Troublemaker

NY Nights #2

by Ava Olsen

He’s surly, demanding, relentless.

Mac Duran runs a communications empire in New York City and lives to work. But ever since his best friend’s wedding, Mac wonders if there’s more to life than closing business deals. One man in particular grabs the CEO’s attention but misunderstandings from first impressions prove difficult to overcome.

He’s outspoken, defiant, sarcastic.

Luca Santino is an event planner who loves love and excels at organizing chaos. He has big dreams but finding a man to share them with proves elusive. Until a work crisis pushes Luca into Mac’s orbit, and a heated clash of wills sparks deeper desires.

Together, they’re the best kind of trouble.

Volatile chemistry ignites a love unlike any other. But Luca’s been burned by men who won’t commit, and Mac isn't sure he’s ready to let go of his workaholic ways. Are they strong enough to reach for their hearts’ desire?

Genres: M M Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2022

About the author

Ava Olsen writes steamy & dreamy contemporary romance.

Reviews

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really nice book,enemies to lovers with a banter and a certain level of drama. Just how I like it!

[Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF ~10%

The writing here was just... not great IMO. Lots of stilted exposition, and then we get to a point where one of the MCs is offering to work for the other 40 hours a week for a month, and is demanding NOT to be paid... What??? That made no sense, and combined with the poor writing had me bouncing.

[ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out so promising but all the passive aggressive behavior was too much for me.
These 2 characters were basically man children and I was embarrassed for them. Ugh

I’m not sure if this author is for me. There’s something that is just off.

The characters end up with an HEA but meh AND the epilogue was basically a set up for book 3 😵‍💫😵‍💫

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story. Two fiery and obstinate men who turn each other on as much as they drive each other crazy. They are great at pushing buttons and providing their opinions, but they aren’t so great at sharing how they feel. It results in a lot of passion.

Mac, the grumpy workaholic who is loyal to his chosen family and will do anything for them, even if the world thinks he’s ice cold. Luca, the feisty assistant who isn’t afraid to speak his mind, but will fight for the people he loves. They are both great characters.

I love their banter and their bickering. It’s a lot of fun, and you just know they will be great together when they finally give in to love.

I’m really enjoying this series and all of the characters of this found family. I’m looking forward to the next story with Cal and Grey, it’s been teased since book one, so I’m ready for it.

< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh a great start as the Troublemaker and Iceman begin working together hmm yah they don't get on at all as per the first book.
Luca 29 years was on pet sitting duties for Wes and Ryker while there on their honeymoon vacation. He'd be working on his events planing business while he was there as a favour he agrees to help Mac, his not so much friend.
Mac was 37 and a workaholic running himself into the ground.
Okay so this started as an enemies to lovers story with hidden desires for each other. A sudden turn at the 23% mark and the characters are sending flirty texts to each other, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the sudden switch in the story it was completely spontaneous on Mac’s part. Sexy dominant scenes happen between them which were hot with both switching.
A boss and employee lovers relationship begin but Luca is only there for 4 weeks before he has to leave.
I loved the first book in the series and enjoyed this one, I'm looking forward to reading book 3 with Cal's book.
Includes both pov's and a gorgeous HEA there were a few ups and downs along the way but it's not over yet with a cliffhanger leading to Cal’s book which is why I’d recommended to be read in order for the series.<\b>

[Deepankita]

(2 stars)

Luca and Mac have a sizzling chemistry in the book, which was the first (and unfortunately the only) thing that kept me invest in the book. The sensual texts, heated looks and casual flirting added a lot to their lives. It was a typical love at first sight situation where the heroes broke their characters because of each other.

Sadly, I found the language to be very off-putting. Despite the book being in third person's point of view, the content didn't exactly align with it, instead frequently switched from one to another to express their perspective. The repeated shift from one's perspective to the other brought a confusing feel to the plot. The overall language was too direct, which hindered the flow of the story and added to its confusing aspect.

All in all, the characters could have been written better without their back stories being mentioned randomly, and the language could use some work.

Thank you Netgalley and Evernight Publishing for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac and Luca ❤️

4.5 Stars 🌟

In-freakin-credible, Luca thaws the Ice Man ❤️ I am so in love with this series....this book just sealed the deal!!! Opposites attract done soooo right!!! Mac, the cold, all business and no play CEO meets his match in the sassy, fun loving, sexy PA Luca......sparks flew over from the first book into this one, these two were everything! They were funny, they were sexy as hell and they were such a sweet and loving couple...gah...I ate it up. I cannot wait for the next book...I adore this friend group, bring on Cal ❤️ I 100% recommend this book, I have become such a fan of this author, such great story telling.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers romance. Even though I didn't get to read book 1, I didn't feel like I was lost in reading book 2. I could tell previous characters were from the previous but the author did a good job keeping the flow and making this about Mac and Luca. Mac and Luca intense chemistry jumped off the page and you couldn't help but cheer them on throughout their whirlwind relationship from enemies, work colleagues, friends then ultimately lovers. I wasn't sure how they were gonna work out the long distance thing but if you love HEA, their's were wonderful. Very nice...5 STARS!!.

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

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple but very good
4.5
I loved the character of Luca, outgoing, who, at first, does just enough to annoy Mac, a boss, friend of his friends. Their relationship is as conflicted as it is passionate about their attraction. Their story is hot, tender and simple, but addictive by these good characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac and Luca are total opposites, but their chemistry burns up the pages. Mac’s best friend has gotten married, and he wonders if he could have that too. But he’s a workaholic and his friend has asked Luca to help him before he wrecks himself from exhaustion. Luca and Mac’s banter was fantastic!! Overall, a fantastic story! The story was well written and flowed nicely.

[Alexa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yes I rated the first one 2 stars, yes I still read the sequel, no it wasn’t any better.

[DLB2572 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. This book was even better than the first and I loved that one too. Mac & Luca are great together once they finally accept their feelings for each other. They make for a great story and I absolutely love the part when Mac & Leslie take the kids to the zoo.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troublemaker, so named because it’s Mac’s affectionate nickname for Luca, is the second book in the NY Nights series by Ava Olsen. If you read Novel Affair, you’ll remember Mac as Ryker’s friend and publisher and Luca as Wes' personal assistant. If you didn’t read that book, no problem. This one can comfortably be read as a standalone thought you won’t have the same background. Novel Affair is so good I’d recommend you just read that first anyway.

When Ryker and Wes are away on their honeymoon, Luca travels from his home in Toronto to NYC to pet sit for the newlyweds. While he’s in town he'll work on establishing his new events planning business. But when Mac's PA quits – as do all the temps he hires – Luca agrees to fill in, even though they barely tolerate each other.

Mac is not so affectionately dubbed Ice Man by Luca because he’s a cold, uptight workaholic. He thinks Luca is an irritating pain in the ass. They both irk each other but that doesn’t stop the instant attraction between them. Despite the chemistry, they initially take it no further since they have to work together. Mac is disgruntled, though, that charming Luca likes everyone and everyone likes him in return. But then rather suddenly they go from annoying each other to FaceTime sex (and its hot!)

Mac is feeling restless after watching Ryker and Wes fall in love and settle down and now he’s questioning his own future. Luca's hesitant to become involved, though, since he’s only in town temporarily. But sexual chemistry doesn’t like to listen to logic, does it?

I enjoyed the side characters, particularly Mac's other best friend – wild and crazy Cal, and Mac's wonderful grandfather, George, who becomes fast friends with Luca. George is Mac's only family since his immediate family disowned him at sixteen for being gay. George took him in and they have a sweet, loving relationship.

While I enjoyed this book, the plot doesn’t feel fresh. It felt too similar to Novel Affair for my taste: Toronto guy comes to NYC, meets NYC guy and they have an initially ambivalent relationship. A long-term relationship isn’t in the cards but after a night of sex (or sexting), they can’t keep their hands off each other. There are definitely differences in the stories but the basics are similar.

Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this book and its leading men. I’m happy to recommend it to any contemporary readers.

ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.

[Showarst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troublemaker is Book 2 in the NY Nights series by Ava Olsen. We met Mac and Luca in Book 1 as they are friends with Ryker and Wes respectively. They had a very love-hate relationship that ended up combusting when Luca helped out as his assistant for a month.

I really, really liked the chemistry between these two characters and enjoyed the push-pull for awhile. Mac seemed to be very sensitive and Luca was stubborn and set in his ways. Not always a great combination especially when they were fighting their connection. At times, they were both cruel to each other in words and deeds. Luca was very family oriented and had a 5-year plan to have children. Once Mac learned about the plan, he was not very pleasant about it due to his own family issues. Frankly, I just wanted these two to sit down and have a conversation about what they wanted rather than assuming and flying off the handle.

All in all, I really like these two together (once all the drama was complete) and I loved the side characters. Luca's snarkiness was great and I enjoyed his quips. I loved Grandpa George and the scene at the hospital between Luca and Mac's dad was amazing! I am very excited to read Cal and Greyson's story. Though, I already love Cal so much. Greyson better not jerk him around (as it seems from the brief glimpses in the first two books). Cal deserves someone who will love him and put him first--not feel misplaced guilt because of a deceased spouse. I do not want to see Greyson pining for his dead wife while making Cal feel bad. Whew! Guess I have some strong feelings about that- lol.

I am really enjoying Ava's stories and the emotions she is able to invoke in me. I look forward to the next one.

**I received an ARC from Booksprout for my honest review**

[Reading*Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty fun read. The embers of Mac and Luca's fiery relationship were stoked in Book 1 and blaze into a full-on frenemies-to-lovers romance here.

The "troublemaker" in question is Luca (29), a sassy personal assistant to an author whose work crosses paths with uptight workaholic publisher Mac (37). Luca takes personal pleasure in riling up the "Ice Man" with teasing and taunts as they temporarily work together, and their charged animosity is as intense as their mutual attraction.

Both have strong personalities, but beneath the bluster and sass are two men more well-suited for each other than either wants to admit. Luca and Mac's chemistry crackles and I enjoyed their flirty back-and-forth, and the glimpses into their lives beyond work.

As much as I ate up their banter, the hot-and-coldness of their relationship did grow a little tiresome. Their lack of meaningful communication and low-key angsting over unspoken feelings was frustrating, particularly since these are two otherwise mature and direct men, and the sexting that turned their relationship steamy felt rushed in terms of timeline. Still, this was a worthwhile read and it all leads to a satisfying HEA.

While this story works as a standalone, partly because the author recaps Luca and Mac's earlier encounters, I'd recommend reading Book 1 first. Their contentious relationship really does start there and it's better experienced than recalled, plus it's an enjoyable read. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I haven't read book one it was easy enough to pick up on what the bickering was really about chemistry and assumptions about each other there communication wasn't great unless they were picking on one another and making sly comments.

Mac a serious workaholic has been dubed the Ice Man by Luca and it all started over something really stupid long before they had to work together because Mr. Grumpy pants Mac is in need of a miracle as a publisher he can't get anything done his administrative assistant quit and the Temps he's had are horrible in come's his greatest aggravation Luca he's hot and annoying.

Luca is starting over creating his own business and helping friends out while there on there honeymoon by watching there pets in New York for a month he didn't plane on his help extending to Mac sometimes friendship stinks. The only good thing that comes from working with Mac is he starts to understand him better whitch leads to another problem attraction he's leaving in a month and he's been burned before. Turns out there perfect for each other if they can just get past there ideas about the future they may have a chance together.

So this is and easy read can be read as a standalone there is some kind of mystery evolving one of there friends whitch will probably be handled in the next book by the author. Mac and Luca have series chemistry and I enjoyed reading there story I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Amy Voce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble Maker was such an unexpected treat. I honestly didn't know what to expect going in to this, having not read book 1 in the NY Nights series and Ava Olsen being a new to me author. I had so much fun with Mac and Luca, these men are out to prove that opposites really do attract!

I loved Luca's "i am who I am" disposition and his sarcastic quick fire response to Mac's "ice man" persona. These men on the surface seemed to rub eachother the wrong way but at the same time their chemistry seeped off the pages. I also liked how the book progressed by showing the different qualities of both Luca and Mac, they shifted power roles often with one needing the upper hand, to showing vulnerability and a sweet/caring nobody messes with my man demeanor. I also loved the longing and pining for eachother and the will they won't they? back and forth dance they played.

The characters are very diverse and most of them are incredibly likable but one in particular i wouldn't mind punching. I desperately need Cal's book that cliffhanger had me on the edge of my seat for answers! And like, what's the deal with Grey? I need their story. I really recommend this it is a low angst enemies to lovers with forced proximity and a office romance with some steaming hot scenes. I will be jumping in to book one ASAP.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Troublemaker by author Ava Olsen is the second book in the NY Nights series. While you can understand this book by itself it is best enjoyed if you read book one first. This story is told in dual POV which really suits this story. I loved this story much more than the first book. I laugh a ton and love the chemistry. I also cannot wait for book three in this series.

Luka is in NYC in charge of his friend’s animals while they are on their honeymoon. His bestie also begs him to help out the person Luka calls Iceman, Mac. Luka is not thrilled but he will help out a friend in need.

Luka has a five-year plan to have kids with or without a partner. He would prefer with, but he has plans and intends to make them happen.

Mac hates the nickname, Iceman. He is the head of Duran Commutations. He publishes Riker’s books. Also, they are great friends. Mac’s family he grew up with disowned him when he was 16 and his grandfather has raised him since. Mac loves his grandfather.

I loved Mac, he is sweet, kind, and misunderstood a lot.

Luka is great at bringing color and life into Mac’s dull life. But Luka is only in NYC for four weeks. Can they make it work for longer?

I loved this story and I cannot wait to have Grey and Cal’s story next. I need more!

Five Shooting Stars

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the NY Nights series each book reads as standalone each one has two sexy hotties with different perspectives and usually a grump. We have two workaholics with two different viewpoints, very opinionated, with enough fire to test each other, amazing at testing each other’s nerves, pushing each other’s buttons to set the other off but they also know how cool each other down however fate has decided they are supposed to be together. Mac is just the grumpiest guy, loyal to a fault to those he loves will do anything for them and don’t care what others around him think of him PERIOD!!!!……. Luca well we can’t help but love Luca he is so feisty, isn’t afraid to speak up, won’t back down from a fight when it comes to the ones he loves. The attraction is instant, insanely intense and reading about them kind of makes you wish it was live entertainment 😊 both are so attracted to the other yet neither one is ready to give in due to their stubbornness and the magnetic pull between them grows stronger the more they try to resist what is happening between them but will they actually give in, when they do will it be everything they expected and will they find their own HEA?.

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

[Reading to Escape · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troublemaker is a fun and flirty read involving lots of back and forth banter and button pushing between two guys who seem to be working hard to fight their attraction to each other before they inevitably give in. Mac is fierce and take charge in all of his business dealings and leaves no room for down time. Luca is working on setting up his business as an event planner and agrees to work as an assistant to Mac temporarily as a favor to a friend because Mac is struggling since his assistant up and quit. Their relationship has been somewhat rocky in the past, whether because they are somewhat opposite in nature or because of all that underlying chemistry.

I really enjoyed this book. This was my first by this author so I didn't know what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. The story line was engaging and the characters were likeable. I enjoyed how Luca challenged Mac to step outside his comfort zone. I am definitely intrigued regarding the set up for the next book regarding Cal and would definitely like to read more of this author's work in the future.

I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luca's fire melts the icy Mac

Seeing Mac and Luca bicker in Novel Affair, I couldn't wait to see how explosive they were together and they didn't let me down.
Workaholic Mac has his two friends and his grandfather and his work and that's it. When Luca suddenly appears to be his temporary PA, Mac doesn't know what's hit him. Luca stands up to him and won't take any of his crap.
Luca has a big Italian family, a boss who's a close friend, and is in the process of getting his own events planning business up and running. Asked by his boss to help Mac, he reluctantly agrees because Mac pushes all his buttons, just as he does Mac's.
I love the push and pull between them, the heat and the humour, and the warmth and sense of belonging that each generates in the other. It is not all plain sailing though, but they manage to work things out in the end.
I liked seeing more of Cal and Grey, and Mac's grandfather was a lovely character. I'm eager to read Cal's story now, with everything he's been going through threaded through Novel Affair and Troublemaker, and I want to see him get his HEA.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac and Luca . . .

Mac Duran and Luca Santino are as different as two people can be. And yet they can complete each other if they give each other a chance. Mac is a workaholic who is running himself ragged and needs to slow down and enjoy life. His best friend getting married did cause him to wonder if something like that could be out there for him too. He had felt an interest in Luca, but their initial meet didn’t go very well and he just let it go.

Friends in common with Mac and Luca are on their honeymoon. But Wes asks Luca to help Mac at work before he collapses of exhaustion. It did help that they could work together and be around each other. But Luca is looking for someone long-term who wants a family with him, someone willing to commit. Mac is not sure he wants that for himself. Unless the two of them figure out what is important to them, they won’t find their happiness. Can Mac slow down and imagine finding a life with Luca? Or will they both walk away from something that could have been exactly what each needed?

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicnames like pulling braids? Mac, is a single minded workaholic. After attending Wes' and Ryker's wedding, he is reevaluating his priorities. Luca, is pet sitting while Wes and Ryker are honeymooning. He is using the time to get his event planner business oficially started.He is ready to move on from his job as Wes's PA. Luca, wanted his forever man but kept choosing stand-ins. Mac, Ryker's good friend, owns the company that publishes Wes' and Ryker's books. He and Luca but heads at ever meeting. Then Ryker asked Luca to help Mac who is struggling because his PAs keep quitting. Luca, is a force of nature and his and Mac's interactions are epic and absolutely delicious! George, Mac's GrandPa is a pip! Does Luca get Mac organized? Do they stop fighting long enough to get business accomplished? Does Luca get his event planning off the ground? Excellent story. Great flow. Absolutely adorable characters. Nice addition to the series. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I liked the first book in this series this one very quickly captured my interest in a way that had me staying up hours after I should have been asleep because I just really, really wanted to keep reading. Always the sign of a good book. This isn’t quite an enemies to lovers story, maybe frenemies to lovers? Either way, Luca and Mac are friends with the hero’s from Novel Affair, which is book one in the series, and that definitely helps because you get a good idea of who these two men are there making it that much easier to fall into this story. The chemistry between Mac and Luca is definitely there and while, like in the first book, the romance goes fast emotionally and physically it still somehow works to be believable enough. Well, for a fast paced romance anyway.

Overall if you’re a fan of a bossy PA taking the overworked older man in hand, a really sexy phone encounter, frenemies to lovers, and a romance set in the big city (New York City baby!) this book (and series!) is for you.

I was given a free copy of this book but this is an honest review.

[Chelsea Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! That’s all i can even think to say! Just wow!!! I loved this book even more than the first one and! This book was opposites attract to a T. Mac and Luca are literal perfection together. They fit so perfectly. Their chemistry is on fire and they are so very spicy together! Sparks absolutely flew between these two incredible men! They were funny, sweet and so very loving. I devoured this book in just 2 days! It was truly amazing! I am absolutely loving this series/world this amazing author has created and I’m dying to read the next book. I will have to patiently wait till it comes out. But I am SO ready!

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

POV: 3rd Person Dual POV

Standalone or series: Book 2 in the NY Nights series

Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩

Would I read it again: Most definitely!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Troublemaker, Book 2 in the NY Nights series by Ava Olsen started where Novel Affair ended. Luca is in New York taking care of Ryker and Wes's pets when has asked to help Mac after's Mac's assistant quits.

Luca not only takes care of the office, but takes care of Mac as well. I loved the banter between Luca and Mac - their chemistry was evident from the beginning. It was nice to see Ryker and Wes as well as Cal and Grey, although Mac's grandfather and Leslie's son Jacob were my favorite supporting characters in this book.

I appreciated that Luca was unwilling to compromise on what he wanted for his future and that Mac took time to think about whether or not that was the life for him. It made their HEA even more special.

I am looking forward to Cal and Grey's book and hope some of the minor characters get a book of their own at some point.

[Asteroula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I really wanted to like this book since the characters were really cute together... but I didn't.
There are many reasons actually.
- The story was not original at all. This happens often, but there were times I was wondering if I have already read the book.
- Even though this is a standalone, I felt from the beginning that I was missing something. Their relationship moved at light speed and I couldn't see why... There might be info in the first book, but I will never find out.
- There were cute moments among all the characters, not only the MCs, however sometimes it was blatantly clear that the secondary characters were overused (if I can use this word) and not really needed.
I did finish the book but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.

Thank you @gayromancereviews for the copy!

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Luca and Mac take the “opposites attract” trope to some intense and interesting places— the push and pull between these two is relentless, the banter is on point, the heat level is exactly what you’d expect for the two of them and the overall experience of reading this book is…kind of a rollercoaster, but in a good way. It’s fun getting to see new facets of both guys: it might seem like who they are is readily apparent, but while they’re each very, very good at providing their opinions, showing their feelings and needs is something else entirely. Overall, I really enjoyed watching them figure out how to fit together.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luka and Mac are like oil and water. Luka is filling in as an administrative assistant for Mac for a month. Per the previous novel, these guys are so attracted to each other, you can see and feel the sparks fly. They are so hot together, you have to fan yourself. I love their circle of friends, the pet menagerie, and the intrigue in the background with Cal. I am eager to read the resolution hopefully in the next book. I really enjoyed the book, even more than the last , and Ava's writing style with just the right combo of sexy times and verbal interplay. I hope her next book is soon. I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mac and Luca together create heat, humor and so much connection. Together they find surprising and wonderful things but their road to being a couple is not a smooth one. They are such different men and seem to want different things, but they find the best part of themselves when they are together. The story is well written and the characters are great. I enjoyed the supporting characters and want to see more of them in the future.

This is book two of the NY Nights Series and is best read in sequence. You meet Mac and Luca in book one.

I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.