Bad & Bossy

Boulder Billionaires #4

by Mia Mara

It was a bad idea from the start.
A wild night with a bad boy in a suit.
And now a bun in the oven to prove it.

The green-eyed swoonboat took me to heaven and hell - all in the same night.

Now I'm a struggling single mom with new curves and a new job.
I never thought I'd see him again.

Until today…

My heart races. The smirk on his lips reminds me of that night when he kissed me all over.
I anxiously try to stay out of sight.
But I can't avoid my new boss forever.

"Mr. Pearson wants to see you in his office now."

Every nerve in my body is on edge as I stand before him.
And then he brings his face inches from mine. "I need you to stay late, Dana. And I won't let you go this time."

But one thundering question haunts
How do I avoid telling him I have to get home - to his baby boy?

This is Cole and Dana’s story in the swoon-worthy series, Boulder Billionaires (Book 4) and can be read as a standalone. Find out how this redeemable bad boy turns into a cinnamon roll for his baby momma. Trigger This book delicately touches on themes of alcoholism (handled gently and without violence). But don't worry, a heartwarming happily-ever-after is guaranteed!

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Billionaire Romance, Workplace, Contemporary Romance

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2024

Reviews

[Janet Barnette · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I appreciate the author’s intention to highlight the struggles of alcoholism, there was too much selfishness and unreasonableness from the FMC. It just got repetitive and boring. There was no real emotional description of how she felt about getting pregnant, why she never told him or how she’d been doing. There was no love connection between the FMC and MMC, just physical. Her seeing him drinking the morning after their one night stand didn’t go with her shock a year later when she hears others talking about him being an alcoholic. So if you didn’t think he is, why never tell someone you’re having their baby? The “argument” they had the next morning was barely an argument, especially to keep someone from their child. Then she sleeps with him almost right away after seeing him again. And then sleeps with him again and again and never says she’s even a mother. Oh, and then when he finds out she’s a mom, he’s like: oh, okay, cool. Not like wow I’ve been falling for someone who has a kid, that should be a big deal to us all. And he brushes off that the kid could be his because he knows she was sleeping around a lot during the time he slept with her. It said “I had heard she liked to have sex” and then thought nothing more about the child potentially being his. Then when he finds out, no big tantrum or wanting to be part of the kids life or declarations of love. Just more unrealistic reactions from everyone. This was not an angsty, sexy romance. It was an author trying to get “deep” but writing an annoying, repetitive book with some sex scenes and very little love or emotional attraction. Sorry, I’m sure you’re a nice person.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me all the feels! I could not put it down and had to know what happened!

I married someone larger than life, just like Cole at 21, not really realizing how bad his alcoholism was; therefore, a lot of that part of the story resonates with me. I held off on having children because of this but I am getting away from this story.

The book was raw and real, giving this a very realistic feeling. I loved both Dana and Cole, and of course Drew. Their circle of friends were pretty amazing, well except a few of them ...

Lovers of contemporary romance will really enjoy this, unless they want a simple cut and dry love story. I will be looking for and reading the rest of this series, for a start.

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

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad & Bossy is a secret baby, enemies to lovers romance. Bad & Bossy is the tale of Cole and Dana.

Bad & Bossy deals with real life issues. Alcoholism is a very serious illness. It is a lifelong struggle to remain sober. It affects both Cole and Dana since childhood. Cole becomes an alcoholic since he started to drink when he was only 10-years old to cope with his indifferent parents. They ignore him at best and dessert him at worst. He was dumped off on his aunt’s doorstep as a young teen. Dana suffered from the lack of parenting from her parents because her mother is an alcoholic. The two have a strong pull to each other, but Dana can’t deal with Cole’s alcohol addiction. He was in denial until he hit rock bottom. This is their story about recovery and their messed up love story. It’s sad, but realistic. Bad & Bossy is a must read on how they deal with their trauma, it does contain death and destruction that can be attributed from alcoholism.

It also deals with healing families who suffer from the effects of this disease. However, this is a love story between Cole and Dana. Cole falls in love with her son when he meets him even though he isn’t aware of the fact that Drew is actually his son. They bond instantly, however, Dana can’t bring herself to tell Cole that he is his father out of fear of his alcoholism. She lives that life with an alcoholic mother and she doesn’t want that for her son. She wants a present sober father for him. People who have either dealt with or seen someone they love go through this disease can relate to Cole and Dana’s story. Even with the alcoholism aspects, I enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend for anyone to check this book out, but be warned if you don’t like seeing anything dealing with alcoholism then this book might not be for you. I can’t wait to see what author Mia Mara comes up with next.

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

[judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deals with real life issues. Alcoholism is a serious illness. It is a lifelong struggle to stay sober. It affects both Cole and Dana since childhood. He becomes an alcoholic since he started drinking since he was 10 years old to cope with his indifferent parents. They ignore him at best and dessert him at worst. He was dumped off on his aunts house as a young teen. Dana suffered from the lack of parenting from her parents because her mother is an alcoholic. The two have a strong pull to each other but Dana can’t deal with Cole’s alcohol addiction. He was in denial until he hit rock bottom. This is their story about recovery and their messed up love story. It is sad and realistic. It is a must read on how they deal with their trauma. It has death and destruction that can come from Alcoholism . It also deals with healing families who suffer from the effects of the disease. But mostly it is a love story between Cole and Dana. Cole falls in love with her son when he meets him eventhough he is not aware the Drew is his son. They bond instantly but Dana can’t bring herself to tell Cole that he is his father out of fear of his disease. She lived that life with an alcoholic mother and she doesn’t want that for her son. She wants a present sober father for him. You must read it to find how they navigate this and heal from their trauma.

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

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Boulder Billionaires serries each can be read as a standalone with a billionaire and the one who captures his undivided attention. Two broken souls Cole an alcoholic from the age of ten to deal with parents who ignored him then dropping him off to live with an aunt as a teenager. Dana is sweet with a touch of spice she grew up with an alcoholic mother pretty much raising herself so when she meets Cole, they are drawn to one another with common ground, but she can’t deal with another alcoholic so matter the pull between them but of course he is denial until he hit rock bottom with no where or no one to turn to. But it doesn’t end there it is the beginning of healing Cole meets her son (his son) falls in love with him, but Dana can’t have him around her boy she grew up with an alcoholic mother and she can’t have her boy growing up with an alcoholic father, so she keeps the truth from Cole out of fear. Her son needs a present, a sober father in his life, one he can depend on to be his father. (I love the fact the author is touching on something most hid from the realities of being or living with an alcoholic) Cole decides to go sign up for a secret rehab is it effective, will she be honest about her feelings for him, will she be honest about their son, will he become the father he is meant to be, will he get answers to why for his childhood, and can they find happiness somewhere along their journey?

[Lori Kays]

DNF at page 47 when we discovered the reason she was so angry at him and never going to talk to him or forgive him. I was imagining he said something terrible or did something unforgivable, but after basically a one night stand, I mean they'd had one date and sex and she wakes up and is upset he isn't physically in bed with her, which what? It was 8am, not 4am. Then she finds him still in the house but in the kitchen and goes neurotic because he's drinking, after they were drinking together the night before. In what world do you get up and immediately start nagging and judging the person you've been with for one night for drinking, especially when you were drinking the night before? I can see her being maybe a little disappointed or something, but to be THAT angry over it? Then as she's gathering her stuff and leaving in a huff, he tries to talk to her about it and she's short and pissy about it and so he simply says "Fine our fling is over then, I guess I'll keep going without you" which I mean, where's the lie? She was completely butt-hurt over this, when she was making a big deal over something that really wasn't yet her business and that's when I decided to cut my losses with this book because she was already too high strung and high maintenance for me. That was such a let out of a reveal, especially for a 400 page book.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing - gut wrenching - emotional story!! This story is well developed, well thought out and the characters are complex. Cole and Dana will take you on an explosive life journey. Neither Cole or Dana had a great family life growing up. This story takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride - up, down, twists and turns, round and round, you will experience it all. You will laugh, cry, scream and yell in frustration! These two are like a magnetic pulling them to each other. It’s sexy, hot, sizzling and spicy. This couple is exploring what might be. When Dana finds Cole drinking in the morning after the wedding- she leaves. She lived with her mother growing up and she was and is an alcoholic. She doesn’t want that life! What will happen next? Career or romance or both? Will they survive? Will they find each other again? Will their lives include love? There is lots and lots of drama - family, friend, career secrets, truths and defeat and success. But there is also passion, caring, tenderness, playfulness, romance and the ultimate - love. A complete story filled with everything you would want! So, so good!.

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

[Renee Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a realistic romance story about Cole & Dana. Both have a common thread of alcoholism in their lives. Cole has his own demons to destroy in order to clean up his personal & business lives. Dana has a mom who has been an alcoholic for years & has missed many milestones in Dana's life. When Cole & Dana met, there was this strong connection between them but come morning, she sees him drinking. Having been brought up with an alcoholic in her life, she keeps her distance from him. Had they worked on their communication skills better & help the other to understand where they were coming from, would have sped up the story. Spend more time on their budding romance & less focus on the heaviness of the alcohol problem.

I found the story-line based heavily on his struggles of being an alcoholic, to be very realistic. Dana, I can understand why she'd keep her son away from her parents & Cole but I disagreed on her decision to keep her secret from him. There are tough-love decisions made which tug on the heart strings & I got emotional over them. Reconciling with the people in their lives helps them achieve their HEA they fully deserve.

I received an ARC of this book through Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very intrigued by the title and description and absolutely loved the book, unable to put it down until I had finished it. Although the female main character was a bit annoying and the book did become repetitive and broke my heart due to her responses to the male main character. Overall, I loved the book but thought her response to him being drunk after a one night stand was very weird and her making a big deal out of it was ironic as they had been drinking the day before but also she barely knew the man and was lecturing him about drinking. Apart from that I enjoyed how the author has highlighted the struggles of alcoholism and how the female main character acted realistic with how she did not forgive him that easily but was still willing to help him at the start. I gave this book 4 stars as the book was enjoyable however, the female main character did have a couple quirks that made me enjoy the book less. The plot was also very good especially since I do not typically enjoy books that end up with one night stand pregnancy.

[Theletter12 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cole and Dana

He’s a billionaire alcoholic who runs a brewery. She works as a tour guide for the brewery. But before she worked there she met him about 9 months ago and had a fling. It ran short because the minute she woke up in the morning he was stupid drunk and nasty to her. 9 months later she’s had his son. Unknown to her he hit rock bottom that day 9 months ago and ended up leaving for 6 months to go to rehab. She runs into him when he comes into start working again but she doesn’t tell him about his son. They get back together but the pressures of everything start to weigh him down and his supposed sober buddy cons him into drinking again. She has an alcoholic mother and is determined that her son won’t have to go through that and breaks it off with him saying he can’t come around until he’s fully sober.

He ends up doing it - 1 year in and they get back together professing love. 6 months later he’s proposing.

This book was a bit heavier than most. It was hard to go through his relapses and her love for him but having to deny it.

[RowenaPotter · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I liked this book. It is very heavy, so trigger warnings for alcoholism as it features in graphic detail and throughout the book. It is a major plot point, almost an entire character of its own, really. I wonder if the author dealt with alcoholism herself, did research, or a child of an alcoholic because it is written very well. It's not glossed over. The gory details are in full display from both the FMC and the MMC. I didn't give it higher stars because I needed a bit more happiness in my story. It was heavy from start to finish and I didn't always fully agree with the FMCs choices, however I have never had experiences or been in her shoes so I can't accurately say what I would or would not do. I would read another book by this author, maybe one that doesn't feature such a heavy topic.

[Sharon Akshar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the story 'Bad and Bossy' by Mia Mara. It was about two people that loved each other very much but they had to go through the hardship of him going through alcoholism and going through rehab and AA meetings and setbacks before she could fully accept him in her and their son's lives. Both of them had had a history of alcoholism affecting their family lives while growing up and Dana had experienced it with her mother, and she did not want her son to grow up like that, so she had to be strong and send Cole away until he could come back sober. It is a moving and emotional story and very worthwhile reading.

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

[drusilla duke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the book's premise, and I loved how the characters initially interact. We're told in the blurb what happened between them in the past and I loved how in the book it jumps straight into the 'future' when they are forced to interact again since that's what I was looking for to see. I like how MMC has problems of his own, and work to deal with them. The one thing I wish would've happened was the FMC telling the MMC the news about the baby much sooner. It felt like she had many opportunities to do so, yet avoided it. I also wouldn't classify this book as an enemy to lovers as it felt as if they're 'hate' was there for a few chapters before it fizzled. I would say dislike at most.

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

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad & Bossy is a Contemporary romance by author Mia Mara in her Boulder Billionaire series.
The subject matter of substance abuse is forefront in the story of MMC Cole and MFC Dana who once shared a night together which ended months later with a secret baby.
Cole returns to town after months away in secret rehab to fall easily again into the woman he could never forget, Dana, and unaware he is now a father.
This was a great story both dramatic and emotionally written but not your typical employer, employee office entanglement.
Secrets, angst, friendship, family, passion, faith and finding strength in oneself to overcome our demons made this story a very engaging and immersive read.

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

[Sheila Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole and Dana are two characters you can't wait to root for. The only problem I have is that there is a lot of time where they are apart for really no reason. Dana has her problems, but they are far from the issues that Cole is dealing with. Alcohol is the base for both of their issues.

I wish Dana would have talked to Cole more about her past. That would have helped Cole come to terms with his own demons. And she should have said something about Drew a lot sooner.

The side story of Cole's friend and fellow alcoholic was depressing. And it felt real. I won't spoil it, but it may have been what sent Cole back to a better place in his life.

Mia Mara has a wonderful way that she delivers her characters and story. The book is very enjoyable and the overall HEA was very fitting.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the description I was expecting a very different book, and I feel it does the readers a disservice. The description makes it sound as though this is a romance book about the girl falling for a bad boy only to have him end up her boss… and while that does happen that is not the theme of this book . This book could be very triggering to some people. It is about an alcoholic. His struggles with alcohol are central to the entire story from rehab to relapses this is not a light hearted romance. It is a decent story and was well written, the character development is good but it might be hard for anyone who has family history.

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

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dana and Cole are together just before he hit rock bottom. Dane leaves because of his drinking because she refuses to live the life she had as a child. Dana had no clue the place she was working is Cole's until he returns to town and the run into each other. Cole is trying to stay sober and wants to reconnect with Dana. She gives him another chance even though she has a secret she hasn't told him. However, his friend that is supposed to help him remain sober is trying to make him slip. Can him and Dana finally be together? What will happen when he learns her secret?

This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Judy Barmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad & Bossy 08/09/2024

I guess these books are all stand alone so no # to go by I will see if they have a order. Cole and Dana met at a friends but didn’t hook up till later then is started to fall apart because Dana found Cole drinking the next morning like it was nothing but she knew what a alcoholic looked like and she didn’t want anything to do with him. But thing just got more complicated because she was pregnant. He had disappeared for three month and he was in rehab but he didn’t know about his three month old son because she just wanted to stay away from him. Soon they where back at each other but it was going to fall apart again and get really bad before it can get better. So enjoy this read and see what happens!!

[Krissy S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Warning: Part of series however you can read as a standalone.

Normally I enjoy Mia Mara's work however this one was a tough read for me. Dana and Cole's relationship while it did not have your typical start, it was tough due to how much I started to dislike Dana. I understand the dynamics of having an alcoholic in the family but however it is hard for any addict to kick the habit. Cole shows that he is trying, but instead of giving him credit for it, Dana provides nothing but hardship and grief especially where their child is involved. I understood Dana's pain regarding her parents, however she lacked grace when it came to Cole. Not all alcoholics are the same and it takes a lot to kick a habit.

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

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll love Cole and Dana's story and find it hard to put down. It’s the fourth book in the Boulder Billionaire Series but can be read as a standalone. The book is amazing, very emotional and a page turner. The characters are well-developed and complex. Sparks, a one night stand and a surprise baby. This book has it all. The chemistry between Dana and Cole is off the charts and they truly love each other. But trouble is on the horizon when Alcoholism rears it’s ugly head. Plenty of drama and angst but a beautiful ending. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole and Dana started off with sparks galore and one night led to an amazing connection deeper than either could’ve imagined that is until she sees him drinking in the early morning hours after being together. These two hit a roadblock with his addiction, it’s a deal breaker for her. She’s keeping a secret and so is he. The two are combustible and keep their hands off each other, but will it be enough to get through what’s to come? I really enjoyed this read and now need to read the others in this series to really understand all of the characters and how they came to be who they are now. It's sexy, steamy, with a little creepy twist in there and of course the cutest babies ever.

[Vim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall book was nice read, it did take a few chapters to get into it, but the struggles of addiction and how it affects not just the addicted but those around was well portrayed. Dana's reluctance to share her secret due to his addiction, coming from a place of past trauma was addressed very well, I wish there was more enemies to lovers tension ,

Steamy parts were great and realistic, especially for us mums and how we feel about our bodies.

Overall definitely a wonderful love story and by the end of the book was invested and rooting for both MMC & FMC having their HEA.

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

[Nancy Koske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dana did not know that Cole had a drinking problem when she met him years before until she found him in the kitchen having drink after they had been spent the night together after attending a wedding. Dana had grown up with an alcoholic mother leaving her with bad experiences. She saw Cole was having a drinking problem so when she found that she was pregnant; she didn't tell him. Will Dana ever tell Cole that he has a son? Will Cole ever stop drinking and stay sober?

Really make you thinking about the alcohol addiction, its' cause and effects and that it affects more people than just the one person.

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

[Jetscarbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars on this one. It’s not a terrible book but people should be warned that it’s a book on alcoholism.

Yes, there are spicy moments but that’s all eclipsed by the alcoholism.. There are relapses and scenes where he’s trying to hide that he’s drinking. You’re in his head a lot- so that can get heavy at times.
The secret baby part of this story wasn’t really that big of a deal. At some point, he does start to realize it’s probably his kid but….the alcoholism takes center stage again.

I didn’t like the FMC at all. I didn’t even like to read her point of views in the book. She had no good excuse for anything she did.

[Mimirureviewbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad & Bossy: A Secret Baby Enemies to Lovers Romance is book 4 in the Boulder Billionaires series, a very well written story by the talented author Mia Mara. Another outstanding read by this author!. This is Cole & Dana’s secret baby romantic story taking place in Boulder, Colorado. The plot had no cliff-hanger, no cheating, drama, angst, lots of steam and a roller coaster of emotions that will spice up your kindle. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole and Dana. They both have a serious, daily struggle and lifelong illness. Alcholism. Shes dealing with her addiction and is attracted to Cole but cant deal with his addiction. He wont deal until he hits rock bottom and wants help. She has a son and Cole loves him but doesnt know that he is his. Even though Dana loves Cole she wont deal with his addiction and she doesnt want an addiction around her son. This is not and addiction story its a love story that deals with addiction. Its actually a good story.

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

[Mariana Baran · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’ll love Cole and Dana's story and find it hard to put down. It’s the fourth book in the Boulder Billionaire Series but can be read as a standalone. The book is amazing, very emotional and a page turner. The characters are well-developed and complex. Sparks, a one night stand and a surprise baby. This book has it all. The chemistry between Dana and Cole is off the charts and they truly love each other. But trouble is on the horizon when Alcoholism rears it’s ugly head. Plenty of drama and angst but a beautiful ending. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my normal type of read (at least lately), but I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. It even made me cry at one point (don’t tell anyone). I wasn’t sure how I would feel coming into this series at book 4, but it really didn’t seem to matter because I didn’t feel that I had missed anything. So basically, whether it’s your first book of the series or your fourth, I would recommend it (just have the tissues ready).

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole and Dana's one night had lasting repercussions. He left but in his actions a child was born and lives had to go on. Now he is back, and Dana realizes that she is working for him. Will Cole get a second chance to prove himself and will it lead them to happiness. This story is filled with emotional drama that had me cheering them on.

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

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intense book about fighting your demons. Cole and Dana go through the hardships of alcohol addiction. Dana, who loves Cole but doesn't want her son to have the same struggles growing up that she did, fights her feelings that she has for Cole. Cole, who started drinking at a young age, has to go through the death of a friend before he is strong enough to detox.

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