Three tattoo guns.Five motorcycle tires.Countless T-shirts.That’s what I lost before I realized nothing good comes from dating my co-workers. Usually, I don’t have much self-control. So, the fact that Frankie Grant is a hot, talented tattoo artist means it’s a damn miracle she hasn’t already been in my bed. But nothing can happen between us because Frankie comes with Jolie, her young daughter, … Jolie, her young daughter, and a crap load of baggage from her ex. And those are two things I never entertain.
Anyone who knows me—the screwed up foster kid from the wrong side of the tracks—knows I’m not the guy you take home to meet your parents, let alone your kid. But I also know what it’s like not to have parents, so things get complicated when Jolie asks me to be her daddy.
I might as well just slash my own tires now.
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Read: 3/18/21
A Co-Worker’s Crush was the sixth and final book in the Rooftop Crew series by the authors Piper Rayne. For full enjoyment, the series should be read in order.
I loved this series and hate to see it end. All the books were great but this was my favorite. I’m totally in love with Jax, Frankie and Jolie – but I was in love long before this book came into existence.
Jax was the third childhood friend to round out the foster siblings of Dylan (Rival Roomies, book three), Knox (The Do-Over, book five) and Jax. They grew up with difficult lives within the foster care system and Jax appeared to be the most lost and detached from relationships. He was the runner and wanderer and had built a reputation and large following as a tattoo artist that had traveled around but finally made his way back to Clifton Heights and Ink Envy (Dylan’s Tattoo Shop). He was also loyal to a fault to those he cared about.
Frankie was a single mom to five year old Jolie, and we learned in earlier books that she had been married to an abusive addict. She was a skilled tattoo artist at Ink Envy and called the Rooftop Crew family.
Jax and Frankie had fireworks immediately upon their first meeting, although they saw it as an instant dislike of one another. In reality, they had hilarious bantering with sexual tension. In the end, they both had long journeys to take before having the ability to engage in a committed relationship. It was a journey I enjoyed taking with them. And add in Jolie, a precious five year old that stole the show, and the mix was perfection.
I’m sad to see the series end; however, the authors introduced us to Frankie’s cousin, Adrian, an NHL star, so the spinoff series Hockey Hotties has been born. Adrian is up first in My Lucky #13 with promises of cameos from the Rooftop Crew and I can’t wait!
If you have read the last few books in this series, then you have met Jax and Frankie and know that their book was going to rock your world. Between their bantering and that sexual chemistry, they are meant to be. But I wasn’t expecting Jax to steal my heart and have me a little emotional. This was the perfect couple to end this series, which I don’t want to see the end. But knowing Piper Rayne’s writing, I can bet this won’t be the last we see of this group of friends.
Jax Owens is a popular tattoo artist who decided to come work for his best friend Dylan at Ink Envy. Jax grew up in foster homes and stays as far away from commitment as he can as he never had any real positive role models growing up and he is known as a ladies man who will go through as many as he can.
Yet when his co-worker bets him that he can’t leave it in his pants he knows this is a bet he has to win.
Frankie Grant is a single mom to Jolie and is a tattoo artist at Ink Envy and she knows Jax is bad news although she can’t help but think he’s attractive and knows how close Jolie is to him. When Jolie asks for a specific present from Santa she knows she is in trouble!!
With so much at stake can Frankie and Jax get over their hatred for one another when certain things keep bringing them close together?
This book was so incredible from start to finish and I loved it!
I loved Jax as even though there was a real bad boy in him, he had been through so much that you knew his heart was so guarded. I really liked that he was ready to try and find his parents for health reasons even though he didn’t want anything to do with them. I also was impressed with his dedication to Dylan as it was obvious how popular he was and how he would have a following no matter where he went. I thought his bet with Frankie was hilarious and I knew he would win just to prove her wrong.
Frankie had such a special place in my heart being a single mom and doing everything in her power for Jolie. I really admired her friendship/relationship with Sandy who was Jolie’s grandma from Frankie’s ex, Michael. I hated Michael and how he was really using Jolie against Frankie and Sandy to get what he wanted.
There was so much chemistry between Frankie and Jax but there was also so many obstacles that the two faced, beginning with Jolie. I loved how Jax treated Jolie but that was something that I was definitely worried about. I loved how through Gumdrop, Frankie was able to see a different side of Jax and how that began to change the relationship. There was also an incident on games night where we saw a softer side of Jax and I knew that the commitment guy was somewhere inside of him.
I also loved the decision Jax made after Michael showed up at Jolie’s and he wanted to keep both of them safe! The trip to Vegas made Frankie realize how popular Jax really was but Jax knew where he wanted to be.
There was an incident in Rian’s bakery where everything kind of got thrown into chaos but I loved where it ended up leading Jax in his discovery for his past and what it made him realize. That then led to an altercation with Dylan but the stuff that Jax did after made me so happy!!
The ending was totally awesome and I really want more!!
Ever since Jax came stomping onto the scene I have been wanting his story. He was such a broken little cookie with such a soft and sweet centre I just knew his story needed to be awesome. Then when he started butting heads with Frankie and we all felt those sparks shooting off everywhere I was even more thrilled.
However, the teaser at the end of the last book had me almost holding my breath waiting for this book. Because as adorable as Jolie is she has everyone wrapped around her little fingers. And as much as I wanted her to get her Christmas wish, man did it feel like we were still a fair way off that with Jax and Frankie.
Now if this is your first introduction to The Rooftop Crew, that’s cool, you can read safely this as a standalone. However I strongly recommend you read this in order just to get the full effect. Not because it’s necessary.
With that said I can’t believe it’s over. Although knowing piper Rayne we will probably get a novella sometime soon. But if we don’t I guess I can manage; I mean we were just promised hockey hotties and I am absolutely there for that. So, I best go update my TBR mountain. Kisses.
A Co-Worker’s Crush is book six in The Rooftop Crew series. It can be read as a standalone. I really enjoy this series and have read them all. This one is Jax and Frankie’s story. I was excited to read their story and it was everything I hoped for. Jax and Frankie are o-workers. They don’t get along well but they are funny and have great chemistry together. They know how to push each other’s buttons and do it a lot. Jax is a strong but sweet guy too. Frankie is a tough girl but also sweet. I liked their story.
And I am back with book six in The Rooftop Crew series, and it’s Jax’s story. Excuse me while I bounce off the walls for a few minutes. Jax seriously captivates me. He is the ultimate book boyfriend. In this enemies to lovers story we get Frankie who is a tattoo artist who is a single mom. I don’t want to give too much away because I just think everyone needs to go read this series. This book packs a punch, it gives you everything, and I should expect nothing else from Piper Rayne. Also, if you are a huge fan of Piper Rayne my Bookshelf Boyfriends Podcast is dropping their episode this Friday. Be sure to add this to your TBR GoodReads, and check out their other books because they are absolutely amazing.
Hate to see it end but what a bang to go out on! Ashley @ Carolina Chic’s Read
I love this series and hate to see the last couple come together but Piper Rayne did not disappoint! Frankie’s daughter’s Christmas wish is for Jax to be her daddy! Frankie doesn’t think she will ever have Jax. Jax has it bad for Frankie! You know what they say there is a thin line between love and hate! These two have always hated each other but when they finally let their guards down can they come together for each other!! Sad to see it end but loved seeing everyone help out in this book!
This story was worth the wait! A Co-Worker’s Crush shows us that we can create a different future for ourselves, despite our circumstances and the past we come from. I’m so sad to see The Rooftop Crew series come to an end, but knowing we’ll see some of the characters in the spin-off makes my heart happy. Such an amazing addition and definitely one I’ll read again soon!
A Co-Worker’s Crush by Piper Rayne is book six in The Rooftop Crew series and I have been impatiently waiting for this story since I first read the blurb! I knew Jax and Frankie and especially Jolie would win my heart, and I was so right!
Jax is one HECK of a package of a man and had me intrigued from the very start, hungry for every detail that would let me find out why he was who he was and how he came to be so. And it had me HOOKED.
And Frankie? She is so sweet, having endured a lot of crazy, yet still kind and loving and just wanting the best for her daughter.
The chemistry between them? FIRE. The banter? EPIC. The camaraderie? Delightful! Two people that have beaten the odds, that deserve happiness even though they can’t see it in the cards for them, but their connection ever growing more powerful.
I adored watching Jax and Frankie realize how their relationship could grow, if they just gave it the time, the space, and the hope and dedication it needed.
And special shout out to Jolie who is utterly charming and a true delight! Also, Gumdrop!
If you’re looking for a story that will have you swooning whilst simultaneously wanting to reach into the story to give the characters a bit of a shake and wake up call, look no further than A Co-Worker’s Crush! Their connection is powerful and you’ll be drawn into their orbit too and it’s absolutely worth it!
P. S. I cannot wait to get my hands on Aiden’s story!
Piper Rayne books are always a “must read”. These ladies write some of the best book boyfriends and also juggle some pretty serious issues into their plots. I tend to forget just how much and how deep I love their writing until I’m in one of their books. That was the case (yet again) with A Co Worker’s Crush. Which, sadly, is the closing book of The Rooftop Crew series.
Rounding out the crew of characters from The Rooftop Apartments and Ink Envy, we finally get to Jax and Frankie. Their story has all the things I love about Piper and Rayne’s writing style. Strong female characters. They aren’t always the in your face sort of strong. As Frankie illustrates for us, this author duo also writes an amazing “Get up. Shake it off. You’ve got this” silent strong female character. A plot that starts small yet grows under you as you read, and a supporting cast that calls the main characters on their flaws and their strengths. The biggest theme I see in Piper and Rayne’s books that keeps me coming back is that they don’t write save the Princess books. They write together we work books.
Frankie is a single mom, the last addition to the team at Ink Envy and carrying a load of weight on her shoulders. Essentially disowned by her family, she and her daughter Jolie are living in Clifton Heights. Frankie is juggling being a mom with her full time job and keeping Jolie’s father in their lives in a safe way. Coming out of an abusive relationship with him and trying to convince him to get sober is taking excess toll on Frankie.
Jax is also moving through life with a ton in his bags as well. A child of the foster system who was never adopted, he’s grown used to the idea that he isn’t built for love or relationships. As he didn’t have any consistent or steady role models in his younger life, he’s convinced that he doesn’t possess the skill to be a supportive partner or a father. He’s good at taking care of himself, helping his foster brother, and his artwork.
The thing is though, we see Jax interact with Jolie a lot. He isn’t cold towards her. He doesn’t dismiss her. He doesn’t write her ideas off. He listens. He checks in on her. He steps in to help lighten the load for Frankie when he can. And he’s slowly showing Jolie what having a dad is like. So much so that Jax as her daddy is ALL Jolie wants for Christmas.
Piper and Rayne unfold a snarky, snappy, sexual tension almost enemies relationship for Frankie and Jax. This tension has been pulling and pulling finally snapping in this book. The turning point comes early on. Frankie and Jax happen to be in the same law office at the same time for different reasons.
Feeling the weight of Frankie’s sadness and trying to reconcile his own, Jax asks Frankie out for a drink, which leads to opening themselves up to the other, which leads to a great spontaneous hook up which leads to …. a whole lot of nothing for a bit.
That “bit” covers a lot though. Jax introducing himself more and more into Frankie and Jolie’s lives, helping Frankie deal with Jolie’s father, making sure the ladies are safe, and trying to figure out how NOT to crush Jolie’s heart on Christmas. That one …. let’s just say that Jax chooses the road that seems easier, but just winds him up in more trouble.
Working through the ramifications of Jax’s “present” forces Frankie and Jax together more. They become much more open with each other. Watching them fall in love while ignoring the entire process is fun and stressful all at once.
Even harder yet heart warming is watching Jax fall in love with Jolie and not even see it until the last minute.
I’m sad to see this series close. This crew is a little more damaged and broken than the other characters I’ve read from this duo. They really showed their skill and compassion for their humans in this series.
I look forward to many more books from these ladies. They remain high on my recommended reads and one click authors for never failing to deliver amazing stories.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
I loved this book and vote it top of the series. Jax and Frankie have a unique relationship. Hate or love depending on the moment then adding a delightful inquisitive little girl into the mix is a heartbreaker. Fantastic and couldn’t put it down.
I really do adore this series and am a bit sad that this is the last of the friends to find their HEA. The road for Jax and Frankie has been long and bumpy. A lot of snark and sarcasm between them but when they finally take off their masks, and let the other see the real person, things are looking up. Of course, there’s drama and angst, heartbreak and hope and a little girl just trying to be like everyone else. A great way to finish up the series.
Jax and Frankie!!! Finally!! I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for their story, and I couldn’t think of a better couple and story to send off the Rooftop crew with. They were absolutely amazing and this was easily my favorite of the series!! I loved watching Jax and Frankie give into the attraction they had – you could just tell over the previous books that there was this electric connection between them that just needed to be explored. But one of my favorite things about watching them explore their attraction was seeing the gentleness of Jax. Yes, we’ve seen how he was with Jolie (who totally stole the show in every scene she was in)…..but he was quite the softie with Frankie, especially after that night of drinking. Not many people in general would handle things how he did, and he won my heart over in that moment.
I’m truly sad that this is the end for this group of friends, as I’ve enjoyed the friendships and memories they all made together. But with the introduction of Frankie’s cousin Aiden……I love that there will be this connection to this world that I’ve come to love!
OK. Let me start by saying, before you start this story, get your head and your heart right. Be prepared for all your feelings to be affected and all your emotions touched.
A Co-Workers Crust is book 6 in The Rooftop Crew series. Piper Rayne saved the absolute best for last and they put it all in a neat package that will have you unsure what feels you are going to have when you turn to the next page.
We hear about people with baggage, some good and some not so good. Piper Rayne brought Jax and Frankie into our lives to give us an understanding of the real world. And they left no stone unturned. Our heroes may not be ready for what lies ahead, but their personal growths towards a better life will have you cheering from the beginning of the book. Add in a certain little factor and you will be all but convinced, these authors have a sinister streak about them to capture and twist our heart strings.
A Co-Worker’s Crush has it all and there are not enough stars to rate this phenomenal story. I know you will be as excited as I was when their happily ever after happens. You will be cheering them on as I did even into their future. Just a great job ladies!
This is the book I’ve eagerly been awaiting for. I was excited to start to start this one, but sad too because this is the last book in the Rooftop Crew series. This book was everything I wanted and more. Jax is so delicious and the man I knew he was underneath it all. Both Jax and Frankie’s back stories hit you in the heart. You can’t help, but root for those two to get the HEA they deserve. Don’t even get me started with Jax and Jolie together. Ovaries exploded with those moments. A favorite scene is at Christmas and Earl. I love Jolie and she’s so stinking cute. She’s going to steal your heart. I couldn’t have asked for this series to end any better. A Must read!!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
The authors have found an interesting way to start this book. Jax will get you laughing right away so be careful of those around you – you don’t want to have to explain. Then things get serious. Frankie is frustrated but her thoughts are very sobering. You may forget to blink in some scenes because you don’t want to miss the heat or the testosterone/estrogen that’s being shot around.
I love when authors add a child into the mix. Depending on the age, they don’t have a filter and you never know what’s going to come out of their mouths or what they might do. Then you get that moment when your heart will get attached – just might be your Hallmark moment. Especially after they add a pet into the mix – as long as you love animals.
You will be happy to know that if you’re just getting to know who Piper Rayne is, you’ve made a good choice here. Even though this book is well into the series, you won’t feel lost if you haven’t read the five preceding stories. The authors will make you feel very comfortable with what is going on and at times you might even feel as if you are a part of the group.
There were ups and downs going on in this story but you still have that sense of lightheartedness. It’s not a story that will make you sad and wishing for the story to be over. Whenever I read a Piper Rayne story, I never want it to be over. Although I do always look forward to the next book coming out. The Ramblings at the end made me sad when I first read it but by the time I finished reading it I was happy once again.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Another amazing story you just can’t put down. Mixing business with pleasure can sometimes cause friction but this couple proves how hot friction can be. Their chemistry is off the charts hot and I don’t care what anyone says any man that loves a child instantly deserves all the love in the world. The writing consumes your thoughts and you can’t help but want to read this book till the end. This is the perfect quarantine read that everyone needs on their TBR.
#jaxstolemyheart
Well Piper Rayne saved the best for last and that’s saying a lot as I absolutely loved this series! each book got better and better. I have honestly been waiting to read this one after meeting Jax and seeing the serious sparks that shot off between them whilst they tried to deny their attractions.
If you didn’t love Jax and Frankie enough I promise Jolie will almost steal the show!
Now as usual Piper Rayne ask us not to post spoilers so honestly I will just say READ THIS book but especially READ THIS SERIES if you haven’t started it already! This one made me laugh and swoon in equal measure and was a testament in how good their writing honestly is.
I am looking forward to seeing how their new series of hot hockey players will play out
4 stars
Fantastic book to end the Rooftop Crew series by author duo Piper Rayne. Although you’ll thoroughly miss out on the other books, this book can be read as a standalone.
Throughout the series, Jax has always been one of my favorite characters and he certainly continues the trend in this story. Jax, the foster kid who believes he’s all alone in the world, comes to realizes he has all the family he needs in the people who choose to do life with him. His friends from the Rooftop Crew are his family and despite never wanting to be tied down, there’s a little girl taking up a lot of space in his heart while her mom occupies his every waking thought. He loves messing with Frankie, she is so easy to rile up and goodness knows he’d love to mess up some sheets with her but he’s terrified of letting she and her precious daughter down.
Frankie has been burned by loving and trusting the wrong guy before. She wouldn’t trade Jolie for anything but she’s the only thing good to come from her marriage and she’s not likely to make that mistake again. Jax is a player, a rolling stone, a rebel without a cause and Frankie cannot afford to get involved with him, not when she’s got a daughter that idolizes the guy. But man does Jax push all her buttons! Watching these two jab at each other was hilarious in the other books and their chemistry is through the roof. I loved reading as they both grew and got all tangled up in each other. Fantastic end to this series!
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Finally!!! I loved this series and Piper Rayne saved the best of the crew for last. Jax and Frankie have the best little love story, very low in the angst department and heart warming. I just love how this story rounded out the series and we got to see how all of the other members of the crew are doing. Let’s not forget the star, in my opinion, of the book Jolie. That girl just gripped my heart and pulled on those strings!!!