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Love Machine

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A best-friends-to lovers standalone romance from New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan.

She says she needs some help ... in the bedroom.

Come again? No, really come again.

Sweet, nerdy, lovable Keaton.

She's my best friend and has been for years. Sure she likes numbers and math, and thinks doing other people's taxes is fun. And I like ... none of that stuff. She's obsessed with her cat and reads novels I'll never understand, and yet we just click. There's no one I'd rather share breakfast burritos with or binge watch hours of Netflix. She's my person. And so when she takes off her glasses and asks me to help her improve her skills in the bedroom, I barely have to think about it.

Of course I'll help her. There's no one better for the job.

I've been there for her through everything, why should this be any different?

But what happens when she's ready to take her new-found confidence and move on?

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 16, 2018

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About the author

Kendall Ryan

113 books17.6k followers
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 3 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine. She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 586 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,081 reviews34.6k followers
July 23, 2018
4 stars!!!

 photo IMG_1705_zpscrysvr5z.png

I love a good friends to lovers story, and Love Machine by Kendall Ryan gave the perfect fix!

Keaton and Slate have been close friends since their college days, but that’s all they’ve ever been. Friends. Slate is popular with the ladies and Keaton has always been a bit on the nerdy side, in an endearing way. But Keaton needs help and she doesn’t know who to turn to. The help she needs is in the bedroom. Slate is conflicted on what to do, but he sure doesn’t want anyone else ‘helping’ her, so he’s up for the job. 



The last thing Slate and Keaton expect is for one of them to catch the feelings for one another, but that’s exactly what happens. Not only is their sexual chemistry off the charts, but they have a great connection as friends. Sounds perfect, right? Perfectly complicated…

Love Machine is narrated by Andi Arndt and Sebastian York, and as always, they do an amazing job. They are two of my favorite narrators so I’m always happy to listen to a book that they read. I feel like they compliment each other well.

Sweet, sexy, heartwarming, and a lot of fun- Love Machine is a book I would recommend to all readers of lighter romances/friends to lovers romance.
Profile Image for Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog.
1,260 reviews10.1k followers
July 14, 2018
*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}


The embers of attraction were always there, I’ve come to realize. All it took was one little kiss to blow on the ashes and make them roar to life.






LOVE MACHINE is one seriously sexy and even sweet ”friends to lovers” romance. It is one of my most favorite tropes but I feel like lately, I haven’t gotten enough. From the moment I saw the cover, I was in hardcore lust!! Kendall Ryan has been raising the bar lately with her book covers. Now, I am a really big fan of hers and this woman seems to be a writing machine. It’s almost as if every month she has a new release out. So nine times out of ten I end up loving her stories and there was a moment when I thought I was not going to connect with this book.



The two main characters, Slate and Keaton, have been best friends since college. I just thought it odd that neither had ever felt an attraction towards each other until Keaton asks Slate to be her “sex tutor”. The roles are reversed in this story. While Slate is a drop dead gorgeous man who gets all the ladies, it is he who ends up falling hard and doing all the pining while Keaton, the nerdy girl, wants to keep the friendship and is not wanting to venture into relationship territory! I really found her to be annoying and extremely frustrating.







While the sexy times are hot as hell, I didn’t feel the chemistry between them because of Keaton and her complete blindness to the situation that was developing between her and Slate. It wasn’t till I got almost halfway through the book that things started to work for me and boy did my heart melt for Slate. He absolutely made this book for me.





Here are my overall ratings

Hero: 5
Heroine: 2
Plot: 4
Angst: 3.5
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 3.5



LOVE MACHINE releases on July 16th!

➜ Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2rBj77p
➜ Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2KWlhHD
➜ iBooks: https://apple.co/2KT1J6N
➜ Kobo: http://bit.ly/2rAcTEK
➜ Nook: http://bit.ly/2G5iEjd
➜ Google: http://bit.ly/2wxuyTh




Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,302 followers
December 13, 2018
After I read the blurb to the Kindle edition (there are 2 blurbs to different editions) and the charming line with him getting more ass than a toilet seat; I immediately put it on my avoid shelf.

My reading buddy though read it and criticized me for being judgmental upfront. She confirmed that the book itself was safe and sweet.

I have zero problem with criticism, so I pushed my picky ass to read the story.

Yes, the book was safe, so far no sex-scenes with OP, no cheating etc.

The h was actually ok, apart from the total silly assumption & weird idea to learn how to give a proper BJ.
I mean who the heck suck cucumbers at the party? She definitely needed better friends…

I say: there is no bad BJ, the effort and willingness to pleasure your partner is a key component; and… as if all men know what they are doing downtown… *eye roll*

Come on, she didn’t need any sex-lessons; she needed more self-confidence and a decent guy, who would love her from the very beginning, and not 10 years later.

Anyway, the story was even sweet and I liked how he chased her.
She wasn’t weak, but of course they made her to fall for him… Good thing, he proclaimed his feelings before her!


1 line said by the hero, which ‘made’ this book for me:
I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve grown accustomed to regular sex. Once or twice a week, I take a girl home from a bar to relieve the ache…


I’m not good at math, but I’ll try.



MC knew each other for 10 years.
Let’s assume he was at least 1 to 2 years with his ex (who did the number on him *let me wipe my tears*), it leaves us 8 years.

A year has 52 weeks.
Let’s assume he had approx. 1.5 girls per week.
Let’s give him a credit to skip one or two weeks or have a flu/spa-weekend/self-exploration session etc, so we round his year up to 50 weeks.

So….



50 weeks x 1.5 girls x 8 years = 600 sexual partners


If I’m not a complete math-imbecile, our ‘sweet hero’ slept with approx. 600 women after he met and friended the heroine.

Since she didn’t pine for him and jeez, it wasn’t OTT annoying, BUT!

The fact, that this woman/our heroine gave him a BJ without protection and without any health status talk was very disturbing for my taste.

600 sexual partners
600 women - even if sex with condom (which doesn’t give you a guarantee of 100% 'security')
600 women, but how many did he pleasured oral and how many showed him their oral skills? (I guess there would be a formula, but I’m out *lol*)


It’s just not healthy, if I try to phrase it politely…

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nissa | Of Pens and Pages Book Blog.
337 reviews1,020 followers
July 19, 2018
4 stars!

Review at Of Pens and Pages.

Love Machine is a great summer read that is perfect for fans of the friends-to-lovers trope! Keaton and Slate were adorable and incredibly hot when they’re together, and I had a lot of fun getting to know them.

Keaton, lover of her grumpy old cat and her career, has an epiphany at her good friend’s bachelorette party—she may be smart, but she knows little to nothing about the art of sex. Who better to teach her than her best friend and most trusted person in the world?

When his best friend tells him about her sexual predicament, Slate is more than intrigued. He’s always cared about his best friend and tries not to think of her that way, but his friend is in need and he knows he can help.

They just have to make sure to keep things purely educational, of course. Keaton and Slate are each other’s person, and they don’t know what they’d do if they lose their friendship. Easy, right?

I had a lot of fun reading this book! It’s easy to get attached to the characters and their friendship-to-more situation. Keaton and Slate are both likable characters, and their genuine affection and emotional connection they have even when they were just friends was a delight to witness. I love reading about characters who have that strong trust and rapport between them because you just know they really do care for each other. I saw that in Keaton and Slate. Plus, there’s that whole opposites attract thing going between them that I adore!

Also, I would just like to say I absolutely love it when heroes are honest about their feelings and are not afraid to say it. Slate made me swoon so much because gah. He is the sweetest! He’s funny, thoughtful, and let me tell you, the man definitely knows what he’s doing.

Love Machine is a quick and fun read guaranteed to make you laugh, swoon, and blush. The pace was just right, the chemistry between these two likable characters sizzling, and the progression of their friendship to more was definitely swoon-worthy.

Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Opposites Attract, Nerdy Heroine, Playboy Hero
POV:First Person, Dual POV
Standalone: Yes

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Celia.
715 reviews114 followers
May 8, 2022
description
Uma história fofinha, cheia de clichés.
Melhores amigos a amantes.
Steamy... Mas sempre acompanhado por episódios divertidos.
Keaton é adorável, completamente nerd e o Slate...
Completamente "apanhado" por ela sem se ter apercebido disso ainda.
description
description
description
description
description
Uma comédia romântica, picante, leve, bem ao estilo de Kendall Ryan.
description
Profile Image for Pavlina Read more sleep less blog  .
2,434 reviews5,107 followers
July 16, 2018
<3 4 STARS <3

It's not a secret that I love Kendall Ryan's books!She has a way with her words and her stories are always fun and so sexy!Love Machine was exactly this, a hot,lighthearted and fun read!I love the story from the beginning and the characters were so lovable!

description

Slate and Keaton are funny and sweet at the same time!I adored them, they were so perfect in my opinion!There are moments they are also funny and awkward and all this make the super cute!Everything felt realistic between them, they have a great connection!

Overall, if you are looking for a sweet,fast paced read this is perfect!


 


  
Profile Image for Leticia (jerseygirlsbookshelf).
425 reviews231 followers
December 5, 2020
"Love is friendship, but it is friendship with fire in its belly."
Three things before I start. One, friends to lovers is my favorite trope, so yes, I needed to read this book. Two, the more Kendall Ryan books I read, the more I fall in love with her characters and her storytelling. Three... the cover!

"It's like my brain is suddenly realizing he's male for the first time ever."
Slate is definitely swoonworthy. Look, I know he's the playboy and the dater, but he is the sweetest thing to his friends. He is the sweetest thing to his friend's cat. I found myself wondering where I can get my own Slate while reading this book.

"I need to give her everything; I couldn't say no even if I wanted to."
I love Keaton. She is definitely nerdy, and she loves her numbers and her spreadsheets. She's not very experienced when it comes to sex, and that becomes very apparent during an event with her friends. And this got me laughing out loud because... cucumber.

So maybe she needs some guidance... from someone who is definitely experienced?

"He must feel me ogling the delicious curve of his backside because he asks, 'Do you need some water to rehydrate from all that drooling?'
'I could use some rehydration, yes,' I admit with a chuckle. Busted."

More than sweet, this book is a lot of fun. You can see how much they care about each other as friends, and you're there to witness the change in their relationship. And yes, it is hot, and sooo engaging I found myself not wanting to stop reading until the book was over.

"Sometimes I can't believe this is real life, that the nerdy girl got the hunk. But it is, and I did."
It was obvious to everyone else but them that they were perfect for each other. While Keaton needed someone to teach her more about sex, Slate needed someone to teach him about love and that not all relationships need to end in tears. This was one hell of a learning curve.
Profile Image for Kay's Blushing Book Reviews.
289 reviews269 followers
July 20, 2018
.description
Love Machine by Kendall Ryan
GENRE: Contemporary Romance – Friends to Loves Story
NARRATION: Dual POV
BOOK DETAILS: Standalone
AUDIO AVAILABLE? Yes


THE STORY:
Slate and Keaton, have been best friends since college. Keaton is in software sales and a bit of a nerd. Having little experience in the bedroom department has made her self conscious with her intimacy skills or lack thereof.

That’s were Slate comes in, he’s an experienced player and the perfect person to coach Keaton in all things sex. He's handsome, sexy as hell and just so happens to be offering his expertise to her.

Problem is after they cross the lines of friendship by getting intimately equated, can they really just go back to being friends or will they want something more?

"Love is friendship, but it is friendship with fire in its belly."

description

MY THOUGHTS:
Kendall Ryan has had some major hot covers lately and this one is no exception. It’s seriously drool worthy.

Love Machine has been another sweet, fun and sexy friends to lover’s story by Kendall. I am a little over the Friends to Lovers theme though at the moment it seems to be the current trend and nearly every second book I read has a similar storyline.

In saying that though, what makes Kendall’s stories so enticing is that you know they will always be well written, entertaining and not too heavy. They always make for a good pick me up and feel good read. I love the humour she puts into her dialogue and she certainly has a way with words. For example:
"with a heaped dose of Holy Shit" and "Literally any man in this room would be honored to introduce his dick to you, Keaton." Slate

Keaton and Slate have some undeniable hot chemistry, Slate was so perfect!!I loved his character and. Keaton however took some warming up to but in the end, I was satisfied with their cute HEA.
MY RATINGS: (All ratings are out of 5)
HERO RATING: 5
HERIONE RATING: 3
BLUSH RATING: 3
ROMANCE RATING: 4
PLOT RATING: 3
OVERALL: 4


DO I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Yes, if you’re a regular fan of Kendall Ryan than you will enjoy this story.

Get your copy now at:
➜ Amazon https://amzn.to/2rBj77p
➜ Amazon UK https://amzn.to/2KWlhHD
➜ iBooks https://apple.co/2KT1J6N
➜ Kobo http://bit.ly/2rAcTEK
➜ Nook http://bit.ly/2G5iEjd
➜ Google http://bit.ly/2wxuyTh
➜ Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2jOkCvB

description

Narrated by: Sebastian York and Andy Arndt
Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins


I listened to this in audio because I know the narrators Sebastian and Andy give their stories another dimension. They both matched their characters well and gave a flawless performance as always.

FEMALE NARRATOR’S PERFORMANCE 5/5
MALE NARRATOR’S PERFORMANCE 5/5
NARRATOR’S MATCHED TO CHARACTERS 5/5
PLOT 4/5
OVERALL AUDIO RATING 4 /5

Audio copy can be purchased from Audible https://adbl.co/2JrAP4h

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Profile Image for Zoe.
2,018 reviews280 followers
July 17, 2018
Sweet, provocative, and rewarding!

Love Machine is a charming, friends-to-more romance about the intelligent, dedicated Keaton who's finally decided she needs a little help in the seduction department, and the handsome, enthusiastic, Slate who's confident he's the perfect man for the job.

The writing is humorous and hot. The characters are easygoing, personable, and appealing. And the endearing plot is a marvellous blend of drama, friendship, emotion, attraction, heat, witty dialogue, jealousy, unconditional love, and delicious chemistry.

Overall, Love Machine is a cheeky, fun, passionate tale by Ryan that I am confident will be a big hit with romance lovers everywhere.

Thank you to InkSlingerPR and Kendall Ryan for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
Profile Image for Fanny.
2,289 reviews54 followers
February 17, 2020



Love Machine me atrajo desde el momento en el que lei que era una historia de Friends To Lovers, y aunque no es la novela de esta tematica que mas me ha transmitido o emocionado, admito que me parecio una lectura muy bonita y linda.

El libro se lee practicamente solo, en parte es debido a que lo que narra es sencillo y sin muchas complicaciones pero tambien porque la amistad de Keaton y Slate es mas profunda de lo que imaginaba, ademas la transformacion de su relacion que en un inicio me resulto un poco precipitada, luego me convencio bastante mas.

En resumen, Love Machine no sobresale por tener una trama nunca antes leida o porque tenga giros inesperados, sin embargo, si sorprende al ser mas tierna y sentimental de lo que esperaba. Me gusto mas de lo que planee.

3 Estrellas!
Profile Image for Floripiquita.
1,388 reviews165 followers
December 21, 2019
Soy muy fan de las historias de friends to lovers, así que no podía dejar de leer este romance cuyo punto de partida recuerda un poco a esa maravilla que es Calle Jamaica, de Samantha Young. El libro que aquí me ocupa se lee fácil y bien, tiene el drama justo pero es bastante superficial y la pareja protagonista está muy lejos de ser tan inolvidable como la que forman Olivia y Nate.
Profile Image for Elle G. Reads.
1,663 reviews883 followers
September 29, 2018
Release Date: July 16, 2018
Genre: Friends to Lovers Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars

Kendall Ryan delivers in this cute and quirky novel about two best friends who partake in a sexploration with one another. The story felt fateful from the start and as the exploration progressed it became quite clear that these two were meant for one another- even if it took them a lot longer to realize it! With a little humor and a lot of heat, many readers are going to eat this one up! I sure did and finished it in one sitting!

Keaton and Slate have been friends since college and have never tested the boundaries of friendship. That is, until Keaton learned that she may need a little help in the bedroom. Enter her sexy friend with good looks and enough charm to warm anyone's heart! This man is swoon worthy! He is sweet, sexy (as you can see via the cover) and has a smart head on his shoulders. He also doesn't shy away from his feelings like many men in romance books. Keaton is a bit more laid back. She doesn't necessarily notice things until they are placed right on her lap, so I would say she's a bit naive. But her character is perfect for Slate and when the two mix together? Sigh, it's beautiful!

If you are a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope then pick up this book! Also, this book is virtually drama free, so if you want an easy, breezy read this is one I would recommend! The only thing that didn't sit well with me as a reader was the fact that we didn't get a lot of character substance. No backstory, nearly no secondary character interaction (there is some, but not a lot), and not much outside of the bedroom.
Profile Image for Carla.
237 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2022
Adorei este livrinho...
Foi uma leitura que me aqueceu o coração, um casal lindo e que me deixou apaixonada.
Este é o terceiro livro que leio de Kendall Ryan e todos me deixam assim...com o coração bem quentinho e com um grande sorriso nos lábios.
Profile Image for Dali.
1,923 reviews545 followers
July 18, 2018
A fast paced, sweet and sexy read.

After realizing she’s book smart but not sexy smart at her friend’s bachelorette party, Keaton decides it’s high time to fix that. And who knows her better than anyone else and is better equipped for the task than her best friend. If they set limits and boundaries their friendship will maintain intact, right?

Slate has known Keaton for over a decade and has shared more breakfast burritos and hours in front of the TV binge watching Netflix than he can count, and although their other interests are completely opposite they just click because they’re best friends and he’d do just about anything for her including helping her with her out when she asks for pointers in the bedroom.
“If she wants me to be her personal love machine, let's face it, I'll jump at the chance.

Crossing the lines with his best bud was easy, sparking an intense attraction, but he never imagined he’d fall for Keaton who is now ready to explore her new found sexuality and move on.

Kendall Ryan provides a new fun, sexy and entertaining romance. Best friends to lovers is familiar in the romance genre and Love Machine is a great breezy summer read full of lighthearted entertainment I could escape in.

Slate and Keaton were so charming together and when they weren’t being loveable they’re turning up the heat. Their easy friendship and honest bond made it great fun while getting to know them, especially Slate who was absolutely swoony and sweet. A great combo!

Love Machine is a best friends to lovers, standalone romantic comedy by Kendall Ryan. It’s a light, easy to read. Told from both points of view with a happy ending.

Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2LjoBQ9

* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via InkSlinger. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *

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Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,027 reviews90 followers
July 16, 2018
* A review copy was provided by the author for the Blog Tour *

~ 5 Addictive Stars ~

“Love is friendship, but it is friendship with fire in it’s belly.”……Meera

This quote truly summed up this story. As you can tell it is a friends to lovers story.

Love Machine is such a fun, sexy and easy beach read….perfect for that afternoon escape. There was just the right amount of humor, sexy times and emotion to captivate the audience all the way through. This is probably one of my favorite Kendall Ryan books, but truly I have a hard time picking since I love all her books!!!! Although this is HANDS DOWN my favorite cover by Kendall ;)

What happens when a simple exploration turns into the most important lesson you can learn??

Well read Love Machine and find out how Keaton and Slate navigate these waters. This storyline was interesting from the beginning to the end. And the characters you truly couldn’t help falling in love with both Keaton and Slate. They are totally opposites but they work well together. I thought the pace and flow of the story was perfect. As always I get swept up in Kendall’s writing.

In this story we follow the friendship of Keaton and Slate as they venture into territory neither one could’ve been prepared for. Keaton and Slate have been friends for 10 years. So it is only natural that Keaton asks her “playboy” friend for help when it comes to intimate times. Keaton is a strong, focused business woman who hasn’t had much time for the opposite sex. After a blunder at her friends bachelorette party, Keaton realizes she isn’t as experienced as she would like to be. Enter Slate. Slate is an extremely fun, loving, and sexy man. After being burned year ago he adopted the no attachment cause to women. So when his best friend comes to him for help, he is more than willing. What happens though when things change?? Slate starts seeing Keaton in a different light?? Can these two keep their friendship in tact?? Can they find their HEA?? Read this book to get those answers.

Keaton and Slate’s journey into something more was sweet, sexy and a whole lot of fun. Even though awkward moments were charming. I loved their friendship and I loved that it was between a man and a woman….Usually in books I always rave about the female friendships I read about.

I would 100% recommend this to anyone who loves a friends to lovers/opposites attract romance. This was fun and quirky and just what I come to expect from a Kendall Ryan novel. If you are a fan of Kendall’s then you don’t want to miss this gem!!!!

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Profile Image for aqsa.
672 reviews137 followers
July 17, 2018

DNF @ 10%
yeah, i had a feeling this was gonna suck. ugh- the narration was so bad & cringeworthy and the mc sounded like a 16 y/o instead of a 30+, talking about some "i feel pathetic & shitty that i cant give a good bj" girl what?? LMAO. and its that same "shes a nerdy, glasses wearing smart girl who embarrasses herself at every turn" i was getting second hand embarrassment. and the guy sounded.... like IDK, bland as hell. also the same ol' pussy popper who fucks everything with a heartbeat so. IDK he didnt seem to have a personality. they both sounded like annoying teenagers and the dialogue was lame.

so yeah - theres that.

sad-because i liked Kendall's book prior to this one. oh well.
________________________

im tired as fuck of the manwhore storylines w/the uptight girl & i do not particularly like friends to lovers (only to find out one or both of them have always loved the other for years-- despite sleeping or being w/other people, because thats just yuck & a big fuck off to you too)

but its ms ryan & ive liked her books so, i'll take a stab at it i guess
Profile Image for Radd Reader.
920 reviews506 followers
October 12, 2020
“In every mood, in every situation . . . I belong by her side. It’s where I feel the most right.”

“Telling someone you love them is never a mistake.”

Story:
Keaton attends a bachelorette party and due to her lack of skills in sucking a cucumber, she’s convinced she needs better bedroom skills.
“Karina’s sister booked a blow-job class. I sucked. Literally.
 I’m sure you were great.
 No, seriously. I bit the cucumber.
 Oh my God, you didn’t?
 I did.
 That’s like the only rule, Keat. No teeth.
 That’s why I suck. I suck at sucking. And I don’t know how to get better.”


Keaton calls on her best friend Slate to assist in remedying the situation. At first he is just her wingman as they go out to clubs to try to find the right guy for her to practice on. Eventually when that doesn’t work, after 10 years of friendship these two decide to move their relationship into the bedroom so that she can get some “sexploration”.

Thoughts:
- best friends to lovers is always tricky because you have to buy into the fact that they have had no sexual chemistry while friends and all of a sudden there is major attraction. Not sure if I bought into the switch for these two.

- ”I met Slate during my freshman year of college through mutual friends, and now it seems like we’ve known each other forever. At first, I was floored by how ridiculously attractive he was. Tall, muscular, sharp brown eyes, soft brown hair, defined jaw, full lips, and a smile that could melt every heart in the room. We became fast friends in no time. I was drawn to his fearlessness, his charisma, his sense of humor. Slate was totally willing to shoot the shit with me, unfazed by my “bossiness.” It left an impression on me that developed into one of the most comfortable friendships I’ve ever had with a guy.”

- Keaton thinking Slate ghosted her was completely implausible. She’s known this guy for 10 years and instead of being worried something happened to him she immediately went to “he ghosted me”. BS. This was a bad plot move....IMO.

- I started to get annoyed with Keaton. Why can't people just be honest with their feelings!!! 😡 There are so many other ways to create drama besides the overused plot devices that are common in every romance novel. Gah 👎

- I enjoy the authors writing style, so the flow was good and it was easy to read.

- Predictable. This story brings nothing new to the “friends to lovers” trope.

Overview:
- POV: dual POV
- Tropes: Best friends to lovers. h needs more experience in bedroom.
- H likable? Yes. I liked Slate. Except for the one stupid line indicating he has waaaaaay to many hookups (I’m just going to pretend that was bad editing that didn’t remove that line). I found him charismatic and fun and pretty upbeat.
- h likable? In the beginning yes. Her character was a little stereotypical (glasses and a career in software). But, toward the end she started to annoy me because she acted like a child sometimes.
- h virgin? no but apparently pretty inexperienced. She needs a “sexploration” tutor.
- First time they kiss: 23%
- First time they sleep together: 49%
- First time they say I Love You H: 73%. h: 84%.
- steamy? Yes.
- OW/OM drama? no
- H/h cheat? no
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? no
- Did I cry? no
- Did I laugh? a chuckle here and there
- Cliffhanger? no
- HEA? yes
- Epilogue? yes
- Recommend? Not really. Nothing new here. This is a story I’ve read a dozen times.

Quotes
“I’m good at so many things. I went to a goddamn Ivy League school, for crying out loud. But perfect attendance and an honor roll certificate don’t mean that I know how to roll my tongue around a cock, and that’s what I’m currently fixated on.”

“holy fuck . . . I’m kissing my best friend.
And, fuck me, I really, really like it.”

“I realize my sexploration has been about more than improving my blow-job skills, or sharpening my dirty-talk routine. It’s about amping up my confidence to what I can bring to a relationship.”

“The embers of attraction were always there, I’ve come to realize. All it took was one little kiss to blow on the ashes and make them roar to life.”
Profile Image for Kahea.
2,110 reviews117 followers
July 3, 2018
***5 ‘Patron Saint’ Stars***

This one was a such a fun read and one that I was totally invested in that I *cough* “multitasked” *cough* and finished it in a couple of hours. It had just the right amount of feels which include the sniffly/teary kind as well as the “Ouch!” kind and really just hit all the right buttons for me from start to finish.

It was so easy to fall in love with Keaton and Slate. Keaton is focused, extremely so, and likes to have all of her ducks in a row on a daily basis, but she isn’t rigid. She may be a little awkward at times, but once she gets comfy, she’s snarky and sweet and is just chill. Slate is in full on bachelor forever mode, and doesn’t apologize for it, but while he has manwhore tendencies, he isn’t an asshat about it. He’s sweet, chill and truly cares about those he calls his own and will do anything for them.

Keaton and Slate’s journey was all kinds of sweet, smexy, awkward and just fun. Their friendship jumped off the page. They knew each other inside and out and truly liked who the other person was and enjoyed everything they brought to their friendship, which made it real easy to see how they could be more. And that more was all kinds of smexy, I mean nuclear level smexy and I’ll admit a lot of it came from how caring and sweet Slate was with Keaton and helping her out. But of course there had to be a roadblock pop up and this one was of the “Ouch...oh that hurt” variety, I flinched, I did. But I loved how they got back on track and where they ended up.

As I’ve already said, this was a fun one. It had everything you could want in a romance. It was funny, sweet, smexy and had just enough drama to keep things interesting. I loved Penny and Meera, and Gabby cracked me up. And that little sneak peek of Flirting With Forever definitely has me wanting it on my Kindle sooner rather than later!

~ Copy provided by the author via InkSlinger PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,836 reviews1,426 followers
July 15, 2018
Gah! There is something about Kendall Ryan's stories that hit the spot. They are always sexy and swoony with the emotional punch that I always need. I loved Love Machine and thought it was a fun and sexy take on the best friend/romance tutor type trope. Slate and Keaton were OMG hot and fiery! I could not get enough.

I absolutely loved Slate and Keaton. They were obviously attracted to each other but I feel like the author nailed their emotional connection as well. I felt their feelings for one another from beginning to end. Ranging from the initial butterflies they both got to the pit in their stomachs when they realized lines got crossed and feelings developed. They were genuine, funny, honest and so smoking hot! Their chemistry was pure fireworks and I loved every minute of it!

All in all, this was another fantastic read from this author and I look forward to Flirting With Forever next!! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula

***

What a fun, sexy, flirty read! I was immediately engrossed in this best-friends to lovers story and I couldn't wait to see what happened with Slate and Keaton.

Lordy, their chemistry was off the charts hot. Definitely due to their long standing friendship, for sure, but I'm amazed neither one had stepped over the line previously. I loved how they were so mature in how they got together . . . well, after the whole love lessons became more real, more true. Because they really were falling in love. It was genuine and true and brought back all those memories of my own experience of falling in love so many years ago. Sigh.

Love Machine is a perfect example of swoony, smart romance. One that you just enjoy every damn minute reading. Can't wait to see what's in store for us in Flirting with Forever! ~ Missy, 4 stars
Profile Image for Rochelle ♡.
386 reviews211 followers
July 22, 2018


It is no secret that Kendall Ryan is my go-to author for light, sweet and fluffy romance. Some would consider her stories repetitive, but to me it is a sure thing guaranteed. I know what to expect. I know I will have something wholesome awaiting.

She’s also somehow converted me to friends-to-lovers. Perhaps my least favourite trope. Ever. Because it is too cute and airy and frilly and fancy. But after reading dark, twisted romances, or stories that didn’t enthrall me, sometimes witnessing a friendship blossom into something sweet is needed!

The embers of attraction were always there, I’ve come to realize. All it took was one little kiss to blow on the ashes and make them roar to life.


Post embarrassing encounter during her friend’s bachelorette party, Keaton is feeling dejected. She’s intelligent and confident within her working environment, but she feels inside the bedroom she’s lacking few too many skills.

Using much loved spreadsheets to organise a list and enlisting her long term best friend, Slate, during a drunken night of texting, Keaton is determined to become a confident woman amongst the sheets.

But not everything is as easy or as simple as it seems, especially when intense emotions become involved, and both Keaton and Slate are left questioning themselves. While Slate is determined to prove to Keaton that he is interested in settling down, Keaton would rather maintain their close friendship.

I'm drunk on the sight, the sound, the scent of her, how stunning she is in her passion. And when our eyes meet, a wave of tenderness and desire threatens to drown my heart.


Despite having been best friends since college, Keaton and Slate have never been attracted to each other. Not until Keaton requests Slate become her “sex tutor”, anyway. It seemed awfully strange to me that they never shared this mutual attraction until they decided to cross the friendship boundary.

I also couldn't ignore Slate's reason for becoming a womaniser. One bad relationship, no matter how long or short it lasted, shouldn't be enough to taint someone's view on dating.

Besides those two negatives, I still enjoyed this sweet, fast-paced read.





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Profile Image for Shayna.
1,813 reviews614 followers
July 16, 2018
“I belong by her side. It’s where I feel the most right.”

LOVE MACHINE is a witty, entertaining, sexy, sweet, FUN romantic read! This lighthearted page-turner of a romance had me grinning ear to ear, wishing and hoping for a Slate of my very own. Keaton is one hell of a heroine and compliments our hero oh so well. I absolutely ADORED these two together! When it comes to incredible friends-to-lovers romances, Kendall Ryan is the one to look out for. She gives her readers the perfect blend of sexy and sweet, and never skimps on the emotion. There’s no doubt you will FEEL something when you follow along on Keaton and Slate’s journey.

Ms. Ryan is a pro when it comes to bringing her characters to life! If you are looking for a delightful, sexy, and charming love story that will give all the laughs and all the feels, be sure to get your hands on LOVE MACHINE! This trope is a popular one this year, but no one does it quite as smooth as the lovely and talented Kendall Ryan.

ARC Tag
Profile Image for ℓуηη_σƒ_νєℓαяιѕ.
455 reviews57 followers
August 9, 2019
I'm not a huge fluffy romance fan, but I like them on occasion for a "reading palate" cleanser, so to speak. Works wonders like that lol. Anyway, normally there isn't enough plot for my taste, or its just incredibly unrealistic (I'm super picky, I know!) and I just can't rate these high. But this particular one surprised me and gets a 3.75 🌠!! Highest rated ever by me, so high praise indeed.

This book had a much more believable plotline, the most adorable friendship ever (that I'm obviously seriously jealous of lol) and even some furbabies! The furries will always win me over every time 😉

"Love is friendship, but it is friendship with fire in its belly"

The story was just so cute and sweet! Slate and Keaton are just so adorable together ❤ And just like their friends said, it's so obvious they were meant for each other. Their complete understanding of the other and the blend of their quirky personalities, they just worked so well together. I just loved them so much 😊
Profile Image for Booked & Busy Book Blog.
927 reviews33 followers
July 15, 2018
I love a good friends to lovers romance, in fact, they are my favorite. Kendall Ryan just topped my list of friends to lovers with one of the BEST stories I’ve read!

Keaton is looking for love in all the wrong places and thinks she needs help in the bedroom. Enter Slate, her best friend and the man for the job. Of course, there are rules the two of them put in place...but rules are meant to be broken, aren’t they?

Keaton and Slate had me completely involved in this story for the moment I opened the book! There was sweet, sexy and intense moments with chemistry that could just melt your panties right off ;) I adored everything about this story and it is one that I will go back and read again!

Love Machine is a fantastic read which will hold you captive from beginning to end!
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,102 reviews1,329 followers
July 19, 2018
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review


Love Machine by Kendall Ryan was sweet, sexy and my kind of sizzling romance! This book was definitely the kind of read that will leave you swooning and smiling BIG in this friends to lovers romance. So if you are looking for a sweet, cute and sticky as molasses romance that was adorably entertaining then I highly recommend this book for you.


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Profile Image for Syndi.
3,133 reviews909 followers
August 14, 2018
I like this book ok. Not 4 or 5 stars like and also not dislike this book.

This is my second book by kendall ryan. I feel luke warm toward the story. It is a typical story of best friend to lover. The sweet relationship between the 2 characters are medicore sweet.

3 stars
Profile Image for Red Cheeks Reads.
2,208 reviews374 followers
July 14, 2018
4.5 SMOOCHES!

I absolutely love the friends-to-lovers trope, and Kendall Ryan knocked it out of the park with Love Machine. I’m a big fan of Ryan’s writing, especially her sexy, sweet, fun-to-read contemporary romances. She packs a lot of steam on those pages, intertwining a spicy romance into an engaging plot that readers can’t help but get caught up in. Ryan does these kinds of stories very well, and, thankfully, she’s given her readers several of them to get lost in this year.

Ryan perfectly pairs longtime best friends, Keaton and Slate, in a best-friends-turned-lovers story with a bit of a spin. Organized, pragmatic, nerdy girl Keaton discovers she needs a crash course in the bedroom after an embarrassing bumble at a bachelorette party. A drunken idea takes root, and Keaton decides who better than her best friend, Slate, to show her some moves and help her tick off the items on her… spreadsheet. Their longtime friendship morphed quickly into smoldering sexual chemistry, and the heart-warming build-up of this relationship made this a couple that it was impossible not to root for. I loved how Slate could be so gentle and thoughtful with Keaton yet completely ravenous for her at the same time. Add in the fact that his own bruised heart was on the line here, and it made him an irresistible, endearing hero whose happily-ever-after I was fully invested in.

Love Machine was exactly the kind of story that I hope for when I crack open one of Kendall Ryan’s light-hearted contemporary romances. Plenty of well-placed humor, white-hot heat and enough emotion to pull at my heartstrings, and this was a well-done, charming and entertaining romance that I devoured with a smile. Love Machine by Kendall Ryan gets 4.5 smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo
Profile Image for Kara Hildebrand (Two Book Pushers).
1,699 reviews145 followers
July 16, 2018


Love Machine is Kendall Ryan's new best friends to lovers romance and I was swooning all over the place over Slate. Kendall always delivers the sexiness, humor and fun. Slate and Keaton are best friends. Yes, a man and woman can be friends. They share pizza and beer on a regular basis. Brunch with friends and Keaton plays his wing-woman often. But when Keaton decides she needs help with her bedroom skills Slate is happy to just show her the way. Until they kiss. Then he wants to really show her the way. Touch her. Kiss her. Do all the things he didn't know he wanted to do to her. She's already sexy, sweet and fun. She just needs to bring out her inner sex goddess. Slate is more than happy to unleash her on himself. He shows her how to have fun, ask for what she wants and stop thinking. But what happens when feelings get involved? Can they go back to being friends or do they take the leap to more? I loved this story! I especially loved how Slate wasn't afraid to express his feelings. He didn't want to lose his friend, but he never felt this way for a woman before and he wasn't going to not tell her how he felt! Love Machine had all my favorite things: sexiness, humor, witty banter, friendship and love.

"That's okay. You can much on my muffin anytime."
"You're killing me."
"Next time we come, I could butter your bagel."

He must feel me ogling the delicious curve of his backside because he asks, "Do you need some water to rehydrate from all that drooling?"
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
4,872 reviews107 followers
July 9, 2018
Yet another 5 Star read from the very talented Kendall Ryan and in Love Machine we get to know Keaton and Slade who happen to be best friends.
Keaton spent a disastrous night at her friends bachelorette party and has now convinced herself she needs help between the sheets and she can’t think of anyone better that her wingman Slade for the job. Slade is happy to point her in the right direction because after all Keaton is a woman who is easy on the eyes and she also happens to be his best friend but rules need to be made and the number one rule is they will still remain best friends after the lessons have finished...........
This is a brilliant stand-alone and if you love friends to lovers with a lot of hot funny banter this is a must read. I fell for Slade hook line and sinker and Keaton was the perfect partner for him, the characters have sizzling chemistry but they also have a charisma that draws you in. I couldn’t put this book down and once again I find myself saying this is the best I have read from this author well until the next book because Kendall Ryan become one of my go to authors.
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