Part-Time Lover

From Paris with Love #2

by Lauren Blakely

It was only supposed to be a marriage of convenience...

Let me just say, this whole part-time lover thing was her idea. I'd have gone all-in from the start, but hey, when a gorgeous, brilliant woman invites you into her bed, and only her bed...well, I said yes.

But then, one hysterical phone call from my brother later, begging me to find myself a wife so grandfather's business stays in the family, and I need a promotion with Elise. Turns out a full-time husband suits her needs too, and a temporary marriage of convenience ought to do the trick, until we can simply untie the knot...

As long as no one finds out...
As long as no one gets hurt...
As long as no one falls in love...
But our ending was one I never saw coming.

*PART-TIME LOVER is a standalone romance in the two-book FROM PARIS WITH LOVE series of standalones. You may also enjoy WANDERLUST in this series!*

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Fiction, Chick Lit

232 pages, ebook

First published June 1, 2018

About the author

You can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars



Part-Time Lover was my first book by Lauren Blakely and I enjoyed it! It was adorable, funny, sexy, and romantic. I'm definitely going to read more by this author when I'm in the mood for a light read!

The way Christian and Elise met was memorable. What a way to start a book! Elise is on a holiday in Denmark with a friend and sees Christian while on a tour. They set up a date, but it works out that they never get to have that date. Fast forward a year or so later in Paris and fate has plans to bring them back together again. What is supposed to be a fun date turns into a family crisis for Christian when his brother calls. His company is in jeopardy and Elise and Christian are just the pair to help.

Elise has been hurt in the past and the thing she hates most is seeing someone taken advantage of by someone who they love. What she does to help is a little extreme, but it's temporary. That is, until feelings get involved. Christian and Elise both try to deny their feelings for each other but it's impossible.

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. 

I loved this sweet couple so much. They made me smile, laugh, and swoon. I listented to the audio book of Part-Time Lover and though both narrators did a great job, Shane East really stole the show voicing Christian. His accent was spot on and he did an amazing job. I really enjoyed listening to this book and I look forward to reading more from Lauren Blakely.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love second chance romance Part-Time Lover will be a must read because this story is all about fate and second chances. This book starts off in the past when Christian and Elise first met but it quickly moves onto the present when they meet again but this time it’s in a different country. Once again Lauren Blakely gives us another couple to fall in love with, this book has it all it’s full of sizzling chemistry, passion and just the right mix of funny banter, this book is everything we love in Lauren Blakey. This is a beautifully written love story that’s told in a dual POV and it will have you hooked from the first page where Christian is doing naked handstands on the side of the canal to the final line where we find we have come full circle. Loved every character, loved the story in fact I loved everything about this book and I can’t wait for my next fix from this amazing author.

[Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[litljen · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** I received an advanced copy and chose to review it ***
** 100% spoiler-free review **
* 5 little mermaid stars *

Part-Time Lover was truly a full-time joy to read. This newest story from the incomparable Lauren Blakely starts with one of my most favorite meet-cutes ever. It's deliciously fun and I gobbled up every fabulous moment of it. I believe that Christian and Elise are probably the most entertaining couple yet in Blakely's arsenal. Their casual, flirty relationship as well as their sizzling attraction coupled with the most romantic backdrop makes this story one that readers will absolutely adore! It is a complete standalone but is interconnected with a previous story however it isn't necessary to have read it prior to reading Part-Time Lover.

Let's talk characters.....We first met Christian and Elise in Wanderlust where they were close friends of the main characters Joy and Griffin. We got a taste of their meeting in that story but there were a ton of questions I had and I was overjoyed to finally get them in this book. Christian is hilarious and up there as one of my favorite Blakely characters. He's carefree and fun (hello.....naked handstands on a dock in Copenhagen!!) and living life on his own terms. He's sexy, he's blunt and I love his dirty, dirty mouth. Add in his sexy British accent (he's half Brit, half Dane) and yeah....he's pretty perfect! Elise is smart, sassy and has a heart of gold. She's strong, independent and driven and she exudes confidence in all she does. Their banter is highly entertaining and they definitely bring out the best in one another. Both have been hurt before and have strong walls built to protect themselves. Their mutual attraction is intense but their relationship is anything but. It's light and fun and serves both of their needs. With family drama playing a large roll in their relationship, these two handle it all with aplomb. That is until they both fall for each other when they swore that they wouldn't.

Throughout the story, Blakely infuses her signature swoon-worthy romance at just the right moments creating the perfect balance of humor, heat and enchantment. Even if you aren't a believer, she will remind you that love conquers all and that you can't fight fate. Part-Time Lover is a true delight and one that is not to be missed. 5 fabulous stars!

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a couldn't-put-down-sizzling-buildup-yummy-kind-of-read.

I don't know if it was the early summer heat, the holiday weekend, or that Lauren Blakely just gets better with each book I read.  Part-Time Lover checked off all of my boxes for a cozy up on the couch and do nothing kind of day. Christian and Elise were a fabulous pair and I loved reading every minute of their story.

Elise has been hurt by love before. Married and now widowed the walls around her heart are tall and thick. It doesn't mean she doesn't know how to have fun, it's quite the opposite. Her friends adore that she lives by a carpe diem philosophy, but living life to its fullest doesn't mean she has to fall in love. She has her career on full speed and nothing stands in her way when she wants to achieve her goals.

Christian loves his life. Retired at age twenty-eight, fit and healthy. The world is his oyster for plucking. He might be a bit bored now that he has nothing to do, but luckily a job offer comes along where he can put his bilingual skills to use and he's fortunate enough to decide what it is he wants to do next in his life. 

What neither Christian nor Elise expected was for fate to intervene on their behalves. When Christian's family business needs the kind of help that only a woman can provide and Elise's business needs the kind of expertise that Christian has in spades...well...what's better than a business deal with a little bit of pleasure on the side? No harm in them getting what they both want, besides it's just business.

Pack your bags for a whirlwind adventure overseas. Fall madly in love with Christian and Elise in Part-Time Lover.

[Lauren Blakely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let Part-Time Lover be your full-time obsession!
Charming British hero ✔
Strong and clever heroine ✔
Escape into a delicious rom-com this weekend! ✔

✦ Kindle US ➜ https://amzn.to/2IPFem6
✦ Kindle UK ➜ https://amzn.to/2ksyZWH
✦ Kindle CA ➜ https://amzn.to/2KXJxbA
✦ Kindle AU ➜ https://amzn.to/2sm6Jsu
✦ iBooks ➜ blkly.pub/PT-Lover-iTunes
✦ Kobo ➜ blkly.pub/PT-Lover-Kobo
✦ B&N ➜ blkly.pub/PT-Lover-Nook
✦ Google Play ➜ blkly.pub/PT-Lover-GP
✦ Amazon PB ➜ blkly.pub/PT-Lover-PB
✦ Audio ➜ blkly.pub/PT-Lover-Audible
(Narrated by Shane East & Grace Grant)

[Alex ♈]

DNF @ chapter 18

But the 1st 2 chapters 'made' this book for me 😯

Maybe it would be helpful to add to the blurb, that the heroine wasn't the only one to ogle the exhibitionist of the hero (and his 'family jewels'), but a full boat of tourists incl. her BFF.
It wasn't his 1st ride and I wonder how many kids got an 'early introduction' into the male anatomy(?) Just asking...

I'm from Europe and, since the exhibitionist of the hero mentioned that no one is going to arrest a person for public indecency in Europe (but in USA), I just wanted to mention that yes - public indecency is fully normal in Europe, we walk literally naked in daily life. Yes! It could be tricky in winter, but we adapt with the time.
Damn, I flash at least 3 times a day, more frequent on weekend! The hero did it for a free beer, I do it just for fun! 😜

See, a good reason to visit Europe, ladies and gentlemen.

Welcome!

🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

[Michella · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Nissa | Of Pens and Pages Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Review at Of Pens and Pages.

Part-Time Lover consumed me in the best way possible! Lauren Blakely takes us back to Paris, this time with Griffin of Wanderlust‘s best friend Christian, and French-American businesswoman Elise. It’s a hopeful and romantic story of fate, second chances, and letting go.

A year after an unforgettable chance meeting in Denmark, fate or chance or whatever you’d like to call it brings Elise Durand and Christian Ellison together again, this time in Paris. They felt a connection a year ago, and now that they’ve seen each other again, they want to make the most out of it. Christian still wants her, and Elise will only let him have her if they keep it casual. Being a smart man, Christian doesn’t look a gift horse in the mouth and accepts.

When Christian’s brother calls, in desperate need of help about their grandfather’s company, Elise and Christian’s no-strings and feelings land takes a detour to a direction that’s all strings—marriage. This arrangement of convenience will be a mix of business and pleasure, beneficial to both parties, and will have an expiration date.

Elise has been burned before, and she’s not sure she’ll ever be ready to love again, but Christian is nothing if not determined. And you know what happens in mixing business and pleasure—it either works out in the end or explodes in their faces. With Christian and Elise, only time and fate can tell.

First of all, I have to say I loved how Elise’s past was hinted at through old blog posts. I love the format of it; it felt poetic and was subtle yet powerful in telling Elise’s story. The rest of the story is told in alternating points of views, all rich with wit, vivid imagery of the sights, and fantastic banter I adored.

The play of fate—with the missed meetings before they met again a year later, the charms among others—was also wonderful touch, something that added to the romantic feel of the story. By the time they met again, I was fully invested in their story, and wanted to know if fate will bring them together or take them apart.

Christian and Elise’s romance had a little bit of slow-burn feel to it, letting the readers (and Christian) crave for the romance more and more until we’re consumed by it. They’re two fantastic characters with sexual tension thick enough to cut with a knife.

And while I admired Elise for her strength and straightforward attitude, Christian completely captured my heart. I’ve been curious about him since Wanderlust, and now I have him. Not only was this man sweet and hilarious, he was determined, loyal, and incredibly sexy. He didn’t give up in pursuing Elise; he even loved the chase. Just take my word for it—Christian Ellison is a swoon-worthy book boyfriend.

Part-Time Lover is romantic to the core, with a hero you will absolutely adore, a heroine you will admire and feel for, and a story you will cherish.

Tropes: Age Gap (Woman)—4 years, Marriage of Convenience
POV: First Person, Dual POV
Standalone: Yes

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

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[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part-Time Lover by Lauren Blakely is the newest rom-com in a series of standalones.
Christian Ellison is the man who captivated Elise´s attention by unique sports demonstration. Yes, that´s a bit vague, but lets stay it by that.
Elise is out of a bad relationship and lost her trust in men. She wants a no-string affair. Christian knows that she´s his one, but also she´s skittish. They agree on a arrangement, but neither is happy about that. When fate decides to meddle they´re in for the ride of their lives.
Lauren Blakely wrote a beautifully and unique story. I very easily connected with the characters and I can´tv express how much I love them. I could find myself in both.
Part-Time Lover was sweet, romantic, enchanting, and just a story that needs to be read. If you haven’t read any of Lauren Blakely’s books yet, this is the book to start with. It is everything a romance lover is looking for. 5 Stars.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lauren Lascola-Lesczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's all fun and games till someone falls in love...
Christian & Elise are fated to be together. I mean y'all know how I feel about a man with an accent. Christian is also hot, fit, charming, sexy, and very confident in himself.
Elise is a independent gal, she is gorgeous, funny, and a lover of life. Both of them have been hurt in the past and they both vow to never go through that again. They make a deal...
Obvi fate has other plans for these two "part-time" lovers.
Christian is so sensitive to Elise's needs and that makes him ten times more sexy in my book.
I must say that any women willing to go buy eggs for a man in the morning is a Saint. And any man that cups said women's face is a keeper. I love a good face cupping!!!! There is nothing better then that...I mean some stuff is better, but for the most part that is so romantic that it will make you fall in love if you are not already. Ohhhh the sex these two have is pretty much off the charts. It's dirty, and needy, and fantastic.
#Copenhagen #MorseCode #LittleMermaid #Fate #Resolve #CinnamonStick #ILikeYou #Eggs #LemonGumdrop #HappyEverAfter

[Amo Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate or a meeting of chance?

However you look at life fate I do believe has a hand in putting you in the right place at the right time.

Christian- fun flirty confident but not #cocky ;)
sexy as hell and taking life day by day.

Elise - hardworking, gorgeous, confident, living inside the lines, knows what she wants and taking life by the balls.

Both of these characters I love that they are strong and independent and don’t “need” other people but want to be wanted by other people.
It was nice to see that regardless of status, money, power, we all as humans just want the same thing, to be wanted.

BUT- do they need each other enough ??

Lauren delivered another beautiful fun & sexy Read.
I love how we can get lost in the Blakely world and fall in love with the words.

5 beautiful ⭐️

[Kara Hildebrand (Two Book Pushers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part-Time Lover is Lauren Blakely's new sexy, sweet, fun, light-hearted romance about how sometimes, part-time lovers can become more than you ever thought they could. Lauren knows how to pull at my heart strings, make me laugh and swoon and she always gives me exactly what I need when I need it. Part-Time Lover has the same feel as Trophy Husband (one of my all-time favorite books of Lauren's). We met both Christian and Elise in Wanderlust and they were both fun and sexy. Now we get their story. It's mostly fun with a side of fate, finding love again and sexiness. Elise first met Christian a year ago doing naked handstands in Denmark. Then they meet again in Paris. This time they are in the same place and the sparks still fly. Neither of them is looking for forever love again. They've both been there, done that. But fun, no strings sex is just what the love doctor ordered. Until Christian's brother needs him. Then Elise and Christian find themselves married. Not to worry, feeling won't get involved. Right? Christian is laid back, smart, ambitious and so much fun. Elise is growing her company, fierce, sexy and needs more fun in her life. They like each other, enjoy being together and after they are husband and wife, their relationship heats up. Can they stop themselves from falling in love? What happens when your Friday night lover goes from husband to the man of your dreams? Will they jump off the cliff together? I loved this story! Christian is so much more than I thought he'd be and I loved his before. He's fun, sexy, just the right amount of dirty and not afraid to say what he's feeling. Elise is beautiful, smart, and thoughtful. I need a friend like her in my life. Overall, I laughed, swooned, teared up, cheered and my heart was full at the end! Sometimes the sweet, sexy romance is the perfect answer!

"I'm only have French."
"Which half?"
"Which half of you is British?"
"My cock, of course."
"My tits are French then."
"I love French."

Elise: Oh, you're also a god in bed, but I think you know that already.
Christian: Why, yes, please do compliment me more. It feeds my ego and makes other parts larger too.

"You're constantly trying to get close to me."
"You're right. I am. I find you fascinating and irresistible. Maybe you could stop resisting me."

[Cee Cee Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

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?

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Christian, how I love you! I liked you a lot in your friend's book, but in this one you really shine as one of the best of Lauren Blakely's boys. Sexy, sweet, smart, and shockingly handsome. Like there was ever a chance Elise (or I) could resist you. One of my favorite tropes done exquisitely well by one of my favorite authors! Bonus for the Paris details, which made me want to go back there even more!

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Fate's Timely Dance Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
Oh, how we never know what we have control over and how much is destined to be...I think there can be a mix of both and we just need to be aware and open to the possibilities. Lauren Blakley took that concept in her book Wanderlust and carried it into Part-Time Lover. Wanderlust introduced us to people who grabbed life by two hands and lived.

We had Elise whose quote, "We should enjoy every day, and eat it like a fruit”, gave the push others needed to take what they wanted in Wanderlust. And then there was Christian... a man like no other...amusing yet brilliant and instinctive... and a bit cocky in his ways of showing off...

Now we are so fortunate to have their story and what a tale it is...

It is one of fate, one of the right timing, and one of allowing yourself to be happily consumed by love. Lauren Blakely gives us a story we all need to read and learn from. We are made to love and receive love. We are able to come back from heartbreak and be stronger.

Elise had her devastating experience with love and she has resolved never to put herself in that position again. She is an accomplished advertising woman with her own company in Paris. She is born of American and French parents so she has been raised in both. She loves NYC but her home, where she feels the most is in Paris. She also has an affinity for scents, fragrances. She had started a blog long ago about them and it was through this blog she met many friends with similar interests.

Elise has her circle of friends and one of them went with her to Copenhagen. On a boat ride down a canal...there was this Danish god doing a handstand in the buff! Elise whooped, the man called out to her, told her to meet him at a bar...and as it was happening Elise also used her phone to get some shots of this insane moment.

Her friend encouraged her to live in the moment, to experience the joy of life because Elise had to move on from her heartbreak and it was time...Things with Christian did not turn out as they planned but Elise did have an epiphany.

She would be resolved; she would enjoy life on her terms and stay focus on her company. She also would never allow herself to become so consumed with someone again...to bend and say she liked something because she knew they did...wanting to please them. No, from this moment forward, anytime she enjoyed a coupling it would be with full honesty.

Christian, the man who was sporting his buff and alluring handstand on the dock of one of his homes, was looking forward to seeing his "little mermaid " at the bar that night. He had every intention of holding her, wooing her, pleasing her, and devouring her.

He was a man who had learned to focus and achieve his goals. His brother steered him right when Christian was going down the wrong path during his college days. Once he got his head on straight, he was able to reach levels of financial levels so high, he was able to retire from the rat race. Now he left the running of the family company to his brother. He would assist periodically but mostly he now worked in Paris doing translations for visiting bigwigs of industry.

A year or so has passed since that fateful moment Christian and Elise shared on the pier. Many times they had thoughts of lost opportunities. Yet each was growing and experiencing life... bringing them to the final moment where they would cross paths again.

And when they do... Things are never the same for both of them.

From their first "reunion" of meeting, Elise is determined to not let herself get carried away by the allure and charm Christian has just by being in her presence. Christian cannot believe his fortune... here is the woman he so wanted to see again. He believes in Fate... Elsie believes it is just Chance.

What happens next is the delicious dance of honest desire and how they intend to handle it. Elsie needs boundaries...Christian understands and is willing to honor them. While Elise thinks the slow and nonromantic "dates" will keep all the flirtations and lust between the two at bay... all it does is build this burn which eventually combusts.

As all of this is happening, other elements take place causing Christian and Elsie to consider a different dynamic for their relationship. We are there where passion, loyalty, and love take hold.

I loved this. For me everything worked so well...there was the slow ramp-up to when Christian and Elsie finally were able to be together... Christian was a dream... A man who knew he needed to allow Elsie to show him what she was able to give and he was willing to wait and show her he was honestly there for her. Elise was brilliant, sensual, and incredibly strong. She was a woman to admire as well as like.

This was crafted with moments where I was taken by surprise. This was a swoon-worthy read. I have my fingers crossed Ms. Blakely will write a book for Christian's Brother...Are you listening Ms. Blakey...

Wanderlust
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

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~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Oh, how I love surprises!
Especially when on my Kindle...
Part-Time Lover???
Hell, No!
Full-Time Reader!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From the minute Christian and Elise were introduced in Wanderlust....
I knew...
What could you possibly have known, you may ask...

Well, lets see...
Christian a Nordic God, Built and Confident....
Loving the idea of Older Women....

Elise, a Woman who knows how to Grab Life...
And Eat it like a Fruit....

These two would meet and...
Both would know...
They each could be their....

Part-Time Lover- June 4th 2018


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[Vaishali • [V.L. Book Reviews] · Rating 3 out of 5]

R A T I N G: 3 stars to Part Time Lover ★ ★ ★ 3

‘Good food makes you moan in pleasure. Seductive clubs drive you to dance too closely. And cocktails loosen lips. I don’t need my inhibitions lowered with a man this devilishly good-looking. It’s always the pretty ones who have deadly secrets.’

“You have a way of growing more handsome every time I see you, Christian. But I suppose the real question now is will you be more interesting than the last time?”
The gauntlet has been thrown.’

Christian Ellison is a young retiree, too business minded to stay idle and too adventurous to not engage in the act of nude acrobatics for public consumption, proud entertainment for Copenhagen’s lucky visitors, which is where he meets Elise, unbeknownst to him of her own reasons for this brief respite from her own heartache.

Not only bold enough to snap some pics of this hand-walking stunner, Elise uncharacteristically decides that the final day of a holiday should be one to seize and luxuriate in before routine naturally takes over, only she’s left stood up when her handsome naked mystery man doesn’t show up. So it’s back to her normal, very busy life.

The story picks up one year later. Christian and Elise are both working and living in Paris. Christian believes this reunion is the work of fate. Elise believes it’s a string of chance. They both believe in the chemistry between them though, which evolves into a part-time, mutual arrangement of good company, business, bliss and the kind of pleasure that can only be found beneath the sheets. A safe tryst for the heart and a buoyant one for the body. The laws of this arrangement clearly outlined: the heart does not get involved.

With most romances you’ll find that both protagonists are typically, over-zealously, and sometimes almost unhealthily obsessed with their counterparts, to the extent of living only for them and consequently neglecting their own autonomy. Not only does this strip a protagonist’s credibility but I find that I don’t garner a lot of respect for them if they don’t have a healthy measure of respect reserved only for themselves.

This is completely not the case with both protagonists in ‘Part-time lover’. Elise and Christian are both ambitious people with busy lives. Intelligent and smart decision-makers. They are both a part of each other’s world without the neediness of over-consumption and macabre infatuation. I don’t mind passionate love affairs, the steamier the better, in fact I wholeheartedly love them with my own zealous passion! But when lines are crossed, it’s hard to come back from them, and when characters act with complete desperation and disregard for their own well-being, it instantly puts me off of them because I like my characters to rise to the challenge, always give back and have enough self-respect to put themselves first and not in the line of fire where they’ll self-inflictedly crash and burn.

It’s safe to say that it’s not always easy to find stories in this genre that garner my complete attention if the characters are borderline and gratuitously unstable. Christian and Elise have lives but they always come together and it makes absence truly make the heart grow fonder.

There was a very mature air about ‘Part-time love’ . A quality I’m not particularly used to in the romance genre, but with the atmospheric elegance of the Parisian setting, the thoughtful writing and contemplative narrative, this story does indeed persist with an ambling, meandering pace that does, in fact, work well for the story being told. Both Christian and Elise are rounded, opening-minded characters with a lot to give. Reading a romance set in Paris was a new experience for me and also a refreshing one.

I don’t think I had any particular gripes with this one, but perhaps ‘gripe’ is not the best word to use here because there wasn’t anything exceptionally wrong or unfavourable about this story. It was told well, it was thoughtful, sometimes meditative and ultimately it reads like a story that believes in itself, with the forethought to savour itself. It was an appreciation of love. There’s a pursuit of happiness vibe that sets Elise on a personal, yet unintentional quest that sees her finding love after never expecting to.

I suppose for me, I just found this story a bit hard to bond with. Perhaps I was on a venture for something more…engaging? Arresting? Bewitching? What I do respect about this story however, is it doesn’t try too hard to saturate itself with drama and superfluous excess. But equally maybe that was what I was looking for too. Something a bit meatier to fill my belly, higher levels of turbulence. More fun. More playfulness. More discord.

On the surface, this books definitely presents itself in the best light which was why I bought into the idea of preconceived love when I downloaded this on my tablet. Overall, just like the title suggests this navigates the lives of two people who share part-time company which rapidly evolves into an arrangement of part-time lovers with some holy matrimony and heat thrown into the mix as always, matters of the body will always extend to matters of the heart when our Parisian dove and Danish charmer catch a serious case of feelings.

Trigger Warning: Sex scenes and some swearing.

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S O M E - F A V O U R I T E - Q U O T E S:

Worth it.
Those words resonate with me.
Trysts can make a night worthwhile.
Can make a moment sing.

‘My little mermaid has swum back into my waters. I have half a mind to toss her on my shoulder and walk out of here right now. But, there’s the little issue of not being a caveman.’

“Love is euphoria and misery cooked into a stew. It’s the worst thing ever invented.”

“You mixed business with pleasure. And I pesume you’re about to give men a bad name and crush her heart?”
“No. Remember when I said she’d break mine?”

“So if I respect your boundaries and your walls, you’ll let me keep fucking you like that? Like the world is on fire?”

“Oh, I used to tell him my dream was to become a kept man of some gorgeous, brilliant older woman.”
She smacks me. “You’re terrible. Preying on older women.”

‘I’m in a private place, belonging to a most private woman, and she wants me to pleasure her in a way that erases the world beyond the windows.’

‘When I l moved here,I felt distinctly like all my memories had come home, and all my new ones would be crafted inside the city walls. The city was like a calming hand on my shaking heart.’

‘I draw a deep breath and resolve to be honest with him. To clearly delineate the boundaries of my heart. They are uncrossable, and they are guarded with a wall so high he ought to at least know why he can’t scale it.’

‘There’s nothing messy abut Christian. Nothing risky. He’s built for sin, yet safe for my heart.’

‘I’ve told him I don’t want romance. I’ve made It clear I don’t believe in fate. I can’t let myself go to those places. They are cities where I’m no longer welcome, towns where I can’t find my way.’

‘I don’t know what sort of cruel mistress the universe is to create devastatingly handsome men who’ll eviscerate a woman’s emotions, but I do know she’s the cruelest on this count.’

“I hate that you’re so smart, but I’m glad you let me access that brain of yours.”
“What can I say? I have a head for strategy and a body for sin.”

[Maria✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I loved the accent stars :p

[Yvette ~ Nose Stuck in a Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since Griffin’s friend, Christian, and Joy’s friend, Elise, were introduced in Wanderlust, I had a sneaking suspicion we might be seeing more of them. The moment Elise mentioned her preference for a “part-time lover,” that suspicion became a certainty (of course, it helped that the title for Lauren Blakely’s next book was already released). Little did I know that Christian and Elise’s history was more complex than I initially imagined. A missed connection and a helping hand from fate pave the way for a slow-burning, angst-filled romance that’s sure to tug on your heartstrings.

The first time Elise locked eyes on Christian, they were two strangers, drawn to each other by a clothing-optional display of impulsiveness and an equally spontaneous agreement to become better acquainted. Though the two missed their planned rendezvous, each left a memorable impression on the other that lasts until they meet again a year later. And then things get even more complicated... Fast-forward a few dates to a marriage of convenience that bears some not-so-convenient feelings and things get messy faster than you can say “naked handstand”. With a deadline in place and an agreement to keep their relationship strictly physical, what could go wrong?

Characters that are as bold and carefree as they are vulnerable and introspective, banter that’s rife with wit, humor, and innuendo, and a teasing, agonizingly slow-building romance make Part-Time Lover a gripping love story. A hero that’s confident, roguish, and irresistibly charming, and a heroine that’s fierce and cynical, yet fragile and hopelessly romantic, make for spellbinding narrators of this tale about fate and second chances. With Part-Time Lover, the author dives into the backstories of Christian and Elise, revealing their innermost thoughts and feelings, and exposing their every strength and every flaw – an intimate process that ensures you’re emotionally invested in the outcome of their story.

From start to finish, Part-Time Lover will have you laughing and swooning and falling in love with love. If you’re looking for a book to give you your lighthearted rom-com fix with a side of the feels, Part-Time Lover is a sure bet.

*complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review

[book bruin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edited 6/20/20
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars

I loved revisiting Christian and Elise's story via audiobook. The updated duet style narration with Shane East and Vanessa Edwin was perfect. It really enhanced the story and there are even some bonus scenes as well. These two narrators have wonderful chemistry and Vanessa Edwin is fast becoming my favorite female narrator. The bloopers at the end were especially hilarious and it was fun to hear them laughing and having a great time.

*****
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*

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Yes. I believe in fate. But mostly I believe in you.”

4 fated stars

I have been so excited to get my hands on this book! Christian and Elise were introduced in the fabulous Wanderlust, both fun, confident, and a little wild, and from their unique first introduction and their chemistry-filled, all-too-brief interaction, I knew there would be fireworks - and I was not disappointed! Christian and Elise’s standalone story is full of fantastic chemistry and sexual tension. With two people adamant against a relationship, an arranged marriage, hotter than hell sexy time and a beautifully slow-burning, completely unexpected romance, this is a fantastic read!

Elise and Christian first spied each other when she was on a touristy canal cruise in Copenhagen, and he was doing naked handstands on the dock to shock unsuspecting tourists. Sparks flew, and though they were both willing, they never got the chance to take it any further. A year later and they are both living in Paris when they are introduced by their best friends, who have just started seeing each other – Griffin and Joy from Wanderlust.

The chemistry between them instantly sparks back to life, and though neither of them are interested in a relationship, they are keen to finally get the chance to explore the connection that so clearly simmers between them. And so begins the tease. They want each other badly, they make no secret of that, but Elise gave her heart away once and it got shattered. She has walls around her now and though she wants Christian, she wants him with very clear boundaries.

Christian’s life is exactly the way he wants it, and he has no intention of changing it for anybody. But he wants Elise like he’s never wanted anybody else, and though he’s not used to having to work so hard for a woman, he finds that he enjoys the challenge. It sets up a unique dynamic as they tease and flirt, knowing where it’s heading, but enjoying the game to get there.

“You’re constantly trying to get close to me.”
He leans in running his nose along my neck. I stifle a whimper as he sniffs, saying. “You’re right. I am. I find you fascinating and irresistible. Maybe you could stop resisting me.”
A smile spreads rapidly, and I lean a little closer, want a little more. “I’ll see what I can do about that,” I tease, “but I’m not giving in easily.”
“Good. You do that.”

“For what it’s worth, it’s not easy resisting you.”

Honestly, I wasn’t sure I was fully on board with the way this all started out. For two people so incredibly drawn to each other, I couldn’t figure out why they were holding back when they both wanted the exact same thing. But it seemed to work for them, and it ramps up the sexual tension to epic levels.

He lets out a long breath. “Damn, you’re fucking hot like this.”
I laugh. “Oh, shut up. You’re such a horndog.”
“I know, but can you blame me? You’re so fucking brilliant and beautiful and fierce, and your determination makes me want to fuck you even more.”

And when Christian’s family empire hits trouble, there needs to be a marriage, and it seems the obvious choice for him and Elise to enter into a marriage of convenience for a few months where they will help each other out with business, while continuing to explore their wicked attraction to each other.

“We’re doing this.”
He smiles widely. “Yeah? We’re a couple of crazies, aren’t we?”
“Are we?”
Laughing, he pulls me close. “It’s crazy.”
“But brilliant.”
“It’s bloody brilliant. You know what else will be brilliant?”
“What?”
“Finally getting you naked and under me tonight.”
“You’re assuming I’ll put out since it’s our wedding night, are you?”
“Hope springs eternal. So does my cock when I look at you.”

From this point, I was back on familiar territory and I got completely swept up in the fun and passionate intensity that is Christian and Elise together. Their marriage may be fake, but there is a naturalness to them that works, and from the very beginning, nothing feels false. After all of that build up, the sexy time is off the freaking charts, you can feel the intensity between them, and it doesn’t take long for their wild attraction to each other to become something so much more than either of them ever anticipated.

It feels like we’re making love. Like we’re saying new phrases with our bodies. Talking in a bold new language. One that says I love this, and you’re mine, and let’s not stop, let’s never stop.
Soon, I’m seeing stars and saying his name, and this feels like surrendering to love.
It’s terrifying and beautiful at the same time.

The falling is complete. It’s here. It’s happened, and now I’m in love with the woman in my arms.
But this woman needs me to be the kind of man who doesn’t fall so easily.

The feelings are there, but there are still things they need to work through, and I loved watching them sort through it all as they figure out their feelings. And with those feelings comes the swoon, which is gorgeous.

I really enjoyed this book. I admit that it took me a little while to warm up to Elise, but Christian more than made up for it with his hilariously sarcastic wit, his filthy flirting, his downright sexiness and his huge heart. It was fun, flirty and sexy, and ultimately beautifully romantic. The fact that it’s set in Paris is just a bonus.

Loved it – 4 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***

5 Hand Stand CROWNS

Lauren Blakely’s new romantic comedies set in Europe have absolutely swept me away. They all the have the witty banter and insane chemistry we have come to expect from her rom-coms, but they also have this essence to them, one that makes you want to pack your bag and travel the world. With each book my wanderlust only increases.

Like almost all of her couples, Christian and Elise have instant chemistry, and the one aspect of Blakely’s writing is that this insta-lust, sometimes insta-love, never feels fake. The dialogue just as much as their time between the sheets creates authentic chemistry, and I always fall in love and get swept away by the romance of it all.

With all authors who you read a lot, there are inevitably characters you like more than others, and Christian and Elise top the charts. Christian at one point calls himself witty, charming, and skilled in the bedroom, and he is all of those things. His passion for living is intoxicating, and the way he talks about bedding a woman made me want to crawl into this fictitious man’s bed. Elise is just as wonderful as Christian. This woman, although damaged in the past, has one of the biggest hearts I know. The way she cares about her friends is wonderful, and her drive to succeed when it comes to her business is inspiring. Like Christian, she has a vibrancy for life, and she makes me want to move to Paris to take advantage of all the Parisian life has to offer.

Part-Time Lover follows the typical fake marriage trope. There will be no surprises. However, one thing Lauren Blakely does is makes the characters and the setting and the added themes so unique that I don’t care that I know the basic plot outline for the story. I get caught up in the romance, in the wooing. For this particular book, I was enraptured by these two and their zeal for life. The passion for living seeps into the way they feel for each other, and I couldn’t stop myself from falling for this story and them. The aspect of the story that makes this book 5 crowns is the themes, being open to love after heartbreak, living in the moment and balancing life and work, experiencing life and the world and all it has to offer, and finding someone who fits you is what is needed to be happy (I believe Elise phrases it as their kink matches your kink). The whole story is one giant ball of pure romance.

Lauren Blakely has started something great with these standalones that are set in Paris. I fall in love with every single one, and not just the stories of the characters but the city and energy she brings to life with each one. She is not only giving them great love stories but she is making readers fall in love with the world and the need to truly live, and it is utterly fantastic.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

[Alba and Her Secrets..♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 'Consuming fate' Stars!

I am surprised that it's been quite a while since my last reading of anything by Lauren Blakely. I was definitely curious about Part-Time Lover, especially after reading Wanderlust and meeting this wonderful couple that is Elise and Christian. I loved reading another story based in Paris, with all the magic that comes with it and all that amazing chemistry between these two.

As always, Lauren delivered a wonderful romantic comedy full of sexiness and an adorable ending. When it comes to romcoms, this woman is the queen!

[Carla Bulian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,8. Achei que a autora descreveu vários lugares, me perdendo um pouco na história, e não gostei de como ela desenvolveu a história, sei lá, tipo, tem conteúdo mas não amei.
Não vi nenhuma conexão da história com o blog da personagem.
Não leria de novo.

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

This was just a lot of fun! I really enjoyed just about everything about this audiobook. This book had a lot of things going for it with a sweet and sexy story read by two excellent narrators. I have only had the chance to listen to Lauren Blakely's books twice before starting this book but I have found all of the books I have read to be remarkably well done. I am so glad that I had the chance to listen to this fun and romantic story.

This is one of those books that doesn't have a whole lot of surprises but it doesn't matter because the journey is just delightful. I am finding that books with fake relationships are really working for me lately. Most fake relationships in books quickly turn into real relationships and this book is no exception. I had such a great time spending time with Christian and Elise and they fell for each other and their initial meeting really set the playful tone of the story.

Christian and Elise were both great characters. Elise's past was unexpected and really did a great job of giving the reader some insight into her hesitation to put her heart at risk. I usually fall for the Heroes in this kind of book and I had no problem falling for Christian. His personality was just magnetic and he really was a fantastic guy. I really enjoyed that this book is told in alternate points of view so that I got the chance to experience the thoughts and feelings of both Christian and Elise.

I loved the narration. This was the first time that I have had a chance to listen to both Shane East and Grace Grant and I thought that they both did a wonderful job with this story. They both were able to handle the story's dialogue really well and I thought that it was a great decision to have the narrators read the text messages written their characters. I thought that each narrator did a great job of adding emotion to the story and adding some heat at just the right time. I would not hesitate to listen to more of each of these narrators work in the future.

I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This was a quick feel-good romantic read that often put a big smile on my face. It was so easy to fall for these characters as they were falling for each other. I look forward to reading more from Lauren Blakely soon.

I received a review copy of this audiobook from Lauren Blakely Books via Inkslinger PR.

Initial Thoughts
This was fun! I loved the chemistry between these two characters and thought that the narration was very well done.

[Mahima · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** 3.5 stars ***
It was an above average book. Actually I expected way more than this.
⚫The writing style was good but I am afraid the story wasn't as catchy.
⚫Character building too was good. But those characters fail to impress me.
⚫ Plotting was less than superb. I liked that idea of years gap between protagonists meetings. But those gaps made me feel as if few things were exaggerated.
⚫ Chemistry was hot🔥


The heroine is disturbed from the previous cheating husband and is 'extra cautious' with him. Whereas the hero too is burned once in marriage but he is more of fun type.

Their cautious-ness kinda killed some buzz but taken the situation they have been, it was understandable.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Christian and Elise in Wanderlust as they are friends of Joy and Griffin. Elise is French-American, lives in Paris, and owns a marketing company. She is blunt, bold, confident, caring, but also skeptical and guarded when it comes to love. She has been burned and does not plan for that to happen ever again. But she is not sure what would make her feel truly happy again.

Christian is Danish-British and shares time between Paris and Copenhagen. He retired from running his family's company full time and is now a successful analyst and translator. He is cocky, outgoing, charming, honest, intelligent, intuitive, and embraces life.

They have a series of near misses and finally do connect. He believes in fate. She thinks is just chance. They have flirty banter, sexual tension, and anticipation of at least exploring some casual fun. He pursues. She resists. But they come up with an arrangement of non romantic Friday dates for fun...but they do skirt the line between just flirting and getting more involved. He wants to know more about her than just what she is like in bed. She is not sure a fling would be enough for her, but at the same time is not willing to allow more. She wants him to honor her boundaries...well, her mind does at least. Her body might not be getting the message. They do not really believe in marriage anymore, but they at least believe in honesty.

As they get deeper into exploring possibilities, they are hit with a surprise that will send them in a whole new unexpected direction. Now they are truly tied together for a set period of time to provide mutual assistance. It should be easy to keep the arrangement in check...sexy times, fun, no feels, clean ending when time. Right? Well, maybe they did not analyze that situation quite so well.

From carefully outlined plans to being consumed by lust to bound together...can they stop the feelings they are afraid of?

I liked that these were two mature, intelligent, funny, and truly likable people. They had good personalities that complimented each other, great chemistry, and senses of humor. They had some personal history that caused internal issues, fears, guarding, insecurities, and miscommunication. And they were thrown into complicated situations that sometimes felt real and sometimes seemed fake, so it was hard to figure out what the other was thinking or feeling...or sometimes themselves for that matter.

This has romance, humor, passion, and plenty of feels. It's about trust, taking risks, second chances, and the pursuit of happiness. This is a wonderful companion to Wanderlust as we get to see more with Joy and Griffin, and it takes place in some of the same time period and setting, but it also stands alone well. I also liked Elise's candy shop owner friend, Veronica, and his brother, Erik, and would not mind seeing more of them in the future.

There were some unexpected surprises and twists, and their personal back stories were interesting. I also always enjoy seeing fun cameos from Lauren's other worlds. This is a great book to allow yourself to get immersed in and enjoy the fun and leisurely romantic ride. I really loved these two together, and Christian...Swoon Alert! He is one sexy, sweet, fun, loving, and charismatic man.

I was gifted a copy.
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[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

Audiobook Review:Narrated by: Shane East & Grace Grant

Lauren Blakely does it again as she has readers like myself swooning hard in her latest release, Part Time Lover. British accent. Check. Sexy storyline. Check. Charismatic characters. Check. So yes, you can say I am big fan of this book. It had everything I wanted in a light sweet, romantic and playful storyline. With sexual attraction brimming between the two characters, readers like myself are emotionally invested as Christian and Elise morphed their friendship into something more than a marriage of convenience. So if you are looking for a book and audiobook that will pull heartstrings and have you swooning like crazy then Part Time Lover is the book for you this summer.

[Candace Tidwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just what I needed. Part Time Lover is fun, witty and full of sass. The storyline was a great easy read. I actually would have finished it last night but I took a nose dive into my kindle and fell asleep. I was down for the count. (That has nothing to do with the book. I was just exhausted.)
Read the book, add it to your TBR list. You will not regret it. Get ready to laugh, and cheer on Elise as she dishes out sass left and right.