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Resisting the CEO

Lana.
"Kiss the guy at the bar," my friends dared between hoots of laughter.
There was no way I was going to lose this one.
"Fine," I said. I had decided this even before I turned around to look at him.
So I walked up to the stranger and... kissed him.
Officially, I'm blaming the alcohol that was running in my veins, but secretly, it was something I'd never confess to. The man was something else to look at. Tall, broad, well dressed; actually, he was drop dead gorgeous.

Life has a strange way of playing tricks on you though.

The delicious stranger turns out to be the new CEO at work.
Things escalate quickly. Before I know it, I'm wrapped in his big strong arms in his bed.
I think I'm falling for him, but he has a secret.
An ancient secret... one that changes everything.
A full length standalone CEO/Office romance.

316 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2022

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Iona Rose

49 books175 followers

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5 stars
286 (55%)
4 stars
130 (25%)
3 stars
68 (13%)
2 stars
21 (4%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
1,353 reviews16 followers
March 18, 2022
Oh boy. That was truly awful. He was basically stalking her, as he knew her when they were kids.

I’ve read this author before and didn’t enjoy it, but the plot sounded good. Hmm note to self, never read this author again.

At the beginning of the book, Ace/Chester hires his private detective to find out everything about Lana. They knew each other as kids and he had decided that he would go back for her, when he was rich and could support her. (He makes it sound like she was abused, and she wasn’t!) In the middle of that goal he gets married to a gold digger! Not sure how that works in his ambitions. He then stalks Lana, follows her to a nightclub, buys the business where she works, buys her a car before they’re in a relationship, and buys a house for when they’re together. 😱😱😱😱

This book is insane!!! Then when they get together, he doesn’t date her, or tell her who really is, they just have sex, sex and more sex. It’s so bizarre.

Clunky writing and plots that just don’t make sense. I only want to know about when he was a kid, and why he feels that Lana saved him.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,501 reviews49 followers
March 17, 2022
A dare led to kissing what she thought was a stranger at a bar and to top things off he was drop dead gorgeous. He was actually someone from her past but she hadn't put two and two together. Then he turns out to be her new CEO as he bought the company she works for. Things get interesting real quick as he continues to pursue her. She's not my favorite character as she was immature at times. Like the time she threw a drink on him. No shortage of drama or secrets as they work their way to an HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Bad Boy Update and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,182 reviews47 followers
March 16, 2022
This was a good read. Lana kisses a man at the bar one night. Comes to find out he is her new boss. Ace. Plus on top of that they used to know each other when they were younger. They have a relationship and things are complicated. However, in the end everything works out and they get their happy ending.
Profile Image for Tabatha Reed.
1,697 reviews212 followers
April 5, 2022
I’ve tried one other book by this author. I can’t recall specifics but I know when I read it I decided that it was too angsty in a way that wasn’t fun to read and this wasn’t the author for me.

However, this book pops up and I’m too intrigued to just ignore it. I’m a sucker for a stalker book and this has heavy stalking elements in it. If only it weren’t such a train wreck.

This book isn’t terrible but it’s really not good either. The story is very clunky. You’ve got a lot of puzzle pieces here but they don’t fit together properly because they don’t make sense.

H knew the h when they were younger. He last saw her when he was 18 and she was 13. He went on to become a self made *billionaire* but supposedly never forgot h, except when he did? For her part, h somehow has absolutely zero inkling of Hs true identity even though it’s only been 10 years.

He has an investigator looking for her for and apparently thoroughly investigated and under surveillance for TWO YEARS. Why does it take all these effort to find and watch someone for two years that was absolutely and clearly NEVER hiding? *shrugs* No explanation given.

So he buys the company company she works for, stalks her (except when he’s not?), buys her a new car before meeting her in person and is house hunting when they haven’t even gone on a date? He’s supposedly been hung up on her for nearly 10 years but he stops along the way to marry a woman every single person he knows absolutely hates (except his best friend whom she cheats with?)

Then this woman whom he has put on a pedestal and longed for (except when he was fucking all the OW and getting married, of course) is finally in his sights so he goes about trying to win her over in *the* most antagonistic way possible. Right. You see how none of that makes sense? I couldn’t rate this higher if I wanted too. It’s just a hot mess of contradictions.

The author had an idea for this stalkery story but absolutely no idea how to believably execute. She should have thought a lot harder about how to make her ideas actually cohesive or should have dropped the stalking and childhood history. This would have made SO much more sense if he’d just been a CEO who fell for h the instant they met.
Profile Image for Dee.
5,356 reviews63 followers
March 19, 2022
Our paths are shaped when we are born but we determine the path we want to take. Ace sexy as all get out billionaire did just that changed his course, growing up in the foster care system no one expected much of his life, but he proved everyone wrong and in his last year in foster care living with an amazing family who had a daughter that showed him he wanted more. So, making a commitment to himself willing to work hard day in and day out to build his fortune and working hard to become a man worthy of the young girl he grew up with. Luna grew up with a boy who broke her heart by just leaving when he aged out of the foster care system never to him from him again not understanding why he just left her but life continued with her out celebrating her birthday with her friends and on a dare from her friends to kiss the guy at the end of the bar ...yep you guessed it that guy was Ace. Fate often takes the wheel taking us where or who she wants us with Luna and Ace were destined to be together from the moment they met. Ace now has the means to purchase the company she works with, the means to hire the best private investigator to help him learn all he can about Luna to understand her offer her what he never could. Started out becoming her boss the man she kissed at the bar she notices some of his mannerisms are so like the boy she grew up with but yet the man she knows is nothing like the boy she grew up with or loved so what happens when Ace finally tells her the truth about himself, will she accept the truth, will she accept him after the elaborate lies, will she understand his reasoning, and can they find HEA?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
948 reviews3 followers
March 17, 2022
Promises to Keep

Ace is a self-made billionaire in the top-20 youngest billionaire fame. He was in foster care until he turned 18. In his final year, he was living with Lana's family. Even though she was younger, they were good friends sharing dreams of their future would look like. She was heartbroken when he abruptly left not realizing he chose to leave when he turned 18. Years later, it's time to fulfill his dream with Lana being in his life forever. In order to be closer to Lana, he buys the company she works for, as one of their editors. He wants her to love him as the person now, not as Chester pre-18 yrs. old, the one to feel sorry for.

Lana experiences memories but he looks so different than Chester & the name is different too. Ace remains secretive until the right time approaches to reveal his true identity. Will she push him away from his lies or will she accept his reasoning & still love him? A really good story with mystery, jealousy, hot chemistry & a HEA.

I volunteered to read this ARC & leave an honest review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
21.3k reviews370 followers
March 20, 2022
Ace and Lana's Reconnection . . .

On Lana’s birthday out with friends at a bar, she agrees to a dare to kiss the handsome stranger sitting there. She has no idea how he will become a part of her life… again.

Ace is a self-made billionaire who came from foster care until he turned 18 and could leave. During that last year, he was a part of Lana’s family. The two of them were great friends and talked about their future dreams. And then he suddenly left her.

Now years later, Ace wants Lana back in his life. He has made his fortune and is ready to share his future with her. He purchased the company Lana was working for. At a celebration party, she saw him again and thought he was a stalker. So she threw her drink in her new boss’ face.

With his name changed and being a man now, Lana doesn’t recognize him. Ace is not ready to tell her yet, wanting her to accept him as who he is now. Will she remember that he is Chester, the boy from foster care? Or will he have to tell her? Are they ready to find a HEA together at last?
Profile Image for Rose Belle.
851 reviews14 followers
October 23, 2023
This was a surprisingly good book. I mean, I devoured the thing. It went to the top of my reading list, and I have a huge pile I'm working through right now. I just needed to know what would happen between our two character with their backstory and what was going on there. The mystery was just killing me. It ended up being pretty good. The chemistry was great, though sometimes our hero came off as a little stalky--not like in a dark romance way, but it was uncomfortable at points. As a reader, I could see why when you look at the bigger picture, but again, consent was blurred a bit there.

The thing I want to complain about the most is the ending. I actually liked the how one of the endings went for one "bad guy," but the other baddie was left completely up in the air. I was left hanging and was like, "Uh, but wait...what happens here? You're not just going to leave it like that. Ooooh, you just left it like that." That is, unfortunately, what knocked it from a full five stars down to four.
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,333 reviews71 followers
March 29, 2022
Lana was out celebrating her birthday and her friends dare her to kiss a sexy stranger. When she goes to kiss his cheek, she ends up kissing his lip which he ended up taking control of the kiss. Lana slaps him and goes back to her friends. Its not long after that she learns her company has been sold and when she meets the new CEO its the man from the bar. Things get even more complicated as Lana tries to apologize and Ace wants to continue their kiss. Ace has a secret that Lana doesn't know about. He has been looking for her for awhile. Ace and Lana share something that she doesn't remember but he plans to court her so he can claim her for his own. Will Lana give Ace a chance? Will his secret have her ending things?

This is a great story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,391 reviews3 followers
March 18, 2022
4.5 Stars!! This is a good second chance romance. There is Ace who goes by a new name these days and has spent the last decade making his fortune. He has had a thing for Lana since she was younger. He just needed to be worthy. Then there is Lana who while out with friends on her birthday is given a dare to kiss the guy at the end of the bar. Must have been fate as the guy was Ace. She also didn't know that 'the guy' is also her new boss. Ace has plans for Lana, but will Lana be too stubborn to follow the feelings she has? After another night out partying leads to the two of them in bed, will this be their new start? or will other forces keep them apart? Will she figure out who Ace is? Good story from start to end.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Victoria.
5,327 reviews
March 18, 2022
4.5 stars.

I didn't always agree with how Ace went about things with regards to Lana, but I could see his reasoning. He knew what he wanted and went after it full steam ahead, there were some bumps along the way but their connection grew, as did their love for one another. Lana surprised me with her reaction towards the end, their friends were likeable and supportive and I really enjoyed getting to know them. I would have liked to have read for myself what happened at Christmas, but the information given worked well. I believed in their connection and chemistry and the story held my attention from start to finish. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,438 reviews12 followers
March 20, 2022
Lana goes out clubbing for her birthday, she is dared to kiss the guy at the bar by her friends. However, the guy at the bar, Ace, turns out to be the new owner of her company.
But what Lana doesn't know is that Ace knows exactly who she is, he knew her from years ago and always planned to go back and take care of her. He uses an investigator to track her down and he bought the company knowing that she works there. But how will Lana react to Ace tracking her down after all this time. Does she need his support after all.

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
5,469 reviews24 followers
March 21, 2022
Ace was a foster kid living with Lana's family until he ages out. He has always had feelings for her, but she was younger and off limits. Now he is a wealthy, successful owner and new CEO of McEachron, the company that Lana now works for. Through a series of missteps and misunderstandings, they meet. Will he be able to convince Lana that he is the man for her and she is it for him. The book is well paced, has sizzle, steam, drama, and some twists along the way. The book is available on KU, so free to read with your subscription.

I received an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
994 reviews9 followers
March 23, 2022
On a night out with her friends in a bar they play truth or dare her dare is to kiss the handsome man at the end of the bar. When Lana goes to kiss him on the cheek at the last second he turns. They kiss on the lips then he pull her in harder. When she pulls away she slapped him on his cheek then goes back to her friends. Ace pays there bar bill and leaves money for the bartender to put them in a cab. Thinking she will never see him again Lana gets a shock a few weeks later when he turns out to be her new CEO. Now the fun begins. I enjoyed this story it’s lighthearted. I received an ARC for an honest review which I have given
972 reviews11 followers
March 24, 2022
Feel-good romance 4*
I like this author's work and this book, matched in quality the others I read from her. Lana and Ace meet under unusual circumstances, or so she thinks. Kissing, slapping then throwing a drink in your new boss's face isn't the best introduction, even if Lana had no idea who he was. From there to journey through, gradual trust, a lot of lust, we get a love-of-your life love, a baby and a HEA. What else does a romance novel need? A little dragging in places but a well-written novel with likeable protagonists nonetheless that I'm happy to recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,553 reviews52 followers
March 20, 2022
I thought this was such a fun read. What a meet cute for Lana and Ace. Lana is such a sweetheart as is Ace, though he doesn't quite present himself that way. However, he is a true romantic at heart. This love story is adorable but fraught with incidents and coincidences that just make it more interesting.

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
Profile Image for Reva Parks.
1,780 reviews14 followers
March 21, 2022
'To L.O.N.G. from C.A.C.A." Lona knew her initials were LONG but who was CACA? She had no idea! But it had been engraved in the inside of a very expensive gold bracelet inlaid with diamonds and left with the office of her apartment the day after her birthday! With this birthday her life has shifted gears to become more challenging and the next three months make up the bulk of this well-written. easy reading novel. Recommended!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,592 reviews
March 25, 2022
Ace and Lana have a past, but she has not idea who he is when she meets him. The first time is during a drunken dare at a bar, the second is when she meets the new owner of her company! Ace keeps his secret for has long as he can, but secrets have a way of unraveling. Will she still care when she find out he is the boy from her past that broke her heart? I love their romance, the twists and turns the obstacles that they need to overcome. Great story!! I received this ARC from Bad Boy Updates.
Profile Image for Stephanie Blatz.
512 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2022
loved it

I love how determined Ace was to have Lana in his life. Luckily even though Lana was resistant to date her new boss at first (he’d bought the company just to be near her) she realized he was too wonderful to pass up. There’s no shortage of obstacles for them, meddling co-workers, his ex wife, paparazzi. But through it all their relationship only strengthens bringing them to an ever so sweet HEA.
166 reviews
April 16, 2022
suspense, childhood friends

This was an easy read that I couldn’t put down. Ace is kind of a stalker and there were many times when I was anxious for Lana; but you tend to forgive him since he’s thoughtful and sweet. I so wanted to know the secret behind their past the entire time but it isn’t revealed until the very end and while that can be a let down, it worked for this story. If you like suspense, billionaire hotties, and office romances then this book is for you.
Profile Image for Lit Echoes.
88 reviews
August 1, 2022
Good read

This is a well written story. I liked how the writer skipped unnecessary details. I also loved the steamy scenes. But I didn't get the concept of the story line. Why on earth would Ace marry Meredith if all he could think about was Lana? I mean, the beginning of the story clearly says how Ace has always had Lana in mind as his motivation. I think the character of Meredith as an ex wife wasn't justified. But other than that, it was a good read.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
2,761 reviews3 followers
March 20, 2022
Loved this book. Ace is a billionaire now but years ago he came from nothing but had a girl named Lana that he never forgot, Lana works at a publishing company and on her birthday her friends dare her to kiss a stranger but what Lana doesn't know is he was in her life and a friend when they were children. When ace finally tells her who he is will she still want to be with him?
1,844 reviews9 followers
March 22, 2022
Ace has always known that he would come back and make Lana his when he had made something of himself but will she want him.
The chemistry between them is off the charts but he is her new boss.
Can they get their HEA when not everyone is happy they are together.
Loved the ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
843 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book.
Ace has always loved Lana from the beginning when he was living with her parents as a foster child.
Lana was heart broken when Chester (Ace) left.
I just have an issue with Lana not recognising Chester (Ace) if she was so in love with him.
I received a free copy of this book for an voluntary and honest review
Profile Image for Sarah Coombs.
33 reviews
May 24, 2023
😬I'm normally a huge fan of this author but....

I'm normally a huge fan of this author but this book didn't do it for me. I couldn't connect with the characters and I barely felt like the characters had a connection. Ace came of kind of preditor like and creepy. It was just weird to me.
13.2k reviews76 followers
March 14, 2022
The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Ace and Lana and does not let go. We keep turning the pages with humor, secrets and steam. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,218 reviews15 followers
March 18, 2022
Self made billionaire Ace is a man who gets whatever he wants. Ace wants Lana and there’s not a damn thing she can do about it. Resisting the CEO is full of drama, secrets and steam and had me furiously turning the pages for answers.
6,370 reviews30 followers
March 18, 2022
A bit on the fence. There’s parts I really liked but didn’t get the whole subterfuge on Ace’s part? Not sure why Lana didn’t recognize him and she kind of got melodramatic as the story progressed.

Overall, not bad.





Received from Bad Boy Update.
Profile Image for Christina Moody.
641 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2022
blast from the past

This is a blast from the past in the best way possible! I did not want to put this book down it was that good!! Better than 5 stars. I loved the mystery and the way it slowly gives you hints about this big mystery and why she was a “target”.
855 reviews
March 21, 2022
Finally my love forever

Incredible beautiful emotional sexy love story of a moment when young that changes the goals of youth to being a self made man for the girl he loved years before . Thank you for sharing this wonderful read absolutely loved it♥️♥️♥️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews