
Member Reviews

Another 5 star book from Lauren Layne! I love the new Wall Street series and I'm enjoying each character's journey! Matt and Sabrina have been sworn enemies with benefits since a date four years ago. Matt now needs help and Sabrina's the only one who can assist, against her better judgement. I really enjoyed the banter and all of Matt and Sabrina's interactions, especially their trip to the Hamptons. A really light and funny read, perfect for summer. I can't wait to read Kennedy and Kate's story!

First off, Lauren Layne is a must buy for me. I was really looking forward to this one in her new series and I was fortunate to receive an ARC for an honest review.
This is book 2 in her Wall Street series. It focuses on Matt and Sabrina. I looooved them. Sabrina is such a strong heroine. She is fierce. Matt is a sexy hero. I loved their love/hate banter ... that’s one of my favorite genres to read. Overall another 5 star book from LL. Looking forward to Kennedy and Kate’s book. Also wouldn’t mind reading about Jarod—- the sexy billionaire!

I was looking forward to reading Hard Sell and whilst it did not disappoint. I must admit the love/hate push/pull between Matt and Sabrina wasn't as prevalent as it had been during Ian and Lara's story.
But I enjoyed it nonetheless and there certainly was enough going on throughout to easily hold my interest. Plus, I liked that Matt and Sabrina's romance was slow to build and that chemistry was always present. It's just a shame that the reason why Sabrina and Matt's relationship was so rocky is never really explained and that a lot of the passion and angst between them seems to happen off the page.
Yet, it was extremely well paced, sweet and all of the characters are extremely likable. And I'm certainly looking forward to reading Kennedy and Kate's story and would happily recommend Hard Sell to others.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s my favorite in this series. Don’t get me wrong, Ian and Lara in book 1 are hot, but I LOVED Sabrina and Matt, Their banter was sexy, and sparks flew off the page every time they were together. Their past was believable and the way the author worked it out so they could be together was fantastic. The plot twist and conflict towards the end was a nice way to close it out. I think fans of Lauren Layne will love this installment.

Matt Cannon is the youngest broker on Wall Street. A sexy, twenty-eight year old, who happens to be filthy rich, Matt can and often has any woman he wants. But when his behavior out of Wall Street is questioned by not only his bosses but his clients, Matt is faced with an ultimatum: clean up his image or say goodbye to his beloved job. In other words, Matt needs a real girlfriend pronto. Someone who can be trusted not to stab him in the back or expect a ring at the end of their charade. Because that's all it would ever be. Matt doesn't believe in relationships. Therefore, no one is better for the job than PR genius and his archnemesis Sabrina Cross, the best fixer in Manhattan. Matt and Sabrina's relationship has always been turbulent. If they can keep from killing each other, they end up in bed. Always. So, when Matt asks Sabrina for help, she is quick to agree as long as their going steady remains platonic. No more hanky panky for these two lovers. Easier said than done. Once upon a time, Matt really hurt Sabrina. So much so, that she swore never to let her heart get trampled on again. But as Matt and Sabrina spend time together and get to really know each other, they learn that they are nothing like the other ever saw or knew. Their chemistry is combustive and as long as they play nice, they will not only save Matt's job but keep Sabrina's reputation intact. Their hearts, however, now, that's a whole other question... A fun Lauren Layne romance with naughty, sexy men and their beautiful, smart women.

I received Hard Sell by Lauren Layne for free in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed it, but I may be biased because I LOVE a good slow burn/enemies to lovers story. I don't think that I've ever read a book by Lauren Layne that I haven't liked. The love scenes were hot, there were parts that made me giggle, and heart warming scenes at all. (I know-- mushy review, but hey, I really like it.) Do yourself a favor and pick up this book to read. You won't regret it. I know I didn't.

One of my absolute favorite Lauren Layne books ever. I am loving this new series featuring investment bankers. I enjoyed this second book even more than the first. Now I'm anxiously awaiting Kennedy and Kate's story. If you're looking for a light hearted romance read, definitely check out anything and everything by Lauren Layne!

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.

Lauren Layne is my go-to author for fun, sexy contemporary romance. I will definitely be reading more in this series.

Matt and Sabrina fell into bed together the first night they met. From then on it was bickering and disagreements and continued hookups. But was it really hate fueling it? Or a big misunderstanding and a ton of chemistry?
Until Matt could use Sabrina's help and they are forced to confront their history and feelings.
Loved this story!! Rom com at its finest! Great banter and chemistry! Loved the cameo of Georgie, from Walk of Shame!

WOW! Just WOW! I loved Sabrina and Matt's story.
I have discovered Lauren Layne recently and I can't get enough of her books. She has the wonderful gift of skillfully putting a story together, with fascinating and strong characters, loving moments and so many laugh out loud opportunities.
This book is the second in the series. We are first introduced to Sabrina and Matt in the first book "Hot Asset"(Ian and Lara's story). When I read about Matt and Sabrina, I knew that their story would be witty, entertaining and HOT. Ms. Layne did not disappoint.
I love the strong character that Sabrina portrays. The no nonsense kind of girl that will call it like she sees it. She would not let Matt get away with anything. Their banter is soooo entertaining! Matt does not stay behind as well and keeps up with Sabrina. Their chemistry is pretty hot and their story just pulls you in. I loved that I did not have to worry about a whiny heroine and overbearing hero. These two were just perfect and their story kept me entertained for hours.
Definately a winner!

Ms. Lauren has a special talent in writing stories with close friends, intriguing story lines, and sexy times. This is the second book in the Wall Street series and I love all of the characters.
When Matt finds himself in hot water with his bosses after a recent trip to Las Vegas, he needs to clean up his image. Since Sabrina is a PR genius and well known ‘fixer’ for various problems, Matt wants to hire her to help him for the next month. In the first book and again in this story, we are aware that Matt and Sabrina have some issues with each other but not clear on the reason. As we learn more about their first encounter, I’m still not sure why the comment was made and what was going on between them. Matt can make some stupid and hurtful comments to Sabrina and I’m surprised she didn’t just haul off and smack him.
As I read more, it was very emotional hearing about Matt and Sabrina’s childhoods but had never shared with anyone else before. Their childhoods made them think they didn’t want a long-term relationship with anyone. I loved their interactions whether they were arguing, teasing or almost sharing their feelings.
I loved seeing Ian and Lara, Kennedy, and Kate again. The men are among the top in the investment world and Kate keeps them and their schedules in line. After Ian and Lara’s story in the first book, it’s so sweet to see them together in this book. The three men are great friends, who support each other but also give each other a hard time. When Lara enters the group, the three ladies also become close and it’s fun to see everyone together.
Matt has been a math genius since he was young and I found it interesting that he has a difficult time controlling his tendencies to work on numbers in his head. I can imagine how difficult that might be to handle and would have liked to see that discussed further.
This was such a fun book and I can’t wait to read Kennedy’s story and see how Ms. Layne gets the ‘blue blood’ together with Kate. I’ve loved the first two couples but I just know that the story about Kate and Kennedy will be extra special!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this new work.

First, let me say you don't have to read the series in order. Each is a standalone so you can jump right in. This is a frenemies book and done so well. I loved Matt & Sabrina and their messed up relationship. They both have similar issues which just made things a little more interesting. A very fun and steamy red.

I really like this author and the books so far in this series, including Hard Sell. I don’t read many frenemies to lovers books, but Matt and Sabrina really worked in this story. Loved the banter and sass between these two, both having issues in their past and childhood adding to their own insecurities where love is concerned, but when the two realize what’s going on, it’s pretty darn magical and romantic. Lots of steamy moments between these two, very swoon worthy, very worth the read. Can’t wait to read Kennedy and Kate’s book (hint hint!).
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

Received an ARC from NetGalley for this review.
I thought the book was good - not great.
I thought the issues that Matt and Sabrina had to work through were real. I liked them and the chemistry they had but there was just something missing. I can’t put my finger on it, but it was a little lacking. I found myself wanting more about Kennedy and Kate which my guess will be the next book than in these two.
Hope the next one has a little more of a hook.

I am really enjoying this series.
I love when a fake relationship turns real. This was such a good story. Matt & Sabrina end up being perfect for each other. Love their steaming hot chemistry! The back and forth between them made for such an enjoyable read.

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 really enjoyed this book, although it was definitely not my favorite of the series. I love how Lauren writes a good love/hate romance and such strong characters—both male and female. This book was no different. Good story that hits all the right points of a romance that I look for.

This is a difficult book to review because not a lot happened. This is a story of frenemies who hook up every once in a while. I really like Sabrina. Matt was more difficult. In the early days of their relationship, Matt made an unfortunate hurtful joke which implied Sabrina was offering sex for money. Which wasn't true. He made a similar hurtful comment later in the story. He seemed clueless more than anything. Sabrina on the other hand was really likable. She held her own with Matt and if she went over the line in things that she said? I couldn't fault her because I wasn't a huge fan of Matt to begin with.
This book, I think, suffers from starting in the middle of the story. They've been off and on for years when it begins. It didn't make much sense to me why it was taking this long for them to progress past the hook ups and the bickering. I understand the forced intimacy of a fake engagement but with their intimate history? It didn't hold the same weight as it does in this trope when these fake relationships bring about sex which then forces the couple to see each other in that way.
I felt half the story was missing. And when they got together? I was happy for Sabrina. I just felt this other guy Jarod who made a couple appearances would have been a better choice, even though he wasn't an option. Matt's reasons for fearing intimacy is a well worn cliche and even the author had his friends point that out to him.
I did enjoy the friendships between the secondary characters. It has that Stiletto/Oxford vibe (Layne's previous series). Meanwhile, I'm actually looking forward to Kate's story, the third in this series. I hope she gives Kennedy a run for his money.
Thank You Montlake and Netgallery for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I absolutely love Lauren Layne's books and will read anything she writes. I ended up reading this book, the second in the series, prior to the first but it can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this book; it was very well written and I love how all of the characters are intertwined with each other. It makes you really excited to read the other books in the series. Plus the humor and hilarious situations that Lauren includes in all of her books really makes them great.
This book follows Matt, a wall street whiz, and Sabrina, a PR whiz. Matt and Sabrina already know each other through Ian (book one main character) and in fact have hooked up a few times. They already have major chemistry and use each other for a hookup when they can't resist each other but at the same time there is some bad history between them due to some careless words and things being taken the wrong way.
When Matt gets into the press for bad behavior at a Vegas bachelor party, his bosses give him an ultimatum. He has to clean up his act and be presentable or lose his very cushy job. Enter Sabrina, the PR whiz who can spin almost any situation. Matt has to convince her to play the role of doting girlfriend and soon to be fiancé. The additional time spent together in the ruse really let's them get to know each other. But will it be enough to overcome their bad history? Neither wants to love anyone due to issues each have in their past but when one falls in love, the other has to decide if they want to take the risk. Of course it is never that easy especially when another player enters the picture.
Overall a fantastic read and I would highly recommend. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. My only one complaint is that I was a bit confused at first that Matt and Sabrina had history as there wasn't much of a back story for that. Otherwise I loved it!