Explicit Transactions (Destined to Fail) by Hayden Hall

A different direction for a rent boy story. The connection between the two main characters is more than attraction. The attraction is more than sex. The emotion is over the top. Explicit Transactions is part of the Destined to Fail series but can be read as a standalone.

From the blurb:

I’m the prince of the night; the fulfillment of every one of your desires; the human form of every dirty thought you’ve ever had.

If you can afford me, of course.

Luca DiMarco can afford me. The flashy socialite and the hottest face of the upper echelon, he’s loaded enough that entire weekends with me are nothing more than pocket change.

Luca is relentless. I gave him something in our encounters which he can’t live without. And he’s doing everything in his near-infinite power to keep it. He’s going out of his way to make me feel good.

It almost feels like he cares. And he's making it really hard to resist the attention.

Boys like me don’t go around falling in love with their clients. They don’t expect a Prince Charming to carry them away. Yet both of those things seem to be happening to me.

But there are greater forces at work trying to tear us apart. And I’m not brave enough to face them.

Explicit Transactions is the third standalone installment in the Destined to Fail series. It features a strictly transactional relationship between one very independent contractor (cough, cough) and one wealthy crime empire princeling who has more in common with his escort than either imagines. Get ready for a rags-to-riches, forbidden romance full of heat and heart, with a guaranteed happy ending.

Jacquie's Review:

Explicit Transactions is far more steamy from the start compared to previous books in the Destined to Fail series. Just the nature of Austin's job really, and the physical side of things happens before the emotional side does. Luca and Austin had explosive chemistry and I really felt like they slowly fell in love.

Some outside action and drama courtesy of Luca's family which made the pair confront their feelings. That part I really enjoyed as well as the visits with Parish and the mention of the center that Luca helps fund.

Sweet HEA

Rating: 5 Stars

Reedkaye's Review:

This is an interesting twist to a rent boy story. Austin is the rent guy actually and for the most part enjoys his job. But when his current client has a change of plans Austin is left trying to figure out his next move. That is until Jack, the recent client, refers Austin to Luca, Jack’s friend.

Luca lives a life that he is not enjoying. He has all money can buy but since he was adopted into a mafia family, he has been obligated to maintain the lifestyle that goes with it. He acts on Jack’s referral and gets ahold of Austin. 

Then the more than attraction sets Luca’s life on a different path. There are a few unexpected twists to this story.  

Both of these MC’s are so likable that I had a hard time putting the story down. The author did a great job on twisting the normal storyline to give it an emotional aspect that makes this a standout.  

Rating: 5 Stars

Heather's Review:

Explicit Transactions is Hayden Hall's latest offering and once again he brings fresh perspective to his chosen topic - a rent boy/billionaire story with a 'family' twist.  It was a surprisingly quick and not surprisingly steamy read, with some angst, some unexpected twists and an instant connection.

I enjoyed the pacing, the steam and the drama, but wished there was just a little more exploration of the emotional connection.

If you read and like this one, you'll probably also love EM Denning's Billion Dollar Sugar Baby that has less crime family but similar feels.

Rating: 4 Stars

Explicit Transactions is available to buy as an ebook, paperback, or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.