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Tech Titans #2
Hardwired
She’s got a voice that’s straight from heaven. She’s got green eyes so piercing they could melt freakin’ metal. And she’s got a body that’s like a brick house, as the song goes.
And she’s got some guy around her, a manager, who’s a viper.
So I here’s the deal: I gotta have her. I co-founded the largest music streaming company on the planet. I’m billionaire and then some.
So I know how to get what I want.
And I want is her. Sabine. Sabine Baptiste. The hottest thing in the music biz. Her song is climbing the charts.
But it’s not about that.
It’s not just her curves. It’s not just her voice. It’s not just her vulnerability.
It’s her heart. It’s her soul.
I’m going to be the first man to make love to her. I’m going to love her the right way. And I’m going to protector her.
If someone has a problem with that, then let’s get it on.
And she’s got some guy around her, a manager, who’s a viper.
So I here’s the deal: I gotta have her. I co-founded the largest music streaming company on the planet. I’m billionaire and then some.
So I know how to get what I want.
And I want is her. Sabine. Sabine Baptiste. The hottest thing in the music biz. Her song is climbing the charts.
But it’s not about that.
It’s not just her curves. It’s not just her voice. It’s not just her vulnerability.
It’s her heart. It’s her soul.
I’m going to be the first man to make love to her. I’m going to love her the right way. And I’m going to protector her.
If someone has a problem with that, then let’s get it on.
96 pages, ebook
First published October 11, 2018
33 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Marcella Swann
25 books246 followersMarcella Swann has been putting words on paper for as long as she can remember. After working for years in the hard-boiled world of journalism, she how devotes her time to writing contemporary romances of strong-willed women who win the men of their dreams. As passionate about love as the beauty of a story well told, Marcella is a complete romantic and believes everyone desires their happily ever after. A small town girl from Louisiana, Marcella now lives in New York City and starts each day walking her Yorkie in the park. She also swings a mean kettle bell at the gym and loves karaoke nights with her friends.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 17, 2018
I really liked this book because it covered a myriad of realistic feelings and emotions. The romantic storyline is told with new twists in it. It is nice that this is not about insta-love but about a well-developed romance brought about by pain, suffering and trials. There is happiness here and there as well as misery, torment and distress. At twenty-two, Sabine Baptiste, a sultry jazz singer, is leery that life would be different if she was not cursed with bad luck. She is a well-established singer but for some reason her manager and childhood friend Bassirou claims she is making a pittance for money. She wants to trust him but lately he has been more possessive and demanding. It frightens her. He keeps telling her she would be nothing without him and she knows where she came from and as much as it hurts her she ends up agreeing with him. She comes from a rundown, pitiful slum in Paris called Little Africa. Even though she was born in France the French people do not consider her French. Her mother is from Senegal, West Africa and her father, whom she never knew, was a green-eyed Frenchman. Both Bassirou's parents are from Senegal but he grew up in Little Africa too. As a young teen she ran away from home into Bassirou's keeping. He protected her and helped her with her singing career. Now she was singing in the United States. One evening at a concert, Sabine caught the eye of billionaire Hayden Stallworth. Hayden is one of the technical wizards behind SXz a successful live music streaming company. Hayden heard her sing and he needed to know her. Bassirou kept Sabine on a tight lease but she did manage to go out with Hayden occasionally. Bassirou's increasingly physical familiarity was distressing to Sabine and she tried to fight him off before he went to far and they would both regret it. She did not want to hate him but he was pushing her in that direction. The more time Hayden spent with Sabine, the more he wanted her. During a three-day holiday in Europe, she finally opened up to him and shared her pain about growing up in Little Africa. Hayden could see so many emotions in her eyes, fear, pain, sadness, hopelessness, courage and strength. All he wanted to do was to be there for her and protect her. He wanted to make her smile and wanted her to be happy. Sabine would numb herself from the emotional torment Bassirou put her through by using weed and vodka. Hayden use to do hard drugs but got clean and straightened his life out. He did not begrudge Sabine her vices. When they arrived back in the states, the tabloids headlines splashed that Sabine was a junkie. It had pictures of Hayden and her in Europe. She was pretty sure Bassirou was behind it. Sabine was dreading seeing Bassirou again wondering what evils he had in store for her. Bassirou came right out and told her he loved her and that he knew she loved him too. He said he would never let her go or he would hurt her mother. Bassirou canceled the rest of her concerts and dragged her back to Little Africa in Paris. Sabine would do anything to protect her mother. In the meantime, Hayden was faced with his brother J.D. and partners, Aaron and Damian. They told him the board was worried that Hayden was backsliding. Hayden explained he was not and has not touched any hard drugs. They told him he had to stop seeing Sabine. Hayden did not say anything about it but knew he wouldn't do it. The next thing he knows, Sabine disappeared into thin air. His P.A./secretary Judy advised him that she found out that Bassirou bought two tickets to Paris. Hayden remembered what Sabine had told him and where she grew up. He took time off knowing he risked his position in the company to go after her. Bassirou had Sabine in a little apartment expecting her to cook and clean and share his bed. When he went out to get groceries, she slipped out and went to find her mother. Will Bassirou continue to threaten Sabine into his bed or will Hayden come to her rescue. What of her mother, will she find her alive? Will Sabine ever go back to a life of singing or will she stay stuck in Little Africa with Bassirou? A wonderful intercultural and interracial romance. I highly recommend it. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2018
Hayden Stallworth is one of the billionaires who owns a music company that steam lines music and Sabine Baptiste thinks is cheating her out of money. This is what she thinks of him when she first meets him at concert she performs at. Hayden thinks Sabine has voice of an angle and must have her. It’s not only her voice that has captive Hayden but her beautiful skin and curves in all the right places. They both have had trouble past which just brings them closer. Sabine is given an ultimate by her manage and must go through with it even if it means leaving Hayden without a word. She must protect her mother at all cost even if she didn’t have the best childhood growing up. She loves her mother dearly and will give up the love of her life for nothing bad to happen. Will Hayden take Sabine disappearing without a word laying down? You will not be disappointed in this book, so pick it up to find out what happens. Hayden and Sabine’s story is a good as Gigi and Damian’s from the first book in this series. Can’t wait to read the next book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2018
It is a very good romance, addictive, that I could not let go. Initially, it begins as a simple romance but the wounds from the past of the heroine Sabine, a French singer who has an international career and who comes from a disadvantaged neighborhood of Paris, under the yoke of her manager who manipulates her, steals her, wants to imprisoning, abusing her, make the book both difficult to read at times and at the same time difficult to give up.
Sabine meets and is seduced by Haiden, an American millionaire broadcaster of music on the internet, who also doesn't know how to react to their attraction at first. When he thinks everything is clear in thier relation, she disappears and everything leagues against them so that they never meet again.
The characters are excellent and the emotions are extremely well written and described. There is a lot of reversals, of action, a world where social misery and drugs show under the glitter, tabloids ... and despite that, it was impossible for me to stop reading.
Sabine meets and is seduced by Haiden, an American millionaire broadcaster of music on the internet, who also doesn't know how to react to their attraction at first. When he thinks everything is clear in thier relation, she disappears and everything leagues against them so that they never meet again.
The characters are excellent and the emotions are extremely well written and described. There is a lot of reversals, of action, a world where social misery and drugs show under the glitter, tabloids ... and despite that, it was impossible for me to stop reading.
November 10, 2018
Sabine is a French singer trying to make it in the USA. And she is. She is lost in the moment singing along with Roberta Flake. Sabine is at the Monterey Jazz Festival when she feels someone watching her. she spots him, he is good looking with a powerful jaw and shape cheekbones. Its too much, she turns and runs back to her tent only for him to follow with security guards. Hayden Stallworth sees she is talented. He knows her from his company. but Sabina is a little shocked when she accuses him of ripping her off, he explains she has made over $66,000 so why was she not seeing any of this? She needed to talk to her manager Bassirou Masson. That was a differecult relationship he had feeeling for Sabina but she only though of him like a brother.Sabina gives Hayden a false number but that wasnt going to stop him.
There are many different stories in this book its a fascinating read.
I loved this booki couldnt put it down.
I voluntary read an ARC and now I choose to leave my honest review.
There are many different stories in this book its a fascinating read.
I loved this booki couldnt put it down.
I voluntary read an ARC and now I choose to leave my honest review.
November 19, 2018
Definitely a love story but within this there was corruption, abuse, and bullying. The main female character was a very talented singer, who in ways was very independent, yet in other areas she was most subservient and submissive. She went along with things so matters would not become even more volatile than they already were. The main male character , at first, acted like an entitled jackass. As the story progresses, we learn that he is very singular in focus and does not lose sight of this focus. Through a lot of obstacles these do find their way to each other for a happy ever after. This reader came away from this novel learning that sometimes our loyalties can be misplaced, or that we can outgrow them; that they are no longer relevant. Good story.
I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this novel and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation to this author.
I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this novel and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation to this author.
November 26, 2018
This is a standalone book, but the characters are recognized from the 1st book in the series, Hard Drive. Hayden is the brother of Damian from Hard Drive. He falls hard for a French singer, Sabine while she thinks he is a stalker at first. There is something funny about Sabine's manager, Bassirou. He is very overprotective & controlling of Sabine. Hayden's assistant, Judy is funny in how she recognizes Hayden's feelings for Sabine & helps push the 2 together. Lots of twists & surprises for Hayden & Sabine to go through to be together.
Judy is the best friend of Damian's girlfriend Gigi from Hard Drive! Judy falls for the other partner J.D,! Together Damian, Hayden & J.D make up the founders of Tech company SXz.
Judy is the best friend of Damian's girlfriend Gigi from Hard Drive! Judy falls for the other partner J.D,! Together Damian, Hayden & J.D make up the founders of Tech company SXz.
October 25, 2018
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I found the storyline to be well written and the twists and turns peaked my curiosity. The push/pull between Hayden & Sabine makes for some funny and interesting moments that will keep you wanting more...and the author doesn't disappoint. It had a little bit from Column A and a little bit from Column B...romance and love coupled with deception and betrayal. I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author. I went to work more than once feeling sleepy because I was up past my bedtime; I could't put it down :)
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2018
I have now got Marcella swann as one of my one click authors Whatever she writes is just about always going to end up on my kindle and this book was no different.
Sabine french singer goes onto a stage at a concert and instantly draws the attention of Hayden. They will have no future together has he owns the streaming company that only paid her a small amount of the money they owed her. Hayden insists they paid over 60K Who is telling the truth and who actually has the money While trying to solve the issue they will also fall in love but will they get a HEA. You need to red to see
I was given a copy of this book but this is true and honest review
Sabine french singer goes onto a stage at a concert and instantly draws the attention of Hayden. They will have no future together has he owns the streaming company that only paid her a small amount of the money they owed her. Hayden insists they paid over 60K Who is telling the truth and who actually has the money While trying to solve the issue they will also fall in love but will they get a HEA. You need to red to see
I was given a copy of this book but this is true and honest review
October 19, 2018
This is a fast-paced read that is instantly engaging. I like the pairing of fiery Sabine with reformed party boy Hayden. The moment they start to verbally spar, you know that it's game on. Her manager is shady and possessive. The romance between Sabine and Hayden, while lovely and fun to read about felt very rushed at points, like we skipped the whole part of a relationship where you get familiar with one another. Other than that, good dialogue, engaging plot and well paced. Would recommend!
October 30, 2018
A very enjoyable story of Hayden and Sabine who are sweet together as they both struggle with substance abuse, rescuing each other every day from tough pasts. They meet in this engaging plot when Hayden who owns a music streaming company hears her sing and is intrigued by her voice and body. She resists him because she feels his company ripped her off for her songs. The romance and plots becomes exciting as they support each other while she tries to find out if her trusted manager kept her high controlling her and her money had decieved her. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.
October 17, 2018
Really enjoyed this story about Tech Titan Hayden and singer Sabine. She had such a hard early life and trusted Bassirou to get her out of it but he was just using her and her talent to feed his drug habit. When Hayden sees and hears Sabine sing, he is immediately drawn to her. She thinks that her upbringing will prevent them being together. But Hayden is determined to find a way. Read an ARC for an honest review.
October 18, 2018
yet again this author has encapsulated the funny and feisty nature of the women in her books.
judy is a steal and I can wait to read about the man she meets and hope there will be a story in this series about her.
sabine and Hayden start with a love/hate relationship he's doing all the loving while she's down with the hate.
as they try to find a path together, others are out to destroy it and control them, leaving the lovers with oceans apart.
a great read in this tech series.
judy is a steal and I can wait to read about the man she meets and hope there will be a story in this series about her.
sabine and Hayden start with a love/hate relationship he's doing all the loving while she's down with the hate.
as they try to find a path together, others are out to destroy it and control them, leaving the lovers with oceans apart.
a great read in this tech series.
October 29, 2018
Sabine surrenders
Sabine had a musical voice that called to Hayden like a sirens call. Sabine is wise to the ways of the world but, is trying to change her life for the better. When she meets Hayden it's instant attraction. Sabine's manager is sly and tried to control her, but he never realized what Hayden had and what he as willing to do for love. Read now to find out the hidden past of these two people.
Sabine had a musical voice that called to Hayden like a sirens call. Sabine is wise to the ways of the world but, is trying to change her life for the better. When she meets Hayden it's instant attraction. Sabine's manager is sly and tried to control her, but he never realized what Hayden had and what he as willing to do for love. Read now to find out the hidden past of these two people.
October 17, 2018
I received an ARC for an honest review. I really enjoyed this story featuring Sabine and Hayden. Hayden was a billionaire who had a company that streamed music. Sabine was a talented singer. This story has drama, sexy times, betrayal and a great couple of people who are drawn to each other.
October 24, 2018
I liked the story. It’s a well written fast paced easy read that kept me engaged throughout. The author does a great job dealing with a substance abuse issue. I recommend it. I received an ARC for an honest review.
October 26, 2018
Love finds a way
Incredible romantic story of two characters who fall in love with their love of music ! Beautiful heart touching story,the type you can’t put down,love this author and her gift of making stories come to life! Thanks both books 10+ winners ❤️❤️
Incredible romantic story of two characters who fall in love with their love of music ! Beautiful heart touching story,the type you can’t put down,love this author and her gift of making stories come to life! Thanks both books 10+ winners ❤️❤️
October 27, 2018
Love brought them to life
Hayden and Sabine meet. The meeting changes their lives. Hayden knows she's important to him. Sabine cant fight the pull toward Hayden.
This is an intense story full of struggles. I enjiyed this read. I look forward to next entry in this series!
Hayden and Sabine meet. The meeting changes their lives. Hayden knows she's important to him. Sabine cant fight the pull toward Hayden.
This is an intense story full of struggles. I enjiyed this read. I look forward to next entry in this series!
October 29, 2018
Excellent story
This was a great book about soulmates Sabine and Hayden. It also dealt with some drug abuse and the author handled it beautifully.
This was a great book about soulmates Sabine and Hayden. It also dealt with some drug abuse and the author handled it beautifully.
November 14, 2018
Slow
I was excited at first about the book but as I started to read it, it took forever to get into. It had some good parts that made me happy that I stuck with it.
I was excited at first about the book but as I started to read it, it took forever to get into. It had some good parts that made me happy that I stuck with it.
January 11, 2022
Refreshing
This was an outstanding storyline. Worth the time it took reading. I really enjoyed every page. Look forward to reading more by Marcella Swann.
This was an outstanding storyline. Worth the time it took reading. I really enjoyed every page. Look forward to reading more by Marcella Swann.
January 1, 2019
Love the story of Hayden & Sabine. Great love story that incorporates music and handles substance abuse with ease! Must read!
December 15, 2018
Hayden - co-founder of SXz with his broth J.D. and friends Damian (from Book #1) and Aaron
Sabine Baptiste - French born Jazz Singer
Judy Mixson - personal assistant to Hayden who is also the bff of Damian's girlfriend Gigi (from Book #1)
Bassirou - a friend who grew up with Sabine who has been her "manager" and wants to be more than that.
--------------------
Hayden is attending the Montery Jazz Festival and listening to Roberta Flack when an amazing voice cuts through the crowd. As he seeks the voice out the crowd begins to quiet and all one hears is a duet between Roberta and this "voice."Roberta invites "the voice" on stage but she shakes her head no.
Hayden follows her as she leaves. He finds out she is Sabine Baptist, who will be performing later in the evening.
They end up liking each other. Hayden arranges for a three day trip to Europe, between her singing engagements. She starts to cool off the day they return. As soon as they deplane they see a tabloid with headlines and pictures of them stating their "rampant drug use" by an anonymous source.
Hayden asks if it's Bassirou who is the source. Sabine knows it is and so does Hayden. Hayden sends her home in a cab then takes one himself to SXz to face his co-owners about this news.
From here the story become intriguimg.
Sabine Baptiste - French born Jazz Singer
Judy Mixson - personal assistant to Hayden who is also the bff of Damian's girlfriend Gigi (from Book #1)
Bassirou - a friend who grew up with Sabine who has been her "manager" and wants to be more than that.
--------------------
Hayden is attending the Montery Jazz Festival and listening to Roberta Flack when an amazing voice cuts through the crowd. As he seeks the voice out the crowd begins to quiet and all one hears is a duet between Roberta and this "voice."Roberta invites "the voice" on stage but she shakes her head no.
Hayden follows her as she leaves. He finds out she is Sabine Baptist, who will be performing later in the evening.
They end up liking each other. Hayden arranges for a three day trip to Europe, between her singing engagements. She starts to cool off the day they return. As soon as they deplane they see a tabloid with headlines and pictures of them stating their "rampant drug use" by an anonymous source.
Hayden asks if it's Bassirou who is the source. Sabine knows it is and so does Hayden. Hayden sends her home in a cab then takes one himself to SXz to face his co-owners about this news.
From here the story become intriguimg.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews