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The CEO & I
A Steamy office romance
Jade
The job is exactly what I want. I know I can do it well. I'm excited until the woman at the agency says there's no point applying since, the essential but unspoken qualifications are being either married, or middle-aged, and I'm neither.
Apparently, Luke Remington, the CEO is a workaholic who's sick of having his young secretaries fall in love with him and lose concentration on their job. Turns out unattractiveness is considered a bonus since he didn't want to be distracted either.
But I'm not giving up that easy. I convince the agency to send me for the interview. I ditch my cosmetics, invest in a cheap wedding ring, put on some dowdy clothes. For good measure, I add a pair of ugly glasses, pull my hair into an unflattering bun, and voila. Married and unattractive.
Yeah, I got the job, Oh, and guess what? I now understand why the other secretaries couldn't concentrate on this job.
Luke Remington...the hottest CEO alive
Luke
My new secretary is super-efficient, but even better she doesn’t fawn over me. I guess she could be attractive, but she doesn’t make much of herself. The woman is still wearing coke bottle glasses and her fashion choices might look better as curtains. Well, not my problem.
We’ve just arrived for a conference in Thailand. If I’m really hot I could potentially cut a couple of big ticket deals at the same time. Jade made all the arrangements, and so far, so good. Then I hear a scream coming from the room next door. Her room.
I rush in through the connecting door and she’s in the bathroom. Yeah, I see the massive spider. But that's the least of my problems. Jade is in a towel. Without her thick glasses. Or her granny clothes. And her long thick hair is loose and tumbling down her silky back.
Damn, the agency screwed up after all.
I’m so f**ked!
Jade
The job is exactly what I want. I know I can do it well. I'm excited until the woman at the agency says there's no point applying since, the essential but unspoken qualifications are being either married, or middle-aged, and I'm neither.
Apparently, Luke Remington, the CEO is a workaholic who's sick of having his young secretaries fall in love with him and lose concentration on their job. Turns out unattractiveness is considered a bonus since he didn't want to be distracted either.
But I'm not giving up that easy. I convince the agency to send me for the interview. I ditch my cosmetics, invest in a cheap wedding ring, put on some dowdy clothes. For good measure, I add a pair of ugly glasses, pull my hair into an unflattering bun, and voila. Married and unattractive.
Yeah, I got the job, Oh, and guess what? I now understand why the other secretaries couldn't concentrate on this job.
Luke Remington...the hottest CEO alive
Luke
My new secretary is super-efficient, but even better she doesn’t fawn over me. I guess she could be attractive, but she doesn’t make much of herself. The woman is still wearing coke bottle glasses and her fashion choices might look better as curtains. Well, not my problem.
We’ve just arrived for a conference in Thailand. If I’m really hot I could potentially cut a couple of big ticket deals at the same time. Jade made all the arrangements, and so far, so good. Then I hear a scream coming from the room next door. Her room.
I rush in through the connecting door and she’s in the bathroom. Yeah, I see the massive spider. But that's the least of my problems. Jade is in a towel. Without her thick glasses. Or her granny clothes. And her long thick hair is loose and tumbling down her silky back.
Damn, the agency screwed up after all.
I’m so f**ked!
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2017
1302 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
dnf
September 17, 2017DNF
Womanizer with big ego aka I'm-so-handsome-women-fall-at-my-feet.
Weak female protagonist, who knew about him bedding many OWs and still wanted him.
1st sex WITHOUT condom!!! 😷
Foreplay and sexual acts during business conference (she gave him a BJ while he held a presentation in front of many people, she hid behind the curtains or smth) - and here I gave up.
Not for me.
Womanizer with big ego aka I'm-so-handsome-women-fall-at-my-feet.
Weak female protagonist, who knew about him bedding many OWs and still wanted him.
1st sex WITHOUT condom!!! 😷
Foreplay and sexual acts during business conference (she gave him a BJ while he held a presentation in front of many people, she hid behind the curtains or smth) - and here I gave up.
Not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2017
Luke and Jade's story isn't quite a mistaken identity romance, but more of a not what I thought you were romance. The story does put a lot of weight on outward appearance, but that aside, it's a witty, fun story with lots of sexy and laughs. The book is a fast paced, easy read that I can easily recommend to anyone who enjoys romance, humor, and steam.
February 4, 2019
DNF
I wasn't enjoying myself. There's no emotional connection. And there was entirely too much emphasis placed on appearance/clothes. It's the sexy adult version of the "take off girl's glasses and she's bangable."
I wasn't enjoying myself. There's no emotional connection. And there was entirely too much emphasis placed on appearance/clothes. It's the sexy adult version of the "take off girl's glasses and she's bangable."
April 22, 2019
2.5ish stars for me. Honestly I really liked the premise and the characters themselves seemed really well rounded. I think what kept me from really liking it is the actual relationship between our MCs. Not only was it the way the relationship starts off, but the reasons behind why it starts there, as well as the rushed feel and insta love that seems to develop all so quickly when there are some underlying deep hidden insecurities as well as values that the Male MC,Luke, has. I also, wasn't his biggest fan since he really started off as a horrible jerk and it took me almost the whole book to get over it. "The Jerk" is not ever a character I find attractive so its a little hard for me to get over when a female is all about that life.. I will say he doesn't, necessarily , stay that way nor does he quite do a complete 180 personality wise.. but it was close.
Jade, our FMC, is posing as a drab, nerdy, secretary in order to keep her job as PA to billionaire business mogul, Luke. She must pose this way because Luke only hires old or unattractive, married PA's and she really needs this job. Luke has his reasons, hes all business 24-7-365 and can't handle unnecessary distractions and also with his good looks and money he is tired of all his secretaries falling for him. He also has reasons from his past for why he only chooses drab married PA's. His most recent PA though, Jade, super efficient she may be, is so awfully drab.. and despite that he finds that he is becoming attracted to her. On a business trip in Bangkok together he makes mention that she would be pretty if she changed all these things about her appearance and Jade makes her confession. On their next meeting Jade comes as herself and blows both him and the clients away and now Luke must reconcile his past, his own insecurities and worry about what others think, or he may push away a once in a life time love of mind blowing passionate proportions.
The story itself was entertaining... mostly and the hiding in plain sight secretary plot was fun but I felt like really it seemed a little rushed. I think it could have really been a funny and sweet read if maybe we had a little more time for them to really get to know each other before the reveal that Jade wasn't exactly what she was pretending. I ended up somewhere on the fence between meh, and maybe I liked it..
Jade, our FMC, is posing as a drab, nerdy, secretary in order to keep her job as PA to billionaire business mogul, Luke. She must pose this way because Luke only hires old or unattractive, married PA's and she really needs this job. Luke has his reasons, hes all business 24-7-365 and can't handle unnecessary distractions and also with his good looks and money he is tired of all his secretaries falling for him. He also has reasons from his past for why he only chooses drab married PA's. His most recent PA though, Jade, super efficient she may be, is so awfully drab.. and despite that he finds that he is becoming attracted to her. On a business trip in Bangkok together he makes mention that she would be pretty if she changed all these things about her appearance and Jade makes her confession. On their next meeting Jade comes as herself and blows both him and the clients away and now Luke must reconcile his past, his own insecurities and worry about what others think, or he may push away a once in a life time love of mind blowing passionate proportions.
The story itself was entertaining... mostly and the hiding in plain sight secretary plot was fun but I felt like really it seemed a little rushed. I think it could have really been a funny and sweet read if maybe we had a little more time for them to really get to know each other before the reveal that Jade wasn't exactly what she was pretending. I ended up somewhere on the fence between meh, and maybe I liked it..
September 23, 2017
*** I am voluntarily reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book***
First book I've read by River Laurent and won't be my last!! Luke and Jade's story was an interesting, fast, fun, sexy read. A couple of surprises and great chemistry between characters. And, it's free with your KU subscription.
First book I've read by River Laurent and won't be my last!! Luke and Jade's story was an interesting, fast, fun, sexy read. A couple of surprises and great chemistry between characters. And, it's free with your KU subscription.
September 17, 2017
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review
I love this book. Although Luke thought that he couldn't find love with Jade because she was his secretary and because of what his father did to his mother he fell in love with her anyway. Now he has to deal with feelings that he has never had and doesn't know how to deal with. Jade has been falling in love with Luke since she started working for him but she has kept it secret. Watching Luke struggle with his feelings for Jade and not knowing how to deal with them and also struggling with trying not to be like his dad was is heartbreaking. Jade is not sure what is going on but she knows that she loves him but isn't going to deal with him being so hot and then going so cold to her.
Will Luke be able to deal with his feelings and admit them to Jade before it is too late? Will he be able to deal with the guilt about what his father did to his mother? Will Jade be able to forgive Luke if he can convince her that he really does love her?
I love this book. Although Luke thought that he couldn't find love with Jade because she was his secretary and because of what his father did to his mother he fell in love with her anyway. Now he has to deal with feelings that he has never had and doesn't know how to deal with. Jade has been falling in love with Luke since she started working for him but she has kept it secret. Watching Luke struggle with his feelings for Jade and not knowing how to deal with them and also struggling with trying not to be like his dad was is heartbreaking. Jade is not sure what is going on but she knows that she loves him but isn't going to deal with him being so hot and then going so cold to her.
Will Luke be able to deal with his feelings and admit them to Jade before it is too late? Will he be able to deal with the guilt about what his father did to his mother? Will Jade be able to forgive Luke if he can convince her that he really does love her?
July 28, 2018
It was okay
The characters felt a bit cookie cutter (for what they were: Alpha male snobbish CEO and smart beautiful secretary) and the story line edged a bit on the extreme in terms of believability.
Some scenes were a bit abrupt and unexpected, seemed almost thrown onto the page; parts that did not feel like they gelled with the characters but that may have had to do with the very little character development that was given.
I tend to give romance novels a bit a leeway for corniness/believability but generally there is a lot more depth to the characters, and the storyline as a whole, to help that along. A lot of character information was just missing and the entire book felt disjointed.
It was an okay read but I wouldn’t pick it up again.
The characters felt a bit cookie cutter (for what they were: Alpha male snobbish CEO and smart beautiful secretary) and the story line edged a bit on the extreme in terms of believability.
Some scenes were a bit abrupt and unexpected, seemed almost thrown onto the page; parts that did not feel like they gelled with the characters but that may have had to do with the very little character development that was given.
I tend to give romance novels a bit a leeway for corniness/believability but generally there is a lot more depth to the characters, and the storyline as a whole, to help that along. A lot of character information was just missing and the entire book felt disjointed.
It was an okay read but I wouldn’t pick it up again.
September 16, 2017
An amazing office romance by River Laurent with a hot alpha CEO, scorching scenes, attraction, and great banter between the main characters. I loved the epilogue!
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
October 7, 2017
Boring!
If reading a whole book about two people having sex is your thing then you should read this one. Glad I didn't pay for this book.
If reading a whole book about two people having sex is your thing then you should read this one. Glad I didn't pay for this book.
October 10, 2017
Couldn't finish it
.., just didn't get on with writing
.., just didn't get on with writing
September 30, 2017
I really liked the CEO and I, I thought it was sexy and romantic but too short a story. However there were two stories included in my book and I have to admit I loved Cinderella.com even more. So much more I'm re-reading it as we speak!! It was a great twist on the classic tale of Cinderella and I actually didn't see some things coming like I usually do. Cass and Lars have a great story and I love the sub story about the horses.
September 26, 2017
Okay so this wasn't a Ribeye steak, lobster tail dip in butter with a splash of lemon, and baked potato kind of book, it didn't have substance or grit. This book was more like a hamburger with a side of chicken nuggets and a small fry, but no less delicious.
I enjoy reading this tale of alpha boss and his PA that's sweet as pie and he ends up rocking her world while she steals his heart love story. This story was fill with hot steamy sex and sweet love.
This was a quick read. The author did get to the point of the story and she still give great details of the sex scenes without skimpy out of a good storyline.
3.8*~Cute/Sexy Good
I enjoy reading this tale of alpha boss and his PA that's sweet as pie and he ends up rocking her world while she steals his heart love story. This story was fill with hot steamy sex and sweet love.
This was a quick read. The author did get to the point of the story and she still give great details of the sex scenes without skimpy out of a good storyline.
3.8*~Cute/Sexy Good
September 28, 2017
Ok and great
This book contains two separate stories. The first is the CEO & I and it was just ok. I was really looking forward to it, but I was disappointed. In a nutshell, the PA dresses frumpy and very plain, when she really is a knockout and he is the typical playboy billionaire with father issues. I didn't like how quickly she jumped in bed with him, instead of making him work for it. Now, the second story was sort of a spend on Cinderalla and it was great. There was humor, conflict, drama and hot sex. The flow was perfect !
This book contains two separate stories. The first is the CEO & I and it was just ok. I was really looking forward to it, but I was disappointed. In a nutshell, the PA dresses frumpy and very plain, when she really is a knockout and he is the typical playboy billionaire with father issues. I didn't like how quickly she jumped in bed with him, instead of making him work for it. Now, the second story was sort of a spend on Cinderalla and it was great. There was humor, conflict, drama and hot sex. The flow was perfect !
August 10, 2018
Refreshing
I love how this story got to the point. I mean it starts out where they all ready had some kind of relationship. Not boy meets girl and goes from there. Sometimes it refreshing not have go through the build up. I have really been enjoying River's books.
I love how this story got to the point. I mean it starts out where they all ready had some kind of relationship. Not boy meets girl and goes from there. Sometimes it refreshing not have go through the build up. I have really been enjoying River's books.
October 20, 2017
a great book. River never ceases to amaze me with her writing. Each book is different and had its own style. This one is no exception.
Jade has already been warned that Luke never employs anyone who is beautiful as it's a distraction to him, so she dresses frumpy and geeky so he won't notice her. Until they are in Bangkok all is revealed.
Luke is a strong businessman, very jealous and domineering. He is a sucker for beautiful women. He thinks he has the perfect frumpy secretary until Jade reveals herself.
This story is great, I loved every minute if it. The characters are great and the sex scenes are hot and steamy. A great whirlwind romance with lots of ups and downs.
Jade has already been warned that Luke never employs anyone who is beautiful as it's a distraction to him, so she dresses frumpy and geeky so he won't notice her. Until they are in Bangkok all is revealed.
Luke is a strong businessman, very jealous and domineering. He is a sucker for beautiful women. He thinks he has the perfect frumpy secretary until Jade reveals herself.
This story is great, I loved every minute if it. The characters are great and the sex scenes are hot and steamy. A great whirlwind romance with lots of ups and downs.
October 5, 2017
Loved ie
Loved it I could not put it down. Would have liked both books to be a little longer though. Love
Loved it I could not put it down. Would have liked both books to be a little longer though. Love
September 28, 2017
This is a very good sexy, fun story. I enjoyed it but it would have been even better if the attraction between the H/h was a little more defined. Overall this is a quick, fun read. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
September 22, 2017
The CEO & I by River Laurent is an excellent read. This is a sexy and fun office romance. Loved the storyline and characters. This amazing story focuses on the lies we tell to ourselves and others, mixed with a touch of an ugly duckling story. Full of witty banter and steamy encounters this book is a joy to read and I highly recommend it. I am posting an honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.
September 25, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I enjoyed Jade & Luke's story. Very intriguing book.
September 22, 2017
arc review for honest review jade and luke both are drivin people and working togather also help then build a business awsome.
September 18, 2017
Great Book
This was a Great Book. plus, you will get another book also. Which was Great also. Also voth of them has a GReat ending too.
This was a Great Book. plus, you will get another book also. Which was Great also. Also voth of them has a GReat ending too.
September 15, 2017
Great read
Really enjoyed this book, a well written fabulous story with great characters.
Can't wait to read more from this author!
I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book.
Really enjoyed this book, a well written fabulous story with great characters.
Can't wait to read more from this author!
I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book.
September 15, 2017
The agency that she works through told her that Luke Remington had a specific type he hired and she wasn't it. She disguised herself and went to prove the agency wrong that she could look unattractive and still get the job done. Luke Remington never looked twice at his assistant until they were traveling on a business trip to Bangkok and hearing her scream had him running into her room. Jade scream when she saw a big spider in the shower just as she was getting ready to get in and screamed. Not knowing what was going on Luke burst in only to find his assistant in nothing but a towel and she is definitely more attractive then he was led to believe. After seeing Jade like that Luke couldn't stop thinking about her. Jade already had a small crush on her boss and was now struggling with those feelings and is she was still going to have a job. Luke and Jade end up giving into their attraction not thinking passed what are doing right then. At least until something happens that could change everything for them.
This was a well written story. The characters are strong and the heat between them is sizzling hot. This is a must read. I loved this book and would recommend it to my book friends.
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
This was a well written story. The characters are strong and the heat between them is sizzling hot. This is a must read. I loved this book and would recommend it to my book friends.
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2017
Hot and steamy office romance set to a balmy Bangkok backdrop. Luke and his secretary Jade are in Bangkok for a week of business meetings and to drum up business with new potential investors. Jade had been an exemplary assistant even if she dresses like a granny and wears coke bottle glasses.
However, her charade is unraveled when Luke catches her in nothing but a towel she comes clean about hiding her appearance not to entice him. Too late, as he is now more than interested. What follows is a week of hot passionate holiday romance, however when Luke gets cold feet due to insecurities from his father's past actions, he takes out his frustrations on Jade causing a huge rift in their private and professional relationship. Can he redeem himself, or will thier holiday affair be over before it ever had a chance to blossom? Great office romance. I recieved an ARC and this is my honest review.
However, her charade is unraveled when Luke catches her in nothing but a towel she comes clean about hiding her appearance not to entice him. Too late, as he is now more than interested. What follows is a week of hot passionate holiday romance, however when Luke gets cold feet due to insecurities from his father's past actions, he takes out his frustrations on Jade causing a huge rift in their private and professional relationship. Can he redeem himself, or will thier holiday affair be over before it ever had a chance to blossom? Great office romance. I recieved an ARC and this is my honest review.
September 16, 2017
Amazing what a woman can do when she puts her mind to it. When Jade applied for the job she found out that the owner would only hire an unattractive married female. So she disguised herself and became as unattractive looking as she could. It worked because he never paid her any attention. Until........... a business trip out of the country when he hears her scream and rushes to her room to find out what is wrong. A spider is in her bathroom but she's only wearing a skimpy towel, her hair is down and her coke bottle glasses are gone. Can you say gorgeous. Needless to say, things heat up from there. But there's lots of drama along the way and a roller coaster of emotions. Luke has lots of baggage he's dealing with and it causes problems in their relationship.. Lots of steamy sex and finally an HEA after a long and bumpy journey. Great book. I voluntarily reviewed this book after reading a promotional copy.
September 17, 2017
Be still my heart! Luke is one HOT book boyfriend, sexy, confident but not quite arrogant, domineering in all the best ways. Jade knew he didn't hire attractive single women, so she frumped up her appearance and claimed to be married. That worked fine - she was the best assistant Luke ever had - until that one trip to Bangkok. Scintillating, seductive love scenes chart the path of these two lovebirds as they figure out whether what they have will last once they're home. Luke has some personal issues to work through first, though, and those are explored honestly and convincingly. Jade's transformation was beyond just her appearance and it was beautifully portrayed.
River Laurent is quickly becoming a drop-everything-to-read author. A genius at the slow build, Ms. Laurent combines exquisitely sensual scenes with intense emotions and gasp-inducing details. Absolute magic with words and imagery. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
River Laurent is quickly becoming a drop-everything-to-read author. A genius at the slow build, Ms. Laurent combines exquisitely sensual scenes with intense emotions and gasp-inducing details. Absolute magic with words and imagery. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
September 18, 2017
The CEO & I is a sexy office romance. Jade was warned by her hiring agency that Luke Remington only hires unattractive and/or married women. So, she disguises herself in baggy, unattractive clothing, no makeup, thick glasses and pretends to be married, so she can land the PA job that she desperately needs. It works and she's been working for him for a few months when they end up going on a business trip to Bangkok. It's there where things will change for them, where Luke finally acts upon the seemingly out of nowhere attraction he's been feeling for her.
I liked The CEO & I, but I wish it had been a little longer and we got to see more of their relationship. It felt a little rushed because it was a bit too short. Still, though, it's sexy and sweet and Luke and Jade have great chemistry. If you like office romances, The CEO & I is the story for you!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I liked The CEO & I, but I wish it had been a little longer and we got to see more of their relationship. It felt a little rushed because it was a bit too short. Still, though, it's sexy and sweet and Luke and Jade have great chemistry. If you like office romances, The CEO & I is the story for you!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
September 24, 2017
I love River's book and this one is no different. Luke doesn't want to be anything like his father. So he only hires married, older, and not good looking secretaries. He refuses to get into an office romance like his own father used to. So by hiring women that would not fall in love with him nor would he fall in love with them he felt that he was safe from becoming him. So when he hires Jade he has no idea what is about to happen.
Jade knows what Luke is looking for, so she dresses down, hides behind big clothes and glasses, and makes sure she is quiet but does her job well. But when she needs help and Luke sees what is hiding behind all of the baggy clothes things change between them. This is such a great book that I will be rereading in the future! a defendant one-click.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy for my honest review.
Jade knows what Luke is looking for, so she dresses down, hides behind big clothes and glasses, and makes sure she is quiet but does her job well. But when she needs help and Luke sees what is hiding behind all of the baggy clothes things change between them. This is such a great book that I will be rereading in the future! a defendant one-click.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy for my honest review.
September 16, 2017
♡♡I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.♡♡
Hero, Luke = 5/5
Heroine, Jade = 5/5
Secondary Characters = 5/5
Chemistry = 4/5
Sex = 5/5
Plot = 4/5
Mystery = 1/5
Action = 1.5/5
Darkness = 1/5
Humor = 1/5
POV = Dual POV
Ending = HEA, No cliffhanger
Stars = 4.5 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Author = River Laurent
Would I recommend this book = Yes
Would I re-read this book = Yes
Would I read future books by this author = Yes
Likes: boss/secretary relationship, a heroine who hides who she truly is, a possessive hero, insta-love, awesome sex scenes (bucket list type too)
Dislikes: I wanted more action towards the end when everything was falling apart. Other than that it was a fantastic read.
Hero, Luke = 5/5
Heroine, Jade = 5/5
Secondary Characters = 5/5
Chemistry = 4/5
Sex = 5/5
Plot = 4/5
Mystery = 1/5
Action = 1.5/5
Darkness = 1/5
Humor = 1/5
POV = Dual POV
Ending = HEA, No cliffhanger
Stars = 4.5 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Author = River Laurent
Would I recommend this book = Yes
Would I re-read this book = Yes
Would I read future books by this author = Yes
Likes: boss/secretary relationship, a heroine who hides who she truly is, a possessive hero, insta-love, awesome sex scenes (bucket list type too)
Dislikes: I wanted more action towards the end when everything was falling apart. Other than that it was a fantastic read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews