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Next Door Boss
She's my new secretary, my new neighbor, and my newest desire.
We met when her cat broke into my apartment. I'd opened my door to get the paper, and the damn hell-creature came rushing inside, tearing up my expensive leather couch like it was on a mission.
I was furious... until she came chasing after it.
Demi is gorgeous-- I could get lost in the curls on her head, and the curves on her body.
She lives across the hall from me. She promises she can pay for her cat's damage, tells me her new job starts tomorrow and she's working for the biggest asshole in the city: Gabriel Magnovan.
In other words... me.
She's got no clue I'm her new boss, and the longer she talks about how awful I apparently am-- according to her friends-- the more I'm back to feeling furious.
She might seem sweet and caring when it comes to her pet, but this woman has a bite. I'm determined to make her pay for much more than just the damage to my couch.
She thinks I'm an asshole?
She has no idea how cruel I can be.
I plan to push my new secretary so hard that she'll give up and quit.
It should have been easy. But Demi is a fighter. She's standing up to me and not breaking down. Why is her strength such a turn on?
And when did I go from pushing her away...
To craving every inch of her body?
We met when her cat broke into my apartment. I'd opened my door to get the paper, and the damn hell-creature came rushing inside, tearing up my expensive leather couch like it was on a mission.
I was furious... until she came chasing after it.
Demi is gorgeous-- I could get lost in the curls on her head, and the curves on her body.
She lives across the hall from me. She promises she can pay for her cat's damage, tells me her new job starts tomorrow and she's working for the biggest asshole in the city: Gabriel Magnovan.
In other words... me.
She's got no clue I'm her new boss, and the longer she talks about how awful I apparently am-- according to her friends-- the more I'm back to feeling furious.
She might seem sweet and caring when it comes to her pet, but this woman has a bite. I'm determined to make her pay for much more than just the damage to my couch.
She thinks I'm an asshole?
She has no idea how cruel I can be.
I plan to push my new secretary so hard that she'll give up and quit.
It should have been easy. But Demi is a fighter. She's standing up to me and not breaking down. Why is her strength such a turn on?
And when did I go from pushing her away...
To craving every inch of her body?
Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 13, 2017
3.25 stars
August 26, 2017
Demi and Gabriel her boss.
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. It is almost 'old school' angsty. It's a predictable formulaic plot but it's done well and modernized. The H isn't a ho, and neither is the h. They both have sexual pasts but they aren't talked about. The media thinks he's a ho, but there's no evidence of it. He is however, an a-hole. At least he is to her.
Demi moves into her friends place a floor below Gabriel's place, and they meet without either knowing he's her new boss. She makes a remark about her boss being a possible jerk and he gets his panties in a bunch. It's pretty ott how he treats her because of that, but he does apologize and regret it. She stands up to him and that turns him on even more.
So of course one thing ultimately leads to another until a 3rd person throws a spanner into the works with lies.
I liked how the author doesn't belabor the lies and the fallout from them. Really, most of the angst was in his initial treatment of her before the lies.
Both characters are strong adults... even if he was a bit childish in the beginning.
I will definitely be reading more by this author!
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. It is almost 'old school' angsty. It's a predictable formulaic plot but it's done well and modernized. The H isn't a ho, and neither is the h. They both have sexual pasts but they aren't talked about. The media thinks he's a ho, but there's no evidence of it. He is however, an a-hole. At least he is to her.
Demi moves into her friends place a floor below Gabriel's place, and they meet without either knowing he's her new boss. She makes a remark about her boss being a possible jerk and he gets his panties in a bunch. It's pretty ott how he treats her because of that, but he does apologize and regret it. She stands up to him and that turns him on even more.
So of course one thing ultimately leads to another until a 3rd person throws a spanner into the works with lies.
I liked how the author doesn't belabor the lies and the fallout from them. Really, most of the angst was in his initial treatment of her before the lies.
Both characters are strong adults... even if he was a bit childish in the beginning.
I will definitely be reading more by this author!
Read
December 18, 2018I liked the cat.
ONLY the cat.
At least he wasn't an arrogant a$$hole as a male protagonist and he wasn't put in disadvantageous embarrassing situation as female protagonist.
Maybe I'm frigid, but I don't get aroused when a man treats me bad...
I guess the times, when this author wrote really strong female characters, are over.
It's a shame 😯
ONLY the cat.
At least he wasn't an arrogant a$$hole as a male protagonist and he wasn't put in disadvantageous embarrassing situation as female protagonist.
Maybe I'm frigid, but I don't get aroused when a man treats me bad...
I guess the times, when this author wrote really strong female characters, are over.
It's a shame 😯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.
Another winner from Luke Steel! I really like both the male and female leads in the book and there was even a villain in the story that made it a really delicious read. Gabriel (the male lead) is made to be a very sympathetic (and sexy) character right from the beginning, so it's no wonder that Demi (the female lead) falls for him. Unfortunately, she puts her foot in her mouth very early on and triggers a very contentious relationship between the two of them. Unbeknownst to both of them, there are shenanigans afoot in the background and they both fall victim to them.
Next Door Boss is a quick, sexy, and fun read - exactly what I've come to expect from Luke Steel! I give it 3.75 out 5 stars and can't wait for his next book!
Another winner from Luke Steel! I really like both the male and female leads in the book and there was even a villain in the story that made it a really delicious read. Gabriel (the male lead) is made to be a very sympathetic (and sexy) character right from the beginning, so it's no wonder that Demi (the female lead) falls for him. Unfortunately, she puts her foot in her mouth very early on and triggers a very contentious relationship between the two of them. Unbeknownst to both of them, there are shenanigans afoot in the background and they both fall victim to them.
Next Door Boss is a quick, sexy, and fun read - exactly what I've come to expect from Luke Steel! I give it 3.75 out 5 stars and can't wait for his next book!
July 16, 2017
I'm pissed off. It was fine until they slept together and he, after that, still treats her like shit and she like a fucking dormant lets him just because she is thinking with her pussy and not her head, where is her dignity? I fucking do not know but there is a limit and I'm just giving it a star because there's not OW drama.
July 27, 2017
its so so.. mungkin karena pendek ya, jadi berasa terlalu cepet kelar masalahnya ehehe.. mirip2 sama noelle adam si, bkn ero yg jelas.. CR biasa dan gak terlalu banyak page nya, cepet terselesaikan masalahnya gak pake drama.. bacanya jg cepet gw, dr jam 12 malem sampe jam 1.20 kali... gak sampe 1.5 jam ehehehe...
Ceritanya tu
easy reading dan cepet pokoknya.. bisa buat nambah RC buahahahahahahaha #dipites
Ceritanya tu
easy reading dan cepet pokoknya.. bisa buat nambah RC buahahahahahahaha #dipites
July 12, 2017
I volunteered to read an ARC of this book for an honest review for the author. This is another hot storyline from Luke Steel... I really love the characters of Gabriel (the asshole) and Demi, their banter, the hot and funny moments ... If you like to read something refreshing and with sexy moments this is your book. I truly recommend reading this novella...
October 5, 2017
Great romance
This is a terrific romance. I don't care for a lot of 'angst' and 'tension' and 'suspense' in my romances. Just plain, ordinary romance suits me just fine.
There was a bit of 'angst' in Next Door Boss, but it passed quickly enough and never rose to headache inducing levels.
Great romance. Great hea. Great writing. Happy reader.
This is a terrific romance. I don't care for a lot of 'angst' and 'tension' and 'suspense' in my romances. Just plain, ordinary romance suits me just fine.
There was a bit of 'angst' in Next Door Boss, but it passed quickly enough and never rose to headache inducing levels.
Great romance. Great hea. Great writing. Happy reader.
July 14, 2017
Gabriel is CEO of a large building materials company. One morning, he opens the paper to find a profile of him written by a reporter that interviewed him shortly before. Portraying him as a boring, miserable monster, the article isn’t at all good for his image. His misery is interrupted by a new neighbor, Demi, hunting down her lost cat, Ray. (The scene with Ray is pretty funny, btw.) They appear to hit it off and she small talks about her new job… and then puts her foot in her mouth by referring to the aforementioned article and gossiping about her soon to be boss. Unfortunately for her, said boss is standing right before her, so when she walks into work the next morning, she’s horrified to learn of her mistake and full of shame. That’s not enough for Gabriel, though, and he intends on making her hate her job to the point that she’ll quit. And their feud begins…
Man, it almost pains me to write this review. If you refer to my previous reviews, it’s obvious that I like Luke Steel. So far, he’s the only male romance author I’ve found that doesn’t painfully stereotype his heroines. But I was disappointed with Next Door Boss.
Gabriel isn’t just a jerk to Demi, he’s brutal. The crap he puts her through is just humiliating and demeaning, yet she deals with it professionally. Gabriel isn’t really given much time in the story to redeem himself, so I wasn’t thrilled that Demi even entertained the idea of being with him.
Demi’s POV is a nice change of pace for Steel, as his books are usually told by the hero’s POV only, but sometimes I just wanted to throttle her. She can’t help but notice how handsome and sexy he is as he’s degradingly tearing into her? I don’t care if he’s the sexiest man alive, I would be repulsed by anyone that dreamed speak to me that way. It left such a bad taste in my mouth that I was ok with the quick, HFN ending. Their relationship is brand new and I was left with little anticipation that it’d last. I just wish there was more good to Gabriel.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Man, it almost pains me to write this review. If you refer to my previous reviews, it’s obvious that I like Luke Steel. So far, he’s the only male romance author I’ve found that doesn’t painfully stereotype his heroines. But I was disappointed with Next Door Boss.
Gabriel isn’t just a jerk to Demi, he’s brutal. The crap he puts her through is just humiliating and demeaning, yet she deals with it professionally. Gabriel isn’t really given much time in the story to redeem himself, so I wasn’t thrilled that Demi even entertained the idea of being with him.
Demi’s POV is a nice change of pace for Steel, as his books are usually told by the hero’s POV only, but sometimes I just wanted to throttle her. She can’t help but notice how handsome and sexy he is as he’s degradingly tearing into her? I don’t care if he’s the sexiest man alive, I would be repulsed by anyone that dreamed speak to me that way. It left such a bad taste in my mouth that I was ok with the quick, HFN ending. Their relationship is brand new and I was left with little anticipation that it’d last. I just wish there was more good to Gabriel.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2017
The Good👼, The Bad👿, and The Truly Naaasssty🐺
This cover is awful!👎 It looks like he's crying and he's also not very attractive! Not going to sell many books with crappy cover art🎨! I like most of Luke's books and have read almost every one of them, but this cover art🎨 just sucks.
The book is starting out great, unlike the cover!
So don't let the lousy cover art🎨 keep you from reading a man's version of an erotic romance.
YEHAW!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
Gabriel👿🍌🌋✋ is the overworked and overwhelming CEO of his own company. He's the Grinch👹 who stole employee happiness.
When a slanted unflattering review of him comes out on the front page of the paper, he gets upset, then He thinks he'll get even instead.
The person he chooses to get even with is his new employee and neighbor, Demi💋💔. She repeated some of the things said in the article, before she knew he was her new boss. Now he's going to prove everything in the article is true, if it's the last thing SHE ever does.
He's a slave driver to her, making busy work for her that isn't needed. He's👿 trying to get her to quit!
At the same time he is infatuated💕 with her. No matter what happens, he's in trouble! He acts so naaasssty👹 to her it's a wonder she can stand the sight of him.
Gabriel🐺🍌🌋✋🔥 is quite the accomplished lover! He's got a big bad Johnson🍌 and he knows how to use it on Demi💋. He's also the world's greatest kisser💋💋, all over her body! In all the important places!
YEHAW! Ride Em Bareback🍌, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
Read with KINDLE UNLIMITED for an honest review. I paid for this!
This cover is awful!👎 It looks like he's crying and he's also not very attractive! Not going to sell many books with crappy cover art🎨! I like most of Luke's books and have read almost every one of them, but this cover art🎨 just sucks.
The book is starting out great, unlike the cover!
So don't let the lousy cover art🎨 keep you from reading a man's version of an erotic romance.
YEHAW!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
Gabriel👿🍌🌋✋ is the overworked and overwhelming CEO of his own company. He's the Grinch👹 who stole employee happiness.
When a slanted unflattering review of him comes out on the front page of the paper, he gets upset, then He thinks he'll get even instead.
The person he chooses to get even with is his new employee and neighbor, Demi💋💔. She repeated some of the things said in the article, before she knew he was her new boss. Now he's going to prove everything in the article is true, if it's the last thing SHE ever does.
He's a slave driver to her, making busy work for her that isn't needed. He's👿 trying to get her to quit!
At the same time he is infatuated💕 with her. No matter what happens, he's in trouble! He acts so naaasssty👹 to her it's a wonder she can stand the sight of him.
Gabriel🐺🍌🌋✋🔥 is quite the accomplished lover! He's got a big bad Johnson🍌 and he knows how to use it on Demi💋. He's also the world's greatest kisser💋💋, all over her body! In all the important places!
YEHAW! Ride Em Bareback🍌, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
Read with KINDLE UNLIMITED for an honest review. I paid for this!
July 12, 2017
Hard nosed Gabrial is a workaholic machine. Rich and hot as hell, he is dedicated to his work and has little time for polite socializing. Impatient to finish an interview with a simpering reporter, he sinmply turns to the work waiting for him instead of suffering through any more of her inane questions about his personal life. This results in a scathing review from the dissed reporter and a PR nightmare for his team. When a psycho cat turns up in his apartment and tears apart his leather sofa, Gabriel is stunned by the grace and beauty of the flustered owner who tracks him down. Getting to know each other a bit, he is surprised to learn that she not only will be starting work at his company shortly, but has been fed a lot of bad press about him personally. Demi refers to him as an A-hole and is shocked and appalled that the same gorgeous man she just met is the one she insulted in his own home. Gabriel tells her in no uncertain terms that she'll be quitting soon, but Demi is not only persistent, diligent (even in spite of his outrageous work demands), but she excels at her job. Conflicting signals and feelings between the pair, who can't stand each other AND are wildly atrracted to each other, cause tension and make for a great story. Loads of witty repartee and great chemistry. I was more than happy to review the ARC copy I received.
July 12, 2017
Gabe Mangovan is a self-made man and CEO of a multi-national construction conglomerate who has garnered an unfavorable reputation, particularly as the hands of one scorned reporter. When a tabby cat wanders into his penthouse apartment, Gabe gets his first introduction to Demi, who comes seeking her cat. After an unfortunate comment about the boss at the new job she’s starting that day, she arrives to work to find that her new book is, you guessed it, the sexy penthouse neighbor she met earlier. Still smarting from her earlier comment, Gabe sets out to prove to Demi just how much of a jerk he can really be. And things just got from bad to worse until a surprising encounter between the two.
Another terrific read by this author, and no one does comedic smexy like Mr. Steel! With a great plot and storyline, a haughty, psychotic cat as a supporting character, and an evil, vindictive, stalker “friend,” this one is loads of fun! The yank and shove between Gabe and Demi is dizzying, but you can’t help but love both characters. Gabe is stoic, strong and sexy, but hiding his softer, easily wounded side. And Demi is intelligent, capable, and pure goodness. Together, when they finally do get together, they’re dynamite. I’m pretty sure this author is incapable of anything but fantastic writing, so you can’t go wrong clicking this one!
Another terrific read by this author, and no one does comedic smexy like Mr. Steel! With a great plot and storyline, a haughty, psychotic cat as a supporting character, and an evil, vindictive, stalker “friend,” this one is loads of fun! The yank and shove between Gabe and Demi is dizzying, but you can’t help but love both characters. Gabe is stoic, strong and sexy, but hiding his softer, easily wounded side. And Demi is intelligent, capable, and pure goodness. Together, when they finally do get together, they’re dynamite. I’m pretty sure this author is incapable of anything but fantastic writing, so you can’t go wrong clicking this one!
August 20, 2017
So incredibly sexist and assholey. Of the two women in this story, one comes across as intelligent and likable, but is treated like shit by both the other characters. And clearly she isn't too intelligent because she sticks around and allows herself to be treated like shit - both professionally and personally. The other woman is a psycho stalker and should be in prison. The man is indeed the asshole he is represented as, because no decent person treats another person like that, when she just repeated what had been written in an article. He's certainly an unprofessional 'boss' who needs to be prosecuted for workplace bullying and sexual harassment. Most definitely NOT sexy.
Also, I'd love to know why Gabriel spends weeks bullying and persecuting an innocent woman who's done nothing to deserve it, but it seems that the psycho stalker is left completely alone to carry on being a psycho stalker.
This story is poorly written, lacks depth, lacks character development and I'm left with zero sympathy for any of them. And by "any of them", I mean the only 3 characters that are in this story! And one of those (the most interesting one) is barely even there. She is the lynch pin of the whole story, but barely even makes an entrance.
Also, I'd love to know why Gabriel spends weeks bullying and persecuting an innocent woman who's done nothing to deserve it, but it seems that the psycho stalker is left completely alone to carry on being a psycho stalker.
This story is poorly written, lacks depth, lacks character development and I'm left with zero sympathy for any of them. And by "any of them", I mean the only 3 characters that are in this story! And one of those (the most interesting one) is barely even there. She is the lynch pin of the whole story, but barely even makes an entrance.
July 12, 2017
Gabriel Mangovan is a workaholic who thinks everyone has an agenda so he’s not particularly nice. He also doesn’t appreciate the judgement of people who don’t really know him. When an interview for a newspaper backfires and a cat unexpectedly show up at his doorstep, he’ll meet a woman that will peak his interest…until she tells him her new boss is the mean, arrogant piece of work of the newspaper article.
I might have said it in the past, but I love these stories and this time isn’t any different. On the contrary, I loved the added element and the little intrigue we had going on this one.
As usual, we have intense chemistry between the characters and the insta-lust seasoned by some steamy sex scenes, but I enjoyed the plot and the development a lot more than on previous stories. I could feel the difference on this one and I enjoyed every minute of it.
5 stars
*An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I might have said it in the past, but I love these stories and this time isn’t any different. On the contrary, I loved the added element and the little intrigue we had going on this one.
As usual, we have intense chemistry between the characters and the insta-lust seasoned by some steamy sex scenes, but I enjoyed the plot and the development a lot more than on previous stories. I could feel the difference on this one and I enjoyed every minute of it.
5 stars
*An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
July 16, 2017
Gabriel is the CEO of a huge corporation, his PR ppl encouraged him to be interviewed for a magazine...the article paints him as an @$$. While he's reading the article he is interrupt by a visitor...then he meets the visitor's 'person'. Demi just moved into the building and is excited to be starting her new job, but first she has to find her runaway cat. Gabriel and Demi meet and are getting along well...until she mentions that she's starting a new job working for the @$$ that is featured in the magazine. Imagine her surprise when she starts her new job to find that her neighbor is non other than her boss. Gabriel is determined to live up to the reputation and starts making Demi's job a nightmare.
However, they have chemistry and it becomes difficult to fight it. This was a quick read with lots of angst, chemistry and even a stalker. Would love an extended epilogue to see if Sheryl got her just desserts.
I received an ARC copy for an honest review
However, they have chemistry and it becomes difficult to fight it. This was a quick read with lots of angst, chemistry and even a stalker. Would love an extended epilogue to see if Sheryl got her just desserts.
I received an ARC copy for an honest review
August 13, 2017
This was a surprisingly good short read!
You know how sometimes these short novellas are rushed, too clichéd and an hour or so of your life that you'll never get back? Well, thankfully this one is none of those.
About to begin a new job, Demi has just met one of her new neighbours moments after her cat shredded his couch! In the habbit of talking a little out of turn, Demi makes comment about an atricle and the general public concensus that her new boss-to-be is a grade A asshole.
Fast foward a couple of hours, and Demi is face to face with Gabriel. Her new boss. Her neighbour with the now-shredded couch, and the man she called an asshole.
This was nicely paced. There's no OTT insta-love when Gabriel wants Demi to quit, and he is relentless in trying to achieve his goal. I liked that she could see more than just the asshole side of him.
I'm really interested in reading more from this author.
You know how sometimes these short novellas are rushed, too clichéd and an hour or so of your life that you'll never get back? Well, thankfully this one is none of those.
About to begin a new job, Demi has just met one of her new neighbours moments after her cat shredded his couch! In the habbit of talking a little out of turn, Demi makes comment about an atricle and the general public concensus that her new boss-to-be is a grade A asshole.
Fast foward a couple of hours, and Demi is face to face with Gabriel. Her new boss. Her neighbour with the now-shredded couch, and the man she called an asshole.
This was nicely paced. There's no OTT insta-love when Gabriel wants Demi to quit, and he is relentless in trying to achieve his goal. I liked that she could see more than just the asshole side of him.
I'm really interested in reading more from this author.
July 12, 2017
A different take on falling for your boss.
Gabriel is a workaholic CEO and seen by most as an a$$hole. When he gets the morning paper, he sees an article he was interviewed for, and it isn't very nice. He meets Demi when her psycho cat, Ray, barges into his apartment that same morning. Pissed off about the article, when he finds out Demi is a new hire at his company, he decides to try to live up to the a$$hole persona and make her work life hell and push her until she quits.
Demi is stubborn and refuses to be bullied by her boss until she quits. She takes everything Gabriel gives her and puts in 110%. She both infuriates and intrigues Gabriel at the same time. When Demi is finally pushed to her limit, things explode in more ways than one.
Good, strong characters with a little spunk and lots of steam. A psycho cat thrown in the mix makes it even better!
Gabriel is a workaholic CEO and seen by most as an a$$hole. When he gets the morning paper, he sees an article he was interviewed for, and it isn't very nice. He meets Demi when her psycho cat, Ray, barges into his apartment that same morning. Pissed off about the article, when he finds out Demi is a new hire at his company, he decides to try to live up to the a$$hole persona and make her work life hell and push her until she quits.
Demi is stubborn and refuses to be bullied by her boss until she quits. She takes everything Gabriel gives her and puts in 110%. She both infuriates and intrigues Gabriel at the same time. When Demi is finally pushed to her limit, things explode in more ways than one.
Good, strong characters with a little spunk and lots of steam. A psycho cat thrown in the mix makes it even better!
July 13, 2017
This was a very sweet and different romance. I like the story line and that it was a bit different from the usual.
Demi is from the countryside and has through a friend moved to the city and got a job at a large firm.
Gabriel is the owner of Mangovan Companies where Demi is about to start her new job. They meet in the apartment building where they both live and they both feel a bit of a spark. But the next day Demi finds out that Gabriel is her new boss and the one she have named a*shole. Not good. But what happens next is drama and pure lust and love. I like this very well written story and loved the twists and turns it has.
Both has to solve issues and let go of the past before they can have their HEA.
Worth the read and I just had to buy this book in spite of I had it as an ARC. I found it so good.
Demi is from the countryside and has through a friend moved to the city and got a job at a large firm.
Gabriel is the owner of Mangovan Companies where Demi is about to start her new job. They meet in the apartment building where they both live and they both feel a bit of a spark. But the next day Demi finds out that Gabriel is her new boss and the one she have named a*shole. Not good. But what happens next is drama and pure lust and love. I like this very well written story and loved the twists and turns it has.
Both has to solve issues and let go of the past before they can have their HEA.
Worth the read and I just had to buy this book in spite of I had it as an ARC. I found it so good.
July 14, 2017
This is an ARC Review
Author Luke Steel continues to impress me and I'm assuming his many readers. From his first book to this one, I have seen his character development continue to grow more complicated. The character, Gabriel has such depth and not the grunting one dimensional alpha male we see so often. His romantic interest, Demi also has a rich, fully realized personality. Even Demi's cat, Ray, comes to us with the task by providing some comic relief; He does this in spades. The sizzling sex scenes are there and written clearly so that I don't get confused as to where all the body parts are and which ones are in play and which ones are resting.
Needless to say I enjoyed reading this novella. Mr. Steel's writing style kept me interested from chapter one thru chapter eight. No reader should finish reading without feeling sated so go for it and enjoy your vacation or patio reading.
Author Luke Steel continues to impress me and I'm assuming his many readers. From his first book to this one, I have seen his character development continue to grow more complicated. The character, Gabriel has such depth and not the grunting one dimensional alpha male we see so often. His romantic interest, Demi also has a rich, fully realized personality. Even Demi's cat, Ray, comes to us with the task by providing some comic relief; He does this in spades. The sizzling sex scenes are there and written clearly so that I don't get confused as to where all the body parts are and which ones are in play and which ones are resting.
Needless to say I enjoyed reading this novella. Mr. Steel's writing style kept me interested from chapter one thru chapter eight. No reader should finish reading without feeling sated so go for it and enjoy your vacation or patio reading.
July 18, 2017
Luke Steel brings a new aspect to office romance. They meet as neighbors and then realize they work together after she’s bad mouthed her boss. Gabriel is said boss and is now imagining that mouth of hers. Demi just moved to town and is starting a new job. She’s so excited to begin her new venture until she walks into her boss’s office who happens to be the neighbor she met the night before. Surely, he won’t hold a grudge on the things she said about him. She didn’t know who he was and now she must endure his wrath.
I wanted to punch Gabriel, until I didn't. He was so hard on Demi and pushed her beyond her limits. I loved how she was so determined to prove how strong she was and could do any task he asked of her.
Next Door Boss also brought some drama to the table which made this story well rounded. I recommend you pick this one up today.
I wanted to punch Gabriel, until I didn't. He was so hard on Demi and pushed her beyond her limits. I loved how she was so determined to prove how strong she was and could do any task he asked of her.
Next Door Boss also brought some drama to the table which made this story well rounded. I recommend you pick this one up today.
August 7, 2017
I'm cutting this one a little slack because it is a novella so some things just can't be developed the same as in full length novels.
Against every feminist bone in my body, I just can't seem to help liking the asshole boss/cute employee trope. So I obviously knew that the H was an asshole, but it didn't bother me. I liked both main characters, thought their interactions were engaging, and their chemistry was great. And I liked the dual POV since it helped me understand them both.
I do wish we had more backstory into both because from what we are given here, they could have lots of depth. I also would have liked a little more of them together at the end, including a brief epilogue...if this were a full length novel, it would have a lower rating because this was missing.
As a novella, this was a fun, engaging read.
Against every feminist bone in my body, I just can't seem to help liking the asshole boss/cute employee trope. So I obviously knew that the H was an asshole, but it didn't bother me. I liked both main characters, thought their interactions were engaging, and their chemistry was great. And I liked the dual POV since it helped me understand them both.
I do wish we had more backstory into both because from what we are given here, they could have lots of depth. I also would have liked a little more of them together at the end, including a brief epilogue...if this were a full length novel, it would have a lower rating because this was missing.
As a novella, this was a fun, engaging read.
August 16, 2017
This guy gets it.
I was laughing to the point of tears before I even got to chapter 2, and the thoroughly entertained motif continued until the very last word.
I absolutely loved every drop of this story and intend to immediately go buy another Luke Steel book...or all of them. This was my first time reading his work and WOW what an introduction it was.
Ever watched the TV show Suits? OK this book is the equivalent of if Harvey and Donna got into a huge fight and then finally hooked up. In fact as I read it I literally pictured the characters looking like Harvey and Donna and the office being the same as Harvey's was. I'm curious to know if the author was influenced a little by the show as the similarities are very prominent.
Overall FIVE well deserved stars and ONE new fan! xoxo Maliceon Book Reviews
I was laughing to the point of tears before I even got to chapter 2, and the thoroughly entertained motif continued until the very last word.
I absolutely loved every drop of this story and intend to immediately go buy another Luke Steel book...or all of them. This was my first time reading his work and WOW what an introduction it was.
Ever watched the TV show Suits? OK this book is the equivalent of if Harvey and Donna got into a huge fight and then finally hooked up. In fact as I read it I literally pictured the characters looking like Harvey and Donna and the office being the same as Harvey's was. I'm curious to know if the author was influenced a little by the show as the similarities are very prominent.
Overall FIVE well deserved stars and ONE new fan! xoxo Maliceon Book Reviews
July 12, 2017
I loved it. Demi got lucky with her new job and living arrangement. Her naughty kitty inadvertently introduces her to an attractive man upstairs in her building. Things were going well until she mentioned she was starting a new job for a corporate a-hole that was just written about in the paper. Their interaction suddenly turns icy and Demi takes her kitty home. On her first day at work, she's summoned to meet the big boss and she nearly flips when she sees "Mr. Upstairs" is her new boss, aka Gabriel. Yeah, the one she said was an a-hole. Oops! She thinks that of him so that's the way Gabriel's going to treat Demi...
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. It was a very interesting story that I loved reading.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. It was a very interesting story that I loved reading.
July 13, 2017
His best one yet
Luke Steel caught my eye because he is a man writing romance (ok, assuming he is really a man and not an alias, but whatever). I've enjoyed the male-focused perspective but I've noticed a serious lack of dialogue between the hero and heroine that sometimes makes the story feel more tell than show. Don't get me wrong though, I've liked the other books (obviously since I keep reading them) but this is the first book where I felt like there was an actual relationship developing between the characters. Maybe it was because of the alternating pov's this time or just the real conversations the hero and heroine had, but this book was so much better than some of the previous books. Great book!
Luke Steel caught my eye because he is a man writing romance (ok, assuming he is really a man and not an alias, but whatever). I've enjoyed the male-focused perspective but I've noticed a serious lack of dialogue between the hero and heroine that sometimes makes the story feel more tell than show. Don't get me wrong though, I've liked the other books (obviously since I keep reading them) but this is the first book where I felt like there was an actual relationship developing between the characters. Maybe it was because of the alternating pov's this time or just the real conversations the hero and heroine had, but this book was so much better than some of the previous books. Great book!
July 14, 2017
Fun read. The agitation over being publicly misrepresented, again, causes Gabriel to behave exactly as portrayed. Only he'll come to regret that conscious decision.
Demi is new to the city and trusted her friend. Mistake number one. She is a tenacious fighter and will stand down to Gabriel's attitude. She's qualified and wants to make it on her own...in spite of him.
But there's more and it's explosive and hot!! Supremely hot!!
Lies added to Gabriel's early behavior cause the house of cards to come tumbling down. Discovering the truth is the only way he can come to terms with his choices and deal with hers. The truth is very freeing and can give them both what they really want...each other.
Demi is new to the city and trusted her friend. Mistake number one. She is a tenacious fighter and will stand down to Gabriel's attitude. She's qualified and wants to make it on her own...in spite of him.
But there's more and it's explosive and hot!! Supremely hot!!
Lies added to Gabriel's early behavior cause the house of cards to come tumbling down. Discovering the truth is the only way he can come to terms with his choices and deal with hers. The truth is very freeing and can give them both what they really want...each other.
July 20, 2017
Next Door Boss was a 70 page novella that grabbed me from the first chapter! Told from dual POV, Gabriel and Demi are a tumultuous pair in this angsty office/enemies to lovers/neighbor romance. Once again, Luke Steel has written a story that had several of my favorite tropes but it didn't feel rushed or unfinished with his storytelling.
If you love asshole heroes (sorry Gabriel) that you can't help but love, this book is right up your alley. I also really loved Demi's character because she refused to let Gabriel wear her down and wasn't afraid to stick up for herself.
Their sexual tension was palpable, and when they get together, sparks fly and there's no question that the pair belongs together. I was completely entertained and really enjoyed Next Door Boss!
If you love asshole heroes (sorry Gabriel) that you can't help but love, this book is right up your alley. I also really loved Demi's character because she refused to let Gabriel wear her down and wasn't afraid to stick up for herself.
Their sexual tension was palpable, and when they get together, sparks fly and there's no question that the pair belongs together. I was completely entertained and really enjoyed Next Door Boss!
July 30, 2017
Good story with likable characters and yummy hot scenes
I really enjoyed this story. Demi is an amazingly tough women to endure everything she was put through. Gabriel is a jerk, but my favorite part is at the end. Though he is angry and feels betrayed, he doesn't just react. He seeks out the truth. I much prefer this type of conflict over others that react and say or do things that are hurtful; and then, have to work to make the HEA. In this story, it's logic over emotion. Don't misunderstand, the emotion is there, it's just constructive instead of destructive.
Though this story won't be part of my favorites, it's still a well rounded read and one I will remember. I will be checking out other books from this author. :-)
I really enjoyed this story. Demi is an amazingly tough women to endure everything she was put through. Gabriel is a jerk, but my favorite part is at the end. Though he is angry and feels betrayed, he doesn't just react. He seeks out the truth. I much prefer this type of conflict over others that react and say or do things that are hurtful; and then, have to work to make the HEA. In this story, it's logic over emotion. Don't misunderstand, the emotion is there, it's just constructive instead of destructive.
Though this story won't be part of my favorites, it's still a well rounded read and one I will remember. I will be checking out other books from this author. :-)
July 21, 2017
An Awesome Read!
I enjoyed reading Next Door Boss. All about Demi a young girl who just moved into a condo in my building & Gabriel Mangovan a CEO of Mangovan Industries, and her new boss. Demi has just moved in and is about to start a new job at Mangovan Industries and she will be working for me the a..hole no play makes him a very dull boy, according to a newspaper article written about my company! The author wrote a story about a young women who is determined to do anything to keep her job, to get her jerk of a boss of her back! Read about Demi & Gabriel and watch the sparks fly as they navigate each other in his empire!
I enjoyed reading Next Door Boss. All about Demi a young girl who just moved into a condo in my building & Gabriel Mangovan a CEO of Mangovan Industries, and her new boss. Demi has just moved in and is about to start a new job at Mangovan Industries and she will be working for me the a..hole no play makes him a very dull boy, according to a newspaper article written about my company! The author wrote a story about a young women who is determined to do anything to keep her job, to get her jerk of a boss of her back! Read about Demi & Gabriel and watch the sparks fly as they navigate each other in his empire!
July 12, 2017
I volunteered to read an ARC of this book for an honest review for the author- This was a refreshing take on falking for the boss. Demi proved beyond what alot would put up with that she could do her job and more. Gabriel "the asshole" boss was truly that to her. I loved the bantering between them. The fist pumping for me was when Demi spoke up for herself telling Gabriel exactly what she thought of me enough to put have big oaf speechless. I like reading Luke Steel's books because they are short, easy to read and sexy as hell.
July 12, 2017
Luke Steel has done it again. I just loved this book. The characters are very believable and the story line is well written. When you have a workaholic, grumpy and stressed out boss and you add a calm, easy going and totally dedicated to the job employee, you ar bound to see sparks before the xplosion. Especially when you add in a psycho cat to the mix. There are a lot of quirky comebacks, stress and hot sexy encounters to make this story totally worth reading..I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
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