As much as I wanted to love this, I can only say it was ok. We’ve all heard this story before. It’s been written many times. Macon is a playboy who gets a taste of his own medicine. If you’re just in it for the spice, you’ll love it! Now with that being said, I will be reading book 2 when it comes out. For whatever reason, I always love the 2nd book in a series.

Narration notes:
Narrators ~ Savannah Peachwood & Tor Thom
Savannah is excellent and new to me! Tor, also new to me has a very deep, older voice and Macon is 27. His female voice is very breathy. Tor just didn’t fit this book for me.

Genre ~ romance
Setting ~ Hawaii / LA / Spade Hotels
Publication date ~ December 28, 2023
Audio length ~ 10 hours 1 minute
POV ~ duel pov
Trope ~ Billionaire Romance / One Night Stand

How else can I begin a review for any Marni Mann book except to say that I freaking loved every single word?! She’s an absolutely brilliant storyteller and in my opinion she will never do wrong.

The new Spade Hotel series is simply a spin-off. We have so many of our favourite characters making appearances (Dalton’s and more)! The book starts with a bachelor party for one of our beloveds in Kauai, which just happens to be where the new Spade Hotel is being built, and where our new hero, Macon Spade, is being based for the months it’s in progress.

He’s a one-night type of guy (since a girl destroyed his teenage heart), so when he suddenly becomes obsessed with the girl he “met” the night of the bachelor party? Seems like Brooklyn, a girl with many secrets, could be the girl to tame the playboy without even wanting to…

The audio was narrated by long-time favourites Savannah Peachwood and Tor Thom. I haven’t heard anything from these two in a long time, so it was a real treat to listen to their voices again, because they are a couple that I have loved for ages, and was very happy to have them back in my ears! Fantastic job!

Absolutely recommend this one to all - Marni Mann is hard to beat for excellent writing, and steamy right from the very start of every book. This is a new series so a great place to jump in (though the background of the other characters is nice, it isn’t necessary). 5+ stars!

I received an advance read and listen copy from NetGalley, Valentine PR, and Dreamscape Media, and this is my honest feedback.

Macon Spade had his heart broken and has vowed to never let that happen again. He works hard in his families luxury Spade Hotels and plays harder as a forever bachelor. That is until he meets his match in a beautiful woman at a club that consumes his every thought. Brooklyn works hard to put herself through college, is ready to graduate and doesn't have time for the sexy player who could derail her dreams. But Macon can be very persuasive and neither can deny the fiery attraction between them. Brooklyn is everything Macon told himself he didn't want, but she makes him want to be a better man, and he is determined to convince her that he is the perfect man for her. When Brooklyn starts to want a life with him as well, are they both strong enough to overcome the secrets they're afraid to face between them? Macon and Brooklyn are so perfect for each other. They are from completely different worlds, but are so alike in many ways and end up changing each other’s lives.
Narrators, Savannah Peachwood and Tor Thom brought this touching, and steamy story to life. I really enjoyed the way Peachwood portrayed the driven, independent student, working hard to realize all her dreams at work, life, and love so beautifully. I also liked the warmth of Thom's voice as he portrayed Macon's change back into the caring, thoughtful, loving man he was always meant to be. This is a great start to Mann's new series and I can't wait for more from the Spade family.

The playboy. Romance about a rich playboy with no morals. Who sees a woman he would like to have. A man who I hate

The Playboy is about Macon, a billionaire bachelor who could never see himself settling down and Brooklyn, the local striving for a better life and no time for anything but work and school.

The story overall was ok. I felt like it was missing something. It didn't keep my attention very well so I had a hard time finishing it. I couldn't connect with the characters, I needed more passion and romance from both of them. During the story I was confused about some things. First, Macon dealt with heartbreak in the beginning but it was not brought up again so I was confused why it was mentioned in the first place. It didn't seem to be an issue for him when he started falling for her. Also, not sure if it's just me but I was so confused about the club they met at. I was trying to figure out the club situation so I could understand her desire to go there and be alone. What kind of club was it that he was able to talk and touch her when she was dancing on a platform/stage? Then the club was never discussed again. That's the place they met, why wouldn't it be talked about again? Lastly, the ending felt rushed and unfinished. I felt like there could have been more to their story and I'm not referring to the epilogue.

For the audio, I like Savannah Peachwood so her narration was good to me. Tor Thom was a new narrator for me. I liked his narration but I did not like his female voice. It was too breathy especially during intimate moments so it was distracting to me. I would have preferred Savannah to narrate the intimate moments.

I have read other books by Marni Mann that I enjoyed and I really wanted to like this story but it didn't do anything for me. I do plan on reading her other series like The Dalton Family. Some characters mentioned in this story piqued my interest. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for sending this book for review consideration

Marni Mann's writing shines in The Playboy, the first book in the new Spade Hotel series.

Macon vowed to be a playboy after being brokenhearted by his high school sweetheart. Brooklyn is a senior college student letting loose nightly on the dance floor. Instantly, Macon is captivated by the tiny dancer, needing her to be his. Brooklyn's got some secrets and hesitations. Will she be able to stay away from the playboy?

Marni Mann was one of my favorite author discoveries in 2022 and I adore that she brought back some of my favorite characters for cameos in The Playboy. Macon is the typical Marni Mann brooding yet falling first hero that has you on your toes while Brooklyn is the "take no f's" heroine. I enjoyed the text messages dispersed throughout and felt the narrators (Tor Thom and Savannah Peachwood) nailed this section. Macon calling Brooklyn his "tiny dancer" was cute and you could tell he was head first in love- with some "my wife" references. As always, Mann delivers in the spice (this actually may be her spiciest yet). I cannot wait to see where she goes with the rest of the series!

Thank you Valentine PR and Dreamscape Media for my alc/arc in exchange for my honest review.

****I'm chatting with Marni January 10th on instagram- thanks Valentine PR- and CANNOT wait. That did not influence this review. ****

I had a really hard time liking either of the characters. I did the audio of this, and the narrators did a fantastic job, but I really struggled to get into the story. As someone who typically loves the alphahole MMC there was just something about Macon that didn't do it for me. And while I do appreciate that the book was called "the Playboy", I just couldn't find the attraction to him. I really struggled to finish this.

Marni always brings the spice. Excited to start this new series, with some overlap from her prior series.

Macon is successful and sexy and is a love 'em and leave 'em guy. HE doesn't do relationships.

In walks Brooklyn, and she changes everything.

Their chemistry is undeniable. And witnessing Macon stumble as he tries to figure out how to navigate a real relationship was so much fun. Can't wait for the rest of the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

The Playboy is the first in a new series by Marni Mann. I have been looking forward to the Spade Hotel Series as I’ve found her recent series to be repetitive and predictable. After listening to The Playboy I’ve come to understand that I much prefer Mann’s standalone novels. This new series features many characters from her previous series and honestly didn’t feel new or different at all.

It is sexy, fun and flirty. If you are looking for a quick listen than base don that I'd recommend The Playboy.

This book might have just become my favorite from Marni Mann!! It’s book 1 of the new Spade Hotel series and I could not get enough of this storyline! It has all the vibes of a movie I love from the early 2000s but I don’t want to give away the plot🫣 It’s a sexy and spicy story between an alphahole billionaire and a college student that is fast paced and easy to love!!

💵Billionaire Romance
☝️One Night Stand
🥰He Falls First
🧲Opposites Attract
🖤Reformed Playboy
🤫Secrets

Macon Spade is the heir to his family’s hotel business and a known playboy who is currently living in Hawaii while overseeing a new hotel being built there. Brooklyn is a strong independent woman living in Hawaii with her 2 sisters in a very small apartment and is about to finish college. When Macon sees her one night at a club, he expects her to fall at his feet, but she is unlike anyone he has met and turns him down multiple times. From there the storyline had me hooked with unexpected twists, secrets, all the heat, tons of chemistry and so many swoon worthy billionaire moments!

If you’ve read Marni’s Dalton series then you know Macon Spade from The Bachelor. This is where I had fallen in love with this playboy and couldn’t wait for his story. If not, this book can be read as a standalone but there are references to a lot of characters in that series who make appearances.

🎧AUDIO REVIEW
The audio of this book is narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Tor Thom. I absolutely adore Savannah Peachwood and this performance confirmed why she is one of my favorites! She was so perfectly casted as Brooklyn and gave so much life to her character, and has a male voice that is just outstanding!! Tor Thom narrates Macon and while he was still enjoyable to listen to, unfortunately for me, his deep tone just didn’t fit Macon’s character of this young 27 year old playboy. However, it it didn't completely ruin the audio for me and I still loved listening to it!

I didn’t know if Marni could top her Dalton Family series, but The Playboy can definitely hang out with those irresistible men. For those that enjoy series that are interconnected, you’ll be pleased to know that several characters from that series make an appearance. Macon is as hardworking as he is a playboy too, but he meets his match when he spies Brooklyn across a club, dancing like nobody's watching. He falls so hard for her while she is just trying to get to the next day. This opposites attract, slight age-gap, one night stand romance is as steamy as it is sweet, not that you’d expect anything different from Marni. In audio, Savannah Peachwood and Tor Thom were perfect choices to give voice to these characters and they held nothing back.

Macon is hardworking, perpetually single, and rich. The world is his oyster and when he sees a woman dancing across the club, he plans to sample her for the night. He’s drawn to her until his plans draw to a screeching halt when she doesn’t even notice him. He has to work for it and they agree to a single night, no names or numbers. Unable to get her off his mind, Macon is determined to see her again and this time, he won’t let her go.

I loved the dynamic between Brooklyn and Macon. While they both keep minor secrets from one another, I thought the way that these secrets came to light was perfectly executed, without unnecessary drama. They were just bumps in the road and I loved that there wasn’t the dreaded third act breakup. I loved that Brooklyn was ready to make her own way in the world and that Macon saw not only a woman he was falling for, but also saw her potential. And he is such a dirty talker, which let me just say upped the steam quite a bit. This was a fantastic start to a new series and I can’t wait to see who is next.

3.5 stars

This reminded me of Blue Crush (the Kate Bosworth surf movie) because it has a similar plot. Only the H is a billionaire and not a pro- athlete.
I liked our heroine although I didn't agree with why she lied about her job.
The hero was fun to read. The former playboy falling fast for our heroine was nice.
The story itself was fun and interesting, and I'm interested in reading more from the brothers.
The narrators I liked a lot they brought the characters to life.
Overall, it was a fun read.

4 Star Review The Playboy (Spade Hotel #1) by Marni Mann
eBook/Audio:
I was so excited when I heard that Marni Mann was releasing a new series and if The Playboy is anything to go by then she is off to a flying start.
This is Macon and Brooklyn’s story, and it was certainly spicy. From the moment he set wyes on Brooklyn, he wanted her and being a billionaire, he is used to getting what or who he wants.
The Player is a fast paced, well written story that will draw you in and keep you invested from the start. The journey was full of twists and turns but what a journey it was. I loved the growth that the characters went through whilst reading,
Could Brooklyn be the woman to convince Macon to give up his playboy ways?
The narration by Savannah Peachwood and Tor Thom brought all the passion of the relationship to life. Their voices are easy to listen to and I found myself drawn to their performances.
One click and find out.

.

I loved this audio. The narrators really brought this story and characters to life. I loved how Macon was a known playboy and turned obsessed lover, but in the best way possible. Can’t wait for more!

Definitely Ms. Mann’s most spicy book yet! Macon and Brooklyn have chemistry that is off the spice chart! Lots of hot, steamy scenes, but also a great story with two well developed characters. I enjoyed their romance story, along with updates on the Dalton family, too.

The Playboy
Spade Hotel, Book 1
By: @marnimann
Narrated by: @savannahpeachwood , @tor_thom

In the mood for a fantastic, spicy romance? Then I have the book for you. Coming December 28th, Marni Mann is releasing the first book in her new Spade Hotel series, and you can get ready to fall for Macon! Hurt before, he has no intention of ever getting involved with a woman again. Until her. The one he sees dancing. But unfortunate for him, she isn't making the chase easy. Brooklyn is getting ready to graduate, and is focused on her future. Macon is not on her radar, nor does she want him there. These two are like oil and water. But that is what makes their connection so much sweeter. Will Macon win her over? Will Brooklyn give in to the wiles of this romantic billionaire? Mann does it again. Has me falling hard for an incredible man and rooting for the couple to find their happiness. But she has a way of keeping it at arms length until just the right time. This book is packed with it all! A bit of angst, a lot of banter and a chemistry that is hugely explosive.

And bringing it all to life is Savannah Peachwood and Tor Thom. Peachwood brings her amazing voice to Brooklyn instilling some attitude and independence. Thom uses that smooth baritone of his to seduce and win over the aloof Brooklyn. Together these two make the magic to create a couple that kept me captivated. Loved the narration, make sure to grab your copy too!

Macon and Brooklyn were everything I needed them to be. They were the perfect blend of grumpy and sunshine. Macon was the alphahole that everyone wants, and Brooklyn was the perfect boycrazed female to tame him. I loved watching them fall for each other and can't wait to read the next book in the Spade Hotel series!

Tropes:
Billionaire
Opposites attract
He falls first
One night stand
Bad boy/good girl

This book was 🌶️ from the first chapter. Loved it!

"When I think about my future, Brooklyn, it's you."

💎 Reformed Playboy
💎 Billionaire
💎 Opposites Attract
💎 He Falls First and HARD
💎 Obsessed MMC
💎 Workplace Romance
💎 HEA

The Playboy, first in the Spade Hotel series, explored the balance of business and pleasure between the ultimate playboy, Macon Spade, and Brooklyn, the 'tiny dancer' who brought him to his knees.

Macon, heir to the Spade Hotels, was the epitome of a dominant alpha, relentless in his pursuit of Brooklyn, never giving up on her. Resistant at first, Brooklyn eventually melted into his arms, looking for a way to escape from the struggles of everyday life. But what started as a way to forget ended up turning into an undeniably passionate and intensely charged connection which led to so much more.

Brooklyn was a strong FMC, driven and independent, working hard for what she achieved, wanting to earn respect from others instead of being seen as someone just sleeping with one of the executives. Macon was so in tune with her, giving her everything she needed with nothing he wouldn't do for her. Despite their differences, the only thing that ever mattered to Macon was Brooklyn, never money. But Brooklyn's insecurities threatened to get in their way as secrets came between them. Could they establish boundaries and separate work and play? Was there any possibility of a future for them?

I loved how Macon spoiled Brooklyn, how he treated her as the most important person in his life, how thoughtful he was as he remembered all the small details. As someone whose favorite flavor is also sushi, I adored the sushi dates and I wish more time would have been spent on them. Seriously, the idea of flying on a private plane to dine on sushi is absolutely swoon worthy.

I loved Brooklyn's strong work ethic, how dedicated she was to her career. I enjoyed seeing her relationship with her sisters and how much love they shared for each other. But most of all, I loved the effect she had on Macon, how much she made him feel and how she shattered his playboy past in a way no one ever could before.

I loved the setting in Hawaii and the influence it had in building the newest Spade Hotel. Perfect for Blue Crush fans, Macon and Brooklyn proved true love could thrive past their differences. In the earlier stages of the story, I didn't care for Macon's obsession with Brooklyn as it felt borderline creepy. And the spice, while written well, started to overshadow the plot which hadn't even been fully developed yet.

Even with secrets and lies, conflict was light, easily forgiven and resolved, and I would hardly call what happened a third act breakup. I wanted more tension, more angst, more of the emotional roller coaster I was expecting to feel. This was a cute but basic workplace romance and I think so many more elements could have been woven into the plot. I still hoped to see Macon and Brooklyn find their HEA but I definitely struggled with the story at times.

I listened to the audiobook mostly at 1.75x and Savannah Peachwood was fantastic as always. She voiced Brooklyn and the other characters exceedingly well and I couldn't help but get immersed in Brooklyn's experience. Tor Thom, on the other hand, was new to me and I found it difficult to listen to his narration. Everything sounded monotone with the same cadence and tone in that I barely felt any emotion from his viewpoint. Perhaps I would have felt differently if I had read the print version. I would definitely continue listening to this series now that I've met the characters but I hope to see a different male narrator for the next installment.

* Special thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Available December 28, 2023. *

Macon and Brooklyn set the pages on fire in The Playboy. I love a reformed playboy hero, and Brooklyn brought Macon to his knees from the first moment he saw her, and I was HERE FOR IT.

What I loved about this book: Macon's determination to win over Brooklyn, their immediate connection, the push and pull between them, Brooklyn's independent spirit.

Although I did not love the narrator for Macon's character, this audiobook was super steamy from the beginning and the plot line unraveled slowly enough to keep me intrigued.

If you love a reformed playboy like I do, then this one is for you! Well done once again M Mann!