Ultra Meital Reviews: The Best Men by Sarina Bowen & Lauren Blakely

This book was BEYOND HOT. It was scorching! ~fans myself~ But putting that aside it was also a BEAUTIFUL love story. I really enjoyed the way their relationship progressed and how much these two fit even if from the outside you wouldn't think they would. There was just something about these two, on their own, that allowed the other person to blossom. A deep acceptance that neither of them felt before. It was EVERYTHING.

We had a glimpse of these two in the prequel - "Super Hot Wingman". There's already a buildup on the "Enemies to Lovers" so when we start this one there's anticipation of what's going to happen next - Mark screwed up and he needs to deliver an apology as well as deal with everything he shouldn't have said about said HOT Wingman - Asher.

By way of making it up to his sister, Mark Banks agrees to head over to Miami to check all the arrangements for the upcoming wedding of his beloved younger sister - Hannah - and her soon to be husband - Phillipe "Flip" Dubois. Lucky? Unlucky? for him he is sent with the other Best Man - Asher St. James - Flip's best friend. While Mark is ALL about spreadsheets, organizations and being hands on concerning EVERYTHING. Asher is a laid back kinda guy who had more beach and parties on his mind. Naturally he wanted to help his best friend, but he wasn't going about it as meticulously as Mark.. But he quickly learns Mark's spreadsheets has A LOT more than he could have even imagined.. There's a lot more to Mark on many aspects.. But first Asher needs to know -

Mark is ABSOLUTELY checking Asher out, there is SO MUCH to see. But his life is complicated. At the age of 27 he is divorced and is the main caretaker for his 6 years old girl Rosie. Right now she is his number one priority, his life (outside of work) is on hold. He is also bitter about the fact his ex, Bridget, has moved on and has no problem dropping her responsibilities on him. But when he finally puts that out there, as well as how much he is STARVED for a connection, it doesn't take long for these two to start something "causal" until the day of the ceremony.

While it IS casual between them it somehow isn't right from the start. There is a tenderness I wouldn't expect from just two guys blowing off steam. They play at being enemies, not getting along, seeing things differently, but that's just the armor they are used to wearing. Spending time together, VERY close together, in and out each other's arms, shows their vulnerabilities. As well as how GREAT these two are together negotiating the menu as well as covering Mark's OTHER spreadsheet..

What can I say, these two just work together or rather they sort of complete each other. Mark needs to look at life in a more fun and casual sort of a way, but it's hard for him. He never had anyone like Asher in his life and generally no one who was interested in him like he is. While he and Bridget were in a relationship before they got married, there was no big love and if there was it died long time ago. He WANTS to be more fun, but he needs someone to open the door and maybe hold his hand. Asher is the EXACT person for the job. He is ALL about fun and enjoying himself. What he isn't so good at, is the more serious stuff but he is getting there. Asher is used to pleasing people, sometimes on his expense. Mark shows him his worth and more than that, he doesn't criticize and try to pressure him to change his ways.

There are so many important traits to have in a significant other, but acceptance has to be (at least in my eyes) very near the top. Especially when the couple is so different. It's more than just saying "You do you". It's being there, appreciating, giving space but also a shoulder to lean on. These two had quite the road before they found their way to HEA which is another thing I really appreciated about this story. It didn't go from Enemies to Lovers to Couple. There were other things they had to deal with which only solidified them more as a couple.

Sarina and Lauren wrote SUCH A PREFECT love story. I'm so happy it's one of the first stories to start the year. It almost feels like a promise. It's also the first book I've read on my NEW Kindle. These past three months I was barely able to read. Getting to bed, reading a few pages on my phone and falling asleep, most days not being able to even finish one chapter. When I started this one it was a totally different feeling. I read this book in two days, reading whenever possible going to sleep WAY too late. It was simply WONDERFUL and SEXY and funny. SO FUNNY. I laughed out loud so many times. It was also tender and sweet. What more could I ask? Nothing.

HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book will be out in just a few more days - January 18th (2022) - Preorder it now through the links bellow.