Brazen Player

Cocky Hero Club

by Robin Stone

We’re both playing the game. But who’s going to win?

Logan
I should get this promotion to the executive team. I have experience. Loyalty. Smarts.
But the one thing I don’t have is the one thing I’ve never been able to achieve: a family.
My personal life shouldn’t matter, but the executive team is filled with family men and women.
Me? I’ve had a revolving door of dates. It’s just the way I like things—casual, no-strings.
But it’s time to toss out the little black book and get serious.
I need a woman who’s feisty, someone who can handle me.
Someone strong and funny and intelligent.
Someone like that hot little brunette I see in the elevator who sets my libido on fire.
It’s lust at first sight.
Too bad she can’t stand me.

Olivia
Men—the bane of my existence!
Between my nuisance ex and people who think a woman doesn’t belong on a construction site…well, they can all kiss my curvy ass.
As a home renovation expert, I know my way around power tools.
I’m taking things to the next level, renovating and flipping a condo in a high-end building.
I’m out of my element here. I can tell by the way the unit owners look down their noses at my paint-stained clothing and work boots.
Especially the snob in the suit I meet in the elevator.
He thinks he’s better than me. I certainly don’t need a snooty jerk like him…
Until he makes me an offer I can’t refuse.

Genres: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy

ebook

Published September 19, 2021

About the author

Robin started writing stories when she was five years old. She wrote essays, articles, and over a million words of non-fiction before turning to fiction in 2011. She watched romance authors having way too much fun, and after writing her first romance, she was hooked.

Her imagination is filled with painters, landscapers, and carpenters. Robin's books are emotional stories that keep readers coming back for more.

Robin lives near Boston and likes reading, travel, and eating good chocolate. She loves hearing from her readers. Visit www.robin-stone.net to see a list of her books and sign up for her newsletter.

The Landscaper Series
The Landscaper
Landscaper in Lust
Landscaper in Love
Landscaper in Paradise
The Landscaper’s Christmas

The Bullseye Club Series
Evan's Wish
Liam's Desire
Drew’s Choice

No Limits Series
Sharing Darcy
Sharing Courtney
Sharing Alex

Standalones
Delivery Man
Toy With Me
The Painters
The Carpenter
The Mechanic

Collections
The Blue Collar Collection

Cocky Hero Club
Brazen Player (Audiobook)

Reviews

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t have a whole lot to say about this story except the author did an excellent job with the age old saying “opposites attract”. Olivia and Logan are from completely different worlds, maybe even hemispheres LOL but the story is written so realistically that you can’t help but see these two in a relatable manner. I wasn’t Logan’s biggest fan in this story, and I had to warm up to him, but I was team Olivia from the very beginning! AND I was rooting for them both! Other than that aspect of the story, nothing really stood out to me *shrug*

I do have one tiny thing to mention because I just can’t not LOL It has been killing me since this book landed on my kindle. SO, I’m not sure what Logan is doing with his finger on this cover, but use a napkin for Pete’s sake and also, but why, tho? Ya’ll, I just don’t get some of the choices that are made with covers. Someone out these thought that pose was attractive … *blink*

Okay, that’s all I have. Do with all that what you will :)

[Melanie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driven exec brakes for love

This is the sweetest, sexiest love story I’ve read in a long time. Logan needs a fake fiancé to help him pull off a career move. On a whim, Olivia the construction entrepreneur agrees. Robin Stone’s alternating POV and low drama style put all the focus on Olivia and Logan’s moment-by-moment slide into honest attraction and then true love. Sexy, sassy, and soft-hearted, both find work-life balance and HEA. All i can say is “aaah, yeah!”

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU / AUDIO COMING SOON

Olivia's denim shorts and construction. Logan's a suit and a desk. She's nowhere near rich. He's successful and wealthy. From two different worlds, she thinks she's got him pegged as a rich boy, not her type and she's not his type. But something about her draws him to her. Coming from two different worlds as they do should mean they aren't compatible in the least, but you know what they say about opposites attract...



Olivia is definitely the star of Brazen Player. I love how down to earth and real she is. Logan didn't give me the best first impression, but he eventually got better the longer he was around Olivia, the longer she influenced him and helped him become more down to earth and real like her. This is an entertaining, fun story, definitely worth its place in the Cocky Hero Club.



ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin Stone takes her usual formula--blue collar hero and the white collar heroine (and sometimes hero) who loves him--and flips it in this latest entry in the Cocky Hero Club series. Brazen Player is a fake relationship, friends-to-lovers (after a rocky start, anyway ;)) romance between a heroine who owns her own construction company and the executive-and-looking-for-a-promotion hero who lives in the upscale building she's been rehabbing a condo in.

The building is "not her style." Neither is the guy. Or is he...?

What begins as a fake relationship to help Logan secure his promotion soon turns into a relationship with benefits, and before he knows it Logan's complaining to his best friend that Olivia has put him firmly in the friend zone when he--for once!--actually wants more. But can he convince Olivia to give him a chance?

I enjoyed reading Brazen Player--I especially loved Olivia's business and all that she managed to achieve with it, both for her employees and for charity--and it was easy to want to see Logan and Olivia become a real couple. Their romance is plenty steamy, even though the book on the whole is driven more by the romance than by their antics in the bedroom--also a bit of a change from Ms Stone's usual, though you won't find a single complaint about that here. Their HEA was both satisfying and sweet, and I closed my ereader afterward with a smile.

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
STEAM: 🔥🔥



Brazen Player is part of the Cocky Heroes Club collection. A fake relationship romance in the same vein as Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward's Stuck-Up Suit, this read takes us along for the ride with Logan and Olivia.

Logan is a focused workaholic striving to get a C-level promotion. There is a big obstacle getting in the way of his dream job: They expect him to be a family man.

After getting rejected by exes who have since moved on to greener, commitment-happy pastures, he asks the woman in charge of an apartment renovation on his floor. Olivia is skeptical of Logan's proposal. After all, she's still trying to get over an annoying ex-boyfriend.

This was a fun, short read. I struggled with the pacing at the beginning as we're starting to meet the different players in Logan and Olivia's lives. I also wished there was more to show how problematic the ex Joe was.

That said, I think Logan and Olivia were a fun couple. I liked the banter between them, and made their quickly established friendship believable.

I especially enjoyed side characters Kim (Olivia's helper at the construction site) and Marcy (Logan's assistant). They were sassy, funny, and entertaining. My apologies to the main characters, but they easily stole the moments they were in.

** I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. **

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brazen Player was my first read from Robin Stone and I really enjoyed it!! Logan and Olivia had chemistry from the moment they meet, even though Olivia has Logan pegged as a rich jerk. She comes to that conclusion because of where he lives, the clothes he wears. She is so different from anyone Logan has ever met, she stands up to him and he likes that. Until Logan met Olivia he was laser focused on his career, and moving up, that changes when he meets her and can't stop thinking about her, and tries to run into her in his building since she's renovating a condo on his floor. Olivia has been burned by her last relationship and is still working with him...at least for a little bit anyway. They end up spending time together when Logan asks her to help him get a promotion at work. The attraction between them grows, and Logan may just be changing his mind about relationships and his job may not be as important to him as he once thought. They are both feeling more, but Olivia doesn't think someone like Logan would ever think of someone like Olivia as someone he could maybe fall for. She's not the typical type of woman Logan goes for they live such different lives. They have a lot of fun together. You'll have to read this book to find out how it all plays out!!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Logan Forrester knew that he was more than qualified for a promotion to his company's executive team. The only thing standing in his way was the fact that he was single, a real problem in light of the company's recent efforts to become more family-friendly. With no time for or interest in dating because of his dedication to his job, Logan decided that his best option was to find a fake girlfriend to accompany him to several upcoming corporate events, hopefully helping him to secure the promotion at last. After approaching two of his ex-girlfriends and getting shot down, Logan asked a new acquaintance, construction company owner Olivia Watts, for help. While she wasn't initially a fan of Logan's "rich boy" persona, Olivia agreed to help him in exchange for his help with the house her company was renovating for a charity that supported single mothers. The more time they spent together, the more difficult it was for them to deny their intense chemistry, and eventually the fake relationship turned into a friends with benefits arrangement. Could there be something real between them after all?

I really enjoyed how playful and flirty Logan and Olivia were with each other from the moment they met. Even though they were opposites, they complemented each other well, and it was easy to understand why they were attracted to each other. I found it very easy to cheer them on to their HEA.

Overall, "Brazen Player" was a cute, fun story with just the right amount of steam. I enjoyed and would recommend it for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans.

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Give Me Books Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Inked Orca · Rating 4 out of 5]

They couldn’t be more different from each other. Logan appears as the rich suit and tie guy when Olivia is the opposite. When she called Logan a rich boy from her car before speeding off, it seemed to annoy him, so he looked her up to see who she was to judge him. When he heated that his company wants a family man as a CBO, he asked Olivia to be his fake girlfriend. She agreed, but only if he helped her rebuild her deck. It’s not a surprise when they both have feelings for each other.



As far as plots go, this one isn’t something I haven’t read before. The fake relationship books have a trope of their own, along with opposite attract. It’s a nice quick read that’ll make you laugh a little and see two characters who thought love won’t find them fall for each other.



Stuck-up Suit was one of the books I’ve read this year. The main characters make an appearance in this book. You have no idea how excited I was when that happened.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for Brazen Player ( Cocky Hero Club)
Another great addition to the Cocky Hero Club and another new author for me to follow, that’s a win win and I highly recommend Logan and Olivia’s entertaining story.
Olivia is renovating one of the units in the same building that Logan lives in, from the moment she meets him she only sees the worst in him, she judges him on the clothes he wears and his home address, so as far as she is concerned is nothing but a rich jerk.
Logan is not ready for a relationship, his focus is on his career but that was before he met a construction worker named Olivia. She is the complete opposite to women he is normally attracted to and that means she intrigues him and he finds himself trying to have a reason to talk to her.
What follows is an entertaining, fun and witty journey as this couple let their guard down and get to know each other. Will Olivia change her opinion of Logan, guess you need to read the book to find that out. This is a book that ticked my boxes and I’m sure it will tick yours too if you give it a chance.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Logan’s attention has been focused on climbing the corporate ladder, so he has had no interest in pursuing a personal relationship. He has been shortlisted for a new position at work with the only strike against him being he isn’t a family man. He needs a girlfriend and with no viable options he decides to ask Olivia, a woman who is doing construction at his condo building to pretend they are a couple.

Olivia owns her own construction company and the first time she saw Logan she thought he was entitled and just another man who didn’t approve of her occupation, so she was surprised when Logan asks her for a favor, but she agreed and asks for one in return. After the way her last relationship ended, she never expected to develop feelings for him but she is about to find out that first impressions aren’t always accurate.

Despite their very different lifestyles Olivia and Logan couldn’t be a better match as they are there for each other both when it comes to their careers and their personal lives.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author to me, but I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future, and this story is a great addition to an awesome series. Logan is focused on her career, and he knows that he deserves the promotion to the executive team, however, the team all have families, and he is loose and fancy free with no serious relationships in sight. Olivia is feisty and independent, and she is a home renovation expert, and while working on one in the building that Logan lives in, they meet in the elevator. Logan is intrigued in this sassy woman, and he offers her a deal which she cannot refuse. These two may be complete opposites, but together they compliment each other perfectly. This is a well written story which is sweet, fun, light-hearted, and with humor, witty banter, emotions, and is an entertaining all-consuming page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia & Logan meet while Olivia is reconstructing one of the units in the building where Logan lives. At first glance, they are too different; Logan works a desk job, while Olivia works in construction, owning her own company. Also, Logan's taste in women have usually run towards those who love the spotlight and dressing up, while Olivia is comfortable being super casual. However, as they see more of each other, Olivia is forced to admit that Logan may not be the stuffy, spoilt suit that she first thought, and Logan quickly learns that Olivia is more than just a woman in a man's job.

I liked the story, and its premise. Logan initially comes off as a douche-y, selfish guy, but Robin Stone convincingly redeemed him into becoming a romance hero. Also, the way Logan & Olivia's relationship developed seemed real. It didn't seem forced or too quick to be absolutely unbelievable.

I recommend this quick, light read. It is a good addition to the Cocky Hero Club series.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Serenechaosnyc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book i've read by the author and it was good. Technically, I listened to the audiobook and Troy Duran and Kai Kennicott are excellent, as expected. The story is the typical opposites attract with white collar Logan and blue collar Olivia (LOVED that little twist!). I really loved Olivia and overall, this low angst book was sweet and fun. Logan needed Olivia to play his girlfriend because none of his prior relationships were willing to do it. He needed it to get a promotion (I never understand this, especially when it's for a high power position where an insane amount of traveling is apparently a necessary responsibility.) Regardless, while I enjoyed the story, I felt like we didn't get very in depth into the characters, which led to me not being really that invested in the story or their love. That said, I enjoyed it while I listened to it!

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and fun love story
When you first start reading this book it seems like Logan is all about what he wants and his needs. As he gets to know Olivia that all changes. With out realizing it he finds himself wanting to spend more and more time with her. Olivia is just coming out of a relationship and unsure of being in one with Logan. When they finally give in to the chemistry they both feel it becomes very HOT and STEAMY! These two simply just belong together. I love their banter. I love how Olivia stands up to Logan and doesn't back down. She owns her own business and stands her ground. This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it very much. I highly recommend this book.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved Olivia a lot, as she's a down to earth girl who is who she is. Logan is a suit & tie type of dude while she does home renovation, and she feels like he's looking down at her when they've come face to face as she's doing a renovation in his building when they come face to face. He did come a tad bit arrogant for a cool minute so I wasn't his biggest fan to be honest. Logan wants a promotion but he has to prove he's a family mad which means he needs a fake relationship quickly & since he wants Olivia, he gets her to do it by making a deal with her. They have chemistry in spades so it's only a matter of time before they give in, with catching feelings after that. In order to see how it all pans out, you know what to do as I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brazen Player was a quick, steamy read about two totally different people who somehow make the perfect couple.

Olivia is a strong, independent woman who owns her own contracting company and doesn't take shit from anyone. I really liked her character, because she isn't afraid to admit when she's wrong, but will stand up for herself when she knows she's right.

Logan was a sweet guy, if not a little misunderstood. I really loved that he didn't shy away from his attraction to Olivia and was patient with her.

Overall an great addition to the Cocky Hero Club Series.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a fan of Robin Stone and her books, I was thrilled when I found out she was writing in this world. Brazen Player did not disappoint me. I loved watching Logan and Olivia at first, fight their desires and then slowly give in. Olivia is a fierce woman who doesn't need a man in her life but can't help but admire Logan. He needs someone to pretend to be his finance so he can secure a promotion at work. What happens when something starts out innocent and develops into something that neither Logan or Olivia knew they needed? Loved the whole story and is one I'll reread in the future!!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a total opposites attract romance. Logan is your usual rich guy in a suit and Olivia is jeans and work boots on a construction site. She owns her own construction business. She's very casual and isn't afraid to speak her mind. Logan has been focused on his career, but needs to be seen as a family man for a promotion. An arrangement is made between them for Olivia to be his fake girlfriend and Logan will help her with her deck. Their chemistry is instant and explodes when they finally give in. A great story and enjoyable characters.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an unlikely couple for sure, but they do have something there, and it's called attraction. Logan is wanting this position at work so bad, but he doesn't have the family the rest of them has. When he makes a comment about having a woman he puts his foot in his mouth. Olivia is beautiful and amazing she works renovating places and knows what she is doing. When the two meet their mouths let go before they know each other. When Logan propositions Olivia for help will she accept? And what happens when they get to know each other? This is a fun-loving story.

[Stital · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and light, Brazen Player was such a wonderful surprise.

I really like Robin's portrayal of Olivia as a self sufficient and fierce female lead.
With a sweet and lighthearted atmosphere and a simple, flowing story, the undertone of equality and that girls can do anything they want to do is the cherry on top for this feel entertaining, feel good, easy to read book.

4 stars and a pair of work boots.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful book by Robin who was a new author to me. Logan is a cocky and brazen suit who catches the eye of builder Olivia but they don’t have the greatest of first impressions. In need of a partner for a promotion Logan has a proposition for her but they just stay friends?? I really enjoyed reading this delightful book that fun and bewitching. This book is part of The Cocky Hero Club but can be read as a standalone. I received this book as an arc for my honest opinion.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brazen Player by Robin Stone is a spin off and inspired by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward's Stuck-up Suit. Each book in this spinoff world can be read in any particular order.

I loved the characters Ms. Stone created in this story. Both the male and female leads are extremely strong and independent. It is nice to read about a strong independent female every now and again.

Logan is a man on a mission. He is up for a promotion at his job and is willing to do anything to get this promotion- even lie. When he finds out that the board is looking for a "family man" he starts a plan in motion to get himself a girlfriend.

Olivia is a badass contractor. She owns a construction company and runs an organization that helps build homes for moms in need. When Logan sees her working on an apartment in his building, he asks her if she would be his "Fake" girlfriend.

I really enjoyed this story. Although it started as a fake relationship, the progression of the relationship was very organic. The chemistry between the two characters was great and the supportive characters added to the storyline. If you've read any of these stories, you will see that the original muses for these stories make cameo appearances.

This is a great quick read that everyone is sure to enjoy.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by the author and I enjoyed it. Logan and Olivia couldn't be any more different. But their chemistry was off the charts! Olivia thought Logan is your typical rich jerk. And she's not the type of woman he would go for. But they ended up spending a lot of time together and somehow, their attraction grows into something more.

These two are entertaining and easy to read. I really enjoyed their sweet and steamy story.

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying new things

I was surprised. Logan wasn't as cocky as I expected him to be. Olivia seemed to have a little chip on her shoulder, at least in the beginning. I loved that it was an opposites attract with these two. Fake relationship is fun to read, watching the two characters learn about each other while catching feelings. I also loved that while Olivia had to be in Logan's world, Olivia got Logan involved in her world, as well.

[Lauren Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good enjoyable easy story to read. There was plenty of chemistry between the characters and the storyline itself was enjoyable and easy to read. I liked how it all developed and the storyline was perfect.

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and steamy. Logan found a wonderful match in Olivia. She brought out a more relaxed side of Logan. Their relationship may have started out fake but their feelings were real. They just had to acknowledge that their feelings were real.

[Amy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Logan & Olivia...
These two are both amazing. I loved that Olivia is a strong woman who can hold her own. When these two are together it is intense and passionate. This was a hit for me and a new author. Look forward to reading more!

[Bookcat · Rating 3 out of 5]

New author for me. I liked this alright. Personal preference: not the biggest fan of the h and how she jumps to conclusions and refuses reality. BUT! I do love an opposites attract/not their usual type romance with fake relationship.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Logan and Olivia couldn't be more opposite but they work together. She brings out something he was missing and the chemistry is fun and exciting. It's a short and entertaining read.

[Corrinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opposites attract ! It’s outdated you need a family to be someone or make your way up the top but they are good stories to read ! And this was a good story I enjoyed it