ARC Review: It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely
Thank you to NetGalley, Cosmo Reads, and Lauren Blakely for providing the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: March 3, 2026
Overall rating: 3/5 stars
Tropes included: small town, romantic comedy, grumpy/sunshine, bodyguard, mistaken identity, forbidden romance, one bed
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It Seemed Like a Good Idea is a charming and hilarious small town romantic comedy that delivers all the fun and heat fans of Lauren Blakely expect. This grumpy meets sunshine romance features a bodyguard, mistaken identities, a forbidden romance, and one very irresistible bed in a tiny hometown.
The story follows Ripley, a strong, independent heroine who runs a small-town lavender farm. She does not need a bodyguard, but when her twin sister lands a major movie role being filmed in Ripley’s hometown, a broody, tattooed protector arrives, and its none other than the man from an almost one-night stand that ended abruptly and left Ripley wondering why. Banks, the tall, dark, and seemingly grumpy hero, is tasked with keeping Ripley safe from the paparazzi, but the sparks between them quickly reignite.
I really enjoyed the small town setting and the romantic tension between Ripley and Banks. Ripley is confident and compelling, and she knows exactly what she wants both in life and in the bedroom. Banks, despite his broody exterior, is a cinnamon roll in disguise, which makes their interactions both funny and heartwarming. The banter between them is witty and playful, and the chemistry is palpable. The romance is steamy and satisfying, making this a fun read for anyone who enjoys spicy romantic comedies.
That said, I did find it a little hard to fully connect with the story at times. Banks’s grumpiness is fleeting, and I found myself wanting a little more depth to the tension and emotional stakes. This may be a personal response to how I experience books from prolific authors who release multiple titles a year. While the story is engaging and entertaining, it felt lighter in depth than I usually look for in a romance that combines humor, spice, and small town charm.
Overall, I would rate It Seemed Like a Good Idea 3 out of 5 stars, with the spice factor leaning closer to a 4/5. Fans of small town romances, grumpy meets sunshine dynamics, and playful banter will likely enjoy this book.
About the Author
Lauren Blakely is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her witty, sexy, and heartwarming contemporary romances. She writes a mix of romantic comedies, steamy standalones, and series featuring fun, relatable characters who navigate love, desire, and life’s unexpected twists. Her books are celebrated for sharp dialogue, engaging plots, and sizzling chemistry that keeps readers coming back for more.
As always, this is just my personal opinion. Reading is very subjective, and while I found parts of this book harder to connect with, that doesn’t mean it won’t resonate with others. If you love Lauren Blakely, spicy contemporary romances, or small-town love stories, I recommend giving It Seemed Like a Good Idea a try. I’d love to hear what you think if you read it!
