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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The enemies-to-lovers trope is my absolute favourite in romance. It just makes sense when two people who have a burning hatred for each other end up passionately in love. Although Sabrina and Matt's story isn't quite enemies-to-lovers, Lauren Layne definitely delivered in Hard Sell.
We are first introduced to Matt Cannon who is "boy wonder" at his job on Wall Street, but also a partier, a player, and cocky. Thankfully, Matt doesn't demonstrate typical male lead characteristics such as objectifying women, slut-shaming women, boasting about his "conquests", etc. He turns to Sabrina Cross to help repair his image and she is a great match. Sabrina is tough and confident and she worked hard to get to where she is. I liked both characters and how they had a history that was slowly revealed throughout the novel. Their romance was both cute and fiery and it progressed really well. I also really enjoyed the involvement of all the other characters introduced in Hot Asset.
I wasn't too fond of Hot Asset, so I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable I found Hard Sell. The characters were much more interesting and dynamic and not as problematic. I can't wait for the next book with Kennedy! (Also hoping for one with Jarod.)
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
We are first introduced to Matt Cannon who is "boy wonder" at his job on Wall Street, but also a partier, a player, and cocky. Thankfully, Matt doesn't demonstrate typical male lead characteristics such as objectifying women, slut-shaming women, boasting about his "conquests", etc. He turns to Sabrina Cross to help repair his image and she is a great match. Sabrina is tough and confident and she worked hard to get to where she is. I liked both characters and how they had a history that was slowly revealed throughout the novel. Their romance was both cute and fiery and it progressed really well. I also really enjoyed the involvement of all the other characters introduced in Hot Asset.
I wasn't too fond of Hot Asset, so I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable I found Hard Sell. The characters were much more interesting and dynamic and not as problematic. I can't wait for the next book with Kennedy! (Also hoping for one with Jarod.)
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
3.5 Stars
I've been a fan of Layne's for a while now and I am officially on board with her latest series, 21 Wall Street. After meeting Sabrina and Matt in Ian's book, I was excited to get their story. It's not exactly a true enemies-to-lovers story, more like (stealing from Layne's own description here) frenemies-to-lovers.
After Matt gets into a scandal (pictures of him in Vegas), his bosses give him an ultimatum: settle down (with a nice girl) or get the boot. Needing a woman who can abide by his no long-term attachments, he turns to Sabrina. I loved their chemistry and constant tension that made it so fun to read about.
Slowly they open up to each other and what was initially physical attraction turns to something more. It's a short novel, but the story is complete and checks all the boxes of a good romance.
I've been a fan of Layne's for a while now and I am officially on board with her latest series, 21 Wall Street. After meeting Sabrina and Matt in Ian's book, I was excited to get their story. It's not exactly a true enemies-to-lovers story, more like (stealing from Layne's own description here) frenemies-to-lovers.
After Matt gets into a scandal (pictures of him in Vegas), his bosses give him an ultimatum: settle down (with a nice girl) or get the boot. Needing a woman who can abide by his no long-term attachments, he turns to Sabrina. I loved their chemistry and constant tension that made it so fun to read about.
Slowly they open up to each other and what was initially physical attraction turns to something more. It's a short novel, but the story is complete and checks all the boxes of a good romance.
This is the second book in the 21 Wall Street series and it follows the story of Sabrina Cross, the sharpest fixer and Matt Cannon, one of the investment brokers along with his friends- Ian Bradley and Kennedy Dawson. I really love the enemies to lovers trope a lot, throw in some second chance and fake dating, for me, it becomes a delight to read!
"I offer them solutions. For a price, yes, but I don’t deal in extortion. I’m upfront with how I work and what they can expect from me from the very beginning."
Matt has been recently caught in a scandal during his cousin's bachelorette party and now his bosses want him to fix his reputation by finding a good woman to be at his side. But, Matt doesn't believe in love and marriage due to some of the relationships he encountered in his past and he goes to his friends to ask for help. Ian being Sabrina's childhood bestfriend, suggests Matt to get help from her.
"My friends are right. She is the last woman on earth to be at risk of falling for me. Because Sabrina Cross hates my guts."
Unfortunately for Matt, one encounter gone wrong between them four years ago has made Matt & Sabrina mortal enemies who are constantly at each other's throats. Too bad for Matt, Sabrina also doesn't believe in love and she's the only person whom he can trust fully to not fall in love with him because of the obvious animosity between them. But, you know what they say, there's a fine line between love and hate and that's what exactly happens in Matt & Sabrina's case.
“I want you because you’re my mortal enemy, Sabrina.” “Why?” His eyes lock on mine. “Because of all the women in my life, you’re the one I can count on to never fall in love with me."
It was too entertaining to see them fight their feelings and constantly question whether whatever they were doing together was real or not and their constant banters made the book have it's own charm. When I first read about Sabrina in the first book of the series, I was sure that I'm going to love her and I was right! She was strong, confident, independent, sassy but also vulnerable, alone and in need of someone to love, (whether she admitted that to herself or not.) Matt was a really good guy. He was kind, considerate, total book boyfriend material but a total tool when it came to his feelings. Sometimes, I just wanted to get into the book and shake him to make him realise what he's doing. He frustrated me but at the same time, I enjoyed the angst that was created in those situations.
"I don’t believe in love—but I do believe in friendship. And these girls right here are as good as it gets."
Overall, the chemistry was intense and tension between Matt & Sabrina was sorching hot. I loved the side characters. The bond that the girls- Lara, Sabrina and Kate formed with each other in such a short time was heartwarming. They found a family in their friends and now I'm going to read Kate & Kennedy's book next. I recently saw that Lauren is going to write a book about Jarod and I'm definitely interested to see who he will get paired up with .
"I offer them solutions. For a price, yes, but I don’t deal in extortion. I’m upfront with how I work and what they can expect from me from the very beginning."
Matt has been recently caught in a scandal during his cousin's bachelorette party and now his bosses want him to fix his reputation by finding a good woman to be at his side. But, Matt doesn't believe in love and marriage due to some of the relationships he encountered in his past and he goes to his friends to ask for help. Ian being Sabrina's childhood bestfriend, suggests Matt to get help from her.
"My friends are right. She is the last woman on earth to be at risk of falling for me. Because Sabrina Cross hates my guts."
Unfortunately for Matt, one encounter gone wrong between them four years ago has made Matt & Sabrina mortal enemies who are constantly at each other's throats. Too bad for Matt, Sabrina also doesn't believe in love and she's the only person whom he can trust fully to not fall in love with him because of the obvious animosity between them. But, you know what they say, there's a fine line between love and hate and that's what exactly happens in Matt & Sabrina's case.
“I want you because you’re my mortal enemy, Sabrina.” “Why?” His eyes lock on mine. “Because of all the women in my life, you’re the one I can count on to never fall in love with me."
It was too entertaining to see them fight their feelings and constantly question whether whatever they were doing together was real or not and their constant banters made the book have it's own charm. When I first read about Sabrina in the first book of the series, I was sure that I'm going to love her and I was right! She was strong, confident, independent, sassy but also vulnerable, alone and in need of someone to love, (whether she admitted that to herself or not.) Matt was a really good guy. He was kind, considerate, total book boyfriend material but a total tool when it came to his feelings. Sometimes, I just wanted to get into the book and shake him to make him realise what he's doing. He frustrated me but at the same time, I enjoyed the angst that was created in those situations.
"I don’t believe in love—but I do believe in friendship. And these girls right here are as good as it gets."
Overall, the chemistry was intense and tension between Matt & Sabrina was sorching hot. I loved the side characters. The bond that the girls- Lara, Sabrina and Kate formed with each other in such a short time was heartwarming. They found a family in their friends and now I'm going to read Kate & Kennedy's book next. I recently saw that Lauren is going to write a book about Jarod and I'm definitely interested to see who he will get paired up with .
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I really enjoyed Hard Sell! The second book in the 21 Wall Street series is a fast paced, fun and entertaining "frienemies-to-lovers"/fake relationship rom com with Lauren Layne's typical humor, sass and natural charm.
Sabrina Cross and Matthew Cannon's chemistry is great. Whether they were bickering or falling in love, their connection shined. I enjoyed the characters individually just as much as them together. Matthew's charisma and his confident swagger may be my favorite thing about him. Confidence is always sexy. Even when he gets into trouble you know he's genuinely a good guy. As for Sabrina, she was my star. I love a strong female character and Sabrina is as strong as they come. Her determination and strong will are what I admire the most. She's had to overcome a lot to get to where she is now - a tough and successful PR woman.
Hard Sell is definitely worth a pick up. Lauren Layne words are so effortless and easy. Every time I finish a Lauren Layne book, I think to myself "I need to read more from this author immediately!" I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Kennedy...yes please!!
Sabrina Cross and Matthew Cannon's chemistry is great. Whether they were bickering or falling in love, their connection shined. I enjoyed the characters individually just as much as them together. Matthew's charisma and his confident swagger may be my favorite thing about him. Confidence is always sexy. Even when he gets into trouble you know he's genuinely a good guy. As for Sabrina, she was my star. I love a strong female character and Sabrina is as strong as they come. Her determination and strong will are what I admire the most. She's had to overcome a lot to get to where she is now - a tough and successful PR woman.
Hard Sell is definitely worth a pick up. Lauren Layne words are so effortless and easy. Every time I finish a Lauren Layne book, I think to myself "I need to read more from this author immediately!" I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Kennedy...yes please!!
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It didn’t flow. The conversation felt too forced and a little stilted. The internal monologue were cringe.
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes