Fiji Escape with Her Boss

by Justine Lewis

Things are about to heat up for the single mom and her boss when they escape to Fiji together! Find out what happens in the latest Harlequin Romance by Justine Lewis.

From Fijian fling…

to forever?

Single mom Lucy is nervous to be accompanying new boss Marcus on a work trip to Fiji. Having sacrificed so much for her son, she’s determined to seize this career-defining moment— if she can keep her growing attraction to Marcus under control! Marcus has protected himself since a tragic accident tore his family apart. His desire for Lucy is undeniable, but can he offer her little family everything they truly deserve?

From Harlequin Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 25, 2023

About the author

Justine Lewis is the award-winning author of fun, contemporary romances. She has spent her professional life writing legal advice—which some may say is similar to creative writing—but the lack of sexy heroes and happy endings led her to try writing romance.

She loves Earl Grey tea, talking about which of Jane Austen's novels is her favourite and searching for the perfect frock. She will read anything, but loves romance most of all.

You can find out more and connect with her at justinelewis.com.

Reviews

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know how hard the author will have worked on this and I hate to be so critical but I was very disappointed in this book. I’m afraid I didn’t enjoy it because it stretched credibility for me and I couldn’t believe in the premise or the characters. They were bland.

Lucy is a 23 tear old single mother who gets the job of her dreams and hides the fact she has a son because……. . .?Well I never really got why. Her new job is with Marcus’ company and he makes it very clear that he expects his employees to put in the extra mile. But she has to leave at 5.00 every night so she can pick up her son from school. The reaction of her colleagues shows how different she is but she still doesn’t tell anyone about the son.
The fact that they would have understood better of they’d known about her son seemed to escape her - instead she seemed prepared to let them believe she simply wasn’t as committed. It’s made clear that the law protected her (as one would expect in 2023) so her reluctance was hard to understand. I didn’t buy the ‘I want them to think I’m a free singleton’ story. I didn’t buy that she wouldn’t tell Marcus until they were almost having sex.

I just felt appalled that in reality she conveyed the message that she was ashamed.

The other thing I found hard to believe was the negative attitude of her child’s grandfather. And her constant references to people calling her irresponsible etc was bewildering. It’s 2023 and so many people don’t marry or even bother living with their children’s father so what’s with the incredibly antiquated attitudes?

Sorry but the story lacked any real emotion for me and even Fiji didn’t do it for me. The writing is good but the plot and characters were weak.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiji Escape with Her Boss is an escapist, heartfelt and enjoyable contemporary romance from Justine Lewis.

Romance is the very last thing on Lucy's mind. Having given up so much and made so many sacrifices for her son, single mom Lucy doesn't even have time to think about dating, let alone actually go on a date. With her job taking up all of her time, Lucy is getting nervous about accompanying her boss Marcus to Fiji as he has awakened feelings deep within her which she thought long-buried.

Marcus' career is his main focus. After a terrible tragedy tore his family apart, Marcus had hardened his heart and vowed to keep it firmly under lock and key. But that is becoming increasingly difficult the more time he spends with Lucy.

As their feelings for one another intensify, will Marcus and Lucy find the strength and courage to take a chance on love? Or will their fears and insecurities end up costing them their happiness?

I adored Justine Lewis' Harlequin Romance debut, Billionaire's Snowbound Marriage Reunion and I was equally charmed and satisfied by her second title, Fiji Escape with Her Boss. Poignant, uplifting, intense and wonderfully romantic, Fiji Escape with Her Boss is a terrific read about hope, second chances, healing from the past and falling in love that ticked all the right boxes for me.

Justine Lewis has a bright future ahead of her in category romance and I cannot wait to read what she does next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 2 out of 5]

THE BLURB:
Single mom Lucy is nervous to be accompanying new boss Marcus on a work trip to Fiji. Having sacrificed so much for her son, she’s determined to seize this career-defining moment— if she can keep her growing attraction to Marcus under control! Marcus has protected himself since a tragic accident tore his family apart. His desire for Lucy is undeniable, but can he offer her little family everything they truly deserve?

MY REVIEW:
I’m honestly surprised by this title, and I wonder if it is this author’s debut book? I didn’t enjoy this book at all, it lacked any form of credibility and the characters lacked definition.

The book centres on Lucy, a single mum, who, at 23, manages to land her dream job. She refuses to tell anyone that she is a mum, as she wants them to view her as single and carefree. Talk about red flags. Throughout the entire book we are made to believe that she is ashamed of being a single mum. Just odd.

This book is full of outdated notions, she’s considered irresponsible for being a single mum…It’s 2023, most people will never marry, there are women who choose to enter into parenting alone for a variety of reasons, so why choose to set a book in modern times yet have such outdated ideas?

The whole book lacked emotions and the characters were not fleshed out.

RATING:
2/5

Thank you to BookSprout for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book in The Mills and Boon True Love series and it is Lucy and Marcus story. Lucy is a single mom to her son Lachie who is her reason for everything that she does and she has sacrificed a lot to get to where she is and has a great job so when her boss needs her to go to Fiji with him for work it makes her anxious but excited as she is attracted to him but at the moment he doesn’t know that she has a son. Marcus has gone through his own share of trauma and tragedy after a accident tore his family apart so know his life is all about work and not getting attached to anyone but what does he do about his attraction to Lucy especially as they work together and he has just found out that she has a son. Will they give in to there attraction and chemistry and what happens in Fiji stays in Fiji or will they be able to let down there walls enough to get a chance of a future together. I really enjoy reading this book and all the situations that present themselves and it was a real page turning that I couldn’t put down. I recommend you read this book as it is so well written and worth reading.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

The single teenage mum Lucy, who's freshly out of college gets the opportunity to work with one of the bigger designer firms. For a project she needs to spend a whole weekend with her hot CEO Marcus. During their stay at Fiji they grow closer together. Until then Lucy still had kept her biggest secret, the existence of Lachie, her 5 year-old son. When the delayance of their plane flight forces her to reveal that secret she's afraid that would change everything. Marcus has a fear of losing the people whom he cares about/loves, due to a traumatic experience where he lost his brother years ago. His anxiety could be the biggest problem for their relationship, but eventually they get a happy ever after.

I like this story since it talks about a subject thats a bit of a taboo, teenage-pregnancy. It shows the judgement that these young mothers go through and how those judgements affect them. It teaches us how admirable it is that a young person takes care of themselves, as well as their child while continuing to work/study.

I loved it. spice is 2/5 so not very explicit IMO.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Riet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by Justine Lewis. I loved the way Lucy treated her "fling", but I became impressed with how mature had become at the end of the book. He had a lot of personal issues to come to terms with and he did that splendidly. I absolutely enjoyed this read.

Things are about to heat up for the single mom and her boss when they escape to Fiji together! Find out what happens in the latest Harlequin Romance by Justine Lewis.

From Fijian fling…

to forever?

Single mom Lucy is nervous to be accompanying new boss Marcus on a work trip to Fiji. Having sacrificed so much for her son, she’s determined to seize this career-defining moment—if she can keep her growing attraction to Marcus under control! Marcus has protected himself since a tragic accident tore his family apart. His desire for Lucy is undeniable, but can he offer her little family everything they truly deserve?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single mom Lucy is anxious about going on a trip to Fiji with Marcus, her boss. She's attracted to him, but her first priority is her young son. Will Marcus prove that he can be the family man she needs?

This is such an emotional, heartwarming romance. I really felt for Lucy. At 23, she wants to fit in with other young professionals, but she's got a 6-year-old son to think of. It's no wonder she keeps her personal life private. She doesn't want people judging her or treating her differently because she's a single mom. Marcus is understanding, but the attraction between them is forbidden. He doesn't want to take advantage of her. The romance is a bit of a slow burn while they both learn to trust in the feelings between them.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Shuvai · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Fiji escape with her boss' is a charming book written by Justine Lewis.
It is a contemporary romance with most of the action taking place in Fiji.
The book is about Lucy a single mom who had to work extra hard to achieve her degree and land a job in a very good advertising firm, where she fell for her boss Marcus who was a workaholic who did not want a family after suffering a devastating loss in his life.
The characters are so sweet and romantic and the book is easy to read and follow.
I recommend this book to someone looking for a sweet, you won't go wrong.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiji and the single mom...

Lucy Spencer is a very young 23, but also a single mother. She is hiding the fact that she has a child at her new design job.. Marcus owns an advertising firm and he is all about the work. He has a very young team and he likes Lucy's designs. He likes Lucy even more. But he's careful about not crossing any work lines with his employee that he is attracted to.
Except on a work trip to Fiji,..But he doesn't want a family (he's all about the work) and Lucy has a kiddo.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy felt an instant attraction to her new boss which he reciprocated. I as surprised there weren’t policies in place against that because of his authority but it is a relatively small company and this plays into the romance. Still she hides that she has a child and he could hold it against her that she keeps having to leave on time without real explanation. There work getaway sounds lovely with all the fun excursions and soon becomes romantic until the truth and Marcus’ fears of loss could derail their relationship. Lucy’s son Lachie was precocious and didn’t miss a trick.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy and Marcus have insta attraction when they meet but the whole he's her boss and she has a secret keeps there apart but you can feel the attraction and tension growing as well as the stress for Lucy. Life has been tough for both of these two for different reasons which keeps them apart and you keep hoping they will see they are good for each other and you can be happy and in love while also following your dream.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their traumatic pasts are skewing what could be more rewarding futures. Can they learn to let go in order to embrace a better way of life? This is a story about second chances, reclaiming hope, low self-esteem, personal loss and the healing power of love. Everyone makes mistakes and it is how we choose to deal with them that leads us to either stagnation or growth. These two learn that no matter which path you choose, there is always room for change.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an office romance about a single mother and her boss. The story is about Lucy and Marcus. The attraction is undeniable between them but they need to keep things professional. She is also hiding a secret from him. When a work trip to Fiji comes up things begin to change. This is such a good story! What they both have faced in the past and overcome is huge. I loved seeing their feelings towards each other grow. Loved this one!

[Dawn Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it because it had a story to it and it wasn’t just a bonkbuster. I liked the characters and the character development. This book was a joy to read. The Fiji descriptions were of paradise. It was good I could almost see the fish when they were snorkelling. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy gets hired at the marketing firm owned by Marcus who is dedicated to his firm and expects his employees to do the same. She does not tell him that she is a single mom and can not dedicate her life to his company like the others employees. When he invites her to accompany him to Fiji the romance begins.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun romance book that easily endears you to the characters. Lucy really has been a great single parent, but can Marcus fill in the holes in her life and give them both what they deserve? Their desire and chemistry is phenomenal and I personally think that they make a great pairing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A workplace Romance is always a good story. The characters try to fight their attraction and that is half the fun of reading it and watching them maneuver through their denial and attraction at the same time. Wonderful characters to follow along on this story. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superb blend of sweet and tempting. Marcus and Lucy provide the perfect escape. Fiji Escape with her Boss dives right into matters of the heart. Lewis tackles love from every angle. From spicy to sugary, Lewis has designed a getaway that captivates.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiji Escape with her Boss by Justine Lewis is a good, and enjoyable sweet single mom work place romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Lucy Spencer, Marcus Hawke and her son Lachie's story. It is well written and held my interest. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a work romance and a destination romance all wrapped up into one. This was a great story to escape with.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Fiji Escape with Her Boss was such an eye-opening romance which, along with a couple falling in love, also highlighted the plausible situation any teenage mother might find herself in. While I enjoyed myself immensely with this story, I was most impressed with Lucy as she faced each situation tossed her way with dignity, maturity, and a deep abiding love for her son, Lachie. Being a single parent at any age is certainly not easy, but as a teen, Lucy had to deal with so much more, especially with strangers’ attitudes, and her son’s grandfather’s archaic mentality. I not only liked the heroine in this novel, but I admired her from the start.

Marcus has faced tragedy in his past, but those events have also shaped how he deals with life today… and while he might believe he has it all, he’s still living with grief guiding his decisions in the workplace and in his personal life. Right up until he met Lucy and he did what so many heroes do, he hid behind the idea that his decisions were in her best interest when in reality those choices were more to protect himself from emotions that needed to be faced and put firmly in his past.

I enjoyed their romance as we follow them from that first awkward professional meeting through a trip to Fiji that was a wake-up call to emotions that they both had pushed to the side. Watching them fall in love, trying to deny what was happening between them, and the changes that Marcus eventually began to make, again, both professionally and personally was an emotional, satisfying journey. This is a couple that you will want to open their eyes to and really see what they are passing up if they go their separate ways… which is something neither really wanted. If you love a truly emotional romance, then this one is perfect for you.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Marcus is very driven until he meets Lucy when she comes in for an interview. A company trip leads to starting a relationship and falling in love. I like how Marcus learns work/home balance and opens his heart to be with Lucy and her son, Lachie.