This sounds like a stunt that many a Self-published/Social Media/Bestselling Guru believes is a "great way" to self-promote your works. After all, it's risk-free and only costs you, the author, a few dollars here and there.

Ummm...yeah....and no, this is just plain creepy.

I respect the fact that you refrained from giving out this guy's name and titles (however, I must confess to a morbid curiosity as to who he was and whether or not his writing was any good...), but if he should fire anyone he should fire the idiot that gave him that advice to "hard sell" his books like that. If that was his own brilliant idea, he desperately needs to take a moment and rethink his strategy.

Sorry to hear that you went through that. Hopefully there will be no repeat of a truly awkward, nasty situation...