Hands down, my favorite thing in the world is to score. Touchdowns.
Don't let the fact that I'm the leading pick in the Most Valuable Playboy charity auction fool you. These days, I'm only a player on the field. I've kept my pants zipped all season long — and it has been long — because nothing's more important than leading my team to victory every week. Except maybe escaping from the team owner's recently-widowed and handsy-as-hell sister who's dead set on winning more than a date with me.
Enter Violet and a well-placed Hail Mary.
She's my best friend's sister with a smile as sweet as cherry pie and a mind that runs quicker than the 40-yard-dash. After Violet saves the day with the highest bid, I don't even give her a two-minute warning before I kiss her in front of the whole crowd and then announce that she's my girlfriend. Which would be fine except my agent tells me we've got to keep up the act while he's negotiating my contract.
What happens next when faking it starts to feel all too real?
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.
Most Valuable Playboy is one hell of a valuable story that will keep you swooning, smiling and begging for your own playboy. Cooper is ready to be auctioned off to help raise money for charity until the one woman bidding on him turns out to be the one woman he's been doing his best to avoid. When Violet tries to help him out by bidding on him and winning him over, what turns out to be a helpful task turns into something nobody saw coming.
When Cooper needs Violet to him keep up the charade to help his chances for his contract renegotiations, will things stay strictly friendly between them or will sparks fly? What I loved most is that Violet is one of those girls you can see yourself being close friends with. She's a no non-sense kind of girl but she's also beautiful, smart and a great catch...if someone is smart enough to try and catch her....
I could not wait to dive into this story! The blurb and the cover definitely caught my attention but once I started, I COULD NOT STOP! This story is witty, flirty and so addictive!!! This is the perfect story and the characters to make you smile big and leave your heart full from start to finish. It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Ms. Blakely, she always knocks my socks off with these steamy stories. I always find myself counting down the days until I get to read a new story by Ms. Blakely that is guaranteed to keep me smiling and swooning for days. 5 sexy and swoony stars!!!
Another winner from the fabulous Lauren Blakely! Most Valuable Playboy is sexy, flirty, sweet, and funny! All the things I look for when I pick up a book. Add in the best-friends-sister-fake-romance-turns-real goodness and WINNER! Is this where I break out my pom-poms from High School and do a victory dance because Lauren scores a Touchdown with MVP?! You bet your sweet ass it is!
I can’t wait to see what Lauren gives us from the rest of the Renegade crew!
I learned a long time ago that Lauren Blakely can write any hero. Any romance story. Any subject matter. And every time I read one of her books, I say 'wow, she can write anything.' And she's giving us another football romance to add to her list of goodness. Most Valuable Playboy is Lauren's newest gem. It's a new story, a new set of characters and a fun plot! I'm in love with Lauren's series' and I long to discover how she always puts in little connections throughout all her books. But, I also loved reading these new, fresh, exciting characters. I loved learning things about people we haven't met yet. People I loved from the first page and already want more of. As always, we are entertained with her outstanding writing, humor, sexiness, sarcasm, friendship and just all around fun! I only stopped smiling to fan myself. Cooper is the sexy starting quarterback and Violet owns a salon. They have been friends since they were kids. Violet is Cooper's best friend's sister. There has always been a connection, a mutual caring and respect. They've always laughed together and been there for each other in good and bad. I love a good friends to lovers story and this one is fantastic. There's a sizzling between them from the very start. It's just under the surface ready to overflow as soon as they touch. When a sweet Hail Mary pass by Violet saves Cooper, she just holds on for the ride when he kisses her. Cooper didn't expect the sparks when their lips touched. This is Violet. His friend. His best friend's sister. Sure, she's gorgeous and funny and talented. But she's Violet. Yes, she's Violet. When the kiss turns into a declaration that she's his girlfriend, it turns into the greatest opportunity. A well placed pump fake can make all the difference in the game. And this is a game, right? What happens when the pretend kisses turn into more. When the touches ignite that fire again? Can Cooper do The Drive and get the girl or get sacked in the end zone? I loved this story! I love football. I love romance. I love Lauren. This is the trifecta for me!
“You forgot I can tackle,” I say, tugging her under me on the couch. “I don’t just throw. I can tackle, and pin you, and keep you.”
Honestly, if there’s a sexier sight than her in my bed wearing my number, I won’t believe it.
“Vi, baby. It’s never been like this.” “I know.” Her voice sounds as if it’s breaking. I thrust, and a shudder wracks my whole damn body. “Never.”
There are certain authors I drop everything for and Lauren Blakely is one of them.
Then when you beg plead and almost sell your kidney for her next book and she actually gives it to you. YOU SCREAM OUT LOUD WHILE IN THE GROCERY STORE
So then I curl up in bed and get lost in the world that only Lauren can create for me. A world of laughter, A world of giggles and especially a world of swoon.
The whole time I was reading this I swear the smile never left my face, the butterflies in my stomach never ever stopped I just couldn't wait for these two to actually just GET IT ON!
SHe's his best friend little sister.
She's been in love with him since before she can remember
They need to pretend to be boyfriend and girlfriend
He's also taken a vow of chastity
All this going on you know that you won't be able to put this book down till the last page and that is exactly what I did.
Lauren once again nailed it with this one. I feel in love with their friendship. I fell in love with their banter. I fell in love with their need for each other and most of all I fell in love with both of them.
For Lauren I will come out of retirement each and every time
And we have another winner with Most Valuable Playboy! Fake relationship+Childhood friends+Friends to Lovers= Swoon. I loved the characters, adored their banter, and just about died at the teasing, flirting, and sexy interludes. I’m a happy, happy girl.
Cooper Armstrong is finally the first-string Quarterback on the Renegades, his football team that’s having a winning streak, and he’s 100% focused on staying that way. He and his closest friends on the team made a pack to follow the superstitions they believe is helping them win, and whether he believed in superstitions or not, there’s no harm in doing it. Cooper’s superstitious practice? Staying celibate for the whole season.
When the team's yearly bachelor auction for charity arrives, Cooper's previous reputation as 'Most Valuable Playboy' has come to bite him in the butt. After having heard of the previous winners' past experience with Cooper, The Renegades' owner's sister wants to bid for him and make the most of every penny she'll spend on him.
Fortunately for Cooper, hair stylist Violet Pierson, his childhood friend, is there to save the day and bid against the woman, with his permission to use as much of his money it would take to win him over. What started out as a simple cop-out turned into something so much more when they had to pretend to be in a relationship. The night ends with a mind blowing kiss on stage in front of the whole audience.
Instead of ending the ruse that night, they both realize the relationship would benefit them both—Violet's salon has had a boom in new clients since their 'relationship' has gone public, and his manager thinks it would help his reputation for when the team considers renewing his contract.
But what starts out as pretend turns into so much more when they feel the attraction they've always ignored when they were younger.
This book made me so happy! It's a light read with amazing banter and a sizzling slow burn that made me hold on to each page, each word, and each dialogue between Cooper and Violet. Their friendship and the sexual tension between them leaps off the page, having been written so vividly by Ms. Blakely.
We have two lovable characters who are both dedicated to their professions. Cooper is 100% focused on his goals and his team. Violet is admirable in her successful business, confidence, and kind personality. Their chemistry is sizzling, their banter fantastic (it made me grin so much!), and their friendship solid.
And it's not just the main characters I loved! I'm not even exaggerating when I say I loved every single character in this story. Cooper's mom, Violet's sister, Cooper's teammates, his publicist. They're all amazing without looking two-dimensional. Although the story is focused on Cooper and Violet's romance, Ms. Blakely still managed to give life to these characters. I hope she writes more about the other members of the Renegades.
If you enjoy hilarious sports romance with a side of fake relationship and the childhood friends trope, Most Valuable Playboy is for you.
Tropes: Fake Relationship, Childhood Friends, Friends to Lovers, Brother's Best Friend, Sports—American Football POV: First Person, Male POV Standalone: Yes
5 Swoon Worthy Cooper Armstrong Stars * * * * * Spoiler Free-It's Live!!! Oh, this Book... and Oh, this Man...and what Lauren Blakely gives us is just the best! Yes, there is a story and troupe of the pretend girlfriend who is the little sister of Cooper's best friend...And yes, there is the confusion of whether the both of them are pretending or actually feeling it...
But Oh, My...the beauty of how these two connect and what takes place between them...is something that rarely happens. It is the Glory of Kissing...
Yes, Kissing...
For Anyone who loves great smooches knows.... Kissing is an Art Form... And when done well.... There is nothing better... Well, almost nothing better...
This is a tale which has so much going for it.
Is it a heavy emotional read... Is it something which will cause you to ponder why are we here on Earth... Or what is the meaning of life...
No it won't... But what it will do is make you extraordinarily happy.
You will meet Quarterback Cooper Armstrong and all of his teammates. They are in a winning season, leading up to making the playoffs for the Super Bowl. We have four guys who are so in tuned, they have sworn to keep their individual superstitions going since that winning streak started months ago. They will hold strong and do all of the rituals until they are in the play-offs or in the Super Bowl.
Ah, Athletes and their superstitions...
Cooper Armstrong's deal was not engaging in any...sex. Yup, he decided he wasn't going to do any hanky panky for the entire season... This was his first season off the bench and he was not going to let any distraction ruin his chances of being re-signed by his team.
Things were going just fine until the night of a charity auction when it became apparent the team's owner's sister had other plans. She brought her checkbook and planned to win this specimen of man meat and take a bite.
Cooper sees the writing on the wall and has to figure out how to escape this very tricky situation because the woman has the ear of her brother who will make the decision of whether he stays or is traded.
So how not to be won by her....
Violet Pierson has known Cooper since second grade. He moved into her neighborhood and became her brother's best friend. Over the years he has been there for her many times.... but always as her "pal". They had a banter friendship and joked all the time. Everything was always good between them.
He went onto fulfilling his dream of playing pro football and she became this amazing Salon Owner. All of them; brother, sister and Cooper remained very close friends.
As his hairstylist, Violet was behind the scenes before the auction... and when Cooper begins to look really uncomfortable when this woman bids a huge number thinking this was a done deal...Violet reads the signs and saves the day...
What was supposed to have been an easy save ...Turns out to be the story of the auction and becomes the Romance of the City. Both Violet and Cooper have to play this game of their being a couple...and both agree to pretend...
But Who is Really Pretending... Because when kisses happen for show...the world around them disappears when lips touch...
I am not going to go any further...But I will say this.... Blakely writes some of the best scenes between these two.... They are two people who want each other...
They are sweet... They are sensual... They can be Very Naughty... And when they finally get together "For Real" Again...Oh, My.
There are other characters to love... Cooper's relationship with his mom is wonderful. The brotherhood between the players feels real and we get a peek at the next book and who it will be about. The humor and insight of how men think is terrific. As a start of a new series... it has all of the elements of a winner to me.
So, Blakely, please write faster...because I have ordered my football jersey for this Renegades Team.
P.S. If you love football, all of the sports scenes made sense to me and gave a true flavor of what these men and women experience.
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~~ Oh, Happy Joy, Joy... Love When Surprises Happen... Now just need to multiple the hours in the day... ●•●•●•●•●•●•●• December 20, 2016 Guess who is dipping her manicured toes into Sports Romance... Lauren Blakely, that's who...
And with her talent for screaming hot men... This Quarterback has all the moves...
It is only Natural He would be the...
Most Valuable Playboy-July 2017
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
In Most Valuable Playboy Lauren Blakely has taken on a sports theme. Let me tell you this book is remarkable. Not only do you get a glimpse of big league football, you also get the love story of Cooper and Violet.
Coop, the pro football quarterback, and Violet, the owner of a hair salon, agree to a pretend relationship. This relationship is mutually beneficial but during this time they realize their feelings covering a period of twenty years run quite deep. But, they don't think the other feels the same.
Lauren tells this story with so much heart. While Coop and Violet capture your heart. Funny? Oh yes! Hot? Oh yes! There are times I laughed out loud. While other parts had me oohing and ahhing over Coop. Please read this book. Coop and Violet will become your favorites too!
I swear Lauren Blakely has a playbook for how to make a reader fall in love with her books. It's full of little x's and o's, one liners and sexy scenarios guaranteed to have a reader laughing, sighing, and swooning-often all at once. Most Valuable Playboy is the perfect example of why her playbook works. If there was a Super Bowl for authors I'd wager Lauren Blakely would be in the game-and win the coveted most valuable author tropy-every single time. This book shows again why this author is my favorite and an automatic one click author for me.
Most Valuable Playboy is hands down one of the best sports romances I've ever read. It's also one of my favorite friends to lovers books-and I love the fact that it's also a best friend's little sister romance. I have a weakness for those, I'll admit it. But nobody writes friends to lovers like this author. I can't forget that it's also a fake relationship book as well and that was a fun touch as well.
Violet is a sassy and sweet heroine. From the moment we're introduced to her in the book I was smiling. She's funny, loyal, and strong. I snorted at her jokes, I'm not going to lie. I loved her faith in Cooper, and I loved how well she understood him. That's the beauty of a good friends to lovers book; they already know what makes each other tick but they have to learn to apply what they already know to a different kind of relationship. Violet is the kind of woman I want to be friends with-and I'd love to have her style my hair!
I fell hard and fast for Cooper Armstrong. He bumped more than a few people down on my Blakely Book Boyfriend list (yes, I actually have a ranking of book boyfriends from this author). This sexy, smart, sweet, and dirty talking quarterback? Mine. He's the total package when it comes to book boyfriend material. I loved his humor, his heart. I loved seeing how he treated the people in his life-from his mom, to his best friend, to his teammates, and most of all Violet. Watching him figure out this new relationship was so much fun-especially since he was also learning to figure out his new role as team leader on the field at the same time. This quarterback definitely won my heart.
The relationship between Cooper and Violet progresses at a perfect pace. Again, they're friends so they already know things about one another, they already have a connection. But when that connection starts to become something more? The chemistry just crackles off the page. Their first kiss had me sighing for sure. I liked the twist their sexy times took (I'm not spoiling that) and I think it totally worked for them. Cooper's dirty talking game was matched in Violet, no doubt, and these two just melted my kindle.
The supporting cast of characters in this book are fantastic. They are clever, fun, and had me giggling throughout the book. They add layers to Violet and Cooper, showing the depth of them and their feelings. I would LOVE the chance to go to a karaoke bar with this group of people and just hang out. Lauren Blakely has a way with these secondary characters-they never overwhelm the story. They highlight Cooper and Violet perfectly and I would love to see some of them get the chance to tell their own story-especially since I bet Cooper and Violet would be mentioned in those books.
The plot of this book is fresh and fun. It's believable. The writing is strong as always, and I loved the banter between the characters. There are some Easter eggs in this book that had me smiling as a Lauren Blakely fan. You certainly don't have to be a football fan to enjoy this book but it was a bonus to me since I love the game and love quarterbacks. If you ARE a football fan you won't be disappointed-this author has done her research! Most Valuable Playboy is a standalone book told from Cooper's point of view, though we do get some insight into Violet's thoughts in a fun way in some spots of the story. I loved the epilogue of this story as well-I thought it was so perfectly THEM.
If I could rate this book more than 5 stars I would in a heartbeat. This friends to lovers (and fake relationship) sports romance had me smiling, sighing and cheering. This is a book I'll come back to over and over and reminds me why Lauren Blakely is my favorite author. Get ready to break out your pom poms (or brush up on your touchdown dance) and cheer for Cooper and Violet. I highly recommend this book!
*** I received an advanced copy and chose to review it *** *** 100% spoiler-free review ** ** 5 Touchdown Stars
Miss Blakely has run it into the end zone and scored a touchdown of epic proportions with Most Valuable Playboy! It is the perfect friends-to-lovers rom-com from one of the Queens of the genre. It is entertaining and fun, the characters are endearing and lovable and the story is both sweet and sinfully sexy. As with her recent rom-coms, Blakely writes this book completely from the hero's point of view and that is something that I absolutely adore! It's fresh, fun and unique.
Blakely keeps writing heroes that I can't help but fall in love with. Each one is better than the next and I just can't choose a favorite. With each new story, I find a new man to love. With that being said....move over former Blakely book boyfriends, because there's a new hunk in town and his name is Cooper Armstrong. What makes him top notch you ask? Well how's this for his impressive resume: 1. He's a professional football player--a Quarterback to be exact. An arm that can launch a pass down field with precision accuracy and a body built like a Temple where I most certainly want to worship. 2. He loves to donate time and money to children's charities and worthwhile causes. Generous? Yup! Great with kids? Oooooh yeah! cue ovary explosion 3. He's loyal to his friends and family and will do anything to make them happy. 4. He's cocky yet completely humble (which is no easy feat). 5. He's gorgeous and sexy, natch. 5. He's an alpha male with a dirty, filthy mouth. (Yes, please!) And, so on and so on and so on......Basically, he's the MVP of my dreams!
Violet Pierson is the girl next door....she and Cooper grew up together. Her older brother, Trent, is Cooper's best friend. Yup, cue the "forbidden romance" music! I love Violet's character--she's strong, independent, feisty, a successful business owner, sexy and adorably fun. Her banter with Cooper is very entertaining. These two have a friendship that is truly one-of-a-kind. They support one another so pretending to be boyfriend-girlfriend is easy and natural. Well, maybe not soooooo easy. Because what comes next is sparks....flames....fireworks! These two passionate individuals ignite and the fire cannot be contained.
Blakely did her research on football and contract negotiations and her knowledge truly shows. The technical details are spot on and easy to understand, even for this novice football fan. It doesn't matter if you are not a sports enthusiast, because you can't help but fall in love with this sexy quarterback and his perfect match. With a happily ever after ending to make you swoon, this is one friends-to-lovers stories you do NOT want to miss!
Okay so this combines Lauren Blakely and football--destined to be a win-win! I fell for these characters and was totally charmed by their story.
Cooper Armstrong is used to being patient and waiting for what he wants. He got a great NFL rookie contract with the Renegades, But has spent the past three years as a glorified bench warmer. The only place where he has ranked above their starting quarterback is with money brought in at the Playboy Auction for charity. In the past, he has been a player, but this is his season to shine on the field. So he has kept his pants zipped and is focusing on his game to the exclusion of any extra-curricular bedroom activities. He and his teammates are superstitious and he is willing to sacrifice his physical needs for the chance at winning and proving himself. His ability to sign a new contract depends on it.
But he is charming, handsome, funny, and will be auctioned off again this year to the highest bidder. But one woman who plans to win him does not care about his focus, streak, or vow of celibacy. And her closeness to team management brings its own set of complications. Just when he needs a Hail Mary, he is saved by Violet Pierson. He's known her twenty years as she is his best friend's little sister. She steps in to help out, but ends up with more attention than she bargained for. Their fake play leads to a fake relationship. They are quickly labeled as a couple and then due to various reasons in their lives cannot unravel the lie without risking complications.
And all of a sudden Cooper is having inappropriate thoughts and rogue bodily reactions to the girl who he has always thought of as off limits. Their little lie takes on a life of its own and they have to perpetuate it for awhile to avoid fall-out.
This is told exclusively from Cooper's unfiltered male point of view. I loved getting into his mind and seeing all his scattered thoughts--confusion, conflict, surprise, and insecurities about his growing reactions and feelings for Violet. And the poor clueless quarterback has no idea what play she is running. She is good at keeping her own feelings to herself so he has no idea what if anything she is really feeling. Fake? Real? Neither knows where the other one stands.
I adored these two together. They were friends. They had history. The had complementary senses of humor. They could be sweet, flirty, funny, and even dirty. Their surprising initial kiss leads to more practice, passion, embraces, and temptation. Their reactions are hot, intense, and oh-so-not-allowed in his situation. Not only are they pretending for those around them, but he's also having to pretend with her that he is not falling fast and hard until he can figure out where she stands.
Cooper is not just a hot jock. He is trying to be a leader and a man of integrity so his lies weigh heavily on him. He has to figure out how to salvage the situation with the least amount of damage. He is confident, cocky and funny, but also vulnerable, insecure, and has a big heart. He is loyal, thoughtful, and worried about how his choices affect others. I just absolutely adored him!
Violet is a great match for him. She is sassy, fun, loves football, and understands his motivations. But she has a hard time believing he would ever really fall for her. So her own fears and insecurities keep her grounded. Their passion and need for each other just seems to keep growing. But they also have a lot of missed opportunities and don't always manage to communicate the important things.
This is a delightful, swoony, passionate, humorous, sports romance with a combination of fake relationship-forbidden-best-friend's-sister-and friends-to-lovers romance all mixed in. Cooper is a likable hero and narrator, and he is not afraid to admit his faults of feelings at least to himself. But he is under a lot of pressure and he has a lot to lose. This is also his personal journey as the tries to fulfill his potential and embrace his role as a leader, while also finding balance.
I got attached to the side characters as well and hope this is the start of a new series surrounding this team. The wide receiver, Jones, the running back, Harlan, and the kicker, Rick are all dynamic characters that added humor and support. I loved their camaraderie and teasing. Her brother (his best friend) Trent and his wife, Holly, the team staff, and his animated agent, Ford were also were important to the story. There were a couple of people with questionable motivations and I was anxious to see how that would all play out.
This book is so much fun and so full of feels. Another total winner by Lauren Blakely! I loved every bit of it! Even though this story is full and gave me everything I needed, I already want more in this Renegade world and with these other characters. Please give us more Jones and Harlan!
What can I say about this book, true love at it's best! Another couple that Lauren makes your favorite! Cooper and Violet won my heart in the "fake" play as she save's him from the hands of Maxine the team owners recently widowed sister, at the charity auction. Can what they started as make believe turn real? Will Cooper find room in his heart for her and football? Will Violet be able to keep her heart in tact since she's loved him for so long? Will he unknowingly hurt her? OMG you have to read this one by Lauren to find out! 5+++++++++ stars as she once again made me laugh, swoon, and just fall in love with these two characters!! My heart is exploding with all her characters filling it in!!! Great story Lauren!!!
You know who I adore? Lauren Blakely. The fact that each new book she releases is just as amazing (if not better) than the last never ceases to amaze me. What makes it even better is that she writes books that I LOVE to read: sweet, sexy, and swoon-worthy romances that are impossible to put down once you get started. Her latest release, Most Valuable Playboy, is another must-read, cleverly combining several of my favorite tropes into one immensely entertaining story that somehow manages to be both ridiculously adorable and jaw-droppingly erotic. Fair warning for when you read Most Valuable Playboy: cheeks will be set aflame, ovaries will explode, and you'll have a newfound appreciation for the sport of football (or at least a certain fictional quarterback).
Told through an all-male POV that gives the book a lighthearted, playful feel, Most Valuable Playboy is a story about two friends who blur the line between friendship and something more when a mutually beneficial arrangement takes their relationship to a more intimate level. After finally getting the chance to be the starting quarterback for his professional football team, Cooper Armstrong is determined to finish the season with a winning record and secure his place on the team. To do so, he needs a bit of assistance from Violet Pierson, his best friend’s younger sister and new pretend girlfriend. The only thing is…the feelings that start to develop between them aren’t exactly pretend.
From the characters to the storyline to the writing, everything about Most Valuable Playboy is insanely addictive. We have Cooper, a hero who’s the textbook definition of a dreamboat – genuinely kind, gentlemanly, and confident without being overly cocky. Then we have our heroine, Violet, who’s effortlessly cool, funny, and witty. Together, they have an easygoing, flirty banter along with off-the-charts chemistry. The combination results in several pretty darn steamy love scenes filled with dirty talk. So. Much. Dirty talk. *sighs*
What I love most about Most Valuable Playboy is that it encompasses the best of all the tropes it references: the forbidden feel of the best friend's little sister relationship, the intimate, relaxed familiarity of being friends before lovers, and that pulse-pounding anticipation of the moment when a pretend romance has the potential to develop into something real. It's a heart-meltingly sweet, slow-burning romance with plenty of steam that'll have you alternating between giggling like a schoolgirl and fanning your flushed cheeks. Most importantly, it’s the start of a new series following the men of the Renegades football team, which means a new cast of characters to fall head over heels in love with and being introduced to new faces in the hopes that they'll be next in line to get their happy ending.
*complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review
Most Valuable Playboy is the newest Read from Lauren Blakely and Once Again it it's a Read not to be missed. We meet Cooper Armstrong the newest starting Quarterback for the San Francisco Renegades, A Playboy in his own right, but also a great son, great friend and a fantastic teammate. Violet Pierson is a young woman who owns her own hair salon but is also a great sister, a great friend who is there when she is needed to help out someone in a Jam. Cooper & Violet have known each other for many years, friends always helping each other out when is needed but when one event can turn both their lives upside down you can't help but want to sit back and see how it all plays out. With each turn of the page you will see how wonderful Lauren can write the male POV so flawlessly that you will think you know just how Cooper is thinking the whole way through the book. You will see many different kinds of emotions while reading, Angst, loyalty, trust, lust, maybe even love but the the one thing you will definitely feel is happy when your done reading Cooper & Violet's story
OMG this is the most EPIC story with the most EPIC thing...but I can't say what the EPIC thing is cuz you have to read about it...I mean it made the book!!! It made all the other things 100% more better (I know that is not proper wording...more better, but that is what reading a Lauren Blakely book will do to you...it makes you talk gibberish) I can't even with the super sexy, dirty, effing hot intensity that was going on in this book!!!! Cooper has the restraint of a Saint...I mean who the eff thought that Cooper could be so creative? I know I did't and I will tell you...I would allow that man to go to town on my whenever the hell he wanted...he could do things with his hands, tongue, and mouth that would have me blushing! Violet is a lucky duck...she is smart, sexy, sassy, and ready to play! She loves her some Cooper, football, and fun print undies. When these two agree to help each other out they really end up playing a much different game from the one they agreed upon. I mean Cooper is so adorably cute and sexy who can blame a gal. The way he controls her body, the way his kisses short circuit her brain...I mean he totally takes her to the End Zone! I would not mind hittin' up his End Zone (winky face emoji)! #FullEnchilada #TVTongue #Peaches #HandHolding #WeirdKisses #PlayBoy #Moaner #Giraffes #MyViolet
Just in time for football season, here comes a great story of a QB, and his best friend's sister.
I absolutely loved this friends to lovers tale. As is her M.O., Lauren gives you the sweet with quite a bit of dirty (wink!). Cooper is an all around good guy, but in addition to leading his team hopefully into the playoffs, he's worried about his impending contract end/renewal. He's got family, friends, and teammates depending on him to keep it cool, but Cooper's working overtime to keep everything balanced.
When Violet (Cooper's best friend's sister) helps him out at a charity auction, she ends up kind of not denying she's Cooper's girlfriend. Violet has known Cooper since she was in elementary school, and they've been good friends ever since. In order to help her brother's buddy out of a sticky situation, Violet agrees to pretend to be his girlfriend. They both do a great job pretending, until they're not, and that's when the fun starts.
No spoilers, but I devoured this story--not surprising w/LB books. The story was happy, funny, so sexy, and there's football! Five stars!!
It’s kinda lame to complain about the storyline, which was actually clear from the blurb.
But they can play friends-to-lovers in many different ways.
I hoped these two had no feelings for each other, above all the heroine; so they were friends an no one was hurt. Unfortunately it wasn’t a case.
He slept around with OWs, enjoyed his playboy-life and she had a crush on him since forever. She wasn’t a virgin and I assume had a couple of bfs, but she definitely had a major crush on her brother's friend and had to witness his playboy ways.
Fortunately for me the book was written fully from his POV, so I didn’t have to suffer through her drooling and ogling; her revelation to love him since the 2nd grade was more than enough.
Every time I read such plot, I think about a long line – long line of women waiting and wanting to get the same thing.
She is standing in this line, watching other girls touch, maybe even try on, the thing she desperately wants – she waits and watches, waits and watches…. And then it’s her turn… finally… would she look back to check if there is the next one in this line after her?...
I can’t connect to such female protagonists. It’s beyond my understanding how a woman could be with a man he saw with many OWs.
His character wasn’t any better for me. I didn’t expect much depth, but I was still a bit shocked…
Why did he want her now? What changed? Why now and not years ago?
In order to focus on the game he took the vow of chastity… He wasn’t with any other woman for months and it led to him seeing his female friend as a woman. True love?
I call it blue balls eye opening effect.
I guess it was cool he told her he fell for her years ago, coz it makes this only better – he slept with many OWs being secretly and unaware in love with the heroine.
I couldn't connect, maybe you can?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ladies, if you like football, very steamy love scenes, strong characters with tons of depth then you will love Most Valuable Playboy by Lauren Blakely. Previously MVPlayboy was released in 2018. Lauren has recently updated the storyline a bit and re-recorded the audio in DUET narration. Cooper and Violet are two people who have known each other since she was in second grade but in her own words she thought 'boys were yucky" at that time. Love that line!! Violet comes to the rescue for her brother's best friend at a charity auction. During the course of the charity event Cooper and Violet start/confirm a "pretend" relationship. The "pretend" relationship easily and slowly begins to move into a "real" relationship the more time that Cooper and Violet spend together. Lauren Blakely stays true to her ability to write strong characters, both hero/heroine. Cooper is the quarterback for the local pro-football team who just happens to be super swoon worthy, has a heart of gold, and of course a dirty-talker in the bedroom(requirement for a Blakely Boy). Violet is super sweet, strong, confident, and pretty funny too. I found myself smiling at how many funny moments I found in this story. Totally amazed at how Lauren Blakely keeps up the pace of great stories time after time. Now, let’s talk about this new recording of Cooper and Violet’s story with Jason Clarke and Andi Arndt bringing these characters to life. Wow, do these narrators ever bring their “A” game to this one!! I did not remember Cooper being such a dirty-talker!! I swear, Jason Clarke gets better with every story I listen to that is narrated by him!! If you are looking for a sports romance with an amazingly hot quarterback and a voice to go with the HOT bod then listen to Jason Clarke bring Cooper Armstrong to life in your ears. The majority of this story is from Cooper’s POV. We hear plenty of Violet from Andi Arndt thanks to the fact that this is a duet narration. Andi Arndt is one of my most favorite female narrators EVER!! Her passion for her character is so on point!! These two are awesome together!! If you are looking for a storyline with strength, heart, confidence, dirty-talk, heat, and a fun escape of pure entertainment you will never go wrong with a book from Lauren Blakely but most especially with Most Valuable Playboy!
Lauren Blakely knows I have a favorite Blakely Boy, but she keeps trying to make me love a different one with every book she puts out. Cooper is freaking AMAZING, and heart-stoppingly swoony. How could I not have fallen a little in love with him? And Violet? Simply put, she's a great heroine. Add in that it's a sports romance (my favorite), and I can honestly say I was hooked from the first page! Read it, and fall in love all over again with Lauren's way of writing a sweet and HOT romance!
Most Valuable Playboy Oh my goodness I am now in love with football quarterbacks. Cooper is going to melt your heart and soak your panties. Lauren Blakely takes us on a journey of friends who have known each other since elementary school and brings us to the present where they each need the other's help by having a "fake relationship". There are no spoilers here, I hate when reviews tell me the entire story. If you read this author's books you know how good this book is without me having to say it, if you have not read her books, START NOW. I can't express how great all her books are, and this is one of my all-time favorites. I have fallen in love with Cooper and Violet. Both characters are so likable you will get wrapped up in their story. This is a book about a football quarterback but it's not a book about football per se except it does give us a glimpse into the inter-workings of contracts and players and owners and the behind-the-scenes game that has to be played. This like most of LB's other books is a standalone with no cliffhanger which we all hate. It is a page-turner; I couldn't put it down. You are going to LOVE it, if I could give it 10 stars I would because it is so far past 5.
Now add to all that and LB revised this original book and had Jason Clarke and Andi Arndt narrate it in duet. They were both perfect for Cooper and Violet, and it was amazing to listen to. I read the original version of this book back in 2017 when it was originally released and now have listened to the revised version and this is still one of my all-time favorites.
Most Valuable Playboy was another stunner from New York Times Bestselling Author Lauren Blakely! By the end of the first sentence on the first page I found myself already falling for the charms of one Cooper Armstrong!!
Cooper’s been warming the bench for three years while with the Renegades. When the team’s starting quarterback finally retires, it’s Cooper’s time to shine. After a slow start, that’s exactly what he does. There’s only one little fly in the ointment - the owner’s sister, Maxine, and her determination to have him. The night of the Most Valuable Playboy auction, not wanting to rock the boat with the owner, especially during the negotiation for his new (hopefully) contract, Cooper’s desperate to have someone outbid Maxine and save him from her predatory clutches. In swoops Violet to the rescue, which sparks their fake relationship, which wasn’t really all that fake, and their journey to love.
Funnily enough, I loved everyone in this story. It’s so rare for this to happen that I kept looking for someone to hate. Anyone really. Never happened. Even Maxine with her almost pathetic attempts at seduction had endeared herself to me. I can’t even pinpoint what exactly I loved most about this book. This author has an amazing technique when it comes to writing from the male perspective and this story was no different. Cooper was an accomplished athlete who was dedicated to his career, focused on his plan, and had a kind and generous heart, which showed throughout this story at every turn. And although we don’t get Violet’s perspective, it was easy to see that she was a beautiful woman, inside and out, and more than worthy of the love that Cooper had in store for her.
I swear, Cooper had me chuckling so much. Whether from his internal monologue:
"It warms the cockles of my heart to see so many here to help us support the charity. Yeah, I don’t know what cockles are either, but mine are toasty, and our fans are amazing."
Or his interactions with his teammates, his best friend, Trent, or his banter with Violet. There was no bad side to be found in all that made Cooper who he was and therefore I could find no reason to take away any stars in this review. He deserves all the stars. This world needs more men like this character and like the other men featured in this story. I’m going to try to patiently wait for Jones’ book, Most Likely To Score, because I’m excited to see how this star receiver and Jillian achieve their happily ever after. I hope Harlan’s after that!!
Release Date: September 1, 2017 Genre: Romantic Comedy POV: Male - 1st person Heat: 4 out of 5 Type: Standalone
➦Yes! Ever since I've read Mister O, I've waiting for another spectacular read from Lauren Blakely. This one here sure did do funny things to my insides lol Coincidentally it follows the same "best friend's little sister" trope so it does appear that I'm a big sucker for it.
➦But wait, there's also a fake relationship between these two and we all know what a big sucker I am for THOSE. It's like Blakely took all the things I love and put it into one potion. Bam, magic.
➦Oh, and don't forget football. It's a sports romance, after all, and (ready for this?) told entirely from male POV. I think Blakely writes great and entertaining books from male only perspective so if you haven't read one of those yet then you definitely should!
➦I loved these two main characters and they gave me a good dose of feels. I was definitely a happy girl after reading this lighthearted and sexy novel. Highly recommended! And now let me go ahead and give you a detailed summary of this book:
When Blakely wrote Out of Bounds last year I was just the smallest *snort* bit excited. After all, if your favorite author writes a book in your favorite genre, is that not how dreams are realized? Why yes, yes it is. And while I thought Out of Bounds was all sorts of awesome, Blakely absolutely KILLS it with Most Valuable Playboy and my newest book boyfriend, Cooper.
Cooper is the starting QB for the Renegades and Violet is the owner of a successful hair salon, Heroes and Hairoines (love the name!). We meet them at a fundraiser for the San Francisco Children's Hospital and let me tell you, the way Cooper owned that stage made me want to raise my own paddle - oh get your minds out of the gutter! I wanted to bid! Because that's what the highest bidder got; a night with the bachelor. Poor, sweet, delicious Cooper was positively dreading the team owners widowed sister bidding on him and winning because she's made no secret of the fact that wants a (sizable) piece of Cooper. Well, thank God for friendships and best friends little sisters because Violet comes through and outbids everyone and wins a date with her boyfriend.
Wait, what?
Oh yes. For various reasons, Violet and Cooper have to maintain a boyfriend-girlfriend facade and oddly enough, after that first scorching kiss at the fundraiser, it's not such a hardship after all.
I loved so much about this book. Cooper and Violet's relationship progressed so organically; with mutual respect and affection and FUN! The banter between them was typical of a couple who've known each other for a long time and are comfortable together. I loved so many of the side characters here and live in hope that we get many more Renegade stories to come!
I'm at the point where you could give me a book with no cover, no title, no author and I would know without hesitation that Lauren Blakely wrote it. The strength of her characters and their voices, her wit, the relationship development, strong and supportive side characters all make for a incredible reading journey. This isn't to say that her books are in any way similar to each other. Quite the opposite, actually. There are always fresh ideas, fresh issues, fresh and deliciously sexy banter. So much so that I'm constantly in awe of her abilities. Most Valuable Playboy encompasses all that is a perfect book and is one I'll be sure to read over and over again.
Give me a C - O - O - P - E - R! Give me a V - I - O - L- E- T! What does that give you - a sexy new couple from the always fabulous Lauren Blakely! Cooper Anderson is a quarterback that previously rode the bench but is now leading his team to victory. Violet Pierson is a sexy boot wearing hair stylist with her own salon. And they've known each other for years. This book is so fun and the supporting characters (Cooper's teammates, Violet's brother (also Cooper's best friend), Cooper's mom, Coach Greenhaven, and even Maxine (the temptress)) are wonderful! Humor abounds on the pages of Most Valuable Playboy and I guarantee that you will be laughing out loud.
One aspect of this book that I absolutely love is how the characters love to give back to the community. Cooper participates in a football player charity auction with the money raised going to the local Children's Hospital. He and Violet also visit that hospital in one chapter and this just captured my heart.
Lauren has scored a huge touchdown with this book. Her fans will have a hard time putting down this book once started (I only put it down to take a shower). :) Thank you Lauren for writing another fantastic book.
5 'It's you. It's real' Stars! ARC provided by the author via Ink Slinger PR in exchange for an honest review.
I can't believe my luck! Two amazing reads in a row: it almost seems magical! Most Valuable Playboy has just become my favorite book written by Lauren Blakely during 2017. A beautiful friends to lovers story that has all of Lauren's touches on point: great plot, outstanding characters, humor, sexiness and emotion. I LOVED IT!
Most Valuable Playboy is a standalone sports romance that has everything I enjoy in a good romantic comedy. It tells the love story between Cooper Armstrong and Violet Pierson: two best friends who take it to the next level when they arrange to become a fake couple (for business only purposes, OF COURSE..).
Being this close to Violet is dangerous. Something changed last night. I’m not sure how to name it—the way I feel being near her. But I like it. I like it too much for my own good.
This book just reminds me how much I love Lauren Blakely. I adore how she manages different romance tropes in one book (friends to lovers, falling for the best friend's sister, etc.) and she keeps it magical throughout the whole reading experience. This woman's writing is explendid and it keeps me extremely connected with the story and the characters. Also, Most Valuable Playboy is a fantastic sports romance.
Wanting her is simply a fact in my universe. It’s gravity. It’s the moon spinning around Earth.
Of course, what is the best about this book (apart from the humor and those brilliant secondary characters) is the main couple. Cooper and Violet are so adorable together: they have the best friendship, they love and protect each other, they are hilarious and when they fall in love.. it is SO good (and OMG SO HAWT!!). I abolutely loved Most Valuable Playboy and I loved it even more with that beautiful ending!
I don’t want more than the two of us right now, and I know she’s the only one for me for the rest of my life. I know she’ll be here when my career is over, because she was there before it started. She’ll be here, because I can see forever in her eyes.
Therefore, I am rating Most Valuable Playboy with 5 STARS because it was simply the best book I've read (so far) by Lauren Blakely this year. It has all the good things I enjoy in her romantic comedies and I can't wait to read about all the other characters she introduced us to (SO exciting that more stories are coming our way!!). Definitely recommend this one if you are a LB fan!
the spice was fabulous 🥵😮💨 that’s about all I enjoyed tho! childhood friends to lovers, fake dating and best friends sister are some of my favorite tropes so I really thought i’d love this, but I was so bored. I didn’t feel any connection to Violet. & Cooper annoyed the hell out of me. I don’t really like when the guy is written in a way that makes him seem like he’s trying too hard. idk if that even makes sense 😃 I think I would’ve liked this more if it was paced a lil better, it gave very much insta love energy. But the banter was entertaining & like I said.. the ✨ spice ✨
Cooper is finally the Renegades' starting quarterback after sitting on the bench for three years. But now he can't go and spend every night with another girl - or do anything else that might hurt the team. Enter Violet. His very good friend and his best buddie's sister. They've known each other for over 20 years. And to help him to not end up with a clingy cougar at this year's charity auction, she bids on him. And suddenly he's telling the whole world that Violet is his girlfriend. What?? The team and its PR lady love the idea. He can pretend to be in love with his childhood friend, right? It's for his career. And she's not driving him insane with suddenly being all female and hot and flirty!
What will happen with Coop & Violet? Will pretend turn into real love & a HEA? READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
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LOL!!!!
This was such an adorable & hilarious football romance! I loved Cooper and Violet - and all the other boys! There are more stories coming! It was a real cute book. Lots of football, lots of funny moments between Cooper and his 3 best team buddies and lots of romantic and sexy moments between Coop and Violet.
I loved it.
What I didn't love too much was the way too-over-the-topness of the whole adorable thing. Lauren says it herself towards the end of the book - ridiculously adorable. There was no drama in the book, no fighting, no excitement. The conversations between Coop and Violet were a bit too ridiculous at times.... I love books with no unnecessary drama, but this was a bit too tame. And it might also have been a bit too footbally for non-Americans. :/
BUT!!!! I still loved reading it. I just looove male POV romances!!! And it was really cute and funny and sexy! And also, pfff - who am I to say what's too adorable. I LOVE adorable & cute & sweet! I don't need to read an angsty dark romance every day!!!
Can't wait to see what Jones will have to tell us!
MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY was an amazingly adorable & hilarious football romance!! Run to your nearest amazon asap for your own COOP - this one is MINE !!!
Most Valuable Player takes two of my favorite things, football and a Lauren Blakely rom-com and creates something beyond special! It's forbidden love at its finest! Cooper will sweep you off your feet ladies! He is Book Boyfriend Perfection!
Here’s what you need to know: Cooper Armstrong is a man on a mission. He wants nothing more than to be the quarterback he can be and lead his team to the playoffs. To accomplish that, he has to be good on AND off the field. Good off the field, as in, cleaning up his playboy image! Luckily his best friend’s little sister stumbles upon the perfect plan to ensure he’s successful.
What I loved: Prepare yourselves... It’s gush time folks. I swear I say this in almost every Lauren Blakely review, but it’s so true—She excels at creating characters you want to know and love. They’re fun, flirty, real, relatable, and just decent folks. Well…characters. LOL The same holds true with Cooper and Violet. They’re both fantastic characters. Despite Cooper’s former manwhore days, he’s a sweet guy who still visits his mom. Swoon! Violet is a savvy businesswoman who’s loyal and sweet. Together, Cooper Armstrong and Violet Pierson are magic. And let’s not even talk about the steamy. Whew! SEX-EEEEE!
I also really enjoyed the storyline. It’s an amalgamation of several things I adore- brothers best friend, friends to lovers, and forbidden romance. A complete package of a story. What’s most fun is the character’s interactions. Everyone can see how in love they are except them. It so cute and sweet how much they orbit around one another without truly getting it. I loved the tease of the relationship only to have one of them take a step back. Ugh...it was just perfect!
And most important is the impeccable writing! But I’ve come to expect nothing less from Lauren Blakely.
So overall, this is a win! It has all the makings of a great rom-com with a side of football thrown in. What more could you ask for? Buy it! You’ll love it!
Another winner from Lauren Blakely!I loved this story and I adored the characters.Most Valuable Playboy is her new sports romance and I enjoyed it a lot, it was fun,refreshing and sexy.
Violet is one of my most loveable characters, she is sassy ,sweet and strong.Cooper is simply amazing ,I loved him so much.They have amazing banter, they were flirting and teasing each other and this make me swoon all the time!
If you are looking for a fun story with a swoon worthy hero and a sweet heroine this is perfect for you!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Touchdown!!!! The crowd goes wild as they chant Lauren Blakely over and over!!!! Yes, my fellow romance fans, Lauren has once again won the title of MVP author as she has us rooting, swooning, and going crazy for her newest sports romance, Most Valuable Playboy.
This book was just everything that I could have wanted and so much more. Forget, your total domineering alpha hero because Lauren introduces readers to a quarterback that literally wrote the playbook on how to win your heart.
I’m wildly attracted to my best friend’s sister, but I have to pretend I don’t want to kiss her, touch her, fuck her, and take her home with me. That’s where the true faking starts for me.”
Cooper Armstrong is officially the starting quarterback of the San Francisco Renegades. As the new quarterback, there is a lot of responsibilities that goes along with the job and one of them is to be part of a charity auction for the San Francisco Children’s Hospital, in which Cooper is willing to participate since this charity is something he is passionate about. Cooper expected to raise some money but he didn’t expect that the person to bid on him was Violet Pierson, his best friend’s little sister.
The reason Violet bid on him was the mere fact that she knew Cooper didn’t want the owner’s sister to bid on him. Little did Violet know that her bid caused a media frenzy as the public wanted to know the status of her relationship with Cooper. Soon Cooper and Violet finds themselves pretending to be in a relationship. It was a win win situation for them since they were benefiting from this pretend relationship. But what happens when one kiss turns into something more? Can this former most valuable playboy transform to faithful boyfriend status?
Violet and Cooper’s relationship from the start was electric and palpable. There aren’t enough words to describe the magnitude of giddiness and excitement when these two transitioned from friends to more. It was as if Lauren Blakely perfectly orchestrated the perfect play by play moves for this couple.
This kiss rocks the motherfucking world of kisses.”
So if you are looking for a swoony, sexy, sweet, and playful romance then look no further than the Most Valuable Playboy. The writing as always was perfect. The characters were MVP status. And the storyline was championship material. A must read for any Lauren Blakely fans!!!!