Abandon

by Gisele St. Claire

All work and no play…

Ashley Jenson's most successful relationship is her career. Newly promoted to Manager of Abandon, she's determined to make her Boss, Aidan, proud.
Newly appointed Deputy Manager, Lucas, fresh from a previous employment scandal, is not impressed that Aidan has neglected to tell him his new boss is female.
Their working relationship is polite, distant and strictly professional.
Or is it? As months pass and the two of them grow closer, can they abandon the ghosts of their pasts to risk a future of love?

This book is a complete standalone but features Aidan and Ashley, characters from The Double Delight and Billionaire series.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, BDSM

88 pages, ebook

First published December 3, 2017

About the author

Also known as Angel Devlin

Reviews

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another story out of club Abandon. This time with Aidan's cousin Lucas and his (Aidan) wonderful secretary Ashley.
Good book. Must read if you have read the others.

[April Symes · Rating 5 out of 5]

We first met Ashley and Aiden in 'Double Delight' by Giselle St. Claire but to read “Abandon” , you would not have to read Double Delight. This can be read as a standalone. Ashley is the new general manager of Club Abandon, a sex club owned by Aiden. Ashley makes work her friend and all she does is work from morning to night. All work makes Ashley a pretty dull girl. Aiden hires his cousin Lucas to be the manager. Lucas is pretty upset that his cousin failed to tell him that his new boss is a woman. There is this chemistry between them from the start but their start is very rocky. After a rough start, Ashley and Lucas develop a good friendship. They settle into the friendship but both secretly want to take it further but due to the rough first start, are afraid to do so.
Can they have it all? Will they be able to move past that first start and the past or will they be like ships passing in the romantic night? You need to take a chance and find out.

My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A workplace romance that sweeps you up, holds you in its grip and keeps you wanting more. The characters are well developed and easy to get to know. The chemistry between them sizzles with heat and attraction that's undeniable. A great read for a weekend curled up with a good book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the previous books where the characters feature but because it's Angel I thought I would pick it up. I loved it! I will have to pick up the other stories before this one as well now. Ashley and Lucas are fire, even if they don't start off on the right foot. They have chemistry and loved the friendship they eventually develop before taking it further.

[ViolinVixen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this new standalone novella from Gisele St. Claire. If you have read some of her other books, you will recognize some of the characters, but you don't need to have read any of the other books to completely enjoy this one!

Ashley has worked at Club S/Club Abandon since she was 18. She's a trusted assistant to the billionaire Aidan Hall and a total workaholic. Her job is her life. Period. When Aidan offers her a much deserved promotion and raise, she's excited for the new challenge.

They're expanding Club Abandon to have a separate floor to cater to their VIP guests. Private bookings only. This new Abandon XL will be Ashley's baby, while she trains Aidan's cousin Lucas to operate the main floor of Abandon.

Lucas is gorgeous and for a brief moment, friendly and flirtatious, until he discovers that Ashley is his new boss. All of a sudden he turns into a cold, detached douche and Ashley can't understand the drastic shift.

As Lucas and Ashley work closely together over the next few months, they become friends and get to know each other. They share their past baggage regarding relationships and work and develop a trusting, but professional relationship.

Lucas and Ashley however are both harbouring an intense attraction for each other and eventually it becomes hard to keep their sexual chemistry under wraps.

Will they be able to have a romantic relationship and still be professional at work? Will Ashley make time for love in her very busy schedule?

Extremely hot workplace romance novella with some light BDSM. Explicit and extremely steamy scenes with not only Lucas and Ashley, but featuring the guests of Club Abandon.

[Helen Leecy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great read. It is quite short, at only 144 pages long, but it felt like a full-blown novel. You really feel as if you get to know the characters, the majority didn’t feel rushed (a bit more on this later), and it was very well-rounded.
I liked that we really got to know Ash and Lucas properly; we were in on their most inner thoughts and knew what made them tick. The build-up of the relationship was a slow burn, and it made it all that more exciting. The detail on the business side of things made it feel like more of a sophisticated read than just being set in a sex club. I felt excited by everything Ash was managing to achieve in getting the club up and running and making such a success.
The chemistry between the two of them flew off the page, and all of that part was very well written.
The only downside to the book was the ending. It felt very rushed, and we were jumping from one character to the next really quickly, and I felt a bit whiplashed. This wasn’t helped by the final epilogue jumping five years ahead. I felt like all of a sudden; I’d missed loads of the story. Especially as Aidan tapes off their apartments for a surprise, but we never find out what that surprise was.
So, overall a fantastic read; I just think a little more detail at the end to match the flow of the rest of the book would have made this a five-star read. As it stands, it fell just below that with a solid four stars.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley's sole focus has been her job and making it very successful. When she gets a new raise she's a little afraid it'll be too much work until she finds out there'll be another manager and an assistant for them. At the jump in pay grade she couldn't pass up the chance. Lucas is the boss's cousin and he's being trained to take over Ashley old job. When he learns that his new boss is a woman he is a little upset given he just had an issue with a former female boss harassing him in the work place. However things click between Ashley and Lucas and soon they are both fighting their feelings for one another. Each is afraid to act because their working relationship is important to them yet when Lucas catches Ashley in disguise at the club one night he knows he has to do something. When Ashley wakes up after a night of celebrating with her co workers to find Lucas she's worried of what they may have done but Lucas wasn't about to let her downplay the kiss she gave him. When they finally stopped fighting their feeling and gave in everything clicked into place for them. Yet will an unruly club regular spoil everything?

This was a great story keeps you interested with every turn of a page. The characters have sizzling chemistry. This was yet another great story by this author. I can't wait to see what she writes next.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is determined to make her promotion successful...he is the iceberg in her way

*** 4 1/2 Stars ***
Abandon is the first book in the Romance in NYC: Forbidden Bosses series. The story is about Ashley Jensen and Lucas Hall. Ashley has been the long time PA for Aiden Hall, the owner of Club Abandon. When he decides to make some changes and open a sister club the only person that is right to manage Abandon is Ashley, and he surprises her with the promotion and the huge raise. Ashley will be working with a new hire, Lucas, in managing as one of them will need to be onsite at all times. As it turns out Lucas is actually Aiden's cousin and things are about to get complicated. As it turns out Aiden has recently had a very bad incident with a female boss at this previous job and when he finds out that Ashley is going to be his boss he is not pleased to say the least. With an icy working relationship between them things are a challenge but Ashley is determined to make the club even more successful than it already is, and that means working with Lucas. In the background these two have an attraction that is hot and steamy, and growing. Will that passion and chemistry finally melt the frosty coolness that is between them in their working relationship?

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Professional Woman 💃💋Acts Sooooo Unprofessionally

ARC received for a voluntary and honest review.
Adult Romance with XXX scenes and light BDSM.
Ashley💃 works as owner Aiden's assistant at the elite sex club called Abandon. Aiden🐺🍆🌋✋ is enlarging the club and asks Ashley💃 to become the Manager of the new totally elite part ,which will be known as Abandon XL.
Aiden🐺🍆🌋 hugely increases her pay and to help her, he hires his cousin, Lucas. Lucas🐺🍆🌋✋ had a woman boss at another job who tried to sexually entice him into a relationship. He is mad that he's going to have another woman boss!
Ashley💃 is a driven workaholic, she has no time for relationships. When Adien🐺🍆🌋✋ adds an apartment for each of them into the building plans, maybe he's inadvertently playing matchmaker. Maybe this could work out!
Lucas 🐺🍆🌋is a known spankster✋✋ and a binder, he's a really baaaad, naaasssty young man.
Ashley💃💋 thinks the whole budding relationship💘 between her and Lucas🐺🍆🌋✋ is wrong, but its also so right!
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍆, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎

This book was very predictable, as most romances are. After all, most of them have a happy ending, if nothing else. It's also part of a series, but this book is definitely a stand alone Novella. Happy 📚reading!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this new standalone by Gisele St. Claire. I've been a fan for awhile now. If you have read some of her earlier books, you will recognize some of the characters in this new book which brings it that much more depth to the story. Ashley is a hard working woman who has worked first with Henry and now for Aiden at club Abandon. Aiden has decided to give her a raise and a promotion for all of the work she has done for him since taking over. He has also hired a new person to work under her. When Lucas who is Aiden's cousin comes on board, they both don't get off on the right foot in the beginning. He's coming from a job that put a bad taste in his mouth and a boss from hell who tried to sexually harass him, so when he finds out he has another woman boss he isnt' too happy. After working with each other for months sexual tension is at a high, will these two be able to resist each other? Can they put their past behind them and maybe try to find happiness? This is definitely a one-click purchase. It's well written, a very fast read and I loved the characters.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of an arc program. This is a standalone book, but it does feature characters from Double Delight, you can read this book without read the first book. This is about Ashley and Lucas. Ashley is promoted to manage the expansion of Abandon and Lucas is hired to fill her former job. Ashley is a workaholic and has a strict rule not to date anyone from work. Lucas is Aiden's cousin and he recently had a bad experience at his former job so he wanted a fresh start. When Ashley and Lucas first meet, they did not even like each other, but they put their differences aside to work together. After a while, they became friends. Ashley was attracted to Lucas but wouldn't act on it because of her work and Lucas really wanted Ashley. Can they be together or will other complications keep them apart? I really enjoyed this book and I thought Ashley and Lucas were great together. I liked how they became friends and supported each other first. Good one.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley has been promoted she's excited and looking forward to the challenge as she's worked at Club Abandon since she was 18 and all she does is work. Aidan hires his cousin Lucas to be the manager for the new Abandon XL and Ashley has to train him on how to operate the main floor of Abandon. Lucas is gorgeous, flirtatious and friendly until he finds out that Ashley is his new boss then he starts acting like a jerk and Ashley doesn't understand the 180° shift in his attitude. As they work closely together over the next few months they get to know each other better and form a friendship. They open up to each other about prior relationships, jobs, and prior life experiences that help them to trust each other and develop a professional relationship. However they're both still fighting their intense attraction to each other. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this steamy story to see what happens. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting and sexy work place romance. For Ashley, she is consumed and driven by her work to be the best. When her boss promotes her to build and manage a new part of the Abandon club, she is surprised and thrilled. When Lucas is brought in to manage the original area of Abandon, she is shocked at the attraction she feels. She never mixes business with pleasure. Lucas is grateful that his cousin is giving him a fresh start and is looking forward to the challenges of managing Abandon. Meeting Ashley is an unexpected surprise since he doesn’t want to be attracted to anyone right now. These two become an amazing duo running the Abandon clubs. Will they give in to their true desires and let love happen? I enjoyed their struggle and connection as they navigated work, life and love. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

We first met Ashley and Aiden in 'Double Delight', but it is not necessary to have read that book as this one is a standalone. Ashley is the new general manager of Club Abandon, a sex club owned by Aiden. Her work consumes her and she has no time for any relationships. Aiden hires his cousin Lucas to be the manager who is upset that his cousin failed to tell him that his boss would be a woman. They clash, but the chemistry is there and it just keeps increasing. They have a self imposed no fraternizing rule but find it hard to adhere to. Gisele has done a wonderful job of character development. Well written book with a page turning storyline and best of all, no cliffhanger and an HEA. I read an advance copy an voluntarily chose to write a review.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley is a hard worker who puts her job first and it has paid off. She has been put in charge of building and managing a new part of the Abandon club. She feels she has reached a goal. Lucas is brought in to manage the original portion and Ashley is his boss. Lucas is grateful for the fresh start but not sure that he is alright with a woman boss. Ashley feels surprised that she feels attracted to Lucas. She is all about business and she does not mix business with pleasure. Neither of them is about mixing business with pleasure. But they have to admit that in business they make a good team. Can they see that success expand to their personal lives? A solid 4.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Jenson is the consummate employee. She fairly lives at Club Abandon, as the PA to the owner, Aiden Hall. He is looking to expand the club and he offers her a new job as the manager of a new division called Club Abandon XL, where the elites come to play with special requests. To replace her in the original club, Aiden hires his cousin, Lucas Hall. Lucas is recovering from an ugly incident with a female manager at his previous job, and isn't one bit pleased when he realizes that he'll have another female manager. They try to keep their distance, but with the energy between them, it doesn't take long until they give in to their feelings. It's a charming story with a sweet HEA and a surprise! 

[Seepurple06 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucas Hall is HOT!!!

Henry Carter may have started it all but Aiden Hall has taken over and turned Club S into Abandon. With the success he is having he promotes Ashley to manager and hires Lucas to assist. They try to remain professional but are hiding their feelings for each other. Over time they get closer and closer pushing the line of professionalism she so desperately tries not to cross. That gets shattered when Lucas goes all possesive of her. I love their chemistry and the part Aiden has in pushing them together. Quick sexy read that you will love. I also loved that I could use KU to read.

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written book with great storyline and plot. Nice read with very hot scenes. Predictable outcome but an easy and enjoyable read. Short but worth the time reading.

There is passion, emotions, hot scenes, twists and lots of chemistry. It is written in dual POV which gives the reader much more of the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. I like to have a view of the future in a story so an epilogue would have been welcomed.

I like the main characters and how they develop. The story flows nicely and it is very captivating from first to last chapter.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover is pretty hot, isn't it? Abandon is the revamped Club S, with Ashley promoted to general manager and Lucas hired as manager. Lucas happens to be Aiden's cousin, so we see him again quite a bit as club owner. The story is well written, with good character history and development for a short story, and a good-paced plot. Good quick read, primarily within the setting of a sex club. I love Ms St Claire's club stories, so if you've enjoyed any previous ones, you're in for a treat.

I received an arc of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.

[Ann L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Put your feet up, relax and grab a copy of this wonderfully written short story, it captivated me from the first page and I devoured it whilst having a cuppa, if you've read anything from this author before you will recognise a couple of characters which adds to the story. Ashley has been promoted to manager, but her deputy manager Lucas is not all that pleased with being under a woman. Take from that what you will, but as I said, grab a copy, you'll love it.

I received an ARC and voluntarily leave my own honest opinion

[Heidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley is a woman who takes her job very seriously. Meaning, her job is her life. She does not have time for men. She gets a promotion at her job at Club Abandon. The person hired to take her place after her promotion is Lucas, a hot as sin alpha male who has his sights on Ashley. Will Lucas be able to break through Ashley’s defenses and wear her down to be with him? If he does, will this be a forever type of relationship? Grab this insanely hot book and see how it turns out for Ashley and Lucas. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucas had problems with his last boss and is now unsure of how to take another female manager. Ashley's motto has always been don't play where you eat. Their attraction is blinding, but the past makes Ashley leery. Will Lucas be able to break past her walls? Will Ashley overcome her past and build a future with Lucas?

Just like all of Gisele St. Claire's other books, this one was HOT! Loved the two characters in that they both bring their own problems to the table. Didn't blame either character for being hesitant, but was proud when they gave in. Great steamy read!

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a really good book. I really liked Ashley and Lucas together. These two have amazing chemistry and connection even though they try to fight because of past experiences and their work relationship. Thankfully aftern some drama Ashley and Lucas finally realized that they need each and get a really sweet HEA. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it and Ms. Angel as a great author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley is Lucas's new boss and when she meets him she's instantly attracted to him. Lucas is ready for a new start and becoming the new manager of Abandon but the cherry on top was his relationship with Ashley. This is an office romance that starts out professional and ends in a steamy romance. The writing is well done, the characters are well developed and the story held my attention from the first page until the last. Abandon is book one and a great start to the Forbidden Bosses series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Jenny H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - another hot ans sexy read from this author. This was a hard one to put down. It was a quick and steamy hot read. I enjoyed Ash and Lucas's relationship, the chemistry and build up was great. An excellent well written read with great characters and plot. This is a standalone read in which Ashley and Aiden, who we met first in 'Double Delight' get their own story. I read an advance copy an voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read, fast paced but well developed, with an interesting storyline. Lucas and Ashley are well written, compelling characters who develop a relationship....no insta-love here, but certainly an instant attraction. I love seeing characters from previous books, but Abandon can be read as a standalone....it will just wet your appetite of more works by Gisele St. Claire. Read for free with my KU subscription!

[Kőrösi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

This is a standalone without a cliffhanger. There is hot and steamy sex so definitely 18+. The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that info here. The author did a good job with the storyline to keep you reading. This is an irresistible story you won't want to put down. I can honestly say I recommend this book.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about Ashley and Lucas. She is the new general manager of a sex club owned by Aiden; Club Abandon. He has hired his cousin to be the their too. He is pretty upset that his cousin failed to mention his new boss is a female. They are off to a rough start but Lucas and Ashley start a friendship that quickly develops into more. This is a fairly short and quick stand alone read. I like how the story developed and love the characters.

[Lesley Robson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley is the new manager of Abandon a high end sex club. She doesnt have time for romance as her job is her life. Lucas is Aiden’s cousin and he is there to learn the ropes. Straight away we see their chemistry which was sizzling right from the get go. I enjoyed the cat and mouse games they played on the build up to them getting together and when they eventually did it was explosive. I really enjoyed this book and it left me wanting more.

[Modern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick, well thought out plot and well developed characters with great tie ins to St. Claire’s other books. It’s nicely paced as well. All of that in a short book! Takes great talent to cram all of the above into a small space without overwhelming! Highly recommended!
I received this book for a voluntary, completely honest and non incentivized review.