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Cocky Hero Club
Tough Customer
Dear Ida,
The arrogant man at the dry cleaners made my bad day worse.
So, the last thing I expected was for him to offer me a job.
I shouldn’t have accepted—not if I wanted to maintain my sanity.
But the allure of a big paycheck overpowered my reservations.
Now, I know he’s just as infuriating as a boss as he was the first day we met; yet, the sparks that fly between us are far more than on a professional level.
The more time I spend with him, helping him secure investors for his new restaurant chain, the harder it is to ignore the attraction between us.
Playing with fire, you’re bound to get burned.
And this man has seared himself into my soul.
Tell me, Ida, is there hope for our future, or is it impossible to really please this Tough Customer?
The arrogant man at the dry cleaners made my bad day worse.
So, the last thing I expected was for him to offer me a job.
I shouldn’t have accepted—not if I wanted to maintain my sanity.
But the allure of a big paycheck overpowered my reservations.
Now, I know he’s just as infuriating as a boss as he was the first day we met; yet, the sparks that fly between us are far more than on a professional level.
The more time I spend with him, helping him secure investors for his new restaurant chain, the harder it is to ignore the attraction between us.
Playing with fire, you’re bound to get burned.
And this man has seared himself into my soul.
Tell me, Ida, is there hope for our future, or is it impossible to really please this Tough Customer?
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
70 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 13, 2020
What a great story! I mean I read this in no time at all and was completely satisfied! It’s engaging and sexy and just full of sass and spark! Lincoln and Samantha both were great characters that kept me interested. I mean I read the story in a little under two hours! I’m not trying to say that the story was this new and earth-shattering concept, but it was refreshing, and I loved it! Do with that information what you will …
Available now in Kindle Unlimited!
US: https://amzn.to/33ik5YY
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CA: https://amzn.to/35nJWl0
AU: https://amzn.to/3m2GfY1
Available now in Kindle Unlimited!
US: https://amzn.to/33ik5YY
UK: https://amzn.to/2R4Y7mz
CA: https://amzn.to/35nJWl0
AU: https://amzn.to/3m2GfY1
September 13, 2020
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Samantha's first meeting with Lincoln has her thinking what a bossy ass he is. When he becomes her client, that impression doesn't change, but what does change is that she finds herself fighting the attraction she feels to him. She cannot let herself get involved with someone she works with. No, not again. The last time that happened did not end well for her. But she underestimates Lincoln's persistence. Will she give in and allow herself what she really wants?
Samantha and Lincoln's story is fun and sassy. I always love when bossy alphas are brought to their knees by the love of a feisty, independent woman, and that's exactly what happened here. Sexy, witty and entertaining.
ARC via Give Me Books for an honest review.
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September 7, 2020
3.5 h- 3.75 stars
I really refreshing story. I particularly liked the heroine, not that the hero is not to be considered. Quite the opposite. They are such a match, from the very first moment they met. But she's all professional even if she's not indifferent to his charm. So her profesionist vibe lead to all kind of sassy and funny moments between those, magically coated in sexual attraction.
The plot is dynamic as well, and at some point you'll cheer for them so hard, you will want to see them happen, no matter what. I won't call it a slow burn, because is far from frustrating, it's more a sensual dance, a challenge, a catch, to make her change her mind and give him a chance. And that's pretty entertaining.
So, overall you'll really enjoy how this grain its romantic element in the end.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I really refreshing story. I particularly liked the heroine, not that the hero is not to be considered. Quite the opposite. They are such a match, from the very first moment they met. But she's all professional even if she's not indifferent to his charm. So her profesionist vibe lead to all kind of sassy and funny moments between those, magically coated in sexual attraction.
The plot is dynamic as well, and at some point you'll cheer for them so hard, you will want to see them happen, no matter what. I won't call it a slow burn, because is far from frustrating, it's more a sensual dance, a challenge, a catch, to make her change her mind and give him a chance. And that's pretty entertaining.
So, overall you'll really enjoy how this grain its romantic element in the end.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
September 14, 2020
Samantha has overcome the mistakes o her past and she isn’t about to let any man distract her from her professional goals. She may have met her newest client under the most unlikely of circumstances but working for the arrogant yet sexy man is an opportunity she can’t turn down.
Lincoln is determined to use his charm to show Samantha that they make the perfect partners both professionally and personally. Let the fun begin!
Samantha’s feisty personality is a perfect match for Lincoln and there is no denying the chemistry between them.
Lincoln is determined to use his charm to show Samantha that they make the perfect partners both professionally and personally. Let the fun begin!
Samantha’s feisty personality is a perfect match for Lincoln and there is no denying the chemistry between them.
September 5, 2020
What a great story! I read this book in one afternoon. I could not put this book down. You are given the usual alpha male, but he does have a sensitive side. He is captivated by this strong woman who seems to have her life on course and know what he future looks like. Smack (Samantha) is a strong woman and with Lincoln by her side they make an amazing duo. This book is filled with smoldering chemistry, banter, drama, and love. Great supporting characters that give us some amazing moments.
This a romance that checks off all the boxes for a great read. This was not overly angsty read. Mostly Lincoln and Samantha could not get out of their heads and just be in the moment. There was plenty of steam that leads to some big moments!
September 10, 2020
Tough Customer is my first but in now way my last read by this author as I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Samantha and Lincoln’s story is so so good. The chemistry between these two is hot.
Great storyline with likeable characters-I really liked this story.
Samantha and Lincoln’s story is so so good. The chemistry between these two is hot.
Great storyline with likeable characters-I really liked this story.
September 11, 2020
I think I am SO not into an office romance. Actually I've suspected it for a while but after I read this book, I can confirm it. Don't get me wrong, the book is well written but the story has nothing intriguing. And while I am reading it, I am bothered with some descriptions the author wrote, I don't even know what they are but I feel it, which is why I don't feel any of chemistry between Samantha and Lincoln. I am sorry but I give it up at some points and skim reading it through the end.
September 13, 2020
"You heart is beating so fast," she says. "I screw my eyebrows together. "It's because of you," I say, then I hold my breath because she's like a doe, and I do not want to scare her off.
4 Tough Customer Stars!! Fun and sweet, just what I needed in a book right now!
Samantha lost her job due to a man. She's now started her own business and has refused to let any man get in her way. She's learned her lesson. That all changes when she runs into Lincoln at the dry cleaners... and well you can guess what happens next!
This book was a quick, fun read and I read it in an hour! I loved the witty banter between Samantha and Lincoln. They are just super cute and their story isn't anything I've read a million times, which was refreshing for once! Definitely worth the click!
September 13, 2020
3.5 stars
Tough Customer by Erin St. Charles is part of the Cocky Hero Club world series. Each book is a spin off of other books written by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. Every story in this series is a standalone novel and can be read in any order.
Tough customer jumped into it quickly. There wasn't a long drawn out introduction which I appreciated followed by a torturous slow burn. The main characters were both great. Samantha was ac go getter. She was hard working and it showed. Her attitude and strong will was really refreshing.
Lincoln on the other hand often came across as heavy handed, but just like his female counterpart, was also hard working, stubborn and wasn't afraid to go after what he wanted.
I rated it 3.5 because although I enjoyed the story, the pace often seemed really slow. Some of Lincoln's actions bothered me to an extent like... what was the deal with calling her Smack? I just couldn't wrap my brain around it.
Either way, this mixed race love story is beautifully done. I appreciate the fact that it was obviously a mixed race storyline but that fact wasn't the biggest moving factor in the story.
Enjoy
Tough Customer by Erin St. Charles is part of the Cocky Hero Club world series. Each book is a spin off of other books written by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. Every story in this series is a standalone novel and can be read in any order.
Tough customer jumped into it quickly. There wasn't a long drawn out introduction which I appreciated followed by a torturous slow burn. The main characters were both great. Samantha was ac go getter. She was hard working and it showed. Her attitude and strong will was really refreshing.
Lincoln on the other hand often came across as heavy handed, but just like his female counterpart, was also hard working, stubborn and wasn't afraid to go after what he wanted.
I rated it 3.5 because although I enjoyed the story, the pace often seemed really slow. Some of Lincoln's actions bothered me to an extent like... what was the deal with calling her Smack? I just couldn't wrap my brain around it.
Either way, this mixed race love story is beautifully done. I appreciate the fact that it was obviously a mixed race storyline but that fact wasn't the biggest moving factor in the story.
Enjoy
September 13, 2020
Tough Customer is the story of Samantha, a woman who has her own business, and is determined to not let a man derail it. And Lincoln, a new client of hers though their first meet up wasn't one for the ages. As they start working together, she finds herself attracted to him, so she's doing her best to not get involved with him, since relationships did her no favors in the past. They have serious chemistry, so you already know it's just a matter of time before they're doing the sexy time dance. Tough Customer was a fun read that didn't take long at all to read in an afternoon, so hit your one click buttons for some fun, not to mention, the Dear Ida situation may or may not be in future stories in the Cocky Hero Club! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
September 14, 2020
Samantha meets Lincoln under strange circumstances, and at the end of it, she finds herself with him as a new client. No matter how hard she tries to prevent him from taking up residence in her head & heart, it's no use. But will she allow her past to dictate what could be an incredible future?
Lincoln can't believe he's attracted to Samantha. She's not his type, yet her he can't get her out of his mind. Her sass invigorates him as well as turns him on. He plans to show her that some workplace romances can be the stuff dreams are made of, but how hard will is he prepared to fight?
I liked this read. Sam's wit and the banter she shared with Linc was funny, as was her internal monologue. I recommend this light, refreshing read.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Lincoln can't believe he's attracted to Samantha. She's not his type, yet her he can't get her out of his mind. Her sass invigorates him as well as turns him on. He plans to show her that some workplace romances can be the stuff dreams are made of, but how hard will is he prepared to fight?
I liked this read. Sam's wit and the banter she shared with Linc was funny, as was her internal monologue. I recommend this light, refreshing read.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
September 14, 2020
Well sometimes you are having a bad day what else can you expect when you try to make sure the client you are working for has everything he needs for his trip. But an encounter at the dry cleaners is about to turn Samantha's life up side down. Lincoln is running behind and needs to get his dry cleaning what he doesn't expect is the hot mess at the counter. Their banter form the beginning is perfect and I love how they go back and forth. But I also love that Samantha isn't a push over and won't let Lincoln get away with anything. Find out though if she throat punches him because he drives her nuts.
November 7, 2020
St. Charles hit the struggles of being an successful woman in this book. Samantha had it all and then it came crashing down thank to her slimy ex. She picked up pieces and this woman is running her own business not working for anyone else .
Until Tough Customer aka Lincoln enters the picture and basically undo's everything she has promised herself. She isn't going to tie herself to a client and be at his beck and call exclusively. He isn't what she wants in a man . Lincoln is too rich for her tastes. However he can't help getting under skin.
St. Charles was refreshing and unapologetic in this book. It hit all the right places, reminding us what we could be if we took a chance. Samantha was all that and more. She wasn't going to let her chances at life be railroaded by a man like Lincoln. LIncoln had his work cut out and honestly he need to shape a little more towards the end because it could have gone all wrong.
Love prevailed though and St. Charles has won me over with her heroine . We need smart successful woman like Samantha in every book
Until Tough Customer aka Lincoln enters the picture and basically undo's everything she has promised herself. She isn't going to tie herself to a client and be at his beck and call exclusively. He isn't what she wants in a man . Lincoln is too rich for her tastes. However he can't help getting under skin.
St. Charles was refreshing and unapologetic in this book. It hit all the right places, reminding us what we could be if we took a chance. Samantha was all that and more. She wasn't going to let her chances at life be railroaded by a man like Lincoln. LIncoln had his work cut out and honestly he need to shape a little more towards the end because it could have gone all wrong.
Love prevailed though and St. Charles has won me over with her heroine . We need smart successful woman like Samantha in every book
September 13, 2020
Lincoln’s your typical alpha male but he’s got a sensitive side, he finds himself captivated by Samantha, a strong, beautiful woman who appears to have her life in order, she knows what the future looks like,!with her life on course it will be even better with Lincoln by her side, if only they’d both get their heads together it would be a whole lot easier.
This book’s got it all, love, banter, little drama and low on angst, with some amazing moments from the secondary characters. Perfect for spending an afternoon reading.
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕎𝕙𝕚𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕣’𝕤 𝔹𝕝𝕠𝕘
This book’s got it all, love, banter, little drama and low on angst, with some amazing moments from the secondary characters. Perfect for spending an afternoon reading.
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕎𝕙𝕚𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕣’𝕤 𝔹𝕝𝕠𝕘
September 14, 2020
This was a quick and fun read. Samantha has overcome the mistakes of her past and is now a successful businesswoman . She has learned from the mistakes of her past and doesnt want anything to deter from making the same mistake. Lincoln and Samantha meet in a very unconventional way but there is spark from the moment these two meet. Samantha doesnt want anything to do with Lincoln , however Lincoln tries to pursue Samantha and convince her they are perfect partners for each other and thus begin all the fun . It was quite refreshing and captivating read .
September 13, 2020
Tough Customer is a mix of fun, flirty, witty, entertaining and with a side of bossy alpha male. Lincoln and Samantha’s story is one that has push and pull and so much chemistry it lights up the pages. Two people who have an instant attraction but when personal and business lines are drawn in the sand it will take all of Lincoln’s charm and bossy ways to show Samantha that she gave him that nickname for a reason. A steamy romance with drama and passion to have you captivated and unable to put this one down.
September 13, 2020
Lincoln and Samantha are great together. This is my first read by this author and I love that the story itself is not overly angsty and doesn't drag. I couldn't help but be sucked into Samantha and Lincoln's story and I was unable to put this down until the end.
Merged review:
Lincoln and Samantha are great together. This is my first read by this author and I love that the story itself is not overly angsty and doesn't drag. I couldn't help but be sucked into Samantha and Lincoln's story and I was unable to put this down until the end.
Merged review:
Lincoln and Samantha are great together. This is my first read by this author and I love that the story itself is not overly angsty and doesn't drag. I couldn't help but be sucked into Samantha and Lincoln's story and I was unable to put this down until the end.
September 13, 2020
Samantha and Lincoln each gave as good as they got and it was amazing to see how they went from strangers full of animosity to lovers. She was stubborn but so was he. The author crafted these characters so well and brought them to life with their multidimensional personalities. What an amazing story! It fits so well into the Hero World!
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
September 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this story! The characters and the plot are fun and exciting! Samantha and Lincoln didn't start out on the right foot so wjat was she thinking working with him? And if that wasn't enough, the chemistry between them is palpable. I love that Samantha is so sassy and spunky. Lincoln is very determined and confident.
September 14, 2020
Love Stubborn
Tough customer and even tougher proprietor. She may think Lincoln is all kinds of work but Samantha is hiding behind the sins of others to avoid their connection. But even this stubborn, self-sufficient woman can't fight the L word. Try as she might, the blond Adonis has rocked her world...in and out of the bedroom.
Tough customer and even tougher proprietor. She may think Lincoln is all kinds of work but Samantha is hiding behind the sins of others to avoid their connection. But even this stubborn, self-sufficient woman can't fight the L word. Try as she might, the blond Adonis has rocked her world...in and out of the bedroom.
September 16, 2020
Samantha & Lincoln....
Samantha has a new business that she will let no man get in her way or her dream. Then she meets Lincoln. Lincoln did make a good first impression. He is a bossy jerk. Then he becomes her client and the more time their together the stronger their feelings become.
I loved the interaction between these two and just how stubborn that Samantha can be. A really good story!
Samantha has a new business that she will let no man get in her way or her dream. Then she meets Lincoln. Lincoln did make a good first impression. He is a bossy jerk. Then he becomes her client and the more time their together the stronger their feelings become.
I loved the interaction between these two and just how stubborn that Samantha can be. A really good story!
September 19, 2020
Another new to me author whose story I thoroughly enjoyed. Loved the chemistry and interactions between Samantha and Lincoln, full of sassiness and sexiness with the right amount of both snark and sweet at the right times. The story moved at a good pace and kept me engaged from start to finish.
October 27, 2020
Good change
This book was a good change from previous book where the main female character is white. This is the first time that I have ever read a book with the main character being black and it was a nice change
This book was a good change from previous book where the main female character is white. This is the first time that I have ever read a book with the main character being black and it was a nice change
March 30, 2021
Cute Story
Loved Lincoln and Samantha's story. I loved that fact that she is independent. I do somewhat tire of the games some women play with the hard to get; that really does get old.
But overall a nice love story.
Loved Lincoln and Samantha's story. I loved that fact that she is independent. I do somewhat tire of the games some women play with the hard to get; that really does get old.
But overall a nice love story.
September 12, 2020
This story fit well into the CHC world. I liked the characters and set up and it was a nice, quick read. If you are a fan of workplace romances this one is definitely for you!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
September 13, 2020
When the jerk who ruined your day turns out to be your new boss. A steamy CH addition that is a definite must read.
September 26, 2020
Great book
I loved Linc character he was hot & true Alpha. Samantha I loved her character too, true Alpha female, excellent
I loved Linc character he was hot & true Alpha. Samantha I loved her character too, true Alpha female, excellent
May 30, 2021
Super cute
I loved the push and pull and instant attraction and chemistry these two had. The epilogue could have been a bit linger but overall a great read
I loved the push and pull and instant attraction and chemistry these two had. The epilogue could have been a bit linger but overall a great read
May 24, 2022
This was so weird..
September 6, 2020
'Tough Customer' is a sassy and hot (let me just fan myself) story in the Cocky Hero Club.
This is the story of tough Samantha who after loosing her job over a guy has now set up her business and is finally doing OK she won't get lead astray again.
Then she meets Lincoln in the dry cleaners and gets to work with him for weeks she keeps away but surly a little fun even if he is the forbidden fruit can't hurt can it? Just one little taste.
Like Adam in the garden of Eden one taste isn't going to be enough for Lincoln he just has to persuade Samantha to take a walk outside of the garden and join him. There is a lot of back and forth between the two as Samantha keeps going inside her head and thinking of all the reasons they shouldn't be together rather than the positives.
A really nice addition to the Club!
This is the story of tough Samantha who after loosing her job over a guy has now set up her business and is finally doing OK she won't get lead astray again.
Then she meets Lincoln in the dry cleaners and gets to work with him for weeks she keeps away but surly a little fun even if he is the forbidden fruit can't hurt can it? Just one little taste.
Like Adam in the garden of Eden one taste isn't going to be enough for Lincoln he just has to persuade Samantha to take a walk outside of the garden and join him. There is a lot of back and forth between the two as Samantha keeps going inside her head and thinking of all the reasons they shouldn't be together rather than the positives.
A really nice addition to the Club!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews