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It was only supposed to be a little white lie. When Emmaline Greene pretends to be Sarah, the confident, sexy woman she wishes she could be, she figures no harm, no foul. Her one-night stand will never find out. Wrong. The gorgeous guy she slept with isn't just amazing in bed . . . he's also her new boss. Parker Wentworth has a lot to prove. He's just been appointed CEO of his family's company and is tasked with repairing its scandalous reputation. He can't afford any distractions or complications. Too bad the attractive blonde he takes to bed turns out to be both. So why can't he forget the incredible night they spent together and move on? Contains mature themes.

287 pages, ebook

Published March 13, 2017

67 people are currently reading
627 people want to read

About the author

Stefanie London

123 books980 followers
Stefanie London is a multi-award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances and romantic comedies.

Stefanie’s books have been called “genuinely entertaining and memorable” by Booklist, and “elegant, descriptive and delectable” by RT magazine. Her stories have won multiple industry awards, including the HOLT Medallion and OKRWA National Reader's Choice Award, and she has been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA award.

Originally from Australia, Stefanie lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, lipstick, romance novels and anything zombie-related.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,758 reviews1,050 followers
May 7, 2022
Again, so so. I am a bit let down by Miss London's books so far. Or maybe I picked up a wrong book. Taken by the CEO is a lukewarm story.

I do not find anything that is significant in the story, that I like. I even skipped several minutes just to get this book done. The plot, the banter, the conversation, the chemistry is so so.

3 stars
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,892 reviews137 followers
March 14, 2017
After divorcing her cheating, controlling ex-husband, Emmaline Greene dreams of being someone else - someone confident, attractive and sexy! When an attractive man comes to her rescue, she decides to act on her dream and pretends to be a school teacher called Sarah. This alter ego gives her the boost that enables her to have her first one night stand - and what a night it proves to be for both her and Parker! She assumes her lies don’t matter as they’ll never see each other again . . . .

Edward Parker Wentworth has returned from Boston to take over as the CEO of his family’s company, a role his father previously held. He’s determined not to be involved in a relationship and can’t afford any distractions as he strives to lay to rest the scandalous reputation and poor employee relations which are a legacy of his father’s time as CEO. However, Sarah proves to be just too tempting and he reluctantly lets her disappear from his life . . . . but doesn’t understand why he really doesn’t want her to go.

First day in his new role, Parker gets the biggest surprise when he discovers that Sarah isn’t really Sarah and that she’s actually one of his employees! Mind you, it was just as big a shock to Emmaline. Can they resist each other? Will they succumb to temptation? Can they - should they - get to know each other? How will it impact on their jobs and lives?

Starting with one lie, their relationship possibilities leave them both torn between giving each other a big miss or giving love a chance. I enjoyed how the characters change and evolve through the story. There are plenty of humorous moments in this fun read which had me laughing out loud at times but the author still manages to pack in the angst and turmoil, showing how the characters are wary, anxious and yet so drawn to each other. It is a great, fun romance to escape into and I can't wait to read more about the Wentworth family in future!

Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Helen.
2,939 reviews66 followers
March 13, 2017
MS London has a fabulous writing voice a voice that brings out so many emotions in her fabulous characters, heroes and heroines that will make you laugh, cry and yell at but best of all become friends with. This is the start of a new series (and a spin off from another of her fabulous series Behind the Bar) and Emmaline is going to get her HEA with the most gorgeous determined to be single CEO Parker Wentworth. I suggest you make yourself comfortable because you will not want to put this one down.

Emmaline has decided that it is time for her, time to enjoy get out there flirt and have fun so when she chooses to go running and maybe meet someone her wishes are answered thanks to a little dog (yes you will be laughing) so when a handsome runner helps her out she flirts like she has never done before and tells a white lie and ends up on a date that leads to a one night stand that is about to turn her life inside out because he is her new boss. So begins the journey that helps Emmaline become so confident and strong and so very sexy.

Parker has just returned home to Melbourne from Boston he is determined to get the family business back on track and repair the scandalous reputation that has been caused by his father and there are a few personal problems to work out with the family as well. But when he meets this gorgeous woman in need of help at the running track he is hit by a need to get to know her in lots of ways. So after one of the best nights he has ever had, running into Sarah at work the next morning is not what he needs or is it?

This is one sensually, sexy fabulous story the pages heat up as Parker and Emmaline get closer and closer and do their best to keep it quiet at work. Parker has to work things out with his family and he can be a bit bossy at times and that is the last thing that Emmaline needs after her failed marriage and of course neither of them want to be married but love cannot be denied and these two end up in such a wonderful HEA I loved seeing Parker when he realizes he was in love. I highly recommend this one and am very much looking forward to more in the series woohoo MS London a beauty of a story.
Profile Image for Ofelia.
988 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2017
Awesome read!

A great read! It was funny had some steamy scenes with a very HEA. Parker and Em might not have planned to see each other after their night together but fate is one tricky bitch. A must read!
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews41 followers
March 3, 2017
I really enjoyed this one! It's a great entertaining story that is very well written with nicely developed characters. The female lead Emmaline is sassy and determined and Parker is sexy and strong. These two had great chemistry that I could feel through the pages. As Emmaline struggles to find her strength after her divorce, Parker seems to be just what she needs. I highly recommend this one!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,836 reviews150 followers
March 21, 2017
**3.5 Stars**

Emmaline is finding herself again after leaving her cheating husband and the woman she allowed herself to become. She's living as she wants and that includes her job in the HR department of a well known company she's been with for six months now. She's excelling in her position and is applying for a specialized program the company offers.

Parker has returned home because the opportunity to become CEO of his family's company wasn't something he could pass up. He's determined to restore his family's name after the scandal involving his Dad's secret family of over twenty years was revealed. After the truth was discovered, Parker moved to the US, needing to get as far away as possible. As a result, his relationships with his family have become strained.

When Parker and Emmaline, though she introduces herself as Sarah, run into each other one morning while jogging, both feel the intense desire igniting between them and Emmaline accepts Parker's dinner invitation. Though one-night stands have never been Emmaline's way as she's only been with her ex, short-term is how Parker prefers his to be as his father's actions have impacted him more than he's aware of.

After an explosive night together, Parker is reluctant to let "Sarah" leave and uncharacteristically for him, saves her number as he just has a feeling he'll want to see her again, even knowing she's sure to be a distraction from what he truly needs to focus on...his new job.

Both Parker and Emmaline are shocked to see one another just hours after she left his bed. Parker, automatically assuming the worst, accuses Emmaline of knowing who he was all along and playing him for a fool. Thankfully, Emmaline quickly assures him that's not true and though they agree to keep their night together a secret, neither can deny their yearning for more.

As Parker and Emmaline work closely together on a project, they quickly fall into a relationship of sorts, though neither acknowledge it as such. However, Emmaline is determined to prove to herself and others that she can accomplish things on her own and if her co-workers were to discover her and Parker's entanglement, she knows the judgment and gossip she'll face. But when Parker, knowing Emmaline has more than earned the position she's up for, uses his authority to ensure her application is included, Emmaline can't see beyond his trying to control her, even if it came with the best of intentions, as it too closely resembles the struggles she faced in her marriage.

Will Parker understand why Emmaline reacted as she did? Will he realize he can't control everything? Can Emmaline accept that Parker's actions were his way of showing he cared? Can she let go of her past and admit Parker isn't like her ex? Will Parker find peace with his Dad's behavior and move forward? Will Parker and Emmaline admit their true feelings for one another? Is a HEA in their future? Or will they let emotional baggage from their pasts destroy the future they could have together?

One-click now and follow along as a chance meeting leads to a night together that lays the foundation for what they could have together if only they'd take a chance on love.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Profile Image for LJT.
1,259 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2017
4.5 Stars!

​​​​​I am a huge fan of stories that take place in the corporate environment. Jealousies, affairs, and backstabbing go on behind the scenes, and I enjoy every minute of the experience. Taken by the CEO by Stefanie London, brings the finer points of corporate America to the page, by creating a wonderful group of characters that truly want each other to succeed. Of course there is always an exception to playing nice, which Ms. London does a good job of gracefully transferring.

Human resources professional Emmaline Greene is on the fast track. Recently divorced from an extremely controlling man, she craves a little fun as she immerses herself in her workload. An incredible one night stand with a gorgeous guy provides a little of the confidence and self-esteem that has been missing from her life. However, it ends up that the gorgeous guy is the new CEO of the company she works for.

Parker Wentworth is finally back home in Australia. After five years in Boston, he has returned to takeover his family's company. Parker has a huge job ahead of him. He has to clean up his father's messes and restore his family's reputation in the process. Being the CEO is all he ever wanted to be, however, spending the night with Emmaline has shifted his priorities a little bit. Her presence in his life is a disruption that he should not relish, however, he cannot stop thinking about her.

I really liked this fast-paced romance. Emmaline and Parker are a great couple and their love begins to blossom the moment they hit the sheets. They are hot in the bedroom and Parker's romantic gestures kept me smiling from ear to ear. Commitment is not something either of them is looking for, however, being without each other is not going to work either. Emmaline realizes that her feelings for Parker mean more to her than quickly climbing up the corporate ladder, while Parker wants all of Emmaline's hard work to be recognized. Family plays an important role in this story and Ms. London brings Parker back into family fold by enlisting the help of his somewhat eccentric siblings. This is the first book in the author's brand new series, The Scandalous Wentworths, and it can be enjoyed as a standalone. The second book cannot come soon enough.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Katrina Berry.
1,017 reviews4 followers
February 10, 2017
Taken by the CEO by Stefanie London is Book 1 of The Scandalous Wentworths Series.

Once again Ms. London has brought her A-game. With her wonderful writing, the author gives us a perfect balance of heat, romance, emotion and drama...just a titter of it within this story that really enhance the characters and the storyline. What a fabulous start to a new series.

Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
8 reviews
April 12, 2018
Amazing

Could not stop reading! It was sweet-romantic- serious- and sexy! Happy to read more from this author! Wow is all I can say!
413 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2017
***THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.***

This is the start of a new series by Ms. London and a crossover of sorts with her fabulous 'Behind The Bar' series. This book stands alone so you do not have to read those first. That said, if you HAVE read the BTB series, the cameos by Gracie and Libby will be that much sweeter. This book has a beautiful balance of really a well-written personal connection and lots of heat – a balance that Ms. London excels at. This book is a great way to kick off the Scandalous Wentworth series.

Although Emmaline wasn't a huge part of The Rules According to Gracie, she was an important part of that story, and ever since we met her, I was hoping that Emmaline would get her happily ever after. To be honest, for a portion of this book, although the story line was excellent and I really loved Emmaline, I wasn't sure what my feelings for Parker were. I wasn't comfortable with how easily Emmaline gave in to him every time he pulled a 'bossy jerk' kind of move (the Mark thing would have been a much much bigger deal to me than it was to her). But I also know that Ms. London has a way of making everything better so I stuck with it and was SO proud of Emmaline when she finally stood up to him and wiped the word 'pushover' off of her forehead. I loved that she was prepared to stand her ground, no matter what doing so cost her. She had worked so hard to get where she was that the idea of her being bulldozed by another man bothered me. But in the end, she did stand up for herself and that was a big deal to me.

Parker. Oh, Parker. I liked Parker. I really did. He was a pompous but totally oblivious bully at times, and for a while I didn't think he was the kind of person I wanted to see sweet Emmaline end up with, but after she gave him a shove off of his high horse and he found himself adrift with only his ego to keep him afloat, he figured it all out and totally redeemed himself. I loved his final interaction with his family - especially Sydney (and what I hope is foreshadowing for a book for her!) - and the fact that he swallowed his (understandable) anger to mend fences. His 'big gesture' to Emmaline wasn't huge or so over the top that it was ridiculous, but it was absolutely perfect for them and it showed far more personal growth on his part than any other grand gesture (a public announcement or actually picking her for the award, etc) would have. The ending was just right for these two. And that epilogue? I absolutely *loved* the epilogue.

Once again Stefani London has written a book that made me laugh, tear up, get angry (on a Emmaline's behalf), and also curled my toes. This is why she is one of the top five authors on my must-read list. I am very much looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
March 14, 2017
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

I loved Taken By The CEO. It’s witty, it’s sexy and somehow it manages to make the corporate world (at least this world) a bit less cold and calculating. Here most everyone wants the success of the business to skyrocket while not losing that personal touch of caring about the people behind the company name and reputation. A likable, engaging couple and enough secondary characters who bring this story to life that one can’t help but want to see them all succeed, as well as wanting their tales to be told one day.

Emmaline is striding out, not crawling out, from the disaster of a marriage to a controlling jerk who never valued her at all. She has a job she loves, and the need to step beyond that old never takes a risk personality. A delicious one night with an amazing man soon shows her that she’s got more to give to herself and to a special man than she ever expected. A definite confidence boost – right up until she discovers that her sexy stranger is indeed the top boss of the company she’s just found a new purpose with.

Parker has returned home to take over control of the company he always wanted to lead, now he has to practically rebuild it thanks to his father’s foolish actions. It will be a challenge, one where he’ll need all of his wits about him, plus reaching out to his siblings for support in rebuilding a company reputation that’s been badly tarnished His one night with an amazing woman shouldn’t still be on his mind – especially when he discovers that she works for the company. It’s bad timing all around, but he cannot let Emmaline get away from him for she just might be the best part of coming home again.

If you’re in the mood for a really good romance with touches of mystery, and you love getting in on the beginning of a new series then Taken By The CEO is one story that you’ll want to add to your reading list. It’s simply a sexy, fun romance – with characters who will stick with you and have you wishing for more at the end.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Profile Image for Karalee.
27 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2017
Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Another sweet romance with a lot of heat from Stefanie London. Will suit anyone who loves contemporary romances. Usually I find books set in Melbourne jarring especially when set in my neighborhood but this managed to capture the spirit of Melbourne without being awkward so local readers who typically feel the same way, shouldn't let the story location deter them from the first book of what I think is going to be an amazing series.

I can't wait for the Sydney continuation!
Profile Image for booksofallkinds.
1,021 reviews175 followers
March 13, 2017
I loved this book!!! Sexy, exciting, and emotional TAKEN BY THE CEO by Stefanie London has got it all, and I couldn't put this book down. Emmaline Greene wasted six years of her life on her controlling, self-obsessed, cheating scumbag of an ex-husband, and is determined to make a change in her life. With a new attitude, a new job, a new life, she is well on the way of reaching her goals. So when a sexy stranger comes to her rescue, Emmaline decides to be a little scandalous and have her first one- night stand, giving herself a new identity for the evening. Knowing that she never wants another relationship, a fling seems like the perfect solution. After all, it is not like she will ever see the gorgeous Parker again...

Parker Wentworth works hard and plays...well, never. A workaholic, he is now starting his new role as CEO of the family business and is determined to whip it into shape. Estranged from his family because he cannot forgive the actions of his father, Parker has closed himself off in his tightly controlled portion of the world. But when he finds Emmaline he cannot help but want more. Even though she lied to him about who she was, and the fact that she is his employee, Parker wants more of her in every possible way - except for the fact that he doesn't believe in love or relationships. Can two people overcome their damaged experiences of love, or will they walk away from each other to protect their vulnerable hearts?

TAKEN BY THE CEO by Stefanie London is sizzlingly passionate and is sure to set your temperature soaring, while also creating characters that you will really care about and love. I am a huge fan of Stefanie London who is one of my go-to authors for a guaranteed wonderful reading experience, and I cannot wait for her next book.

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.com
1 review
February 7, 2017
Oh my....... this is a lovely, romantic and sensual story.  The h of the story is a divorcee who was mentally abused by her former husband.  Consequently, she decided to change her life over by being more independent.  At this time she met the H.  They both decided to have a one night stand (the sex scenes were phenomenal).  However when she arrived to work the next day, she found out the H was the new CEO of the company where she works.  You can just imagine her shock!  The H and h both have trust and relationship issues; the H was also surprised to see the h at his company.  He confronted her and asked if she knew who he was when they met (she did not).  Stefanie London did an amazing job of portraying the emotions and experiences of each character.  The story was very realistic.  I laughed out loud at how the H handled his adversary.  Actually I went through a range of emotions while reading this story.  I DEFINITELY recommend buying this book.  I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. 
Profile Image for Harim.
1,205 reviews78 followers
February 19, 2017
Well..this one was ...



Not bad..not bad at all..

It started off like Grey's Anatomy..ya know..she sleeps with a guy,its super but oh..he turns out to be her boss!

I expected it to take a downfall from there but it was actually pretty darn sweet!

The story went nice and smooth.

That epilogue ..oh Gah..[insert elaborate sigh]

And the typical..conflict and some stupid argument and denying and then having the inevitable happen.




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Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews446 followers
March 20, 2017
After divorcing her cheating, controlling ex-husband, Emmaline Greene dreams of finding someone who will love her for her. That is when Parker , a very handsome CEO comes into her life and wow does her life take a turn for the better. This is a sexy, sweet and emotionally fabulous spin off of this Behind the Bar series.
There is good chemistry and good development between the characters. I loved the pace and the ending of this story. Emmaline went after her HEA and Parker was ready for is HEA. These two MC were perfect for each other.

My rating: 4.3 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Rae Latte.
1,412 reviews14 followers
October 18, 2017
When you want a fresh start and there's just one little detail you omit, there's bound to be trouble. Discover a spicy must read from Stefanie London!
Profile Image for Diane'sBookReflections.
90 reviews
March 26, 2017
A copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Let me say I don’t necessarily rush to give 5 stars, but for Taken by the CEO by Stefanie London, I couldn’t hit that fifth star fast enough!!! I love well developed characters, spirited and sassy female leads, and hot and handsome, wanting to do the right thing corporate executives! This book filled all those needs for me!
Emmaline Greene has decided to throw her “mousey,” say all the right things, do all the right things personality to the wind and become a stronger, more confident individual; one that is not controlled or governed by another individual (as she was in her previous marriage). She wants to take more risks and not watch life “pass her by.” She loves her new job and is taking this new confidence to help her move up the corporate ladder. Parker Wentworth is the brand new CEO of the Wentworth family conglomerate, taking over for his father who has just retired. Elder Wentworth created a scandal that came to light some 5-7 years ago that has created “baggage” for Parker, along with his other siblings (which I presume will be a book unto themselves eventually); because of this, Parker is somewhat estranged from his family.
Through a chance meeting and not disclosing who they are, Parker and Emmaline end up having a one night (so they think) of heated passion and mind-blowing sex that leaves the hint of a blossoming romantic relationship. The next day their worlds collide when Parker, as the new CEO discovers that Emmaline really works for him in Human Resources. Suddenly, put those two in the same room and the heat and longing these two characters create is almost combustible!!! They try to stay away from one another because they feel to achieve their respective goals they have to, but they just can’t do it.
Ms. London has created beautifully flawed characters that I have fallen in love with!! Combine that with the right amount of sass on the part of Emmaline equal to Parker’s longing for something he doesn’t know he wants, unbelievable hot hot sex, and sweet sexy chemistry between the characters and you have a winner in my book. I’m starting to fall in love with the Wentworth family and can’t wait for the next sibling to have his/her book! Hope you are writing the next one in this series Ms. London because I can’t wait to read it!!!

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Profile Image for Bookgyrl.
1,349 reviews23 followers
February 19, 2017
When Emmaline and Parker meet each other during a run they are both hiding their true identity. So after a hot night they are shocked to find that he is the CEO of the company where she works. And even though they both have good reasons to keep their affair a secret and on the scale of 'just sex', their hearts think differently.

Between 4,5 and 5 stars I decided to go for 5 as I really enjoyed the growth of both characters. Their family members chip in to give good advice when Emmaline and Parker make some mistakes and struggle to decide on what their hearts want - each other. You could say it is just another office romance with the CEO, but I liked these characters a lot and it added extra warmth to the story.

This is my first Stefanie London book and it will not be my last.

*** I requested and received and ARC from the publisher via Netgalley and give my honest review with pleasure. ***
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,424 reviews630 followers
March 6, 2019
Stefanie London does it again. I enjoyed the heck out of this book! The premise has been done a million times, so of course the characters have to steal the show or it would just be another oops, I had a one-night stand with by boss and didn't know it story. Well, Emmaline Greene and Parker Wentworth not only stole the show with their banter and heart, but also with their growth.

Emmaline wants to start fresh. She wants a personality make-over. Her past has made her hit bottom and she's had enough. People are gonna start to take notice, even if she has to pretend to be someone else :) Being someone else gives her the confidence she needs to step outside her comfort zone. Cue the dreamy Parker Wentworth. *happy sigh* Now Parker has got himself some baggage as well. He's a newly appointed CEO to his family's business, which has scandal running amok! He's going to change that. He's done with the reputation the company has. He's gonna turn it all around .....

Bwaahahahhaha , as you can read in the blurb, Parker is starting out on a stellar note :)

It is phenomenal how this story unfolded and how both Emmaline and Parker grew thru it all. Of course their journey began a bit rough around the edges (lol) but it turned into a humorous, heart-warming journey that will make you smile all the way thru :)

Copy provided for blog tour review
1,396 reviews11 followers
January 26, 2017
Taken By the CEO, is a great light read. It isn't heavy on drama, just a little family drama thrown in to liven it up. Emmaline has only had her new job for six months. She shows potential of moving up quickly. After the past that she's had with her ex, she just needs to show that she can get ahead on her own.
Parker is the new CEO of his family's business. After the bad rep that the business has gotten because of the scandalous life his father lives, Parker swears to make the business one that he can be proud of again.
So you can see where this story is going. Emmaline is afraid of office gossip hurting her reputation if it is found out that she's sleeping with the boss. And Parker is weary that an office scandal could happen, and that's the last thing that he wants. Together they will just have to decide where this relationship is going.
Profile Image for Emma bramley.
2,570 reviews26 followers
February 4, 2017
A good quick romance, hot and steamy read. This book has fantastic characters. There were some laugh out loud moments in this story. This author has a fab way of bringing emotions and experiences to each character. This is only the second book by this author that ive read by ill definitely be on the look out for more. I cant wait to read more from this author in the future.

Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
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Profile Image for Heather.
342 reviews26 followers
April 17, 2017
Heather's review from Smut MattersThis was a really great start to a new series by Stefanie London. Apparently it was a spin-off from another book, but even though I haven't read that one, I didn't have any trouble with this one.

Emmaline is determined to recreate herself. She's recently divorced from a controlling piece of shit and she refuses to allow his garbage to infect the rest of her life. So when she goes out for her first "make myself better" run and manages to lock her neighbor's dog in her car, she invents an entirely new persona for her sexy rescuer. I don't typically love books that involve deceit as a way to get the couple together, but really "My name is Sarah" isn't exactly the worst lie I've ever read. It's also dispatched pretty quickly, so it wasn't that big a deal.

I loved Emmaline's determination to make her own life on her own terms. For the entire span of her marriage, she did everything for her husband. She didn't work, she stayed home, cooked his meals, cleaned his house, accompanied him to his every function, and generally playing the part of the perfect Stepford wife. She didn't have any friends of her own, and all of the couple friends they had went his way in the divorce. She could have allowed herself to remain emotionally beaten down by her ex-husband, and it would have been completely understandable, but she didn't.

She also refused to allow Parker to make decisions for her. She was determined to make it on her own, and to know that she made it on her own. It wasn't enough for her to win the position she was vying for, she had to know that she had won it on her own merit. She had to know that she was good enough, that she could make it on her own after being told for so long that she couldn't.

Parker has his own demons to deal with. He's recently returned to Australia to take over the role of CEO of the Wentworth Group from his recently-retired father, with whom he has his own issues. Those issues have caused him to develop a very small list of criteria for the women he dates - they can't expect him to trust them, and she has to be content playing second fiddle to everyone and everything else in his life. He does recognize that this makes him sound like an asshole, so he mainly sticks to one-night stands in order to avoid "dealing with other people's emotions". Again, he sort of sounds like an asshole. And in a lot of ways, he kind of was an asshole, but not the alpha type of asshole that's just a jerk for no reason. He really does think he's taking a moral stand with a lot of his actions. He knows that Emmaline is determined to make it on her own, he knows that proving to herself that she can do it is the most important thing to her right now, he just goes about trying to help her do that the wrong way.

I also didn't think he took her concerns about their relationship as seriously as he should have. He's the CEO, she's a new employee in the HR department who's trying to win a higher position. Of course it would come back on her if their relationship was discovered. She tried to talk to him about it, especially when it became clear that at least one of her co-workers had figured out the relationship and gave her a hard time about it. There is no way that "our relationship is no one else's business" is going to keep her reputation from being absolutely destroyed. Something like that, especially if she won the position she was trying to get, would follow her forever, while it rolled right off of him. Double especially because he was the judge with the final say on who won. But he refused to even acknowledge that it was an issue. Which, for him, it really wasn't. His reputation wouldn't suffer at all. Just hers, and I really wish he had taken her more seriously.

I believed in these two as a couple. I think they're the kind of couple who will only grow closer and grow better the longer they're together. They each have lessons to learn from the other, and they're open to doing so. Their connection is immediate and palpable. Neither of them are looking for anything serious right now, which is, of course, exactly when they're most likely to fall. This book set up the stories for Parker's siblings, which I have to assume are coming at some point. I really hope so. They didn't play huge roles in this book, but I liked what I saw of them, and the family dynamic will be fun to watch unfold.

Overall - this was another really great entry in Stefanie London's book list. It was a quick read, perfect for a springy afternoon on my deck with a glass of wine and a dog in my lap.

Profile Image for Suze.
1,884 reviews1,297 followers
March 24, 2017
Emmaline's marriage wasn't a success. Her husband used her and bossed her around and it's time for her to take complete control over the direction of her life. She now has a prestigious job and she's ready to start dating again. To practice at being more comfortable and sexy Emmaline calls herself Sarah. When she meets Parker she thinks he's the perfect candidate for her first one-night stand and she can be anyone she likes, because she will never see him again after that night. She's in for a big surprise when she finds out Parker is actually her new boss.

Parker is a young CEO. After his father's disastrous leadership of the Wentworth Group he's taking over the reins of his family's company. His father caused a big scandal and Parker wants to restore their reputation. Falling for one of his employees doesn't fit into his plans at all. He can't forget Emmaline though and wants to get to know her better, but they both have their careers to think of. Will it be a wise idea to keep seeing each other?

Taken by the CEO is a fun and sexy story. Emmaline has been hurt in the past and she's determined to make it on her own. She's shy and sweet, but she tries to be bolder and tougher, which was quite endearing to see. She's perfect for Parker. She treats him with kindness and respect, but also lets him know what she wants and what her boundaries are, which is exactly what he needs. Parker is a protective man and he's used to getting his way. Emmaline surprises him and I loved how she constantly challenges him and brings out his nice and forgiving side. They have plenty of chemistry and are a sparkling couple.

Stefanie London writes about two people who are working hard to achieve their goals. The Wentworth Group is an intriguing place to read about and the company life she describes is interesting and eventful. Falling for her boss is the last thing Emmaline wants, but love always manages to bring out the unexpected, which is something Stefanie London uses for her book in a fabulous way. It is what I loved the most about Taken by the CEO and I flew through the pages of this lovely flirty book. It's a wonderful lighthearted read with a fitting romantic ending.
4,831 reviews16 followers
March 23, 2017
Emmaline/ Em never asked for much in her life. Em was getting a divorce after six years with a cheating man.who had made her a trophy wife with no purpose or achievements of her own.Em had walked in on her husband having sex with his business partner in the dental exam chair. Em was determined to be someone new. So Em now worked in the H R department of one of the biggest retailers in Australia - Wentworth group. Edward/ Parker came back to become CEO of the family business to take over and restore the value of their name. A name his father had dragged through the mud. Em’s sister Grace said she needed to take up a hobby and she decided running would be a good hobby. Em’s first time out she had taken the neighbor’s Chihuahua and had ended up falling and then locked the dog, her keys,her purse, and phone in the car. She stopped Parker and asked to use his phone when she explained why. Em told Parker her name was Sarah. Parker asked “Sarah” out to dinner and she had Parker meet her at her brother in law's bar. Sarah was not going to be like Em who had been born with a silver spoon in her mouth a “ society girl”. Sarah was going to be an ordinary girl with an ordinary life and problems. Em decided at dinner as “ Sarah” she would have her first ever one night stand. Parker was fine with a one night stand also. Then Parker goes to meet his new employees and finds out Sarah is really Em and is one of his employees. Em finds out Parker is really Edward though he never uses that name and was the C E O of the company she works for which has ASTAR program that takes the best performers and gives them an accelerated career plan. Then after a late meeting Parker asked Em to come home with him again. Something about em made Parker forget his responsibilities and problems. Parker made Em feel desirable and wanted and alive.
I loved this story. It had a great plot. I loved how em finally got away from her unfulfilling marriage and was making a career for herself. I also loved how how Parker took it upon himself to show Em how good sex can be. I loved how determined Parker was to not feel anything but desire for Em but in the end…. I loved how Em stood up to Parker and ended things because she felt controlled again. I didn’t find anything to complain about in this story which is unusual but great. Everything just seemed to fall in place. I felt like i was there with em and Parker . i loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,910 reviews213 followers
March 15, 2018
Taken by the CEO is a surprisingly thoughtful, sexy romance. Emmaline and Parker are a great couple with loads of chemistry. She's just divorced her cheating asshole of a husband and has finally decided she deserves to have some fun in her life. When she meets Parker and has a hot one night stand with him it helps her let go of some of the negative feelings her ex has left her with. But, when she finds out he's the new CEO of the company she works at, how will she react? How will he react, especially considering she had told him her name was Sarah and that she was a school teacher?

Thankfully, their chemistry overcame any objections the two might have had about a hot, no strings relationship that isn't grounded in commitment or feelings. But, of course, feelings do develop between the two and neither communicates those feelings to the other. I really like both Emmaline and Parker, they're realistic characters with realistic feelings and personality traits. Although Parker is a CEO, he's not too dominating or ruthless. He is a bit controlling, (the major bone of contention between the two and cause of their breakup) but honestly, I didn't think he was OTT about it. I think Emmaline overreacted a tad in this area, but thank God Parker realized why she felt the way she did and made it up to her. Emmaline too is a great character. She's smart and loyal and sweet. She let her marriage to her ex influence her too much with regards to how she dealt with Parker, but once he declared his feelings, she came around. All in all, they're a great couple with hot chemistry and once they let their feelings be known, such a sweet couple!

I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Scarlett Ian.
342 reviews5 followers
March 15, 2017
Could you think of a more awkward situation, than to have a one night stand only to find out the next day that he’s your new boss? I’m not sure I could. But that’s what happens in this book.



This book follows the story of Emmaline and Parker: two strangers who, under the assumption that they’ll never see each other again, spend one amazing night together. Both of these characters have their reasons for wanting to limit the amount of trusting relationships in their lives; the problem is, neither one of them can forget the other. After they discover they are actually boss and employee Parker wants nothing more than to keep a friends with benefits relationship, while Emmaline just wants to move on and enjoy life on her own. Throughout the book we follow the journey they make together, and watch their decisions play out to see if together they can overcome their past hurts. It’s always fun to see how one single person can change your whole way of thinking.



I was a pretty big fan of the last Stefanie London book that I read, so when I saw the opportunity to read and review this one I jumped on it. And she did not let me down! This is a tale with a common theme of office romance, combined with some interesting aspects thrown in to make it unique. Both of these characters have issues with cheating, due to experiences earlier in their past, that lead them to not want a relationship or anything steady happening between them. But neither one of them can really forget the spectacular night they spent together and that keeps drawing them back together. Both of these characters are realistic, and relatable to the point where the The reader just can’t help but root for these two. As a woman I can totally understand the position that Emmaline is in, even if I’ve never had to deal with her particular situation before. The author paints a great picture of the struggle emotionally that she has had to go through with her divorce and gives the reader a great understanding as to why she constantly second-guess Parker’s intentions with her. Same thing with Parker; we get a great visual of the pain and frustration he went through earlier in his life, and realize why he isn’t so eager to start a relationship that would involve him trusting another person. If you like a little office/forbidden to your romance, you will really enjoy this one!
Profile Image for Penny.
610 reviews15 followers
March 15, 2017
4 “It’s all about the shoes” Stars

Taken by the CEO turned out to be a fun, flirty and sexy romance I just couldn’t put down.

Emmaline is in the process of getting a new life. After a failed marriage to a cheating scumbag who only wanted a trophy wife to be a good host and a great cook, she desperately needs to feel useful. Now working in the HR department of a big retail oriented company she is feeling better by the day. The only thing missing is jumpstarting her dating life. Afraid to repeat past mistakes she wants to be a whole knew her, totally different from her former meek wife thing. That’s how she ends up giving the man-hunk she met while running at the park a fake name and a fake career.

Parker has enough things on his plate right now: not only is he starting as the new CEO for his family’s company, but he is back in his home country after years of distance from his family and his father’s scandal. A night of no-strings-fun with the sexy blond is just what he needs to let some team off.

Neither of them expected to have such a good time and still be thinking of each other the next day. Much less meet at the company’s breakfast when they realize Emmaline is Parker’s employee. When their chemistry proves too much to ignore they embark on a pseudo-relationship, but with both of them worried about the rumors along with their personal issues their future is doomed. Or is it?

I really liked Emmaline. While she was a bit insecure at first I loved that because of her relationship with Parker, she regained some of her confidence as a woman. She was a hard worker, sweet and funny and an all-around nice girl.

Parker wanted nothing more than to be different from his father. Uncompromising with his values and morals, he was a bit controlling, a lot demanding and a total workaholic. At least at first, but spending time with Emmaline started to mellow him and showed him what he was missing and pushing away.

“A restless itch developed in his palms, and it would only be sated when he grabbed fistfuls of her hair and her ass.”

I appreciated how the cheating issue was tackled in Taken by the CEO (not our couple, so relax, it’s the dad) and the family dynamics was really interesting. I’m really looking forward to reading the other Wentworth siblings’ stories.

Engaging, fun, sweet and with some really hot shenanigans going on this was a really good read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews23 followers
March 20, 2017
I really loved this book it was fun, witty, sexy, steamy and so much more. One hot night of passion that two can’t forget leads to lies and secrets that come out when Emmaline new boss walks in the room. Lord Have Mercy her one nightstand just walked in the room and turns out to be her boss. What a pickle she is in he knows her by another name, a make believe women she wishes she could be more like. What does this mean for the reader you get one heck of an entertaining read that keeps you turning the pages as the author hooks you from the first to the last page.

I loved this from start to finish what a wonderful plot with wonderful characters. I really liked the characters and supporting characters they really add so much to the story and keep it very interesting. Emmaline is just getting out of a controlling marriage and wants one night to spread her wings to just let go. She meets the sexy Parker and let’s go. Just when she gets her feet back under her with a job she loves she finds out the sexy one nightstand is her boss…Oh My things get very interesting.

Parker has always wanted to run the family business as he comes home and steps up to the plate he finds his father has made a mess of it. He has his hands full and needs his mind focus with a game plan to turn things around. His mind is full of running the company but part of it is on the one nightstand. He doesn’t have time but lord he would love to make the time, that is until he finds the very sexy lady at her desk and she is his new employee. Now that opens up a whole another can of worms, his plate is full but there is no way she is going to get away this time.

I loved the mystery, passion, it really is a fun read and even chuckled a time or two. This is well written pulling you in with a story you won’t be able to put down. I really could feel the emotions, passion as these two dance around each other. I loved the buildup of the romance that is hot and steamy. This is a great start to a new series you will want to be a part of. I can’t wait for the next one to come out.
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Profile Image for BookSnuggle.
1,233 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2017
Taken by the CEO by Stefanie London is book number one of The Scandalous Wentworths. This is Emmaline Greene and Parker Wentworth's story.

Emmaline always does what everyone wants her to do. Not anymore! She meets this guy and ends up having a one night fling and she told him her name was Sarah. Oh well, she won't ever see him again! Wrong! He is her new boss! Yikes!

Parker has just taken over as CEO of his family's business. He doesn't do relationships but will do no strings one night stands. Right now, his focus needs to be on restoring his family business' reputation. I wonder how that works for him since he slept with one of his employees before his first day as CEO. To be fair to Parker he didn't know that she was one of his employees. Parker's first day at work was an interesting day and so was Emmaline's! Isn't that how everything works. The one time you do something risky it back fires on you.

This story has humor, passion, chemistry, and a heartwarming story. For Parker to be a no strings one night stand kind of guy he sure was a romantic and loving guy. I fell in love with Parker and Emmaline's characters. I enjoyed their story.


FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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