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Love or Money
A sizzling new standalone series from bestselling romance author Michelle St. James
Imperium: Power is Protection
Hawking McGregor was a kid from the wrong side of the tracks, responsible for taking care of both his sick mom and his little sister. He started at the bottom, creating the Imperium Group with nothing more than a few thousand dollars and some very big balls. Now it’s a multi-million dollar firm whose sole job is to protect the rich and famous.
Keeping them safe is his deal with the devil, but that doesn’t mean he has to like them.
Laurel Bancroft gets it. When you’re born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you don’t get to complain. Not when your mom overdoses or when your dad fades out of your life. Not even when your big brother dies in a car accident. At thirty-four years old, she’s given up on happily ever after. She wanders the family mansion like a ghost, trying not to attract attention and fighting the depression that haunts her.
But somewhere in the dark, an enemy watches. It starts with texts and phone calls and escalates to packages left on the doorstep of the Bancroft estate. Still, Laurel is less than thrilled when she opens the door to Hawk McGregor.
As Hawk works to protect her, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the woman who embodies everything he despises. When Laurel’s stalker gets bolder, the pair hole up at an isolated lake house where their passion ignites into an undeniable inferno. Then, just when Laurel begins to believe it’s not too late for her after all, the enemy arrives.
And he’s playing for keeps.
Can Hawk heal the wounds of the past to find love in the most unexpected place of all? Can he keep Laurel alive long enough to find out?
Imperium: Power is Protection
Hawking McGregor was a kid from the wrong side of the tracks, responsible for taking care of both his sick mom and his little sister. He started at the bottom, creating the Imperium Group with nothing more than a few thousand dollars and some very big balls. Now it’s a multi-million dollar firm whose sole job is to protect the rich and famous.
Keeping them safe is his deal with the devil, but that doesn’t mean he has to like them.
Laurel Bancroft gets it. When you’re born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you don’t get to complain. Not when your mom overdoses or when your dad fades out of your life. Not even when your big brother dies in a car accident. At thirty-four years old, she’s given up on happily ever after. She wanders the family mansion like a ghost, trying not to attract attention and fighting the depression that haunts her.
But somewhere in the dark, an enemy watches. It starts with texts and phone calls and escalates to packages left on the doorstep of the Bancroft estate. Still, Laurel is less than thrilled when she opens the door to Hawk McGregor.
As Hawk works to protect her, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the woman who embodies everything he despises. When Laurel’s stalker gets bolder, the pair hole up at an isolated lake house where their passion ignites into an undeniable inferno. Then, just when Laurel begins to believe it’s not too late for her after all, the enemy arrives.
And he’s playing for keeps.
Can Hawk heal the wounds of the past to find love in the most unexpected place of all? Can he keep Laurel alive long enough to find out?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2021
About the author
Michelle St. James
117 books588 followersMichelle St. James is a Southern California expat now living in New York's Hudson Valley.
She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.
Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.
She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.
Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 4, 2021
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“Love or Money” is the first book in the new series “Imperium” and is an exciting romance with intrigue and action.
The author wrote the romance between the two leads wonderfully. I enjoyed the chemistry between Laurel and Hawk. Also, I liked Hawk and Laurel as individuals too. Hawk is charming, whether spending time with his mother and Willow, having a good partnership with Logan, or spending time with Laurel. Similarly, the author wrote Laurel’s emotions very nicely, where you don’t know if Hawk is interested in her for love or money. On the one hand, she faces stress with someone stalking her, and on the other hand, she has to balance her feelings for Hawk.
The author also adds excitement with a few gripping chase scenes, like when Laurel gets chased by the SUV or when he stalker calls her. It’s creepy the way her stalker starts to taunt her on another level. Moreover, I enjoyed how tech-savvy the book was as Hawk uses modern surveillance with Logan to help track down the culprit. The author also wraps the tale nicely. She also gives us a preview of what to expect in the next book. I also loved Kara in the story and hope she is more prominent in the next book.
Overall, “Love or Money” is a lovely start to the “Imperium” series. I look forward to reading the next installment.
June 29, 2021
Love or Money is the love story of Hawk McGregor and Laurel Bancroft. Hawk is asked to protect Laurel by her Uncle, Hawk’s mentor. Hawk is unable to refuse and Imperium, Hawk’s private security firm takes on the job. At first Hawk and Laurel butt heads, but as the story progresses sparks fly. While trying to find the man behind the threats and attempts on Laurel’s life, their feelings for each other grow. Is their relationship doomed or can it survive? In my opinion. Michelle St James has outdone herself. This is her best book.
July 3, 2021
Michelle St. James new series Imperium is a MUST read! Hawk McGregor knows what it is to be poor. He worked odd jobs and got a lucky break and now owns Imperium a private security firm for the rich and famous. Hawk is asked by his friend Mo to do a favor to find out who is threatening his Niece Laurel Bancroft. Laurel lives isolated in her mansion that was her mother’s who died of an overdose two years before. Laurel had a lot of sadness in her life with also losing her brother in a car accident. She lives isolated because the paparazzi & internet stalkers won’t leave her alone . When the threats to Laurel hit to close to home Hawk gets protective over Laurel and they grow very close. They both butt heads but when the fireworks starts between them you can’t put the down read! Can the two of them survive? I can’t wait for the next book in the series!!!
June 29, 2021
The first book in a new series by Michelle St James and as always she doesn’t disappoint. She always manages to have flawed characters who ultimately navigate/stumble their way to happiness. Hawk is a brash and dare I say a “dickish” character who ultimately wins you over with his intense loyalty and love for his family and friends, but who is also touchy about his poor beginnings. Laurel is deeply insecure and damaged by loss and the apathy of family. Together they have preconceived ideas about one another that they have to overcome while also navigating a dangerous outside presence. I don’t want to give anything away so that’s as much as I will say about the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found myself putting it down not because I was bored but instead because I wanted to prolong the story. All in all another great read.
July 1, 2021
Love this new series by Michelle St James. It's got all the good stuff, good-looking, tough men of the IMPERIUM, a company that protects people, (the rich and famous) and is owned by Hawking McGregor better known as Hawk. Then there's gorgeous Laurel Bancroft, beyond wealthy and daughter to a glamorous movie star mother who died years ago from a self overdose and a brother who died tragically. She hides in her mansion alone fighting depression and social network hatred. Now she needs protection from some psycho out to get her. Michelle has written another riveting and consuming book. This is an intense story full of emotions that will keep you guessing. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
July 3, 2021
New series to sink my teeth into, love all this authors work and this is just as good as the other books. Hawk has got his own security company and is ask to take on the job of protecting his mentors niece. So as a favour he does. Laurel has a stalker so Hawk looks into this and things evolve and accidents happen. Recommend this book and can’t wait to read about Logan next
July 2, 2021
Hands down the best book that Michelle has written and that’s saying a lot because I love all her books!
Hawk and Laurel are two connected souls who literally have to go through hell to find that they really do belong together.
Love or Money, Hawk and Laurel think they can’t have both, but when your forced to be with someone 24/7 you start to let your guard down and really get to know them, but when past feelings and a crazy stalker get in the way will it be enough!?
Hawk and Laurel are two connected souls who literally have to go through hell to find that they really do belong together.
Love or Money, Hawk and Laurel think they can’t have both, but when your forced to be with someone 24/7 you start to let your guard down and really get to know them, but when past feelings and a crazy stalker get in the way will it be enough!?
July 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this first book in the new Imperium series! Hawk has a successful security firm for wealthy clients. Laurel is the daughter of a famous actress. They cross paths and the sparks ignite - eventually. I care about both characters and can't wait to see where the story goes.
Love or Money - I say you can have both!
Love or Money - I say you can have both!
June 27, 2021
This was the perfect mystery and romance all wrapped in one
July 12, 2021
Love or Money is a great start to a new intriguing series. Hawk is a confident, cocky but cynical man as it relates to the wealthy and Laurel is wealthy, fiercely independent, knows how to navigate her world as she was born into it but she’s an introvert. Hawk’s job is protecting the wealthy through his very successful private security company and he’s good at it. When they both cross paths they both have the wrong perception of each other as they are both headstrong and Laurel feels like Hawk is too arrogant and bossy but when Laurel’s stalker makes a bold but almost deadly move, they both realize that their perception of each other is all wrong and beneath their outward facade and mask of protection, there’s way more to discover. During their discovery of the true person beneath, not only do they discover a deep connection they also have incredibly chemistry. Laurel discovers that Hawk is fiercely loyal, he has a big heart and he’s deadly if the wrong person crosses him. Laurel is a loner but she loves a simple uncomplicated life, she’s giving and she just wants to be loved. This story was filled with drama, intrigue, mystery, romance and action. Hawk embodies his job and when trouble came knocking, he brought his brand of justice, because his job of protecting Laurel became personal. Michelle gave us an awesome story with so many interesting characters that just left me wanting more.
July 9, 2021
5 STARS - Loved this book !
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
Love or Money is the first book in a new series by Michelle St James. GAWD it’s just so good - here is what I loved :
Great cover and book blurb
Main characters of Hawking ( Hawk ) McGregor and Laurel Bancroft are amazing yet their flaws only add to the storyline
Real relatable problems
Great plot with some very unexpected twists
Can be read as a standalone but I personally can’t wait for more in the series
Sizzling chemistry
HEA
There is nothing like reading a book where you can identify with a character in this case Laurel really touched my heart.
One of my favorite reads so far this year ! I highly recommend Love or Money as well as anything by this author !
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
Love or Money is the first book in a new series by Michelle St James. GAWD it’s just so good - here is what I loved :
Great cover and book blurb
Main characters of Hawking ( Hawk ) McGregor and Laurel Bancroft are amazing yet their flaws only add to the storyline
Real relatable problems
Great plot with some very unexpected twists
Can be read as a standalone but I personally can’t wait for more in the series
Sizzling chemistry
HEA
There is nothing like reading a book where you can identify with a character in this case Laurel really touched my heart.
One of my favorite reads so far this year ! I highly recommend Love or Money as well as anything by this author !
July 12, 2021
What an exciting first book to a new series! Hawk and Laurel are fire…pure heartstrings romance. But not only did it have the love factor but it also had the suspense.
Hawk and Laurel didn’t start off on the right foot. Misconceptions about each other…stereotypes, was the reason for the dislike. Once the real layers of each character was peeled away, it was only to discover the good in the person and also that love had blossom along the way.
I liked that this was one book in the beginning of a series and we will meet a different character for each book. Looking forward to these upcoming novels!
*I voluntarily accepted an advanced reader copy for my honest review*
Hawk and Laurel didn’t start off on the right foot. Misconceptions about each other…stereotypes, was the reason for the dislike. Once the real layers of each character was peeled away, it was only to discover the good in the person and also that love had blossom along the way.
I liked that this was one book in the beginning of a series and we will meet a different character for each book. Looking forward to these upcoming novels!
*I voluntarily accepted an advanced reader copy for my honest review*
July 9, 2021
Old money/new money - why does money have to matter?
Money makes the world go 'round.
Laurel: spoiled, old-money rich girl.
Hawk: scrappy, wrong-side-of-the-tracks playboy.
Does it always have to boil down to just that?
No. No, no, no, NO!! Money makes first impressions impossible! There's more than just the surface but why does it have to be so excruciating to watch these two let go of their vulnerabilities and insecurities and make it work?! It will rip your heart out and slowly stitch it back together. Oh, and there's the suspense of finding Laurel's stalker which extremely intensifies it all!
This is such a great and exciting read!! Loved it!
(And there's a lead in to the next story that will feature Logan. It sounds so great, I can't wait to read it!)
Money makes the world go 'round.
Laurel: spoiled, old-money rich girl.
Hawk: scrappy, wrong-side-of-the-tracks playboy.
Does it always have to boil down to just that?
No. No, no, no, NO!! Money makes first impressions impossible! There's more than just the surface but why does it have to be so excruciating to watch these two let go of their vulnerabilities and insecurities and make it work?! It will rip your heart out and slowly stitch it back together. Oh, and there's the suspense of finding Laurel's stalker which extremely intensifies it all!
This is such a great and exciting read!! Loved it!
(And there's a lead in to the next story that will feature Logan. It sounds so great, I can't wait to read it!)
July 6, 2021
Hawk McGregor loathed the rich and their haughty attitudes, but to get on with business he hides his feelings and get the job done. When asked to investigate threating messages sent to socialite Laurel Bancroft he did so just as a favour to appease an old friend. When meeting for the first time Hawk is not surprised to find Laurel cold and aloof making him feel he did not belong. Setting his feelings of inadequacy aside, Hawk stats to look for this guy harassing Laurel, but he is a ghost. When threats start to escalate and Laurel’s life is threatened, Hawk realises this person wants her dead. Another captivating story by Michelle St James, chock full suspense, action and romance, but also a reminder of two life lessons; don’t judge a book by its cover; and everybody is worthy of love and respect.
July 9, 2021
Love or Money is the first book in Michelle St. James new series. Hawk McGregor is the owner of Imperium. He gets paid to protect the rich and famous, even though he despises most of what they stand for. Laurel Bancroft looks to the outside world like just another spoiled rich socialite who comes from Hollywood money. When her Uncle Mo hires Hawk to look into someone harassing her, we get to see how Hollywood is truly all smoke and mirrors. Michelle again shows us how good she is at drawing the reader in with the perfect amount of suspense, and sex appeal.
July 8, 2021
Michelle st James newest series and what a brilliant start!
Hawk has his own security firm and is hired to protect Laurel who is being stalked.
Loved this book and can't wait for the next.
Hawk has his own security firm and is hired to protect Laurel who is being stalked.
Loved this book and can't wait for the next.
July 19, 2021
This is a new series by Michelle St James and she doesn’t disappoint! Hawk and Laurel’s story is a slow build that keeps you turning the page! Loved the book and so looking forward to the next book in the series!
May 17, 2022
Hawking owns a security firm, "the best of the best" but his actions do not justify his reputation.
- installment of security system takes several days;
- no personal bodyguard as immediate shadow;
- no constant close contact during the fundraiser;
- cocky behaviour to draw out the stalker;
Finally they get to know the stalker's name and Hawk's behaviour is completely bigheaded:
I didn't like the heroine, she is rich and doesn't do a lot besides gardening her own garden and working for her charity, she is not really fulfilled by those tasks but doesn't make an effort to change except bemoaning her mother's and brother's deaths.
The hero is a golden boy, having founded his company and taken it to the top, caring for his mother and sister and employees.
Wrong and misspelled words, random use of commas.
- installment of security system takes several days;
- no personal bodyguard as immediate shadow;
- no constant close contact during the fundraiser;
- cocky behaviour to draw out the stalker;
Finally they get to know the stalker's name and Hawk's behaviour is completely bigheaded:
I didn't like the heroine, she is rich and doesn't do a lot besides gardening her own garden and working for her charity, she is not really fulfilled by those tasks but doesn't make an effort to change except bemoaning her mother's and brother's deaths.
The hero is a golden boy, having founded his company and taken it to the top, caring for his mother and sister and employees.
Wrong and misspelled words, random use of commas.
August 4, 2021
Loving the first book from this new series! After reading all of Michelle’s mob-life books, I was intrigued to see what the start of this new series would involve especially being different from her usual reads – but I was not disappointed at all! Hawking has worked his entire life crawling up from the wrong side of the tracks, and he is finally extremely successful in his career and able to take care of his sister and mother like he always wanted, but he has strong feelings about the wealthy that never changed. As a favor to his mentor, he is in charge of personally protecting Laurel, a woman who grew up with money due to her mother and father in the industry even though she has no career in that field or anything do to with it. She tends to live a quiet life, only using her fame to advocate for her passion project, but Hawk can’t look beyond her upbringing with money. While first feeling that her stalker isn’t real or it’s just a joke, when Hawk comes into the picture it becomes increasingly dangerous and escalated, and Laurel starts to take things seriously. I loved the dual story of both finding out who is stalking Laurel while also finding her and Hawk grow a relationship, even after he gets into his head and Laurel gives him the surprise of his life. I totally enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 3, 2024
⋆｡°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆｡°✩
A new author to add to my roster!
The plot - This is an enemies to lovers, bodyguard X celebrity, forced proximity romance. Smut was 2.5/5 on the spice scale, the plotline took priority. It’s also a HEA in a series of interconnected standalones. There are a few light triggers so; CHECK YA FUCKIN TRIGGERS PEOPLE.
I’ve had this book downloaded for probably a year now, and I’ve just read it. Why didn’t I read it sooner? He’s her bodyguard, and he’s got baggage. She’s a famous celebrity who does charity work and that’s the only reason she’s a celebrity, so she’s got baggage! It’s just two people with baggage who wanna fuck and I’m here for it.
The MC - Laurel is our reclusive celebrity. She’s got baggage and she needs to learn to communicate better but given that she’s a celebrity she wasn’t intolerable so I give her mega points there.
The male counterpart - Hawk is our MMC and he’s got seeeerious baggage. He doesn’t trust easily, he doesn’t believe he deserves his success and man… I’m simping for him and he’s fictional so he’s doing something right.
A new author to add to my roster!
The plot - This is an enemies to lovers, bodyguard X celebrity, forced proximity romance. Smut was 2.5/5 on the spice scale, the plotline took priority. It’s also a HEA in a series of interconnected standalones. There are a few light triggers so; CHECK YA FUCKIN TRIGGERS PEOPLE.
I’ve had this book downloaded for probably a year now, and I’ve just read it. Why didn’t I read it sooner? He’s her bodyguard, and he’s got baggage. She’s a famous celebrity who does charity work and that’s the only reason she’s a celebrity, so she’s got baggage! It’s just two people with baggage who wanna fuck and I’m here for it.
The MC - Laurel is our reclusive celebrity. She’s got baggage and she needs to learn to communicate better but given that she’s a celebrity she wasn’t intolerable so I give her mega points there.
The male counterpart - Hawk is our MMC and he’s got seeeerious baggage. He doesn’t trust easily, he doesn’t believe he deserves his success and man… I’m simping for him and he’s fictional so he’s doing something right.
April 27, 2023
3.5 stars
Even though I really don't like insta love, this book started off great, the MCs have stupid misconceptions about each other which makes them "enemies" but they are still attracted to the other. Even though the FMC lacked a little bit of depth in my opinion, I didn't hate either of the characters.
But the end really disappointed me and docked off points to my final rating. Their breakup was so stupid and unnecessary, they're both grown adults but refuse to communicate and just give up on each other so easily without a fight from either of them??
The surprise pregnancy is where the author really lost me...I hate that trope and you're telling me that suddenly, after hiding her pregnancy for MONTHS, she just tells him and that magically solves all of their issues and they get back together as if nothing happened? No, I don't think so...
This could have been great but the ending ruined it for me.
Even though I really don't like insta love, this book started off great, the MCs have stupid misconceptions about each other which makes them "enemies" but they are still attracted to the other. Even though the FMC lacked a little bit of depth in my opinion, I didn't hate either of the characters.
But the end really disappointed me and docked off points to my final rating. Their breakup was so stupid and unnecessary, they're both grown adults but refuse to communicate and just give up on each other so easily without a fight from either of them??
The surprise pregnancy is where the author really lost me...I hate that trope and you're telling me that suddenly, after hiding her pregnancy for MONTHS, she just tells him and that magically solves all of their issues and they get back together as if nothing happened? No, I don't think so...
This could have been great but the ending ruined it for me.
August 27, 2022
*spoilers*
This started off decent but the ending was anticlimactic. The stalker plot was dragged on all for it to end in an unsatisfying way. Laurel leaving for months and hiding a pregnancy was unnecessary and their issues being magically solved at the end was unrealistic.
This started off decent but the ending was anticlimactic. The stalker plot was dragged on all for it to end in an unsatisfying way. Laurel leaving for months and hiding a pregnancy was unnecessary and their issues being magically solved at the end was unrealistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2023
I haven't read a book in 3rd person in forever. So it did take some time to get used to it. However, once I got over it, the book was good. Nothing great but still an enjoyable read. I'll probably continue with the duet.
May 22, 2023
enemies (ish) to lovers, open door romance. There was a bit of suspense trying to figure out who Laurel's stalker was. The story line was good and plausible, Hawk wasn't an alphahole and at time was adorable.
Downloaded as part of the 2023 Stuff your Kindle event.
Downloaded as part of the 2023 Stuff your Kindle event.
June 2, 2022
Great love story
Thus book captured my interest right away. The characters seemed so real and their attraction to each other was off the chain. I can't wait to see the movie!
Thus book captured my interest right away. The characters seemed so real and their attraction to each other was off the chain. I can't wait to see the movie!
July 3, 2022
New to me author and I am hooked to say the least.
Love or Money grabbed my attention right from the beginning and kept me there till the very end.
Love or Money grabbed my attention right from the beginning and kept me there till the very end.
Want to Read
July 13, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (7/13/2022)! 🎁
August 8, 2022
Decent read.
December 31, 2022
She's rich through birth and being stalked. He's rich through hard work and is guarding her. Unfortunately it felt rather run of the mill.
January 24, 2023
When Hawk’s mentor Mo asks him to protect his reclusive niece Laurel, he has misgivings about it but agrees out of respect. Laurel is not at all what he expected. The characters are interesting and well developed. Enjoyed this read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews