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Boardroom Acts #1
Persuasion Skills
In the aftermath of a major health scare, Pepper Holts makes the relief-inspired decision to seize the day. Unfortunately, most of her “seizing” involves a bit of merlot and her best friend's pants! After a shared night of passion she realizes that her feelings for Jax are a lot more complicated than she ever thought.
Jax has finally realized that his allergy to marriage has nothing to do with the institution itself, and everything to do with the women in his bed—or more specifically, the one woman not in his bed. Her reaction to their one night together has him scrambling to regroup. So he does what he knows best—he disappears, and he thinks. The plan?—convince Pepper into staying with him at a secluded cabin for one week. One week of pretending to be a happily married couple to show her how great they could be together.
Jax has finally realized that his allergy to marriage has nothing to do with the institution itself, and everything to do with the women in his bed—or more specifically, the one woman not in his bed. Her reaction to their one night together has him scrambling to regroup. So he does what he knows best—he disappears, and he thinks. The plan?—convince Pepper into staying with him at a secluded cabin for one week. One week of pretending to be a happily married couple to show her how great they could be together.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2013
15 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Laurel Cremant
18 books82 followersLaurel is a romance author, who like most writers loves to read. She has no one favorite genre to read because she believes "a good story is a good story" regardless of what genre it's published under. However, her first love (pun intended) is romance. From the sappy romantic chick flick, the sappy YA romance novel to the more risque erotica novels, Laurel is a sucker for a good love story.
Laurel writes paranormal and contemporary romance. She is a self proclaimed, out of the closet nerd, and admits that she can't seem to avoid adding a bit of "nerdology" or "geek-dom" to all of her stories. Living in Miami, she also admits that she can't seem to avoid giving her heroines gorgeous shoes, "In Miami, we worship everything strappy, open toed and just plain hot!"
Laurel writes paranormal and contemporary romance. She is a self proclaimed, out of the closet nerd, and admits that she can't seem to avoid adding a bit of "nerdology" or "geek-dom" to all of her stories. Living in Miami, she also admits that she can't seem to avoid giving her heroines gorgeous shoes, "In Miami, we worship everything strappy, open toed and just plain hot!"
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 12, 2016
DNF at 86%
I tried, I really did, but I was just so damn bored reading this extremely underdeveloped PWP. And the sex scenes are sooooo sugar-kink lame. So vanilla, though this book attempts borderline D/s stuff with the silk tie and handcuffs, and by the hero's last name being Grey. It does not succeed. Maybe this would be racy to a Morman who's only had missionary or sow thing but: lame.
I had to stop. My eyes were hurting from rolling.
And there is zero story here. Zero. If this supposed to be friends to lovers, could we actually see the friendship please. Not that I really care because the characters are flat and lifeless, too.
I tried, I really did, but I was just so damn bored reading this extremely underdeveloped PWP. And the sex scenes are sooooo sugar-kink lame. So vanilla, though this book attempts borderline D/s stuff with the silk tie and handcuffs, and by the hero's last name being Grey. It does not succeed. Maybe this would be racy to a Morman who's only had missionary or sow thing but: lame.
I had to stop. My eyes were hurting from rolling.
And there is zero story here. Zero. If this supposed to be friends to lovers, could we actually see the friendship please. Not that I really care because the characters are flat and lifeless, too.
August 26, 2014
Let me start by saying, WELL DONE! Persuasion Skills is a page-turner from start to finish. It entails tongue lashing, humor, and steamy sex scenes.
Jaxon and Pepper are best friends and business partners who have shared a welcoming peck on the cheek and hug. But an evening of celebrating quickly turns into a blissful night of passion. Holding back on their feelings adds tension to their friendship and business. To make matters worse, Pepper found herself “playing Indiana Jones” when Jaxon became MIA. Fearful their friendship was headed for the worst, Pepper continued to berate herself for indulging in “that last glass of wine”. This does not stop her from uttering a slew of cusswords and bodily harm.
You will witness on more than one occasion how fierce Pepper can be. The first incident took place when she was a senior in college. When Jaxon walked into his dorm room, he laid eyes on skin tone the color of milk chocolate in a compromising situation with his roommate. Puzzled, he demanded answers from her since his roommate was gagged and hog-tied. After a few more blows to the roommate, Pepper calms down long enough to laugh at herself and her new protector, her “He-Man”. Believe me when I say, the nickname “He-Man” is dead-on with the scene and Jaxon’s character. Even then for the first time seeing her, Jaxon thought she was a stunning sight with a flared temper.
When Jaxon scrutinized and devised a plan to win Pepper over, he thought of everything and I do mean everything. Will it work? Or will he admit there’s no blueprint when it comes to love? Accepting his fate and any right hooks that may come along, he is more than ready to test his skills against the feisty beauty.
And the sex scenes… They are HOT!! Jaxon is in tune with Pepper’s body; one touch and she’s humming.
I absolutely loved this novel. The story line and characters were captivating and well written; I had to read it twice. I’m hooked and Ms. Cremant is now on my radar for new releases, but in the meantime I will enjoy her debut novel Negotiating Skills.
-Reviewed by LaMona
Jaxon and Pepper are best friends and business partners who have shared a welcoming peck on the cheek and hug. But an evening of celebrating quickly turns into a blissful night of passion. Holding back on their feelings adds tension to their friendship and business. To make matters worse, Pepper found herself “playing Indiana Jones” when Jaxon became MIA. Fearful their friendship was headed for the worst, Pepper continued to berate herself for indulging in “that last glass of wine”. This does not stop her from uttering a slew of cusswords and bodily harm.
You will witness on more than one occasion how fierce Pepper can be. The first incident took place when she was a senior in college. When Jaxon walked into his dorm room, he laid eyes on skin tone the color of milk chocolate in a compromising situation with his roommate. Puzzled, he demanded answers from her since his roommate was gagged and hog-tied. After a few more blows to the roommate, Pepper calms down long enough to laugh at herself and her new protector, her “He-Man”. Believe me when I say, the nickname “He-Man” is dead-on with the scene and Jaxon’s character. Even then for the first time seeing her, Jaxon thought she was a stunning sight with a flared temper.
When Jaxon scrutinized and devised a plan to win Pepper over, he thought of everything and I do mean everything. Will it work? Or will he admit there’s no blueprint when it comes to love? Accepting his fate and any right hooks that may come along, he is more than ready to test his skills against the feisty beauty.
And the sex scenes… They are HOT!! Jaxon is in tune with Pepper’s body; one touch and she’s humming.
I absolutely loved this novel. The story line and characters were captivating and well written; I had to read it twice. I’m hooked and Ms. Cremant is now on my radar for new releases, but in the meantime I will enjoy her debut novel Negotiating Skills.
-Reviewed by LaMona
August 1, 2013
I was lent this book because I basically piss and moan all over the place about IR reads that are novella length books that are nothing but sex, sex, sexy times with very little good relationship content or writing.
A friend lent me this explaining I might like it. She was correct. This is a great example of an author who effectively used the novella length. She didn't try to pack too much story in the short-ish length. And the story she did tell was wonderfully presented. There was explicit sex scenes but the relationship she established between the two characters made them feel like they fit with the story.
The writing was very good with a lot of wit to it.
And yes....I do wish this were longer. Even though I think the story worked, I would have liked to spent more time with the two characters and gotten the full relationship.
A friend lent me this explaining I might like it. She was correct. This is a great example of an author who effectively used the novella length. She didn't try to pack too much story in the short-ish length. And the story she did tell was wonderfully presented. There was explicit sex scenes but the relationship she established between the two characters made them feel like they fit with the story.
The writing was very good with a lot of wit to it.
And yes....I do wish this were longer. Even though I think the story worked, I would have liked to spent more time with the two characters and gotten the full relationship.
December 30, 2013
This is another great example of how a short story should be written, it has everything in it. I read this a while ago. I thought it was a fantastic read. It is about Pepper and Jax who are best friends and how one night of passion forces them to face the fact that they actually love each other. It was a page turner, engrossing read. This story highlighted the author Laurel Cremant for me. I like how she writes. Great read!
September 1, 2013
Was given this book for an honest review.
HOT!!! HOT!!! HOT!!!
Favorite Quotes:
“I didn’t sign up to play Indiana Jones,” she mumbled”
“The phrase dead or alive flashed through her mind after she hit a particularly deep pot hole”
“He winced at a few of her more graphic and violent depictions of revenge to come. She always did have a somewhat sadistic streak.”
“You know that you’re officially only one step away from re-enacting Misery, don’t you?” She flicked the question out at him”
“That touching you always makes me feel like I’m drowning and all I want to breathe in is you”?
Jaxon and Pepper have been friends since there chance meeting in college. She was a 20 year old wanting to lose her virginity. She just happen to chose jaxon's roommate.
On that fateful night jaxon walked into his place he shared and found a women(Pepper) in only her panties and high heels kicking his roommate who just happened to be tied up in his jewels and also with a box of condoms in his mouth . Way to go Pepper!!! She didn't mind having sex but being tied up without her permission was a no no. From that day forward they became close friends. They built a business together but what Jaxon didn't realize was that Pepper fell in love with him from day one. As always with men it too longer the mango realize he loved her also. Hiding her feelings were getting harder and harder.
Afternoon a night of passion Pepper through Jaxon out not wanting to destroy the friendship they had and to keep him from knowing how she truly felt. Jaxon realize that he loved Pepper and would do anything in his powers to get her to love him back and marry him. So he concocted a plan to get her away from Miami and alone with him in the mountains. To do this he disappeared from work, cancelled meeting and hid in the mountains which cause her to do something she never thought she do follow him. She drove up the mountains on potholed roads cussing Jaxon all the way. What she didn't know was Jaxon new she would come. He had a plan, when she arrived he disabled her car so she couldn't leave. She Greed to spend one week with Jaxon so he could show her how go they were together. Her problem was she didn't think he would ever lover her so she fought her feelings and Jaxon. Will she give him a chance? Will his persuasion skills win her over? Or is Jaxon going to fail?
This is a faced paced, full of laughter, and hot sex. If you are not into a dominant male the this is not the story for you. There is some bondage and spankings in this story.
I give this story 4 bound angels
HOT!!! HOT!!! HOT!!!
Favorite Quotes:
“I didn’t sign up to play Indiana Jones,” she mumbled”
“The phrase dead or alive flashed through her mind after she hit a particularly deep pot hole”
“He winced at a few of her more graphic and violent depictions of revenge to come. She always did have a somewhat sadistic streak.”
“You know that you’re officially only one step away from re-enacting Misery, don’t you?” She flicked the question out at him”
“That touching you always makes me feel like I’m drowning and all I want to breathe in is you”?
Jaxon and Pepper have been friends since there chance meeting in college. She was a 20 year old wanting to lose her virginity. She just happen to chose jaxon's roommate.
On that fateful night jaxon walked into his place he shared and found a women(Pepper) in only her panties and high heels kicking his roommate who just happened to be tied up in his jewels and also with a box of condoms in his mouth . Way to go Pepper!!! She didn't mind having sex but being tied up without her permission was a no no. From that day forward they became close friends. They built a business together but what Jaxon didn't realize was that Pepper fell in love with him from day one. As always with men it too longer the mango realize he loved her also. Hiding her feelings were getting harder and harder.
Afternoon a night of passion Pepper through Jaxon out not wanting to destroy the friendship they had and to keep him from knowing how she truly felt. Jaxon realize that he loved Pepper and would do anything in his powers to get her to love him back and marry him. So he concocted a plan to get her away from Miami and alone with him in the mountains. To do this he disappeared from work, cancelled meeting and hid in the mountains which cause her to do something she never thought she do follow him. She drove up the mountains on potholed roads cussing Jaxon all the way. What she didn't know was Jaxon new she would come. He had a plan, when she arrived he disabled her car so she couldn't leave. She Greed to spend one week with Jaxon so he could show her how go they were together. Her problem was she didn't think he would ever lover her so she fought her feelings and Jaxon. Will she give him a chance? Will his persuasion skills win her over? Or is Jaxon going to fail?
This is a faced paced, full of laughter, and hot sex. If you are not into a dominant male the this is not the story for you. There is some bondage and spankings in this story.
I give this story 4 bound angels
March 6, 2016
Good read!
June 22, 2018
This is a very super quick listen. This story is about two friends who have secretly loved one another for 10 years but yet has not had the courage to tell one another. As with life, a lot of impactful things happened to them which makes them realize that they need to tell one another about their true feelings. It sounds all well and good however when you have two head strong, intelligent, and independent/co-dependent, to one another, the feelings don't tend up translating into words.
This book had so many instances where it was straight miscommunication or rather lack of communication. Pepper and Jax both know that they love each other however they don't tell one another until literally the very end. Jax is so cerebral that he just assumes Pepper will just mysteriously realize that he loves her. On the other end, Pepper is so neurotic that her biggest fear is not having Jackson her life.
This was an okay book aside from the cuckoo crazy instances of just not talking to one another. It was a very sweet book and even though the relationship seems to move fast you have to take into consideration that these two have lover one another from the very beginning. So even though this romance took place within a week this romance has been building for 10 years.
This book had so many instances where it was straight miscommunication or rather lack of communication. Pepper and Jax both know that they love each other however they don't tell one another until literally the very end. Jax is so cerebral that he just assumes Pepper will just mysteriously realize that he loves her. On the other end, Pepper is so neurotic that her biggest fear is not having Jackson her life.
This was an okay book aside from the cuckoo crazy instances of just not talking to one another. It was a very sweet book and even though the relationship seems to move fast you have to take into consideration that these two have lover one another from the very beginning. So even though this romance took place within a week this romance has been building for 10 years.
January 22, 2020
I wanted to like this, but it was not good. The female character was really hard to like. She was an absolute brat! Good concept, but the poor play on the name Grey and S&M theme made the storyline trite.
March 7, 2023
Great short Read
So I read the 2nd book first but absolutely loved this one it was a little too short I wanted more of these two. They were too cute together and a continuation of their story would be nice.
So I read the 2nd book first but absolutely loved this one it was a little too short I wanted more of these two. They were too cute together and a continuation of their story would be nice.
May 4, 2017
Young, but this girl had strong self values. To be able to work that close for years and either one disrespected each other is true friendship love. Very good reading
September 4, 2013
(Originally posted on SnarkyMomReads where I received a copy of the story in exchange for the review.)
Persuasion Skills (Boardroom Acts) by Laurel Cremant is an 107 page novella priced at $3.99. At just over 100 pages, it is admittedly a quick read and whereas one would assume that a story in the erotica genre would be smack dab filled with sex, these Boardroom Acts offer much more than bedroom skills – there is a story. (But don’t worry – there IS also some hot sex – oral, light bondage, quick spanking – you’re warned!)
Jax and Pepper have been long-time friends with one night of benefits. Both are too frightened of losing their friendship, especially since they are business partners, and so they shy away from their true feelings for each other. The building of the characters as they figure out how to relate to each other, in AND out of the bedroom, is at times tear producing… but many times is filled with levity. Pepper is not going to let Jax just roll right over her – she stands up for herself. Jax asks her to stay with him as if they were a married couple on vacation. One of my favorite scenes? When she gets him all hot & bothered, and then announces to him that a real husband would know better than to expect sex from his pissed off wife – as she leaves him to deal with his blue balls by himself. (And just gotta love her “feminists unite!” fist pumps LOL!!)
The best compliment I know to give to the author is to say that this story left me wanting more… and looking forward to the next book in the Boardroom Acts series.
Persuasion Skills (Boardroom Acts) by Laurel Cremant is an 107 page novella priced at $3.99. At just over 100 pages, it is admittedly a quick read and whereas one would assume that a story in the erotica genre would be smack dab filled with sex, these Boardroom Acts offer much more than bedroom skills – there is a story. (But don’t worry – there IS also some hot sex – oral, light bondage, quick spanking – you’re warned!)
Jax and Pepper have been long-time friends with one night of benefits. Both are too frightened of losing their friendship, especially since they are business partners, and so they shy away from their true feelings for each other. The building of the characters as they figure out how to relate to each other, in AND out of the bedroom, is at times tear producing… but many times is filled with levity. Pepper is not going to let Jax just roll right over her – she stands up for herself. Jax asks her to stay with him as if they were a married couple on vacation. One of my favorite scenes? When she gets him all hot & bothered, and then announces to him that a real husband would know better than to expect sex from his pissed off wife – as she leaves him to deal with his blue balls by himself. (And just gotta love her “feminists unite!” fist pumps LOL!!)
The best compliment I know to give to the author is to say that this story left me wanting more… and looking forward to the next book in the Boardroom Acts series.
September 27, 2013
After one night of passion with her best friend/coworker things have been strained between Pepper and Jax. When he decides to take a vacation in the mountains Pepper is furious because they have work related things to do. Thats when Pepper decides to go after Jax. Little did she know she would end up getting stuck there for a week to play happy married couple. Jax wants to show Pepper how great they would be and knows the only way to do it is to have her experience everything rather then just saying it.
I loved that Pepper was a kick-butt, hard working women who doesn't let anyone take advantage of her. I would love to say my favorite part about the book that I just could'nt help but laugh out loud with but I don't want to spoil the book for anyone. The only thing I will say is that a guy should know never to expect sex if he ticks the women off. This book is a fun, quick and steamy read and recommend you readers to check it out. 4 of 5 Stars.
I loved that Pepper was a kick-butt, hard working women who doesn't let anyone take advantage of her. I would love to say my favorite part about the book that I just could'nt help but laugh out loud with but I don't want to spoil the book for anyone. The only thing I will say is that a guy should know never to expect sex if he ticks the women off. This book is a fun, quick and steamy read and recommend you readers to check it out. 4 of 5 Stars.
August 30, 2013
Persuasion Skills is a fun, romantic and sensual read that many fans of the genre will enjoy their time reading.
Pepper lives her life, her business, which she is partners with her best friend in and she loves her best friend. Never willing to lose what they have because she cherishes their friendship so much. She continues to keep her feelings to herself. But how much longer can she continue to hold back?
Jax finally wakes up after a life time of being against the biggest commitment of life, marriage. He also has come to realize that the love he feels for his best friend is much more than friendship…
I LOVE IT when two people that are the very best of friends become much more. It’s more personal, real and rare when it happens. Good job Laurel! Now I just have to sit here and wait for more from you ;)
Pepper lives her life, her business, which she is partners with her best friend in and she loves her best friend. Never willing to lose what they have because she cherishes their friendship so much. She continues to keep her feelings to herself. But how much longer can she continue to hold back?
Jax finally wakes up after a life time of being against the biggest commitment of life, marriage. He also has come to realize that the love he feels for his best friend is much more than friendship…
I LOVE IT when two people that are the very best of friends become much more. It’s more personal, real and rare when it happens. Good job Laurel! Now I just have to sit here and wait for more from you ;)
February 18, 2015
A second book I was given by the author after winning Negotiating Skills on TRR summer party.
Another good read, with a probable story line but I didnt feel the heat between them until right at the end. The author does seem to have a knack of writing good sex scenes!
Pepper has loved her business partner for a while now, but thinks he's just a player. Unknown to her, her lures her to his mountain cabin to complete a business transaction but really to woo her.
Jax has a bit of the classic nerd in him, clueless to those around, and needing reference points. There are plenty of advance/retreat moments to build the tension, but didnt work too well for me.
Another good read, one for a nice day by the pool with fruity drinks with umbrellas in!
Another good read, with a probable story line but I didnt feel the heat between them until right at the end. The author does seem to have a knack of writing good sex scenes!
Pepper has loved her business partner for a while now, but thinks he's just a player. Unknown to her, her lures her to his mountain cabin to complete a business transaction but really to woo her.
Jax has a bit of the classic nerd in him, clueless to those around, and needing reference points. There are plenty of advance/retreat moments to build the tension, but didnt work too well for me.
Another good read, one for a nice day by the pool with fruity drinks with umbrellas in!
January 22, 2015
Persuasion Skills by Laurel Cremant
This was a story about best friends and business partners that take it to the next level. It was well written and what I liked the most was the couple Jax and Pepper. Both strong people that complemented each other and not just in bed, though that was hot. I liked that Pepper never lost her backbone and let Jax dictate or push her around. They were equals and that was the way Jax wanted to keep it. Erotic with a bit of tie-me-ups, a hot shower scene and couple of funny lines, made this an enjoyable book and an author I’ll be look at in the future.
This was a story about best friends and business partners that take it to the next level. It was well written and what I liked the most was the couple Jax and Pepper. Both strong people that complemented each other and not just in bed, though that was hot. I liked that Pepper never lost her backbone and let Jax dictate or push her around. They were equals and that was the way Jax wanted to keep it. Erotic with a bit of tie-me-ups, a hot shower scene and couple of funny lines, made this an enjoyable book and an author I’ll be look at in the future.
September 26, 2022
Great Read
Long time coming, but this was a great read. In the beginning of reading interracial romance, I made the misfortune of just enjoying myself on the reading and not leaving a review. Review our good forever one, it let others know how good a story is. Plus it lets the author know there doing a good job. Sorry I didn’t do that, but when a story is good I love to re-read it. That says a lot
Long time coming, but this was a great read. In the beginning of reading interracial romance, I made the misfortune of just enjoying myself on the reading and not leaving a review. Review our good forever one, it let others know how good a story is. Plus it lets the author know there doing a good job. Sorry I didn’t do that, but when a story is good I love to re-read it. That says a lot
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews