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The Boss #2.5
The Hook-Up
No longer sold separately. Included in book 3.
After cancer put a year of his life on hold, Neil Elwood is finally back where he thought he belonged, at the head of his media empire. But when the job takes him to London and away from his girlfriend, Sophie, he begins to reevaluate his priorities.
Neil isn’t sure what to expect when Sophie suggests a one-on-one night between him and their lover, Emir. When the two men have dinner together, sparks fly, and Neil recognizes a rare opportunity to give sexual submission another try.
Though taking charge is all he knows, Neil is willing to obey, at least for one night. Under Emir’s command, Neil discovers a whole new side of his sexuality, and he learns that sometimes, surrendering control can feel so, so good…
(Fits into Chapter 11 of the future 'The Bride' novel.)
After cancer put a year of his life on hold, Neil Elwood is finally back where he thought he belonged, at the head of his media empire. But when the job takes him to London and away from his girlfriend, Sophie, he begins to reevaluate his priorities.
Neil isn’t sure what to expect when Sophie suggests a one-on-one night between him and their lover, Emir. When the two men have dinner together, sparks fly, and Neil recognizes a rare opportunity to give sexual submission another try.
Though taking charge is all he knows, Neil is willing to obey, at least for one night. Under Emir’s command, Neil discovers a whole new side of his sexuality, and he learns that sometimes, surrendering control can feel so, so good…
(Fits into Chapter 11 of the future 'The Bride' novel.)
32 pages, ebook
First published December 8, 2013
14 people are currently reading
1543 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Barnette
65 books1,280 followersAbigail Barnette is the pseudonym of Jenny Trout (alias Jennifer Armintrout, an author, blogger, and funny person. Jenny made the USA Today bestseller list with her debut novel, Blood Ties Book One: The Turning. Her American Vampire was named one of the top ten horror novels of 2011 by Booklist Magazine Online. As Abigail Barnette, Jenny writes award-winning erotic romance, including the internationally bestselling The Boss series.
As a blogger, Jenny’s work has appeared on The Huffington Post, and has been featured on television and radio, including HuffPost Live, Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Show, and National Public Radio’s Here & Now. Her work has earned mentions in The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly.
She is a proud Michigander, mother of two, and wife to the only person alive capable of spending extended periods of time with her without wanting to kill her.
As a blogger, Jenny’s work has appeared on The Huffington Post, and has been featured on television and radio, including HuffPost Live, Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Show, and National Public Radio’s Here & Now. Her work has earned mentions in The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly.
She is a proud Michigander, mother of two, and wife to the only person alive capable of spending extended periods of time with her without wanting to kill her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 4, 2014
1.25* rounded down to 1*
This was an over the top read, but not over the top positive things, no, I've rarely read anything as over the top boring, paint-by-numbers and soporific, which at the same time was filled to the brim with stereotypes, misconceptions, do-goody-ness and hypocrisy.
Sure, the BDSM took place according to the textbook. But that was all, as if the author had worked her way down a list of items to write and check as executed. And the author's female gender was never ever in any contention, those two men behaved more like severe school-marms than like men (and no, not even restrained or repressed men either!), right on to where they wash down with flannels before showering. WTF? Talk about overkill, and in my experience that's a distinctly female behaviour after sex. The BDSM tropes abounded and were sleep-inducing, as was the continued mistaking a bit of kinky sex for BDSM.
Lastly, I was put almost out of commission by the over-abundance of "BI" in this: two billionaires, 4 bisexuals, all of course SUPERtolerant about sex and sharing, and last but not least, Doms who switch to subs at the drop of a hat and sleep with men. As if.
While I want more written about bisexual people, THIS is not how I envision it!
This story was blood and lifeless.
This was an over the top read, but not over the top positive things, no, I've rarely read anything as over the top boring, paint-by-numbers and soporific, which at the same time was filled to the brim with stereotypes, misconceptions, do-goody-ness and hypocrisy.
Sure, the BDSM took place according to the textbook. But that was all, as if the author had worked her way down a list of items to write and check as executed. And the author's female gender was never ever in any contention, those two men behaved more like severe school-marms than like men (and no, not even restrained or repressed men either!), right on to where they wash down with flannels before showering. WTF? Talk about overkill, and in my experience that's a distinctly female behaviour after sex. The BDSM tropes abounded and were sleep-inducing, as was the continued mistaking a bit of kinky sex for BDSM.
Lastly, I was put almost out of commission by the over-abundance of "BI" in this: two billionaires, 4 bisexuals, all of course SUPERtolerant about sex and sharing, and last but not least, Doms who switch to subs at the drop of a hat and sleep with men. As if.
While I want more written about bisexual people, THIS is not how I envision it!
This story was blood and lifeless.
March 10, 2014
Wow when I thought things could not get any worse the author ruins my outlook of Neil and Sophie even more by writing this book that just cements my feelings about how him and Sophie do not really love each other, it is all about not wanting to be alone, having sex, and both of them freely having sex with others. Neil being bi-sexual has made him lose any and all sex appeal to me and reading about him being submissive after all the great scenes of him being dominant was just awful. Then Sophie "setting" this up turns my stomach, who does this? sorry not a woman that is in love with her man. I won't even say anymore about this book because I just can't believe how terrible this made me feel and how saddened that this could have been a great series but it just keeps getting more and more worse. I read this book hoping that in the end he would not go through with this but I was sadly mistaken and wish I could take back the time I wasted on reading this. I would have given this 0 stars if possible.
August 4, 2018
After reading this last year I think... I was curious about the whole story and the couple behind it. Very very steamy....reader on fire..I might give this series a go...
April 4, 2017
Please note: This review contains spoilers for readers who have not read the first two installments in The Boss series:
#1-The Boss
#2-The Girlfriend
The Hook-Up is a novella (#2.5) in Abigail Barnette's The Boss series. You can find this 32-page story provided for free on smashwords- it is Ms. Barnette's gift to fans of the series. This novella presents Neil's point of view and it is such a treat! After Neil's battle with leukemia complications, treatment, and side effects, he is slowly recovering. Neil is rarely in a position when he is not in control, so his illness turned his world upside down both physically and emotionally. In addition to this, now his daughter is marrying a man he does not approve of and again he has no control over the situation. Sophie insightfully suggests that Neil consider participating in sexual submission in an effort to gain a positive memory with not being in control. Unknown to Neil, Sophie has thoughtfully been in communication with Emir to fulfill the Dominant role, if Neil agrees. This was a very sexy story about a trio of characters I have come to adore. Although readers don't know Emir quite as well as Sophie and Neil yet, I suspect he won't be leaving the series anytime soon. Abigail Barnette has a talent for taking subjects that some conservative readers may define as "dirty" and making them intimate and emotional. I am so enjoying this series, and if you are a fan and are not opposed to reading about same-sex sexual activity then add this short story to your list!
My favorite quote:
"Emir came from the bathroom, bearing a stack of wet flannels, still folded. He knelt beside me on the bed to gently wash me. How strange, the way context shifts the meaning and associations of an act. When I’d been in the hospital, it had been another reminder of my lost dignity to be bathed by the nurses. Now, it was a relief to give up the responsibility, to let Emir care for me when I was far too tired to care for myself."
#1-The Boss
#2-The Girlfriend
The Hook-Up is a novella (#2.5) in Abigail Barnette's The Boss series. You can find this 32-page story provided for free on smashwords- it is Ms. Barnette's gift to fans of the series. This novella presents Neil's point of view and it is such a treat! After Neil's battle with leukemia complications, treatment, and side effects, he is slowly recovering. Neil is rarely in a position when he is not in control, so his illness turned his world upside down both physically and emotionally. In addition to this, now his daughter is marrying a man he does not approve of and again he has no control over the situation. Sophie insightfully suggests that Neil consider participating in sexual submission in an effort to gain a positive memory with not being in control. Unknown to Neil, Sophie has thoughtfully been in communication with Emir to fulfill the Dominant role, if Neil agrees. This was a very sexy story about a trio of characters I have come to adore. Although readers don't know Emir quite as well as Sophie and Neil yet, I suspect he won't be leaving the series anytime soon. Abigail Barnette has a talent for taking subjects that some conservative readers may define as "dirty" and making them intimate and emotional. I am so enjoying this series, and if you are a fan and are not opposed to reading about same-sex sexual activity then add this short story to your list!
My favorite quote:
"Emir came from the bathroom, bearing a stack of wet flannels, still folded. He knelt beside me on the bed to gently wash me. How strange, the way context shifts the meaning and associations of an act. When I’d been in the hospital, it had been another reminder of my lost dignity to be bathed by the nurses. Now, it was a relief to give up the responsibility, to let Emir care for me when I was far too tired to care for myself."
December 28, 2013
Since I haven't read the novels yet, this free short story (set after The Boss and The Girlfriend) is my introduction to the "Boss-verse". Rumour has it the series was created as an "anti-Fifty Shades of Grey" - Dom/sub, boss/employee, billionaire/middle-class, but without the abuse. That seems fair, but it does mean the inclusion of tropes that piss me off: Both parties in a couple are never truly happy without the other, the most insecure in the relationship is the most loved, etc.
I think I've read so much erotic romance (m/f, m/f/m, m/m/f) that I'm getting bored. Maybe because of the groupings, but also the lack of conflict. A romance guarantees everyone (or at least the main couple) lives happily ever after, which means any conflict in the story doesn't feel real, because you know it'll be solved/tolerated in the end. This is why I prefer erotic FICTION (rather than erotic ROMANCE), but hey - The Hook-Up is free, so I gave it a chance.
So yeah, the beginning and ending don't work for me because they're Neil/Sophie lovey/lusty talk. But the middle with Neil and Emir is AWESOME and actually ground-breaking for me as a reader. Condoms and lube are both common in the romances I've read - as they should be - but The Hook-Up also features condom-oral, dental dams, and latex gloves (which I've never read in fiction unless a sex worker is involved). Sure, Neil and Sophie probably go unprotected because One True Love, but this is the story's unspoken nod that infections do exist in Fictionland after all. (Perhaps even unwanted pregnancies; who knows?)
Overall, a pretty great introduction to the Boss-verse, and at such a fabulous price (it's legally free) it shouldn't be missed.
I think I've read so much erotic romance (m/f, m/f/m, m/m/f) that I'm getting bored. Maybe because of the groupings, but also the lack of conflict. A romance guarantees everyone (or at least the main couple) lives happily ever after, which means any conflict in the story doesn't feel real, because you know it'll be solved/tolerated in the end. This is why I prefer erotic FICTION (rather than erotic ROMANCE), but hey - The Hook-Up is free, so I gave it a chance.
So yeah, the beginning and ending don't work for me because they're Neil/Sophie lovey/lusty talk. But the middle with Neil and Emir is AWESOME and actually ground-breaking for me as a reader. Condoms and lube are both common in the romances I've read - as they should be - but The Hook-Up also features condom-oral, dental dams, and latex gloves (which I've never read in fiction unless a sex worker is involved). Sure, Neil and Sophie probably go unprotected because One True Love, but this is the story's unspoken nod that infections do exist in Fictionland after all. (Perhaps even unwanted pregnancies; who knows?)
Overall, a pretty great introduction to the Boss-verse, and at such a fabulous price (it's legally free) it shouldn't be missed.
December 31, 2015
2.5 stars
Hmmm. hummm. So, yeah, billionaires. I haven't read anything else in this series nor read this author before. So, this short is a superficial view of the three characters and their interaction - they've obviously got a history, but I don't know much about it...beyond the story blurb. It's probably unfair to rate this without having read the first two books but it's free and I did, so there.
The sex between Emir and Neil seems by the book, and discussion of dental dams, latex gloves, and a bj with condom (yuck, I don't care what flavor it is) detracts from any eroticism. snap, crackle, and pop.
I do appreciate that Neil is fifty years old and on the other side of fighting his cancer. So his insecurities because of all that in the face of Emir's youthful, vibrant beauty is understandable. Kudos for that. Otherwise, this was just ok for me. *shrug*
March 3, 2014
Nice and hot mm short story. I absolutely love this series looking forward to the next one.
Want to Read
April 21, 2016
Book 1 is FREE on Amazon US today (4/21/2016)
http://goo.gl/KbgCo9
No longer sold separately. This novella is now included in book 3.
Books in The Boss series should be read in order:
Book 1: The Boss
Book 2: The Girlfriend
Book 2.5: The Hock-Up
Book 3: The Bride
Book 4: The Ex
Book 5: The Baby
February 15, 2016
5 Hot-MM-Romance-Stars! ☆☆☆☆☆ this was a very quick and sexy read. :) there was no long romance or unnecessary story plot, just pure hot carnal sex between two hot bi-men. (Im blushing as i type) (ツ)
January 27, 2015
HOT, quick read.
Free on smashwords.com
Free on smashwords.com
January 11, 2015
It was hot and everything, but I like the dynamic between Neil and Sophie more :)
November 14, 2015
2.5 stars. Cute.
July 16, 2015
good shit go౦ԁ sHit thats some good shit right there right there if i do ƽaү so my selｆ i say so thats what im talking about right there right there mMMMMᎷМ hooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooo good shit
March 20, 2017
I deliberated over the rating for this for a while for some reason. I don't know what that reason was other than that it felt a little too short; so I bumped it to 5*'s, but the actual rating is 4.5*'s because I do admittedly feel a little disappointed that it wasn't longer! I loved it that much.
This was definitely something unique for me to read; I didn't think I'd ever find something like this; written so well and so purely whilst adding so much to the series (which it truly did; I feel I know Neil on a much deeper level now, which is amazing and makes me look back on the books so far with an ever increasing fondness)! I was pleasantly surprised with every page I turned on this one. It got better and better, and I truly am head over heels with Neil (not that I wasn't before; but even more so now). I truly think that this was necessary to the plot and if you haven't read it, give it a go, even if it doesn't sound like it would be your cup of tea to begin with.
This was an amazing addition, extremely well written, excellently paced - I just wish there was more of it because it's so good!
This was definitely something unique for me to read; I didn't think I'd ever find something like this; written so well and so purely whilst adding so much to the series (which it truly did; I feel I know Neil on a much deeper level now, which is amazing and makes me look back on the books so far with an ever increasing fondness)! I was pleasantly surprised with every page I turned on this one. It got better and better, and I truly am head over heels with Neil (not that I wasn't before; but even more so now). I truly think that this was necessary to the plot and if you haven't read it, give it a go, even if it doesn't sound like it would be your cup of tea to begin with.
This was an amazing addition, extremely well written, excellently paced - I just wish there was more of it because it's so good!
December 27, 2015
After having read way too many erotic romances I have become very very picky these days, and even though I still try out a lot of newbie authors, most of them don't pass my check-up because I need more than fast, hard and intensive sex scenes to keep on reading.
One reason why I love this mini-series so much is that in the first book we really get the time to get acquainted with Neil and Sophie and how deeply they love each other. Neil as the dom in the relationship has quite a number of kinky inclinations I wouldn't want to read about in any story, but because it is so absolutely obvious how much he loves Sophie, the author can sell me some pretty heavy BDSM scenes I wouldn't care about in other books.
The Hook-Up is all about Neil who submits for the second time in his life to a dom, mostly for Sophie to better understand her desire for submission.
This is a short, sexy and nice read, but I am really looking forward to the next instalment which will be a full length novel. B
One reason why I love this mini-series so much is that in the first book we really get the time to get acquainted with Neil and Sophie and how deeply they love each other. Neil as the dom in the relationship has quite a number of kinky inclinations I wouldn't want to read about in any story, but because it is so absolutely obvious how much he loves Sophie, the author can sell me some pretty heavy BDSM scenes I wouldn't care about in other books.
The Hook-Up is all about Neil who submits for the second time in his life to a dom, mostly for Sophie to better understand her desire for submission.
This is a short, sexy and nice read, but I am really looking forward to the next instalment which will be a full length novel. B
September 5, 2014
This little sidestory was included in my copy of The Wife, and I really liked it. Neil's POV felt quite different from Sophie's and it was fun to be in his head for a bit. And to see more of Emir. I don't think I'd need a whole story from Neil, but this was really fun.
I would totally read a spin-off about Emir and his wife though!
I would totally read a spin-off about Emir and his wife though!
December 28, 2013
the temptation was so great that I couldn't wait till March 2014. even with the minor spoiler.
I'm not always into MM book as for hot and steamy thing. but with Neil. it was wow.
I'm counting down my days for the bride!!!
I'm not always into MM book as for hot and steamy thing. but with Neil. it was wow.
I'm counting down my days for the bride!!!
March 2, 2014
Wow never thought id enjoy such a story but im totally head over heels with the chracters and their love towrds each other! I hope to read more of emir with niel and chloe as well
April 12, 2014
OMG this was totally hot!!! Loved it!!!
February 25, 2015
I loved loved the raunchiness.... good end to my weekend!
July 5, 2020
This was actually a great read. For some reason I was expecting the novella to go straight to the deed, so I was pleasantly surprised to start off with the day in the office for Neil. Thinking about the first three books of the series I was glad to see my perception of Neil was 100% correct, and it was interesting to see where he stands on the ex/current girlfriend axis. Not that it wasn't clear before, but it was interesting to have it explained from his point of view.
Still thinking about the books, it was also weirdly reassuring to see how Neil thinks about Sophie and how he's completely smitten with her. He might be a little too smitten for my taste, but some people work like that and considering everything he went through it's not a surprise.
Forgetting about the series and looking at this from a Neil x Emir angle, it was great! I wanted them to go a bit deeper although I know that wouldn't have been possible, but it's not all lost; there's hint of a repeat or at least a get together and I'm going to keep an eye open for that.
Emir is great, I liked him since Sophie laid eyes on him. He's a great lover, he's dashing and he seems to be having an open and honest relationship with his wife (and I'm so curious on how that works, but I just might have to settle to a little glimpse), there's really nothing I didn't like about him.
Big thumbs up for safe sex all the way. It took a little from the eroticism of the scene, but I appreciate safe sex more.
Still thinking about the books, it was also weirdly reassuring to see how Neil thinks about Sophie and how he's completely smitten with her. He might be a little too smitten for my taste, but some people work like that and considering everything he went through it's not a surprise.
Forgetting about the series and looking at this from a Neil x Emir angle, it was great! I wanted them to go a bit deeper although I know that wouldn't have been possible, but it's not all lost; there's hint of a repeat or at least a get together and I'm going to keep an eye open for that.
Emir is great, I liked him since Sophie laid eyes on him. He's a great lover, he's dashing and he seems to be having an open and honest relationship with his wife (and I'm so curious on how that works, but I just might have to settle to a little glimpse), there's really nothing I didn't like about him.
Big thumbs up for safe sex all the way. It took a little from the eroticism of the scene, but I appreciate safe sex more.
July 6, 2017
*************Free download at Smashword. ************
Books must be read in order, if you read this out of order you are missing the gist of a series. The Hook-Up is the perfect opening for Neil sexual proclivity of pure sin. LET me say book 2.5 is frickin'
Abigail has hit it out of the mark, what a welcoming breath of fresh air.
After cancer put a year of his life on hold, Neil Elwood is finally back where he thought he belonged, at the head of his media empire. But when the job takes him to London and away from his girlfriend, Sophie, he begins to reevaluate his priorities.
Neil isn’t sure what to expect when Sophie suggests a one-on-one night between him and their lover, Emir. When the two men have dinner together, sparks fly, and Neil recognizes a rare opportunity to give sexual submission another try.
Though taking charge is all he knows, Neil is willing to obey, at least for one night. Under Emir’s command, Neil discovers a whole new side of his sexuality, and he learns that sometimes, surrendering control can feel so, so good…
Books must be read in order, if you read this out of order you are missing the gist of a series. The Hook-Up is the perfect opening for Neil sexual proclivity of pure sin. LET me say book 2.5 is frickin'
Abigail has hit it out of the mark, what a welcoming breath of fresh air.
After cancer put a year of his life on hold, Neil Elwood is finally back where he thought he belonged, at the head of his media empire. But when the job takes him to London and away from his girlfriend, Sophie, he begins to reevaluate his priorities.
Neil isn’t sure what to expect when Sophie suggests a one-on-one night between him and their lover, Emir. When the two men have dinner together, sparks fly, and Neil recognizes a rare opportunity to give sexual submission another try.
Though taking charge is all he knows, Neil is willing to obey, at least for one night. Under Emir’s command, Neil discovers a whole new side of his sexuality, and he learns that sometimes, surrendering control can feel so, so good…
January 9, 2018
I'll start by stating I have jumped this book and read of this encounter in the next book. I was intrigued into what connection Neil had with Emir and why wouldn't Sophie feel threatened by it.
Often when I read ménage I feel jealous on behalf of the heroine if the connection between the other party excludes her.
I don't understand how or why there is such a strong pull between the two guys without it undermining his relationship with the heroine.
However the author tells me that Sophie is excited by it and that Neil has some sort of epiphany from the encounter so we'll see how it rolls out for the rest of the series.
I do like Emir - perhaps he gets his own book and a HEA 🙃
Often when I read ménage I feel jealous on behalf of the heroine if the connection between the other party excludes her.
I don't understand how or why there is such a strong pull between the two guys without it undermining his relationship with the heroine.
However the author tells me that Sophie is excited by it and that Neil has some sort of epiphany from the encounter so we'll see how it rolls out for the rest of the series.
I do like Emir - perhaps he gets his own book and a HEA 🙃
November 1, 2023
This was a book that was included in the Boss. It was just as good as the rest of the books have been to me. I did not know that this was out there to review but I did read it and I am definitely a fan of Sophie, Neil and now Emir aka El Mudad. I am on book 6 the Sister I am loving every book, what that says about me, nothing really. I just love to be open to all types of books and their plots or fantasies. I have loved this series, the good the bad the heart wrenching it has been awesome reading.
September 19, 2018
This is book 2.5 in the Sofie Scaife series. That being said, if you haven’t read The Boss or The Girlfriend, this is nothing more than a slightly boring D/s encounter between two men.
If you HAVE read The Boss and The Girlfriend, this is an emotional insight into Neil/Leif and how he sees Sofie/Chloe in a much different way, and himself as well.
If you HAVE read The Boss and The Girlfriend, this is an emotional insight into Neil/Leif and how he sees Sofie/Chloe in a much different way, and himself as well.
January 23, 2021
What a lovely chance to read from Neil's perspective. This would have been worth it for that alone. The fun m-m sexy times is just an added bonus. This is another I enjoyed reading retroactively. Knowing how certain problems are solved/revealed/exasperated in the future gives you more insight into what's happening in this novella.
September 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this series. Gobbled the whole thing up. Probably the most serious, heavy, real, loving story I’ve read.
February 10, 2021
What a fun supplement, to get a bit of Neil's perspective!
September 26, 2023
This wasn't for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews