Excerpt + Review: "Asking for a Friend" by Lauren Blakely

I am very excited to participate in today's release blitz celebrating Lauren Blakely's latest romantic comedy, "Asking for a Friend," the first book in the Boyfriend Material series. A full review is included at the end of this post, but in short, I adored this funny, charming, and sweet story and highly recommend it for both new and existing readers of Lauren Blakely's work. The main characters, Amy and Linc, were incredibly likeable and totally perfect for each other, and watching them fall in love was delightful. 

About "Asking for a Friend"

I was only trying to help a friend. I swear. I was legit asking for a friend who was finally ready to date again.

I knew what she wanted in a man -- smart, funny, ambitious, well-read (no, the sports section doesn't count), and plays a wicked game of badminton.

So I did what any good friend would do. Posted it for her. It seemed like a good idea at the time — I’d weed through the candidates, and bring her my top picks.

But then he responded.

Is it wrong to date the guy I screened for my bestie? Not asking for a friend.

 

Read an Excerpt from "Asking for a Friend"

“No. I was just getting the lowdown on office allergies.” He moves closer, leaning against the bar, looking like a tall drink of man. I break out my mental yardstick. Yup, I’m betting he’s over six feet. I’m going with six foot one. Which might even push him to a fifteen on the goes-to-ten babe-o-meter.

“So you’re on drinks detail,” I say, trying to sound all cool and casual, like I’m not busy sizing him up.

Not consumed with checking out his arms.

Not occupied admiring his blue eyes.

Not tied up enjoying his smile.

He points his thumb at his sternum. “New guy. That means I fetch all the drinks and buy them too. And you? What put you on errand duty?”

“I made my friend snort her drink out her nose.”

He looks impressed. “You officially have the best reason for being on drink detail.”

I preen, enjoying his praise. “Why, thank you. I was hoping to win that contest.”

“What was the snort-inducing remark, may I ask?”

Flashing back, I recall the culprit—my “you need V-time” comment to Peyton—but that’s too personal to share. I give him another one. “I referred to her ex-fiancé by his proper name.”

Clark Kent gives me a curious look. “Is his proper name amusing?”

“Of course. It’s Richard Cranium,” I say, and I wait. Will he pass the test?

 

My Review

Lauren Blakely's books are always a lot of fun to read, and "Asking for a Friend" was no exception.  I really needed a lighter read after having picked up several emotional rollercoasters lately, and this story fit the bill perfectly. I found myself laughing out loud more than once and ended up finishing the book with a huge smile on my face. The story was funny, charming, and delightful, the characters were incredibly likeable, and the central relationship between main characters Amy and Linc was beautifully developed.    

Amy was so quirky, funny, and adorable that it was impossible not to love her. I especially enjoyed her clever wordplay and how much she joy she found in her thesaurus. Linc was also a fantastic character because he was not only incredibly handsome but also a genuinely nice guy.  That said, my favorite part about this book was the banter, both between Amy and Linc and between Amy and her best friends, Peyton and Lola.  I loved the way that the girls were able to tease each other but still convey how much they cared for one another.  As for Amy and Linc, their conversations were so funny but also showed just how perfect they were for each other.  Their minds worked in such similar ways, and it was easy to see how much pleasure they took in just being together and trying to make each other laugh. 

I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

*ARC provided by the author via Candi Kane PR.  All opinions expressed are my own.