Unexpectedly funny. When I first started this book I was expecting hot and steamy, but soon I was smiling. I also expected that the eye candy jogger was going to be the love interest but immediately started wishing for it to be Vince. The girlfest ogling of the jogger was funny (and relatable). Jackie and Vince though.... sweet, funny and hot. Jackie had friend-zoned Vince but Vince thought he had the perfect way to make his way into Jackie's heart - help her get the other guy. Oops. Backfired. They find their way to each other even through all of the hiccups. Enjoyed this book and looking forward to (hopefully) reading Davis' love story.

Jackie is fascinated by an anonymous jogger she happens to be stalking. She would like to get to know him and wonders if he will live up to her fantasy. In real life, Vince is her best friend, they have a natural kinship and Jackie loves the way he owns his life with confidence. Vince is willing to become her dating coach and teach her how to approach a casual affair. He has this idea that can’t ask her out, despite his attraction to her. And obviously setting up the girl he likes with another guy is breaking his heart. Vince can’t keep his distance from Jackie, the dating game is an excuse to finally get closer to her.

Honestly this book was not my favorite by Jessica Lemmon. I struggled a bit with the story. I kept on reading, hoping that I would relate more to the characters, but I can’t say that it really worked. There were some aspects that didn’t work well for me, the dialogue felt a little unnatural and the storyline wasn’t fleshed out enough in my opinion. Whilst this book didn’t blow me away, it was an okay and sweet read, and I’ll definitely check out Jessica Lemmon’s next books.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1965447594

Jessica Lemmon is a go-to author for me. I know when I see a Jessica Lemmon book that I'm going to laugh, swoon and have to fan myself. Eye Candy had me doing all of those things-and it even made me tear up.

Eye Candy is a refreshing take on the friends to lovers romance trope. We have Jacqueline and Vince, friends and coworkers who have bonded over their past failed relationships. There's a deeper connection there that they both ignore, assuming they're better off as friends...until Jackie sees a hot runner run by her window.

I loved Jackie-O. She's so real. This is a character I could sit down and have pizza and beer with. I imagine she portrays things every woman feels at one point or another-that uncertainty about themselves. She's funny, she's smart and she's sweet. But it's that vulnerability that got to me, that really spoke to me. Seeing her push through that and grow with it was amazing.

Vince. Holy hell did I love Vince. He had me laughing and swooning as he planned how he would get the girl. He's a bit scarred from his last relationship too, which lends a guardedness to him that totally works here. I fell in love with him from the start and I know other readers will as well.

The connection between these two is palpable. You can feel it jumping off the page and you just want them to be together. You want Vince to realize it's ok to love and not just be in lust/like with someone. You want Jackie to see she isn't lacking. And you want them both to realize that they're perfect together. Not individually, no, but they are the perfect match for each other. The way the author allows these characters to tell this story is great.

I read this in one sitting. I didn't want it to end-which is how I react to this author's work in general. I would absolutely recommend this book and look forward to the rest of the series.

This was my first Jessica Lemmon book and it won't be my last. This book was a charming, sexy romp that was thoroughly enjoyable. I loved the characters. The plot held up for the most part. The pacing was good. Definitely recommend.

Jessica Lemmon is a new author to me but I really enjoyed Eye Candy. It was the perfect mix of humor and swoon-worthy romance. I would absolutely recommend checking this book out.

Jackie and Vince have both been burned by love and marriage. But they helped one another past their divorces and showed another how to find their new normals. Basically they’re best friends. The only problems is, Vince is in love with Jackie and he knows she isn’t ready for what they could have together.

So he plots and does a little scheming – hoping like mad the end result is their happily ever after. But like most plans, nothing works out as he wants.

Their journey is filled with all kinds of ups and downs, miscommunication and sexual tension. It is spectacular reading and you definitely don’t want to miss out on the fun. Get your copy of Eye Candy as soon as you can. I promise you will enjoy it.

Eye Candy is the first book in the new Real Love Series by Jessica Lemmon. And for those of you who have read my books before, I normally I really enjoy Jessica Lemmon's work, her books are normally fun for me and thrilling, swoon worthy and scorching hot for me to read.

But where it came to Eye Candy I struggled, I didn't like any of the characters, and for such great "friends to lovers" they basically knew very little about each other past the surface, because at a few points I was like…"why!" The only character I liked out of Eye Candy, was Davis, but he wasn't enough for me to fall in love with this book. The premise of friends to lovers is a common theme in romance, but for me, there was nothing fresh that gripped me.


With all that being said, I give Eye Candy 2 stars

EYE CANDY - Jessica Lemmon

FRIENDS TO LOVERS - 4 stars

Plot - 3.5 stars - Vince and Jackie are coworkers at a marketing firm, working well together since they are also very good friends. They've shared their unhappiness after their divorces, as well as enjoying pizza and relaxing movie nights. It's unclear how long Vince has been having stronger feelings for Jackie, but he decides he doesn't want to be her rebound guy. So he encourages her to go after the sexy man who runs by her window each day. Unfortunately, when she starts dating him, Vince realizes that he's totally jealous and that his plan has backfired.

Writing - 4 stars - I got involved in this story right from the beginning. Heck, the first scene describes this delicious shirtless runner who passes the office window on his regular workout. And when Vince and Jackie started with their usual entertaining banter, I was hooked. When they graduate to hot sexy scenes themselves, then things really took off.

Characters - 4.5 stars - This is where this book shines for me. Vince is the ultimate hero--strong, confident, professional, gorgeous, and with a wicked sense of mischief. Jackie is very similar--good at her job, personable, and cleverly funny. Together they make an obviously great couple, but their history of close friendship predisposes them to think of each other that way rather than as anything more. It was fun to watch them both start to realize that they had stronger feelings for each other, especially when they started second-guessing themselves, questioning their feelings and finding themselves confused. Cute.

Format - 4 stars - I always like the back-and-forth of points of view because I can get to know both characters very well since I can get into their minds. But I can get the other person's perception as well since the POV's follow each other and talk about the same situations.

Title - 4 stars - Cute title since the initial gist of the story is the gorgeous guy who runs by Jackie's window each day. He's definitely the eye candy who gets the relationship started.

Cover - 4 stars - There's nothing more sexy than a handsome guy in a suit. Not so obvious as the naked abs typical of this genre, but more subtle and just as hot.

Overview - 4 stars - This is a great friends-to-lovers romance, with the office romance factor added in. Vince and Jackie are made for each other. It's obvious that they work together well, plus they have been able to add a strong friendship into the mix. They are both thoughtful and caring people, and their attraction to each other made sense. The sexy scenes are incredibly hot, but the deep basic friendship between them made them seem especially full of caring and love. This is a smooth and seamless romance that kept my interest throughout, with a high entertainment factor with their laughter and joking.

I absolutely loved everything about this book! Fantastic storyline, brilliant characters, hot steamy sex & some genuine laugh out loud moments.

Can't wait to read more from this series

The tone of this story felt inconsistent. It felt as if it was headed in one direction when Jackie started going out with J.T. with Vince playing supportive BFF, then it switched gears when Vince wanted in on the action, then it switched again into the 3rd and 4th sections as it wrapped up. It seemed as if the author changed focus and direction mid-stream and didn’t go back to make sure it flowed consistently.
Overall, the story was fine, but the tone it carried where Jackie starts up with J.T. and Vince as supportive BFF had the most promise for BFF to lovers. The other directions I felt the story took was more complicated and awkward, in my opinion.
Not sure if I’ll pick up another in this series or from this author, which is such a disappointment because I realize she and Lauren Layne (love her books!) are good friends.

Eye Candy (Real Love) by Jessica Lemmon
This is Jackie Butler and Vince Carson’s story.

Jackie and Vince work together plus they are good friends. Both have gone through a relationship breakup and their friendship has helped them get through some stuff times. Vince is wanting more than friendship but also doesn’t want to lose their friendship. How is Vince going to get Jackie to give them a chance when she only sees him as a friend and her interest in some eye candy that she sees running by her work windows everyday?

This is a friends to lovers romance. At times I wanted to just smack them but once they got their act together they were great. Jackie and Vince’s journey wasn’t easy. It involved humor, tears, hot chemistry, and taking risks.

FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Jessica Lemmon wrote a true romantic comedy with Eye Candy. Sweet and Sexy, fun and witty. A true Summer Read … grab it, go sit by the pool and prepare to be amused.

The banter between Jacqueline and Vince just sets this book apart from other romance novels. It was hysterical watching Vince convince Jacqueline to go after J.T. and get back on the dating band wagon. It was excruciating watching Vince drown his sorrows. But, once bitten, twice shy Jacqueline finally takes Vince’s advice and ends up running right into his arms … just like he planned … when things so south. One hot kiss and his best friend doesn’t know how to now doesn’t know what to think, how to act or what to do with these unexplained feelings. It’s time to reevaluate the plan and set another one into motion. What better way to get Jacqueline back on the horse then telling her that he will practice with her so that she knows what to do when the time comes for her and J.T. to hit the sheets. PERFECT. PLAN. Until it back-fires.

Two divorcees, unrequited love, friends-to-lovers, an office romance and a hot stud. What more can you ask for from a summer romance? How about some hot sex, great repartee, and a cast of characters that will have you laughing, smiling and just enjoying yourself. Jessica Lemmon really knows how to write rom-com. I honestly, truly loved this book and am looking forward to Arm Candy. There was someone named Davis that needs to find his one true love and let go of the past and a woman named Bethany that needs to stop her one-night stands. I am just hoping that Arm Candy or Man Candy brings one or both of them to their own happily ever after.

I loved Jessica Lemmon books ,they always hook me in really fast and have my eyes glued to every page so when I heard about Eye Candy I was so excited and I dived into this book as soon as I possibly and omg was it fantastic. Jacqueline and Vince were just amazing together. This was such an excellent friends to lovers romance. At first, everything starts of as a mission for jacquline to finally ask ou this man who is has been jogging past her window however what ends up happening is something completely different and I just loved when that happens in stories . Watching their feelings towards each other become more and more intense was just fantastic and also had me faning my self because there are some very steamy scences in this book lol . Jessica Lemmons always writes these romance that are so fun ,sexy and have you so invested in the characters you have to remind yourself that they are not real people lol . Eye Candy reminded me that some times love is right infront and it reveal it self to you at the most unexpected times lol . Eyes Candy is an excellent start to the real love series and Iam so excited to my hands on the next book in this series .If you love all these things in your romance you should definately pick up a copy of this book as soon as you can

Okay Okay I am shallow! There I admitted it. When I read the blurb I was totally intrigued by the mysterious runner concept and the friends-to-lovers theme was just a passing interest. Gasp! Those who know me know that I adore that theme. So colour me surprised that Vince made me change my mind fast!

The book cover is obviously Vince. Seriously, no was is that JT. After getting to know JT, I was not impressed. But Vince totally stole my heart. He is obviously heart stealing handsome with his tattoos. I personally like tattoos! And the way he deals with Jackie melted my heart. But, yeah there is a but in there, I didn't like his vacillating between being serious or casual about Jackie. That was a big off for me. As for Jackie, she is such a sweet lady. She is shy and sexy in turns. She is the perfect pair for Vince. They complement each other perfectly!

The romance was hot, hot as in my fanning my face and sweet in certain places making me going "awww" which I really hate. Seriously I am not such a girly person but this pair warranted it, no question asked! The book was a fast read and I had fun with their foray into lovership from friendship. The way they deal with each other and the past had me interested till the end. Thank heavens there is no too much angst about their past. This is a first for me, the case being both the protagonists being divorced. I like the theme so I might check out others in this line.

I am looking forward to Davis' story now. I believe that will be a top tale! For people who like happy endings with a heat factor, this is for you! Join me in the family of this book lovers!

My one line review : A sweet and hot romance with a second chance at love.

My rating : 4/5

My reread factor : 3/5

4 Stars from Renee!

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.

This is Jacqueline and Vince’s story. Jacqueline is waiting by her window every day to see a mystery man. When her best friend and fellow colleague thinks she should talk to the guy she is not so sure. Vince has told her she needs to get laid. But the more they discuss the mystery man the more she sees Vince in a different light. Now she no longer wants to talk to the mystery man she just wants a chance with Vince. Vince wants her to talk to the mystery man so when he breaks her heart Vince and swoop in and help her heal. He wants her and will do anything to get her even if it means dealing with a mystery man. That is until one kiss. All bets are off no mystery man aloud and Vince is not will to share. How will this end? Will Vince get Jacqueline or will she go for the other man?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

I get giddy when a Jessica Lemmon book lands on my kindle and Eye Candy was no exception to the rule. I absolutely loved this fun and sexy friends to lovers novel, that had me laughing and teary-eyed all in one sitting.
Vince and Jackie have been friend, well best friends for the past year. When Vince went through a bitter divorce, Jackie was there to lend a shoulder to cry on and help Vince move on from the disaster that was his ending marriage. The two were Co-VPs together and spent most of their spare time together, watching movies and just being there for each other.
So when Jackie starts to show interest in dating – the green eye of jealousy rears its ugly head and Vince all of a sudden realizes that what he really wants is Jackie as more than a best friend. But he has to be smooth about it. So he decides to coach Jackie back into the dating scene , hoping that the time they spend together and him pushing the boundary lines a little further will help Jackie see what’s in front of her instead of what’s been jogging by her window at work.
This was a super fun book. The chemistry between Jackie and Vince is through the roof. But so much is at stake and both come from not the best relationships… so could crossing the line be the end all to their friendship and leave them both broken?

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Rachael – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 Stars

This was a really cute friends-to-lovers tale. I really loved learning about Jackie and Vince's friendship. The way she was there for him when he was going through a really rough time and how he tried to be there for her as she stepped back into the dating world. Can't say that I really cared for his little game that he played, but I did think it was a creative way to help transition them to a new stage in their relationship.

They've both been hurt very badly in the past, as most divorces do, and it's hard for them to fully get past what happened to them in their last serious relationships (their marriages). While I could really like Vince, there were times when I thought he dropped the ball, badly.

However, all in all, this was a cute read and enjoyable story. And I can't wait to see where this series takes us.

I do have to note that I absolutely adored the author's note at the end about her husband.

EYE CANDY is the first book in the Real Love series and my first time reading anything from Jessica Lemmon. I was pleasantly surprised to realize how much I loved this book! The writing was smooth and moved at a fast pace, the banter between Vince and Jackie was funny and cute and the sex was hot. This isn't a drama filled opera but it is a story about learning how to trust your partner. It's a friends to lovers/office romance/kind of second chance contemporary story with a romantic comedy vibe. I was a little frustrated with Vince in the beginning. I mean, jeez, just tell the woman how you feel, right?? But then I realized that blurting out your feelings isn't all that easy and I understood where his logic was coming from. Otherwise, I adored Vince's character. He was thoughtful, funny and sweet. Jackie was smart and sweet too in spite of her trust issues and lower self esteem. I felt like these characters absolutely belonged together from the very beginning! Overall, this one was a swoon worthy tale. Told from dual POVs with a sweet ending. I received, read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Come on, Vince! Be a man and ask her out! Don't send her out with the hot running guy! Vince and Jackie were so clearly perfect for each other, it was frustrating watching them dance around it. Fun book, and I look forward to more in the series.