The Temp - Part 1

by Lacey Wolfe

Part 1 of 3 of a serial series (needs to be read in order)
Be warned: This books ends with a cliffhanger.

Hardened by her damaged past, Alice Bennett has no desire for any type of relationship and easily dismisses the warnings about her handsome, but extremely difficult, temporary boss. She is determined to do her job, and do it well. She needs this job, and the references that come from working at a prestigious law firm.

But the moment she lays eyes on him, Alice’s determination waivers as unexpected desires stir inside her – even as he barks orders about her choice of lunch.

Dylan Marshall is the best lawyer in the city and knows exactly what he wants, and how he wants it done. As the senior partner at his prominent law firm, he expects the people working for him to do what they’re told. Discouraged by the string of incompetent temps, he has low expectations for anyone new the agency sends his way.

But the latest temporary assistant is anything but incompetent, and Dylan discovers he wants to know more about her, and intimately. Especially when she stands her ground and questions his orders. Suddenly, this domineering boss learns he prefers a woman to be his equal.

Content warning: Adult language and situations, plus some very hot explicit love scenes.

Genres: Erotica

57 pages, ebook

First published October 10, 2014

About the author

Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. Her goal as an author is to have a romance for everyone, whether it’s sweet, sensual, or spicy. She’s had several books on the Amazon best seller lists. When she isn’t writing, she can be found running, talking to her pets, spending time with her family, or lost in some sort of craft. Oh, and she takes kindly to anyone who feeds her cookies.

Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their herd of cats and one black lab who rules the house.

Reviews

[Jennifer Schultheis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacey Wolfe is a favorite of mine. I can always count on her to deliver an amazing love story. Before I get into what I loved about this book, I just want to say how much I adore this cover. The Temp has one of the sexiest covers I've seen in a while, and that alone should draw readers in. The cover isn't the best part of the book though, nope, that's the actual story. Lacey Wolfe does a fantastic job with creating characters that we can relate to and characters who we wish we trade places with.

This book revolves around Alice and Dylan. Dylan, of course, is the sexy lawyer in need of a secretary and Alice, is just out of college and takes the position from the temp agency. Alice needs this job and Dylan needs a secretary who won't quit on him or offer to give him a blow job. From the moment these two lay eyes on each other, the sparks fly. They both have a past and they both try to deny the attraction but that doesn't last for long.

The Temp is part 1 of a 3 part series and this book does end, in one hell of a cliffhanger. I am anxiously waiting for part 2 and silently cursing Lacey Wolfe for leaving the ending as she did. This is a must read and I can't wait to read the next part.

[LeeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy, short, great read! Loved it!

Alice Bennett has just graduated college with an accounting degree and is starting temporary position as Dylan Marshall’s secretary. Dylan has gone through 3 secretaries already that week and is hoping Alice will stick so he doesn’t have to train another. The attraction is immediate – Alice was warned going to the position that she shouldn’t flirt with Dylan because he’d fired one of the past secretaries for doing so. Dylan knows as soon as he sees Alice that he has to have her.

I love the story – I don’t usually like cliff hangers but I even liked that about this book. It’s a super short read and you don’t see the cliff hanger coming – which I really liked. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Jessica Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you do not like cliffhangers wait to buy this until all parts are out.

This was a very intriguing read we get some insight into Alice's life and some hints about Dylan that will hopefully get answered about and a shock for the end. I look forward to reading the next one

The scenes were well written and the characters and there story pull you in.

[Jenn Book Ramblings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!! Lacey Wolfe I need part 2 NOW!! Full review to come! :)

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of The Temp Part 1 written by Lacey Wolfe in exchange for an honest review. She is a favorite author of mine and always delivers a great love story. As other readers have indicated the cover is amazing! The author does an unbelievable job inventing characters which readers can relate to and make us want to switch places with. This book was a fast and wonderful read that when you started it you didn’t want to put it down. I finished it in one sitting.

The Temp is the story of Alice Bennett who recently finished college with an accounting degree and can’t find work. She is sent to see an attorney named Dylan Marshall from the temp agency. Dylan is a hot lawyer in need of a secretary and Alice really needs the position. Dylan wants a secretary who won't quit on him or offer to give him sexual favors. But from the very first moment they see each other they are fascinated with the other one. But Alice's mistrust in men deems from her childhood and she tries to deny she is attracted. Both of them do have something in their past which hasn’t been spoken of. Alice and Dylan are trying to fight their growing attraction to each other……

The Temp is part 1 of a three part series. This book does end with a cliffhanger which leaves you wondering what is going to happen. I am anxiously awaiting the second part. The author has done a great job of building up the tension and leaving the reader wanting more. I give this one a five star review. Also recommend it to anyone who loves romance with wonderful characters and a great storyline. This is a must read and I can't wait to read the next part.

[Sassy Moms Say Read Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADRI'S REVIEW:

I would like to thank Lacey Wolfe for providing me with a copy of the book so we can bring you this review.

This is a short quick read since it is part of a serial series, and as Lacey points out it does end in a cliffhanger. Which of course I knew about before I read it, but still didn't listen and dove into it like it were the last piece of cake. NOW I have that inevitable belly ache from eating too fast... Ok can you tell its almost lunch time for me as I write this review, since Im using food metaphors. But the point I am trying to make is that I was left aching for the next book.

I dont know how Lacey pulled it off, giving us a well detailed book, with so much going on and some really really sexy scenes, in such a short number of words. But she is my hero for doing it.

Alice is well thought out, clear character that you can easily see as a friend (if not yourself). Dylan is a bit of an ass, but one that can realize when he is being that way and tries to change it. And the chemistry between these two just jumps out the book. Its sort of feels like its a part of the room that you are in and not really part of a book.

I can't wait for the next one, and thankfully I don't have to wait long since Lacey has plans to bring it out soon.

Happy Reading... Adri

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some books that once you begin there is NO WAy you are going to set them down until you finish.
This is one of those fast reads that it is impossible to tear yourself away from.

Alice is a recent college graduate with a rough family history and some dire financial needs.
Dylan is a reknowned attorney with a famous bad attitude. He has gone through several secretaries in the brief time since the only woman who could put up with him retired.
Alice is the next secretary in line from the Temp agency. She is determined to make this job work.
And then she meets Dylan. In her imagination, being his secretary is not the only position she wants to have with him.

Having an office romance is never a good idea.
Having a fling with your boss is even worse.
Neither Alice nor Dylan has a good relationship history.
Is their attraction impossible to deny?

I will admit that while this story fans the flames from the beginnning, I found myself holding my breath waiting for the elevator to ding, signaling someone's arrival.


I was allowed an advance read of this part 1 and may be holding my breath until I can get my hands on part 2.

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED it! Great chemistry. Alice is spunky and determined which gives Dylan a run for his money. He needs someone to push back against his alpha tendencies. Told with dual POV which is fun getting all angles to this relationship. Alice needs this temp job but has been warned that Dylan is a tyrant. She hasn't been able to find a job after graduation so she will work hard to keep this job to pay the bills. What she didn't expect was to be attracted to Dylan. Dylan is surprised by his reaction to the new temp. He struggles to maintain his distance but also tries to be less of a tyrant, he is tired of secretaries walking out on him. He never expected the temptation of Alice to be so difficult to fight. Of course, as with any amazing serial, we end with a crazy cliff hanger … bring on part 2 please!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just proves that you can't fight your feelings no matter how hard you try. Alice starts her Temp position as secretary for Dylan Marshall. Dylan has gone through several secretaries prior to Alice and decides that maybe he should go easier on Alice than the others so he didn't have to train somebody else. However, they both become attracted to each other and fight their feelings, until they can't anymore.

I loved this book and can't wait to start Part 2 (which I have queued up to start in the morning). This book was a very quick and easy read. It was entertaining and fun. While it wasn't exactly a cliffhanger in my mind it did leave you wanting more. Lacey doesn't disappoint with this book.

ARC provided for honest review!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just amazing. Lacey sure knows how to get you hooked from the beginning with characters you fall in love with right from the beginning. Alice was looking for a job right after graduation but was having difficulty, so she ended up temping until she could find something more in her field of work. Dylan is a lawyer, incredibly HOT and is apparently going thru temps faster than the agency can keep them employed for him. There is chemistry between the two right from the beginning but neither want to act on it. Will the sexual tension be too much for them? Find out more when you read this story but be warned it is a cliff hanger! ... but so worth it!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that is a cliffhanger! Wow! This book is amazingly HOT, HOT, HOT! I couldn't put The Temp Part #1 down! Such a fantastic read! This is the story of Alice and Dylan. Alice has had a dark past and is trying to move on from it. She needs a job to cover her expenses. So she is working for Mr. Marshall only temporary until another job comes along. Follow Alice and Dylan through this amazing book. I can not wait to read more of Dylan and Alice!!! Lacey Wolfe has done a fantastic job with the flow of the story and the wonderful characters!!! Can't wait for Part #2!

[Jeana Andrews williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Esther Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too bad. A bit over the top but aren’t all office romance novels where the sexy billionaire boss falls for the younger inexperienced secretary/intern/temp etc and of course add the angst of her past and there ya go ya got a story. Of course it all works out in the end heck even the ex-wife finds some one.

[Liz ~ Liz's Reading Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first came into contact with Lacey at a Facebook party for another author. She was there talking about her books and I was intrigued by some of the concepts that I had to check them out for myself. Thusly, I have come to appreciate Lacey’s work as I devour her latest releases and continue working my way through her backlist. She is amazingly talented and one of the nicest people I know.

A few months back, Lacey asked for recommendations for serials because she was on a serial kick; this was something I totally understand because I get the same. So imagine my surprise when she stated that she was thinking about writing one herself; one that would be slightly different then what she normally writes. I was downright giddy with anticipation! And that anticipation only grew as she divulged the concept and tidbits here and there. So when I finally got my hands on The Temp Part 1, let’s just say I did a little happy dance!

We start be meeting Alice; it’s her first day of her temp job and she has been told to keep her head down and do her job. Her new boss wants a secretary to do what is asked of her and not to flirt with him. He is a busy attorney and does not need nor want the distractions. Alice has no intentions of dallying with the boss, she just wants to work to pay the bills while looking for a job within her degree. The only problem is her boss, Dylan, is very attractive and her body responds to him like no other; she cannot help but fantasize about him. However, Alice refusing to let temptation take over no matter how hard her best friend tries to convince her otherwise.

Dylan is determined to keep Alice as his secretary even though he is captivated by her. He does not what to train yet another secretary and something about her draws him closer to her. He actively tries to be nicer to her then he is known for so much so that he invites her to his brother’s club. Although he vows not to attend the club the night she is going to be there, he shows up nonetheless. To complicate matters, he knows what she feels like in his arms after their dance.

Both are fighting a losing battle, they know that one will have to make the first move but neither are sure they can.

I am completely in love with this series, even if it is just the first part. The constant will they, won’t they is captivating. And when they do finally get together, you know it will be electric. Lacey draws you in, works you up and leaves is dangling for more. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

[Hazel M Bear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alice is a decent protagonist, but I do not know why she is so against Dylan in the beginning. Yeah, he has some mood swings from work, but she goes so far as to call him bipolar. Then later she gets upset he’s telling her what to do to include answering the phone and she gets bitchy about it. Sorry Alice, a secretary handles paperwork. Don’t act like he’s putting you out by asking you to do your damn job.

Though he’s not all that great himself, being that he has fired secretaries for flirting before, and then likes to imagine being intimate with April. Maybe you need to fire yourself bro. Then this little kicker:

He liked a woman to stand up to him, but sometimes he just wanted her to shut up and go with it.

The feminist in me just can’t stand it. If you prefer spirited girls, that’s cool. If you prefer submissive ones, that’s cool too. But if you want to choose when they can act a certain way for your pleasure? Just F-off dude.

But my feminist side was surprised and really appreciated that when Alice asked him not to hit her (like spanking or anything), he wants to, but totally didn’t (mind you, this is like a paragraph away from previous)! He thought about introducing her to such pleasures later on, but he does not try to guilt or otherwise pressure her at all! This was totally unexpected and made me want to like him again, oy. Such a conundrum!

The sex scene was pretty alluring, though short. Something to keep bookmarked, certainly.

Read more reviews on my blog, Beyond the Back Cover

[Clio Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this in a Booklikes Giveaway last month, and so panning it feels like looking a gift horse in the mouth, but oh, boy, did this book not work for me. It's a boss/secretary trope, which is usually bad news*--I have real issues with the skewed power dynamic (not to mention the sheer unoriginality) of the notion of a male boss screwing his secretary. Here, the trope is even more cliched because the boss is some kind of billionaire and the secretary is a much younger, penniless, just-out-of-school-and-too-green-to-be-interesting neophyte.

As if that weren't bad enough, the writing itself is just ... not for me. So much passive voice! Run on sentences, some of which had more than one cliche! Purple prose! If this were a spoof or satire that aimed to poke fun at some of the tired and overdone conventions of this subgenre of erotic romance, that might have been different, but alas, I'm pretty sure Lacey Wolfe intended this in all seriousness. Oh, dear.

This is the first entry in a three part series. Needless to say, I will not be continuing on.

*The only books I can think of that rose above my dislike of the boss-secretary trope are Charlotte Stein's Power Play (where 1. the boss is a woman and the secretary is male, and 2. it's Charlotte Stein, bitches!) and Jennifer Crusie's Fast Women (where 1. the secretary is in her 40s and isn't anyone's pushover, 2. she quits when her boss takes her for granted, and 3. I mentioned this is Jennifer Crusie, right?).

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has me dying to read the next part! Ms. Wolfe knows how to create amazing characters!

Alice must keep her job, even though her boss is well, bossy. She puts up with his demands and his yelling which drives her crazy. Having grown up in a house with yellers, I know how she feels. Yelling makes me so upset. I give her credit for seeing it through, and although she knows not to mix business with pleasure... Alice and her boss fall for each other.

It is natural when you spend time together, and especially when someone is putting the moves on you to fall for them. This natural progression made sense for the characters and just when you think things are going well... Ms. Wolfe throws a monkey wrench into it.

Make sure you read them in order to enjoy all the twists and turns.!

[Nola Arganbright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has adult content and a cliff hanger ending. Dylan has not been successful with the temporary secretaries that the agency has sent him. He is a demanding boss with a short fuse. Alice needs this job and is determined to get past his mood swings.
I enjoyed the book and the characters. The flow is good. I enjoyed the storyline although it was very predictable.

[D.K. Lawsan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why didn't I find this sooner? Fabulous quick read!

This was exactly what I've come to expect from Lacey Wolfe, a seductive and surprising read. I can't wait to download the next book.

[Amanda Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is a quick steamy read that leaves you wanting more. It does end in a cliffhanger but the whole series is available in a box set so that definitely makes up for it. I really have enjoyed what I've read so far. I'm starting the second one now. Can't wait to see what happens!

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Temptation running wild and a game of cat and mouse that leads to a cliffhanger out this world. Run Alice because things just got complicated.