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Office Roulette #1
Means
From USA Today Bestselling Author Kennedy Layne comes a sexy trilogy that involves greed, power, and the desire to do it all over again… Smith Gallo has everything a man could ever want at the tip of his fingertips, except of course the woman he loves. To what lengths will he be willing to go to make his ambitions come true? Laurel Calanthe is one successful stock pick away from making partner when she finds herself in desperate need of an alibi. There’s only one problem. The man who can save her from being arrested is her only competitor and the one who now holds her fate in his hands. Greed is a powerful motivator in the game of making money, but desire can overcome even the strongest motive.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2018
111 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Kennedy Layne
156 books657 followersKennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 17, 2018
Reviewed on Behalf of http://bookaddict.live,
Means the first book in Kennedy Layne new series the Office Roulette Trilogy, and how one man’s murder effects everyone working for him.
Brad Manon whose hedge fund company Manon Investments is found dead in the opening chapter. Laurel leaves her lovers bed to collect some paper work she needed. Unfortunately Laurel finds her boss and calls the police.
This is centred on Laurel and her relationship with Smith Gallo, a handsome, sexy dynamic man. When the police start to investigate everyone’s skeletons come flying out the cupboard. Making you realise, how well do you know your colleagues that you work with every day and side by side?
This book is hot and sexy and surrounds Laurel and Smith relationship which is now out in the open. This a Kennedy Layne at her best we don’t find who the killer is yet, but we are left with plenty of suspects.
The next book in the trilogy is called Motive and centers on Rye Marshall and Grace Dorrance. I hope some insight into the murder. This Kennedy Layne at her best combining Murder with a HOT sexy love story.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Means the first book in Kennedy Layne new series the Office Roulette Trilogy, and how one man’s murder effects everyone working for him.
Brad Manon whose hedge fund company Manon Investments is found dead in the opening chapter. Laurel leaves her lovers bed to collect some paper work she needed. Unfortunately Laurel finds her boss and calls the police.
This is centred on Laurel and her relationship with Smith Gallo, a handsome, sexy dynamic man. When the police start to investigate everyone’s skeletons come flying out the cupboard. Making you realise, how well do you know your colleagues that you work with every day and side by side?
This book is hot and sexy and surrounds Laurel and Smith relationship which is now out in the open. This a Kennedy Layne at her best we don’t find who the killer is yet, but we are left with plenty of suspects.
The next book in the trilogy is called Motive and centers on Rye Marshall and Grace Dorrance. I hope some insight into the murder. This Kennedy Layne at her best combining Murder with a HOT sexy love story.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2018
I was hooked after chapter one!
The plot immediately drew me in and the characters are not only witty and fun, but sexy and relateable.
Quick synopsis: Smith and Laurel have been having an affair (quietly)for the last few months. When their boss is murdered, what was private, now becomes public. In addition, everyone including Laurel and Smith are suspects in the murder.
I fell in love with Smith when he let it be known from the beginning that just because it "looked" suspicious, they were not calling their relationship quits and that she wasn't going anywhere. His wooing of her throughout the book as awesome. The secondary characters kept the interesting and added depth and color to the story. I can't wait to find out who killed Brad!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
The plot immediately drew me in and the characters are not only witty and fun, but sexy and relateable.
Quick synopsis: Smith and Laurel have been having an affair (quietly)for the last few months. When their boss is murdered, what was private, now becomes public. In addition, everyone including Laurel and Smith are suspects in the murder.
I fell in love with Smith when he let it be known from the beginning that just because it "looked" suspicious, they were not calling their relationship quits and that she wasn't going anywhere. His wooing of her throughout the book as awesome. The secondary characters kept the interesting and added depth and color to the story. I can't wait to find out who killed Brad!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2020
Laurel is a financial advisor for a successful hedge fund who finds herself a suspect when she stops by the office late one evening to pick up some paperwork and finds her boss murdered. She has an alibi but sharing it will expose both her, her co-worker Smith and their secret relationship to scrutiny.
Smith has agreed to keep his relationship with Laurel secret for her benefit and not because it is his choice. Not only are they both vying for the same promotion at work, but he has plans for the future that he hasn’t shared that could change everything.
Secrets will be exposed, and loyalties will be tested as they learn so much not only about their co-workers but their own relationship and future as well. I thought the narrator did a great job of bringing the story to life.
Smith has agreed to keep his relationship with Laurel secret for her benefit and not because it is his choice. Not only are they both vying for the same promotion at work, but he has plans for the future that he hasn’t shared that could change everything.
Secrets will be exposed, and loyalties will be tested as they learn so much not only about their co-workers but their own relationship and future as well. I thought the narrator did a great job of bringing the story to life.
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February 22, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/22/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Smith Gallo has everything a man could ever want at the tip of his fingertips, except of course the woman he loves. To what lengths will he be willing to go to make his ambitions come true?
Laurel Calanthe is one successful stock pick away from making partner when she finds herself in desperate need of an alibi. There’s only one problem. The man who can save her from being arrested is her only competitor and the one who now holds her fate in his hands.
Greed is a powerful motivator in the game of making money, but desire can overcome even the strongest motive.
Blurb:
Smith Gallo has everything a man could ever want at the tip of his fingertips, except of course the woman he loves. To what lengths will he be willing to go to make his ambitions come true?
Laurel Calanthe is one successful stock pick away from making partner when she finds herself in desperate need of an alibi. There’s only one problem. The man who can save her from being arrested is her only competitor and the one who now holds her fate in his hands.
Greed is a powerful motivator in the game of making money, but desire can overcome even the strongest motive.
June 22, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book, given by the author.
https://thesecretworldofbooklovers.bl...
I enjoyed the book, it had a little bit of suspense and a couple of good sex scenes.
The thing that didn't really make me connect with both characters was that we get to meet them halfway through their story.
We are told how great the sex has been during this three amazing months but we don't get to read about them getting to know each other and falling in love without even realizing it.
From our point of view this guy out of nowhere turns a booty call into a life long partner, and don't get me wrong, that's every girl's dream right there, but I feel like I needed to know what made her so special and different from every other girl through his eyes.
The story was overall good, the characters are both strong and independent and that creates some interesting sex scenes.
Laurel has some issues with her lack of money growing up and is projecting her insecurities on Smith. She will have to let go of her fears if she wants this thing to work.
Smith is all in, he has been patiently waiting and now there is no holding back, she will be his.
Beware of the cliffhanger, just when things got interesting!
https://thesecretworldofbooklovers.bl...
I enjoyed the book, it had a little bit of suspense and a couple of good sex scenes.
The thing that didn't really make me connect with both characters was that we get to meet them halfway through their story.
We are told how great the sex has been during this three amazing months but we don't get to read about them getting to know each other and falling in love without even realizing it.
From our point of view this guy out of nowhere turns a booty call into a life long partner, and don't get me wrong, that's every girl's dream right there, but I feel like I needed to know what made her so special and different from every other girl through his eyes.
The story was overall good, the characters are both strong and independent and that creates some interesting sex scenes.
Laurel has some issues with her lack of money growing up and is projecting her insecurities on Smith. She will have to let go of her fears if she wants this thing to work.
Smith is all in, he has been patiently waiting and now there is no holding back, she will be his.
Beware of the cliffhanger, just when things got interesting!
September 16, 2018
This isn't a long book - easily a one sitting read. But don't let the relatively short page count fool you; there is a heck of a lot packed into these pages.
We are thrust straight into the middle of the action, with the back story unfurling as the narrative progresses.
This is, perhaps, the most enjoyable story I have read from this author so far. There is drama, suspense, emotion and a puzzle to solve, which is the plot arc that binds this trilogy together.
I'm intrigued by what will come next.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
We are thrust straight into the middle of the action, with the back story unfurling as the narrative progresses.
This is, perhaps, the most enjoyable story I have read from this author so far. There is drama, suspense, emotion and a puzzle to solve, which is the plot arc that binds this trilogy together.
I'm intrigued by what will come next.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 20, 2018
I am not the kind of person who remembers names and who is who, so mostly, I had no idea whose book I was reading when I was halfway through the book. Somewhere at that point, I thought “ The Keys to love series is way better” and only when I reached the end of the book and saw the author’s other works I realized that the Office roulette and the Keys to love series are written by the same author. I was not very satisfied with this book and that’s a surprise since I loved the Keys to love series so far and this one left me wanting me more. The romance was better than the suspense. I want to see how the whole murder investigation will play out and since the series has so far only 3 books, we won’t have to wait long. The couple in this story has a good story and the heroine was a little annoying with her constant refusal to take things a step further into their relationship. The book overall wasn’t bad and the jury is still out on whether I would recommend the book or not.
June 19, 2018
Means is the first book of the Office Roulette series. Smith Gallo and Laurel Calanthe are both up for a promotion, but are having a steamy affair that no one knows about. When Laurel, goes into the office late, she finds her boss dead. In order for Laurel tp have an alibi, their affair must become public knowledge.
Smith Gallo never wanted their affair to stay a secret. Their boss' death allows him to show Laurel what he really wants. However, the entire office is under the scrutiny of the police to find out who had the means to commit murder.
Kennedy has an amazing skill of weaving an intricate web of storytelling with mystery, suspense, intrigue, and romance. She tells the story of Laurel and Smith so brilliantly, while leaving you wonder who is the killer in the office. A must read series!
Smith Gallo never wanted their affair to stay a secret. Their boss' death allows him to show Laurel what he really wants. However, the entire office is under the scrutiny of the police to find out who had the means to commit murder.
Kennedy has an amazing skill of weaving an intricate web of storytelling with mystery, suspense, intrigue, and romance. She tells the story of Laurel and Smith so brilliantly, while leaving you wonder who is the killer in the office. A must read series!
June 20, 2018
Means by Kennedy Layne
“Romance and murder, 4 stars”
Laurel and Smith are not supposed to be together, blasted work policies prohibiting coworkers from being together! Laurel is admit its all fun and games between the two but Smith sees it as something more. He’s trying to commit and she’s sticking to her guns. Or she was until she found her Boss murdered and Smith and her relationship is brought to light. Now its game on for these two.
But the question remains…who killed their boss? Everyone around them is a suspect and they don’t know who to believe. Sometimes there is a lot more going on in the office then one realizes. This story holds the right amount of romance with mystery and I can’t wait to see what Kennedy sets up for the next two stories in this series.
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
“Romance and murder, 4 stars”
Laurel and Smith are not supposed to be together, blasted work policies prohibiting coworkers from being together! Laurel is admit its all fun and games between the two but Smith sees it as something more. He’s trying to commit and she’s sticking to her guns. Or she was until she found her Boss murdered and Smith and her relationship is brought to light. Now its game on for these two.
But the question remains…who killed their boss? Everyone around them is a suspect and they don’t know who to believe. Sometimes there is a lot more going on in the office then one realizes. This story holds the right amount of romance with mystery and I can’t wait to see what Kennedy sets up for the next two stories in this series.
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
December 30, 2018
This story was just okay. Great narration by ???? not sure I think Brooke Bloomingdale is a pseudomym for someone. (audible review)
It is written in the first person and has a lot of blah blah blah internal thoughts going on, which is quite annoying. I was not a big fan of Laurel. I did like Smith quite a bit (not his first name being Smith). He is a great character for this book. Her not so much. I kind of wanted to slap her a few times.
This story is one of those series books. I don't know if I can continue on with this series, I really don't care for Laurel so much so that the book was a struggle.
As for the narration, I think Brooke Bloomingdale is a pseudomym, because I have listened to this voice before but never this name. The narration was excellent. It's killing me I can't think of the real name for this narrator! If anyone knows please post it in your review. Thanks
It is written in the first person and has a lot of blah blah blah internal thoughts going on, which is quite annoying. I was not a big fan of Laurel. I did like Smith quite a bit (not his first name being Smith). He is a great character for this book. Her not so much. I kind of wanted to slap her a few times.
This story is one of those series books. I don't know if I can continue on with this series, I really don't care for Laurel so much so that the book was a struggle.
As for the narration, I think Brooke Bloomingdale is a pseudomym, because I have listened to this voice before but never this name. The narration was excellent. It's killing me I can't think of the real name for this narrator! If anyone knows please post it in your review. Thanks
March 11, 2024
I read a lot of books and I've come to expect that there will be oddities from time to time.
“Means”, however, is just oddly written (if ever a book cried out for an editor this is it):-
“It was going on one o’clock in the morning on a Friday night”
“Why had Laurel left his bed after midnight to return to the office? It would be the first truth Smith offered in hopes that he could clear up the mess she’d gotten herself into.”
““I just can’t believe this is happening,” Paul stated in somewhat shock,”
She wanted things between them to remain status quo, but the cat was out of the bag.”
“His was imposing dressed, but he was all man in the nude.”
And that's only a selection from the first 35 pages.
It seems to be about high finance, a gruesome murder, and BDSM – I gave it a shot but just found myself getting annoyed.
1 Star.
“Means”, however, is just oddly written (if ever a book cried out for an editor this is it):-
“It was going on one o’clock in the morning on a Friday night”
“Why had Laurel left his bed after midnight to return to the office? It would be the first truth Smith offered in hopes that he could clear up the mess she’d gotten herself into.”
““I just can’t believe this is happening,” Paul stated in somewhat shock,”
She wanted things between them to remain status quo, but the cat was out of the bag.”
“His was imposing dressed, but he was all man in the nude.”
And that's only a selection from the first 35 pages.
It seems to be about high finance, a gruesome murder, and BDSM – I gave it a shot but just found myself getting annoyed.
1 Star.
July 25, 2018
What a way to start of Kennedy Laynes new series with a murder mystery. The Office Roulette is perfectly named right for everybody is a suspect and finding out who did it well just keeps you on your toes. Smith is unlike any man Laurel has been with and it scares her. He represents everything she works hard for and he is well just turning her life upside down. Cannot wait for the second part and see who is the real killer. Great start by Kennedy Layne leaving you intrigued and wondering who did it.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
June 18, 2018
The first book in the Office Roulette series features Smith Gallo and Laurel Calanthe, coworkers at Manon Investments who are attempting to keep their relationship secret. However, when Laurel finds their boss dead in the office she needs Smith to provide an alibi which brings their relationship out in the open. As they struggle with their now public relationship they are also trying to figure out just who was responsible for their boss’ murder. In typical Kennedy Layne fashion, we don’t find out who the killer is yet… anxiously awaiting the next book in the series for more.
June 19, 2018
Loved it!
Laurel stops by her office for some files after leaving her lover’s bed and finds her boss dead. When she is questioned by the police and is in need of an alibi she hopes this lover comes through for her. They not only work together but are up for the same partnership and he is the son of a very rich and prominent judge.
Great start to a new series. This book is a very exciting read and l loved the office politics. The hot love scenes were great too!
Laurel stops by her office for some files after leaving her lover’s bed and finds her boss dead. When she is questioned by the police and is in need of an alibi she hopes this lover comes through for her. They not only work together but are up for the same partnership and he is the son of a very rich and prominent judge.
Great start to a new series. This book is a very exciting read and l loved the office politics. The hot love scenes were great too!
June 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. Smith knew what we wants and he will go to every length to get it , that includes the woman of his dreams. Laurel is a stubborn woman who doesn't realize what she has right in front of her. With the hot sex, suspense of who did it and the angst of hoping Laurel makes the right decision, I was left on the edge many times throughout. Can't wait for book 2.
July 21, 2018
“You were never a quick fuck to me, sweetheart.” Smith leaned in a bit closer to drive his point home. “You were always meant to be mine.”
Holy hell!!! I love this line. I'm just not in love with this book. For me it's a hit and a miss. That doesn't mean others might not love this story.
Nevertheless I would definitely want to read more of Kennedy Layne.
Holy hell!!! I love this line. I'm just not in love with this book. For me it's a hit and a miss. That doesn't mean others might not love this story.
Nevertheless I would definitely want to read more of Kennedy Layne.
June 19, 2018
This is the first book in a new trilogy by Kennedy Layne. Means is sexy, and it’s a fun who did it murder mystery set in the financial world. Who had the reason to kill the boss? You’ll have to wait until the next book (or two) comes out to find out!
June 23, 2018
A good start to this new trilogy. It was short, but lots happened, and the sex was super hot. I really didn't like Laurel in the beginning, but she grew on me. She came around and made the right decisions about Smith and their lives and careers. Anxious for the second book.
June 26, 2018
Love everything she writes!!
I loved this book! It was a fast read and wish the next one was out! I waited a while for another book from Kennedy and she didn’t disappoint! Thank you lady now get to work on the next one
I loved this book! It was a fast read and wish the next one was out! I waited a while for another book from Kennedy and she didn’t disappoint! Thank you lady now get to work on the next one
June 12, 2018
This is the first in a trilogy! It’s a mystery and has a hea also :) this was a great read and I couldn’t put it down
September 22, 2018
„Casting stones is never a good idea when you live in a glass house,”
March 1, 2019
Was an okay book. Didn’t really take to the female lead and felt she was a real downer with her attitude. Too much harping about it wasn’t a relationship and it’s put me off the next book. Sorry.
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