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Italian Stallions #2
Hard and Fast
A nerdy gamer girl plus her sexy billionaire boss equals one hell of a steamy opposites attract romance.
Penny is tired of being seen as the gamer, the crazy cat lady, the mom-jeans-wearing, YouTube-bingeing, quirky IT girl. She’s barreling toward 29 and ready to make some changes…in her appearance and her nonexistent love life. But she’s smart enough to know she needs help—and who she needs it from. Her billionaire playboy boss, Gage Russo.
Bachelor Gage’s life is typically full of excitement, on the work front and in the bedroom. He’s never lacking for female company and he rarely sleeps alone. Regardless, lately, he can’t shake feeling bored. That is, until Penny challenges him to a friendly wager…one he promptly loses. Her prize? Lessons in seduction—from him.
Lines get blurred as Gage pushes harder…moves faster…teaching Penny things she’s only ever fantasized about. But the playboy with all the smooth moves makes one big mistake when he fails to tell his sexy student that the lessons are no longer fake, and what he wants from her is very, very real.
Penny is tired of being seen as the gamer, the crazy cat lady, the mom-jeans-wearing, YouTube-bingeing, quirky IT girl. She’s barreling toward 29 and ready to make some changes…in her appearance and her nonexistent love life. But she’s smart enough to know she needs help—and who she needs it from. Her billionaire playboy boss, Gage Russo.
Bachelor Gage’s life is typically full of excitement, on the work front and in the bedroom. He’s never lacking for female company and he rarely sleeps alone. Regardless, lately, he can’t shake feeling bored. That is, until Penny challenges him to a friendly wager…one he promptly loses. Her prize? Lessons in seduction—from him.
Lines get blurred as Gage pushes harder…moves faster…teaching Penny things she’s only ever fantasized about. But the playboy with all the smooth moves makes one big mistake when he fails to tell his sexy student that the lessons are no longer fake, and what he wants from her is very, very real.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2022
229 people are currently reading
1896 people want to read
About the author
Mari Carr
230 books4,000 followersWriting a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari’s computer is now jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends.
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
June 29, 2022
There was so much about this book that I just loved.
Penny was much more than your typical nerdy girl, which endeared her to me, she was turning twenty-nine and wanted to change things up in her life and instead of going on just thinking about changing things she actually did it...with the help of her boss Gage. I know from experience that many people say they want to change things but are really just too scared to actually do it especially if they are shy, which at first I thought Penny was but really she was just socially awkward and that can be worked on and overcome if you aren't afraid of doing things. Penny was a beautiful person both inside and out but she kept herself hidden behind big glasses and oversized clothes so it wasn't like Gage had much work to do...well in that area anyway. LOL
Gage is a billionaire playboy who loves the company of women almost as much as he loves gaming so when Penny makes a bet with him he's surprised at how much he wants to lose. I really liked that although he was the boss he didn't mind hanging out with the "Nerd Circle" which is what his group of three IT specialists call themselves. It was fun to watch them all interact and the way the guys worshiped him because he was a playboy and a nerd which gave them hope was a blast.
Read my Full Review and an Excerpt here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewHaF
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Penny was much more than your typical nerdy girl, which endeared her to me, she was turning twenty-nine and wanted to change things up in her life and instead of going on just thinking about changing things she actually did it...with the help of her boss Gage. I know from experience that many people say they want to change things but are really just too scared to actually do it especially if they are shy, which at first I thought Penny was but really she was just socially awkward and that can be worked on and overcome if you aren't afraid of doing things. Penny was a beautiful person both inside and out but she kept herself hidden behind big glasses and oversized clothes so it wasn't like Gage had much work to do...well in that area anyway. LOL
Gage is a billionaire playboy who loves the company of women almost as much as he loves gaming so when Penny makes a bet with him he's surprised at how much he wants to lose. I really liked that although he was the boss he didn't mind hanging out with the "Nerd Circle" which is what his group of three IT specialists call themselves. It was fun to watch them all interact and the way the guys worshiped him because he was a playboy and a nerd which gave them hope was a blast.
Read my Full Review and an Excerpt here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewHaF
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
November 26, 2022
Penny’s IT skills are unparalleled however with each passing year she is beginning to wonder if there is more to life than the way she is living it. She wants to have the confidence to pursue what she wants, and it begins when she win a challenge with her boss and now he must guide her into becoming the woman she wants to be.
Gage may have experience with women but not relationships. He is attracted to her just the way she is but as their pretend dates continue the sparks fly and now they both find themselves re-evaluating what will truly make them happy.
Gage and Penny together were perfection. She wants Gage to teach her everything she needs to know when it comes to men but she ends up teaching him about love and the journey is everything you could want and more. The choice of the narrators were perfect as they brought out both the dominate and sensitive sides of Gage as well as the fun and quirky parts of Penny. 🎧 Pink Flamingo Productions
Gage may have experience with women but not relationships. He is attracted to her just the way she is but as their pretend dates continue the sparks fly and now they both find themselves re-evaluating what will truly make them happy.
Gage and Penny together were perfection. She wants Gage to teach her everything she needs to know when it comes to men but she ends up teaching him about love and the journey is everything you could want and more. The choice of the narrators were perfect as they brought out both the dominate and sensitive sides of Gage as well as the fun and quirky parts of Penny. 🎧 Pink Flamingo Productions
November 17, 2025
I’m giving this a 3.5 ⭐️ mostly because I listened to this via audio book and while it was narrated by both female and male, I didn’t like how during Penny’s parts the woman would also be Gage and vice versa. Sorry but no woman I’ve met has the deep tones that a man does and needs reading these types of books. I enjoyed the story overall for sure, the ‘nerdy’ getting the hot billionaire.
June 29, 2022
I really had a good time reading Penny and Gage’s story. I loved the banter, the nerdiness and the overall concept of the 2nd Italian Stallions book. Was I expecting a Russo to crash a Moretti party? No, not at all. But what a fun time it was watching the crash and no burn.
Who would have thought that an alpha male like Gage Russo would be such a nerd! A hot and sexy nerd but a nerd just the same. And, believe me, there is nothing derogatory about that word. It is just what it is. He was fun, sexy, handsome, self-assured but … a nerd at heart. Yes, he had his problems, his past to contend with and 2 brothers that are so different from him, yet alike. They were all dealing with the same past but he never felt that they understood or could possibly have the same guilt or feelings he had. It was time to come to terms with that and go after the one woman who truly complimented him and completed him in a way no other ever did. Penny was content with her life but knew there was something missing. Her life couldn’t keep consisting of Toby and Rich and watching her family love and grow with their significant others. Yes, she’s different. Introverted and a gamer … one of the nerd circle. But she wants to change that. It’s time to get out of her own way and start living. Who better than than Gage to show her the way. One bet … one win … one broken heart. But, the best time of her life.
I loved all the little twists and turns. The surprises that you didn’t see coming were such a complement to this book. Gage fighting his true feelings for Penny was expected but the reason was totally unexpected. If you didn’t love him before that, you totally fell head-over-heels for him after understanding. Penny was such an understanding and open person. What you saw was what you got. She didn’t mince words. She didn’t stand for lies. She was perfect for Gage and Gage knew that Penny could be the one if he would only get out of way of himself.
Mari Carr always makes her stories interesting and fun. Her character development and story lines are always complete. You know what makes her characters laugh, cry and and love. She knows how to bring out the best and worst in each of them. As for her story lines, I know that it will be something fresh and new. Like I said, I never would have pictured someone like Gage being a nerd at heart. She always throws in a little twist to make everything a little more interest. So, If you love a love story or are in to D&D and Cosplay, do yourself a favor and pick up Hard and Fast. You won’t be disappointed.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Who would have thought that an alpha male like Gage Russo would be such a nerd! A hot and sexy nerd but a nerd just the same. And, believe me, there is nothing derogatory about that word. It is just what it is. He was fun, sexy, handsome, self-assured but … a nerd at heart. Yes, he had his problems, his past to contend with and 2 brothers that are so different from him, yet alike. They were all dealing with the same past but he never felt that they understood or could possibly have the same guilt or feelings he had. It was time to come to terms with that and go after the one woman who truly complimented him and completed him in a way no other ever did. Penny was content with her life but knew there was something missing. Her life couldn’t keep consisting of Toby and Rich and watching her family love and grow with their significant others. Yes, she’s different. Introverted and a gamer … one of the nerd circle. But she wants to change that. It’s time to get out of her own way and start living. Who better than than Gage to show her the way. One bet … one win … one broken heart. But, the best time of her life.
I loved all the little twists and turns. The surprises that you didn’t see coming were such a complement to this book. Gage fighting his true feelings for Penny was expected but the reason was totally unexpected. If you didn’t love him before that, you totally fell head-over-heels for him after understanding. Penny was such an understanding and open person. What you saw was what you got. She didn’t mince words. She didn’t stand for lies. She was perfect for Gage and Gage knew that Penny could be the one if he would only get out of way of himself.
Mari Carr always makes her stories interesting and fun. Her character development and story lines are always complete. You know what makes her characters laugh, cry and and love. She knows how to bring out the best and worst in each of them. As for her story lines, I know that it will be something fresh and new. Like I said, I never would have pictured someone like Gage being a nerd at heart. She always throws in a little twist to make everything a little more interest. So, If you love a love story or are in to D&D and Cosplay, do yourself a favor and pick up Hard and Fast. You won’t be disappointed.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
February 12, 2025
I was hoping to like this book more buuut yeah it's a lot. FMC is a virgin at 29 and she makes this deal with her boss to teach her the art of seduction so she can be less like the lonely cat lady and attract the attention of men so she can lose her virginity.
It's absurd off top cause she works with plenty of men and it's hard to believe none of them are interested in her when she's this incredible gamer and IT coder.
So anyway her boss makes a deal and becomes very controlling by making her change her hairstyle and buy new clothes and wear makeup and he pays for all of these things cause he's rich and has more money than he can ever spend. Once he transforms her image however he decides he likes her the way she looked before because she suddenly gets too much male attention and he gets jealous even though they aren't together.
She continues to bug him about the sex portion of their lessons until he takes her virginity and all of sudden she likes everything hard and rough and pain with pleasure which never makes sense to me when the FMC was a virgin. She also claimed her hymen was already broken cause she pleasures herself all the time. Please, lol.
They end up having a bunch of sex in a million positions and then they start catching feelings and gotta end things because the MMC is still dealing with past parental trauma and abandonment. I can't remember if there were trigger warnings but TW for parental suicide off page. It definitely put a huge damper on the story for me cause that was just not something I saw coming.
They eventually get back together and he professes his love for her and how he wants to marry her and they live happily ever after I guess.
It had good potential for me based on the description but I definitely should have read a couple lower starred reviews for this one.
It's absurd off top cause she works with plenty of men and it's hard to believe none of them are interested in her when she's this incredible gamer and IT coder.
So anyway her boss makes a deal and becomes very controlling by making her change her hairstyle and buy new clothes and wear makeup and he pays for all of these things cause he's rich and has more money than he can ever spend. Once he transforms her image however he decides he likes her the way she looked before because she suddenly gets too much male attention and he gets jealous even though they aren't together.
She continues to bug him about the sex portion of their lessons until he takes her virginity and all of sudden she likes everything hard and rough and pain with pleasure which never makes sense to me when the FMC was a virgin. She also claimed her hymen was already broken cause she pleasures herself all the time. Please, lol.
They end up having a bunch of sex in a million positions and then they start catching feelings and gotta end things because the MMC is still dealing with past parental trauma and abandonment. I can't remember if there were trigger warnings but TW for parental suicide off page. It definitely put a huge damper on the story for me cause that was just not something I saw coming.
They eventually get back together and he professes his love for her and how he wants to marry her and they live happily ever after I guess.
It had good potential for me based on the description but I definitely should have read a couple lower starred reviews for this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2022
Hard and Fast by Mari Carr is book Two in the Italian Stallions Series. This is the story of Penny Beaumont and Gage Russo. Gage is a rich playboy who doesn't trust well. Gage is also Penny's boss that has turned a friend to her during the game nights he attends. Penny is about 29 who is the ultimate gamer and IT nerd with her quirky dressing thrown in to complete her look. But she is tired of being along and wanting to get herself out their in the dating world. Who else to help her to become a butterfly than the playboy himself...Gage. Along the way they both start to see more than friendship.
June 19, 2022
Loved Gage and Penny. Penny was a solid loveable and endearing character. Winning the bet, getting the guy (for the purpose of teaching her the art of seduction) is always precarious as ultimately feelings get involved. And they spectacularly did. However feelings were not one sided, although Gage, being the ultimate playboy with walls a mile high, hid them well until it was too late. Or was it? Some great geek out conversations, very hot steamy sexy times and a family feud in the background made for a great read.
June 21, 2022
Mari Carr is one of my go to authors for contemporary romance. Hard and Fast is the second book in her new Italian Stallion series. It was sweet, sexy, and fabulous! I’m couldn’t put it down. My kindle is still smoking. Mari Carr covered all of the emotions. I laughed and teared up. I love Penny and Gage. They are perfect for each other. They are witty and completely in sync with each other. He is helping her become more sexy with a makeover after he loses a game and a bet. Their feelings become real, but he can’t tell her. Can he bring himself to accept his feelings before it is too late? Don’t miss this book!
June 19, 2022
Gage and Penny were fantastic! I loved their banter, their chemistry, the way they keep each other on their toes. This isn’t an ugly duckling story, it is an empowerment story. This isn’t a reformed playboy story, it is a learning to trust story. This is your favourite romcom in a fast-paced, smexy telling. These two find what is deep inside of them, what they have been afraid to show the world, and they share that with the other. It gives us a good slow burn, and then it takes off, as the title suggests, hard and fast. Quirky outfits, silly dances, and cats galore, I couldn’t stop this story once I started, it was simply that good <3
June 23, 2022
Hard and Fast is so so good!
This time we have the Russo part of the Italian Stallions - Gage, in particular (can't wait for Matt & Conner!!) and Penny (Rhys's younger nerdy sister from Down and Dirty).
We start with nice sloooow burn that heats up fast as the lessons start - be careful what you wager or maybe not.
Another fantastic read from Mari Carr within the Wild(er) Irish World - Oliver Collins pops up for a minute.
This time we have the Russo part of the Italian Stallions - Gage, in particular (can't wait for Matt & Conner!!) and Penny (Rhys's younger nerdy sister from Down and Dirty).
We start with nice sloooow burn that heats up fast as the lessons start - be careful what you wager or maybe not.
Another fantastic read from Mari Carr within the Wild(er) Irish World - Oliver Collins pops up for a minute.
June 24, 2022
Best laid plans ....
At first glance those two couldn't be more different.
Nerdy IT girl with an eye-watering fashion sense and zero love life and her über wealthy, stylish boss with a whole stable of willing ladies.
Who does one ask for advice on finally getting a man in her life? Well, of course the one who has it all and knows all.
The "lesson plan" is well thought out and comprehensive.
To follow them every step to the end of the course is - by turns - hilarious, sometimes cringe-worthy and always with a sexily bubbling undertone. And of course ends in ..., hm! The wrong way, the right way?
Have fun finding out.
At first glance those two couldn't be more different.
Nerdy IT girl with an eye-watering fashion sense and zero love life and her über wealthy, stylish boss with a whole stable of willing ladies.
Who does one ask for advice on finally getting a man in her life? Well, of course the one who has it all and knows all.
The "lesson plan" is well thought out and comprehensive.
To follow them every step to the end of the course is - by turns - hilarious, sometimes cringe-worthy and always with a sexily bubbling undertone. And of course ends in ..., hm! The wrong way, the right way?
Have fun finding out.
July 1, 2022
The “teach me to be sexy” trope can really go either way for me. It really depends on how it plays out. I thought this one would be a no-go for me at first because of all of the changes demanded of Penny to make her conventionally attractive. As an unconventional, nerdy oddball myself it was really disheartening. Thankfully, they course-corrected quickly and I was able to stop yelling at the characters.
Penny is about to turn 29 and has never had a relationship. Feeling lonely and dejected she decides she’s going to make some changes to become appealing to the opposite sex. She decides to ask her boss and friend, Gage, to give her a make-over and lessons in seduction. Gage, ultimate playboy billionaire and secret nerd, takes the challenge, thinking it will help break up the rut he’s in.
From here it’s the typical “Oh no, I’ve caught feelings!” that always comes from such arrangements. I really did enjoy this one though. The writing was flawless and well-paced, the characters were quirky and well-developed. The sex scenes were hot enough that I won’t be recommending it to my more modest friends but managed not to tip the scale over into smut territory.
This was my first Mari Carr but it definitely won’t be my last. (I received an ARC of this book but opinions are my own)
Penny is about to turn 29 and has never had a relationship. Feeling lonely and dejected she decides she’s going to make some changes to become appealing to the opposite sex. She decides to ask her boss and friend, Gage, to give her a make-over and lessons in seduction. Gage, ultimate playboy billionaire and secret nerd, takes the challenge, thinking it will help break up the rut he’s in.
From here it’s the typical “Oh no, I’ve caught feelings!” that always comes from such arrangements. I really did enjoy this one though. The writing was flawless and well-paced, the characters were quirky and well-developed. The sex scenes were hot enough that I won’t be recommending it to my more modest friends but managed not to tip the scale over into smut territory.
This was my first Mari Carr but it definitely won’t be my last. (I received an ARC of this book but opinions are my own)
June 28, 2022
No need to question why this book is called Hard and Fast, but I'm not telling why!
From the very first chapter, expect to pick up a gaming controller and play along with Penny, Gage, and their friends from work. You would never know that Gage is a billionaire and part owner of the company. He fits right in with the group playing D&D or any video game, the more competitve, the better.
Having read the blurb, I couldn't wait for the "fake romance" to begin. What I didn't expect was for their chemistry to be off-the-charts explosive and for Gage's backstory to have me CRYING! I love the best friend banter between this couple.
I haven't read a lot of this author's recent work, so I have a feeling I was missing out on knowing a lot of these side characters that appeared, that they were from other recent books of hers. It didn't leave anything missing from the story, but I just didn't necessarily feel Penny's attachment to some of the other characters at her birthday party that I was supposed to feel, people that were being sort of brotherly to her but hadn't appeared elsewhere in this book.
Thanks to the author for providing an ARC for my review.
From the very first chapter, expect to pick up a gaming controller and play along with Penny, Gage, and their friends from work. You would never know that Gage is a billionaire and part owner of the company. He fits right in with the group playing D&D or any video game, the more competitve, the better.
Having read the blurb, I couldn't wait for the "fake romance" to begin. What I didn't expect was for their chemistry to be off-the-charts explosive and for Gage's backstory to have me CRYING! I love the best friend banter between this couple.
I haven't read a lot of this author's recent work, so I have a feeling I was missing out on knowing a lot of these side characters that appeared, that they were from other recent books of hers. It didn't leave anything missing from the story, but I just didn't necessarily feel Penny's attachment to some of the other characters at her birthday party that I was supposed to feel, people that were being sort of brotherly to her but hadn't appeared elsewhere in this book.
Thanks to the author for providing an ARC for my review.
June 29, 2022
Great Premise, Excellent Execution!!
Penny is a brilliant yet quirky IT girl. She hides behind baggy clothes and has four cats. Something has to change. Winning a bet gives her access to her billionaire boss Gage’s advice on a makeover and certain other lessons.
It doesn’t take long for Gage to realize he is comfortable and more in Penny’s company. She doesn’t want anything (monetarily) from him and they have much in common. An absolutely entertaining, witty and steamy journey for these two. Pure, steamy, entertainment!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Penny is a brilliant yet quirky IT girl. She hides behind baggy clothes and has four cats. Something has to change. Winning a bet gives her access to her billionaire boss Gage’s advice on a makeover and certain other lessons.
It doesn’t take long for Gage to realize he is comfortable and more in Penny’s company. She doesn’t want anything (monetarily) from him and they have much in common. An absolutely entertaining, witty and steamy journey for these two. Pure, steamy, entertainment!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
June 27, 2022
Four and a half stars
Hard and Fast by Mari Carr is the second in her delicious Italian Stallions series.
Penny Beaumont is the ultimate gamer girl, but she decides she’s had enough of her sometimes lonely existence and determines to make some changes with the help of her scorching hot boss and friend, Gage Russo.
Mari Carr’s take on this friends to lovers, makeover story is fabulously fun and full of heart, humor, and heat. Penny’s generous spirit and love for cats is as appealing as Gage’s reluctant tumble into more than one night…
Ms Carr’s writing is warm and Penny and Gage’s all-too-real vulnerabilities and tenderness are as lovely as their banter and hilarity. A terrific read.
Hard and Fast by Mari Carr is the second in her delicious Italian Stallions series.
Penny Beaumont is the ultimate gamer girl, but she decides she’s had enough of her sometimes lonely existence and determines to make some changes with the help of her scorching hot boss and friend, Gage Russo.
Mari Carr’s take on this friends to lovers, makeover story is fabulously fun and full of heart, humor, and heat. Penny’s generous spirit and love for cats is as appealing as Gage’s reluctant tumble into more than one night…
Ms Carr’s writing is warm and Penny and Gage’s all-too-real vulnerabilities and tenderness are as lovely as their banter and hilarity. A terrific read.
June 30, 2022
"I have read a few books by Mari & they all have been exceptional to read. Hard & Fast is no different. I loved everything about this book, the shy awkwardness of Penny was endearing to read. I was rooting so hard for her to get her man once she made that bet with Gage.
He held himself back once feelings started to develop and there were so many times I wanted to yell at my kindle for him to just give a relationship with Penny a chance. Once he finally takes that step with her I felt like doing a fist pump but that would have been kind of embarrassing for me to try to explain myself to the people around me - so it ended up being a quiet internal one!!
Such a great, steamy story to read that had a few things happen that I wasn't expecting or anticipating. I loved every word of it. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book"
He held himself back once feelings started to develop and there were so many times I wanted to yell at my kindle for him to just give a relationship with Penny a chance. Once he finally takes that step with her I felt like doing a fist pump but that would have been kind of embarrassing for me to try to explain myself to the people around me - so it ended up being a quiet internal one!!
Such a great, steamy story to read that had a few things happen that I wasn't expecting or anticipating. I loved every word of it. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book"
June 26, 2022
A fantastic friends to lovers romcom as, after being weeks away from her twenty-ninth birthday and realising life is passing her by, IT geek and gamer Penny Beaumont finagles her boss Gage Russo into a bet where if he loses he has to teach her all he knows about the art of seduction – something he’s reputed to be an expert in.
I loved the relationship Penny and Gage had once Penny got over her initial shyness although the shyness might’ve been down to the crush she had on him but she saw him in a new light once she realised he was as big a gamer as she was resulting in some great moments of banter between them. There was also some electrifying chemistry between them. Penny might have technically been a virgin but she most definitely wasn’t a shrinking violet when it came to sex. The story flowed well and there were a few touching moments that tugged at my heartstrings namely when Penny confessed to never having any close girlfriends and Gage’s pain at the loss of his mother and how it had affected his relationship with his brothers. All in all making this a great read and leaving me looking forward to reading more from the Italian Stallions series
I loved the relationship Penny and Gage had once Penny got over her initial shyness although the shyness might’ve been down to the crush she had on him but she saw him in a new light once she realised he was as big a gamer as she was resulting in some great moments of banter between them. There was also some electrifying chemistry between them. Penny might have technically been a virgin but she most definitely wasn’t a shrinking violet when it came to sex. The story flowed well and there were a few touching moments that tugged at my heartstrings namely when Penny confessed to never having any close girlfriends and Gage’s pain at the loss of his mother and how it had affected his relationship with his brothers. All in all making this a great read and leaving me looking forward to reading more from the Italian Stallions series
June 27, 2022
Hard and Fast is the steamy book with big emotions you did not even know you needed! This book had so much good that I am not even sure where to start!
These two come together like the force of a category 5 hurricane with the full force of passion and dirty talking I was not expecting. I am a huge fan of the “dating coach “ trope and this is an exceptional example of it. The chemistry between Gage and Penny is so yummy! Honestly, I wanted more and more from them. They might be one of my favorite couple of romance.
If you are looking for a super spicy romance with an extraordinary heroine you should check out Hard and Fast. I am very much enjoying the series and can not wait for book 3.
Full review at https://bookcaseandcoffee.com
These two come together like the force of a category 5 hurricane with the full force of passion and dirty talking I was not expecting. I am a huge fan of the “dating coach “ trope and this is an exceptional example of it. The chemistry between Gage and Penny is so yummy! Honestly, I wanted more and more from them. They might be one of my favorite couple of romance.
If you are looking for a super spicy romance with an extraordinary heroine you should check out Hard and Fast. I am very much enjoying the series and can not wait for book 3.
Full review at https://bookcaseandcoffee.com
June 29, 2022
So I got into this series a little late starting book 2 but have to say in my opinion can be read alone and boy what a way to start it with Penny and Gage. Right from the start I felt something for Penny and how she see's herself. Now Gage is just the perfect man to make her see what has been missing in her life. The attraction is all there and oh man does Mari Carr bring out all the heat and passion they didn't know existed between them very hot. Temptation, secrets and oh my goodness the chemistry between these two are just perfect in this book. Loved seeing Gage get Penny out of her shell and when she does it is just beautiful and amazing. Loved it.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
June 28, 2022
Oh, I am loving this series and fell in love with Penny and Gage. It has everything for everyone from the nerdy banter and back and forth to the learning to let your walls down and trust. I couldn't put it down!
June 22, 2022
Hard and Fast is the 2nd book in the Italian Stallions series. Penny's story has a bit of Pretty Woman, lots of witty dialogue, great characters - buth two- and four-legged - and loads of steam. And when both Penny and Gage catch feelings, there's some angst, a bit of butt-kicking and finally, a heartfelt and romantic HEA. This book will make you smile!
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book and I'm offering my review voluntarily and honestly.
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book and I'm offering my review voluntarily and honestly.
June 22, 2022
Oh my bursting heart...another AHHHHMAAAAZING, steamy, angsty, heartbreaking and heart mending romance filled with all of feels and lessons you could ever want. Loved it!!!❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2023
Yeah, this one was bad. Superficial, tropey, bad treatment.
Read earlier in the year, but can’t remember the exact date.
Read earlier in the year, but can’t remember the exact date.
July 9, 2022
Heart racing and emotional journey filled with engaging charters, intriguing story line, witty banter, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Really enjoyed this emotionally thrilling and action packed journey of self discovery. Awesome reading!
June 28, 2022
Omg, this book made me laugh out loud! The perfect amount of sexy, nerdy, and funny.
This is exactly the kind of book I expect from Mari Carr.
#AMustRead!
This is exactly the kind of book I expect from Mari Carr.
#AMustRead!
June 28, 2022
Hard and Fast.. and Flirty and Filthy 😍😍
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾: 😍
🏷️ Friends-to-lovers
🏷️Office Romance
🏷️He's the Boss & Video game partner & her tutor for all things makeover
🏷️She's an intellect, a total nerd working in IT
🏷️Playful and Flirty and Dirty banter and their antics along their wild times 💟
🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
This one is those kinda books that is completely character driven and Penny and Gage were the stars of this show as they made this ride a freaking house party for sure. 🤩🤩
So the plot goes that Penny works in the IT dept, doesn't have many friends except her nerd circle of Toby and Rich with whom she plays her video games.
Even though Gage her boss randomly enters her nerd circle and initially she's not sure about being herself while playing her video games in front of her boss, but before she knows it gage becomes the official forth member in their nerd circle.
Now as her twenty-ninth birthday comes closer she realises that life's just passing her by and she makes a Pact with herself to reinvent herself and not be single anymore.
A spontaneous wager and a bet won with Gage , Penny asks her boss, the flamboyant playboy and a well known ladies man who's not successful and wealthy but has a stellar presence with women, to teach her the ways to be more attractive and also to teach her the ways of Seduction.
Ooohhh, I had so much fun with Penny trying her best to make Gage help her and then her makeover made me jealous of her but I also admired that kinda socially awkward girl who was doing her best to come out of her shell and put herself out there.
Soon Gage is full on helping Penny and they spend so much of time together having fake dates and so called fake times together that soon lines start to blur between reality and fakeness.
Gage and Penny made me have an absolute blast with them as they come together and their fun antics and conversations and their fiery chemistry had me smiling throughout.
But me let you what starts as Lessons in Seduction soon turn into a furnace of red hot on fire sexy and filthy times. Like so much intense hotness that these were even crazy to call it lessons with their put-your-kindle-on-fire dirty times together.
Hard and Fast was an absolute blast filled with flirtatious and Sexy times and Penny and Gage will have you hooked onto their fake, not so fake romance in no time and will take you on a wild ride filled with delicious chemistry and deep connections together. Loved loved this one. 💖💖💖💖💖
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾: 😍
🏷️ Friends-to-lovers
🏷️Office Romance
🏷️He's the Boss & Video game partner & her tutor for all things makeover
🏷️She's an intellect, a total nerd working in IT
🏷️Playful and Flirty and Dirty banter and their antics along their wild times 💟
🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
This one is those kinda books that is completely character driven and Penny and Gage were the stars of this show as they made this ride a freaking house party for sure. 🤩🤩
So the plot goes that Penny works in the IT dept, doesn't have many friends except her nerd circle of Toby and Rich with whom she plays her video games.
Even though Gage her boss randomly enters her nerd circle and initially she's not sure about being herself while playing her video games in front of her boss, but before she knows it gage becomes the official forth member in their nerd circle.
Now as her twenty-ninth birthday comes closer she realises that life's just passing her by and she makes a Pact with herself to reinvent herself and not be single anymore.
A spontaneous wager and a bet won with Gage , Penny asks her boss, the flamboyant playboy and a well known ladies man who's not successful and wealthy but has a stellar presence with women, to teach her the ways to be more attractive and also to teach her the ways of Seduction.
Ooohhh, I had so much fun with Penny trying her best to make Gage help her and then her makeover made me jealous of her but I also admired that kinda socially awkward girl who was doing her best to come out of her shell and put herself out there.
Soon Gage is full on helping Penny and they spend so much of time together having fake dates and so called fake times together that soon lines start to blur between reality and fakeness.
Gage and Penny made me have an absolute blast with them as they come together and their fun antics and conversations and their fiery chemistry had me smiling throughout.
But me let you what starts as Lessons in Seduction soon turn into a furnace of red hot on fire sexy and filthy times. Like so much intense hotness that these were even crazy to call it lessons with their put-your-kindle-on-fire dirty times together.
Hard and Fast was an absolute blast filled with flirtatious and Sexy times and Penny and Gage will have you hooked onto their fake, not so fake romance in no time and will take you on a wild ride filled with delicious chemistry and deep connections together. Loved loved this one. 💖💖💖💖💖
July 5, 2022
Mari Carr stepped up the game on the virgin heroine/dating coach trope with this book. Gage Russo is a billionaire playboy who tells tales of his conquests to the "nerd circle" and when Penny Beaumont decides she needs coaching on how to get rid of her virginity and put herself out there, she decides that Gage is then to do it. These two have slowly become closer friends in the past few months because Gage is a closet gamer and nerd. They have an intense connection, but Penny ignores this because she is nothing like the women she sees him with, and Gage is oblivious to there real reasoning behind his feelings for Penny. Gage holds a lot of hurts from his past, and doesn't let anyone truly get past his exterior. He created this lifestyle his lives because of the effect of some of his choices on his life.
Penny is a woman who is strong and confident when it comes to her work, but is self-conscious in the fact that she doesn't have luck with men. But I believe a bid part of that is the fact that she doesn't see her true worth. These two go through the motions of the dating coach, taking the steps to get Penny to the next level. But when Penny reveals the truth of her real reasoning behind this choice, Gage changes directions. What he doesn't expect is falling in love. Penny doesn't either, but she also goes into it eyes open only asking Gage to never lie to her and give her an excuse like he does all his other one-night stands.
This is a virgin heroine/real bodied heroine done extremely well. There isn't any shaming for the life that Penny leads, only praise in the sense that she is more than her job and she needs to have confidence and faith in herself. These two are two halves to a whole, and create better versions of themselves when they are together. There is a great supporting cast of characters... and have to say the only thing I need more from this book is to find out just WHY the Russo and Moretti Families don't like each other.
This book 2 of this series, and I did not read book one yet, but I was not confused in any way. This standalone perfectly, and I can't wait to go back and read book one.
POV: 3rd Person Multi
Pop: 37%
Tropes: Dating Coach, Boss Employee, Friends to Lovers, Nerdy Heroine, Real Body Heroine, Reformed Playboy; Virgin Heroine
Series: Italian Stallion Book book 2
Series Type: Series of Standalones
Penny is a woman who is strong and confident when it comes to her work, but is self-conscious in the fact that she doesn't have luck with men. But I believe a bid part of that is the fact that she doesn't see her true worth. These two go through the motions of the dating coach, taking the steps to get Penny to the next level. But when Penny reveals the truth of her real reasoning behind this choice, Gage changes directions. What he doesn't expect is falling in love. Penny doesn't either, but she also goes into it eyes open only asking Gage to never lie to her and give her an excuse like he does all his other one-night stands.
This is a virgin heroine/real bodied heroine done extremely well. There isn't any shaming for the life that Penny leads, only praise in the sense that she is more than her job and she needs to have confidence and faith in herself. These two are two halves to a whole, and create better versions of themselves when they are together. There is a great supporting cast of characters... and have to say the only thing I need more from this book is to find out just WHY the Russo and Moretti Families don't like each other.
This book 2 of this series, and I did not read book one yet, but I was not confused in any way. This standalone perfectly, and I can't wait to go back and read book one.
POV: 3rd Person Multi
Pop: 37%
Tropes: Dating Coach, Boss Employee, Friends to Lovers, Nerdy Heroine, Real Body Heroine, Reformed Playboy; Virgin Heroine
Series: Italian Stallion Book book 2
Series Type: Series of Standalones
June 27, 2022
About to turn 29, Penny decides she wants to make changes in her life. She’s lonely. While she adores her cats, loves gaming and has a quirky sense of style, she doesn’t date because her insecurities cause her to become tongue tied and shy around men. Even though she’s ready to change her image, she knows she needs help and her playboy boss just may be the man she needs to help get her out of her rut.
Gage is a typical playboy billionaire. He doesn’t do relationships even though he has constant female companionship at his beck and call. He’s always been a bit intrigued by the super quirky IT girl that works for his company, and when he starts attending game nights and gets to know her, he finds he actually enjoys hanging out. When she comes to him with a very awkward ask, a friendly wager leads to Gage putting Penny not only through the pretty woman treatment, but also helping her learn the art of seduction.
But, as the lines between Gage and Penny blur, we find it may not just be Penny left with a broken heart at the end of their lessons.
Mari Carr did an amazing job of giving readers some really fun characters in Penny and Gage. I loved that even the billionaire playboy had a very geeky side. I adored that he showed Penny how to believe in herself and brought out her inner beauty and gave her the confidence she had been lacking to truly blossom. But, I truly fell for Gage the more I learned about his childhood and the trauma he suffered surrounding his parent’s deaths that still haunts his life decisions today.
Hard and Fast was an amazing mix of playful banter, extremely sexy and sensual scenes and some truly heartfelt moments that blended together to give readers one heck of a romance. 5 stars!
Gage is a typical playboy billionaire. He doesn’t do relationships even though he has constant female companionship at his beck and call. He’s always been a bit intrigued by the super quirky IT girl that works for his company, and when he starts attending game nights and gets to know her, he finds he actually enjoys hanging out. When she comes to him with a very awkward ask, a friendly wager leads to Gage putting Penny not only through the pretty woman treatment, but also helping her learn the art of seduction.
But, as the lines between Gage and Penny blur, we find it may not just be Penny left with a broken heart at the end of their lessons.
Mari Carr did an amazing job of giving readers some really fun characters in Penny and Gage. I loved that even the billionaire playboy had a very geeky side. I adored that he showed Penny how to believe in herself and brought out her inner beauty and gave her the confidence she had been lacking to truly blossom. But, I truly fell for Gage the more I learned about his childhood and the trauma he suffered surrounding his parent’s deaths that still haunts his life decisions today.
Hard and Fast was an amazing mix of playful banter, extremely sexy and sensual scenes and some truly heartfelt moments that blended together to give readers one heck of a romance. 5 stars!
April 11, 2023
This book honestly had 3 stars up until the 60% point. Then all the heart came out and my emotions were wrecked.
I was annoyed with the beginning because it initially felt like Penny had to change in order to be loved or desired. And as someone who grew up watching She’s All That and The Princess Diaries I just couldn’t get behind girls having to change to be lovable. Nope, it’s 2023 and we don’t need that sexist bullshit ever again.
But this truly isn’t about that at all. It’s about a girl who never liked all the cool girl things and always felt away and out of place. And a guy who hadn’t ever dealt with his emotions, just did what so many men have been taught and shoved them down, down and further down. Sounds cliche, right?
It got HEAVY after the 60% mark and everything made more sense. Without giving anything away I will say that there is a major trigger pertaining to our Hero.
By the end I felt that even if Penny and Gage didn’t end up together (which we all know they will) she learned to love herself and could have been happy on her own. That was when this book earned my 5 stars. Because I don’t ever want to be with someone because I need them to be in my life. I want to WANT them in my life because they make my world brighter and happier.
The brother discussion at the end! So glad these guys are getting their own stories!
HEA 🏰
Lite BDSM 🪢
Mental health 😖
Angsty but not too much 🙀
Original characters, no damsel in distress needing to be understood by men💃
Really funny and cute ending 🎮
I was annoyed with the beginning because it initially felt like Penny had to change in order to be loved or desired. And as someone who grew up watching She’s All That and The Princess Diaries I just couldn’t get behind girls having to change to be lovable. Nope, it’s 2023 and we don’t need that sexist bullshit ever again.
But this truly isn’t about that at all. It’s about a girl who never liked all the cool girl things and always felt away and out of place. And a guy who hadn’t ever dealt with his emotions, just did what so many men have been taught and shoved them down, down and further down. Sounds cliche, right?
It got HEAVY after the 60% mark and everything made more sense. Without giving anything away I will say that there is a major trigger pertaining to our Hero.
By the end I felt that even if Penny and Gage didn’t end up together (which we all know they will) she learned to love herself and could have been happy on her own. That was when this book earned my 5 stars. Because I don’t ever want to be with someone because I need them to be in my life. I want to WANT them in my life because they make my world brighter and happier.
The brother discussion at the end! So glad these guys are getting their own stories!
HEA 🏰
Lite BDSM 🪢
Mental health 😖
Angsty but not too much 🙀
Original characters, no damsel in distress needing to be understood by men💃
Really funny and cute ending 🎮
June 28, 2022
Received an ARC for an honest review.
Oh man, do I need more stars...
Mari Carr is quickly becoming one of my favourite romance authors. Not only are her stories fun to read, there's enough heat to melt my e-reader, and enough heart to have me getting teary-eyed! I dove into this one without reading Down and Dirty (though I will be going back to that one immediately) and I loved that I didn't need to know anything about this world or its characters. She gave us all that we needed.
Now to Penny and Gage. Oh my. Though Penny is shy around her very attractive billionaire boss at first, an invite to play video games with the nerd circle quickly morphs them into friends and before long, she's asking him for help. She wants to be like the other girls, flirty and sexy, and she wants to get rid of her pesky v card. But as the two start spending time together....
What I love is that these two had a friendship first. Though Penny always had a crush and Gage very quickly starts to realise how special Penny is, the start of their relationship is based in the friendship formed while playing video games and bonding. Of course things can't be that simple, though, and Gage needs to work through some serious baggage.
I really really liked this one. I want to learn more about the Russo brothers (and see them meet their matches) and I want to see more of these other characters we started to meet at the end. Again...I need more stars.
Oh man, do I need more stars...
Mari Carr is quickly becoming one of my favourite romance authors. Not only are her stories fun to read, there's enough heat to melt my e-reader, and enough heart to have me getting teary-eyed! I dove into this one without reading Down and Dirty (though I will be going back to that one immediately) and I loved that I didn't need to know anything about this world or its characters. She gave us all that we needed.
Now to Penny and Gage. Oh my. Though Penny is shy around her very attractive billionaire boss at first, an invite to play video games with the nerd circle quickly morphs them into friends and before long, she's asking him for help. She wants to be like the other girls, flirty and sexy, and she wants to get rid of her pesky v card. But as the two start spending time together....
What I love is that these two had a friendship first. Though Penny always had a crush and Gage very quickly starts to realise how special Penny is, the start of their relationship is based in the friendship formed while playing video games and bonding. Of course things can't be that simple, though, and Gage needs to work through some serious baggage.
I really really liked this one. I want to learn more about the Russo brothers (and see them meet their matches) and I want to see more of these other characters we started to meet at the end. Again...I need more stars.
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