Most Valuable Playboy

Once again, Lauren Blakely proves without a doubt that she is queen feelgood. I mean, seriously, Most Valuable Playboy is as swoony a book as you can get: a friends to lovers story that will have you grinning from ear to ear. My heart melted as usual as I got to know Cooper Armstrong (a last name that is so fitting for this gifted quarterback) and the way his moves on and off the field made the women fall at their feet. His own heart, however, belonged to one Violet Pierson, although he doesn't know it. Yet.

There is an abundance of charm as these two tread ever so lightly at the prospect that their ruse to convince the world they are couple could become a reality. Getting to watch as they slowly fall in love was off the charts wonderful. And as usual, there is that smart wit that is a signature of the author's sexy romances. From the couple themselves to Cooper's teammates, who all deserve stories of their own (hint, hint) to his Mom who is all kinds of cool, I found myself chuckling to myself more than a few times. Even Ford, Cooper's agent was a goofy kind of guy I adored. This is truly one helluva cast of characters!

In addition, because this is told in Cooper's POV, I loved that the author so very cleverly mixed in some text messages between Violet and her sister in law, just so we could get a sense of how she was feeling while she was Cooper's pretend girlfriend. It was just the right touch for this tender ride.

All hail the woman who can write sex with heart like no one else. There is plenty of heat in MVP and it is somehow both wildly erotic and beautifully tender at the same time. Her sexy scenes are never repetitive and she always leaves you wanting more. Lauren Blakely has been a treasured author for me right from the start and I feel honored to be able to continue to read her incredible words.

A solid 5 stars!!

Most Valuable Playboy by Lauren Blakely was the first book in the Renegades NFL series.

Cooper Armstrong was the starting quarterback for the San Francisco Renegades, after playing backup for three years. With the retirement of a legend, he was finally getting his chance. He was gorgeous, sexy, talented, smart, funny and totally focused on football success. Violet Pierson was beautiful, sweet, smart, funny, an entrepreneur and the little sister to her brother’s best friend since the second grade. Cooper and Violet have been friends forever. They have always been in each others lives but always kept to friends.

Most Valuable Playboy was told with a single POV, Cooper’s. I loved having his view without having Violet’s. It kept a little mystery to the storyline.

Cooper was being auctioned at an annual charity event. He always went for a high price and thoroughly enjoyed the process. But when he realized someone was bidding on him that expected more than a date, he had his friend Violet not only bid but win him as his girlfriend. As the night progressed, they realized they needed to keep pretending after the night.

It was a typical friends to lovers premise; however, I loved that the it wasn’t the typical writing for the storyline. For example, they were relaxed while pretend dating and just enjoyed the friendship. There wasn’t drama played out on the pages during the friendship with either one not communicating and trying to protect them self. They embraced the pretend and it was not only fun, but plausible and sweet. It also didn’t include other women drama but focused solely on them. Lastly, I loved the inclusion of football. Blakely dove right into the psyche of a top quarterback and included several realistic details.

It started out a little slow but once I got into it, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it then flew. I think it was my mood when I first started reading more than anything. But thankfully, that changed quickly.

All in all, Blakely did a great job with the storyline as well as introducing the key members of the Renegades. They are a likable, intriguing and endearing bunch. Jones is up next in Most Likely to Score and I can’t wait!

Lauren Blakely has become one of my favorite authors. Her characters are great and the story lines are cute and quirky without being outrageous. I am always changed by the end and this book was no exception.

Another well written novel by Lauren. The storyline flowed very good. I loved all the characters and look forward to reading more about them all in the future. Call me Jillian but I love when the hero falls for his hometown girl! I really enjoyed the bonus epilogues.

This author never disappoints me!!! Between the fun banter and the sexy times this book is a hit!!! Cooper and Violet are so cute together and mesh so well. I love that they've been friends for so many years before pursuing anything. It makes the story that much sweeter and this one is perfect!!

Cooper has been friends with Violet's brother, Trent, for over 20 years. Violet and Cooper are friends so they help each other out. There are some cute scenes when they bring up their childhood antics and feelings. It's a sweet love story.

Lauren Blakely does it again with this smart, sexy romance a classic friends to lovers story.

Cooper and Violet have known each other for 20 years ever since Cooper moved to Vi's neighborhood when he was 6 years old. Now Vi is a successful hairstylist and Cooper is a rising star in the NFL and they are still great friends. When Cooper needs to get out of a bad situation Violet saves him by bidding on him for a fake date, which kind of gets out of hand when they tell the world they are actually dating. Now in a fake relationship the publicity is helping further both their careers so they need to keep the facade going the problem is the kisses they share aren't fake and the feelings Cooper has goes way beyond friendship.

Lauren Blakely's writing style is perfect for this romance, told from Cooper's POV we get to see when he realizes his feelings for Violet start to grow. Ms Blakely writes a fast paced novel that makes the reader feel like they are there with Cooper. The dialog between the characters is well done and real. I also loved the secondary characters especially the other players on the team who's books will be following.

All in all this is another classic Lauren Blakely story that is to good to miss.

Enjoyable easy read. Loved the characters and the evolution of their relationship. Always like books written from male POV. Although, I prefer both. She does give a glimpse as to what she is thinking.

I love this romantic comedy of friends to lovers.

Violet Pierson rescues her longtime friend at the Renegade’s annual charity auction, Most Valuable Playboy. Cooper can only sigh in relief when Violet passes a “Hail Mary” and finally outbids the one woman who is sure to ruin Cooper’s NFL career if Maxine gets her way. The lusty sister of the owner of the Renegades only has designs on Cooper that includes getting her hands on his body. I laughed so hard as Maxine is described with hands like an octopus. Too funny.

Cooper Armstrong is finally the starting quarterback for his team and playing the best football ever. And he wants to keep his winning streak, even going as far as “keeping the snake in its cage." But Violet is his best friend Trent’s sister, and she’s off limits. But with the rescue turned into a ruse of fake relationship, it has Cooper looking at Violet differently. He just never thought he’d fall hard for Violet. I just love these two, they are so perfectly matched, and the witty humor and the banter between them is hilarious.

Most Valuable Playboy is a wonderfully funny romantic comedy. It’s entertaining with scintillating dialogue and smexy goodness. The cast of secondary characters really are lots of fun and I can’t wait to find out more. I love Lauren Blakely’s brand of humor, her writing is clever and imaginative, making Most Valuable Playboy a hit. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I received and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Another fantastic book from Ms. Blakely! I enjoyed the camaraderie between Cooper and Violet, with them knowing each other since childhood their interactions and banter felt natural and real, so it only made sense that Violet helped Cooper out at the 11th hour when he really needed it. Of course neither one of them could have anticipated how her one action during the auction would alter the course of their lives. What I liked about this book is that while Cooper is becoming a household name in the football world, he's not the typical manwhore that's so prevalent in stories these days. Don't get me wrong, he's enjoyed the company of women, but with his eyes on the ultimate win in football, that's where his focus is during the season. Violet is the girl you want to be friends with: sweet, sassy, independent yet down to earth, and obviously cares about her friends enough to follow through with a fake relationship, until it doesn't feel so fake anymore. I loved seeing their friendship progress into something more, and luckily for this story there's a small amount of angst, but since that wasn't the primary focus of the story, it didn't take away from the overall book.

?Top 10?

Lauren Blakely is back again and in one word WOWZA. I fell in love with Violet and Cooper they are by far the cutest couple ever in this book. As a football fan, Most Valuable Playboy hit it in all the right spots making me want more of them. Throughout the book Cooper has a strong patience especially when it comes to Violet to the point there were some times where it was funny how he maintained it. Lauren Blakely packed it with sex, passion, hot action and most of all a play by play in seeing real love bloom. I for one cannot wait for more from Lauren Blakely especially Coopers other friends it was a hoot to read about them. Great book you get all of Lauren Blakely's great talent in this book Sex, Football an a Love growing throughout the years before our eyes. Loved it.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

Lauren Blakely brings us yet another stunning story with her new standalone about the football player and the lady who stole his heart.

After sitting on the bench for three years, Cooper has finally become the Renegades’ starting quarterback. But he has to watch his actions as everything he does reflects the entire team. He’s also desperate to have someone outbid the owner’s sister, who’s desperate to get her hands on him, at this year’s charity auction. His savior comes in the form of Violet, a friend that he’s known for years. This marks the start of their fake relationship, or is it?

I knew that I would love this story from the first word. It was exactly what I would have expected from this author, and more. She has an amazing talent for writing in the male’s point of view. Always entertaining and hilarious as hell, I absolutely loved this story to pieces! I highly recommend this book to fans of sports romances with plenty of comedy.

Cooper Armstrong is poised to have it all. After years of bench warming, he is at the helm and ready to prove himself. He has no time nor inclination for a relationship with anyone other than the pigskin. Fortunately, cupid doesn't care about football and drops Violet in his lap.

Lauren Blakely is the queen of the sweet/sexy love story. Her heroes are the right mix of alpha top dog and sensitive lover with her heroines being women that the average girl can relate too. Violet and Cooper are no different. Friends for ages, they each harbored secret feelings for each other but pursuing careers and being the best friend's little sister got in the way.

This is a nice easy read with plenty of humor and sexy with minimal angst. The perfect Saturday afternoon read that will leave the reader smiling and believing in soul mates and meant-to-be's.

A perfect addition for Lauren Blakely fans and new-to-her readers alike.

MY REVIEW:

Wow! How clueless can a guy be? Blakely shows us at every turn. (insert laughter) I loved this book. Engaging, sweet, riveting. I couldn't put it down from the first page until the last.

I think my favorite stories include the little sister hanging around the older brother and his friends. Perhaps it is because my brother was so mean to mean and his friends thought they could be as well. These romantic ideas of mine haven't left my head. Cooper and Violet's story was just perfect. Fun, loving, sweet, romantic, sexy and hot and just a touch of hometown romance.

Too bad Cooper hadn't read the signs correctly a few years past. He would have been living his happily ever after from the beginning.

I received a copy of this ARC from the Author via InkslingerPR for an honest review.

“Since the invention of the kiss, there have only been five kisses that were rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind.” The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Someone needs to tell Mr. Goldman that he needs to update his book, and Cooper and Violet kisses at least make the total tally 6, if not take the top place.

Lauren Blakely can write a hero, characters, and a romance. Cooper is no exception. He's part charming and confident, part slightly insecure and a little doubting of himself. And, as the quarterback of a football team, if he didn't have the balance in his personality, you would not be able to relate to him so completely. Basically, he is a fully developed, well rounded character. He has desires, fears and wants. And, what he wants are football and Violet...in that order. And, sometimes in the reverse order. This is part of his problem. He is so focused on football, and making sure he reaches the top, that he sort of forgets what is right in front of him.

Then, all of a sudden, Violet is right in front of him, and there is that kiss. And, as it is one of the best kisses of all time, it gives them both pause. Both wonder if there is something more. But, Cooper's focus on football manages to convince both of them that there is just a friendship and a mutual benefit in "dating" one another to solve each of their problems.

Violet knows what she wants. And, then there is that kiss. And, she realizes what she wants is Cooper...but, they are just together as a "fake" relationship. So, how can she want him for the long term? But, she does. And, she is afraid her heart will get broken.

As happens in all romance, there is the moment where they each realize that there is so much more between them than what was "fake" at the beginning...and they both come to realize that they never were really fake at all.

The plotting is perfect, the sex is hot. The romance is stunning in that it is both passionate and tender simultaneously (well done, yet again, Ms. Blakely) and I predict Cooper, and this book, are going to end up on all sorts of "top ten best of..." lists.

The football lingo went over my head, but I can't fault this at all as I am, quite possibly, the worst when it comes to understanding the game (I once couldn't figure out why one of the players didn't run one direction to score and had to have it explained to me that was because he would have scored for the other team, yes really) so I am not able to make a single comment about the accuracy of the football stuff, but it seemed real to me. It wasn't distracting, and most importantly, you felt like you were reading about someone who really is a football player. So many different sports romance books have a hero who is a quarterback...because he says he is. And, in this one, you see it, you believe it, and you really feel that it is a part of who Cooper really is.

Add in superstitions, slightly insane teammates with their socks, gum and hair. A manager who needs every calming thing in the world to handle his clients (although, darn it, feeding ducks is the best thing ever, so I am on his side there) and the fact that Cooper and Violet have known one another most of their lives, and that her brother is Cooper's best friend, and you have a whole cast of characters, funny situations and hilarious jokes.

There are characters in this book that are secondary here that you hope will get their own books in the future, as you like them as much as you like the main characters.

I recommend this book. It needs more than 5 stars.

“Maxine is trying to fondle the fruit?”

I laugh. “Yeah. Seems she wants to unpeel my banana.”

He scrubs his hand over his whole face. “I’m not happy about this.”

“No kidding. The banana isn’t hers.”

Cooper Armstrong
Most Valuable Playboy
Kindle Loc. 944 of 3375

Fruit lovin’ Maxine is the sister to the owner of the NFL’s San Francisco Renegades, and she’s got her eye on quarterback Cooper Armstrong. When the team’s annual bachelor auction for charity rolls around, Maxine makes it know she plans to win the chance to, um, peel Cooper’s, er, banana. A desperate Cooper enlists the aid of the lovely Violet, younger sister of his lifelong BFF, Trent. Together they concoct a fauxmance that has Violet winning Cooper in the charity auction. Problem is, their fauxmance is so well received, Violet and Cooper are forced to carry the charade on a bit longer than planned. As Cooper and Violet canoodle for the cameras and crowds, long held feelings surface for both of them and the truth in their hearts is revealed.

Lauren Blakely’s Most Valuable Playboy is the kick-off to the sports romance season and it’s a winner! Author Blakely has mastered the male POV in romance writing, so it’s no surprise that is a treat to hear Cooper Armstrong’s inner dialogue. Violet Pierson is an absolute delight and heartbreaker as the girl who gets the guy she’s cherished since first grade. While the friend-to-lover trope, along with the hands-off-my-little-sis trope have been well used, in the hands of Lauren Blakely these themes sparkle anew. The secondary characters are well-written, and the story flows. When Violet and Cooper finally get down to the nitty-gritty, the celebration in the end-zone will have every reader cheering.

Score a big victory for Most Valuable Playboy.

Four and one-half stars

This is a hilarious ride to a mind bending romance! Lauren Blakely's Most Valuable Playboy has stolen my heart!

Cooper has been called all sorts of names. No Action Armstrong. Best Butt in the NFL. He has spent his first three years in the NFL benched while the team's star quarterback played on. Finally, the star has retired. This is Cooper's season to shine and nothing is going to stop him from showing his worth to his team. Not even Jillian (the team owner's recently widowed sister!) who is on the prowl to swallow "his whole enchilada"!

At a charity auction, Jillian is winning the bid for a date with him. Enter his best buddy's sister, Violet, to save the day! One thing leads to another and Cooper plants an unbelievable smoocharoo on Violet in front of everyone. Now, they all think they are engaged! Thank goodness Violet is a good sport! She does not miss a beat and the illusion is complete. Only, is it an illusion or are these feelings real?

Football players are notoriously superstitious. Cooper is no different. He and his buddies have a winning streak going on and they each have sacrificed something in order to win. In Cooper's case, SEX. Yes, you know it! No sex while they are on a winning streak!

This is a fast paced romantic comedy. Scorching hot and sensual, it is a diary of how two people can fall in love amidst the pressures of a lie and a promise of no sex to bring in a winning season. No one does it better than Lauren Blakely. I guarantee you will be roaring laughing as well as titillated!

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy with me.

Cooper is a leader on the field, keeping his team together and winning takes a lot of focus. As a result his extra curriculars off the field have taken a backseat to keeping the streak alive. With the team’s annual bachelor auction approaching, Cooper fears he will have to go on a date with the owner’s clingy sister, who is looking for more than a simple dinner out of the night. A quick, almost flippant request to his best friend’s sister just might keep him out of trouble -- except that he couldn’t warn her she’d have to play his girlfriend for longer than their time on the stage.

Violet and Cooper have a history, but beyond friends, they haven’t made any moves towards each other. I love this kind of build, as the foundation is there -- we just get to watch them realize it! Even before they make a deal to keep up the pretense of their relationship, the care and support they show for each other is genuine.

This new crew of characters is sure to bring the antics. As the men work on their streak, I couldn’t help but laugh at the lengths they were going to in order to keep up superstitions (and also wasn’t surprised they were single with their habits!). I hope to see more of this team in the future.

Lauren Blakely’s take on football is a match made in heaven! This was a fun all around read -- bachelor auction, football, and friends-to-lovers. There was so much to love about this that I devoured it in a day -- a feat compared to my recent usual pace. Once again, Lauren has crafted a world that I can see myself returning to again and again. This may be a new subgenre for her, but I would bet she’ll be writing more for the Renegades!

Lauren Blakely does it again with Most Valuable Playboy, a contemporary sporty romance set in San Francisco, during the height of football season. With the season & a new contract on the line, Cooper can’t risk distraction from the career he’s married to – football is all! Violet is a hardworking salon owner who also happens to be Coop’s best-friends younger sister. Enjoy the fun ride with this quarter back & hometown girl help each other out with a fake relationship that is about to get real.

Told in first person, in classic Lauren Blakely style – from the guys point of view, this is a fast, sexy & sweet read. This fresh take on friends to lovers romance is unbearably sexy “All heat, and desire, and something more.”, funny “TV tongue, not porno tongue.” & sweet “A good ache. A warm ache.”. These characters have known each other their whole lives, but it takes a game of “…boyfriend-girlfriend Jeopardy…” for them to get to know each other more than ever before “…don’t know what’s happening, but I also know exactly what’s happening. Something.”. A story about deciding what you want to commit to, making room for more & taking a chance, risking it all “For real.”

I love all of the football reference riddled inner monologues! “I call an audible in my head, though, changing the play right here on the line of scrimmage. I reach forward, grab her free arm, and tug her back.” I always enjoy so much the pop-culture references –“The little pony play didn’t work. She still wants my Rainbow Dash.” & “Crash Davis school of media relations” These characters are so witty, funny & sweet. Loved this book. “Every. Single. Word.” Can’t wait for Jones’ story – Most Likely to Score

Lauren Blakely have done it again guys!!! Let me tell how this woman's writing is like none other, I love, love, love her romcom books. She gives her all when she writes and as avid reader of her work I must say that the one thing I can always say about it is that you can see that she gives more than 100% when it comes to her writing her stories. You just know she does it with her readers in mind because she doesn't miss a beat. It is always an honor to be able to get the chance to read an early copy of her book so that I can scream to the world what a fantastic, talented woman Lauren Blakely is to me.

“T*ts. Specifically, your t*ts. And I want to taste them and suck on them before I kiss my way down your body and settle between your legs, where I plan on introducing you to my tongue. And my tongue is very much looking forward to making your pu**y’s acquaintance.”

Damn I loved Cooper so damn much, with his dirty talk and witty comebacks. So, with that being said I must say that I garnered all that and more when I read "Most Valuable Playboy." I couldn't help but to fall in love with these two characters. Cooper was funny, sexy, witty and oh so sarcastic. I tickled by the conversations he would have with all of his friends including his agent Ford. Violet was the perfect heroine for him because she was just as sarcastic as he is and she was able to give him all the comebacks that he deserved. And of course the sexy times, the sexy times was hot AF. I believe I felt every single kiss that Violet and Cooper shared. I need to reiterate to my fellow readers get ready to laugh and get a dialogue of a story that will play out in your head.

And we have another winner with Most Valuable Playboy! Fake relationship+Childhood friends+Friends to Lovers= Swoon. I loved the characters, adored their banter, and just about died at the teasing, flirting, and sexy interludes. I’m a happy, happy girl.

This book made me so happy! It's a light read with amazing banter and a sizzling slow burn that made me hold on to each page, each word, and each dialogue between Cooper and Violet. Their friendship and the sexual tension between them leaps off the page, having been written so vividly by Ms. Blakely.

We have two lovable characters who are both dedicated to their professions. Cooper is 100% focused on his goals and his team. Violet is admirable in her successful business, confidence, and kind personality. Their chemistry is sizzling, their banter fantastic (it made me grin so much!), and their friendship solid.

And it's not just the main characters I loved! I'm not even exaggerating when I say I loved every single character in this story. Cooper's mom, Violet's sister, Cooper's teammates, his publicist. They're all amazing without looking two-dimensional. Although the story is focused on Cooper and Violet's romance, Ms. Blakely still managed to give life to these characters. I hope she writes more about the other members of the Renegades.

If you enjoy hilarious sports romance with a side of fake relationship and the childhood friends trope, Most Valuable Playboy is for you.

Tropes: Fake Relationship, Childhood Friends, Friends to Lovers, Brother's Best Friend, Sports—American Football
POV: First Person, Male POV
Standalone: Yes

I love LB's Male POVs. She never disappoints. She keeps the stories lighthearted and playful and I'm addicted.

Cooper and Violet are awesome and sweet together. While the hometown girl loves her brother's best friend, friends to lovers themes are not original, the story is fresh and fun. Violet is no shrinking violet. She is a match for Cooper's dominance, quick wit and drive to be successful. Together they are steamy and adorable.

Cooper and Violet have known each other for 20 years, but not in a romantic way. When Cooper gets the chance to be starting quarterback, he needs a pretend girlfriend. Violet agrees to help. They take it to the next level as feelings surface. But, football is Cooper's first love. As he falls for Violet, he keeps a tight leash on his emotions to ensure his level of play is not impacted. With help from a cast of secondary characters, including his agent, publicist and other players, he keeps his focus. Until he doesn't. The pages of this book sizzle with dirty talk. Blistering hot.

Oh the witty banter! The innuendo, the incredibly direct comments, are unbelievably gratifying. And, it's not just between Cooper and Violet. Cooper's Renegade teammates are equally bawdy and humorously indecent.

Through texts messages, you get a glimpse into Violet's head but this is truly Cooper's story. He's kind and confident and super sweet. He loves his mom! Cooper fan for life!

MVP is the first book in a new series. I am so ready for the next book.

Hot football star wants his best friend's sister.....sound like something you may have read before? NOT LIKE THIS ONE!!! Cooper and Violet will take you for a ride that will have you cheering for them and hoping Cooper SCORES! Cooper is a hot commodity as one of football's best quarterbacks, but he also has a reputation as being a player. Has he changed that and will he be able to convince Violet and Violet's brother, who happens to be his best friend, that he has and is worthy of her? What starts as helping a friend out turns serious and has both Violet and Cooper wondering what if. Lauren does it again and makes you want to put off everything else and read this book in one sitting. Another TOUCHDOWN! I loved the setting, story, characters, and the heat. Great read!

First you've got the charmingly sweet male POV of Cooper. He's finally got his chance to be the star quarterback on a professional team. The ladies love him and he's cleaned up and cleaned house every year for the bachelor auction. Second you've got his bestie Violet. She's smart, sassy (a necessity to all Blakely heroines), and has THE perfect banter with Cooper. Now...when he needs a last ditch effort to escape the clutches of one dangerous cougar at the auction....Violet's gotta do what a girl's gotta do: BET ON THE BACHELOR!

Ok so I love romances where there is a history between the hero and heroine. Second chance, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, you name it, I AM IN! But accidental lovers? THAT is a first. I've seen planned ruses, undercover ops romances; but a spur of the moment "She's my girlfriend" slip of the tongue (teehee!) is a surefire way to create the most hilarious situation for a couple to fall for one another.

The chemistry between Cooper and Violet is HALL OF FAME status. These two have the ability to understand one another better than most couples I've ever seen/read. There's no nefarious plan to win him/her over. There's no huge break up scene that leaves the reader wondering "will they ever be together?!". No, Blakely's tales make for heart lifting, lip biting, sigh inducing good 'ole fashioned romance. And her heroes are just plain sexy! Welcome back to sports romance LB!

Lauren Blakely’s newest book Most Valuable Playboy definitely earns an MVP award in the book world from me!

Cooper is finally the Renegades starting quarterback after benching it for years which means he has a reputation to uphold now and an image to protect. No more craziness and romping around with the ladies. Violet is one of Cooper’s good friends and also is the sister of his best friend. Violet is gorgeous, sweet, funny and talented. The kinda girl any guy would love to have in their life in any capacity.

Cooper is about to be auctioned off for charity the only problem is he doesn’t want to end up with a clinger so Violet helps him out and bids to win this MVP. It turns into a friend helping a friend to a friend claiming the other as his girlfriend to boost his image for his career. Surely there is nothing wrong with that right? I mean what could possibly come out of it? Totally wouldn’t be a problem if you had zero attraction to that person but that’s not the case with Cooper and Violet. Sparks are flying in this “pretend” relationship and surely something is about to ignite into a full blown wild fire with these two!

This book was sweet, sexy, funny and incredibly flirtatious football romance. A big win for this sweet friends to lovers story from LB. I am definitely a cheerleader for this MVP!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

Lauren Blakely's books are the perfect combination of sexy and sweet, and Most Valuable Playboy is a game-winning touchdown.

I have a weakness for dirty-talking characters, both male and female. The raw, sexual, unashamed nature of Violet in the bedroom is so empowering. She knows how to get what she wants from Cooper, within reason given his superstitions as a professional athlete. She is strong, independent and kind of crass, which I f-love!

And Cooper: don't let the title fool you, he's not your typical playboy, alpha male that some stories portray. He is disciplined, focused and knows what it takes to fulfill his ambitions, but he's not a dick about it.

Football is my sport so this story shot straight to my heart. The accuracy in describing the game play action, along with the behind-the-scenes aspects of the sport, show that Lauren did her research and worked relentlessly at giving readers a fun and fair portrayal.

This friends to lovers story added a few unique factors that mixed the game with Violet and Cooper's budding fake-to-real relationship, and the way it blossomed made my heart swell.

5 "touchdown" stars!

I Voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book

I loved loved this book. This author is like the queen of HOT, SEXY and dirty talker males.

Cooper and Violet have been friends for as long as Cooper has been her brother's best friend. They share so many things together and have so much in common. They laugh together, they respect each other been there for each other in good and bad times, and maybe there is a bit of dormant attraction between them.
So when Cooper has a bit of a problem with the team owner's sister, Violet is the one to help him out. But then they have to pretend to be together for a bit longer until Cooper's contract has been finalised.

Cooper can't believe how much he feels for Violet, all this attraction that is between them, can he go there with her. She is his best friends sister, and those are off the table, right?? And one other small little thing, he has decided that there is no Sex until the season ends. So how is he going to keep his attraction and feelings bottled up!

I loved this book, its sweet, sexy, hot and the attraction between Cooper and Violet are so off the charts. Definitely a book I can see myself reading again.

An honest to goodness, feel good, happy go lucky romance told from the hot sexy NFL quarterback’s viewpoint, and guess what? Cooper Armstrong might be a player on the football field but he's definitely not a player when it comes to girls, in fact he's quite the opposite, he's agreed to keep his snake in his pants for the whole season. Violet Pierson is not only his best friend, she's also his best friend’s sister, totally off limits. When they agree to have a fake relationship guaranteed to benefit both of them, they get more than they bargained for. A completely enjoyable feel good friends to lovers romance with wonderful characters, some sexy moments and a good few laughs. I loved it.

Most Valuable Playboy is another winner by Lauren Blakely. It is a fun, hilarious, sweet, and swoon-worthy read. Cooper Armstrong and Violet Pierson are perfect together, it just takes a little push to get them to see that. They have been friends for a long time and she is the sister of his best friend.
I loved all of the secondary characters in this book, I especially loved their superstitions and the charities that they supported. If you are a fan of romance, sports, passion, friendship, and fun, then this book is for you.
I did not want to put it down but didn't want it to end either. Five most valuable stars for this one!!

Where do I even begin? Lauren Blakely nails it EVERY.... SINGLE....TIME. She is one of my ONE CLICK authors, no matter what the Synopsis say, or what the cover looks like. She releases, I buy. It's that simple. Violet and Cooper have known each other since they were very young. Cooper is best friends with Violet's older brother. Therefore, they have always been around each other. When a situation occurs and Cooper needs saving, he turns to Violet. And Violet pulled through for him. But what started out as FAKE, then into something real.... for both of them. Was it real the entire time? I believe it was....

Okay so this combines Lauren Blakely and football--destined to be a win-win! I fell for these characters and was totally charmed by their story.

Cooper Armstrong is used to being patient and waiting for what he wants. He got a great NFL rookie contract with the Renegades, But has spent the past three years as a glorified bench warmer. The only place where he has ranked above their starting quarterback is with money brought in at the Playboy Auction for charity. In the past, he has been a player, but this is his season to shine on the field. So he has kept his pants zipped and is focusing on his game to the exclusion of any extra-curricular bedroom activities. He and his teammates are superstitious and he is willing to sacrifice his physical needs for the chance at winning and proving himself. His ability to sign a new contract depends on it.

But he is charming, handsome, funny, and will be auctioned off again this year to the highest bidder. But one woman who plans to win him does not care about his focus, streak, or vow of celibacy. And her closeness to team management brings its own set of complications. Just when he needs a Hail Mary, he is saved by Violet Pierson. He's known her twenty years as she is his best friend's little sister. She steps in to help out, but ends up with more attention than she bargained for. Their fake play leads to a fake relationship. They are quickly labeled as a couple and then due to various reasons in their lives cannot unravel the lie without risking complications.

And all of a sudden Cooper is having inappropriate thoughts and rogue bodily reactions to the girl who he has always thought of as off limits. Their little lie takes on a life of its own and they have to perpetuate it for awhile to avoid fall-out.

This is told exclusively from Cooper's unfiltered male point of view. I loved getting into his mind and seeing all his scattered thoughts--confusion, conflict, surprise, and insecurities about his growing reactions and feelings for Violet. And the poor clueless quarterback has no idea what play she is running. She is good at keeping her own feelings to herself so he has no idea what if anything she is really feeling. Fake? Real? Neither knows where the other one stands.

I adored these two together. They were friends. They had history. The had complementary senses of humor. They could be sweet, flirty, funny, and even dirty. Their surprising initial kiss leads to more practice, passion, embraces, and temptation. Their reactions are hot, intense, and oh-so-not-allowed in his situation. Not only are they pretending for those around them, but he's also having to pretend with her that he is not falling fast and hard until he can figure out where she stands.

Cooper is not just a hot jock. He is trying to be a leader and a man of integrity so his lies weigh heavily on him. He has to figure out how to salvage the situation with the least amount of damage. He is confident, cocky and funny, but also vulnerable, insecure, and has a big heart. He is loyal, thoughtful, and worried about how his choices affect others. I just absolutely adored him!

Violet is a great match for him. She is sassy, fun, loves football, and understands his motivations. But she has a hard time believing he would ever really fall for her. So her own fears and insecurities keep her grounded. Their passion and need for each other just seems to keep growing. But they also have a lot of missed opportunities and don't always manage to communicate the important things.

This is a delightful, swoony, passionate, humorous, sports romance with a combination of fake relationship-forbidden-best-friend's-sister-and friends-to-lovers romance all mixed in. Cooper is a likable hero and narrator, and he is not afraid to admit his faults of feelings at least to himself. But he is under a lot of pressure and he has a lot to lose. This is also his personal journey as the tries to fulfill his potential and embrace his role as a leader, while also finding balance.

I got attached to the side characters as well and hope this is the start of a new series surrounding this team. The wide receiver, Jones, the running back, Harlan, and the kicker, Rick are all dynamic characters that added humor and support. I loved their camaraderie and teasing. Her brother (his best friend) Trent and his wife, Holly, the team staff, and his animated agent, Ford were also were important to the story. There were a couple of people with questionable motivations and I was anxious to see how that would all play out.

This book is so much fun and so full of feels. Another total winner by Lauren Blakely! I loved every bit of it! Even though this story is full and gave me everything I needed, I already want more in this Renegade world and with these other characters. Please give us more Jones and Harlan!

I love a great sports romance story, and boy does Lauren Blakely deliver with her latest release, Most Valuable Playboy. And while the premise of the story is one readers encounter a lot in this genre, the way that Blakely delivers Cooper and Violet’s story, building on their shared history and showcasing how easily their faux relationship transitions to something more…something perhaps that can make Cooper’s love for football the back-up to his love for his woman!

Blakely’s portrayal of the new and improved Cooper Armstrong, the quarterback and leader of the Renegades, aptly illustrates how seriously he takes his job and what he’s willing to do to prove that a winning season and post-season shot is his main focus. Cooper acknowledges how much of a playboy he was when it came to ‘dating,’ but now that he’s the one taking the snaps and helping his team to win, the player he was, off the field, has no role in his current life, and even though that decision may have occurred due to a pact with his team and their superstitious ways, it also gives Cooper a shot at the one girl who’s always supported him and who willingly helps him out when his life audibles in a way he doesn’t know how to play.

Violet Pierson may be Cooper’s best friend’s little sister, but she’s so much more than that, and it’s clear, early on, that Cooper is more than aware of Violet’s stellar characteristics. Violet and Cooper have always been friends, but when Violet comes through for Cooper, in a big way, it’s the perfect scenario for the pair to come up with a new playbook for what they mean to one another, even if neither of them are quite sure exactly what the other one feels.

Violet is such a spirited and good-natured heroine. I adored her quirky jokes, adorable texts, and easy going personality. There is absolutely nothing fake about who Violet is and I think that’s exactly why Cooper finds his feelings for her steadily growing, even when he’s not supposed to feel anything for her but friendship. Violet helps Cooper to lighten up a bit and to see that he can be more than married to to a game.

Lauren Blakely’s Most Valuable Playboy is a light-hearted, feel good, sweet, and swoon worthy read that will have readers cheering just as loud for the San Francisco Renegades to go as far as they can in the post season as they do for Cooper and Violet’s ‘fake’ relationship to be exactly what it actually seems to be from the start - real! I smiled and laughed out loud numerous times throughout the story because of the camaraderie and hijinks between Cooper and his teammates and the electric connection and authentic bond between Cooper and Violet. The way they tease one another and try to rile each other up allows readers to understand just how deep their feelings run and it’s crystal clear to us, even before it is to Cooper and Violet, that they cannot be anything but genuine when they’re together.

4.5 Poison Apples

Most Valuable Playboy by Lauren Blakely

When Blakely wrote Out of Bounds last year I was just the smallest *snort* bit excited. After all, if your favorite author writes a book in your favorite genre, is that not how dreams are realized? Why yes, yes it is. And while I thought Out of Bounds was all sorts of awesome, Blakely absolutely KILLS it with Most Valuable Playboy and my newest book boyfriend, Cooper.

Cooper is the starting QB for the Renegades and Violet is the owner of a successful hair salon, Heroes and Hairoines (love the name!). We meet them at a fundraiser for the San Francisco Children's Hospital and let me tell you, the way Cooper owned that stage made me want to raise my own paddle - oh get your minds out of the gutter! I wanted to bid! Because that's what the highest bidder got; a night with the bachelor. Poor, sweet, delicious Cooper was positively dreading the team owners widowed sister bidding on him and winning because she's made no secret of the fact that wants a (sizable) piece of Cooper. Well, thank God for friendships and best friends little sisters because Violet comes through and outbids everyone and wins a date with her boyfriend.

Wait, what?

Oh yes. For various reasons, Violet and Cooper have to maintain a boyfriend-girlfriend facade and oddly enough, after that first scorching kiss at the fundraiser, it's not such a hardship after all.

I loved so much about this book. Cooper and Violet's relationship progressed so organically; with mutual respect and affection and FUN! The banter between them was typical of a couple who've known each other for a long time and are comfortable together. I loved so many of the side characters here and live in hope that we get many more Renegade stories to come!

I'm at the point where you could give me a book with no cover, no title, no author and I would know without hesitation that Lauren Blakely wrote it. The strength of her characters and their voices, her wit, the relationship development, strong and supportive side characters all make for a incredible reading journey. This isn't to say that her books are in any way similar to each other. Quite the opposite, actually. There are always fresh ideas, fresh issues, fresh and deliciously sexy banter. So much so that I'm constantly in awe of her abilities. Most Valuable Playboy encompasses all that is a perfect book and is one I'll be sure to read over and over again.

*Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

Most Valuable Playboy is a standalone novel by my queen of the male POV. Lauren f- Blakely. The book is set in San Francisco and in one of my favorite towns, Sausalito. Its beautiful just like the city but with a small town feel. Perfect setting for these two.

Cooper needs a Hail Mary. Violet gives him one. Herself as his fake girlfriend. Only, their first kiss doesn't feel fake at all. It feels like a kick off to a life-changing game. He knows he shouldn't be thinking about her in that way. She is his best friend's little sister. The girl he has known for twenty years. But, something ignited within him with that kiss. It wasn't just her lips but the way she looked at him. The way she held him. The way she didn't pull away first. But, was she just a good friend that was returning a favor or did she feel the same thing in that kiss? Want. Desire. More.

Turns out being in a fake relationship isn't that hard when it's with someone you adore. Cooper loved the way she made him laugh with her cheesy jokes. He also loved the way she didn't take his sh-. He loved her support and the way she styled his hair. And of course he thoroughly enjoyed her moans of ecstasy. And Violet loved giving them to him. He made her feel adored. But, she didn't to get hurt and a man like Cooper could do exactly that. He was married to football. She got it. Did he have room in his heart for her?

I am just going to say it. I am not a big fan of football but I am a fan of Cooper Armstrong and his passion for the game. I would be his hometown girl any day of the week. Except Sundays. Then I would be his cheerleader. But for real, I am also a Violet fan. I want to hang out with her at her salon. It would also be fun to make up cheesy jokes to tell. So with them together, fake or for real, it's a victory dance. I loved them! So funny, sexy, sweet, and dirty. I mean...damn, Lauren. Purple is my favorite color but now...I will be thinking of it all day.

Overall...I adored it. I giggled. I cried. I felt the passion. I didn't want it to end.

Quotes:

Hell, this girl can act.
The problem is my d- is a method actor.
Because this should just be an ordinary staged kiss.
But he’s gone rogue.

“You’ve never seen my bedroom.”
“Do you need to go hide teddy bears and Justin Bieber posters before I go in?”
“Don’t be silly. I did that before you came over.”

“You have the most perfect filthy mouth for such a good, sweet girl.”

Touchdown!!!! The crowd goes wild as they chant Lauren Blakely over and over!!!! Yes, my fellow romance fans, Lauren has once again won the title of MVP author as she has us rooting, swooning, and going crazy for her newest sports romance, Most Valuable Playboy.

This book was just everything that I could have wanted and so much more. Forget, your total domineering alpha hero because Lauren introduces readers to a quarterback that literally wrote the playbook on how to win your heart.

"I’m wildly attracted to my best friend’s sister, but I have to pretend I don’t want to kiss her, touch her, %__ her, and take her home with me. That’s where the true faking starts for me.”

Cooper Armstrong is officially the starting quarterback of the San Francisco Renegades. As the new quarterback, there is a lot of responsibilities that goes along with the job and one of them is to be part of a charity auction for the San Francisco Children’s Hospital, in which Cooper is willing to participate since this charity is something he is passionate about. Cooper expected to raise some money but he didn’t expect that the person to bid on him was Violet Pierson, his best friend’s little sister.

The reason Violet bid on him was the mere fact that she knew Cooper didn’t want the owner’s sister to bid on him. Little did Violet know that her bid caused a media frenzy as the public wanted to know the status of her relationship with Cooper. Soon Cooper and Violet finds themselves pretending to be in a relationship. It was a win win situation for them since they were benefiting from this pretend relationship. But what happens when one kiss turns into something more? Can this former most valuable playboy transform to faithful boyfriend status?

Violet and Cooper’s relationship from the start was electric and palpable. There aren’t enough words to describe the magnitude of giddiness and excitement when these two transitioned from friends to more. It was as if Lauren Blakely perfectly orchestrated the perfect play by play moves for this couple.

So if you are looking for a swoony, sexy, sweet, and playful romance then look no further than the Most Valuable Playboy. The writing as always was perfect. The characters were MVP status. And the storyline was championship material. A must read for any Lauren Blakely fans!!!!

????? 4.5 Stars ?????

Cooper is finally the Renegades' starting quarterback after sitting on the bench for three years.
But now he can't go and spend every night with another girl - or do anything else that might hurt the team.
Enter Violet. His very good friend and his best buddie's sister. They've known each other for over 20 years.
And to help him to not end up with a clingy cougar at this year's charity auction, she bids on him.
And suddenly he's telling the whole world that Violet is his girlfriend. What?
The team and its PR lady love the idea.
He can pretend to be in love with his childhood friend, right?
It's for his career. And she's not driving him insane with suddenly being all female and hot and flirty!

What will happen with Coop & Violet? Will pretend turn into real love & a HEA? READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
_______________________

LOL!!!! This was such an adorable & hilarious football romance!
I loved Cooper and Violet - and all the other boys! There are more stories coming!
It was a real cute book. Lots of football, lots of funny moments between Cooper and his 3 best team buddies and lots of romantic and sexy moments between Coop and Violet.

I loved it.

What I didn't love too much was the way too-over-the-topness of the whole adorable thing. Lauren says it herself towards the end of the book - ridiculously adorable. There was no drama in the book, no fighting, no excitement. The conversations between Coop and Violet were a bit too ridiculous at times.... I love books with no unnecessary drama, but this was a bit too tame. And it might also have been a bit too footbally for non-Americans. :/

BUT !!!! I still loved reading it. I just looove male POV romances!!! And it was really cute and funny and sexy! And also, pfff - who am I to say what's too adorable. I LOVE adorable & cute & sweet! I don't need to read an angsty dark romance every day!!!

Can't wait to see what Jones will have to tell us!

►► MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY was an amazingly adorable & hilarious football romance!! Run to your nearest the store asap for your own COOP - this one is MINE !!!

A Review of Most Valuable Playboy by Lauren Blakely

Cooper and Violet - 5+++++ stars

Another AMAZING story from Ms. Blakely, taking a foray into the world of football. With all the feelings that you would expect to get from her, she weaves a story about friends that become so much more when Violet comes to Coopers aid and makes the highest bid for him, using his money, to avoid being purchased by the sister of the team owner. Violet has had a major crush on Cooper ever since elementary school and Cooper has had feelings for her since her Prom, but he's always kept those feelings hidden because she is the sister of his best friend. This was a real page-turner and definitely worth the time and money! You will fall in love with this couple.

**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**

*Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**

Another winner from Lauren Blakely! You can never go wrong with a witty, swoony, funny, engaging story!

Cooper Armstrong has been in the NFL for a few years playing for the Renegades, but he's been riding the pine. He's finally moved into the coveted starting quarterback position and he's also back again to help with one of his favorite events - the bachelor auction to raise money for the children's hospital. What Cooper isn't expecting is the owner of the team's sister to be putting the full court press on trying to lure him into bed. He needs help and he needs it fast!

Enter Violet Pierson, who is not only his friend, but the sister of his best friend. He's known her since he was around 7 and she realizes that he needs help and she makes a bid to win him at the auction so he doesn't have to endure a night with the owner's sister.

What starts out as a bid that Cooper will ultimately pay, ends up with him telling the entire crowd that they are a couple. When they are asked to kiss on stage, they do so and the sparks that fly are beyond either of their imaginations. Cooper is torn not only because Vi is his best friend's sister, but also because he's sworn off sex and relationships this season to focus on the game. Will the feelings he develops be the one touchdown he wasn't expecting to score?

This was such a fun book and I loved the characters; not only Vi and Cooper, but Cooper's teammates too. I also loved that this was told from Cooper's point of view. It's not often you get a book from the male POV and so it was nice to get in his head to see what he was thinking and where he was at. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to see what Jones book brings for us!!