Joy Ride

If Max Summers admitted that there was such a thing as a guilty pleasure, one-night stands would be it, but one thing he will never do is sleep with the enemy. Until he does. Max was attending an auto show for Summers Custom Autos, his own company, when he hears an unmistakable voice, that of Henley Marlowe’s. The ever delectable and fiery mechanic, whom Max had fired five years ago. She had worked as his apprentice for a year, until she overstepped her boundaries, and Max lost it. It did not help that he was driven to distraction by her luscious curves. Henley still hates him with a passion, and to add insult to injury, she is now lead builder for Max’s biggest competitor. As if things couldn’t get any worse, they are both hired to work together on a supercar for a TV show! JOY RIDE is Lauren Blakely’s latest in her series of interconnected standalones, which started with Big Rock, and this time two blue collar workers are featured in this war of the Manhattan mechanics. I liked that Henley was a real pro at her job, and still could remain a girlie-girl outside the workplace. Max is totally macho, except when it comes to his real guilty pleasure, and that was a truly fun touch. Again, told from the hero’s point of view, JOY RIDE captures the essence of a dude telling his story; Max is sometimes rather coarse. Henley is so very angry, snappy, and rather mean, while Max desperately tries, in vain and in rather funny ways, to convince himself that Henley is not attractive. I must say that I really didn’t like either Henley or Max at the beginning, because their animosity towards each other is very aptly described by the author, but both grew on me after a while, especially Henley. Henley is not perfect, but a she is a fabulously well-rounded character. JOY RIDE is very steamy, both Henley and Max enjoy angry sex, wild, spontaneous and unbridled sex. Theirs was a prickly situation as they are in direct competition, and my favourite part of the story is how they try to deal with this issue. Besides revisiting briefly with characters previously encountered in the other books, there are a few unforgettable secondary characters as well, and I don’t believe anyone will forget Roger… I completely fell in love with Mia, Max’s sister, and Patrick, a friend of Max’s, whom we saw interacting together for a brief and memorable chat, their chemistry is undeniable, and I couldn’t be happier that their story will be next! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

I love how Lauren Blakely's books connect, but I must say though I enjoyed this one it didn't grab me like the others have.

Joy Ride is the latest addition to the long list of Lauren Blakely masterpieces. Amazing characters, witty and sexy banter, car themed innuendos and a monkey what more can you ask for? I had so much fun reading this book. I laughed. I swooned. I developed major crushes on both characters. You know, the typical reaction to a Blakely book. Gah! I am simply amazed how Lauren Blakely can rock our world time and time again. I am so addicted to her books!! Max Summers, the king of custom cars, partaker of one night stands, enjoyer of baths, is dedicated to being the best at what he does and doesn’t want anything to distract him. When his former apprentice - the smart, gorgeous, sassy Henley Marlowe - returns, Max discovers she has taken all her talents and fire to his biggest rival and is now competing for the same clients. An incredible opportunity arises when the producers of a new television show want to commission a customized Lamborghini Miura. The only thing is they want Max and Henley both to work on it. Forced to work together, their undeniable attraction towards each other is too hard to ignore. Their verbal sparing leading to some of the hottest moments ever! Oh my God! The sexy times in this book are fan yourself hot!! Their sexual chemistry is spectacularly sizzling!! These characters are everything!! Lauren Blakely has provided us with another fantastic, strong willed and talented heroine. I love that she never writes a weak woman. Henley is the marvelous blend of quirky, smart, and fun with a wealth of car knowledge. She’s thrives in a field dominated by men and does it in heels while listening to pop music and drinking hot chocolate. She’s the best! Max gave me a different vibe from his brother, Chase, or the other heroes in the male POV series - Spencer, Nick, and Wyatt. Still a good guy, fun and playful, yes, but with a serious and alpha side to him. It was really hot. I liked it A LOT!! The poor guy, he tried to fight his attraction to Henley but his urge to have her was too strong. These two worked so well together, professionally and outside of work. *sigh* I heart them. I can not state this enough. I love love love these male POV books by Lauren Blakely. LOVE!! If you want a light hearted, sexy, rivals to lovers romantic comedy with incredible characters and a fabulous plot line, Joy Ride is for you. I guarantee you'll fall in love with it just as much as I did.