Unlocking my Boss's Heart: A Sweet Workplace Romantic Comedy

by Lila Marlow

Falling into the arms of a stranger one night and feeling a whirlwind of emotions, it's okay, right?

We’ve all had those fleeting, gooey moments.

I’m embarrassed to admit, I fantasize about seeing him again while the memory is still fresh. You know, before I actually never see him again.

That is, until my new boss turns out to be none other than my dreamy Anton Waltons.

Both of us are taken aback when we come face-to-face. I’m determined to make it big in the Big Apple, so no looking twice at my magazine-cover-faced boss. Eyes on the goal.

Pretending that night never happened is my fallback plan. Luckily, Anton—oops, I mean Mr. Waltons, is as off-limits as the stars are to the Earth.

Or so I keep telling myself.

Until an emergency reveals my natural inclination to help. Suddenly, that help threatens to overturn everything I’ve promised myself…

Unlocking My Boss’s Heart is a swoony, funny romance filled with all the feels. Expect no explicit scenes or language, but find your favorite tropes like forced proximity, workplace romance, second chances, and a grumpy-ish MMC paired with a small-town girl in the big city. Fall in love between the pages with Celia and Anton as their chemistry sparks and kisses sizzle.

Formerly titled The Billionaire’s Sweet Pursuit

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

Lila Marlow writes closed-door romance where swoon-worthy moments, witty banter, and all the messy feels come together—without explicit intimate scenes, but with plenty of sizzling chemistry. Her stories are layered with depth, stirring journeys, little secrets, and relationships worth building a future on. Perfect for readers who crave a romantic slow burn with a slightly sexier, emotionally richer vibe.
Her love for storytelling began in her teens, but life tossed her a few curveballs her way, eventually leading her in sunny California. There, the surf, sand, and endless sunshine fuel her creativity.
You’ll find Lila tucked beneath a California oak tree, breathing in the scent of orange poppies while her imagination runs wild. Her next swoony romance is always just a page away.

Reviews

[Serlina Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

ᗷᴏᴏꮶ ᖇɛ᥎ıɛᤐ

💎Quote: "I Still believe in opening doors for women and spreading my coat over puddles, too."
"Love is a risk, but its the best decision you'll every make."

🌹

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤📔: Unlocking my Boss's Heart
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫✍🏽: Lila Marlow
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romance
𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: 250 pages
𝐏𝐮𝐛: 03/09/2024
𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲: Digital
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 𝙰͢𝚁͢𝙲͢

💕


𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲:
💖Workplace romance
💖Romantic Comedy
💖Forced Proximity
💖Age Gap
💖Friends to Lovers
💖Off Limit
💖Second Chance
💖Grumpy/Sunshine
💖Small town girl - Texan
💖Billionaire Romance
💖Clean romance
💖HEA
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦.

💕

𝑹𝒐𝒔𝒆'𝒔 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆:
Unlocking the Boss's Heart is a fun, entertaining, and romantic read. This book takes the reader on a journey filled with obstacles, self-realizations, and overcoming adversity to find love and happiness. Anton & Celia brought the story to life with the fun banter and unique personality. I felt like I could very much relate to Celia and I couldn't help but keep a smile on my face as I read and follow the journey.


Ꞇɑꮶɛɑᤐɑƴ:
Finding love in unknown and unexpected places from persons/strangers can be a blessing that opens our eyes to certain situations. Don't judge others why assumptions, but take time to get to know each other and grow, be a friend. Never know, you can find a true gentleman or woman worthy of your desire.

💕

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿
𝕾𝖊𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖆 𝕽𝖔𝖘𝖊 𝑹𝑹&𝑹 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, Rᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀs ᴀɴ ARC & 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆!


💕🌹𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓪 𝓡𝓸𝓼𝓮 𝓡𝓡&𝓡🌹💕
IG: @serlinarose + @serlinarosebooks

[Tami Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to the city things are falling into place quickly for her with a dream job and place to live. Being attracted to her boss wasn't the plan but.... He's just got out of a relationship and has problems with commitment. His new jr. attorney is a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately his ex isn't letting him go without a fight. Will they be able to get past the obstacles thrown at them? How does their families react to everything?.

I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.

[Pamela Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author crafted a sweet story that has a happy ending despite relational bumps along the way. It is refreshing to read a piece that leaves the reader encouraged and on an upbeat note! In today's world, a good read is a welcome respite from all that is going on. Enjoy!

[Annie✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another amazing, relaxing story you will enjoy reading.

Their story was full of obstacles, but they always seemed to find a way to fight back.

I loved their banter and how Anton was with not wanting marriage and kids, well, until he met Celia!

You could see how being with her pushed him out of his comfort zone and made him realise what he would be missing without her.

The challenges they had to overcome were full of betrayal and constant worry about health of their closest ones.

I am so grateful I’ve had a chance to read this book as an ARC reader 🫶🏻

Lila’s books are one of my favourite clean romance books out there!

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this sweet book about two lawyers the H and the h. The H is the owner of a prestigious law firm in New York. One of his lawyers quits on short notice and he needs a replacement quickly. Meanwhile when he was out on his daily run he stopped in a book store and walked into a beautiful woman who is buying a book. They have a discussion about the book. The h proceeds to purchase the book as she has planned. The H simply leaves. When the h returns to the apartment that she is staying in with her cousin, she starts to look for a job as a lawyer. She finds the ad that the lawyer’s firm has posted and applies. The next day she showed up for an interview and is shortlisted for an interview. When she comes into his office they are both shocked to see each other. The interview proceeded and he hired her. She has experience at a law firm in Texas with great references so together with her positive personality he hired her without interviewing the remaining candidates. The h works hard but is criticized by jealous coworkers because she gets the attention of the H. She is just there to do a great job and see N Y on her free time. Living in N Y with her cousin had been their dream for years. When the H is drawn to the h she experiences even more problems at work. One day she just quits but the H goes after her and brings her back the next day. They start to date and draw closer to each other. More problems develop but in the end they get their HEA. Recommend this book to anyone who loves a cute story with lovely H and h. Couldn’t put it down and ended up reading it late into the night or actually into the morning. Enjoy your reading.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️

Lila delivers a book that is such a sweet read! Filled with clean romance, a workplace romance, and two MCs that challenge each other to bring out the best in each other; this book was a fun, quick and easy read. I always enjoy Lila’s character’s, the journey they go through together, and the loveable side characters she presents in her stories.

Anton is too busy working to want a relationship. He’s too busy for commitment and is totally happy with how life is. He has a one track mind, is a serious lawyer, and his main focus is growing the firm. Cella has just moved to New York and ends up applying for a job in the same office as Anton. They had actually met prior to the interview in a sweet meet cute at a bookstore.

Cella is hired and while she is proving herself, she still faces gossip in the office since she receives a lot of Anton’s attention. One day she has enough and quits. However, Anton has finally opened his heart to someone and isn’t going to lose her that easily. As any workplace romance would have, there are struggles and obstacles to overcome, but they are determined to have their happy ever after.

Lila loves writing strong female characters and male characters who make us swoon. This book was no different and was a great book to end my day with. If you are looking for a cozy romance, this is a book for you!

As always review trigger warnings before reading.

Tropes:
💖Workplace romance
💖Romantic Comedy
💖Forced Proximity
💖Age Gap
💖Friends to Lovers
💖Off Limit
💖Second Chance
💖Grumpy/Sunshine
💖Small town girl - Texan
💖Billionaire Romance
💖Clean romance
💖HEA

[Christina, thereadingdingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Rounded up to 5

Celia is a recent graduate, trying to catch her big break as a lawyer. To help jumpstart her career, she has left small-town Texas hoping to land at a big law firm in New York City.

Anton is a bigshot lawyer who has gone against his father's wishes by not joining the family business. When a top lawyer at his firm leaves unexpectedly, he has no choice but to try to find a replacement ASAP.

I loved Celia and Anton’s meet cute - especially knowing they never thought they would see one another again. What a pleasant surprise when Celia is a candidate for a replacement lawyer at Anton’s firm.

Celia and Anton have great chemistry throughout this book. They balance each other out with their witty banter and their experience as lawyers with their well-thought-out rebuttals. They battle more than one unexpected turn of events that keeps you on your toes, wanting to know how they would navigate these life challenges.

This clean romance story contains kisses only. The author, Lila, does a great job conveying their love, that you don’t need the spice to understand how much the main characters care for one another.

Lila has written another amazing novel that had me returning for more.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Workplace romance
- Age gap
- Bookstore meet cute

This book is a cute, quick read that I finished in one afternoon. The banter and connection between the main characters kept a smile on my face while reading. Not to say they didn't have obstacles, but the longing shone through.

Celia is new to New York City from Texas and is eager to begin her job search. While exploring a local bookstore, she bumps into a handsome man and they engage in a bit of flirtatious banter. The next day, Celia has a big job interview and is surprised to see the bookstore man behind the desk!

Anton is a high powered lawyer who has basically sworn off deep relationships until he met the cute and witty Celia in the bookstore. When she walks into his office for an interview, he knows he must hire her. But keeping a level of professionalism may be difficult...

Just as they decide to take a chance on dating, several events may derail the relationship before it begins.... The refreshing thing about this book was that the characters communicated with one another..not at first, but they didn't let a chasm form.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celia is new in the New York , having moved in with her best college friend she goes exploring . She meets a charming handsome man in a bookstore , hitting it off he’s anything but a dork , she’s interested in seeing him again but as she is paying for her purchase he’s already walked out the door. She soon sees him again when she goes for a job interview .This is awesome stuff by Lila Marlow. I love her writing so.Phew! Theres rumours around the office that she has known Anton before he hired her as there are still interviewees waiting when she’s hired and there’s murmurs. He thinks she’s perfect for the job stat. And they think that’s the end of that. They overcome the jeers of others and her tears are wiped away .She returns the favour later on when Anton is swept up in a con , come what may ,they both agree when what’s all said and done he misses her and her him when they’re gone. Sweet as honey and their banter so funny . I absolutely adored this meet cute book! Excellent writing by Lila Marlow . I really enjoyed this girl ! Meet v Cute ✔️ Boss ✔️ Employee ✔️ KISSING ✔️ Sweet ✔️ Workplace ✔️ Big Apple ✔️ Dreamy ✔️ Lovers ✔️

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sweet and easy to read that you really don't want to put it down until the end. Celia, a young lawyer, has always wanted to go to New York and when her best friend from college tells her to move in with her. So Celia jumps at the opportunity. When she gets there, she finds a nice little book store for and while not paying attention she walks head on into Anton and there is some fun banter between them. Celia is attracted to him, but he pays and leaves the store. Celia looks at an ad for a lawyer in a city firm and she promptly applies. When she goes in for any interview, it just happens to be with Anton as her heart skips a beat. Without seeing any other applicants, he hires Celia. Anton is smitten with Celia. With a lot of work place drama as well as ex-girlfriend drama and family drama can Celia and Anton have their HEA? With so many obstacles to overcome will they make it? This is a fast, fun and every enjoyable read with enjoyable characters and I highly recommend this book. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celia is new in town and decides to explore a little before applying for some jobs. She goes to a local bookstore and runs into a sexy stranger as she is about to checkout, and they chat about her book. once she is home, she finds an ad at her dream job and applies. When she is called in to interview, she is stunned to see the sexy stranger will be her new boss if she gets the job. Anton is surprised to see her and after discussing the book again he hires her. Sparks fly between them whenever they are together, and they act like they have known each other longer than they actually have. Its not long before Anton has her work on a case that involves the book. The more they work together the closer the grow. Will this turn into something more than a job? Will being together cause issues at work?

This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in the Big Apple, and characters that are captivating, exuding power, humorous, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with unlocking my Boss's heart, an off-limits friends-to-lovers second chance romance with forced proximity and a boss-employee age gap, he falls hard, close door, HEA, city love, action, adventure, heartfelt emotions, an emergency reveals the inclination to help, Celia and Anton's chemistry sparks, heartfelt emotions, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with unlocking my boss's heart and a second chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wild and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Harmeen]

Idk about this one. The story is not developed nicely - some things happen very fast and some at tortoise’s pace. For example, by 37% FMC knows she has feelings for her boss and they have been flirting since the moment they met. No weirdness. No newness. No chemistry. Nothing. Sometimes the day takes ages to finish but on the other hand another day starts abruptly - the day before doesn’t get a good ending or anything.

It did give me a 2000’s rom com vibe. A small town girl coming to the big city, getting a job at a very good law firm the very next day, a boss who falls for her from the moment they meet, hanging out at her house, flirting/bantering with said boss on her first day of work.🤷🏻‍♀️ And because of all this it also felt unrealistic. Couldn’t connect to it.

The dialogues are also not engaging.

[Leona Ennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. Celia a lawyer has moved from Texas to New York City to become a big city lawyer. Anton is the CEO of his own wellestablished law firm. They literally bump into each other in a book store but then go their separate ways not even exchanging names. That same night Celia applies for a position in none other than Anton’s firm. This is a sweet love story but there are big bumps along the way. The reader gets a little glimpse of what it is like working in a law firm while overcoming all the bumps in the road that this couple have to overcome. It’s an easy read that brings smiles along the way to a good relationship. I highly recommend this book as well as the other books this author has written.

[Kell X · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and easy read about two lawyers. After a great meet cute (hey, what's beeter than a bookstore for book lovers?), they soon realise that they will see each other very ofter (Celia is hired to work on Anton's law firm). 
They have to try to separate their behaviour, keeping it professional at work and light and flirty outside. They start to grow feelings for each other but have severall bumps on their way that make them (maily Celia) question everything theiy've been building, but they get their HEA at the end. 
I enjoyed this easy read, and could relate to the main characters ( Celia was a little harder to connect because of her flight instinct every time a big bump showed up, but I got there with her too).
It was a sweet story, light and filled with emotion. 

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was steamy and romance page turner and the suspense was sweet. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. I just love this story. Celia had her dream job and she was so excited about it and she can start a new begin in her life. She ran into Anton he was intrigued with her in a romance . Anton and Celia their chemistry and physical attraction was spicy and humor. Sweet romance and fun with happiness and joy. I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story with a little drama. Anton was the boss of a very successful law firm and his hired a new lawyer that he met in a book store. The were both attracted to each other,but held off admitting it for a little bit. Anton had some drama in his life as an ex told him she was pregnant with his child. She had a paternity test that proved it, but he was skepticle. It broke Celia's heart as she thought she was falling in love with him and they eventually worked things out. However, the ex was determined to make problems for them. A sweet story with a very good ending

[Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The introduction is spot on, but it does not begin to cover how well written and how well crafted the story is. Not only are the main characters well developed, but also the ancillary ones. The book had me smiling and laughing out loud at various points, as the HEA is achieved. If you are looking for a feel good rom-com with all the ingredients to keep you turning the pages, look no further. I received an ARC of the book and I am leaving my opinion without the influence of the author or publisher.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great sweet, clean romance. I really enjoyed reading it. Anton has a lot of feelings about marriage and relationships that he has to navigate. Celia has issues about dating her boss and reconciling her professional goals and her desires for a relationship and family. As they navigate their relationship, they discover a lot about themselves and each other.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Jeanette Cepietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I enjoyed reading the story of Celia and Anton. It was well written and a great romance with many feelings with the small town girl moving to NY and meeting a high class lawyer. It is a quick but good read and I found myself staying up later than i should have to finish it. I have enjoyed several of Lila's books and I look forward to reading more.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, entertaining story.

A cute and entertaining story with Anton and Celia sorting through their feelings for one another. It is a delightful, fairy tale like story of two intelligent and driven individuals falling in love.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Lila Marlow’s entertaining “Unlocking My Boss’s Heart”! It is a sweet and swoony romcom with great chemistry, easy, witty banter, as well as tender, heartfelt moments, all of which keep you reading until the satisfying end!
I would definitely recommend it!

I was graciously given an ARC and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celia and Anton make an unlikely, but sweet couple. She meets him at a bookstore thinking she’ll never see him again until he becomes her boss. A subtle and strange relationship begins between them, made hard by him being her boss but they make it work in their own way with obstacles here and there. Well written book and complicated characters that develop throughout the story. Worth reading.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming story is heartfelt and had me cheering on Anton and Celia as they steer their path to happiness. It is a well written story that captivates and is inspiring.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Ancois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. I always love reading a book that leaves out all the explicit scenes but still has you squealing and kicking your feet(you still get all the sizzling kisses 😜🤗🤭) It takes real talent to create that and Lila nailed it 🩷👏🏻

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where would be a better place to meet Mister Right than a bookstore? It might have been better if he didn’t turn up as her prospective employer the next day. This book gives us humor, romance, “evil” ex, instant attraction, and more than a few twists and problems. I enjoyed this book.

[Between The Covers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute little read. It was sweet and funny and filled with love, determination and scandal.

[LaRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I felt like I got to know the characters well and felt a connection with them! I really loved how they first met and connected right away! Such a sweet story!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this heartwarming romance from Lila Marlow. Great characters and story line.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This book is a closed door romance book. The main characters are Celia and Anton. Celia is from Texas while Anton is from New York. They are both lawyers. What happens when the person you fall in love is your new boss? A lot!! This book kept me on a ride. There was a lot of push and pull. There was also a good bit of drama. Celia and Anton were perfect for each other though. They helped each other grow throughout the book. I love that this book had an epilogue with them in the future as a lot of books don’t have them. I also loved the side characters and how they were always there for them. If you like closed door romance books with drama but a lot of growth between the characters then you will love this.