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The CEO Gets Her Man #1
The CEO Gets Her Man
Ensuring her company's success is Debra Laurie's life. But when she goes undercover to investigate a failing hotel in southern New Zealand, she finds her confidence crumbling. Masquerading as a waitress is a disaster--especially when the hotel's assistant manager is a former rugby star she once had a crush on.
Jase McEwan is struggling to keep the hotel afloat. An unpredictable manager, ridiculous demands from the head office, and employee unrest are problems enough. Now a haughty new waitress is causing mayhem in the restaurant--and in his heart.
Determined to be impartial, Debra sets out to discover if Jase is responsible for the hotel's drastic situation. But the more she investigates, the more she likes his work--and the more their attraction sizzles. Before long, Jase has turned Debra's world upside-down. But what happens when he learns the new waitress is really his CEO?
Jase McEwan is struggling to keep the hotel afloat. An unpredictable manager, ridiculous demands from the head office, and employee unrest are problems enough. Now a haughty new waitress is causing mayhem in the restaurant--and in his heart.
Determined to be impartial, Debra sets out to discover if Jase is responsible for the hotel's drastic situation. But the more she investigates, the more she likes his work--and the more their attraction sizzles. Before long, Jase has turned Debra's world upside-down. But what happens when he learns the new waitress is really his CEO?
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2012
63 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Anne Ashby
10 books48 followersAnne Ashby grew up in a very small coastal town in Southland, New Zealand. An eagerness to see the world led her to join the Royal NZ Navy where she enjoyed a very satisfying career. She has travelled extensively and lived in Singapore and Maryland, USA. When not reading or writing, Anne enjoys hanging out with her family and old Navy friends. She promises herself that one day she’ll catalogue all her genealogy research. She and her husband live in Auckland with children and grandchildren close by.
http:// www.anneashby.com
http:// www.anneashby.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 15, 2013
Debra is coerced by her mother into going undercover at as a waitress to discover why there are problems at what should be their most profitable resort, in New Zealand's beautiful South Island. Debra soon finds herself face-to-chest with Jason McEwan, her teenage celebrity crush - Jase was a famous rugby player until injury ended his career. Her job isn't made easier when she finds that Jase is just as attractive in the flesh as on the rugby field, and he seems to he attracted to her as well. But Debra must keep her wits about her, as Jase could well be responsible for the hotel's problems.
This had potential, but was let down by writing that wasn't strong enough to disguise the cliched Harlequin plot line. The typos didn't help (loath instead of loathe and woose instead of wuss come to mind). On the plus side, this was a quick read, and I got it as a free download (I had previously downloaded and read the sample, and while it sounded OK, it didn't entice me enough to pay full price).
Go ahead and try the sample - if you like it, you'll probably like the book, as it's pretty much indicative of the rest of the book.
This had potential, but was let down by writing that wasn't strong enough to disguise the cliched Harlequin plot line. The typos didn't help (loath instead of loathe and woose instead of wuss come to mind). On the plus side, this was a quick read, and I got it as a free download (I had previously downloaded and read the sample, and while it sounded OK, it didn't entice me enough to pay full price).
Go ahead and try the sample - if you like it, you'll probably like the book, as it's pretty much indicative of the rest of the book.
May 27, 2015
It's more of a 2.5 read... the first half where Debra is undercover is good but when we start seeing Jase's side of story in the second half ... his character sounds more like a very young man and Debra's thoughts are swinging from one end to the other. It seemed more of a YA story :(
August 31, 2022
Debra goes undercover at her family's hotel working as a waitress to figure out why this hotel is underproducing. Operations manager Jace figures out she has never done manual labor at all. As Debra gets into her role, Jace is trying to figure her out. When he discovers she speaks Japanese, he requests that she accompany him to a meeting with Japanese businessmen who he is trying to convince to use the hotel for future business meetings. Debra continues her investigation and sets up an audit to begin when she and Jace are away as is the general manager. Jace is angry when he learns the truth about her. Will he forgive her? Will they meet again? Will their love have a happy ending?
I enjoyed this story. Debra is a tough nut to crack. She has a lot of armor around her heart. She'll protect herself no matter what because she was hurt in the past. Jace is trying to crack through her armor. It's a hard fight. They make each other mad a lot. I could feel Debra's hurt when Jace says things, but he does not know about her past plus with their agreement he is not wrong with what he says, only blunt. I kept hoping they would find a way to work through their problems. Fortunately, I did get my HEA.
I enjoyed this story. Debra is a tough nut to crack. She has a lot of armor around her heart. She'll protect herself no matter what because she was hurt in the past. Jace is trying to crack through her armor. It's a hard fight. They make each other mad a lot. I could feel Debra's hurt when Jace says things, but he does not know about her past plus with their agreement he is not wrong with what he says, only blunt. I kept hoping they would find a way to work through their problems. Fortunately, I did get my HEA.
March 20, 2017
A great love story
A great love story. Would've liked to see how her new-found self-confidence effected her life. Deb is such a strong, smart, confident business woman but underneath is a hurt and disillusioned woman. I enjoyed her folly as a waitress and staff member. Jase is trying to make a new start after an injury takes his dreams and life from him. For the most part he is strong, successful, and smart but there is the underlying regret and bitterness of loss. Together they help each other find acceptance and happiness.
A great love story. Would've liked to see how her new-found self-confidence effected her life. Deb is such a strong, smart, confident business woman but underneath is a hurt and disillusioned woman. I enjoyed her folly as a waitress and staff member. Jase is trying to make a new start after an injury takes his dreams and life from him. For the most part he is strong, successful, and smart but there is the underlying regret and bitterness of loss. Together they help each other find acceptance and happiness.
March 1, 2017
Hi all, Completion Poat
The CEO Gets Her Man finished 2/28/17****
I quite enjoyed this quickie. It had a bunch of cliches and tropes And did them well. Pick your favorite and enjoy. Big, strong ex-pro-athlete who has to get used to life after celebrity, check. "Bitchy" female CEO, who's really a macrshmallow, hurting from her past, check. Undercover boss, check. Contract boyfriend, check. Although the book could be used as a drinking game, all the tropes felt plausible and fun. Most of all, this book had heart and character growth
The CEO Gets Her Man finished 2/28/17****
I quite enjoyed this quickie. It had a bunch of cliches and tropes And did them well. Pick your favorite and enjoy. Big, strong ex-pro-athlete who has to get used to life after celebrity, check. "Bitchy" female CEO, who's really a macrshmallow, hurting from her past, check. Undercover boss, check. Contract boyfriend, check. Although the book could be used as a drinking game, all the tropes felt plausible and fun. Most of all, this book had heart and character growth
August 21, 2017
strong woman gets her equally strong man
At first I wasn't sure about this book, but as I kept reading I became more interested. It was like doing a puzzle or slowly unraveling a mystery. I was happy with the outcome and that Debra softened because she liked Chloe, her twins fiance. and found love herself.
At first I wasn't sure about this book, but as I kept reading I became more interested. It was like doing a puzzle or slowly unraveling a mystery. I was happy with the outcome and that Debra softened because she liked Chloe, her twins fiance. and found love herself.
February 22, 2021
Romance
I was really enjoying this until he tells her he's going to have to fire he so he van sleep with her. It becomes obvious he couldn't care less about what she wants if it contradicts what he wants. Until that point it was a fun romance
I was really enjoying this until he tells her he's going to have to fire he so he van sleep with her. It becomes obvious he couldn't care less about what she wants if it contradicts what he wants. Until that point it was a fun romance
March 21, 2017
What a great romance novel.
DRH really.enjoyed the unfolding story of determining who was the bad person at theresorthotel . Theauthormay have developed the bad personality of Madeleine . Ireally enjoyed her description on New Zealand I loved that part of. The novel. trulyDRH
DRH really.enjoyed the unfolding story of determining who was the bad person at theresorthotel . Theauthormay have developed the bad personality of Madeleine . Ireally enjoyed her description on New Zealand I loved that part of. The novel. trulyDRH
October 17, 2017
I really liked the premise but I didn’t like how the book was handled following the hero finding out the heroine owned the company.
March 2, 2017
Very sweet
First time reading this author. Sweet story line, not real steamy. Sometimes I didn't understand how Debra could be a real hitch and then seem so unsure of herself. Overall, ok book.
First time reading this author. Sweet story line, not real steamy. Sometimes I didn't understand how Debra could be a real hitch and then seem so unsure of herself. Overall, ok book.
February 26, 2017
Heart warming
Endearing characters, sultry chemistry is a start. This is a fun adventure and explains that you never know when you will bump into love. Even the most powerful personalities have insecurities. For all of you whom love to read a heart warming story then this novel is for you. Really enjoyed reading Debra and Jase's story..
Endearing characters, sultry chemistry is a start. This is a fun adventure and explains that you never know when you will bump into love. Even the most powerful personalities have insecurities. For all of you whom love to read a heart warming story then this novel is for you. Really enjoyed reading Debra and Jase's story..
March 4, 2017
The CEO Gets Her Man
I did enjoy your storyline, only it was slow getting there. The rest of your story was good. Loved your characters. Thanks
I did enjoy your storyline, only it was slow getting there. The rest of your story was good. Loved your characters. Thanks
March 1, 2017
Please Get To The Point
I did finish the book, but it went on and on about the same things. I didn't really care for the ending.
I did finish the book, but it went on and on about the same things. I didn't really care for the ending.
September 11, 2013
I am a huge fan of Anne Ashby and I was so thrilled to read The Ceo Gets Her Man. I enjoyed the mystery of who was stealing from Debra and her families hotel. I totally got Debra she had been burned really bad by Roger. I would not trust anyone at that point. Karin, Debra's mom has her go down to the hotel undercover to find out what is happening. Jase the manager is also under the microscope so to speak. I liked Jase he is a really nice former Rugby player and so generous and thoughtful. Debra trust no one.It was great to see Debra treated as a normal person by Meg. I really liked Meg. she just tells it like it is. Such a fun person. The mystery is solved but I still had questions as to what happened to Madeline Murphy and her P.A.. Did they press charges? How did they find Madeline?
The story continues as Debra goes back home and works with her brother Paul who suddenly is engaged to Chloe. Debra is stunned as am I. We don't really see much of Paul in the story till this point. But we like Chloe she is not what Debra or I were expecting! This is a very good thing. Anyways, Debra feels she needs to put Chloe's mind at ease about how much she will be involved in the relationship and demanding Paul working long hours. So, she comes up with a hare brained idea that involves non other than Jase! Things are get steamy and sparks fly off the pages. I loved all the dancing scenes! Wow! They were amazing. I was ecstatic with the plot but still had some questions. Like why did they never go to Paul and Chloe's wedding as they talked about. The book ended before that event took place. It was a great but I found some inconsistencies. Overall a fun, hot read and can't wait for the next book by Anne Ashby!
Just FYI~ This does contain a few swear words and some sensual situations with minimal detail!
The story continues as Debra goes back home and works with her brother Paul who suddenly is engaged to Chloe. Debra is stunned as am I. We don't really see much of Paul in the story till this point. But we like Chloe she is not what Debra or I were expecting! This is a very good thing. Anyways, Debra feels she needs to put Chloe's mind at ease about how much she will be involved in the relationship and demanding Paul working long hours. So, she comes up with a hare brained idea that involves non other than Jase! Things are get steamy and sparks fly off the pages. I loved all the dancing scenes! Wow! They were amazing. I was ecstatic with the plot but still had some questions. Like why did they never go to Paul and Chloe's wedding as they talked about. The book ended before that event took place. It was a great but I found some inconsistencies. Overall a fun, hot read and can't wait for the next book by Anne Ashby!
Just FYI~ This does contain a few swear words and some sensual situations with minimal detail!
May 8, 2013
In the first chapter, the heroine (Debra) comes across as a total bitch. She was so bitchy, I started thinking right away how much she’d have to change to make this story into something I’d be interested in, and with that much change, would it even be believable? I almost quit reading right there. Looking back, I think if the author had worked in a little more backstory right off the bat (difficult balance, I know) - WHY she is like that - it may have been a less rocky start.
Luckily her character was developed as the story went on, but WHY she was the way she was… it never felt like enough of a reason for that rough start. Nevertheless, if the point of the story was her transformation (besides the romance, of course) the author managed to make it believeable.
The concept of a CEO pretending to be a waitress is great. I would have liked more about her as a waitress - those scenes were so minimal it almost felt like a contrived reason for these two characters to interact - and more of the characters that befriended her as a waitress. Again, those felt placed there only to create a reflection in her, and they could have made the story so much more full and interesting.
Jase was a bit too good to be true. She deceives him (though not intentionally), then comes to him for help… and he decides he’s going to just plow through all her crap and… marry her? He still doesn’t really know her, so it’s a bit of a stretch. But I was willing to overlook that by this time, because there was enough heat between the characters, and a couple good scenes (one involving an accident and the one when he discovers who she really is). All in all, a satisfactory read.
Luckily her character was developed as the story went on, but WHY she was the way she was… it never felt like enough of a reason for that rough start. Nevertheless, if the point of the story was her transformation (besides the romance, of course) the author managed to make it believeable.
The concept of a CEO pretending to be a waitress is great. I would have liked more about her as a waitress - those scenes were so minimal it almost felt like a contrived reason for these two characters to interact - and more of the characters that befriended her as a waitress. Again, those felt placed there only to create a reflection in her, and they could have made the story so much more full and interesting.
Jase was a bit too good to be true. She deceives him (though not intentionally), then comes to him for help… and he decides he’s going to just plow through all her crap and… marry her? He still doesn’t really know her, so it’s a bit of a stretch. But I was willing to overlook that by this time, because there was enough heat between the characters, and a couple good scenes (one involving an accident and the one when he discovers who she really is). All in all, a satisfactory read.
February 15, 2013
This book has what could be an intriguing plot if some more time was spent developing it, as it turns out the last 30% or so of the book is spent getting our two leads together after the 'main plot' has been resolved.
As is often the case with chick-lit I think the novels need to be longer, so that the people involved have more time than merely a week to fall in love. A lot of books, this one included, seem to use the "fall in love at first site" ploy (with some variations) - I don't mind this but it is very simple to start to see where the plot will go.
I'd have glady given up the time with Debbies brother and his fiance to spend more time at the struggling hotel, to get more information on the person swindling the money - as it is they are introduced, have a couple of scenes to show how evil they are and nothing else... I'd care more about the companies loss (and Debbies motivations) if the background characters have a bit more character as opposed to the normal stereotypes.
The two leads, Debbie and Jase are pretty well developed, they both have flaws and motivations which are realistic (again not something I come across often in this genre), though I did struggle with Debbie at the beginning of the book. Her mother takes a pretty standard role, but even she is more developed than other books I have read.
I'd definitely say that this is one of the better 'chick-lit' books I have read, and I'd probably read some more of this authors work.
As is often the case with chick-lit I think the novels need to be longer, so that the people involved have more time than merely a week to fall in love. A lot of books, this one included, seem to use the "fall in love at first site" ploy (with some variations) - I don't mind this but it is very simple to start to see where the plot will go.
I'd have glady given up the time with Debbies brother and his fiance to spend more time at the struggling hotel, to get more information on the person swindling the money - as it is they are introduced, have a couple of scenes to show how evil they are and nothing else... I'd care more about the companies loss (and Debbies motivations) if the background characters have a bit more character as opposed to the normal stereotypes.
The two leads, Debbie and Jase are pretty well developed, they both have flaws and motivations which are realistic (again not something I come across often in this genre), though I did struggle with Debbie at the beginning of the book. Her mother takes a pretty standard role, but even she is more developed than other books I have read.
I'd definitely say that this is one of the better 'chick-lit' books I have read, and I'd probably read some more of this authors work.
May 1, 2015
Set in Southland section of New Zealand, The CEO Gets Her Man had an interesting story line. Debra has character flaw that make her hard to understand. She has turned her life into all work and no play for so long she has difficulty letting go enough to enjoy social situations with the people around her.
Jase is a dreamboat character in both looks and how his personality develops in the story. First are his honesty and then his ability to draw the best out of the people around him by showing interest in them as individuals. He realizes that Debbie has been hurt and is hiding behind her work persona to keep from being hurt again. To the rest of the world she appears the driven, super boss that demands as the CEO she be taken seriously even if she is cold and unapproachable. Jase found the warm woman that he met as Debbie the undercover waitress and realized just how special she was to him.
The CEO Gets Her Man had an interesting story line with an element of dishonesty on several levels. First were the funds missing from the hotel and Debra's mother goes for a visit to the hotel. Mom talks her CEO daughter into becoming a waitress and keeping her identity secret. The audit was conducted behind the management's staff's back. Despite all the dishonesty and unanswered phone calls, Debbie and Jase manage to find each other on the dance floor for a happy ending to this dishonest twisted tale. I enjoyed the ups and downs of the romance, which kept my interest.
Jase is a dreamboat character in both looks and how his personality develops in the story. First are his honesty and then his ability to draw the best out of the people around him by showing interest in them as individuals. He realizes that Debbie has been hurt and is hiding behind her work persona to keep from being hurt again. To the rest of the world she appears the driven, super boss that demands as the CEO she be taken seriously even if she is cold and unapproachable. Jase found the warm woman that he met as Debbie the undercover waitress and realized just how special she was to him.
The CEO Gets Her Man had an interesting story line with an element of dishonesty on several levels. First were the funds missing from the hotel and Debra's mother goes for a visit to the hotel. Mom talks her CEO daughter into becoming a waitress and keeping her identity secret. The audit was conducted behind the management's staff's back. Despite all the dishonesty and unanswered phone calls, Debbie and Jase manage to find each other on the dance floor for a happy ending to this dishonest twisted tale. I enjoyed the ups and downs of the romance, which kept my interest.
September 15, 2014
Reviewed by Karina
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
The main character Debra is the CEO. She’s very uptight and dedicated to her work. She may be good at socializing when needed in business transactions but she doesn’t have a lot of friends. She’s underestimated because she’s a woman so learned the hard way to be tough just gain respect. When her mom asks her to be an undercover waitress to solve the mystery of losing funds from their resort, she didn’t have a choice but to do it.
The manager of the resort is Jase, a retired rugby player. After his injury, he pursued his studies and eventually gained a position in the resort. He was Debra’s teenage crush.
Debra is a grown woman now and she’s determined to know if Jase is any way involved in their problems.
The book is narrated in two POV’s, Debra and Jase. I’m a fan of books with dual POV’s that are written nicely wherein you know who’s who. But in this books case, the shifting of character is not that good. I can’t expect whose POV it is so I need to read maybe two lines or sentences just to know who it is.
The book has a great potential. I love reading contemporary romance so I have a bit of high standards. I should’ve loved it more if there are twists in the story to make it more unpredictable. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the book and if it were shortened, I would have given it a higher rating.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
The main character Debra is the CEO. She’s very uptight and dedicated to her work. She may be good at socializing when needed in business transactions but she doesn’t have a lot of friends. She’s underestimated because she’s a woman so learned the hard way to be tough just gain respect. When her mom asks her to be an undercover waitress to solve the mystery of losing funds from their resort, she didn’t have a choice but to do it.
The manager of the resort is Jase, a retired rugby player. After his injury, he pursued his studies and eventually gained a position in the resort. He was Debra’s teenage crush.
Debra is a grown woman now and she’s determined to know if Jase is any way involved in their problems.
The book is narrated in two POV’s, Debra and Jase. I’m a fan of books with dual POV’s that are written nicely wherein you know who’s who. But in this books case, the shifting of character is not that good. I can’t expect whose POV it is so I need to read maybe two lines or sentences just to know who it is.
The book has a great potential. I love reading contemporary romance so I have a bit of high standards. I should’ve loved it more if there are twists in the story to make it more unpredictable. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the book and if it were shortened, I would have given it a higher rating.
February 26, 2013
This was a free e-book.
I think the idea of this story is good. It has ok characters that I wish were developed a little more. Sometimes I felt a disconnect with them, why are they thinking this, why are they behaving this way, etc. It could be that I was reading this book on my phone.
And, I prefer a clean read with no touching of private areas and no nudity. This one had both. I also prefer no sex before marriage and this had that even though it wasn't described in detail.
I think the idea of this story is good. It has ok characters that I wish were developed a little more. Sometimes I felt a disconnect with them, why are they thinking this, why are they behaving this way, etc. It could be that I was reading this book on my phone.
And, I prefer a clean read with no touching of private areas and no nudity. This one had both. I also prefer no sex before marriage and this had that even though it wasn't described in detail.
May 7, 2013
This was a kindle freebie.
Warning: extreme navel gazing ahead.
Good premise, clunky execution. The mental and literal handwringing was exhausting - we spend far too much time in both hero and heroine's heads. Too many times where I wanted to shake the hero and heroine.
What saves this book from a 1 star rating is the author's clear love of the Southland region of New Zealand. I enjoyed that Kiwi dialect and expressions. Local colour is good.
Warning: extreme navel gazing ahead.
Good premise, clunky execution. The mental and literal handwringing was exhausting - we spend far too much time in both hero and heroine's heads. Too many times where I wanted to shake the hero and heroine.
What saves this book from a 1 star rating is the author's clear love of the Southland region of New Zealand. I enjoyed that Kiwi dialect and expressions. Local colour is good.
March 3, 2013
God have mercy. St his book started okay enough, and by halfway I was begging it to end. It. Dragged. On. And on. At this point, I'm about 70% and don't care anymore whether hero and heroine end up together or not. Why did the author had to drag their story around and around? It lost my interest. That's too bad. It started interesting enough. Maybe someday ill be tempted to pick it up again.
February 8, 2016
This was a nice story, well written, well edited and easy to read in a short time. Jase McEwan is a gorgeous man who does very well to take on what seems like a hard nut of a woman - but who isn't really. Debra is a tortured character who needs some friends, and naturally more than just a friend in Jase. The book has a nice fluid writing style that keeps you reading on.
March 28, 2013
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. There was a fair amount of heat between Jase and Debra and both had issues to work out regarding their preconceived notions of one another. I loved that there was more than one major dilemma or crises, I just wish the first one had been fleshed out a little more. The end of the first crises seemed unfinished. Otherwise this book was a winner for me.
February 24, 2013
I loved the start of this book and thought the plot was a winner for the first few chapters but got annoyed when the heroine returned to Wellington and didn't take the hero's phone calls - my take on her is that she would have.
April 11, 2013
I enjoyed this book. It's always a dream to turn the tables on a cocky guy who thinks he's your boss. When he turns out to be a love interest, things get dicey. The book was a fun romp set in a place I'd love to visit. Perhaps in their hotel?
May 25, 2014
The premise was very promising. I liked it, but didn't love it...hence 4 stars and not 5.
The main focus of the book was pretty much resolved in the first 70%, and then the last 30% was slowwwwwwwww. I pretty much scanned those last few pages, but I was happy to see a HEA.
The main focus of the book was pretty much resolved in the first 70%, and then the last 30% was slowwwwwwwww. I pretty much scanned those last few pages, but I was happy to see a HEA.
July 23, 2016
CEO Suffers To Love
This story expresses the true thoughts of the high and mighty. Engrossed in themselves they have it difficult to actually embrace and love a man of strong desire. This is well written book.
This story expresses the true thoughts of the high and mighty. Engrossed in themselves they have it difficult to actually embrace and love a man of strong desire. This is well written book.
August 11, 2016
Review coming soon.
February 20, 2013
Is a great book to read
February 24, 2013
3.5 stars. Really enjoyed this story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews