A brand new story in the sexy, emotional Sinful Men series! Devour this sensual friends-to-lovers romance from #1 New York Times Bestselling author Lauren Blakely…

Just because you want a woman doesn’t mean you get to have her.

I’ve been lusting after Mindy Gamble since the night I met her, but romance was never in the cards. Working to crack a case was the only order of the day.

Now, a year later, she’s one of my closest friends. The feisty, no-nonsense, sexy-as-hell blonde that I just want to slap my handcuffs on and do bad things to.

I resist though, since I need her too much as a friend. Until the night all my resistance cracks, and we fall into bed together.

And I start thinking we can maybe find a way to make this work. Until she tells me she’s leaving town…

I loved the Sinful Nights series when it was first released due to the bonds of family, the dynamic couples, and the ongoing mystery thread. But I always wanted to see something happen with Detective John Winston and Mindy Gamble. They were there not only to assist with the case, but as friends to these couples during some challenging times. And I always thought I saw a spark there.

Now this series has had a reboot into first-person point of view and some added embellishments to the storylines, so it is a wonderful time to revisit. And I was so glad that the author has now given us a fifth book. It is a novella about John and Mindy, but also acts as an extended epilogue for all of the couples in this series.

John has been married to his work and when he is on a case it consumes him. But seeing his sister and friends find love has made him rethink a bit. He is thoughtful, intelligent, loyal, and all man, but he is still not sure how much he has to give a relationship. He has had the hots for Mindy for a while but has missed opportunities and now they seem to be comfortable in the friend zone.

Mindy has been through a lot in her personal life but persevered. She has had a crush on John too, but his failure to make a move has made her think he does not feel the same.  She is smart, funny, and understanding. But her own life is undergoing some changes and she has to make some decisions about her future.

Are they destined to be friends or can they be something more? Will they be willing to take the risk  or stay in their comfort zones?

I really enjoyed this couple and their story. They have a witty rapport, obvious chemistry, and a shared support system. It was fun to check in with the other couples from the series and get another peek into their future. This novella can be read as a sweet and sexy, friends-to-lovers stand-alone, but it also ties up this whole series a bit more.  So whether you enjoyed the original series or are just jumping into the reboot, you will enjoy this story and these characters.