USA Today Bestselling author Lynn Burke is a CrossFit and coffee addict. Her three spawn and two fur babies dictate how often she can be found hunched over her Mac, typing as fast as her fickle muse cooks up hot stories. See website for content warnings.
If I could give this negative stars I would. I don’t remember the last time I hated a book this much. And both MCs
Her POV was just constant lusting after him and having to steel herself to turn him down. Poor baby 🤦🏼♀️
AFTER he’s trying to fuck her he repeatedly visits a married couple in person and gets paid to jerk off and moan while they fuck. I REPEAT. AFTER HE ASKED HER OUT. AFTER HE WANTS HER. After his POV says he is obsessed with her. HE DOES THIS MULTIPLE TIMES WITH THIS SPECIFIC MARRIED COUPLE. . He enjoys this so much it’s gross. 🤢
Every single thing about him made me sick. He regularly had threesomes with his business partner/best friend. In fact he had just enjoyed one the week before he spoke to her. He had seen her before this.
Let’s not forget he also offers to share her with his buddy. And I’m pretty sure he ends up sharing her. I skimmed then quit when I felt literal physical sickness. * edit he DOES share her
I don’t want the chapters from my heroes POV to be constant whimsical reminiscing of recent hook ups. Or him with OP. FUCKING GROSS.
Hey author? Had you put warnings in about this disgusting fucking excuse for romance I would have avoided it knowing it wasn’t my jam. But you didn’t. So you asked for this review. You fuck yourselves as authors by not mentioning shit like this before we read.
Like I’m literally nauseated right now for how disgusting this pig was.
Negative 500 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was such an heartwarming romance. I just loved the setting of this book so much. It’s a plot that I absolutely adore, with the rich playboy who falls in love and who is ready to do everything to get the girl he wants, but I just loved how it was done in this book so much. I just found it super endearing and fun to read.
I was super invested in the romance and in this book and I had a wonderful time reading it. I just thought that it was pretty lovely and very fitting for the characters and their story.
Slow burn, sweet, swoony, steamy, and superb... This story made my romantic heart so happy!
Blake is the older bossman, wealthy, successful, a player and is not into relationships... until he spots Wren who is surreptitiously ogling him when he turns up at his new building project in the block opposite her.
Wren is a sweetheart who has major trust issues and has not had much support in her life thus far. Her family background is not the best and she is committed to her studies whilst working to support herself. She is independent and I laughed at her snarky nature.
There was so much to love about these characters.
• Blake didn't give up and went against his character to convince Wren that he was committed and serious. He totally went out his way and wooed her in so many sweet, swoony ways
• Wren, although smitten, made him work for every chance she gave him, and after 3 attempts at dating, was the Fourth Attempt enough to convince his little birdie?
There was so much steam and emotion that I really didn't want the story to end.
Three words! THAT BOAT SCENE ❤🔥
Lynn Burke - Blake has definitely been added to my BBF harem!
I enjoyed the drive Blake has to win Wren. This is a slow burn, but passion filled book.
This story starts off with Wren (FMC) drooling over the hot construction worker that is building a new building across from hers. However, with her sights set on graduating from pharmacy school soon, looking is all she has plans for. Blake (MMC) saw the cute brunette that lived across from the new construction site, and knew he was willing to do whatever it took to be near her. Even if that means being her friend as she faces some struggles in life.
Blake can chase me any day! Talk about Romantic, Swoon-Worthy, Delicious and Steamy. I had so many EEK, Do It, just say YES moments or You go Girl! But I also felt sorrow and heartbreak. This is a perfect example of "Don't judge a book(aka man) by its cover". Once Again, Lynn Burke has sucked me in with her words that I couldn't put the book down until it was over.
I am a sucker for romance novels involving sex workers. I’m not ashamed to say that, considering there are myriad other romance novel tropes I won’t necessarily admit to many people. I’m all pro-sex worker over here, though, so I feel safe in admitting my love for rent boys, escorts, and call girls.
Fourth Attempt is the introductory novel to Lynn Burke’s latest romance novel series, Elite Escorts, which is indeed about a male escort agency. Our MMC in this story, Blake, is not an escort, however. He’s friends with the owner and sometimes fills in as a pinch hitter for non-sexual encounters from time to time though when asked. So I wouldn’t classify this story to be a male escort romance but more of a taster, if you will, of the Elite Escorts world and all the books to follow coming up in the series.
Fourth Attempt follows Wren, a touch-starved, poor, fiercely independent, and very hard-working pharmacology student at the local college who also works part-time at a local pharmacy. She’s got less than a year until she graduates and she’s just trying to keep her eyes on the prize. When her eyes get tired of looking at the prize, they stray across the street to where a construction company is building a luxury condo building that will eventually block her beloved view of the river. Yeah, she’s a little salty, but she knows there’s nothing to be done about it. In the meantime, though, she can ogle the workers, especially the man in charge, Blake. Blake is definitely something like a swift-moving river: look, but don’t touch. Dangerous to her fragile heart and her laser focus. So Wren keeps to herself and lets her fantasies stay where she thinks they belong: firmly in her head.
The hitch in Wren’s plans to be left alone to fantasize in private about Blake first come about when the two run into each other briefly in front of the Victorian she rents out the attic apartment on, and then again when Blake comes into her pharmacy to buy some sinus medication and realizes how attracted he is to her.
From this point on, Fourth Attempt alternates from being fluffy and sweet, emotional and endearing, and spicy hot. Not in any certain order, mind you, it simply has ups and downs and happy middles. The characters go through transformations, of course, and they have their highs, lows, and very lows. They also have their sweet, sour, gloomy, and absolutely desperate for one another moments.
I thought the pacing was a little off on the book as a whole, but it wasn’t bad enough to affect my enjoyment of the book. It’s a sweet, fluffy, racy romance that’s meant to let you escape the world for a while. Enjoy!
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All ideas, thoughts, views, and opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Book Series/Contemporary Romance/Erotica/LGBTQ Friendly/Romance Series/Sex Work Content/Spice Level 3
Holy freaking moly! I fell in love with Blake and Wren, separately and as a couple. I felt a little bit like a voyeur, sitting in the corner during the bedroom scenes. No, make that a lot. They were so steamy that I had to stop, fan my face, and catch my breath. These two were HOT AF! This book hooked my feelings in the best ways possible. When Wren shed her tears, my heart bled for her. I wanted to wrap my arms around her and offer her comfort with all the heartache she endured. Blake did everything he could to show her that he values her for the woman she is. That her family's history is not hers, nor does it make her less in his eyes. Because he has money and has been a playboy in the past, it does not mean he is that person when he is with Wren, his little birdie. He turns over a new leaf and becomes everything she needs, starting as a friend first. It takes him three attempts to get his first date, and when he gets the green light, he treats her to the most memorable night of her life. Wren has struggled most of her life and finds it hard to trust anyone. Can Blake break through all her misconceptions and prove that she is all he needs or wants for the rest of his days?
This was such a great and sweet story but with lots of spice.
Sweet because Blake, a known playboy falls hard and does all he can to entice the lovely Wren to go out with him, she turns him down time after time, so he resorts to bringing her coffee and sweets and notes of encouragement.
The spice comes later when Wren, after going through some difficulties, reaches out to Blake and takes him up on his offer of a one-night stand that will include his best friend too. Wowsers that was some hot action.
But there was so much to this story, it will keep your attention like it did me, it was so emotional, these characters bring so much emotion in their storylines, I did shed some tears. We also get to see how much they grow and change and put themselves out there in order to reach their HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
If at first you don’t succeed try, try and try again!! Forget third time is charmed! This is definitely an example of going after what you want! This story takes a playboy and knocks him down a few notches. It’s so fun to watch it happen but it was painful. At a few points I just wanted to hold him and comfort him. Watching him fall apart was very hard. I love love love how walls were slowly destroyed, feelings grew, emotions were all over and just when you can’t take anymore you burst out into tears. This one hit home a few times and I had to put my book down to compose myself and dry my tears. Their story includes some of our favorite characters in this amazing world. I seriously would love to be a part of this expanding circle. An amazing start to what I know will be an incredible series!!
When I'm immersed in a book from Lynn Burke, I forget where I am, what I am supposed to be doing, even who I am. As always, I am captured between the words and lines, everything disappears except her characters. Thank goodness Blake did not give up after the first attempt. Instead persevered in securing the attention and acceptance of his "little birdie". Wren, struggling with finding time to attend classes, studying while also working at night to support herself, found it difficult to believe and trust a person with the lifestyle Blake appeared to have. Before I knew it, I was at the end of the book and wishing I wasn't. Just so that I could read it again with new eyes. I received a copy and it is a pleasure to leave my honest and voluntary review.
3.5 stars. A decent amount of steam, especially the first scene. The Insta-Love wasn’t quite authentic but I give extra points for the “rescue” scene. I enjoyed that very much.
Slow burn, sweet, swoony, steamy, and superb... This story made my romantic heart so happy!
Blake is the older bossman, wealthy, successful, a player and is not into relationships... until he spots Wren who is surreptitiously ogling him when he turns up at his new building project in the block opposite her.
Wren is a sweetheart who has major trust issues and has not had much support in her life thus far. Her family background is not the best and she is committed to her studies whilst working to support herself. She is independent and I laughed at her snarky nature.
There was so much to love about these characters.
• Blake didn't give up and went against his character to convince Wren that he was committed and serious. He totally went out his way and wooed her in so many sweet, swoony ways
• Wren, although smitten, made him work for every chance she gave him, and after 3 attempts at dating, was the Fourth Attempt enough to convince his little birdie?
There was so much steam and emotion that I really didn't want the story to end.
Three words!
THAT BOAT SCENE ❤🔥
Lynn Burke - Blake has definitely been added to my BBF harem!
After meeting Blake as a side character in Looking for Love, I was excited to see how his story played out! And boy was I not disappointed! Fourth Attempt lives up to and exceeds all of the spicy, emotional, romantic expectations I’ve come to hold for Lynn’s books!
Blake is such a wonderful, swoon-worthy character! With a level of realism that makes him an incredible book boyfriend! We all need a Blake in our lives! Someone with the patience and determination to just be there for us in any capacity while we accomplish our dreams or face the road bumps along the way!
Getting to see this duo push and pull toward their happily ever after was a delicious mix of steam, passion, and persistence! An absolute new favorite for me from this wonderful author!
Wren had eyes for Blake Harper even before they met. He's the hot owner of a construction company that likes to get down and dirty with his crew. He's in charge of the condo build in front of Wren's view of the Merrimac River from her third floor attic apartment.
Her life consists of going to school during the day and working as a pharmacy technician at night. She doesn't have time for anything else that may come along and interrupt her plans for her future. She has 1 year left before she graduates and becomes a Pharmacist. Nothing and nobody is going to get in her way of bettering her life. She calls herself white trash because of where she comes from but she's far from it in the eyes of Blake.
Blake Harper is your typical rich playboy with women stumbling over themselves to get with him. When he meets the teeny tiny Wren he can't get her out from under his skin. She shoots him down when he asks her out but he's determined to get that one and done so he can get her off his mind. She keeps turning him down and doesn't hold back as to why she won't go out with him. Wren's focus is on her schooling and her mother that is dying. She doesn't have time to play Blake's games.
Eventually we see Blake grow as a character and start realizing what he really wants in life. He never thought he would find a woman that would make him want to be a better person, a better man and friend.
I loved that Blake never gave up and he had lots of personal growth. Wren was sticking to her guns with him but he finally showed her that he was really wanting to be just her friend if that is all she wanted. He just wanted her to be happy and get everything she deserved in life.
Things I didn't like was the constant mention of their size difference, yes he's over 6ft tall and yes she's a tiny thing under 5ft tall. Yes his hands could span her waist and this and that. It got a little irritating after so much of it being mentioned. Also Wren's reaction to Blake doing a favor for his friend that runs Elite Escorts was brutal and I wouldn't have blamed Blake if he would have washed his hands of her at that point. It brought a lot of angst to the plot but it also was where we see how Blake has matured.
Otherwise I enjoyed the story and loved seeing Colton and his older married couple Madeline and Hudson from Looking For Love.
This is Book One in the Elite Escorts Series by this author…. And WOOOOWWWWZA!
I loved this book, everything about it, the writing was stupendous, the characters pop off the page and into your world, the story line is emotional and funny at times.
Blake and Wren made me laugh and made me tear up… and the sex scenes… OMG…..
I will admit that as much as I loved Blake and Wren’s story, Reid stole my heart, just something about him… add in Colton, who all readers will love as he has the biggest heart and mix in Micah and Jonah ahhhhh, they are just what dreams are made of — or are they fantasies, you decide.
This story had a few twists, had amazing chemistry, and Lynn can write a scene let me tell you…. And top it all off with the best ending, not fairy-tale with flowers and chocolates, but how it should have ended….. and I love that about Lynn, she gives you a great story with a believable ending.
Lynn writes Romance but in different genres, so there is something for everyone, and you should all check her out if you are looking for some spice….
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🔥🥵
❤️
JJ
PS. Look at the photo closely, you will understand — 😂😜
I downloaded this book when I saw it was free. I thought because of the name of the book and seeing another titles Third Wheel, I thought this one Fourth Attempt was book 4 but it’s book 1. I honestly don’t know how any of the other guys will measure up to Blake. He’s everything you need in a MC. He’s tall, muscular, hot, cocky and a playboy until he meets Wren at the pharmacy. She knows exactly who he is and wants no part of him or Being another notch on his bedpost. Little does she know, Blake wants more than that and he always gets what he wants. This book was a sweet read about a girl who grew up with literally nothing. Pretty much raised herself. When her life comes crumbling down again, Blake is there to lift her up. They become friends but, Blake still wants more from her. Will she give in on that Fourth Attempt or the little birdie keep Blake strictly in the friend zone.
If Lynn Burke writes it, im gonna read it and love it!!!
Blake and Wren are complete and total opposites but are absolutely perfect for each other!! Lynn creates such amazing worlds, with characters you can't get enough of and stories you don't want to end. I always lose myself in her books and love to reread them all the time.
We get to see a playboy that instantly becomes obsessed and won't stop until he gets what he wants. And holy crap the emotions!!! Your emotions will be all over the place, and I wouldn't want it any other way!!!
Okay, now that I've "cooled" down, I can work on this review! Y'all..............this book is hot AF!! Blake is definitely book boyfriend material and my heart was breaking for Wren. Together, they make one of my favorite couples this year. Blake may have been a playboy in the past but watching him change for Wren was so good. I just wanted to reach through the kindle and give Wren massive hugs. Trust me, this is one book you don't want to miss out on!!! Lynn Burke KNOWS how to get her readers completely invested in the story.
I loved Blake and Wren's story in Fourth Attempt! Another perfect example that appearances, online as well as in person, can be deceiving. Wren is the complete opposite of the type of female that Blake usually pursues, but she grabs his attention and gets under his skin from the start. Wren writes Blake off as a spoiled, rich playboy with nothing to offer aside from looks and money.
This book had the perfect blend of emotional elements, character development, incredibly spicy scenes (holy hannah, that first hook-up scene!), and visits with some previous characters we've met along the way.
I can't wait to see what comes next in the Elite Escorts series!
Lynn, this is my favorite read yet of yours. You first meet a girl that catches the eye of the hot construction owner across the street. Few days later, Blake runs into Wren at her job asking for help. Blake sets his eyes on her and she somehow works under his skin. They have a few different interactions, some things come to blew. One thing that makes her realize how much of a good guy Blake is. The recurring roles from previous books was fantastic. I loved the ending the most. 💚
Where do I begin! I absolutely fell in love with Blake and Wren. This is a slow burn but full of spice. It is hottt! When the spice does hit, hot damn! Blake has his eyes set on Wren and he won't take no for an answer. She is persistent in telling him no and that he isn't her type. She finally gives in to his offer when she needs to just forget everything that she is dealing with, but they both have their guard up. For all the details and yummy goodness you are going to have to read this one for yourself. Wren and Blake are perfect together! LOVED it and would highly recommend to others!
Wren has had a hard start to life. She has fought long and hard to finish school and make something of herself. The finish line to her goal is within sight. Also within sight are the hot construction workers next door. Especially, Blake. One look at Wren and Blake is fascinated. He attempts to gain her attention over and over and over again in order to prove to her that he truly wants her for more than a tumble in the hay. Blake won my heart way before he won Wren's. He will win yours too before the Fourth Attempt.
Believe in yourself and know your worth is exactly what Blake showed Wren God this man was a dream come true, and they learned so much from each other it just melted my heart with so many feels. The angst and patience the spark at first sight . So much feelings for Wren I wanted to hug her myself. These characters were amazing and so well written you can feel it all oh and the steam pure fireworks.
Fourth Attempt by Lynn Burke ⭐️4/5 🔥4/5 Typical playboy who gets snared by the normal quiet one. He just can’t get her out of his mind which is not usual for him and she turns him down multiple times. He is determined and will be by her however he can. I did enjoy the story, something about it just wasn’t for me. I can’t pinpoint it but that didn’t deter me to enjoy it. It’s very steamy but starts around 40-50% of books.
So I wasn't sure if this would be my cup or tea. I tend to read more dark romances or why choose romance but I love Lynn's Missing Link Series so I figured I'd give it a try and it was so worth it. This book hits your right in the feels while also being super spicy. I loved that the Missing Link Series gets tied into this one too and we get to see some old characters. Can't wait to read more from this series as they come out!
I absolutely fell in love with this book. It was super steamy and put me through all the emotional feels. The love and desire that Blake has for Wren was amazing and I admired the strength Wren had to stand her ground, but my heart also broke for her. I can not wait to see what is to come next in this series.
Lynn did it again. Blake and Wren made my heart so happy. I never thought Blake Harper could end up book boyfriend material but there he is. The struggles they face separately and alone are so intense and relatable and the spice is undeniable! Would 100% recommend!
This made my heart so happy. It was deep and put me in my feels, the characters deserved so much love. Watching Wren finally give Blake a chance.. was everything! I was talking to my book so much saying “girl you better do it”..
Poor Blake, rich playboy falls for the girl from the wrong side of the tracks Wren. Will her past and her assumptions about him make her miss out on the best thing to ever happen to her? Lots of hot and smexy time and love, lots of love.
I didn't like the FMC and found a lot of the scenes really cringy. Very little drama - the FMCs concern about being too poor etc for the MMC felt forced. It was a quick, easy read but if it was much longer I'd have DNF'd