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The Gift #1

The Engagement Gift

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Some fantasies are better left unsaid.

Besides, I don't need to act on my wildest dreams, not when my fiancé and I have the kind of after dark adventures others long for -- alluring, daring and oh so frequent.
I can't risk losing him by voicing my deepest desire, so I focus on building our life together as a couple, expanding my career as a sports reporter, and prepping for our wedding. But the hotter our role playing gets at night, the closer I come to telling him what I want most during the day. Him and his best friend at the same time.

Until the night I do…

NOTE: This is an entirely new edition of THE ENGAGEMENT GIFT. It includes 45% new content and a vastly expanded storyline centered on the main characters.

124 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2019

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About the author

Lauren Blakely

224 books20.9k followers
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 sweet, sexy and witty. Her heroines are strong and smart and her heroes have hearts of gold and fantastic funny bones. She'd love to give you a free book today! Check out her web site to grab your free read: https://laurenblakely.com/one-free-book/

Connect with Lauren here

➜ WEBSITE: laurenblakely.com
➜ NEWSLETTER: laurenblakely.com/newsletter
➜ FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks/
➜ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/laurenblake...
➜ TWITTER: www.twitter.com/laurenblakely3

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5 stars
1,427 (33%)
4 stars
1,384 (32%)
3 stars
983 (23%)
2 stars
290 (6%)
1 star
115 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 521 reviews
342 reviews168 followers
August 14, 2019
HOTTEST BOOK I'VE READ THIS YEAR!!!

The best thing about The Engagement Gift? It has meat on its bones! It's not just a quick sexy read, there's a story there too!

Ladies and gentlemen, THIS is how you do quick and sexy! This book proves you don't have to sacrifce plot to get down and dirty. 5 holy freaking hotness stars!!!
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
2,588 reviews25.1k followers
August 12, 2019
The Engagement Gift is a stand alone novella by Lauren Blakely. This is only my second book by Ms. Blakely but I think I’m safe in saying that this book is much steamier than is her norm. And I loved every minute of it!



Lily Whiting is successful in her career as a sports reporter. And she is engaged to be married to the man of her dreams. Finn fulfills every dream she ever had about what her forever man would be like. He is both her intellectual match and her sexual match. And boy oh boy do these two have an adventurous sex life. They both have no problems verbalizing their wants and needs to each other. Finn makes sure all her fantasies come true. Except one. One that he knows nothing about. Because if she told him that she fantasized about having a ménage, he would surely leave her.

trying on a wedding dress - Google Search

Finn Nichols is a successful lawyer, and is getting ready to soon marry the woman he loves more than life itself. The woman who means everything to him. It is Finn’s goal to make sure that every fantasy Lily has is met. He knows she is hiding one and he has to get her to admit it. Because if it’s what she wants, he will provide it.

three glasses of champagne

These two steam up the pages of this novella. And that’s even before they start working on Lily’s secret fantasy! The love they share is true and deep. In their new pursuit of Lily’s secret fantasy, it can either bring them closer or cause them distance. Which one will it be? Is it even worth the risk?

the engagement gift lauren blakely

This was fun, did I say hot, and also sweet. Lily and Finn really did share a very strong bond. A love so deep it is both rare and wonderful. But what I really loved about these two is their freedom to explore their wilder sides. And explore they do.

I do love reading ménage. After reading this, I discovered that I more enjoy a threesome where all three have a romantic connection. Even though it was steamy as heck, I still lost something with the third person not being emotionally involved. With that being said, all of the secondary characters are fun and I’m hearing that they just might get their own stories coming soon!

For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...

Profile Image for Heather.
1,397 reviews25 followers
August 11, 2019
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**

While this might have been a novella, it was certainly not lacking content and HOTNESS!

We have engaged couple Lily and Finn who are madly in love and recently they have been exploring fantasies in the bedroom. There is so much love, respect, trust and communication between Lily and Finn that she is able to tell him that the fantasy she wants to live out most is a menage. Finn wants to do anything he can to make Lily happy and bring her pleasure, so he enlists the help of his best friend Jake. What happens between them is beautiful and it goes to show that when you have all of the things I mentioned above, as well as strong friendships, things can be amazing.

I loved this book and I simply can't wait to see what happens with the rest of this crew...especially Jake and Kate!
Profile Image for litljen.
1,128 reviews39 followers
August 14, 2019
*** I received an advanced copy and chose to review it ***
** 100% spoiler-free review **
* 5 smokin' hot stars *

Holy Hannah, Lauren Blakely just about incinerated my Kindle! The Engagement Gift is probably the HOTTEST book I've read this year. Blakely brings the passion in this quick read that will most certainly leave you feeling hot and bothered. Lily and Finn have quite the adventurous sexual appetite and I loved how they gave in to their deepest fantasies. Blakely's descriptive writing is completely on point as she indulges her readers in the perfect sexy escape. This MFM story is one you do NOT want to miss! 5 stars
Profile Image for Marybeth.
1,557 reviews
August 16, 2019
Holy hotness! This is one of the steamiest, sexiest novellas I’ve read this year, hands down!! It’s a ménage between and engaged couple, Lily and Finn, and his best friend and best man, Jake. A one shot deal to fulfill a fantasy of Lily’s before they marry. And what a fantasy it is! While this story does revolve around this sexy couples’ hot antics in the bedroom and elsewhere, it isn’t just about that. It’s about, love, trust, communication and friendship; and how important they all are in relationships. Looking forward to more from this group especially Kate and Jake!
Profile Image for Michella.
1,845 reviews22 followers
November 26, 2019
A steamy and sizzling hot read. Great character development and chemistry. You’ll need a fan and possibly an extra pair of panties while reading this one!
Profile Image for READ ME ROMANCE.
582 reviews148 followers
August 14, 2019
The Engagement Gift is the steamiest, sexiest, most titillating book I have ever read and that says a lot since I have over 5,000 romance books in my library! I am having trouble even concentrating to write this review because the MULTIPLE, very descriptive scenes, keep replaying in my head. Wow! Lauren Blakely you are a naughty girl and your readers reap the rewards of your very vivid imagination and extraordinary writing skills.

In all seriousness, I am a fan of Lauren’s not only because of how she can pen the sexy times, but how she envisions true love. I have read every book she’s published and have never been disappointed because it’s obvious she is a romantic at heart. Her characters love fiercely, are only devoted to each other, and empower one another. Her books are a true pleasure to read.

In the Engagement Gift, Flynn and Lily are engaged to be married and couldn’t be happier. They are successful in their respective careers, have great friends and family, and compliment each other beautifully. They are vocal in their love and affection for one another and their feelings are genuine. This book doesn’t start with them meeting, and then having a relationship; you understand their attraction and commitment to each other from the very first page. I never doubted them for a minute.

Even though they are very adventurous in and out of the bedroom and act out several role-play scenarios, there is one fantasy left that Flynn selflessly helps her fulfill. Her pleasure is his number one desire and his confidence and willingness to meet her every need is a testament to his devotion. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and trust, and this one little act (although his BF Jake is not very little at all) only makes their relationship stronger. There is no cheating in this M/F/M because it’s all pre-planned and each character gives the green light. The smoldering chemistry and dirty talk will make you blush and your heart race!

There is plenty of action in the Engagement Gift and the book flows effortlessly with an engaging and often funny storyline. I like that it is told in multiple points of view and that you get to know a bit about their work environment and are introduced to their friends. And I was very happy to learn that there is more to come in future installments with a romance blossoming between Nina and Adam in the Virgin Gift, and Jake and her BF friend, Kate, in the Exclusive Gift. Jake was amazing in the Engagement Gift and deserves his own HEA!
Profile Image for TheSassyNerdBlog.
907 reviews363 followers
September 8, 2019
Holy hell..
To say this was steamy would be an understatement. The warning going into this is accurate as hell.
Be prepare for HEAT. And when I say heat I mean, palm sweating, body squirming, breath catching heat...




It’s definitely not what I expected, I don’t exactly know what I was expecting. This was more than just heat... it held a story that I got invested in.
From chapter one I was intrigued with Lily and Finn, and their quirky, fun, adorable, sweet, and completely consumed relationship.. these two knew how to heat up the sheets, quite frankly they knew how to heat up anywhere.. Lily has a forbidden and dark desire, and Finn being the man he is, would give Lily the worlds to see her desires and passion fulfilled. So they go in search for another “pair of hands” that they both can trust. But is there such a person? And if so, who?


This new release kind of just popped up, and I was over the moon! It’s a longer novella than I’m use to, but I was not complaining one bit. Lauren Blakely went to town with this... did I mention how INSANELY HOT is was? Seriously... my ovaries have combusted!



In my opinion, this was exactly how it should have been, a quick hot, steamy read that help a little more than just sex.
Chapter one I was hooked and devoured this within hours!

I knew it’ll be a killer hot story, it’s what Lauren is known for, but the little extra was perfect!

Once again this author delivers a book I didn’t want to end and a book I couldn’t put down.

If you are looking for a hot MFM novella, look no further... this one is for you!!

5 Burning Hot Stars!!!

Profile Image for Bookish Lauren.
Author 1 book184 followers
November 21, 2019
I wrote this months ago and it disappeared

Lauren has outdone herself. I haven't seen her get this dirty in a long time, and I'm here for it. Novella or not, the heat intensity factor burns like a blue flame, hotter than those around it.

The Engagement Gift also brings us a whole new set of characters but in a familiar setting... Vegas baby!

I liked that our characters were engaged so the chemistry was already there, and the 3rd wasn't some rando. Also, she slipped in some of that traditional LB romcom and heartfelt moments.

LB ventured out of her norm and knocked it out of the park.
Profile Image for Isabella. R.
935 reviews1,756 followers
October 22, 2021
3 The Gift Of All Gift Stars ⭐️

The Engagement Gift is an erotic novella that will melt your heart and your panties and is guaranteed to steam up your kindle. Don’t be deceived by the elegant cover, this book is filthy!

“What would it be like with two men focused on me, and only me? Would it be as wild and wicked as it is in my imagination?”

Lily is on the verge of marrying the love of her life, Finn. She’s aware that she is extremely lucky to have a man that not only adores her but can satisfy her both mentally and sexually. With an active sex life, it isn’t unusual for the pair to indulge in role playing.

But when the opportunity arises for her to disclose her ultimate fantasy to her fiancé, can she risk her relationship if it goes pear shaped? YES!

So why 3 Stars when this is the kind of book that would normally tick all my boxes? Unfortunately, this book was too perfect, too unrealistic. I have read many great books of late, so the multiple orgasms, the perfect partner and a threesome with no consequence doesn't cut it for me.
BUT, in all fairness this book was well written, easy to read and hot as. Don’t let me dissuade you from reading it.
Profile Image for Lauren Blakely.
Author 224 books20.9k followers
November 22, 2019
THE ENGAGEMENT GIFT is live two days early and it's FREE in KU!!

In the mood for some bedtime reading? Then you want this red-hot book!

✦Amazon US ➜ https://blkly.pub/EngageKindle
✦Amazon UK ➜ https://amzn.to/2Mgj9yj
✦Amazon CA ➜ https://amzn.to/2YNTDqG
✦Amazon AU ➜ https://amzn.to/2KAUySZ
✦Paperback ➜ https://amzn.to/2SSIj6x

“Ladies, you're gonna need a fan...and extra batteries while reading this book.” - Melissa at Up All Night

“A dirty girl's dream come true.” - Love and Lavender Book Reviews

“I will give you some advice right here. Read this before bed with a BOB or partner next to you primed and ready.” - Sandra at Two Book Pushers
Profile Image for Kim.
2,630 reviews164 followers
November 23, 2019
4.5+ stars
Okay okay! Grab your fans and your "special friends" because this novella is H-O-T! It has Lauren Blakely's humor, flirtiness, and fun...but take up the sexy scenes a few notches and add an extra hot body. Yes!

This is the story of Lily and Finn. They are adorable together. Both are smart, funny, loving, and totally devoted. They have such a deep connection and trust for one another. They also enjoy sexy adventures in and out of their bedroom. But Lily has a dark, secret fantasy. And Finn wants to give his girl all her desires. And just who can they both trust to bring into something like that?

This is a longer novella told in multiple points of view and I really liked ALL the characters. They have strong bonds, understand, and care about each other. But they also know enough to tease each other. It is engaging, flirty, sexy, and passionate...but at the core of it is this special love that knows no bounds and a man who wants to give his girl everything she could ever want. And a woman who leads a busy professional life, but loves to push boundaries when free to do so. They are a gift to each other, and someone is about to give them another gift.

I really want more of these dynamic, dirty, after dark reads from Lauren. This one gives you all of the wonderful characters and a unique storyline that I expect from one of her books with just a bit of a racier edge. I actually want to see more with a couple of the side characters from this one as I think they might have an interesting story to tell. Bring them on!

PS: Bonus! The author has updated it and added even more content to the original story adding more fun and feels.

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Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,415 reviews231 followers
August 30, 2019
If you are looking for a delicious serving of smut then look no further.

Finn and Lily have a very exciting and adventurous sex life. Finn's focus is giving Lily all the pleasure she desires.

When he figures out that one of her greatest fantasies is a threesome he sets out to make it a reality.

This was an indulgent, sexy MFM novella that I enjoyed reading with my battery operated companion :)
Profile Image for εllε.
748 reviews
August 20, 2019
Interesting. I would have preferred to be a full length novel, though. I like the idea of an MFM, but this was too short to express all the implications that such a relationship derives.
I would have liked the jealousy, and so many other feelings to be shown.
Profile Image for Alaina.
6,564 reviews214 followers
January 15, 2020
HOLY SMUT GODS!

The Engagement Gift was so short. Fantastic.. but so freaking short! I wanted more but honestly - what I got from these three was amazing! I loved the chemistry and connection between Finn, Lily, and Jake. I mean, Finn and Lily were great on their own but once they added Jake into the mix - sparks flew!

Even if it was for "one night". I have no idea what the next book will bring me but I can't wait!! Will definitely dive into that love fest and smuttiness after I walk the dogs.

Ugh, so good.
Profile Image for book bruin.
1,276 reviews337 followers
August 15, 2019
This was a smoking hot MFM novella! I'm more acquainted with the sexy romcoms that Lauren Blakely is known for, so I was not expecting my kindle to practically be on fire the entire time I was reading The Engagement Gift. It's a quick and dirty read featuring Lily and Finn, who are happily in love and engaged. Finn wants nothing more than to pleasure his wife to be, so when he discovers Lily fantasizes about having two men at once, he decides to bring his best friend, Jake, into the mix. I'll admit that I wasn't totally convinced that Jake would work in their threesome or that their friendship would survive, but I was happily surprised with how everyone came together (pun intended) ;)

The Engagement Gift introduces us to several other characters who will be making their own appearances in future After Dark novellas/books. Even though this was a quick read, it was nice to have not only Finn and Lily's POV, but also a few chapters from Jake and even Lily's BFF, Kate. If you're looking for a quick and sexy read, you don't want to miss this one!
Profile Image for Dilushani Jayalath.
1,000 reviews191 followers
December 10, 2019
Lauren Blakely really has a way to write the most dirtiest story in a beautiful manner. Now I can completely comprehend why her books are so famous. Her prose is written in such a manner that it literally draws you in and keeps you hooked. The plot it was not a big surprise with any brain teaser, it is just as the blur suggest, nothing more. One thing is for sure though. I really want to see how Jake's and Kate's story unfolds.
Profile Image for Jenny Lovez Bookz.
537 reviews131 followers
August 27, 2021
Well this was sexy & delicious! It was simple and a little too perfect, but it worked for me!
Profile Image for Red Cheeks Reads.
2,210 reviews374 followers
August 14, 2019
5 SMOOCHES!

As someone who has read the overwhelming majority of Lauren Blakely’s contemporaries and romantic comedies, I can say without hesitation that The Engagement Gift is the sexiest, steamiest, most erotic story she’s ever written. Blakely’s romances are always sexy, she never shies away from the heat in her stories. But The Engagement Gift is different than what her readers have seen from her previously. The tag line for this story captures it perfectly, because unequivocally this is Lauren Blakely: After Dark.

Completely in sync in every single way, Lily and Finn are *that* couple, and I loved them right off the bat. They’re hot, they’re hot for each other and the uninhibited passion between them made my heart race. They had an active, adventurous sex life, they were open about their wants and desires, but Lily was holding something back. Being the observant fiancé that Finn was, he wanted to give his future wife her every heart’s desire.

The Engagement Gift was teeming with so much heat that if there had been any more, I’m certain my Kindle would have self-combusted—I know that I sure would have. But this is no smutty little novella, there is a story here that was rooted in love, trust and faith and that’s what really grabbed my attention. Deliciously daring, wildly wanton and palpably passionate, The Engagement Gift was a fiery and romantic love story that made my heart race and my cheeks heat as I devoured it. The author hints at more stories to come from Lily and Finn’s friends, and I’m so excited, I’m practically panting for them. Five smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo
Profile Image for Aly.
2,892 reviews
December 7, 2019
This is quality, sexy romance! Whew, this was heated and I loved it. Finn and Lily have an amazing relationship and trust each other enough to live out all their fantasies, including bringing another man into their bed. The chemistry between the couple was amazing and the addition of Jake made it that much better. The narration was perfect and the writing was fantastic. If you love Lauren Blakely, you have to check this out!
Profile Image for Shannon.
2,509 reviews217 followers
August 16, 2019
Sweet lord have mercy.
If you thought Clay and Julia were hot, you ain't seen nothing yet. Finn Nichols not only gives Clay a run for his money, he took that money and ran!
Hot, smoking hot, yet sweet and romantic as well, The Engagement Gift is Ms. Blakely's naughtiest tale to date.

Let me just say, it was pretty awkward reading this story in the same room as my parents.
Profile Image for Nikki J Summers.
Author 15 books1,321 followers
September 3, 2019
A naughty little read & just what I needed after two angsty reads on the trot.
Profile Image for Simran ..
Author 12 books605 followers
April 8, 2020
4 ”Acting out your fantasies” stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

He nodded against my neck, his hands circling my waist tighter. “Love it. Love it so damn much, because I know what we have.”
“What do we have?”
“Love, trust, faith,” he whispered, and the words were charged with sensuality, as if trust were a black lace garter and faith were our king-size bed.


I randomly landed on this book and after reading the synopsis, I knew I had to check this one out. It was right up my alley. I’m familiar with this author’s writing and enjoy her books immensely and this one was no exception. It dived straight to the hot and dirty parts.

We met a couple, Finn and Lily, who recently got engaged and love acting out their fantasies. Their relationship is open where they completely trust each other. They were bold, sensual, sweet all combined together. Throughout you could see and feel their love for each other. I loved how Finn handled her, wanting to give her everything, especially the threesome fantasy that she wanted.

I shrugged off the silky black robe, letting it fall to the floor so they could see my ensemble.
Finn shook his head approvingly. “Look at you in your angelic outfit like a good girl,” he said.
Jake’s hand curled over my ass, and he squeezed. “A good girl we’re going to defile.”


This book was all about letting yourself go and doing what your heart desires without any shame. I loved how beautifully the author wrote it. I was their in every moment. It was downright sinful. 🔥🔥
It had the hottest sex scenes. They also had an amazing group of friends and I can’t wait for their dirty stories.

If this sounds like something you wanna read, then I say go for it. Don’t wait up. ♥️
Profile Image for Melissa.
603 reviews125 followers
August 11, 2019
**ARC provided courtesy of the Author**

Holy wow was this a scorcher! It's no secret that I love Lauren Blakely-in fact, I don't even need to see a blurb before preordering her books; they're just that good. The Engagement Gift brought a whole new level of heat. Ladies, you're gonna need a fan...and extra batteries while reading this book.

I've decided when I grow up I want to be Lily. She is smart, open and so true to herself. She's sexy and she knows it. I love the security she has in her relationship with Finn.

Speaking of Finn, my God he just oozes sex appeal here. He's confident, but not overly cocky. I absolutely loved him. I loved his willingness to explore with Lily and how well their desires were matched.

I can't review this without talking about Jake. Because he just pulled at me from the moment he was introduced. I'm dying to get inside his head more and seeing what makes him tick.

I'm not kidding when I tell you to have a fan and extra batteries when you read this book. The sexy times in this book are simply off the charts. That being said, there's more to this book than just sex. You get to know these people and what drives them.

This is a book I definitely didn't want to put down. The story sucked me in and it just flowed from start to finish. It wasn't rushed in any way. I loved meeting these characters and their friends and I'm excited to see what else this Author will give us in this line of books.

I will definitely reread this book. It's hot, steamy and incredibly sensual. Absolutely a five star read and one I recommend.

**This and other reviews featured on our blog, Booked All Night, http://www.BookedAllNightblog.com**
Profile Image for Melinda.
800 reviews10 followers
August 15, 2019
The Engagement Gift by Lauren Blakely

The Engagement Gift is a hot AF novella in Blakely’s After Dark collection and is all about Lily and her fiancé Finn.

They are both so damn happy within their relationship and have an openness about them that many would envy. Finn is always more than willing to fulfill every single one of Lily’s fantasies (and she has an abundance!) and while Lily has never been shy about vocalizing her desires, there’s one she’s always held back on expressing: the down and dirty ménage. When she finally admits to it, Finn does everything in his power to make this a gift she’ll never forget.

Let me just start by saying holy freaking shit! This has got to be the hottttest book I’ve read this year - that I’ve read in an age if I’m being honest. This is a novella, yes, but it packs absolutely everything you could want in a full-length book: the love and respect between ALL the characters, the panty-melting dirty talk, and OMG the sex that is off the charts, dirty and delicious, and oh so hot! I loved this book and cannot wait for The Virgin Gift and The Exclusive Gift. I have a feeling this little series is quickly going to become a favorite of mine. Just a word of advice though: have your fans, battery operated friends, and/or significant others close by while reading!

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.
Profile Image for Cee Cee Houston.
1,341 reviews27 followers
August 11, 2019
Lauren Blakely is well known for her rom/coms and more serious contemporary romances with heart and soul. But from this month, she’s going to have a new trope. Hot, dirty, filthy romance that will set you on fire.
And the book to start this off??
The Engagement Gift.
Lily and Finn are an engaged couple who are looking forward to their wedding, but have been through the wringer in life before meeting are they are perfect for each other. Finn loves Lily with a complete and utter devotion, so much so, he’s willing to give her everything, including her dirtiest fantasies. They’ve shared their desires and even played around with them but when it comes to Lily’s deepest wish, she’s shy and a little bit wary of asking for it.
Never fear though. Finn knows what she really wants and he’s more than willing to give it to her.
This novella is fast-paced and well written, no more than you’d expect from Lauren, but it’s the heat level that will scorch you. The sexy banter, the connections, not just from the engaged couple but with their best friends too makes this a fantastic read. For a short story it has all you need to know about Finn and Lily.
I freaking loved this book, it’s dirty, it’s hot and it’s going to be a #1 hit for sure.
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