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Winner Takes All #4

Limited Edition Husband

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A fake marriage standalone MM romance from #1 New York Times Bestselling author Lauren Blakely writing MM romance as L. Blakely...

One night with no strings was supposed to be the plan. After barely escaping my last train wreck of a romance, I’ve got a new dating goal—play it cool. I stick to that strategy when I bump into a charming Brit I met once before. He’s newly out and eager for all the things he’s never done , so I make the helpful suggestion we jet off to the city of sin for the night, then say goodbye. But instead, thanks to a bet and some bourbon, we’re saying I do . And in the morning I’m asking myself what the hell have I done ? But we’ll just undo the holy matrimony right this stinking second. Except, the pics of our nuptials are splashed all over the Internet– the pro football player eloped ! Great, just great. Now, my agent says we need to stay Mister and Mister until the brouhaha blows over. Thirty days as fake husbands with the sexy, irresistible guy who’s determined to prove that he’s nothing like my ex? My bruised heart can handle that as long as I don’t fall for my husband. And I won't. When we split for real, he'll be an ocean away. Contents A sarcastic, romance-phobic American football player, a charming and dirty-minded young British businessman, white-hot first times, dangerous decisions, and a sexy, witty, emotional fake marriage, first times MM standalone sports romance!

342 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2023

405 people are currently reading
1661 people want to read

About the author

Lauren Blakely

255 books24.3k followers
You 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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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,035 reviews25.3k followers
January 24, 2024
RATING 4.5 STARS

Limited Edition Husband is book four in the Winner Takes All series by Lauren Blakely. I read and loved the first three books in this series and have been looking forward to this one. All of these can be read as stand alones. First, the cover! I mean, wow!!! And I ended up loving the book. I would consider this a pretty much angst free, feel good story about two men NOT looking for love but maybe love was looking for them! They have an adorable meet cute.



Nate Chandler is twenty nine years old, and is a receiver for the Hawks, a San Francisco pro-football team. Nate is divorced. He was hurt deeply by his cheating ex-husband. He hasn’t dated since the divorce but his friends have been working on him to get back out there. What better place than a carnival where he is volunteering for the dunk tank!

Hunter Colburn is twenty four years old, lives in London, and is an associate producer for a media corporation. Hunter has just recently realized he is bi-sexual but has done nothing more than kiss a man. He is what he refers to himself as a baby bi! He is in San Francisco on business and is so ready to experience everything with a man.



Hunter and Nate’s meeting is so cute and they are instantly attracted to one another. This is supposed to be a one and done. Hunter is on a plane back to London soon. But fate brings Hunter back to San Francisco soon thereafter but Nate has plans to go to Vegas. Hey, why not bring Hunter along for his Vegas trip. They can have one more hot night together! Only this time, they wake up with wedding rings on!

This was so cute! A pro football player that lives in San Francisco and an English assistant producer that lives in London. And both have some commitment issues. There is no way this can work, right? These two definitely don’t plan on liking each other or falling for each other.



I adored these two. I adored the way they were with each other. The way they supported each other. They were so sweet together. And wow! They were also scorching. Lauren writes the sweetest men. I love her gay romance books. Now I’m going straight into book five, Manhandled. I can’t wait to get started.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for Chelsea.
493 reviews698 followers
June 17, 2025
Two dudes have their meet cute over a cream pie session (literally, not sexually, big sigh.)

And then continue to fall in love and have their trope-infested good enough/bland love story with super short chapters and basic bitch “I can’t believe he put himself in the charity auction and wants to date again” moment 🙄🙄🙄 (I’m over the auctions in sports romance ngl) before ultimately coming to their HEA conclusion.

A good enough time was had 🤷🏻‍♀️

They were verse and I like it when they kiss on da mouf, and that’s why I’m still here. ✨
Profile Image for Jamie.
791 reviews124 followers
July 26, 2023
I'm usually here complaining about chapters that are too long, but now I'm here complaining about chapters that are too short 😂 seriously though - every 1-3 pages you'd get a new chapter and a POV change and that was just too much back and forth and too quick of a POV change

it was a pretty good book overall, and I was tempted to even give it 4 stars but I kind of feel like if you've read one of this author's books, you've read them all - they feel a bit recycled

and she uses so many cameos from past books and series and I hope she doesn't honestly expect me to know or remember all these random couples that keep getting referenced, my memory doesn't work that way 😂
Profile Image for Layla .
1,468 reviews76 followers
June 16, 2023
POV:
I bought this audio because Teddy Hamilton and James Joseph aka my new obsession, are narrating together.

End result:

Mediocre story, predictable plot, been there read that multiple times. 2 stars.

Audiobook: AMAZINGGGG 5+++++ stars


#IRegretNothing
Profile Image for Drache.... (Angelika) .
1,520 reviews218 followers
August 10, 2023
3 stars.
This was yet another bland mm romance without substance, with perfect/flawless protagonists (in both aestetics and characters), lots of spectacular, mindblowing, out of this world (hello sarcasm) sex, and some minor misunderstandings to create a minimum of conflict.

There was nothing blatantly negative, but the combination of all of the above equals low 3 stars (for me} .

I think I'll take a step back from trying new books by Lauren Blakely for a bit. Or if I'm in the mood I'll just reread the Hopelessly Bromantic - duet, which I adored.
(like I already said after my last disappointing read by her, haha)
Profile Image for ♡ cal ♡.
759 reviews340 followers
May 16, 2023
it was a lot but at the same time it was nothing.
Profile Image for Aricka Decker.
677 reviews29 followers
February 26, 2025
"I want him to fuck me every night. I want him to put me in every position. I want him to give me rug burn. To make me sore. To make me sweat and moan and beg. “Yes. Do it. Harder. Don’t fucking stop,” I order, pressing my hands against his big chest."

😭 kindle didn’t save my highlights

Anyways this is another book in the Winner Takes All series and just like the other books this is a fast paced romance filled with getting fucked to the edge of their lives while falling in love super fast and you know what? That shit works for me. Hunter and Nate are super cute. Actually probably the cutest couple in the series and I actually believe their story. They both have some baggage which makes them both jump the gun when it comes to each other but in the end they handle their relationship like adults and I love that for them. This is a quick read and a fun time, with just a lot of no thoughts needed and some great chemistry between the two main leads. Good time all around.
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,800 reviews124 followers
April 27, 2023
5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧

Fake Relationship, seems like a lot of books lately have been this trope. I don’t mind it, but it is not always a favourite of mine. Butttt LB does it again, takes a trope I am not a fan of and turns it around so that I am like hell to the YASSSS.

Nate & Hunter the chemistry is off the rails, it's so great.
The meet cute is exactly that cute! I loved how they hit it right off the bat even when you're getting pie thrown at your face. 😉

Hunter who isn’t experienced knows what and who he wants and that is Nate in a big way. He is sincere and it shows. Nate is trying to keep it casual because he just got out of a marriage that broke him. So he isn’t really ready for serious situations but his feelings sure are making a liar out of him.

When things get a little too real, and they find themselves in a predicament I love how they rallied and came up with a game plan to make it work for both of them and their careers. That is huge in the coming story because they really do think of each other even when it is hard.
That is all I can say about that without giving things a way.

The narration is AMAZING, SPECTACULAR, FANTASTIC!! Seriously, LB picks the right people for the job hands down Teddy and James were these characters for me, and the bloopers are perfect. I laughed with tears at the end, great Audiobook, run don’t walk.
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,996 reviews437 followers
July 17, 2023
A vast improvement over books two and three

3.5*

Vastly better than the last two in the series but still not as good as book one.

I liked this version of Nate and Hunter but I'm not sure why they got a re-write over the versions from the free Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend giveaway as that was a great short story that could have been built on.

Either way, there's still some sloppy editing in this one, with the same or similar phrases being used sentences apart, thankfully we seem to have lost the "American man" and "London man" of the third book!

There's plenty of instant attraction and sexual chemistry but it's sloppy fairly believable that thrse two could fall in love too.

They talk a lot, have plenty in common and seem willing to make sacrifices and allowances for each other, which helps.


We do get one moment of potential miscommunication but it's quickly resolved and there's no stupid dramady either.

Definitely a return to the better story narrative of Jason and Beck's romance rather than the bitty or overly soap opera levels of books two and three.
Profile Image for Dali.
2,087 reviews591 followers
April 28, 2023
Limited Edition Husband is book 4 of the Winner Takes All series by author Lauren Blakely. It is a standalone rom-com Dual POV with a HEA.

Tropes:
✔️ fake marriage
✔️ British hero / NFL hero
✔️ travel to big cities
✔️ super cute meet cute

So hot, so fun, so sexy and entertaining. L. Blakely just does it for me. I really her books! Limited Edition Husband is a delightful and emotional read that is sure to leave readers swooning. The story follows the romance between a sarcastic and guarded American football player and a charming and adventurous British businessman who unexpectedly get married in Las Vegas after a wild night of gambling and drinking.

The characters are well-developed, with both main protagonists being complex and multi-dimensional. Nate is guarded and a bit cynical due to past relationship trauma, while Hunter is fun-loving and adventurous, eager to try new things and take risks. Their dynamic is electric, with witty banter and steamy chemistry that sizzles off the pages.

The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the very end. From the wild weekend in Las Vegas to the fake marriage scheme that follows, the story is filled with fun delight and plenty of steamy romance.

Limited Edition Husband is a must-read for fans of MM sports romance. The story is well-written, the characters are engaging, and the romance is steamy and emotional. Whether you're a fan of the genre or simply looking for a captivating read, this novel is sure to satisfy.

By the numbers quick review:
★ Heroes: 👤👤👤👤👤
★ Plot/plot twists: 📚📚📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

★ I received an ARC of this title from the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
See all my book edits on Instagram
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,075 reviews517 followers
May 5, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars


L. Blakely is a newer pen name for author Lauren Blakely, which she recently started to separate her MM titles. Limited Edition Husband is the fourth book in the Winner Takes All series where all stories are about athletes. The stories themselves mostly stand on their own, with cameos from other MCs from this series and her other series as well.

I liked Nate and Hunter and I liked this book. Nate is trying to get back in life after his divorce and his ex’s constant social media posts aren’t helping. He doesn’t want a relationship, but he does want something or someone. Hunter feels inexperienced, as he just came out as bisexual, but these guys are on fire together. Blakely always writes great intimate scenes, but these guys had that something extra for me.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

Profile Image for Miranda.
320 reviews34 followers
March 20, 2024
4.5 stars - The English cutie really did it for me, and of course Nate. This was a fun and light read, most times I crave just this, a fluffy and easy romantic story with low to zero angst
Profile Image for Shelby | Spicy.booknook.
449 reviews71 followers
October 29, 2024
Contemporary MM
Fake Marriage
Sweet & Low Angst
MC with Puppy Energy
Very Likable MCs

I have no idea how I came across this book, it was just sitting on my kindle. I’ve never read the others in this series, or this author, so it must have been recommended. Whoever did it, thank you! This was so sweet and just a pleasure to read. I grinned so much while reading!

Nate and Hunter are just adorable. Nate is a football player that has yet to get back in the dating scene after an ugly divorce. Hunter has yet to have a sexual experience with a guy, even though he knows he definitely wants to. After a meet cute and later a night of epic adventure, the two find themselves tied together in quite the predicament.

There’s not too much to say other than this is just a sweet and cute read. There was some potential for some miscommunication but thankfully these two actually talked and resolved issues. Very little drama, and low angst with some nice steamy scenes.
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,160 reviews95 followers
May 31, 2023
This is pretty standard Lauren and it was fantastic!! No angst, some pining, sexy sex and really great MCs. The chemistry was so good and it was also pretty funny. Such a charming story!! Wonderful narration yet again. I’ll definitely listen to this one again!
Profile Image for Jillian.
1,230 reviews94 followers
June 13, 2023
Limited Edition Husband is book 4 in the Winner Takes All series, but it does stand alone. I haven’t read the prior books in the series and it didn’t matter for this book. This is a MM, contemporary, fake relationship, sports romance set in both San Francisco, CA and London, England. The main characters are Nate and Hunter. Nate is 29 years old, gay, divorced, pro football player, and American. Hunter is 24, newly discovered he is bisexual, single, and English. They met at a LGBTQ carnival fundraiser and were both hoping for some no strings attached fun. They kept thinking of each other and then ended up meeting again four months later when their paths crossed at a work event. They ended up taking a quick trip to Vegas with a group of friends and got drunk married. Due to both of their careers and personal issues, they had to remain married for appearances sake until enough time had passed that they could claim it just didn’t work out.

I loved this book. There are some situations of miscommunication and assumptions that lead to issues, which is something I am not a fan of, but they were resolved relatively quickly so it was done well. I enjoyed the fact that there were actual scenes with football related things, rather than just saying the main character is a football played but never actually touching on the sports stuff. That is a big annoyance that I have with so many other books that have the main character being a sport player. I absolutely adored the ending of the last chapter before the epilogue. The only thing I wish would have been different, and I warn you that it is trivial and silly, is that I really want to know what was in the box that Nate’s ex-husband sent him as a wedding present. I’m just nosy like that, especially since Oliver, the ex, was such an attention seeking, dramatic, jerk.

The narration was wonderful. I loved it. The book is read in duet narration and these two narrators worked so well with each other and their voices were perfect for the characters they were reading for. It was a perfect pairing. The bloopers at the end were fun too. It was funny listening to them going back and forth.

Overall. I give this book 5 stars. I recommend it. It is worth a credit and I will listen to it again.
Profile Image for Monique.
1,279 reviews57 followers
May 2, 2023
There is something about a Lauren Blakely MM novel that makes me smile, completely hooked till the last word and rooting for the couple to reach their HEA. One of the reasons for that most likely is her universe would be one I'd love to be apart of, it's full of uplifting characters who only want the best for their friends. Also, there is no discrimination towards gender, sexuality or even what sports team you support! I swear, with each book, I am changing what code I want to watch as well as which team is my favourite - Go Hawks! Most of all though, I love a Lauren Blakely book because of her storylines and how she can keep me invested in each couples tale well past the epilogue.

If you haven't read a MM romance before, you are missing out big time. What most readers love in a MF book is the meet cute, how they combat any issues arising during their relationship and reaching their HEA, which of course you get in a MM novel too. What you also gain is double the grumpy hero, or bossy sexy dirty talker. Or if you are like me, these books are no different to any other romance I pick up because love is love.
Profile Image for Molli B..
1,533 reviews63 followers
Currently reading
May 9, 2023
TEDDY HAMILTON AND JOE JAMESON???? YES, PLEASE. 🙏🏻
Profile Image for Disco.
347 reviews8 followers
May 6, 2023
Compared to “Manhandled,” this book seems like it was just thrown together with tired tropes. Insta-love, bad ex, mean daddy. Yawn.
Profile Image for NikNak.
612 reviews
May 30, 2023
I do generally really enjoy books from this author but the characters are just starting to become interchangeable now. There is little variation from book to book beyond the setting . The personalities including dialogue and inner monologue are almost identical at this point.
Thank goodness for the fab narration that still makes this a reasonably enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,628 reviews27 followers
May 3, 2023
4.5 stars

Nate is a football player just out of a bad relationship that has left him with an aversion to serious relationships. He is ready to have some fun for a bit while he avoids the heartache that came from his last breakup.

Hudson is working a new job with a streaming service, helping to set up a new sports documentary series. He may be new to the position, but he has ties to the industry that he is trying to keep on the down-low. He is also exploring his interests and is looking for a guy to try new things with and on.

After an adorable meet cute, they spend one steamy night together that leaves them wishing for more time. But responsibilities and airline flights call, and after making a pact to get in contact after a year, they go their separate ways. But their separate ways have them both longing for another night and another chance. A quick trip to Vegas finds them at the end of a wager that ends at a drive-thru wedding chapel and facing big repercussions the next day.

I loved these two from early on. After their impulsive decision to get married in Vegas, other forces converge to suggest they stay married for a month before making any further changes to their relationship status. That month of fake marriage provided so many fun scenes full of steam (of course), but also vulnerability, support, and heart.

The pacing moved pretty quick, and though early on it felt a little like insta-love, these two quickly developed real feelings that messed with the temporary nature of their arrangement. I loved the way this story developed through the middle, and the resolution at the end. What can I say, I’m a sucker for a fake/rushed/accidental marriage!

There are some great cameos from other Blakely series and stories and I could see the bits and pieces as they fit into the wider world of her characters. As always, this is a standalone built into such a rich world that there are always hidden (and not so hidden) connections throughout.

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Profile Image for Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions .
1,304 reviews88 followers
May 5, 2023
4.5 STARS
Hunter and Nate’s path to getting drunk married in Las Vegas is absolutely sweet, sexy and hilarious.
Their fake marriage is completely adorable while being sinfully spicy with an extra bonus of super hot first times.
It’s a story that made me feel sunshiny and completely amused.
Both characters are clever and witty, the banter and conversations are smart, entertaining and so very funny. The quips and wit are on point.
They both are at a point in their life where they really need to get their sexual mojo back. I love that they are both in a vulnerable position and the way they treat each is absolutely couple goals.
I love that despite Nate being the super hot, celebrity football star, he’s down to earth, kind and caring.
Both characters are so lovable, they are genuine and generous people.
Their story is on the lighter side with some mild angst and a few serious issues that come up.
This was such an enjoyable, wildly entertaining story with amusing characters that made me laugh and feel incredible joy.
The secondary characters are fabulous, they are in some of the funniest and most heartwarming moments.
The pair’s sexual tension is great. Despite being funny and sweet it’s also incredibly naughty, wickedly hot and sexy.
This was such a great balance of humor, heart and heat. I love the clever humor and the characters are insanely lovable.
I LOVE this story and characters, it was such a feel good read that has intelligence and some of the funniest one liners and inner monologues I’ve read in a long time. I fell utterly in love with this couple.
Profile Image for Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie.
1,574 reviews47 followers
April 29, 2023
4.25 Stars

This author's books are always hit or miss for me, fortunately, Limited Edition Husband was a definite hit.

I liked Nate, but I absolutely adored Hunter. They were both likable and they fit together perfectly.

I loved the premise of the story, but I had an issue with how they got married. The situation, what sparked it, was weird and didn’t really work for me, but the rest of the story was great.

I especially love Lauren’s books that are set in London and I loved getting to revisit some of the places I’ve come to know through her stories.

This was a well-written story. Nate and Hunter had amazing chemistry and I really enjoyed getting to know them and watching them explore one another and fall in love. Definitely a recommendable read.

* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
May 4, 2023
LIMITED EDITION HUSBAND by Lauren Blakely book 4 in the Winner Take All Series. This is the story of Nate and Hunter. Hunter and Nate end up accidentally getting married in Vegas. This of course has them has them working through what to do next and how they are feeling. Enjoyed

Profile Image for danielle.
1,213 reviews8 followers
April 21, 2024
Re-listen 4/2024... still love it!
_____________
How can I not give this one the full 5 stars? I was actually smiling big by the time it ended. What else can I ask for from a romance but to be smiling big and have a warm hart by the end?

I'll be honest, half way through that's not where I thought I'd land with this one, but yeah, it totally won me over.
Profile Image for Mirjam.
1,890 reviews112 followers
May 1, 2023


Nate Chandler, 29, top receiver for the Hawks and one of a handful of openly gay players in the NFL and recently divorce, is back on the single market.
Volunteering at the carnival turn out to be one hell of a lucky draw, since it is where he meets mister British cutie.






Hunter Colburn, 24, associate producer for an adventure-sport show and recently discovered he might be bisexual. Being in San Francisco Hunter and his very hungry libido are very keen to test that theory.
Meeting the dunk tank Adonis at the carnival is exactly the kind of entertainment he is looking for, and he companies him to his home.






After a hot and über sexy afternoon the men meet up in Las Vegas where a bet ends with two wedding bands.

Limited Edition Husband is a low angst captivating story. The snappy banter is witty and quite British. The hot as hell MCs are sexy and their encounters are passionate and touching.
Coping with strong feelings, the ocean between them seems to be insurmountable.

Told in dual POV, alternating between Nate and Hunter, this is a story of how love and believe will concur, with the help of an amazing both chosen and tight family that provides support and humour.




ARC provided in exchange for an honest review




While each book in the Winner Takes All Series can be read as a standalone, but to prevent previous plots and storylines to get spoiled, they are best enjoyed when read in order:
The Boyfriend Kickoff (Winner Takes All #0.5) by Lauren Blakely The Boyfriend Comeback (Winner Takes All, #1) by Lauren Blakely Turn Me On (Winner Takes All, #2) by Lauren Blakely Limited Edition Husband (Winner Takes All, #4) by Lauren Blakely Manhandled (Winner Takes All, #5) by Lauren Blakely
Profile Image for J.E. Benoit.
Author 2 books34 followers
September 1, 2023
Who is this sexy young Brit that fate dropped into my lap?
I don’t know, but I plan to enjoy him.


Nate Chandler is a pro football player looking to get back in the dating game after the disastrous end of his marriage earlier in the year. Hunter Colburn, the charming, young, British guy who is newly out as bi-sexual and looking to experience all the things he’s been missing out on seems to be the perfect choice. They’re both looking for a good time with no strings attached. But that plan quickly goes out the window when a bet and a fair amount of bourbon cause them to wind up married after a night together in Vegas. The fact that news of their nuptials gets out quickly leaves them stuck in their fake marriage until it all blows over, then they can get a divorce and forget all about it. The only thing they have to do in the meantime is not fall for one another… but you know how that usually goes.

As you can expect from a Lauren Blakely book, this was fun, sexy, and pretty low on angst. I remembered Nate from when I read The Boyfriend Comeback last year so I was happy to finally get back around to reading his story. He was a really sweet guy. He’d been hurt pretty badly by his ex but he was eager to get himself back out there. Hunter was a good match for him. Things were just easy between them from the very beginning. Life threw them a bit of a curve with the accidental marriage but I enjoyed seeing how they handled it. There was the teensiest bit of angst due to this but they communicated well and any drama was quickly resolved. They were also really cute together, I enjoyed seeing them get to know one another and ultimately fall for each other. Plus their chemistry was scorching. Hunter was inexperienced when it came to men but he was very eager to learn and to please Nate. And Nate was a good teacher! If you’re looking for a quick, easy, light read - this will certainly hit the spot!
Profile Image for Evelin.
853 reviews67 followers
October 12, 2023
This is by far the best book in the series. I would even recommend that everyone not read the series, but only read this book as a stand-alone novella. I mean, there's no connection between the books anyway, other than the main characters being friends with the main characters from the previous books. This one didn't have the obsessive dominance in bed that annoyed me in the previous 2 books.
Overall the book was sexy and funny, the main characters were right for each other and they didn't even break up/fight just before the end so they could have a big dramatic scene of reconciliation in the last pages, which is a rare occurrence in romance books these days.
Also, the audiobook was beautifully narrated. I mean the narrators did their best here.
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