Mr. Black

by J.L. Perry

ASHTON BLACK, or as I like to call him, Mr. B. for Bossy, is fast becoming the bane of my existence.

After running into him, literally, he’s now popping up everywhere, and somehow managing to weave his way into my life.

He makes me feel things I'm not comfortable feeling.

He's rich, powerful, egotistical, smug, and so ridiculously good looking it should be illegal—he's way too hot to handle. I don't do hot; those types of guys are more trouble than they’re worth.

Although, I'd secretly love to do him.

He’s used to getting what he wants, but he can’t have me. It just wouldn’t work, even if I wanted it to. Between us, we have more baggage than a carousel at LAX airport.

He's everything I can never have.

EMMA PHOENIX came into my life when I least expected her. She’s so different from all the others—sweet, innocent… addictive, and has somehow managed to turn my world upside down.

I don’t want to want her, but I can’t seem to stay away.

She’s my little enigma and the more she fights this, the deeper I fall.

There’s only one problem, I’m not sure if she’s my redemption, my karma… or my savior.

* Mr. Black was previously published under Bossy Bastard in the Cocky Hero World. It has some minor changes, but the storyline remains the same.

Genres: Romance, Ebooks, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

430 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2024

About the author

**OVERALL WINNER OF THE 2018 RWA RUBY AWARD FOR ROMANTIC BOOK OF THE YEAR**
Jodi is a wife and mother, born in Sydney, Australia. She recently moved to property in the Hunter Valley with her family for a tree change. Under the name of J. L. Perry, five of her books have been #1 Bestsellers; including BASTARD, JAX, HOOKER, NINETEEN LETTERS and THE BOSS. Foreign rights to some of her books have been sold to Germany, Hungary, Czech and France where BASTARD became a top #20 bestseller. Some of her other titles include, FINDING HIM, FINDING FOREVER, FINDING US, FINDING FORGIVENESS, THE THIEF, ONLY ONE NIGHT, MR. BLACK, MR. EDWARDS and THE STRANGER.

NINETEEN LETTERS was debuted under the name of Jodi Perry through publishing giants, Hachette where it won the RWA Ruby Award for 2018 Romance Book of the Year. She also secured a publishing deal in the UK, with Sphere, an imprint company of Little Brown.

J. L.'s love of romance and happy endings makes a perfect combination when it comes to writing her heartfelt stories. Her other loves are travelling, shopping, shoes and wine.

J. L. Perry would love to hear from you. She can be contacted here:

Email: jlperryauthor@hotmail.com.au
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1P9vuNc
Facebook Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/18894...
Amazon Authors page: http://amzn.to/1lUgadR
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1maWcei
Instagram: http://bit.ly/1NtKXU5

Reviews

[Ankita · Rating 2 out of 5]

i cringed throughout the book.. i don't know how i managed to finish..

[Serialbookstarter:Marla]

DNF- boring

[Teagen Howden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what I needed to get me out of my slumpppp

[Tt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Tina Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I didn’t like either of them, so didn’t care if they got together.

So the book starts with Ashton having sex with a stranger, and it was icky. He treat her like she was a prostitute, he wouldn’t kiss her, and after they had finished he jumps up, has a quick shower and leaves. Wow! Not really liking this guy. After he’s walking out of the woman’s building he meets Emma, who is moaning like she’s having an orgasm while eating a donut.

Emma is really unlikeable. Sorry. Yes she’s had something traumatic happen to her. No idea what as the author is doing that really annoying thing and doesn’t tell her readers! I’m nearly halfway through and Ashton is pursuing Emma, as he likes her for some reason that I can’t figure out. They kiss, Emma goes icy cold on him, they kiss and Emma gets herself off, then goes icy cold on him. STOP MESSING HIM AROUND.

I don’t like books when they blow hot and cold. Emma is sooooooo annoying.

[Laurel June · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, flirty, and perfectly written billionaire romance. It was my first time reading a billionaire romance, and I loved how it read. My ONLY complaint and the only reason it's getting 4/5 is that the thing with the dog was not really my jam. I actually cackled at the whole "my boy can't die a virgin!" And then he comes back with hemangiosarcoma, which is something that should never be bred in dogs. I don't agree with passing that forward in breeding dogs, and I don't agree with the fact it was glamorized in the book, but I was able to look past that to get to the HEA.

I also don't love pregnancy in books but I could look past that because the story was far enough along for me to really enjoy it. I'd honestly give this one a 4.5/5 if I was able to do half stars. Well written, well done, a good read.

[whimsical reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got it for free on kindle day. I should’ve previewed the book 1st. It is very dirty and has a lot of profanity so that’s your thing. After kindle searching, I realize there’s also a lot of trauma, a lot of death, a lot of suicide and he’s a man whore. He also was quite controlling.

If you like these things then This is the book for you.

[C Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Emma and Ashton…let me count the ways I adored this book because there were many. This is my third book by this author, and it definitely did not disappoint. Ashton is a wealthy property developer with a very traumatic past. He doesn’t date women… he doesn’t get involved.. he has a series of one night stands with rules he strictly adheres to… no kissing, no last names, he never brings a woman to his home, encounters are one night only, he always uses protection and he never ejaculates inside his one night stand. No feelings… no emotional connection whatsoever is his motto until he meets Emma.

Emma is a child psychologist with her own torrid past. Bullied throughout her high school years, Emma also ensures that anyone she sees is temporary at best and no emotional connection. When the two collide and Emma’s once a month binge jelly donut suffers the fallout, Emma believes Ashton is just another selfish, self-absorbed millionaire and has no intention of ever seeing him again. But when the two show up at the same night club days later, sparks fly and an attraction begins between the two that neither can ignore.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved,the twists and turns in the plot…. I loved the romance and problems in their relationship.. it felt like it could be real. The writing was superb and drew me in and kept me interested for the entire book which can be hard to do at times. This is a standalone, HEA book and highly recommended. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Rah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine. Emma was much more forgiving than I could ever be.

Ashton is kinda a dumb dumb:

*Why does she have beer in her fridge? I saw the frou-frou drinks she had the other night at the club. Are they reserved for her gentlemen company? Does she have men here often? Why does that thought make me livid?
…
She places two beers on the countertop, grabbing a bottle cap remover from the top drawer. Does she drink beer? Maybe I overreacted about the fact that she keeps beer in her refrigerator for her male company. It appears she’s going to be joining me in one. I like that. She’s unlike any other woman I’ve met before. Women in my circle don’t drink beer.*

Some of this was ridiculous, but compared to other books I’ve read lately this was refreshing.

[Scholastiksmutfair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been going back and forth on whether or not to give this book a chance. I had seen it pop up quite a few times in suggested books, but the mixed reviews were making me apprehensive about giving it a chance.

I absolutely loved this book. I have since read some other books by this author and they all bring different stories, but the same elements of development that hit with this book.

J.L. Perry does a great job of showing the vulnerabilities of her lead characters and their histories and how they impact their lives, but without harping on any one thing.

I felt the feel and the buildup between the FMC and MMC. If you are on the fence I would recommend giving this a chance!

[Frances Batchelor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it.

What a romance story. I have never read a story like this before. From page one, I was drawn in and couldn't put the book down. Ashton was my kind of man. Possessive and knows what he wants. But trauma from his past holds him back. Isn't that like everyone in the world? Then you have Emma. She was awesome. I only wish she could have told somebody from her past off. That's just me. I vengeful like that. There story was so heartwarming! I loved it. My first time read from the author and now I think I'm hooked. Bravo!!!

[Taryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. I’m torn on this one. A lot of thing bugged me; the FMC slut shaming and judging other women’s appearances; the MMC being a bit too much of a domineering asshole at time (the bossing her around was irritated to say the least). I also felt like Emma was a bit too immature. But what really pissed me off was the amount of times he essentially pushed her away and she forgave him too easily due to his backstory. She made him work for it a bit at one point, but just not long enough for my liking. I want a long, forgiveness worth GROVEL!!!!

[Teds25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy geezuz Mr Black!

Uggh God damn sexy Ashton!!!

May contain spoilers lol

Firstly looooved Emma, such a sweet darling!
Secondly Ashton😩 swoon! And then I was pissed😂 I felt that hurt Emma did, silly silly man, but understandable given his history, still I was pissed lol
Loved all that smut, the way Ashton dominates and also just says exactly how much he wanted her was hot asf!
Loved Carlee & Grayson, during this book I was wondering how we get a Mr Edwards book & why because they were going so well, then that ending, oooh I’m excited!

[Lillies__Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

no words

This book was astonishing! This is the first book that I have read by this particular offer. I have to say that I will be reading more. As with this. We are taken on an array of emotions to the point. I even cried as this book feels so personal and real raw that you can’t help, but just feel. I loved Ashton and I loved Emma and I think they fit beautifully together. I can’t wait to read Carlee Grayson’s book next!

[Day Ravenstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been reading a lot of boos at the same time recently and this is just not the one I was reaching for. There were too many plot points for me to really love the book. It was hard to keep track of what was going on because there was so much happening.

The characters were well written and there was a relatability ti each of them that meant I was invested in their story - it just needed to be shorter with less plot or longer with more filler.

[Polly Barreto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and it will not be my last. I totally loved Ashton and Emma and all the secondary characters! I laughed, I cried, and wanted to slap Ashton upside the head a few times. There is of course, some good and bad, rights and wrongs, and ups and downs – but I was cheering for this couple all the way to their HEA!

[Malia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Within the first chapter we have the main mmc have a panic attack after seeing self harm scars and then having a flashback to someone commiting suicide through self harm. Yea, I'm good!! I haven't been able to find anyyyy trigger warnings, so that was a definite surprise. I will not be continuing.

[Sheron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr black

Loved this book second time reading it. Ashton and Emma's chemistry was off the charts. As usual things in previous relationships always rear their head and cause problems. The moral is always talk out problems saves a relationship in the future. Highly recommended.

[Vikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Mr Black!

If I dreamt of my Mr. Perfect, he'd pretty much be Mr B. This book is sweet, funny, sad, touching, and sexy as sin. It's taken me a day to read it, and I can't wait to start Book 2
Thank you, J L Perry

[Raine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Grief is something you have to experience to understand. The layers we build around our selves and the barriers we build to protect us are rock solid. It is like peeling an onion, to break through. And I sure understood both Ashton and Emma. Beautifully written. 5 stars.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Enjoyable read, emotional at times, bit of humour as well. Only sad the the author had the greatest disrespect to use blasphemy so unnecessary and insulting.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is a good read, it just wasn’t great. The author did a good job in holding back the secret to Ashton’s issues until towards the end, causing the drama needed in any story.

[Rhiarne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book
I almost read it in one go, but after it got to 4am i thought i better go to sleep.
This book brought me to happy tears with the ending.
A must read!

[Emily Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional roller coster i loveed this book sm

[Jo Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

arrogance personified

This is a new author for me and I was pleasantly surprised,y surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

[mahen siwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

****

* * * * * ** * ** $$ h h h h h h h h h* ******** *******

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful book. Dealt well with heavy issues.

[Angela Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

I read a lot. It is hard to find a book that I thoroughly enjoy. This one one of them.

[Tanya C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had it all, there were time I was laughing out loud, crying and falling in love with these characters. A must read!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good romance. A little long, didn’t keep me as engaged as others I’ve read but I still enjoyed it.