
Series: Holiday/Hammer #2
Published by Lauren Blakely Books on May 2nd 2016
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 306
Goodreads

“I’m like a superhero of pleasure, a good-deed doer, the once-upon-a-shy-guy-now-a-stud, and my mission is to dispense as many climaxes to my lovers as possible.”
FINAL DECISION: A funny contemporary romance, this is a friends to lovers story where these two just seem inevitable. I loved the tone and humor of the story along with the confusion and uncertainty the hero experiences as he falls in love.
THE STORY: This is the story of Nick Hammer, former shy geeky guy who now is a stud who writes dirty cartoons. His childhood friend Harper Holiday decides that she needs a little help in the love department and Nick offers to help. The only problem is that he really has a thing for Harper and she is the sister of his best friend.
OPINION: Things have been simmering between Nick and Harper for a while. Nick has overcome all his shy geekiness and is a now a master with women. When he recognizes that his friend Harper is having trouble with the men that she is interested in, he agrees to help her “practice” so that she can feel confident. What starts out as talking and sexy texting become kissing and then much more. Nick has been fighting his attraction to Harper because they are friends and also because her brother (who is also Nick’s best friend) has threatened to shave and dye his hair if Nick touches Harper.
This story is really about two people liking and caring for one another and yet being afraid of losing their friendship by wanting more. The book is funny and sweet and really sexy.
The book is told from Nick’s point of view so Harper’s feelings remain a secret until she tells Nick. At the same time, Nick’s fears and anxieties are on display. This is a different view than most romance novels and the difference in tone might not be every reader’s type of book. I enjoyed the change of pace.
The book is light and amusing and the situations that the two get into are not ones that demand deep emotional angst. Those looking for a funny contemporary will enjoy this one.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book is told from the male point of view.
CONNECTED BOOKS: This book is connected by characters but can be read as standalone. The hero and heroine are, respectively, the best friend and sister of the hero of BIG ROCK.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.