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The Bad Boys of Wall Street #1
The Price of a Promise
Their love never stood a chance...
Axel Fairchild is the eternal outsider, both in his elite MBA program and in the world of NYC finance. Powering through on charm, swagger, and smarts has always worked for him—and it’s poised to pay off in a big way as he prepares to launch his very own finance business with his brothers after graduation. There’s only one thing left on his to-do list: prying the love of his life, Cora Margulis, away from her controlling and manipulative family.
Cora loves Axel’s brash confidence and the way he turns her privileged world upside down. He’s a breath of fresh air in the stuffy, elite enclave she’s lived in her entire life. As she approaches the end of her MBA program and her father pressures her to join the ranks of their realty empire, Cora can see her escape hatch. The future beyond the luxurious world she’s always known scares her, but with Axel at her side, she knows they can create the future of their dreams— together.
But the Margulis family is famous for bending people to their will behind closed doors. The closer Axel and Cora inch to graduation, the more oppressive the pressure grows from Cora’s family to choose the right path. The only thing standing in the way of Cora and Axel’s happily-ever-after is Allan Margulis. And he won’t stop until he gets Cora in his back pocket and Axel is a ruined wreck.
Billionaires. Bad boys. Bleeding hearts. These outsiders are known as the Bad Boys of Wall Street. The Price of a Promise is the prequel to the Bad Boys of Wall Street series.
This series is best read in order, since the drama is chronological and cumulative throughout the books. Grab this steamy forbidden romance between the wealthy NYC heroine and the Kentucky boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Their love story begins in the Price of the Promise and concludes eight years later in The Price of Revenge.
Axel Fairchild is the eternal outsider, both in his elite MBA program and in the world of NYC finance. Powering through on charm, swagger, and smarts has always worked for him—and it’s poised to pay off in a big way as he prepares to launch his very own finance business with his brothers after graduation. There’s only one thing left on his to-do list: prying the love of his life, Cora Margulis, away from her controlling and manipulative family.
Cora loves Axel’s brash confidence and the way he turns her privileged world upside down. He’s a breath of fresh air in the stuffy, elite enclave she’s lived in her entire life. As she approaches the end of her MBA program and her father pressures her to join the ranks of their realty empire, Cora can see her escape hatch. The future beyond the luxurious world she’s always known scares her, but with Axel at her side, she knows they can create the future of their dreams— together.
But the Margulis family is famous for bending people to their will behind closed doors. The closer Axel and Cora inch to graduation, the more oppressive the pressure grows from Cora’s family to choose the right path. The only thing standing in the way of Cora and Axel’s happily-ever-after is Allan Margulis. And he won’t stop until he gets Cora in his back pocket and Axel is a ruined wreck.
Billionaires. Bad boys. Bleeding hearts. These outsiders are known as the Bad Boys of Wall Street. The Price of a Promise is the prequel to the Bad Boys of Wall Street series.
This series is best read in order, since the drama is chronological and cumulative throughout the books. Grab this steamy forbidden romance between the wealthy NYC heroine and the Kentucky boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Their love story begins in the Price of the Promise and concludes eight years later in The Price of Revenge.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2023
448 people are currently reading
1068 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 8, 2025
DNF 14% - MMC has a poster of Elon Musk hanging in his room 🤮
October 9, 2024
🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧
Well, I’m riveted for sure, but more than that, I’m intrigued. The storyline/plot isn’t surprising, and you “see” the ending conflict a mile away so I’d say this prologue is predictable in nature but what I don’t see clearly is how the future will play out, and that’s the intriguing part. There are a lot of different ways this story can grow, and travel and I am hooked. I can’t wait to see how Ember Leigh not only develops Cora & Axel’s journey, but also Axel’s business aspirations with his brothers and other circumstances I can’t give details about because, spoilers!
🎧 Narration by Jeremy York & Jill Smith was really great. Both their voices have great range and distinction between characters was never an issue!
This is my first experience with author Amber Leigh and I am impressed not just with her style, but also her voice and skill. This was a short listen but I’m looking forward to the Price of Revenge to get a full scope on her skills!
Well, I’m riveted for sure, but more than that, I’m intrigued. The storyline/plot isn’t surprising, and you “see” the ending conflict a mile away so I’d say this prologue is predictable in nature but what I don’t see clearly is how the future will play out, and that’s the intriguing part. There are a lot of different ways this story can grow, and travel and I am hooked. I can’t wait to see how Ember Leigh not only develops Cora & Axel’s journey, but also Axel’s business aspirations with his brothers and other circumstances I can’t give details about because, spoilers!
🎧 Narration by Jeremy York & Jill Smith was really great. Both their voices have great range and distinction between characters was never an issue!
This is my first experience with author Amber Leigh and I am impressed not just with her style, but also her voice and skill. This was a short listen but I’m looking forward to the Price of Revenge to get a full scope on her skills!
September 19, 2024
ALC REVIEW
The price of promise is a prequel to the price of revenge in the series. It follows Axel and Cora! This was a page turner in the best way I loved these narrators in this duet style. They really bring life to the characters! I ENJOYED this so much! Jeremy you’ll and Jill hill narrate this wonderfully .
Their love never stood a chance...
Axel Fairchild is the eternal outsider, both in his elite MBA program and in the world of NYC finance. Powering through on charm, swagger, and smarts has always worked for him—and it’s poised to pay off in a big way as he prepares to launch his very own finance business with his brothers after graduation. There’s only one thing left on his to-do list: prying the love of his life, Cora Margulis, away from her controlling and manipulative family.
Cora loves Axel’s brash confidence and the way he turns her privileged world upside down. He’s a breath of fresh air in the stuffy, elite enclave she’s lived in her entire life. As she approaches the end of her MBA program and her father pressures her to join the ranks of their realty empire, Cora can see her escape hatch. The future beyond the luxurious world she’s always known scares her, but with Axel at her side, she knows they can create the future of their dreams—together.
But the Margulis family is famous for bending people to their will behind closed doors. The closer Axel and Cora inch to graduation, the more oppressive the pressure grows from Cora’s family to choose the right path. The only thing standing in the way of Cora and Axel’s happily-ever-after is Allan Margulis. And he won’t stop until he gets Cora in his back pocket and Axel is a ruined wreck.
Billionaires. Bad boys. Bleeding hearts. These outsiders are known as the Bad Boys of Wall Street. The Price of a Promise is the prequel to the Bad Boys of Wall Street series. This series is best listened to in order, since the drama is chronological and cumulative throughout the books. Download this steamy forbidden romance between the wealthy NYC heroine and the Kentucky boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Their love story begins in the Price of the Promise and concludes eight years later in The Price of Revenge.
The price of promise is a prequel to the price of revenge in the series. It follows Axel and Cora! This was a page turner in the best way I loved these narrators in this duet style. They really bring life to the characters! I ENJOYED this so much! Jeremy you’ll and Jill hill narrate this wonderfully .
Their love never stood a chance...
Axel Fairchild is the eternal outsider, both in his elite MBA program and in the world of NYC finance. Powering through on charm, swagger, and smarts has always worked for him—and it’s poised to pay off in a big way as he prepares to launch his very own finance business with his brothers after graduation. There’s only one thing left on his to-do list: prying the love of his life, Cora Margulis, away from her controlling and manipulative family.
Cora loves Axel’s brash confidence and the way he turns her privileged world upside down. He’s a breath of fresh air in the stuffy, elite enclave she’s lived in her entire life. As she approaches the end of her MBA program and her father pressures her to join the ranks of their realty empire, Cora can see her escape hatch. The future beyond the luxurious world she’s always known scares her, but with Axel at her side, she knows they can create the future of their dreams—together.
But the Margulis family is famous for bending people to their will behind closed doors. The closer Axel and Cora inch to graduation, the more oppressive the pressure grows from Cora’s family to choose the right path. The only thing standing in the way of Cora and Axel’s happily-ever-after is Allan Margulis. And he won’t stop until he gets Cora in his back pocket and Axel is a ruined wreck.
Billionaires. Bad boys. Bleeding hearts. These outsiders are known as the Bad Boys of Wall Street. The Price of a Promise is the prequel to the Bad Boys of Wall Street series. This series is best listened to in order, since the drama is chronological and cumulative throughout the books. Download this steamy forbidden romance between the wealthy NYC heroine and the Kentucky boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Their love story begins in the Price of the Promise and concludes eight years later in The Price of Revenge.
January 2, 2025
I liked the way this book was written, but I was beyond frustrated with the characters and the decisions that they made. Axel is an New York MBA student who has a plan, with his brothers, to take the financial world by storm (their plan is an "algorithm," not a whole lot of other details, but whatever). Cora is his long-distance girlfriend, getting her MBA in California. Cora comes from an incredibly wealthy family and the last thing they want is an association with Axel. To this end, her parents pressure her to break up with Axel. She loves Axel, but is also used to all the trappings of wealth -- the deluxe housing, the clothes, the household staff. Learning she'll lose all those and her father will try to keep Axel from becoming rich to provide her with those things freaks her out. Cora is so sheltered that when she first meets Axel she's confused as to why any college student would have a job.
Adding to Cora's pressure is that her older brother, picked to be the CEO of her family company, killed himself rather than come out of the closet. Somehow Cora convinces herself that her brother killing himself due to her family's intense expectations means that her brother wants her to give her her own personal life to take over the company. This made zero sense, but I see why the author wanted to give Cora another component to her personality other than "Not having a personal chef is scary!"
I am somewhat interested to see how the author continues to roll out the scam Axel and his brothers are planning (they plan to skim money from the accounts their wealth management firm will control to fund their favorite charities because God forbid they help anyone with their share of the profits). They're going to get very rich and Axel and Cora are going to run into each other again years from now and get back together. I would suggest maybe skipping right to that book because the setup doesn't fully work here, but it may be better years from now when they encounter each other again.
Also, Axel is a Musk fanboy, which is . . . certainly a choice for a character in a book published in 2023. We didn't know as much about him then as we know now, but we certainly knew enough then to make this interesting. The book also contains slurs targeting the disabled and not in any way that is contributing to the plot. Characters just use it casually, which is really gross.
Adding to Cora's pressure is that her older brother, picked to be the CEO of her family company, killed himself rather than come out of the closet. Somehow Cora convinces herself that her brother killing himself due to her family's intense expectations means that her brother wants her to give her her own personal life to take over the company. This made zero sense, but I see why the author wanted to give Cora another component to her personality other than "Not having a personal chef is scary!"
I am somewhat interested to see how the author continues to roll out the scam Axel and his brothers are planning (they plan to skim money from the accounts their wealth management firm will control to fund their favorite charities because God forbid they help anyone with their share of the profits). They're going to get very rich and Axel and Cora are going to run into each other again years from now and get back together. I would suggest maybe skipping right to that book because the setup doesn't fully work here, but it may be better years from now when they encounter each other again.
Also, Axel is a Musk fanboy, which is . . . certainly a choice for a character in a book published in 2023. We didn't know as much about him then as we know now, but we certainly knew enough then to make this interesting. The book also contains slurs targeting the disabled and not in any way that is contributing to the plot. Characters just use it casually, which is really gross.
December 14, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Price of A Promise
Author: Ember Leigh
Source: Kindle e-book
Publication Date: March 21, 2023
In The Price of a Promise, we meet Axel, who is from the wrong side of the Kentucky tracks and a survivor of foster homes, and Cora, a New York City real estate heiress. A rich girl meets a poor boy. Can it work out? They are soul mates and deeply in love…until Cora’s Dad finds out and breaks them apart. Even though they have graduated from college and are getting their master’s degrees, they face many obstacles. Still, Axel asks Cora’s father to approve their marriage, but things don’t go well. Axel is well below Cora regarding social class, status, and money. Will their love survive, can Axel become a success, and will Cora wait for him? This is the prologue to a series surrounding Axel and Cora’s lives, and it is well done. I am moving on to the 2nd book in the series.
#love #soulmates #poor #future #realestate #success #emberleigh #family #obligations #childabuse #suicide #relationships #hopes #dreams #ThePriceOfAPromise #emberleighauthor #romance #fiction
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#book #books #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookreviewer
The Price of A Promise
Author: Ember Leigh
Source: Kindle e-book
Publication Date: March 21, 2023
In The Price of a Promise, we meet Axel, who is from the wrong side of the Kentucky tracks and a survivor of foster homes, and Cora, a New York City real estate heiress. A rich girl meets a poor boy. Can it work out? They are soul mates and deeply in love…until Cora’s Dad finds out and breaks them apart. Even though they have graduated from college and are getting their master’s degrees, they face many obstacles. Still, Axel asks Cora’s father to approve their marriage, but things don’t go well. Axel is well below Cora regarding social class, status, and money. Will their love survive, can Axel become a success, and will Cora wait for him? This is the prologue to a series surrounding Axel and Cora’s lives, and it is well done. I am moving on to the 2nd book in the series.
#love #soulmates #poor #future #realestate #success #emberleigh #family #obligations #childabuse #suicide #relationships #hopes #dreams #ThePriceOfAPromise #emberleighauthor #romance #fiction
.
#book #books #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookreviewer
September 29, 2025
All the people in this book are assholes, except for Damian and Trace.
Si esté peo hubiera sido al revés, fácilmente le ofrecían plata y ya.
Si esté peo hubiera sido al revés, fácilmente le ofrecían plata y ya.
March 23, 2023
"The Price of a Promise" is a prequel to Ember Leigh's Bad Boys of Wall Street series, featuring Axel and Cora, the main characters of book #1, "The Price of Revenge." It's set eight years before that story begins.
College sweethearts Axel Fairchild and Cora Margulis have been together for about three years and are now in grad school on opposite coasts. Unfortunately, Cora's real estate magnate father, Allan, hates Axel because of his lower class background and is trying to break them up, so they have to plan their visits in secret. As graduation approaches, Allan's efforts to separate them only increase, especially when he learns of Axel's plan to ask Cora to marry him. Cora will have to decide between the demands of her family and her heart, and it won't be an easy choice.
It's not necessary to read this prequel to understand the first book of the series, but I'd highly recommend picking it up anyway. It's an excellent introduction to the series and its characters (Axel's brothers Damian and Trace included) and also provides a lot of context on Cora and Axel's past relationship, as well as Cora's strained relationship with her family.
I highly recommend this story as well as "The Price of Revenge" and can't wait to find out what's to come in this well-written, engrossing series.
College sweethearts Axel Fairchild and Cora Margulis have been together for about three years and are now in grad school on opposite coasts. Unfortunately, Cora's real estate magnate father, Allan, hates Axel because of his lower class background and is trying to break them up, so they have to plan their visits in secret. As graduation approaches, Allan's efforts to separate them only increase, especially when he learns of Axel's plan to ask Cora to marry him. Cora will have to decide between the demands of her family and her heart, and it won't be an easy choice.
It's not necessary to read this prequel to understand the first book of the series, but I'd highly recommend picking it up anyway. It's an excellent introduction to the series and its characters (Axel's brothers Damian and Trace included) and also provides a lot of context on Cora and Axel's past relationship, as well as Cora's strained relationship with her family.
I highly recommend this story as well as "The Price of Revenge" and can't wait to find out what's to come in this well-written, engrossing series.
July 7, 2023
Fantastic story.
This is a interesting read that would keep you engrossed until the end.Cora the daughter of real estate magnate Allan who hates her boyfriend Axel because of poor financial status.Cora has to between Axel and the the choice her Father wants .Would Cora choose Axel or her father choosing.You got to read to find out.
This is a interesting read that would keep you engrossed until the end.Cora the daughter of real estate magnate Allan who hates her boyfriend Axel because of poor financial status.Cora has to between Axel and the the choice her Father wants .Would Cora choose Axel or her father choosing.You got to read to find out.
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October 23, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (5/28/2023)! 🎁
October 10, 2024
Exciting and intense start to finish, first page to last. Runs you through all the emotions and fills you full of frustration at the situation Cora and Alex find themselves in. Their love is strong, but the hold her family has on her just might be stronger. Alex was a foster kid, is working hard to be a successful self-made man, but he’s obviously from the wrong side of the tracks, the wrong part of the country, in fact, and that’s not just a strike against him with Cora’s father but all the strikes with no hope of ever being part of the family.
It was hard to like Cora because all I wanted to do was yell at her to stand up to her family. But she and her dead brother Chris really are the perfect examples of what happens to the children in an abusive family. Not physical abuse. Allan and Bernadette Margulis are too smart, too cultured, for that. But their verbal abuse cut deep, so deep that Chris took his own life rather than try to fight them anymore. And Cora always, always, always breaks and gives in. They’ve planned out her life and she is expected to step in line. If Chris isn’t there to take over, then she’s the one. And she’ll marry the right man and live in the right place, and none of that includes Alex or ever will.
Alex and his brothers are finishing their MBAs and almost ready to launch Fairchild Enterprises. He tries to talk to Allan about Cora with no success. He proposes to Cora and they happily become engaged. For about five minutes, until Allan pulls out his trump card: a letter to Cora and their parents from Chris, written just before he killed himself, asking Cora to take his place in the family business since he can’t. Supposedly they just found the letter, just after they learned of Cora and Alex’s engagement, in fact.
Wrong. So wrong on so many counts. Cora already feels guilty that she didn’t stop Chris from committing suicide – but she was just a high school senior. Her parents’ ridicule and derision of both siblings – you’re too gay and you’re too dramatic – was savage and had lasting effects. Her father threatens to ruin Alex and his brothers forever if she doesn’t accept his demands, and he takes steps to ensure she does what he wants.
Cora is heartbroken. Alex is heartbroken, angry and feels betrayed. There are a couple of hints that Bernadette has an interesting backstory, maybe she wasn’t always as ruthless as her husband Allan. But it’s not explained and what does it matter anyway; she still goes along with his cruel plans.
The Price of a Promise is a perfect lead-in to the next book, The Price of Revenge. Will Cora and Alex find their way back or will they become cutthroat business rivals? Can the hurts be healed or is it far, far too late? Can’t wait to find out. I received a free book. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
It was hard to like Cora because all I wanted to do was yell at her to stand up to her family. But she and her dead brother Chris really are the perfect examples of what happens to the children in an abusive family. Not physical abuse. Allan and Bernadette Margulis are too smart, too cultured, for that. But their verbal abuse cut deep, so deep that Chris took his own life rather than try to fight them anymore. And Cora always, always, always breaks and gives in. They’ve planned out her life and she is expected to step in line. If Chris isn’t there to take over, then she’s the one. And she’ll marry the right man and live in the right place, and none of that includes Alex or ever will.
Alex and his brothers are finishing their MBAs and almost ready to launch Fairchild Enterprises. He tries to talk to Allan about Cora with no success. He proposes to Cora and they happily become engaged. For about five minutes, until Allan pulls out his trump card: a letter to Cora and their parents from Chris, written just before he killed himself, asking Cora to take his place in the family business since he can’t. Supposedly they just found the letter, just after they learned of Cora and Alex’s engagement, in fact.
Wrong. So wrong on so many counts. Cora already feels guilty that she didn’t stop Chris from committing suicide – but she was just a high school senior. Her parents’ ridicule and derision of both siblings – you’re too gay and you’re too dramatic – was savage and had lasting effects. Her father threatens to ruin Alex and his brothers forever if she doesn’t accept his demands, and he takes steps to ensure she does what he wants.
Cora is heartbroken. Alex is heartbroken, angry and feels betrayed. There are a couple of hints that Bernadette has an interesting backstory, maybe she wasn’t always as ruthless as her husband Allan. But it’s not explained and what does it matter anyway; she still goes along with his cruel plans.
The Price of a Promise is a perfect lead-in to the next book, The Price of Revenge. Will Cora and Alex find their way back or will they become cutthroat business rivals? Can the hurts be healed or is it far, far too late? Can’t wait to find out. I received a free book. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
September 30, 2024
An Intriguing Series Prequel! Great Story & Listen🎧 4.5 Stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Price of a Promise
The Bad Boys of Wall Street, Book 1
By: Ember Leigh
Narrated by: Jeremy York, Jill Smith
This is my first book written by Ember Leigh and wow, consider me impressed, not only by her impressive writing style, but by the interesting characters and story she created, a story that swept me in, grabbing my attention right from the start and captivating it the entire time. As the first book of the “Bad Boys of Wall Street” she sets the foundation for the series, which begins with the start of Axel Fairchild and Cora Marulis’ story and it is a dramatic start, one that tugs at your heartstrings. Axel and Cora were in a solid relationship despite being on opposite coasts finishing up grad school, which is nearing the end. Cora comes from a wealthy and powerful family and is the sole heir to the family fortune and next in line to run the family business, something she never had an interest in. Axel comes from Kentucky and has not had the best of childhoods, growing up in foster care, but he is putting that behind him and he and his brothers are working hard to make something of themselves putting a business plan in place to make that happen. Axel and Cora’s love is genuine and deep, and when he asks her to marry him and she agrees, despite her father, Allan Margulis, not liking him. But Allan’s got other plans for his daughter, whether she likes it or not. I despised both of Cora’s parents, who are heartless and manipulative, and they definitely need to be knocked down a few pegs, quite a few. This is an amazing start to the series and I am already rooting for Axel and his brothers to succeed in all their goals and hope that Axel gets his revenge and then some. This cleverly plotted story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. Ember Leigh, thank you for this amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Jeremy York and Jill Smith did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each a voice that was fitting and was believable in every role. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These two made a great narration team and their performance elevated the story to another level. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.
The Price of a Promise
The Bad Boys of Wall Street, Book 1
By: Ember Leigh
Narrated by: Jeremy York, Jill Smith
This is my first book written by Ember Leigh and wow, consider me impressed, not only by her impressive writing style, but by the interesting characters and story she created, a story that swept me in, grabbing my attention right from the start and captivating it the entire time. As the first book of the “Bad Boys of Wall Street” she sets the foundation for the series, which begins with the start of Axel Fairchild and Cora Marulis’ story and it is a dramatic start, one that tugs at your heartstrings. Axel and Cora were in a solid relationship despite being on opposite coasts finishing up grad school, which is nearing the end. Cora comes from a wealthy and powerful family and is the sole heir to the family fortune and next in line to run the family business, something she never had an interest in. Axel comes from Kentucky and has not had the best of childhoods, growing up in foster care, but he is putting that behind him and he and his brothers are working hard to make something of themselves putting a business plan in place to make that happen. Axel and Cora’s love is genuine and deep, and when he asks her to marry him and she agrees, despite her father, Allan Margulis, not liking him. But Allan’s got other plans for his daughter, whether she likes it or not. I despised both of Cora’s parents, who are heartless and manipulative, and they definitely need to be knocked down a few pegs, quite a few. This is an amazing start to the series and I am already rooting for Axel and his brothers to succeed in all their goals and hope that Axel gets his revenge and then some. This cleverly plotted story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. Ember Leigh, thank you for this amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Jeremy York and Jill Smith did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each a voice that was fitting and was believable in every role. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These two made a great narration team and their performance elevated the story to another level. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.
October 2, 2024
🎧Audio Review🎧
Narrated by Jill Smith & Jeremy York
This book is the prequel to the series The Bad Boys of Wall Street”. It’s based on the romance between Axel Fairchild and Cora Margulis in their college years and gives a brief foundation of how the Fairchild brothers start their business. It sets up book 1 which is Cora and Axel’s story. Cora comes from a wealthy family and they do not approve of her relationship with Axel. He’s the product of the foster system and is struggling to make ends meet while he finishes business school. Not what daddy Margulis thinks is good enough for his daughter.
I love ember Leigh’s writing. This story has so much happening and yet it doesn’t feel rushed. Family obligations, ultimatums, manipulation, betrayal, angst. Oh, the vengeance Axel feels for Cora’s father. It’s setting up such a fantastic tension in the next book. What her parents do to her and the choice she has to make hits home for me. I so felt for her. I was crying for both of them by the end.
Jeremy York is a great Axel, and uses a range of emotions as Axel is being tested on his love for Cora and his animosity for her father. I love Jill’s narration and the huskiness of her voice works well for the male voices also. And wow, how she performs during the heart wrenching scenes near the end are perfect
Overall, a great prequel to a new series. I jumped in with both feet and enjoyed every second of it. I can’t wait for the first book.
Narrated by Jill Smith & Jeremy York
This book is the prequel to the series The Bad Boys of Wall Street”. It’s based on the romance between Axel Fairchild and Cora Margulis in their college years and gives a brief foundation of how the Fairchild brothers start their business. It sets up book 1 which is Cora and Axel’s story. Cora comes from a wealthy family and they do not approve of her relationship with Axel. He’s the product of the foster system and is struggling to make ends meet while he finishes business school. Not what daddy Margulis thinks is good enough for his daughter.
I love ember Leigh’s writing. This story has so much happening and yet it doesn’t feel rushed. Family obligations, ultimatums, manipulation, betrayal, angst. Oh, the vengeance Axel feels for Cora’s father. It’s setting up such a fantastic tension in the next book. What her parents do to her and the choice she has to make hits home for me. I so felt for her. I was crying for both of them by the end.
Jeremy York is a great Axel, and uses a range of emotions as Axel is being tested on his love for Cora and his animosity for her father. I love Jill’s narration and the huskiness of her voice works well for the male voices also. And wow, how she performs during the heart wrenching scenes near the end are perfect
Overall, a great prequel to a new series. I jumped in with both feet and enjoyed every second of it. I can’t wait for the first book.
September 30, 2024
The Price of a Promise
The Bad Boys of Wall Street 1
By: Ember Leigh
Narrated by: Jeremy York, Jill Smith
This is the prequel, and all I can say, is Ember Leigh, you have my attention! This is a fabulous start to a series I know I am going to sink my teeth into. Axel and Cora have been dating for three years. In love, they are each other's everything. Now Axel is getting ready for marriage, but Cora's family does not approve. Not from the same side of the tracks, Axel is not good enough for her. And now she is faced with a decision, that no matter how she chooses, it will change both their lives forever. I am completely invested in the story now. I can see Axel's thirst for success and love as well as Cora's protectiveness of the man she loves. It's an impossible situation and the ending just leaves me wanting more. I cannot wait!
Jeremy York and Jill Smith are fantastic together as they bring this gem alive. York is the passionate Axel. He brings out all his emotions of love and ambition, frustration and now vengeance! I love the way he can turn on a dime with his voice. Smith is amazing as Cora. Faced with so much diversity, she is able to take Cora and give her a sound that is heartbreaking and so in love. These two made this listen incredible to hear and I cannot wait for more.
The Bad Boys of Wall Street 1
By: Ember Leigh
Narrated by: Jeremy York, Jill Smith
This is the prequel, and all I can say, is Ember Leigh, you have my attention! This is a fabulous start to a series I know I am going to sink my teeth into. Axel and Cora have been dating for three years. In love, they are each other's everything. Now Axel is getting ready for marriage, but Cora's family does not approve. Not from the same side of the tracks, Axel is not good enough for her. And now she is faced with a decision, that no matter how she chooses, it will change both their lives forever. I am completely invested in the story now. I can see Axel's thirst for success and love as well as Cora's protectiveness of the man she loves. It's an impossible situation and the ending just leaves me wanting more. I cannot wait!
Jeremy York and Jill Smith are fantastic together as they bring this gem alive. York is the passionate Axel. He brings out all his emotions of love and ambition, frustration and now vengeance! I love the way he can turn on a dime with his voice. Smith is amazing as Cora. Faced with so much diversity, she is able to take Cora and give her a sound that is heartbreaking and so in love. These two made this listen incredible to hear and I cannot wait for more.
September 29, 2024
This was the first book I have listened to by Ember Leigh and I definitely want to read more of these books. This one is a quick listen because it sets everything up for the rest of the series. Axel is a sweet guy who just wants to make something out of his life with his brothers by his side. Cora is the daughter of a real estate magnate. Axel and Cora are college sweethearts and have been together for 3 years. Now she has to chose between the love of her life or the path her family wants her to take. This story is well written and kept me entertained. I really enjoyed Axel's character but I didn't really like the rest of the characters but that's kind of the point with this story. Cora is a good person but I just can't relate to her because I could never be her. But that's just how I feel others may understand her character. I had a really good time listening to this book. Jeremy York and Jill Smith were the narrators and they made this story. I felt like I was part of it and they kept me wanting more. I look forward to listening to more books in this series. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you Home Cooked Books for allowing me to listen to this ALC for my honest opinion.
Thank you Home Cooked Books for allowing me to listen to this ALC for my honest opinion.
October 10, 2024
This is book 1 in Leigh's The Bad Boys of Wall Street series and a wonderful beginning to a new series. Well written and the dual narration was perfection, this book captivated from the very beginning and didn't let go throughout! Our main characters and focus of this romance read are Axel Fairchild and Cora Marulis. While these two have been dating for years and are about to graduate with their MBA - from schools on opposite coasts. More than just physical distance is keeping these two apart, they come from different backgrounds and while Cora comes from a well to do family, said family is not in favor of her joining her life to someone they think beneath them. Axel and his brothers who grew up in foster care are bonded in a wonderful way and come together for the vengeance he wants to secure his relationship and love with Cora. While there is no HEA as of yet, this book is thrilling and intriguing. I can't wait for more!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read.
September 18, 2024
Audiobook review: narrated by Jeremy York and Jill Smith
3.5 stars for story / 4.5 stars for performance
Axel and Cora who are in a long distance relationship supposedly have an unbreakable bond until her billionaire real estate mogul father interjects and changes the course of their relationship. Axel was no holds barred from the jump and I really felt that in the actions and feelings of his character, but I never had those feelings from Cora’s side of things. I spent the majority of this short listen wondering how she was able to get Axel to fall so hard for her. The story did pick up and get exciting toward the last half and the ending had me hyped for the next book.
The narration was great. Both narrators did an amazing job giving each character their own take and personality. I also never had an issue differentiating between internal monologue and dialect. When Axel and Cora got emotional, I felt it in the performance and it added a lot to the story.
3.5 stars for story / 4.5 stars for performance
Axel and Cora who are in a long distance relationship supposedly have an unbreakable bond until her billionaire real estate mogul father interjects and changes the course of their relationship. Axel was no holds barred from the jump and I really felt that in the actions and feelings of his character, but I never had those feelings from Cora’s side of things. I spent the majority of this short listen wondering how she was able to get Axel to fall so hard for her. The story did pick up and get exciting toward the last half and the ending had me hyped for the next book.
The narration was great. Both narrators did an amazing job giving each character their own take and personality. I also never had an issue differentiating between internal monologue and dialect. When Axel and Cora got emotional, I felt it in the performance and it added a lot to the story.
October 11, 2024
Alex is a good man and cares deeply for Cora. He’s not afraid of her family…but is cautious. He’s willing to risk everything to keep Cora in his life. I did feel a bit bad for him as the story progressed…he just wants to show Cora what their life can be.
Cora is trying to be strong and independent but her family is controlling and not kind. She makes some decisions that she feels are for the best but ultimately hurts others.
Cora and Alex’s relationship faces many challenges with family involvement, doubts and not knowing what the future brings. The deeply care for one another but can they survive the interference from the outside?
This story ends with a cliffhanger …looking forward to listening to the other books in the series.
Jeremy York and Jill Smith did a great job with the narration. They gave each of the characters great voice, filled with emotion and personality.
Thank you Home Cooked Books for the ALC.
Cora is trying to be strong and independent but her family is controlling and not kind. She makes some decisions that she feels are for the best but ultimately hurts others.
Cora and Alex’s relationship faces many challenges with family involvement, doubts and not knowing what the future brings. The deeply care for one another but can they survive the interference from the outside?
This story ends with a cliffhanger …looking forward to listening to the other books in the series.
Jeremy York and Jill Smith did a great job with the narration. They gave each of the characters great voice, filled with emotion and personality.
Thank you Home Cooked Books for the ALC.
October 11, 2024
🎧 Audio Review 🎧
#ThePriceofaPromise is the prequel and #1 of the #BadboysofWallStreet Series by #EmberLeigh which concludes in #2.
It has Romeo and Juliet vibes in that it's a forbidden love story between a very rich Cora and the wrong side of the tracks, Axel. Having said this, having met at business school studying for an MBA, Axel and his two brothers have set their sights high for starting a business - Fairchild Enterprises. You can tell that they love each other deeply but Axel is detested by her father.
Unfortunately Cora has a coldhearted and ruthless father who won't stop at anything until he gets his own way, so it's going to be interesting to see what happens in the next instalment, which I am dying to jump into, and how Axel takes down her father and if they can get together again and have an HEA.
The #dualnarration by #JeremyYork who is one of my favourite narrators and new to me #JillSmith were excellent
#ThePriceofaPromise is the prequel and #1 of the #BadboysofWallStreet Series by #EmberLeigh which concludes in #2.
It has Romeo and Juliet vibes in that it's a forbidden love story between a very rich Cora and the wrong side of the tracks, Axel. Having said this, having met at business school studying for an MBA, Axel and his two brothers have set their sights high for starting a business - Fairchild Enterprises. You can tell that they love each other deeply but Axel is detested by her father.
Unfortunately Cora has a coldhearted and ruthless father who won't stop at anything until he gets his own way, so it's going to be interesting to see what happens in the next instalment, which I am dying to jump into, and how Axel takes down her father and if they can get together again and have an HEA.
The #dualnarration by #JeremyYork who is one of my favourite narrators and new to me #JillSmith were excellent
April 12, 2025
The Price of a Promise, by Ember Leigh, is the prequel to her Bad Boys of Wall Street Collection. This novella packs a big punch despite it's smaller size. We are introduced to Cora and Alex, and right from the beginning their love shines through like a beacon on a stormy night. Immediately after establishing their love, the fireworks start flying. Allan Margulis, Cora's overbearing father, will stop at nothing to keep them apart and to remind Cora of her place in the Margulis Realty empire. Forced to choose between family and everything she has ever known and Axel, Cora is torn apart. Which will she pick, her heart or her legacy? Sometimes the price for both stability and happiness is just too high.
I enjoyed the audio version of this story. It was both well written and well narrated. The story was captivating, and the narration was natural, easy to understand and enjoyable. I highly recommend both the story and the audio version.
I enjoyed the audio version of this story. It was both well written and well narrated. The story was captivating, and the narration was natural, easy to understand and enjoyable. I highly recommend both the story and the audio version.
September 22, 2024
Cora was raised in a powerful and affluent family however her heart belongs to Axel whose lifestyle couldn’t be more different. She plans to spend her life with him but her father has other plans for her and will do whatever he feels is necessary to ensure she conforms which includes threatening Axel.
Axel and his brothers are working to overcome their meager beginning and have a plan that will give them the future financial success they want. From the moment he met Cora she has owned his heart and wants a future with her however he has made an enemy who will do anything to keep them apart.
This is the beginning of Cora and Axel’s story, and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next. I enjoyed the performance of the narrators as you could feel the plight of these star-crossed lovers and the obstacles their love faced.
Axel and his brothers are working to overcome their meager beginning and have a plan that will give them the future financial success they want. From the moment he met Cora she has owned his heart and wants a future with her however he has made an enemy who will do anything to keep them apart.
This is the beginning of Cora and Axel’s story, and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next. I enjoyed the performance of the narrators as you could feel the plight of these star-crossed lovers and the obstacles their love faced.
October 5, 2024
I gave this book a 3.5 only cause i disliked the majority of the characters.
The Price of A Promise a billionaire Long distance romance. This book is a good novella. I like Axle a lot but the rest of the characters... leaves something to desire. I like the book despite the characters.
I liked the beginning and the middle, not so fond the ending though. Since this story is so short I feel I may give away the best parts, I really do hate giving it all away. That's as perfect as my reviews will probably get. So since I just can't say that. Here it is.
I like when they see each other, it's like a warm hug from your favorite person. I like the sneaking around, that explains it's self . I like the proposal, and who wouldn't.
Jeremy York and Jill Smith are new narrators to me, I enjoyed listening to them. They brought everything and everyone to life, I hope to hear them again
The Price of A Promise a billionaire Long distance romance. This book is a good novella. I like Axle a lot but the rest of the characters... leaves something to desire. I like the book despite the characters.
I liked the beginning and the middle, not so fond the ending though. Since this story is so short I feel I may give away the best parts, I really do hate giving it all away. That's as perfect as my reviews will probably get. So since I just can't say that. Here it is.
I like when they see each other, it's like a warm hug from your favorite person. I like the sneaking around, that explains it's self . I like the proposal, and who wouldn't.
Jeremy York and Jill Smith are new narrators to me, I enjoyed listening to them. They brought everything and everyone to life, I hope to hear them again
October 8, 2024
Axel and Coral
3.5*
I listened to the audio of this story and the narrators did a good job. I really enjoyed how Axel was portrayed from his loving tone and his angry one.
This was a short quick listen. The story is the rich girl and the guy from the wrong side of the tracks romance. The story is of how these two was handling their relationship as Axel was in New York going to school and planning to start his own business with his brothers and Coral is in California. I feel he will do anything for her but it seems that when her parents want her to marry a family friends son so they could merge businesses and if she didn't end it with Axel she will be cut off. She comes off spoiled and wouldn't take the chance. I can't wait to listen to the next part to hear how their story ends.
I received a copy from Home Cooked Books and listened to it through BookFunnel.
3.5*
I listened to the audio of this story and the narrators did a good job. I really enjoyed how Axel was portrayed from his loving tone and his angry one.
This was a short quick listen. The story is the rich girl and the guy from the wrong side of the tracks romance. The story is of how these two was handling their relationship as Axel was in New York going to school and planning to start his own business with his brothers and Coral is in California. I feel he will do anything for her but it seems that when her parents want her to marry a family friends son so they could merge businesses and if she didn't end it with Axel she will be cut off. She comes off spoiled and wouldn't take the chance. I can't wait to listen to the next part to hear how their story ends.
I received a copy from Home Cooked Books and listened to it through BookFunnel.
October 9, 2024
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
The Price of a Promise is book #1 (prequel) in The Bad Boys of Wall Street series. Axel and his brothers are from the foster care system, but about to graduate from Columbia University (MBA). He has been seeing Cora for several years. She is about to graduate with her MBA as well, but on the west coast. There's more than location keeping these two apart...her dad doesn't want Axel's "trash" corrupting his empire. Wow, this was so good. There's heartache, intrigue, steam, and a cliffhanger (of course). It's short (4-ish hours) and I finished it fast. No HEA here, but we got a great set-up for the revenge that's gonna happen.
The narration was absolutely fantastic! Jeremy York and Jill Smith really brought Axel and Cora to life with all the emotion and passion of two lovers that are driven apart by greed and hatred. 5/5 stars!!
The Price of a Promise is book #1 (prequel) in The Bad Boys of Wall Street series. Axel and his brothers are from the foster care system, but about to graduate from Columbia University (MBA). He has been seeing Cora for several years. She is about to graduate with her MBA as well, but on the west coast. There's more than location keeping these two apart...her dad doesn't want Axel's "trash" corrupting his empire. Wow, this was so good. There's heartache, intrigue, steam, and a cliffhanger (of course). It's short (4-ish hours) and I finished it fast. No HEA here, but we got a great set-up for the revenge that's gonna happen.
The narration was absolutely fantastic! Jeremy York and Jill Smith really brought Axel and Cora to life with all the emotion and passion of two lovers that are driven apart by greed and hatred. 5/5 stars!!
October 10, 2024
ALC Audiobook Review
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
2🌶️🌶️
The Price of a Promise is the first book in The Bad Boys of Wall Street series. I think this book is meant to be read as a prequel story. Cora and Axel come from two different worlds. Axel and his brothers were part of the foster system and grew up extremely poor. Cora is the Daughter and a wealthy CEO. However there differences they were in love with each other. Cora’s father did not think Axel would ever be good enough her. Her father wanted to expand his company as well as expanding the family, by arranging a marriage. This book doesn’t end on a happy note. I need more from these characters. I want to see if they get a HEA.
Jill Smith and Jeremy York did a fantastic job narrating this book.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
2🌶️🌶️
The Price of a Promise is the first book in The Bad Boys of Wall Street series. I think this book is meant to be read as a prequel story. Cora and Axel come from two different worlds. Axel and his brothers were part of the foster system and grew up extremely poor. Cora is the Daughter and a wealthy CEO. However there differences they were in love with each other. Cora’s father did not think Axel would ever be good enough her. Her father wanted to expand his company as well as expanding the family, by arranging a marriage. This book doesn’t end on a happy note. I need more from these characters. I want to see if they get a HEA.
Jill Smith and Jeremy York did a fantastic job narrating this book.
May 26, 2024
Awesome
Great start to the series. Axel and Cora's love story. Young love true love different worlds. Axel and his brothers working hard to be sucessful and financially rich.
Cora comes from wealth has horrible parents. They look down on people like Axel.
Both are so connected truly love each other but Cora's father has plans for her and they don't include Axle.
You felt their pain when they were breaking up. Espcially Axel who was totally blind sided.
His brothers always their for each other such a strong bond. Lots of different emotions love pain sorrow trust betrayle. Etc.
Look forward to book 2 years later current stay of their lives. Thank you Ember.
Great start to the series. Axel and Cora's love story. Young love true love different worlds. Axel and his brothers working hard to be sucessful and financially rich.
Cora comes from wealth has horrible parents. They look down on people like Axel.
Both are so connected truly love each other but Cora's father has plans for her and they don't include Axle.
You felt their pain when they were breaking up. Espcially Axel who was totally blind sided.
His brothers always their for each other such a strong bond. Lots of different emotions love pain sorrow trust betrayle. Etc.
Look forward to book 2 years later current stay of their lives. Thank you Ember.
July 9, 2024
Loved it!
Oh, how my heart bled for Cora and Axel. Axel is a wonderful man who loves Cora with his whole heart. You can feel it throughout the book. As does Cora with her love for Axel. Literary sacrificing her own happiness in order for Axel to achieve his goals. However, at what cost. Both their hearts will never be the same. A part of me wished she could have and did tell him the whole truth, yes, he would have fought for her, but they could have possibly worked something out. Not liking Cora's parents at all. Especially her father. Slimy B! I'm looking to see what happens 8 years later and what has happened in those 8 years.
Oh, how my heart bled for Cora and Axel. Axel is a wonderful man who loves Cora with his whole heart. You can feel it throughout the book. As does Cora with her love for Axel. Literary sacrificing her own happiness in order for Axel to achieve his goals. However, at what cost. Both their hearts will never be the same. A part of me wished she could have and did tell him the whole truth, yes, he would have fought for her, but they could have possibly worked something out. Not liking Cora's parents at all. Especially her father. Slimy B! I'm looking to see what happens 8 years later and what has happened in those 8 years.
August 4, 2025
This is a spoiler filled review.
Oh my gosh, this was a stuff your earbuds book from chirp and to say I was not expecting what I was listening to would be an understatement. This book did not have a happy ending and I fucking loved that.
Cora ma’am you can eat shit and die, and I hope that Axel has the greatest comeback with some other chick because I do not want a sappy ass redemption at all. I want you to be a sad old, unhappy lady for the rest of your life for your self righteous sacrificing bullshit.
Honestly, I’m gonna have to read some reviews for the next books because if we try to give Cora a redemption, I’m not reading it. I don’t care.
Oh my gosh, this was a stuff your earbuds book from chirp and to say I was not expecting what I was listening to would be an understatement. This book did not have a happy ending and I fucking loved that.
Cora ma’am you can eat shit and die, and I hope that Axel has the greatest comeback with some other chick because I do not want a sappy ass redemption at all. I want you to be a sad old, unhappy lady for the rest of your life for your self righteous sacrificing bullshit.
Honestly, I’m gonna have to read some reviews for the next books because if we try to give Cora a redemption, I’m not reading it. I don’t care.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2024
Amazing start to this addictive series The Bad Boys of Wall Street. This prequel to Axel and Cora’s story is captivating and huge emotionally! Their struggles to be together are overwhelming, the sacrifices Cora must make in order to protect Axel from her EVIL father are heartbreaking. This is my first time reading this author and it won’t be my last. Her writing is captivating, she drew me in from the very beginning and I’m already addicted to this series. Axel and Cora’s story is not over but continues in The Price of Revenge . A book you don’t want to miss reading!
June 8, 2024
Cora and Axel are in love
Cora and Axel are in love. Cora's family is well to do while Axel's isn't. They're both working on their MBAs when her father forces her to break things off. He threatens her by stating he'll destroy Axel and his future plans.
This is my first read from Ms. Leigh. I enjoyed the writing and depth found in the story and the characters. This does end with a cliffhanger and I felt the entire story could have been written in one book.
I did enjoy this read!
Cora and Axel are in love. Cora's family is well to do while Axel's isn't. They're both working on their MBAs when her father forces her to break things off. He threatens her by stating he'll destroy Axel and his future plans.
This is my first read from Ms. Leigh. I enjoyed the writing and depth found in the story and the characters. This does end with a cliffhanger and I felt the entire story could have been written in one book.
I did enjoy this read!
September 19, 2024
This is a very emotionally charged prequel. The narrators performance and capturing all the emotion is amazing. I couldn't stop listening. Cora and Axel have that all consuming, once in a lifetime love that is torn apart by family and obligations. That is the price Cora pays for wanting to keep her lifestyle intact. Talk about heartbreaking. The cliffhanger left me dying to see what happens next. Definitely a 4.5 star must read.
I was sent a free audiobook from HCB and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I was sent a free audiobook from HCB and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
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