It Seemed like a Good Idea

Darling Springs #1

by Lauren Blakely, Erin Mallon (Narrator), J.F. Harding (Narrator)

Performed in duet by Erin Mallon and JF Harding! A spicy and hilarious forbidden small town rom com from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely!

He ghosted me once, now he’s supposed to protect me?

I don’t need a bodyguard—I run a small-town lavender farm, for bee’s sake. But when my identical twin sister lands the movie role of a lifetime that’s being shot in my hometown I get one anyway.

And guess which broody, tattooed protector the studio sends to keep the paparazzi off my porch?

Last month’s almost one-night stand.

The guy with the wicked mouth and heated eyes who slipped out before the fun even started. But turns out the sexy jerk is excellent at rescuing me from sneaky photographers at the market. Then the coffee shop. I’m trying hard to stay mad after the third time my new bodyguard saves me.

To top it all off, he’s staying in the cottage at my farm. With me. And there’s only one bed.

Maybe if we finally give in and finish what we started, it’ll relieve the tension? But one night quickly turns into another. Then into late-night secrets and soft confessions we shouldn’t say out loud. 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.

Escape into a spicy and hilarious forbidden small town rom com from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely!

Tropes: 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

Audible Audio

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.

[Amanda Blanche · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars - rounded up

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this e-arc copy - releasing in March 2026

Ripley lives a simple life - running her lavender farm, taking care of those around her and always fixing things. Her latest project is for her twin sister, an actress about to shoot her biggest movie yet - in their hometown and the lavender farm. So Ripley takes on a lot to try and get things ready - and also to help her forget about the almost one night stand she got ghosted on a month ago. But with press ramping up, the movie studio decides to send security for Ripley - and it’s no other than the ghoster himself - Banks. Although he had reasons to run that night, he did always regret how he went about it. Now he knows he is coming face to face with the woman he can’t get out of his head - but this time he needs to remain professional. This is a small town, bodyguard romance with lots of heat, some banter and heart. I like the premise and the writing, but for me I was missing the emotional drama - the oomph - but I would definitely read more from this author.

[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.

[Kerri Wells Goetzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so… this was cute. Not life changing, not bad, just a solid “that was fun” kind of read.

The setup honestly hooked me right away. Small town lavender farmer with a twin sister who’s a new movie star. A broody, tattooed bodyguard who also happens to be the guy from a one night stand gone wrong? Yes please. The grumpy/sunshine vibe was there, and I liked the awkward tension when Banks shows up in town and Ripley is forced to deal with him again.

The banter was fun at first, and they definitely had chemistry, but after a while it started to feel a little repetitive. A lot of their connection leaned more physical than emotional, and I kept waiting for that deeper moment where everything really clicks. It never fully got there for me. The “he’s leaving, she’s staying” conflict had potential for angst, but it felt kind of surface level. Even the only one bed scene was cute but predictable.

I did really like the cozy small town vibes, though. The lavender farm setting was adorable and made the whole book feel light and summery. It’s definitely an easy, quick rom com you can breeze through in a day.

This one just felt middle of the road for me. Enjoyable, but not super memorable. If you’re in the mood for something fluffy with a grumpy bodyguard and low stress drama, you’ll probably have a good time. I just prefer a little more depth.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.

[Lezane_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 3.75 Stars | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5 Spice)

It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely was such a fun, feel-good small-town romance and the perfect palate cleanser after heavier reads.

This is a bodyguard romance with insta-love, and while things move fast, I honestly didn’t mind—it fit the light, cozy vibe of the story. Ripley was a great FMC: confident, likable, and easy to root for. Banks had more depth than I expected, and I really enjoyed getting to know him beyond the “protective hero” role.

The plot was entertaining and kept me engaged, but I do wish the yearning had been stronger. I wanted more tension and slow-burn moments before they gave in to their feelings. The family challenges and inner turmoil Banks faced were interesting, and I would’ve loved for those to be explored on a deeper level.

Overall, this was a sweet, spicy, easy read that left me smiling. If you’re looking for a light, romantic escape with small-town charm and protective bodyguard vibes, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for the ARC!

[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)

[sydbney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to let me read this book!

I really enjoyed reading this book! It was a pretty relatable story, with very relatable characters! I like that these characters were not overly dumb or incredibly high maintenance. This seemed like a very real love story that could have happened to someone I know. I also really enjoyed the spice in this book, not enough to be smutty but enough to know they’re not just playing around. I’d have to say my favorite thing is that all the main characters get their happy ending.

[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.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

t Seemed Like a Good Idea was an absolute binge, the kind of read where you sit down, blink, and suddenly you’re 400 pages deep wondering where your entire day went. I genuinely could not convince myself to put this down.
This story brings the perfect bodyguard x client tension with Ripley and Banks, and the setup was delicious from the start. Ripley’s twin sister Haven is on the brink of movie-star fame, filming at their family’s lavender farm, and because Ripley looks just like her, she suddenly finds herself needing protection too. Enter Banks, who she just so happens to meet in San Francisco before either of them realize he’s about to become her bodyguard.
And yes… they plan a one-night stand first.
And yes… he gets the call mid-hookup and bails because she’s now his client.
The chaos? Immediate. The tension when they meet again? Off the charts.
The chemistry between Ripley and Banks absolutely carries this story. There’s that delicious mix of frustration, attraction, and forced proximity that makes every interaction spark. Once they’re back together in a professional capacity, the slow-building tension and constant push-pull had me locked in. The pacing was fast, the banter was fun, and the romance felt easy to devour.
I flew through this in hours because it’s just a fun, addictive, high-chemistry romance with a great setting and characters you want to root for. Exactly the kind of book you pick up when you want something engaging, spicy, and impossible to put down

[Nimisha Singh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for the e-arc of this book

This book almost pushed me into a reading slump. It was a quick read and the beginning was actually pretty good. I was genuinely invested from the start and truly felt like this would be a 4 or even 5-star read. But wow… the disappointment just kept growing as I continued.

The only reason I didn’t 'DNF' this book was because stopping midway would have definitely put me into a slump and I forced myself to finish it. At times, it felt like the author picked up multiple plot points and randomly inserted them just to make the story work. Even though it was short, the story somehow felt stretched for no real reason and many parts were unnecessarily repetitive.

A lot of time was spent focusing on Banks and his need for 'control' and honestly, he annoyed me so much. I didn’t like him even a little bit. He completely ruined the romance for me. The only real highlight of this book was Ripley, minus the constant ranting about Banks. She was strong, sassy and genuinely sweet, and I absolutely loved her character. I loved her relationships with everyone except her love interest. Her scenes with her sister and grandmother were lovely, and I really wish we had gotten more moments with the twin sisters.

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book. It starts off strong but quickly becomes boring and disappointing, especially considering how much potential it initially had.

[Sydney Gessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren Blakey has quickly become a favourite of mine. Every time l pickup a book by her, I know I'll end with that warm sweet fuzzy feeling. So it's suffice to say that Banks and Ripley did not disappoint.
It seemed like a good idea had so many things that I love: bodyguard romance, twins (some of us never got over the part trap) forced proximity and of course one bed.
The plot was sweet, Ripley is the twin to an up and coming movie star. When the producer of Haven’s (the sisters) new film agrees to film on Ripley's lavender farm, her life gets a little hectic as in: she gets a not body guard she may have
previously almost hooked up with. If you are a fan of Meghan Quinn or Tessa Bailey, I strongly urge you to try this book. There's something to be said about a book you just know will make you feel good.

[TheBookishHen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟
Spice: open door
Format: ARC Releases March 3rd

Thank you to Netgalley and Cosmo Reads for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I adore a good bodyguard romance and this one hit the spot. I love Ripley, she is so fierce and sassy. She was definitely a perfect match for Banks. I loved the whole setting of Darling Springs, the small town charm won me over. The lavender farm was so unique to me. Throw in a one bed situation and I was putty. I definitely knew there would be some sort of drama surrounding their relationship, I did not forsee how that would play out though! Well done to the author for that little twist. My only complaint os that it's a tad too long. I found it was starting to kind of lag mid way through so it took me longer than I would have liked to finish. Otherwise it is a fantastic book. Bonus points for Hudson 🐶

[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.

[Jenn (burlingtonbiblio) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review
It Seemed Like a Good Idea
By Lauren Blakely

Genre: Romance- Darling Springs series
Pub date:March 3 2026

Tropes
Light bondage kink
Dog
Small town
Celebrity
DIY sex play buffet
One bed/ forced proximity
Grumpy vs sunshine
Mistaken identity

MCs
Ripley- caretaker, sister, business owner, friend, fixer
Banks- bodyguard, protector, business partner, brother

Thoughts
📚 Easy reading, pages flew by
📚Banks is the ideal green flag fictional boyfriend
📚Ripley is sugary sweet sunshine
📚 a swoon worthy small town happily ever after, perfect for Hallmark lovers

Thanks to the author, publisher and marketing team for my digital ARC in return for an honest review.

[🌸 Allie 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Lauren Blakely for the ARC!

What to expect:

📸 Small town
☀️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🕊️Bodyguard MMC
🌲Forbidden romance
🛏️ One bed trope


I loved that this book was a dual POV. This book had me smiling or laughing all the way to the end. I loved the banter between Ripley and Banks. The chemistry between Ripley and Banks was written perfectly and not overdone. I thought the lavender farm was super unique. Bonus points for an adorable dog and grandma. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m ready for book 2.

If you're looking for a light, romantic, small town setting, and a protective bodyguard this book is for you!

[ivana (ivanathabookluvr) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️
I have always been a fan of Lauren Blakely's hockey romance books that i knew the banter was gonna be exactly what i expected.

Ripley (still cannot believe that's the fmc's name but u know what period? ) is such a funny fmc. Very independent and very caring of her friends and especially family

Banks already he is described hot af (tall and has tattoos) at first i was kinda pissed at him in the beginning for ghosting Ripley but i totally understand.

i kinda wish we dove deep more with the childhood trauma and got rid of the "3rd act break up" but overall it was a cute book with funny banter.


Thank you so much Net Galley and Cosmo Reads for the arc

[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

[Ashley Castellanos · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love a good forced proximity and grumpy sunshine trope then this book is for you. A quick read rom com. I did find it hard to connect with some of the characters. However, I do love a small hallmark style town.

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from Lauren! Thank you Cosmo Reads!
This had everything I needed banter, sizzling chemistry, small town, bodyguard/flower farmer, celebrity twin (with fun twin mix ups). We meet Ripley and Banks and their chemistry is so palpable on page I love it. Right from page 1 I knew this story was going to be a good time. Banks and Ripley meet by happenstance at a bar and after they get to know each other things quickly take a turn because of mistaken identity. (Banks 🤦🏼‍♀️ come on!) Of course it’s rough when Ripley finds out Banks is to become her bodyguard and the twists and turns that take on both of them. Ripley takes Banks for a wild ride..!
Ripley is sassy, protective and hard working flower farm owner. Banks is protective to the point he doesn’t care for himself enough, he is strong, caring and wants what’s best for those he loves. Overall i throughly enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it! Know this one is spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️ for those who need to know.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A near miss out of town one-night stand sets off this witty and sexy small-town romance.

Ripley is a confident, tough, independent, outdoorsy, lavender farm owner in Darling Springs. She is trying to get the farm ready for a film crew for her twin sister's new movie. She is a hard worker and always tries to make sure everyone else is happy and has what they need.

Banks is a bodyguard/close protection officer. He is big, burly, protective, observant, and a great mix of caveman and gentleman. He is all about control. He just got a big job working on a production. Unfortunately, the decisions he makes that night are going to follow him to the scene of his new bodyguard gig.

His misunderstanding of a situation messed up their night and left a lasting impression. And now he is right back in her proximity for a different reason. Now he has to stick close to the feisty Ripley who he left disappointed, and protect her as a client so she is off limits. But the chemistry is still there. And they love to challenge each other. She was hurt, embarrassed, and disappointed but now is more angry and antagonistic. And he is just there tempting her and riling her up further. He is determined to make her see reason and allow him to do his job.

One close protection officer. One feisty flower farmer. A small town getting ready for a movie filming. It's about to get fun and fiery in Darling Springs. Dares, teasing, games of chicken, and temptation. She loves trying to challenge him and shake him. And he is determined to be right by her side keeping her safe. They banter and bargain. They really push and challenge each other but it just adds to their sexual tension and want.

Oh, my goodness. Banks is the mix of strong man and protector, damaged boy, gentleman, and caretaker. He is such a swoon-worthy hero, but he’s so hard on himself and he has some healing to do. Ripley is strong, sassy, caring, and always thinks of other people over herself. But she also worries that she’s too much and too independent for somebody. Together they are fire, but there’s also a deepness to their connection and a feeling of safety between them that allows them to be vulnerable, share, and explore different sides of themselves. Their banter is on point, and I found them completely entertaining whether they were really fussing and fighting or just riling each other up and having fun

They play off each other so well. It gets them off more to challenge each other and tease each other. It is a fun and sexy battle of wills. And it just so happens the one place they really agree is in the bedroom. And they agree really well and balance each other perfectly. And it is always hot and passionate.

They know it is a bad idea and they really should not pursue anything, but their failed attempts at forgetting their chemistry just seem to send them further into their secret affair. But if it gets out, there could be repercussions that none of them want or need. It's a bad idea that feels so good!

This is a failed one-night-stand, off-limits, bodyguard-client, only-one-bed, close proximity, small-town romance with plenty of eyes watching. There is feisty banter, heat, humor, heartbreak, surprises, healing, a bit of mystery and suspense, and even some twin tricks. It is set in the small town of Darling Springs that was introduced in Monroe and Juliet's book, The Accidental Dating Experiment, and there are some cameos too. I loved her relationship with her twin sister, Haven. I liked her besties Chloe and Bridget, and I hope we get their stories next.

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[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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[Patka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recenzja po polsku niżej!

So:
- they ALMOST had one night stand
- he's her bodyguard now
- she has a lavender farm in small town
- and she is a twin!
- and her twin is famous actress
- and the movie is making on her farm.

And it's cute!! And SO FUNNY! And the banter is so gooooood.

Ripley is witty and sharp, but life made her tough. She think that she's the one to fix everything, especially if someone she love needs any help. Banks had his own trauma going in his head. He's former Marines and now had his own safety company, when he can make sure his clients (especially women) are safe. And his new big gig is bodyguarding Ripley during the shoot.

I really like their banter, their teasing. That Ripley always keep him on his toes. It was funny, it was engaging, sometimes beyond the known pattern - like the yoga and pedi adventures, which was surprisingly hilasious. Banks is such a green flag. And also good with his job, so we seen him in some really good acions.

The small town vibe was also good. This book has everything I love in small town romances. The lavender bussiness was kinda fun to read, it was interesting. Relationships in this book are sweet, and I not only mean Ripley and Banks thing, but also Ripley and her friends, and Grandma, and of course the twin bond. I really love their connection.

And cherry on top: the spice was good, but most importantly is has perfect amount of it.


-----

To było super zabawne, urocze i odpowiednio pikantne. Ripley poznaje Banksa w hotelowym barze - i on nie dociera do jej pokoju tak jak się umówili, bo dostaje wiadomość, że spotkanie biznesowe poszło dobrze i mają nowy kontrakt, a w mailu znajduje fotkę swojej nowej klientki i jest nią Ripley. Problem w tym, że Ripley ma siostrę bliźniaczkę, całkiem znaną aktorkę. Gdy więc miesiąc później na jej farmę lawendy przyjeżdża ekipa filmowa, by kręcić tam film (w którym gra jej siostra) i okazuje się, że Ripley w związku z tym dostaje osobistego ochroniarza, jest tym faktem niezbyt ucieszona, ale gdy tym ochroniarzem okazuje się Banks - robi się wkurwiona. I postanawia się go pozbyć, co było absolutnie zabawne (np. uciekła mu rowerem i wytykała, że musiał ją gonić autem, a następnego dnia już czekał na nią z własnym rowerem). Z czasem jednak wyjaśniają sobie sytuację sprzed miesiąca i zaczynają się lepiej poznawać. A chemia między nimi, ta która wtedy w barze tak iskrzyła, nadal ma się świetnie, więc obojgu trudno być w swoim towarzystwie obojętnym.

Słuchajcie, to było WSPANIAŁE. Jeśli tak jak ja kochacie Practice makes perfect, ta ksiażka spodoba wam się równie mocno. Mamy tu podobne motywy, podobny vibe i absolutnie pokochacie duet Ripley i Banksa, bo oni są razem tacy zabawni, a jednocześnie oboje mają coś do przepracowania, a w tym oczywiście pomagają sobie nawzajem. W dodatku, jak to zwykle w małomiasteczkowych romansach bywa, są tu szalone przyjaciółki, wspaniała relacja sióstr bliźniaczek i do tego cudowna babcia, która momentami nie owija w bawełnę. Piękne były tu relacje między bohaterami. Również te drugoplanowe.

Bardzo mi się podobał lekki styl pisania, czytało się to wspaniale. Chemia między bohaterami, ich przekomarzanie się, ale też i te poważne rozmowy, a później też nieco bardziej sprośny seks - to wszystko było idealnie wyważone.

Bardzo polecam i mówię wam: dodawajcie na tbr i czekajcie na premierę, bo jest na co czekać!!

[Cassie Kamphuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: It Seemed Like a Good Idea

Author: Lauren Blakely

Tropes: Small Town Romance, Grumpy/Sunshine, Bodyguard Romance, Forbidden Romance, Mistaken Identity, Only One Bed, One-Night-Stand-to-More

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️



⸻

🤩 The Vibe:

Charming, flirty, and completely addictive. It Seemed Like a Good Idea is the kind of rom-com that hooks you instantly with a perfect meet cute and then just keeps escalating the tension—in the best way. It has The Bodyguard by Katherine Center vibes, but with Lauren Blakely’s signature banter, spice, and emotional depth. Cozy small-town charm meets swoony protector energy, and I ate it up.



⸻

👩‍❤️‍👨 Main Characters:



Ripley: Sunshine personified with a backbone of steel. She runs a lavender farm, loves her small town, and wants nothing to do with chaos—until chaos literally shows up in the form of paparazzi and a broody bodyguard. Ripley is fiercely protective of everyone in her life so the idea of someone protecting her is hard for her to grasp. Watching her balance optimism with self-protection made her incredibly relatable.



Banks: Broody, tattooed, emotionally guarded perfection. Banks is the classic grumpy protector who thinks leaving is easier than staying—and yes, he ran out before they could finish their one-night stand, which adds delicious tension when he shows back up as her bodyguard. Beneath the stoic exterior is a man who feels deeply, connects fiercely, and absolutely cannot resist Ripley. His slow emotional unraveling? Chef’s kiss.



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💕 What I Loved:

• The meet cute — instant chemistry and unforgettable from page one

• Bodyguard romance + small town = elite combo

• Banks’ origami skills

• The banter — sharp, playful, and emotionally charged

• The forced proximity (only one bed, shared cottage, staying together 😮‍💨)

• How quickly their emotional connection deepens without feeling rushed

• The lavender farm setting — cozy, charming, and cinematic

• The way protection turns into partnership and vulnerability



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🩵 What Didn’t Work For Me:

Nothing. This book delivered exactly what it promised—and more.



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🤔 Final Thoughts:

It Seemed Like a Good Idea is a five-star rom-com that blends humor, heart, and heat effortlessly. Ripley and Banks have off-the-charts chemistry, but what really makes this story shine is the emotional connection beneath the flirtation. Their relationship evolves from physical attraction into something real, tender, and deeply satisfying.



If you loved The Bodyguard by Katherine Center and want something with a little more spice, more banter, and a dreamy small-town setting, this one is absolutely for you. Lauren Blakely proves once again that she knows exactly how to deliver a romance that’s fun, swoony, and emotionally resonant.

[Amber D’Ambrosio · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one ended up being a pretty middle of the road read for me, which surprised me a bit since I’ve enjoyed Lauren Blakely’s books before. I picked this up without reading the synopsis, expecting something familiar and fun, and while there were definitely cute moments, it ultimately felt a little unfinished.

The setup is strong right out of the gate. Ripley and Banks meet in a bar and the chemistry is immediate. Banks has that tall, tattooed, guarded protector energy, but with a softer side that really worked for me, especially the detail about him making origami to manage his anxiety. Ripley is funny, independent, and deeply caring, particularly when it comes to her twin sister. Their banter early on is sharp and playful, and the beginning genuinely pulled me in.

Once the bodyguard angle is introduced, with Banks realizing Ripley is not the actress he assumed she was but her twin sister, it felt like the story was poised to really take off. Unfortunately, that momentum fizzled out somewhere in the middle. The romance leaned heavily into physical attraction while the emotional side stayed pretty shallow. Their dynamic shifted into a prolonged cat and mouse game that started to feel repetitive, and a lot of the scenes felt predictable or emotionally artificial rather than earned.

I also found myself wishing the book went deeper in a few key areas. Banks’ childhood trauma is mentioned but never fully explored, which made his emotional walls feel more like a trope than a fully realized struggle. The third act breakup didn’t do much for me either, and I think the story would have benefited from cutting it in favor of more genuine emotional development. While I enjoyed Ripley as a character, I had a harder time fully connecting with some of the side characters, even though the small town, Hallmark-style setting was charming.

The pacing didn’t help matters. Large portions of the book felt slow and strangely empty, with not many standout or memorable moments. For a bodyguard romance, there was surprisingly little action until the very end. When things finally ramp up and Banks actually gets to do his job by protecting Ripley and her sister from an unhinged paparazzo, the story briefly feels like the book it was meant to be. That late burst of tension and action only highlighted how much more of it I wanted throughout.

In the end, this was a cute, quick rom-com with good banter, a likable couple, and a strong premise, but the execution never quite matched the potential. I’ve definitely read better Lauren Blakely books, and this one felt like it promised more depth, emotion, and excitement than it ultimately delivered. Still enjoyable in parts, just not one that fully landed for me.

[sere_s_reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really felt like it was going to be my kind of read… and that’s probably why the disappointment hit a little harder.
It all starts with Ripley and Banks meeting in a bar and instantly vibing. She’s gorgeous and intriguing in that effortless way, and he has this strong protector energy paired with total gentle-giant vibes — especially when you find out he makes origami to keep his hands busy and manage his anxiety (honestly, one of the cutest and most interesting details about him). Their chemistry is immediate, the kind that makes you think: "okay, I’m in".
Then Banks finds out he’s supposed to work as a bodyguard for her — whom he assumes is Heaven, an actress about to land the leading role in a major movie production. When he realizes Ripley is not Heaven but her twin sister, and they meet again, this is where things should get really interesting… but they kind of don’t. Instead, the story mostly leans into the spice and not much else. The physical attraction is definitely there, but emotionally everything stays pretty shallow, and the romance never feels deep or believable enough.

The pacing didn’t help either. I found it slow and strangely empty, with very few moments that actually felt important or memorable. And that’s such a shame, because the premises were so good: a bodyguard romance, twin sisters with intertwined storylines, and a male lead whose past trauma has turned him into someone closed off from love. All the pieces were there — they just never truly came together.

In the end, I still gave this book 3 stars, mainly because the final part finally picks up a bit. There’s some action (not a lot, but honestly better than nothing), and Banks finally gets to do his job. He ends up “saving” Ripley and Heaven from an unhinged paparazzo — maybe partly by accident, but still — and for a brief moment the story actually feels like the bodyguard romance it was meant to be. And that’s exactly why I wish there had been way more action throughout the book.

There are mentions of past trauma, emotional repression, and mild romantic content, and the cover is cute and very on-brand for the genre, even if it promises more than the story actually delivers. Overall, this was an okay read with a strong setup and a weak execution — it could have been so much better with more action and real emotional depth.

Thank you to NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for the opportunity to read this book in advance. It Seemed Like a Good Idea is set to be released on March 3, 2026.

[Mackenzie Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars 🌟
2.5 to 3 🌶️

Thank you to Lauren Blakely, Cosmo reads, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance of its release.

If you are looking for a book that screams spring, and a romance between a bodyguard x actress than this could be your next read. This book was fun, and was a classic Lauren Blakely style where there is comedy, spice and heart all wrapped up in one. “It Seems Like a Good Idea” is the start of a new series for Lauren and the set up is really great. Ripley and Banks were some interesting characters, and seeing how their relationship developed from the first few chapters until the end was such an interesting journey. I will say that this book does lean into the trope of mistaken identity which was something different about this book which kept you invested on when this “secret” was going to be revealed.

Ripley our FMC, is Sunshine personified with a backbone of steel. She runs a lavender farm, loves her small town, and wants nothing to do with chaos—until chaos literally shows up in the form of paparazzi and a broody bodyguard. Ripley is fiercely protective of everyone in her life so the idea of someone protecting her is hard for her to grasp. Watching her balance optimism with self-protection made her incredibly relatable.

Banks our MMC is the Broody, tattooed, emotionally guarded man.. Banks is the classic grumpy protector who thinks leaving is easier than staying—and yes, he ran out before they could finish their one-night stand, which adds delicious tension when he shows back up as her bodyguard. Beneath the stoic exterior is a man who feels deeply, connects fiercely, and absolutely cannot resist Ripley. His slow emotional unraveling? Chef’s kiss.

The spice in this book does have some heat to it, in classic Lauren fashion. But the root of their relationship was quite sweet, and the fact that they were brought together because of a project that went on to by successful was very gratifiying to watch. Banks and Ripley were a Lauren Blakely couple that I hope we see more of, especially given her worlds are somewhat interconnected.

Overall, I would recommend this one, it was an spring time read that will have you wanting to go visit a Lavender farm in a small town.
Tropes:
💜 Grumpy x Sunshine 💜body guard mmc
💜small town 💜mistaken identity
💜he falls first 💜forbidden romance
💜only one bed

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banks and Ripley meet in a bar, he pretends to be her boyfriend to save her from a sleazy patron, they hit it off but before than can hit it he disappears leaving a note. Ripley feels humiliating and hates him for ghosting her. A month later her new bodyguard turns up and it’s Banks. They both feel the chemistry but she ‘hates’ him so tries to make his job as difficult as possible by trying to ditch him, but she is stuck with him for the next few weeks especially when they have to share the cottage and a bed on Lavender Bliss farm.

“The kiss is a little frantic, a lot noisy”* a good summary of the relationship between Ripley and Banks. They think it’s wrong, he is supposed to be protecting her and his job, but it feels oh so right. There is also a sadly sweet connection as neither Ripley or Banks think they deserve nice things as they are both affected by childhood trauma resulting in both putting others first.

The banter between the two was lol in a lot of parts and I loved the writing of besties Bridget and Chloe who had no sympathy ( in a loving way) and teased Ripley while supporting her to get her man.

I really liked the chapter titles that gave you a glimpse of what was to come and the alternating perspectives of both characters.

I didn’t like Banks calling Ripley sweetheart especially during sex as it gave me the ick and sweetheart just didn’t seem to match with the image I had of Ripley, and in chapter 47 they go to a tapas bar (Spanish) and the food mentioned is risotto and pasta (Italian).

This is the first book I’ve read from Lauren Blakely and I will be adding some of her books to my tbr including the next in the darling hills series which has an August 2026 release date and by the blurb is Chloe’s story.

🎶 little lies - Fleetwood Mac - “ lies. Tell me sweet little lies”* Emily to Banks
🎥 Footloose - the tractor scene 🚜🚜for the game of chicken that Ripley and Banks are play
The movie being filmed in the book is called someone else’s ring and the brief descriptions gave me runaway bride vibes and one of the secondary relationships was very Notting Hill.

Thank you Netgallery and Cosmo reads for the opportunity to read and review this book.

ARC so *quote(s) may be subject to change or removal in the final

[Sheila Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 3.25 rating. This sweet small town romance follows the bodyguard trope along with forced proximity. Banks is contracted to protect the twin sister of a movie star while a movie is being filmed in the small town where the twins grew up. At first, Ripley, the owner of a quaint Lavender Farm and twin to the movie star, doesn’t want a bodyguard, especially when she finds out he is the man who ghosted her in San Francisco.

Blakely does a wonderful job creating the antagonistic banter between Ripley and Banks. The verbal foreplay is delightful and hilarious. Readers are drawn to Ripley as she has many of the eldest daughter personality traits. Her sassiness and bossiness create an endearing character. On the other hand, Banks is stoic at times, but roles with the punches in the presence of Ripley. However, he is too stuck in the past to draw the audience to him.

The the story is told through alternating narratives, so the reader has an understanding of both Riley and Banks’s perspectives. Both have had tragedy in their life, but Blakely focuses more on Bank’s issues than she does Ripley’s. To be honest, I would have rather Blakely focuses on Ripley and how she moved on after her tragedy. It seems like the author glasses over Ripley‘s trauma, even though hers is more devastating than Banks’s trauma.

In the book, Banks focuses on maintaining control, especially over Ripley. However, it would’ve been more relatable if he would have focused on having control of the situation, especially in light of his business. While he followed Ripley around, it never seemed like he was overly concerned with being her bodyguard or focusing on the environment around them.

I did enjoy the setting of this novel. Blakely created the charming and delightful town of Darling Springs. The lavender farm creates a romantic feel to the story, and the townspeople that inhabit the city create a homey feel to the story. I love that it is small enough to ride the beach cruisers around town, and that allows the protagonist to interact authentically with the town and its people.

Blakely’s book has a fair amount of spice in it, so if you do not like a spicy romance, this book is not for you. Thank you to Cosmo Reads and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Blakely’s book.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely

This book is the definition of a cozy, chaotic rom com that knows exactly what it is and leans all the way in.

Small town charm, grumpy meets sunshine energy, forced proximity, and a broody bodyguard who absolutely should not be sharing a cottage with the woman he ghosted after a very memorable almost one night stand. And yet here we are.

Ripley instantly won me over. She is capable, funny, and grounded in a way that makes her feel real. Running a lavender farm, dealing with Hollywood chaos thanks to her movie star twin, and trying not to fall back into bed with the last man who complicated her life was a struggle I deeply respected. She does not roll over for Banks, and their banter because of it is genuinely fun.

Banks is peak Lauren Blakely hero. Quietly competent, emotionally guarded, tattooed, and absolutely feral when it comes to protecting Ripley. Watching him wrestle with his feelings while trying to convince himself this is just temporary was delicious. He is very much a stay strong, feel later kind of man, which of course means he feels everything very deeply.

The forced proximity is excellent. One bed. One cottage. One very bad idea that turns into another bad idea and then into feelings. The chemistry is immediate, but what really worked for me was how the emotional connection builds alongside the physical one. This is not just spice for spice’s sake. The tenderness sneaks up on you.

Darling Springs as a setting is cozy in the best way. Lavender fields, nosy townsfolk, film crews, and that small town feeling where everyone knows everything before you do. It made me want to crawl inside the book and stay there for a while.

Is it predictable. Yes.
Did I care. Not even a little.

This is a comfort read with heat, heart, and humor. The kind of book you pick up to relax and end up smiling through because it delivers exactly what you want. Sometimes a good idea is just letting yourself enjoy a romance that understands the assignment.

#ItSeemedLikeAGoodIdea #LaurenBlakely #SmallTownRomance #GrumpySunshine #RomComReads

[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.