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BOSS #1
Boss
After years of travelling the world using his trust fund, college-dropout Joshua Silverton returns to London to discover two shocking truths: his estranged and wealthy father has been dead for over a year and he left his fortune to a total stranger. Joshua soon meets the man who stole his inheritance and even though he expects to hate Ezra Steele, he can’t ignore the strange attraction he suddenly feels towards him.
Bill Silverton saved Ezra Steele from his troubled past when he signed Silverton Tower over to him on his deathbed. Ezra now has the house, the business, the cars, the money and a different man in his bed every night. It’s a life he wants to cling to, so when Bill’s gorgeous son unexpectedly turns up and demands he hand everything back, his life is turned upside down in more ways than one.
A need to finally prove himself to his dead father forces Joshua to challenge Ezra but will he be able to ignore the attraction in order to be ruthless? Ezra tries to keep his enemies close by getting Joshua into his bed but as history catches up with him, he is forced to face himself. They are both running from their past, so in a battle between head and heart, Joshua and Ezra must choose what is more important – money or each other.
Bill Silverton saved Ezra Steele from his troubled past when he signed Silverton Tower over to him on his deathbed. Ezra now has the house, the business, the cars, the money and a different man in his bed every night. It’s a life he wants to cling to, so when Bill’s gorgeous son unexpectedly turns up and demands he hand everything back, his life is turned upside down in more ways than one.
A need to finally prove himself to his dead father forces Joshua to challenge Ezra but will he be able to ignore the attraction in order to be ruthless? Ezra tries to keep his enemies close by getting Joshua into his bed but as history catches up with him, he is forced to face himself. They are both running from their past, so in a battle between head and heart, Joshua and Ezra must choose what is more important – money or each other.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2015
43 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
About the author
Ashley John
24 books801 followersAshley John is a gay author of gay/mm romance novels. Living in the north of England with his fiance and two cats, Ashley John spends his days writing down the voices he hears in his head. His books are primarily romance dramas with sprinklings of erotica and he has a knack for making you feel like you're living right beside the characters he creates. Ashley John is also a keen artist and he puts his artistic side to designing all of his own covers.
Find ashley john at ashleyjohn.co.uk
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Find ashley john at ashleyjohn.co.uk
KEEP UP WITH ASHLEY JOHN ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyjohnart
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/itsashleyjohn
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ashleyjohn
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July 15, 2015OUT NOW!
***TEASER BELOW!***
Ezra ripped back the plastic sheet, plucking a fat, juicy strawberry from the bunch. He bobbed it into his wine before lifting it slowly to his lips. The dark liquid dripped down his chin and onto the stiff collar of his white shirt. He slowly bit into the strawberry, his lips wrapping around the red skin as his eyes stared intensely into Joshua’s, narrowing without blinking.
“They’re aphrodisiacs,” Ezra tossed the green stem into the carton, before plucking out another, “try one.”
Joshua was about to dip his hand into the strawberries but before he had a chance, Ezra lifted the strawberry he’d chosen and dangled it in front of Joshua’s lips, darting his brows up and down as if daring him to try it from his fingers. He stared at the strawberry, his eyes crossing as he looked down his own nose. Heart pounding in his chest, he told himself he wasn’t going to eat a strawberry from another guy’s hand. His tongue poked through his lips before sucking it back in.
“Go on,” Ezra pushed it forwards, “try it. Are you afraid you'll enjoy it?”
Somehow, Joshua was sure Ezra wasn’t just talking about the strawberry.
His lashes fluttered, the pounding of his heart rising about the loud music. He darted up to Ezra’s eyes but they were still fixed on him, like they always were. He wanted to pull away, he really did, but before he could stop it, he was ducking under the strawberry, letting Ezra dangle it into his mouth.
Catching it between his teeth, he expected Ezra to move his hand but he didn’t. He quickly bit into the strawberry, the sugary juices mixing bitterly with the red wine.
“Nice, isn’t it?” Ezra pulled away the leaves, tossing them into the carton.
Joshua chewed the strawberry in silence, his eyes locked on Ezra’s. It’s like he couldn’t stop himself. Whenever he got too close to Ezra, he seemed to lose all of his judgement skills.
“Juicy and sweet,” Ezra whispered, sipping his wine, “ripe.”
No other words were needed. Joshua wasn’t strong enough to resist anymore.
***TEASER BELOW!***
Ezra ripped back the plastic sheet, plucking a fat, juicy strawberry from the bunch. He bobbed it into his wine before lifting it slowly to his lips. The dark liquid dripped down his chin and onto the stiff collar of his white shirt. He slowly bit into the strawberry, his lips wrapping around the red skin as his eyes stared intensely into Joshua’s, narrowing without blinking.
“They’re aphrodisiacs,” Ezra tossed the green stem into the carton, before plucking out another, “try one.”
Joshua was about to dip his hand into the strawberries but before he had a chance, Ezra lifted the strawberry he’d chosen and dangled it in front of Joshua’s lips, darting his brows up and down as if daring him to try it from his fingers. He stared at the strawberry, his eyes crossing as he looked down his own nose. Heart pounding in his chest, he told himself he wasn’t going to eat a strawberry from another guy’s hand. His tongue poked through his lips before sucking it back in.
“Go on,” Ezra pushed it forwards, “try it. Are you afraid you'll enjoy it?”
Somehow, Joshua was sure Ezra wasn’t just talking about the strawberry.
His lashes fluttered, the pounding of his heart rising about the loud music. He darted up to Ezra’s eyes but they were still fixed on him, like they always were. He wanted to pull away, he really did, but before he could stop it, he was ducking under the strawberry, letting Ezra dangle it into his mouth.
Catching it between his teeth, he expected Ezra to move his hand but he didn’t. He quickly bit into the strawberry, the sugary juices mixing bitterly with the red wine.
“Nice, isn’t it?” Ezra pulled away the leaves, tossing them into the carton.
Joshua chewed the strawberry in silence, his eyes locked on Ezra’s. It’s like he couldn’t stop himself. Whenever he got too close to Ezra, he seemed to lose all of his judgement skills.
“Juicy and sweet,” Ezra whispered, sipping his wine, “ripe.”
No other words were needed. Joshua wasn’t strong enough to resist anymore.
July 16, 2015
Omg! This sounds FABULOUS!
____
It was.
____
It was.
July 23, 2015
Full review originally posted at Sinfully...Addicted to All Male Romance
Ezra Steele is just the kind of man most people would hate. As head of Silverton Industries Ezra is rich, arrogant, having sex with a different nameless twink every night and thinking of himself in the third person, but Ezra has a past that most people don’t know about and he isn’t looking to share that information. Being left a fortune and a business when Bill Silverton died saved Ezra and he will do what he has to in order to keep it.
Joshua Silverton is the kind of man you want to hate for totally different reasons. A rich kid that never had to take responsibility for any of his actions, he has spent the last seven years partying around the world with his best friend Levi. At 18 he left school and cut contact with his family except for keeping his cousin Violet up to date on his travels. Back in London for Violet’s wedding, he is counting the days until he can leave. He is hoping to avoid his father, but his money is running out and he is debating making contact again. Before he can even make a final decision on that he finds out that the man he hasn’t spoken to in seven years has been dead for a year and has left nothing to Joshua.
When Ezra and Joshua meet in a bar, Joshua is surprised by his attraction since he has always considered himself straight. Ezra is intrigued by Joshua especially after the two do nothing more than share some kisses and then fall asleep together, something Ezra has never done before. When the two meet again things go horribly as Joshua finds Ezra installed in his father’s old office, running the company Joshua never wanted. In order for Joshua to get back his father’s business and money he will have to take it from Ezra. In order for Ezra to hold onto what he has, he will need to keep it away from Joshua. What better way for both men to reach their goals than for Joshua to work for Ezra at the company he grew to hate?
I enjoyed all the ups and downs of the relationship and the two initially unlikeable main characters managed to find their way into my heart. Obviously both men have more to them than meets the eye. Both are hurt and flawed and trying to break away from their pasts.
Ashley John did a good job with the push and pull of their lust-hate relationship. I enjoyed the intrigue as their business and personal relationships changed and Joshua struggled with whether he should fight to take Ezra down (and why he even wanted to) while Ezra tried not to let his personal feelings cloud the potential dangers in letting Joshua have a place in the business, even as he knew the Board members would try to use Joshua against him for their own gain. There was real tension as the lawyers and certain family members tried their hardest to convince Joshua that Ezra manipulated his father on his deathbed even though the man he was growing closer to was nothing like that, but as secrets are exposed and loyalties are questioned everything they were building together suddenly seems to be crashing down.
Good secondary characters including Johsua’s level-headed cousin Violet, his borderline sleazy best friend Levi and Ezra’s younger brother Felix added emotional support and some humor. I really felt the sexual tension between Ezra and Joshua and I’d be lying if I didn’t say that the angry, hate sex was very hot, but I really liked the slow build of their feelings for each other. The story had a good mix of family drama, sex, angst and up and down emotions and despite its length it moved along quickly. This was my first read by Ashley John, but it won’t be my last.
Ezra Steele is just the kind of man most people would hate. As head of Silverton Industries Ezra is rich, arrogant, having sex with a different nameless twink every night and thinking of himself in the third person, but Ezra has a past that most people don’t know about and he isn’t looking to share that information. Being left a fortune and a business when Bill Silverton died saved Ezra and he will do what he has to in order to keep it.
Joshua Silverton is the kind of man you want to hate for totally different reasons. A rich kid that never had to take responsibility for any of his actions, he has spent the last seven years partying around the world with his best friend Levi. At 18 he left school and cut contact with his family except for keeping his cousin Violet up to date on his travels. Back in London for Violet’s wedding, he is counting the days until he can leave. He is hoping to avoid his father, but his money is running out and he is debating making contact again. Before he can even make a final decision on that he finds out that the man he hasn’t spoken to in seven years has been dead for a year and has left nothing to Joshua.
When Ezra and Joshua meet in a bar, Joshua is surprised by his attraction since he has always considered himself straight. Ezra is intrigued by Joshua especially after the two do nothing more than share some kisses and then fall asleep together, something Ezra has never done before. When the two meet again things go horribly as Joshua finds Ezra installed in his father’s old office, running the company Joshua never wanted. In order for Joshua to get back his father’s business and money he will have to take it from Ezra. In order for Ezra to hold onto what he has, he will need to keep it away from Joshua. What better way for both men to reach their goals than for Joshua to work for Ezra at the company he grew to hate?
I enjoyed all the ups and downs of the relationship and the two initially unlikeable main characters managed to find their way into my heart. Obviously both men have more to them than meets the eye. Both are hurt and flawed and trying to break away from their pasts.
Ashley John did a good job with the push and pull of their lust-hate relationship. I enjoyed the intrigue as their business and personal relationships changed and Joshua struggled with whether he should fight to take Ezra down (and why he even wanted to) while Ezra tried not to let his personal feelings cloud the potential dangers in letting Joshua have a place in the business, even as he knew the Board members would try to use Joshua against him for their own gain. There was real tension as the lawyers and certain family members tried their hardest to convince Joshua that Ezra manipulated his father on his deathbed even though the man he was growing closer to was nothing like that, but as secrets are exposed and loyalties are questioned everything they were building together suddenly seems to be crashing down.
Good secondary characters including Johsua’s level-headed cousin Violet, his borderline sleazy best friend Levi and Ezra’s younger brother Felix added emotional support and some humor. I really felt the sexual tension between Ezra and Joshua and I’d be lying if I didn’t say that the angry, hate sex was very hot, but I really liked the slow build of their feelings for each other. The story had a good mix of family drama, sex, angst and up and down emotions and despite its length it moved along quickly. This was my first read by Ashley John, but it won’t be my last.
September 8, 2015
I can't help but compare this to Ella Frank's Temptation series and how BOSS did not hold a candle to the latter. I was expecting steamy scenes with alphamales trying to show the other who's boss, but this failed to pack the needed punch. The story was all over the place dragging on until the last page leaving behind a lot of loose ends. But what really made this utterly disappointing was that for me, this lacked heart.
It saddened me to realize that this looked more like a book rattling on the pathetic lives of rich men acting like spoiled brats and their seemingly important first-world problems. Joshua's character came off to me as shallow. I had hoped the story would put weight on family but it heavily revolved around talks of money and luxury. The secondary characters just fell in the background and were not given due importance. It irritated me that I wanted to know more about them and connect with them but was never given the chance to. Violet, Levi, Felix, and Constance played very great roles in the development of the story between Joshua and Ezra but it felt like they weren't allowed to stick.
Surprisingly though, this was an incredibly fast read despite the lengthy number of pages.
dnf-not-4-me
August 1, 2015I stopped at 50%. These men were just too angry for me to get into it and I admit I'm not in the mood for the raw, angry type passion right now. Sometimes I am, but not today. I won't rate since I did not finish and I encourage anyone who enjoys this type of book to give it a try. I might even pick it up again myself eventually.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2015
Loved it, review previously at bmbr.
"Fuck me," Joshua moaned, "do it." It was a demand, a raw and primal demand. A demand unbothered by sexuality or conflict. A demand from a man who was ready to give in to his desires. A demand from a man who knew what he really wanted. "
Ashley John has a talent. Not just his writing talent, but a talent to make me enjoy books I would not normally. He can take a story and make me want to read it, even if I don't want to read it! I'm kinda talking in riddles, huh.
Okay. When I first read the blurb of Boss, I wanted to read it. It sounded different to what Ashley usually writes - and I have to admit, I liked the fact it was set in England. When I started reading I didn't really like Joshua at all. He sounded like a stuck up, self-entitled, rich brat. He was a stuck up, self-entitled, rich brat. Starting a book with an MC I could barely tolerate is not usually a good sign. But here is where the magic of Ashley's writing comes in, because he makes me care about the rich brat, even while my brain is telling me not to.
Not only did he make me care about the rich brat, he made me care about the antagonist, Ezra, too. Even when Ezra was being a dickhead. Ezra, who came from nowhere and took everything. Ezra with pain in his past and a burning need to succeed. (Ezra, who in my head looked exactly like Idris Elba, even though the description of him was nothing like him! I think it was the name, Ezra/Elba, because before I'd even started I'd got that image in my head - and let's face it, it's a pretty good image to have stuck in your noggin!).
The story of these two - slightly reminicscent of a Prince and a Pauper, set in the business world of today's London - was so readable. Rich boy left with nothing, poor boy given everything. The fight they have, one to regain and one to keep, all while experiencing emotions they've neither been party too before. Love. Neither had truly been loved, not for a long time. Both were toughened, hardened to the world at large, more interested in the tangible than the emotional.To love your enemy though? It takes a whole lot of trust - and trust is a difficult commodity for them both to come by.
As I read this book, I could switch off my emotion and clinically point out things that would normally make me roll my eyes - but this lad is talented, and I am so engrossed in the story and the tale of the characters that I don't care. I really don't. Nit-picky me can take a hike because, as far as I'm concerned, reading is about enjoyment and I damn well enjoyed this story. I really did. I'm super pleased to see there is going to be a second book in this series and would recommend people check out this author, he just gets better and better.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
"Fuck me," Joshua moaned, "do it." It was a demand, a raw and primal demand. A demand unbothered by sexuality or conflict. A demand from a man who was ready to give in to his desires. A demand from a man who knew what he really wanted. "
Ashley John has a talent. Not just his writing talent, but a talent to make me enjoy books I would not normally. He can take a story and make me want to read it, even if I don't want to read it! I'm kinda talking in riddles, huh.
Okay. When I first read the blurb of Boss, I wanted to read it. It sounded different to what Ashley usually writes - and I have to admit, I liked the fact it was set in England. When I started reading I didn't really like Joshua at all. He sounded like a stuck up, self-entitled, rich brat. He was a stuck up, self-entitled, rich brat. Starting a book with an MC I could barely tolerate is not usually a good sign. But here is where the magic of Ashley's writing comes in, because he makes me care about the rich brat, even while my brain is telling me not to.
Not only did he make me care about the rich brat, he made me care about the antagonist, Ezra, too. Even when Ezra was being a dickhead. Ezra, who came from nowhere and took everything. Ezra with pain in his past and a burning need to succeed. (Ezra, who in my head looked exactly like Idris Elba, even though the description of him was nothing like him! I think it was the name, Ezra/Elba, because before I'd even started I'd got that image in my head - and let's face it, it's a pretty good image to have stuck in your noggin!).
The story of these two - slightly reminicscent of a Prince and a Pauper, set in the business world of today's London - was so readable. Rich boy left with nothing, poor boy given everything. The fight they have, one to regain and one to keep, all while experiencing emotions they've neither been party too before. Love. Neither had truly been loved, not for a long time. Both were toughened, hardened to the world at large, more interested in the tangible than the emotional.To love your enemy though? It takes a whole lot of trust - and trust is a difficult commodity for them both to come by.
As I read this book, I could switch off my emotion and clinically point out things that would normally make me roll my eyes - but this lad is talented, and I am so engrossed in the story and the tale of the characters that I don't care. I really don't. Nit-picky me can take a hike because, as far as I'm concerned, reading is about enjoyment and I damn well enjoyed this story. I really did. I'm super pleased to see there is going to be a second book in this series and would recommend people check out this author, he just gets better and better.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2015
This was a strange one. There were lots of typos, and occasions where what was on the page didn’t make sense - AT ALL – see below. (Can I politely suggest an editor or proof reader for future stories dear Author??) Having said that, I did enjoy the story and am chuffed to bits that there is a sequel in the works. 4 stars.
Not going into great detail here, the blurb says it all. I wasn’t all that keen on Joshua (read… didn’t like for quite a large part of the story), he didn’t want the responsibility of working in his dad’s business, but loved spending the money. He was a selfish, worthless layabout/sponger IMHO (I hate people who think the world owes them a living for doing nothing) BUT he did actually redeem himself (sort of) later in the story, when he admitted to having feelings for another person other than himself…and horror of all horrors, a man!! Ezra, well he was bossy, cocky, arrogant, a bit of a slut and full of secrets, who liked having sex in public places hehe….but he was sooo sexy, the typical bad boy. The sex between Joshua and Ezra was hot and steamy, and you sort of knew that Joshua wouldn’t be able to deny his attraction to Ezra for much longer. How Ezra comes to be running the business that Joshua’s father built, well you’ll have to find out for yourself.
As for the secondary characters, I liked Vi (Joshua’s cousin) and Ezra’s younger brother Felix...and that was about it. Joshua’s travelling companion Levi was a sleazy git and womaniser, Jade (read the story, you’ll discover who she is) well she needs to go get a life, away from drugs and drink and the rest of the worthless morons who live on the estate Ezra grew up on in Hackney. (Have to admit I would have liked some of the backstory on how Ezra came to be working for Silverton’s (given his background) and why HE was picked by Joshua’s father to be in charge, but maybe we’ll get to find out in the sequel ‘Steele’).
I’d thought that there was going to be a big battle for the company, with Ezra on one side on his lonesome and Joshua and the rest of the board members on the other, but that seemed to stop rather abruptly when Joshua changed sides, so for me that felt a little rushed. The board members that wanted to control the company through Joshua when Ezra was ousted were just buffoons who wanted their little puppet in charge, and I’m sure that Ezra would have had some choice words for them…but we didn’t get to see that unfortunately.
Now for some of the strange quotes that didn’t make sense to me…
’The florist decided to get divorced so she went ominous on me. I had to fire her.’ AND ‘There was a tense varnish over her eyes but he couldn’t quite place it.’ AND ‘they stared at each other motionlessly.’ It’s not me is it??
October 29, 2015
That was an awesome read. Great personalities and good storyline.
I really enjoyed reading. The steamy encounters were really hot.
There were so many feelings in this book
The way it was written was great and smooth.
There is no cliffhanger (Thank you Lord or Ashley;-))
I am not telling the storyline, others will do
A great 5 stars book
I am looking forward to read #2
I really enjoyed reading. The steamy encounters were really hot.
There were so many feelings in this book
The way it was written was great and smooth.
There is no cliffhanger (Thank you Lord or Ashley;-))
I am not telling the storyline, others will do
A great 5 stars book
I am looking forward to read #2
July 14, 2015
This book is definitely my favorite Ashley John book now!!!! Joshua comes home for his cousins wedding after being gone 7 years traveling, needing more money from his father is also on the agenda before leaving again. But bad news awaits Joshua and things are about to change. While drinking in a bar he meets a guy, and can't seem to get him out of his head. He's not gay so why is Ezra all he can think about? Ezra can have any guy he wants, he's rich, sexy and takes what he wants and doesn't even remember their names. Then he meets Joshua, it's not just one night that he wants, not a name he can forget. But life has a way of throwing complications, neither man knowing just how connected their lives are. Money, secrets, unanswered questions all get in the way of their happiness, can Joshua get the answers he needs to trust Ezra before it's too late?
This book to me is much greater than 5 stars, it's a fantastic read!!! There's loss and grief, there are laughs and comfort, circumstances and confusion, but out of all that comes happiness and love. You can't go wrong with picking up this book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
This book to me is much greater than 5 stars, it's a fantastic read!!! There's loss and grief, there are laughs and comfort, circumstances and confusion, but out of all that comes happiness and love. You can't go wrong with picking up this book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
July 18, 2015
First of all, I’d like to say I received an ARC for an honest review and second, thanks Ashley!
Ok, just so you all know, when I review a book I never really feel it’s necessary to go into detail about every aspect of the story. We all read the excerpt’s and synopsis of books that we purchase, so I’d rather write about what I took away from the story and how the book made me feel, if that makes any sense! It’s no secret that Ashley John is one of the best young authors out there ~ and for good reason ~ when a book makes you feel all kinds of ups and downs and everything in between, I always say that’s when the author did his/her job. Boss is no exception ~ the story of Joshua and Ezra was a tornado of greed, trust and loyalty questioned, along with lust, love, commitment and friendship pushed to its limit. Joshua and Ezra needed to find out what each of them was really made of, along with where their priorities stood. Sometimes gaining it all can mean losing it all as well. The question is, is it really worth it? Boss has the perfect measure of all – Great storyline, steaming hot sex, lovable and multi-layered main characters that Ashley conjures up in his own unique style. Great supporting characters as well. I loved Joshua’s friend Levi, but especially adored Joshua’s cousin, Violet – the only one with common sense enough to help them all find their way !!! Another fabulous job done by Ashley John ❤️
June 13, 2016
#Pray4Orlando what an horrible new.
So, I have this book for a while, haven't read it because friend's reviews, there are good ones ther are bad ones, some didn't even finish the book but now that I finally read it I only thing in one thing why they didn't finish it?
I feel guilty for liking this book? not even a little I was looking for something angsty and I found it, I loved the book since the beginning I though it was going to be corny and predictable but none of that, it was a really really good story with an actual intersting plot and two angry mens with really problems.
And the writter, I saw around a couple of his books but never really got my attention until this one, and the style of writting is amazing I really liked that, besides:
Isn't he cute?
"It gets easier. You forget to stop crying. You put up walls and eventually you never cry. You can’t. You hide behind the walls and the façade and people start to believe it. You start to believe it yourself."
So, I have this book for a while, haven't read it because friend's reviews, there are good ones ther are bad ones, some didn't even finish the book but now that I finally read it I only thing in one thing why they didn't finish it?
I feel guilty for liking this book? not even a little I was looking for something angsty and I found it, I loved the book since the beginning I though it was going to be corny and predictable but none of that, it was a really really good story with an actual intersting plot and two angry mens with really problems.
And the writter, I saw around a couple of his books but never really got my attention until this one, and the style of writting is amazing I really liked that, besides:
Isn't he cute?
March 30, 2017
DNF at 30%
The whole book is just one giant facepalm. The plot holes are so big you can drive a bus through them.
The whole book is just one giant facepalm. The plot holes are so big you can drive a bus through them.
July 25, 2015
WOW!!!!! FANTASTIC Book!!!!
July 24, 2015
A review by The Blogger Girls.
This was one of those books where you start out really not liking a character or characters much in the beginning, but they blossom and grow into something totally different as the story progresses.
This is how I felt about Joshua. Yes, he had reasons for running in the first place, but he has basically lived off his trust fund traveling and partying his life away for the past seven years. It isn’t until his cousin and good friend asks him home to attend her wedding, plus the fact that he is running low on funds, that he comes home at all. He learns that his father died over a year ago, he was left with no inheritance, and some outsider is running the company his father tried to get him to take control of but which he basically threw in his father’s face before running off to party in foreign countries. Not very many redeeming qualities at this point.
Then we meet Ezra, a seemingly slick rich guy with the cars and ego to match. He screws guys left and right, not even remembering their names. But, he is harboring some dark demons. He has a crazy ex who blames him for the death of their young daughter and has yet to pull herself out of the downward spiral she began five years ago when the event occurred. He carries around a lot of guilt about this, but has put it enough aside to rise to the top of taking over Silverton Industries. He is dealing with the issues surrounding the company, as well as his psycho ex, and, we get glimpses of a few redeeming qualities from him, but not very many.
But when these two meet not knowing who each other really is, things begin to change, mostly from Ezra. They have explosive chemistry, that’s for sure. But then the truth comes out when their identities are made known to each other. What ensues is a lot of mistrust from both sides as they try to discover their respective motives. How did Ezra manage to get everything upon Bill Silverton’s death? How will Joshua manage to get back that which he believes should be his, etc. Ezra manages to convince Joshua to work with him, keeping him close, but the mystery and unanswered questions remain, even as their sexual chemistry explodes. The sex is extremely hot, especially as these two are pretty angry at each other and their circumstances throughout the story. But eventually, things shift and they are both left thinking about what is more important to them.
I really enjoyed this story. It is long, but it moves along at a good pace and kept my interest throughout. It was well written and the characters were shown in vivid color. There are some great side characters, including Joshua’s cousin, Violet, his best, albeit annoying, friend, Levi, and Ezra’s little brother, Felix. I was not ready to let these guys go once they finally had their plans figured out and am excited to see there is a sequel planned. This was my first book by Mr. John, and I was quite impressed and looking forward to reading more.
August 11, 2015
4.5 stars - There may be a minor spoiler below but no details.
Was hard to put this one down which lead to late night and early morning reading. Had to finish before I started work and if I hadn't timed it right, I would have been tardy for sure.
Really enjoyed this book. Very good story line and great dialogue. Yes, a lot of anger, but tempered with feels. I do wish there was more sex. Ashley, you write those scenes so well! Could get lost in a few more especially when misunderstandings are resolved. There's nothing like make up sex, you know...
This was my first Ashley John book, but won't be my last. Have already scoped out others!
Was hard to put this one down which lead to late night and early morning reading. Had to finish before I started work and if I hadn't timed it right, I would have been tardy for sure.
Really enjoyed this book. Very good story line and great dialogue. Yes, a lot of anger, but tempered with feels. I do wish there was more sex. Ashley, you write those scenes so well! Could get lost in a few more especially when misunderstandings are resolved. There's nothing like make up sex, you know...
This was my first Ashley John book, but won't be my last. Have already scoped out others!
September 15, 2015
A scoop of drama and conflict, a splash of loyalty and trust, a sprinkle of flirty & fun banter, a cup of friendship and comfort, a dash of suspense, a gallon of healing and a whole lot of sexiness and you have the recipe for BOSS.
My emotions were everywhere, and personally, I feel that’s what makes a perfect story. You could feel the passion, the heat, the conflict, the tension and the drama between these two. I really enjoyed that not only one character but that both went through a healing process and self-awareness that they learned about themselves and to heal from the grief within. Even though the battle of loyalty and trust was there, they both grounded each other to be able to live and not just go through life on autopilot. They both have opposite qualities and are battling with their attraction to each other while deciding whether to give up and fight for the money or fight for each other.
I cannot forget Levi (Joshua’s best friend and the funny one), Violet (the level-headed one) and Felix (Ezra’s brother and goof). They all play an integral part in this story and balance everything out. I would nominate them for best supporting characters.
I bow to Ashley as he has written a masterpiece with all the qualities that are needed in a MUST read story. You are able to truly feel like you are living in this story and feeling all the emotions of the characters. I never wanted it to end. Joshua and Ezra will forever be with me. Not enough stars to choose from to give an accurate rating :)
My emotions were everywhere, and personally, I feel that’s what makes a perfect story. You could feel the passion, the heat, the conflict, the tension and the drama between these two. I really enjoyed that not only one character but that both went through a healing process and self-awareness that they learned about themselves and to heal from the grief within. Even though the battle of loyalty and trust was there, they both grounded each other to be able to live and not just go through life on autopilot. They both have opposite qualities and are battling with their attraction to each other while deciding whether to give up and fight for the money or fight for each other.
I cannot forget Levi (Joshua’s best friend and the funny one), Violet (the level-headed one) and Felix (Ezra’s brother and goof). They all play an integral part in this story and balance everything out. I would nominate them for best supporting characters.
I bow to Ashley as he has written a masterpiece with all the qualities that are needed in a MUST read story. You are able to truly feel like you are living in this story and feeling all the emotions of the characters. I never wanted it to end. Joshua and Ezra will forever be with me. Not enough stars to choose from to give an accurate rating :)
November 30, 2017
It took me forever to finish this book and a lot to not DNF it. I really hard a time connecting and understanding Joshua & Ezra. What are the odds of both having Jewish names????
This book is about college dropout, Joshua Silverton who fled his privileged life to travel thus escaping the responsibilities of walking his father footsteps and becoming CEO of the family billion dollar company.
But after seven years of wasting his life and blowing away his trust fund the bottom of that fund is showing and Joshua is back for money. He wants money to keep living his privileged life without any responsibility. When he learns his father past away a year earlier the first thing he thinks of is Had he just become a millionaire?
Joshua is immature, spineless, selfish, can’t think for himself and he annoys the crap out of me.
When he learns his father gave away everything to Ezra he still does not know what to do. He wants his inheritance but is too weak to do something about it all.
And Ezra? He is full of himself, always seems to be having sex or being blown and thinks with his dick. “You’re Ezra Steele. People aren’t going to believe you’ve fucked me.”
When he meets Joshua there is an instant attraction but learning who Joshua is, Ezra does not know why he wants him near. Because of the threat of or attraction?
This was so out of reality, I know it is fiction but please do not insult my intelligence.
August 31, 2015
Mission accomplished
Wow! I loved this story. The main characters are interesting and a little bit mysterious. I was fascinated with these guys from page one. This book can be read as a standalone; with that said I'm really looking forward to reading more about Joshua and Ezra. They are fast becoming my next obsession.
Wow! I loved this story. The main characters are interesting and a little bit mysterious. I was fascinated with these guys from page one. This book can be read as a standalone; with that said I'm really looking forward to reading more about Joshua and Ezra. They are fast becoming my next obsession.
November 22, 2015
I was so bored at 50% but I finished it with a sigh of relief. Joshua was a 25 year old teenager with no spine or ability to think for himself. Ezra only seemed to think with his penis. One rational conversation about Ezra's interaction with the father would have cleared up a lot, so of course Ezra spent all his time trting to get Joshua into bed instead. The plot had such gaping holes. With no higher education and never holding a job, Joshua knew how to do market research? And with all the emphasis on suspicious dates, wills and letters, none of that was resolved or even addressed at any point. And why would no one ever contact Joshua about his father's death? He was not the only next of kin, so why was Ezra's ownership not questioned at the time of his death by the Aunt or cousin or especially by the Board Of Directors? Why was there a Board of Directors if the company was owned outright? If there was a will, any attorney would still have to contact someone in the family even without an estate. The father had to have retained something for his last expenses unless he died alone, naked in a yurt somewhere. Thank goodness for Unlimited. Returning NOW.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2015
Another great read by Ashley John!
I couldn't help but admire the dynamic between Joshua and Ezra. Joshua is your typical wealthy trust fund baby who decided at 18 to travel the world and come back to London when his money was running a little low for his liking; only to come back to bad news then to even worse news.
Ezra on the other hand, is a guy from the wrong side of the tracks, who grew up poor with a drugged out whore for a mother to a wealthy man with a business to run in a short period of time.
They couldn't be more opposite right? From the moment these two met, Joshua was both frustrated and intrigued by Ezra. And Ezra saw how frustrated Joshua was with him and that in turn made Ezra intrigued by Joshua. This contrast was a great source of entertainment throughout the book.
The emotions I felt in this book ranged from sadness, anger, frustration to joy. All done in the best possible way.
Cheers (as Brits like to say) to Ashley on another beautiful story.
I couldn't help but admire the dynamic between Joshua and Ezra. Joshua is your typical wealthy trust fund baby who decided at 18 to travel the world and come back to London when his money was running a little low for his liking; only to come back to bad news then to even worse news.
Ezra on the other hand, is a guy from the wrong side of the tracks, who grew up poor with a drugged out whore for a mother to a wealthy man with a business to run in a short period of time.
They couldn't be more opposite right? From the moment these two met, Joshua was both frustrated and intrigued by Ezra. And Ezra saw how frustrated Joshua was with him and that in turn made Ezra intrigued by Joshua. This contrast was a great source of entertainment throughout the book.
The emotions I felt in this book ranged from sadness, anger, frustration to joy. All done in the best possible way.
Cheers (as Brits like to say) to Ashley on another beautiful story.
September 2, 2015
Yum. Angsty too! I kinda was judgey in the first chapter.... I don't want to confess why cuz it's the stupidest reason...but I shall...it's cuz I thought the author was too young to write a book that could have anything more than just sex. Yes. What a judgemental (insert cuss word) I am. But I was aware it was wrong of me to be that way so I kept reading and ugh. Hello humble pie. Must have more.
I loved the book ^____^ and I'm so sorry to the author even though you didn't know I was feeling that way. I loved Ezra and how much he cared for Joshua. It had angst but it wasn't over the top and I loved...loved...the letter... the way Joshua and Ezra reconciled in the end was different from many other mms I've read and I loved it. Imma be reading all his other books.
I loved the book ^____^ and I'm so sorry to the author even though you didn't know I was feeling that way. I loved Ezra and how much he cared for Joshua. It had angst but it wasn't over the top and I loved...loved...the letter... the way Joshua and Ezra reconciled in the end was different from many other mms I've read and I loved it. Imma be reading all his other books.
July 17, 2015
Ashley John is always an automatic one-click for me and he never disappoints. This book is no exception....LOVED it! I'm a huge sucker for gay-for-you or enemies-to-lovers books, and this one was amazing. I absolutely loved the build up between Ezra and Joshua. And when they finally do get together...sizzlin hot!! Can't recommend this book or any other of Ashley John's books enough!
July 16, 2015
Brilliant!
The best story by far! Filled with intrigue, angst, hot sex, great characters and an amazing storyline! Ezra and Joshua are perfection! Snarly and funny, so emotional and heart wrenching at times, I wanted to drop kick Jade and Joshua's Aunt Jackie. I almost threw my kindle at the wall! Well done Ashley!
The best story by far! Filled with intrigue, angst, hot sex, great characters and an amazing storyline! Ezra and Joshua are perfection! Snarly and funny, so emotional and heart wrenching at times, I wanted to drop kick Jade and Joshua's Aunt Jackie. I almost threw my kindle at the wall! Well done Ashley!
August 10, 2015
3.5 stars
This was my first book by Ashley John and I look forward to watching him grow as an author.
I have come to learn there is a sequel to Boss, I very much look forward to reading it.
This was my first book by Ashley John and I look forward to watching him grow as an author.
I have come to learn there is a sequel to Boss, I very much look forward to reading it.
July 22, 2015
4.25 stars
The story really drew me in and it was great!!
Don't miss out grab it :)
The story really drew me in and it was great!!
Don't miss out grab it :)
September 2, 2015
This is a story about two men who are lost. Both are running away from their pasts but not really running toward anything.
Joshua left town as soon as he was of age and has been traveling since. He has been living off of his trust fund and has never returned home. Years later, he finally returns to attend his cousin's wedding to find that his father has died and left everything to Ezra, someone Joshua doesn't even know. He goes from knowing he has an endless supply of money to learning he has no more coming. Life as he has known it is over. It's time for Joshua to decide his future.
Ezra came from nothing to become one of the richest men in the city. He can buy anything he wants. Men throw themselves at him. Life is a party, but money can't buy happiness.
Joshua and Ezra begin to see something in each other, but because of how they are connected, neither can trust the other. Also both men have outside forces (good and bad) chipping away their beliefs. The reader gets to see things from Joshua's and Ezra's point of view. There are several ups and downs and revelations over the course of the book. Great sexy times also work their way in.
Although there is a sequel, this is a complete story with no cliffhanger. If you're one of those that likes to wait for the next to be released before starting a continuing storyline, you don't have to worry about that with this novel.
BOSS has themes of serendipity, self-actualization, acceptance and growth. I really liked it and will look for more from this author.
July 18, 2015
I’m a sucker for corporate romance books! This one was quite intriguing. Very intriguing actually. We have hot, rich, playboy, CEO Ezra and Hipster, thinks he’s rich, super-hot Joshua. It’s like oil and fire with these two.
Boss is more than a corporate romance. It’s an emotional ride up that ladder and the characters are not living it up without serious issues! We always assume we know “types” of people just by looking at them but they often wear a mask to cover their identity. Sometimes it’s because of shame, or fear, or sadness. Sometimes it’s all of the above. No one is perfect in this book, no matter how many times they want you to think it.
Ezra and Joshua try so hard to hate each other in this story and they end up closer than ever. I rolled my eyes at them, giggled, and KNEW they were screwed! I loved every second of the back and forth.
There were a few nail biting moments, some tears were shed. It was a story of pasts colliding with the present and affecting the future.
Awesome read!
Boss is more than a corporate romance. It’s an emotional ride up that ladder and the characters are not living it up without serious issues! We always assume we know “types” of people just by looking at them but they often wear a mask to cover their identity. Sometimes it’s because of shame, or fear, or sadness. Sometimes it’s all of the above. No one is perfect in this book, no matter how many times they want you to think it.
Ezra and Joshua try so hard to hate each other in this story and they end up closer than ever. I rolled my eyes at them, giggled, and KNEW they were screwed! I loved every second of the back and forth.
There were a few nail biting moments, some tears were shed. It was a story of pasts colliding with the present and affecting the future.
Awesome read!
July 25, 2015
Lots of angst, ups and downs and hate/love confusions, but this book is a very easy and interesting read. Ezra’s character felt real, appealing and at the same time frustrating. It made me mad that he was too arrogant to explain himself to Joshua.
Many of the events in the story depended on chance occurrences, Also I couldn’t get why nobody had informed Joshua of his father’s death! Violet seemed to be a close cousin of his! But if you’re not disturbed by these, and if you like enemies falling in love, you can enjoy the plot, since the writing is good and it has a very nice happy ending.
Many of the events in the story depended on chance occurrences, Also I couldn’t get why nobody had informed Joshua of his father’s death! Violet seemed to be a close cousin of his! But if you’re not disturbed by these, and if you like enemies falling in love, you can enjoy the plot, since the writing is good and it has a very nice happy ending.
July 17, 2015
4 stars!
Ok this is the 1st book I've read by this author and it won't be the last...This book was well written and the plot wasn't bad either...the problem for me was I didn't like Joshua at all...he was just annoying as hell...jumping to conclusions and letting other people think for him...he had no backbone!!!! And he never got one...if it wasn't for Violet he still would have been stuck on stupid!! I liked Ezra tho and Violet....but that's what makes Ashley John an excellent writer he sucked me into this story and I really wanted to jump in the book and smack the hell out of Joshua!!! I was mad as hell the last 20% or so...lol...GREAT JOB MR JOHN!!!!
Ok this is the 1st book I've read by this author and it won't be the last...This book was well written and the plot wasn't bad either...the problem for me was I didn't like Joshua at all...he was just annoying as hell...jumping to conclusions and letting other people think for him...he had no backbone!!!! And he never got one...if it wasn't for Violet he still would have been stuck on stupid!! I liked Ezra tho and Violet....but that's what makes Ashley John an excellent writer he sucked me into this story and I really wanted to jump in the book and smack the hell out of Joshua!!! I was mad as hell the last 20% or so...lol...GREAT JOB MR JOHN!!!!
July 16, 2015
I'll leave the insightful reviews to the pros, and just give my gut reaction one.. Haha.
Couldn't put it down! This book is FRIKIN BRILLIANT! You know when you start a book and after the first few pages you go "WHOA, now that's what I'm talking about " and then you look at the clock a little bit later and it's 4FRIKINAM and you just realized you read the whole book! Yup that's this book. GET IT ! READ IT ! Fall in LUST with Ezra and Joshua, and then help me to plead, beg and maybe bribe (lol) the author to write more about these two Smexy lovely men :)
FIVE BRILLIANT STARS!
Couldn't put it down! This book is FRIKIN BRILLIANT! You know when you start a book and after the first few pages you go "WHOA, now that's what I'm talking about " and then you look at the clock a little bit later and it's 4FRIKINAM and you just realized you read the whole book! Yup that's this book. GET IT ! READ IT ! Fall in LUST with Ezra and Joshua, and then help me to plead, beg and maybe bribe (lol) the author to write more about these two Smexy lovely men :)
FIVE BRILLIANT STARS!
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