Welcome to Monstrous New a big city full of even bigger monsters. Are you ready for the Big Apple to take a bite out of you?
I’m a female dragon shifter, a rarity in every corner of the world. We’re fiery by nature, but for the past decade, I’ve kept my temper mostly under control. Clawing my way up the corporate ladder as one of New York’s top-selling commercial real estate brokers.
Humans and monsters cohabitate in the city, which normally wouldn’t bother me in the slightest. Except, an untimely company merger means working in close proximity with the one human I Cyrus Wilcox.
He’s arrogant and incorrigible. And worst of all, downright handsome. My body—and my dragon—yearns to be his, but my mind knows better.
As if sharing a corner office wasn’t bad enough, now we’re forced to show our worth to the company board by working on the same property proposal. He’s burned me in the past. Who’s to say he won’t do the same now?
The Dragon in the Corner Office is a low-angst, sweet, and spicy monster x human romance novel with a guaranteed HEA. It is the first book in the Monstrous New York world and can be read as a standalone.
I absolutely love that the FMC was the dragon. We don't get many lady dragons and E.M. NAILED IT!! The chemistry, the tension, the banter... DELICIOUS. Cyrus was everything and more you want in an MMC. Older characters (200 and late 30s), power shift, miscommunication, office romance, tail play, free use... you are definitely going to want to read this one! 5 glowing stars!
Where do I begin with this book? It is probably my favorite book of hers to date. Work rivals who hate each other (but also maybe don't).The constant banter? What is there NOT to love? Antoinette and Cyrus complimented one another SO well that it felt like a joy to watch them duke it out non-stop. Watching it go from hateful banter to neutral to pleasant was just so fun. I also really appreciated the age of the characters. Ofc being a dragon shifter Antoinette was 200, but Cyrus being in his late 30s was so nice and refreshing. A lot of times in the romance genre the characters are pretty young and a lot of times it leads to things I hate in books. Weird misunderstandings and about zero communication, but with adult characters it really always seems to flow so much better. At least in my opinion.
This book was everything I knew it would be and absolutely did not disappoint. If you like shifters, work place banter, enemies to lovers vibes, lavender chamomile tea and everything bagels with extra cream cheese, then you will love this book.
How to start your day completely wrong: Having your firm merge with another, and therefore your new reality is working alongside your nemesis, who's unfairly handsome but a complete jerk. But what if said jerk turns out to be not that bad after all and what if he's the only one who seems to be able to calm your inner dragon?
Oh my gosh, these two where on FIRE!! The tension had me panting and the push and pull was incredible!! The character development was so good! Antoinette, trying to let Cyrus in, Cyrus trying to be exactly what she needs and not being even a bit intimidated by her?! Get a mop because I'm melting!!! If you like workplace romance, rivals to lovers, phenomenal side characters (love Pen, she's amazing and will hopefully get her own book), banter, monsters and all the fun parts that come with them, you should put "The Dragon in the Corner Office" on your TBR RIGHT NOW!!!
4.5 ⭐ Antoinette Bauer has spent most of her 200 years clawing her way to the top of a male dominated field. She is an independent Boss Babe through and through with big dreams and no one is going to stand in her way. Unfortunately life has other plans when her boss pairs Antoinette with her biggest rival on a huge project. Cyrus Wilcox is used to getting his way, boss in the office and the bedroom. His life is completely turned upside down when he begins sharing an office with Annie and her Dragon.
Okay I loved that the characters in this book are older, Annie being 200 🤭 and Cyrus being in his late 30s makes them more mature. This means they made better choices. They were presented with situations where that pesky miscommunication trope could have run rampant through the story but their maturity prevailed and they didn't let me down. That also means they were more aware of what they wanted from each other and were capable of communicating effectively.
This book was so much spicier than any of the other books I have read by E.M. Sauber! I loved the power shift and having Cyrus learn to be more submissive for her! I have to say their trip to the orchard...omg! I can't! 🤭 But also the same went for Antoinette and her dragon instincts. I swear every time he called her his Dragon Queen I swooned a little bit more! 🥰
"This once insufferable man has chipped away at my castle walls every day for the past month."
Gotta love a man willing to scale the walls she has erected around her ♥️
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Firstly I want to start this review by saying a big thank you to @emsauberauthor for sending me this arc! I really enjoyed the story and loved the characters.
~~ The Dragon In The Corner Office ~~ By E. M. Sauber
My Rating: 4 3/4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨
Spice: 4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre: • Contemporary fantasy • Monster romance
Tropes: • Monster FMC • Human MMC • Workplace Rivals • One-sided Enemies • He Falls First, She Falls Harder • Open Door Spice • Somnophilia • Older Characters (200 Her and Late 30s Him)
In this book you will find a deliciously steamy office rivals with banter, sizzling chemistry and a monster headstrong workaholic FMC you find hard not to love. And let’s not forget her charming human college she has sworn to hate but finds it impossible to resist…. The only reason this was not a five star is because it felt like they became mates to quickly. But that being said I can’t wait for the next book in the series 😻
If you love workplace romance, forced proximity, dragon shifters, a little hate s*x and your heroines bit monstrous? Then you need to add The Dragon In The Corner Office to your TBR asap🐉❤️🔥
Antoinette was such a bad bitch FMC and I LOVE HER 🫠 the chemistry between her and Cyrus was soooo hot. I was waiting for that tension to boil over and boy did Ms. Sauber deliver 👏🏼
The primal chasing scene…HOT! And SHE does the chasing 🥵 I loved the dynamic between these two. Antoinette took on a more dominant role despite Cyrus being used to doing the dominating and he felt so secure that he was able to let go. I enjoyed everything about this book. I read it so fast because I just could not put it down! I can’t wait for the next book 🤭
Thank you, EM for the ARC and I hope you have a wonderful release day. Everyone flap those dragon wings on over to KU or even better - order directly from Etsy to support EM and get your gorgeous copy with this NSFW art print and sticker!
When their companies merge, Antoinette and Cyrus are forced to share an office—much to Antoinette’s annoyance. After Cyrus almost cost her job, he’s the last person she wants to work with. And Cyrus? Let’s just say her fiery disdain doesn’t make things easy.
I adored this cute, spicy workplace romance! Antoinette being the dragon shifter was such a fun twist—especially when her temper gets the best of her, leading to accidental fire-starting and partial shifts. She’s sharp, witty, and fierce but secretly craves a real connection. Cyrus, on the other hand, has a big heart that balances out her fiery side perfectly. Their banter is top-tier, and I loved how their relationship developed naturally, avoiding the usual insta-love trope.
AMAZING! The world is utterly lacking in plus-sized, dominant, monster FMCs and EM Sauber has come to deliver. I instantly fell in love with Antoinette, her temper to her boss bitch energy, I love it all. I also love the vulnerabilities she shows us, the loneliness and fears she opens up about. I really enjoyed the dynamic between her and Cyrus. How it started with work rivals and morphed into so much more. This was just so pleasant and enjoyable from start to finish!!! One of my new favorites for SURE
🐉 Dragon shifter FMC/ human MMC 🐉 Forced proximity 🐉 Age Gap (200/38) 🐉 Office romance 🐉 Tail play 🐉 Primal play 🐉 Free use 🐉 Workplace rivals
Normally I'm not one for the woman who takes charge, all badass and all. But I. Ate. That. Shit. Up. And I want more.
Being a native to New England, it wasn't hard to immediately feel the connection to NY. I also went on a splurge and made so many bagels while reading this.
The chemistry is top notch. The spice is spicing. I literally gave my ARCs a backseat for this baby and I do not regret it.
EM does it again! I love how much heart goes into her stories!
I loved that a lot of the tropes I love are flipped in this one, where she's grumpy, soft for him, she's the shifter. It was so much fun seeing these two go from rivals to lovers and watching Antoinette soften throughout the story. I also loved the banter between her and Cyrus!
The spice was on point! I loved the little bit of tail action and how they balanced being in charge.
I highly recommend and can't wait for the next in the series!
Did I finish this book in about 4 hours? Yes. Yes, I did.
Did I also love this book so absolutely, I am already dying for the next one? Also, yes.
This book is spicy. There's tension and banter. But we also get emotions and vulnerability and a sense of maturity that definitely makes this book feel so different.
Antoinette and Cyrus are literally a match made in heaven. The way he calms her dragon and centers her and becomes her safe place is everything. The way she allows him to remove the mask he portays as the big bad business man, and gives him the security to be himself is perfect.
I love the push and pull.
This book is perfect for those who love a good monster romance with crazy tension, hot smut, and emotional vulnerability.
Now if anyone needs me I'll be over here waiting for the next book!
I know shifter/monster romance isn't for everyone, but if you were ever going to give it a try, this is the one to try! Yes, the spice is spicy and the romance is swoony, but there is a depth to Antoinette and why she is the way she appears to be that will really move you.
Antoinette/Annie is a 200 year old dragon shifter who is one of the top commercial real estate agents in New York. Cyrus is a mid-30s human who is the other top commercial real estate agent in New York.
Antoinette hates Cyrus with the fire of a thousand suns. Cyrus is not a fan of Antoinette. They are forced to work with each other because their companies merge. They have to share an office. Delicious drama and tension unfolds.
Antoinette presents herself as a very hard, cold and distant woman. But as we get to know her, she reveals the truth beneath that veneer - she is a soft, kind, loving woman seeking comfort and companionship. I love her with my entire soul. Also, her struggles to control her anger and not torch things? Relateable.
Cyrus is hot as sin but definitely gives off dick vibes at work but in his real life spends his weekends visiting and supporting his sister-in-law and niece. He is all kinds of swoony.
These two start off in a very loathe/dislike kind of situation that quickly turns into loathe/dislike with strong attraction that they try to ignore. They don't succeed (cue the foot kicks and squeals!).
This book was a delight from start to finish and I cannot recommend it enough. The characters have a depth that will touch your heart. The writing is really strong and I like the tempo of the story.
I recived The Dragon in the Corner Office as an ARC and my review is influenced only by my thoughts & feelings.
I’m an ass man. Self-proclaimed, of course. And Antoinette Bauer has an ass sailors would cross a stormy sea to bear witness to. It’s a thing of beauty.
—
Rating: 4/5 Spice: 3.5/5 POV: Dual 1st
I, too, want to be chased by a dragon… PLEASE!
That chasing scene was a delight, and the fact that it was the human MMC who ran? Yes, please.
Antoinette and Cyrus are rivals in the professional world of commercial real estate. She already hates his guts after he got her fired at her last workplace for failing to secure a property that he unknowingly stole from right under her nose. And now, they must share an office and learn to work together following a merger of their two companies. Despite the animosity buzzing between them, a different kind of tension has also been brewing in the air.
I loved, loved, the dynamics between Cyrus and Annie. How both of them can switch from a stronger presence to a softer, more submissive side depending on the situation and each other’s needs. The side characters such as their assistant Pen, Cyrus’ sister-in-law and niece were amazing. Lily was the cutest, I just wanted to bite her!
If you want to dip your toes in monster romance for the first time, this book would be a great starting point: a light familiar setting of an office romance with strong leads, but a FMC whose temper can burn things. Literally 😉
This review was based on a complimentary pre-release copy.
The story, the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, the banter, the chemistry, the spice, the characters—this book was absolute perfection! It had me so hooked that I couldn’t put it down.
I love seeing more monster FMCs, and a dragon shifter? Even better! Antoinette is bossy, a total workaholic, and super temperamental, but there’s just something about her that makes you instantly fall for her. And Cyrus? At first, he couldn’t stand Antoinette, but then he turned into a complete sweetheart—a total gentleman.Cyrus worked so hard to win Antoinette’s heart because he couldn’t stand the thought of her leaving his life—he was completely in love with her.
The tension between them had me on edge, just waiting for that moment when they’d finally cross the line from enemies to lovers! Their chemistry was delicious—fiery, intense, and yet so sweet. And Antoinette’s features? Let’s just say, I wasn’t expecting them, but now I think everyone needs a Dragon Mommy to dominate them like she does.
This is, without a doubt, my favorite book of the month, and I highly doubt anything will top it. I’m already counting down the days for the next one in the series! The spice in this book? Chef’s kiss—it deserves all the spice ratings out there!
This author has given me such a heartwarming and unique set of characters to love and support and I've love every minute of this story. From the snark and the unique take on dragon/supernatural lore to the unexpected role reversal and kinks explored by Annie and Cyrus. It was all so well written and I had no problem immersing myself in their journey.
I love Cyrus for being persistent when it came to pursuing Annie. After a long lonely life having no one to trust but herself, it was a real struggle for her to open herself up and let Cyrus in. But he had Annie’s back always!
I know we already got the title for the next book - A Vampire in the Orchard - and I love the idea of Cyrus’s sis-in-law getting her second chance at love but I hope Penny’s story isn't far behind. I’m a sucker for a good side character and she was an awesome bestie.
This new series has so much potential and I’m ready to explore all the new monsters we have yet to meet!
A Fiery Blend of Urban Fantasy and Workplace Romance The Dragon in the Corner Office is a delightful fusion of urban fantasy and contemporary romance that had me hooked from the start. Set in a version of New York where humans and monsters coexist, the story offers a fresh take on office dynamics. Antoinette, a rare female dragon shifter, has spent years climbing the corporate ladder in commercial real estate. Her world is turned upside down when a company merger forces her to share a corner office with Cyrus Wilcox, a human colleague she's had a tumultuous history with. Their interactions are electric, filled with witty banter, simmering tension, and undeniable chemistry. Sauber masterfully crafts a narrative that balances humour, romance, and the challenges of navigating a workplace where species lines blur. The characters are well-developed, and the slow-burn romance between Antoinette and Cyrus is both believable and captivating. If you're looking for a unique story that combines the allure of dragon shifters with the relatability of office life, this book is a must-read. I eagerly await the next instalment in the Monstrous New York series!
Seriously, this is a great book! Our girl has done it again but in a completely different way! I love the world she creates for our Dragon and every woman will see herself in Anni’s bada$$ self. She’s worked her butt off climbing the corporate ladder and doing everything she can to make a name for herself in real estate. She also working hard to overcome what she sees as a slight by a pervious colleague. Cyrus is just trying to help his sister-in-law and his adorable niece. He works hard every week to spend the weekends helping her on her adorable place outside of the city. He feels responsible since his brother passed away when his niece was little. Now he gets to also work with his nemesis, Antoinette. His company and her’s are merging and they have to work together on a large project in order to keep their jobs. The worst part, Anni hates him for no known reason. Now Anni’s going to do her best to not burn the place down and Cyrus is going to do his best to not fall for his gorgeous and curvy co worker. This story is great. The attraction between these two is off the charts and who doesn’t love a workplace romance?
Now if you have read my reviews before you already know this but if this is the first time reading one of my reviews let me start by stating that I am not a big fan of monster romances... BUT with that being said I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely will be coming back to read Maggies book! This was my first experience with Author E.M. Sauber and I loved her writing style.
I loved the dynamic between Cyrus and Antoinette, while they were both very dominant and in charge at work, Cyrus had no problem being a big softy when it came to them being alone, submitting to Antoinette and her dragon. I truly believe that Cyrus would have done anything for her and he showed that to her time and time again even though our queen was a littleeeeee bit stubborn and ignored some of the signs. This book was a great introduction to some kinks as well for people who are looking to read spicier books but aren't sure where to start.
I don't want to spoil anything so to wrap this up I loved this story and will definitely be keeping an eye out for The Vampire In The Orchard!
Thank You Author E.M. Sauber for agreeing to send me an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!
Gleeful Goblin Review: Do not let the fluffy and sweet looking cover fool you. This book is sizzling, both from romantic/spicy times tension and the sworn office enemies tension between these two ultra competitive real estate brokers. I am, of course, a total sap for monster romances in general but holy wow if you give me a female monster to human male pairing i am over the moon. Antoinette is all things HBIC that I fawn over. She's smart, tenacious, driven, and goes after what she wants with a single minded determination. Including showing up her long time business nemesis, Cyrus. This dude starts off way too sure of himself and has an almost stock market bro feel to him at first which is great only because just like Annie, I loathed this man....until I didn't. The turn that these two make in their relationship dynamic is massive and powerful, just like the BA dragon lady in charge. Absolutely burned through this read. 5/5 Stars
This was my introduction to this author, and I am all in—I want to read all of her books!
I really appreciated that the female character was the shifter. So many authors default to making the male character the powerful one, and that trope can get worn out fast. Antoinette was such a refreshing change. She’s incredibly powerful, confident, and commanding, yet still allowed to be vulnerable and human in a way that made her feel real and relatable.
And Pen—what a standout character. The assistant role could have been forgettable, but Pen is anything but. She’s warm, loyal, and genuinely lovable. Honestly, we all need a friend like that in our corner.
The story was engaging, well-paced, and full of personality, with characters that stayed with me after I finished. If you enjoy strong female leads, unique dynamics, and a paranormal romance that doesn’t rely on tired stereotypes, this book is absolutely worth picking up.
The way I want to join this couple is insane. I’ll call them mommy and daddy and stay home in Antoinette’s nest and be a house wife. No? I suppose they are fictional.
Fuck I loved these two!
I loved how much they challenged each other. They brought out the competitive nature in each other. This caused them to have a fierce hatred but what’s better than when that tension finally explodes?
The spice in this was out of this world. I mean she chases him?! She uses her tail on him!
And while he sometimes swaps it up and enjoys the dominant role, he falls into submission beautifully for her. I love that in a man.
They also tackle Antoinette’s loneliness and Cyrus’ grief over losing his brother. I just really loved this book and this couple so much!
I tried my best to pace myself and not read through it too quickly but E.M. Sauber really spoiled us with this one!
The Dragon in the Corner Office by E. M. Sauber 4 🌟
I really enjoyed this book and how it used classic tropes like age gap (but she's older), primal, and forced proximity. The way the characters developed through the book and became more likeable and relatable as they opened up and you learnt more about them, was wonderfully written. Cyrus was so dedicated to Antoinette and ensuring they had open, solid communication, which I really enjoyed! It was also sooo good seeing a strong, dominant, in charge, plus-sized woman as the FMC in a romance novel 🤩 And shout out to Pen for being a ride-or-die friend and an all-around iconic character! Everyone dreams of finding a friend like Pen 🫶🏻 This fabulous, low-angst, high-spice read is out on April 4th, and I recommend checking it out 💜
This book was so good I loved it so hard! You have a FMC dragon shifter who is being forced to share an office with her most HEATED rival a human man that is nothing short of a brick HOUSE. He is might MIGHTY! They had a bit of a falling out years ago when they worked together and now they have to work together...again.
She finds out, like herself, not all things are as they seem from the outside. And this human man might just be the tall glass of ice cold water she needs to cool, and satisfy, her dragons fires.
I loved the banter between the characters and there were two lovely little supporting characters I really hope show up with their own stories later in this new series of stand alones!
E.M. Sauber is one of my favorite authors! I'm so excited that Monstrous New York will be a series because I am absolutely in love with this world she created! Antoinette is such a fierce FMC, she's a corporate baddie who is also a dragon shifter. I want to be her when I grow up! Even as tough as she is, Antoinette has a softer side to her, filled with insecurities that really made me connect to her. Cyrus...what a perfect man! Well, not when the first met, but boy does he make up for it! I love how he's all in with Antoinette and supports her without a second thought! If you're looking for a spicy monster romance with mouth watering spicy scenes and heartwarming romance, this is the book for you!
This was the first book I've read by E.M.Saiber. I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed the FMC was the monster. Not very many monster females in books. Antoinette is a dragon shifter with a temper to match. An outward expression of a female temper, how I'm sure most feel when spoken down too etc. Normally solitary creatures, "Annie" is a contraction and feels lonely. In walks Cyrus...a really hot male who makes a certain dragon feel things she wished she didn't. As with most enemies to lovers there are sparks, quite literally. There is a great dominance dynamic between the 2 which is so hot to read. Very low angst but steamy. Loved it
5 stars! 🌟 I absolutely devoured this book! I loved the main characters so much, the tension and chemistry between them was off the charts! Antoinette was so awesome! I loved seeing her boss lady side but also her more softer side especially once she starts opening up. I loved Cyrus, he was great and thought he was so perfect for her. This book had some of my favorite tropes, age gap(she's older!) And rivals to lovers. It was fantastic 👏 Also gotta mention Pen, she's the type of friend everyone needs! I can't wait to see what's next!
Thank you so much for letting me read an ARC! I really enjoyed it!
Antoinette Bauer dislikes Cyrus Wilcox with an extreme passion. And now she learns she their firms are merging together. What could possibly happen?
I love a good romantasy, enemies to lovers romance. Throw in a plus-size woman who’s a dragon shifter (and I have not read a book before with a lady dragon character) and you fully have my attention. Antoinette LOATHES ENTIRELY Cyrus and maaaaan could I just feel the sm3xual tension rolling off these two every time they interacted. I was waiting for Antoinette to catch Cyrus’s butt on fire. This was low-angst, spicy, and just a great romance. I loveeed it! I can’t wait to read more of the Monstrous New York series!
Oh wow this knocked me sideways. Antoinette was a strong, independent Dragon that wanted to make her own way up the ladder when she's forced to work with Cyrus. The chemistry was explosive with these two, after their past Antoinette wanted to hate him but Cyrus pushed his way through her defences! Cyrus wanted Antoinette but he knew he had to work for her trust and her heart. These two was off the charts. I loved reading about them so much and I'm so excited for what's to come!
🐉The Dragon In The Corner Office🍎 by E.M. Sauber ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶
What a way to kick off a new series!!
The tension and chemistry between the main characters are palpable from the beginning.
The side characters all had big energy that pulls you in so I'm hoping they all get their own stories!
This was the first book I've read with so many characters named after people in my house so that part was a bit distracting for me but that's a me thing 😅
First of all Wow. Second of all Damn. Talk about the chemistry between Antoinette and Cyrus! I devoured this book in just a handful of hours. Each of the leading characters are independent, successful, and very attractive adults who aside from their field of work realize very quickly they're they both missing out on something in life. Love. In each other they find passion and companionship. Sauber's writing style of both well paced and refreshing. Would absolutely recommend.