge no-no... no matter how tempting she maybe! So, he filed that little secret away, never to be mentioned again, and moved on about his business. He has spent the last ten years focusing on his career, earning a spot as an executive at a chocolate company named Heavenly. He loves what he does, but he is about to love it even more when he realizes it is about to bring Lulu back into his life! She owns her own chocolate shop and is the market for a partner, and she is hoping to make a deal with Heavenly...
Once again I am left me dazzled by Ms. Blakely's words, Birthday Suit is a top notch romance loaded with sweetness, sexiness and heartwarming feels!! Nobody does romance quite like she does, her witty words and uniquely crafted characters are incomparable! The instant I met this chocolate lovin' duo I knew their story was not only going to be fun, but also good for my heart... and boy was I right! This charming forbidden romance tugged on my heartstrings, and brought many smiles and swoons, it was such a wonderfully layered story! Highly recommend!!
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This is Birthday Suit written by Lauren Blakely. This is a fun book. Lulu and Leo are on a scavenger hunt that starts with poetic clues of places in New York City. They share a painful past....can they find a happily ever after? How about a just-for-right-now? Or even a got-a-minute?? Join Leo, LuLu and the gang as they search for all the right answers!
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What do you get when you cross Lauren Blakely and chocolate? A win win. Birthday Suit is an emotional love story about a man, Leo Hennessey who has been in love with his best friend’s girl for 10 years. He has tried diligently to move on, he was even engaged to another woman but his feeling for Lulu Diamond has not faded at all. Now she is back in his life without said best friend and he can’t hide his feelings any longer.
Lulu has struggled for years with her husband and his other love. Now she is on her own and back in New York and runs into her best friend or actually her former husband’s best friend and she is seeing him in a new light. They were always a trio but now she wants them to just be a pair and to leave her ex out of the picture.
This book takes us on an emotional roller coaster. It shows us the loyalty between friends but the love for a woman and how to deal with guilt and the feeling of betraying one person you love for another you love. It is also so funny and full of riddles that make you think and another little tour around New York to give us a trip without leaving our couch and Kindle. Life isn’t always easy and everything isn’t always happily ever after so we see reality in this book and struggles people face every day and how they handle them. I loved everything about these characters and this story will melt your heart. The only thing I wish I could have had was a taste of the actual chocolate Lulu makes. It sounds amazing and made me crave chocolate.
I received an early copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed it, loved the story and how it built from the past into the future and we got to see a glimpse into the past to understand how things played out with these characters. I highly recommend this book.
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Birthday Suit is vintage Lauren Blakely. I'm not sure there is anyone else who can combine heartwarming characters with the sights and sounds of NYC quite like she does. Right from the very start, Leo and Lulu grabbed my attention and their story of a years long unrequited love hit all the right notes. I'm forever enamored with the way Blakely practically insists that many of her heroines have a culinary talent that is unmatched. Lulu's chocolate confections had my mouth watering right along with whoever might be the lucky one to taste test one of her decadent treats. It's no wonder that Leo, a marketing genius in all things chocolate, fell hard once again for the woman who is his match in every way possible.
I loved that we got the entire story with chapters dedicated to the 3-sided friendship that started 10 years prior between Lulu, Leo and Leo's best friend, Tripp. There is a sad tale that slowly unfolds as to why Lulu ended up with Tripp and not Leo. Despite the fact that they had so much in common and felt at ease with each other right from the start. But it's Leo's desperate love for Lulu that he had to keep hidden all these years that made my heart ache. I just wanted him to declare his love for the girl that got away and have her realize she made a mistake when they were young. His pain truly became my own.
The words flow effortlessly as Lulu and Leo begin a work relationship that is filled with crazy team building exercises, using NYC as the answer to riddles that determine the winner of a week-long vacation and prize money. I just loved their easy rapport and how they saw each other in a new light, desperately wanting to leave the past behind. They each battled their memories in different ways but there was never a lack of respect nor affection when it came to the other.
This is a tender kind of romance and it was hard not to root for our couple to find that perfectly imperfect rhythm they could call their own. With wonderful secondary characters in Kingsley, Ginny, Noah, Cameron and even George, this book is rich with emotion and has the perfect balance of humor and love.
There is a comfort in Blakely's words that continue to put a smile on my face long after that last word is read. The forbidden aspect is well thought out and never feels over the top nor unreasonable. Leo and Lulu are smart and witty and only have eyes for each other. Getting over their shared past is not easy but is necessary to reach such an uplifting conclusion.
Starting off 2019 beautifully, I happily give Birthday Suit a huge 5 stars!
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I am not alive but bring to life-
Love, laughter, beauty, and strife-
Though I don't speak I never fail-
To captivate you with a tale
It's no riddle that I absolutely loved everything about this fun, sexy, and poignant forbidden romance! Ms Blakely has created a beautiful love story that seduced my senses, challenged my imagination, and captivated my heart! Leo, Lulu, and Tripp were best friends since they met in culinary school. Leo fell hard at first sight for the vibrant, funny, and daring Lulu. Unfortunately his best friend, Tripp asked her out first, and they eventually married. Leo has spent a decade trying to get over loving his best friends woman. In present time, after years apart, and Tripp out of the picture, Leo and Lulu meet again over their shared love of chocolate. They easily fall back into the rapid fire repartee they always shared, only now there's a little flirting too. They strike up a business partnership, bringing them close together again. This causes Leo's old feelings to the surface, but allows Lulu to see Leo in a whole new way. This beautiful story of forbidden love, and new beginnings is told sinuously in flashback sequence. It cleverly reveals their history, how they are growing closer, and the conflicting emotions of affirming their budding feelings. Leo and Lulu are so perfect together, they are both driven, love chocolate, challenges, and laughter. Their explosive chemistry is palpable, leaping right off the page. Blakely always finds new, clever, and interesting ways to bring her couples together. I loved the scavenger hunt they were competed in, the fascinating riddles, and the adventures that allow us to explore New York right along with them. I was so moved with the way she also weaved in a very sensitive topic with honesty and empathy. Her secondary characters are intriguing, and add more fun to this story. I am a huge fan of the grand gesture and loved the ending so much. Birthday Suit is a delightful, touching, and sexy romance that you don't want to miss!
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**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
This latest rom-com from Lauren Blakely is deliciously sweet! I always adore Lauren's books and this one had me drawn in from the very start.
Leo Hennessy and Lulu Diamond have been friends for years. They met in college and they were part of a trio that also included Tripp, who was Leo's best friend and ultimately became Lulu's husband. While their friendship has always been strong, Leo has been in love with Lulu from the day he first met her, but he's had to keep that under wraps for all this time.
When circumstances bring a now single Lulu back to New York City and the two old friends reconnect in person, they are not only working together professionally, they are beginning to feel things changing personally - more on Lulu's end than Leo's based on all the years he's been keeping quiet.
Will the past allow the two of these deserving people to enter into a relationship or will the shadow of Tripp be so large that it causes problems?
Leo is everything you want in a hero. He's smart, sexy and absolutely swoon-worthy. Lulu is smart, sexy and driven, which makes for a fantastic heroine. I loved the two of them together whether just during their friendship or after it had become more. They were fun, sweet and sexy together. The ending of the story was absolute perfection in my estimation. Another sweet concoction from Lauren Blakely!
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Blakely puts the Bro code to the test and scavenges her way into your heart. Birthday Suit is a charming, yet naughty friends to lovers romance. Leo and Lulu are that cliche' we get tired of hearing, but can never stop watching. She's the one he can't forget. He's the guy she never saw coming. Now they are stuck in the middle of listening to their hearts or breaking someone else's. Lauren Blakely uses her witty dialogue and a little wicked two-stepping to show love as the ultimate rule-breaker.
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