When the barista next door teams up with a slick ad executive in this sexy standalone novel from USA Today bestselling author Jamie K. Schmidt, they both get a taste of unexpected love.
Terri Cooke gave up her fast track job as a marketing assistant to care for her twin brother, Michael, who is rapidly declining from a neurological disorder. Working as a barista to try to pay some bills, the last thing she needs is to have some jerk snap his fingers at her for his morning coffee: large iced decaf, soymilk & sugar with extra whip.
Really bro?
Mick Wentworth doesn't have time to be nice. He put his own father in jail for embezzlement, his secretary is pregnant and everyone thinks he knocked her up, and now he's trying to save the ad agency that his grandfather devoted his entire life to. The last thing he needs is an uppity waitress who wants to make small talk, even if she's got flashing dark eyes, a mouth made for sin, and a distracting rack.
Extra whip—and make it snappy, Sugar.
This book was originally published as STUD by Random House. It was a finalist in 2018 for a Romance Writer's of America Rita award in erotica. Extra Whip was been revamped and re-edited with a few new scenes added in.
USA Today Bestselling author, Jamie K. Schmidt is a hybrid author who has over thirty short stories published in small press and ezines, and a variety of novellas and books online. Her Club Inferno series from Random House has been in Amazon's top 100 ebooks sold and Barnes and Noble's top 10. She has a dragon paranormal romance series at Entangled Publishing. Book one of the Emerging Queens series is The Queen's Wings.
Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz in Secondary Education English, which is a fancy way of saying she went to college to teach high school English. When that didn't pan out, she worked as a call center manager, a Tupperware consultant, a paralegal, and finally a technical writer for a major conglomerate company. She is an active member in the Romance Writers of America (RWA). When not writing, Jamie relaxes with a mug of hot tea and knits or makes beaded jewelry. You can reach her at Twitter: @jamiekswriter or at her website www.jkschmidt.com
We did this dance every time I worked a day shift for the past five months. We’d glare at each other until our eyes started roaming all over each other’s bodies and then we’d eye fuck each other until he turned to leave. It was the best sex I’ve had all year. Granted, I don’t get out much.
The best part of barista Terri Cooke's day is the two minutes it takes Mick Wentworth to collect his coffee and be on his way. By the way Mick checks out her tatas in her tight work shirt, it may just be a bright spot in his day, too.
Forced to give up her job in marketing to take care of her brother, working in a coffee shop leaves Terri plenty of time to pick up odd jobs and search for a flex-time job in her field. A coincidental job interview with Mick may not lead to a job offer but that doesn't mean things aren't looking up.
I’m not going to hang around waiting for you to text or call or any of that bullshit. I don’t have enough energy to concentrate on that. As of right now, you’re a step above my vibrator. Are you all right with that?”
I went into Stud knowing very little about the story but I figured with that title, surly goodness waited within. I'm happy to say I thoroughly enjoyed Terri and Mick. Yes, there was wicked good heat, but the just right level of snark is what kept me going. Ms. Schmidt knew just when to put the witty banter aside and focus on the story. The extra family dynamics added the depth I was looking for and lessened the whiney factor of both characters 'cause, yeah, they both had reasons for angst.
Stud ended up being more than I expected and a perfect way to spend a lazy Saturday.
Mick is a prick. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I loved him anyway. He was an asshole and it just worked for this book.
Terri was awesome! I loved her character. She didn't bow down to Mick and she sasses him when he deserved it. I think that's why I ended up liking him. She didn't cater to him and I viewed him differently because of it.
I liked that the storyline grew in depth the deeper we got into the story. There are a lot of messed up characters, aka Mick's family, that made this book even more interesting.
There is no cheating or abuse between the MC's but Mick is with other women in front of Terri before they get together. I would not say this is a romantic read but it just worked. ARC provided by NetGalley.
'Stud' by Jamie K. Schmidt is the story of Terri Cooke and Mick Wentworth. Terri is having to take care of her brother who is struggling with a illness/disability. To help pay for his medical bills she has taken on working a few jobs one being a barista at a coffee house. There she meets Mick who doesn't say much and is sort of arrogant to her. They do this dance for a few months when she sees him again at a function she is a waitress at. They start talking an agree to have a 'one night fling' but it turns into another night fling. Then she ends up working for him which he feels they shouldn't have a sexual relationship while she is working for him. But how long can that last when they are so attracted to one another? "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
If you are looking for a HOT and fun story, you have to check this one out!
One smart mouth lady who does not put up with BS vs one hot as sin guy with a dry wit. When these two come together you get a humorous, sexy read.
I loved this book! I loved the steamy anticipation and hot as hell build up. I loved the cranky guy with the smart ass attitude. I loved the chick that would give it right back to him.
Loads of heat, passion, and a great story made this a wonderful, memorable read. Definitely one I would read again! Now I have a new author to follow too!
Stud was an interesting story that had me really wanting more from Jamie K. Schmidt.
A barista that is really a marketing guru … a marketing exec that needs all the help he can get with his latest client … a family that is as dysfunctional as it gets. I loved every component of this story and I really do not want to summarize it for you. It’s a must read for anyone who enjoys nerdom, a love-hate relationship and hot sex.
Terri is working three jobs helping support her sick brother. Mick has the father from hell, a human resources nightmare mother and a playboy brother. Terri also has the knowledge that Mick needs to keep his client happy. Now, Mick needs to learn everything that he can about playing video games and the gamers that he has to impress while keeping his hands to himself. Think “Mad Men” meet “The Big Bang Theory” and you’ll have the gist of it.
Sexy and funny, twists and turns. A story about two people who should have everything going for them but have to deal with what life throws their way. A woman who knows her stuff but knows that she has an obligation that must be fulfilled and will do whatever it takes to make it happen. A man who has to deal with keeping the family business from going under and fight his mother, father and brother along with the lust that he feels whenever he is around his little barista. Yes, the makings for some fun and interesting times.
I seriously enjoyed this story. I loved how Terri and Mick met. I loved the scene in the nightclub. I loved the inner workings of Mick’s family. I loved how devoted Terri was to her brother. But, most of all, I loved how the story ended. Jamie K. Schmidt took some serious subjects and wrote a story that warmed my heart, made me smile and proved that being a nerd could be a good thing.
Lets start with the book title definitely suits the hero. The readers first introduction to the finger snapping Mick Wentworth caused a double take. The sheer initial rudeness of the character was a bit shocking but later Mr. Wentworth's character is devilishly delicious. Wentworth is super cocky and larger than life. The up side his character is easily tamed by his heroine (Terri) whose presence adds balance to the hero. Now, Terri's character is smart and funny with the right amount a bad luck going on in her life. The heroine trials gives her character strength and helps to propel the story forward. The gamer in me likes the fact that the author added an element of on-line gaming in the story. Stud is just a drool worth and steamy read.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Terri's life is different than she expected it to be and nothing highlights that more than the rich jerk who comes in for his froufrou drink every morning. She knows his name is Mick, that her boss would do anything for him, and that he won't utter a single word to her. When a chance encounter and a one-night stand bring them together, neither expect her to be working for him next. With a no-relationship rule between them, Terri makes a name for herself in his marketing firm, finally able to provide more stability for her ill brother. Neither Mick nor Terri could have expected that working together, and a role playing video game, would make their chemistry so hard to ignore.
"'You deserve better,' he called up the stairs to me. 'We all deserve better,' I said, hoping I kept the bitterness out of my voice."
Stud, by Jamie K. Schmidt, surprised me. I was expecting the cliches, the rich man storyline, and sure it has one, but it also features Schmidt's special brand of storytelling. Terri is a snarky female, she makes you laugh and brings out a side of Mick that one would never expect from the suit-wearing, arrogant man. They're the kind of characters readers will actually enjoy reading about, their dialogue is engaging and their chemistry feels natural. I really enjoyed that each character carried on with their separate lives, only combining together when the relationship demanded it. Terri and her brother, though I wish we had more interactions, make for a really interesting sibling storyline. They care for one another, but also have to rely on one another, as they are the only family they have, their bond even stronger due to her brother's illness. Mick's family is a train wreck, on the verge of a very public crash, and it plays out through out the entire novel. Despite the family issues, the work issues, and the video gaming, Mick and Terri find so much more than just a one night stand.
"'I'd say we both got what we wanted. But that's all in the past.' 'It was two weeks ago,' he said, his voice brining with outrage."
Though the book is sexual from the start, I mean come on it all started with a one night stand, the relationship between Mick and Terri was originally more about work and their individual family issues. Additionally, Mick is a mix of both a very-alpha, Dominant man and a kind, thoughtful nice guy. It was sort of confusing. Terri is snarky, holds her own, and a big nerd, and though their connection seemed natural by the end it feels based purely on their sexual relationship. The storyline of Stud is interesting, it boasts all the intrigue and drama that get you attached, but it fizzled out at the end. I felt there were a few questions left unanswered, some string of events unfinished, and the meat of the story felt replaced by the very erotic relationship between Mick and Terri.
"'Just my spare time?' I quipped. He kissed my forehead and I still shivered. 'Don't tempt me.'"
Stud is an entertaining read from new-to-me Jamie K. Schmidt. It stands out among the many cliche rich-man, poor-woman new releases. If you're looking for a read that is all drama and romance, this is for you.
My Disclaimer: The author's rep offered me the opportunity to read and review the book and NetGalley provided me with an eARC. This is my honest review for which I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own. ~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review: I've read and reviewed Ms. Schmidt before and I must say, she does have a way with romance and love scenes. She seems to like the bad boys. Previously, I read her biker boys. This time it's a rich guy who seems to be a little bit of a bad boy down inside. Mick seems to have a sense of humor and a mischievous side to him when he gets going with Terri. Both characters are pretty well written. I did have some trouble understanding Terri's actions around the office sometimes, though. And the family temper tantrum that was playing out in the office was a total nightmare. I've never seen anything like that in an office situation.
The relationship between Terri and her brother was well done. She stood by him and took care of him. She made what sacrifices she felt she needed to so that she was able to be there for him through his illness. He was her only family and he was important in her life. She made work and relationships work around him. I respected her for that.
Mick was trying to keep the family business going because his grandfather had been important to him in his life and the business had been important to his grandfather. He ruthlessly sacrificed everyone else in his family to keep the business going well. But his family were just using the business. None of them were really trying to do any good for the business. They just wanted money and prestige.
These two characters come together and seem to go into their own space and time with just a look. And it happens every time. When they finally touched, my tablet almost melted. But there is humor throughout it as well.
Who's got the condoms? Anyone have a condom? At least they both have a sense of humor and inventiveness!
Like your romance hot and steamy with a side of laughter? Take a peak in Stud. It's got it all. Jamie K. Schmidt writes a fabulous love scene! And have a cup of coffee with this just for the fun of it...
I wasn't thrilled with it. I just could not get into the characters. Neither one of them really appealed to me.
The storyline was ok. Kinda unbelievable. Insta-love for sure. The author tried to make Mick out to be this jerk and it just fell flat. Terri who hadn't had sex in a year and lived a pretty boring life before she met Mick turned into some sex kitten. Oh yeah and we had a round of cybersex. So much fun...not.
Maybe I am in a mood because my summer vacation is over in two days or that my b-day is coming up on Saturday and I am just disgruntled, that I am being critical ..but I don't think so
Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
3.5 stars. ARC received in exchange for an honest review. First read by this author and I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I can't really explain other than to say that I really got into the author's style of storytelling and was really entertained by this book. It was sexy, funny and sweet at times with the wicked banter I so love between my hero and heroine.
My first book by Jamie Schmidt and it was pretty awesome. I enjoyed this from beginning to end. It's also a bit of a gamer romance. So if you are into games this is definitely up your alley.
Large. Hot. With a pump of sexual tension.
When the barista next door teams up with a slick ad executive in this steamy standalone novel from USA Todaybestselling author Jamie K. Schmidt, they both get a taste of unexpected love.
Terri Cooke wishes she could give Mick Wentworth a piece of her mind. The infuriating stud muffin walks into her coffee shop every morning expecting his regular order at 8:57 on the dot, without ever acknowledging Terri’s presence—except for staring at her cleavage. And yet she can’t deny that Mick Wentworth has an animal magnetism that’s stronger and richer than any espresso . . . which explains why Terri says yes when he suddenly, inexplicably asks her out.
After the morning coffee run, Mick’s day is all downhill from there. His family’s marketing firm is dysfunctional in more ways than one, so to save the business, Mick desperately needs to impress their newest client. When he learns that Terri’s a fan of their trendy product, he tries to get inside her head. It doesn’t hurt that she’s the barista he’s been lusting after for the past five months. But as things heat up with Terri, Mick finds that a little steam is just the jolt he needs to turn his whole life around.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
NetGalley provided a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Stud by Jamie K. Schimdt is a standalone Contemporary Romance. This novel is fun and flirtatious. Terri Cooke has temporarily given up her career in marketing to care for her sick brother. Working as a barista is one of her jobs. She is confident, loyal and a young woman comfortable in her own skin. At 8:57 a.m. daily Mick Wentworth picks up his coffee order without fail. The successful ad executive is cautious and controlled. The chemistry between Terri and Mick is undeniable. The story is told via alternating points of view. Their honesty, insight and humour add to this entertaining read. The unexpected obstacles along the way certainly impede their relationship. The twists and turns make Stud a page-turner. This read is character driven and does not disappoint.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Unfortunately, DNF @ 54%.
Again, my take on this is my own opinion. This may work for others.
It just wasn't working for me. The H is just way too crass for my liking. There's dirty talk but he took it to a much higher, disrespectful level. And the fact that the h actually got turned on by this speaks volumes.
There was also so much drama on the H's side and I wasn't willing to go down that road.
The h was very feisty, I'll give her that. She has a lot of responsibility on her plate but I really couldn't get past how she craved the way the H spoke to her.
There was also no connection whatsoever in my opinion. Nothing that gave me hope and want to go move past where I ended.
My fist book by this author, & I'm so glad I took the plunge.
The Cover: Although I like the cover of this book I don't think it represents the character Mick who was not a smoker and seemed younger and more clean cut.
Terri & Mick first meet when Terri works in a coffee shop and Mick is a regular.
Mick is the typical suit with no manners and Terri is the sort of person who is rubbed the wrong way by his actions especially when he clicks his fingers to get her attention.
What starts off as a hate relationship turns into pleasant fantasies, Mick thinks Terri's sassy attitude is hot while Terri just fancies the pants of him. The dancing around each other lasts for 6 months until The coffee shop does catering for Mick's company and they begin to spend time with each other instead of the quick awkward early morning greetings.
Stud, although Mick comes across as a playboy in the beginning, a rich and handsome guy who can get any woman he wants you discover as the plot progresses there's more depth to Mick, he's dedicated to his business, has family issues with his deceptive mother and father and a brother who can't keep it in his pants.
Terri, I liked Terri, a down to earth woman, unable to work the job she trained for in marketing she's working two jobs that suit her in hours so she can take her older sick brother to appointments, she works to pays bills and for her sick older brothers treatment.
A big marketing deal with a gaming company has Mick a little out of his depth until he discovers Terri is a gamer and knows her stuff.
This is one of these stories were good things happen to good people and bad ones get their just deserts.
Stud is hot in all the right places, has humor and is balanced out perfectly with the drama and other things that take place, so you never reach any dips in the plot and interest is piqued throughout.
I have some knowledge of the gaming world but for someone who doesn't some parts in the plot talking about characters, expansions packs and how the game works could lose a readers interest, that I found was the only negative.
Stud is an enjoyable hot read with great character's and told in dual pov.
Arc gratefully received from netgalley for review purposes
This is a book that needs some attention ... such a great read, for me, I read a ton of books, some books tend to seem very similar (or even familiar to others I have read in the past, they sort of get all jumbled up in my brain, but this read ...this read!!!) Oh my goodness, it will not be forgotten, ... from the moment you begin I was glued to this read, couldn't let it go, I really think some guys (not sure if girls are the same, 'cause I have never met one to be like this??! but guys love it when they get under your skin and they just keep pushing you to your limits and if you are having an okay day no biggie, but there are sometimes where you better watch out, you will see what Terri does, lol!! there are some moments, where I am like YOU GO GIRL!! Mick had it coming! ...hated to put it down but I knew I had to sleep at least a few hours ... 'cause every girl needs some rest. You can not survive on books and coffee alone. I have never read any books from Jamie K. Schmidt before, never even heard her name before, but I tell ya now ...I will be waiting to see what else she does have available and will write in the future?! ... such a fan now. Love these characters, love the constant friction between the 2, Mick & Terri. So many hilarious, but get under your fingernail kind of moments in the coffee shop. I just wanna know why there are so many men out there that have such a pricky side to them? I mean you occasionally meet a lady who has a bit of cocky-ness ... but the guys sure take it to a whole other level!! Mick is no exception to this rule. He takes it to a whole other level and beyond at times. But then the goober goes and buys his secretary (is that politically correct word? or is it Administrative Assistant, i guess that is the proper wording for it.) a coffee to calm her pregnant cravings down a bit and you think well darn it, okay maybe he is not such a prick after all? MAYBE? I sure hope this series takes off and Jamie will write more .. please? either way I will be reading more, can't wait! ( ;
I totally loved Stud by Jamie K Schmidt. I couldn't put this book down. Terri Cooke had to leave her dream job and all of her friends to help take care of her brother Billy who is suffer from ALS. To make ends meet she has to take a job as a barista at the Beanary along with a part-time job in a customer service call center. This is so that she can transport her brother to and from all of his appointments. Little does Terri know that her life is about to chance one morning while delivering muffins and coffee to Wentworth Agency.
Mick Wentworth is currently the CFO of Wentworth Agency and is currently trying to keep the company afloat after having his father arrested and his mother fired. In order to keep the company in business he has to make sure he does everything he can to get Lemmingware games the publicity they deserve during a new game launch. However, there is on little problem.... Mich doesn't know anything about gaming.
The chemistry between Terri and Mick is of the charts hot and steamy. This book as a little bit of something for all types of readers. If you're looking for suspense, romance, drama, secrets, drama and gaming then you will LOVE this book.
I didn't think I would like this book as much as I did. It was very different from other books I have read. For one the heroine Terri is a gamer. I mean like a full set up computer gamer and she is good. She works at a coffee shop where she constantly sees Mick. One day while serving coffee at his office she unintentionally finagles herself into a job. One that she previously applied for and was denied. This is not so good for Mick. The company has been going through some things and the last thing he needs it to be caught lusting after the newest employee.
I really loved the push and pull between Terri and Mick. They were determined to keep things professional but late nights gaming and coming up with business strategies turn in to cuddles and kisses. I loved how Terri and Mick both had personal issues. It made them seem so more realistic. Terri needed this job to help with her brothers medical bills. Micks family business is a mess. He has issues with his parents and his brother who cant keep it in his pants. He is trying desperately to keep his business afloat. The steam between these two was off the charts. I'm one of those people where too much sex has me skimming but Jamie K Schmidt wrote some scenes that had me reading them again and again.
Check my reviews. I rarely give out 5 stars. It was well deserved for this book and I would definitely recommend it.
This is a super hot and sexy story with a lot of humour and some double crossing/doubting characters. Just the right amount of intrigue to keep me turning the pages. Phew! I squirmed my way through this book! (I may have even read a bit out to my hubby...)
I love Terri's sassy personality and I fell for Mick after a shaky start, He was quite arrogant to start with. The other characters also brought the story to life; Mick's brother, Simon and his parents, they are all pretty sketchy characters! I just love the relationship between Terri and her brother Billy though, they are super sweet.
I'm not a big gamer but it was very easy to follow and a very, VERY, enjoyable to read. I smiled a lot, laughed out loud and even had a bit of a damp face a couple of times, not to mention the hotness factor that had me in a bit of a state..
This is my first book by Jamie K Schmidt, but I will be looking up more. I would definitely recommend that you buy this book, it WILL keep you warm.
This was my first read by Jamie Schmidt and I was absolutely wowed by her story telling. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!
Terri is a barista at a local coffee shop, who takes care of her brother that is struggling with his disability. She works tirelessly at a few different jobs just to make ends meet and give her brother the medical care he needs. Mick is a thorn in Terri’s side, who comes in daily to order his usual coffee and tends to snap his fingers at her if she isn’t quick enough. The sexual tension between Terri and Mick is undeniable, so when Mick asks her out they both agree on one night. However, Terri and Mick can’t stay away from each other and one night leads to many more.
The back and forth banter between the two characters had me laughing out loud, while the sexual encounters left me HOT! Excellent job Jamie Schmidt, I am looking forward to reading more of your books.
I received an advance reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is the first book I have read from Jamie. I been tempted in the past to pick up one her books. I couldn't give you a reason why. So I was offered this book and went with it. I wasn't disappointed. I kinda feel stupid from not getting the other books.
Terrie and Mick are the couple in this book, and it's a stand a lone. I found Terrie funny with her sassy mouth. She doing her best to help support her ill big brother. She not really struggling, but staying afloat with her life. Mick is a customer who comes in everyday to get a girly coffee, not for him, she thinks he is a prick. Doesn't stop from either one of them getting together.
I won't tell you what happens. I found their story quite interesting and not be able to put it down. Yes I think the ending could of gone into a little bit detail, but it wasn't bad.
I received this ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I liked this book but didn't love it, super easy read though. I loved all the nerdy references because I am too a nerd but it felt a little bit much to me. The steamy scenes were steammmmmmmmy for sure. Phew! The only other thing I feel like I need to say was the ending felt a little off to me. I was left with a few puzzling questions which made this book hard for me to rate. But not much else to say besides all that. 3.5 stars for sure and this is why Goodreads needs to add half star ratings!!! :P
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest and independent review. Mick is the perfect hero - gorgeous, sexy, rich and a bad boy with a dysfunctional family. Terri is sweet and loving and a real family person. From their initial meeting there is lots of sexual chemistry. This a steamy romance, predictable but an easy read. Perhaps a little bit too much computer gaming references for my liking. 3 ***
This is an in your face, unapologetic, disfunctional family and business, erotic romance with very vivid commentary and sex scenes. It also deals with chronic disease and the struggle it causes. It is also some form of romance not for the weak at heart and who like it dirty. This was not my cup of tea but it was a quick read and if you're a gamer a plus for you.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Stud by Jamie K. Schmidt was a really surprisingly good story with charming characters and a captivating story line. This was the first book I've read by this author but definitely will not be my last because it really was a cute but gritty erotica novel. Fast paced and good dialog. Thanks to Netgalley and Loveswept for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Mick is a very blunt man, “I like ***. You’re sexy. What’s the problem?” The promises Mick makes, "pulling back the curtain, she gave me a thorough once-over. “Keep looking at me like that and we’ll join the mile high club,” I told her." This book was okay, I didn't hate it, but wasn't in love with it. Mick could be quite stuck up at times and standoffish, and Terri was feisty and mouthy.
I am really on the fence with this one, I liked Terri the girl has sass, attitude and a lot of love for her brother but was not a fan of Mick as he was egotistical and expected everyone to do his bidding. Terri and Mick both have family issues one of love and one of hate and they definitely have a spark between them, but Mick doesn't want to give up control so it is up to Terri to make a move but at what cost to where things are going with Mick. The writing is really good along with most of the story I just felt I didn't fully connect with the characters but that's just me and I will continue to read books by the author. :)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While i had fun reading this and it had me howling from the banter the ending fell flat for me. There were some plot elements that needed to be explored more so I felt like the ending was rushed.
This is one of those cases where I read the blurb and expected more from a novel than it actually delivered, and although it wasn't a terrible read, I found myself waffling between liking and disliking this story and its characters, which is why I cannot give it more than a 3-star rating.
The heroine, Terri Cooke, is working as a barista at The Beanery, because her brother Billy's declining health needs made it impossible to work regular hours at her chosen profession, marketing, and still get him back and forth to his physical therapy and doctor appointments. She picks up extra part-time work whenever possible to keep a roof over their heads and pay his medical bills, having no medical insurance.
Every morning for months, like clockwork, the studly, finger-snapping, rude, Mick Wentworth stops in to get his regular coffee order without ever exchanging more than a glance at Terri's cleavage, until one night when she's waitressing at an event that shortly thereafter leads them into a one-night stand, then a two-night stand, etc.. When Terri learns that there's an opening for a marketing assistant at his company, she applies for the job, but her need for flexible hours causes Mick to turn down her application. Luckily, she's serving coffee at a meeting with one of Wentworth's hopefully new and big accounts with a company that designs and makes role-playing computer video games and is planning an expansion. Mick is clueless, but Terri and her brother are avid gamers, and she manages to impress the owners of that company and land that job after all, except, now that she's his employee, the sex is over, or is it?
That's not all there is to the story, although hot sex between these two takes up at least half the book. Aside from the sex, there's the incredibly dysfunctional Wentworth family--Simon, Mick's brother who wants to be CEO, as does Mick. When Mick discovers that their father embezzled millions from the company's coffees, he has him arrested. His mother is a bitch on wheels, and he fires her. Simon is married but can't seem to keep it in his pants, and has impregnated Mick's secretary, and the two brothers keep finding new ways to gain control of the company. If this all sounds a lot like a combination of the two old television series, Dallas and Dynasty, don't be surprised, because that's pretty much what it is.
While I liked Terri's ingenuity, brains, work ethic, love for her brother, honesty, sass, snarkiness and even her smart and dirty mouth, I kept wondering exactly why she was so attracted to Mick, who, while he has a hot body and is sexy as hell, for the first 90% of the book he acts like and is a total jerk. Terri doesn't seem attracted to Mick's money, but his wealth and position make him act like an entitled ass. Yes, he redeems himself for the HEA ending, but when Mick early on tells her "You deserve better, " I found myself agreeing with him, she did.
Additionally, there were loose ends that certainly needed to be wrapped up--such as Billy's health issues, which are never fully explained beyond comparing them to Lou Gehrig's disease. What I also found myself missing was some relationship building between Terri and Mick. Aside from her teaching him how to maneuver in the role-playing game, there seemed little else beyond hot sex between the two leading characters, and while I have no problem with graphic sex in a novel, I also kept hoping for more character development between these two. All-in-all, this novel simply left me wanting more depth in their relationship, and less on-again, off-again sex.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. Sure, it was predictable, but I liked the nerdy aspects, the hot scenes and of course some of the added drama to give it color.
Terri is working as a barista and doing other part time jobs to try and pay for her brother's ongoing medical bills. She left her corporate marketing job to take care of her brother and can't seem to catch a break and find a job that will allow her the flexibility she needs while also providing her with decent pay and health insurance. Every morning at 8:57 a.m. though, Mick shows up to get a girly coffee drink.
Mick's family owns a marketing firm that is having a tough go of things right now. His dad embezzled money from the company, his mother sleeps around with the help and is a lunatic and his brother sleeps around on his wife. Yeah, not exactly your perfect family. On top of all this, Mick is competing with his brother Simon for the CEO position and is trying to get majority shares of the company so that he can finally gain control over all the nonsense.
He sees Terri every morning and of course thinks she's hot. But he's pretty arrogant and Terry hates that about him, but it secretly makes her hot. They end up sleeping together a couple times and it's definitely explosive between these two.
She's helping setup and serve at a catered breakfast being held at Mick's firm when she chats up his client and impresses him so much that Mick offers her a job. This now means that their hooking up has to end since he refuses to mix business with pleasure.
While Terri is working with Mick, they get together a few times to game and discuss marketing strategies related to the gaming company they are working for. There are a lot of gaming references in this book, but I didn't mind them and thought they were cute when their inner geeks showed. They eventually break down and the business/pleasure line gets crossed again, go figure.
They get their HEA, but honestly, it was all fixed itself too quickly in the last chapter or two. We went from high drama to it all wrapped up in a nice bow with the snap of (Mick's) fingers. I was expecting more drama and conflict before we got to that point. I don't know if another book is planned, but I feel as though it wasn't all finalized the way I'd like to have a book end. Did they get married? How did things turn out for her brother? What happens to Mick's mom? I hate when there are a lot of unanswered questions, but regardless, the book was still a good read that keep me interested.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.