I’m finding that I really love this author. I’ve read all of the books she’s written in the Sentinels of Babylon series so far and enjoyed both immensely. This story sucked me in right away and I didn’t want to put it down. I was surprised because the title and cover were not my cup of tea. I asked for an ARC of the book based solely on my prior experience with this author. (FYI: I ended up liking the title by the end of the book…there’s a reason.)

Just like Mick was intrigued by Terri’s sass, so was I. She kept him on his toes and challenged him and I enjoyed reading that. Especially about a guy who is rich and good-looking so is not lacking for females throwing themselves at his feet. And then Terri shocked me even more the first time she was in a car with Mick. Whoa! The girl knows what she wants and isn’t going to pussyfoot around. I honestly don’t know if I’ve read such a scene before. While it startled me, it really did a great job of helping flesh out Terri’s personality. She is not shrinking violet!

Mick is also a take charge type of personality, but somehow it works with the two of them. It’s like he innately knew when to be commanding and when to be softer. Mick likes to come across as a hardass…it’s the nature of his position in his family and his company. But he’s not as hard-hearted as he thinks he is, especially when it comes to those less fortunate. I’m sure he’d like to keep it a secret but he’s really got a soft center.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this story is the unpredictability. Nothing really shocked me or blindsided me, but I would be convinced I knew something was going to happen and then it wouldn’t. Or something similar would happen to what I thought would happen, but not exactly how I thought it would play out. So it kept me on my toes a little bit.

I never seem to be at a lack for books to read, but I think I need to start seeking out some of this author’s earlier books. I really have enjoyed all that I’ve read so far.

4.5 stars

This review is posted on my blog (7/23/17) at https://mommasaystoreadornottoread.blogspot.com/2017/07/book-review-stud-by-jamie-k-schmidt.html
When I started this one, my first thought was 'Yay, an Erotic Romance with an actual story line.' I was right on that part. It does have a pretty good story line, if a bit far fetched. The author has a good writing style and the story moves along nicely. Another plus was that while it is instant attraction, it's not exactly instalove - pretty quick love, but not instant. So, why only three stars? Through twenty-three chapters and an epilogue, I never once felt a connection between these characters. The pages told me that they wanted each other and then that they loved each other, but I didn't feel that. I felt Terri's angst and worry over her brother and Mick's frustration with his family, but the "romance" seemed more of a distraction to the rest of the story. Even the sex, while hot, felt more abstract than personal. The rest of the story was good and I wanted to see how things played out with Terri's brother and Mick's family, but I just wasn't invested in their relationship. This was my first read by Schmidt and considering her writing style, I would read another book by her.

Review by Amanda for Love Romance Books Blog

Rating: 4

I was asked by the author for an honest review.

I would have liked to give Stud 3.5 stars. There was good chemistry to the characters but there wasn't much else to the story. That being said, it was still a quick, light read that I enjoyed. There were a lot of video game references. I've seen RPG games but never really got into them myself.

Review by Elizabeth for Love Romance Books Blog
The author is looking for an honest review.

5 stars

I am always looking for new authors to read and I have to say this one is one of my favorite for the year. I had so much fun reading this book that I didn't put it down till I finished it all. The characters were fun and I connected with them all from the beginning. This book made you happy, frustrated, mad, and at times you wanted to smack them all. That is what I look for in a book and that is what I got here.

Terri is this sister that has been taking care of her brother after he got sick. She has taken jobs that can fit the their schedule to accommodate his care. Being a barista is not the job she wants but she will do anything for her brother even if it is dealing with the most arrogant man she has ever dealt with. Mick has a lot going on in his life so he not worried who he offends including the barista that he really just wants to nail. So when one thing leads to another and a one night stand goes for round after round he thinks nothing of it until his company has to hire her because his client loves her. No more sex because she's an employee. How do you think that's going to work out? Not only does that put a damper on things but so does his dysfunctional family. There is so much a man can take. So what's gonna give?

I loved everything about this book. I couldn't get enough of this book. I only can hope I will see more of these two in the future. His has to be one of my favorites reads of the year.

Review by Amber for Love Romance Books Blog
Rating: 4

I was asked by the author for an honest review.

I would have liked to give Stud 3.5 stars. There was good chemistry to the characters but there wasn't much else to the story. That being said, it was still a quick, light read that I enjoyed. There were a lot of video game references. I've seen RPG games but never really got into them myself.

I really loved this story! Terri had me laughing as she didn't bow down to Mr Arrogant Rich Guy even though he was the hottest sexiest man she had ever seen. Mick was use to having whatever he wanted at the snap of his fingers but when five months eying each other over morning coffee becomes real things and fun. But of course it can't be that easy not when Terri becomes Mick's employee and he has a no touch policy, but nobody said anything about how far it can go in the gaming world. This book has it all, sass, arrogance, humor and emotions--great read

Terri Cooke is a girl struggling to make ends meet. After having to quit her dream job due to her brother’s sudden illness, she’s now working several part-time jobs in order to accommodate his needs.
It’s at her job as a barista that she meets the sleek and arrogant Mick Wentworth. She hates his condescending, finger snapping attitude, but can’t deny the underlying attraction burning between them.
When fate and opportunity place Terri in the same room with Mick and one of his clients, she’ll provide the insight he needs to make his business work and they’ll end up working together.
A very dysfunctional family fighting each other for control, office drama, the need to learn the inner works of an RPG online game on the fly and a few late-night gaming sessions will be the additional elements in the makings of this story.
Stud was a really nice surprise. A fast read with a great flow and relatable characters, we have a classic case of opposite attracts. Mick is a man in control, used to bark orders and have people bend to his will while keeping their family business afloat no matter the cost. Terri is a working girl who gave up her life to take care of her brother and be by his side in his time of need. These characters are strong, feisty with each other and their chemistry, both in and out of bed, is off the charts. They have amazing banter and a simple, always honest relationship.
I really enjoyed this book and appreciated being taken by surprise until the very end.

4.25 stars

I didn't have high hopes for this book after seeing the cover and reading the first few chapters but I was pleasently surprised by it. I thought it was just going to be an erotic romance between a douche and a hot chick but I really liked how their relationship developed and how honest they were with each other. The whole family dynamic of the hero was a bit screwy but overall I really liked what this book turned into

I really enjoyed this one. A touch of humor, a good amount of steam, and some great snarky banter made for a great read.

Terri Cooke needs a marketing job. Mick Wentworth needs her help with a big client. Since he has a strict no fraternization policy at work he refuses to hire her for his firm. Yes his lust is overriding his brain. This seems like the best of both worlds. If he can convince Terri of that everything should be fine. Right??

Definitely a book I recommend!

My first read by author Jamie K Schmidt was good. The story of Mick & Terri was interesting. Working as a barista Terri sees Mick every morning & doesn't think very highly of the arrogant, gorgeous man. I wasn't a an of Mick in the beginning but he grew on my over the course of the book. Terri's character was strong & steamy throughout the book. The barriers that kept popping up against them were many, the moments spent together made more special because of them. Even with Mick's hard personality he still turned out to be a loveable character. Recommend this book.

Terri is a barista even though she has a degree she has to be around to take care of her brother. Everyday the same guy comes in, he doesn't even look at her.
Mick has many issues with his family. The highlight of his day is the barista, however his world will turn upside down when an important client comes in. Terri is catering this and the client inadvertently mistake her for an employee.
Now not only does Mick have his family to deal with but he now has a new employee that he can't touch. Even though touching her is all he can think about.

This story has more to it than heat. It was a great read.

** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Mick is a prick. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I loved him anyway. He was an a-hole and it just worked for this book.

Terri was awesome! I loved her character. She didn't bow down to Mick and she sasses him when he deserved it. I think that's why I ended up liking him. She didn't cater to him and I viewed him differently because of it.

I liked that the storyline grew in depth the deeper we got into the story. There are a lot of messed up characters, aka Mick's family, that made this book even more interesting.

There is no cheating or abuse between the MC's but Mick is with other women in front of Terri before they get together. I would not say this is a romantic read but it just worked. ARC provided by NetGalley.

Pretty interesting story with loads of twists.

An ok read.

I wasn't thrilled with it. I just could not get into the characters. Neither one of them really appealed to me.

The storyline was ok. Kinda unbelievable. Insta-love for sure. The author tried to make Mick out to be this jerk and it just fell flat. Terri who hadn't had sex in a year and lived a pretty boring life before she met Mick turned into some sex kitten. Oh yeah and we had a round of cybersex. So much fun...not.

Maybe I am in a mood because my summer vacation is over in two days or that my b-day is coming up on Saturday and I am just disgruntled, that I am being critical ..but I don't think so

Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Loved the book. Loved the banter between Mick and Terri. Lots of laughs and chemistry. Hot. Recommended read.

Want a sexy book to read? Look no further. Mick and Terri have delicious sexual tension right off the bat and start steaming up the pages quick. But then Terri starts working for Mick and that's when the book gets even better. I loved reading their developing relationship. They truly get to know one another and realize they need each other. Terri is sexy and confident but she's a nerd at heart and that made me love her more. She brought out the geek in Mick which made him even hotter. I could have used a little more drama at the end but it's still an awesome, quick read for a day at the beach!

Another great story by Jamie K. Schmidt! This book was just as amazing as her other books, but as always the way she writes, you can literally see the couple bantering in front of you, her writing is so visceral. I laughed the most when the main characters, Mick and Terri would bicker. Terri had a terrible habit of trying to finish his sentences.

Terri Cooke, barista in Manhattan, former ad executive, part time care taker of her older brother, Billy. She left her job at another ad firm when her brother became ill. Every morning at 8:57 a.m. "hot coffee man" walks in with his snapping fingers in her face. He doesn't talk to her, but he does acknowledge her cleavage and body everyday. She can't stand the hot man, because his manners leave a lot to be desired, but the chemistry between them is WOW; and that's without ever saying a word to one another. After 5 months of staring each other down, he asks her out on a date, and she agrees.

Mick Wentworth may have been born with a silver spoon in his mouth but he doesn't know what loyalty and love is from his family. The are so dysfunctional it's sad. Mick had to report his father and have him arrested for stealing millions from the company business. As for his mother, he had to fire her as well, she was sexually harassing her assistant. Now it's him against his brother for the CEO chair.
When a big gaming client lands in his lap, he's at a loss. Ads he knows, but he's not a gamer and doesn't have one employed either. Unknowingly, Terri plays that game every chance she gets. When the two join forces...what starts off as fun, turns into more...much more.

A must read!!

This book was fantastic. The characters for strong and captivating. The plot was engaging and kept you reading till the end.

Well, this book was definitely not what I expected after reading the teaser. There aren't many books I don't finish, in fact it's a rarity, but I can add this one to that very short list. I honestly don't understand where the 4 and 5 star ratings are coming from. Mick is an arrogant jerk who is rude, crass and overall full of himself, didn't like him at all. Absolutely no connection with this character at all. Terri is a gamer who works part time jobs so she can take her disabled brother to doctor appointments to try and find a treatment for a rare disorder, admirable, caretakers are one in a million angels, but the author lost me on that first "date" where Mick's arrogant gross attitude got Terri to jump in bed with him. These two had absolutely no chemistry that came across on the pages, did not care for this book at all, wasted my time on the pages I did read. Just not for me.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

Lots and lots of sexy times, not quite as much on the character development and plot. The family drama was odd, and completely unrealistic. It was a fun read, but nothing I'll remember forever.

What a cute standalone. Although, I think that there could have been sequel....Just sayin...

Terri has a lot on her plate. She gave up her marketing job and is working a few part time jobs, because her brother has a similar form of ALS and needs someone to care her him. Since she's his caregiver, she didn't exactly have a social life. But that hasn't stopped her from noticing one specific man who gets coffee every morning in her coffee shop. In fact, she's even noticing him at her other job too. Seems like he might be noticing her too.

Mick is the Stud. He's the leading marketing exec for his family firm, drop dead gorgeous and wealthy. He's also dealing with the worst family drama possible, and all while trying to save the family business. Thankfully, he's landed a client that will help the business thrive again. Problem? A certain beautiful barista has wormed her way in to the clients head with marketing ploys that Mick knows nothing about. Guess he has a new marketing assistant.

This is a super cute and creative story. The "romance" is ass backwards, but it makes for a very entertaining story. There are twists and turns, and even some deep, but the way it's written and brought together is seamless. If you're a gamer, you'll especially enjoy this book. Btw, loved the way the author had "real" sex AND "cyber" sex within one book. Like I stated earlier, there could have been a sequel, but it's one hell if a standalone.

reviewed by Xtina

I enjoyed this story so much! It’s fun, flirty, steamy, and has just the right amount of drama.

I read this story with a smile on my face and chuckling constantly. I loved Terri! What a great heroine. I loved her spunk, her fire, and her kick ass attitude. And I loved getting to know Mick. A stud he sure is, along with rich and arrogant. Their interactions keep you well entertained. Is Mick really the presumptuous jerk he portrays? You want to find out.

I enjoyed the gaming aspect of the story; it was refreshing to read something unique. The writing is great! And I enjoyed that the drama wasn’t overdone or drawn out. This story had the perfect mix of banter and wit along with turmoil that kept it exciting.