I really liked this book. Most of the time, there weren't a bunch of petty misunderstandings, which made it nice. I'm ready for the next book! I posted a review on Goodreads.

If you’re looking for light, fun, sweet and sexy, Eye Candy is a great pick for your summer reading.

Admiring beauty is part of human nature, right? Or at least that’s how Jacqueline Butler is justifying her mid-morning ogling of the dazzling man who jogs by her office every day at precisely 11:45am. And that’s all she intended to do until her best friend and coworker pushed her to ask the unidentified man to go out with her. The problem is that she hasn’t dated since her divorce and she’s out of practice. So while she dates the running man she’s practicing and falling for her best friend.

Vince Carson couldn’t have survived his divorce if it weren’t for his two best friends. His guy friend who he liked to go out for drinks with and his other friend who happened to be a girl and spent every Friday night watching old movies with him. She happily shares the vice president title with him, but she’s also happily slotted him in the dreaded friend zone. Which wasn’t terrible at first, but now he desperately wants out and if everything goes according to his plans he’ll soon be swooping. But you know what they say about the well laid out plans of mice and men…

Two friends surrender to their desire and fall in love in this fun and steamy friends-to-lovers office romance. I’ve read several books by Jessica Lemmon and with Eye Candy she delivers another entertaining book and a wonderful start to her new series Real Love. Every page is made to draw the reader deeper into Jackie and Vince’s friendship, how good they are for each other, how they helped each other get through difficult moments in their lives and how for both of them, that friendship evolved into more. But for both of them the fear of being hurt again and loosing that bond had them going through an unconventional courtship.

I loved the lightheartedness of the story. It was funny and sexy and easy to read. Both characters are very likeable. Jackie is smart and confident and yet a bit shy when it comes to the opposite sex, hence the practice dates with Vince who is easy going and playful. It’s truly fun watching them stumble their way through their road from friends to lovers. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

Eye Candy is book #1 in the Real Love series by Jessica Lemmon. It is a standalone contemporary romance. Told from both points of view and has a happy ending.

2.5 starts

Bummer. I was set to more than liking this book and the start was so promising. Alas...

I'm not sure the characters's age range were - late twenties? early thirties? - though they sounded so young here. And I didn't mean that in a good way; as in young minds knew no better. sigh.

Jackie and Vince were young VPs of a marketing firm, divorced (the dumpee part of broken marriage, too), and became good friends over shared misery. When a hunky runner caught Jackie's eyes, Vince tried to be supportive - despite his growing feeling to his friend - and agreed to couch her wading the dating scene. Initially, I thought this was cute, before I realized his true feeling to Jackie's crush. Then, I thought some friend he was; no less underhanded than his nemesis.

The story was told alternately in Jackie and Vince's first person POV. Normally, this allowed me (as a reader) inside the MC's to understand where they're coming from. This time, though, it mostly left me feeling confused as I don't think either characters understand what they wanted. From quite likable at first impression, soon Vince's lack of confidence and wishy-washy stance irked me no end. Not to mention his assed-move that I suspect actually coming from cold feet yet laid the blame on someone else.

On a more positive note, I enjoyed their friendly and - later - sexy bickering. A few of the secondary characters were intriguing, too (I would love to read story on Jackie's sister or Vince's friend and a tattooed red-headed bartender for one) that they stole the scenes for me.

I guess it's not a total failed introduction to Jessica Lemmon's writings, it's a matter choosing the right book at the right mood. And time. I'm game to pick another of her tittle. Fingers-crossed.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sweet, sexy, and fun!

This is a charming friends-to-more rom-com about moving on, learning to trust, taking some risks and remembering that games can often backfire and honesty is always the best policy.

The writing is humorous and light. The characters, including the supporting characters, are winsome, cautious, endearing, and real. And the plot is a romantic tale filled with heartache, friendship, introspection, exquisite chemistry, steamy tension, witty banter, and true love.

This is the first novel in the “Real Love” series and what a great start. It’s enjoyable, frisky, and highly entertaining and I can’t wait to read and review Arm Candy the second book in the series publishing in early September.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House – Loveswept for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Today was a chilly, rainy summer day, and Eye Candy was the perfect book to pass the time. The story isn't too deep, doesn't have much angst between the two characters, and is a good story in the friends-to-lovers trope. Jackie and Vince both share the title of VP at their marketing firm, and grew closer as she (a divorcee) helped him get through his own divorce. Three years after the end of her marriage, Jackie is still set on not dating again. But Vince is starting to notice his best bud as more than just a friend, and wants to get out of the Friend Zone. So Vince hopes that giving Jackie "dating lessons" so she can get over her hump and ask out the hot runner she's been ogling from her office window will also open the door for him to make his own move.

It's a familiar plot, and while Jessica Lemmon does a fine job with it, there wasn't anything that stood out between Jackie and Vince that made me absolutely love this book. It was good enough; I just didn't love it. I felt that two mature adults, both of whom have been married before, should have been past the point of playing that "should I tell her/him that I have real feelings or not" game.

Overall, Eye Candy was a decent read. It's a pretty fluffy story that doesn't make you think too hard about the characters and their relationship, and there is a satisfying HEA. I received an advanced copy courtesy of Loveswept and Random House Publishers and voluntarily left a review.

You know the story that, when you start out, think you know the direction it's going, but couldn't be more wrong? Yep, that's this book. Not in a bad way, just surprising.

Jackie's addicted. To what? To the guy who runs by her office window every morning. Oh, he also lives in her complex. After her co workers convince her, she finally gets the courage to ask him out. Problem? Turns out he's not really the one she wants.

Vince works with Jackie. Ok, they're a little more than co workers. They've become best friends, hanging out every Friday night, able to discuss every and any thing. And yes, she helped him get over his divorce (she could relate). But he's not ready when she expressed interest in the running. So he comes up with a plan. A game. But will the game work in his favor?

The idea of this story is very clever and cute. The game that's played didn't exactly work well with me though. Like I said, cute idea, great at first, but somewhere mid story, I started to lose interest. I was pulled back in, but I found that there was a roll reversal I wasn't expecting. All in all, cute story and happy with the HEA.

Now give me Davis' story please :)

Reviewed by Chris

When I first saw this book at NetGalley I was so excited to read it. This was my first Jessica Lemmon but I had high expectations about it especially because it has one of my favorite tropes (best friends to lovers is still one of the best tropes out there) but this one ended up being such a disappointment. I don't even know what to say about it

Let's start by talking about what I liked in this book. I really enjoyed the writing in this one. I think Jessica Lemmon is a talented writer and I keep hearing she has some amazing books. I can see that because I did enjoy the writing and how distinct Jackie and Vince's voices were. Unfortunately this was one of the few things I actually enjoyed in this book (Davis was a close second and the main reason I'm reading the next book in this series).

Now let's talk about what I didn't like... Jackie and Vince. Oh my... did these two get to my nerves. Here's the thing, one of my main pet peeves is miscommunication. I hate miscommunication with all my heart and most of the times I get so frustrated that I want to throw my phone in the wall (and let's be honest, Clay *aka my phone* did nothing wrong to be thrown to a wall). What did I get in this book? A serious case of miscommunication. Here's the thing, this book started out great. I loved Jackie and Vince's friendship and how they helped each other and talked about everything (at least at that point I did think they talked about everything) but from the moment something more happened between them this book went downhill. First of all, I didn't like Jackie at all. I did like she was a strong independent woman who knew what she wanted to do with her life but her insecurities at some points where too much and sometimes she would make stupid things... but really stupid things. But Vince wasn't that better. I didn't like how he played games with Jackie. If he had been honest from the beginning I would probably be happier while reading this book. I just had so many problems with these two. AND THE MISCOMMUNICATION!! COME ON!! If they talked about stuff instead of running from it most of the times everything would have been so much better. But hey, at least Davis was in the book and the next book will be about him, so yeah for that.

Overall, this book ended up being a huge disappointment. I think it could have been an enjoyable read but the characters, the miscommunication and the games played in this book made me mostly frustrated which didn't make it that good for me. I still want to read more of Jessica Lemmon's books, especially because I keep hearing amazing things about her previous series.

This is the first book in Jessica Lemmon's new "Real Love" series and like its cover it is hot and steamy! This book is the perfect blend of humor, romance, steamy love scenes and a hint of angst. If you are looking for a truly fun and entertaining read, "Eye Candy" is the book for you.

Jacqueline "Jackie" Butler has had her eye on the hot runner for a long time. Watching him run by her office window every morning is the highlight of her day. She knows that his name is J.T. and that she wants to get up close and personal with him, but after a bitter divorce she is more than wary of letting her guard down. She has also been far from the dating game for a while so she has no idea how to approach him. She really needs a guys point of view and who better to help her than her best friend and colleague Vince. Sure, he is handsome and she finds herself eyeing him from time to time, but Vince is just her friend and nothing more - at least that is what she keeps telling herself.

Vince Carson has also had his share of a bad divorce. A divorce that has left him broken and self-doubting. He finds himself having a number of one-night-stands to fill the void, but he just isn't ready for anything deeper or lasting. Jackie is one of his best friends and lately he has started seeing her as more than just a buddy that he likes eating pizza and watching movies with. But he also knows of Jackie'e infatuation with the morning runner. What better way to get closer to her than to help her win the guy that she is after. Who knows ? Maybe in the meantime she can start seeing him as more than just a friend ;)

I am totally in love with Vince! It's not only his looks, but also his sense of humor and his wit. There were just so many times that I found myself laughing out loud while reading this book. Can't wait to read Davis' story next! A great summer read by Jessica Lemmon!

Eye Candy by Jessica Lemmon is the first book in her Real Love series. I somehow read book 2, Arm Candy, before this one, but am glad I had the opportunity to read this book as well. Eye Candy is a friends-to-lovers romance with light angst and lots of chemistry.

Jackie Butler is co-Vice President at her marketing firm and after being divorced for several years. She has avoided dating. To her mind, it was not worth it. But a mystery man who jogs by her office every morning has peaked her interest. But she enjoys her fantasies from afar. She is not ready to put her heart on the line again.

Vince Carson is co-Vice President with Jackie and also divorced. They have become the best of friends and supported each other when they needed it most. Once he really noticed the woman Jackie is, she had friend-zoned him. What is a guy to do? Until he believes pushing her out of her comfort zone and into this mystery man’s arm may get her to open up and finally see him. He believes this guy is not for her, but if he can rescue her from him, maybe they have a chance.

If only it were that easy. Both Jackie and Vince had previous relationships that left them badly hurt. As friends they were solid, do they really want to risk what they have for an unknown future? Vince knew he wanted Jackie, but instead of telling her how he felt, he tried to push her to begin dating so he could have a chance with her.

This was a charming story that had me laughing and cheering for this couple. Even with the light moments and the chemistry these two had, there were moments of angst. I liked both of the characters very much and the story line was intriguing. With their history, their journey was not an easy one. But when they were together, they were sexy and sweet.

I totally enjoyed reading Eye Candy by Jessica Lemmon, the first book in her new series, Real Love. This is a friends to lover story of two colleagues who have been badly hurt in previous relationships and who came together as friends to support one another. However, what happens when those friendly feelings start to change and you realize that your best friend is more than attractive. How do you act? Do you risk the friendship and go for it? Or should you stay friends, ignore your feelings and maybe miss out on the best thing that could ever happen to you? This is the dilemma Jacqueline and Vince face in this story.

This might have been one of the first Jessica Lemmon books I’ve read and will not be the last. I definitely recommend this book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Eye Candy by Jessica Lemmon has a bit of a twist from a typical romance story. Can good friends Vince and Jacqueline move from friends to lovers to a real relationship with a happily ever after? You betcha, but there will be twists, humor, coaching, and dating of a jogger/neighbor along the way. These two friends a destined to be together but the path is full of potholes. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to others as a great story to relax with.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

Eye Candy by Jessica Lemmon has become my favorite book written by this author. I have read several of her books but the main male character was a wounded tortured soul who often cross the line from right to wrong in their actions. I found those to be compelling reads but it is wonderful to see the same detail to plot and character development given to a work that is lighter.

This friendship to love story was a delicious read. The jogger is far from the perfect man for Jacqueline but her best friend, Vince is the right one is many ways. Of course. The characters are old enough to have love and loss but that served to make the story so authentic. They have survived their heartbreaks which makes them wary of trying love again but also more capable of recognizing it when found. However, that is easier said than done, so they journey is one of detours. It was fun to watch how Vince goes about winning Jacqueline’s trust and love. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with intelligent, successful and engaging characters.

I have to say this friends to lovers story is great. Vince and Jackie have been in other relationships, they supported each other as friends. They both go into a divorce scorching them from relationships. Vince then realizes he wants Jackie, but she isn’t ready to what he wants, so he will help her to date someone else. Jackie finds herself looking at a man that runs in the Street. She finally gets the courage to ask him. Vince tries to help her practice so he kisses her and everything changes. The story is good paced, the romance can be felt and the chemistry is off the charts. This book has it all, sexy, humor and friendship that turns out into something more. Great reading for the weekend.

In true Jessica Lemmon fashion, I was mesmerized with the story from the onset; with wry, witty and hilarious banter flying off the pages so effortlessly, which is another of her trademarks that I never tire of. She is gifted in her ability to create characters who entertain, and leave a lasting impression.

Vince's inner monologues were priceless, as was his creative approach to changing the dynamics of his and Jackie's best friends status. There were so many of his quips that I highlighted, to read again, which just demonstrates Ms Lemmon's abilities to draw the reader into the believability of her characters, not wanting to let them go at story's end.

Along with all the lighthearted hilarity, the seriousness was felt to the point of heartbreak for both Vince and Jackie. They were definitely a couple that I became emotionally invested in and their HEA...though there was a point (and this is how poignant her writing is) where I was actually entertaining the notion that they may not get to their HEA.

I will always come back to Ms Lemmon's books as I know I'll never be disappointed, because her characters always leave a lasting impression.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and Netgalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Laugh out loud funny, yet smoking hot! You can cut the sexual tension with a knife between these two, and once they get on track with admitting their attraction, they connect majorly! A really fun read.

Co-Vice President coworkers and best buddies Jackie Butler and Vince Carson have been each other's sounding boards through a lot. Now the jig is up as Vince figures out that Jackie is lusting after some hunky jock that runs by her office window at the same time every day and Vince sets out to pull a trick on her. He convinces her to let him coach her into getting back out there and dating again when what he really wants is for her to want him instead!

Jackie is excited when runner guy takes her up on her offer of coffee, and then wants to see her again. She's having fun and enjoying his attention ... only when she's with him, she finds herself thinking of Vince and comparing the two. When Vince admits he wants her, she doesn't know what to do. Can they risk their great friendship for something they don't know will go anywhere?

Great story of two friends becoming more than friends. Jackie is ready to start dating again after her divorce, who better to coach her than her best friend and co worker Vince. Vince himself has gone through a divorce, but what he hadn't expected was his feelings toward Jackie once she showed interest in someone else. Both Vince and Jackie have hang ups to get passed before their real feelings and maybe more can they be a couple.

I received this ARC copy of this book from NetGallery for an honest review. I give this book 5 stars. The storyline between Jackie and Vince started out as best friend. It was a funny and well written book. This was the fist book in the series. She is stalking her neighbor as he runs past her office at 11:45am everyday. A great book to read.

“‘Once upon a time’ always starts with bumbling, if you think about it.”

There’s not much bumbling about Jessica Lemmon’s charming and sexy new series. Okay, there’s a little bumbling, but it’s fun, flirty and easy to enjoy—and I’m already looking forward to diving into more.

A friends-to-lovers romance (which is a trope I am 100% here for, always), Eye Candy has a way of sort of sucking you in, and getting you invested in not only the lives of Vince and Jackie, but also Davis—who I am so fascinated by—and Grace. The banter and dialogue was on point, the friendships fulfilling, the premise endearing and the writing excellent. All in all, a really good book, and definitely the best way to start a new series.

However, that’s not to say I felt like Eye Candy was perfect. I said it was really good, and I stand by that. But I did find some of the miscommunication, the mixed signals, the hypocritical hurts between Jackie and Vince (and Jaundice) to be a frustrating at times. Not so much, though, that I wasn’t able to lose myself in this world of Ms. Lemmon’s creation.

In fact, I read this one incredibly quickly, because I couldn’t find it within myself to put it down. I wanted to know what would happen, I wanted to see Vince and Jackie figure out their trust issues, their past-relationship baggage, their ‘now what?!’ fears. But mostly, I just wanted to keep enjoying the charm, the heat, and the playfulness that permeated this book—and left my heart feeling full.

“Do you have any pointers now that I’ve successfully lured a man into my house?”
“Yes, but every one of them involves you stripping naked while I watch, which is probably less about my coaching and more about my boner.”

~ 3.5 STARS ~