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The Men #2

Discovering Mr. X

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Whoever said money can’t buy happiness has never sold their worn panties.
Selling every pair to an anonymous buyer whilst working as a long-haul flight attendant means my lifelong dream is in reach.

A home to call my own.

It’s so close I can almost feel that front door key in my hand.

Until a giant ego in an overpriced suit steals that dream.

He’s smug, cocky, infuriating…

everything I hate.

I do what I must.

I declare war.

But no one ever truly wins on the battlefield.

There will be casualties.

He believes he has me.

I think I know him.

We are both wrong.

It soon becomes clear that discovering who we are to each other isn’t as straightforward as X marks the spot.

★★★★★

This is a standalone steamy romance, which is part of an interconnecting series. (The Men Series.) It is intended for readers aged 18 years and over.

309 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 10, 2021

2099 people are currently reading
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About the author

Elle Nicoll

25 books1,035 followers

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5 stars
2,874 (42%)
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3 stars
1,316 (19%)
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101 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 347 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,272 reviews723 followers
November 28, 2021
3,5 ❤️❤️❤️🩲⭐️s

An intriguing romance read!
Rachel and Tanner’s story was very well written and developed, steamy, they had a great banter and a connection that were meant to be together.
For me, Tanner stole the show! He was a fantastic character!!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews362 followers
August 11, 2021
Rachel and Tanner's Story . . .

Rachel is an independent, confident flight attendant trying to save money, with a very unconventional side-business, to buy her own place. When she returns businessman Tanner’s laptop which he accidentally left behind, he is grateful and wants to pay her, but she won’t accept his money. He wants to do something nice for her. He becomes her Mr. X customer.

Rachel is just the type of woman he likes and the two of them, when they meet in person through another chance encounter, get to know each other. He knows when to back off or when she needed him. They were so good together. But his little secret identity could cause big problems if she finds out. Or maybe it’s never an “if” but a when. Will she walk away from their friendship? Will she build her walls back up?

The story line is fast-paced but will pull the reader in to their odd story. He touched her heart. Can she walk out of his life now?
Profile Image for Solos Mechalis.
226 reviews20 followers
May 29, 2022
ughhhhhhh. This was so poorly written it was a nightmare. I am ashamed to admit that I was bored as hell so I read this garbage.
poor porn
poor dialogue
poor setting in general
wouldn't recommend even if my life depended on it.
Profile Image for shreya.
133 reviews355 followers
May 14, 2022
2.5⭐️

good beginning and I liked Rachel and Tanner's dynamic but there was nothing inherently sexy about this book. sex was kinda formal and unnatural to me.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
3,703 reviews330 followers
did-not-finish
May 8, 2022
DNF at 7%. I just don’t like these main characters. And they just aren’t relatable to me. The chick is selling her used underwear to pay for a house. I don’t like having intimate scenes with other lovers in a romance book and this one has her leaving a guys place where she had a casual hookup. He was described as having lots of hookups and I just cringe for the STDs possible in this situation.

The guy is also described as having lots of casual sex and making eyes at some woman while the heroine is in the room. Sure, they haven’t officially met yet but I just don’t want sexy thoughts in my character’s minds about other people right before they are supposed to meet. It just feels gross.
Profile Image for Renata.
15 reviews
May 13, 2022
As I said before.... in my reading slumps i pick up trashy romance.... 🔫☠️
Profile Image for Romance Reads Reviewed by K.
385 reviews15 followers
July 24, 2021
In Elle Nicoll's first book, Meeting Mr. Andersen, we get to know Rachel as Hollie's best friend. That's also the first time we hear about Mr. X, the author left little bread crumbs that would lure the reader into needing to know who Mr. X is? Finally, the time has come, Discovering Mr. X is here, and he won't disappoint.

Rachel is a highly independent, closed-off flight attendant with walls bigger and higher than any max security prison. Rachel lives with her friend Meghan and house rabbit Nigel, the cutest, sweetest rabbit ever.
Businessman Tanner is jealous and possessive, but he always wants to help people. He doesn't care if he has to do things that aren't the smartest to help someone. He isn't used to people going against him, but he has met his match in Rachel. But Tanner has a secret, and you know what they say about secrets, they always come to bite you in the ass.

Tanner and Rachel were destined to end up together. They had this special connection, knew each other. Especially Tanner knew when it was time to back off or when Rachel needed him.
There was lots of sex, and the building to the scenes added to the steam level.

The story has a fast pace, is well build, and there is lots of character growth. Especially Rachel completely changed during the story.

I enjoyed reading Discovering Mr. X. I finished in less than twenty four hours. It was steamy, funny, engaging, and easy to read. It's the perfect read for on vacation.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for readingwithgloria ✮.
226 reviews
June 4, 2022
okay, yeah

i liked this one way better than the first one without a doubt

i was intrigued from the first book to see where the storyline was going to go for the main characters best friend and i do not regret continuing this series after not being fond of the first one

even though these are are considered stand-alones, i think i wouldn’t have gotten the gist and same feel if i didn’t read the first one
Profile Image for Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨.
1,622 reviews57 followers
November 8, 2021
Ahhh.. Tanner and Rachel 😍😍😍

This series is freaking LIT. I'm having such a blast reading this one. It's fun, made me laugh and smile and all the freaking steamy times has melted my poor kindle for sure, but I'm loving it. 🔥😉😍

Rachel is a fiesty and independent girl who doesn't believe in relationships and dating.
In book 1, I was really curious to see how this girl would find her man.

The start itself is so crazy addictive, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough from there itself. When an already late tanner meets Rachel and she unknowingly helps him in a huge way. Fast forward now and she has no idea the mysterious man at the auction who bids on the home she wanted is the same man.

But Tanner just floored me and no wonder he finally gained the affections of a woman who is hard to get to. He's persistent, sweet, helpful, possessive and with an exposing f*cking hot chemistry with Rachel, that man is a complete package.

BUT.. There's a secret that this dashing man is hiding and might destroy everything he has built with Rachel.

AHH... My heart.. Read Read this series. It makes me fall in love all over again with the romance genre. Loved loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Ariana.
409 reviews14 followers
May 28, 2022
Honestly don't get the hype and Rachel (Snow) is pretty annoying. Yes, she had a difficult life but she doesn't have to make everything about it. The book and characters are pretty forgettable. 2 stars for smut I guess
Profile Image for The.Bookish.Romantic.
63 reviews5 followers
November 7, 2022
Discovering Mr. X was truly an amazing story of character growth and intense “fate” type of love.

Tanner and Rachel are very much opposites. Tanner is a fun-loving (yet serious when it comes to business) all around good guy. Rachel is an independent, closed off, feisty and loyal woman. She is very prideful when it comes to making a life for herself on her own. Tanner falls for her well before they formally meet through a snafu at the airport. He overhears her speaking to a friend and falls in love with her strength and wit.

When they meet formally many months later he remembers their quick meet cute while she does not (as she was late for work that day). He takes it upon himself to do everything possible to get in her good graces….buying the house she saved up for, for himself didn’t help him much to start 😂. It’s enemies to lovers where Rachel is concerned.

They form an intense relationship which comes out in the bedroom with each of them very vocal about their needs and desires. She has a hard time letting Tan into her heart based off her past of being abandoned by those she loves. Through some very coincidental happenings they both begin to realize that what they have may be something that was written in the stars well before they met during their adulthood.

As with any romance there are some trials that test them along the way. I fell so,hard for Tan and those perfect “book boyfriend” swoony behaviors. While I think Rachel was harsh to him at times she did have her reasons which I can respect. They were a fiercely enjoyable couple and I absolutely loved their story.

This was a top notch read that was paced very well with a very inventive storyline and fabulous group of side characters.
All the stars and amazing spice!


Profile Image for Elisabete.
149 reviews
May 18, 2022
I liked the book quite a bit. I had a different idea of the plot because of Instagram, so I was a bit disappointed but I ended up really enjoying it once I adjusted my expectations.

3.75 / 5
Profile Image for Maddy.
117 reviews
July 18, 2023
Cute little book, it was predictable
Profile Image for Kristina Maysonet.
1,752 reviews35 followers
July 19, 2022
If you read Meeting Mr Anderson, you have probably been dying to find out about the mysterious Mr X who was exclusively buying Rachel’ panties.  The beginning of the story takes us to when Mr X (Tanner) and Rachel meet. Tanner overhears her plan to sell her panties, he ends up so distracted by her that he forgets his laptop. When she brings it back to him, he tries to repay her but she refuses and that is when he comes up with his plan. Mr X starts paying double to be the only one she sells her panties to. 

Having grown up in foster care, Rachel is wildly independent and completely determined in her goals: which her main one is to buy a house. She wasn’t looking for love or a relationship, and she doesn’t need a man to help her. 

Rachel and Tanner meet up again by chance( she doesn’t recall their first meeting) and begin spending time together. Tanner loves helping Rachel even though he has to fight in order for her to let him. The chemistry between Rachel and Tanner is burning through the pages of the book. The sex scenes are some of the hottest ever written. Rachel tries to keep things casual but she soon finds herself in a meet-the-mom, spend-every night-together relationship with Tanner. Tanner is absolutely perfect for her. He breaks down her walls but also knows when to give her space and when to fight her to give her help.  This quote from Tanner basically sums up how he is as a boyfriend “Now ride my cock like a good girl, and I’ll run you a bath after.” He is a dirty talker with a heart of gold and a “smug wanker” while Rachel is fierce and loyal but also a “snarky bitch”. When the truth comes out about Tanner being Mr X, can Rachel forgive him for keeping it a secret? What will Tanner do to get her to forgive him? The ending, especially the letter, had me in tears and cursing out Elle Nicoll but was overjoyed with their HEA. I loved how the story came together and how there were pieces of information dropped throughout the story that all came together in the end. Beautiful writing that made me not want to put the book down. 

"These last three months have been hell, Rach. You do not know how much I’ve missed you… you and your snarkiness"
11 reviews
May 11, 2022
Why is he shouting at her during seggsy time? Not hot, more like weird and a red flag lmaooo. Liked the idea, didn’t like the execution.
Profile Image for DirtyBooksWithAli.
41 reviews114 followers
August 11, 2021
ARC Review💋
Discovering Mr. X✨
By: Elle Nicoll💓

The feels: 5/5💋
The steam: 5/5🔥
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌿Ohhh Tanner, won’t you venture over to the states and snuggle my rabbit?🥰 #swoon #ifyouknowyouknow

🌿In true Elle Nicoll fashion, she delivers yet another beautifully written masterpiece, complete with an amazing storyline, witty characters, and deliciously sexy romance. 🥵💋

🌿Discovering Mr. X follows Rachel Jones—the stunningly beautiful, fiercely independent, badass flight attendant with an unstoppable drive to build the life she’s always dreamed of.

🌿If you’ve read “Meeting Mr. Anderson,” then you’re already familiar with Rachel—Holly’s hilarious best friend with an unapologetic appetite for men, infamous lack of filter, and boss lady side hustle: selling her worn panties for extra cash😉

🌿After months of working, saving, and selling the hell out of her sexy panties, Rachel can finally afford her dream home—only to be outbid by a gorgeous stranger.

🌿After Rachel meets Tanner—the stunning creature who effectively stole her new home—he’s instantly enamored with her, feeling a fated connection like never before. And as a gorgeous, wealthy, business mogul, Tanner is used to getting what he wants. But can Rachel be convinced as easily as a client in his boardroom? And will their connection be enough to overcome the difficulties of their pasts?

🌿Rachel and Tanner quickly became one of my favorite book couples! I loved their explosive chemistry, their snarky banter, and their perfectly designed balance. Where she is dark, he is light. And together, they are exquisite. 💓

🌿This is one book that I can honestly say REPEATEDLY shocked the hell out of me! Just when I thought I had the next part figured out, Elle would come out of nowhere with another mindfuck of a twist😆

🌿Discovering Mr. X is a delectable combination of hilarious dialogue, scorching hot sex, enticing drama, and beautiful romance that’ll simultaneously make you swoon, break your heart, and melt your panties. 🔥🥰

🌿Seriously, this book is absolutely amazing and I loved every dirty minute!💓💋
Profile Image for Tina Locklear.
638 reviews7 followers
August 6, 2021
After to getting to the airport for a flight to a very important business meeting with a critical high paying client Tanner Grayson stops into a coffee shop in airport before his flight and stumbles on two beautiful ladies and one of them catches his eye but what made her more intriguing is a saying that brings back memories because it was a saying his mother always use to say. So, after the one beautiful flight attendant Rachel mentions this quote, Rachel is telling her friend also about this plan she has of selling her panties to get extra income for her dream home.

During the trip to coffee shop it takes too long and Tanner realizes he is late for his flight and in process of rushing he forgets his briefcase that contains everything he needs for this critical meeting with this important client and as he goes back to get it Rachel is there telling them it was his briefcase. He offers to pay her and she declines because they aren't allowed to except gifts. Tanner being intrigued by Rachel decides he will become a client of her new way to make extra money.

Tanner & Rachel are totally opposites attract his a rich, handsome and quite wealthy while she is a flight attendant who was raised in foster care who lives paycheck to paycheck but she has plenty of sass and she is very independent. This author gives you lots of different emotions in this amazing read: love, loss, trust issues, hurt and much more lots of suspense and twist and turns.
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,264 reviews1,532 followers
August 11, 2021
I seriously floved this book! Rachel and Tanner were absolutely wonderful! The storyline was super original and it had me completely hooked right from the beginning. It’s well written and has super engaging characters - to include the secondary characters. There are some wonderful twists you’ll never see coming that make you walk away from this story feeling like fate was more than just a little involved ❤️. Rachel is just fantastic! A super snarky girl with a hard-as-nails shell that protects all the mushiness inside her. She knows what she wants and goes after it. She’s a great friend, but difficult to get to know. “Everyone thinks I’m this strong, takes-no-sh!t girl, but I’m not. I didn’t lose my mom and grow up without a proper home because I was strong and could handle it. I handled it because I had no choice”. Life hasn’t been easy for her, but it’s taught her hard lessons that she’s careful not to repeat. At first glance, Tanner and Rachel seem like they don’t have a lot in common past their super hot chemistry, but as the story moves on, you realize they’re a lot more alike than they seem. Tanner is a man who has always appreciated strong, independent women and Rachel ticks all his boxes, right from the beginning. Tanner has a big truth he hasn’t told Rachel, though, and it may just be too much for her to get over. The smexy times in the story nearly burned up my kindle, but I felt like it remained second to the fabulous story rather than dominating it, like I did in Meeting Mr. Anderson. This was really just an awesome read that will leave you with all the feels! I cannot wait to see where Ms. Nicholl goes in her next book; just a FABULOUS new author!!

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Enemies to lovers
Angst: 😰😰😰
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none
Profile Image for V.H. Nicolson.
Author 17 books524 followers
July 29, 2021
Thank you so much for letting me ARC Review!

Elle Nicoll writes like a well-seasoned author. It’s hard to believe this is only her second book. Discovering Mr X is beautifully written and made me laugh, cry and connect deeply with the characters – I needed to know everything about them and couldn’t stop turning the pages.

In Elle’s debut novel, Meeting Mr Anderson, we met Mr X, it’s here we were introduced to Mr X’s rather demanding side for Rachel to give him exclusive access to her online pantie selling enterprise.

Moving ahead a few months, in Discovering Mr X, we jump into Rachel’s story and this is where we meet Tanner. Almost missing his flight, Rachel, a flight attendant, helps Tanner out when he loses his laptop case just as he’s about to hop on a flight. Instantly Tanner is dumbstruck by Rachel’s Snow White appearance mixed with her smart sassy mouth.

This first interaction is one of many coincidences. Where events and people align, and their paths together intertwine time and time again.

Scarred by her past, Rachel is guarded and stubborn as hell. She’s one feisty woman who won’t allow anyone to penetrate her heart. But can Tanner the ‘up himself’ business man break down those titanium walls Rachel’s built around her?

You will chuckle throughout and cry a little. It’s a book I couldn’t put down and one I would read time and time again. Especially just to read the interactions between Nigel, Rachel’s house rabbit, and Tanner. They were funny as hell.

Discovering Mr X is full of scorching, steamy scenes. The sex scenes are full of wicked, rocket fuelled banter and boy oh boy does Rachel give as good as she gets. The sexual magnetism between them is undeniable and addictive.

It is true, you sometimes have to get lost a little before discovering your beautiful destination.

A must read.
Profile Image for Taylor - Shesaysgetbooked.
333 reviews15 followers
August 16, 2021
We first met Rachel Jones in Meeting Mr. Anderson when she is the coworker/best friend/roommate of that books heroine. Going into Mr. X, we know what type of “business” our girl Rachel is conducting with Mr. X.

In this Discovering Mr. X, We find Rachel playing a large role (unbeknownst to her) in a complete stranger getting a business deal of a life time, she has no idea how far he is willing to go to pay her back.

A big difference between the first book in this series and this second one, is that we get the Hero’s point of view. I found this to be much more rewarding in watching the main characters relationship grow and any bumps in the road they hit.

I loved this book. A lot of emotion was put into it. Since this is the same world and group of friends as the first book, you have the same secondary characters who really added an extra spark to this book.

I am looking forward to the 3rd book, Drawn to Mr. King. I have a feeling this will be the best one yet.
Profile Image for Kaya.
626 reviews
August 11, 2021


RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

I enjoyed this book a lot. While Meeting Mr. Anderson was a joyride, this was more of your-favorite-rom-com-to-watch-when-you-need-cheering-up.

Rachel is our super-independent heroine who likes to peddle worn underwear online. (Hey, if you have a market for it, why not? There's no shame in Rachel's game.)

Tanner is her mysterious Mr. X, one of her customers who turned out to be someone she met at an airport a while back.

Rachel and Tan cross paths again when Rachel comes to bid on her dream home (or more like dream home project).

What I love about this book was the progression of their relationship, and how that did not take away from Rachel's independence. Tanner was incredibly respectful of that, and while we like our alphaholes, it was refreshing and really well written in this book.

I especially love the underlying message of discovering who we are in this book, and how that gets tied into the story. Also, my love and kisses to dear ol' Nigel. ❤️

***I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
Profile Image for Erica Rogers.
647 reviews16 followers
August 6, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Rachel & Tanner
Rachel is a flight attendant. She is sarcastic and feisty and fiercely independent. She’s also not into the whole “relationship” thing.
Tanner is in property development and very determined. When something he wants is in front of him he will do what it takes (including being patient) to get it.
Their banter is phenomenal. They have a fun way of first meetings (yes plural) and getting to know each other. They develop a friendship (with sexual tension) first. There’s secrets between them that they each fear could break them apart. As well as connections they don’t ever realize.
I felt their relationship was so easy. They just fell together with ease that made their chemistry scream. I really enjoyed all the banter between them. The way they talk to each other at times makes you laugh.

A•R•C review
Profile Image for Charlotte.
130 reviews11 followers
August 10, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest reivew*

Discovering Mr. X is the second book in the Men series by Elle Nicoll. It follows after Meeting Mr Anderson and instead our main characters are Hollie's friend, Rachel, as well as Mr X, all in a dual narrated spicy little book.

There's a strong and special connection between Rachel and Tanner, with every little meeting causing it to become more tense. Their chemistry is incredible. And although Tanner was originally a possessive A-hole, it was refreshing to see a relationship where the other recognises when it is needed to back off and give space. Although the bedrooms were spicy and delicious, the story line itself was just as (if not more) delicious. Elle Nicoll knows how to write a romance, and a delightful one especially.

Elle created multi-layered characters that helped to result in a surprisingly heart wrenching and overall incredible story that I absolutely adored. The banter, the spice, the storyline - everything together culminated in a quick delectable read. Definitely one to add to your TBR!
Profile Image for Alissa (Taylor's Version) .
144 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2023
2.5 stars

Good writing style and the first 30 % were very promising but then it went downhill.

I felt that there wasn't any real plot in the book, just sex. And imho sometimes it appeared out of nowhere. The characters were flat, exept Tanner who I enjoyed, but only at times.
Also, I seriously don't know why this is advertised as an enemies to lovers story, because the characters are enemies for maybe 50 pages or so and then they become all lovey dovey which to me is the enemies to lovers trope going completely wrong.

All in all , I'm very sorry, but this isn't my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Shannon.
168 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2021
Elle Nicoll has done it again! After reading ‘Meeting Mr. Anderson’, I jumped at the opportunity to get an ARC of ‘Discovering Mr.X’, hoping it would be just as good. I was not disappointed!

‘Discovering Mr. X’ has it all! The chemistry between Rachel and Tanner is phenomenal. I laughed, I held my breath in anticipation, and tears welled up (RIP Nigel 😢).

Nicoll’s writing flows effortlessly and the mental picture she creates makes you feel like her stories are happening around you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jessica.
501 reviews6 followers
August 6, 2021
So excited to read about Mr X and Rachel!!! We meet Rachel in Meeting Mr Anderson, and I have been “patiently” waiting to know more about Mr X.
Love love love Rachel!!!! She’s sass and strength and just amazing. Tanner is such a strong man but never overpowers Rachel. Their connection was pretty instant and I loved how it built. Tanner didn’t push Rachel and went at her pace knowing how important that was. He’s the kind of man you want to find when you haven’t had things the easiest.
This story is one that will grab you and hold on until the last word.
Profile Image for Becky Parker.
201 reviews
October 10, 2025
I need to sleep, but this book had me in a chokehold 😂

I started reading it this evening, and I have been completely hooked.
I love Tanner and Rachel.

I enjoyed the first book about Holly and Jay, but this one is so much better. The writing is better, and I could almost feel the characters' emotions.

This book was funny, spicy and sad.

I loved it.
Profile Image for Lauren L..
51 reviews8 followers
August 5, 2021
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, for a new author, I am just blown away.

This is the second book for this author that I have been gifted as an ARC and I am so grateful because this was an amazing story.

This is a detailed, fast paced, and moving tale. Although a romance ( like seriously brimming with steam), I really enjoyed how the author builds around how our childhood memories and experiences impact a person throughout their life.

Again, the secondary characters are intriguing and surely setting the scene for future books!

“Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations”
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