Asking for a Friend #1

by Ali Parker

I always get what I want. Every time.
But not with her.
The beautiful woman my father forced on me through our billion-dollar firm has curves that make me ache.
Never in my short life did I imagine falling for her. Office romances are forbidden in my company.
But she’s a rule breaker. I guess I am too, but no one knows that side of me.
This single mother with brilliant business sense has a side hustle and still kicks ass at my firm daily.
There’s no way in hell she’s giving in. No matter what I try.
Not even when Valentine’s rolls around. And I pull out all the stops.
Her denial has me needing her like I’ve never needed anyone else.
Where this girl is concerned, I’m not asking for a friend.
I’m asking for me. For today. Tomorrow. Forever.

This is book 1 in a 3 book series. You will have to read books 2 and 3 to complete the story.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Amazon, Adult, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, New Adult

183 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 2019

About the author

Ali Parker is a full-time contemporary and new adult romance writer with more than a hundred and twenty books behind her. She loves coffee, watching a great movie, and hanging out with her hubs. By hanging out, she means making out. The man is hot. Hello.
She’s a creative at heart and loves coming up with more ideas than any one person should be allowed to access. She lives in Tennessee with her hubs, teenage son, two grown daughters, and two love-of-her-life grandbabies! Telling a good story that revives hope, reminds us of love, and gives a vacation from life is all she’s up to.

Website- http://aliparkerbooks.com/
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Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Spoilers*

Seriously, who wrote the blurb for this book?

“Office romances are forbidden in my company”

Or not... because this is what it says in the book... “ Fully aware the dangers of a workplace relationship, I still didn’t prohibit them among my staff.”


“There’s no way in hell she’s giving in. No matter what I try. Not even when Valentine’s Day rolls around.”

Uhm, she sleeps with him before she even likes him, within a week or so of knowing him, and it’s weeks before Valentine’s Day. She’s not exactly playing hard to get here.


Having pointed that out, the book was fine. Too long for the plot line, but enjoyable.

[vicki zimmerman · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

Really, only got started, honestly. I read to about the 20% point, or so. That may not sound like much, but I was starting CHAPTER 16! If it continues as is, by the time it eventually wraps up, it will be on chapter 9000.
Way too much for a simple afternoon romance, which is what I had in mind.
We’ve gone through 16 chapters of mostly narratives, with barely any conversation, a most boring way to tell a story.
But, more than that, the story seems to be going nowhere. Still in pretty much the same rut it was in 5, 10, 15 chapters back.
Not a book I would recommend.

[Janice Dudley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great audible read. I love listening to books while I’m working around the house, added benefit the house is cleaner and the plants watered. A win win.

[Yesenia Ubence · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!! Got this book for free on Amazon and I just flew right through it. I really enjoyed it. Great characters and an intriguing back story. I loved the snippets of Layton and Marissa’s relationship developing, even though I wanted more. I would’ve liked more moments with Annie, but I guess that’s what the sequel is for. Ended in a bit of a cliffhanger and I’m so ready for book 2.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating read from beginning to end! An exciting storyline that leaves you breathless wanting more! Sexy steam filled chemistry! Emotionally heartfelt, enjoyable and fun! One heck of a twisted, intense rollercoaster ride! An amazing must read!

"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."

[Susan Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Omg. This book was WAY TO LONG

This really could have been a great one but it was way too long... over 70 chapters and it just didn’t come together. Lots of unanswered questions. Honestly I wish I could have back the YEAR it took to read a book of nothing... just don’t do it.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (8/24/2019)! 🎁

[MJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the longer stories by the best selling author, Ali Parker, and it is fabulous! I say that because I really enjoy her writing style and with this being longer we get even more 'in depth' details that make the characters, Marissa and Layton, really 'come alive' before your eyes as you read their story. Marissa is a single mum who is devoted to her daughter but she has a vile ex who is manipulative and spiteful. When her boss, Layton's dad, dies he has instructed in his will that Layton give Marissa a job [she is an accounts manager and Layton's firm are architects]. Layton doesn't understand why his dad 'gave' him Marissa but he's thankful. He is attracted to her from day one and can't get her curves out of his mind but she keeps rebuffing him - but that doesn't mean that she doesn't fancy the pants off him!! The chemistry between these two is off the charts and I loved reading the too-ing and fro-ing between them like a glorious ballet. The storyline is good and unique but helps make their story all the more interesting with power play and angst - as well as red hot love and passion. If you haven't read anything by Ali before then I definitely encourage you to try this book as I'm confident that you will be wanting more of her stories to read. I received a reader's copy of this book and voluntarily leave my honest opinion of it here. Most Definitely Recommended.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome. Electrifying chemistry. Magnetic attraction. Such a wonderful lovingly written story. They are better together than apart. Layton is a workaholic OCD CEO who hires Marissa because if he doesn’t he can’t inherit his fathers billions. For Layton it is work work work all the time. Enter Marissa and she throws a monkey wrench in his plans. She’s beautiful, smart, and a hard worker with a bubbly personality. She is everything Layton doesn’t know he needs.

I loved this book. Layton is so funny with his tapping on the desk when he’s nervous or if anything is out of place, paper, pencils, whatever. Marissa centers him and grounds him. Both of their hearts are empty, just waiting to be filled by the right person. I love watching it happen. You will love reading about it. They so easily become a family, Layton, Marissa and her daughter Annie. Scorching chemistry. Great plot. Fabulous storytelling. Heart stopping love scenes that will blow you away. Heart felt family scenes. Ali just makes these two people come to life.

[Christine Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, captivating story of a single mom afraid to open her heart for fear of getting hurt and a man struggling with feelings of not being good enough. Marissa and Layton both have to face their own painful pasts in order to find love and happiness but together they discover healing, forgiveness, and trust with each other. Ali Parker has created a well written story that readers can relate to and wonderful characters we can't help but fall in love with. Within this story of love between two people, readers will also go on a discovery with Layton about the true meaning of fatherhood whether that child belongs to him or not. The relationship between Layton and Annie is just as heartwarming and tender as his relationship with Marissa. Asking For a Friend was filled with heartache, disappointment, healing, forgiveness, trust, passion, and love. A great book reader won't want to put down.
"I voluntarily reviewed and ARC copy of this novel."

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot of story between these covers. And it’s one I had a bit of a love hate relationship with. I wasn’t too sure what to think of Layton at first, but I quickly fell in love with him. I giggled at the descriptions of his OCD simply because I could feel his pain. Mind you, my home operates exactly like Marissa’s workspace and I completely understood her explanation of it. It was Marissa’s wildly swinging emotional state and trust issues that left me staring at the page, occasionally baffled. In the end, we get explanations for why she reacts that way, but it takes a while to get there. The ending is a nearly picture-perfect Hallmark moment and I got a little misty reading it. I can’t wait to see if the author has stories in mind for the best friends.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Joyce Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very lengthy, highly romantic read. The main male and female characters' personality traits were the complete antithesis of each other. Herein lies the rub for the main male character and, truth be told, the main female character is not much into his style either. She is quite the quirky character, yet smart and a solidly grounded single mom. These two have the main male character's father in common, who was recently deceased. Interestingly enough, it is the deceased father who plays a major role in the telling of this tale. Lovely romance entwined through the story line. Unique story line that this reader was most intrigued by.

Excellent work. Well worth the time invested in this lengthy novel.

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.

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 1 out of 5]

These two characters had very little chemistry and the book was as interesting as paint drying - not so much. I kept thinking "Wow it went from hate-to like too fast " , "I feel as if we barely know the characters at all, espesially Layton" and "Shouldn`t Marissa tell Layton about Annie? not just because they are sleeping together, but he should know as her boss." I kind of agree with Layton, he should have known so that he could arrange time off if nessesary or if something happends then he knows why. But other than that Layton felt thin as a character, knew so little about him other than that he went from dislike to fuck with Marissa pretty quick. I didn`t feel as if there were much going on or relationship building, plus the book ended on a cliffhanger. I was just bored. The only character i actually liked was Annie, she was adorable.

[Pattip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this love story because it was unusual and kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next. I love the main female character (Marissa) because she is so protective of her daughter! Eventhough the main male character (Layton) and her fall in love, she doesn't introduce her daughter to him until she is sure he won't come and go in her life. Layton has a lot to deal with after his father dies and this story takes the reader on a journey in which he learns about his father in very unexpected ways. Overall I enjoyed this book but didn't give it 5 stars because it seemed to repeat/recap events throughout the book. I hope that Ali Parker will write a story where maybe Craig (Layton's friend) meets his true love. Although I received this as an ARC, all opinions are my own.

[Kara Quade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marissa is a devoted single mom and an account manager. Marissa is smart, beautiful, and a hard worker with an engaging personality. Layton is a workaholic CEO with OCD who must hire Marissa, or he won't inherit his father's billions. Marissa is dealing with a past betrayal, and Layton is dealing with his father's death and the emotions of never feeling he wasn't good enough for his father. The chemistry between Layton and Marissa is scorching hot! I definitely enjoyed Asking for a Friend by Ali Parker. Asking for a Friend is full of twists and turns that will keep the reader on the edge of their seats till the end. I would recommend getting Asking for a Friend by Ali Parker. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Storyline just way too long of a book.

Marissa works for Mr. Bridges who passes away and now she doesn't know what that means for her job. Layton is Mr. Bridges son and his dad's will stipulates upon his death Layton is to give Marissa a job at his company. No explanation why just its a stipulation. Marissa enjoys working with Layton hes not only good at his job he is good looking too.. Was Mr. Bridges really trying to set them up or was this just so his good worker had a safe place of employment?

For a long book there is a lot of gaps in the story line. I usually love Ali's book this one fell flat on me

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful Romance is well-written, steamy, and unfolds in a smooth and easy manner. The characters are developed, the H who wasn't very fond of his father is now his heir and in order to receive his inheritance must abide by some conditions. He complies but is at first standoffish to the single mom, the h, he is forced to hire to meet these conditions. The h was given a chance at reestablishing herself by the H's father. The attraction and chemistry between these two are off the charts and being fought. I loved this enjoyable page-turner. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Linda Kopec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layton is surprised when he meets with his deceased father's attorney and finds out that there is one stipulation to his will - he has to hire his father's financial analyst. Marissa is worried about how, as a single mother, she will support her daughter since her boss died and is thrilled when Layton calls her to offer her a job. These two are instantly attracted to each other and fight the attraction. When they finally give in, fireworks happen! This is a wonderfully written story about how people can change and come together in the most spectacular way! I received an advanced readers copy of this book and highly recommend it.

[Susanh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good long read

When Layton’s father dies, the only stipulation to collecting his inheritance is that he must hire Marissa. He thinks it’s strange but accepts the condition. Add to that the videos his father’s attorney keeps delivering, things are getting strange.

Marissa isn’t sure what will happen now that her boss has died. Does she have a job or not? She has a daughter to care for and that is her top priority so when Layton calls with a job offer, she’s relieved. She knows nothing about his father’s stipulation. She doesn’t even know Layton is her boss’ son. He was only referred to as ‘my son.’

This is an interesting story with a lot of twists and turns.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I somehow forgot that Ali Parker writes her stories over three books. If you pick this one up, prepare for a cliffhanger because you’ll have to read two more books for the entire story. I read the Accidentally All of Me series and didn’t really get into the story until the second book. That didn’t happen with Asking for a Friend. I enjoyed the story of the beginning of Layton and Marissa’s relationship. However, I’m not willing to pay full price for the other two books in order to complete their story. I don’t understand why there have to be three books. Each one is only about 150 pages. They could easily be put in one book. I can’t help but think it’s a $ thing.

[Gwen Smith-leak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layton is architect and very rich and very OCD. His father Will was read and his stipulation was for him to hire a accountant name Marissa . She got the call that she was come to work for Layton. Marissa is a big girl and she is proud of it she also wears bold and bite colors, plus her desk ie very messy. Layton is drawn to Marissa that was which pushed by his father video. As the relationship more on Marissa doesn’t tell him she has a daughter till something happen and she has no choice.
You will that Layton seem to listen to his dad since he dead more than we has alive ,

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layton is an architect and owns his own company. His billionaire father died recently and stipulated in his will that he should hire his account manager. His best friend Craig is a contractor and owns his own business. Marissa is a single mother raising her six year old daughter Annie. Her best friend Denise is the nanny. The attraction is explosive and the storyline kept me devouring the pages. This was well written and has fantastic characters. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Bookworm151 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.

I think this has become one of my fave romance reads. Marissa, a gregarious single mum is hired by Layton, a stoic workaholic. He does so in order to inherit his fathers’ fortune, but gains so much more than $$$! She’s bubbly and he’s a bit stuffy, I love how good they are for each other.

These two characters are absolutely amazing together, the chemistry and passion leaps off the pages and grabs you. Add a few plot twists and you can see why this book has become a favourite of mine.

[Gladys Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asking for a friend. This is one of the best books of Ali Parker! Besides being very long winded, the story had a great flow to it. The characters were believable and captured my attention. There were pleasurable moments between characters as well as drama that had me picking sides. The mystery Layton had to solve surrounding his father was exciting and kept me interested. Great read! *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely romance tale

Marissa, a single mom and account manager, gets a call from Layton, an architect, after his father has stipulated that he hire her to receive his inheritance. As the story progresses pasts are revisited, hidden agendas are uncovered and just desserts are served. Ali Parker has a winner in this lovely romance tale about discovering oneself, forgiveness and love.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

[Tianna McPherson (Anna Lee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved this one. It gave us just the right about of love, sadness but most of all finding that person who can really complete you and everything that you need in life. Marissa and Layton have that relationship that everyone at one time has had. I connected so much with this story and what my life has been through. I would definitely let all my reading friends about this one. I give it 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy

[patricia hayslip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding dead

This is one of the most exciting book I have read in a long time. Motherhood, friendship, smart emp!oyee & lover spells Marissa Hughes. Layton Bridges was handsome, sexy & a neat freak but fell head over heels in love with vivacious Marissa. All because Layton's estranged father arranged their life. Twists & turns with this single abused mother is a must read. Marie's ex who abused her gets his due by Layton.

[Karyn Donachy-Schwanen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Crappy Cliffhanger

I absolutely hate cliffhangers so one can peddle a conclusion with costs. I like a book that has a beginning, middle and an end. If the author story is good enough I seek out other books and WILL purchase another story. This kind of book feels criminal . Makes me put the author on a naughty and ignore list for future. I’d give it a miss if I were you especially if you hate cliffhangers!

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layton has just lost his father and he is coming to terms with his death. At the reading of his father's will he put in a stipulation that Layton must hire his accountant in order to receive his inheritance. He is thrown by Malissa not only is she bright both in presence and attitude he is drawn to her. Layton never saw eye to eye with his father but could he be on to something when it comes to him and Melissa? I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.

[Suez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was instantly captivated by this heartwarming story, filled with such genuine emotion, it simply grabbed hold of my attention and didn’t let go. I shared the joy, pain and tears with Marissa, her daughter Annie and Layton as they struggled towards their HEA. This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy