The Start of Us

No Regrets #1

by Lauren Blakely

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely comes a sexy,
emotional and deliciously addictive trilogy...
Let me tell you everything I know about love…
Love is a lie, a game, a chase. And most of all– it’s a battle every man
and woman must fight for themselves.
I don’t trust love for a second.
Until I meet Trey.
He’s just like me – dangerous, scarred, and keeping secrets that might be
darker than mine.
And I can’t seem to stay away from him even though I’ve promised to.
How can this be the start of something when tomorrow it has to end?

The Start of Us is the first novel in the No Regrets Trilogy.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Audiobook, Novella, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks

262 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2013

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

[Lauren Blakely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book!! I like this book!

[Gisbelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

A virgin sex addict?!?! How that even possible?!?!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made the mistake of reading The Thrill of It of it before reading The Start of Us, although it doesn't impact the story, it did impact my feelings on the first book. I had a little bit of trouble connecting with this story originally, although it is beautifully written. After reading this novella something clicked into place that was missing before. Maybe it was the desperation that both Harley and Trey felt during the their attempts to change directions. That was present in The Thrill of It but it felt unexplained and unclear. The connection I had needed was found.

This is the night that Harley meets Trey, the night she gets her tattoo. The night she meets a boy that sparks something foreign to her, feelings. Just a few hours separate the the people they used to be and the people they need to become. A few hours they spend together, both experiencing something they've never felt before. Both not wanting the night to end and both unaware that their paths are destined to cross yet again.

This was a fantastic little gem of a novella that I absolutely devoured and loved every second of. I've only read a few Lauren Blakely books, although I am completely guilty of one-clicking and hoarding them on my Kindle, but this novella just ensured that I move her other titles higher up on the list.

[Robin (Saturndoo) · Rating 1 out of 5]

This possibly could have been a good read but there were too many things that were unbelievable: a virgin sex addict who was portrayed as an innocent goody two shoes but cursed like a sailor...ikr? Good ideas about the H/h meeting at a tattoo parlor and hitting it off but other than that the author's delivery was horrible. Definitely wouldn't recommend this rubbish. Thank goodness it was a kindle freebie as it is definitely not worth paying for or wasting your time reading.

[Monica Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have mad mad love for Trey and Harley and was so happy Lauren wrote this novella allowing us a glimpse into how they initially met. Loved it.

[book bruin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Updated Audiobook Review 4/29/20

Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5-4 stars

I originally listened to The Start of Us in 2018. It was a short and angsty new adult novella, introducing readers to Trey and Harley. Lauren Blakely has now revamped and updated the story to give it so much more depth. The bones of the story are the same, but I loved getting more backstory and details about our characters, as well as the motivations and driving forces behind their actions. The previous novella gave you a taste of what was to come, but I really feel like now it's a story that you can really sink your teeth into. Please note that this is not a romcom and that the book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. This is the first book in a trilogy and should be read/listened to in order.

The updated audiobook is narrated fantastically again by Joe Arden, but this time Harley is voiced by Vanessa Edwin. Her performance was truly wonderful and she managed to really capture Harley's playful and flirty side, but also her scared and vulnerable side too. Vanessa Edwin is fast becoming one of my favorite female narrators. Erin Mallon and Teddy Hamilton take on cameo roles in the story and round out this amazing cast.

[Angy Potter - Collector of Book Boyfriends · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love their first nite together! Sweet and sexy!!



Audiobook Review: 5 Stars

If you could sum up The Start of Us in three words, what would they be?

Sexy, addictive, amazing!

What does The Start of Us bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love that this novella has its audiobook!!! Finally!!! I remember when I listened to the audiobooks of The Thrill of It and Every Second With You , I felt like I needed the audiobook for the first novella, because this is how they met and it’s really important for their relationship, and now I can finally enjoy their whole story in audio. I loved it when I read it, of course, this is one of my most favorite series of Lauren’s and I equally loved the audiobook, but what made it more awesome was Joe’s narration. I always love when the audiobook has a male narrator when there’s a male POV in the book and unlike the two audios of the No Regrets series, the novella has Trey’s sexy male voice <3 Which was perfect!!

What about Erin Mallon and Joe Arden ’s performance did you like?

Erin did an amazing job in this audio, just like she did in the other two books of the series. I love her sweet voice for Harley, very vulnerable at this point of the story, but also very brave when she was having those unknown feelings with Trey. And I love her voice for Trey, too. The inflection was on point for his personality. Joe… Oh Joe… He was the perfect narrator for Trey!!! His tone of voice, so sexy and playful when he was tattooing Harley, and then all surprised. I looove it!!!

Now, I’ll just have to re-listen the other two audiobooks of No Regrets Series, because Harley and Trey are everything!! I didn’t realize I missed them so much until I listened to The Start of Us audiobook.

100% recommended.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that was an interesting 80 pages ... Now I must go on !!!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star read for me!

"How can one night be the start of something when tomorrow is has to end?"


I absolutely loved this pre-novella!!! It's short, sexy, funny..do I need to say more????

Trey just did it for me...since the very beginning with his "I'm the tattoo artist your mother warned you about." shirt :)

Don't get me started on the sexy scenes...

"Because this isn't about me. This is about you. I want to make you feel good. I want to do things to you with my tongue that will send you screaming. I want to taste you. I want to be the first to know how you taste."

So go ahead and read this one then go off and read "The Thrill of Us" you will not disappointed!

[Carole (Carole's Random Life)]

Initial Thoughts
I don't even know what to think of this story. I liked the characters and thought that had a lot of chemistry and things were going well. Then that twist at the ending which made absolutely no sense and kind of ruined the whole thing.

This short story is included in the audiobook version of Unbreak My Heart and the narrators both did a great job with the story.

Review copy provided by the author / publicist.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lustfully delicious beginning to a seductively dark, and forbidden, love story. Harley and Trey steam up the mirrors when a simple tattoo turns into a night of tantalizing pleasure. This is just a taste of what you will find in The Thrill of It.

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

FREE today on Amazon US (4/12/2014).
http://www.amazon.com/Start-Us-No-Reg...

[sraxe]

The h is virgin sex addict.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (3/19/2020)! 🎁

[book bruin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review

Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5 stars

The Start of Us is a short prequel novella to the No Regrets series. It introduces us to Trey and Harley and gives us the details of their first chance meeting. Erin Mallon and Joe Arden were amazing and added the perfect amount of sexy and vulnerability to these two characters. It's clear that both have secrets and demons in their pasts, but for one night, they allow themselves to simply enjoy the moment. Told in dual POV, both Trey and Harley leave the reader/listener with an intriguing little bombshell at the end of this novella. Find out how their story continues in The Thrill of It. Also included with this audiobook is an excerpt from Lauren Blakely's upcoming book, Unbreak My Heart.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this is a short novella it was long enough to draw me in and make me want to know more about Trey and Harley. About their pasts, about their addictions.

Harley meets Trey when she steps into No Regrets, the tattoo parlor he works at, to get her first tattoo. What she didn't expect is to find the one person who makes her feel. To make her want things she has never wanted.

Trey doesn't expect his next client to stir something up inside him. But he knows when he sees her that he wants to know more about her. He wants to touch her, feel her, and taste her. Just for one night. For one night they let down their guards and just feel with each other.

I was shocked at how fast things progressed between these two, but it was fitting. Sometimes you meet someone and they make you feel things and make you want to feel so much more.So you lose yourself in them. Their touch, their scent, their kiss. Even if it is just for one night.
That is what Trey and Harley did. Just one night. Tomorrow a new day begins.But just for that one night they feel.

[Staci Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

How awesome is Lauren Blakely?!?!?!

Not only has she released several books this year, but now she gave us one for FREE!!! Honestly, I would've been more than happy to pay for this novella but I won't turn down a free book!

I absolutely loved the introduction to these characters. The first line hooked me and I fell in love with these two unique people. I immediately had to buy The Thrill of It because I'll be damned if I could wait another second to find out what happens next!

Thank you, Lauren for entertaining me AGAIN. I have read everything you've ever written and I will continue to read everything you write in the future. You never let me down!

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh....find it hard to believe a virgin is going to be entering sex rehab and has one more night before she starts her penance with a total stranger

[Beeg Panda]

**Free 5 Nov 21

[Keep Calm Novel On · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast paced prequel. The main characters are hiding secrets. Will they be exposed in The Thrill of It?

[Агата · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this before The Thrill of it to check Lauren Blakely's writing style out before I buy The Thrill of it and I have to say it was really good. The beginning of the story definitely piqued my interest.

[Cindy Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more Trey and Harley.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading this story before and I liked it then, but wow I LOVE it now. It is just extra now. The story of these two is intriguing and interesting. You can’t help but want to know where it is leading.

Fate plays a big role in both of their lives. But I guess for me what I like most is the fighting to be better for themselves. Trey has already taken the steps himself and you can see and hear his struggles. He has a long way to go before he can open up to Harley.

Harley on the other hand is forced to see herself. And I don’t really think she is 100% ready for what that all in tales that is why I wasn’t surprised with the ending.

I can’t wait to see how these two are going to get their HEA.

I loved the narration it puts each character right into the story in a way I never could have even imagined would make a difference but it really does. It really does. I loved it.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in a trilogy of short plots that meld together to make one full story line. It's interesting how it is strung together and definitely intriguing so keeps you going. The characters are well developed and their flaws ring true making them feel all that much more real. The book was originally written several years ago and recently revamped to freshen them up and make them a bit more relevant. I listened to the audio and this author does a magnificent job of selecting readers for her books as she selects multiple readers to create a cast that helps bring the characters even more to life. It's like listening to a show and allowing your mind to create the movie as it unfolds! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

[rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t necessarily good either.

The audio bumped up the rating for sure.

Such a weird story, but I did enjoy Trey 😍

3/5 stars

(Check trigger warnings)

[Mayu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tenía muchas ganas de leer The Start of Us, porque su trama, aunque no parecía increíblemente original, al menos si parecía interesante, y ¿quién sabe? Quizás encontraba aquello tan diferente y especial que yo andaba buscando. ¿La realidad? The Start of Us no ha cumplido mis expectativas. No me ha enamorado nada, solamente me parece una novela corta que se lee en un suspiro y que resulta entretenida. Pero nada más. Yo no he conectado absolutamente nada con los protagonistas, ni con su historia, y las letras de Lauren Blakely no han sabido llegarme. Y claro, me siento terriblemente decepcionada. Sé que leeré la siguiente novela, porque quizás entonces cambie mi opinión, y porque promete ser explosiva, diferente, y muy interesante, e imagino que también sea, sensual y romántica, y oscura.



Trey y Harley hacen una pareja peculiar, de esas que esconden secretos que podrían acercarlos, pero no, ellos no pueden hablar libremente, soñar juntos, llorar por lo que han perdido, sonreír ante ese nuevo respirar, no, ellos deben permanecer callados, deseando entregarse el corazón, y negándose al mismo tiempo. Trey y Harley viven uno de esos comienzos un poco incómodos, al principio no saben bien que contarse, y después, cuando ya lo saben, no se atreven a alzar su voz y a abrirse al otro, solo saben que necesitan ser algo más, convertirse en dos personas diferentes, y encontrar en el otro la esperanza de un mañana, pero no pueden hablar de quienes son ni de lo que podrían significar el uno para el otro si solo se dieran una oportunidad, no, ambos prefieren conformarse con unos fugaces momentos juntos, con un placer robado al tiempo, y con un recuerdo bonito, que deberá sostenerles hasta que se hayan curado de esa adicción al amor y al sexo que ambos sostienen tener. ¿Sorpresa que les da la vida? Que ese último instante de sexo y amor, ese primer encuentro, no será el último, pues deberán ser compañeros en rehabilitación. ¿Será entonces cuando se enamoren? ¿Solo sucederá cuando se deseen con desesperación y no puedan tocarse, cuando la vida les obligue a abrirse y a arrancarse hasta el último vestigio de orgullo y miedo?

Mi reseña completa en:

http://mayuamoraprimeravista.blogspot...

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Jumble of Thoughts Disguised as a Review (in Numbered Parts)

1. Why is the girl on the cover in a bikini top? I don't remember that from the book. Why are the two people on the cover always in such awkward positions? His mouth isn't close enough to hers for a kiss, but his head's not positioned low enough to be resting near her boobs. Who else does not understand?

2. Free iBook romances are evil. And way too short. Which increases their evilness. Ha, that is a word! Sweet! Anyway, I'm not really sure how I'm supposed to judge something that barely had the time to get started.

3. That being said, The Start of Us at the very least tried to avoid instant love. There was some initial chemistry and such, but these two characters just spent an enjoyable night together without making such a big deal out of it. That's what bumped it up a star.

4. What exactly does the main heroine do to men that's not having sex with them and yet makes her so valuable? Explanation would be nice.

5. Ending? Way too many questions, not enough interest.

6. Sadly, not going to continue with this series. I'm getting the same vibe here I did from When I Break by Kendall Ryan, and I really should've trusted my gut on that one.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel novella, to the main book The Thrill of It (which BTW, is out now, so no waiting around). Now, I haven’t heard of this author and I have not read the main book but after this little number, you can be sure that I will be stalking Ms. Blakely!

The Start of Us is exactly what the title implies – the start of this beautiful relationship. The whole novella is maybe 50 pages and the author took every page and made you fall head over heels with Trey and Harley. What starts out as something completely innocent on the surface, blossoms into what I can only expect to be a fated love. The entire story takes place over roughly 24-36 hours and by the end of the book, I was one clicking for the main novel. I had to know what was going to happen next. Way to keep us on the edge Ms. Blakely.
https://www.facebook.com/just1morecha...

[Livia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this prequel rocked! I'm hooked.

When Harley and Trey meet in his tattoo shop, they have an immediate chemical connection. After Trey inks her tattoo, they decide to explore their mutual attraction and hang out a little bit before this big something that will put an end to their availability. And what follows is total hotness to the nth degree. I've already started my audiobook copy of The Thrill of It during my work commute and have been caught up in their full story since yesterday.

I am dying of curiosity to see what her tattoo looks like so I'll have to check out author Lauren Blakely's Facebook page or Pinterest page to see if she has posted images.

This novella is currently free (at time of review posting) on Barnes & Noble and on Amazon so grab your copy now and get started.

[Brielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing prequel. Trey and Harley have this instant connection and it has such a strong presence even though the story is short. Plus Lauren Blakely keeps it interesting by making it known that both Harley and Trey have secrets and problems that run deep and that they aren't willing to share quite yet. As a reader, we don't find out those problems just yet. I can't wait to find out what happens next in The Thrill of It.