Birthday Suit

Leo is perfection. I love, love, love this book. This is one that I know I will read over and over. Lulu and Leo were part of the three musketeers, the third being Lulu's future husband. This story begins with Leo and Lulu meeting up after many years. We learn about the past, new love and unrequited love and the heartbreak of loss.

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.

I am not alive but bring to life- Love, laughter, beauty, and strife- Though I don't speak I never fail- To captivate you with a tale It's no riddle that I absolutely loved everything about this fun, sexy, and poignant forbidden romance! Ms Blakely has created a beautiful love story that seduced my senses, challenged my imagination, and captivated my heart! Leo, Lulu, and Tripp were best friends since they met in culinary school. Leo fell hard at first sight for the vibrant, funny, and daring Lulu. Unfortunately his best friend, Tripp asked her out first, and they eventually married. Leo has spent a decade trying to get over loving his best friends woman. In present time, after years apart, and Tripp out of the picture, Leo and Lulu meet again over their shared love of chocolate. They easily fall back into the rapid fire repartee they always shared, only now there's a little flirting too. They strike up a business partnership, bringing them close together again. This causes Leo's old feelings to the surface, but allows Lulu to see Leo in a whole new way. This beautiful story of forbidden love, and new beginnings is told sinuously in flashback sequence. It cleverly reveals their history, how they are growing closer, and the conflicting emotions of affirming their budding feelings. Leo and Lulu are so perfect together, they are both driven, love chocolate, challenges, and laughter. Their explosive chemistry is palpable, leaping right off the page. Blakely always finds new, clever, and interesting ways to bring her couples together. I loved the scavenger hunt they were competed in, the fascinating riddles, and the adventures that allow us to explore New York right along with them. I was so moved with the way she also weaved in a very sensitive topic with honesty and empathy. Her secondary characters are intriguing, and add more fun to this story. I am a huge fan of the grand gesture and loved the ending so much. Birthday Suit is a delightful, touching, and sexy romance that you don't want to miss!