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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
Matt Cameron is known as the wunderkind of Wolfe Investments. At 28 he's the youngest broker on wall street with an impeccable record. That is, until photos are published of Matt in Vegas enjoying himself a little too much. It doesn't matter that the photos were taken while Matt was at a bachelor party and that he wasn't partaking in anything illegal, the rumor mill has already started talking. Matt's bosses give him an ultimatum: cleanup you image ASAP by looking like a settled down man with a girlfriend, or he's fired.
In enters PR maven Sabrina Cross. While Sabrina and Matt have never gotten along particularly well, despite their chemistry being off the charts, she doesn't want to see him lose his job. When Matt comes to her with a proposition: Sabrina pose as his very serious girlfriend until his company's annual gala, she reluctantly agrees. But these two sometime lovers, longtime nemeses may begin to find the charade of their relationship has more truth to it.
I loved the frenemies-to-lovers scenario between Matt and Sabrina. It's very specifically "frenemies" and I like the distinction because it speaks to the fact that even though they have differing opinions about a lot of things and even though they tend to argue they are still friends as evidenced by Sabrina helping Matt with his situation. Even though she takes him on as an official client you can tell it's to put a barrier up between them to try to keep the emotional side of things in check since obviously there is chemistry between them.
Both Matt and sabrina have familial issues that has them convinced that love and marriage is unobtainable and has them their relationships at arm's length, but it's also one of the common threads that ties them together.
So far, Lauren Layne has done a wonderful job with this series. I loved that all the characters are such a tight knit group of friends. That the previous couple didn't just suddenly disappear now that their story is over, but continued to play an important part to the new front and center characters. I can't help but eagerly anticipate, hopefully, Kennedy and Kate's story next.
In enters PR maven Sabrina Cross. While Sabrina and Matt have never gotten along particularly well, despite their chemistry being off the charts, she doesn't want to see him lose his job. When Matt comes to her with a proposition: Sabrina pose as his very serious girlfriend until his company's annual gala, she reluctantly agrees. But these two sometime lovers, longtime nemeses may begin to find the charade of their relationship has more truth to it.
I loved the frenemies-to-lovers scenario between Matt and Sabrina. It's very specifically "frenemies" and I like the distinction because it speaks to the fact that even though they have differing opinions about a lot of things and even though they tend to argue they are still friends as evidenced by Sabrina helping Matt with his situation. Even though she takes him on as an official client you can tell it's to put a barrier up between them to try to keep the emotional side of things in check since obviously there is chemistry between them.
Both Matt and sabrina have familial issues that has them convinced that love and marriage is unobtainable and has them their relationships at arm's length, but it's also one of the common threads that ties them together.
So far, Lauren Layne has done a wonderful job with this series. I loved that all the characters are such a tight knit group of friends. That the previous couple didn't just suddenly disappear now that their story is over, but continued to play an important part to the new front and center characters. I can't help but eagerly anticipate, hopefully, Kennedy and Kate's story next.
Lauren Layne's second installment in her 21 Wall Street series is just as much fun as the first! This story focuses on Matt and Sabrina, who were introduced as enemies in the previous book. It is a romance, so it's pretty clear they won't stay enemies for long, but I really enjoyed how Layne played the trope out. It wasn't done in the usual enemies to lovers way, and without giving too much away, I really appreciated how much more believable and real the book feels as it moves through that plot, as each character realizes the true nature of their feelings, both past and present.
Like always, I enjoy Layne's emphasis on friendship, and while there was slightly less of that than in the previous book, those relationships were still extremely well done. I like that there was no underlying drama or cattiness between Sabrina and Lara, as that relationship could have been used as a source of drama and conflict. I much prefer Layne's approach, which is to have Sabrina understand that she's not losing her best friend (Ian), but gaining a new friend (Lara), while still acknowledging that Sabrina's relationship with Ian will change. I very much enjoy books that have the appropriate amount of drama/conflict, without heading into soap opera territory, and this definitely delivers. I also really hope that Montlake picks up the third book in the series, because I'm desperate to read the story of Kate and Kennedy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Montlake Romance for a review copy of this book.
Like always, I enjoy Layne's emphasis on friendship, and while there was slightly less of that than in the previous book, those relationships were still extremely well done. I like that there was no underlying drama or cattiness between Sabrina and Lara, as that relationship could have been used as a source of drama and conflict. I much prefer Layne's approach, which is to have Sabrina understand that she's not losing her best friend (Ian), but gaining a new friend (Lara), while still acknowledging that Sabrina's relationship with Ian will change. I very much enjoy books that have the appropriate amount of drama/conflict, without heading into soap opera territory, and this definitely delivers. I also really hope that Montlake picks up the third book in the series, because I'm desperate to read the story of Kate and Kennedy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Montlake Romance for a review copy of this book.
I have been waiting for this book ever since I read Hot Asset (if you haven't read this one, go and read it too!).
I was not disappointed!
The story was not what I was expecting. As Lauren Layne said, it was more of a frenemies-to-lovers romance than the enemies-to-lovers romance I was expecting. I'm glad because it gave the audience a chance to see the more personal side of two closed-off, no-getting-attached-to-anyone type people. Their "hatred" towards each other is anything but that. The chemistry is hot between these two, but the respect for one another is one that shows up unannounced and keeps you glued to the story.
The 21 Wall Street series is a definite must read! I'm ready for book three!
I was not disappointed!
The story was not what I was expecting. As Lauren Layne said, it was more of a frenemies-to-lovers romance than the enemies-to-lovers romance I was expecting. I'm glad because it gave the audience a chance to see the more personal side of two closed-off, no-getting-attached-to-anyone type people. Their "hatred" towards each other is anything but that. The chemistry is hot between these two, but the respect for one another is one that shows up unannounced and keeps you glued to the story.
The 21 Wall Street series is a definite must read! I'm ready for book three!
After Hot Asset came out a few months ago, I couldn’t wait to read about Matt and Sabrina’s story. Well, Lauren Layne did not disappoint! I loved the sexual tension and banter between the two leads in Hot Asset, but it was amplified to a whole other level in Hard Sell. You could tell immediately that these two had a very deep bond between them, even though they were often bickering. The heat between the two is there from the get-go, but what I didn’t expect was the sweetness from both of them. Once again I love it how LL doesn’t cut to the chase with a quick steamy scene and instead builds the characters and develops layers so that we feel the connection when the time comes. Definitely a great addition to the 21 Wall Street series! I really really hope that LL writes the story between Kate and Kennedy - I need to know what is going on there!! And although Jarod might have been kind of the enemy in the book, for some reason I really liked him and his honesty. If LL does decide to continue on with the series a la Oxford I would love to read his story. A great read (and one I read in a day)!
**ARC provided by NetGalley. All opinions are my own**
**ARC provided by NetGalley. All opinions are my own**
*4.5 Stars*
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hard Sell tells Sabrina and Matt’s story.
We meet them in the previous and first book of this series.
Matt is an investment broker on Wall Street while Sabrina is a “fixer”.
They’ve known each other for four years and have this hate/lust relationship.
The book begins after Matt’s been in Vegas for a bachelor party gone awry. Problem is a reporter was there and wrote a piece on his wild night, so he needs to straighten his image. And what better way to do that than get into a very public relationship? He turns to Sabrina because he is absolutely sure that she would never fall in love with him, because she hates him, right? Wrong.
Full disclosure, I’ve read almost all books by Lauren Layne and plan on catching up.
While reading Hot Asset, the first book of this series, I knew Matt and Sabrina were gonna be the next couple and I was really looking forward to it. Hard Sell did not disappoint.
The characters were layered and so endearing.
The plot was perfectly set up and I just could not stop reading, I read it in like 4 hours, in one sitting.
It made me feel so much too, from anger to sadness, to butterflies…
I cannot wait for Kennedy’s book. Fingers crossed.
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hard Sell tells Sabrina and Matt’s story.
We meet them in the previous and first book of this series.
Matt is an investment broker on Wall Street while Sabrina is a “fixer”.
They’ve known each other for four years and have this hate/lust relationship.
The book begins after Matt’s been in Vegas for a bachelor party gone awry. Problem is a reporter was there and wrote a piece on his wild night, so he needs to straighten his image. And what better way to do that than get into a very public relationship? He turns to Sabrina because he is absolutely sure that she would never fall in love with him, because she hates him, right? Wrong.
Full disclosure, I’ve read almost all books by Lauren Layne and plan on catching up.
While reading Hot Asset, the first book of this series, I knew Matt and Sabrina were gonna be the next couple and I was really looking forward to it. Hard Sell did not disappoint.
The characters were layered and so endearing.
The plot was perfectly set up and I just could not stop reading, I read it in like 4 hours, in one sitting.
It made me feel so much too, from anger to sadness, to butterflies…
I cannot wait for Kennedy’s book. Fingers crossed.
Lauren Layne is just one of those authors, who always works for me.
I was happy to finally get the scoop on the animosity between Matt and Sabrina. I will say, I was not expecting that. I wasn't really expecting what I learned about their backstories either, but it really explained why they were the way they were.
It's always interesting to read a romance starring a hero and a heroine, who both don't buy into the whole love thing. It's also very gratifying, when they start to come around. I really enjoyed these two together. The attraction was there, but there was more to it. They were able to scratch beyond the surface of each other and see beyond the illusion they projected for everyone else.
Obviously, I got a little frustrated, but that whole set up at the end had me standing up and cheering. It was perfect.
Another successful LL book, and I CANNOT wait for Kate and Kennedy's story.
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I was happy to finally get the scoop on the animosity between Matt and Sabrina. I will say, I was not expecting that. I wasn't really expecting what I learned about their backstories either, but it really explained why they were the way they were.
It's always interesting to read a romance starring a hero and a heroine, who both don't buy into the whole love thing. It's also very gratifying, when they start to come around. I really enjoyed these two together. The attraction was there, but there was more to it. They were able to scratch beyond the surface of each other and see beyond the illusion they projected for everyone else.
Obviously, I got a little frustrated, but that whole set up at the end had me standing up and cheering. It was perfect.
Another successful LL book, and I CANNOT wait for Kate and Kennedy's story.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
After the highly polished and incredibility enjoyable beginning to the 21 Wall Street trilogy with Ian and Lara in Hot Asset. I've been looking forward to continuing the series featuring the second of the sexy trio of financial wolves.
Enemies to lovers, Nah! More like frenemies! Sabrina Cross and Matt Cannon have a history of hooking-up occasionally...they are part of the same social circle and Ian Bradley is Sabrina's best friend. So when The Sam's tell Matt to clean-up is reputation after his escapades in Vegas follow him home, Ian and Kennedy pursued Matt to ask Sabrina for help. After all, she is a fixer. Only neither of them, who detest each other realise a fine line exists between love and hate as the pair embarks on a fake relationship.
This was a fun novel to read. Matt and Sabrina may have thought they'd fooled everyone with their extreme dislike for one another, however, the only ones they are fooling are themselves. Their fake relationship works a charm and a complete PR success. Only everyone sees past their fake fascade even though neither are interested in anything more than a temporary arrangement until unexpected feelings creep in and change everything.
The path to true love is never easy, but for the protagonists to finally move forward with their relationship, misunderstands from the past need rectifying first. The Manhattan backdrop is gorgeous and exclusive, however, the deep routed negative feelings they both share are not. Despite the electrifying chemistry crackling between them, it isn't until they admit to themselves and each other that they want what their friends have, can they try to move on...together.
The narrative's glued together with witty and intelligent dialogue befitting the executive ensemble of characters. I've loved following both Ian and Matt on their journeys' to a 'happy ever after' but must admit I'm thrilled we'll get Kennedy's too. As a fan of LL's novels, I'm anticipating this one like I did for Lincoln Mathis in Oxford #3 and I can't wait.
***arc received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***
Enemies to lovers, Nah! More like frenemies! Sabrina Cross and Matt Cannon have a history of hooking-up occasionally...they are part of the same social circle and Ian Bradley is Sabrina's best friend. So when The Sam's tell Matt to clean-up is reputation after his escapades in Vegas follow him home, Ian and Kennedy pursued Matt to ask Sabrina for help. After all, she is a fixer. Only neither of them, who detest each other realise a fine line exists between love and hate as the pair embarks on a fake relationship.
This was a fun novel to read. Matt and Sabrina may have thought they'd fooled everyone with their extreme dislike for one another, however, the only ones they are fooling are themselves. Their fake relationship works a charm and a complete PR success. Only everyone sees past their fake fascade even though neither are interested in anything more than a temporary arrangement until unexpected feelings creep in and change everything.
The path to true love is never easy, but for the protagonists to finally move forward with their relationship, misunderstands from the past need rectifying first. The Manhattan backdrop is gorgeous and exclusive, however, the deep routed negative feelings they both share are not. Despite the electrifying chemistry crackling between them, it isn't until they admit to themselves and each other that they want what their friends have, can they try to move on...together.
The narrative's glued together with witty and intelligent dialogue befitting the executive ensemble of characters. I've loved following both Ian and Matt on their journeys' to a 'happy ever after' but must admit I'm thrilled we'll get Kennedy's too. As a fan of LL's novels, I'm anticipating this one like I did for Lincoln Mathis in Oxford #3 and I can't wait.
***arc received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***
This was an enemies-to-lovers and fake-relationship romance all rolled into one.
The was witty banter and seduction... when Matt was acting caveman he was adorable. And their chemistry amazing.
Coming from the previous book written from Lara and Ian’s POV sometimes I got confused about whose voice I was listening to.
Can’t wait for the next book.
Some steam, but not overwhelming.
The was witty banter and seduction... when Matt was acting caveman he was adorable. And their chemistry amazing.
Coming from the previous book written from Lara and Ian’s POV sometimes I got confused about whose voice I was listening to.
Can’t wait for the next book.
Some steam, but not overwhelming.
I've read a lot of Lauren Layne books and enjoyed many, but I find myself losing interest and getting frustrated with each new read. Hard Sell had me indignant from the first chapter setting up the plot: Matt Cannon, Wall Stree wunderkind, is at a cousin's bachelor party in Vegas and a Wall Street Journal reporter happens to see the carousing and writes a story. Matt's bosses threaten his job unless he gets a girlfriend and appears to settle down to calm clients who are worried about him managing their investments.
Where do I start. First, I am skeptical this would even BE a WSJ headline story. Second, the reporter wrote a smear piece without asking Matt or the firm for comment which is NOT how a reputable publication would handle this story!! It's not Page Six!!!! Third, wtf is up with that ultimatum from the bosses? What sophisticated investor is going to be seriously worried about seeing their broker photographed with cocaine but those worries are assuaged by the guy dating someone?
So... I was not in love with this plot, but once the parameters were established, it was a typical breezy Lauren Layne read, but ugh that premise still killed me. I have no interest in continuing this newest series for a while... I may just need a break.
Where do I start. First, I am skeptical this would even BE a WSJ headline story. Second, the reporter wrote a smear piece without asking Matt or the firm for comment which is NOT how a reputable publication would handle this story!! It's not Page Six!!!! Third, wtf is up with that ultimatum from the bosses? What sophisticated investor is going to be seriously worried about seeing their broker photographed with cocaine but those worries are assuaged by the guy dating someone?
So... I was not in love with this plot, but once the parameters were established, it was a typical breezy Lauren Layne read, but ugh that premise still killed me. I have no interest in continuing this newest series for a while... I may just need a break.
