Now's the Time

The Ladies Who Brunch, Book 3

De: Harlow James

Narrado por: Jacob Morgan, Erin Mallon

“Let me experience all of you tonight, Penelope…since this is all that we get.”

That was the agreement between me and Maddox Taylor, the NFL’s most notorious playboy and mega-talented quarterback who happened to be out in California for one night—one night in which I broke all of my rules and gave in to the undeniable attraction I felt for the man.

He wooed me with dirty jokes, 80s musical references, an obsession with Steve Harvey, and a very specific piercing. How the hell was I supposed to fight that?

However, I should have listened to my gut because my reaction to him wasn’t just physical—it was more, something I hadn’t felt since the last man I let in left me all alone, and I vowed never to fall in love again.

Six weeks later, I find out I’m the new PR spokesperson for The Los Angeles Bolts football team, a team that just signed Maddox Taylor to their roster in hopes of a winning season.

With his signature cocky swagger, he corners me in my office, intent on rekindling our connection, but the tables had turned—I was now working for his team which created a conflict of interest, and put my job and both of our reputations on the line.

But that stubborn man wasn’t taking no for an answer, and before I knew it, I agreed to date him in secret even though relationships weren’t my thing.

And when Maddox had finally had enough of me refusing to open up, I was faced with a choice—do I let go of the one man that I’ve ever contemplated letting in despite the rules I’ve lived under for the past twelve years?

Or was now the time to face my demons so I could hold onto a future I didn’t know I wanted…

TW: loss of a loved one, themes of grief

©2022 Harlow James (P)2024 Harlow James

Great narration

Now’s the Time by @harlowjamesauthor

Ladies Who Brunch Book by 3

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved the Ladies Who Brunch series when I first read them back in 2022, so when the audios became available I of course had to jump on them. I have also gotten my mom on the band wagon of the Ladies Who Brunch and all week she has been asking for Penelope’s book.

I gave her the option of reading my physical copies or off kindle, but she has been loving the audiobooks since she can do more while listening. Let’s just say she was getting a little impatient having to wait until today to begin listening.

Erin Mallon and Jacob Morgan did a great job voicing Penelope and Maddox. I can not wait to hear Noelle’s book. Also forgot about the Newberry Springs connection!

Healing and bravery, with good audibook narration.

Penelope's transformation from a rebellious individual to embracing a surprising love with NFL superstar Maddox Taylor was both touching and exhilarating. Their clandestine love story, which took place amidst professional challenges, was beautifully portrayed, highlighting the themes of healing and bravery. The narrations by Jacob Morgan and Erin Mallon breathed life into the characters, adding depth to the emotions and humor of the story. This audiobook not only entertained but also delved into the intricacies of overcoming grief. A must-listen for anyone who enjoys sports romance!

Devouring this series!!

4/⭐️
2/🌶️

I loved this audio so much, I flew right through it!! Hearing the emotion in the stories gives such a different experience to the book. Jacob Morgan and Erin Mallon are two of my favorite narrators and they absolutely killed this!

Maddox made it so easy to fall in love with him. He really is the perfect gentleman, even if the outside world has a different perception of him. Pen and Maddox share some of the same type of trauma from their past, but I loved seeing them work through it and Pen start to heal.

I was laughing so hard at times. The banter and the dirty jokes were hilarious. The connection between these two could be felt.

I loved this series and all the side characters! I can’t wait to read more 🫶🏼

tropes - workplace romance, secret relationship, sports romance, cinnamon roll mmc, sassy heroine, female friendships

Fabulously Delightful! Amazing Story & Narration🎧

“The Ladies Who Brunch” series is an absolute delight, friends who meet once a week to catch up, and each book features one of them, and is just as amazing at the other. This third book is Penelope’s story, and I was looking forward to it because she intrigued me right from the start. Penelope has it all, the looks, the wit and a successful carrier in public relations. She also has secrets and a past that haunts her and reason she does not do boyfriends or relationships. She has rules about athletes, never get involved with one, romantically or work with them, but breaks that rule after meeting Maddox Taylor, an NFL quarterback, at a work event and has a steamy and memorable one-night-stand. Never planning on seeing him again since he plays for a team in New Orleans. But fate had other plans when her boss convinces her to work with the L.A. Bolts, a professional football team, the team Maddox was traded to. I adored Maddox, with his swoon worthy demeanor, his jokes and kind soul, what is not to like. Penelope has a good excuse to not get involved with Maddox, her job, but that does not discourage Maddox, and he is determined to not give up on her. I enjoyed watching these two dance around each other, the chemistry between them was undeniable and they could only deny themselves for so long. Maddox knows she is hiding a part of herself and they can never move forward until she can let go of her past, a past that haunts her and she will have to face. I loved all the layers to this story and the complexity of the characters, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. The story gives you all the feels, and has a perfect balance of drama, witty dialogue, charming humor, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. Best of all, it puts a smile on your face. Harlow James, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Jacob Morgan and Erin Mallon are the perfect cast to bring these characters to life and do so with a complete understanding of who they are portraying, giving each a voice that is fitting. I loved how they took their roles and ran with them, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their narration elevates this already amazing story to another level. Thank you for another fabulous listen.

Loved it!

This story follows up with Penelope who’s in the PR work field in the group of friends who have brunch. Penelope is a strong and successful woman who loves her independence and is not looking for a partner. Not even when she meets Maddox. She has one rule and she’s not about to break it. Maddox is a NFL’s mega-talented quarterback who’s about to meet the women who’s not afraid to put him in his place. This story was a little emotional which had me crying a little, but so worth the read. I loved this story a lot, which I definitely recommend. Erin Mallon and Jacob Morgan did a fabulous job narrating this audiobook together. The voices fit perfectly with the characters.

I’m obsessed with Maddox 😍

Audiobook Review!

This is book 3 in the Ladies Who Brunch series and it's my favorite! I've been interested in Penelope's story since book 1 and it did not disappoint. Maddox is a NFL player and Penelope works in PR. Maddox attends one of her events in California and they end up having a one night stand. Fast forward 6 weeks later and Maddox has been traded to to the Los Angeles Bolts and Penelope had been hired to be the PR spokesperson for the team. Penelope has been so guarded since a tragic accident 12 years ago. After that, she vowed to never fall in love. She stuck to it until Maddox who she was drawn to no matter how hard she fought it.

Ya'll, Maddox is absolutely SWOON WORTHY. He's perfection, patient, loyal, and so supportive of Penelope. Penelope is sarcastic, stubborn, and strong and it takes somebody like Maddox to challenge her. She does have some grief to work through and she has to decide if he's worth it. They're literally a match made in heaven. Their chemistry is off the charts and the humor throughout the book is great too!

"I think our souls knew we needed each other, baby. Mine recognized the guilt in yours, but perhaps together, we can completely heal."

Erin Mallon and Jacob Morgan KILLED this performance. They seriously did so good bringing both characters to life. I highly recommend the audiobook

Swoon!

This book was good! I found it to be a bit of an emotional roller coaster though. I laughed, felt sad, got mad and 🌶️ was there too! The supporting characters are fantastic!
The narrators made this book for me ❤️

Get out your big girl toys!!

Now's the Time is book #3 in The Ladies Who Brunch series. Penelope is the hard-hitting PR magician for all her high profile clients, all but athletes. When her ONS (that she ran out on) becomes her client, Penelope and Maddox can't resist their chemistry and attraction. Maddox and Penelope both have tragic pasts and have built up walls around their hearts. This story is heartwarming, hilarious with the banter, and steamy, steamy, steamy! The things Penelope has the team do is "snort" worthy. Ms. James gave us the perfect man with the stamina for Penelope. Loved, loved, loved this one.

The narration was everything. Erin Mallon and Jacob Morgan...come on. Even if you are new to audiobook, you know these two can deliver. They could make C-Span sexy! Loved their performance, 5 sultry stars!

So good

She doesn't want a relationship she not thattype of girl. She's happy with her friends and job. she meets Maddox who is an NFL quarterback. They have a one night stand then She gets a job working at a PR rep. for Maddox's football team. they have this amazing chemistry and they start a secret relationship. Maddox proves that not everything is always as it seems. He doesn't care what the press says about him because he has his reasonings for always going out & being photographed with women, something he keeps close to him.But Maddox isn't the only one with secrets and a troubled past. Penelope has kept people at arms length for a reason for the last 12 years and it will break your heart for her. Which Maddox won't give up on her because he know she is worth it.

Maddox & Penelope are *Chef's Kiss*

Dear Penelope & Maddox, ⁣
⁣
You’re hot, you’re funny, you’re kind & caring, & dang it if y’all aren’t my newest favorite Harlow James couple! I’ll likely be adding you to my “slump buster” list of re-reads because your story was so unique and swoony. ⁣
⁣
You gave us a fantastic forbidden sports romance built on the foundation of a one-night stand, dirty jokes, sarcasm, concrete walls & sunsets.
⁣
You also gave us a couple to fight for, past trauma to overcome, & a reason to let people in to help you heal. Your shared experiences make you stronger as a couple & one worth rooting for. ⁣
⁣
Being a part of the Ladies Who Brunch friend group is ultimate goals & you two sure brought the fire. I’m so glad today is the day for everyone else to meet you! ⁣