Book Angel Emma
I feel I have to write what would amount to a disclaimer at the start of my review for Birthday Suit because of the references to alcoholism within the narrative. Due to my personal experience with my Ex and his relationship with alcohol I have zero tolerance or sympathy for characters that share this trait. Yes, I know it is an addiction and therefore classed as a mental health problem BUT it is also a choice, a choice that can cost a family their home, their marriage and ultimately their dignity. So there you have it, zero empathy for the character who is an alcoholic within Birthday Suit 😁 Leo and Lulu met in college where Leo fell hard at their first meeting only to be usurped by his best friend when he joined their conversation. I have to be honest and say I felt this was a deliberate move on Tripp’s part, sneaking in before Leo had a chance to declare his intent. Leo being the amazing person he is, buried his feelings and stood by as Tripp and Lulu became an item. Although no-one else ever elicited the same kind of reaction within him as Lulu had. I completely adored Lulu and her quirky, unique style and warm personality. Although her obliviousness was a little shocking. Leo is a dreamboat and as solid as a rock. Can you imagine being loved in the way Leo loves Lulu *le sigh* A lot has changed within the ten years of their friendship. The narrative alternates both the perspective and mixes in the time frames between the past and the present, unravelling the events little by little although the pieces of the puzzle are easy to pick up on. The timing for Leo and Lulu falls into place as does the way in which their lives and viewpoints completely intertwine. However, Leo is unable to let go of the residual guilt accompanying beginning a relationship that goes against bro-code 🤦♀️ Creating a barrier to the couple reaching their HEA. I adored so much about Birthday Suit, from the use of art to aid the imagery within the narrative to the chocolate to the peripheral characters. Birthday Suit is an immersive read encompassing the senses as well as the heart.
Marina Skinner
4.5 stars This was an entertaining enjoyable story centering on past best friends Lulu and Leo! Its been ten years but somehow the past catches up with both of them! We learn some truths about the past friendships, and how things turned out for them both! Needless to say there is some sadness. Should it happen or should it not! When Lulu gets a contracted position where Leo works does the feelings bubbling to the surface get in the way of both their dreams of success? Or does the past haunt them both! The banter was great, the sage words of advice from certain characters incredibly insightful and the friendships created in this story will have you finish with a smile on your face! Sometimes someone important is just what you deserve in life and above all else a love everlasting! A truly wonderful story!
1 person found this review helpful
Sandy S.
BIRTHDAY SUIT by Lauren Blakely is a stand alone, contemporary, adult romance story line focusing on thirty two year old, Heavenly Chocolate executive Leo Hennessy, and chocolatier Lulu Diamond’s story line. Told from dual first person perspectives (Leo and Lulu) BIRTHDAY SUIT follows the friends to lovers romance between thirty two year old, Heavenly Chocolate executive Leo Hennessy, and chocolatier Lulu Diamond. Ten years earlier Leo Hennessy fell in love with his best friend’s girlfriend Lulu Diamond, and watched from the sidelines as Tripp Hudson’s life slowly imploded leaving Leo and Lulu to pick up the pieces of their broken hearts. A recent ‘chocolate’ convention finds Leo facing the woman he has always loved, a woman who is unprepared for the truth. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and romance between Leo and Lulu, and the potential fall-out as Leo must come to terms with his guilt, what was, and what will never be. Leo Hennessy and Tripp Hudson met Lulu Diamond on the same day but Leo stepped aside and watched from the sidelines as his best friends fell in love. A tumultuous decade would pass as Leo watch Tripp destroy his life leaving behind heart break, guilt and pain in the process. Rekindling with Lulu Diamond meant a second chance at the woman who owned his heart, a second chance hindered by anguish and grief. The relationship between Leo and Lulu is a friends to lovers; a second chance, of sorts, between two best friends whose lost their ‘third’ to his own demons and sins. Lulu is oblivious to Leo’s love as our hero struggles between head and heart. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. We are introduced to Leo’s best friend and Lulu’s future husband Tripp Hudson; friend Dean, Leo’s co-workers at Heavenly Chocolate- Ginny Perretti and Noah Rivera, and Lulu’s friend and business partner Cameron. BIRTHDAY SUIT is a story of friendship, betrayal, and unrequited love. The premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is seductive and compassionate; the characters are fun, sassy and sexy. There is plenty of back and forth banter between all of the characters.
1 person found this review helpful