One Time Only

I love when a book doesn’t feel like a book. When it feels like you’re reading a biography of the couples lives, that’s what connects to me the most. Jackson and Stone have a beautiful story, one that you want to keep reading about after it’s over. The heat level is scorching but the romance in between brings the book to amazing heights. Such a good read and I can’t wait to read more of Lauren’s books!

From the touching dedication to the sigh-worthy conclusion to the crazy-good sexy in between, Lauren Blakely proves without a doubt that love is love and is a truly wonderful thing. As her second time diving into the M/M genre, it's even better than her first. Perfectly combining a forbidden kind of relationship between the rock star that is Stone Zenith and his stoic bodyguard that is Jackson Pearce, I fell head over heels with every word of this well-written story.Once again giving us smart characters who find in the other that missing piece of their very souls, it's a long road to any semblance of happy but worth every bit of indecision. I totally understood how Jackson could fall for the seeming devil may care kind of man that is Stone. Their mutual dedication to their respective 'jobs' gives each more than a bit of respect for the other and how well they perform. Stone is extremely likable and the way he gets Jackson to chill a bit is great to witness. And in turn, Jackson sees in Stone a man who loves singing for his rabid fans, always leaving them wanting more and always wanting to keep them happy.Their attraction is off the charts explosive even from the very start. As much as they try to deny what they feel for the other and thinking it's simply a physical kind of pull between them, I could even feel the heat radiating off of Stone and Jackson whenever the other was near. Hoping the decision that one night together could scratch the itch that won't go away for either of them, imagine my glee when that didn't exactly work out the way they planned.Their trysts are decidedly filthy, giving me reasons once more to have to continually fan myself as I read each page. Stone and his J bring the heat like nobody's business and as much as they couldn't stay away from each other when they weren't boss and bodyguard, I, too, couldn't get enough of their fiery chemistry.But in true Blakely fashion, it's the heartwarming moments that make this book complete. Stone and Jackson find a special kind of rhythm the more they spend time together, whether it's exploring each other's bodies or talking about long-forgotten renditions of popular songs. They fill the hollow space that exists in the other and their unexpected love is pure radiance. The secret smiles and lingering touches prove that over and over again.I have to say that I am personally thrilled that Lauren Blakely has decided to continue to explore this genre. With One Time Only providing the absolute balance of conflict and lust together with witty banter and a whole lot of heart, I feel as if she has truly found her stride with this book and I look forward to more from her in the M/M world.Stone and Jackson are a couple of lovesick fools and I feel extremely lucky to have been able to be on this incredible journey with them. The trust, the adoration and the admiration they have for each other together with the pure animal magnetism they possess both in and out of the bedroom is one hell of a winning combination.5 huge stars!

Another fantastic story by Lauren Blakeley. Her characters and stories are always great. The witty banter and slow build-up of sexual tension make you want these characters to be real and a part of your life. This is a rockstar/bodyguard romance. Stone and Jackson were so cute and sexy and I'm glad to have experienced their story. I also love that we get a glimpse into their future with the epilogues as I always want to know what happened next.

Lauren Blakely has done it again!! Her pairing of Jacob Morgan and Teddy Hamilton as Stone and Jackson inher second foray into the M/M world is OUT OF THIS WORLD HOT!!!Ever since I heard who the narrators of this story were going to be I KNEW this book would be EPIC and I wasright. Stone and Jackson might be off limits to each other because of their work relationship, but theattraction, once Stone finds out that Jackson is truly palpable. I could feel the draw they had to each otherand the stress of not being able to act upon their desire. But of course, once they give in, with the caveat thatit be “One Night Only” that all goes out the window after their passionate and oh so hot and dirty sexy time,they were kidding themselves if they thought it would be one and done!!I loved how Ms. Blakely wrote this story. Both Stone and Jackson are vulnerable in different ways and as theyopen up to each other and experience more time together because they both know, without wanting toadmit it too hurriedly there’s so much more for them but they need to figure out how to navigate it. There’ssome pain involved in their growing relationship because neither of them were looking for a monogamousrelationship. And of course, Stone is more free with his partner choices and this is something he and Jacksonaddress and I have to tell you, I wasn’t sure if they’d truly come to terms with their pasts. Not only are wetalking about their former love interests, but Stone’s family as well. The more I got to know him, the more Iloved him and everything that he stands for.While listening to this book, Jacob and Teddy truly brought me along on their journey as they did aphenomenal job of bringing our H/H to life as well as all the secondary characters too. I found myself glued tomy phone or laptop while listening to this book. I couldn’t get enough of this story or their voices. Ms. Blakelyis truly a master of writing a story that not only shows that love is love, but that love of all types is what we’reall looking for and if we can find it with that one person that completes us well then our life is so much better for it.

I liked this. I listened to it on audible and thought the narrators did a good job. I guess my reason for not giving this a higher rating was because I got bored. It was just all lusting from afar, and then suddenly they're having sex... constantly! I had to start skipping because it was just the same. The conflict at the end, while legitimate, was also super tame. It was easy to fix and that was it. It was the tamest rockstar book I've ever read.If you're looking for a light, sexy, angst free, m/m book, then this one might be for you! Definitely recommend reading the free prequel available. It gives you background on how these two met and their attraction starts. I think its important for the development of their foundation.

I was hesitant to pick this story up after reading many of the reviews. I'm thoroughly happy I did. It was a sweet love story. Love that works out against all odds. 4.5/5 stars

Stone is a rockstar and Jackson is his bodyguard. Both of them have been attracted to each other for a while but not voicing it or giving into it for different reasons, mainly Jackson being Stone's bodyguard. Until one night when it all blows up and they give in for one time only.Ok so I was enjoying this book, for the most part it felt fast paced enough and I was smiling, at the ways Stone and Jackson went and back and forth with one another. I liked seeing glimpses of different relationships and dynamics.But then it just got so repetitive holy hell. Lauren Blakely does steam well, that's obviously her thing, Jackson and Stone were fire together. I wouldn't label this book erotica but damn, it just got tiresome with all the sex scenes plus Blakely writes looong sex scenes at that too. I just wanted more of the characters and truly seeing the relationship develop. We get small glimpses of that but not enough in my opinion due to the repetition. Other little things that annoyed me was in one scene they are about to have sex and this is well into their thing they have going on and "bro" was said. That annoyed me so much lol. Another occasion, well into their thing they have a "what's your type" kinda conversation and there was the whole "I don't like feminine guys" I truly didn't see the point of it, other than to make a point on the author's behalf. Plus this is the author's second MM book and she's definitely written a certain type, and seems it's gonna continue I just hope the above isn't a theme that carries throughout her books with the whole "manly" bs. On top of that, this book definitely was majority straight and it seemed the MC's were the only LGBTQ+ characters, they didn't seem to know any other or be friends with other LGBTQ+ characters. There's one character right at the very end that we meet but that's because he's getting a book next year. So maybe that's something the author needs to think about now that she seems to be diving into MM.I didn't love this book but I didn't hate it and that seems to be my experience with this author's books. So does that mean I'm not going to read Declan's book when it comes out next year? No of course not lol. I was actually liking this book enough in the beginning, it was just the repetition that exhausted me by the end. Oh and I'll add that the "rockstar" side of things was pretty minimal which I preferred, the angst does not come from that but more the conflict of Jackson being Stone's bodyguard and how they shouldn't be doing what they are.

One Time Only by Lauren Blakely is a standalone, written in first person from dual POV. Maybe this time is a prequel to this book but you don’t have to read it.“Everything about this is wrong. But everything about this feels right, with his body against mine.”Stone is sweet, charming, caring and exuberant. Stone is an equal opportunity lover but is convinced his sexy bodyguard Jackson is straight.Jackson is focused, honourable, protective and loyal. Jackson has been attracted to his boss for several months. Once they both discover they are attracted to each, they agree it will be one time only. But is one time enough?“Once wasn’t enough. Once barely scratched the surface of my need for him.”I loved both Stone and Jackson - they are deep, loving, sarcastic, fun, unique, not afraid to communicate or be vulnerable and of course sexy as hell.Jackstone forever!“We were never going to be one time only.”Genres: Contemporary M/M romance, rockstar/ bodyguard romance, forbidden romance and second chance at love.Plot: 📚📚📚📚Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤Narration by Teddy Hamilton and Jacob Morgan: 🌕🌕🌕🌕

What a joy to read an angst free romance between two gorgeous guys who struggle to find the solution to their problem. Especially when there is no problem at all, if only they can stop loving on each other to see a way around it.Stone 34, is a world famous Rockstar with millions of fans worldwide. He lives the life of a Rockstar, hooking up with guys and girls, whenever they catch his attention. He has a large entourage who support and protect him. Now he needs a Bodyguard.Jackson 30, needs a new job. He’s an ex Marine and he recovering from the loss of his longtime partner, Fabian, two years ago. He is a relationship guy, not one to hook up casually.His colleague Terrance has given him a heads up on a Bodyguard opportunity so Jackson being the careful guy he is, goes and does his homework on the lifestyle of the person seeking a Bodyguard. His interview with the Manager, Publicist and the Rockstar turns out to be a shoo in.Jackson and Stone hit it off easily from the beginning, easy camaraderie, good conversation, but Jackson doesn’t share too much about his private life. But Stone works hard for what he wants and before long, it’s clear that both guys share a huge attraction.Jackson has a code of ethics especially job related “Do not become attracted to clients”. Such close proximity as part of the job makes it difficult for both Jackson and Stone.The only way to get rid of this itch is to scratch it for one time only and hope that stops it.But what if you can’t stop, you don’t want it to be one time only, but forever ♥️🧨🔥❤️ <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>Loved these two guys, Jackson and Stone, and the way their relationship builds page by page, very good communication between them, even though Jackson is slow to reveal his story. Their chemistry is red hot and steamy. They think they are keeping it low down, but most if the entourage can see it.Stone is certainly not the usual hard living rockstar, he is vegan, a “tree hugger”, doesn’t do drugs, does a lot of community work and helps others in need.But Jackson is my favourite and being a “CoverGirl” I am assuming this cover is Jackson in all his glory.🔥🧨♥️.Another great story from Lauren Blakely, glad that she gave these guys so much time and opportunity to build up a relationship.This is listed as a Standalone Novel but I feel Zane, Stones brother, might have a story to tell in the future.Go get and enjoy this story if you haven’t already.

I've been working my way through Lauren's MM backlist and mostly enjoying the trip.This book was shaping up to be another 5* read but then it did two things that niggle me.Firstly, the irritating 75%/Third Act break up, which is so annoying and formulaic. Thankfully, it didn't last long and was resolved by a grown up conversation between Jackson and his best ftiends and then a healthy and honest dialogue with Stone.The second thing is a personal bugbear, the use of the word "clean" to indicate someone's sexual status. The reason I dislike it is because its opposite is dirty and that brings all kinds of unpleasant connotations.It's a minor point but using negative seems to be a simpler solution.That aside, the rest of this narrative is lovely as both men slide into an easy working relationship which rapidly turns jnto friendship, lust, attraction and to love.

One Time Only was the perfect book. After building up the story and characters over 3 books now, i was hoping it would be worth the wait. And oh my god was it worth the wait. The story is passionate,emotional,heart warming. I fell in love with Jackson and stone from the second they appeared in one night only, I was hoping they'd have an epic love story to match thier big personalitys. And can we just talk about the sex scenes for a minute Hot hot hot. The chemistry s undeniable between them and to see them fall in love is truly beutiful .reminding everyone that love is love which is something the world needs to feel right now. Without a doubt this is Lauren Blakely best book to date. Wish I could give more then 5 stars for a truly magical, romantic and breathtaking love story with a perfect ending to boot.