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Mr. Boss #4
The Real Deal
Cole Tate is the boss that isn’t used to faking it, and he’s not about to start…
It was never on my radar to have a woman living in my house, especially not one that shares my last name. But I’ve been eyeing a corporate takeover for the last year and Ruby, the newly Mrs. Cole Tate, just happens to be from the same friend circle and is the daughter of the current company owner. She also holds the key to the extra board votes I need to win.
The spitfire beauty just needs to be married to make it happen. It’s in a ridiculous clause.
Luckily for me, Ruby has her own reasons for ensuring I succeed. So, we struck a deal and found ourselves as husband and wife. It’s a win-win and oh so easy…
Except living together is a constant game of taunting the other—clothing optional. Then there is the fact that we are quite good at faking our attraction in public. Soon our long talks don’t feel like pretend anymore. Not to mention, we decide to add benefits to the equation. And yep, we are excellent at those benefits too. Suddenly, what should have been an easy and temporary deal begins to look a little too real…
The Real Deal is the fourth and final standalone story in the Mr. Boss series where you can revisit your favorite characters throughout. This feel-good story is filled with banter, a swoony boss, steamy times, and surprises along the way.
Published June 1, 2022
157 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Evey Lyon
136 books395 followersEvey writes heartwarming romances with steamy moments, often in small-town settings with an element of sports. An American from the Midwest, she now lives in a tiny country in Europe where it rains a lot. That is probably why she occupies her days typing away on her laptop with music on repeat and slow-roast coffee nearby. Oh, and she vows to never break up with cake.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 11, 2021
For those of us who are true fictional romance readers, you know how hard it is these days to find something that you love. For me, my weakness is 2nd chance romances and marriages of convenience – if it is done right. So when a friend referred me this and I saw all the 5 star reviews, I dug in fast as I needed an hour or two of “me” time. Unfortunately, this is one that is hard to rate because I both liked it and didn’t. It has tropes that I loathe so please note that this review will contain MAJOR SPOILERS!
Story:
Cole & Ruby have known each other for years. Cole used to work for her Father when she was a teen and she had a slight crush on him. In the present, they have mutual friends in common and tend to hang out with them so they are on friendly terms. He is trying to buy out her Father’s business though as he needs it to make his company successful but requires 3 votes in his favor for the Board to approve the sale and that is where Ruby comes in.
Ruby is a Photographer and wants to open her own Gallery but needs to be married in order to get her inheritance. She proposes a Marriage-of-Convenience to Cole in exchange for her three votes.
Character’s Background:
Cole was a player before these two got together. Nothing was detailed of any past hook up – just that he “never leaves the bar without a woman”. Heroine even mentions this fact that she has seen him with many, many “Skanks”. Heroine too had been with “a lot of men” in the past but no details given which I’m very grateful for as I don’t like Manhos, it equally applies to Womenhos (is that even a word? Lol).
For those that follow me, you know I hate slutty characters and even though it balanced things out with both characters being slutty, it unfortunately didn’t endear me to them either and left a “distaste”.
Now where things did NOT balance out is that both characters go into this marriage/relationship as non-marriage minded or commitment phobic. That is because Ruby lost her Mother when she was young and she has a few issues with her Father and doesn’t think love is in her future. Cole on the other hand has been hurt by an ex before and is not keen to repeat things. He had a “first love” years prior in the form of a girl he dated throughout HS and the first 2 years of college and was planning a future with her after they graduated. But a tragic horse riding accident caused her to become crippled and she ends up pushing him away. He wanted to stand by her but she chose to let him go and then years later married someone else.
And this is why Author ruined the story for me which up until then was a 4 ½ read for me! I HATE when writers do that. There was absolutely no reason to insert that crap. I did not need to know that he had this big first love before he met heroine. Everyone knows first loves are hard to ever get over with or let go and while Author did not have him reminisce or obsess about the OW or have any lingering feelings, it still left a bad taste in me and ruined it because now heroine has become the 2nd choice. He even said that he would have been there for the OW when she became crippled and made things work but she never gave him a chance. So that tells me, she was his “ONE”. And then we learn that heroine never loved anyone. She just had meaningless flings. Why is it always the Hero with the big loves? Why can’t heroines be the ones who loved in the past? Not that I want to read about that either, but just saying….
Pros:
Once these two get together, they sizzle. They have great chemistry, laugh and talk to one another. There is no pushing away or unnecessary drama. I loved how they supported one another and worked things out. I also loved their banter and the fact that there wasn’t much angst. Just smooth sailing almost all the way and falling in love.
Cons:
The sex scenes. Yep, I said it. I cringed & often skipped those parts because author was writing them as porn. When my fictional romance characters have sex (be it the first time or not), I want to see a connection and them making LOVE – not F*****g! There was a difference in how it was written and maybe it was to show us that Hero was trying not to make a connection with her or get attached but it doesn’t work in fictional romances because all it did was make me skim & angry.
And F*****g is what they did for the most part up until the last chapter or so. Those sex scenes were not “deep” – it was just to get off and it took more than half of the story for him to even kiss her during sex scenes. That just ruined it for me.
Then we have the Author not giving us any background info on them before they became a couple. For instance, they supposedly have known each other for years and hung out together with their friends. In all that time, why did they never hook up? Where they attracted to one another? There is a small POV line in which Hero stated how he wondered in the past how she would be in bed and what she would look like naked & heroine said how she found him sexy/hot, etc but WHY didn’t either of them ever go there in the past? WHY didn’t Hero ever pursue her? WHY did they continue to sleep around with others after they met? WHY didn’t Hero think of asking HER for a marriage of convenience?
In any fictional story, an author needs to develop the basis of the attraction and feelings to be believable. In this instance, it was better off to write them as just having met then of knowing each other for so long because it didn’t ring true that all of a sudden they couldn’t keep their hands off each other just because they were married.
And lastly, I didn’t appreciate how more than one character disrespected Ruby and Hero didn’t defend her or had a weak response. His sister called her a slut and he just ignored it. His friend Wes kept making remarks about how cold hearted Ruby was or something to that effect and he said nothing. It was referenced that in previous books Ruby was “scary” or cold or something and his guy friends were not too fond of her. I didn’t read the previous books and all this was inserted as filler lines than anything else, but I still did not like it. A Hero should have knocked the shit out of anyone disrespecting his woman if they said anything bad – not sit there and laugh or ignore it. My hubby would punched the living daylights out of someone who disrespected me in any way, shape or form so that was another pet peeve of mine.
Overall Story:
So given that I mention a few cons & pet peeves of mine, it was still an enjoyable story and I liked the progression of the relationship. I just wish that Author had done justice to it and put some effort into making it worthy.
Safety:
Safe. NO OM/OW drama or intimate scenes. No details about past hookups. No cheating. Sweet HEA.
Favorite Quotes:
“Won’t it be obvious that’s what we’re doing?”
Now I have to give him a confident grin. “No, because I am sure you can fake affection in public. It’s what you normally do with your library of women, right?”
His lower jaw goes slack, and I hear him groan in the back of his throat. “Again, your opinion of me really is stellar. I don’t fake it, princess. I’m a hundred percent quality assured, excellent at what I do, no matter who it is with.”
“Great, we’ve established you rank yourself like grade-A meat. Now, are you in or not?”
“While I do want to add your father’s company to my portfolio, and this would be an easy fix, I’m not sure marrying someone who finds me tolerable and neutral is how I want my token marriage to go.”
----
Cole tilts his head side to side. “I guess not. I can’t believe I am even entertaining this idea. So, we just say you fell madly in love with me after sleeping together once, since I am that good, and then we decided to marry?”
“Yes, exactly. We decided to marry after you slept with me and realized your skanks can’t do it better.” The satisfied smirk spreading on my face is almost relief. “I’m sure you can tame your fan club for a few months?
---
“See you in bed, husband.”
An inferno is forming somewhere in me, and it’s never been more obvious what my body craves.
But because I like to push buttons, I don’t stop. When I get upstairs, I lock myself in the bathroom and throw on my ridiculous pair of pajamas that I would never wear to bed. A short black-mesh nightie that barely covers my ass and may emphasize my breasts. I’m curious for his reaction, but more so, I want to know how far either one of us will go.
We aren’t close friends. Nor are we enemies. We have this energy between us that is equal parts flirtation and awareness that neither one of us want something messy. With that philosophy, I take one last glance in the mirror and pull open the bathroom door to taunt the man I can now call my husband.
“Which side of the bed is mine?” I inquire with a normal tone as I walk to the bed where Cole is leaning against the pillows. The damn duvet blocks the view from the waist down, so I’m left to wonder what he has on.
“Take your pick, but I might not leave my side, even if you choose this one.” I don’t let his grin make me falter; instead, I lift the corner of the duvet on the empty left side to slide in.
I could drown in this bed, the sheets are so soft.
“I guess, goodnight,” I simply say as I turn to my side so my back is facing him.
“You know, princess, I appreciate that you weren’t joking about your nighttime outfits.” I feel the mattress shift, and a wave of warmth hits my back as he leans over me, and I vaguely feel the skin on a muscly hard calf touch my leg. I just don’t know if he has any fabric covering him anywhere that isn’t the blanket. He switches the light off before moving back ever so slowly.
“I’ll let you wonder if I was a gentleman tonight and put on boxers. Oh, and I could have just asked out loud for the lights to turn off. Goodnight.” I hear the satisfaction in his voice.
Adjusting my body from the slight tension he is causing me, I turn to lie on my other side. “I could have worn the see-through lace to bed. Goodnight.”
--
I’m leaning over the counter, reading the newspaper and drinking my coffee, when I hear Ruby’s faint steps coming into the kitchen. “Morning,” I mumble without looking up.
“Morning. Coffee, I need coffee.” Ruby sounds groggy, and she yawns. “Fuck, Cole.”
Oh yeah, that’s right, I’m wearing only a towel around my waist, and it’s clearly affecting her.
“Something wrong, dear?”
I re-angle my body and smirk at her as she grabs a mug. Her hair is ruffled, a t-shirt thrown on, and the look is completed with the absence of pants. No complaints.
“Nope. But clearly someone here needed a cold shower,” she snipes.
I’ll give her credit for composure, but this morning is going to be payback for last night.
“Was the mattress up to your standards?”
“Perfect.”
Walking to her, I lean across to set my mug near the sink. Brushing my skin against her scant t-shirt is enough to make me feel that she has no bra on. “Only the best for my wife.”
“You are clearly in a good mood today.”
Stepping back, I turn my back to her and head to change into actual clothes.
“A great mood,” I chime before dropping my towel so she can see my impeccable ass.
The startled gasp from her makes me smile from accomplishment. Evidently, she likes the view.
“Is this how it’s going to go every morning?” she calls out as I reach the bottom of the stairs.
“No. I may let you see more,” I loudly inform her before heading up the stairs. I can hear her grumble something but can’t distinguish what it is she says.
Game on, wifey.
---
Story:
Cole & Ruby have known each other for years. Cole used to work for her Father when she was a teen and she had a slight crush on him. In the present, they have mutual friends in common and tend to hang out with them so they are on friendly terms. He is trying to buy out her Father’s business though as he needs it to make his company successful but requires 3 votes in his favor for the Board to approve the sale and that is where Ruby comes in.
Ruby is a Photographer and wants to open her own Gallery but needs to be married in order to get her inheritance. She proposes a Marriage-of-Convenience to Cole in exchange for her three votes.
Character’s Background:
Cole was a player before these two got together. Nothing was detailed of any past hook up – just that he “never leaves the bar without a woman”. Heroine even mentions this fact that she has seen him with many, many “Skanks”. Heroine too had been with “a lot of men” in the past but no details given which I’m very grateful for as I don’t like Manhos, it equally applies to Womenhos (is that even a word? Lol).
For those that follow me, you know I hate slutty characters and even though it balanced things out with both characters being slutty, it unfortunately didn’t endear me to them either and left a “distaste”.
Now where things did NOT balance out is that both characters go into this marriage/relationship as non-marriage minded or commitment phobic. That is because Ruby lost her Mother when she was young and she has a few issues with her Father and doesn’t think love is in her future. Cole on the other hand has been hurt by an ex before and is not keen to repeat things. He had a “first love” years prior in the form of a girl he dated throughout HS and the first 2 years of college and was planning a future with her after they graduated. But a tragic horse riding accident caused her to become crippled and she ends up pushing him away. He wanted to stand by her but she chose to let him go and then years later married someone else.
And this is why Author ruined the story for me which up until then was a 4 ½ read for me! I HATE when writers do that. There was absolutely no reason to insert that crap. I did not need to know that he had this big first love before he met heroine. Everyone knows first loves are hard to ever get over with or let go and while Author did not have him reminisce or obsess about the OW or have any lingering feelings, it still left a bad taste in me and ruined it because now heroine has become the 2nd choice. He even said that he would have been there for the OW when she became crippled and made things work but she never gave him a chance. So that tells me, she was his “ONE”. And then we learn that heroine never loved anyone. She just had meaningless flings. Why is it always the Hero with the big loves? Why can’t heroines be the ones who loved in the past? Not that I want to read about that either, but just saying….
Pros:
Once these two get together, they sizzle. They have great chemistry, laugh and talk to one another. There is no pushing away or unnecessary drama. I loved how they supported one another and worked things out. I also loved their banter and the fact that there wasn’t much angst. Just smooth sailing almost all the way and falling in love.
Cons:
The sex scenes. Yep, I said it. I cringed & often skipped those parts because author was writing them as porn. When my fictional romance characters have sex (be it the first time or not), I want to see a connection and them making LOVE – not F*****g! There was a difference in how it was written and maybe it was to show us that Hero was trying not to make a connection with her or get attached but it doesn’t work in fictional romances because all it did was make me skim & angry.
And F*****g is what they did for the most part up until the last chapter or so. Those sex scenes were not “deep” – it was just to get off and it took more than half of the story for him to even kiss her during sex scenes. That just ruined it for me.
Then we have the Author not giving us any background info on them before they became a couple. For instance, they supposedly have known each other for years and hung out together with their friends. In all that time, why did they never hook up? Where they attracted to one another? There is a small POV line in which Hero stated how he wondered in the past how she would be in bed and what she would look like naked & heroine said how she found him sexy/hot, etc but WHY didn’t either of them ever go there in the past? WHY didn’t Hero ever pursue her? WHY did they continue to sleep around with others after they met? WHY didn’t Hero think of asking HER for a marriage of convenience?
In any fictional story, an author needs to develop the basis of the attraction and feelings to be believable. In this instance, it was better off to write them as just having met then of knowing each other for so long because it didn’t ring true that all of a sudden they couldn’t keep their hands off each other just because they were married.
And lastly, I didn’t appreciate how more than one character disrespected Ruby and Hero didn’t defend her or had a weak response. His sister called her a slut and he just ignored it. His friend Wes kept making remarks about how cold hearted Ruby was or something to that effect and he said nothing. It was referenced that in previous books Ruby was “scary” or cold or something and his guy friends were not too fond of her. I didn’t read the previous books and all this was inserted as filler lines than anything else, but I still did not like it. A Hero should have knocked the shit out of anyone disrespecting his woman if they said anything bad – not sit there and laugh or ignore it. My hubby would punched the living daylights out of someone who disrespected me in any way, shape or form so that was another pet peeve of mine.
Overall Story:
So given that I mention a few cons & pet peeves of mine, it was still an enjoyable story and I liked the progression of the relationship. I just wish that Author had done justice to it and put some effort into making it worthy.
Safety:
Safe. NO OM/OW drama or intimate scenes. No details about past hookups. No cheating. Sweet HEA.
Favorite Quotes:
“Won’t it be obvious that’s what we’re doing?”
Now I have to give him a confident grin. “No, because I am sure you can fake affection in public. It’s what you normally do with your library of women, right?”
His lower jaw goes slack, and I hear him groan in the back of his throat. “Again, your opinion of me really is stellar. I don’t fake it, princess. I’m a hundred percent quality assured, excellent at what I do, no matter who it is with.”
“Great, we’ve established you rank yourself like grade-A meat. Now, are you in or not?”
“While I do want to add your father’s company to my portfolio, and this would be an easy fix, I’m not sure marrying someone who finds me tolerable and neutral is how I want my token marriage to go.”
----
Cole tilts his head side to side. “I guess not. I can’t believe I am even entertaining this idea. So, we just say you fell madly in love with me after sleeping together once, since I am that good, and then we decided to marry?”
“Yes, exactly. We decided to marry after you slept with me and realized your skanks can’t do it better.” The satisfied smirk spreading on my face is almost relief. “I’m sure you can tame your fan club for a few months?
---
“See you in bed, husband.”
An inferno is forming somewhere in me, and it’s never been more obvious what my body craves.
But because I like to push buttons, I don’t stop. When I get upstairs, I lock myself in the bathroom and throw on my ridiculous pair of pajamas that I would never wear to bed. A short black-mesh nightie that barely covers my ass and may emphasize my breasts. I’m curious for his reaction, but more so, I want to know how far either one of us will go.
We aren’t close friends. Nor are we enemies. We have this energy between us that is equal parts flirtation and awareness that neither one of us want something messy. With that philosophy, I take one last glance in the mirror and pull open the bathroom door to taunt the man I can now call my husband.
“Which side of the bed is mine?” I inquire with a normal tone as I walk to the bed where Cole is leaning against the pillows. The damn duvet blocks the view from the waist down, so I’m left to wonder what he has on.
“Take your pick, but I might not leave my side, even if you choose this one.” I don’t let his grin make me falter; instead, I lift the corner of the duvet on the empty left side to slide in.
I could drown in this bed, the sheets are so soft.
“I guess, goodnight,” I simply say as I turn to my side so my back is facing him.
“You know, princess, I appreciate that you weren’t joking about your nighttime outfits.” I feel the mattress shift, and a wave of warmth hits my back as he leans over me, and I vaguely feel the skin on a muscly hard calf touch my leg. I just don’t know if he has any fabric covering him anywhere that isn’t the blanket. He switches the light off before moving back ever so slowly.
“I’ll let you wonder if I was a gentleman tonight and put on boxers. Oh, and I could have just asked out loud for the lights to turn off. Goodnight.” I hear the satisfaction in his voice.
Adjusting my body from the slight tension he is causing me, I turn to lie on my other side. “I could have worn the see-through lace to bed. Goodnight.”
--
I’m leaning over the counter, reading the newspaper and drinking my coffee, when I hear Ruby’s faint steps coming into the kitchen. “Morning,” I mumble without looking up.
“Morning. Coffee, I need coffee.” Ruby sounds groggy, and she yawns. “Fuck, Cole.”
Oh yeah, that’s right, I’m wearing only a towel around my waist, and it’s clearly affecting her.
“Something wrong, dear?”
I re-angle my body and smirk at her as she grabs a mug. Her hair is ruffled, a t-shirt thrown on, and the look is completed with the absence of pants. No complaints.
“Nope. But clearly someone here needed a cold shower,” she snipes.
I’ll give her credit for composure, but this morning is going to be payback for last night.
“Was the mattress up to your standards?”
“Perfect.”
Walking to her, I lean across to set my mug near the sink. Brushing my skin against her scant t-shirt is enough to make me feel that she has no bra on. “Only the best for my wife.”
“You are clearly in a good mood today.”
Stepping back, I turn my back to her and head to change into actual clothes.
“A great mood,” I chime before dropping my towel so she can see my impeccable ass.
The startled gasp from her makes me smile from accomplishment. Evidently, she likes the view.
“Is this how it’s going to go every morning?” she calls out as I reach the bottom of the stairs.
“No. I may let you see more,” I loudly inform her before heading up the stairs. I can hear her grumble something but can’t distinguish what it is she says.
Game on, wifey.
---
November 2, 2021
4.5 stars
The things we do to get what we want; in the case of Cole and Ruby, deals are involved.
You know the story, neither is looking for love, but if they get married…..
What starts as a marriage of convenience becomes more. Will it become real?
We get great chemistry and banter in the final book of the Mr. Boss series, which is my favorite story. We also get visits from our favorite characters and a few surprises!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
The things we do to get what we want; in the case of Cole and Ruby, deals are involved.
You know the story, neither is looking for love, but if they get married…..
What starts as a marriage of convenience becomes more. Will it become real?
We get great chemistry and banter in the final book of the Mr. Boss series, which is my favorite story. We also get visits from our favorite characters and a few surprises!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
October 17, 2021
Cole has been trying to close down a corporate takeover for ages, and at this point, he’s willing to do just about anything to succeed. When the sassy and beautiful Ruby approaches him with a solution to his problems, he really has to decide if what she’s offering is the right decision. Because in order for them both to get what they want, he has to make her his wife. And that’s not something he’s sure he’s prepared for.
Ruby is backed into a corner. With her dreams just barely out of her grasp, and her trust fund locked until she is married, Ruby’s in a difficult place. Desperate to take control of her own life, Ruby approaches Cole with what seems like the solution to both their problems. What is that solution, you may ask? Well, it’s a marriage of convenience.
Cole and Ruby decide to dive headfirst into this little arrangement, but they both agree that there’s nothing wrong with them having a little naked fun along the way. But as time passes, and they settle into life as “newlyweds,” they begin to realize that they enjoy spending time together, even if it isn’t in a sexual manner. However, since there is an already established timeframe on their relationship, maybe it’s time to come up with a new agreement.
So this book was absolutely flipping fantastic!!! I’ve been super intrigued by Cole and Ruby since I first read about them in Logan and Sadie’s book, and their story did not disappoint!!! The combination of the witty banter and hot as hell steam had me desperate to keep flipping the page. I personally never thought I’d love another “Mr. Boss” couple as much as I love Wes and Emily, but Cole and Ruby wormed their way into my heart (and I’m 100% okay with that!!!)
Cole. This poor man doesn’t know how to let people in. He’s been hurt before, and I suppose it’s how he protects himself from further harm. But in all his interactions with Ruby, all of that goes completely out the window. Ruby. I actually really adored Ruby, because I could both admire and respect her as a character. She’s brash and snarky, yes, but she’s also super intelligent and incredibly kind. I felt so bad for her because it was so obvious that her father saw her as cattle to be sold, and I’m so happy she forged her own path, even if it didn’t have the same outcome she expected it to.
All in all, this was such a beautiful ending to the “Mr. Boss” series, which will always be incredibly dear to me. If you love sassy heroines, alpha males, snarky exchanges, and the marriage of convenience trope, then this is most certainly the book for you!!!
Ruby is backed into a corner. With her dreams just barely out of her grasp, and her trust fund locked until she is married, Ruby’s in a difficult place. Desperate to take control of her own life, Ruby approaches Cole with what seems like the solution to both their problems. What is that solution, you may ask? Well, it’s a marriage of convenience.
Cole and Ruby decide to dive headfirst into this little arrangement, but they both agree that there’s nothing wrong with them having a little naked fun along the way. But as time passes, and they settle into life as “newlyweds,” they begin to realize that they enjoy spending time together, even if it isn’t in a sexual manner. However, since there is an already established timeframe on their relationship, maybe it’s time to come up with a new agreement.
So this book was absolutely flipping fantastic!!! I’ve been super intrigued by Cole and Ruby since I first read about them in Logan and Sadie’s book, and their story did not disappoint!!! The combination of the witty banter and hot as hell steam had me desperate to keep flipping the page. I personally never thought I’d love another “Mr. Boss” couple as much as I love Wes and Emily, but Cole and Ruby wormed their way into my heart (and I’m 100% okay with that!!!)
Cole. This poor man doesn’t know how to let people in. He’s been hurt before, and I suppose it’s how he protects himself from further harm. But in all his interactions with Ruby, all of that goes completely out the window. Ruby. I actually really adored Ruby, because I could both admire and respect her as a character. She’s brash and snarky, yes, but she’s also super intelligent and incredibly kind. I felt so bad for her because it was so obvious that her father saw her as cattle to be sold, and I’m so happy she forged her own path, even if it didn’t have the same outcome she expected it to.
All in all, this was such a beautiful ending to the “Mr. Boss” series, which will always be incredibly dear to me. If you love sassy heroines, alpha males, snarky exchanges, and the marriage of convenience trope, then this is most certainly the book for you!!!
November 3, 2021
5 Stars!
POV: Dual (1st person)
Tropes: Fake relationship
Triggers: None
Likes: I love everything about it! The banter between Cole and Ruby is hilarious. Plus their chemistry and steam is off the charts! It has to be one of best fake relationship stories I've ever read!
Dislikes: That the series has ended!
Overview: Well I didn’t think Layla and Josh (The Unexpected Card) could be beaten for favourite couple, but Cole and Ruby really have! Love love loved it!!! I think it has to be the banter. They really are each other’s male/female counterpart. Plus the steam between them is smoking hot! You MUST read it now!
POV: Dual (1st person)
Tropes: Fake relationship
Triggers: None
Likes: I love everything about it! The banter between Cole and Ruby is hilarious. Plus their chemistry and steam is off the charts! It has to be one of best fake relationship stories I've ever read!
Dislikes: That the series has ended!
Overview: Well I didn’t think Layla and Josh (The Unexpected Card) could be beaten for favourite couple, but Cole and Ruby really have! Love love loved it!!! I think it has to be the banter. They really are each other’s male/female counterpart. Plus the steam between them is smoking hot! You MUST read it now!
October 3, 2021
Cole wanted to close a take over deal with Ruby's father's company. Ruby wants her trust fund money so she can realize her dream of having her own art gallery. So in marrying each other they will both win - she can use her two votes on the board to get him his deal and she will get her trust fund when she gets married. But there should be some rules seeing as this union will start with an end date. But the longer they're together the more blurry the lines get. The couldn't keep their hands off each other and then it started to feel like much more than a married with benefits deal. Are they ready for this and will they get more out of this deal than they bargained for? Or will it end in heartbreak for one, or both of them? Once again this author wrote a story that hooks one from the first page. I loved meeting up with the characters from previous books, feels like meeting up with old friends. I received an ARC copy and am leaving a voluntary review.
November 2, 2021
The Real Deal is the fourth and final book in the Mr.Boss series by E.H.Lyon.
It's a marriage of convenience/friends to lovers/age gap story written in first person and dual pov.
The Real Deal is my favorite book from the series, and Cole and Ruby are my favorite couple.
Cole and Ruby aren't looking for love, they don't even see it coming, but they just fit together on all levels.
Cole is a crazy hot businessman with a protective side. Ruby is a strong and bold woman. They both are a little extra and love to go against the rules.
This couple also fits perfectly inside the bedroom, which results in some scorching sex scenes. These scenes are well built and descriptive, just the way we like them.
I love E.H. Lyon's writing style, it is fun, lighthearted, and makes me laugh and feel good. She always helps me escape the real world, which is one of the reasons why I read.
Every time, she creates a realistic world and fills it with characters I can relate to. Like her other stories, The Real Deal is a real-life story with complete characters who experience real-life problems and emotions. As a reader, I felt these emotions and empathize with the situations the characters are in.
The Real Deal is a must-read, feel-good story filled with humor, steam, emotion, banter, swoon, and lots of surprises.
It's a marriage of convenience/friends to lovers/age gap story written in first person and dual pov.
The Real Deal is my favorite book from the series, and Cole and Ruby are my favorite couple.
Cole and Ruby aren't looking for love, they don't even see it coming, but they just fit together on all levels.
Cole is a crazy hot businessman with a protective side. Ruby is a strong and bold woman. They both are a little extra and love to go against the rules.
This couple also fits perfectly inside the bedroom, which results in some scorching sex scenes. These scenes are well built and descriptive, just the way we like them.
I love E.H. Lyon's writing style, it is fun, lighthearted, and makes me laugh and feel good. She always helps me escape the real world, which is one of the reasons why I read.
Every time, she creates a realistic world and fills it with characters I can relate to. Like her other stories, The Real Deal is a real-life story with complete characters who experience real-life problems and emotions. As a reader, I felt these emotions and empathize with the situations the characters are in.
The Real Deal is a must-read, feel-good story filled with humor, steam, emotion, banter, swoon, and lots of surprises.
November 8, 2021
I would give this book 10 stars if I could!! ❤️🔥
The entire “Mr Boss” series has been absolutely amazing. I have loved and enjoyed every character and every couple that was brought together in this series. This book was such a wonderful wrap up to the series with what is now one of my favorite couples: Cole and Ruby. Experiencing this couple falling in love was more beautiful than I know how to describe.
Cole and Ruby have known each other for years and more recently have been part of the same group of friends. Neither of them is really relationship material, for their respective reasons, so they enjoy the single game and a flirtation between the two of them. When Ruby wants access to her trust fund and discovers she needs to get married to access it, she comes up with a deal that will benefit Cole as well.
Cole is looking to purchase her dad’s company but the odds are working against him. Marrying Ruby would guarantee that purchase. So they agree to a fake marriage with rules as part of their deal. They alter the deal to include “benefits” because time spent together makes it impossible to ignore their chemistry. Their deal slowly becomes “the real deal”. Will either of them want to part ways as agreed? What happens to the deal when feelings change?
You have to read this book!! Actually you HAVE to read this series! Each couple has been a joy to experience. Cole and Ruby were especially fun to read. This couple can have so much fun together and find such peace in each other’s company. Them falling in love along the way was so beautiful to read! I can’t recommend it enough!
I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The entire “Mr Boss” series has been absolutely amazing. I have loved and enjoyed every character and every couple that was brought together in this series. This book was such a wonderful wrap up to the series with what is now one of my favorite couples: Cole and Ruby. Experiencing this couple falling in love was more beautiful than I know how to describe.
Cole and Ruby have known each other for years and more recently have been part of the same group of friends. Neither of them is really relationship material, for their respective reasons, so they enjoy the single game and a flirtation between the two of them. When Ruby wants access to her trust fund and discovers she needs to get married to access it, she comes up with a deal that will benefit Cole as well.
Cole is looking to purchase her dad’s company but the odds are working against him. Marrying Ruby would guarantee that purchase. So they agree to a fake marriage with rules as part of their deal. They alter the deal to include “benefits” because time spent together makes it impossible to ignore their chemistry. Their deal slowly becomes “the real deal”. Will either of them want to part ways as agreed? What happens to the deal when feelings change?
You have to read this book!! Actually you HAVE to read this series! Each couple has been a joy to experience. Cole and Ruby were especially fun to read. This couple can have so much fun together and find such peace in each other’s company. Them falling in love along the way was so beautiful to read! I can’t recommend it enough!
I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2021
📖 ARC REVIEW 📖
Review: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Steam: 4.5/5 🔥
#therealdeal is the next installment of the #mrbossseries by @authorehlyon
Cole is young, wealthy and very business savvy. He has been buying out companies and improving them overtime. He has an impeccable business ethic and wants to keep thriving. When trying to buy the company from and acquaintance’s father, he tries to get a read on her. But when she comes up with a plan that they both can benefit from, he takes a vow to make it work.
Ruby can be blunt and sometimes cold to others. But really it’s to not let her heart get in the way. She wants to follow her dreams but her father keeps getting in the way. After a wedding and night of tequila, she comes up with a fool proof plan that gets her what she’s entitled to, and her future ex husband what he wants too. That is until she realizes her feelings are starting to rock the boat and she wants him more than her trust fund.
I liked this book so much! Cole said the best things to Ruby. He treated her like a queen. I love a relationship or marriage of convenience, because let’s be real, it’s convenient that you end up finding your true love. This book was flirty and steamy in all the right spots. Totally worth the read!!
Review: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Steam: 4.5/5 🔥
#therealdeal is the next installment of the #mrbossseries by @authorehlyon
Cole is young, wealthy and very business savvy. He has been buying out companies and improving them overtime. He has an impeccable business ethic and wants to keep thriving. When trying to buy the company from and acquaintance’s father, he tries to get a read on her. But when she comes up with a plan that they both can benefit from, he takes a vow to make it work.
Ruby can be blunt and sometimes cold to others. But really it’s to not let her heart get in the way. She wants to follow her dreams but her father keeps getting in the way. After a wedding and night of tequila, she comes up with a fool proof plan that gets her what she’s entitled to, and her future ex husband what he wants too. That is until she realizes her feelings are starting to rock the boat and she wants him more than her trust fund.
I liked this book so much! Cole said the best things to Ruby. He treated her like a queen. I love a relationship or marriage of convenience, because let’s be real, it’s convenient that you end up finding your true love. This book was flirty and steamy in all the right spots. Totally worth the read!!
October 30, 2021
Ok, so this book truly is "The Real Deal" because I was hooked to this story from page one, I mean the characters were supper entertaining and the plot was to die for. A marriage of convenience that will leave you wanting more.
Cole and Ruby were perfect for each other. None of them want a real relationship, they don't see a love story in their near future. They have goals they want to achieve without the complication of a "significant other". But what happens when their deal becomes something more and feelings get involve?
Cole and Ruby's chemistry was sizzling hot in and out of the bedroom, trust me this couple can really challenge each other in any aspect of their lives.
Honestly this was amazing ending for Mr. Boss series, so sad to see this series ending but so excited for what's to come for this author.
PS: if you love the characters from the previous books in this series , they all make an appearance here and you get to catch up with them, their is a few surprises along the way.
October 19, 2021
Seriously Love The Way This Series Wraps Up!
I friggin’ ADORE E.H. Lyon and the Mr. Boss series, and “The Real Deal” is the perfect example of why I do. In the final installment in this lineup of contemporary romances, we are treated to a fake relationship/marriage of convenience kind of romance that is both sizzling hot and heart-tuggingly sweet. I’ve loved sexy and successful business mogul Cole and sassy, unapologetically sensual Ruby from the very beginning of this awesome series, and this story absolutely did not disappoint. SOme emotional twists and turns, some giggles and gasps, and everything in between. Something I’ve noticed in Lyon’s Matchbox series that is also true here is that she masterfully wraps everything up so neatly with the final book. Characters from earlier in the lineup are incorporated into the last one, and we get such a sense of family with these friend groups. While I’m sad to see this series end, I am endlessly excited to see where Lyon’s imagination takes us next. AT LEAST 10 stars here!!!
I friggin’ ADORE E.H. Lyon and the Mr. Boss series, and “The Real Deal” is the perfect example of why I do. In the final installment in this lineup of contemporary romances, we are treated to a fake relationship/marriage of convenience kind of romance that is both sizzling hot and heart-tuggingly sweet. I’ve loved sexy and successful business mogul Cole and sassy, unapologetically sensual Ruby from the very beginning of this awesome series, and this story absolutely did not disappoint. SOme emotional twists and turns, some giggles and gasps, and everything in between. Something I’ve noticed in Lyon’s Matchbox series that is also true here is that she masterfully wraps everything up so neatly with the final book. Characters from earlier in the lineup are incorporated into the last one, and we get such a sense of family with these friend groups. While I’m sad to see this series end, I am endlessly excited to see where Lyon’s imagination takes us next. AT LEAST 10 stars here!!!
November 16, 2022
Why not marry for convince, what could possibly happen? Could lines get crossed?
Cole wants to do a corporate takeover but he needs the votes. If he can get this company he will hit the jackpot. He is not past doing anything in order to get it. Could that possibly include marrying the owner's daughter? Sure why not, it's only for business. Well when Cole and Ruby, the owner's daughter, strike a deal, it's a win-win situation. When things get a little steamy can they keep things just business-like?
Ruby wants her trust fund and the only way she can get it is to be married. When she makes a proposition to Cole to get married to help him secure the company because she has two votes, he jumps on it. Ruby thinks it's a great plan but when bodies get all hot and bothered, are they able to just keep it for show?
E.H. gives you a book full of terrific banter, steamy scenes and a few laughs. She does a fantastic job of grabbing your attention and making you want to keep reading until the end.
Cole wants to do a corporate takeover but he needs the votes. If he can get this company he will hit the jackpot. He is not past doing anything in order to get it. Could that possibly include marrying the owner's daughter? Sure why not, it's only for business. Well when Cole and Ruby, the owner's daughter, strike a deal, it's a win-win situation. When things get a little steamy can they keep things just business-like?
Ruby wants her trust fund and the only way she can get it is to be married. When she makes a proposition to Cole to get married to help him secure the company because she has two votes, he jumps on it. Ruby thinks it's a great plan but when bodies get all hot and bothered, are they able to just keep it for show?
E.H. gives you a book full of terrific banter, steamy scenes and a few laughs. She does a fantastic job of grabbing your attention and making you want to keep reading until the end.
Read
November 16, 2021The final book in the Mr Boss Series and it’s time to meet Ruby and Cole. The Real Deal is exactly what the title says because this romance is about friends striking a deal to get something for each of them, Cole needs her vote and she needs to be married to get her trust fund so a marriage of convenience seems the perfect option.
When Cole and Ruby strike a deal they never thought feelings would come not play but whilst playing the happily married couple they both realise his is what they really want but who will be the one t be honest and confess their feelings.
This is the perfect ending to the Mr Boss Series and truthfully I was sad to see this series end but rest assured I will be reading everyone of these books again because each couple holds a special place in my heart. If you love alpha hero’s and sassy heroines with lots of passion and witty banter please make sure you one click this must read book and series.
When Cole and Ruby strike a deal they never thought feelings would come not play but whilst playing the happily married couple they both realise his is what they really want but who will be the one t be honest and confess their feelings.
This is the perfect ending to the Mr Boss Series and truthfully I was sad to see this series end but rest assured I will be reading everyone of these books again because each couple holds a special place in my heart. If you love alpha hero’s and sassy heroines with lots of passion and witty banter please make sure you one click this must read book and series.
December 20, 2021
The real deal (Mr boss 4)
This is the fourth book in this series by this author and what an amazing read this story is. This is the story of Cole and Ruby. These two characters start off with a marriage of convenience but will it turn into more. The sexual tension between these two is so intense. You will fall in love with these characters straight away. This is not only a marriage of convenience story, it is also a friends to lovers and age gap romance roll into one amazing story. This is an amazing addition to this series by this author.
I was given a copy of this book and this is my honest review
Release date - 01 Nov 2021
www.obsessedbookreviews.com
November 16, 2021
This is Cole's story. Cole is partners and very good friends with Logan from the second book in this series. He is partnered up with Ruby who is also a friend of Sadie's and also Emily's who we met in the second and third book as well. This is also the final book in the series.
This story starts at Logan's wedding and we get to really know Ruby Malone who is also a rich mans daughter and her father is a guy who Cole is trying to impress for business reasons.
This is also an age gap story as Ruby is 8 years younger than Cole and he knew her as a teenager and now she is in her mid twenties. Its also a fake marriage romance between two rascals. Ruby wants her trust fund and Cole wants to run her fathers company. And thats when the fun starts for these two.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story starts at Logan's wedding and we get to really know Ruby Malone who is also a rich mans daughter and her father is a guy who Cole is trying to impress for business reasons.
This is also an age gap story as Ruby is 8 years younger than Cole and he knew her as a teenager and now she is in her mid twenties. Its also a fake marriage romance between two rascals. Ruby wants her trust fund and Cole wants to run her fathers company. And thats when the fun starts for these two.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2023
The Real Deal starts a couple chapters before the end of The Perfect Distraction in this series’ timeline. Cole and Ruby dropped a bomb on everyone in last book and now you get the entire story. And what a fun story it is!
Cole and Ruby are the wild ones of this wonderful group of friends. Through their businesses, all the guys are intertwined and the girls have been friends (although two separate sets of friends) since childhood. Now they are all melding together into a group you’ll wish you could be part of. I think this book is my favorite out of the series. Cole and Ruby have that little something extra. They definitely add flair and spice to their relationship! It starts with a business deal (because let’s face it, neither one of them are looking for their soulmate or any other kind of mate) and ends so much differently. The ride is a little wild and so very much fun.
Cole and Ruby are the wild ones of this wonderful group of friends. Through their businesses, all the guys are intertwined and the girls have been friends (although two separate sets of friends) since childhood. Now they are all melding together into a group you’ll wish you could be part of. I think this book is my favorite out of the series. Cole and Ruby have that little something extra. They definitely add flair and spice to their relationship! It starts with a business deal (because let’s face it, neither one of them are looking for their soulmate or any other kind of mate) and ends so much differently. The ride is a little wild and so very much fun.
June 13, 2023
Ruby wants her trust fund to better her career. Her father refuses to give it to her. One of the stipulations to getting her trust fund early is to get married. After her friends wedding, she knows who the right person is to have a marriage of convenience with. How bad could this really be?
The banter is top tier! Ruby is so smart thinking of the idea to marry Cole. It's nice how Ruby knows Cole would take care of the company. She's happy Cole is taking over so that her father can retire. I adore how Cole decided to take Ruby up on her offer. Their friends are hysterical when they find out Ruby and Cole are married. Lauren's reaction to their marriage was the best. I was not expecting her father's reaction to their marriage. This was a cute story.
The banter is top tier! Ruby is so smart thinking of the idea to marry Cole. It's nice how Ruby knows Cole would take care of the company. She's happy Cole is taking over so that her father can retire. I adore how Cole decided to take Ruby up on her offer. Their friends are hysterical when they find out Ruby and Cole are married. Lauren's reaction to their marriage was the best. I was not expecting her father's reaction to their marriage. This was a cute story.
October 27, 2021
This was a fun read and I enjoyed getting to see Cole & Ruby's story. Cole & Ruby are the spontaneous, fun loving pair in their group of friends. Neither is looking for forever. Cole wants to take over Ruby's fathers business. Ruby wants her trust fund to open her own photography studio. They decide to help each other and take advantage of the chemistry between each other. This was a fun, steamy read. I enjoyed getting to see Cole and Ruby's character development and watch their relationship develop. This is another fantastic read in the series and I can't wait to see more from this author!
November 2, 2021
EH Lyon knows how to deliver the right banter at the right time but still produces a hot thrilling storyline. Cole and Ruby have great chemistry and you have to love Ruby thinking that she can offer up her votes to Cole so he can get take over the company and she can get her trust fund without any emotions coming into play. I loved how this story flowed right from the start and the ending was just perfect.
November 4, 2021
I love a good marriage of convenience/fake marriage story and this one nailed it!
The chemistry these two had was incredible. I love how confident and feisty they both were and how they went after what they wanted. Each brother out the best in one another and I especially loved that the drama was short lived and both were mature enough to admit it right away. No use drawing it out unnecessarily 😍
I loved this entire series and I am sad it’s complete.
The chemistry these two had was incredible. I love how confident and feisty they both were and how they went after what they wanted. Each brother out the best in one another and I especially loved that the drama was short lived and both were mature enough to admit it right away. No use drawing it out unnecessarily 😍
I loved this entire series and I am sad it’s complete.
February 4, 2022
great end to the series
Aww what a sweet story. Love the tie in to Olive Olive that’s next in the Blisswood brothers series. They also visit matchbox, which is a cute tie in. Wasn’t sure about Ruby with how judge mental her own friends were in the first books but she’s a sweet soul with a touch of a wild side. And Coke isn’t bad at all, what a sweetheart.
Aww what a sweet story. Love the tie in to Olive Olive that’s next in the Blisswood brothers series. They also visit matchbox, which is a cute tie in. Wasn’t sure about Ruby with how judge mental her own friends were in the first books but she’s a sweet soul with a touch of a wild side. And Coke isn’t bad at all, what a sweetheart.
August 5, 2025
Fantastic
Loved this story to bits, when she proposed giving him an opposion of a Divorce when they both get what they want was super. Then they end up in love so plans change but she finds divorce paper in his bag and all hell breaks loose.
Loved this story to bits, when she proposed giving him an opposion of a Divorce when they both get what they want was super. Then they end up in love so plans change but she finds divorce paper in his bag and all hell breaks loose.
August 11, 2025
It was really good that I read it in one day. You don’t have to read the rest if you don’t want, it wasn’t confusing at all. They were so funny, witty, and adorable! Ruby is my spirit animal for sure lol.
January 22, 2022
Read on Radish.Love Cole and Ruby’s story.!
October 14, 2021
The Real Deal is the fourth and final instalment of the Mr Boss Series - I have loved this series and am sad it’s the end! This series has just kept on giving and Cole and Ruby have been my favourite couple - definitely saved the best to last!
I really like E H Lyon’s writing style and where the chapters alternate between the characters it makes for a quick and easy read. There is plenty of steam to make you blush 🔥
I think that Cole has been my favourite of all the Bosses, I definitely would have proposed a deal to him!
I highly recommend to all Romance fans!
I really like E H Lyon’s writing style and where the chapters alternate between the characters it makes for a quick and easy read. There is plenty of steam to make you blush 🔥
I think that Cole has been my favourite of all the Bosses, I definitely would have proposed a deal to him!
I highly recommend to all Romance fans!
November 2, 2021
Why not marry for convince, what could possibly happen? Could lines get crossed?
Cole wants to do a corporate takeover but he needs the votes. If he can get this company he will hit the jackpot. He is not past doing anything in order to get it. Could that possibly include marrying the owner's daughter? Sure why not, it's only for business. Well when Cole and Ruby, the owner's daughter, strike a deal, it's a win-win situation. When things get a little steamy can they keep things just business like?
Ruby wants her trust fund and the only way she can get it is to be married. When she makes a proposition to Cole to get married to help him secure the company because she has two votes, he jumps on it. Ruby thinks it's a great plan but when bodies get all hot and bothered, are they able to just keep it for show?
E.H. gives you a book full of terrific banter, steamy scenes and a few laughs. She does a fantastic job of grabbing your attention and making you want to keep reading until the end.
Cole wants to do a corporate takeover but he needs the votes. If he can get this company he will hit the jackpot. He is not past doing anything in order to get it. Could that possibly include marrying the owner's daughter? Sure why not, it's only for business. Well when Cole and Ruby, the owner's daughter, strike a deal, it's a win-win situation. When things get a little steamy can they keep things just business like?
Ruby wants her trust fund and the only way she can get it is to be married. When she makes a proposition to Cole to get married to help him secure the company because she has two votes, he jumps on it. Ruby thinks it's a great plan but when bodies get all hot and bothered, are they able to just keep it for show?
E.H. gives you a book full of terrific banter, steamy scenes and a few laughs. She does a fantastic job of grabbing your attention and making you want to keep reading until the end.
November 2, 2021
EH Lyon knows how to deliver the right banter at the right time but still produces a hot thrilling storyline. Cole and Ruby have great chemistry and you have to love Ruby thinking that she can offer up her votes to Cole so he can get take over the company and she can get her trust fund without any emotions coming into play. I loved how this story flowed right from the start and the ending was just perfect.
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