In the traditional sweet but fire hot writing style of Lauren Blakely (and collaborating author Lili Valence) – we are taken back to New York for yet another tongue in cheek best friend’s sister to lover trope.

CJ can’t believe she is a 25 year old virgin! With her 26th birthday within her grasp, she refuses to hold onto her V-card for another second. Granted, most of her life had been under the watchful eyes of her brother and the last few years coping with his untimely death had not been easy; but, CJ finally feels like she is in a good place to move forward with her life. She is tired of missing out and feeling like a social pariah. As luck would have it, the perfect opportunity arises when her good friend (and her brother’s best friend and business partner) Graham needs her help with an upcoming meeting to save their business. When Graham meets CJ for brunch, he has no idea that the quid pro quo would be stepping into the role as CJ’s “teacher” for a week. Believing, even in death – his best friend would kill him, he gets a second opinion and decides to take on the challenge – teaching CJ everything she wants to know between the sheets. As the cities most infamous playboy, he knows he can show her the ropes (and then some), but isn’t prepared for what she can teach him.

In typical playboy/rake fashion, we get to enjoy the evolution of Graham as he falls desperately for CJ and learns the hard way, what it feels like to be so consumed with someone and then let go.

The lessons between CJ and Graham were in true Blakely form. Never for the subtle, always for the adventurous, creating scenes so visual, so scorching, so breathtakingly delicious that you need a second to make sure your seatbelt is securely fastened before she grabs you and throws you into another blistering hot scenario!

Savoring almost everything about the story, the one thing I found off-putting was the movie references. Charming at times, they seemed to be very out of place for Graham’s character. I felt like those moments took away from who he was more than added to it. There is an explanation for them at the end; however, I feel that insight would have been more relevant at the beginning. ( )

Predictable but cute

This was a sweet romance. CJ asking Graham to teach her how to have sex and get guys was a fun plotline. The way it played out was fairly cliche, but I enjoyed it and the smut scenes were nicely written. I liked the back and forth narration so we got to see both sides. The ending was cute and I wouldn't mind reading some of the other character's stories. ( )

The V Card is a bit of a new direction for Lauren Blakely. The beauty of her characters is that they take pride in being bold. Her stories hold nothing back and that makes for humorously entertaining temptation. This time around there are elements of a vulnerability that is refreshing. At the core of the relationship between CJ and Graham is a friendship that has withstood teenage crushes, heartbreaking tragedy and growing into adulthood. The bond they share is much stronger than lust and is an ever evolving story that morphs into love. The boldness and humor are still there, just softened by the breathtaking emotions that drive this relationship from friendship to romance. Blakely and Valente work well together. ( )

Sizzling hot, cute, romantic. ( )