I’m desperate and destitute when Lockwood Construction rolls into my small town with an offer too good to pass up: high wages to any able-bodied man willing to join their crew.
Say no more. I throw on baggy clothes, tuck my long hair under a baseball hat, and apply for a job. Unfortunately, my half-baked idea of disguising myself as a guy is flawed from the beginning. As Shakira says, these hips don’t lie.
Still, I like to think I might have pulled the whole thing off save for one thing:
I know my boss.
Last month, we met at a bar, and after a fiery first encounter, it seems we’re destined to be sworn enemies.
Ethan Stone is ruthless and arrogant, a man I never would have crossed had I known how much he likes to toy with his prey.
He should just fire me and be done with it. Instead, he decides to make me his personal slave. Oh right, I think they’re calling it personal “assistant” these days.
It’s torture, all of it—his bad attitude, his ruggedly chiseled face, his desire to grind me into dust.
Every one of our friction-filled battles burns hotter than the last.
A girl can only hold out for so long. Soon, I’m bound to go up in flames.
My objective? Survive the heat long enough to send home a paycheck.
My real objective? Stop having X-rated fantasies about my coldhearted boss.
R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of over twenty-five romantic comedies. She loves books, chocolate, reality TV, and cold weather. She lives in Texas with her husband, two daughters, and dog. Visit her at rsgrey.com.
*****FIVE STARS***** {ARC Generously Provided by Author}
He’s under my skin and going nowhere, and even when we’re not together, my annoyance and hatred of him seem to fester. He’s just so…so arrogant! And rude! And coldhearted!
COLDHEARTED BOSS is “second-chance-romance” at its best! I loved the main characters and their chemistry was nothing short of combustible. The plot was wildly entertaining. It felt like no time had passed before I found myself at the end of the epilogue. I would have loved if the book had gone on for at least ten more chapters!!
Ethan and Taylor don’t have your typical ”meet-cute”. It starts off sexy as hell but then a momentary lapse of judgment ends with Taylor regretting her decision. Her only saving grace is that she’ll never have to see the handsome man in the suit again since he was probably just breezing through her small town for a business trip.
Taylor finds out about a job on a construction site that pays good money and she is so desperate to help care for her little sister and mother, that she will risk being harassed on a job site full of men in order to provide for her family. She never expected that her boss would be the suit she nearly had sex with, in a dirty bar bathroom.
Ethan hasn’t forgotten the beautiful thief who bewitched him over a month ago and while he is still furious with her he can’t fight the strong attraction he has towards her as well. It’s going to be a long summer where the two will be forced to share close quarters. They’re both really good at pushing each other's buttons but how long will they be able to deny the desires they feel burning up inside??
This was absolutely fantastic, I read it in one sitting!R.S. Grey delivers a quick,lighthearted, sweet romance.With the great amount of steamy and angst to keep your interest!
I loved Ethan and Taylor!I adored them, they drive me crazy in a good way.There is tension and fireplay between them!They make me have a smile in my face all the time!
R.S. Grey did it again!Get ready for a swoon hero , a sassy heroine, a fun and steamy romance!
its not like these idiots didnt give it to me good--throwing banter, sass, attitude, and pretending to hate each other--its that they draaagggggged that shit for-fuckin-ever, and by that i mean, for *almost* the entire book (80%). i mostly had fun and roll with it, but i also grew tired of it.
really couldve done with them quit playing their games, start getting it on at... idk maybe 50% or pushing it to 60%, and spend the second half being in a “real” relationship, have “real” stimulating conversations, not just jokes, jibes, sneers, taunts, and sarcasms. last 20% was barely enough to make up for it.
this is my third book by this author and im starting to notice a pattern. im not completely against reading anymore of RSG stuff, but im also not gonna be all over it. this one im gonna toss in my unhauled bin. i know i speak like an uneducated lady, and maybe you dont get me. pardon my... uncouth-ness.
The logic behind the plot was flimsy at best and the ending was way too abrupt but the book gets bonus points for the hero and the epilogue! I really enjoyed this one.
Coldhearted Boss was a quick and light read, and one that I very much enjoyed. The characters were relatable and easy to like, even Ethan when he was being a bit of a douche. There were times that the story felt like it was dragging and I would have liked to see more of Ethan and Taylor actually together, but overall their story was a good one.
I really hate the premise of this one. She's an idiot for taking his wallet in the first place and a bigger one for leaving it with an unknown bartender to return—with $800 in cash inside. This makes her stupid squared. I have zero sympathy for her and I can see that I'm supposed to because when they meet again, he's going to hate her for being a thief. Because she is one, just a really, really terrible one...
Coldhearted Boss was like Hotshot Doc a more serious, less comedic romance, and because of it I liked it much more. If I’m honest, I haven’t had much success with the author’s funnier novels. And ever since she stopped writing sports romances, her books have been hit and misses (more of the latter) for me.
I have a bit of mixed thoughts when it comes to this one. On one hand, it was a classic R.S. Grey book filled with banter, sexual tension and funny moments. On the other hand, I feel like Grey has already written this book before.
The H and h not getting off on the right foot, usually based on miscommunications or assumptions. H/h are now enemies, but are forced to work together, with H being the boss. h is usually dealing with family drama, and desperate for the job. Overtime, h wears down H's wall, and near the end of the book, they are finally together.
While the main plot differs, I couldn't help but feel this is very similar to a few of her other books. So I guess I just wanted something more. Something different.
Was this book awful? No, it was good. Fine. But it did leave me disappointed. That said, I still look forward to what she will write in the future.
Picked this one up for a quick romance read between heavier themed books. This author is always pretty consistent when it comes to serving a good read. I think this one was just what I needed. Tense forced proximity, boss and employee, and a sort of rocky and steamy meet cute.
To fall for a man, who treats you like shit, is pathetic; to act on this attractiveness is shallow.
His vengeance for the 'crime' she didn't commit was childish, rude and disturbing. She didn't steal his money, it was so obvious! 🙄 Girl had a good heart, she could have made better! Her overall attitude toward men (rather to please, then to make him please her) was shallow, imo.
His sister Isla... I liked her till the point they told she proclaimed her love to a taken man... he had a gf. What did she expect?! He left his gf months later and acted like her personal puppy, but what a decent woman would ever open her feelings to a taken man???! WTAF?!
What I liked: - how the h cared for her family. - she went to college
Safe. Sweet, totally unbelievable epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love a book that is able to make me forget about star ratings, the review I have to write, and the date I need to read it by. This book took away every ounce of pressure that comes with being a book blogger and allowed me to fully enjoy the story. I was in a love-induced daze when I finished this book, unsure of where I was or who I am. I haven't experienced this level of total absorption in a story in a long time. Ethan and Taylor were everything I needed in the characters. This enemies-to-lovers story may be my very favorite by R.S. Grey - the slow burn was off the charts and the angst they felt for one another was palpable. I loved every single second of this book and wish it wasn't over!
This book gave me all the She's the Man feels but with a grown-up summer camp vibe. Guys, this was SO much fun to read. I wish I could hang out in a cabin with Taylor, reading books, eating snacks, and cracking up forever. I think she's my favorite R.S. Grey heroine to date, thanks to her rough-around-the-edges persona. Seriously, the best books are the ones that leave readers imagining what it would be like to be BFFs with the characters - Coldhearted Boss nailed this aspect. "We floss and brush like we have dentist appointments in an hour and we're trying to prove we've kept with our oral hygiene since the last time we lied about flossing."
The angst between Ethan and Taylor was OFF. THE. CHARTS and their slow burn was completely worth the wait. If you can't tell by now, this is my very favorite type of love story. I got extremely caught up in the denial, the anticipation, and the game these two were playing throughout most of the story, all while cracking up on the inner monologue of Taylor. It was completely addicting and I couldn't put my kindle down until I made it to the conclusion, all while wishing it could go on forever. I feel like a doting mother right now because this is some of R.S. Grey's best work. Now I need another book with more of these characters, and I need you all to snag a copy ASAP!
*sigh* I loved it. Coldhearted Boss definitely has similarities to her previous books but it worked for me so whatever. I won't get into what I liked and didn't like. It's been a while since I've had these "spur-of-the-moment" ratings where I didn't have to think too long and hard about the pros and cons, so I want to leave it at that.
When Taylor finds herself at the lowest point of her life, without options and huge financial difficulties the last thing on her mind should be wanting to get to know the gorgeous man in a suit she spots at the local bar. Desperate, she intends to steal his wallet right in the middle of their make out session in the bar’s bathroom but she leaves intending to never see him again.
Without finding a way out of her money problems, a month later she tries to disguise herself a man to get a high paying job at a new construction site. Too bad that Ethan Stone, the guy running the show, is suit guy and he hasn’t been able to get her out of his mind.
Recognizing her he hires her as his assistant meaning to get even for stealing from him by making her life miserable. Their attraction had been obvious, but as they wage war on each other, every battle stokes the fire between them.
R.S. Grey writes charming tale with both hero and heroine are easy to relate with. Taylor is smart and sassy in completely determined. I loved that she didn’t give up when life seemed to be conspiring against her and held her head high in the most difficult situations. Even though she almost made a big mistake, she was genuinely a good person. Something that Ethan was eventually able to see and appreciate.
Even though he was generally charming and affable, Ethan couldn’t help his cold heart attitude towards Taylor. I totally understood why he was that way, but he soon recognized Taylor’s inner beauty and in the end he made up for it.
Taylor and Ethan may come from completely opposite backgrounds, but their banter and antics were fun. Even though they try to ignore their attraction, it was hard for them to fight the pull that increased with their daily interactions.
The first half of the book felt a bit slow and it seemed that Taylor and Ethan would be forever stuck in their little revenge loop. But eventually they got their heads out of their derrieres and I loved every moment between them going forward.
Coldhearted Boss a standalone contemporary romance by author R.S. Grey. It is an enemies to lovers, office romance, told from both points of view with a happy ending.
My super quick review/recap: ➵ Cover: 4 ➵ Hero: 5 (Even though he was the coldhearted boss, I totally understood why he was that way and in the end he made up for it in a swoony way) ➵ Heroine: 4 (Taylor was super brave and strong, she had the weight of the world on her shoulders, but at times she behaved impulsively) ➵ Sexiness: 4 (This is an antagonistic, enemies to lovers, slow burn) ➵ Feels: 4 ➵ Plot/Pace: 3.5 (The plot was super original, I don't recall reading anything like it, but the pace felt slow during the first half) ➵ Overall rating: 4
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
FIVE STARS I’ve got a destination and that destination is a ruggedly handsome man I am hopelessly in love with.
Ahhhh Taylor and Ethan! What a great couple. I loved these two from the very start, especially Taylor. She’s strong, self- sufficient and so funny. Loved the banter and Ethan’s heated gazes. Coldhearted Boss just became my most favorite R.S Grey book. I had a huge grin on my face while reading it and I cried at the end because the epilogue was just so beautiful. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. P.S I already want to re-read it.
AHH!! I feel like I have a perma-smile on my face after reading Coldhearted Boss. This story was sexy and funny but also poignantly emotional and heartwarming. I love, love, loved Ethan and Taylor. Their chemistry was fiery and their spitfire banter was snarky, sassy and everything I've come to expect from R.S. Grey's stories. What an absolute win!!!
When Taylor Larson meets Ethan Stone, she is a young woman at the end of her rope with little to zero options. When she wrongs him on the night they meet, they are destined to become enemies. Fast forward to a month later and Taylor and Ethan are reunited when she applies for a job dressed as a man vying for a job on HIS construction crew. Suffice to say, with one look at her, Ethan decides to teach the woman he can't escape a lesson she'll never forget.
Gah!! This book was amazingggg. I found myself giggling and then tearing up minutes later. This author had me wrapped around her finger as I read this book in one sitting completely consumed with this story. Taylor was strong, resilient and so determined to help her loved ones. I seriously loved her so much! And her one-liners were laugh out loud hysterical. Ethan was everything I love in an arrogant boss and then some. He was a bully and somewhat relentless in his pursuit of making Taylor's life difficult (which I loved) but the glimpses of his conscience and his feelings for her were perfect. I loved everything about this story so much!!! This author truly never disappoints and is ALWAYS my one and only romcom peddler. I am an addict! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
I live for these kind of stories between a stoic guy and a spunky heroine. 😭❤️ It's my guilty pleasure and I have fun reading it. The story begins when Taylor Larson meets Ethan Stone at a bare and shared a passionate hot, kiss. Due to Taylor's desperate need of money, she stole his wallet but never took his money.
Later on, she found a job and she must pretend to be guy in order to get in and it turns out Ethan is her boss. He acts differently towards her. He's grumpy and mean to her. In spite of being poor, I love Taylor for not being a damsel in distress. She's hardworking, driven and sassy. Ethan's attitude didn't deter her and proven countless of times she's genuine.
I grew to love Ethan even if he pretends not to care about Taylor. His simple gestures made him sweet and he's pretty charming. Let's not forget to appreciate Ethan's twin sister, Isla. I wish I get to see more of her because she and Taylor clicked. That friendship is gold. Overall, I love this book and R.S. Grey is great writing this kind of trope.
Oh! I loved this story. It was funny, sweet, and overall very entertaining. Plus bonus, the setting was in my neck of the woods! I loved both MC. Ethan was a jerk at first, but he thought he had a good reason to be. But even then, was still a sweetheart. Taylor was a really sweet girl, trying to do the very best she could for herself her mom and her sister. I really liked her a lot. She was sweet with just enough sass. Most of all, I was so proud of Taylor!! Check this one out to see what I mean by that. The epilogue bumped this one up to 5 stars for me. Happy reading!
“I realize I was wrong before. This one’s not the prince in the fairytale. He’s the dragon.”
“We make a striking pair: dark features perfectly matched, brown eyes of such varying shades they shouldn’t even be classified as the same color. We’re two beautiful people about to make some very bad decisions.”
“This isn’t a man you use for a night. This is a man you turn your life upside down to be with, one you crawl on hands and knees to please, one who touches you once and brands your soul forever.”
Holy angsty goodness!! Coldhearted Boss is the latest romantic comedy from author R.S. Grey and it is sure to runaway with your heart and leave you with a huge smile on your face.
When we first meet up with Ethan and Taylor, Taylor is down on her luck. Life just seems to be delivering hit after hit. Taylor has almost reached the point of no return and when a sexy man in a suit, pays her some attention, she can’t help but want to forget her problems even if it’s just for one night. It all sounds good in theory, but Taylor knows that her problems won’t magically disappear….Flash forward a month in time when a job opportunity comes her way. Taylor has no clue what she’s doing, but she’s desperate for some good cash. The only problem, is that the guy she’s working for turns out to be Ethan, the man from the bar. Like I said, Taylor is desperate and will do anything to keep her job, even if that means working for a man who can’t stand her and that is beyond arrogant. Each day together is a battle of the wills to see who will break. The tension and sparks between this two is a lot more than just hate and only time will tell if these to enemies will become more than the status quo…..
Coldhearted Boss was just the book I was looking for to pull me out of my book funk. Ethan and Taylor had me hooked from their very first encounter. Their interactions kept me on my toes and I loved every single awkward moment. These two had push and pull like no other and took their hate to a whole other level. I for one could not wait to see what would happen next. The tension between Ethan and Taylor was so explosive, their chemistry just begged for them to submit to it and I had the best time getting to see their story play out.
Coldhearted Boss was a fantastic read from beginning to end. I loved Taylor and her dedication to her family. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for them, even if it meant working with someone she couldn’t stand. I’ll be the first to admit that Taylor didn’t always make the smartest decisions, but at the end of the day, her heart was in the right place and she really just needed someone who was willing to go the distance for her. And then we have Ethan…Ethan who works too hard, is arrogant and isn’t afraid to put Taylor in her place. He thinks he’s got her number, but couldn’t be further from the truth if he tried. What I loved about Ethan though was that under his cold facade, was a sweet, swoon worthy hero who was just begging to come out. Taylor challenged Ethan and wasn’t afraid to give back to him just as much as he dished out. Together these two were the perfect match, they just had to be willing to open their eyes and move past all of the hate.
Taylor and Ethan’s story was light-hearted, sweet enemies to lovers romance. I know that description doesn’t sound like that’s how an enemies to lovers story should be, but you’ll just have to trust me on this. R.S. Grey delivered her signature humor and angsty romance that I just couldn’t get enough of. Ethan and Taylor got under my skin in the best way possible and I never wanted their story to end. Coldhearted Boss captured my heart and kept me glued to the pages. I loved every single moment of this story. From the angst to the drama, to the romance and sexy good times, to the misunderstandings that pulled at my heart…..Ugh….Such a terrific story. I just loved it.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
You know.. this started off rather slow for me.. and then at parts I was just kind of bored with everything.
Coldhearted Boss is just another book that kind of let me down. I don't know what it is with me and R.S. Grey books - sometimes they are so on point that I'm in love.. and other times I'm just like...wait, what book am I reading again? Always one or the other - no in-betweens.
That being said, this definitely fell into the 'wait what' category. In it, you will meet Taylor and Ethan. They sort of had chemistry at points in the book but it also felt like - hey, we are both here let's do this thing. Again, I liked this book and the two main characters were alright in their own way but the romance felt so forced.
Yeah, they both sort of had a weird connection in the bar the first night they 'met' but alcohol was involved. Then the whole thing at the camp felt weird to me. Sort of forced and it kind of made me cringe, but whatever. To each their own I guess? I will admit that the ending was cute but that was about it.
Overall, they got their happy ending and she got her college degree - yay?
A girl like me has no use for fairytales. They won't keep you warm or clothed or well fed.... ….and I realize I was wrong before. This one's not the prince in the fairytale... He's the dragon.
The #1 thing I love most about a new RS Grey book? It screams SUMMERTIME!
I don't care if it's the dead of winter or if the leaves are starting to turn colors in mid October, her books bring me a sense of spending days on the beach and campfires at night! And Coldhearted Boss is going to be a go to summer read for 2019!
I don't know how she does it, but Rachel creates the most intense sympathy for her characters. Taylor is desperate. She's at the bottom of a barrel with no way out. And at her lowest point, she still couldn't go through with being a thief. Enter Ethan Stone.
These two have a very tremoltulouse relationship. AND. IT. IS. FANTASTIC!!!
Major Arrogant Devil vibes!!!! You can feel the hate rolling off Ethan for Taylor initially, but I love Taylors perseverance, her innate drive to survive. I love how it humbles Ethan and for him to see who she truly is. Hate to love is a favorite troupe of mine and it doesn't get much more hate than a guy hiring the girl just to make her life a living hell. Intrigued? Yeah, you should be because this was a very fun ride.
I will say that it kind of faltered at the end. I was looking for something a little more epic between these two. But I LOVED the epilogue!
For those out there that think that this is a carbon copy of Arrogant Devil, don't mind that static. Even though AD is one of my top favorites from Rachel, these two have their own pasts, challenges and hurdles. For crying out loud, they are stuck living in a cabin out in the middle of the woods together! Give this one a chance and I bet you'll fall in love with Taylor and Ethan just as I did.
My feelings are all over the place about this one. I did enjoy it but I also had issues with it.
For the most part, I did enjoy this book. This book is pitched as enemies to lovers and that it was. I also think that’s where my problems lie. I think they were enemies for so long that when they did get together it wasn’t earth shattering for me. Did they have chemistry? Yes, they did. However, between the bickering and miscommunication, I felt like the actual relationship got pushed to the backburner.
I did like our characters, especially Taylor! She was taking anything that life threw her way. She was tough and didn’t back down from a challenge or Ethan and his harsh words. I adored her!
Ethan took me some time to warm up to. He did come off as coldhearted and it really made me want to smack him and tell him to get over himself. He really didn’t grow on me till about 60% into this book.
I liked Ethan and Taylor together. Once they got over their many fights and miscommunication, they were actually really cute together. The epilogue here was so cute and fulfilling that even though it wasn’t my favorite from R.S. Grey, I still finished the book with the warm and fuzzies.
If you enjoy workplace romance and enemies to lovers then look into this one. I hope that I'll enjoy her next release more.
✨I received an ARC via the author for an honest review.
Cold hearted boss had all thing things I love about an RS Grey book. Great banter, cute romance, and likable characters.
These two were fun, and I liked the meet cute. The relationship follows the typical pattern, the grand gesture at the end was a bit different, which was great. There wasn’t really much else in terms of surprises. It follows the typical RS Grey pattern for her books.
Light. Fun. Romantic. If you are looking for something quick and fun. This is it.
Wow! What a great read! This is an enemies to lovers, workplace romance and I loved every second of it! I stayed up way too late to finish this in one sitting. This book actually reminds me of R.S. Grey’s Arrogant Devil and I LOVED that one! Taylor and Ethan have a pretty disastrous first meeting. They had great chemistry but a misunderstanding sets their relationship on course for the remainder of the book.
Taylor is a great character. She’s scrappy, down on her luck and honestly, just a good person trying to make ends meet. She needs money and she’s desperate enough to pose as a man at a construction site. Unfortunately, this happens to be Ethan’s company, where he is a partner and lead contractor in the company. He recognizes her and proceeds to take revenge on what happened during their first meet. Their antics toward each other definitely had me chuckling.
Ethan was definitely harder to get a read on, because he was so set on revenge, but when he stopped that, he really was a great guy and I adored him toward the end. The pace was also slow in places. The book was heavily concentrated on them being enemies so when they finally did get together, their relationship did move super quickly yet it still worked. But, the ending and epilogue were absolutely perfect!
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Everything about this book was absolutely addicting!
If you like either the 'enemy to lover' or 'boss and employee' trope, look no further. This story combines both in a perfectly angst and tension filled way.
This would be the perfect summertime read to have out by the lake or the read to take camping. The story's setting fills me with joy and happiness as it reminds me of the best parts of summer.
R.S. Grey knows what she's doing when she writes an addicting romance. I found myself racing through this book and it made me want to desperately pick up her entire backlist (...well the books I haven't read yet).
"A girl like me has no use for fairytales. They won’t keep you warm or clothed or well fed."
Taylor Larson has never had anything easily in her life. With her mother struggling to get a degree to open her own salon and her little sister on the way to make her own path towards college, Taylor has to earn enough money to keep her family afloat. She works in a motel as a maid to pay her bills and one night, as she's wallowing in her sorrows, drinking in a small bar, she catches the attention of a handsome rich stranger. One thing leads to the other and the next she knew that she was making out with her stranger in some random club's bathroom.
"He doesn’t smile with interest like most guys would when he notices my unabashed perusal. Instead, he raises one dark brow as if to say, Almost done? and I realize I was wrong before. This one’s not the prince in the fairytale. He’s the dragon."
Sadly Taylor couldn't think straight and at the moment, all she stressed about was how to manage her expenses and catch a ride home. She makes a really impulsive decision and steals the stranger's wallet but later guilt consumes her and she drops the plan but the damage had already been done. Little did Taylor know that the man whose wallet she stole was going to be her new boss at a renovation company her cousin planned working for. On top of that Taylor has to disguise herself to look like a man so that she gets accepted to work on the construction team.
"She was the wounded bird then, too, and I wanted to be the one to rescue her. Turns out, I was the one who could’ve used a little rescuing."
Ethan Stone was enamored by the beautiful stranger with a sad look in her eyes the moment he spotted her sitting alone at a bar. But he least expected her to be a thief who conned him. But when he spots her working among the other construction workers, he instantly recognises her and vows to make her suffer by offering her to work as his assistant.
"I trust her. I trust that she’s here for the right reasons, that deep down she’s not malicious or cruel. She’s a fighter. A survivor. Someone I’ve actually come to admire."
Honestly, Ethan & Taylor really tried hard to make themselves feel as if they hated each other but in reality, these two were hopelessly in love since the moment they met. Ethan's every move which he thought would make Taylor squirm worked in her favour. He really made working with all those men comfortable for her and always looked after her. It was laughable how he thought his actions would infuraite her and continued taunting her only to get a reaction out of her. But Taylor was very smart herself. She was calm, composed, funny, sassy and wasn't afraid to work hard. She knew exactly what she wanted and didn't let anything, even Ethan's asshole ways to deter her. She may have acted impulsively in the beginning of the book but after that part, I didn't have any complaints against her. Honestly, she was just so mature, sweet, adorable and only wanted to provide for her family without Ethan's help or his money. She earned her money by herself without accepting any help from Ethan and that made me respect her a lot. Overall, the book was very good but idk why I feel like there was more left of the story, I would have liked to see Ethan interacting with her family and Taylor metting Ethan's parents but unfortunately that didn't happen. The only people Taylor met were Ethan's friends and his sister Isla. And McKenna (her sister) seemed to be so sweet and sassy, I would have loved to read about her getting to know Ethan too. Nevertheless, it was a good rom com with and the workplace romance trope was executed really well so if you are into this trope and are looking for a quick read, this book is for you!
Coldhearted Boss was a fun enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance. This one reminded me a lot of RS Grey's other novel, Arrogant Devil, which I also really enjoyed. Taylor and Ethan have an instant attraction (which leads to a rather awkward first encounter), but I liked that a good portion of the novel was spent having them reevaluate their first impressions of the other. I wasn't sure what to think of Taylor at first, but I grew to really like and respect her. Ethan was an excellent grump, but exactly the cinnamon roll I love underneath. His gruff exterior hid that vulnerable side well and I loved that once things got going, he was all in for Taylor. I think my favorite aspect of the book was that Taylor never lost herself in Ethan. She had her own dreams and aspirations and I appreciated that she wanted to stand on her own two feet and not be rescued. This one was a big slow burn and I did feel that things switched anti-climactically after all that buildup. The ending and epilogue were just right though and I had a big smile on my face as I finished.
The narration by Lauren Fortgang and Edward Thomas was really wonderful. I especially enjoyed Edward Thomas as Ethan. He's a new to me narrator, but he captured Ethan's stern brunch daddy vibes perfectly. Lauren Fortgang was awesome as Taylor, but I didn't enjoy her performance as Ethan as much because of the high pitch she used. Overall, it was a great listening experience though and an entertaining romance.