Once Upon a Real Good Time by Lauren Blakely

Narrated by Sebastian York and Andi Arndt

Standalone. First in the Heartbreaker Series of Rock-Star Rom-Coms

OK Lauren Blakely, I need to know how this magic happens! How is every single book amazing? As much as I loved her last release, I am thrilled that Lauren is back to hot and sexy romantic comedies, and Once Upon a Real Good Time had every single thing I love in a romance. It’s the first in the Heartbreaker Series about three rock star brothers, and they are all releasing within weeks of each other, so expect a lot of love from me, because if the next two are as good is this, I won’t shut up about it!

“I don’t even know her name. I don’t care. When I look at her, something crackles—an energy, a spark.”

Mackenzie is a single mom whose idea of a good time is going to the local pubs for trivia night. When she sees a guy on stage tuning his guitar to play after trivia, there was an instant attraction, but she had to leave to go get her son from music lessons. A couple of weeks later they meet again, but this time it ends differently.

“Ever have sex so good it robs you of the power of rational thought? Yeah, that was me last night.”

Campbell is an inked former teen heartthrob now living the low-key life as a single dad music teacher. He is an awesome and involved dad to his baking-obsessed teen daughter and an all-around great guy.

“Former teen sensation at your service. How may I pleasure you?”

When the highly recommended violin teacher shows up for Mackenzie’s son’s lesson, who does it turn out to be? Campbell of course. Immediately they know that they can’t continue their relationship. If things didn’t work out it would be awkward, and good violin teachers are really tough to find. They both agree to keep it friends only, but their relationship keeps simmering every time they see each other.

It feels like I took a different turn down the road. Like we started with raw heat, and we sped through rough-and-fast-land, and now we’ve veered someplace else entirely. We’re driving down a new road, and this one’s a little more dangerous, but it’s fantastic in its own way.
Because it’s closer.
It’s more intimate.
It’s a connection I didn’t expect but can’t deny.

Let’s talk about the dirty talking, shall we? Holy hell Campbell is so freaking DIRTY & HOT! But Mackenzie gives it right back!

“Oh my God! You never stop.”
“I know. It’s a sickness. The only thing that makes me stop is when your lips are on my cock.”

I really loved the relationships outside of the main couple. She had a great relationship with her ex, I loved the kids’ friendship and the adults friendships with the other one’s child.

I really liked the other two brothers and can’t wait for their stories coming in the next few weeks. I can tell already that Lauren Blakely’s Heartbreaker Series will become a favorite.

Likes:

An older couple, both with teen kids.
Lauren Blakey’s men are always so respectful and supportive of strong career women.
Is there anything sexier than an inked rock star? <—NO.
OMG could he talk dirty! This book was HOT!
She was dirty right back.
They were both great single parents with well adjusted, happy kids.
BANTER! I love flirty banter!
Lauren’s witty dialogue.
The way Mackenzie bonded with his daughter and Campbell bonded with her son.
The friendships and family relationships.
The New York City setting that came alive.
A few little easter eggs for LB fans.
No over the top drama.

Dislikes:

It ended before I was ready! I didn’t want to stop reading, I just want MORE! (OK, that isn’t really a dislike).

The Narration:

It’s been a while since I listened to Sebastian York and Andi Arndt together and they were absolutely PERFECT for this. I loved it and they made it even better.

The Down & Dirty:

Whether male POV or dual POV like Once Upon a Real Good Time, Lauren Blakely totally nails the romantic comedies. With strong, likeable women and dirty alphas who respect the women they are with, Lauren never fails. Once Upon a Real Good Time was extra-special to me because they are a bit older with teenaged kids plus he’s a rock star. It honestly doesn’t get much better than that to me. An inked, sexy, dirty-talking single-dad musician, a smart, funny, successful single mom plus fun, happy teenaged kids and great side characters is my recipe for a perfect book, and Lauren Blakely is the best chef to make it. Once Upon a Real Good Time is the perfect start to what is sure to be a new favorite series.