Right-Hand Man

Hot Takes #1

by T.S. Ankney

When Eli Davis is hired at Chicago’s most exclusive intimate-items boutique, Xandria, he expects to earn some much-needed cash and mingle with the rich and famous. What he doesn’t expect is his immediate, intense passion and connection with the store’s powerful, sexy owner, Dante Angelo. But when Dante’s past collides with Eli’s future, will their steamy affair reach a hard no?

Genres: M M Romance

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 11, 2022

About the author

T.S. Ankney read her first romance novel at age twelve, when she snuck a book with a risqué cover out of a relative’s cabinet and read it at night under the covers with a flashlight to avoid getting caught relishing the “good parts." She is a tiny blue dot in a big red state in the Midwest US and she loves a sad song, a happily ever after, and believes representation matters. When not writing, you can find T.S. streaming documentaries, reading new books by her favorite authors, or indulging in reality TV competition shows like Project Runway or Great British Baking Show.

Reviews

[Ro {semi-hiatus} · Rating 2 out of 5]

had some things i liked, but far more things i didn't.

[Ed Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an interesting story, but I felt Eli was not worth the trouble Dante spent trying to woo him. Dante showed him over and over he could be trusted, but he still walked out and wouldn’t let him explain.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun little book! Looking forward to more in this series.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Dante and Eli had such sizzling chemistry. The characters- their personalities- felt very realistic to me. This was a bit insta-loveish by how quickly their relationship developed, but I felt completely captivated by them. I had actually only meant to peek at the first chapter- not intending to actually read it at the time... well, needless to say, I only stopped after finishing the whole book! I really liked the setting and atmosphere of the story, too. This is the first book I've read by this author and I can't wait to read the second to find Leo's happy ending. 5 stars

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eli is starting a new job at an intimate apparel store which is a new retail place for him. He is still smarting from a toxic ex who was emotionally abusive to him so he is not at his most confident personally. But he has an eye to how to present product and he brings that to his setting up a display on his first day and catches the eye of the new owner of the store Dante. Dante sees in Eli an ally to help him move this store to the next level and a man that affects him personally. Dante sees what he wants and goes after him respectfully and letting Eli know he sees Eli's value. Eli has a bit of catching up to do given his insecurities and therefore there are a few hiccups for them on their way to their HEA but they get there.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good erotic and kinky short story. The length lends itself well to a sizzling hot and passionate romance. Dante and Eli are instantly drawn to each other, Dom and Sub instinctively feeling a connection. But trust takes time, especially if you’ve been hurt before, and sexual compatiblity isn’t all that’s needed to have a future.

I enjoyed the sensual overtones throughout the story, not just during the obvious intimate moments. And I’m glad these two got their happy ending.

This is my first T.S. Ankney story, and I will definitely be checking out more of them. Especially when I need a hit of something hawt!

[Dinoh (Akari) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have been a really good book

I have read the other reviews and can't understand why nobody said this D/S feels kind of weird. I mean, not all relationships are the same but there some things that are basics in this kind of relationship. But more than that, I think Dante wasn't very clear from the beginning, that would have avoid a lot of misunderstandings. Besides, he should fight more for Eli. For example in front of the cameras when he was going to say who was the most important people helping him in his work and Leo interrupted him. Why he didn't correct him? I don't know. Could've been a good book.

[Mattie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chemistry was there, and who can resist a man with an accent calling you darling in Italian. Dante is really versed in the lifestyle and it’s lovely to see it portrayed in a very healthy upfront consensual manner (cough fifty shades cough). Eli is the gay bestie that you want to hug and run his ex over with a car for hurting him like that. When people don’t educate themselves on something and make assumptions about how it’s done or what it means, that’s when people get hurt in the worst way.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reader with this author and I will say I'm happy I took a chance. This novella was super HOT and very nice with the boss/employee romance story line. Wasn't rushed...it flowed just right. It had the right amount of angst that didn't have me pulling my hair and I was able to enjoy from start to end. Very nice HFN...wouldn't mind reading a followup on this couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kellie Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli has been hurt before. His last boyfriend did such a number on his self-esteem. When Dante rolls in and wants him to take over the store he just started at, he is overwhelmed. Dante also wants Eli in his bed.

When an ex shows up, it could derail everything.

Very nicely written. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly entertaining!

Fun, flirty, sweet, spicy, and steamy. Dante and Eli are an endearing couple to read about.
Their personal dilemmas were real-life relatable. Complete with the aggravating ex.


**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Dante is the new owner of Xandria and has his eye on a new employee for more than one reason. Eli has to learn to trust again before he can return Dante's feelings. I found the development their relationship to be realistic.

[Wei · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book of this author's, and this fantasy erotica turned out to be a pleasant surprise! I liked the author's writing style, and the main characters Eli and Dante were interesting but complicated. The only thing I would have liked is an epilogue.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DLB2572 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a spicy & fun read. Following Dante and Eli as they navigate the beginning of their relationship is a fun and interesting read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dante and Eli

Dante bought a boutique where Eli started working at and saved Eli from the manager’s wrath. When they touched there was a zing in it but Eli having trouble with accepting the truth of what was between them. It did get worked out! Good book!

[Ike Rose-author · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEFINITELY 🔞 NSFW 🔞 😳!

Hot as HELL.
Great story, but a little too fast paced. I would have liked to see a little build up of the relationship.
The sex is excellent and very creative.

[Melissa Polk · Rating 2 out of 5]

That.. happened. Not *bad* per se but some things were just off enough to be uncanny valley in a very off-putting way. Like having an animal described to you by a person who has only ever read about them. Dunno. Can't explain.

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli had a bad break up and finds it hard to trust. Dante meets Eli and knows he's the one but now he has to get Eli's trust. I really enjoyed this book.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/9/2022)! 🎁

[Patdbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanted to like this book but found it hard to engage with the characters.