Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Stanton Family #1

Falling for the CEO

Rate this book
Finance genius Meredith Klaus prefers numbers to people, especially around the holidays. At least the large sum of money that’s mysteriously vanished from the company accounts will distract her from the ghosts of Christmases past. Until her sexy boss asks her to be his last-minute date to a fundraiser gala, that is, and the promise of a special evening calls to something long-buried in her.

Andrew Stanton, Manhattan’s best-known philanthropist, has worked hard building his reputation in the industry. He offers to work closely with Meredith to fix his company’s financial crisis, but the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to look at her as just a colleague.

A beautiful dress. A handsome man on her arm. A challenge she can’t refuse. Can they find the missing money and fulfill their holiday wishes, or will Meredith be unable to overcome the demons of her past and lose her chance at happiness?


120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2013

16 people are currently reading
599 people want to read

About the author

Audra North

37 books296 followers
Audra North is a contemporary romance author of more than twenty romances, including the Stanton Family series from Entangled Publishing, the Hard Driving series from St. Martin’s Press, and the Pushing the Boundaries series from Samhain Publishing. She is the owner and publisher of Pink Kayak Press, which focuses on the publication of diverse romance works. Winter Rain, a Pink Kayak Press anthology, won a gold medal in the 2015 Independent Publisher Awards.

Audra enjoys speaking to writing groups and at industry conferences. She is also an avid jogger and loves running marathons. She has three children and lives with her family outside of Boston.

For more about Audra, and to sign up for her newsletter, visit audranorth.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
72 (18%)
4 stars
115 (29%)
3 stars
126 (32%)
2 stars
52 (13%)
1 star
24 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for SB*needs low angst books*.
348 reviews204 followers
March 31, 2016
2.5

This had so much potential to be better.

This is about Meredith who is very insecure and clumsy. She is working for Andrew and because of a financial mishap and a recently single Andrew they get to know each other better and so begins them starting to feel things for each other.

The problem was because of the length it was a HFN ending which wasn't very satisfying. The one sex scene was good start but with horrible ending. Why would you have a sex scene that doesn't end well when it's the only one written? So it kept this book from being the good book it could have been.

Profile Image for Penny Watson.
Author 12 books509 followers
December 19, 2013
4.5 stars, rounded up.

LOVED it! Adorable holiday novella.
Profile Image for Stacy Reid.
Author 81 books3,447 followers
December 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It was a pretty quick read, but it kept me engaged for the entire time I was snuggled with my kindle.
I loved Meredith. There was something gentle about her appeal, but it was that hint of steel that underlay the softness that tantalized. That same steel that allowed her to dare to reach for something more and to hold onto it. And of course the fact that she lusted after her CEO the very person she dared for. She is kinda klutzy and I could so identify with that. My parents for the longest time used to yell upon my approach, “accident is coming get out of the way!” and even now my hubby gives me this weary look when I twirl around doing my thing.
I identified with her character to an extent and I could feel her desire for Andrew. I was dying for when they came together and I was not disappointed. Did I mention that I love sensual and steamy loves scenes? And Andrew and Meredith certainly had a hot steamy night together. I loved how she blossomed as a character and how nice Andrew was. I don’t normally like to describe my heroes as nice. I like dark, dominant and edgy. But Andrew was bloody perfect as nice and I adored him like that. He was gentle, kind, thoughtful, and forceful at the right times, wealthy, and handsome. I kid you not, swoon worthy material.
Overall, this was a good Christmas read. Audra made me feel all warm and fuzzy. My only complaint is that I wanted more, and that is not a reason for me to even dock a star. I knew it was a novella, but oh boy did I want more. In fact I would be ecstatic if this author revisited these two characters sometime in the future to show how they are doing. This story was centered on Meredith and Andrew, but it would have been awesome to see secondary characters. I give this book a five star because it did what it promised. A quick, romantic, sensual love story that warmed the heart and other places .

11 reviews
December 9, 2013
I wasn't sure that I was going to like this story when I first started to read, but the more I read, the more i loved it. It feels like a modern day Cinderella story. After the first chapter, I couldn't put it down. I had to stay up and finish it before bed because it was just so good! The characters are so well written and the story is just so heart warming. The heroine, Meredith Klaus is the classic Finance genius and her sexy boss Andrew Stanton. When a large sum of money disappears from the company accounts, Andrew acts as the knight in shining armour, working with Meredith to fix his company’s financial crisis,, when the sparks fly! A beautiful dress, a sexy man and a dream come true! This is a great read and highly recommended!
Profile Image for Lori.
1,113 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2013
This book has to be one of the sweetest books I have read. Even though the love scene was spicy and hot, the overall feel of the book for me was heart melting. The relationship between Andrew and Meredith started with a mutual respect and admiration, only to blossom. I loved the gentleness and tender way Andrew treated Meredith. And it was fantastic to watch Meredith come out of her shell to become the woman she always wanted to be. This was a great quick Christmas story that just makes you feel good!
Profile Image for Amanda.
188 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2013
I fell in love with this book from the start. It wasn't what I was expecting it was better. It had my 2 favorite things love and Christmas. I hope we get to see more of Andrew and Meredith. I will definitely be reading more books by Audra North.
Profile Image for Diana.
852 reviews26 followers
November 25, 2013
* received for an honest review
review originally posted on http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
I really enjoyed this story by Audra North. Meredith Klaus works for Andrew Stanton at Harbor Technologies for the past three months, she is the Chief Financial Officer. Meredith is walking to Andrew’s office to give him a little bit of bad news when she overhears him on the phone with his ex-girlfriend. Meredith in an effort to give him privacy trips and drops her laptop on her foot. Andrew notices and tries to give Meredith a hand. This is a turning point in their relationship because up until that point they had a strictly business relationship.

When they are in his office Meredith tries to explain to Andrew that his most valued project the Christmas Bonus Fund has money that is missing. Andrew although very rich has a strong passion for philanthropy. The Christmas Bonus is a project that he started which gives a bonus to Employees and they use to give to a charity of their own. Andrew has a reputation for being very generous and has the nickname “the Santa CEO”. Before she is able to mention the missing funds Andrew asks Meredith if she can accompany him to a black-tie dinner. Meredith has big crush on her boss. He is handsome and very kind. Meredith accepts but is worried that he will blame her for the missing funds. However, Andrew is a super sweet guy and knows that Meredith is not responsible.

The day of the black-tie dinner Meredith and Andrew do no regard themselves as employer and employee. Meredith is very overwhelmed with the evening. She is a very sweet and hardworking person who lost her parents when she was very young. After the death of her parents she was placed in different foster homes, since then all she has ever longed for is a family. Andrew and Meredith are both very sweet and caring people. They both appreciate each other’s wholeheartedness and have great chemistry. This was a very sweet and romantic read. Andrew is a complete gentleman and appreciates Meredith for who she is. Meredith finds in Andrew a caring, handsome and super sweet guy. This is a heartwarming read!
Profile Image for MsRomanticReads.
793 reviews189 followers
August 14, 2016

Making a list, checking it twice …

Meredith Klaus is thirty-one years old, klutzy, socially awkward and she's in lust with her boss, Andrew Stanton. A problem with missing funds for the Christmas bonus is the perfect excuse for Andrew to work closely with her for the week leading up to the gala. In that short period of time, he learns a few things about his shy CFO.
“Hasn't anyone ever done something for you just because you're a human being? You know, simple kindness?"

He had meant it to be flippant, but the answering look in her eyes said everything.

No.

Andrew and Meredith made a really cute couple. I liked that her intelligence was what drew his attention. Yes, her other assets didn't go unnoticed because he was a man after all, but I felt there was more emphasis on less superficial attributes. As far as CEOs go, he was probably the kindest one I've read about so far this year. He wasn't an entitled, nor was he arrogant. The one love scene was both awkward and sweet and set Meredith up to finally break out of her shell.

This story felt much longer than a standard novella, and I was surprised by the amount of information the author managed to pack into this little story. The character arc of the heroine was executed quite well, even if I didn't quite understand how she managed to never let anyone get close enough to remain a virgin. Regardless, it was refreshing to see the heroine contemplate her life and take the reins without someone telling her that she needed to change if she wanted to be happy.

The ending felt a little rushed, and I think this story would have worked without the mystery of the missing funds, the quick resolution and the fact that Andrew picked her to run his second company after having had her in his employ for only “a couple of months”.
If you're looking for a Cinderella type of story set around Christmas with likeable characters and a splash of humor, then pick this one up. I would read this again just for the fun of it.

Rating: 3.5 to 4

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews872 followers
December 17, 2013
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Review copy provided for an honest review

4 STARS

I enjoy stories like this where we see a character undergo a metamorphosis of sorts, but what I loved about this book is the hero began to notice the behaviors in the heroine and made it possible for her to grow. Falling For The CEO is an engaging and sensual story that will have your cheering for the heroine and wishing the hero was yours to keep.

Sometimes you just relate to a character when you are reading and it makes you love them more than normal and that would be me with Meredith Klaus. She’s a wee bit klutzy and let’s just say that I have never been graceful. On top of that Meredith is somewhat socially awkward and she tends to prefer to be in the background something she learned while in foster care.

Andrew Stanton is successful beyond imagine but his philanthropic efforts have made him famous. When his new CFO falls outside his office and he sees her in a different light, he can’t help but wonder where she’s been hiding her innate sexuality. A few casual glances, a few touches and he knows he’s in trouble. But he begins to realize that there’s something about Meredith that keeps her from asking for what she wants, she’ll go out of her way to help others, to help his company, but for herself she simply sits back and waits.

This is a short story so it moves at a rapid pace and I’d be lying if I didn’t way I would have loved to be a bug on the wall the evening these two spent talking about their lives. However, I fell in love with these two characters, I enjoyed the time they spent together, and I adored the way they both welcomed the changes Meredith began experiencing with Andrew’s help.

If you like Cinderella and Pygmalion then Falling For The CEO is absolutely as story you must read. The characters will warm your heart, their relationship will make you smile, and the ending will remind you that even when they drive you crazy, family is everything!
Profile Image for Angie.
2,367 reviews253 followers
December 15, 2014
Falling for the CEO is a sexy Christmas novella with a slight geek to chic vibe. Meredith is the new CFO for Andrew's company. She's great at what she does, but she has absolutely no confidence in her self. She was picked on as a kid for being clumsy and because her last name is Klaus. On top of that, when she was 9 her parents were killed a car accident, after which she was bounced from foster home to foster home. She's learned to never ask for anything for herself, and she's still a total klutz. I adored her though. Andrew on the other hand, is quite confident, and he's a philanthropist! In fact, he and Meredith are brought together because a large sum of money that his company is suppose to be donating is missing. They work close together in order to figure out where it went, and she accompanies him to a big gala where he announces his plans for a new company. His speech also inspires the timid Meredith to finally ask for what she wants: him!

Meredith and Andrew do have one very steamy night together in Falling for the CEO, and there's a shocking twist! It's nothing too out there, but it's a twist none the less. It was a little strange at first, but I loved the way Andrew handled it. It was also another turning point in Meredith's transformation from geeky, plain Jane, doormat, to confident business woman. Of course, she doesn't change over night, but she's willing to take the reigns of her life and go for her goals! She and Andrew are really cute together, and obviously they have a happy ending. Their romance is topped off with some holiday cheer, and I quite enjoyed it.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Profile Image for LJT.
1,260 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2016
Falling for the CEO by Audra North is a sexy, nicely written novella about a heroine that finally comes into her own with the help of a little inspiration and the magic of the holiday season.

Finance guru Meredith Klaus lost her parents in a tragic auto accident on Christmas Eve when she was only nine years old. Needless to say, sadness and anguish has shrouded any happiness during the holidays. The remainder of her childhood was spent in the foster care system, where she grew up unloved and unwanted.

CEO Andrew Stanton has worked diligently for the past ten years building his company. In addition to his firm's success, is the effectiveness of his philanthropy during the holiday season. So much so that he is known as "the Santa CEO" to his colleagues and community. Hiring Meredith as his CFO is his best decision yet.

Meredith and Andrew have tremendous chemistry and due to a colossal banking error, end up spending lots of time together. One thing leads to another and they end up spending a hot, steamy night together, which evolves into much more.

This novella is a sizzling scorcher and panting is not an option. I connected with Meredith and Andrew immediately, truly enjoying the sexual tension leading up to their eventual night of passion. I really liked Meredith, I found her to be real, funny and honest. Her klutziness is quite funny as an adult. While I enjoyed the cocoon the author created around Meredith and Andrew, I felt there needed to be more secondary interaction. Overall, a solid, sexy, holiday read.

ARC received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Socalgal5.
132 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2015
* Received ARC for an honest review

Falling for the CEO is a novella that story revolves around Meredith and Andrew. Meredith works as CFO for Andrew's company. Meredith is use to being ignored or forgotten due to her past. Her parents were killed when she was young and she had no family. Andrew is a CEO but he also cares a great deal about giving back to the community. He makes that a mission in his company. Though Meredith has certainly noticed Andrew, Andrew begins to notice Meredith as they work together to resolve a problem with the company charitable fund. I liked Meredith's character. The story allowed us to see her character develop some from this wallflower to a woman who is beginning to come into her own and not apologizing for it. I like how Meredith learns to that it is OK to put herself first and to be alright with herself if she does not get what she wants. Andrew and Meredith have some steamy scenes and work great together and provide a good read of two individuals finding each other.
Profile Image for MARQUETTA.
1,211 reviews140 followers
November 29, 2013
Falling for the CEO is a sweet, romantic story about a smart and clumsy woman falling for her boss. Meredith is naturally beautiful but she hides her looks behind unattractive glasses, frumpy clothes and a severe hairstyle. Andrew, her boss, has always thought that there was more to Meredith underneath the frumpiness but because he’s her boss, he wouldn’t cross that line. When Andrew asks Meredith to accompany him to an event, he realizes that he was right about there being more to Meredith than meets the eye.

I really liked Meredith and Andrew a lot. We learn a little about Meredith’s past and she didn’t have it easy. She’s not used to having anything for herself. Andrew is sweet and sexy and a gentleman. He realizes that Meredith deserves so much more than what she asks for.

The story ends with a Happy For Now. Meredith is smart, awkward, clumsy and completely likable. Andrew is a sexy, sweet and giving person. These two work well together and I really enjoyed their story.
Profile Image for Jasmyn.
1,605 reviews19 followers
November 28, 2013
The first thing I noticed about this book was the names of the characters. We have Ms. Klaus and the Santa CEO. It seemed a bit cheesey at first, but even the characters make light of it in the story, which made it awesome instead. I really liked Meredith and her adorable awkwardness. She was so far from perfect, being clumsy and introverted, that you can't help but love her. Andrew really is everything that you could ask for in a guy - he was too perfect. I kept trying to find the flaw that would make him more human, but I just couldn't find it. The story was cute and a perfect Christmas pick me up story. With a half million dollar financial crisis hovering the background the whole time, there is just enough conflict to keep it from getting too sappy. The ending was spot on perfect. I loved the way it tied up everything.
32 reviews4 followers
December 4, 2013
Her last name is Klaus and he is the Santa CEO. What a combo. This was a lovely quick read right along the Cinderella path. She's awkward and geeky, he's hot and sexy and makes her dreams come true. Honestly they both save each other I think and that's what made me latch on to the story and not want to put it down. I'm not normally a Cinderella story kinda girl. But I fell in love with the Characters and how her boss brought her out of her shell, but also showed that big Corporations need to care. Love this book and really look forward to reading more from this author. She will definitely be on my ebook list for now on!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Mariana Bezerra.
787 reviews151 followers
December 1, 2013
I’m loving these Entangled novellas and now they launched a new line with only fast and sweet romances. This was my first read and I loved meeting Meredith and Andrew. They are completely different people and work together, but we can clearly see that there’s more between those two than just working space. This was such a sad story, but they made it work really well. Meredith needed to let a little and enjoy life, so Andrew was perfect to introduce her into this new world and he was very understand about her pace.
Profile Image for Melissa Kendall.
Author 19 books215 followers
November 23, 2013
I lovely me an oblivious boss/awkward co worker story and this one definitely delivered.

Meredith is a shy unassuming wallflower who has managed to make it to her thirties in one piece event though she has had a tough life. One sigh from Meredith and Andrew's world is turned upside down. I really enjoyed how this story played out but i'm not going to say too much because i don't want to ruin it. This was a sexy read in a sort of unassuming way.

Overall i give this 4 out of 5
Profile Image for namericanwordcat.
2,440 reviews441 followers
December 21, 2013
A charming holiday romance. The author's tagline Strong Women. Smart Men. Great stuff. No Man hos! A wonderful accident prone genius heroine and a hero who genuinely likes her and great sexual chemistry. Underlaying this little novella is emotionial truths and character growth that really makes this quick read a jewel.

Lovely stuff!

I hate the title though. It is forgettable and makes it seem like another lame billionaire book. Sigh. Can't have it all.
Profile Image for MaggieReadsRom.
956 reviews117 followers
June 15, 2016
3,5 stars

Meredith Klaus is a capable CFO but also a klutz. I loved the opening scene that immediately made my me like her. Andrew Stanton is the CEO she falls for.

FALLING FOR THE CEO is a short and enjoyable ugly duckling/Cinderella story. I liked Meredith and Andrew and would have loved to spend more time with them. It was funny, hot and emotional and though it was short I did get a feeling for the characters' backgrounds and back stories.
Profile Image for Karen.
381 reviews21 followers
November 26, 2013
This was a sweet book about falling in love with your boss and vice versa. It reminded me of the fairy tale Cinderella. :) I liked watching Meredith turn from the shy wallflower to the sexy woman who tells Andrew what she wants. And I loved the way Andrew treated her so sweetly! A great Christmas read!
*ARC received from publisher
Profile Image for Radiant.
1,180 reviews30 followers
January 3, 2014
Meredith never thought she would want anyone as much as she wants Andrew,but he is her boss and when he asks her to attend a gala with him,she takes this opportunity to get him but she is too shy and reserved ,can she overcome it and get what she wants ?And will Andrew give it to her!

I really like the story,it was short,fast paced and the characters were quite entertaining!

Rating - 3.5!
Profile Image for Ava.
1,028 reviews23 followers
December 3, 2013
Christmas Novella! but more than that... giving, confidence. just pretty lovely.
it was indeed a good novella because it was all about not neglecting oneself. voice your voice for what you want, what you deserve. giving because you have, sharing also.
165 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2021
Sweet story, but some choices that maybe shouldn't have been made or have been clarified more. Like the beginning when Andrew breaks up with his girlfriend. It has no impact to the story at all, and could have been left out. Yes we got an idea that he cherished his family, but that was clear just the way he talked about his sister. And I'm sorry to say none of the characters were mentionable at all, there was nothing that made them stand out. Colourless characters is more correct.
Profile Image for Khenta.
165 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2020
IMO a bit too short for the topic. Some aspects of a workplace romance, with the boss even, could have been adressed more. But the hero was an adorable cutie, and it was nice to see the heroine go from ugly duckling to swan.
Profile Image for Betsy :D.
1,291 reviews44 followers
June 13, 2017
A short read but it was good it could have been better if it were longer and I wish it had been longer because I really like it.
242 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2017
Short and sweet story about about a CEO who falls for his awkward, down-to-earth CFO. It was a quick, enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews