The second book in The Mortimers: Wealthy & Wicked series by international bestselling author Zara Cox becomes scandalously sexy when Neve Nolan vows to get even with the ruthless Damian Mortimer in the boardroom…by getting on top in the bedroom!
The irresistible Damian Mortimer nearly destroyed me. First, he gave me mind-blowing pleasure in the bedroom—then he tricked me out of a business deal. Now we’re both mentors on a TV show for budding entrepreneurs, and I’m not going to let him fool me again.
My plan for revenge is simple: sex. The only problem is that Damian is even more devastatingly handsome than I remember. The idea of pleasurable payback excites me, but his body and what he does to me excite me far more. And being close to him has shown me how sensitive and passionate he is. Yes, he hurt me—but he’s been on the receiving end of his fair share of pain.
I don’t know what’s in store for me and Damian Mortimer…but I know I’ll enjoy finding out!
Sexy. Passionate. Bold. Discover Harlequin Dare, a new line of fun, edgy and sexually explicit romances for the fearless female.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review. Neve owns a hotel chain and is about to make the biggest deal of her life. She is celebrating alone when a man walks in the bar and sits away from her. He seems angry and upset, so Neve sends him a shot of the most expensive liquor but he refuses it. She thinks of other ways to make him forget his troubles but leaves him at the bar and returns to her room alone. Damien can't believe his life or the beautiful woman sitting at the bar. She sent him a shot but he can't trust her because he doesn't trust any woman to buy him a drink. He is drawn to her for some reason and when she leaves the bar, he finds himself going after her. A night with her might be what he needs to forget his troubles. After a night of pleasurable passion, Neve finds Damien has gone and her business deal canceled. Now two years later, she finds herself sitting in a boardroom waiting on the man responsible for her almost losing everything. When Damien walks in, the sparks between them are as strong as they were before. She has to stay focused and make him pay for what he did to her. The more time Neve spends with Damien, she finds her walls are slipping. And she is learning more about his past. While Damien comes to realize that he has had feelings for Neve. Can they move forward from the hurt and pain that was caused in a business decision that affected them both? Will Neve continue with her plans to destroy him like he almost did to her? Will they work together to have a future together? I really like this series and this is my favorite so far. I liked the idea of Neve being the strong businesswoman and going after what she wants. And she wants Damien too. This is a great story and I hope you enjoy it too.
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second book in the series, and I think it can be read as a standalone, but Gideon's story is fun too.
Neve is a woman on a mission ... all the time - and when she gets a chance to seek revenge against a Damion, she jumps at the chance. The only problem is that the chemistry between them is still off the charts. Both she and Damion are successful, driven people who don't usually consider relationships, or emotions to have a place in their lives, but cannot deny how strongly they feel for each other - even when it is incredibly inconvenient to Neve's desire for revenge.
As we watch them ride their wave of passion, it is impossible to imagine that they will not resolve the issues between them, but two independent souls are going to have to work at fitting their lives together without losing themselves.
I really enjoyed the pace, and the humour which complemented the pair as they get ever closer!
This story starts hot and doesn’t stop sizzling, until its emotional climax. When Neve is on the eve of a business triumph, she allows herself a little personal celebration, whilst physically satisfying, it leaves her business in danger, and her pride in tatters, making revenge the only item on her agenda.
Meeting Damian Mortimer, two years later, she finds the physical attraction is still strong, but hopefully, she can use this to her advantage this time and make him pay. Damian is successful, rich and driven, but running from his emotions, as tries to justify his seemingly unforgivable behaviour to cousin Gideon. Neve, intended as a one time pleasure, is unforgettable, when they meet again he can’t resist her, but can his trust her?
Both protagonists are emotionally damaged but make up for this in their professional lives, both have a need to prove themselves, and trust issues, which threaten their chance of love. The romance is sensual and explicit but mirrored by a growing emotional connection and some truly romantic moments. Both characters are easy to empathise and the fast-paced plot is a page-turner. Do they get their ‘happily-ever-after? Well, this is Mills and Boon.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Plot seemed to get wrapped up in a rush at the end (I think M&B give a 50k word limit) so no showdown with cousin about the perfidy of Penny - something that seemed to be set up earlier in the story. And I was never quite sure how Neve was going to use sex to wreak revenge for Damian ruining her business 2 years earlier. Handsome man gets lots of hot sex: how is this a punishment?
This was a great primer for the "show, don't tell" writing style. On just one page: 'He paused, eyes narrowed, jaw tightening at the insult.' 'His eyes gleamed with that flint-hard expression.' 'I couldn't avoid...the eye-brow elevated in silent query.'
God knows what would happen if the hero ever has a stroke...
Pleasure Payback by Zara Cox is book Two in The Mortimers: Wealthy & Wicked Series. This is the story of Neve and Damien. I haven't yet read the previous book, but for me this was easily a standalone book. Neve and Damien had a hot encounter when they both were waiting to close a business deal. Neve thought she had gotten the deal and was excited when she happens to see a man (Damien) not looking to happy, so she sent him a drink. This leads to them having their hot night. Now a few years later Neve is out to settle the score with who had stolen her deal which turns out to be Damien. Loved reading their hot story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book. There was definite chemistry between the two main characters, both of whom are quite likeable. There were numerous moments during the story where I felt the 'p' word was used too often, however most of the intimate scenes were done well despite this. I like that the male was the character to have experienced something traumatic, only as it made a change from the usual female issue. Towards the end the writing flowed a lot better, and the dialogue was enjoyable and sincere.
This was a quick read for me. I found it to be mostly predictable, as these types of romance novels tend to be, however that didn't take away from the story in my opinion. I enjoyed the banter between Damian and Neve and found it to be comical at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This story was made to feel sexy all the way to the end. Everything, the clothing, the scenery induces desire and fantasy. Neve is independent, confident and compassionate. And has a big mistrust of Damien. One of the main things they have in common. He has been burned badly to the point of having no trust left. But little by little and without effort Neve gains his trust. I really liked his I'll get what I want attitude and his panty steeling ways. But more than anything what I liked was a man with all the power still doesn't mind begging.
I have enjoyed most of the DARE books I've read and this one is no exception. It's a quick sizzling hot read that was the perfect afternoon escape. Neve and Damian are both intriguing characters. They had one night of passion years ago that fell apart at days first light. Now Neve sees an opportunity for revenge and she won't be denied. Now if she can just resist his charm which is easier said than done.
I enjoyed this book, it kept me wondering how far Damian would let things go before he ran away. I also wondered how far things would go before Neve would fall hard for Damian & forget her plan of vengeance. Their chemistry was definitely over the top hot but their personal drama was also high. Fantasy & reality mix for them in this book making both a challenge & a gift that they must make work. I received this book from the publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.
This story is hot, change that its HOT. Capitals is definitely needed in this instance. It was engaging my interest from the first word and had me addicted to it within a few sentences. I read it in one sitting and you may do the same thing. I mean it is so good, it has a bad a** female lead who knows exactly what she wants. Pair that with an insanely sexy guy who I'm surprised didn't melt the pages. I will definitely be on the hunt for more from Zara.
This book kicked into high gear pretty quick and the emotions went deep, fast. I'm sure if I hooked myself up to a heart monitor, it would've been a cause for concern. Sure, there's a lot going on in this story that felt pretty far fetched, but it's clear this is all dramatic fantasy when you have rich people doing enemies to lovers.
An aggressive love story. So much I have traveled to different cities / countries in this book I have not done before. The book has totally okay text size. This is probably the first or second book I read by this author. I thought the book was totally okay.
Big thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Everyone has an agenda.”
The interesting thing in Harlequin DARE is the sexy-spicy-and-hot atmosphere in its stories. And in Pleasure Payback you can see that. A story well written that keeps the reader captivated with the plot, the scenes and, yes, the intense sexual chemistry between the main characters.
Neve (I like this name, I've never heard it before!) is the owner of an hotel chain who's about to get a great deal. The night before the deal was sealed, she meets Damian in a bar in Boston. Their chemistry fires up since the first second, and they ended in bed. The morning after, she found out that he's rejected the deal and that leaves her in near catastrophe. Two years later, she accepted being part of Damian's reality show with one purpose: to put him down on his knees. Will her plan end well, or the medication become worse than the illness?
I have to say that the book has funny moments and it was an easy and fast reading (that last one is something I appreciate because English is not my mother language, and I use to read slower in English). On the other hand, I found a few flaws in the story; the rhythm at the beginning of the story is slower than the ending. In fact, I found it an abrupt ending, as if the author wanted to leave no loosen ends only in the last two chapters. That said, the transition between scenes and locations were excellent. And the fact that we could see both hero and heroine's POV is fantastic (even though I preferred, this time, to see Damian only through Neve's eyes. Don't ask me, I still don't know why...).
I loved Damian. He's a wounded soul hardened by his past who deals with lots of demons and with a dysfunctional family behind his back. His personality is more deep than it shows at the beginning. Damian has a good heart but was betrayed enough times that his trust in people was destroyed. He needs to be loved, but he doesn't let people near him. Business is his language, nothing else is permitted in his life. Neve, on the other hand, is a self-made woman with issues with her mother who sees failure as a big deal. Is a woman who doesn't like to lose a game but, at the same time, believes in commitment.
Together, their chemistry is so strong it could burn pages. Their equal roles made them a perfect match.
The secondary characters were nice, but didn't add something interesting to the story, they were more extras than having complementary roles for the main characters. I would liked to have more of Sam and Tyler, because the twins would add more spice to the scenes. They have a great introduction that deflated through the story. I'm not telling that they opaque Neve and Damian, but they were so refreshing that I wanted more of them. Without stealing the show, of course.
This is my first Zara Cox book from Harlequin DARE. And it was a good reading, in general. I want to read more of her, because she has a great talent creating stories. Looking forward for her next Harlequin DARE.
Mary – ☆☆☆☆ Neve owns a hotel chain and is about to make the biggest deal of her life. She is celebrating alone when a man walks in the bar and sits away from her. He seems angry and upset, so Neve sends him a shot of the most expensive liquor, but he refuses it. She thinks of other ways to make him forget his troubles but leaves him at the bar and returns to her room alone.
Damian can't believe his life or the beautiful woman sitting at the bar. She sent him a shot, but he can't trust her because he doesn't trust any woman to buy him a drink. He is drawn to her for some reason and when she leaves the bar, he finds himself going after her. A night with her might be what he needs to forget his troubles.
After a night of pleasurable passion, Neve finds Damian has gone and her business deal canceled. Now two years later, she finds herself sitting in a boardroom waiting on the man responsible for her almost losing everything. When Damian walks in, the sparks between them are as strong as they were before. She has to stay focused and make him pay for what he did to her.
The more time Neve spends with Damian, she finds her walls are slipping. And she is learning more about his past. While Damian comes to realize that he has feelings for Neve.
Can they move forward from the hurt and pain that was caused in a business decision that affected them both? Will Neve continue with her plans to destroy him like he almost did to her? Will they work together to have a future together?
I really like this series, and this is my favorite so far. I liked the idea of Neve being the strong businesswoman and going after what she wants. And she wants Damian too. This is a great story and I hope you enjoy it too.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆ This is the second book in the series, and I think it can be read as a standalone, but Gideon's story is fun too.
Neve is a woman on a mission... all the time – and when she gets a chance to seek revenge against Damian, she jumps at the chance. The only problem is that the chemistry between them is still off the charts. Both she and Damian are successful, driven people who don't usually consider relationships or emotions to have a place in their lives, but cannot deny how strongly they feel for each other – even when it is incredibly inconvenient to Neve's desire for revenge.
As we watch them ride their wave of passion, it is impossible to imagine that they will not resolve the issues between them, but two independent souls are going to have to work at fitting their lives together without losing themselves.
I really enjoyed the pace and the humour, which complemented the pair as they get ever closer!
This was my first from Zara Cox and my first in the DARE line. I enjoyed Cox's writing voice and will absolutely be looking for more of the DARE line- a Harlequin with fan-yourself-hot sex scenes? Yes please! 3 stars because it took me a while to get sucked into the story- I spent a good portion of the first half feeling like I was missing something and couldn't understand the character's motivations. Most of their interactions are dirrrty sex and their chemistry in the bedroom is obvious. It was refreshing to read such a take charge h- she is the one buying the drink in the bar that leads to the first hookup. At about 80% in I really started to like the characters and got more of a feel for the H- and trust me, his fantasy scene is adorable and worth the wait! Final verdict: I want to book a Fantasy Room for myself; I enjoyed where the story ended so am overall happy, just disappointed the first 80% was rough to get though resulting in my 3 star review. If you enjoyed Damien and Neve, Cox also wrote more about the Mortimer's but this can be read as a standalone.
Spoiler/content warning: the H was roofied and there is an implication of being taken advantage of by a woman
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. #PleasurePayback #NetGalley
ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own ...
This book is so deliciously sexy & the chemistry between the main characters is definitely off the charts !! 🔥🔥
Neve Nolan was double crossed by Damian Mortimer 2 years ago & it personally as well as professionally almost destroyed her ... A one night stand & Damian literally screwed her over the next day by influencing a partner to back out of a business deal that costs Neve millions ...
Fast forward - Neve wants revenge & she figures the best way to do this is get on top in the bedroom. Damian & Neve are both mentors on a TV show for up & coming entrepreneurs... the only problem is they are both interested in mentoring & investing in the same start up business. They were not able to work together before & this new venture does not bode well for the (2) as they can’t seem to put aside their differences all while finding out they are still wildly attracted to each other... ❤️ ❤️ 🔥 🔥
Couldn’t put this book down - read in just a few hours!!
Super sexy read - loved it with a guaranteed HEA !!
Zara Cox writes a great story about two hotel owners who are trying to overcome family drama and become wealthy in their industry. Neve and Damian are both legacies in hotel business and both want to be the best and the richest. After a chance encounter in the bar of a hotel a business transaction goes awry and bad blood is established. Neve and Damian are both competitive and both come from demanding and drama filled families. Zara Cox writes an excellent book filled with high stakes business transactions and sexy scenes that will take you to new heights. This is a penthouse level romance!
The irresistible Damian Mortimer nearly destroyed me. First, he gave me mind-blowing pleasure in the bedroom then he tricked me out of a business deal. Now we’re both mentors on a TV show for budding entrepreneurs.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Carrie Ann Ryan is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.
How much do I love Zara Cox? Much! She could write the phone book and I'd read it. How awesome to see her name pop up in the Dare series. Neve and Damian are phenomenal characters who grab you from the start. They're in a world short of nothing less than you would expect Zara Cox to create and that's why she's an auto author for me. The Dare series is fun and wicked and all things sugar and spice. This is called Wealthy & Wicked for good reasons. Highly recommended read.
The story was hot as hell with plenty of excitement and steamy goodness. The characters were wonderfully written with an undeniable connection. This is a definite must read from Dare series, you won’t want to miss out on. Totally recommend 4 1/2 stars 🌟
Pleasure Payback is the first Zara Cox book I've read but it certainly won't be my last. Pleasure payback is a well written quick read featuring two strong characters, loads of steamy romance with a bit of family drama thrown in.. This is a definite 4 star book.
These Harlequin Dare books are hot, hot, hot! They are a good short read for fast "active" romance. This book is about being burned and looking to some payback in the form of not being about to resist charm and losing control of yourself. It is a good read but not for younger readers.
A billionaire, mergers, fantasies and pleasure. Will Damian finally meet his match with Neve? Business vs. pleasure, can they separate the two? This smokin' hot story leaves you with all the feels. I can't wait to read the next book from Zara.