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Brutal Billionaires #4
Brutal Bargain
She needs a husband. He won’t let anyone else have her.
Ax Morgan has played many roles in my life: My brother’s best friend. The most notorious member of the Sebastian News Corp executive team. My enemy with benefits.
But my husband?
No thanks.
Our after hours scenes are simply a convenient way for me to blow off steam while I plot my exit from my toxic family’s company.
But when I need a groom so I can claim my inheritance, he presents me with a choice that’s more like blackmail—marry him, or he’ll sabotage me. So between the devil and the deep blue sea, I let the devil put a ring on it.
Turns out this is the role he plays best of all.
The worst part of pretending with Ax is how real it's starting to feel.
Now my future is in his hands. And if he finds out what I'm planning, he'll be the one with the impossible choice. Who loses everything—his best friend or his fake wife?
Ax Morgan has played many roles in my life: My brother’s best friend. The most notorious member of the Sebastian News Corp executive team. My enemy with benefits.
But my husband?
No thanks.
Our after hours scenes are simply a convenient way for me to blow off steam while I plot my exit from my toxic family’s company.
But when I need a groom so I can claim my inheritance, he presents me with a choice that’s more like blackmail—marry him, or he’ll sabotage me. So between the devil and the deep blue sea, I let the devil put a ring on it.
Turns out this is the role he plays best of all.
The worst part of pretending with Ax is how real it's starting to feel.
Now my future is in his hands. And if he finds out what I'm planning, he'll be the one with the impossible choice. Who loses everything—his best friend or his fake wife?
528 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2024
1142 people are currently reading
1522 people want to read
About the author
Laurelin Paige
116 books15.8k followersLaurelin Paige is the NYT, WSJ, USA Today Bestselling Author of the international sensation, The Fixed Trilogy. She's also written other popular books in the Fixed Universe as well as the Dirty Universe and has cowritten with both Kayti McGee and Sierra Simone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
November 5, 2024
I liked this one, but it was my least favorite of the four so far.
What I did love was the whole idea of the heroine making her own place in this male dominated world!
I also liked the role playing in the book. I don’t think that that is a kink that is truly shown in books a lot, and it was interesting to see it all play out. It fit them as a couple.
***audiobook
What I did love was the whole idea of the heroine making her own place in this male dominated world!
I also liked the role playing in the book. I don’t think that that is a kink that is truly shown in books a lot, and it was interesting to see it all play out. It fit them as a couple.
***audiobook
October 10, 2024
So, listen, I've already *read* this story and I LOVED IT!
Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuut, 2 days before release I got the ALC and that's what's happening right now so you'll have to wait for more words, but I mean it's Laurelin soooo ... back in a jif
Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuut, 2 days before release I got the ALC and that's what's happening right now so you'll have to wait for more words, but I mean it's Laurelin soooo ... back in a jif
October 10, 2024
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Adly Sebastian comes from a powerful family in New York. She feels under appreciated at the family’s company and thinks it’s time to escape their control and finally have her own voice heard. She has big ideas for the future, but needs her trust fund to make her dreams a reality. Unfortunately she’ll also need a groom to claim her inheritance. When her brothers best friend volunteers to play the role of her devoted spouse, she has to decide if she’s desperate enough to marry the enemy. Axel Morgan is the last person she ever thought would do her any favors. The notorious bachelor has been in her life since they were kids. He’s always enjoyed pushing her buttons, and they clash at every turn. She has trust issues, but knows he’s her best shot at seeing her plans through. They establish boundaries and are playing their roles great, until suddenly it’s just one speed bump after another. As their connection grows, fake and temporary turns complicated. Soon there’s a fine line between love and hate when she’s at risk of falling for her husband.
Brutal Bargain by Laurelin Paige is the fourth book in the Brutal Billionaires series. It’s a billionaire, fake relationship, forced proximity, he falls first, marriage of convenience, brothers best friend, enemies to lovers romance about family and forbidden love. It’s a story full of sizzling chemistry, emotion, humor, passion, delicious seduction and fabulous banter. I really loved this couple together, and this book is one of my favorites in this fantastic series! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFHJD9GD?...
(ARC provided by author)
Adly Sebastian comes from a powerful family in New York. She feels under appreciated at the family’s company and thinks it’s time to escape their control and finally have her own voice heard. She has big ideas for the future, but needs her trust fund to make her dreams a reality. Unfortunately she’ll also need a groom to claim her inheritance. When her brothers best friend volunteers to play the role of her devoted spouse, she has to decide if she’s desperate enough to marry the enemy. Axel Morgan is the last person she ever thought would do her any favors. The notorious bachelor has been in her life since they were kids. He’s always enjoyed pushing her buttons, and they clash at every turn. She has trust issues, but knows he’s her best shot at seeing her plans through. They establish boundaries and are playing their roles great, until suddenly it’s just one speed bump after another. As their connection grows, fake and temporary turns complicated. Soon there’s a fine line between love and hate when she’s at risk of falling for her husband.
Brutal Bargain by Laurelin Paige is the fourth book in the Brutal Billionaires series. It’s a billionaire, fake relationship, forced proximity, he falls first, marriage of convenience, brothers best friend, enemies to lovers romance about family and forbidden love. It’s a story full of sizzling chemistry, emotion, humor, passion, delicious seduction and fabulous banter. I really loved this couple together, and this book is one of my favorites in this fantastic series! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFHJD9GD?...
October 9, 2024
This Sebastian series is really hotting up, not that it wasn’t already hot, Laurelin has just taken this to another level. 🔥 🥵
Ax and Adly’s story was complex, emotional, and so friggin funny. I bloody loved Grampa Irving throughout this, especially towards the end 🤣. 👏🏼👏🏼
This shows the vulnerability of both Ax and Adly that previous books didn’t.
The fake marriage that gets turned on its head and backfires to the extreme…..with a little help and interference!
Loved the little Easter egg that was the Fixed universe making a little cameo 😏
I have a theory on Get Even for Hunter which I think can only involve one person……..Bianca 🤷🏼♀️ I can’t help but want to fix him now, I’ve hated him so much throughout, but now I see his vulnerable side, but also see his vindictive side and know he’s going to try to make people pay. Bring on Brutal Bastard.
Ax and Adly’s story was complex, emotional, and so friggin funny. I bloody loved Grampa Irving throughout this, especially towards the end 🤣. 👏🏼👏🏼
This shows the vulnerability of both Ax and Adly that previous books didn’t.
The fake marriage that gets turned on its head and backfires to the extreme…..with a little help and interference!
Loved the little Easter egg that was the Fixed universe making a little cameo 😏
I have a theory on Get Even for Hunter which I think can only involve one person……..Bianca 🤷🏼♀️ I can’t help but want to fix him now, I’ve hated him so much throughout, but now I see his vulnerable side, but also see his vindictive side and know he’s going to try to make people pay. Bring on Brutal Bastard.
September 26, 2024
The blood is vibrating under my skin because I think I know where the next story is going. The pantomime villain is going to be brought to his knees. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
I think Axel might be my favourite Sebastian so far, and I did love Holt. Now, I know he isn’t an actual Sebastian, he’s a Morgan, but he’s enough for me.
Loved the plot! There’s business deals, double crossing, secrets that are leaked and lots of role play. Adly and Axel sure know how to play a good game. I shall never look at an ice cream scoop or bottle of champagne again without blushing. HAWTTTTTTTT!
I love the girl power of Adly and the fact that (some of) the men in her life are her biggest supporters. Down with the misogynistic bullies who think men rule the world. Smash that glass ceiling ladies. It’s your time to shine.
I also love the teasing and tormenting that goes on between Ax and Adly. They really are like little kids. I was expecting him to pull her pigtails. Their bating each other with chicken noises was hilarious. It makes it even more special because you know they are going to fall hard, and it will be spectacular.
“My dream is her, and I’ll do anything for her to get her dream, even if that dream isn’t me.” Ax is so swoon!
Buy a book and you will make me happy, buy me a book store and I am your kitten for life. I laughed at the role playing of certain books, I see you Hudson Pierce!
Now back to the pantomime villain. I have been booing and hissing at Hunter Sebastian and his evil deeds, but really, he’s just a sad rejected little boy. Now he wants to get even, and I think I know exactly what he’s going to do. Bring the popcorn grandpa Irving. This is going to be fun to watch.
I think Axel might be my favourite Sebastian so far, and I did love Holt. Now, I know he isn’t an actual Sebastian, he’s a Morgan, but he’s enough for me.
Loved the plot! There’s business deals, double crossing, secrets that are leaked and lots of role play. Adly and Axel sure know how to play a good game. I shall never look at an ice cream scoop or bottle of champagne again without blushing. HAWTTTTTTTT!
I love the girl power of Adly and the fact that (some of) the men in her life are her biggest supporters. Down with the misogynistic bullies who think men rule the world. Smash that glass ceiling ladies. It’s your time to shine.
I also love the teasing and tormenting that goes on between Ax and Adly. They really are like little kids. I was expecting him to pull her pigtails. Their bating each other with chicken noises was hilarious. It makes it even more special because you know they are going to fall hard, and it will be spectacular.
“My dream is her, and I’ll do anything for her to get her dream, even if that dream isn’t me.” Ax is so swoon!
Buy a book and you will make me happy, buy me a book store and I am your kitten for life. I laughed at the role playing of certain books, I see you Hudson Pierce!
Now back to the pantomime villain. I have been booing and hissing at Hunter Sebastian and his evil deeds, but really, he’s just a sad rejected little boy. Now he wants to get even, and I think I know exactly what he’s going to do. Bring the popcorn grandpa Irving. This is going to be fun to watch.
September 26, 2024
Adleys and Axels story did not disappoint! I’m so glad to read their story and read this series! This was such a great read 10/10 stars!
October 16, 2024
Adly and Ax have such great chemistry, I loved reading their story.
In the beginning I did not want to like Ax. He was as cocky and a bit abrasive, and he was the consummate ladies man. He didn’t just avoid relationships, he downright refused to do anymore than hookup with women and leave them immediately after.
Adly knew that hooking up with Ax Morgan was a terrible idea, but he was too good to pass up. He knew what she needed, and provided an escape for her family drama. And when she needed to access her trust fund, Ax was there to help her get it…by marrying her. Nobody was supposed to know. They went to the courthouse and got married and it was going to be no big deal. Until her grandfather found out.
What do you do when the one man you weren’t supposed to fall in love with ends up being the one man in your life you can fully depend on?
You’ll love the chemistry and banter between Adly and Ax, you won’t be able to put this one down!
In the beginning I did not want to like Ax. He was as cocky and a bit abrasive, and he was the consummate ladies man. He didn’t just avoid relationships, he downright refused to do anymore than hookup with women and leave them immediately after.
Adly knew that hooking up with Ax Morgan was a terrible idea, but he was too good to pass up. He knew what she needed, and provided an escape for her family drama. And when she needed to access her trust fund, Ax was there to help her get it…by marrying her. Nobody was supposed to know. They went to the courthouse and got married and it was going to be no big deal. Until her grandfather found out.
What do you do when the one man you weren’t supposed to fall in love with ends up being the one man in your life you can fully depend on?
You’ll love the chemistry and banter between Adly and Ax, you won’t be able to put this one down!
September 15, 2024
I read this on Kindle Vella because I needed to have Adly’s and Axel’s story ASAP! I’ve loved the entire series so far but there was just something extra special about Adly having her moment to shine. I’ll likely grab the audiobook when it’s released to be able to enjoy the story a 2nd time and check out any variations between the KV edition and the published book. I love this series so much and will devour the next book when it comes out.
October 9, 2024
Sadly I think I’m going to have to give up on Laurelin Paige. I want to finish this so badly but every few pages I want to dnf. What in the actual fuck is the issue with authors making their female characters readers and then making it their entire personality???? Why the hell are we doing this??? Why am I reading about spicy romances and book tropes and romance bookstores and coffee mugs with stupid bookish sayings and literally every other kitschy, cringey, bs bookstagram thing she could think of?? Every other line out of this woman’s mouth or in her head is a romance book meme. Te woman is relating every event in her life to book tropes. Wtf. This is embarrassing if it’s intended to be relatable and entertaining. I truly do not care that Adley reads books. I don’t care that she wakes up at night and wants to read a few lines. Or that she has coffee mugs that say spread those pages like a good girl. Or that she has a special edition vampire romances. Or that her favorite store is a romance bookstore in Brooklyn. I Do. Not. Care. Her character is a booktok caricature and it makes zero fucking sense for the story. What a fucking waste. This whole series is a bust tbh. Not sure where the Laurelin Paige I love is but can we please have her back, circa Donovan Kincaid?? No more of this social media pandering to booktok crap. Thanks.
September 26, 2024
Oh how I LOVE this Brutal Billionaires Series from Laurelin Paige! Brutal Bargain, Book #4, is my favorite book so far! Well, who am I kidding? I say that about each book I read in this series! Seriously though, this is Ax and Adley's story and the sassy conversations, the steamy role-playing, the loving affection between these two is off-the-charts HOT!
I always liked Adley when she made an appearance in the other books, but this is her story and she SHINES brighter than the sun! I love her vulnerabilities and her struggles to protect her heart. Her analytical mind is over-the-top at times, but oh so smart and intelligent. Ax is definitely the ying to her yang. He's well adapted to his "single-let's-mingle" lifestyle, and pretty determined to stay the course, but secretly he's always had his eye on Adley. He always thought she was unattainable, but he loved the pursuit so she was never far off his radar.
When these two finally had a reason to hook-up, albeit for a fake marriage, the sparks began to fly, the walls began to crumble and both of them had no idea what was coming their way...certainly not quite what they had planned, that's for sure! Laurelin Paige once again gives us a story that is so well-written, so intelligent, so sweet, so laugh-out-loud funny, so purely delicious that once you start reading, it's hard to stop! The Sebastian family is fascinating, each member with their own issues, and yet somehow they seem to make their family dynamics work. Grandpa Irving is the absolute best! There wasn't one thing I didn't love about this book. Grab it and enjoy!
I always liked Adley when she made an appearance in the other books, but this is her story and she SHINES brighter than the sun! I love her vulnerabilities and her struggles to protect her heart. Her analytical mind is over-the-top at times, but oh so smart and intelligent. Ax is definitely the ying to her yang. He's well adapted to his "single-let's-mingle" lifestyle, and pretty determined to stay the course, but secretly he's always had his eye on Adley. He always thought she was unattainable, but he loved the pursuit so she was never far off his radar.
When these two finally had a reason to hook-up, albeit for a fake marriage, the sparks began to fly, the walls began to crumble and both of them had no idea what was coming their way...certainly not quite what they had planned, that's for sure! Laurelin Paige once again gives us a story that is so well-written, so intelligent, so sweet, so laugh-out-loud funny, so purely delicious that once you start reading, it's hard to stop! The Sebastian family is fascinating, each member with their own issues, and yet somehow they seem to make their family dynamics work. Grandpa Irving is the absolute best! There wasn't one thing I didn't love about this book. Grab it and enjoy!
October 8, 2024
**I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest voluntary review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**
This was so, so, so good! It's been a while since I read a truly GREAT hate to love you romance. I've been dying for this romance since the story of the series and it did not disappoint!
The chemistry between them is phenomenal. Palpable and steamy. It helped that Axel's POV wasn't given as often. It made him have that enigma quality to his motives, easily making you swoon when you did get the brief moment of insight to his mindset.
I thought the pacing of this was great, though perhaps a little too much exposition when I look back. But I just loved any scene with the two of them so I really didn't mind that quality time.
I think this is my umpteenth Laurelin Paige novel and her ability to write unique characters every time never ceases to amaze me. Adly doesn't read like a heroine I've read before and even Ax with his alphahole tendencies felt fresh to me. It just made everything so exciting to read.
I don't always know what will happen in a Laurelin Paige novel but I know I will get a fabulous, heated story from start to finish.
Full Review: https://seriesousbookreviews.com/brut...
Actual Rating: 5/5
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com!
This was so, so, so good! It's been a while since I read a truly GREAT hate to love you romance. I've been dying for this romance since the story of the series and it did not disappoint!
The chemistry between them is phenomenal. Palpable and steamy. It helped that Axel's POV wasn't given as often. It made him have that enigma quality to his motives, easily making you swoon when you did get the brief moment of insight to his mindset.
I thought the pacing of this was great, though perhaps a little too much exposition when I look back. But I just loved any scene with the two of them so I really didn't mind that quality time.
I think this is my umpteenth Laurelin Paige novel and her ability to write unique characters every time never ceases to amaze me. Adly doesn't read like a heroine I've read before and even Ax with his alphahole tendencies felt fresh to me. It just made everything so exciting to read.
I don't always know what will happen in a Laurelin Paige novel but I know I will get a fabulous, heated story from start to finish.
Full Review: https://seriesousbookreviews.com/brut...
Actual Rating: 5/5
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com!
October 10, 2024
Daley and Ax have the best chemistry. I loved every page of this book. It was filled with Sebastian shenanigans but also, love. I can’t wait for the next book!
October 25, 2024
I like to read but I don’t want to read a character obsessed with everything reading. The h’s personality actually annoyed me and the fake marriage was dry as hell. Didn’t enjoy it at all. DNF 23%
October 18, 2025
2.75 Stars
I definitely think this is my least favourite book of all the Sebastian books. I liked the overall premise but the execution fell a bit flat for me. I think there were two reasons for this: (1) The pacing of the book wasn’t the best, (2) there was a lot of filler.
1. The MCs have a lot of history, they have known one another since childhood and for the past 18 months have ben have a sex only affair. Once they get married (which happened fairly early in the book) the book pretty much takes place over the span of a week. I just can’t buy that they went from hate sex to ‘omg i love you more than anything and want to spend the rest of my life with you’ in that short of a time span.
2. I love love love long books, but what i don’t like is long books where a majority of what makes them long is filler. I truly felt like i knew very little about the MCs; most of their time together in the book was them role-playing. While another chunk of the book was their relationship with past characters and those characters antics. I guess i just felt like we actually didn’t know that much about the MCs and their story was secondary to the smut and the other characters.
The characters were hit and miss for me. I loved the back and forth they had and genuinely felt there was chemistry, but i think their personalities could have been explored a bit more. I was hoping to see Ax actually cooking or teaching Adly to cook. Additionally i was hoping there would be interaction between Adly, Ax and Hunter. I struggled a lot with the way Adly was written, primarily because a lot of her personality comes down to loving smutty books. I don’t mind when authors mention if a character likes to read or have it be mentioned a few times. But when it is their basically their whole personality it becomes annoying and kind weird to read. Like I basically felt like Adly was obsessed with booktok or bookstagram, and the constant mention of her favourite tropes, getting off while reading, and just other little things isn’t really what i want to read. I’ve seen a lot of authors doing this lately, while other may like it, i personally don’t want to read a book where the bookish world is actually in the book.
Overall, this one was a disappointment, but as I have loved most books in this series and by Laurelin Paige in general, i will definitely be continuing on with the series.
I definitely think this is my least favourite book of all the Sebastian books. I liked the overall premise but the execution fell a bit flat for me. I think there were two reasons for this: (1) The pacing of the book wasn’t the best, (2) there was a lot of filler.
1. The MCs have a lot of history, they have known one another since childhood and for the past 18 months have ben have a sex only affair. Once they get married (which happened fairly early in the book) the book pretty much takes place over the span of a week. I just can’t buy that they went from hate sex to ‘omg i love you more than anything and want to spend the rest of my life with you’ in that short of a time span.
2. I love love love long books, but what i don’t like is long books where a majority of what makes them long is filler. I truly felt like i knew very little about the MCs; most of their time together in the book was them role-playing. While another chunk of the book was their relationship with past characters and those characters antics. I guess i just felt like we actually didn’t know that much about the MCs and their story was secondary to the smut and the other characters.
The characters were hit and miss for me. I loved the back and forth they had and genuinely felt there was chemistry, but i think their personalities could have been explored a bit more. I was hoping to see Ax actually cooking or teaching Adly to cook. Additionally i was hoping there would be interaction between Adly, Ax and Hunter. I struggled a lot with the way Adly was written, primarily because a lot of her personality comes down to loving smutty books. I don’t mind when authors mention if a character likes to read or have it be mentioned a few times. But when it is their basically their whole personality it becomes annoying and kind weird to read. Like I basically felt like Adly was obsessed with booktok or bookstagram, and the constant mention of her favourite tropes, getting off while reading, and just other little things isn’t really what i want to read. I’ve seen a lot of authors doing this lately, while other may like it, i personally don’t want to read a book where the bookish world is actually in the book.
Overall, this one was a disappointment, but as I have loved most books in this series and by Laurelin Paige in general, i will definitely be continuing on with the series.
September 29, 2024
This was an amazing read that I was sorry when it ended! I have read all of the other books in this series and I don't even know where to start with the review of this book! All books of this series can be read as a stand alone but once you read one of these books you will want to read all of them to see what happens next!
Adly and Ax's story is hinted at in Brutal Arrangement and I could not wait to see what was in store for them. In what started as a hate and role playing relationship Ax and Adly soon could not get enough of each other. They keep what they have going on a secret until Adly in an attempt to better herself and get away from the toxic environment at SNC needs access to her trust fund and it is Ax who agrees to marry her so that she can gain such access. In what was supposed to be a quiet marriage it quickly becomes the worst kept secret and they pair then need to figure things out all while keeping secrets from each other and dealing with the manipulations of others.
Watching this couple grow was a great sight. The chemistry between them is off the charts and palpable at times. I will admit that I wanted to smack Adly at times because she couldn't see that Ax was totally gone for her and then she was in total denial. I do understand that she had been burned by others that were supposed to love her - namely her father so she did not have a good example of what to expect and this is before we discuss the dysfunction of the Sebastian family and their feud. Where Ax had his reputation to dispute, I felt that he was nothing but genuine with Adly from the start and had his own demons to deal with.
I may not have stated it before but you can tell, I love this series! I also love Irving Sebastian. I think at times he really steals the story! I can't wait to see what is in store next for Hunter in this series but I am glad that both Ax and Adly found their HEA. Overall, I recommend this book and series to others!
Adly and Ax's story is hinted at in Brutal Arrangement and I could not wait to see what was in store for them. In what started as a hate and role playing relationship Ax and Adly soon could not get enough of each other. They keep what they have going on a secret until Adly in an attempt to better herself and get away from the toxic environment at SNC needs access to her trust fund and it is Ax who agrees to marry her so that she can gain such access. In what was supposed to be a quiet marriage it quickly becomes the worst kept secret and they pair then need to figure things out all while keeping secrets from each other and dealing with the manipulations of others.
Watching this couple grow was a great sight. The chemistry between them is off the charts and palpable at times. I will admit that I wanted to smack Adly at times because she couldn't see that Ax was totally gone for her and then she was in total denial. I do understand that she had been burned by others that were supposed to love her - namely her father so she did not have a good example of what to expect and this is before we discuss the dysfunction of the Sebastian family and their feud. Where Ax had his reputation to dispute, I felt that he was nothing but genuine with Adly from the start and had his own demons to deal with.
I may not have stated it before but you can tell, I love this series! I also love Irving Sebastian. I think at times he really steals the story! I can't wait to see what is in store next for Hunter in this series but I am glad that both Ax and Adly found their HEA. Overall, I recommend this book and series to others!
October 8, 2024
Laurelin Paige does so many wonderfully delectable things with her stories. I can never just pick one thing that I love because I love it ALL! But the hotness factor in Brutal Bargain is unmeasurable!
The forth installment in the Brutal Billionaires series is Ax Morgan and Adly Sebastian’s story. And my oh my! The premise sets up the perfect scenario for two very stubborn individuals to get beat at their own game. So used to their own lives and their outlook on love, feelings deepen and sneak up without them even realizing it.
This story is filled with witty and sexy banter. It made me laugh and smile so much. Ax is a typical alpha male that I wrote off as a big jerk, but as the story unfolds I loved him more and more. Adly, is so independent and whip smart. I love her strong will and determination. Their initial “disdain” for one another is the what perpetuates their relationship. But unbeknownst to them, it’s what allows for doors to open, and for them to evolve into something neither of them expected.
Brutal Bargain is a wonderful addition to this continuously immersive series. It also features cameos of some of our favorite Brutal Billionaires characters. The fondness for them is brought back to mind by a sarcastic comment, or a bit of egging on.
Laurelin Paige knows every spot to hit when it comes to love stories. And Brutal Bargain showcases this to a T! While this is a standalone, reading previous books in the series is HIGHLY encouraged. There isn’t one you’d want to skip over or miss.
The forth installment in the Brutal Billionaires series is Ax Morgan and Adly Sebastian’s story. And my oh my! The premise sets up the perfect scenario for two very stubborn individuals to get beat at their own game. So used to their own lives and their outlook on love, feelings deepen and sneak up without them even realizing it.
This story is filled with witty and sexy banter. It made me laugh and smile so much. Ax is a typical alpha male that I wrote off as a big jerk, but as the story unfolds I loved him more and more. Adly, is so independent and whip smart. I love her strong will and determination. Their initial “disdain” for one another is the what perpetuates their relationship. But unbeknownst to them, it’s what allows for doors to open, and for them to evolve into something neither of them expected.
Brutal Bargain is a wonderful addition to this continuously immersive series. It also features cameos of some of our favorite Brutal Billionaires characters. The fondness for them is brought back to mind by a sarcastic comment, or a bit of egging on.
Laurelin Paige knows every spot to hit when it comes to love stories. And Brutal Bargain showcases this to a T! While this is a standalone, reading previous books in the series is HIGHLY encouraged. There isn’t one you’d want to skip over or miss.
October 15, 2024
This was a phenomenal read. The push and pull between Adly and Ax was everything. As much as they " couldn't stand" each other they could stay away. Every encounter between them was filled with chemistry. These two did an amazing job hiding and pushing away their feelings.
I do like how feeling wise the story moved slow. They were able to built an actual connection outside of the bedroom. I loved how obsessed they were. They supported each other and always saw the best in one another.
There's some drama which is the norm for this family 😭. I think my favorite thing about them is that they didn't last more than a day being mad at one another. They got mad, thought everything through then went back to each other for a mature conversation. I loved everything about this book. The characters, their supportive family (some of them), grandpa Irving always coming through, how much Ad and Ax loveee each other.
The only thing I would have liked is to see Ax meet his sister. Most of the book was about her family drama and a tiny bit of father drama for Ax. Would have liked for him to meet his sister and see if he can actually have a relationship with her.
I do like how feeling wise the story moved slow. They were able to built an actual connection outside of the bedroom. I loved how obsessed they were. They supported each other and always saw the best in one another.
There's some drama which is the norm for this family 😭. I think my favorite thing about them is that they didn't last more than a day being mad at one another. They got mad, thought everything through then went back to each other for a mature conversation. I loved everything about this book. The characters, their supportive family (some of them), grandpa Irving always coming through, how much Ad and Ax loveee each other.
The only thing I would have liked is to see Ax meet his sister. Most of the book was about her family drama and a tiny bit of father drama for Ax. Would have liked for him to meet his sister and see if he can actually have a relationship with her.
September 30, 2024
Ok, so it took me awhile to like Ax (the Hero.) I just didn't like how he came across, or more accurately, how he would constantly be all up in Adly's (the Heroine) business. He gave me too much anxiety on Adly's behalf. It wasn't until about half way through that he really started to redeem himself in my eyes. Adly's character was likeable right from the start. She was struggling to make a name for herself in a world where only men were able to rise to the top. (And in that regard, you may want to read the previous Brutal Billionaire books to really understand that world, though it's not necessary in order to follow this book.) In doing so, work became her life, and relationship's were a fantasy, thus how her x-rated relationship with Axel started, which then turned into a marriage of convenience (for one of them.) So, yeah, there is a whole lot of sexual content, suitable for mature readers. There's a lot of self discovery that happens with the characters as they come to realize what they are looking for, what they truly want in their lives, and how it's not necessarily what they had previous thought it was. There's not much in the way of deep tear jerk emotions, but there is some heavy heart moments. There are also some laughs throughout to keep things from getting too heavy. Overall, it's a well written book that will keep you on the edge of your seat (wondering if their plan will work.) It's easy to read, and the story flows smoothly. It alternates POVs.
October 9, 2024
Brutal Bargain
Book 4 in the brutal billionaire series we get to meet Adly and Axel these two have known each other each since there were kids, Adly always felt like he was bullying her.
Adly is a Sebastian she works for the family company but doesn’t get any recognition as she a female.
Axel character is a surprise to me when we first meet him i was in two minds do I or don’t I like him the result are in I loved him as his character grew he is so not seen as who he really is.
This is an enemies to lovers marriage of convenience romance were you will get a bit hot under the collar.
I love a story were both main characters grow and see there floors and work to change.
I can not for get grandpa Irving he is a great character
All in all this book will give a laughter,some heart felt moments and some hot spicy scenes so if this what you like then give it a read.
Roll on Hunters book
4🌟
Book 4 in the brutal billionaire series we get to meet Adly and Axel these two have known each other each since there were kids, Adly always felt like he was bullying her.
Adly is a Sebastian she works for the family company but doesn’t get any recognition as she a female.
Axel character is a surprise to me when we first meet him i was in two minds do I or don’t I like him the result are in I loved him as his character grew he is so not seen as who he really is.
This is an enemies to lovers marriage of convenience romance were you will get a bit hot under the collar.
I love a story were both main characters grow and see there floors and work to change.
I can not for get grandpa Irving he is a great character
All in all this book will give a laughter,some heart felt moments and some hot spicy scenes so if this what you like then give it a read.
Roll on Hunters book
4🌟
September 27, 2024
Ax & Adly - Book 3 ends with them "meeting up" in secret and now we get the inside look at their story. We've got enemies to lovers, billionaire alphaholes, and the good ol' one bed trope...
The Sebastian family (and SNC) is dominated by men and filled with trauma and drama. What I love the most in this series is seeing the women of the family come in and take charge, even with the roadblocks the men throw in their way. While there were certain times I wanted to shake Adly and tell her to stop being an idiot, I enjoyed seeing her learn things about herself and evolve. You can't forget about Grandpa with his scheming ways!
These might be standalones, but the stories are most certainly interconnected, and I highly suggest reading them in order. Can't wait to see what Hunter brings in the next book!
The Sebastian family (and SNC) is dominated by men and filled with trauma and drama. What I love the most in this series is seeing the women of the family come in and take charge, even with the roadblocks the men throw in their way. While there were certain times I wanted to shake Adly and tell her to stop being an idiot, I enjoyed seeing her learn things about herself and evolve. You can't forget about Grandpa with his scheming ways!
These might be standalones, but the stories are most certainly interconnected, and I highly suggest reading them in order. Can't wait to see what Hunter brings in the next book!
September 29, 2024
That was adorable—Go Team Axly and Girl Power! Don’t get me started on how many times I opted for yelling at my iPad instead of tossing it because of the Sebastian men. On the brighter side of things, my favorite part of this whole book is how Adly is a book girly like us. To just escape the real world for a moment and immerse yourself in a book—it’s THE vibe. And Ax passed both boyfriend and husband material because… well, I’m not going to spoil the good stuff, so you’ll have to read it to find out. Thank you for this opportunity Laurelin and Paige Press Publishing!
October 6, 2024
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!!! Adly and Ax may have had there differences but they deserved to get there happily ever after. I wasn’t sure about Ax in the beginning because he was “axhole” but he came through and showed he was going to be there for Adly no matter what. It was definitely streaky 🥵 with there role playing. Also the fact that he bought her a bookstore yes please!!! Love Ax and Adly and glad they found there happily ever after in each other.
October 8, 2024
Chemistry? Yep! The entire periodical table, methinks!
Have a fan or ice cold glass of water at the ready!!!
Great dialogue/banter, again yes! But, this is exactly what I expect from Ms. Paige with every new release!
Loved both main characters!
Marriage of convenience. No "feelings!" Yeah right!
I didn't want to put the story down!
Every free minute I head I picked this up!
Excellent!
Have a fan or ice cold glass of water at the ready!!!
Great dialogue/banter, again yes! But, this is exactly what I expect from Ms. Paige with every new release!
Loved both main characters!
Marriage of convenience. No "feelings!" Yeah right!
I didn't want to put the story down!
Every free minute I head I picked this up!
Excellent!
September 28, 2024
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5 (rounded up!)
It's a story that grabs your attention from the very beginning, pulling you in with its engaging plot and memorable characters. The banter between them is witty and fun, keeping you hooked throughout the entire story. I can’t help but look forward to every interaction!
A huge thank you to Valentine PR and Laurelin Paige for the ARC!
Release date: 10/09/2024.
It's a story that grabs your attention from the very beginning, pulling you in with its engaging plot and memorable characters. The banter between them is witty and fun, keeping you hooked throughout the entire story. I can’t help but look forward to every interaction!
A huge thank you to Valentine PR and Laurelin Paige for the ARC!
Release date: 10/09/2024.
September 29, 2024
Adly and Ax are hot!! . Fake Marriage, best friends sister work colleagues. They are also perfect. Laurelin is a master at Alpha billionaires. This series is becoming my favourite.
I can see where the next book is headed and I am here for it.
ARC received and this is my honest rwview
I can see where the next book is headed and I am here for it.
ARC received and this is my honest rwview
October 3, 2024
Whoa!!! I thought the other books in this series were good (there are!!!) but then I read Brutal Bargain. Adley and Ax's story is EPIC!!
She's a Sebastian, she has trust issues. He has a fear of rejection. They've snapped at each other forever, but oh man, do they have a spark that could set fire to your Kindle. There are so many twists and turns they have to navigate to get their HEA, and oh, what an incredible ride it is.
She's a Sebastian, she has trust issues. He has a fear of rejection. They've snapped at each other forever, but oh man, do they have a spark that could set fire to your Kindle. There are so many twists and turns they have to navigate to get their HEA, and oh, what an incredible ride it is.
October 9, 2024
This is one of my favorite series by Laurelin Paige. This book as as good as I thought it would be if not better.
Addly Sebastian needs her trust fund and in order to get the money she needs to get married. Ax Morgan is the man who has been the one always irritating her and who she never thought she would fall in love with.
Throughout the book, we she the chemistry between these two unfold. Like always you feel as if you are watching their life unfold while you are in the corner.
I love these characters and can’t wait for the next book.
Addly Sebastian needs her trust fund and in order to get the money she needs to get married. Ax Morgan is the man who has been the one always irritating her and who she never thought she would fall in love with.
Throughout the book, we she the chemistry between these two unfold. Like always you feel as if you are watching their life unfold while you are in the corner.
I love these characters and can’t wait for the next book.
October 1, 2024
We're back for another installment of The Sebastian family and once again, they delivered!
This is Adly & Axels story, one of two untrusting people who want two things - one they're open to fight for, and the other they're too afraid to fight for!
Really liked the characters, relatable and likable and very spicy!
I'm excited for more.
*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review
This is Adly & Axels story, one of two untrusting people who want two things - one they're open to fight for, and the other they're too afraid to fight for!
Really liked the characters, relatable and likable and very spicy!
I'm excited for more.
*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review
September 28, 2024
5 Brilliant Stars!
October 3, 2024
Mannnnn. I adore a man with a long game.
Axel and Adley.
This is so hot, soooo well written, so phenomenal.
I cannot recommend it enough.
On the verge of getting what she wants she has to marry the frenemy. And it’s so good!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
PS: I cannot wait for Hunter’s story.
Axel and Adley.
This is so hot, soooo well written, so phenomenal.
I cannot recommend it enough.
On the verge of getting what she wants she has to marry the frenemy. And it’s so good!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
PS: I cannot wait for Hunter’s story.
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