Most Likely To Succeed

by Shawn Lane

Thomas Harrigan can't help but admire his sexy, single and openly gay boss, Clark Sterling. He never expects the gorgeous lawyer to put the moves on him. But when Clark makes his interest shockingly clear, Thomas find himself involved in a passionate affair with the man of his dreams.

Badly burned by an office romance once before, Clark knows he should keep his relationship with Thomas on a strictly business level. But there's something disarmingly genuine about the beautiful, intelligent young man, and Clark throws caution to the wind.

As Thomas spends more time in Clark's company and his bed, he realizes he is falling in love and he's pretty sure Clark feels the same way. But when Thomas's resume finds its way to a rival firm, Clark is livid. Just when he had started to picture a life with Thomas, complete with a house in the suburbs, the man betrays him, just like his ex-lover did.

Clark cuts Thomas out of his life, and his firm. Left unemployed and reeling from a broken heart, Thomas struggles to put the pieces of his life back together. But when Clark learns the truth, can he open his heart to Thomas once again and take a chance on happiness?

Gay / Contemporary / Exhibitionism / Public Places

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Gay, LGBT, M M Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

75 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 11, 2009

About the author

Shawn Lane writes erotic gay romances and believes love and passion know no boundaries. Happily Ever After is for everyone.

In the past she has written heterosexual romances (see her backlist) but is now concentrating on gay romances.

Shawn lives in California and holds down a boring day job in a legal department of a giant corporation dreaming of the nights and weekends when she can create new stories.

Shawn loves to hear from readers, is happy to answer any questions, and has been known to send free books to fans just because.

Reviews

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas is working as a clerk for the law offices of Clark Sterling. He's taken his bar exam and waiting for the results. If he passes, he'll get promoted and become a lawyer for the firm. He likes his job, and the best perk is his boss. Clark is gorgeous, sexy, and openly gay. But also known to be a hard boss, and it intimidates Thomas.

Clark's in his early thirties, and he's a very successful guy. He's one of those guys works himself to the bone, and leaves little time for himself. Having a sister who's going through a nasty divorce and frequently calls on him for help (sometimes in the middle of the night) doesn't help matters. Add to that his last relationship ended badly. He believed himself in love, had actually thought about moving in the guy, settling down with a house in the suburbs and everything, but then was horribly betrayed.

One day Thomas is sent to fetch Clark for a meeting and finds more than he bargains for. Clark, asleep at his desk, with a gay porn movie playing on his computer. He's mortified when Clark wakes up and sees him there. Though he tries to hide his attraction to Clark, an erection really isn't the easiest thing to hide, especially when Clark demands that Thomas return the folder he tries to use to hide behind. Thomas is so damn cute - all flustered and aroused - and he immediately piques Clark's interest.

Clark knows he shouldn't get involved with an employee, especially since his last relationship ended so badly, but he can't resist the beautiful, intelligent younger man. Clark's a man who goes after what he wants - he didn't start his own firm and turn it into one of the most successful in the city for nothing - and he doesn't dilly-dally, but goes after Thomas. As their relationship progresses, Clark finds himself wanting to spend more and more time with Thomas. And Thomas, he finds himself falling in love with Clark. But he worries about what will happen if their relationship sours - Clark's his boss, afterall.

The sex scenes were smoking hot. Clark's a bit of an exhibitionist, and he doesn't have floor to ceiling windows in his highrise apartment for nothing ;) I also really liked the way Clark could be a bit of a cocky smart-ass in bed (but in a very good way). And even though there was a very strong sexual attraction between the 2 men, I could feel how much Clark cared about Thomas.

I loved Thomas and Clark together. I thought they were a perfect pair, and I enjoyed watching Clark's harder exterior slip away as he fell in love with Thomas. With Thomas, Clark actually takes time to relax and enjoy life and simply being with Thomas. But just when Clark begins to contemplate taking their relationship to the next level, a wedge is thrown between them, tearing them apart. Given Clark's past, I understand why he reacted the way he did, but still, he hurt Thomas :( I really felt for him. But as this is a romance, never fear, the book does end with a HEA. :D

So in conclusion...hot men in suits, great sex, and a romance with some angst - definitely a recommended read!!!

[JenMcJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clark and Thomas are suited up lawyers that suit each other. Although Clark is very hesitant to start another work place relationship he steps out and takes a chance.

Thomas is happy to hook up with Clark. Why wouldn't he be? He is hot, successful, charming (to him)...everything you would want in a boyfriend, except he is the boss too.

Enter an ex-lover with ill-intent and an ex-lover with the best of intentions and pretty soon, miscommunication ensues.

The two lovers are hot for each other and their sex scenes are very well written and erotic.

I liked this book; my one criticism is that I thought the reaction by Clark was OOC regarding the problems Clark's ex-lover created and the ethical questions it raises. Clark is portrayed as much more of a take charge and go get 'em kinda guy, but that situation seemed to make him a doormat that took me out of the story. He should have brought his ex-lover down!

[Valentina Heart · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected much more when I first read the blurb. Nothing unforgettable or mind blowing, but a nice little story to make me smile.

What I got were two characters that were supposedly heading toward a lifetime together but looked more like two room-mates who like sex, a lot. There was just no chemistry. Still, for that I would have marked it as a 3 stars and wouldn't bother with a review.

However, the argument of sorts that was supposed to make things a little bit more interesting was completely unbelievable and weak, not to mention how it made me lose all respect for Clark. He's a successful man who has been burned before by his ex lover and instead of talking with Thomas and eventually believing him, he takes the word of a man who sc****d him over once before.

Of course, it doesn't end there. After being fired and left by Clark without even being given a chance to explain, Thomas forgives and forgets everything in a two sentence conversation. To top it all he also agrees to go back to work with Clark, despite the fact that the situation hasn't changed. Clark is still his boss and he can fire him on the spot the next time he wears mismatched socks to work and rubs him the wrong way. I always figured a lawyer, or anyone for that matter, should have more self respect.

Still, it's far from the worst book I've ever read and maybe my bad opinion was partially influenced by my high expectations. No other way to see but to read it for yourselves.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

***2.5 Stars - Couldn’t Connect***

I wanted to like this based on the summary, but I actually ended up finishing it solely because I’d agreed to do a review. The plot sounded like it would be interesting, but it ended up reading like a high school drama. There are a lot of instant reactions without much thought behind them, little character growth, and zero communication skills demonstrated. The end just flat made my jaw drop, and not in a pleasant way.

Clark has been burned, so I can understand his reticence. However, his actions are less intelligent CEO and more junior high. Thomas is interested in his sexy boss’s boss, but at least he out and out asks what will happen if things don’t work out between them. There is much passion contained within these pages, and the chemistry is super strong between them. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t connect with the characters based on their interactions with each other outside of intimate encounters, and Clark’s reactions were just too over the top for me. I’m rating this at 2.5 stars and rounding up for sites that don’t accept halves.


Review copy of Most Likely to Succeed provided by the publisher, LooseID, for an honest review.

[Erica Chilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads

4 Lusty Stars.

Shawn Lane delivered exactly what the blurb, genre, and length promised. I was just discussing the other day how I rate books by other books in their genre, like I wouldn't rate a romancy, lusty novella against an epic fantasy or a dark emotional piece.

Most Likely to Succeed delivered tension and chemistry, lust, angst via miscommunication and past wounds, romance and scorching hot eroticism, conflict, and an happily ever after, all within this shorter novella. With a fully fleshed-out beginning, middle, and ending, I won't say what I wished had been on the pages, because that would be like wishing the book was something other than it promised.

With steady pacing, not a ton of filler or fluff, Clark & Thomas were an enjoyable, entertaining couple to read. I would highly recommend this title and author to fans of MM romance, especially if they are looking for a lot of between-the-sheets action with an equal amount of storytelling.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is a really enjoyable read. It is thoughtful, sexy, romantic and has a decent plot. In fact the only thing that might have been better would have been a longer build up - but actually they deal with that issue very well later on ...

Whereas many books have friends who ensure things go to plan, sadly and unintentionally this is rather the opposite, although in the end it all works out. If you want a short, satisfying and feisty read - this will do the job very well.

[Adrienne -kocham czytać- · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favorite quote:
"'Now,' Clark said. 'I have called you in here for a very important meeting.'
'You did?'
'Yep. Of our bodies.'"

Other than that the story is mediocre. I didn't feel the love, see the growth of their relationship or why they loved each other, anything. A very human knee-jerk reaction caused the conflict, and it was all settled easily. Okay sex. All of it was so-so *shrugs*

The one good point: Yes! An author who knows how to use farther and further properly! Hallelujah :D

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adore Shawn Lane's lawyers and these characters were no exсeption! :)))
Really loved them both and the story was perfect for me: sweet, hot with little angst. Oh and I was happy Matt turned out not an asshole. Throughout the book I've had my doubts, but I'm glad I was wrong. Clark's niece was adorable abd I wish we'd see more of her :)

[❂ Endless · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet! :)
Lol!!
"Now he lingered over Thomas's plump, sensual lips, sipping at them like a hummingbird to the nectar of a flower.

Okay, if that metaphor didn't make him gay, he didn't know what did."
*chuckles*
It was good.

[Wyndslash · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute and easy read. I'd recommend it for those who just want a few hours to relax and not think of anything else. I liked it well enough, though I wished it was longer (just to further develop Thomas's and Clark's relationship), and some of the commas were missing.

[Sabriel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring.... Cliché...

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much here. That's what I get for reading something short just for one word of the title...

[Elisa Rolle]

This is a light funny romp, with a Cinderfella atmosphere that I find really charming and sweet. In the first scene, Clark Sterling's employees are pulling out the shorter straw to decide who has to go and say to the boss that he is late for a meeting. From this presentation, you could have the idea that Clark is a scaring man, maybe cold and aloof. And instead he is a man with a tender heart who falls a bit to often for romance. The new clerk of the firm is obviously the man who has to enter the lion's lair: Thomas is young, cute but very clever. Actually I believe he is even more clever than Clark.

Clark is a self-made man, who probably had a bit of complex due to the abandonment of his father when he was still very young. He climbs the rank of society thanks more to hard work and tenacity than being ruthless. And I like also that he has integrity, he doesn't hide that he is gay, even if he also doesn't flaunt it as a flag (see the comment on the ban on gay marriage): Clark is quite at comfort with himself, he had bad love experience in the past, but he is not embittered and closed, he still believe in true love and he is still willing to give to love a chance. And so when young and pretty Thomas enters his office with starry eyes, he is lost.

Thomas has a little crush on his boss. He probably unconsciously chose to work for his firm for that reason: Thomas is a very good student, and probably he had a list of firm ready to hire him, but he chose Clark, and I'm not saying that he chose Clark's firm, he chose just Clark. Not that he is planning to seduce his boss or a torrid office affair... Thomas has still not realized that he is in love with his boss, and it will be Clark's task to hunt him down, even if Thomas is not at all a shifty prey.

Actually the big affair is only a question of few days, barely a week: in two weekends spent mostly in bed and at Disneyland plus some days at work, Clark and Thomas go from being employee and boss, to lovers, to possible life partners, to being torn apart by a stupid mistake. If not for the fact that both of them are incurable romantics it would have been not possible; and instead the story stands, and it's funny and enjoyable. I loved to see how Clark, piece by piece, dismantled his cool behavior (if he ever had one), to let you glimpse a different man, a bit naughty (public sex...), a bit housekeeper (breakfast in bed...), and a lot perfect dream man (big and posh house with hot tub). And I like also Thomas, who, other than being obviosly intelligent and good at work, is also a man who is fair enough to not lie down on a relationship that he knows not being the real thing, but who is also willing to risk everything when the real thing arrives.

There is one thing I didn't like, Clark's secretary... all right she has in mind only the good for Clark, and there is not even a personal reason to mistreat Thomas, but she didn't manage to rub my good side. I also found quite tactless that she spoke of Clark's past without his permission. I don't know, but I'm always fond of old faithful secretary, godmother style, and Agnes for me didn't enter the category.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1602728593/?...

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

This was a lovely little short novella that grabbed my attention and held it all the way through. Thomas and Clark are engaging, fairly well developed characters, their chemistry ignites the page, and though there’s a bit of predictability to this story, it’s the very good kind, where you know the men are going to work everything out.

Thomas is sweet, a little shy, and young. But he still knows his own mind and what he wants. I liked that he has layers, and I found him totally adorable. Right from the start, he captured my attention, and I was more than happy to follow him on his journey to love. One of the things I liked the most about him was that, despite his age, he’s got a solid head on his shoulders. This was some of his intelligence shining through, and though I would have liked to see more of it, I loved that we got a solid sense of Thomas. He had valid reservations, and when his heart broke, mine did too.

I had a little bit harder time with Clark. We didn’t see much of his hard-ass-ness, though the secondary characters spoke of it. Really, he was determined to get what he wanted, and Thomas was it. Their relationship progressed smoothly and believably. These guys are drawn to one another, and their chemistry is so good. But then, when Clark gets the news he thinks is a betrayal, he just shuts Thomas out. For me, I needed a little bit more here. I mean, I understood sort of where he was coming from. He’d been betrayed before in a huge way, and he definitely had baggage. It was understandable that he’d react extremely when he thought it had happened again. However, it wasn’t exactly in keeping with what we’d seen from him in the rest of the book, and I would have liked a bit more foreshadowing in that regard. But I still liked his character a lot, and I loved him and Thomas together. Which we get to see a lot of, so that totally worked.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[Stacey Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

REALLY liked this one. This was a very engaging story with very likeable characters. I didn't want to put this one down and read most of it in one sitting. Thomas Harrigan gets a law clerk job at a law firm owned by Clark Sterling. Despite his better judgment, and his friends well meaning warnings, he becomes involved with his gorgeous and openly gay boss, Clark. Clark is going against his promise to himself to never get involved with a co-worker ever again after getting badly burned by another but there is just something about Thomas. They are fast falling for each other when Thomas' resume ends up in the hands of the evil ex at his lawfirm who calls to gloat. Clark, once bitten twice shy, automatically thinks the worst and assumes that Thomas is screwing him over just like his ex and is possibly even in league with him too and refuses to give him the chance to defend himself and cuts him loose. The one who caused all the problems admits their role in it all and Clark and Thomas finally get their HEA. It's a sweet story with lots of angst, which is probably why I liked it cause I'm a sucker for angst. Hot sex but not too graphic or poured on too thick. They have good chemistry and make a great couple. I'm glad I read it.

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big shot gay lawyer starts up with young new lawyer. Big misunderstanding ensues, sadness, they get back together. HEA Not to sound flip, it was an enjoyable read, I’m just tired. My one complaint and not about this book but in general, is when the big misunderstanding occurs and the guy tries to explain they always say “hello” “please let me explain” “no” “but its not what you think” “no, good-bye” “please I just want to talk” “click”. Ummm. Idiot. The conversation should go like this. “hello” “my stupid friend send my resume without my knowledge, I didn’t know he did it.” “umm, what” “he was an asshole who is trying to run my life, it wasn’t me” “oh, alright. I love you.” Was that so hard? You don’t explain that you want to explain. Just blurt out the damn explanation before they have a chance to say no. Is that so hard or are you the TSTL chick who goes into the kitchen alone during the horror movie marathon? Sheesh. Don’t these people read books? Rant done.

[Charly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- The sex scenes in all 3 novellas are nicely done: they occur often but don’t seem to distract from the stories because they aren’t overly long or descriptive.
- Amusing little one-liners here and there that made me smile.
- I read the make-up scene in this story with particular relish for some reason, and Clark makes an incredibly sweet gesture at the story’s close.

CONS:
- It took a while for Clark to grow on me. I found him arrogant and too pushy toward the beginning.
- Thomas is surprisingly bold in their early sexual encounters given how intimidating/scary he finds Clark at the start of the story.
- Couple of enticing little carrots that are mentioned once but never appear again (a discussion about nipple rings, for example).

[Zaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Berdasarkan summary yg kubaca kupikir novel ini sekedar bercerita inter-office romance combined cinderfella thing. Ternyata tidak sesederhana itu. Novel ini menceritakan bagaimana memberi dirimu kesempatan untuk menerima kepercayaan & cinta yg baru.

Dari 66 halaman hanya dibutuhkan 1 1/5 jam saja bagiku untuk menyelesaikan novel ini. Altough this story is short, readers will be pleased with emotional struggle on Thomas side when one stupid mistake make Thomas & Clark relationship almost broken. Also, the story quite seems like fairy tale because on start their status is boss-employee and then two or three weeks later they became lovers. But in cinderfella world what is impossible its possible.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I loved Clark and Thomas!! Another of Shawn Lane's uber sexy very engaging stories. Thomas is a law clerk working in a law firm that will probably hire him once he passes the bar. Clark is the hot yet scary head of the firm. Thomas and his office colleagues have gathered for a meeting that is supposed to led by Clark but Clark is missing. Thomas' colleagues send him into Clark's office only to find Clark fast asleep with porn playing on his computer. This leads to a very sweet love affair between the two. Just adore this author's writing and her well developed MCs. So, so good!!

[Ryoma Gartre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked this one, it was sweet & sexy, but when Clark believed his ex lies without giving Thomas a chance to explain himself he when down on my liking rate, and the ex was a little tad obsessed with Clark still, for someone who didn't have really feelings for him, what I didn't liked it it was that Thomas forgives Clark too easily, and that while understandable, nothing awful happens to the ex, i wanted to pass a car over him!, grr.

[ElaineY · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
This was going along just so-so but it ended better than I'd been led to believe it could. I was kinda slumbering through Clark and Thomas' romance and almost fell asleep but, fortunately, the pace and tone changed after Clark got that call about Thomas sending in his resume to a rival firm.

[jules0623 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Well written, beautifully written emotion without becoming overwrought, nicely paced plot (although the I love you came a little fast), and good secondary characters (although I'd have loved for Clark's family to have played a larger role than they did). I really connected to Thomas right away. Definitely a favourite.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd say really a 2.5 star read for me but since I did actually finish it and I enjoyed the story line, I'll up it to 3. It felt a bit awkward and stilted and while the sex scenes had all the elements in order to make them hot, they were just wierd. Almost forced. I did like the MCs but didn't connect with them much at all.

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Your standard romance fare... even though the main characters are both guys. Guy meets guy, guys fall in love, a misunderstanding occurs, guy dumps guy, guy realizes he was wrong... Guy begs guy to take him back... happy ending!

[Tj · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope... instant love, manufactured drama, one character refusing to actually communicate, the BIG BREAKUP and sorrowful reconciliation. This could be the hamburger helper version of literature. It might take up some of your leisure time but it isn't satisfying.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Thomas and Clark are so hot together!

[Nancy L · Rating 3 out of 5]

little bit of angst which you could probably see from a mile away. this is a feel-good type of story

[Tamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

too short

[Lipvixen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Geez Clark why don't you just pay Thomas a million dollars in damages anonymously (he deserves it after all you put him through) and leave him the heck alone? LOSER!!!

[mah1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

(First read 2014/9) As safe asn nice as any other Shawn Lane book, even if my enjoyment was dimmed somewhat by the fact that I managed to buy this book twice.