“…so good, so good, so good.”

I’m a new but still huge fan of Lauren Blakely’s, having jumped on her train earlier this year. I know, I know – where was I, under a <big> rock? I read Mister O and Big Rock, and well, I was a goner. Like totally book-smitten, fan-girl in author lust with her. My blogger boss ladies picked up on this newfound devotion of mine, and like the rock stars they are, they made my book-reviewer dreams come true! I was reading Lauren Blakely’s books and reviewing them for the blog. I’m telling you, this is irrevocable proof that my blogger boss ladies love me. I don’t know who they’re sleeping with to get me these books, I’m just thrilled that they’re going that extra mile for me. (At this point, I’d like to mention that while I did receive an advance copy, I have also purchased this book, as well as the others that I’ve read and reviewed for Red Cheeks Reads, for my personal digital library.)

“I’m just a twenty-six-year-old guy who’s got his shit together and wants to go out with a woman he works with—a woman who has her act together too.”

So, this week was a particularly rough one, reading-wise, for me. I read two books with major cliffhangers and a gut-wrenching, emotional book that left me with a hangover the likes of which I haven’t seen since the eighties. I honestly couldn’t get into anything else. Like all readers, I don’t like that feeling, but it’s particularly difficult to deal with when you have to read, when you’re committed to read certain material within a certain timeframe. But such is the life of a book reviewer, and I had this book on my Kindle with a deadline looming, so in I went. Turned out it was the best decision I’d made all week. This book took me by surprise in the very, very best of ways!

“It’s not just physical. There’s the start of something more between us. The flicker of feelings.”

Going into Out of Bounds, I knew it was a novella, so I was anticipating a lighthearted, funny, sexy story from Blakely. Beyond that I didn’t have too many expectations. But even if I had, this book would have exceeded them. Dani and Drew were so fantastic together – pure romcom magic from their very first moment. Their attraction sizzled right off the page. It was a positively palpable force pulsing between them, and Blakely absolutely nailed conveying that to the reader. I felt their attraction, I felt the undeniable draw, that electric spark of lust and all the promising possibility of this couple. But, alas, their budding romance is dealt a complication…

“If he touched me in any way, I’d unravel. I’d melt. I’d want all the things I can’t have.”

My heart thumped enthusiastically and my face ached from grinning as I read patiently while Drew and Dani danced around each other and their feelings. That glorious build-up, that should-we-could-we, will-we-won’t-we back-and-forth, is something Blakely does exceptionally well and that talent of hers is on full display in this book. I was tapping my Kindle furiously as I devoured this book in anticipation of that delicious moment when they would finally—finally—succumb to this attraction, these feelings, the lust so thick between them. It was spectacular!

“It’s the lashing of rain against a window. Like a wild storm. Like thunder. Like the ocean waves crashing into the shore. And I want that wave. I want to fall under it, feel all of it.”

This book was so insanely hot, and if you’ve read anything by this author before, you know that that’s really saying something. Out of Bounds, and I mean this as the highest of compliments, is smart girl smut. It was witty, romantic, clever and so very sexy! Drew is gorgeous, smart, an all-around good guy with the absolute filthiest mouth ever on him. All of that comes together into an absolutely perfect hero. Dani was a strong and sexy heroine, I loved her whip-quick sarcastic and sassy nature and how effortlessly she just got him.

“…being with you is like holding hands. We fit.”

I adored these characters, I loved their story and this book ticked off all my boxes for the perfect romcom. I smiled and swooned through every page, hoping right along with Dani and Drew for the chance to see this romance blossom. This book did what no other was able to do this week and chased away a book hangover that I just couldn’t shake. But more than that, it made my heart so very happy and I loved everything about it! Lauren Blakely’s Out of Bounds gets five smooches from me!
~ Danielle Palumbo for Red Cheeks Reads

As usual, a fun look at love through the eyes of the hero. And, as usual, I am let down by the ease at which the hero gets the girl. I wish Lauren Blakely's heroines were harder to get.

I ABSOLUTELY adore Lauren. Her writing sucks me in from the first page. This was a quick read and I fell in love with the characters. Out of Bounds will warm your hearts and make you laugh as well. Lauren has a unique writing style that will make you feel like you know the characters, that you can relate to them. Drew and Dani amazing together. The only complaint I had was, I wish it was longer. I wanted more. I didn't want it to end.

Definitely a 5 star read for me.

In this new standalone novel, Lauren Blakely tells the story of Dani Paige, an attorney for a fictitious major league football team in California. When she witnesses a gorgeous surfer get knocked into the ocean in a freak accident, her former lifeguard training kicks in and she swims to his rescue. What sparks is a delightful love affair.

Drew Erickson, is the quarterback of his team and is a strong leader in his personal life as well as on the field. Even though there is a shakeup in his career, things are looking up for him, especially with the beautiful Dani becoming more entrenched in his life.

I loved that these characters gave as good as they got. They’re well matched and the chemistry is off the charts. There’s a bit of tension because of their jobs, but there’s little to no angst involved. That makes this a great rainy day, lounging on the beach or long flight read. It’s hot, fun and witty.

Fun, sweet, and sexy – that is Ms. Blakely’s newest release Out of Bounds!

Dani and Drew have a cute accidental first meeting followed by a pretty typical misunderstanding that they easily get passed only to discover that they are brand new co-workers.

Out of Bounds isn’t a long book, but it is a well written story that gives the reader a chance to get to know both Dani and Drew and a fairly small supporting cast. These are characters that are easy to like and root for as they try to be friends and have the inevitable shift to lovers.

Even when Drew was being incredibly dense, there was very little drama. It was nice to see two adults handle things like adults – with a few helpful nudges from their friends. This book was just right length for me; great characters and a well-developed story, but not a lot of unnecessary angst.