Joy Ride (Big Rock Book 5)

Well written, standalone, adults with careers, homes, friends and family. No drama, rather two people falling in love. If you like a sweet romance with houmor and hotness, a guaranteed HEA, I strongly recommend this one.

OMG! The beginning of this book almost did me in. There was so much tension between Max & Henley that I almost stopped reading because I couldn't stand it! Glad I did though because it made it so much better in the end.

While I enjoyed this book, it was not my favorite book by Lauren. I guess I am not into cars so much.

The chemistry between Max and Henley was off the chart through. I loved them as a couple and they were so darn cute together.

I enjoyed getting to know Max and Harley Rose! Rival car builders now - Harley had been Max's intern 5 years ago when he fired her. Now they are working together on a project for a TV show and sparks are flying!

While I enjoyed this book, it was not my favorite book by Lauren. I guess I am not into cars so much.

The chemistry between Max and Henley was off the chart through. I loved them as a couple and they were so darn cute together.

I enjoyed getting to know Max and Harley Rose! Rival car builders now - Harley had been Max's intern 5 years ago when he fired her. Now they are working together on a project for a TV show and sparks are flying!

You’re the predator right up until you’re the prey.
I have a HUGE GRIN on my face because I went on one hella good Joy Ride: fast, fierce, and flowing with feels!!! There is nothing that gets my motor running like a feisty frenemies-to-lovers tale. Alluring and adrenaline-charged, Joy Ride is DESIRE ON FIRE!

This heart-racing ride marked me from page one...my sweet ADDICTION! Joy Ride gripped me hard, holding me in its clutches. The playful banter that blazed and burned between the hero and heroine was energizing and enticing...PURE JOY to read!!! This story was the match and I was the flame. Joy Ride lit a fire under me where I felt pumped with energy...ALIVE!

Max and Henley are SMOKIN' together!!! The banter blazes with heat and a bit of hate that fuels their pent-up passion.

"You think you're the only game in town, don't you?"

"No. But I'd like to know what kind of game you're playing."

The delicious push and pull of these combustible characters was my furious FIX!!!

"The rod is always ready."

"Then lubrication won't be a problem at all."

DEAD!!! The humor infused with heat is a lust-filled and lethal combo that ignited me EVERYWHERE...fireworks ready to go BOOM!!! Once Max and Henley succumb to the electricity that ignites them, their connection is COMBUSTIBLE!!!

Move over, Chase, because big brother, Max, owns me now!!! Max is one hot and heart-melting hero! I LOVED this ALL-ALPHA of a tall, inked, and gorgeous god. This tough guy has a heart of gold and I loved seeing Max's story unfold.

While their connection is palpable and passionate, these rivals may get burned if they continue to play with fire.

I have a serious addiction and her name is Lauren Blakely! This Rom-Com Queen rules the rom-com realm with romances that are fresh, fire-hot, and fun! Lauren Blakely is a rom-com beast!!! There is something special and comforting knowing that this author always brings her best...CONSISTENTLY CREATING ROMANCE GOLD!

Fierce and fabulous, Lauren Blakely bangs out male POV like a boss! This amazing author nails the all-male POV so hard that you'll swear Joy Ride is written by a man...INCREDIBLE!!! With each smoldering and soul-soaring story Lauren Blakely writes, you're GUARANTEED a TRIP to ROMANCE HEAVEN!

A book that BUZZES with energy and emotion, Joy Ride is romance with a fuel-filled boost. This book is the best buzz, a fast-car feeling of a high!!! My motor ran at full speed with my heart racing around the track! My heart raced, my belly was filled with butterflies, and my soul soared to the skies in this heated and heartfelt delight! Joy Ride revved up my engine, shooting sparks through me in a story that was UNSTOPPABLE!

Joy Ride is pulse-pounding, heart-hitting, and sweet-sighing goodness...ALL THAT and MORE!!! I LOVED every minute of this INTOXICATING tale that ignites and entertains every step of the way!!! This rom-com is one ride every romance lover should take...a MUST-READ romance!!! Joy Ride is a GUARANTEED GOOD TIME!!! I'm still fueled by this romance, a fire that may burn forever. ❤️

????? fresh and fire-hot stars

Normally with Lauren Blakely books I am hooked just from the first chapter. This one took me a little longer. Maybe it's the whole car thing. I don't know. I actually tried reading this book upon it's release day a little while back and just couldn't get into the reading groove. Man do I regret that now. This book was great!

Max Summers owns a custom car business and definitely meets his match in his old apprentice, Henley Harlowe. After Max had to fire Henley, they haven't seen each other in 5 years and she now works for the competition. The last thing Max ever thought of was seeing her again, let along running into her in many places. Seems like fate is on their side when Max's new client seems to bring Henley in as well. These two enemies have to pretend to be nice and work together to live out a dream they've both had. It isn't easy but along the way they finally give in to their wants and it's beautiful!

Max and Henley have a hilarious banter and I loved them both. Max is sweet, charming and as much as he likes to hide it, caring. As Henley is goals. She is a boss, self-assured, independent and very professional.

With the pair of sexy and amazing lead characters there is no surprise that Lauren blakely once again has written a book that knocks it out of the ball park. They have such wonderful fiery passion for each other and are just plan perfect for one another in their own unique way, it's great. Making this book absolutely brilliant and a great addition to a "series" that I can't rate high enough.

Joy Ride by the talented Lauren Blakely kept my interest from the start and did not let go. Lauren has a tremendous ability to delve into the male's perspective and create one heck of an amazing story in the process. I could not get enough of the amazing characters and the world she devleoped. As much as I wanted to know how it would end, I was sad to see the conclusion of this amazing book. I didn't want to say goodbye to the world she had me living in, while experiencing this incredible story.

In this story, you meet Max Summers. He runs a successful custom auto body shop in New York City. He is the best builder in his field. He lives works and breathes his business and that is why he is the best there is out there. He is satisfied with his single life and has no intention of changing his habits in that department, that is until his former apprentice makes an appearance.

Henley is talented. There is no denying it. Her custom cars are incredible. When Max and Henley have to work together on a project, unresolved feelings from the past come into play. making for an amazing story to be told.

I cannot wait to read more books by Lauren Blakely. I love how she intricately weaves bits and pieces from her other stand alone stories into each book, making the world she creates that much more memorable.

PS - Sebastian York continues to show his incredible talents as he performs this book for narration. He has a way of capturing his audience, you will even want to listen to him read the end matter in books, just to continue to listen to his incredible voice.

4.5 stars!!

Joy Ride is another fantastic romantic comedy. This enemies-to-lovers story is well written, entertaining, and fast paced, and I could not put it down.

Max Summers owns Summers Custom Autos. He enjoys life to its fullest while indulging in the pleasures he loves, including women, cars, and alcohol. Everything in his life seems to work out well as long as he follows the rules he set. He's the self-proclaimed "King of Pleasure" and doesn't want to change, but he is in for an eye opener when Henley Rose Marlowe walks back into his life.

Henley used to work with Max, "used to" being the key phrase. Max is surprised to see her but he isn't surprised by her reaction to seeing him after years apart.

"Have I mentioned the last time I saw her she marched out of my shop in a blaze of angry glory?
Might be because I fired her... five years ago.
Yeah, there's some bad blood between us."

They are huge rivals and now on the cusp of landing his dream job Max learns that the deal also brings Henley on as a co-worker.

"That woman gets under my skin. Henley’s not just a thorn. She’s the thorniest thorn in the entire history of thorns. Two hours with her and I feel as if I’ve been cut all over. She’s like a kitten that paws at you and ten seconds later your wrist is bleeding."

Can Max and Henley put away their claws and get the job done or is the project doomed from the start?

I loved this book! It is a great take on one of my favorite tropes and adored the interactions between Max and Henley from the start. Max is swoony, sexy and oh, so sweet in his own alpha ways. It is absolutely hilarious how he tries unsuccessfully to fight the intense attraction he feels for her. The ramblings in his mind are somewhat goofy but I loved it all. His filthy mouth heats up the pages and makes the sexy time that much hotter.

Henley was fantastic. She is a fiesty heroine who is hardworking and awesome at what she does. She is sassy, bold, and can totally hold her own but also has a girlie side that I loved.

"Henley Rose and a hot car go together like peaches and cream, like fine Scotch and a long, dirty night. Which means working with her was like walking into the Garden of Eden every single day. It was a test of willpower because the woman could craft a car as if it were an erotic dance."

I could feel the attraction between Henley and Max and this story cranks up the heat. There is a lot of unresolved sexual tension surrounding them when they see each other for the first time in years and it only gets stronger the longer they fight the powerful attraction they feel. Their chemistry is sizzling and their connection is palpable. The banter is epic and the way they can go from full on fighting to flirty teasing and dirty joking is fantastic.

The progression from enemies to lovers felt natural and real. I loved that they grew individually as well as together. The romance was passionate and intense and I believed it from the beginning.

"I used to think aged Scotch, expensive pool tables, and one-night stands were the height of pleasure. Then, my greatest guilty pleasure ever...turned into the greatest bliss of my entire life."

I have said it before and I will say it again, this author writes amazing books from the hero's POV. She has a knack for getting into their heads and giving us a comedy while also showing us how wonderful they are deep down. I enjoyed Max's POV immensely but I was also glad that we got parts of Henley's POV through her To-Do Lists. So funny!

The secondary characters were wonderful and I loved that we got to see individuals from the previous books. Though they are all standalone novels, the heroes and heroines are connected in one way or another and they frequently reappear in each book which always makes me happy. Not only does it reiterate the friendships, love, and support they have for each other, but also gives us updates for the other characters we love. And now that I have met Max's sister, Mia, and his neighbor, Patrick, I can't wait for their book, Hard Wood!

Overall, Joy Ride is a fun, easy, and fast read that will instantly put a smile on your face and I highly recommend it!

Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict. A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars

'That woman gets under my skin. Henley’s not just a thorn. She’s the thorniest thorn in the entire history of thorns.'

It’s official, Lauren Blakely writes some of the best heroes you’re ever going to find! Her male POV rom-coms are seriously some of my favorite books and I get so excited when I have the opportunity to read a new one! Joy Ride features the sexy, successful customer car builder, Max Summers and the only woman who’s ever gotten under his skin and who just so happens to be his biggest rival, Henley Rose Marlowe. Max appeared in Well Hung, I believe, and also Full Package which featured his younger brother, Chase. I think Henley was mentioned in Full Package, but this was our first time meeting her and she was one cool chick! These two had ridiculous chemistry but an incident five years earlier created some bad blood between them and now that she’s back and working for Max’s biggest competitor, it adds, even more, fuel to the feud between them. But there comes a point when their attraction inevitably wins out. Even though sleeping with the “enemy” might not be the best idea, how bad would it be to actually fall for the enemy?

“I bet you could get the engine to purr,” she says, breaking the silence. Her voice is a little husky this time. A little dirty.
“I bet I could get the engine to purr so god{censored} loudly,” I counter.

I just love these book so much. They are so fun and the chemistry is always crazy-hot between the hero and heroine and they are always such awesome people, ones who you could totally see yourself being friends with. The stories are always so realistic and sexy and pretty low on angst but feature just enough realistic drama to keep things interesting. I loved the enemies-to-lovers thing that Max and Henley had going on here, their banter and verbal sparring early on was such fun and made it all that much more explosive when they finally act on their mutual attraction. I also loved the real life complication of the fact that they were business rivals and how they could make a relationship work in that context.

“Max,” she says softly, “sometimes it’s fun to give you a hard time.”
“You definitely give me a hard time,” I say, and the double meaning is not lost on me.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Lauren Blakely has absolutely mastered the male POV in these books. I loved being in Max’s head as he tried to make sense of what was happening between him and Henley. There are so many funny and adorable little moments and he was truly such a great guy, as are all of the guys in these books. And Henley was so cool, I absolutely loved her. She was driven and tough but at the same time vulnerable and indulged in her girly side. She and Max were really a great match. Plus, we also get to see all of our past favorites and that’s always a nice treat! I hope that Lauren Blakely keeps finding ways to expand this series because I will be eagerly awaiting them! I already can’t wait for the next one she’s got planned!

'This woman who once seemed to hate me is now letting me in. She’s letting me have her—heart, mind, and body. I want to take care of her, and treat her like the gift that she is.'

An enemies-to-lovers romance by Lauren Blakely? This author some pret-ty steamy books so can you just imagine the sexual tension?! Well, now you don't have to because you can meet Max and Henley for yourself in Joy Ride. The two custom car builders liven up the pages with their fierce rivalry. These two are just as likely to exchange heated words as they are to rip each other's clothes off. If I could, I'd read a Lauren Blakely rom-com every day of the week because they're just that good. Who else could take an enemies-to-lovers story, throw in some car-related innuendo, and come up with a pair of characters who will keep you on your toes and a storyline that’ll keep you glued to your Kindle? Sexy, funny, and just plain entertaining, Joy Ride is an unputdownable, guilt-free pleasure of a read.

When rival bigwigs in the custom car building business, Max Summers and Henley Marlowe, are forced to work together on a project, sparks fly, barbs are lobbed back and forth, and the lines between business and pleasure are blurred. There’s bad blood between them but there’s also an undeniable attraction that draws them together even when their past and self-preservation warns them away. It’s their rivalry that defines their relationship at the book’s start, bringing out both Max’s competitive side and Harley’s feisty confidence. They squabble and clash, with each attempting to outdo the other, one blush-inducing sexual innuendo at a time. Their banter is like verbal foreplay, hostile at times and flirtatious at others. Their dynamic is part teasing, and taunting schoolyard crush, part undisguised, uncontrollable lust. I honestly don’t know what I enjoyed more, the “enemies” or the “lovers” component of the story.

When it comes to cars, Max and Henley are determined, fiery, and passionate, although the same could be said when it comes to their romantic relationship. You know that sexual tension I predicted? It builds and builds between them, deliciously and agonizingly so, until they come together like a clap of thunder. Their chemistry is incendiary. Their sheer need for each other all-consuming. They have this stark awareness of each other that evokes this feverish, frenetic feel. It’s as if they can't get enough of each other, so much so that, even when they’re together, they’re already anticipating their next meeting. With a romance that’s the perfect blend of erotic and swoon-worthy, Joy Ride had me smiling widely, fanning my cheeks, and mooning over a (regrettably) fictional character.

What I love about Joy Ride is that, even though it’s all-male-POV, Lauren Blakely finds a way to give readers a glimpse into Henley's thoughts. This book is a romance, but it’s also an empowering story about a woman succeeding in a predominantly male workplace. Henley is just as capable, just as driven, and just as badass as Max, which makes them pretty perfect together. With a captivating storyline, biting humor, just enough angst to tug on your heartstrings, and plenty of romance to keep your engine purring (if you know what I mean...), Joy Ride is my idea of a must-read rom-com.

*complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review

Lauren Blakely has done it again! With witty banter, explosive chemistry, and lovable characters, Joy Ride has taken the top spot as my favorite from this series of standalones.

Part of what makes Joy Ride bump to the top is Henley. I love this heroine. I love that she is dominating in a male industry, that she chose to chase her dreams and make a name for herself, and that she isn't afraid to challenge Max or any other guy for that matter. She is absolutely a tiger, and her ferocity makes her one of my favorite Lauren Blakely heroines EVER! The fact that Max loves this side of her only makes me adore him even more. Max completely embraces her tigress personality. He is drawn to her fire, passion, and dedication to her career, and in no way does he ever feel threatened or challenged by her. His security in himself as well as his business makes him not only sexy as heck but also her biggest cheerleader, and puts him in the top hero contender category. It also helps that in true Lauren Blakely fashion, he is gorgeous and very skilled with his tools.

Readers are going to feel the chemistry radiating from these two. Their "hatred" is a clear cover for their physical attraction to each other, and the reader can feel the sparks between them. The moment they final act is explosive, and it is completely worth the wait. What is enjoyable about the progression of their relationship, though, is that it doesn't change as a result of the now physical connection. They still banter, they still fight, and they still challenge each other, only making their relationship that much better.

Lauren Blakely's plot development of Joy Ride is fast, entertaining, and, oh, so sexy. Readers are going to love everything about this couple, from their passion for cars to each other. They are going to become enraptured in the development of their relationship, and how they seem to slowly ease into their feelings. Readers are also going to enjoy the way in which the conflict is developed and handled by the characters. The issues they face are authentic, and the mature way in which they handle them is refreshing. Of course, Ms. Blakely leaves the reader with an epilogue to die for, and this reader couldn't have been happier with the joy ride I was taken on.

Lauren Blakely is such a skilled writer, but she shines in the romantic comedy genre. It is engaging, funny, romantic, and steamy, hitting the right balance to compose another phenomenal must read.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

To-Do List:

1. Figure out HOW Lauren Blakely continues to write her alpha males with the perfect mix of cockiness, manliness, and filthiness.

2. Determine HOW Blakely can so easily provide her readers with the male point of view – one that masterfully displays her hero’s personality and realistically gives insights into his honest perspective on all aspects of life.

3. Revel in the witty banter and electric chemistry between Max Summers, the King of Manhattan’s Custom Car Business, and Henley Rose Marlowe, the soon-to-be Queen of the custom car business.

4. Immerse myself into this amazingly written enemies-to-lovers story and understand that the only real reason Max and Henley dislike each other is because of the insane attraction they have to one another – a dangerous temptation that can take both of them off their game, becoming more of a distraction than anything else and putting them both in a position that pits rival businesses against one another as well as the disastrous mixing of business and pleasure.

5. Wait impatiently for Blakely’s next romantic comedy, anticipating the ride she plans to take readers on and the type of hero who’ll be telling his own story.

Lauren Blakely couldn’t have thought of a more fitting name than the one she did for Max and Henley’s story. The King of Pleasure has taken quite a few joy rides with the opposite sex, but the one he’s about to take with Henley is a journey he might not survive because his fiery, headstrong, brilliant-minded ex-apprentice is about to test his maneuvering skills, proving that he finally has some strong competition when it comes to customizing cars and also indicating that his indulgences of one-night stands might be heading to the chop shop because once he gives into his need to get Henley underneath more than just a car, he’s going to realize that there’s no going back to somewhat high-end cars when he’s had a perfectly built, top-of-the line car that blows him away with all of her finer assets.

I absolutely loved Joy Ride! Max is a perfectly flawed hero who learns the errors of his ways the more he interacts with Henley and understands exactly why he did what he did five years ago. Henley is a kicka** heroine who holds her own in a male dominated field and while someone of her beauty and curves would be the perfect model to pose with the custom cars, she prefers to work underneath them, saving the times she sits on them for the private times with Max;)

4.5 Poison Apples

Woot! Woot! This book was FANTASTIC! I completely fell in love with Max, and I adored Henley! Their story was fun, smart, and INCREDIBLY HOT! That scene with the Dodge Charger... HOLY HELL! I could feel the heat radiating off the pages! I greatly enjoyed Max and Henley's rivals to lovers story line, the witty dialogue, and the sweet moments between them. I especially loved Henley's To-Do List and Max's knowledge of 80's pop culture. I appreciate when an author gives their characters something unique to only them. I think it makes the character real. I was beyond giddy when there were cameo scenes with characters from the author's previous novels. I have truly missed them all! I have loved many of Lauren Blakely's couples, but I think Max and Henley are one of my most favorite! I can't wait to read what's next from this amazing author!

♥ Review by Lys

Another funny, adorable and sexy romance from Lauren Blakely!! She's such a great writer and delivers some unforgettable stories, but what I love most are her male POV novels. The way she manages to convey the male mind in a way that makes sense to me, as well as keeps me laughing. I just love it. Her men are funny, sexy, charismatic and so realistic. Joy Ride was no different than it's predecessors.

In Joy Ride, we are introduced to Max Summers. Max is the older brother to Chase Summers who happened to be the star of the previous release, Full Package. Max Summers is one one of the hottest custom car engineer in New York and famous for his work among the rich and famous. He's living the dream he's worked years for and enjoying it everyday.

Then in walks Henley Marlowe. His most gifted and talented apprentice and even more sexy and tempting as she was a few years ago. Now not only is she back in town and in his life, but she's also his biggest competition. Henley was every man's dream. What man wouldn't enjoy the view of a young, sexy woman under the hood of a car in a skirt and heels? She knew her stuff and was a total beast when it came to suping up a hot rod, but she also loved her pink and kept as girly as she could; which only made her that much more attractive.

Now they don't just have work in common, they also have the intense attraction and buring desires they're trying to ignore. And Max does a funny way of battling things on his end. That's a lot of where his comedy came into play. He was hilarious. The angst was top notch and totally kept my engine revved throughout the story. Max was charming and utterly sexy. Henley and Max shared some amazing chemistry and had incredibly steamy action, sometimes even a bit explosive with the constant state of friction between them.

Lauren Blakely is one of my auto-click authors. Everything I've read has always been filled with entertainment and left me with a love for the characters she's created. This was another greaty book and one I definitely recommend.

Lauren Blakely once again has nailed it as she has written a sassy, sizzling read that kept me glued to my Kindle for hours! Max and Henley were the perfect love/hate - enemies to lovers relationship which I adored. Sexy, refreshing, and just downright hilarious, laced with comedic banter and sexy innuendos, JOY RIDE quickly became one of my favourite RomComs.

Max and Henley have history! ... A history where Max fired her 5 years ago because she messed up on a job. As the King of custom car building in New York, Max has busted his butt to get to where he is and no one, not even someone as hot as Henley Marlowe, is going to put a stop to that!

Five years on... Max hasn't heard a word about where she went or what she's doing... Until ... she happens to sashay up to him at a car show, still hotter than the sun, still feisty, with a gleam of disdain in her eyes and a spirited remark on her tongue...
'“Look, Summers. Here’s the deal. You were the king of the car business when I worked under you.” Under you. Don’t plant those images in my head... “Still the king,” I point out. “And now there’s a queen in town. You’re going to have to deal with the fact that you have some serious competition. I make hotter sports cars than you do.'

This a sexy and hilarious escape that left me with the biggest grin on my face. I absolutely LOVED every minute of reading Joy Ride. LAUREN Blakely thrives on smart dialogue and Joy Ride has it in spades - this is sassy, sinful RomCom that made my week. A guaranteed winner from one of the best writers... You can't go wrong One clicking this fabulous read.
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What I’ve come to expect from Lauren Blakely books is that they will be fun, sweet, sexy, and hilarious…and she’s delivered once again with Joy Ride! This story grabbed me immediately as I met and began to fall in love with Max, and then became captivated by this story from his point of view. Max is swoony and super hot. He’s the kind of man who can get down and dirty under the hood of a car…and in the back seat…rawr!!! But, deep down, he’s a true sweetheart who wants to be a successful businessman, a great leader, a wonderful mentor, and a good man. Can’t get better than that.

Henley has a lot to prove as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated business – but her skills speak loud and clear. She comes back into Max’s life because they’ll be working on a car together and we soon learn that she has a bone to pick with him based on their share past. But, as they say, there’s a fine line between love and hate, and spending time working together on this special project begins to tear away at those feelings and expose what’s underneath…curiosity, attraction, and undeniable chemistry. These two will leave you hot and bothered, and with a giant smile on your face.

I enjoyed every aspect of this book…the wonderful banter, the smoking hot sexy times, the sweet romance, and the enemies to lovers story line. This is an epic romantic comedy that will capture your heart and leave you very happy. If you haven’t read a Lauren Blakely book, this might be a good one to start with but, then again, I haven’t found one I didn’t like yet so picking up any one of her stories is a pretty sure bet. Enjoy!

Yet another great addition to this growing stack of RomComs. It was full of laughs, a well played story and of course sexy.

Max is good at two things, cars and one night. He prides himself on being the best of the best and his world revolves around his business. He doesn't let anything get in the way of his goals which is why he is good for just a night. He is a fun character, he's a bit brooding and all muscle and brawn but he is determined and goal-oriented. And of course a bit dirty. While things in his world are moving along just fine he teamed up with the one person he thought he would never see again.

Henley is a car junkie but in a man's world. She is spunky and can definitely hold her own with all of the testosterone. We only get her POV through her to-do lists it's enough to grow attached to her and her motivation, drive and "girlfriend" skills.

I have come to thoroughly enjoy these books, they are refreshing and the male POVs are really quite fun. While they can certainly be read as stand-alones, I really enjoy getting to see past characters interact in each book. It makes you feel like part of this growing family and the check-ins on where they are now are nice additions. I loved the little bit of mystery that surrounded Henley. I also loved the man who thought he was set in ways discovering things like monkey bread and salsa dancing. There was also a nice lead in to the next book which I can't wait for. Lauren Blakely has made me a fan of her brand of light, romantic, sexy and well rounded stories.

Absolutely everything about this book is perfect.

Absolutely.

Everything.

Max. Yes, perfect.

Henley. You guessed it. Perfect.

The balance of the heat and the humor? You guessed right again, perfect.

Here's the thing. I love Lauren Blakely, and she is not capable of writing a bad book. All of my reviews start with how amazing she is, how much I loved the book, how I related to the characters, laughed out loud, loved their chemistry. Because, I do. Every. Single. Time.

I could talk about the story of Max and Henley in the review, the superb writing, the impeccable comedic timing and I would write a pretty great review, if I say so myself. And, it is easy to do, because I am reviewing a phenomenal book.

But, what really stands out to me in Joy Ride is the balance of the humor, the heart and the sexy times. It is so perfect. Romantic comedy is tough. If it is too funny, I feel like I am reading a one dimensional romance and I am not invested. If it is too romantic, I wonder where the comedy went, and if I missed it. The balance is tough and this book is spot on perfection. Heck, the sexy times scenes are, at times funny...and hot. And, right there is the balance. You get both from this book in a way that makes it perfect.

Max, well, May is now up there with Simon and Michael as favorite Blakely men. Yes, this book is that good.

I recommend this one, and all the others in the series.

Pride almost destroyed them 5 years ago when Henley was Max's car builder apprentice. As a result of one honest mistake, careers were put at risk, harsh words were exchanged, feelings were hurt and as far as relationships go, both walked away empty-handed during that miserable encounter.

Fast forward to the present and they meet again under totally different circumstances. Henley is now a powerhouse in the car building business in her own right. She is turning heads and taking names just like Max expected. What he wasn't expecting, however, was the effect she would have on him.

Sure the attraction was always there but it sure did multiple over the years and this isn't one-sided. What made things difficult for them was business. Working in the same field of work would put stress on any couple but Lauren Blakely proved the good ol' saying that... "A little healthy competition sure does never hurt anybody."

If anything, these two were even more driven and motivated to get things done. And while at first, they were at each other's throats at every turn their relationship evolved into the complete opposite - a relationship filled with explosive chemistry and indescribable passion.

If I was asked to describe this book in three simple words, I would go with 4 F's - fantastic, fun, flirty, and flawless. As a matter of fact, all her ROMCOM's can be described as so. At this point, Lauren Blakely can definitely be coined as the ROMCOM queen.