Stud Finder (1001 Dark Nights)

Stud Finder is an opposites attract romantic comedy standalone novella, told in the classic Lauren Blakely style of first person, from dual perspectives. This Emma-esque tale of hot nerd looking for love, meets matchmaker is a quick read you won’t be able to put down. As hot & sexy “Desire everywhere. Wanting in every molecule.” as it is funny “My God, I so love a well-made bed. It brings calm to my soul.”. Full of fun & clever banter we’ve come to expect – “Sorry, I can’t hear you over the sarcasm and mockery.” & so much sweet angst. Such a fun ride with these characters as they get to know each other in an unconventional way, leading to an unexpected connection, only to reveal they might not be so opposite after all. “…a story of friendships. And how sometimes, our friends can see what we need the most.”

“It’s dreamy and tingly, sexy and hot at the same damn time.”

Read it – it will make you happy!

Once upon a time, there was an author whose stories managed to make readers swoon, laugh, and sigh on almost every single page as she allowed her heroes and heroines’ voices to be heard by a multitude of romance readers - those of us who love romantic comedies and who adore quirky, irresistible male and female leads who allow us a bit of escapism and a whole lot of feel good moments to revel in from the beginning of each story all the way to its ending.

This author also has the uncanny ability to create an entire supporting cast of characters who are dynamic characters in their own right…those who help their friends and family members recognize what’s right in front of them, even if it takes some manipulation and stealthy moves to get them headed in the right direction, and Lauren Blakely’s newest release, Stud Finder, definitely illustrates her ability to write multifaceted characters and story lines as well as add in a few unexpected twists that even Grimm himself would enjoy, even if Blakely’s a whole lot lighter and sexier in tone and situations than he is!

Stud Finder has a multitude of connotative meanings, but in Evie and Dylan’s story, it describes Evie’s profession…a job that she loves and a way for her to help those in need of some guidance when it comes to finding Mr. or Mrs. Right. As a stud finder, Evie vets all potential suitors for her clients and matches them up with the most compatible options, hopefully putting in motion a relationship that will not only lead to satisfied customers but happily ever afters as well.

I’m a huge fan of sexy nerds and Dylan Parker is exactly that! He may be a bit of a departure from Blakely’s usual heroes, but that’s what I adore about him. Dylan is who he is and even though he logically understands that there are things about him that might turn the opposite sex off, what he also knows is there’s a woman out there who will accept him for who he is and revel in his eccentric qualities because those are the ones that make him funny, adventurous, and honest. The fact that he’s one hell of a hottie doesn’t hurt, but it’s more so his personality that endears him to readers and to Evie, which might not be helpful on a business front, but it does wonders for her non-existent attraction to her male counterpart.

Evie doesn’t quite fit the mold of Blakely’s heroines either, but, once again, it’s not going to be her standard female lead who fits with Dylan. She’s one heck of a matchmaker for everyone but herself and that works for her because she’s passionate about what she does and who she helps and while she doesn’t seem to use her skills for the good of herself, when she’s with Dylan, she finds herself fighting her own attraction to him and wondering just how bad for business it would be to pursue something with a client she no longer wants to help find his match because she wants to be it.

Everything about Stud Finder worked for me…its characters, the pace of the story line, the characters’ overthinking. All parts of the text fit who Dylan and Evie are and just how oblivious they both seem to be when it comes to what they want for themselves. Getting inside Dylan and Evie’s heads allows readers to truly understand how they see themselves and why they second guess things and seem surprised with certain situations. Nothing seemed contrived or overdramatic in the story and the fact that their happily ever after comes about the way it does proves that sometimes Fate needs a little push when it comes to deciding who should be with whom and making it happen.

5 Poison Apples

She was supposed to help out her friends brother to find the love of his life. He's rich and handsome so that shouldn't be a problem right.
Little did she know she'd like him more than she cares to admit.
For Dylan, Evie is his last hope of finding what he's looking for. Putting an add on social media was obviously a mistake so a matchmaker should do the trick.
But what if you like your matchmaker more than just a matchmaker?
Once again you'll love the characters and the story. Sexy, fun, adorable.....just a few words to describe this delightful story. Lauren has done it yet again❤️

Known for her masterfully written, mysteriously intriguing and dangerously tempting romances, Lauren Blakely is never afraid of trying something new. This time around she takes the hint and jumps right on board the romantic comedy express. Stud Finder is an extension of the sense of humor that is highlighted throughout her previous works. Dylan and Evie are just geeky enough to be adorable. All the smarts in the world, still can't save these two from being clueless when it comes to love. When you find yourself fantasy casting the main characters, you know you're in for a fun time.

WOW!!! Another amazing story by Lauren Blakley! The Queen of RomCom delivers another 5+++ Star read! I love this story! Dylan and Evie are everything!! They may be my new favorite couple! This is such a sweet story. The cuteness is just too much (in the best way possible)!
Evie is a blogger/matchmaker/all around bad ass and Dylan is an internet junkie/entrepreneur/hot nerd and together they make the cutest couple!
I don't like to give anything away in reviews, so I'll leave it at that, but make sure ONE CLICK THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW!!

Stud Finder was a really good short story. I absolutely loved the plot and the ending we really unexpected. This was one of those books that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, it was so sweet.

Evie is a Matchmaker and agrees to help her best friend find the right woman for her clueless nerdy brother. Chemistry is off the charts from the start. Maybe this time the Matchmaker has found her match.

Reviewed for Amo's Book Corner.

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Lauren Blakely and stories are like a knitter and their needle, they're perfectly paired.
A match.
Like two people who come together.
Dylan and Evie.

Seriously I loved Stud Finder! The banter, the friendship, the competitive nature of two people who can't see what's in front of them gives the story a fresh view. Also, the bow of sexiness that only Lauren Blakely delivers.

This book is a nice little bridge between the The Knocked up Plan and Hard Wood which I can't wait to read!

STUD FINDER by Lauren Blakely is a stand alone, contemporary adult, romance story line set in the author’s Big Rock World, and latest installment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights. This is business entrepreneur Dylan Parker, and matchmaker Evie’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dylan and Evie) STUD FINDER focuses on the search for a woman for Dylan Parker. Taking matters into his own hands, APP developer and successful businessman takes out an online ad to procure the perfect woman but finds himself inundated with messages from h*ll. Enter matchmaker Evie, his sister’s best friend, and the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues are Evie’s attempts to get to know Dylan, in the hopes of finding him someone to love.

STUD FINDER is a quick read; a fun and sexy story of friends, family, flirty banter, and falling in love. Several non-dates find our leading couple drawn to one another but Evie struggles with falling for a client-a client, for whom, she is contracted to find love. The premise is heartwarming; the characters are sassy and energetic; the romance is passionate and inspiring. STUD FINDER is a delight to read; a playful and encouraging story line with a happily ever after.

Stud Finder is a cute, flirty, and fun novella--a perfect little reading snack for when you're too busy for something longer but have to get a quick book in. Its characters have connections to characters from other books (there's a helpful chart at the end) but it absolutely can be read as a standalone--though you'd better believe those other stories are coming off my TBR sooner rather than later! (Especially Mia and Patrick's story--how soon will that be out???)

Dylan's the perfect blend of sweet, slightly socially-awkward, but sexy geek, and Evie's his made-for-him match, even though at first they don't think they have much in common. It's a lot of fun watching them figure it out along the way. There isn't a lot of heavy drama and conflict--it is a novella--mostly miscommunication, which goes on just as long as it should to make the story both believable and satisfying.

Favorite bit of internal dialogue:

"She looks like a naughty princess.

Wait.

She only looks naughty because I'm thinking of her naked.

So that's on me."

LOL!

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

No matter the length I always love a Lauren Blakely book! Her characters are always relatable and her stories always hook me from the first chapter.
I loved the concept of this one a couple thrown together but not "together". She was a matchmaker and he was her client so definitely "together" they were NOT.
The story that unravels is funny and heartwarming, learning how different they were yet so alike all in the name of finding him a someone. You know what the say about best laid plans.....
I love how Lauren's standalone Rom-Coms are connected but completely a story of their own.
Also intrigued by this 1001 Dark Nights series. I am going to have to look for more.

I am positive no matter what this author writes, I will love! Whether a full length novel or a quick read like this one, she makes you become engrossed in her stories.
I loved Evie and Dylan's story. It was quick, sweet, romantic and Dylan was swoon worthy. I devoured it in one sitting. You will love with these two and fall in love with them, rooting for their HEA.
I highly recommend this book, you will definitely not be disappointed!
I received an arc and volunteered a review.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book, given by the author.
thesecretworldofbooklovers.blogspot
I loved this story! It was short and cute and just what I needed.

Evie, the amazing matchmaker, she has never failed in getting the perfect man for her clients and she is up to the challenge of switching sides and finding Dylan the right woman.

But she wasn't expecting him to be so perfect for her. How do you find the perfect match to your perfect man?

Dylan is ready for more, his professional life is where he wants it to be and now he needs a life partner to enjoy it all with. Getting out of his comfort zone, he seeks the help of a matchmaker and he couldn't be more surprised at what he finds.

Different at first sight but oh so similar after they start to peel off the layers. Sparks fly high whenever they are around each other and there's nothing they can do to stop the crazy attraction hitting them.

A beautiful, witty and fun love story, and you will love every second of it!

Enjoy!

What a cute, funny and sexy novella!

I love everything Lauren writes, her quirkiness, her sexiness, and her humor. This is a slightly different side of her writing, I think anyways. We still get sexy and we still get her humor. But this was was just so sweet, my teeth ache. Lol!

A sexy billionaire ‘nerd’ who is a self proclaimed dork...yes please. He may be dorky, but in the heat of the moment, he’s still got that sexiness just like all Lauren's men.

A sweet competitive matchmaker, Evie is adorable. She even can’t stop her competitiveness in yoga class, even when the teacher admonishes her. Lol!

These characters are great and I kinda wish we had a little bit more of them but this novella definitely packs a full length novel punch. I didn’t feel anything was lacking, we got to know them even in a short time. Definitely worth the read. Now I want to go read more of the 10001 dark nights books!

~Michelle
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book

Dylan is my favorite nerd hottie...or hottie nerd. I loved this story even before it started. I was so hoping Dylan got his story when I met him a few books back in Lauren's non-series series. Evie was perfect! She's a strong, tough as nails independent woman, but you get to see her vulnerability that doesn't diminish her confidence. Their chemistry wasn't that obvious to each other, but it was great seeing how this story weaved through all the hurdles and hiccups. Lauren has the ability to make even the short stories feel like much longer full-length novels. As always, it's great to get caught up with the other couples and friends.

I've missed listening to Grace Grant narrate, and I always love her narration. Now, Jesse Metcalfe was a huge surprise, and I loved him doing Dylan. It was such a perfect pairing, that I think I'll re-read the ebook and hear Jesse's voice again.

So sweet and quirky!!! Absolutely adored Dylan and Evie!
Dylan is looking for the woman, and since he is a dork and totally awkward, he thought he would use his beloved screen ;) to look for her.
Evie can't even think about that ridiculous notion and being a match maker she decides to take him on.
What happens after? So adorably sweet and fun.
Loved the sister and best friend too.

Stud Finder was a great afternoon read that was funny and sexy. It was a light and easy read that was most entertaining. Both main characters are nerdy and funny in different ways. I loved Dylan. Who can resist a sexy nerd that is funny to boot.

Evie, the Stud Finder, a matchmaker that couldn't make her own match. She is beautiful, loyal and funny. Evie's friend Olivia is a great character as well. I enjoyed their girl time discussions. It made me think of me and my friends.

If you want a light, sweet, feel good love story this is the one for you. I grinned through most of the book. Blakely is clever and funny in her story telling and her sex scenes smolder. It is short, so perfect for an afternoon or bedtime read.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

What a sweet, sexy short story. Dylan is the ultimate hot nerd and Evie is the matchmaker who is supposed to find him his one true love. But how can you do that when you want to keep seeing him yourself? Get some cheap tacos, read this sweet little story and you'll find out. Seriously, tacos! You'll thank me later.

The publisher graciously provided a copy for my honest review.

Stud Finder was a fun, sweet and funny read! Dylan needs Evie to help him. Evie is a professional matchmaker. Dylan and Evie are so cute together! They spend more and more time together and don't realize that maybe they are the perfect match for each other! Their chemistry was insane!
I really enjoyed this book! Deff recommend it!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review!

Dylan Parker is ready to settle down and he thinks is gonna be a "piece of cake!" It so is not! His sister talks him into using a mutual friend that is in the profession of finding matches for successful women and men.

Evie gets great satisfaction from her work. She prides herself on her integrity in her business dealings, which for her profession is not to date clients.

I liked the chemistry between these characters. There was a sincerity to the dialogue between the characters and for a short story it was rather satisfying.

As these two fall for each other it's sweet and sexy and very predictable. This story is a great quickie for those familiar with characters in the Big Rock universe.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

Ahw, Lauren Blakely did it again! I really can’t imagine my life without her books. I mean, who doesn’t like a sexy, passionate and funny story with a hot nerd and his hilarious girl? This combination was made in heaven, that’s for sure.

It was a quick, funny but amazing read. I’m happy LB gave us Dylan and Evie because they brightened up my rainy day, whoop!

Authentic, addictive, and blush-inducing! Sexy nerd meets his match, who happens to be his matchmaker. Blakely has a way of writing feisty, independent heroines like no other, and she doesn't disappoint with Evie. Dylan, with his nerdy glasses and hard muscles, is that boy-next-door kinda hero that drives women crazy. Another fun read!

SOOOO CUTE! Stud Finder by Lauren Blakely is a quick read that will no doubt leave you with a smile on your face! Dylan is just so adorably dorky and Evie is so sweet and equally adorable and dorky. Is it any wonder they're a match made in heaven? Their relationship was so effortless and fun (seriously love the bubble tea and salsa outings-a seriously charming read! I'm greedy and I would have like to see at least one date play out with a woman that wasn't Evie, and I would have liked to see Evie and Dylan get all flirty with each other on the baseball field, but again, I'm greedy. Definitely made me want to catch up and meet the rest of the gang!

When I read the synopsis for STUD FINDER I wanted to throw myself into this book. Dylan is a hot sexy, nerdy tech guy who is loaded wants to find his perfect woman and since he is a bit clueless his sister steps in and seeks a dating service to help find his true mate through Evie.

My heart was happy because Dylan and Evie were so adorable together. Dylan is a socially awkward hottie with a bank account as big as his brains and Evie is a smart, compassionate, sexy woman and together they are on fire, combustable with their chemistry and banter. Their journey together is so endearing and swoon worthy that you will be hard pressed not to utter the words "awwwwwwww!!" Being a novella their isn't too much more that I can divulge but understand that you need to read this book, you want to reads this book and NOW!

OMG! Lauren Blakely has done it again! STUD FINDER is such a sweet sexy read and true to all Blakely books it will give you all the feels above and below the belt. The perfect read to get you out of a reading slump, out of the blues or just to enjoy for the simple fact that it is all things smexy.

Sexy. Cheeky. Flirty. Swoony. These are only a few words to describe this quick little gem of a romance by one of my GO TO authors. I always have an absolute blast diving into a Lauren Blakely romance. Her writing is so entertaining. Her characters are unforgettable and adorably hilarious. Her storylines are quirky, emotional, and sexy. I just can never get enough! STUD FINDER brings out Ms. Blakely’s signature style, perfectly blending sexy, sweet, and funny and encasing it into the perfect romantic package that EVERYONE will enjoy. When I’m looking to indulge myself in an angst-free, fun-loving romantic escape, I turn to Lauren Blakely EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Not only was I completely satisfied with a HUGE SMILE on my face, I wanted to read it all over again! And that’s what Ms. Blakely does best…she will always leave you wanting MORE!

*ARC provided by the author*

Short, sweet and dreamy. Hot nerd meets matchmaker to help him find him a partner for life.

Enter Dylan (hot nerd) and Evie (matchmaker) and a whole lot of chemistry, nerdiness and fun and see where the trip in finding his partner for life takes you.

I really enjoyed this short little novella. It was sweet, funny, romantic. Lauren can pull off some amazing excellent full length books and she does the same with this short sweet read. If your looking for a quick but good read then this is it.

This was an awesome read. Lauren knows how to give the prefect amount of fun and sexy. I loved the banter and easiness between the main characters of Dylan and Evie. It was flirty and sweet and steamy. They were so fantastic together and I really liked their interactions and time spent. Talk about opposites attract...but they worked. I enjoyed how the story went. It was pleasant and made me smile. Lauren continues to give wonderful books filled with great storylines and awesome characters. Overall this was an entertaining read. I can’t wait for Hard Wood-Mia and Patrick’s story should be delightful.

WOW!!! Another amazing story by Lauren Blakley! The Queen of RomCom delivers another 5+++ Star read! I love this story! Dylan and Evie are everything!! They may be my new favorite couple! This is such a sweet story. The cuteness is just too much (in the best way possible)!
Evie is a blogger/matchmaker/all around bad ass and Dylan is an internet junkie/entrepreneur/hot nerd and together they make the cutest couple!
I don't like to give anything away in reviews, so I'll leave it at that, but make sure ONE CLICK THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW!!

Lauren Blakely and stories are like a knitter and their needle, they're perfectly paired.
A match.
Like two people who come together.
Dylan and Evie.

Seriously I loved Stud Finder! The banter, the friendship, the competitive nature of two people who can't see what's in front of them gives the story a fresh view. Also, the bow of sexiness that only Lauren Blakely delivers.

This book is a nice little bridge between the The Knocked up Plan and Hard Wood which I can't wait to read!

I am positive no matter what this author writes, I will love! Whether a full length novel or a quick read like this one, she makes you become engrossed in her stories.
I loved Evie and Dylan's story. It was quick, sweet, romantic and Dylan was swoon worthy. I devoured it in one sitting. You will love with these two and fall in love with them, rooting for their HEA.
I highly recommend this book, you will definitely not be disappointed!
I received an arc and volunteered a review.

Dylan is my favorite nerd hottie...or hottie nerd. I loved this story even before it started. I was so hoping Dylan got his story when I met him a few books back in Lauren's non-series series. Evie was perfect! She's a strong, tough as nails independent woman, but you get to see her vulnerability that doesn't diminish her confidence. Their chemistry wasn't that obvious to each other, but it was great seeing how this story weaved through all the hurdles and hiccups. Lauren has the ability to make even the short stories feel like much longer full-length novels. As always, it's great to get caught up with the other couples and friends.

I've missed listening to Grace Grant narrate, and I always love her narration. Now, Jesse Metcalfe was a huge surprise, and I loved him doing Dylan. It was such a perfect pairing, that I think I'll re-read the ebook and hear Jesse's voice again.