Flaunt by Adriana Locke is live!

A fun and playful frenemies-to-lovers romance with low drama, no angst, an irresistible hero, and a gorgeous romance. I loved this one!

 

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Blurb

Looking for a Fake Fiancé

Have you ever wanted to prove someone wrong so badly that you could taste it?
It doesn’t matter if they’re right. The fact that they had the audacity to go there is what counts.
Hi. It’s me. I’m that person.
The man I’ve been casually seeing told me I’m not “wife material” and I should “lower my expectations.” Didn’t he realize I lowered them the moment I met him for dinner?
Obviously not.
Am I petty? Maybe. Annoyed? Of course. Determined? Definitely.
I need someone to help me flaunt my new engagement—my fiancé couldn’t wait to pop the question because I’m that amazing—in his face.
The problem? I don’t have a boyfriend, let alone a husband-to-be.
Which brings us to you.
Are you handsome? Successful? A smooth talker extraordinaire?
Are you willing to do all the things that someone madly in love would do?
Putting your hand on the small of my back. Forehead kissing. Acting like I’m a treasure you can’t live without. I need you to be prepared to do all those things … and maybe more.
What do you get out of this? I’m willing to negotiate terms—especially if they include a job and a place to stay. It’s a long story.
One night. One event. Let’s put on one heck of a show.

 

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Review

4 stars!

A fun and playful frenemies-to-lovers romance with low drama, no angst, an irresistible hero, and a gorgeous romance. I loved this one!

I picked this book up not realising it was part of a series. It’s actually book four of the Carmichael Family series, and though you can read it as a standalone, be aware that there are three Carmichael brothers before Banks who have had their stories told, and all of the characters are closely intertwined. I wish I’d read the series in order because I love the build-up of characters and dynamics that you get with interconnected standalones, but you can read this one on its own.

Banks is the youngest of the Carmichael boys. He is the prankster who is always taunting and teasing his brothers, pulling epic pranks and always joking around. And, like his brothers, he’s also fiercely loyal to his family and has a huge heart. Sara is the best friend of Ashley (the new wife of Banks’ brother, Maddox). She’s run into some trouble and is temporarily staying with Maddox and Ashley, but not wanting to intrude on the newlyweds longer than necessary, she ends up moving in with Banks while she waits for her rental to be ready. Banks is initially very reluctant to get a new roommate – especially one who drives him as nuts as Sara does, but it doesn’t take long before for two frenemies actually find themselves getting along, and more than that, feeing an attraction. It’s nothing either of them expected, but while Sara is all too keen to explore their mad lust for each other, she doesn’t want a relationship and is only interested in a hook up. Banks knows that will never be enough for him, so he keeps his distance, but hopes for more.

“I’m not going to apologize for wanting you when this is over,” I say.
“You don’t know you’ll still want me.”
“Oh, baby. I do.”

It’s a fun dynamic between Banks and Sara. They tease and flirt, and as their attraction deepens, so do their feelings for each other. They hover on the edge of will they/won’t they, and the build up is so good. They joke and laugh together, and Sara’s snarky sarcasm is a great match for Banks’ honesty and joyful open-heartedness, which proves to be absolutely irresistible.

“What if one of us falls for the other?” I ask. “Then what?”
I stand before her, ready to peel her out of that dress. Somehow, I find a shred of self-restraint and hold on to it for dear life.
She smirks. “I’m not going to fall for you Banks.”
I smile back at her. “I was talking about me.”

Oh Banks… *dreamy sigh*… He absolutely makes this book. He is so much fun, and his sweet side absolutely stole my heart. He’s smart and confident, open and unapologetic about who he is and what he wants, he doesn’t play games, and he’s just a genuinely good guy. It doesn’t hurt that he’s also hot as all hell, and the sexy time is sizzling! He is voiced by the narrating perfection that is Jacob Morgan, who brings just the right amount of sweetness, sexiness, hilariously juvenile playfulness and SO much heart, and watching him fall in love for the first time is an absolute delight.

The touch of drama comes for Sara, who hasn’t had an easy life and who has issues she needs to deal with. But being surrounded by Banks and his large, loving and in-your-face family proves to be exactly what she needs. She grows a lot in this story, with Banks beside her, holding her hand every step of the way as they fall and fall hard.

“I don’t want this to be it between us. I want this to be a part of it.”

I loved this book, I loved these characters, and I loved the wonderfully fun and chemistry-filled romance. I’m going back to the beginning to read the series in full, and I cannot wait to explore more of this family.

4 stars!

The audiobook is narrated by Jacob Morgan and Mackenzie Cartwright, and it’s a great one to listen to!

An Audio Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

The Carmichael Family