Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend

The Guys Who Got Away #2

by Lauren Blakely

Let me just say -- none of this was supposed to happen.

I didn't expect the letter to go viral. I didn't think anyone would figure out who Dear Sexy Ex was. And I especially never thought he would find out about it.

Yeah, bit of a miscalculation there.

But see, I need the money to fund my brand new venture. And Dear Sexy Ex, well, it turns out he needs me to save his business.

By becoming his fake fiancée.

Yup, that's the pickle I find myself in -- pretending to be madly in love with the charming, brilliant, and utterly infuriating man known as Dear Sexy Ex.

Only, it's not an act. And he can never know.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Adult, Humor, Fiction

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2020

About the author

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 sweet, sexy and witty. Her heroines are strong and smart and her heroes have hearts of gold and fantastic funny bones. She'd love to give you a free book today! Check out her web site to grab your free read: https://laurenblakely.com/one-free-book/

Connect with Lauren here

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➜ TWITTER: www.twitter.com/laurenblakely3

Reviews

[Lauren Blakely · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEAR SEXY EX-BOYFRIEND IS HERE!

Let me just say -- none of this was supposed to happen.
I didn't expect the letter to go viral. I didn't think anyone would figure out who Dear Sexy Ex was. And I especially never thought he would find out about it.
Yeah, bit of a miscalculation there.
But see, I need the money to fund my brand new venture. And Dear Sexy Ex, well, it turns out he needs me to save his business.
By becoming his fake fiancée.
Yup, that's the pickle I find myself in -- pretending to be madly in love with the charming, brilliant, and utterly infuriating man known as Dear Sexy Ex.
Only, it's not an act. And he can never know.
Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend is a standalone romance you can escape into! The other standalone romances in The Guys Who Got Away series include The What If Guy and Thanks for Last Night!

One-click your copy today!!
✦Kindle ➜https://blkly.pub/KindleDearSexy
✦Apple ➜ http://blkly.pub/AppleDearSexy
✦Kobo ➜ https://blkly.pub/KoboDearSexy
✦BN ➜ https://blkly.pub/NookDearSexy
✦Google ➜ https://blkly.pub/GoogleDearSexy
✦Paperback ➜https://amzn.to/3i1mJc7
✦Audible ➜ http://blkly.pub/AudibleDearSexy


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[❤️ Nanda ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's live!!

❤️ Follow Me on Instagram For More ❤️

For those like me, who loves a good rom-com, Lauren Blakely is definitely our queen!

In a combination of best childhood friends and fake fiancé, Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend left nothing less than amazing.

Summer is an extrovert, optimistic, a half full glass kinda of person, and she dreams of setting up her own gym for the elderly.

Oliver is a successful, realistic, cocky and handsome (obviously) lawyer, and extremely attached to Summer, his long time best friend.

Both have an incredible relationship and daily presence in each other lives, and the book shows in a fun and sexy way, how the lines of this super well-built friendship begin to blur in something much deeper.

It was sweet, fun, hot and a swoon reading. No dramas here and with a perfect HEA!
I highly recommend!

_____________________________________

Para aqueles que amam uma boa comédia romântica, Lauren Blakely definitivamente é a rainha delas!

Em uma combinação de melhores amigos de infância e Falso noivo, Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend não deixou nada a desejar.

Summer é extrovertida, otimista, de bem com a vida, e sonha em montar sua própria academia para os mais velhos.

Oliver é um advogado bem sucedido, realista, convencido, lindo (obviamente) e extremamente ligado a Summer, sua melhor amiga.

Ambos tem uma relação incrível e uma convivência diária, e o livro mostra de maneira divertida e sexy, como as linhas dessa amizade super bem construída, começam a borrar em algo muito mais profundo.

Foi uma leitura doce, divertida, quente e leve. Sem dramas por aqui e com um final delicinha!
Super recomendo!

ARC Reviewer
❤️ Segue lá no Instagram ❤️

[Dali · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW LIVE

With DEAR SEXY EX-BOYFRIEND, Lauren Blakely combines two very popular tropes into one fun, fresh, sexy and delectable rom-com.

➵ Heroine: Summer Clarke is a sweet, sassy and always positive person determined to achieve her goals on her own. She’s been one of Oliver’s best friends since she was fourteen and would never risk their relationship. But she does occasionally have inappropriate thoughts of the lusty kind about him.

“They’re like a side effect of the drug of friendship with a hot guy… Side effect can include temporary hallucinations, including, but not limited to, occasional inconvenient fantasies, inability to control dirty thoughts, and heightened desire to touch your friend’s lips.”

➵ Hero: Oliver Harris is a charming attorney with a sexy British accent that matches the rest of him. He cares deeply for Summer who’s supported him through the toughest moments of his life. He’d do anything for her including posing as her fake fiancée to help her get the money she needs for her business venture while saving his own. But are they really pretending to be in love?

➵ Facts Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend is book #1 of The Guys Who Got Away series by Lauren Blakely. It’s a standalone friends to lovers, my brother’s best friend romance told from both points of view with a wonderfully swoony epilogue.

➵ Overall rating: 4

Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2VsZEpp

* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Candi Kane PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *

Stalk me on FaceBook * Instagram * More reviews

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

From friends to lovers...

I'm not saying it's always the case, but I do believe that being friends before lovers is a good way to go. In Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend, Oliver and Summer have been friends since they were kids and consider each other best friends. They know each other well, have been there through thick and thin, and bale each other out when they're in trouble. There has also been a time or two where they have been each others 'plus one'.

When Summer accidentally brings Oliver and their relationship into the spotlight, a fake relationship is the only way to get him out of hot water with a client. What was supposed to be an easy arrangement, soon becomes a lot more and their lips keep getting stuck together...AND THEY LIKE IT!

I am such a fan of Lauren Blakely's style of writing. It's just so easy to get sucked in, they're fairly short, and I ALWAYS finish with a big goofy smile on my face. Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend did not disappoint.

I loved Oliver and Summer together and didn't mind that they took years to work out their feelings were more than friendship. Oliver had a lot of growing up to do and also get past his fear of losing someone he loves. Summer needed to feel confident that she could still have a career and be in love.

Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend was funny, sweet and really sexy. If you haven't read a Lauren Blakely story, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

[Cami · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, can we talk about the guy on the cover?…..YES PLEASE! YUM

This was a really good friends to lovers storyline. These 2 main characters were awesome. They have such a great friendship and funny banter.

I really can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book. It is funny, endearing, sexy and just plain good entertainment!!!!

[Hulya Kara Yuksel · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC provided by Candi Kane PR.

[Suzi Vanderham · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I know I am interested in a book? I start talking to the book, well the phone actually, and I begin asking the characters questions or laughing out loud. This time, Lauren Blakely’s “Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend” had me talking and laughing at the Prologue. The Prologue had my attention!!!

There are not enough words to convey how much I adore this story as it had me in all the feels – love, laughter, attitude, moments of ‘what happens next’ and did I mention the love? Ms. Blakely spun a tale as old as time – falling for my best friend – into something fresh, new and makes my heart soar. Love, humor, spectacular kissing scenes and a turn back look that completely caught my breath.

Nothing can make an “LB Book” come to life as it does when in audiobook format. These top-notch narrators make the story go from beautiful to fully immersive and emotional. Lead characters Summer played by Andi Arndt and Oliver voiced by Shane East are remarkable. Seriously, what is there left to say about these two fantastic people? Their comradery as professionals is evident as the story’s best friends with wit and banter they bring to life (including the must-listen blooper reel!) Absolutely one of my favorite performances from this duo!

Summer’s heart on her sleeve was only evident because Ms. Ardnt’s fantastic interpretation of the character along with the perfect comedic timing of the bantered lines. Oh Oliver! His musings over the dislike for social media had me smirking when lines were delivered by Mr. East. But the full-on radiant smiles arrived when I heard the whispered lines of love and longing Oliver carried for Summer. Epic swooning ensued.

However, we don’t just get #Shandi – no, we get extra audio loving from the voice of Joe Arden reprising his role of Noah (Birthday Suit) and some new character we keep hearing about, Fitz, whom I’m sure will be a delight when he leads a story soon! And then there is the showstopper – the absolute spotlight must go to Kit Swan as the “voices of the internet”. I howled with laughter at all the variations given in her performance. Stellar work from an amazing cast!!!

[Pam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite tropes, friends to lovers. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters. They were effortless with each other. They knew each other and that is why it worked so well for them. They truly wanted what was best for the other person. So of course she would become his girlfriend to save his job.

Oliver truly in his heart of hearts didn’t want to rock the boat and give Summer any reason to not be his friend. Her friendship means more to him than anything else. It was sweet how he came to see just how much he loves her, as in more than friends. Summer is the kind of woman who knows who she is but is still holding back, I like that she could and does be herself with Oliver. It was endearing.

I love that there wasn’t angst, there wasn’t drama. This is exactly why I love romance. The falling in love with the person who gets you 100% it is amazing.

The narration: Do I even have to say it, fantastic. Shane is quickly becoming a favorite of mine which kind of threw me for a loop too. Andi is Andi and she is great.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC Provided by the Author***

This is one of those books that just feels good to read. Yes there is a story and you are engaged in it, but it's not angsty or stressful...it is just plain fun and enjoyable.

Don't misunderstand, I am not saying that this title lacked anything, not at all (see 5 star rating) but sometimes, it's nice to just thoroughly be able to get lost in the romance and friendship of a story without a lot of tension. Those books are great too, but this one just feels like a warm hug.

I loved that there was a twist to the friend's to lovers trope, and it was not only the fear of losing the friendship that kept Oliver from acting on his feelings, but Oliver had reasons. And, as they have been friends for years, Summer understands those reasons. As the story goes on and both are confronted with their past choices, they both start to realize that while, at the beginning, Summer was convinced that she was the only one burying romantic feelings for her best friend, Oliver comes to realize, through a few absolutely touching moments, that maybe he has loved her all along.

I loved this book the entire time I was reading, but there is a part, at the very end, that absolutely tossed this one to the next level for me. It's a callback to an event earlier in the book, the thing that really got all of the romance moving forward, and it's wonderful.

And, let's be honest, this book is written with all the feels, the banter and the connection between the characters that you expect from a Lauren Blakely title and she even makes the name Ollie sound hot. What's not to love?

Really, that happens. The name Ollie is actually hot.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Book 1 in the new The Guys Who Got Away series and it is such a great start. Loved this brother’s best friend/friends to lovers/fake fiancé romance (three of my favorite tropes). Oliver and Summer have been friends for almost 20 years and have always been there for each other when needed. This story was everything that I didn’t know that I needed right now. I had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading it. I love watching people who have feelings for their friends dance around the subject. They are so scared that their friend may not feel the same so they are just happy to have them in their life even as a friends. Love always has different plans for them and I love when they finally see what was in front of them the whole time and get their HEA. Highly recommend. Great read.

I read an early review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Clau · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure about this one. The romance was a bit slow and there are a lot of unnecessary chapters. Also, the plot wasn't very interesting (friends-to-lovers, in case whoever is reading this is wondering about it). But the main issue is that it wasn't what I wanted from Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend. You see, I was expecting a second-chance kind of book. Not what I got.
I can't say I didn't have fun while I was reading this one. And I must admit that I really liked both Summer and Oliver as main characters. But their stubbornness to just be together did frustrate me.

[book bruin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend was such a wonderful combination of so many of my favorite tropes. Childhood friends to lovers, brother's best friend, and fake fiance all come together for this sweet romcom. Summer and Oliver couldn't have been cuter together and I loved all their shared history. They knew each other so well and have supported and been there for each other time and time again. A comedy of errors and good intentions tests their restraint and forces them to face their buried feelings. I loved seeing Summer and Oliver get tangled up in all their fibs and slowly realize what's always been right in front of their eyes. Things wrapped up a bit quickly at the end, but the epilogues were adorable and brought the story full circle. I'm excited for Fitz and Logan's stories next!

Audiobook Review
Overall 4.5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars

Andi Arndt and Shane East were wonderful together and the duet narration was fantastic. They have such wonderful chemistry and complement each other so well. Their fireside chat was a fun addition and a great way to get to know the narrators a little better. Joe Arden and Kit Swann were also amazing in their cameos/supporting roles. Make sure to listen all the way to the end too, so you can hear all the bloopers! Every Lauren Blakely audiobook is always so perfectly cast and is such a treat to listen to.

[Seline · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

I really wanted to enjoy this book more but unfortunately it wasn’t anything special and I’ll probably forget I read this in a few days. It wasn’t the characters because I did like them but it was more of the plot itself and the romance. It’s been done so many times and I’m just BORED.

I only felt the chemistry between Oliver and Summer in one part of the book and the rest felt flat.

Overall it was okey, nothing special and I don’t think I’ll be reading it again.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

What a fun way to start a new RomCom series! LB has a knack of letting us enter into a world and makes us feel apart of its creation as if we have been there all the time. This first book is a friends to lovers / brother's best friend / fake relationship romance. And I have to say, it is some of my favourite tropes rolled into one.

Oliver and Summer have been friends since high school, best friends for just as long. They know each other inside and out. Well, except for the bedroom, but Summer and her friend Stella have a theory on that, its called Stella's Law. But you will find out more about it when you read the book, and if it is true or not! Ollie and Cupcake have had to save the other out of situations from past ex's and this story is along those lines. Summer needs to win a writing competition to help fund her new gym, and this lands them both in hot water. Oliver being the ever loving best friend his is, thinks quick to get them both out of a jam.

What I love most about a LB novel is the humor and banter she devises and how they feel so convincing. Oliver and Summer have a special bond, a long term friendship but also from losing a loved one. Once they start their fake relationship, and have to show some PDA to cement it, it starts them both thinking of the what if's. For Summer, she is in a fog after the first kiss.... and the second... and well, you get my drift. For me, watching them fall, and fall hard for each other without added drama and angst, it was delightful and satisfying. What's next you ask.... Logan, Summer's twin brother and his come back story. Can Not Wait!

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer and Oliver have been best friends forever until she writes an essay that people think mean he's a horrible ex. To save face they pretend to be together and discover that they really are hopelessly in love with each other. Such a funny, sexy and sigh out loud book.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star Review of Dear Sexy Ex Boyfriend (The Guys Who Got Away #1) by Lauren Blakely

If you are looking for a spicy hot and steamy read then Dear Sexy Ex Boyfriend is the book for you. Lauren Blakely is off to a stellar start in her latest series as this was an entertaining read that had me riveted from the first to the last chapter.

As I have come to expect from Ms. Blakely, the story was funny with characters you cannot help but fall for and whose story you cannot help but be drawn into. The chemistry between Oliver and Summer sizzles and as their relationship goes from friends to lovers all you can do is smile.

I laughed so much with the humour and banter, these characters are just so fabulous that you want to be their friends. I really loved Summer, what a feisty, sassy, independent woman she is, whilst Oliver was totally swoon worthy. Individually these characters were awesome but paired together they take the book to the next level.
 
This book had me laughing and smiling throughout and is one I thoroughly enjoyed, so much that I cannot wait to listen to it on audio. A great example of romantic comedy it is a story of friendship,love, taking a leap of faith and finding your soul mate. It is Lauren Blakely at her best and is one of my favourite books from her.

[Busy Right Meow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5 Stars

Is it crazy this is my first Lauren Blakely book ever? I feel like I've just been missing out! I read this book with a smile on my face from beginning to end. It's a light hearted, little to no angst, friends to lover rom com.

Summer (h) and Oliver (H) have been best friends since Oliver and his family moved next door when they were younger. They've always felt a pull to each other but neither wanted to risk their friendship. Oliver, especially, has dealt with some loss in his life and Summer, along with her brother, has been a constant dependable source in his life. Due to a contest letter that Summer submits that accidentally goes viral for all the wrong reasons, Oliver and Summer pretend like they're engaged to change public opinion of poor Oliver. #AmercicasWorstBoyfriend to #AmericasBestFiance.

Summer, like her namesake, is an eternal optimist, sunny, upbeat and positive. On the other hand, Oliver is a realist but somehow they just work so well together. Their characters felt well fleshed out with their human flaws. Their banter and friendship over the years make their fake relationship so believable, but it does give so much additional context why they have always been afraid. They're just two people that are perfect for each other that never took that leap of faith until circumstances force it.

I found Lauren Blakely's reading style very enjoyable and I just got lost in her story telling. There are actually so many tropes in this one book: friends to lover, fake relationship, best friend's sister but this book felt uniquely itself. I just thought it was refreshing that EVERYONE was rooting for them to be together even before anything happened, especially Summer's brother Logan. Usually, a big source of drama is dealing with the fallout of dating your best friend's sister but Logan was basically like "Dude, took you long enough!" I just adored how everyone knew they were perfect for each other.

The only reason I knocked this book down slightly was because I felt the end was a little rushed after the main conflict. I wish we knew more about the aftermath but that's just me nitpicking. This is the perfect light rom-com read and it definitely had me smiling from beginning to end. I can't wait to finish up this series.....which I will do right now!

[Veronica (Honey Roselea Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a fan of the fact that some of the books in this series isn't a part of audible plus while others are but I had a few unused credits so getting this series was 10/10 worth it. Seriously, Lauren Blakely = comfort author.

[Michele McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I must say that Lauren has once again wowed me with her fabulously funny tale with a big dash of sexual tension staring Oliver & Summer! They have been friends forever and yes that might be hiding a bit of a crush for one another, although they think that they hid it well! I absolutely loved their effortless friendship and their crazy, quirky, so funny banter. Get your one click finger ready and prepare to fall in love with this adorable couple.
~~Michele McMullen ~~

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is so happy right now! This friends-to-lovers story is so sweet, and hot, and beautiful.

Oliver and Summer have been best friends since high school. They’ve been there for one another for everything, good and bad. When Oliver needs Summer to pretend to be his fiancée, she willingly agrees. Maybe being in such close proximity isn’t as easy as they thought. And maybe they don’t know as much as they thought about each other. I loved that even though they’ve been friends for so many years, this ruse has enabled them to discover more, and those new finds introduce feelings...something that wasn’t supposed to happen.

Shane and Andi do such a wonderful job bringing this Lauren Blakely book to life! I love the banter between Oliver and Summer. In addition to being best friends and buddies, there’s an innocent flirty chemistry between the two. Each finds the other attractive, but they aren’t willing to mess up their friendship by acting on their attraction. Friendship is more important. Which is what makes their getting together that much better. When they discover the heat between them, fighting it is futile.

The supporting cast is wonderful, as always. There are a few surprises, and I won’t spoil them for you. But they are heart-stopping and delightful.

This is the first book in The Guys Who Got Away series, and I can’t wait for Logan’s story, and the much-anticipated story from Fitzgerald, hot hockey player not looking for love.

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. It made me laugh so much and I loved the characters, even though their whole resisting due to messing up their friendship bit got a bit old for me after a while, I get it. But so much of it was just plain truth. First, there is the whole thing about being friends with someone good looking having the horrible side effects of not being able to help yourself from occasionally thinking thoughts about them you know you shouldn’t. And then I learned a new dating term, submarining. It’s happened to me a couple times. Guys on Tinder that I think have ghosted me all of a sudden pop back up a few months later and want to talk again. So now I’ve learned ghosting and submarining. Both suck.

Now whenever a book tells me to Google something, let’s just say that I do it. And when I tried to Google just the name of the person they said in the book, I didn’t have pop up first what they did, so that was a little disappointing. LOL!

Otherwise, I could hardly put the book down to do anything else, and I sped through the story whenever I had a minute to spare. I definitely want to read the others that we know will be about probably her brother and also I think one of Oliver’s friends.

Review first published at Lisa Loves Literature.

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

The way Lauren Blakely weaves together romantic tropes is nothing short of impressive. The way she threads together familiar tropes and gives them her own complex spin with a splash of drama always gives her narratives that little something extra. For her latest rom-com, Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend, the author combines the brother’s best friend, the fake relationship, and the friends-to-lovers tropes into one fast-paced, lighthearted page-turner. With Lauren Blakely’s signature flirty banter, quick-witted humor, and scorching hot love scenes, Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend is guaranteed to keep you riveted from start to finish.

Longtime friends, Summer and Oliver, have a history of pretending to be each other’s significant other to escape awkward situations with their exes. But when a well-intentioned letter has all of New York speculating about their relationship status, Summer and Oliver hatch an elaborate scheme to save face with a fake engagement. But after years of remaining firmly in the friend zone, that spark of attraction that they’ve continuously extinguished flares brighter than ever before. And suddenly their romance isn’t quite the sham they believed it to be.

What I love about this book (or any book by Lauren Blakely, really) is that it’s driven by both the plot *and* the characters. The plot for Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend is eventful, entertaining, without a single dull moment. With their effortless rapport, insider jokes, and an intimate knowledge of each other’s pasts, Summer and Oliver’s connection is the heart and soul of the story. Their chemistry gives this effervescent energy to the narrative, whether it translates to amusing conversations, swoon-worthy kisses, or something significantly steamier.

My favorite part of starting a brand new series by Lauren Blakely is getting to meet a new cast of characters, some of which will be getting their own story down the line. With Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend, Lauren Blakely sets the narrative in New York, but creates her own little world of close friends and family whose relationships give each page an added layer of emotional depth. It’s a world I’m anxious to return to for the next book in the series (and any other after that).

*complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review

[bookspaced · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fun read for in between. It didn‘t lack anything. It was funny, heartwarming and very steamy.

The story of Summer and Oliver isn‘t just any friends to lovers story. It is so much more. The characters are brilliant and that‘s not only the main characters but every sibling and friend and I can‘t wait to see more of them.

Oliver is this very hot, british lawyer who lost someone very special when he was younger. Summer, her twin brother Logan and Oliver grew up with eachother so Sunmer knows what Oliver is feeling. Still both of them are drawn to eachother and not only friendly.

Summer is trying hard to make her dream cone true and when she sees a chance she obviously takes it which in turn leads to a very very funny and very needed time between the main characters.

I really enjoyed this book. It wasn‘t angsty or twisted in any way an sometime you just need a feel good romance story where you can really focus on the characters and their love story.

5 ⭐️




ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Dulcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet and fast. I'm not always into the unrequited love thing but this was a little step away from that since you knew why rather early. Both characters were easy to like and had you pulling for them. A nice read over all.

Didn't realize I read these out of order till about halfway through; so that's nice.
Doesn't matter since they don't give much away on either end.

[Coco.V]

(5/17/2022) - The Friends to Lovers Collection which is on sale for $0.99 on Amazon & on Apple iBooks (regular price $8.99) 💞

[Izy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars 

Summer Clarke is a determined individual who wants to achieve her dream of having her own specialty gym for over 50s by herself. Currently working at an assisted living, she almost there in her monetary goal. She doesn't want to be beholden to anyone, least of all her family. She's spunky, sweet, can write very convincing stuff and has douchey exes.

Oliver Harris is an attorney. He's been best friends with Summer and her twin brother since they were young. The loss of his sister has made him determined not to loose anyone he cares/loves in his life, this specifically includes his friend Summer. Doesn't matter that they seem to have a connection beyond friends and they make the most perfect fake couple.

Summer decides to enter a writing contest to gain some money achieve her monetary goal, which is about lessons learned and her sexy ex-boyfriend. It was meant to stay anonymous, no one was supposed to find out who she was talking about but they go viral and well no attorney wants his business to be affected by being the America's worst boyfriend. They decide to fake their relationship so Oliver's business isn't affected and Summer also gets a good business deal out of it. Except this faking thing isn't difficult, seems a bit too real, everything just seems right. EXCEPT the whole being oblivious to each others real feelings.

These two individual are completely it for each other, just needed the extra push to give each other a chance for real and the Stella Law helps bring them 'together' together. I did like Summer and Oliver together, they shared a bond, had been best friends since high school. Knew each other like no one else, and regardless of their sometimes lusty thoughts of each other, they didn't want to lose their friendship so they never came out and shared their feelings.

Well Izy, this seems like something you'd love to read with the whole Fake dating trope.

You're right, me. I do! 

Then why not a higher rating ? 

Because sigh, from the blurb I had completely different expectations, I was thinking douche sexy Ex that the Heroine still loves, instead I opened the book and saw her being attracted to her best friend and I was super confused because what ?? because no where did it even imply that they were/are still friends. Its not something I had thought this was gonna be about and that's on me (the blurb is still misleading tbh). So it just took me a while to get settled into this different reality of best friends, not so douchey sexy fake ex story! and some aspects of it reminded of Lauren Blakely's other books so while I enjoyed this book, I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped. Slight issues with pacing, plus the reason why their first time happened was a bit of a disappointment.

It still has the Lauren Blakely signature humour, banter, wonderful characters, familial and great friendships & sweet romance with added slight angst of being in love with your best friend and faking it for all the world to see. Anyone's who a fan of friends to lovers, fake dating and wants a light read would enjoy this.

Review on Blog
ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.


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[Kate R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend is not what you expect at all in the best way. This is not a second chance romance. Oliver and Summer never officially dated. They have been friends since high school; always helping each other with whatever is needed at the time. So, when Summer is asked to write a letter for a dating article, it is assumed she is speaking about Oliver. Everything begins spinning out of control after this. Oliver is forced to ask her to pretend to be his fiancée. There are many cutesy moments played out in front of prying eyes. But, things start to feel real too quickly for them. You could tell these two had an incredible connection. They were both easy to like. All the secondary characters were great. I especially enjoyed Oliver’s friendships with his guys. The story felt different than other friends to lovers, fake relationship books. I found it original, sweet, and fun. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this one.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer has dreams for her future, but she is determined to achieve those dreams on her merits so the only thing standing in her way is the finances to make it a reality. She thinks that she has the solution to her problem, but she never expected that her actions would affect Oliver, her best friend and the man that she has secretly loved for years

Oliver is a successful lawyer who finds that his career is being affected by Summer’s actions, but he also knows that the best way to fix it is to pretend they are engaged. They have maintained their friendship for close to two decades without any romantic entanglement so why should this be any different?

Fun and flirty combined with humor and heat in this story. Oliver and Summer were a perfect pair and once Oliver saw Summer in a different light he soon realized that friendship would no longer be enough.

[Angela IEFFI · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐

[litljen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Best friends-to-lovers stories are my all-time favorite. I'm a sucker for them and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Not every author can nail this genre but Lauren Blakely proves once again that she's a master when it comes to this type of story. It's funny, sexy, romantic and oh so fun! Blakely will take you on an adventure and you'll love every second of it!

What I loved most about Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend is how Blakely uses flashbacks to the past to help us connect with the characters in a deeper way. I felt a tremendous connection to Oliver and Summer and their shared history only strengthened it. These two are the best of friends since their teen years and their relationship is easy and fun. They're strong, independent, sexy and fun. Oliver and Summer's chemistry is incredible and I was rooting for them from the very start. I truly adored these two! And let's just say that Oliver, the sexy Brit will definitely make you swoon. He's 100% book boyfriend material!!!

Blakely made me laugh and she made me fall in love and that's the beauty of this book! It's fun and romantic in all the right ways. I loved all of the new characters we were introduced to and I can't wait for their upcoming stories, especially Fitz's!!! Dear Sexy Ex Boyfriend is a definite must read! 5 stars