Love Lessons by Sarina Bowen is live!

A no-strings, lessons-in-seduction sports romance with an irresistible hero, a relatable heroine and a stunning Italian backdrop, this book was the perfect reading escape, and I loved it!

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Blurb

He needs an image makeover, she needs a mojo upgrade. A new lessons-in-seduction hockey romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Sarina Bowen.

After I’m arrested for throwing a raucous party, my hockey team says I have an image problem. And I need to fix it, stat.

Charity work? Check. Haircut? Sure. But I draw the line at hiring my neighbor to style me. In the first place “style” shouldn’t be a verb. And I’m tired of people who’d judge me on appearances.

Vera and I don’t see eye to eye on anything. She wants me to try on clothes, while I just want to remove hers. She’s distractingly pretty, with soulful eyes and a sinful mouth that likes to argue with me.

But when management threatens my summer vacation, I grudgingly agree to Vera’s unusual proposal: she’ll give me an image makeover. But in return, she wants lessons in the art of seduction.

It sounds a little nutty, but I know a good opening when I hear it. Besides, it’s not like I’ll ever fall for her…

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Review

4.5 stars!

The latest in the Brooklyn Bruisers series, this book is a lot of fun. A no-strings, lessons-in-seduction sports romance with an irresistible hero, a relatable heroine and a stunning Italian backdrop, this book was the perfect reading escape, and I loved it!

Ian Crikey is a veteran of the Brooklyn Bruisers NHL team, but just recently, his image has started to come into question. A recent arrest, coupled with his sloppy appearance, and the team is on his back to fix himself up. Rumors of a supposed transfer within the team also has him freaking out, and he knows he needs to shape up quickly.

Vera has appeared as a side character in previous books. She’s a fashion-loving stylist who is friends with other members of the team and just happens to live next door to Crikey, and when she hears about his issues, she knows she can help. Crikey is not on board – firstly because he doesn’t care about things like clothes and general grooming, and secondly, because it’s Vera, and working together will lead to problems.

She doesn’t see the problem – that she’ll be measuring my inseam for a suit, and I’ll be thinking dirty thoughts about tying her up with her tape measure and whipping out my dick.

Crikey had me laughing so many times. He’s a complete straight shooter who says whatever is on his mind, and he’s so freaking funny.

“Wait … You won’t make me look like a fashion slut, right? I mean, the slut part would be fine. I’m just not sure about the fashion.”

When the two of them end up as the lone single people on a trip to Italy with four other couples (all from the series), their attraction sizzles and Crikey – true to form – makes his desires known.

“So tell me … What are you going to do first in Italy? And keep in mind that I’m still an option.”

It’s a fun set-up, and when the bliss of a summer holiday, the beautiful Italian setting, and too much wine lead to Vera confessing her lacklustre sex life and lack of confidence with all things sexual, she propositions Crikey for lessons in sex and how to seduce a man. Not one to turn down an offer like that from a woman he can’t stop thinking about, and with her insistence on their arrangement coming to an end when their holiday does, he whole-heartedly throws himself into the task. Let the fun begin.

What was I thinking? I can’t believe I asked him for seduction lessons. Only a loser would do that.
Oh wait, that’s me. A confident girl would just… wink at him or something and invite him over later. But me? I give a living demonstration of my awkwardness and then beg him for help.

I love the teach-me-about-sex trope in a romcom. It’s so much fun, and I reveled in all of the chemistry and sexual tension. Even when you know where it’s going, the sense of anticipation is fantastic, and I was fully on board and so excited as Crikey and Vera dive on in. It’s fun, light-hearted and so freaking sexy. They are completely open and honest with each other, making the whole experience playful yet intense, and the dynamic between them is so much fun to watch.

The bathroom door opens after a polite tap. He peers into the room, spots me in the bath, and smiles. “Nice work, contessa. It’s a simple setup, but classic.”
“Right?” I agree. “I’m all, ‘Oh, I’m just here taking a bath, don’t mind me’.”

Against the beautiful backdrop of northern Italy, their simple arrangement starts to become deeper than either of them anticipated. Watching their friends all loved-up around them, wanting that same connection with somebody, and all of that passion, intimacy and sweetness, the lines soon blur, and it’s beautiful to watch them fall for each other.

I’m not used to so much raw connection – all that eye contact and deep, deep kisses.
I’m supposed to be the teacher here – the one who knows what he’s doing. But when she whispers my name, I’m lost.
And I don’t even think I care.

But their arrangement was only meant to last the summer. And with Crikey’s career up in the air, they have some uncertainty to overcome. But Bowen totally delivers on their story, without angst and drama, just a little bit of soul-searching, and I loved watching them figure it all out and find their happy ending.

This is a great addition to the series. Like the other books, it can completely standalone, but the cameos will be a real treat for fans of the previous books, and I loved being back in this world.

So much fun with lots of heart, I loved this one!

4.5 stars!

An Advanced Review copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.