Bestselling authors Sarina Bowen and Lauren Blakely team up for the first time in an enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, irresistibly sexy standalone romance between the best man and the other best man!
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Blurb
In my defense, I was left alone with a bottle of single-malt and a life-long penchant for protecting my baby sister. Still, that’s no excuse to send ten drunk-texts on why her hasty marriage would be a mistake.
If only I had just texted my sister. But nope. I accidentally sent the message to her, her groom, and his super hot wingman.
I also used the phrase “super hot wingman,” so I’d like to die now.
Instead, I have to plan a wedding with the aforementioned hottie and share a too-small guesthouse in steamy Miami.
Three days in the sun with the cocky, charming former athlete who likes to push my buttons? Fine, two can play at that let’s-infuriate-each-other game.
Until Asher ups the stakes with one wildly sexy suggestion. A no-strings fling, then I go back to my single dad life in New York, and he returns to his star-studded one.
Sign me up.
But the more nights I spend with the other best man, the more I want days too, and that just can’t happen. Especially when I find out the real reason why…
Contents Include: First times, a secret to-do list, champion-level flirting, fast cars, #eggplants, and two men who look good in formal wear.
Review
5 fantastic stars!
Oh my God, I love, love, love this book! It’s everything! These characters are everything, their story is everything, and I adored every single freaking moment of this story. It’s funny, smart, sexy and romantic, and with audio by Jacob Morgan and Teddy Hamilton, it’s sensational to listen to. It’s such an entertaining read, and my first fave for 2022.
There is a prequel novella available to read before you start this book. It’s called Super Hot Wingman, and is available for free at most retailers. You don’t have to have read it, but it’s a quick read and a fun introduction to the characters, so check that out if you’re interested.
Mark and Asher meet when Mark’s little sister, Hannah, starts seeing Asher’s best friend, Flip (yes, ‘Flip’… it’s a nickname). They are complete opposites, and aren’t too impressed with each other to begin with – mostly because Mark is not supportive of the whirlwind romance (and due to a drunken text, everybody knows it). But despite Mark’s misgivings, Flip and Hannah’s engagement and wedding is quickly announced, and when both Mark and Asher are both asked to be best men for the wedding, being the supportive and helpful guys that they are, they agree to help out with the wedding planning and go down to Miami to prepare for the big day.
I love these characters so much! Mark is a nerdy, newly-divorced single father to an adorable 6 year old, and though he’s bi-sexual, he’s never really explored his attraction to men. Asher is an openly gay ex-professional soccer player who is gorgeous, confident, infinitely sexy, and a complete sweetheart. The dynamic between the two of them is full of snark and banter, and it’s so freaking funny. They gleefully antagonise each other, but underneath it, there is a wicked attraction that makes the situation that much more fun to watch. Especially because Asher initially isn’t sure about Mark’s sexual preference, which creates a fantastic sense of anticipation waiting for the truth to be revealed.
I don’t waste my time crushing on straight men.
But is he totally straight?
He did send that fantastic text about me.
When Mark reveals all, and Asher learns about his secret sexual fantasy to-do list, he volunteers himself as tribute (literally), and the two of them agree to spend their three days in Miami together before the wedding exploring their mad lust for each other – with everything and anything on the table – before they go their separate ways. It’s the perfect arrangement, and they dive right in.
Holy freaking hotness, this book is steamy as hell. The chemistry between the two guys absolutely sizzles, and they are absolute fire together. They are open and honest about everything they do, and want to do, and the banter-filled playfulness of their early animosity translates effortlessly into a fun, teasing friendship that becomes so much more as they get to know each other in all the ways. And, what was meant to be a three day fling soon turns into meaningful conversations, dates, and feelings.
The change in their relationship comes as no surprise, and it’s a journey of discovery for the two of them as Mark explores his sexuality in a way he never has before – surprising and impressing Asher who had written him off as a boring nerd. And Asher, who thought he was only meant for hook ups, realises that he is capable of feeling so much more deeply then he ever thought he could. They learn so much from each other, and every moment of it is magic.
Of course, there are some twists in their story, and I thought the way this one played out was just fantastic. There is a little bit of drama and angst – just enough to create depth and bring the feels without being irritating or overwhelming the story. These two guys have a lot to sort out, and their honesty and openness means it was an absolute delight to watch them do just that.
It’s realistic, heartfelt, and still so much fun, and I adored Mark and Asher and their gorgeous romance. The side characters are great, and I particularly loved Hannah and Flip, and Mark’s daughter, Rosie, who all bring a lot to the story.
This is a first-time collaboration between two fantastic authors, and they absolutely nailed it! The writing is seamless, and they made me laugh, smile, and swoon so hard. It’s a gorgeous romance, and a wonderfully fun and entertaining feel-good story that I know I will reread many times in the future.
5 stars!
A note about the audiobook – when I was offered an Advanced Review Copy of this book, I was offered either an ebook or audiobook. Seeing that the narrators were Morgan and Hamilton, I dove straight for the audio, and it was a sensational one to listen to! Two of my favourite narrators, they bring so much heart, humour and personality to the story, and really added to my reading experience. The only downside of audio is that you can’t highlight text as you go, which I missed in this case because there are SO many moments I wanted to capture! But I definitely recommend listening to this one if you get the chance.
An Advanced Review Audio Copy was generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
The Best Men
Super Hot Wingman (#0.5)
Review
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Buy: Paperback
The Best Men
Review
Buy: Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Google | Paperback | Audio
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