Member Reviews

Standalone..
Reina St James was abandoned by her mother when she was a teenager. She never knew she was dirty secret between mother and birth father. She was really wasn't loved by her mother, father. She had nobody to rely on. She knew what she wanted to do and all her energy was spent on getting into right college and find a right job to become a key player in financial world.
Reina will be starting her internship at Bettencourt investment. She wanted to mingle with financial people so when she went to one of the fundraising event with someone, but she went home with someone else. When she arrived at his place, she had leave the penthouse. When she realize who he was, she never wanted sleep with her boss before her internship even started.
Reina never expected to meet Hedge fund Manger, CEO Tristan at her first day at work and she working with him. She did not want anything to jeopardize her career but Tristan is making it harder for her to resist him.
Tristan never met anyone like Reina. He never risk anything for a women before and he thinks she will be worth the risk.
Tristan need to find the solution malicious tweet about him and Reina. Reina never wanted to share her secret with anybody and never approached his birth father until she realizes he is wrecking a havoc. She will have Tristan and face her father.
Is Tristan willing to risk for everything for Reina and their happiness or move on without her.
I really did love Reina for everything she went through and never giving up. I really didn't love her mom but Tristan was there for her for support and love.

Thanks to Netgalley and Loveswept for ARC in exchange for Honest review.

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Abandoned by her mother and spurned by her father, Reina St. James is tired of being treated like a dirty little secret. It wasn’t easy making her way into the high-risk, high-reward Wall Street world ruled by financial kings and trust fund tyrants. But now that she’s got a stiletto-clad toe into one of the swankiest firms in Manhattan, Reina is determined to prove she’s more than just a pretty face hiding an ugly past. For Tristan Xavier Bettencourt IV, escaping the shadow cast by generations of family fortune has been difficult, and success hasn’t come without sacrifice. Tristan has always put business before pleasure… Until Reina’s curved lips prove an invitation he can’t resist. Walking away from their explosive night together won’t be easy, even if the heat between them might consume both of their careers. Will Reina and Tristan risk everything by betting on each other?
I’m not a huge contemporary rich playboy/poor girl stories, but this one caught my attention. Overall, this was a pretty good story. I really liked the characters as well as everything they went through. The sex scenes were hot and the storyline was really good. I look forward to reading more from this author.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

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Penthouse Player was a great read. It is the first book in the Billionaire Bosses series The author created a wonderful story with colorful & unique characters, I loved how Reina & Tristan created their HEA even though they had so much hurt & baggage.

I look forward to reading more by Tara Leigh!!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

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Hi! It's Tara Leigh. Just filling this out bc NG is prompting me for feedback. Thx!!!!

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It’s been a while since I’ve read a romance that didn’t have the female character trip over herself for the male lead, and this is exactly that. You have Reina St. James who’s essentially been living like an orphan since her father died, even though she still has two biological parents, one of whom left her behind with nothing but a Post-It note. Reina’s sperm donor of a father won’t legitimize her as his daughter, and her mother was blinded by the money and the lifestyle it brings, so Reina lives the life of someone who feels as if she has to work twice as her colleagues to make it in the investment banking world, and a relationship is the very last thing she needs to distract her from her ambition.

Tristan Bettancourt, the fucking IV, apparently has a reputation of being a bit of a player when it comes to the ladies, however, I never actually got that feeling from him. Throughout the book, he’s lamenting about all the women who are social climbers and only want the rich investment banker for the status and potential party-throwing that could happen, but not once did Tristan exhibit any “player-like” actions. Honestly, the only one who seemed to be the “player” in this book was Reina; she didn’t have any regrets about all the men she’s had sex with until after she hooked up with Tristan (almost halfway into the book).

I will say that, for how smart Reina is supposed to be, she sure is too stupid (view spoiler)

Despite my issues with the book (which weren’t many, I’ll be honest), I actually really enjoyed reading this book. All of the investment banking jargon, as well as all the talk about hedge funds, flew over my head, but I loved the bantering between Tristan and Reina, and I also loved that there’s no eventual separation like there is in other romance novels when one character gets scared or breaks up with the other for whatever reason. There was an attempted breakup, but one party wouldn’t hear of it and fought to keep them together. That was refreshing. It’s a fun ride, and a nice, quick read. Definitely worth it.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

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I thought Penthouse Player was a sexy and fun romance. It was my first book from Tara Leigh and I highly enjoyed my time spent with her characters.

Here's the deal. Tristan is the fourth generation of bankers from his family. All of whom have been incredibly successful. He's currently in the process of making his own mark on their world as well on as being on the cusp of taking over the family business. All of the decisions that he makes can affect his job positively or negatively so he has to move forward quite cautiously.

But none of his previous dalliances with the opposite sex prepared him for how much lust and attraction he feels when he sees Regina at a charity function and how much he wants to behave inappropriately after meeting her. He's completely drawn to her and nothing can alter his focus. And the feeling is mutual. Regina is captivated by the enticing man.

Their feelings set into motion an engaging romance where two people desperately fight their attraction for one another. It’s intense. And freaking hot as hell. As I read, I was highly anticipating the moments that they surrendered to their feelings and then when they did, wowzers!! Did I mention their hotness - it's off the charts!!

Penthouse Player hit all of my buttons and I loved reading it. I highly recommend picking this book up!!

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Loved this book! Very fresh voice, fun story, engaging characters. Looking forward to more from this author.

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Billionaire men courting helpless females are a dime a dozen romances. I read this book on a lark because the Publisher sent it to me and I trust this specific one when she sends me books she thinks I might like. She's learned my taste in books surprisingly quickly. Ms. Leigh is a new to me author who caught my attention in the very first few paragraphs in this book. Within a chapter, I was disgusted and was going to mark it as a DNF and send a note back to the Publisher not to send me anything more like this. That would have been a mistake.

Ms. Leigh set me up for a mind twister I wasn't expecting. Reina is the main character and she first comes off as a determined woman. But then, as more descriptions come through, a reader may think she is just a woman looking for her MRS. in the worst of ways. Personally, I have zero interest in reading shallow women who are gold diggers. Some enjoy it, I do not. As the book slowly peels the layers back on Reina, I am heart broken. If there is one way to get me hooked, it is to detail the past of a child neglected by the very one she thought would love her. I teared up as I learned more about Reina's parents and what was done to her. Sometimes, blood is not thicker than water. Nor does blood dictate who one really calls and consider's their father.

Reina is the kind of woman I understand, appreciate and admire. She set herself a goal and she fought her way fairly to it. The cards are stacked against her and she overcomes each obstacle. I love it. So when a man totally screws up her plans, I'm just as pissed as she is. (Isn't it always a man?)

Tristan owns the company that Reina worked hard to get a job in. When their almost hook up reveals the boss/employee relationship, Reina barely runs out of Tristan's home screaming. Their relationship is complicated. The chemistry between the two is exciting, forbidden and so hot. Ms. Leigh does an excellent job of creating heat. The environment she sets the characters in is also spot on. For those who understand the business world for Wall Street, Ms. Leigh has softened the ugliness through a rose coloured filter. There are certain elements that rang true which is what made this story feel more realistic. I'm impressed.

This story did take me on a bit of a roller coaster ride because it felt like I was watching a train wreck about to happen. The conflict is real. We all know what Tristan should do yet we can understand what he wants to do instead. His actions cause a lot more ramification for a woman than a man of his position. Life is unfair and the business world, it is even more so. Whilst the sexual tension is going on between the two, Reina's past comes to haunt her. I have to say, I loathe her biological parents. I am disgusted and appalled. I just can not fathom treating anyone that is blood related to them in this manner. The sheer cruelty is astonishing at times. Abuse is not only physical. Reina is a strong female who could have had "daddy issues" and "mommy issues". Thankfully, she does not. For me, this story is so good because of Reina. Tristan is a bit of a cad.

This story kept me turning the pages to see how it would end. This erotic romance is recommended to readers who enjoy strong females who overcome their past and get their happily ever after.

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This is the first book I have read by this author and I have to say I would look for more from Tara Leigh. Throughout the story of course we know the secret that Reina is trying to hide from everyone including her boss. And even though you know the secret will be revealed you can't help but keep on reading to see just how big of a train wreck the secret will end up being. All in all it was a very enjoyable billionaire romance.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

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What a great debut! Penthouse Player is a sexy, engaging office romance. Reina is a 23 year old graduate about to start her internship with one of the heaviest hitters on Wall Street - the Bettencourt financial empire. When she meets a hot guy at a fundraiser, and goes home with him, she's all for it until she sees the logo of her soon to be employer hanging on his wall. Oops! Time to go.

When Tristan sees the gorgeous young woman he'd had in his bed (and lost) in his conference room among all the other interns, he knows he's in trouble and that he should have heeded the warning his gut gave him the night before. But still, his body can't help but remember how she felt in his arms for those brief minutes, and he wants her all over again. And he means to have her, even if she's too young for him, even if it wouldn't look appropriate for him to be dating one of his legendary company's interns.

Reina and Tristan steam up the pages in Penthouse Player. But, more importantly than that, they have a believable emotional bond. She's smart and strong and fiercely determined he not learn about her past. And he's just as smart and strong, and kind and determined to keep Reina in his life. When you put Wall Street shark with a young, determined protégée, you should get an epic matchup, and that's exactly what Tara Leigh gives us with Reina and Tristan's story. Kudos to her for such a fantastic debut!

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Super hot, well-written story with a strong heroine - this was perfection! I loved this book and can't wait to read more by this author!

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4.5 stars! Penthouse Player (stand-alone). Focused intern must avoid affair with her new boss while a twitter troll is stalking!

Penthouse Player (stand-alone) follows Reina St. James as she begins her internship at the Bettencourt bank empire. She is determined not to let her upbringing nor heritage define her.

She has a plan which does not include a one-night stand with her soon-to-be boss.

Hedge Fund Manager, playboy and heir Tristan Xavier Bettencourt IV, X-Man is in fundraising mode for his hedge fund. He just has to make it through the next few weeks with his dick in his pants.

As luck would have it he almost had a one-night stand with the new intern.

Story goes on to follow Tristan and Reine as they work side-by-side while fighting their attraction. When Tristan finds himself being <b>stalked</b> by a twitter troll and the victim of sabotage it becomes a raise against time to uncover a traitor.

But while doing that he might also expose well-kept scandalous secrets.

TRISTAN XAVIER BETTENCOURT IV, X-Man: 33 years/Hedge Fund Manager/Heir/$$$$/Dk brown hair/Blue eyes.
Eight words to describe Tristan Xavier Bettencourt IV, X-Man: Charismatic, noble, assertive, trusting, commanding, reflective, easy-going and worldly.

REINA ST. JAMES: 23 years/Intern/Lt blond hair/Green-amber eyes.
Eight words to describe Reina St. James: Motivated, lonely, smart, conflicted, observant, goal-oriented, analytical, and secretive.

Penthouse Player, told from dual POVs is an unfolding mystery, forbidden affair and an impossible romance with poor girl meeting one of most sought-after bachelors in the country. It offers the perfect mixture of romance, suspense, lies, deceit, jealousy, betrayal, secrets and scandal. It ends perfectly with truths and revelations.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

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Penthouse Player by Tara Leigh
Billionaire Bosses #1

Hooked from their first scene together I was rooting for Tristan and Reina from the beginning. This well written debut novel shows promise for Tara Leigh’s future as I look forward to reading what she writes next.

Tristan Xavier Bettencourt IV is a moneymaker on Wall Street. He has an Ivy League degree, played hockey in college and has chosen to work hard though he has family money. Into his life walks Reina St. James and he is smitten at first sight. When Reina’s hot suddenly goes to cold and she hurries out his door he is curious. When he walks in to a company orientation program for interns at the family company he more than surprised to see her there. From that point on there is a bit of chase but a lot of insta-love to go with the insta-attraction. The beautiful couple of alpha, older, wealthy wonderful lover and the younger new-on-the job, intelligent, driven-to-succeed woman have a few things to deal with before they can achieve their happily ever after. I felt like kicking Reina’s mother in the patoot and wished her childhood had been easier but it added to the story so all’s well that ends well.

There was some predictability but it did not deter from the story and as I liked both Tristan and Reina I kept reading – in fact – I stayed up reading till 2am needing to finish the book before sleeping.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press-Swerve and Barclay Publicity for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

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Reina St. James was abandoned at a young age. Totally ignored by her mother and family she was driven by her dreams. Finally getting where she wanted, one thing stood in her way. Tristan. After a chance meeting she felt drawn to him with every beat of her heart. Will she let her heart get in the way of her dreams and finally be accepted by her family?

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This is the first book in this series by this author. What a fantastic start, this story is full of passion and intrigue. This is a well written, fast paced story which will keep you reading long into the night. The characters were amazing both strong and powerful. The twists and turns in this book just keep you guessing. I can't wait to read more in this series and by this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

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For the most part, I enjoyed the book. I did like the fact that I didn't really need to know much about hedge funds or Wall Street to read the book. I never felt like the story got bogged down in those details. I liked Tristan a lot and enjoyed watching him fall for Reina. FOr me, he was the best part of the book. While I didn't love Reina at first, she slowly grew on me. I was happy to see her grow a pair in the end. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why she would not reveal her secret to the world, especially after the way her mother treated her. The romance for me was just OK. I didn't feel the heat between the two in the beginning. But I bought into it more as their relationship grew. It just felt forced at times.

I think this is an decent debut and I look forward to seeing what comes from this author in the future.

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This book is a page-turner, the author is very good at capturing the reader's attention from the first to the last page.
Tristan and Reina are very much attracted to each other but they risk ruining their careers on which they have worked very hard. Is their love stronger and more important than their future work?
Reina was abandoned by her mother shortly after discovering that what she believed was her father actually was not. Her real father didn't want to know her. She thinks that has to engage the double of others to emerge especially in a world, such as banking, dominated by men. She thinks about only her career and doesn't want sentimental distractions, especially now that she is doing an internship at one of the most sought-after companies in New York but what she feels for Tristan is different, is very strong and special. Tristan is sexy, charming, but also sweet and kind. His family is very wealthy and he worked hard to prove he was good regardless of his last name. He can't allow a scandal to ruin his career so he can't yield to the passion he feels for Reina, one of his employee.
A great debut for this author: very well written with a compelling and well-developed plot, a fast and flowing pace, so much passion and tantalizing intrigue.
Highly recommended

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Do you have an extra set of panties? Good you're going to need them when picking up this book. For a starched up banker Tristan is a dirty talking alpha hottie and he not only makes Reina melt but he melts Kindles around the world in this book. Penthouse Player started off slow for me. I was bored with the very beginning, but as soon as Tristan leaned forward gave Reina a sexual challenge I was finally hooked and wanted to read more. It suddenly got interesting and not because the sexual tension almost exploded my book but because the characters came alive. They seemed to stop playing parts and were finally showing their true selves. The book became so much better from then on.

I really enjoyed the plot and conclusion. Reina isn't the only broken character in this book Tristan has a few issues that make the book even more interesting. When Reina's secrets and Tristan's issues collide will their relationship survive? I loved it and can't wait for the second book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.

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I was given an ARC in exchange for a honest review by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.
Reina St.James and Tristan Bettencourt, their eyes meet across the room a sparks fly . Until she realized who he is!!
Secrets and lies just might tear them apart.
A well written book with complex characters, secrets, lies, betrayal, and intriguing twists.

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