Warning: This book includes mature content such as: sexual content, and/or drug and/or alcohol use, and/or violence.
Series: Tempt #1
Published by CreateSpace on 1 March, 2017
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Erotica, Romance
Pages: 228
Format: Kindle
Source: Kindle Freebie
Lauren
Going back to work was supposed to be a painless transition, but when my new boss turns out to be an arrogant, cocky jerk, he quickly turns my professional life into a world of torture. Okay, fine, calling him an asshat before knowing he was my boss wasn't my finest moment. Hating him should be easy. I just never counted on him being so gorgeous or charming when he's not annoying me.Austin
I expected my new assistant to be professional and punctual, but all I'm getting are dirty looks and rude comments. I should fire the little hellion, but instead all I can think about is bending her over my desk and breaking every rule I've ever made for myself.One look. One touch. One night. If we break the rules, our lives will never be the same again.
Good thing rules were made to be broken. And besides, it feels so good to Tempt the Boss.
Wifey, Tempt the Boss was just what I needed. Thank you so much for suggesting it for one of our first buddy-reads of 2022! I laughed so hard at the pranks Lauren and Austin played on each other. What did you think of the humor in this one?
Thanks for agreeing to buddy read this one, wifey. And seeing as I was feeling guilty for all the laughing I was doing while reading this on an early morning flight, I suppose you can say I seriously appreciated the humor. 😉 Oh my, what these two could think up!
Another thing I loved in Tempt the Boss was the relationship between Lauren and her sister, Kaleigh, and the friendship between Austin and Noah. They really had each other’s backs, but they were also mean to each other at times – in a very love-filled way. *snickers*
I appreciated the close-knit relationships between Lauren & Kaleigh and Austin & Noah as well. It’s nice to have someone who knows you so well always be in your corner. And tell you when to get over yourself. 😉 LOL
As you know, I’m not usually a fan of boss/employee romances, because the power dynamics are just wrong so often. However, Tempt the Boss changed my mind. Because Lauren knew her worth, and she was really good! Plus, she didn’t let Austin boss her around, even if he was her boss. What is your opinion on boss romances?
I understand your feelings about this trope but I happen to like it. Tempt the Boss, though, was unusual and fantastic. You’re right, Lauren was really good at her job and she did know her worth. Austin eventually figures it out even if he’d really like to fire her so he doesn’t have to flout his own rule. Do you think that maybe since Lauren wasn’t in this job looking for career advancement made this example of the boss/employee trope more palatable for you?
That’s actually a very good point. Maybe it wasn’t so much a power unbalance, because Lauren didn’t care all that much about the job – she just wanted to be able to do something productive with her time.
Another character I loved was Barbara. She was such a hoot. I want a Barbara in my corner, every day, and each time I need her. Who was your favorite character?
Hmm…Other than the main characters, Barbara would absolutely make my favorites list. She always had Austin’s back but also had the strength to put him in his place. I loved that about her. If I had to pick another favorite, it would probably be Kaleigh and for the same reasons. LOL
There was a lot of humor in this novel, however, there was some darkness, too. I mean, the beginning had me crying for Lauren. And her husband, what an asshole! He was such a coward, and I kept hoping he’d get his comeuppance. What did you think of the less light subjects?
I was crying at the beginning as well. Jake, Lauren’s ex, was such an asshole! I was more than happy when he got his comeuppance – once from Austin, and again from Lauren. (although we didn’t get to see that on-page) He was so weak. Ugh. I thought NMadison worked in the more serious elements well. It was a nice balance to the humor. I especially liked how she had Lauren and Austin handle their relationship with her kids. That felt very genuine.
Now, on to the hotness I go. I mean, this was scorching hot, the chemistry between Austin and Lauren was evident from the start. However, the way they kept dancing around each other got the anticipation levels up so high it was amazing when they finally got it on.
Absolutely. *fans self* From the first moment they meet, the sparks were flying. I enjoyed the buildup. A LOT! (As an aside, I also appreciated how they each ended up having regret over something they said or did to the other.) When they finally got between the sheets (or between Austin and the door) it was explosive.
Tempt the Boss had everything for me. It had a real story, with real struggles. And it also had the tension between the main characters, romance, hotness, and friendships galore. The humor was just as good as the heat, which was a definite bonus in my opinion.
I couldn’t agree more, wifey. Lauren and Austin’s romance felt very genuine, especially considering she had two children. NMadison rounded out their story with the strong family ties and friendships, which added to the richness of their character as well as their relationship. And that there was such a nice balance between heat and humor made for an even more incredible reading experience. I more than enjoyed my introduction to NMadison and would love to buddy read the next in the series if you’re up for it. 🙂
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Twitter: Northwomn
Great review! I would have been worried about the boss / employee power dynamic so it’s wonderful to get your thoughts on it. I apparently have 4 of this author’s books and I guess I should try to read some of them.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels a bit iffy with boss / employee power dynamics, Anne. I was really happy with how this one worked out, and I hadn’t even realized why that was until Brandee mentioned it.
Oh! Sounds like you guys picked a winner. I agree, with Linda, in that I get a bit squeamish with the boss/employee trope, but I’ve also read some good ones. A good author can make the story real but not icky. Glad you both enjoyed so much!
Twitter: kimbacaffeinate
I am not a fan of this troupe either, but agree I would feel differently if the heroine knew her worth. The humor alone makes this one sound tempting!