Behind closed doors at The Scarlet Hotel, anything can happen… even a most convenient match.
Omega Arlo would do anything for his gran who raised him. He’s indebted to her, so when the bills for her new nursing home start to pile up, it only makes sense for Arlo to find a better-paying job. And if that job just happens to be waiting tables at a strip club, then so be it. His boss is nice, he loves his coworkers, and the tips are great. The clientele, however, are unexpected…
To alpha Max Shepherd, appearances are everything. Thanks to being typecast as a clean-cut heartthrob, his career as an actor can only be successful as long as his fans see him as the “good guy.” Except deep down, he prefers to be bad. When the paparazzi finds Max in a compromising position with a server from a strip club, he does the only thing he can think of—he lies. Soon, though, the role of fiancé might be more than an act.
VIP is the eleventh standalone book in the m/m mpreg romance series, The Scarlet Hotel, from bestselling author Trisha Linde. Each book features a new couple and begins and ends in a different room at The Scarlet Hotel. VIP revolves around an alpha in over his head, an omega willing to make any sacrifice, and a marriage of convenience that might just turn out to be a match made in heaven.
Trisha Linde spends all her time immersed in books, both reading and writing, mainly because she lives where it’s too cold to do anything else, and what better way to keep warm than with a hot book. The first time she read mpreg, it was love at first sight, and there’s no turning back now.
When she gets older, she will likely invite strangers over for dinner, and you can bet your ass there will be sequins.
Very little can go wrong with a fake-dating romance in my mind and then one was amazing! Probably one of my favs in this whole series that I’m slowly making my way through. All can be read as a standalone (recommend them all still) so definitely recommend this one if you’re interested in only one!
I loved Arlo and Max so much! It was so neat to see Max change during the book with his feelings and thoughts about being famous. I loved their HEA so much and look forward to reading the next (and last) book in the first season of this series!
Fun and steamy book. Image is everything and when Max has image taken in a compromising position, well it could lead to problems. Arlo is a man who needs to catch a break in life, doing what he has to to make ends meet. These two find what they need in each other and themselves.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
IP The Scarlet Hotel by Trisha Linde is the 11th book in her The Scarlet Hotel series. Each of these alpha/omega stories have scenes in the hotel that lead the main characters to find love. Max Sheperd is an alpha and famous actor in clean movies so he has an image to protect if he wants to continue making them. Because of this he is always conscious of everything he does to keep up this pretense, even though down deep he wants to be a “bad boy” and is kinky. While staying at the hotel as he is shooting a movie, he asks the doorman for a place to visit out of the limelight which leads him to The Bar Cherry. There he sees Arlo, an omega, who is one of waiters. He is working there to make money not only to survive, but to pay for his grandmother who is in a retirement home after suffering a stroke. She had raised him and he would do anything for her. When they meet they both feel an instant attraction and flirt with each other. This leads them to the parking lot and a somewhat compromising position that is caught by a paparazzi. Max has to come up with a reason for what they are doing because if that photo gets out it could ruin his career so he says they are fiancés. This catches Arlo by surprise but he goes along with it, especially after Max offers him money that he can use to pay for the retirement home. As time goes on they get to know each other and Arlo sees the real Max behind his professional persona, and they come to really like what they see. Since they are both a little naughty this leads to some hot love scenes. Meanwhile the paparazzi is blackmailing Max for more tidbits about the people he works with but he refuses to give him anything. Then they have a hot scene that is caught on camera and as they say, the jig is up. They can’t undo it, it comes out, and Max thinks his career is done. He tells Arlo that being fake fiancés is over and a broken-hearted Arlo leaves, knowing he has fallen in love with Max. Then things happen that make Max realize he also loves Arlo and he seeks him out so they can have their HEA, complete with a surprise. I really enjoyed this book as I have the others in the series. Max is a nice person and has a great career but is looking for someone that sees the real him and has similar tastes. Arlo is a kind and caring person and would do anything for the people he cares for. When he finds Max he knows who he is and wants to be with him, but he won’t hurt his career so he does what he has to do, even if it is breaking his heart. Arlo’s best friend Cass, his grandmother, and the people at the retirement home add some fun to the story. I also like the ending where things have worked out for them both personally and professionally. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like alpha/omega stories that are a little on the naughty side with nice characters, a little angst, and a very happy ending.
I’ve read one other of this series before and I really enjoyed that one, so I pounced at this when I saw an ARC up for grabs at Booksprout. I made the right decision: I think I enjoyed this one just as much or maybe even more than the first Scarlet Hotel book I read. Will definitely check out the rest.
As always, it’s hard for me to review stories I loved because I tend to rave about everything that made it great for me, but that almost always guarantees spoilers. I’ll try to do it here without spoiling anything, but needless to say, I have no complaints here—it was a feel-good (only very mild angst) and very romantic (and quite naughty, mmm!) read through and through; I especially appreciate how the lovers were given much more screen time even after they got their HEA—how we got to see beyond them getting together and how their lives changed for the better and affected the people around them—that was such a lovely bonus!
Some random spoiler-free raves about this that I can’t contain: • The wit behind the name The Bar Cherry! GOLD. • All of Max’s movies from his new-image era sound so damn interesting—I am hankering to watch (or read about) it all! • I know it was only hinted at briefly, it was barely squint-visible, but I now want to see a Chance and Cass love story. Is there one? I need a HEA for them too! • Max being so absurdly (but understandably) jealous and territorially possessive was such a treat. (Jealous possessive tops make for such juicy material that never get old to me.) • Every interaction with Gran nearly broke me apart, I swear. (It just hits so close to home, I guess. It was so beautifully portrayed and I truly felt every moment with all my heart. But damn, Arlo, well, he is something else. He’s a hero to me for sure.) • As much as I hated—correction, I still do—Patrick Carson, I liked that little twist in the end; certainly better than anything I would have written if I were at the helm (I would have thrown him to the dogs), haha.
Lastly, can I just say that I would have given this book a bazillion stars just for the very respectful (and loving) salute it gave to strippers and the rest of the awesome sexy people who work in the adult industry? They always get so much undue flak and bad rap, and I nearly teared up from how nicely they were portrayed here. I know it’s not always like this IRL, but it’s such a nice vision, I want it to be true for all of them! Hats off to Chance for running not only a tight ship to ensure that all his employees are safe and well taken care of, but for also being such a good, caring boss in general. (Please tell me where I can find a boss like this??)
Thank you so much to the author and Booksprout for giving me a chance to read this for free and early on! This was the cheer-upper I have been needing all week!
- Marriage of Convenience - Actor/Waiter - Insta-lust - MPREG - Scandal - Exhibitionism - Light Bondage
Fake relationships that aren't really fake are my catnip. This is the eleventh book in the series but all of them can be read as a standalone, since each book focuses on a different couple. Per usual, I enjoyed the prologue and epilogue in the POV of the staff for the hotel. This was a fun, quick, fake dating Omegaverse read.
Omega Arlo is doing everything he can to cover any medical and retirement home bills for his grandmother. She took care of him growing up and now it's his turn to take care of her, so he gets a job as a waiter at a strip club to bring in more money. Alpha Max is an actor that has been typecast as the clean-cut all-American heartthrob and he can't really be himself without ruining his reputation. Max is in town staying at the Scarlett Hotel during the filming of a movie and he wants to have a little fun, his style, and ends up at the strip club. The MC’s meet then have an instant connection, making each other want to melt. Now, I may have scolded the book when these two fools stood outside in the parking lot necking. Come on you two, you know Max is trying to be discreet about his sexual taste and Arlo didn't change out of his work clothes so yeah, they were a sight and a perfect setup for the paparazzi's photo. With Max declaring that they are engaged to save face, these two go into an agreement to fake date while paying Arlo like an employee. Of course, Arlo tries to put rules in place so no one gets too attached that they definitely don't follow for long with their horny selves.
They are pretty much dating for real the whole time Max is in town for his movie and the couple can't keep their hands off each other. They had some cute moments together but they did have a bit of work to do before getting their HEA. The MCs were likeable and it was nice to watch them blossom personally and together. There are some time jumps in here that took away from the story and their relationship buildup, which was unfortunate. How they broke up before getting back together was expected but dragged out a little.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Actor Max Shepherd, a handsome Alpha, checked into the Scarlet Hotel. Gerald was a huge fan of his and had seen all his movies. So when Max wanted some entertainment to relax, he referred him to a strip club, The Bar Cherry. So much of his life was scripted and planned out, so the excitement of the unexpected drew him right into this packed club. Three drinks later, he noticed a floral scent that caught his full attention. Rather than the performers tempting him, it was the server who just replaced his drink. He ordered something different just to get the server to come back. He told him he was a popular and famous actor to impress Arlo… who promptly said he never heard of him and left!
Arlo Lotz is an omega who adores his gran and would do anything for her. A stroke cost her all of her savings on the medical bills, and she had to move into a retirement home. Paying for his own rent plus gran’s new accommodations, Arlo needed to increase his paycheck as well. Taking a job at a strip club as a waiter seems to be working out for him, even though the boss kept urging him to go on stage which would earn him even more money. But right now, he just didn’t have the confidence to have that spotlight directed at him.
At the end of the evening, Max offered to walk Arlo to his car. Another guy had been leering at Arlo all night, so he accepted the offer. A single kiss had both of them worked up until the camera clicks caught it all to share with the public! Getting caught in such a compromising situation by a notorious gossip rag, and hearing the insults Patrick Carson hurled at Arlo, Max warns him off as he blurts out that Arlo is his fiancé. Arlo didn’t deny it, but immediately drove away. Neither had exchanged phone numbers, so there was no further contact possible. Had this ploy been a quick lie that will disappear without further entanglement? Would a promised “exclusive interview” with the “fiancé” give them closure? Or is there something real possibly between them that neither wants to walk away from?
There are so many likable characters in this story. This is a really good series, proven by the fact that I normally despise even “mild” kinky things and usually won’t read it. But the focus on the characters and their story makes them important to the reader, and that’s what counts.
What an adorable read I have got to say I’ve read every book in this series and been a fan. this book is right up there. I was blown away at how adorable these two are. You’ve got Omega Arlo. He just got a job serving drinks at a strip joint. Is it the job he thought he always wanted no it’s not but the pay is good. The tips are good and he has a hell of a lot of bills to pay. His Gran bless her heart has just had to be admitted into a Nursing Home and the expenses are mind blowing. One night when he’s working, he notices famous actor by the name of Max Shepherd come in. Arlo plays it down and serves him drinks, but love the way that Max is looking at his body he’s definitely flirting. Max is tired. He has been given the CleanCut romantic guy in every film he knows he is has been typecasting. But Max has the kink, and if they ever found out about it Max honestly think it will ruin him. He asked in Gerry who is on the door of the hotel where he can go to have some fun and he gives him a place that really strikes his interest. And when he gets there, he is instantly attracted to the sexy Omega serving his drinks. they cannot keep their hands off each other, but sadly as they make out in the car park, a sleazy photographer paparazzi guys takes pictures and threatens to put them online. Max comes out with a quick explanation that he says Arlois his fiance and to leave them alone. Arlo drives off he’s in a bit of a panic about what’s just happened a few days later. Max is back and asking Arlo to be his pretend fiance to get the press off his back. Arlo agrees that he has rules. These two are soulmates. They are so perfect for one another, the passion they share is off the charts. It is just electric it’s exciting. The connect these two share is just lush! I must admit I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, I thoroughly enjoyed this read another brilliant book by Trisha Linde.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
VIP is my first story from the Scarlet Hotel series and my first story from this author and I have to say that I would love to read the rest of the series and future stories. I love the premise that each story begins and ends in a different room at the Scarlet Hotel and features a new couple. This was a fun entertaining mm romance that was easy to read with a great cast of characters. I fell in love with Arlo and how he blossomed during his time at the strip club and through the eyes of Max. His roomie and coworker Cass is a delight and of course I fell in love with Gran and the gang at the nursing home too. It was easy to get lost inside the story.
For fellow mood readers and those with triggers : This one is fun and I would say low angst. There is BDSM with light bondage and exhibitionism adding to the spice.
Max Shepherd is a famous actor known for his clean image, but he secretly desires a more rebellious lifestyle. While filming a movie, he meets Arlo, an omega waiter at a bar, and they are instantly attracted to each other. A compromising situation caught by paparazzi forces Max to claim they are engaged to protect his career. Despite initial reluctance, Arlo agrees, especially when offered money to help his grandmother's medical bills. As they spend time together, they develop genuine feelings. However, when a leaked intimate moment threatens Max's career, he ends their fake engagement, leaving Arlo heartbroken. Eventually, Max realizes his love for Arlo and seeks him out for a happy ending. The story explores sacrifice, and love amidst the challenges of fame. The supporting characters, including Arlo's friends and family, add depth and humor to the narrative. The book offers a satisfying blend of romance, drama, and steamy scenes, making it a recommended read for fans of alpha/omega dynamics with a spicy twist. VIP is the 11th book in the Scarlet Hotel and I enjoyed it.
VIP is a standalone M-preg/omegaverse MM romance by Trisha Linde. This book is the eleventh installment of the Scarlett Hotel series, where each book focuses on a different couple and tells the story of their HEA romance.
This book features Omega Arlo and Alpha Max. Max Shepherd is a celebrity, a big name actor, and a night out leads him to Arlo in the bar where he works. Max has to keep up appearances if he wants his career to continue, but also if he wants to branch out with the parts that he takes. Seeing Arlo could be a risk to all that because Arlo doesn't work at any bar, he works as a server at a strip club.
These two have a bit of work to do before they can make it to their HEA. I really enjoyed getting to know the individual characters - they are decent personalities that are easy to like. So much so, I was happily cheering them on as I read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is part of the 12 book series The Scarlet Hotel. Each book is a standalone and deals with a different couple. This is the story of Arlo Lotz and Max Shepherd. Arlo is a loving grandson who is scrambling to make enough money to keep his grandmother in her retirement home. He is bartending at night to make extra money. It is there at The Cherry Bar that he and Max meet. Max is a well known "good guy" movie star. He wishes he had more of a bad image to get different roles. Max meet Arlo and is enthralled. I liked how the two of them fit together. The problem with being an actor is that you are a commodity. There are lots of outside pressures and image related problems. Max caves to the pressure but is smart enough to realize that what he and Arlo have is real. This is their story. The book is written well and easy to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Take a walk on the wild side! Gerald, the doorman is still living vicariously through the hotel guests. Arlo, took a job waiting tables at a strip club to help his GrandMa with her medical bills. He didn't tell her of his new profession. Alpha, Max is an A list actor who has a squeaky clean reputation. He longs to take a few steps and walk on the wild side which more correctly reflects his personality. Gerald, played tourist guide and recommended the strip club to Max. While visiting the strip club, he is attracted to Arlo and the feeling is mutual. Then he is caught in a potentially compromising position, so he claims Arlo as his fiance to protect everyone. The story steps into the unknown for both men which brings a few surprises, questions and a bit of sexy time adventure. Gerald has a little fun with Arlo and Max who have a lot of fun in the story. Sweet story. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“Might as well get paid if we’re going to give them a show"
I loved this addition to the Scarlet Hotel series. So far I've read all but 4 of the 11 books in this series and I've loved them all. It was a no brainer to pick this book up from Booksprout when it became available, so I could read and review. This book is a bit different from the other stories in the series and I can't say I'm upset by that. This story has a little more spice than usual.
Just a boy, needing extra money to keep his grandma in the nursing home, who takes a serving job at a kink club to make ends meet. Just an actor, with a spotless reputation (typecast as an all American heartthrob), that just wants to be bad for a change
I loved this book! Max and Arlo have quite a journey ahead of them in this latest chapter in the saga of the Scarlet Hotel! They meet in the club where Arlo works and it isn’t long before they find themselves in a bit of a situation. I love how the two get closer as they get to know each other. What is meant to be fake turns out to be so much more for both of them but they will need a little push to get to the place where they can admit it. Arlo’s gran is absolutely wonderful and the residents of the senior living community where she lives are an absolute hoot! This book has all the things that make a great story and it is an absolute must read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A compromising situation leads to a fake engagement that sets the attraction that Arlo and Max felt soaring. It allows them to be themselves, gives them each new points of view, unexpectedly opens their hearts, and doesn't really feel fake to either man. Their journey is bumpy, but there's not much angst. Arlo and Max develop a deep, genuine connection, discover a bit of a kinky side, and find a love worth fighting for. Cass and Gran are some great secondary characters that add depth to the story, and I enjoyed the prologue and epilogue about the staff at the Scarlet Hotel. Overall, this book was entertaining and enjoyable and I would definitely recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved VIP: a contemporary m/m mpreg romance The Scarlet Hotel. Max and Arlo had the chemistry for sure but it was a long stretch when Max called Arlo his fiancé. Arlo agrees because he needs the money to help his grandmother but he knows he needs to keep his feelings in check. Max wants Arlo but he shouldn’t have dragged him into his world. Being a famous actor makes his life complicated and now Arlo is part of that. When secrets come out, it’s time to let Arlo go but he has a secret of his own. I loved the storyline and the characters. A little drama and lots of steamy scenes. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 11th book in Tisha's The Scarlet Hotel series that are all set in separate rooms at the hotel. Though each book is always a alpha/omega love story they are all so unique in their own way I am still looking forward to them. This book was so much fun with a great cast of characters. I loved Arlo and Max and watching Arlo blossom during his time at the strip club. Great cast of secondary characters as always especially his room mate Cass and Gran and the gang at the nursing home. A great book that you must read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
VIP is the 11th book in The Scarlet Hotel series. Each book is a standalone but why not enjoy reading all the books in the series. This book is about Arlo an omega who works as a waiter at a strip club and Max an alpha who is an actor who is typecast as the "good guy". I loved watching these two come together and work things out. I loved all the characters including Gran and Cass. This was a fun quick read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
Arlo is a sweet loving Omega just trying to make ends meet so he can pay for his grandma's retirement home rent. Max is a famous movie star who has the boy next door image that he has to uphold. When they're caught in a compromising position everything changes. I really enjoyed this book I thought it was sweet and funny and very steamy. And I absolutely love Gerald the doorman. But I really do wish that Blake's name had been cherry or even the middle name Cherry because of how her parents met.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This newest addition to the Scarlet Hotel series is a fake fiance mpreg story. The main characters are Max, a famous wealthy movie star alpha, and Arlo, a poor hard-working bar server omega. I savored this much spicier addition to this multi book series. There is light kink, including a scorching hot exhibitionist scene. I also enjoyed the family spending a lot of bonding time together, after their baby is born.
Another visit to the Scarlet Hotel and another happily ever after follows our heroes. An unlikely couple but true love nonetheless. This story is almost a fairy tale for Arlo. He and Max are an enjoyable couple with the sweetest of stories to tell. A tish of drama that adds flavor and some slight unease for a bit. Always a pleasant affair at the Scarlet Hotel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm oh so loving this Scarlet Hotel series. All are standalone and brilliant...the VIP room was sweet and spicy...This fake...not so fake...relationship between Max and Arlo was a delight to read. Their journey to love shows that rules are made to be broken...LOL Scandal or not their love held true and a sweet adorable baby too...I loved their HEA...very romantic ending!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This is a sweet and swoony addition to the Scarlet Hotel series from Trisha Linde. I have enjoyed all the stories I've read for this series and this one was well-written and the relationship was lovely and believable despite the far out nature of how they came to be together. It's a bit draggy in the middle but overall the story is sweet and satisfying and I was pleased to have spent time with this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. Arlo and Max have such great chemistry. I love the fake relationship trope. I haven't read one with an actor before and the dangers of the paparazzi.. and blackmail. So that added a layer of tension (and anger for me lol). I loved seeing these two fall in love. I also liked the supporting characters. This turned out to be one of my favorites in this series. 5 stars.
Every single book in this series has been fantastic. This one is no exception. Max and Arlo, were superbly written characters. Helping one another out became so much more as time went on. Witnessing how their relationship grew, it was hard to imagine how they could go their separate ways.
A fake relationship destined to be a loving happy ever after.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
I really wanted to love this one. The characters were nice. The storyline was appealing but I got bored half way through the story. I did not feel any chemistry between Arlo and Max. The only thing that connected them was money.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fake relationships that are never really as fake as the people initially think they are can be one of my favorite tropes if well written. The stories surrounding the Scarlet Hotel that I have read so far have always been good. Max and Arlo come from completely different worlds but their chemistry was never fake from the moment they met. It was an enjoyable story.
This is a well written book with strong characters in Max and Arlo. The author takes you into their lives with fake dating, chemistry and heat and delivers a cute mpreg romance. I enjoyed reading their story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
My first book in this series and this author and what a pleasant surprise! Omega Arlo needs cash to pay for his grandmas nursing home, to do that he takes a job waiting at a strip club Alpha Max, Hollywood star with a clean cut persona needs a break from his image. Suddenly Arlo is fake engaged to Max and trying to keep his fake relationship from becoming real (an instant lost cause). Throw in a blackmailing paparazzi that wants his scoop. This is a quick sweet and smutty omega verse MM, MPreg book. Light BDSM exhibitionism