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The Gift #3
The Decadent Gift
The rules of the game were simple.
One weekend.
We play our roles. Actually, we play lots of roles. I get the info I need for a secret work project. We go back to how we were.
That’s what I proposed to handsome, clever, commanding Jake. That’s what he said yes to — this decadent gift of a weekend that would get me out of trouble.
But that’s not what happened when our nights together in Vegas ended . . .
One weekend.
We play our roles. Actually, we play lots of roles. I get the info I need for a secret work project. We go back to how we were.
That’s what I proposed to handsome, clever, commanding Jake. That’s what he said yes to — this decadent gift of a weekend that would get me out of trouble.
But that’s not what happened when our nights together in Vegas ended . . .
246 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2020
496 people are currently reading
4993 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blakely
246 books24.5k followersYou 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
March 25, 2020
A delicious new take on lessons in seduction!
AVAILABLE NOW! FREE IN KU!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2QLzM5t
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/33Dt6f6
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2xlo3DM
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2QEntYQ
Paperback: http://blkly.pub/DecadentPB
AUDIO NOW IN AUDIBLE ESCAPE!
✦Audible Escape ➜ http://blkly.pub/DecadentAudio
Performed by Elena Wolfe & Teddy Hamilton with special appearances by Jacob Morgan, Grace Grant, and Vanessa Edwin!
25% of release week sales go to research hospitals supporting Covid-19 testing and research, as well as the support of health care workers on the front line.
AVAILABLE NOW! FREE IN KU!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2QLzM5t
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/33Dt6f6
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2xlo3DM
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2QEntYQ
Paperback: http://blkly.pub/DecadentPB
AUDIO NOW IN AUDIBLE ESCAPE!
✦Audible Escape ➜ http://blkly.pub/DecadentAudio
Performed by Elena Wolfe & Teddy Hamilton with special appearances by Jacob Morgan, Grace Grant, and Vanessa Edwin!
25% of release week sales go to research hospitals supporting Covid-19 testing and research, as well as the support of health care workers on the front line.
May 29, 2020
↠1.5
This one was the worst in the series. I felt no chemistry between the characters, and therefore I didn’t care one bit about them. It was boring and I’m so glad I finally finished it. One thing that particularly irked me was how from dual POV by the end it became multi-POV.
This one was the worst in the series. I felt no chemistry between the characters, and therefore I didn’t care one bit about them. It was boring and I’m so glad I finally finished it. One thing that particularly irked me was how from dual POV by the end it became multi-POV.
March 29, 2020
Edited 3/28/20
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars
Teddy Hamilton and Elena Wolfe were amazing as always and I loved them as Jake and Kate. The cameo appearances by Grace Grant, Jacob Morgan, and Vanessa Edwin were also a wonderful surprise. Their extra little love stories at the end were like the cherry on top.
*****
I've been waiting for Kate and Jake's story since meeting them in The Engagement Gift. This is a sexier and more sensual story than Lauren Blakely's usual romcoms, but it's so much fun. I really appreciated that both characters didn't lose themselves as individuals as the story progressed and that each of them had their own dreams and aspirations. They were both independent and driven individuals, who worked hard and played hard.
Jake and Kate had scorching hot chemistry and I loved how they each embraced their own sexuality and also nurtured the other's. There is no judgement about their pasts and it was just so refreshing to see two mature characters communicate openly and honestly with each other. I love that we get a little mini love story or two (and their POV's!) in addition to Jake and Kate's at the end and also a little glimpse of the next couple that will be featured in The Gift series. Overall, a sexy and fun read that is sure to leave you craving more.
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars
Teddy Hamilton and Elena Wolfe were amazing as always and I loved them as Jake and Kate. The cameo appearances by Grace Grant, Jacob Morgan, and Vanessa Edwin were also a wonderful surprise. Their extra little love stories at the end were like the cherry on top.
*****
I've been waiting for Kate and Jake's story since meeting them in The Engagement Gift. This is a sexier and more sensual story than Lauren Blakely's usual romcoms, but it's so much fun. I really appreciated that both characters didn't lose themselves as individuals as the story progressed and that each of them had their own dreams and aspirations. They were both independent and driven individuals, who worked hard and played hard.
Jake and Kate had scorching hot chemistry and I loved how they each embraced their own sexuality and also nurtured the other's. There is no judgement about their pasts and it was just so refreshing to see two mature characters communicate openly and honestly with each other. I love that we get a little mini love story or two (and their POV's!) in addition to Jake and Kate's at the end and also a little glimpse of the next couple that will be featured in The Gift series. Overall, a sexy and fun read that is sure to leave you craving more.
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
April 13, 2020
The Decadent Gift was a good addition to this series and good overall story.
Kate and Jake have played very crucial parts in the previous two books so it was nice to finally see them get their own. I liked Kate's independence and drive to take charge of her life after her past heartbreak. Jake was dealing with his own relationship baggage and if felt like these two were kindred spirits. They were clearly meant for each other.
Another thing I really liked in this story was the other stories thrown in. There were characters that I liked and took interest in that may not necessarily have needed a full length book. But I liked that they got a nice little piece of the story to satisfy my curiosity. And there's still more to come.
I can't wait to see what comes next.
Want to read
June 10, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/10/2020)! 🎁
March 25, 2020
Am I allowed to use the title to describe a book because for real ….
5+ sinfully decadent Stars!!
This was a superb sexy read with just the right amount of laughter and heart. Honestly, that’s what’s at the heart of the Gift Series >>
sexy plots laced with humor and heart
, and they’ve all delivered!
It’s amazing what a little bit of flirting, a kiss and a harmless little wager can turn into! Jake and Kate sparked an interest in me from the very beginning. Their compatibility and chemistry were on point and fit the story perfectly! Excellent afternoon read! Well done!
It’s amazing what a little bit of flirting, a kiss and a harmless little wager can turn into! Jake and Kate sparked an interest in me from the very beginning. Their compatibility and chemistry were on point and fit the story perfectly! Excellent afternoon read! Well done!
March 30, 2020
I kinda loved this, Kate is a people watcher but she is more intense about it. She kind of pegs the people she is watching and it’s a little bit fascinating. I love that her fantasy/kink is something that she excels at.
You could tell the sparks when she and Jake are in the same place. They fit and I think that is what I liked best. He knew just want to say and make it not feel weird for her at all. I loved that.
It made me feel like he just gets her and I love books that never make the other character feel awkward of odd for something they like.
The 2 small shorts at the end of this book also were fantastic do I wish we had more from the rocket scientist yes but it was still a great listen.
The narration as always was perfection; I look forward to listening because you know it will be an utter delight in our ears.
You could tell the sparks when she and Jake are in the same place. They fit and I think that is what I liked best. He knew just want to say and make it not feel weird for her at all. I loved that.
It made me feel like he just gets her and I love books that never make the other character feel awkward of odd for something they like.
The 2 small shorts at the end of this book also were fantastic do I wish we had more from the rocket scientist yes but it was still a great listen.
The narration as always was perfection; I look forward to listening because you know it will be an utter delight in our ears.
March 26, 2020
OMG, I have been waiting for Jake and Kate’s story since The Engagement Gift. Loved this series. Each book kicks up the heat factor and this one was so hot. Loved the chemistry and attraction that was between Jake and Kate. It was so hot and intense. If you are looking for a hot read, then this is the one for you. I highly recommend this read as well as the entire series. You won’t regret it.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 5, 2020
What's a girl to do when her super hot friend volunteers for the position of male lead in all her wildest sexual fantasies? Why take him up on it of course and hope that pesky feelings don't get in the way. This is another "After Dark" romance so definitely on the racier side of things, but the story line is also intriguing and connects the sexual escapades together in a delightfully entertaining way.
March 9, 2020
4.5 stars
I have been waiting for more with Jake and Kate since they were introduced in the first book, The Engagement Gift, since they are best friends with Finn and Lily. And this is another tale of friendship, passion, and a bit of kink set in Vegas.
Kate is a wiz at marketing especially certain less mainstream ideas that need some finessing for general audiences. She is smart, sassy, creative, observant, and outspoken. She has been burned by love and is still trying to dig herself out of the damages left behind. And to do that she has to work hard. A new project could be the answer to her prayers, but she wants to do a bit of personal research first...with someone she can trust. And if she can explore some of her own hidden needs then that could be a bigger win-win.
Jake is a work-a-holic entertainment lawyer. He is handsome, charismatic, funny, and not afraid of a bit of adventure. He has not had the best luck at relationships, so he is a bit gun shy and his social life has been absent lately. But that does not mean he does not think about it.
They are friends and share a larger friend group, business associates at times, and distracting to each other. They have been in the flirty-texting, friend-zone for a few months, but just kind of in limbo. A bit of flirting, a bet, and a kiss start to heat things up and lead to a no-strings weekend. It has rules, guidelines, and a definite end time. It sounds perfect for two busy people with the hots for each other that just need to get it out of their systems, right?
I liked Jake and Kate and thought they were fun together. They had great banter and senses of humor, hot chemistry, shared interests, and compatibility. People keep pushing them together, but they are both a bit clueless and not great at communicating as dynamics shift. And they will both have to evaluate their own needs further before they can figure out what the other truly wants. But ultimately this story is about trust, taking risks, being open, and finding balance.
It brings back their friends from the first two books and adds a few more fun side characters. I am looking forward to more in this series.
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I have been waiting for more with Jake and Kate since they were introduced in the first book, The Engagement Gift, since they are best friends with Finn and Lily. And this is another tale of friendship, passion, and a bit of kink set in Vegas.
Kate is a wiz at marketing especially certain less mainstream ideas that need some finessing for general audiences. She is smart, sassy, creative, observant, and outspoken. She has been burned by love and is still trying to dig herself out of the damages left behind. And to do that she has to work hard. A new project could be the answer to her prayers, but she wants to do a bit of personal research first...with someone she can trust. And if she can explore some of her own hidden needs then that could be a bigger win-win.
Jake is a work-a-holic entertainment lawyer. He is handsome, charismatic, funny, and not afraid of a bit of adventure. He has not had the best luck at relationships, so he is a bit gun shy and his social life has been absent lately. But that does not mean he does not think about it.
They are friends and share a larger friend group, business associates at times, and distracting to each other. They have been in the flirty-texting, friend-zone for a few months, but just kind of in limbo. A bit of flirting, a bet, and a kiss start to heat things up and lead to a no-strings weekend. It has rules, guidelines, and a definite end time. It sounds perfect for two busy people with the hots for each other that just need to get it out of their systems, right?
I liked Jake and Kate and thought they were fun together. They had great banter and senses of humor, hot chemistry, shared interests, and compatibility. People keep pushing them together, but they are both a bit clueless and not great at communicating as dynamics shift. And they will both have to evaluate their own needs further before they can figure out what the other truly wants. But ultimately this story is about trust, taking risks, being open, and finding balance.
It brings back their friends from the first two books and adds a few more fun side characters. I am looking forward to more in this series.
March 22, 2020
5 will never be enough stars!!!
This new sultry, seductive ‘After Dark’ series by Lauren Blakely is becoming one of the hottest, and, as this book says, most decadent, I have read in recent months. Each addition gets better and better, while the characters are always ‘pushing the envelope’ when it comes to their dirty, naughty escapades.
The Decadent Gift is the third offering from Lauren Blakely’s awesome mind, and certainly lives up to its name. It’s shamelessly decadent in both story-telling and what Jake and Kate are willing to do for their carnal outlets.
Jake and Kate are both work-a-holics, but for different reasons. They’ve known each other for a while, Jake has watched Kate from afar, but held off doing anything about it until recently.
Jake hit Kate’s radar when he helped his best friend Finn give his fiancee her ultimate fantasy in ‘The Engagement Gift’. She also helped encourage Nora to go for it with Adam in ‘The Virgin Gift’, book 2 of this series
But, that’s Kate’s thing-fantasies, hers and those of other people around her.. She likes to explore them. In her head.
But when a work project calls for a little more hands-on research, she asks Jake to help her out.
It’s the chance Jake has been waiting for and he’s all in. These two are meant to be. The banter is poy-on, the wicked innuendo and their whispered fantasies?? They’ll leave you hot and very, very bothered. Keep a fan close-by.
However, as with most scenarios, this hook up was only supposed to be for one weekend but what happens when they both secretly desire more from each other? Find out when you One-Click this Decadent Gift to yourself.
This new sultry, seductive ‘After Dark’ series by Lauren Blakely is becoming one of the hottest, and, as this book says, most decadent, I have read in recent months. Each addition gets better and better, while the characters are always ‘pushing the envelope’ when it comes to their dirty, naughty escapades.
The Decadent Gift is the third offering from Lauren Blakely’s awesome mind, and certainly lives up to its name. It’s shamelessly decadent in both story-telling and what Jake and Kate are willing to do for their carnal outlets.
Jake and Kate are both work-a-holics, but for different reasons. They’ve known each other for a while, Jake has watched Kate from afar, but held off doing anything about it until recently.
Jake hit Kate’s radar when he helped his best friend Finn give his fiancee her ultimate fantasy in ‘The Engagement Gift’. She also helped encourage Nora to go for it with Adam in ‘The Virgin Gift’, book 2 of this series
But, that’s Kate’s thing-fantasies, hers and those of other people around her.. She likes to explore them. In her head.
But when a work project calls for a little more hands-on research, she asks Jake to help her out.
It’s the chance Jake has been waiting for and he’s all in. These two are meant to be. The banter is poy-on, the wicked innuendo and their whispered fantasies?? They’ll leave you hot and very, very bothered. Keep a fan close-by.
However, as with most scenarios, this hook up was only supposed to be for one weekend but what happens when they both secretly desire more from each other? Find out when you One-Click this Decadent Gift to yourself.
March 24, 2020
4.5 stars
Jake and Kate are best friends and have been side characters throughout this series.Kate is a top marketing agent working to dig herself out of trouble her ex created, while Jake is a lawyer married to his job. They get together with their friends, but there isn’t time left over for romantic entanglements. When Kate gets a task from her boss, she realizes she can’t give the job her best unless she has some experience with the fantasy they are selling. What better way to build that experience but to make a deal with her good friend?
These two have chemistry long before they make this deal. They constantly banter and have flirty text sessions. Their friends comment on it, but neither is ready to admit that the attraction is anything more than friendly. When they strike a deal with rules, guidelines and a time-limit, the spark between them is intense and immediate. But adding the element of a physical relationship and expecting their friendship to go back to normal afterwards causes these two to trip on their own feet when feeling pop up they weren’t expecting. Getting on the same page in order to change the rules will cause plenty of friction in their lives.
This is a story full of role-playing, people-watching, smoking hot fun as two friends navigate adding more to their friendship. Once again, Lauren Blakely has written a great combination of heart and heat, and has kept the focus on the sensual side of a city full of sin.
I loved the way this story wrapped up, as the web that had been unknowingly spun behind the scenes is revealed and several other stories are teased. I look forward to more from this series of sensuality and fun in Sin City.
Jake and Kate are best friends and have been side characters throughout this series.Kate is a top marketing agent working to dig herself out of trouble her ex created, while Jake is a lawyer married to his job. They get together with their friends, but there isn’t time left over for romantic entanglements. When Kate gets a task from her boss, she realizes she can’t give the job her best unless she has some experience with the fantasy they are selling. What better way to build that experience but to make a deal with her good friend?
These two have chemistry long before they make this deal. They constantly banter and have flirty text sessions. Their friends comment on it, but neither is ready to admit that the attraction is anything more than friendly. When they strike a deal with rules, guidelines and a time-limit, the spark between them is intense and immediate. But adding the element of a physical relationship and expecting their friendship to go back to normal afterwards causes these two to trip on their own feet when feeling pop up they weren’t expecting. Getting on the same page in order to change the rules will cause plenty of friction in their lives.
This is a story full of role-playing, people-watching, smoking hot fun as two friends navigate adding more to their friendship. Once again, Lauren Blakely has written a great combination of heart and heat, and has kept the focus on the sensual side of a city full of sin.
I loved the way this story wrapped up, as the web that had been unknowingly spun behind the scenes is revealed and several other stories are teased. I look forward to more from this series of sensuality and fun in Sin City.
April 12, 2020
Awesome friend to lover romance. Kate and Jake are best friends, both have goals, dreams and separate work and private lives. What they have in common is the undeniable feelings they have for each other … some might call it love. Jake is all work, no play and he is overdue for a weekend of fun. Kate needs a little hand-on research. Who is more fit for the job other than your best friend? What supposed to be one weekend with no strings attached turns out to be so much more they neither of them expected. Holy hotness! Awesome chemistry, plenty heat and passion. I also enjoy the flirty, sweet, low drama relationship. Refreshing and Fun read!
July 24, 2020
I Liked It.
I liked Kate and Jake's story. It was sensual and provocative in the beginning.
I don't think it was as good as the first two books. It lacked steam and chemistry. This was the story I had really been waiting for, I am feeling let down. Also, two other new characters story got added in The end. It felt like filler and not decadence.
This is a good book, not a great one.
I liked Kate and Jake's story. It was sensual and provocative in the beginning.
I don't think it was as good as the first two books. It lacked steam and chemistry. This was the story I had really been waiting for, I am feeling let down. Also, two other new characters story got added in The end. It felt like filler and not decadence.
This is a good book, not a great one.
March 25, 2020
5 SMOOCHES!
Lauren Blakely returns to the after dark playground of Las Vegas in The Decadent Gift, a scorching new romance in the Gift series. Blakely branches out from the light-hearted, easy-reading contemporary romances and romantic comedies that are the cornerstone of her catalog with this series, giving her readers thrilling, exhilarating romances with adventurous, anything-goes stories that offer a voyeuristic view into these couples’ passionate pursuits.
Jake and Kate have a lot in common. They share the same circle of friends; they are both successful, career-driven professionals; and they’ve both been burned by love. They also share a mutual attraction that they’ve been dancing around for a while—as well as some seriously spicy sensual appetites. An opportunity to explore those desires is presented, and their imaginations run wild over the course of a daringly decadent weekend. But what started out as some no-strings-attached fun turns into more than either one of them was expecting as they get tangled up in each other in all ways.
A bold and titillating tale, The Decadent Gift pulsed with passion and possibilities as Blakely sets a friendship on fire and fulfills fantasies. With a flushed face and a heart that raced, I devoured this addictive love story. Five smooches from me for The Decadent Gift by Lauren Blakely!
~Danielle Palumbo
Lauren Blakely returns to the after dark playground of Las Vegas in The Decadent Gift, a scorching new romance in the Gift series. Blakely branches out from the light-hearted, easy-reading contemporary romances and romantic comedies that are the cornerstone of her catalog with this series, giving her readers thrilling, exhilarating romances with adventurous, anything-goes stories that offer a voyeuristic view into these couples’ passionate pursuits.
Jake and Kate have a lot in common. They share the same circle of friends; they are both successful, career-driven professionals; and they’ve both been burned by love. They also share a mutual attraction that they’ve been dancing around for a while—as well as some seriously spicy sensual appetites. An opportunity to explore those desires is presented, and their imaginations run wild over the course of a daringly decadent weekend. But what started out as some no-strings-attached fun turns into more than either one of them was expecting as they get tangled up in each other in all ways.
A bold and titillating tale, The Decadent Gift pulsed with passion and possibilities as Blakely sets a friendship on fire and fulfills fantasies. With a flushed face and a heart that raced, I devoured this addictive love story. Five smooches from me for The Decadent Gift by Lauren Blakely!
~Danielle Palumbo
April 8, 2020
3.5 out of 5 wine glasses. I'm enjoying this sexier/steamier side of Lauren Blakely and have been looking forward to Jake and Kate's story since meeting them in The Engagement Gift. I like the concept of this group of friends exploring their fantasies and finding love amongst themselves. Jake and Kate's weekend of fun is sexy and I enjoy how much of their attraction stemmed on their creative storytelling and imaginations. I don't know how I feel about the fairy godmother subplot, or the fact that there are two additional pairings/briefly explored (one of which will spinoff into a new series I think). That being said, Lauren Blakely continues to be a must-read author for me and I look forward to the next books in this series.
March 29, 2020
I love every book in this entire series and The Decadent Gift is no exception! Jake and Kate’s story is SO hot and intense, I could not put this book down! I love how Jake and Kate are so open and honest with each other and their pasts stay right where they are, in the past. I enjoyed getting to see all my favorite characters make cameos in this book as well! This story is undeniably sexy, decadent and a MUST read!
April 15, 2020
Yummy steamy fun. Loving this series.
October 23, 2020
These After Dark novellas are so fun! You’ll especially enjoy this one if you’re into role play. The audiobooks for this series are really great as well!
June 2, 2020
This was a very delicious, and steamy read (listen). It was a friends of a friend attracted to each other trope with some after dark, roleplay kink. This series was very enjoyable for me, this is a great, more edgy side of Lauren, and I can't wait for the next books.
July 16, 2020
good trilogy!!!
March 27, 2020
I’ve been waiting for Jake and Kate’s story since we met them in The Engagement Gift. Not gonna lie, totally have a crush on Jake.
Loved the chemistry between these two and loved how open they were with each other.
Loved this friend to lovers romance and it was awesome to catch up with some past couples. As always Lauren Blakely doesn’t disappoint.
Loved the chemistry between these two and loved how open they were with each other.
Loved this friend to lovers romance and it was awesome to catch up with some past couples. As always Lauren Blakely doesn’t disappoint.
March 26, 2020
Review to come
January 7, 2021
3 Stars
I enjoyed The Engagement Gift and The Virgin Gift, but really couldn't get into the "role playing" in The Decadent Gift storyline. Just didn't engage me like the other 2 books did. Although the book is as well written as the previous ones, this one miss the mark. JMHO
I enjoyed The Engagement Gift and The Virgin Gift, but really couldn't get into the "role playing" in The Decadent Gift storyline. Just didn't engage me like the other 2 books did. Although the book is as well written as the previous ones, this one miss the mark. JMHO
February 15, 2023
Tension between these two has been building in the last 2 books and it was a perfect way to cap off this sexy novella collection. No miscommunication, no drama, lots of role playing.
June 19, 2020
Rating: 3.75/5
review to come.
review to come.
July 30, 2020
More hot, steamy fun!
September 15, 2020
I really loved the juxtaposition of Escorts calling it a career and finding love.
June 3, 2020
Audible: 🔥
May 29, 2020
This is a typical meet-attraction-waited to make a move story. I like how Jake and Kate started out as friends. Both are head strong and career driven individuals. The steam is good. The role playing was just okay. I liked how it was revealed in the end that some people in their lives meddled to make things happen for Jake and Kate.
The two side stories in the end was alright. Didn’t really care much about Antony’s story so I skipped it.
Overall, a nice short read from Ms. Blakely. I enjoyed it.
The two side stories in the end was alright. Didn’t really care much about Antony’s story so I skipped it.
Overall, a nice short read from Ms. Blakely. I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews