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Happy Endings #2
Shut Up and Kiss Me
When a scorching one-night stand between best friends absolutely, definitely shouldn’t happen again...
How to resist sleeping with your best friend when you’re stuck in a hotel room in Vegas with the charming, glasses-wearing hottie.
1. Slather your face in a grapefruit mask
2. Wear a big, fluffy robe
3. Make him do the same.
Oops.
Didn’t work. Turns out our libidos had other plans.
But, no biggie. After epic, soul-shattering banging, I’ll just put the genie back in the bottle the next morning. Only, that’s easier said than done. After years of scraping by, Nolan and I just landed the big break of a lifetime for our scrappy online restaurant review show. We’re going to New York for a month.
Just the two of us. TOGETHER ALL THE TIME.
But I’ve already lost my best friend once, so I’ll do whatever it takes to resist thoroughly delicious Nolan again.
Until I learn whatever it takes might cost me everything.
How to resist sleeping with your best friend when you’re stuck in a hotel room in Vegas with the charming, glasses-wearing hottie.
1. Slather your face in a grapefruit mask
2. Wear a big, fluffy robe
3. Make him do the same.
Oops.
Didn’t work. Turns out our libidos had other plans.
But, no biggie. After epic, soul-shattering banging, I’ll just put the genie back in the bottle the next morning. Only, that’s easier said than done. After years of scraping by, Nolan and I just landed the big break of a lifetime for our scrappy online restaurant review show. We’re going to New York for a month.
Just the two of us. TOGETHER ALL THE TIME.
But I’ve already lost my best friend once, so I’ll do whatever it takes to resist thoroughly delicious Nolan again.
Until I learn whatever it takes might cost me everything.
ebook
First published March 25, 2022
729 people are currently reading
4765 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blakely
256 books24.2k followersYou can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
March 25, 2022
We all know how well Lauren can write a romantic comedy. That shouldn’t even be up for debate, ever. She’s written enough of them in her career that she can probably do it in her sleep by now. What I find interesting is that no matter how many times she writes a particular trope, it almost always shines from the rest she has written. She has this unique ability to take even the most over used tropes and make them shine bright and new. She did that with Shut Up and Kiss Me like a burst of a million stars!
I really enjoyed these two a lot. As soon as I finished reading their story I wanted to jump back and read it all over again. It was ridiculous fun and so flirty and sexy that I just smiled all the way thru, even thru the conflict! It’s a happy story full of wit and heart and makes for an excellent afternoon read!
I really enjoyed these two a lot. As soon as I finished reading their story I wanted to jump back and read it all over again. It was ridiculous fun and so flirty and sexy that I just smiled all the way thru, even thru the conflict! It’s a happy story full of wit and heart and makes for an excellent afternoon read!
March 24, 2022
5 star review Shut Up and Kiss Me (Happy Endings #2) by Lauren Blakely
There wasn't anything that I didn’t love about this book and it quickly became one of my top reads from Ms. Blakely. I know I am in for an entertaining, steamy read and that’s exactly what I got with Shut Up and Kiss Me.
I really loved both Nolan and Emerson who run a food review blog/show together. The attraction sizzles between them but not wanting to lose her friend, Emerson is doing her best to keep her distance. However when the opportunity for their blog means that they will be spending a month together in New York, their will power will be tested.
This was an entertaining friends to lovers story that ticked all the boxes for me. They know that it shouldn’t happen but sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants and the chemistry between them is to explosive to ignore.
Could it finally be their time? I just loved these two, both separately and especially together. Emerson is sassy, feisty and a real go getter who deserves her shot at happiness. Nolan is a flirt, but a lovable one and for me he was swoon worthy. Both are determined to make a success of their business and I admired their drive and determination.
I loved how their relationship was built on genuine friendship and the witty banter had me laughing out loud on a number of occasions.
There wasn't anything that I didn’t love about this book and it quickly became one of my top reads from Ms. Blakely. I know I am in for an entertaining, steamy read and that’s exactly what I got with Shut Up and Kiss Me.
I really loved both Nolan and Emerson who run a food review blog/show together. The attraction sizzles between them but not wanting to lose her friend, Emerson is doing her best to keep her distance. However when the opportunity for their blog means that they will be spending a month together in New York, their will power will be tested.
This was an entertaining friends to lovers story that ticked all the boxes for me. They know that it shouldn’t happen but sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants and the chemistry between them is to explosive to ignore.
Could it finally be their time? I just loved these two, both separately and especially together. Emerson is sassy, feisty and a real go getter who deserves her shot at happiness. Nolan is a flirt, but a lovable one and for me he was swoon worthy. Both are determined to make a success of their business and I admired their drive and determination.
I loved how their relationship was built on genuine friendship and the witty banter had me laughing out loud on a number of occasions.
March 27, 2022
Lauren certainly knows how to crawl into my heart and make room for her wonderfully fun and sweet characters. In Shut Up and Kiss Me we have friends and business partners Emerson Alvas and Nolan McCay. Right out of the gate this couple is entertaining, funny, and you can feel the palpable heat below the friends surface. So when their on line review page begins to take off and their suggestive food comments begin to heat up a weekend in Vegas just turned into a bit more. Clearly they must find their way back to friends and business partners but is that really what they were meant to be?
Get ready for quite an adventure with this ambitious, creative, funny and not just meant to be friends/co-workers couple as they learn to navigate the new waters their one night created!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Get ready for quite an adventure with this ambitious, creative, funny and not just meant to be friends/co-workers couple as they learn to navigate the new waters their one night created!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
March 30, 2022
a foodie friends to lovers.
March 27, 2022
4★ - super cute & easy listen! Nolan and Emerson are best friends and business partners — they have a super successful youtube channel where they review local restaurants. Friends to lovers, forced proximity, one bed trope, low stress!
March 21, 2022
Lauren Blakely continues her sexy Happy Endings romance series with this fun best friends to lovers who are also co-workers story.
When Emerson and Nolan’s YouTube series is on the cusp of greatness, the two device a plan to get them there which entails going to Vegas to film an episode with a couple of cute foodie grannies and an overnight stay at the Extravagant.
They’ve been friends for years and have stayed that way because of their work relationship, but their attraction is undeniable and not watching TV with face masks and fluffy robes will dampen their desire. Can they go back to the way things were now that they’ve gotten a chance to do a food review show for a month in New York?
Lauren Blakely is skilled at flirty and sexy banter that always makes me smile. It’s cheerful, fun and clever. Especially between Nolan and Emerson who played up their “are they?” or “aren’t they?” relationship for their show.
I loved Emerson who is a sassy, organized vegan food critic. Nolan is charismatic and charming and a perfect counterpart of their carnivore vs. veggie show. They have a great dynamic that made me smile and swoon, and loved that they were both flawed but learned and supported each other.
They also have a great group of friends and family who help them out. Some of whom I met in previous books and some I can’t wait to read more about.
Shut Up and Kiss Me is book 2 of the Happy Endings series by Lauren Blakely. A standalone contemporary romance told from both points of view, with multiple epilogues. Tropes: friends to lovers | workplace romance
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3tsyv7o
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Candi Kane. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at my Bookstagram
When Emerson and Nolan’s YouTube series is on the cusp of greatness, the two device a plan to get them there which entails going to Vegas to film an episode with a couple of cute foodie grannies and an overnight stay at the Extravagant.
They’ve been friends for years and have stayed that way because of their work relationship, but their attraction is undeniable and not watching TV with face masks and fluffy robes will dampen their desire. Can they go back to the way things were now that they’ve gotten a chance to do a food review show for a month in New York?
Lauren Blakely is skilled at flirty and sexy banter that always makes me smile. It’s cheerful, fun and clever. Especially between Nolan and Emerson who played up their “are they?” or “aren’t they?” relationship for their show.
I loved Emerson who is a sassy, organized vegan food critic. Nolan is charismatic and charming and a perfect counterpart of their carnivore vs. veggie show. They have a great dynamic that made me smile and swoon, and loved that they were both flawed but learned and supported each other.
They also have a great group of friends and family who help them out. Some of whom I met in previous books and some I can’t wait to read more about.
Shut Up and Kiss Me is book 2 of the Happy Endings series by Lauren Blakely. A standalone contemporary romance told from both points of view, with multiple epilogues. Tropes: friends to lovers | workplace romance
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3tsyv7o
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Candi Kane. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at my Bookstagram
April 23, 2022
This was a friends/business partners to lovers romance story. The hero and heroine have been friends since college, in their early 30’s, and run a YouTube food channel together. They’re working towards making their channel a success, and finally get the opportunity to take it to the next level.
The premise of the story was pretty cute, and normally I really like the friends to lover trope. However, I found this one dragged and ended up being boring. I also didn’t really feel the chemistry between the two leads, nor did I find the sex scenes enjoyable. They just felt cliche and unsexy to me.
I think my biggest pet peeve was the hold back on why they couldn’t be together. It didn’t really create the tension the author was going for to push the romance along. I mean if you’re so concerned with your business becoming a success, but worry being in a relationship with your best friend will prevent that, you probably shouldn’t sleep with them right when you’re trying to make your business a success. It just seemed to formulaic for me to get into.
With all that being said, if you’re looking for an easy, no brainer romance to have with you at the beach, I’d say try this one. Otherwise, don’t expect too much going into it.
The premise of the story was pretty cute, and normally I really like the friends to lover trope. However, I found this one dragged and ended up being boring. I also didn’t really feel the chemistry between the two leads, nor did I find the sex scenes enjoyable. They just felt cliche and unsexy to me.
I think my biggest pet peeve was the hold back on why they couldn’t be together. It didn’t really create the tension the author was going for to push the romance along. I mean if you’re so concerned with your business becoming a success, but worry being in a relationship with your best friend will prevent that, you probably shouldn’t sleep with them right when you’re trying to make your business a success. It just seemed to formulaic for me to get into.
With all that being said, if you’re looking for an easy, no brainer romance to have with you at the beach, I’d say try this one. Otherwise, don’t expect too much going into it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2022
What a time waster😑. You'd think this was a young adult book...H is 30 btw!
March 15, 2022
Shut Up and Kiss Me by Lauren Blakely was a delicious, swoon-worthy, make-your-heart-feel-so-good friends to lovers romance! I devoured this book in one sitting because I found myself all wrapped up in Emerson and Nolan's foodie love story! Lauren once again has created relatable characters that readers and listeners will be able to connect and empathize with in all the best ways.
This audiobook is narrated by Julia Whelan and Jason Clarke. This was my first time hearing these two paired together, and it was such a delight to my ears! Julia Whelan gave a passionate performance of Emerson. Julia's ability to showcase Emerson's hopes, past pain, ambitious drive, and dedication to her love of her food show was captivating and endearing! Jason Clarke's performance of Nolan was adorable, dreamy, and sexy all at the same time. Jason conveyed Nolan's hesitations, wants, and desires in his signature growly tone. (insert happy sigh...) Both narrators were fantastic displaying the push and pull of Emerson and Nolan’s relationship as they finally gave into their hot magnetic chemistry!
Overall, I LOVED this audiobook! If you are a fan of friends to lovers romances with low angst, a hunky hot food critic who loves to wear boxers printed with cute animals (hello flamingos), a determined fierce heroine ready to make her mark in the T.V. food industry, cheap adventurous plane flights with parrots, loveable food grannies, trips to Vegas and NYC, making it big on Youtube and Webflix, rollercoaster kisses, comfy hotel bathrobes, all the steamy times, and a HEA that you will go absolutely bananas over, then you will love Emerson and Nolan's story! I always look forward to more from Lauren Blakely.
This audiobook is narrated by Julia Whelan and Jason Clarke. This was my first time hearing these two paired together, and it was such a delight to my ears! Julia Whelan gave a passionate performance of Emerson. Julia's ability to showcase Emerson's hopes, past pain, ambitious drive, and dedication to her love of her food show was captivating and endearing! Jason Clarke's performance of Nolan was adorable, dreamy, and sexy all at the same time. Jason conveyed Nolan's hesitations, wants, and desires in his signature growly tone. (insert happy sigh...) Both narrators were fantastic displaying the push and pull of Emerson and Nolan’s relationship as they finally gave into their hot magnetic chemistry!
Overall, I LOVED this audiobook! If you are a fan of friends to lovers romances with low angst, a hunky hot food critic who loves to wear boxers printed with cute animals (hello flamingos), a determined fierce heroine ready to make her mark in the T.V. food industry, cheap adventurous plane flights with parrots, loveable food grannies, trips to Vegas and NYC, making it big on Youtube and Webflix, rollercoaster kisses, comfy hotel bathrobes, all the steamy times, and a HEA that you will go absolutely bananas over, then you will love Emerson and Nolan's story! I always look forward to more from Lauren Blakely.
March 23, 2022
One of my absolute favorite tropes is a friends to lovers. I feel it’s the connection they already have, and one or the other will realize that they can have both, a friendship and a relationship without the dynamics changing. One of my favorite things about reading a LB story, is her characters zest for life and their flirty banter, just makes me smile the whole time. With this book, I loved the uniqueness of the occupation they had, being vloggers and trying to make it to tv being food critics. Pretty cool! There were also some awesome cities they lived in or visited, San Francisco, Las Vegas and NYC - all of them this Aussie gal has sojourned too, so it was like I was there with them. Even though this is a rom-com, each main character had a past relationship or quandary that added another deeper level to this book. Emerson and Nolan were different but the same, and when they surrendered to the passion, it was like two pieces of a puzzle fitting back together. Lastly, there were some hints or even a first chapter of the book/s to follow, with Jo, Jason and TJ, can not wait for each of their books to be released.
March 22, 2022
Shut up and Kiss me is the latest in the Happy Endings series by Lauren Blakely. The characters were in the first book but it can still be read as a standalone. It’s a friends to lovers trope. Nolan and Emerson have been friends for a long time. Recently, they started a food show where they try foods around the country and give their opinions. When they find out they are being picked up by a major streaming service, they get even closer and the lines between them become even more blurred. They are both lovable characters. There is no major drama in here, which I appreciated so much. Things moved rapidly between them and so the book was a quick and entertaining read. I wish we would have seen a little more of the secondary characters because I was so intrigued by them. I’m definitely looking forward to books on some of them. I would recommend this book and the entire series.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 24, 2022
The second instalment in the Happy Endings Series and what a perfect addition, this is Nolan McKay and Emerson Alva’s friends to lovers story.
Running a food blog together this couple shouldn’t be crossing the line, there is not only their friendship at stake, their business could suffer as well but hiding the attraction they feel is becoming harder and harder. Their control over their feelings is really going to be put to the test when they spend a month together in New York working so will they cross the line and more importantly will everything they value survive if they do……
There isn’t anything negative I want to say about this book, it ticked all my boxes, I fell hard and fast for the fun, flirty Nolan and I adored the strong, sassy Emerson but it was their drive and determination that I admired the most. This is a wonderful romance with plenty of witty banter and sizzling chemistry, it’s a story that every romance lover needs to read and I highly recommend you one click now.
Running a food blog together this couple shouldn’t be crossing the line, there is not only their friendship at stake, their business could suffer as well but hiding the attraction they feel is becoming harder and harder. Their control over their feelings is really going to be put to the test when they spend a month together in New York working so will they cross the line and more importantly will everything they value survive if they do……
There isn’t anything negative I want to say about this book, it ticked all my boxes, I fell hard and fast for the fun, flirty Nolan and I adored the strong, sassy Emerson but it was their drive and determination that I admired the most. This is a wonderful romance with plenty of witty banter and sizzling chemistry, it’s a story that every romance lover needs to read and I highly recommend you one click now.
March 24, 2022
5 SMOOCHES
I love the friends-to-lovers trope, and it is something that Lauren Blakely just does so incredibly well. She has perfected the art of setting friendships on fire and capturing all those feels on the page. I don’t know if it’s because I’m living my own best-friends-to-lovers relationship or not, but these romances just pull at my heart in special ways. Lauren’s sexy and sweet contemporaries or romantic comedies always entertain me. The way that she blends her charming plots with a steamy romance between two characters I can’t help but root for never fails to produce the kind of story that I fall into with ease. Blakely’s romances are light-hearted pleasures to read, and I’m always happy to read or listen to her latest one. I listened to the audiobook of Shut Up and Kiss Me narrated by Jason Clarke and Julia Whelan, who both knocked their portrayals of these characters out of the park.
Nolan and Emerson’s easy-going, comfortable friendship was genuine and real, and whether it was as friends or a couple, I loved them together. Between years as best friends and co-stars of their own YouTube food show, these two were very much in-sync and knew each other well. It was obvious how much they cared for one another, but somewhere along the way, their feelings started to change. Once they each realized their feelings for the other had shifted, the chemistry between them exploded and the flood gates of emotion opened wide—but neither of them was willing to sacrifice all that they worked for and dreamed about. Love and chemistry like theirs aren’t things easily denied or ignored, and Blakely took us through all those competing emotions, those will-they or won’t they moments and the push and pull of love in captivating detail. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though, and Lauren interjected just enough conflict to keep things interesting without drowning this budding romance in drama.
Shut Up and Kiss Me was a charming friends-to-lovers romance that kept a smile on my face as I devoured it in a single sitting. I was fully invested in this flirty, fiery romance, and it’s exactly these kinds of fun, sexy, easy-reading stories that I love most from Blakely. Shut Up and Kiss Me by Lauren Blakely gets 5 smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo
I love the friends-to-lovers trope, and it is something that Lauren Blakely just does so incredibly well. She has perfected the art of setting friendships on fire and capturing all those feels on the page. I don’t know if it’s because I’m living my own best-friends-to-lovers relationship or not, but these romances just pull at my heart in special ways. Lauren’s sexy and sweet contemporaries or romantic comedies always entertain me. The way that she blends her charming plots with a steamy romance between two characters I can’t help but root for never fails to produce the kind of story that I fall into with ease. Blakely’s romances are light-hearted pleasures to read, and I’m always happy to read or listen to her latest one. I listened to the audiobook of Shut Up and Kiss Me narrated by Jason Clarke and Julia Whelan, who both knocked their portrayals of these characters out of the park.
Nolan and Emerson’s easy-going, comfortable friendship was genuine and real, and whether it was as friends or a couple, I loved them together. Between years as best friends and co-stars of their own YouTube food show, these two were very much in-sync and knew each other well. It was obvious how much they cared for one another, but somewhere along the way, their feelings started to change. Once they each realized their feelings for the other had shifted, the chemistry between them exploded and the flood gates of emotion opened wide—but neither of them was willing to sacrifice all that they worked for and dreamed about. Love and chemistry like theirs aren’t things easily denied or ignored, and Blakely took us through all those competing emotions, those will-they or won’t they moments and the push and pull of love in captivating detail. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though, and Lauren interjected just enough conflict to keep things interesting without drowning this budding romance in drama.
Shut Up and Kiss Me was a charming friends-to-lovers romance that kept a smile on my face as I devoured it in a single sitting. I was fully invested in this flirty, fiery romance, and it’s exactly these kinds of fun, sexy, easy-reading stories that I love most from Blakely. Shut Up and Kiss Me by Lauren Blakely gets 5 smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo
March 24, 2022
Amazon / Apple/ Nook/ Kobo/ Google / Audible
Emerson and Nolan are best friends, co-reviewers and bloggers, and perhaps more now that they've given into the attraction that's been humming below the surface of their friendship. But when they have the chance to further their careers, do they take it? How will their crossing the line between friendship and more affect their new situation? Well, it could either be the best thing for their friendship, for their careers, for themselves, or it could break them apart, for good.
Friends to lovers - such a potentially great trope, and Lauren more than did right by it in Shut Up and Kiss Me. Nolan and Emerson are sweet together, a study of contrasts with she as the veggie girl and he the carnivore in their review blog, striking off sparks every time they slung those witty barbs at each other. I could tell from the very first page that these two had a lot of something more going on, and when they gave in, I was not only fanning my face, but rooting them on, hoping they could successfully navigate this new facet of their friendship. I absolutely loved these friends turned more, they gave me more than their fair share of heart, serious chemistry, and lots of witty, sparkling dialogue - signature Lauren Blakely.
ARC provided by Candi Kane PR for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased through Amazon.
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November 16, 2022
As usual, Lauren gave us a delicious, steamy friends to lovers romance that was perfection! Emerson and Nolan are best friends and coworkers. Partners in hosting a YouTube restaurant review blog.
Emerson is the veggie- loving, sassy, quick witted, and highly organized of the duo. Nolan is the carefree, super flirt, charming, so sexy with his Clark Kent glasses carnivore. They balance each other out, and the whole mystery of are they a couple or not made their show successful enough they were invited to New York for a month for a opportunity of a lifetime for their show. Problem is… They both are just super hot for each other, and give into their passions one night. After the face mask and fluffy robe wearing hot AF night , they both tamp down their feelings for each other so not to lose their friendship and ultimately the chance for their show making it big. I love the way their solid foundation friendship slowly progressed. I absolutely loved all the adventures and characters they encountered. They had such an undeniable scorching chemistry I was rooting for them, that they could make it work. The steam between them, the sexy stares, the innuendos, the lust between them. They also made me laugh. Just ALL the feels!
Julia Whelan and Jason Clarke did an amazing job bringing Emerson and Nolan to life. Julia is such a pleasure to listen to! She portrayed Emersons bold, funny, sexual side, and really hit home with her vulnerability. Jason Clark as Nolan was HOT! He portrayed Nolan‘s casual , super sexy, super flirty side with his signature growly tone. What I also really loved about his performance it was the clear vulnerability and uncertainty he portrayed.
I love getting to know these characters so much I also enjoyed having some familiar side characters from previous books. I love how Lauren intertwines them. Five stars and Five ladybugs!
Emerson is the veggie- loving, sassy, quick witted, and highly organized of the duo. Nolan is the carefree, super flirt, charming, so sexy with his Clark Kent glasses carnivore. They balance each other out, and the whole mystery of are they a couple or not made their show successful enough they were invited to New York for a month for a opportunity of a lifetime for their show. Problem is… They both are just super hot for each other, and give into their passions one night. After the face mask and fluffy robe wearing hot AF night , they both tamp down their feelings for each other so not to lose their friendship and ultimately the chance for their show making it big. I love the way their solid foundation friendship slowly progressed. I absolutely loved all the adventures and characters they encountered. They had such an undeniable scorching chemistry I was rooting for them, that they could make it work. The steam between them, the sexy stares, the innuendos, the lust between them. They also made me laugh. Just ALL the feels!
Julia Whelan and Jason Clarke did an amazing job bringing Emerson and Nolan to life. Julia is such a pleasure to listen to! She portrayed Emersons bold, funny, sexual side, and really hit home with her vulnerability. Jason Clark as Nolan was HOT! He portrayed Nolan‘s casual , super sexy, super flirty side with his signature growly tone. What I also really loved about his performance it was the clear vulnerability and uncertainty he portrayed.
I love getting to know these characters so much I also enjoyed having some familiar side characters from previous books. I love how Lauren intertwines them. Five stars and Five ladybugs!
March 23, 2022
SHUT UP AND KISS ME is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary adult HAPPY ENDINGS erotic, romance series. This is YouTuber food critics/restaurant reviewers Nolan McKay, and Emerson Alva’s story line. SHUT UP AND KISS ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Emerson and Nolan) SHUT UP AND KISS ME follows the best friends to lovers relationship between YouTube food critics/ restaurant reviewers Nolan McKay, and Emerson Alva. Nolan McKay and Emerson Alva are best friends, and partners in a successful YouTube show. An offer to come to New York, to ‘audition’ for a new network food show, places our couple into a competition with several others, a competition Nolan and Emerson aren’t sure if they can win but time spent together pulls our couple closer together as they act on their attraction and sexual need for one another. The back and forth ‘sexual innuendo’ with reference to eating and food is a part of what makes our couple the next rising stars on YouTube,innuendo the network hopes to use on their upcoming show.What ensues is the building romance between Emerson and Nolan, and the potential fall-out as their growing romantic relationship may impede their chances of getting their own show.
Emerson Alva and Nolan McKay are best friends, and business partners but both are keeping secrets about the past. Emerson has lost somebody close, while Nolan has lost more than Emerson realized. As our couple must come to terms with one another’s pasts, going forward may require Emerson and Nolan to step back and reconsider the direction of the relationship. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters include both Nolan and Emerson’s family and friends : Nolan’s brother Jason, Harlan and Katie (Wild Card Kiss 1), as well as agents, executives, fellow food network wannabe stars, and fans.
SHUT UP AND KISS ME is a fast paced story of friendship, family and love. The character driven premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is flirty and hot; the characters are fun, flirty and determined.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual first person perspectives (Emerson and Nolan) SHUT UP AND KISS ME follows the best friends to lovers relationship between YouTube food critics/ restaurant reviewers Nolan McKay, and Emerson Alva. Nolan McKay and Emerson Alva are best friends, and partners in a successful YouTube show. An offer to come to New York, to ‘audition’ for a new network food show, places our couple into a competition with several others, a competition Nolan and Emerson aren’t sure if they can win but time spent together pulls our couple closer together as they act on their attraction and sexual need for one another. The back and forth ‘sexual innuendo’ with reference to eating and food is a part of what makes our couple the next rising stars on YouTube,innuendo the network hopes to use on their upcoming show.What ensues is the building romance between Emerson and Nolan, and the potential fall-out as their growing romantic relationship may impede their chances of getting their own show.
Emerson Alva and Nolan McKay are best friends, and business partners but both are keeping secrets about the past. Emerson has lost somebody close, while Nolan has lost more than Emerson realized. As our couple must come to terms with one another’s pasts, going forward may require Emerson and Nolan to step back and reconsider the direction of the relationship. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters include both Nolan and Emerson’s family and friends : Nolan’s brother Jason, Harlan and Katie (Wild Card Kiss 1), as well as agents, executives, fellow food network wannabe stars, and fans.
SHUT UP AND KISS ME is a fast paced story of friendship, family and love. The character driven premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is flirty and hot; the characters are fun, flirty and determined.
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 23, 2022
SHUT UP AND KISS ME is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary adult HAPPY ENDINGS erotic, romance series. This is YouTuber food critics/restaurant reviewers Nolan McKay, and Emerson Alva’s story line. SHUT UP AND KISS ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Emerson and Nolan) SHUT UP AND KISS ME follows the best friends to lovers relationship between YouTube food critics/ restaurant reviewers Nolan McKay, and Emerson Alva. Nolan McKay and Emerson Alva are best friends, and partners in a successful YouTube show. An offer to come to New York, to ‘audition’ for a new network food show, places our couple into a competition with several others, a competition Nolan and Emerson aren’t sure if they can win but time spent together pulls our couple closer together as they act on their attraction and sexual need for one another. The back and forth ‘sexual innuendo’ with reference to eating and food is a part of what makes our couple the next rising stars on YouTube,innuendo the network hopes to use on their upcoming show.What ensues is the building romance between Emerson and Nolan, and the potential fall-out as their growing romantic relationship may impede their chances of getting their own show.
Emerson Alva and Nolan McKay are best friends, and business partners but both are keeping secrets about the past. Emerson has lost somebody close, while Nolan has lost more than Emerson realized. As our couple must come to terms with one another’s pasts, going forward may require Emerson and Nolan to step back and reconsider the direction of the relationship. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters include both Nolan and Emerson’s family and friends : Nolan’s brother Jason, Harlan and Katie (Wild Card Kiss 1), as well as agents, executives, fellow food network wannabe stars, and fans.
SHUT UP AND KISS ME is a fast paced story of friendship, family and love. The character driven premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is flirty and hot; the characters are fun, flirty and determined.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual first person perspectives (Emerson and Nolan) SHUT UP AND KISS ME follows the best friends to lovers relationship between YouTube food critics/ restaurant reviewers Nolan McKay, and Emerson Alva. Nolan McKay and Emerson Alva are best friends, and partners in a successful YouTube show. An offer to come to New York, to ‘audition’ for a new network food show, places our couple into a competition with several others, a competition Nolan and Emerson aren’t sure if they can win but time spent together pulls our couple closer together as they act on their attraction and sexual need for one another. The back and forth ‘sexual innuendo’ with reference to eating and food is a part of what makes our couple the next rising stars on YouTube,innuendo the network hopes to use on their upcoming show.What ensues is the building romance between Emerson and Nolan, and the potential fall-out as their growing romantic relationship may impede their chances of getting their own show.
Emerson Alva and Nolan McKay are best friends, and business partners but both are keeping secrets about the past. Emerson has lost somebody close, while Nolan has lost more than Emerson realized. As our couple must come to terms with one another’s pasts, going forward may require Emerson and Nolan to step back and reconsider the direction of the relationship. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters include both Nolan and Emerson’s family and friends : Nolan’s brother Jason, Harlan and Katie (Wild Card Kiss 1), as well as agents, executives, fellow food network wannabe stars, and fans.
SHUT UP AND KISS ME is a fast paced story of friendship, family and love. The character driven premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is flirty and hot; the characters are fun, flirty and determined.
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 25, 2022
Check out our full post for SHUT UP AND KISS ME on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
This book is fun, flirty, and will set your Kindle on fire if you are not careful. Emerson and Nolan are YouTubers trying to make their big break, you know the one that will make them stars and get them the big bucks so they can pay off their loans.
They have a great show about food and local restaurants, and their fans love it and them. When Nolan comes up with an idea to get them more exposure, it just might work. All the while, the feelings for each other are growing but neither one will tell the other. Emerson doesn't see herself as falling in love and Nolan thinks he isn't good enough for her.
As they head to Vegas and New York, things heat up between them and you have to wonder if the friendship will survive if they give a love relationship a chance.
I love the banter between Nolan and Emerson, the sexual tension is so hot you can almost feel it, and if there were a show on YouTube like this I would watch it. So sit back and enjoy the ride with Nolan, Emerson, and their crazy friends, you will not be disappointed.
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
SHUT UP AND KISS ME is the second installment in the Happy Endings series. It is a complete standalone.
Emerson and Nolan are best friends who everyone thinks are together – they just have that chemistry together. They are working to push their YouTube channel about food and restaurants to the next level. When Nolan gets an idea just how to do that, it puts Emerson and Nolan together in the same room in Vegas. Neither has confessed to the other how their feelings have grown. But this one night could change everything. Are they ready to take that leap?
This is such a fun, flirty read. Emerson and Nolan have such a cute dynamic together. I love a fun, feel-good book and Lauren Blakely delivered with this one.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
March 25, 2022
4.5+ stars
Emerson is a makeup artist and food vlogger, working to make her food show as big as possible. She started the channel with her sister, but now runs it with her best friend, Nolan. She is energetic, friendly, and great with quick wit on her show.
Nolan stepped in as part of the show when Emerson needed a new partner, and their on-screen chemistry has all their viewers asking if they are or aren’t an item. He has had an easy time of it, from a wealthy family and as the brother of a pro-football player, but he is determined to stand on his own without their help and this show is his ticket to feeling like he has done it on his own.
These two are a fantastic match. Their banter, the chemistry, and the sheer perfection of them together makes so much of this story. I loved the way they ramped up the innuendo when the cameras were rolling, but also were already ready with a quick quip when the situation arose.
The side characters were a great mix of LB favorites and those created as characters to serve as rivals for their show. The variety of personalities always surprises me, but makes this world feel all the more real with each new character’s quirks and individuality.
Once again, Lauren Blakely has created characters that had me rooting alongside them as they battled for the show of their dreams and then as they contemplated the direction of their personal relationship. I can always count on her for a steady, entertaining, solid storyline with compelling, interesting characters, and of course the spicy sizzle of the chemistry between them.
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Emerson is a makeup artist and food vlogger, working to make her food show as big as possible. She started the channel with her sister, but now runs it with her best friend, Nolan. She is energetic, friendly, and great with quick wit on her show.
Nolan stepped in as part of the show when Emerson needed a new partner, and their on-screen chemistry has all their viewers asking if they are or aren’t an item. He has had an easy time of it, from a wealthy family and as the brother of a pro-football player, but he is determined to stand on his own without their help and this show is his ticket to feeling like he has done it on his own.
These two are a fantastic match. Their banter, the chemistry, and the sheer perfection of them together makes so much of this story. I loved the way they ramped up the innuendo when the cameras were rolling, but also were already ready with a quick quip when the situation arose.
The side characters were a great mix of LB favorites and those created as characters to serve as rivals for their show. The variety of personalities always surprises me, but makes this world feel all the more real with each new character’s quirks and individuality.
Once again, Lauren Blakely has created characters that had me rooting alongside them as they battled for the show of their dreams and then as they contemplated the direction of their personal relationship. I can always count on her for a steady, entertaining, solid storyline with compelling, interesting characters, and of course the spicy sizzle of the chemistry between them.
March 27, 2022
4.5 stars!
I adored Shut Up and Kiss Me, the second book in the Happy Endings series by Lauren Blakely. I love friends-to-lovers stories and this one did not disappoint!
Emerson and Nolan are fantastic. I couldn’t get enough of their hilarious innuendos, flirty banter, and food love. And I loved the sweet moments and spicy ones. I thought their connection first as friends and then as more was real and organic. Their feelings are palpable and I enjoyed how their relationship bloomed.
There isn’t much drama and these two were meant to be but it just took a little while to actually get there. There are some up and downs but never once did they not support each other 100%. First and foremost they are best of friends, they just needed to take the chance on love and when they do, it’s smile-inducing!
Overall, it’s a fabulous addition to the series and so much fun!!
*ARC generously provided by the author and Candi Kane PR*
I adored Shut Up and Kiss Me, the second book in the Happy Endings series by Lauren Blakely. I love friends-to-lovers stories and this one did not disappoint!
Emerson and Nolan are fantastic. I couldn’t get enough of their hilarious innuendos, flirty banter, and food love. And I loved the sweet moments and spicy ones. I thought their connection first as friends and then as more was real and organic. Their feelings are palpable and I enjoyed how their relationship bloomed.
There isn’t much drama and these two were meant to be but it just took a little while to actually get there. There are some up and downs but never once did they not support each other 100%. First and foremost they are best of friends, they just needed to take the chance on love and when they do, it’s smile-inducing!
Overall, it’s a fabulous addition to the series and so much fun!!
*ARC generously provided by the author and Candi Kane PR*
March 28, 2022
***ARC Provided by the Author***
I enjoy a good friends to lovers story. Add in that Emerson and Nolan are coworkers as well as friends, and this one had layers and it made the reluctance of both of them to turn it into more seem so realistic.
Risking a friendship to move it to a romantic relationship is a big chance to take and a risk. Anyone who has been in this situation relates to this, and I think those who haven't also can understand as we have all been in the position of making a decision that could risk something we value.
And that is the real heart of this book and something that Lauren Blakely does very well, she shows these 2 people as people who care about one another as friends, who want more, and who are willing to take the chance of being more, knowing that it's a risk but also trusting one another to have their best interests at heart.
The evolution of their relationship, the change from friends and coworkers to lovers, and all of the in-between were handled well and in a way that kept me engaged and feeling like I was reading a title about a real person.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
I enjoy a good friends to lovers story. Add in that Emerson and Nolan are coworkers as well as friends, and this one had layers and it made the reluctance of both of them to turn it into more seem so realistic.
Risking a friendship to move it to a romantic relationship is a big chance to take and a risk. Anyone who has been in this situation relates to this, and I think those who haven't also can understand as we have all been in the position of making a decision that could risk something we value.
And that is the real heart of this book and something that Lauren Blakely does very well, she shows these 2 people as people who care about one another as friends, who want more, and who are willing to take the chance of being more, knowing that it's a risk but also trusting one another to have their best interests at heart.
The evolution of their relationship, the change from friends and coworkers to lovers, and all of the in-between were handled well and in a way that kept me engaged and feeling like I was reading a title about a real person.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
April 16, 2022
* * Free ARC Provided by the Author * *
4.25 Stars for Shut Up and Kiss Me, the second book in the Happy Endings series by Lauren Blakely. The only reason this book didn't rate 5 stars for me is that I have a hard time enjoying romances written in the present tense. Once I got into the story far enough, the rhythm took over. I loved the use of the dual POVs. I REALLY loved the banter and sexy wit - and there was plenty of it.
Emerson and Nolan have been friends and co-workers for years. They run and star in a YouTube series about food called How To Eat A Banana. They play off each other in sexy food reviews with tons of innuendo. But that's what it is - innuendo - because even though the sparks are there, both are afraid their friendship and business will flame out if they act on their feelings. This is the best sort of friends to lovers story. Both are responsible adults with sincere feelings and issues. And the lovers part? Very steamy. I thought at first this would be too contemporary for me (I'm a senior) but I loved it. Read this if you are a foodie or love a flirty friends to steamy lovers story.
4.25 Stars for Shut Up and Kiss Me, the second book in the Happy Endings series by Lauren Blakely. The only reason this book didn't rate 5 stars for me is that I have a hard time enjoying romances written in the present tense. Once I got into the story far enough, the rhythm took over. I loved the use of the dual POVs. I REALLY loved the banter and sexy wit - and there was plenty of it.
Emerson and Nolan have been friends and co-workers for years. They run and star in a YouTube series about food called How To Eat A Banana. They play off each other in sexy food reviews with tons of innuendo. But that's what it is - innuendo - because even though the sparks are there, both are afraid their friendship and business will flame out if they act on their feelings. This is the best sort of friends to lovers story. Both are responsible adults with sincere feelings and issues. And the lovers part? Very steamy. I thought at first this would be too contemporary for me (I'm a senior) but I loved it. Read this if you are a foodie or love a flirty friends to steamy lovers story.
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March 25, 2022
Emerson and Nolan are best friends, they also co-run a review channel together. One night in Vegas leads to a one night stand…or is one night just not enough? They end up getting a chance of a lifetime for their blog and during that time they spend more time together and all those feelings they have both pushed below the surface are coming to the surface.
I loved both of these characters. I loved the friendship between Emerson and Nolan and just the easy going vibe that was between the two of them. However, they also had insane amounts of chemistry that I couldn’t get enough of it.
This story was full of delicious food, even more delicious scenes and plenty of laughs.
If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, workplace romance this is one to read.
I loved both of these characters. I loved the friendship between Emerson and Nolan and just the easy going vibe that was between the two of them. However, they also had insane amounts of chemistry that I couldn’t get enough of it.
This story was full of delicious food, even more delicious scenes and plenty of laughs.
If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, workplace romance this is one to read.
April 2, 2022
Fun Read
We all go on a journey in life. There are wins, loss, regrets, and life lessons. This is what I got out of Emerson and Noah's story. They lived life together, separate, and back together again. What they didn’t bet on was the true love that built along with that friendship.
A friendship that was so solid it couldn't be duplicated but they didn't trust to not ruin. After the adventure of solidifying their role as YouTube stars and more they figured it out. Hurdles are to be jumped over not ran to and stop or turn around.
This was a spicy vegetarian burger with some darn tasty ant guacamole.
We all go on a journey in life. There are wins, loss, regrets, and life lessons. This is what I got out of Emerson and Noah's story. They lived life together, separate, and back together again. What they didn’t bet on was the true love that built along with that friendship.
A friendship that was so solid it couldn't be duplicated but they didn't trust to not ruin. After the adventure of solidifying their role as YouTube stars and more they figured it out. Hurdles are to be jumped over not ran to and stop or turn around.
This was a spicy vegetarian burger with some darn tasty ant guacamole.
April 2, 2022
Just adorbs!
I needed a cute, happy story & I just knew I'd get my HEA with Lauren Blakely at the helm! Love, love, love the sass of Emerson & her knowing exactly what she wants in the bedroom. How empowering!!! And her ability to love Nolan through both of their insecurities is so true to life.
Julia Whelan & Jason Clarke did a fab job on narration! Their voices blend so well together, I think they could become one of my fav duet couples.
Definitely grab Shut Up And Kiss Me!
I needed a cute, happy story & I just knew I'd get my HEA with Lauren Blakely at the helm! Love, love, love the sass of Emerson & her knowing exactly what she wants in the bedroom. How empowering!!! And her ability to love Nolan through both of their insecurities is so true to life.
Julia Whelan & Jason Clarke did a fab job on narration! Their voices blend so well together, I think they could become one of my fav duet couples.
Definitely grab Shut Up And Kiss Me!
March 29, 2022
I absolutely LOVED this book! The friendship between Emerson and Nolan was all kinds of great, especially the unrequited crush that needs to be held in check, lest the friendship falls apart if true feelings are revealed. Easy peasy, yes?
Meh, not once the career opportunity of a lifetime is put to the test when you gotta spend an entire holed up with your bestie/unrequited crush. There's no manual out there that can school a person on how to handle that type of situation. The dialogue is snappy and witty, with some sassiness, sweetness and smexiness all blended together.
Meh, not once the career opportunity of a lifetime is put to the test when you gotta spend an entire holed up with your bestie/unrequited crush. There's no manual out there that can school a person on how to handle that type of situation. The dialogue is snappy and witty, with some sassiness, sweetness and smexiness all blended together.
March 14, 2022
Shut Up and Kiss Me by L. Blakely is the second book in the Happy Endings Series. The previous book is Wild Card Kiss. Every book in this series is a stand-alone.
Nolan and Emerson are friends since forever. Only one night is about to change their lives.
The best friends and co-worker on a food show, the veggie blogger and make-up artist.
This is a fun friends-to-lovers romance with fantastic secondary characters, the author delivers an entertainig rom/com.
Nolan and Emerson are friends since forever. Only one night is about to change their lives.
The best friends and co-worker on a food show, the veggie blogger and make-up artist.
This is a fun friends-to-lovers romance with fantastic secondary characters, the author delivers an entertainig rom/com.
October 26, 2024
Uplifting
Positive friendship and co partners, trying to succeed. Mutual love and unspoken attraction. Unexpected story with humor, sweetness and heat. These characters are a breath of fresh air, with great communication. So Good!
Positive friendship and co partners, trying to succeed. Mutual love and unspoken attraction. Unexpected story with humor, sweetness and heat. These characters are a breath of fresh air, with great communication. So Good!
March 28, 2022
4.5 stars. Love, love, love. Review to come.
March 29, 2022
3.75 stars.
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