It Seemed Like a Good Idea is book one in the new Darling Springs series where we meet, and fall in love with, hunky bodyguard Banks and sweet and sassy Ripley.
About It Seemed Like a Good Idea
Banks grew up with a father who mixed business with pleasure. After seeing what it did to his family, he swore he would never repeat his father’s mistakes. He served in the military when he was younger. Then he worked for a security company. He made good contacts. So when he and his friend decided to open their own security company, they had good references already.
Ripley is the older sister of twins. She has always had to be the strong one. She is the more practical one of the family. When she lost her parents, her grandma took over raising her and Haven, her twin sister. She now runs the family lavender farm and is trying to find ways to expand its potential.
When Ripley comes face to face with her new bodyguard, one she does not want but is being forced to have, her demeanor completely changes. How could he be the man who stood her up for a one night stand in the city last month? Boy does she give Banks a run for his money. But he is always one step ahead of her and anticipates her next move. Which just frustrates her to no end.
But when every room is booked and more rooms are needed for additional project team members, Ripley is forced to give up her room. Enter her knight is shining armor, Banks. He offers to let her stay in the cottage he is staying in. One catch. It only has one bed.
Banks refuses to let his focus slip. He is there to protect Ripley, not get her in to bed. They have a heart to heart talk about what happened the previous month in the city. He never meant to stand her up, but it was a case of mistaken identity. And he refused to risk his professionalism for a one night stand. But now all bets are off.
They fall into a routine. Very little sleep at night. Banks gets up early, works out and walks Ripley’s dog. They have coffee and then go about their day. But both are keeping secrets. And secrets have a way of coming out in small towns at the most inopportune time.
But Ripley’s past has come back to haunt her in the form of an ex. She has something he wants, but she is not willing to help him. She tries to be nice about it, but he is not giving up. When Banks steps in will it fix the problem or create new ones?
So when a threat enters the picture, it is assumed that the ex has escalated. Will Banks be in time to save Ripley or will she save herself?
And when their secrets come out, what will be the price the piper has to pay?
Impressions
I loved this story. These two have a connection that cannot be denied. Everyone close to them sees it. They did not start out on the right foot, but the chemistry is undeniable and off the charts. It is just a matter of time before they give in.
Ripley hates keeping secrets from her sister. What she does not know is that Haven already knows about her and Banks. But she will not say anything. When Ripley is ready to tell her, she will.
I love the relationship that Ripley, Haven and Grandma have. They are so close. Ripley has always been the strong one. She has always taken care of Haven. And now she is working hard to expand the farm so she can send Grandma to France to visit her boyfriend and take a cooking class. She has so much sitting on her shoulders.
Add in the relationship Banks has with his mom and sister. They are a very close knit family. He is so afraid of repeating his father’s mistakes that he does not allow himself any grace. His family is so happy he has finally found someone that means so much to him he wants more than just this little interlude.
Narration
I loved JF Harding as Banks. His voice is gruff and commanding. He is Banks. Erin Mallon is always a joy to listen to. She brings in the softness and vulnerability as well as the strength and resiliency to her female characters. In addition, having this read in duet is chef’s kiss.
Availability
It Seemed Like a Good Idea is currently available to read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited and for purchase in all formats on Amazon.
Series Listing
- It Seemed Like a Good Idea (Darling Springs Book 1)
- I’ve Got a Crush On You (Darling Springs Book 2)
- Take Me Home Tonight (Darling Springs Book 3)
About Lauren Blakely
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 cute but spicy. Lauren likes dogs, cake, and show tunes and is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
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