The Dating Dilemma

by Kelly Collins

I wanted to find my soulmate. Instead, I'm matched with the one man I can’t be with—my new boss…

I'm Olivia graphic designer by day, full-time dreamer always. My big plans? Rock my new job at Innovative Advertising and snag a storybook romance.

Work? Nailed it.

Love? Not so much. Cupid's arrow missed me by a mile—courtesy of a disastrous date with a dude named Seb.
Imagine my surprise when Seb turns out to be none other than Sebastian Elliott Blackthorne, my new boss. Talk about an awkward first day—he makes sure to include the company’s strict ‘no dating’ rule in my orientation.

So, I turn to Love Bug, the app that got it right for my friend Junie. And, in a crazy twist of fate, Seb might just be my Love Bug match.

Now, I'm tangled in a workplace romance that's as thrilling as it is forbidden. The spark? It's real. But we can’t keep it a secret forever, and now that I’m in too deep, I’m terrified that once our secret’s out, it’ll be over as quickly as it started.

Plunge into this hilarious, heart-tugging romance where creativity meets kismet. It's a fast-paced escapade filled with unexpected pairings, comedic misunderstandings, and maybe, just maybe, a love that's meant to be…

Genres: Romance

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2024

About the author

Kelly Collins is a bestselling, award-winning author of feel-good small-town romance filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters. Her books are perfect for readers who crave heartwarming contemporary love stories, sassy heroines, and slow-burn romances with cinnamon roll heroes you’ll wish were real.

With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.

Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.

Visit www.authorkellycollins.com to grab a free book and discover your next favorite escape.

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You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.

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Reviews

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute and so much fun! I enjoyed getting to know Liv and Sebastian (Liv is introduced in "Swipe Right for Romance" but these do not need to be read in order). Although some of this felt like the same story as the first (being matched by the app, sneaking around at work, coworker issues, family issues), the characters are loveable in their own right and I laughed along (and cringed a little) when they went on their first date. The chemistry is there and the book moved along at just the right pace, having us all fall in love right along with them.

I received a copy from the author for an honest review.

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if an Epic Fail Date was Really an Epic Win?

Although Liv and Seb do not have the most successful first date, it is without a doubt the most memorable either has ever had for more than just the Murphy's Law quality. The connection between them was immediate and powerful leaving both accepting fate doesn't want them together because the are so different, but yet each acknowledges that there is something more simmering under the surface. What Seb thinks as Liv walks away from him and their date is so telling of their whole relationship "Olivia's retreating silhouette holds me paralyzed, and my thoughts swirl in a combination of disbelief and mild amusement. Am I being a jerk for not going for a cookie? Admittedly, our date was a little exciting. Sure, she's gorgeous with her long black hair and cognac-colored eyes, but trusting a near stranger with my heart?" WOW! What more can you ask for in terms of exposition, character development, and a set up for the rest of the book. And, this book delivers on that both because of that wonderful tension of that is so important for a good comedy and the electric connection that the romance needs. But don't think the whole book relies on only the first few chapters to present this laugh out loud romantic comedy, the promise of that first date gone epicly wrong follows this pair throughout the whole book as they soon discover they are now working together and add an extra level of the forbidden romance and workplace dynamics and office rivals add extra challenges for Seb and Liv to overcome. As if that isn't enough there are wonderful cameos of AJ and Junie from Swipe Right and a wonderful teases for which secondary character here will be the star of the next Love Bug Match Up! I can't wait to see who it be but I know I will be on release day for that book as well.

I read this as a gifted book

[Randi (randi_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia "Liv" Kato and Sebastian "Seb" Blackthorne have a first date...and most likely that's it after the disaster that it was. Though there was a spark between them, neither think they will see each other again, but fate has other plans. Turns out that Seb is her new boss where she is hired as a graphic designer.

After their date, both Liv and Seb completed the questionnaire on the Love Bug app, looking for their perfect match. I wonder who it could be! LOL As Liv and Seb continue to work together, the initial spark that they felt is still there, but Seb has a no dating rule at work. But, what if it's your perfect match?

I really enjoyed this sweet, lighthearted, dual POV romance. Liv is a strong woman who I enjoyed reading about. I love how she handled Vicky, her devious and unethical direct supervisor.

This is book #2 in the Love Bug series. Liv was introduced in the first book, but this can definitely be read as a complete standalone.

Thank you to the author for an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden relationship dilemma
This is Kelly’s second Love Bug novel and continues on with Junie’s best friend and graphic designer of the Love Bug app, Olivia. Or Liv to her friends.
Liv desperately wants to prove herself to her family and the outside world that her work on the Love Bug app was not just a one hit wonder for her career.
Finding a new job whilst also trying to find her soul mate leads to a few comical encounters with a gorgeous man called Seb.
The Love Bug app and fate intervene and Liv’s life becomes more complicated but takes an unexpected turn for the better.
I loved reading Seb and Liv’s story, the characters each had their own problems to overcome but together were loveable and made a great couple.
Hiding a work relationship, trouble with a co-worker and some light hearted humour went towards making sure this rom com was a joy to read.

[Curly Bibliophagist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This is book 2 in the Lovebug series and it is Liv and Seb's story.

Liv was born into a wealthy family and raised as sort of a debutant. Her mother feels she needs to succeed on her own so as she doesn't need to rely on a man. Yet she wants Liv to marry a very successful man.

Liv is a graphic designer. Liv goes on a date that is set up through people she knows. The date is a disaster but there is still something there between her and her match. Thinking she'll never see the guy again, she leaves. But when she starts a new job the next week, she is shocked at who her boys is.

Seb owns an advertising firm. His friend and partner just suddenly took off with more than half of everything, leaving Seb and what's left of the company in dire straits. When he sees Liv, he is shocked. But hey, he has a strict no dating in the company policy in effect and he's too busy trying to save his company to have time, right?

Looking for someone, they separately sign up for the dating app, Lovebug. They are matched and spend time getting to know their matches anonymously. But as time goes on, they both start to wonder if their match could be...

I have loved everything that this author writes. This book is all about being strong, standing up for yourself and respecting the differences in others. Sometimes stag beetle and a red butterfly are a perfect match.

[MeMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

As charming as the first book in the Love Bug series, this is the second in the series. Many aspects of Liv's character make her interesting, funny, and complex. Can you recall your first date? The Love Bug brought Olivia and Seb together, and the two of them shared an unforgettable moment in which fire and water were involved. It seems like nothing is out of the ordinary until her date turns out to be her supervisor on the first day of her new job. Despite a work policy prohibiting fraternization among colleagues, it is hard not to become involved. It is common knowledge that such a situation usually has an unfavorable outcome. Whenever one's heart desires something, he or she must learn to bend and go with the flow. This is a well-written and enjoyable book. There is powerful chemistry between her and Seb. His character is also imposing. Even though the workplace is dynamic, I would have liked to see even more of it. This was an addictive experience. What an entertaining series this is.

[Ashley Snider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dating Dilemma is the second love bug book. They do not have to be read in order.

This is a light and sweet happily ever after romance. I do feel like it was a repeat plot of the first book with different characters. Both of the females fall for their male bosses while being matched through the app.

Seb is all work and no play. Seb fights an internal battle to see the things he is missing out on in life. Can Liv set aside the fact that he’s her boss to give their feelings a fighting chance? These two love bugs think they can hide their relationship at work but Vicky has other ideas. Will Liv and Seb stay true to one another or will they snuff out the flame burning between them?

The development of the characters and the pace of the storyline was good. It was a quick easy and fun read. Their first date was an epic disaster and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at times. 🤣

[Daisy Nijs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you imaging being matched on a dating app with your boss? Just reading the blurb had me all excited about this book. This made for some funny and awkward scenes, and I loved it.
Even though their first date didn’t go as planned, the tension between Liv and Seb is there from the beginning.
Both of them have to overcome some problems, they have to deal with rival co-workers, and to hide their feelings and relationship at work. I loved the dynamics all around these two and that dating app was the best thing for them to happen.

[Nicole Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soy in love

Wild ride on a first blind date, new job turned into massive competition. Could not get enough of this story.no highly recommend to others.

[Deb Mackow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liv and Seb meet for a date that goes from bad to worse. They each sign up with the dating app Lovebug hoping to find their perfect match. But wait, Liv accepts a new job and who does her boss turn out to be? None other than Seb! Can the app really match people perfectly? Great stand alone story, but you should really read Swipe Right for Romance first.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liv and Seb, together, are almost the living embodiment of Murphy’s Law. Their first date? Everything that could go wrong, did. And even though their chemistry shot out sparks that could be seen from outer space, they concluded that they were just too different to make it work… Until they discovered they now work together, and all those sparks were lighting up the air again. I loved this pair. Liv has so much sass and spunk. Even though Seb is on the quieter, steadier side, he’s got a wicked sense of humor that meant this dynamic duo left me howling with laughter more often than not. I’m not sure who Love Bug will match up next, but I’m dying to find out.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Juli Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dating the boss is a bad idea, or isn’t it?
Olivia and Seb’s attraction is definitely off the charts, even after their disastrous first date. But when Olivia walks into her first day at her new job and sees her new boss is none other than Seb, her disastrous first date guy, she wants it to be professional. But their attraction to each other makes it very hard to keep it that way. Plus the Love Bug app thinks they are a perfect match. Loved watching them fight and finally give in to their attraction.

[Sabrina Medina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun witty predictable story of fumbling through and finding happiness. Seb and Liv are very fun characters. Their story is a delight.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is funny, entertaining and delightful. Two opposites do attract, but can they find enough in common to make a relationship work? After another disastrous first date, (one I could stop not stop laughing about), Olivia is determined to see if the Love Bug app she helped design can find her the perfect match just like it did for her friend. She never expected to see Seb, her blind date, again but Fate has other plans. As it turns out, he is the CEO at the firm where she has just been hired as the Art Director. Is her new job about to be over before it starts? Why does the thought of that bother her so much?

After his failed date with Olivia, Seb’s friend convinces him to try the Love Bug app. He had felt an initial spark and connection with Olivia, but the epic mishaps made him think he was mistaken. Seb is ready to share his life with someone after neglecting his personal life for so long in order to establish his business. He knows he has trust issues after his ex friend and business partner walked away with a good portion of the business. When he discovers his new hire is none other than his blind date, who goes by Liv not Olivia professionally, Seb is just a bit stunned by not only seeing her again, but by the sparks seeing her generates within him. They agree to put their blind date behind them, especially since his firm has a no dating policy. But those sparks between them aren’t going away, and the Love Bug app thinks they are a good match, they just don’t know it yet.

As their story continues, they encounter a few unexpected surprises, develop a stronger connection, deeper feelings and insight into each other. They also face some opposition in both their personal and professional lives that challenges their relationship. I found both characters to be intriguing, including their flaws and quirks. Despite their first impressions, these two were made for each other. Their story is a keeper…..absolutely captivating and delightful.

I highly recommend this charmer of a book to those who like romances on the lighter side.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening pages of this entertaining novel had me laughing out loud, mainly with embarrassment, because I could identify all too closely with Liv as she fumbles through her blind date with Seb and then comes face to face with him when she starts her new job. She is one-of-a-kind and even though she literally lights up a room, Seb comes to the conclusion that there are just too many differences between them to risk a second date. That's when the Love Bug comes into play, and after a few days of Liv as his new hire, Seb begins to suspect that she might just be the match he is looking for. Unfortunately, Liv does not only stir up Seb's feelings, but those of other employees who are less than pleased about her appointment, but that is nothing compared to the reaction of Liv's parents when they invite Seb to dinner. Determined to make her mark in the design world, Liv discovers that she needs to stop hiding in the shadows if she wants to shine and with some good advice from her friends, she storms in to take her stand. This standalone novel comes to a heartwarming and amusing conclusion, leaving me with a smile on my face. I received a copy of this romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia “Liv” Kato’s designs were part of the huge success of her best friend’s dating app, Love Bug. With her new job as an art director at Innovative Designs, she hopes to further expand on her design career. She had hoped to work on her personal life as well, but tonight’s blind date went wrong in so many ways. Her first attempt at Love Bug was not a success, but perhaps she should have been more honest in her answers. Maybe she’ll give it another try. Arriving for her first day at work, fate is not done with her yet…her boss is the date from…well you know. When a friend talks him into trying the Love Bug app, Sebastian Blackthorne, owner of Innovative Designs, signs up. He is surprised when his blind date, aka the woman he couldn’t quit thinking about, is now his new graphic designer. As their relationship flourishes while working on the new campaign, will he ease up on his “no dating” rule at work? Liv has always tried to please everyone, sometimes at her own expense, but maybe she needs to go after what she wants; her job and her man! An extremely entertaining sequel to the first book! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where there's a spark, there's fire. That was the result of Olivia “Liv” Kato and Sebastian “Seb” Blackthrone's first date. Then they agree not to see each other again. After meeting, they both complete their questionnaires on the Love Bug app and then their perfect match is indicated.
However, fate has other plans for them and Liv discovers that her new boss is Seb. While they work together to try and save Seb's company, they have to deal with forbidden romance and rivalries within the office, as well as completing the app's “tasks” to find their perfect match.
I loved that Junie and AJ also appeared in this story. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I highly recommend reading it.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a smile on my face, I finished the book! The storyline has everything; a blind date gone wrong, breaking rules at the new job and parents who want to hover even though you long ago left the nest. Who doesn't want their own personal shopper who sends new designer clothing to your home and is also your Mother? Who isn't the luckiest daughter in the world to have a Dad who adores her? All this love and yet Olivia is missing that perfect man to warm her heart; then she meets him. Sebastian or Seb to his friends, is the perfect man and he has set out to prove it to Liv. It's a great story and I smiled through the angst, heartache and laughter right up until The End.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liv and Seb are an opposites attract boss employee romance. From their first blind date when he goes to eat a rare steak and as a vegan she freaks out and literally sets the restaurant on fire to all their later blooper like moments made me laugh. They fight the attraction because of their differences and his no romantic relationships at work policy. It doesn’t help that pushy mean girl Vicky is Liv’s supervisor and makes her work life extra difficult and her parents have impossible expectations for her and who she dates. There were plenty of funny, sweet, and steamy moments.

[Emabubby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia Kato is a graphic designer who is great at her job but a total loser at love. After her date with Seb (Sebastian Elliott Blackthorne) went down in flames Liv decided to try Love Bug a dating app. It turned out that Seb was her new boss and he made a point of letting Liv know about the ‘no dating’ rule" in her orientation interview. Things are not looking all that good for these two. Will they be able to look pass their dating mishap and find true love? Maybe maybe not. For the answer you must read this delightful Rom-Com.

[Beth Cotter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you remember your first date? The Love Bug has put Olivia and Seb together and they have a memorable one involving fire and water. It isn't so bad until her first day at a new job and her date turns out to be her boss. Their attraction makes it hard to not be involved even with a work policy that states no fraternizing between co-workers. Yeah, you know that doesn't go well. When the heart wants what the heart wants you have to learn to bend and go with the flow. It is an enjoyable read.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Love Bug series and it is just as charming as the first! Liv is an intriguing, funny, and multifaceted character. Her chemisty with Seb is electric. He's a wonderful character as well. I love the workplace setting and wish there had been even more of that dynamic. It was addictive. This is such a funny and entertaining series. I look forward to more, I hope!

Thanks to the author for sending me a review copy.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a funny and lite hearted romance. I loved the interaction between Liv and Seb. They are so different from each other, yet so perfect together. Their first date was hilarious. I recommend this book. It will have you laughing.

[Mellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars!

Great book with equally great storyline and wonderful characters. I took off 1/2 a star because some of the descriptions were so wordy. It worked in some places but was tiresome in many others.
Regardless, I still recommend this book!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia and Seb are interesting characters with work and family problems. The Love Bug dating app guides them to each other. It doesn't take them long to discover ways to help each other and they have a lot of fun along the way.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good continuation to the series. I really liked the characters and their journey. I just couldn't get as absorbed in tge story as I hoped.

[Jamie Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

While I got aggravated with a minor character, I overall adored this book! The characters were awesome and I've enjoyed the series so far!

[Doris Biddix · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great sequel. Enjoyed this book so much!! Kelly Collins is now an auto-buy for me, for sure!! Great banter, well developed characters that I really liked!!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read. Many laugh out loud moments to finally reach the HEA.

[Lindsey Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun addition to the Love Bug Universe. It was fun to see some of the characters from book 1 show up as well as getting to know some new characters. This one was filled with laugh out loud moments just like book 1.
Our main characters had a cute romance. I appreciated their care for each other and the growth each of their characters had throughout. The work place elements were a lot of fun. The one complaint I have is that some elements felt similar to book 1. I also just feel like they didn’t have quite the same chemistry level as the characters from the first book but I still enjoyed their story. My favorite moments are the ones where they are connecting via the app.
Going back to the work place elements. I liked the little bit of tension that was built up between her and Vicky. I wish there was a little bit more of that throughout the story. Some of the elements felt like we were hearing about it after instead of being shown.
Overall this was a fun read. I would say that it makes the most sense if you read book 1 first because it explains more about the app, however I don’t think it’s completely necessary to read in order.