Sometimes, all love needs is a little hope and a prank.
Blake Voss didn’t just step onto the campus of Cranbrook Preparatory High, she exploded like a firecracker. Too bad school rivalries run deep, and the feisty Blake is on the opposing debate team.
Still, Hudson can’t deny he’s attracted. All he needs is the right opening—an opening his friend Hope provides when she conveniently pushes Hudson and Blake together. To get back at her, they decide to pull the ultimate prank: pretend to be in love.
But Hudson isn’t pretending. He’ll do anything to be with Blake, even if it means risking his heart to protect her. Only, he’s not the one who sacrifices for their love.
And in the wake of tragedy, Hudson’s left to wonder: is hope enough when love isn’t?
See why fans of Definitely, Maybe in Love and The Fill-In Boyfriend will fall head over heels for this sweet, dual timeline rivals-to-lovers romance!
Clara Stone writes YA/NA Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance stories and is a complete sucker for sweet, memorable kisses. She strongly believes that true love conquers EVERYTHING, along with a tub of Ice cream!
When she isn't reading or writing or dancing, much to the embarrassment of her husband and two kids, she's probably watching Supernatural and The Walking Dead. So, if she sounds like your cup of syrup to your pancakes (or waffles... no favorites here), then give her a "Follow" to any number of social media kingdoms she's built and stay updated of her upcoming releases, book sales, and book recommendations!
P.S. The said social media kingdom links are right below!
I fell in love with the Lovelly brothers in book 1. Going into Flirting With Love and reading how Hudson met his soul mate, Blake was refreshing.
This was such a sweet love story. My heart was fluttering and I felt happy to be a part of their journey. Clara did a wonderful job of bringing us flashbacks intertwining with the past and the present. We get front and center seats to the younger sides of Blake and Hudson and the hardships they endured together to get where they are presently. It was truly beautiful to see them as parents and bringing their baby into the world.
Blake. I love her! She was such a fun, feisty, sassy, and beautiful heroine. She pulled better pranks than any guy I've seen. She’s also a fierce and loyal friend. Even when life brought her down and she struggled to give her heart away, she held her ground. She didn't hide her feelings. She was open and honest.
Hudson. Ugh this man is truly special. He’s one of those hidden treasures that now days are rare to find. He's the older brother; he protected his family and was a great role model. I loved seeing his interactions with young Harrington and Heath. But what I loved most was seeing the immense love he had for his wife and little sparkler *sigh*. With one simple smile, I’d be on my knees for him.
This book had me falling in love with Heath all over again, but I also was drawn and intrigued by Harrington. Life threw him a curve ball and at such a young age he did what he had to, he rebelled. I can’t wait to see him love and fall deep and hard for a woman whom ever she is (me would be great lol.)
This book touched the hopeless romantic in me. Thank you Clara for sharing this story.
I WAS JUST CRYING AND LAUGHING SIMULTANEOUSLY FOR ABOUT MORE THAN FIVE MINUTES. DON'T MIND ME.
HOW CAN YOU EXPECT ME TO WRITE SOMETHING COMPREHENSIBLE WHEN I JUST FINISHED THIS? ALL THE FEELS. ALL THE UPS, DOWNS, EACH AND EVERY SINGLE TURN.
THIS IS JUST NJBVFRGZUEUWowljKNDXBGEOWgbN THAT.
YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT FEELING WHEN YOU JUST FELT SO MUCH EMOTIONS YOU JUST CAN'T FUNCTION.
I JUST LOVE EVERYONE, OKAY.
AND IN A STORY, WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT IS THE DEPTH OF THE CONNECTION OF THE CHRACATERS WITH THE READER THAN THE PLOT ITSELF. THEN THE EXECUTION OF THE PLOT, THE WRITING. THE REST COMES AFTER.
#capslockdontcare
I DON'T CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY. MY SISTER ALMOST SUFFOCATED ME BY PRESSING A PILLOW ON MY FACE JUST BECAUSE I'M SOBBING AND LAUGHING SO HARD JUST RIGHT NOW.
THIS BOOK IS LIFE. IT'S EVERYTHING. It's just.
CLARA HAS DONE IT AGAIN. NOW, THROW ME THE NEXT BOOK.
And I'll give everything to have this book physically. Like, you know, realer tears, realer feels, realer everything. I can't hug my laptop because you know, it heats up. I can't hug my phone because you know, that's weird. I can't kiss technologoies because you know, sometimes they betray me. I NEED THE PHYSICAL SET. So, yeah, when does the third book comes out?
Flirting with Love is a unique contemporary romance that is both light and sweet yet there is an underlying layer of profoundness and intensity. The author brings you into the story and immediately takes you into these characters' lives. I was captivated from the very first page. It wasn't hard at all. What surprised me was the fact that I liked the format of the book. Clara writes by breaking the story into two perspectives, with alternating timelines from now and then. I can't recall a book that I loved with a similar style because quite frankly, I dislike it because it can cause me to lose connection with certain characters. Well, not in this case, because I found myself falling deeper and deeper into these characters. I think the story was really well written with enough from each perspective to make the story balanced.
I loved everything, from the storyline to the characters and their relationship with one another. The pacing of the story was just right, it had enough to keep me engrossed and going in one sitting. The characters were so well done and developed. I really liked each and everyone of them, even the ones that made mistakes because, who doesn't? These characters have molded the story into something that is truly beautiful. Not forgetting the relationship between Hudson and Blake. They were fun, sweet, sassy and extremely loyal from the day they met. I really enjoyed watching them as their relationship changed, with a little help from Hope.
This book is truly special, and I loved it. The only problem, which really isn't, was I wanted so much more time with these characters and their lives. I would love to read more of Clara's works, and I will.
I just have to say WOW! The fierceness of the love Hudson has for Blake had me looking at my husband like "WHY CANT YOU LOVE ME LIKE THAT?!" This story is so freaking sweet. Hudson is so cute and Blake is adorable. This is one YA book that really got to me. I couldn't and DIDN'T put it down till I was done. You laugh and swoon and then cry, laugh, then swoon again. I seriously want Hudson NOW! I thought Heath was one of a kind but you can see where he got that heart from. I didn't want this book to end AT ALL. It did tho and I couldn't be happier with the turn out of Hudson and Blake's HEA. Now Harrington. There has to be a Harrington book!!! He's gonna be an interesting read, I just know it! Thank you Clara for another great read. You're killing my heart and ruining my marriage but it's worth it ;)
Blake and Hudson meet when their 2 schools face off in a debate tournament. Blake decides to take revenge of Hudson’s team after they called them junkies. So for days they prank each other. Hope, Hudson’s best friend, decides to play matchmaker between Hudson and Blake, so Hudson proposes to Blake to play a prank on Hope and they both decide to pretend they are dating. What started out as a game ends up becoming something else.❤️❤️❤️ But no everything is rosy, Hudson’s father is against the relationship and tries to convince his son to leave Blake. Also Blake it trying to protect her friend Vicki from the psychical and mental abuse she suffers at the hands of her stepbrother, who ends up taking it against Blake and ends up attacking her too. A very beautiful story with its fair dosis of drama.
Sure, Blake and I started this little charade as a prank. A game. Flirting with love. But what’s between us now is something more. My soul mate. My life partner. Images of our first few days together come to mind, and I can’t help but smile. How our lives have changed since then. We spent those days talking, kissing, pretending to be in love. Only, there wasn’t much pretending. Not for me. Every second, every minute with her has always been as real as being alive.
“You’re the most real thing in my life, and I don’t want to pretend anymore.” “Then don’t.” My lips crash over hers as my body presses into her. We’ve crossed an unknown bridge into new waters. My girlfriend. My firecracker. My Blake.
I chose this rating because this was a really good book. The characters were very different and unique. I really love hope she was a melding best friend name Hope, but Hudson love her anyway. I think she was just trying to get Hudson and Blake together anyway. They had a hard time getting there anyway when they were pretending to be girlfriend and boyfriend and ended up falling in love with each other. But things turned a little ugly. Blake's friend Vickie had a crazy brother he was a psycho. But he and her stepfather that just what they deserve. Now the future Hudson and Blake had a beautiful little girl which they named Hope. This was a really great book you have to read the book yourself to find out what happened to Hope the best friend. Great read. I recommend this book to all romance readers.
Going into Flirting With Love I was more than excited, but at the same time I was a little apprehensive but for the reasons you may not think. You see, I love Heath, like so freaking much. In my mind, I was like there is no way Clara can change that and make me love someone else more. Well, let me tell you...if you are thinking the same thing that I thought then you would be wrong...SO, VERY WRONG!
"Hudson, the boy that melts my heart with words and kisses, just blew my heart to pieces. My knight in shining armor. My Hudson."
Not only did Clara exceed my expectations, but she did it all while making every fiber in my being feel giddy. I thoroughly enjoyed the story line, as well as the flashes between present day and the past. We get to see Hudson and Blake in a different light as we are taken on their journey of falling in love; and let me tell you, it was not an easy journey but...well, it was worth it, and it was fun, but mostly it was beautiful.
"I must be dreaming. . . with you, it all just fell into place, like we were meant to be. Like there’s nothing else that could or would fit better than the two of us. So yeah, I had to wonder if I was dreaming, and if you were real. If you were really here. With me. Looking at me like that.” She swallows. “Like what, Hudson?” “Like you can’t believe I’m real either."
My favorite part of this book wouldn't actually be a part or a scene but the overall concept of the story. Through the flashes I was able to watch the h/H go from teenagers pulling pranks, falling in love without even realizing it to becoming husband and wife and bringing their baby into the world. I was also able to see a previous character from another book in the series as a young child which really warmed my heart and only made me fall in love with him more as the man he grew up to be. And let's not forget about another character that I am hoping is up next. He has intrigued me since Forever Kinda Love and seeing him again, even briefly has me anxious for his story.
I started off in love with Heath, ending this story I am now in love with Heath and Hudson and I know without a doubt after experiencing this soul touching story that I will end up in love with all three brothers. With that being said, Harrington..I'm waiting NOT so patiently for our moment bad boy
This book took my breath away and kissed my heart while taking me on a hope filled journey, one I won't soon forget.
"I’m in love with Hudson Lovelly. And for the first time, I don’t fear the feeling. I welcome it with an open heart."
Flirting with Love (Lovelly #2) is Hudson and Blake Lovelly story. I first meet Hudson the oldest Lovelly Brother in the first book in the series “Forever Kinda Love” which was Heath, the youngest brother story. I have to say I liked Heath, but I really like Hudson. It must be an age thing! Haha
The story flips between the present and the past. The present we find them waiting for the birth of their child, and the past, we discover the history of Hudson & Blake. How they met, their friendship, their relationship, and the sadness they suffered.
“I know there are coincidences in life. But us meeting you, wasn’t one of them. I think its fate.”
I enjoyed this book I liked the flow of the story, and I loved the flashback I think it was a great way to tell their story. From when they first met the growing attraction and chemistry between them was apparent. Blake was a sweet, caring person who puts others first. Hudson is a sweetheart, and it’ so clear to see how much he loves Blake, and I loved his pet name for her.
“Because you’re the only girl who’s ever burned bright enough to make me love you so fiercely. From the beginning.”
Clara did a great job of capturing the emotions between not only Hudson and Blake, but also some of the secondary characters. Flirting with Love was an emotional, funny, charming and heartfelt story about friendship, family, moving on from heartache, and true love.
“I look at him, shocked. Hudson, the boy that makes my heart melt with his words and kisses, just blew my heart to pieces. My knight in shining armor. My Hudson”
“You said meeting me was the second best thing. What’s the best thing that’s happened in your life?” she asks, looking downright cute and shy. “You. Kissing you.”
I can’t wait to read Harrington’s story. I have a feeling with his issues and demons that he got to fight the middle brother’ story is going to pull on my heartstrings.
*A copy given by author, in return for an honest review.*
Flirting With Love is an innocent and sweet story about Blake and Hudson when they fell in love at seventeen and their lives now as married adults. This story goes back to the past and present as it shows their lives then and now. Blake came from a poor town that rich town folks where Hudson is from called them the junkies. They met at the most-prestigious debate competition, that also started their own pranks with each other. The pranks that eventually made them fall into each others arms.
They both loved to joke, which lead into their unplanned friendship that turned into love. With the help of their friend Hope they were pushed into each other and their friendship grew into so much more. Hope was the heart of their relationship in the beginning, until they figured everything out on their own. Everything about them seem easy, until someones friendship threaten the future they could have together. Will the love that Hudson has for Blake, be enough to keep her protected from dangers lurking? Read and find out.
This is a short read, that will fill your heart with love and hope for the better future. Read and find out the lives that these lovebirds had and fun pranks they played on each other. =)
Flirting with Love is a unique contemporary romance that is both light and sweet yet there is an underlying layer of profoundness and intensity. The author brings you into the story and immediately takes you into these characters' lives. I was captivated from the very first page. It wasn't hard at all. What surprised me was the fact that I liked the format of the book. Clara writes by breaking the story into two perspectives, with alternating timelines from now and then. I can't recall a book that I loved with a similar style because quite frankly, I dislike it because it can cause me to lose connection with certain characters. Well, not in this case, because I found myself falling deeper and deeper into these characters. I think the story was really well written with enough from each perspective to make the story balanced.
I loved everything, from the storyline to the characters and their relationship with one another. The pacing of the story was just right, it had enough to keep me engrossed and going in one sitting. The characters were so well done and developed. I really liked each and everyone of them, even the ones that made mistakes because, who doesn't? These characters have molded the story into something that is truly beautiful. Not forgetting the relationship between Hudson and Blake. They were fun, sweet, sassy and extremely loyal from the day they met. I really enjoyed watching them as their relationship changed, with a little help from Hope.
This book is truly special, and I loved it. The only problem, which really isn't, was I wanted so much more time with these characters and their lives. I would love to read more of Clara's works, and I will.
Although this story starts with the heroine, Blake, on the way with her nervous husband, Hudson, to have their first child, it's actually the account of them from day one. We pop between their heads, learning about the funny first moments and how their lives progressed from there. Each chapter is titled with the person's name, so it's easy to keep track of who's viewpoint were reading at that moment. I really enjoyed this switch-back and found myself caught up in both of their emotions as they struggled with their relationship and the troubles around them.
Most of this story is done in flashbacks, and this is something I usually don't care for. But Clara Stone does an excellent job of keeping these jumps smooth, clear and plot related. Along with the character's name, each chapter title has a little extra 'before 1999', so the reader knows what's coming. But I think what really makes these time movements easy is simply that the story is mostly told in Blake and Hudson's past, making that the true story. The present is more of a taste to set the mood and lead into the last chapters.
The characters are sassy, full of life and well done. It was easy to fall in love with each and every one. Although the book mostly centers on Blake and Hudson, there's a lot going on with their best friends, subplots which pull at the heart-strings and made me cheer for them as much as for Blake and Hudson's love.
Summed up, this is a heart warming tale with a lot of depth behind it. The pages invite one to get lost in Blake and Hudson's world and cheer the on until the very last page.
This is the second book in the Lovelly series. They can be read as standalones, but I recommend you read them in order. We meet Blake and Hudson b in the first book, Forever Kind of Love. Blake and Hudson's story starts about 12 years before Forever Kind of Love. i know this book started out as a novella and I'm so glad that it turned into a full length novel though. I don't think a novella would have been enough for these two to get their story out.
Blake and Hudson meet at a debate competition in high school. Blake thinks that Hudson called her team a nasty name, since he goes to a rich, private, prep academy and she goes to a public school on the wrong side of the tracks. After the initial confrontation, a prank war breaks out. Blake is awesome at the pranks. I loved the itching powder!
Hope is Hudson's best friend and team mate, and later his match maker.
Blake's best friend is Vickie, man does she go through a lot. I'm not going to go into detail because I would hate to give anything away.
To get back at Hope, Blake and Hudson decide to prank her by telling her that they are in a relationshop. But what happens when neither of them are pretending?
The tragedy strikes!
"I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe baby girl. I'll always protect you. Always."
I was so excited to read Hudson and Blake's story after meeting them in Forever Kinda Love and I loved them even more in Flirting With Love!! I positively loved seeing how they came together and learning all about them! It was very fun and entertaining and I really enjoyed reading this book!
Blake is the bomb! She's an awesome heroine full of fire and determination. She's stubborn and smart and independent and a total fighter. Blake is the absolute best girl to have in your corner and I loved, loved, loved her!
And Hudson, oh my gosh, Hudson! He's so sweet and cute and understanding. He's utterly devoted to Blake, he's protective, and he's the type of guy to go the extra mile for the people he cares about. He is a strong, wonderful hero and even though Heath is still my favorite, I really loved Hudson too!
Flirting With Love broke my heart, but it made me laugh and smile a lot too. It's a sweet, beautiful read that had me holding my breath and had my heart racing. It was excellent, I loved it, and I absolutely CANNOT wait for Harrington's story!!
Flirting With Love is a standalone, it's told from Hudson and Blake's POV, and I loved their HEA ending!
Sure, Blake and I started this little charade as a prank. A game. Flirting with love. But what's between us now is something more. ***
Blake and Hudson are embarking on a new journey in their life: parenthood. But before there was marriage and a baby carriage; there was a boy and girl and a gaggle of pranks. There was also a faux relationship between the two. And this is their story.
This book was so darn cute. I was smitten with the storyline and all the fun these two characters had throughout. I loved how their fresh and fearless friendship turned into something more. It had my heart smiling most every page. The romance was written to perfection and I couldn’t get enough. The Lovely boys sure are sweet.
Then there was the not so good of the book. There were times that reality would sink in and it couldn't be all about the games and first love flutters. My heart hurt during these times. But it really made the book great even though it was sad to read during those times.
Fantastic story, beautiful romance- FLIRTING WITH LOVE is a must read book! Even though this can be read as a standalone, I recommend FOREVER KINDA LOVE. You have to meet Heath Lovely!! 5 Stars!
Title: Flirting with Love Author: Clara Stone Reviewer: Virginia Lee
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
Clara stone has done it again with another intense story of Blake and Hudson. We are introduce to the present and flashbacks of their relationships. Usually it is hard to follow the story line with two different time line. Clara Stone wrote this amazing story that you have no problems following. We see the way that Hudson is a very caring older brother for Harrington and Heath. The jokester in Blake and the serious side of her. We get see all the wonderful story of their relationship, why they are awaiting the arrival of their baby. I really enjoyed this book and was rooting for firecracker and all her pranks on Golden Boy.
Read this book, read this series, just read anything by this author because I have no doubt at all that you will fall in love with every single word on every page.
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK
You must read this book, you will fall in love with firecracker and Golden boy. Where you draw into the story and immediately takes you into these characters' lives.
I wasn't sure going in how I'd like the time hop from present day back to 1999 (the book is told through flashbacks when Blake and Hudson first meet, then jumps to the present where Blake is giving birth to their first baby every few chapters) but it actually worked really nicely. I loved how they first met and the crazy pranks they pulled on each other. I also loved the inner dialogue of Hudson. He is hilarious and some of the things that went through his mind just cracked me up, oh and the way he talks about his car...... Jags....... Hudson was an all around great character, and I loved Blake too.
It was really sweet to see Heath (Hudson's youngest brother and the main character in the first book) as a little kid. It was adorable, and we get to see how he got his nickname "iceman". We get to see a little more of Harrington's character in this one too, and I am really excited to jump into his story next.
There were a few really sad points in the book, but it did end happily, which made me happy. This whole series so far has been great! It definitely pulls on your heartstrings. I highly recommend this one!
Clara stone has done it again with another intense story of Blake and Hudson. We are introduce to the present and flashbacks of their relationships. Usually it is hard to follow the story line with two different time line. Clara Stone wrote this amazing story that you have no problems following. We see the way that Hudson is a very caring older brother for Harrington and Heath. The jokester in Blake and the serious side of her. We get see all the wonderful story of their relationship, why they are awaiting the arrival of their baby. I really enjoyed this book and was rooting for firecracker and all her pranks on Golden Boy.
Read this book, read this series, just read anything by this author because I have no doubt at all that you will fall in love with every single word on every page. OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK You must read this book, you will fall in love with firecracker and Golden boy. Where you draw into the story and immediately takes you into these characters' lives. * I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
I loved A FOREVER KINDA LOVE and couldn't wait to read FLIRTING WITH LOVE so I could find out the story behind Blake and Hudson's relationship.
I absolutely love the story of how they met! I really liked the way this book was written. It goes from present-day to back when they met and their relationship started. Some authors try this and it ends up too confusing and hard to read, but this one is perfect!
I love Blake's personality. She is strong, and feisty and a very loyal friend. Blake is swoon-worthy and a very loyal and protective friend. Both have a great sense of humor and you can definitely understand how they just click together so well.
The ending was great and gives you just enough of a teaser to know that there is more to be told - can't wait to read about the third Lovelly brother Harrington!
This story is soooo sweet. Hudson is painfully cute and Blake is adorable. They are sassy, well written and lovely. Hudson and Blake's story starts when they are on the way to have their first baby. The whole book is basically the story of how they found themselves and fell in love. Liked the jumping of time, present and past, and though i thought it would have made me confused, it actually didn’t, the writer made it easy to follow it. When u read it, there are gonna be laughs and woos and cries. But it all makes the book just an amazing one.
Hudson is about to become a father. Blake is scared. She's not sure she can do this. The book flashes back to 1999 (when Blake and Hudson met) and current times. The story is also told from both of their viewpoints.
I enjoyed the book. It was interesting to read it from both points of view. The main error I caught was saying Blake was singing along with a song in 1999 that wasn't released until 2006. Overlooking that, on the whole it was very good.
The series has gotten even better! The emotions are high! The stakes are even higher! But what will it take! What will happen in the end!! Blake and Hudson will make you fall in love and want more of them and their story! Be ready to sink yourself in to a great story that will have you wrapped and hard to put away!
Ha! I loved reading this book! In fact, I actually like it better than the first book (although I still loved that one too). Perhaps the personality of the characters or the relatable situations they were in made me love it more. As with the previous book, you can expect intricate writing and high levels of entertainment. I had been able to easily immersed myself into the reading and I loved the journey the author took us on in the story.
I think I enjoyed Blake and Hudson more than Heath and Ace (but they are still fantastic). It might be because they are near complete opposites and I liked how the author melded them together. The chemistry between the two had been more volatile but sizzling and sweet at the same time. I definitely like the nicknames in this story more than the first book, it made more sense to me. Oh, if you want to know why in the first book Heath is called "Iceman" you'll find out in this book! Just throwing that out there if you're interested. ^_~
The relationship with Blake and Hudson have been done before, it's a trope I don't mind rereading and the way Ms. Stone writes it definitely made it worth reading to me. The level of snark in the dialogue between the two main characters had me laughing and I loved it. Character building and dialogue appears to be the author's strengths to me. I enjoyed the plot developments in the story which added to the depth of the emotions and relationships between the characters but there were some issues that I think could have been improved upon. The problems were minor and didn't really hinder my reading experience.
Something not to expect, don't dive into the world to understand the tension between the high class and middle/lower class. It's there but not really described to the degree that it's like a Prince and a Peasant. It's talked about but never really an issue, it's glossed over and you get the gist.
I noticed a few hiccups in the plot that had me rereading certain parts to clarify what point in time I was in the story. This is because the author wrote in the present and flashbacks in time. This is fine and she does it well enough but sometimes I felt there was more of a gap between those moments. That somewhat confused me as I read. It could have been a little more smooth and seamless but you can figure it out once you reread the previous chapter or so and it was only at a few parts.
The ending is similar to how I felt with the first book but I do think it was done slightly better this time. The conclusion is predictable but ties up most of the threads in the story. It's satisfying and heartwarming but a part of it left me puzzled which made me think there will be a sequel after this book. If you liked reading "Forever Kinda Love" you'll definitely enjoy this book!
4 out of 5 rating for me!
(A copy was provided for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.)
There are triggers in this book. People who have endured or have loved ones who have endured abuse, may react badly to some aspects of this story. it is NOT the main storyline but it is important to understand that it does feature in this book. As I have repeatedly said though, when I read these aspects in books..... If we never shine a light on the ugly things people do to one another, we allow them to continue, unseen in the dark. Perhaps if we are more aware of the signs of struggle, we might be able to help those in trouble....
This is Hudson and Blake's story. This was my first book by Clara Stone.
It begins in the present... Hudson and Blake are on their way to the hospital in order for Blake to give birth. Blake is holding Hudson's hand as they drive and practically breaking his fingers as she tries to get through the pain of her contractions. My husband ( and many others I imagine ) could totally empathise with Hudson, although I was in the hospital at the time :) Very realistic event ... Just saying ... Honestly ... Clare had me at the car trip. I already had to know their story :D
In order to help pass the time and give Blake something to think about, Hudson mentions the first time they met ... We begin the story in earnest at that point. Blake and Hudson first meet at school. They are both competing in a debate competition. Obviously, they are on opposing teams. I think I saw some of myself in Blake so, of course, I instantly loved her. She has sass and humour and strength. The debate event is being hosted at the school that Hudson attends. It is quite prestigious and not the kind of school that Blake and her team mates could ever afford to attend, so it was a huge deal for them to make it this far in the competition. Hudson is a bit of a shit stirrer... I may be able to relate there also :). He is a bit of an overachiever, for reasons that will be made clear in the story. He has two younger brothers and a back story that will break your heart.... The trouble begins with a letter. In the letter, Blake and her team mates are referred to as 'junkies'. Blake, not surprisingly, takes offence. Also, not surprisingly, she goes to confront the author of said offensive missive. It all starts out well enough... She gives one of the boys a serve about his haircut, or lack thereof. It is during this exchange that she meets Hope. Hope will become very important to Blake as the story progresses. What Blake doesn't expect, is to be left positively breathless by the golden haired, godly looking boy before her. She is momentarily dazzled by him, but is soon brought back to reality when he makes fun of her 'masculine' name ... Smooth move Hudson :D Between the letter and the insult, Blake feels it only fair to punish Hudson's team, and so begins round one of pranks by 'Team Blake'....
Meeting Blake changes Hudson's life in a very positive way. He is a better man for having such a refreshing soul in his life. He changes her life too. She learns that there are men of principal and warmth in the world. Good men with good hearts, not just alcoholics and abusers.
I will not tell you all the fun and terrible things that happen in this book... It is true to life, so with the sweet you get a decent serve of sour as well. I recall the need for tissues... All you really need to know, is that the path to true love has deep and damaging pot holes, and nobody escapes unscathed. That having been said, this was a beautiful story with many laugh out loud moments. It was a pleasure to read, and I look forward to reading more from Clara Stone.
Clara Stone is an amazing author! This is my third book by her, all in the same series. I would have preferred to have read them in order, but in the end, it doesn't matter. An awesome book is still awesome! Blake and Hudson were the best characters that played well off each other. The story was completely believable and had me enthralled from the beginning. I feel like I have all these amazing five star books that I read, and sometimes I have to think for a minute what I want to say. This time, it's because I want to keep talking. I awoke at 4:30 am the morning after I started reading it, and couldn't stop thinking about it and how I wanted to get back to it, so I did. This was one of those books that deprived me of my sleep. I can't tell you enough that this is a romance book that is a must read! Provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
I read the first book in this series as part of the Review Tour a few years ago, and I enjoyed the first book, so I have no idea why it's taken me over a year to read this book! I'm so happy I finally have though! I'm also going to meet this author at a book convention very soon, so I wanted to catch up on this series before meeting her! This book was just amazing, and I think I may have actually preferred it to the first book! This book had such a beautiful romance in it and it made me smile like an idiot as I read it lol! I also teared up and then had tears running down my face whilst reading one particular scene! I wasn't expecting it! The plot also went present and before, and it showed how the two main characters met and the struggles they went through to get to where they were in the present! It was beautifully done and the plot developed at the perfect pace too! It only took me a few sittings to read as well! I just couldn't put it down, and I found myself reading this book when I was supposed to be reading a review book lol! I honestly couldn't put it down and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves contemporary books! The characters were also amazing and very easy for me to connect with! I wasn't expecting to connect with them as much as I did! Blake was the main female character, and she was a prankster when she was younger and she went through the typical phase of being young and experiencing first love! When adult Blake was in this book, she was a scared expectant mother going through labour, which was completely understandable! I just loved Blake! She was such a genuine person and she tried her hardest to help other people, even if it meant putting herself in danger! Hudson was the main male character and love interest of Blake! He also made appearances in the first book in this series as a secondary character! Hudson was seriously hot and so loving with Blake! It was quite funny, but adorable to read how Blake affected Hudson after they first met! She made him act like a young teenager again and she made him nervous and question certain feelings! Adult Hudson treated Blake like she was his world! It was very, very beautiful and very easy to see the amount of love he had for her! They were an amazing couple that made each other stronger and appreciated every single moment together! I loved that this book was written from both Blake and Hudson's point of views! I wasn't actually sure if it was going to be after I read the synopsis, but I'm really happy it was! It helped me connect more with Blake and Hudson and it allowed for more to happen in the plot too! It also made the romance even more beautiful! I also can't wait to read the next book in this series! I know that it's going to focus on a new couple, but this has me even more excited for it! I can't wait to read it and I already have an early copy from Netgalley, so I definitely plan to read it very soon! The ending of this book also leads into the next book perfectly! The cover for this book is stunning! It suits the cover for the first book in the series perfectly and the models on the front are on the perfect Blake and Hudson!
First of all I’ll tell you we at DLS are greatly appreciate with receiving this novel to review.
I’ll tell you right off the bat when comparing, “Flirting with Love,” to the first book in the series, “Forever Kinda Love,” this second book is the winner for me. While I enjoyed Heath and Carrigan’s story in book one, I really enjoyed reading Hudson and Blake’s love story in book two more.
This book is set in present time and you are led through flashbacks to really see how Hudson and Blake began, they clearly are great characters who were meant to be together and the chemistry is undeniable in this book. Throughout my reading of the book I had come across a few things that I think could use a little room of improvement on but it wasn’t anything that came across as a major irritation, I will say I did feel like because of the flashbacks there were a couple areas I thought we lacking in clarification. I’ll admit, I did have to go back and re-read a few parts at the end just so I could better understand at what point these characters were and at what depth of development and I think that was due to the flashbacks in some parts that led me to my confusion.
I will say I did like the ending conclusion in this book much better than book one, and while I did have some issues when reading and reviewing I can definitely see an improvement in the author’s writing capabilities in book two and I look forward to her next project.
If you’re a reader who’s in to a lot of twists, turns, and major thrills you won’t get them here, but you will get a very sweet romance novel. The one thing I think kind of bothered me at the end of the novel was it left me with this kind of feeling that I felt like there was more to be stated about Hudson and Blake’s story, like there might possibly another book for them. I think Ms. Stone did a great job and tying up most of the character’s story lines here but I couldn’t help but ponder to myself about Hudson, Blake, and the future.
I would recommend for purchase.
Overall: Rating: 4 Plot: Predictable, but still awesome! Pace: Steady
Thanks for the opportunity to review, “Flirting with Love.”
We've had Heath Lovelly's story, now we're going back in time to find out just how big brother Hudson got oh-so-lucky as to land an awesome lady like Blake. The novel bounces back and forth between the present, when Blake is in labour, and the past, where Blake has just met Mr. Golden Boy, Hudson Lovelly.
I wasn't really sure what I was expecting when I picked up Flirting with Love, but I definitely know that I was not prepared for the amount of feels that got thrown my way. Sure I expected some, already knowing the general overview of the Lovelly family story, but golly gosh, that ending had me all teary eyed.
I just have to say it. Hudson and Blake are so cute together. There are so many cute and funny moments in this book that help to balance out the serious ones, so the book doesn't become just one big downer. TI contains lots of pranks and that slightly awkward teenage courting that we all love to read so much (well at least I do, anyway).
My favourite thing about this squeal? We finally find out how Heath got the nickname 'Iceman'! Since that was one of my little pet peeves in the first novel, Forever Kinda Love, when I read the scene, I was super excited and I can happily say that I sleep better at night now knowing. I like to think that Stone read my review of her first novel and wrote that little scene in this book, thinking, 'There, that'll satisfy Renae's curiosity!' Not likely, I know, but sometimes I like to lie to myself. ;)
Flirting with Love is a love story that's sweet and innocent at its heart, that also looks at the serious issues that we all wish no one, especially teenagers, should have to face.
Flirting with Love is the companion novel to Forever Kinda Love. It's Blake and Hudson's Love story! *sigh* And just like Forever Kinda Love, Flirting with Love was mind-blowing! Blake and Hudson are having their baby and in this wonderful story you'll get flashbacks on how they came into each others lives. And what a journey it was. If you loved both Blake and Hudson before then you will fall in love with them all over again. You'll see them in a whole new light.
Ugh Hudson Freakin Lovelly is just perfection, and even with his imperfections, he's every woman's dream man.
Blake Voss is what every woman wishes to be.
From Hudson's sweet and humble personality to Blake's feisty tell you like it is attitude, it's really quite fascinating how they both meet, prank, bicker, and interact with each other. Eventually a prank they both undertake is taken too far and the feelings they were both pretending to feel, becomes quite real. Life comes with certain obstacles, but it only goes to prove that anything that is worth fighting for is never easy. Their love is definitely worth it all.
Both Blake and I develop strong feelings for Hudson. Yes, I'm including myself in this story and I blame Clara for not only writing such an beautiful story but giving us a story that touches our hearts.
Warning: You will experience a HUGE book hangover. Crying, laughing, and lusting after Hudson will occur but be warned, Hudson has been claimed. He belongs to me and I might occasionally share him with Blake. Lol So One Click Flirting with Love pronto!
- Hudson is different. He's respectful of me, of our relationship. He's willing to go any lengths to keep me safe. He's everything I've wanted and nothing like the other men in my life. He makes me feel beautiful, makes my heart smile, and makes me experience feelings I've never given a second thought to before. - Blake
"I'm in love with Hudson Lovelly. And for the first time, I don't fear the feeling. I welcome it with an open heart."