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Cocky Hero Club

Cocky Professor

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I was supposed to be starting a new life.

But, fate had something else in mind. 

I was in my senior year of college and had just started a new job at Morgan Financial Holdings and I was bound and determined to get my foot in the door of the business world. I refused to ask my Uncle Hollis for more help. He had given up his life to take care of me, no way was I going to ask him for anything else. 

However, my new professor, Declan Berkshire,  just happened to be a huge cocky jerk. As the heir to a real estate franchise, he was both rich and a celebrity-- and truth be told, the hottest guy I had ever met. 

He also happened to be a client at Morgan Financial Holdings. Just my luck, right?

While I tried to keep a safe distance from Declan, he was finding every way possible to get my attention. 

We both knew it was wrong to fall into a relationship. He is my professor and I had way too much to lose if anyone were to find out, but we just couldn’t help ourselves. 

Then, we became front-page news.

Fearing I may have to drop my last class before earning my degree, I tried to end my relationship with Declan. Refusing to give me up, Declan fought for us when I didn’t think it was possible. 

With so much on the line, Declan made one of the most difficult decisions and one that led us to our own magical romance. But, it hasn’t been easy and someone is out to stop us from getting our happily ever after. 

93 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2020

16 people are currently reading
167 people want to read

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M.A. Lee

30 books49 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for ... Lost  Bookland... .
434 reviews48 followers
November 19, 2020


If you have read and enjoyed ‘Park Avenue Player’ by the duo of amazing authors Vi Keeland and Penelope ward, then you might want to check ‘Cocky Professor’ by M.A Lee, since it’s linked to Hollis and Elodie’s story.
This is the story of Hailey, the teenage niece, now all grown-up and ready to spread her wings. No willing to use her uncle’s connections or wealth, she’s all set to succeed by herself. Struggling for a bright future, she heads to get a job that will be her first step toward full filling her dreams, working while still in college is her only option. Declan Berkshire, the rich, cocky, arrogant heir is the last thing she needs in her life. One quick tryst to satisfy her curiosity…just one that leads to many other things that are forbidden, yet so deliciously irresistible. Who can deny that attraction and emotions that spark between them?
I have to be completely honest and admit that I have no clue how to write this review. I always try to focus on the positive things, things that I liked, but here my selection is really limited.
Whenever I am experimenting with a new author, I tend to keep my expectation low, but here my low looks like pretty high. The idea is generally quite appealing and interesting, but the realization somehow faded in the process. The beginning was generally nice and OK, but as you progress, everything becomes too messy and terribly rushed. It really seemed unrealistic and hard to follow. A whole range of actions thrown one on top of the other, with no solid connection between them. And I would most definitely like to see a better character development. The main characters themselves are somehow inappropriately developed, I simply failed as a reader to either understand them or relate to them. For example, the emotional connection between them is too hasty, simply from a short fuck they get into a serious relationship, without any background or decently portrayed emotional segment. Whenever I have a cocky, arrogant player and a fierce, sassy girl, I really expect fireworks and sizzling chemistry, and in this book I would love to see a lot more than it was given.
Since I read an ARC, I will not dwell on grammatical accuracy, but definitely I would like to point out that there were several plot holes and inconsistencies that simply cannot be ignored, such as his status on campus, her field of studying, his place of residence or the number of her friends.
I have to state that this book simply wasn’t my cup of tea, maybe it was because it was an unedited copy, and after some polishing and editing it might be an interesting read.



Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,892 reviews213 followers
November 15, 2020


US / UK / CA / AU / AUDIO

Hailey wants to make her way in the world without financial help. Her Uncle Hollis and Aunt Elodie (from Vi and Penelope's Park Avenue Player) wanted to gift her a luxurious penthouse and fund her way through college, but she decided to do things her own way. So when she meets a client and thinks he's gorgeous, she's having a hard time keeping away from him. Then he ends up being her professor and that's where things get really complicated because Declan's made it clear he wants her. Now she has to decide if it's worth it to give in, or should she keep her distance because she stands to lose everything if they're found out?



I usually love me a good forbidden professor story, but I have to admit that Cocky Professor just did not work for me. The dialogue was choppy and stilted, and the spark between the two was dim at best. I just couldn't get behind them as a couple, didn't particularly care for either of them, and the writing was not quite up to par with the rest of the stories I've read in the Cocky Hero Club so far, and definitely not up to the standards of Vi and Penelope, whose works are being celebrated by this series.

ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Donna Miller.
398 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2021
Quick read

This was a nice quick read.
At first Hailey and Declan hated each other but then the sexual chemistry just got to much for them and they gave into it. I wanted to hit Health from the first time he was mentioned.
Profile Image for Raqueni.
330 reviews5 followers
May 2, 2022
Enjoyable but won’t think twice about it
Profile Image for Becky Rendon.
3,860 reviews81 followers
November 11, 2020
What can I say about Cocky Professor? It has potential in it's inception but the plot seems to have diluted the further into the story we read. The author seems to have the goal of multiple tropes and yet none of them seem to flush out. The blurb gives a sense of student teacher and yet he only becomes her teacher well after the 50% mark (with 90% and on being a peek at another of the autbors books). The idea of a workplace romance never actually comes to fruition.

You are saying, okay Becky, but what about the characters!?! Can we overlook all that? And my short answer is no. The characters aren't developed. With little background and even less conversation, there are no roots for these two characters. No reason to need to see them flourish or fail.

In short, I felt like reading the blurb I was getting a death by chocolate souffle. When what they brought to the table, was a mess of raw eggs, vanilla, and coffee grinds. No chocolate, no recipe, and no cooking. And thankfully not even a fork to eat it.

____

Normally when reading an ARC, I don't comment on the errors. I try to keep in mind that they should be picked up in editing. However, I am not talking about grammar, wrong word, or typos, I mean the main character is listed as an English major and then half way through the book she's actually a business major (which makes more sense). While that's not a deal breaker for most, it's one of quite a few errors/issues. A meeting with her 2 friends at her dorm becomes a convoluted mess with 3 friends. One corners her in the dorm (which in the very beginning of the story is actually an off campus apartment) but then it's the other friend holding while the original friend comes into the scene...again. There was no 3rd friend. I could go on but it's clear that this book needs a read through just for continuity. The male lead is listed as this burgeoning business man playboy who has inherited his wealth but runs his business and is also the professor- okay. But then he is also mentioned as living on campus as a student...while earlier he was rocking a penthouse apartment...


Sufficient to say, I think this book would do better with some serious beta reading, an editor, and a proofreader.
Profile Image for Emily Moore | Emily The Book Nerd.
221 reviews85 followers
November 15, 2020
REVIEW FOUND ON MY BLOG
https://www.emilythebooknerd.com/2020...

Cocky professor had everything set up to be a novel that I was going to love. From the minute the main heroine Hailey accidentally runs into Declan spilling coffee all over him a steamy romance ensues only for Hailey to find out Declan is her new professor.

While the steamy moments were great the plot fell flat at times. I felt like the author was trying too hard and trying to use too many tropes at a time when she should have been focusing on one. Is this an office romance or a student-teacher romance? At times, things felt rushed. The ending came abruptly.

While I did enjoy the characters the main character Hailey annoyed me at times. While I was reading the ARC for this book there were sooooo many errors that at times it was hard to figure out what was going on. I know this will probably be fixed closer to publication but still..... With some work, this could be an amazing story. I can't help but edit when I read. I am a grammar junkie.

All in all, this was a pretty average read for me. I read it fast and enjoyed the banter between the two characters. I wish I would have rooted for the main characters a little more because honestly at times I did not care if they would end up together.
Profile Image for Angelina.
742 reviews
November 15, 2020
Cocky Professor was an okay read, but I did struggle to finish it due to the number of errors and inconsistencies. I liked Hailey's determination to succeed on her own, especially when it would've been easier to rely on her uncle after her difficult childhood. Whilst Declan didn't come across as spoilt, I definitely think he was over confident and needed Hailey to help bring him down a peg or two lol. I would've liked the story to be longer so we could see the relationship develop between the couple because it all felt rushed.

*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book
9 reviews
November 19, 2020
Not well edited

Not well edited and very painful to read. This is my first time reading this author and might be my last time.
Profile Image for Nicole.
376 reviews8 followers
April 21, 2025
This book started out great with an FMC wanting to prove her worth on her own instead of depending on her uncle's money. I liked how strong and level-headed she was (was being the key word there). I liked that we had a little enemies-to-lovers banter, and it was gearing up. At a party, the FMC and MMC have a spicy moment, and then from then on its it down hill for me.

SPOILERS BELOW:
Normally, I try to avoid giving spoilers and will try my best, but there are a few things that I need to comment on for review that may give away some things.
The two main characters decide to pursue a relationship, and the FMC asks that it be kept a secret due to the repercussions for her if it is found out.

Later, the FMC is going to a college party and invites the MMC, who declines because he is a teacher (makes sense - not appropriate), and the eFMC pouts and runs away, almost crying. Like what just happened?! While getting ready, the FMC comments on how she wants to look sexy cause if her man can't be there, she was still going to get attention (Red Flag). The MMC shows up to the party and spiciness happens (cause who would know - dumb).

Whe they are discovered the FMC gets upset and leaves a message to break things off with the MMC saying she no longer wants to be his dirty little secret. I'm confused cause wasn't it her idea to remain a secret.

All in all the title doesn't match cause, other than the first few meets the Cocky Professor was not cocky. I really liked him and would have told him to just walk away from the FMC, cause she really got confusing and annoying with the almost toxic behaviours she would have and continuously putting him through the ringer. Not to mention her two friends who tried to do an intervention when they really had no room to talk.

Was not among my faves for the Cocky Hero Club series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heather Miller.
1,503 reviews46 followers
February 8, 2021
Declan Berkshire, a billionaire who doesn't need to work, but, has been a professor at NYU for several years now. He also manages and grows his huge amount of money with Morgan Financial Holdings. 

Hailey, is the niece of Hollis, from ‘Park Avenue Player,’ who is a billionaire in his own rights. Hailey has said she wants to make her own way in the world, and not take his money. Hailey is a new receptionist for Morgan Financial Holdings. She runs right into Declan a few times and thinks he is the most pompous businessman she's ever met. 

Declan and Hailey begin 'seeing' each other a few times, then daily.  Hailey doesn't want anyone to know they are 'dating'. She doesn't want to get kicked out of NYU, and she doesn't want Declan to lose his teaching position. 

Declan falls head over heals for Hailey, but, understands at the same time why she wants to keep everything hush hush. 

Will Declan and Hailey be able to keep their romance a secret? Will Hailey be able to finish her degree while being in bed with her professor? 

I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review. 
11.7k reviews49 followers
November 11, 2021
Did not work for me

Cocky Professor by M.A. Lee is part of the multi-author A Hero Club series. This is a novella but it took me a few times of picking it up and putting it down to get through the story, as it just did not grab me that way I was expecting from reading other books by this author. I had been expecting a smokin' hot forbidden teacher/student trope romance from the book description but the story-line did not come together and deliver on that. The characters are both likeable but there was no real heat between them that I could discern, or at least it was on simmer.
Overall Cocky Professor was just not cocky enough and instead was disappointing to me. This is only my opinion and I know other readers will love this book. But if you have not read a book by M.A. Lee before then I would suggest you pick another book to try first and if you are already a fan of the author then pick the book up and make up your own mind.
Profile Image for Linda ( Clary_Starfall ).
754 reviews5 followers
September 19, 2021
Genre adult romance

Notes 📝

Hailey & Declan,

Professor, surprise, bantering, funny, witty, chemistry, secrets, work, relationship.

It’s written in a fast paced way and I really enjoyed reading it

A 5 star 🌟 read.
Profile Image for Vinessa.
1,951 reviews23 followers
January 14, 2021
Dramatic romantic events.
Family interferences
Work place Sjangaans
Hot passion
Wrong decisions
Young and naive with a naughty temptress under it all
New Love interests
Temptation

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.2k reviews19 followers
January 10, 2021
I couldn't get enough of this book. Declan & Hailey were great characters. It was an intriguing read. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Mindy Lopez.
2,315 reviews14 followers
January 4, 2021
This is an off limits romance between Hailey and her professor, Declan. These likeable characters, along with their sizzling chemistry, and the storyline showed potential for an interesting read. It is a love story with enough drama, steam, frustrating moments, sweetness, and some twists, with engaging secondary characters and a happy ending. However, the noticeable errors and inconsistencies made this just a decent read for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
December 21, 2020
Hailey was in her senior year of college. She wanted to be self-sufficient and not have to ask her generous Uncle Hollis for any further help if she could manage it herself. She got a job at Morgan Financial Holdings where it turned out Declan Berkshire, an entitled arrogant type of guy, was a customer. When he bumps into Hailey and she gives him sass, he is unable to forget her, which is made especially difficult when it turns out that he is also her professor in her marketing class at college! But will his interest in her destroy both of their futures when he won’t back off? Will she be able to at least finish her degree before the pressure becomes too much?

Merged review:

Hailey was in her senior year of college. She wanted to be self-sufficient and not have to ask her generous Uncle Hollis for any further help if she could manage it herself. She got a job at Morgan Financial Holdings where it turned out Declan Berkshire, an entitled arrogant type of guy, was a customer. When he bumps into Hailey and she gives him sass, he is unable to forget her, which is made especially difficult when it turns out that he is also her professor in her marketing class at college! But will his interest in her destroy both of their futures when he won’t back off? Will she be able to at least finish her degree before the pressure becomes too much?
4,568 reviews19 followers
December 28, 2020
This was my first read from this author. The story is inspired by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward's world, which I haven't read. I absolutely loved the first person point of view of the story, which is always a deal breaker for me.
I really liked Hailey. She was dealing with a lot of stuff.I liked the story and I will read more from this author in the future. 4.5s tars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.8k reviews125 followers
December 26, 2020
I've read several books written by M.A. Lee; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
3,212 reviews26 followers
December 25, 2020
Cocky Professor by M.A. Lee grabbed me at the first page and would not let go. Hailey and Declan were simply amazing together and the chemistry was off the charts hot. Hailey is determined to make it without the help of her uncle and aunt. Declan is used to getting what he wants and when he runs into Hailey he cannot get her off his mind. He wants her and the fact that she is also his student at the college doesn't deter him from being determined to prove to her that she is one for him!
1,085 reviews8 followers
December 26, 2020
Hailey and Declan met and left their mark on each other in more ways then one, there is a chemistry between two strangers that shoves it's way into their lives it's not what they wanted or expected which makes it all the more tantalising.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,553 reviews52 followers
December 22, 2020
This was a fun story. I love how spunky and outspoken Hailey is. I totally adored her first couple of meetings with Declan as I couldn’t stop laughing. Declan was surprisingly sweet and I though that he and Hailey were such a great match. They had explosive chemistry together and they really do adore each other. This novel was steamy hot, entertaining and so enjoyable to read.

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
Profile Image for Karina.
2,331 reviews13 followers
December 12, 2020
A noteworthy addition to the cocky Hero Club. I liked that we get to see what has become of Hailey the niece of Hollis from Park Avenue Player. She is now grown up and looking to make it on her own and make her Uncle and Elodie proud of her. She meets Declan who turns out not only to be a client where she is interning but also her professor at NYU. The two don't seem to hit it off at first. Yet, neither can seem to get the other out of their thoughts. This was an entertaining and fun read. I enjoyed this coupe's journey to an HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Merged review:

A noteworthy addition to the cocky Hero Club. I liked that we get to see what has become of Hailey the niece of Hollis from Park Avenue Player. She is now grown up and looking to make it on her own and make her Uncle and Elodie proud of her. She meets Declan who turns out not only to be a client where she is interning but also her professor at NYU. The two don't seem to hit it off at first. Yet, neither can seem to get the other out of their thoughts. This was an entertaining and fun read. I enjoyed this coupe's journey to an HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Melissa Orton.
424 reviews4 followers
December 18, 2020
This was a quick read in the Cocky Hero Club World. The story had potential and I liked where it was going. The characters were interesting and the story was intriguing. It did feel a bit rushed towards the end and wrapped up a little to quickly. Others have noted some errors which is to be expected in an ARC version but it didn't bother me. I think overall this story is worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7,813 reviews65 followers
December 20, 2020
I had a great time getting to know the well developed and engaging characters throughout the pages. The flow of the storyline flowed easily throughout the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,098 reviews31 followers
December 16, 2020
This is a short read and I enjoyed it. This was my first book from this author, but I felt it was a little rushed and also feel like I’ve read this story line before. Hailey and Declan were sweet together, good banter, the story of a sass mouth girl standing up to the brute and changing his life. I found this book in BookSprout.
391 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2020
Sweet love can happen at anytime. When its true things become clear and lovers are willing to do anything for their mate, their true love, their one and only.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
Author 63 books623 followers
December 11, 2020
Good book, interesting characters and fit well into the Cocky world.
Profile Image for Ann Mihailovic.
701 reviews7 followers
November 13, 2020
Cocky Professor by M.A Lee is part of the Cocky Hero Club series and is the first book I've read by this author. If you are a fan of Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland, then you will know that this story has links to their book Park Avenue Player. In Cocky Professor, Hailey is grown up and about to attend college. She doesn't want her rich uncle's money to pay for housing as she would rather start paying her own way. In order to do that, she starts an internship at Graham Financial where she bumps into the arrogant Professor Declan Berkshire who happens to be wearing a four thousand dollar suit that she accidentally spilt coffee on. Words are exchanged and while she can't get his crystal blue eyes off her mind, he can't stop thinking about the sassy receptionist who challenged him.
While I enjoyed hearing about Hailey all grown up and bits and pieces of Hollis and Elodie from Park Avenue Player, I felt as though this book was rushed. It was very fast paced but I think there could have been a little room for the expansion of this story, going into more detail about Hailey and Declan. In saying that, if M.A Lee does release further work, I will likely read it.

I received an arc of this book by M.A Lee's PR team and am leaving a voluntary review.
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