The Hotel Manager

by C. Hallman

What kind of hotel doesn’t have a name? Everything about this place is off. The odd location. The silent staff. The elite clientele. All I’m certain of is that I have to get out of here. Until I meet him. The hotel manager. He’s grumpy, impatient, and never ever leaves the hotel. It’s clear from the look in his eyes that he hates me. Beautiful, raw, demanding. I’m drawn to him like a helpless moth to an all-consuming flame. I just hope I can get away before I get burned.

Genres: Forced Proximity, Romance, Suspense, Fiction, Military Fiction, Slow Burn, Enemies To Lovers

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2023

About the author

C. Hallman is a USA Today Bestselling Author who wrote her debut novel in 2018 and has since published over 100 books in various romance subgenres. Her works have been on numerous bestseller lists and have been translated into 8 languages around the world.
When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA>>>>
https://www.facebook.com/Cassandrahal...
https://www.instagram.com/challman_wr...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cassa...

Reviews

[Noa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He is a hotel manager, after all. How dangerous can a man with that job be?"

Teagan Bennett was just supposed to get in and get out.
Simple as that.
Anything to protect her brother.
That is until the mysterious hotel manager found her out and let her go.
On one condition, she's not supposed to come back.
But what kind of hotel doesn't have a name? Why is it so hard to find it?
So many questions that lead Teagan back to the hotel.
Will she be able to survive the flame or will she get burned?

"She really has no idea who I am. If she did, she wouldn't question my promise. She would know that there's no one scarier in the city than me."

Mason Grant's life is the hotel.
That is his life. Nothing else.
He doesn't let anything distract him.
So why does this woman take over his mind?
Why can he not get her out of his head?
And why is she coming back even after he told her not to?
Does she know what she's stepping into?
And why doesn't Mason want her to get away?

"There is something about her that has me intrigued, but I already know I can't let those pesky feelings influence me."

I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

💫 4.5 stars 💫

"When life is all about survival, there's no room for like or want."

Teagan wasn't supposed to come back. Mason wasn't supposed to want her to come back. But what will happen when the mystery is too much and secrets start to come out?

"She's a challenge. I have enough of them in my life already. I shouldn't welcome yet another one."

If anyone ever wondered what "American Horror Story: Hotel" would be like as a romance book then stop wondering because this is it!
This was not dark per se but it was mysterious and eerie and I loved that!

"He's a mystery I can't help wanting to solve."

We have Teagan Bennett who is the definition of "Sunshine" in Grumpy x Sunshine. She is curious and that bothers Mason but not as much as it should. She has quips and is sarcastic and literally I was like this is me! Making jokes at times where you probably shouldn't LITERALLY ME! And that was everything!!

"Do you like good girls, Mr. Grant?"

And we have Mason Grant. Again the definition of "Grumpy" in Grumpy x Sunshine. And also the definition of "Hates everyone but her" and we love that, we stan. Being ex-military you know that he is a tough cookie. Will Teagan be able to crack him? Trust me it was so entertaining to read!!

"The way she challenges me keeps me on my toes, her little quips - I shouldn't enjoy her the way I do."

The playlist is what I think would be playing silently in the background at the hotel. And isn't that everyone's dream at the end of the day?

(Link: https://spotify.link/CT2bVvHhYDb)

📻 "Big Bad Wolf" - Roses & Revolutions
📻 "Bad Liar" - Imagine Dragons
📻 "Cologne" - SM6
📻 "Morally Grey" - April Jai
📻 "The Devil is a Gentlemen" - Merci Raines
📻 "yes girl" - Bea Miller
📻 "Paris" - Sabrina Carpenter
📻 "Play With Fire" - Sam Tinnesz, Yacht Money
📻 "…baby one more time" - The Marias
📻 "WONDERLAND" - Neoni
📻 "Hotel California" - Eagles
📻 "SENSITIVE" - MOTHICA
📻 "Somebody's Watching Me" - Rockwell
📻 "Lie Lie Lie" - Joshua Bassett
📻 "Devil's Playground" - The Rigs
📻 "COFFIN" - PLVTINUM
📻 "Sleepless" - Dutch Melrose
📻 "Killer" - Valerie Broussard
📻 "That Girl" - Emei
📻 "The Devil Wears Lace" - Steven Rodriguez
📻 "Money, Money, Money" - ABBA
📻 "FU In My Head" - Cloudy June
📻 "Ghost Town" - Layto, Neoni
📻 "Heaven" - Julia Michaels
📻 "ever fallen?" - Kate Peytavin
📻 "eyes don't lie sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
📻 "Shameless" - Camila Cabello
📻 "Dirty Thoughts" - Chloe Adams
📻 "do you really want to hurt me?" - Nessa Barrett
📻 "Worst Case Scenario" - Loveless
📻 "Taste" - Ari Abdul
📻 "Bad Things" - Nation Haven
📻 "The Way You Look Tonight" - Frank Sinatra
📻 "Smells Like Sex" - Sizzy Rocket
📻 "Control" - Halsey
📻 "Achilles Heel" - J. Maya
📻 "Fire On Fire" - Sam Smith
📻 "Sex On Fire" - Kings of Leon


And Mason can talk the talk okay. Not only about his dual showerhead…

"Let's get you out of these shoes… and this dress. There's only one thing more stunning that this piece of fabric on you, and that's you wearing nothing at all."

"If you don't want me to come in your mouth, you need to stop now."

🛎️ Tropes 🛎️

🥞 Grumpy x Sunshine
🥞 Slow Burn
🥞 Mysterious Hotel
🥞 Ex-Military MMC
🥞 Touch her and die

[C. Hallman]

The Hotel Manager is very different from what I have published before, but I am beyond excited to share this brand new suspenseful standalone with you!
If you like...
*More story than spice
*Enemies to Lovers
*Grumpy/Sunshine
*Slow burn
*Dangerous Secrets
*HEA
this book is for you!

[Victoria Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love when This author releases a new book as she hooks me in right from the of and that is exactly what this book does. This is an enemies to lovers, grumpy/ sunshine, a little military romance forced proximity, he falls first fabulous read.

Teagan has had a tough time, after her parents died and her brother raised her she'd do anything for him to protect him. She is naturally very curious and after she ends up at this weird hotel trying to help out her brother everything seems to go wrong.

Mason is a scary guy who runs the Hotel, this super secretive hotel that is his life really. When he first meets Teagan he knows that their is something about her, she's different. But once he makes her leave she is never meant to come back. Only she does. Now he can't seem to get her out of his mind completely. She has definitely woken something up in this grumpy workaholic.

I loved the storyline and feel it flowed perfectly throughout. I was on the edge of my seat a few times with all the nail biting suspense. It's full of action, secrets and some spice and is full of twists and turns especially that big twist at the end which sets up the next book in the series perfectly.
I read this book in one night I really enjoyed it and I absolutely loved the connection between these characters and the fact that Teagan stands up for herself to Mason and I loved their cute little banter. I enjoyed reading this book right from the start and I love that two unlikely characters somehow found each other in this world. I love how this author brought these characters to life, I always enjoy this authors style of writing and I love how her words always captivate me. I highly recommend this book to everyone its great.

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hotel Manager follows
Teagan a twenty-six-year-old grocery store cashier/ bartender and Mason Grant who owns what she originally thought was a hotel.

Their story begins with her brother Jase in over his head with some dangerous people and her being pulled into his mess. To save her brother she agrees to plant a listening device on the hotel manager's clothes while pretending to be a masseuse only nothing goes as planned.

It's a story of mystery, danger, suspense with a slow burn romance that's building with each page turned. Yet it has so much more intertwined within the storyline to keep you glued to the pages waiting to see what happens next. Shocking betrayals, some much needed groveling and some amazing group of secondary characters that bring life to the story. Oh and the final page with the tease will have you dying to see where Cassandra Hallman takes these characters next.

I must say I got a chuckle out of the nickname she gave him "Mr. Mason Grumpy Pants Grant". Of course he had one for her as well "Ms. Sunshine".

I received a free ARC from the author through Bookfunnel and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

Five ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hotel Manager was definitely a very different story than we usually see from this author. It was a very slow burn with a lot of story and not enough smexy times.
Mason is the manager of this hotel and Teagan ends up in Mason’s path because her brother Jase is in trouble and needs his sister to enter the hotel and plant something on Mason.
Crazy and twisted at times, but slow moving nonetheless.

[Alexandra.readss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review .

Teagen is a young woman working in a grocery store, whose brother tends to get in trouble from time to time . To help him not get killed by the lown sharks, she agrees to pretend to be a massage therapist and plant a bug on her supposed client’s clothes.

As expected, it all goes wrong . But after he finds out her real intentions, he lets her go and saves her life when her brother’s enemies want to harm her .

Mason is the “manager” of a hotel with very particular clientele. Ex navy seal , socially awkward, who doesn’t leave the hotel and lives for his job . The encounter with Teagen , disturbed his peace and his monotonous life.

3,5 stars

The story itself was good ,the plot very interesting, but I think it should have been a little longer . I feel like the connection between the two of them was very rushed. When they had sex for the first time , I was actually surprised.
I would’ve liked for them to spend more time together and actually talk and learn thinks about each other.

The kidnapping was no surprise, I saw it coming from a mile away. It was a surprise that his mother was behind it , because the woman was not mentioned very much .

I think the idea of the book is good , but what bothers me is the relationship between them . I can’t say it will be one of my favorite book couples unfortunately.

[Anne Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and will definitely look for the follow up. The only reason I have rated this 4* and not 5* is because I felt it stalled a little for me for a while in the middle of the story. Overall a good story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this slow burn romance that had plenty of sparks. Teagan and Mason's romance pulled me in and had me right on the edge of my seat. Mystery, suspense, drama, and twists had me eager to keep those pages moving.

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series
Mason and Teagans intense emotional broken heartstopping insta love story
All the feels
So many twists
Need more
Gimme Natalie

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an action-packed, suspenseful, steamy hot book that was almost impossible to put down. The storyline was fun with different secrets and things revealed along the way. It is a definite must-read.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not surprised @ how fabulous Mason and Teagan's story is it kept me fully engaged by the secrets, mystery of the unknown, the passion that Mason and Teagan had for one another and the constant surprises that were unveiled had me flipping the pages @ turbo speed.

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very different story and one that intrigued me as I started reading Mason and Teagan’s story. As I read more, I liked their story more and more. The author gave us romance, suspense and plenty of action to keep me turning the pages. A refreshing and romantic suspense I recommend.

[Tiffany aka Chai Tea And Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I loved this. A romantic suspense, this was thrilling and smexy. I got attached to all of the characters and I want to keep reading to learn all of their stories. The main characters had depth and the plot line was suspenseful. I loved the growth of the main characters, and the way they blossomed into better people together. I’m invested in this storyline, and I can’t wait to dive back into this world!

❤️Tropes❤️
💋enemies to loversish
💋grumpy v sunshine
💋 forced proximity
💋 touch her and unalive
💋 secret cinnamon roll

Teagan is caught up in her brother’s BS again, and she’s not sure how she’s going to pull this off. Her brother borrows money and can’t pay it back, and the only way to protect him is to do this task for the loan sharks. She just has to go in, give a massage to the hotel manager, plant a bug on his clothes and leave. She’s not a secret agent, but it’s just a hotel manager. How hard can this be?

Thank you to Literally Yours PR for the copy, all thoughts are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited for this one and was totally intrigued by the premise, but it just fell flat for me. I just wasn’t captured by the characters. I thought it was going to be a little more mysterious and dark, but it was more a special forces storyline.

Teagan and Mason meet under unusual circumstances and it’s hard to understand what he sees in her. I do enjoy banter and how she stands up to him. And there is definitely some chemistry between them, but spice is not the focus of the book.

There is a cliffhanger at the end, not for the couple, that seems to set up the next book. This is definitely one for lovers of military suspense.

[Melissa Machado · Rating 2 out of 5]

  ***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***


The story had potential but as it went on it had me disinterested, I found it so boring and ridiculous. It started off mysterious and angsty but then fizzled out into a slow pace and was anticlimactic to the point that the plot twist couldn't save it. Most of the story takes place at the hotel doing practically nothing besides sitting in the hotel room. Mason went from not letting Teagan leave the hotel to keep her safe to letting her talk him into allowing her to attend the Navy Ball/Gala with him and she was suddenly like "Cinderella" being polished and pampered into perfection for the big night AND taking her to the gun range to learn how to shoot the day of.

There was a serious lack of character development. Why is Jase such a screw up? There was no depth into Jase. He's the one who really caused this chaos to begin with but no one ever addresses the fact that he put all of this drama into motion and basically put his sister in danger. Does he even work? Does he have friends? How did Tank and Griff end up at the hotel? Why is Tank non-verbal? Why does Griff have a badge and cop car light? Who gave Dallas inside info? What is the deal with Ainsely? Why is she always telling lies? She's supposed to be best friends with Teagan from childhood and they are roommates but it semed like they weren't even that good of friends.

Teagan is making life choices by guilt. She does anything to help Jase and for what? Teagan went from not knowing what she wanted to do in life, worked at a dead end job and has to drop out of college but wanted to go back...but then suddenly is an author because her brother reminds her she wrote a child book when she was a teen that she completely forgot about. She went from grocery store clerk to author over night. There also needs to be more depth about what actually being the hotel manager entails for Mason and what the hotel really is/does. Why does he rarely leave? Does he have anxiety issues? He clearly lacks social skills.

There was 0 chemistry with the main characters. There was no spice at all. The few sex scenes there were usually followed up with him pushing her away. He basically spent the entire book pushing her away. They both acted immaturly and petulant. An ex-military who never leaves the "hotel," this just makes him sound weak to me. He doesn't face the outside world, but he's supposed to be this big bad intimidating ex-seal man. At the beginning she made him sound dark, dangerous, and alpha, which is what I would expect from someone dealing with high level government assignments....but he wasn't any of those things. Just a boring jerk who for the most part treated Teagan poorly. There were no real scenes of him actually showing off his military skills.

Teagan talked about how he abandoned her and played this huge victim when she was attacked (due to her own stupidity by the way), but then she literally did the same to Mason after he was injured and blindsided by someone he once loved. But somehow it was insta-love? These two were really a piece of work.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hotel Manager is a full-length standalone novel with no cheating, ends on a cliffhanger with a happy for now. An exquisitely written story with complex characters and a twisty storyline that captures your attention from the first chapter and keeps you hooked and turning the pages until the end with it's mystery, and suspense. This is Teagan and Mason's story. The story is told from a dual point of view. An enthralling, fast paced, gripping story. A contemporary romance, hate-to-love vibes story, enemies-to-lovers romance, romantic suspense story, polar opposite attracts romance, grumpy/sunshine romance, billionaire romance, slow burn romance, forced proximity, filled with threats, darkness, dangerous secrets, deception, lies, lust-at-first-sight, twists and turns galore, lies, steam, action packed, betrayal, deception, anger, angst, tension, emotions, passion, loss danger, humor, banter, drama, insta-lust, insta-love, insta-everything, guilt, ex-military man, protector romance, revelations, pain and love.
Teagan has lost both her parents to a devastating accident and her big brother stepped up to be her guardian because he didn't want her to be a part of the foster care system, and for that Teagan feels like she owes him a great debt and would anything for him. Her big brother Jase, as been like a hero to her, but he as gotten himself into some serious life or death situation by dealing with some loan sharks and now he's unable to pay them back. Teagan has some up gotten pulled into her brother's mess and was threatened about losing her brother by the loan sharks. She was given a choice on how she could help him because the guy wants to plant a bug on the hotel manager of an elite secret hotel. She decided to posed as a masseuse therapist so that it would be easier to plant the bug on his clothing. Mason is the owner of this mysterious hotel, who was equally as mysterious.
The hotel is his whole life and he does not leave it. Because of her fear Teagan was not the right person to undertake this undercover job to do plant because Mason immediately knew that something was up, but he allowed it to play out without alarming her to the fact that he knows what she was up to. He was intrigued by the beautiful Teagan but he still allowed her to leave after his massage and told her never to come back again. However, Teagan was curious about the hotel and what mystery it wholes so she came back after being told not to. The two would became friends and got to know each other and the more time that they spent together they would develop a relationship that transcended into passion on a barn burning slow burn. Because of Jase actions he has brought his problems to her bringing danger and Mason had to protect her. You can pick up the book and find out what's going on.

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

[Meredith (SweetReadsandTreats) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first from C. Hallman and I want more. The Hotel Manager was unexpected in so many ways. The characters, the secrets of The Hotel, and both Teagan and Mason – everything about this story was intriguing and kept me glued to the pages. After chatting with C about this book, I was expecting something sexy and suspenseful and this story delivered on all fronts. While it’s not as spicy as some books can be, the steam is mixed into the story bringing the characters closer together. I love when the spice creates a tighter connection between the two MCs and isn’t there just for heat. The rest of the story is mysterious and suspenseful. I want to know SO much more! The ending is complete with a HEA for the MCs, but it will leave you wanting more about The Hotel and the mysterious threats to Mason and his organization. I WANT MORE! Sign me up for anything that comes next.

Teagan’s brother is constantly dragging her into trouble. This time to dig him out of debt with some very bad men, she must sneak into a mysterious hotel pretending to be a massage therapist and plant a bug on the manager. All goes to plan until she meets him. Mason is larger than life and knows immediately that something is not right. Turning the tables, Teagan decides to just tell him everything. From this point forward, Mason can’t get the brave woman off his mind. He releases her and has one of his men intercept the men waiting for her. When trouble finds her again, he pulls her into his world to keep her safe. Once at the hotel, Mason can’t get her off his mind. Plus with her inquisitive mind, she is safer with him. But what he never counted on was keeping his heart safe.

This story is a true opposites attract, with some age gap, a slow burn, and grumpy-sunshine to round out the story. I loved uncovering each facet of The Hotel and watching Mason and Teagan fall for each other. Once they give into their chemistry, things really heat up and it’s fantastic. Mason is muscle and heart. Teagan is a smart woman who refuses to let the world keep her down. I love when an author gives me characters who are easy to love. I loved the writing and know I’ll be reading more from Hallman and really hope this story becomes a series. There are so many other characters who I want to get an HEA.

[Jill Haworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teagan’s brother Jase has ended up roping her into a job for his loan shark, because she has no criminal history and Jase owes him money. They are driven to the strangest hotel Teagan has ever been to. It’s in an odd location, has strange staff and elite clientele that are dressed casually. The hotel lobby is beautiful with columns in black tile, silver walls and furniture in tones of grey and black.
Teagan’s task is to plant a bug on Mason Grant, the grumpy but gorgeous hotel manager.
Jase had prevented Teagan from foster care, when their parents died 10 years ago, in a car accident so she feels indebted to helping him out of his mess.
Teagan is a 26 year old grocery store cashier, living paycheck to paycheck, who couldn’t afford to go to college.
When she tells the hotel receptionist what she’s there for a massage appointment with Mason, they don’t acknowledge her or speak. The woman simply leads her to an elevator.
Within minutes of his ‘massage’, Mason sees straight through the ploy. Teagan is very easy to read and interrogate.
When she is kicked out of the hotel, the loan sharks goons drive her away intending to get rid of her. But Griffin, one of Mason’s team, ‘arrests’ the driver and rescues her, taking her back to the hotel to keep her safe.
Mason and Teagan have electric chemistry which they eventually give in to.
Although Mason has to keep a lot of what goes on at the hotel from her, he admits that his team, including his sister are ex CIA, FBI etc. just like he’s an ex SEAL.
They cannot find who is behind the loan sharks job, which puts them all at risk, especially Mason.
But as things come to light, Teagan’s honesty comes into question, leaving her relationship with Mason in limbo.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable story which develops a passionate relationship between Mason and Teagan. When he messes up, it takes him months trying to get her to forgive him, despite his grand gestures. Although they discover more about who’s involved, they still don’t know everything, and the book ends on a cliffhanger of sorts. Superb.

[Shelf.indulgence__ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“She came into my life like a storm, stirring up things I’ve been trying to bury for years, ripping out secrets like a tornado rips out trees.”

ARC review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5

I didn’t see the Author’s note before I arc read this, but it makes sense. This is very different from what she has published before.

This book starts off suspenseful and gets you on the edge of your seat from the beginning. I was definitely interested in the plot and where it was going.

Teagan is being used to get to the Hotel Manager, she has to plant a bug on him to save her brothers life from his unpaid debts. What Teagan doesn’t realize is that it’s not just an easy in and out.
She’s too curious for her own good.

“They say curiosity killed the cat. That’s never stopped me. My curiosity is going to eat me alive if I don’t ask.”

Mason, the grumpy Hotel Manager has been living his life dedicated to his work and hardly ever leaving the Hotel. When Teagan comes crashing into his life, she proves to be more of a distraction…and he’s trying his best to fight his feelings for her because he knows with the secrets he is hiding it’s for her own protection.

Now there is someone trying to bring Mason down and they are harder to find than he imagined.

“It’s no use telling myself to leave you alone and keep you safe from the sort of people I come into contact with. You worked your way into my heart when I wasn’t looking, and I can’t get you out.”

This book is more plot than spice, so while the little bit of spice is good just know that this book was written for the suspenseful plot! It’s fast paced and action packed with LOTS of funny banter!

I had a hard time connecting with Teagan and that’s why I gave four stars instead of five.

Overall the plot held my interest and the plot twist at the end definitely surprised me!

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I could not put this book down. It was absolutely brilliant.
Teagan will do anything for her brother years ago. Her mother and father died and her brother at the age of 17. Took her on to save her from going to foster care. So it’s just been them two together, so when her brother gets himself into some trouble and he asked her to do a job for him She agrees straight away so now Teagan finds herself walking into a extremely posh hotel to plant a bug on the hotel manager. But nothing goes to plan when the hotel manager works out. She is not the masseuse that he hired.
Mason knew from looking at her shoes that she was not from the agency and quickly flipped her over and moans answers. He’s quite surprised how young she is, and he’s glad to find out she doesn’t lie to him, so they make a plan for her to stay the hour And then make her way back down and tell the people that she has planted the bug. But will it end there??
And that is all I’m gonna tell you because this story is brilliant. And I don’t want to give away too many clues where the plot will go but what I can tell you is Teagan is an amazing woman who is curious who asked so many questions it’s unbelievable but she is loyal and She doesn’t lie, she will do anything to protect her brother. I’ve read before about sunshine and grumpy books and this book really really is. Mason is like the life has been sucked out of him never leave in the hotel and just making sure orders are followed. So how can Teagan who is full of curiosity and sunshine bring Mason back to life??
There’s a lot going on in this book and it does leave on a cliffhanger and I must admit I’m very excited for Natalie‘s book, but the book ends on HFN.

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

[Sydney Linn · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔑 The Hotel Manager by C. Hallman 🔑

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Enemies to lovers ✔️
Grumpy/sunshine ✔️
Slow burn romance ✔️
Forced proximity ✔️
Secrets/suspense ✔️
Dual POV ✔️

Thank you @challman_writes and @darkheartromance for a PR box of The Hotel Manager 😍🖤

Teagan ends up having to help her older brother when he can’t pay some dangerous people back. The objective is simple, walk into the hotel, pretend to be a massage therapist, and bug the hotel manager. But as she walks into the hotel, she starts to worry, especially when she finds out the hotel manager is an extremely attractive man who radiates “don’t fuck with me” vibes.

Mason knows that Teagan can’t possibly be a massage therapist from the company he uses and calls her out on it. He finds out why she’s there and makes wait it out so it can seem like she did the job she was supposed to do. He warns her to never come back to this hotel ever again.

However, Mason can’t shake the connection he had with Teagan and decides to send his security to watch her. She ends up being in danger and he makes her stay at the hotel with him while he finds out who wants to kill her and her brother as well as keep tabs on Mason.

Mason has to work hard to separate his work and his feelings, but with Teagan, she makes it extremely difficult 😏

I loved this book and the concept of a secret/member only hotel! Teagan was very good at pushing Mason out of his comfort zone. Even makes him grovel for awhile when he fucks up. I loved it 👏🏼

The plot was easy to follow and the ending leads into the next book for a new character, which will be a stand-alone (I think). This one is worth the read! ☺️

[Zoey Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hotel Manager by C. Hallman:

I love how Teagan is helping with her brothers problem because he took care of her. I love how Mason can spot lies, also hoe he caught onto her so fast. Damn getting a real massage from him while also being interrogated. Ainsley seems like she really understands Teagan and her relationship with her brother, which is a really good friend to have. Holy crap Ainsley! "Mr. Sex On A Stick" I lost it when I read that. Mason is so mysterious, but I love the relationship he has with Natalie. Man Teagans response to Masons first question at dinner made me laugh! I enjoy her Sassy attitude, I also love how she got the elevator code! I love how friendly Natalie was to Teagan. Ohhhh Mason is tempted!! Hot damn Masons shower scene while Teagan is asleep! Damn Teagan finally demanded answers after what happened at her brothers place. Ohh another hot shower scene but together! Damn that scene then went to avoiding her... I'm glad she took control and talked to him about being avoided it made her feel strong to me! That dance after the fundraiser was super sweet. What a freaking jerk! Not asking her about her past and roommate... just getting rid of her. Poor Teagan being taken by that person! I'm glad Mason feels bad about not trusting/talking to Teagan! I love how much Mason does to try and get her back! Holy crap he actually told her the truth! But man that was actually a very interesting ending!

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

C .Hallman never fails to exceed all my expectations every time I pick up one of her books I'm just completely blown away Hotel Manager is no different it’s like being on the wildest ride at the amusement park - emotional rollercoaster that just grabs onto all your emotions so quickly and sucks you right in . Grumpy sunshine , Enemies to lovers, slow burn, mystery, suspense, drama , intrigue, oh so steamy moments, heartbreaking and heartfelt , angst , non stop action, , unexpected surprises, love , passion , danger , secrets, phenomenal world building and characters that are just so wonderfully written and very unique you simply cannot stop yourself from becoming 100% invested . I went through so many different emotions and while reading- everything from finding myself speechless one minute to screaming outta frustration the next . I smiled , I cried like a baby and I rooted so freaking hard . But one thing that never wavered was the fact that I was glued to the edge of my seat the entire time anticipating what would happen from one moment to the next . Hotel Manager was and is easily one of the best books I’ve read in the last few months. I simply don’t have the right words to express how much I adored both Teagan and Mason - they grabbed onto my heart from the get go and refused to let go .

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes family pulls you into situations that you don’t want, and fate ends up stepping in, leading you into a situation that you didn’t know you needed. Teagan was raised by her brother after her parents were killed in an accident, he made sure she didn’t end up in foster care so when he lands in trouble it is up to her to save his skin so to speak the people he owe money wants her to go to a weird hotel put something on the owner and that is all but everything goes wrong. Mason sexy as all get out grumpy a little on the scary side runs a hotel but not just any hotel but a secretive hotel which has become his life, he doesn’t like people, his instincts are rarely off when it comes to them and the day he meets the innocent Teagan there is something about her, something he doesn’t want to get into and to top it off she is a little too innocent for him or so he tells himself. He makes her leave his hotel and instructs her never to come back but curiosity got the best of her, and she returns this time he doesn’t let her walk away. The more they are around each other the stronger the pull between them and more he changes but so many questions who he is, what kind of hotel does he run, why is he so scary, will he protect her, will her brother keep himself out of trouble, where are they headed, will she accept all of him, and can they find happiness?

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most compelling and addictive books that I have read this year.

I was not quite sure what to think about this book in the beginning, but with a wonderful wonderfully conceived hook, seriously hot, delightfully charged and banter filled action romance that speaks to this authors ability to write an all encompassing novel! To be honest, this new series that totally drew me in by page five and still leaves me craving the next book a week after finishing the read.

This is one of the best enemies to lovers books I have read this year - and it is November - and wow did it fulfill that promise from the blurb! If you want a mystery and story that will engage and hold you, or a Cliffhanger that will leave you gasping than you don't want o miss this book! And the characters... each truly lives in my imagination as as a unique individual and i cannot wait for them all to get their own book! Literally, I could not put this book down.

If you like stories with human, world weary characters, driven I will protect him / her no matter what or who I have to fight, and off the charts romantic connections with steam than you have found your next read! If you like characters who speak, spit and fight and love like real people or If you like found families and siblings who will back you to the wall, then you have a book to check out!

[Meagan Capers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went in to this book with no idea what it would be about. I was pleasantly surprised. There was mystery and romance. The mmc was ex military, rich and very much a touch her and die type of man. The fmc was strong willed, dedicated and had just enough snark.

Due to some bad choices made by her brother, Teagan ends up part of a scheme to try and take down a hotel manager. But this nameless hotel is like nothing she’s seen before and the brooding man running it is hot. When she gets caught trying to plant a bug, instead of punishing her, Mason lets her leave but keeps a watchful eye on her. After all she can’t be trusted. Because she was unable to plant the bug the bad guys are now after her and her brother. And because he can’t get her out of his head Mason is forced to protect her with help from his friends. After a little back and forth, and forced proximity, Mason and Teagan start a physical relationship. But will it all end up in flames when the bad guys catch up to them?

I can not wait for book 2 which seems like it will have characters from book 1 but will mainly revolve around masons assistant who is also his sister.

[Amy Crull · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a little different than what this author usually writes but I liked it. I like to see the different sides and stories from authors. It keeps us readers attached.
So we have Teagen, who will do anything to keep her brother safe and that includes walking into a strange hotel, claiming to be a masseuse, and planting a bug. This is when the tables turn on her. She meets Mr. Grant. He's built, beautiful and powerful. He can see thru her instantly and still plays along. Teagen was a fun character. She was full of questions, which drove Mason crazy, but it was the type of thing that he needed to keep his mind off work.
Mason, oh Mason. He's whole life since leaving the Seals has been the hotel. He rarely leaves it and has everything brought to him. The hotel he runs is unique but it works. Meeting Teagen and answering all her questions, makes him rethink his future. She's someone who once she gets into your soul, she never leaves. Even when he tried to push her away, she was still causing chaos on his mind.
This book is action packed with characters you will truly love! I can't wait to read the next book to see how it plays out! Great book!

[AshReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mason and Teagan. Teagan is stuck in a predicament. Her brother owes someone a lot of money and in order to stop them from hurting him they offer her a way to pay off the debts. Go inside a hotel and plant a listening device on the Hotel Manager. Mason is the head of an organization that helps people. Sometimes it is stressful so he gets massages. The recent masseuse seems off and acts like she has never given a massage before. 2+2=4 and he figures out she is not supposed to be here. One thing leads to another when enemies keep coming around the corners. Mason takes Teagan in to protect. Her.

I really enjoyed this book. At first I wasn’t that into it but I’m a mood reader so I am starting and stopping books a lot. Overall, I enjoyed this book. The main characters were interesting, but they definitely had some flaws. Teagan made me mad a lot to be honest. Mason did too so that isn’t saying much.

So I have some misgivings about this book. Technically, this is a standalone interconnected series. The overall story starts in this one and continues on in “The Decision Maker”. That being said, I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to Nat’s book “The Decision Maker”.

[Nicole (all_bookedup) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
2 Chili Peppers

Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Grumpy/Sunshine
Sassy FMC
Slow Burn

Dual POV

"Don't get the wrong idea. I just get very excited when I get the chance to interrogate someone."

This was one of those books that I was instantly sucked into. I could not put it down and finished it in a few hours.

I loved Teagan. I loved how sassy she was and all the questions she asked. I liked how she supported Jase, even though he made many dumb decisions. Mason is the ultimate grumpy MMC. He is so absorbed with work that he doesn't even leave the hotel.

"She is as beautiful as she is annoying."

The instant chemistry between Teagan and Mason is perfection. While this is a slow burn, it is definitely worth the wait.

I did not see the twist coming and honestly, I sat here with my mouth wide open because I was shocked. I cannot wait for the next book, I need it right now!

Thank you to C. Hallman and Literally Yours PR for this ARC

[Carin van Niekerk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not entirely certain what I was expecting when I received this ARC but this book exceeded any expectations I might have had.

Mason is the Hotel Manager for a hotel where you can’t make a reservation and you can’t apply for the member only access. Teagan has to go to the hotel to do one small “undercover” task to keep her brother out of trouble. However Mason is onto her pretty quickly and the mission doesn’t exactly go to plan putting Teagan in some serious trouble.

Teagan is a very curious person stuck in a place with a lot of secrets and that is a sure fire way to cause some drama. I loved the way Teagan’s wit has Mason loosening up just a little bit.

This story was incredibly well written with the mystery and suspense keeping me hooked until the very end. And what an ending it was. I am still in shock and I have my fingers crossed that we at least get a follow up addressing that cliffhanger.

If you like a military / suspense then definitely add this book to your TBR.