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Work for It #1
Street Smart
What could go wrong—four words MBA student Marcos Oliveira ignored when he accepted a prestigious internship at Reedweather Media, a subsidiary of the legendary Sandeke Telecom empire.
What did go wrong? Everything.
And when Marcos stumbles upon incriminating documents that signal corporate espionage against Sandeke’s son Martin, he suspects his strange intern wormhole has just exploded into chaos. When his alluring boss Eva draws him in to thwart the plot, he knows it.
After spending their lives overcoming adversity, can Marcos and Eva handle this latest threat? Even more perilous might be their losing battle against forbidden attraction.
His Ivy League education didn’t prepare him for spy games and illicit flames. Good thing he has the street smarts to work for it.
What did go wrong? Everything.
And when Marcos stumbles upon incriminating documents that signal corporate espionage against Sandeke’s son Martin, he suspects his strange intern wormhole has just exploded into chaos. When his alluring boss Eva draws him in to thwart the plot, he knows it.
After spending their lives overcoming adversity, can Marcos and Eva handle this latest threat? Even more perilous might be their losing battle against forbidden attraction.
His Ivy League education didn’t prepare him for spy games and illicit flames. Good thing he has the street smarts to work for it.
308 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2021
311 people are currently reading
6458 people want to read
About the author
Aly Stiles
37 books505 followersLove. Laugh. Cry.
From angsty and dark to snort-laugh funny, Aly writes romance from her soul to yours.
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From angsty and dark to snort-laugh funny, Aly writes romance from her soul to yours.
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March 4, 2021
PEOPLE! I'm so excited because Street Smart by Aly Stiles is LIVE in Kindle Unlimited! I'm so excited for you all to read in the Educated Romance world from Smartypants Romance!
** Read in KU **
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/39avw9W
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/35XP67i
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3l1Gctw
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3m2imPU
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/3twktiY
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2WZD6wL
* BLURB **
What could go wrong—four words MBA student Marcos Oliveira ignored when he accepted a prestigious internship at Reedweather Media, a subsidiary of the legendary Sandeke Telecom empire.
What did go wrong? Everything.
And when Marcos stumbles upon incriminating documents that signal corporate espionage against Sandeke’s son Martin, he suspects his strange intern wormhole has just exploded into chaos. When his alluring boss Eva draws him in to thwart the plot, he knows it.
After spending their lives overcoming adversity, can Marcos and Eva handle this latest threat? Even more perilous might be their losing battle against forbidden attraction.
His Ivy League education didn’t prepare him for spy games and illicit flames. Good thing he has the street smarts to work for it.
‘Street Smart’ is a full-length workplace romantic comedy and can be read as a standalone. Book #1 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
March 18, 2021
Marcos Oliveira always worked hard for what he wanted. As a brilliant student, he could hand-pick the place he wanted to work after college, but after being selected for a prestigious internship at Reedweather Media (a subsidiary of the legendary Sandeke Telecom) he decides to take a chance to see how a conglomerate this massive works, and then learn how to do it differently and better.
What Marcos didn't expect was to come across some incriminating documents on his very first day, and to be recruited by none other than the boss's daughter (the gorgeous Eva) to help her with some corporate espionage against her father's empire.
Street Smart is a fast-paced workplace romance that is so charming. Marcos and Eva have such great chemistry, and their story was just plain fun. I loved the corporate espionage plot and Aly Stiles did a great job of keeping us on our toes until de very end.
Halfway through, after the plot picks up, the romance takes a back seat. Because I liked all characters and was thoroughly immersed in the story I didn't mind this as much. But, in the end, I feel like I missed more candid or sweet moments between Marcos and Eva.
Still, the laugh-out-loud moments were worth it and I had a constant smile on my face while reading about them.
Thank you Smartpants Romance for the ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review ❤️
★★NOW AVAILABLE IN KU★★
“Aly Stiles delivers rom-com gold in Street Smart. Her witty banter and clever writing are beyond superb. I dare you not to snort-laugh with this one!” - Author Hazel James
From Smartypants Romance...Street Smart, an all-new workplace romantic comedy from Aly Stiles is now available in Kindle Unlimited!
★★Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/39avw9W
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/35XP67i
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3l1Gctw
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3m2imPU
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/3twktiY
Audiobook: Coming soon!
Blog Post
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What Marcos didn't expect was to come across some incriminating documents on his very first day, and to be recruited by none other than the boss's daughter (the gorgeous Eva) to help her with some corporate espionage against her father's empire.
Street Smart is a fast-paced workplace romance that is so charming. Marcos and Eva have such great chemistry, and their story was just plain fun. I loved the corporate espionage plot and Aly Stiles did a great job of keeping us on our toes until de very end.
Halfway through, after the plot picks up, the romance takes a back seat. Because I liked all characters and was thoroughly immersed in the story I didn't mind this as much. But, in the end, I feel like I missed more candid or sweet moments between Marcos and Eva.
Still, the laugh-out-loud moments were worth it and I had a constant smile on my face while reading about them.
Thank you Smartpants Romance for the ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review ❤️
★★NOW AVAILABLE IN KU★★
“Aly Stiles delivers rom-com gold in Street Smart. Her witty banter and clever writing are beyond superb. I dare you not to snort-laugh with this one!” - Author Hazel James
From Smartypants Romance...Street Smart, an all-new workplace romantic comedy from Aly Stiles is now available in Kindle Unlimited!
★★Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/39avw9W
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/35XP67i
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3l1Gctw
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3m2imPU
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/3twktiY
Audiobook: Coming soon!
Blog Post
Bookstagram
February 13, 2021
Street Smart by Aly Stiles
‘“You’re...you’re incredible. How can you not see you’re already everything?”
I stiffen. What?
“Anyone can shine in a spotlight. Show me a person who radiates from the shadows.” Her fingers moved to my lips. Her smile grows through the tears as she follows the slow outline. She lifts her gaze to mine, probing, begging me to understand.
“Marcos Oliveria, you’re going to achieve your dreams not because of who you will be but because of who you already are.”’
The world of Kaitlyn Parker and Martin Sandeke is one of my absolute favourite places to be, so the fact that we now have two incredible Smartypants stories set within that arena, this third launch from Smartypants Romance, is shaping up to be a wondrous gift to readers indeed.
Street Smart by Aly Stiles was probably one of the funniest, laugh-out-loud romances that I’ve had the pleasure of reading in quite some time. Aly’s ability to write quick and witty one liners, as well as zingy and snappy dialogue, mixed in with some superb comedic timing, has ensured that readers will be engaged, enthralled and entertained from the very first page.
The inner musings and running internal monologue from Marcos, in particular, was intoxicating. It brought his character to life, molded him and illuminated his mesmerising personality so that it was next to impossible not to find him sexy, alluring and very, very easy to fall for.
He felt so real. How he viewed people, situations and tribulations, how he navigated through life and all the drama and bias that it continually brought- he added this delicious infusion of satire, sarcasm and sweetness to the storyline. I adored his fun and flirty nature, hedged with a serious and considerate element. His confidence and intelligence just gave an otherwise stellar character more magic.
Eva was simply fantastic. A powerhouse of a woman, swimming in the shark infested waters of a male dominated world. She was stunning in her wit, intellect, integrity and sincerity. Even though she too faced considerable bias on the daily, she never let it distract her and she never let it steal her softer side. Another personality with so many endearing traits, Eva was a hybrid of sweet and sassy, hilarious and heart-warming, smart and playful, simply put she is the kind of woman every other woman needs in her life and yet another terrific addition to the Smartypants world.
Author Aly Stiles has managed to capture the excitement, disillusionment, drama and spectacle of uncovering the nefarious source of corporate espionage. She has given it a magnificent twist by imbuing oodles of charm, comedy and delicious (and I mean DELICIOUS) romance, utilising the side characters in many different ways. (I may never look at nuts again without thinking of Game of Thrones and Chad.)
Street Smart is a spectacular and truly captivating story that charms and tempts readers with its style, dialogue and cast of characters. The writing is exceptional, infusing a beautiful and scintillating love story with some impressive drama, humour and energy. It was like a warm hug in book form, especially when some favourite faces made an appearance.
‘“You’re...you’re incredible. How can you not see you’re already everything?”
I stiffen. What?
“Anyone can shine in a spotlight. Show me a person who radiates from the shadows.” Her fingers moved to my lips. Her smile grows through the tears as she follows the slow outline. She lifts her gaze to mine, probing, begging me to understand.
“Marcos Oliveria, you’re going to achieve your dreams not because of who you will be but because of who you already are.”’
The world of Kaitlyn Parker and Martin Sandeke is one of my absolute favourite places to be, so the fact that we now have two incredible Smartypants stories set within that arena, this third launch from Smartypants Romance, is shaping up to be a wondrous gift to readers indeed.
Street Smart by Aly Stiles was probably one of the funniest, laugh-out-loud romances that I’ve had the pleasure of reading in quite some time. Aly’s ability to write quick and witty one liners, as well as zingy and snappy dialogue, mixed in with some superb comedic timing, has ensured that readers will be engaged, enthralled and entertained from the very first page.
The inner musings and running internal monologue from Marcos, in particular, was intoxicating. It brought his character to life, molded him and illuminated his mesmerising personality so that it was next to impossible not to find him sexy, alluring and very, very easy to fall for.
He felt so real. How he viewed people, situations and tribulations, how he navigated through life and all the drama and bias that it continually brought- he added this delicious infusion of satire, sarcasm and sweetness to the storyline. I adored his fun and flirty nature, hedged with a serious and considerate element. His confidence and intelligence just gave an otherwise stellar character more magic.
Eva was simply fantastic. A powerhouse of a woman, swimming in the shark infested waters of a male dominated world. She was stunning in her wit, intellect, integrity and sincerity. Even though she too faced considerable bias on the daily, she never let it distract her and she never let it steal her softer side. Another personality with so many endearing traits, Eva was a hybrid of sweet and sassy, hilarious and heart-warming, smart and playful, simply put she is the kind of woman every other woman needs in her life and yet another terrific addition to the Smartypants world.
Author Aly Stiles has managed to capture the excitement, disillusionment, drama and spectacle of uncovering the nefarious source of corporate espionage. She has given it a magnificent twist by imbuing oodles of charm, comedy and delicious (and I mean DELICIOUS) romance, utilising the side characters in many different ways. (I may never look at nuts again without thinking of Game of Thrones and Chad.)
Street Smart is a spectacular and truly captivating story that charms and tempts readers with its style, dialogue and cast of characters. The writing is exceptional, infusing a beautiful and scintillating love story with some impressive drama, humour and energy. It was like a warm hug in book form, especially when some favourite faces made an appearance.
March 28, 2023
When Marcos Oliveira accepts to be the new intern for Evangeline Reedweather doesn't even imagine to become a spy in order to expose the mole who threatens the Reedweather Media. Eva hired Marcos because from his resume he seems the right guy to save her father's company, little she knows that he is also handsome and sexy. Their working closeness and their secret meetings don't help to refrein their growing attraction. Will they find the mole? Will they end up in a loving relationship?
I liked to follow Eva and Marcos on this journey, every twist and turn kept me engrossed in their story. Both the main characters are smart, beautiful, focused on their work, I loved them the same way and I cheered for them throughout the book.
“Anyone can shine in a spotlight. Show me the person who radiates from the shadows.”
Aly Stiles wrote a quick and entertaining rom com, even if mentioning Marcos not so easy and happy past gives to the story a deeper meaning.
Read Street Smart if you are bored and enjoy the humour and the mystery that pervade this novel.
You can find my review here http://itapixie.blogspot.com/2021/03/...
Read
April 4, 2023Ahhh my first ever full-length rom-com has been officially born!! I know I’m known for tears and heartache, but I really really needed a laugh and I hope this one brings a few to you as well. Prepare yourself for so so many nuts. Like, a lot.
** PRE-ORDER LINKS **
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Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3l1Gctw
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3m2imPU
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/375keRB
Nook: https://bit.ly/36WvDDa
Kobo: https://bit.ly/35XteJb
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2UTi5CH
** PRE-ORDER LINKS **
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/39avw9W
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/35XP67i
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3l1Gctw
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3m2imPU
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/375keRB
Nook: https://bit.ly/36WvDDa
Kobo: https://bit.ly/35XteJb
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2UTi5CH
Want to read
March 4, 2021‘Street Smart’ by Aly Stiles is ALIVE in KU! Good things come to those who wait and you all have been waiting so long! Prepare to be rewarded with this fun and flirty workplace romance. HOORAY!
** Read in KU **
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/39avw9W
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/35XP67i
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3l1Gctw
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3m2imPU
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/3twktiY
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2WZD6wL
* BLURB **
What could go wrong—four words MBA student Marcos Oliveira ignored when he accepted a prestigious internship at Reedweather Media, a subsidiary of the legendary Sandeke Telecom empire.
What did go wrong? Everything.
And when Marcos stumbles upon incriminating documents that signal corporate espionage against Sandeke’s son Martin, he suspects his strange intern wormhole has just exploded into chaos. When his alluring boss Eva draws him in to thwart the plot, he knows it.
After spending their lives overcoming adversity, can Marcos and Eva handle this latest threat? Even more perilous might be their losing battle against forbidden attraction.
His Ivy League education didn’t prepare him for spy games and illicit flames. Good thing he has the street smarts to work for it.
‘Street Smart’ is a full-length workplace romantic comedy and can be read as a standalone. Book #1 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
March 21, 2021
Note: An ARC was granted generously in exchange for an honest review.
Marcus and Eva were on fire! I knew the moment they'd meet each other, flames would erupt and nothing was gonna stop them from getting together.
Marcus's funny and sweet nature, vs Eva's slightly rigid but steamy and organised self were going to make my kindle combust, I am pretty sure. But luckily I had my fire extinguisher nearby in case anything happened.
It was just so damn good seeing them together.
Also the spy game was spot on. And the statistic nerd game - on point - although my literary nerd self was just utterly confused by the various numbers and configurations when discussed.
But I forgive them.
But damn I just found this whole book so entertaining, couldn't find the right words to describe this wonderful ride with Marcus and Eva.
All I want is more by this author. Cause hot damn she got me good in all the right places. Just so damn good, y'all.
Until the next read,
TMR
Marcus and Eva were on fire! I knew the moment they'd meet each other, flames would erupt and nothing was gonna stop them from getting together.
Marcus's funny and sweet nature, vs Eva's slightly rigid but steamy and organised self were going to make my kindle combust, I am pretty sure. But luckily I had my fire extinguisher nearby in case anything happened.
It was just so damn good seeing them together.
Also the spy game was spot on. And the statistic nerd game - on point - although my literary nerd self was just utterly confused by the various numbers and configurations when discussed.
But I forgive them.
But damn I just found this whole book so entertaining, couldn't find the right words to describe this wonderful ride with Marcus and Eva.
All I want is more by this author. Cause hot damn she got me good in all the right places. Just so damn good, y'all.
Until the next read,
TMR
March 16, 2021
What a fabulous book and the perfect start to the new Work for It series from Smartypants Romance.
Eva and Marcos had incredible chemistry and banter. They were such well developed and interesting characters. This is one of those times I am so glad the book is dual POV because it was fun getting inside these characters heads.
The story flowed nicely with a good mix of romance, charm, humor, and drama. I liked seeing them fall for each other as they worked to figure out who was behind the corporate espionage.
One of my favorite things about Smartypants Romance is discovering new authors to love, and I am looking forward to picking up some of Aly Stiles other books!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
.
.
.
Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CMATcPegysH/
Eva and Marcos had incredible chemistry and banter. They were such well developed and interesting characters. This is one of those times I am so glad the book is dual POV because it was fun getting inside these characters heads.
The story flowed nicely with a good mix of romance, charm, humor, and drama. I liked seeing them fall for each other as they worked to figure out who was behind the corporate espionage.
One of my favorite things about Smartypants Romance is discovering new authors to love, and I am looking forward to picking up some of Aly Stiles other books!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
.
.
.
Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CMATcPegysH/
May 23, 2021
Loved it...Full of humor and romance mixed with office espionage. Loved the chemistry between Marcos and Eva. Never had that much fun reading a romance...I flew through this one.
April 19, 2021
cute & light office romance
January 8, 2022
4.2 ⭐
No esperaba que fuese lo que terminó siendo.
Es un romcom mezclado con espías. Trata de Eva y Marcos. El último es un ex stripper que busca un lugar para hacer sus prácticas. Se las dan en Sandeke Telecom empire. El cual dirige el padre de Eva. Cuando les entregan su trabajo a él y otro chico, se da cuenta que le llegaron distintas tareas y que la suya muestra corrupción en la empresa. Eva le explica que lo eligió para que la ayude a desenmascarar a su padre.
Es súper rápido de leer, además de que te tiene metido esperando saber que harán luego. Sin mencionar la tensión enorme que tienen los protagonistas desde que se conocen. Puedes sentirlo como si fueses uno de ellos.
Me encanta que ambos narren varios capítulos. Eso hace que uno conozca mejor a ambos.
¿Lo recomiendo? Si, es divertido y bueno.
No esperaba que fuese lo que terminó siendo.
Es un romcom mezclado con espías. Trata de Eva y Marcos. El último es un ex stripper que busca un lugar para hacer sus prácticas. Se las dan en Sandeke Telecom empire. El cual dirige el padre de Eva. Cuando les entregan su trabajo a él y otro chico, se da cuenta que le llegaron distintas tareas y que la suya muestra corrupción en la empresa. Eva le explica que lo eligió para que la ayude a desenmascarar a su padre.
Es súper rápido de leer, además de que te tiene metido esperando saber que harán luego. Sin mencionar la tensión enorme que tienen los protagonistas desde que se conocen. Puedes sentirlo como si fueses uno de ellos.
Me encanta que ambos narren varios capítulos. Eso hace que uno conozca mejor a ambos.
¿Lo recomiendo? Si, es divertido y bueno.
February 18, 2021
Right off the bat, Marcos made me fall in love with his inner monologue. I was laughing from the very first page.
Aly Stiles has written a book that has some of the best intelligent business oriented characters I've read in quite a while. Eva and Marcos really try and deny their attraction and feelings for each other, and that just makes the payoff that much sweeter.
'I've learned I want my legacy to be the person known for asking, "How can I make this better?"'
This might be an unpopular opinion, but I loved Chad's character. He was so idiotic it was just absolutely hysterical in every scene he was in. Not sure I'd ever want to read his monologue, but his character brought quite a few laughs and eye rolls for me.
I am so happy that we got to see Martin, and more characters from the Elements of Chemistry books, in this ethical business storyline!
"You belong. Here. In this moment. With me."
Aly Stiles has written a book that has some of the best intelligent business oriented characters I've read in quite a while. Eva and Marcos really try and deny their attraction and feelings for each other, and that just makes the payoff that much sweeter.
'I've learned I want my legacy to be the person known for asking, "How can I make this better?"'
This might be an unpopular opinion, but I loved Chad's character. He was so idiotic it was just absolutely hysterical in every scene he was in. Not sure I'd ever want to read his monologue, but his character brought quite a few laughs and eye rolls for me.
I am so happy that we got to see Martin, and more characters from the Elements of Chemistry books, in this ethical business storyline!
"You belong. Here. In this moment. With me."
March 1, 2021
Rating: 4.5*
This was a refreshing read, where being smart is sexy.
Marcos has started as an intern at Reedweather Media, which is still very much an old boy's club despite their efforts at inclusivity. (See the way they talk to and treat Marcos throughout). Eva is the boss' daughter but that doesn't mean she is in the inner circle of the company. In fact she is on the outside just as Marcos is. Eva has discovered files on the server that shouldn't be there as they belong to their competition. She seeks Marcos' help in deciphering the information and working out what to do next.
Marcos' inner monologues are what makes this refreshing too. He has a clear perspective on life and high morals. His background makes him stand out in the company but it is what got him to where he is now. He has not had anything handed to him on a plate and has had to work hard to get where he is. From the foster care system, he was already at a disadvantage.
Eva is feisty, determined and not bound to her family. Determined to settle a wrong even though if it brings down her father in the process. This takes a lot of courage.
All the elements came together to create a fun read which was quirky and full of energy. And who can forget Chad and his nuts? Hilarious comic relief throughout!
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
This was a refreshing read, where being smart is sexy.
Marcos has started as an intern at Reedweather Media, which is still very much an old boy's club despite their efforts at inclusivity. (See the way they talk to and treat Marcos throughout). Eva is the boss' daughter but that doesn't mean she is in the inner circle of the company. In fact she is on the outside just as Marcos is. Eva has discovered files on the server that shouldn't be there as they belong to their competition. She seeks Marcos' help in deciphering the information and working out what to do next.
Marcos' inner monologues are what makes this refreshing too. He has a clear perspective on life and high morals. His background makes him stand out in the company but it is what got him to where he is now. He has not had anything handed to him on a plate and has had to work hard to get where he is. From the foster care system, he was already at a disadvantage.
Eva is feisty, determined and not bound to her family. Determined to settle a wrong even though if it brings down her father in the process. This takes a lot of courage.
All the elements came together to create a fun read which was quirky and full of energy. And who can forget Chad and his nuts? Hilarious comic relief throughout!
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
March 4, 2021
Entertaining work place I like both characters individually and as ship. Fun read.
March 2, 2021
I didn't know Aly Stiles but let me tell you this : i'm planning on reading more of her ! I need to know if she always writes with so much poetry and philosophy and humor and intelligence and with this impressively rich and colourful language.
In the very first chapter, Marcos made me crack up, his brain is very reactive and witty so his thoughts are so funny. I didn't expected that with a novel about industrial espionage and that was a really good surprise.
Marcos is an amazing and surprising character. His childhood, his studies, his friends, the way he earned money to pay for college, his motives... He has a face, a body, a brain, a heart, a soul and an amazing sense of humor. The total package ! I laughed with him, cried for him and felt for him.
Eva is nothing alike her father, the big mogul of Reedweather Media, a superficial and idiot rich man who is just a young brainless candy for his wife and a simple pawn for Denver Sandeke (Father of Martin Sandeke, hero of the Elements of Chemistry series by Penny Reid). Eva despises her father's immoral and macho ways of running his business and above all she despises the fact he cheats and uses spies to succeed and destroy his rivals. That's the reason she needs Marcos on her side at first. To fight her father's plans, to retrieve datas and evidence. Because SHE is a model of honesty and integrity.
Eva and Marcos make a great team. The attraction between them is immediate but they resist a bit so it's a steamy slow burn. They have the same moral compass, the same values despite their really different upbringings and pasts. They never judge each other for their differencies, it's never an issue, they just respect each other and enjoy each seconds they spend together.
Eva totally assumes her physical attraction for Marcos but she never hides the fact she admires his instinct and his brain too. Their chemistry is beautiful and strong, passionate and deep.
I admit that sometimes i skip sex scenes but i didn't here because it was not crude, it was an extent of their relationship with humor and "wittiness" and cleverness and respect and passion and sharing.
Street Smart deals with capitalism, industrial espionage, competition, what you are ready to do to succeed, what's your definition of success, what are your goals, what are the good questions you need to ask yourself... It also shows you can make your dreams come true, wherever you come from, whatever life threw at you in your past.
There were so many sentences i highlighted. I LOVED Aly Stiles' writing!
The love story is passionnate yes but also sweet and touching.
Even if i understand and admire the author for the way she ended her novel, i was a bit frustrated. I wanted more of Marcos and Eva.
Street Smart is a beautiful addition to the Element of Chemistry series, not only because it's a great story but also because it completes Martin Sandeke's story. And we have more of him and Kaitlyn ;-) .
So... If you want to laugh out loud, to think, to feel and to fall in love, i advise you Street Smart!
Eva : "How can you not see you're already everything?" _ " Anyone can shine in a spotlight. Show me the person who radiates from the shadows."_ "Marcos Oliveira, you're going to achieve your dreams not because of who you will be but because of who you already are."
Marcos : "No one deserves her. She should be on a cloud somewhere, sipping honey milk or whatever the hell those Greek goddesses drink...." _ "I let my stars explode into supernovas to the soundtrack of her cries."
Eva : "The more i get to know you, the more i love the person behind it too, so please. Don't try to be like them. Be you. Be different. Be better. Be the person who doesn't tolerate that bullshit."
Marcos : "Who is Marcos Oliveira, the man driven by a spark forged by darkness?"
"I touch her cheek, searching her face in awe of everything she is and everything we'll be together. Maybe the missing piece was never meant for me to fill. Maybe it was an open space for someone else _ i just have to let her in."
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review .
In the very first chapter, Marcos made me crack up, his brain is very reactive and witty so his thoughts are so funny. I didn't expected that with a novel about industrial espionage and that was a really good surprise.
Marcos is an amazing and surprising character. His childhood, his studies, his friends, the way he earned money to pay for college, his motives... He has a face, a body, a brain, a heart, a soul and an amazing sense of humor. The total package ! I laughed with him, cried for him and felt for him.
Eva is nothing alike her father, the big mogul of Reedweather Media, a superficial and idiot rich man who is just a young brainless candy for his wife and a simple pawn for Denver Sandeke (Father of Martin Sandeke, hero of the Elements of Chemistry series by Penny Reid). Eva despises her father's immoral and macho ways of running his business and above all she despises the fact he cheats and uses spies to succeed and destroy his rivals. That's the reason she needs Marcos on her side at first. To fight her father's plans, to retrieve datas and evidence. Because SHE is a model of honesty and integrity.
Eva and Marcos make a great team. The attraction between them is immediate but they resist a bit so it's a steamy slow burn. They have the same moral compass, the same values despite their really different upbringings and pasts. They never judge each other for their differencies, it's never an issue, they just respect each other and enjoy each seconds they spend together.
Eva totally assumes her physical attraction for Marcos but she never hides the fact she admires his instinct and his brain too. Their chemistry is beautiful and strong, passionate and deep.
I admit that sometimes i skip sex scenes but i didn't here because it was not crude, it was an extent of their relationship with humor and "wittiness" and cleverness and respect and passion and sharing.
Street Smart deals with capitalism, industrial espionage, competition, what you are ready to do to succeed, what's your definition of success, what are your goals, what are the good questions you need to ask yourself... It also shows you can make your dreams come true, wherever you come from, whatever life threw at you in your past.
There were so many sentences i highlighted. I LOVED Aly Stiles' writing!
The love story is passionnate yes but also sweet and touching.
Even if i understand and admire the author for the way she ended her novel, i was a bit frustrated. I wanted more of Marcos and Eva.
Street Smart is a beautiful addition to the Element of Chemistry series, not only because it's a great story but also because it completes Martin Sandeke's story. And we have more of him and Kaitlyn ;-) .
So... If you want to laugh out loud, to think, to feel and to fall in love, i advise you Street Smart!
Eva : "How can you not see you're already everything?" _ " Anyone can shine in a spotlight. Show me the person who radiates from the shadows."_ "Marcos Oliveira, you're going to achieve your dreams not because of who you will be but because of who you already are."
Marcos : "No one deserves her. She should be on a cloud somewhere, sipping honey milk or whatever the hell those Greek goddesses drink...." _ "I let my stars explode into supernovas to the soundtrack of her cries."
Eva : "The more i get to know you, the more i love the person behind it too, so please. Don't try to be like them. Be you. Be different. Be better. Be the person who doesn't tolerate that bullshit."
Marcos : "Who is Marcos Oliveira, the man driven by a spark forged by darkness?"
"I touch her cheek, searching her face in awe of everything she is and everything we'll be together. Maybe the missing piece was never meant for me to fill. Maybe it was an open space for someone else _ i just have to let her in."
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review .
February 12, 2021
This book is rom-com at its finest!! I absolutely adored the witty banter, interesting characters, and plot of this book.
March 17, 2021
This was a fun office romance with some very humorous bits as well! I was a little confused at first because instead of alternating chapters from the two main characters, they did little sections of the books where we got several chapters in a row from each of them, and then the next section was the other character. It worked out okay in the end, but at first I was wondering if it was only going to be from Marcos’s viewpoint.
I really enjoyed both of the characters in this and I liked the way they interacted. It was a perfect attraction leading to romance and fun times. Now, Marcos had a bit of an interesting way that he worked to afford to put himself through college. That made a fun twist of the story that came up at several inopportune instances in extremely funny ways.
It was also neat to get a little bit of time with characters we knew from other story in Penny Reid’s world from the Hypothesis series. And then, oh my gosh, the other intern that Marcos was up against, Chad, and his whole nuts marketing plan. So much about it just makes me still giggle thinking about it. But it’s not even that part that was funny. How they messed up Marcos’s name and paperwork? And then all the business “terms” that the big boss, Eva’s dad, keeps making up. Rabid inclusion was one I think. Oh my gosh. Really a fun story and I can’t wait to read the next one, as well as read more by this author in the future.
Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.
I really enjoyed both of the characters in this and I liked the way they interacted. It was a perfect attraction leading to romance and fun times. Now, Marcos had a bit of an interesting way that he worked to afford to put himself through college. That made a fun twist of the story that came up at several inopportune instances in extremely funny ways.
It was also neat to get a little bit of time with characters we knew from other story in Penny Reid’s world from the Hypothesis series. And then, oh my gosh, the other intern that Marcos was up against, Chad, and his whole nuts marketing plan. So much about it just makes me still giggle thinking about it. But it’s not even that part that was funny. How they messed up Marcos’s name and paperwork? And then all the business “terms” that the big boss, Eva’s dad, keeps making up. Rabid inclusion was one I think. Oh my gosh. Really a fun story and I can’t wait to read the next one, as well as read more by this author in the future.
Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.
March 1, 2021
Get ready to laugh out loud! I swear, within the first two pages I was grinning ear to ear. Aly isn't well known for her comedy, but she knocked it out of the park with this one. Her dry humor and explosive wit gave me just what I needed in a romcom.
Marcos comes to Reedweather Media as an intern, Eva's intern, and the tension level rises 10 notches as soon as they meet. This book has a bit of everything, banter, tenderness, steam and of course, espionage. Can the two of them handle the forbidden attraction long enough to get down to business?
I would give this one more than five stars if I could because it put such a smile on my face.
Marcos comes to Reedweather Media as an intern, Eva's intern, and the tension level rises 10 notches as soon as they meet. This book has a bit of everything, banter, tenderness, steam and of course, espionage. Can the two of them handle the forbidden attraction long enough to get down to business?
I would give this one more than five stars if I could because it put such a smile on my face.
February 28, 2021
Street Smart is book one in the new Work For It Series and if this book is anything to go by Ms Stiles will certainly have another hit series on her hands. If you are looking for a book that will have you laughing out loud look no further than Eve Reedweather and Marcos Oliveira’s story.
This book ticked al my boxes, I adored the sassy Eva and I swooned at the seriously hot Marcos ( aka Mark), the banter left me smiling, the chemistry had me reaching for my fan on more than one occasion and I found myself hoping Mark and Eve got the HEA they both deserved. I loved this authors rocker romance books but Street Smart is very different, this is rom-com at its best and it really shows how talented and how diverse Aly Stiles can be with her wonderful tales. Looking forward to the next instalment in this new series.
This book ticked al my boxes, I adored the sassy Eva and I swooned at the seriously hot Marcos ( aka Mark), the banter left me smiling, the chemistry had me reaching for my fan on more than one occasion and I found myself hoping Mark and Eve got the HEA they both deserved. I loved this authors rocker romance books but Street Smart is very different, this is rom-com at its best and it really shows how talented and how diverse Aly Stiles can be with her wonderful tales. Looking forward to the next instalment in this new series.
February 25, 2021
5 Star Review of Street Smart (Work For It #1) by Aly Stiles
I was hooked on Street Smart from the first to the last chapter. There were so many laugh out loud moments whilst reading that my husband gave me some seriously odd looks.
I enjoyed this entertaining story about Eva Reedweather and Marcos Oliveira (aka Mark Oliver). I really liked Eva, she was feisty, sassy and could hold her own which was something that I really admired.
The banter was witty and I found myself smiling throughout whilst reading. It was also steamy and I found myself swooning on numerous occasions. I admired Marcos, he has been through a lot and is focused and determined to succeed.
As I have come to expect from Aly Stiles, Street Smart was a well written, laugh out load romantic comedy . The secondary characters were entertaining and added an additional layer to the story. All in all this was a great story and one I have no hesitation in recommending.
I was hooked on Street Smart from the first to the last chapter. There were so many laugh out loud moments whilst reading that my husband gave me some seriously odd looks.
I enjoyed this entertaining story about Eva Reedweather and Marcos Oliveira (aka Mark Oliver). I really liked Eva, she was feisty, sassy and could hold her own which was something that I really admired.
The banter was witty and I found myself smiling throughout whilst reading. It was also steamy and I found myself swooning on numerous occasions. I admired Marcos, he has been through a lot and is focused and determined to succeed.
As I have come to expect from Aly Stiles, Street Smart was a well written, laugh out load romantic comedy . The secondary characters were entertaining and added an additional layer to the story. All in all this was a great story and one I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 21, 2022
Not my favorite in the Work for it series, I still found this dual POV, reverse age gap, opposites attract, forbidden workplace romance pretty entertaining. I really loved intern Marcos and the focus on him as a person of color and the barrage of micro-aggressions and discriminations he faced in the workplace. There was a fun intrigue/spy storyline alongside the romance too. Good on audio and the first book in one of my fav Smartypants series - but it can definitely be read as a standalone!
February 24, 2021
Marcos Oliveria is about to start an internship with Reedweather Media. Marcos is determined to make CEO one day and this is just a steppingstone. Spending his life overcoming life’s obstacles, he is excited to be on his way, but his boss Eva is something he just can’t walk away from. When he discovers incriminating documents can he go to his boss Eva and tell her?
Eva has decided it is time to get some help and she is hoping Marcos is just the man for the job. Little does she know he is more than man for that job and so much more.
Such a fun read and I couldn’t put it down!! Read It!
Eva has decided it is time to get some help and she is hoping Marcos is just the man for the job. Little does she know he is more than man for that job and so much more.
Such a fun read and I couldn’t put it down!! Read It!
March 15, 2021
3.5/5
This was a nice surprise, and reminded me of the Cipher Security series with the office romance. I liked Marcos and Eva a lot, and they were adorable together
This was a nice surprise, and reminded me of the Cipher Security series with the office romance. I liked Marcos and Eva a lot, and they were adorable together
March 4, 2021
Really enjoyed this! Marcos Oliveira (or Mark Oliver WTH?!?)takes what turns out to be the most bizarre internship working for Eva Reedweather. But instead of developing normal business presentations, Marcos is investigating potential corporate espionage!
Marcos’s upbringing factors a lot into this story as a foster kid who never quite felt like he belonged anywhere. He struggles with being thrust into the exclusivity of the 1%’ers. The hijinx that ensue in his investigations go a long way in helping Marcos figure out what kind of business person he wants to be. Which I guess makes it a successful internship now that I think of it, albeit a non-traditional one.
There were awesome side characters to add to the hilarity - Chad, the other intern, was my favorite with his nut presentation. But the HR lady (maybe my personal bias with 20 years in HR, lol) and the bartender were a little too absurd for my dry sense of humor.
I am a huge fan of Martin Sandeke and Kaitlyn Parker so I relished an opportunity to delve back into their world of telecommunication (or “weather balloons... something science-y”).
Overall, the writing is exceptional. I would just randomly highlight passages because they were so well written and moving. I totally recommend this terrific story about characters whom you really come to care about.
And this is available on KU right now so read it for free there!!
Marcos’s upbringing factors a lot into this story as a foster kid who never quite felt like he belonged anywhere. He struggles with being thrust into the exclusivity of the 1%’ers. The hijinx that ensue in his investigations go a long way in helping Marcos figure out what kind of business person he wants to be. Which I guess makes it a successful internship now that I think of it, albeit a non-traditional one.
There were awesome side characters to add to the hilarity - Chad, the other intern, was my favorite with his nut presentation. But the HR lady (maybe my personal bias with 20 years in HR, lol) and the bartender were a little too absurd for my dry sense of humor.
I am a huge fan of Martin Sandeke and Kaitlyn Parker so I relished an opportunity to delve back into their world of telecommunication (or “weather balloons... something science-y”).
Overall, the writing is exceptional. I would just randomly highlight passages because they were so well written and moving. I totally recommend this terrific story about characters whom you really come to care about.
And this is available on KU right now so read it for free there!!
February 14, 2021
I had an absolute blast reading Street Smart! I love when I’m reading and somewhere along the way I notice that I’m smiling. I was literally either smiling, laughing or swooning with every sentence of this book! How is that possible?? Voodoo magic? Possibly. Aly Stiles weaves a powerful spell over me with every book she writes.
We’re so used to Aly’s serious drama with tortured heroes & heroines. Finally, with Street Smart we get to see her brilliance in a RomCom. I laugh snorted more times than I could keep track of. Seeing inside the thoughts of both Eva & Marcos had me cracking up! Great banter. Sweet & sexy swoony moments. Endearingly awkward behaviors. This book has everything you could ever want in a RomCom! I hope Aly writes more like this because she’s seriously freaking funny!
We’re so used to Aly’s serious drama with tortured heroes & heroines. Finally, with Street Smart we get to see her brilliance in a RomCom. I laugh snorted more times than I could keep track of. Seeing inside the thoughts of both Eva & Marcos had me cracking up! Great banter. Sweet & sexy swoony moments. Endearingly awkward behaviors. This book has everything you could ever want in a RomCom! I hope Aly writes more like this because she’s seriously freaking funny!
February 23, 2021
I love when all elements of a book are working together. Street Smart by Aly Stiles has the amazing cover, the intriguing blurb, and then everything ties together with the engaging characters and whip-smart narrative. This one goes down as one of my top reads of the year. Clever and smart with relentless humor, Street Smart is a perfect addition to the Smartypants Romance line-up. Aly Stiles demonstrates her versatility and depth by delivering a snort-laughing romcom to a brand new audience.
There was so much to love about this book.
+Zany cast of characters
+Entertaining suspense and adventure
+Witty humor, subtle humor, and laugh out loud humor...and everything in between.
+A compelling romance fantastic with main characters
All the parts, all the pieces worked together to make Street Smart by Aly Stiles a flat-out success.
There was so much to love about this book.
+Zany cast of characters
+Entertaining suspense and adventure
+Witty humor, subtle humor, and laugh out loud humor...and everything in between.
+A compelling romance fantastic with main characters
All the parts, all the pieces worked together to make Street Smart by Aly Stiles a flat-out success.
March 5, 2021
Not your conventional rom-com - well it was never going to be conventional with Alyson at the helm! There are plenty of laughs along the way but it is interspersed with depth and intrigue. Eva and Marcos are both smart, warm, funny and occasionally awkward. There is definitely some ridiculing of big business stereotypes here and perhaps poking fun at people who have risen far beyond their capabilities in the business world but I really enjoyed the story!
4.5 Stars
4.5 Stars
March 17, 2021
“You belong. Here. In this moment. With Me.”
‘Street Smart,’ is a plot-driven tale of forbidden love, corporate espionage, business ethics, and finding/creating your place in the world. It’s all of those things, and also funny and smart.
While this book is set in the world of Penny Reid’s Elements of Chemistry (hello Martin Sandeke), author Aly Stiles introduces a whole new cast of characters, many of whom are deserving of their own stories. But the stars are undoubtedly the dynamic duo of Eva and Marcos. (Though Chad is a star in his own right.) This is an entertaining, easy to read romance that has you cheering the couple on from the very beginning.
‘Street Smart,’ is a plot-driven tale of forbidden love, corporate espionage, business ethics, and finding/creating your place in the world. It’s all of those things, and also funny and smart.
While this book is set in the world of Penny Reid’s Elements of Chemistry (hello Martin Sandeke), author Aly Stiles introduces a whole new cast of characters, many of whom are deserving of their own stories. But the stars are undoubtedly the dynamic duo of Eva and Marcos. (Though Chad is a star in his own right.) This is an entertaining, easy to read romance that has you cheering the couple on from the very beginning.
May 3, 2022
Although this is a good story, the romance sometimes overcame the rest of the plot. The hero and heroine are supposed to be uncovering some double deals in the company, but that often gets lost in their romance. There were times I would have to remind myself about what their mission was.
March 17, 2021
Check out an Excerpt HERE
***4.5 ‘Nuts’ Stars***
This was a fun read, a little OTT at times, but all around fun read filled with unique and intriguing characters that kept me on my toes and turning the pages until there were no more words to read.
I loved Eva and Marcos. Eva is intelligent, sassy, sweet and despite what many think, is a lot more aware of all that is going on around her than they know. Marcos is determined, charming and simply a good guy. He’s battled the odds and come out a lot more on top than many thought he ever would.
Eva and Marcos’ journey to their HEA was a lot of fun. It had it’s OTT moments and definitely had its awkward ones, but watching as they got to know each other and truly like who the other person was highly enjoyable. Their bantering was hilarious, the chemistry between them HAWT and just seeing how much they truly respected each other had me rooting for them from the start. There isn’t much angsty drama in their journey ~ all of it is kept to the espionage situation ~ and I have to say I kinda liked that and loved where they were at in the end.
I honestly thought that this was a new to me author, but after clicking through the last pages where the other books the author has put out into the world are, I found that I had read her before, even though it was only one book and under a different name at the time, and I quite enjoyed that book, which was very different than this one in tone. As for the supporting cast of characters...some I wanted to smack with a 2x4 and some I really want to know more about. The ones that fall into the latter category are Nate, Nash and Martin, so toes crossed that we’ll get more time with them as this series progresses!
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
***4.5 ‘Nuts’ Stars***
This was a fun read, a little OTT at times, but all around fun read filled with unique and intriguing characters that kept me on my toes and turning the pages until there were no more words to read.
I loved Eva and Marcos. Eva is intelligent, sassy, sweet and despite what many think, is a lot more aware of all that is going on around her than they know. Marcos is determined, charming and simply a good guy. He’s battled the odds and come out a lot more on top than many thought he ever would.
Eva and Marcos’ journey to their HEA was a lot of fun. It had it’s OTT moments and definitely had its awkward ones, but watching as they got to know each other and truly like who the other person was highly enjoyable. Their bantering was hilarious, the chemistry between them HAWT and just seeing how much they truly respected each other had me rooting for them from the start. There isn’t much angsty drama in their journey ~ all of it is kept to the espionage situation ~ and I have to say I kinda liked that and loved where they were at in the end.
I honestly thought that this was a new to me author, but after clicking through the last pages where the other books the author has put out into the world are, I found that I had read her before, even though it was only one book and under a different name at the time, and I quite enjoyed that book, which was very different than this one in tone. As for the supporting cast of characters...some I wanted to smack with a 2x4 and some I really want to know more about. The ones that fall into the latter category are Nate, Nash and Martin, so toes crossed that we’ll get more time with them as this series progresses!
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
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