What do you think?
Rate this book
Hands On Duet #1
The Hired Hand
Stranded in a Dallas hotel room with nothing but a red spandex dress, stiletto heels and thigh highs, with directions on where to meet a gigolo, was not how Marlow Smith planned on spending her thirtieth birthday.But when her best friend leaves her knowing Marlow is so anal she'll dress up and go fire the man, she does exactly that. Except the firing. She finds him sitting at the end of the bar and somehow ends up back in her hotel room with him. After a night filled with the best sex of her life, she leaves, thinking never to see the man again, and returns to her boring, stable life.
Business consultant, Liam Campbell, can't believe that little Jane Smith actually thinks he's a gigolo. She's curvy and cute, and he can't resist talking her into bed. And once he gets her there, and on the couch, and in the shower, he doesn't want to leave. The only problem is he never quite gets around to telling her the truth. He wakes up the next morning with a hundred dollar tip and no way of finding his "client".
Three months later, Liam shows up at her family business as their hired business consultant. Marlow hopes that he doesn't remember her and when he does, she wants to pretend that nothing happened. But little does she know the moment he sees her again, Liam has plans for not only her body but also her heart..
AWARDS: WCP Publisher's Pick, January 2005, "The Hired Hand"
Business consultant, Liam Campbell, can't believe that little Jane Smith actually thinks he's a gigolo. She's curvy and cute, and he can't resist talking her into bed. And once he gets her there, and on the couch, and in the shower, he doesn't want to leave. The only problem is he never quite gets around to telling her the truth. He wakes up the next morning with a hundred dollar tip and no way of finding his "client".
Three months later, Liam shows up at her family business as their hired business consultant. Marlow hopes that he doesn't remember her and when he does, she wants to pretend that nothing happened. But little does she know the moment he sees her again, Liam has plans for not only her body but also her heart..
AWARDS: WCP Publisher's Pick, January 2005, "The Hired Hand"
213 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2004
23 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Schroeder
212 books1,660 followersUSA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder has had almost 90 short stories, novellas, and novels published in the last 15 years.
Facebook Fan page===> http://bit.ly/36c0OZU
Facebook Fan group==> http://bit.ly/2Mk3sC2
Bookbub==========> http://bit.ly/330n5aZ
Newsletter========> http://bit.ly/MelsNewsletter
Instagram=========> http://bit.ly/2bH6qAB
Facebook Fan page===> http://bit.ly/36c0OZU
Facebook Fan group==> http://bit.ly/2Mk3sC2
Bookbub==========> http://bit.ly/330n5aZ
Newsletter========> http://bit.ly/MelsNewsletter
Instagram=========> http://bit.ly/2bH6qAB
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 10, 2011
Marlow Smith just wanted to spend her thirtieth birthday alone and in her hotel room sleeping alone, instead her best friend has hijacked her clothes, hired a gigolo and left a hanky of a sleezy red dress and stilettos in her wake. Not wanting to be rude, Marlow decides that she must tell her gigolo she is canceling their "date".
Liam Campbell has never had a more perplexing come on, than the stunning beauty in the red dress is giving him, until he realizes she has mistaken him for a gigolo. Not wanting to waste the chemistry between them, Liam decides the best way to handle the situation is to seduce her, which he promptly does and they have a mind blowing night that Liam hopes will continue for a few more days, but when he wakes up with an empty bed and a tip, he realizes he left out that he was not a gigolo. Three months later and Liam has still not been able to forget the woman who rocked his world, imagine his surprise when he meets her at his new consulting job, sparks are about to fly.
Loved it, funny and warm all wrapped into one.
Liam Campbell has never had a more perplexing come on, than the stunning beauty in the red dress is giving him, until he realizes she has mistaken him for a gigolo. Not wanting to waste the chemistry between them, Liam decides the best way to handle the situation is to seduce her, which he promptly does and they have a mind blowing night that Liam hopes will continue for a few more days, but when he wakes up with an empty bed and a tip, he realizes he left out that he was not a gigolo. Three months later and Liam has still not been able to forget the woman who rocked his world, imagine his surprise when he meets her at his new consulting job, sparks are about to fly.
Loved it, funny and warm all wrapped into one.
October 18, 2010
I loved this book, it was fun, sexy, and touching all at the same time. The characters were amusing especially their banters. I can't help but be reminded of Lisa Kleypas's historical romance "Suddenly You", another story of mistaken identity that went to the right direction.
This is longer than the previous works I've read from this author and I enjoyed the story, plot, and character development. I admit I was bored when they talked about business, and I have a feeling Ken Moore is gay. Just saying it out loud makes me laugh, he sounds just like an appliance. In all aspects he's perfect for Marlow but I loved the quip about kids turning to Prozac at 5, that cracked me up.
This is a feel-good book with just the right amount of heat, and over-the-top sex. Marlow and Liam were perfect for each other. It's great how Marlow patched things up with her father and she finally stood up for her self. I liked Liam's character the best because we'll see how he grovels and denies his feelings for Marlow - something very new to him.
Reading Melissa Schroeder is a guarantee of fun and exciting, romantic and sexy, and she's now one of my favorite authors.
This is longer than the previous works I've read from this author and I enjoyed the story, plot, and character development. I admit I was bored when they talked about business, and I have a feeling Ken Moore is gay. Just saying it out loud makes me laugh, he sounds just like an appliance. In all aspects he's perfect for Marlow but I loved the quip about kids turning to Prozac at 5, that cracked me up.
This is a feel-good book with just the right amount of heat, and over-the-top sex. Marlow and Liam were perfect for each other. It's great how Marlow patched things up with her father and she finally stood up for her self. I liked Liam's character the best because we'll see how he grovels and denies his feelings for Marlow - something very new to him.
Reading Melissa Schroeder is a guarantee of fun and exciting, romantic and sexy, and she's now one of my favorite authors.
December 13, 2018
Marlow Jane Smith has a one-night stand with Liam “Jones” who she believes was hired by her BFF to be her escort on her 30th birthday. Three months later she still can’t forget that night or man until he walks into her office with her father. Only his name’s Liam Campbell, and she had recommended him to her father as a consultant for their family’s business. When it’s clear he doesn’t recognize her, and she pretends to not recognize him, it’s game on. What comes next you don’t want to miss!
This is a wonderful read. Although Liam doesn’t do commitment, there’s just something different about Marlow which keeps him wanting more. Marlow’s reluctant to pursue anything further, but, for some inexplicable reason, she finds she can’t resist him. What starts as temporary could become so much more. This is an engaging love story with lots of feelings and plenty of steamy passion. The characters are fun, quirky and sexy. I recommend this delightful romance, and I can’t wait to read Joey and Heath’s story next!
This is a wonderful read. Although Liam doesn’t do commitment, there’s just something different about Marlow which keeps him wanting more. Marlow’s reluctant to pursue anything further, but, for some inexplicable reason, she finds she can’t resist him. What starts as temporary could become so much more. This is an engaging love story with lots of feelings and plenty of steamy passion. The characters are fun, quirky and sexy. I recommend this delightful romance, and I can’t wait to read Joey and Heath’s story next!
January 17, 2019
Marlow and Liam find themselves enjoying a one night stand but things are not as they seem. Little does Marlow know but Liam is not he man she thinks that he is and Liam assumes Marlow is just pretending to not recognize him. So what harm could come of a night of fun? When the two meet again it is months later and it is for business. Both are surprised at the outcome of their own makings. Will they ignore their attraction and forget their one night together or will they try for more?
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Marlow and Liam grow. Their attraction is there from the start and now emotions are coming into play. It was nice to see Liam fight for love and give Marlow what she needed. Their story is a quick sexy read with good characters and a nice plot that kept me interested all the way to the end.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Marlow and Liam grow. Their attraction is there from the start and now emotions are coming into play. It was nice to see Liam fight for love and give Marlow what she needed. Their story is a quick sexy read with good characters and a nice plot that kept me interested all the way to the end.
January 6, 2019
Marlow’s friend believes she needs a night of fun and relaxation, so she hires her an escort. It becomes a case of mistaken identity when Marlow tells the wrong man that his services aren’t required. She feels a connection and they spend a steamy evening together never expecting to see each other again.
When Liam is approached by a beautiful woman at the bar he is not about to turn down the opportunity to spend the evening with her. He never expected to see her three months later or that they would be working together. He wants a second chance, but will he be able to convince her?
I liked how Liam’s support gave Marlow the courage to stand up for herself. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
When Liam is approached by a beautiful woman at the bar he is not about to turn down the opportunity to spend the evening with her. He never expected to see her three months later or that they would be working together. He wants a second chance, but will he be able to convince her?
I liked how Liam’s support gave Marlow the courage to stand up for herself. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 5, 2019
A well meaning take charge (interfering) friend, a case of mistaken identity, and one night of unforgettable sexual delights. Months later Marlow hasn't forgotten the incredible night she spent with the gigolo her friend gave her as a birthday gift. Shock and consternation ensue when the man who should have been a memory walks through her office door as the newest consultant for her family's business. Liam is convinced he can exorcise Marlow from his system, and continue his bachelor ways. Destiny has more in store as Marlow burrows her way into his heart. Both characters are likeable, their relationship developing nicely, as they each work their way through their respective issues.
November 13, 2018
Sweet little story
This was a sweet opposites attract story. Marlow meets Liam under unusual circumstances and the chemistry is instantaneous. What I loved about this book is that the sheltered female character breaks out of her shell and is definitely no pushover! Liam realizes he has to bring the real goods to win this lady over instead of relying on his charisma. I gave it 4 stars only bc it probably could have been a little shorter and Mel Schroeder has other books that are worth a 5 plus rating.
This was a sweet opposites attract story. Marlow meets Liam under unusual circumstances and the chemistry is instantaneous. What I loved about this book is that the sheltered female character breaks out of her shell and is definitely no pushover! Liam realizes he has to bring the real goods to win this lady over instead of relying on his charisma. I gave it 4 stars only bc it probably could have been a little shorter and Mel Schroeder has other books that are worth a 5 plus rating.
December 21, 2018
Going back and reading some of Melissa's older books and I found yet another book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I went through a gamut of emotions and it just made the book so interesting. Liam & Marlows story is great! The fun way they flirt and build their relationship is awesome! Though Melissa has grown in her writing over the years, this is unmistakably a Melissa Schroeder work of art❣️ I'm on my way to the next book. If you're thinking about reading Liam & Marlows story, DO IT you won't be disappointed.
November 26, 2018
Better than I expected
At first I wasn't sure how much I was going to like this book but after a few chapters I decided I liked it. Marlow is a bit of a pain but she grew.on me also. There was more content than I originally feared there would be. Kind of wish professionally things had worked out different for her.
At first I wasn't sure how much I was going to like this book but after a few chapters I decided I liked it. Marlow is a bit of a pain but she grew.on me also. There was more content than I originally feared there would be. Kind of wish professionally things had worked out different for her.
December 20, 2018
The Hired Hand
I loved this book. Marlow has always done as was expected of her until one night she breaks free and has sex with a stranger that she thinks is a escort. Liam doesn't do relationship 's. Until he meets Marlow. These two have some amazing chemistry. I loved the ending. This book has laughter, sexy as hell scenes, love, and tears. A must read in my eyes
I loved this book. Marlow has always done as was expected of her until one night she breaks free and has sex with a stranger that she thinks is a escort. Liam doesn't do relationship 's. Until he meets Marlow. These two have some amazing chemistry. I loved the ending. This book has laughter, sexy as hell scenes, love, and tears. A must read in my eyes
November 30, 2023
DNF at 68%
May 15, 2011
An enjoyable romance story without too many complicated story plot or scenes.
Marlow Jane Smith was in Dallas with her friend Joey to celebrate her 30th birthday. Her gift from her friend was a night with a gigolo! She refuses to go through with the crazy idea, but she insists on meeting "Mr. Jones" and Joey will need to "fire" him. After taking a quick shower, she is left alone in her hotel room - no Joey, no suitcase, no clothes, except a a red spandex dress, stiletto heels and thigh highs, with directions on where to meet a gigolo. She finds "him" and tries to fire him, but Mr. Jones had other idea.
Liam Campbell was huge flirt. He loved women, all kinds and all type. He doesn't believe in permanent relationships and makes sure he remains friends after breaking up with the women. He's proud to even boast in being invited to some ex-girlfriends weddings. He was sitting in a club when he was approached by a woman wearing a read spandex dress that didn't leave much to the imagination.
A case of mistaken identity, "Jane" decides to live a little and give in to the temptation of one sexy, "gigolo", Mr. Jones. It was going to be only for one night and she'll never see him again. After having the best sex of her life and with Mr. Jones still in bed, she leaves the hotel the following morning. Liam wakes up calling out to Jane and realized she left without saying good bye and an envelope with a $100 tip.
Fast forward three months later when Marlow is in her office when her father walked in to introduced their newly hired business consultant, Liam Campbell. Liam didn't recognize her at first. The company owner's daughter was dressed in a drab gray suite, hair pulled back in a bun and wearing glasses. Marlow couldn't believe that the man/gigolo she slept with was standing in her office.
Although stories with similar scenarios have been done before, this was one that was done well. It wasn't too heavy in emotions and the characters were actually likeable. Liam could have been a total jerk and pages could have been wasted to make him play the typical "Alpha" role, but he wasn't. Marlow could also have been a total B*(#C, but she wasn't. There were enough back story regarding why she works so hard to please a father who doesn't recognize her potential running the family company. I enjoyed the story for what it was - a romance between two people who belong together. Liam saw what others, particularly her father, didn't see in Marlow. She was not his usual type, but his attraction to her went beyond the physical persona she tries to show the world.
Enjoyable romance, with a bit of spiciness to heat up a few few scenes and a great HEA!
Marlow Jane Smith was in Dallas with her friend Joey to celebrate her 30th birthday. Her gift from her friend was a night with a gigolo! She refuses to go through with the crazy idea, but she insists on meeting "Mr. Jones" and Joey will need to "fire" him. After taking a quick shower, she is left alone in her hotel room - no Joey, no suitcase, no clothes, except a a red spandex dress, stiletto heels and thigh highs, with directions on where to meet a gigolo. She finds "him" and tries to fire him, but Mr. Jones had other idea.
Liam Campbell was huge flirt. He loved women, all kinds and all type. He doesn't believe in permanent relationships and makes sure he remains friends after breaking up with the women. He's proud to even boast in being invited to some ex-girlfriends weddings. He was sitting in a club when he was approached by a woman wearing a read spandex dress that didn't leave much to the imagination.
A case of mistaken identity, "Jane" decides to live a little and give in to the temptation of one sexy, "gigolo", Mr. Jones. It was going to be only for one night and she'll never see him again. After having the best sex of her life and with Mr. Jones still in bed, she leaves the hotel the following morning. Liam wakes up calling out to Jane and realized she left without saying good bye and an envelope with a $100 tip.
Fast forward three months later when Marlow is in her office when her father walked in to introduced their newly hired business consultant, Liam Campbell. Liam didn't recognize her at first. The company owner's daughter was dressed in a drab gray suite, hair pulled back in a bun and wearing glasses. Marlow couldn't believe that the man/gigolo she slept with was standing in her office.
Although stories with similar scenarios have been done before, this was one that was done well. It wasn't too heavy in emotions and the characters were actually likeable. Liam could have been a total jerk and pages could have been wasted to make him play the typical "Alpha" role, but he wasn't. Marlow could also have been a total B*(#C, but she wasn't. There were enough back story regarding why she works so hard to please a father who doesn't recognize her potential running the family company. I enjoyed the story for what it was - a romance between two people who belong together. Liam saw what others, particularly her father, didn't see in Marlow. She was not his usual type, but his attraction to her went beyond the physical persona she tries to show the world.
Enjoyable romance, with a bit of spiciness to heat up a few few scenes and a great HEA!
January 23, 2019
This was an ok read. I liked Liam and I liked Marlowe. They had chemistry, and were kind of funny.
The story started out interesting, but I felt like I got lost a couple of times. for one thing, it seemed like there was more to the story with Vic then was described in this book.
Then, I thought Heath's behavior was a little strange. I know he was concerned about the business, but it seemed like his reluctance to accept Liam being involved with Marlowe went deeper then it being about business.
When Marlowe heard Liam and Heath talking, I fully expected her to confront Liam. If not immediately, at some point.
I did like this book toward the end. The flow seemed somewhat choppy. It managed to take me out of the moment a few times. The Hired Hand had all of the components for a book that should have kept me fully engaged. For some reason, it didn't.
I would definitely recommend you read this book and judge for yourself.
The story started out interesting, but I felt like I got lost a couple of times. for one thing, it seemed like there was more to the story with Vic then was described in this book.
Then, I thought Heath's behavior was a little strange. I know he was concerned about the business, but it seemed like his reluctance to accept Liam being involved with Marlowe went deeper then it being about business.
When Marlowe heard Liam and Heath talking, I fully expected her to confront Liam. If not immediately, at some point.
I did like this book toward the end. The flow seemed somewhat choppy. It managed to take me out of the moment a few times. The Hired Hand had all of the components for a book that should have kept me fully engaged. For some reason, it didn't.
I would definitely recommend you read this book and judge for yourself.
May 29, 2011
OH NO! This really was heading for 5 stars when suddenly it lost traction and left me thinking 'what the...??'
I LOVED the premise of this book; mistaken identity. Not enough love stories start with a Gigolo! Anyway, I love stories where a stud muffin falls to pieces over a normal girl. Liam the 'player' certainly lost his head over plain Ms Marlow Jane. I loved the first three quarters of the book.
Overall I found the ending disappointing and a bit weak. Plus there were a couple of things that seemed to get forgotten leaving me a bit frustrated:
There was a suggestion that there was more to the story with her ex, Vic. Marlow reacted badly to aggression a couple of times and I thought something interesting was going to come out...but this thread was just completely forgotten. Maybe I got the wrong end of the stick, but I'm pretty sure there was a reference to how bad things went after she broke things off, but it was never followed up or explained.
Also, Marlow reacts after hearing Liam and his brother talking about their relationship, but this was never even discussed between the hero and heroine. I was expecting at least a little bit of snappy dialogue where the misunderstanding was resolved.
It's a real shame because I was totally invested in this pair until the ending left me unsatisfied and a bit stumped!
I LOVED the premise of this book; mistaken identity. Not enough love stories start with a Gigolo! Anyway, I love stories where a stud muffin falls to pieces over a normal girl. Liam the 'player' certainly lost his head over plain Ms Marlow Jane. I loved the first three quarters of the book.
Overall I found the ending disappointing and a bit weak. Plus there were a couple of things that seemed to get forgotten leaving me a bit frustrated:
There was a suggestion that there was more to the story with her ex, Vic. Marlow reacted badly to aggression a couple of times and I thought something interesting was going to come out...but this thread was just completely forgotten. Maybe I got the wrong end of the stick, but I'm pretty sure there was a reference to how bad things went after she broke things off, but it was never followed up or explained.
Also, Marlow reacts after hearing Liam and his brother talking about their relationship, but this was never even discussed between the hero and heroine. I was expecting at least a little bit of snappy dialogue where the misunderstanding was resolved.
It's a real shame because I was totally invested in this pair until the ending left me unsatisfied and a bit stumped!
July 26, 2016
A case of mistaken identity in a hotel lounge leads to a hot night of smexy fun for an unusually uptight and straight laced business woman. This book had a great set up - gal mistakes guy in a bar for a paid gigolo birthday-present and has her wicked way with him, then leaves him in the morning. Many months later, they reconnect by chance through work. Despite this great working premise, I had a hard time with Liam and Marlowe as characters that I could connect with. Liam was too much of a hot head and not much of a business consultant. Marlowe needed to grow a pair and stand up to her dad many, many years ago. For chrissake, she still calls her parents Mummy and Daddy. Because I had such a hard time connecting with these characters, I didn't enjoy the book as well as I thought I would. Still a good read, however.
March 20, 2015
I'm not sure this book could be any cuter !
I loved the story about Liam and Marlow. She was a whisp of a women who wasn't taken seriously with her parents and her suitors. I was angry with her father throughout the book.
Liam is a strong character who fell hard for Marlow. He was willing to wait until she was able to see what she was missing. I'm glad our Marlow didn't feel the need to reinvent herself for a man.
While i enjoyed the book it was a bit redundant in the beginning.
I loved the story about Liam and Marlow. She was a whisp of a women who wasn't taken seriously with her parents and her suitors. I was angry with her father throughout the book.
Liam is a strong character who fell hard for Marlow. He was willing to wait until she was able to see what she was missing. I'm glad our Marlow didn't feel the need to reinvent herself for a man.
While i enjoyed the book it was a bit redundant in the beginning.
June 19, 2011
Taking a break from the Harmless series. I'm not liking this one as much. So far it reads too much like a Harlequin Blaze. Which I love, but that's not what the Harmless books were like, and not what I was hoping for. I was just hoping for a similarly written story, but with different characters. It almost feels like it was written by somebody else, the style is that different. I probably would have liked it just fine if I hadn't been expecting something else.
April 25, 2012
I've read two books by this author before and they both felt a bit like meh...But when I saw that R.L Matthewson (whos books I love) added it I decided to give it a chance..
But this is it I give up..who the hell says mummy and daddy as an adult.....and who the hell says it in a buissnes meaning *ugh*
But this is it I give up..who the hell says mummy and daddy as an adult.....and who the hell says it in a buissnes meaning *ugh*
December 19, 2014
what a great book. The hired hand I got on sale because I love Melissa Schroeder A Little Series and wanted to check out something new.
Fun and entertaining story that has you excited to see what happens next. I loved both characters and am excited for book two. Not just excited to see what happens with Marlo and Liam but also Joey!
Fun and entertaining story that has you excited to see what happens next. I loved both characters and am excited for book two. Not just excited to see what happens with Marlo and Liam but also Joey!
June 7, 2016
This was another great read....totally enjoyed this lighthearted sexy romp! I loved the characters, except of course the one or two the author didn't want her readers to like. This was well written, and I would definitely read it again. It's a sexy book....but with a good story line and I would recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary sexy stories. Definitely a keeper!
April 21, 2013
Loved the characters. Liked the plot. Might even read this one again. Sweet!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews