The Best Lauren Blakely Books, Ranked—From 'Big Rock' to 'The Real Deal'
Our take
The sheer volume of work produced by Lauren Blakely—averaging eight romance novels a year—is, in itself, a fascinating phenomenon in the contemporary publishing landscape. While some authors meticulously craft a single title over years, Blakely’s prolific output speaks to a different approach, one that prioritizes consistent engagement and a rapid-fire delivery of precisely what her audience craves: swoon-worthy tropes and spice. This isn't entirely new, of course; the rise of self-publishing has enabled authors to bypass traditional gatekeepers and connect directly with readers, as evidenced by the broader trend of accessible and frequently updated content. It’s also worth noting the broader cultural embrace of quick, escapist entertainment, a trend that mirrors the popularity of Daisy Edgar-Jones’s effortless style choices, as seen in Daisy Edgar-Jones Wore This Exact Fake Tan for Her Natural, Sun-Kissed Glow, and the way celebrities like her are subtly influencing fashion trends, exemplified by her embracing of the military jacket, Daisy Edgar-Jones Salutes the Military Jacket Trend on the 'Sense and Sensibility' Press Tour. This appetite for readily available, aspirational content – be it a perfectly bronzed complexion or a satisfyingly predictable romance – highlights a desire for easy pleasures in a complex world.
Blakely’s success underscores a key shift in the romance genre, and indeed in publishing as a whole. The traditional model of carefully curated releases, often with significant lead times, is increasingly challenged by authors who leverage digital platforms to build direct relationships with readers and respond quickly to their preferences. Her former career as a journalist likely honed her ability to deliver engaging narratives at a rapid pace, translating her storytelling skills into a format that resonates with a modern audience accustomed to instant gratification. The ranking of her books—from "Big Rock" to "The Real Deal"—suggests a dedicated fanbase invested in exploring the breadth of her catalog, a testament to her ability to consistently deliver on the promise of familiar tropes executed with a certain polish. The article's emphasis on the "spice" element is also noteworthy, reflecting the evolving expectations of romance readers who increasingly seek heightened emotional and physical intimacy in their stories. Even the quieter, more introspective elements of celebrity life, like the charming anecdote about Princess Charlotte and her backstage request, Actress Reveals that Princess Charlotte Had a Special Backstage Experience Orchestrated by Proud Mom Kate, taps into a similar desire for connection and a glimpse into a world just beyond reach.
The broader implications extend beyond just the romance genre. Blakely’s model—high-volume output, direct-to-consumer distribution, and a keen understanding of audience desires—is a playbook for success in the attention economy. It demonstrates the power of consistency and responsiveness in building a loyal readership, and it challenges the traditional notion that quality is necessarily tied to scarcity. While the debate over the artistic merit of such prolific output will undoubtedly continue, there's no denying the commercial success Blakely has achieved. This success forces a re-evaluation of what constitutes a successful authorial career and how publishing houses can adapt to the changing dynamics of the marketplace. The emphasis on self-publishing and direct engagement also highlights the increasing agency of authors in shaping their own careers and connecting with their audiences on their own terms.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to observe whether other authors across different genres adopt a similar approach, prioritizing volume and rapid release cycles to cater to the demands of contemporary readers. Will we see a rise in “prolific authors” across various categories, or will Blakely’s model remain a niche phenomenon within the romance genre? Furthermore, how will publishing houses respond to this challenge, and will they seek to replicate Blakely’s success by supporting more authors in adopting a similar strategy, perhaps through hybrid publishing models or by fostering closer relationships with self-published authors? The rise of Lauren Blakely is more than just a story about a successful romance author; it's a reflection of the evolving landscape of publishing and the changing expectations of readers in a digital age.
Some authors write one book every eight years. Lauren Blakely, on the other hand, averages roughly eight books per year.
A former journalist, Blakely doesn’t believe in writer’s block, and it shows: She’s penned more than 120 titles since self-publishing her first romance novel, Caught Up in Us, in 2013. And she’s not showing any signs of slowing down; she’s got three more books set for release before the end of 2026 alone.
Blakely isn't just extremely prolific, but her books are diverse, tackling every kind of romance trope you can think of, from sports romances (she’s got several hockey series to dive into) to tropes galore (friends-to-lovers fans, you're in for some treats). And those love stories are extremely inclusive, featuring steamy scenes for both heterosexual and queer characters across her multiple series.
“We all want to fall in love, we all want to give love and feel love, and I think that's what [I] delivers on,” she has said.
If you’re ready to dive into the author’s swoon-worthy universe, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for the best Lauren Blakely books, ranked—and everything else you need to know about the beloved romance novelist.
The Best Lauren Blakely Books, Ranked
Blakely rounded out her The Guys Who Got Away series with an MM twist—and it’s so hot, it comes with a warning. (“Contains hot hotel sex, loads of dirty talk, PDA all over London, and two sexy, witty, charming alpha heroes.”) This one’s more than just sex, though; it’s an unexpected faceplant into love for British bartender Dean when Fitz walks into his bar. Unfortunately for him, Fitz lives in America—and he’s leaving town in five days. But the story takes place within that time frame has readers longingly retracing their banter time and time again.
All In With Him delivers an epic finale for Grant and Declan, whose story Blakely has been developing over the two previous novels in her Men of Summer series. More than that, however, she’s developed them as characters, which is ultimately what won the hearts of her readers. You simply can’t help but fall in love with these two as people.
Blakely kicked off her Love and Hockey series with a bang with The Boyfriend Goal. It’s the type of book that makes you fall in love right alongside the characters, who just so happen to be roommates. And that’s not all: Hockey player Wes is also teammates with Josie’s brother. Needless to say, it’s all a wee bit complicated, but the giddy butterflies Blakely provokes through their interactions? They couldn't be better.
File under incredible beach read. This joint effort between Blakely and author Sarina Bowen is about a no-strings fling that occurs between a bride’s big brother and his new brother-in-law’s “wingman”—and it definitely landed with Blakely’s audience. Although it's a more surface-level story, many have found beauty in its simplicity. The chemistry that erupts between these two opposites makes for a fun, steamy romp.
Forbidden Nights is one of Blakely’s best standalone novels, with readers likening it to a “sexual haze.” What starts as a physical arrangement between Nate and his best friend’s little sister Casey (purely for educational purposes, of course) inevitably develops into something deeper—only Nate's unsure whether he’s ready for those kinds of feelings. We won’t spoil the outcome, but let’s just say the journey they share is, well, hot. As one reader put it: “I thought I might burst into flames!!!.”
Big Rock was an instant best-seller and the book that put Blakely on the map. It has a uniquely male POV for a rom-com, with Spencer—a fuck boy with no plan to settle down—as its main narrator. When he needs to soften his image for investors, however, his BFF Charlotte comes to the rescue. She’s agreed to play the part of his doting fiancée, so long as they maintain a strict no-touching boundary. Any guesses how that turns out?
Who doesn’t fantasize about a romp in Paris from time to time? Wanderlust delivers exactly that, following British translator Griffin as he crosses paths with American tourist Joy for a steamy no-strings-attached fling. Things get a whole lot more complicated when he realizes she’s his newest client, however, and that his numbered days in the city of love have just been extended. Between their chemistry, the magical setting, and Joy’s joie de vivre, this one had fans falling head over heels.
The second book in the Big Rock series did not disappoint—in fact, readers savored it even more than its predecessor. While it has a similar premise to Forbidden Nights—Nick has been enlisted to teach his BFF’s little sister the ropes when it comes to all things O-related—this one offers more of Nick’s internal struggle as he weighs betraying his oldest friend against his desire for Harper. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, funny, sexy, and deeply endearing—A.K.A. a home run in the romance novel department.
Here Comes My Man is Blakely’s highest-rated novel on Goodreads, and for good reason. Its central characters, TJ and Jude, leave readers in “a constant state of swoon” with their faux-but-kinda-real relationship for the sake of the cameras. Sure, their chemistry is off the charts, but it’s the romantic longing between these two exes that really sets this one apart from the pack. And don’t even get us started on the utterly perfect ending!
Time and time again, Blakely readers have cited The Real Deal as their all-time fave. The kooky boyfriend-for-hire plot suddenly takes a very real turn for Theo and April when they unexpectedly have the time of their lives at her family's summer reunion. It’s a classic case of falling in love when you least expect it, and the swoon factor is through the roof.
How many books has Lauren Blakely written?
Blakely has 128 romance novels listed on her official website, but has penned even more. Before finding success in her current niche, Blakely wrote YA several titles under an undisclosed pen name, as she revealed in a 2018 interview. She has also published several novellas.
How spicy are Lauren Blakely's books?
Readers tend to think Blakely’s books are "medium spicy."
While she describes intimate acts in her book, it’s not gratuitously physical. Her scenes tend to focus on the feelings each kiss, caress, or anything else might provoke. “Are you going up in flames? Does it feel like fireworks are igniting in your chest?" she once told Cosmopolitan are things she considers. "Those are the things that I certainly try to do when I'm writing sexy-times scenes so that it doesn't just feel like a manual.”
What is Lauren Blakely’s most popular book?
Blakely first tasted critical success with her first romance novel, Caught Up in Us, in 2013. However, her popularity was cemented with the 2016 release of Big Rock, which secured a recurring spot on the New York Times Best Sellers list. 2017’s Full Package also earned a top spot for E-Book fiction.
How to read Lauren Blakely’s books in order
Many of Blakely’s books can be read as standalone novels, even if they’re part of a larger series.
If you’re looking to check out our selections, one of Blakely’s oldest gems is Forbidden Nights (2015), which is one of two Joy Delivered books. Both are standalone novels featuring rich heroes.
The Joy Delivered Duet
- Nights With Him (2014)
- Forbidden Nights (2015)
Next up is Blakely’s romantic comedy series Big Rock, which includes Big Rock and Mister O. The books in this series can be read in any order, though many share a light-hearted tone and a fake relationship or friends-to-lovers plot.
The Big Rock Series
- Big Rock (2016)
- Mister O. (2016)
- Well Hung (2016)
- Full Package (2017)
- Joy Ride (2017)
- Hard Wood (2017)
- Find Me a Match (2027)
Blakely’s most lauded novel, 2018’s The Real Deal , is about a boyfriend-for-hire and stands completely on its own.
Those with the travel bug might prefer to start with the Paris With Love series, however. The series features two standalone novels about forbidden romance overseas, starting with Wanderlust.
The From Paris With Love Series
- Wanderlust (2018)
- Part Time Lover (2018)
The popular 2020 novel A Guy Walks Into My Bar is part of Blakely’s The Guys Who Got Away series. As you might expect, they feature second-chance romances.
These books aren’t linked, so you can read them in any order. They also include both MF and MM leads, depending on the title.
- Birthday Suit (2019)
- Lucky Suit (2019)
- Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend (2020)
- The What If Guy (2020)
- A Guy Walks Into My Bar (2020)
- Thanks for Last Night (2020)
- The Dream Guy Next Door (2021)
All In With Him, published in 2021, is the final book in the forbidden MM sports romance Men of Summer series. Though the finale is our top 10 pick, you’ll want to read its predecessors, Scoring With Him and Winning With Him, to get the most out of this read.
- Scoring With Him (2021)
- Winning With Him (2021)
- All in With Him (2021)
The Best Men, co-published with Bowen in 2022, is one of Blakely’s eight standalone romances, with no adjacent series to explore more of its queer enemies-to-lovers trope.
2022’s Here Comes My Man, on the other hand, is the MM sequel to Hopelessly Bromantic about an American and British roommate who bunk together in more ways than one.
Hopelessly Bromantic Duet
- Hopelessly Bromantic (2022)
- Here Comes My Man (2022)
Last but not least on our list? The Boyfriend Goal. Published in 2024, it’s the first of seven standalone sports romances revolving around the ice.
Love and Hockey series
- The Boyfriend Goal (2024)
- The Romance Line (2024)
- The Proposal Play (2025)
- The Girlfriend Zone (2025)
- The Overtime Kiss (2025)
- The Flirting Game (2025)
- The Rival Upgrade (2026)
Check out Blakely’s full list of romance novels here.
Are any of Lauren Blakely's books being adapted into movies or TV shows?
As of now, none of Blakely’s books are being developed into film or television projects. But with the number of adaptations in the works, it feels like it's only a matter of time. In the meantime, there's certainly no harm in assembling your dream fan casts!
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