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The Hot Shot

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Sebastian

I wanted to be the best; that was always the goal, and getting out from under my tyrant of a boss and setting up a business with my brother was the way I achieved that.
But, in order to maintain the advantage, I have to network. Unfortunately, these events are less than the social highlight I imagined them to be but, when I ditch the expected fiery redheaded woman for a night of passion with someone completely unexpected, sparks fly.
It’s a one-off, or that’s what I tell myself.
An indulgence I can’t be allowed if I want to succeed. And I do. I will.

Walker

I’m struggling. That’s how these things always start, right?
Things are hard and someone rushes in to my rescue and magically fixes every problem I’ve ever had with nothing more than a click of their fingers. Unfortunately, I live in the real world where you have to fix problems yourself, which is how I found myself signing a contract with one of the most renowned advertising companies in the area.
What I wasn’t expecting, was the man I had a one-night stand with to be my new manager, and it’s more than clear the rest of the world doesn’t know what I do about him.

There are more than hearts on the line in this whirlwind romance. Will Sebastian give in to his indulgence and fight for his man? Or will Walker’s dreams crumble alongside the love he thought he had?

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2022

27 people are currently reading
178 people want to read

About the author

Sophia Nixs

33 books422 followers
Sophia Nixs is a romance author from the United Kingdom that writes steamy contemporary MM romance.

Sophia is a romantic at heart, she adores everything to do with love. In her eyes, when someone finds loves that's all that matters.

Sophia’s dream is to live in the countryside where she can write her stories from her book nook whilst looking out at the gorgeous scenery in peace and quiet.

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5 stars
20 (18%)
4 stars
43 (38%)
3 stars
36 (32%)
2 stars
11 (9%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva.
936 reviews93 followers
November 20, 2022
This book was about Sebastian (a closeted executive) and Walker (a rocker/bar owner). This was an instalove, coming out and partial boss/employee story.

I had a tough time with Sebastian and Walker’s story. It seemed very rushed which I understand is the definition of instalove but it didn’t feel completely believable. I also felt like I was missing some information with side characters and felt lost at times.

As an FYI - I found the blurb was a little off with describing the book. Sebastian is gay (not bi-sexual) which is how I interpreted it from the blurb. And the boss/employee dynamic doesn’t come into play until about 80% of the way through the story.

One thing I really did love about this story was that Sebastian was the insecure and shy one and leaned on Walker for support. Walker was very confident and in control. I liked seeing that opposite dynamic!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Courtney Dixon.
Author 39 books1,081 followers
November 24, 2022
3.5 ⭐ rounded to four.

The premise of this book is great. As someone who loves angst and emotional content, Sebastian being in the closet and finding himself with Walker seemed right up my alley. You have sexy Sebastian who focuses on work first, then play later. Then you have Walker, who's a bar owner and singer in a band. I also loved the idea that Sebastian would be the very marketing firm to help Walker's struggling bar. And neither man had any idea! Love that. I liked the couple of side characters, and it was nice that each of the men had someone close in their lives when they needed friendship and support.

The writing is well written if you live in England. The author is clearly from the UK, and it shows in her writing. The location of the story would have been better set in England somewhere instead of NY.

I didn't feel a strong connection between the two men. InstaLove really is hard to achieve to make it believable and to work. There needs to be a very strong connection between the two MCs right off the bat. You have to feel and I just didn't here. Walker starts out being cool and laid back, if not a little awkward which I love. But once he and Sebastian get together, both men make 180 turns into something else.
Profile Image for Trish Skywalker.
1,094 reviews64 followers
November 20, 2022
This was a sweet and angsty story about two men trying to make it, one out and proud and one deep in the closet.
Sebastian has been working hard for years to make a name for himself. After putting in his time with a horrible boss, Sebastian and his brother are ready to strike out on their own. But he’s got a secret that may ruin his career…Sebastian doesn’t want the perfect wife by his side, he wants the perfect man.
Walker is a musician and bar owner who’s trying to make his business successful. He ends up at a fundraiser to make business connections, but ends up with a one-night stand that he can’t get out of his head.
Sebastian and Walker definitely have insta-lust, and do fall for each other fast. With bad forces trying to get in their way, these two have to decide what it’s worth to be together.
Profile Image for Liza.
1,517 reviews18 followers
December 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this one. Sebastian is a businessman with a secret and he meets the man of his dreams one night. Walker is perfect for him, but he can't do anything more than a one night stand. Fate keeps throwing them back together and it's wonderful to see them grow and fight for their love.
Profile Image for liz_loves_reading.
352 reviews9 followers
November 29, 2022
The book: The Hot Shot
Author: Sophia Nixs

Another new-to-me author, writing under her nom de plume Sophia Nixs.
The Hot Shot is part of The North Avenue Live Guys series and can be read as a standalone.

Sebastian and his younger brother Jace Holt both work for Asquire Marketing and Advertising (AMA) in Manhattan where they are integral to the success of the company. Unfortunately, their uptight control freak of a boss, Brendan Rightside, takes most of the credit.
• Sebastian is buried deep in the closet as he has an inherent belief that his corporate image would suffer otherwise. It is a secret that he has hidden from everyone including his brother.

Walker Kennedy is the proud owner of The Hot Shot a bar in a popular area of Manhattan. He has sunk his life savings into the venture and needs it to be a success.
• Walker is an out and proud gay and his co-worker Dee supports both him and his business to the hilt.

I loved the premise of the story and the main focus on the Holt brothers gaining enough traction in the business world to go it alone and become an independent company.

Walker, meanwhile, was trying to find a way to get a chance to promote his bar through AMA but couldn't get his foot in the door.

The opportunity came for both Sebastian and Walker at a charity auction in The Rainbow Room.

The insta-lust and longing Sebastian was hit with on seeing Walker for the first time...
"all from one piercing look we'd shared"

There was a huge build up and focus on the importance of this event:
Networking for their new venture for Sebastian and Jace, and the finagling Dee has to do to get Walker an invite, and the opportunity to gain attention and hopefully benefit his business.

BUT the insta-attraction won out and before we knew it both MC departed and went back to Walker's apartment!!!

Apart from that, I did enjoy the interactions between the MC and the others that were introduced through the story.
There were plenty of spicy moments and the chemistry was spot on.

Further on in the story, the support shown to Walker as Sebastian plans how to rejuvenate The Hot Shot was very emotional.

In the background, there are insidious threats made to out Sebastian by unscrupulous nasty individuals, threatening both.

The ending was particularly joyful and I rooted for Sebastian and Walker to succeed in their ventures and life.

Overall, an enjoyable story and a worthwhile fairly quick read at 208 pages. I have rated it with a hard won 4 ⭐
Profile Image for Trip .
920 reviews30 followers
never-finished
May 30, 2025
DNF @ 57%, Ch 17, pg170

I enjoyed the initial introductions and set up for this book, the instant connection and lust - the charm between them is there. The singing, written notes, longing and attraction was wonderful. How they fall into each other and swept up each time was lovely.

However the synopsis doesn't really match up to the book so far in regards to the situations, it's a little misleading. Anyway Sebastian and Walker are charming, but the writing style is not really working for me.

The flow, pacing and perspectives bounce around at points in a way that makes it hard to tell who is actually saying or doing what. Especially when they're alone together, the heated scenes and how almost becomes different people when the spice hits.

I couldn't honestly tell who was saying what at points, as it could be either of them... Didn't flow very well and pulled me out of the story.

While I could possibly keep reading, I'm sadly just not completely engaged with the writing style enough to continue.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Steph.
741 reviews17 followers
November 16, 2022
One of my favourite tropes is sexy professional business Man because they are always so hot and commanding and this story did not disappoint. Seb is the epitome of sexy business man and has the wardrobe to match and the business confidence. He is horribly unconfident about being true to himself as a proud 'out' man which adds depth and a overwhelming feel of shame and sadness to him knowing all he can offer is held secret. When he meets Walker the sexual tension is off the charts. Swoon, swoon, swoon whenever they are together. The sex scenes were hot and steamy and believable and you felt the charge whilst reading. There is a real sweetness to this story and a beautiful HEA. 4.5 stars for this book. There are several characters that sound like they have a story to tell so I look forward to reading those.
63 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2022
Going after one's dreams is what we all ultimately want to achieve right? But along the way we will meet people who will change or add to our priorities and make our dreams even bigger and more meaningful. I mean maybe it will not just be about success but a lifelong happiness involve.

Sebastian and Walker both want more for their lives, they want their own businesses, they want them to be successful. But will meeting each other jeopardize everything or make them fight more? Not only for their dreams but for more importantly, for themselves and their happiness.

Walker is out and proud. a struggling business owner and his own band's singer. Although he is trying to make his new business successful, he is proud of what he has accomplish so far. Sebastian is a successful Advertising man, he knows what he is doing and he achieves success for his clients. But he is deep in the closet. He is afraid of what others might think of him and his work ethics when they find out his real self.

A classic story with lots of different twists. If you are fond of this trope then you should definitely give Ms. Sophia Nixs a try. Congratulations!
Profile Image for Emma.
277 reviews8 followers
November 25, 2022
I just adore these characters. The author takes us on a journey with Sebastian and Walker. Our emotions are tugged on as the author shows us what it be to hide a part of our selves.
Sebastian knows who he is on the inside but the pressure of his high flying job demands him to call in line with the stereo type. I also love how the author grabs our attention very early on an we watch there love grow in front of our eyes.

MM is not for everyone and that's ok it's a choice but if you decide to give it ago then I'm sure you will love it x
1,721 reviews14 followers
November 25, 2022
Hiding their affection, Sebastian and Walker, have a difficult time being together. This book shows the bigotry of some and the support of others as we watch a romance go from hidden to open with all the success it deserves. The fondness you have for the m/c’s, as well as their friends and brother, is substantial. The dislike for some is equally as strong. This book has a sweetness to it while showing the nasty in others alongside each other proving, in my opinion, fairness and kindness wins out. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
1,688 reviews11 followers
November 30, 2022
Sebastian is at a business event when he meets the eyes of a handsome man across the room. Walker is there hoping to get a chance for a meeting with a company to help his business. Sparks fly between the two men and an instant connection is formed which neither can deny. The two get together that night, and even though the sex is mind-blowing for both, Sebastian is so deeply in the closet, he sneaks out, knowing this cannot be. Both think of each other constantly, but there is no further contact until another accidental meeting. As the two struggle to find a way to be together while still maintaining Sebastian’s closeted status, circumstances don’t always cooperate, until a crisis arises and choices must be made to determine whether a HEA is possible for Sebastian and Walker.
I would think this could be a realistic situation that a deeply closeted gay man could find himself in, with all of the angst and fear that Sebastian experiences. Hopefully, there would be the same kind of understanding, caring and support that Walker has to help navigate to a solution to a lasting relationship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,714 reviews7 followers
November 19, 2022
Sebastian and his brother Jace were both working for a marketing and advertising business but the boss was taking Al, the credit so when time to renew their contract they quit to start their own business. Walker owned a bar but wasn’t getting many customers and met Sebastian at a charity event but didn’t know that was what Sebastian did until he was sent to Sebastian’s business for help. They had been seeing each other for awhile Sebastian had to decide what he wanted because he was being blackmailed but it worked out. Good book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Adina Grey.
Author 41 books267 followers
November 21, 2022
4.5 stars

New author to me and I'll definitely check her books from now. Writing a spoiler free review will be hard but I'll do my best. loved the moment when the sparkle ignite between Sebastian and Walker. It was amazing seeing them try to pretend it was a one off and their journey was absolutely great. I read this book in a few hours. Loved the way I got carried by the story and how I almost feel present right in there. Thank you for this experience Mrs Sophia.
257 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2022
This is my first book by this author and I really liked it. Some parts flowed really nicely and some parts felt a little choppy, but it was overall a pleasant read. I liked both characters and thought they had amazing chemistry! There was a little angst, not too much though. Walker is out and proud and Sebastian is very deep in the closet with no plans on coming out anytime soon. I liked how they never let the "bullies" in the story get between them.
Profile Image for Cynthia Brooks.
2,357 reviews11 followers
December 21, 2022
Sebastian is working in a business where you make a business better. He's gay and in the closet. Walker just opened a bar and needs help to find the right theme to get the crowds in. He goes to a party to do that but when he sees Sebastian, he knows that he wants him and nothing else matters. They get together but keep it secret because Sebastian isn't ready to come out of the closet. They have bumps along the way but get stronger for it. I really enjoyed this book.

Profile Image for Janice Wilson.
637 reviews2 followers
December 13, 2022
Sebastian is a closeted business executive who is stuck going to a networking event and ends up having a one night stand with Walker, a singer and owner of a bar. Unbeknownst to either of them, Sebastian's firm ends up hired to handle some marketing for Walker's bar. There is an instant attraction between the men, struggles with unscrupulous characters, and Sebastian coming to terms with his sexuality.

There were a lot of good things about this book. The MC's had great chemistry and I just loved the passion they had for each other. And it was very emotional with the struggles with being in the closet and being afraid of coming out, even though New York is an okay place to be gay. There was a bit of a disconnect between this English author's writing style and the setting, which is in the USA, and sometimes some of the wording made it seem like it should have been set in England instead of New York. Other than that, I really liked this book. This was the first time reading a book from this author. I am looking forward to reading more.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,871 reviews40 followers
November 29, 2022
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

I enjoyed this story of a man fearful of coming out in a world of business, and with only a brother for family, that he is afraid he’ll lose and the struggling bar owner in need of someone to help his bar thrive.

What they don’t expect is for there to be such a connection, and for their worlds to collide in so many ways.

It’s an insta-love story, so they move fast in their feelings but it’s sweet that neither expected it (nor were looking for love) but they were willing to fight for it. And with a bit of angst, and some jerks in the mix, it’s not a fluffy story.

I would have loved a bit more dialogue/banter to truly connect with the men, and it did jump a bit, but still made for a pleasant read and I’ll be interested to read more from this alter ego, Sophia Nixs.

1,671 reviews10 followers
December 3, 2022
Being bullied or harassed is unacceptable behaviour at any level or age. Sebastian and his brother, Jace, have been making plans to start their own business instead of making others wealthy. Finally it is getting to the implementation stage, but can a secret put it in jeopardy?
While Sebastian is at a function he sees Walker. Eyes clash, sound gets drowned and sparkles shine, (at least that is what happened in my mind). They both actually forget why they are there.
Whoo boy, read this with a jug of milk as the heat is sure to burn your tongue.
I am so glad of the opportunity to review this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
Profile Image for Sharon.
925 reviews
December 7, 2022
This is a heartwarming angsty read where good wins out. The couple has so much thrown their way that you wonder if it is at all possible for them to find their out to their rainbow. It's a good read.
Profile Image for Manuela Raimo.
1,389 reviews15 followers
December 11, 2022
I love the story of character in the closet and this one is so close

maybe I like more Walker than Sebastian...

the chemistry is not as usual on top, feel a instalove little rushed

interesting some of secondary elements of the storyù
thanks GRR for the copy as usual
Profile Image for Megan.
385 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2022
One of the first things I loved about Sebastian and Walker (besides their amazing steamy interactions) was that they made their intentions known immediately. They said outright that they wanted to be there for one another with support, even if it had to be hidden. I know that aspect in real life can be emotionally damaging for some people when they have to keep their true self hidden from the world due to unfair judgments.

The instalove steaminess was also a favorite. Walker does have a dominating personality but gave Sebastian every chance to back out or to come and get him :) I think Sebastian needed the options but knew who and what he really wanted if he wanted to be happy.

This is the first story I have read by this author and I can't wait to read more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
917 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2022
This is the story of Sebastian and Walker. I love this book. It is written wonderfully with great characters. I love how fate kept throwing them together. Difficult decisions needs to be made. Definitely recommended.

I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
772 reviews7 followers
December 2, 2022
I loved this book. It had two characters at different places in their lives who connect for one night of passion and never expect to connect again so they move on but soon realize that they mow work together. These men have sizzle, chemistry and passion. The face that one of them is in closet adds to the drama of a possible relationship. I was not familiar with the author but they are now on my list. Fun quick fluffy read. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
3,388 reviews28 followers
December 3, 2022
A good story line
I’m gonna be honest and say I really struggled with this book but I did like the storyline there was just so many times that it didn’t really connect for me and I found myself putting his book down time and time again I think it could be great but I just didn’t work for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,010 reviews46 followers
December 1, 2022
This is a sweet insta lust to love romance. These two meet and have a one night fling. Low and behold they do cross paths again and sparks fly. However Sebastian is very much in the closet and that complicates thing.
Walker and Sebastian have amazing chemistry together.
I enjoyed seeing these two get their HEA.
Profile Image for Jeanette Buck.
385 reviews15 followers
December 1, 2022
This is a new author to me. This is an insta love story about ad executive Sebastian and bar worker walker. Sebastian is deeply in the closet which causes him problems but they can't deny their connection and chemistry. I did enjoy reading this book but I think the story could have had a little bit more depth.
103 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2022
The main characters and the tertiary characters are all well-drawn. I wonder why Walker would put up with a lover treating him like a dirty secret, but that is Walker's decision. Sebastian, like many a hard-driven professional, takes on too much, worrying about everyone he might be letting down. Again, that is his decision. Nixs does a good job of making every person in the novel a distinct individual.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,232 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2022
The Hot Shot is part of the North Avenue Live Guys Series. This was a cool read, Sophia Nix is a new to me author, so I didn't what expect, I was happy to find this book an enjoyable read. I will be look out for more of her books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Meagan.
69 reviews
November 29, 2022
DNF @ 35%

I did not vibe with the writing style of this book. It felt very surface level and lacked the deeper connection and insight into characters I usually appreciate. It sometimes felt abrupt, even while in a single scene. I also found the blurb a bit misleading - keeping in mind I stopped around 35%. It seems like the blurb describes the end of the book, so for the entire first quarter of the book I kept waiting for something to pop up that would remind me of the initial blurb.

I also generally don't pick up books where the MC is so far into the closet, that it feels totally impossible for him to make his way out. I was intrigued by this blurb though. At this point in the book, it seems like that will be really difficult and I'm uninterested in seeing how this works out. I wish there was more depth to the characters and they met more than one time, or for longer than 1 night, before every waking thought became about them OR their plans for their own futures.

Overall, just not for me.

I received a copy from BookSprout and am providing my honest review 🖤
Profile Image for Shellfish.
223 reviews3 followers
December 3, 2022
The Hot Shot Was a good story. I did like it but it was underwhelming and lacked the wow factor for me. That said I would read the next in the series if there is one.
The blurb didn't quite match the actual story, which threw me off. Sebastian was walkers boss for all of 2 seconds. It seemed too me from the blurb it was a major part of the story but in fact it wasn't really.

It was romantic and sweet and had a great ending.
walker and Sebastian meet and there is instant attraction. Sebastian fights it because he's deep in the closet and walker is bringing up new emotions in him.
With strength, determination and love they figure it out.

I liked it I really did but there was just some holes in it.
I have received an ARC from gay romance reviews and this is my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews

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