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Secrets of Wildbrook #3

Her Boss Until Christmas

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She can't stand him, but his offer is too tempting

Gifted a scrap of land by a mysterious donor, Iris Blaese thinks she's lucked out with her new life in the village of Wildbrook. Until she meets her neighbor. He’s obnoxious, gorgeous, unavoidable, and worse still, he's carelessly endangering wildlife. But when she confronts him, he offers her a job… with a catch.

He's a cynical billionaire with too many secrets

Bennett Gastrell is hiding half his life from his friends, and half from the woman he's loved for years. Iris loathes him, or at least who she thinks he is, so when she storms into his house, furious about badgers (of all things), he grabs his opportunity. If within two months she can convince him of her conservation plans, he’ll continue to pay her exorbitant salary and leave her to run his estate. If she can't, she'll spend one night in his bed, and do anything he desires… willingly.

Iris is determined to win, even if it means seducing a man she despises. It’s just two months, and his gaze does make her want things she ought not. Then a social media leak threatens to reveal Bennett’s secrets and destroy everything he’s built, including Iris' burgeoning trust…

A scorching hot British enemies to lovers contemporary romance, with a sexy bet, small town vibes, grumpy/sunshine humor, and Happily Ever After.

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2023

367 people are currently reading
724 people want to read

About the author

Eve Pendle

30 books164 followers
Eve lives in England and writes angsty, snarky and passionate Victorian era romance. She has National Trust membership, a prince-charming husband, and a crazy dog. She loves wearing dresses and eating chocolate.

You can get a free sexy historical romance story from Eve when you sign up for her new-releases email list at evependle.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ.
1,038 reviews957 followers
November 28, 2022
I adored the previous book in this series but sadly can't say the same about this one.
Iris and Bennett's pairing was introduced in the previous book and I was so excited to read about them. Forced proximity, secret pining, she's an environment activist and he's the hot grumpy billionaire neighbor representing everything she despises. He makes her an offer she can't refuse and the stakes are a little... kinky.

While their antagonism brought much banter material I couldn't buy into any sort of chemistry between Iris and Bennett. I've had issues with him doubling as her online best friend unbeknown to her. The secret was kept much too long and what began as something a little awkward and cringe became downright uncomfortable and troubling with time, especially when things turned physical between them. I wanted to root for Bennett but the secret pining and triple scheming to get the heroine where he wanted was borderline creepy, despite the many demonstrations of care and protectiveness for the heroine.

Even the hate to love you trope was pushed a little too far for my comfort, the heroine became ridiculous denying her feelings for the sake of hating the system and the hero continued to bury himself in lies.
As a result not even the sexy scenes and dirty talk could make me believe in their romance. Without any chemistry, they stood out as emotionless.

I'm still very curious about other works from this author, I plan to read the first in this series and her HR series too.

More reviews and book talk at :

You can find me here too ☞
Profile Image for Sundy Tr..
252 reviews11 followers
December 13, 2023
After having enjoyed the previous book of the series a lot, I was hoping I would like this one just as much but truth is it didn’t excite me in the same way.

It’s not that it was bad or I didn’t enjoy it, because I had fun reading it, it’s just that there were some things that didn’t work for me. Like for example, Bennett’s obsession that I found kinda creepy. Or Iris’s lack of will and how fast she gave in. I did like their interactions and verbal fighting but I believe the end was slightly rushed given the size of his errors.

3rd person POV, 🌶️🌶️🌶️ steam. It would have been a lot better in 1st person imo.

Overall: 3,5/5 ⭐️

P.S.: It’s not a Xmas story 😉
Profile Image for Janet.
5,191 reviews64 followers
November 11, 2022
Gifted a scrap of land by a mysterious donor, Iris Blaese thinks she's lucked out with her new life in the village of Wildbrook. Until she meets her neighbour. He’s obnoxious, gorgeous, unavoidable, and worse still, he's carelessly endangering wildlife. But when she confronts him, he offers her a job… with a catch. Bennett Gastrell is hiding half his life from his friends, and half from the woman he's loved for years. Iris loathes him, or at least who she thinks he is, so when she storms into his house, furious about badgers (of all things), he grabs his opportunity. If within two months she can convince him of her conservation plans, he’ll continue to pay her exorbitant salary and leave her to run his estate. If she can't, she'll spend one night in his bed, and do anything he desires… willingly.
The third book in the series & another well written captivating read, with strong believable characters. I loved both Ben & Iris who were two broken characters but there are secrets, lies & misconceptions. I loved their journey to a HEA strewn very often with obstacles of their own making & devoured this engrossing read in a sitting as I couldn’t put it down, I jut loved it.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews152 followers
November 10, 2022
📱Her Boss until Christmas 🎄
an Enemies to Lovers British Billionaire romance
Secrets of Wildbrook Book 3
✒️ Eve Pendle
https://www.facebook.com/EvePendleAut...
Release Date 11/17/2022
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1PRNHYV/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

She can't stand him, but his offer is too tempting
Gifted a scrap of land by a mysterious donor, Iris thinks she's lucked out with her new life in the village of Wildbrook. Until she meets her neighbor. He’s obnoxious, gorgeous, unavoidable, and worse still, he's carelessly endangering wildlife. But when she confronts him, he offers her a job… with a catch.
He's a cynical billionaire with too many secrets
Bennett Gastrell is hiding half his life from his friends, and half from the woman he's loved for years. Iris loathes him, or at least who she thinks he is, so when she storms into his house, furious about badgers (of all things), he grabs his opportunity. If within two months she can convince him of her conservation plans, he’ll continue to pay her exorbitant salary and leave her to run his estate. If she can't, she'll spend one night in his bed, and do anything he desires… willingly.
Iris is determined to win, but unraveling the mystery of who gifted her land and convincing Bennett of her ideas reveals not just past hurts, but combustible attraction between them. Then a social media leak threatens to expose Bennett’s secrets and destroy everything he’s built, including Iris' burgeoning trust…
A scorching hot British enemies to lovers contemporary romance, with a sexy bet, small town vibes, grumpy/sunshine humor, hurt/comfort, and Happily Ever After.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will his errors out of love cost him the woman of his dreams …

I instantly loved Bennett despite his many faults and flaws, he so believes to be unlovable by the woman who has his heart, that he will settle for crumb or temporary and short at best if he is able than revealing who he is. Scared to see disdain or disgust in her eyes.
Why he holds back, so sure she will reject him, as she never gave him the time of a day every time he tried to meet her.
Thus he makes mistakes after mistakes and as no relationship strives well under layers of lies, he is caught in a web of his own making.
So as they appeared after a time to be able to sort out some of their differences, I waited for when the second shoe would drop.
Iris is as much complexe, in a different way, by fear of abandonment, she has taught herself to leave first, her way to cope with her feelings of not being enough, so she runs away.
But while I could understand her feeling of betrayal, she herself has a biased view of the world. Like only those with few or nothing seem able to care for the future of the world in its entirety. She is also set on her own prejudices, she is blind to the hints of Bennett’s real self distilled along the days they spend together.
I was too not fond of her inner dilemma, flirting with one man and seducing the other, it was a sort of cheating.

Why for all his errors, Bennett acted wrongly the only way he knew how, always with Iris’ best interest at heart. While Iris in her right to know the truth, lies to herself, already set on bolting at the first impediment.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

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Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
November 18, 2022
There were moments in this book I really enjoyed, but overall I didn’t enjoy Her Boss Until Christmas as much as the other books in this series. I’m not a fan when adults play games with each other and both the hero and the heroine were guilty of this throughout this book. I had a hard time with the hero being “in love” with the heroine when he really didn’t know her and the fact he was hiding a huge secret from her. The fact that the heroine had feelings for him but refused to tell him or allow herself the happiness put a big damper on my feelings towards this book.

Iris was gifted a small piece of land in the village of Wildbrook in which to park her caravan. The caveat that she put down roots for a year, something she isn’t a fan of doing. An environmental activist Iris is not a fan of her neighbor Bennett who owns the adjacent estate and in her eyes is the enemy. Rich, powerful, and with no clue to about the wildlife, flora, and fauna and the impact it has on the area when he suggests Iris become his employee for two months to convince him of how to proceed with the estate with a generous salary and a bet that if she can convince him he will give the land to her for a wildlife refuge and if she loses she spends one night with him doing whatever he wants.

I genuinely liked these characters especially because Bennett was not what he appeared to be, but I really just did not feel the heat between them. It felt forced and honestly at times their intimate moments gave me the feeling of a bad porno. I admired Iris’ efforts but I soon grew weary of them because I felt like I was being preached at the whole time. Then there was a fact she was carrying on an internet flirtation with one man while sleeping with another, it just felt wrong.

While there were moments of lightness and fun, the majority of this book was conflict and therefore I just didn’t enjoy it nor was I completely convinced these two belonged together long term.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Poppy.
196 reviews
Read
August 17, 2024
why did This of all books get me in knots i can't give it a rating sorry eve pendle is kinda my new fave author but also.... not. something clicks, something doesn't. its confusing as hell.

bennett was an incel point blank. his vibes were SO off when we got his pov. he goes on and on about being in love with her for years and completely fucking everything up in the most astounding way possible like i stg it shouldn't have been this complex to get a girl who likes nature and animals to get to like you, a rich white man 😭😭😭 but then, it Was the fuckedupness that was... entertaining? also the awareness. oh my god thats so fucking important. before the ending chapters all i could think was 'dang he isn't That clueless he's doing way more harm by manipulating and lying to her than good?' turns out he wasn't! he was very well aware his bet was dumb af and he was generally a loser. he accepted it and that was refreshing. love to see down bad men doing everything wrong to get with their partner !

iris was soooo fun and sensible. she lightened the book and her responses were perfect. thank goodness she didn't forgive him on the spot. bare minimum but ill take what i get, have you seen the cover

the epilogue killed it for me. the wedding was completely out of the blue and unnecessary. it felt like another play on iris' emotions, it felt like gaslighting. it just wasn't the right time. the little improvement in my regard for ben went down the drain. sorry that shit isn't romantic to me
Profile Image for Alison McBain.
Author 33 books38 followers
February 19, 2023
Iris Blaese is a tree-hugging environmentalist and Ben Gastrell is the cynical billionaire living next door. When Iris attempts to draw Ben into her conservationist plot to save the wildlife on his land, he makes her a deal – she can work for him and make a studied plan to help preserve the wildlife. If she convinces him, he’ll pay her a large salary to take over his land and make the best of it. If he’s unconvinced, then she agrees to spend a night with him.

However, once Iris agrees, their relationship quickly crosses the line from professional to personal. But Iris doesn’t believe that it’s anything more than physical, even though Ben wants to make it forever. What will it take to convince her that he’s serious?

Like most of Eve Pendle’s books, it’s a fun read that keeps you turning the page. The characters are personable, the premise far-fetched but intriguing, and there are a lot of steamy scenes. However, this book veered a little into the territory of having some D&S thrown in here and there that might make some readers uncomfortable. I’d recommend it for readers who like romances that might veer into some kink territory, but with a word of caution for those who are looking for something a bit more vanilla. But overall, it was a fun read.
3 reviews
November 6, 2022
So honestly Eve Pendle is quickly becoming a favourite author for me, as this is one of several books of hers I have loved.

It seems on the face of it to be an enemies to lovers trope but actually it's not that at all. We have Ben who just loves Iris so completely he will do whatever he can to care for her and be in her life. That kind of selfless love is why I read romance books in the first place.

Honestly both characters were broken in their own ways Iris with her unfailing positivity and constantly moving on from place to place and Ben hating himself and not thinking himself good enough for Iris.

I also loved the whole secret identity of Ben with Iris not realising he was her best friend but being so drawn to him anyway despite all her misconceptions. Even though this device is something that as a reader you know is going to come crashing down on them like an accident waiting to happen.

It was lovely to see them get their happy ending and what an ending! well I loved it so you are just gonna have to read for yourselves to see what I mean.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for monibookishnerd.
465 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2023
The setting was a unrealistic but that is typical for that genre. Once I got past that I enjoyed the story very much.

This is a very steamy contemporary romance book, more so than the previous of the series. Still it was heavy on the romance too.

Again the third break up act was very predictable because important information was revealed too early. I prefer more secrecy and later revelation but the writing was still very charming and entertaining.

I struggled a bit with the FMC's character Iris. I understand the proactive environmental attitude but the she was full of prejudices and was rather harsh in judging Ben. I wished she would have experienced also character growth and change. I appreciated that she recognised Ben's love language and the little things he did for her daily.

Still loved the grovelling and the grand gesture.

Referencing to the title, there weren't really strong Christmas vibes. Actually beside the deadline and decorations there wasn't anything at all.

Can't wait for the next books in this series!
Profile Image for Georgia7Pap.
194 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2024
I'm guessing the couple was introduced in a previous book because they were very familiar with each other. The truth is this book dragged for me... I didn't feel any chemistry between them....For some reason he was in love with her but I don't know why. Apparently they've been talking online every day for 2 years but we never saw any of that. I really like the boss employee trope and the secret identity online trope so I pushed through... I was sure this would be a 2 star but the end turned out pretty cute so 3 stars it is. The writing wasn't the best in my opinion. The pov would change abruptly and I would be confused. The same with the plot. One minute they were talking and the next they were going somewhere. Maybe the author should find a better editor...
Profile Image for MoJo.
24 reviews
December 22, 2023
DNF @ 65%…I tried for 3 weeks (when I read most books in 2-3 days) and I just couldn’t keep on with this book. Love the concept, it just drug on longer than necessary with the same “not really a conflict” conflicts/excuses in my opinion. I really enjoyed the prior book and was looking forward to this one, but am disappointed. I generally liked Ben, but Iris kind of just kept getting on my nerves. I’ll never yuck someone’s yum, and it seems like a lot of others enjoyed this one…it just became too much work for me. After reading 188 books this year, I don’t feel the urge to power through this one.
16 reviews
February 15, 2023
Bennett, an environmentalist disguised as a grumpy capitalist fell in love with Iris, a nomadic environmentalist and thus started a fake identity to be her friend as she loathes his wealth and what it stands for. Yet in spite of the feelings of animosity, the draw of attraction between them was too strong to be ignored. The story tends to be too drawn out at certain parts and i had to put in slightly more effort to finish the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sue  Porter .
259 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2023
An absolute delight

What a clever romance between Iris (who felt unwanted and unloved) and Bennett ( who desperately wanted to love her).
Of course, being a lawyer, he had to do it by using a contract and bribing her to work for him. But, as it turned out, he'd loved her for years and had regularly got her out of jail when she went on marches etc.
Yes, they fell in love (who couldn't in Devon) but the story isn't as cut and dried as it seems.
So, no more spoilers...read it it's ace!!
125 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2024
Two alike, but hurting

Iris is a conservation loving woman who has not trust in love or staying anywhere for long. Ben is a strict lawyer, with a lack of ties but has fallen in love with Iris. He has secrets that has kept her in his life, but she gives him a chance to fix that.
Overcoming hate and differences, they find each other in HEAVEN but not without hurting each other over and over. This is the 4th book on the series and this was my favorite. Characters from each book overlap to help the main characters.
Profile Image for Nicole Martinez.
127 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2025
This was a good entertaining read with tons of spice and decent banter. My biggest gripe (and this took it from a 4 to a 3 ⭐ for me) was that it's labeled as an enemies to lovers but in his very FIRST chapter he states how he has secretly been in love with her for years.... dude. They're not enemies. She hates him for the dumbest most shallow reasons but he's head over heels for her? I just didn't buy that. Honestly most of my love for this was in regards to the badgers, the beavers and the polar bears. ( 1 ⭐ for each)
Profile Image for Barbara Strickland.
Author 7 books53 followers
December 30, 2022
Enjoyable

Nice flow, well written and likeable characters makes this an enjoyable read. Believability is often tested but the idea behind it saves it every time. Loving someone that much is something we would all like in our lives and good looks and millions of dollars a dream. Yes it is a fantasy but underneath that is the issue of trusting and loving so why not indulge that fantasy. Thoroughly enjoyed the humour and the well written dialogue.
Profile Image for Amber L.
581 reviews5 followers
October 15, 2023
This series was amazing. I'm so glad that I picked up this series. Iris and Bennett was so amazing together. He was in love with her for two years!!! He did a lot for her in those two years. Of course she didn't know it was him until all the lies came back to bit him in the butt. She was so use to people leaving and so she doesn't stay. I felt the banter, the love and even the sad parts I cried. I want more of this series if even she writes more.
63 reviews
April 21, 2024
As good as all her books are

A book by Eve Pendle is a joy and a tease. Her heroes are real men, meaning men with emotions, doubts, and a clear idea of what a good woman should receive in attention and focus. It makes you want to meet such a man in real life.
I am going to enjoy another book of Eve Pendle soon, but first, I am going to retead this one as it deserves careful second, and third, reading.
7,160 reviews33 followers
February 19, 2023
An entertaining third book in this series Secrets of Wildbrook. The author gives us characters that you get invested in. The story is well written and will hold your attention all the way through. The characters have amazing chemistry. A good addition to this series.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.8k reviews125 followers
February 22, 2023
This is the fourth book I've read written by Eve Pendle; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the third book in the Secrets of Wildbrooks Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Iris & Bennett.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
6,147 reviews30 followers
February 22, 2023
A kinky contract…

Bennett is wealthy and the bane of Iris’ existence. He’s been pining for her for a long time, he even has a double online connection with her.

Iris loathes Bennett but she’ll accept the bet to save the badgers and to earn the two months income that could set her up for a long time.

Sexy times definitely ensues.
4.5
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews76 followers
February 26, 2023
Ben and Iris's story does not disappoint. Ben has a crush on Iris and has been meddling in her life, unknown to Iris. Iris does not think too much of Ben, but the pull between them is strong.

Great read from the start.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ReadingInThe6ix.
758 reviews9 followers
November 9, 2023
Not sure you can consider this a standalone. The story starts after the characters have already known each other for some time, I assume. There is no chemistry, the characters are both irritating, and the bet/storyline makes no real sense.

DNF at 35% and still only giving this 1 star because it was just that painful to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
504 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2023
Cute

Not sure where to start.

I struggled to finish this, mainly because throttle of writing isn't for me, not the author fault at all. I liked the plot and I really liked Ben as a character. Iris was sassy and again enjoyed her but something was lacking. It wasn't the securities as they were good, I generally believe it was the style of writing.

Profile Image for Elizabeth.
6,128 reviews114 followers
September 28, 2024
Her Boss until Christmas (Secrets of Wildbrook #3) by Eve Pendle – Everyone knows the lies are going to catch up to Ben, but his relentless devotion to Iris is rather endearing in the end. This has been such a sweet series! And it begins my shameless plunge into the wonder of Christmas books way before December! Happy Holiday Reading!
Profile Image for Julie Camino.
552 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2024
Christmas?

Ok so this one was a little more intense, it had a lot of family issues on both parts. I think the way everything went in this story was just messed up, he lied, manipulated the situations and yes he had good intentions but the execution was poorly done.
There was so much drama, so much heartache that we only got like 1 chapter of them actually being together.
2,030 reviews9 followers
February 20, 2023
Another fantastic instalment in the Secrets of Wildbrook series. Delightfully hot and steamy. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
151 reviews
September 25, 2023
Her Boss until Christmas

I really enjoyed this book it made want finish as quick as possible to find out how it would end,it made cry in some spots in the in other words more than once.
1,852 reviews3 followers
October 10, 2023
The Bet!

Her Boss until Christmas is one serious romance. Bennet and Iris’s love story has lots going on. It is tense, riveting; has lots of angst, heat and work for “the ultimate fixer”. While an excellent read, this is not my favorite in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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