Now's the Time

The Ladies Who Brunch, Book 3

By: Harlow James

Narrated by: Jacob Morgan, Erin Mallon

“Let me experience all of you tonight, Penelope…since this is all that we get.”

That was the agreement between me and Maddox Taylor, the NFL’s most notorious playboy and mega-talented quarterback who happened to be out in California for one night—one night in which I broke all of my rules and gave in to the undeniable attraction I felt for the man.

He wooed me with dirty jokes, 80s musical references, an obsession with Steve Harvey, and a very specific piercing. How the hell was I supposed to fight that?

However, I should have listened to my gut because my reaction to him wasn’t just physical—it was more, something I hadn’t felt since the last man I let in left me all alone, and I vowed never to fall in love again.

Six weeks later, I find out I’m the new PR spokesperson for The Los Angeles Bolts football team, a team that just signed Maddox Taylor to their roster in hopes of a winning season.

With his signature cocky swagger, he corners me in my office, intent on rekindling our connection, but the tables had turned—I was now working for his team which created a conflict of interest, and put my job and both of our reputations on the line.

But that stubborn man wasn’t taking no for an answer, and before I knew it, I agreed to date him in secret even though relationships weren’t my thing.

And when Maddox had finally had enough of me refusing to open up, I was faced with a choice—do I let go of the one man that I’ve ever contemplated letting in despite the rules I’ve lived under for the past twelve years?

Or was now the time to face my demons so I could hold onto a future I didn’t know I wanted…

TW: loss of a loved one, themes of grief

©2022 Harlow James (P)2024 Harlow James

Fabulously Delightful! Amazing Story & Narration🎧

“The Ladies Who Brunch” series is an absolute delight, friends who meet once a week to catch up, and each book features one of them, and is just as amazing at the other. This third book is Penelope’s story, and I was looking forward to it because she intrigued me right from the start. Penelope has it all, the looks, the wit and a successful carrier in public relations. She also has secrets and a past that haunts her and reason she does not do boyfriends or relationships. She has rules about athletes, never get involved with one, romantically or work with them, but breaks that rule after meeting Maddox Taylor, an NFL quarterback, at a work event and has a steamy and memorable one-night-stand. Never planning on seeing him again since he plays for a team in New Orleans. But fate had other plans when her boss convinces her to work with the L.A. Bolts, a professional football team, the team Maddox was traded to. I adored Maddox, with his swoon worthy demeanor, his jokes and kind soul, what is not to like. Penelope has a good excuse to not get involved with Maddox, her job, but that does not discourage Maddox, and he is determined to not give up on her. I enjoyed watching these two dance around each other, the chemistry between them was undeniable and they could only deny themselves for so long. Maddox knows she is hiding a part of herself and they can never move forward until she can let go of her past, a past that haunts her and she will have to face. I loved all the layers to this story and the complexity of the characters, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. The story gives you all the feels, and has a perfect balance of drama, witty dialogue, charming humor, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. Best of all, it puts a smile on your face. Harlow James, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Jacob Morgan and Erin Mallon are the perfect cast to bring these characters to life and do so with a complete understanding of who they are portraying, giving each a voice that is fitting. I loved how they took their roles and ran with them, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their narration elevates this already amazing story to another level. Thank you for another fabulous listen.

Loved it!

This story follows up with Penelope who’s in the PR work field in the group of friends who have brunch. Penelope is a strong and successful woman who loves her independence and is not looking for a partner. Not even when she meets Maddox. She has one rule and she’s not about to break it. Maddox is a NFL’s mega-talented quarterback who’s about to meet the women who’s not afraid to put him in his place. This story was a little emotional which had me crying a little, but so worth the read. I loved this story a lot, which I definitely recommend. Erin Mallon and Jacob Morgan did a fabulous job narrating this audiobook together. The voices fit perfectly with the characters.

Maddox & Penelope are *Chef's Kiss*

Dear Penelope & Maddox, ⁣
⁣
You’re hot, you’re funny, you’re kind & caring, & dang it if y’all aren’t my newest favorite Harlow James couple! I’ll likely be adding you to my “slump buster” list of re-reads because your story was so unique and swoony. ⁣
⁣
You gave us a fantastic forbidden sports romance built on the foundation of a one-night stand, dirty jokes, sarcasm, concrete walls & sunsets.
⁣
You also gave us a couple to fight for, past trauma to overcome, & a reason to let people in to help you heal. Your shared experiences make you stronger as a couple & one worth rooting for. ⁣
⁣
Being a part of the Ladies Who Brunch friend group is ultimate goals & you two sure brought the fire. I’m so glad today is the day for everyone else to meet you! ⁣

More than just a story

Great stroyline. Loved how the hero didn't give up on the heroine. He was patient, kind loving knew what he wanted from the beginning and would not stop until he got what he wanted. Great on the spice level as well as great with the banter between the two main characters. Out hero was definitely deserving in this book. Great book 5 🌟 for me guys!

Swoon!

This book was good! I found it to be a bit of an emotional roller coaster though. I laughed, felt sad, got mad and 🌶️ was there too! The supporting characters are fantastic!
The narrators made this book for me ❤️

Get out your big girl toys!!

Now's the Time is book #3 in The Ladies Who Brunch series. Penelope is the hard-hitting PR magician for all her high profile clients, all but athletes. When her ONS (that she ran out on) becomes her client, Penelope and Maddox can't resist their chemistry and attraction. Maddox and Penelope both have tragic pasts and have built up walls around their hearts. This story is heartwarming, hilarious with the banter, and steamy, steamy, steamy! The things Penelope has the team do is "snort" worthy. Ms. James gave us the perfect man with the stamina for Penelope. Loved, loved, loved this one.

The narration was everything. Erin Mallon and Jacob Morgan...come on. Even if you are new to audiobook, you know these two can deliver. They could make C-Span sexy! Loved their performance, 5 sultry stars!

So good

She doesn't want a relationship she not thattype of girl. She's happy with her friends and job. she meets Maddox who is an NFL quarterback. They have a one night stand then She gets a job working at a PR rep. for Maddox's football team. they have this amazing chemistry and they start a secret relationship. Maddox proves that not everything is always as it seems. He doesn't care what the press says about him because he has his reasonings for always going out & being photographed with women, something he keeps close to him.But Maddox isn't the only one with secrets and a troubled past. Penelope has kept people at arms length for a reason for the last 12 years and it will break your heart for her. Which Maddox won't give up on her because he know she is worth it.

really good book and series

I'm new fan of Harlow. Great series and the best narration to. This is great and Erin Mallon and Jacob Morgan are fantastic as always. Thanks for the books

Maddox Taylor is a freaking dreamboat

Audiobook and Book Review

💜 Dirty jokes
💛 80’s ballads
💜 Quarterback
💛 Dirty talk 🥵
💜 Sunsets
💛 He falls first

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This series may be set in LA, but as an Ohio girlie, Harlow James had me locked in from the prologue. She almost lost me at the 80’s ballads 🤣 but reeled me in with all of the dîrty jokes that Maddox tells! Gah, they’re so funny! The last third of the book had me crying and smiling so hard my cheeks hurt! This is my favorite book of this series so far! Can “Not as Planned” top it? If so, HOW??

Just when I think I’ve found all the book boyfriends I can handle…Harlow James has to go and write a new man for me. I’m solidly in love with Maddox Taylor. I have a pretty big ‘girl crush’ on Penelope too. We could totally thruple though, right?? Penelope is a certified badaşş and I am so here for her! I’ve loved her character since book one in this series. I think it had something to do with her order of 300, um, things. 😅

Not going to lie, there were some tough feelings to get through in this story. Loss is not something to take lightly. These characters had to work through guilt and grief in their own ways, at their own times. This series has a way of taking real life experiences, wrap them in a romcom, but still pull at every heartstring I possess.

Maddox was the sort of sweet, sexy, all around good guy you may look for in an MMC. I love that he was tenacious in his pursuit. It made the results so much more satisfying. Penelope is strong, smart, and independent; but likes to be told what to do when it counts…if you know what I mean 😏 and boy, does someone 🤭 know how to take. Effing. Charge! In the absolute hottest way! 🥵🥵🥵

My gosh Jacob Morgan is so ridiculously talented. I loved his portrayal of Maddox, and really, every single other character he voices. He is one of my absolute favorite narrators out there. I laugh, swoon, gasp, tear up, melt, and just enjoy the heck out of his skills.

Erin Freaking Mallon! Could you BE any better at your job!? (Yes, that was in the voice of Joey Tribbiani) My gosh, I just love listening to her narrate. She nailed it as Penelope but Holy Toledo, did she do a GREAT Maddox 🫠🫠 I’ve listened to her in the past and I cannot wait to listen to her in the future. She is so. Freaking. BRILLIANT.

I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review. Thank you HCB for letting me ALC this amazing audiobook!

🏈 “Dämn. Bossy, beautiful, and brainy. Triple b’s. You’re a catch, Penelope.”
🏈 “Patience, Penelope. I’ll give you what you want, babe—what we both want.”
🏈 “I know what you need. But you’re not getting my c*** until I say you can, understood?”
🏈 “Because deep down, you know this is what you want and need. It’s what we both need.”
🏈 “I f***ing love it when you beg.”

Be still my heart

Maddox is a swoonworthy Hero who is everything you want in a book boyfriend.

After a one night with Maddox, Penelope never expected to see him again. But 3 months later they find themselves working together. He’s the new quarterback for the football team, and she’s their new PR consultant. Both haven’t stopped thinking about the other since that first night and now they need to work together.

Penelope is a stubborn tough nut to crack and Maddox has his work cut out for him. She’s resisting because of a hurtful past that she hasn’t revealed to anyone. Maddox’s patience with her was so heartwarming and had me rooting for him to break through her walls. Experiencing Penelope learning to love again is so beautifully written by the author that my heart ached for her. Without giving any spoilers away, I can see how the tragedy in her high school years would have led her to not want to love again.

Maddix’s character is one of my favorite types of Male MC’s. You think he’s one thing in the beginning, in this case a player, yet as the story unfolds you find he’s not that at all but has so many lovely facets to him. Hi caring nature and patience with Penelope’s resistance to their relationship was perfection.

Erin Mallon does an amazing job. She really portrays Penelope so convincingly with her stubbornness and yet that deep fear she has of loving someone comes through in her performance. I’m always impressed by the range that Jacob Morgan has for all his voices. It’s truly a gift. Deep growly males to the lighthearted male sidekick to kids and his female voices for the main character is so spot on. His performance here is stellar.