Forbidden Boss

Manhattan Billionaires #5

by Lilian Monroe

All Nikki Jordan wants is to pay her bills. But when she suffers a minor injury at work, her billionaire boss Rome Blakely suspects she's going to sue.He has only one keep her close, keep her employed, and make sure she doesn't turn litigious.Close enough to bring to his next charity gala. Close enough that his biggest client thinks they're an item.One little fake date turns out to have big consequences...Especially when fake turns real, real turns hot, and Nikki discovers she's pregnant.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fake Dating, Billionaire Romance, Workplace, Contemporary, Workplace Romance

420 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2024

About the author

Lilian Monroe lives in a luxurious jungle treehouse surrounded by lush greenery, with an army of scantily-clad men with rippling abdominal muscles ready to attend to her every need.

No, wait. That's not true.

Lilian Monroe spends her days dangling her feet into her pool, while a scantily-clad pool boy with rippling abdominal muscles feeds her chocolate-covered strawberries and massages her back.

Okay, okay. You got me. That's not true, either. Let's try again.

Lilian Monroe lives at home with her two children, three dogs, and twelve chickens. Her husband likes to work shirtless in the back yard. His sweaty, gleaming abdominal muscles ripple with every movement and he—

I'm sorry. I have to stop. Fine, I'll admit it. That one isn't true either.

How about this: Lilian Monroe loves thinking about men with rippling abdominal muscles serving her hand and foot, and she wants you to think about them too! She is an avid reader, writer, and lover of all things romance.

She loves everything from bad boys to billionaires. Her books are packed with sizzling-hot heat, action, suspense, and everything from second chances to single dads. She hates cheating and loves a good happily ever after (and rippling abs).

Reviews

[Jen ♥]

This was going so well until the third act breakup. 🤦‍♀️

For the most part, I was having fun, because Rome wasn't a bad person in general. But after he did what he did, I expected something more from him, and unfortunately, the readers didn't get any decent groveling. Just a meh sorry speech, which wasn't satisfying to read at all. 🙄

Rome hurt Nikki when all she did throughout the story was put him first and cared for his business and reputation. Yet he had no problems throwing everything she did to her face and assuming the worst about her.

And he should've freaking groveled, but the douche only spew some lame ass apology for his stupidity, and Nikki, God bless her kind soul, forgave him right away. 🤦‍♀️ Am I disappointed?! Yes, abso-f*cking-lutely!!! She should've made him work for her forgiveness and not just fall back into his arms so quickly. 🤦‍♀️

Because, let's face it, he was all words without action at that moment. He should've shown his face when he had already proven that he was truly sorry, and there is proof to support his apology. 🤧

But as it disappointingly turns out there's no need for any of that because Nikki wholeheartedly welcomed Rome back to her arms. Istg!!! She's waaaay too freaking good and forgiving, I can't with her at that point. I love and hate that about her. Ugh! 🥴

Anywaaaay, it was good for the first 75%-ish, but then the separation ruined the whole experience for me. 🤷‍♀️


PS: Now that I think about it, I've read a few books by this author, and she's really got a knack for creating separations and some pretty stupid MMCs. Even though I should've seen it coming, it still really gets on my nerves. Breakups are no fun to read. 🤧



Book info:
- Workplace romance
- Surprise pregnancy
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Insta-something
- Abandonment issue
- Trust issue
- Age gap (h - early to mid 30s, H - 42)
- No cheating, OM/OW
- No V
- Separation (more than 2 mos)
- HFN (engaged with a newborn daughter)

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I think she did it! I knew I loved her stories but this book is possibly her very best. I was sucked in from the first chapter and it never stopped as I read this in 2 sittings only because I had obligations. Otherwise I would have read the whole thing in one sitting. I LOVED this story. Rome hires Nikki because he is afraid she is going to sue him and his company. Nikki was never that devious and she just needed a job. Rome has hired her to be his plus one at his various and many social events. Both start out not liking or trusting each other, but Nikki needs the job and she does her best. As expected, their love and trust brought them their HEA but not without pitfalls for miles. This was a great story with wonderful characters and I loved every minute of it!

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Charliegirl1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

They really need therapy

This is the first book I've read by this author outside the series set in Heart's Cove. The story line starts off like a rom-com, but it's so over run by personal angst on both Rome and Nikki's part. They're both so insecure, not just romantically, but even with their friends, and so all over the place about wanting relationships but being sure that they'll be rejected that it frankly, becomes tedious. When he refuses to believe her motives, rejects her, and goes no contact, I find it unrealistic that one instance of apology is enough for her. He needed to prove himself to her.

[Kimberly Holmgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Nikki from the beginning. A spitfire who just wants to get through life. One setback after another, and a big misunderstanding with the boss who just fired her, lands her the opportunity she needs to finally get ahead. Rome thinks she’s trouble. He needs to keep her close. He offers her a position as his plus one. She’s to be at his beck and call, available to be on his arm anytime he needs her. The salary and perks are way too hard to turn down, even if she doesn’t necessarily like the gruff CEO. Rome quickly realizes the value in hiring Nikki when he sees how his clients and his disapproving family reacts to her. He quickly finds himself drawn to her. He doesn’t see a future that involves a wife, kids and a white picket fence. What happens when he finds out Nikki has a secret that will change both of their lives?

[Stefanie Simeone · Rating 5 out of 5]

unique twist to fake dating

This book is about fake dating that I could almost see happening in reality. Although the connection is tense at first, the attraction is there. I can understand Rome being hesitant to trust considering how he was raised and I’m glad Nikki was able to show him it was possible. This is a beautiful story.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

FORBIDDEN BOSS has an attention getting start that gives us a tantalizing look at the sassy Nikki. She looks like a hot mess, but the entertainment begins with her first few encounters with Rome. Rome makes his distrust and displeasure known from the start.

But the contract is for a very contact intensive work based fake relationship. Lots of time spent together clashing and alternatively, getting glimpses into why each hold themselves apart from other people.

It’s really well written and I found the spice to be interesting, and it was a real page turner. After reading an early copy of the book, I can recommend it to those that like the billionaire glamour and the grumpy/sunshine with a smart young woman and older man.

[Dotti Elrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Boss
Rome and Nikki
Workplace romance, enemies to lovers, secret baby

For the most part, I’ve enjoyed this series. I love the characters. I love the found family they’ve created, with their billionaire husbands and all of their kids. But there have been things that have irritated and just really bothered me about these stories.

Nikki showed up in the third book, she’s Penny’s former college roommate. After reconnecting and bringing Penny back into the real world, she’s become good friends with the group. After being misled about advancement opportunities at her job, she’s finds herself unemployed and needing something. She finds a temp job working for Romes advertising firm. And yet again fate has a way of stepping in and shoving her in the right direction. Well not at first, but they do get there.
The last thing Rome needs is some ditzy woman ruining one of his most important photo shoots for his company. Not only did she shatter the custom glass perfume bottle, she ends up in the ER. He needs to work fast to keep her from suing. So he offers her a job, of sorts. She’ll be his plus one to social functions. A paid companion, that hopefully will help him land a huge new client.
It’s awkward and uncomfortable, but Nikki is a natural. Charming and engaging making friends with all of his prospective clients. They soon start to see another side to each other. A sweet, tender, caring side. And when those lines get crossed, they are all in. Until their pasts creep into their thoughts and start pushing.
Nikki is used to being the “placeholder”. Standing in until someone better comes along. It’s happened with her mother, any boyfriend she’s had even her jobs. Just holding that spot until someone better comes along. Rome is used to being overlooked, ignored. No one wanting him for just him. Always being seen as the stepping stone to something better.
Like I said, I loved the characters, that’s what keeps me coming back for each new book.
What I’ve struggled with is the basic story. They’ve become very predictable and formulaic. Same basic story, just insert new names and places.
And the repetitiveness. The amount of times we had to read about Nikki “just being a placeholder”, or Rome just wanting someone to see him, was ridiculous. It’s not like you could ever forget, because you’re reminded several times per chapter. It’s too much.
I will read the next one, like I said I do like the characters and catching up with them.

[Kim Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t blown away by this book but it was a good and interesting read for what it was. Typical work place romance that I tend to go for in the long run with the ebb and pull of we should or we shouldn’t. The only difference is instead of really embellishing the contract relationship and acting like they were really in love, they acted like it was more convenience and friendly which is more real than pretending like something was there. To be fair though, all it did was encourage Rome to indulge in his desire and need to connect with Nikki. It may have started off friendly, but then morphed into more and I liked how it was effortless and easy but then because they were spending so much time with each other, they got to know each other and developed feelings. Usually when these tropes happen, the desire is already there and it becomes more of a temptation that turns sexual. In this case, Rome was intrigued by her but he didn’t think of her sexually until getting to know her and with little touches here and there. The same happened with Nikki but she had more resentment to him and bitterness with a little bit of intrigue. She figured out his family dynamics and reasons he is the way he was by meeting the family in an unconventional situation. I enjoyed reading about how she essentially came to an understanding without him saying anything. Then of course because both Nikki and Rome are sensitive people, things get misconstrued and misunderstood. Rome thinks she’s using him because of his status and money, whereas Nikki thinks he’s using her as a placeholder and not a permanent solution. I loved how despite the confidence they both exuded that they were still insecure and felt like they have been tossed aside their whole life without a second thought which ultimately is what connected them. They loved how they both made the other feel seen and important which is what we all want in a relationship anyway. All in all, good story with emotions, steam and chemistry but nothing that blew me away, earning a 4 for me.

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Boss (Nikki and Rome's Story) is An Accidental Pregnancy Romance (Manhattan Billionaires) by Lillian Monroe. Nikki finds herself in quite a predicament when she performs the mundane task of polishing a life-size perfume bottle that resembles a phallic symbol. She ends up locked in a closet-sized space for over two hours. When the advertising company's CEO and owner come to her rescue, Nikki finds herself hurt by the shattering glass of a crashing perfume bottle and getting fired on the spot by her immediate boss. After Rome realizes that Nikki can sue the company and possibly win, Rome meets with her the following Monday. Nikki's good friend's husband hired a lawyer to attend the meeting. The meeting between Rome and Nikki changes their lives forever. A shocked Nikki is presented with a proposal to be Rome's companion or plus one for up-and-coming social events. The contract outlines a substantial salary, generous monthly clothes, health benefits, and a beauty allowance so she can dress appropriately. Since Nikki needs a job, a new place to live, and no prospects, she hammers out a deal where there will be no physical contact beyond their professional appearances. Both Nikki and Rome have issues with family relationships of neglect and feelings of abandonment that leak into their relationship. After staying together in small spaces, they give in to the chemistry Rome and Nikki feel for each other. As each tries to protect and hide their hearts, feelings erupt, but not being able to trust each other almost ruins the closeness that has grown between them. The drama never ends as Rome tries to convince a client to use his company's advertisement; both are reeling from family demands and falling for each other despite internal insecurities vying for immediate attention. Lillian Monroe's books are a delight to pick up and read any day or time.

[Emilee Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikita (Nikki) Jordan has always felt like a placeholder in all of her relationships regarding her friends and her family. When she accidentally causes the destruction of a prop for her job and gets fired, she’s terribly upset and not sure what to do at the moment. In steps her boss, Rome Blakely, who decides he needs to pay off Nikki in order to make it out of the conflict without a lawsuit. When Nikki agrees to be Rome’s companion during important events, their lines start to cross a lot. They realize pretty much right away that their chemistry was too much to keep them apart. Stuck in a constant back and forth battle with their hearts, are they going to be able to last or are they set to fall apart whenever their contract does?

Rome Blakely is a billionaire, located in New York City, and can’t get his wild and outspoken employee out of his head. When an issue occurs and the employee is fired, he worries there may be more to come without further insistence to settle outside of a lawsuit. Convinced that he has abandonment issues and people will always leave him, Rome is dedicated to a life time of loneliness. Only Nikki turns his thoughts all around.

I can’t remember if I read this author before but I absolutely loved this book. I’m a very emotional person, so just a fair warning that I cried a few times. But it was all worth it. Some tropes include: accidental pregnancy, workplace romance, boss/assistant romance, forced proximity and one bed. Plus some others. Some TWs to include would be: neglect of a child, death of a parent (FMC and cancer), and maybe a few more. Either way, take care of your self.

[NL Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

As per her usual, Ms. Monroe has written an engaging story, with well-developed and evolving characters, just the right touches of humor ("meercats" - I'm just sayin'), and this novel's "sexy times" are so steamy that I had to occasionally remove my glasses! The relatively few technical errors are just icing on this book's cake.

I especially liked the fact that the identity of the "villain" in the story came as a complete surprise to me. Looking back over the novel, I think the clues were there, but neither of the main characters ("Rome" or "Nikki") had figured out the person's identity until the end. And, keeping true to the first person POV from which the chapters were written, the reader didn't know until the characters did. (Well done, author!)

And, of course, it wouldn't be a Lilian Monroe novel without her hitting a few of my figurative nails. In this novel, the idea of the "placeholder" persona had me nodding like a bobblehead. This idea is kin to "imposter syndrome," but, to me, is more insidious. A "placeholder" is used for a certain role - until something better comes along. Think of the "friend" in high school who drops you after she becomes part of the cheerleading squad, or the parent who doesn't have any friends and turns a child into a BFF, only to "re-define" the relationship when the guy next door becomes the BFF.

So, I am highly recommending this novel to any fan of contemporary romance. (And now, if you'll excuse me, I need to search online for a laser hair removal specialist... Read the novel - you'll get it...)

[Ana Gimenes · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me one day to read this book. It almost got me divorced because my husband didn´t understand why I couldn´t put this book down. And I am going to explain why. The book is beyond amazing. It deserves a constellation, not only five stars. The story starts with a locked door. Buffing a perfume bottom for a shoot. An accident and an imaginary lawsuit turned into an agreement and be prepared for one of the most incredible stories that you have already read. In Nikki´s opinion, Rome is rude and arrogant, but she needs money and she is almost desperate. On the other hand, Rome was looking for someone to attend events, meetings, and parties, and Nikki was the best option as a companionship. The chemistry between them is palpable, but business speaks louder. The question is- for how long? The book is easy to read. A lot of funny scenes. You will laugh and cry and by the end of the book, you will be in love with that. A must-read. Will Nikki be able to shatter the walls around Rome´s heart? Because Rome doesn´t do romances and he is used to standing on his own. And Nikki? She relies on herself during her whole life. Will she trust him? So, I recommend you read it and discover what is gonna happen to this incredible couple. By the way, Lilian Monroe is one of my favorite authors and this story is captivating.

[Susan D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Lilian’s books! Always know you’re going to laugh and be entertained by the antics of the characters! You will also be drawn into the depths of their struggles of overcoming their rejection and insecurities! Nikki and Rome are no exception!

Rome is a pompous, arrogant, rich jerk, that cares for nothing but his business and thinks that everyone is out to get him. Nikki is an insecure, lonely, down on her luck gal, just trying to get by. When a photo shoot gone wrong collides there worlds, sparks and misunderstandings ignite. They both try to make the best of the situation, thinking they are outsmarting the other, but turns out feeling for each other intervene and make both of them reevaluate who they are, to not just themselves, but to each other.

This book is cute and quirky and a good read!! My favorite part (besides the wonderful ending) was when Nikki goes into the office, with the unplanned lawyer, to negotiate what she is not aware of, and Rome walks in when she is putting on her lipstick! Her pop of her lips with her lipstick had me giggling out loud! LOL. Trust me… you have to read just to enjoy that scene!

[Dewey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story is so obvious. It's the very typical fake girlfriend plot with two ridiculous characters, both of whom need therapy. Does this author want us to like her characters? There is the idiot billionaire who decides to ruin her because he's an idiot. It's not believable that he could manage a business and become a billionaire based on his business skills. Most of his employees are independent contractors which puts him in a violation of state & federal employment laws. He fires her after it's THEIR fault she is injured on the job. Then he decides it is HER fault for this whole situation; thinks she is threatening him when she's done NOTHING. Thinks she has no idea what hardship is; good grief, this is tedious scene after scene. I would SO ENJOY this story if she would sue them for firing her. But of course that's not what happens. Her character is annoying too; her whole "I'm a placeholder" thing is tiresome. Amazing how she gets through life with her clueless behavior. She goes through her days assessing peoples' fashions and did they get highlights in their hair? I just skimmed to get to the TINY groveling he does so I could send this back to KU.

[Gabby (bookishandballgowns) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billionaire romances are genuinely so addicting. These are my comfort reads 😆

This whole book is a miscommunication, so if that’s not your thing maybe steer clear. Personally that’s not my favorite plot device, BUT I felt like it was done in an interesting way. The MMC in particular likes to jump to conclusions, and it left me genuinely laughing out loud at his antics at the beginning of the book. Meanwhile the FMC was left wondering, “What on earth is happening?!” It drove the story forward at rapid fire, and led to an interesting take on fake dating.

As a whole I really enjoyed this book. I had previously read the beginning of this series, but lost track of it once I had caught up. I was delighted to find that I still had two more books to read. It was the best feeling diving back into it. The premises and these characters are a lot of fun.

It’s just so easy to fly through these books. Each time I get sucked in I wonder, when am I going to meet my own grumpy billionaire???? I guess I need to accidentally get myself locked in a closet with a giant 🍆 shaped perfume bottle. It seemed to work for this FMC lol! If you love silly goofy fun, you’ll enjoy the set up for this book.

[Angelica · Rating 3 out of 5]

We start off by seeing Nikki locked in a closet with a life-sized perfume bottle that looks a little more on the sexual side. The artist insisted on actually filling the bottle with the perfume, which makes the financial loss hit a little harder with Rome, the company CEO. Her boss immediately fires her and while she's at the hospital Rome is informed of her employment status and how it opens them up for liability. The scheme for the "companion" begins.

She is given a pretty nice allowance to attend events with Rome with which he definitely utilizes the beck-and-call. It was annoying to see how Nikki viewed herself as a placeholder in people's lives. Even when she's struggling she still doesn't reach out to her support system. The miscommunication between them on how they viewed each other was extremely annoying. When they get back together he definitely did not do enough groveling which was disappointing. The ending seemed lacking… it doesn't seem like they had gotten over their hangups with their personalities.


-Billionaire
-Fake Dating
-Surprise Pregnancy
-3rd Act Breakup

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soo entertaining!!
If you aren't laughing, cringing, and cheering Nikki on after reading the first chapter, then you don't need to read the rest. ;)

It was easy to connect with these characters and enjoy their attempt to make the most of their situations (even if they were based in misunderstandings). Rome looks at "the incident" through a business owner's eyes, while Nikki isn't even looking!!

The ease of their connection and chemistry is very entertaining and engaging, and very much what they individually need. When they finally give in to their sizzling chemistry, the steamy scenes are quite entertaining. I wanted to slap Rome a couple times to have him "snap out of it", but I adore the path they took, to their HEA.

I highly recommend this author and this book. Once you have enjoyed your time with this couple, I recommend reading more in this talented author's catalog of funny and creative works. Absolutely worth your time!

[Rozebudzz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikki and Rome

A straightforward, predictable enemies to lovers trope between two people who at first seem mismatched but as they get to know each other, they actually work well together. Nikki feels like a placeholder in everyone’s life. Rome has an overbearing mommy issue. They both have messy pasts and empty personal lives. Nikki is struggling to find her place where she can use her love of fashion to build a career. All Rome has is his ambition to keep his business successful. They work together to get both.

I hate 3rd act breakups and this one seemed unnecessary and irritating. It always takes me out of the story. I wish authors would stop using it. Even the groveling afterwards wasn’t much. All Nikki’s friends from the previous books make an appearance. This timeline overlaps some of their stories. It’s nice to see them from Nikki’s POV.

Easy read, sweet HEA.

[Tiffany Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

GREAT… until the end

90% of the book was great. I love a fake dating trope, and this was a new way to look at it.
Loved how Nikki wasn’t a bumbling idiot, even when life was kicking her butt, I was never annoyed at her way of thinking like I do with most FMC.

BUT…

what was that ending? She spent the entire book struggling with her place in her friend group. Whether they meant to or not, they very much did go on an expensive vaca and she was left behind without being told. I would’ve liked to have seen a whole conversation. Kind of how Bonnie had to have one with the girls in her book. Her feelings were valid and it felt like it got swept under the rug.
Secondly. Maybe I’m spoiled from book 1, but the groveling was terrible. He just shows up and boom, back together?? It took me 2 days to finish 2 chapters bc the ending was terrible. Even her relationship with her mom. Just terrible.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilian is a genius!

This book is phenomenal and I absolutely loved it! The story of Nikki and Rome is filled with all the feels and is an absolute must read! The two meet when Nikki is involved in a bit of a mishap with a very large, very questionably shaped perfume bottle. When Rome tries to head off some bad press for his company, a new working relationship between the two is born. There are many ups and downs on their journey but I love how their feelings change and grow as the story unfolds. Nikki is strong and amazing when she stands up for Rome with his family and it’s one of many feel good parts of their story. Add in an amusing incident involving chocolate chip cookies and some wonderful friends and business partners and you get yet another wonderful story from Lilian that is time well spent!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Kathy VanHouten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Boss is An Accidental Pregnancy Romance by Lillian Monroe
This story is about Nikki and Rome and it starts with Nikki polishing a huge perfume bottle that looks like the male equipment. She gets stuck in a storage room and Rome, who owns the advertising company gets her out and in doing so this huge bottle breaks. Nikki is then fired but  gets rehired to accompany Rome to his public function where she wins over those he tries to get a contract with.Both Rome and Nikki have strong personalities and hide deep insecurities. They begin a romance and Rome misunderstanding what Nikki is trying to talk to him about due to his family's dysfunction gets him feeling alone in the world which transfers to Nikki and they break up .But there is a HEA just read to find out how it comes about.

[Carrie O · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hit and miss for me

I have enjoyed the mid-life series very much and love Lilian Monroe's writing, but... while I was fully invested in our main characters, there were at least two points on this book where the train derailed for me. There is so much really solid story, and then... why, why, why? But that's me, and others may absolutely love this one.

I loved Nikki! And Rome grew on me. The debilitating doubts and fears seriously wore on me.

Wilbur & Roseanne Monk are a fabulous addition to this story, and honestly made so much of it "work"... and I am left wanting to go back and finish the other Manhattan Millionaires books. So there's that.

I do like the way the author writes. This is partly why it surprises me to question a couple of her choices here.

[bonnie Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read! Sweetly intense.

I have been reading a lot of books lately that I have had to force myself to finish. Not so with this one. There was something about this book that kept me intrigued. The MMC and the FMC were so much alike in their fear of rejection because of the emotional neglect and abuse they had suffered at the hands of their parents. I believe it was the thing that made their connection as a couple so intense and it was also the thing that almost tore them apart. Yet upon losing one another they found the strength to stand up for themselves and to stand up to others. They then stood strong in their love for one another. They were both likeable even though each had certain quirks. I am so glad they got their happily ever after.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Boss is the first book in the Manhattan Billionaires Series between Rome, an advertising business CEO, and Nikki, who gets injured on his business property due to a freak accident. Rome is concerned Nikki may sue his business and decides to offer a million dollar contract to her to be his personal companion 24/7 and she will accompany him to the events he must attend. This excellent and highly enjoyable book has amazing characters, misunderstandings, chocolate chip cookies (don't ask, just read), and a big surprise.
I received an advanced review of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[MissyB · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it better than the last book in the series but still a let down compared to the other books. Rome was an idiot she wanted to be with him without having employee/boss dynamic hanging over their relationship and he takes that as she’s abandoning him instead of the total opposite. Clearly he needs therapy since he’s looking for hidden meaning in every conversation and can’t possibly put together that sometimes people mean exactly what they are saying. Also the last spicy scene was ridiculous not only does she forgive in a span of 5 minutes after he shows up at her house but they also fall into bed and do anal for the first time just like that?! Come on! 🤨

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
I loved this.

This book had me giggling and kicking my feet like a school girl! I’m a sucker for workplace romance. Of course the storyline isn’t realistic, but we don’t read about billionaires for reality.

However, the third-act breakup and the following makeup between the characters made little sense. It felt like they were driven by their triggers instead of adult logic. And the relationship at times felt only lust-driven. But the FMC said it’s how they communicate. Fair enough, I guess.

Tropes: workplace, fake dating, age gap (I’m assuming? it wasn’t addressed), surprise pregnancy

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book 👩🏻‍🍳🤌🏼💋💋💋muah chefs kiss!!

I highly recommend reading the Big Bossy Series! You’ll get to know the other characters & how the gal pal group formed.
Nikita & Rome’s story is perfect! They’re both business savvy, banter is next level, and a great storyline. FMC is strong, & sassy with a heart of gold. MMC is reserved, quick to misinterpret things, but he falls first.
It’s the perfect kind of love story that you’ll want to read over & over again. Sugar, spice, and everything nice!

[Judy25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Boss is another great book by Lilian Monroe. Billionaire Rome Blakely and his lowly contract employee, Nikita (Nikki) Jordan, experience numerous major misunderstandings throughout this story that can be explained by delving into their individual bungled upbringings and realizing that they both are just reacting to current situations based on past bad experiences. Communication is the key to comprehending your partner. Their HEA is achieved once they come to this realization.

[Sue Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, and I'm willingly leaving an honest review.
Wow... I loved Rome and Nikki's wonderful story.
They both had the same upbringing, trying to please their parents, but nothing was ever good enough...
They felt unloved, and both were afraid to admit their feelings to each other until it was nearly too late!
Brilliant storyline with wonderful characters and absolutely loved the HEA.