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The Girlfriend Zone by Lauren Blakely
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Series: Love and Hockey #4
Pages: 512
Genres: Sports, Romance, Contemporary
In my defense, I had no idea the tattooed, glasses-wearing, soulful hottie I spent one perfect day—and one unforgettable night—with was a hockey star on my father’s team. And Miles didn’t know I was the coach’s daughter.
That’s the point of a “no-work-talk” date.
But now? He's as forbidden to me as I am to him.
When I land a new gig as the team photographer, we vow to keep it professional. We mostly succeed…except for that time after a game when he couldn’t keep his talented hands off me. And, okay, maybe that other time before a road trip. But I swear, it won’t happen again.
Too much is at stake—I can’t risk my heart or my father’s team.
But when I end up living at Miles’s place to care for his pack of rescue pups, the lines blur fast. Late nights turn into stolen moments and I discover there’s more to him than I ever imagined—a man who’s genuine, thoughtful, and irresistibly real.
He looks at me like he can’t believe his luck. Touches me like he never wants to let go. And listens to my hopes and fears.
My heart’s getting dangerously attached. But if I follow it… am I putting everyone’s dreams on the line?
Tropes: coach’s daughter, the one who got away, starts with a bang, second chance vibes, age gap, forbidden hockey romance, forced proximity, workplace romance
My Review:
It’s pre-season for professional hockey player, Miles Falcon, which means no hockey practice yet and that he is able to help out at his grandmother’s cafe. But what he wasn’t expecting to meet is his future wife. Their banter is what gets Miles and he admires the stunning stranger’s sass and attitude. Miles is taken with her and vows to take her out on a date. His last relationship didn’t end the way he wanted to and being present is essential for him in order to make things work. When an opportunity presents itself to help out Leighton at her photo shoot, Miles is all in no realizing just how their moment together would change their lives forever. Yet, it’s when he finds out that she the coach’s daughter, Miles can’t risk his relationship with the only person that gave him another chance no matter how strongly he feels for her. It would ultimately be the universe to keep bringing them together. Now he has to fight for the love of his life before it's too late.
If there is anything that life has taught Leighton is to not depend on anyone, especially after going through ups and downs. That includes succeeding at her job as a photographer and the boudoir shoot that she has set up is important to her. But when her male model bails on her, Leighton is shocked when the grandson of the owner of the cafe is frequents shows up ready to help. Their chemistry was instant the minute they met and it’s clear that Miles has the power to bring down the walls around her. Until his hockey status pops up that has her rethinking about having a relationship with him. She can’t mess up with her dad’s reputation within the team and promises to walk away from Miles. Only to have life keep bringing them closer and as she gets to know him better, Leighton finds out just how thoughtful and caring he is towards her. He is like nothing she’s ever experienced and that alone makes her want him even more.
I throughly loved reading The Girlfriend Zone, Blakely has outdone herself with this release. The characters are sweet and the chemistry between them is off the charts. It’s evident from the beginning that they have a lot in common when it comes to their families and of the loved ones that have hurt them in the past. They are easily able to lean on each other all while developing feelings for one another. Miles has set the bar pretty high for other male protagonists, he goes all out for Leighton to make her feel cherished and loved. She keeps him on his toes and their banter is cute. There are sensitive topics in the book that Blakely does a great job describing and weaving into the story. All while giving us a good sense of humor from other characters and few Chihuahuas thrown in the mix. All in all, I would highly recommend checking out this story, you will not regret it!
***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***
My Rating:4.5/5
{EXCERPT}
Leighton
“When I said you, I meant I want all of you,” I add. That’s clear enough, but just in case it wasn’t, I press my body even closer so I’m rubbing against the outline of his erection. Making my intentions crystal clear.
For a hot second, his eyes go glassy. His breath stutters. But then he gains control again.
“All of me?” he asks like it’s a question, even though it’s an amused me, as if he’s having too much fun with my words as he keeps one hand looped firmly around my waist. “How exactly do you want all of me?”
Oh my god. He’s toying with me.
I groan in mock frustration. “You want me to spell it out?”
“I do, Leighton,” he rasps out. “I really, really do.”
I roll my eyes, but it’s doing little to mask how turned on I am. “Fine—then here’s an opinion for you.” I pause, letting him hang there on my every word as I run a hand down his chest, over the buttons on his shirt. I lift my chin, look him in the eyes. “I want you to f*&k me hard. And a little rough.”
ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY:
“When I said you, I meant I want all of you,” I add. That’s clear enough, but just in case it wasn’t, I press my body even closer so I’m rubbing against the outline of his erection. Making my intentions crystal clear.
For a hot second, his eyes go glassy. His breath stutters. But then he gains control again.
“All of me?” he asks like it’s a question, even though it’s an amused me, as if he’s having too much fun with my words as he keeps one hand looped firmly around my waist. “How exactly do you want all of me?”
Oh my god. He’s toying with me.
I groan in mock frustration. “You want me to spell it out?”
“I do, Leighton,” he rasps out. “I really, really do.”
I roll my eyes, but it’s doing little to mask how turned on I am. “Fine—then here’s an opinion for you.” I pause, letting him hang there on my every word as I run a hand down his chest, over the buttons on his shirt. I lift my chin, look him in the eyes. “I want you to f*&k me hard. And a little rough.”
ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY:
Connect w/ Lauren:
Website: laurenblakely.com
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