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21 Wall Street #3
Huge Deal
Even for a top-gun banker, temptation this hot is quite a gamble, in a sexy Wall Street romp from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.
An alpha among the wolves of Wall Street, Kennedy Dawson rose to the top of the pack by striking the right contracts at the right times. But there’s one deal that’s been giving him a run for his money—a pact to never again let his assistant, Kate, get under his skin. She may be smart, gorgeous, and sharp as a whip, but she’s definitely off-limits.
Kate Henley isn’t a banker, but she knows a thing or two about risk management—specifically, about managing her attraction to her smolderingly sexy boss. She already fell once, and Kennedy showed no sign of paying a return on her investment. So when Kennedy’s brother starts pursuing her, Kate figures she has the best of both worlds. Jack is charming, rich, very attentive, and the spitting image of his older brother.
It’s also making Kennedy think twice. But to win Kate’s heart, he’ll have to broker the deal of a lifetime…and prove he’s worth the risk.
An alpha among the wolves of Wall Street, Kennedy Dawson rose to the top of the pack by striking the right contracts at the right times. But there’s one deal that’s been giving him a run for his money—a pact to never again let his assistant, Kate, get under his skin. She may be smart, gorgeous, and sharp as a whip, but she’s definitely off-limits.
Kate Henley isn’t a banker, but she knows a thing or two about risk management—specifically, about managing her attraction to her smolderingly sexy boss. She already fell once, and Kennedy showed no sign of paying a return on her investment. So when Kennedy’s brother starts pursuing her, Kate figures she has the best of both worlds. Jack is charming, rich, very attentive, and the spitting image of his older brother.
It’s also making Kennedy think twice. But to win Kate’s heart, he’ll have to broker the deal of a lifetime…and prove he’s worth the risk.
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First published February 12, 2019
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About the author
Lauren Layne
61 books10.5k followersLauren Layne is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Hot Asset, Hard Sell, and Huge Deal in her 21 Wall Street series, as well as her Central Park Pact series. Her books have sold more than a million copies in nine languages. Lauren’s work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, the Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 1,165 reviews
August 6, 2020
I just re-read this because.. I don’t know, I was scrolling and scrolling through my kindle and although I have 600 unread books .. this one seemed like my go to.
I remembered vaguely what it was about and I thought yeah, I’m in the mood for something like that.
Now.. the first time I read this I gave it 3 stars and I changed it to 4 now. I don’t know if it’s actually 4 stars worthy but having read so many books since, I realise that it’s slim pickings out there and this was actually a solid read even if not extremely memorable.
A different kind of hero and heroine. In a good way. I know the plot sounds like a cliche. The assistant has been in love with the brooding, serious, older and aloof boss for ages but he was oblivious for years until .. he wasn’t. That’s the premise, but believe me it’s anything but a cliche.
I liked both Kate and Kennedy. And they really fit together. Not only were they similar but they had chemistry. The understated kind tho. It’s weird because generally I don’t find their type of personality attractive but the story worked because I do see them as a successful couple.
Anyway, this book really surprised me because you think you know what to expect, except you really get something better. I’m not saying this is some epic love story but it was good enough.
I remembered vaguely what it was about and I thought yeah, I’m in the mood for something like that.
Now.. the first time I read this I gave it 3 stars and I changed it to 4 now. I don’t know if it’s actually 4 stars worthy but having read so many books since, I realise that it’s slim pickings out there and this was actually a solid read even if not extremely memorable.
A different kind of hero and heroine. In a good way. I know the plot sounds like a cliche. The assistant has been in love with the brooding, serious, older and aloof boss for ages but he was oblivious for years until .. he wasn’t. That’s the premise, but believe me it’s anything but a cliche.
I liked both Kate and Kennedy. And they really fit together. Not only were they similar but they had chemistry. The understated kind tho. It’s weird because generally I don’t find their type of personality attractive but the story worked because I do see them as a successful couple.
Anyway, this book really surprised me because you think you know what to expect, except you really get something better. I’m not saying this is some epic love story but it was good enough.
February 23, 2019
FIVE STARS
Now this is why I’m a die hard Lauren Layne fan. This was my absolute favorite out of all three Wolfe of Wall Street books!
Now this is why I’m a die hard Lauren Layne fan. This was my absolute favorite out of all three Wolfe of Wall Street books!
November 9, 2024
“All right. We can handle this,” Ian said. “We’ll do it randomly. Coin toss.”
“That works,” Matt said. “You got a coin?”
“No. Get one out of your desk.”
“You think I keep coins in my desk?” Matt asked incredulously. “Do I also go to the saloon and get weirdly possessive of my horse?” “Whatever. Kennedy?”
“I literally can’t remember the last time I touched a coin.”
3,75 stars
A funny and well-written book with a solid, credible love story, totally likeable MCs and a cute bunch of supporting characters. Also, well balanced sugar & snark and just the right length.
I t was my first book by Lauren Layne and not the last. I also read and enjoyed the other 2, earlier books in the series.
Also, it has a trope I like: the elegant, seemingly detached man in suit (yes, you can add a little glowering, BUT NOOOOO Heathcliffe-vibes!!)
and the long-suffering, faithful assistant who thinks she has no chance in hell.
So, there was fun, a totally credible romance, some actual character development, all packed up in a nice little package and it was not overlong. I also have to give it to the author that she just knew how much sugar you can take and she totally went with the right balance.
Much recommended if you are in a mood for a little lift-me-up romance.
I listened to the audiobook and the switching POVs of heroine/hero worked very well b/c of the really good narrators.
“That works,” Matt said. “You got a coin?”
“No. Get one out of your desk.”
“You think I keep coins in my desk?” Matt asked incredulously. “Do I also go to the saloon and get weirdly possessive of my horse?” “Whatever. Kennedy?”
“I literally can’t remember the last time I touched a coin.”
3,75 stars
A funny and well-written book with a solid, credible love story, totally likeable MCs and a cute bunch of supporting characters. Also, well balanced sugar & snark and just the right length.
I t was my first book by Lauren Layne and not the last. I also read and enjoyed the other 2, earlier books in the series.
Also, it has a trope I like: the elegant, seemingly detached man in suit (yes, you can add a little glowering, BUT NOOOOO Heathcliffe-vibes!!)
and the long-suffering, faithful assistant who thinks she has no chance in hell.
So, there was fun, a totally credible romance, some actual character development, all packed up in a nice little package and it was not overlong. I also have to give it to the author that she just knew how much sugar you can take and she totally went with the right balance.
Much recommended if you are in a mood for a little lift-me-up romance.
I listened to the audiobook and the switching POVs of heroine/hero worked very well b/c of the really good narrators.
February 15, 2019
It’s been a while since I’ve bene on the Lauren Layne boat, and ‘Huge Deal’ was one that I stepped into warily. Layne’s recent works have revolved around certain tropes and themes (questionable ones for me at least, when they seem to have to do with sibling dating, manwhores, oblivious/unrequited love) that have made it hard to fully like her books.
And lordy, how do I even begin with this?
Yes, there are feels. And yes, my chest hurt, mostly for Kate, but ultimately, I was left with too many doubts left unassuaged, shadowed instead by feel-good platitudes, of talk but not enough grit and fight in a relationship. Especially one that begins with unrequited emotions.
First, let’s get this out of the way: there’s no question that Layne can write and quite perceptively too. There’s angst, the outpouring of emotions, some nuanced looks at human behaviour in ‘Huge Deal’…but there’s also the uncomfortable underlying implications that affections could be transferred fast and that easily with the slight hint here of double-dipping, that appearances mattered greatly when Kennedy only noticed Kate after her mini-makeover which I couldn’t shake off.
Kenendy’s utter obliviousness to Kate, his underestimation of her, his under-appreciation for her for years when it was clear she had a thing for him was painful to read about. His accidental and meaningless put-downs made it worse—or that he often made it sound like he thought nothing of her except as an assistant—didn’t make the case for coupledom any easier, until Jack the younger brother came on the scene.
Why did it have to take a little bit of competition from his brother, for God’s sake, for Kennedy to wake up and see that Kate was a woman worth being with? That without Jack to peel the blinkers off Kennedy's eyes, Kate couldn’t stand on her own merit and be deserving of that same attention without the makeover? Would Kate and Kennedy otherwise have gone on their own individual trajectories had Jack not intervened? Would Kennedy have not bothered about Kate otherwise?
The bottomline is, many of these burning questions—appearing when some tropes themselves appear—weren’t sufficiently addressed for me to buy into Kate/Kennedy, not when I found myself reading about affections that were too shakeable, too transferable, too easily swayed, where it had to take a mountain-moving revelation or makeover for an unattainable man to finally notice the woman who’d always been in front of him while going through a score of others in the meantime.
The reversal of everything in the last quarter of the book was surprising to say the least, as Kennedy ironically played catch up and took every effort to convince Kate—whose own POV on love had changed. In fact, I needed Layne to address the imbalance of emotions more or at least why it’d taken Kennedy this much to see her for what she was, but it seemed as though she’d taken another way out with a whole emotional twist that simply felt out of character for Kate.
With the sudden rush to an abrupt ending—the ending conflict was up and done too quickly for my liking—I was still left with the feeling that Kennedy hadn’t put himself out there enough, hadn’t fought for the both of them enough, hadn’t been put through the emotional agony enough, hadn’t made himself more vulnerable enough.
That Kate had all along, been the more multi-faceted character with the most growth and change didn’t exactly put them as equals as ‘Huge Deal’ rolled up to a quick HEA that left me less than convinced at a pairing that should and could have been more tested in a crucible that never quite burned hot enough.
And lordy, how do I even begin with this?
Yes, there are feels. And yes, my chest hurt, mostly for Kate, but ultimately, I was left with too many doubts left unassuaged, shadowed instead by feel-good platitudes, of talk but not enough grit and fight in a relationship. Especially one that begins with unrequited emotions.
First, let’s get this out of the way: there’s no question that Layne can write and quite perceptively too. There’s angst, the outpouring of emotions, some nuanced looks at human behaviour in ‘Huge Deal’…but there’s also the uncomfortable underlying implications that affections could be transferred fast and that easily with the slight hint here of double-dipping, that appearances mattered greatly when Kennedy only noticed Kate after her mini-makeover which I couldn’t shake off.
Kenendy’s utter obliviousness to Kate, his underestimation of her, his under-appreciation for her for years when it was clear she had a thing for him was painful to read about. His accidental and meaningless put-downs made it worse—or that he often made it sound like he thought nothing of her except as an assistant—didn’t make the case for coupledom any easier, until Jack the younger brother came on the scene.
Why did it have to take a little bit of competition from his brother, for God’s sake, for Kennedy to wake up and see that Kate was a woman worth being with? That without Jack to peel the blinkers off Kennedy's eyes, Kate couldn’t stand on her own merit and be deserving of that same attention without the makeover? Would Kate and Kennedy otherwise have gone on their own individual trajectories had Jack not intervened? Would Kennedy have not bothered about Kate otherwise?
The bottomline is, many of these burning questions—appearing when some tropes themselves appear—weren’t sufficiently addressed for me to buy into Kate/Kennedy, not when I found myself reading about affections that were too shakeable, too transferable, too easily swayed, where it had to take a mountain-moving revelation or makeover for an unattainable man to finally notice the woman who’d always been in front of him while going through a score of others in the meantime.
The reversal of everything in the last quarter of the book was surprising to say the least, as Kennedy ironically played catch up and took every effort to convince Kate—whose own POV on love had changed. In fact, I needed Layne to address the imbalance of emotions more or at least why it’d taken Kennedy this much to see her for what she was, but it seemed as though she’d taken another way out with a whole emotional twist that simply felt out of character for Kate.
With the sudden rush to an abrupt ending—the ending conflict was up and done too quickly for my liking—I was still left with the feeling that Kennedy hadn’t put himself out there enough, hadn’t fought for the both of them enough, hadn’t been put through the emotional agony enough, hadn’t made himself more vulnerable enough.
That Kate had all along, been the more multi-faceted character with the most growth and change didn’t exactly put them as equals as ‘Huge Deal’ rolled up to a quick HEA that left me less than convinced at a pairing that should and could have been more tested in a crucible that never quite burned hot enough.
March 9, 2019
That ending…😍😍😍
I’m a romance reader JUST to get that kind of giddy feeling at the end of my reads as I just received. Lauren Layne, you really are a bit of a legend. I went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows in this one and every part was so bloody good.
Sitting down, contemplating my review, I had to chuckle that English Royalty meets American Royalty. Kate, represents English royalty, while Kennedy, represents American royalty…or what I would consider American royalty. Which is a little funnier still because of our latest royal match up where America and England UNITES!! Harry and Megan are definitely a modern kind of royal marriage. So off topic but you know how I’m often dragged off topic when it comes to writing review and such…
Anyways…I absolutely LOVED Huge Deal. I’ve been waiting for Kennedy’s story and it was ALWAYS going to be Kate. Sure, he brought a few floozies to the scene (sorry, Claudia wasn't a floozy, but she wasn’t Kate either) but I knew they were just a substitute for what he really wanted.
I really did feel sorry for Claudia, but even though she was “nice” she was also pretty self-serving and a little too image conscious for my liking. The fact that Kate could be so tolerant considering her unrequited love…I mean “past” love for Kennedy, showed she was a better human than I ever could be. I know it’s her job to assist the guys, but really, serving as the girlfriends assistant as well…PUSHING IT!!!
I absolutely loved the slow-burn progression of this one. Normally I don’t but you kind of need it because of the type of people Kennedy and Kate are. They’re so organised, methodical and precise with their thoughts and actions. It was NEVER going to a wham, bam, thank you, ma’am, with these two.
Poor bloody Kennedy, he just hasn’t got it in him to rush his feelings. First off, he must assess, then there’s the testing phase, and finally, he must do everything in his power to be safe in his commitment to those feelings. I couldn’t help but chuckle with every new acknowledgement that his past steps were indicative of his burgeoning love. I knew he was in love with Kate from the first instalment of this series, he just needed to get with the times.
Poor bloody Kate, working everyday with the love of your life is hard work. There’s this little part that needs to impress with your unflappable and hardworking assistance. Then, the façade of indifference when feelings are hurt or overlooked. Finishing off with a hard shell of acceptance that you’re invisible and just always there for their needs. I’m not sure I could do it, to be honest. Kate, she’s a tough little cookie but I think she did herself an injustice by being too good at her job.
Every step took me closer to my happy place…when they finally accepted they were meant to be. There were times I was choked up with emotion but that just made their happy ever after even more perfect when we get there.
I loved seeing Ian and Lara, Matt and Sabrina, and now Kate and Kennedy happy. This has been an amazing series and each instalment has left me thoroughly satisfied. Lauren Layne is a remarkable storyteller and I have loved 21 Wall Street. She manages to mix intelligent characters, an interesting storyline, and enough heat to pack a punch. If you haven't tried a Lauren Layne, I highly suggest you…start at the very beginning…a very good place to start…
****Sorry, it's Saturday Night...Wine Night!! My thoughts are a little messy. Just know that I absolutely LOVED Huge Deal.****
I’m a romance reader JUST to get that kind of giddy feeling at the end of my reads as I just received. Lauren Layne, you really are a bit of a legend. I went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows in this one and every part was so bloody good.
Sitting down, contemplating my review, I had to chuckle that English Royalty meets American Royalty. Kate, represents English royalty, while Kennedy, represents American royalty…or what I would consider American royalty. Which is a little funnier still because of our latest royal match up where America and England UNITES!! Harry and Megan are definitely a modern kind of royal marriage. So off topic but you know how I’m often dragged off topic when it comes to writing review and such…
Anyways…I absolutely LOVED Huge Deal. I’ve been waiting for Kennedy’s story and it was ALWAYS going to be Kate. Sure, he brought a few floozies to the scene (sorry, Claudia wasn't a floozy, but she wasn’t Kate either) but I knew they were just a substitute for what he really wanted.
I really did feel sorry for Claudia, but even though she was “nice” she was also pretty self-serving and a little too image conscious for my liking. The fact that Kate could be so tolerant considering her unrequited love…I mean “past” love for Kennedy, showed she was a better human than I ever could be. I know it’s her job to assist the guys, but really, serving as the girlfriends assistant as well…PUSHING IT!!!
I absolutely loved the slow-burn progression of this one. Normally I don’t but you kind of need it because of the type of people Kennedy and Kate are. They’re so organised, methodical and precise with their thoughts and actions. It was NEVER going to a wham, bam, thank you, ma’am, with these two.
Poor bloody Kennedy, he just hasn’t got it in him to rush his feelings. First off, he must assess, then there’s the testing phase, and finally, he must do everything in his power to be safe in his commitment to those feelings. I couldn’t help but chuckle with every new acknowledgement that his past steps were indicative of his burgeoning love. I knew he was in love with Kate from the first instalment of this series, he just needed to get with the times.
Poor bloody Kate, working everyday with the love of your life is hard work. There’s this little part that needs to impress with your unflappable and hardworking assistance. Then, the façade of indifference when feelings are hurt or overlooked. Finishing off with a hard shell of acceptance that you’re invisible and just always there for their needs. I’m not sure I could do it, to be honest. Kate, she’s a tough little cookie but I think she did herself an injustice by being too good at her job.
Every step took me closer to my happy place…when they finally accepted they were meant to be. There were times I was choked up with emotion but that just made their happy ever after even more perfect when we get there.
I loved seeing Ian and Lara, Matt and Sabrina, and now Kate and Kennedy happy. This has been an amazing series and each instalment has left me thoroughly satisfied. Lauren Layne is a remarkable storyteller and I have loved 21 Wall Street. She manages to mix intelligent characters, an interesting storyline, and enough heat to pack a punch. If you haven't tried a Lauren Layne, I highly suggest you…start at the very beginning…a very good place to start…
****Sorry, it's Saturday Night...Wine Night!! My thoughts are a little messy. Just know that I absolutely LOVED Huge Deal.****
March 5, 2019
YES! We're on the last book of 21 Wall Street series and I've been waiting for it because it's about Kennedy Dawson and Kate Henley. You've just got to love an unrequited crush and office romance. :D
Out of the three men, Kennedy is the most laid-back and simplest guy. Absolute good boy and workaholic. He casually dates women but never thought of settling down. However, he cares a lot about Kate, their executive assistant. He, Matt and Ian made a pact that they'll never date her. Sometimes I want to hit his head for being naive and his timing is awful. He's always saying the wrong words and he needs to step up his flirting game.
Kate is my spirit animal. She's socially awkward, formal and modest. She's secretly in love with her boss but he also broke her heart when he heard their conversation saying she's "hardly irresistible". I felt her insecurity. It gave me the Crazy Little Thing Called Love (if you haven't watch that movie, WATCH IT ASAP) where she transformed from a Plain Jane to a beautiful and confident woman. She's beautiful inside and out and I wish Kennedy saw that earlier.
Overall, Huge Deal is the least scandalous and the most lighthearted book in the series. The characters are lovely and the romance is sweet and dreamlike. Kennedy and Kate are a great match but they aren't my favorite couple. The title still goes to Matt and Sabrina.
Out of the three men, Kennedy is the most laid-back and simplest guy. Absolute good boy and workaholic. He casually dates women but never thought of settling down. However, he cares a lot about Kate, their executive assistant. He, Matt and Ian made a pact that they'll never date her. Sometimes I want to hit his head for being naive and his timing is awful. He's always saying the wrong words and he needs to step up his flirting game.
Kate is my spirit animal. She's socially awkward, formal and modest. She's secretly in love with her boss but he also broke her heart when he heard their conversation saying she's "hardly irresistible". I felt her insecurity. It gave me the Crazy Little Thing Called Love (if you haven't watch that movie, WATCH IT ASAP) where she transformed from a Plain Jane to a beautiful and confident woman. She's beautiful inside and out and I wish Kennedy saw that earlier.
Overall, Huge Deal is the least scandalous and the most lighthearted book in the series. The characters are lovely and the romance is sweet and dreamlike. Kennedy and Kate are a great match but they aren't my favorite couple. The title still goes to Matt and Sabrina.
January 3, 2022
This is third in a series and the characters from the others are present and important. I recommend reading in order. Or rather, I recommend reading the first story and not bothering with the rest.
I'm out at two-thirds in. Things were going along just lovely with Kennedy finally pulling his ginormous head out of his nethers. I was already engaged with Kate because I liked how proactive she was and Layne did a great job showing why she had the respect of the powerful men around her. She's a power in her own right and they acknowledge that frequently and realistically.
And then Layne pulls a character manipulation by . So Kate decides she isn't powerful after all and is going to change her personality just so we have another third of a book.
So yeah, one star. Deeply disappointing to have a character manipulated into a giant change like that. It felt cheap and I feel robbed.
A note about Audiobook: I picked this up on Audible Originals and the functionally free was lovely. That said, Samantha Cook was not a great narrator for this story. I'm really not sure why, because she's a fine narrator. But it felt like her Kate performance was a bit too . . . much? Like, it felt like she had to emphasize Kate's great attributes and in doing so, actually diminished them.
I'm out at two-thirds in. Things were going along just lovely with Kennedy finally pulling his ginormous head out of his nethers. I was already engaged with Kate because I liked how proactive she was and Layne did a great job showing why she had the respect of the powerful men around her. She's a power in her own right and they acknowledge that frequently and realistically.
And then Layne pulls a character manipulation by . So Kate decides she isn't powerful after all and is going to change her personality just so we have another third of a book.
So yeah, one star. Deeply disappointing to have a character manipulated into a giant change like that. It felt cheap and I feel robbed.
A note about Audiobook: I picked this up on Audible Originals and the functionally free was lovely. That said, Samantha Cook was not a great narrator for this story. I'm really not sure why, because she's a fine narrator. But it felt like her Kate performance was a bit too . . . much? Like, it felt like she had to emphasize Kate's great attributes and in doing so, actually diminished them.
May 4, 2020
i realized that lauren layne definitely has a million "live, laugh, love" signs in her house and that's just not my vibe
February 12, 2019
What’s ridiculous is writing the whole entire series in first person and then the last book that everyone’s been looking forward to, you switch to third person. That’s absolutely ridiculous. Was really looking forward to this book but that took the whole vibe of the series away.
March 13, 2019
I’m excited for Kennedy’s story, but who’s this long time assistant named Ellie? I’m hoping it’s a typo and Lauren meant Kate? 🤞🏼Lol
But still, I’m excited to read this!
But still, I’m excited to read this!
February 15, 2019
Checkmate! 5⭐️
Wow! I forgot how much I wanted to know Kennedy & Kate’s story, while reading the first two books in the series Hot Asset and Hard Sell. Huge Deal can be read as a standalone, but i would strongly suggest you pick them in order, because the previous main characters appear in this one as well and also, Kennedy and Kate’s relationship somehow starts in the first book. Don’t worry, you didn’t miss anything, but you’ll just know them better. ☺️
I figured this was gonna be an explosive story, that would stir up tons of emotions, making me laugh and cry in the same time. It was also sooo infuriating, Kennedy with his stupid childish pact of not dating Kate (because she is his assistant) and Kate towards the end and i’ll let you figure out why.
“Five years ago, Kate had inadvertently overheard a conversation among the three guys discussing how undatable she was. Kennedy’s exact words were She’s hardly irresistible, after which he’d suggested they all agree never to date her. Hearing Ian and Matt agree to the pact had stung a little—she was human, after all. But hearing Kennedy’s casual dismissal of her had damn near ripped her heart out.“
The thing is we know for sure Kennedy just has his head up his ass and that he actually cares a lot about Kate, just doesn’t know exactly how much and what to do with it. So, we just have to wait and enjoy their bumpy and slow ride to HEA.
I’ll go ahead and assume you have read the first two books as well, so you won’t need any details about the characters, because you already know them, but for those of you who didn’t: Kennedy is this uptight, bowtie wearing, thirty something, brooding control freak, who enjoys opera and playing chess and Kate is this super smart, detail oriented, executive assistant for him and his other two best friends/colleagues. She might appear plain or ordinary, but she’s far from it.
So there you have it. A sexy story about a Wall Street banker and his long time assistant. How to “cure your blindness” and see what has been in front of you for so long, and going all in the perfect relationship with the perfect woman for you.
I absolutely adored all books in the series and also Lauren Layne’s writing so I don’t know why in God’s name i haven’t read anything else by her so far. This is my personal note to change that ASAP.
It would be an absolute honor to have you as my guest on my blog too. Stop by anytime you want :)
July 4, 2022
Avevo letto un po’ di recensioni prima di iniziare la lettura, quindi ero preparata a tutto 😄 In realtà, a parte la terza persona non proprio sensata, ho letto con piacere questa storia, non ci sono stati grandi scossoni o colpi di scena, tutto si svolge in modo abbastanza lineare, ma si passano un po’ di ore di leggerezza e per questo periodo va benissimo così 😉
January 9, 2022
i literally DEVOURED this book! i liked it waaay better than the first one in this series
March 9, 2019
4.5 stars
Ahhh this was really cute!
Both the MCs, Kate and Kennedy are both so likeable and their banter? Omfg it was amazing.
I love the whole unrequited aspect and honestly wasn’t even that bothered that H had a gf (of 2 months) in the beginning. Despite this, the OW/OM drama is actually super tame and not at all dumb, frustrating, or angsty.
It was actually pretty funny and entertaining.
Since H had a gf in the beginning, I just wanna clarify he never cheated.
Emotionally cheated? Not really since he was confused and, tbh, very naive when it comes to his feelings for the h. So he didn’t even know he was even falling for her.
BUT he did end things with his gf pretty quickly.
And the OM drama was nonexistent imo just cuz it was more brotherly/sisterly relationship, but it did add to the entertainment since H was jealous, thus, finally realizing his feelings for h.
I really like how the tables have turned for the characters cuz h has had unrequited feelings for H for at least 6 years but now when he realizes he’s in love with her, she’s “moving on”.
Did that stop the H from acting all obliviously jealous and doing most of the chase and wooing?
Nahhh. This is why I love this book and it didn’t bother me that he was naive for so many years.
This is definitely on the slowburn side and even tho I LOVE slowburn, I just couldn’t wait when they finally get together!
And was I satisfied? Hell yes.
Ugh. Honestly, I just loved this.
Ahhh this was really cute!
Both the MCs, Kate and Kennedy are both so likeable and their banter? Omfg it was amazing.
I love the whole unrequited aspect and honestly wasn’t even that bothered that H had a gf (of 2 months) in the beginning. Despite this, the OW/OM drama is actually super tame and not at all dumb, frustrating, or angsty.
It was actually pretty funny and entertaining.
Since H had a gf in the beginning, I just wanna clarify he never cheated.
Emotionally cheated? Not really since he was confused and, tbh, very naive when it comes to his feelings for the h. So he didn’t even know he was even falling for her.
BUT he did end things with his gf pretty quickly.
And the OM drama was nonexistent imo just cuz it was more brotherly/sisterly relationship, but it did add to the entertainment since H was jealous, thus, finally realizing his feelings for h.
I really like how the tables have turned for the characters cuz h has had unrequited feelings for H for at least 6 years but now when he realizes he’s in love with her, she’s “moving on”.
Did that stop the H from acting all obliviously jealous and doing most of the chase and wooing?
Nahhh. This is why I love this book and it didn’t bother me that he was naive for so many years.
This is definitely on the slowburn side and even tho I LOVE slowburn, I just couldn’t wait when they finally get together!
And was I satisfied? Hell yes.
Ugh. Honestly, I just loved this.
July 12, 2019
I feel like 95% of my reviews start with some kind of gushy love over the story's hero. And, don't get me wrong - there is plenty to gush about when it comes to Kennedy Dawson (and I'll get to that), but this story in particular gave me some swoony heroine vibes. I freaking LOVED Kate y'all. She's tiny and fierce and laugh out loud funny. She's smart and kind and slightly OCD and nerdy. She is my absolute favorite kind of heroine and if you get through this book without some kind of crazy girl crush on her, there's something wrong with your heart for real.
GAH! I just loved her so much!!
And then Kennedy. Kennedy was the hero I was most excited to get in this series, and he really did not disappoint. He's surly and serious in just the way I love my nerdy-ish heroes. I loved his slow awakening, the realization that while he's wicked book smart, when it comes to relationships he's basically a bumbling buffoon. I loved his transformation as he figured things out and his heart opened and then - then - ohmygosh you guys he was utterly irresistible. Perfect heroine? Meet your perfect hero.
This series has been such a treat and I thoroughly enjoyed every single one of these characters and the lovely happily-ever-afters they were given. I loved getting time to catch up with them in Huge Deal. I loved the banter among friends on top of the banter between Kate and Kennedy. I did feel like Kate stepped out of character in a couple of places, and some of the conflict resolution toward the end felt a little over-the-top for me. However, the ending? Was perfection. Much like Kate and Kennedy themselves. It was absolutely adorable and so so satisfying. Another huge hit in a series full of huge hits, and I definitely recommend it! ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars
***
I have been looking forward to Kate and Kennedy's romance for a long time and was so happy when this author announced this would be releasing as I loved the 21 Wall Street series. Their romance was swoony and so delicious.
I absolutely FLOVED Kennedy. I loved how he was as clueless as he was caring and how it took a little push for him to realize what was in front of him the entire time. Kate likewise was strong and sassy and a sassy thing that took no prisoners. I loved seeing Ian, Lara, Matt and Sabrina again and watching Kate and Kennedy navigate their road to love.
While I wasn't prepared for the plot twist/monkey wrench that happened where the roles were reversed, I enjoyed the story and can't wait for more from this author. 4 stars! ~Ratula
GAH! I just loved her so much!!
And then Kennedy. Kennedy was the hero I was most excited to get in this series, and he really did not disappoint. He's surly and serious in just the way I love my nerdy-ish heroes. I loved his slow awakening, the realization that while he's wicked book smart, when it comes to relationships he's basically a bumbling buffoon. I loved his transformation as he figured things out and his heart opened and then - then - ohmygosh you guys he was utterly irresistible. Perfect heroine? Meet your perfect hero.
This series has been such a treat and I thoroughly enjoyed every single one of these characters and the lovely happily-ever-afters they were given. I loved getting time to catch up with them in Huge Deal. I loved the banter among friends on top of the banter between Kate and Kennedy. I did feel like Kate stepped out of character in a couple of places, and some of the conflict resolution toward the end felt a little over-the-top for me. However, the ending? Was perfection. Much like Kate and Kennedy themselves. It was absolutely adorable and so so satisfying. Another huge hit in a series full of huge hits, and I definitely recommend it! ~ Shelly, 4.5 Stars
***
I have been looking forward to Kate and Kennedy's romance for a long time and was so happy when this author announced this would be releasing as I loved the 21 Wall Street series. Their romance was swoony and so delicious.
I absolutely FLOVED Kennedy. I loved how he was as clueless as he was caring and how it took a little push for him to realize what was in front of him the entire time. Kate likewise was strong and sassy and a sassy thing that took no prisoners. I loved seeing Ian, Lara, Matt and Sabrina again and watching Kate and Kennedy navigate their road to love.
While I wasn't prepared for the plot twist/monkey wrench that happened where the roles were reversed, I enjoyed the story and can't wait for more from this author. 4 stars! ~Ratula
February 19, 2019
4 'All in' Stars!
Any fan of this series has been waiting for this story since we met Kennedy and Kate in the first book. And I do have to say, I really enjoyed it! Yes, I also have to confess, I had crazy high expectations for Huge Deal and, even though I really loved it, they weren't reached completely. I really enjoyed the start of the book, the sexual tension and the feelings. Kennedy and Kate definitely have lots of chemistry, that I can assure you! But I do wish their relationship as love partners was a bit more developed. It took them a while to act on their feelings and when they did, Kate decided to push Kennedy away for too much time, in my opinion.
Of course, besides that, I loved catching up with all the 21 Wall Street couples and I loved that these two finally got their happy ending (that epilogue was adorbs!). I only wish we had more loving moments about them and a longer ending since we've been waiting for this story for a while and also because this was the last book in the series. Still, the book was typical Lauren Layne style and I really loved Kennedy and Kate together, especially their moments as a couple. As always I can't wait to see what is next for this author!
Any fan of this series has been waiting for this story since we met Kennedy and Kate in the first book. And I do have to say, I really enjoyed it! Yes, I also have to confess, I had crazy high expectations for Huge Deal and, even though I really loved it, they weren't reached completely. I really enjoyed the start of the book, the sexual tension and the feelings. Kennedy and Kate definitely have lots of chemistry, that I can assure you! But I do wish their relationship as love partners was a bit more developed. It took them a while to act on their feelings and when they did, Kate decided to push Kennedy away for too much time, in my opinion.
Of course, besides that, I loved catching up with all the 21 Wall Street couples and I loved that these two finally got their happy ending (that epilogue was adorbs!). I only wish we had more loving moments about them and a longer ending since we've been waiting for this story for a while and also because this was the last book in the series. Still, the book was typical Lauren Layne style and I really loved Kennedy and Kate together, especially their moments as a couple. As always I can't wait to see what is next for this author!
March 4, 2019
4 stars.💜💜💜💜
A lighthearted and fun romance.
This was a nice conclusion to what has been an amusing series set in the world of high finance.
I have been waiting a while now for Kate and Kennedy's story and it was charming, pleasant, easy reading so typical of Lauren Layne's writing style.
I do recommend reading this series in order as there are too many spoilers relating to the earlier stories as the heroes from all three books work in the same office.
A lighthearted and fun romance.
This was a nice conclusion to what has been an amusing series set in the world of high finance.
I have been waiting a while now for Kate and Kennedy's story and it was charming, pleasant, easy reading so typical of Lauren Layne's writing style.
I do recommend reading this series in order as there are too many spoilers relating to the earlier stories as the heroes from all three books work in the same office.
February 15, 2019
GAH.
this was ADORABLE.
might be my favourite LL ever. top 5, at least. i don't know how many i've read exactly - the stiletto series and the love unexpectedly series, and the first two in this series. i've enjoyed them all, some more than others, sure. the thing i love about lauren layne's books is that i always know what i'm getting, my expectations are always met or exceeded. realistic characters, banter, chemistry, just the right amount of conflict and angst - i'm here for it. and this was no different. definitely my favourite out of this series - please tell me there's going to be a fourth about jarod?! i just absolutely adored kennedy and kate, one of my favourite tropes is the unrequited/loved you from afar for ages... gah. sign. me. up.
this was swoony and adorable and just delicious. lots of feelings and everything just flows fabulously and naturally. i laughed, i got a bit teary, i wanted to put kennedy in my pocket and kate in my purse. ha! another hit from lauren layne, and i am 0% surprised. she never disappoints!
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this comes out on my birthday! happy birthday to me but i want it now.
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ermmm who is Ellie though
this was ADORABLE.
might be my favourite LL ever. top 5, at least. i don't know how many i've read exactly - the stiletto series and the love unexpectedly series, and the first two in this series. i've enjoyed them all, some more than others, sure. the thing i love about lauren layne's books is that i always know what i'm getting, my expectations are always met or exceeded. realistic characters, banter, chemistry, just the right amount of conflict and angst - i'm here for it. and this was no different. definitely my favourite out of this series - please tell me there's going to be a fourth about jarod?! i just absolutely adored kennedy and kate, one of my favourite tropes is the unrequited/loved you from afar for ages... gah. sign. me. up.
this was swoony and adorable and just delicious. lots of feelings and everything just flows fabulously and naturally. i laughed, i got a bit teary, i wanted to put kennedy in my pocket and kate in my purse. ha! another hit from lauren layne, and i am 0% surprised. she never disappoints!
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this comes out on my birthday! happy birthday to me but i want it now.
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ermmm who is Ellie though
July 29, 2024
Too annoying to make it to the end.
February 17, 2019
The perfect final book in this adorable series!
We've been waiting for Kennedy and Kate's story for so long and now they finally get their HEA!!!
It was sweet and funny and cute and a little frustrating and heartbreaking. I loved it.
Would've liked it better in a first person POV - but pff - it was ok.☺
♡
♡
February 25, 2019
Book: Huge Deal
Author: Lauren Layne
Chatty romance book thoughts:
Lauren Layne is hands down my favourite author - every release feels like a wonderful treat and this book was everything that I wanted it to be (and a little more). At this point it really does go without saying that I was overly excited for this third book of the ‘21 wall street’ series but it would be remiss of me not to tell you how happy I was to finally get this book on my kindle. I’ve been following the story of this love lost couple from the start - Layne certainly knew how to set the scene and hand out teasing nuggets as the series developed. So much so that by the time it came to Kennedy and Kate finally getting their own book (and much needed limelight) I was already half way in love with them. Unrequited love, a dusting of angsty indecision, loveable characters and a fabulous New York setting all lent to give this romance story a well rounded plot that stole my heart. I fell hard and fast for this latest release by my favourite author and I’m happily left with what can only be described as a squishy, loved up heart.
Star rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Lauren Layne
Chatty romance book thoughts:
Lauren Layne is hands down my favourite author - every release feels like a wonderful treat and this book was everything that I wanted it to be (and a little more). At this point it really does go without saying that I was overly excited for this third book of the ‘21 wall street’ series but it would be remiss of me not to tell you how happy I was to finally get this book on my kindle. I’ve been following the story of this love lost couple from the start - Layne certainly knew how to set the scene and hand out teasing nuggets as the series developed. So much so that by the time it came to Kennedy and Kate finally getting their own book (and much needed limelight) I was already half way in love with them. Unrequited love, a dusting of angsty indecision, loveable characters and a fabulous New York setting all lent to give this romance story a well rounded plot that stole my heart. I fell hard and fast for this latest release by my favourite author and I’m happily left with what can only be described as a squishy, loved up heart.
Star rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 25, 2022
4,5 stelle
Un ruolo fondamentale per la mia valutazione lo hanno giocato i protagonisti.
Kate e Kennedy mi avevano intrigato già dal primo volume della serie, con il loro essere ciechi ai loro sentimenti. In realtà chi si nascondeva dietro un dito era Kennedy:
"Non è che quella piccoletta sia irresistibile, ma meglio mettere le cose in chiaro nel caso in cui uno di noi dovesse ubriacarsi o fare una stupidata".
Peccato che dovrà fare i conti col fatto che quella piccoletta per lui sia proprio irresistibile!
La simpatia verso questi due personaggi è rimasta invariata e la loro storia non mi ha delusa.
Un ruolo fondamentale per la mia valutazione lo hanno giocato i protagonisti.
Kate e Kennedy mi avevano intrigato già dal primo volume della serie, con il loro essere ciechi ai loro sentimenti. In realtà chi si nascondeva dietro un dito era Kennedy:
"Non è che quella piccoletta sia irresistibile, ma meglio mettere le cose in chiaro nel caso in cui uno di noi dovesse ubriacarsi o fare una stupidata".
Peccato che dovrà fare i conti col fatto che quella piccoletta per lui sia proprio irresistibile!
La simpatia verso questi due personaggi è rimasta invariata e la loro storia non mi ha delusa.
March 5, 2019
So the blurb may have changed...
But my love for this series hasn't...
Thrilled to have it in my hot little hands!
●○●○●○●○●○●○●○
May 23, 2018
Oh, we are finally getting Kennedy Dawson's story...
Always be aware of those Still Waters...
You know they Run Deep...
So, He thinks it is time to Marry...
Well, little does he know...
The Right Choice has been right in front of his face...
I mean, this is a....
Huge Deal (21 Wall Street, #3)
Hot Asset (21 Wall Street, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hard Sell (21 Wall Street, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Huge Deal (21 Wall Street, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
But my love for this series hasn't...
Thrilled to have it in my hot little hands!
●○●○●○●○●○●○●○
May 23, 2018
Oh, we are finally getting Kennedy Dawson's story...
Always be aware of those Still Waters...
You know they Run Deep...
So, He thinks it is time to Marry...
Well, little does he know...
The Right Choice has been right in front of his face...
I mean, this is a....
Huge Deal (21 Wall Street, #3)
Hot Asset (21 Wall Street, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hard Sell (21 Wall Street, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Huge Deal (21 Wall Street, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 16, 2019
2.5 lacklustre stars
I was hoping for more from this but I couldn’t connect with the characters and Kate ‘s dithering gave me whiplash leading to a rushed ending with a cringeworthy pda moment. I really loved Matt and Ian’s stories, I wish Kennedy’s has been as witty and engaging.
Not sure why this was written in third person narrative when the others were first person, it felt like a different series. And not in a good way.
Ah well.
I was hoping for more from this but I couldn’t connect with the characters and Kate ‘s dithering gave me whiplash leading to a rushed ending with a cringeworthy pda moment. I really loved Matt and Ian’s stories, I wish Kennedy’s has been as witty and engaging.
Not sure why this was written in third person narrative when the others were first person, it felt like a different series. And not in a good way.
Ah well.
June 23, 2023
2.5 stars
i really wanted to like this book but it’s just too flat. there is zero chemistry between the two main characters and way too much internal monologue. lauren layne is obviously talented. i had just hoped for so much more.
i really wanted to like this book but it’s just too flat. there is zero chemistry between the two main characters and way too much internal monologue. lauren layne is obviously talented. i had just hoped for so much more.
March 28, 2020
my favorite book in the series!!!
Read
February 12, 2019This fabulous workplace romance is one of my Amazon Publishing edits, out today in digital and audio. Paperback will be released on April 23, 2019. 💗
http://editsbykristi.com/huge-deal
(P.S. Books 1 & 2 in this series are on sale for $1.99 for a limited time.)
http://editsbykristi.com/huge-deal
(P.S. Books 1 & 2 in this series are on sale for $1.99 for a limited time.)
February 18, 2019
Kate and Kennedy were totally the book I was waiting for in this series. I’ve loved the building tension between them since Hot Asset. Kate is the no nonsense, on top of her game assistant to three wall street prodigies and Kennedy is the oblivious boss that has no idea she fell in love with him at first sight. You’ve been able to cut the sexual tension between them with a knife for years now.
Kate has decided it is time to be over Kennedy, she’s actually felt like that for a while. While the love she has for him has faded over time, seeing him everyday has made her body lust after him hungrily. So when his brother swings into town and they have some instant chemistry Kate decides to explore it in hopes that on brother might be just as good as the other.
For Kennedy seeing Jack hit on his assistant jumpstarts something that was lingering there that he kept ignoring. He wants to sum it up to protectiveness but everyone around him points out that maybe its more and maybe the window used to be wide open to make his move but it is closing fast if it isn’t already closed.
I’m a huge fan or Lauren Layne (LL). She does a few things that really work for me in a romance novel.
This is another great rom-com feel story. I could definitely see any of the books that LL writes as the next check flick out there and I love that. There is enough witty banter, smart dialogue and even a few running jokes that just make every story fun.
This is the 3rd book of a series but like most LL books can be read at any time and in any order. Still the other Wolves of Wallstreet had enjoyable stories so while you could start with this one, I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to begin at the beginning.
The Stiletto/Oxford series still remains one of my favorite Contemporary romance series and is well worth a try too if you are looking for books with a solid Rom-Com feel to them.
If Kate had learned anything in her twenty-seven years, it was that there was a certain power in being underestimated.
Kate has decided it is time to be over Kennedy, she’s actually felt like that for a while. While the love she has for him has faded over time, seeing him everyday has made her body lust after him hungrily. So when his brother swings into town and they have some instant chemistry Kate decides to explore it in hopes that on brother might be just as good as the other.
For Kennedy seeing Jack hit on his assistant jumpstarts something that was lingering there that he kept ignoring. He wants to sum it up to protectiveness but everyone around him points out that maybe its more and maybe the window used to be wide open to make his move but it is closing fast if it isn’t already closed.
“You once said you wanted someone who’d fall hard and fast for you, and while I know I let you down on the fast part . . . I did fall, Kate. I’ve fallen all the way.”
I’m a huge fan or Lauren Layne (LL). She does a few things that really work for me in a romance novel.
① - Builds Great Tension - and she does this without crossing some of the no-no lines I have. When dealing with siblings there are especially some lines you don’t want to cross in your story and she does this so well.
❷ - Great Side Characters - In every series LL builds a great group of friends to build dialogue and fun around. They add to the story and are there not only to support the MCs but also they add a great amount of fun to the story.
“You do realize you guys are crashing a bachelorette party, right?”
“We did our best but decided the whole bachelor party was a bust when Ian started telling the stripper all about the wedding. In great detail. Then asked if she was cold.”
“Oh dear,” Kate said with a laugh. “Well, at least we know he’ll be loyal.”
“Lara, too,” Sabrina chimed in. “I suggested a male stripper, and she asked if we could have Ian do it.”
“And there’s my nightmare fodder for weeks,” Matt said with a wince.
③ - Plotting Isn’t Repetitive - I’ve read over a dozen LL books now and each story has something special in it. While some of the core issues are similar each story feels unique to the characters in it. Sure you know that they will figure it out eventually but the journey is never the same.
❹ - Solid Meet Cutes - Even in this story there is one. Sure, Kennedy and Kate already know each other but to make him open his eyes Kate has a meet cute with his brother Jack, pretty much right in front of his face. I think that is what made me like it even more.
⑤ - Pacing - The great thing about an LL book is that she will never stretch it to 300+ pages when it really only needed to be 225. That means that very rarely do I get distracted in the story and wonder when the next thing is going to happen. There isn’t a ton of unimportant to the story fluff and fodder just to get the page count up. I love the story and I’m glad that most of the time we stick to the meat of it.
This is another great rom-com feel story. I could definitely see any of the books that LL writes as the next check flick out there and I love that. There is enough witty banter, smart dialogue and even a few running jokes that just make every story fun.
”Only call me if one of you kills the other, and there’s blood to clean up.”
“Out of curiosity, who do you think would be the offed and who would be the offer?” Matt asked.
“You three, dead,” she said, pointing to Jack, Matt, and Ian. “Him, guilty.” She pointed at Kennedy.
“Hey,” he said, affronted. “Why am I the serial killer?”
She shrugged. “You’re so pent-up all of the time. I figure it has to eventually come out, and when it does, it’ll be in a big way.”
This is the 3rd book of a series but like most LL books can be read at any time and in any order. Still the other Wolves of Wallstreet had enjoyable stories so while you could start with this one, I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to begin at the beginning.
The Stiletto/Oxford series still remains one of my favorite Contemporary romance series and is well worth a try too if you are looking for books with a solid Rom-Com feel to them.
April 3, 2023
“You once said you wanted someone who’d fall hard and fast for you, and while I know I let you down on the fast part . . . I did fall, Kate. I’ve fallen all the way.”
katekennedy are my favorite couple of this series yes no one is doing it like them!!
4.25
katekennedy are my favorite couple of this series yes no one is doing it like them!!
4.25
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