Instant Gratification

By: Lauren Blakely

Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Shane East, Sebastian York, Zachary Webber, Bahni Turpin, Vikas Adam, Scott Brick, Jason Clarke, Emma Wilder, Hillary Huber, Joe Arden, Grace Grant, Marisa Calin, Lili Valente, Adam Lau

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's Summary

A star-studded production of a new stand-alone romance from number one New York Times best-selling author Lauren Blakely, performed by a full cast of 15 narrators. Led by Andi Arndt and Shane East, the all-star cast also includes award winners and fan favorites: Vikas Adam, Bahni Turpin, Scott Brick, Zachary Webber, Jason Clarke, Emma Wilder, Hillary Huber, Joe Arden, Grace Grant, Marisa Calin, Lili Valente, newcomer Adam Lau, and Sebastian York in a special appearance.

I need a fake date. She needs my late-night expertise. Now, if we can just keep our hands off each other....

As the premier best-man-for hire in all of Manhattan, I promise discretion, so when I need a plus one for a couple of "I dos", I turn to my gorgeous, clever, witty best friend’s sister. She’s my good friend, too, and I lust after her completely. I mean, I trust her completely.

After all, just look how she’s kept her lips sealed about the hot, multi-O night we spent together. Yes, just look at those sexy lips.

In any case, we only fell off the wagon once, and it was months ago. I’m sure we can make it through these weddings without banging each other in the limo.

Or can we?

This special production also includes a behind-the-scenes conversation with Andi Arndt and Shane East as well as a blooper reel!

©2019 Lauren Blakely (P)2019 Lauren Blakely Books

Instant Gratification

The story of Jason and Truly is one of my favorites, friends to lovers but it’s also a brother’s best friend. Which is Malone! So if you haven’t listened to Satisfaction Guaranteed you really should it is just as amazing. But I don’t really think you have to have read that book to really enjoy this one. Jason and Truly’s connection sparks from the very first scene you can’t help but be rooting for them.

They are both very work-oriented and that helps and hinders them as they navigate this new world, it's an interesting mix of will they won’t they and who will be the one to tell Malone. It really was just a joy to sit back and let these characters tell their story. It was funny and relevant and gave me the swoon worthiness I look for in my romance books.

Again the narration was utterly fantastic, I don’t know if there are enough phenomenal stupendous words in the English dictionary that can describe this performance. I am in awe of all these narrators and Lauren’s ability to bring these fun stories to life in my ears.

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

✫✫ 5 Stars ✫✫

I always have a hard time finding something different to say when reviewing a Lauren Blakely book. Its hard for me because even though every story is different, the things that I love most are all part of Lauren's writing style and that stays the same throughout each book. As always I love the low drama story line, the characters and the maturity of all of them. She seriously knows how to write a great story while entwining characters from many other books and still making each book stand alone. Listening to all of the characters come together was awesome and made me want to go back and re-listen to their books again.

I love a friends to lovers story and this one has a bonus best friend sister too. The chemistry was so real between Truly & Jason. I love that they have great banter and are both so much alike that they get each other. I could relate to these two more than most of LB's characters because career come first for them. It was refreshing to be able to see a couple work without giving up their passion for their careers.

The best things about this book for me was getting all the friends in one book. I missed so many of these couples over the years and having them all together again felt like visiting family. They all connect on such a great friendship level. This made the book so much fun and was a reminder about how witty and playful all of these characters were. Lauren Blakely did a fantastic job at bringing them all together and making it feel so natural.

The narration was incredible. Every character had their own voice and all the narrators were amazing!!!!!! Lauren always takes such care of us Audiobook fans. This book felt like it was written for Audio, no he said she said. I always say you can tell an Author who loves audiobooks because they are the best at casting, and Lauren Blakely is amazing at it!!!

19 of 20 people found this review helpful

Another aural gem from Queen LB and all star cast.

Instant Gratification is the second book in the Always Satisfied series by the fabulous and talented Lauren Blakely. Queen LB strikes again with her wit, sexiness, humor and memorable characters. This friends to lovers romance is sweet, sexy, funny and steamy! It can be read as a standalone, but I don’t know why you would want to do that. Go and read/listen to Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Story:
If you already did then you remember Jason, Malone's best friend. The sexy Englishman who's a best-man-for-hire and a savvy business man helping men one podcast at a time. He's also friends with Truly, Malone's sister, and therein lies the trouble. They are just friends except that one night they shared months ago. The night he can't stop thinking about and never lets an opportunity to remind her go by. So, they hang out, flirt, pass innuendos but stay in the friend zone. Until they need each other's help. He needs a plus one to a few weddings and she needs help with a new bar concept. The sexiness and chemistry gets the best of them and they can't keep their hands off each other. But Truly is his best friend's sister. They can't be more than friends. Right? Oh so wrong! But they put up a good fight. Their need is just stronger than their will to fight it. They are hot, sexy, fun and flirty. But one of my favorite things about this couple is the are in the Bacon Haters Club! I thought I was there all by myself! Ok, seriously. Jason with his sexy accent and intelligence is swoonworthy. Truly with her beauty and smarts is the total package. I'm looking forward to more in the series and I loved seeing Charlotte, Nick, Ryder, Sloane, Malone and the whole gang!

Audio:
Once again, Queen LB has delighted us with this all star cast with Shane East and Andi Arndt leading some of my favorite narrators and a few who are new to me. Shane and Andi really became Jason and Truly. Shane's sexy accent is so delicious and he is a master at using just the right tone and inclination in his voice to portray his emotions. Andi, as always, is just fantastic. She and Lauren and are match made in heaven. And when you add in the rest of the cast, I was smiling, laughing out loud and my ears were so happy! Joe and Zachary had me laughing out loud, Jason Clarke's sexy British accent had me fanning myself, and Lili Valente's sultry voice was perfection.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Another amazingly stunning aural production!

OMG!! I swooned and squirmed for most of this audiobook. I've been waiting for Jason and Truly for a while, and it was amazing! I swear Jason has the dirtiest mouth--good thing--or it could be I love everything Shane East narrates. I think Lauren added a bit more heat on his tongue. And Truly was no slouch with her own dirty talking skills. Watching these two figure out how they felt about each other, when everyone else already knew, was like watching an orchid bloom.

Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and Lauren is one of the best at giving the trope fresh takes, and it doesn't feel redone, or something you get sick of. Her flawed heroes are some of the hottest I've read, and I absolutely love her strong and vulnerable heroines. Seriously awesome girl power! This is a full cast of greatness, and I felt like I was right there as their characters--some from previous books "came on stage." The narration was so wonderful, I felt I could see everything going on.

Of course, I got another chance to hear some of my favorite narrators, including The Unicorn! I also got to meet a few new voices that I'll be seeking out to hear more from them.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

All the actors in the same room is such a treat!

I spent the week anticipating the arrival of Lauren's new audiobook, and then the day listening to it!!! HOLY COW does she ever deliver! The story is as always fantastic and so clever with Jason’s career as a best man for hire. Love it! Lauren stays true to her style with another crazy, hot, sexy story that not only delivers on the heat but with humor as well.

It goes without saying the performances are of another world, and to say one is better than the other, impossible. What I can say for certain it makes you realize just how good an audiobook can be. I was a huge fan of Blakely's Birthday Suit, but I think this might be even better. There's no way you can go wrong buying both!

The production quality is what I wish every book I bought sounded as good as! From the very first chapter, the joys of having all the actors in the same location are apparent! It's hard to put into words, but you notice the difference in every scene!

Did I mention Sebastian York makes an appearance as Nick Hammer! What are you waiting for, grab your credits and go!

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Instantly Gratified

Instant Gratification, Lauren Blakely's latest masterpiece is ready for your listening pleasure. Turn down the lights ladies and gents <we don't discriminate> and get comfy, this book is going to take you to a place of aural bliss.

Usually, when you hear the word "instant" you gaffaw because who wants something to happen instantly? However, when you hear the first few sentences narrated by Shane East, you'll get it. And you'll get it darn good over and over and over again <insert swoon>.

Blakely has a way with words, we all know this. She has mastered the troupe of "friends-to-lovers", "frenemies-to-lovers" and "forbidden romance." I love that these characters take you on a journey with them in each standalone story while connecting you with new characters and those you've met before. My favorite part was hearing from Mr. Nick Hammer and Spencer because they introduced me to The Queen of Rom Com. Plus it was great to hear Sebastian York reprise his role as Nick. Ok, back to the writing. Reviews are supposed to focus on the writing and the story and all that, and I will, but I'm going to just break this down in simple words. Here are the TOP SEVEN reasons why you need to get gratified:

7. Andi Arndt sings and when I say sing it was full, our loud hilarious. I swear I had that song in my head for days and then I wanted pancakes. "Come get yo pancakes, I know you want'emmmm." Trust me, the song will follow you for days, but it was so fun listening. It is great when a performer gets to showcase their other talents.

6. Vikas Adams and Gigante. Just fantastic narrator. His Spanish accent and his comedic timing is pure perfection. Blakely wrote this script and I feel like he was made for it. Just super fun. He had to be one of my favorite characters. Oh wait, wait until I get to the others. Gah I can't pick a favorite.

5. Ryder Lockhart performed by Mr. Webber. Yes, Zach is Ryder and I didn't even care that originally it was Sebastian York. Everyone nailed their part and I just enjoyed everything he brought to the characters he portrayed. I mention Ryder because he is my 2nd favorite LB guy.

4. Jason Clarke...I don't think I need to elaborate. The guy is talented and he just nails every scene. Oh yeah, Jason is BOSS!

3. The story was well thought out and scripted for audio. The full cast that Blakely has adapted has given her a boost in the ranks of most anticipated audiobook releases.

2. I have to mention Shane East again because this is his first leading role in an LB book and he carries it so well. His tone, pacing, that accent his humor. Well done.

1. Like most LB books, I identify with at least one character. This time, I think I can relate to both Truly and Jason. Both are workaholics and at times don't know how to relax and live. When things seem to go downhill, one retreats back to work mode while the other just accepts it. This is me. I am a reverter (it's a word) and in the story I found ways that I can change my though processes and work through issues without having to choose one over the other. I think Blakely tries to add a little therapy to the stories for people like me. At least it didn't cost me an arm and a leg.

Long story short, this book was funny and sexy. Listening to narrators outside of their known genre is priceless. I look forward to hearing more of their stories soon.

Now, go get your instant gratification and thank Lauren later...

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Fabulously fun, sexy and sweet friends to lovers!

Instant Gratification was one of my most anticipated books this year and wow, did it ever deliver! Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and nobody writes it better than Lauren Blakely. These characters popped right off the page and the book was full of such heart and humor-and a healthy dose of heat-that I was drawn in from the start and didn't want it to end. I would give this more than five stars if I could.

Having read Satisfaction Guaranteed, I was definitely looking forward to getting to know more about Jason and Truly. That being said, Instant Gratification IS a standalone. I'm just a Lauren Blakely junkie-and it's writing like this that keeps me coming back for more.

Truly and Jason were just so fun. There's this intense undercurrent between them that they both KNOW is there but agree not to act on. The banter and flirting between them just felt so completely natural. I believed in their relationship and loved watching it evolve. They definitely had some sexy times in the bedroom as well, I definitely fanned myself more than once reading these two!

This plot is so unique and fresh. I was fascinated by Jason's line of work and LOVED getting to meet all these new couples. They were just a hoot. The story moved along perfectly and the writing? I can't rave about the writing enough. This story is has so many moving parts but is so well crafted that it just flowed. I did not want it to end.

I have to admit that I squealed a lot while reading this book. Why, you ask? Because there are glimpses into characters from previous Lauren Blakely books that I just loved. If I could jump into the book world and hang out with characters you can bet I'd pick this book so I could be with this crew.

Now, I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced audio copy of this book as well as an e-ARC. I cannot scream from the rooftops enough as to how amazing this audiobook is. This is a multicast affair and wow, these narrators just NAIL this performance. Listening to this book is like listening to a play. The performers here, led by Shane East and Andi Arndt, just knock it out of the park. If you've never listened to an audiobook before I absolutely encourage you to try this! If you already love audiobooks...get ready for them to be taken to a whole new level with this one. This is definitely one I will listen to over and over.

This book is one of my favorites. Instant Gratification is the perfect mix of humor, sexiness and sweetness. I couldn't keep the smile from my face and I know I'll go back and read (and listen to!) this again and again. I'd give this more than five stars if I could. I loved and absolutely highly recommend this book.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

BEST Narration EVER

this has been my favorite listen to date. I have been listening to audiobooks for several years and because of the AMAZING narration this story was brought to life

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

It's Not an Audiobook; It's an Experience

My first thought when the "Audible hopes you have enjoyed this program" guy got done with his robotic pronouncement was that I needed to go get my laptop. I listen to tons of books, and I'll do the review as far as clicking the stars, but I rarely make the effort to type up my thoughts on a given book. This one's an exception - and it has to be, because it's so much more. Lauren broke into a market that needed her with the way she's turned these stories and listening experiences into full productions. These books are auto-buys for me, and that's without even reading the book summary because I know that regardless of what her characters will be doing, the listening experience will always be enjoyable.

Yes, Truly and Jason's story was fantastic; but what makes this stand out so far from the rest of the crowd is the quality of production (Tyler, Andi, so many props!) and the brilliant planning that went into it (Lauren I'm sure, along with the whole cast who are all amazing). The camaraderie amongst the cast members shined through, as did the personality of each character. I'm so grateful to all of you for what you do.

And lastly, it's rare that book makes me bust out laughing so hard that I actually have to stop it, and rewind, because I've missed part of the story I laughed so long. In the case of this book, it was a line so random, delivered so dryly, that I still am laughing a day later. "Better to go with Dillards." Nice nod to the Sears closures, Lauren ;)

And as a southerner - with a pointed finger at Joe Arden - I guess I'm fixin' to go re-listen haha.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Best audio book ever made. Period.

I cannot begin to say what an absolute treasure this audio book has been but I will try. First Lauren Blakey’s story, Instant Gratification, was fantastic. I enjoyed the ability for it to be understandable as a stand-alone but treasured and enriched by cameos of past characters. However I “truly” wish the ebook and print come with a warning like this... “You NEED to buy the audio book as well. It is like having wine without chocolate (or cheese), a movie with no popcorn, or dare I say, pancakes with no bacon.” I am relived that even tho I had already purchased the ebook that I chose to pay full price for this audio book. Worth every single penny.

This audio book is a symphony of characters played by The Who’s-Who of the narrative world. It has all my absolute favorites and many new ones to love. The cast of voices did not at all distract from Lauren’s story - only enhanced. Bravo to Lauren for being such a visionary by creating something on this scale with such talent. I am in awe.

I do have one tiny complaint tho, and this goes directly to the amazing Andi Arndt- I’ve been singing /that/ song for days now. Days! Dang you for being adorable and catchy!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Excellent

I cannot put words to describe how fantastic this audio was. I loved every single minute. The story was typical Lauren Blakely, fun and sexy which I absolutly adore. I'm on to satisfaction guaranteed now ❤❤

Swooooon!!

Well here we are with another LB book with awesome casting.

A friends-to-lovers troupe which I love.

Jason Reynolds is a best man, No, actually, not a best man, THE best man.

He runs a successful Best-man-For-Hire company, and he is pretty damn good at it, he also adds the service of his “plus-one” with his best friends’ sister Truly (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the name!!)

They are very good friends, with lots of fun and banter between them, and there is nothing remotely sexual about them…well except that one time a few months ago, but that meant nothing, absolutely nothing…really, they are just friends…Nothing to see here folks!!

Of course, this is BS, and they are hot for each other and keep trying to find ways that they shouldn’t be together, but everyone knows that they should.

Funny, full of witty banter, and a story-line that is bound to make you swoon and sigh.
LB is the queen of the Rom-com and this one will have you catching up with characters from her other books, and with an added Blooper reel at the end of the book, will have you listening until the very last second.

Narration was top notch as usual with every LB book, she always has her audio listener fans in mind when she does her casting, and the narrators used in this book were the best of the best.

love it

I love the on running storyline of characters and I love when a book is narrated this way, it feel like listening to a play with a stellar cast.