Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
"I'M A VIRGIN, AND YOU NEED TO RELIEVE ME OF THAT."

What respectable guy could say no to that? Yeah, she was my best friend. But she was also the hottest chick I had ever known. I thought it would be simple. I thought we'd have a good time, then pretend like it never happened.

It turns out, I was an idiot.

Now, she wants nothing to do with me, but I'm determined. I've spent the last five years without her and I refuse to waste another day. I have a solid plan. All of my figurative ducks are in a row. I'm going balls to the wall, and I'm not stopping until I win back the only girl I've ever loved.

Too bad for me, Devyn Summers has been sitting on a secret that nothing could've prepared me for.

*Deal Breakers is filled with lots of laughs, a sexy romance, and an overflowing swear jar. It's the first installment in the Dealing With Love series, but each one can be read as a standalone.

266 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2015

1,394 people are currently reading
4,647 people want to read

About the author

Laura Lee

25 books1,809 followers

Laura Lee is the USA Today bestselling author of sexy and seductive romance. She's best known for writing the Bedding the Billionaire series and the Windsor Academy series. She won her first writing contest at the ripe old age of nine, earning a trip to the state capital to showcase her manuscript. Thankfully for her, those early works will never see the light of day again! Laura lives in the Pacific Northwest with her extremely tolerant husband, two beautiful children, and some of the most ridiculously spoiled felines you’ll ever meet.

When she's not chauffeuring the kids around, writing, or watching HGTV, she probably has her nose in a book, with an iced matcha by her side. She's a sucker for spicy romances, always searching for new book boyfriends to add to her collection.. 



Visit Laura's Amazon Page

https://amzn.to/3jxKZTE

Visit Laura's Website 

https://www.lauraleebooks.com

Join Laura's Reader's Group

http://smarturl.it/9t5gx5

Subscribe to Laura's Newsletter

http://smarturl.it/ita2zg

Follow Laura on Facebook

http://smarturl.it/q4xqez

Follow Laura on TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@authorlauralee

Follow Laura on TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@booktoksmuthouse

Follow Laura on Instagram 

http://smarturl.it/61kpld

Follow Laura on Twitter 

http://smarturl.it/j891hn

Follow Laura on Verve Romance 

https://smarturl.it/bvsyu8

Follow Laura on BookBub

http://smarturl.it/kcb0xe?IQid=BookBub

Follow Laura on Pinterest

https://smarturl.it/z3xt7d

Follow Laura on Goodreads: 

https://smarturl.it/r2gwl0

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
987 (32%)
4 stars
1,002 (32%)
3 stars
713 (23%)
2 stars
256 (8%)
1 star
82 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 576 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession.
1,224 reviews3,642 followers
May 25, 2017
3.5 Balls to the wall stars

*Spoilers*

"Okay, here's the thing. I'm a virgin. And you need to relieve me of that."

 photo riley2.jpg_zpsnjdm0gst.gif

"Riley! Stop staring at my boobs!" I throw my hands up in frustration. "Tell your boobs to stop staring at my eyes!"

Deal breakers is a cute friends to lovers romance. I really liked it, but I would have liked more character & relationship development.

What this book is about

The minute Riley lays eyes on Devyn he wants her, but when Riley asked her out Devyn made it clear that all she was looking for was friendship. Devyn and Riley become best friend after that and are so close that they spend like every day together for the next 4 years of college. Right before graduating college Devyn ask Riley for a big favor. Sleep with her so she doesn't go into the real world with her V-card. Riley having always wanted her says yes and they spend one magical night together. While they make love to each other they both realize they have been in love with each other for years. Devyn tells Riley she loves him and Riley chickens out, acts like he is sleeping and then the next day he runs. They don't talk for 5 years. Riley knows he made a huge mistake. He is still in love with Devyn and wants her. So he moves to her town with plans to win her back and make up for past mistakes, but Devyn has been hiding a big secret from him these past five years and she has a boyfriend. Can Riley get past the life changing secret and convince Devyn that he is the man for her?

He smiles. "Ah, I get it, brother. You've been touched by the Magic Pussy." "The magic what?" "The Magic Pussy," he repeats. "Pussy that is so good you can never get enough and it's impossible to forget. An Urban Legend in my opinion, but you sure do have all the pathetic signs."

My Riley:

 photo riley1_zps9djekozt.jpg

My Devyn:

 photo 59384-Long-Blonde-Wavy-Hair_zpswemowm3b.jpg

"Then what do you want, Rye? What the hell do you want?" "YOU! All I've ever wanted since the day we met was you!"

Riley is fun, sweet, but a total man slut! He is an only child and with his good looks and charm things come easy to him. Devyn is a good girl who aways follows the rules. Both her parents are dead and she only has her brother Drew. Devyn is very down to earth and doesn't know how good looking she is. Riley and Devyn together are smokin' hot. They have a cute friendship that makes them a cute couple but I hated them being apart for 5 years.

"I'll give you time to get your shit together, but don't walk away from this, Devyn. Don't walk away from us."

 photo 9e8fc-woron_sensual_hot_art_model_sexy_kiss_couple_passion_amor_clo3_sex_passion_love_pics_imagineglows_erotic_lara_angie56__zpsehbudwpv.jpg

He shuts my bedroom door and turns the lock. "Take advantage of me, huh?" I laugh. "Oh yes, absolutely. And I'm going to objectify the hell out of you."

I really wished this book would have went a little deeper. I feel like I didn't really get to know who Riley and Devyn are beside the man slut and good girl tom boy. And while their relationship was cute it was superficial. I don't feel like I got to see them fall in love or hurt over their time apart and secrets. There are some really sweet moments in this book and some very funny ones as well. The ending was swoon worthy! Deal Breakers is a cute, quick read!

"For the record, my wee wee has grown quite a bit since then." My mom pats me on the cheek. "I'm sure it has, dear. If you take after your father, Devyn is quite the lucky lady." I cringe. "Mom! Gross! I didn't need to know that!"

 photo pizap.com14534283685511_zpsk14ms2jw.jpg

http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
Profile Image for Kelly (and the Book Boar).
2,759 reviews9,301 followers
September 25, 2015
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/

“Okay, here’s the thing. I’m a virgin. And you need to relieve me of that.” Riley sprays beer from his mouth all over the table. “The fuck you say?”

WARNING: THIS REVIEW IS GOING TO CONTAIN AN INORDINATE NUMBER OF GIFS – EVEN FOR ME. AND ALSO SPOILERS (IF A ROMANCE NOVEL CAN EVEN BE “SPOILED” SINCE THEY ALL USE THE SAME TIRED TROPES).

Riley and Devin meet on their second week at Nike U . . .

Chicago commercial photographers
(GO DUCKS!)

Riley is the resident manwhore, Devyn is the vestal virgin. Riley invites Devyn to the local watering hole. . . .

Chicago commercial photographers

He wants to bang. She’s just looking for a friend. Devyn decides Riley fits the bill because . . .

“Sitting here with him, I feel like I’ve known him forever.”

Chicago commercial photographers

Over the next four years the two become besties until the day before graduation when Devyn asks Riley for a big favor – to deflower her. Fast forward to five years later where we find out that Devyn was left with a little souvenir from their one night of passion . . .

Chicago commercial photographers

Okay. So I didn’t like this one a whole lot, but that doesn’t mean everyone else won’t. Here are several reasons why it didn't work for me.

1. I didn’t like the main characters, but especially Riley. He was a disgusting pig and I don’t believe he would have stopped being so just by getting older. I also can’t get on board with the I had a whoopsie baby and tried to call the dude once and never bothered leaving a message or telling him so now he’s a giant scumbag and I hate him and will forever call him . . . .

Chicago commercial photographers

Seriously? Grow up.

2. Feeding the other dessert, going to the hotel from 50 Shades (barf – if anything would make my underbits dry up like the Sahara that would be it), rose petals, champagne, etc. . . . .

Chicago commercial photographers

3. The sex. Is “one looooong lick down the center” sexy? Am I the only person who pictures this . . .

Chicago commercial photographers

And then wants to vomit?

How about biting the most sensitive bud in a woman’s lady garden? Or sucking on said part until it’s flat against the roof of his mouth?????

Chicago commercial photographers

Just me???

4. A very active wiener. His wang did a lot of “stirring” and “jumping” and . . .

Chicago commercial photographers
(insert dubstep)

5. Pacing . . . .

Chicago commercial photographers

This book goes from a womanizer to friends to baby surprise to the break-up of existing relationship to the make-up of old relationship to engagement in like 14.7 seconds which ends with . . . .

Chicago commercial photographers

Really the only thing that I loved? The kid . . .

Chicago commercial photographers

He was a funny foul-mouthed little bastard.

I also realized I’m even older than I thought because I have no idea what a “Fireball” is. In my head it’s always been something like this . . .

Chicago commercial photographers

but this book kept telling me it was alcohol.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
Profile Image for Jen .
811 reviews621 followers
June 3, 2016
3.5 Balls to the Wall Stars

This book covers a whole lot of popular romance tropes. It's a friends to lovers book. It's a second chance and secret baby romance. It's also cute, funny and at times too sweet for words. I have an affinity for foul mouthed (fictional) children that haven't fully mastered potty training yet so Nathan was an added bonus.



My only issue is the angst level. I could've used more of it. That's right, more angst. I felt the situations Devyn and then Riley found themselves in warranted more emotion, or at least emotion from me as a reader. I just wasn't feeling it.

Overall Deal Breakers was a terrific in between, palette cleansing read for me.
Profile Image for Cee (The Mistress Case).
253 reviews164 followers
August 13, 2015
Needless to say, this storyline is recurring in many New Adult books. The characters are recycled and there are too many tropes. School Player aka Manwhore aka Friendzoned Hot Friend + Untouchable Girl Who Doesn't Want To Get Into a Relationship aka "The Cool Girl" aka Most Likely Virgin of the Year. Best Friends Become Something More + A Split Up + Fast Forward into the Future. Parents' Tragic Deaths (because the Lord forbids that all parents remain alive *rolls eyes*) + Secrets (someone is a daddy *gasps*). Deal Breakers is the whole package. Do I need to go on? Because this is only a warm-up, so don't tempt me.

I love my clichés, but really, there is nothing to make Deal Breakers stand out and it brings nothing new to the table. Not the characters. Not the storyline. Not the pasts and secrets. It’s the same old thing I’ve read countless times before.

If only Deal Breakers had a slower pace or had more depth to it, I might have remotely liked it, but the writing was choppy and unimpressive, so never mind, screw the pace.

If the book was any longer, I would have never gotten through the dry writing, cringe-worthy and gross dialogues, the un-engaging characters, the rushed romance, and pretty much— the whole package of “been there, done that.” It was already bad enough I forced my way through this just because I didn’t want another DNF book to add to my shelf.

ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,082 reviews887 followers
August 5, 2015
When Riley saw Devyn, he knew he wanted her. But after being shot down and put into the friend zone, they spend their college years as best friends who seriously have no idea how in love with each other they really are. But there is just one little problem that Dev really needs Riley’s help with before they venture into the real world on opposite coasts. Her virginity needs to get gone!

One night two friends make a deal, one major revelation is had and one messes up big time. But that one night is one that even years can’t erase and Riley is suddenly ready to correct his mistakes and claim the girl he’s loved since he first saw her.

Okay, so this book had all the makings to be epic. All the things I love in a NA read were here but there was just something missing. The angst was too low the pace too quick and a lot of the story hovered on the surface and never really dug deeper.

There were scenes where things worked really well, but when we get to the five years later and the secrets are revealed, I found it hard to overlook Devyn’s role and lack of efforts, Riley was just ready to claim any scrap he could get and not really make her face that mistake. But where a lot of angst could have been shoved into this story, things just progressed so quickly that all the drama was lost.

I did enjoy the story, but I think some chances to push a bit deeper were missed out on to really take this story and turn it from good to fantastic.

ARC
Profile Image for Nicay.
264 reviews94 followers
December 22, 2015
description

Review originally posted at Wordpress

Thank you Netgalley for providing an Arc in exchange for an honest review.

It was hard for me to rate it 3 stars only. I think it’s-me-not-the-book problem that’s why I ended up not liking this. Well, I still have some facts why I rated it 3 stars.

1. The Characters–Rye and Devyn met when they were in their University, as usual Rye begin to have an interest to Devyn. It ended up for them to become “best friends”. Best friend scenario in this story didn't hooked up for me. Yes, they were super close sleeping together in one bed. But to asked your best friend to have your first “sex”? Because Devyn has the world problem being a virgin and to have sex with Rye was the best solution before she graduated. Ugh! Not good for me. Tsk. It was also hard to have an attachment to each of them, I tried but I don’t want to blind myself that I would going to like them. 33% when I begun to annoyed to them, and skipping some pages to prevent myself to be embarrassed was my best solution ever.

description

2. Story-This story was a cliché. I am expecting something extraordinary but oh well, it didn't. As I said, I didn't really have an emotional attachment to this story.

It was still good. For readers who wants to have a short read, I would recommend it to you. But, I think it wasn't just for me.

description

Profile Image for Jen D.
10 reviews3 followers
July 29, 2015
When I first became interested in reading again, a few years ago, it was uncommon for me to put a book down that I had started. Even if it sucked. Even if it put me to sleep night after night, I would push through until I reached the conclusion.

I have no patience for that anymore, however. If a book doesn't grab my attention within the first 10 pages and hold it throughout, I have no qualms about adding it to the pile of DNFs and trying out something new. Sometimes I get in these moods where nothing can hold my attention, and in those moods I'm less convinced it is due to the lack of story or pull or whatever, and more to do with, well, me.

When I picked up Deal Breakers, I was in one such mood. I felt the pressure of needing to read it because it was an ARC, and you don't NOT read and ARC. But I was also familiar with Laura Lee's writing ability through her Urban Fantasy series, and I knew she possessed one hell of a talent. I crossed every toe and finger that this would be the book to pull me out of my reading slump--both for selfish reasons and to give the book a fair chance once it came time to review it.

Within the first pages I'd forgotten all about the mood I'd been in for weeks. I was finally able to fully immerse myself in a story again and I felt an immediate connection that only grew with each page. *insert happy dance*

I was reminded why Laura Lee became one of my favorite authors years ago. She never disappointed me in the past, and she sure as hell didn't disappoint me this time.

I LOVED, LOVED, F-ING LOVED Deal Breakers! In fact, I believe this to be her best work yet, and I'm beyond excited to hear what everyone else thinks.

In a genre filled with weak women (although there's a definite increase in the opposite), Deal Breakers introduces us to one of the coolest female protagonists. She has a tragic past, but it's done nothing except strengthen her. At a young age, she's already sure of who she is, she's learned to rely on herself, and she doesn't fall for sleazy one-liners or even her college's biggest playboy's attempts to move in on her. She focuses on the things she deems important--school, primarily--and the rest is secondary.

But once graduation comes around, she finds something new to put her focus on--just one tiny thing that she wants checked off her To Do List before moving forward in the career portion of her life: losing her virginity.

I know, I know, it sounds so cliché, and at first, I thought so too. But her virginity wasn't presented in a way that made her seem wholly innocent or naïve. Sure, she was a little awkward about the subject matter at times, but it was more entertaining than anything--you'll understand once you get to know her.

The whole thing was approached in such a matter-of-fact way that you couldn't help but think, "oh, no, shit's about to go down." You just knew, while reading, that her indifferent attitude to the entire thing wouldn't last.

How could it when you decide to bang your best friend? Especially when he's your first?

And that's when the "real" story begins.

It's not all roses and sunshine, either. It's full of angst, and heartbreak and not so happy emotions. But like in real life, sometimes bad things that are hard to see past while going through them bring something beautiful in the end. That was the case here. Devyn found her beautiful. She moved forward. She found contentedness in life.

And then he (Riley) came back and disrupted it all over again.

And O-M-G, I loved every second of it. Riley and Devyn had chemistry that just built and built and built, even when everything between them seemed to fall apart. I loved Riley, I loved Devyn, and I loved THEM. Their characters were well fleshed out and so believable, imperfect representations of real people, and I envisioned them both so easily and so clearly as I was reading.

There is a character who completely stole my heart (and he's not even the hero). Seriously, I fell head over heels and I wish he were real so I could steal him. He's my newest favorite character. Again, you'll understand when you read. And then perhaps we can collaborate on how to go about kidnapping him. =D

Overall, Deal Breakers topped my list for new favorites this year. I loved it from the first sentence and all the way through till the last.

If you're new to Laura Lee or if you've followed her through her Urban Fantasy series, read this! It's everything we love about our modern day romances.

***warning**** Keep a bucket of ice nearby.

***additional warning*** do not, I repeat, DO NOT work out your abs for the first time in a while right before reading this. It will hurt like crazy once the laughs start.




Profile Image for Jenni.
99 reviews
July 21, 2015
What a wonderfully written book! I have read many of Laura Lee's books and this one is just as awesome! The characters are amazing. Laughter and tears, passion and love, this book has it all. I love when a book is written so good, that you feel the love between two people. You actually believe that you are with them or at least want to be them. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!
Profile Image for ... Lost  Bookland... .
434 reviews48 followers
October 21, 2020
Deal Breakers is a really sweet friends-to-lovers romance that also includes second opportunity and secret baby elements. Everything is so cute, funny and charming, without too much drama or angst, which I personally would like more.
One look at her, and pure desire overwhelms him, the feelings are there, the lust ignites…but they somehow end up in the friends zone, which with the passing of time becomes too familiar, too comfortable and too much needed in order to be jeopardized. But one night, one touch…all limits and rules are forgotten… One irresistible offer, when all the brakes give way, when passion pulls everything in its whirlpool,all reason is lost and the feelings culminate. One night, that is the deal. But is it enough? Is this the end?
The storyline was truly solid, sometimes felt a bit rushed, like something was missing, most likely and a deeper emotional connection between the main characters. Disregarding that, the main as well as the secondary characters were nicely portrayed, maybe a more solid development would make the book more appealing. As I said it I really missed more angst and more emotions, but the hotness level of the book will definitely not disappoint anyone, the steamy sessions between these two will most definitely make you blush.
It could be also said that it was little predictable, but in a very comforting way. Simply while reading you do not experience a storm of emotions, but a gentle relaxation that overwhelms you. A cliché- maybe, but interesting enough to keep your attention to the very end.
Definitely, short and sweet, easy to read and with lots of swoony and funny elements, this book is a great choice for a lazy, relaxing read.
Profile Image for Emily Goodman.
1,070 reviews38 followers
August 12, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review....

Wow! Three hours ago I sat down on the edge of my daughter's bed and opened Deal Breakers thinking I might read a chapter or two while wrestling my kiddo to sleep. Yet here I am, child long since passed out closing the kindle app after completely devouring every wonderful morsel of this book and it's 12 a.m.

Deal Breakers is a friends to lovers story about college friends Devyn and Riley and their one night stand of epic proportions. Having always had this sexual tension deeply rooted in their friendship, Devyn and Riley have never crossed the ultimate line that will forever change their friendship. Although the tension is always there, slowly accumulating under the surface, it isn't until Devyn propositions Riley to be her first that they take the ultimate leap changing their lives forever.

Now usually this is where some books get all cheesy, some naive little girl gets desperate and falls for some cheesy pick up lines and dates the bad boy, while the good guy waits, yada yada yada. But that's not the case for Lee's story. Devyn is by far not some naive little girl, but an evolving woman fulling embracing herself for the time. She's strong, driven, and for the first time in her friendship with Riley extremely vulnerable. Riley is also not that guy. You know the one that is desperately in love for the girl forsaking all others and only focused on her. Riley's also strong willed, driven, and scared to death of what will come of finally having the girl who has been just outside his reach for the last four years. Typically at this point we expect a happily ever after and they ride off into the sunset. But this is where the story takes off and is balls to the walls great in every single way.

This story was built with chemistry and emotion that just continuously building and building, exceeding all expectations and capturing my undivided attention until the very end. And I loved every single moment of it.

If I had to wish for anything, it would have been to add a little more to it! I would have loved to have seen more of the college years. Maybe a little bit of failed romance with Riley's room mate. Maybe just a few more tiptoed moments around that imaginary friendship line creating more tension and angst. Don't get me wrong, this book is AMAZING like it is. This is just me wanting to savor this unbelievably great story.

This was my first book by Laura Lee. It will not be my last by far. Five stars just isn't enough credit to give Lee. This book was everything I had hoped for and then some. It's a book that brings you out of your reading rut and kick starts your love of romance stories all over again. I'm not sure, I will be able to contain myself from slamming this book in front of people begging them to meet Devyn and Riley and fall for their story just as I have.

Profile Image for Karen.
488 reviews
February 10, 2016
I devoured this book! It was a quick read and just what I was in the mood for.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for the best friends to lovers stories and this one did not disappoint! I loved Riley (the hero) and Devyn (the heroine) in this story. The secondary characters were pretty great too (especially Nathan and Drew).

The storyline itself was predictable, but in a comforting sort of way. Sort of like watching those lifetime movies - you know whats going to happen, but you still watch it! I enjoyed this novel immensely! My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough. I definitely recommend it to anyone who like romance novels.

*A free copy of this book was given via netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Yeng.
256 reviews53 followers
December 26, 2016
“Love deeper and laugh harder than you ever thought possible. Never settle for anything less.”
I read this cutesy romance in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. The story flows so well and the characters are very likable. I was grinning from ear to ear the whole time. Such a delightful read! Sure, there are tons of 'meeh' moments, but the cuteness and adorableness overshadows it! I hope there'll be books for Brody and Rainey, and Drew!

I know it has a giant neon sign with the word cliche written all over it, but who cares, I've always been a sucker for books about best friends falling in love with each other.
Profile Image for Dilushani Jayalath.
1,004 reviews190 followers
October 11, 2015
*I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Actual Rating=4.75 stars

I freaking loved this book. Oh my god. The cuteness level of this book was so high. The last bit of the book went a bit too fast for me but other than that it was just too cute. I mean the whole friends factor was so sweet. Ugh. I'm like writing full on crap right now but it's just too cute for me



Well first of all I would like to say that I totally, incredibly loved Devyn. She was such a nice MC to read about. She wasn't an annoying prick who kept saying and doing stupid stuff and she's totally the type I would love to have as a best-friend. She totally took some bad decisions in her life but I like the fact she got her HEA. The only thing i dislikes was the fact that she took back Riley so soon. Yes it's true that she was totally in love with him and he was so sweet when he found out the truth about Nathan but still she could have played a bit more hard to get (I'm a bit too much into the whole hard to get thing :D) So I'm not sure if people would agree with me but this is my fav pick for Devyn ;)



Then comes Riley. Oh our dear manwhore. I loved him. He was also a sweet character to read but I'm not sure if that is what is totally going inside a guy's head but ti would be sweet if anyone would think about me the same way Riley thinks about Devyn. He could have handled the situation with Devyn better but I'm glad he did. I loved how he connected with Nathan so quickly though he was little bit late on fixing two and two together. Poor bugger. I actually want to read more of him. Damn (oops a dollar for the jar). Then my Riley


Maybe he's a tiny bit too young looking?

Then there's our loving Nathan. Now without doubt this guy was my favourite out of the whole book. He was such an adorable little fellow. When I get kids, I want someone like him :( My pick for Nathan,



I had such a fine time looking at baby pics trying to find the best Nathan so here's another pic on how I expected him to look when he was tiny


Next is the other characters. I loved almost every single one in this book with the exception of the naggy ex of Riley in the first few chapters. I even didn't dislike Jackson. I mean he was doing what was the best. It's sad how he got dumped as soon as Riley started coming around but he was a nice person and he took it in polite manner. Then Rainey, Brody, Josh and most importantly Drew. I loved this little back characters. They were all so nice and a supportive bunch.
The hotness level of the book was also good. It was damn (one more dollar) hot reading the steamy sessions between the two. I guess mainly was because I loved these two charters. This had definitely one of the hottest scenes in the recent books I've read.
All together I just loved the book. It was such a light read and comedic too. Specially Nathan. He made the book such a cute thing to read. I would love to recommend this to anyone who loves romantic stories and looking for a nice summer beach read. This is the type of book to put a huge smile on your face after you finish reading .
Profile Image for Abstract ♥ Books.
1,281 reviews1,742 followers
October 9, 2020




ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS

line

'Deal Breakers' is a standalone romance by the best selling author 'Laura Lee'. Told in dual perspectives, this book was one amazing ride of friendship and love!

Devyn and Riley have been friends for years in college. They both have had attraction between them. But they have never crossed the line. Until one day , Devyn propositions Riley with a task he can't refuse. To rid her of her virginity. For a moment , Riley is speechless. The most beautiful girl he has ever known is propositioning him in this way and he just can't say no. But things sort of go south when Devyn mutters 'I Love you' to him. To say he panicked would be an understatement. He just runs away and cuts contact with her.

Now years after that he is back for her. But she is not the same. Not to mention that she doesn't like him and has another boyfriend. Or the big secret that she hid , one that might change everything!

The storyline was good. But things happen too fast for me. Something always seemed to be missing , probably the connection between the main characters. But this was still a pleasant read for me , that I liked a lot! A definite must read for all the contemporary romance lovers out there!

My-Post-3
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bookbub | My Blog
Profile Image for Book Lovers Hangout.
2,748 reviews12 followers
July 25, 2015
I was really interested in reading this story because it is different from anything I have read of Laura Lee's and her work is always amazing. I was so excited when I won an ARC I had the opportunity to do so.

This book is the most fun read I have experienced all year. I love friends to lovers stories and this one is so well-written. I absolutely adore the characters in this book. I don't know how Devyn ever resists Riley at all. He is definitely the book boyfriend material you swoon over. The love and chemistry between them, even as friends, makes you feel like you are part of the story. The secondary characters are so much fun as well and I can't wait to read the rest of their story.

So, if you are looking for an endearing, fun and heartfelt story, this is the one. I absolutely loved this story and can't wait to see what else Ms. Lee has in store for us.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews161 followers
July 24, 2015

Riley is learning a whole lot about his four year old son, it's all new to him, "my jaw drops. “How do I not know this? I’m a guy! I don’t remember being obsessed with my junk until I was at least thirteen.” Riley he likes to make sure his girl knows he appreciates her assets, "I follow her gaze. “Boobs are boobs, Devyn. Big or small, I love them all.” She looks up and catches me staring at her chest." Their son Nathan was such a joy he made me laugh so hard, “Unca’ Drew bought me some big boy underpants but they made my wiener feel funny so Momma said to go put on my regular underpants but I couldn’t find ‘em so now I’m not wearing any underpants! Unca’ Drew says that when you run out of underpants on laundry day, you just have to go free-balling!” I loved this book the characters were lovable, the content was.fun and light hearted it was a great read.
Profile Image for Isa Books.
150 reviews25 followers
July 29, 2015
3,5 Stars

Sweet romance, funny, with a lot of heartbreak and lovely characters.

Although it was a good read, it didn't completely filled my measures. It was fast paced and it missed what I like to call 'The Sparkle'.

This is one of those books that I have a hard time reviewing because it took me a while to warm up to it. But it still goes home with a rounded up four star, because I love a good laugh, and this book had plenty of it.

*ARC received via NetGalley*
Profile Image for Nikki Manzella.
19 reviews5 followers
September 1, 2015
This is a very real portrayal of love. I was a little wary when I heard it was based on a deal for Devyn to lose her v-card to her best friend, but it was sweetly and beautifully written. The characters hook you in from the very beginning. And the struggles they face are 'real world' struggles which make it extremely easy to relate to them.
Thank you Laura Lee for another book that I did not want to put down. I cannot wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Miranda.
503 reviews112 followers
August 20, 2015
I received a copy via net galley.

I was so excited to find out I'd be receiving a copy of this! It sounded too cute, and then when I started reading it I found out it wasn't just going to be this cute story. It had real life problems that people go through and all the drama a good romance should have. It was a bit overly fast paced but I liked the idea as a whole so I'd definitely recommend it. It was quirky,steamy,hilarious and an all around happily ever after.
Profile Image for Brandy Osina.
4 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2015
Wonderful story. The characters are engaging and you can't help but get sucked into the story. It will make you laugh, sigh and wish that it wouldn't end. I can't wait to get my hands on more!
Profile Image for Melyssa Winchester.
Author 27 books241 followers
August 7, 2015
description

Title: Deal Breakers
Author: Laura Lee
Genre: New Adult & College, Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Review

description

Holy book devour, Batman!

I’m pretty new to the NetGalley experience, so lately, when I’ve been on there, I start randomly searching through genres and then publishers and in one of my jaunts through the site, I came across this story and had it immediately sent to my kindle. The idea, what takes place in the synopsis pulling me in and making me want to see where the author took it.

It also helped that I’m a big fan of second chance romances and that’s definitely what takes place here, with the five year gap that takes place for these two best friend that met in college and then after one night together, found themselves separated.

As it turns out, this book did not disappoint.

Without going into too much detail because I like readers to get a feel for a book themselves more so than be told everything about it, Riley and Devyn meet their first year of college. Devyn has been through a lot in her short life up until this point and isn’t interested in anything with Riley past a friendship. One that you see within the first few chapters (detailing their college experience together), that grows from a normal friendship into a best friendship.

I enjoyed each chapter dedicated to random events during their college experience. It gave insight into how they became the best friends they are and set the stage for the feels that this reader would feel later when everything got much more serious. I believed in their friendship and I also wanted there to be more for them because of the way the author showed them together, long before they actually did get together.

Devyn, trusting Riley more than anyone else on the planet, and wanting to move on from College no longer holding onto her “v-card”, asks him to help her out, and knowing how Riley has looked at his best friend right from the first time they met, I knew he wasn’t going to say no. But neither character realized just how complicated things were going to get once they entered into this agreement.

Time passage, hearts broken, two people who clearly cared for one another losing touch and secrets being kept and held for five years all comes together when they finally do meet up again five years after the disaster that was their one night together and it was in this area where the story, and the characters really took flight and I saw the best parts of them.

This is where the love become paramount and it was such a beautiful thing to read.

Riley was already sweet (even as a young college student who got spooked when the feelings got too real), and when he comes across Devyn again, he’s determined, set in stone and ready to fight for her. Something that years before he hadn’t been ready to admit he wanted to do. Armed with a truth he knew nothing about, he’s determined to win the heart of the girl he left broken in the past and he doesn’t let up until he achieves just that.

The flow in this book was tremendous. I remember starting it, and then getting so engrossed in it that when I looked down an hour or so later, I was already sixty percent of the way through. That is a testament to the author for fantastic pacing. Time moves quickly, but in a way where you’re not missing out on anything as it passes. You’re seeing everything the way you should be and you’re not bogged down by things that matter very little in the long term.

If you’re into happily ever after’s this book is for you. If you like a good second chance romance with characters that aren’t perfect. Ones that have flaws and do make mistakes (as both Devyn and Riley do within this book), then you’ll love this. Add to those things, some pretty romantic yet steamy and beautiful love scenes and you’ve got the makings of one hell of a romance.

I can’t wait to read Brody and Drew’s stories in the future, since during the course of this one, I became attached to both of them as well.

I’m so glad that I came across this book on my journey through NetGalley. It was truly a pleasure to read and this is definitely an author I want to read more of in the future.
Profile Image for BookLover.
387 reviews78 followers
January 23, 2016
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by LAN Fiction in exchange for a honest review.

I really enjoyed this second chance romance. Devyn puts Riley and his “manwhoring” ways into the friend zone when they first meet in college. They quickly become best friends while both secretly harbour more serious feelings for one another.

After a one night stand before graduation, Devyn and Riley go their separate ways. Up until this point in the story, I had assumed this book would be a typical new adult and follow similar plots. Instead, Laura Lee got me hooked with a secret and from that point on, I couldn’t put the book down. (I love a good secret!!!)

I loved all of the happy accident moments that kept putting Devyn with Riley once he decided to try rekindling their connection. There was no over the top angst or harbouring of bad feelings. Devyn and Riley both still feel a strong connection and once the secret is revealed, Riley will stop at nothing to win Devyn back.

Amongst the main love story and steamy scenes between Devyn and Riley are some pretty great secondary characters. I loved Drew and his influence on Nathan’s vocabulary. Brody and Rainey were great characters too and I’m excited to read their story. Nathan really stole the show for me, though. I couldn’t stop laughing every time he opened his mouth, wondering what inappropriate words were going to come spilling out.

This story was sweet, sexy, funny and heartwarming. Great read!!
Profile Image for Katie Battaglia.
76 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2015
Thank you Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Deal Breakers is a wonderful story that follows Devyn and Riley’s time together. It all started their freshman year of college, when Riley first lays eyes on Devyn and knew he had to have her. Although Devyn isn’t looking for a relationship, they become best friends over their four years of college. As their senior year is coming to an end, Devyn asks something of Riley that changes everything and causes them to later lose touch. Years later, they reconnect, but Devyn has a huge secret, and Riley wants nothing more to get Devyn back for good.

This was such a wonderful read! I absolutely fell in love with this story. I wasn’t ready for it to end! I absolutely loved the characters and the relationship that they had. It was fun, quirky, and sweet. There wasn’t a single thing about this book that I didn’t like. The storyline was great and I loved the way that everything played out. I loved that the story was told from both Devyn and Riley’s perspective. I really enjoyed that the storyline wasn’t like anything that I’ve ever read. I felt that it was very unique and just all around great!

I would definitely read Deal Breakers again and I would highly recommend to others. It was a short, sweet, and wonderful love story and one that I will forever remember reading! 5 stars, hands down!
Profile Image for Kina.
154 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2015
I absolutely loved deal breakers.
Devyn is just starting college after leaving her town and memories behind her. Then she meets Riley and life will never be the same he's smart, funny and they have everything in common not to mention good looking but all she needs now is a friend. He turns out to be the best friend she needs to get through four years of school, and throughout that time never crossing the friend line but one amazing night together before they both start their new lives changes everything. Riley runs scared and Devyn is heartbroken.... Five years later and well read the book to find out the rest.
I couldn't put this book down I had to find out what would happen between these two. The well written characters had me laughing out loud at their conversations and crying happiness when they get their happily ever after. It's not just the HEA that makes you smile in this story it's everything that creates the fantastic dynamic between Devyn and Riley. Warning you will fall in love with these two:)

Enjoy
Profile Image for Jessica .
1,016 reviews21 followers
August 4, 2015
I received an ARC of this from the author in exchange for an honest review! This is the first book by Laura Lee I have read and I look forward to reading so many more.


I loved this book. The story flows very well. You are hooked from the beginning. I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. I love the characters...Riley is perfect book boyfriend material!!!!!!


This is the story of Riley and Deyvn!

Riley wants Deyvn from the moment he sees her but she friend zones him immediately. They are the best of friends through out College. Right before Graduation Dev asks Riley for a huge favor, which he of course says yes. They go their separate ways, but Riley can't move on he still wants Dev after 5 years he moves to Seattle to be closer to where she lives. When they see each other things are a bit awkward.

Can these to find a way to be the couple they were destined to be or will Dev still friend zone him?

I look forward to reading more about the secondary characters as well!!!!

One click this book on Sept. 1st! You wont be disappointed.

Profile Image for Vega_girl.
472 reviews6 followers
August 18, 2015
3.5 Stars

I absolutely love potty mouth characters!!! I have no idea why, but they are always a favorite of mine! Pretty much everyone in this book has a potty mouth. I loved that Devyn, even though she has a tragic past, never let anything get her down. She knew who she was and I loved the tomboy in her!! I also liked that despite being incredibly attracted to Devyn, Riley never made advances when he knew he couldn't be what she needed.
There were times when the story felt rushed and then there were times when certain chapters got long winded.....but over all it was fun. The fact that we got to be with them over 10 years was pretty cool too.

* I received this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Teresa Harris.
Author 1 book29 followers
July 22, 2015
I read the Laura's Fae series so was knowing full well her wonderful comedic talents. But she floored me with this new book. I am drawn to anyone who can make me laugh and Laura Lee made me laugh out loud when reading this wonderful story on more than one occasion! You have romance (lots and lots of "ROMANCE")but, you also have characters that you become so invested in that you forget your regular life. I read this book in one sitting, couldn't put it down. I can't wait to devour any and all Laura Lee's writings. You will too when you open page one, chapter one!
Profile Image for Julie  .
530 reviews42 followers
July 30, 2015
I'm such a huge sucker for "friends to lovers" type of stories, and this one didn't disappoint. Riley was the typical womanizing college student but he was so incredibly sweet with Devyn. I loved their friendship and how close they were. The chemistry between the two of them was off the charts too. The way he planned out that whole day to make sure everything was special for Devyn was so sweet. There were definitely times in the story when I wanted to shake or smack one of them upside the head but you'll have that. There were also quite a few laugh out loud moments with Nate.
Profile Image for Emma.
294 reviews29 followers
August 28, 2015
This is what I would call a filler book. Slotted perfectly in between reads for me, it was short and sweet. It was pretty fast-paced but considering it spanned over quite a few years, I guess it would have been hard to fill the book with too much details. I felt like the characters definitely could have had a bit more depth. Other than that, the book was incredibly sweet and I'll definitely look out for this author in the future!

ARC provided by NetGalley
2 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2015
I have been a fan of Laura Lee since reading her Pixie Dust Collection, and this has to be one her of greatest books yet.
Not only a page turner but characters that we can all relate too. Such an amazing storyline with funny and also embarrassing moments. Be prepared to be amazed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 576 reviews

Join the discussion

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.