Hard Sell reminds me exactly why Lauren Layne is one of my all-time-favorite authors. The characters are compelling and interesting, the story is smart, entertaining and heartfelt, and the writing is intelligent and engaging. Sabrina and Matt have annoyed each other and lusted after each other for years, and they have settled into a frenemies-with-benefits relationship. When Matt needs a fake girlfriend to quiet the rumors that he’s an out-of-control playboy, he knows Sabrina is the perfect candidate due to her expertise in fixing problems for high-profile people. She agrees to help him, but neither imagined the experience would push them see each other — and themselves — in a new, unvarnished light. Their layers are peeled back, their hearts are exposed, and love pushes its way in. Hard Sell is an effortlessly chic, hopelessly romantic, seriously sexy and exceptionally entertaining romance that truly stands out.

Frenemies to Loves! Matt and Sabrina leapt off the pages of Hot Asset, book one of the 21 Wall Street series, with their razor sharp back and forth digs, almost guaranteeing their story would be full of sparks and Lauren Layne did NOT disappoint! Hard Sell is one of the best books I’ve read this year in part because of the snappy banter but more so because it combines the enemies to lovers trope and the friends to lovers trope so beautifully. Matt made a horrible mistake when he and Sabrina first met, making them enemies, but as four years has past they’ve also become a type of friends and now they are faking a relationship, or are they? The truth, all the messy emotions, the adorable dog, the group of noisy friends, and one billionaire all conspire to show Matt and Sabrina that those sexy time sparks are more than just that. Seriously one of Layne’s best and one of 2018’s too!

This was the second book in the series, and I enjoyed it a little more than the first!

Matt Cannon is a boy wonder, or at least he used to be. He's always done things faster than his peers. He graduated high school at 16, college at 19, and started working for one of the best firms on Wall Street at 22. Now, he's 28, and he's basically got everything he ever wanted. But, at a bachelor party in Las Vegas, he gets photographed in a compromising position, and his bosses and clients get nervous about how he's living his life. He thinks it's a bunch of garbage, but he needs help to fix it, fast. He needs a fake girlfriend to show he's settled down. Who better to pretend to be his girlfriend than the one woman who can't stand him, and will have zero chance of actually falling for him, Sabrina Cross.

Sabrina is a PR genius and general "fixer". She grew up in Philly with Ian, the hero from book 1, and they are still best friends. So, she's known Matt for years, but they have a very interesting history. They antagonize each other constantly, and they get under each other's skin. They are also wildly attracted to each other, which doesn't help matters. But, when Matt asks for her help, she agrees. Why? She's not quite sure yet, but she hopes she'll figure it out before things get too out of hand.

Matt and Sabrina had chemistry off the charts, but they were fighting it constantly, for a variety of reasons, many of which were valid. Some though, I found to be a bit of a cop out, and that bothered me. Neither main character seemed to be overly self aware, and that led to all sorts of issues, that could have easily been avoided otherwise, in my opinion. This was a scenario where I wished the characters had been more honest with THEMSELVES, much less with each other. But, I did enjoy their obviously strong connection, and I liked how they were with each other, and how different it was from how they were with everyone else. It was important for them to realize that difference, and what it meant, and I was relieved when some of that started breaking through.

Both Matt and Sabrina had difficult childhoods, in wildly different ways, but that manifested itself in a similar commitment avoidance issues, and a general lack of want of, or success in, romantic relationships. They both had to come to terms with their myriad issues before they had a chance together, and I wasn't 100% sure they could do it, which kept me on my toes a bit.

I enjoyed seeing all the same side characters again here, as in book 1. I'm of course intrigued by the third best friend at the firm, Kennedy, and the boys' shared assistant, Kate. There is clearly some seemingly unrequited attraction on Kate's side, and I'm curious to finally see things from their POVs.

ahhhh i love lauren layne's books! while i liked Hot Asset a lot, it wasn't my absolute favourite of hers so i was a bit nervous about this one.. needn't have worried, silly me, it's LL! of course I loved it! Matt was more likable to me than Ian - not that i didn't like Ian, i just clicked with this story and characters immediately, you know? I love a good enemies to lovers, but this was like frenemies-with-benefits to lovers which was interesting to say the least. as always with LL, fairly short book and it packs a lot in! i do wish we'd gotten just a wee bit more of the background of the 'with benefits' part of their relationship, it's mentioned a couple of times but i wouldn't have minded more. but i loved what we did see, getting both their POVs, both their backgrounds and reasons for not being into relationships, watching them both come to understand their feelings.. sold. the ending was so adorable. so, another hit from LL! i will read anything and everything she writes. adorable, funny, sexy, strong characters, fast paced and well written - every time. i am SO curious about kennedy and kate. GIMMIE.

4 Stars!

Lauren Layne is a new to me author and (holy moly!)I can’t wait to read more from her! This book was a great mixture of so much; it was funny and steamy and a little angsty.

Matt is wizard with numbers, who is cocky and strictly opposed to relationships. A wild Vegas weekend leads to a scandalous front page that shows Matt in an interesting situation with a woman that makes the partners of his job and his clients very nervous.

Sabrina is the ‘Queen Fixer Upper;’ known around town as the woman to know to help you out of sticky situations of you can pay her hefty price.

Matt and Sabrina had a rough introduction months before the story starts so there is a lot of tension between them. This was an amazing enemies to lovers story.

I loved that we got to get some background on each of them that explains why they view relationships and each other the way they do. I was so pleasantly pleased with this author and Hard Sell. The story had an incredible ending and the cover is super hot.

Lauren Layne and her Wall Street series is full of drama, sex and men denying they believe in love. We have the strong, ball busting, live wikipedia of everything happening in Wall Street Sabrina Cross in one corner. Then we have Matt Cannon, who is fighting to keep his career intact needing the one woman he cannot have. Matt promised her everything in one night of passion, only one to break through her walls and now she is confused. Lauren Layne sure knows how to keep her readers entertained loved seeing them squabble and Matt in the hot seat. They are perfect for each other in a way that they make each other stronger and in for the endless possibilities. You cannot go wrong when it comes to love, drama and hello happily ever after by Lauren Layne.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

Is there anything that Lauren Layne can't write? I mean seriously! I was a little nervous reading this series because I knew it was going to be different than what I'm used to reading for her, trust me, this different is a good thing. Lauren blew the story out of the water, it is sexy, it's full of sass, and definitely not short on the complications a good romance has.

Matt and Sabrina aren't really friends and they aren't really enemies, they are just Matt and Sabrina. They've known each other for years. Matt finds himself in a tough spot and needs Sabrina's help. Working in PR she's used to cleaning up messes but pretending to be in a relationship with Matt is something completely different. Can these two people completely against falling in love make it through a fake committed relationship without actually falling for each other?

Hard Sell is the second book in the 21 Wall Street series, but don't worry if you haven't read book one yet you can still enjoy this one.

This is easily the best frenemies-to-lovers book that I have read in a long time. Matt and Sabrina are both strong-willed, independent people who are determined to succeed in a city thriving with business that love to watch people fail.

Fake-romance-turned-real romance is a favorite trope of mine. Don’t ask me why. But Matt and Sabrina’s romance felt real from the beginning. And the hired fake romance feels like it could be a reality more often than not on Wall Street—where reputation is everything.

And Matt and Sabrina both know that they need to heal themselves from the inside out, despite the fact that they are both admittedly broken in the love department. But, hey. Aren’t we all?

I LOVED, thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced frenemies to lover story.
Hard Sell is the 2nd book (read as a standalone) in the 21 Wall Street series. The 1st book I've read from this author and won't be the last.
Matt Cannon is a young superstar known as the "human calculator" on Wall Street entrusted to manage the wealthy's monies - millions, billions, trillions. He attends a bachelor party in Vegas, scandalous pictures are taken and exposed in the WSJ for all to see. His reputation and job are at risk. A remedy is issued by his bosses. Sabrina Cross is a contractual consultant, a "fixer" of situations. Their first meeting leaves one hurt as words are exchanged. Matt and Sabrina have since crossed paths on many occasions as they can't seem to stay away from each other. Both are relationship averse.
Life experiences leads to self protection. A story of character.
"The person with the power to destroy you can also be the one to lift you up."

Unique Frenemies to lovers romance

I loved Lauren Layne's second installment of the 21 Wall Street series. Hard Sell pairs Matt and Sabrina, the Sparks they fly between them are electrifying. I enjoyed watching the journey they took to their HEA and the emotional changes they each underwent that made it possible.
I received an advance reader copy.

I am a sucker for enemies to lovers and fake relationship tropes and Lauren Layne combines both of those so wonderfully in this book. Matt Cannon is a Wall Street bigwig who gets into some trouble after pictures surface from a bachelor party he attended in Vegas. In order to spruce up his public image and convince his clients that he can still be trusted with their money, he hires Olivia Pope-esque Sabrina Cross to be his fake girlfriend. Sabrina is not just some random fixer, they have a history together. They hate each other but can't seem to stay away from each other at the same time. Their bantering is layered with delicious tension and it kept me hooked on the story. The slow-burn is here as well as you can clearly tell that these characters have more than just a mutual dislike for one another. I have to admit that I didn't enjoy the first book of the 21 Wall Street series but I am glad I didn't let that deter me from reading this story and I can't wait to continue with Kate and Kennedy's book next!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wolfe & Wolfe is coming fresh off a scandal with one of their most profitable and visible brokers so when Matt is photographed getting lap dances, drinking, and with people using drugs at a bachelor party in Vegas, his bosses give him an ultimatum: get a girlfriend or get another job.

This book ticks all my favorite trope boxes: enemies-to-lovers (but also they're kinda friends), fake relationship, and second chance. Sabrina has been friends with Ian since they were children. When she met Matt, it seemed like there could be something but after one stupid statement, she moves on and crushes him at every opportunity. I couldn't have loved Sabrina more. She's like the New York version of Olivia Pope and she's funny. The progression of their relationship kept me glued to my kindle. Once I started this book, I couldn't stop until I was finished. I can't wait for the next book in this series!!!!

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

I really enjoyed Hard Sell! The second book in the 21 Wall Street series is a fast paced, fun and entertaining "frienemies-to-lovers"/fake relationship rom com with Lauren Layne's typical humor, sass and natural charm.

Sabrina Cross and Matthew Cannon's chemistry is great. Whether they were bickering or falling in love, their connection shined. I enjoyed the characters individually just as much as them together. Matthew's charisma and his confident swagger may be my favorite thing about him. Confidence is always sexy. Even when he gets into trouble you know he's genuinely a good guy. As for Sabrina, she was my star. I love a strong female character and Sabrina is as strong as they come. Her determination and strong will are what I admire the most. She's had to overcome a lot to get to where she is now - a tough and successful PR woman.

Hard Sell is definitely worth a pick up. Lauren Layne words are so effortless and easy. Every time I finish a Lauren Layne book, I think to myself "I need to read more from this author immediately!" I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Kennedy...yes please!!

After the highly polished and incredibility enjoyable beginning to the 21 Wall Street trilogy with Ian and Lara in Hot Asset. I've been looking forward to continuing the series featuring the second of the sexy trio of financial wolves.

Enemies to lovers, Nah! More like frenemies! Sabrina Cross and Matt Cannon have a history of hooking-up occasionally...they are part of the same social circle and Ian Bradley is Sabrina's best friend. So when The Sam's tell Matt to clean-up is reputation after his escapades in Vegas follow him home, Ian and Kennedy pursued Matt to ask Sabrina for help. After all, she is a fixer. Only neither of them, who detest each other realise a fine line exists between love and hate as the pair embarks on a fake relationship.

This was a fun novel to read. Matt and Sabrina may have thought they'd fooled everyone with their extreme dislike for one another, however, the only ones they are fooling are themselves. Their fake relationship works a charm and a complete PR success. Only everyone sees past their fake fascade even though neither are interested in anything more than a temporary arrangement until unexpected feelings creep in and change everything.

The path to true love is never easy, but for the protagonists to finally move forward with their relationship, misunderstands from the past need rectifying first. The Manhattan backdrop is gorgeous and exclusive, however, the deep routed negative feelings they both share are not. Despite the electrifying chemistry crackling between them, it isn't until they admit to themselves and each other that they want what their friends have, can they try to move on...together.

The narrative's glued together with witty and intelligent dialogue befitting the executive ensemble of characters. I've loved following both Ian and Matt on their journeys' to a 'happy ever after' but must admit I'm thrilled we'll get Kennedy's too. As a fan of LL's novels, I'm anticipating this one like I did for Lincoln Mathis in Oxford #3 and I can't wait.

***arc received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

I really enjoyed this book! It made me want to read the first one, since I hadn’t yet, even though you don’t need to. I just liked all the characters so much, I want all their stories!! Wonderfully written and well done. Story flowed nicely and made me want to keep turning pages. My first book by Lauren but not my last.

I received this copy in exchange for an honest review.

We met Matt and Sabrina in book one and I really was very curious abut their past. They are both attractive, hard working, intelligent (even genius) people and... they don't believe in love.
They fight about everything....you can say that there is hate between them, but at the same time they are attracted to each other. One day, they decided to have fake relationship... and then all the fun begin.
It was cute, smart and funny reading. Sexy scene were hot
I think book one was little better. but still... this is L.Layne and another good story from her.

Now, I'm so ready for book 3!

Hard Sell is a frenemies to lovers romance. I had a blast reading it. I love the world of New York that Lauren Layne has created. Friendship is a big theme in this book. I always love when there are actually other relationships in a story than just the one between the main couple. Speaking of main characters, I really adored these two. They were both a little damaged, but really wanting the happiness of love deep down. This is the second book in the stand-alone series. You don’t have to read the first book, but I think you will enjoy the friendships more of you do. I cannot wait until I get to spend more time with this gang in the next book.



I voluntarily read an early copy.

Who doesn't love a good frenemies to lovers story? Especially if it's written by Lauren Layne, who always gives great banter. When I read the description of this book, I got the feeling that it would be similar to Walk of Shame, one of my favorites by the author. So, in spite of the fact that I hadn't read the first book in the series, I grabbed it. I'm happy to report that yes, it works perfectly well as a standalone (although I have every intention now of going back and reading the first book), yes, it does have the same vibe as Walk of Shame, and extra bonus, Georgie, the heroine of that book, makes a cameo in this one! She's a friend of Sabrina, our heroine, who is also best friends with Ian, the hero from Hot Asset, book 1 in the series. Consequently, she also knows Matt, Ian's work partner, and unbeknownst to all of their friends, they've been occasionally hooking up over the last 4 years, even though on the surface they do nothing but snipe at each other.

When an incident at a bachelor's party in Las Vegas goes viral, Matt gets into hot water with his Wall Street Investment firm's owners and needs a fake girlfriend to clean up his image fast. Not wanting to get into a relationship with anyone that might take him too seriously, he instead proposes to Sabrina that she fill the role. She's conflicted, but agrees. Sabrina is a "fixer" who knows everyone in NYC so she's the perfect person for this job. However, the job soon turns very personal for both of them. I loved watching the two of them spar with each other and slowly start to lower their walls and reveal their inner gooey hearts to each other. Underneath the armor, they both were kind-hearted, honorable people that made a perfect couple, even though it took them awhile to acknowledge it. This book provoked all of the feelings that I love in a good romance and I can't wait to read the other books in the series.

This was such a fantastic read. So entertaining! Lauren Layne give awesome hate-flirt in this enemies to lovers Romance that had me smiling big time. Loved it.

Swoon worth hero? Check. Strong determined heroine? Check. Major attitude and animosity? Check. Being total in denial of your feelings? Oh yeah! Matt and Sabrina were so awesome together. Their animosity and heat towards one another was off the charts and I loved being absorbed into it all. The conflict they were having made for the best one liners, great verbal sparing and sizzling chemistry. There were so many great moments between them and I just couldn’t get enough.

I loved Matt’s voice. He had great internal dialogue and I enjoyed his slightly self deprecating humor. Sabrina was great as well because while she was beautiful, smart, and strong she was also insecure. These two clash and it is ridiculously fantastic! I loved the bickering and tension. And when they explode, they explode and it is glorious!

Lauren Layne is a master with the sexy, Rom-com and I just will never get enough. I am so hooked on her delicious brand of sexy, romance that it is always a thrill to read her stories.

So get ready for some serious fun, a whole lot of sweetness, and off the charts sexy in this incredibly entertaining story. And don’t forget the hate-flirt!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hard Sell is an entertaining romantic read. This is the second book in the series and I found it a stronger read than the first.

Matt, our hero, is a slightly conceited and overly invested in his own awesomeness, but is still likable. Sabrina, our heroine, is a woman of steel wrapped up in a beautiful package and is also someone who is easy to like.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship and wanted them to live happily ever after. I liked pretty much everything about this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance novels.