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A standalone, fake relationship/friends to lovers romance

Avery

I’ve worked at Barrett London for some time now, and if there’s one thing I know about the CEO, Ethan Barrett; it’s that he’s a complete workaholic and obsessively organised. When he comes to me with a proposal to pretend to be his girlfriend for a weekend, I take the deal but I wasn’t expecting sparks to fly. When he suggests we see where our attraction takes us, I can’t help but wonder, can I really settle for always being second to his work? Or do I deserve more than that?

Ethan

I built Barrett London from the ground up. It’s been my life from day one, and I never let anything get between me and it. I need a date for my sister’s wedding, otherwise I risk my mother trying to set me up with some vapid socialite, so I make a deal with my employee, Avery Jenkins. She’s my opposite in every way—messy and disorganised—so I know there’s no chance of feelings developing. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Can I let go of some of my control in order to put her first? Or am I willing to lose the only woman who has ever managed to get under my skin?

154 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2019

213 people are currently reading
744 people want to read

About the author

Becca Steele

52 books4,372 followers
Becca Steele is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of new adult romance from contemporary to dark. Her books have been translated into multiple languages.

Becca resides in the south of England with her family. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, gaming, or curating yet another Spotify playlist.

Stalker links
http://linktr.ee/authorbeccasteele

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for paula ♡.
241 reviews525 followers
June 16, 2024
2,5 ⭐

It could have had a better grade if it weren't for the fact that after 58% of the book it became a disaster. Even so, it has been quite entertaining, the MMC is a bit idiotic at times, but I found them to be an adorable couple
Profile Image for Judith/books.series.forever  .
345 reviews76 followers
October 21, 2019
description

Spanish:
“The Deal” de Becca Steele una novella corta perteneciente a la serie “London Suits”. Este es un romance contemporáneo, apasionado, independiente, de amigos a amantes.

Avery Jenkins trabaja en Barret London desde hace un tiempo, pero un día el sexy CEO Ethan Barrett le hace una propuesta que hará cambiar el curso de su amistad. Ethan tiene la boda de su hermana pequeña a la vuelta de la esquina y sin pareja para asistir a ella decide hacer un trato con Avery para que lo sea ella. Pero no será fácil, la familia de Ethan y antiguas amantes lo harán difícil y todo ello con sentimientos encontrados.

Una buena historia no es necesariamente que sea larga con muchas hojas repetitivas. Puede ser como esta novella, corta, pero con los elementos esenciales para ser completa y perfecta.

Estuvo genial poder conocer a estos personajes más afondo y tenía muchas ganas de ello. También volver a los momentos que mantenían Luke y Olivia con todas las riñas que tenían. Ambos viven para el trabajo, aunque Ethan mucho más, pero se le perdona porque es sexy y un galán. Avery se tomó su tiempo pensar en este trato, pero no se pudo contener con él.

De pie frente a la gran ventana de guillotina, me miró desde debajo de sus largas pestañas. Su cabello oscuro caía en suaves ondas alrededor de sus hombros, y su cuerpo estaba envuelto en un vestido escarlata que, francamente, debería ser ilegal. Un diseño fuera del hombro se aferraba a cada una de las curvas de su hermoso cuerpo, deteniéndose en su rodilla. Un par de tacones de aguja desnudos terminaron el look. Mi mirada volvió a su rostro, y se mojó los labios nerviosamente. Sus labios, que se mostraban con un lápiz labial rojo que encajaba perfectamente con su vestido.
Mierda.


Y si es cierto que el anterior libro me gustó mucho por los enfoques en los que se desarrollaba la historia, este me pareció sumamente romántico y dulce. La boda de la hermana de Ethan hace que el entorno que se envuelven los personajes, aunque sea un poco tormentoso, pasa a segundo lado con todos los sentimientos que estaban a flor de piel.

Momentos mágicos con una noche especial, pero, aunque ambos no saben lo que les puede deparar el futuro o como va a ser después de esa romántica puesta en escena, deciden tomar la oportunidad y sucumbir a lo que sienten.

"Avery, te amo. Te he amado durante más tiempo de lo que crees. Más de lo que pensaba, probablemente. Significas todo para mí".
⚜Rate: ★★★★★

English:
"The Deal" by Becca Steele, a novella from the "London Suits" series. This is a contemporary romance, steamy, standalone, friends to lovers.

Avery Jenkins has been working at Barret London for some time, but one day the sexy CEO Ethan Barrett makes him a deal that will change the course of his friendship. Barrett has his little sister's wedding just around the corner, and without a partner to attend, he decides to make a deal with Avery. But it won't be easy, Barret's family and old lovers will make it difficult and all with conflicting feelings.

A good story is not necessarily a long one with many repetitive pages. It may be like this novella, short, but with the essential elements to be complete and perfect.

It was great to be able to meet these characters more deeply, and I wanted to. Also, going back to the moments Luke and Olivia had with all the fights they had. Both live for work, although Ethan much more, but he is excused because he is sexy and handsome. Avery took her time to think about this deal, but she couldn't contain herself to him.

Standing in front of the large sash window, she stared at me from beneath her long lashes. Her dark hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and her body was encased in a scarlet dress that should, frankly, be illegal. An off-the-shoulder design, it clung to every single curve of her beautiful body, stopping at her knee. A pair of nude stiletto heels finished the look. My gaze returned to her face, and she licked her lips nervously. Her lips, that were showcased by a red lipstick that perfectly matched her dress.
Fuck.


And if it's true that I liked the previous book very much because of the story's themes, I thought it was highly romantic and sweet. Ethan's sister's wedding makes the environment that the characters are entwined in, even if it's a stormy one, goes to the second side with all the feelings that were on the surface.

Magical moments with a special night, but although both don't know what the future will bring or how it's going to be after that romantic staging, they decide to take the opportunity and succumb to what they feel.

“Avery, I love you. I’ve loved you for longer than you realise. Longer than I even realised, probably. You mean everything to me.”
⚜Rate: ★★★★★
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,847 reviews367 followers
July 21, 2021
3 - 3.5 stars!

Super cute, short and steamy boss/employee fake relationship story. Ethan has built his company from the ground up and has no time for anything but his company. When his sister gets married he needs a date so he enlists his employee Avery to be his fake girlfriend. What starts out as fake becomes real for both of them but are they too different to be together?

The writing is good and I liked the characters for the most part. Avery seemed a little needy at times and Ethan was oblivious to like...life in general. But I enjoyed them together. The trope really isn't my favorite and the story had less finesse than what I just read from Steele. I'm wondering if this is one of her early novels. Despite that, this author knows how to write a steamy and sweet story.
Profile Image for C. Lymari.
Author 37 books1,102 followers
September 30, 2019
Becca Steele hit another home run with The Deal.
This is a cute sexy novella. If you've read The Truce then you met workaholic boss Ethan. I loved loved loved Luke, but I also fell in love with Ethan. His obliviousness can be a little maddening, but he's a perfect gentleman. And Avery she's sassy and a little of a hot mess. She's everything Ethan never knew he needed. They might not have fit on paper but together they were magic. I loved this book and this series. I can't wait to see who gets to find love in the office next. ♥
Profile Image for Piper's Romance Reads.
130 reviews6 followers
October 4, 2019
When Ethan is cornered on the phone by his conniving, arrogant mother about having a date for his little sister’s wedding - he quickly conjures up a pretend girlfriend. As soon as he’s off the hook & off the phone with his controlling mother - reality sits in and Ethan needs to think - fast.

Enter Avery. Dependable, but messy, stubborn and definitely not his type. A perfect solution. Ethan asks Avery to be his date for his sister’s wedding and in exchange he’ll pay her an extra bonus. That’s way too close to escort territory for Avery so she makes him promise to buy a fancy coffee machine for the office.

A long weekend away from the office in a romantic setting, what could possibly happen?

Ethan begins to see the real Avery shine through and he likes what he sees. She’s smart, wickedly flirtatious and beautiful. She plays the part of Ethan’s girlfriend perfectly even upping their pretend romance in front of a jealous ex and crazy mother. At the wedding, their pretend attraction quickly grows into real feelings. One night, that’s all Ethan can offer her. If it’s all she can have of him, she’ll take it - gladly. She knows how much Barrett London means to Ethan - the company may mean more to him than any relationship ever could. While Avery might be a mess in every other aspect of her life, she knows what she wants in a relationship and what really matters - people over work. This is Ethan’s one downfall. He doesn’t know how to not work and just be. Avery pushes Ethan away when he’s too blind to see the importance of their relationship and his constant choosing of his work over their relationship. When Ethan realizes his mistake, he takes drastic measures in his attempt to win Avery back. Will it be enough to save their budding relationship?

Special thanks to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS
Plot: 4/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine): Ethan & Avery- 5/5
The Feels: 5/5
Pace: 5/5
Addictiveness: 4/5
Angst:5/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemistry: 5/5
Theme or Tone: 5/5
Flow (Writing Style): 5/5
World Building: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Ending: 5/5
Book Cover: Love a man in a suit!
Series: London Suits
Source: Kindle Unlimited eBook
Would I recommend this book? Yes.
Would I read more from this author? Yes!
Profile Image for TheSassyNerdBlog.
1,100 reviews434 followers
October 19, 2019
This was a short but awesome novella, Becca Steele is fairly new for me and she has come in swinging with The Truce and now this little gem? Ethan's stuck on with his annoying mother to find a date for his sisters' wedding. He comes up with a pretend girlfriend, but when the call is fiinshed he realizes he needs to find someone that can play that role, and that is when Avery comes into the picture. She's reliable, but certainly not his type but what other choices does he have? So he approaches her with his idea, but she isn't to keen with him paying her... It's a little too much like an escort feel to it, so she gets him to agree to put in a new brand new coffee machine in the office. Once he agrees his plan goes into motion and after the long weekend/sister's wedding they can go back to their normal lives. But anything ever THAT simple. Hell no.

I love this. The whole fake office romance has a few twists and turns in it. They spend the weekend at his sister's weekend, and for two people who couldn't be more different from each other...The chemistry between them is off the charts. She plays her part perfectly in this little scheme and as the weekend progresses, what started out at as a deal fast becomes so much more but Ethan can only offer her one night with him, but if that is all she can have, she will take it.

There is so much more to the story, but you need to read it. For a short novella, it holds so much more than I expected. The push and pull between these two is full force and I could feel their chemistry dripping off the pages. The heat factor in this... Woah! The author doesn't hold back!

It was fun, hot, a few scenes had me laughing and others had me clutching my kindle in anticipation for these two. It was such an enjoyable read. Ms. Steele's writing style is flawless and she made it easy to get lost in an enticing and awesome plot.

5 Stars
Profile Image for Katslovesbooks.
1,025 reviews25 followers
October 17, 2019
Amazing story!

What a great story "The Deal" is, congrats Becca Steele in another great book. Even though this is a short novella the story was filled with great scenes that would have you laughing, getting hot all over(If you know what I mean 😉) and definitely wanting more. On Becca's first book "The Truce" we get to know Ethan and Avery and I was very intrigued to know how they actually got together and in this book you get to know exactly how that happen and let me tell you what a story it is. Everything starts with a DEAL that have Ethan's world turning upside down because Avery comes and makes him lose all control.
Profile Image for Jacinta - Aussie Book Nook .
531 reviews
October 4, 2019
Absolutely Brilliant novella! I loved every second of it! This was funny, drama filled, sexy little book. Let me tell you the steam of the sex scenes in this book 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Avery is my kind of girl, she is sassy, strong and knows her worth! Ethan oh man he is hot but a little clueless lol. The chemistry between these 2 characters is off the charts. They complement each other perfectly. My only criticism... I wish it didn't have to end.
This was so easy to read and definitely entertaining. Definitely a must read!
Profile Image for Lissanne Jones.
Author 10 books179 followers
October 20, 2019
This was a delightful and sexy little novella that showcased how Ethan and Avery, whom we first met in The Truce, got together. Avery was the perfect match for millionaire workaholic Ethan, and his hidden romantic side was gorgeous to see. Loved it!
Profile Image for Kate.
848 reviews117 followers
January 16, 2021
This was really cute, although a tad too rushed at times - the ever present novella curse, it seems.

Fake dating + office romance are great tropes to put together tho 🔥
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,617 reviews58 followers
June 1, 2024
2⭐️ .5🌶️

I like Becca but this was rough. The writing at times was simple and choppy with uninspiring dialogue.

No chemistry between the MCs

Audio didn’t help either, not a fan
Profile Image for B.M. Hawk.
420 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2020
I was so glad that this Novella by Becca Steele helped to explain the “ cute as couple” Avery & Ethan that we met in Becca’s first book The Truce.
Even though not an integral part of The Truce, they helped to set up the background in that story
Fast forward and we are introduced to the couple and how they met.
Ethan and his stuffiness and workaholic personality, doesn’t know what hits him when he thinks by asking Avery to help him out on his “ non girlfriend status” for his upcoming younger sisters wedding, and how it wakes him up to what is going on in the world outside of his “ work bubble”
This Novella Story has you furiously turning the pages as we are thrown into this whirlwind romance that both Avery & Ethan were least expecting
Especially Ethan.
Avery with her quiet carefree way falls for Ethan quite quickly after seeing the other side of her workaholic Boss who has created the company that she works at.

Where as Ethan deny’s to himself the feelings he discovers for Avery as his company has been his life and he struggles to find balance between his non existent live life , drinks and footy with his few rugby mates and his company.
Something has to give and finally this quiet achieving man with underlying sexiness realises he can have the girl that’s been under his nose quietly bringing him coffee in the morning and the company he created
I love how we see a different Luke and Olivia from Ethan and Avery’s perspective and the friendship that is already formed in The Truce.
I loved this Novella and how it tied in with The Truce even though it is set before and we are reading after.
Becca you have done it again “ Hot Men in Suits “ a combustible combination of hotness.
Profile Image for Stefanie Jenkins.
Author 16 books404 followers
November 4, 2019
A sweet and sexy story about Ethan Barrett... and yours truly. Oops I mean Avery Jenkins. *but hey check out the dedication, Ethan is mine 😉 just saying.

A man fully dedicated to his job, Ethan finds himself in a bind for a last minute date. In walks Avery, literally, with coffee when the idea hits. One weekend, just friends, a fake relationship... what could possibly go wrong?

Becca Steele brings you so much passion in this short novella that you will be begging her for more. I know I do.

Your heart will break, your panties will be ruined and you will fall in love while reading the Deal!

🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Chrystal M Delgado .
445 reviews12 followers
October 10, 2019
The Deal was another great story! This one follows Ethan and Avery. You get to meet and know them in The Truce, but are left wondering how they came to be. Don't fret dear reader, as you will get all of your answers in this short novella that will be sure to have you laughing one minute and fanning yourself in the next. I love that they are polar opposites and Avery just came in and turned Ethan's world upside down. I definitely recommend this novella as it made me love the characters even more. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!!
Profile Image for Alley Ciz.
Author 98 books2,388 followers
October 17, 2019
I love a good fake relationship trope and Becca delivers the goods with The Deal.

The push and pull between Ethan and Avery had me flipping the pages until I got the end. After meeting these two in The Truce I loved getting to see how workaholic Ethan falls.
764 reviews8 followers
October 17, 2019
I loved this story, it was a quick read but nothing was lacking because of that. I loved the characters and how opposite they were, but their chemistry was outstanding!
Profile Image for Jennifer Alexander.
1,316 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2019
Enjoyable

Opposites attract and these 2 were so different it was comical to read. But it made their connection that much more intense.
Profile Image for Linda Brackett.
76 reviews6 followers
August 26, 2022
What do you do when your mother won't stop trying to set you back up with your ex from high school? Well obviously you recruit your accountant to pretend to be your girlfriend for your sisters wedding!

I love books with fake relationships because you just know they're going to developed feeling for each other and the journey they'll take to get there is oh so delightfully perfection!

This book might be short but Avery and Ethan's journey in becoming an item and compromising to make their relationship the best it can be is fantastic! To know when you deserve more from your partner and your partner being willing to make sacrafices they wouldn't otherwise considered, it was so sweet to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jeeves Reads Romance.
1,683 reviews802 followers
October 11, 2019
As a novella, The Deal is a complete story told at lightning speed. I loved The Truce, the first full-length book in this series, and we’re introduced to Ethan and Avery there so I was intrigued to read their story. This certainly doesn’t disappoint, though it also doesn’t hold a candle to The Truce. Filled with drama and steam, The Deal is much more about how two coworkers can make the transition to lovers than it is about them actually falling in love. The writing is great, the characters are likeable, the steam is incredibly sexy, and while the story does move quickly, it also feels complete.

The Deal follows Ethan, a workaholic whose main focus in life is building his business. With his sister’s wedding coming up, his mother is meddling with his love life so he decides to take a fake date to act as a buffer. He thinks Avery is the perfect person to take because they have a great working relationship and he knows they won’t need to worry about getting attached. But seeing each other outside of work makes these two total opposites realize there might be something more there, and Ethan isn’t sure how to handle that.

Anyone who liked The Truce will love seeing how Ethan and Avery fell for each other, but this can easily be read as a standalone. Chronologically, this story comes first but I consider it more of a bonus to the series so they can be read in either order (and I loved seeing a few of the characters we came to know in The Truce). Steele’s writing style is so easy to read and get lost in that I can’t wait to see what she writes next. There are plenty of stories to be told in this series and I’m hoping we’ll get many more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ash Lovesbooks.
175 reviews5 followers
October 15, 2019
I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book "The Deal" is a prequel novella to "The Truce" in the London Suits series by Becca Steele. The author is British and states in the ARC NOTE before the storyline starts that British spellings, phrases and British English is used throughout. I found this to be helpful as an American reader.

The book is a wonderfully done mixture of several different romance tropes such as: boss & employee/fake relationship/forbidden romance and opposites attracting. Becca Steele writes with beautifully detailed descriptions so that the reader feels like they are in the story and able to truly understand what the characters are thinking and feeling. I enjoyed this book and I usually have a hard time relating with books written about English characters and settings.

Avery Jenkins is a character that is an interesting mix of sweet, professional sassy, and playful. She is vivacious and full of personality which makes her a joy to read about. Her personality is so full of life that she brings out the long dormant fun side of Ethan Barrett.

Ethan Barrett is a workaholic. He's created a flourishing business from the ground up and is entirely devoted to it, at the cost of having a personal life outside of work. It was interesting to see the changes in him and watch as he tries to overcome the obstacles he created in their blooming relationship.

I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Becca Steele is definitely in my must read authors pile now.
259 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2019
I absolutely loved this book this is another great one from Becca Steele. I was honoured to read this as part of her ARC team and this is my honest review.

It starts when Ethan needs a fake date for his sister's wedding.Ethan works too much and is very straight laced and likes everything black and white and tidy

"Ethan built his company from ground up and doesn't have time for proper relationships with women. He never allows himself to get close to anyone"

It isn't until Avery is standing there wearing a red dress that Ethan finally sees Avery as a completely different woman.

All the way through this book you are led to believe that her character is shy but in-fact she is the opposite not only does she instigate several of the kisses but she has a fair amount of sass too for instance when she kisses him at the Reception Drinks and leaves her red lipstick on his cheek branding him as hers.

Can both Avery and Ethan get what they BOTH want out of this deal?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Deborah Kimberley.
122 reviews5 followers
September 28, 2019
Well in Becca’s first book The Truce, we get to know a little about Ethan and Avery, just enough to get you to wondering what their story was. I was intrigued by Ethan, but wham, Becca got me thinking I was reading about a different character, giving him depths I certainly wasn’t expecting, and an attitude, that if I was Avery, would have had me grabbing painfully at certain times lol, or decking him one. Not the plain sailing I was expecting from Ms Steel. I read it in one sitting as soon as I got it, so for me that speaks volumes.
Do yourselves a favour, grab a blanket and your favourite tipple, curl up in your favourite seat, switch on the lamp and let your other half take over whilst you sink into this book. 🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for Amanda Carol.
Author 18 books242 followers
November 5, 2019
Well holy hotness Batman!

Watch out Luke, Ethan is giving you a run for your money!

This novella is everything and more! I fell in love with Ethan and Avery in The Truce. They are couple goals! I was so thrilled to be able to read about how they came together! It was electric! Their romance sizzles, and they compliment each other in such a way that she brings out his wild side, but he keeps her safe. And that, in my opinion, is what makes this couple one of my top favorites.

I can’t wait to see what else Becca has in store for us! Alex? Victoria? Just know, that I’m ready for all your words! 🖤
7,154 reviews33 followers
October 13, 2019
A hot, steamy funny read. It will keep you reading to see what happens next between Ethan and Olivia. The story was well written, the characters are great with amazing chemistry. You will enjoy this read. Look forward to reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alannah.
356 reviews15 followers
October 17, 2019
Ethan and Averys love story was amazing I loved how it started off as need of help and fake girl friend to falling in love hard and fast. The chemistry they had from the start was HOT!!! I loved this book. Definitely helped me know there story a lot better from reading them in the truce book. Becca has a way with writing and is a great author can't wait to read more of her books.
Profile Image for Carmen Richter.
Author 30 books287 followers
October 15, 2019
This was a quick, fun read. It's a great office romance, and its sexy and steamy, with some lighter moments too. I loved Ethan and Avery in The Truce, so I loved getting to see their beginnings as a couple in this book.
Profile Image for Bookgyrl.
1,345 reviews23 followers
October 19, 2019
This is a prequel and rather short.

Ethan asks Avery, his employee, to accompany him to his sister's wedding to avoid his mother's matchmaking schemes. During the weekend away, their chemistry explodes.

I liked it. But it was a fast taster.
Profile Image for No.
1,108 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2020
I read Luke's book first, then this.
This was about as interesting as watching paint dry. It seems that the author forced herself to write this because the writing was heartless and unemotional. Definitely could tell that it was cold writing.

oh well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews

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