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Winner Takes All #2
Turn Me On
The first rule of being an attorney is don’t sleep with your clients.
The second rule is–see the first rule.
Those guidelines don’t account for a man like Zane Archer though. The major leaguer is all confidence and big D energy as he swaggers into my life one night at a hotel bar, determined to spend the night with “the sexy suit,” as he calls me.
I’m so damn tempted to say yes, especially when my new client devastates me with a scorching kiss that has me reconsidering all my life choices.
The catch? If I tear up the rule book, my reputation as a lawyer to the most bankable stars in pro sports is on the line. Including my new goal of striking the deal of a lifetime for him -- one he desperately needs to take care of his family.
Instead, I fight like hell to stay professional as I work closely with the man I can’t have.
But the more time we spend together, the more his irresistible charm threatens to break my resolve . . . right along with my heart.
TURN ME ON is a red-hot, MM, forbidden sports romance between a sports agent and an athlete…
The second rule is–see the first rule.
Those guidelines don’t account for a man like Zane Archer though. The major leaguer is all confidence and big D energy as he swaggers into my life one night at a hotel bar, determined to spend the night with “the sexy suit,” as he calls me.
I’m so damn tempted to say yes, especially when my new client devastates me with a scorching kiss that has me reconsidering all my life choices.
The catch? If I tear up the rule book, my reputation as a lawyer to the most bankable stars in pro sports is on the line. Including my new goal of striking the deal of a lifetime for him -- one he desperately needs to take care of his family.
Instead, I fight like hell to stay professional as I work closely with the man I can’t have.
But the more time we spend together, the more his irresistible charm threatens to break my resolve . . . right along with my heart.
TURN ME ON is a red-hot, MM, forbidden sports romance between a sports agent and an athlete…
306 pages, ebook
First published December 2, 2022
610 people are currently reading
5163 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blakely
256 books24.2k followersYou 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.
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February 24, 2023
Turn Me On is book two in the Winner Takes All series by Lauren Blakely. This is a MM, insta-attraction, sports, forbidden romance that will both melt your heart and possibly some clothing items at the same time! Let me introduce you to these two sexy men.
Zane Archer is twenty five years old. He is a professional baseball player, in his third year as a first baseman with the San Francisco Dragons. Zane is an openly gay athlete and both loves his job and his life. He’s very close to his brother and his niece. He does not take his job for granted. He takes care of himself and doesn’t waste his money. Zane is ready to gain a sponsor. Something his long time agent at CTM hasn’t been able to snag for him yet.
“Mixing business with pleasure isn’t merely foolish, it’s against the rules.”
Maddox LeGrande is thirty two years old and has just hired on to CTM as an agent. He is also a lawyer. One of his first clients will be to take over for Zane Archer and try to find him some sponsorships. He’s got some very good ideas but first he has to meet his new client. Maddox works hard for his clients and he is a rule follower. But the night he meets Zane, he wants to throw the rule book away because he’s never before been so attracted so quickly to a man.
Without even speaking the words, these two just know that they would fit perfectly, especially in the bedroom. They both like things to be a certain way and they are like two halves to a whole. The chemistry instantly sparks off of them. But in this scenario, Maddox has the most to lose by crossing that line. What he has to decide is if the risk is worth taking.
“Yes, I can tie a bow tie, a necktie, etc. I told you in Venice, I’m good with ties. All ties. I can tie many knots.”
This story is filled with innuendo. It’s so much fun the way these two like to test each other, press against that line they aren’t supposed to cross. I do think this one is a bit of a slower burn than some of the other books. But I’ll just warn you that when things get hot, they get HOT!
“I want him, and I like him. But, I also need him. This is getting to be a big problem.”
Both of these guys are good men, devoted to their jobs and to the people that are important to them. I loved the way they instantly connected when they first met. Neither of them has ever really been in love before but they both recognized that the feelings they were having were so much more than any hook up. They could both imagine how amazing it would be, how much more they could be together. They could also both lose everything by letting those fantasies come to life. I truly didn’t know how they would ever be able to make things work but oh how I hoped they could.
Get ready to swoon with these two. The next book in the series is called Limited Edition Husband and I can’t wait.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Zane Archer is twenty five years old. He is a professional baseball player, in his third year as a first baseman with the San Francisco Dragons. Zane is an openly gay athlete and both loves his job and his life. He’s very close to his brother and his niece. He does not take his job for granted. He takes care of himself and doesn’t waste his money. Zane is ready to gain a sponsor. Something his long time agent at CTM hasn’t been able to snag for him yet.
“Mixing business with pleasure isn’t merely foolish, it’s against the rules.”
Maddox LeGrande is thirty two years old and has just hired on to CTM as an agent. He is also a lawyer. One of his first clients will be to take over for Zane Archer and try to find him some sponsorships. He’s got some very good ideas but first he has to meet his new client. Maddox works hard for his clients and he is a rule follower. But the night he meets Zane, he wants to throw the rule book away because he’s never before been so attracted so quickly to a man.
Without even speaking the words, these two just know that they would fit perfectly, especially in the bedroom. They both like things to be a certain way and they are like two halves to a whole. The chemistry instantly sparks off of them. But in this scenario, Maddox has the most to lose by crossing that line. What he has to decide is if the risk is worth taking.
“Yes, I can tie a bow tie, a necktie, etc. I told you in Venice, I’m good with ties. All ties. I can tie many knots.”
This story is filled with innuendo. It’s so much fun the way these two like to test each other, press against that line they aren’t supposed to cross. I do think this one is a bit of a slower burn than some of the other books. But I’ll just warn you that when things get hot, they get HOT!
“I want him, and I like him. But, I also need him. This is getting to be a big problem.”
Both of these guys are good men, devoted to their jobs and to the people that are important to them. I loved the way they instantly connected when they first met. Neither of them has ever really been in love before but they both recognized that the feelings they were having were so much more than any hook up. They could both imagine how amazing it would be, how much more they could be together. They could also both lose everything by letting those fantasies come to life. I truly didn’t know how they would ever be able to make things work but oh how I hoped they could.
Get ready to swoon with these two. The next book in the series is called Limited Edition Husband and I can’t wait.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 11, 2025
RAW, NEXT QUESTION.
🤭🤭🤭
THIS WAS WAY SPICIER THAN THE FIRST 🥵 AND IN THE BEST WAY.
THE INSTA-ATTRACTION MADE SENSE, IF A MAN PURSUED ME LIKE THAT I'D BE:
SO THE FACT THEY RESISTED THAT URGE AFTER THEIR FIRST MEETING FOR (what I would consider) A SUBSTANCIAL AMOUNT OF TIME WAS IMPRESSIVE. And they got to know eachother in a reasonable amount before leaping on in, AND LEAP THEY DID.
ALL THE COMPLICATIONS IN THIS BOOK WERE COMPLETELY REDUNANT AND POINTLESS (It's baseball player and PR agent. it's not that serious lol) BUT THE WITHOLDING FROM EACHOTHERS AFFECTIONS AND THE BLUE BALLING/HOLDING BACK IN THE BENINGGING, MADE IT WORTH IT FOR THE SEXY AF SEXY TIMESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
🥵🥵🥵
🤭🤭🤭
THIS WAS WAY SPICIER THAN THE FIRST 🥵 AND IN THE BEST WAY.
THE INSTA-ATTRACTION MADE SENSE, IF A MAN PURSUED ME LIKE THAT I'D BE:
SO THE FACT THEY RESISTED THAT URGE AFTER THEIR FIRST MEETING FOR (what I would consider) A SUBSTANCIAL AMOUNT OF TIME WAS IMPRESSIVE. And they got to know eachother in a reasonable amount before leaping on in, AND LEAP THEY DID.
ALL THE COMPLICATIONS IN THIS BOOK WERE COMPLETELY REDUNANT AND POINTLESS (It's baseball player and PR agent. it's not that serious lol) BUT THE WITHOLDING FROM EACHOTHERS AFFECTIONS AND THE BLUE BALLING/HOLDING BACK IN THE BENINGGING, MADE IT WORTH IT FOR THE SEXY AF SEXY TIMESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
🥵🥵🥵
February 28, 2023
I really wasn't in a hurry to read this book because I didn't love book 1 in the series, but wow this one was so good! There is nothing I love to read more than a forbidden relationship that is full of so much pining and tension, and trying to deny the attraction and pretending you don't want each other when you do. This book did it so perfectly you could really feel the tension between Maddox and Zane as they tried to stay away from each other and act like they didn't want each other. I loved it. There were a few things about this book I would tweak, but I'm still going with five stars because overall I absolutely loved it.
Read
December 10, 2022DNF 38%
I forgot that this author is not for me.
I have bookmarked two previous books I have read by this author as DNF. I went to check it because I wasn't enjoying this story and couldn't remember if I read this author before.
The problem is always the same. I can't distinguish one character from the other. They read the same, and I have to go back and forward to see who's doing the talk. It takes me out of the story. Maybe it would have worked with only one POV?🥴
I forgot that this author is not for me.
I have bookmarked two previous books I have read by this author as DNF. I went to check it because I wasn't enjoying this story and couldn't remember if I read this author before.
The problem is always the same. I can't distinguish one character from the other. They read the same, and I have to go back and forward to see who's doing the talk. It takes me out of the story. Maybe it would have worked with only one POV?🥴
May 13, 2024
I liked Zane and Maddox perfectly fine but story lacked passion. I got bored at times with how slow it was.
Audiobook Narration was chefs kiss btw 🧑🍳💋
Enjoyed book one way better 👍
Audiobook Narration was chefs kiss btw 🧑🍳💋
Enjoyed book one way better 👍
October 30, 2023
Really enjoyed this book, this series is definitely grabbing my attention.
What bothered me though was when they got back together. It seemed really fast, as did the plan to move forward - if it was so easy to figure out, why didn't they just do that in the first instance? I mean I guess a lot of the book would have been redundant, but I would have liked to see them go through a bit more turmoil before they got their HEA. It felt too easily won for me when there was so much potential for drama and catastrophic fallout.
Also, Grant and Declan pop up a few times which makes me even saltier over the fact they were invisible in Jason's book 😂 Sure, this book was about baseball and Declan is Zane's teammate, but they had an existing relationship with Jason and had navigated the same dilemma he had. I will just never understand why they pop up randomly in other books but not at all in the book that makes most sense for them to appear in 🤦🏻♀️
What bothered me though was when they got back together. It seemed really fast, as did the plan to move forward - if it was so easy to figure out, why didn't they just do that in the first instance? I mean I guess a lot of the book would have been redundant, but I would have liked to see them go through a bit more turmoil before they got their HEA. It felt too easily won for me when there was so much potential for drama and catastrophic fallout.
Also, Grant and Declan pop up a few times which makes me even saltier over the fact they were invisible in Jason's book 😂 Sure, this book was about baseball and Declan is Zane's teammate, but they had an existing relationship with Jason and had navigated the same dilemma he had. I will just never understand why they pop up randomly in other books but not at all in the book that makes most sense for them to appear in 🤦🏻♀️
December 31, 2022
It is far from perfect, sometimes a little cheesy and a little too long. Some eye rolling for phrasing/word choices BUT there was so much chemistry between Zane and Maddox and that is sometimes half the battle. They understand each other instinctively and have communication! Literally telling each other everything on their minds and that was refreshing.
Was interested to see how they were going to get around their obstacle to be together. There is no “coming out in the sports world” angst, as there are already out players in this book’s world, so it’s not a thing.
-Baseball player/Agent romance
-forbidden
-Tie me up lite
-Text flirting
-smallish age gap (7 years)
-boy who likes to possess/boy who likes to be possessed
-there’s growling (fyi - for all you growling lovers and haters)
-no angst at all
Was interested to see how they were going to get around their obstacle to be together. There is no “coming out in the sports world” angst, as there are already out players in this book’s world, so it’s not a thing.
-Baseball player/Agent romance
-forbidden
-Tie me up lite
-Text flirting
-smallish age gap (7 years)
-boy who likes to possess/boy who likes to be possessed
-there’s growling (fyi - for all you growling lovers and haters)
-no angst at all
dnf
December 2, 2022i couldn’t even finish the prequel novella i think this is a new record
Read
December 17, 2022the amount of muscles in this book is turning me right the fuck off.
February 17, 2023
"You on your hands and knees," he mutters.
My body goes red-hot.
"Every night I picture that," I say, skin burning, pulse surging.
"Every night?" he asks, full of dirty wonder.
"Every night since I met you," I answer.
this is the second book from lauren blakely which is a complete one shot and i'm not sure if i'm a fan. don't get me wrong i liked this but lets just say her draggy storylines were an acquired taste of mine. i was so used these abundance of flirtations, push-and-pull, hot sex, dramas etc etc... and this one felt so concise. if there's a mm romance story from blakely that deserved the duology treatment this should be it. i just needed more from zane and maddox and their little bdsm roleplay. excited for others!
tbr:
➵ expert by alessandra hazard - 3 stars
➵ take me apart by brea alepou - 5 stars
➵ one last time by tj hamel - 4 stars
➵ fifteen minutes of fame by jennifer luxe - 1 star
➵ turn me on by lauren blakely - 3 stars
December 22, 2022
Enjoyable but I preferred book one
3.5*
I liked this one but not as much as the first book in the series, I'm not sure exactly what it was that stopped it being a higher rating.
One of the things that did irritate me was a constant use of phrases like 'the London man', 'the British man' or 'the quarterback' when referring to characters. It made the flow of the narrative jarring instead of just using their names at times. Obviously others it made sense but it seemed to happen in strange places.
It's a minor point but one which definitely niggled each time I saw it.
The romance itself is a small age gap, forbidden one between a lawyer and sports agent and a client of the firm he's been headhunted for.
I liked both Maddox and Zane and I liked the low key Dom/sub vibe they had going on in bed with Mad giving up control to the younger Zane.
But I also felt things were a bit too 'insta love' and the reason for their conflict/break up seemed to be a bit too convenient.
Now, having said that, I loved their actual relationship, it's one of support and nurturing, each man cares deeply and there's plenty of emotional trust and vulnerability exchanges.
There's guest appearances from characters in some of Lauren's other books, which i loved catching up with, and I'm intrigued for the next two couples.
3.5*
I liked this one but not as much as the first book in the series, I'm not sure exactly what it was that stopped it being a higher rating.
One of the things that did irritate me was a constant use of phrases like 'the London man', 'the British man' or 'the quarterback' when referring to characters. It made the flow of the narrative jarring instead of just using their names at times. Obviously others it made sense but it seemed to happen in strange places.
It's a minor point but one which definitely niggled each time I saw it.
The romance itself is a small age gap, forbidden one between a lawyer and sports agent and a client of the firm he's been headhunted for.
I liked both Maddox and Zane and I liked the low key Dom/sub vibe they had going on in bed with Mad giving up control to the younger Zane.
But I also felt things were a bit too 'insta love' and the reason for their conflict/break up seemed to be a bit too convenient.
Now, having said that, I loved their actual relationship, it's one of support and nurturing, each man cares deeply and there's plenty of emotional trust and vulnerability exchanges.
There's guest appearances from characters in some of Lauren's other books, which i loved catching up with, and I'm intrigued for the next two couples.
December 2, 2022
Check out our full post for TURN ME ON on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
TURN ME ON is the second book in the Winner Takes All series. It can be read as a standalone without issue.
Zane Archer is an upcoming baseball star playing for the Dragons. He wants to get a sponsor so he can help his brother and his niece. When he meets his new agent, Maddox, to help make that happen, they have an instant attraction between them. The draw is undeniable for both of them. They know they can't be together since it will affect both of them, but they can't stop how they feel.
I loved the instant attraction, delayed gratification of this one. The angst and build up of the emotions between them were perfect. I couldn't get enough of Maddox and Zane together. It was a sexy read for them to describe, in detail, their fantasies for the other and then for them to play out was hot!
I love a good m/m baseball read and can't wait to see what's next in this series!
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed this sports romance with a forbidden twist; plenty of ethical behaviours; the odd deviation from said ethics; and an attraction that could not be denied.
Zane and Maddox are instantly interested in each other, but it turns out that they will have a professional relationship which precludes them acting on their chemistry. They both accept this and hate it – and as they will be working together to get new endorsement contracts, that means that it is really important that they behave.
I loved the delicious tension between the two men – it feels like you could cut it with a knife. They dance around it, they try and resist, and they realise that maybe this may be that most important relationship that should not be ignored.
It is wonderful seeing two people work together at building a solid foundation in order to determine whether the difficult decisions are the right ones to take, or whether this is all a fantasy that should be denied. It is hugely engaging, tense, and delicious all the time.
Great addition to the series.
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/M Romance
Maddox is a lawyer and a good agent for his clients. He follows the rules and gets results. When he starts with a new company, Maddox wants to hit the ground running. When he first meets Zane, Maddox knows that his job just became harder – and in more ways than one. Zane is insanely attractive, and Maddox wants to throw the rules out the window and take what he sees.
Zane loves his life. He is great at his job, loves his friends, and can't think of anything he truly needs. But when he sees Maddox, he knows that it's something he wants. However, with his job and who Maddox is to him, Zane isn't sure that's a good thing right now.
These two have to navigate their lives, the lives of their friends, and figure out if what they have is truly something to fight for.
This was a slower start for me. It took me about 2/3 of the book to really get into the story. These two flirt and tease throughout the entire story. As the reader, it was fun and flirty to watch. I enjoyed the story and can't wait to see what's in store next.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
November 30, 2022
Turn Me On is book #2 of the Winner Take All series by Lauren Blakely. It is told from dual POV with a happy ending.
Tropes:
✔️ big city
✔️ forbidden
✔️ sports
First baseman with the San Francisco Dragons Zane Archer loves his job and is grateful for it. He would love to take advantage of the short years he has a pro-baller to set up his niece with a college fund and just needs a sponsor or two. But his longtime agent CTM, hasn’t been able to come through for him.
Enter Maddox LeGrande, lawyer and sports agent recently hired by CTM and perfect to help Zane achieve his goals. He has great ideas and loves helping his clients. But when Zane, not knowing who he is flirts with him, Maddox is tempted break the unbreakable rule: don’t sleep with your clients. How can something forbidden be so good? Can they find a way to around the client-attorney directive?
Maddox and Zane are perfect for each other; their chemistry is incendiary made even more so because of its forbidden nature. But is it worth the risk, especially for Maddox?
Lauren Blakely has a fun, flirty way of writing that always puts me in a wonderful mood and Turn Me On is no different. Maddox and Zane are great characters on their own and together. They challenge and support each other. They are caring and protective and they’re also hot!
Their romance was a bit of a will they / won’t they slow burn because of its nature, but the anticipation was worth the wait.
I was also on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how they’d be able to make things work and loved every minute of it. I also enjoyed the appearances by characters from Lauren’s universe. And as always, I’m left wanting more and can’t wait to see what Lauren writes next.
★ World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
★ Character development: 👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: 4.2
★ I received an ARC of this title from the author via Candi Kane PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
Tropes:
✔️ big city
✔️ forbidden
✔️ sports
First baseman with the San Francisco Dragons Zane Archer loves his job and is grateful for it. He would love to take advantage of the short years he has a pro-baller to set up his niece with a college fund and just needs a sponsor or two. But his longtime agent CTM, hasn’t been able to come through for him.
Enter Maddox LeGrande, lawyer and sports agent recently hired by CTM and perfect to help Zane achieve his goals. He has great ideas and loves helping his clients. But when Zane, not knowing who he is flirts with him, Maddox is tempted break the unbreakable rule: don’t sleep with your clients. How can something forbidden be so good? Can they find a way to around the client-attorney directive?
Maddox and Zane are perfect for each other; their chemistry is incendiary made even more so because of its forbidden nature. But is it worth the risk, especially for Maddox?
Lauren Blakely has a fun, flirty way of writing that always puts me in a wonderful mood and Turn Me On is no different. Maddox and Zane are great characters on their own and together. They challenge and support each other. They are caring and protective and they’re also hot!
Their romance was a bit of a will they / won’t they slow burn because of its nature, but the anticipation was worth the wait.
I was also on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how they’d be able to make things work and loved every minute of it. I also enjoyed the appearances by characters from Lauren’s universe. And as always, I’m left wanting more and can’t wait to see what Lauren writes next.
★ World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
★ Character development: 👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: 4.2
★ I received an ARC of this title from the author via Candi Kane PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
February 18, 2025
“Stroke that beautiful cock. Like you do every night, thinking of me.”
I don’t know what kind of crack this author puts in her MM romances but it just fucking works for me. They usually have 0 or little plot and are just two dudes falling and fucking each other the entire book but I eat that shit up anyways because idk. I’m easy that way and this book is no different from that formula. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it am I right? Anyways this is all vibes and cocks and I’m here for it every single time, sorry not sorry. Plus Teddy Hamilton and Jacob Morgan never miss.
I don’t know what kind of crack this author puts in her MM romances but it just fucking works for me. They usually have 0 or little plot and are just two dudes falling and fucking each other the entire book but I eat that shit up anyways because idk. I’m easy that way and this book is no different from that formula. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it am I right? Anyways this is all vibes and cocks and I’m here for it every single time, sorry not sorry. Plus Teddy Hamilton and Jacob Morgan never miss.
December 2, 2022
Tropes:
- sports romance
- instant attraction
- forbidden romance
While waiting to have dinner with his agent Vance, Zane locks eyes with a gorgeous man sitting alone at the hotel bar. From the moment he strikes up a conversation with him, all Zane can think about is taking this sexy suit home and ruining him for anyone else. Things don't go as planned when he learns that the man he's been flirting with works for his agent at CTM, and that he is Maddox's newest client.
Despite the instantaneous and electric chemistry, Maddox attempts to keep things as professional as possible while trying to secure an advantageous PR deal with a clothing company that Zane is a fan of. Lines blur between agent and client the more Maddox gets to know the smart, talented, and family oriented Zane, making it nearly impossible for him stifle his feelings for the up and coming baseball star. He wants what he wants, his reputation be damned.
Good lord, the longing and emotional edging between these two!!! I'm not usually a fan of slow burns, but Turn Me On had me absolutely gagging for Zane and Maddox to finally tip over the edge and cross that line, and then had me screaming, "FRICKING FINALLY" when they did. I then became an anxious mess because how would they make this work without destroying one or both of their careers?! Zane and Maddox deserve the world, and I loved their HEA!
- sports romance
- instant attraction
- forbidden romance
While waiting to have dinner with his agent Vance, Zane locks eyes with a gorgeous man sitting alone at the hotel bar. From the moment he strikes up a conversation with him, all Zane can think about is taking this sexy suit home and ruining him for anyone else. Things don't go as planned when he learns that the man he's been flirting with works for his agent at CTM, and that he is Maddox's newest client.
Despite the instantaneous and electric chemistry, Maddox attempts to keep things as professional as possible while trying to secure an advantageous PR deal with a clothing company that Zane is a fan of. Lines blur between agent and client the more Maddox gets to know the smart, talented, and family oriented Zane, making it nearly impossible for him stifle his feelings for the up and coming baseball star. He wants what he wants, his reputation be damned.
Good lord, the longing and emotional edging between these two!!! I'm not usually a fan of slow burns, but Turn Me On had me absolutely gagging for Zane and Maddox to finally tip over the edge and cross that line, and then had me screaming, "FRICKING FINALLY" when they did. I then became an anxious mess because how would they make this work without destroying one or both of their careers?! Zane and Maddox deserve the world, and I loved their HEA!
March 30, 2023
Rating: 4 stars 🔥
First order of business: Ignore that cover. What the actual fuck. That "model" looks NOTHING like either of them, thankfully... no offense to that guy but he looks like a smarmy greaseball. For his sake I hope it was bad editing. No thanks. I'm glad I read this DESPITE that terrible cover.
Zane: Green eyes, dark hair, big muscular athletic stud.
And Maddox: Muscular, fit, whiskey colored eyes, soft wavy brown hair Zane loves to put his hands in.
Tell me how that cover reflects either of them. I'll wait.
...
...
...
Anyway on to the story.
The overall story and plot arc is sensible, has a good amount of tension, the conflict over their professional obligations was reasonable and was resolved in adult fashion. It was significant and needed to be handled for sure but didn't turn into an unnecessary drama fest. There were no idiotic great misunderstandings. 🍻Cheers Lauren Blakely, I cannot overstate how much I appreciate that! Even the family involvement and peripheral character activity was nicely balanced. Very refreshing to not have excessive family drama or a constant sales pitch for 86 other books in a series.
Both the way they met and the way the very relevant issues that make their relationship impossible as things stood were well handled. And their chemistry 🔥🔥 WOW. They are very VERY hot together 🥵. The tension was incredible especially while they were trying to keep their hands off one another and convince each other, and themselves, that they were going to be able to resist and talk themselves out of the attraction. HAHAHA-NO.
My only complaint is that I would have liked at least one more scene where Zane was topping the ever loving fuck out of Maddox because I'm greedy like that 🤷🏼♀️. SO much of the story was build-up and resistance (though the dirty talk and teasing during that time ... dayyyummm 👀) I wanted more!!
Their dynamic together was fantastic. The age difference was of significance but the way the younger man was the dominant partner really worked here. Maddox handled things for Zane outside the bedroom as Zane really needed him to do; Zane was confident and competent and very in control in the bedroom which hit every one of the buttons on Maddox's switchboard lol. Sometimes this trope doesn't work for me because it doesn't read as authentic but here it absolutely did and it was beautiful to behold.
Sometimes Zane really needed Maddox to be a reassuring mature presence in his life; sometimes Maddox really needed Zane to wrap him up and hold him and treasure him and give him an opportunity to relax. They both needed a partner they could deeply trust and it was beautiful to see them be that for each other ♥️
I also LOVED that while there was a sexual power dynamic, there was also this:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Side note: The pre-novella // main story publication structure was... odd? But whatever, it didn't negatively affect the story. Must have had something to do with the publishing order. I strongly suggest you read the pre-novella, it's important and sets the stage for their chemistry.
First order of business: Ignore that cover. What the actual fuck. That "model" looks NOTHING like either of them, thankfully... no offense to that guy but he looks like a smarmy greaseball. For his sake I hope it was bad editing. No thanks. I'm glad I read this DESPITE that terrible cover.
Zane: Green eyes, dark hair, big muscular athletic stud.
"Zane slides off the stool in one fluid move, rising to his full height and breadth - six-three and two hundred twenty pounds of Solid muscle. It's hard to knock in more than ninety runs a season without being a brick wall"Unhhh.... 🥵 Goddamn, yes pleeeassse.
And Maddox: Muscular, fit, whiskey colored eyes, soft wavy brown hair Zane loves to put his hands in.
Tell me how that cover reflects either of them. I'll wait.
...
...
...
Anyway on to the story.
The overall story and plot arc is sensible, has a good amount of tension, the conflict over their professional obligations was reasonable and was resolved in adult fashion. It was significant and needed to be handled for sure but didn't turn into an unnecessary drama fest. There were no idiotic great misunderstandings. 🍻Cheers Lauren Blakely, I cannot overstate how much I appreciate that! Even the family involvement and peripheral character activity was nicely balanced. Very refreshing to not have excessive family drama or a constant sales pitch for 86 other books in a series.
Both the way they met and the way the very relevant issues that make their relationship impossible as things stood were well handled. And their chemistry 🔥🔥 WOW. They are very VERY hot together 🥵. The tension was incredible especially while they were trying to keep their hands off one another and convince each other, and themselves, that they were going to be able to resist and talk themselves out of the attraction. HAHAHA-NO.
My only complaint is that I would have liked at least one more scene where Zane was topping the ever loving fuck out of Maddox because I'm greedy like that 🤷🏼♀️. SO much of the story was build-up and resistance (though the dirty talk and teasing during that time ... dayyyummm 👀) I wanted more!!
Their dynamic together was fantastic. The age difference was of significance but the way the younger man was the dominant partner really worked here. Maddox handled things for Zane outside the bedroom as Zane really needed him to do; Zane was confident and competent and very in control in the bedroom which hit every one of the buttons on Maddox's switchboard lol. Sometimes this trope doesn't work for me because it doesn't read as authentic but here it absolutely did and it was beautiful to behold.
Zane looks at me with expectant eyes. "So? That went well, right?" At times like this, Zane isn't the commanding man who wants to have his way with me in bed. He's the young star looking for me to guid him toward good decisions.
Sometimes Zane really needed Maddox to be a reassuring mature presence in his life; sometimes Maddox really needed Zane to wrap him up and hold him and treasure him and give him an opportunity to relax. They both needed a partner they could deeply trust and it was beautiful to see them be that for each other ♥️
I also LOVED that while there was a sexual power dynamic, there was also this:
There is no scene tonight. Just us in the dark, on my bed, me on my side and Zane spooning me. He's deep inside me, sliding my knee up to my chest. Wrapping an arm around my pecs, burying his face in my neck. Kissing and fucking.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Side note: The pre-novella // main story publication structure was... odd? But whatever, it didn't negatively affect the story. Must have had something to do with the publishing order. I strongly suggest you read the pre-novella, it's important and sets the stage for their chemistry.
October 19, 2025
Loved the Everest reference at the end. That mountain has a higher body count than most romances. And as for why I keep reading MM romances? Because they’re there.
May 1, 2023
Zane Archer, 25, an up-and-coming professional baseball player, I love baseball almost as much as I love my dick.. Zane is a likeable guy, a teamplayer but most of all his magnetism, his charisma, his intensity will reel you in.
Maddox LeGrand, 35, is fucking enchanted. when he meets Zane.
He is Zane's new agent and can not afford having an affair with his new client, but boy, he is in a load of trouble. As you can see, your honor, in the matter of Maddox LeGrande’s integrity versus Zane Archer’s determination to get me in bed, well, I’d like to plead temporarily too turned on to think straight.
While the two men try very hard to resist the attraction, temptation is harder to avoid. With the working relationship developing, Maddox and Zane scale the line trusting each other with their fantasies and dirty talk. And soon talk becomes action, and the two need to face the dire consequences.
But they both realise, at the end of the workday they want to come home and not to a house.
The story is told in dual POV, alternating between Zane and Maddox giving you insight in the struggles they face. Not only with how badly they want to be together, but also in their family lives.
There are a lot of names thrown around, with almost all having their own book, and it's hard to keep up with the author's sport scene.
ARC provided in exchange for a review by
While each book in the Winner Takes All Series can be read as a standalone, but to prevent previous plots and storylines to get spoiled, they are best enjoyed when read in order:
January 21, 2023
That was an aggressively average and lazy sports romance about a major league baseball player who falls for his agent. They have like great chemistry from the start and they spend a long time resisting each other but then give in to the inevitable. Then there’s like the requisite drama and ‘no, we can’t’, followed by the steamy reunion. But there’s like a huge leap from one hot night to falling hard for each other and wanting to be together forever. It felt super exaggerated? Also, much was made of how kinky one of the MCs is but this was not really explored other than being tied up with neck ties or whatever. It was lame. The characters were pretty bland, actually. I found myself skimming toward the end and having little investment in the two of them. I don’t want to turn this into a rant about MM these days but why is every story starting to feel the same?
November 25, 2022
I could explain in multiple ways why I felt this book was 5 stars, and it would start with the story, the humor and vulnerability from both Zane and Maddox but the main reason is, this book kept me up till past 2am needing to know how they solved their dilemma but also I woke this morning with a book hangover and thinking what are Maddox and Zane doing today. I love it when I fall so hard for the characters that I think they are real and I want to go hang out with them.
Zane Archer is making a name for himself as a ballplayer and now is the time to get some sponsorship deals and the best man to make that happen is Maddox LeGrande. He is a little older than Zane, and most of the times has a wise head on his shoulders but when it comes to this first baseman, he loses all control. There are rules in baseball as there are rules in being a lawyer and the most fundamental one is.....Do Not Sleep With Your Client - and there's no loopholes. But hey...rules are meant to be broken, right?!! Trying to find a way to be together will not be easy, and there will be some sacrifices, but Maddox is always thinking one or two steps ahead.
Out of these two characters, I couldn't tell you which one I loved more. They both have amazing values and loyalty is high on this list. Zane is close to his brother and niece and at some point I think he'd make an awesome father himself. Maddox is smart, like east coast Ivy League smart which Zane finds very attractive. There are other things Zane likes more about Maddox than himself but.....hmmm that's for you to discover. What I will say though, the long and the short of it all, this book has a beautiful love story with two men that know what they like and want, and have finally found the right man to trust and live out their fantasies. Make sure you go to the end of the book to click on the bonus epilogue, I mean, who doesn't want more of Maddox and Zane!
Zane Archer is making a name for himself as a ballplayer and now is the time to get some sponsorship deals and the best man to make that happen is Maddox LeGrande. He is a little older than Zane, and most of the times has a wise head on his shoulders but when it comes to this first baseman, he loses all control. There are rules in baseball as there are rules in being a lawyer and the most fundamental one is.....Do Not Sleep With Your Client - and there's no loopholes. But hey...rules are meant to be broken, right?!! Trying to find a way to be together will not be easy, and there will be some sacrifices, but Maddox is always thinking one or two steps ahead.
Out of these two characters, I couldn't tell you which one I loved more. They both have amazing values and loyalty is high on this list. Zane is close to his brother and niece and at some point I think he'd make an awesome father himself. Maddox is smart, like east coast Ivy League smart which Zane finds very attractive. There are other things Zane likes more about Maddox than himself but.....hmmm that's for you to discover. What I will say though, the long and the short of it all, this book has a beautiful love story with two men that know what they like and want, and have finally found the right man to trust and live out their fantasies. Make sure you go to the end of the book to click on the bonus epilogue, I mean, who doesn't want more of Maddox and Zane!
February 26, 2025
4/5⭐️ 4/5🌶️ 5/5🎧
——• MM sports romance 🏉
A baseball player and his agent
Damn this was a good book with another great story line which had me reading from start to finish. Maddox and Zane had incredible chemistry from day one and watching it unfold was too good. This had me chuckling throughout the whole thing and by the end of the book, I loved these two!
I love LB’s writing style and how good she is at storytelling because there is so much thoughtful content and really good humour throughout her books plus she knows how to pair the perfect due in the audiobooks. Having the right narrators can make or break a book and every pair in this series is a fucking banger!
If you can listen to the audiobook, it’s worth everything!! (The series audio pack includes all the prequels/short stories/extras👏🏼)
🎧: Teddy Hamilton & Jacob Morgan🔥
——• MM sports romance 🏉
A baseball player and his agent
Damn this was a good book with another great story line which had me reading from start to finish. Maddox and Zane had incredible chemistry from day one and watching it unfold was too good. This had me chuckling throughout the whole thing and by the end of the book, I loved these two!
I love LB’s writing style and how good she is at storytelling because there is so much thoughtful content and really good humour throughout her books plus she knows how to pair the perfect due in the audiobooks. Having the right narrators can make or break a book and every pair in this series is a fucking banger!
If you can listen to the audiobook, it’s worth everything!! (The series audio pack includes all the prequels/short stories/extras👏🏼)
🎧: Teddy Hamilton & Jacob Morgan🔥
December 16, 2022
5⭐️ 3.5🌶️
Lauren is definitely a top favorite author of 2022 for me. I have officially read all her MM books and they will all give you the feels, especially her audiobooks.
The banter and flirting was top notch! I really enjoyed Maddox and Zane. They way they would trader power was hot. I think it was more of a slow burn but I liked that they took a while to get together and ounce they did they were both all in and never really had a break which I liked.
One of the things that I love in romance books is when one gets hurt and the other has to go running, just gets me every time.
When the spice hits it’s always so, so good. That gym and shower scene….🥵🫠🔥
Lauren is definitely a top favorite author of 2022 for me. I have officially read all her MM books and they will all give you the feels, especially her audiobooks.
The banter and flirting was top notch! I really enjoyed Maddox and Zane. They way they would trader power was hot. I think it was more of a slow burn but I liked that they took a while to get together and ounce they did they were both all in and never really had a break which I liked.
One of the things that I love in romance books is when one gets hurt and the other has to go running, just gets me every time.
When the spice hits it’s always so, so good. That gym and shower scene….🥵🫠🔥
December 6, 2022
Really enjoyed this. And the hint of Ds was not only a very welcome surprise, but also really well done.
January 3, 2023
From steamy point of view this book was spot on. I really liked the way they were having sex without having sex so even though their "first time" occurred later in the book, our poor MCs didn't suffer, lol. I liked Zane as a character. He was goofy, understanding, forgiving and down to earth. Mad was shown as a workaholic who always strives to be the best agent. I liked that he was shown to face some difficulties so that he can achieve the required balance between professional and personal.
It was a good, light read overall. But some of the things were given importance without backing up the required story. Like his tattoo's back story was given its own importance while the actual reason was not that mention worthy. Similarly some of their dialogues, I felt were so dragging, there was no flow in them and looked like the author didn't know what to put there. It made things a bit cringy for me there. There weren't any substantial side character appearance as the book solely revolved around the 2 MCs.
It was a good, light read overall. But some of the things were given importance without backing up the required story. Like his tattoo's back story was given its own importance while the actual reason was not that mention worthy. Similarly some of their dialogues, I felt were so dragging, there was no flow in them and looked like the author didn't know what to put there. It made things a bit cringy for me there. There weren't any substantial side character appearance as the book solely revolved around the 2 MCs.
November 28, 2022
5 Star Review Turn me On (Winner Takes All #2) by Lauren Blakely
Lauren Blakely has delivered another wonderful MM story. I loved professional baseball player Zane Archer and sports agent Maddox LeGrande, who both ticked the boxes for me. The fact that a romance between them is off limits just added to the story line.
This was an entertaining, witty, smoking hot story that had me captivated from the first chapter. Turn Me On is a story with characters you cannot help but fall for and whose story drew me in.
There were moments where I laughed so much with the banter between them and their chemistry is intense. Individually these characters were awesome but together they were explosive.
I loved the connection between them, it was soul deep. Even though they know they should be off limits to one another and they tried so hard to ignore the attraction, they also knew that it was inevitable.
Their journey was at times emotional, with both struggling to try and do the right thing. I love that in Ms. Blakely’s books we often see some familiar characters make an appearance and that just added another layer to my enjoyment of Turn Me On.
Lauren Blakely has delivered another wonderful MM story. I loved professional baseball player Zane Archer and sports agent Maddox LeGrande, who both ticked the boxes for me. The fact that a romance between them is off limits just added to the story line.
This was an entertaining, witty, smoking hot story that had me captivated from the first chapter. Turn Me On is a story with characters you cannot help but fall for and whose story drew me in.
There were moments where I laughed so much with the banter between them and their chemistry is intense. Individually these characters were awesome but together they were explosive.
I loved the connection between them, it was soul deep. Even though they know they should be off limits to one another and they tried so hard to ignore the attraction, they also knew that it was inevitable.
Their journey was at times emotional, with both struggling to try and do the right thing. I love that in Ms. Blakely’s books we often see some familiar characters make an appearance and that just added another layer to my enjoyment of Turn Me On.
January 24, 2023
So Deliciously Good!
This book right here is now up there with Lauren’s Men of Summer series for me. It was that hot and epic. This book is strangers, to kinda friends, then forbidden lovers. It’s sexy, funny, and swoony! Don’t wait on it! The narrators for the audiobook are amazing as always!
This book right here is now up there with Lauren’s Men of Summer series for me. It was that hot and epic. This book is strangers, to kinda friends, then forbidden lovers. It’s sexy, funny, and swoony! Don’t wait on it! The narrators for the audiobook are amazing as always!
December 24, 2022
3.5 stars
May 18, 2023
Much better than the first book. Super hot and the characters actually had chemistry.
September 6, 2025
I love sports and I love M/M romance. Not sure why I don’t read more sports romance books. These books focus more on the relationship than sports, but I’m not mad about it. Super hot. Great characters. Relatable conflict that the author doesn’t drag out needlessly. Looking forward to reading more.
November 20, 2022
WOW! These guys are hot stuff together. From the first moment they made eye contact, there was a spark and sizzle, but it quickly led to the knowledge that they cannot act on it. And now their careers are tied together.
Zane Archer is a professional baseball player for the SF Dragons. He is cocky, charismatic, flirty, and energetic. He is a team player and works hard, but also wants to plan for his future. He likes being in control and pushing boundaries.
Maddox LeGrande is a smart and savvy go-getter sports agent and lawyer that just joined the firm that represents Zane and is tasked with swinging deals and sponsorships for him. He is sharp-dressed and sharp-tongued. He is good under pressure and fixing problems. He can be flirty and snarky, but also has an ethical compass that gets in his way.
These two know they need to resist their attraction. They try. But they have runaway thoughts and runaway body responses. Temptation is real. The forbidden nature and repercussions could be bad. They drive each other crazy. They share fantasies and dirty talk. The sexual tension just builds and builds. They are perfectly compatible in and out of the bedroom in the most imperfect of situations.
At the core of this story is their undeniable connection, understanding, and trust that allows them to be vulnerable and also share and act on their desires. They also have to trust that the other has their best interest at heart, but the situation they are in could damage them both. But it is more than the physical but also an emotional attachment that they cannot seem to stop no matter how they try. Their careers have been their priorities, but now they are being distracted by a man neither can seem to forget.
I loved these guys. They are so likable and have such fun, flirty, and dirty banter. They challenge but also support each other. They both have certain preferences and needs, but there are power exchanges and interesting dynamics. They are passionate and raw, but also intimate and protective. Their sexy scenes are intense and molten hot and just burn up the pages. They fit together so well in and out of the bedroom and are just what the other needs. But there are circumstances that seem hard to find a solution for without someone losing.
There are plenty of fun cameos from various parts of the LB universe and I love visiting with old friends while becoming intrigued by new ones.
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Zane Archer is a professional baseball player for the SF Dragons. He is cocky, charismatic, flirty, and energetic. He is a team player and works hard, but also wants to plan for his future. He likes being in control and pushing boundaries.
Maddox LeGrande is a smart and savvy go-getter sports agent and lawyer that just joined the firm that represents Zane and is tasked with swinging deals and sponsorships for him. He is sharp-dressed and sharp-tongued. He is good under pressure and fixing problems. He can be flirty and snarky, but also has an ethical compass that gets in his way.
These two know they need to resist their attraction. They try. But they have runaway thoughts and runaway body responses. Temptation is real. The forbidden nature and repercussions could be bad. They drive each other crazy. They share fantasies and dirty talk. The sexual tension just builds and builds. They are perfectly compatible in and out of the bedroom in the most imperfect of situations.
At the core of this story is their undeniable connection, understanding, and trust that allows them to be vulnerable and also share and act on their desires. They also have to trust that the other has their best interest at heart, but the situation they are in could damage them both. But it is more than the physical but also an emotional attachment that they cannot seem to stop no matter how they try. Their careers have been their priorities, but now they are being distracted by a man neither can seem to forget.
I loved these guys. They are so likable and have such fun, flirty, and dirty banter. They challenge but also support each other. They both have certain preferences and needs, but there are power exchanges and interesting dynamics. They are passionate and raw, but also intimate and protective. Their sexy scenes are intense and molten hot and just burn up the pages. They fit together so well in and out of the bedroom and are just what the other needs. But there are circumstances that seem hard to find a solution for without someone losing.
There are plenty of fun cameos from various parts of the LB universe and I love visiting with old friends while becoming intrigued by new ones.
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