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The Duke Brothers #2
The Moment They Can't Forget
Rule #1 in the best friends handbook is, don’t sleep with your best friend’s sister.
Alcohol and a hot forbidden woman never mix.
One night. Plenty of fun that turned dirty, and a morning of regrets.
J.D. Hopper hadn’t planned on Zoe Duke being the girl he couldn’t get out of his head. What he had planned on was never acting on it, until he did.
Now he had to pretend she’s kind of a friend, but more an irritation.
A woman who had rocked his world in a single night.
And then there were her big, bad brothers.
J.D. Hopper was everything Zoe hated in a man—arrogant, rich and drop dead gorgeous.
They’d been idiots to do what they had, but neither of them was into happy-ever-afters. So why can’t she forget him or his body?
A visit from her past and a secret from his and suddenly life was a whole lot harder for both of them.
And then there was her brothers.
Lyntacky was like most small towns. It had its interfering locals and families who could trace their roots back hundreds of years. Where Lyntacky stood out from the rest was their love of Square Dancing and the Duke brothers. Both were trouble. Neither had plans for leaving.
Alcohol and a hot forbidden woman never mix.
One night. Plenty of fun that turned dirty, and a morning of regrets.
J.D. Hopper hadn’t planned on Zoe Duke being the girl he couldn’t get out of his head. What he had planned on was never acting on it, until he did.
Now he had to pretend she’s kind of a friend, but more an irritation.
A woman who had rocked his world in a single night.
And then there were her big, bad brothers.
J.D. Hopper was everything Zoe hated in a man—arrogant, rich and drop dead gorgeous.
They’d been idiots to do what they had, but neither of them was into happy-ever-afters. So why can’t she forget him or his body?
A visit from her past and a secret from his and suddenly life was a whole lot harder for both of them.
And then there was her brothers.
Lyntacky was like most small towns. It had its interfering locals and families who could trace their roots back hundreds of years. Where Lyntacky stood out from the rest was their love of Square Dancing and the Duke brothers. Both were trouble. Neither had plans for leaving.
- GenresRomance
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2024
82 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Lani Blake
31 books119 followersLani Blake is a small town romance author, coffee addict and chocolate connoisseur (in that order). She's also known as Wendy Vella, a USA Today bestselling author of historical romances, a fact which still makes her head spin!
Lani's a sucker for an alpha hero with a heart of gold, who works HARD to deserve the women he falls in love with.
When she's not writing, reading or spending time with her family you'll find her walking the beach with her pup Tilly.
Connect with Lani in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/lanisreaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at LaniBlake.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 22, 2024
It’s always so fun coming back to the towns created by Lani Blake. Lyntacky is just another quirky town where things like not line dancing when the music plays means ending up in jail for a night. Or how nothing remains a secret for long. If one person knows, everyone knows. And of course, the sense of community where if the locals take you in, you have someone in your corner always. JD Hopper wasn’t born in Lyntacky. He came to visit his best friend, Sawyer Duke, and simply never left. He runs a business he enjoys and fosters all the animals in need of a home and some care. He thought he was doing pretty well. Until a night with Duke’s sister, Zoe, changes everything. The chemistry between them in undeniable. They both know nothing can happen again between them. Yet, neither can forget that it happened. And the more they are thrown together and get to know each a bit better, the harder it is to stay away. For Zoe, she came home after leaving her job in Chicago. Something happened and she was basically forced to leave. She won’t tell anyone but she knows she has some decisions to make about her future. And she isn’t sure if that includes JD. Her brothers won’t like it and she doesn’t plan to stick around. Yet, as the days pass she begins to wonder differently. Really enjoyed Zoe and JD’s story! It’s always fun diving back into this world and I can’t wait for the next book!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2024
The Moment They Can’t Forget is a small town, brother’s best friend romance.
Zoe came back home from Chicago, and she has some big decisions to make regarding her future.
JD now lives in Lyntacky, running his own business. And after one night (with too much alcohol) with Zoe, they both know that it can never happen again. But they also can’t seem to forget that night…
I really enjoy reading about these small towns created by Miss Blake. She has a way to keep me locked in the book, and never wanting to come back home again.
I am really looking forward to the rest of this series, now wondering what she’s got up her sleeve for the next one.
Zoe came back home from Chicago, and she has some big decisions to make regarding her future.
JD now lives in Lyntacky, running his own business. And after one night (with too much alcohol) with Zoe, they both know that it can never happen again. But they also can’t seem to forget that night…
I really enjoy reading about these small towns created by Miss Blake. She has a way to keep me locked in the book, and never wanting to come back home again.
I am really looking forward to the rest of this series, now wondering what she’s got up her sleeve for the next one.
May 13, 2024
Reaction
I loved this story. Reading about the Dukes and the town they live in, is like finding a new home and family. Zoe and JD have a one night stand that is anything but casual. They have to deal with the fallout of her brothers when it is found out and trouble from their pasts. They get everything settled to a satisfying conclusion. This is one of my favorite authors that I preorder automatically. When reading starts to become a chore I reread her books to make reading fun again. I highly recommend her contemporary novels as well as her historical romances under Wendy Vella.
I loved this story. Reading about the Dukes and the town they live in, is like finding a new home and family. Zoe and JD have a one night stand that is anything but casual. They have to deal with the fallout of her brothers when it is found out and trouble from their pasts. They get everything settled to a satisfying conclusion. This is one of my favorite authors that I preorder automatically. When reading starts to become a chore I reread her books to make reading fun again. I highly recommend her contemporary novels as well as her historical romances under Wendy Vella.
May 13, 2024
The Moment They Can't Forget by Lani Blake is book Two in The Duke Brothers Series. This is the story of Zoe Duke and J.D. Hopper. Zoe comes back home for her brother's wedding which leads her to have a one night stand with J.D. Which they both try to move past but neither can seem to forget that night or fight their growing feelings. Enjoyed this book and I hope to read more from this author soon.
May 13, 2024
When I return to Lyntacky in The Duke Brothers series, I know it is going to be a hilarious read. I loved JD and Zoe and all the adventures they got into and I loved the secondary characters including the animals. I loved the square dancing as it gathered a variety of characters together and they were not shy about sharing their opinions. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
May 13, 2024
Zoe and JD are perfect together. This is wonderful story of when love slaps you silly and you don’t know how to handle it. I was gifted this book as an ARC. This is my honest review. I highly recommend this book.
May 13, 2024
5/5 ⭐️ I loved this book!!
May 18, 2024
Family is everything
Another great read, and the more I read about the Duke family and the residents of Lyntacky, the more I love them. JD and Zoe's story was just perfect, and their interactions were fun to read. I also enjoy all the little side stories like with Vi. Can't wait for the next book.
Another great read, and the more I read about the Duke family and the residents of Lyntacky, the more I love them. JD and Zoe's story was just perfect, and their interactions were fun to read. I also enjoy all the little side stories like with Vi. Can't wait for the next book.
June 26, 2024
A Place To Call Home
Lyntacky, CO is like no other town in the world. When the music starts and you don’t square dance you spend the night in jail. Some residents have no fashion common sense, some have no awareness of personal boundaries, but if they accept a non native as one of their own it will be the highest compliment you can receive.
JD Hopper came to visit his best friend Sawyer Duke and decided the odd little town was the perfect place to live. And he was happy with his life that included his business, his farm and his many rescue animals, and his best friend. And that was enough until it wasn’t. The night JD hosted a wedding shower party for Sawyer and his fiancée, Birdie, the enough became “nothing will ever be the same” after spending the night with Zoe Duke in his arms. JD, Zoe, Sawyer, or any of the other Duke brothers were ready for the changes that might put into motion. Sit down, start reading and join the citizens of Lyntacky for a feel good, make you smile story.
Lyntacky, CO is like no other town in the world. When the music starts and you don’t square dance you spend the night in jail. Some residents have no fashion common sense, some have no awareness of personal boundaries, but if they accept a non native as one of their own it will be the highest compliment you can receive.
JD Hopper came to visit his best friend Sawyer Duke and decided the odd little town was the perfect place to live. And he was happy with his life that included his business, his farm and his many rescue animals, and his best friend. And that was enough until it wasn’t. The night JD hosted a wedding shower party for Sawyer and his fiancée, Birdie, the enough became “nothing will ever be the same” after spending the night with Zoe Duke in his arms. JD, Zoe, Sawyer, or any of the other Duke brothers were ready for the changes that might put into motion. Sit down, start reading and join the citizens of Lyntacky for a feel good, make you smile story.
May 14, 2024
This is Zoe and JD’s story. JD is the best friend of Sawyer Duke, one of Zoe’s older brothers. The Duke brothers are really protective of Zoe and they do t think anyone is good enough for their sister. On the night of Sawyer and Birdie’s engagement party, JD and Zoe have a one night stand. They agreed it would just be the one time, but they didn’t count on their chemistry. Will we find out why Zoe came home from Chicago or why JD moved away from his family. I’m not going to leave any spoilers, but I will say you’ll love this series and all of the characters. I can’t wait to read more from this talented author.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 23, 2024
After Zoe Duke and JD Hopper spend an ill-advised, hot and unforgettable night together, they both want to move forward and leave the past firmly in the past where it belongs. After all, they hate each other, don’t they? And then there’s the pact that the Duke siblings agreed to years ago about never dating a friend of a sibling and JD’s best friend just happens to be Sawyer, Zoe’s overprotective big brother. This will not end well. Life becomes even more complicated when family secrets JD has been hiding for years come to light. And the reason Zoe suddenly left her beloved job in the city is revealed. All this drama takes place in the weird little town of Lyntacky, Colorado, where a person can get arrested for not square dancing when the music starts…seriously! But, as always, Ms. Blake pulls an HEA out of the chaos with great, memorable characters, and a terrific story. This is a great addition to the Duke Brothers series. This book was provided by the author without any requirement for a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own.
May 12, 2024
This book! This series! This writer! Wow!!
I loved being back in Lyntacky, it’s a wonderful place, full of fantastic character’s, some slightly metal but fantastic nevertheless! Anyway, Zoe, one of the Duke siblings, has returned home, no-one knows why but the Duke brothers want to know! Zoe is sad but has plans to leave again soon. At her brothers engagement party she hooks-up with JD, her eldest brother’s BFF, which is so against the pact the siblings made as teenagers! The problem is that Zoe and JD are perfect for each other, she is fiery, fierce and loving. He is calm, passionate and caring. They just have to work through their feelings, guilt and loyalties before finding their HEA, and when truths come out, from JD, who has secrets of his own, Zoe and why she returned and about their relationship things get rocky with some of the family.
I love the style of writing, the characters, including the animals!! The passion and friendships throughout the town, even the dram and angst. Can’t wait for more from Lani Blake.
I loved being back in Lyntacky, it’s a wonderful place, full of fantastic character’s, some slightly metal but fantastic nevertheless! Anyway, Zoe, one of the Duke siblings, has returned home, no-one knows why but the Duke brothers want to know! Zoe is sad but has plans to leave again soon. At her brothers engagement party she hooks-up with JD, her eldest brother’s BFF, which is so against the pact the siblings made as teenagers! The problem is that Zoe and JD are perfect for each other, she is fiery, fierce and loving. He is calm, passionate and caring. They just have to work through their feelings, guilt and loyalties before finding their HEA, and when truths come out, from JD, who has secrets of his own, Zoe and why she returned and about their relationship things get rocky with some of the family.
I love the style of writing, the characters, including the animals!! The passion and friendships throughout the town, even the dram and angst. Can’t wait for more from Lani Blake.
May 1, 2024
Oh my goodness. This is seriously the cutest book I've read in ages. I mean, the hero os growls, but adopts lost animals for crying out loud. And what a menagerie!
He also protects and defends, and my heart kinda broke for him a couple of times.
This story start with a bang, finding the youngest Duke attempt to slip out pf bed after an unexpected evening with JD. Lots of fighting attraction for a range of flimsy reasons, and of course, a super satisfying HEA, WITH a BONUS EPILOGUE if you fancy (and you will! Hahah!)
As with most of Ms Blake's series, it's the super quirky, loveable town of crazy characters that really makes these books for me, and this story did not disappoint on that side.
Honestly, just give this a go. It's good for the soul!
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. And honestly, I'd have happily paid for it.
He also protects and defends, and my heart kinda broke for him a couple of times.
This story start with a bang, finding the youngest Duke attempt to slip out pf bed after an unexpected evening with JD. Lots of fighting attraction for a range of flimsy reasons, and of course, a super satisfying HEA, WITH a BONUS EPILOGUE if you fancy (and you will! Hahah!)
As with most of Ms Blake's series, it's the super quirky, loveable town of crazy characters that really makes these books for me, and this story did not disappoint on that side.
Honestly, just give this a go. It's good for the soul!
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. And honestly, I'd have happily paid for it.
May 1, 2024
I received this book as an ARC. Book #2 of the Duke Brothers, The Moment They Can’t Forget, still has me smiling. I downloaded my copy and read it straight through.
I loved the main characters of JD and Zoe. And, of course, the Duke Family and Friends provide a strong supporting cast. (I would love to actually see a whole town stopping to square dance.)
JD and Zoe have their flaws and challenges, such as, the Duke family pact not to date sibling’s friend or how to get a stubborn donkey to stop biting JD. There is lots of humor, square dancing, facing the past and moving forward. And the HEA that JD and Zoe deserve.
Set aside some “me time” and read this book, I promise it will keep you smiling.
I loved the main characters of JD and Zoe. And, of course, the Duke Family and Friends provide a strong supporting cast. (I would love to actually see a whole town stopping to square dance.)
JD and Zoe have their flaws and challenges, such as, the Duke family pact not to date sibling’s friend or how to get a stubborn donkey to stop biting JD. There is lots of humor, square dancing, facing the past and moving forward. And the HEA that JD and Zoe deserve.
Set aside some “me time” and read this book, I promise it will keep you smiling.
April 22, 2024
Loved this story! JD and Zoe were perfect for each other. Both had secrets and needed patience and understanding. I loved how the town stuck up for JD when his brother shows up unexpectedly. Zoe’s reasons for coming back home were very serious and I was glad to see this resolved in the end. The Duke family and the town of Lyntacky are hilariously wonderful. Brothers best friend romances are one of my favorites and this one did not disappoint. Already wanting to see what’s in store for the next Duke brother!
April 25, 2024
I so enjoyed reading this book. I loved returning to Lyntacky and reading about JD and Zoe. This book is so good. JD is a wonderful guy who keeps his soft side well hidden. I loved him with Velma the duck and Potato the donkey. Zoe is used to hiding everything from her overprotective brothers and won’t tell them what drove her home. All in all, it’s a brilliant book and I loved reading it. I can’t wait to return to Lyntacky and find out which Duke is next to fall. I received this book from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
April 29, 2024
This town is almost too quirky, but that's what makes it so lovable. Lani creates such a vivid picture of this town and all the characters in it! I love when two characters try to deny the inevitable like Zoe and JD. They are so great for eachother and it is easy to root for them from the beginning! There are a few obstacles in their way, and while this story didn't have the typical suspense thrown in, it was a definite page turner to see how Zoe and JD would find their happily ever after! I can't wait for the next book in this wonderful series!
October 26, 2025
I always, ALWAYS enjoy the odd rich guy tales from Lani. Whether it’s Ted from Ryker Falls or Tex from Lake Hollow or now, JD from Lyntacky. I loved him! He pulled at all kinds of heartstrings.
I loved Zoe too the same way I’d loved Piper and Annabel and Mandy.
There!s something endearing to the confident, larger than life rich city guy falling for a small town girl and Lani does it so well. So, thank you for this, Lani 💖
No spoilers here because I’d like readers to go in blind and enjoy the goodness. Would surely recommend.
I loved Zoe too the same way I’d loved Piper and Annabel and Mandy.
There!s something endearing to the confident, larger than life rich city guy falling for a small town girl and Lani does it so well. So, thank you for this, Lani 💖
No spoilers here because I’d like readers to go in blind and enjoy the goodness. Would surely recommend.
August 25, 2023
A good read but this is probably going to be an unpopular opinion, it wasn’t quite at the standard I’ve come to expect from Lani. I’ve read all her books and I love how the characters are so relatable and you wish they we real so you could hang out with them and this but was lacking that awesome. I still enjoyed it and maybe because it’s a new series that will come but it just wasn’t quite there this time.
May 14, 2024
Lani Blake is one of my favorite authors, I love her style and pretty much all of her books.
The characters and story were good. Both main characters had problems and helped each other with their problems.
But I had a hard time feeling at home in Lyntacky. It’s probably because this is only the second book in the series, I know I felt the same about Ryker Falls in the first books.
The characters and story were good. Both main characters had problems and helped each other with their problems.
But I had a hard time feeling at home in Lyntacky. It’s probably because this is only the second book in the series, I know I felt the same about Ryker Falls in the first books.
May 12, 2024
This is another good story in this series. Zoe and JD both have scars from their past and are the perfect person to help the other.
April 7, 2025
2/5 🌶️
Not as chemically charged as the first book but it has its moments.
Not as chemically charged as the first book but it has its moments.
June 8, 2025
The Moment They Can’t Forget
The turmoil these families have gone through and continue to deal with makes for some intense moments for serious situations.
The turmoil these families have gone through and continue to deal with makes for some intense moments for serious situations.
January 12, 2026
This is another cute story in the small quirky town of Lyntaky.
I have one word: Potato (the donkey). Love Potato!
I have one word: Potato (the donkey). Love Potato!
June 11, 2025
4.5 stars
I’ve enjoyed all the books so far in this series - just finished book 4! They are quick reads with quirky characters that I’ve looked forward to catching up with.
I’ve enjoyed all the books so far in this series - just finished book 4! They are quick reads with quirky characters that I’ve looked forward to catching up with.
April 23, 2024
What a rollercoaster of a ride for this couple to reach their HEA. Many great secondary characters and their interactions were very entertaining!
Our MC tried to deny their deep feelings for each other. What added to their stress, is the h's 4 older brothers. This town is so quirky with their rules and how they're in each other's lives, I became envious.
Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, standalone, HEA, romantic, steam, crude words and the Lord's name used in vain a few times. I did enjoy the epilogue 10 years in the future. You need to download it, and by doing so, you are signing up for the author's newsletter which is witty.
No matter what types of stories this author writes, you are always in for a great enjoyment. Whether she's writing contemporary stories as Lani Blake or Historical Romance under Wendy Vella, you can't go wrong.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving your extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase.
I received ARC through Bookfunnel, all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
Our MC tried to deny their deep feelings for each other. What added to their stress, is the h's 4 older brothers. This town is so quirky with their rules and how they're in each other's lives, I became envious.
Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, standalone, HEA, romantic, steam, crude words and the Lord's name used in vain a few times. I did enjoy the epilogue 10 years in the future. You need to download it, and by doing so, you are signing up for the author's newsletter which is witty.
No matter what types of stories this author writes, you are always in for a great enjoyment. Whether she's writing contemporary stories as Lani Blake or Historical Romance under Wendy Vella, you can't go wrong.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving your extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase.
I received ARC through Bookfunnel, all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews