
Member Reviews

This is the second in the 21 Wall Street series. We met Matt Cannon and Sabrina Cross is book one, and the best way to describe them is frienemies-with-benefits. Matt is a boy wonder broker and Sabrina is a fixer for the rich. Matt comes back from a Vegas bachelor party to find a picture of him getting a lap dance splashed across the pages of the Wall Street Journal. His bosses let him know that he has to turn his image around, or they will let him go. Of course, he goes to the one woman he fights with and periodically has sex with, Sabrina. Sabrina agrees to act as his girlfriend, but only if they are hands off. This is the set up to their happily ever after. I thought all of the characters were well developed and their backstory was compelling. This book is a lot of fun.
I was provided an ARC by NetGalley for my honest review.

I just love every single book Lauren Layne writes. I always love the hate/love stories. Or in this case, frenemies to lovers as Lauren put it!
Matt and Sabrina were funny and frustrating together, as every good book should be. Can't wait for Kate and Kennedy!!!

Really, really good! This book has everything a fun summer read should! A great hero, an unannoying heroine, and plenty of lighthearted fun.

This is the second installment of LL latest Series, 21 Wall Street.
In this book we'll meet Matt Cannon, the 'boy wonder' and his long time 'enemy', Sabrina Cross.
Growing up in the not-so-happy-family makes both Matt and Sabrina have no interested in romance. They don't even believe in love.
That's why when Matt got in a big trouble and desperately needs a help from Sabrina, the fixer, to pretend to be his girlfriend to clear his reputation, he has no worries that their fake relationship will just stay as a business. Since they're on the same page when it comes to relationships.
But after weeks spending time together?
They're not so sure anymore.
From the first book of this series, Hot Asset, I already love the love-hate relationship between Matt and Sabrina. That's what makes their chemistry is interesting.
I've been so curious with what actually happened to them god-knows-how-long time ago that made them like they want to kill each other every time they are in the same room.
And finally we can find the answer in this book.
Enemies-to-lovers is one of my favorite kind of stories. This story is so captivating with the hate banter that slowly turns into romance.
I really love Sabrina's character. Smart, sassy, very independent woman who is really good at her job.
And besides the playboy who never wants to settle down side, there's nothing to hate about Matt.
Great characters combine with the LL-like writing—Smart, sassy, refreshing, and good amount of sexiness.
No doubt that this book is a must read for all new adult contemporary romance fans.

The enemies-to-lovers trope is my absolute favourite in romance. It just makes sense when two people who have a burning hatred for each other end up passionately in love. Although Sabrina and Matt's story isn't quite enemies-to-lovers, Lauren Layne definitely delivered in Hard Sell.
We are first introduced to Matt Cannon who is "boy wonder" at his job on Wall Street, but also a partier, a player, and cocky. Thankfully, Matt doesn't demonstrate typical male lead characteristics such as objectifying women, slut-shaming women, boasting about his "conquests", etc. He turns to Sabrina Cross to help repair his image and she is a great match. Sabrina is tough and confident and she worked hard to get to where she is. I liked both characters and how they had a history that was slowly revealed throughout the novel. Their romance was both cute and fiery and it progressed really well. I also really enjoyed the involvement of all the other characters introduced in Hot Asset.
I wasn't too fond of Hot Asset, so I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable I found Hard Sell. The characters were much more interesting and dynamic and not as problematic. I can't wait for the next book with Kennedy! (Also hoping for one with Jarod.)

The second 21 wall street book is great. From book one we know Matt and Sabrina was a thing but they are too frisky for love. Now we know their past and comprehend why they need each other. I enjoy reading this book and recommend it. Matt and Sabrina have their HEA with a hard road.
I received a ARC from Netgalley for a honest review.

Book 2 of the 21 Wall Street series was a fabulous read. Matt & Sabrina’ story is sizzling hot & romantic, funny, & does not disappoint! With the supporting characters of Ian & Lara (#1 Hard Asset), Kennedy, & Kate, i look forward to reading the next installment in the series.
Enemies to lovers is a more difficult road to get to HEA. It is filled with hurt, insults, tears, hot sex, & free falling into love. This is of course once you realize all the insults, almost hatred, has just been a prelude to finding the one for you. To find out what made Sabrina & Matt tick, pick up Hard Sell by Lauren Layne!

A fantastic enemies to lovers story with a twist, this book had a bit of everything. I love Sabrina, she is strong, independent and secretly vulnerable. And Matt, can I just say swoon. I’m not going to lie and say there wasn’t a few times when I wished I could slap him or shake him, but he little peek of alpha possessiveness was super hot!
And this book just made me even more excited for Kate and Kennedy’s story, and I’m hoping we get a story in the future about a certain billionaire!

After reading Hot Asset, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second book in the 21 Wall Street series. Hard Line is Sabrina and Matt's story. She's a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who's finally made her dreams come true in the big city by fixing other's messes. He is the wild party boy that needs his frenemy to help him redeem his image. As they navigate their fake relationship, Sabrina and Matt realize that the tension they've been fighting for years is the result of deeply rooted feelings. I absolutely loved their love story and how well their characters, relationship and ending was developed. This is a perfect sexy, sweet read that will give you all the feels... 5 chilli peppers of hotness from me! Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

This is my favorite Lauren Layne book so far. Matt and Sabrina have great chemistry but can't seem to get along outside the bedroom. When Matt is in need of Sabrina's help, they get a second chance to break down their walls with each other. I love their evolution from friends/enemies with benefits to much more. The story was very well paced and the dialogues are funny and witty and true to each character. Also, I love how each character, beyond Matt and Sabrina, is well defined. I am really looking forward to Kate and Kennedy's story and I hope Jarod will get his own book too!

"Hard Sell" is the second book of the 21 Wall Street series by Lauren Layne, which I decided is going to be one of the authors I'll be reading this summer. I loved the first book, "Hot Asset", and I couldn't wait for this one because the author made me curious by introducing us the main characters of this second installment.
We met Matt Cannon and Sabrina Cross in "Hot Asset", but for those who don't know about them, Matt is a brooker who used to be an enfant-prodige, a boy wonder but also a famous womanizer. Sabrina is a wonderful woman in her right, since she became an influential "fixer" in NYC's élite.
Matt and Sabrina have known for four years, but there has always run bad blood between them because of what happened right after they met. They can't tolerate each other but bad press forces Matt to ask for Sabrina's help or he'll lose is prestigious job. Why Sabrina, of all people? Her profession is subtle, but basically she fixes situations. An husband is cheating? She knows the right people who would out him on his behavior. A man needs a beautiful woman to push a flame away? She has the connections. This is why Matt goes to ask for her. She's the last person he wants but he needs a fake girlfriend to make everyone believe he's settled down and he needs a person who won't be attached to him when the contract is up. But he may develop feelings of his own...
What I loved about Matt and Sabrina is their personality. They're both very complex compared to Ian and Lara, and unpredictable. Both have been hurt and have an interesting but traumatic family background, Matt because of the infidelity of his parents and Sabrina because of her uncaring mother. They are soulmates in that regard, because they don't want a serious relationship until they try it. Once the charade is put into action, Matt and Sabrina can't deny the attraction between them. It's been there since the first day they met, and perhaps they can't settle down because they have feelings for each other. Being in close proximity for a few weeks allows them to explore this relationship and see that they can become lovers.
The story itself is quite simple because there aren't a lot of complications for the couple besides themselves, but what I like about Lauren Layne's writing is that is never boring despite the plot has been used before. The author is able to create relatable characters and enjoyable banter, and like I said above I'll surely check more books by her. I'll also wait for Kennedy and Kate's story, but who knows when that will come out, since the author is not sure when she'll publish that one. Sigh! But in the meantime I can catch up with her other books. ;)
This is recommended for lovers of contemporary romance but also those who love romantic stories with not so much drama.

I really enjoyed this read, Enemies to lovers is a favorite trope of mine and this read fit the bill. I liked both Matt and Sabrina. The author did a great job fleshing the characters out and their traumatic childhoods added a layer of believability to the story. I'm interested in the next book, which is hopefully about Kennedy and Kate. If you're looking for a great summer read, this is one I'd recommend!

I LOVED this second book in the 21 Wall Street series. Lauren Layne writes men in suits that are guaranteed to make you swoon... TBH, I enjoyed this more than the first (and I loved it)... I may hold my breath until the third book comes out! Lol...
Matt and Sabrina have a love/hate relationship going on. There are guaranteed to be fireworks when they occupy the same space. Something went down when they first met that is hinted at for a while, and it's not until everything is revealed that the reader fully appreciates the potential these two have.
If you are looking for an enemies to lovers book, this isn't that... It is way more complicated and enemies is something these two could never be. If you are looking for a romance with two strong leads and also enjoy watching hearts thaw from the heat generated, this could be right up your alley.

What a fun read! Miss Layne does it again. Although I did not love this one as much as the first in her Wall Street series, I love these characters and found this to be such a sweet chapter in the story of these three men -- Ian, Kennedy and Matt -- and the woman who become their partners. I feel like the story won't be complete until Kennedy gets his story told. I loved Sabrina in this book, an amazingly strong woman and a perfect match for Matt. Maybe even a little too good for him in the beginning. I'm always a sucker for "pretend boyfriend/girlriend" thing and this was such a good one. Miss Layne is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance authors. I know her characters are always going to be fully developed and the plot well paced. Thoroughly enjoyed!

I LOVED IT! Another AMAZING read from Lauren Layne.
I really enjoyed the first book, and was over the moon I got an ARC for the second one - THANK YOU!!!
This is such a great enemies -> lovers story. The attraction between Matt and Sabrina in the first book was so intriguing that I couldn't wait to get my grabby hands on this book. In Hot Asset we see Matt treat Sabrina like the little boy on the playground, who pulls his crush's pigtails so to speak - classic bully-flirting.
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Their chemistry was undeniable and the way their story unfolded was a treat to watch. This book exceeded my expectations on how much I thought I was going to like it. Which is a good thing! You Lauren Layne have gained a reader-for-life! You hooked me with Hot Asset and gained a Grade-A Fan-Girl Stalker with Hard Sell ;)

I liked this one so much better than the first one in the series! I disliked the first one enough that I hesitated to request this one, but my love for Lauren Layne won out and I'm glad it did. I really liked Matt and Sabrina and was delighted with their happily ever after. Here's hoping that Kate and Kennedy's story comes next!

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)!

Matt Cannon is a numbers geek with a hot body, one of the Wolfes of Wall Street investment managers he is filthy rich and living the good life until his cousin's bachelor party in Vegas is caught on camera and suddenly the Wall Street Journal has pictures of him with a lap dancer and allegations of drug taking. Suddenly Matt needs a fake girlfriend to reassure clients that he is trustworthy and they can let him look after their money. The trouble is, the only girls that would fit the bill are either (a) totally unsuitable, would make Matt look even worse and would probably blab about the fiction the first chance they got, or (b) likely to take the opportunity to try to put a ring on it. In fact, the only person who could possibly pull it off is Matt's enemy with benefits Sabrina Cross. She's got the looks, she's got the brains, she's even got the connections - the only question is, will they kill each other first?
I don't like to be mean, especially to a writer who has written some of my favourite romances but I have to say I feel that Lauren Layne dialled this one in. All the passion and the angst happens off stage, I'm still not entirely sure I understand what happened between Matt and Sabrina in the past to make them such enemies, or rather I understand why she was unhappy, I just don't understand why he said what he did. I didn't get any of that unrequited love turned to hate anguish that I would expect from this kind of plot and frankly at times it just felt like a tick list of things that rich people do: brunch? Tick. Cocktails? Tick. Charity ball? Tick? Weekend away in somewhere expensive? Tick. Pretty woman style shopping trip? Tick.
This is said with love, Lauren Layne think about whether a new reader would pick this book up and understand the past history between these two, would have heard the barbed comments, felt the sparks, seen the antagonism. My honest guess is not. This is a common error, authors write a series of separate romances as a single extended story, the reader has to read all the books in order to 'see' the backstory, otherwise the novel is just a little bit meh. I thought this was especially disappointing because I loved the first book in the series so much and had such high expectations for this one. Is it just second book doldrums or is it LL's relentless schedule of book releases causing her to just churn books out without suitable regard to character, plot and human interest?
However, I am judging LL from a very high level, the writing is still engaging and flows effortlessly. The characters are all clever and good-looking, the situations are glamorous and sexy, there's a super-cute dog. For an unknown (to me) writer this would have been at least four stars. I just expect more from LL.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

These Wolves of Wallstreet are hot, funny and a cast of characters I would love to hang out with.
Matt Cannon has a public image crisis and must call in Ian's friend Sabrina for help. The trouble is, Matt and Sabrina have extreme chemistry and a past that tilted their relationship on it's axis! When Sabrina agrees to help Matt clean his image by posing as his serious girlfriend it's under the guise that they each know there is no way they would have true feelings! Well that's a hard one to sell because they each have strong feelings and huge chemistry with one another.
Sabrina has a past that she is ashamed of and has scarred her from any long term relationships. Matt has his own brand of crazy with his parents and he too has no interest in a proposed happily ever after. When they work to convince others of their relationship it becomes easier each time, but how will they ever go back if they allow the other in? When the gig is up- what then? Can they say good-bye yet hang in the same inner circles?
This one is bringing the bachelor to his knees with a strong sexy woman. But on the other hand- the woman is brought to her knees as well as a happy ever after is the farthest thing from her mind- until MATT!

Super cute read, I loved Matt and Sabrina, their banter was awesome but I also loved how they let themselves be vulnerable when it mattered most. I had been looking forward to this story and it didn’t disappoint.