The Feel Good Factor

By: Lauren Blakely

Narrated by: Joe Arden, Erin Mallon

A no-strings-attached fling with the fiery redhead who revs my engine? Why, yes, that does sound like a delicious perk of my new job in this new town, thank you very much. I'm coming off a bad relationship, and I have zero interest in anything serious. I've got all the serious I need helping my sister take care of her three little kids while her husband is deployed.

Except, surprise! The sexy redhead isn't just my future fling. Turns out she's my new landlord.

A lease definitely counts as "strings attached," and as much as I'd like to get tangled in her sheets, I can't let myself get tangled up in a relationship.

But as soon as we put the cuffs on our escapades, I learn over late-night conversations in the kitchen, that my landlord is so much more than the hottest woman I've ever met– she has a quick mind and the biggest heart.

Once I'm in, I'm all in. And to convince her that we should see where this goes, I plan on turning up the heat—and not just in the kitchen...

This is Derek and Perry's romance. Tropes include: roomies to lovers, forced proximity, she's his landlord, and forbidden romance.

©2026 Lauren Blakely (P)2026 Lauren Blakely Books

✫✫ 5 Stars ✫✫

The name of this book describes exactly how Lauren Blakely books make me feel, as always I am left smiling with a happy heart. I describe her books as "Feel Good" books.

In this book we are back in Lucky Falls with Arden's friend Perri. I love when you start a book and feel like you already know every one! Perri and Derek have mad chemistry from the very first time they meet. I loved that they are 100% each other's types and both have something the other needs. Perri is a Cop with goals and I thought she was going to protest too much since she was very concerned about her job but thankfully she is a tough women who can handle anything that comes her way. I think what I loved most about her is that when she is upset, she lets herself feel it then puts on her big girl panties and does the right thing. Derek IS my ultimate book boyfriend type! He looks like a hot & tatted bad boy but really he is a huge softy for kids, his family and spends his life helping others! I mean he's an EMT! How could you want more!
Together these two tow the line a little but it doesn't last long, why deny yourself something you want and deserve in your life. The ending was sweet and melted my heart a little.

Lauren Blakey is the queen of quirky characters but in this book I didn't find either of them to be quirky at all, they were very relate-able for me. I enjoyed that change very much. This one felt like it was more about the connection, chemistry and happiness which is exactly what I loved about it.

The narration of course was PERFECT! But I expect nothing less from LB or these narrators. Erin Mallon is ALWAYS a big win for me and let me tell you, listening to her do animal sounds in this one had me cracking up! Joe Arden is also great, he really is good at bossy "in the bedroom" men and in this book he nailed it!

At the end of this Audiobook, we get a BONUS with the STRONG Suit! This is a novella about Ginny and Noah from Birthday Suit! YES....The book with Erin Mallon and the Australian accent and Joe Arden as Noah the very high strong guy who is totally into Ginny (and maybe addicted to 5 hour Energy drinks LOL). This was so much fun! I loved these characters in Birthday Suit so much so I was beyond excited when LB gave us a sneak peak into their story. It was everything I wanted it to be except long enough ;)

4.5 Feeling So Good Stars!

I am falling in love with all the residents of Lucky Falls! Derek is the new hot, sexy EMT badboy with a heart of gold. He just moved to town to help his sister and her kids. He is just coming out of a bad relationship and isn't looking for another one. But when he gets pulled over by a sexy local officer, their undeniable attraction can only be described as dirtier, more carnal, and red-hot desire! Perri is a police officer with her sights set on a promotion, and doesn't have time for a relationship either, but this Mr. McHotPants is definitely her type. No matter how forbidden their relationship should be, they are both adults and choose the Feel-Good factor. Derek is so swoony being sweet one moment and then so deliciously dirty in others. Perri is smart, sassy, and honorable. I loved all the fun, sweet, and steamy reasons and moments they have together. They are so perfect together with their quick banter, soft hearts, and explosive chemistry.
This story, in combination with the wonderful narration by Joe Arden, and Erin Mallon, make this an experience that is pure magic! I was drawn in by their expressive inflections, flawless comedic timing, and natural deliveries, allowing me to lose myself in the story, which I love. Both narrators are favorites of mine, but for one adorable scene, I had tears in my eyes when Arden voices one of the childrens' whispered comments, pure perfection!
I also enjoyed catching up with past friends and family, especially Perri's brother, Shaw, and can't wait for his story! This audio is another brilliant, clever, sexy, Blakely romance that will have you Feeling Oh So Good!

Nice Work

This read was good to listen to. The story flowed nicely and the narrations were alright.

Hot scenes, fun story

It’s fun to have a nice, romantic, sexy story to listen to while doing housework 😉

Sexy romance in the wine country series

Fun romance, easy going plot with a sharp dialogue. Narration was greater and story moves the larger narrative of the series along.