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Risqué Business
He's not Julia Roberts, and I'm not Richard Gere. We’re way better.
Warner isn't looking to be rescued. He knows he can't turn tricks forever, but he has plans. In the meantime, he gets paid well for his skills. Plus, sometimes he gets guys like a certain redheaded virgin who make Warner's job worth it. Still, no one ever wants to take the time to see Warner for who he is outside of the bedroom.
Most days, Troy is too busy to think about all those years of being teased for being the fat gay kid. But others, it doesn't matter how successful he is, he's painfully aware that he is almost 30 and still a virgin. Sick of waiting for Mr. Right, he decides to hire Mr. Right Now.
What was supposed to be a one-and-done turns into a repeat performance when Troy hires Warner to play the part of his loving boyfriend for a weekend wedding. He could be in real danger of believing the fantasy, but Troy is nothing if not a realist. There's no way someone so hot, so smart, so amazing could ever look at Troy and want him for who he is.
Right?
Warner isn't looking to be rescued. He knows he can't turn tricks forever, but he has plans. In the meantime, he gets paid well for his skills. Plus, sometimes he gets guys like a certain redheaded virgin who make Warner's job worth it. Still, no one ever wants to take the time to see Warner for who he is outside of the bedroom.
Most days, Troy is too busy to think about all those years of being teased for being the fat gay kid. But others, it doesn't matter how successful he is, he's painfully aware that he is almost 30 and still a virgin. Sick of waiting for Mr. Right, he decides to hire Mr. Right Now.
What was supposed to be a one-and-done turns into a repeat performance when Troy hires Warner to play the part of his loving boyfriend for a weekend wedding. He could be in real danger of believing the fantasy, but Troy is nothing if not a realist. There's no way someone so hot, so smart, so amazing could ever look at Troy and want him for who he is.
Right?
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2021
19 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 2, 2021
Did I say I love the fake-boyfriends trope before? Because I really, really do and authors seem to be agreeing with me lately by publishing stories like this one. 😍😍
Risqué Business had an unique start where the lead man was almost 30 and a virgin, so in a desperate attempt to get rid of it he hires an escort to take care of it. Said escort it´s a lovely 28 year old guy who is getting tired of the business but he can´t deny what he feels for his virgin client, so when said client hires him to fake being his boyfriend for a wedding, he accepts without blinking *squeals*... I liked how Troy was not a typical lead with abs like a god and a cockiness to himself, he was a little bit round and a lot insecure and I loved every minute of it!!! I also appreciated Warner as his counterpart, he never payed attention to any of that, he just liked that Troy made him feel like his equal and that was about it.
I would have loved more depth to some situations and interactions, there were some sex scenes that ended in a detached manner and it was so abrupt that it left me confused, I also didn´t really see the process of Warner falling in love with Troy, he always treated him as a client so that got me confused. 🤔🤔
But anyways, at the end it was fun, sweet and well, it is a favorite trope for me so I liked it! 😊❤
Risqué Business had an unique start where the lead man was almost 30 and a virgin, so in a desperate attempt to get rid of it he hires an escort to take care of it. Said escort it´s a lovely 28 year old guy who is getting tired of the business but he can´t deny what he feels for his virgin client, so when said client hires him to fake being his boyfriend for a wedding, he accepts without blinking *squeals*... I liked how Troy was not a typical lead with abs like a god and a cockiness to himself, he was a little bit round and a lot insecure and I loved every minute of it!!! I also appreciated Warner as his counterpart, he never payed attention to any of that, he just liked that Troy made him feel like his equal and that was about it.
I would have loved more depth to some situations and interactions, there were some sex scenes that ended in a detached manner and it was so abrupt that it left me confused, I also didn´t really see the process of Warner falling in love with Troy, he always treated him as a client so that got me confused. 🤔🤔
But anyways, at the end it was fun, sweet and well, it is a favorite trope for me so I liked it! 😊❤
August 23, 2021
"Because I make people think outside the box."
"What if I like being inside that box, though?"
"I don't buy for a second that you do."
"Why's that?"
"Because you hired me."
We are back with books with no angst and not too much drama. I really enjoyed this one, it was straight to the point with the perfect number of pages. I think that what I liked the most was the MCs’ descriptions, especially Troy’s. To the point where you could relate with his doubts and his lack of self-esteem.
I’d have loved to see in more depth Warner’s feelings. But overall I loved his dynamic with Troy and the ways he handled Troy’s family. Either the good relatives and the bad ones. Can we talk about how accurate the ‘I’m just joking, that’s just my personality’ cousin was? I’m sure we all have someone like that in our family. But there Warner knew exactly what to do and showed Troy his value.
A man with low self-esteem. An escort trying to avoid his feelings. A quick read that will make you empathize with the MCs more than once.
June 3, 2021
The fake boyfriend trope combined with a Pretty Woman vibe was very well done in Brittany Cournoyer’s Risqué Business. I actually quite liked how Warner and Troy stick with the business arrangement for the majority of the book. Well, they try to anyway... Warner continues taking payment from Troy and doesn’t break any of his rules for a long time. What he can’t help though is the growing feelings he has for Troy, nor can he seem to stop thinking about him differently to his other clients. And Troy, well after being exposed to how sweet, kind, and charming Warner is, it’s no wonder he falls hard and fast.
What I struggled with is the connection between Warner and Troy. I liked the discovery of their feelings just fine, but I felt it was more of an individual journey rather than one they took together. It’s a bit hard to articulate it other than the connection was somewhat amiss. I think it came down to them not actually having enough time together to show how their arrangement developed to that point.
Risqué Business had a lot of potential, and for the most part, is well-executed. Although a bit disjointed between the emotional aspect of the romance and the plot line itself, it is still a sweet and steamy, low-angst, opposites-attract story. Warner and Troy are definitely worth a read if you’re looking for something light and fluffy with a solid HEA.
What I struggled with is the connection between Warner and Troy. I liked the discovery of their feelings just fine, but I felt it was more of an individual journey rather than one they took together. It’s a bit hard to articulate it other than the connection was somewhat amiss. I think it came down to them not actually having enough time together to show how their arrangement developed to that point.
Risqué Business had a lot of potential, and for the most part, is well-executed. Although a bit disjointed between the emotional aspect of the romance and the plot line itself, it is still a sweet and steamy, low-angst, opposites-attract story. Warner and Troy are definitely worth a read if you’re looking for something light and fluffy with a solid HEA.
June 2, 2021
This was good. I enjoyed both the MCs and really like their friends and family. That is usually half the battle to a great story. I also enjoyed the premise of an escort falling for their client and the client falling for their escort. I thought Warner was so great and he really empowered Troy to be brave and stand up for himself. He also did not let Troy be down on himself and encouraged him to love himself. I would categorize this as a slow burn romance only, as there is steam before there is really any romance. The client escort relationship is fully in place until close to the end. I would have liked more time with the romance and them admitting their feelings, but alas it ended too quickly. I loved the epilogue and thought it was very sweet.
ARC provided and this is my honest review.
ARC provided and this is my honest review.
June 17, 2021
Troy and Warner are magic. Part of me was expecting a story with an emotionally damages escort being saved by client. I was pleasantly shocked at the low level of angst in this story. Both MCs are charming and engaging. This was a super relaxing read that left a smile on my face!
June 19, 2021
3.5
This was a low angst read. Low angst meaning there wasn’t too much drama and they didn’t take long between realizing they loved each other to telling each other. I loved how these two talked to each other and how there’s was something different when three met each other. How gentle but truthful they were. The writing was good. The smexy was ok, the side characters were nice. This is a low drama story.
This was a low angst read. Low angst meaning there wasn’t too much drama and they didn’t take long between realizing they loved each other to telling each other. I loved how these two talked to each other and how there’s was something different when three met each other. How gentle but truthful they were. The writing was good. The smexy was ok, the side characters were nice. This is a low drama story.
May 30, 2021
This just didn’t work for me. I wanted to love it because the blurb was intriguing and I’m a fan of the tropes but it was just awkward and like pulling teeth to get any emotion other than insecure Troy and aloof Warner. For me, when after 50% one main character is referring to the other “as not a bad guy and not horrible to look at” it’s hard to get in a romantic swoony mood. I just didn’t connect to the characters or feel their chemistry both in bed and out of it. I kept reading hoping I would get sucked in but it took until almost the end for them to even act like they liked each other and spend time together. It was well written and had all the potential of being good but I just didn’t like or connect with the story or the characters themselves.
May 31, 2021
Oh sweet Troy! He is almost 30 and feeling super insecure due to several bad attempts at dating and being slightly overweight
He decides to hire an escort to lose his virginity before he is 30. He ends up hiring Warren.. Warren is a young good looking guy who fell into escorting to pay his way through College
I thought this was a very realistic look at the life of an escort. Warren was confident in his abilities but had become emotionally aloof and detached. His first "dates" with Troy slowly started to wake him up! He started breaking his own rules because he felt so happy when he was with Troy and so proud when he made Troy happy too. They are very different men at different places in their lives so it is a slow burn for them to realize that they really are both worthy of one another! I received an ARC of this book. It is a honest story of someone learning to love themselves for who they are with the new love and support of someone who needed to learn what real love and emotion finally were! Cute little Epilogue too! A solid 4.5 star read rounding up!!
He decides to hire an escort to lose his virginity before he is 30. He ends up hiring Warren.. Warren is a young good looking guy who fell into escorting to pay his way through College
I thought this was a very realistic look at the life of an escort. Warren was confident in his abilities but had become emotionally aloof and detached. His first "dates" with Troy slowly started to wake him up! He started breaking his own rules because he felt so happy when he was with Troy and so proud when he made Troy happy too. They are very different men at different places in their lives so it is a slow burn for them to realize that they really are both worthy of one another! I received an ARC of this book. It is a honest story of someone learning to love themselves for who they are with the new love and support of someone who needed to learn what real love and emotion finally were! Cute little Epilogue too! A solid 4.5 star read rounding up!!
May 31, 2021
Lists & Rules
Warner and Troy are a delight to read. “I love you, Troy. More than sunsets. More than adventures. And more than the air I breathe.” *sigh* Romance and love are definitely in the air with these two. I thought Troy was adorable and loved how Warner helped him see how amazing he is, just as he is. I truly enjoyed seeing his progression from the beginning to the wonderfully heartfelt ending. Warner may be dashing but it was his willingness to take a chance that made an impact with me. So many feels. Move over Julia and Richard, Warner and Troy are here to stay!
Warner and Troy are a delight to read. “I love you, Troy. More than sunsets. More than adventures. And more than the air I breathe.” *sigh* Romance and love are definitely in the air with these two. I thought Troy was adorable and loved how Warner helped him see how amazing he is, just as he is. I truly enjoyed seeing his progression from the beginning to the wonderfully heartfelt ending. Warner may be dashing but it was his willingness to take a chance that made an impact with me. So many feels. Move over Julia and Richard, Warner and Troy are here to stay!
June 3, 2022
This book was absolutely lovely. If you love fake-boyfriends-to-lovers or sex-workers-falling-in-love-with-client tropes, this will hit every mark for you. I also love when authors manage to work in insecurity without dwelling on it, so many struggle to have a character who is heavier without making it into some weird "his pants were absolutely bursting at the seams" "the buttons on his shirt strained" thing that feels fatphobic. Instead, this just felt like a lovely story between two people falling in love. Really, really lovely. 4.5/5 rounded down to 4.
June 6, 2021
Warner and Troy's story is absolutely amazing! This is such a sweet and heartwarming read. These two are just to cute together and I love seeing their going from a fake relationship to lovers. They are so perfect together and I just love reading this story.
May 26, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book. Troy is socially awkward and has difficulty dating. He’s about to turn thirty and is still a virgin, so he hires Warner, a male escort, to get it out of the way. After a hot encounter, he again hires Warner to pose as his boyfriend at a family wedding. I like Troy and Warner together, but I wish Cournoyer had developed Warner a little more. I don’t feel like I really know much about him. However, he does help Troy become more confident in himself, and it’s gratifying to see Troy come out of his shell and stand up for himself. They also have great chemistry together. The ending is really romantic and sweet. Overall, it’s a pleasant story.
December 31, 2021
This was a pretty fast read for me from a new-to-me author. One of my favorite tropes, it was a sweet and enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading more books from this author.
June 2, 2021
I enjoyed all but the last chapter and epilogue. Too cheesy for my taste.
June 23, 2021
Great premise, something right up my alley, but sadly I couldn't seem to fall in love with it. There was something missing, this story was almost there but I wanted more than almost.
TAGS
-- Escort/virgin, client pairing -- first time -- fake boyfriend -- some sweet moments -- likeable enough MCs... Troy & Warner -- something missing -- needed more spark -- liked this but didn't love it -- needed a proof reader -- too many small mistakes
July 2, 2021
“Nothing risqué, nothing gained.” ~ Alexander Willcott
Try as he may, Troy, of ‘Risqué Business’ by Brittany Cournoyer, cannot hang on to a relationship long enough to lose his virginity. So his best friend suggests contacting an escort service to help him with his problem. Troy balks at the idea but finally gives in and arranges a meeting. Little does he know how much hiring someone to solve his problem will change his life.
Troy hires Warner to be his escort for a particular reason; he is almost thirty years old and has never had sex. He meets Warner at a coffee shop to work out details for “the big event.” From the start, Warner realizes Troy differs from most of his clients. Warner tries to dismiss the familiar feeling he has from being with Troy, but he can’t. Even though Troy is engaging Warner to “deflower” him, Warner feels a great sense of responsibility for the consequential outcome. Warner wants to be sure that Troy is confident in his decision.
Troy meets Warner at the café as planned; Troy is even more gorgeous than his picture. Under normal circumstances, Troy believes Warner would have never looked his way if not hired to do so. Warner is charming. He puts Troy at ease right away. If Troy hadn’t known better, he would have thought that he and Warner had been pals for a long time. After Troy and Warner get the information required for their business transaction, they part ways until the designated day.
Their encounter goes much smoother than either of them expected. Troy and Warner have an emotional as well as a physical connection. Warner has had many clients, but none of them have affected him as much as Troy has. He keeps reminding himself that it’s just a job but isn’t being very successful. Warner leaves feeling sad. He regrets he doesn’t have a reason to see Troy again. However, it makes Warner happy when Troy calls to enlist his “services” again. This time, Troy wants Warner to pretend to be his boyfriend when they attend his cousin’s wedding. Also, his parents are having an engagement party cookout for the couple at his parents’ house. He and Warner decide it will help convince his family that they are together before the wedding. Warner has attended similar functions with former clients, but he has always felt bored. With Troy’s family, Warner is enjoying himself immensely. He and Troy convince everyone so well that, already, Warner feels terrible. He likes Troy’s family so much that he feels guilty about deceiving them.
No, this is not a rewrite of the movie Pretty Woman. Still, some elements in the story are undoubtedly reminiscent of it, such as the no kissing rule and the conflicting feelings of knowing it is a fantasy but wanting it to be true. It was enjoyable to make the comparisons and the contrasts and thrilled to see that, like in the movie, Warner and Troy found their happy ending. Thanks, Brittany, for the enjoyable read.
Try as he may, Troy, of ‘Risqué Business’ by Brittany Cournoyer, cannot hang on to a relationship long enough to lose his virginity. So his best friend suggests contacting an escort service to help him with his problem. Troy balks at the idea but finally gives in and arranges a meeting. Little does he know how much hiring someone to solve his problem will change his life.
Troy hires Warner to be his escort for a particular reason; he is almost thirty years old and has never had sex. He meets Warner at a coffee shop to work out details for “the big event.” From the start, Warner realizes Troy differs from most of his clients. Warner tries to dismiss the familiar feeling he has from being with Troy, but he can’t. Even though Troy is engaging Warner to “deflower” him, Warner feels a great sense of responsibility for the consequential outcome. Warner wants to be sure that Troy is confident in his decision.
Troy meets Warner at the café as planned; Troy is even more gorgeous than his picture. Under normal circumstances, Troy believes Warner would have never looked his way if not hired to do so. Warner is charming. He puts Troy at ease right away. If Troy hadn’t known better, he would have thought that he and Warner had been pals for a long time. After Troy and Warner get the information required for their business transaction, they part ways until the designated day.
Their encounter goes much smoother than either of them expected. Troy and Warner have an emotional as well as a physical connection. Warner has had many clients, but none of them have affected him as much as Troy has. He keeps reminding himself that it’s just a job but isn’t being very successful. Warner leaves feeling sad. He regrets he doesn’t have a reason to see Troy again. However, it makes Warner happy when Troy calls to enlist his “services” again. This time, Troy wants Warner to pretend to be his boyfriend when they attend his cousin’s wedding. Also, his parents are having an engagement party cookout for the couple at his parents’ house. He and Warner decide it will help convince his family that they are together before the wedding. Warner has attended similar functions with former clients, but he has always felt bored. With Troy’s family, Warner is enjoying himself immensely. He and Troy convince everyone so well that, already, Warner feels terrible. He likes Troy’s family so much that he feels guilty about deceiving them.
No, this is not a rewrite of the movie Pretty Woman. Still, some elements in the story are undoubtedly reminiscent of it, such as the no kissing rule and the conflicting feelings of knowing it is a fantasy but wanting it to be true. It was enjoyable to make the comparisons and the contrasts and thrilled to see that, like in the movie, Warner and Troy found their happy ending. Thanks, Brittany, for the enjoyable read.
September 18, 2021
I have this shelf in GR that is called "I NEED TO BLEACH MY BRAIN"
This one goes in it right away!
After first chapters, I was quite sure it is no no nooooo book. But somehow trudged through it till the end. Sometimes you just have to see the end. Can it get worse?? Yes, dear, it can. Definitely.
This book is about prostitution. You can call it escort business, because MC calls it that and doesn't have sexual encounters with all clients, but still it's prostitution. It's so far from the movie "Pretty woman" like the moon.
And second no no nooooo is fatshaming. What the f***?
It goes like this:
*Troy is a virgin, 30 years old and feels fat, with low self esteem. He is not FAT!? He has tummy and and some "love handles". Well like most of us.
* He pays Warner to "take" his virginity
*Warner does the job. And quite unattractive for me. There is no kissing, cudling or even passion. After the deed is done, he removes himself from the premises immediately. Wow.
Very anticlimactic. I felt so sorry for Troy. If this gonna be romance, I'm appalled...
* Warner finds Troy fizically unattractive as well. This is example about halfway through the book:
"He (Troy) wasn't a bad guy, practiced good hygiene, was a productive member of society, and wasn't terrible to look at. Not to mention when he let his guard down, he had a great sense of humor. Under different circumstances, we could have been friends"
Really Warner? Really?? Wasn't terrible to look at? Such passion. I feel the love, man! And in the end you gonna feed us, that you felt the love from the first time? Wau...
* So the mane event is wedding weekend, that Warner is paid to atend. Till the wedding they meet three times. Two of which is paid sexual services. The money first policy is very romance inducing. After - Warner cleans himsef and of he goes. Am I reading RomCom? Or Back alley novel? Soooo confused....
* Second sexual encounter was blowjob. Warner had so many wonderful thoughts accomplishing his paid duties. Gold medal goes for:
"I should've been put off by his lack of knowledge, because surely, he'd watched porn and knew the basics?"
Warner YOU ARE DOUCH!
*During period of this book, Warner had other clients....
*WEDDING
First night paid unemotional sex (duh)
Second day they catch feelings, like some virus. Looks like covid 19 to me.
Second night they kiss-cudles-makelove(two times)-sleep together out of nowhere.
Warner fucks off, because he is scared of the feelings shit.
*One week contemplating about love and happiness.
*Happy birthday surprise-apology party.
* I lurve you
I lurve you toooooo
Barf
Epilogue
Marriage proposal after 5 month together in the same wedding weekend cabin.
Barf again
This one goes in it right away!
After first chapters, I was quite sure it is no no nooooo book. But somehow trudged through it till the end. Sometimes you just have to see the end. Can it get worse?? Yes, dear, it can. Definitely.
This book is about prostitution. You can call it escort business, because MC calls it that and doesn't have sexual encounters with all clients, but still it's prostitution. It's so far from the movie "Pretty woman" like the moon.
And second no no nooooo is fatshaming. What the f***?
It goes like this:
*Troy is a virgin, 30 years old and feels fat, with low self esteem. He is not FAT!? He has tummy and and some "love handles". Well like most of us.
* He pays Warner to "take" his virginity
*Warner does the job. And quite unattractive for me. There is no kissing, cudling or even passion. After the deed is done, he removes himself from the premises immediately. Wow.
Very anticlimactic. I felt so sorry for Troy. If this gonna be romance, I'm appalled...
* Warner finds Troy fizically unattractive as well. This is example about halfway through the book:
"He (Troy) wasn't a bad guy, practiced good hygiene, was a productive member of society, and wasn't terrible to look at. Not to mention when he let his guard down, he had a great sense of humor. Under different circumstances, we could have been friends"
Really Warner? Really?? Wasn't terrible to look at? Such passion. I feel the love, man! And in the end you gonna feed us, that you felt the love from the first time? Wau...
* So the mane event is wedding weekend, that Warner is paid to atend. Till the wedding they meet three times. Two of which is paid sexual services. The money first policy is very romance inducing. After - Warner cleans himsef and of he goes. Am I reading RomCom? Or Back alley novel? Soooo confused....
* Second sexual encounter was blowjob. Warner had so many wonderful thoughts accomplishing his paid duties. Gold medal goes for:
"I should've been put off by his lack of knowledge, because surely, he'd watched porn and knew the basics?"
Warner YOU ARE DOUCH!
*During period of this book, Warner had other clients....
*WEDDING
First night paid unemotional sex (duh)
Second day they catch feelings, like some virus. Looks like covid 19 to me.
Second night they kiss-cudles-makelove(two times)-sleep together out of nowhere.
Warner fucks off, because he is scared of the feelings shit.
*One week contemplating about love and happiness.
*Happy birthday surprise-apology party.
* I lurve you
I lurve you toooooo
Barf
Epilogue
Marriage proposal after 5 month together in the same wedding weekend cabin.
Barf again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2021
Pretty Woman Meets the Wedding Date
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I adored this book from beginning to end. It was like the best rom com, in book form. Troy, a workaholic, is about to turn thirty. After a string of first dates, that never lead to a second date, he’s feeling pretty down on himself. He’s a ginger, he’s carrying a little extra weight, his self-confidence is non-existent. He can’t figure out what he’s doing wrong, that nothing leads to a second date, a call back, or anything beyond a few kisses on his couch. He’s a good guy, and he knows he has a lot to give, to the right person. With his birthday approaching, he also wants to get rid of his pesky V card. He’s wondering if that’s what is getting in the way of having a lasting relationship, with anyone.
Warner is an escort. He’s in school, getting his degree, and to make ends meet, he became a date for hire. He never planned to do it for any length of time, but the money was good, really good, and he enjoys it. His clients are varied, male to female, old to young, dates to sex, to just escorting an older lady to her canasta games.
Taking the advice of his best friend, Troy hires Warner to get rid him of his virginity. No strings, no pressure for a second date, and it doesn’t hurt that Warner is a living, breathing Adonis. (Seriously, check the cover out – it’s smoking hot!). He’s like sex on long legs.
When Troy must attend his cousin’s destination wedding, and cringes at the thought of having to deal with relatives, especially a certain one, he again hires Warner. To make their “relationship” believable, they end up at company picnic, and then dinner with Troy’s parent’s.
Troy finds being with Warner easy, like being with your best friend, with benefits. Even if every date is a transaction. Warner, who has certain rules for his business, finds himself wanting to spend more time with Troy, off the books. And, then breaking every single one of his rules.
I cheered for these two, from start to finish. This author is quickly becoming one of my must reads, don’t even need to read the blurb of the book, I know I will love it.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I adored this book from beginning to end. It was like the best rom com, in book form. Troy, a workaholic, is about to turn thirty. After a string of first dates, that never lead to a second date, he’s feeling pretty down on himself. He’s a ginger, he’s carrying a little extra weight, his self-confidence is non-existent. He can’t figure out what he’s doing wrong, that nothing leads to a second date, a call back, or anything beyond a few kisses on his couch. He’s a good guy, and he knows he has a lot to give, to the right person. With his birthday approaching, he also wants to get rid of his pesky V card. He’s wondering if that’s what is getting in the way of having a lasting relationship, with anyone.
Warner is an escort. He’s in school, getting his degree, and to make ends meet, he became a date for hire. He never planned to do it for any length of time, but the money was good, really good, and he enjoys it. His clients are varied, male to female, old to young, dates to sex, to just escorting an older lady to her canasta games.
Taking the advice of his best friend, Troy hires Warner to get rid him of his virginity. No strings, no pressure for a second date, and it doesn’t hurt that Warner is a living, breathing Adonis. (Seriously, check the cover out – it’s smoking hot!). He’s like sex on long legs.
When Troy must attend his cousin’s destination wedding, and cringes at the thought of having to deal with relatives, especially a certain one, he again hires Warner. To make their “relationship” believable, they end up at company picnic, and then dinner with Troy’s parent’s.
Troy finds being with Warner easy, like being with your best friend, with benefits. Even if every date is a transaction. Warner, who has certain rules for his business, finds himself wanting to spend more time with Troy, off the books. And, then breaking every single one of his rules.
I cheered for these two, from start to finish. This author is quickly becoming one of my must reads, don’t even need to read the blurb of the book, I know I will love it.
June 7, 2021
Rating: 4 / 5
Steam: 3.5 / 5
Fake boyfriends, this has always been a favorite of mine and thus, I dove into this book with gusto, and boy, I was not disappointed.
Fake-boyfriend trope meets Pretty Woman has given me a really cute, feel good story and and it had this cute factor because the "client" was nothing like Richard Gere and that was SOOOO great. I did feel as if some sex scenes ended abruptly or felt detached but aside from that, their romance game was on point for me.
Troy, our sweet 30-year-old virgin, insecure and a little weary on life. Warner is the the good looking young college guy who escorts to pay for his education. Throughout the book, we do see how they struggle but stick to keep to the arrangement. Warner keeps getting paid but constantly compares Troy to other clients and how it's not the same and he's developing feelings. Then we have Troy, who experienced the sweetness kindness and how charming Warner is, if falling for him. And hard. No stops.
They definitely deserve your time even if there's a bit of a disconnect between the feelings they are developing from the the plot and the abrupt sex scenes.
These are the highlights for me; good and bad and meh.
- BAD: The disconnect and the feeling of detachment after sex sometimes.
- GOOD: The journey of discovering their feelings for one another.
- MEH: The slow burn.
POV: Dual First Person
Standalone or Series: Standalone
Buy Links: Amazon
Would Recommend? Yes
** ARC RECEIVED BY GAY ROMANCE REVIEWS (GRR) FOR AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW **
If you liked my review and wouldn't mind a longer review in a blog, please consider supporting with a cup of coffee or just a Ko-Fi
Laura M.
Steam: 3.5 / 5
Fake boyfriends, this has always been a favorite of mine and thus, I dove into this book with gusto, and boy, I was not disappointed.
Fake-boyfriend trope meets Pretty Woman has given me a really cute, feel good story and and it had this cute factor because the "client" was nothing like Richard Gere and that was SOOOO great. I did feel as if some sex scenes ended abruptly or felt detached but aside from that, their romance game was on point for me.
Troy, our sweet 30-year-old virgin, insecure and a little weary on life. Warner is the the good looking young college guy who escorts to pay for his education. Throughout the book, we do see how they struggle but stick to keep to the arrangement. Warner keeps getting paid but constantly compares Troy to other clients and how it's not the same and he's developing feelings. Then we have Troy, who experienced the sweetness kindness and how charming Warner is, if falling for him. And hard. No stops.
They definitely deserve your time even if there's a bit of a disconnect between the feelings they are developing from the the plot and the abrupt sex scenes.
These are the highlights for me; good and bad and meh.
- BAD: The disconnect and the feeling of detachment after sex sometimes.
- GOOD: The journey of discovering their feelings for one another.
- MEH: The slow burn.
POV: Dual First Person
Standalone or Series: Standalone
Buy Links: Amazon
Would Recommend? Yes
** ARC RECEIVED BY GAY ROMANCE REVIEWS (GRR) FOR AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW **
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Laura M.
June 6, 2021
I’m a sucker for a catchy title, so this book called to me from the start. It definitely lives up to its labeling, and fans of “Pretty Woman” will see some definite homage here as well. While it’s an often enjoyable read, for me this novel somehow managed to be less than the sum of its parts. All the elements for a charming story are present: an intriguing premise, an interesting cast of supporting characters, both friendly and antagonistic, and two protagonists who on paper have the potential to work really well together. There are definitely charming moments, but the transactional nature of their early relationship is hard to get past, and I think that’s down to the execution-- while we’re told a lot that the characters are feeling more than they show, those feelings don’t carry over in their actions until late in the narrative: the most romantic thing Warner does for a long time, for example, is feel weird about taking Troy’s money. Their physical interactions are for a long time pretty clinical and abstracted-- not just in that Troy pays Warner, but that there’s very little, if any, emotional chemistry to go with the physical acts. Also, as a character, Warner is sometimes a lot to take: he listens to Troy describe a lifetime of being bullied by a family member, for instance, and tells him “Bullies like predators, and they prey on the vulnerable. Stop being vulnerable, Troy.” Objectively true? Probably. Kind of a jerk thing to say? That too. Still, there’s a satisfying grand gesture and lots of late-stage romantic declarations, so the HEA is firmly present and accounted for, and does a fair amount to establish the characters’ emotional bonds. Even though the book didn’t quite work for me, I can see this being an enjoyable read for fans of these tropes and this author, and if the blurb resonates with you, I’d say give this one a try.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2021
Risqué Business is the perfect summer read with fantastic characters, an engaging storyline, and all the schoompiness and feels you could ever want! While I love a good angsty story, it is nice to sometimes read a book that doesn't leave you feeling drained but instead just leaves you feeling happy. Risqué Business is a fun, low-angst read with such a great storyline. Troy is such a sweet character who is has had terrible luck dating and decides to take a risk before the big 30 to change his life. I love how genuinely good Troy is but it hurt to see all the pain others have caused him over the years because he is not "perfect" physically. Warner is working in the business to put himself through school and ends up helping Troy battle some of the self-confidence issues he has been plagued with his entire life. Warner is an interesting character who has been having some doubts about staying in the business but it wasn't until he met Troy and developed feelings for him that he realized he was ready to quit. I loved the dual POV's in this book because you got a chance to see both Troy and Warner realize the depth of their feelings for the other and subsequently struggle to define what that means for their future. Seeing Troy start to realize he is perfect and strong just the way he was so sweet and I love that Warner's words were the ones he heard in his head when thinking about how to deal with a stressful situation. Though it was short, I loved the epilogue and getting to see Troy and Warner continue to grow within their relationship. I highly recommend this book or any other of Brittany Cournoyer's books! I received an ARC for an honest and fair review.
June 6, 2021
I was utterly enthralled by Brittany Cournoyer's Risqué Business. It is one of my favourite tropes, and I’m more than willing to blame that on Pretty Woman first screening during my formative pre-teen years!
It’s a story where you know how it’s going to end, so it’s more about the journey; and what a heartwarming, emotional, lovely journey it is. The success of this type of story is 100% dependent upon the likeability of the characters. The reader needs to form an emotional bond to both sides of the escort/client equation. Brittany certainly made that easy for us; both Troy and Warner are such beautiful people. Troy's family was also a joy to read, although I would have been more than happy to throw a particular cousin into a tar pit!
Brittany Cournoyer is a new to me author, but after Risqué Business, I’ll certainly be checking out her backlist. I really enjoyed her writing style; it was relaxing but kept me engaged. The characters and story kept me flipping the pages just to see what would happen next.
If you are looking for a feel-good story that will keep you engaged until the last page. One that is romantic, a bit steamy, and just a pleasure to read; I suggest you check out Brittany Cournoyer's Risqué Business.
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June 2, 2021
Risqué Business follows Troy as he hires an escort to help him with a predicament. When he first sets his eyes on Warner, he's lost to the beauty of the man and he's even more attracted as they spend more time together. Things evolve into fake boyfriend territory when Troy needs a date/support for a weekend at a family wedding and things become very real for both men. Warner has rules when it comes to clients but Troy may be the one that he breaks them all for.
Troy is just so sweet and endearing, totally down on self esteem with worries about his body shape and still being a virgin coming up to his thirtieth birthday. Put him in a board meeting and he owns the room but any possible date or intimacy and he loses himself to self doubt and insecurities. Warmer is wonderful in saying things how they are, slowly showing Troy how great he is but he finds himself getting in deeper with Troy that is wise for someone in his profession. Its never happened before but then he's never met someone like Troy. Together, they work like a dream couple, compatible in bed and get along really well out of it. Troy's family love Warner, and vice versa, with the except of a bullying cousin who is hilariously put in place. I love the relationship and how it develops between the two. Warner's love and appreciation for Troy's shape is also a huge plus that I wish was done more in books.
Overall this is an enjoyable escort/client, fake relationship story that builds up nicely as both characters work out what they want for themselves and each other.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Troy is just so sweet and endearing, totally down on self esteem with worries about his body shape and still being a virgin coming up to his thirtieth birthday. Put him in a board meeting and he owns the room but any possible date or intimacy and he loses himself to self doubt and insecurities. Warmer is wonderful in saying things how they are, slowly showing Troy how great he is but he finds himself getting in deeper with Troy that is wise for someone in his profession. Its never happened before but then he's never met someone like Troy. Together, they work like a dream couple, compatible in bed and get along really well out of it. Troy's family love Warner, and vice versa, with the except of a bullying cousin who is hilariously put in place. I love the relationship and how it develops between the two. Warner's love and appreciation for Troy's shape is also a huge plus that I wish was done more in books.
Overall this is an enjoyable escort/client, fake relationship story that builds up nicely as both characters work out what they want for themselves and each other.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
June 4, 2021
4.5 Stars
Risque Business is a sweet fake boyfriend romance by Brittany Cournoyer.
First of all, I have to admit that I struggled with this one at the start. With Troy hiring Warner to take his virginity, the scene is fine, but the emotions weren't quite clicking for me yet.
But later, oh...the emotions!
I love the way things evolve for Troy and Warner. The emotions are front and center as their feelings evolve.
It's all super sweet and feel good. It's definitely a fake boyfriend/Pretty Woman feel and I certainly can't complain about that.
By the end, I was fully invested in this romance and couldn't put it down.
The men are complete opposites, both in the period of their lives, as well as their experiences. Seeing the way they connect and help one another to grow is fabulous.
As for my problems with the beginning, I think I just didn't connect with Troy at that point. I don't think I ever felt why he cared about losing his virginity so badly. I needed more at that point. But, in the end, I can easily overlook that issue.
I enjoy and appreciate the way the author handled the aspect of being an escort. One friend enjoys what he does. And while Warren certainly doesn't mind it, he grows over time and his feelings about it change. I definitely like the way this is executed.
Risque Business is a great choice the next time you're in the mood for a feel good, heart warming romance. Brittany Cournoyer left me smiling and swooning.
Risque Business is a sweet fake boyfriend romance by Brittany Cournoyer.
First of all, I have to admit that I struggled with this one at the start. With Troy hiring Warner to take his virginity, the scene is fine, but the emotions weren't quite clicking for me yet.
But later, oh...the emotions!
I love the way things evolve for Troy and Warner. The emotions are front and center as their feelings evolve.
It's all super sweet and feel good. It's definitely a fake boyfriend/Pretty Woman feel and I certainly can't complain about that.
By the end, I was fully invested in this romance and couldn't put it down.
The men are complete opposites, both in the period of their lives, as well as their experiences. Seeing the way they connect and help one another to grow is fabulous.
As for my problems with the beginning, I think I just didn't connect with Troy at that point. I don't think I ever felt why he cared about losing his virginity so badly. I needed more at that point. But, in the end, I can easily overlook that issue.
I enjoy and appreciate the way the author handled the aspect of being an escort. One friend enjoys what he does. And while Warren certainly doesn't mind it, he grows over time and his feelings about it change. I definitely like the way this is executed.
Risque Business is a great choice the next time you're in the mood for a feel good, heart warming romance. Brittany Cournoyer left me smiling and swooning.
May 27, 2021
I enjoy this author’s characters so much. This is a low angst sweet read about a guy with really bad dating luck who decides to hire an escort. Troy is a great guy with little to no self esteem and a bit of a workaholic. He decides to hire an escort to lose his virginity since he has zero luck in the relationship department. Warner is a young man who escorts on the side to make money while finishing up his college studies. He is getting tired of it though and is thinking of quitting. These two have insane chemistry and have a hard time keeping everything on a strictly transactional basis. It gets even harder once Troy hires Warner to be his date at a family wedding to help him avoid a confrontation with the family bully. Warner breaks ALL of his escort rules while being with Troy. This was a good book. Troy is such a great guy but he has no confidence in himself, until Warner starts helping him. These two fit together so well and Warner gets basically adopted by Troy’s family. It doesn’t take much for these two to realize that just maybe they were never really just a client and an escort.
May 31, 2021
Loved This!
This was such a great read. I really enjoyed the premise and the entire set-up. Troy, about to turn 30 and desperately wanting to lose his virginity, hires Warner to assist. Then he hires Warner a few more times to pose as his boyfriend for work and family functions. Of course as things progress they get to know each other and a paid arrangement starts to become more. This isn't a unique subject, but I thoroughly enjoyed how it was written here. First, I absolutely loved both MCs and their connection was great from the first time they met. Troy was a sweetheart, a smart and confident businessman, but struggled with insecurities with his looks. Warner was confident, charming and just a truly nice guy. I loved their time together. I loved how Warner helped Troy gain confidence in himself and how apparent it was that he liked Troy for who he was both inside and out. They also had a few nice, steamy scenes together where the emotion really shown through.
I read this straight through and was smiling the entire time. If you are looking for a feel-good, swoony, low-angst book that will leave you with a smile on your face, give this book a try!
This was such a great read. I really enjoyed the premise and the entire set-up. Troy, about to turn 30 and desperately wanting to lose his virginity, hires Warner to assist. Then he hires Warner a few more times to pose as his boyfriend for work and family functions. Of course as things progress they get to know each other and a paid arrangement starts to become more. This isn't a unique subject, but I thoroughly enjoyed how it was written here. First, I absolutely loved both MCs and their connection was great from the first time they met. Troy was a sweetheart, a smart and confident businessman, but struggled with insecurities with his looks. Warner was confident, charming and just a truly nice guy. I loved their time together. I loved how Warner helped Troy gain confidence in himself and how apparent it was that he liked Troy for who he was both inside and out. They also had a few nice, steamy scenes together where the emotion really shown through.
I read this straight through and was smiling the entire time. If you are looking for a feel-good, swoony, low-angst book that will leave you with a smile on your face, give this book a try!
June 5, 2021
M/M
Rent boy meets 30 year old virgin
Fake boyfriend
Some forced proximity
3.5 stars
I was given a free arc copy from the author and the GRR arc team for review.
I enjoyed the overall plot and liked both the main characters. The parts where they were together "performing" they interacted really sweet together. The reason I can't rate this higher is simply because aside from those scheduled events they didn't interact and even though they were cute together it wasn't overally obvious if it was legit chemistry/attraction or just performing for family. Also, the very first scene was rushed and and ended so abruptly I found it rather disappointing how it was handled and there are some comments made later on by Warner that made me question their attraction/chemistry. Overall though this was a short story that was easy to read and despite some issues I found it enjoyable and couldn't put it down. I loved the family the most with how welcoming they were from the start and I enjoyed that the Troy that was awkward and insecure in the start was able to get some confidence and stick it to some horrible people.
Rent boy meets 30 year old virgin
Fake boyfriend
Some forced proximity
3.5 stars
I was given a free arc copy from the author and the GRR arc team for review.
I enjoyed the overall plot and liked both the main characters. The parts where they were together "performing" they interacted really sweet together. The reason I can't rate this higher is simply because aside from those scheduled events they didn't interact and even though they were cute together it wasn't overally obvious if it was legit chemistry/attraction or just performing for family. Also, the very first scene was rushed and and ended so abruptly I found it rather disappointing how it was handled and there are some comments made later on by Warner that made me question their attraction/chemistry. Overall though this was a short story that was easy to read and despite some issues I found it enjoyable and couldn't put it down. I loved the family the most with how welcoming they were from the start and I enjoyed that the Troy that was awkward and insecure in the start was able to get some confidence and stick it to some horrible people.
June 9, 2021
Risqué Business was interesting. Now I’m not a fan of Pretty Woman, but I did enjoy Troy and Warner’s story. Troy, sick of being a virgin and wanting to make his cousin jealous (yeah that feels worded weird, but that’s how it’s described), hires Warner to remove said virginity and subsequently be his fake boyfriend for a family wedding. Warner, like most escorts in these tropes, has a no kissing rule, but finds himself wanting to break it for Troy.
Now if that sounds familiar, I’m pretty sure it’s cause most books with this trope follow a similar story line. Which was a shame because it didn’t have that extra something to make it stand out. But it also wasn’t bad. There were some tiny plot threads that went nowhere, but it was a good easy read. Troy and Warner were great together, with Warner wanting Troy to see himself in a better light, while also trying to figure out what his own future looks like.
Risqué Business was great, but I do feel like there were a few missed opportunities, but if you’re looking for something that’s a fun easy read, Risqué Business is that.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
Now if that sounds familiar, I’m pretty sure it’s cause most books with this trope follow a similar story line. Which was a shame because it didn’t have that extra something to make it stand out. But it also wasn’t bad. There were some tiny plot threads that went nowhere, but it was a good easy read. Troy and Warner were great together, with Warner wanting Troy to see himself in a better light, while also trying to figure out what his own future looks like.
Risqué Business was great, but I do feel like there were a few missed opportunities, but if you’re looking for something that’s a fun easy read, Risqué Business is that.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
June 1, 2021
Based on the title and the book blurb, I’m guessing that the author got her pop-movie references a bit mixed up, but let me assure you that while there are no teen-boys dancing around in their skivvies, and no jaded lawyers picking up call-girls, there is a fun story with heart and more than a little romance here.
I saw a lot of myself in Troy, the somewhat chubby if smart and successful IT guy with loving parents. And I’ve always had a soft-spot for stories featuring “lads of easy virtue.” In this case both main characters are smart guys but see flaws in themselves that they feel pretty much eliminates any chance they have of a successful dating life. Of course if smart guys weren’t often this foolish, there’d be a lot fewer sweet romance tales like this one around.
Both main characters are likable, their friends and family are likable, even the villain of the piece gets his comeuppance. This is a sweet romantic tale that could easily be a Hallmark movie, if LOGO made Hallmark movies. Don’t expect any life-changing epiphanies here (nor anything too racy) but I do recommend you read it and enjoy.
***Note: I received a free copy of this book in hopes of an honest and unbiased review. ***
I saw a lot of myself in Troy, the somewhat chubby if smart and successful IT guy with loving parents. And I’ve always had a soft-spot for stories featuring “lads of easy virtue.” In this case both main characters are smart guys but see flaws in themselves that they feel pretty much eliminates any chance they have of a successful dating life. Of course if smart guys weren’t often this foolish, there’d be a lot fewer sweet romance tales like this one around.
Both main characters are likable, their friends and family are likable, even the villain of the piece gets his comeuppance. This is a sweet romantic tale that could easily be a Hallmark movie, if LOGO made Hallmark movies. Don’t expect any life-changing epiphanies here (nor anything too racy) but I do recommend you read it and enjoy.
***Note: I received a free copy of this book in hopes of an honest and unbiased review. ***
June 3, 2021
"Risqué Business" is one of the more endearing and anticipation-building fake relationship trope romances I've read. Unlucky-in-love Troy and escort/student Warner are sweet cinnamon roll MCs, and Warner helping soothe Troy's anxieties and self-consciousness in both intimate moments and not is heartening (and cheers for non-chiseled body types!).
Professional and personal lines begin to blur after one encounter turns to several and a destination wedding family getaway where they more than act the part as boyfriends, and things go a bit sideways when real feelings get involved. I really enjoyed all of the small moments between the two and while I found Warner's declarations toward the end to be a bit OTT for them, overall their HEA makes a heart happy.
This book appears to be a standalone, but I'm interested in knowing Warner's best friend Sam's story and can see story potential with Troy's elusive brother Jacob too. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)
Professional and personal lines begin to blur after one encounter turns to several and a destination wedding family getaway where they more than act the part as boyfriends, and things go a bit sideways when real feelings get involved. I really enjoyed all of the small moments between the two and while I found Warner's declarations toward the end to be a bit OTT for them, overall their HEA makes a heart happy.
This book appears to be a standalone, but I'm interested in knowing Warner's best friend Sam's story and can see story potential with Troy's elusive brother Jacob too. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)
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