My father in law got very sick and my focus was too shattered to try and read. I will likely try again some day when my attention is stronger

I really enjoyed this short story. Stefanie London has managed to weave a fun story with moments of humour and real emotion. The characters are well rounded with buckets of chemistry between them. I will definitely be checking out the other books in the series.

absolutely love stefanie london!!! she's a great writer and this one was so hot! i can't wait to read more from this author!

I didn't really believe the connection between Imogen and Caleb. There were parts of this I did enjoy, but overall it fell flat for me, and I am not able to rate it high enough to feature on the blog or to leave a full review.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to read and review one of your titles and I look forward to the next one.

This is the first book I have read by Stefanie London and completely fell in love with the characters. I did not know going in that it was a series, but definitely able to read as a standalone. I loved Caleb and Imogen and the connection they brought to the story. It could be felt from the start. Really loved Caleb's character, he was funny, charming and oh so sexy. Imogen saw through his defenses, maybe because she had a bunch of her own. I loved seeing how much the characters grew through out the story, how much they not only grew together but as individuals. Seeing Caleb bring so much out of Imogen was always exciting. I can't wait to read the other books in this series and many other stories from Stefanie London as she is a talented writer.

The final of Ms. London "Melbourne after dark" series and what a fantastic book. Imogen Hargrove as issues with trusting as her marriage ended when she found her husband cheating. She is constantly doubtful and it becomes a problem when she thinks her sister is marrying a man that is cheating on her also. Enter Caleb Allbrook , working in his fathers company but feeling like an outsider in the family. Loves his brother but feel that he was never wanted by his parents so he kind of sits in the background. He likes Imogen and she actually thinks he is hot but neither will make a move until Imogen decides to sneak into the invite only masquerade ball to catch her future brother in law in the act. Knowing what his mask looks like she moves in on him but doesn't realize that Caleb is wearing a duplicate mask and she is hitting on him. He realizes its her but a tattoo she thinks she has hidden. This is the start of such a wonderful story of two people that try to make a life for themselves and overcome the obstacles that haunt them. Filled with wonderful story truly funny lines and lets not forget that Caleb wears crazy socks example with tacos on them. I can only hope no one passes up on this story cause it is one the best books of summer. Loved it.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and involves Imogen, Lainey (lead in book one)'s friend. Imogen is on a mission to prove that her sister Penny's fiancé is cheating on her and will do anything to ensure that she will not make a mistake. As we learn why she is so concerned, it is rather sweet, but also sadly misguided. Luckily, her boss's younger son, Caleb, is just the man to explain that to her.

I loved this book, which mixes super-hot encounters with some real issues, and the way that people learn to deal with them. There is plenty of good humour, and awakenings to both feelings of love and passion, as well as self-respect and growth.

A good entertaining read, thank you.

This book has so much heart! I absolutely adore it! I am a huge fan of Stefanie London and Hard Deal does not disappoint. It is a quick read with lots of heat and sexual tension. If you are a fan of the boardroom romances, and enjoy steamy love scenes and quirky heroes and heroines, you will adore this book!

Hard Deal is both sexy and funny. I have to admit. I'm wary about the Dare line because I didn't have the best experience with some of the early books, but Stefanie London is a great writer. I'm looking forward to more books from her in this line.

This was a pretty quick read for me, I liked it a lot. Don't let your past define your future. That it pretty much what this book is all about. Both Imogen and Caleb have been through some crap. They are both trying to learn to be themselves and not rely or worry about what others thinks. I recommend this steamy read!

Amusing, provocative, and witty!

Hard Deal is a charming, titillating tale about the hardworking, dependable Imogen who finds it hard to trust and has a past riddled with heartbreak, and the handsome, charismatic playboy, Caleb who's determined to prove he's capable of more than just having fun and looking good.

The writing is fluid and sultry. The characters are hesitant, supportive, and lovable. And the plot sweeps you away into a storyline filled with shameless flirting, tantalizing mishaps, steamy chemistry, undeniable attraction, friendship, family, light drama, romance, and love.

Overall, Hard Deal is a passionate, cheeky, absorbing novel that's perfect for rom-com lovers everywhere. And even though it's the second novel in the Melbourne After Dark series and runs concurrently with Unmasked (Melbourne After Dark #1), it can definitely be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel.

Imogene had hated this week. Most of the time Imogene loved her job. Being an executive assistant of a CEO of the most respected architecture and construction company - Allbrook Company- in Australia had its perks. Like getting to work with a host of amazingly talented smart, passionate people. Not to mention the little blue box that appeared on her desk on her employment anniversary every year. Then to have the day like today It started with Imogene spilling her cappuccino on herself. She was late for a management meeting when trying to get the stain out of her blouse and her nemesis and had swooped and made Imogene look disorganized by handing out the wrong agendas then her boss demanded she shuffle his entire afternoon five minutes before he was due to present finance teams quarterly at town hall but Jason stepped in the CEO’s son. He was hot and being groomed Chances are she would be working for Jason. Caleb was the CEO’s younger son and he got Imogene’s hormones singing even though he was bad news. Jason and Caleb were both handsome but Jason ws serious, moody glances, and smooth in-command tones while Caleb was his polar opposite. Caleb was always quick with a snappy comeback and he didn’t take anything or anyone seriously and he was cocky. He was Imogene’s kryptonite.Imogene kept her attraction for Caleb hidden.In public Caleb portrays himself as someone that flouted the rules and did what he wanted but rarely takes anything to heart and that was how he protected himself. Then Caleb told Imogene he needed her help getting some original files. There was only three keys to the archive rooms where the files would be Ceo,Jason, and her. Caleb said Jason was busy as she knew. There was something about Imogene’s overly prim and proper way that got Caleb all hot and bothered. Imogene had been really hurt by her ex husband.imogene married at eighteen her husband, was twelve years older and a serial cheater Imogene found it hard to trust men Caleb is charming, good looking, and hot, he could also read people. But down deep Caleb felt unwanted and unloved by his father. Caleb's father disregarded anything Caleb said in regards to work. Imogene believes her sister Penny fiance Daniel is cheating and she ends up going to Caleb to help her find out. Imogen wanted to do was sneak into the Carmina ball to see if she could find out if Daniel is cheating. Caleb is determined to get to know Imogene better and he has a chance at the masquerade ball. At the ball Imogene follows the wrong man and calls him a louse but the man is Caleb. Then imogene literally falls at Caleb's feet and shares a hot iss with a stranger who is Caleb. Caleb has an in with Daniel as they are friends. and will help if Imogene goes on a date with him.
I loved this book. It was a funny, short, easy book. I loved Caleb and Imogene together and I loved how they interacted with each other. I loved the plot and pace. Iadvise you to read the first book in this series . I read this in one setting. I loved the amount of angst in this. I like the different phrases Imogene used instead of swearing. I I loved how Caleb wore novelty socks so he won’t look boring . I laughed out loud at times while reading this and that is rare for me. I loved the ins and outs of this book as well as the characters and I highly recommend this book.

Caleb & Imogen
I love when a couple has that witty, sassy sexy banter and this duo has it !
Imogen is the personal assistant to the CEO of a family company, she has always has her eye on the one brother since they are so much alike but never made it known . Caleb is the black sheep of the family working for his father is a struggle. He comes to work each day and just doesn't feel fullfilled but getting a glimpse of his father's lovely assistant and ruffling her feathers that makes it worth it . He knows that she may be secretly swooning over his by the book brother but he is making a play anyway!

Imogen finds Caleb, sexy handsome and oh so frustrating. He is mouthy, pushes her buttons and loves to rile her up. Unfortunately she finds that she needs his help and he wants a date as payment. Let the games begin !!
Hard Deal is a funny, sexy journey of two people that realize they each have so much to offer to themselves and others!!
~~Michele McMullen ~~

Hard Deal is so much fun to read. It’s both steamy and playful and the chemistry Caleb and Imogen have practically snaps and sizzles on the page.

To all the world, nothing can ruffle Imogen Hargrove. She’s smart, organized, and keeps her passionate nature tamped down. But beneath the surface is a woman who wants to live a more vibrant, sensual life. Imogen was badly hurt by her cheating ex-husband and it’s easy to see why the emotional scars she carries have heavily impacted her life. She’s a kind-hearted heroine who is easy to like, even when she makes mistakes to guard said heart. I really liked Imogen, so I was eager to see her come out of her shell. Caleb helps her do that by knocking her off her axis. He’s a swoon-worthy hero who is so much more than the playboy people know him as. Caleb is charming, good looking, and sexy as sin, but that’s only a small part of him. He made me smile with his rebellious socks and the way he could read people. But it tugged on my heartstrings to see the hidden, vulnerable part that feels unwanted and unloved by his father. He and Imogen both have ghosts in their pasts they have to overcome in order to open their hearts and have a shot at a real relationship. Yet while Imogen and Caleb have to work for their happily ever after, that doesn’t mean the road to it is lacking in fun – quite the contrary. Hard Deal is deliciously dirty and Imogen and Caleb are anything but shy when it comes to pleasure.

Hard Deal is the second book in Stefanie London’s Melbourne After Dark series but it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, I will definitely go back and read Unmasked because I absolutely adore Ms. London’s writing. I’ve only read a few of her books, but the ones I’ve read are flirty, fun, and wholly addictive. Caleb and Imogen’s romance is no exception and I cannot wait to re-read it.

A marriage to a cheating husband when she was younger has changed Imogen’s view on life. All she wants is a normal routine and to find someone to love who is nothing like her ex. As a result, she dresses conservatively, has a colorful vocabulary which doesn’t include swears and stays far away from the boss’s son Caleb.

Caleb has always been the son that doesn’t fit in with the family. Everything he does is never good enough and he has given up trying to compete with his golden older brother. He is outgoing and fun and chooses to act out his disdain for the dress code with his quirky socks.

Imogen is on a mission to protect her sister from getting her heart broke which brings her and Caleb together. Will she realize that there is much more to Caleb than first appears or will she just view him as everyone else has?

Caleb is perfect for Imogen as he brings out the risktaker that she has buried deep inside but before they can have anything meaningful she must accept that not everyone is like her ex. Hot and humorous I really enjoyed their story. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Hard Deal by Stefanie London is book Two in the Melbourne After Dark series. This is the story of Imogen Hargrove and Caleb Allbrook. I haven't yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Imogen still sore from a bad breakup from a cheating boyfriend looks to protect her sister from one. Thinking that her sister fiancé, Daniel might be one, Imogen goes 'undercover' at the Carmina Masquerade Ball to get the truth. But is sideline by her immediate attraction to an old college playboy named Caleb. Caleb is friends with Daniel and cuts a deal with him for a date if he looks into what Daniel is doing. But passion doesn't take long for that date to go up in flames.
Exciting hot read!

So much fun!

Caleb is your usual charming second son, the rebel and black sheep of the family, has a bit of daddy issues and a lot of *reputation*, but wow what do you mean that's not all there is to him? Imogen is *efficient*, works hard all the way to the top, has no time for funny business so can the boss's son stop annoying her so much?

I love Caleb and Imogen together. I mean, opposites attract is one of my favourite romance tropes, so. I love how Caleb slowly brings Imogen out of her shell and teaches her that it's okay to let loose once in a while, and Imogen *settles*Caleb and sort of makes him more focus?? They have fun together, there's a lot of sexy and also intense emotions at play too?? Because Caleb is finally ready to *more*, and he's willing to give his all with Imogen, but she has been played before and now a little bit wary to trust.

Also I just have to mention that Caleb wears fun socks to work and that makes me love him a little bit more.

Definitely going to check out Lainey's book (book 1) now!

Imogen’s world is a little colorless and tame when we first meet her. As the very capable assistant for her company’s CEO, she’s dedicated, hard working and a little monochromatic in her wardrobe and presumably her life. With her peculiar anti-swearing vocabulary and serious demeanor, you’d imagine she’d have no interest in the company good-time playboy.
But Caleb, with his irreverent personality and quirky, colorful socks and ties, has caught her eye, just like she caught his. He hasn’t asked her out, assuming she’d say no, but he loves pushing her buttons anyway. After a case of mistaken identity and a hot-as-hell kiss, each of their assumptions about the other are tested.
I loved these two characters right away, with fun loving and naughty Caleb being the perfect foil for the more uptight Imogen. I thought for a chapter or two that Caleb’s perfect older brother might make a play for Imogen...thankfully, I was mistaken. Each is dealing with their own demons, but Imogen’s are the ones that can derail their relationship almost before it starts.
Fun dialogue, engaging characters and a nicely paced storyline makes this a 5 star read for me. Hard Deal by Stephanie London is sure to be your next favorite book!

Stefanie London is the queen of sexy, flirtatious men with a heart of gold! She's just delivered another winning heartthrob with Caleb Allbrook. He's a major flirt, yet he's kind to all and downright fun to watch interact with people. His humor had me grinning often, his sensitive side tugged at my heart strings more than once and his happily ever after melted my heart! This story has a section that takes place at the same masquerade ball as the first book in the Melbourne After Dark series, so you may recognize snippets of the plot, but we delve deeper into his and Imogen's story. Really fun characters, several plot snippets going on to grab our interest at different times in the book and just an overall fun book to read. Really enjoyed it!

Imogen Hargrove never imagines a night of deception will turn into her own wonderland of sin, but that's exactly what starts to happen! All she wanted was to sneak into the masquerade party of the year to spy on her sister's fiancee Daniel because she's afraid he's cheating on her sister. The jokes on her when she realizes she's following the wrong man and the guy she accuses of being a louse is actually her boss's son, Caleb! A sizzling kiss between the two of them has her body reawakening from the deep freeze she put it into after a nasty split from her ex!

Caleb Allbrook is a ladies man, and he doesn't deny it ... but he's not the man she thought she was following and resents her trying to push him aside when she discovers that. The kiss they share proves the sizzling attraction he's always felt for her is no longer one sided, but can he get her to actually go out with him instead of continuing to hold him at arms length? It turns out he has an in with Daniel and promises to help her find out if he's stepping out on her sister ... but only if she promises him a genuine date!

4 Hard Deal Yum Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
This DARE part of the book world rocks. Here we have a couple who are set up to be opposite attracting and then the forbidden boss and employee. Each brings the push pull to the relationship and through their exchanges, the both of them begin to reveal their true selves.
It worked well and gave a reader full ride.