It Seemed Like a Good Idea

Darling Springs #1

by Lauren Blakely

Grumpy meets sunshine in this charming and hilarious forbidden small town romantic comedy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely! Where there's only one bed in the room...

I really don't need a bodyguard―I run a small-town lavender farm, for bee's sake! But I'm getting one anyway since my identical twin sister just booked the movie role of a lifetime and it's being shot in my hometown. And guess who my new broody, tattooed protector is? None other than the guy I had a one-night stand with last month.

he's the guy with the wicked mouth and heated eyes who ran out on me before the bang without so much as goodbye. And of course he arrives in my tiny hometown where the film is shooting right in the nick of time to save me from the paparazzi at the market. The coffee shop. The dress shop too. I'm trying hard to stay mad after the third time the sexy jerk rescues me.

To top it all off, he's staying in the cottage at my farm. With me. And there's only one bed.
Maybe just one night would relieve all this tension? But one night turns into another, and then into sharing hearts and secrets that are best locked up. Especially since he's leaving and I'm staying, and there's no way we can be more than a summer romance that ends far too soon.

Small town, rom com, grumpy/sunshine, bodyguard, mistaken identity, forbidden romance, only one bed

Genres: Romance, Rom Com, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Adult

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 3, 2026

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Ashly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The vibes in this book were so fun. Another perfect and cozy read by Lauren Blakely!

Set in the beautiful mazes of lavender fields, Ripley helps her identical twin sister host the filming site for her sister, Haven’s big movie! Since Haven is now a big star, the paparazzi are crawling all over the place trying to catch the big money shot of her and her new co-star, New Chris. And since Ripley looks just like her sister, she gets a bodyguard. A hunky special security services bodyguard named Banks.

And oh Banks. Banks, Banks, Banks. Honestly thinks he has a shot at not being able to fall in love with the beautiful and feisty Ripley whom he actually had a brief, almost-one-night-stand with a month prior to his gig as her bodyguard. Now that was an encounter you’re going to want to read about. But Banks’ job as her bodyguard needs to be perfect since the big deal he and his partners are trying to land is at stake. I mean their security firm will be set for life if they land it.

I loved reading about this relationship all in the middle of everyone confusing the twins for each other except Banks. Banks knew it was Ripley every time because of the feeling he got near her.

Go read this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Lauren Blakely for the amazing opportunity to read this book and share my honest opinions.

[Nandini Arakoni · Rating 3 out of 5]

actually quite enjoyed this. the names are so fuck ass who though, i couldnt take anyone seriously when they were named Ripley and Banks. Also Ripley has a twin named Haven like wtf is this naming. I will say the identical twin who is a movie star is a great way to use the bodyguard x normie trope which i thoroughly enjoyed. i can list out every trope because it was that obvious: one night stand, bodyguard, one bed, fwb every trop ever. the pacing was not bad, but the middle was just this middle area where they were fucking with feelings and not confessing anything. i did enjoy both of their childhood trauma and how it contributed to the relationship. lauren blakely you are so obvious i called every single side couple in this book.

[Amelia Blackmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: It Seemed Like a Good Idea
Author: Lauren Blakely
Series: Darling Springs 1

What to expect:
*Bodyguard MMC
*Forced proximity
*Small town romance

A cute romcom that started with an almost one night stand! I enjoyed the bodyguard storyline and the “bad guy” surprised me, I forgot the character even existed in the book.

Very well written and highly recommended. Read it for the Grandma and adorable dog!

Safety:
No OW/OM drama, no jealousy. A slight third act separation, no others during the break.

Thank you to NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for the opportunity to read and review this title!

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Ripley (FMC) & Banks (MMC)

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read Lauren Blakely before and generally enjoyed her books enough to pick up this ARC without reading a synopsis. This felt, idk, unfinished? Some parts were cute, and most banter was good, and then there'd just be a super generic section with no character development in a situation that was so predictable with emotion that felt artificial. So. Kinda middling for me. I just know I've read better Lauren Blakely books than this one.

[Symone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC! This was a fun, cute little rom-com. I really loved the chemistry between Ripley and Banks. Banks is the guarded, built, tattooed protector type, while Ripley is a firecracker but soft on the inside and always putting everyone else’s needs before her own, especially her twin sister. Both were wired to protect the people they loved.

The beginning started off strong and immediately pulled me in, and I absolutely loved it. However, somewhere in the middle, the momentum dipped for me...their dynamic became a playful cat and mouse game that i wasn't sure i liked too much 😅 but I liked the ending. Overall the book was still a cute read.

[Lindsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for the arc of this book for my honest review. I unfortunately dnf at 50%. I could not connect with these characters at all. Also the mmc would constantly do the opposite of what he said which irked me he wanted to remain professional for his job and then in the next second he's making out with his client. Meh

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely is one of those books that tricks you into thinking you’ll read “just a chapter” and then suddenly it’s dark outside, you’ve forgotten to eat, and you’re emotionally invested in a fictional lavender farm.
Thank you to Cosmo Reads and NetGalley for my gifted ARC. I had a very good time and absolutely blame both of you for it.

This story starts exactly where I like my rom-coms to start: with chemistry, bad timing, and a decision that will clearly come back to haunt everyone involved. Ripley is running her small-town lavender farm, minding her business, and generally not asking for chaos. Chaos, however, shows up anyway in the form of Banks. Broody, guarded, tattooed, and very much a man who makes questionable exits at the worst possible moments. Their almost one-night stand is the kind of meet-cute that feels natural, funny, and charged without trying too hard, which immediately pulled me in.

Then the bodyguard twist hits, and I will never not be seated for this trope. Banks returning as Ripley’s assigned protection because her identical twin sister is now a full-blown movie star filming in town is exactly the kind of ridiculous-but-believable setup Lauren Blakely excels at. The mistaken identity, the forced proximity, the very clear “this is a bad idea but we’re doing it anyway” energy? All delicious.

What really worked for me was the banter. Ripley is sharp, capable, and not remotely impressed by Banks’ gruff exterior, which makes their dynamic sparkle. Banks, meanwhile, is peak restrained competence with a soft center he refuses to acknowledge until absolutely necessary. Their push-and-pull felt earned. Yes, there’s miscommunication. Yes, I wanted to gently shake both of them at times. But it never crossed into unforgivable frustration for me. It stayed firmly in rom-com territory, where poor communication is practically a genre requirement.

The small-town setting deserves its own love letter. Darling Springs feels lived in, cozy, and slightly chaotic in the way only small towns are when Hollywood descends upon them. The lavender farm isn’t just a backdrop, it’s woven into the story in a way that made me want to book a fictional vacation immediately. Add in quirky side characters, a delightful grandmother, and a dog who understands vibes better than most humans, and I was fully charmed.

The pacing does slow in the middle, and I can see how that might not work for everyone. Personally, I didn’t mind lingering in the emotional space of the story. This book leans into connection, longing, and the quiet fear of wanting something that might not last. The looming “this is temporary” tension added weight to the romance and made the softer moments hit harder.

Spice-wise, this book absolutely delivers without overpowering the emotional arc. The chemistry stays front and center, and the intimate scenes feel earned rather than obligatory. Banks is very much a “touch her and I will end you” hero, but he’s also vulnerable in a way that made me root for him beyond the romance.

Overall, this is a cozy, flirty, emotionally satisfying small-town romance with just enough Hollywood chaos to keep things interesting. It made me laugh, swoon, and crave lavender-scented everything. Is it reinventing the genre? No. Does it know exactly what it is and execute it well? Absolutely.

“Sometimes the worst-timed decisions turn out to be the ones that change everything.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars

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[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

A bodyguard who falls for his small-town client after they have an almost one-night stand?! Add in an "only one bed" trope and?? DELICIOUS premise! "It Seemed Like a Good Idea" by Lauren Blakely is a really solid book that I had a good time reading. Charming small towns are my jam! I enjoyed Ripley and Banks as the FMC and MMC. From the very first time they met, they had terrific chemistry with one another. They also have spectacular banter, especially when they are trying to deny their attraction to each other. Their flirtatious attitude when they are in each other's orbit kept me wanting more from them. I love how bratty and defiant Ripley is, and how "touch her and die" protective Banks is of/about her. Lots of steamy scenes, lots of spice, lots of love here between them. I love a man who yearns and takes care of a woman's dog so she can sleep in a little bit. This book made me want to go out and buy fresh lavender, which I know sounds weird, but the evocative nature of the lavender farm really shone through from the page. I also enjoyed the relationship between Ripley and his sister, Haven, an actress who is filming a movie on Ripley's lavender farm. They have a sweet relationship that I hope gets explored more in a future book. I will say that I think that the first half of the book is quite a bit stronger than the second half. There are also quite a few miscommunications that could have easily been cleared up without any real detriment to the overall plot. In the middle of the book, Ripley and Banks sort of spin their wheels for a long time about whether or not they want to confess their feelings to each other. It went on a little long, if I'm honest. There is an obvious third-act issue that comes up here and there involving Ripley's ex, but it felt a little tacked on. Apart from these few things, this is a great book with a lot going on, but it's a good time nonetheless.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Blakely, and Cosmo Reads for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Jaimie · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️½

It Seemed Like a Good Time was an enjoyable read, but not quite a standout for me compared to other Lauren Blakely novels I’ve read. While this wasn’t my favorite from her, there were definitely elements I loved.

The story starts off strong, and I really enjoyed the bodyguard component. Ripley, our FMC, runs the local lavender farm in the charming small town of Darling Springs. When her identical twin sister comes to town to star as the leading actress in a movie being filmed on the farm and around town, Ripley ends up needing a bodyguard simply due to the filming and the confusion that comes with having an identical twin in the spotlight.

Enter Banks, her failed one-night stand turned bodyguard. Banks is former Army, very neat, tidy, and set in his ways, which makes him the perfect opposite to Ripley’s more laid-back, small-town vibe. Ripley has a habit of always taking care of everyone else while neglecting herself, and I really liked how that was explored throughout the story. At the same time, Banks is carrying his own trauma, and watching them work through both his struggles and Ripley’s tendency to put herself last made their connection feel genuine and earned. They both fought the connection for as long as possible, but that was made impossible when they had to share a bed.

The small town of Darling Springs was charming, and I especially adored the lavender farm and how its intertwined into the entire town and other small businesses, it added warmth and personality to the setting. That said, parts of the book felt a little flat, and some sections were drawn out longer than necessary, which slowed the pacing in areas that didn’t need it.

Overall, this was a solid 3.5-star read. Fans of small-town romance, forced proximity, one bed, and the bodyguard trope will likely enjoy it, but for me, it didn’t quite rise to the top of Lauren Blakely’s best.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me this early copy to read!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: 3.75 stars

- Super cute bodyguard for a normal person story, unique that FMC's twin sister is a celebrity.
- Loved the small town setting and the hotel bar meet cute
- I hate a miscommunication trope, but that was literally just the first 3 chapters and they got over it pretty quickly. So this is the only scenario that I'm ok with a miscommunication trope like this one.

I wouldn't call this a rom-com perse, but i think the author definitely shares a similar sense of humor that is kind of dry and doesn't come across as trying too hard, so there were a handful of great little nuggets that made me chuckle:
- "New Chris" was probably my favorite character because he was so weird
- Also loved the FMC's description of her ex, it actually made me giggle: "Eric Patrick, of the two first names", "Eric Patrick Waterstone - he of the two first names"

What got a little bit old was the constant back and forth about the FMC "taking care of everyone around her" and the MMC "blaming himself for everything outside of his control". I'd agree that those things happen in real life, however, it felt forced at times and not always like it fit organically with the conflict.

This is definitely a don't take it too seriously kind of story (like a wedding dress for the movie scene getting replaced by something at a consignment store would never happen) but it made for some unique quirkiness.

I'd probably recommend limiting the number of names that were so unique because it can be challenging to keep track of so many characters then.

Overall really liked the main characters and felt invested in their love story.

[Radhika Bansal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first instalment of the new series, Darling Springs by Lauren Blakely, is a sweet love story about people who find the courage to move beyond their defences in front of each other. Ripley and Banks have their meet-cute at a bar, but their meeting is cut short before their attraction could develop into something more. What follows is a story full of banter, realised feelings and sweet love all around the town of Darling Springs.

The characters are outlined well. The story develops well without lags. Ripley has a good emotional range, and her story with Banks is one of love that is mature yet playful enough to stand on its own. Banks is a cinnamon roll hero shaped by his past life, and his self-security will make a woman want him for herself.

It Seemed Like a Good Idea is limited to the setting of Darling Springs and is largely based around the town. Despite this, there is scope to be free. The characters are free tomove out of the setting and dream big. The plot background of a movie-shooting where the main characters are not one of the actors is a fresh take for me and a welcome change from the standard-raisers I usually read. (BTW, I learned the term in this book itself.)

Lauren Blakely gives you a wholesome story set in a town that is almost like an extended family. There is a factor of danger that is associated with the plot grounding of the book but it does not disturb the pleasant pace of the love story.

[bluevioletbb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Cosmos Read for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This small-town rom-com had a premise I was genuinely excited about: a lavender farm, a bodyguard romance, grumpy/sunshine vibes, and a one-night stand reunion with only one bed. Unfortunately, while the setup checked all the boxes, the execution didn’t quite live up to its potential.

The story follows a small-town farmer who suddenly finds herself with a broody, tattooed bodyguard after her twin sister lands a major movie role being filmed in their hometown. Said bodyguard also happens to be the guy who ran out on her after a one-night stand. Some of these moments were cute, and the banter was often fun, but many scenes felt predictable and emotionally artificial.

The biggest issue for me was character development. While the pacing and writing was generally okay until it started to feel choppy, the characters themselves felt flat. At some point, they stopped growing.

The beginning started strong, but the momentum faded quickly, and I found myself struggling to stay invested. For a rom-com, it took me longer than usual to finish because the story became increasingly unmemorable.

Overall, while this book has charm and some good banter, it ultimately fell short of my expectations due to flat characters. A fun concept that just didn’t fully come together for me.

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely was exactly the kind of charming, swoony small-town romance I love to fall into. Ripley and Banks meet under less-than-ideal circumstances thanks to a failed one-night stand and a small case of mistaken identity—and from there, the tension only gets better. Banks as the protective, capable bodyguard paired with Ripley’s independent, grounded energy made for a dynamic I couldn’t get enough of.

The small-town setting is cozy and immersive, and Ripley owning a lavender farm adds such a lovely, calming backdrop that feels like a character all on its own. The bodyguard/client trope is done really well here, with plenty of forced proximity (hello, one bed 👀), emotional build-up, and just the right amount of humor. Watching these two circle each other, fight their growing feelings, and finally give in was incredibly satisfying. And I will also say I was very glad that the author did not take the mistaken identity trope too far!

Overall, this was sweet, sexy, and heartfelt—perfect if you’re in the mood for a small-town romance with protective vibes, chemistry that crackles, and characters you genuinely want to root for. Lauren Blakely delivers once again.

⭐️: 4/5
🌶️: 4/5

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy! All opinions are honest and my own.

[Katie Lavoie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - a cute, spring-fling read.

There were a lot of things I enjoyed in this book - I liked the premise, the characters themselves, their banter together, and the adorable town setting. Additionally, it’s clearly set up for a series and I’m excited to read more books in the series.

However, the book felt like three distinct sections. The first third was great - focusing on establishing everything, well written, and even pacing. While the middle section was overly focused on romance without progressing the character arcs for my personal taste, there was still elements I enjoyed while having high hopes the plot would progress (e.g., going deeper into both Ripley and Banks’ backstories). Ultimately though, the characters’s growth felt shallow (Banks’) or even entering flat (Ripley’s). Simultaneously, the pacing seemed off to me in this section so I struggled with the plot itself.

All in all, I’m rounding up since I don’t want the proximity bias of the ending to overly weigh on my score.

Thanks to Lauren Blakely, Cosmo Reads, and Sourcebook for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA, Ripley lives in a quiet small town, she runs a lavender farm, and doesn't need a bodyguard. However, her identical twin sister has landed a major movie role that's being filmed in their hometown, requiring someone to protect Ripley during the shoot. Shocker when it’s none other than the man with whom she had a one-night stand with last month. He's a broody man with a sultry voice and intense gaze who vanished before the climax without a word. He arrives in her small town in time to fend off the paparazzi, whom she is not willing to admit are a problem. By the third time this handsome rogue comes to her rescue, staying angry becomes a challenge for Ripley; sexy, cutesy romance ensues.

Strengths: Overall, it's a charming love story with great pacing and sassy character banter, lots of steamy sex scenes.

Weaknesses: Flat character development with a couple of the characters, which left a portion of the ending a bit discombobulated. Some of the conflicts were not believable enough to be a big deal, or maybe I’m just jaded.

Verdict: Worth the read. This was a fun, light read. A sweet contemporary romance, with lots of good people making Ned-Flanders-sized mistakes. A rom-com vibe filled with cutesy romance, sassy banter, wholesome moments, and a lot of sex, huzzah! ( 7.5/10)

Thank you, Lauren Blakely, Cosmo Reads, and Sourcebooks. I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[M Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for providing this book, with my honest review below.

It Seemed Like a Good Idea is a sweet romance that takes place on a lavender farm (yes) with more spice than I’d expect in that idyllic setting (very welcome).

Ripley runs the farm in question and when her actress sister, Haven, gets production of her big film to take place on it her control freak nature has her tense while equally grateful for the business this could bring to the town. Figuring she can let off steam before the build up begins she and her bar rescuer Banks are about to have some fun before he ghosts her, only to show up as her bodyguard detail. There’s a good explanation for this, but you’ll want to read the book because it has a lot more charming and hot scenes in it, as well as some emotional moments surrounding our couple’s past. Now if only I could find a lavender farm in a small, quirky, coastal town.

[Lais · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨arc reader

So cozy and cute!!!!! Ripley is a farmer and has a twin that is an actress. One day she meets a guy and their chemistry is immediate, the problem? He thinks she is the actress sister impersonating the farmer sister and run away because she will be his client.

Besides the miscommunication problem at the begging (that could have saved a lot of awkward moments later) the book was amazing!!!!! Turns out he will be Ripley’s bodyguard (she’s the farmer!!!!!) and they will have to live together!!!!

They communicate a lot and the conflict at the end was really reasonable, it’s a situation that can really happen in real life.

I liked how the author wrote the sisters dynamic. We don’t see a lot of their past, but it wasn’t something that I missed. Yes, I would have loved to read more about Heaven but the book was not about her.

The book has side characters, a lavander farm, the soot a movie in said farm, small town, childhood besties, love at first sight, twinsss and drama!!!!

[Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this one so much 😍 Banks and Ripley had instant chemistry, and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic worked perfectly from the start. Ripley is warm, funny, and stubborn in the best way 🌿, and Banks is peak broody bodyguard energy 😏 with just enough softness underneath to make you melt.

The small-town setting, mistaken identity chaos, and forced proximity (yes, only one bed 🛏️🔥) made this such a fun, easy read, but there was still real emotional depth. I really enjoyed watching Banks slowly open up and Ripley wrestle with wanting more when she knows this is supposed to be temporary 💔➡️💖. The tension of a summer romance with an expiration date hit just right.

Sweet, funny, and sexy without being over-the-top, It Seemed Like a Good Idea completely lived up to the title ✨ If you love rom-coms with heart, great banter, and characters you actually root for, this one is absolutely worth picking up 📖💕

[Reda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, breezy read that I was excited for. Although this is styled Darling Springs #1, it's not the first time that Blakely has brought us to this cozy little town. Having met Riley in The Accidental Dating Experiment, I was looking forward to reading her story and this was a good one. Fun premise, the farm as a great supporting character, and an interesting MMC rounded out what was a really fun read. As usual, the supporting characters were fun and interesting, and I love that there's always a sassy matriarch in Blakely's books. The timing of the main romance was a little bumpy (does a day and a half really count?), and I would have liked to see the sister's romance be a separate story rather than an off-page romance. But all in all, I really enjoyed this and am already looking forward to Sawyer's story next year.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for an ACR in exchange for my honest assessment of the work.

[chelseabrookelikesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a fun, easy to fall into romance. From the very first chapter, I loved the energy between the Ripley and Banks…that instant spark, the chemistry that feels both chaotic and charming, and all the little moments where you can tell they’re fighting their feelings even as they’re tripping straight into them.

I really enjoyed the mix of small town sweetness and Hollywood mess. The lavender farm vibes? Adorable. The “accidental bodyguard” situation? Ridiculous in the best rom-com way. And the tension between them, especially the banter, kept me hooked the entire time.

Overall, this was a cute, steamy, feel-good read that left me in a good mood. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone craving a quick, charming romance with a protective hero, a relatable heroine, and all the cozy small-town vibes. 💜📚✨

[Rachel Abarca · Rating 3 out of 5]

It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely is a forced proximity, second chance romance. This is the first book of the Darling Springs series. Ripley runs her families lavender farm and is determined to take care of everyone, including her twin sister who is an actress. When am opportunity arises to film her sister's new movie in their small town and on the farm, Ripley doesn't hesitate to jump in to make it perfect. What she doesn't expect is the media attention on her as an identical twin and the bodyguard who is subsequently assigned to protect her. Banks and Ripley met a month ago and came closer to a one night stand. What follows is a sweet, funny, and spicy novel about forgiveness, finding love, healing past trauma, and the love of family. I overall enjoyed this book, however it did get a little long at times. I did enjoy the story and characters.

Thank you NetGalley, Cosmo Reads, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristie Kieffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely is exactly what I needed — fun, flirty, and full of heart. Blakely always nails the balance between steamy romance and genuine emotion, and this book is no exception.

The chemistry between the main characters is electric from the start, with witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and that perfect mix of tension and tenderness. What I love most about Blakely’s writing is how her characters feel like real people — flawed, funny, and easy to root for. The story had me smiling one moment and swooning the next.

It’s the perfect blend of humor, heat, and heart — an absolute joy to read. If you’re in the mood for a feel-good romance that will make you grin and maybe blush a little, It Seemed Like a Good Idea totally delivers.

[Simoné Wolmarans · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, this book did seem like a really good idea. For the first 30%, I was fully locked in—invested, intrigued, and excited to see where the story would go. But somewhere after that point, everything just… fell apart. The plot fizzled out so abruptly that it felt like I was suddenly reading an entirely different book.

The writing became choppy, the pacing swung all over the place, and the intrigue that held the beginning together completely vanished. The characters, who initially had chemistry and potential, seemed to lose all connection, depth, and development. By the end, it felt less like a finished novel and more like the rough draft.

A strong beginning, but ultimately a major disconnect.

[BHK · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Seemed Like a Good Idea is full of my favorite tropes and was such a fun grumpy sunshine and small town rom com! It’s about a lavender farmer who insists she doesn’t need a bodyguard, only to end up with the broody and tattooed guy she once had a one night almost fling with. The banter was so fun, flirty, and full of slow burn tension. I loved the small town charm, the nosy neighbors, the cozy farm setting, even the chaos of movie crews and paparazzi showing up. Lauren Blakely nailed the mix of spice, heart, and humor here. If you love forced proximity, “only one bed,” and grumpy bodyguards, this one’s a must read!

[Kara Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I give this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In the beginning I was like oh no… a miscommunication trope. I do not like when those take up a good percentage of a book. Thankfully this one did not.

Loved the MMC Banks. What’s not to love about a large and in charge bodyguard who does origami?! And I think a lot of us can relate to the FMC who is always trying to fix things and make sure everyone around her is taken care of and happy.

Plenty of spice and I liked the small town setting.

New Chris was def quirky and weird which was fun. Glad he was NOT a love interest for anyone in the book 🤣

I am def a Lauren Blakely fan and excited to read the next book in the series!

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a grand ole time. I found this to be very fun- it’s not very heavy, semi workplace, small town. She’s a twin of a celebrity and he’s a body guard (I mean close protection officer). By no means life changing, the middle of this was just sex- no character development- and a bit predictable/tropey but it didn’t ruin it for me. If you want something relatively light (some childhood trauma, naturally) and a bit goofy- this could be a great to get out a slump. It moved fast enough to want to keep picking it up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC of this book, and this is my voluntary unbiased and true opinion

[Guia✨ (of_booksandplants) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.75 stars

I did enjoy this one, especially with that “wrong place at the wrong time” setup from the synopsis — it’s such a fun way to throw two characters together. The premise had a lot of potential and the story had some really nice moments, but I still felt like it was missing a little something to fully pull me in.

That said, it was an easy, pleasant read overall. The characters were likable, the plot moved at a good pace, and it’s the kind of book you can relax with without overthinking. Sometimes that’s exactly what you want.

Thank you to NetGalley, Cosmo Reads and Lauren Blakely for the eARC.

[Here To Escape Reality · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised to find I loved this book! 
✅️ Bodyguard
✅️ Only One Bed
✅️ Mature, adult characters with great communication 
✅️ light sub/dom vibes with lots of consent

The spice was plentiful and well done, without overpowering the story. The story was fairly low-stakes but still interesting enough to keep your attention. I did feel the end was a little too well-packaged and tied up with a bow, with everyone getting their HEA and obvious set ups for future books in the series. 
Would recommend for anyone looking for a fun, spicy, contemporary romance. 

[Emma Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet and easy story, and Lauren Blakely’s writing style is as smooth and enjoyable as ever. It’s the kind of book that’s comfortable to settle into with it's light, romantic, and very readable storyline.

That said, it didn’t quite stand out for me the way some of her other books have. The plot is cute and the characters are likable, but the story stayed fairly predictable and didn’t leave a strong lasting impression once I finished.

A nice, feel good read if you’re after something simple, and comforting 😊

[Emma Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Seemed like a Good Idea was a fun, flirty with a sprinkle
of humor to it. i loved how it was also full if emotions. there was a balance between steamy yet emotional vibes to it. their was so much chemistry between the two characters that makes you fall in love with them. I love how the characters felt humor, neither were perfect, they have their flaws but fall in love anyways. i think having that balance between them is always amazing to read. There was so much sassy banter that i absolutely loved! it was steamy, it has humor it has emotion. overall, i really enjoyed it.