Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
https://celebrityreaders.com/2021/03/28/21-wall-street-series-by-lauren-layne/
4.5 stars — I had a feeling I might enjoy Matt and Sabrina, and I was right! Which is so weird, b/c if you follow my reviews, you know I’m NOT an enemies to lovers trope fan. But somehow I often end up loving Ms. Layne’s versions. I think it’s because you can tell from each of their POVs that there’s a lot going on underneath, and if mean things get said there is at least internal remorse (and sometimes external). It’s seriously the little things, and Matt and Sabrina’s story had ALL the little things for me.
I kind of enjoyed that they were both damaged by their upbringings to be wary of marriage and commitment, but for different reasons. But I felt for both of them. I’m not saying they didn’t frustrate me at times, but not enough for me to lose my love for them…I knew they’d get there.
The funny thing is, I’m not sure what I love about each of them individually, though they’re both very interesting individuals with a lot of sass and snark. But it was the two of them together that had me captivated. I think it’s because their relationship had so much push and pull — this amazing chemistry, with both of them alternating between fighting it and capitulating. And it was just fun to watch them both slowly start to realize things — start to let their guard down with one another. I just really enjoyed that journey.
As always, the secondary cast was awesome. I seriously think Ms. Layne writes some of the best friend groups.
Also, shout out to Juno who was adorable.
And now we move on to Kennedy and Kate. I really have no idea what’s behind both of them, but I’m excited.
4.5 stars — I had a feeling I might enjoy Matt and Sabrina, and I was right! Which is so weird, b/c if you follow my reviews, you know I’m NOT an enemies to lovers trope fan. But somehow I often end up loving Ms. Layne’s versions. I think it’s because you can tell from each of their POVs that there’s a lot going on underneath, and if mean things get said there is at least internal remorse (and sometimes external). It’s seriously the little things, and Matt and Sabrina’s story had ALL the little things for me.
I kind of enjoyed that they were both damaged by their upbringings to be wary of marriage and commitment, but for different reasons. But I felt for both of them. I’m not saying they didn’t frustrate me at times, but not enough for me to lose my love for them…I knew they’d get there.
The funny thing is, I’m not sure what I love about each of them individually, though they’re both very interesting individuals with a lot of sass and snark. But it was the two of them together that had me captivated. I think it’s because their relationship had so much push and pull — this amazing chemistry, with both of them alternating between fighting it and capitulating. And it was just fun to watch them both slowly start to realize things — start to let their guard down with one another. I just really enjoyed that journey.
As always, the secondary cast was awesome. I seriously think Ms. Layne writes some of the best friend groups.
Also, shout out to Juno who was adorable.
And now we move on to Kennedy and Kate. I really have no idea what’s behind both of them, but I’m excited.
I jumped because of happiness when I saw this book on my kindle! HAHA! ARC was provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Here we go again! Lauren Layne’s novels are awesome. Her books are always one of the best recommendations if you’re looking for books under enemies to lovers tropes. Hard Sell is the 2nd book in the 21 Wall Street series.
I cannot believe I finished this book in just a day.
So after Ian and Lara, here comes the notorious playboy, the youngest among the three top brokers of the Wolfe Investments, the handsome, ‘boy wonder’ filthy rich Matt Cannon. Matt was clueless when The Sams called him into their office the next day after his cousin’s bachelor’s party. They showed him the latest issue of The Wall Street Journal and there’s a picture of him with a woman draped across his lap and his hands on her bare waist. His clients get anxious about this kind of behavior and his bosses gave him an ultimatum—either he gets a serious girlfriend or get another job. She then hired the best fixer in Manhattan, Sabrina Cross, an amazing hot, sassy, intelligent, sexy, independent woman who happened to be his frienemy… with benefits.
I was really intrigued on how Matt and Sabrina’s will end. They will make a damn good couple. I liked them at first and I’m really curious about why they act that way in the 1st place. This book made my day. Matt and Sabrina’s bickering are really funny and hot. They are really interesting and I’m glad that this book didn’t disappoint me.
I almost shouted while I was reading this book in the office when Georgie from Walk of Shame showed up.
I just need to include that here.
All in all, I loved Hard Sell. This book is awesome. It was a light, funny and interesting read. Lauren Layne’s writing style was just remarkable, she just know the right words to write in a rom-com. It was indeed engaging and Lauren Layne did an amazing job in writing Matt and Sabrina’s characters. They just complement each other in a perfect way. I’m excited to have the 3rd book!
Here we go again! Lauren Layne’s novels are awesome. Her books are always one of the best recommendations if you’re looking for books under enemies to lovers tropes. Hard Sell is the 2nd book in the 21 Wall Street series.
I cannot believe I finished this book in just a day.
So after Ian and Lara, here comes the notorious playboy, the youngest among the three top brokers of the Wolfe Investments, the handsome, ‘boy wonder’ filthy rich Matt Cannon. Matt was clueless when The Sams called him into their office the next day after his cousin’s bachelor’s party. They showed him the latest issue of The Wall Street Journal and there’s a picture of him with a woman draped across his lap and his hands on her bare waist. His clients get anxious about this kind of behavior and his bosses gave him an ultimatum—either he gets a serious girlfriend or get another job. She then hired the best fixer in Manhattan, Sabrina Cross, an amazing hot, sassy, intelligent, sexy, independent woman who happened to be his frienemy… with benefits.
I was really intrigued on how Matt and Sabrina’s will end. They will make a damn good couple. I liked them at first and I’m really curious about why they act that way in the 1st place. This book made my day. Matt and Sabrina’s bickering are really funny and hot. They are really interesting and I’m glad that this book didn’t disappoint me.
I almost shouted while I was reading this book in the office when Georgie from Walk of Shame showed up.
I just need to include that here.
All in all, I loved Hard Sell. This book is awesome. It was a light, funny and interesting read. Lauren Layne’s writing style was just remarkable, she just know the right words to write in a rom-com. It was indeed engaging and Lauren Layne did an amazing job in writing Matt and Sabrina’s characters. They just complement each other in a perfect way. I’m excited to have the 3rd book!
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Enemies-to-lovers romances are my favorite. Lauren Layne is one of my favorite authors. I had high expectations for this book for those two reasons. I was NOT disappointed!!
The tension between Matt and Sabrina and their history of hooking up while managing to "hate" each other made for some excellent reading and, frankly, I couldn't put the book down once I started. The slow build for them from frenemies and sometime lovers to more was perfectly written. Watching them discover who they thought they were and what they thought they wanted to understanding that they shared a lot of the same hopes and dreams and how perfectly matched they actually were was heartwarming and a little bit fun. Even though that journey was made up of some not so happy baggage leftover from growing up with parents who weren't exactly great examples of living and loving the right way, it was the journey that made their relationship so worthwhile.
Lauren Layne is fantastic at character and world building and every time I read a new book of hers I find myself caught up in the worlds that she creates, longing for the friendships she weaves and not wanting to move on and/or wait for the next installment. Alas, that is what I find myself doing every time. Longing for more.
The tension between Matt and Sabrina and their history of hooking up while managing to "hate" each other made for some excellent reading and, frankly, I couldn't put the book down once I started. The slow build for them from frenemies and sometime lovers to more was perfectly written. Watching them discover who they thought they were and what they thought they wanted to understanding that they shared a lot of the same hopes and dreams and how perfectly matched they actually were was heartwarming and a little bit fun. Even though that journey was made up of some not so happy baggage leftover from growing up with parents who weren't exactly great examples of living and loving the right way, it was the journey that made their relationship so worthwhile.
Lauren Layne is fantastic at character and world building and every time I read a new book of hers I find myself caught up in the worlds that she creates, longing for the friendships she weaves and not wanting to move on and/or wait for the next installment. Alas, that is what I find myself doing every time. Longing for more.
4.5 explosive stars!
It seems I’ve been in the mood for some traditional big city, suave professionals, bantery, rom com style books lately, and LL hits the mark every time. In my notes, I compared her books to watching episodes of Friends, but fancier. And that’s just part of their charm.
We see Matt and Sabrina at odds right from book 1, but it’s the sexually charged, enemies with benefits kind of odds, and there’s sparks everywhere. So when the boy wonder of Wall Street and the arguably the most powerful woman in Manhattan decide to work together, the sparks turn to fireworks, and we get the spectacular show. And yes, most powerful woman. She literally is the Knight in shining armor to his Damsel in distress in this book, and it’s fabulous.
I’m big, huge on memorable characters and depictions of #squadgoals in books, and this series has delivered both in spades so far. Some of the best scenes are the snarky/sweet ones between the guys, the girls, or a combination thereof. And the banter, oh the banter. She’s one of the Queens of banter. Ergo, it’s like Friends. Wish I could talk like that to people in real life.
So while I eagerly await Kate and Kennedy’s book (pretty much since Day 1), I now also want a Jarod book, coz that billionaire had me intrigued in his few pages.
It seems I’ve been in the mood for some traditional big city, suave professionals, bantery, rom com style books lately, and LL hits the mark every time. In my notes, I compared her books to watching episodes of Friends, but fancier. And that’s just part of their charm.
We see Matt and Sabrina at odds right from book 1, but it’s the sexually charged, enemies with benefits kind of odds, and there’s sparks everywhere. So when the boy wonder of Wall Street and the arguably the most powerful woman in Manhattan decide to work together, the sparks turn to fireworks, and we get the spectacular show. And yes, most powerful woman. She literally is the Knight in shining armor to his Damsel in distress in this book, and it’s fabulous.
I’m big, huge on memorable characters and depictions of #squadgoals in books, and this series has delivered both in spades so far. Some of the best scenes are the snarky/sweet ones between the guys, the girls, or a combination thereof. And the banter, oh the banter. She’s one of the Queens of banter. Ergo, it’s like Friends. Wish I could talk like that to people in real life.
So while I eagerly await Kate and Kennedy’s book (pretty much since Day 1), I now also want a Jarod book, coz that billionaire had me intrigued in his few pages.
Both Sabrina and Matt were in the first book of the series. They have a somewhat contentious relationship. Only it's not just somewhat, it's just contentious. We learn in this book that that has also included some naked time but that doesn't prevent the animosity. But Matt needs Sabrina's help. He's been featured in the Wall Street Journal as a hard partier and it is tanking his reputation, taking him to the brink of being fired. Sabrina would be a safe bet as a fake girlfriend, making him look good, but she won't actually fall in love with him. Probably. Except that this is a romance so...
Layne is one of the few authors whose first person narration doesn't set my teeth on edge. I haven't quite figured out why that is but maybe it's because the narrators are so adult (about most things, there was a little too much "I love him but he can't love me" and vice versa). They talk about their pasts frankly and (mostly) deal with it.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series when we finally get to see Kate and Kennedy figure it out.
Layne is one of the few authors whose first person narration doesn't set my teeth on edge. I haven't quite figured out why that is but maybe it's because the narrators are so adult (about most things, there was a little too much "I love him but he can't love me" and vice versa). They talk about their pasts frankly and (mostly) deal with it.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series when we finally get to see Kate and Kennedy figure it out.
Arc Provided through NetGalley
I really enjoyed the second installment of the series. I do wish there was more background about the night the two main characters first met like a flashback or something but I enjoyed their chemistry and connection
I really enjoyed the second installment of the series. I do wish there was more background about the night the two main characters first met like a flashback or something but I enjoyed their chemistry and connection
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley but all provided opinions are my own.
Matt Cannon and Sabrina Cross are delightfully, deliciously combustible. When I first encountered them in Lauren Layne’s Hot Asset, I knew that despite the digs they were throwing at each other’s expense, their romance was coming and it was going to be glorious. I was right, people, and now I have the urge to pull an Oprah and declare us all winners because everything about their romance in Hard Sell is. so. good.
Matt, a Wall Street wunderkind, faces losing his job after a Wall Street Journal reporter writes about a wild bachelorette party he attended in Vegas. He didn’t do anything illegal but members of his party did, and as his bosses point out, what people think matters. Their solution is for him to give the appearance of settling down, and the easiest way to do that is to find a temporary girlfriend.
Matt’s solution is to hire Sabrina Cross, a fixer and best friend to his best friend. They’ve known each other—and pretty much despised each other—for four years. But for all that, they’re also blisteringly attracted to one another. Sabrina says yes. He needs her help, she’ll get paid for her services, and she thinks that maybe, just maybe, pretending will allow them to get over the attraction and also resentment.
Good luck with that.
Layne always does an excellent job of making you feel like you know her characters, but in this book, she’s truly exceptional. Matt and Sabrina are both smooth-talking sophisticates—they know how to make friends and work a room—but Layne subtly shows us their vulnerabilities and deepest longings and how those might be at odds with what they so easily say. Most precious of all is when these characters open up to one another...but even if they do start to get along, is that enough for them to risk it all and try commitment?
Layne is at the top of her game with this one. (That’s the extent of my sports analogies, I’m afraid). If you’re looking for a book to give you the happy sighs and the feeling that love triumphs all, check this one out. It will not disappoint.
Matt Cannon and Sabrina Cross are delightfully, deliciously combustible. When I first encountered them in Lauren Layne’s Hot Asset, I knew that despite the digs they were throwing at each other’s expense, their romance was coming and it was going to be glorious. I was right, people, and now I have the urge to pull an Oprah and declare us all winners because everything about their romance in Hard Sell is. so. good.
Matt, a Wall Street wunderkind, faces losing his job after a Wall Street Journal reporter writes about a wild bachelorette party he attended in Vegas. He didn’t do anything illegal but members of his party did, and as his bosses point out, what people think matters. Their solution is for him to give the appearance of settling down, and the easiest way to do that is to find a temporary girlfriend.
Matt’s solution is to hire Sabrina Cross, a fixer and best friend to his best friend. They’ve known each other—and pretty much despised each other—for four years. But for all that, they’re also blisteringly attracted to one another. Sabrina says yes. He needs her help, she’ll get paid for her services, and she thinks that maybe, just maybe, pretending will allow them to get over the attraction and also resentment.
Good luck with that.
Layne always does an excellent job of making you feel like you know her characters, but in this book, she’s truly exceptional. Matt and Sabrina are both smooth-talking sophisticates—they know how to make friends and work a room—but Layne subtly shows us their vulnerabilities and deepest longings and how those might be at odds with what they so easily say. Most precious of all is when these characters open up to one another...but even if they do start to get along, is that enough for them to risk it all and try commitment?
Layne is at the top of her game with this one. (That’s the extent of my sports analogies, I’m afraid). If you’re looking for a book to give you the happy sighs and the feeling that love triumphs all, check this one out. It will not disappoint.
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Lauren Layne is one of the authors I know I can go to for a quick read with all the feels. Doesn't hurt when they are narrated by Zachary Webber. This was an enemies to lovers book, which I love, but it also had a second chance feel. Both characters were scared to death of commitment, which was warranted but I was surprised at who admitted falling first. Very cute book!