4.5/5 Stars

Zoey Castile is back again with another super steamy romp that romance fans will adore. The second installment in her Happy Endings series, Hired focuses on Aiden Rios and Faith Charles as they discover each other in the beautiful city of New Orleans. While the first book, Stripped, was super enjoyable this one absolutely surpasses it in terms of writing, characters, and romance.

After messing up with his friends, Aiden, a dancer with an escort business on the side, flees to New Orleans to wallow in his mistakes. He wasn't planning on meeting Faith, a charming politician's daughter, who wants to branch out on her own. The two of them are certainly a match with serious chemistry and plenty of getting to know you time. He's super caring and she tries so hard to be what people need. Their dates were certainly epic, from swamps to serious smooching, and I couldn't get enough of them.

Castile does an exquisite job of bringing New Orleans to life especially as Faith shows Aiden the sights and sounds of this storied city. I totally felt immersed and the writing does an impeccable job of flowing from intimate moments to big revelations. This book felt a little more complex than the first one and even more fleshed out which allowed the novel to really leave it's mark.

Overall Hired was a wonderfully steamy and compelling story with characters that truly left their mark. Aiden was equal parts endearing and hot while Faith's mother-daughter relationship was instantly relatable. The romance was super intense and the side stories were just as incredible. Honestly I totally recommend both books in this series, Castile's writing just gets better and better!

Faith always feels as if she is letting her mother down, nothing seems to satisfy her and now that she’s running for Mayor of New Orleans its seems to be even easier to disappoint her. Faith just wants some escape from the presur which comes in the way of a handsome Columbian, Aiden who her friend introduces at the bar. Its so unlike Faith to give in to her urges but when it comes to Aiden she just can’t resist. Unfortunately he is hiding some secrets that could cause serious trouble. Steamy, atmospheric story. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The acknowledgments of this book say it is 90% Maluma and 10% Despacito, which coincidentally describes the makeup of my body for the past 2 years, so did I inhale this book? I did. Aiden was the most delicious man candy from the moment he stepped on the page. Columbian pretty boy? Yes, please. I'd already imagined Maluma in my mind before I realized the author was also envisioning him. That he had been a stripper and an escort were well handled, and although I was nervous throughout that his past was going to rise up to ruin the romance that was blooming, I wasn't worried about he was double-dipping, so to speak. The chemistry between Faith and Aiden is convincing and hot from the minute they lay eyes on each other, and it's very fun to watch them slowly come to recognize that they've found something more than a one-night stand in each other. Seriously hot read.

This was the first book I have read by this author and I did enjoy it. Former stripper and escort meets politicians daughter, you just know its going to be good.

I really liked Faith. I liked her humor and when she let her hair down around Aiden. There were parts that made my heart hurt for her. To live under such an microscope and to have a mother that is so cold to her. All Faith wanted was to make her family happy but it seemed that all she did was misstep. It hurt me because she was such an amazing person and so kind.

Aiden was a fun character to read. He is someone who because of his profession was suppose to be so suave with the ladies and always "on". However because you get his POV, it was interesting to see his though process and just how alone he felt. You were able to see what he thought and how sometime it was all an act.

When the two of them get together it's explosive! Aiden knows he should tell Faith about him but he clings to her lightness and goodness and sort of forgets the real world is right outside their door.

You know those books that you just can't put down? The ones that suck you in and have you reading and reading wondering what will happen and when the other shoe will drop? For me that was Zoey Castile's Hired. The whole book I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. The story was interesting and goes along smoothly enough to keep you reading, the characters were witty, the relationships developed between the characters was great. The hot and steamy scenes were just enough but not too much. Some authors have what it takes to keep you reading and others fall flat. Zoey Castile definitely has what it takes to keep you reading. Knowing that this is book 2 of a series and I have not yet read book one, let's just say I will be purchasing book 1 so I can get a little bit more of Aiden. Also has me wondering if there is a book 3 which one of the guys will be in that one! Read Hired, I promise you won't be disappointed!

Faith is a politician's daughter helping with a campaign and floating between what she feels obligated to do and what she wants to do. Aiden is a stripper/escort who never gets close enough to have a real relationship and has his own set of rules when it comes to women and sex and making sure no one gets hurt. When they meet by chance, a hook up is a definite but what about after the hookup? They'll both have to break some rules if they want more than that.

Here's the thing about this book: yes, it's a romance. But it didn't feel like every other romance novel out there. Zoey Castile is changing the game and here's why:

In between the chemistry of the characters and the incredibly hot sex, the social commentary in this book was phenomenal. It's not even in your face, and it's there hidden between the one-liners and the hard ons. But it's there. Even the back story of the characters actually added layers and dimensions and let us know WHY they are the way they are when it comes to sex and relationships. Aiden's background with his mother and father and his Tati were so interesting to learn about and then place with his personality. We got to see an immigrant family with a mother who was pregnant very young and how they had to make do. We saw a black family with successful professionals and hard working goal, orientated parents. We saw a black father who chose to stay at home with his children so his wife could reach her political goals. Honestly, it's so nice and so refreshing to see this kind of depth in a romance novel. It was still light and fun and sexy, but it was deeper than the sex and I really appreciated that.

When Aiden agonizes over contacting Faith after she tells him not to, his best friend does not do the unintelligent bro thing I see in so many romance novels. He tells him to respect her space and let her come to him. WOW. THANK YOU Zoey Castile for creating male characters who respect a woman's decision.

Honestly, if you're in it just for the sex, then yes by all means read this book. The sex is well written and Faith is absolutely in control of what she wants, which I love. But if you like a little depth with your romance, this book is definitely it.

I don't know...I feel like I should have liked this one more than I did. I was a big fan of the first book in the series, but Hired fell flat for me. It took me a really long time to become invested in the story. Aiden and Faith were both interesting characters enough on their own. I loved that they were an interracial couple and all of the different social issues the author delved into. I just didn't love their relationship until like 75% into the book. They just didn't have a big enough spark or something. I was bored too much with the majority of the book. Sad, but true. I'm still planning on reading the next book in the series because I do think the author is talented. This one just wasn't for me.

I have been waiting to read the second book after devouring Stripped in one sitting. I loved the characters and their story arch so so so much. The writing was phenomenal as always and the lush setting of New Orleans made it a visual story packed with emotion, playfulness and of course happily ever afters.

I ended up putting this book down at 62% but it's a total "it's not you, it's me" situation. The Big Secret is one of my least favorite tropes and the tension is just too much for me at the moment. I love the interracial couple and how racism, sexism, and classism are touched on. Still going to pick up the next book in the series, because of course. :)

"Hired" can be considered a stand-alone and not reading the presequel won't ruin the story at all for you. Overall the characters had great chemistry, it had a refreshing storyline and content. Definitely worth checking out

ARC received for review

Didn't know there was a first book, but I was in no way lost while reading it.

Aiden has had a hard life, but has made the best of it. He messed up with his "brothers" but in the end makes up with them. Faith's life is under a microscope due to her mother's run for Mayor. Love of course conquers all and so does lots of hot sex.

Plenty more of his "brothers" to get HEAs. I wouldn't even mind if Maribella gets a brother.

This is the second book in this series and I will suggest you start with the first book so you get to understand who is who. This was Aiden's book, and at first he seems a little cocky and sure of himself and described as gorgeous, but as we read the story he literally breaks my heart. I enjoyed his relationship with Faith, and she didn't have it as easy as it would seem to others since she is living under her mothers shadow and having to maintain a clean image. Yet when Aiden and Faith meet they give into the chemistry and attraction that they have for each other, but unfortunately they are keeping secrets and these secrets could really hurt both of them. While not telling Faith the whole truth about him and his circumstances he is falling more and more for Faith, and she with him. When some of the secrets come out you understand the outcome, but your heart is rooting for them the whole time!..It was great to read of the past characters and that Fallon and Robyn are still going strong..Enjoy!

Adrian Rios is an escort and former stripper who meets Faith, the daughter of a mayoral candidate at a hotel bar. Spark fly, secrets are withheld, and lust strikes in New Orleans over the course of two weeks.

I loved the setting of the book and both of the main characters. It was great to have the boys of Mayhem make a return from Castile’s first book, Stripped. I didn’t like this one as much, but maybe it’s because there were fewer Magic Mike moments (yes - less stripping). It’s not quite as funny in a disarming and cheerful way either and there are a several moments that feel just a bit too contrived (we all love romance for its cheesy moments but I still need it to be slightly believable!).

The second to last chapter didn’t sit right with me, but other than that, it was a fun and enjoyable romp that makes me want to drink a Hurricane with Angie the bartender.

I enjoyed the previous book in this series (Stripped), though I also thought it earned some valid criticism for its sex worker rep. I thought this one improved on all fronts. Aiden does what he does because he enjoys it and there's no shame in the actual work--not from him and not from his love interest, Faith.

I loved Faith. She's someone who's almost always done what was expected of her, who's finally busting out a little. Her complex relationship with her parents was well drawn and even painful at times. She also has a kick-ass best friend (who I hope we get to see in future books).

I haven't visited New Orleans in a long time, but I could still envision the place from the fantastic descriptions.

I was given an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Hired lived up to both the sweetness and steaminess of Stripped! Aiden is a thoughtful, romantic, sexy hero who walks the walk when it comes to respecting his partner. Of course, the foundation of this plot is built on lies and omissions, but it's not some unforgivable scenario that the heroine ends up inexplicably forgiving. Instead, the progression of the conflict to its resolution makes sense, feels natural, and doesn't diminish the characters' love story. Faith, too, is a delight, and even the characters' relationships with their friends, family, and found family go through their own mini-arcs and reach satisfying conclusions.

Zoey Castile's follow up to her 2018 debut 'Stripped' is as equally stunning, sexy, and delightful. Readers will absolutely be enthralled with Aiden and Faith's romantic journey.

Aiden Rios took a risk that didn't pay off. When offered the chance to run his own club, he abruptly leaves Mayhem City in the hope of earning more money, more acclaim, and more creative control. However, things don't pan out as expected. Aiden begins working as an escort; while he enjoys his work, it isn't where his heart his. Faith Charles has spent her life living in her mother's shadow. Her mother, a woman who has worked he way from multiple blue color jobs to become a prominent local New Orleans politician, is running for mayor. Faith works as a member of her mother's staff even though her heart is in environmental protection and conservation. Aiden and Faith serendipitously meet at a hotel bar. They intend to spend only one night together, but one night leads to another, and another, and another. Soon each finds themselves feeling much more than intended. But Aiden hasn't been forthcoming to Faith about his profession as an escort, and the identity of one of his former clients--not the fact of his profession--may end their relationship.

Both Aiden and Faith were compelling characters. I loved their banter and chemistry. 'Hired' brings back 'Stripped's affable, boisterous ensemble Mayhem City cast of characters, but this time, New Orleans provides the story's lush, romantic setting. I definitely recommend this series!

I didn’t like it quite as much as Stripped, but it’s still really good. I’m all for Zoey Castile’s romance series for sure. And i’m excited for Flashed. Pat’s enthusiasm about being on a romance cover is wonderful, and it’s a great set up for the next one.

This is Aiden and Faith book, Aiden is a one of the dancers from the first book and now is an escort! Faith is in politics to help her mother run for mayor in New Orleans! This book was just ok for me! I absolutely loved the first book but this one I'm not sure what was wrong but I just wasn't feeling it? It wasn't as just ok I'll definitely read the rest of the series as they come out! Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!