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Cocky Hero Club

Brash Boss

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The roll of the dice,
The flip of the cards,
I love it all.
The risk,
The chance,
The odds.

Which is why I'm here again,
In over my head,
Drowning in debt,
With no clear way out.

But when a sexy, commanding boss makes me an offer.
I can't refuse.
After all,
It can't be that hard being married to the Brash Boss.

But deals struck over money should never involve the heart...

275 pages, ebook

Published September 13, 2020

47 people are currently reading
635 people want to read

About the author

A.S. Roberts

20 books1,052 followers
A. S. Roberts is a British author. Her loves include her soulmate their children and the family dogs. She has a quick temper, a sarcastic sense of humour and is a loyal friend. A lover of music and live concerts she can normally be found in London at the weekend. She loves to create any sort of romance story from suspense to rockstars. In every novel expect heart stopping moments and plenty of heat. Her ten published books can all be found on Amazon KU.




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5 stars
90 (49%)
4 stars
48 (26%)
3 stars
30 (16%)
2 stars
11 (6%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,940 reviews45 followers
September 6, 2020
Intense and full of powerful emotions as two very damaged and pain filled people find each other, though one fights it because of the past. It is a roller coaster of ups and downs as each start to truelly get to know themselves as well as each other. Thankfully a few special people lend a helping hand when needed or some good advice is a must. Gripping story that consumed me as a reader, I love The deepness, the darkness and the light. I really love that when it came to finally a make or break one was strong enough to show they were up for the fight. Set between Crete and Vegas this book is a journey of discovery and understanding, of finding love and peace. I was hooked from the first page and loved every single page that came after. Fabulous read and worth more than a five star.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,434 reviews630 followers
September 13, 2020
Okay, so here’s the thing, there’s nothing mafia about Brash Boss, and if I’m being totally honest, Nico did not give me any kind of mob boss vibes at all. I know what the blurb is telling us, but the choices the author made are not consistent with what the blurb says the book will deliver. In my opinion, Nico is better suited to be described as a billionaire hotel owner more than anything else.

I liked the plot point of Barbara and her addiction and Nico swooping in to save the day. It rang realistic to me so that’s a huge plus. The story had a great mix of emotion, sexy and humor and if you just take away the whole mafia thought out of your head, you just might enjoy it!

Available now exclusively in Amazon!
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Profile Image for Deborah.
2,951 reviews23 followers
August 17, 2020
Outstanding! When an author can create a story and craft it to fit not one world but two, you know it’s going to be fantastic!

Nico and Barbara have so much independent baggage. Can they find a way to bridge their differences and work together to free themselves of their pasts? Will love be enough? Will fear win over redemption?

Trip and Kendal from the Playboy Pilot, by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland, made several appearances in Brash Boss. Their adventures and friendship added support to Nico and Bee’s journey. Moreover, this book also crosses over into the Default Distraction series by A.S. Roberts! It was truly amazing how these worlds collided.

Do you need to read the other books...nope! It’s so well written that you will fall in love with these characters without having to read the others. Will it enhance it...absolutely! All the feels!

A. Must. Read.
Profile Image for Beckie Winter.
30 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2020
Another absolutely amazing read from this amazing author.

Nico and Barbara’s story had me in tears, made me laugh and gave me goosebumps all throughout the book.

Set between Crete and Las Vegas with a link to another series by this author (Default Distraction) you won’t be able to put it down....I certainly couldn’t

When all is said and done will love and hope be enough for these to reach past their demons and past to find each other?......well you’ll just have to read it to find out !!!

Five stars times 10
Profile Image for Tash.
1,302 reviews106 followers
November 7, 2020
There is been a plethora of Mafia romances lately being released so it was only time before we got one in the Cocky Hero World.
Brash Boss didn't meet the mark as a Mafia romance. There wasn't any too unsavoury moments except for the moment Nico had to used his means to convince Barbara to save her.
The heroine has more interesting story. She has an problem that makes her vulnerable and the hero uses it to help him get her willing to help him.

It's not typical run of the affair . Nico is open to the readers. Barbara doesn't have to do had digging into his soul and mind to reveal the true extent of him. Instead they are dealing with the game of marriage and how they going to find their way to happiness. Nico maybe alpha but sure isn't the mafia boss I expected.
176 reviews
July 3, 2020
OMG what a fantastic book. This author is just amazing and anything she writes is worth a read. I recommend every book she's ever written. Brash Boss is based in A Cocky Hero world and oh my does it fit in well with this superb series. You just got to read it.
Profile Image for Ann (Literary Lust).
1,647 reviews27 followers
August 26, 2020
Some books deserve more than the five stars we can award them and for me this is one of those books. Brash Boss grabbed my attention from the very first page and held it throughout. I would have read this story in one sitting if life had allowed me, but the majority of my day has been spent with Nico and Barbara, and I didn’t want my time with them to ever end.

I’ve read a number of the Cocky Hero Club releases which are stories inspired by one of the six books that make up the Cocky Bastard series written by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland, but for the first time I’ve had the pleasure of reading a story having previously read the original. I adored Trip in Playboy Pilot and I have to say that I thought A.S. Roberts captured his personality perfectly in Brash Boss. If you haven’t already met Trip, then I know the first thing you will do after meeting him in this book is go and discover his story in Playboy Pilot. What I also loved, because I’m not a stranger to this author’s work, is the connection between the characters in this book and her Default Distraction series. If you are new to either, please don’t worry because Brash Boss is perfectly written to be read as a standalone.

Let’s spend a moment talking about MY Nico. Yes, that’s right…. he’s mine! That man stole my heart the moment I met him. I absolutely loved every moment that I spent with him but what I enjoyed most, was watching and witnessing Nico transform throughout the book as the story progressed. Seeing the effect that Barbara has on him was wonderful but then watching Nico struggle to let go of his past was so heartbreaking.

Nico wasn’t the only character that I enjoyed seeing change throughout the book. Barbara had her own demons to work through and I absolutely loved witnessing her find and show the strength and determination that she possesses. She is someone I now admire immensly and if I could, I would love to have her within my close circle of friends.

Nico and Barbara are perfect for each other. The chemistry and connection that they share is undeniable. I adored witnessing their interactions. My biggest fear was that they each carried too much baggage for a loving relationship between them to develop and last, and you’ll have to read their story to see if they can make this happen.

Brash Boss is outstanding! Nico and Barbara, the secondary characters, the storyline and the settings were all perfect! The journey I’ve been taken on, the way I was able to connect with the characters, the messages that I will take away with me and the emotions I have experienced are what made this story so incredible. This is not only going to be one of my favourite reads of 2020, but of all time.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews93 followers
September 14, 2020
Nico is a powerful man when it comes to his mafia family and has no interest in love or a relationship. His wish to remain single is about to be challenged as he can’t say no to his Nonna and now he finds himself needing to get married to honor his promise.

Barbara has tried to overcome her addiction, but she finds herself spiraling downward. She needs money and Nico needs a wife so an arrangement between the two of them sounds like the perfect solution. What could possibly go wrong?

Both characters are flawed in their own ways but in each other they find what they didn’t know they were looking for.
Profile Image for Corrinne.
937 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2020
I nearly gave it 5 stars so 4.5 I really enjoyed this book I love mafia reads but this was how could I put it a soft mafia read, loved the characters bee and nico, Nonna and pearl! Was a real story people could relate to. I would of liked to have had more insight of nico’s father of the tuff he had done. Love Trip it called me up all the songs and the rivalry of Elvis and the Beatles loved how the song’s were woven into the book how they were. Great read
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book
Profile Image for Sarah DeLong.
1,776 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2020
Nico and Bee (Barbara) are two damaged souls, both fighting the darkness and thinking they're not worthy of the light. I loved their story. It's ups and downs, their hopes and despairs as they journeyed through the pages of this book. I loved seeing Tripp make cameo appearances. Another great addition to the impressive CHC world.
Profile Image for Penny.
391 reviews5 followers
August 29, 2020
Outstanding!!
This is the firsr book I've read from this author and I enjoyed it tremendously. This book has all the feels. Happiness. Heartache, love, laughter, and everything else in between. You have Bee who is fighting an addiction and then you have Nico who is fighting his own Demonds. To appease his Nonna Nico comes up with a plan and the two get married. Watching these two lost souls finding themselves and each other was riveting. I love it so much. Thanks for making me cry by the way A. S. Roberts! This is a definite must
77 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2020
Another great AS Roberts book! If you love the dominant mob boss type then this book is a must read! Nico is that guy!
In control if the world. Except where Nonna is concerned! A force on herself she challenges Nico at every turn to broaden his life to include love and a bride. And what Nonna wants... Nonna gets. He strikes a deal with a damsel in distress thinking to make Nonna happy then move in with his solitary life. But Barbara is no damsel! She a fire storm that takes him by surprise! She has her own demons to fight and they attempt to fight them all together!
Strong willed, bull headed characters you will love to hate and hate to love all at the same time!
Profile Image for Tilya Eloff.
Author 15 books53 followers
September 8, 2020
Such an amazing addition to the cocky hero world. I loved this book. They both had a lot of obstacles to overcome, and together prove that true love can conquer them all. Definitely a must read.
Profile Image for Tracy.
235 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2020
Another great ‘cant put the book down’ from A Roberts. It is extremely important that when reading a book I can really be hooked from the get go. This ticked every box. I loved how this story interconnects with other books by the author. Nico is the dark ruthless arrogant boss who wants to placate his Nonna. Barbara is the damsel who needs rescuing. She has reached the low part in her life and is in desperate need of help. They say that things that occurred in your childhood pave the way for the person you become. Here are two prime examples. I think Ms Roberts has opened up for a next instalment that I’m looking forward to already. Be amazed by Nico and his passionate protective nature and Barbara the strong willed woman she becomes. You won’t be able to put it down.
Profile Image for Belinda.
1,170 reviews15 followers
September 11, 2020
What a wonderful book. A.S Roberts was a new author to me and oh my this book was so wonderful and I look forward to reading more of her books. This book had me hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down. Nico and Barbara were just so good together complimenting each others strengths and weaknesses. This book is part of The Cocky Hero Club but can be read as a standalone. I received this book as an arc for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Sandie Chraponski.
1,779 reviews19 followers
September 13, 2020
This is a beautifully written story about 2 people who didn’t want to believe that happy endings were possible. Nico just wants to save Bee but what he doesn’t get is that she’s the strong one.

This story draws you in, and makes you feel like you are in their locations. It is a great story with a lot of scenes to make you blush. It was very emotional being a part of their story. But I would do it again. Don’t miss out on this one!
Profile Image for Kirsty Adams - Kindle Freak Book Blog.
930 reviews26 followers
September 14, 2020
It’s a been a while since a male character had me swooning and my blood pumping. Then in swoops Mr Nico Morello and I’m a goner! AS Roberts has masterfully created characters that feel so real and seep into every cell of your body. Together with beautiful descriptions and soulful moments, this story is a must read.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,598 reviews17 followers
September 13, 2020
Very emotional story. Nico has such a bad outlook on himself thinking that he’s just dark and empty. But Barbara sees so much more in him. Nico constantly battles himself over developing feeling and the vile nonsense his father drilled into his head. Their story is one filled with fight, persistence and love.
Profile Image for A.S. Roberts.
Author 20 books1,052 followers
July 4, 2020
NICO
Ruthless, unstoppable, downright relentless.
I know what they say about me,
And they're right.
I’m Vegas, mafia royalty. I deal with business the only way I know how, arrogantly.

But, in life listening to the matriarch of our family is really all that matters.

However, settling down,
Getting married,
And playing it straight,
Just isn't me.

But what Nonna wants,
Nonna gets.

BARBARA
The roll of the dice,
The flip of the cards,
I love it all.
The risk,
The chance,
The odds.

Which is why I'm here again,
In over my head,
Drowning in debt,
With no clear way out.

But when a sexy, commanding mob boss makes me an offer.
I can't refuse.
After all,
It can't be that hard being married to the Brash Boss.

But deals struck over money should never involve the heart...
Profile Image for Andi Isack.
410 reviews16 followers
September 12, 2020
I'm new to this author, but Brash boss was a nice book to start with. This story gave me mixed signals. A contrast between what it wants to be and what it ends to be. But let's take a step back.
The plot is based on a fake marriage, between Nico, the mafia's vibe boss and the " girl who needs help" Barbara. Both of those characters have past issue who condition their present. But they make a deal for their future. Obviously there are going to be some " obvious" consequences of this arranged marriage.
Now what it didn't truly convince me? Is not their "relationship", because that's cristal clear where it goes, but their "atitude" . Let's start with him. Nico is far from a dangerous bad guy, he's more a mix between an arrogant man, who can use money to have all he wants, including her, and a man who still have to deal with his family past.
Barbara? She lives with a so called "addiction". And the cure for it is him. He seems to be the key to all her issues.
Beside those "shadows" the whole story can be pleased to be read. Had a few scenes really hillarous, other really emotional.
But an ending too predictable. Still is good to see how they get there, right? Together? In love for real? Changed? Frustrated? Happy?
Read it and find out the answer.
If you have read Playboy pilot by Vi keeland and Penelope ward you'll have a really nice surprise, reading this book. I won't spoil too much but it has to do with that particular book by Vi and Pen.
* ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Lesley Bradley.
320 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2020
Where do I start...I will be honest, I have followed and loved this authors work from the start. Each and every book she has written has been filled with raw emotion, passion and fire. A S Roberts never fails to deliver, her storylines and compelling and addictive and her characters are are beautiful yet have flaws which make them relatable and personable.

I loved getting to know Nico and Bee. Nico was everything you’d expect from a Mafia man, but so much more. I loved the control he showed in business, but when it came to Bee he was unhinged and a little vulnerable, or a lot vulnerable. Bee was beautiful, she was passionate and so very easy to love. The author writes her characters in a way that has you falling in love with them from the start; every emotion they feel, you feel, it really is something special. Her stories make you feel as though you are part of them, the descriptions of places and sights and sounds really transports you. And Crete now features on my list of places to visit.

I loved every character I met on this journey and wonder whether any of them will have their own stories, maybe a few short novellas??? A girl can dream right!

When all is said and done, this book was an emotional ride right up until the end. Definitely highly recommend reading. Thank you A S Roberts!
Profile Image for Carol Seymour.
832 reviews5 followers
September 13, 2020
Brash Boss has been one of the most poignant and emotional reads I have experienced by far from A.S. Roberts.
Nico has it all on the surface - money, power, looks, but according to the family matriarch, Nonna he lacks a wife. One who will not only provide him with an heir but also to be his mate, to stand by him and support him through life.
Bee has known Nico through her brother Brody and his brother Cade for awhile. Their brothers are band mates in the highly successful Default Distraction. Bee has an issue as well actually an addiction, gambling. Her life is in ruins and she is being threatened for the money to pay her debts. In rides Nico on his white horse to save the day but is he really her knight in shining armor and does she really want to be rescued? There are secrets that run deep. Emotions run high and there is a clock that is ticking away the hours appointed to them. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEMEA...)
I have been waiting patiently to meet the elusive Nico and as in typical A.S. Roberts fashion I was extremely quenched with this fairy tale from Las Vegas and Crete.
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,833 reviews44 followers
September 13, 2020
Brash Boss has been one of the most poignant and emotional reads I have experienced by far from A.S. Roberts.
Nico has it all on the surface - money, power, looks, but according to the family matriarch, Nonna he lacks a wife. One who will not only provide him with an heir but also to be his mate, to stand by him and support him through life.
Bee has known Nico through her brother Brody and his brother Cade for awhile. Their brothers are band mates in the highly successful Default Distraction. Bee has an issue as well actually an addiction, gambling. Her life is in ruins and she is being threatened for the money to pay her debts. In rides Nico on his white horse to save the day but is he really her knight in shining armor and does she really want to be rescued? There are secrets that run deep. Emotions run high and there is a clock that is ticking away the hours appointed to them. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEMEA...)
I have been waiting patiently to meet the elusive Nico and as in typical A.S. Roberts fashion I was extremely quenched with this fairy tale from Las Vegas and Crete.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews186 followers
September 13, 2020
Nico is a broken soul who heads up his crime family, and his demons definitely lend their unhelpful hands by reminding him of it.  Barbara has her issues which lands her in the crosshairs of a loan shark who wants their money.  Then there's the lady who tried to steal the show, Nico's Nonna.  She's a force of nature who is pushing for Nico to get married, and this is when he and Barbara strike a deal. Obviously, those pasts will come along for the ride as each of them carry some heavy baggage.  The brilliant A.S. Roberts adds her descriptive genius to the story as their intense journey is set between Las Vegas & Crete, and I totally felt like I was there in person.  These two have a big time connection with palpable chemistry, but can they truly let go of their pasts for a shot at a great future together?! Hit those one click buttons to find out!  HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!  
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,316 reviews22 followers
September 14, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the first book I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more. The setting takes place between Las Vegas, Greece and Crete and the writing style makes readers feel as if they are actually there due to the vivid descriptions. You must listen to your Nonna, as Nico, the head of a Las Vegas crime family, learns when his grandmother tells him that he must get married. Barbara is an old acquaintance of Nico’s as their brothers are in a famous rock band together, when her addiction to gambling gets out of control and forces her into a situation where the only out is to agree to a one-year fake marriage. The chemistry between Nico and Barbara is powerful and their emotions are on their sleeves as they deal with their respective pasts. The storyline is filled with drama, suspense and steam and should be added to your tbr list. I volunteered to read a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,344 reviews20 followers
September 14, 2020
Oh I love Nonna everyone needs a Nonna she is such a sprite lady. When she tells Nico how she feels he just pushes it aside. But Nico knows how she feels and he will do what makes her happy, but marriage is not in the cards for him. However when he crosses paths with Barbra again things are about to change. Barbara has a problem and she refuses to ask for help so she turns to cards, except she's about to be in deep crap. Nico has taken notice and it's not the first time. Now he has a deal for her and she will have do decide does she want to die or does she want to do what Nico says. I love this book because it was full of everything you want in a story, but also if flowed so well I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Yvette89.
3,092 reviews45 followers
September 15, 2020
I was expecting Mafia but not much here. The story was good. Nico is really not as bad as her portrays. He had to show a certain side to get by in the mafia world. Under all that he loves his Nonna. He promised her he would settle down. Nico needed a wife to make his grandmother happy. he his time was running out. Barbara was in a dangerous bind. She makes a deal with Nico. I liked Barbara. She had he demons but at heart she was a good person. She knew her weakness and asked for help when she knew she couldn’t do it on het own. When Nico approaches her with his deal she does what she has to do. Nico and Bee have to maneuver through a fake marriage and real emotions to get to HEA.
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,666 reviews61 followers
September 12, 2020
My first A.S. Roberts read and I enjoyed it very much. In trying to describe the feel of the book I would say it’s a “light” mafia storyline featuring a couple who are damaged and very believable to the reader. They both have their issues, as the story unfolds and their paths cross, they could just be the answer to each other’s immediate problems. But could they also be the other one’s light at the end of the tunnel?

This is an emotional read with times of happiness, sadness, laughter and seriousness. The ups and downs kept me turning the pages. Good addition to the Cocky Hero Club and great to run into characters from previous books.

2 Thumbs Up and 4 Stars.
Profile Image for Kylee.
3,023 reviews58 followers
September 11, 2020
Brash Boss is a story that is completely captivating and entertaining. Nico and Barbara are two damaged souls that will have you on a roller coaster of emotions. This intense and passionate story will have you gripped by the light and dark as these two finally find love and happiness. Two worlds that collide and blend with nothing less than perfection.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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