Best of friends with benefits—and more in common than they ever expected—in a funny and sexy romance by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Lauren Landish.
Wren Ford is the city attorney for Cold Springs—a job she takes seriously. Good thing she has a great form of stress relief: a friends-with-benefits arrangement with the well-muscled and very attentive construction worker Jesse Sullivan. Wren’s heart secretly craves more, but how can she fess up her feelings to a man who doesn’t want to get tied down?
Jesse is head over heels in love with Wren, but he can’t picture a happily ever after. What would an attorney and out-of-his-league goddess want with him? Especially when a flirty, cocky lawyer who screams money and power shows an interest in Wren.
As a scandalous high-profile split escalates from name-calling to corporate takeovers, Wren and Jesse must team up to find a way to protect the people and the town they love. And everyone in Cold Springs is rooting for them to figure out that maybe, against all odds, they’re made for each other.
Lauren Landish is a WALL STREET JOURNAL & USA TODAY bestselling author and her books have garnered a legion of praise from her readers.
When she’s not plotting about how she will introduce you to your next sexy as hell book boyfriend, you can find her deep, deep in her writing cave, furiously tapping away on her keyboard, writing scenes that would make even a hardened sailor blush.
Lauren, who lives in NC with her boyfriend and fur baby, warmly invites you to her worlds of rock hard abs, chiseled smiles, and men with deep, fat pockets…but beware! These stories are guaranteed to have you addicted and needing your next fix!
This one has a bit of everything we have slow burn, second chance Romance, And such a beautiful sapphic romance by Lauren Landish that you just can't put down. I love the characters and couldn't wait to see what would come next…..
There is a laundry list of amazing characters in this one Suspenseful, Sexy, Smart, Sweet, some very funny moments will have you laughing out loud, then there were a few Silly moments thrown in as well. All in all, a very Satisfying read! (Ok, enough of the S-words). Oh, we had bit of a Mystery going on as well.
Truthfully, the little town of Cold Springs stole my heart!
Cold Springs's citizens are bursting with personality, the characters and the small town they call home are so beautifully depicted, I feel like I have truly been there!
Wren and Jesse Sizzle! Well, when they finally start Communicating… (Alright, I'm done. I promise this time!) But this little town is a dichotomy. On the surface is the quaint little tourist town out in the middle of nowhere... Many of its citizens families have lived there for generations. Everyone knows everyone, and everyone is up in everyone else's business. Like the stereotypical small town……. You’ll see how the citizens of this quaint little town will fight for its survival…. And I just loved that Aspect of the story.
Oh, did I mention the fact that there is high-profile Divorce that might Throw a wrench into this couple’s romance
Come on what small town doesn’t have Lil drama thrown into the mist?
Jed and Chrissy’s divorce is the talk of the town. There’s even an unofficial newsletter with updates and theories……. Tell me this isn’t Small town gossip at its finest. Can't wait to read the next one in this series!
4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Cold Springs #2 Others in the series ~ The Wrong Bridesmaid #1 Setting ~ Cold Springs (not sure what state we're in, but I think it's on the East Coast) Publication date ~ December 12, 2023 Est page Count ~ 285 (p+ 28 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 10 minutes Narrators ~ CJ Bloom, Ryan West POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ small town, lawyer, construction worker, fast burn to slow burn, miscommunication, second chance, some steamage, no 3rd act breakup
The prologue starts us off with a bang (literally) with Jesse & Wren in a friends with benefits situation. and then nada for a bit.
We've met the awful Jed already, who is Wren's uncle and Jesse's boss and currently going through a divorce because he cheated on wife, Chrissy, with a much younger lady who is now pregnant. Why am I telling you all this, well because this takes up a big part of the book, more so then the actual romance, which I really wish wasn't the case because I really liked these two. Jesse & Wren, not Jed & Chrissy because they were both a hot mess.
Jesse is a possessive, jealous, yet sweet alpha, and I loved him. He's a foreman at a construction company and cared so much about his guys. I was mad at him though for acting like he wasn't worthy of Wren because of his job. Hello, where would we be without blue collar workers? We wouldn't have a house to live in for one. And all the muscles from all the labor is not necessarily a bad thing either.
Wren is the towns's lawyer and really showed her smarts and skills to do what's best for her small town. She's fierce, strong and independent. I could have went without the other man drama with Chrissy's lawyer, Oliver, but I suppose the story wouldn't be complete without it.
Like I said above the divorce is a big part of the book, but when these two were on page the chemistry was burning my kindle. There is the dreaded miscommunication, but that's dealt with pretty early, so we didn't wait around too long for them to get their act together, speaking of act...no 3rd act breakup, hallelujah 🙌
Overall, I liked this one much more than the last one, but I just wish there was less messy divorce and more budding romance for this contemporary romance. I, also, like how the main side characters ~ Avery & Winston and Hazel & Wyatt ~ are progressing with their lives.
Series notes: Not a continuation per say, but all the characters we have already met are heavily involved here, so I'd say more enjoyable to read The Wrong Bridesmaid first. Here's my review if you're interested.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author, Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
The Wrong Guy by Lauren Landish Cold Springs series #2. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Wren Ford and Jesse Sullivan had a brief relationship but then went their separate ways because their communication skills needed work. A high-profile divorce in the small town of Cold Springs impacts Wren as the attorney when contracts need to be reviewed, and Jesse as the job site manager. They renew their friends with benefits relationship but neither is ready to talk about something more permanent. Can they get to their happily ever after with each other?
Wren and Jesse are combustible together. He’s hero material for sure bringing her food during long working hours, bringing donuts to the office employees, replacing burnt out light bulbs in his mother’s bakery, and cracking jokes to help shift the mood. He’s a good man and his mother did a good job raising him. Wren knows all this. Now they just have to work out the details. And remember to be quiet if on the phone, or in her office during those more intimate moments. Loved the banter, and overall feel of this town with heart. I definitely want to try the nachos.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I will definitely check out the 1st book in the series that I missed as well as others.
I'm sorry but it was out of my league...I just can't see why the very first chapter of this book have to start with intercourse...I mean really Don't know why it has to be like that....why I just cannot find any decent and interesting book to hold my attention but this was not for me...everything from plot to story to characters....just had to DNF .
A steamy, opposites attract, dual POV, second chance romance featuring a bad ass woman lawyer and a contractor/construction worker who has been pining for her since their last time together. While this had some good parts (i'm a sucker for a he falls first romance), overall it was just an okay read for me. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Lauren Landish delivers a romance that is both heartwarming and entertaining. Whilst also bringing the heat and characters that are well-developed.
As one time friends with benefits Wren and Jesse find their way back to each other. After a giant misunderstanding pulls them apart and the pair stop talking for a year.
But the small-town of Cold Springs can see they're in love and when Wren learns Jesse still has feelings for her. They finally have a much needed discussion.
However, it's not all plain sailing as Wren's aunt and uncle are divorcing and what starts as some name calling soon turns into a corporate takeover. With a slick high flying lawyer to boot.
So, it's up to Jesse and Wren to stop it and protect the people and town they love. Whilst hopefully taking Wren's uncle down a peg or three!
And with plenty of spice, adorable secondary characters, sweetness and humour. This was an engaging and enjoyable read. That nicely explores the complexity of wanting more from your casual hook up.
My thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Wrong Guy. 😊
Oh, the chemistry between those two is palpable. Loved the banter and everything about them. The setting and the storyline were good. I will check out the 1st book in the series that I missed and the future ones. Thanks to the author, Montlake, and NetGalley for the ARC.
I consider this a funny rom-com with a little spicy added! But I liked the two main characters and how funny they were! It was just a real feel good book! I recommend this book! 💛🧡💙🖤
This is a book that starts off with a literal bang, and then leaves readers trying to put together the pieces of what went wrong. If miscommunication is your thing, you’re going to love this book. If not, this book might not be it. Though, I will say that the miscommunication element is resolved earlier in the book, and the remaining conflicts are mostly external.
Overall, this is a pretty low-angst book that doesn’t have a third act breakup. So if you are looking for something with those elements, this is the book for you.
The Wrong Guy by Lauren Landish, book two in the Cold Springs series, is a second chance romance for Wren and Jesse. Wren thought Jesse was only interested in a friends-with-benefits relationship, while Jesse believed he wasn’t good enough for Wren. These two have been unofficially together for over a year. Each does not know how the other is feeling because they don’t take the time to talk about their feelings. If it wasn’t for some unlikely family drama these two might not have gotten together.
The small town is embroiled in a divorce between a high profile couple which will affect the whole town. Wren, a city attorney, has to renegotiate a contract for a housing development because the construction owner is part of the divorcing couple. Jesse is the site manager for the construction company and he and his team of workers are impacted by the legal aspects. When Jesse sees the divorce lawyer Oliver trying to get friendly with Wren his hackles rise and he decides to let her know that she is his. Wren and Jesse are a lovely couple who demonstrate how miscommunication can lead to all the wrong assumptions. However when they stand strong they stand it alright. The twist and turns running throughout the story will keep you on your toes; especially the background about her uncle and his misadventures.
This book has everything you would want in a romcom: spice, sizzle, romance, comedy, drama, banter, and a second chance. I enjoyed getting to know Wren and Jesse and seeing them grow throughout the story; the strength Wren had and how Jesse was rugged, handsome, and kind. I highly recommend The Wrong Guy to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
I absolutely loved this book. I practically devoured it in one night. Wren Ford is a such a fun FMC. She’s independent, confident and full of fire. She doesn’t need anyone to fight her battles for her. Jesse is her perfect match as he likes her exactly as she is. Their on page chemistry is palpable.
Jesse and Wren start with a friends with benefits situation. Jesse loves Wren but doesn’t feel worthy. Wren loves Jesse but makes assumptions about him. As such they both waste a lot of time pining and yearning for each other. That angst between them was delicious. Amidst the conflict between Jesse and Wren there was also conflict between Wren’s aunt and uncle effecting the town. Conflict Wren had to use her lawyer hat to solve. It was beautiful to see Jesse support Wren completely and believe in her ability to solve the issue. Jesse was the ultimate book boyfriend and once they sorted their issues it was heartwarming to see their relationship blossom.
I love this town with its fiery women. It’s so fun to read feisty, strong women who are solid on their own but better with the support of their loves. I hope there are more books coming from this series.
The Wrong Guy by Lauren Landish was an entertaining, friends with benefits to lovers, small town romance with a nice little touch of cozy mystery. I absolutely enjoyed every second of this sexy contemporary romance! I feel that Wren is such a strong and bada&& character and Jesse is her perfect match. He is totally alpha and edgy and coming from the opposite side of town but he respects and worships Wren ,while fulfilling her fantasies and supporting her dreams. They are a match made in the heaven! This quirky small town was nice set up for this entertainer.
This story is kind of mash up of different plots. Wren and Jesse are related by their siblings' marriage but their families are opposite. Wren coming from the affluent powerful side and Jesse from less affluent but no less powerful side. The families are cool with each other. Jesse and Wren started a friends with benefits arrangement but soon they developed feelings..and a misunderstanding made Wren pull away and Jesse thought it's because of his status. But now a big divorce and scandal is threatening to harm Cold Springs and all hands are on deck!
Wren is a beautifully bold heroine. She has been through some tough times and Jesse has a way to disarm her. What can I say about this guy? May be because he was raised in a family of independent and fierce women who don't take anybody's sh1t, he definitely knows how to treat his woman right. He is a hard working, family loving , gorgeous alpha man but he had his insecurities when it came to Wren. And same for Wren. Jesse had reputation of a ladies man but since Wren came into his life, he could only see her. He just had to show her that. Miscommunication trope can be a life and death situation for me. This can drag the story down and irritates me when the issue could be solved by a simple conversation. But, thank god, the author didn't postpone the clearing till the end. It happens quiet early in the story and after that, it's all about consolidation. The divorce and messy scandals take up the next part but I enjoyed it so much because omg Wren's uncle Jed is such a slimeball and I loved every second of his financial and other kinds of demise in hands of the women he wronged and manipulated in some way! Go ladies! Our sweet and sassy and super smart Wren used her magic brain as city lawyer to orchestrate the grand plan and she nailed it. Jesse was there at every step as support, as helper and a stress reliever. The small town is definitely a vibe. So many interesting characters, so many hilarious moments , so much entertainment packed inside it with romance! No unnecessary drama between Jesse and Wren. Pure chemistry and feels.
PS there is this little scene where the whole town is assembled in Jesse's aunt's bar for updates about the divorce and the aftermath and Jesse publicly claims Wren for the first time there by a solid scorching hot kiss and the whole crown cheers! And that day I was watching Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's viral epic kissing clip on repeat and I was like omg this scene is exactly like that!!!
Every-once in a while I love a man obsessed book and this is definitely one of those books. Jesse is obsessed with Wren from the start of this story, and I love how much he doesn’t hide it, even if Wren can’t see it.
Wren wants to fall for Jesse but doesn’t believe his feelings, but I also love how all that was cleared up. The lawsuit in the middle of this book is so fun and adds so much to the story to where everything felt perfectly paced!
The Wrong Guy by Lauren Landish is book Two in the Cold Springs Series. This is the story of Wren Ford and Jesse Sullivan. Jesse and Wren had a friends with benefit type of connection but then life got in the way. But a housing development issue has brought these two back into their orbit. Enjoyed this hot and fun story.
Whew! Holy hotness! This book had me laughing so hard. Lauren Landish always gives us an entertaining story, and this one gives us just that! The Wrong Guy ends up being the right guy. The forever guy. Wren and Jesses story is an opposites attract, touch her and die romance. I loved every single thing about this book. Highly recommended.
Two hard-headed main characters + miscommunication and lack of communication = one heck of a great book! Even though I don’t read the first book, it was easy to get to know all the characters and dive right into Wren and Jesse’s story. I would definitely go back and read the first book, now. I love the sassiness of all the characters. I laughed out loud more than once and wanted to smack Jesse and Wren a few times, too. This is worthy of 5 stars!!!
I adored this book. It was unlike anything I have ever read. Jesse was swoon-worthy and such a realistic man. Wren was so feisty and ball-busting, the type of woman I aim to be. There match was perfect, they complemented each other so well. And the spice? Well, let me tell you it was spicy as hell. It was so well written and the tension and blossoming of Wren and Jesse’s relationship kept me reading.
Overall, if you are after some more spice in your life with a sweet ending, this is the book for you.
I stopped reading this author because she’s the absolute worst. She writes mean girl, sex shaming, misogyny validating garbage. This book is a perfect example. The male lead let’s another woman flirt with him and get in his space, he presses his body against hers to “help” her with her pool shot, and then whispers in her ear “good shot baby”. And Landish writes the female lead as being ridiculous and jealous because she broke up with him. It’s ok because he doesn’t remember. NOPE! I don’t support mean girl, sexist, misogynistic writers like Landish.
I had real trouble enjoying this book. Maybe it was because it starts out from the first page with a lot of explicit sex. I guess I like to get to know characters and their situation before I am introduced to their body parts.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
This book was interesting. It felt like the romance part was done at about 50% but we still had half the book to go. I don't think the rest of the plot was interesting enough to put the romance on the back-burner. I would have liked this more if it was actually focused on Jesse and Wren.
This could have been a good romance if only "save the town" hadn't taken over the plot.
First, let me clarify that they weren't friends with benefits. They were hooking up and one day she stopped taking his messages. By the time the book starts, they had been ignoring each other for months. But then the villain of the series cheats on his wife, she asks for a divorce and given that they own the new development in town, this brings the MCs back in contact with each other (he's building the project and she's the town's attorney.) That's when you learn that they were supposedly in love with each other but neither said anything because they thought the other wasn't into them. And let me tell you, she has reasons to believe she was just a hole to him because what man starts hooking up with the woman of his dreams and doesn't even take her out even once and doesn't explain why he can't go out with her when she invites him?
By the middle of the book, they've confessed their feelings and all that's left is to "save the development!" They practically live at the local bar, where we have to constantly see the same cast of characters. It was so tiresome after a while. There's also a minor plot with the scorned wife's lawyer that devolves into teeth-grinding nonsense. I can believe a man is stupid enough to jump on a woman when she's alone but not when she's surrounded by friends AND her significant other!
There are just two good things about this book: sex was hot and he left her to fight her own battles. Otherwise, I would have rated it a lot lower.
Due to her family and her career as a lawyer Wren is considered part of the upper echelon in her hometown. She has been enjoying a casual relation with Jesse however her feelings for him run deeper and they drifted apart. With her uncle’s scandalous divorce, they now find themselves working together to ensure the completion of a construction project which will bring up unresolved feelings once again.
Jesse believed that Wren deserved more than he could offer her, so he distanced himself from her. Being that he is part of the management of the construction company that is affected by Wren’s uncle’s divorce it will have them spending time together once again. A little competition from a third party will force him to face his feelings for her and ensure that she realizes the only person she belongs with is him.
Witty banter, a little turmoil, great chemistry and all the feels will keep you entertained not only with their romance but with the rest of the townspeople as well.
I had a hard time connecting with the main characters. The actions of the MMC threw me off. I wasn't a fan of the nickname he called Wren or how he dominated out of jealousy. This shouldn't deter those who enjoy those qualities. That being said, I did like Wren. She's a lawyer with a fierce attitude. There were some adorable moments between Wren and Jesse. Jesse is a protective man and knows how to treat a lady but the alpha male vibe didn't resonate with me. I want to note that the side characters were amazing. :) I loved the antics of the aunt and just how realistic she was portrayed as a woman scorned. The intimate scenes were well written and I would suggest this book for those who want tons of spice. I plan to give the first book of this series a chance and look forward to checking out more books by Lauren.
Tropes: Miscommunication, Alpha Male, and Lots of Spice.
Love Always, Catherine
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks to #Netgalley for an advanced copy of #TheWrongGuy
This is a 2nd chance romance for Wren and Jesse. Wren thought Jesse was only interested in a hookup and Jesse believed he wasn’t good enough for Wren.
Wren is a city attorney having to renegotiate a contract for a housing development following the construction owner going through a divorce. Jesse is the Site manager for the construction company and impacted by the legal aspects.
When he sees the divorce lawyer Oliver trying to het friendly with Wren his hackles rise and he decides to let her know that she is his.
I enjoyed this story and the main and side characters. Recommended read with a bit of spice and a bit of crazy humour thrown in.
Warning once you start this book you will not be able to put it down. It is entertaining, funny, and it is fan your face HOT! I loved Wren and Jesse. These two were perfect for each other but neither would admit it. Their story is a page turner that you will not want to miss. These two don't realize that perhaps the person they think is all wrong for them might turn out to be the perfect match for them after all. This book is definitely a 5 star read that you don't want to miss out on. Thanks Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Book 2 of the series. Loved this book, it can be read as a standalone as well as part of the series. For me I started with this book instead of the first one which I'm not bothered that I didn't but still makes me want to go back and read it anyway.
Wren and Jesse are a lovely couple and they show how miscommunication can lead to all the wrong assumptions. However when they stand strong they stand it alright. The twist and turns in the storyline are brilliant and it keeps you on your toes especially with the back storyline including her uncle and his misadventures.
Lots of steamy scenes but the sex was pretty vanilla overall (or maybe I've just been reading too many dark romance books!) but it was still an enjoyable read.
Jesse has been in love with Wren for a long time, though we don't actually find out just how long. But Wren and Jesse had a casual relationship for awhile during which Wren fell hard for Jesse and due to the lack of communication between the two of them there is a giant misunderstanding and they stop talking to and seeing each other. For a year. Until one day someone finally tells Wren Jesse is in love with her - she is shocked! Though the whole town is aware of it, apparently she's the only one who can't see it.
Finally (about halfway through the book) they sit down together and talk and realise they want the same things and they were completely wrong about what they thought the other was thinking.
What I enjoyed about this story was that Wren and Jesse's love story seemed like a side-story to the main story which is Wren (as City Attorney) takes down her uncle - a horrible, manipulative man who will walk over everyone and anyone to get what he wants. It was extremely satisfying watching a group of women take down a man who thinks he owns the world.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.