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The Refusal (The Techboys Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,042 ratings

WINNER OF 16 ROMANCE BOOK AWARDS: Overall winner of the 16th National Indie Excellence Awards and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards for best first book. Winner of the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award. Finalist in the International Book awards. Global Book Award Gold.
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Have you ever had one of those really bad days at work?

When you meet a famous guy in a lift and pretend not to know who he is?

Only to find you’re working for him?

No? Just me then?

Now I’ve got to try and dazzle him with my personality and professionalism.

Ha, bloody, ha.

And you haven’t seen him.

Janus Phillips. CEO.

Floppy hair, heart-breaking smile. In and out of the tabloids.

And did I mention his carousel of model girlfriends?

I wear Doc Martens and strange clothes.

Yeah.
Riiiight.

Problem is,
I think he kind of likes me.

That is, until he catches me with someone else.

The Refusal is a full-length romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. Don’t miss out on this fun, edge-of-the-seat read. Click BUY NOW to find out what happens between Jo and Janus.

PRAISE FOR THE REFUSAL:

"Have you ever found yourself reading a really exceptional book and you find that you’re forcing yourself to slow down on your reading because you simply don’t want the book to end? That’s exactly how I felt.” Shannon Kuhn Writes

"Do not pass on this story. You won't regret reading it!" Vivian Gunn, Erotic Romance Author

"I loved, loved, loved it! Jo and Janus have captured my heart. Definitely in my top 5 romance novels! I can't wait to see what comes next in the series. Eve M. Riley may be a debut author but she's right up there with the great romance authors. This book is a definite must read!" Clare Murphy, Romance Author

"I’m ruined now. I loved this story! I didn’t want to put it down. Jo with her fierce attitude and Janus’s softness yet domineering way made for the perfect couple!" C.G. Miller, Romance Author, Marked for You

"The Refusal is overall one of the best romance novels I have read in a long time. I can't wait to read the next in series." T.S. Simons, Author, Antipodes

“Let’s all take a moment of silence now that I’ve finished this book and it’s truly over until book two is released. This is a must read and will get you out of any book slump you’ve fallen into.” Beauty and The Book, Book Blogger

“I loved this book. I finished it in one day because I couldn't put it down.” All the Romance, Book Blog

“I have to say, first of all, DAMN! This book was sensational!” Pride Prejudice and Pups, Goodreads Reviewer

“Janus and Jo's story is absolutely brilliant. I loved the slow burn of their relationship at first and then the risk for it all!” Anne Mckayla, Book Blogger

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From the Publisher

2023-03-07 Man with head on arms 1
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2023-03-07 Man with head on arms 3
Quotes and awards

Editorial Reviews

Review

SHORTLISTED FOR 32 BOOK AWARDS!

WINNER: Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, 2021

WINNER: Global Book Award, 2022

WINNER: Global eBook Award, 2022

WINNER: Los Angeles Book Festival, 2022

WINNER: Beach Book Festival, 2022

WINNER: National Excellence in Romance Fiction, Best First Book 2022

WINNER: NYC Big Book Award, 2022

WINNER: 16th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards, 2022

WINNER: Independent Author Network Awards, 2022

WINNER: Firebird Book Award, Romance 2023

WINNER: Firebird Book Award, Romantic Suspense 2023

WINNER: Book Excellence Award, 2023

FIRST PLACE: Royal Dragonfly, 2022

FIRST PLACE: The BookFest Award, 2023

GOLD AWARD: Literary Titan Book Award, 2022

"Reading this book is like watching a really great romance film, with substance. The author writes with such energy and heart, the story ends way too soon . . . If you read one romance novel this year, make it The Refusal by Eve M. Riley." - Readers Views, Book Awards

"Cosmopolitan meets homegrown in this flawlessly written slow-burn romance that takes place around the fast-paced world of technology . . . This finely crafted romance is anchored by its complex characters. Janus is surprisingly down to earth and harbours plenty of his own enduring insecurities. And Jo is just a delight. It's impossible not to love the adorable little redhead who more than holds her own in a male dominated field. Her spunk, humour and complete lack of arrogance add to her complexity and make Jo one of the most endearing women I've read in a long time . . . Tortuous in the waiting and deliciously steamy in due course, The Refusal is guaranteed to be your next bingeable romance." - Indies Today, Book Awards Semi-finalist

"Run, do not walk, to your nearest retailer/ computer and get this book. Yes, it's that good. I'm not sure what else to say other than "devoured," "book hang-over," "amazing," and "need more." Did you get it yet? What? Not into tech heroes? Don't usually do modern romance? Listen, great writing is great writing--trust me, you'll be swept away. Now block out your schedule because you'll consume this baby in one sitting." - Nicole Wells, Romance Author, The Five Elements Series

"I just fell head over feels in love with Janus and Jo. This is the best debut romance I've ever read." - My Bookish Affair, Romance Book Blog

"This book was a delight." - L.H. Adamkiewicz, Creator of The Stephen King Writing Challenge

"Wow, that was amazing, the drama and the tension and the complete whirlwind of the book totally swept me away. Very, very good read!" - Alyssa Bartlett, Book blogger

"I barely even know how to send an email (lol). BUT-I loved ALL of it: the slow burn, the characters, the way the relationships developed." - Bookish in Town, Book Blog

From the Author

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B093G53X6P
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Snugrox Publishing (June 2, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 2, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 326 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,042 ratings

About the author

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Eve M Riley
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Welcome to my author page!

I have worked for many years in the tech startup scene writing screeds of notes*, the results of which you'll find in The Techboys Series. The Refusal is the first novel of this series and in all eight books are planned.**

I love helping people escape their daily lives for a short while with the help of a steamy romance, some fun, strong women and gorgeous fictional boyfriends!

I am a Scottish author based in Edinburgh with my husband and I have two grown up children. When I'm not reading or writing, I love running and can often be found in local cafes or out enjoying the beautiful wilderness of Scotland.

It's a joy when people reach out to me, so please feel free to contact me via my website evemriley.com or my Instagram page instagram.com/evemriley

Thanks so much for taking the time to visit!

Love,

Eve

* I'm not a techy by background, which explains why all the tech references in the books are suitable for people whose level of understanding is plugging a wire into their phone to charge it up.

** This first romance series revolves around three guys who by chance end up sitting next to each other in their first lecture at college. They find they compensate for the flaws in each other and, as they rescue each other from various scrapes, a firm friendship develops. The books meet them years later in New York as they are struggling to get their lives on track.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,042 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the story, romance, and character development in the book. They find the characters endearing, confident, and playful. The humor is described as humorous, sweet, and entertaining. Opinions differ on the writing style - some find it well-written and engaging, while others feel it's poorly written or wordy at times.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

18 customers mention "Story quality"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging and heartfelt. They appreciate the computer life and hacker world themes. The book is described as a polished, riveting read from a debut offering.

"...Rarely have I ever seen such a polished, riveting, heartfelt read from a debut offering, and I need more!!..." Read more

"This was a lovely, billionaire romance that was surprisingly down-to-earth...." Read more

"...His friend (who I hope gets his own story next) was intriguing and interesting...." Read more

"...writing style, and I liked that the background (cyber security) was unique, though perhaps a bit too detailed for some readers...." Read more

11 customers mention "Romance"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's romance. They describe it as a steamy, down-to-earth romance with an equal business-personal relationship. The way the two meet is great, and the slow-burn romance keeps readers hooked.

"...ways, run to the 1-Click now and start reading this unique, phenomenal romaņce!" Read more

"This was a lovely, billionaire romance that was surprisingly down-to-earth...." Read more

"...The way the two met was great and I was hoping he would have called her out for her behavior, but I actually appreciated that he didn't...." Read more

"Really enjoyed the tech background to story and fresh love story around tech people including smart main female character...." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the characters. They found the hero endearing and the heroine strong at her job. The heroine's self-confidence and playful nature were also appreciated.

"...Make room y'all, there's a new penner of prose on the scene and she is spectacular!..." Read more

"...At first, I loved the heroine's self-confidence and ability to be playful and not take herself too seriously...." Read more

"I loved Janus and Jo and can't wait to see what happens in the next book in the series. In fact, I received an ARC, but purchased a copy as well...." Read more

"Really enjoyed the characters. Could understand and feel their attraction to one another...." Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They appreciate the author's self-confidence and ability to be playful. The book is described as emotional, sexy, and highly entertaining.

"...Full of suspense, humor, steąm, angst and heart, this one is a definite can’t-miss...." Read more

"...At first, I loved the heroine's self-confidence and ability to be playful and not take herself too seriously...." Read more

"...🥵🔥 This debut novel by Eve Riley was emotional, sexy and highly entertaining! You all know I love strong willed heroines and Jo was that and more !..." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book. It's funny, sweet, sexy, and everything you can possibly want from a romance...." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing style"3 positive2 negative

Customers have different views on the writing style. Some find it well-written with likable characters and story, while others feel it's poorly written, wordy at times, and lacks intelligence.

"...It had a few steamy scenes, with an easy writing style, and I liked that the background (cyber security) was unique, though perhaps a bit too..." Read more

"Well written, likable characters and story. Especially nice to read a “here and now” story that doesn’t involve murder or kidnapping...." Read more

"...My only criticism is that at points it seem to wordy, but I thoroughly enjoyed it." Read more

"Written in the First Person, all characters..." Read more

The tech world just became hotter! 🤓
5 out of 5 stars
The tech world just became hotter! 🤓
When did the tech world become so sexy?! 🥵🔥 This debut novel by Eve Riley was emotional, sexy and highly entertaining! You all know I love strong willed heroines and Jo was that and more ! except ofcourse rouse when Janus is concerned🤤. This was a slow burn romance that will keep you on your toes. I was hooked from the moment they met & I loved witnessing Jo and Janus grow as individuals and later on as a couple.❤️❤️❤️ Disclaimer- I do not own the images, just the edit 🙋🏻‍♀️
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2021
    One of the true delights in indıe publıshing for me is finding new and new to me wrıters. Make room y'all, there's a new penner of prose on the scene and she is spectacular! Rarely have I ever seen such a polished, riveting, heartfelt read from a debut offering, and I need more!!

    Jo Williams is a woman working in the male-domınated tech securıty industry. Her start-up securıty business is making great strides, but they're still survıving job to job. If she can get the contract with Janus Industries, it will go a loņg way to putting her company on the map.

    Janus Phillips has had virtually overnight success with his company, and he's getting used to life in the spotlight, but he's lost the excıtement that comes with spending hours in front of the computer solving coding issues. When someone hacķs into his company's computer system, he wants the best in the business working to solve his problem.

    I adore Janus and Jo soooo much! Jo has an delightfully quirky side and gives as good as she gets. And Janus may be Mr. Important, but he has a softer, more vulnerable side that just gets more appealing as layers are revealed.

    This premise is something I haven’t seen a lot of, so I love it for it's freshness. And when a work of fıction can educate me along with all the other elements I love, it's a double win for me! Full of suspense, humor, steąm, angst and heart, this one is a definite can’t-miss. And if you love finding a new aųthor with a seasoned voice who can masterfully manıpulate your heartstrings in the most delicious ways, run to the 1-Click now and start reading this unique, phenomenal romaņce!
    17 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2023
    This was a lovely, billionaire romance that was surprisingly down-to-earth. I very much enjoyed reading about how these two young techies fall in love. The hero was truly endearing, and his capacity for vulnerability made him easy to love. I also very much enjoyed getting to know his best friend and look forward to reading his story. At first, I loved the heroine's self-confidence and ability to be playful and not take herself too seriously. Unfortunately, this was eroded a bit during the third act conflict that relied too much on her insecurities. Despite this, I appreciated that she held her own as a professional and businesswoman. One thing that annoyed me throughout the book was that the author is Scottish, yet she chose to depict American characters in New York City. Sadly, they never really sounded American, and I kept asking myself why she hadn't created British characters and set the story in London. I love reading British characters written by British authors and wish this writer had stuck to the culture and idioms that she knows. I just found the obvious British phrases distracting coming from the mouths of American characters. In any event, I did like her writing enough to continue the series.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2022
    I loved Janus and Jo and can't wait to see what happens in the next book in the series. In fact, I received an ARC, but purchased a copy as well. The way the two met was great and I was hoping he would have called her out for her behavior, but I actually appreciated that he didn't. I also liked the fact that Jo was so great at hacking and computer security that the owner of the company was awed by her.

    Not only did we see the relationship between Janus and Jo grow from equals in business, but equals in a personal relationship. Yes, he has more money than her, but that never really played into their relationship. His friend (who I hope gets his own story next) was intriguing and interesting. Just who and why is Janus Industries getting hacked and how will they stop the people responsible. Also, if their personal relationship is found out, it could mean then end of Jo's respect in the business. Unfortunately, women get treated differently and she would be outcast as sleeping her way to the top, even though that is the farthest thing from the truth.

    There is mystery, insecurity, jealousy and friendship all wrapped up in this story. I couldn't stop reading this book. As I already said, I received an ARC (and purchased a copy) and this is my honest, voluntary review.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2022
    Overall, an entertaining story. It had a few steamy scenes, with an easy writing style, and I liked that the background (cyber security) was unique, though perhaps a bit too detailed for some readers. My biggest complaint would’ve been that while the story setting is New York and the characters are all American, it was obvious that the author is NOT American. The European slang and dialogue was spread throughout and took me out of the story at times.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2024
    This is a good story of computer life and the hacker world...with a little love thrown in. Interesting read. It takes place worldwide.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2024
    Really enjoyed the tech background to story and fresh love story around tech people including smart main female character. New author for me but would read more by her
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2024
    I love it when the geeks get together (I married a gamer). Through their ups and downs, real world misogyny, and double standards this couple made it work.
    Sooooo ready for Fabian's story, though!
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2023
    Really enjoyed the characters. Could understand and feel their attraction to one another. They didn’t have an excessive amount of baggage, which is sometimes overwhelming.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Lammie
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5⭐️
    Reviewed in Canada on November 2, 2024
    This book has been on my to do list for quite some time and it was well worth the wait ☺️

    Both Jo and Janus are richly written with all their quirks and insecurities and were some of the most relatable characters I have ever read.

    The story is set in the tech world 💻, so it was different and fresh. Last, but NOT least the steam scenes were hot and sometimes humorous 🔥 😄

    I will definitely read the rest of the books in this series.
  • Azalea Hudson
    5.0 out of 5 stars A STEAMY SWEET SURPRISE!
    Reviewed in Brazil on October 12, 2021
    The book tells the story of Janus, who owns a big tech business, but unfortunately hackers trying to breach his security demanded him to hire Jo’s tech security company to fix the problem. The sparks fly between them at their very first encounter. 

    Janus can be considered a nerd who got a makeover throughout college, and became a 30-year-old hunk, with women toppling over him. After working hard, his company grew to be a solid business and with that came the social spotlight and the perks of dealing with the media vultures. Jo, on the other hand, is a gorgeous red-haired geek with some shaken self-confidence due to bullying in her past and exposure to the media because of it.

    There are a lot of tech terms and hacking talk in the story while the main characters fall into an excruciating slow burn romance, and don’t take me wrong. When I say excruciating, I don’t mean in a bad way! It keeps you on your toes and your heart hitting your throat the entire time.

    Janus is portrayed as a ladies’ man by the news, and the media is not the most trustworthy source of information sometimes, but Jo’s media experience takes its toll on their romanc, and while the reader is almost ripping the hem of its t-shirt off, waiting for their romance to happen, the reader has time to fall in love with Fabian, the troubled nerd hacker who is friends with Janus. Well, I did!

    The book has a bit of a slow pace in the first part, but once those two get together, the reader is up to a wild, hot, fun ride! Their time together is full of steam and sassiness, and the pace of the story changes so you can’t put the book down, and it’s not only with the struggles of their romance and to make it work, but also all the adrenaline of the hacking world.

    The book was a sweet surprise since I’m not acquainted with the Tech World, but I loved it from beginning to ending, and I recommend it to everyone who would enjoy a steamy story with strong main characters, well built second characters that makes you fall in love with them… Fabian, I’m waiting for you, my hunky geek!
  • Reader Of Romance
    5.0 out of 5 stars Characters to fall in love with
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2021
    The author’s tiktok got me intrigued to read her book and it did not disappoint.

    Not only does it have heart-warming characters, it has a plot that wouldn’t look out of place on the big screen.

    The slow burn was perfect with the two MCs sharing their thoughts throughout so as a reader you feel completely involved with the story.

    As much as I love the mouth-watering Janus, I absolutely loved the feisty Jo. She has everything you need in a female MC; she is intelligent and successful without the arrogance and her vulnerability, and the reasons for it, play a key part in the will they/won’t they scenario.

    The plot was more than convincing and had great pace. The friends of the MCs were also well written and I can only hope that getting to know them a little bit has laid the foundations for even more books by this fantastic writer.

    All the feels with more than a modicum of intelligence - loved the geek is cool feel - we need more books like this. Highly recommended
  • Emma McGuire
    5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn’t put it down!
    Reviewed in Australia on November 10, 2024
    Read this book in a day. Literally couldn’t put it down. Jo & Janus’ story melted me & all of the characters & their world together were created seamlessly.
  • Andrew
    4.0 out of 5 stars Terrific start for a new author. Intriguing romance woven into a solid story; both worth the read
    Reviewed in Canada on February 26, 2022
    A very good debut novel from a talented author. I’d call this an explicit romance or an erotic romance because there’s an interesting and compelling story in the background.

    After reading this excellent book, I read through a bunch of the 2, 3 and 4 star reviews. I was surprised by how many were ARC reviews and the number of concerns: too much tech, not American slang, too much focus on their businesses, etc - really?

    With this author’s work experience, I was hoping there would be more insight into the tech/security/hacking world. It’s an area that needs more light, not less. And anyone who doesn’t think building a hi-tech company is all consuming doesn’t understand that business. Having had some experience in the industry, I think the author caught it just right.

    I appreciated the backstory on the characters and the concerns Jo had for her reputation. I would have thought that readers of romance books would be sensitive to the complexity of characters. Few of the lower starred reviews acknowledged how easily people pigeonhole real people, particularly women, so they can dismiss them with a single descriptor. I thought the author did an excellent job of highlighting the legitimate concerns entrepreneurs have in managing their public images, particularly women.

    My only complaints are the lead male was too swoonworthy, offset by the fact that the lead female was well described and well depicted in the cover photo (too frequently this isn’t the case) ;-) and in the end there were strong indications of a D/s relationship offered in the bedroom - I certainly didn’t see that coming. I thought they were beautifully matched, and with Jo’s personality she’d want it her way some times.

    A solid 4 Stars, and I’m looking forward to the follow-on books in the series.

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