Part-Time Lover

Wow, what a fun and flirty, second chance romance! I loved this refreshing, and witty tale filled with serendipity. During their first meet cute, Christian was shocking the tourists as he did naked handstands on his dock. He was so impressed when a beautiful young woman, on a passing boat, applauded him and took pictures, that he asked her to meet later for drinks. Due to fate or chance, it takes a year for that drink to happen. They have instant chemistry, but neither Christian or Elise are looking for anything serious. They agree to meet, as friends, in the most 'undate' like places, where they have a blast getting to know each other. Christian is fun, charming, and thoughtful with a swoony hint of vulnerability. Elise is smart, independant, and gracious. She loves to give people unexpected gifts, so when Christian and his brother are in a bind, she is eager to help. I loved the different turns this story took, keeping me totally engaged from start to finish. Christian and Elise were great together. They're both successful, love to explore and have fun, and their chemistry was off the charts. I liked catching up with Griffin and Joy, and meeting Christians loving family as well. This is a fun, witty, sexy story that is so full of heart. This beautiful tale made me feel many wonderful emotions, but mostly, it made me happy!

Fate, does it exist? Lauren Blakely’s newest book will have you pondering that thought. Part Time Lover is told in a dual POV (which I love). Christian is a man happy on life, who just happens to like to flash tourists on the canal in Denmark by doing handstands. Elise and Christian “interact” due to his antics on the canal, ending with a date request. Does “fate” intervene and prevent the couple from meeting that night? Does “fate” bring them back together a year later? Do Christian and Elise find a second chance at real/forever love? To get those answers I suggest you dive into Part Time Lover!! As always, Blakely writes strong characters. Christian is very swoon worthy and heartwarming. While Elise is quite beautiful inside as well as outside. Elise does more growing because she has been emotionally hurt from her past. Both the hero and heroine are reluctant to let down their walls. It really is beautiful to watch Elise learn to trust herself and believe in love again or at least let it back into her heart. Christian works very hard to move part-time status to full time “husband” status with Elise. This is a wonderfully written love story. Want well written characters and HEA? Then, you won’t go wrong with Part Time Lover by Lauren Blakely. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

WHOA! True to Lauren’s style, she delivered another sweet, passionate, fun, sexy second chance romance. Elise and Christian’s story started out in the past when they first met (very peculiar way). A year later, they ran into each other again in the city of love Paris. It’s destiny, right?
Elise is a bit jaded with love. Nowadays, she enjoys life and having fun with no strings attached. I love her personality - carefree, fun, wicked. Christian is quite charming and swoon worthy – British hero – yes please! Christian also has been hurt in the past and is in no hurry for commitment relationship. For both of them, part-time casual lover arrangement is all they need. But one phone call from Christian brother changed everything. Christian has produce a bride soon … Their part-time arrangement turn permanent and eventually love got in the way. It was beautiful watching Elise and Christian evolves, trust each other, taking chances, and fall in love again. This book is quite simply gorgeous. Heartwarming, sweet, sexy, romantic, unique. I enjoyed all the hilarious banters, the picturesque settings, the slow-burn. The writing is superb. Devoured in one sitting. Highly recommended this beautiful summer romance.

Aaaahhhh!!! This book made me so happy. I’ve just finished reading it with the dopiest smile on my face. It’s a warm and wonderful story of chance meetings and fateful destinations.
Elise Durand is enjoying the sights of the Danish canals when she spies a naked man doing handstands and gets propositioned by him.
Christian Ellison is a young, enormously wealthy and newly retired businessman, but life after the office doesn’t sit well with him and he needs a distraction. He thinks he found one in the sexy brunette he flashed one day, but fate conspired to keep them apart until the time was right.
A year later, they bump into each other through mutual friends. Has fate spoken? Meeting Elise again couldn’t be just a coincidence, could it?
Only one way to find out and this time she wasn’t getting away so easily.
Elise is bright and successful too, and on the brink of taking her advertising company to the next level, but needs some outside advise.
Christian has a dilemma, one that could only be fixed by getting hitched.
One quickie wedding, two newly-weds, and a marriage of convenience later and we have the makings of this beautiful second chances romance.
Can these Part-Time Lovers become the real deal?

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

Second chance romances are quickly becoming a favorite literary trope of mine, and Part-Time Lover by Lauren Blakely is truly a great one!

Blakely is one of my favorite romance authors, so I wasn’t surprised that I enjoyed her writing in this book. She gives us the perfect blend of humor, sizzle, and passion in this dual POV story that traverses past to present with Elise and Christian.

Our two MCs aren’t total strangers to those who have read Blakely’s Wanderlust. Their development in Part-Time Lover is phenomenal, though! We have two characters who have been hurt in the past and throw up walls whenever anyone tries to get near. Elise is my favorite kind of female lead — smart and caring but loaded with sass. And then we have Christian; a straight shooter with buckets of sex appeal! Even though they’ve been burned before, they both seem to be trying to live life to the fullest now when their paths cross again overseas.

I thoroughly enjoyed Elise and Christian’s relationship. It was completely irresistible and full of fun banter, undeniable chemistry, and swoon-worthy moments! As they tear each other’s walls down, they give us an amazing intensity that makes this an unputdownable read.

Overall, I would recommend Part-Time Lover to fans of rom-coms and second chance romances. I give this book 4.5 stars. I cannot wait for Blakely’s next release!

Part-time Lover is a full-time masterpiece that captures your heart and is created for readers who enjoy romantic comedies that combine sexy and sweet in one delicious package. A Buffet Boat Tour in Copenhagen serves up more than architectural landmarks when Elise snaps a photo of a naked man doing a handstand on a nearby dock. Flashing canal tourists means Christian’s mates will be buying his drinks that night. But just a 30 second conversation with Elise across 50 feet of water is enough to spark his interest and ask for a date. Unfortunately they don’t actually meet for another year but the attraction is still there. These two divorcees are not interested in a commitment and bite off more than they can chew when they agree to a sham marriage to help save Christian’s family business. When their pretend partnership produces real feelings for each other they face a much bigger dilemma than just rescuing a company. In true delightful Lauren Blakely style, she seduces her readers with her descriptive detail, witty one-liners and captivating chemistry between her main characters. Part-time Lovers is pure entertainment at it’s best! *I received an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

This was such a fun and sexy marriage of convenience romance! Though the hero and heroine were introduced in the book Wanderlust, Part-Time Lover can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Christian and Elise are both driven and independent individuals. They each have some emotional baggage that has left them jaded about love. A chance encounter (or is it fate?) in Denmark throws them into each other's orbits, but a simple mistake keeps them from meeting until a year later in France. Christian and Elise have amazing chemistry from the start and I loved how understanding and supportive they were of each other. One of my favorite scenes was at the soccer field, when Elise came to watch Christian play. The sexual tension and build up was delicious and it intensified even the smallest touches and glances. Yes, their relationship starts out as instalust, but with time, the sexy banter and the push and pull gives way to true connection and emotion. Throw in a marriage of convenience trope to help the family of our hero, and you have a truly entertaining story! Fans of Lauren Blakely will not want to miss this newest standalone romance!

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*

Part-Time Lover was everything I expected it to be and more. Sweet, funny, and so damn swoon worthy. Lauren Blakely knows just how to pull at your heartstrings and put a smile on your face. Loved this book!

Christian and Elise’s story will have you believing in fate and second chances.

One of my favorite parts of the book was actually in the very beginning when Elise is on vacation with a friend and sees Christian doing yoga, naked yoga. That would make any girls day. Christian tells her to meet him later that night. A slight miscommunication has them miss each other.

A year goes by and fate brings these two back together. If everything could ever be that easy, Christian knows that Elise is his one and refuses to give up on her. Elise doesn’t give in so easy and definitely gives him a run for his money.

As usual Lauren Blakely gives us another amazing and swoon worthy read. You will be falling for Christian from the moment you meet him and your face will hurt from the smile that doesn’t leave your face while reading their story.

Loved this book and can’t wait to get my greedy hands on Lauren’s next book.

I usually love Lauren Blakely books. This one was just an okay read for me. I loved the first few chapters, and even when Elise and Christian met again a year later. But after that, it slowed way down for me. It was still a decent read, but this isn't one of my favorites from her. I liked both Christian and Elise. The inner monologue they both had over "I love them, but I have to pretend I don't" had me rolling my eyes a little since they did that so much.

I liked the plot and the storyline. The delivery just didn't do it for me this time. I am in the minority, so I would still tell people to get this and read it.

What a lovely story. I was so excited that Christian was getting his own story, because with his goal to be a kept man, I just needed to know more about him. Christian was a big, sweet, swoony surprise. He knows what he wants, makes no apologies for going after it. He truly believes in fate, and that makes him even more swoony. I love him at this point!

Elise is an amazing woman living in Paris running her business. She and Christian share a strong attraction to one another. Having had her heart broken, Elise understandably is protecting it. But, how do you resist someone like Christian: gorgeous, smart, accomplished, very comfortably well off.

I loved this story very early on, and it just got stronger as the story unfolded. I always love to see who Lauren will insert from previous books, and my wish was granted for this one. I won’t spoil it, but those who follow Lauren and her cities, you should be able to narrow down to a few people. I want to read this again, and I can’t wait for the audiobook, so I can hear Christian!

Another fantastic book to melt your heart. We met Christian and Elise in Wanderlust. They were friends of Griffin and Joy and when they were introduced Elise had a funny feeling she had seen Christian before and not only seen him but seen him fully. Their story started a year before actually meeting face to face and what a story it is. This book will definitely make you laugh and be happy all over but also make you root for the happy ending they both deserve. Elise is jaded and that's putting it mildly so she's not looking for love ever. Christian is happy to be along for the ride until things change and suddenly he wants more. Can Elise learn to trust with her heart? Can Christian commit to someone again and give up his carefree playboy ways? There are lots of other twists in this book that will keep you on your toes. It is a page turner from the first to the last, you will not want to put it down. I was fortunate to receive an early copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. I really enjoyed it and recommend it.

4.5*

Another wonderfully romantic and swoon-worthy read from Ms. Blakely!
Christian and Elise are originally introduced in Wanderlust, but no worries if you haven't read that yet, their story stands all on its own. And it's such a great one!

From their very first encounter (what a doozy that was!) I found myself falling for both Christian and Elise. Sweet and sexy, and a bit of everything in between, these 2 characters made my little heart skip a beat. Secure in what they think they want, or don't want, out of life, they're both a little wary of fully opening themselves up to another. But it's hard to hold yourself back when you have such a natural connection with someone, like these two had with each other. I loved the easy way they fell into things and the way nothing was ever forced between them. They might not have planned for what was happening between them, but they couldn't deny it either.

I'm not sure I believe in fate, but when it comes to Elise and Christian, I just might!

The perfect combination of smart, sexy and sooo charming! I loved everything about Part-Time Lover!

Christian and Elise's story is so unique. A play on fate, second chances and believing in something more. Like maybe these 2 people were supposed to meet and have a delightful happy ever after. Of course, that's not what they believe, but hey, I believe enough for all of us! This story is soooo endearing, and sexy for days lol. Christian is living the retired life, picking his projects at his leisure. Elise is a beautiful free spirit. Together, they have to most DELICIOUS meet cute!! And this love story grows, twists, turns and completely steals my heart.

GAH! I just wish there was more...always more of Lauren's stories. Each couple cuddles up in my heart and won't let go. Lauren Blakely will forever be a pre-order author for me. It doesn't matter what she's writing, it's what I'm reading. Another must read, from the reigning queen of romantic comedies, with all the FEEEELS!!!

A Review of Part Time Lover by Lauren Blakely

Elise and Christian - 5+++++ Stars

If you've read Wonderlust, then you should remember these two side characters from there. We get to delve into their lives a couple of years prior to when we met them, which was very interesting and moving in a lot of ways. We get to learn more about Elise and how she and Joy became such good friends. Elise has walls up for many different reasons and finding out what all of her buttons are was fascinating and enlightening. There are so many twists and turns that you will be glued to the edge of your seat, just waiting for the next one to hit. I don't want to spoil this for other readers, but you definitely will want to get this one as soon as you can. It is definitely part of my top ten books for this year and one that I would read again and again.

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

Christian and Elise gave Griffin Thomas and Joy Lively from Wanderlust a run for their money in terms of being as endearing as they were entertaining. I'm going to have to call it a tie between the two couples because I refuse to play favorites (this time around). This isn't your usual "fake marriage" kind of love story. Christian and Elise were already involved with one another, even though it was a commitment-free type of relationship. These two were destined to be together and even though there was a whole lot of denial on Elise's end, the heart--and true love--wins out, as it always does when it comes to Lauren Blakely's love stories. From Elise catching sight of a naked Christian along the canal in the Netherlands to the sigh-worthy ending that made me believe that neither time nor distance can stand in the way of a forever kind of love, Part-Time Lover proved to be one five-plus-starred winner. ♥

Having met Christian & Elise in Wanderlust, I fell in love with them, and was delighted when I knew they were getting their own story. This is a complete standalone, and although if you haven't read Wanderlust, do.. it is just beautiful and romantic and sexy too!

The boat tour in Copenhagen is the first 'meeting', and I love a boat tour, a cheeky captain and a gorgeous view. Who doesn't?

Luckily, missed opportunities are no match for fate and chance and this duo were destined to meet again, this time in Paris courtesy of Griffin & Joy. And Joy delivers. Humour, banter, flirting and charm by the bucket load. They have had their pasts, so there are moments, but having just listened to this on audible, I can certainly say, that the tears I cried were of laughter and not sadness.

Christian is at the top of my Blakely boy list!

Nothing part time about this book. I read it full speed and loved everything about it, especially the unconventional and unbelievably forward way Christian and Elise met, the fantastic European setting, and how fate brought them back together. It was charming, romantic, and beautiful because it’s about loving again and being honest and living a full life. I can’t help but want what they have and found together, even the heartbreak and disappointments they’ve been through that made both of them stronger and better. The epilogue was really cute and sweet, and made me both sad and happy that Christian and Elise’s story had come to an end. I highly recommend this Lauren Blakely book and I’m excited to read all her coming stories too (there are sneak peeks at the end of Part-Time Lover).
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.

Christian and Elise were meant to be together. While Elise is visiting Denmark one day while cruising she sees this naked guy doing exercises by the water. He is buff, athletic and looks so sexy. He asks to meet her at a bar the same night. When he doesn't show up, she is disappointed little did she know that there are two bar with the same name and he showed up at the other one. A year later she bumps into him again and they clicked. Their funny banter makes this an entertaining read that you will not want to put down. Both survived heartbreak, but will Elise be ready to open up to Christian? Their chemistry is intense and when Christian needs to help out his family, she will step up to the plate, but is it for keeps? Great story and Lauren Blakely you made me revisit Paris again and it is still amazing! I voluntarily reviewed an arc.

5 Crazy Ass Must Read Stars!!!!!

Funny, sweet, steamy, and more!
OMG! I laughed so much right from the start. Naked handstand. Bwahahaha!!!! The laughs just continued from there with the banter between all characters, even the mother.
There were sweet moments that had me oohing and awing and swooning up a storm. The so-called "non-date places" got me all dreamy eyed.
You can just feel the chemistry between Christian and Elise pouring out of the pages. What got me was their instant report with each other even in their brief first meeting. It just got more and more palpable from there.
This book has it all. Laughter, swoons, steaminess, and even a few shed tears. Lauren Blakely killed it with this book. This is my all time favorite of hers. I can't wait to see how she will top this one.

Who else but Lauren Blakely could dream up a storyline where the hero and heroine meet when he’s flashing his stunning family jewels for her and a boatload of tourists on a canal in Copenhagen? I absolutely adore everything Lauren writes because she has such a vivid imagination and because she’s so prolific I don’t have to wait long to find out what else is brewing in her orgasmic imagination. Christian is a very confidant man with tons of charisma and even though Elise wants nothing to do with love, fate is determined to play its part by bringing them together. Expect lots of flirtatious banter and sexy shenanigans with a European flair that guarantees a 5 star romance filled adventure. I read an early copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

If you love second-chance romances, then Part-Time Lover by Lauren Blakely is the book for you to read! It first starts in the past, and quickly jumps to the present for the duration of the story. I absolutely loved Christian and Elise’s story and chemistry. I love Lauren Blakely’s stories and she just created a new couple that I have fallen in love with.

Like always, this book was full of chemistry, passion and just the right amount of funny banter between the characters. These two together are so entertaining. It’s a story written in dual point-of-view that will have you hooked and laughing from the very first page. The story is flirty and fun and I just could not get enough of it! Part-Time Lover is a story about fate and how love conquers all.

This was such a fun listen that gave me everything I ever wanted in a story. The descriptors of the different cities give the reader the exact detail needed to imagine and experience the book’s settings as if he or she is there. Blakely writes her story’s locations with wonderful precision and depth without sounding robotic.
You’ll easily swoon, laugh, and feel for these characters. They’re bold and vulnerable all at once, and you can see this revealed in the smart dialogue. The wit and humor is on point and stays true to who these characters are.

The casting for the voices were excellent choices. Though I wish Shane East would’ve done an American accent for Elise’s voice; throwing in a slight French accent mixed into it. Perhaps I’m just being picky, but that’s how her character’s accent was described and I just wish that would’ve been executed. East does bring in a great balance of steam and comedy though, which I thoroughly appreciated. One scene involves Christian’s brother in a rather intoxicated state and that part was an absolute hoot to hear. Grace Grant was adorable and incredible as usual. Both narrators did an fantastic job bringing this story and these characters to life.

Although they’ve endure different forms of heartache in their previous love lives, Christian and Elise are on similar playing fields when it comes to love which makes their relationship together work so well. They have a light-hearted, slow-burn romance that develops nicely and realistically despite the ‘out-there’ way they unite. Don’t miss out on this highly entertaining and sizzling romance audiobook!

Lauren Blakely is an automatic read for me. I often have no idea what the synopsis says, I just know that if I am in the mood to swoon and laugh then I want to read it. This book was no different so going in I literally had no idea what the book was going to be about. Then I start reading and here we are on a canal with a naked man doing a handstand and I eekked out loud I was so excited.

While this book can absolutely be read as a stand-alone I was very excited to see it was about Elise and Christian, two character that I met in Wanderlust. The vivacious meets no inhibitions. Elise has a story of a broken heart but she is such a fun and takes life as it comes character that her past failures at love only left me rooting her all the more. Christian, made me laugh the last time I read about him and he made me laugh again this time. Sexual innuendo oozes out of his pores, even if it's not always on purpose. He is not looking to be any more than the bachelor that he is but he finds something freeing and captivating about Elise.

This book took an unexpected turn and I found myself sucked right into their business dealings. As a part-time romance, these two had chemistry and went on the most interesting of dates. Again I found my smitten with both of our characters and in awe at how unique every story is. Each character brings something else to the table to make them genuine and interesting. I found myself wanting a multi-language, semi-retired, Christian all for myself and needing a charm loving, hard working, fun Elise as a friend. Once again I was not disappointed and I loved this light and romantic tale.

4.5 stars

I've been looking forward to hearing Elise and Christian's story after reading of their encounter in Wanderlust. This works as standalone but it's a good start.

So it's a meeting missed but what are the chances to meet again. Ah it felt like kismet really and their first encounter was deliciously wild. I adored them and rooted for them. What Elise and Christian don't realize they have similarities in their past love lives. I was curious how that would play out would they get their second chance to be together.

Elise is gun shy and reluctant in the relationship department and where romance is concerned. Ironically living in Paris and being sensual in her perfumes and other things. So it goes with their sizzling chemistry Elise wants to take things slow and casual and their Friday rendezvous With set boundaries and rules in their little deal in place. But oh that unexpected turn of things that pushes things forward.

I liked the chemistry and tension build up even with the reluctantct from them both to pursue a more serious relationship. They're both honest about the arrangement is mutually beneficial to help each other. I'm not too keen they have an end date already but I get why Elise is adamant about it. They can't really help it with the strong connection and chemistry, it felt natural progression.

Another wonderful romcom from Lauren Blakely, great sequel to Wanderlust, full of fun, heat and sweet moments.

Part-Time Lover was absolutely delicious. Christian and Elise have a story that is so romantic, so steamy, so witty, so fun, and so swoon worthy. I couldn’t read it fast enough. Their story is totally unconventional- from how they meet to the arrangement they make- but it works so well for them. They made me laugh and smile and sigh. Their chemistry is undeniable and Christian is so damn romantic and sexy. God that man. I love him.

Part-Time Lover is fantastic. And Lauren? Well, she can do no wrong. I will read anything she writes. Anything. And she proves it once again. Want to smile and feel good and be totally captivated by a story? One click Part-Time Lover NOW!!

An arc was provided for an honest review.

To be honest – I just couldn’t connect with Elise at the beginning. Something about her really bugged me at the start and I’m not sure what it was exactly. All I know it’s that I thought Christian could do so much better. But then reading and seeing her through Christian eyes I wormed up to her and by the end of the book I loved her (almost) as much as Christian. I like how he slowly tore down her walls and made her start believing in something more.

“I suppose it was fate that brought Christian into my life one fine summer day on a boat tour, but it’s not going to be fate that keeps him in it. It's going to be me, loving this man and giving him my heart all the days of my life.”

I don’t have words to describe how much I loved Christian. I loved how they “missed” each other a couple of time in the passing at the beginning of the story. I loved how much he wanted to pull all the stops in order to make her his. I loved his easy-going character and how much he loved her even when he knew that she has shelled her heart.

“Elise sneaked up on me. I thought we were only fun and games when we started but then unexpectedly she took my heart. She can keep it. She's the only one who gets to have it.”

Even though I had troubles reading at the begging - I loved this story. If you need something light, cute and sexy than you found the right book for you.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

By now you guys know I love love love audiobooks, and I’m always excited to listen to one of Lauren Blakely’s books. Not only because she’s the author who made me love audiobooks, but because I usually love ALL of her books. This one was no exception.

I’m really happy to see more of Christian and Elise, who are first introduced in Wanderlust, and to finally know the story behind both characters. And like the previous book, this one draws you in with the descriptions of the stores, the streets, and the smells, of Paris, Copenaghen and New York. I really like this, and it works even better in audio form.

I adored both main characters, especially Christian… I liked that he understood his feelings and pursued what he wanted. Elise was a perfect counterpart for Christian, she had such hard limits and high walls, but she wanted to be open and herself, but just too scared to be able to do it. They support each other, and they both grow up a lot, mainly Elise.

Fake relationships turned real is one troupe I like, and it was super well done here. The whole plot was very entertaining and enjoyable. I was only expecting a bit more from the whole thing with Erik’s wife… and I’m wondering if that was the last we’ll see of him?!

SO, GUYS, GET ON BOARD WITH THIS ONE. ANOTHER FANTASTIC READ FROM LAUREN BLAKELY.

Lauren Blakely always makes me swoon and fall hopelessly in love with her characters!
I have been excited for this story since I read Wanderlust and I can say I am very very happy!
The story starts out with a bang..Christian showing off all his assets!
Elise and Christian's first, second or third meeting were totally up to chance or fate ;) but from then on they start this mouse and cat game with Christian relentlessly pursuing Elise.
I adored these two! They were so comfortable with each other, so at ease and natural. Their chemistry was off the chart but it was their banter that did it for me.
A great read, so much fun, sexy, sweet, hopeful.
Can't wait for more!

Aww, this was a sweet and fun marriage of convenience story. A great beach read - low angst, steamy fun. I loved Christian's fun, cocky demeanor!

Christian and Elise have both been married before, she's more jaded about love than he is. He needs to be married to save the family business. She could use an analyst for her upcoming business deal.

They can help each other out...but it's just for 3 months - an expiration date on their fake marriage.

But what happens when neither wants it to end?

"I thought we were only fun and games when we started, but then, unexpectedly, she took my heart. She can keep it. She's the only one who gets to have it."

He captured her interest as the highlight of her boat tour. Who would not admire a beautifully handsome man doing handstands and yoga completely naked by the canal? When she shouted to him "Bravo!", she caught his interest enough for him to ask her on a date. Was it Fate then, when they met again a year later? The chemistry was off the charts!

Two characters not looking for love or commitment make an arrangement that will have you laughing, swooning and wishing you could be in her place. Christian is adorable! If you are looking for a dreamy book boyfriend, look no more!

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

It began with a fantasy that ultimately changes the course of their destiny. Hot guy, intrigued girl and a hauntingly tempting visual began a bumpy road of twists and turns for two strangers. Part- Time Lover can make a believer out of even the most skeptic of romantics. Elise and Christian let readers take a glimpse inside their deepest thoughts with humorous angst and bits of emotional upheaval. Definitely an attention grabber. From the beautiful backdrop to the witty dialogue and the heartwarming romance, Part-time Lover is a keeper. Lauren Blakely is one addiction that I wholeheartedly cultivate.

Part Time Lovers
Coincidence, Fate?
Maybe everything in your life happens to lead you to where you are supposed to be.

From their first encounter to their last Christian and Elise they had chemistry and fate on their side. I just loved these two characters. Their personalities were a perfect match. Christian is swoon-worthy and confident. Elise is successful and fun loving. They both knew what they wanted from a relationship...or did they? This was supposed to be casual and temporary until their hearts take notice.

As usual, Lauren Blakely delivers. Christian and Elise are explosive and fun from the very beginning.

Part-Time Lover is everything you've come to expect from an LB novel. Fun, check. Flirty, check. Full of spot-on banter, check. Sexy as sin, double check.

Between a fierce leading lady with a heart of gold and a hero who will melt your core, the characters are amazing together!

And the meet-cute is so original! But I won't spoil it for you. you'll have to pick this one up for yourself.

A Review of Part Time Lover by Lauren Blakely

Elise and Christian - 5+++++ Stars

If you've read Wonderlust, then you should remember these two side characters from there. We get to delve into their lives a couple of years prior to when we met them, which was very interesting and moving in a lot of ways. We get to learn more about Elise and how she and Joy became such good friends. Elise has walls up for many different reasons and finding out what all of her buttons are was fascinating and enlightening. There are so many twists and turns that you will be glued to the edge of your seat, just waiting for the next one to hit. I don't want to spoil this for other readers, but you definitely will want to get this one as soon as you can. It is definitely part of my top ten books for this year and one that I would read again and again.

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

This book...This book... Can I marry this book? Like seriously, Lauren Blakely keeps writing stories I can’t resist. Her stories are like the finest drug, they will make you an addict in no time. I’m one of the victims. And I’m happy get involved with everything she writes.

Part-Time Lover is absolultely my favorite novel of hers. I adored Wanderlust and the other books before, but Part-Time Lover is my very own Unicorn – Blakely – Novel. I’ve fallen in love with this book step by step. I lived every moment of it. This book has a heart, and what a great heart it is!

I was more than ready to read Elise and Christian’s story. I knew it’s going to be epic, and I was so right! This book is everything you love in Lauren Blakely – it’s amusing, seductive and addictive. It’s simply perfect.

I know I’m a greedy little thing, but I just can’t wait to have my next Blakely-fix in August!

Christian and Elise gave Griffin Thomas and Joy Lively from Wanderlust a run for their money in terms of being as endearing as they were entertaining. I'm going to have to call it a tie between the two couples because I refuse to play favorites (this time around). This isn't your usual "fake marriage" kind of love story. Christian and Elise were already involved with one another, even though it was a commitment-free type of relationship. These two were destined to be together and even though there was a whole lot of denial on Elise's end, the heart--and true love--wins out, as it always does when it comes to Lauren Blakely's love stories. From Elise catching sight of a naked Christian along the canal in the Netherlands to the sigh-worthy ending that made me believe that neither time nor distance can stand in the way of a forever kind of love, Part-Time Lover proved to be one five-plus-starred winner. ♥

Having met Christian & Elise in Wanderlust, I fell in love with them, and was delighted when I knew they were getting their own story. This is a complete standalone, and although if you haven't read Wanderlust, do.. it is just beautiful and romantic and sexy too!

The boat tour in Copenhagen is the first 'meeting', and I love a boat tour, a cheeky captain and a gorgeous view. Who doesn't?

Luckily, missed opportunities are no match for fate and chance and this duo were destined to meet again, this time in Paris courtesy of Griffin & Joy. And Joy delivers. Humour, banter, flirting and charm by the bucket load. They have had their pasts, so there are moments, but having just listened to this on audible, I can certainly say, that the tears I cried were of laughter and not sadness.

Christian is at the top of my Blakely boy list!

Nothing part time about this book. I read it full speed and loved everything about it, especially the unconventional and unbelievably forward way Christian and Elise met, the fantastic European setting, and how fate brought them back together. It was charming, romantic, and beautiful because it’s about loving again and being honest and living a full life. I can’t help but want what they have and found together, even the heartbreak and disappointments they’ve been through that made both of them stronger and better. The epilogue was really cute and sweet, and made me both sad and happy that Christian and Elise’s story had come to an end. I highly recommend this Lauren Blakely book and I’m excited to read all her coming stories too (there are sneak peeks at the end of Part-Time Lover).
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.

Christian and Elise were meant to be together. While Elise is visiting Denmark one day while cruising she sees this naked guy doing exercises by the water. He is buff, athletic and looks so sexy. He asks to meet her at a bar the same night. When he doesn't show up, she is disappointed little did she know that there are two bar with the same name and he showed up at the other one. A year later she bumps into him again and they clicked. Their funny banter makes this an entertaining read that you will not want to put down. Both survived heartbreak, but will Elise be ready to open up to Christian? Their chemistry is intense and when Christian needs to help out his family, she will step up to the plate, but is it for keeps? Great story and Lauren Blakely you made me revisit Paris again and it is still amazing! I voluntarily reviewed an arc.

5 Crazy Ass Must Read Stars!!!!!

Funny, sweet, steamy, and more!
OMG! I laughed so much right from the start. Naked handstand. Bwahahaha!!!! The laughs just continued from there with the banter between all characters, even the mother.
There were sweet moments that had me oohing and awing and swooning up a storm. The so-called "non-date places" got me all dreamy eyed.
You can just feel the chemistry between Christian and Elise pouring out of the pages. What got me was their instant report with each other even in their brief first meeting. It just got more and more palpable from there.
This book has it all. Laughter, swoons, steaminess, and even a few shed tears. Lauren Blakely killed it with this book. This is my all time favorite of hers. I can't wait to see how she will top this one.

Who else but Lauren Blakely could dream up a storyline where the hero and heroine meet when he’s flashing his stunning family jewels for her and a boatload of tourists on a canal in Copenhagen? I absolutely adore everything Lauren writes because she has such a vivid imagination and because she’s so prolific I don’t have to wait long to find out what else is brewing in her orgasmic imagination. Christian is a very confidant man with tons of charisma and even though Elise wants nothing to do with love, fate is determined to play its part by bringing them together. Expect lots of flirtatious banter and sexy shenanigans with a European flair that guarantees a 5 star romance filled adventure. I read an early copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

If you love second-chance romances, then Part-Time Lover by Lauren Blakely is the book for you to read! It first starts in the past, and quickly jumps to the present for the duration of the story. I absolutely loved Christian and Elise’s story and chemistry. I love Lauren Blakely’s stories and she just created a new couple that I have fallen in love with.

Like always, this book was full of chemistry, passion and just the right amount of funny banter between the characters. These two together are so entertaining. It’s a story written in dual point-of-view that will have you hooked and laughing from the very first page. The story is flirty and fun and I just could not get enough of it! Part-Time Lover is a story about fate and how love conquers all.

This was such a fun listen that gave me everything I ever wanted in a story. The descriptors of the different cities give the reader the exact detail needed to imagine and experience the book’s settings as if he or she is there. Blakely writes her story’s locations with wonderful precision and depth without sounding robotic.
You’ll easily swoon, laugh, and feel for these characters. They’re bold and vulnerable all at once, and you can see this revealed in the smart dialogue. The wit and humor is on point and stays true to who these characters are.

The casting for the voices were excellent choices. Though I wish Shane East would’ve done an American accent for Elise’s voice; throwing in a slight French accent mixed into it. Perhaps I’m just being picky, but that’s how her character’s accent was described and I just wish that would’ve been executed. East does bring in a great balance of steam and comedy though, which I thoroughly appreciated. One scene involves Christian’s brother in a rather intoxicated state and that part was an absolute hoot to hear. Grace Grant was adorable and incredible as usual. Both narrators did an fantastic job bringing this story and these characters to life.

Although they’ve endure different forms of heartache in their previous love lives, Christian and Elise are on similar playing fields when it comes to love which makes their relationship together work so well. They have a light-hearted, slow-burn romance that develops nicely and realistically despite the ‘out-there’ way they unite. Don’t miss out on this highly entertaining and sizzling romance audiobook!

Lauren Blakely is an automatic read for me. I often have no idea what the synopsis says, I just know that if I am in the mood to swoon and laugh then I want to read it. This book was no different so going in I literally had no idea what the book was going to be about. Then I start reading and here we are on a canal with a naked man doing a handstand and I eekked out loud I was so excited.

While this book can absolutely be read as a stand-alone I was very excited to see it was about Elise and Christian, two character that I met in Wanderlust. The vivacious meets no inhibitions. Elise has a story of a broken heart but she is such a fun and takes life as it comes character that her past failures at love only left me rooting her all the more. Christian, made me laugh the last time I read about him and he made me laugh again this time. Sexual innuendo oozes out of his pores, even if it's not always on purpose. He is not looking to be any more than the bachelor that he is but he finds something freeing and captivating about Elise.

This book took an unexpected turn and I found myself sucked right into their business dealings. As a part-time romance, these two had chemistry and went on the most interesting of dates. Again I found my smitten with both of our characters and in awe at how unique every story is. Each character brings something else to the table to make them genuine and interesting. I found myself wanting a multi-language, semi-retired, Christian all for myself and needing a charm loving, hard working, fun Elise as a friend. Once again I was not disappointed and I loved this light and romantic tale.

4.5 stars

I've been looking forward to hearing Elise and Christian's story after reading of their encounter in Wanderlust. This works as standalone but it's a good start.

So it's a meeting missed but what are the chances to meet again. Ah it felt like kismet really and their first encounter was deliciously wild. I adored them and rooted for them. What Elise and Christian don't realize they have similarities in their past love lives. I was curious how that would play out would they get their second chance to be together.

Elise is gun shy and reluctant in the relationship department and where romance is concerned. Ironically living in Paris and being sensual in her perfumes and other things. So it goes with their sizzling chemistry Elise wants to take things slow and casual and their Friday rendezvous With set boundaries and rules in their little deal in place. But oh that unexpected turn of things that pushes things forward.

I liked the chemistry and tension build up even with the reluctantct from them both to pursue a more serious relationship. They're both honest about the arrangement is mutually beneficial to help each other. I'm not too keen they have an end date already but I get why Elise is adamant about it. They can't really help it with the strong connection and chemistry, it felt natural progression.

Another wonderful romcom from Lauren Blakely, great sequel to Wanderlust, full of fun, heat and sweet moments.

Part-Time Lover was absolutely delicious. Christian and Elise have a story that is so romantic, so steamy, so witty, so fun, and so swoon worthy. I couldn’t read it fast enough. Their story is totally unconventional- from how they meet to the arrangement they make- but it works so well for them. They made me laugh and smile and sigh. Their chemistry is undeniable and Christian is so damn romantic and sexy. God that man. I love him.

Part-Time Lover is fantastic. And Lauren? Well, she can do no wrong. I will read anything she writes. Anything. And she proves it once again. Want to smile and feel good and be totally captivated by a story? One click Part-Time Lover NOW!!

An arc was provided for an honest review.

To be honest – I just couldn’t connect with Elise at the beginning. Something about her really bugged me at the start and I’m not sure what it was exactly. All I know it’s that I thought Christian could do so much better. But then reading and seeing her through Christian eyes I wormed up to her and by the end of the book I loved her (almost) as much as Christian. I like how he slowly tore down her walls and made her start believing in something more.

“I suppose it was fate that brought Christian into my life one fine summer day on a boat tour, but it’s not going to be fate that keeps him in it. It's going to be me, loving this man and giving him my heart all the days of my life.”

I don’t have words to describe how much I loved Christian. I loved how they “missed” each other a couple of time in the passing at the beginning of the story. I loved how much he wanted to pull all the stops in order to make her his. I loved his easy-going character and how much he loved her even when he knew that she has shelled her heart.

“Elise sneaked up on me. I thought we were only fun and games when we started but then unexpectedly she took my heart. She can keep it. She's the only one who gets to have it.”

Even though I had troubles reading at the begging - I loved this story. If you need something light, cute and sexy than you found the right book for you.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

Part-Time Lover is a sexy and swoony romantic story. It’s starts out with a missed connection but fate has other ideas.

After some bad experiences, Elise is not looking for love or a long term commitment but she can’t deny the chemistry with Christian. What starts out as sort of a friends with benefits type of arrangement turns into a temporary marriage of convenience.

These characters were introduced in a previous book, but the story can definitely be read as a standalone. This was actually my very first Lauren Blakely book (but will not be my last!)!

The audiobook narration is just amazing, swoony accents and all! A great ‘credit-worthy’ listen!
-4.5 Stars!!-

By now you guys know I love love love audiobooks, and I’m always excited to listen to one of Lauren Blakely’s books. Not only because she’s the author who made me love audiobooks, but because I usually love ALL of her books. This one was no exception.

I’m really happy to see more of Christian and Elise, who are first introduced in Wanderlust, and to finally know the story behind both characters. And like the previous book, this one draws you in with the descriptions of the stores, the streets, and the smells, of Paris, Copenaghen and New York. I really like this, and it works even better in audio form.

I adored both main characters, especially Christian… I liked that he understood his feelings and pursued what he wanted. Elise was a perfect counterpart for Christian, she had such hard limits and high walls, but she wanted to be open and herself, but just too scared to be able to do it. They support each other, and they both grow up a lot, mainly Elise.

Fake relationships turned real is one troupe I like, and it was super well done here. The whole plot was very entertaining and enjoyable. I was only expecting a bit more from the whole thing with Erik’s wife… and I’m wondering if that was the last we’ll see of him?!

SO, GUYS, GET ON BOARD WITH THIS ONE. ANOTHER FANTASTIC READ FROM LAUREN BLAKELY.

Lauren Blakely always makes me swoon and fall hopelessly in love with her characters!
I have been excited for this story since I read Wanderlust and I can say I am very very happy!
The story starts out with a bang..Christian showing off all his assets!
Elise and Christian's first, second or third meeting were totally up to chance or fate ;) but from then on they start this mouse and cat game with Christian relentlessly pursuing Elise.
I adored these two! They were so comfortable with each other, so at ease and natural. Their chemistry was off the chart but it was their banter that did it for me.
A great read, so much fun, sexy, sweet, hopeful.
Can't wait for more!

Aww, this was a sweet and fun marriage of convenience story. A great beach read - low angst, steamy fun. I loved Christian's fun, cocky demeanor!

Christian and Elise have both been married before, she's more jaded about love than he is. He needs to be married to save the family business. She could use an analyst for her upcoming business deal.

They can help each other out...but it's just for 3 months - an expiration date on their fake marriage.

But what happens when neither wants it to end?

"I thought we were only fun and games when we started, but then, unexpectedly, she took my heart. She can keep it. She's the only one who gets to have it."

Part Time Lover is a funny, sexy entertaining book. It starts when Elise and her friend Veronica are on a boat trip in Copenhagen, when Elise spots a naked fit man doing handstands on his deck.
Unable to take her eyes of him she takes pictures. Then he notices and asks her to meet him at a place called Jane. Not realising there is two places called Jane a nightclub and restaurant in separate locations. They fail to meet up because neither realise the mix up until it’s too late.
The following year Elise enjoys looking at the pics, not expecting to ever see him. Christian is with his friend Griffin (Wanderlust) in Paris having a drink, and in walks Joy with her friend Elise.
It all starts there, and at first Elise will only meet on Fridays. The romance gets underway, I’m not giving anything else away. I was glued to my kindle and enjoyed the ride. This is a romantic and fun read, and Christian was such a sweetie. This story takes place in Paris, Copenhagen and New York. When I got to the end I loved the Epilogues and the excerpts from of Lauren upcoming novels
And I can’t wait.

This is a sweet and lovely romantic story along the same lines as Wanderlust. If you read that book, you will then know that Christian and his little mermaid, Elise were good friends of the main characters, and now get to tell their own tale.

They first meet in the oddest of ways and it is not until fate brings them back together again a year later. Circumstances beyond their control has them being bind together for 3 months with each trying not to weaken and break down the emotional walls they had build from heartbreak with previous relationships. Christian is a Danish/Englishman with a delectable accent that likes to surprise the tourist around Denmark. Elise, an American/French woman was delighted and a little shocked when she sets her eyes on Christian. Both of them have qualities that I loved in a character. They have strong family values, they are very loyal and of course, they have a great sense of humor.

I am a big fan of this authors work, I adore her rom-coms immensely and I am enjoying these contemporary romance novels too. I recommend you give them a go.

Part-Time Lover was a lovely read. The premise of a marriage of convenience especially between two people with intense attraction to each other was fascinating to read. Christian and Elise were wonderful characters. They were definitely strong apart but when they were together they were fierce. They brought out the best in one another. They were sweet and passionate as well as fun and delightful. I enjoyed seeing the progression of them individually and as a couple when they would spent time together. Christian was such a flirt and had many swoon worthy ways. I loved it when he would play with Elise and really get to her. The banter and interactions were pleasant. I also loved seeing the bond that they had with others in the story. One of my favorite parts of a Lauren Blakely book is the connection she incorporates with her other books and series. There are several in Part-Time Lover and it was just the best. I definitely enjoyed those parts. Overall, this book was very entertaining, sweet, and sizzling. Lauren always gives an awesome read.

Lauren has brought us another loveable book with Part Time Lover. Elise is a woman not looking for love but the instant she sees Christian(and I mean sees) she knows he would be fun and freeing. You will fall for this story of fate interlocking these two to one another with humor, sexiness, and heart only Lauren can bring. This book is a instant one click hit.

Elise and Christian meet in such an unusual way, plan to meet up but fail to do so. A year later "fate" brings them back together but Elise is a woman who's had her heart broken before in such a bad way that she refuses to believe in fate and keeps walls up to protect herself. Despite that she and Christian begin a romance and eventually turns into a plan to save Christian's family business from an "attempted" takeover. Each learn to trust and develop feelings but are those feelings true? Find out by reading this story. It's cute, romantic, and funny at times. I enjoyed this audio but had a hard time becoming involved in the book as it tends to go slow...The vocal actor for Christian speaks with an accent that one would expect from his perspective locations and let me tell you, it's yummy! ;)

This couple was great! Call it fate, call it chance it doesn't matter the way they kept crossing paths made them meant to be. I adored their fun, flirty banter but was sad because they were holding back not wanting a lasting loving romance. Just some hot sexy fun!
Then they come up with a wacky solution to a very serious business problem. I was excited because I definitely didn't think they could stick to the "plan" or at least I was hoping they wouldn't.
Elise and Christian are perfect together they are fun friends, hot as can be lovers and even work well together in business. See perfect?
Every Lauren Blakely book I read makes me fall in love with love again. I always get the most heartfelt touching tears when the characters fall. Each of her stories are unique and make me hug my Kindle and sigh when I finish.

Another fantastic story from Lauren Blakely.This one was fantastic from the beginning till the end!Cute and unique story.Exactly what I needed!You can't go wrong with Lauren Blakely!She always know how to make you fall in love with her characters.If you are looking for a beautiful story a cute romance and a swoon worthy hero pick this one!

I absolutely loved this book. It was entertaining, and romantic at the same time. Loved how the heroine was a little older than the hero...as in my situation with my husband. And he always said older women make better lovers....true in this book too! Elise was a great character, and I could identify with her personality..after broken heart was very careful. Christian was an awesome character..anyone that would do a handstand naked on a dock for tourists to see has my vote!!! Read it and enjoy!!!

An amazing read about fate and second chances... Christian is definitely swoon worthy, his personality is so sexy and flirty you can’t help but fall in love. A read you’ll devour from their first encounter until the last page. I laughed as my heart melted and fanned when the heat turned up. I highly recommend this read!

What a fabulous book! This book was everything I could want in a book! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what would happen next between Christian and Elise. I loved how they first met! Part time lover was such a fun and sexy read.

Advanced copy received in exchange for an honest review!

When we first read about Elise and Christian in "Wanderlust" it's only a snippet of their first meeting. I have to say that I loved their story better, and fell in love with Christian right away. Although the plot is familiar at times, I loved they way they found each other in this story.

I have always always loved Lauren's books and was happy to read this book. I definitely can't wait for her new upcoming series.

This author does RinCon like no buddies business and this one is absolutely wonderful. I laughed so hard but swooned even harder. The beginning of this book when they meet was hilarious seriously funny. I can't wait to read the next book they keep getting better!

Readers don't let the title fool you, Lauren Blakeley is going to make you want more of this lover. Christian and Elise just wow, you can tell right away this won't be a simple romance. I loved that it was Christian who is all in it but Elise in this case a little hesitant of believing in love again. Cannot wait to see what Lauren Blakely will do next her imagination just gets hotter than ever in each book.

"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."

Bravo! Bravo! Another fun read by Lauren Blakely! I loved Christian's introduction to the story. Haha! I can't imagine! What a sight that would be! Elise and Christian's story was super cute. I loved the idea of leaving love to fate. This is a perfect summer read when you are looking for something light and easy. Part-Time Lover will leave you with a smile!

♥ Review by Lys