Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  One Time Only

AUTHOR:  Lauren Blakely

PUBLISHER:  Hot Men Books

LENGTH:  406 pages

RELEASE DATE:  November 18, 2020

BLURB:

Ever hear the story about the bodyguard who falls for the rock star?
Yeah, it never ends well.
Each day I remind myself that it’s my job to protect Stone. And nowhere in the job description does it say  should lust after the charismatic, charming man.
Especially since we’re opposites.
But every night I spend with him the dangerous, off-limits attraction grows more intense. Until one night in a limo when we combust. One time only will have to be enough. One scorching, forbidden night. Because the mistakes from the past are chasing me. And if I give in again, I’ll lose everything. But sometimes you grab hold of the desire. And other times, the desire takes hold of you.
No matter the cost.

REVIEW:

Longing (noun): a strong desire or craving, especially for something unattainable 

One Time Only is a scrumptious love story about two men longing for each other, needing each other badly, but forbidden by their own codes of ethics from exploring their cravings. I came away from this book feeling deeply satisfied. You will be consumed by this story as these men set up house in your head and refuse to leave. 

Stone Zenith is a rock superstar, loved the world over for his music as well as his smoking hot image. Stoic and sexy Jackson Pearce is the bodyguard tasked with keeping Stone safe. They have a playful dynamic that makes this an entertaining reading experience. They spar, one sarcastic, the other deadpan, needling and goading each other like it’s verbal foreplay. They’re humorous and hot as hell, and both secretly lusting for the other.  

Stone has just one vice – sex is his indulgence of choice and he’s an equal opportunity enthusiast. “There are orgasms for everyone. We hand them out like Oprah tossing out keys to cars.” The problem is, Jackson’s been working for Stone for four months now, four long months of Stone keeping his hands and other body parts to himself, and he desperately wants to do more than just eye fuck Jackson. But Stone has rules about sex, and he won’t sleep with an employee or a straight guy, which he mistakenly thinks Jackson is. His internal monologue won’t quit, though: “The way he fits in his clothes. Those lucky fucking clothes.” Jackson is also struggling to keep his libido in check. The number one rule in his line of work is don’t fall for the client. He won’t jeopardize the job he loves, and he doesn’t do casual. So Stone and Jackson carry on as is, until they can’t stand it any longer and give in to the lust. For one time only. 

They kiss like it’s a competitive sport. They’re ravenous for each other. Have I mentioned that Lauren Blakely knows her way around the male body pretty darn well? My Kindle nearly melted from the combustion between these two sex gods. Once is never enough, so the sexcapades continue. But, they both catch feelings and are separately, secretly, way over their heads in what is becoming much more than just sex. 

“You don’t let a second chance at love pass you by. And not just any love. But big love. Epic love. Love that touches your mind, body, and heart.” 

One Time Only is heavy on the sexy times, which work well within the context of the plot. It’s never disproportionate and every titillating scene enhances the story as it strengthens Stone and Jackson’s emotional bond. What sets Ms. Blakely’s MM books apart – making the passion intense and engrossing the reader – is the time her characters spend getting to know each other on page. It gives a depth and permanence to the relationship, and makes falling in love more believable. It sounds basic, but it’s a distinction many authors fail to achieve. 

One of the best lines in the book: “Another Epilogue”. Anyone who’s a regular reader of my reviews knows that I’m all about the epilogue. How can it be a true happily ever after without a peek into the future? But not only do we get a fab epi, Blakely gives us two, spanning more than three and a half years! Believe me, there’s no doubt about the HEA by the end. I’ve seen this from her before and I truly hope it’s her norm. The epi also sets up Blakely’s next MM novel, Scoring With Him, and following the book is a brief excerpt. Sounds like another winner. 

One Time Only is MM romance at its best: compelling storytelling, characters you’ll adore and grow attached to, lots of steam and lots of love. It’s not necessary, but I do recommend reading the free prequel novella, Maybe This Time, before reading One Time Only. It’s a quick read that gives us a glimpse into how Stone and Jackson meet and it’s fantastic, too. My highest recommendation goes to both of these books.  

“We were never going to be one time only,” I say when I break the kiss. 
Stone gives me a lopsided grin. “I know.” 

RATING: 

BUY LINKS: 

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