Hard Sell by Lauren Layne is book Two in the 21 Wall Street series. This is the story of Matt Cannon and Sabrina Cross. I have read the previous book, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Matt is one of the youngest brokers on Wall Street and at Wolfe Investments. So his parting ways ends up getting him in trouble and he needs to show a persona of a settled down young man. This leads him to Sabrina who they have had a hot and volatile encounters...but he needs her. Sabrina is the one person that has a knack for fixing the unfix-able situations. Sabrina agrees to help him but he has to keep his hands to himself....yeah that gonna be a problem.
Great hot read!

5 'Love negotiations' Stars!
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Can I just say, once again, that I am addicted to Lauren Layne's novels? Yes, I seem a broken record because I keep loving everything this woman writes. Yes, she did it again. I rated Hot Asset, the first in this series, with 5 stars also. So as you can see, I enjoyed Hard Sell just as much. An amazing frenemies-to-lovers romance that made me laugh, swoon and feel all the emotions. I thought Matt and Sabrina had something amazing going on when I first read about them and I am so glad I wasn't wrong.

So, Hard Sell is the second installment in the 21 Wall Street series by Lauren Layne and this time the story is focused on Matt Cannon and Sabrina Cross. Matt is the youngest in the three sexy suits we have in the series, he is very successful and he kind of messed up his reputation with news on a crazy night in Las Vegas. Who is about to rescue him and help him restore his image faking to be a loving girlfriend? His frenemy Sabrina, of course. This two have a weird, full of sexual tension relationship. And that gets even more tense when Sabrina imposes a "no hook-ups" rule. But no one is able to fight against explosive chemistry, right? Even more.. against love?

Matt’s entire life is a game. So is mine.
Only this one we’re playing together, which makes it all the more dangerous.

As with everything between us, though, sex is a war, and Matt’s determined to win this battle.

I ADORED EVERY SINGLE WORD IN THIS BOOK. Yes, I am shouting it all over the place. I don't know how Lauren does it but the majority of her books just click with me and my tastes in light romance. I love having a great list of characters, I love an entertaining storyline, I love a couple that tries to fight against feelings and isn't able to and I love a good dose of sexiness and emotions. Hard Sell has everything I just mentioned. Sabrina and Matt have this very especial connection. A connection that works oh-so-well. There is not an ounce of hate between them but there surely are lots of other feelings in the mix. And I loved every single moment of them in this love story. These two are burning hot and simply fantastic together. And their ending.. GAH! I am still swooning and melting!

The way he makes me feel has always made me want to run.
But not anymore. Now I want to... stay.

Therefore, I am rating Hard Sell with 5 STARS because Lauren just keeps surprising me with the creation of all these outstanding couples and their love stories. I am a fan of the whole 21 Wall Street crew and Sabrina and Matt did not disappoint with their story. I am just a huge fan of light romance but full with great characters, friendship, love and sexiness. I loved this couple and the development of their story, I loved their chemistry and their HEA. And I cannot wait to read the third book too (Kennedy and Kate, oh yeah!). Again, highly recommend!

This is the first book I have read by Lauren Layne and after seeing her writing style in Hard Sell, I definitely will be looking for more of her books. WOW, Eloquent, Tremendous, Magnificent; these all describe the storyline and plot for Hard Sell & 21 Wall Street Series. Matt & Sabrina have the hottest chemistry coming through the pages of this read, you can feel the sizzle through your Kindle! For most of the book, Matt & Sabrina banter back & forth and its humorous but fits their characters so well. Plus it doesn't hurt that their witty & snarky yet amusing banter is what makes it so hot between these two, the best makeup sex EVER. However, these two are not made for, nor looking for a HEA, neither believing in love & marriage so their hot & cold friends with benefits arrangement works. What happens when the friends with benefit arrangement no longer works because they opened up to each other, without the smokescreen of their banter? The decide to walk away, can they both figure out what they want out of relationship before its too late? Can they go from their love/hate friends with benefits arrangement that worked to something more? Can Matt get over his fears to consider love & marriage? Can Sabrina? Matt & Sabrina are two well-rounded & developed characters. Lauren Layne did an absolutely wonderful job conveying through her words the feelings of lust, hurt, betrayal, love making Hard Sell a must have for every Kindle library. Can not stress enough, Hard Sell is not only recommended but definitely worthy of the one-click! Amazing Job Lauren Layne but please bring your readers Kennedy's story!!
I am voluntarily leaving this voluntary review, but for full disclosure I did receive a review copy, ARC, of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

I loved this!

This time it’s the turn of Matt and Sabrina. I loved these two from the first book, so I loved hearing their story here. They have a hate-love kinda relationship, and it was such a delight to see them turn to more.

I loved Sabrina, she was such a badass, I totally wanted to be her friend. And I adored her even more after she shared her background, no wonder she was so close off. :-( I really enjoyed seeing her opening up to Matt and to new friends as well, she absolutely deserved this new family.

Matt was a fun character, he was in such deep trouble, lol. I could see ehy, even though he wasn’t a bad, it just looked bad. I loved his relationship with Sabrina, their banter, their passion. Oh, the tension. I loved that he gave her a safe place for her to finally open up.

Much like the first in the series, this was super fun and I can’t wait for Kennedy!

*Thank you to the author for providing a copy for which I’m giving my honest opinion*

When playboy Matt Cannon, is told by his employers to clean up his act and get a real girlfriend, the only person he can turn to is Sabrina. Too bad for him, Sabrina Cross can't stand him (or stop thinking about him), so when these two are forced to pretend date, the sparks ignite!
Lauren Layne is one of the best writers of Enemies To Lovers, and she definitely doesn't disappoint with this one!

Hard Sell was an even better read than Hot Asset. I absolutely love the enemies to lovers troupe. They make the best reads, because they are at each other throats and something happens they are in love. Hard Sell is a fantastic read, because Matt and Sabrina aren't really friends, but have mutual friends. Plus, they have a history, which gives them issues to start off with. So, we have enemy to lovers, and pretend relationship. Talk about the best of both worlds.

Basically, the blurb talks about Matt and he has no trouble finding women, but he has a scandal that makes the Sam's question if they should keep him. Now Matt needs to find someone that can fix his image, and he knows the perfect person, Sabrina. Sabrina is known as the best fixer, and she's doing this favor for a friend, not because Matt asked. At first it's a bit rough, I mean they have an interesting relationship. Suddenly lines start to cross and it definitely gets interesting.

Hard Sell was pure joy to read. I had a fun time watching these two avoid tearing each other apart and slowly realize they are perfect for one another. I can't wait for Kennedy and Katie's story. Now that should be another good one to read. If you love that fake relationship, and enemies to lovers read you will have found a winner with Matt and Sabrina in Hard Sell.

Copy provided by Montlake via NetGalley

Laugh out loud funny...Romantic...One of the best books I have ever read from Lauren Layne. Matt Conner is a boy genius on Wall Street but he stepped in it this time. Being ordered by his bosses to find a girlfriend and show that he is a stable, reliable individual he turns to the one person that like him doesn't believe in relationships Sabrina Cross.
Through the years that they have had enemies with benefits relationship, there is nothing that could wrong with this plan...until the started spending time together.
This is an incredible read I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

The chemistry in this book was absolutely intense! It's been a bit since I've read anything Lauren Layne and I have to say I finished Hard Sell in about a 12 hour time frame. It was a book that I didn't want to put down! The book was funny, emotional, sassy and HOT! I loved the relationship that Matt and Sabrina had. They could joke with one another, put each other down, be absolutely rude to one another, yet in the end they still wanted each other so bad. I don't like doing reviews that tells what's going on in the book and I don't like reading those types of reviews either. I don't want to know the plot of the book. I can read that kind of thing on the back of the book in the blurb/synopsis. Apparently this is book #2 in the 21 Wall Street Series, but I haven't read the first one & honestly, I didn't feel like I missed out on anything by reading book 2 first! I will be going back to get the first one though!

Another fun and fabulous story from the amazing LL! This is the second story in her new 21 Wall Street series. I was super excited about this one because I fell in love with Sabrina and Matt in the first story and couldn't wait to see how these two would over come their hostilities, not to mention, the ridiculous amount of sexual tension between the two. It was so great to get into their back story to find out what the hell caused the bickering, as well as to find out why they were each so averse to fairy-tale love. I just loved Sabrina and seeing her growth in this story was inspiring. The story had a cute concept and I liked that it wasn't really an enemies to lovers story - at the heart of it, they were friends who cared for each other but couldn't get out of their own respective ways to be happy. If I could choose a book character to be bff with, it would be Sabrina Cross. This book has a lot of heart, as well as the classic humor and sexiness of an LL story. Well done and I am on pins and needles waiting for Kennedy's story...now that one is going to be something special!!

Hard Sell was a quickly devoured entertaining and sweet romance that I adored.

Matt finds himself in hot water with his bosses after a weekend in Vegas becomes newsworthy. He’s know having to do some serious damage control and hired Sabrina to help his image by posing as his girlfriend.

These two have a frenemy type relationship and their heated exchanges are entertaining as hell. The sexual tension you can pretty much cut with a knife at certain moments. Both of them had backgrounds and a childhood that made me want to see these two find that HEA preferably of course with one another.

Of course as this is a series we also get to see Ian and Lara from the first book and Kate and Kennedy from the next book which I can’t wait for.

A great read I can’t wait for more

An amazing book. Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Matt and Sabrina stole my attention from when they lobbed insults at each other in “Hot Asset.” They got me wondering what had happened in the past as clearly there were STORY to tell there! “Hard Sell” is peeling it one layer at a time for us to enjoy. Once again Lauren Layne brought out a riveting tale of two star-crossed and misunderstood souls in this second entry to “21 Wall Street” series.

Still told in the same style as the first book - alternate first person’s POVs in present tense - the book gave more insight on who Matt Cannon and Sabrina Cross were and what made them tick. Following in Ian’s footsteps, Matt got entangled in an overblown scandal that jeopardize his work. Hence, the need for Sabrina helping to pose as girlfriend to restore his good image. Not a very original idea, perhaps. But I just loved the word-sparing these two had throughout the book. The other guys also made a come back and spice-up the situation with their appearance; even hinted at what to expect for the next story in the series.

For a fake-relationship, enemies-to-lovers slash enemies-with-benefit I thought the story was rather impressive in the way the background or MC’s deepest secrets revealed. Considering the off page animosity the pair got going and their hinted history, it’s safe to say the romance is not instant at all. It was attraction-at-first-sight gone horribly horribly wrong that need years and fate’s intervention to blossom.

One thing that I really have to applaud about “Hard Sell” is the people involved weren’t stupid. That it’s not easy to sell the fake relationship story to Matt’s superiors to me made this all the more believable. That saying, I was rather mystified by a certain potential client that seemed all knowing and went all out to prove whatever the heck they did and just manage to annoy me! (I mean, there is knowing and there is knowing... what, like they were spook or something??).

Having said that, I’m happy that, relationship goal achievement aside, this book doesn’t try to fix every single thing on our MCs’ life. There’s stuff they just had to live with and made the most of. “Hard Sell” is another win from Lauren Layne and I just can’t wait for the next installment to be released.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Everything about Lauren Layne's writing is my favorite, so I was excited to know we were getting Matt's story! This book was just what I needed to get out of my book funk. It was funny and sweet, but it also had me questioning what Matt and Sabrina were thinking! We met both Matt and Sabrina in book 1 of the series, and I was surprised to see both of their names on this one! Neither of them believe in love, marriage or the happily ever after part, so watching these two was so much fun. They hate either, or so they claim, and when Matt needs Sabrina's help to clean up his image, you're dying at how they interact, yet try to resist how they truly feel.

I loved everything about Matt and Sabrina's story. It can be read as a standalone, but if you want some laughs, reading book one is an amazing idea.

Just when I think I can't love Lauren Layne's writing more, Matt and Sabrina come into my life. This is so much more than an enemies to lovers tale. Their obvious respect and care they have for each other is immediately obvious, as well as their chemistry. Their sharp banter make them so much fun to read about and the story flow quickly and easily. This is a rom-com at its finest and a must read for any romance lover.

Enemies to Lovers.....Matt and Sabrina’s story was perfectly executed. They had quick and sassy banter, good friends who supported and loved them, and an intense connection that neither had ever really voiced to one another. It was a perfect little storm.

These enemies are perfect for another. While Sabrina is the fixer of New York, Matt is a Wall Street phenome. Each have a connection through Ian, Matt’s best friend and well as Sabrina’s best friend. When Matt gets himself into a bit of trouble with his reputation, the only logical course of action is to ask Sabrina to help fix it. While they have a love/hate relationship, they also have a lot of baggage to why they are enemies. So when Sabrina agrees to be Matt’s “fake” girlfriend while he rebuilds his tarnished reputation, feelings are not “suppose” on the table. But when “faking a connection” can they keep their “real connection” from surfacing? While neither wants or believes in love and marriage, pretending to have someone makes for trouble. It’s volatile, it’s sassy, it’s sexy and it makes for fireworks for Sabrina and Matt. Watching their feelings go through trepidation, turmoil, happiness and love was very smile-worthy.

The second book in the Wall Street series brought the gang all together again. It also showed how Sabrina, Lara and Kate have forged a great bond within the Wall Street series. When you have great girlfriends, you can get through anything and I loved seeing these girls friendship really blossom. These group of friends are real and genuine and you would definitely want to hang out with them all. I’m really looking forward to the last book in the series and seeing how things would out for Kennedy and Kate.

For enemies to lovers romance readers, this book is a winner!!

Matt Cannon and Sabrina Cross are delightfully, deliciously combustible. When I first encountered them in Lauren Layne’s Hot Asset, I knew that despite the digs they were throwing at each other’s expense, their romance was coming and it was going to be glorious. I was right, people, and now I have the urge to pull an Oprah and declare us all winners because everything about their romance in Hard Sell is. so. good.

I’m a Lauren Layne devotee, and here’s why: she knows how to write a really, really great HEA. Imagine you get a present, and it’s covered in really expensive wrapping paper and tied in twine with a sprig or two of a plant tucked inside for good measure. Holding it makes you feel happy because someone took the time to give you something beautiful.

That’s how I feel reading a Lauren Layne book. Everything’s there: the solid characterization, the deftly explored conflict, the wondrous ending, and it’s all packaged in a marvelous way and topped with extras like banter, weekend brunch, and beloved friends who help the romance along by intervening and keeping their mouths shut when necessary.

Take Hard Sell, which is one of my favorite Layne books already. Matt Cannon, a Wall Street wunderkind, faces losing his job after a Wall Street Journal reporter writes about a wild bachelorette party he attended in Vegas. He didn’t do anything illegal but members of his party did, and as his bosses point out, what people think matters. Their solution is for him to give the appearance of settling down, and the easiest way to do that is to find a temporary girlfriend.

Matt’s solution is to hire Sabrina Cross, a fixer and best friend to his best friend. They’ve known each other—and pretty much despised each other—for four years. But for all that, they’re also blisteringly attracted to one another. Sabrina could say no to Matt’s question—after all, she’s not sure that it’s a good idea for two such combustible people to play pretend romance. But for all their fighting and arguing, they’re not complete enemies. He needs her help, she’ll get paid for her services, and she thinks that maybe, just maybe, pretending will allow them to get over the attraction and also resentment.

Good luck with that.

Layne always does an excellent job of making you feel like you know her characters, but in this book, she’s truly exceptional. Matt and Sabrina are both smooth-talking sophisticates—they know how to make friends and work a room—but Layne subtly shows us their vulnerabilities and deepest longings and how those might be at odds with what they so easily say. Most precious of all is when these characters open up to one another...but even if they do start to get along, is that enough for them to risk it all and try commitment?

Layne is at the top of her game with this one. (That’s the extent of my sports analogies, I’m afraid). If you’re looking for a book to give you the happy sighs and the feeling that love triumphs all, check this one out. It will not disappoint.

Like this one? The Naptime Writer also recommends: any other Lauren Layne book. You can go back to Hot Asset, the first in the 21 Wall Street series, or read Layne's much loved Walk of Shame (a standalone). Other options include Kate Meader’s Down with Love and Christina Lauren's Beautiful Player, for more smooth-talking sophisticates.
**I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley but all opinions included are my own.

I loved this read so much I devoured it within the day, I couldn’t get enough of these two and they gave me butterflies!

Something happened between Sabrina Cross and Matt Cannon 4 years ago which made them enemies, enemies with benefits that is!
After a wall street journal scandal, Matt is forced to clean up his act and is given an ultimatum by his top bosses. He needs a girlfriend, a fake one and someone who know the rules when it comes to love and relationships, someone not wanting that and no one fits the job better than Sabrina Cross but she hates him!

I was completely engrossed by this story, I loved Sabrina and Matt, their chemistry was so intense, there’s a constant spark between them that once ignited there’s not just flames, it explodes!
I enjoyed the previous book, Hot Asset but for me, Lauren has totally smashed it with Hard Sell it gave me all the feels and Matt Cannon has definitely overtook Ian!

I cannot wait for Kennedy and Kate’s story but they’ve got a tough act to follow! 

I really enjoyed this book. I love the fake girlfriend and boyfriend trope.
It was easy to get hooked on Matt and Sabrina's story. The banter, fights and bickering are were fun to read. I was laughing and the next think I knew I was saddened by the how words can hurt. At times Matt need to be slapped across his face . But then the next thing I knew I was feeling sorry for him. He really was crazy about Sabrina, If only he would realize how much he really cares.
I've been wanting Sabrina's story since the last book. She is strong and smart. When she realized she is falling for Matt, she realizes this fake girlfriend and boyfriend isn't enough. Their chemistry is hot. This was a quick read and looking forward to book 3. Can be red as a standalone.

As I finished this book, I realized that I have grown to love Lauren Layne’s books more and more. I have been reading her for quite awhile now, but at least to me, her writing has gotten stronger. Hard Sell was a joy to read. I had read the first book, Hot Asset, but will say i think i loved this story even more. It is a frenemies to lovers story with Matt, who is one of the Wall Street Hotties, and Sabrina, a self employed, confident woman. They have known each other for years, and have hooked up more than once, but when Matt needs Sabrina’s help, this story becomes so much more. A great contemporary romance and I am looking forward to the third book in this series.

4.25 STARS

In this second installment to Lauren Layne’s 21 Wall Street series, the author aims her cupid’s arrow in the direction of “frenemies” Matt Cannon & Sabrina Cross. Despite this couple’s tumultuous relationship outside of the bedroom, time and again, they cave to temptation and dive frantically between the sheets. And each time they do, sparks fly, and their connection only intensifies.

When Wall Street’s youngest wonder boy, Matt Cannon, becomes the latest media fodder, he seeks out PR extraordinaire, Sabrina Cross, to help clean up his bad boy image in hopes of saving his job. Posing as Matt's girlfriend, Sabrina and Matt set out to execute her well-honed plan. But when the line between pretense and reality starts to blur, both Matt and Sabrina struggle to keep their heads in the game while keeping their hearts in check.

Fun, witty, and sizzling hot, “Hard Sell” is yet another winner in a long line of successful novels by romance guru, Lauren Layne. It’s a quick, light read that makes a perfect bedtime companion.